krispeechips

A gaze drifted upwards at the clattering sound from downstairs. At his desk sat Koukai, the letter in his hand- passed to him for the moment from where it had been delivered to the Geiko House. One of his earliest memory was of a performance by the Geiko, his own Aunt and someone who later was labeled a traitor of the state. Both dead now. The same fate that has befalled Hina now- death wrought from hurt and anguished caused to others. Were the Geiko now stained with such a plague? Banishment, Suicide and now Seppuku. Ehiba, Choumi, and Hina. Regardless he trusted it could change now, he had the power to help it change. So, instead of tears shed he looked at the letter with a smile and stood. Perhaps he could go show his Great-Uncle turned Toshu and cheer the man up with the writings of his best friend.

Name (MC Name): Kato Koukai (krispeechips) (Discord): krispeechip Clan: Kato Citizenship: Yup Mahō: Alchemy Materials: Frost salt, Potions Availability Preference (Day(s) of the Week): 3/11 - 3/18 only availble past 6 or 7pm EST, most available 3/14.

“I think all of your gowns are blue, Caerine," said her princely cousin, EIRENE OF MYRINE. The youngest of the three Mareno followed after with a judgemental look upon his face, peering at the gowns they were sorting through. SIRIUS felt the need to keep the two scholary kin of his on their toes with his critique.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ- On the grounds of the Kato Compound, a young teen who found himself frequently visiting the shrine found himself face to face with the desecration that had been committed. Unsteady hands moved to right all the offerings as he spoke whispers that only the departed may hear. Ignorant or not the boy sanded away the hateful etching of his family, rewriting what had previously been there, keeping it to appear as untouched as possible. -=- Questions would be left unanswered but still, he kept her memory alive for himself and another.

The conversation hung heavy in the young boy's head, hands clenching onto a key that hung on a thread around his neck. His steps carried him alone back to his home through that forest. Just in time to recieve the letter. He had already knew what to expect on the paper. The goodbye already expressed when they spoke, one that he knew meant forever. Even at his age, he knew what words like that meant. He instead let himself sit in his room, soft sobs meant for only him to hear.

Mikhaila stood before her own reflection, clad in an emerald hue that brightened her eyes. Those very same eyes that shone in her child's now forever shut eyes. It had been weeks now she wandered the halls of where she called home alongside her Husband and remaining children. Her son now split, one half of a whole. Their first-born twins. Emotions were to be wrapped up in viridescent hues. She knew she was to stand there for her children; Those still alive. Helena's memory would not be forgotten but grief would not be allowed to cling and hinder this family further.

Mikhaila sat on the edge of a bed, a bunk-bed to be exact. Two young children laid, all tucked within the cloths lain over them. A small book was held within her grasp, a theatrical voice reading aloud from a children's fairytale. "Once more did the Princess then wear that crown upon her head, and outwards did the Queen decree to the Kingdom below 'May eym all live in prosperity, Mik beloved daughter and our Princess has returned to our loving arms.'" A pitched voice piqued upwards, stark white hair tossing as she turned in her sheets. "Nie, Nie- Why did she marry the Thief? She needs a Prince Charming to rule alongside!" The Mother giggled, hushing her child to prepare for sleep, sending her off with some explaination as to the Princess' decision. A peck was given to the foreheads of her two children, once more did the sheets get tucked to their sides. -- Now she stood, those white sheets tustled once more over the mop of snowy curls, flowers surrounded her in a peaceful manner, she seemed almost... as if she was just sleeping. Sleeping. That had made sense, simply a deep sleep, one she would never wake from. Her dear daughter. She was just taking a nap. She should read her a story. "Once upon a time..."

