Random Stories (because everyone needs a laugh sometimes)

Lord Entinonyar of Coulyar in northern country and Lord Zito discussed several political problems between the North and South, like port rights to the Rowan Sea. Elisa rolled her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Entinonyar and Zito could spend ages discussing all the issues that they had. Lady Estella seemed to notice her annoyance, for she leaned and whispered, "So much for a productive meeting, eh?"
Elisa smiled. Lady Estella always seemed to know how she felt and had compassion for it. It seemed that the East and West got along much better than the North and South. Estella ruled the Eastern holdings, a beautiful and lush landscape like the West, which Elisa now ruled.
"Yes. Zito and Entinonyar will spend hours discussing unless we stop them," Elisa replied. Her gaze flickered to the new lord from Yirzicér, who shifted uncomfortably and frowned at the older lords. "Anyways, who's the new lord? He's from the capital city which can only mean trouble. Probably working for the King, I assume. I'd like to see if he makes a good addition to the Quorum of Five."
Lady Estella frowned. "You haven't heard? That's Thorin, son of the king. King Trucio let him take his place as a Quorum Lord until he, the king dies, and he's prepared to take the throne." She paused biting her lip. "He practically rules over us all."
Elisa's eyes widened. "Your kidding," she said breathlessly.
Estella smirked. "No, it's true. I'm sure he'll keep Zito and Entinonyar in check."
"Hopefully. Are Zito and Entinonyar aware of that he's the prince?" she asked eyeing Thorin across the room. He had brown hair that curled at the nape of his neck and had a natural sheen. His chiseled features and blue eyes were almost too beautiful. His discomfort was masked by a state of composure. He was only a year or two older than Elisa and she felt sudden admiration for him.
"I don't think so. They wouldn't be acting like this if they were aware. I wish the prince wasn't seeing them like this. Their behavior is just horrific," Estella said, exhasperated.
"Agreed," Elisa replied with a nod.
Thorin cleared his throat and Lord Zito and Entinonyar whirled. "I hope you don't mind, Lord Zito and Lord Entinonyar but we need to begin discussing other matters. I'd like to hear about the East and West before we do an overall discussion," he said looking in their direction.
"I agree, Prince Thorin. And I don't mind if Lady Estella begins. I'd like to hear what she had to say." Elisa shot a grateful glance to Thorin who gave a nod in response. Zito and Entinonyar stared at her wide eyed.
"Prince Thorin? But he's only a lordli–!" Zito began. Estella cut him off.
"It's true. If you haven't been listening to the news you should know that King Trucio assigned Thorin to take a place in the Quorum of Five. Surely you know?"
"But he's..," Zito began. He didn't finish for Thorin glared at him.
Thorin clasped his hands. "Thank you, my lord. That's been quite enough. I'd like to hear what Lady Estella has to say. Please, my lady, begin."

"Well, I agree with Estella. Our holdings have been at peace for quite a while and trade has been good. And I do believe that the south owes my holdings a tax for the trade in leather," she said glancing at Lord Zito. He frowned.
"I thought I payed that tax a while ago," he said.
"According to my accountings you haven't. And I need that tax to repare damage from the storms we've had lately in the West."
Zito sighed and took out a small notebook from inside his satin coat. "I'll make sure it's done for. I'll have it sent to you within a week of the last Quorum Meeting."
Elisa smiled, glad that their argument hadn't gone further. "Thank you, my lord. I'll make it up to you someday."
Thorin spoke up between them, "Now that we've heard from all of the Lords, and Ladies, I think we can come to conclusion that we are in overall peace our country."
Zito raised his brow. "But what of the North and Sou–?"
"Enough with the North and the South, Lord Zito!" Thorin growled. "I've heard enough!" Zito slammed his mouth shut. "Thank you, my lord."
Now Entinonyar spoke, awakened from his silence. "I'd like to discuss the several attacks my city has had by Inviernos."
Elisa snapped to attention. Inviernos? They hadn't bothered their peaceful country in years. Their last war with the Inviernos had been almost a century ago. The Inviernos were set on having their country, for reasons Elisa didn't exactly understand yet. "What of it, Lord Entinonyar? They haven't attacked your city in years. Nontheless been able to pass it."
There was a glimmer of pride in his eyes, though his expression was grim. "I know, but their Animagi have done plenty of damage to my city. I'm worried. It word comes that an army is coming..."
"Lord Entinonyar, if it comes to a point when our country is under attack, all of us will provide reinforcements and refuge for your people," Lady Estella said.
"Thank you, my lady. That would help."
The bells of the eleventh hour rang through the halls. Thorin clasped his hands. "Our discussion will continue tomorrow. You're all dismissed."
Elisa rose and bowed before him. "Thank you, Your Highness." (Highness is for prince/princess. Majesty for the queen/king) She gave a quick nod to the Lords and Estella accompanied her down the hall, for her room was across from hers. As soon as they arrived, Estella clasped her hands.
"You did well out there, Elisa. You're learning well."
"Thank you, Estella. I try my best," she said smiling.

Compassion filled Estella's eyes, but she merely nodded. "I was attacked as well. But in my very palace. My high lord was killed by that smoke. I bet the Inviernos are scheming something."
Elisa bit her lip, eyes narrowed slighly. "Yes, but, you think they're capable of such magic?"
She shrugged. "Their Animagi are capable of many things. Their Decigeri much more."
Decigerus? She'd never heard of such an Invierno. "Their Decigeri?"
A soft smile curled at Estella's lips. "The land of Invierne has nine Decigeri, each ruling their own house and territory. They're the most powerful Inviernos. Ten times more powerful than an Animagi."
Elisa raised her brow. "And you know of such things?"
Estella clicked her toungue. "A lady has her ways."
Elisa wrung her hands. "Well, at least someone is an expert with Inviernos. I'm sure Lord Entinonyar will appreciate your knowledge. Let's save the rest for tomorrow, shall we?"
"Of course. Sleep well, Elisa."
Estella turned and walked into her room, shutting the door with a click.
Elisa was alone.

