Princess Ryana and Empress Vea sat cradled in each other's arms the entire night, completely at peace. They had both slept the entire day together, not wanting to do anything else. Both entranced as they wrapped themselves in each other's wings for warmth and dreamed of a better future where each had what they truly desired for themselves and their loved ones.
A loud knock at the door awoke them both from their blissful delusions. Empress Vea was then ripped away from her most cherished secret memories to come back to the present day that still demanded her to care for it's overwhelming needs. She looked around the dimly lit sparkling room in solemn silence as the gentle knocking continued. Lowering her head in sorrow at, the cold realization she was in the present day and not with him by the lake all those years ago. Him. And Ryana. At least she still had her. For now.
"Yes?.. Who is it?" She yawned with a saddened sigh in her voice, Rubbing her eyes awake and putting aside the same dream she had had every night. But she couldn't dwell on it. It was in the past and he was gone. And she was still needed here alert and awake.
"Your eminence, It's me." Garotan spoke softly from the other side of the door, trying to be courteous. But despite attempting to control his powerful voice. It still echoed and startled Ryana awake. "May I come in?" he asked calmly.
Empress Vea sighed and straightened her white hair back with her hand, wanting to still look somewhat professional. She then cleared her throat softly as Ryana nuzzled and buried her head under her mother's wing against her shoulder beside her, wanting to rest some more while she could still have the chance and return to her favorite dream of being with mother when she was little playing out in the snow, teaching her how to walk. Emperess Vea used to spend all her days with her. She didn't anymore of course.
"Come in Garotan." Called out the empress returning to her calm controlled tone of voice she had grown accustomed to using over the years since taking over for her husband.
The giant polar bear creaked the heavy door back without any effort and stared at the princess and queen resting peacefully together. Causing him to smile. The Empress never let anyone see her act in such a slackened demeanor. Anyone. Except Garotan. Just Him.
"Has she awaken yet? he asked caringly. She always was so adorable when ever you held her like that."
Ryana pulled back the covers. Revealing that her tiara had become crooked and her hair was now in total shambles. She smirked like a obnoxious chicklet as she sensed Garotan looking right at her before yawning and stretching her arms and wings wide apart.
"Still adorable? She asked sarcastically."
"As always snow flower." Garotan spoke truthfully and smiled. The bear then turned his attention back to the Empress as she stood up from the bed, fixed her dress, and approached her tall bodyguard. Eager to find his cause for entering. He never bothered her unless it was for a good reason.
What is it Garotan? She asked while yawning once more.
The giant sighed reluctantly. "You're excellency. It's time for us to depart, the siege begins in an hour."
The Empress turned back to face her daughter once again. Not wanting to leave her behind as always. But there was nothing more she could do. The war was waiting for her.
"Very well. Give us a moment."
"Of course your grace. Take as long as you need. I've carried you things already to the portal. I'll wait there for when you arrive whenever you're ready."
The giant then turned his gaze one last time to the little princess, wanting to wish her a final heartfelt farewell. It would be so long until they spent time together again and he would miss her greatly. But they would see each other again in but a year's time. They always did.
"Farewell little Snowflower." Until we meet again. I'll be counting the days."
As the Polar bear began to kneel down in respect , Ryana then shot out of her bed and ran across the room to hug the giant one last time, for she knew it would be such a long time before she would be able to do so again.
"I'll miss you." She said softly as she held tightly to his massive arm.
The polar bear clutched gently around her back and then bowed his fluffy white head in sadness to kiss her the top of her little head before he left the room.
"And I you little one"
And so it was with a heavy heart that the white haired giant closed the door behind him cautiously as to not slam it in a loud disrespectful manner. Vanishing for another year once again. The room seemed to grow colder without his presence instantly.
"Dear?" Said the Empress calmly. Ryana then sensed Vea pull out something from her dress pocket. "Would you come here please?"
The princess turned behind disheartened compliance, wanting to be angry but couldn't bring herself to be. She simply obeyed and sat beside her mother at the edge of the bed before becoming a bit surprise as Vea waited patiently before placing a small wrapped box with a bow in the palm of her hand gently. It was light. And cold. Just like everything here. She didn't mind.
"I wanted to give this to you last night. But it looks as if our tired eyes had other plans for us both. Vea chuckled slightly as she caressed the top of a little white box adorned and tied off with a bright blue bow. Hand wrapped by herself.
"Happy late Hatchday dear."
