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

Finally standing, she turned and looked down the dimly lit hallway to the stairs beyond. Four doors, two to each side stood quietly closed and she began to wonder if this was all some clever trap. Lure their prisoner into a false sense of security, then laugh while they killed her. Demons, dark elves and vampires were never known for their hospitality.

But, the feeling in the air around Aaliyah proved otherwise. Mentally, she found no residual magic on the door frame nor the hallway. Perhaps Kailee wasn't the person she had been told of. Only one way to find out, she surmised and stepped out through the cell's confines and felt no lightning bolt or firewall to consume her. Grinning skeptically, she warily continued to the stairwell that rose into a quiet armory. Beyond the leftmost door, she could hear music and laughter and decided to investigate. Quietly, the high elf moved to the closed oaken barrier and listened to the joyful noise in the next room. Full of people, she soon felt odd remaining here in the shadows and turned the knob. Pulling the door open, she noticed immediately the party ensuing within the great hall.

Remaining in the background, she continued into the large hall whose immense fireplace on the far wall as well as the chandelier hanging above lit the room brightly. Blue eyes studied those enjoying the quartet of dancing women, Adgertesse being one of them, whose seductive style almost reminded her of the Jann and Macau styles used by their female dancers. Dervish were amazing artists and she began to wonder who the brunettes were, one of them seeming more out of place than the second, who she recognized as Danaca.

She moved along the wall towards the banquet table and absentmindedly grabbed some fruit and began eating.

"Impressive, aren't they," an older male voice interrupted her train of thought and she quickly turned to the elderly man beside her. His tall frame and strong hands made her think of a veteran of many battles as she swallowed and nodded. His blue eyes smiled as he gazed back to the scene. "Makes me wish I was a few years younger."

"Hmm," she nodded and continued eating as she glanced back to the main attraction also. Hungry, she continued to get her fill as her eyes drifted to Kailee who lovingly hugged an older woman and Katsandra who smiled as they talked, all eyes to the center. Aaliyah, confused began to ponder on the scene. How had one demon not even trained in any of the underworld universities or by any of the dark masters been able to command such allegiance? It made no sense.

"I'm Lericanin," he finally introduced and Aaliyah nearly choked as she looked back at him. Apparently waiting for the polite response, she wasn't sure how to tell him.

"Aaliyah," she nodded.

"Pleasure. I heard that we had a guest," he grinned as intuitive eyes then glanced back to the crowd. "She's something, isn't she?"

Brow furrowed, "Who?".

"Kailee. You're the second assassin that she's spared," he glanced down to her. "The first is now her dearest friend. Makes me wonder how your story will end, though I hope it's for the better. For your sake at least."

Her blue eyes fell a bit and she reached for a goblet of wine and washed down the fruit which she had been enjoying. "I've survived much over the years, it's true," she finally revealed.

"Know this, as I'm sure that Kristal already conveyed, we all hold our friendships in this enormous family dearly. Arhus and the gods have spared many of us during these years of turmoil. Though, for my part, sometimes I wonder why," he chuckled. "I've realized some beautiful things though and I hope that someday you do too."

Her heart began to create conflicting feelings as he spoke. "I had something beautiful once....and those two took it away," she glanced to Katsandra and Danaca. His eyes followed hers and he mused as she wasn't sure how she felt now. Enestius had abandoned her when she needed him the most, still unable to reach him. Perhaps his mother finally got her wish.

"One thing I've learned in my years, sometimes things aren't what they seem." A comment that regained her full attention. "He may have loved you in his fashion and I have no doubts that you felt the same but, life has gone on and will continue long after we've gone. Open your eyes," he motioned to the crowd they had been watching and listening to as she suddenly noticed Kristal and the other vampires emerge from the far left door and join in the celebration. "This is what life is all about. Those of different backgrounds and cultures being able to come here and not be judged for their beliefs or what they look like. That's what this world was meant to be like in the first place."

As she pondered on his wisdom, the party again grabbed her attention and she realized he was right. This sort of thing would never have been possible back home. Stereotyping was rampant even among her own. He was soon joined by an elegant, older woman who lovingly hugged and leaned against him and she suddenly felt out of place here.

"Aaliyah, this is my wife, Nyrellia. Darling, meet our newest guest."

