Varian was starting to lose his mind, he was sure of it. Over fourteen days of looking at the wreckage that held his beloved hostage was starting to take its toll, enough that he'd begun doing absolutely anything to occupy himself.
He ran his hands down his sweaty face, just coming back from morning drills he had no need or business attending but had done anyway, exerting his body until it cried out in desperate protest.
He'd only come back because Lee had summoned him, chirping about Thrall like Varian actually gave a damn about what the Warchief of the Horde was doing right now.
A less than wanted reminder from Bolvar that they were still at war regardless of one lost battalion had only made his mood worse, but Varian had no choice but to agree with him, as much as it chagrined him.
The young groom was filling a bath that Varian didn't want, with water he'd rather the poor bastards outside have than him. "I'm sorry the talks with the Warchief are today of all days, Your Majesty."
Varian wasn't as perturbed as perhaps he should have been about the fact, staying silent and shedding his stained tunic.
"Your Majesty?"
He inwardly sighed, wondering if he was ever going to be allowed a moment of privacy.
"I heard you. Any more from Gelbin?"
Lee frowned at the ignorance his master showed to the subject of the Orc that would be coming to speak to him in a few hours. "Yes, Your Majesty."
He handed Varian a sheet of parchment, heeding the wave of Varian's hand to stop filling the bath and grimacing at how there must've only been a centimetre of water in the tub.
"A bit more time? That tells me absolutely nothing. Get him here as soon as he wakes up, I need definitive numbers, not guesswork."
Lee's frown only made him angrier. "Your Majesty, the gnomes and dwarves are working night and day to get the drill built as well as aid the army, there's only so quickly they can do it."
Varian clearly wasn't having it. "Rhonin's supplies would've run out by now and the temperature is dropping more every day. It's as if everything stalled, and all it's doing is making me wonder if I'm the only bastard who cares!" He snatched up his glass and grimaced as he took a sip. "What the hells is this?"
Lee took a deep breath. "It's gin Your Majesty."
Varian put it down, rubbing his lips. "Where's the whiskey I brought with me?"
Lee swallowed hard. "You…you drank it all Your Majesty."
Varian's face dropped as he absorbed the information. "All of it? Sweet Light…"
He had to occupy his mind, and quickly. "Is everything ready for when Val and I sail home?"
Lee thankfully ended the conversation there, taking the drink away when Varian gestured for him to. "Yes, Your Majesty. Your council, Mrs. Glenmore and Prince Anduin have all been informed of your return."
Varian's brow furrowed. "You didn't give them the actual reason we're returning, did you?"
Lee shook his head. "No Sire, they are all under the impression that it's down to her recovery from entrapment."
Varian stepped into the water, glad to see that it only came to his mid calf and letting Lee put the screen around him. "Good. She'd never forgive me if I took her chance to tell her family personally away from her."
Lee gave the wood separating them a soft smile. "I'm sure they'll be just as thrilled as you are, Your Majesty."
Varian was glad of the barrier between them, it gave him the privacy he needed to grin openly. "I'd consigned myself to never becoming a father again, as begrudged as I am to admit that. I was a month away from telling Val to stop her treatment…damn glad I didn't now."
His grin faded into a pained smile. "I hate myself for how much of a naysayer I was, looking back at it. She must've thought I was opposed to the whole idea, when really I was opposed to her getting hurt over and over."
Lee shrugged, laying his armour out piece by piece on the bed. "I'm sure she doesn't hate you for it Sire, she knows you well enough to know you only had her best interests in mind."
Varian huffed, rubbing the cold soap between his palms. "If that were true I would've noticed something was out of the norm with her weeks ago. What kind of a husband- or a father for that matter- lets his pregnant wife go gallivanting to a damn necropolis with not so much as a thought?"
Lee knew he was starting to sound like he was merely telling Varian what he wanted to hear, but it was coincidentally the truth of the matter. "Your Majesty, she's so early on I doubt anyone would've guessed she was with child. If she couldn't even tell, how were you supposed to?"
