Rafael heads for Caer Donn (by Laura Lulli)

Rafael was nervous.

The day he had decided to apply for the post of Regent to Aldaran seemed to be ages behind him...but the first letter had been written only a few days before.

He couldn't define what had urged him to send his curriculum vitae to the young Lady Mabry...maybe the training in the guards (Eduin had for sure taught him how to be protective), maybe the habit of being an elder brother...Blessed Evanda! Anya could be really terrible!

But since the moment he had seen the girl that every Comyn in the Council was calling "that brat from Aldaran", he had had the feeling that _he_ would be able to help her.

He thought back, smiling, at the letters Mabry had wrote to him, and he slightly congratulated with himself for the way he had succeeded in getting her to trust him.

He headed for the Commercial Town, and on his way to the Terran HQ, he stopped to buy a nice little patchwork mouse, for his high judge: Tallo, the red cat of the blond Lady Aldaran.

He greeted the Guards, at the Terran HQ, and he asked to one of them to introduce him to the Sub-Legate, John Cowan, whom he knew being in Thendara.

Mr Cowan kindly agree to bring another passenger to Caer Donn by flight (not long had passed since the lady Aldaran herself had asked for the same favour), and even before Rafael had been able to pack a few things for the trip, and to greet properly Anya and his brothers, he was flying to meet his new Lady.

Mabry meets her Regent (by Mabry Slemmons)

Excerpts from Mabry's diary:

Since my last letter, I had been greatly nervous. After Rafael's reference to "dating" me, I had made up my mind that I would meet him with Marco MacAran with me. Marco would protect me if anything happened.

I washed the banshee dung and mint poultice off my hand, and applied a little perfume to dispense the foul smell. My blue dress? or the burgundy one? I decided on the burgundy, and slipped it on. Perfect.

Then I dealt with my hair. It took fifteen minutes to brush it all out, and braid it. I rummaged through my jewellery chest for my butterfly clasp. Finally I found it not in the jewellery chest at all, but under my bed.

All that remained was to find Tallo. That was easy. Wherever he goes he leave a trail of fur. I only had to follow it.

Half an hour later, Marco and I were waiting with Tallo into the main living-room. The hard part was keeping Tallo interested in staying nearby until he showed up. There was only one way: tuna imported from Terra. He will do anything if you feed him some.

Finally, Rafael showed up, carrying not only a toy mouse for Tallo, but a bouquet of flowers for me.

"Greeting! And welcome to Castle Aldaran," I said. "This is Marco MacAran, and this " I pointed to Tallo who was even now circling Rafael's feet purring loud enough to be heard in Nevarsin "is Tallo. You are the regent of Aldaran, and are you ever in for a hard time!"

Arrival at Aldaran (by Laura Lulli)

As the plane landed in Caer Donn, Rafael found himself more comfortable. A strong feeling that everything was going to be all right filled his mind, and he didn't paid much attention to the strange way the inhabitants of the town were looking at him.

Castle Aldaran was truly imposing, and Rafael thought that it was like the eagle on the Domain coat-of-arm, high on its mountain.

He was lead into the main living-room of the castle, and there he first met the girl he would have liked to be Regent for.

He had seen her only one time, in Thendara, and not by a close distance...at a party during which many youngsters had tried to win her heart, noone succeeding.

Mabry was dressed like the lady she was, or at least she could be, if only she had allowed herself to grow up. She made a gracious courtsey to him, and he bent to her, in response.

Mabry ordered the dinner to be served in the living-room, and they both sat at the big carved table in the centre of the room.

Both of them were a bit embarrassed, at first, but in the past few days, the many letters they had sent to each other trough the relays of Tramontana had created a sort of friendship and familiarity, between them, and after a few words, they were talking to each other just as they have been knowing each other for ages.

The big red cat, too, seemed to like Rafael very much, and he even settled on his knees, when the Regent-to-be gave him the rag mouse he had brought for his furry friend. Tallo purred to Rafael.

Mabry seemed very pleased to see that scene, and also sort of relieved, like she had feared that Tallo might have not liked Rafael.

The young Lady, whose bright eyes enchanted Rafael, kept on talking for a very long time...She told him about her father, and of his being the editor of that junk paper, and about her friend Leisha, whom had been helping her through a terrible story involving a big matrix Avarra and the Stormqueen (Rafael thought smiling that the poor Renunciate should have been fearing Mabry's temper more than Avarra herself...).

"Have you met Leisha? She's very nice." Mabry asked.

"My mother often buys sweets in her shop. I happened to see her once. She seems nice, indeed." Rafael answered.

"She is. Very much so. She helped me make mischief at Thendara. Lots of fun!" grinned Mabry.

"Did the Comyn Council think the same?" Rafael was making great efforts to stay serious.

"Well, no, but they're a bunch of boring old grown-ups with absolutely no sense of humour!" continued Mabry, with a pout.

"Would you think the same when you'll be one of them, sitting in the Council?" Rafael asked with his nicest smile.

"Not very likely!" was the giggling answer. Then she dropped, apparently by chance, a strange comment:

"Well, since Tallo likes you so much... I guess you'll be going to that boring Council, to convince them to let us in the Council?"

Rafael nearly fell from his chair, and thought:

"?? Does this mean that I got the job?? Woohoo! This are great news!"

After he had recovered himself, he answered "Ahem! Of course, damisela. I'll represent your interests in front of the Comyn Council. Would you like me to leave immediately?"

"Well, actually, I'd prefer if you stayed, but you are the regent of Aldaran, and you make the decisions."

"Then I have to go. The most urgent matter, by now, is the Council Session."

Mabry nodded, and went on: "I agree. Then, how do you plan to make a lady of me, my dearest Regent?"

Rafael smiled...the menace in the girl's words was so "subtle", that he couldn't keep himself from showing amusement.

"I don't think I'll threaten you...This isn't a good way to obtain anything. Actually, I planned to talk to you, and try to make you see the right way to do things (It sometimes works, with Anya!)"

Mabry grinned.

"I notice the words "try" and "sometimes". Does this mean you aren't very hopeful of succeeding, Rafe?"

Rafael was really pleased to hear her using his nickname...

"No. It does mean that I'm waiting to see how you react to my behaviour. And that I'm not giving anything for expected. Probably this is the best way to cope with you, am I right?"

It was Mabry's turn, to look pleased...but she hid her face under her hand, simulating a yawn.

"Well, I'm still very young, and I'm supposed to sleep at this time of the night....I'll call a servant to show you your room, Rafael"

She offered her hand for a kiss, and Rafael promptly bent on it.

"Of course milady. I'm a bit tired too. And I need to rest, if I want to leave tomorrow for Thendara. May your dreams be sweet."

"Thank you, my Regent" Mabry exited the room, trying to walk stately.

Once again, Rafael indulgently smiled at her back.

