laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Delicious, the tender beef melted in her mouth and Madeleia had nearly forgotten how hungry she was. Candlelight now brightened the main dining room from wall sconces and a tall candle on her table, renewing the life this city once had. In at least some small way.

Taaglon pointed at the newly stacked firewood in the hearth and lit the kindling beneath and turned. "What brings you and the king to us after all these years?" His bass voice interestingly had a calm, quiet to it as he slowly strolled back towards her table.

"There's a war brewing with the Kuzin. One of their kings was duped into attacking Yahlova for some treasure. The fools," orange eyes fell back to her plate as she cut another piece of steak. "Now we're gathering an army to answer."

"Hmm," he replied quietly as his contemplative steps continued closer.

Madeleia glanced to him again. "I'd rather find the ones responsible and leave this king to rot, cowering in his keep. But, honor is at stake for Kevelaer now, so I'm not sure that's going to happen."

A grin arced on the strong, tanned face. "Honor? Or pride?"

She knew better than to argue with someone so venerable and returned to her dinner instead. Another bite melted in her mouth and she washed it down with a sip of wine. Warwick's brand was still stocked here, interestingly enough. The name of that town still brought a smile to her face which also prompted a longing desire for the past, which was why she chose the brand once finding it on the rack.

"Trust me," Taaglon continued. "I understand the need to defend one's honor. But, at what cost?" He grinned, spun a high-backed, oak chair to her left and sat down, hands clasped over the chest-high, backrest. "I'm of the mind now to allow those vanquished in the Oka to be the answer and let this king make the next move. If he's that foolish, time and his emptying coffers will prove his fate. There's a change in the wind, Madeleia. The days where we could count on faith and true honor seem to be fading and being replaced by greed and selfishness. Pride is the order of the day now." He smiled broadly. "And yes, I understand that I'm talking to elves who have long memories."

A charming smile and chuckle lightened the guest as she glanced to him. "Yes, you are, sir."

Admiring brown eyes studied her for a long moment as she finished the last of a piece of seasoned bread. "Perhaps she's talking some sense into him now," he referred to the king in the upper temple. "We can only hope. Kevelaer, Wroclaw and many of the older kingdoms can't afford another war. Not now. Too much is at stake. You've proudly expanded your influence with the other races. Opened trade routes to places that a few hundred years ago was unthinkable and now because of a small group, are looking to destroy all that you've built. Just doesn't make a lot of sense to me."

Humor melted quickly and the nightblade was quickly admiring the caretaker for his wisdom. "I would prefer that he give me the honor of finding this woman and hunting those that sent her. I agree, there are more subtle ways of ending a war than outright invasion."

Brow raised as he nodded, "Indeed. I'm just not sure that he's willing to risk your life to that end. You're part of a family who's already given more than you should have had to."

"What do you mean?"

Taaglon backstepped and straightened. "Nothing," he replied quietly. "There's rooms here," brown eyes motioned upstairs. "Take your rest. The king's going to be here through tomorrow, I'd wager, so make yourself comfortable." He stood and spun the chair back in place. "If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call my name. Alright?"

With a nod, she acquiesced. "I'll see you in the morning then."

"Rest well," he grinned and vanished into thin air.

* * *

After cleaning up and having a small breakfast, she strolled back out of the front door to the inn and back up the steps to the temple. Still open, the tall, bronze door on the right beckoned her within the main gatehouse. Beyond, the sight stilled her breath. A large, rectangular courtyard bordered by white marble walls contained panels of various scenes that she couldn't make out from this distance. Centered in the grassy courtyard, a raised platform sported an immense shrine. One large, bronze laver supported by four royal, winged pegasi contained a blue fire whose flame nearly rose to it's sapphire colored dome. Around the edge of the squared platform it sat on, were statues of larger-than-life individuals, also carved in white marble, who each faced the shrine.
A welcoming feeling came over her again as she slowly walked out onto the avenue beyond the gatehouse. Before her, a wide stair led her into the manicured lawn and to another stair which rose to the platform. Madeleia couldn't believe her eyes as she climbed to the statues and turned left to face them. As she walked before each, she gazed into the life-like faces and realized she could almost sense their personality just by their eyes.

"Madeleia," a male voice from behind her called. Orange eyes turned to see the king step out from the shrine's shadow, between two of it's large columns, and into the morning sunlight. "I apologize for leaving you that way yesterday."

