The sun had nearly set when Caedy landed beside the rest of the party.
Wynne leaped from the basket as soon as it touched the ground.
Daire was the first to greet her.
:Next time I am going to go with you.: Daire said fondly.
"I have missed you too, horse." Wynne rubbed between his eyes.
"Wynne!" Julian was just behind Daire.
Wynne grinned widely and threw herself into his arms and kissed him passionately. She could be heard purring by every one.
"You can't tell it has only a few days since they saw each other." Kerowyn commented dryly.
"Ah, young lovers." Dancingleaf said laughingly as she helped Tandee from the basket. "Do I detect your delicate touch on her new uniforms?"
"Wynne didn't stand a chance, every stitch was stolen before she even reached the guest ekele." Caedy chuckled.
"If you two are through, we should make plans for tomorrow." Kerowyn said as she headed towards the temporary camp.
Wynne pulled back and glared at Kerowyn's retreating back. "She is right I suppose."
"She has been trying to make plans ever since we left." Julian twined a braid around his finger. "You look beautiful."
Wynne's face lit up with pleasure and let him lead her to the fire where most of the others had gathered.
There were six humans, Talia, Kerowyn, Julian, Dancingleaf, An'desha, and Moonblade. However there were ten nonhumans including the Companions; Wynne, Daire, Rolan, Sayvil, Tevren, Tandee, Rris, Caedy, Katu (the dyheli), and Darli (the bondbird). If Companions weren't included it was six and six.
Wynne was pleased with the make up of the group.
"We have to decide who is going to go." Kerowyn said authoritatively.
"I am." Wynne said as she rested her head on his shoulder. "And Julian and our Companions."
"What about the rest of us?" Moonblade asked.
:We don't want to step to far and alienate them.: Katu, the dyheli, replied. :These are a very shy people.:
"When will you go?" An'desha asked.
"Tomorrow morning." Wynne answered.
"Sounds good to me." Julian confirmed.
The two Companions nodded their agreement.
"We shall see how we progress from there." Talia said finalizing the plan.
There was very little discussion about their plans around the fire. It was obvious to most of them Wynne was a nervous as a cat with a kitten about meeting her people. When the others started turning in for the night Wynne volunteered to be watch.
Wynne was jumpy through out the entire night. Every animal chirp and muttered word from the sleeping party made her flinch. When the dawn finally started to lighten the sky she woke Kerowyn.
"You shouldn't have stayed up all night." Kerowyn scolded as she sat up.
"I don't need much sleep." Wynne shrugged. "And I am too nervous to do more than doze anyway."
Kerowyn added more wood to the banked fire and straightened her clothes. "Are you going to sleep now?"
"Doubtful. You said you wanted the last watch." Wynne sat on a log they had used as a seat the night before.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine." Kerowyn said kindly.
"I am worried about what will happen if we fail. If we don't secure peace what will happen?"
"Maybe they will leave on their own."
"I hope so."
"Will you go with them?"
"No. I will stay in Valdemar." Wynne assured her. "This is where my family lives."
Kerowyn nodded in understanding. "That was my bet."
Katu was the next to wake up, she took herself off to eat before the rest had their breakfast. Wynne knew it was because of the meat they would inevitably eat, dyheli were prey-like creatures and were uncomfortable watching meat being eaten. After that it was Julian who emerged from a tent. He was still yawning when he sat next to Wynne.
"Stop worrying Lady Leopard." He whispered in her ear.
Wynne smiled slightly and gripped his hand. "Thank you."
"Just remember, they are here for you. There is no other reason for them to have settled here."
"That is not helping." Wynne said dryly.
"Do they know we are here?"
"I don't know. We are down wind from them and a ways away. They may not be watching out this far. I haven't sensed any."
"Awake already?" Tandee bustled out of her tent, wrapped almost completely in blankets. She didn't wait for Wynne to answer but started removing the braids she had created the previous day. "We will make both of you beautiful."
"She managed to swipe some fabric at k'Valdemar." Wynne explained. "She stole all my uniforms and probably yours too."
Tandee's clawed fingers made short work of the braids. "You two go bathe, I will ready your clothes. Try to keep her from fretting."
Julian laughed and led Wynne towards the nearby mountain stream. "It is going to be cold."