Rafael at Castle Aldaran (by Mabry Slemmons)

Excerpts from Mabry's diary:

Once back in my room, I sat down at my desk and pulled out a sheet of parchment, and began to write.

I folded it up to give to Rafael the next day. That should get him into the Council. I hoped it would anyway.

Then I yawned, this time for real. I prefer to get to sleep before ten, but it was already nearly eleven, and I still had other things to do.

I began to write the other message.

There was only one more message to write.

The next morning I woke up with my head on my desk. I read the unfinished message and quickly finished it.

I folded all the letters and quickly sealed them. Rafael had said he would be leaving this morning, and I needed to give these to him before he left.

After grabbing a piece of chocolate from my hidden stash, I ran down the stairs for breakfast.

At Castle Aldaran (by Laura Lulli)

That morning, Rafael woke up in his suite at Castle Aldaran, and thought back to the events of the evening before.

It looked even too easy...a cat purrs a bit, and here's the Brand New Regent! Of course he was happy. The letters hadn't lied: although still a bit childish, Mabry had indeed a good potential, and if his methods were going to work, she would make a great lady for Aldaran, and for the Comyn.

That reminded him that he should have done something to inform Lord Danvan about his new position of Regent.

He decided he would ask Mabry for a safe-conduct, as she was probably going to have breakfast with him.

When he arrived in the living-room, Mabry was already there, looking tired, and wearing the same beautiful dress she had at dinner.

An inquiring look revealed to Rafe that she had slept on her desk…and the impression was confirmed by the three letters Mabry handed to him.

"These are the safe-conduct you were surely going to ask me. And there's a letter for my friend Leisha, too. Would you mind bringing it to her, when you're in Thendara?"

"Of course, I'll do this. And…thank you, milady! You were very far-sighted...I'm proud of you."

Rafael had the impression of a slight blush on Mabry's cheeks, but the girl masked it with a sudden coughing, due probably to the the Jaco she was sipping...

"You can call me Mabry, Rafe. Stop that "milady", please!"

"All right, then...Mabry. Did you asked your terran friend to bring me back to Thendara, already?"

"No, I didn't. But I can do this right now"

"Then I'm writing a letter to Dom Danvan, in the meanwhile"

Rafael went back to his room, his breakfast almost uneaten, and started writing to the Regent of the Seven Domains.

Rafael read the letter twice, than, even if he felt a bit uneasy, he sealed it, and called a servant to send it, through the relays of Tramontana.

When he went down again, he met Mabry on the stairs (Tallo was with her, of course...and he didn't lost the chance to jump on the window-sill, and from there, on Rafe's shoulder, purring loud in his right ear): she was coming to tell him that her friend's helicopter would bring him to Thendara in the afternoon.

The two of them went down the stairs together, and all the time Rafe felt Mabry's eyes on him...looking at him...considering him...and his laran told him that the girl was pleased by what she was seeing.

"Good, he thought, if she likes me, she'll listen to what I'll say...I hope"

He said aloud "So I'm not going to stay much here, this time... Would you mind showing me Caer Donn, anyway? Just a little, before I go back to Thendara."

Mabry smiled (a very charming smile), and nodded.

A day in Caer Donn (by Mabry Slemmons)

"Let me get my shoes on," she said to Rafael. "And I'll be ready in *just a minute*"

Of course she also had to put on some makeup, and find her cloak, and eat a piece of chocolate first. And her hair looked awful so she should have probably re-braided it, but there was no need to tell all that to Rafael.

Half an hour later, she was ready.

Caer Donn looked only moderately chaotic, and considering the recent uprising that was unusual. Mabry assumed that her having a regent had calmed the populace somewhat. Either that or they actually believed all the rumours she had been having spread.

Mabry showed Rafael the library, which was strangely empty. According to the librarian, everyone was at home, because the Terrans had predicted a storm. Terran meteorologists don't know what they're doing. The chances of a storm that afternoon were very low, as Mabry knew from my laran.

Finally Rafael and Mabry returned to castle Aldaran, and she left him alone to pack, while she took a much needed nap.

Going back to Thendara (by Laura Lulli)

After that wonderful walk in Caer Donn, Rafael went in his room (Mabry kept saying "his apartments", but Rafe was still trying to get used to his new role...he saw himself as a guest), and packed the few things he had brought with him.

Then he went downstairs, where Mabry was waiting to accompany him to the place from where her friend's helicopter was going to take off.

He took his Lady's wrist, and laid a kiss on it...although he was feeling a bit old-fashioned, he had had the feeling that Mabry would have likes the gesture.

Infact, the girl looked really pleased.

She stayed in the place where the helicopter had been since the flying device disappeared, and kept on greeting with her hand.

Rafael smiled, asking himself what he could have done, to be liked so much by the Harpy of the Comyn, by the girl every male friend of his had warned him about.

He answered to himself that maybe Mabry knew that _he_ liked her, too.

When he got to Thendara, he immediately went to bring Mabry's letter to their recipient, and Jorik promised he had had him introduced to his grandfather as soon as possible.

Leisha didn't seem much interested in the news from Aldaran...but maybe the cause was the recent passing of the MacAran girl's pet banshee! Rafe sympathised with her.

Then, the only thing to do, was to settle in his new apartments at Castle Comyn, the Aldaran Apartements (!), and to wait for the call form the Council.

He promised to himself that he would write to Mabry every day.

To give her information of course.

...And to let her know he cared...

Waiting for the Council Call (by Laura Lulli)

Everything was quiet.

Rafe had organized everything for his entrance in the Crystal Chamber, but the summoning hadn't come yet. He was starting to worry.

He spent an afternoon walking around his room, them he decided to ask someone what was going on...and his choice fell on mestra Mhari, who were, of course, very well informed about all the events at Castle Comyn. He smiled, thinking of his Cadet period, remembering how she had always been the first to know which of the boys had fought with another.

Mhari explained him about the latest fireworks in the Council, and when he had his supper in his room, that evening he was feeling relieved...the lacking of a call wasn't due to hostility towards the Aldaran. The Comyn Council was having a break!

He decided he would write to Mabry anyway...at least to let her know that the flight had gone alright, and that he had took possession of the Aldaran part of Castle Comyn.

He looked for some paper, a pen and some ink, and began:

He stopped. And smiled...would she hate him for writing this?

He sealed the letter, and gave it to his coridom, to have it posted at the relays of Castle Comyn...and he asked himself if he had been too dry, in that simple message.

"Well" he thought "if I know Mabry, I'm going to know her reaction really soon"

Meanwhile, at Aldaran (by Mabry Slemmons)

Excerpt from Mabry's diary:

Now that Rafael had left for Thendara, for that matter, he was probably already there, Castle Aldaran was empty except for Saydwen (but not Liriel, she had taken a week off, to spend time with her new husband), Marco, and myself, and over course Tallo. It was quiet, and I found my mind constantly drifting back to Rafael. I had only met him a day or two ago, but I liked him, and I was glad that Tallo did. I had a feeling he would do a very good job as regent of Aldaran. The aggravating fact was that I could not get him out of my mind.

