ARDOSUS

I awoke, the sun barely going over the horizon, my consciousness drifting in and out of sleep, but I had to get up. I slowly raised myself, getting into my armor, its fur sealing in my heat, that very heat soothing the soreness that possessed my body which made me feel only more tired, but I cannot just lay in bed, because I won't be able to get Ungas help any other way... I should visit him before we leave, ask him one more time to settle my guilty conscious.

I made it down to the prison cellular, where Carta was sitting drawing on the walls, a practice that helps past the time for him. “Hello.” I said, gently opening the door, he immediately looked over. “Ardosus." He said happily, and I watched as that smile faded, and was replaced with concern. "are you okay? you look like you’ve fought off the plague.” He said. “I’m alright.” I responded lazily. He nodded and set the rock onto the ground. “Do you wish to leave.” He sighed. “Ardosus, we’ve talked about this a hundred thousand times, if I leave your sister will see that I am silenced.” I nodded. “Just wanted to make sure.” I then stared at the floor, and he walked over. “I heard about your new companion, the guards seem to think he’s a good fit for you.” I nodded again, as I sat down along the wall, and he did so to. “He is. Especially after everything that's been happening recently.” He raised his eyebrow, as I looked into his eyes. “Do you mind if I share my troubles, I don’t want to pressure Unga with these issues again, he has enough to deal with already.” I chuckled a little, remembering how angry he got. It's just funny seeing that side from someone so calm. Carta nodded, that concerned look still etched into his face. "I've been having panic attacks, has the guard told you.” He shook his head. "Probably for the best. Either way they've been getting worse, ever since this repeated border debacle, Ungas been doing wonders in keeping everything from completely collapsing, but I don't know for how long." I paused, as I thought of my people. "I need to be there for my people but I can't if I can't even calmly resolve conflict, if I keep letting my mask slip." I looked at the floor again, and he moved as if he was in shock. “Ardosus.” He placed his hand on my arm. “If you're overwhelmed then back away, it doesn't have to be for long, just enough to get you back into gear.” I sighed. “I know. still a pity though, especially, since it's a hard pill to swallow for me, but I have to, that's why I’m leaving temporary.” he nodded. “Good, just please keep your mind at ease.” I exhaled. “Thanks for listening to me, for being loyal.” I reached over, hugging him. “Hey, hey, too tight, too tight.” I let go, his face in a full grin. “Whoever this Unga person is, I have a feeling, I should thank him.”

I nodded, smiling too as I remembered what I must do. “Sorry to cut this visit short, but I must attend to another matter.” He nodded. “Before you leave, I do ask that you tell me about this little vacation.'' He said. “It’s an expedition into my homeland, it’s just me and Unga.” He giggled. “My, my, so that's the temporary leave. Quite impressive for such a lad, he’s done more then what I could in years.” We both giggled. “Either way Ardosus, it’s good to see that you aren't putting up that ice cold mask anymore, so please enjoy your journey.”

I nodded and felt pity beset upon me. “I wish you were free.” I spoke, he looked at the wall. “I do too, but as long as your sister exists there's no safe place for me, even in here I fear she might kill me. Either way, I’d rather help you in this dire state, for if you weren’t in that room vouching for my life, I may have no life to cling onto.” I nodded, smiling a little, at the his words. “Goodbye dear friend.” I said. “Same to you, and may your journey bring you wellness.” He replied. I then left in search of Unga, who was in the supply depot with a snow white fur cloak draped over him. He was marking off a checklist that seemed to span multiple pages, and as I approached he looked up at me. “Well you seem to be up early.” he stated, as I walked over, bringing my sight unto the gear he had gathered. Is this really what I want to do, how long is this going to take, what if something happens while I’m gone, I mean, I did state my interest., and I know I can't continue like this but. I felt Unga touch my shoulder. “Hey it’s alright, it’ll be a short hike, just the small game you know.” I nodded. This is what you decided and made preparations for, you put our best people in charge, trust them, let your worries wash away.

“So where's my pack?” I said, Unga then pointed to a large backpack up against a wall. I walked over to it, immediately opening the pack scanning over its contents: food, thermal blanket, fire starters, not too much, not too little. I took a large fur coat from the supply room and continued outside, waiting for Unga, who was double checking his pack. “Making sure?” I asked, he nodded. “I would hate to be missing something, and already be deep into the mountains.” He then lifted his pack up, nearly falling over in the process, but nevertheless regaining his balance. A little giggle broke out between us, before we continued out the gate.

“So how are your people going to handle the departure?” Unga asked, as we took our first steps into the snow, our snowshoes keeping us from sinking into the depths. “They'll say I’m sick and that I am resting.” Unga scoffed a little. “It’s not like letting them know that I am with one other person in the mountains is a good thing.” he nodded, reluctantly. “It’s just you know the lying.” I placed Unga under my coat, as he shivered from a cold breeze. “I know. You have a little heart of gold.” I said. Poking him on the cheek. “Hey.” He said, looking up as I laughed. He smiled. “I don’t mean to point this out, but you seem more playful.” he’s not wrong, these urges to poke and play with Unga are becoming a more recurring thing, I don’t mind them, in fact, I enjoy them. “And what do you think of them, Unga?” I heard him giggle a little. “Well, I think it's pretty cute.” I blushed a little. My mind becoming scrambled for a second, then sitting in the emotion for a little more than I should’ve. “That description is okay, right.” I nodded, a bright smile across my face. “Okay just checking, you froze up there for a second.” I giggled. “Sorry it’s just your description, caught me off guard a little.”

We hiked farther up, the wind getting more and more bitter. Unga sticking his head out here and there searching for just the slightest speck of heat. “See anything?” I asked, he shook his head. “Everything likes to hide.” He responded, as he bent down, staring at a track. “But they always leave traces.” I bent down with him, resting my head on his shoulder. Something picking at my head, a feeling of some kind. I looked at Unga as he drew the track, all his attention devoted to that one thing, I felt a little jealous with him pouring all his focus into one thing. I pinched his cheek. “Ow, what was that for?” I smiled deviously and he exhaled with a smile. The day went on as we continued to trek, getting sidetracked by some little things, like rock formations or an animal that scurried away, but we soon brought back our attention to the time noticing the moon had begun its ascent.

“We need to find some shelter.” Unga asserted as another blast of cold wind hit us. “Agreed.” I said looking at the cliff side, taking notice of a tiny little crack that seemed perfect for the two of us. “Unga, over there.” I said, pointing to the crack, he quickly spotted it and we made our way over. The wind picking up even more, with the addition of snow beginning its descent from the clouds, both elements mixing together to form a thick heavy blizzard. “My generals said a storm would be coming.” Unga nodded. “I made sure to check ahead, these are just the scattered clouds. The rest should be coming in the following days. In other words we have plenty of time.” He said, exiting my cloak while taking out some spare kindling. Immediately getting to work, starting a fire.

Once he had the fire going and everything was calm, he brought out a pack of cards shuffling them with lightning fast efficiency. “Always bring your games.” I said, walking up beside him. “Hey, gotta pass the time somehow.” he responded. I slowly sat down as he gave me my hand. “Poker.” I added. “Yup.” He replied. I gave a glancing look at my cards, only saving a few to memory, then switching my attention to Unga, as he over analyzed his. I only want to talk to him, I don’t really care about beating him.

“So you visit bars.” I asked curiously, Unga smiled. “Yes, my country has many distilleries, it’s common for my people.” I nodded. “So is what my parents said about them true, are they really a place for delinquents.” Unga laughed. “No, of course not, depends on who you meet really, some are the worst, others are quite jolly and some just fall flat on there face after a few drinks.” I nodded. There's a lot of things I haven't experienced. “I’ve been stuck in that castle for too long.” I said, thinking back to the festival. I wonder what it must have been like with the music, the dancing, with all those people celebrating and meeting each other, but those are the only things I’ve heard of and read in books. I can really only imagine what a festival looks, sounds and feels like. “I understand that isolated feeling quite well… The merchant revolt made a lot of old connections disappear.” He exhaled, staring into the abyss for a little bit. “Speaking of you never really expressed why you despise the leadership role.” His eyes sorta sagged and he remained quiet for a few seconds. “I could lie and tell you it's from the books I've read, but I can't do that.” He sighed, as if a weight came down upon him. He looked up at me. "My village was under suspicion of adding rebels by some general. Now me and my mother were safe, my father even more so, but there was a friend and he… wasn't the best off and… I can't believe I snuck out." He stared down at his hands, as he held the cards, I extended my arm as he did, gently rubbed his spiky head. “It's okay.'' At this point, I didn’t care if he wants to be a leader or not. “I just don’t want to be apart of that life.” I nodded, bringing myself ever so slightly closer to Unga. “I understand, that kind of memory would plague any child for the rest of their lives, even shaping their views toward those in power.” He nodded, putting down the cards and taking out his notebook for a second, probably hoping to escape into it. “I wonder why my father found it necessary to lead the charge.” I placed down my cards and sat beside Unga. “I read up on the revolt before I visited your country. He found it necessary for the people, he’s a good if not a great man, besides do you know anyone competent enough to take up that mantel.” He stared at the fire in frantic thought. “There was that one, no, he was as corrupt as they come.” Unga then looked outside. “Everything's so cold, is it night time Ardosus.” I looked out at the darkness, the moon being the only thing illuminating the ground, it's light shining its eerily onto the snow. “Yes.” he then laid out his sleeping bag. “Well then tomorrow will be the first time we try and get an animal so I’m gonna rest up.” He then retreated into it. I guess he doesn't want to talk about that anymore, I don't blame him.

