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meadowofarabbit · 6 months ago

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Tear of Ice Chapter 3

Walking deeper into the Neigless forest was always something of a gamble. Something I’ve never really done and Grandma always told me to leave that area to the pack. I can understand why now, being faced with somehow even colder weather than the norm, The usual light flurries become a swarming blizzard. Grandma had told me to bundle up in preparation, and luckily I did with a few more coats. My arm before my face as I held the hood down. Grandma strolls along before me though, casually. Seemingly unaffected by the blizzard around us. Even as her long skirt billowed and her hair and shoulders covered with snow. She walked, head high and no hesitation.

“Grandma are you sure about th— ”

“We are almost there, Carmine. Your meeting is long overdue.” She spoke, without the same chatter and chill in my own voice. Meeting?

Suddenly, the blizzard had stopped, the air peaceful and trees being behind us. Before us was ice, pure and blue. Some spiked and curled around, protecting what was in the center. In the center of the flooring of ice, a pillar and on that pillar—

“This is Wiesse. Well, her tear.” Grandma turns to me, hands together over her stomach. “Come, watch your step.”

My foot moves slowly, stepping off of snow and onto ice. I tense at the clack of my low heel, my eyes not leaving the magical artifact. In the ten years I’ve lived here, I’ve never been allowed to see it. Years of knowing Wiesse’s name and now getting to meet her in some fabric of the word.

“Wiesse…” I was breathless, unsure of what to say.

“This is the last remnant of Wiesse herself. Where her power is stored. This is what keeps the Neigless forest afloat.” Grandma walks over closer to it, a gentle hand hovering over the small tear.

“It cannot be broken, but it can be abused. Which is why it was left here at the edges of the Guecedand. But it’s very powerful, as any of the Hexes artifacts.”

“The other Hexes have artifacts like this as well?” I ask.

“Who knows, though we are the only ones connected to Wiesse."

I step closer, "Wiesse's tear..."

She nods, As I stare at the artifact, approaching it closer, I can see some waves of light. A pale blue, matching the icy surroundings around the small crystallized tear. It’s hard to believe this is what caused this forest to be.

“Grandma, can you show me? What is the power like with the tear?” I look at her, graying eyes As she slowly lowers her hand and steps back. Softly, calmly, her eyes glow a pale blue color as a frosty mist rises from our surroundings, Wind blows all around her as her hand conjures a ball of snow and frost. Flakes danced in her palms and her fingers eloquently swayed. Before her hand closed in a strong fist, a sharp ice spike growing from the swirling ball of energy. Before his hand opens once more and it fades into white dust.

“But with the tear…” She steps to the altar, grabbing the artifact with a delicate grip as that same frosty mist instantly begins to swirl all around us. Wind picked up and I held the cloak tight as I watch Grandma. Her feet rising from the ground, floating on nothing as her hand rose to the sky, the mist coming up to her. It swirls and swells as it spreads wider and wider. Falling to the ground in all too sturdy of a formation. My eyes darted to each piece, all standing together as pillars of ice. As it crystallizes into ice and shatters into more dusty mist.

Grandma slowly floats down to the ground, the glow in her eyes gone as she begins to keel over. My body lunging forward and holding her up. She panted and leaned against me.

“I’m not as resilient as I used to be.” a small laugh leaves her that changes into coughs.

“Let’s get you back home.” I readjust my grip on her as she shakes her head gently. Her hand shakily comes to one of mine, as she places the tear into my palm.

In my hand it laid calmly, the gentle mist around it faint. If I didn't just watch it happen I wouldn’t believe it was this tear that caused all that power to surge. I’ve watched the magic from the pack and Grandma for years, yet never saw it to its full effect while being amplified like this.

“Carmine, I do not have long left. The power will become yours and you will be the next Loraine for Wiesse.” Her voice was hoarse, as my attention quickly turns to her.

“Wait— ” In all the years I watched her and prepared, she never let me in about this. She never told me of the actual process of the Wolf Ringer being chosen. Of Wiesse’ powers and what it is to be her Loraine. With the influx of emotions and information I couldn’t help but stare at her blankly as she held onto me..

“There cannot be two. And I have raised you well. I will be leaving our home and our family to you.” Her grip turns soft as her hand touches my cheek. I barely notice the tender touch in my flurry of emotions.

“What do you mean? You can’t be— ” my voice wavers. I almost couldn’t believe what she was telling me.

“May Wiesse be your light.” her voice shook, full of some emotion I can't pinpoint. Looking into her eyes, how grey they have got. When did they lose the blue that was in them? Had I not noticed the life in my grandma leaving? I did though, I watched as she struggled more and more to push herself. This woman who had taken me in and raised me. Who I watched grow and age and slowly become bed ridden. Was this all because of Wiesse and her status as the loraine? How blind had I been?

I wanted to ask, I wanted to yell ,scream,cry,and refuse for this to happen. But this is all I know, all I’ve ever come to know. Is that why Icarus is so hesitant? Because with me taking up the position she’s going to—

“Rose!” A low voice rings out, with a rush of footsteps. Hurriedly, Icarus came running to her side. Grandma turned to him with a forced giggle.

