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

"Madam," the merchant's deep voice echoed within the high ceilinged hall as Kailee glanced up from the mass of pages before her. "Trade with Carbost and Cimpeni is flourishing as we speak. I'm proud to say that many innkeepers are ordering more wine from our vineyards."

"Thank you, Bertele," she grinned beneath her silk scarf. "It's to your hard work that this has been made possible. You haven't had any issues with the local magistrates?"

"No, ma'am," brown eyes glanced down to the contract on the table and she could hear the doubts reverberate in his mind. The long silence regained his attention. "In truth, few have been made aware of it's origins."

Her shoulders sank. "That's to be expected." Solid golden eyes turned back to the bottom of the parchment as she signed.

"I'm sorry, milady. I didn't mean to misguide you but, their guests all ask for the brew, especially in Navan. I've been told that our labels are the only ones stored."

"No need for you to apologize," she returned the quill to the ink and handed him the contract. "It's because of me, not anyone else here."

He hesitated as the aged merchant folded the letter.

"Say hello to Melvina for me."

"I'll do that. And thank you again, madam," he bowed and turned to leave as Adgertesse' entered the front door, holding it open for another of the many issues Kailee had to deal with today, then closed it and approached.

"Well, bad news," the dark elf began as she plopped onto the padded chair beside Kailee.

"What?"

"I don't know how to tell you...but."

Impatiently, she eyed her friend whose face sank along with her orange eyes. "Are you going to tell me or do I have to drag it out of you?"

"Not that you could but, okay. Lericanin and Nyrellia have decided to become citizens of Warwick."

Kailee couldn't quite believe her ears.

"I know," Tess motioned with an upraised hand. "I thought we would only have to endure his boisterous nature once a year, but now...."

Chuckling, she playfully stood and slapped the nightblade on the arm. "That's the best news I've heard all day"

"They're supervising the unload now," she motioned towards the east. "I've got Alandria's grandsons and a few others helping them unpack their wagon." She stood and joined Kailee as they headed for the banded, oak door. "I was enjoying the peace of these mountains."

"Would you stop."

Tess laughed, giving in to the joy of the news herself. As the pounding of steel echoed within the bailey, the duo passed through the double gates, across the long bridge and up the hill towards the empty villa now home to another friend. "I tried to warn Selyria and her husband of their new neighbors but, I guess Nyrellia had already done that during the festival. I thought their visit was a bit longer than normal."

"He wanted to make sure Allaster and Lina got home first, no doubt. I'm glad they recovered."

"Not for want of potion or herb that you kept giving them. We nearly emptied Lady Cairistiona's supply."

Kailee had so much to deal with these past forty years that it seemed to never end. Losing another friend so soon would have been unbearable and she knew that sentiment was felt by many. Passed playing children and heavy laden carts, they made their way up to the large, two-story home which had been built in anticipation of an occupant but, hadn't had the honor until today. As she stepped through the front doors now wide as strong, young men carried trunks and sacks into the villa, she recognized the tall, strong frame of the knight of Arhus and duke of Zariva.

He turned as they approached. "Good morning," his deep voice greeted.

"I was just informed that you've decided not to make the long trip home," Kailee stated as she gazed into the blue eyes surrounded by wrinkles and age.

"I mentioned that during the dinner, remember?"

Kailee thought for a moment, then recalled the discussion. "Right, sorry. It's been a long week."

"Getting old, thought I wouldn't see that day," he grinned.

"I've been telling her that for years but, she won't listen," Tess added and nudged the half-vampire.

Kailee turned to eye the chamberlain of Warwick, "You're right, this town won't be the same again".

* * *

After the cargo had been unloaded and Nyrellia busied herself with the arrangement of their belongings, Kailee followed Lericanin out into the central garden and sat beside her long time friend. Birds flitted among two elm trees that shaded the stone walkway and benches.

"So, why did you decide to give up your life in Zariva," she finally asked.

"Had enough of politics. Squabbling barons were more deserving of my hammer than my time, it seemed." A comment that sparked memories of the leader they always looked to in days gone by. "I've always loved these mountains and Nyrellia needed the break from parlors full of intrigue and bickering also. Michael has grown into a good man and has the heart of a leader, just like his mother." She listened to his words but knew there was more to the story than he revealed, as was common with the knight. Many complicated layers hid things that only he was privy to or kept to protect those he loved.

"I won't say that I'm not glad you're here, because I am. It will be nice to have more familiar faces around and I know Selyria has more blank pages to fill about us that she can't write with your absence." His familiar disapproving glance tried to evade any light shed on events he was involved in.

"She's got her hands full with the school and her family. Songs sung about our days long ago have already been written. Not much more to say, really."

"Every day invites new possibilities."

Blue eyes glanced to her as he grinned. "You are becoming quite the politician, aren't you?"

She glanced to the manicured lawn. "Ughh. Makes me long for my father to take over. This was his arena and he did it well. Not sure I was born to have to deal with all the troubles and issues that plague a town every day."

"Now you know why we left."

She chuckled as she glanced to the white haired man beside her, his figure still imposing at seventy-one which reminded her of his grandfather the first time she met him. "In truth, I wish I could bring everyone's families here to live with us but, I know that's not possible. Everyone has their own lives now: homes, businesses and grandchildren to look after." She glanced to her gloved hands. "The annual meeting won't end, hopefully."

"As it shouldn't."