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Cold? No, it wasn't cold. It felt cold, and oddly enough, the air around her carried warmth that grasped her like a freshly baked loaf wrapped in linen, like the first sip of coffee on a winter morning, like the embrace she once shared with a loved one. The similar warmth that rushed to her cheek from a sharp and loving touch--a touch that left a faint imprint behind; a moment, a memory, a lesson. Like that mark, the mental sting imprinted on her lingered, invisible, yet every bit as real.Jolting awake, the Chen family awakens to the sound of loud rumbling and the ground shaking. People walked outside their homes to find snow falling slowly on the ground; at least that’s what seven-year old Ān had thought. Multiple gasps and muttered curses filled the air as the seven-year-old boy looked at the sky in awe. “Ling! Look, it’s snowing!” Ān exclaimed, tugging at his older sister’s left arm. The boy holds his other hand out and watched as the ‘snow’ fell on the palm of his hand. His smile faded, twisting into a frown once he realized that it had a darker color than it should have.While the young boy was sulking, Ling had been glancing between the falling ‘snow’ and the people around her.“Woah! Look at that big cloud!” Ān pointed north and some of the people around them followed his gaze, gasping in surprise and in unison, Ling, being one of them. She stared at the thick smoke emerging from the volcano, and in that moment, she felt as if time had slowed down.Everyone watched the volcano in horror as people started going back into their homes and packing mindlessly. Hushed gasps and mutters soon turned into panicked screams as the volcano continued to rumble. A bright orange liquid flew out of the volcano, rocks landing randomly on the ground, and the magma started flowing down the tall mountain in a slow pace. Many were in a panicked state, and some were praying for their divine being to save them, one of which was Ling’s mother. “Damn it, Muhan! We need to go!” Ling snapped out of her dazed state and turned around to see her mother kneeling on the ground, hands clasped, and muttering words of nothing while her father tried to halt her prayers. Gods, she just wished she could scream and yell at her for being that way.“Ling? What’s going on?” Ān looks up to his older sister with concerned eyes and holds her hand tightly. Ling turns her head back to look down at her younger brother. She parted her lips, but no words came out. Then, she felt as if everything was melting; her skin, the people, and her surroundings. She felt the air getting hotter and hotter by the second. “Ling?” Her brother calls out to her once more; this time, his voice was entirely different.Confused, Ling blinked at his brother. She could not move her head, but in her peripheral vision, she could see people lying on the floor and blood splattered everywhere. Houses were destroyed, and bits of fire were scattered around the place. Breath quickening, heart hammering, and chest tightening, it was difficult for her to breathe. She felt hot liquid cascading down her cheeks as the panicked voices muffled and died down. Ling tried to blink away the hot tears that she thought were streaming down endlessly and for a brief moment, she sees Ān’s face covered in red liquid. His expression remained the same; concerned and confused, he opened his mouth and called out her name.“Ling?”Ling jolted upward and gasped for air, breathing in and out as if the oxygen level was going down. A soft gust of wind whispered through the air, carrying with it the faint and warm scent of summer. Ling sat on a natural wooden bench with a few logs in front of her, a half-chopped log stationed with an axe resting firmly on the surface, and a few small, chopped logs tossed to the side.“Woah, are you alright? What happened?” Ling takes in her surroundings and was met by a concerned pair of dark brown eyes. She sighs in relief, her breath slowing down and shifting to a more steady and silent one. Ling wraps her arms around her friend for a quick hug, to which her friend gladly reciprocated, and Ling releases a small sigh. “Another one of your nightmares?” Her friend asked, her voice soft and filled with worry. Ling nodded silently in response before breaking away from the hug. She lets out a shaky breath and sits up properly, facing the tall green-hued trees and her friend standing beside her.“It’s been years, Yue.” Ling hovers her right hand to the left side of her neck, gently tapping on it, and stared far in front of her. “I still can’t forget.” She added. Yue shifted to sit next to her friend and followed her gaze, sighing while doing so. “You know, you aren’t expected to just forget and move on. We may never forget, and it can be hard to carry on, but that’s completely fine.” Yue spoke softly, careful of the words that left her mouth, as if holding a delicate and fragile piece of glass.Ling stayed silent, searching for the right words to respond. But before she could, Yue stood up and swung her arms playfully. “Shouldn’t you be packing up?” Yue asked and raised an eyebrow. Ling took a deep breath, snapping out of her daze and standing up. She stretched her arms upward for a moment before fixing up her clothes. “Right, yeah, I should start packing up. Thanks.” Ling sent Yue a small and grateful smile before walking past her and heading towards the nearby cabin. Yue lets out a sigh and turns to watch her friend walk along the path that led to their humble house. Ling initially wanted to chop up some logs before packing her things, but during a ‘five-minute’ rest, she ended up dozing off on the wooden bench. The summer breeze swirled gently in Arendelle, enveloping the kingdom with its radiating warmth. People took the opportunity to leave their homes more frequently and bask in the sunny season. Kids were playing in the outdoors, washed clothes were drying quicker, plants were watered more often, the birds chirped happily, and the daytime grew longer.“You know, for someone who’s going on a light trip, I think your bag says otherwise.” Yue stated and smirked once she spotted her friend leaving the cabin carrying a heavily-packed bag on her shoulders.Ling scoffed, “I haven’t done this in a while, alright?” she approached Yue, who was now near the front porch of the cabin. Sighing softly, Yue shook her head and went to stand behind her friend. She started unpacking a few items, to which Ling responds with a groan. “Pack lightly and try not to get sidetracked on your journey.” Yue said as she closed her bag and patted Ling’s right shoulder.“Thanks, mom.” Ling remarked, turning to face Yue. The younger one chuckled lightly, earning a playful eye-roll from Yue.Yue smirked, placing her hands on her hips. “You’re welcome, child.”Ling chuckled, and Yue’s smile faltered. Her hands fell to her sides as her eyes spotted the black scabbard, fashioned with silver embellishment and suspended from a leather belt. The Jian sword’s black hilt gleamed in the sunlight and rested firmly at Ling’s left hip. Ling followed her friend’s gaze and instinctively brought her left hand up, placing it on the Jian’s pommel.“Don't worry, I won't use it for anything bad.” Ling muttered, her gaze stuck on the sword, and her grip tightened. Yue took a deep breath before sending her a small and reassuring smile.“Don’t get yourself killed,” Yue said, her tone light but her eyes serious.Ling grinned. “I’ll try not to. Wouldn’t want to ruin your day.”Yue raised her hand and ruffled the shorter girl’s raven hair. Ling chuckled as she brought her hands up to fix her hair. The two stared at each other in silence for a few moments before Yue abruptly wrapped her arms around the younger one, to which she reciprocated and closed her eyes as she took in the warmth and comfort of the hug.Breaking away from the hug, the two exchanged smiles before Ling starts walking away and into the forest that led to some cliffs and hills. Yue’s lips curled into a sad smile as she watched her friend’s figure vanish into the forest.