“I am alright, Icarus. You know what this cold does to my body.” She attempts a joke, but neither Icarus or I are falling for it. She pushes off of me and regains her balance slowly. Icarus comes to her side as she uses him for support.

“You shouldn’t be out of your bed. I told you that.” His voice was soft, full of worry and care.

“I can leave my bed if I please.”

“Not if you nearly collapse.” He sighs, “Can you walk, Rose?”

She nods as he slowly moves forward, Grandma holding onto his fur as she follows. I look down at the tear in my hand, fingers trembling around it. Before I reach forward and place it back on its perch.

For this, I will have to give up the person who saved my life. If that's the price do I even want it anymore?

Do I even have a choice in questioning this?

Walking back through the blizzard was hard on Grandma. She coughed and struggled to walk. Those symptoms were nonexistent on the way there, it shows how hard magic is for her to do now with her deteriorating body. And as We walk through the blizzard into the more calm flurries, until we reached our small cottage. Icarus helping Grandma up the stairs and I rush to open the door for her. She slowly steps in her feet dragging across the wooden floor as she leans against her wolf partner. Other cubs and wolves parting to give her room. As she makes it to her bed and I help her in.

“Thank you, dear.” She smiles as I pull the blanket over her.

“Rose!” Lia cries, leaping onto the bed instantly and curling up beside her, having their noses meet as the other children whimper and bark. Grandma got to work calming down their fears while petting Lia. Icarus nuzzles against her free hand as she pet him as well. “I’ll be fine, I just need to rest for a while.”

He moves away and nods, turning towards me. Before slowly making his way towards the door. As he comes to my side he motions for me to follow him. I do so quietly.

We exit the house into the calm stillness of the snowy woods. I sit on the stairs and he sits beside me. For a moment we sat there in silence, I watch as some soft flurries fell as I catch some in my gloved hand. My other gripping my cloak close, her old cloak.

“I’m sorry.” In the corner of my eye I glance at him.

“What are you apologizing for?” I shake the snow off my hand and grip the cloak harder. “I get it now, anyway.”

“I’m sorry for doubting you, Carmine.” He pauses, “It’s not that I think you cannot do it. It’s just— ”

“It’s that Rose will be gone, isn’t it?” I interrupted him. I didn't bother to look at him as I kicked my foot out, laying the heel in the snow. “And you knew she would be.”

I hear him sigh, “It’s hard on all of us. I can’t even imagine how the kids will take it.”

“I can barely take it.” I lift the hood and hold it over my face.

“Carmine— ”

“She’s going to die, Icarus. And I will be taking her place.” my voice shook, “and doing this was all I was being trained for. Understanding the forest and the animals within, and learning basic things about Wiesse. All of it was to prepare me for this. And she knew that.”

My hands shake, my grip on the hood becoming violent as I choke back a sob. “Why?”

“Loraines are still human. That’s why,” He speaks quietly, “Eventually the helm of the Wolf Ringer would’ve had to be passed on. And Rose would've had to go.” My eyes shut as I sniffle and bite my lip, attempting to stop my tears.

“Rose and I have lived for many, many centuries. Far longer than a normal life of our kind.”

“So you took me in so you can just end it?” It came out harsher than I wanted. I couldn’t help my eyes as the tears fell, my vision blurring, while I turn to the wolf beside me.

“No. It’s because Rose wanted— ” he pauses, breathing in deep and letting out a sigh, “Rose wanted one child to raise as her own.” I stare at him as his ear flicks down and he looks away, his scarred eye closing as he leans down.

“She took you in, not just to make you the next Wolf Ringer, but just because she wanted a child to care for. She loves you Carmine. More than anything.” He sits back up and finally turns to me, his eyes sad, warm, and earnest. “I love you as well.”

My shoulder tense, taking my hands and trying to wipe my eyes as he spoke. Sniffles coming out of me. “I’m sorry, Icarus.”

“For what? You had no choice in any of this.” my hands reach up to his face and I rub his fur lovingly.

“It’s because I was making this harder on you than it should be.” I willed my tears to stop falling as I spoke.

“You didn’t know.”

“But I do now,” I smile,

For a moment he stares at me, quiet as I watch his eyes fill with soft joy. Before his eyes close and he nuzzles his snout into me, like he used to. I reciprocate with pets as I collect myself and clean my face.

Rose will be gone, I will be losing Grandma and inheriting the powers of Wiesse. Leaving the forest and the pack in my care. It’ll be hard, but we will manage. I’d like to think we can.

In my pocket I pull out the ripped cloth, showing it to Icarus. He blinks at it and looks back up at me. “Are you— ”

“I’m ready to ask her. I have nothing to prove now.”

Icarus nods, “Let her rest for a while longer.”

I nod in return, holding the cloth closer to my chest. Everything was still hitting me. I wasn’t going to be human anymore, I was going to be a vessel for some ancient dead power of a woman, but most importantly—

“Rose is going to die.” The words still felt unreal. I thought of Grandma as invincible. As everlasting as the snow in our home. But facing this reality, one that she had already accepted. I almost couldn’t believe it.

