Lochland: Capitol City of Velusia

[Reinne Blackthorne]

She knew. Even before she saw the diminished battalion of soldiers come through the city streets..she knew. A shudder sigh was drawn in as that chest heaved in quivering motion. Already she was swallowing the pain, not wanting to upset her precious son. A trembling hand came to rest on the window sill as she watched what was once thirty now only eighteen come pass beneath the great arch. She did not want to go down there, to coe face to face with the knowledge already harbored in that soul, but, she knew she must.

Setting a complacent look of neutrality upon her soft angular features, Reinne turned and headed out of the study chambers to greet the surviving warriors.  A soft smile and nod would be given to those who crossed her path through the halls as always, never once giving away the pain which burned at her innards.

Her husband was dead...and she knew it.

It was with regal grace she stepped outside to watch from the steps as they streamed in, all in perfect formation. But in all honesty, her eyes were settled on one horse bearing a large burden laden across it back. Already she could see the feet that dangled on the left side bearing the boots of the man whom had been her husband for ten years. Biting back the pain and rage that threatened to boil over she took but a single step before she heard the rapid footsteps of Lucan as he rushed out to greet his doting father.

" Lucan!"

Too late did her hands reach out to stay his progression as he burst past her that youthful excitement overpowering his sights.  Hands reached up to cover her nose and mouth in anxiety as she watched helplessly whilst he eagerly ran among the horsed men looking for his father.

" Father! Father!"

Tears threatened to spill as she glanced at the sorrowful faces of the men as they looked down upon the boy who eagerly moved to each horse searching for his dad's loving face. Her heart stopped completely as his own movements did upon the sight of those same booted feet. Gathering her skirt into fists she dashed forward in the hopes to stop him before he lifted the blanket covering the dead form of a loving father and loyal husband.

" Lucan no!"

It was too late. By the time she reached him hands gripping his small shoulders he had already lifted the blanket. His pain washed through her from, stabbing like a knife. Breathing stalled as she waited with baited breath for the tears to start.  Already her gaze lifted to the second in command barely nodding at the sadness and apologies in his eyes.

" There was nothing we could do Reinne."

Stifling the urge to cry once again she lifted her chin and nodded once replying in trembling voice, " I know. "

" FATHERRR!! NOOOOOO!"

Lucan was struggling to reach him but she held fast bending down to wrap her slender arms about his waist and chest to hold him at bay. As he screamed and raged to be let go she merely whispered in his ear.

" Lucan, you must be strong my son. You are a prince. Grieve in silence it will not last long.."

Even as she spoke the words one hand was moving to the dagger hidden in the pocekt of her dress. Fingers clasped the pommel tightly drawing it out of its nest to bring it forth and lightly cut along his bare shoulder as she whispered.

" Forgot not your father but only the pain of his loss. Be brave little prince and live a happy life..."

Lucan whimpered at the slice upon his shoulder but soon forgot all else. His tears ceased as she murmured a quick spell of light healing sealing the dagger's wound. Her doe like eyes looked down upon Lucan as he turned and looked up to her.

" Don't be sad Mother. It will be alright."

She choked back a small cry and smiled bravely at her boy as she dragged him into her embrace murmuring into his dark curly locks.

" I will be fine my love. Go now and let me attend to things."

She watched as Lucan left hand in hand with one of his nurse maid before turning back to her husband's second.

" Meet me in the Council Chambers. I want to know everything", looking to the servants who were busy taking away the bodies they had brought home, " You..take his body to the chapel, have the priests bathe him and prepare for the funeral rites."

As everyone moved to attend their duty she turned and preceded the newly ranked general into the council chambers. She wanted to cry, but for now she must remain strong..at least until Shamus returned from Camelot.

[Shamus Blackthorne]

The journey home was slow, but it had to be done. The king of Camelot had died and a new king had been placed on the throne. Shamus would not be seeing the king anytime soon and he had pressing matters to attend to back home. The deep sadness which hit his heart like a stone hitting the surface of a pond drew him. Something was happening to Reinne and she was alone he could feel that. Shamus stood at the edge of the flying carpet looking back to the tent which lightly flowed with the air currents.

The pilot mage opened his eyes and said, " We're almost there m'lord" Shamus looked back and said, " good good..".