"You're bored," I said to myself, "That's the problem."

For lack of something better to do, I took out my embroidery, which I hadn't had the chance to work on since, before Jorik had come to visit, and there had been that perfectly ghastly "ghost wind" from his kireseth wine. I'd have to tell Rafael that story sometime. Irritated at myself, I purposefully pricked my finger with the embroidery needle to distract my mind. Why did you mind keep coming back to my new regent?

There's a limit to how much time you can spend pacing up and down the halls in Castle Aldaran. After two and a half an hour of it, I was bored stiff. Finally, I got an idea. Practice! I still didn't know exactly what I could do with my Rockraven Gift.

"I wonder how far. . ."

I ran to the library and found a map. "Somewhere deserted, so no one will be in my little storm."

I examined the map, carefully. "No one should be over here," I said thoughtfully, as I fingered a spot in the northern portion of the Sea of Dalereuth."

I decided to try it. It was kind of difficult, but I did it! I made a storm, miles and miles away!

I was extremely proud of myself and went to my room to find some chocolate.

As I've said, bored harpies are very dangerous.

Mabry got the letter from Rafe:

I perused the letter. He sounded optimistic. I hoped he would get back soon.

I got out my pen and some parchment and replied to my regent.

Danvan Hastur's summoning (by Jurij Gosso and Laura Lulli)

Jorik knocked at Danvan's door.

"Come in, Jorik."

Jorik sighed. Having a grandfather like old Danvan, but if he is even laran-gifted, it's even worse.

"Grandfather, I wanted to introduce you the new Regent of Aldaran, before the Council."

"So damisela Mabry found out a new Regent, eh? Who is he?"

"Rafael Lindir, a young person from minor nobility."

"Young, eh?" Said old Danvan looking Jorik squarely in the face. Jorik sighed again: Danvan was about to strike again that note.

"I was hoping you to become Regent of Aldaran... By marrying Mabry of Aldaran..."

"Grandfather! I'm not a puppet in your hands! She was not interested on me and I was not interested in her. And the difference of age between us was too much. I thought this argument to be already closed ages ago."

Danvan stared at Jorik again and Jorik raised the barrier. He did really hate his grandfather attempts to read into his feelings.

"Well, Jorik. As you wish. You know that I want you to be free."

Jorik sighed for the third time. His grandfather did "want" him be free. A nice contradiction indeed.

Jorik said: "He's a nice young man with a strong sense of honour. I know it by the little empathy I got from mom. I feel he'd be a good Regent and I trust him. I hope you'll support Aldaran readmission into the Council."

"Have I deceived my grandson, already? Despite he is deceiving me every now and then!... Now go and bring here this child Regent!"

Jorik sighed for the fourth time and went to the Aldaran suite.

"I'll introduce you my grandfather. He is old but his mind is good. Be careful: Aldaran future will depend upon what you'll say now and before the Council. But I trust you."

"I'm aware, dom Jorik. But I have the support of my Lady. This is enough for me."

By keeping his n-th sigh Jorik led Rafael in the presence of Danvan. When Danvan saw Rafael lifted up and moved toward him.

"Dear Rafael! How I'm happy to see you! We are relatives, did you know? I kept you on my knees!"

It was beginning to be a long Council session and Jorik sighed another time.

A letter to Mabry (by Laura Lulli)

Rafe was relieved.

The encounter with the Regent had gone quite well, and the Council was going to restart soon.

He was feeling self-confident enough to answer to Mabry's last letter.

He took another brief look at it:

Once again, he sealed the letter, and send the manservant for the tower to post it.

Mabry received the letter…(by Mabry Slemmons)

I was still bored, and once again pacing the hallways irritably and scaring that ugly lapdog away from my ankles_ he has a taste for my shoes.

Then Marco brought me the letter from Rafael. I grabbed it and took it to my room, where I could read it in peace and quiet without constantly having my feet bitten.

I kicked off my shoes, and closed the door behind Tallo and myself. I sat down at my desk with a piece of chocolate and Tallo on my lap.I tore open the envelope and began to read it aloud so Tallo could hear what Rafe had written.

Then a sentence hit my attention:

Tallo purred satisfyingly. "Tallo!?!" I thought irritatedly. "What about me?"

"Closer to the point than you'd think," I said aloud. Tallo gave me a look that said "Keep reading or I'll scratch."

I ended reading, and I immediately began to reply, and in my messy script scribbled out the following message:

I quickly folded it up and sealed it with the ridiculously heavy seal of Aldaran with the perfectly hideous two-headed eagle. I took it downstairs and gave it to Marco to send from Tramontana (Now that my cousin Aidan has come we're nearly operational, but mail-carrying is about as much as we can do.)

Then for lack of anyone else to do, I got out my books and studied.

Aldaran before the Council (by Laura Lulli, Marnee Evans, Marcello Bellavista)

Rafe stared at the letter, and sighed. Mabry bored...this was going to be dangerous.

As far as he knew, last time she had got bored, she had woke up her nice ancestress form her nice magic sleep...He had to get done soon, with the Coucil matter. A storm on Dalereuth sea...oh my!

A young Cadet (did Rafe have seemed so young himself?) come to inform him that the Council was going to begin in an hour or so, and Rafael called his coridom, to have him prepare the fine clothes, and the mantle, all in the Aldaran colours he had bought in Thendara.

He asked his manservant to shave him (he was just too nervous to do this by himself, and he didn't want to look as if a cat had played with his moustaches!), and he was ready to go.

Rafael Lindir took a deep breath, stood up, and began:

"As some of you already know, I have recently accepted Lady Mabry of Aldaran offer of a job. The job of Regent.

Dom Marcello, dressed completely in golden with only a few green jewels looked as flashy as can get. His long, curled hair was flowing freely. He was seated and miffed, and was thinking: "Look at him! It seems the Harpy chose better this time, but it will avail her naught! HA!"

Meanwhile, outside the doors to the Crystal Chamber, a very elegant comynara was extremely irritated. "What do you mean, I cannot get in? I am Congratulatia Elhalyn y Ridenow. First cousin to Clara Elhalyn, the Head of the Elhalyn Domain. Betrothed to Jorik Hastur, heir of Hastur and future regent of the throne. Now open the door."

The young cadet blushed and begged profusely for the domna's pardon. He opened the door and let her in. As she was walking in, she hissed to him: "You are history!"

And so in she went, dressed in blue and silver, like the true Elhalyn she was. She was walking erect and imposing. Her hair was perfectly styled.

