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Author Topic: Raging Storm  (Read 471 times)

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guest1268

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #15 on: October 19, 2016, 12:18:31 pm »
He got out, "hey" before she turned, grabbed him, and flipped him onto his back. Chest heaving, she held him there against mud and rock. Her blue eyes had been covered up by a grey film, disguising their intense color. Despite staring straight into his eyes, she did not really see him. Her lips pulled back into a snarl as she lingered there, knees pinning his arms and her hands around his wrists.

Suddenly, she blinked and the film over her eyes receeded.

Gazing down, her eyes slid over her body, seemingly confused about the position she was in. She removed her knees from his arms and then her hands from his wrists. She went to stand, but the slick ground caused her toes to lose grip. Winter fell against him, her entire body shaking.

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I didn't hear you come up."

The second time, she successfully removed herself from him, and rolled over onto the ground into a sitting position. She tugged at the band that locked her hair against her head, causing her hair to tumble down her shoulders. Her fingers raked the strands.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, not looking up from her lap. There was nothing else she knew to say.

guest1220

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #14 on: October 19, 2016, 11:56:20 am »
There were enough preparations to keep him busy for the day. He was just finishing up when he saw her, bathed in the moonlight. Her punches and kicks hit the sand bag as he watched her flex beneath the movement. Not wanting to startle her, he cleared his throat and made himself known to her. He walked to her after that, his gaze never leaving her.

"Hey I'm sorry about the night before."

guest1268

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #13 on: October 17, 2016, 06:48:32 pm »
 Whatever he had meant to sway Winter with would not work. The more he talked, the angrier he seemed to get. When he mentioned her father, she glared at him. Who was he to speak of him? Fortunately for his sake, he left.

The glass rattled as he slammed the door behind him. He could be mad for all she cared. If anything she was doing it more for Ni than him.

-

The next day, she was escorted to the training field where an elderly woman with olive skin and grey hair was waiting for her while sitting on a decaying tree stump. It took a moment to realize that the woman was blind. Winter watched her closely, intrigued by her elaborate clothing and intuitive gaze despite lacking sight.

"Hello," greeted the woman. "So you're the new contestant. Beauitful girl. White hair is a rarity. I sense dragon blood in you. How peculiar. You do realize you are in a land of the phoenix, don't you, Winter Ochoa?"

Winter blinked.

"Oh dont worry, no one is listening. If they were they would peg me as an old loon. Now, tell me, why do you want to fight in our tournament? Perhaps, for a boy? No. For atonement. Hmm... Strange indeed. Well, lets get started, then shall we?"

Lost for words, Winter just stared at the woman as she stood, putting her weight on a shriveled stick and walking away from the training fields. Winter caught up to her, quickly and followed her.

"How do you know my name?" she asked once she was beside the woman.

Wrinkles moved as she grinned. "My dear, the universe speaks to those who listen, now follow me."

They entered an old, one room shack. From floor to ceiling, were stacks of books and shelves of concoctions in various colors and shapes of containers. Winter frowned, second guessing the woman's sanity.

"Fetch me the bottle on the East shelf, would you?" asked the woman as she sat down on a stool beside the door. "It's labelled, Illumini."

Winter did as she was told, but there was so many things. "What color is it?" she asked, trying to narrow the search down.

The woman laughed. "My dear, how could I possibly know? I'm blind in case you haven't noticed."

Winter threw and incredulous look at the woman and then went on looking. Before long, she got the bottle and handed it the woman.

"This will help you tomorrow," said the woman, pouring just a small few drops onto a spoon that looked suspiciously dirty, and held it out for Winter to take.

"Isn't that cheating?"

The woman smiled. "No, my child. This potion helps you see when your vision is impaired."

"But my vision is fine."

"Exactly! Precaution is all, now drink, dear."

Winter hesitated, but in the end did as she was told. The liquid was spicy and thick. She grimaced as the slime slid down her throat. She thanked the woman.

"There is no need for training. You would only wear yourself out. Just remember not to die or fail and all will go well."

Winter scoffed. "Erm... Thank you."

The woman grinned, showing off her toothless gums. "Of course, child. You are free to leave, you're ready."

