Making Amends (United Order)

[Kahlan Lothair]

: Speed and discretion were her only concern at a time like this. One might think her travel companion a choice of folly, and yet the only soul along with her is the huge stallion bred for war. Lleu paws at the earth as he carries his mistress to her destination. Kahlan had no want of war despite her background being cast with battles and different degrees of war. Her quick leave of Castle Emain had given her subjects no time to react. The dove was off to make amends, it was rumored that it was with the United Order that Kahlan was walking into. Alone no less! The majority of them understood the reality of war after a fifty year term of peace. It was the safety of their High Queen they would be worried about, that much she knew. <C>

: When her eyes behold the outer gates of the Westengard a soft sigh is expelled. It had been a long and brisk journey, a journey of length she had not taken since the birth of her daughter Willow. There was another reason that Kahlan didn't want war. Willow, her adoring and sweet daughter has never known the effects a war can bring, and Kahlan would like to keep it that way. Children shouldnt have to grow up with fear for their lives and the lives of those around them. Reigning Lleu in, Kahlan smiles down to the guards at front gates. "I have an urgent meeting with Lord Kaelael." The guards nod and wave her through. The city of Westengard appeared grand indeed, and not unlike the city of Emain Macha, Ulster's Captiol. <C>

: The thriving metropolis did the city justice. The crier's called their wares, while the aroma of food permeates the air, and the ever present hustle of humanity bent on some personal agenda. All certain that their agenda is more important than the next persons. Keeping to the center of the central road Kahlan manages to stay away from the foot traffic, if only to be caught up in the swell of the river of riders, carriages, carts of wares, and other such modes of transport or hauling. With her identity safely hidden behind her cloak and with a partial veil covering from her nose down, made of thin but strong fabric made in the southern deserts, Kahlan asks a nearby rider for directions to the Castle.

: With the directions, Kahlan spurs her horse forward into a trot and manages somehow to disengage from mainstream traffic. This time the High Queen manages to get caught up in traffic waiting to get into the inner sanctum of the Castle walls. Not something she is entirely unused to. When her turn comes she leans down, her fiery eyes a sight in and of themselves. "I am here to see Lord Kaelael. It is urgent. I am High Queen Kahlan Lothair of the Kingdom of Ulster." Once the guard speaking to her gets past the unique eye color, and the tendency for them to sway and almost appear to ripple, he finds his voice. "I will send a runner to announce your arrival, M'lady." <C>

: Kahlan is waved through the gate and though her body is weary she manages to look around herself with satisfaction. Sad it was that NimRuin would chose such a place to cause dispute. With a serpentine grace visible even through the folds of her dark cloak, Kahlan dismounts and is at once steadied by a soldier nearby when she very nearly doesnt find her land legs. She smiles her thanks but neglects to pull the veil down to show her face. This was a mission of great import impacting Lord Kaelael and the United Order and herself and Ulster, one that could not be jeopardized by her being found out or kidnapped before her message found Kaelael and amends were made. <C>

Faux Faux heard the castle attendents speak of the arrival of a strange woman claiming to be the queen of Ulster. With that Faux knew that the time had come. She reached for the knob to her door and with sweaty palms she turned it and pulled the door open. As one of the guards saw Faux come out he stopped. "Judging from your dress m'lady one would say you were going to see Lord Kaelael and help him with matters." Faux took a deep breath and looked down at her long silver dress and glass shoes. "You are correct. This was my mothers outfit when she was diplomat for the elves of Mircha. So now I shall wear it. Though I may not be a diplomat it would still make her proud to know that I dressed properly for this occassion." Faux smiled at the guard "Now if you will excuse me." (C)
Faux The guard nodded "Good luck Faux." With that she walked off towards Kaelael's chambers to tell him of Kahlan's arrival. She knew she should have let the runner do his job but Faux wanted to be the one to tell of her arrival. Faux wiped a bit of sweat from her forehead and gulped as she neared Kaelael's door. She lightly tapped on the door and spoke quietly. "Lord Kaelael, She is here." She then turned and headed the other direction, towards Kahlan. Her head high and her expression one of determination one could not see that she was nervous....but she was. She had been in diplomatic meetings before. When she served Goldenheart she was his diplomat and had brought many years of peace to him and his kingdom. It was one meeting planned just like this that went wrong and caused the (C)
Faux fall of a great kingdom. Faux was not going to let that happen...not this time.(E)

Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: - His eyes a translucent flow through the Spirals and voids that dwelled in his mind. He was searching his inner psyche for answers on how to deal with a few personal matters. His body laid sitting on his legs. His body poised back his hair fallen out too his sides in a beautiful hue of the trade mark silver opal hair that adored his head. He heard the disturbance of faux on the outside. His eyes slowly lifted up. The Searching came to a screeching halt. Answers would unfold in time. Till then kaelael would have to improvise, he slowly rose to his feet. He straighten his chain mail and leather straps he exhaled once. Slowly rotating his shoulders. He took a few steps to his bed and strapped his Sword's scabbard onto his side. He picked up a black cloth cloak and pulled it around his body.
Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: He had been having a bit of trouble keeping warm lately. And the hallways were a bit drafty. It wasn't exactly a casual thing to meet royalty. He still considered his self to be a peon in the midst of royalty. His heart pounded like a drum. For a moment flushing out last minute Nervous tendencies. He lifted the hood over his face. Concealing his face and eyes for the main part a few Strands of his hair drifted out. He quietly walked and navigated in the dimly lit room. He placed his hand on the doors handle and gently pulled. The near silent creeks of his door opened as he took a few steps forward. His head slightly nodded to faux. And Stood out into the hall "where are we too meet?" he spoke calmly figure that most has been pre-arranged. If not he knew the perfect place too meet.<C>
Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: -A place he handled the majority of his meets with high ranking officers and Royalty. He usually met with them for diplomatic or military reasons. A place where it was quite and no one would ever expect to find royalty.<end>

[Kahlan Lothair]

-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair It would be easy to miss the heavily cloaked creature standing next to the huge war stallion, both black in color. However in her coming, Kahlan has generated a rather unwelcome group of onlookers. They were all curious about the slight form bound in black whisps. She heard all of their mutterings and whispers, all of their worries and fears, just what kind of Queen would come like this? Finally eyes level with those nearest to her, her face still obscured by the veil of black cloth, her eyes vivid and alive. "Is Lord Kaelael here today?" Her voice is a melodious string of sounds linked together to make words. Kahlan had no intention of revealing her identity to a few curious bystanders. A nearby soldier escorts her toward the stairs, in hopes that someone had been sent for <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair The mysterious Queen from afar. Her eyes, being the only sight of her not swathed in cloth next to the delicate look of her skin,the color of rose infused cream, are in themselves unsettling. Is it any wonder why she is called both the Dove and the Wolf of Ulster? Long eyelashes frame the uncanny eyes, eyes with a brilliant fiery emerald green iris core, while the outer edges of the iris is a shimmering shade of azure. The area between the two is smudged perfectly indicating some measure of blending. Even as she moves the color seems to be changing if only infintesmal in degree. The veiled area over her mouth expands slightly as she exhales, despite the failing of summer and the advent of fall, the air is still warm. The cloak and veil, being made in the desert are light <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Weight and appear to keep her cool despite their dark color. Eyeing the expansive door with an eye for detail, she smiles at the simple intricacy. It was not unlike her own, though hers was made of heavy English Oak. Quietly she listens to the soldier as he feels a need to fill the silence between them. He speaks of the city and its beauty, much the same any other soldier would do in his position while waiting for a diplomat to rescue him from his duty. <E>

Faux Faux nearly jumped at Kaelael's words. She didn't hear him open the dorr as she was lost in thought. "Kaelael, please forgive me. That was one thing I did not arrange. I figured I would let you do such." She then stared at Kaelael for a moment then looked away. "You are not well m'lord. If I knew you would listen I would tell you to go back and try to rest but I think this meeting may do you good and I really do not want to hear you say no you are fine." Faux smiled a bit and her bright green eyes scanned the floor then looked to his face. "Where is it that you wish for us to meet Lord Kaelael?" She kept her head high and tried not to let Kaelael feel her nervousness. She reached out to Kaelael and handed him a rose. Not just an ordianry rose but a rose made of clear ice. (C)
Faux "I picked this rose last night and enchanted it so it will never melt and it will not freeze ones hand when they touch it. You may want to open the discussion with a small gift to show that you appreciate her coming." Faux then shook her head "Please excuse me, I am still use to advising on these matters. I shall hush and let you do as you wish." She smiled a bit and stepped back with a slight bow. "Shall I retrieve Lady Kahlan and bring her to the meeting place M'lord?" Faux decided it was best to leave so she would not be around to try and offer any more advice. Though she was only trying to ease Kaelael and his nerves but such an action may not be appreciated at this time. Faux stood there waiting as she waited for Kaelael to answer her. (E)

Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: -His eyes glanced towards her and nodded " have her meet me five miles east of the capitol..i shall be there waiting.." he said , with a dismissing nod . He pivoted. And walked the opposite direction towards. His eyes glanced about as he took servant stairwells down the and taking servant hallways. Cutting in and out and through the mainstream areas. Even after such a long part away from the castle he knew the ins and outs of the entire place.he took a side passage out of the main halls and towards the side of the castle, and looked around. He took a few steps down to the Earth ground. His tread was light. And his pace was quick. He made his way to the stables. The guards asleep. He blinked once<C>
Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: -and had to take not that it was an absolutely important thing to guard the horses. Besides the stable hands could manage looking after the horses. With that brief thought of what an absolutely boring job this must be. He grabbed his saddle and strapped it down onto his horse. He silently mounted it and Trotted the horse out of the pen and into the open. He patted the horses. Side and clinched the reigns. His eyes glancing about for the servants and soldiers exit. He located it within the darkness and squeezed his thighs down on to the horse and forced a bit of a trot towards the gates. The guard master opened the doors out for the masked and concealed man.<C>
Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: The soldier must have thought it too be a captain or a knight, he soon there Shot out like a bullet from the castle in full gallop weaving through and around the City. The Night tended to force most of the populace to their dwellings. So navigation and observation on him would be minimal<end> -

Faux Faux nodded and watched Kaelael make his departure. She yelled out to a stable boy to get her horse ready and bring it to the front. He smiled and nodded and Faux headed through the castle to greet the Queen. She took a deep breath and walked quickly down the hall. As she neared the entrance she stopped and straightened her dress a bit. "Well, this is it." She took a deep breath and stepped outside staring at Kahlan and the crowd. She walked to the guard and Kahlan bowing deeply. "Greetings M'lady. I am sorry if we have kept you waiting for long. Kaelael has requested that we meet him five miles east of the capitol so if you do not mind mounting your lovely horse again we shall be off." Faux looked around a bit and spotted the stable boy with her horse. (C)
Faux A lovely white mare was brought out to Faux. She wore no saddle or reign but instead her hair was decorated in silver ivy and her back supported a light light blue cloth. "Sariah dear, you are as lovely as ever. Do you mind taking me to meet with Lord Kaelael?" The horse neighed a bit then shook her head. "Good, we shall be heading east. Make sure you stay beside Queen Kahlan, we do not want to lose her." Faux smiled and the horse neighed lightly. She then knelt down so Faux could have easy access to her back. Faux climbed on Sariah's back and petted her as she waited for kahlan to mount her steed.(E)

[Kahlan Lothair]

-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair To say that Kahlan's horse was different in size and color than Faux's horse was missing the big picture. Lleu is a deep shade of black with a dark green blanket over his back, the emblem of ulster emblazoned on a corner of the blanket so that it becomes covered when the rider is on the horses back. The idea of riding more gave Kahlan's body even more reason to ache. However, she didnt complain and simply pulled her body up onto the back of the horse. She rarely ever rode with a saddle and never used a bit. In fact the horse didnt have any reins but when Kahlan laces her fingers through the horses mane, it is evident that they are both on a higher level of understanding. Faux knew it was the Queen simply from common knowledge, she couldnt see anything save the ever elusive but <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Absolutely haunting eyes. She offers the woman a smile and squeezes Lleu with her knees, already used to riding, she in turn waits for Faux to keep up. Her voice is soft and gentle as she speaks, "Can you keep up at a fast pace?" Ah the melody of the Irish accent which dapples her language, hinting at a deeper and more mystical root. Hands that have no gloves on them clutch at the mane of her horse as she settles in for the ride toward the rendevous point. One thing that is missing above all else is the wedding ring, even this far out they would have heard of the death of Shaine O'Freiden and the legacy he left behind. Pushing thought from her mind, she concentrates on clearing her mind and then likewise thinking about how she might discuss things with Kaelael. She was not <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Nervous, and never had been. Meetings and discussions were a part of her life. Of course she understood she might actually make people uncomfortable by being so inadvertantly confident. Even more so by being so -unknowingly- confident. Out of respect for the lady she slows her pace slightly, but does not reveal to the woman her face. She could only do such in the presence of Kaelael for her safety. <E>

Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: -He rode fast and furious. Slipping through and around the supply and merchant gates. He rode out through the countryside. Pushing out towards the directions he gave faux. As he rode closing in on the grounds that he asked to be met at. They were minor stone ruins nothing more than a few pillars. a part of a stone wall, nothing significant about them. Just an old once popular building demolished. His eyes Glanced around abit . he slowly dismounted from his horse , silently drifting into the backgrounds of the shadows. Melting and waiting. Measures of security were going to have to be taken at such an hour. His eyes slowly wondered downwards. As to avert the reflection from the moisture in his eyes to give off his location, his ears spanned out searching for any disturbances, In <C>
Lord Kaelael Nightsorrow: -particular he was listening for a pair of horses heading towards this general direction. His eye lids soon closed over his eyes as he stood there. In a dark colored cloak. Waiting for his guest to arrive to this meeting of secret.<end>

Faux Faux smiled as she saw Kahlan slow a bit. "M'lady please go as fast as you wish. Sariah can keep of with the best of horses and i know you are tired of riding." Sariah neighed loudly at the compliment and high stepped a few moments before speeding up enough to keep up with Kahlan. Faux held tightly to Sariah's mane and whispered a bit to her "Just like old times huh girl?" She nodded and continued. Her hooves making a loud thud against the cool ground. With every thrust of her front legs small clumps of grass were thrown and her muscles tightened. Sariah was excited to be out running after being kept up in the stables for a while. Faux on the other hand was not so ready for this, she wanted to head back to the castle and wait for the news but if something happened who would be there (C)
Faux Kahlan and Kaelael. She figured Kaelael could probablly fend for himself but if something went wrong Faux needed to be there. She made a clicking sound with her tongue and spoke "Sariah, let us make haste." Sariah sped up a little, getting in front of Kahlan's horse so she could look for any dangers ahead of them and she kept her ears open for any that may approach from behind. (E)

-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair It was a nice gesture for Faux to interpose herself between any threat that may find itself in Kahlan's path. At least this woman appeared to be warmly accepting of the High Queen. The cloak whips in the wind but never once gives up its prize within, almost like a stubborn clam unwilling to give its pearl up. Lleu's muscles flex and extend as his hooves pound the earth, the sound and the rhythm exquisit, almost as exquisit as the relationship between rider and horse. They both moved with a fluidity that was more like a dance, a rhythm that was syncronized over years. As the time passes, Kahlan manages to make a mental note of the direction they are going and the way to get back, should she need to. Soon they would be coming to the rendevous point, she had counted the miles <C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Without truely intending to. At the edge of her conciousness she vaguely wonders why they must be so far away from the castle to talk. Before long the backdrop of ruins could be distinguished against the dark sky and the deep blue robed land. When Faux slows down, Kahlan urges Lleu to do the same until the horse comes to a trot and finally to a stop. Swinging her leg over the horse once more she slides off, her feet meet the earth but her legs give way and she clings to the body of Lleu for a moment longer. Her legs needed a short time to get themselves accustomed to the ground again. She had spent the past two days on horseback and the addition of the five miles made for an interesting if not quiet ride, ears filled with the thumping of ones own heart in rhythm with ones horse.<C>
-High Queen- Kahlan Lothair Letting go of Lleu, Kahlan pats his flank and allows him to go on and graze nearby. Hooded as she is it is difficult to make her out against the shadows, and thus the true intent of the cloak and veil is made known. "Is your Lord here, M'lady?" Only a grouping of words she had spoken to the woman, but she seems warm enough despite the weary tinge to her voice. <E>

(To be continued)