Disclaimer: I came up with the nicknames but not the people or anything else. Tamora Pierce did.

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The giant palace bell rang and Kel swore. She would have to give up her search for a bit to attend …a meeting. At least it wasn't her turn to bring snacks.

In the Meeting Room Place Thing

"I coughed up a hairball this morning," announced Daine to Prince Roald who just stared at her.

"Welcome to Daine's world," sighed Numair.

Two Random Dudes, "Excellent!"

"I said Daine, not Wayne. Now shoo."

Two Random Dudes leave as Raoul and Buri come in and take their chairs.

"My dear Burricuda, you are a fool. Cheddar cheese clearly tastes like yellow," Raoul was saying.

"No, sunflowers taste like yellow, nimrod," replied Buri.

"I thought you were going to come up with some cute nicknames for me," pouted Raoul.

"Oh, cute. Hmm. I'll have to start my list over."

King Jonathon skipped in and announced, "I have a fish. His name is Johnny V." (pronounced vee)

Collective "Huh?"

"Well, Roald seems unable to provide me with a grandson, or a granddaughter for that matter."

Collective "ooh" as Roald blushes.

"And Johnny V doesn't ignore me when I talk to him," said the King, looking pointedly at a butterfly meandering around the room.

A musty, gym-locker odor wafted in through the door.

"It's the Kel smell," announced Dom cheerfully.

As he said this Kel walked through the door. "I haven't had time to shower this week, okay?" she said.

"Now, I suppose you're all wondering why I invited you here," said the King.

"I was ordered," interrupted Raoul.

"Me too," said Kel, Daine, Buri, and everyone else.

"I hate you all. Ooops I meant shut up! Sorry about the slip," yelled the King.

"Woooo, let's hear a cheer for the king with the most bling," yelled Alanna as she strolled through the door.

"I do have a pretty frickin big green jewel thingy," said the King smartly.

"So, why are we here?" asked Lord Wyldon trying to steer the conversation to a philosophical discussion.

"Wyldman! You made it! Guess I should do role call to see who else is here," said the King as he looked around at the ten or so of his most trusted advisors that were in the room.

And so began the meeting.

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muhahahaha...more soon. read and review.