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

Once the lavish banquet was completed, Eirianwen stood which prompted Kailee and everyone else to rise also. "I believe that today was a momentous occasion and I hope the first of many meetings between our houses," she glanced to Count Gamardin. "It's been a pleasure meeting all of you finally and as we've stated, this day's importance won't be soon forgotten. Much more is at stake than our differences in this world and if we are to succeed, we need to be victorious together."

Kailee smiled and approached her long time friend of many years as the queen rounded her chair and prepared to leave. "I'm glad you came, Your Highness, and I look forward to seeing you again soon."

"As do I," Eirianwen smiled as Kailee hugged her tightly.

Mentally, the recipient of her affections chuckled. 'You know this isn't traditional protocol for statesmen.'

'I have no idea what traditional means,' Kailee replied as she backed and smiled, receiving the same courtesy in return. She smiled to the queen's eldest son as he passed, "Take good care of her".

"I will," he grinned. Soon after, Kevelaer was gated home. Kailee turned and noted the myriad of thoughts from her council, from judgement, doubt and admiration as she quietly strode towards her chambers, Gamardin, Eliane and her personal guard in tow.

"My lady," Gamardin began. "There would've been more accomplished had we been properly notified of her arrival."

"You already suspected who was coming," the elderly oracle countered. "Kevelaer has ever been a large part of the queen's life."

"I just don't like such surprises, nor do the other members of Your Highness's faithful subjects. Our worst enemy stepping foot within our own halls, such things would've been unheard of a year ago."

Kailee knew this day would be fraught with complications as she walked to a large, richly padded chair and sat down as Tess looked on from behind her. "A new day dawned when I was crowned here, sir. You've had to change a lot of your beliefs and lay aside many animosities since. Duke Otnel and his men gladly fought alongside men and dwarves in the Black Mountains not a few weeks ago and were received here with praise."

The stoutly built noble paced, hands behind his back as Eliane sat near Kailee and watched. "We fought high elves during the first dark age, long before you were even a thought, Your Highness. My own brothers and family died during those turbulent years at their hand and I vowed revenge since. Now, I'm being asked to forget all those days by a pub..."

"Watch your tone," Eliane cut him off. "I'll not have that kind of speech used against your anointed sovereign, do you hear me?" A reprimand gaining the soldier's full attention. "Do you hear me?"

"Yes, ma'am. Forgive me," he calmed and turned towards them. "You know as well as I that this alliance will be met with continued problems, irregardless of the concessions she's made towards us. Our men even now fight along the border with their own scouts, as it's been for centuries."

"Then pull them back," Kailee directed.

Gamardin straightened. "It's a matter of honor, milady. Our knights have become men in combat, that's our tradition. Are you asking us to throw all that aside?"

"I'm asking you to allow peace a chance. There are still other enemies to fight, the Second Dark Age is far from over, trust me."

He chuckled as Eliane leaned forward. "The queen has given you an order, see to it," a confirmation that melted his chiding tone.

"And where are they to go then?"

"Here," Kailee continued. "Allow them to train your younger men and women for now. Their experiences will be important to the army."

For a long moment, the veteran stared quietly. She could hear his frustration and disdain for her command but, also his realization of how quickly he could be replaced which prompted an obedient nod. Golden eyes watched him exit and close the door behind him.

"This mountain is a lot higher than I realized," Kailee admitted.

Eliane grinned as she placed a consoling hand on her arm. "You've done well. Your innocence is hard for warriors to accept so, be patient. It's not our way, Your Highness, that's why I know you're exactly what we've needed. All things happen for a reason."

A wide, admiring grin arced across the bronze face. "You have a lot more influence here than I thought also. Why weren't you crowned queen instead?"

Eliane retreated as cloudy orange eyes looked towards the exquisite furniture and tapestries. "My place is ensuring yours," she turned back to Kailee and smiled. "This isn't a face that will win us alliances with many trustworthy races in the near future." Tiredly, she rose and headed towards the throneroom door. "I'll make sure this peace with Kevelaer is a lasting one."

"Thank you, Eliane," Kailee called as the stooped dark elf turned and smiled, then closed the door behind her.