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Finding Peace 2

She slept with Iris again that night, curled up in a tiny ball and surrounded by the warm body she trusted most. She slept peacefully though she noticed her jaw was a bit sore when she woke in the morning. She blushed a little bit but shook the thoughts from her mind. She had met his challenge and overcome it. She refused to feel shame or embarrassment. They were equals and that was that. He couldn't treat her like a spoiled little brat anymore. Not after yesterday. She refused to be looked at that way the same as he refused to be looked at as some savage. She understood now... and knew he would too.

She dressed in a fine silk gown and watched as Iris donned her armor once more. They were lead to the agreed upon meeting place. Though it was a little... unnerving getting there. They were lead up one of the ramparts and across a few of the bridges to a hut in the trees. She wasn't all that keen on the heights but she took it as another challenge to overcome. Even when the bridge swayed and rocked beneath their steps.

When they entered the hut they found Feugen sitting with the silver wolfess talking quietly as they ate what looked like a feast of a breakfast. Feugen looked up as they entered and he nodded saying "join us." River glanced at Iris but she was looking at the silver wolfess and blushing. The vixen smiled a little and gently brushed her hand. Her guardian snapped out of it and stepped forward, easing a chair out for River to sit at and then sat beside her.

"I trust you slept well?" Feugen asked. River nodded as she plated herself a bit of what looked like a breakfast honey roll and some fruit. "Good. Would you care to start or should I?"

River hesitated and then said "I think you should. We both know what our people suffer. Mostly our caravans, villages, and farms. But... it's clear to me now none of the previous negotiators have taken time to hear your side of things. I don't want to make that same mistake. Please."

River was glad he didn't even discuss the previous day's... activities. Feugen finished his bite and said "we've been in these lands since before your kingdom existed. Maybe not always as we are but... that's another story for another time. The point is, these forests are ours. When the Kingdom first settled our ancestors were weaker, fewer in number. So they hid. They continued to hide as the settlement grew to a kingdom. They continued to hide even as they were taken as slaves to build the kingdom."

River bit her lip "I... I'm sorry I didn't..."

Feugen shook his head "It is in the past" he said "I will not hold you responsible for the actions of your ancestors. When mine grew enough in number they raided more then just the villages. And they were... savage. But as your people have grown so have mine. We are greater in number. But your people continue to grow further and further from the kingdom. The lands near the River?... they were ours. The village there fled when your people came with swords and horses. Our people were not prepared. This... cannot stand. Your trade caravans. They use our territory as protection from bandits and raiders. They spit in our faces as though we are not a threat. Not even giving us the courtesy of payment or trading for the protection our land offers. Yet they hunt our game while they travel through. This... cannot stand. We know we cannot take the Kingdom. And your people cannot take the forest. You need our lands to trade. We don't need yours."

River listened closely as she ate. She never knew any of this. Of course it didn't surprise her that these things were kept from her people's history texts. She took a few moments to absorb it all and then finally said "what would it take for your people to stop the raids on the farms and caravans?"

Feugen was quiet as he ate and then said "Borders. I want our river lands back. We have no fishing grounds that can match them. And once established. They are not to be crossed again."

River winced. Her father would not like such a demand... but she would still try. She nodded after a moment and Feugen continued "if the caravans wish to use our lands for protection then they must pay us. I don't think it's unfair if we end up offering protection from Bandits. And they must trade with us if they need game for food. They cannot hunt on our land."

River hesitated. Paying the tribals was not something her father was going to like either. But she knew she had to try. And she knew in her heart it was right. She nodded after a moment and decided to be honest with him. He seemed to have been so far with her. "The King... will not like these demands. And I cannot guarantee what he will agree to but... is there anything you could offer in return?"

Feugen glanced at the silver wolfess. She hesitated and then nodded. Feugen reached behind him and grabbed a bag. He set it on the table and a rather beautiful black stone spilled out. "This is obsidian. It's found only in the mountains. Bring it to your father and tell him to have his smiths make a blade from it. If he still wants to pretend we cannot be allies. Fine. But if he's smart... he'll talk trade."

