There stands many kingdoms on the world of Illaria. But none so prominent as the six on the continent of Falzan. Composed of various climates due to the effects of powerful magic coursing through the land, it stands as a rare jewel on the world where powerful forces shape the very lives of those around it.

Welvin, the windy country stood to the east, proud of its achievements in building among the mountains and floating stones of the energy-rich environment.
North of them, Gaosan a land of proud craftsmen, tough, hardy fold living in and around the mountains, known to all as the dwarves.
To their west, the land of Shahal, a cold winter land, but rich in mineral resources and precious metals, its people far warmer than the climate they hail from.
To their south, Varshan, the land of the forest dwelling elves, lovers and protectors of nature, skilled warriors and huntsmen, wise but proud.
To the south of them, Risan, the desert country, a difficult climate for any people, but a land filled with intrigue and strong people whose efforts to work even their own harsh environments is paid in kind.
And finally to their east, Kalahn, the lightning country. Battered by storms, but never beaten, the people have come to understand the ways of nature and even utilized it to their advantage, learning to overcome even the most dangerous of weather.

These six lands form a circle, a reasonable balance was found between them, though there may have been disputes and arguments, no wars had broken out among them for over a century. With fair trade, truce agreements and even aid from their neighboring kingdoms in troubled times, each ruled over their own lands and dealt with one another reasonably enough.
It seemed to last well enough, at least until the Empire came. The Drakon Empire. The hollow beast from far-western lands. They crossed a mighty ocean on vessels made of steel, fueled by magic of their own but with a twisted agenda of domination, suppression of other lands.

They took over the lands further west of Varshan, mostly untouched, with plenty of resources and a scattered populace of tribes and independent towns. But still their hunger was not sated, they saw the center of power in the six kingdoms and so began to encroach on the elven territories of Varshan, sewing seeds of war along the borders of the forests, the cold northern Shahal and even Risan.
With the use of weaponry they called firearms, and cannons far more powerful than anything the kingdoms had seen before, they have steadily been dominating the land they encroached, with Varshan being their first major target.


In order to discuss these events, a conclave was called, a meeting on true neutral ground for the six kingdoms, on holy ground at the center of their kingdoms, a silent palace with no king watched over by a monk-like order of individuals known as the Keepers, holy, wise, caring people, but strong. They welcomed the six kingdoms leaders into their halls and stood silent vigil as the matter of the Drakon empire was discussed. It was quickly agreed among them that Drakon posed a major threat to their way of peace and stability. And so the Alliance of Six was formed.

The leaders parted ways, to return to their kingdoms with the news, but not all things end in so simple a fashion, this was to be a much more surprising war than could ever be realized..

The long meetings had finally came to a end. Snow herself was still trying to wrap her head around the different arguments that many of the leaders had used. Not one of their ideas made everyone happy. At times most of the leaders seemed to only care about themselves. What bothered her more was their general lack of concern for their people. A large majority of them where worried about their natural resources and not their people. This concept was a new one for her. The people of the land where the most precious resource. She could not understand why any would feel that human life wasn't the most important concern, at the current moment. The people are what make a nation great. She couldn't imagine losing any of her people. Of the leaders she was more laid back and sought peace before war. She honestly had no military experience unlike some of the other leaders. In truth she had no experience ruling a kingdom. The meetings had shown her how little she truly knew about her own neighbors and their methods of ruling.

Her parents had not thought to teach her anything of ruling. They had let her spend her time among the people. She was use to helping others and solving everyday issues that occur. When her parents suddenly died on a mission to another land it was truly a devastating day. Her dear brother had went with them and some how along with a group of soldiers survived that day. However that left the Kingdom to her and Frost to rule. Due to her age it was determined she would take the crown on her seventieth birthday. Unlike most people her brother held no malice towards her. If anything he seemed relieved and spent his time at her side. In truth the pair rule together and the people seem to like that. Frost has immense knowledge with military matters and has a way with words, witch makes him very invaluable to her. She had been thankful for years that some how he had been spared. He was her rock and the reason she could stand up to anything. She knew that he always had her back and would never leave her. In truth he was her most prized possession if that was even possible.

Snow had let her guard down as she thought on the meetings. She looked up long enough hearing a strange sound behind them. Her eyes widen as she saw bright coming at them. Before she could scream she felt some one grab her arm and pull her from her carriage. She closed her eyes as she heard screams and felt the pain. She let out her own scream as she was sent flying through the air. She landed roughly hitting a rocky cliff wall injuring herself from the impact. She finally open her eyes as a sudden blizzard swept through the area. She looked up not seeing her brother anywhere. The storm growing in intensity from her own fear. She held her arm as blood streamed from it. She looked around her guards gone and her brother nowhere to be seen. She trembled as she heard someone approaching. She tried to move but wasn't making it any where to fast. She was so thankful when Frost found her. She shuttered against him as she heard others approaching. Was this a attack by the others. Did people really dislike her so much they wanted her dead?, those where the thoughts that ran through her head as she closed her head and prayed for a swift death if it was their time.

Frost kept his spot at the rear of the small caravan. He had felt something was off the entire day. He knew his sister was to lost in her thoughts to have noticed how shady some of the men where acting. The other guards had noticed it as well. He had to admit some of those guards they had passed didn't feel right. He had been to different kingdoms and all guards had a set way of doing their jobs. The ones they had seen at a passing didn't act like any guards he knew. Something about them really rubbed him wrong. Frost looked up as he heard something. He turned as he saw those same men high above them. "What in the wr....." Before he could finish his own sentence he saw a flash of light come from something they held. Without hesitation he ran to the carriage and grabbed his sister pulling her to his side. He had her in his arms as he started to run when the magical blast hit. He let out a scream at he went flying losing Snow. He landed and rose quickly to his feet as he looked around. A powerful blizzard began to sweep through the area. "SNOW!!!" He screamed knowing she was hurt for the blizzard to appear. He pulled out his sword as he ran through the raging snow. Unlike most he was use to having to hunt in this kind of weather. He quickly found Snow on the ground a trail dramatic red against the newly fallen snow leading him right to her. He quickly reached her and pulled her to him as he held her close. He looked around there was no way they would escape. He was to tired and Snow was in no shape for running. He braced himself holding out his right hand in front of him and snow. The gold armored glove he wore with the ruby crystal glowed as a large gold shield formed from it. He braced himself as he heard the men starting to approach.

"Well what have we here..?" A man spoke to himself from where he watched. A procession.. a caravan, looked pretty important, what with all those Shahal guards. What caught his attention, however, was the silently pursuing force. They looked to have been following for a little while yet, and they were already quite a distance from the temple of the Keepers. He'd traveled enough to know the uniforms he could see. Those were Gaosan uniforms, at least they certainly took on that appearance. however they held something that they shouldn't. Those were firearms hidden among their usual array of weapons.

of course once the fighting broke out, he got to see more of what was going on. Especially how those Gaosan soldiers had immediately switched to using their rifles. How was anyone supposed to guard against guys like that shooting some-one in the back? But there was a problem with this situation, a problem he couldn't agree with, in fact it tainted the very honor of a Gaosan guard to do what they were doing. But something more.

The man in the red coat could see the blizzard striking up, that certainly was a saving grace for those being attacked. He didn't recognize them as anyone really, but they were certainly the target of this little shambles. He looked over his shoulder at a girl that was following him quietly. She stared at the scene in silence, blue eyes locked on the opposition, those attacking the two. Though her eyes then turned to the man with the golden gauntlet. Her lips twitched slightly, but a salways she said nothing,
"So whaddya think? Meddle?" The male asked, the girl looked up at them, then nodded once, "Alright then." He smirked, pulling up the lengthy gun he had in hand, "Do me a favor, switch it to fire." He added. the girl nodded, brushing her hand past the barrel, there was a red spark of light but then it vanished.

As soon as she'd finished he set off at a sprint. He dashed along through the snow quickly, a flurry of snow whirling up behind him before he leaped through the air, landing on the carriage with more than an audible crackling of wood beneath the impact,
"Who the hell?!" One of the attackers yelled, looking up at the dark-haired individual. He only had a brief second to register that a gun was pointed right back at him. There was a gunshot, a sound like ringing silver after an explosion. A streak of fire burst across the air and struck the attacking soldier before he burst into flames, screaming. He flailed and twisted on the spot, but there was no hope for him. The remianing soldiers were stunned, wathcing the scene with almost morbid awe before they looked up.

The man with the dark hair had something of a cruel face as he stared down at them, if anyhting the man practically oozed the feeling of danger, enough so that the men hesitated enough for him to speak,
"Well, well. Isn't this interesting.. You look like Gaosan soldiers on the outside, but on the inside.. I don't think you're even from the six kingdoms.. Are you?"
"H-How the hell would you know that??" One protested, but the dark-haired man simply grinned,
"Because you just gave yourself up.. That and look at you, those rifles, they're straight from Drakon, brand new and shiny with the Drakon insignia printed on the side of their barrels. Oh and a little hint about Gaosan troops? They don't attack you from behind, they would consider it dishonorable and rude. They aren't exactly the sneaky type. And to top off this little expositional onslaught; they would never fight with weapons they hadn't forged themselves."
"To hell with it, shoot him, kill the Queen and her brother, the emperor commands it!" By the time this sentence was finished; another gunshot sounded and the one yelling was soon set ablaze like his compatriot. But now they started firing back. except their target was no longer in sight, at least not on the carriage,
"Where'd he go? Who is this guy?!"