Varian was well aware that he was merely being self-deprecating to make himself feel even a little bit better about everything, but that didn't stop him shaking his head.
"I was there all the time she was sick and didn't even think it was because she was with child, even though we've been actively trying. If that's not the sign that someone doesn't deserve the right to be a father, I don't know what is."
He winced as the water left the pitcherhe was using and hit his skin, giving him a blunt reminder of how quickly the cold could set in here and making his fears for Val and her troop worsen. "I tell you, the second she's out of that death-trap is the second I'm taking her home and locking her in the fucking Keep."
Lee chuckled, stoking the brazier when he heard the splashes that meant Varian was getting out. "With all due respect Your Majesty, I think that plan of action will only end with either your murder or your divorce. Her Majesty is well known to do exactly what she wants despite your thoughts on the matter, that will only get worse now she's with child and it hinders her more than she would like it to."
Varian's small smile as he wrapped the towel the younger brunette handed to him around his waist wasn't lost on Lee. "I forget sometimes that you're the only one who knows to call her that."
Lee shrugged, not perturbed at all by the fact that his king was walking around in a minus twenty climate half naked. "Light willing everyone will be soon Your Majesty. If anything I was honoured to be informed of your intentions."
Varian dried his hand before he clapped it on his shoulder, already slipping the flannel under-shirt he'd put out on to at least try and keep himself a little bit warmer. "You've become a trusted friend over the six years I've known you Lee, and you know I don't give that title easily. Your loyalty to my family is admirable to say the least."
Lee gave him a warm smile. "I will forever be loyal to both House Wrynn and the Alliance, Your Majesty, may you never doubt that."
Varian tied his hair up, figuring it would be easier to speak with Thrall if he could actually see him. "I'm tempted to tell Jaina that I'm deathly ill so I can't attend today."
Lee passed his trousers to him once his long johns were on. "Somehow I doubt she'd believe you, Your Majesty. Lady Proudmoore is already well aware that you don't wish to speak with Warchief Thrall, any excuse will be as transparent as glass by this point."
Varian narrowed his eyes, buckling his gambeson and starting to feel the cold slowly leave his skin. "I thought you just said you were loyal? That entails agreeing with my every word."
Lee chuckled, strapping his breastplate when Varian raised his arms. "I'm more than certain it doesn't Your Majesty, but well done for trying."
Varian's face straightened as he put his arms down. "I don't think I need to ask your discretion about the baby once we're in Dalaran?"
Lee's confusion was evident on his face. "Not even to Lady Jaina, Your Majesty? I thought you considered her a friend?"
Varian's visage only turned stonier, and he barely looked at the gauntlet he was fumbling with. "Just because my son has forced me to speak to Jaina again does not mean I trust her as I once did."
He sighed, thanking the younger man when he buckled the straps for him when his frustration got the better of him. "Shaw's kept me up to date with all her little 'liaisons' with Thrall, and to say she was keeping secrets from me about just how many there were is an understatement."
Lee tried not to grimace. "You're having her spied on, Your Majesty?"
Varian stared straight ahead. "She's given me no choice. She says she's loyal to the Alliance, then I turn my back and she's fraternizing with the Warchief of the Horde. I know she wouldn't do it deliberately, but if she lets slip anything about the Alliance that could put us in danger, I need to know about it so I can put things in place."
Lee started on the other gauntlet. "But Your Majesty has to remember that it was Thrall who agreed to speak with you about a truce. So surely his intentions are genuine?"
Varian's eyes held something that Lee couldn't place until he started speaking, realising it was immense hurt. "I learned from the whole mess with my father that no one's intentions are genuine. If you extend the hand of friendship too soon, someone will slice it off."
Lee tilted his head in genuine but misplaced curiosity. "That can't apply to absolutely everyone though, surely?"
