Ireth

Chapter 1: Ruby Norling

Lilith sat at the head of the long oak table, in her meeting hall. The hall was the colour of gold, and a large crystal chandelier hung above the table for decoration more then use. The left wall was covered in arched stain glass windows; they didn't make an image, but distorted the light. 

The Kings and Queens entered the room in a long line behind three of Lilith's best guards, James, Kendrick and Rodor. The guards all wore the same uniform, a blood red cloak over a red shirt and pants with a red mask which was trimmed in silver and gold. Swords hung at their hips except James,  a master archer who had a black quiver strapped to his back instead. James and Rodor stood at attention beside the double doors, their hoods up, while Kendrick took his place beside Lilith. Lavender, the Queen of Garlyen sat opposite Lilith, clad in a light blue dress with a gold tiara on her curly blonde head. Her husband Michael sat beside her; there had been a lot of controversy about him and his right to rule over the land. Considering that he was merely a fishermen's son this was to be expected although he had proven his worth, not everyone was happy about him ruling. He had dark brown eyes and curly brown hair, his skin was tan, and he wore a dark blue shirt with a cloak made of white wolf skin and doeskin pants. He hadn't worn his crown on this occasion, their daughter sat beside him, a frown on her face. She had curly hair like her mothers, however the same colours as her father's, her eyes were grey, and she had a pretty face. She was clad in a royal purple dress and hadn't worn a tiara for the occasion either; Lilith was surprised to see her there. The King and Queen of Havneby sat across the table from Lavender and Michael and also appeared frustrated at having to be there. Lilith had expected this, considering that Queen Felicity was the cousin of her and Lavender, and had always been jealous of their positions of power. Her husband was a rich man, though not the best looking, he had power that Felicity had wanted, and it wasn't a secret that Felicity was behind all the decisions being made in Havneby. They were waiting on only two other royals, Queen Faye and King Elvin, who ruled over the fairies. Queen Faye and King Elvin always arrived late to the meetings and Lilith always felt tense when she saw them. Lilith was the High Queen of Ireth, but Faye was always indirectly reminding her that she and her husband were the powerful ones.

No one spoke a word until Ruby asked, "Why hasn't this started?" "Don't ask such questions," Michael whispered, "we're waiting on Queen Faye and King Elvin" Lilith replied. Ruby immediately sat straighter and didn't say another word. The doors to the room opened and everyone at the table, excluding Lilith, stood up upon Faye and Elvin's entry. Queen Faye was glorious, her dark skin glowed, she wore a green gown and her hair fell like rain. Elvin's complexion was a lot lighter then his wife's, his hair was the color silver, and his face was sharp and angular. Faye had a much softer face in comparison; they sat down at the table, accompanied by a young man, who Ruby assumed was their son. He had olive skin, dark hair and brown eyes; the only comparison between him and his father was the shape of his face. The Kings and Queens sat back down once Faye and Elvin had taken their places, and Lilith rose. Lilith was fairly attractive; she had red hair, green eyes, and a fair complexion and looked almost nothing like her sister. She wore her large golden crown with pride; and she spoke and behaved with just as much pride. "Thank you all for coming here today, the things we have to discuss are of much importance." Ruby cleared her throat "excuse me your majesty, but there is an issue I would like to bring up" she said, "there will be time for that later" Lilith said flatly. "Now, I would like to discuss with you all, the future of Ireth" she continued, "what about the future?" Felicity asked. "The new age, what I have planned for our land, our time is coming to a close Ladies and Gentlemen." Lavender interjected this time "you don't mean to say you've been speaking with the merfolk and elves?" she asked, Lilith nodded her head. "They have some good ideas, the surviving elves want land, and the merfolk, well that's still to be discussed" Lilith said quickly. "The elves have told me nothing about wanting land" Elvin said, "I'm the only one who has power enough to give it to them" Lilith replied. "Nothing good can come from an alliance with the merfolk, they'll want to flood the world, they've been discussing it for years" Michael said. "What other species have you spoken with?" Felicity asked bitterly, Lilith turned to her cousin and said "many. I've also spoken with the shape shifters and necromancers" "they were banished for a reason Lilith" Lavender said carefully. "I'm offering the elves a place at our meetings again and land, I'm also planning on offering the merfolk involvement." "The merfolk all live in the ocean, they don't need a place, they're not of the surface. They have the underwater kingdoms to deal with, they don't need a place at our meetings" Faye replied. "What are you planning to do with the necromancers and shaper shifters?" Ruby inquired, Lilith looked at her and asked, "How old are you again." "Seventeen" she replied "this really isn't the place for you then, James can you escort Ruby out and keep her company." Ruby reluctantly stood up and exited the room, Lilith glared at Lavender and Michael "why did you bring her here?" she snapped. "To see what these meetings are like, for when she'll have to attend them, should we not keep discussing the matter at hand. I, for one, would like to know what you intend to get from the shape shifters and necromancers" Michael said. "The necromancers will remain in banishment, I was merely checking that they were not stirring up trouble, the same can be said about the shape shifters. I've been checking them every few months for over a year now" Lilith said. "Is that really necessary? They've been banished for centuries and I don't recall our ancestors checking in on them," Felicity said. "If we completely ignore them, they'll strike us, I'm trying to protect our land, as I've already mentioned I'm offering the elves land and a position on our council. I will reconsider giving the merfolk a place, I'll speak with them as soon as possible." "You've already offered them one?" Michael asked quickly "yes" Lilith replied. "You'll anger them if you don't give them a spot now, the merfolk are a bad omen, nothing good can come from dealing with them" Michael said. Lilith went to retort, however Faye spoke before she had the chance "Michael is correct, it will probably be best if Elvin and I have words with them." "No, I will do it, I'm the High Queen" Lilith replied, "What is it you have planned?" King Dawn asked Lilith tried not to sigh. "I was merely-" a blaring alarm rang through the room, Lilith covered her ears "Rodor, Kendrick, someone's entered Ireth, go!" she shouted. The Kings and Queens exchanged worried glances "this hasn't happened in almost one hundred years" King Dawn shouted. "It's been over one thousand," Felicity said over the blaring noise "looks like there'll be an execution" Lilith said "the meetings over" she added exiting the room.