"I don't mind." Wynne striped and waded into the nearly freezing water. "What you do is up to you."
She ducked her head under the water hoping to tame her crimped hair. When she surfaced her hair hung down her back in a black sheet. "Did you hear? Tandee has decided that I am a good person to be associated with. She has decided to serve me. She also thinks I have a darling mate."
"Really? A hertasi?"
Wynne laughed at his open eagerness. "Yes, I believe she is a hertasi. She may change her mind when she sees that vast field of paper you call a room."
Julian pulled off his shirt and tunic and dunked his head under the water. "By all the hells! That is cold. And they aren't papers, they are research."
Wynne waded out of the water and wrapped herself in a towel. "Can you find anything in there? I have never seen you refer to a piece of paper, you have it all locked up in your mind."
Julian pulled his shirt and tunic back on and towelled off his hair. "Is your room any better?"
"No. It is still a field of paper. But I need the papers." Wynne gathered up her clothes and started back to the camp.
Julian quickly caught up to her a scooped her off her feet. "You may step on a sharp rock or the like."
"Convenient excuse." She teased.
"Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes actually. Thank you."
Everyone was up when the reached the camp. Caedy was the first to see them.
"Shifters and humans, always in season!"
Wynne mock growled at her. "Jealous?"
"No, he is much too small for my taste." Caedy answered.
"Those two are as bad as you and Dirk." Kerowyn commented to Talia.
"Of course they are. They are lifebonded as well." Talia answered.
Julian set her on his bedroll. Tandee appeared almost immediately with an armful of white and grey fabric. Wynne was stunned at the clothing she managed to make in such a short time.
"Amazing what a hertasi can do when she puts her mind to it." Tandee said as she took the towel from her.
Wynne's new Greys were a soft, supple leather long tunic, a silk shirt with billowing sleeves, a woven silver belt, and tight pants. All of it was embroidered with a pattern she recognized as the pattern of the Ghost Cat Clan done a variety of greys. Julian's new Whites were the masculine version with a shorter tunic and embroidered with Companions.
"There you look presentable." Tandee stood back to admire her handy work.
"Thanks to you." Julian agreed.
Tandee let them eat as she groomed the Companions.
"You don't need to do this." Wynne protested, feeling guilty she was causing so much work for the hertasi.
"Nonsense. I enjoy it." Tandee dismissed it. "Besides, you are stressed enough as it is."
"She has a point." An'desha injected. "It is one less thing for you to worry about. It isn't like you are being lazy."
Tandee finished with the Companions and started on Wynne's hair. She wove in a few strings of crystal and a thong with a silvery grey feather as long as her forearm from wrist to elbow. "Caedy wanted you to have this."
Wynne fingered the feather. "Thank you Caedy. It is beautiful."
"You are welcome." Caedy answered.
"You look very…exotic." Kerowyn offered.
The last touch was their weapons. Wynne strapped her light sword to her new silver belt and settled her quiver across her back. Julian had a heavier sword and a long knife as well as his own bow and quiver.
"Ready, love?" Julian asked.
"No, but I'll do." Wynne swung into Daire's saddle.
Julian let her take the lead as they made their way through the forest towards the settlement. He kept his bow on his lap, prepared for any response. It took two candlemarks at a canter to reach the edge of the town.
There were dozens of houses in various stages of construction. In the centre of the town was a large fire.
Wynne stopped just inside the tree line and stared at the town. She could see about four hundred people moving about. There were no signs of livestock or farms but that made sense, if you were a natural hunt, hunt.
"Are you ready?"
Wynne turned in her saddle to face him. "Yes. I am very glad you came with me."
:We have been spotted.: Daire interrupted.
"I love you beyond everything." She said and urged Daire out into the late morning sunlight.
"I love you too." Julian assured her.
A group of three men reached them quickly. "What do you want?" The tallest, and eldest, demanded as soon as he was within shouting distance.
"I am here to speak to Fialawynne." Wynne answered back.
They were obviously stunned at her response. Since the wind was at their backs they had only their sight to tell them about Wynne and Julian.
"Who are you?" The man demanded again.
"We come in peace, now either I go looking for her or you lead us to her." Wynne was obviously exasperated.