Mikhaila's gaze skimmed the new missive that had been sent out, a small grin at a close childhood friend's writings before her children swarmed her and her husband "By Godan... Eym all can join ea suppose, Ea trust Naddy enough... But nej getting seriously hurt or ea will nejt make dessert for eym!" A pat was sent to each of their little heads before her gaze then flitted towards her husband to see if perhaps the man had more to add to the children's pleas to join the Karos Scouts @Koodini

The Hall of Healing ᛏᚼᛁ ᚼᛅᛚᛚ ᚬᚠ ᚼᛅᛚᛁᚾ Issued by Mikhaila Amador, on the [ 12th of Eiriksstanda, IAÁ 556, Age of Dragonfire ] [ 12th of Vyzmey ag Hyff, E.S 579 ] May this missive reach the eyes of those it’s content finds an interest within. Upon my arrival to Norland from the desecrated lands of Haense, a particular thing that brought itself to my attention was a lack of a medical center. A place of healing. Somewhere for the Norn warrior to find solace after a long battle. Somewhere for the Templars of Malchediael to rest when without a hearth. Somewhere even for Refugees who fight sunrise to sunset to seek shelter from the harsh ache of loss. This is thus a call towards those who are already adept in the medical arts, and those with an inquiry towards it. The Healer’s Guild is open to you. We within The Hall of Healing wish for this guild to be the next step for more resources to be introduced to the Kingdom of Norland. The doors of our establishment welcomes all those who arrive at its steps. Those that reside within Norland and any of its vassals are permitted to join the guild, even those outside the bounds of the Kingdom are welcome. The purpose of this guild is to allow us all to come together throughout the realm with the intent to heal and bring wellness to those that we live among. Send a letter to Mikhaila Amador, if the guild interests you at all. Surgeon General, Healer’s Guildmaster, Mikhaila Amador

Not too far from where Anaksandr sat with Helena, did Mikhaila stand with Kristoff in her own grasp. An equal reaction to his own as a scowl set in her visage, although no words escaped her besides a gentle hush towards her daughter at the toddlers childlike examination of the former Lady Haense statue. Then when he moved towards the hearth and disposed of the missive did a quiet chuckle escape her lips, pleased all the same with her husband's actions a gentle peck of her own was planted to their son's head.

MC Name: krispeechips Discord: krisp Image: Description of Image: A portrait of a man and woman (This was submitted last night but i realized the colors looked off so i resent with fixed colors, im sorry !!) Dimensions: 1x2

MC Name: krispeechips Discord: krisp Image: Description of Image: A portrait of a man and woman Dimensions: 1x2

Mikhaila stood before the aviary within Kazan, her knuckles were blotched with bleached hues from her grip on scattered letters. All that was unsent that sat gathered by birds delivering, parchment after parchment. Dima. She thought, lips pressed tight into a line as she skimmed over the words, every emotions the Kortrevich felt splayed with messy ink. "Did I do something wrong?" - "I'm sorry." - "I love you." - "Please come home." Carefully she gathered the letters as the pile grew, setting them neatly and storing them. For him, When he returned. When. Not if. When. He had to return, He had yet to see her wed, to see her sister wed. Her Father, his Brother. They still had more to do, more to fight for and explore. It all seemed so unfair, to have an ever-present figure simply... vanish. To leave so many behind, squires and daughters. Nieces. King Karl III, Princess Milena, Svetlana Colborn, Dmitry Ruthern. The list of those lost carries onwards, it drags, it piles. It piles like the letters she must organize. And like those letters she will set them neatly aside, store them in her memory. For when he returned.

A loud squeal echoes off the walls of a hall within Kazan, missive clutched tight in the Colborn's hands as she danced around her room "Now me and Anak definitely need to visit Koppany for Dinner." She spoke with certainty as another giggle erupted from her lips, filled with mirth

♬⋆.˚ All Illustrations & Writings By Lady Mikhaila Colborn Issued on this 4th day of Wzuvar ag Byvca of 573 E.S THE SCYFLING TRIALS OF LADY MIKHAILA AEDRYN COLBORN When I was young I remember much like any other child the stories that my Father would tell me. — Tales of beasts bigger than castles. Wraiths that haunt our keeps and curse our homes. Powerful beings that send battalions against mere mortals to ensure power is enforced. Folk stories derived from cultures is what allows the spreading of knowledge from soul to soul. We are our information and that information is the power we hold. Spread it. Write it. Sing it. The words and history of our forefathers will remain etched upon stones and scarred into parchment with the ink of quills. I was tasked for my Scyfling trials to choose a Patron, one of whom I chose was the Patron Matias. He stood as Patron Ancestor of Evil-Slayers, Statecraft, Art and Council, as an artist myself it was Art which I chose. My Father then assigned me to write a book for such a trial. This particular story is one my Father told me and my sister when I was still