Iris stared at the stone and tilted her head some. River slowly reached out and picked it up but nearly dropped it again. "It... it's so heavy!" she said in surprise. Feugen nodded as he continued to eat. "I'll bring this to him, along with your demands. In the meantime... is there anything you and I could negotiate for now? A temporary truce? I don't..." she bit her lip and then said "I don't want anyone else to get hurt. Not when... I feel like we could make this work."

Feugen paused in his meal and looked at her. He nodded and he said "You care deeply for your people. An admirable trait in a leader. One your father does not possess." He was quiet for a moment and then said "I will stop the raids on the farms for now. We will not allow further progression, but we will stop the raids on the farms. We will not allow further loss of our territory. But if caravans come through..."

River nodded "I understand. Thank you..." She hesitated again and bit her lip "the farmers claim you have taken... women... from the villages." The silver wolfess actually giggled this time. Iris arched a brow and Feugen nudged her. She shook her head and he nudged her again. "What is it?" River asked.

"I took Silver when I was 9 and went on my first raid with my father. She was an orphan... starving and begging for scraps." He looked at River and smiled "she's been free to return since that day but... as you can see..."

Silver smiled and said "they take women yes. Never mated. Never young. Most don't wish to go back and become our own. Those that do are allowed to return. To save face... they lie about their experience. Who wants to admit they loved being bedded by a savage?"

River blushed furiously and thought about it but she was right. Any woman who returned without playing victim would immediately be labeled a whore. "I see... so you don't keep... slaves?" she asked quietly.

"No" replied Feugen "no person can own another person. It is not possible. We are all equal under the Allmother."

"Allmother?" River asked curiously, tilting her head.

Feugen blinked and looked at Silver who giggled again. He sighed and said "Lady Gaia. The Allmother. The one who grants life to every living creature. The mother of every person in the world."

"Oh..." River said, feeling a little foolish. Iris glanced at her but smiled. She had always been very curious.

"Perhaps... I could make a suggestion" Iris said quietly. Feugen looked up in surprise. He'd not heard her speak since... River blushed again at the thought. Iris hesitated and then said "our people are very different. Perhaps a condition of the negotiations, while the King considers his options, would be a return visit? So that we may learn more of your ways. Of your people." River's ears perked and she looked up at Iris and then at Feugen. She found herself hoping he would agree. She was fascinated by his people. Despite their crude ways she loved the forest and their homes. She was in awe of the freedom they possessed. A far cry from her own...

Feugen nodded after a moment "I think that would be good. To learn of each other. But only if it is you Princess."

"Me?... Why me?" she asked curiously. She was delighted but she wondered why.

"Because if your father sends another General I'll skin him and send him back in pieces" he said as he ate. River stared at him in horror and he looked up and actually smiled "I'm kidding... You... you're different. You're one I respect. And you're part of the royal bloodline. I know what that means to you and your people as it means the same to us. I don't want to deal with others. You're the first that Silver hasn't had to restrain me from hitting within the first day."

"Oh..." River replied. She blushed some but then she smirked and took a drink saying "well... the day's not over yet."

Silver actually snorted and almost lost her drink, stifling a giggle. Iris just stared at the little vixen who smirked at the Chieftain. Feugen grinned back at her and just nodded as he continued his meal. They discussed a few other details, asked each other questions. But it seemed the tension had melted away. River felt... hopeful. For the first time in a long while. It had been hard... DIFFICULT!... it had been difficult... to overcome the challenges. But she understood the reason behind them and now felt the rewards were real. She didn't feel like she'd been taken advantage of. More that she had paid a price for a prize worth having. And she was okay with that.

Later that day the caravan packed up and prepared to depart. Feugen bid them farewell and ensured her that his orders for a truce would be followed. She would return as soon as she could with or without an answer from her father. In order to begin learning more about them. As Iris was saddling her horse Silver marched up to her. The black wolfess looked up at the white one and blinked some. "You'll come back? With the Princess?" Silver asked her.

"Yes" Iris replied "I am her Guardian. I go everywhere with her."

Silver looked at her and then reached up and touched her cheek. She leaned in and gently kissed her right on the lips. River giggled softly as Iris couldn't help but stiffen, her tail starting to wag behind her uncontrollably. Silver eased back and smiled. "Good" was all she said. She then turned and headed off. Iris swallowed and physically grabbed her own tail to stop it from wagging before she climbed onto her horse.