:Patience, Chosen.:
Julian stayed at her side but remained silent.
The three men conferred among themselves. Beyond them the town ignored her.
"Very well." The speaker said. "But leave your weapons here."
They obliged and left the weapons with the Companions who could bring them if they were needed.
Julian helped Wynne down from her saddle. :Do you understand what they are saying?:
:No. It sounds like the language my parents spoke occasionally, I never learned it.:
It was obvious when the men discovered she was a Shifter. Immediately they relaxed a little and all three watched her intently.
Julian kept his arm around her waist and watched everyone.
:Relax love. You are making them nervous.: Wynne commented.
The sight of two strangers being led into the village drew stares from everyone.
"She is ill." The tall man said as he pushed the door open. "Please don't distress her."
"We don't plan on distressing her." Wynne assured him.
"Perhaps it is best if you remain out here." He suggested to Julian.
"He stays with me." Wynne said as she stepped into the house. It had a very open plan with plenty of unobstructed windows. Obviously designed by a Shifter, as many ways out as possible.
"Brennan, what are you doing?" A woman's voice called from the back of the house.
"There are two people here to speak to you." Brennan called back.
The woman who emerged to greet them was very short and looked about seventy. Her eyes widened when she saw Wynne. "You must be Liawynne. I am Fialawynne, you grandmother."
Wynne liked the woman instantly. The look on their escorts' faces was priceless.
"I hope you don't mind I brought Julian. He is my mate."
"I don't mind at all, come in. Go away Brennan, and close your mouths." She scolded. "That was your uncle. I am afraid we don't have any furniture yet so we will have to make do with cushions."
The room she led them to had over a dozen large cushions. Fialawynne sat carefully on one. Wynne sat with Julian on another.
"I am surprised you came here." Fialawynne said.
"I read your letter the same day we heard of a settlement on the north border. This area of Valdemar has had difficulties with the northern tribes these past few years, first with a war party several years ago and more recently with a tribe fleeing plague. Because of this they have become very suspicious of visitors. They have been watching you trying to figure out who are."
Fialawynne looked concerned. "Those strange leaf-men with the birds were of Valdemar?"
"They are Tayledras, allies of Valdemar, they have a Vale to the east of here. They only wanted to make certain you meant no harm. Since they were chased off they were worried and sent to Haven for help."
"And they sent you?"
"I sent myself." Wynne corrected with a smile.
Julian chuckled slightly.
Fialawynne remained silent for several minutes. "What are they going to do?"
"Actually, what happens next is up to you. Valdemar has a policy of welcoming new people, so long as they obey the laws. Since this is Valdemaran land you are welcome to remain here after signing a treaty."
"What would this treaty entail?"
"That would be between you and the diplomat. We brought the Queen's Own Herald, she is the highest ranking Herald in Valdemar and able to negotiate on behalf of the queen."
"Do they know…?" Fialawynne's faded brown eyes flashed to Julian.
"Yes. Valdemar has many nonhuman allies and there is even a mage who knew about Shifters before he met me. Outside the Heralds this would just be considered another village."
"You bring a great deal of news with you." Fialawynne settled back and watched her thoughtfully. "If we don't enter this treaty?"
"Then you will be considered hostile and asked to leave. If you don't leave they will bring in the army." Wynne answered. "Valdemar is a good country with a good queen. We are not here as agents of Valdemar, we are here as Wynne and Julian."
"This will cause a great deal of discord. I will meet with your people. How many are there?"
"Five humans, one is a healer that specialises in nonhumans, five nonhumans, and two more Companions, the large white horses out side."
"What nonhumans?"
"A gryphon, a hertasi, a bondbird, a kyree, and a dyheli. This feather belongs to the gryphon."
Fialawynne slowly stood. "You best fetch them then."
:I will tell them.: There was a pause as Daire spoke to the group. :Caedy will be here in a candlemark with Tandee and Rris. The rest will be here in two or three.:
"They are on their way now." Wynne said finally.
Fialawynne's eyebrows rose in shock. "You knew I would ask for them to come?"
"No, my Companion can speak to others of his kind over great distances. The gryphon, kyree, and hertasi will be here in a candlemark, the others a little over a candlemark behind them. Shall we tell the others?"
