Yes I am finally back you guys can quite grouching now.
I woke the next morning to my phone's incessant buzzing. When my hand finally lighted on it I picked it up and snapped a sharp 'what' into the receiver by way of greeting.
"Well, someone is nae a morning person," came Isla's cheery voice.
"Someone isn't a person person. What's going on?"
"Your soldiers from across the sea arrive today, my Queen," Isla said with a chuckle.
"So… I can't sleep late because…" I left the sentence hanging.
"My dear, there is much for you to learn about being Druid Queen. Including protocols in this situation."
"Ugh, fine!" I grumbled rolling out of bed, "But there better be a quart of demonsblood tea when I get there!" Demonsblood tea, usually a lethal poison, was an energizer to a mikokai like me.
"Very well, My Queen," she chuckled again and hung up.
"What was that about?" Neal asked as I rolled out of bed like a zombie.
"The soldiers from across the sea are arriving and, as per tradition, request an audience with the queen."
"And you can't blow them off and stay abed with your love deprived husband?" he asked pitifully.
"As wonderfully inviting as that sounds, you know the answer to that," I started to throw on my usual white camisole and jeans when Neal stopped me.
"Love, I already said, no playing 'jump the Halfling'," I muttered.
"Not what I was doing but I wouldn't mind. I was just going to dress you in something more befitting a Queen."
"Just make sure it's a warrior queen."
"How about I just make you my queen?"
"Deal."
000
I stood at the docks waiting watching the ships come in. Twelve in all, all brimming with Druid warriors. I felt myself getting nauseous and bursting with pride all at the same time.
"You'll be fine," Isla said patting my hand.
"I am in a friggin dress with heels on. If I don't fall and call an end to this war by breaking my neck and giving the crown to Mirta by default it'll be a miracle."
I stood from my seat on a platform when the Druids gathered on the deck crying, "Long live the Queen! Long live Lindsey! Hail to the Queen!"
"Aunt Isla," I said, feeling my face drain of color.
"Aye, my lady," she said picking up decorum.
"I think I'm gonna be sick."
"You'll be all right, my dear. Face them like a warrior."
"You want me to take out my own armies?" I hissed.
"No lass, just make a speech," she chuckled. I took a deep breath and nodded.
"My brothers and sisters. Thank you all for answering my call to arms. It gladdens my heart to see such brave faces and strong warriors ready to defend my family. Loyal supporters of my rightful crown and believers in what I stand for. Though I am but a halfling, raised in the wilds and uncertain of many traditions, know this. In battle I shan't sit idly by. With you, my brothers and sisters, I shall pick up my sword, string my bow, and ride into battle!"
A cheer exploded from the soldiers gathered and chants of my name filled the air. Isla smiled when I turned back to her.
"Gather my generals of air, earth, and water corps for a meeting after noon. I shall be in the forge with the smiths till then."
"Aye, my Queen."
000
My brow was drenched as I hammered out the sheets of metal into breastplates. I had already designed armor for Astral and True Speed. I was currently working on perfecting the druids armor I was given.
I finished the breastplate and waved one of the apprentices over. The young girl looked nervous and frightened. I don't know if it's because I was her Queen or a mikokai.
"Aye, my lady?"
"Try this on. Nevermind how it fits how does it weigh on you?" The girl dutifully slipped the breastplate over her head.
"It weighs hardly a thing. Should be simple to wear all day and during battle," she said. From the way she moved I could see she spoke true. I smiled and thanked her, telling her to fetch a honey-cake as a reward for her troubles.
"Head Smith Lockturn!"
"Aye, my Queen?"
"Begin your smiths on the creation of this armor. It's been perfected."
"Of course, my lady," he said with a bow as I handed him the armor and the formula for the metal. I ran my hand over my face and sighed. "What ails your Highness?" I had just about grown accustomed to people calling me your highness and your majesty and such.
"Nothing, Master Smith, just tired."
"Ah. Making ready for war. My lady, if I may be so bold as to suggest you take a quick break. You have been working harder than any of us."
"Thank you, Master Smith, but I shall fair well. This setting isn't necessarily what I was raised in but it is in my blood. Excuse me now. I must prepare for a meeting with my generals and confidants."
"Aye, my Queen."
000
Neal accompanied me to our war meeting, much to my protest. I thought he should occupy his time with the case he and Peter had been assigned as opposed to my problems and upcoming war.
I stepped in the room surrounded by soldiers with my aunt, the boys, and my clan sisters at the head of the table.
"What's Neal doing here?" Jessica asked.
"He's my husband making him a Prince of the Druids and he wishes to go to war with us. He has his right to be here, perhaps more than you guys or Sam and Dean," I said diplomatically, taking my place at the head of the table and lowered my hands indicating they take a seat. One Calliach Druid remained standing.
"Aye?" I said.
"My lady, Queen. I am Calliach Druid Donner MacCorman, Ambassador for the Druid Kingdom to the United States. Their government said they would aid neither side in battle and though many opposed I explained that the battle would be fought on U.S. soil whether they liked it or not."
"Good. Don't need those idiots trying to help us."
"You never considered yourself American?" Neal asked from my right.
"I never considered myself human," I replied flatly. Everyone fidgeted nervously. I had just spoken of the white elephant that sat at the head of this war table.
"Have we mapped out our battlefield yet?"
"Yes, my lady, an abandoned fort that looks out across an open field. The druids will rig out the spires of the fort with our magic and tech mix. The fort isn't a historic sight so it should prove perfect."
"Excuse me, did you say tech?" I asked baffled.
"Aye, my Queen, we are a traditional people but not behind the times."
"Sam, you will be in charge there. Dean, you and Jess will be in charge of combat training. Call Bobby to help. Tell him the flight's on me. I'm sending Draka. She's big enough to carry one person a great distance now. Mindy see if you can get your family to join the fight. I want eyes in the sea and sky as well as on land so we know when Mirta and her armies get here. I have perfected our armor so they won't be expecting that. You have your duties and the battle plans," the room nodded the affirmative, "Very well. Any questions?" The druids were silent a moment.
"My lady, forgive me for asking so rudely but you are half demon. What if God does not find favor with us." Those closest to me flinched and all shifted away from him as I stood slowly and deliberately from my seat.
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side for God is always right." There was silence a moment then a riotous uproar of agreement and cheering my name again.
"And how will we know if we are on God's side?" the same druid inquired.
"Castiel," I said knowing the angel would show up after I said his name.
Sure enough moments later a gasp and shiver ran through the room at the immense spiritual power the angel possessed as he appeared. When the druids saw him they bowed respectfully to the messenger of God. I did the same out of tradition alone.
"You called?" he said flatly.
"My people need affirmation that we are doing as God wishes."
"God gave you the crown. He means you to fight for it." I nodded my thanks and dismissed the generals.
The last one was leaving when a young page brought in a dispatch. I took it and read the paper. As I read it I could feel my face paling.
"What is it?" Jessica asked.
"Tell the soldiers prepare for battle immediately. The drough will be on our shores tomorrow."
Duhhh duhhh duuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhh! I know no Castiel vs. Lindsey confrontation. But war is up soon. Maybe during the battle lolz.
DeansTrueGirl: Sorry it took so long hope you like it though.