Icarus didn’t respond, but I felt a weight on my side. Soft grumbles, full of care that I had missed over the past few days.

“You know, you’re surprisingly soft.” The joke leaves me as my hand comes to his head once more.

“And you’re surprisingly emotional.”

“Shut it.” My voice is fond, as my hand scratches back and forth through silvery fur. And for a while we sat there, leaning on one another as I took in the soon— to— be reality. I didn’t cry anymore, Icarus’ presence was enough to calm me as I tried to think about how I was going to handle all of this when the time came.

The Ice Solstice isn’t far, I can’t let grief blind me.

The door creaks open and I turn to see Icarus’ oldest leave it. Lia seeing us all comfy beside each other. I see the soft smile in her bright blues.

“Rose says it’s okay to come back in..”

I nod, and gently rise up to my feet. Swiping remnants of snow off of me as I went back in, both wolves following me.

She looks at me, her smile strong as her fingers laid intertwined in her lap. Icarus all but ran to her side and leapt onto her mattress with nary a thought. I could see his instant comfort as she pet him and he laid at her side.

“Carmine. I know...I told you a lot. It must be so difficult for you to handle.”

My eyes trace the lines of the wooden floor, trying to organize my thoughts properly. “It is.” my voice croaks, unsure of how to approach this.

“But I promise I will do everything I can to prepare you for the Solstice and for when you inherit Wiesse’s power.” It did little to ease the tension in my chest. Pushing it away my eyes meet greys once more as I hold out the cloth to her.

“Grandma, Icarus and I found this a few days ago, lying in the snow not far from the borders. Do you recognize this?” My desperate change of the subject severely confused Grandma. But she looked at the cloth, brows furrowing in concentration for a moment.

“That blue.” She trails off, a wrinkled hand reaching into greying hair. Twirling a piece as she thinks. Before her eyes widened in recognition.

“That battalion I chased away weeks ago.”

“A what?” My voice rose, enough to spook the cubs littered on the floor, scattering as I try to soothe them as fast I could. Before turning my attention back to her.

“Yes, weeks ago a small battalion had approached from the borders.” Her hand lowers from her hair as she slowly recounts. “I was alone at the time and the battalion came from a far place. Not like the nearby villages in the Guacedand.”

I vaguely recall the look of the villages in the nearby wildlands. Arboose being the only one I have any familiarity of as its being the closest. But the people there hate the forest and know better than to send their militia here. Besides, no village nearby was particularly formal. All were very rustic and warm. And only wandering citizens or hunters were seen around or have entered Neigless forest. And Some of those people we help escort out. More hostile wanderers, never escape.

“This blue is from the flag they carried. And their soldiers wore gold armor. They made demands— And I didn't bother with them.. My magic was enough to force them to retreat.”

I look back down to the cloth, as Grandma told us the tale of her run in with the soldiers.

“Soldier’s here? That’s scary.” Lia comments as she scratches her ear.

“Perhaps. At most the villages of the Guecedand has militias. So it was weird to see a battalion here." Grandma tugs the blanket as Icarus sits up more.

“Do you believe they’re from the Guacedand?” he questions.

“No. They were too put together. Too experienced and they spoke of a Commander. I believe they could be fro— ”

“Kreidd.” The name left my lips.

The distant kingdom of Kreidd is blocked off from the Guacedand and Neigless Forest, from the Great Fjord that splits this continent in two. A place of faith and prosperity. With an army of devout knights who willingly lay their lives for the creed of their kingdom that is devoted to the worshiping of Hexes. As I stare at the piercing blue of the cloth adorned with a gold border it all sunk in.

A soft nudge takes me from my thoughts, looking down to see Lia. “Carmine?”

I look away, “Is that really where it is from?” She asks as she tries to meet my gaze.

“Yeah, I finally remember.” I wondered why it was so hard for me to pinpoint it. I wanted to forget about this blue. “I was born in Kreidd.”

I hear the exaggerated audible gasp from Lia.. “ You weren’t born here?”

“No, Grandma and I aren’t blood. You know that.” I remind the young wolf.

“That makes little difference to me.” Grandma pipes in. “Besides, the battalion is gone and any sign of them would’ve been reported by the other lookouts by now.”

Icarus nods, “Why didn’t you tell me, Rose?”

“I would’ve if I thought it was much more dangerous. But they didn’t even attack, they simply ran when I conjured frost.” She rubs her knuckles, “I had no idea it was an official Imperial battalion.”

“That only makes this more concerning though.” my voice cuts through, I clench the piece of the flag and trace the gold rim. “Why would a Kreidd battalion travel this far out? The kingdom isn’t exactly a neighbor.”

Icarus looks at me, a hum as he thought. “For the tear?”

“That would be the only thing here worth coming for.” Grandma lays back onto her pillows and sighs. Icarus biting the rim of the blanket and pulling it over her figure softly.

“Well it’s been weeks! They won’t be coming back here!” Lia claims as she bounced. Tail wagging from her confidence. I wish I could share it, but as I stuffed the cloth back into the pocket of my skirt. Leaving the room to go prepare lunch and for night patrol, I couldn’t help but worry.

