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

Once Katsandra and Danaca said their goodbyes, Kailee gated her army back home to the darker halls of Wroclaw, the seat of her kingdom. Abuzz with renewed activity, the grand reception hall came alive with family members as well as her court who emerged from the many doorways to hear the news.

Bowing to her stiffly, Baithen eyed Kailee. "How went the campaign, Your Highness?"

"Successful. He and his mother are dead, their castle burned," she replied tiredly to the chamberlain.

His normally stoic face lightened as beautifully carved staff rose into the air, "All hail the Queen!!" Erupting, voices yelled in celebration for the victory, a moment that awoke her fully to the moment. She looked into the faces of the dark elves around her as they revelled and realized what she had become a part of and it scared her a little.

"I have to give much credit to Duke Otnel and his men for their bravery as well as those who fell taking the palace," she grinned at the valiant commander who quickly bowed to her, then rose and saluted the queen, fist across his chest.

"Your leadership more than my sword, Milady," his deep voice countered humbly.

"A great day nonetheless. Take your rest and we'll see to the fallen, milord."

He bowed again, then half turned to his men. "See our brothers to their families, men."

Kailee allowed them their preparations as she led Tess and her chamberlain towards the throneroom and her own chambers. "How fare things here, Baithen?"

"Good, Your Highness. We've been making preparations for your meetings, though it would be good to know who we are to be accomodating."

"In time, sir. Let's finish taking care of the men first, then we'll work on the other in the morning."

"As you wish."

She continued into her own bedroom as Adgertesse closed the door behind them and began removing her weapons belt.

"So, who's coming," Tess queried.

Kailee hung the belt onto the ornate, wooden coatrack. "I really need a bath."

"I need to guess?"

Fiery, golden eyes turned to her closest friend, "No". Kailee continued into the large bathroom and disrobed as the nightblade neared the doorway.

"Kevelaer," she asked quietly.

"You don't think it's time? I do." Stepping down into the marble tub, she knelt and touched the runed stone at it's bottom, which promptly began filling the large container with warm water. As she sat, she glanced to Tess who remained staring at her dumbly. "What?"

"I'm just trying to picture this." The lithely framed dark elf approached slowly. "It's not coming."

"You knew that one day we would be signing an agreement to stop the fighting. It's been too long since this war began between these cousins. Your people deserve a break, wouldn't you agree?"

Tess nodded quietly as she sat on the raised edge. "I guess it's just one of those things I couldn't see, that's all," orange eyes glanced to the queen. "You know how tense this city will be when they arrive?"

Kailee had tried to prepare herself for the worst. But in reality how could one prepare for everything? "I know this won't be easy but, we have to try."

"Who's coming?"

"The queen wasn't sure it would be a good idea to come herself for the first meeting, but she also didn't feel comfortable sending anyone else either."

Nervous adrenaline pumped through Adgertesse's veins and Kailee could hear it clearly. "A true test for your throne, that's for sure."

Kailee chuckled. "No doubt."