I did as he did, and laid out my sleeping back in a way that would allow me to watch over him, and as I watched, he got closer and closer to the fire. Sometimes you just hurt yourself for no good reason, anxious little man. “Unga.” I whispered, he looked at me as he remained in a fetal position. “Get over here.” He hesitated. "You can't hide the fact your freezing get over here. It's not like anyone's watching." He hesitantly got up, moving into my sleeping bag. The sudden cold from his body making me jump a bit, but that quickly went away as my warmth replaced it. “Are you sure you're okay with this?” I giggled a little, feeling relaxed. “Unga, don’t worry, how else are you going to stay warm, plus you make my anxiety less potent.” he jumped a little, the second I uttered the words. “w-what do you mean?” I placed my hands onto his chest, slowly pushing him into my body. “Truth is Unga, ever since my stress became a problem, I had a feeling you'd know what to do, to be honest it's probably because just hanging out with you on that ship did wonders for me.” He turned to look at me. “That's why you rushed to my room.” I nodded, wrapping my arms around him, fully pressing him into my chest. He shook here and there, probably because I was making him nervous, but he didn't say stop so hopefully I'm not making him too nervous, I hope that's the case. Still I'm happy he's letting me do this because, even with all the people I surround myself with, the only one that I feel completely comfortable with is you. "Sorry if that sounds weird.” I said, Unga shook his head. “No, I understand, it was pretty frightening when that happened.” We both fell silent as the wind outside blew with the force of a hurricane.

UNGA

I was the first to wake. My night filled with the nightmare that was the burning of the village me and my parents lived near, whom a dear friend lived in. I looked at my hands. I killed at such a young age, granted many people also did during that time, but I beat all of them that day. I exhaled, as I felt Ardosus pull me in tightly, and I looked up seeing that she was still asleep, a nervous quiver then went through me, as her heat started transferring over to me. I should probably tell her that this form of contact is akin to kissing, or licking among my species, but I know she most likely did this to keep me warm, still though shes getting awfully handsy, I mean this sleeping bag is big enough for the both of us, yet shes. I felt her squeeze tightly. "uugggh." I wheezed, as the air was forced out of my body. Doing this, she probably just needs the comfort, I mean it's not like the last couple of days have been easy on her... But there could be another... No, no, no, that's preposterous Ardosus, me no. I nervously chuckled as I brought my head down staring into the swirling colors that was her chest, getting more, and more lost in the swirl. She's a friend Unga, and you don't want to be king. I then felt her grip release me, the sound of her groaning as she stretched. I quickly looked up, watching as she brought her head down, our eyes quickly finding each other. "Good morning." She said with a lazy smile. "M-morning." I responded, and she quickly grabbed me again. "Better then a fire, huh." I nodded, nervously jittering a little. "Are you alright Unga." She asked, I nodded quickly, breaking from her grip, and getting out of the sleeping bag. "Unga if it's too stimulating." I quickly turned around. "No, no, it's alright it's just..." She stared at me with concern. I shook my head. "It's nothing." I began packing up everything, Ardosus following my lead and once that was done, we continued on with our journey, the map keeping me distracted, until I looked up catching a glance of Ardosus body, and that glance turned into a stare. She then noticed, throwing a smile my way. "S-sorry." I said, looking away. "It's okay Unga I know how much your species loves heat, besides I don't mind." I shook my head, and that concerned expression returned. "It's no that, just I had a dumb thought and I can't get it out." She developed a blank stare, and then blushed. "O-oh." "Like I said it's dumb."

We then came up upon the fields, the elk grazing, as the wind gently swept across the land. We both fell silent, as I unholstered my traq gun readying my shot. My eye finding a healthy one, rugged and sturdy beyond belief. I loaded the dart, double checking my shot, slowly becoming more and more confident about the darts trajectory. I gently squeezed the trigger until a pop was produced, the dart flying through the air, finding its mark. The elk bursting out into a run, that run soon turning to a sluggish walk. The herd taking off in a thunderous stampede with out him, as the elk fell over soon after. We trekked over to the beast. Beginning my examination, wiping out a fresh notebook I had prepared.

I drew the creatures outline first, then slowly working in the details. “It’s so interesting to see you draw.” Ardosus said, peering over my shoulder. “Must be like seeing a different world from your view.” I stated she looked at me, a subtle grin on her lips. “Stole the words right out of my mouth.” She said, resting her head on my shoulder, her heart feeling stronger and more steady, not rampant like the many times before. Shes doing it again getting all handsy, at this rate I won't know what to do if she actually is gunning for me I mean how do I even tell her I don't want to deal with the consequence of that ordeal without sounding like an asshole... Well at least her hearts good, shows that this endeavors working, hopefully when we come back to the castle her tail will have healed, and she'll be able to express herself as she is now, even if it's kinda putting me in a rough spot. “I think you’ve improved greatly,” I stated. She pressed more weight onto me, but was careful not to push me over. “Yeah, I'm definitely more calm to be honest I think it's you mostly... So, um when do you think the next one will happen.” "Maybe in the following days, if your interested, but want to attend to your matters first I can hold back for a few." "well then I'll mark the date" I nodded, looking at the elk's mouth, as I peeled back its lips. “You seem to be way more accepting of this then I thought you would be initially.” She nodded. “Yeah, I’m surprised too, but I guess I did finally realize I just couldn’t anymore.” “Hey, at least I convinced you.” she nodded. “Yeah... But I'm definitely going to have a lot of time to kill,” she said, widening her eyes with excitement a bit. “What,” I replied. “I wonder what I’m gonna do play games, do some sort of hobby or.” She looked at me. “Maybe I could just hang out with you.” A gentle smile stretching across her lips. She's just likes hanging out with you Unga, your gonna be the one whos looking for romance if her intents are not what you think they are. “You’ll figure it out, it’s a process not a list.” She nodded rapidly, as I scribbled down the last thing of note, then placing the notebook back into my pocket. “There's one down, who knows how many more to go,” I said, with plenty of enthusiasm coming from my voice, as I opened up the map again. “There should be another spot not too far from here.” I added.

We continued on our way, the compass aiding in the endeavor, and as we walked, Ardosus stopped. Placing her hand onto the ground. “I’ve never felt this snow before, it’s so powdery.” I stared at her. “Another product of your outdoor exclusion.” She continued to analyze the snow. “The lower regions were usually the ones I needed to have my attention focused on, due to them being both being economic centers, and political power houses, but if it was something the local leaders couldn't handle, then they sent for me, which is very rare if I'm to be honest. I never usually stay long too.” I nodded, as the snow blew off her hand from a simple gust of wind. Her nose then twitched, and she buried her head into the ground, then arising out of the snow with a small cat-like creature, fighting to get her hands off of him.

We watched as he kicked and hissed. “My, my have you seen this species before.” She shook her head. “I think this is from one of our folk tales, about treading into deep snow.” I nodded, as I carefully examined the creature. “Do you mind telling me what the story was about.” She paused for a second thinking. “Beware the tiny little kittens, below the white washed mountains for they harbor the deepest of consequences.” I raised an eyebrow. “I just gave you a half baked version. The full story has a boy run out into the snow in which he finds a creature, toys with it and then collapses into the snow, remaining there until another animal eats him.” I lurched back a little. “Wow.” She shrugged. “Most of my people see amputees, mostly from people who weren’t paying attention and got frostbite, telling these stories to our children helps keep them safe, in all honesty.” She said. Inspecting the creature with me little. "Yeah I guess it works, but Glencinites getting frostbite, must be when a bad storm comes through for that to happen.” I added. “Pretty much, and we get those kinda storms pretty frequently, storms that I've gotten caught up in as well, I've been pretty lucky that I haven't joined the amputees in all honesty.” I looked up, my eyes laced with concern. “Oh, don’t worry Unga, I’ve gone through way worse,” “no, it’s not that, I’m just surprised at the fact you came close to it, considering how hot your body temperature is.” She giggled, with a smile. “Is that a complement, in the terms of your species.” “Uhh, uhh, yeah, I guess it is.”

We then felt the ground move beneath us, and we both looked down, watching the powdery snow become unsettled. We then looked at each other for a second, Ardosus dropping the cat, the little beast immediately running away in a full sprint, burrowing into the ground, a short distance later. We jumped to the side as a giant breast emerged from the snow, growling at us. Ardosus then immediately got in front of me, her sword already in hand, its plasma bolts fully charged, she then released the trigger mechaism the blots flying towards the beast, in which the being promptly stepped to the side. The plasma arc, detonating in the distance.