There is a lot riding on me now after all. And I know all too well how that Kingdom's knighthood is.

#original story #author #meadow of a rabbit #mor #indie author #writeblr #Tear of Ice #Hour of War Chronicles #Indie Fantasy Story #Indie #Fantasy

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meadowofarabbit · 8 months ago

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Tear of Ice Chapter 2

Upon reaching the house once more, Icarus separates, continuing to patrol himself. I ensured the cloth was stored securely in my skirt and would stay that way. Opening the door, to a wide array of wolf cubs and teenagers who all welcomed me home. Instantly I was petting and loving away. Finding Grandma petting an almost grown wolf, White like all the others, but with striking blue eyes matching the leader. They spot me, and leap down from the mattress. “Carmine! Carmine! Where’s my dad?” She calls to me, bouncing with her tail wagging back and forth.

“He’s on patrol, Lia. He’ll be back at dusk.”I picked up one of the cubs, cradling their soft body in one arm. Shaking off the snow and lowering my hood.

Lia deflated, ears turning downward and a whimper.

“Come now, Lia. Icarus is awfully busy protecting the family. And so are your aunts and uncles.” Grandma spoke up. “And Carmine as well.”

My smile was wider than it should’ve been. Being constantly faced by Icarus’ doubts really put my own on display. I walk over with the cubs in my arms, many more following my every step. Before I twist around and sit on the bed. Lia jumps up and joins on the other side, before turning and settling on a pillow.

“Sooner or later you will even come to understand the powers of Wiesse.” Grandma says, her voice soft.

“I doubt I will take it as quickly as you say you did.” My hand pets the cub as I set them down to play with their siblings.

“Of course, dear. I was fairly young when I took up the helm. I’ve had many, many years to perfect the blessings I was given.” A small laugh, “And unlike current times, I was encouraged.”

“Can’t imagine that.” It sounded more bitter than I was willing to admit. Then again the memories hurt. Before Grandma took me in, the villages that used to keep me weren’t exactly fond of me. At best ignoring me and ,at worst, throwing me away simply because of my Loraine heritage. It was impossible for me to hide it, with my red hair, I hated it. If only I didn’t look this way, but that was a useless thought now.

“It is a shame,” she intertwines her long fingers, “But one I bear the blame for during my younger years..” My eyes lowered and curiosity churned in my head. An old hand touches my gloved ones and I look up to her.

“And when the helm is completely transferred to you, Carmine. It will make you even more of an outsider. I'm sorry. ” Her eyebrows rose, ensuring I understood.

I smile, “ I’ve lived in a magical snowing forest with an old lady and a pack of wolves for a decade. I think I’m an outsider already.”

She laughs haughty and leans back. “True,” Then her cheery demeanor leaves. Her crows feet and deep dimples as sweet as ever before they fade as her hand grips mine. Flipping my hand around to just hold them together securely. “But when you become the Loraine. It will change you.”

For a moment I wanted to ask how, to dig deeper into what she meant by that. Loraines were people capable of power comparable to the Hexes, ancient magical beings. And considering the woman before me, being the sole Loraine of the Hex, Wiesse. Someone who has lived for such an unimaginably long time. There are so many things Grandma could know. Before, whenever I asked she brushed me off or completely avoided the question. Or simply telling basic information to keep me from asking more. But now, with the helm so close to my reach, with the Ice Solstice arriving soon, and me becoming the next Wolf Ringer of the Neigless forest. She can’t deny me an answer now, right?

“Dear, you look like you’re staring off into space or being eaten from the inside out.” Her voice interrupts my flurry of thoughts.

“Grandma,” I pause, wondering how to word it. “Would it be okay if I asked?”

She stares at me for a moment, but nods. Our hands still clamped over one another.

“How will I change from this? What is it like being the Loraine of Wiesse?”A small hum from her, as I see Lia’s ear flick from the corner of my eye. I wait patiently as the older woman tries to word her experiences.

“Physically nothing will change, You will continue to be like this. You will age much slower, yes. But nothing too out of the ordinary. But then in contact with the tear-”

I nod, egging her to continue. She tries to find more words as her other hand taps her chin.

“You will become stronger, Wiesse’s magic is turbulent after all. Like all of the Hexes. And we Loraines sometimes can barely channel them. Not without help or years of practice.”

“So, will I gain power like you? Is that it?” My question was met with a nod.

“I know it doesn’t sound amazing now, but you will understand the struggles when the time comes.” She brings our hands to her face as her eyes close and she leans into them.

"Wiesse's power is not to be trifled with, no Hexes power is. We as her Loraine are bound to her power and her soul. We must embody her ideals." She looks at me, before holding out her hand and allowing a wisp of blue to float between her fingers. Before simply letting it fade and the cold of her hands freezing me even through the gloves.

“And when your time arrives, please be safe.”

I nod, “Of course.”

“She won’t need to be!” Lia springs up to her feet on the mattress. “I will be there to take care of her! I’m next in line after all!”

“Then why did you skip out on morning patrol?” I stare at the teen wolf, one eyebrow rising.