“Oof.” Ling huffed as she collapsed on the moss covered log while putting her bag down next to her. Her arm reached for her shoulder, massaging it lightly before letting out a tired sigh. Her eyes darted up at the sky, which was painted in dark blue hues as the sun had just set. Blue hour settled, and so did Ling.After collecting enough logs and twigs, she sat against the mossy log and glanced around her surroundings. Making sure that the coast was clear, she closed her eyes and let out a breath before a small fire appeared on the tip of her pointer finger. Her gaze settled at the flickering flame. Then Ling brought her finger down into the pile of twigs before lighting them up, and the flame disappeared from her finger.As night began to settle, the mammals started to tuck themselves away to rest, and the night critters came around. Ling watched as the fire crackled and danced ever so slightly in the stillness of the night. Her mind wandered, finding its way to the nightmare that awakened her earlier that afternoon. “L-Ling.. I don’t wanna.. die.” The older girl’s tight grip on her brother’s hand never left as tears flowed continuously from her eyes. The younger boy’s left hand clutched Ling’s arm as his breath hitched. Ling watched as red liquid escaped from the boy’s side. Smoke surrounded the area, and the sound of battle cries engulfed the island. She couldn’t do anything; she didn’t know what to do. Ling brought her knees-up to her chest and hugged them closely. The memories from years ago flashed before her eyes, and the image of her younger brother covered in blood plagued her mind.“There’s an underground basement hidden below the statue of worship; pull down the phoenix's beak, and the stone floor behind the statue will open. Take this with you and keep each other safe. Don’t leave the basement until you’re sure that you’re safe.” Hiding behind the wreckage of someone’s house, a man in his late twenties who bore two swords extended his hand to give his other sword to the shorter girl.Bodies were lying motionless around them as smoke billowed from the patches of fire that scattered on the island, and ashes slowly raining down. In front of him stood two girls, the taller one carried Ān in her arms while the other one reached for the sword. “But what about you? You have to come with us, dad!” The younger girl exclaimed, both hands gripping on the scabbard of the sword. The man kneeled down on one knee to their height and placed his hands on each of their shoulders. “I cannot watch our people suffer; I must do what I can to help.” He whispered. “You’ll come get us after, right?” The older girl asked, her voice shaking in fear, and the man sighed silently. “I will. Now go.” A group hug later, the kids ran away from the man. The younger girl paused and glanced behind her. The sight of her father unsheathing his sword with his back turned to them was the last thing she saw before her friend whispered an uneasy “let’s go” and ran towards the statue of worship, narrowly avoiding the fighting soldiers in the process.She tried her best to stop herself from creating worse scenarios in her head as exhaustion crept and her mind was beginning to shut off while her body was begging for rest. After a moment of dozing off and waking up, Ling eventually decided to lie down on the patch of grass and leaves that she was sitting on. Curling herself up into a ball, Ling closed her eyes and her mind went blank as she drifted off to sleep.“Then Bruni appeared, and the calf looked so excited, but Bruni’s flames spooked the poor calf! He seemed like he wanted to play with the salamander too.” Ryder pouted as he rested his chin on the palm of his hand, his gaze shifting from the campfire to the blonde, who sat opposite from him. A chuckle left the brunette’s mouth while she covered it with her palm and then followed her brother’s gaze. The night was silent, apart from the crickets’ chirping, that were hiding away in the dark of the night. The summer breeze shifted to a colder one as nighttime set and the stars scattered across the dark blanket of the evening sky, twinkling in a quiet rhythm. The fire crackled as it snapped to consume the logs, and the flames danced, providing the trio with the warmth that they needed; though the fifth spirit didn’t really need it, the warmth still gave her a sense of comfort and security.“What about you, Elsa? Anything interesting happened to your day?” Honeymaren asked and watched as the blonde snapped out of her dazed state.“Huh? Oh, um, well..” Elsa trails off, and silence filled the air as Ryder and Honeymaren glanced at each other. The blonde sighed and smiled sheepishly before speaking, “Sorry, I’m still trying to figure out some of this fifth spirit thing.” “That’s okay! You can just tell us how your day was, regardless of whether it was interesting or not.” Honeymaren replied and smiled reassuringly at the blonde as her brother nodded along, mirroring her smile.Elsa smiled at her friends gratefully before replying, “I mostly just spent the day checking on the spirits and attending to any matters around the place that needed to be resolved.” “Spoken like a true queen-oof.” Ryder places his hand protectively on the side of his stomach after Honeymaren had playfully elbowed him there.“Old habits die hard, I suppose.” Elsa shrugged and let out a soft chuckle as the siblings followed in a fit of giggles.A few moments more of talking, the three bid their good night and parted ways to retire for the evening. As Elsa strolled her way to her cabin, she hummed lowly to a familiar tune and watched as the wind spirit accompanied her while howling ever so often. As Elsa opened the door to her cabin, she stopped mid-way to bid the wind spirit good night, to which the spirit howled in response, before she entered the cabin. The sun started rising, and the birds chirped happily as the first few hours of morning came. Ling groaned, slowly waking from her slumber. She took a few seconds before opening her eyes, and as she adjusted to the light, she slowly sat up. The sunlight had seeped in through the trees, casting a light glow and creating a Tyndall effect.After a couple leg and arm stretches, Ling turned to grab her bag and sword. She took out her journal and pencil before setting off north. Her short journeys had started about a year ago.At first, her journeys were nothing short of meaningless expeditions as she did not exactly know what to do; she just wanted to travel and bask in nature’s surroundings. She thought it was the perfect distraction from remembering all the horrors she had seen in the past; unfortunately, that wasn’t always the case as she could not run away from the horrid past that haunted her.So she opted to bring a notebook and pencil with her and started sketching sceneries from different locations in Arendelle. It took her mind off the devastating events in the past and helped her clear her mind. Yue was obviously against this at first but eventually grew to trust her friend and ever since then, the younger girl would often go on short journeys around Arendelle.
A few hours later, Ling had arrived in an open field which was just beyond a mountain. She thought the sight was breathtaking and stopped in her tracks as she looked around the open field. Her eyes spotted trees and four tall stones from afar, and she carefully dropped her items on the ground. She brought her thumbs and fingers together to create a make-shift frame and closed one eye, squinting to compose.She dropped her hands to her sides and opened her eye as she felt something familiar about the trees and stones in the area. She raised an eyebrow and her mind wandered, trying to figure out what was familiar about it. Then it clicked. “The mist is gone... “ Ling trailed off before quickly grabbing her things on the ground and sprinting towards the four stones that stood firmly on the ground. She halted just a few meters away and stared curiously before opening her journal and making a rough sketch of the four stone structures, ensuring to add the detailed carvings.
Once she was finished, Ling shut her journal and began taking cautious steps. A small smile appeared as she passed the stone structures without harm. She watched as the leaves swayed gracefully with the summer breeze and the sun shined through the branches.“So this is the Enchanted forest.” Ling muttered as she paused to lift her free hand and touched the bark of a tree. Before she could take another step further, the sound of wind howling softly was heard. Ling glanced around the forest, confused as she spotted nothing that could resemble the sound.Just as the raven-haired woman turned after putting her things inside her bag, she caught sight of what looked like fire spreading on the trees near her. Ling widened her eyes and confusion struck her.