"Let's go!" she barked to the others. River giggled again and climbed onto her own horse and they headed off. She glanced back though, locking eyes with Feugen. The panther watched her go and she could see it. She could see in his eyes the same hope that gleamed in her heart. The hope that together they might be able to build something beautiful. For all of their people.

River and her group returned to the Kingdom just a few days later. She had to admit, she missed the palace. It was beautifully crafted and she missed her own bed, her own room, her books, all of it. But she was still feeling hopeful about the outcome of the trip. With the strange Obsidian stone tucked close she was ready to see her father. Iris walked with her through the palace halls to his study. She knocked gently and listened waiting patiently. After a few moments she heard her father call "Enter!"

She stepped inside and Iris followed, moving off to her usual place to the side of the room, placing her arms behind her back to stand at attention. The King turned and he blinked in surprise "River! You're back!" he smiled. "And so soon? I hope there wasn't an incident?" he glanced at Iris, shooting her a glare. Iris kept her head down. She was going to behave. She didn't need to give the King any additional reason to be cruel.

"I'm fine Father" River said with a warm smile "the negotiations went rather well. I understand much more about the Gaians now."

"The what?" the King asked.

"The Gaians" she replied "Oh! The tribals father. Gaia is their Goddess. So it seemed a fitting name for them."

"You mean the savages?" he snorted "what is there to learn of the savages?"

"Father..." River protested "Please..."

He sighed and looked at her "fine fine, go on."

"They just wish to be treated equally" she continued "they would like us to give lands back that have been taken from them. To provide compensation for our trade caravans using their lands, and*"

"You must be joking..." he replied, starting to chuckle "Lands what lands? I won't be giving those... those beasts ANYTHING. If they don't stop attacking our people I will burn that forest DOWN! I will not listen to any demands of THEIRS!"

And like that... River felt her heart clench. She had felt the trial, the embarrassment of the experience, that... maybe it had been worth it. That she could rationalize it. And now her father was here, yelling at her just for trying to make peace. She felt the chances for it slipping away... it made her trial... her challenge... feel worthless. Her victory... her strength... meaningless. She looked down and tried to prevent the tears from falling. "He said you might be like this..." she whispered softly. "So he sent this..." she set the bag with the Obsidian on the table and turned for the door. She paused and looked back "I'm going back. To learn more about their people. They're not... savages... they're just people. He said to have your smiths forge a blade out of that. And if you want to trade... then to think about accepting his terms..."

With that she slipped out of the door and hurried off for her room. Iris followed right behind her. The King slowly stepped over to the table and picked up the heavy stone. He blinked in surprise at it's weight, tilting his head some. He looked up towards the door and then back towards the stone before heading off to speak with some of his advisors.

River rushed into her room and almost slammed the door on Iris. She winced some and just buried her face into the wolfess' chest. She was trying not to cry. "He... he has no idea..." she whimpered "I just... I just wanted him to be proud of me! And after..."

"Shhhh" Iris whispered softly "you went into an impossible situation and you still made more progress then any of his stupid advisors or Generals have in years." She eased back and looked her in the eyes "don't you dare feel shame for that you understand?"

River looked up at her and she nodded after a moment "okay..." she said quietly. She took a deep breathe and calmed herself down, wiping her face. She refused to let her father make her accomplishments seem small. She DID make progress. And even if he wouldn't agree to them... wouldn't make things right, not yet... she would still work towards peace. She looked back at Iris and said "I'm still going back. I won't let my father's arrogance ruin the chance we have at peace for our people. I refuse."

"Good girl" Iris said with a smile "Now, go take a bath and I'll fetch you some Supper." With that she turned for the door.

"Iris?..." River asked, biting her lip. Iris turned and blinked. River hesitated and then said "when that woman... Silver... When she was..." she flushed "did you like it?"

Iris blinked and she blushed heavily. She nodded after a moment and said "I did... except that it was stopping me from... doing my duty."

River shook her head "I told you not to... that was my decision. I just... is it wrong to... like it?"

Iris smiled warmly and said gently "No dear. It's not wrong to like it. Just make sure... that you protect your heart." River nodded with a small smile.