Winter shrugged and turned to leave when the woman cleared her throat, stopping her. "Remember Winter Ochoa, there will always be a fight that we win to lose or lose to win."

Winter wanted to ask what she meant, but there was a banging at the door. She opened it and Ni was standing there, panting.

"I've been looking everywhere for you! Why at you in the storage shed?" Ni asked, looking at her as if she was losing it.

"I met with my trainer-" Winter turned, pointing to where the woman had been only to discover a broom was in her place.

Blinking, she turned around, facing the shed. There were no books or concoctions, only various cleaning and upkeep supplies.

"Your trainer is waiting for you out on the field," said Ni, slowly this time as she looked worriedly at her. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Winter shook her head. Maybe she was losing her mind. "Yeah, lets go."

-

The day quickly turned to night. Everyone else had gone to bed and she had not seen Ambrose yet. She was too angry and anxious to sleep, so she preoccupied her mind with a few extra training sessions.

With bare hands, she jabbed and kicked at a black sack filled with sand, that hung from a wooden post in the training field. It was quiet, but her thoughts were loud enough to feel suffocating.

She was not worried about losing, she was worried about losing herself tomorrow during a fight.

guest1220

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #12 on: October 14, 2016, 11:07:04 pm »
"Military school? What, did the teacher make you sit in time out or something? I highly doubt you can make it through this, Winter. These girls aren't playing."

Winter was too casual about it. She did not understand how dangerous it was. He watched her sit on the railing.

"I can take care of my own kingdom. Isn't there another one that needs your attention. Say, your own? And you are still a child. If your father was still alive he would agree."

When she said her mind was made up he growled. "Whatever. If you want to do, fine by me. I can't stop you.". Then he walked off, slamming the door behind him.

He paid no heed to the eyes that followed him out the room. They could stare all they wanted, he was angry with them too. The elders should have stopped her from volunteering. She was going to get herself killed. She only had a day to prepare and the other contestants had all their life.

guest1383

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #11 on: October 14, 2016, 10:57:10 pm »
Ambrose soon followed his sister and he was angry. But why? She was her own person. The last permission she needed was his.

No one 'dragged' Winter out of anywhere. As soon as he took hold of her, she pried his fingers off her arm and calmly followed him outside. He shut the doors behind him- which, by the way did not look suspicious at ALL.

The night sky did not compare to the skies of back home. It held multiple moons of different colours. It was beautiful, but she hardly had time to admire it before he attacked her with a salvo of questions and assumptions.

Still in her evening gown, the tropical air felt good on her shoulders. She ignored him and went over to the edge. She quickly abandoned her shoes and flung her legs over the railing, opting to sit on it and stare out over the village.

"It was a military school. " She conveinently left out the part of her getting expelled. "Trust me, I can take care of myself. Ni said you were on the brink of war. I think you need me, whether or not you admit it. Also, I'm old enough. You just don't see it for whatever reason."

Winter sighed. "In case you haven't noticed, I am not a child. Besides, I've already agreed to it. There's nothing you can say to change my mind either, prince."

guest1220

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2016, 10:45:07 pm »
Everything unfolded quickly. Before long, he found himself separated from Winter again. He had to take care of the situation at hand, starting with clearing the ballroom. The girl fell into unconciousness and there had been no witnesses, making it impossible to get a lead on the culprit behind the stabbing. After it all was settled and people had left, he went to join the elders and officials in the throne room. They were sure to be upset.

But when he arrived, they were anything but. Overjoyed even.

He came with a puzzled look. Winter stood beside the throne and all the men were cheering and talking with each other.

Nino ran up and tugged his arm. "Winnie is going to fight!"

His went cold. "No."

Nino pulled away and put her hands against her hips. "She said yes."

"Oh did she?"

He crossed the room, ignoring everyone as he went. When he reached her he grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the room, onto the outside balcony. There, he shut the doors behind them. The moons shone bright in the night sky, painting her skin with their red and blue glows.