Her make up was bright and just perfect. She looked more beautiful ever, more gorgeous than two years before, that is to say the last time she had been seen in that chamber. She was wearing a silver tiara with sapphires and had matching jewels all over her, despite the fact the silver is a rarity on Darkover.

In no time, she took center stage and Rafito, always the gentleman, moved aside. Then, suddenly, she brought her silvery fan before her as if she were handling a microphone and started singing jazz vocalisms.

After a little while, she realized that everybody was staring at her not with admiration, as she had initially thought, but with anger for the interruption. She opened her fan and covered her blushing visage.

Old Danvan said: "Dear child, as happy and surprised as I am to see you again amongst us, this is not the place or the time for such a display of talent. Please, take your rightful seat near your cousin, the Lady of Elhalyn."

Congratulatia uttered a silly: "Sorry, grandaddy Danvan! Many kisses!" and sent those kisses to him blowing them towards him. She was irritated at the old crony's suggestion she take the seat near Clara and not near Jorik as it should be expected from Jorik's betrothed. Did the old crony agree with Jorik? Was their engagement really over? No matter. She caught Eduin in her sight, near old Danvan. As she was walking toward the Elhalyn section of the Chamber, she was thinking: "Wow! What a hunk! He gets more and more gorgeous and hunky every time I see him!"

She reached her seat and uttered a silly: "Oh, Claretta Petacci! Many kisses to you, too!" and sent them blowing towards Clara as she had done a moment before towards Danvan.

She sat down intent on listening with attention to the young man who had reprised his speech.

Aidan strode down the hall, his boots marking out a sharp staccato beat on the floor. His face was set in a scowl. He'd hoped to arrive sooner but a rather vicious storm one day out of Tramontana had dashed that hope and cast it to the winds.

'At least I had time to get out of my riding clothes to minimise the stench of travelling,' he thought as he drew his cloak around him. He'd had it dyed red, Keeper red. It was as close as he was going to bother to get to wearing anything with that colour. He abhorred those damn robes.

He glanced up at the young cadet guarding the door. His look, or perhaps his cloak, conveyed all he needed to, as the cadet hurriedly opened the door for him.

As he passed through the doorway, he forced himself to take on a fairly bland visage, a 'poker face' his father had called it. Old Kieran had found it something important to pass onto his son. It had, after all, helped facilitate Kieran's marriage, or so his father had told him.

He paused briefly upon entering. "Dom Hastur," he addressed the Regent, "pardon my tardiness. I'd intended to arrive earlier, but a storm just outside of Tramontana had other plans for me." With that he moved quickly to his seat.

Marcello jumped up and, beaming, said: "AIDAN!!" He opened up his arms as if he wanted to stretch them from his position to hug Aidan. Then he thought to himself: "What am I doing?!? Donal's peculiar customes are epidemic!"

Then, he spoke again, still beaming: "I am *so* glad you could make it!!" Not wanting to embarrass him, Marcello begged for everyone's pardon and sat down again.

Aidan sat quietly, listening to the discussions, face still impassive until a certain woman's entry. At first he felt a bit relieved at not being the only person to be late, then his head suddenly felt as if had been stuffed with Dry Town cotton. He groaned inwardly, knowing that his Aldaran Gift was kicking up. Aidan resigned himself to it and let the feelings that came from it wash over him. He choked back the urge to get up and strangle the woman now making those odd vocalizations.

'Great. I wonder just who is going to want to kill this odd, fan bearing, tiara wearing tart,' he sighed, 'why did my Gifts have to get crossed so?' He mentally shrugged off the question and the remnants of the murderous rage he'd felt.

As the debate continued on the question of Aldaran's future, he listened intently. It was his father's family, after all.

"Well, I guess I'll have to start again from the beginning…." said Rafael

"As some of you already know, I have recently accepted Lady Mabry of Aldaran offer of a job. The job of Regent.

Many of you could object that, being fifteen, Mabry doesn't need a Regent anymore, but the recent events involving Dorilys Rockraven contradict this.

The Lady Aldaran herself asked for someone to be her Regent, and told me several times that in her opinion she wouldn't have done such a dreadful thing like waking up the Stormqueen, if her previous Regent had took better care of her.

Someone else could object that I myself am very young, maybe too young to act as a Regent. Well, I have nothing to say, but that I already proved to be able to deal with young stubborn people, when I was in the Cadets, and the Commander Eduin Alton, and most of the Guards officers can tell you this.

More important, Lady Mabry trusts me *yeah, her cat likes me, after all!-Rafe thought sarcastically- I bet everyone of you is interested in this*, and I have previous experiences of administration."

Rafael stopped for a while, and cast a look on the Crystal Chamber, to value the reactions to his speech.

Everyone was looking at him, curiosity in their faces. They weren't going to say anything. Not now, at least. They were probably going to keep the best in the end.

"So, after this brief introduction, let's go straight to the point: I'm standing here today, to bring before you the instance of readmission of Aldaran to the Domains, and I'm ready to listen all of your comments, objection and proposals"

Rafael sat down, and waited.

He didn't have to wait for long: a black haired man jumped up, in the Ridenow compartments, bursting in a scornful laughter.

Before Marcello could say anything, Eduin asked for the Floor. Danvan nodded approval.

Eduin said " Before we start arguing whether to accept Aldaran or not, I have a suggestion. Rafael was good in the guards. He is an able administrator, able to get along with others, and everyone like him. However, my suggestion is to wait and see how long this regency will last."

The Domains express their opinion (various authors)

As soon as Marcello erupted, Congratulatia stared at him in disgust and thought: "My, how gross!". A bit disconcerted, she opened her fan and started fanning herself. Then her attention was caught by Eduin moving and asking for the Floor and she couldn't repress a soft orgasmic moan and thought: "If only we could have to Floor to roll on together... Well, soon we will... not in this Chamber of course, but I'm sure we will! Ohhh... I'm speechless! Just look at him: so imposing, so strong, so passionate, and that voice!!! I could stay hours in a row listening to that voice of his! Oh, I do so remember what he used to tell me back when... <she blushes a bit, excited> and that he'll tell me again *very soon*..."

Soon, Eduin's speech was over and Marcello was about to start his. Congratulatia turned her head in the room and, for the first time, caught a glimpse of the Fool of the Valeron Plains. Her first reaction was disbelief: a pimp like him could not possibly be there, so she looked in that direction with more focus. It *was* him! Her face turned red with anger; she was scandalized and disconcerted.

"A pimp like that in the Crystal Chamber!!!" she thought. Her fanning became frantic. Clara realized something was wrong with her excentric cousin, but her innate discretion kept her from investigating the matter further and turned her attention towards Marcello.

MARCELLO: "As usual, my beloved cousin Eduin spoke wisely. We do not know how long this young person will last as Regent. But the point is another: do we really care about who is the current regent of Aldaran? I think we do not, since Aldaran has proved to be completely and totally untrustworthy. And this untrustworthiness makes this meeting moot and a waste of our precious time.