“I value my sleep!” She argues, while I hear Grandma laugh behind our joined hands. Gently releasing mine as I ruffle Lia's fur.

“Lia has a point though, She is taking up the helm just like you.” Grandma says behind her hand. “Icarus is connected to Wiesse, which is why our pack is so special.” She said as she brought her hand up to Lia’s cheeks and gently petted her.

“Your father and I have been through so much together. And you, he, and Carmine will go through much more.” Lia nods, sitting obediently. “Stay by each other, you are a family after all.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Lia nuzzles her snout to Grandma’s cheek as the older woman giggles. Joy fills me, before looking towards the tall old clock.

“It’s lunchtime. I’ll go ahead and make a stew.” I rise to my feet and unhook the cloak from my shoulders. Gently folding it and putting it on the bed.

“Light seasoning.” Grandma called out as I jogged to the kitchen.

“I know!” I called back. Toiling away on a simple stew for us to enjoy, while making some meat for the wolves inside.

By the time we all finished eating, the morning patrol finally returned, Icarus entering the home and shaking the snow off of his already white fur. The other adults are doing the same. Icarus looks at another group of adults and nods. They return it and then bolt out the door to start the night patrol. The returning party all come over to their respective cubs and begin to eat, play and relax. Lia instantly jumps down from the bed, and runs over to Icarus.

“Dad!”

Icarus instantly rewards her enthusiasm with a soft chuckle, nuzzling her head gently. “Hello, little one. Slept in again?” She giggles and nuzzles back, just happy as can be. It brought a smile to my face, as he continues to give his daughter attention.

He looks up at me, and it is the moment I turn away. Unsure if I should meet his gaze right now.

“Rose.” His voice calls out, and for a moment I freeze. Was he going to tell her about the cloth? Would he do that? ButGrandma replies with a hum, tilting her head kindly. Icarus pauses for a moment, before walking over and putting his head nonchalantly on the bed beside her.

“Pet.” He states.

“Of course.” She replies as her hand meets his head. Relief went through me like a swift breeze. As I can’t help but laugh at his softer side. She told me of the years they've spent here in the forest and many of the trials and tribulations they faced. It speaks volumes about how Icarus seems so hesitant to even trust me, even if I’ve known him for so long.

“Have you eaten, Carmine?” I hear him ask.

“Oh, yeah.” It came out as a stutter. As I rise to my feet and offer him my spot on the bed. He takes it and curls up beside Grandma easily.

“It is time for the nightly patrol as well. Lia, go with her.” His voice is softer even as he gives an order.

Lia stands tall and gives a small howl. “Got it!”

I grab the cloak and put it on, hood up and all. Placing a hand in my pocket to ensure the cloth is there, I felt the small bunch of fabric and walked to the door. I look at Icarus, my eyes stern. He caught my gaze and gave a subtle nod and with that I opened the door.

Unlike the silent stillness of this morning, the sky was a fading purple hue and white flurries fell upon the already blanketed snow. Lia runs ahead and rolls into the snow, laughter bellowing as I close the door behind us.

“We should be patrolling, not playing.”

“Why not both?” She calls out as her head pokes up from the small pile of snow that had already accumulated from her playing.

”Because something can happen while you’re too busy to pay attention. Come on.” I walk past the wolf and her snow pile, waiting to hear her footprints behind me before speeding up.

The patrol was not as smooth as the morning, Lia lacked the calmness and attention span of her father. Leaving me to reeling her in from getting off the path or just running around aimlessly. It was irritating, and now, It was getting on my last nerves. I was trying to focus on remembering something about the cloth. To figure out where it came from and why I recognize the odd blue and gold border on it. But I couldn't file my thoughts well with my attention constantly being derived to make sure Lia keeps up with me!

“Carmine? You’re really quiet.” Lia says as she runs in front of me. “Wanna talk about it? You and Dad seemed on edge.”

I look away, “We’re in a fight right now.”

“A fight? Why?”

“None of your business, that's why.” I step by her and march on.

“Hey! Rose just told us to stand by each other. Talk to me! I’m supposed to be your partner!” She rushes by and blocks my way again.

“Lia.” I start, clearly annoyed. “It has nothing to do with you. We’ll solve it on our own. And everything will be fine.”

She growls a bit. “I get that. But still!”

“Still what?” my voice was sharp, growing louder. My hand clenched into fists and my shoulders get tense. “I told you we will be fine. And that we can still do what we need to do. Get over it!”

Lia’s blue eyes blink, and a pang of regret surges through me. My hands loosen as my mouth opens. Only to be cut off by another growl.

“Lia, wait-”

Before I could blink, she lunged at me! My balance was lost instantly, as I fell back into the snow. She hovers over me as I push her face away and kick my feet. Panic set in quickly as I yelled at her.

“What the hell are you doing? Stop!” She barks in reply, as her snout lowers.

Lia is my family, I can’t believe she would attack me! She fights against my pushing, her own claws digging into the snow as her snout reaches the waist of my white skirt. Digging her face there as I grab a chunk of her fur and push her away. Her own body falls into the snow as I crawl up to a nearby tree. Grabbing it and using it as leverage as I catch my breath.