"You can't fight. Are you crazy? This isn't a game, Winter. You are too young anyways. I will not allow you to fight. What would your family say? You won't last with these fighters. They have trained their entire lives for this. You just got done with school!"

guest1266

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #9 on: October 14, 2016, 10:33:48 pm »
Ambrose's voice stalled her in her stride and she turned to him, following the pull of his hand on her wrist. His skin seared into hers. It never seemed to bother him how cold she was, but it felt uncomfortable to her. The fire at his fingertips coursed through her icy veins like an electrical current.

"I'm fine," she insisted. "I'm thirsty. Where is the-"

A scream drowned out the remainder of her question. Suddenly, the room exploded into chaos and people began running to the center of the room. She frowned at him and then sprinted over to where people were gathering. Squeezing through the crowd, she eventually saw why everyone had freaked out. Hunched over, a girl in a yellow gown was holding her stomach with golden liquid leaking from the cracks between her fingers.

"She's bleeding!"

"Who stabbed her?"

"Get a towel! We need a healer!"

Winter was capable of healing, but she knew nothing of their health. The only one she had healed was Se-

"Move!"

A woman emerged from the crowd, holding a messenger-like bag with the symbol of a phoenix on it.

-

A few hours later, she found herself in the throne room, standing beside the throne as if she belonged there. No one seemed to notice, except for Tory who already despised her, no matter what she did.

"This is not good," a man stated the obvious, pacing the floor.

A few others nodded or agreed vocally. It was some time until she figured out why they wet we so upset.

"You know what this means."

"Its a grave situation. I fear-"

"Phoenix don't fear!"

"Well I fear. What does that make me?"

"A deit. That's what!"

What is a deit? She shook her head.

"Without our contestant, they will surely win."

Ah. There it was.

"We have no one else. She was the strongest."

"What about, Valia?"

"No, Xim."

"There is no one." This time, an old man spoke. He had kept silent through it all until now. By the way he silenced the room, she could tell everyone respected him most. "We prepare for war."

They all hung their heads, silently accepting the cold hard truth. Winter was not so disappointed.

"Wait! We have someone!" Ni shouted, coming into the room. Winter looked behind her, wondering if Ambrose was close behind. He had stayed to make sure the people calmed down including their not so friendly guests. "Winter!"

The princess threw her hand up and pointed her index finger at Winter. Winter glared. She had purposely picked the spot furthest away possible to go undetected. She had spoiled her plans.

All eyes turned to her, then an eruption of questions.

She did not move. In fact, she barely even blinked an eye at the men. Tory was glaring, the old man was watching her with curiosity, and all the others looked at her with doubt. The chorus of voices were shut down by a simple flick if the old man's wrist. She had to admit, she liked the guy.

"Are you able to fight?"

She nodded. Yes. She could fight.

"Then it is decided! She will fight!"

The room exploded again. This time, with shouts of joy.


guest1220

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #8 on: October 14, 2016, 10:11:38 pm »
The room was too crowded for his liking. He bumped others with a man as he took her hand into the crook of his arm. Her hand was soft and cool, like always. The coolness of her skin did not bother him. He was always too warm anyway. When he was a kid, his parents always thought he was feverish, but it was always just his natural temp.

It also didn't bother him that she was so quiet, but it did bother him that she was always keeping things to herself. Jayle stopped them and commented on the way Winter looked. His grip tightened on her. If it wasn't for politics, he would not stop long enough to entertain the man.

"No," he said in unison with Winter. "She isn't. She's just visiting."

Then, another came up. As his sister's adviser, he was around often, talking too much and being too nosey. It was quickly that things escalated and Winter excused herself.

"Winter," he called after her, but she was already gone. "I think that's enough alcohol for you. Go home."

He glowered at the man before heading off to track down Winter. It didn't make sense why she would get so upset. She did save his sister. Something told him she was not just being modest.

"Hey." He caught her by the wrist when he had finally reached her. "You okay?"

guest1266

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2016, 02:03:12 pm »
Naturally, her body relaxed as a familiar face came forward. She had to admit, he cleaned up well.

To his question, she merely inclined her chin. For most, it was infuriating that she always seemed to keep her thoughts to herself, sharing as little as possible. As she accepted his arm, she looked for any trace of annoyance along his features.

There was no denying the little twinge of irritation as they went together through the crowd. She was being stubborn, but she could not help herself. He thought so little of her! It was shallow of him to judge her by her age. Had she not proven how capable she was, to him?

