Ice Queen meets her match.

Finding Pride


Daenu looked at herself in the mirror, did she really have the guts to go through with this? It had, much to her horror become part of her reputation that she was a straight laced vanilla heterosexual woman; when really that was not the case at all. Daenu had for the most part always been incredibly confused about her sexuality. She had thought that she was heterosexual, and when she realised that she might not have been after spending years by Phita's side, she found herself lost and in a state of utter self loathing. Course she had never confided in anyone, hadn't even told her treasure Misnia that this was the case... she looked down at herself again, maybe she should dress more... she shook her head, no she was going to come out. She had to come out.

"I have to do this. For me." 

Course she had considered the consequences, thought over the ridicule and the shame. She clenched her fists and tried to smile at herself, Eviax had come by without question nor judgement to braid her hair with violets. Florita had come by to help create a perfect new scent, hadn't asked nor judged either. Evyette had done her makeup and had given her an encouraging hug... but still she was afraid. She was afraid that she would stand out. That she would be kicked out. That she would be unloved and hated and now she could not help but place her fist against the mirror. She was not going to break it, though she desired nothing more than to erase her image from its reflection.

"There will be fire claimants and light claimants there. I will be ok. I will be ok. I have to be ok." 

Another knock, she didn't have the nerve to turn around as Evyette poked her head back in. The Fire ancient had changed into her own pride outfit which consisted of barely any clothing at all and a rather large crown of roses atop of her head. Unlike the older ancient, Evyette was in full pride wear, she was holding two flags, one that Daenu recognised as the rainbow flag that most humans adorned during these pride festivals, and another that was a little less familiar, it had shades of orange and pink upon it. Evyette offered it to Daenu.

"Is that my flag?" 

"Yes honey. Come, I'll help drape it around your shoulders." 

"Are you sure we will fit in?" 

"We will blend in perfectly." 

Evyette could clearly see that her mother's ex partner was freaking the hell out, not only was the woman shivering – which for the Ice Ancient was unprecedented but she was trying not to cry. As the younger of the two gently placed the flag on her shoulders, Daenu let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding in. Once the knot was tied, Evyette stood back and started to jump with glee, Daenu herself traced the fabric and suddenly she did not feel so alone. It was only with Evy's encouragement that they finally arrived in the mortal realm; where a full pride walk was in swing. The music was loud and there were people, claimants and humans alike who were dancing, chanting, singing, laughing together like nothing and everything mattered all at once, Evyette knew that Daenu was far from comfortable and so led the Ice ancient through the crowd and towards a less busy area where multiple tents stood with individuals selling wares that ranged from glittery plastic hats to sandwiches that were rainbow themed. Evyette settled Daenu in front of a tent that was labelled 'safe space'.
"How are you feeling?" 

"Overwhelmed. I don't know if I should cry or not." 

A human who was standing nearby, a male with a lime green buzzcut and a confident swagger approached and bent down so that Daenu could see him clearly.

"Love, are you ok? I heard you say you wanted to cry? First time?"

Daenu did not know how to answer and began to pick at her perfectly manicured fingers, this was stopped quickly by the man who turned his head and gestured for a group of women to come close, Daenu looked at each and their outfits, each of them a different colour of the rainbow. The man informed them of the situation and they all cooed and nodded sympathetically at Daenu who was still trying her best not to freak the hell out and start a snow storm in the middle of summer.

"We'll look after you. Stacy will go get some water for you. You stick with us and we'll have lots of fun."

"Thank you." she bleated out.

"We all were there, it passes with time. Take some deep breaths and try to concentrate on the music. It will help orientate you." The man at her feet murmured.

The purple girl, earlier called Stacy approached Daenu with a cup of water and a sprig of lavender.

"May I? In your hair?"

"Uh..." Daenu looked to Evyette.

"It's ok, she's merely offering to braid it with the rest of the violets. It's a symbol of solidarity for your community." 

"Our community. We're all queer, loud and proud here."

Nodding a little more sure of herself, as she sipped the water, Stacy went to work incorporating the lavender until it was neatly intertwine with the violets that already sat on display on her head, once the water was finished she was helped up and they moved to a larger area of the field where slowly but surely Daenu felt sure that she could dance and not be judged, at first it started as a small sway and shuffle; but as she realised that no one gave a shit she allowed herself to move a little more, Evyette joining in occasionally whilst also cheering Daenu on with winks and smiles. Once Daenu had danced to her heart's content – Evyette keeping the creeps away, the older ancient decided to do some exploring and left her companion in the crowd of dancing humans, she had long since taken her heels off and was carrying them with one hand whilst keeping her eye out for someplace to put them. A group of men and women wearing t-shirts with words she couldn't quite distinguish were standing at the very end of the festival holding signs. One of them caught her eye and started to walk towards her, she didn't know how to feel or what to do and waited they were close enough before the insults started, she hadn't really even realised that there were such people who did not agree with people like her, she tried not to let the words get to her, but as they started to swarm and get louder... the confidence she had managed to build up in the previous hours began to crumble significantly.