However all was not good for he could feel it deep inside. He looked down and spotted the glimmering barrier of the veil. Shamus took out his signet ring and extended it before him a eerie sound was produced and the veil faded. The majestic lands of his kingdom were laid out before him now. How Shamus had missed his home he almost had forgotten it's warm embrace.

The vast city-states and smaller towns and farming villages made a wonderful mosaic. Shamus always enjoyed to look down on the kingdom from this height. He felt like a bird looking down on a world full of wonder. It almost made the bitter sadness which was coming to him from Reinne ease.

Though he hoped that some of the enjoyment and wonder he was experiencing was going to her. If he could ease her pain somehow then he would. However the pain they had to go through was different it was deeper and if not forgotten it was harboured. An hour or so passed when finally he could see the castle of Lochland in the distance. Shamus stood up as the carpet came to rest over the empty green grass outside the walls. He jumped down and landed on his feet and began to walk towards the city calls making his way up to the castle road. He searched for Reinne whom he knew was within the area.

Shamus made his way to the castle where the sad faces greeted him. Shamus stopped one of the servants and asked him where Reinne was. The servant pointed him towards the castle, Shamus entered looking around. Shamus let his connection to her guide him which he should have done sooner. It led him to the council chambers which was always in Shamus's view one of the coldest rooms here. Shamus entered into the council chambers looking for his sister.

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Gaimen's words seemed to sink behind the haze of her mind as she tried to filter the information he was steadily feeding her. A wafty sigh left her lips as she rubbed her temples and muttered.

" Damn them. So the rumors were true then..Darkthornes have once again begun thier incidious raids on our people."

" Yes my lady, it seems they have."

She growled. It was in her nature to want to slay those who harmed the Velusian people, but this had become personal. The Darkthornes had taken her husband. Rage seethed inside that form but none of it would show to Gaimen. Instead she merely fell silent as he continue the explanation. As he spoke she felt a sudden uplifting of spirit even if only for a moment before it was once again dampened by her own heart ache.


Shamus was near home.

The thought brought a brief wavering smile to lush rises as her eyes skipped to the window in anticipation. She knew Shamus had landed safely was, even now, making his way to the chambers with a bit of grim thought. He hated this room often describing it as cold, but she found a comfort her as it fit her warrior like nature. As soon as the door opened she stood rushing forward to thrust herself in her twin's arms.

" Shamus..welcome home my brother."

At least she had leave to release her emotion that body beginning to tremble as the tears flowed breaking past her well built dam. In Shamus's arms she wept bitterly as Gaimen stood by uncomfortably silent.

[Autoed with permission]

[Shamus Blackthorne]

Shamus looked down to Reinne with a brotherly smile and said, " What troubles you Reinee? I've been feeling a despair all the way to Camelot where is your husband?...." Shamus looked over to Gaimen who shook his head and lowered his eyes. Shamus knew what that meant and he held Reinne tight. Shamus would simply take his dagger and remove that pain from her, but he knew she needed time to mourn. " I'm sorry Reinne I didn't know....how did it happen? I've been gone for a good number of days what has happened in my leave?"

Shamus gave her a look which told her he would make things right again. Somehow, someway he would make this pain go away and avenge her husband. " I will avenge his death Reinne, but first we need to give him a proper burial. One fit for a king no less for he was the king of your heart and like a brother to me. The people will remember the good he did for them and you shall remember the love he gave you and Lucan. His memory shall be that of a man who earned the respect of many and the love of us all."

Shamus knew this day would come and he had not know how he would act. For her husband had done a lot of good for the kingdom in helping defend it. He also had been like a brother to Shamus who had become good friends with the man. They both swore an oath of brotherhood and Shamus was going to uphold his oath. He'd make sure Reinne and Lucan were taken care of and make sure to bury him with his sword. " Did they retrieve his sword, I have an oath to keep to him. I only wish I'd been here ...maybe I could have saved him or gone to battle with him."

