A/N: Seven Realms series doesn't belong to me, it belongs to Cinda Williams Chima. Please read and review! Thanks!
Chapter 2: Finding Peace
Mellony sighed under her breath, finishing her sketch. Eying the harsh lines of charcoal, she winced slightly, smudging them to make them look a little softer.
"Mellony!" Raisa had entered the sun-lit courtyard. "Hey, what are you drawing?" It had been three years since Raisa had become queen, and Mellony knew that Raisa was really making an effort to spend time with her and build a better relationship between the two of them on top of a queen's endless duties and meetings.
"Nothing much." Mellony replied dejectedly, staring at her drawing of the courtyard.
"No," Raisa leaned over her shoulder, "That is really good, keep at it! You're so talented!"
Mellony grinned at Raisa. "Only in comparison of your artwork."
"Hey, stop being so smug! You know I can't draw!"
Mellony just grinned wider, "I do know that."
"You little imp!"
"I'm taller than you." Mellony retorted.
"I make up for it in my level of sophistication." Raisa teased, "At least I don't resort to cruelty to my sister."
Mellony laughed. "Peace?"
"Peace," Raisa creased her eyebrows slightly, "And speaking of peace, isn't there a meeting for the Queendom Peace Committee right now? When you asked to help in the Queendom's peace process, I thought you were going to take it seriously."
"Oh, no!" Mellony started shoving her charcoal and papers in her bag. "I'm so sorry, I completely forgot! I'm ten minutes late! Bye, Raisa!"
Mellony sprinted into the castle. Three years had passed since Raisa had become queen, and life had improved in the queendom. Neighboring realms were, for the most part, involved in their own affairs. Raisa had continued her initiative to improve education and quality of life in Fellsmarch, and to rebuild after the fire. The clans and the wizards were attempting to make peace, but that process was long.
Today, Mellony was going to a meeting with representatives from the clans, and from the wizards. She had volunteered to oversee this committee months ago. She had wanted to help the Queendom, in any way she could, and the peace process was especially important to her.
Mellony rounded the corner and paused, catching her breath and smoothing her hair, before entering the committee room.
Five people were sitting around a circular table. Amon was sitting closest to the door. Han Alister, head of the wizard council, and Fire Dancer, a wizard and a clan member, were talking together. Two clan members: a young man with brown hair and a middle-aged woman wearing a silver shawl, were talking quietly as well. The middle-aged woman turned to say something to Fire Dancer, when the room noticed her entrance.
"Princess Mellony." Amon stood when she came to the table, claiming a chair. The clan members and wizards stood up as well.
"Sit down, it's okay. Sorry I'm late," Mellony sat down and motioned for them to do the same. "I believe some introductions are in order." She didn't know who the clan members were.
"Han Alister, wizard. Spent summers growing up in Marisa Pines Camp." Han raised an eyebrow at her, as if to ask whether she had forgotten whom he was. Mellony didn't get along with her brother-in-law all the time, but she hadn't forgotten him. She would roll her eyes at him later.
"Amon Byrne, Captain of the Queen's guard." Amon spoke business-like.
"I'm Fire Dancer. I am a wizard and a member of Marisa Pines Camp." Dancer stated slowly.
"I am Silverthread. Clan member of Marisa Pines Camp," the woman in the silver shawl spoke assertively.
"Aarin. Clan member. Demonai." The young man with brown hair said laconically.
The room was thick with both hope and centuries of distrust, but perhaps a new era was dawning. Mellony wasn't entirely sure about the clan members at the table, and she didn't even know if peace was possible, but she was hopeful. "I'm Mellony ana'Marianna. This is the first meeting of the Queendom Peace Committee, and from now on, we'll meet everyday to find ways to bring lasting peace. Let's get to work."