quite young. I will spare a summary for the sake of surprise, but for those inclined to one, know this: ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ There once was a young peasant woman. The eldest of three children to a hunter, as the three came to age they had to seek out husbands in life. A Husband. She would think, how ridiculous, to be content in settling down and simply being a housewife who must bear children and find joy in the meaningless things of life. She craved adventure, vied for the great unknown. To see the wonders that mythologies spoke of , to see a dragon, or tame a beast. As she grew older her Father attempted to arrange many men with her, but she refused all offers. Her own sisters were looking for men of their own and she pitied them. Pitied their acceptance of a mundane life, one without excitement. Although it filled her with endless frustration, the woman constantly thought. Where was she even to seek out such adventure. The same forests surrounded their town, the only threat was wolves. That was until Tales of bear attacks happening within the forest were spreading, her Father decided to investigate. The young woman grew worried for her Father. What if he was injured? What if that bear killed him? Concerned but curious. She trekked into the woods, searching for her Father but rather, She found a young man. A bloody and injured man. "Where are you from?" The young woman quipped “Somewhere beyond” was his reply. So simple yet so striking. “Where?” The woman implored. "A Palace of Ice, you must go east of the Sun and west of the Moon-" He spoke about the winds leading her, the sights and adventure that she may follow to arrive at his home and it fascinated her. She looked at the bloodied man once more. To the regular eye he wasn't anything special, but in him the woman saw opportunity. Still injured, she brings the man to her home to be patched up. Awaiting her is her family all gathered there. At the sight of him her Father speaks up “Who is this?” Her hesitation lasts only a passing moment before she replies “My husband” Her words come hastily. All eyes fall upon her with varying levels of shock, including the gaze of the man. “We are to return to his home tonight” She utters simply. Hastily the man pulled her to the side, as she assisted in cleaning him up and caring for any injury he spoke up, panic laced his tone. "You can not come home with me!" He exclaimed. "And- why is that?" She snipped back at him, arms crossing. "As I warned you before- the journey is long, dangerous too! You are just a woman, you will not survive it- you will not survive m--" His words stop short, cutting himself off. A sharp inhale is taken, the man levelling a gaze towards the woman. "I am stronger than you think. My Father is a hunter, he trained me some. And- I can handle adventure. I refuse to stay here, you will take me." That same gaze is levelled back towards the man in return. "Fine. We shall go. I will lead you there, but be warned it is long." He stood as he spoke, continuing on "The journey will be six days and five nights. We must first follow the stars of the night sky, the Auroras will guide us right. Along the way the sea life shall find a direction and see it forwards. The icy tundra will make itself known after." The woman's eyes gleamed in wonder. Her own stance on the matter solidified in that moment. "I will go with you." Her words held all their intent, however naive the woman still was, only 19 years of age. But still she urged forward, intending to follow him. The next day, after a strange night of distance from the man. The guest room shut with a locked door. Still she uttered her goodbyes to her family, promising to keep in touch. Soon after the two. The man and the woman mounted and began that journey onwards. It began simple enough, paths surrounded with forest which darkened the roads. The horse scares slightly at the sight of elk and rabbits amongst the shrubbery. At a point where the river met a waterfall did the man speak up. "Dismount." His words rang stern. "Dismount?" She echoed back. "That is ridiculous you said 6 days and 5 nights, it has barely been a day, night has yet to fall?" "That is exactly why we are to set up for sleep. A tent for you and one for me." His feet found ground. The man moved to begin a preparation of sorts for tents using stakes and sheets the two had packed. Still confused, the woman quickly followed, tying the horse to a tree with a furrowed glance. "We still have some hours before we must prepare for sleep?" She questioned onwards, nearing where he stood. "Just help me set these up." His tone spoke of annoyance, a wave of the hand to usher her to do something. "By the Beasts, you are stubborn." But still, she moved to help. As the woman laid within her tent the shadows from the man’s tent grew larger. Some odd shape coming to be. It has to be the angle of the moon or a trick of the eye, the woman thought. Soon after sleep caught up to her and morning had arrived. Back upon his steed the two sat. Carrying onwards in this journey, the 2nd day out of the 6 the man mentioned previously. Their travel today was the same as the day before, they rode along paths that led north, the scenery changing but still the same. Much like the scenery their