Chapter 2
"I find myself drifting back to those final words my father and I had between each other. 12 years have passed since then and the kingdom has evolved to the best I could provide and manage. It was the greatest task I knew I would ever take upon myself- teaching an entire kingdom of elves who had never held a sword or weapon menacingly. Thanks be to Tania that I was able to teach the few who have helped spread those skills among the tribes. Every member of every clan in Elden is a formidable warrior. Even the children are trained since the day they turn three years old. Though Elden remains prosperous now, it appears those days are numbered. . ." She slams the pen down next to the open, leather-bound book and begins to pace the floor.
The Queen of Elves broods as no matter what she does, she cannot ignore the fact that war has begun. Less than an hour ago, she had received word that a small army, just a subordinate of En Sabah Nur's forces has overtaken the kingdom of Mera- a human fortress ruled by Lilandra and Charles Xavier. Their defense and Queen were slaughtered yet the King was allowed to live and taken prisoner.
She was not so concerned for the humans as she was that En Sabah Nur may strike Elden on his way to Ayden. It was common knowledge that bad blood lay between En Sabah Nur and King Dayspring of Ayden- Elden's human twin city. The war was most likely going to be directed his way the hardest. . .
"I'm afraid it's more than that, Ororo."
Ororo was jolted out of her thoughts at the sound of Jean's voice.
"My apologies but your frustration projected your thoughts and my magic picked them up. It appears we have your atypical warlord here. He has a bone to pick with the whole world- not just Dayspring and it looks like he's going for the whole "world domination" kick." She tossed a scroll at Ororo who snapped it from the air with her right hand.
Unraveling it, she read the war report on Nur's resources. Mages, Demons, Dwarves, Dragons…
"What are you thinking now?"
Ororo dropped the scroll and fell back onto her bed, her green robes fanning outwards. "If marrying this man wouldn't have been the wiser choice when I was 25 years younger."
Jean sat down beside her and placed a sympathetic hand on the woman's shoulder. "Nonsense- Elden would be a weak city lost in it's own ideals of peace and seclusion- and Nur would still be on this rampage only you'd be at home, feet propped up, waiting impatiently and pregnant with his 9th or 10th kid."
Ororo looked at her in disgust.
"Exactly."
"Thank-you for that disturbing picture Jean- I'll let you know when I'm able to safely dream again."
"Anytime." The fiery haired woman grinned with delight at having cheered her friend up somewhat.
"Ororo," Katya phased through the door. "There's a messenger form Ayden. He says he carries a message from King Dayspring- and it's urgent."
The Queen rose and stretched. "Thank-you, Kitten, I'll be down immediately." She turned to Jean, "I sense an alliance proposal."
"As if it would be anything else?"