Shamus felt the deep sadness which echoed to him from Reinne. Shamus spoke towards Gaimen, " My mission in Camelot was unsuccessful, I arrive during their winter ball during which the king was slain and a new one placed atop the throne newly returned from the grave. They left the ball to discuss matters of state no doubt. I didn't want to wait in Camelot forever just to redo an alliance which I have thoughts of breaking. I'll simply visit Camelot some other time when things have settled there and I can gain audience with the new king." Shamus looked to Reinne and said, " If it hurts you so bad I can take the pain away dear sister. For it hurts me more to watch you suffer this great pain alone." Shamus showed the pain in his own eyes which he felt for Reinne.

" I know what pain you feel sister for not only do I share a connection with you, but I have suffered that pain as well. The Darkthornes took my love as they took yours. They may be weak in numbers, but their mission to destroy everything good in this world has held true. They hurt me which I can ignore, but they hurt you now which is something I shall not let go. Every last one of them shall be wiped from this realm in both life and death this I swear!" Shamus clenched his fist as anger rose up in him at the pain caused to Reinne.

He was very protective of his sister and her son and he would not let this go. Shamus moved Reinne towards a chair and begged her to sit. The stress of what happened to her was heavy and he did not want her on her feet. She was strong and spirited, but weak in the heart as everyone who dares to love is.

[Gallen Erewyn]

Orbs of brilliant green moved quickly to and fro over the documents before them, silver brows furrowed in thought.  The elf was seated behind a large and intricately engraved, oak wood desk of his own make.  Though the patterns carved into the wood seemed random, there was balance in them, and a story told through glyphs and pictures, each scene and it's writtings framed in celtic style knot designs.  Likewise, the office in which Gallen sat was meticulously kept, each thing in it's proper place.  There were two large windows, one to the east, and one to the west.  Both were flung open, so that the elf could listen to the whisperings of the breeze as he worked.

The cries of soldiers and common folk alike reached his ear long before he heard the shuffling patter of running feet approaching his office.  Gallen took a moment to straighten his documents, and set them to rights before rising to his feet, and clasping his hands at the small of his back.  The servant would find the elf awaiting his entrance, the hint of sorrow keen in those glittering green eyes...

"MiLord!  They've returned!"  The young man exclaimed breathlessly, his face bearing the sorrow only an innocent man who's just witnessed death can know.  "Less than half the battalion... And.. And.." There was a pause, as if the man could not bring himself to complete that which he meant to say.  Gallen cut him short, sparing him the pain of the words he'd meant to utter.  "Has Lord Shamus returned?"  He asked in a solemn tone, green eyes seeming to pierce the man's heart, knowing those sorrows all too well.

"Yes, MiLord.  He is with the Queen now."

"Take these documents, and see that they are proofed."  Said the elf, the tone of his voice softening a bit.  "I shall go to the Lord and Lady at once."

"Yes, MiLord"  Said the servant, glancing over the papers.  When he looked back, Gallen was gone, as if he'd never been in the room.

The elf moved quickly and silently, though his pace was not rushed.  A few moments later, Gallen stood at the door of the chamber.  Green eyes focused on Shamus and Rienne.  He did not speak, for he felt that no words of his could help to mend such sorrow until the proper time.  Silently, the elf lamented his own abilities.  For had Luther been one of Gallen's kind, surely he could have been brought back by the ancient arts known to the elves...  After a long moment, Gallen's eyes fell to the ground.  Death was not the same for all men.  Yet the pain inflicted by the passing of a loved one was the same for men and women of all races...

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Soon enough her weeping ceased as she merely curled her fists into Shamus's shirt and let out a heavy sigh. Besides Luther, Shamus and Lucan were the shining stars in her life. Softly withdrawing from his embrace she looked up to him reading the determined look upon that handsome face so much like her in angles.

" I know you will avenge him Shamus, but I will not allow it at the expense of your life as well. I could not bare losing you as well."

Dropping her arms as he pleaded with her to sit she stubbornly refused. Shaking her head she glanced to the door to see Gallen's figure filling the space. The look she gave him was of such sorrow that perhaps the stars themselves could weep at the knowledge of her loss. But as with all things, she would bear it through the funeral ceremonies and then she would allow Shamus to relieve her of the pain of this terrible loss.

" Gallen..."