"Hello there, pleasure," the green eyes still vibrant, smiled at her and Aaliyah grinned in return.

"Nice to meet you," she sighed and set the goblet down. "If you'll excuse me," she quickly moved through the kitchen and found the door out which led out onto a large, wide wooden platform which extended out over the lake. As the door closed, she allowed the cool air and moonlight to calm her. None of this made any sense, she mused. "I should be dead," she whispered to no one in particular. As she witnessed the scene around her, blues and blacks thinly highlighted as the snow and waves over the lake caught the dim glow, her defenses continued to crumble.

After the peace for some time had become welcomed, she felt the presence of her hostess emerge from the kitchen and she grinned without turning. "Evening. Some party there."

"We enjoy these gatherings once a year here. Celebrate our lives restored after the battle in Deristan as well as my friend's children and now grandchildren," Kailee informed. "How long since you've been home?"

Aaliyah couldn't really remember. "Some time now."

The brown wood and air around her brightened as the demon stepped up to her side. "I love this place. Warwick was built by my father and mother's a long time ago," she turned to Aaliyah. "Though, I have a feeling you knew that already."

The high elf nodded. "I admire you...a bit," she pushed out and then felt odd saying it.

"Why?"

Blue eyes turned to the half veiled face of bronze and motioned inside. "These people really love you or do you have them under some spell?"

Kailee chuckled. "No. I don't know of any spell powerful enough to affect so many. Though, I have a feeling there's probably someone out there that does." She turned to face Aaliyah more directly. "This came with a lot of work and trust, believe me. Some things are just easier for certain people, I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"They learned to trust without prejudging, which I know is nearly impossible for most. Did you notice how he spoke to you," she asked, referring to Lericanin and Aaliyah nodded. "Not as an enemy but, giving you the benefit of the doubt."

She looked at her hands, "This place is so strange. I don't understand why you let me live," she returned her attention to the healer of her wounds.

A smile arced below the black, silken scarf. "If I sat and gathered all the things I've seen over the years, I would have as much reason to hate as you do. By all rights these nobles, champions of Arhus and Knight's Marshals of Elminoir as well as their families would have cast me out and I'd be living in some cave, pondering my own survival. Hunted by the paladin and templar from Soderham as well as other powerful mages seeking my alliance or parts for their potions is enough already. To their credit, the people in this town right now have been my strength and have kept me, Tess and Kristal and her companions safe from those who would destroy us. I know why you've chosen some of the paths that you have, it's all you've known but, I want to show you another way. This world has many more benefits other than short termed ones. There is a power greater than any magic can provide."

Aaliyah began to admire the female before her. "I now know why the dark elves elected you their queen."

Kailee chuckled. "Then maybe you can explain it to me. Because I'm still trying to figure that one out."

"It's simple. They want to realize their former glory and you have all the necessary alliances," she shrugged. "I have many others that could help you also." She glanced towards the large home, then back. "This confederation that I once served has many that are disillusioned by what was promised. You could not only gather orc and other kingdoms to your cause, but also a large cluster of dragons."

A thought that gained Kailee's attention. "Getting humans and elves to sign treaties with the orcs won't be easy, but it's something that I would love to see. They've been fighting one another for centuries, and for what?"

"It won't be easy, you're right. But, allow me to be your emissary to them."

Taken aback, Kailee studied her for a long moment. "Why would you do this? You don't owe me anything."

Aaliyah straightened. "You've given me my life, I owe you mine. I also believe that if you will allow a dark elf to serve you, surely a high elf could also."

Kailee's brow furrowed slightly. "Adgertesse is my sister....I would love to have your help in this. They may not be understanding of your turn of allegiance though. You'll need to be careful."

"I can take care of myself, trust me. I know these nations well and I won't fail you." Aaliyah now had a new focus and stood stunned as her new employer hugged her tightly.

"I know you won't and if you need anything at all, just call on me." Kailee replied, then backed.

"Thank you for this opportunity." She bowed slightly to the queen of Wroclaw, then moved to head back into the kitchen and noticed the dark elf quietly standing between her and the door and she stopped. Tess mused then extended her hand and Aaliyah took it.

"Good luck," the dark elf stated in her native tongue.

"May the Masters of the Wind guide your path always," Aaliyah returned fluently, having visited Wroclaw many times in the past.