Do you, young regent, or does the Harpy of Aldaran think we have lost our individual and collective minds? I think either of you must think that, otherwise you would have shown decency and taken back your request of readmission. Then again, decency is not the strongest trait of the Harpy...<in a crescendo> Are we supposed to accept in our midst someone who is undisciplined? Who does not follow the rules? Who acts invariably in a very self-centered way? Who never takes responsibilities for her actions? Who always tries to have that responsibility fall on someone else? Who dared to play with *necromancy*? <again in a normal tone> What the previous regent did is everyone's knowledge. I am not referring to the despicable treatment reserved to me and the graceful Lady of Elhalyn (even though that alone should be enough), but to the other arguable actions he dared to take at our collective detriment. Then, all of a sudden, he pledged mental insanity to escape just punishment and mysteriously disappeared. It is rumored he is wondering around Darkover, but we cannot be sure and even if he is, he could be plotting undisturbed even more outrageous acts. For all we know Diego, being the puppet-master he is, could still be maneuvering Aldaran despite contrary appearances. Diego,the Harpy and this young being could all be in cahoots for all we know. <he turns towards Jorik> And before you jump in to defend her sincerity, let me remind you and all the present ones here <he gestures as to involve them all> how good an actress the Harpy can be when the need arises. I have never believed in Diego's alleged insanity. If it is true that he is wondering around Darkover, *free*, then we have to take cautelative countermeasures. I have already issued an edict regarding the lands I control: Diego and Domenic are to be forbidden free access and, if they dare to enter, they are to be captured and brought immediately to Thendara for incarceration.

I emphatically invite you all to do the same: whether or not Diego is still orchestrating something grand is not the point. He is a criminal, and as such it must not be allowed him to roam free in our Domains. It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, that my vote about Aldaran's readmission is NO! Definitely NO! Categorically NO!

As for you, young regent, <he turns towards Rafito and speaks snobbily> please spare us your heartfelt defence of the Domain you represent. We have more important matters to attend to. <pointing at the door> There's the door. You may leave. <crabby> Farewell."

Congratulatia looked at Rafito and thought: "If what Marcello hypothesized is true, then this young boy must be eliminated. It'd be a pity... he's quite good-looking after all... but definitely he cannot be allowed to continue living. If, on the other hand, Marcello is wrong, then this young, attractive regent could be my pawn in the elimination of that impudent Harpy..."

She hid her smirk behind her fan and started having obscene thoughts about Eduin again, waiting for someone else to speak before Council.

Rafe brought himself to the centre of the Crystal Chamber again, despite of the haughty glances everyone was casting on him, and deadly calm, he started :

"Dom Marcello, you expressed yourself quite clearly, thank you. But I ought to say something, before someone else give their opinion...

May I remember you, vai dom, that you are _not_ the Council?

The fact that you oppose so vehemently Aldaran readmission to the Domains, leaves me calm, at the moment.

There's no way for you to send me back to Aldaran, before all the other Domains have opposed too, and Dom Danvan tells me to do so, in which case, I'll accept his, and your, decision quietly.

But before that time will come -if it will ever come- I pray you to moderate your reactions, and to respect people that have different opinions from yours.

As for the fact that I'm young, and I took the Regency only recently, I can say nothing but the things I've already said. And to stress the fact that many people can witness I am to be trusted.

This leads also to Dom Marcello insinuation of cahoots between me and Diego Storn.

The only thing I can say is that if you knew me better, you wouldn't dare to say such a thing. I never met him, and what I heard about him, both in this chamber, and from the lips of my Lady, is enough to make me hate him.

I'd add also that he did very bad also to Lady Mabry's temper, and the task is now mine, to make a lady of her...but this is not a matter to be discussed, now and here.

Lady Mabry is stubborn, and still very young, despite the fact she got recently fifteen. And yes, she's undisciplined, and yes, she doesn't like responsibility.

But this is MY task, now. Or she wouldn't need a Regent.

This regency, my regency" he bowed to dom Danvan "is going to last till there will be need of me. And the fact that Mabry have chosen me, after Diego Storn, is the symptom that she got aware of the bad things she did, and wants to be taught a proper behaviour. I beg your pardon, Comii', for this interruption, and I hope that from now on the discussion will be more peaceful"

Rafael cast a glance all around the Crystal Chamber. Everyone stood silent, and their faces was lacking of any expression. He sighed, unperceivably, and went back to his compartment.

Once he had sat back, he felt a pair of eyes staring at him, and look around to find out whom they belonged to. It was only them that he first noticed the strange glance of the platinum blonde in the Elhalyn compartments.

Marcello did not even deign himself to stand up again. Simply, he haughtily replied:

"I am fully aware I am not the whole Council, thank you. And I have not ordered you to go back to Aldaran where you so evidently belong: I have merely invited you to leave this Chamber so that we may continue with the other issues on our agenda and finally close this interminable season. Oh, and I am not at all interested in knowing you better, thank you again. As for teaching the Harpy of Aldaran how to behave properly, you have my sincerest wish of good luck: you will need it desperately."

Congratulatia was smiling, pleased, behind her fan. That charming young boy had stood up to Marcello - ever so gross - in such a refined way. She liked that in a man. Soon, her brain went into high gear thinking about how he could be of use to her. Then, she gave herself a mental order: "Stop yourself, Congratulatia! Your priorities are set."

With that, she started staring at Eduin again, and could not help uttering a soft orgasmic moan.

Piedro Aillard-Syrtis sat listening Marcello's tirade; he sighed and rolled his eyes. "If there's anything Marcello isn't, it's subtle," he thought, "by Aldones, he could accomplish a lot more it he even tried to be polite…"

Piedro rubbed his forehead and took another sip of hot jaco from a large mug on the little table by his chair. "Cursed Marilla, why did she have to find something "more important" to do right now? Surely there are others that could've dealed with the emergency, whatever it was, in Penta Cori'yo," Piedro mused and sighed again, but smiled a little, thinking about Carlo. "I surely hope he got out of the Castle unharmed. Of course he could've just walked out, no one would've thought anything about it, but he's so fascinated with all this cloack and dagger business and wanted to exit in a thrilling way... sometimes he's more fool than I!"

Finally Marcello finished and Piedro signaled to old Danvan for a permission to speak. As the Regent nodded, Piedro stood up, bowing to the assembly. "Vai dom Danvan, vai comynari," he began. "I have been asked to represent Dalereuth Tower in this session by my Keeper, who is engaged with other pressing issues elsewhere." Some wondering whispers went through the Chamber. Piedro cleared his throat.