She need not say anymore as he would already know. It was his way to know all that happened in the kingdom. Sometimes she found herself knowing how he did such things and at other times she would merely smile knowing that it truly did not matter. Gliding forward she leaned up and placed a soft kiss on the elven man's cheek like that of a daughter to her father. For Gallen had been much like a father figure to them both after the 'loss' of thier parents.

As soon as she did she turned back to Gaimen and Shamus that calm queenly look once again upon her face despite the turmoil of her heart. It was a great burden to bear but one she did beautifully. A soft step through the room would find her looking at all three as she pointed out things that each knew already deep down but likely would not be thinking of in light of the sorrowful situation.

" Our funeral rites would be an opportune time for Darkthornes to attack again. This is something they would do to draw our attention away. Though I wish for the rites to take place, I request that guards be doubled in all cities and towns in case those vile creatures should decide to take advantage of the events. I will not stand for the loss of more live while honoring only one."

[Shamus Blackthorne]

Shamus turned when Gallen entered the room and moved from Reinne. The grim expression Shamus wore was one he did not wear with delight. Placing his hands upon his waist as he turned back to face the elven man whom he considered like a father. " Duke Gallen good of you to join us though I wish it were better circumstances..." Shamus listened to Reinne's words as the echo of footsteps down the daylight lit halls made their way to the council chambers.

It seemed like only yesterday he was chasing her down those halls making fun of her. Now she was very different then that little girl he once knew. The time of lullabies and monsters in under the bed had grown into monsters killing her husband and mournful songs of lament. Time was a cruel thing and yet they had to endure it in longevity.

Shamus turned and faced the fireplace with his hand up to his chin. The light of the fireplace flickered on his form almost mimicking his dark countenance. Reinne spoke of security measures for the kingdom during the funeral which was merely a mask hiding her pain. Shamus knew she would have to do this so she could have the closure she needed. However letting her do it alone was hard for him.

" I'll post the elites through out the cities I want the knights to be present at the funeral however to both honor their fellow brother in arms and to protect those present. As for the Darkthornes they would take such an opportunity thats their nature. However we can send the border guards out on full alert so as to keep them from coming through while we have his funeral."

Shamus looked about the cold dark room, it lacked the life that many of the other rooms had. Though it was sparsly decorated since it's only use was for council meetings. Still it was not the decoration which made the room lifeless. It simply held a aura about it Shamus never really liked. Rubbing his hands together he made his way over to Gallen and extended a hand to clasp and hug. He'd missed the old elf even during his trip to Camelot. Gallen was the closest tie Shamus had to his father and the only person he knew he could trust besides Reinne.

Shamus walked over to Reinne and placed a gentle hand upon her right shoulder. " The death of one brings the life of another, there is some sweet with the bitter my sister..." Shamus gave her a consoling look. It was their custom that when someone was born they mourned and when someone died they celebrated. For a birth meant a death in the otherworld and a death meant a birth in the otherworld. They would celebrate Luthor's birth in the otherworld for four days and four nights. They would honor him with song and dance, and art the likes of which had not been seen in Lochland for some time.

[Gallen Erewyn]

The slightest turn at the corner of his mouth somehow expressed the pride he felt for both Shamus and Reinne, while those green eyes became windows to an ancient soul, adding the sorrow of the loss of Luther onto that of countless others.  Just as Reinne and Shamus were like daughter and son to the old elf, he'd been quite fond of Luther...  Somewhere in the vast expance of the time he remembered, a voice spoke silently:  "Alas, those that live by the blade are destined to die by the blade..."  The elf wondered for half a second if the addage would hold true in his case, but such mornid trains of thought were only distractions from the sorrow at hand.  

Silent steps carried Gallen to meet Reinne as she spoke his name.  The touch of her lips against his cheek pulsed through him, as if by that touch the gravity of her emotions was transmuted into his consciousness...  

  "Reinne.."  Her name passed his lips with out her title, a rare thing indeed, despite the deep well of care he held for his surregate daughter.  It was barely a whisper.  He embraced her briefly, as most of his physical contact with others was brief.  Had he been younger, perhaps this habit of brevity might not exist.  For the elf carried countless memories now, and each emotion he felt through the natural empathy of his race brought forth a flood of faces long gone, and things best left forgotten in the past.

