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

Wind whistled through her long hair as Duartane carried Eirianwen over Clevedon. Sitting high on the eastern face of the long mountain, the darkened land around it stretched for many leagues and she noticed as the silver dragon rose high into the sky, that the fires had now consumed hundreds of more leagues to their north, west and south. It symbolized the times.

"Speak with Arzura's friend and ask her to stay with us for a time. Their help will be needed."

"Alright."

Green eyes scanned the dark land below and she realized how numb she had become after seeing the destruction that the humans had brought with them. Bhatar's discussions during her visit were becoming reality as they glided high over her birth home at the western foot of the Botosani Mountains. She was beginning to realize that the war would go on for some time before they found themselves a quiet corner of her vast empire to rest in. Kevelaer would also be a shadow of its previous grandeur just as the city below symbolized.

"She's stated that they had no intention of leaving us alone in this fight. Most of the dragons refused to flee now anyway."

Eirianwen smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."

* * *

Resting on the strong railing Duartane dipped her wing as she climbed down onto the veranda. She immediately noticed the gathered crowd within her father's study as Binidig stepped out. His brown hair waved in the light breeze as he bowed.

"Your HIghness, I was wondering if I could have a word for a moment."

"Of course. What's going on?"

He wrung his hands uncomfortably and stepped up, speaking in hushed tones. "My lady is now the reigning queen of Kevelaer and I think it's time that she take a king. We must keep up all signs to our allies that Kevelaer still lives. And in the....production of an heir, her line will last forever."

Standing there dumbfounded, she realized that her life was slowly becoming more than she had wanted or was ready for. But, he was right. She gazed over his shoulder and noticed Meadhran consulting with his general and staff. He was the more likely choice and she had accepted his offer in the garden of Cimpia Turzii. "Do the crowns remain in our possession?"

"They do, madam. Should I gather them?"

Adrenaline began pumping in excitement and apprehension at the thought of finally becoming a woman and she hoped that she was making the right choices.

'Not all things are readily apparent,' Duartane's voice cut in. 'But, I believe that he is a good choice and able leader. You've been around him enough to know that he's been raised to be your husband.'

'There's just so many other things going on right now.'

'I know. But, the people need to see that their royal family lives on and is a symbol that Kevelaer will also.'

She looked to Binidig. "You will conduct the ceremony then."

He bowed excitedly. "Your Highness," he smiled, turned and headed back inside.

Sighing, the new queen was the only remaining member of her immediate family left. There was no one to stand in for her now.

'You have the people themselves,' Duartane reminded.

She turned to eye her friend directly as the long silver neck craned the large head to return the gaze. 'Do I have to constantly remind you of these things? By all rights, I should be queen anyway.'

Eirianwen grinned. 'You and I both know that we'd starve if our survival depended on you,' she turned away, arms across her chest. 'Galavanting across the Botosani in search of better feeding grounds wouldn't suffice in taking care of our needs while problems of all sorts would pile up on your desk.'

'There are many various ways to take care of problems, just ask our enemy whose ashes now fill the cracks in these streets.'

Eirianwen turned, mouth open at the statement. 'I can't believe that's your answer to every problem! How could you be so insensitive?' she couldn't hold her smile any longer.

'You have your ways,' Duartane closed the distance between them suddenly, grinning with long fangs that nearly were as tall as the queen herself. 'And I have mine.'

She turned and walked away. 'I find it hard to believe that you are the one that represents me among your kind. I'm shocked.'

'Don't push it, young lady. At least I didn't wait until i turned six thousand years old to finally decide to become a wife and mother.'

Laughing, she turned and gazed over the railing to see the grey mountain face that rested opposite their city. The new dawn had brought changes at all levels.

'Congratulations, by the way,' Duartane added, softening.

'Thank you, friend. I'm glad you're here at least.'

* * *

She stood, fidgeting with the long dress and veil as Binidig read their dedication to one another and wondered still if she was making the right decision or not. Could she stop him in the middle and still be able to save face in front of the packed crowd? Probably not. She was doing this for them and knew that somehow, she would find a way to keep their new home safe from the invader and ensure that her ancestors would rest peacefully.

"...I now announce thee, Her Highness, Lady Eirianwen and her husband, Prince Meadhran." Binidig finished, smiling as he bowed and closed the tome as she turned to her new husband nervously.

She took the crown from the blue velvet pillow and turned to Meadhran as he bowed to her. "In the name of Kevelaer, the family of Dok'Le'Kis and the people, I pronounce thee, Meadhran, King of Kevelaer and my husband". She gently set the golden crown on his head, then lowered her arms.
He lifted her veil as he smiled, then kissed her gently and she could feel the energy flow between them as his hand rested on her shoulder. The crowd's lively applause lifted the roof as they parted, turned and smiled to their subjects as one.