“That’s definitely not on me.” She muttered and watched as the fire started spreading rapidly around her, surrounding her with nothing but burning flames.“Wish I had ice powers right now.” She cursed under her breath and tried to look around the area that might help her in the situation. Of course, the trees wouldn't be much of help.Just as she was contemplating using her powers to get out of the situation, a strong gust of wind lifted her off the ground and started playing with her figure, as if she was a toy that interested a child.“Woah! What the-”
The wind then started propelling her in circles, and Ling only grew baffled at the situation she was in.“Uh.. could you put me down?!” Ling exclaimed and wondered why she even bothered to ask when there was clearly no one around. She felt a gust of wind on her back, and when she glanced behind her, the bag that was once attached to her back was now being flung around.
“Hey! give that back!” Ling yelled and tragically tried to grab her bag, only for the wind to start a small tornado that she was now trapped in. She knitted her eyebrows and brought up her hands near her as she tried to conjure fire, only for it to create a short spark.“Gah! This wind is too strong.” Just as her second attempt failed, the wind suddenly changed course and started going forward in a rapid pace. Ling yelped and felt as if she had just been slammed to a tree. She felt a wave of harsh pain on her head, and black spots started to fill her vision. Ling fell down to the grass on her back, adding more suffering to her body. Ling hissed in pain and remained still as possible. She heard a few faint voices not too far from her before she felt her mind starting to shut down. “Over here!”“The fire is spreading!”So this is the Enchanted forest. She thought sarcastically, a weak chuckle leaving her lips before her vision completely darkened and fell out of consciousness.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was about an hour before the sun reached its peak when Elsa and Honeymaren were peacefully discussing the Northuldra’s needs this summer season, until Ryder arrived via a reindeer and informed the people of the burning situation near the entrance of the enchanted forest.“Elsa! We need your help. I’m afraid Bruni has spread fire in the forest again!” He stopped just a few meters away from the two women who sat across each other. The fifth spirit widened her eyes and immediately stood up. “Where?” She asked, her expression stern. “Near the entrance of the forest. Hop on, I’ll take you there.” Seeing as the water spirit was not present, Ryder offered to take the ice wielder to Bruni’s location. Elsa mounted on the reindeer, and Ryder set off while guiding the reindeer towards the blazing part of the forest. Concerned, the Northuldra followed behind the two.Once they arrived, Elsa practically leapt off the reindeer and was quick to extinguish the fire that spread around them. Fire burned mostly on the grass, but some were able to make their way up the trees. “Bruni, where are you?!” Elsa shouted while she extended her arms and aimed at the fire, extinguishing them instantly.The leaf-carrying wind spirit greeted Elsa briefly before helping the ice wielder put out the fire by blowing out small flames in order to avoid it from spreading further. After ensuring that all the fire was put out, Elsa let out a tired sigh and watched as Gale howled in a high pitch and swirled the leaves that the wind spirit carried. From a safe distance, the Northuldra cheered, and some even let out a breath of relief. “Gale, have you seen Bruni?” The fifth spirit looked up at the happily swirling wind as it stopped dancing and flew west. Elsa followed close behind and soon met the fire spirit on the ground, glaring at something. Elsa let out a sigh of relief and knelt down next to Bruni.“There you are. What happened this time?” The ice wielder asked with a worried expression. Noticing Bruni’s glare and threatening stance, Elsa raised an eyebrow in confusion before following the salamander’s gaze. She then set eyes on a woman who lied motionless on the ground, just a few meters away from Bruni.Elsa narrowed her eyes as she slowly stood up and the Northuldra started gathering near the unconscious woman. Murmured voices filled the air as Elsa knitted her eyebrows and started approaching the woman cautiously. Once she was about a few feet away from the stranger, she got a good look at her appearance. The woman wore a gray cross-collar tunic made of linen that was loosely tucked under a pair of black linen pants. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, and a brown leather belt rested on the top part of her pants. She also wore black leather boots with small shapes of maroon flames embroidered on the sides. The fifth spirit took a step closer and knelt down to inspect for injuries and wounds. One small wound happened to be on the right side of her forehead, and some blood trickled down. The woman had wheat-colored skin and raven hair in a sort of medium wolf-cut infused with hush cut style. Elsa’s eyes traveled to the stranger’s face and gasped softly as her eyes spotted the small bleeding mark on her forehead. “What do we do with her?”“Where did she come from?”“What happened to her?”Hushed voices started to grow a bit, and Honeymaren stood behind the ice wielder with a concerned expression. “Should we take her back to camp?” She asked and watched as Elsa lifted a hand and hovered it above the woman’s face before placing her hand back to her sides and standing up. “Yes, and we should fix up that wound on her forehead.” Elsa replied, bringing her right hand to her chin and the other on her right elbow, like a thinking pose, and watched as Honeymaren signaled for her brother. As Elsa watched the woman being placed on a reindeer, Elsa’s eyes caught sight of something glinting on the ground. Raising an eyebrow, she drops her hands to the side and approached the shining material. When she finally got a good look at the item, she bent down and carefully grasped the Jian sword by the scabbard. Standing up, the ice wielder unsheathed the sword—gaining a few audible gasps from the people, as she brought the sword near her face and stared at the reflection of her eyes on the blade. “Elsa, I think this belongs to her.” Turning around, she spotted Honeymaren a few feet away with a bag in her hand. The ice wielder sheathed the Jian sword and advanced towards the brunette. “This could also be hers. I don’t believe I recognize the craftsmanship of this blade.” Elsa added and glanced at the Jian sword. The fifth spirit paused and glanced between the unconscious woman and her items before stating, “Honeymaren and I will look after her things until she wakes up.” “And hopefully explain what she’s doing here in the enchanted forest.” Honeymaren added and smiled sheepishly, earning a nod from the blonde. “And that as well.” She muttered under her breath.“Alright-y, we’ll take the woman back to camp and get her wound treated immediately.” Ryder noted and with that, the Northuldra started to head back to the camp with a few reindeer following them.“Now Bruni, care to explain why you set the forest on fire again?” Elsa watched as Bruni eyed past her with a threatening gaze; flames appeared on top of the salamander’s back. The ice wielder followed the fire spirit’s gaze and turned her head before glancing back at Bruni. This time, she was certain the fire spirit was eyeing the branch of a tree near where the woman and reindeer were once stationed.Elsa grew confused, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. But in Bruni’s vision, the salamander could see something burning brightly. A figure similar to a bird, but significantly bigger, like the size of a peacock, and it bore no eyes, yet the fire spirit could sense its menacing glare. The figure was not made of anything alive—no, it was alive—the figure was entirely made up of blazing fire. Its fiery feathers beamed in many shades of red, orange, blue, and gold, while its flaming wings that constantly shifted started to spread, making itself look superior.. or just about to fly.The figure flapped its burning wings once before vanishing, leaving only a trail of light ashes. Something about the mysterious being felt majestic and ominous; perhaps it was its presence, or its stance; the way it perched on the branch with such austere grandeur and the way its wings flapped gracefully while sparks of fire appeared when it did so. Whatever it was about the creature, the fire spirit did not feel good about it.Bruni dismisses the odd occurrence when he