Green eyes then turned to Shamus, whom he also embraced.  The young king did not bear the weight of grief as gracefully as Reinne, though he bore it with a strength and honor that made the elf proud to know him.  Perhaps this strength provided a kind of solace that only the elf knew in his heart of hearts.  For it had put an end to his wanderings, when he'd seen it in Shamus's father.  The smile that lit his pale features was of a mixture that only the long suffering soul might understand, Shamus and Reinne among them.

"The Queen speaks wisely, Lord Shamus..."  The elf began, when suddenly a hint of his devious, younger days glimmered in his green eyes.  "Yet, if we know Darkthorne will surely strike in such an hour of mourning, perhaps we should provide them with what appears to be a double opportunity."  Green eyes glanced back and forth between the King and Queen.  "They mean to get at us while we are weak in our loss, but this can be turned against them..."  

Gallen's expression was calm, yet it bore traces of the vengeance Shamus had already vowed.  The seeds of a subtle plan began to sprout in his ancient mind, to bring Shamus's vow to fruition...

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Shamus's words to her brought a sort of comfort as it always did when one thought about it. Though Luther may have died in this veiled kingdom, Shamus spoke true as to his rebirth on the mortal plains. A soft smile of gratitude would be given to him as her heart lifted, the burden of pain eased if only a small bit.

As soon as Gallen spoke her eyes would dart to his visage. Slowly she would straighten in her seat as she listened to his wisdom with a great amount of respect. He was not only a father figure to the pair but their most trusted ally and the royal advisor. Gallen's words were never to be taken lightly.

In her younger days she may have gloated at Gallen's words of her wisdom, but she knew that wisdom had come only with his guidance and many mistakes in her youth. As such only a graceful nod of appreciation would be given towards his stead. Finally she would take a seat the weight of these event starting to take their toll, yet she refused to allow it to show anywhere on her face...other than those haunted doe eyes.

" What have you in mind Gallen?"

Somehow she sensed where his thoughts were going, a small smile of knowing casually beginning to form over those pliable lips. The years with him had given her a small insight to many of his reasonings and thoughts, it was a blessed gift to have as it eased the process of many complicated events.

[Shamus Blackthorne]

Shamus always seemed to always feel at ease about Gallen's knowledge. The elf had more years then Reinne and him did. Though sometimes Shamus looked to Gallen and wondered what a life as long as his did to one's soul. It had to have left a mark on the elf one which he hid well. The Blackthornes were blessed in having their daggers to take away unsavory memories. Shamus walked over to a nearby chair and placed his hands on it's back. He looked over to Gallen as he spoke of the decoy funeral. It sounded like a plan which would work. Shamus looked to Reinne to see what her response to it was. Already he could see it seemed to please her and that meant he was okay with it.

Shamus took off his cloak and laid it down on the chair and walked over to a book shelf. He pulled out a map and laid it upon the table and looked it over. " If we place the decoy funeral here" Shamus pointed to one of the other major cities near the borders.

 " Then their more likely to strike there which it will be easier to push them back at the border rather then have them come in and attack this far from the border. Though if they do split their forces and attack us, then they cut themselves off for retreat which I doubt they would do. Their not a stupid foe, so I'm sure they'll decide to go after the decoy first if they fail in that then we might not have to worry about another attack. Though I wouldn't put it past them to the city of Wolfstein with a major force. Though the Wolfstein clan there are seasoned fighters and their city is well fortified which would make it better for them. I wouldn't want to give them a city that would be easily attacked, best to make it harder so they give up quicker."

Shamus stepped back a little and thought more on such a plan. " The Darkthornes would not only want to attack us while we're weak. They'd want to attempt to steal Luthor's body to be reanimated as one of their dark legion. So if we set up a simulacrum to look like Luthor then we can also trap it so that when they take it back with them as soon as it leaves the veil it hits them hard. Thus getting a little vengeance on them for what they did." Shamus felt bad about it, but the opportunity to attack was there. If Reinne wanted some revenge as well then it would not insult her. Though he still felt bad about mentioning such a ploy. " If I offended you Reinne forgive me."

Shamus looked back to the map trying to calculate any other things he could. If they were going to do this then he wanted to hit the Darkthornes hard so they would pay for their vile deed. Send as many of the bastards to hell as possible.