"Peekaboo." The next one heard a voice behind him as the red-adorned stranger appeared once more. He felt the barrel of the gun against the back of his skull. The soldier froze, he knew what was coming, the look of fear in his eyes was easy to see before the trigger was pulled. His head disappeared, the stump between his shoulders now nothing more than a smoking cinder.
"Got him!" A soldier called, aiming and firing, however the man was gone again, having dashed out of the way so quickly that the bullet instead struck one of his allies, their assailant giggling almost like a naughty school boy,
"Oh that looked like it hurt! You guys cant aim to save your life!"

The girl finally appeared closer to the scene. It looked like her companion was successfully causing chaos between the pursuers. She seemed to land out of nowhere by Snow and Frost, her back turned tot hem both, even as winds whipped up her coat. She stood firmly in place, as if guarding them both. Her arms hung at her sides and she continued to watch.

A soldier had been trying to get closer to where Snow and Frost were, however upon spotting this girl, he leveled his rifle, aiming it her way. She didn't seem to blink or move, not until he was ready to pull the trigger. She took a deep breath, turned her head towards the man and opened her mouth. The result was a stream of fire, jetting towards the man and engulfing him almost as suddenly as a bullet could strike its target. This would have come as strange to anyone. Magic was often cast with a focus, or with the hands, or with some form of incantation. But the girl just breathing fire like that alone should have struck several chords of impossible. Yet she simply stood straight again,s taring at the soldiers as they continued to chase after this new threat. They were outclassed and soon there wouldn't be any of them left to even realize it.

Frost lowered his shield so he could peer out at the scene before them. He arched a brow as he heard shots being fired. However he couldn't really see in great detail due to the storm. His eyes widen as he saw a beautiful young girl appear. He watched as the man aimed his gun. "NO!!! Get out of..." Before he could finish he watched the girl eliminate the man rather quickly. He was in shock as he felt Snow start to shutter more from the scene. He looked to her as he saw her arm still bleeding pretty badly. "You have stop shaking and clam down. We need to stop the bleeding." He said to her as he ripped of a strip of his shirt and wrapped it around her arm. He let his Shield down his attention on Snow. He knew this wasn't the smartest idea but with the girl there he honestly felt they where safe for the moment. He held Snow's arm applying pressure on it. He counted to ten and then removed his hands from her arm as he saw the bleeding had stopped for now. He smiled at her as he turned back to the others. He wondered who these two where and the attackers. Though from the commotion he had heard the Empire. So this was a power play. He looked to Snow who by now was nothing more than a doll. Snow had never been around death. This was her fist time seeing any of this. He held her close to him as he finally saw the other guy. He held out his hand as he focused on the storm using it to help conceal the Man. He did the same with himself and both girls.

He watched the last few men head towards the other man as he grinned. Ice walls shot up in front of the men as he forced them in one area. "That should help keep the last ones contained." He said as he looked to Snow. "It's ok your safe for now." He said hoping that the two that had saved them weren't going to turn and kill them. He would fight to the death for his sister. However if they wanted them dead it would have been easier for the pair to just let the others kill them. He had a feeling they where here to save them.


Snow watched the girl appear as she looked to Frost. Her eyes widen as she watched the scene unfold. She closed her eyes as she screamed from seeing the man die. She shook hard as she tried to get the images she just saw out of her mind. She looked up to Frost as she looked to her arm. She tried to calm down so her arm would stop bleeding so bad. She sat there and calmed down as she watched Frost help the other man. She kept quiet and could only see what the girl had done. It was awful she had never seen such things. She never wanted to see it again. However she feared that it was something she would have to become accustom to. She would have to toughen up if she was going to survive. Tears fell from her eyes as she thought of her own guards. They where her friends and she knew each of their families. How could she tell them that they died. She was really a pathetic ruler. She needed to be more like these two. Even if she didn't like it she needed to learn to be ruthless and powerful. Or more of her people's blood would be on her hands. The thoughts make her shutter again. How would she explain this to the guards children. The thought of having to face the families upset her more than anything. Tears streamed from her face as she though more and more on her guards families.

The aid of the blizzard had certainly helped, with this much cover and a natural instinct for combat, the dark-haired man easily cut down the remaining attackers with his short-sword. There was a brief hesitation as he saw the ice walls come up to contain the last two men. He took a few steps toward it and knocked on the ice a moment, he could hear the contained soldiers beating on the inside of their prison, yelling could be heard from over the top of the large, solid shards, but he only laughed in response to it all, he had a vulgar cackle, almost like he was no better than a common thug, but he was nowhere near that,
"I hope that wasn't the best the Empire's got, what a bunch of amateurs.." He commented. The man briefly popped the revolving chamber of his weapon sideways. There was a crimson crystal in the round chamber, he touched it softly with the tips of his fingers but withdrew them just as quickly,
"Yeow! Still too hot!" He complained, sticking his fingers into his mouth quickly, but then he pressed them against the ice, ".. That's better.."

The girl turned calmly on her heels, the fighting over and the last two opponents captured by this snow man's magic, she stared at him sternly, but she didn't say anything, her eyes were intently focused on the golden gauntlet on his arm, but she peeled her eyes away from it to stare at snow. She silently encroached on the two, a clear look of disdain on her face as she slowly raised her right hand.
Lines began to form in the air, circles taking shape in front of her palm. It was magic again, but not fire, no instead it glowed with a gentle sea green, one that lit the air around them. The snow around them seemed to halt in the air, as if time were freezing, but she was still advancing. The rings of green expanded, the circles stretching out across Frost and Snow. It was healing magic, sacrificing the mental energy of magic for physical regeneration. The sensation would have been one of warmth, settling around the injuries that had been suffered and forcing the flesh to grow back into place, pushing out shrapnel and unwanted foreign bodies.
Again this might have seemed strange. Few mages were ever skilled enough to use two forms of magic, those who were would have at least been ten years her senior or more. Once she was done, she dropped her hand again. She didn't speak, she didn't say a word, not a phrase or an incantation, instead she turned on her heel and folded her arms as the man with the gun approached, his weapons crossed behind his shoulders,
"Dont blame yourself bud, sneak attacks are a cowards way of winning.. Man I bet you'd have been a royal pain to fight if those idiots had come at you head on."

The girl stared at him and he frozen in place a moment before grinning nervously,
"Right, right.. Manners.." He replied, before he stared at Snow and Frost,
"I don't know who you guys are, but I'm Kline. And this squirt here is Bradley.." The girl named Bradley glared at him, but the man only chuckled, "That's right, squirt, squirty-squirt-squirt!" He teased, though she only reached over and softly punched him in the gut. He let out a slight "oof~!", as if pretending it had actually hurt, but then stared at Snow and Frost again, "You two okay?"

Frost watched the girl or Bradley as she was called. He had never seen such magic. She was very powerful and certainty someone he didn't want to deal with. He slowly stood as he looked to the bold man named Kline. He gave a humble bow to the pair before rising. " I am Prince Frost and this is her royal highest Queen Snow. Thank you for your swift action. I felt those guards where shady. I have seen many guards and none have ever acted as they did. You two are really special and powerful." He said as he looked the pair over. He wondered about the gun that Kline used his attention turned back to Snow who just sat there still in shock. He looked to where her eyes where fixed. He could only hang his head as he had a guess what was going through her mind.

He watched as she moved to where the dead guards laid. He slowly moved to where Kline and Bardley stood as he watched his sister. " You must excuse her. She have never seen death up close. Those men she has known since birth. In all honesty we both have but Snow has a special bond with our people. As much as I would love to take them home and bury them properly, I don't feel that is the smartest thing at this point. I doubt we where the only ones attacked. We need to find out what those two know and what the power play really is. Though staying here isn't a good idea either." He said as he thought about the different out comes. "Should problem lose the crown and dress. Maybe we should die here." He said as he walked to where Snow was.

"Snow we need to start moving. You need to change make it look like they killed you. " He said as he walked to the wall where the two men where enclosed. "For our guards and their families." He said as he quickly pulled out his sword. In one quick motion the sword slide across the ice. The men laughed till their eyes widen and their lifeless body fell to the ground. The Ice crumbled around them as he put his stainless blade away. He turned as he looked at Snow. He watched as she kissed each guard and imprisoned their bodies in a coffin of ice. She took great care to pose each one making ice flowers for each one. The care that was put into each coffin was evident. None of them where the same each one was different just like each guard. He closed his eyes he couldn't yell at her for doing this. She had a big heart and that was something he couldn't punish her for. He slowly walked up to where she sat her appearance now changed. She looked like one of their young girls. Her crown and dress laid in the carriage damaged and bloody. He could see the sadness still looming in her eyes as she slowly stood by him.


Snow kept quiet she was thankful for Bradley and Kline. Her mind however could only focus on her guards. They where her friends and didn't deserve to die like this. She slowly rose as she looked at each one. She softly closed each one's eyes and kissed their fore head. She tried to clean them up with her dress and make them look more like themselves. She looked at the military adviser who had been with them. He was more of a father to her than any. She softly kissed his face and made each one a special coffin. She wished that she could have taken them home. However she knew Frost was correct he was always correct about these things. Once she was done with the men she walked to the carriage as she closed her eyes, a blue light surrounding her. The light was blinding as it faded her appearance had changed completely. Her dress laid in the carriage along with her crown. She walked back to the coffins and sat in front of them. She blocked out Frost killing as best as she could. However she knew that was the right things to do for the families of the dead men. She turned as she heard Frost. She slowly stood as she looked to Bradley and Kline.