felt snowflakes on his back, and he turned to the ice wielder with a goofy looking smile. Elsa raises an eyebrow in confusion; there wasn’t any strange occurrence she noticed that would trigger the fire spirit like that; even so, the fifth spirit was glad that Bruni had calmed down and is back to his usual self. Elsa offered her hand, to which the salamander happily hopped onto and crawled up to her left shoulder.Moments after the odd occurrence, Elsa reunited with her friends, who were checking up on the unconscious woman. She lied on a cot with a beige blanket covering her to her shoulders. A folded linen was compressed against her wound with a strip of white cloth was wrapped around her head, securing the linen firmly in place. “How is she?” the fifth spirit asked and watched as Honeymaren twists a red-hued cloth on a bowl of warm water. “Her wound is patched up, but still knocked out. I’m not sure when she’ll wake up; best to keep an eye on her,” the brunette replied with a tired sigh. She then turned to leave the tent with the bowl and cloth to clean it up. Elsa offered to watch over the unconscious woman, to which Honeymaren thanked her gratefully, and the fifth spirit responded with a reassuring smile.As Elsa sat down on the stool next to the cot, she carefully placed the Jian sword on the ground to her left. She sat silently with her hands clasped on top of her lap and facing the unconscious woman. Bruni, who was on her shoulder, crawled down to rest on the free space on the cot, and Elsa chuckled at the sight. The ice wielder’s gaze landed on the woman’s bandaged up wound, then wandered to her face, capturing every little detail she could as she silently observed the woman’s peaceful-looking face. Ling’s features were significantly different from the people of Arendelle. Her downturned phoenix eyes held a little intensity, framed with faintly tapered lids that hid her brown eyes that turned amber when hit by sunlight. Her eyebrows were thin and slightly curved, giving her face a natural balance that was neither too soft nor too harsh. Her nose has a subtle bridge and a modest, rounded tip beneath them. Her lips were slightly smaller than average and evenly shaped; it was neither too thin nor too thick.Something else captured her eyes. Elsa fixes her gaze on the pale pink mark that begins on her jawline on the left side close to her ear, crossing diagonally toward her upper chest, stopping a few inches below the collarbone. The burnt scar looked as if it'd been there for years. Its size was about seven and a half inches long and two to two and a half inches wide. It resembled a wide streak of flame, jagged and irregular, as if it spiraled across her skin in a chaotic arc. What happened to her? The fifth spirit thought and furrowed her eyebrows as her gaze lingered on the woman's scar. She unknowingly let out a sigh before snapping out of her trance.She glanced around the tipi and wondered how she could pass the time while waiting for the woman to wake up. After a few moments of pondering, she decided to leave the tipi temporarily to get her journal and pen before walking back to the tipi once more. Turning a few pages in her journal, she hovered the pen above the paper and started writing.It felt oddly cold when Ling fluttered her eyes open. The fist thing her eyes set on was the blurry old cobble ceiling. Adjusting her eyes, Ling felt the cold, hard ground against her back body that sent shivers to her spine. She starts to recollect her memories as she slowly sat up and scanned around the dimly-lit room. A pedestal sat in the center of the cobble room with a phoenix statue resting atop of it. Several bookshelves stood by the walls; dust and webs collected on them. Plenty of unlit and melted candles surrounded the pedestal with a few scrolls lying here and there on the cobble floor. The only light source came from the three torches that rested against the stone walls. Ling spotted her older friend sitting down on the ground against a bookshelf with a book in her hands. She seemed to be too engrossed in reading to notice Ling waking up. The younger girl smiled at her friend, but when she spotted her younger brother lying beside her friend, her smile turned into a frown. Ling remembers why they were in this place, and her shoulder sagged at the thought of it.Ling thought it would do no good just to sit and think about the horrors of what they just went through, so she decided to walk towards a random bookshelf and scanned the old and dusty books. Most of them were in a different language that she was familiar with, but did not understand a single thing about it. She frowned upon realizing that she had taken another book with a different language. Placing the dusty book back, she turned to where her friend was reading and thought she could find readable books on the bookshelf where her friend sat against. Intuition was on her side today as a small smile formed on Ling’s face when she found a book she could read. Sitting next to her friend, opposite to where her younger brother sat, Ling opens the book and starts reading.“That book contains heavy scenes,” her friend blurted out, and Ling raised an eyebrow in confusion before slowly turning a page and going back to reading.“It’s about war and politics,” her friend added, her eyes stuck on the pages of the book she held. Ling furrowed her eyebrows at her and shook her head before going back to her book.“Aren’t you too young to be reading about that?”“Oh, come on Yue!” Ling exclaimed and raised her arms up in the air while groaning hopelessly with the book in her hands. A chuckle escaped Yue’s lips as she pulled her book away from her face and turned to her younger friend.“Well, what would you suggest, master of books?” Ling inquired and placed her book down next to her in a grumpy manner, like how a disappointed kid would when scolded by their parents.“Hm, here. This one is about possessing fire powers; it might come in handy for you in the future.” Yue grabs a book from the shelf, upper left of her head, and handed it to the younger girl. Ling reluctantly grabs the book and silently turns the pages open. The older girl watched with a sad smile before turning back to her own book, and silence fills the room once more.“Yue.. how long do you think before dad comes?” Ling asked, her voice small as she turns to her friend with a curious expression.Yue looked back at the shorter girl and let out a small sigh before shooting her a small smile. “He’s still out there protecting our people but I’m sure he’ll come get us soon.”The younger girl smiled and nodded, satisfied with the answer before she went back to her book. The older girl couldn’t help but feel bad as she watched Ling smile at her response. In all honesty, she’s not even sure if Ling’s dad is still alive. She guessed hours passed by after the volcanic eruption, and while she hoped Ling’s dad was coming to get them, every passing minute, she felt as though such thing wouldn’t happen. But she couldn’t lose all hope, not for Ling, not for An. She was the oldest among them, and she felt that it was her responsibility to keep her loved ones safe and protected from the dangers of the world.Yue grew up with her parents hating her. Once she had gotten her Ember name, it all went downhill for her. Nothing was wrong with her Ember name, she thought, but others seemed to think differently. She soon realized that for an island that worships and dedicates their lives to the burning god, her ember name would definitely cause a stir. Not a single person on the island saw her worth, so she turned them to ashes and burned them inside the realm of her mind, and amongst the ashes she collected in life, three fairly lit flames approached her—Ling, An and Ling’s father. Soon, her pile of ashes was lit up with those flames, engulfing her with a warm, bright, and secure feeling.Yue turned her gaze towards the phoenix statue and an idea formed in her head. She stood up and took out one of the torches from the wall sconce and lit up a few of the melted candles by the pedestal. After placing the torch back on the sconce, she kneeled in front of the phoenix statue and looked to where Ling was. The younger girl stared at her with curiosity and confusion. Yue held out her arm and signaled for Ling to come.“Come, kneel beside me.” Yue scooched a bit to her left as Ling put her book down and slowly walked towards her friend. She stopped just beside her and kneeled down. Yue clasped her hands and tilted her head down a bit before closing her eyes.