"Radiant, child," said a man in tribal ceremonial attire, as he stepped in front of them, blocking their path. He was short, hardly a foot taller than Ni. "Simply radiant. Are you here as a contestant as well?"

Winter eyed the man as a sense of familiarity sank into her bones. Not being able to place the man was like having an untouchable itch.

"No." Whoever he was, she did not trust him.

But then, she did not trust anyone.

"Jayle! Why there you are! Talking with the prince and-"

The next man who had joined them was much taller than the first. His cheeks were red, no less as a result of the alcohol in his hand.

"Winnie!  I can't believe it's you!" the man exclaimed, startling her.

"Winter," she corrected, glaring at the man.

The man cleared his throat and adjusted his position so that he was standing up straighter. "My apologies. Ni never said your full name. I'm internally grateful for what you did."

The other man gawked at him. "What are you talking about?"

"Will you excuse me?" Winter asked, removing herself from Ambrose's arm and leaving the conversation.

It wasn't a secret. She had saved the princess. No one really knew what had happened since the only ones present were that man- her advisor in court-, Ambrose, Ni, and her. People had heard rumors, but given the gravity of the situation, no one had leaked too much information.

It did not feel right. Why should they praise her for saving someone's sister when she had helped kill hers?

guest1220

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2016, 04:18:14 pm »
As was customary, he greeted the guests. There were many travelers and beautiful conestants, but his mind was too scrambled to notice. Playing the role of a diplomat was easy. Just make the women swoon and stroke the mens' egos and all was well. Tonight was different.

Earlier he had spoken with Tory some more. Something deep down warned against trusting the man, but who else could he trust? If the Shrange won the tournament, not only would he have to marry as soon as the girl turned eighteen which was this coming week, but he would basically forfeit everything over to them. The contestant chosen from their own kingdom was talented, but she was no match against the Shange who trained all their children in combat. No. They needed another way.

On top of everything, Winter was seemingly distraught. He was not even sure why. After working at the site, she seemed oddly mad at him. Maybe she was upset because he dragged her out there, despite having told her she did not have to go.

He shook his head, determined to not dwell on it any longer. Just as he did, the room fell strangely quiet. He looked up to see his sister stepping off of the staircase and smiled, believing that everyone had silenced for her entrance.

A man nudged another man in front of him and point to the very top of the staircase. He followed the direction and understood at once why everyone was speechless.

It was Winter. She held herself well, with her chin fixed at a level that was not too low or too high, just perfectly placed in confidence. In fact, she appeared to be getting ready for war rather than for a dance. Her blue eyes shifted across the crowd, but whatever she was thinking was a mystery as usual. The dress hugged her curves like a glove, emphasizing what he had missed before. She looked as radiant as a goddess.

He weaved through the crowd until he found her turning down another man. The man looked hurt, but took the hint and left. For some reason, it made Ambrose's chest swell up with pride when she turned the man down. "Winter? I thought you didn't like dances- or people."

Before anyone else could sweep her away, he held out his arm to her.

"Might as well make the best out of it, aye?"

guest1383

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2016, 01:17:29 pm »
Their banter brought to memory her own siblings, and with them, a bitter taste along with a painful pang of guilt. She ignored the pain and waited until it faded into the noise of the world around them. When Ambrose claimed she was not old enough, she raised her chin and met his gaze levelly.

Why was he growing so agitated?

It was true. She was sixteen. But she felt years older, as if somehow youth had skimmed over her. There was no going back from the hell of the past.

Instead of joining in, she allowed him to think as he might, and then watched him power across the span of the area to where the trouble had ensued.

"You are old enough," Ni insisted, tugging at her arm.

Winter looked down at her. "How old do you have to be?

Ni crossed her arms. "There's not a set age, but I heard they've had as young as nine before."

"What is the tournament?"

The child considered her seriously. "Its a ceremony. Different tribes as well as our own enters one girl. They all go against each other. The last one standing wins."

That did not sound that bad. "Do they fight each other?"

Ni shook her head and tugged at one of her brown braids. "They use knives and cut themselves. Whoever can get as much cuts without losing wins."

