Sometime after Mercury is up and about, Titania summons her Admiral and her General to a private tete-a-tete in the Castle. The meeting takes place in the late afternoon, in a small sitting room facing the city and the sea. There is small table with three tea settings and a tiered tray of finger sandwiches, small pastries, and fruit. A steaming tea pot, fragrant with mint, completes the arrangement.

Titania sits at a high, wingbacked chair. She is dressed in a heavy, black and green dress studded with black pearls and bound at the waist by a wide black, leather belt. A sheathed dagger rests at her hip. Her blonde hair is braided down the back of her neck. Her ruby lips smile when her children enter.

Titania rising to embrace each briefly and peck them on both cheeks. "Thank you for coming, my dears." she breathes, "Won't you join me for tea?"

Dala blushed and smiled shyly at his mother. Truth be told, he felt a little awkward in this circumstance. He'd been so busy with first the military and then his Shadow adventures that he'd spent little time at court since walking the Pattern, and the confusion he'd always felt at treating Titania as both his mother and his Queen was back in full force.

He'd taken the time to stop by his old chambers and pick out something appropriate. He doubted that the armor or the uniform that he wore while out on the front would be appropriate for this meeting. He'd settled on specially-tailored trousers and shirt of fine Chun Kwaian silk, done in indigo, with a midnight-blue knee-length cape to match. He'd left Cyrais in his chambers though. He didn't want to bring up any troubling memories of Titania's first husband. It seemed fitting to temporarily store the sword in his old rooms, since both brought back memories of the past.

"Of course Mother. I'm glad you could see us." He stepped to one side, holding out a hand in case Mercury needed it. His concern for his older sister was plain in his face as he watched her.

As this appeared to be an official visit, Mercury wore her Admiral's uniform, a relatively plain affair with a green top, which drew out the color in her sea-green eyes, white knickers that came down to her knees, and a white legging covering her right calf. She did not wear a sword, as she felt it inappropriate to go armed in front of the Monarch. Her hair was long, black and straight.

She hobbled slightly as she was still getting used to the prostetic leg her brother Donovan had made for her, but she refused any assistance, as she would have to get used to it sooner or later.

With an appropriate bow, Titania's daughter approached to be greeted by the Queen. Other than her new leg, she seemed completely comfortable in the presence of their mother. "Thank you, mother," she replied quietly, sitting where indicated.

Titania resumes her seat and pours tea, first for Dalatriene, then for Mercury, and finally for herself. She raises her own cup and saucer, takes a delicate sip, smiles, and sets the cup back on the saucer on her lap.

"I thought we might discuss our difficulties with Y'Nobe, and putting them to an end." Titania says. "A mother hears things, and so does a monarch, but never from the source. How do you two see this war, and what do you think should be done? Help yourselves to the noshies, darlings...but ware the plum bars. The king made them...I'm afraid he's not much of a cook." Then, in a conspiratorial voice, "Don't tell him I said so."

Dala grinned and let out a chuckle, then took a sip of his tea before speaking. "Well, my view might seem strange for a warrior, but I'd like to see this conflict end once and for all. I told Mercury once that our father fought the First Battle of Y'Nobe and we are fighting the Second. I truly do not desire for our children to have to fight a Third."

He took a bite of a finger sandwich before speaking again. His face had become both sober and sad. "I believe that the war has resulted in the loss of good lives on all sides of the conflict. Ebonites, Y'Nobeans, and Shadow allies all have suffered, and the peace built during the forging of the Silver Rim breaks down with each passing day. I know that you are acting on the agreement that you had with King Neptune, but can not the old agreement be set aside in favor of the changed situation? Asterion has done wrong acts as well, but can there truly be no middle ground here?"

He looked at his mother, his voice passionate. "Mother, before Asterion was banished, we spoke once and he said something that has stuck with me. He told me that he knew that Y'Nobe could be taken by force, and he knew that if you gave the order I would attack. But he also said that conquering Y'Nobe would not bring peace. Having seen the ferocity of their defense during the siege so far, I have to agree with that. I believe that Mercury and I can defeat Y'Nobe militarily on your order, but its' people will never surrender their hearts to your rule. I believe that the fighters would simply hide for a time and create an illusion of false peace. They would stir up the old resentments and hatreds over the years until one day, they had enough of a following to reignite the battle.