The man still kept his dagger at her navel, the blade gingerly poking her skin. "I don't tell my name in places like these," he said bluntly.
"Well if you don't mind, you could remove your blade from my stomach," Elisa snarled, clutching her stomach from further harm.
The man held her gaze for a moment before saying, "As you wish." He sheathed his dagger. Elisa held back a sigh of relief.
"Thank you," she said ruffling the folds of her dress. "So, why can't you tell me your name if we're completely alone in my room?"
"You should know the king has eyes everywhere. He wouldn't want anyone knowing I was here."
"If you want, I'll tell you my name," she replied, hoping that would persuade him.
The man chuckled, a sly smile playing across his lips. "I already know your name, Lady Elisa."
Elisa's eyes widened. "How do you know my name?" she asked, her voice soft.
"You'd be surprised at how much I know, Elisa," he said gruffly. 
There was a long silence before he said anything else.
"My name is Gavin, Gavin Haviliard. I'm an assasin."

Gavin glowered at her as she held the dagger to his throat.
"First of all, I came here to warn you. Second of all, why stick a dagger to the throat of a man trying to save your life?"
Elisa lowered the blade. She still didn't trust him. "Why come here to save me? You basically stuck a knife up my navel," she replied.
"Because you are the girl to save us from the Inviernos." He pushed away her blade and rose from the ground. "Look, being an assassin is tough business. I kill for my master so I can get a decent living. Disobeying his orders could lead to my death. You have to understand the risks I took to come here and warn you."
Elisa stared at him skeptically. "Who's your master anyways, Haviliard?" He flinched as she pronounced his last name.
"If you must know, my master is Conde Paxón, Lord of Bellhaven."
Elisa bit her lip. Paxón was a minor lord from the North. Ruling Bellhaven was a little dissapointing of course, for Bellhaven was a rotten port city. All smog and fish. The thought of it made Elisa gag. But Bellhaven was on the border between Invierne and Erilea. Of course Gavin would mention the Inviernos. "And he sent you here to kill me?" she asked.
Gavin gave a coy smile. "No. Actually he didn't send me to kill anyone. Why bother killing you this far South? I came here willingly."
Elisa began to pace across the marble floor. "What did you come here to warn me about anyways?" she asked.
Gavin watched her pace. His eyes followed her every movement. "The Animagi and Decegeri know that Lord Entinonyar left his city to attend this Quorum meeting. Entinonyar left the city in the hands of Conde Tristán." He paused for emphasis. "He's an Invierno spy, Elisa."
Elisa stopped her pacing and looked at him head on. Why would Entinonyar leave his city in the hands of a spy from Invierne? Was he scheming with them? "Does Entinonyar know about Tristán?"
Gavin shook his head. "No. But you need to tell him about it at the next Quorum meeting or Erilea is doomed."

Elisa was awoken but a hand shaking her shoulder. She grunted.
"Come on, Elisa! The Quorum meeting is in half an hour. You must prepare." It was Gavin.
"And how do I have the pleasure to be awoken at the crack of dawn?" she asked slipping out of bed.
Gavin frowned. "It's the eighth hour of the morning, my lady. Three hours past dawn."
Elisa bit her lip and glanced at the window. The sun rose just over the Hinderian mountain range. Soft light iluminated the room. It was most certainly the eighth hour. "Well come on then. Help me get ready," she said.
Color rose in Gavin's cheeks. He ran a hand through his dark hair. "I don't think that would be appropriate, Elisa. Should I call a maid to help you?"
She rolled her eyes. "Come on, Gavin. I know you can handle it. Unless you're that inmature."
He pursed his lips but a smile still remained. "No, I'm not, Elisa. If you really want me to, I'll help you get dressed."
And so he did. But Elisa could hear him stiffling laughter throught the entire thing. Finally she was dressed, in a soft, blue dress that complimented her hair and eyes. It shimmered like water when she moved. "You look beautiful, Elisa," he said stepping back and admiring her.
"Thank you, Gavin. I never realized an assasin could change his heart so quickly."
Gavin shrugged. "I have my ways. By the way, my offer to being your guard is still out there."
Elisa wrung her hands. She'd thought about it, but she wasn't sure if it was the right choice. Something felt wrong replacing Jonas. "I actually have thought about it quite a bit, Gavin. I decided to take you as my personal guard. But what about Conde Paxón?"
"I'll have to deal with him once I return to Bellhaven," he said offering her his arm. "So I'll only be your guard while you're here in Puerto Mar."
Elisa layed her arm on his as he escorted her to the courtroom. "Oh." She felt a twinge of dissapointment. Part of her wished he would stay for longer. "Well, I hope I learn to bear you while I'm here. You've certainly proved to be...interesting company."
Gavin chuckled. "I hope so. An assasin must always have an interesting character."
She elbowed him gently. "Don't mention your occupation, Gavin!" she hissed. Elisa shot a apologetic smile to the courtesans in the hallway, who stared at them with interest.
Eventually the neared the double doors to the courtroom.
"I guess this is where I leave you, Elisa," Gavin said. "Remember to tell Entinonyar about Tristán, alright?"
Elisa smiled. "I will." She opened the doors the courtoom and stepped inside. Gavin closed the door behind her. The other four lords and lady waited for her at the table. This meeting would decide destiny,