"Thank you for your kindness." She said finally as she bowed to them. She slowly rose as her eyes stared at the frozen ground. The air was still cold just like her heart she thought as she stood there. How was she going to explain this and what if their people thought they where dead? She looked up to Frost as she started to question him. " If we are dead what of our people. What if they slaughter them? " She asked as she stared at him. " Our people can't fight against those weapons. I-I doubt any of the kingdoms could. This is what the others where warning about. So this is just a taste of the empires powers. Frost we can't let them harm the innocent. Image how many bodies will fall if they gain more power. What do we do now? " She asked as she started to come out of her shock.

"Those men weren't really guards though, hell they weren't even members of the Gaosan guard. Bunch of fakers," the rough man spat in the direction of one of the bodies. He shifted, slipping his gun back into its holster and eventually sheathing his blade too. Though Frost's action to kill the two men caught him a little by surprise,
"You wanted to know what they knew, but instead you kill them? Not sure how that works, but whatever.." He rested his hands on his hips, watching as Bradley continued to observe the two silently. She stood by the man named Kline, unflinching, if anything she was like a polar opposite to snow in terms of reaction, she'd certainly gone so far as to kill one of the men, there was little remorse to give.

Snows words mad the man looked back at her a moment before he stifled a laugh,
"You're kidding.. Right..? I mean I know you're a queen and all but how high up in that ivory tower do you live? You cant let them harm the innocent? What are you going to do to stop that from happening? Freeze time itself? Right at this very moment do you wanna know what's happening in Drakon's territory, west of here?" The man questioned, folding his arms and frowning as he freed one hand to wave it whilst he spoke, simply making his point, "Innocent people are being used as slaves, being tortured for information, being hurt, being killed. And these guards of yours too. And whoever they killed for those Gaosan uniforms. Through their actions alone they're hurting innocent people, the families of these slain men and all those they cause suffering."

Bradley glanced aside to the man a moment. His face had gone dark again, both Kline and herself were different kinds of beasts, they'd certainly made that eminently clear, but Kline allowed his rage to come tot he surface like this, especially when he was angered. The actions of those false Gaosan troops alone were enough to bring forward that anger, but he relaxed again when he spied that look from her. The man sighed and stared at the two royals once more,
"The Drakon are a nation lead by monsters, that train monsters and use the weak or innocent as mortar in the foundations of their empire. They aren't going to bend just because you got a little flustered.. Hell if you're gonna break down like you just did every time something like this happens, you'll never get anything done." He cracked his neck either way,
"Anyhow, Drakon may have guns, but they're a little dumb when it comes to magic, it's all brute force, but little direction. Sure they've got magic cannons and all sorts of fancy weapons, but other than that; they're still people. They can make mistakes, they can get overconfident and they can die. As evidenced right here." Kline finished and stared around again,
"Well, first order of business, make ourselves scarce, waddya think Bradley? We meddled enough?" The girl stared up at him again and he frowned, "What..? Not yet..? Aw come on.. I dont wanna get mixed up with nobles.." This elicited a frown from the girl in response and she folded her arms, almost haughtily, "Oh man.. You're impossible to argue with when you get like this.. Give me a break, come on, cant we just-"

The girl continued to frown, dropping her hands to her hips, she seemed to be refusing him entirely, until she looked towards Snow and Frost again, Kline hung his head in a defeated fashion and sighed,
"Okay! Okay-okay.." He surrendered, looking at Snow and Frost, "She wants us to help you.. I think.. Dont ask me how I know, we've been communicating like this for a couple years now.."

Snow hung her head as she lessen to the man. She felt like a small child around him. He had no right to scald her he didn't know her. She was a fighter and there as nothing wrong to believe in peace or love. Innocent people no matter what deserved to be protected. " You don't know me and I don't care to know you. I'd rather die than be saved my a monster like you. I may be naive and stupid in your opinion. However I care more about people than a title. You think because I have a title I think I'm better? I got this title by default and I'm not worthy to have it. I never wanted it nor did I ask for it. I was taught to love and try your best. No I'm not like you or even my brother. I can't just kill people. And for all that anger in your heart there is good. Unlike you I don't see a person I see their heart. So forgive me for not wanting to kill it. Because I see the people that heart is attached to. That is my true power and that is why I don't like death. Because you when you kill someone you dim the light in others hearts not just theirs. I am not your concern and I will die then because I will use my magic to try and protect my people. I lack the skills you have but you lack my kindness and compassion. You are quick to anger and should work on that temper. You are correct however no matter how much I despise it. That is all I have heard from the other leaders. Is how weak I am and foolish. My meekness is not a weakness. I will learn to kill but it does not mean I have to like it one bit. To save what is dear to me and protect it I need to learn your skills. I am not insulting you however you need to learn some manners. Not everyone is like you and you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. Yes I'm royal but I wasn't raised like one. I didn't know my parents and I was raised by that dead man and his blind wife. And those other three men those where my brothers. And no I'm not high and mighty. Now excuse me your grace." She said as she bowed to him and walked past him through the clearing. She kept her head down as she walked. She knew Frost would want to have a word with her however at this time she didn't care. His rudeness had rubbed her wrong and honestly it was because he was right. But she couldn't change herself or what she believed in. She wanted every innocent person free from injustice. Maybe she was just going to end up like her guards dead. The only skill she had was some archery. However she didn't have many weapons in her daily life. She could cook, clean, sew, heal, and craft things. However weapons had never came up. Sure she hung around the others but they didn't teach her. She was deadly with farm tools and had a nasty swing with a frying pan but nothing past that. And now she was stuck in the middle of some war with the skills of a house wife. Though that honestly wasn't true. She was highly educated and was great at match making and could read people quiet easily. Though she wasn't sure at this point where that would get her other than dead or in prison.


Frost went to say something but grew quiet as he heard Snow speak up for herself for once. He could only star at her as she spoke. Kline had struck a nerve with Snow. It had been a long time since he had seen this side of her. He was honestly impressed and wish she had done this at the meetings. It had been to long since she had really said what was on her mind. He just stood there as she finished and walked off. He looked to Kline and then back to Snow. "Well I'd say that can't go any worse." He finally manage to say as he looked to Bradley and let out a breath. He hung his head as he shook his head. "This is going to be a long day isn't it." He said as he open his eyes and looked to Kline. " Please don't take it personal and no more fighting. Your right I did want to know what those two knew. However they aren't going to tell us and I couldn't let them live. If one of them told their leader Snow or I was alive they would kill us and come looking for you two. I felt the best choice was to kill them. " He said as he stared at snow as she kept walking. " I agree with you on everything you said Kline. However my loyalty is to her as yours is to her." He said shifting his eyes to Bradley. "Snow just has a big heart and this is the first time in years she has stud up for herself. You might actually be good for her. I try and make her mad and all I get is if you wish and she walks off. You...if she had any skills I'd be worried for you. However your safe there unless she cooks.....she dose have great knowledge of herbs and potions. So I'd just keep away from her cooking and you'll be safe. " He said as started walking after Snow. " Snow where are you going? Don't you think you should wait on the rest of us? After all we are the ones with weapons. " He yelled after her as he cursed under his breath. "You aren't going to get far you know that right in that attire. Kline is right, throwing your winter magic at a gun is only going to get you killed. " He said as he watched her finally come to a stop. "Since you seem to know more what do you and Bradley wish to do? I have skills with my sword and believe it or not I'm a skilled black smith. Snow can read people as she did with you. She can tell if someone is lying and she can see their spiritual heart. She can tell if they are good or evil. I do believe she has some archer skill not enough to kill something per-say but I think she has at least held a bow and arrow. And her winter magic is scary when angered. She has a mean swing if you make her mad and has something in her hands. So that is about all the skills we can offer you other than our land resources. I have some contacts in the different kingdoms. I don't know if our skills can help you. Snow can also heal most wounds like Bradley however she can also use the non-magical methods. She is also great with kids. I'd say she gets along with most men but you proved me wrong today." He said as he looked to the pair. He was out of his element and this was their game. "We our you our lives so we are in your debt."

"You don't know anything about the anger in me, woman." Kline responded in kind, folding his arms and looking aside, "I don't care what you think you see.. And my manners are just fine, the ones that actually matter, sorry if I don't sugar-coat it for you." He shrugged to himself and stared at Frost. The brother certainly had alot mor useful things to say, about their abilities, their resources, frankly Kline didn't care about the latter, at least not personally, but he knew it would come in handy,
"Easy there, prince," he held up a hand in a sort of stopping motion, "Relax, you're sounding way too desperate. Even if you offered me nothing at all I wouldn't have much of a choice. Bradley wants to help you two, so, naturally, I'm gonna go along."

Kline looked around a moment, he'd been so focused on Frost that he hadn't kept an eye on Bradley. For a brief moment there was a look of concern, worry, but it was still brief, as the moment he spotted her walking not too far from Snow, casting curious looks at the taller woman, it faded and he sighed a little, scratching the top of his head,
"Look, I don't really know what Bradley's skills are. Truth is Bradley most probably isn't even her real name. She's never spoken a single word to me. I just called her that as the first thing that came to mind and she seemed okay with it. She's been silent ever since I found her. You say that Snow lady's good with kids? Good luck to her. Bradley's a heart in a steel trap." Kline sighed in a defeated manner again, "But hell if she ain't willful when it comes down to it.. Never seen anyone as determined as her."

