Walkabout.

They both lay in eachotehrs grasp and were soon asleep both dreaming of pleasant things. The next morning Queen Arerto was up early and was fed and dressed. Today she was going on a walkabout of her city. First stop would be the new orphanage which had been set up after the last war. Going along with her would be her chief advisor Lady Giselle and Lady Helina her advisor on domestic matters. The trio left the palace along with a four warrior escort and headed towards the orphanage. When they got there they could see the children being taught. The children seemed happy but things could be better.As arerto walked around she asked the teachers what they needed and she got the same answer from most. "We need more clothes and more food your majesty" She turned to Helina" Lady Helina why are the children being neglected." Helina looked at the queen then replied. Because they are poor your Majesty. There is no other reason. People just do not want to think of others problems when they have their own"

The queen nodded her head and continued her walkabout.She headed to the market place and talked with some of the shop and stall owners. She asked one baker why loaves of bread were being thrown away. The reply she got was that they were not up to standard. She then said to Helina" Instead of these loaves being thrown away send them to the orphanage" The owner protested but Arerto looked him in the eye and told him that as he was throwing them away she was doing him a favour there would be not rats. He shut up after that and Arerto headed to the tailors shop and again found waste and had the cloth sent to the orphanage. With the walkabout complete they headed back to the palace.As they entered the palace grounds the children ran towards them waving and cheering. They stopped for a moment to greet them and then continued their walk up the steps and through the gates. After lunch Arerto headed down to the harbour along with Giselle.

There to meet was Admiral Katherine and at this moment she was Arerto's admiral not her lover. After formally saluting Katherine showed Arerto around the ships. She was amazed by the size and how each had as a figurehead an amazonian heroine. Arerto wonder if her head would grace a ship. After the inspection Arerto headed from the harbour over to the military academy. This was one of favorite places in Talia. This is were warriors were trained in the art of war. She watched as the recruits were put through their paces by real heroines. She felt a tap on the shoulder and turning she saw commandant Belinda. "Good day my Queen' she said 'I hope you are well today' and smiled. 'How was your walkabout?""It was good Belinda" "Did you meet with any of the merchants you were looking for?"'' 'Yes Belinda and now the orphanage has extra food and cloth for making clothes" "I remeber your majesty when you were a student here i was in trouble with your mother for letting you go home covered in bruises"

"I smiled "It was nothing Belinda I assure you" "You were a difficult child to deal with but you have grown into your height and are a credit to your mother"They made there farewells and headed back to the palace and Arerto sent for her sister Karleen to meet her in the meeting room. When she arrived Arerto hugged her sister and asked if she would like to travel and see some of the world. Yes sister I would love that" "Good then I need you to be Freeconia's ambassador to Germite. What do you think of that?"'I think it is a wonderful idea my Queen' 'Good then I need you join me for dinner tonight with Prince Thaden where i will introduce you." Karleen nodded and thanked her sister then left to get ready. The dinner came and Arerto walked in and smiled seeing her sister and Prince Thaden and another man all sitting. Arerto signalled for them to remain seated as she took her place. During dinner they chatted and Thaden was taken with Karleen's grasp on diplomacy.

"Princess you are well versed in ythe art of diplomacy i must say." Before Karleen could reply Arerto spoke "Prince Thaden my sister will be my representive in your city she is my ambassador." Thaden smiled and then said. Your majesty i must apologise you give Germite a beauty as your representive and i give Lord Kala" pointing to the man sitting next to him. I am sure your sister will do well in her new role and bring glory to your kingdom.After the dinner they all returned there quarters and when Arerto stepped into her chambers she was a little disappointed not to find Katherine there waiting. She got undressed and placed the crown on its silk and stain cushion then went to bed satisfied that she had got some things done today, Tomorrow I will do more I promise" she murmured to herself as she fell asleep. That night Arerto rested in peace dreaming of the children playing in their new cloths and eating more wholesome food. She new then that she had to get all the merchants to help and they would because they needed royal patronage for their main income.