"Thanks Iris..." she whispered softly "get yourself something too okay?" Iris nodded and slipped out of the room. River turned and headed for her attached bathing chamber to draw herself a bath. She was exhausted, sore, weary from travel and just... emotionally drained. She'd never seen eye to eye with her father but as she got older and older she felt like he was losing touch with himself... the man he was when he married her mother, when she was little. He was so loving then. Now... now he cared about the wealth of his Kingdom... and little else. Her long ears drooped slowly into the warm waters as she scrubbed at her fur, leaving it soft and silky clean.

When she was finished she climbed out of the tub and dried herself off, wrapping a silk robe around her body. She loved the way it felt... but it made her think back to those hides they had used to dry off. She ran her fingers along the soft silk slowly and bit her lip, remembering his words. He hadn't been... entirely incorrect. She didn't leave the palace much... she had everything she needed here. And while it wasn't her fault, it was still true that... she had been sheltered up until that day. She moved slowly to the window and gazed out at the mountains just barely visible in the distance. She couldn't help but think about him... that male. So intense, so strong, and yet so... gentle, and genuine. A tiny smile touched her lips as she wondered if... he was thinking about her too.

Iris returned with a tray of dinner for both of them. As she slipped into the room and found her lost in thought at the window she hesitated. She silently shut the door and set the tray down before she approached, studying her, trying to guess what was on her mind. Finally she asked gently "Princess?... are you alright?..."

River jumped a little bit "Oh! Iris... I'm sorry I didn't hear you come in. Yes yes I'm fine I'm just... thinking..."

"That much is obvious Princess" Iris replied "as far as what you're thinking about... that part is still a mystery."

River flushed and glanced at her and then away again. She bit her lip and she said softly "he never lied. At least... I don't believe he did. He cares about his people just like I do. He believes in honor. He doesn't keep slaves. Everything... everything we think we know about him and his kind... is wrong." She looked at Iris and her ears twitched back "I have to go back..." she whispered softly "I have to learn more so that I can show everyone they're not what we think they are. I have to!..."

"And you will" Iris replied "why the sudden urgency?"

"Because what if Father forbids it?" she whispered softly "you saw him. He laughed. What if he really does try to burn the forest to the ground?..."

"Your father may be an idiot but he's not mad" Iris replied "and it wouldn't be the first time we went against his wishes." She smirked and glanced over at the bow and arrow still hidden behind her wardrobe. River followed her gaze and rolled her eyes.

"That was fun, this... this is different" she replied softly "I just don't want to make a mistake... it's more then just our people now." She looked at Iris and bit her lip "the decisions I make could effect theirs too. And... I don't want them to be hurt either."

Iris looked at her and slowly stepped forward, hugging her gently "and that's why you'll make a fine Queen one day..." River smiled and leaned into the hug until her stomach rumbled. Iris chuckled "but future Queens need to eat their Supper so they can grow up big and strong. Well... so the rest of them can..." she teased, brushing her ears.

"Oh you!" River growled and Iris yelped as she fled across the room. River raced after her and threw a pillow at her before finally settling in to eat. That night she didn't request Iris to stay with her. She knew the wolfess would need some time to process her own thoughts and feelings. The vixen lay curled up in her bed gazing over at the window and wondering what the future would hold.

Iris initially headed for the town. She got a few drinks and headed for the brothel. But when she got inside and saw all the girls... all the young, tight, inexperienced girls... she winced. Even as one of her regulars approached her with a smile, she turned and just... left. She headed right home and curled up clutching her pillow. She bit her lip and reached into her gown, pulling out the soft blue feather she'd tucked away. A tiny smile teased at her lips as she gazed at it and then curled up a bit tighter to sleep.

"Do you think we can trust them?" Silver asked Feugen quietly. The pair was seated atop one of the highest tree platforms near the mountains base, allowing them to overlook the forest and gaze upon the kingdom in the distance.

"Which them?" Feugen asked with a snort "The Princess and her Guard? The King? All of them?"

Silver nudged him "The Princess and her Guard..." she shook her head "we both know the King is a fool... but she seems to have a good head on her shoulders."

"She does..." he replied "and yes, I think we can trust them. I saw it in her eyes. She wants peace to save lives... to stop bloodshed. I can't deny her intentions at least seem pure."

"I think so too..." she said softly "she's a sweet girl. And she's strong. Stronger then most." She looked over at him and said "Rail would be proud of you Feugen..."