I watched as the two ran at each other, Ardosus ducking and dodging the beasts hits, as I began working on my tranq gun. I pushed the bolt back, looking at my tranq rounds, trying my best to find the right dosage for this behemoth, but as I went up and down the belt my hopes of having the correct one quickly ran dry. I then heard a loud grunt, as Ardosus was flung into a cliffside, snow and ice piling on top of her soon after, the beast then turning its attention onto me. I quickly grabbed a live round, as it began its charge. My grip loosening on the brass casing, the round falling out of my hand, and grabbing it once more before it hit the ground, quickly lodging the round into the chamber. I looked up, the beast almost right on top of me, it’s maw, wide open. I confronted its mouth with my barrel, lodging the gun deep inside, pulling the trigger, as the beast forced me down into the snow. The bullet, going through leaving a massive exit wound in the bear's skull, it’s massive body collapsing to the ground, and after a few dazed seconds, I got up as the cold began to set into my skin.

I quickly looked to where I saw Ardosus and hastily ran over, digging into the snow with my hands. My fingers starting to freeze, a painful pounding sensation starting to take hold on the tips. I then saw a piece of her armor, her hand then followed flying up through the snow, hitting me in the jaw. I fell backwards as she emerged taking in a deep breath, shivering, all her body heat in the center of her body. I took her hand, the both of us running over to the dead beast, and once we arrived at it's stomach, I cut into the beasts gut, spilling it’s innards onto the ground, the both of us crawling inside through the incision, the heat warming our freezing bodies. “Always a little truth to those stories, huh,” I said, she nodded, her head slumped over as she focused on breathing. “at least your alive.” She said, with relief. "Sentiments the same over here too." She slowly brought herself forward clenching onto me, feeling her pulse in her hands as it frantically beat without end, soon after, she brought her body onto mine, her heat transferring to me. I didn’t protest, I wanted all the heat in the world right now. “I’m glad your okay,” she said. Feeling the breath of an exhale. “Yeah, nearly died fiddling with the round, but seeing you get back handed like that, your okay right.” She tightened her grip a little, as her heart rate quickened even more. “Just a little bruising, armor took most of it, nothing more.” I smiled. “Good.” Shes a nervous wreck again, all because of that beast, I guess that shows how important I am to her. Now I'm kinda scared to leave to be honest, I mean is she really going to be alright by herself, or is she just going to fall back to where she was before. I exhaled. "What." She said. "It's nothing, just thinking." "Tell me then." She responded. "Just what would happen to you when I leave, because I can tell your nervous." We both fell silent for a moment, and then I heard her tail begin hit the fleshy wall of the beast stomach. "We can still see each other, all it just takes is a little fake paper work and your on a diplomatic mission, to see me." I chuckled. "Yeah, I guess your right." We then heard the sound of footsteps outside. I readied my dart gun again, loading another lethal round, as Ardosus grabbed her sword and a man lifted up the hide, carrying a battered rifle.

“What… my Queen, what are you doing all the way up here.” He stood still in time for a second, as if he was seeing ghosts, but snapped himself out of it. “No, that doesn't matter, please come, it's better if I show you. If your able to follow.” We looked at each other and exited the beast, following the man further up the mountain. “Our village was attacked by the Empire,” he said. As we continued through the snow. “Have they declared war.” Ardosus asked, the man shook his head. “Unlikely, it’s only a small group and from what we’ve seen, they're attempting to secure a point of entry into our heartland.” I saw Ardosus eyes become fierce, her teeth grinding down on each other. “Is there a way to summon troops?” He shook his head. “Jammed, on top of that they blocked the main route, and moving so many people would only garner there attention, plus that storms coming tomorrow, so battening down the hatches is gonna be more of a priority then anything else.” She scoffed. “Fucking Empire.” I heard her mutter.

Sometime later we reached a small encampment, with poor albeit crafty defenses, with quiet the creative material usage. Children ran about as parents cooked food, gossiped, and cared for there weapons, all whilst preparing their tents for the coming storm. “Here Ardosus, the chieftains tent.” The man said, as he ran up, pulling up the drape for us. We both thanked him, as we went into the tent. The chieftain, lying before us, sitting in a very relaxed piston, slowly bringing his old hazy eyes onto us, as we found our seats. his beard stretched to the ground, his hair fuller then most men his age. I wonder if he’s even gotten a trim in all his life. “My, my how unexpected.” He said. Ardosus leaning into the desk. “Mistus could you please get us some warm drink.” The Elder said, the man that held the drape open, nodded and then took off. “What's the situation,” Ardosus commanded. “My, my relax Ardosus, it’s not everyday people from the mountains get to meet the woman that rules over them.” She stared at him aggressively, her patience but a fine thread. “Please, the situation at hand is dire.” He nodded, steadily. “Indeed.” He then picked up his knitting tools, continuing on a half made sweater. “But the situation at hand is obvious, where poorly equipped our supplies were looted and we have nowhere to go, so all we can do is fight a guerrilla war.” I gently placed the map onto the table. “I can guide them.” I said. The Elder then thought for a moment, as he continued knitting. “We’ll have to cause a distraction.” He said, Getting a better look at me. “You're an interesting fellow.” He remarked. “that's not of concern.” Ardosus stated, the old man laughed. “I know, but small talk is good, especially in these situations, so please Ardosus, let me have the pleasure.” Ardosus growled, the vibrations echoing around the tent. “So, where are you from,” he asked. I looked at Ardosus, who was staring intently at both of us. I don’t know whether I should continue or. I looked back at the Elder, his old gaze focused and committed to his current conversation. “Down in the southern continent, you should visit it sometime.” The old man nodded. “oh, I’m too old for traveling, but I did hear you went down there Ardosus.” The man then came in, drink in hand, placing them onto the table. Ardosus giving the Elder a murderous stare. “I was down there, it was nice.” She said. Through gritted teeth. “hmm, good how about this Unga, I’ll talk to you later about your place, while I continue conversing with Ardosus about a plan. I hope you don’t mind.” I nodded and left looking at Ardosus. I wonder if I’m going to have to stop another panic attack, or worse, have to stop Ardosus from ripping apart this old man. “Don’t forget your drink,” The old man said. I nodded again, returning to grab a cup.

ARDOSUS

His incompetence is gonna drive me up the walls. My muscles tightened all throughout my body, as he poured his drink, as slow as a slug. “Would you like one, Arodsus?” I shook my head. “I’m fine thank you, can we please move on.” He nodded, without haste. Doesn't he have any urgency, this is his village. “Well then, I think, I have a plan,” he said. Pulling out a giant piece of plain paper. Perfectly drawing the location of the surrounding area, as if he had done it dozens of times before. Finally, I thought I was going to have to do this myself. “Now we are, but humble villagers with only a few who were stationed in your army.” I nodded, watching him draw the field of battle, as well as, areas where they should be held off and where they should be allowed to pass. “We are not gonna win against the Empire directly, especially, against smaller detachments like the one we're facing. So we must rout their forces and find ways to confuse and devastate them.” I nodded again. Good he actually knows what he's doing. “Do the people who were once in service still have their equipment.” I questioned. “Yes, I believe they do, albeit some of them poses older models then whats currently in use.” "better then a hunting rifle." I responded.

We continued to touch every topic from troop placement, all the way down to the most minuscule of logistics. Hours probably seemed like minutes to us, but as we moved onto the civilians, Unga’s name was expectantly thrown in. “He seems to know what he's doing especially if your confident, with trekking off into the wilderness with him.” the Elder said. I felt uncomfortable with him saying such things, he’s vulnerable out there, and if they send a squad to find the group, they will go after the guide and only the guide. “What do you think, Ardosus you seem lost in thought.” I brought my attention back to the Elder, sending him out there into the cold without me weighing heavy on my conscious. “I-I agree, but that would be extremely dangerous for him, especially, with his cold bloodedness.” The Elder nodded, leaning into the map. “It is a risk we must take, because if we fail no one will know what has happened here, not until it’s too late.” I nodded, my movement slightly paused, as I thought more about Unga. I know I won’t be there to protect him, ugh, stop being closed minded Ardosus, you know what the right decision is, especially for your people. “We’ll go with that, hopefully everyone makes it out,” I said. Forcing every word out of my mouth, while lowering my head. The Elder then smiled mischievously. “Funny, I know of generals that people would consider close to you that you would not hesitate in throwing into the line of fire, so why hesitate with Unga.”

I looked up at him, exhaling. I’ve already forced my conflicts aside, it is not necessary to point it out. “Whatever you're implying is irrelevant now.” He straightened himself. “Very well… we’ll execute this plan.” he said, closing up the map. “So as that issue is now out of the way, how have you been?” he added, I exhaled. He just doesn’t give up. He giggled like a child. “I know, but please at least humor me, it’s not every day the Queen comes to visit such a village like ours.” Hopefully, he gives up on what he's trying to get out of me, and lets me go. “Could it be because of your tail.” He questioned, I stared at him in silence, as he raised an eyebrow. I knew there was no point in hiding it. “Yes, it has something to do with that.” The Elder’s eyes widened in amazement, as he leaned forward. “So what plagues you.” I looked back at the tent's curtains, just waiting for Unga to come back in, but he wasn’t, and I should know better then to expect that. “The stress of my job was finally getting to me.” I picked up my tail showing him the holes more clearly, a gentle smile forming on his mouth. “Good it’s not as bad as I imagined when I caught a glimpse, in fact, they seem to be healing up quiet good.” “That's probably only because of the fact that I decided to go out with Unga.” He raised his eyebrow. “Oh, the one with the weird eyes and skin, so he’s the one that broke you out of the castle.” I laughed a little.

