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

Cloudy, the following day matched Kailee's mood as she relaxed on the patio off of her bedroom and overlooked the quiet, empty homes that sat on the far hillside, across the wide river. One day they would be filled with families and producing wine and other commodities. The quiet mill on the bank grinding grain for Warwick's tables the way it used to.

Soon, she felt the presence of the young witch that had come to join them as Lyvyrikka and Tess walked through the room and out onto the covered, stone porch. "You wanted to see me," the teenage archmage asked.

Kailee turned to her and motioned to the couch beside her, "Yes, have a seat". She watched as the girl quietly complied, then eyed her apprehensively. "We've noticed your new project on the top of the mountain. How's that coming?"

"Sorry, I should've asked first, but Katsandra said it would be okay."

"I don't mind. It's good that you've decided to remain among us," she assured as Tess walked back into the room and out of sight, allowing them to chat.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Kailee noticed many thoughts and concerns roll through the girl's mind and knew just how she felt. "It's been a busy few days for all of us, here. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to welcome you the right way when we first met."

"No," brow furrowed. "You're an important person, that's okay. No need to concern yourself with me."

"That's the interesting thing about Warwick, when we come here all titles are forgotten. That's why I love this place."

Lyvyrikka nodded as her eyes drifted to the snow capped scenery around them. "Katsandra says you used to follow Him," she began as Kailee realized she was referring to Sater. "Is that true? How did you deal with the others around you, like all the knights of Arhus and such?"

She thought for a long moment, not wishing to revisit those days but, knew the younger protege' needed to hear it. "They accepted me as I was, to their credit. He never did anything but take from me anyway," she felt her emotions roil with the flashes of hate and deceit. "Once he tricked me into thinking I was his wife and when I realized what was happening and shunned him, he killed my family," she revealed as tears streamed and she turned away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Kailee shook her head and sniffed. "It's okay. I've tried to forget all those things he did to me and my friends because of me. You have to judge for yourself but, I can say one thing, that's a side of life that never gives what it promises," she began as she looked back into the hazel eyes full of confusion. "The other four deities have helped and provided for my friends and I'm thankful for that."

Lyvyrikka's brow furrowed. "That can't be. You must be speaking of someone else then."

"No, trust me, I know exactly who I speak of. I saw Sater face to face when he raped me in his own chamber. You've been deceived and not just you, but millions. Even his own son. My best friend was Enestius's mother, Tia. Her life was destroyed by him from an early age." She let the details sink in for a long moment and could see her old friend in Lyvyrikka's eyes. One who had a chance to get away from the darker arts and all those who practised them.

"My sisters told me that he helped in so many ways, taught them spells and such. I never doubted but, something in the back of my mind kept bugging me. I didn't belong there."

"I know exactly how you feel." Kailee saw the tiny sparkle of hope for the young girl beside her and wished she could've had this talk with Tia so long ago. "I'm really glad you met Katsandra and Danaca, they're both good people and raised well. They'll help you with any other questions you may have in the future but, I'm here also."

"Thank you."

Grinning, she remembered some chests in the closet and knew some of those items may come in handy for the new home that Lyvyrikka was building magically. "Come on, I have something for you." She rose and led the archmage into the room and towards the closet door, then opened it to reveal five large, polished wooden chests. She had kept these in here for many years now, hoping to one day have a use for their contents. Opening the first, colorful, velvet throw pillows shone in the dim daylight.

"These are beautiful," Lyvyrikka admired as she ran her hand across the nearest and Kailee opened the other four to reveal more quilts, pillows, and some smaller knick knacks.

"I want you to have these for your house when it's finished."

Hazel eyes rose in shock. "What? I can't...."

"Yes, you can. My mothers had these in various rooms that we don't even use anymore and I'd like them to be appreciated again. Not hidden away in here."

Lyvyrikka smiled. "I don't know what to say."

"You're welcome."