“Why are we praying right now?” Ling asked and raised an eyebrow in confusion before following her friend’s stance. Yue shrugged before speaking, “That’s what other people would usually do in this situation. Besides, maybe the god is listening right now. Plus, it’s an excellent way to take out your problems and hope for the best to come.”Ling pursed her lips before sighing, mimicking a horse’s snort. Seeing as Yue didn’t move, she frowned and looked towards her younger brother, lying unconscious but alive on the cobble floor.Maybe praying can help my brother. Ling thought. She mirrored Yue’s gestures and figure before closing her eyes. She was never the most faithful one out of her family, but being the younger one meant Ling had to believe Yue's words, so she prayed. She prayed hard. She prayed her brother would be okay, for her father's safety and their own. She prayed they would make it out of this alive.Everything was silent and the air was still when Ling felt her surroundings getting colder. She felt a cold breeze brush past her and she opened her eyes. She was met with the sight of the ocean waters that rose and crashed on the shore of the island. Several ships anchored by the shore, and soldiers in unfamiliar uniforms were busy doing tasks around the beach and ships. The night was clouded with smoke and ashes as few stars could be seen scattered and twinkling on the night sky.“I must go and help my people.” A deep voice snapped Ling out of her trance as she turned to the opposite side of where she was staring and watched as the man in dark red robes ran towards the burning rubble of the island. A cold gust of wind passed by, and Ling’s raven hair followed its direction, but she stood still and observed as the man shot fire from his hands. She could make out a few people that looked like soldiers from a different kingdom and a few of her own people.A smile appeared on Ling’s face as she stared at her father and her own people uniting and battling together as soldiers from the enemy forces surrounded them. She watched in awe at her people who fought resiliently with the flame powers they possessed as not once did their formation waver. Her smile, however, soon faltered then faded when she witnessed her father conjure a huge wave of blazing fire, engulfing the enemies and her own people in flames. She waited for any sign of movement but nothing. A moment before, she was watching a battle between the enemy forces and her own people; now, she was just staring at the great flame that enveloped the unseen bodies of her own people."老竇..?" She muttered, her voice trailing off.The fire cackled loudly; it was mocking her, she thought. She felt the familiar heat pulsing through her veins, flowing through her skin, and engulfing her body. Her amber eyes never looked away as she focused on the fire and watched as the flames shift constantly. Something was wrong with it. Something was off.She observed the fire as its shape started twisting unnaturally into something different. For a moment, her vision turned white, and her chest tightened as the sight of a large statue of the phoenix flashed before her eyes. Its wings were spread wide, its gaze menacing, and its presence was searing. When her focus snapped back, the flames weren’t just fire anymore. They coiled and stretched, taking the form of the creature in her vision. Her breath hitched as the heat intensified, and before she could act or say anything, the world vanished into blinding flames, dragging her back towards consciousness.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A deep rumble gritted the island as the ground shook, vibrating the Tài Yán Mín and awaking them from their slumber. It rattled the wooden walls of their homes and sent still and non-living materials wobbling and falling off of tables and shelves. Ling sat up, her breath hitching and her heart pounding. An earthquake? No. The air felt thick, heavy, and wrong. Then the first crack of thunder—no, not thunder—an explosion. A distant roar.The door slammed open. Xian’s voice barked out firm words, but there was something about it that sounded unnatural. It had an edge to it. He was afraid.Ling’s mother was on her knees, whispering prayers under her breath.“It’s happening,” she murmured, rocking slightly. “The gods have sent a message of doom.”Xian reached for her, hands gripping her shoulders. “Muhan, stand up. We need to leave.”She didn’t move. “Damn it, Muhan! We need to get going!”Ling stepped outside first. The sky was wrong. Smoke billowed from the tall volcano that sat in the middle of the island. But it wasn’t just smoke. There was also ash, drifting down in slow, lazy flakes. It almost looked like snow.“Ling! Look, it’s snowing!” Ān exclaimed, tugging at his older sister’s left arm.Ling reached out, letting the flakes land on her palm. They smudged into a fine gray smear. Ash. Her gut twisted. “No,” she muttered.The realization sank in too fast, too painful. Ān looked up, eyes flicking to the volcano, where a blazing glow was beginning to reach at the horizon. Ling turned to look at the people around her and the falling "snow" while Ān was pouting, realizing that the raining ash was not in fact snow. Everyone watched the volcano in horror, and people began heedlessly returning to their homes and packing. As the volcano continued to rumble, muttering and hushed gasps quickly gave way to terrified screams. The magma began to slowly flow down the tall mountain as a bright orange liquid flew out of the volcano, leaving rocks scattered on the ground. Many were in a panic and frenzied state, and some, like Ling's mother, were praying to their god to save them.Ear-piercing shrieks echoed throughout the island as the wave of panic hit the town like a storm. The town bells clanged wildly—warning, signaling disaster. The masters stood at the center, trying to issue commands, but their voices drowned under the chaos.“Evacuate to the caves!” someone screamed.Xian didn’t hesitate as he grabbed Ling and Ān by the arms, pulling them forward. His grip was too tight, but there was no time for gentleness.The heat seared against their backs as they ran, the air thick with smoke. The streets were a writhing mess of bodies, some running, some crying, some frozen in place as the fires spread.Muhan was whispering prayers, barely keeping up.The ground rumbled again—a deep, sickening tremor that sent dust cascading from the rooftops as the earth was threatening to split beneath their feet.Somewhere ahead, a woman stumbled to the ground, hacking up blackened smoke. A child tripped beside her, wailing. Someone pulled them up, dragging them toward safety.They pushed through the crowd. The heat burned against their backs, and the smoke choked their lungs.Suddenly, blaring horns echoed throughout the island.A sound that didn’t belong to the Tài Yán Zhōu.Out of the western shadows, figures emerged. Not their people. Soldiers. Armor glinting under the firelight, blades unsheathed, faces set in unreadable determination. And then—A scream. A blade. A man fell. Blood sprayed against the ash-covered ground.Ling’s breath hitched, her palms started to form sweat as she turned her head to the side, barely registering the scene as they whizzed past them.One of the masters rushed forward, hands raised in surrender. “Please, we can talk—”A sword silenced him.The Tài Yán Mín reacted as fast as they could. Some grabbed weapons, others tried to run, but there was no mercy. Soldiers cut through civilians like wheat.Xian was already moving and he shoved Muhan forward. “Take the kids. Get to safety.”Ling turned to her mother, waiting for her to move. But Muhan only knelt, hands clasped together, eyes locked to the heavens. “The god will save us,” she whispered. “The god—”The soldier’s blade struck too fast for Ling to scream.Muhan’s body collapsed to the ground.Ān made a sound—high, thin, broken. Xian roared, unsheathing his own blade, but there was no time.“Run!” he ordered. “Now!”A wave of fire engulfed the surrounding area as flame power-wielders approached from different directions, defending the frantic people as the fire-wielders themselves were frantically spewing out flames at the invading soldiers.Ling grabbed Ān’s hand and bolted. The screams, the heat, the stench of burning flesh, it all blurred together. The town was collapsing. Homes reduced to embers as fire was catching from the magma. The ground cracked beneath their feet. They ran until Ling stumbled against the ruins of a house. The roof had partially caved in, casting heavy shadows. She pushed Ān behind her, heart pounding as she panted, and her hands trembled.A scream rang out, and Ling turned just in time to see a soldier, his hand gripping a girl’s arm while his sword was raised.Ling didn’t think. Her emotions filled her up as she let out a cry. “Yue!”A burst of flame erupted from her hands, setting the man on fire.The soldier screamed, flames eating through his armor and his flesh. His grip loosened, and Yue stumbled back. Ling grabbed her, pulling her towards Ān.But the burning man wasn’t dead. He turned, wild and enraged, his eyes hollow with pain.He lunged at them.They ran.But he was faster.A hand snatched Ling’s arm, fingers burning against her long sleeves. She yelped, twisting, but the grip was iron.