"Hey. ASSHOLES."

A loud shout cut the toxic words in two and Daenu who was ready to flee looked around for whoever had said that, a trio of two guys and a smaller girl approached; they had the familiar glow of very upset light claimants. The group who had swarmed Daenu – none of them had touched her yet stopped and started getting louder, berating both the trio and the Ice Ancient who despite knowing she could defend herself from these idiots did not seem to feel like she was capable of even breathing. The two males of the trio broke off and started facing off against the men in the protest, whilst the female waiting for her opportunity slipped by the screaming and the punching to get to Daenu who had now fallen to the ground in a puddle of pink, orange  and purple.

"Hey, it is not safe here. Come on. Up you get."

She could not move, she had stuck herself to the ground. Frozen solid. The female sensing this, reached into her pocket and pulled out a small device, a buzzing noise came and words were said that went in one ear and out the other. Daenu stared at the ground; the world moving by her. Evyette had sensed something was up from the moment she saw an entire squadron of light claimants break from the crowd; ducking under and past the still remaining crowd of dancing individuals she decided to follow through and walked alongside some of them – who recognised who she was and chittered and chattered excitedly amongst themselves. The further they got away from the festival, the more Evyette's frown seemed to deepen. The situation became apparent when they found a group of human assholes on the floor in a pile, handcuffed and bruised. That was fine, normal even but not was not so much ok was Daenu. Evyette bypassed the curious claimants who were all whispering now.

"All of you back to the festival. I have this covered." 

"Should we go get Alvax?"

"If you can find him." 

Kneeling down, Evyette warmed her hands up slightly and placed them on Daenu's shoulders. The Ice Ancient was clearly stuck in her own mind, for the heat not to have worked. Evyette cursed herself. She should not have let Daenu walk off on her own, she hadn't even thought to explain that there was a small chance that assholes like the humans she now saw around them would be in attendance. The footfalls of those same knights came back just as quickly as Evyette would have expected from a group of elite warriors, the only difference was now they brought with them a force of annoyance. Evyette stood up and held her hands up, each catching aflame ready to defend Daenu from Alvax – lest the light ancient be less than approving.

"Alvax. You have to help. She's stuck to the ground. I don't know what they said or did." 

Na faclan a fhuair i. 'S e glacte a-staigh a h-cridhe." 
[The words got to her. It's stuck inside her heart.]

"Aidez-moi. Aidez-la. C'est sa première fois ici. Elle est déjà si courageuse de vouloir être ici. Je ne laisserai pas certains fanatiques le gâcher." 

Help me. Help her. This is her first time here. She's already so brave for wanting to be here. I won't let some bigots ruin it. ] 

Alvax side stepped his cousin and waved his hand over Daenu's eyes. A classic sign of shock. He stood up straight and placed his hands on his hips, of all the things he had prepared for to go wrong at this festival it was certainly not save his aunt from herself. Another man seemed to join them, his face full of concern, Evyette had tried to stop this man but Alvax gestured for her to stay back, this man had a whole satchel full of things and took out an empty bottle... or what appeared to be an empty bottle – at first Evyette wanted to ask what the hell was going on, but when this man cracked open the jar and place it under Daenu's nose the female seemed to jolt back into the moment.

"Hvað gerðist bara. Af hverju er ég á gólfinu?" 

[What just happened? Why am I on the floor?] 

"It's ok, you just went into shock because of the humans and their hatred." 

"Who are you?"

Daenu recoiled having never seen the man who was closing a jar and putting it back in his bag. Why was Alvax looking at him so adoringly? 

"Me? Alec. I'm Alvax's husband. The jar I just used was given to me by your fellow ancient. Quinnox. It's enchanted to contain a person's favourite scent. Activates a good memory. Helps them come back to the moment we are in." 

Daenu had never really gotten to know the replacement light ancient and so the words that this man was Alvax's husband left her unable to shut her mouth. The man took no offence to that as he helped her stand, he brushed her off gently and then returned to Alvax's side where they held each other, Alec being much taller and therefore able to hide Alvax's frame almost entirely. Daenu didn't know what to feel now... be it humiliated or just down right disgusted that she had let humans and their words get to her. As they returned to the music and the crowds, Evyette wrapped an arm around Daenu's shoulders and internally pleaded to her element and the powers she had innate access to; to fill Daenu back up with all of the confidence she had, had less than an hour ago. It took some convincing on their part and the coaxing of the previous group of rainbow humans who had been there to first see Daenu first blossom for the Ice ancient to finally begin to dance again. Evyette moved to the side and somewhat stood vigil, the original female of that trio approached, now that Evyette could take a closer look this one seemed a little more like a cloud of happiness than most light claimants; the fire ancient quickly identified her as the champion knight of the house. 

"Thank you for alerting Alvax and I." 

"Anything for you! I would have gut and skin the humans too if I had the chance. She is really pretty. What's her name? Can I have her number?" 

"That's Daenu. Ancient of Ice." 