He patted the gun and sword he owned, glancing at Frost but then he grinned broadly,
"As for me, I'm a citizen of Drakon. Or, well, ex-citizen? Kinda a merc. I've traveled all over the place, I pick up on stuff quick, I fight a lot, 'bout the only thing I was ever good at, honestly. I was an engineer too, at one time," He shrugged to himself and stared up at the sky a moment, "I miss traditional Drakon cooking though, there's nothing as spicy out here.." He sighed, lamenting it, briefly, however he looked at Frost again,
"Seriously though, what the hell were you two doing out here? Consider me a little out of the loop, but I thought you six kingdoms kinda ran independent operations. You're pretty far from your capital in Shahal aint you?"

Frost kept quiet as he let the man speak. He arched a brow hearing he was from Drakon. He hung his head as he heard the last part. " Ah..that...." He said as he slowly open his eyes and kept his eyes on Snow as he spoke. " The six kingdoms had come together to discuss the threat of the Empire. Believe it or not we care about the threat. Though honestly there where very few who cared about their people. Most there only cared about themselves and their resources not their people. Please don't be so hard on my sister. She is the only person I know that would care about the darkest person. Those meetings really shook her up. That was the reason she didn't notice those men. She is usually more careful than this. I think the Monks felt this would unite all our kingdoms however I'm not sure it really did. The other kingdoms with better warriors just laughed. They said there was no force under the heavens that could beat them. I begged to differ and so did most of the temple monks. Believe it or not I have served under most of the different kingdoms learning their military strategies. My father felt it was important. To many of the Kingdoms rely on themselves and are to proud to admit they need another kingdom. Our people are not good infantry. We are better as trackers and scouts. In a all out war we would not win without our ice powers and slyness. We don't have the weapons like most and our people aren't natural big or broad. However our land is rich in precious minerals and we have some of the best craftsmen. We can build just about anything. I fear the Empire has struck the other kingdoms or is going to. Today was just one power play. Our kingdom isn't know for fighting we haven't have a military ruler in many years. It doesn't surprise me we would be attacked first. We also have the most resources. That gun of yours is the reason I believe they want our land. We have blacksmiths and materials. If they are going for weapons that would make our land the perfect target. I am surprised that the men didn't have much natural skill. It's quit troubling honestly. They are relying on bruit force instead of skill. That will only get you so far in a battle. Troubling days...." He said as he let his words trail off. He watched Bradley and Snow as he smiled.

"I think those two might be good for one another. And I think you might end up feeling different about Snow she has a way of growing on you. You might be upset with what she said. But she is never wrong about a person. I'm not desperate Kline I'm trying to be friendly. Worst case if Snow get's to annoying just us the pressure point on her neck to make her fall asleep. I've done it all our life. Your not the only one with anger issues. I don't enjoy being told my flaws either. And I don't like a know it all even if it's my sister. " He said as he flashed a devilish grin. " We aren't perfect and none us know one another. So I'd say let's all start over titles aside. My real name is Lugar and that is Lillyann. " He said as he watched Snow and Bradley intently.

Snow stopped as she turned her head slightly hearing someone nearing her. She smiled softly as she saw it was the girl Bradley. She hung her head as she waited for the other two to come and join them. She hung her head more as she scolded herself on the inside for losing her temper with his rudeness. She slowly open her eyes as she looked at Bradley again. " Thank you once again for what you did. I'm sorry for losing my temper with him. Your power is quiet impressive. Your very special but I'm sure you know that. " She said softly as she turned and looked up at the sky. She held out her hand as a soft snow started to fall. She smiled as the snow froze around her allowing her to inspect it before letting it fall to the ground. She turned to Bradley and walked over to where the girl was. She gently picked up one of the girls hands as she held it palm side up to the sky. Snow smiled softly as she froze several snowflakes above the girls hand.
"Look at them, each one is different just like every person. Each one is very beautiful. " She said as she smiled and gently let go of the girls hand as she let the snow fall. "The Snow will help hide our tracks I hope you don't mind." She said softly feeling a little awkward.

"Well that's pretty obvious, Drakon wants resources, but I didn't think they'd move this quick, especially not so quick they'd try apolitical assassination so bold as this. It doesn't make sense. This is desperate, even for them.." He considered it carefully, rubbing his chin as he thought about it, walking along with Frost at acalm pace, though he smirked at the other male,
"I've long come to terms with my flaws. I just don't like anyone thinking they know me better than I know myself. If I've screwed up my own life, it's on my own head," Kline lowered his hands, resting them calmly on his hips again. He looked towards Snow and Bradley, which of course was the cue for his heart to leaped into his throat as he watched the woman advance on Bradley,
"Wait, dont-!" he started, although it was a little too late.. "Ah crap.." He muttered, placing a hand over his face.

Bradley stared up at the woman as she got closer. She shrank away a little, but before she could physically protest, her wrists had been grabbed. the girl seized up, staring wide-eyed at the woman in what was almost an expression of pure terror.
Just as the woman finally let go of Bradley's wrists; she'd also wrenched her hands away, stumbling back with a silent gasp before she practically fled from the woman, dashing for Kline and almost losing her footing in the process as she fled. She clung to his side, hiding away from Snow and Frost, fingers digging tightly into his clothes as she trembled,
"Hey, easy there, kid," Kline half turned, placing his hand on top of her head. She'd gone from a silent watcher to a scared child in a matter of seconds, "She doesn't know, okay? Neither does this guy, you know that, calm down," Kline explained simply, rubbing her head once softly before he looked at the Queen again,
"Bradley doesn't like to be touched by strangers. You're lucky she wants to help you two or you wouldn't be walking away with your hands."

Again he rubbed the top of the girl's head, staring at her with a certain degree of intent,
"They don't want to hurt you. They are friends, okay? Remember what I told you about friends?" He asked her, she looked up at Kline nervously and nodded, "I am your friend, right?" another nod was given in return, "They are friends too. I promise, they would not hurt you." Bradley looked around Kline towards Snow again, craning her head further around to look at Frost again before she looked up at her protector and nodded softly again, confirming what he'd said,
"Atta girl. Just calm down." Kline added with a grin, "Or should I start calling you squirt again?"

The girl indignantly puffed out her cheeks, releasing him as quickly as she'd grabbed hold of him, folding her arms and looking away from him, almost like sulking, or being in a little bit of a huff, though Kline looked at Snow and Frost once more. Lillyann and Lugar, huh?
"Just.. Try to keep the touchy-feely stuff to yourselves for a bit.."

Snow stared at Bradley as she felt truly sad for scaring the young girl. She slowly walked to where Kline was. She slowly lowered herself to the ground as she kept her distance. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. Please forgive me. I promise I will never touch you again without your permission." She said softly as she gave Bradley a soft smile. She looked to Kline as her smile faded. "I'm sorry for upsetting her. " She said as she looked to Bradley. A slight smile appeared on her lips as she took one of the two blue bracelets from her wrist. She gently tossed it in front of Bradley. "Please this is for you. In my land we have fox spirits that we call Kitsune. They are very old and special each one is unique like the snowflakes I tried to show you. The good thing about Kitsune is they are very fond of children. That bracelet if you touch it will summon a Kitsune. The good thing about them is you don't have to talk to them for them to love you. They will stay with you protect you and love you even if you can't talk or don't feel like it. I have my own Kitsune he has been with me since birth. He loves children and he loves the snow as all Kitsune do. Kitsune are known in my land to help lost travelers besides children. They are quit different that most creators. They are made of purse magic and tent to shy away from enhanced items. However they are very loyal and kind. Think of them like a larger hairy Kline. They will protect you with their last breath and are very playful with you. " She said as she looked at Bradley. "Now don't be scared." she sad as a large mass of snow started to form behind her. Two blue glowing orbs appeared in the mass as the snow exploded a large blue and white fox appearing behind Snow. The large Fox looked more like a hybrid of a large wolf and fox. It ten times Snow's size as eyes glowed a soft blue. The fox had the same color blue markings along it's body separating it form the other Kitsune. The fox open it's eight large tales in a impressive display as it seemed to nuzzle Snow lovingly. Snow could only laugh as she softly petted the soft fur of her beloved friend. The fox slowly open it's eyes at it looked to her full of concern. She looked up at the large fox as she smiled still petting it lovingly. " This is Fang he is one of my best friends. He has been working with the others to try and protect our land. I'm sorry for worrying you Fang. I know you don't like leaving our land that is why I didn't summon you. Your right as always I should have had you at my side." She softly as the fox seemed to nod in agreement as its eyes shifted to Bradley. The fox seem to smile as it looked at the girl like a puppy. The fox lowered it's self as he wagged it's tales softly swaying them from side to side keeping it's place beside Snow. The fox made soft playful sounds as it looked at Bradley.