“Well, this is definitely a great change of heart, but tell me through have you thought of ways to help maintain this precedent, I know it seems personal, but I do not want you to fall back into old habits.” I thought for a minute, but Unga kept coming to mind. “No, I haven't.” He raised his eyebrow. “to be honest, I don’t know if I’ll find another way to distract my mind… maybe I’ll just stare out the window, or something akin to that.” But I'd prefer being with Unga, overall, still he won't be here all the time. He shook his head. “That will get old real quick.” He said, then placing his finished sweater onto the table. “Follow me, I want to show you something,” he said, giddy with excitement. “Ungas, probably waiting for me,” I replied. “Oh, come on dear, don’t fret, he can wait, and there's a plentiful amount of fires around, so he’ll be plenty warm.” I exhaled, fighting every urge to not go out and find him.

We both got up, following the Elder as the wind picked up with dramatic intensity, the snow lightly descending from the sky and bending to the wind's will. We stopped at a large, but faded old tent in which the Elder entered, and I hoped again that Unga would come around the corner or wander over here, but again I’m hoping too much. I'd rather be with him right now. Maybe, I should tell the Elder, that this whole idea will have to wait. I followed him into the tent clothes, carpets, and an assortment of unfinished projects lining the insides of the ancient interior. I was barely able to take in anything else, as I was left stunned and blinded by the sheer quantity he was producing. “This is what my off time is consumed by.” He said. Showing off a knitted shirt that was dazzled in bright, vibrant colors. “That is, umm.” I paused for a moment, as he smiled eccentrically. “This ones my latest.” I nodded a weird smile forming on my lips, as I wondered if I should just leave or tell him that Unga probably needs me. “Sorry, but I should go see Unga.'' I said, he sorta paused. “I’ve never seen you want to be with someone so much.” I exhaled. “I have a great amount of concern for him, so I apologize if it appears selfish.” The Elder laughed. “My Queen, who said love was an open relationship.” That word stayed in my head, repeating. L-Love no, no, he must have the wrong idea, but it didn't feel like it was, it felt like I was trying to hide something. The word then immediately became attached to the jealousy I felt as we were walking on the mountains, and that calmness he brings me. “I don’t think… love is an accurate word for it.” I replied, stopping myself from appearing flustered, resorting to fiddling with my fingers instead. He leaned forward, a smile stretched across his face, nodding. “I understand,” he said. Stroking his beard. I need to change this conversation.

“So who's the clothing for exactly.” I asked, with fake interest, he cocked up an eyebrow with a suspicious look. Fuck. “Anyone in the village really. They typically fly off the selves during the winter seasons, of course.” I nodded just going along. “But mostly a little girl walks in to get them, she likes the colors, of course her mother send her right back to put them where they belong. "Other people need that too." She's such a sweetheart.” His smile grew soft as he spoke of her, the story reminding me of the child at the docks, that sense of jealousness seeping into me. “Seeing the people where the clothes I make, and more importantly being comforted by them, has filled me with great joy.” I picked up one of the shirts, the fabric making my hands itch. I zoned his whole monologue out, focusing inward on these feelings of jealousy over another's child, along with this Lo-, this want to be with Unga. Ugh, dammit, can this old man shut up so I can find his little ass. “You're still thinking about him, aren't you.” I cocked my head back up, while raising my eyebrows, my ears twitching into position so I could hear him more clearly. “What are you talking about.” He smiled. “I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, Miss I can’t express what I’m feeling,” he said. With a massive smile, his ears doing a happy little dance, and then I realized. “What's wrong with being calm and calculating, it’s an image everyone should strive for.” He laughed at my panic, as I was obviously trying to obfuscate what I’ve said, this guys a fucking dick. “My, my, that's certainly a crack in the emotional dam, did the rainstorm of the great Unga cause that.” He said, crossing his arms, as I lowered my eyebrows inward, growling, and pausing as I heard the curtains open, a little girl walking in her ears lazily lowered, rubbing her eyes as if she had just woken up.

“Elder, do you have any hot coco.'' She asked, I looked up at him, exhaling, as she walked over to us. “No, not right now, but I can make you some.” He threw some logs into the stove, as the child turned her focus onto me, gasping. “Are you the Queen.” She said, her eyes glistening, as she suddenly awoke, her attention immediately taken away from her request. “Y-yes, dear child.” I said, slightly unsure on how to respond to her excitement, as she continued staring at me, her tail beginning to wag. “Can you take off your helmet, I wanna see.” She spoke, her tail wagging only intensifying. I wonder if she is going to take off with how fast she has that thing going. I giggled. Oh, who could say no to this cutie. I obeyed the request, slowly removing my helmet, my hair coming down to my sides, as her eyelids slid back, as her pupils sparkled. “Your purrity.” she said, with the funniest accent I've ever heard. I giggled again and she jumped into my lap, taking in every little detail of my face. “Can I ask you a question, your highness?” Continuing to keep her eyes on me, as if I would disappear the minute she looked away. Her tail whipping back and forth as she did. “Ask away.” I said, smiling. She sat in my lap and thought for a moment. “Mom says, you hardly get out of the castle.” I paused. I guess people take notice, huh. “Yes that is true.” My voice becoming tender, as I began petting her head. Oh, I wanna play with this little tiger so bad. “So, why are you here.” I lowered my head so I was close to hers. “Lets just say a friend convinced me to take a break.” Her mouth opened. “Oohhh,” she said. As if finally picturing everything. “Wait, but mom says you have little time for friends.” I giggled at the truth of it. “Your mom seems to like talking about me.” I added, she shook her head. “No, I just ask a lot of questions.” I laughed. “Indeed you do.” I said, just as I noticed how knotted and dirty her hair was, so instead of petting, I began combing it out with my fingers. “Seems these past couple of days have been rough on you.” I added. She shook her head. “No, mom just got tired of getting all the mud out, so she's having me do it.” I exhaled. “Let me guess, you don’t care.” She threw up her arms. “The mud’s so fun.” She yelled. All play no work, what horrible ethic. I giggled. “Well then, looks like I’ll have to give you one of those old fashion baths.” I said. Her eyes widened, and she jumped out of my lap beginning to back away. “No, you aren't.” She said with determination. I crawled forward. “I’m not gonna let you run around dirty, especially with that cute face of yours.” She then tried bolting, and I grabbed her beginning to nibble, and lick her hair, as I held her still, slowly but surely, getting the dirt as well as the knots out in their entirety. “No, stop it, it tickles.” She said, laughing. We rolled around back and forwarth, the Elder laughing his old heart out at the scene, and when I finally got the last piece of dirt out, I released her, and we both laid on the floor gasping for air, a feeling of intense happiness numbing my brain. “Pherpus, your cocos ready.” The Elder said. So that's her name, I can’t believe I didn’t ask her. Pherpus took a few seconds to get up, but when she did I followed suit, putting myself into a sitting position, watching as she grabbed the coco from the table, and then walking to me with tired eyes, sitting in my lap, taking slow steady sips. “Ardosus, I’m tired.” She groaned. “Then sleep honey.” She placed her head on my arm, the grip on the coco loosening almost right after, quickly taking it from her hands as it tipped. Her breath and heart slowing, as I placed the hot coco onto the table, her body then subconsciously curling up into a small ball in my lap.

I looked at the Elder, who developed quite a smile, as he took a sip of his drink. “I think I don’t have to fear for your offspring much, like I did with your parents, well if you do have any of course. It seems like every generation of royalty is teetering on the edge of becoming infertile.” I held a blank stare, and nodded. “There parenting wasn’t the best, to be honest this feels more… natural.” I said, gently stroking Pherpus, watching her chest rise up and down. “Where are her parents anyways.” He looked down, shadows covering his eyes, his ears dropping down on his head. “Oh, did they, I’m sorry.” I looked down at Pherpus with pity. He shook his head. “No, I’m just trying to remember where I last saw them, because they made sure to hook her up to a rope, so that she wouldn’t just wander off like she normally does.” My cheeks turned red, out of embarrassment. “So, adventurous.” I said. “Oh, that reminds me, I think she ran up to you when you were departing.” I looked back down again, realizing the similarities and sighing out of realization. “Oh, little flower girl,” I said. Slowing down my brushing, remembering the flower that I’ve forgotten about, I felt like I disappointed her, even though she will never know, and probably doesn't even care. The Elder then handed me a glass of hot cocoa, but I pushed it back. “I’m good.” He nodded. His eyes then widened, his hand being brought to his chin, stroking his beard.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Yes, that would make sense… Have you ever considered having children, Ardosus.” I stopped my brushing, looking up at him, then back down at Pherpus, knowing I could not escape this trap. “I’ve considered it as a passing thought, but I pushed it away the minute it came to me, mostly because of my duty. It sorta kept getting in the way, well it’s more of the mindset the more that I think about it. I should've let my advisors handle a lot of the smaller things.” He nodded. “I see, but what I’m trying to say is would you consider it now, as in more seriously.” I paused again, imagining a child one that is my own, I shook my head throwing out the image. “Maybe… I don’t know, that's a lot to take in.” The Elder nodded. “I know Ardosus, we all must decide what we must invest our time in.” I clenched my hair secretly, as Unga’s smile came into memory, the touch of his skin, his voice, everything that has happened in the past couple of days, these memories all had emotions tied to them, some sadness, some fear, others happiness, and triumph, but there was another tied up in all of them, companionship, deep companionship. Do I… love him. Do I… want to claim him with scent this season. This thought rushed onto me immediately, like a repressed emotion that I wasn’t even aware was there. “Are you okay, Ardosus.” I nodded, slowly taking in my thoughts, allowing myself to process everything. “Just thinking of someone.” I said, staring at the girl, as she adjusted herself in my lap. “Noooo, grapes give me sweet grapes.” She muttered, her words causing me to giggle a bit. “All I can say, Elder, is that I know it would be a challenge, but whether or not it being a challenge I am willing to accept is a whole another story, but I am tempted by the pleasures of it.”