"You are not like your mother." Fialawynne commented.
Wynne decided to take that as a compliment. "Thank you."
"Brennan, stop hovering." Fialawynne called out.
The large man appeared in the doorway. "Are you sure this is wise mother?"
Fialawynne gave him a quelling look. "You should introduce yourself to your niece and her mate, Julian."
"I am sorry Liawynne. I am Brennan, Adawynne was my elder sister." Brennan obvious did not appreciate her presence and he certainly didn't approve of Julian's presence.
"I am pleased to meet you, even if you are displeased to meet us." Wynne said honestly.
:You didn't take any diplomacy classes, did you.: Julian commented.
:Of course I didn't. I only joined the Collegium a few months ago.: Wynne answered. :He would know if I was hiding something.:
Julian stood and offered a hand to Wynne. "We should warn everyone before Caedy arrives. She is overwhelming with a warning."
"Now you see why I didn't request more gryphons?" Wynne accepted his hand and easily stood.
"Lady Fialawynne, is there any preparations you want done before the others arrive?" Julian asked.
"I suppose we should have a meal prepared." Fialawynne said hesitantly.
Wynne smiled up at Julian. "You have plenty of diplomacy experience, what do you recommend?"
"I would appreciate any suggestions you have, young man." Fialawynne urged.
Brennan looked mutinous. "We don't need to talk to these humans."
"Yes, you do." Wynne corrected him. "Love, will you help my grandmother? I am going to grab the bull by the horns."
"I don't mind." Julian assured her and kissed the inside of her wrist causing a thrill to course through her.
"Scoundrel." She teased. "I will see you later."
Fialawynne watched Wynne hurry out the door with a fond smile. Brennan however had a much more hostile expression.
"She is much more suitable than her mother." Fialawynne commented to her son.
"He is human." Brennan countered.
"I noticed." Julian said dryly.
"She wouldn't choose badly, and he is a charming young man." Fialawynne smiled at the Herald.
"I assume you would prefer to keep the others at a distance. Do you have a table or something we could set up near the trees?" Julian said professionally.
"I would prefer to meet them here." Fialawynne assured him. "What I would like to know is what to expect from your country."
Daire was the first to greet her.
:Next time I am going to go with you.: Daire said fondly.
"I have missed you too, horse." Wynne rubbed between his eyes.
"Wynne!" Julian was just behind Daire.
Wynne grinned widely and threw herself into his arms and kissed him passionately. She could be heard purring by every one.
"You can't tell it has only a few days since they saw each other." Kerowyn commented dryly.
"Ah, young lovers." Dancingleaf said laughingly as she helped Tandee from the basket. "Do I detect your delicate touch on her new uniforms?"
"Wynne didn't stand a chance, every stitch was stolen before she even reached the guest ekele." Caedy chuckled.
"If you two are through, we should make plans for tomorrow." Kerowyn said as she headed towards the temporary camp.
Wynne pulled back and glared at Kerowyn's retreating back. "She is right I suppose."
"She has been trying to make plans ever since we left." Julian twined a braid around his finger. "You look beautiful."
Wynne's face lit up with pleasure and let him lead her to the fire where most of the others had gathered.
There were six humans, Talia, Kerowyn, Julian, Dancingleaf, An'desha, and Moonblade. However there were ten nonhumans including the Companions; Wynne, Daire, Rolan, Sayvil, Tevren, Tandee, Rris, Caedy, Katu (the dyheli), and Darli (the bondbird). If Companions weren't included it was six and six.
Wynne was pleased with the make up of the group.
"We have to decide who is going to go." Kerowyn said authoritatively.
"I am." Wynne said as she rested her head on his shoulder. "And Julian and our Companions."
"What about the rest of us?" Moonblade asked.
:We don't want to step to far and alienate them.: Katu, the dyheli, replied. :These are a very shy people.:
"When will you go?" An'desha asked.
"Tomorrow morning." Wynne answered.
"Sounds good to me." Julian confirmed.
The two Companions nodded their agreement.
"We shall see how we progress from there." Talia said finalizing the plan.
There was very little discussion about their plans around the fire. It was obvious to most of them Wynne was a nervous as a cat with a kitten about meeting her people. When the others started turning in for the night Wynne volunteered to be watch.