“Why would you do that?” I yell at her before she slowly sits up and giggles.

“What’s this?” voice laced with confidence. A ripped patch of cloth sat in her teeth, and I stared at it with wide eyes. Before lunging at her.

“Give it back!” I shout.

“No way! Tell me what it is!”

“Give! It! Back! Lia!” I grab her cheek fluff as she shakes her head furiously. Before I grab the cloth forcefully, hoping to just pull it out from her bite.

And then it echoes, a shrieking sound of a rip.

My body flung back as I looked down to my hand to find only a corner section of the already torn material. My heart drops. This random cloth that I was already attempting to investigate, to prove that I can do something right and protect our home. Ripped literally into even more pieces. I stared at it, my mouth hung open as snow fell on my now exposed head. Gathering in my palms as I breathe out in puffs.

“Carmine…” Lia’s voice stutters quietly. I hear the crunch of snow as she approaches. “I’m so sorry. I-I didn’t mean to-”

“He doesn’t believe in me.” My voice shakes as my hand grips the cloth. Struggling to keep the little amount of composure I had. “So much is going to happen. So much is going to change and he can’t even try to encourage me.”

“That’s not true. Dad is just worried. It’s the family after all.”

“I know that!” It came out as a yell, “It’s his family- our family! He keeps repeating that! But for me to be a part of this family he really does seem to think I wouldn't want to keep us safe!”

“Carmine…” Lia nuzzles my face, in an attempt to comfort me. “It’s a lot of pressure. On both of us.”

“You seem to be handling the pressure well.” I gently swipe her snout away from me.

“Because I was afraid of this. Afraid you would work yourself up so hard and just start to panic. You’re not alone, and we can handle it together.”Gently I look at Lia, her blue eyes so soft. Before placing the rest of the ripped cloth into my hand.

“Whatever it is, I got your back, Partner.”

It wasn’t perfect, and I was still very upset about the cloth being broken before I could even truly recognize where it came from. I stare at the soft blue of the fabric once more. Almost trying to dig around in my memory for wherever I saw such a vibrant hue of blue. But it came up empty, and I sigh.

“Thanks, Lia. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you.” My hand comes up to pet her head. Her eyes closed at that comforting feeling.

“No, it's fair. I’m sorry I jumped at you, I just wanted to grab it.” She nuzzles me once more and this time I accept it. Before rising to my feet and swiping the snow from my vibrant red hair.

“Ready to go?” She prompts as she faces the trail once more.

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

From then, the rest of the night patrol was spent airing out the rest of how I felt. And I suppose now I can understand how Grandma and Icarus are so close. It’s nice to have a partner.

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meadowofarabbit · 8 months ago

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Tear of Ice Chapter One

Running is all I can remember. Dashing past cornfields and meadows. I don’t remember what I was running from, this was all so long ago. But I remember when the scenery changed. Magically, from green to white with an overlay of red. Luscious fields of flowers and crops fading into dead trees and sheets of snow. My thin dress and low boots quickly became far too sheer to protect me from the change. Chills ran up my bones, jittering me from the inside out. And when exhaustion finally hit, the shining snow felt more comfortable than any bed I’ve ever had.

The red glowed off of the environment, Bleeding its way from the moon over me. A color I had always felt hatred towards—one that cursed me with the harsh life I had to deal with—suddenly enveloped me in a way no one else had. And as I laid there, helpless in its hold, I heard sounds, crunching. The snow echoed as something made its way over. My body wouldn’t move, exhaustion and the cold taking over. And when whatever came over did touch me, it was soft.

A small push, for my body to turn onto its side, and when my eyes looked to the perpetrator. I meet sharp blue irises and white fur. A beast, a wolf. Its head tilted, inspecting me, as if seeing if I was alive. Over its right eye a myriad of scars, hard for me to have stared at back then. So when my breath left in a puff of mist and it backed away. I was relieved. Its head turned and motioned for another. Before I knew it, I was surrounded. Multiple wolves, of varying sizes, all white coated in the moon's red. I heard their whimpers and occasional small howls, before hearing more crunching. My head leaning up just enough to peek at a vibrant red. More brighter than the moon and its light. Crimson fluttering through the crisp air, white fur lining the hood. As a brown boot stops before me, and fabric bunches as they kneel. A hand, textured by the gloves it wore, ran itself through my red tresses. The color of the hair I hated, now enveloping me in its light. Caring for me in ways no one else had. And a gentle voice wafted through the air.

“May Wiesse be your light.”

That name that I never knew back then is now a name that I prioritize. A figurehead of my home, of this forest that I found long ago. The wolves that once surrounded me, becoming close, a family. The only true one I’ve ever had, and that figure. That kind figure who patted my head that day and saved me from death. Now, a decade later, lies in her bed slowly watching the days go by as I take her place and protect this home of ours.

“Carmine?” I look back to the door of my room, floor littered with bundles of sleeping white fur. I held a warm bowl, empty of oatmeal in my hands. The voice is low and gentle, revealing that large scarred wolf from years ago.