Varian was rather aware of how this would be deemed an 'inappropriate conversation' if they were anywhere else but here, but if he were honest, a normal conversation that took his mind from his wife potentially freezing to death for five minutes was welcomed with open arms.
"I'll admit, it's mostly the so called 'Horde sympathisers' that I have no trust in. I take people on their actions, you know this, and if those actions aid the Alliance then I won't complain."
Lee could see that his King wasn't in the tent with him and was in fact staring in the direction of the wreckage, which could just be seen through the gap the wind had caused. "The next batch of supplies is ready to take with us Your Majesty. The mages are getting their strength back everyday, so someone can check in on those trapped today if all goes well."
Varian was glad to hear it; he supposed it was a small consolation that whoever was left up there had enough food to get them by, but that didn't stop him worrying to death over just how damn cold it was. "Did you manage to get a few more cloaks?"
Lee solemnly nodded. "Not as many as you'd probably like, but there were a couple going spare."
He tried to muster a smile. "She's probably fine Your Majesty."
Varian carried on staring. "It's not just her I'm worried about this time. I swear, I'll feel a damn sight better when they're bothhome and safe."
Lee passed his greave to him, letting him sit down on the end of a bed that hadn't been slept in for days. "There's a ship ready at Valiance Keep as soon as she's able to travel, Your Majesty, and a sister of the Light will be waiting for you at Stormwind Keep the minute thatI send word that you've left Northrend."
Varian pulled his boot on, strapping the greave to it. "And did you send a letter of thanks to Nizaar and Mekare?"
Lee swept a sheet of parchment from the makeshift writing desk. "I finished it this morning Your Majesty, and have also made a point to ask for their utter discretion on the matter until a public announcement is made."
Varian gave him a slow nod to tell him he was listening. "Had it not been for Mekare, I have a gut feeling Val wouldn't have fallen as quickly as she has- or at all, for that matter. It's quite the humbling experience, being bested by a priestess after badmouthing their faith."
Lee smirked, holding out Varian's cloak and checking the time. "I'll make sure to tell them that your first tithe is on it's way."
Varian grimaced, ignoring the groom's laughter as he swung the fur trimmed cloak over his shoulders. "I was hoping they'd forget about that."
The cold air whipped his face, stinging his eyes and making him have to stop without even moving forward an inch. Once his skin got used to the biting chill again he stomped through the ankle deep snow, almost wishing that he'd stayed in Valiance Keep where dirt was his biggest annoyance.
"I take it you want to stop off at the building site Your Majesty?"
Varian had to appreciate how on the ball Lee was despite his young age and stiffly nodded. "Aye, I need to know exactly what those bastards are doing, since it doesn't seem that they're working as efficiently as I would like."
Lee's brow furrowed as they turned in the direction of the gnomish camp. "If I might advise Your Majesty?"
Varian huffed. "You can, but that doesn't guarantee I'll listen to whatever it is you suggest."
Lee was well aware of that, but he was going to give it a try anyway. "Don't act too harshly towards Gelbin's workers, they're doing what they can-"
Varian whirled on him fast enough for snow to leap from his boot. "If they were doing 'what they can' my wif-"
He caught himself, quickly glancing around and gritting his teeth, bending over the groom. "Val would have been with me and on her way to Stormwind well before this! Every day that passes is a day that Val could…she could…"
He faltered, and Lee's gentle eyes made him want to admit what he had been putting off. He didn't know the ins and outs of pregnancy, he didn't claim or want to, but the subject of the cold not only affecting her had been brought up to him by one or two of the healers he'd consulted during the meetings concerning the trapped battalion, and while it hurt his heart to even contemplate the worst outcome, he couldn't deny that it was a possibility.
If Val gave up, if her body shut down…he'd lose them both, and he didn't think he could handle that in any way, shape or form."They need to get a move on is what I'm trying to say. We've wasted enough time and resources on this as it is, when it wasn't necessary at all. I'm starting to think we could've just used the drill we already had, but once again I was coerced by the fancy wording of an engineer."