The champion knight cooed and awed at that tidbit and rushed into the crowd to join Daenu who was spinning around, skirts flowing and laughing, a small cloud of snow had started to form over the Ice ancient; not a bad sign really... more so just to keep her cool amongst the masses of bodies. Evyette watched the interaction of the champion knight and the Ice ancient, a disposable camera was pulled out and Daenu posed with the girl, Evyette half laughed when Daenu took out one of the violets in her braid and handed it to the girl, words were exchanged and another round of photos taken before the champion knight went back to her duties protecting the ravellers. 

Daenu undid her hair as Evyette sat to the very side of the room drinking mulled wine, the festival had finished much later in the night than either had anticipated and even Alvax and his husband's – turns out he had two, Alec and Roman, had left leaving Evyette and the rest of the members of the house of fire attending to protect the very last of the humans before they all called it a night. Daenu had taped a picture to her mirror, it was a selfie with her and the light claimant who had saved her ass earlier. She remembered giving the girl one of her violets but not asking for her name, she should have. Now she was unsure if she'd ever get the chance to see her again... her heart was beating much faster than it usually did and Evyette had noticed. 

"Something on your mind?" 

"I wish I had asked the little cloud what her name was." 

"I believe..."

"Don't tell me, I only hope to see her again some day. To thank her properly." 

"I think the picture is proper thanks enough." 

Evyette stood up and gave her aunt a hug. This startled Daenu just a bit. 

"Feel that? Your heart. Your heart hasn't been this fast since you were with my mum." 

"I..."

"Don't be ashamed, it's ok. You're starting to feel again. When mum left, well before she left. She told me she hated the amount of damage it would do to you. The fact that people would associate you with her and that you never got to properly explore whilst you two were together. She would be so proud of you." 

Daenu had no words and didn't know what to say as Evyette released her after a quick goodnight before disappearing back to the Forge. Daenu herself, decided to hang the flag above her bed, she preserved the flowers in a jar, freezing them just so; so that they would never die and placed the vase on her nightstand. Running her hands through her wavy hair, the usually very cold and very stoic ancient found herself snapping her fingers, causing a large luscious white fur blanket to fall atop her body. She yawned and the lights dimmed... 


Approximately five years later


She looked at the display case, pointing to a selection as she walked past. Najya was on the opposite end of the store enquiring about the eclairs and tossing between three different options, all of them had a type of fruit and a type of chocolate hence the difficult decision making. Once they were sure that they had enough of a selection of baked goods to run their own bakery, they received the paper box packages with a smile and went of their way. It had been decided that Evyette would host that year's Christmas party and that Daenu and Najya would be in charge of the desserts. As they walked up a series of rounded staircases up to Evyette's penthouse apartment they could already hear the laughing and the clinking of glasses on the inside. Evyette opened the door wide open, dressed in a sparkling silver cocktail dress, Daenu and Najya had both opted to wear slightly less formal clothing; though both were still nonetheless perfection in each other's eyes. Two male fire claimants took the packages from them whilst Evyette ushered them inside, sitting on the couch laughing with champagne glasses in hand were none other than Alec, Roman and Alvax. By the kitchen island were Jaiho and Jayhe – the two conversing in Ancient tongue. Novevu and Florita were by the balcony having a rather intimate moment and Xainayne was chatting to DeVian, Stasia and Ritunen (all three looked bored). Daenu gripped onto Najya's outstretched hand as a waiter came by and asked if either wanted to sample the lobster and blue cheese tarts.

"Hey! Nice to see you finally made it!" Stasia waved at the pair.

"Hello." 

"You must be Najya, DeVian told me all about you. I'm Stasia." 

Daenu eased into the evening once Quinnox and Quina arrived, both high as kites and wanting to get even higher. She allowed Najya to mingle and to talk to the others whilst slowly floating around herself; stopping to talk to Novevu who gave her one of the tightest hugs of the Christmas season yet, Florita had congratulated her on coming out and whispered that she had a few tidbits of advice to help Daenu out if they came up with any issues.

"You two look good together. You're allowed to be happy." 

"Thanks." 

"Pfft don't thank us. Thank yourself for finally breaking out of that stalemate hold Phi had on you. It's good to see you back in action and your date looks absolutely adorable." 

"Come on everyone, food is ready. Seats have been assigned and Novevu's mandatory speech coming up." 


There were some light hearted groans as everyone took their seat, Evyette had made it so that Daejya (as everyone who wasn't the couple in question, referred to them) were sitting somewhat more isolated and in a bit of a nook; course they were still part of the main space and table but it would allow the couple a chance to talk and not be so overwhelmed. Novevu stood up, holding his glass of whiskey and began to monologue about how much a success and disaster the year had been. Florita had to elbow his thigh a few times so he would stay on track... there were laughs and a few rebukes from either side of the table when Novevu decided to lightly tease an Ancient or their partner. Finally Novevu turned his attention to Daenu and Najya. 