"This is Kline and Bradley Fang they are friends as you have gathered. " She said as she laughed watching the large fox. She smiled as she looked to Bradley. " If you would like you can pet him. I would be happy to share him with you. If his large size scares you he can shrink down to the size of a normal fox. " She said as she looked to Fang the fox understanding as it quickly shrunk down in size. " He loves to be by your side and he is a big softy don't let him fool you. I'm sure if you want you could summon your own fox. However if you are scared Fang will be here. He doesn't like to be alone so it might be best for you to walk with him. He has issues with being alone. " She said as she hopped Bradley wouldn't be scared by the fox. She could only smile as the fox tried to look as cute as he possible could for the young girl. " If you get tired you can ride on his back. " She said as she sat on the ground before Bradley still. She looked up to Kline as her smile faded quickly her face. She said nothing as she looked back to Fang remembering his words. Her carefree mood quickly changed thinking of what he had said.
She smiled as she watched Fang and looked to Bradley before she stood and walked over to where Frost stood. She dusted off her knees as she left fang where he rested in the snow. She had always loved how smart the foxes where. The fox didn't move he just laid there as he waited for Bradley to come to him if she wanted to. If not he would follow Snow and keep close to her.

Frost kept quiet as he watched Snow. He arched a brow as he watched the demon fox appear. He wondered where the stupid thing had been this entire thing. It had never really lessen before. He had a strange feeling that the fox had been following them the whole time. Most couldn't appear so fast unless they had been near by. He arched a brow as he watched the fox. He knew better than to get near the fox. While it was cute and cuddly now the fox's had a darker side. They where not something to mess with or anger. The Kitsune where magical beings and chose only one as their human. They would protect that human with their last breath. Though Kitsune even if they had a master would still come to the aid of a child in need. For some reason Kitsune had a bond with children that is unlike anything he had ever seen. Even if it's just to ensure a child isn't alone they appear and stay for as long as the child needs them. However Kitsune had a hatred for enchanted items like his sword and gantlet. His gantlet seemed to be the main source of their discontent. He didn't understand but he had a feeling it was the crystals in them. Kitsune seemed to slightly fear the crystals. However if he or Kline approached Fang without Snow or Bradley the Fox would show it's true power. He knew that the fox would disarm them before they knew what happen and would be ready to rip them to shreds. He looked to Kline as he spoke very slow not wanting to anger the fox.

" Keep your weapon hidden or you and I will really have a bad day." He said as he kept eying the fox trying to show that the fox wouldn't like seeing their weapons. He made sure he didn't touch snow or move anywhere near Bradley. He moved his hand as he felt the glowing eyes land on him. He looked up as the fox stared intensely on his gantlet. It's eyes locked on the ruby crystal as the fox slowly rose turning and facing him as it was easy to see it didn't like the crystal one bit. The fox's markings slowly glowed as the hair on the back of it's neck started to rise. Frost slowly moved his hand around his back as he stepped back and slowly bowed. The fox slowly calmed as it looked at to Bradley before looking back to him making sure he hadn't moved. The fox finally turned fully and let Frost stand again. He let out a breath as he looked to Snow. He saw her just watch as the fox looked happy to just be near Bradley. The fox ignored Kline for now. It tried to look cute again as he softly barked at her or tried to in a playful tone. It just laid there as it's tales swayed playfully in the air wanting to play.

Bradley stared at Snow, taking a slight step back and away from the woman as she approached again. The girl seemed about ready to flee once more. She was watchful, curious enough, especially as she was offered one of the bracelets. However she didn't approach it, if anything it made her move away even further, shifting around to the other side of Kline, the man wasn't sure if he should be insulted or feel praised by being compared to these Kitsune creatures. At first he thought she was just talking something of a folk tale, at least until an actual Kitsune took shape in front of them.

Scared probably wasn't the right word for how Kline felt, seeing such a large beast just show up like that, maybe a little concerned mostly in awe of the creature, but then he folded his arms and frowned at it,
"Well aint that perfect? And where were you, fuzzy? Off playing with some kids while your lady here was in trouble?" He directly challenged the creature, the Prince's warning reach his ears, but frankly the man wasn't so bothered, not that he would draw his weapons on it without good reason, "Some guardian this thing is, cant even do its damn job right. I wouldn't put my faith in such an unreliable creature."

Bradley too wondered where this thing had been if it was so protective. She too wouldn't have put her bet on his thing, Kline was right here, no summoning required, how could she need something like that? The bracelet remained where it had fallen, abandoned and untouched, she didn't want to approach it and now that this creature was here she was definitely trying to stay behind Kline and away from the fox,
"Look, it's a nice gesture and all, but I don't think that's gonna work.. You're just making her more nervous," Kline stated simply, He kept his focus on the Kitsune, if this thing had any reasonable sense of instinct at all then it would have recognized that it was practically approaching a cub with its protective parent. The child certainly didn't want to approach.

Snow looked to the Fox as it rose quickly and transformed into it's true form. The fox bowed to Snow as it glared at Frost and let out a low growl to him. The fox bent down as snow mounted it again. "He was obeying my orders. I asked him to look after my people. Once again you don't know everything. For now they are safe but I wonder for how long. " She trailed off as she sat tall on Fangs back as the Fox lunged forward. The fox quickly vanished in a blink of a eye along with Snow on it. Snow left the others there having enough of the group. She let Fang have his way not caring where she went at this point or how far. She knew that Fang wouldn't leave the others even as much as she wanted to. Her people where more important to her than the jerk she was apparently stuck with. She rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. Just thinking of him made her blood ready to boil. If she had a weapon she would use it on him. He was the only person she had every honestly thought about slapping....and killing. Snow looked up as Fang came to a stop. She lapped from his back as he quickly drunk in size. He held on to him as they entered the Village. She knew that no one recognized them. She was grateful for that fact and hopefully she would never have to encounter his rudeness every again. She found a spot in the blacksmith's shop and feel fast asleep her mind reenacting the entire day.

Frost kept to himself as she shook his head. There was no need to talk apparently the group wasn't going to get along as he hoped. He hung his head as he started to walk off leaving Bradley and Kline where they stood. He didn't bother say a word as he passed by them. He just simply bowed to them and turned heading off after snow. It was apparent they where to different and couldn't come to a mutual agreement. Besides they had been kind enough to save them. If Snow didn't want to bother with them he couldn't make her. He followed behind the large fox as they headed in the direction of their own kingdom. He had to many thoughts he needed to ponder on right now to worry about the consequences of Snows choice. However she wasn't going to yield to him or anyone it appeared anytime soon. Kline really rubbed her wrong though he had to admit he was something that had to be experienced. Frost couldn't help but chuckle as he thought about Kline and Snow. The pair acted like a old married couple. He just shook his head head as he walked keeping his eyes and ears open. He moved swiftly through the forest as he tried his best to keep up with the bloody demon fox. The fox was faster than he was even on a mount. However he was use to tracking the stupid beast from his childhood. The stopped once the Fox stopped peering down at a small village. The fox shifted into a small fox as it lapped into Snows arms. He didn't need to speak as he lead the way through the village. He quickly found the forage as he made a deal with the owner to let them stay there the night in return for his work. He watched as Snow fell asleep almost instantly as she curled up in the corner of the shop on the floor. He smiled as he watched the fox guard her staying awake to ensure she was safe.

Frost spent most of the night working making different items that had been requested from the village. He took it upon himself to do all the work that the owner hadn't been able to do. From how pale his wife had been the man must be with her more than working. He wondered what the woman was sick from. He finished the items rather quickly they where simple items noting to advance. He looked to snow as she slept and then to the demon Fox. " I don't like you either. " He said as the fox just looked at him letting him know that it wasn't impressed with him. He rolled his eyes as pulled out some of the man's materials. He had already ask the man if he could use some of his items to work and the man had agreed. He went about heating the precious metals as he started the long task of hammering out the impurities and into the shape he desired. Before sun up he should have the surprise he had been meaning to work on for Snow.

Kline watched with a nonchalant fashion as Snow once again huffed a response at him, though he simply rolled his eyes, letting the woman run off. He caught the look from Frost, raising a brow, briefly, a bow? What a dumb motion, certainly when it was towards some-one like him. These people made no sense at all, but he shrugged to himself,
"Yeah, you two go on ahead, believe me, we can keep up." He spoke after Frost before hte man could start running. But rather than following immediately, he looked around at the fallen soldiers, especially the falso Gaosan troops. Bradley seemed to have the same idea as she rifled through some of their pockets, fiding some coin, and naturally a few other bits and pieces,
"Grab one of their rifles. kid," Kline instructed, also picking up a couple himself, they were still in fair condition, in spite of their owners having been charred to a crisp. Once he had two balanced on his right palm, rested into his shoulder, he looked over at Bradley. the girl carried one as she'd been told, mimicking the manner in which he carried his own weapon, "So, which way?"

Bradley pointed in the direction Frost and Snow had disappeared off to and simply smiled to himself,
"Yeah, seems about right.. Even in this weather, I can smell something in the distance.." He sighed, "Why'd you have to go and get us involved with a pair of royal brats..? I don't wanna bother with any more nobles.." He grumbled, but Bradley had already started walked towards the village herself, "H-hey wait up!"


It took them a little longer to reach the village, they weren't exactly running, nor did they have any kind of mount to speed them along. Upon reaching to town though, Kline whistled softly. Since they were so far in from the border, the fighting hadn't reached this place yet. The homes were a collection of neatly build, wooden houses with some cobble-built walls. He spotted a river running in the distance, curious that the top layer hadn't melted at all.
Bradley turned slightly, pointing at one of the buildings. Judging from the sign and the equipment outside, it was the blacksmith house,
"There, huh? Well.. They probably don't want us around right now.. Lets find an Inn or a Tavern," He sighed, shrugging to himself, Bradley simply nodded quietly, following the older man's lead as he checked around for an establishment.

