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

Staring up into the canopy of her bed, Kailee probably hadn't slept more than a few hours all night with the thoughts of what the next day would bring. A meeting between two peoples that had been at war for the better part of fifteen millennia, how did she expect them to just lay down their arms and say 'enough was enough'. The more she pondered the possibilities, the more absurd the idea sounded. Perhaps she should tell the queen, her friend, to cancel after all. Kailee couldn't bear the thought of losing the leader of Kevelaer within her own halls.

She sighed, then sat up finally as Tess stirred.

"Did you sleep at all?"

"Little. It's still early though, go back to sleep. I have some things to do before they arrive."

"Anything I can do to help?"

Kailee smiled. "Not really but, thanks." Swinging her legs out from underneath the heavy blankets, she rose and moved to get dressed. Once done, she went through the quiet rooms beyond and out into the neighboring throneroom whose light made her squint. A long table and high backed chairs had been arranged down the center of the long, rectangular room and she quickly noticed the oracle's bent shape staring towards the throne itself, then turn to her.

"Good morning, Your Highness. Did you not sleep," her gravely voice inquired in a motherly tone.

"I rested enough, Eliane. I'm fine. You?"

Creased lines deepened as the elder sage smiled. "I sleep little while whispers in the shadows and plots permeate these walls, madam. My job is never finished."

"Plots," Kailee asked concernedly. "Against whom?"

Eliane chuckled. "For centuries this city has known such things. If we're not fighting one another for position, we're finding reasons to go to war with the very people you're wishing us to live among now."

She should've known her visitors today wouldn't be kept from someone of Eliane's talents. "So, you know who's coming then?"

"Of course, madam. It's my job to know," milky eyes glanced back towards the table. "I never thought I'd see this day. Enemies sitting among us and wishing peace, opening trade as well as our borders." She shook her head as Kailee approached. "Certainly nothing Azumat would've envisioned."

"I've become a bit anxious about today's visit, to be honest," Kailee revealed, prompting a sidelong glance from the aged dark elf.

"As you should be." Eliane squared on her. "You've brought something to us that we never could've done on our own and I've never been more proud to be alive." Taken aback, Kailee's eyes narrowed in confusion as gnarled hands caressed her cheeks. "This day will never be forgotten."

* * *

Bedecked in jeweled gown, Kailee stood waiting in her living room as Baithen, Eliane, Tess and her own personal guard stood by. Nervously, she eyed the shapely dress in the mirror which fit to the unseen woman within it.

"You glow, Your Highness," Baithen stated admiringly.

Kailee glanced to him, grinning. "Thank you, sir." Suddenly, she felt the pulse of a powerful spell which originated in the grand lobby. "They're here," she announced and quickly moved towards the throneroom, now full of her own advisors who all bowed to her as she entered. Each in polished black armor, velvet and silks as well as their heavy necklaces whose pendants declared it's wearer's station as they approached their respective chairs and followed her eyes towards the distant double doors. Opening, they revealed the queen of Kevelaer in royal blue gown, silver accents with her golden crown resting within her silvery hair as she stepped into the doorway and bowed her head in respect, then rose.

"Kevelaer wishes long life to it's hostess and her great people and is most gracious of Wroclaw's invitation."

Kailee smiled. "Wroclaw wishes their guests to come and fellowship and accept it's hand in friendship and an end to their long conflict."

"A day too long in coming, Your Highness," Eirianwen then walked in and led her entourage of seven advisors as well as her eldest son, all in royal blue and gold. A grand display indeed between both kingdoms who now faced one another across the polished, mahogany table, then sat down once introductions were made.

"I've called this gathering to end the war that has ravaged our kingdoms," Kailee began. "It's my dream to see our peoples trade ideas as well as goods."

Eirianwen nodded in agreement, then glanced towards Count Gamardin, Wroclaw's chief advisor. "That is Kevelaer's dream as well and I'm prepared to pay reparations to Wroclaw for it's losses of land as well as knight and soldier."

"Kevelaer's coffers aren't that full, milady," the extravantly dressed dark elf stated. "I will accept your offer of territory though, extending northwards to the human duchy of Carbost as well as the raw materials within the mountains on our side," he demanded in his native tongue.

Kailee grew nervous immediately at the insult. "Your offer to Wroclaw is gracious, Your Highness. I know peace will take some time to gain beyond this room. I'm not a fool to believe that millennia of conflict will be forgotten in a moment but, a breach has to be made."

"Of course," Eirianwen replied in dark elven. "I too realize this," blue eyes glanced back to the Count. "I recognize Wroclaw's control of the mountains and land from our eastern border to the sea, from Carbost's border to the lands of Lamar in the south. It's also my wish for an end to the war."

Gamardin sneered, glaring at the high elven queen. "It's been long known of your sleeping with not only the humans but, also the dwarves and halflings. Pride has been checked for a long time, it seems."

"Sir," Kailee interrupted. "This is a time for healing old wounds for the sake of my people, your children. Keep that in mind."

Orange eyes softened, "My lady," he nodded in respect then sighed, "As you said, it's going to take some time to forget all the offenses of the past."

"I've opened my doors to the northern neighbors, it's true," Eirianwen answered. "I've allowed offenses against my family to be set aside for the good of my children and grandchildren. Death has been recompensed to those who began the dark age, my only goal since then has been to keep a strong position of defense but, I've never lowered my standards nor have I allied myself with darkness," she countered to the surprise of all, Kailee especially. "But, those days are behind us now. The dawning of a new day has begun," she turned to Kailee. "and I will ever love the queen of Wroclaw as one of my own and support her kingdom."

Gamardin incensed, leaned forward. "Nor have we lowered our standards by allowing the filth of the world to change who we are. The Masters of the Wind have stood by our principles in the face of all that has been thrown at us, proudly."

"But," Kailee interrupted before the doors closed completely. "Those leading Wroclaw haven't always done so with the interest of this people in mind. It's been my intention to change that."

Drinks were brought to each member at the table and Kailee quickly noticed Eirianwen purify any poisons in her wine with the touch of a finger, then raise the crystal goblet. "To peace." A toast that took the dark elves a moment to agree to but, followed suit as Kailee raised her own.