sleep was the same. The entire ordeal that occurred last night occurred this. Dismount. Separate Tents. Odd Shadows. Sleep. The journey was beginning to feel much longer than 6 days. The 3rd day arrived, the supposed half-way point to this entire debacle. The man and woman both freshly awoken, moving to take from rations that were stocked and disassemble the tents set up. Supplies then placed upon the rear of the horse. Something in the air read of change, an aura held around the two as they stood about to mount the horse. "The lights will emerge tonight but you must close your eyes." His words were gentle in nature, a genuine request. Confusion consumed her for the moment as she gave his words a thought or two. "The aurora?" -"That glow that embellishes the sky at night? Why would I ever close my eyes at such a sight?" Her response mirrored his own words. A genuine question, curiosity. The man sputtered for a moment, his response not arriving as he floundered like a fish out of water. "To appreciate the beauty of it, you must value past its appearance. Appreciate the stars and spirits that bring it to life." How brilliantly he lied. "Okay, I have trusted you thus far. I will continue to." A woman to be married, how could she refuse him. Onwards the two ventured, much alike the day before, and the one before that. This time though, when nightfall came they did not pack. Off from the horse the man slid. He hitched it to a nearby tree, gathering all they brough and carrying it upon his back. With a turn to a nearby river he slowly walked forwards, a sheep to a herd she followed his steps. The sun arched over the sky, painting it hues of flame across the sky. Night drew near, that was for sure. As it did the man grew antsy. A swift turn was made towards her. "Close your eyes." His breaths grew sharp, anxiety growing. A deep inhale was taken by the woman, before she rested a hand on his. "I will, calm yourself. If it is so important to you, I will." With a nod she shut her eyes. Hands falling to her side. The ground beneath her feet was a stable thing. Reassuring. Reassuring, Till it was not. Her feet left the ground, in a movement akin to falling she drifted. Shock coursed through her, eyes flying open. She met the lights surrounding her. Blues, Teals, Pink and Purple. The sky was dusted in a myriad of hues. The Aurora Borealis is painted around her. She floated in it, winds and stars carrying her. The ground now feet upon feet beneath her, unreachable. She soared like a bird, free as could be, wind-swept by the air. It was no slow journey suddenly, no tiring days horseback. Forests whizzed past, lost in such sights it was then she glanced around to realize the man was not there. She alone, free soared the skies. But- she was alone. Without him. The thought was brief, only spared a moment in her mind before she was immersed within the spectacle around her once more. The winds grew chilly, seasons around her shifting, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Snow coated leaves and hills, mountain peaks. The winds soared her downwards, feet stumbling as they touched ground once more. Fumbling to meet the shoreline of an ocean. A beach of snow crunched beneath her boots. Her gaze met the tide, its drag towards the cold then back towards the ocean. That gaze danced upwards, a sunrise making itself known. Time in the sky blinded her to how fast it all passed. Behind her sounded a voice. "Did you enjoy it?" Her head whipped backwards, peering at the man emerging from leaf sparse trees. "Was that your doing? How?" She grinned towards him, a turn back to that light that shone once more over the icy waters. "Speak to the winds, and they will reply." He came to stand beside her, the waters before them rippling suddenly. His hand drifted towards the mountain near them. "It's the fourth day now, the last two will be hiking over top of that. Once we cross the peak, we will arrive at the Kingdom." She nodded to his words, beginning a trek along the shore towards a trail. The trail led to the base of the mountain and upwards, the ocean still in view. It created quite the sight, something mystical. The waters beside her rippled once more, fishes presumably. Something stirring within the waters deep below. As the mountain's trail was climbed, a vantage point that painted the lake in the hues of the now risen sun, the waters below surged once more. The roiling of the waves grew, a foreboding eeriness to its movement. A dog chasing its own tail, the sea spun. ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ A Whirlpool. The sea continued to roar, the waterfalls upon the mountain joining the chaos below. It was a cacophony that formed a harsh melody. Seafoam and waves fought in contrast as the thunderous swirl of movement grew. From within the vortex of the whirling waters. Something emerged. The man and woman had been clinging with iron grips onto the rocks that lined the walls of the mountain path. Their twin gazes held onto what swirled below. But- still a stark difference held. While the man held an expression of knowing worry. The woman held one in awe. Her steps staggered partially as she studied the ocean's abnormal movement, a keen eye spied something shifting beneath that uproar. Specifically the long serpentine body. From that very vortex did it emerge, slithering outwards in an arch towards the sky. Its height was that of the mountain where they still climbed along. Slitted eyes scanned the horizon before landing on them with a piercing fury. "You two." The hisses echoed off snowy caverns and ice littered waves. "You dare cross past, my ocean, my mountain?" One voice layered in hisses that turned into many. As one head emerged and spoke. Others joined. The serpent now shows in full before the two. What was thought to be something akin to a snake grew. One. Then two. Three. Four. No, Six. Nine. Nine Heads. With a sudden tugging force the man grabbed hold of the woman's arm and moved forth to lead her north up the path. One could not say if it was stubbornness, perhaps an over-inflated ego? But- Those steps of her halted. Digging into snow and gravel with a loud crunch. She stood her ground. Her arm soared with a palm extended to the beast. As if following the path of her form itself her voice carried outward. The heads all turned in unison, an intrigue at the woman. "We are simply returning home, kind beast. The Palace of Ice. Please. We are to be married." Her words pale in comparison in their weight. Instead they make up in emotion. They soared like birds carrying a song onwards and outwards. With no delay the words reached the Multi-headed creature. They moved in discord, each head weaving the way one would tie a knot yet they remained untangled. The dissonant whispers replied in tow. "Married? How... Lovely..." Words are spoken but they still reach deep within the confines of the pair's skulls. Rattling around and striking fears down nerves that bring weakness to one's stance. Was it a taunt? Did that creature truly feel for the two of them? "Married within the walls of Rimfrost? The two of you? You must have the permission of the church and the King-to-be? The Prince has been missing for weeks. However will you do such a thing, even if you pass my mountain?" His... Mountain. The creature speaks as if he owns it. To own such a thing, the land we walk on, the air we breathe, plants we touch. It goes against all of nature. "Rimfrost is just past this mountain, then is it not the territory of the Kingdom?! You claim to own this ocean, these mountains. Every rock and pebble is an aspect of nature, of life! However would the patron of creation feel about such a claim?" She returned outwards towards the weaving serpentine heads. The woman then seized the opportunity to take the man’s hand and begin a mad dash upward along the path. The verbal daggers sending the beast staggering in fear, the mention of the patron coursing submission through cold-blooded veins. A power simmered within the woman that was unbeknownst to even her. ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ Trails upon trails, days upon nights and so on. It was exhausting. The terrain before had been paved flat, a trading route it seemed, easier for a horse to traverse with ease and efficiency. But now the two marched forth- no horse, along an upward hike. It was obvious the hardest part of the journey would be the final stretch but the two had soldiered on long enough to not back down just yet. The peak of the mountain had been practically climbed up before over the horizon came the image. An illustrious palace sat past the peak, just beyond walls was a bustling marketplace. Peasants and Nobles alike scattered around as conversation carried in the winds and reached the ears of the pair. Belongings trudging behind them as they pulled furs and hoods closer to reach the gates. It finally met her eyes in all its glory, the palace of pure ice- yet not a drop of water slid atop it. As if magic kept it eternally frozen. The two walked forwards further, met with stares from townsfolk, whispers of shock escaped those they passed. The steps to the palace drew closer and closer before the gates had been within reach. Two guards stood resolute, one looking towards the pair before his eyes widened a dime. Words sputtering he blurted out. “Your Majesty?! You have returned? By the Winds- Let the boy and girl in!” The two guards ushered the pair in, servants crowded them removing their coats and pampering them all the while the woman stood in shock. A Prince? The man was a Prince? ⋆༺༺༺༺༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻༻༻༻༻⋆ The two of them stood alone finally, within some room in the large palace. The interior harshly opposed the exterior. As if it was not even made of ice, the cold did not reach them- walls that stood strong as stone. "Promise me.” He spoke suddenly. “Promise me one thing before we marry. You are not to sleep in a bed with me at night nor to see me at all past nightfall.” His voice held a serious tone. The woman accepted the promise and nodded with a smile. "As long as you remain a dutiful and faithful husband" Was her only request in response. The wedding had been later in that week, tailors were frantic about the women's room as they sized her chest, waist, hips- dresses were thrown at her. Colors pressed by her face and hair to see which complimented her best. What garments and bodices fit her, which accentuated her body type. It all happened so quickly for her she barely had a moment to breathe. She was fitted in