“Let my sister go!” Ān’s voice, desperate, high with fear.The man snarled, raising his sword, ready to strike.Ling’s body reacted before her mind did.Another blast of fire—straight into the soldier’s arm. The grip loosened, but not enough. He roared, furious, and turned on Ān instead.The sword never fell.But his hand did.“You shamans should know your fucking place!” The soldier, still burning, screamed, swung his remaining arm blindly, and his fist connected with Ān.Ān flew, his small body hit the rubble, and his head cracking against the stone.Ling felt something snap inside her. She scrambled to him, hands shaking as she pressed against his head, against the wound. His breathing hitched, his tiny fingers clutching her arm.“L-Ling... I don’t wanna... die.”Tears blurred her vision. She couldn’t stop them. Couldn’t stop the shaking, the helplessness, the way the world felt too big and too small at the same time. Smoke surrounded the area, and the sound of battle cries engulfed the island. She couldn’t do anything; she didn’t know what to do.Yue grabbed him, her voice urgent. “We need to move.”Ling didn’t know how her legs moved. Didn’t remember how they started running again. The only thing she remembered was the smell of smoke, the screams that never stopped, and the weight of Ān’s blood staining her hands.And the fire—The fire that kept burning, roaring. It was daunting; it taunted her. The flames within her were enraged, desperate to unleash all the pain, torment, and anguish. Set everything ablaze and end her suffering. They stumbled into the battlefield. Into fire-wielding warriors. Into Xian. “There’s an underground basement hidden below the statue of worship; pull down the phoenix's beak, and the stone floor behind the statue will open. Take this with you and keep each other safe. Don’t leave the basement until you’re sure that you’re safe.”Hiding behind the wreckage of someone’s house, a man in his late twenties who bore two swords extended his hand to give his other sword to the shorter girl. Bodies were lying motionless around them as smoke billowed from the patches of fire that scattered on the island, and ashes slowly raining down. In front of him stood two girls, the taller one carried Ān in her arms while the other one reached for the sword. “But what about you? You have to come with us!” The younger girl exclaimed, both hands gripping on the scabbard of the sword. The man kneeled down on one knee to their height and placed his hands on each of their shoulders. “I cannot watch our people suffer; I must do what I can to help. Ling, remember the basic forms I've taught you, and Yue, remember our training, it might save lives.” He whispered. “You’ll come get us after, right?” The older girl asked, her voice shaking in fear, and the man sighed silently. “I will. Now go.” A group hug later, the kids ran away from the man. The younger girl paused and glanced behind her. The sight of her father unsheathing his sword with his back turned to them was the last thing she saw before her friend whispered an uneasy “let’s go”. They ran towards the statue of worship, narrowly avoiding the fighting soldiers in the process.The air reeked of blood and burnt flesh. The sky, once a canvas painted in blue, was now a swirling mass of smoke and fire. Embers drifted like dying stars, carried by the midnight winds rolling off the ocean. Every step was treacherous—bodies, scattered like discarded dolls, left the ground uneven, slick with things Ling refused to think about. The weight of Ān in Yue’s arms made their pace unsteady, but they had no choice. They had to keep moving.The statue of their beloved god towered nine feet over them, its stone wings stretched as if preparing to take flight, its head raised in silent defiance against the ruin around it. The ocean roared just beyond, waves thrashing wildly against the cliffs as if mourning the dead. There were no signs of life. The soldiers who had fought here—Tài Yán Mín or enemy—were nothing more than corpses, their weapons discarded, and their armor cracked open like broken shells.Ling swallowed, tightening her grip on the sword given to her by her father. She glanced at Yue, who carefully set Ān down beside the statue, making sure he was propped against the base before turning to her.“I’ll boost you,” Yue said, voice low, urgent.Ling nodded. She leaned her sword against the statue and placed a foot in Yue’s interlocked hands. With a grunt, Yue lifted her. The rough stone bit into Ling’s fingertips as she reached for the statue’s beak, fingers scrabbling against the carved ridges.Then—shouting. The unmistakable clash of steel. Footsteps, fast and heavy, closing in.Ling’s breath hitched. The cold night breeze mixing with the heat of destruction poking at her skin. Something bright sparked through the trees and ruined houses; the sound of crackling fire neared them. They were close.Ling nearly slipped and let out a whimper; her arm was aching as she desperately tried to reach for the statue’s beak.“Hurry,” Yue whispered, voice tight as her body trembled from the unaccustomed weight on her shoulders.Ling gritted her teeth and stretched. "I'm trying," Her fingers found the beak. She yanked it down with all her strength. A low, grating noise rumbled beneath them, stone groaning as something shifted behind the statue.Yue didn’t hesitate. She scooped Ān back into her arms while Ling grabbed the sword, her legs aching from exertion.A section of the ground parted, revealing a spiraling staircase carved into the ground. The air that rose from below was cool, untouched by the fires of war above.Ling hesitated only for a second, unsure of her actions. What if it was her father approaching them? But what if it was someone else? Enemies? Innocent people? Even so, the footsteps were too close, and they couldn’t afford to know who was approaching.She met Yue’s eyes, and the older girl gave her a small and determined nod before they rushed down the staircase.The entrance was sealed behind them, locking the three of them in an unknown and abandoned place.As they descend the uneven staircase, the sounds of their hurried breaths and the distant, muffled chaos above were heard. A sudden burst of flame sparked on the sconces as the torches lining the walls lit themselves, their gleaming light stretching across the passageway.Ling widened her eyes and clenched her jaw. This place was old, forgotten. And yet, it still breathed.Upon reaching the bottom, they were met by a chamber-like room. Walls of cobblestone stood still and strong, lined with bookshelves and stacked scrolls that gathered webs and dust. A statue of a phoenix rested on a pedestal that was situated in the middle of the cobblestone room—its pose different from the one above. This one had its wings curled inward and its talons were extended.But Ling’s eyes were drawn to the carved characters etched into the pedestal’s surface:“鳳凰”Fenghuang. The wait was unbearable. Ling and Yue huddled together in the dark, surrounded by the suffocating stench of dust and earth. Ān’s ragged breathing was the only sound besides their own beating hearts. The boy was slipping—his wound had soaked through the paper from ripped scrolls Yue had desperately tied around his head, and he twitched slightly, fevered, and pale. The air was thick with the weight of death above them. The two girls had given up reading books long ago, almost sweeping the shelves clean, leaving only books of old texts and characters that were unreadable to them. Yue understood most of them but had trouble comprehending, leading her to a twitching frustration, which explains the unnatural way the books lied on the ground across the room. A sign that the older girl had threw it away in frustration.How long has it been? Minutes? Hours? No matter, time felt non-existent at the moment. Ling had no clue as to what was happening above them; Yue had a clue but refused to acknowledge the full answer. An educated guess lingered in her mind; thoughts that were not her own swirled and tormented her like an eagle circling its prey.After waiting for what felt like an eternity, the trapdoor creaked open. Ling tensed, hands shaking, as she prepared to summon fire, something she wasn’t so sure she could do on purpose, but she had to try something, and yet exhaustion gnawed at her bones. If the enemy had found them, she wasn’t sure she had enough strength left to fight.They expected soldiers in dark blue uniforms welding swords, but instead, Ling was met with her father’s face. Xian knelt down, arms briefly wrapping around them in a fleeting embrace before he pulled back.