Ryana hugged tightly around her mother. Almost letting the box slip from her fingers behind her back, half-forgeting it was there as she focused all her attention on who had given it to her.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Open it! Veadora smiled eagerly. Her breath quickening from the anticipation. Not the cold.
Ryana needed no more instruction and heeded the request instantly, beginning to use one of her talons to cut a single line beside the edge of the present and tear off the wrapping like a child. Vea grew increasingly quiet as she eyed Ryana opening the present, her fingers fildeling in nervous eagerness as to what she would think of it. Although Ryana couldn't see it, Vea she smiled as she watched her daughter's hand then opened the lid off of a small box and reached inside excitement consuming her like it hadn't in years.
She felt something cold yet strangely smooth. Abnormally smooth. She carried her thumb to follow around the soft felt fabric until it stopped at what felt to be a large gemstone at its center. Triangular and without any imperfections. Perfect.
A Dimond.
"No..She wouldn't." Ryana's eyes widened in horror. The princess immediately handed back the gift, unable to accept it.
"Mother, I..I can't wear this, it's too important to you."
The Empress then smiled and lifted the necklace upward by one finger to sparkle and shine as it turned to catch the light.
"Ryana dear. This did mean so much to me once. But I haven't worn it in years. So I think it finally time to pass it down to you. And besides It would look absolutely stunning on you." She smiled.
Before Ryana could say anything to refuse, the Empress was already wrapping the beautiful necklace to wrap around her thin neck and fasten it behind her back calmly by the blue felt fabric embroidered with silver lacing.
"Mother.." He gave that to you." She said tearfully while clutching the Dimond resting atop her collarbone.
"And now I'm giving it to you." Vea smiled. "You are deserving of it far more than I ever was. This is your heritage. It was the very Dimond your father's ancestor Arissa the Wanderer carried back with him for his wife when he first set foot in the north and started the Empire. It's been passed down for centuries through your family. But I'm not part of the family. You are."
Ryana was silent. She struggled to take in that this little gemstone. Which felt perfect and flawless as she held and felt it tightly in between her fingers was near three hundred years and had not a chip in it. The people it had been with. The things it's wearers had seen she would never know. Veadora was glad she didn't hear some of those things. At least for now.
Ryana remained silent as her mother adjusted the necklace to properly rest at the center of her daughter's pure and uncompromised caring heart. A heart so like Veadora's had once been before hardship and loss had turned it ruthless to any who would stand in there way."There." Veadora said proudly as she took her daughter by the hand to stand alongside her, proud and tall. Her spitting image of who she herself had been herself years ago. Hopeful. Such times were long behind. "You look beautiful."
Ryana was speechless. She wanted to deny such a gift that had been held so dear to her mother for so long. But despite her hatred of herself for wearing the necklace. Her love for her mother giving it to her outweighed any other emotion she could ever feel.
"I promise mother." Ryana smiled eagerly as she wrapped her wings tightly around the Empress who towered above her. "I'll never part with it."
Empress Vea smiled.
"Well I should hope not. It would be an utter shame for such a trinket to collect dust and not be worn by such a wonderful young lady you've become." She chuckled.
After a few more moments embraced in each other's arms, both reluctantly left each other's grasp to stand in silence in the cold reflective room.
Now then.. Shall we? Her mother asked in an attempt at consoling them both.
Ryana nodded hesitantly and walked toward the metal door ready to accompany her mother through the labyrinth of hallways to her departure once again.
After minutes of walking in silence. Both entered the large chamber and proceeded to journey along the carpet path together leading to the southern portal gate already prepared. With Aravos and the others standing in exactly the same manner as yesterday on opposite sides. And Garotan at the very end awaiting her majesty.
Ryana remained silent as she held her mother's hand, walking together along the path feeling dozens of eyes watching them both. How could she even hope to live up to her? After all that she had done for their people. The princess felt like a fraud when compared to her.
Empress Vea sensed her daughters unease and turned her to face her as the two stopped in front of the glowing passage leading to a world Ryana had never seen. For all intents and purposes. Vea was her world.
"Why..mother? Ryana asked with tears in her eyes. "Why can't You stay for just a little longer?"
Vea bit her lip in remorse about what she knew she was leaving her daughter with. Sadness and loneliness.
But such a time would pass eventually. Just a little bit longer. She would understand one day why she had sacrificed so much for her.
Ryana..Vea spoke calmly. Caressing her hand against the back of her daughters hair. Both illuminated by the bright passage that would divide them both by continents apart one again.