I propose a different course. Agree to withdraw our forces from the city and create normal trade and diplomatic relations once again. Persuade Asterion to give himself into your custody for his crimes against Ebony but allow him to openly and publically appoint a governor that meets both your approval and his. For preference, this should be a Y'Nobean. Allow full transparency during all of this, so that the Y'Nobeans can see that Asterion is being treated as a prisoner of his rank deserves. He could be confined to the Castle and recieve regular visitors. In fact, I would suggest that whoever the Governor of Y'Nobe is be allowed frequent contact with him so that Y'Nobe can see that their King still holds a degree of power.

Over time, the line between Ebony and Y'Nobe should be blurred. I believe that the days of the Clans are coming to an end Mother. Encourage marriages between Ebonites and Y'Nobeans at all levels of society and get the Governor to do the same. Let our sciences, our arts, our armed forces, all mingle together. In time, there would be not two separate nations at the core of Shadow, but one mighty realm, capable of providing a shining beacon of hope and stability across Infinite Shadow." His crystal-green eyes were alight with the prospects of hope and his belief in this ideal.

Slowly, he began to blush again. "Well. That's what I believe would be best anyways."

Mercury accepted the tea with a nod of thanks and brought the cup under her nose allowing the pleasant aroma of the mint to slowly invade her nostrils. A smile crept across her face and she closed her eyes.

After a time, she opened her eyes once again and selected one of each of the proferred edibles, eating each in turn. When she came to the plum bar, with a raised eyebrow she gave it a tentative taste, but immediately made a sour face. Nonetheless, she resolutely finished the entire thing. In the military she had learned, "Take what you want, but eat what you take."

As the General continued to outline his plans, the Admiral sat silently, sipping her tea, giving no indication that she was paying the slightest bit of attention. In fact, she said nothing for a while after Dalatriene finished his impassioned plea.

Finally, just as it seemed that she would not contribute anything at all, Titania's daughter said in an even, almost disinterested voice, "Asterion has said a great many things." Looking directly at her mother, she continued, "and the more he says, the more contradictory and preposterous are his words."

Mercury was silent again for a dozen seconds before continuing. "I see no reason to believe that Asterion would willingly give up the crown he plotted so long to usurp. As long as he is in power, there will be no peace. I do not believe that retreating at this point would forward peace, but instead would be a show of weakness and a rallying point for Asterion. Thanks to young Donovan's improvements, and Dala's brilliant attack, the Y'Nobian forces are decimated and their city fallen. We should press our advantage and finish this. I'm sure mother," she indicated the queen with a nod, "will appoint a governor who has the best interests of Ebony and Y'Nobe at heart."

Finished, the Princess again fell silent and sipped her tea.

Titania listened to both her children, sipping her tea, nodding at appropriate moments and patting Dala's knee encouragingly at the end of his statement. She silently gestured for either to help themselves to more refreshments, if either seems so inclined.

"Well, so..." Titania said. "It sounds as if you both agree that we *can* remove Asterion from power...but you differ on whether or not we should. Or rather, to what degree his power should be limited. From what I have heard, Asterion rules as a tyrant in Y'Nobe...and one bent on destroying Ebony. It also seems likely, given a number of admittedly circumstantial indications, that he was at least prepared for King Neptune's untimely demise, if not actually responsible for it. Do either of you have any reason to doubt any of this?"

"Dala, you suggest that if we simply conquer Y'Nobe, Asterion will simply retreat into hiding and carry on a war of shadowy subversion and incitement to rebellion. Is there any guarantee that if we do show mercy to your brother any peace we make will last? Having gained power in Y'Nobe through the murder of his father and the tyranny of the sword, what would prevent him from attempting a similar coup against any governor that might appointed...or in Ebony? More than that, what reason would he have to *not* attempt such a coup?"

