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

Kailee dressed quietly as Adgertesse packed a few things also while Duke Otnel and his guards looked on from outside the door. She felt numb since the news. Even though she knew that one day it would come, she was never quite prepared. Swallowing hard, she eyed her dearest friend.

"Ready?"

Tess nodded as she shouldered their packs and met her at the door as Kailee washed her right hand through the air, opening a gate to the castle in Warwick. Everyone had been notified of the recent loss and she found them waiting in the bailey as they stepped through. Marian and her children stood among them, gated here from Sonvico by Selyria. Avoiding eye contact, she turned and opened another to the farm, south of the walls of Carbost. Seeing the home that they had all spent so much time together elevated her sadness and she swallowed hard as the large group filed through, some leading horses onto the green grass. Allowing the gate to close behind them, she could sense the mood about the modest, two story building as well as Michael who stepped out onto the porch. He hugged many as they expressed their condolences to the eldest son and his family and Kailee found she couldn't move.

"You want me to get us some rooms in town," Tess asked.

She nodded. "Not sure they'll be any but, you can try."

"My lady shouldn't be staying in any inn," the duke countered, prompting her to turn and eye the black armored veteran. "The duke should offer accommodation or we should be to Wroclaw this evening."

"Duke, I respect your opinions but, not right now. Please." Golden eyes, sparkling in the sunlight gazed to Tess. "See what you can do."

"Maybe, I can ask Ehlana. They have the apartment over the stables."

"Kailee," Michael called as he walked up, gaining their attention. "You can stay with us. We have room."

"Her Highness," the captain corrected.

"Forgive me, Your Highness is more than welcome to remain with us."

Wanting to express what she was feeling, she just nodded as he reached for their bags which Tess handed him, then followed him into the house as Lericanin and many of the others went inside or sat upon the porch. Turning towards the fenced in corral, she quietly walked through the shadow of the large oak and approached the wooden barrier. Nervously, the beautifully bred steeds retreated from her, muscles tensed under shiny coats of various colors and she suddenly remembered her black mare that had been given to her by Bhatar's friend, so long ago. No matter how she tried to rationalize their new home in Ghevond, being younger and more vibrant it was still hard to let any of her friends go. Not that she had any choice.

Soon, she and Tess changed and cleaned up. As she reached for her simpler woolen blouse, her friend cleared her throat in objection.

"I think we should both represent as his friends in the right way," she stated and handed her a regal gown.

"You know, this isn't how he would've wanted it," feeling her emotions well again and noticed Tess felt the same.

Nodding, the nightblade continued holding out the beautiful, deep green dress whose sparkling adornments shone in the sunlight beaming through the thinly veiled window. Finally, Kailee took it and they got ready.

As the long train of people made their way to the cathedral, they noticed a growing crowd not only outside the large, double doors, but also within. Overwhelmed, Kailee couldn't believe her eyes but, knew that Allaster and Lina had both made a large impact on their community, it was only fitting that they would both be honored this way. On their way to the front rows, she noticed the elven queen of Kevelaer and family sitting with Bhatar who had taken liberty and brought his large chair which commanded the right wall, between two pillars. Thurgen, Rupert and their families as well as many from the Black Anvil clan sat on the opposite side as Knights from the Order of the Golden Scepter stood guard to either side of both, large clumps of flowers in the center of the marble floor.
Kailee claimed a seat beside her high elven friend who quickly took her hand and held it tightly. She smiled and nodded in appreciation as Tess sat to her left, also in a form fitting, royal blue dress.

"I'm glad you came," Kailee said, trying to hold it together.

"How could I not? They were my friends as well."

Soon, the priest rose and prayed, then ran a list of accolades upon their honored, showering the couple with their deeds and reminding everyone who didn't know them as well of the examples they had become to the community. Shining beacons who served not only the church but, also the duchy as well.