Wynne was jumpy through out the entire night. Every animal chirp and muttered word from the sleeping party made her flinch. When the dawn finally started to lighten the sky she woke Kerowyn.
"You shouldn't have stayed up all night." Kerowyn scolded as she sat up.
"I don't need much sleep." Wynne shrugged. "And I am too nervous to do more than doze anyway."
Kerowyn added more wood to the banked fire and straightened her clothes. "Are you going to sleep now?"
"Doubtful. You said you wanted the last watch." Wynne sat on a log they had used as a seat the night before.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine." Kerowyn said kindly.
"I am worried about what will happen if we fail. If we don't secure peace what will happen?"
"Maybe they will leave on their own."
"I hope so."
"Will you go with them?"
"No. I will stay in Valdemar." Wynne assured her. "This is where my family lives."
Kerowyn nodded in understanding. "That was my bet."
Katu was the next to wake up, she took herself off to eat before the rest had their breakfast. Wynne knew it was because of the meat they would inevitably eat, dyheli were prey-like creatures and were uncomfortable watching meat being eaten. After that it was Julian who emerged from a tent. He was still yawning when he sat next to Wynne.
"Stop worrying Lady Leopard." He whispered in her ear.
Wynne smiled slightly and gripped his hand. "Thank you."
"Just remember, they are here for you. There is no other reason for them to have settled here."
"That is not helping." Wynne said dryly.
"Do they know we are here?"
"I don't know. We are down wind from them and a ways away. They may not be watching out this far. I haven't sensed any."
"Awake already?" Tandee bustled out of her tent, wrapped almost completely in blankets. She didn't wait for Wynne to answer but started removing the braids she had created the previous day. "We will make both of you beautiful."
"She managed to swipe some fabric at k'Valdemar." Wynne explained. "She stole all my uniforms and probably yours too."
Tandee's clawed fingers made short work of the braids. "You two go bathe, I will ready your clothes. Try to keep her from fretting."
Julian laughed and led Wynne towards the nearby mountain stream. "It is going to be cold."
"I don't mind." Wynne striped and waded into the nearly freezing water. "What you do is up to you."
She ducked her head under the water hoping to tame her crimped hair. When she surfaced her hair hung down her back in a black sheet. "Did you hear? Tandee has decided that I am a good person to be associated with. She has decided to serve me. She also thinks I have a darling mate."
"Really? A hertasi?"
Wynne laughed at his open eagerness. "Yes, I believe she is a hertasi. She may change her mind when she sees that vast field of paper you call a room."
Julian pulled off his shirt and tunic and dunked his head under the water. "By all the hells! That is cold. And they aren't papers, they are research."
Wynne waded out of the water and wrapped herself in a towel. "Can you find anything in there? I have never seen you refer to a piece of paper, you have it all locked up in your mind."
Julian pulled his shirt and tunic back on and towelled off his hair. "Is your room any better?"
"No. It is still a field of paper. But I need the papers." Wynne gathered up her clothes and started back to the camp.
Julian quickly caught up to her a scooped her off her feet. "You may step on a sharp rock or the like."
"Convenient excuse." She teased.
"Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes actually. Thank you."
Everyone was up when the reached the camp. Caedy was the first to see them.
"Shifters and humans, always in season!"
Wynne mock growled at her. "Jealous?"
"No, he is much too small for my taste." Caedy answered.
"Those two are as bad as you and Dirk." Kerowyn commented to Talia.
"Of course they are. They are lifebonded as well." Talia answered.
Julian set her on his bedroll. Tandee appeared almost immediately with an armful of white and grey fabric. Wynne was stunned at the clothing she managed to make in such a short time.
"Amazing what a hertasi can do when she puts her mind to it." Tandee said as she took the towel from her.
Wynne's new Greys were a soft, supple leather long tunic, a silk shirt with billowing sleeves, a woven silver belt, and tight pants. All of it was embroidered with a pattern she recognized as the pattern of the Ghost Cat Clan done a variety of greys. Julian's new Whites were the masculine version with a shorter tunic and embroidered with Companions.
"There you look presentable." Tandee stood back to admire her handy work.
"Thanks to you." Julian agreed.
