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

After months of negotiations, quelled arguments and an assassination attempt, the winter began to warm as Kailee walked through the snow covered forest as a quiet breeze dully whispered through the upper boughs. Birdsong echoed hauntingly in the distance as the crunch of her footsteps offered a timed accompaniment.

Soon, a familiar presence followed by a group approached hurriedly as Tess and Kailee's royal guard moved to join her. For some reason she couldn't explain, her heart had been heavy all night. Perhaps the stress of the past saflia was taking it's toll finally.

"Kailee," Tess called as her trusted companion rounded a large spruce. "What are you doing out here alone?"

Sighing, she turned to see the concern on the group's faces. "I just needed a quiet walk."

Tess eased and stopped within a few feet. "Last thing I needed was to find you...."

The sentiment drew more emotion from the already odd morning. "I'm fine," Kailee tried to assure. "After all we've been through together since we met, why would you think otherwise?"

"Could've been the dagger in the crowd two months ago that was meant for you," the dark elf reminded. "He had many friends that could be feeling the same way."

Kailee smiled. "I'm fine."

Nodding, she knew Tess was less optimistic as the nightblade shifted her weight to one side, hands on hips. "Don't do this again. Am I understood?"

Bright lines ran down Kailee's cheeks and continued brightened streaks along the silken black veil. "I needed some space for a moment."

Biting her bottom lip, her friend eyed the queen sympathetically. "What's amiss," she asked quietly. "You hardly slept last night."

Vision clouded, Kailee sighed heavily. "I don't know actually. Are we ready to go to Warwick? The gathering is tomorrow." Past events demanded the break from court and intrigues and Kailee couldn't wait to get to her first home and see her friends again. The past year had seemed like a lifetime.

"I've got your things packed, not that much is needed," Tess confirmed. "Eliane was worried about you also, what's going on?"

Kailee shrugged. "I don't know."

"Just overwrought, maybe," Tess placed a consoling hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's get to Warwick. Need to make sure the town's still standing."

"Why wouldn't it be?"

Tess grinned. "I was joking. Trying to lighten your mood; I seem to have lost the knack."

Kailee moved in and hugged her friend. "No, you haven't. I'm just tired."

"You haven't slept much lately. Of course you're tired." Tess patted her on the back, then retreated. "Let's go see the group. Baithen and the others already know we're on to the yearly trip so, we can go now if you wish."

Nodding, she wiped her cheeks. "Alright." In her mind, tall oaks were replaced with the quiet river valley, houses and businesses built in a half circle facing the island castle which centered the verdant surroundings. Creating a wide swath with her right hand, the tear in reality opened to the raucous bailey and it's central castle beyond. Ten armored dark elves moved in as Kailee and Tess followed behind, letting the gate be reclaimed by the natural surroundings. As she rounded the valiant and faithful unit, she noticed an attractive brunette leaving the castle's main door and freeze in place.

"Good evening," Kailee greeted as she approached the wide-eyed teenager. "Leaving the party so soon?"

"Ahh," the young witch stammered. "Just needed some air, that's all," she replied quietly.

Hands clasped before her, she studied the familiar spirit in the archmage who's aura swam in various colors. Lyvyrikka and Selyria had much in common. "I'm Kailee," she introduced as Tess moved up to eye the newcomer. "This is my friend, Adgertesse."

"Lyvyrikka, pleasure."

"Nice to meet you," Tess greeted. "Which party are you with?"

"Katsandra and Danaca. I met them some months ago up north."

"You're in good company then," Kailee stated as she listened to the swimming thoughts of escape from the young girl reminded Kailee of her own turmoil. "It's been a pleasure. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of you for the next few days then."

Lyvyrikka nodded, hazel eyes still fixated on the demon before her as Kailee grinned, then led her small entourage on into the great hall.
Lit by a multitude of candles and Selyria's runed stones which emanated strong pulses of constant blue light, the faces sitting around the immense table lit up as they stood and greeted the arrivals. Kailee felt her heart unload it's heavy burden as she hugged each in turn, glad to be home again.

"It's good to see you all here," she said, arm still around Allaster's thickened waist.

"I think we're all here now," Lericanin's deep voice stated as he reclaimed his seat. "How do things fare in Wroclaw?"

She eyed the white haired captain, blue eyes still as bright as when they had first met in Laksay, so long ago. "Well. We've signed a treaty with Kevelaer and expanded our borders to the Oka Straits," she explained, not wanting to get into politics while she was here, but indulged the curiosity.

"Congratulations," Nyrellia smiled. "That's quite an accomplishment."

Kailee remained alongside Allaster as the tired warrior sat, gloved hand on his shoulder. "There's still much work to be done, but thank you." It was good to be home.