"Mercury, consider Dala's thoughts, if you would. If we conquer Y'Nobe, what guarantee do we have that they will not remain a thorn in our side? And how might we dispose of Asterion, without making him a martyr?"

The Princess looked deeply into the remains of her tea, as if attempting to read some portent in the leaves. She hoped beyond hope that her brother would come up with some plan that was better than what she felt was their only recourse.

Dala's blush returned at his mother's touch, but a shy and bright smile also blossomed as he looked at her. The smile faded soon as the talk of weighty matters resumed.

He looked at his big sister, his face conflicted. He loved her but he just couldn't agree with her stance on Y'Nobe. They had lost their father battling the undersea realm, but he feared that they and so many others were losing so much in a war that didn't have to be. He hoped that she could understand his feelings, if not now then someday. He drank deeply of his tea, took a mental deep breath, and spoke.

"I don't think that we can assume that Asterion arranged the end of King Neptune. That he was quick to take advantage of it, there is no question. But I think that, until an investigation into the King's death can be fully performed, we can't simply blame him for that.

As for Y'Nobe itself, I don't think that Asterion's presence would be needed to incite subversion and rebellion. Even if he were imprisoned or killed, there are enough people with hostile intent to carry on a subversion campaign on their own. Keeping Asterion himself out of trouble seems fairly simple to me. Remove his Trumps, have him watched at all times by guards, keep him in one location that we control access to, such as his old rooms here in the Castle, and keep the list of those with access to him very short. Out of prudence, his visitors would need to be searched for contraband both as they arrive and as they leave, even if it requires the removal of all their clothing to prevent smuggling of messages or weapons. He would have no private conversations with anyone except you, Mother. Ebonite Royal Guards would attend him at all times, and one of us Royals would be present at any meeting with the Governor or other high-ranking Y'Nobeans. He might have reason to plot a coup but he would have no mean of doing so.

My concern is with the people of Y'Nobe more than their King. We would need to provide them with incentive enough not to rebel that the inevitable diehards would lack the support they needed to incite trouble. As a compromise to Mercury's concerns, let me amend my proposal. Our forces should withdraw from Y'Nobe proper, but I believe that permanent garrisons should be established at the end points of the Stairway and within the Y'Nobean Palace. In that way, we show that while we are serious about trying to resolve things peacefully, we have the strength and the means to resume battle at any time if they leave us no other option."

He looked at Mercury and smiled. "And if I'm totally wrong and you're right, well, at least we won't have to fight our way back in for a third Battle."

He took a snack from the tray, ate it and sipped some tea before speaking again to Titania. "My hope is that in time the garrisons will become symbolic, and may even be phased out altogether as our two peoples become one and the old resentments fade. I agree with Mercury that we should not show weakness at this point, but I think that if we remove the source of the trouble and show flexibility, we will achieve far more in the long run than we will with overwhelming might." He looked at both his mother and his sister with encouraging smiles.

The small woman smiled back at the giant that was her brother, although her eyes remained sad. She carefully returned her teacup to the table and drew in a deep breath and slowly released it.

Addressing her mother, the Admiral replied, "Dala and I are not totally at odds with what we think, and certainly very much in line with what we hope. There are, however, a couple of things we seem unable to agree on. The first, is that I do not believe that Asterion will accept a gracious exit. I hope that he will, especially since if he does not, one of the three of us is going to have to kill him. Something I know that I do not relish. But if he has deluded himself into believing half of the vile accusations he splutters, he certainly would not willingly deliver himself into the hands of his enemies, especially so after his treasonous remarks, which normally would require his execution."

Mercury paused for a moment, absently tracing out the design on the tablecloth with her right pinky. "The second major disagreement apears to be our estimation of Asterion's capabilities. Holding him in Ebony would be virtually impossible. Without his own trumps, he could still communicate with someone who had his trump. In addition, it is not unreasonable to think that he might be friendly with, or given his charisma become friendly with, his guards. And I have every reason to believe that he would attempt to incite rebellion in Y'Nobe and given the proximity with Ebony, be fairly effective in doing so."