"She made it very clear to me, that she was all for the readmission of the Domain of Aldaran, and asked me to convey this to you, vai domyn. It is also my own belief that it would indeed be best for all concerned parties, if Aldaran was to regain it's place among the Domains." Marcello scowled and opened his mouth to make his differing opinion known. Piedro lifted his hand and continued to speak before Marcello had time to shout anything. "There is some truth in what Lord Ridenow has said, and I am the first to acknowledge that there are certain risks in the readmission. Nevertheless, we must accept that times change and certainly it is time to accept Aldaran among the Domaisn again. There has been disputes and differences of opinion between the lowland Domains and Aldaran before, that is true, nor is that likely to change. But then again, the rest of the Domains have their own differences and very seldom do this gathering ever unanimously agree on anything and no one speaks of expelling, say, the Domain of Serrais, from the Council for its conflicting views."

Piedro paused, taking a sip of water, thinking, "Although I'm sure that the thought has not been far from the minds of some of the Council members." He smiled faintly and continued his speech, despite the growing agitation of dom Marcello.

"This is not a decision to be made heedlessly, but I think there is no question of whether or not Aldaran's exile should already end. Today our ties to Aldaran are stronger than ever, and the traffic between the lowland cities and Caer Donn, Storn and Scatfell is busier than it was in the Ages of Chaos. It would greatly benefit us all if the Aldarans were readmitted."

"Some of you say Aldarans are deceitful and crooked and not to be trusted. I'm not saying that it is true, but I'm not saying either that it isn't; that is neither here nor there. But what would we gain from not readmitting them, if they indeed were unreliable and evil? Would it not be better to have them right under your very noses, where you could keep a keen eye on them, than back there in their mountains with no supervision whatsoever, free to do all their misdeeds with none the wiser? Wouldn't it be better to have them here, in the Council, where you as their peers could put at least some restrictions on their actions?" Piedro's eyes rested on Marcello, who was clearly fighting with all his might to not burst shouting his defiance.

"Yet," Piedro continued, "it has become clear that at this time it will be unrealistic to fully admit Aldaran among us. We would never be able to get a unanimous vote behind them. So I suggest that we will admit Aldaran into the Council with a probationary status, at first for one or two years, maybe three, to see if it would be possible to work with them at all. I do not think that is too much asked; naturally they would at first have only the right to voice their opinion, and not vote, save on matters directly concerning their own Domain. After a couple of years, if all went well, they would be fully admitted, and their representatives given full Council rights."

The technician from Dalereuth stopped and drew deep breath, letting his gaze circle the large chamber and after a moment of silence asked, "What say you, vai comi'i? Would that be acceptable?" Then he sat heavily down, waiting for the reish to hit the fan and Zandru's sixth hell to break loose.

"Your suggestion does make sense. I like the idea of having Aldaran in a probationary status, provided there is a co-regent as very intelligently suggested by Domna Clara, even though I do not think Jorik is the most qualified person for such a sensible task."

Congratulatia, already miffed by her stupid cousin's proposal, grew red in the face with rage and appallement, so she started fanning herself emphatically. She thought: "Incredible! Unbelievable! Shocking! Now even pimps have good ideas!"

Then, all of a sudden, she was calm again, was not fanning herlself any longer and had a smile on her considerably beautiful face. She thought: "Oh!How silly of me! Of course that was an exception!" and repressed her giggling.

Ylana decided to act quick, and put in her seconds before others began to complain. No sooner had Piedro finished his speech and Ylana stood up before the council.

"I would have to say that I agree with Piedro's suggestion which has been put before us. If we ever want Aldaran as a normal Domain, we must start treating them as one, not tell them what to do day in and day out. a helpful co-regent, advisor, however we wish to phrase it, will not only keep those who are worried about Aldaran's past actions in check, but give Aldaran a chance to prove that they are changed. They will learn all about Darkovan politics through the helper, and domna Mabry seems to have things under control and has chosen a good regent. I hope that we will be able to put this idea through, and start them on their road to becoming a part of Darkover power." Ylana knew that more discussion would take place, and she sat back to listen to it all.

Clara felt that Congratulatia was upset and restless on her chair, Rafael was gazing her. That obsessing fan was blowing too much wind for Clara's taste. "That means -she thought with a sigh- that Congratulatia has not changed in these years"

Clara looked towards Danvan, and asked politely the permission to speak, he nodded.

She stood up, smiled to Marcello, but her eyes was firm.

"I don't think that Aldaran readmission will bring disasters on the Domains; I was favourable it, and I didn't totally changed my mind, even after the matters occured: my decisions wasn't based only on consideration about Lady Aldaran and her regent; of course, Mabry has demonstrated to be undisciplined and not ready to govern now, but she's also demonstrated us that she's enough wise to assume a regent for the wealth of her Domain.

Dom Rafael, I will not blame you for the actions of the previous regent, and I'm disposed to recognize your skill in administration, but you may understand that we can't trust you blindly.

I told you that your Lady was wise, and you looked me to be wise too; but you are also young, and for the same reason I don't get all my responsabilities towards the Comyns." Clara gave a glance to Danvan

"I propose that a co-regent, designated from the Council, will work with you in managing Aldaran, he will help you, and he will refer to the Council when and if Aldaran will be ready, as I hope, for the readmission.

I've thought a candidate, but I ask Lord Danvan to express his opinion about my proposal"

The Crystal chamber was silent, Danvan looked thoughtful.

Also Congratulatia was quiet and was looking her cousin Clara, but Clara thanked the goddess that she was to amazed to use her donas...

She could imagine Congra's fan falling on the floor, hate in her eyes, Congra jumping to her neck to strangulate her.

"Mmh, better don't think to that orribles and not very probable futures about my just returned cousin.

Congra could decide to go with Jorik to Aldaran... but I'll never propose it... poor Harpy, I will not do her that spite; besides, will Jorik have time to do his duty with Congra around?"

Danvan said: "I should have time to think about it, Clara, tell us who do we have to think about"

Clara said: "You personally learned him the art of government Lord Danvan, he is Jorik"

Congratulatia had a start, too. She immediately hit huffily Clara in her arm with her fan. Had 'Claretta Petacci' gone out of her mind? Had the constant wearing no underwear caused Claretta Petacci to grow insane?

Jorik had a start too, when a loud bustle was among the Comyn. "What? Me?" he thought "Surely another plot of Danvan's!".

Jorik looked at Danvan who seemed surprisely, even if already examining the events. Jorik got up and the bustle ended.

"I'm really surprised, cousin. And as I said I think Rafe is doing a good job and don't need a co-regent. But I would take as a honour to help him with Lady Mabry of Aldaran - Jorik used her official name on purpose - and to allow that historical step to happen. But as always I'm at Council's service."

Congratulatia thought: "Why, just for once, cannot he be less sweet? Ohhh I bet he would go gladly to that harlot in Aldaran, the pig! I should know!"

Said this Jorik sat down and the bustle started again.

Rafael Lindir, sat in the Aldaran compartments, listened to both Clara Elhalyn and Jorik Hastur, and didn't dare to say a word.