“Dad! You came back!” The younger girl exclaimed, her voice cracking, hoarse from the lack of hydration.Another soldier stood behind Xian, grim-faced, his armor bloodstained and dented.“A kingdom came to evacuate us,” her father said, his voice gruff and urgency spilling from every word.Yue’s eyes narrowed. “What kingdom?”Before he could answer, foreign soldiers descended into the basement dressed in dark green uniforms. Their leader, a man in his late forties with weary but sharp eyes, stepped forward wielding a shield with an unfamiliar symbol that resembled a golden flower etched on its surface.“We need to go. Now. They’re onto us.”Her father nodded and turned back to them. “They’ll take care of you,” he said, his gaze lingering on Ling. He placed a hand on Ān’s cooling forehead, then met the soldiers’ eyes. “Get them out of here. Help the boy.”Then he was gone.Ling barely had time to process what was happening before they were being pulled up, ushered out into the war-ravaged ruins of their home. The air was thick with smoke and ash, the volcanic eruption still spewing embers into the sky like a second sun. Toxic gas swirled its way around the island, the wind carrying it like a venomous snake slithering invisible through the pathways, coiling around homes and lungs alike. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the stench of death—burnt flesh, spilled entrails, and sulfur—clung to everything.She spotted her father ahead, his blade cutting through the air, flames surging in great arcs as he diced through enemies. He was outnumbered and desperate, but he held more than just a blade. He carried the heat and sparks of flame as more soldiers approached them. The allied soldiers weren’t intervening as they were focused on defending and rescuing what was left of the Tài Yán Mín.The allied soldiers moved quickly. Three of them, and that was all they had. Their priority was getting out alive, securing survivors, not engaging unless absolutely necessary; those were the orders. One of them, a tanned and broad-shouldered man, carried Ān, the child limp against his chest, his breaths shallow and wheezing. They had to get him to the shore, where their ships were stealthily docked.Yue kept close to Ling, her grip tight on Ling’s arm as she tugged at her. Her own blood slicked her sleeve, a shallow gash from a flying dagger aimed at her, but she didn’t stop and didn’t slow down. There wasn’t time for pain.Ling contemplated as her eyes frantically watched her father fight against a number of soldiers. She extended her arm, reaching for his figure, and she forced her legs to move. Yue shouted something she couldn’t hear as her vision blurred from the tears that formed. A soldier from the invading kingdom spotted Ling moving towards her father, reaching out, wanting to be with his side, help him, do anything to keep him near her.Time slowed. The enemy’s eyes locked onto hers, blade raised, feet pounding against the scorched ground as he lunged. In a frantic state to defend herself, she tried to summon fire, tried to raise her hands and strike him down, but nothing came. Her body was drained; fear and exhaustion drilled into her like iron nails hammered into rotting wood, sinking deeper with every blow. She couldn’t move.The sword swung downward, blade inches away from her body.A sudden burst of fire erupted in front of her, the heat so intense that the air itself warped. The enemy screamed, consumed instantly, his armor melting against his flesh. The inferno should have ended there.But it didn’t.The flames surged beyond their target, and the soldier’s blazing hands reached for Ling’s neck. The fire spread, and the contact of the burning hand brushing at Ling before she could move away—she was the canvas, and the flames painted her with scorching strokes of a frenzied artist. Her neck and collarbone were seared in excruciating pain. Her skin blistered, peeled, and burned, preventing her from breathing and trapping her scream in her throat. There was an overpowering smell of charred flesh. Yue watched in horror as she covered her mouth with her trembling hands, tears forming and flowing down her cheeks like a cascade. The world spun as Ling crumpled to the ground, her knees giving way, her body ached to collapse and writhe from the pain.Strong hands yanked her away from the battlefield, dragging her through smoke and rubble. The world blurred. She was dimly aware of Yue shouting her name, of hands pressing against her scorched skin. The allied soldiers moved quickly, forcing them toward the shore.Then she saw him.Her father stood with a small group of Tài Yán Mín, their expressions hard, resolute. Relief flickered through her pain—he wasn’t alone. They could fight together. They could win. She stared at her father and her own people uniting and battling together as more soldiers from the enemy forces surrounded them.But then she saw it.The fire ignited in his palms, growing into a massive wave of destruction. The flames engulfed Tài Yán warriors, their screams rising into the night like a hellish chorus.Ling’s breath caught in her throat. Her father disappeared behind the inferno, lost to the chaos. She waited for any sign of movement but nothing. A moment before, she was watching a battle between the enemy forces and her own people; now, she was just staring at the great flame that enveloped the unseen bodies of her own people. Before she knew it, everything turned black. She could still hear the screams—their screams—swirling into the crackling fire as they clawed at the burning wreckage, trying to flee. The heat followed her, still gnawing at her skin even as she was hauled onto the ship, her body slack in Yue’s arms.Her breath hitched and her throat locked up. The pain was unbearable.She tried to suck in air, but it felt like inhaling smoke, as if her lungs were crumbling into ash. She coughed, choked, spasmed against Yue’s grip. The second she tried to cry out, agony ripped through her throat. The sound that left her was something between a strangled gasp and a whimper. Her skin—her skin—something was wrong. It felt too tight, too raw, as if it had melted and hardened in the same breath.Her fingers twitched, weakly reaching up to touch her neck, but the moment they brushed against it, a fresh jolt of pain slammed into her skull. Her body convulsed as she sobbed, the sound ragged and wheezing, barely audible through the bubbling burn of her own flesh. When she pulled her fingers away, they were coated in something sticky, something wet—her skin. Torn, peeling, raw. The sensation made her stomach churn, and if she had anything left in her, she would have thrown up. She sobbed, not knowing if she was crying from the pain or from what she had just witnessed.“Ling—Ling, look at me!” Yue’s voice was frantic, but it sounded distant. Muffled. Like she was underwater. “Stay with me! Please!”She tried. She really tried. But her head lolled to the side, vision flickering in and out. The world continued to distort and blur around her. The ship's lanterns wavered as if they were melting, as if the fire had followed her here and was gnawing at the back of her mind.There was movement—people shouting, figures rushing past, metal clanking. Someone was pressing something against her wound, and the second it made contact, a white-hot pain exploded in her chest. She writhed, screamed, and cried, but it came out hoarse and broken. Her vision spotted black. The voices around her grew sharper, panicked.“She’s going into shock—damn it, she’s losing too much fluid! Her throat—”“She can’t breathe properly—her airway’s—”“Get the salve now! Now!”Hands forced her down. Cold liquid seared against her ruined skin, and for a moment, it almost felt worse than the burn itself. The smell of charred flesh clung to her, thick and suffocating. She could taste it. Feel it in every inhale.She could still see it. The fire. The bodies.老竇.Her head lolled back again, body trembling violently. Her lips parted as if to say something, but all that came out was a ragged, wheezing exhale.