He pinched the bridge of his nose, starting off again. "I know I'm making this too personal but I can't help it. I can't even discuss it because as far as my council knows, Val and I aren't married yet, so my son is nothing but a bastard in their eyes, and Light blind me if they won't say something about it the minute we get back."
Lee shrugged, kicking some snow from his own, less sturdy boots. "Then you'll just have to inform them of your marriage and put it to bed once and for all Your Majesty."
Varian was hesitant, he could tell. "Then that leads to a conversation I'd rather not have. They'll try everything in their power to either take Val's 'wedding day' away from her, or even try and denounce the marriage we do have."
He sighed, not wishing to think about it any longer. "Come, let us find Gelbin and see what he has to say, then get to Dalaran. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can leave."
His head started thumping the minute he stepped into the floating city, and he was sure it would get worse before it got better. "I take it you're glad that these are the final negotiations?"
Lee's voice was garbled where Varian's bad ear didn't respond well to portals, so the King held a finger up, using the other hand to beat the organ into submission until it cleared somewhat.
"Sorry, say that again?"
Thankfully the groom already knew about his master's hearing problems and said nothing about it, merely repeating his question with sincerity instead of annoyance. "Aye, the sooner I don't have to look at Thrall's mug the better."
Lee's brows drew in. "Do you think he knows about the crash yet?"
Varian shook his head, quickly greeting those that did so to him. "No, I doubt the Warchief has been informed of what others would see as merely an unfortunate accident."
He swallowed, fixing his cloak for the millionth time just to keep his hands busy. "I realise that I've been too fixated with this when most kings would write it off, but I can't just leave them to die without even trying, I'd never forgive myself."
Lee slowly nodded, glad of the lamps that they were passing and absorbing as much of their warmth as he could. "Being a compassionate king is nothing to spit at Your Majesty."
Varian huffed, giving Jaina a stiff wave as she waited at the top of the front steps to the Violet Citadel for him. "Some would call me foolish."
Lee's nose wrinkled. "Then may I quote Her Majesty? 'Fuck them with a stick'."
Varian's laughter was far too loud considering this was a formal event but he didn't care in the slightest, clapping the younger brunette's shoulder and giving Jaina a small but polite bow. "Thank you for coming Varian, I know things are tough right now."
His face straightened and all thoughts of laughter disappeared, with his large steps falling into rhythm with hers. "I trust you've not said a word to Thrall about it all?"
Lee looked rather uneasy at the harsh repetition of his own question, but Jaina looked unfazed. "No, I haven't. I'm well aware of your need for privacy Varian, I don't sit there gossiping about you with him."
Varian huffed, telling her exactly what he thought of her answer. "I should hope you don't 'gossip' with him at all Jaina. He has no right to information of any kind."
Jaina fought the urge to sigh. "Rest assured, he's here to finalise the truce, nothing more."
Varian fiddled with the buckle on his gauntlet. "Good. I have other more important things I could be attending to."
Jaina's eyebrow rose. "What could possibly be more important than taking down the Lich King?"
Lee stepped in before Varian put his foot in it. "What His Majesty means is that time is of the essence with everything concerning the Scourge; even with the aid of the dragonflights, the Lich King's forces threaten to overwhelm everyday Milady, and King Varian needs to be in attendance to assess the next point of attack."
Jaina probably saw through the lie in an instant but kept thankfully quiet about it, with Varian giving Lee an appreciative glance. She nodded to the guards standing in front of a large set of double doors, letting them stand aside and showing Varian in. "Just play nice Varian, that's all I ask."
The King huffed again, already irked by the fact that Garrosh Hellscream had decided to accompany Thrall once again; the younger orc had made his views on the truce quite clear in the previous two meetings Thrall and Varian had agreed to, and brought nothing to the table that was useful apart from snipes at the Alliance and jabs at what little of Varian's personal life was public- namely Anduin and Val.