It didn't take them long to find one, well, a tavern, though the proprieter at first had some concerns about a young girl being there, it took a little persuading but Kline got the idea across that he wasn't allowing her to drink anything bad. After a little coin had been given, they got a meal and a room with two separate beds. After Bradley had finished eating, though,s he disappeared up into the room along with their belongings, the mans weapons and the rifles specifically, it wasn't like they carried much else.
Kline spent most of the evening talking with the others that visited the tavern, learning their drinking songs and sharing some of his own. It was probably the most active the bar had been since Kline showed so much enthusiasm for both the drinking and the singing.
When it was all sung and drunk though, he eventually got his way upstairs tot he bedroom and collapsed on the other bed. Bradley meanwhile sat on her own, staring out the window at the falling snow. She'd gotten used to Kline's antics by now, hearing him get drunk and rowdy was nothing new. She stayed awake for as long as she could until she, too, succumbed to sleep.

Frost worked through the night when he finished he collapsed on the floor beside Snow. He placed a beautiful blue and silver bow at his sister side. Hopefully she would like it and it would come in handy for her. He had a special crystal made for her a year or two ago before everything had went down hill. At least now he had time to make the bow he had wanted to do for her. It was sad that it had to come at the loss of men's lives that he finally got time to make something for Snow. He drifted off to sleep quickly as he relived the day.


Snow slowly woke as she felt something cool touch her skin. The sensation made her jolt up in fear as she came up swinging her arms. She was confused when she didn't see anyone. It was just her and Frost and Fang who seemed to lock eyes on something beside her. She followed the fox's gaze as she saw a beautiful blue bow. She ran her fingers along it as she noticed the beautiful blue crystal witch glowed softly at her touch. Fang let out a low growl as she did so. She turned as she looked at the Fox who was unnerved by the crystal. Maybe Frost was right maybe they didn't like the crystals. She slowly got kissing the top of Frost head as she watched him sleep. She gently slipped out of the shop door bow in hand as she moved around the quiet village. She found a target rang at the back of one of the taverns.

She looked around for arrows and smiled seeing a small batch near the back of the Inn. She bought the arrows to a barrel near the middle of the back lot. It was there to use as a table of shorts for the archers and gunmen. She picked up one of the arrows as she took aim at one of the targets. She adjusted her arms as she pulled back on the bow string. She used her finger to help her air as she tried to line up with the target. She tried to remember everything that the others had tried to teach her with the bow. She closed her eyes as she let out a breath then open her eyes as she held her breath and let the bow string go. She stood there as she watched the arrow cut through the chill of the early morning. It found it's target rather quickly. She was happy it hit though she looked to the bow. They crystal didn't do a thing it didn't even glow.

Snow kept at the target practice as she tried to figure out how to make the stupid crystal work. She looked up as one of her arrows almost nailed one of the local cats when she let it go prematurely. The arrow hit one of the large plant pots and sent it crashing. She cringed knowing that wasn't going to be missed so easily. She hung her head as she looked to Fang who say near the back door of the place. He started laughing at her with didn't make her mood any better. "Hey if your some good at it why don't you do it!" She yelled out as the Fox just laughed more at her.

Kline had been awake for a while, even earlier than young Bradley. The girl was curle dup in he rbed, practiclly inched up intot he corner, her blankets wrapped around her. Her shoes were ont he floor, but she was still wearing her coat. He didn't blame her, she couldn't maintain her composure while she was asleep. She was cold, she didn't like this part of the six kingdoms much, at least not the weather. He pulled up the blanket from his own bed, taking the few steps across the room quietly and throwing the extra layer on top of her quietly.

He walked into the next room, a bathing area, the owner had a nice set up, water stones, combined with heat-filled quartz. A person could clean themselves standing up in the rain of heated water. He spent a good hour in the shower alone before finally emerging again. He didn't put his shirt back on, nor his coat, it wasn't like they were going anywhere yet. His attention turned tot he window though, it overlooked the back of the establishment so hearing the sound of arrows behind the tavern made him curious. He was familiar with that noise.
As he stared out the window, however, he saw that Queen again. What a coincidence..

At he failed shot, however, he almost cringed himself, smirking a little as the poor cat fled for its life. He could see that crystal of hers, even from the room, though he wondered if it was perhaps inert, it certainly hadn't displayed any power.. Unless of course she wasn't using it the right way, there was always that possibility. He opened one side of the window, climbing out onto the ledge and pulling it shut behind him before he jumped down into the queen's field of view.

Towel still draped around his shoulders, upper body exposed, he stood straight slowly. It revealed this his torso was littered with various scars, but by far the worst was a great gash cut down his chest. To accompany these scars was a litany of tattoos scribed down his left arm, they were penned in perfectly, not a single piece out of line, the language oif some oft he inscriptions wasn't one that anyone could read either,
"You know," Kline started, yawning a little before he froze briefly, "Hoo..! It's brisk out here..!" The gunman stated but then cleared his throat, "Er as I was saying.. This morning I got up out of bed, I entered the bathing area and, without thinking so hard about it, I just touched the water stone and it produced nice hot water to clean myself with. This morning, mothers are probably touching similar stones to light a fire under their pots so they may warm food for their children, people are using these same magic infused every day items without even thinking about how amazing what they're doing actually is. Get too aware of it though, worry about making it work right, and it tends to fail."

Snow turned as she heard Kline's voice. She froze as her eyes widen her hand frozen in place. She glared at him though it quickly faded as her eyes moved along his exposed torso. She could only stare at the scares as sadness quickly filled her eyes. She hung her head as she looked down to her own hands where the bow rested along with the arrow. Maybe he was right however she couldn't make the crystal work like him or even Frost did. "I guess I'm just that inept they wont work for me. " She said as she slowly looked up her eyes falling on his scares. " I...can't help but notice your scares what happen if you don't mind me asking. " She said as she put the arrow down on the barrel along with the others. She turned back to face him as her eyes feel to the bow.

"I'm sorry for earlier you are correct. And I'm sorry about Bradley. Is she ok? She is very special I like her. You are a good man for taking care of her or each other. " She said as she smiled softly thinking of how protective he had been of her. " Maybe I ask your story and also your story with her? I'm afraid the only stories I know are of other people. As you said I'm just a aggravating noble. " She said as she looked at the crystal it was beautiful however it was still powerless. She looked up as she noticed the Fox was keeping his watch still of her. Her eyes wondered their way back to his scares as she wondered the story they held though she was sure she didn't want to know. She slowly walked up to him as her eyes scanned each scare with care. She noted his left arm as she softly ran her fingers over the scarring that made the strange inscription. She quickly removed her hand as she stepped back now wanting to accrue his wrath. She averted her eyes as her checks turned a soft red. "I...I am sorry for that. I should have asked first. I....I'm being rude by staring." She finally said as she kept her eyes on the ground. "You and Bradley are the only other people I have met besides the leaders and my people. I am not accustom to the outside world as you put it so bluntly. You seem to be well versed but it looks like there was a cost involved. " She said as she grew quiet and waited for his response. She kept the bow in her hands as her palm rested against the crystal. She wished she had someone to turn to. However there was no one she could turn to here. Snow for the first time felt completely alone. Unlike Bradley and even Sir Rudness himself she didn't have a purpose. It was apparent she wasn't capable of running the kingdom she had inherited. She had no training for it and now she didn't even have any advisers. Her eyes quickly changed as she inverted inside of herself. The real reason she didn't like sir Rudness was because he was right about her. She had no purpose Frost was the true ruler and could defend himself in battle. Her eyes shifted to the bow in her hand. She couldn't even make the present her brother had worked so hard on work. She had never really thought about herself before. She was sheltered from this world. Maybe it was better if everyone thought she had died. At least then Frost could take the thrown unopposed. She quickly let her thoughts fade as she peered up finally at Kline. This time she didn't look away and she wouldn't apologize. She had done enough apologizing for one day and needed to stop acting like a child. She looked Kline straight in the eyes for once she had never dared to look any man in the eyes before. This was going to be a new start for her starting with him here and now. It was time Queen Snow died and she just became herself.

Kline raised his brow at the Queen as she spoke but he simply raised a hand to his head, rubbing at the bridge of his nose softly,
"Would you cut that out? Sure I dont like royals but I never said you were useless. It's fine that you care about people but if you care about them you have to do better than just caring. Stop stressing yourself out and putting yourself down, you'll never get that weapon to work in such an unstable mindset." He advised simply, dropping his hands to his hips once more, though he considered her questions,
"The scars are lessons to learn from, most of them have their own stories, I'll tell you about them some other time maybe." He shrugged to himself, looking up tot he window he'd dropped from,
"As for me and Bradley, I don't know her story. At least not past when I first found her." He stared at Snow again, he didn't seem so bothered by her touching him, he remained still as he kept his eyes locked on her.