A co-regency wasn't at all the thing he wanted, and Mabry definetely wasn't going to like this situation....

He decided he would wait, before speaking again, at least for the other Domain Heads interventions.

Clara thought :"He is surely right for this task, and Mabry wouldn't be irritated from his presence, they are friends... However I hope that Danvan will have better ideas.. Congratulatia has just returned home...she will hate me when I will propose Jorik for this duty."

Then she turned towards to Marcello, thinking hopeful "I hope that our friendship will be not be damaged from these different points of view in politics…"

Marcello stood up and beamed: "What a *delightful* idea, my dear Clara! With this, I understand you suggest we postpone Aldaran's readmission for at least one year and that in the meanwhile there will be a co-regency. If it is so, then I agree."

Marcello seated again and thought: "HA! What a woman! And I bet that glance she cast at Danvan when she implied *she* will seat on that throne one day in the near future almost caused him to have one more of his stupid heart-strokes! Definitely my kind of woman!" and he stayed there, smirking joyfully.

Congratulatia stared at her cousin in amazement and thought: "This little impudent girl wearing no underwear does have more of a bone than I previously gave her credit for. She is becoming far too dangerous, but... <and she smiled broadly behind her fan> it will turn out to be useful when she claims the throne which is hers by birthright! Until that day I will act as if she is oh-so-dear to me and oh-so-admired by me!"

Congratulatia stood up and asked permission to speak her mind. Danvan granted that. She started talking in her semi-solemn way:

"Honestly, I do not think Jorik is the best option for this most delicate of jobs. Admittedly, he is in good relationship with the Lady of Aldaran. Admittedly, he is a very correct man which enjoys special ties with this Council.

However, he is the Heir of Hastur, he has responsibilities he has to attend to. Despite his sometimes believing the contrary, he cannot be allowed to roam about the 7 Domains as if he had no worry in the world. Furthermore, we cannot allow to put such an important person in a position of potential hostage. <turning towards Rafito> Believe me, young regent, I have no reason whatsoever to distrust either you or the Lady of Aldaran, and I am not all implying that either of you would resort to such a despicable, loathsome, REPULSIVE (please, all, take note of the alphabetical order of the adjectives) way to gain readmission. Still, it is an element to be most certainly taken into consideration when we vote for the ideal candidate to the co-regency. Thanks."

She sat, waiting for the other participants' contributions or the Heads' and Keepers' votes.

Lady Ylana had been sitting in her seat in the Alton section, patiently waiting for her kinsmen and kinswomen to get their bickering over this whole situation done. For being in charge of the planet, we all sure can argue like a bunch of children! she thought. We come up with good plans and ideas, but they seem to take forever to get to. Plus, all these interruptions. She, like all females, never cared much for Congratulatia, and the interruptions she caused just makes the sessions last longer. Hmmm, I think that it is time to put my word in now, while no one seems ready to scream at someone else.

Ylana stood tall, coughed to clear her throat before addressing the rest of the group (it had been some time since most had a chance to talk).

"I have sat here listening to the many comments made today, and thought about what the best way to handle this all would be. Earlier someone made a comment about Domna Mabry being rather young, and while this is true, many of us Domain heads would be hypocrites to fault her for that since we are also of a young age. A new regent has been selected, by the Lady herself, and he is far more level-headed and cooperative than his predicessor. While I am still in favor of admitting Aldaran back, I agree with having them in on a probationary period to make sure they remember how to behave, and get them used to Darkover politics again. I don't think that they need to have another co-regent, that would be too confusing and cause more problems that it's worth.

"If anything, I think an advisor of some sort would be a good idea, someone who Mabry or her Regent could ask advice of, look to for help if they aren't sure how to fit something in with the rest of the Domains.

If we don't start treating them like another Domain, they will never work well with the rest of us. Aldaran may have been a large problem in the past, but I think that they will be very beneficial in the future."

With this speech, Ylana sat back down and settled into her seat, waiting to see what everyone had to say.

Dom Marcello stood and spoke turned toward Dom Piedro.

Lady Myria of Neskaya was spoke her mind as well:

"I do not think Jorik is the best choice, for a number of reasons. For one thing, with his grandfather ill, he has responsibilities in his own domain. Also, some of us remember what happened the last time he was at Aldaran...

I would recommend Dom Regis di Asturien. He is more mature, and his loyalty to the council is unquestionable. In addition, he has family connections to Aldaran, so he ought to help them become worthy to join this council."

Piedro nodded solemnly as the Lady of Neskaya spoke, then he rose halfway up from chair, leaning of the railing of the compartment.

"Dalereuth Tower seconds domna Myria's suggestion. Seeing that both the Lady of Aldaran and her Regent are still relatively young, I agree that someone with a little more years and experience they bring with them, should be appointed as the co-Regent, and dom Regis would indeed seem more than suitable for teh task." He nodded briefly to Jorik and continued, "not that I'm trying to slight dom Jorik's abilities in any way, of course, but I think it wouldn't be wise notr fair to burden him with the concerns of another Domain besides the ones of his own."

Piedro sat down again, waiting for the heretofore silent Domains to speak.

Marisela Hastur sat in the Ardais section of the Crystal Chamber quietly observing the Council proceedings. She was almost relieved that Damien had chosen not to attend the Council this day, as it was one less distraction to her. And she was also well glad to have him nowhere near that Tuna woman -- although she knew Congratulatia had her sights set on cousin Jorik, she had never hesitated to paw at any handsome man who was foolish enough to come within her grasp. It was a good thing Eduin was now so devoted to Carena Ridenow, or Marisela would have feared for his very sanity under Congra's attacks.

The Aldaran debate droned on and Mari stifled a yawn. She was truly eager for this Council season to be over, so she could attend to her personal affairs -- including the completion of her laran training and the tending of her Domain. When Myria stood and proposed dom Regis as co-regent of Aldaran, Marisela's eyes lit up. At last, a reasonable solution!

Marisela stood and addressed the Council.

"With respects, Lord Regent. I must say, domna Myria's suggestion is the most logical I've heard. Ardais would certainly not hear of Aldaran being admitted to the Council under its current unstable system of rule -- how do we know Dom Rafael has any control over the Harpy whatsoever? He has barely been Regent of Aldaran a tenday, by my reckoning. And we certainly cannot spare the Heir to Hastur to babysit the Brat of Aldaran, however fond he may be of her, nor does he have the political experience necessary to rule in such an unruly environment. Dom Regis is a good man with a wealth of pratical political knowledge, and he will stand for no nonsense from damisela Mabry. I believe he is an excellent choice, if he will consent to take the position."

With that, Marisela sat down again and returned to her private contemplations.

Dom Marcello stood up again and said:

"I *applaude* the Lady Myria's very wise proposal. Dom Di Asturien would be *perfect* for that role. Also, I do second every word the Lady Marisela has just spoken." He seated again.