a stunning gown, regal attire. She had never worn such expensive clothing, a veil fitted upon her head, set perfectly in her hair with pins and adornments the maidens had brought to her. They murmured endlessly around her, of her beauty- her luck. How did she make him fall in love with her? However did she do such in just the two months he had been missing, absent from his kingdom? She was not beautiful. She was not special, not a gem amongst stones. It was a mystery was it not? The wedding was to happen then. She walked down the aisle alone. She made up vows full of lies of love that did not belong to this man before a whole kingdom. A man she barely knew. He was attractive, handsome, fitting of being a prince- no, a king. But even so, she barely knew him, she forced him into such a thing did she not? She found him bloodied and lied to her family, then only knew him for what. 7 days in their entirety? And now here they are. To wed. To ascend to a throne she knew none about. She did not deserve this. As the months passed after the wedding the woman went through emotions of all sorts. At first all she felt was loneliness. A bone deep loneliness, why would she do this to herself. Put herself in such a place- a foreign land just for the semblance of freedom, for the excitement of adventure? An adventure now over, responsibilities upon her shoulder instead. The maids and servants attempted to teach her of the intricacies of court, of the kingdom. The women versed her with etiquette, poised to perfection. The men illuminated her with parchment upon parchment, treaties and foreign diplomacy. It was there she sat, some odd overbearing room within the Palace. Papers lay before her, scattered about the table haphazardly. It was there he found her once more. The two hadn’t a moment to truly speak following the wedding. She kept to the promise, the two slept in separate rooms, woke for a shared breakfast where they both fell to a silence. There was no disdain- just, an air of unease. The shared knowledge of what they have is a lie. She saw her husband in the mornings- around the palace and within the Kingdom but then at night she laid alone. She was unable to return home, it was much too far now. She knew no one. Had no friends. She grew to regret her decision for a moment. “Are you… well?” He hesitated, hand resting upon the back of the chair she sat within. It gave her a brief startle, her focus on the papers becoming lost, as if it ever existed to begin with. She turned then, over her own shoulder to peer at him better. “I… I am fine. Just overwhelmed. Are you not?” She queried with an inquisitive look sent his way. “This path has been laid before me my whole life. My parents passed when I was just a kid. The maids raised me, the servants trained me. I turned 18 when I met you. Such a thing meant coronation. I know I did not tell you but- I too needed a wife, a Queen, someone so… I would not rule alone.” Apology bled into his response but still he looked into her gaze further. It was a brief conversation, nothing incredibly long. But it was enough to open the avenue for the two to be able to know one another. It gave her the motivation to truly know him. Then with time she was able to find her own flow, pave her own path. She made friends and grew closer with her husband when she saw him. The Palace of Ice grew warmer, full of love. The two would hold festivals, masquerades. They would shop within the market and speak with the citizens. Whilst they were King and Queen they were still Man and Woman. They filled the streets with mirth and joy, thus filling the Ice with warmth and benevolence. It was unlike anything else, they grew to know one another as they knew themselves. The shared room became a thought in the back of the woman’s mind, not a second spared fretting over such a thing no longer. Because despite lonesome nights, she had wondrous mornings & breathtaking afternoons. ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ It was one afternoon that trust shattered. The woman had wandered the square on her own, a maiden or two following her as she glanced from market to market. It has been several months now, nearly a year. His birthday is once more upon the horizon. She wished to purchase him a gift, something to show her care. An older noblewoman approached her, she had seen her at the galas and during court. A steadfast member of society, someone to respect along with an honorable house. “Oh your Royal Majesty, how are you this fair evening?” Her words were elegant in tone, the title still something the woman was not used to even after such a long time. “I am well, you are kind for asking.” - “Simply shopping today, how do you fair?” The kindness was returned by the woman. “I am fine, I wish to speak to you about something. You know my Queen, rumors spread, people speak…” Her tone held, something else now “I wish to ask if you truly do not share a bed with the King?” A shock laced the woman’s features then. “...Well, If you are so inclined to know. No, I do not, but it is of both our wills. We do not need to. He asked for such a thing.” “If it were me I would be curious.” - “Whatever does he hide? Does he leave? Perhaps he cheats?” It was those words enough to push her into oblivion. A thought she had yet