"Garraewynn, are you sure this is necessary?"
Queen Anaerin carefully adjusted the gem-encrusted diadem resting on her brow, huffing in irritation as the flowing sleeves of her silvery blouse got caught in her breastplate. The carriage escorting her and her Lieutenant shuddered as they continued forward on the dirt road, and the whinnying of the distant horses drew her attention away from her jewels for just a moment as she gazed out of the window at the expansive farmlands that bordered the capital city.
"Of course," the elf replied, shifting in his seat. "I know you don't appreciate traveling with the full royal caravan, but-"
"It's absolutely awful," she interjected, earning an irritated grimace from Garraewynn. "I've never been one to showboat and this... well. Don't you think an entire cavalry battalion is a little excessive? I should have never let you talk me into this."
"Your Grace," Garraewynn replied calmly, as though trying to calm a whining child, "King Robert has not seen you in almost a decade. If ever there was a time to display the full decadence of the Fifth Circle, surely it would be now. You're the Queen of the Elves, after all. Do you not think that we should at least try to share our best with the world?"
"I'd much rather share 'our best' on the battlefield, while striking down our foes," Anaerin insisted, "but I suppose now isn't really the time for that."
"Well said, Your Grace," Garraewynn answered with a satisfied smile. "I'm sure plenty of battles await us once we figure out exactly what's going on."
He reached over and pushed a strand of golden hair out of the queen's eyes, revealing her stunning emerald eyes that always seemed angrily transfixed on something that only she could see. "And would it kill you to smile every once in a while? I can't be the only one who knows you're capable of that."
"I smile!" Anaerin replied defensively, waving his hand away. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't baby me all the time. I know you mean well but it's... degrading."
"If I don't care for you, then who will?" Garraewynn answered as Anaerin turned back to the open window. "The late King was very clear that I was to protect you at all costs. Even if it means protecting you from yourself. And you know as well as I that your diplomatic skills leave much to be desired. Even if it is King Robert."
"Being nice to humans is a waste of time," Anaerin replied indignantly. "As soon as they are born, they die. Robert is not the first human king I've had to deal with, and he certainly won't be the last. And besides... they age like bananas. It's awful to watch."
"You speak like you dislike King Robert," Garraewynn said with a small smirk. Anaerin glared at him, her eyes like daggers piercing into his soul.
"I don't dislike him," she answered, "but as you said, it's been ten years. It may not seem like much, but humans tend to change much faster than we do. Ten years for them is like a hundred years to us. He may very well have forgotten our last meeting by now."
"Oh, I doubt anyone would forget something like that," Garraewynn answered, and Anaerin fell silent. Truth be told, she didn't know much about the humans aside from what everyone knew, and had never really been inclined to learn more. They were so fragile, and died so young; any treaties made with them would have to be renewed every century or so, and their code of honor left much to be desired.
Anaerin did admit, however begrudgingly, that of all the races that lived in Calenduun, the humans were not only the most plentiful, but also the most versatile of the lot. They had bred many of history's most skilled warriors, mages, and clerics... but however good they were, they still died long before any elf even crossed the threshold of mid-life. Perhaps that was why there were so many of them.
It was for this reason that Anaerin chose not to draw too close to their leaders. For better or for worse, one day King Robert would die. And from the start of his reign to the very end, there was no telling what he would choose to spend his life doing for - or to - his people... or to anyone else's, for that matter. With so much stock to choose from it was no wonder that the King's Army was by far the largest of the Five Circles. They may not have been the strongest, but their numbers were enough to cause even the strongest challenger to hesitate.
Soon, the sun began to set on their fifth, and final day of travel. Anaerin was no stranger to long roadtrips, but she could tell that her men were beginning to tire, despite their nightly rests. However, they would not stop that night, as she could see the towering spires of Valentia's castle peaking in the distance. It may not have been as ornate and glittering as Glathe, but a castle built like a fortress had its own merits, which Anaerin had come to respect despite the distinct lack of courtyards and menageries she had come to cherish at home.