In her section, Congratulatia was relieved: it seemed Jorik would stay in Thendara, after all. Excellent. Both the men she wanted resided there and Thendara was her favorite city to reside in on Darkover. Everything was going smoothly.

Piedro sighed, sitting in the Dalereuth section of the Crystal Chamber and stretched his shoulders. "Zandru damn that brat of Aldaran... it is about high time she learns to deal with people, even those she doesn't like. For Avarra's sake, life is not supposed to be all fun and pleasure... of course you can go through your life dancing on roses, but every rose has a thorn that might sting, even the Syrtis roses! If she wants to get her Domain back in the Council, she'd better try to learn some manners and try to get along with everybody, no matter how much she hates them. Dom Regis is the best there is for the job... if Mabry refuses to have him as a co-Regent, it might bloody well mean that Aldaran will never be readmitted during her lifetime, if ever."

Piedro frowned, thinking, "It's not as if she would have to spend the rest of her life locked in a small cell with dom Regis... there's plenty of space in the Hellers to avoid him, if she so chooses. But she really would have to learn to cope with it. I certainly hope Rafael is sensible enough not to turn down our proposition; I've got a feeling it will have good changes to get the approval of the Council, but if he turns it down... I fear there will never be a second chance, if they do not accept it now."

He glanced at Rafael Lindir and leans back on his chair, waiting for the next speaker to begin.

Rafael felt that someone, in the Dalereuth Tower compartments, was looking at him. As he lifted his eyes from his feet, which he had stubbornly looked at during all the Comyn Lords interventions, he understood that the First Technician of the Tower was trying to get what he was going to do.

Rafe sighed.

He knew how Mabry would react to this co-regency. Zandru's hells, he knew perfectly well what _he_ himself would do, if only he could...

Everything on Darkover but a co-regency was what he had expected from the Council.

Just the thing he hated most: being treated as a child who doesn't know how to behave!

Not a single muscle on his face showed the inner fight that was going on.

But there were no alternatives: either the co-regency (hoping that Mabry wouldn't zap his uncle, Regis di Asturien, too badly....) or being outcasted forever.

And a bad reaction from the Aldaran regent wouldn't make a good impression on the Council.

The only thing that relieved him a bit, thought, was the trust Alton and Dalereuth had set on him....maybe even the other Domains would see the uselessness of a co-regent soon.

He sighed again, but he was calm, now.

He would accept the Council decision.

Regis di Asturien was dozing in Ridenow section. Suddenly somebody woke him:"Hey, that's you, blockhead!" and he understood what people were talking about. He, as regent of Aldaran?

He stood up and tried not to look too bewildered. " I thank you of your kind words. If you choose me fitting to this I take it. I agree with most of the people here that Dom Jorik is not a good choice as regent since he is also Heir of Hastur and thus has also other duties.

I have understood that Lady Mabry does not like me much but nevertheless she has to learn to cope civilizedly with people she doesn't like. I will do my best, and hopefully we can consider accepting Aldaran to this council already next year."

Danvan beamed happily from his place at the head of the Council Chamber.

Everything was working out so beautifully -- and now maybe they could finally get this abominably long Council season over with.

"Thank you, dom Regis. I am certain that you will aquit yourself most admirably in Aldaran," he said with a nod in dom Regis' direction. "If no one has any further objections, we will take a final vote on the provisional admission of Aldaran back into the Council, with dom Regis di Asturien as co-Regent of the Domain with dom Rafael Lindir."

He paused for the final call for opinions before calling the vote.

Once Danvan called for final comments, Aidan stood.

"As some of you may know, I have a unique perspective of this situation, being Aldaran and Ridenow by birth, as well as fostered at Serrais. Further, my status as Keeper of Tramontana lends this an even further uniqueness.

That being said, I welcome the wisdom and experience that dom Regis will bring to assist my dear cousin so that she may come to know what it means to be the Lady of a Domain as we understand it.

However, I wonder at the granting of a provisional status at this time to Aldaran. I feel that all involved would be better served if we held that off till next season. At that time dom Regis can present the Council with recommendations as to whether or not it would truly be advisable to allow Aldaran back into the fold, even provisionally. Until then, I feel it would be prudent to keep them at arm's length."

With that he resumes his seat and his waiting.

Congratulatia moaned, approving what she was looking at. She thought: "Hmm... Aidan has always been good-looking and ambitious. Then it is true what I had been reported: he is now a Keeper. I have never had a Keeper as lover: I wonder what kind of lover could he be? And his peculiar Aldaran/Ridenow position would make him a really valuable ally. This really deserves some pondering..."

As soon as Dom Regis sat again beside him, Dom Marcello told him in a stage whisper: "Bravo! Really nice speech! <beaming, but still in a stage whisper> I am so proud to call you 'friend', Regis!!"

Congratulatia, her face covered by her still fan, started staring at Regis and smirked. She thought: "Interesting. *Very* interesting and unexpected. Now I have *3* men through which I could hold control over the Aldaran Domain... Admittedly, he may be a bit too old for my tastes, but he oozes power and self-confidence; yes: I *like* him!"

For once, the whole council seemed to agree on something without actually having a big arguement, Ylana thought.

No one really had much to say, since Regis had accepted. Rafael seemed to be a bit miffed at not being able to be the lone regent, but knew that this was the way it was going to be handled, that it would look bad if he complained. Already, this action showed that he had some idea of what all the politics are like, sometimes you just have to give in to the majority. Ylana make a quick look at the Altons sitting around her and saw them all nod in agreement with the decision. She stood up, looked to the others in the chamber and smiled.

"I would like to be the first Domain head to welcome Aldaran back into the Domains, officially, even if it not with full power yet. I also think that with Regis as a co-regent, it will be no time until Aldaran is on its own and another productive part of Darkover." With this, Ylana sat down, looking pleased for several reasons. First, it seemed that the Aldaran situation was finally under control. Second, this meant (I think) that were no more matters to discuss and that this year's council season was on the brink of completion. Third, if this was true, they would all be celebrating soon with a ball and then returning home. We all enjoy seeing one another, or at least most of us, but home is always a good place to be.

With these positive thoughts floating through her head, Ylana knew that the rest of the day would just fly or, at least she hoped so, as others began be speak.

Marcello stood up and said: "I'd spare the welcome committee until Aldaran is fully and properly readmitted, if I were you, Vai Domna. However, I myself would like to see this unending day end and I would also like to give my most heartfelt congratulations to dom Regis di Asturien for his newly appointed station. I am completely confident he, along with dom Lindir, will prove to be successful in taming the Harpy and in making this probationary status of Aldaran go as smoothly as can get."

He sat down and started to think about what he would wear that night for his dinner with Clara and the new Elhalyn guy, Damien, whom Marisela seemed to like so much.

Ready for part three?

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