[Gallen Erewyn]

The elf clasped his hands at the small of his back, as he was prone to do while thinking and listening.  The act served a double purpose of sorts.  It symbolized his full attention given to whatever was being discussed, while keeping his fingers from fidgeting as he gave thought to the issue at hand.

Gallen paced around the hearth as Shamus spoke, nodding as he listened to the young King's words.  Shamus' attention to detail, and obvious forethought drew a grim smile from the elf.  Shamus, like Reinne, had indeed learned his office well...

"My king, I agree that the decoy need be prepared nearer the borderlands, rather than in the heart of our country.  We know our enemy well, and we know that not only will he fight harder if pressed, but be more prone to fear or our forces if he has the option to retreat..."  The elf paused, and gave a glance at Reinne as he went on.  "If Lady Reinne is able to bear the weight of this grief for but a while longer, I would suggest that the decoy memorial be performed in all speed, while the actual mourning of Luther be put on hold until Darkthorne is properly dealt with..."

It was apperant in those green eyes, that Gallen knew Reinne was able to do this, but to ask it of her made his heart heavy.  Yet, the elf knew that a proper mourning period could not be had while there was danger.  Vengeance exacted upon Darkthorne would have to take the place of proper mourning for the time being.

Gallen shifted his gaze to Shamus once more, raising his chin as he spoke:  "While I agree that vengeance must be had, the cost of such an act must not take away from our honor, my Lord."  It was Shamus' idea of using dark magick that bothered the elf...  "Were we to use such a tactic, we might be looked upon as no better than the beasts we fight against...  While I agree that surprise and stealth are to our advantage, I must protest the use of the animated dead or other such dark arts.  Instead, I would offer that our most elite men comprise the whole of the funerary mourners, and such magicks as we have be used to add the speed we require in persuing Darkthorne, should they be forced to retreat back across our borders..."  A gleam became visible in Gallen's emerald gaze.  "In fact, I would have your Lordship send soldiers across the border to await such a retreat.  We would catch our enemy between the hammer and the anvil..."

The idea was risky, because of the chance that the men sent outside the lands of Velusia might be seen or overtaken before they had the chance to play their part in the coming battle.  However, such a tactic would indeed catch Darkthorne completely off their guard, should the proper stealth be used to it's fullest extent.

"This tactic would require our very best scouts and fighting men, for it would be a most dangerous assignment.  In fact, should you choose this course of action, my Lord Shamus, I would request that I be sent with them to assure that we would travel unseen outside our borders."

[Shamus Blackthorne]

" Animated dead...no no I'm talking about creating one out of the earth itself.  Our kind does not use dark magic, no it's not looked highly upon. However with the addition of your plan on catching them as they flee that does sound interesting. If such a task was to be done however we would not know if they were successful. For in order to attack from the otherside of the border they'd be outside the veil and outside our reach. It may be a risk we have to take however...though we still have no reports on this new Darkthorne leader. My scouts have reported that the former leader Micean was over thrown by a new comer. Someone whom none of our scouts have heard of nor is he on any of our list of Darkthorne members. I don't like the element of surprise being with the Darkthornes at all..." Shamus rubbed his chin as he looked down at the map still formulating ideas.

" Though we have to do what we have to do, I don't want to lose anymore men though...if this plan fails and more lives our lost I will personally lead a force into Darkthorne territory. The wellfare of the people is my first and foremost concern to put them or our soldiers lives at risk for no real purpose would be criminal. Though I do understand this has to be done or more could die at the hands of the Darkthornes....it's a hard decision one we must make carefully."

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Upon Shamus's words of action her eyes snapped up a grim determination in them. Stiffening she lurched upright in her chair and moved to speak only to find her words falling short as Gallen spoke in turn. She wanted to say yes, with all of her heart she wanted to say go with the plan, but she knew deep down it was all wrong.

With a deeply drawn breath she slowly rose from her seat and planted both palms on the table. hat proud head sagged rolling downwards to peer at the marble veins upon the structure as she worked through the pain clogging her throat and tried to find the will to speak against her own wants and needs. In the end her regal nature would come through only one thought foremost on her mind....the kingdom over all.

" No......"