Feugen looked over at her as she mentioned his father. He smiled a little bit and said "I don't know. I feel like he'd have preferred I keep her prisoner and siege the kingdom." He chuckled.

"Well, maybe in a way" she laughed "but I think he'd be proud that you found a way better then his own. Sons are supposed to surpass their fathers, not become them."

"What about daughters? What are they supposed to do?" he asked with a smile.

"Mnnnn you don't get that answer hon" she replied with a smile "that's between mothers and daughters." She turned ahead again and just gazed up at the moon.

"So I'll have to have one of my own to find out?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Nope, not even then" she teased with a grin. "Your job with your daughter is just to be there for her. To support her, to make sure she feels loved. Because you're the first male she'll know. So you can't mess it up. Because if you do... she may not realize there's better out there. And she'll end up with someone just like you." She looked over and then chuckled and said "but don't worry. You're a good man. Just be you and she won't have any trouble finding a similar example."

Feugen just looked at her as she gazed up at the moon. Sometimes he wondered how she became so wise. It was easy to forget sometimes... But he was glad that Silver was there for him. She was a good friend. He leaned over slowly and she tilted her head and leaned it against his arm. "Think we'll still have to fight?..." he asked quietly after a moment.

Silver's smile faded as she looked out at the kingdom. Her ears lowered back slowly and after a few moments she said softly "Yes... and the cost will be great. But the prize in the end will be well worth it."

"Cost?" Feugen asked, looking at her.

"No more questions" she whispered, shaking her head and leaning against his shoulder, pulling a blanket up over herself and closing her eyes. "The stars are beautiful tonight... and I wish my dreams to be the same."

"They sure are..." he whispered softly, gazing up at the sky. He hoped that she would return. And he couldn't help but wonder... if she was thinking about him...

The next few days River prepared for her return journey to the forest. She wanted to bring a few things she thought Feugen would like. Books, paper, different silks, even glass bottles and the materials to make them. She had seen they had plenty of pottery but nothing of glass. At least, nothing they seemed to make themselves. She was excited to learn and even more excited to show the better parts of their world. Finally she was prepared to leave and headed out to where Iris was waiting with the saddled horses. Her heart sank seeing her father waiting there along with one of her least favorite guards... Bane.

Bane was a royal guard personally picked by her father. He was supposed to be her personal Guardian until Iris came along. He'd always held a grudge towards her for that. Especially because in order to get the position Iris whooped the crap out of him in a straight fist fight. River approached and said calmly "good morning Father. Are you and Bane headed to the market today?" She was hoping, praying for an alternate outcome.

"No Bane will be joining you on your return trip. To deliver my response to their leader's... demands..." the King replied.

"Father I am more then capable of handling that task. I don't need an additional guard accompanying me during a time of Truce." River said sternly. "Iris can protect me just fine."

"Be that as it may, having an additional guard can't hurt" the King said, handing Bane a scroll.

"Father!" River tried to protest.

"Enough River!" he growled "My word is law and this is my will. Accept it. Bane is coming with you under my direct orders. Or are you saying you're choosing to defy your King?" River glared at him and then looked away with a huff.

"No..." she muttered with as much venom as she could muster "your majesty..."

"Good" he replied "now be grateful I am entertaining this... joke... that there is anything worth learning from these Savages. The only information worthwhile right now, would be where to get more of that material you brought me earlier. Find that out and return as quickly as you can." River tensed immediately. She didn't like that order. But she knew better then to protest right now.

"Yes Father" she replied quietly. He nodded and she swung up onto her horse. Iris swung up beside her and Bane followed suit. Soon the three of them set off for the forest. As soon as they were outside the Kingdom River eased closer to Iris and whispered very softly to her "we need to know what's on that scroll. And we need to get rid of him."

Iris nodded and glanced back as the wolf stared openly at a couple of passing wenches. She looked at River and whispered back "I'm sure the tribals can help... but we'll need to get the scroll first. Don't worry. I brought plenty of ale. We can spare some." River smiled as they continued on.

When they were almost to the boundary river they camped out for the night. Iris set up her and River's tent, opting to share one with her with Bane around and made sure the wolf knew to set his up a distance away. Once everyone was settled in and had eaten Iris pulled a few bottles of ale from her pack and smiled, offering one to Bane "Care for a drink?"