"Finally we have one more addition whose joined us this year. Najya, welcome to the family. We thank you for helping bring our dearest Daenu out of her shell after the disaster and clean up that was Phita. I know... I know sore topic and it'll be the last time I ever bring it up. You are loved and we are eternally grateful that Daenu brought us into our lives. We hope you enjoy the food and of course our company and we hope this will be the start of a long life journey for the two of you."

A round of cheers and a quick peck on the cheek - which led to even more cheering before the feast that was Christmas dinner began, and though no one really noticed or cared, underneath the table Daenu's feet tucked in a way so 
that her feet were intertwined with Najya. Once the food was done and the desserts were served, all of them moved outside and sat by a massive newly installed fireplace - curtesy of Evyette, Daenu blowing gently up at the sky - causing some light snow fall to cover the rooftop area in a small smothering of snow (it also created a prime opportunity to cuddle up) laying somewhat on the side, Daenu held Najya close as Xainayne recounted battle tales and war horror stories.

"I hope that you enjoyed tonight?" 

"I did, thank you."

"Merry Christmas my little cloud."

Strawberry Dreams




Something about strawberries reminded her of Najya. She blinked, the sunlight was so bright that she had to shut her eyes again for a second as she felt a weight shift in her bed. Unlike Daenu, Najya was well capable of producing her own type of warmth, which was balanced by Daenu's permanent arctic temperature. Daenu usually woke up first and rarely moved in her sleep anyway, which meant that Najya had the freedom to sleep in whatever position she wanted and Daenu would like  freshly fallen snow, shape herself so that Najya's dreams weren't disturbed. She snapped her fingers and one of her claimants, she couldn't remember their name set down a tray with breakfast, the aroma itself slowly but surely worked on Najya whose eyes opened, her hands beginning to search for the food despite being half asleep. Course, this was after Najya had already emptied three trays in a semi conscious state, Daenu had always been relatively impressed by the amount of food that her little cloud was capable of consuming at any given moment. Now that she was fully awake and stretching her arms, Najya could feel what felt like ice cubes touching her skin, Daenu was watching her intently… for the most part Najya knew when her girlfriend was paying attention to her, it came down to the intensity of ice she felt… she loved when Daenu was watching her adoringly it felt like snowflakes melting into her skin and leaving her at a comfortable temperature. 




“Morning.”




“Morning.” 




Najya turned her head, this was not the voice she knew. She jumped out of the bed and took the sheets with her as she crashed onto the floor, in Daenu’s usual place was a man that looked like Daenu but this could not be Daenu… had she fallen asleep in some stranger’s bed? She wanted to scream when this male, who was topless and looked like that Greek man Adonis. She looked around for a weapon, whereas this man, this beautiful man climbed out of the bed and adjusted his height so that he was now kneeling next to Najya. 




“Cloud?”


“Who are you?” She squeaked 



“Why, it’s me love. Do you not recognise me?”




“You… You… are a”


“A man. This is normal.” Daenu paused, gauging his girlfriend’s reaction. 



“How is this normal!” 


She wanted to pass out. Daenu stood up and offered her his hand, she could see the veins underneath his pale white skin, a stark contrast to her own. Taking it cautiously, still unsure of this person… Daenu. 



“But when you went to sleep last night you were a woman.”




“Well yes, but sometimes I get bored being a female.”




“I..” Now she was red as a tomato as he picked up the sheets and put them back on the bed, before enveloping her in a hug. 




“I have never shared a bed with a man before.” 




“I know, Cloud. Breathe. You are not breathing, your pulse is terribly fast.” 




Once the initial shock wore off, Najya felt the urge to investigate and to evidently learn to navigate this male version of her beloved, Daenu waited patiently and even offered to take his pants off if it helped – Najya flat out refused said that it could wait, she had to get over the fact that he was rock hard, there was literally no soft part of Daenu left in this new male version. Najya did not like the fact that Daenu’s eyes were now a version of light lilac? She much prefer the espresso coloured female eyes of Daenu, she occasionally placed her hand on a part of him, causing him to either hum or shutter – she wasn’t sure if either was a good thing. 




Daenu downed a cup of coffee, as Najya watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down. Was this really the same person? Daenu acted so gracefully and with such poise that Najya felt she could never ever replicate… but this male version was more confident, standoffish and somewhat of a brute, not that she would voice any of this to him. He mentioned about needing a shower – and an offer to join, which she turned down, she had showered with Daenu and that had led to some delicious fun, but she wasn’t sure if she was comfortable enough around this male Daenu, Daenu seemed to understand and was in and out of the shower before she could even think to run, as they both changed – his wardrobe having been changed to suit his male preferences, Najya finally found the urge to speak. 




“My village wants to meet you.”




“They do?”


“Yes, well I have not gone home in so long, they have started sending birds to look for me.”


“That’s cute Cloud.” Daenu helped her into her boots, they were still being worn in and the leather was still hard. 



“So will you come with me?” He straightened her scarf 


“If they’ll have me.”


“I think that they will.” He kissed her on the forehead, causing her to turn about as red as a tomato. 