Varian sat down, returning the brisk nod Thrall gave him and choosing to ignore Garrosh altogether, and apparently the brown skinned orc noticed but thankfully didn't say anything.
"Apologies for my tardiness."
Thrall waved a green hand. "No apologies needed."
Garrosh clearly wanted to open his mouth but a small and easily missed glare from Thrall stopped him. Jaina stood at the end of the small table, right in between the two of them. "You both know why we're here, Gentlemen. Let us continue with the good strides we made the last time we met."
Morning was turning into afternoon, and while the negotiations were going well, Varian couldn't find it as engaging as he should have. This was a major event, coming to an agreement with the Horde of all people, but his mind was back in Dragonblight, wondering if anymore progress had been made or whether things had stalled again.
"The conditions of the truce are set. If you wish to make any changes, now is the time to do so."
Varian was only half listening to her, turning the quill that Lee had given him between two fingers. "Varian?"
His head rose. "Hm? Apologies…no, the terms are fine as far as the Alliance is concerned."
Thrall's large brow furrowed. "With respect Your Majesty-"
Varian's eyes narrowed. "I've learned over the years that anyone who starts a sentence with the phrase 'with respect' means that impetuosity is about to follow."
Thrall seemed unfazed by his biting tone. "-With respect, you don't seem as invested in this as you did the last we met."
He looked to the empty seat beside Varian. "And icannot help but notice that Lady Glenmore is absent when she took part so eagerly in the negotiations last time."
Varian's throat ran dry and he cursed himself to every hell below him at how obvious he was. "She's indisposed."
Thrall looked sympathetic, which was the last thing Varian needed. "Is she ill?"
Varian put his face in his hands, hating himself for even doing this. "No- she….damn it all, she's trapped, in the wreck of the Naxxramas. I trust you've all seen it?"
Thrall sat straighter, with his large shoulders rolling. "I have not seen it in person, but have heard conversation about the crash. I was not aware that there were those still alive in there."
Varian was trying to ignore how Lee was staring at him a little open mouthed, not quite believing that after everything he'd said, he was openly giving information to someone he'd damned a number of times. "They are for now. Progress on their rescue has slowed to a grinding halt."
Jaina was clearly hurt by how little she knew of this. "Varian, why didn't you say anything?"
Varian stiffened. "Because it's being dealt with."
Garrosh huffed, flaring his nostrils. "We are not here to discuss the lives of a few insignificant soldiers, let us continue with the reason we agreed to these fruitless meetings."
Varian's fists clenched and it took everything in his not to reach over and land a blow to the tactless orc's face.
Thankfully Thrall noticed and told Garrosh to stay silent, linking his large fingers. "If there is anything the Horde can do, please do not hesitate to ask."
Varian eyes narrowed further. "I have everything under control."
He thanked Lee for the drinks he automatically assumed they'd all want, clearing his throat. "What plans have the Alliance to get them out? If any?"
Varian absolutely abhorred how the conversation had turned to this and this alone, but he had started it, so he couldn't exactly ignore him. "You insult me to assume we have none. King Magni Bronzebeard and High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque have devised a drill to be built, one that will get through the stone of the necropolis so we don't have to risk destroying the mountain it's built into."
He drained the ale, slamming the goblet down without meaning to. "…It's just taking a while, that's all."
Thrall looked deep in thought, twiddling his thumbs. "A drill? Interesting. Has it been built yet?"
Varian's suspicion was evident on his face. "No, not yet, but I've been told it won't be much longer. Why do you ask?"
Garrosh apparently was wondering the same thing. "Why do a few Alliance soldiers interest you so, Warchief?"
Thrall looked at Garrosh, then stared at Varian. "It interests me because I may be able to help." He heaved a sigh, glancing at Jaina. "I am well aware of your distaste for the Horde, King Varian. No matter how many times I tell you that the Horde I lead is nothing like that of Gul'Dan, I will never convince you that our intentions are the same as yours; to survive. You are a man of action, I have learned that over the last three years, and if action is what it takes to stabilize this truce and show you that my intentions are genuine, than so be it."