I gently picked up Pherpus, as I began to stand. “It's a shame I can’t keep you Pherpus, little flower girl, so Elder, where are this girl's parents?” He smiled getting up. “Good thing you brought it up, because I just remembered, follow me.” We exited the tent, following him until we reached the two mates both of them sitting by a fire. “Oh my, is she alright.” The mother said, with worry, as she rushed over. “Yes, just worn out,” I responded, the mother taking Pherpus from my arms, a swelling craving to keep her sweeping across me like wildfire, every second I fought it. “Thank you my Queen, my daughter can be quite troublesome.” I shook my head. “No, she’s fine, just has a lot of adventurous spirit.” The mother nodded, as she patted her daughter's head. “Wait, is her hair actually clean.” After taking a sniff she looked up at me, smiling. “You're a miracle worker, Ardosus.” She said. going back to her tent, bearing a large smile. The Elder then yawned. “Well, I should get some rest all this talking really wears me down and that only gets harder with age, goodbye Ardosus, and good luck.” The old man said, quickly returning to his tent. I exhaled, shaking my head back and forth gently. That old man is such a button pusher, but I have more important things to attend to.

I looked throughout the camp, walking from fire to fire until I found him with a huddled mass of armed civilians. I quietly snuck up from behind with the care of a predator, suddenly grabbing his shoulders, he jumped up into the air, hissing and spinning around to see who would do such a dastardly thing, as everyone began to burst out in laughter. Unga smiled, letting out an intense exhale, realizing my little prank. “That was a long meeting,” he said. Rubbing his arms rapidly, as he backed himself practically onto the fire. Unga, why didn’t you fetch me, you know your very weakness. “Unga, if you where that cold you should’ve come back to me.'' He shook his head. “Eh, the fire sufficed.” I raised my cloak ever so slightly, and he rushed under clenching to my body. I sighed. Fire sufficed my ass. “I’ll get us a tent.” I said with a slight pout. I know you don’t want me to feel pressured, but this only made me feel worse. I turned around. The man who guided us to the camp, lying before me, waiting. “My Queen, I have gotten you both tents, and I apologize in advance, they aren't the best, but they will keep you warm.” I nodded. “Show us.” I said, and he led the way.

Our tents were located on the overarching cliff side, where the wind wasn’t so harsh, and the snowfall was manageable. At least that's what it has going for it. “The extra tent isn’t necessary.” He looked up at me. “My Queen, doesn't Unga need a place to rest.” I revealed him. “He’s cold blooded.” The man nodded in realization. “I’ll ensure that the tent is given to another poor soul.” The man went on his way, as Unga, and I went into the tent. It was as poor as the man described, with the tent having many patches added to it, the hide just as ancient as the Elders, and as the wind blew the sticks creaked as if the entire thing was gonna buckle. I guess this is a tent. I tended to the fireplace in the middle, filling it with logs, having Unga light it ablaze. The poor fire slowly warming the tent, and once it got to Ungas' desired temperature, he left the warmth of my body, sitting to the side of me on the bed. “Well, what have you two planned.” He asked. I felt compelled not to tell him, guess I’m a hypocrite, but I need to cast these things aside, it is the right choice, the only choice. “You are to guide everyone after the storm, just as you wished. The Elder, will brief you come morning.” We heard the wind pick up, the tent creaking loudly, Unga, shivering, as the warmth was quickly replaced with the cold air from the bitter outside. I hastily wrapped my cloak around him again, bringing him closer. “I see, good it shouldn’t be that hard with a map, and I’ve already memorized the route needed to avoid any unnecessary attention.” He said, his nervous tone kicking up. I’m thankful that he sees me as attractive, in fact I'm heavily thankful, it makes everything feel mutual. I pressed myself against him subtly, all those feelings coming over me, they weren't strong enough to act on yet, but when mating season comes around that will be a different story. I should be paying attention to what he’s saying though, in fact, I should make sure he has everything down, if he gets hurt because he and I missed something I don’t think that would play lightly on my mind.

“Don’t get too confident this is a large group, and it’s not like you have soldiers by your side.” I said, a little bit of stress coming out of my voice. Even I'm starting to sound nervous. He nodded. “I know, we're very vulnerable out there, but it must be done especially with unconventional warfare being flung about.” I could tell by the way his hands were shaking, and how his eyes darted across the room. There were a lot of things on his mind, and I wasn’t helping, I stroked his head. “Ardosus.” Unga said, looking up at me, a sense of duty in his eyes. “I’ll do my best to help you, and your people for as long as they are threatened.” I should feel happy, accomplished, as it seems he picking up the crown of leadership, but instead I feel afraid like my only chance to feel whole was gonna cast himself to the fire, and I’d rather be that person. “I know you will, you're the last person I would think to sit idly by as people are hurt, but just look out for yourself, these places of war aren’t exactly forgiving.”

The wind blew stronger than all the others that came before, the tent sounding as if it was about to give, as the snow began to create little bulges in the ceiling. We, quietly looked around just waiting for the tent to collapse. Should I make a move? We are alone, and it’s not like anyone's going to walk in... I’m gonna be so bad at this. “Unga, what would you think of me having a child.” That came off just as bad as I thought it would, but I’m ready for this. He shook a little. “A-Ardosus, don’t you think that's kinda personal even for me.” I giggled. “I know that's why I asked you.” A long pause then settled, as he scratched his chin seeming unsure. “If you want one, I believe you should go for it.” He said with a slightly nervous pitch. “I do, I’m just worried that I won’t be able to handle it.” Unga giggled, as if the answer was obvious. “That's why you have a partner you know, to help.” I giggled too, realizing right with him. “Yeah, you're right. Question is who should it be.” I looked down at Unga, letting a seductive glare slip unconsciously, as I envisioned him showing me his naked body. “W-we should rest, tomorrow will be filled with many trials.” his voice reaching the highest pitch it possibly could muster, as he put a little distance between us. I-I didn’t even know I had that in me, my sister must be rubbing off on me. Ugh, I think I scared him. I gently nodded agreeing with myself. We should just rest for now, we both have a ig day tomorrow. "Think it's time, Unga." "T-time for what." "To rest." "Oh, um yeah." We then laid down both of us putting some distance between each other, not too close, not too far, just enough so he could benefit from my furnace. Even through I want him, making him uncomfortable is not something I should or want to do, I just hope my little probe didn't nip this in the bud. And as the night went on, and the cold air became freezing, he ended up turning to my side, pressing himself up as much as he could, and as he did I wrapped my arms around him. Hopefully some day the cold won't be the only reason you embrace me. I looked down at my stomach, that want growing. Every mating season the urge grows stronger, to be honest, I wonder how my mom fought through it for so long. Unga then escaped my arms, feeling his touch closer to my stomach, feeling him rustle around as his form became that of a ball. I lift up the blankets both of us looking at each other his eyes having a subtle glow to them. "Should I add more wood to the fire." "No, as long as your here I'll be fine." I then watched him drift away into sleep, silently laughing as he slept in the position, and as he slept I extended my arm into the blanket, patting the top of his prickly scalp, my face warming more and more.