“Though my skin will be a shock.”


“I think there is a lot to you that will shock them.” She was trying to compose herself. 


“True enough Dulce.”


“Dulce???” More blushing on her end. Why was he so good at this? About as good as Daenu was….this was Daenu, just a male. 


“A new name, do you like it?”


“I think I prefer Cloud more.” She admitted nervously


“Cloud is your favourite, so we will stick with it. I will think of something better my little dew drop.” He kissed the top of her ear.


“I definitely do not like being called a dew drop.” She really was trying to remain calm, not helped by him kissing her like he was.


“Then perhaps my Star?” He whispered as he dipped into her neck to plant another kiss there. 


“That is not so bad…” Would he give her some space to breathe…. He did smell really good… she blinked and he was now by the door to the wardrobe waiting for her. What a tease. 


“Well it’s another option hmm?” Daenu fixed his hair in the mirror 


“I…” she looked down at her hands


“Yes Cloud?”


“I prefer you as a woman…” she whispered


Daenu’s eyebrow rose and he cracked a smile, Najya would have thought he would be mad.


“I get that, but I promise. I can be just as fun as a man."



Keeping to his word, they did not get much done the rest of the week as Najya was spoilt beyond belief – and mostly because Daenu was hellbent on getting Najya as comfortable to this male body of hers as she had been with her usual feminine self, it had in fact gotten so bad that most of the Ice claimants who usually dwelled inside the Poles, vacated and headed for the human realm or to another realm just to get some peace and quiet. 







Homecoming










“This is it?” 










Najya nodded gleefully as Daenu inhaled the humid air, she had expected the village to be at least close to a capital city, the ones the humans liked to live in, but instead they had been trekking though the jungle, disarming the traps Najya had laid, avoiding the hunting party – who was being left puzzled as to why the traps were disarmed when they were set up perfectly. Neither had suffered any insect bites, seeing as no matter what Daenu tried to avoid touching… which was a lot, she seemed to leave a frozen path in her wake – the humans who were in the cities and towns were left baffled as to the sudden appearance of snow, ice and much more on their doorstep. Najya offered a hand to Daenu as they crossed a rickety trunk that seconded as a bridge… the only bridge for at least a thousand miles in both directions. 










“I ought to get someone to see to building a proper bridge.”




“If you do that, people will know my village exists and we will no longer be safe.”










“I see… but there’s gotta be a better way to cross this river than crossing a nearly rotted to the bottom tree trunk.”




“Another tree will fall in its place.” 










Daenu shrugged as they finally made it to the other side, Najya did a quick survey of the surrounding flora and fauna, and once she was sure they were safe they trudged on. Unlike Daenu who had dressed… rather inappropriately in a sun dress and sneakers, Najya was in full home gear, sandals and the ready, clothes that kept her nice and cool and made it easy for her to move around… hell most of the time was spent ensuring Daenu’s dress didn’t tear on some branch or unsuspecting animal’s horn, teeth or claws. 










“How much further?”




“One more mountain and we will be there… elders really did decide to move us as far as as we could possibly be from the next tribe over.” 










“Does this happen often?”




“No, just once every generation. Or so I am told.”




Daenu had found it so odd when the morning of their departure, Najya had taken all of her clothes off – not that the Ancient was complaining, harassed  the claimant attendants for her belongings – they finally obliged after Najya promised she’d use their blood as paint otherwise, now she was completely different to the Najya that Daenu had come to know, in an outfit that suggested she was a warrior and completely utterly native… as in never been to the cities… nothing… and the headdress, Daenu couldn’t be sure what animal that was made of and the paint smelled of things that Daenu would rather not identify. She nearly tripped over another vine….










“Halt!”










A voice that sounded much squeakier than anticipated, had Daenu looking up at a hoard of men, women and even children who were up in the trees, spears, swords and all at the ready… and all aiming directly at her head.










“Uh Cloud?”




Najya was nowhere to be seen… fearing for her own safety, Daenu did the only thing she could do and that was to freeze the entirety of the near vicinity, placing her hands on the ground the people above her who had evidently never seen the Ancient of Ice before did not get a chance to react, nor scramble away as their bodies were frozen in place… just like everything else was. She stood up and decided that for the moment they could stay frozen whilst she looked for her girlfriend. 










“Cloud… where did you go?”








It was easier to walk around when everything was frozen, she didn’t have to be cautious of the frozen leaves or what have you ruining her outfit, see whilst Daenu was sure she had covered her bases, she had not accounted for the fact that some of those ‘humans’ up in the tree were light Claimants… nor did she account for the fact that directly at this moment seven of them shot poison darts at this ghost woman. 










Now, if they had hit the Ancient, it would have caused the destruction of the entire rainforest. Fortunately they did not hit the Ancient and rather the darts were returned mid air by Najya herself who was not pleased whatsoever that this was the welcoming party the elders had sent. Once the darts were dispelled and Najya was back in front of Daenu, she had to ask her girlfriend to unfreeze the humans and the area so that they could finally arrive at the village, course Daenu had plenty of questions. 