"That sounds..." Barbaric. "... interesting."

Ni nodded. "It is!"

Winter quieted, deep within her own thoughts, as they watched the men rebuild the balcony. In the midst of it, she could see Ambrose helping. His shirt expanded as his muscles flexed beneath the heavy burden of carrying the wood.

Winter cleared her throat. "What is the prize if they win?"

Ni frowned at the question and kicked at the grass. "The winner marries my brother."

-

Sometime later, once all the preparations were in order, Winter caught up with Ambrose again. Apparently, there was to be a large ball of sorts to usher in the traveling guests and those in the tournament.

Winter had no plans on attending despite knowing Ambrose would have to go. She would be wise to get what she came for and leave as soon as possible.

"I'll see you in the morning," she would mutter to him.

The conversation with his sister had soured her mood towards him.

Not old enough? She was sixteen! And so what if she entered the tournament. Was she really that appalling? Not that she wanted to get married, but he would he lucky to have her!

She could not bring herself to quite believe the last part, but she still didn't think she was that bad.

Unless he already had eyes for someone else.

Maybe that was why he was upset the one tribe entered a contestant.

In the castle now, she found herself in the large library that kept thousands of old text and scrolls. She was in search of one in particular. It was the entire reason why she had come here in the first place.

Yet, no matter how hard she looked, she could not find it.

The night tarried on as the candle that illuminated the texts on the counter she was at, burned through its last few minutes of wax. She always felt like she was just one turn of a page away from discovering the answer, when the text left her hanging.

"Winnie, I-"

Winter nearly jumped out of her skin. Having been so deep in reading, she had not heard the young girl enter the library. The girl stood, holding a lantern with blue flames in one hand, and a mess of fabric in the other. Her dark hair was tied up against her head and a mixture of glitter and shine coated her dark shoulders.

She wore an elegant, golden dress that was nothing short of fitting for royalty.

All in all, she looked much better than when Winter had first met her.

"Ni, what are you doing here? Isn't it late?"

The child grinned. "The party is just getting started silly. The guests are coming in now. It's not too late for you to go."

Winter looked back to the mound of research before her shook her head. "I'm reading right now, Ni."

There came a soft, yet firm 'clap'. Winter turned and saw that the girl had seemingly stomped her foot. Given her short and thin stature, the weight of seriousness along her delicate features was all too amusing. It took a lot not to laugh.

"Books can wait! Boys can't! Please, Winter, I don't want to be alone with Aim, he's just so bossy and you're a girl. I bet you'd let me dance with the prince of Nejeh if I wanted to!"

The girl was very stubborn, Winter gave her that. "Look Ni, I don't want to interfere."

Ni sniffled. "Please. I heard Tory talking to Geral, they said the contestant of Shange is very strong. It is likely she will get it."

Winter frowned. Weren't they talking about going to a dance, not the festival? "Your brother will do well with whomever wins. He will make a good husband."

Winter nearly choked at 'husband'.

Ni shook her head fervently. "The Shange are a very cruel people. If they win, they will invade and take over. We will never be at peace. Aim thinks I'm too young to understand, but I heard them talking."

Winter soaked in the information. Why hadn't Ambrose talked with her about it? She pursed her lips and eyed the thing in Ni's arm.

"Is that my dress?"

Ni beamed. "Yes! And it's your color!"

-

By the time the servants had detangled her hair and brushed on some suspicious powder onto her face, as well as forced her into the dress, the ball was in full swing.

Winter stood at the top of the staircase, fidgeting. Ni giggled beside her.

"Just copy me, you'll be fine. My brother is going to drool all over you."

Frowning, Winter seriously doubted the girl's ability to read her brother. Winter was in no way looking to make anyone drool, much less someone who had more interest in a rock than her.

In full confidence, Nioma strutted forward. The nine year old embodied grace in a strangely intimidating way as she descended the staircase. Winter took a breath and followed her.

The light hit her as she stepped out, blinding her momentarily. As she came into view, the room hushed.

Not that she could blame them, the dress was just plain stunning. Like blue fire, the skirt of the dress was darker than the top, but different hues of blue and black meshed together, flowing beautifully.  Whomever had dyed the material, had a crafty ability to mold the colours specifically to enhance the curvature of her body.