"It's probably why she's so quiet, the place I found her, I mean." He started, "I wont go into the details but I was being taken into a prison in Drakon, in the castle town they established on the western coast, Dreyvas. Among the people trapped down there, Bradley was one of them. But she'd been brutalized. Every inch of her body was bruised and beaten, seemed the guards had gotten alot of kicks out of making her scream. That's what the other prisoners said anyway. She was the wardens favorite plaything because she has an incredible regenerative ability, sick bastard. Unlike normal people, she would recover within a day or two, so she'd be fresh and ready for another beating. I don't mean to brag but I'm fairly superhuman myself, once they were ready to start torturing her again I made my escape, they were so preoccupied with her that they barely had the time to see me coming. I killed every single guard I came across, carrying that girl over my shoulder and i chased that warden through his entire damn prison until I had him eating four feet of steel. After that I escaped, tended to her, got her some new cloths and we left Drakon territory. She wouldn't speak to me, so I just called her Bradley since I didn't know what to call her. Not even the other prisoners knew her name. She stuck with me, but at a distance for along while, it took me weeks of coaxing her, half the time I'd leave her food and back off, give her room, but after a while she got closer, even sat down next to me. It was a cold night, so I guess she just wanted some warmth by the fire, or by me, but either way, she got closer." The man stopped the a moment, placing a hand on the back of his neck and cracking it either way,
"I've never seen her hurt anyone that didn't deserve it. She's got strength, but she doesn't throw it about, she's risked her life for innocent people, even if she avoided them before or soon after. She's as gentle as any curious kid with animals or insects. I don't know her story personally, where she came from or why she's as strong as she is for her age. I doubt I'll ever know, but she's safe. I don't know for certain if she's happy, but I've gotten to understand her through her actions."

Kline stared at the Queen again, waving a finger at her almost as though she were a naughty child,
"Though I think you may have upset her yesterday by running off like you did. She wants to help you. I could care less either way but she does care. Leaving her behind like that wasn't nice." He chided her but dropped his hand to his hip again with a slight chuckle, "Though I'm pretty sure she'll forgive you." Kline added, "Now, try it again, aim at your target and stop thinking so hard, using enchanted items takes awareness, but it has to be second nature, like it's an extension of yourself for the time that you hold it, it's why people here use them from a young age, correct?"

Snow lessened to what Kline said. She shifted her attention to the window as she heard Bradley's story. She was honestly disgusted by the actions of the guards and warden. Though she smiled soft as she looked back to Kline. He was a good man even if he didn't want to admit it. She was glad he had saved the girl. She had many more questions for him however she could tell that this was all she was getting out of him for now. She had a feeling this might be the most he had told people in a long time. Her eye's shifted down the the bow in her hands as she gave a nod. Snow turned abruptly as she picked up one of the arrows from the barrel again. She took her stance as she pulled back on the string. This time she thought of a target as she focused her mind on the target only.

A blue aura came from the bow as the arrow it's self started to be engulfed with the blue flames. The blue crystal glowed brightly as Snow released the arrow. It flew through the air as it quickly found its target in a matter of second. Snow jumped back as she covered herself from the cloud of dirt and rocks that where thrown up and out from the impact. She slowly rose as she looked to where her arrow had hit the target. There was a very large crater where the target had been. The sound of the impact reminded her of the attack from earlier. She stared in disbelief for a moment as she looked down to the bow that still glowed. She looked to Kline and smiled. "I think we should probably leave. I think the owner isn't going to like his new landscaping and I'm sure the locals didn't miss that. " She said as she could hear some of the locals exiting their homes to see what had happen. She looked around them as she could hear some of the villagers looking for the source of the sound and the light. She smiled slightly as she looked to the bow again. However her smiled faded as she thought of Bradley.

She looked to Fang her gave a simple nod as it vanished then reappeared in mid air leaping from the crater. The fox was immense and let out a loud cry as it drew the villagers away from the inn. The fox lead them away from the village ensuing that they blamed it for the damage. Snow looked back to the bow as turned and kissed Kline softly on the Cheek. "Thank you, let Bradley sleep and I will get Frost. I have some coin I'll buy us a room here and then breakfast for us both. Frost and Bradley both need rest." She said as she slowly pulled out a small coin purse. "Here so you have some coin encase you need anything. " She said as she gave him a smile before turning and heading off towards the blacksmiths shop.

Snow just smiled as she saw her brother standing just outside of the shop. She could tell from his look he had questions. Though from his actions he apparently had changed his mind about asking what had happen. She gave him instructions to the Inn and told him that the others where there. He had tried to argue with her but she convinced him he needed sleep more than arguing with her. She was happy that he chose to just give in and do as she suggested. Snow walked around the village for a while till she came to one of the local shops. She slowly strolled in as she paused at one of the mirrors. She hung her head as she looked at the different apparel. Lugar had said that Queen Snow needed to die. She smiled softly as she made up her mind. After a few hours she reappeared from the shop. The women had enjoyed getting to make her completely over. They had even found a jacket loose enough to conceal her bow for her. She smiled as she left the place. She felt different and she honestly would have never chosen this look for herself. However right now that wasn't a bad thing. She had to admit she like the new look.

Snow made her way to the Inn where she looked around fro Kline. She took her spot at one of the many tables as she waited for him. She slowly sipped on some of the local drink as she nibbled on her breakfast. She ignored the gazes and looks some of the local men where giving her. It was apparent they approved of the look however from the reactions of many of the ladies, they had different options of her new look. She could only smile enjoying herself for once. This was the first time she had did something she had wanted to. If she had known it would be this fun she would have done this a long time ago. The girls from the village where right she looked bettered without the dresses and kimono's hiding her figure.


Frost woke as he heard a loud sound. He rose to his feet quickly as he looked around for Snow. He slowly open the door to the shop figuring she might have went outside, to see what the noise was. He was rudely surprised as he didn't see any sign of her. He looked up in time to see the large Fox demon appeared just above him as it was quickly followed by a mass of villagers that appeared to be chancing it. He shook his head as he tried to wake up. He knew he must be dreaming this. He turned as he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. He arched his brow as he saw it was Snow. His eyes wondered back to the large fox demon then back to her as he crossed his arms over his chest. This was one story he had to hear. He paused as he waited for her to catch up to where he stood. His eyes landed on the crystal embedded in her bow. He then looked to her as he shook his head. "On second thought I don't want to know what you did." He said as he looked up to see the owner of the shop coming out. He smiled as he greeted the man and showed him the shop. The man was more than impressed seeing that everything was clean and done for him. The man offered Frost some coin however he rejected it and said the use of his shop and the housing in it was enough. He slowly made his way to the Inn as Snow instructed him.
He paid for a room for two and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. He knew he shouldn't let Snow out of his sight. However she seemed very persuasive with her argument that he needed rest. At this point he wasn't in any shape to argue with her.

Kline whistled softly once she'd fired the bow and caused a little more damage than intended, yeah the proprietors probably wouldn't be too happy about that little mess, but at least she got it right, now if she could remember that feeling whenever she fired, she'd have no more worries. Though honestly this only made him chuckle, grinning like a fool at the sight of it. He was turning his head to look back towards Snow when she kissed him on the cheek. Frankly that froze him on the spot, wide-eyed and stunned.

He only stared at Snow, flustered and confused at her action, even as she handed him a small coin-purse, he didn't even look at it as he stared after the woman, jaw threatening to drop in his confusion. Why did she do that? Kiss him on the cheek? What a strange woman. He face was becoming red, nearly so much so as his favorite color clothing, the only response he could offer her was a rather awkward;
"O-okay..!"

The proprietor of the bar had come out back, missing snow, instead seeing the man in nothing but his pants, shoes and a towel, holding a coinpurse in hand, though when he asked what had happened, the slack-jawed mercenary could only stare at the proprietor in stunned confusion and respond simply;
"I don't.. Know..?" After a moment the proprietor simply assumed the man was still drunk from last night and promptly lead the confused individual back in to the tavern, remarking how it was probably bad for him to be out in the cold like that.

Kline climbed the stairs back to his and Bradley's room, sitting down on his bed a moment whilst he stared at the coinpurse in his hand. He barely even noticed that he was getting warmer again as the image of Snow up close and kissing his cheek stuck in his mind. The familiarity of the motion was also part of what had thrown him. There was only one other who had ever kissed his cheek like that, though he thought he'd buried that memory. The man quietly buried his face into his towel a moment and took in a deep breath before sighing.

He got up, dropping his towel on the bed and started up with some morning exercises. It was good to have a morning routine like this, it kept him in shape and prepared for the days challenges. It had taken diligent training to get as good as he was with his weapons, now it felt more like maintenance than anything. He'd hit a barrier in his life, a point that he couldn't break past, even if he got a little stronger each time, it just didn't feel like it was enough. Physical training could only take him so far, he was proficient enough in magic, but he wanted to get more out of his body if he could. But that wall was there, keeping him from advancing. Somehow he had to get past it. He had to exceed that limitation.

The more he exercised, the more those thoughts began to distract him. That kiss on his cheek, it felt fresh and warm on his face, and there was a burning on his chest, the pain of an old wound that time couldn't heal. Even as he tried to work out that stress with single-handed pushups; all it did was anger him, frustrate him, until finally he hit the ground, pressing his face against the boards and briefly punching the floor. He grit his teeth, clenched his fists but eventually stood up from his defeated posture. Once more he grabbed his towel, just to dry some of the sweat away and grabbed his remaining clothes, pulling them on.