The wolf didn't hesitate and chuckled "what's this for?"

Iris shrugged and said "look you're an asshole but we're stuck together. Might as well make the best of it."

Bane shrugged and said "Fair enough. You know in a few more years it won't really matter anyway." He said as he took a drink.

"How's that?" Iris asked.

"Oh you don't know?" he asked with a grin. He glanced over at their tent where River was 'sleeping'. He looked at Iris and said "the King's decided her betrothed."

Iris stiffened inwardly and felt her gut twist sharply. She remained calm though and asked "oh? And who might that be?"

"You're lookin' at him" Bane said with a grin, taking another drink.

"You don't say?" Iris asked "well congratulations. I'm sure you two will be very happy."

"Ohhhh yes" Bane replied, licking his muzzle "had my eye on that one for a while. Been working up the King's favor. It's about time I get my... reward." He grinned and then took another drink. As he did though he blinked and he looked at the bottle. "Is... issere' somefin wrong with this.... Aaaaale?" As he said the last word he toppled over next to his tent with a groan and a snore. Iris stood up but before she could make a move River was up and out of her tent. She stormed right over to the wolf and kicked him as hard as she could in the stomach.

"BASTARD!" she growled "I'll never marry you you ugly PIG!" She was beside herself with rage and went to kick him again when Iris grabbed her and eased her back.

"Alright alright easy..." she said quietly "it doesn't matter. We'll deal with it okay?"

"Iris..." River whimpered, turning to face her "I... I can't... I can't marry him I WON'T!"

"No!" Iris said firmly "no, you won't. You will not marry that man. Okay? I give you my word I will not let that happen." River stared at her shaking like a leaf. Bane had been cruel to her when they were younger. He'd given her nightmares for months before she met Iris. They were all flashing back now. She looked into the wolfess' amber eyes though and took a breathe, settling herself. "We'll just leave him" Iris said "if we travel through the night we can get there before morning. We don't need him."

River nodded after a few moments, starting to calm down. Iris gently touched her cheek and the little vixen relaxed. She turned and opened Bane's pack and rummaged around until she found the scroll. She pulled it open and unrolled it slowly. She blinked in confusion at first and then she realized... it was a map. It was a map where her father had marked off territory to give back to the Tribals. Only the territory was based on plans he had for future farm sites. It involved taking MORE land from them... and then giving a little bit back, and still none of it was by the river.

"He's going to be furious" River said quietly.

"Well you did kick him in the stomach" Iris replied.

"Not Bane... Feugen... look" she said quietly and showed her the map.

"He can't be serious..." Iris said quietly. She shook her head "this is just going to make things worse." She turned to throw the map into the fire to get rid of it.

"Wait!" River yelped and caught her arm "we need that."

"What? Why?" Iris asked. She looked at the little vixen as she looked at the map. She didn't like it. She could see the wheels turning in her head.

"Wh... What if we negotiate? With Feugen?" she asked quietly "I could give the orders to the local villages, that they have to relocate. They wouldn't question it if you're with me too. Father wouldn't notice. They wouldn't bother anyone. We could just... do it and not tell him until it's too late!"

"You're crazy!" Iris growled "Do you have any idea how furious your father will be when he finds out you've given away some of his land! He'll march on it immediately to take it back!"

"No he won't" River replied "because in return we can get more of that... that stuff. That Obsidian. Please Iris we have to at least try! I can't show Feugen this without something else... this is an insult!"

Iris was quiet for a long moment. She didn't like it, but she didn't have much choice. When River had her mind set to something, that was it. "Alright fine" she replied "but we can't do this unless we have something to show for it. Something to appease your Father. It won't do any good to get the Tribals some of their land back if your father sends soldiers to take it right back."

"Okay" River replied "thank you Iris." She leaned up and hugged the wolfess tight. She just wanted to make things better for everyone.

"Yea yea" Iris muttered "now hurry up and pack and let's get going." River nodded and packed up the camp as quickly as she could. By the time the moon was high they were set off again, galloping across the fields towards the River front crossing. The night was chilly but they wanted to get away from Bane. If they made it into the forest there would be no way for him to follow them. He'd have to return to the Kingdom and tell the King what happened. He would be upset of course, but she hoped he would be more furious with Bane then them.