I know, I know, it's embarrassingly short. I apologize but I've hit a slight snag for now and my frustration with it means I'm going to post this now as a tiding until I fix my uh...flawed planning.
"D-did you say 'Moonsword'?" Daine asked with wide eyes.
Shani rolled her eyes. "Don't start with the 'it doesn't suit a Stormwing' bit. I've had a long flight." She turned to Jiang and held out a scroll wrapped in leather. "Here's the latest from my Queen."
Jiang took the scroll with a nod. "I'll make sure Her Benevolence receives the message."
"See that she does. You know…I really wish you'd tell those pesky archers to back off already. The shoot at me every time I come 'round. You'd think they didn't like Stormwings or something." Shani said examining her steel claws casually.
"Can't imagine why they would." Alanna muttered.
Shani smiled, showing sharp teeth. "Ah…you must be the Kitty Lady…the red hair is a dead giveaway."
"Kitty Lady?" Alanna echoed as her face turned red with anger.
Shani smiled even wider. "Such a touchy little ground pounder."
"That's enough, Shani. They are guests of Her Benevolence and I will not tolerate such disrespect from you." Jiang said putting the scroll on the low table before retaking her seat.
Shani shrugged, the metal feathers clicking as they resettled. "Fine…ruin my fun. I'll be around…call me when you have a response to send back." With that she jumped into the air, wings blowing foul smelling air across them.
Jiang coughed slightly. "And now I believe I'm finished with this meal." She said reaching for the saucer to get another drink.
"Why are you speaking with Stormwings?" Gareth asked curiously.
"They wish to use our Northern shores for roosting." Jiang answered. "We are still deciding whether we will allow it or not. Apparently, they are wishing to spread their territory."
Alanna frowned. "They defile bodies of the dead, I don't think you want them near your country."
"Only the bodies caused by war. We have not had a war in this country for several hundreds of years. Not since the different states were united under the Empire's banner has there been one." Jiang said. "We have little to fear from them, as we do not intend to start any wars in the near future."
"People rarely intend to start wars, Lady Jiang." Numair commented.
"Mistress Jiang-Thi. It is getting late and there is still quite the journey tomorrow. Perhaps you and your guests would like to retire now." Lord Kishia suggested.
"Of course, you're right." Jiang bowed slightly before turning to the Tortallans. "It is getting late my friends. Would you like to rest now?"
There were a few moments as they thought about it. "That would be fine, thank you." Numair said finally.
Jiang nodded as she got up. Once they all were up from their seats Jiang led them through the hallways. She turned down a small wing and opened one of the sliding doors. The room held a single bed on a platform about knee high with gauzy curtains hanging around it. A tiny chest sat against one wall with a pair of decorative swords on top. Several floor cushions cluttered the foot of the bed and a thick comforter was folded neatly on the mattress.
"There is a door to the inner courtyard on the far wall." Jiang offered before opening the next door in the hallway to reveal an almost identical room. "I suppose you two will be sharing a room?" She asked addressing Daine and Numair.
"Yes, Lady Jiang." Numair said as off handedly as possible.
"Very well." Jiang opened the last door in the hallway revealing another room with a slightly larger bed than the other two had. "If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask. We will be leaving after breakfast."
"Lady Jiang?" Daine asked.
Jiang turned back. "Yes, Daine?"
"That Stormwing…Shani Moonsword. How much do you know about her?" She asked softly.
"Only that she is very young and is given the task of delivering messages to keep her out of trouble." Jiang supplied. "Why do you ask?"
Daine shook her head a little. "No reason. I was just wondering is all."
"Have a good night, Lady Daine." Jiang said with a low bow.