The sky was alight with sunset's fire as she dispatched a messenger from the caravan to notify Robert's court of her arrival. The massive stone walls that surrounded the capital city drew closer and closer as the cavalry took the lead, leaving Garraewynn and his queen at the rear. Curious gazes emerged from the villagers that had settled just outside of the city, and Anaerin was drawn to the countless little human children, fascinated by the procession, that ran out into the road to watch. Even the adults were looking on in awe, though they did not exhibit the same unrestrained enthusiasm as the little ones. They knew better than to trust strange new arrivals in their homeland. Though certainly with all of the inter-circle trading, this could not be the first time they had seen an elf?
As they drew closer to their destination, Anaerin could feel a knot building in her stomach. Garraewynn's words still haunted her - she'd still been but a Princess during their last meeting, and Robert a newly coronated King. Despite Anaerin being more than twice his current age, Robert's reign was technically longer than hers... for now. Anaerin had only been Queen for five years now - a mere moment in elven time, and as such her reign was still considered to be in its infancy. But perhaps, to Robert, five years meant more than it did to her own people.
The procession came to a stop in front of the vast courtyard of the royal palace, and Anaerin took a deep, calming breath. Garraewynn took her hand in his and squeezed lightly; momentarily taken aback by this affection, Anaerin moved to withdraw. But his warm grip offered her a slight comfort, and so she smiled instead of her usual snappy comeback.
"You'll be fine," he said quietly as he moved to exit, and Anaerin huffed.
"I know," was her jaded reply, though she secretly appreciated the reassurance.
Stealthily glanced out from behind the chiffon curtains, Anaerin tried to spot King Robert among the congregation that had gathered to welcome her. She didn't recognize any of the faces in the crowd, but at the forefront stood a young woman, dressed in wine-red velvet and golden brocade, with a golden crown atop her head. Anaerin frowned; she didn't remember Robert having any sisters the last time she visited, and his mother had passed years ago shortly after his birth. So who was this woman who had been sent to receive such esteemed guests in the King's place?
"Queen Vivian, what an honor to be welcomed into your home." Garraewynn's voice permeated the small cabin, and Anaerin watched him kiss the woman's hand.
"The honor is mine, Captain Garraewynn," the woman replied with a soft, melodic lilt as a footman jogged over to open the carriage door for Anaerin. "What a truly historic day, to be welcoming another royal into our humble city. And it is my personal honor to meet the fabled Warrior Queen of Glathe."
Anaerin stepped out of the carriage, her green silk dress tumbling out over her armored heeled boots as she carefully balanced her sword at her side. Her face remained steady as she strode towards Garraewynn's outstretched hand, curtsying as she met Queen Vivian's elated gaze.
"Queen Anaerin," Vivian said, her voice light with awe. "What an honor to have you here. I am Queen Vivian of Doherty, first wife to King Robert. The King sends his deepest regrets for not being able to attend your reception. There were matters of great importance that needed to be attended to... I believe that upon his return, you will forgive his absence."
"There is nothing to forgive," Anaerin replied, forcing a smile to hide the relief in her heart. "I understand the impossibility of being in two places at once. And I certainly appreciate the opportunity to meet you, Your Highness."
"Please, call me Vivian," the queen insisted, taking Anaerin's hand. "I will see to it that you and your party is treated to the best we have to offer here in Valentia. I have personally overseen the furnishing of your quarters, and our staff has prepared a feast in honor of your arrival. Of course, you may rest as long as you like after such a long journey as I'm sure you must be absolutely exhausted..."
The young queen continued to babble as she led Anaerin across the courtyard towards the hall. Garraewynn followed them with his eyes until they were out of view. Once he was satisfied that Anaerin was in the safe keeping of the castle guards, he turned to the cavalry.
"Stow your horses," he commanded brusquely. "Get the Queen's belongings into the castle. Go! We don't have all night!"
The soldiers began to scramble to obey his orders, and Garraewynn nodded in satisfaction before heading in after his Queen.