"Sometimes being a ruler means doing things you wish you didn't have to. It takes sacrifice and patience. I had to learn that the hard way, and Ive fought and struggled for so many years so that you don't have to."
The world is a dangerous and unforgiving place. But it also contains great love and beauty just waiting for you. And it will be waiting for you still when the world knows peace once again under our rule. Soon my dear. I promise. Please just have faith. Everything I've ever done I've done for you and your fathers kingdom. I am merely it's place holder. All that I have done is to preserve what you are destined to inherit. It will all be over soon. That I promise.
"But...That's what you said last year. Ryana sniffled. And the year before that. What if this war never ends?
Knowing she was right. The war had dragged on, and The Emperess promise of a quick victory to her reluctant subjects had weighed in credebilty. People were starting to lose faith in her and the cause. And to hear Ryana say that to her, hurt her more than she would ever know.
Vea hugged tightly around her daughter. Her blue cold eyes narrowing in well hidden anger, behind her daughter's shoulder. "It will." She said truthfully. She would move mountains if it meant wiping out those who who still seeked to destroy the both of them. "I will make it as such." She squeezed tighter. "All for you."
Remember this Ryana. We must always move forward. Only forward. To dwell on things outside our control will do us no good. Only what we can control. That. Is what matters to us and the people who rely on us. You just need to hold out here just a bit longer my dear. I know it is difficult. Believe me. I know better than you understand how you feel trapped and discontented with the way things are. But trust me. You are more safe and secure than you even realize. You are in the right place where you need to be for the time being. But it won't be forever. The next time we see each other will be the last time you'll have to stay in this place. I promise. Well both leave together, and You'll be an invincible and unconquerable Empress when it is time for you to rule and claim your birthright I have defended day and night all these years for you to claim.
Ryana smiled amused at her mother's unrealistic assurance.
"As an expression right? She chuckled. "No one's truly invincible."
"Emperess Vea remained silent for a few moments. Holding her response.
"....of course dear."
"Merely an expression."
Ryana wiped away the tears on her face and stood back in place, tall and strong. Accepting to trust her mother's words, at least one more time. It's not like she could do anything to change it after all. But this truly was. the last time she feared.
...Alright mother.." I'll trust you.... But please. Just…just come home safe after the war is won so we can be together like you promised.
Emperess Vea smiled.
"No my dear. When it is over I will bring you to see the world you are destined to rule."
Vea kissed her daughter on the forehead as she began to walk away. Unable to turn back for she knew it would be even worse if she did. Lord Aravos stepped forward to face her majesty one final time before her departure.
"Look after her well Aravos. She is all I have left." Vea meant the words to sound uplifting but in truth it was sincere. Without her daughter....
"Don't worry you're grace." he bowed calmly in upmost confidence. This is the safest place in the world for her.
The Empress grew silent from the comment as she faced the portal. It brought back painful memories she had long since tried to bury. The Empress then breathed a cold breath of air as Garotan raised his paw to escort her through the portal back to war.
A war she would win by any cost if it meant seeing her sooner.
The two entered through the glowing light feeling the cold northern snow begin to sprinkle across both their faces yet again. Being greeted with the operators still laying about lazily by the northern gate having waited all night for her return. A few bowed. A few saluted. She hardly even noticed. Only wanting to return to the task at hand.
The Empress and Garotan trekked back up the snowy hill toward the war camp that stretched for miles. With hover tanks and legions of soldiers already in perfect rows ready to march out. But as the Empress approached her personal tent, (the largest in all the camp right at its center). The Centurion Marav normally so calm and stoic started to quickly approach and stand beneath her nervously.
"Your grace!" The White tiger said in unease and exhaustion before returning to attention. I must warn you. This is..I mean We didn't think..."
"Just spit it out." Garotan said calmly. Growling ever so slightly at the soldier disturbing her highness without proper permission. Vea waved for her frightening bodyguard to stand down and herself approached closer to stare curious at the soldier cowering beneath her in silence who clearly didn't want to give her the news.
"Well..? What is it?" She asked with a stern serious stone. "I don't have time to deal with this nonsense. The siege begins in but an hour and we must move out immediately.
The tiger cleared his throat nervously.
"There's.... Not going to be a siege your grace."
The Empress stepped forward in silence. Her eyes becoming filled with rage.
What...Do you mean soldier? She asked coldly.
The tiger gestured for a group of soldiers to approach dragging a large sled behind with an immense slab covered in a tarp on top. The empress approached and ripped the tarp off in a swift motion trailing snow and ice behind.