Her white hair fell along her shoulders, barely reaching them in their short height. After her father had passed, she had cut it in attempt to shake off the past.

She had not seen her appearance yet, but trusted the servants did a good job on her hair and make up.

All eyes on her dress, she braced the crowd. She couldn't think of it as a dance, rather a battle. Breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth, she tried not think how ridiculous she looked sporting a dress much fancier and gawdy than her slim body could hold. Other women could pull of flashy attire, but she did good to hold her own in a hoodie and jeans.

At the bottom of the stairs she looked out over the crowd. Here she felt like nothing more than another fish among a sea of sharks.

Maybe she should go back and read...

"Excuse me, may I have this dance?" asked a tall, handsome man with dreadlocks tied behind his head.

She eyed the hand he held out for her. "I don't dance."

Where was Ambrose?

guest1220

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2016, 12:06:29 pm »
He took notice of her refusal to give an outright answer go her being here. It intrigued him.

"Yes, it's the annual festival where my people pay respect to the phoenix." He didn't look up at her as he focused his attention on the place around them. It was very busy today, making it difficult for him to get to the site quickly. But at least it was easy to blend in and remain under the radar. He took a sideways glance at the girl next to him. Winter was on edge beneath her cool and collected front. He could not understand why she was so uptight all the tiime, but they both had their secrets.

"Nino, don't you have anywhere else to be?" he groaned. "Surely there's an unfortunate soul somewhere else you can torment?"

She ignored him as her and Winter talked. He smiled to himself as he watched them wind in and out of the crowd together. He owed Winter everything for what she had done for him with his sister. He fell partially behind as the crowd thickened. As they neared the outskirts of downtown, it thinned enough to allow him to catch up to them. When he had, he immediately wished he hadn't.

"Nino," he growled. "Winter is not old enough. Beside, the contestants are already chosen."

Ambrose ignored those prying blue eyes from Winter. They were too much sometimes.

"It doesn't," he answered her flatly.

They had arrived at the site now and from the looks of it, not a moment too late. The workers were arguing and the arena was a mess.

"Winter is old enough," Nioma argued.

Like twigs, her arms dangled at her sides.  She was still recovering. Still so breakable.

"That's enough, Nino. Winter does not belong with us. Go lie down some more. You shouldn't be out in thus chaos." There was a sudden commotion and then the entire East balcony that overlooked the arena shifted and crumbled in a heap of wood and nails. Along with all the other men, he cursed. "You two stay here. I'm going to go help."

With that, he sprinted over to the other guys to help.

guest1383

  • Guest
Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2016, 11:50:03 am »
When Ambrose looked for her opinion on doing whatever it was he had said they were going to do, she merely stared back without giving any indication to what she wanted. This was his kingdom. His home. She was merely a tag along guest. A guest that did not belong here more than he was aware.

Once Tory had left, Winter methodically sidestepped his inquiry with one of her own.

"What is the Blood Festival?" she asked, as they departed and went to look at the site he was speaking about.

The air buzzed with untapped energy, like a volcano blowing out warning puffs of smoke. It was a wonder no one felt it, especially Ambrose. Maybe he did. It would explain why he was so on edge.

Stone steps soon gave way to colorful brick as they came onto the path that led into the center of the kingdom. Unlike typical kingdoms with walls and fortresses, this was all open. Beautiful tropical plants and animals wandered freely down the streets beside the people. Their stunning culture was vividly showcased in the artwork strewn along the buildings of the marketplace. Nearly all of the people had olive colored complexion, which was a stark contrast to Ambrose.

She eyed him then, out of her peripheral. His skin was tanned, much darker than her blinding pale skin, yet shades lighter than those around them. One of his parents clearly had not been from this tribe.

"Winnie!"

Out of nowhere, a pair if slender arms folded around her waist and hugged her as tightly as their maturing forms could muster.

There was only one, ONE, person who could live after calling her that ridiculous nickname, and it was only because it was impossible to say no to those big, blue eyes.

Winter smiled and hugged the small girl back, mindful of her current state. "Hello, Nioma."