“Are you prepared?” He asks me, the voice exiting him without movement.

I set down the bowl and pull my gloves over my hands, “Yeah, I’m coming.”

The wolf nods, and leaves my doorway back down the wooden stairs. I step over the sleeping cubs gently and follow him down.

There, I found the older wolves all huddling together, some shaking off snow from themselves. My eyes trace up to find a small bed, where she sat up. A gentle smile forms on her wrinkled face as she gestures for me to come closer. In her lap, that familiar crimson cloth with white fur. I gently make my way over to her sitting on her bed.

“Carmine, my dear, You’ve been doing so well taking up the helm.” Her hand gently shakes as it reaches up to run through my hair once more. I can’t help but smile.

“Being the Wolf Ringer is a hard duty, protecting not only the pack but the forest from the tides of the changing world around us. It is an embodiment of Wiesse. I am glad I am able to pass it to you.” Her hand traces down, shaking just a bit too much as she cups my cheeks.

“I will sacrifice just as she. For my love is bigger than I.” I repeated the mantra of Wiesse, the core of her ideals. My smile is wide in Grandma’s palms.

“You will be alone from now on.” her voice, soft. As I reach up and touch the frail hand on my cheek.

“I won’t be alone. I have Icarus and the rest of the pack. Don’t worry Grandma” I said, meeting her eyes with a bravado that I wasn’t even sure I had.

She smiles at me, warmer than before. As she gently pulls her hands from my face, reaching down to the crimson bundle of fabric. She held it out to me, without a word and waited for me to take it. I couldn’t help but hesitate, did I really earn this? This simple cloak that I’ve watched her don for a decade. Surprisingly, it carries a lot of weight in it.

I reach forward and take the cloak, holding it close as I stand from the bed. The scarred wolf, Icarus, looks up at me as he strides forward and leaps onto her bed. Gently curling up and laying beside her. Everyone in the room stares at me, visibly eager.

“Are you not going to wear it?” She asked.

“Oh! Yeah!” Quickly I unfurl the folded fabric and reveal it in all its glory. The bright crimson being so vibrant against the dark wood of our home. My eyes can’t help but trail it, even if I’d admired it for years now.

Before I can change my mind I twist it and throw it over my shoulders. Adjusting the golden metal clasps that laid on my chest and kept the hood together. I am apparently shorter than Grandma in her prime, Seeing as the cloak nearly touched the floor on me. It was never something I thought about until now. I admired it, and ran my hand along the fabric as a small bark echoed in the quiet room.

“You look lovely, Carmine. Far better than I did all those centuries ago.” Grandma spoke up as more and more cubs ran up to me to celebrate.

I can’t help but giggle as I kneel down and pet the children, noting how some forced their eyes shut as they tried to will out words. After all, with Wiesse's magic it is possible for them to talk, but it is difficult. I knew what they were all trying to say anyway. While the much older wolves all comment, gently nuzzling me as I barely fought the smile on my face.

“You look good.” That low voice echoes out as I look up to meet those same blue eyes with those scars. Icarus leans gently over the edge of the bed. Letting his snout touch my head before leaning back.

“But you must still be cautious. Donning that cloak only makes you more of a threat to any who attempt to hurt our home. The protection of my family- our family-is now upon you.”

My hand stops moving as I feel a tightening in my chest. “I know.” Was all I was able to manage out.

“Icarus.” Grandma speaks up.

“Rose,” he turned to her, voice gentler than how he referred to me. “We must take this seriously. Carmine may don the cloak now but her combat skills are still inefficient. The Ice Solstice is coming and without you-”

“Icarus.” She stops him, “You’re scaring her. Carmine will do well.” I see the hesitation in his eyes as he slowly looks down. “I just want us all to be safe.”

“And we will be, if you stop scaring her.” I watch the hand as she presses down his snout. Stuffing his nose into a pillow. Seeing his tail wag in defiance as I snort into my hand. “Do not let him scare you. The job is important, yes, but you will be fine.”

“Grandma, I get it. I can handle it.” Rising back up to my feet, and making my way over to the small table not far from her bed. I pick up my hunting knife and it’s holster attaching it to my corset.

I hear a ruffling and a growl as Icarus freed himself from Grandma’s mischievous hold. Before jumping down and joining my side.

"Where's Lia? Isn't she supposed to join me for patrol this morning?" I ask Icarus as he shakes out his fur.

"Sweet thing has overslept. Late night patrol took a lot out of her after scaring away those hunters." Grandma says, a giggle behind her hand.

More wolves followed up after Icarus as I shrug and make my way to the door. Turning to my Grandma and waving gently with a smile. She waves back and before I let doubt take me, I open the door.

Instantly the other wolves fanned out, running into the cold air. Disappearing beyond the black barked trees. I close the door behind me, and lift the crimson hood over my red hair. Letting the soft white fur on it graze my cheek. It was light, far lighter than the coat I usually wore but it somehow kept me warm all the same. Icarus steps down from the porch meeting the white snow so I follow. Stepping into the snow and past the trees down the main path.