The merc stepped out into the hall and eventually made his way downstairs, though spotting snow, he almost fell down the flight, eyes wide as he looked at the woman. Where had she attained that outfit? not to mention, she'd chosen something so.. Daring, his face turned red again, but he slapped himself once, hard, enough that it left an imprint on his cheet and he proceeded down again, finding her table and sitting opposite her, arms folded, though he dared not look in her direction,
"Well, you certainly look different." He offered, though he wasn't sure what to say beyond that. He avoided using the line 'not like a queen' with good reason.

Snow looked up from her food as she smiled seeing Kline. She then looked down to her attire as she let out a sigh. She could tell this was not to his liking. In all honesty she wasn't sure it was to hers either. However she needed to not be recognized and this was what the ladies had chosen for her. The outfit did have it's advantages. She could move better and didn't have to worry about the trail of her dress. Though the looks from the local men where starting to disturb her slightly. A few had bought her drinks thinking she would like them. She polity turned them down as best she could. " It's ok if you don't like it. I'm not sure I do honestly. The men since putting it on seem to be a little to friendly. I've had four already try and buy me drinks and food since being here. That one in the corner is honestly freaking me out with his stare. He is making me feel like a piece of meat. I'm glad you made it down here. Any longer and I'd have found you instead. " She said as she nibbled at her food ignoring some of the men who had commits for her. She looked to Klein watching him intently.

After a while she looked down and pushed one of the other plates of food at him. " If it would make you feel better I'll see if I can find a cape. I think it however serves the purpose. Besides I have never wore anything put the dresses assigned to me. Or the village clothes when the noble class didn't say something about it. This is the first time I've got to try something new. If I'd have....that doesn't matter now. I should have let the girls dress me up when they wanted to at home. However I was to busy trying to please everyone else but myself. I guess I failed as a friend there. They would have enjoyed getting to dress me up in different things as the ladies here did. You should have saw the ladies and how happy they where. I felt like a doll. The men there didn't seem to mind it at all either. They where really sweet and helped along with the ladies. My parents would not approve of this attire I'm sure." She said as her eyes widen as she remembered Frost. Just closed her eyes finally and began sipping on her drink again. She let the noise of the bar take over as she just sat there and enjoyed her own drink. She finally open her eyes as she stared at Kline.

"If this is going to bother you I will try and get the ladies to find something else. You seem slightly red are you sick?" She asked as she got up from her seat and walked over to him. She placed her fore arm across his forehead and waited for a moment. She slowly removed it as she bent down and looked him in the eyes and finally sighed as she returned to her own seat. " You seem rather hot however it isn't fever. Did you get done working out? " She asked from the sweat that was on her fore arm now. She gently whipped it off as she looked back to him. " Or are you that nervous to be around people?" She asked honestly wondering if he was ok.

"I know I'm not the prettiest girl around, however I have to admit I never thought someone would find it so hard to eat a meal with me. " She said as crossed her arms across her chest and stared at the drink in front of her. It was easy to see she was slightly hurt at the fact he refused to look in her direction. "If my presence is going to bother you I'll go make myself scares so you can enjoy your meal in peace." She said as she shifted her eyes to the stairs hoping to find Frost there. She frowned seeing that he was still asleep.

Kline stared at Snow again as she slowly reverted from the more demure behavior to sheer negativity once more, he leaned on his hand calmly and frowned at her, the other hand rest on the table as he almost glared at her,
"What is wrong with you? You're nice one minute then the next you're stressing for no reason and getting overly sensitive just because some-one who shouldn't even matter isn't looking in your direction. Would you just calm down? Where the hell did that relaxed, confident person go after you fired that arrow?" He questioned, folding his arms and looking away again, "Geez, if you act this crazy every time I do something you don't like; you're going to draw even more attention to yourself," Kline added, staring up at Snow again,

"As much as the new look wont have your recognized anymore, you have to think of the cold weather and that yes, you are going to attract attention with that particular design." He reasoned further, "At the very least get a cloak for the cold weather. I could care less how you dress or how you look." The man shook his head to himself, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Why did he have to get stuck with such an overly sensitive queen as his charge? Oh right, because Bradley wanted to help these two. The man dropped his head on the table, burying it under his arms and grumbling to himself,
"I must have been especially cruel to some sweet animals in a past life or something." He mumbled, a little inaudibly.

The man sat still for a brief second before he sat up, almost bolt upright and looked up at Snow again,
"Oh.. And we never had the discussion about Bradley's past, okay? You never heard it, she doesn't need you feeling sorry for her. I've gotten the most progress out of just acting normal.. Well.. My approximation of normal around her." Kline instructed, though he wasn't sure he could trust Snow to follow this advice, still, there was a chance she'd listen this time, maybe, or maybe not.
It was at about this point that he looked towards the stairs. too. almost with a sense of knowing as Bradley appeared at the top, taking gentle steps down them, she held her hands out in much the same way a child would when balancing themselves, though each small step made her look like she was bouncing softly on her heels.

Upon reaching the bottom, she stared around the bar until she finally spotted Kline and.. Another woman? Wait no, she knew that woman, it was the queen from yesterday. The girl's face lit up with a little realization, though she didn't let the surprise draw to her face, instead she quietly made her way around the tables until she reached theirs and sat herself down in an extra chair. The girl stared at Snow a moment but then looked at Kline expectantly, he simply slid the food over to her instead,
"Here, kid, dig in, I'm not feeling all that hungry right now anyway.." The girl continued to stare at him a moment, it was easy to tell that even she knew he was lying, but she quietly took the meal and placed her hands together graciously, she didn't want to offend him in this situation.

Snow was astonished by what she heard from him. He really was arrogant and a complete imbecile. He honestly wasn't any better in how he changed from this morning to now. She was trying to find common ground with him and attempt to forged a bond with him. Why she honestly didn't know other than habit. She had always been able to befriend any person and child. Though with him and Bradley she was failing miserably.

Snow lessen to his rant and let him have the last word. She didn't bother coming back with anything. He had won and she was done with him. He was insinuative and incapable of thinking of anyone but himself and Bradley. His world could apparently only hold two people. In his world apparently she was the self absorbed Queen who was nothing but a burden to him. He had put her in a sterotype and there was nothing she could do about it. There was a reason why he was alone and it was becoming all to apparent.


Her eyes slowly shifted to Bradley as she smiled softly showing no signs of what she really felt. She watched the girl for a while before standing. "Excuse me Bradley, I am sorry for my inappropriate behavior. You did not deserve that display in any form. I am sorry for letting my emotions get the better of me. I promise that will never happen again." She said as her eyes slowly moved to Kline. She then looked back to Bradley. " If you want to leave please do. I can make it back to my own land. I believe Kline would prefer if you would leave us to our fates as I would at this point. We are only going to slow you down." She said softly as she sat back in her seat and kept to herself.




Frost woke as he heard his stomach growling at him. He slowly rose to his feet as he looked around awake for the first time fully. He looked around as he realized he wasn't in the workshop. He made his way the the bathing area and cleaned himself up as he tried to figure out what had happen. He had been awake earlier however he was so tired he remembered vaguely a loud noise the demon fox and Snow. It was snow that had told him to come to the inn. He then remembered he was suppose to meet Kline and Bradley from yesterday here. He slowly made his way down the stairs to the eating area. He looked around for a moment as he tried to find one of them. He finally spotted Bradley and Kline. He slowly made his way to their table as he noticed Snow was there. He smiled as he greeted them friendly and warm. " Hello again, it's a pleasure to see you again. I hope that the food is good." He said as he slowly took a seat across from them. He smiled as he ordered his own plate. He was impressed with how fast the service was here. He looked to Kline before touching his plate. " How are you doing? I take it you both got a good nights rest? " He said being cordial with them.

Bradley had begun working her way through her meal, she ate with some grace, not messy at all, picking things up daintily on her fork and even examining it quietly. Since they traveled around so much she had been eating all sorts of foods, all kinds of flavors, so any new kind of meal was a curiosity.
She found stuff she liked, she found stuff she didn't like, though this food was certainly more mild than some of the things she'd eaten, it was still flavorsome enough that she could enjoy it. There wasn't anything spicy, though, she knew Kline often complained about not having a truly spicy meal like back home.

The girl occasionally glanced between Kline and the woman, taking curious glances at her, though her focus turned to the weapon occasionally. The crystal set into it caught her gaze, though she held her hand back, not wanting to intrude on the magnificent creation.Most of all she wanted to try something, but she didn't want to do anything to the weapon in case it was meant to stay exactly as it was.. Her eyes focused up when Snow's brother emerged. Strange, she hadn't expected them to be int his establishment.. Then again she hadn't been looking for their presence. Why had they moved from the blacksmith?

She nodded softly once he mentioned how the food looked good, she certainly had no complaints herself, though she looked to Kline when the question was asked. She remembered waking up with an extra blanket thrown on her, but Kline made a slight grunt and a shrug at first,
"I don't really remember the sleeping part when I've drunk myself unconscious. Makes a difference, not having to dream the same stupid things over and over. I guess?" He replied, rolling one of his shoulders. He glanced at Bradley a moment, the girl's focus had turned tot he bow again, but she felt Kline staring and caught his eyes again, though he then looked at the bow again,
"Looks like she's interested in that bow, So exactly where did you get that thing anyway?"

[if Snow actually said Frost made the bow, I apologize, I couldn't see it and if I missed it then it's probably this dang headache I have now lol]