It took much longer than expected… no wait that is a lie. I don't ever expect to get "next chapters" up soon anymore. Trying to find a third job, art, and writing of both Fanfictions AND novels… It will be forever until I get any "next chapters" up ever again.
"So now you and the other druids are at war?" Peter clarified. I nodded.
"I still wish you would at least try to talk to the other druids," Melinda said sullenly.
"I wish you would, too," Neal said. "I don't want you taking those risks." I smiled gently at his concern for me.
"Honey, it's like I told Mindy earlier, this will only be solved by conflict or divine intervention."
"Consider that a now constant on my list of prayers," he said taking my hand. He started tracing the gold band on my finger. I felt my face quirk up in a smile.
"Awww!" Melinda cooed. I glared over at my clan.
"Honestly, I have never seen her this happy and I have known her for most of our lives," Jessica said.
"Please, you saw the years after my mom and dad died. Of course I was unhappy," Neal placed his hand on my back, rubbing circles along my spine.
"True," she agreed.
"I understand what you are saying and am pleased you are telling me but why exactly tell me?" Peter asked.
"I tell you because I feel you ought to know. Because you have proven yourself worthy of my trust and no other reason. I have no ulterior motive in telling you despite my strategic prowess. I am completely aware, should the war come to me, as it likely will, that the U.S. government will take it as an act of war against them. I just want you to know, should you have to choose, whatever you choose, there will be a place in in my court and country for your family if you so need a place." Neal suddenly glanced at me with concern.
"You expect it to escalate so?"
"You remember how violent the Vikings were?" Peter and Neal both nodded hesitantly. "Well essentially Celts are their decendents. We took a lot from that culture. A lot of stylization of clothes, boats, weapons, houses… but most of all we inherited their bloodlust. Don't get me wrong if a good enough reason is given we will stop but it is like going through Hell and back twice to find a good enough reason."
"This coming from the girl who has actually accomplished the task," Dean said. Peter, Neal, and Elizabeth all glanced at me somewhat in shock. I waved it off.
"It's a story for another day."
We shared a few more stories and laughs before we parted company. Neal led me home like an absolute gentleman and I kind of liked it.
It was when he opened the apartment door for me that I really made mention of it. Well he made mention of my expression and that started it.
"What?" he asked after hanging our coats up and walking back, cupping my goofy grinning face in his gentle hands.
"It's nothing. I was just wondering…"
"What?" he asked now smiling like a fool, too.
"I was wondering if this is what it felt like for normal people all the time. Just being in love, coming home to a face that loves you back every night, and spending time with friends," I said, still smiling.
He pushed my bangs out of my face, planting a small kiss on my forehead, "I honestly can't say. I have never been normal myself." Neal pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around him, burying my nose in his chest and breathing deep his scent.
"Oh get a room you two," came a familiar voice from the shaded part of the room.
We jumped apart like a couple of teens caught in a kiss.
"Dang it, Moz! This is our apartment!" I growled as Neal put his hand on my hip, pulling me close to him again.
"An excellent point," the other con-man said with a shrug. Judging from the scent he had had a fair bit of Scotch. He wasn't drunk, mind you, he had just drank a bit. Obviously he was well able to hold his liquor.
"Ugh!" I groaned, "I'm gonna go change." I said making my way to our bathroom.
When I left I heard the two talking in a low murmur to avoid my understanding (demon hearing) I was a bit concerned when I returned in my PJ pants and T-shirt that read 'I'm one of those bad things that happen to good people.' My entire sleep attire was baggy and hid my figure. Mozzie glanced at Neal and muttered a good-bye before heading out the door.
Neal waved to his friend before turning back to stare at me with a confused slight repulsion at my pajamas.
"What?" I asked knowing it as about my outfit, "Just figure out what you married?"
Neal shook his head and sighed, "What on Earth are you wearing?"
"My pajamas," I said innocently raising my arms and letting them fall back to my sides.
"It looks ridiculous," he said, taking his own form fitting satin PJ's out of a drawer.
"It's not like I'm leaving the apartment," I muttered shrugging and flopping on the couch.
"Maybe not," he agreed leaning over me on the couch, his forehead touching mine. "But I bet you would like the feel of a silk nightgown on your skin." As if to bring a point across he trailed his fingers lightly down my arm, raising chill-bumps. I was about to retort something when the parchment of my letters in his jacket pocket caught my eye. With nimble hands I pulled them free and raised them between our faces.
"Sorry, lover-boy, I have some Queenly duties to take care of," I grinned shyly.
"You're no fun."
"Who told you war was fun?"
"You."
"Touché," I replied curling my knees under me and breaking the seal to read the letters contents:
To High Queen and Mikokai:
Lindsey Pauline McCord,
The drough armies are strong but your forces are stronger. We have successfully pushed them from the Queen's palace and clear from the Highlands.
We have sent word to the Lowlands and Irish druids as well as our sisters dispersed all over the world, to be on guard for the uprising. Alas none have seen them.
My Queen, I fear for your safety. Keep your clan, mate, and self under constant guard, is my advice. We have no evidence that Mirta and her armies have indeed started to you, but logic and instinct tell me she has.
Your Majesty, I regret informing you of this so early in your rein but your life is in immediate danger and the war is coming to you.
Your humble servant,
General Catirone McDavis.
I didn't have to read the others to know Catirone was right. The druids from the Lowlands and Ireland would only confirm Catirone's fears.
I stood startling Neal who had been waiting patiently for me to convey the message. I jotted down a list of names that would receive guards and called for Luna to take it and the letters to Isla immeadiatly.
"What is it?" Neal asked stepping up behind me and placing his hands on my shoulders.
"I was right earlier about the war," I said, "Neal, she's on her way here."
"What exactly does that mean?"
"It means tomorrow, I call together my armies and we prepare for war.
SHWAM! Finally a way to transition into my favorite plotting part of the story! Not really the battling is actually my favorite part. But still!
Melinda: Thanks sis glad you like it.
Deans True Girl: Always good to know I am doing a good job.