to consider. Him cheating. Him loving another. Him betraying her. ⋆༺༺༺༺༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻༻༻༻༻⋆ She snuck into her husband's room that night. Steadily she shifted forth, quiet barefoot feet padding forwards. Her shoes were removed to cease any sound produced by them. Those light footfalls brought her forward and towards the bed where a lump laid in the dark of the large room. She squinted in the darkness till her gaze landed upon a candlestick. Quickly with a match she found laying beside it did she strike it ablaze, lighting the candle. As that candle illuminated the room surrounding her did her gaze stray off, to the bed once more, towards that lump. A blanket covering whatever laid beneath in its entirety. But- when that blanket was removed was when she saw him. No. When she saw It. A bear. A bear of snow-laden fur, frost tipped ears. The very bear that the rumors of attacks within her home spread about. A bear akin to the one she heard of in the Kingdom. Björn, King of the Wilds. She screamed. Her feet faltered as she recoiled, stumbling backwards. The candlestick shifted violently in her hold as that flame blew out with her movement drowning her and the bear in darkness. She continued to scramble backwards, panicked gasps escaping her as that bear shifted at the sound. The mound beneath the blankets turned towards her with a startled roar, shock bleeding from the animal's roar. The bear’s form is recognized from a number of children’s stories and myths. Did that bear truly exist- Why was it here? Was the man dead? At the sound of the shout the guards around the halls clamoured to attention. The doors flung outward with a harsh clatter, both the woman and bear startling further before she flew backwards more. The guards threw themselves into action, brandishing themselves with their weapons as they rushed forwards, a protection for the Queen it was obvious. Though as they rushed forth a frantic voice called after them. “Stop! Don’t hurt the King- I mean- Do not hurt the bear!” The shrill voice of a courier followed after the guards. Going the distance to even sprint before the guards. It startled all present, when glancing upwards that bear… cowered. He did not attack, illuminated now as light spilled through the opened doors. The guards shifted to instead grasp for the woman, the Queen- helping her to her feet and then quickly dragged from her room they brought her back to her own. It was that door then shut in her face. ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ The next morning she awoke after a fitful sleep. A moment of doubt, had the night before been a dream..? She rushed out from her room, back towards that of the man. Once the door swung open it was there he stood. His back turned to her, center of the room- he spun around with ease as if he had been expecting her. “You broke it.” It was a simple utterance, but something that snapped that thread between them. “I thought- I thought you broke mine.” She pleaded forth. That was all it boiled down to, didn’t it. A promise for her to not enter his room, and for him to be a good husband to her. The belief that he broke that promise, the belief he wasn’t good to her. It broke it all. “Clearly you didn’t.” He snapped back, the tone was cold, devoid of empathy. "You broke the one promise I asked of you! The only one I begged you to keep! Do you know what this means? Do you understand the curse I bear?” He advanced forwards then, brows knit in a scowl towards her. Such a loathing look sent her direction, never seen before by her on his visage. “When I was young, when I was Prince. My parents died. Murdered, not even a moment of goodbye or breath spared. My Father had angered the one that did it. But their death was not enough penance for their actions, He went a step further.” He shook his head, a tremor of anger ran through him. “I’m trapped by fate, destined to transform into... the very thing that killed my father. To wear the form of the beast that was his end. Björn, King of the Wilds.” Soon after the words left his mouth, he kicked her out. She pleaded, begged and tried all she could but he refused. It was akin to a blink, one moment she stood there by the gates of the Kingdom, the next she was before her home. Whilst home something happened. Her Father was remarried, Sister’s with families of their own. All with those they love. It was silly, even bringing her to a laugh. She had not… realized it. Was she truly so dumb? To not have seen it, not have realized it in his presence- the journey they went on. The past few months, the past days even. Morning and afternoons spent with one another. She loved him… didn’t she. Unable to watch her rot in her own sorrow, her Father sat her down. He claimed he had something to tell her of how their family descended from someone; But not just anyone- The Patron of creation. Within her she had the power to find him once more. She had to follow the path previously said. "East of the Sun and West of the Moon." was what he said. Her Father claims that The Phoenix of the forest may know, he ventures to ask hoping The Phoenix could withstand the cold of the journey but The Phoenix claims it had never even heard of the Kingdom. It tells her Father to seek the Winds. She collects