With emphasis on the first word, the Princess continued, "*if* Asterion can be convinced to step down, I think he should remain banished from Ebony and the Silver Rim. If he wants to try to incite rebellion from Shadow, let him try. But the only way to prevent that from happening is to give the people of Y'Nobe a better alternative or erode any positive feelings they have for him."

"This brings us to Neptune. Asterion and Grobian have used his murder as a rallying point to garner support and undermine each other for the last century. Despite their many protestations about their earnestness in finding the killer, they have done precious little to forward that agenda. And of course, the two of them are the ones who had the most to gain from Neptune's death. Unless we feel some absurd need to avenge his death, who killed him is largely a moot point. However, there is no reason we can't pin Neptune's death on Asterion as a means of eroding his power base. It shouldn't be too difficult, as it is quite possible he actually did it."

At this point Titania's daughter seemed very reluctant to go on, but eventually continued with a sigh. "The second thing that needs to be done is to appoint a royal as the new governor. I think the only way to protect the new governor is to appoint someone strong enough and smart enough to avoid the potential attacks from Asterion or other rebels. I do not know if Vestige would be an appropriate candidate, perhaps you two know him better than do I. I would be very much opposed to Grobian due to his ties to Y'Nobe, and possible sympathy with Y'Nobe relative to Ebony; the fact that he is the second most likely killer of Neptune and any move to implant him would likely be poorly received by the Y'Nobians; and the fact that there is the very real possibility that Grobian planned this whole thing in order to take power in Y'Nobe. I suspect that Donovan would be very unhappy to be placed as governor, as he has expressed distaste with the idea in the past, and to move our master-smith under water where he can't use his forge, might be a loss to the kingdom in addition to Donovan himself."

Mercury concluded, "and that does not leave too many candidates. For my own part, I would only take the position if ordered to do so. Dala can, of course, answer for himself. We both have the disadvantage that we led forces that killed a lot of Y'Nobians. However, that may not be as much of an issue as it would at first appear. I think that both of us would have the best interests of Ebony at heart, and after that, the best interests of Y'Nobe. Therefore, I think that the logical choice would be Dala."

Dala gave Mercury a stunned look. He'd never been introduced to the concept of slapstick, but his face just screamed "Who? Me?".

Titania listened closely to their opinions, or gave a good impression of doing so. At one point a page enters and passes the queen a note. Titania reads it over, then hands it back with a discete nod. Other than this interruption, her attention is focussed on her children't words.

When Mercury had finished, Titania considers what they've said. Chin raised, lips pursed, her eyes focused on some distant point as she spoke.

"The war with Y'Nobe is necessary, not for revenge but for honor and, in the end, stability. The agreement with Neptune was that neither of us would allow a usurper to reign in the realm of the other. Without that war, the clans of Ebony and of Y'Nobe would have no reason to support the throne. The peace with Neptune assurd unity by maintaining the threat we posed to one another.

"Our concern then was that one of us would be removed from the throne by some internal rival who, once they were in place, would have to make war in order to maintain their illicit rule. So we agreed, Neptune and I, that if either of us were the victim of a usurper, the other would make war. By doing this, we hoped to discourage rivals.

"It never occurred to either of us that one of our children would be the usurper..."

Titania sighed deeply. She refocussed on the present moment.

"Was Asterion responsiblefor Neptune's death? I do not like to think so. It does not matter, since that is not the basis for my y opposition to his retaining his father's throne. The issue is his rapid and heavy handed assumption of power in Y'Nobe. Whether he murdered his father or not, there is no question that he usurped the throne. That is the reason for this war, and it is all the reason that is needed.

"I believe you may both be over-estimating Asterion's influence over the Y'Nobeans. At first, perhaps, they turned to him as an authority figure in the midst of a crisis. I suspect that Y'Nobe's losses in battle, and the seige in the city, may have undermined popular support he may have enjoyed considerably. Undoubtedly he has friends who would remain loyal to him if he were removed from power, but I doubt very much the majority of Y'Nobeans will remain invested in the war without a war-minded leader.