Turning, she bowed to the king of Kevelaer. "It's totally understandable, Your Highness." A gentle smile warmly hoped to calm his embarrassment. "This place is amazing."

Meadhran nodded and grinned as his brown eyes scanned the statues behind her. "She did this to honor them and hoped that their sacrifices would never be forgotten."

"Only the humans seem to forget."

"That's why we have to remind them," he replied and walked towards her left and guided her eyes to a pair of women near the central break between those behind her and the next group farther right. Something about them looked familiar and she curiously strolled to meet him. Once having a better view, it took mere seconds to realize who they were. Orange eyes immediately glossed as she admired her sister's face.

"She was the best of us all," Madeleia pushed out emotionally, then glanced to the one on Adgertesse's right and saw her queen. Another that broke down her walls even further as her hands went to her mouth while tears streamed.

"They all were," Meadhran agreed. A consoling arm rested across her shoulders as she tried her best not to cry, but failed at the attempt. Too many years of pent-up emotions suddenly flowed without any hope of recovery.

After a few moments, a wash overcame her again from the land, the air and everything around her and she could almost feel Queen Eirianwen's presence holding her as a mother would a child. The empathic, comforting air calmed her sorrow and she wanted nothing more than to rest here forever.

* * *

Madeleia sat with the king within the sill of a large window, one of many within the southern gallery which looked out over beautiful green grass. Farther down the mountainside, large trees guided the eye beyond to the breathtaking vista. Each leaned against the opposing frame of white stone, she enjoyed the soft breeze that carressed her face along with the sun's warmth.

"Ariel is idyllic," she mused aloud. "A place truly befitting a queen's spirit."

Meadhran smiled. "No land could ever contain my love's creativity. Though, I agree that no other place holds such magic."

She eyed him with a mix of emotions. How could Kevelaer, his own home and kingdom, not have more? Thoughts she considered keeping to herself. "Do you still wish war with Ganshoren, Your Highness?"

His peace soon waned as brown eyes turned to her. "I don't know." She could also sense his anger at such words. A king must never be indecisive.

"Allow me to be your instrument then," she sat up, hands still resting on her lap. "I'll go find the ones responsible for sending them to our lands and deal with them myself. Allow me this, I beg you."

The king studied her face and she prayed that he would agree. "I know you have a need to fill your sister's shoes, my friend." He smiled and gazed into the gallery at the painted panels which hailed the deeds of the Chosen through the ages. "It's hard to not to want to be like them."

She was beginning to see why he was on this campaign now. He felt a need to be a hero in his wife's eyes as well. "Your Highness has nothing to prove to anyone. Kevelaer has been the backbone of our alliance with all the other peoples on our borders for two centuries now. The leadership that Your Highness has given is beyond reproach," her mood softened a bit. "I know the queen is more than pleased with the path you've been able to keep for Kevelaer and it's people."

Brown eyes turned back to her. "You have the nature of a diplomat, indeed," he chuckled. "Our soldiers are already sitting in the halls of Wroclaw. Orcs from Salekhard and the men of Lamar are always eager for a brawl and I can't stop the word to Davos now. What would you suggest then?"

"Force this king to terms while I hunt those responsible, Sire. With all our forces arrayed against him, he couldn't deny his situation." Eagerness to prove herself welled an energy within that she hadn't felt in years as she awaited his reply.

Meadhran nodded. "Okay. You have my blessing, but I want you to know that you have the full weight of this alliance behind you if you need it. You're my emissary to this hidden enemy. I want their leader in my throneroom as soon as you can arrange it."

"You have my word, Sire." Time to get to work.

As Meadhran walked towards the gatehouse to the temple, Madeleia detoured to her sister's statue, quietly admiring the flame that symbolized the spirit of all these Chosen represented here. Respectfully, she moved around to stand before the one who had taught her so much during their younger years. It took a moment to formulate her thoughts.

"I vow to you," she glanced to Kailee as well. "Both of you, that I'll do my utmost to find these people who've declared us their enemies. I'll not rest until this matter is settled." Her eyes glossed again as she admired Adgertesse and Kailee. "I hope that my actions will honor you." Closing her eyes, she quietly hoped for an answer. An opportunity to hear their voices just once more, but none came. She chuckled at the childish thought, opened her eyes to see their faces one more time before embarking on this mission, then turned and headed towards the main gate and soon, out to the awaiting dragon.

As Ariel's guests flew away, the foliage that once blanketed the city returned.