Reunion.

Arerto went back to work signing documents handed to her by Giselle until it was lunch time. They both had a light snack and some wine. They then carried on working until the merchants meeting to which she got tough and threatened them if they did not help the poorer in society. They finished up work and Arerto decided she was going to visit the disused palace barracks to see how thing were progressing. Arriving there she saw Helinda ordering workers around. The buildings were coming down and the bricks placed on wagons to be transported. Helinda saw the Queen and waved before carrying on. At dinner time she ate with the rest of the court and then went back to work until it was time for bed. Arerto smiled when she enetered her lover was there naked on the bed. "Hello my love" said Arerto as she ran to the bed so Katherine and she could share a passionate kiss. "I have missed you thes lat few nights my love. How was your training of the fleet?"

"It was hard and tiring but fruitful i think they are shaping up well sweetheart" Arerto had stripped and both were laying on the bed stroking and kissing eachothers bodies but Arerto sensed her lover was tried so kept it simple. She lay Katherine down and gave her a massage juts like the ones Bella given her.Soon Katherine was asleep and Arerto gently raised her head and placed a pillow beneath it the snuggled close feeling the warmth of her lovers body against her own." This is my gift to you my love. Sleep well"Next morning Arerto alone in bed as Katherine had gone to the harbour. As Arerto stirred Bella was opening the heavy drapes and the windows while Selina was setting Arerto's breakfast on trhe table.Arwrto opened her eyes and wished Bella and Selina a good morning as they left the chambers. Arerto found the now customary note left by Katherine. "Have a good day at the palace and don't forget to wear your locket."

Arerto finished her fish breakfast and water then headed to the bath and cleaned the last vestiges of sleep from her body. Today she had no business at the palace so she decide to visit the academy to see how Glinda was settling in. She dressed in leather trousers and a white blouse with leather boots. She put on the lighter day to day crown of gold laural leaves followed by the locket from her lover. Then she left her chambers and her guards followed her to the stables where Huron was already saddled. "Good morning my Queen" said the stablemaster.Huron lowered his head to sniff her hand. "You look well today." said Arerto as she petted his neck and offered him an apple.She took Huron outside then climbed up into the saddle and saw the escort already mounted. She gently pushed her heels into Hurons flank and they moved off. She whispered into Huron's twitching ear that they were going to the academy. The mare responded with a nicker and a pawing of the ground.

Huron walked at a gentle pace heading out of the gates and turning towards the academy. They passed early risers setting out their stalls in the market. They all bowed as the queen passed and she waved until they reached the Academy. Arerto was met by commandant Belinda who bowed and greeted the Queen as she dismounted and walked over and shook hands with Belinda. Belinda was the only person in Freeconia who did not have to salute the queen. "How are this fine day Belinda?" asked Arerto."We are making progress but there is one problem I need your help with Your Majesty.""The girl Glinda is not settling in. The other girls are scared of her.They think she is out to cause trouble and i fear they will gang up on her." Trouble' was a bit of an exaggeration but not by much. It was no secret that many of the girls at the academy had problems with the newcomer but none of them dared speak up.The commandant was the only one who could see past the exterior and see that there was a real person behind the pretty face.

None of the other students had the time or the inclination to get to know the girl so they saw her as a threat.Arerto had all the students assembled on the parade ground the she addressed them. "Warrior cadets i understand from the commandant that you all fear cadet Glinda?" Yes ma'am' every one of them responded in the affirmative. "Well I ask you to put aside your differences and get to know her. She is your sister and you are her protectors.I am sure you will find her a very resilent warrior and after all you all depend on eachother when your out facing the enemy.If she messes up she will be disciplined just like anyone else would be. The fact her mother was a brave warrior will not save her and she herself does not expect special conditions.." No one murmured while the queen delivered her words that hung in the air like a mistletoe over a christmas tree. They all knew what she meant and she knew they all understood the message.

"Now I ask you all to get to know Glinda better. Get to know the other girls better Glinda. I want you all to become friends because out there you will have enough enemies wanting to kill you." with this Arerto had them dismissed and she went back to Belinda."I hope that helps commandant" she said as she patted her on the shoulder. "Now I need you to write a letter to my sister. Tell her I will be visiting her soon and that I miss her." She paused before she said it.Arerto mounted Huron and they headed out of the academy and toured the wall.She made a mental note of weak spots in the wall and she would later speak with Helinda about them. Before long it was time for lunch so they headed back to the palace.Arerto had lunch in her chambers then sat down to write two letters to her sisters. After she had done this she passed them to Bella to get them delivered. Arerto then went through some letters on her desk and signing some documents. She would have to make time to visit her sisters.