My sister would hold my feet to the fire for having these thoughts, but I cannot deny they exist, not anymore, and I wish, I hope they are true for Unga, hopefully he will accept me once mating season turns around. I then felt sleep begin to take me as these thoughts swirled in my head, with an overactive imagination to go with it, and when sweet dreams filled me with joy. I was awoken to the sound of men gathering arms. Unga was still fast asleep, his grip only grown tighter since last night, I gently nudged him with my body and he awoke. “Really, is it that time already.” He said. With the most tired voice I’ve ever heard. “I’m afraid so Unga.” He slowly got out, covering himself in as many pelts as possible. “I’ll tell the Elder to get everyone together in the center of camp, while you prepare your militia… see you on the other side.” He said. I quickly got up, latching onto his hand, stopping him in his tracks, pulling him towards me in a heartbeat, wrapping my arms around his small body. “People tend to be more dangerous than any animal will ever be, and I know there are no promises, but tell me this Unga, will you promise me you will not die.” He nodded. “You do realize you're the one in greater danger, I should be the one saying that line.” I caressed his head. “I know, but you aren't trained in war, and they will target you if given the chance.” I said, He nodded, his head rubbing against me. “Nevertheless, do be careful,” I added. Feeling him frantically wiggle away from me. “Hopefully Ardosus, this will be all put behind us as quickly as it came into being,” he responded. Trying his best to cover up his nervous pitch, and with a slight wave, he left. I looked down clutching my hands into fists. If I could keep him here, I would, having him remain in the safety of my clutches, but that would be unfair of me wouldn’t it. I exited the tent, in which I saw Unga, conversing with the Elder, as he promptly told all the civilians to gather in the center of the tent town, and once everyone had gathered around Unga. The Elder walked to me. “So Ardosus, do you wish to meet the men you will be leading?'' I nodded and he guided me. I looked back, catching one final glance at Unga, seeing that he was waving goodbye, Doing the same until I lost sight of him. “Ah, what a beautiful sight,” the Elder said. I smiled. “I wont say anything other then he means a lot to me… more then he probably realizes.” He giggled. “My, my I have a feeling he’s gonna be in for a ride,” the Elder said with a humorous tone. I looked back at the group for a brief second, hoping to catch Unga one more time, but there was no hope with such a large wall of people forming around him. “Hopefully our distractions are enough,” I spoke. the Elder nodded. “I am confident that Ungas group will slip by our enemies unnoticed, especially when they catch sight of you, so do not fret my Queen.” His reassurance was comforting, but the fear always remains.

We then finally met our rag tag group with some of their faces worn from the fighting that came before. “These are all the people that know how to either use a gun or were once in the military.” I took notice to the three soldiers dressed in full armor, two seemed to have older models of standard issue vanguard class, the other fielding a more modern variant of the artillery defender. This artillery defender was the first to step forward. “My Queen, we have answered your call,” he said. Bowing down to one knee. “Good, then we must act quickly,” I said. Placing my hand unto the hilt of my sword, staring out into the militia. “This will be a fight of wit and skill. Men ingrain this into your minds because if this battle escapes from our clutches, then the Empire can strike at our kingdoms very heart.” The three knights nodded. “Now, I will put my trust in all, but one minor error could spell doom for everyone, so remember your sons, your daughters, mates, and your friends, because the path they take may be different than ours, but their success is determined by this victory, so rise for you are all knights of Glenchin.” The artillery defender stood up. “Do not worry my Queen, we do not intend to fail, not even for a second. I will gather all men with long rifles.” I nodded. “Good, you already know your role,” I said. I walked up to the others and they both straightened themselves. “You two, I want you both to take the most fit men so that trenches can be dug at the front line, also ensure that you construct trenches farther behind for when we must fall back.” They both nodded, the two dispersing, taking the most able bodied men.

The Elder then approached me. “This battle, what do you think of our chances?” I thought for a moment. “Your strategy is sound, but we have no idea what our enemy is equipped with, nor how they will react, we must be cautious if we hope to succeed, but not to the point where we’ll lose advantage if we refuse to press it.” The Elder smiled. “So, fair.” I nodded. “Yes, as long as we can maintain superiority with that artillery defender, which he should provided quite adequately.” The Elder nodded “his thunderous cannon will let those whom come to conquer us know you don’t walk onto our land uninvited, but nonetheless Ardosus, I wish you the greatest of luck,” he said. I stepped forward to gather my men, as the Elder left.

UNGA

The Elder approached me, a great smile brandished across his face. “Unga, I will join you, for I am too old to fight.” I nodded. “Alright, is everyone here,” I shouted. “Aye.” Everyone yelled. “Alright then, form and orderly line and follow me.” And we continued out of the tent town, beginning our trek. I made sure to crack some warmers and place them throughout my body in advance, but it seems that snow storm left a wonderful day in its wake. It's probably the first time I’ve felt any warmth in this cold place, still through I need to be careful one wrong fall, and it won't take hypothermia long to set in. I double checked my bearings before finally exciting the camp, then marching forward. The caravan close behind and as we walked, and as I stared at my compass, Ardosus’s question came to me,

why did Ardosus bring up such a question, she’s never hinted it before well at least to me, I mean children, doesn't she realize she has enough on her plate. I then realized that what I call my hobby is the one that will probably get me killed, and immediately discounted the thought. Either way, why me, you’d expect her to ask that to another woman to get there ideas on the matter, and not some man who's never even seen a naked body. I haven't even thought about the subject so how could I have shared any ideas, she probably wanted to get something off her chest to be honest, I know I’ve done that with my mother sometimes. I looked back at the Elder, who seemed rather cheerful. And what could've even provoked such a question. “So, what did you and Ardosus talk about while I was gone.” He walked forward, standing by my side. “Mostly about the war, strategy, why do you ask,” he said. leaning in, with a sly smile on his lips. “Ardosus, said somethings I um, never thought she'd say.” He thought for a moment. “Describe this,” he said. I looked at my compass and then back up at the Elder. “She was talking about children, and gave me this look that reminded me of her sister.” The Elder nodded, still maintaining his smile, but then developed a straight face, looking as if he had a thousand-yard stare, his eyes looking past me. “What is it?” He shook his head. “Nothing, thought I saw some kind of glint. We did bring it to discussion after we were done talking about the issue at hand, but I was the one who brought it up.” I nodded. “Good, then she was most likely off loading it onto me.” I exhaled, you're just overthinking things Unga, it’s nothing more than that. “Yep, totally offloading it,” he said in the most unconvincing confirmation I have ever heard. “What do you think of the matter,” I said. Obviously my mind cannot settle on the matter. “I believe you’ve done a good job of reminding our Queen that she has a life.” I checked the map again. “No, she did that herself, I just simply nudged her in the right direction.” The Elder nodded. “However you see it, you were influential to her, maybe more so than you imagine.” I cocked my eyebrow up, darting a look at him, and then exhaling as I translated his words. Maybe. I chuckled a bit. Maybe I should’ve told her right then and there I didn’t want a relationship, instead of saying nothing.

ARDOSUS

I stood above the trench, looking through a pair of binos, whose lenses were scratched to the point of them being barely usable. “We’ve haven't seen anything, my Queen,” one of the men said. “Yes, I am aware, but with the amount of noise we’ve made we are sure to have grabbed their attention.” I then saw minor movement in the distance, as the boot that belonged to a soldier was slightly revealed. “Intsu,” I said. The artillery defender walked up to me. “Do you see that in the distance?” He readied his shoulder mounted gun. “Aye, my Queen,” he said as he loaded a clip into the butt of the rifle. I lowered my ears to shield them from the blast. “Fire.” The blast rang throughout the valley. Two soldiers then raised from their cloaks, the round coming down on them before they could even take off, their bodies soon surrounded by a cloud of white snow, and dirt. “There, that should take care of them,” I said. Slowly raising my ears. Intsu nodded, going back to his men, beginning to send them off to different positions.

The other leaders following suit, as I placed myself in a trench. We waited, the only thing that making a sound being the movement of armor from those that fielded it, and the subtle wind from the mountain.

We then heard a pop from a distant mortar, everyone getting down as our position began to be bombarded. “We need someone to clear that thing,” I said. While Intsu stared at the arc, he then raised his gun, loading air burst along with a mix of HE into a magazine, firing off five rounds. The sound of pops ringing out into the distance with the final one being an large explosion, its plume shooting up into the air. A metal stand from the mortar then embedded itself into the ground next to us, it’s metal twisted and smoldering.

“Well done Instu,“ I yelled. “Please my Queen, it is only expected of me,” he said, humbly. “One question still remains, will they engage our fortified position,” one of the leaders said. “Either way, we're distracting them,” I said. The leader nodded his head. “Yes, indeed, that is good.” And silence filled the battlefield once again. We watched the ridge line, along with any other place they might come from, whether it be a tiny crevice or a massive field. Then our eyes were drawn to a singular position some distance away, first hearing their snowmobiles revving their engines, then the shouting of men behind a small ridgeline, our men prepared themselves, making sure their guns were loaded, and double checking all the equipment they could in the moment.

We then saw them poke their heads up, and our men immediately opened fire, forcing them back behind. “Intsu, got a range,” I yelled. Over the gunfire. “Always do my Queen.” He loaded his gun with airburst, emptying his clip, with a few puffs of red mist, and screams following from said ridge, then hearing the sound of snowmobiles again, this time heading towards our flank. “There's nothing but hills and ravines on that side,” a knight said. I looked at Instu and he nodded. He gathered up his men, as I commanded mine to follow me, reinforcing the flank. At first there was nothing, but we soon saw the soldiers making their way towards us using the many hills as cover. Fighting began as gunfire rang out between us, the hail of bullets ensuing as we both fought desperately for this victory.