"I would very much prefer to leave Asterion in place. There is sentiment, of course, but also, as Dala has pointed out, he is the devil we know. Like Neptune, in place and pacified Asterion would prevent anyone else from assuming leadership and turning Y'Nobe against us.

"Unfortunately, the nature of Asterion's ascent in Y'Nobe, the suspicion that he had prepared for it, and his actions since seem to make this impossible. I can not make peace with a usurper, and certainly not one who rules as a tyrant bent on war with my own realm. If he were to show some willingness that he might embrace peace...but he has not, and that door is closed.

"His actions are those against which my arrangement with Neptune was made, and there is nothing for that now. If has been banished from Ebony, and so he will remain until such time as he is able to set aside his personal pride and recognize that the needs of Ebony, and even those of Y'Nobe, come before his place within them.

"If, or I should say when, we have removed him from power, we are left with the question of how Y'Nobe shall be governed. You each suggest a governor beholden to Ebony, and I agree that this may be the best arrangement. You have both suggested that we might reward the Y'Nobean people for peace under a ruler not of their choosing, and that this ruler be made as palatible as possible in comparison to Asterion.

"The latter first, I see no need to lay blame on Asterion for Neptune's death...unless, of course, we discover some evidence proving his guilt. That aside, as I have said, I do not believe that Asterion is a popular ruler. Any one who does not rule by the sword would, I think, be seen in a favorable light by all but loyalists. Unfortunately, these loyalists are also the most militant portion of the realm. Dalatriene's suggestion of an Ebony garrison in Y'Nobe has merit, if only as a means of dissuading outright rebellion.

"As for rewards in the interest of good will and a lasting peace, there are a number of steps that might be taken. I would be interested in knowing what the two of you would advise, although ultimately whom ever has this responsibility thrust upon their shoulders will have the larger say."

Titania selected a cucumber sandwich from the tray and nibbled daintily at the corner.

Having had her fill of little sandwiches for the moment, Mercury replied, "people can behave strangely, bonding with their captors, abusers, or violent dictators. I would hope that Asterion is not popular after the way he has behaved, but I prefer to plan for the worst. I find things go much more smoothly when I do," she concluded with a smile.

After thinking for a moment, the Princess continued, "I think that Ebony should assist Y'Nobe in rebuilding, open up favorable trade, and try to integrate as many things as possible. Allowing Y'Nobe to retain some of its unique culture, while providing some of the benefits of Ebony. But I think what is most important, is to prevent hustlers and opportunists from ruining any goodwill that is built up. This should not be an exercise in enriching the Ebony Crown or merchants."

Dala considered carefully before nodding to Mercury and speaking. "You're right, sister." He looked at his mother then. "If the war is necessary then let it be over quickly. But afterwards, perhaps we should gather the top members of the arts, the sciences, and the mercantile classes of both realms into a council. If the most prominent members of society in both realms are working together to chart the future's course then it makes it less likely that opportunists can interfere. Perhaps the Crown can issue a statement to the effect that anyone found price-gouging or otherwise taking advantage of the needs of Ebonites or Y'Nobeans in the rebuilding phase will have their property and funds seized to aid the displaced victims of the war?

One reward I can think of off the top of my head is access to Shadow. Y'Nobe suffers in that it cannot easily trade goods with the Silver Rim and Infinite Shadow. If we could find a way to forge a Silver Trail directly into Y'Nobe, in the same way that we have forged them through Birnham Wood and across the Shimmering Sea, it should go a long way towards both rebuilding that realm and encouraging people to value the benefits of peace.

Perhaps we should ask Donovan if he can find a way to improve Y'Nobe's technological crafts. We can certainly stand to learn from them in some areas, and they from us. I think it is not unreasonable to reward Y'Nobeans with rank and position as well. Being granted positions of authority in the Silver Rim and in Ebony can cement the bonds between our cultures. Of course, militant sympathies will have to be watched for, but I still think it is a sign of trust and a gesture of good faith on our part." He bit into another sandwich.

"Most of all, I think we can come to them with our concerns and ask those willing to work for peace what would best help achieve that end. We are outsiders to their culture, and surely their insights would be sharper than our own, right?"