“They did not mean any harm.”




Rainforest unfrozen, limbs and other body parts accounted for… a quick check up on the poisoned dart shooters – all of whom were fine just a little high from the toxins. It was only after that the ‘welcoming’ party started chanting Najya’s name, many of them running up and hugging Najya, examining for damage and looking at Daenu rather cautiously; most of them would secretly agree never to go near this ghost woman and her ice. Daenu was none the wiser as a small group of very old men and women, none of them smelled like Claimants… or maybe they did and they were just masking it? Approached, one of them hit Najya on the head with her cane and said something that Daenu did not quite hear, but rather than killing this woman Daenu held back – primarily because Najya was enveloped in a hug and tears were exchanged. 










“Grandma this is Daenu.”




“You really must come home more often, dear. It does not bode well for the Lightbringer to be away for so long.”










Daenu offered a hand for the woman to shake but the woman hissed and the group of humans moved further away. Was this not a normal customary greeting? Did humans not shake hands? She looked to her girlfriend who was a bit pink in the cheeks and quickly mentioned they did not shake hands. She lowered her hand and decided it’d be best to just let Najya do the talking. 










Once they were alone, inside a hut that was covered in memorabilia, the kind of memorabilia that resembled a lifetime of successful hunting and worship. Daenu was careful not to touch anything in case they had real sentimental value for her partner… she really was like a fish out of water and suddenly realised that this was what it was for Misnia when she first met her husband all of those years ago, sitting down on what she hoped was a mat meant for sitting, only for Najya to mention that, that was a family heirloom and that they sat on the ground rather than on the mat Daenu shifted and apologised for being so utterly useless at this moment in time. 










“It is ok, perhaps change into our clothes? It might help you to not stick out so much?”




Daenu did not protest as Najya packed away the sneakers and sundress away, did not protest when her hair was braided by a less scared and more curious elder, did not mind when she was given a new pair of sandals or clothes to wear (none of it really fit her proportions and the comment was made that maybe a whole new beast had to be slayed in order to have the materials needed for Daenu to be covered appropriately.) The Ice Ancient did not so much mind the skirt or the uhhh shirt made of fur? More people approached but most of them spoke to Najya and gave Daenu looks of suspicion, some of them did wave and try to bring her into the fold but none of them could understand Daenu’s accent. 










“They will get used to it.”




“I don’t think they ever will Cloud.”




“What is cloud?” One of the kids asked 




Daenu pointed up at the sky and at a cloud 




“Lightbringer is not a ‘cloud’.” The kids were confused by this concept of their champion being called something she was not. 










“Well…” Daenu really wished she had a way to show that she was not a threat and that she really was trying to integrate herself into their routine and community. 






Water Paint










Daenu ran her hand through her hair and winced at the knot she found, it had been quickly discovered that Daenu really didn’t have the best tolerance for the heat and so Najya’s grandma had suggested that for the duration of Daenu’s stay that she should remain by the cooler side of the village near the water. So it was that Daenu would then be found sleeping underwater in her own ice bubble, the first morning they had found her like that, the villagers really thought she had been killed or had died in the middle of the night and this was the end result – course when Daenu cracked the ice case and climbed out of it completely dry, they were relieved (Najya had already known that this was one of Daenu’s habits when they were camping otherwise and had wanted to head a hunting party that morning, and so was not at all there to explain to her family members that Daenu was utterly fine). 










Then there was the matter of food, Daenu had been polite to decline… she had tried without fail to explain that unlike them she did not need food and was completely fine with just well you know being at the dinner table and not eating – that had not gone down well and the team of cooks who the village usually relied on, up and decided to quit (Daenu felt so bad that she had to apologise and promised she’d eat… even if the food wasn’t what she’d usually eat, and she turned every shade of the rainbow trying to make them happy that she was eating) afterwards she purged her stomach well and far away from the village and just begged Najya to tell the rest that she was not hungry – Najya refused and told her to stop being a big baby… which lead to the first spat between the two of them. 










They did not talk for two days and in that time the village found themselves suffering through their first ever blizzard (which mind you nearly killed them). Najya had to summon the help of Eviax who came without question to lend some aid and to tell Daenu to calm down and talk it out with Najya rather than causing genocide. Daenu apologised only after Najya admitted that she was stressed out because none of the villagers seemed to be very accepting and that was hurting her, Daenu realising that she was not making it any easier apologised and promised she would not take her anger out on the village by causing another natural disaster. Eviax left only after she was sure no one was going to die as a result of this argument. 




Now, they were where here at the waterfall, Najya was mixing paint and Daenu was watching the fish swim up and down; trying to keep cool underneath the midday sun. Daenu occasionally looked over at the bowl and what Najya was mixing into it, it was a light shade of green, the second bowl had something blue and another in a vibrant shade of purple. None of this Daenu noticed Najya applied to her own skin, what it was for then? Najya usually wore the colours of black and red. 