UNGA

I stared out into the great of Glenchin, checking my bearings as we continued to walk besides the wall of a jagged cliffside. I can't believe we've already passed the dead animal carcass from yesterday, I guess going down hill has greatly increased our speed, well that and I know the route now. We should be arriving soon, in fact the castle, and its city should be coming into view within the hour. I checked the map for what felt like the thousandth time, hearing the falling of snow as another avalanche came down beside us. The ridge above shooting off the fine powder like a fire hose. “Are snow storms always this serious in Glenchin,” I asked. The Elder who seemed to be enjoying the walk thought for a moment. “That was more mild, but considering where you're from, yes, indeed.” I looked ahead as the last of the snow came down, giving me sight of the vast landscape once again. “Yeah, I guess so,” I said. Slowing down my pace a little to take in the view, my thoughts wandering towards Ardosus, with the oddity that was last night.

I’m gaslighting myself into not seeing it aren't I. Let's say hypothetically she didn’t want me, she wouldn’t be so handsy hugging me placing her head on my shoulder, and that hug today felt more personal, no friend would do that for sure, plus… that glare, and those words. I guess that was a surprise for both of us. I kinda wish she was here, no, I do wish she was here. I felt my hand begin to shake, and I grasped it holding the muscles still. She's come a long way, from being duty bound to us sharing a laugh with each other, but there is this feeling of dread that I have, that I won’t be. I heard the crack of a rifle, a bullet whizzing past my head. We all ducked behind what little cover there was, a short pause then following, and as I slowly raised a section of my hood above the rock, another shot rang out, the bullet bouncing off the rock above me. I guess Ardosus concerns have come true. A then man rose, firing, but he missed, as another shot almost hit him. My tranq gun can't reach that far, even with lethal rounds. I looked at the rest of the group, women holding their babies close as they cried and fathers shielding their kids.

I gritted my teeth. Why can't I escape it, this ever continuing cycle of death and suffering? What have I done to deserve this? “Give me the gun,” I shouted. He threw me the old battered excuse of a weapon. I ripped the scope off, and checked to see if it was still loaded, as my heart rate spiked. It must be done. I let out an exhale, and then took in a massive gulp of air right after, showing myself for a brief second, seeing the two heat sources glowing in the sea of cold. I breathed out gently, firing just before a bullet whizzed over my head. The red orangey mist, flowing ever so delicately in the air, as it left the top of the mountain. I fired again, as the other began to rise, but my aim was poor and he was able to escape, the sound of a snowmobile audible in the distance. “I think you deserve that rifle,” the civilian said with a smile. I exhaled again, following with a grunt. “This war needs to end,” I whispered.

Who am I kidding? This cycle will continue, war after war, grave after grave, and those that play their pawns will suffer no consequence, like how all those generals and politicians who terrorized our populace, fled towards the Empire being rewarded lavishly for it. It will never end. Best I can do is side with Ardosus, and ensure her kingdom does not fall to those leaders of violence and destruction, because in this sea of corruption and deceit, she seems to be the only one who can stay steadfast to it all. Besides, it's all I can do, considering my inability to make those decisions. I envy Ardosus, in that regard, she can make those choices, save people with those orders, but also kill with those very same words, yeah it’s the curse I imagine, the weight of which follows you for all eternity. We continued, everyone one a little shaken, but as the castle of Glenchin’s capital appeared everyone eased up, knowing that nothing could touch them now. “Well, I think we can guide ourselves from here on out Unga,” the Elder said. I nodded, looking at him. The Empire won't stop if I stand here, I don't have to lead, I just need to stop him by helping Ardosus, and maybe my actions will reduce the suffering. A feeling of resolve passed through me. “Then you wouldn’t mind me leaving.” He shook his head. “Go right ahead, but to where I might ask.” I clenched the rifle. “To help Ardosus, end this war.” He nodded, as I immediately took off, running back up the path. What the hell am I thinking, wasn’t I just complaining about this cycle, then again what would happen if I didn’t show face, would Ardosus, actually be able to handle the military of the Empire, with a bunch of poorly equipped civilians. I-I must press forward and if everything is well then I won’t do these deeds that I’m thinking of.

ARDOSUS

I placed the tip of my sword into the ground, the bullets coming to a thunderous stop as they met my blade. I twisted the hilt, plasma beginning to form, as I spun around, then twisting the hilt back into place once I found my target, watching as the rods connected with my opponent, their body consumed by an all encompassing explosion. I rushed forward, slicing past two, keeping my head low, bullets whizzing by from what felt like every direction. I then noticed, a solider rushing towards our trench line, attempting to establish a foothold for his allies to work with, I rushed forward slicing him in twain, and just after I heard something fall into the snow.

I turned in the direction the sound came from, seeing a grenade shaped hole. My eyes widened, and I jumped back, as more and more began falling around me, I made another backstep, feeling the ground magically vanish away beneath me, the sudden lack of ground causing me to fall backwards into a trench, my back taking the brunt of the impact. A knight then ran up to me. “Are you okay my Queen,” he asked as he helped me up. “Yes knight, but those fuckers are about to not be.”

I then heard the cry's of a child, shooting my gaze to where the sound was coming from, Pherpus, sitting underneath a cloth cover, barely keeping it together. I immediately rushed over. “What are you doing here,” I said. “They put me in a basket when we were about to leave, and I got hungry so I climbed out, and then everyone was gone.” I sighed, they should pay attention to their child more. I shielded her with my armor. “Don’t worry Pherpus, I’ll ensure you're protected.” She held onto my chest, Instu then sat down beside me. “I’ve already notified the men, I’ll cover you.” I nodded, as he raised his shield, getting up and taking off. The sound of the bullets crashing and bouncing off of the giant metal barrier, the sounds reverberating throughout the battlefield. I made sure to stick low to the ground while maintaining a close distance to the edge of the cliff, limiting my enemies' engagement opportunities, but as I progress, I heard the firing of a rocket, I covered Pherpus as best I could, as the rocket hit the ground close by the force from it sending us both off the cliff side. I clenched onto Pherpus as we fell, my body soon meeting the ground, the deep snow, thankfully, dampening our fall, but I was not without injury, as my neck quickly bounced from the sudden stop, and an intense pain could be felt all throughout that muscle group. I quickly got up, with Instu, landing perfectly in the snow, right behind me. I rubbed my neck doing my best to at least provide some sense of comfort to it, but I swore it made it worse, and just as I was beginning to recover, I heard the reving of snow mobiles a squad most likely targeting us. I quickly handed Instu the child, and waited.

UNGA

I reached the edge of a ledge and laid down, scoping the entire battlefield with my rifle. Most of the battle seemed to be concluded, despite for the occasional skirmish taking place in the distance, beyond my reach. The Empire appeared to have attempted to flank, but meeting that at a heavy cost, with no signs of actually gaining the advantage, I mean they got close, but there push seem ill fated, nonetheless, I still found plenty of Glenchinits being carried away. Some were wounded, others were being laid next to the dead, thankfully Ardosus didn't seem to make up any of any of those groups. A wave of relief stretched over me from the fact Ardosus isn't dead, and that I didn't have to kill anymore people, but a wave of disappointment then replaced that. These peoples lives have been ruined, peoples lie injured, dead, unable to tend to there family's. I exhaled. I could keep going on, but the truth of the matter is I came at a time where I could help no one, that fucking Emperor.

I clenched the rifle, if I see him, I don’t know if I will have the strength to hold all violent thoughts at bay. My eyes then lowered just a little and I noticed Ardosus, fighting for her life in a valley just below the field of death, watching her move her body elegantly, slaying anyone who she neared. I readied my rifle, noticing that a soldier had an opening on Ardosus, I squeezed the trigger and a few seconds later I saw his head splatter across the snow. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. This cycle, can one really break away from it? Is it even possible? I continued providing support for her, feeling more and more Ill with every bullet I fired, and when I finally ran out of ammo the small squad began to withdraw. I sighed, as I lowered my head. And those idiots that follow him should know what there doing, maybe they do, but the consequences of them not could be greater, and assured. I lowered my head, and the sound of a rocket filled my ears, I looked up just as the rocket hit the rock below me, and I began to fall, a blistering cold blowing across my face. I stared down seeing the bottom, as the snow and rock from my perch broke apart, I then hit the ground. The snow piling itself on top of me, the bitter cold replacing whatever heat remained. My muscles immediately tensed up. I wanted to move but couldn’t. The only thing I could do was wait, in this ice coffin. I thought I could escape the cycle by not killing, by not joining their ranks, but I guess the cycle doesn't care, it always finds ways to send you back in. I don't know what to do, other than protect this place from the hands of that imperialistic bastard.

