Slowly but surely, she had more kids to add to her training routine. As word got out of the impending party for the children, Tulani found herself with several orders for new party dresses. Ina was having a field day party planning.
Bradly folded his arms and grumped. "This is stupid."
"Oh, hush, having a nice outfit for a nice party is a good thing." Elunara sighed.
"But it'll be dumb."
"Bradly, you're being dumb." Elunara rolled her eyes. "This is NOT Stormwind, this is NOT going to be one of those stupid stuffy deals back in Stormwind. It's just an excuse for the girls to wear something frilly and pretend they're not trapped in one of the roughest worlds we've ever faced. You can be silly for a night." She shook her head. "Besides, I only organized this stupid party so that Lydia could show off her legs. She just wants to dance at a party. The only little girls were mean to her back home and she had to sit all by herself. Do you want to be mean to her and not attend her party?"
Bradly sighed. "No, Momma."
"Then put the stupid outfit on and get your ass out there." She put her hands on her hips. "Besides, how else am I going to show you my warrior goddess outfit?" She turned and walked out, patting Darguni on the head.
"You know, you never did get the blood stains out of that." Grogek raised an eyebrow as he looked at her over his book.
"They give it character. You know I like character."
"How come Papa doesn't have to go?" Darguni frowned.
Elunara eyed Grogek. "Valid point. All the parents are going to be there, you should make an appearance."
He sighed and sat up. "Fine. For a little while."
"Good man." Jordan grinned. "Let's go to a silly party." He scrubbed his hand on Bradly's hair.
It turned out, that everyone who could toss on a nice outfit showed up to enjoy a party. They had all gathered in the center of town, around the fountain. The kids were running around their parent's legs, and anyone who could play an instrument set up and began to play for the crowd.
"You certainly come up with the best ideas." Zelinnia grinned.
Renwa laughed. "Don't tell her that, it'll just go to her head."
"See, the best thing about our wedding dresses, is we can use them however we want." Elunara grinned.
"The blood stains just add to your look." Zelinnia took a drink.
"That's what I said."
Renwa eyed the crowd. "I've made a point of letting people know this was your idea."
She sighed. "Oh, don't do that. People will think I'm likable or something."
"Given the fact you did this for a disabled child?" Renwa murmured.
"She isn't any more."
"Again, thanks to you."
"Wouldn't matter." Zelinnia gave her a cat smile. "Your Linda has been telling them all as well."
"BAH!"She stalked off and made her way to the musicians. "Hey, you do requests?"
"Sure."
She began to sing. Following her usual habit on the stage, she sang for quite awhile, keeping to the happier jaunty tunes, along with some of the sillier antics. The musicians were having a field day trying to keep up with her.
He found his way through town, nursing his injuries. Listening for the sound of people, he found the town square decorated up, the people of the town dressed in finery and flippery. She was standing in the center, commanding her audience. She sang and she danced, and she called for the enjoyment. She grasped hands with a small child and danced around. Had he not already known he loved her, he would have fallen in love with her over this. His goddess of war, wearing garments splattered with blood, was dancing with a small child, bring joy to her face.
She spotted him, but didn't flinch. She made her excuses to slip away. Grogek noticed her direction and she nodded to him.
"Well, this is a familiar scenario. Me in this outfit, you interrupting."
"Forgive me my goddess, we had just returned. I had to see you."
She put her hands on his chest and poured her energy into him. "Why do you never arrive to me healed? Are your healers so unsatisfactory?"
"No... I'm usually so impatient to see you, that I escape their hands."
She sighed and brushed her fingertips under his chin. "If you died on the way to me, what point would that serve?"
He let out a breath he was unaware he was holding. "It brings my heart joy to know you worry for me." Timidly he brought his face closer to hers. When she bent upwards, he wrapped his hand around her hip and kissed her with passion.
She broke the contact and brushed her fingers on his cheek. "You've arrived at a bad time. This party is important in its frivolity. Since you saved my Bradly, you may stay. But I will not speak of war... that will be for tomorrow morning." She grabbed his hand and pulled him forward.
Everyone stopped and stared. She led him to the center and pushed him into place. He stood there completely bewildered.
"Everyone, this is Charnak. You may have seen him skulking around the edges of town. He currently leads my orc army that waits outside the barrier for my command. He has been working tirelessly to earn my favor and has proven his loyalty to me. Recently, someone tried to kidnap my Bradly and take him away from me. Charnak hunted the bastard and returned my child to me. I suggest you all treat him favorably."
"Barbara tried her shit again?" Someone asked.
"Yeah, she hired a man to take him from me."
"Goddamn, Varian should do something about that bitch."
"A rather angry letter has been sent. I await his response. In any event, that bitch won't take MY son!"
The crowd cheered. "Thank the Gods for your assistance, Charnak." Someone cried. The crowd cheered again.
"Now that THAT's out of the way, we have a party to enjoy!" She tossed her hands in the air.
Charnak just sat on the fountain in awe.
"You may stay there if you wish." She stepped forward again and began to sing.
He sat and listened to her for the longest time before she stopped and ran over to the refreshment table. He got up and followed her. "My beautiful goddess, I feel... out of place here. I am going to return to my people."
She brushed her fingers under his chin and he closed his eyes in pleasure. "Take care. I will see you tomorrow."
He started to kiss her again, just for the sensation, but he spotted Grogek and Jordan watching him. He backed away and scurried out of sight.
"I used to be like that." Jordan smirked.
Elunara grinned. "I have trained him well. Perhaps..." She ran a finger over her lips.
"What are you thinking, my love?" Grogek brushed his hand down her back.
"Tomorrow night, south orchard."
Grogek grinned. "Breaking him in right, then?"
"You bet your sweet ass."
Jordan laughed. "I'm going to back out of that one; perhaps another night." He kissed her temple.
