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

Kailee sat alone in the living room as the last of the preparations were made for her coronation. Staring uncomfortably at the ornate rug below her feet, her chin rested atop cupped hands, elbows to knees, and she felt emotions roiling within.

The sudden presence of Adgertesse' sparked hope as she glanced up, then stood and hugged her friend.

"Good to see you too, Your Highness."

Sighing, Kailee's heart opened as she began to cry.

"I didn't mean it that way," Tess apologized as comforting hands rubbed Kailee's back. "I know this has been a confusing time for you."

Kailee realized the danger for her friend being in such close proximity to her hair and backed as she wiped her cheeks. "Sorry," she sniffed. "Why didn't you knock me out and drag me home or something?"

"That's never worked before," Tess grinned sympathetically. "This could be a great thing for you though."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Think about it. My people are the best fighters in the world, who better to help find Sater's son and take care of this issue once and for all, then you can open relations with Kevelaer and whomever you wish."

Using the dark elves for her own purposes wasn't what she wanted though. "We can already take care of him and Tia without killing anyone here on some distant battlefield. I don't want anyone here to die for a cause they don't even believe in."

Orange eyes stared quietly for a long moment. "Then you have a lot to learn about your new kingdom and it's people. We glory in battle. Our warriors gladly seek that kind of death, much like the Varangians to the icy north. You've been given an honor that few have ever known. Kevelaer needs this alliance as do we. You also have the Beastmen of Lamar to the south. I agree that it will take time to build relations with them but, who better to do it than you?"

The solace that Kailee sought for an escape was quickly closing before her. "Here I thought you were on my side," she chuckled as her clouded vision cleared.

"I've ever been on your side," Tess replied with building emotion. "I would gladly give my life for you anyday."

"I..I didn't mean it that way. Sorry."

Adgertesse' nodded as she turned away. "They're coming for you," she sniffed and glanced back. "I'll see you after."

"No. I want you by my side in this."

"I'm not sure..."

"I'm the queen, right?"

Soft lines creased as Tess smiled. "I knew you'd warm to the idea."

After the procession and long line of bowing nobles, offering their loyalty to her throne, Kailee allowed the last of her new subjects to return to their places in the immense throneroom and stood. "Since the days of Maelirian the Wise, have this people had honor and known glory. In beautiful halls drinking to heroes in the various kingdoms which stretched for hundreds of leagues, the Masters of the Wind knew lives of prestige," her voice echoed to the high ceiling. "You are the descendents of great men and women and I want you to know that again. In this new age our neighbors which have been the enemy are over. A darkness which has kept you under it's shadow is the festering cancer which has taken the life from those kingdoms of old and left only Wroclaw alive to do it's bidding. Those days are at an end, my brothers and sisters. Kevelaer and Lamar are no longer to be guarded against but, will in time enjoy the fruits of our labors. Wroclaw's borders will stretch along the Oka Straits and in time have a navy of merchants also. Many who feared the very name of the Masters of the Wind will come to admire your halls once again as they do the Varangians and their cousins. A new day is dawning and you will live to see your grandchildren enjoy the sun again." Applause and shouts reverberated in the hall that nearly shocked Kailee from her stance. She had spoken her heart and revealed her desires on behalf of one who she had come to love as a dear friend which she glanced to as Tess stood behind the rank of royal guard to her right. Now to bring those ideas to fruition.