On a ravaged battlefield, hundreds of thousands of bodies lay motionless, a casualty of the great conflict which had just taken place. The clang of armored boots could be heard from miles away as soldiers bearing flags of the victorious nation trampled over the defeated.
Amidst the aftermath, the empress, adorned in her signature red cashmere uniform, surveyed the wreckage from atop her black dragon. The creature was enormous, easily surpassing even the tallest fortress walls. Its gleaming onyx scales shimmered in dim light, impervious to even the sharpest of spears. Its piercing yellow eyes, alight with a fierce and unyielding hunger, seemed to take in every detail of the destruction below.
The empress too surveyed her surroundings, taking in the aftermath of the battle. Though her army had emerged victorious, the price of their triumph was steep - the ground was littered with the fallen bodies of countless soldiers, her own included. Despite the fact that her empire's banners were the only ones left standing, a feeling of disappointment gnawed at her mind.
As she gazed upon the scene before her, the empress’s heart slowly filled with a bitter contempt. She knew that her army should have triumphed with ease, were it not for the foolishly dogged bravery of the enemy. If only they had surrendered sooner, victory would have been short and sweet. With a heavy sigh, the empress accepted that she would need a long war to bring the enemy nation to heel.
“If you’re looking that glum, I hope it’s not because of me.”
The voice came from above. An imposing figure flew above the empress: a demoness, with curved horns jutting out of her forehead, massive black feathered wings spread out of her back, and a barbed tail which twisted as if it had a mind of its own. To many, she would inspire fear and terror. Yet, the empress could only see the demoness’s glamor: her flowing locks of silver hair, piercing amber eyes, and a warm smile that could melt even the most hardened of hearts.
“Remuria! I’ve missed you so much,” Rhea exclaimed, her voice full of longing and affection.
“Me too, Rhea,” Remuria replied, her tone laced with equal parts joy and sadness at the thought of their separation. She flew over to sit just behind the empress, wrapping her arms tightly around Rhea's waist in a gesture of intimate embrace.
The significance of their reunion was not lost on either of them. Had any other person even laid as much as a finger on the empress, their lives would be forfeit. But Remuria was different. She held a special place in the empress’s heart, a bond that remained unbroken for decades.
“How has my favorite empress been doing?” Remuria asked, her voice warm and tender.
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“Not as good as a certain demoness,” Rhea replied, a hint of playful teasing in her voice.
The two stayed together in a quiet embrace. Despite the tenderness they shared, the constant turmoil of war kept them apart more often than not. As much as Rhea understood the necessity of Remuria's skills on the battlefield, it was always a painful reminder of the risks they faced. Their brief reunions were bittersweet. For Rhea, every goodbye felt like agony: separation from Remuria was worse to her than even the harshest of campaigns.
“This war has been harder than most," Rhea muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I know," Remuria replied, reaching out to gently stroke Rhea's hair. "But I'm here for you."
Rhea managed a weak smile, but her eyes betrayed the exhaustion she felt. "I chose this path, but sometimes I wonder if it was worth it."
Remuria's expression softened as she gazed into Rhea's eyes. "As you said, this is the path you chose. But no matter what happens, I will stay by your side."
"I just wish we didn't lose so many." Rhea blurted out.
Remuria's lips curved into a wry smile. "Maybe you still have a hint of mortality left in you after all," she teased gently.
"Who knows, maybe I’m still the same girl I was all those years ago."
There was great irony in Rhea’s words. The empress had long forsaken her mortal soul, and it showed in her ghastly pale complexion, her eyes ablaze with a brilliant, ominous scarlet glow. Her fangs prominent, glimmering under dim light. Rhea gazed off into the distance, her eyes hollow and exhausted, worn out by constant wars.
“So, how long are you going to mope and wallow around?” Remuria asked, her voice gentle.
“Not for much longer since you’re here,” Rhea replied, squeezing Remuria’s hand as if for comfort.
Remuria smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “If only your silver tongue lasted during diplomacy.”
Rhea let out a small laugh,“To be fair, I doubt any diplomat would agree to occupation of their lands.”
“So, what now, will you stop here?” Remuria pressed.
“Of course not, we’ll keep advancing.” Rhea’s tone was resolute, but there still remained a hint of doubt in her voice.
“Do you remember when this all started?” Remuria asked, her voice softening.
“I do, how could I not?”
Remuria moved closer, her hand reaching up to gently caress Rhea's cheek. “Then why don't you tell me the tale once again?”