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

After wiling away four days in the sun and peace of Rimnicu, Kailee knew she had to get back to Wroclaw. As she pulled on her shirt and pulled her flaming hair from beneath, Tess emerged from around the enormous oak that shaded their sleeping place.

"Guess this means the party's over," she began, resolved to their stations in life. "I really enjoyed being here," she straightened, hands on hips. "I've noticed a change in you too."

Kailee smiled as she picked up her short, dark grey coat and put it on. "Hopefully for the better."

Nodding, Tess grinned. "Yeah."

"I hope you're planning on dressing before we return home."

Adgertesse shrugged. "I don't know, who would say anything to the queen's lady-in-waiting? I'm privileged now."

"Eliane." A name that sparked movement in the sarcastic dark elf.

"Always ruining my fun."

Kailee primped the leather jacket from errant strings and such as she headed towards the lake to say goodbye to their hostess. "I'm beginning to think I'm the rock instead, keeping you out of trouble."

Tess chuckled. "That'll be the day."

Through the heavily populated undergrowth, she moved until finally noticing the long, sleek form rising from the water and laying along the beach to her right. Crossing the river, she strode towards Bronwynne who sunned herself as sylph and pixies played in the trees around her. She soon stopped near the craned neck.

"You're leaving us," the greeting as the nearest blue eye opened. "I've enjoyed having you here."

"Have to get back to our people, still much to be done."

"I understand. I hope to see you again soon."

"Of course," Kailee leaned over and hugged the long nose and kissed Bronwynne on the cheek. "Thank you for everything."

Smiling, the dragon quietly mused as Tess joined them. "The forest provided, not I."

* * *

"It's good to have Your Highness back," Eliane greeted as Kailee noticed Duke Otnel approach with four of his knights. "The border is secured and the King of Lamar sent a few crates of their ale as well as a gift for Your Highness. It's in your study."

"Thank you. Any word from Salekhard?" She had sent a letter to the orc king some months back, hopefully he or his attendants could read it.

"None yet, milady." Kailee could sense the hesitation in her oracle and trusted advisor.

"What is it?"

"It's not my place to question my liege's intentions but, is it wise to open our doors to an enemy of our newest allies? Might it be a bit soon?"

"They've both accepted us."

"And our bond is still strengthening." Eliane allowed that point to linger.

"What's done is done. If he answers then we can go from there, otherwise I shouldn't worry about it. The war is to our north and I'd like to assist Davos and Chesham any way we can." She informed as the entourage followed her and Tess into the throneroom. Within the long, ornately decorated room she noticed Count Gamardin and his staff of nobles rise and bow to her, then approach.

"Welcome home, Your Highness. I hope all is settled."

Kailee nodded. "It is, thank you. What news of the army?"

"Still refitting and currently still training our latest generation of recruits."

"How soon will they be ready to campaign?"

"Very soon, Your Highness," his chest puffed a bit at the news. "What will be our target?"

She moved towards the map of their northern shoreline which wrapped east and then north towards the port towns of Davos. Pointing at the Rhymney River, she began. "I've been told by scouts that the enemy has established a string of bases north towards Newcastle supplied by a base here. The Jann have been strengthening their positions with garrisons all along this river and across country." She straightened and eyed her war council. "I've also learned that the halflings of Chesham have already struck and successfully burned several supply caravans." Information that she knew would goad them into action.

"We'll be ready in three days," he eagerly stated then smiled.

* * *

That evening, Kailee stretched as she stood before the large fireplace in her living room. Golden eyes gazed into the fire and became lost in it as visions of bluish-white light brightened and revealed floating platforms. The nearest whose grey stone and blue tiling which seemed to be alive, danced in a wide circle and formed symbols which waxed and waned as they rotated. A language that she soon understood to be of titan origin. Letters of power spun within the shallow rim as a presence emerged from the center. Two pinpricks of light blinked from within a misty, black cloud.

"My love is tired and her rest will soon come. I promise," the genderless voice informed. "A valuable trinket is on it's way and you need to use it to stop this madness. Their games have worn your tender heart to breaking and I can't stand to see you hurt so."

Kailee's drunken state soon sobered somewhat as she noticed a soft, loving face morph from the dark smoke and smile warmly. "Worn...."

"Yes, to breaking. We will put an end to their manipulations and you'll be free. No longer bound to that place you hate so."

"Not bound...."

"I will free you...my daughter. I promise." Motherly arms reached out and held her as Kailee's eyes closed, taking solace in the warmth of their shoulder.

"Free..."