Varian had to admit he was curious to see where exactly this was going. Anything that would aid him in saving the life of his wife and son was pivotal information that he'd in no way pass up right now.
He had to see the irony in it all that his desperation would make him turn to the Horde for help after condemning them so many times, but he was exactly that- weeks was long enough to sit here doing nothing; if Thrall had a quicker idea, he was willing to hear it. "I'm listening."
Thrall hunched his shoulders. "The goblins of Kezan are notorious for their engineers. I don't claim to understand it but it's what they're best at. Mining especially."
Varian was put off almost at once. "If you'resuggesting we bring in goblins to help build the drill, I can assure you that no gnome alive would agree to it."
Thrall shook his head. "I am well aware. No, what I suggest is, to cement the truce and as an act of good faith, I can have Gallywix send one of their own machines, ready built and working, to the wreckage site and aid in the rescue."
Varian looked to Lee, despising the hope rising in his chest. "What do you think?"
Lee frowned, drumming his fingertips on the table. "It would be better than working our engineers to the bone for something that's not even finished yet. And it would mean getting them out faster."
Varian turned back to Thrall. "What would you ask in return?"
Thrall knew he was pushing his luck but he needed to try. "An assurance from Your Majesty that the Horde will have access to a small portion of Ashenvale to take wood for our homes. In a certain perimeter, of course."
Varian faltered. "I'd have to discuss it with the High Priestess…That's not my decision. But I pledge to start the conversation, that's all I can do for now."
Thrall pointed to the declaration in between them. "I will take that as your word once it is formally admitted to the conditions, as will my pledge to aid the rescue. We can attend it at a later date."
Varian was mulling everything over, and Jaina watched in curiosity and delight as he slowly nodded. "It would mean more resources saved for the final assault- we're haemorrhaging them right now."
He was trying his best to keep composure. "How quickly could it get to the site?"
Thrall thought for a brief moment. "I'll send an urgent missive to Gallywix…I would say the morning?"
Varian's mind was racing; Gelbin's letter this morning had told him that they needed a few more days at least, and here he was being told that Val could be out in less than one. "I think it would be in everyone's best interest if the Alliance's focus was back on the Scourge."
He didn't appreciate the bluntness of the fact, but he couldn't ignore that it was true. He'd practically abandoned the campaign during this mess, leaving the armies in limbo and the progress they'd made thus far crumbling to dust.
"And you can give me your word on tomorrow?"
Thrall nodded. "I will never ask you to trust me, King Varian. I know that is impossible. But if I can show you that the Horde can work with the Alliance, maybe we can stop the outright animosity between our factions. You are not our enemy anymore, and I want to prove that."
Varian's mind was racing a mile a minute, and he was sure he'd make a few enemies for this. Hells, Nizaar had called him an idiot at the meeting where he had told the other leaders that these negotiations were even taking place, so Light only knew how this was going to go down.
"Varian? Do you accept these terms?"
He looked up, swallowing his pride down and holding a hand out for the seal Lee was readying. "The Alliance accepts, and welcomes a time of peace between us." He stamped his side of the treaty, quickly scratching his signature and standing. "If you excuse me, I need to return to Wintergarde to inform the masses of what's transpired here."
Thrall rose, holding a hand out and practically enveloping Varian's in it. "I'll send a missive to Gallywix in the next hour- and I swear to you, they'll be there by the time the sun rises tomorrow."
Varian still didn't look too sure. "Please keep me informed if there's any change, Warchief."
Thrall nodded, letting his hand go. "I'll send you a progress report in the next couple of hours." They shared a bow, with Varian kissing Jaina's hand. "If you would send me back to Wintergarde, please Jaina. I have alot to prepare."