A soldier. Dead. Encased in a solid block of dry ice which had burned and become stuck to his skin. A terrible way to go.
In the palm of the Seal soldier's arm protruding outward from the evaporating ice lay a message tightly gripped in its cold dead hands.
Garotan approached and uncurled its fingers and unwrapped the message. His large eyes skated up and down the withered paper in growing anger and hesitation by what he read.
What does it say? The Empress asked coldly. Not looking up.
"You're grace. I..I don't think.."
"Give it to me."
Garotan complied and handed her the parchment without question. The Empress shook the snow which had collected on the parchment and proceeded to read it aloud no matter what troubling news it said.
"To the peasant queen of the south. Thank you for spending some much needed quality time away. Whatever it is must be really important to have to drive you away every year from this game of ours. Me and my men so enjoyed the peace and quiet you so kindly provided us during your absence. Perhaps next time it best to keep all your focus on that dung heap you really come from instead of staying in our lands any longer? Wandering eyes tend to get those you care about killed now don't they?
"Sighed Queen Boreca. True Ruler of these free and United Northern realms."
"P.S. Hope you like the gift. I figured it a friendly reminder of what happens to southerners who let their guard down in these woods. You'd do best to remember that like your husband did. His head still looks wonderful on my wall. Keep up this chase and yours will be joining beside him soon enough."
Empress Vea stood quiet in the snow for a full minute before slowly crumbling the pathetic little parchment tightly in her fist into a ball.
"How. How did they possibly escape?" She asked enraged. "We had them trapped from every angle with now way in or out."
Marav replied with much hesitation.
"They… spent weeks digging tunnels under the fortress to escape through the mountains. They disguised the debris by creating avalanches to bury the evidence so we wouldn't notice. We didn't even know till this morning. They're all gone."
"The entire keep's abandoned."
The Empress started to grind her teeth in rage. So much time wasted. And now.. They're right back to square one.
"Where are they headed?" Did any surveillance fighters follow them?" She asked hopefully.
"Well. We spotted her army headed northeast and entering through the Ironwood forest but we lost track of them in the snowstorm. I ordered a scouting party of fifty men to go and follow their tracks before they disappeared but...." The tiger Centurion lowered his head in shame as he looked toward the frozen soldier encased in a casket of ice.
"He was the only one we found. It was an ambush. They knew we were coming."
Empress Vea approached toward the small cat. Her massive wings beginning to spread out wide to cast the small soldier in her looming shadow consuming him entirely.
"You mean a massacre. How many times have I told you all. Nobody follow's her without my permission or proper preparation! This is what happens! "
"I'm sorry your grace! I thought it might make you happy to at least know their location was before you returned..."
"Garotan!" The empress shouted.
The polar bear suddenly gripped his massive paw tightly around the foolish soldier's neck beneath him. Lifting the fully grown tiger high into the air gasping for breath like a twig.
"What I want is her and her armies dead." Said Vea furious. "Not to be happy. Not to sacrifice out soldier's lives' so needlessly in guerilla warfare. You wasted my men on a fools' chase right into her clutches. You should have waited until I returned. Now all of those men are dead because of your arrogance and stupidity."
"I'm..,Sorry! Your grace. He gasped. "I just wanted to help.!"
"Then help by being smarter."
"This will be your one and only warning centurion,...Release him."
Garotan dropped the white tiger into the snow coughing and struggling for air beneath her. She then walked aside to the frozen soldier encased in ice. A look of sorrow across her face.
"Get him out of there. She said appalled by the sight. "Send word to his family and have his body shipped back home. He deserves a proper funeral."
"Of course your grace." Garotan replied obediently. The polar bear then ordered for dozens of soldiers to begin to chip the dead scout out of his humiliating prison.
"Is there anything else you wish your grace?" Garotan asked.
"Ready the army. The Empress said calmly as she ripped the parchment in two and let it sway forgotten to the frozen ground. "We move out immediately. Set the entire ironwood forest ablaze in a sea of fire to flush them all out. We must find her quickly before she escapes again."
"There will be nowhere left for them to hide from us this time."
Garotan released a large grin through his shining white fangs. A monstrous growl became unearthed that he had hidden from Snow flower all day which would have frightened her. Now returning to the surface as her loyal executioner ready to vanquish her cowardly enemies wherever they dared to hide. "It would be my pleasure your grace."
"Then let us be off then. Ready the Aerial fleet bombers." Said the Empress sternly.
"Flatten Ironwood."