It was only a decibal above that of a whisper. Slowly her head would rise to look upon the two as those chocolate hued eyes shifted from to the other and she repeated herself for all to hear.

" No. It would not work."

She peered at Shamus with a saddened smile. She knew he was only trying to follow through on his oath to avenge her husband but as with all things the good of the kingdom must come before the heart of one..no matter whom it was. Sucking in a bit of air she dug deep within herself to find the strength to carry on with her words.

" A royal funeral has always taken place in the capitol city. To place it elsewhere after all this time would be a folly on our parts as we all know that Darkthorne would see through such a thing.  It is not in their nature to merely strike at our outer edges..history has showed us as much.  They will strike at the heart in the hopes to end this feud once and for all they always have..."

She gaze flashed over to Gallen for a moment as if to get him to agree as he would know form personal experience.

" A decoy funeral should happen I agree..but here as it always has been. As for a true funeral...", her eyes would drift shut as she swallowed the lump of pain burdening her trembling words," It will have to wait ..for as long as it takes. The welfare of our people come before even my own heartache. We will set his body to the earth privately and hold a memorial funeral for him when it is safe to grieve. "

Her eyes had taken on a hard, grim and determined look. The look in those normally vibrant chasms was one that stated clearly she would have her way in this. It was her husband whom had been slain..and as such it was her right to make the decisions regarding his funeral. At that moment a flash of movement in the door caught her gaze the full of it swinging to peer at the guard who stood in awkward silence just on the other side.

" Yes?"

" Many pardons my lieges..but there is an arrival at the main gates..a woman..with...dragons."

Reinne's gaze swept over to Gallen and Shamus with a hint of shock in it. Very few traveled with dragons now a days. Whomeever it was must be a rarity indeed. Turning back to the guard she nodded.

" Very good. Thank you. We will be there as soon as we can. Have them brought in and put at ease until we arrive."

He bowed and turned swiftly to do her bidding. This was the life of a Blackthorne royal...not a moment to rest or grieve..for the position of royalty never rest and as such, niether can those who are born to it.

[Gallen Erewyn]

Gallen turned and shifted his gaze to Reinne.  He knew her heart longed for the old ways, to honor Luther in such a way that would not break tradition.  This was honorable in his eyes, and he felt strongly that it should be so...  

"You do your husband Honor to stand so stedfastly on the old ways, my Lady...  However, those that Lord Shamus and myself would surely would appoint to gaurd the ceremony might be better used to end this Darkthorne threat once and for all..."  The elf paused, and his emerald eyes focused on Shamus once more.

"Unless you wish, my Lord, to hold the decoy memorial here in the capital..."  Gallen's expression was grave as he spoke.  To draw the enemy deep into the heart of Velusia might give them the edge they needed to crush Darkthorne, but it also would force the enemy into desperation.  This would mean a far more dangerous battle situation than a mere border skirmish...

The elf moved to Reinne's side, and placed a hand gently upon her shoulder, speaking to both King and Queen.  "Perhaps it would be best to simply focus on guarding our borders, and getting through the mourning period.  After that, we could go full force into Darkthorne's territory, and crush them once and for all..."

[Shamus Blackthorne]

Shamus listened to them both and saw logic and custom meet. However still he did not want to risk Reinne getting hurt during her husband's funeral. The Darkthornes were prone to dramatics such as this and he had read much on their history. They were like a beast of battle that only knew one thing and that was eat and kill. To invite such a foe into one's home was to ask for death. " Then we shall hold the decoy funeral here in Lochland though we shall have to keep this between ourselves. I'm sure that Darkthorne had it's spies within Blackthorne. When they attack though we must have a plan of action."

Shamus knew if they simply waited for the Darkthornes to attack they would still chance being defeated. They needed a good plan and Shamus was trying to develop more ideas based on his military knowledge. " Perhaps we can try to close in on them, cut them off and back them towards the ocean. It will mean they will fighter harder as cornered animals do. However they will have no retreat they will have to either die fighting or give up. I've not seen a Darkthorne ever give up, but we could harness the ocean have it come and sweep them out to sea. Thereby minimizing our forces chances of being killed off in the fight." Shamus knew the land would help them in this as it had done before.

However having a viper in your home was like inviting death to lay with you.