Unlike that night when Grandma and Icarus first found me, there is no red shining from the moon. I learned that this is how the forest usually looks. No flowers or fields of grass to be seen at any time. Thick sheets of snow with dead blackened trees all around. Occasionally blizzards or flurries depending on the day. This never changes, it looks this way all year round.

“It is fastly approaching.” Icarus speaks up as we walk. I glance down to the large wolf, before going back to focusing on our surroundings. I knew what he was talking about.

“The Ice Solstice. I know, it’ll only be in a few months.” I look up to the moon, big and white in the surprisingly clear day sky. Nothing like that bleeding red from that night ten years ago..

“You will need to be careful. Our home is vulnerable and easily hurt.” “Icarus, I’ve lived here for over a decade. I know how the Solstice works. It’ll be fine.” I cross my arms as I continue to look through the trees.

I hear him growl, knowing I struck a chord with him.

“Carmine, you are inexperienced. You may have aided Rose for all these years but now you cannot rely on her.” “I know that.” I grumbled. “But that doesn’t mean you get to beat it into me that I might fail.” “I never said that.” “You’re heavily implying it.”

He growls more as he steps forward a bit and turns to me, those blue eyes sharp as daggers as they glared. For a moment, I thought he would speak, yell or just bark at me at least. But instead he turns away, and keeps moving forward. Going silent as I’m left with nothing to do but to follow him.

Is he giving me the silent treatment now? Doubting me to such a degree and then ignoring me when I question it? Eventually I found myself not even looking at him. Focusing my attention to our surroundings and the beauty of our snowy home.

“Carmine.”

“What?” It came out harsh and quick.

“There is something over there.” I finally turn to him and see his snout point to the east, I kneel and point my finger, following his sightline. There, in between the trees, I see—

Blue?

Something small and blue in the distance. Quickly, Icarus and I make our way over to it to inspect. I kneel to it and swipe the remaining snow covering it. It was a ripped cloth. A light blue with golden accent tracing the jagged ends of said cloth. It was ripped violently.

“A cloth?” I questioned. Icarus comes to my side and I hold the cloth up for him to sniff. His eyes narrow when he finishes.

“It smells familiar, but I cannot remember it.” He says.

“Familiar? The only cloth scent here you should recognize is from Grandma and I.”

“There is a hint of Rose on it. But it is not her scent. It’s something more- someone else.” He tried to think, turning his head down as he did.

“Either way, we should let the others smell it and have them keep a lookout. If this ended up here-” I look down at the implications, could this cloth simply have blown in from the meadow’s wind?

Icarus nods as I stand. He craned his neck up and let out a howl, loud and echoing. Disturbing the stillness of the forest, snow on a nearby tree gently falling as his howl continued on. And in his call I stare at the cloth.

It feels so familiar, I wonder why?

The other wolves who had joined Icarus and I on our patrol found our position quick with his howl. I kneel to them and let them smell the cloth as well.

“I don’t recognize this scent.” One spoke up. “Not at all, Seff?” I questioned.

His furry head shook as he sat on the snow. The others also show that they didn’t know what it was. I look back down to the cloth, clenching it in my gloved fingers.

“We should show Rose, She may recognize it.” Another speaks up. My grip tightened as I shook my head. “No, I...I want to do this myself.”

“Carmine-” Icarus’ voice calls to me from behind.

“If you so obviously don’t trust me. Let me , at least, try to show I can do this.”

Everyone went quiet, the others not knowing about the tension Icarus and I suddenly have. I look back at him, as he simply stares at me. Then grumbles a bit and turns away.

Standing back up I place the cloth in the pocket of my skirt. “Alright, everyone, go back to your posts. Not a single word of this to Grandma, okay?”

I see them hesitate, but eventually nod, as they scurry off in their individual directions. I turned back to Icarus, who didn’t face me.

"Come on, Icarus." I turn to continue our patrol, leaving him to follow me.

The rest of the patrol around the main path was clear, as we came to the edge of the forest. Sudden sheets of white snow fading into a green field.. By the field alone you can tell it's fall, the dying leaves not being far from my vision. If it wasn't for Grandma and Icarus keeping tabs on when the Ice Solstice is, I would get lost in the everlasting winter of our home.

"You're staring." Icarus says, "Do you miss it?"

"No." It was an instant response. "I'm happy living here with Grandma and the pack. and You."

My eyes continue to stare at the long stretch of green. “There was never anything out there for me anyway. Or Anyone.”

I take a moment to look down at the large scarred wolf, his eyes looking up at me as well. My hand gently touches his fur.

“And that's why I will prove to you that I can keep our home safe. I am not Rose, no. But I am here.”

He didn’t reply, blue eyes shifting. Seeing his hesitance, I pull my hand away. I’ll prove it to him, one way or another.

Rising to my feet I turn back to the main path, “Let’s get back home.”

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#meadow of a rabbit #mor #original story #fantasy #lesbunnian #original #author #indie author #indie writer #indie #Tear of Ice #Hour of War #Hour of War Chronicles #Indie fantasy #Writeblr #Chapter 1 #Fantasy Story #New Adult #New Adult fantasy

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