“It means war, bravery, strength. But I guess it also means happiness and beauty. I wear these colours because I am the best warrior the tribe has and because I represent the connection to Alvax.” Najya had explained to Daenu when they had met for a second time under different circumstances. 










Najya sat back and looked at the bowls, she picked each up and sat opposite Daenu who was touching the water and completely zoned out. 










“Can I paint you?”




“Paint me?”




“You have made it fourteen days… grandma thinks that calls for celebration. I have been tasked to prepare you, but first we must paint you with colours.”




“What do the colours mean?”










First it was the purple, which felt like two thumb swipes on Daenu’s temple and a few dabs on her arms and hands. Mysterious is what Najya explained to the best of her ability. Green was applied to her chest, her cheeks, her nose, healing and endurance; last but not least blue which was applied seemingly at random but it was meant to show how much strength Daenu had - or more so the element in her veins… it was a loud reminder that unlike Najya who was bright, Daenu was darker… her ice colder and more harsh than anything the villagers had ever known. Once the paint was dry and they had some fun – interrupted by a scout who mentioned that the elders were ready… Najya had some green and blue paint still stuck in her hair and some purple on her clothes as they walked together hand in hand towards the fire that the elders seemed to always sit at, Daenu kept some distance away seeing as the heat made her nauseous and it just reminded her of Phita… which was a never good sign. 










“Welcome, to our family.”




A loud shout and several bowls of grain and sand? Thrown at Daenu’s feet and general direction before the villagers started breaking out into song, Daenu looked at Najya who smiled wholeheartedly. 










“Welcome home.”

Volume One: A slurry of light and snow



The house of light rarely ever witnessed anything as exciting as watching paint dry on wet concrete. Expectations had been set, routines implemented and there was no space for chaos or disorder in Alvax’s rearranged and reordered house. The almost military precision in which Alvax ran the members of his house, meant that the house of light - since Xaina’s coma was announced; was rarely ever visited. 










In fact the most recent visitor was the house adjacent to light, Evyette made it a point to visit Alvax often - something about them being cousins or siblings in arms against the rest of the houses. Though Alvax did on occasion wonder if this was just Phita’s way of keeping an eye on things. 










So when Najya burst into his study on an otherwise supposedly uneventful day, Alvax immediately rose to his feet in alarm. 










“What is going on?” 










Alvax, hand posed at the hilt of his sword, Tara. 










Najya sniffled, eyes molten and with large globules of liquid light spilling from her traitorous eyes. Alvax changed his stance as Najya, one of his most devoted and steadfast knights seemed to stand there completely at a loss for words, producing a puddle of light. 










“Najya.” 










Alvax didn’t enjoy probing the mind of his claimants, it was too invasive and too close to what Xaina used to do when she was in charge. He shuddered, his mother’s diamond encased form was a cold comfort.










“I”










Najya hiccuped, another round of sniffling and more liquid light later.










“Najya, why have you rushed in here, acting as though the world has ended?” 










“I lost Daenu.” 










Three simple words, Alvax wasn’t precisely sure what kind of meaning he was supposed to make from them. The thought of someone losing an ancient? especially for a claimant as accomplished and as talented as Najya? That seemed rather impossible. Alvax gestured to one of the chairs he kept in his study - no one really ever sat in his presence, Alvax wasn’t sure why; the chairs were suitably comfy. 










“You lost Daenu.” Alvax repeated.










“I lost Daenu.” 










Now the sound of cracking glass wracked through Najya, Alvax wasn’t sure if the knight was even capable of doing anything other than standing there crying. 










“Perhaps, you should sit.” He suggested, though it came out sounding like an order.










Najya shook her head, her nails digging into the palms of her flesh, with more or less of the same light escaping. She’d always found it so peculiar that as a member of the esteemed house of light, that light was not just a wave or a force but a solid immovable mass - well at least that’s what it felt like right now. Not even the presence of Alvax seemed to do much in the way of comforting her. She felt her shoulders rising and falling, she didn’t seem to be capable of stopping the pain that was coming towards her at all angles.










“Najya. Sit.” 




The next time Alvax saw Najya, the knight was buried under a mountain of fur equivalent to all the great beasts living in the mortal realm. The only reason he knew she was underneath, was because he could hear her sniffling and could spot Najya’s nose. 










Eviax sat atop a handwoven rattan stool, a mug of steaming liquid in hand and eyes on the mound of fur.










“Are those…”










“Yes. I’m as surprised as you are. After you called me, I was expecting her to still be standing in your study. Instead I found her here. Hiding, she refuses to leave.”










“Perhaps it is keeping her calm” 










Eviax stood, gesturing towards the door; as if to say they needed to speak in private but not too far away from the devastated champion of light. Alvax had half the mind to call forth Najya’s village to come and support her, but then remembered that most of the tribe were unfortunately humans and would not likely survive the journey.










“I can confirm, that Najya’s statement. Rings true. No one has seen Daenu.”










Eviax waited till the locks on the door clicked into place. Alvax had always found it both surprising and frustrating (like most other ancients) that Eviax was ten times the better choice for the head of the house of Origui then the current far less pleasant and outright bratty Destodai; not that Alvax had to voice it. 