Tandee let them eat as she groomed the Companions.
"You don't need to do this." Wynne protested, feeling guilty she was causing so much work for the hertasi.
"Nonsense. I enjoy it." Tandee dismissed it. "Besides, you are stressed enough as it is."
"She has a point." An'desha injected. "It is one less thing for you to worry about. It isn't like you are being lazy."
Tandee finished with the Companions and started on Wynne's hair. She wove in a few strings of crystal and a thong with a silvery grey feather as long as her forearm from wrist to elbow. "Caedy wanted you to have this."
Wynne fingered the feather. "Thank you Caedy. It is beautiful."
"You are welcome." Caedy answered.
"You look very…exotic." Kerowyn offered.
The last touch was their weapons. Wynne strapped her light sword to her new silver belt and settled her quiver across her back. Julian had a heavier sword and a long knife as well as his own bow and quiver.
"Ready, love?" Julian asked.
"No, but I'll do." Wynne swung into Daire's saddle.
Julian let her take the lead as they made their way through the forest towards the settlement. He kept his bow on his lap, prepared for any response. It took two candlemarks at a canter to reach the edge of the town.
There were dozens of houses in various stages of construction. In the centre of the town was a large fire.
Wynne stopped just inside the tree line and stared at the town. She could see about four hundred people moving about. There were no signs of livestock or farms but that made sense, if you were a natural hunt, hunt.
"Are you ready?"
Wynne turned in her saddle to face him. "Yes. I am very glad you came with me."
:We have been spotted.: Daire interrupted.
"I love you beyond everything." She said and urged Daire out into the late morning sunlight.
"I love you too." Julian assured her.
A group of three men reached them quickly. "What do you want?" The tallest, and eldest, demanded as soon as he was within shouting distance.
"I am here to speak to Fialawynne." Wynne answered back.
They were obviously stunned at her response. Since the wind was at their backs they had only their sight to tell them about Wynne and Julian.
"Who are you?" The man demanded again.
"We come in peace, now either I go looking for her or you lead us to her." Wynne was obviously exasperated.
:Patience, Chosen.:
Julian stayed at her side but remained silent.
The three men conferred among themselves. Beyond them the town ignored her.
"Very well." The speaker said. "But leave your weapons here."
They obliged and left the weapons with the Companions who could bring them if they were needed.
Julian helped Wynne down from her saddle. :Do you understand what they are saying?:
:No. It sounds like the language my parents spoke occasionally, I never learned it.:
It was obvious when the men discovered she was a Shifter. Immediately they relaxed a little and all three watched her intently.
Julian kept his arm around her waist and watched everyone.
:Relax love. You are making them nervous.: Wynne commented.
The sight of two strangers being led into the village drew stares from everyone.
"She is ill." The tall man said as he pushed the door open. "Please don't distress her."
"We don't plan on distressing her." Wynne assured him.
"Perhaps it is best if you remain out here." He suggested to Julian.
"He stays with me." Wynne said as she stepped into the house. It had a very open plan with plenty of unobstructed windows. Obviously designed by a Shifter, as many ways out as possible.
"Brennan, what are you doing?" A woman's voice called from the back of the house.
"There are two people here to speak to you." Brennan called back.
The woman who emerged to greet them was very short and looked about seventy. Her eyes widened when she saw Wynne. "You must be Liawynne. I am Fialawynne, you grandmother."
Wynne liked the woman instantly. The look on their escorts' faces was priceless.
"I hope you don't mind I brought Julian. He is my mate."
"I don't mind at all, come in. Go away Brennan, and close your mouths." She scolded. "That was your uncle. I am afraid we don't have any furniture yet so we will have to make do with cushions."
The room she led them to had over a dozen large cushions. Fialawynne sat carefully on one. Wynne sat with Julian on another.
"I am surprised you came here." Fialawynne said.
"I read your letter the same day we heard of a settlement on the north border. This area of Valdemar has had difficulties with the northern tribes these past few years, first with a war party several years ago and more recently with a tribe fleeing plague. Because of this they have become very suspicious of visitors. They have been watching you trying to figure out who are."
Fialawynne looked concerned. "Those strange leaf-men with the birds were of Valdemar?"