ARDOSUS

I recognized the pelt as he fell. Instu ran up behind me. “My Queen, they seem to be preparing another counter attack towards us,” he said. I looked at him. “Can you hold them off?” He nodded. “If I wasn’t stuck with this child, I would’ve helped you in immediately dispatching the enemy.” I looked at the giant snow pile where Unga landed. “Do not worry,” I said, taking Pherpus. “I wish you luck,” he said. I nodded, rushing off towards the debris, as he ran forward taking a position farther ahead. Coming upon the rubble, I sniffed the air, the only smell that I could sense was sulfur, so I used my sight, but not even his rifle was sticking out of the ground. I set Pherpus down, her pupils filled with concern as I continued to look around, wondering where I should start digging first. If I start here, and he’s over there he could die by the time I’m done over there. I exhaled, my hands ceasing to shake. I mustn't stand idle. I then selected a spot based on where I saw him fall, digging my hand into the rocky snow mix, removing entire clumps. Finally getting a faint whiff of Ungas scent. I continued burrowing deeper, his hand becoming exposed, and I felt as my nostrils widened, as my lungs expanded. I loosened the material around him, as fast as I could, pulling him up out of the mound.

He was cold to the touch, his heart feeling like it was about to explode out of his chest. I unstrapped my armor, holding him close to my body, staring at nothing, until he regained the heat his body lost, and slowly but surely, I felt his pulse return to normal. Everything slowed down, as I began to relax. Pherpus then tugging on my cloak. “Is he gonna be ok?” She asked. I nodded. “After all this he better be.” I unzipped my padding, so that I could let Unga absorb my heat better. “I’m s-sorry, Ardosus.” She was holding back tears, I patted her head. “It’s alright sweetheart, just stay close to your parents when things like this happen.” The girl nodded, wiping tears away from her eyes, her voice beginning to choke up. “How about this, if this battle is done, we’ll get you some hot coco, how about that.” She nodded again, still doing her best to fight off the tears, poor girl. I picked her up, letting her small head lay on my shoulder. “Just let it out.” She finally burst, with the flood of tears pouring out. I patted her back, and looked behind me. It seemed the battle had been won, as the sounds of war had been settled with our forces pushing what remained of the guerrilla battalion back. I exhaled. “Finally, it's over.”

I began walking back to the battlefield, looking under my cloak, seeing bruises beginning to form all across Ungas skin. uneasiness taking hold of me. I held his unconscious body tighter. The moments of seeing Unga fall replaying over and over before my eyes until I reached the trenches. Intsu approached me. “The battles, done and won, any stragglers have been captured or dealt with, and the village is currently in the process of being retaken from the enemy.” I nodded. “Is there a field medic somewhere?” Instu then pointed to a tent that looked like it had just been erected. “Thank you.” I broke off into a sprint, arriving almost instantaneously at the front entrance.

I pulled back the tent drapes, immediately being introduced to the dying, dead, and wounded. “Pherpus, can you wait outside?” I said. She nodded and I set her down near the entrance outside. I continued in, the village doctor working away, trying his best to save as many as he could. He had help, but inexperienced help is not the best help. I walked up to him, the man he was caring for letting out a final gasp. He exhaled, looking up. “Ardosus, why are you here.” I then revealed Ungas body. “Oh.” He checked his pulse. “He seems to be fine, but.” He picked up his hand. “He has some frostbite on his index, and middle finger, we'll have to amputate, lay him out on an open table.” I nodded, doing as he said, and soon he came over with a freshly sanitized saw, beginning to cut into his flesh. “The bruising isn’t too bad, that should go away on its own." He then finished cutting off Ungas fingers, covering the end in gauze and then wrapping the hand with bandages. “Thank you, doctor.” A deep sincerity within my words. He shrugged. “Thank me for when I’m able to save the rest of these men,” he said and went back to work. I carefully brought Unga back under my cloak, and went back outside. Pherpus still sitting by the door, she got up, grabbing my hand, as we followed the others back to the village. Some buildings were burnt down, and many fortifications were laid about with tank traps blocking the main road, along with makeshift pill boxes and barriers constructed on the edges of the town. “Ardosus, my house is up ahead if you want to stay there,” Pherpus said. “I would be honored,” I joyfully responded. She happily skipped to the door, picking up an rather odd looking rock, the rock harboring a key underneath it, opening the door for us soon after. “Thank you, Pherpus.” She smiled brightly, closing the door as we stepped inside.

I looked around, seeing the cans of food lying on the ground, many blankets were also scattered about, along with sleeping bags, while the entire kitchen was picked clean of kitchenware these opportunists know no courtesy. “I can’t believe they would disregard your peoples homes like this,” I said. Pherpus walked forward. “I’m just happy I’m back.” I heard her say, I patted her head. “Yes, I guess that is something we should be thankful for.” I set Unga by the fire, which was still burning, laying his head on a pillow, and with sword drawn walked throughout the house to see if there was anyone dumb enough to stay behind, but as expected, there was none. I then went back downstairs, filling a bucket full of water from the well outside, placing said bucket on top of the stove, waiting for it to warm, casting my gaze upon Unga, as it did so. You idiot, why did you come back? Just to give me a heart attack. I brushed his bony hair away from his face, exhaling. I can't protect you if you get yourself into danger like that. When will you understand I need you, still he braved the mountains, and cold alone, and defend me, he cares about me definitely. I should recognize that instead of going into an outburst when he awakes. Pherpus then sat down next to me, and after a while, she laid her head on my arm, going into a deep sleep. I smiled and picked her up, bringing her upstairs, tucking her in. the urge to leave my scent on her being strong, but this is not my child. I walked out, my mind filled with the thoughts of having my own, me reading to them, caring for them, playing with them, giving them a life that my parents never gave me. The hallway floor I was staring at then began to glow yellowish orange. I quickly shook my head and the glow disappeared. I-I can’t believe it, my mating season, is it coming this soon? ugh, leave it to the Empire to start a war right when I’m ready. I can’t waste this, especially with how close I am.

I walked back down stairs, dipping my fingers into the bucket. Good, warm. I took it off the fireplace. Unbuttoning, Ungas shirt, his chest scarred and bruised just like his limbs. I dipped the cloth in the bucket, gently cleaning him, and as I did he opened his eyes. “Ardosus.” I heard him mutter, a slight smile forming on his face, as the words were uttered. I grasped his hand tightly, and he slowly closed his eyes once again. Maybe next time he’ll stay awake longer, and as the day turned to night, my armor got heavier and heavier.

Maybe now's the time to take it off. I unlatched the leather straps and piece by piece they fell, but I was still heavy. I must have worn myself out. I removed the leather padding. My silk nightwear being the only thing that covered me. I stared at Ungas chest, an urge coming over me, and urge I had to resist, but couldn't. I laid next to Unga, getting closer, and closer to him gently warping him in my arms, as I pressed myself against him. He's gonna be freaking out when he wakes. I sighed. I can't just sit around though, I then pressed my forehead against his. Please don't deny me, Unga, especially over my position as Queen.

UNGA

I opened my eyes, feeling Ardosus's, forehead against mine, her breath gently blowing onto my mouth, her arm wrapped around my back, and her hand firmly grasping onto mine. A little bit of nervousness besetting me. I tried to move, but my body ached with pain. Guess I'm alright. I exhaled with relief, as I brought my attention back to Ardosus, who seemed to be sound asleep. I can't blame her really I fell of a cliff, probably made her worried sick. I giggled. I guess I’m responsible for this. I then stared for a little bit wondering if I should embrace her. I brought my hand forward but stopped myself. No that'd be setting precedent and if she wakes I'd rather not hurt her more when I have to say no. I sighed. I'm sorry Ardosus, but loving you would bring me to the leadership class I so despise, I'd rather avoid that, and follow you instead.

Her eyes then fluttered open, and she grew hotter. “Are you alright,” she said. I nodded. "Good. You scared me to death." “I know, but. I just got worried, and I just wanted to help.” She nodded. I got the feeling she was trying to hold back an outburst of emotion, judging by her words and tone, I can't blame her. “Thank you, it means a lot, but I. I need you. You’ve done a lot for me, and if you died.” she then stopped her little monologue. “U-Unga,” she said, exhaling. "This winter will you be my mate." I looked away. "No." There was a long pause. "Why," She said gently pressing me. "Because..." She then grabbed my chin bringing it up. "Don't hide from me." "Because I don't want to be king." I saw her eyebrow twitch. "And what if I wasn't Queen." I remained silent. "Then I would." I saw her eyebrow twitch again. "Listen, I understand, that you've been through a lot, but I know who you are, your not like that." I shook my head. "Then how about this we'll keep it a secret, nobody will know." "What happens if you get pregnant Ardosus, I know that's your intention." We both remained quiet, Ardosus obviously frustrated. "Fucking dammit Unga, do you think this world is going to leave you alone, do you. I know who you are, I've seen how you act, you are fucking uncorruptible, you care about everything and everyone around you, has it ever come to you that you could do some good with that position, and do you think that sort of tragedy will just fucking stop, no, no it fucking won't not unless you do something." I exhaled. This argument is pointless, when will she understand I'm not like her, that I can't make those hard decisions like sending men to there deaths. She then developed an ashamed look. "U-Unga, I'm." "I know, lets just rest." There was a little bit of silence, and she brought use together are foreheads touching. I secretly enjoyed the contact. "I'll wait so that maybe you'll change your mind, but I can't wait forever. Unga, don't force me to make a decision where both going to regret." Yeah, I'm probably going to regret this when I'm old and dying, but I want to escape this cycle, not become one who perpetuates it, I can never win can't I.