herself gathering supplies before she mounts a steed and goes towards the West. Along the way a voice speaks to her suddenly “What do you seek young traveller?” The voice is wise, and alongside it she feels a temperate wind pass her. Suddenly the paths turn to tulips, and more. Flowers decorating where she rode. She felt the essence of that around her change before realizing this was the Western wind. “A Kingdom, Rimfrost- I was told to go East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” She glanced off to the sky for the disembodied voice. "I have not heard of that place.” He replied, a lilt to his tone before continuing “If you venture forth go and ask my brother, the Southern wind." Onward she went then, to ask the Southern wind. Much like before, whilst traveling South a voice spoke. Just as wise but it held an air of joy, almost whimsical. The sun felt brighter here, almost as if it beat down harder. It was the Southern wind that spoke to her this time. “Who goes there! You wish to venture here?” The jovial tone filled the forest. Then once more the same question was asked. “Do you know of the Kingdom of Rimfrost? It is East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” "I have not heard of that Kingdom, But-! My brother, the Eastern wind, would absolutely know. I have a fun idea! Complete the trials I put before you and then I will take you to my Brother." Without hesitation the woman nodded, she wished to return. Wished to see him. So then it was so, she took the challenge and set forth to pass each trial. The Southern wind, finding her worthy and a fun competitor, took her to the Eastern wind. “..Who are you?” A calming voice called. It spoke as if it was behind her, sending her in a spin of motion as she searched for the origin before she realized once more it was the third wind. A swirl of autumn leaves surrounded her person. “Im looking for Rimfrost, Do you know of it? It’s East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” Unfortunately once more, the same answer was given. "I am sorry, I do not know of such a place. But- My brother the Northern wind will know, I am sure." So it was to the Northern wind she had been led to. ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ ⋆༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻⋆ A frigid chill came about her. It felt as if a moment ago she had been surrounded by hues of sunset leaves, when all a sudden the trees turned barren and snow began to fall. Whispers surrounded her, the whistle of wind as it picked up. Her hair was blown askew and the horse she had been on for the past days startled. She was harshly bucked from its back along with her belongings. Thrown to the ground in the snow she tumbled some before scrambling to her feet. “Would you die for him?” The voice was old in nature, yet held a thread of ease and relaxation. Although the words themselves send tremors wracking up her spine, the voice ceased the anxiety she held within. As done numerous times before. She asked. "Have you been to the Kingdom of Ice, Rimfrost. It lies East of the Sun and West of the Moon?" The Northern wind hummed in thought, "When I was bored once, I think I blew an aspen leaf there, do you truly wish for me to take you there..?" "Please" came her quick utterance. Able to see how determined she was to return to her husband, the young woman was. The Northern wind accepted, claiming he would take her towards where the Kingdom was. It was then the young woman recalled the words of her husband. "And lastly, you must ride the Northern wind. Not only will ice bite at you the– whole way, but even when the wind itself grows tired, so still it can barely move– you are only halfway there. Nothing but the light of the palace to guide you.” It reminded the woman of what she was returning to, not only to that Kingdom of Rimfrost and its people, But- to the man she loved. She began her trek alongside the help of that elderly Northern wind. The words of the man, No- her husband soon rang true. The whistling of the wind pushing her forth and along quieted. Still she pushed forth, she knew what she was heading towards. Where she would end. After that journey, pushing through blizzards with a single coat clung tight, she arrived back at Rimfrost. Arriving at the Kingdom she quickly made her way up and to the Palace. There she found the King. Upon seeing her return he seemed upset still. Yet after a moment that look of anger, of contempt morphed. It contorted and softened. Taking in her snow covered hair, shivering features, he realized how she traveled. Going on this grand adventure simply for him. It was then she looked at him- truly looked. A mature mindset gained. That despite it all; The curse. She loved him. Something changed. She went with him that night to his room. As night fell not only she for the very first time bore witness to him transforming. The curse itself bore witness to their love and was lifted. The Prince was freed finally from the curse set upon him years past. That night they stood together, hands intertwined as they were able to return to a room, one shared room. Together. The two were able to find deep affection in one another, ruling over the Kingdom of Rimfrost as one. ⋆༺༺༺༺༺𓆩⸸𓆪༻༻༻༻༻⋆ Her Ladyship, Mikhaila Aedryn Colborn,