"They are Tayledras, allies of Valdemar, they have a Vale to the east of here. They only wanted to make certain you meant no harm. Since they were chased off they were worried and sent to Haven for help."
"And they sent you?"
"I sent myself." Wynne corrected with a smile.
Julian chuckled slightly.
Fialawynne remained silent for several minutes. "What are they going to do?"
"Actually, what happens next is up to you. Valdemar has a policy of welcoming new people, so long as they obey the laws. Since this is Valdemaran land you are welcome to remain here after signing a treaty."
"What would this treaty entail?"
"That would be between you and the diplomat. We brought the Queen's Own Herald, she is the highest ranking Herald in Valdemar and able to negotiate on behalf of the queen."
"Do they know…?" Fialawynne's faded brown eyes flashed to Julian.
"Yes. Valdemar has many nonhuman allies and there is even a mage who knew about Shifters before he met me. Outside the Heralds this would just be considered another village."
"You bring a great deal of news with you." Fialawynne settled back and watched her thoughtfully. "If we don't enter this treaty?"
"Then you will be considered hostile and asked to leave. If you don't leave they will bring in the army." Wynne answered. "Valdemar is a good country with a good queen. We are not here as agents of Valdemar, we are here as Wynne and Julian."
"This will cause a great deal of discord. I will meet with your people. How many are there?"
"Five humans, one is a healer that specialises in nonhumans, five nonhumans, and two more Companions, the large white horses out side."
"What nonhumans?"
"A gryphon, a hertasi, a bondbird, a kyree, and a dyheli. This feather belongs to the gryphon."
Fialawynne slowly stood. "You best fetch them then."
:I will tell them.: There was a pause as Daire spoke to the group. :Caedy will be here in a candlemark with Tandee and Rris. The rest will be here in two or three.:
"They are on their way now." Wynne said finally.
Fialawynne's eyebrows rose in shock. "You knew I would ask for them to come?"
"No, my Companion can speak to others of his kind over great distances. The gryphon, kyree, and hertasi will be here in a candlemark, the others a little over a candlemark behind them. Shall we tell the others?"
"You are not like your mother." Fialawynne commented.
Wynne decided to take that as a compliment. "Thank you."
"Brennan, stop hovering." Fialawynne called out.
The large man appeared in the doorway. "Are you sure this is wise mother?"
Fialawynne gave him a quelling look. "You should introduce yourself to your niece and her mate, Julian."
"I am sorry Liawynne. I am Brennan, Adawynne was my elder sister." Brennan obvious did not appreciate her presence and he certainly didn't approve of Julian's presence.
"I am pleased to meet you, even if you are displeased to meet us." Wynne said honestly.
:You didn't take any diplomacy classes, did you.: Julian commented.
:Of course I didn't. I only joined the Collegium a few months ago.: Wynne answered. :He would know if I was hiding something.:
Julian stood and offered a hand to Wynne. "We should warn everyone before Caedy arrives. She is overwhelming with a warning."
"Now you see why I didn't request more gryphons?" Wynne accepted his hand and easily stood.
"Lady Fialawynne, is there any preparations you want done before the others arrive?" Julian asked.
"I suppose we should have a meal prepared." Fialawynne said hesitantly.
Wynne smiled up at Julian. "You have plenty of diplomacy experience, what do you recommend?"
"I would appreciate any suggestions you have, young man." Fialawynne urged.
Brennan looked mutinous. "We don't need to talk to these humans."
"Yes, you do." Wynne corrected him. "Love, will you help my grandmother? I am going to grab the bull by the horns."
"I don't mind." Julian assured her and kissed the inside of her wrist causing a thrill to course through her.
"Scoundrel." She teased. "I will see you later."
Fialawynne watched Wynne hurry out the door with a fond smile. Brennan however had a much more hostile expression.
"She is much more suitable than her mother." Fialawynne commented to her son.
"He is human." Brennan countered.
"I noticed." Julian said dryly.
"She wouldn't choose badly, and he is a charming young man." Fialawynne smiled at the Herald.
"I assume you would prefer to keep the others at a distance. Do you have a table or something we could set up near the trees?" Julian said professionally.
"I would prefer to meet them here." Fialawynne assured him. "What I would like to know is what to expect from your country."