Ni grinned, looking up at her as her long braids fell around her bare shoulders. "You came back!"

Winter patted her on the head. Normally she shied away from children or old people. They were much too needy and handsy. Also, they saw too much. It was hard to fool them.

"Of course, what would your brother do without me?"

Ni giggled and took her hand, leading her through the crowd that was busy shopping and working. "Everyone is getting ready for the blood festival. I made my own dress! It's blue, just like my eyes, Fifi said. Are you going to the festival?"

Winter thought back to her own homeland. It would be best if she didn't stay. "No, I have to go home."

Nioma stopped in her tracks, nearly causing Winter to plow into her. "But you can't yet! You have to enter the tournament! Please, Winnie! I don't like anyone else in it."

The child's begging did nothing to help her confusion. Winter frowned and looked to Ambrose for answers.

"What does it matter if you don't like them?"

guest1220

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Re: Raging Storm
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2016, 05:45:03 pm »
Home.

To many home was a safe haven, a sanctuary away from the turmoil of life, but for him it was a place of endless responsibilities and work. When they reached the palace, already they were greeted by officials asking his permission or his advice for things.

He had returned because something was not right, but it was now clear that he had been wrong. Everything was exactly the same.

After the officials left, Tory, his advisor, knocked and then came in, spouting out the customary greeting. Before Ambrose could respond, Winter replied, butchering the tradition, but at least she tried. Because she did, he granted her an amused, half smile that did not quite reach his eyes.

"What is it Tory?" His eyes flitted to the man's waistband, half expecting him to pull the dagger from it and attack.

It was no secret the man hated him, but Ambrose kept him on trusting that his loyalty to the crown was stronger than flimsy rivalries, and also because he risked his own life in attempt to save his father.

"The blood festival preperations are underway. We need your participation and also to decide the final competitors for the finale. It is rumored the Shange are entering their warrior."

Ambrose's lips curled into a frown. If that were true, they were in trouble.

"I'll decide soon. For now, Winter and I are going to go out and check out the site, I think," he replied, looking to Winter for her to agree or disagree.

Tory placed his right fist over his chest and bowed before exiting. Once he was gone, he sighed and turned to Winter, running his hand through his hair.

"I don't know why you came back," he said, studying her with curiosity hinting at his gaze. "It's all just business stuff. If you want to stay, you're more than welcome, but I have a lot to do."

guest1383

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Raging Storm
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2016, 01:29:54 pm »
His home was exactly like they had left it: chaotic and miserably hot. Her skin quickly became sticky and her hair obtained some abnormal curl to it due to the horrible humidity of the place. Despite the heat, the world around them flourished with greenery, complimented by colorful plants that hung in the backdrop next to mountains that lined the horizon. But none of that was what had drawn Winter here.

The palace in which they stood in was immaculate, lacking nothing in terms of royal grandeur. At her feet, golden spirals intertwined with marble, paving the entryway. At the center of the room stood proudly a phoenix statue with rocky imitations of fire molded around its wings and parted beak. It would have been beautiful if it were not tainted with the memories of blood and death.

Her thoughts were abruptly cut off by the rapping of knuckles against a stone pillar a few feet from her.

"Blessed be the fire within you," said a white haired man with beady, blue eyes.

He wore the ceremonial robes of a priest, with a colorful hat that covered his balding hairline. Heavier than most she had seen here, his wealth was evident in his rounded belly as well as the many rings flattering his knuckles.

"And let you always rise from the ashes," she said, finishing the traditional greeting of his people.

There was no fire within her. Only frozen fractals.

Winter shifted, distributing her weight to one leg, and folded her arms across her chest, watching the man. She did not trust him or hardly anyone else from this realm. There was too much political struggle and too little advocates the vouch for those in poverty. Ambrose, despite being the next in the bloodline to rule, he was hardly interested in the politics which made him a weak candidate. But then, he was also very much still young.

No matter the case, it was not her place to say anything. But she knew from the look in some of the peoples' eyes, some would much rather have Ambrose out of the picture so that they would be able to rule for themselves.

If that were to ever happen, she feared what it would do to those without a voice. Without him, his realm would crumble. 

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