“That is not the only issue, I believe Najya was withholding a word when she arrived here.” 










Alvax frowned, Najya never faltered or miscommunicated her thoughts or intentions, least not when Alvax was present. Eviax seemed to be hugging herself, eyes softening and a look of heartbreak - one not unlike the one Alvax knew Daenu was capable of. 










“Well, whatever it is. A missing ancient surely is more important.” 










“I disagree, with what we know of the parties involved…” 










Eviax chewed on her lower lip, unsure of how to delicately phrase what she knew to be the truth, she was surprised in fact that Alvax hadn’t immediately known. Then again, he was light, she was the heiress of life. She could make out Najya’s usual scent of spun and overly innocent vanilla, as well as Daenu’s chosen fragrance of ‘White Tea’, but there was a third less pleasant and slightly more sinister one that Eviax dreaded. 










“Perhaps, it is best if you go in and smell the air.” Eviax decided she couldn’t fathom the thought of trying to explain the truth. 




Alvax unpleased by the awkward attempt at distraction, opened the door to the room in which Najya remained, bundled under furs crying. He allowed himself the discourtesy of grunting before inhaling deeply as Eviax suggested. 











He caught on. Narrowing down and on the single minute trace of charcoal underneath Najya’s desperate attempts to smell only of Daenu and herself. Alvax shut the door and could not resist slapping his hand against his own cheek for how blind he’d been. 










“I see. That explains it.” 










“Makes it ever harder that Daenu, represents the house of loss, heartbreak and other… more sensitive pains.” 










“Do you think Daenu knows, and that is why she’s gone missing?” 










Now, rather than sympathy Alvax felt unadulterated fury - the kind that bordered on destructive rage. He could feel the stiffness in his limbs and bone start to dissolve as his senses sharpened and his hunger for battle and to avenge Najya take hold. Eviax sensing this, placed a hand on either side of Alvax and shook her head fervently. 










“This will not be solved by more violence. Nor will it be solved by traipsing across realms. Daenu is mourning in her own way. Just as much as Najya is, for their combined loss.” 










“What do you suggest I do then.” He hissed.










“Keep Najya here, or take her to her home. I will seek out Daenu. We knew this might occur, it often does in cases like this. Najya will be ok, once I find Daenu.” 










Eviax was certain she knew just where to look, she just needed to make sure a house war between lines didn’t start whilst she was gone. 










Alvax thought an ancient and therefore her senior in rank and authority, nodded. The parts of him that wanted to fight and avenge and do as the champion of justice and retribution ebbed just a bit, another loud sob from Najya forced Alvax to reconsider his evening plans. 










“I will stay here, I will have my knights seek out her village and bring them here. Failing that, I can at least make sure they’re in Scotland so Najya can choose whether or not she’d like to see them.” 










“Thank you. I will return, with Daenu.” 










One crisis averted, now to find the ice queen. 

Sure enough, Eviax’s first estimate was correct. 










Despite knowing the dangers of sitting under the blazing star known as the sun to mortals. Daenu remained statue like, head lowered and body melting at a horrific pace. Eviax, who had brought an umbrella as well as a trunk full of ice cubes and other implements immediately set up a fortification of shelter around the still silent and half-non-existent ancient. 










Shifting Daenu, slick with more water than ice into a tub full of her element and not on the now drowning sand. Eviax wiped at her forehead and fanned at the rest of herself.










“Of all places to come and try to destroy yourself.” Eviax panted. 










“You needn’t have come.” 










“Well, it would seem. Based off the state of you. Had I not, we’d be short of an ancient and a house.” 










“Tsk.” 










“Do not tsk me. Why did you leave Najya.” 










“I did not leave Najya.” 










Eviax mindful of Daenu’s still melting frame, narrowed her eyes and rested her hands on her hips. This was not the voice of the mallow and soft Daenu that Najya saw and was often spoilt by. Rather it was the individual known simply as ‘Rel.’










“Can I speak to Daenu.” 










Rel-Daenu shook their somewhat caved-in neck, the silence that swallowed them was only broken by Rel-Daenu’s counterpart, a Frankenstein of snatched body parts. Who was hissing and drooling, jaws locked on what Eviax ascertained was what could only be a zebra’s pelvis. 



This creature, having slipped by Eviax’s otherwise overly perceptive nature, moved wraith like towards the tub of ice, reaching a new hand - one that clashed with the forearmed flesh belonging to another individual. 




“At least tell me Daenu is alright.” 




“How can she be. She brought us here.” 




“Then she should know, that these… tragedies happen. It doesn’t mean self-destruction and suicide are the answer. Najya is young, healthy. She’s likely to succeed next time.” 




“There won’t be a next time. They never should have been allowed the chance.” 




“Rel. Need I remind you that your job is to keep the house together but not to dictate the wants and desires of Daenu.” 




“I have the right to speak for her when she’s being this fucking stupid.”