Titania had finished half her sandwich. When Dala had concluded, she placed the remains on a small plate. She then dabbed at the corners of her perfect lips with an embroided black-and-green linen napkin and took a sip of tea before finally speaking.

"You've both made some very promising suggestions. I am leary of granting Y'Nobe too much latitude after the war is decided," she glances apologetically at Dalatriene. "Their own access to Shadow or otherwise improving their ability to operate independently of Ebony are not ideas I am prepared to entertain. However, granting them favored access to Ebony's markets to assist in their rebuilding is not out of the question, nor is offering to assist them with payments. Rather than command the clans to favor Y'Nobe, I should think it would be easier, and perhaps more prudent, to purchase whatever is needed ourselves, and donate it to Y'Nobe as needed. Let the rascals try to gouge the royal family, if they dare!"

"As for who shall rule, I will take your suggestion under advisement, Mercury, of course" Titania says. "I wonder if it might not seem...improper...to install him as the keeper of a land he has devised, at our request, to conquer. However, you are right that your brother shall deserve some reward for his successes at the conclusion of this matter. I shall consider an appropriate gesture for him...and for you as well."

"I appreciate your candor, both of you...and your taking the time for tea with your mother," She concludes. "Now...how have you both been?"

Titania's eldest child smiled appreciatively as Titania enunciated her thoughts. However, when the topic of rewards arose, she protested, "no reward is necessary, Mother. That Ebony is safer and this War closer to an end is ample enrichment," as an afterthought she looked over to her brother and continued, "at least for myself."

Mercury chuckled as Titania finished, "you speak of it as a chore, rather than a pleasure. As for me, I am wonderful!" She exclaimed with enthusiasm. And indeed, she seemed in particularly high spirits and her mood had shown no dampening as a result of her lost leg.

"I was wondering, what do you think of long flowing gowns for this year? Simple waist, high shoulders, plunging necklines? Perhaps even backless?" The Admiral gave a mischievous smile at the thought.

Dala's jaw dropped open and he stared at Mercury in scandalized shock, then he flicked his eyes to their mother for support on this. "Mercury! You can't go around in dresses like that! People might see things that they shouldn't see!" Of course, this was coming from a man whose basic and limited fashion sense hadn't changed in centuries.

"Fashion has never been your strong suite, has it, dear?" It wasn't clear which of her two children she was addressing, although she was smiling as she spoke.

"Something with a martial edge, I should think...unless, of course, we can bring the war to a conclusion soon. Perhaps then something with a Y'Nobean flavor? As scandalous as some might think it, fluid revelation might be just what we need to promote a sense of cultural camaraderie.

"Let them gaze upon an Ebony princess," she glanced at Dalatriene, "or prince, and perhaps they will see something in our realm that appeals to them after all."

Dala flushed all the brighter and looked at his boots. He wasn't aware that he was pressing his index fingers together rapidly. He'd been around enough bawdy soldiers to understand at the implication of his mother's words, though he'd always been too shy to put himself on display. "P-perhaps Mother."

As Dala's face flushed brighter, his sister's grin grew broader, with more posssibilities presenting themselves to her. "Perhaps I could go as a pirate," she mused, looking down at her left leg. "I would just need a parrot and perhaps an eye-patch," she exclaimed with a chuckle. "Of course, a loincloth and some jewelry would suffice for a good Y'Nobian costume, and I think I have both." She determined that she would have to find the necklace she wore when visiting Asterion. As she recalled, it had covered what she wanted covered, even if Dala would likely disagree.

"A loincloth? Going as a pirate?!" Dala gave his sister a despairing look. "You understand that if you do that it will likely undo all our efforts at peace, do you not? Half the young men of Y'Nobe will start fighting half the young men of Ebony over you and we'll have a Third Battle on our hands before you know it."

He looked at the ceiling, considering. "Well, nothing for it I suppose. You've always been the shining star." He gave his big sister a fond smile. "If you really want to be the center of attention I suppose we should just arrange a Queensday tournament and then you can show off as much as you want and we can keep the potential bloodshed for your hand to an absolute minimum."