“Ling? Ling, stay with me—don’t close your eyes—”Her fingers were weakly curled, grasping at nothing.The ship rocked, the world tipped over, and darkness swallowed her whole.She didn’t feel the moment her body went still, but the medics worked quickly, stabilizing her, keeping her from slipping too far. Even then, as they pressed cooling salves against her wound, as they carefully wrapped her broken skin, as Yue clutched her hand in a white-knuckled grip, the smell of burning never left her.It never would.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Inside the tipi, the fifth spirit sat silently on a stool, a journal in her right hand and a pen in her left. A few hours had passed after the incident, and Elsa was writing down the last couple of words in her journal entry. But just as she was about to do so, she felt the temperature around her shift. She raised her head and darted her eyes towards Bruni, whose little head lifted abruptly. Confused, the fifth spirit glanced around the tipi while the air around her grew warmer every second. She stood up and placed her items hastily on the stool. Before she could figure out what was happening, she heard a low groan and felt the temperature recede just as she turned her attention towards the stranger lying on the cot. She stirred and shifted slightly, her face twisting in a grimace before fluttering her eyes open.As Elsa neared the woman cautiously, the salamander watched as the stranger adjusted her eyes and swept the tipi, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Her gaze then settled on the platinum blonde woman who stood a few feet away with a concerned look plastered on her face.“This isn’t how I imagined the afterlife would be, but if it were, then I’d like to lodge a complaint about the accommodations,” the woman spoke with a faint rasp in her voice.The fifth spirit blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden dry humor. Her lips unknowingly twitched upwards in amusement and awkwardness before replying, “You’re.. very much alive.”“Oh,” the raven-haired woman blurted out before clearing her throat and locking eyes with the fifth spirit, and only then did she notice the enchanting presence of the lady in white. Before that, she first noticed the texture of her voice; clear and resonant as if carrying a weight of ice and wind, like the crisp crack of a frozen lake beneath the winter sun. It was captivating and somewhat melodic, much like a song, and no, it wasn’t a song—but it might as well have been.For a moment, the woman forgot where she was, that is until the fifth spirit cleared her throat.“You were caught in the winds, and you were out for a few hours. Do you remember what happened?” she asked while taking a step closer and feeling the awkward tension rise. Elsa had never really been good at starting conversations, but this type of situation made her think that dwelling on her lack of social skills won’t make it any better. Though, she had the impression that the woman seemed to be more socially better than her, based on the bold choice of joke she stated earlier. The woman slowly shifted, propping herself up in a sitting position. She opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, a certain brunette entered the tipi.“Hey, how’s the patient—oh, good to see that you’re awake.”“Hm, it’s nice to hear someone say that for once.” The woman’s lips curled, forming a small smirk, her voice dry but playful.“Huh, she’s... something,” the brunette remarked while crossing her arms to her chest before glancing at the ice wielder with a raised eyebrow and a smile. Elsa glances back at the brunette, sending her a small shrug and a nervous smile.“So, to whom do we owe the pleasure of this unexpected visitor?” the brunette asked, her voice sounding warm with a mix of curiosity.With eyes wide like an owl, the raven-haired woman’s cheeks flushed before a nervous chuckle erupted from her mouth. “Heh, sorry about that,” she cleared her throat. “My name is Chén Líng, but Líng is fine. And to whom do I owe the honor of such wonderful hosts?” Ling grinned and responded with her own similar question.“I’m Honeymaren, and the socially awkward one there is Elsa,” the brunette replied and pointed her thumb at the fifth spirit, earning a playful smack from the now-flushing ice wielder.Elsa cleared her throat, sending Honeymaren a knowing glare. “We brought you here so we could tend to your wound,” she explained, her tone steady. Her glare morphing to a softer look that held a warm, yet guarded expression.Ling tilted her head slightly, her gaze flicking between the two women. “Elsa?” she repeated in a curious tone. She paused; the clogs inside her head worked quickly before realization came to her. “As in... the former Queen of Arendelle?” Her voice showed genuine surprise rather than accusation.Elsa blinked, surprised. She glanced at Honeymaren, who gave her an encouraging smirk that did nothing to help her composure. “Uh... yes, that would be me,” Elsa admitted as she gave a small, awkward nod.Just before Ling could utter a word, the brunette beat her to it, saving the ice wielder from the awkward position she was in, and Elsa was eternally grateful for her. “How did you hit your head, anyway?” Honeymaren narrowed her eyes at Ling and let her arms fall to her sides. A small sheepish smile tugged at her lips.Ling grinned at the two, a wave of familiar feelings washed over her. A scene so similar to Yue and her’s never-ending bickering. It was as if watching their own banters, but in different fonts.“Well.. I initially planned to take a short journey and sketch some stuff. But I came across this forest again and noticed it wasn't covered by mist anymore. So, silly-ol’-me decided to explore, and some weird stuff happened,” Ling paused, caressing the back of her neck as she glanced around, trying to remember what occurred before hitting her head and passing out.“Then I was surrounded by fire and I got caught in a.. tornado? of some sorts. I couldn't really do anything about it. Then I hit my head on a tree, and that's pretty much it.” Chuckling nervously amid her explanation, Ling drops her arm to her side and shifted her puzzled gaze back to the two women in front of her. Elsa and Honeymaren glanced at each other nervously, unsure how they would respond.The raven-haired woman casted her amber eyes to the woman in white, her gaze unknowingly trailing from below and upward. Her attire was far different from the brunette, though, she’s not one to judge as Ling considered her clothing was very much unrecognizable to the eyes of most people. Iridescent. That was the first thing that came to Ling’s mind as she admired the fifth spirit’s appearance. She looked like a literal goddess, sent from above to govern and live among human beings. Human beings that were far too mundane to deserve such privilege of her divine presence. Okay, maybe that was taking it a bit far. Regardless, Ling couldn’t help but imagine how Elsa seemed so otherworldly, yet grounded in her own mysterious way. Ling’s gaze traced the shimmering dress and up to her face, where she locked eyes with the icy blue ones of the fifth spirit. She swore she saw Elsa’s face flush before Ling quickly adverted her gaze downward.
Huh. Must’ve been the wind.
What did the wind have to do with what I saw? Exactly, nothing. 操我. Ling thought as she mentally cursed herself.She caught something moving in the corner of her eyes and slightly turned her head to meet the slamander’s wide-eyed and peering gaze. The salamander chirped and tilted its head curiously at Ling, following a lick to his eyeball.“Wait, you said you came across the forest again?” Honeymaren asked, seeking for clarification.Ling raised an eyebrow in bewilderment at the blue salamander before turning her gaze back to the women, her head following the same action. “Uh.. yes? I came across it once; some kind of mist blocked it, but that was years ago.”“And now you’re back. I don’t wanna appear rude or anything, but you don’t look like you’re from any towns nearby,” Honeymaren said, smiling politely with genuine curiosity cast in her eyes.“Don’t worry, you’re good,” Ling raises her arms up slightly and waves them in a manner that meant she understood Honeymaren’s concern. “I live just outside Arendelle. Not far from this little trading post--a cheerful guy named Oaken runs it. Ever heard of him? Big guy, lots of ‘Yoo-hoos?’” She added while playfully imitating Oaken’s ‘Yoo-hoo,’ gestures.“Sounds familiar,” Honeymaren chuckled, crossing her arms to her chest and glanced knowingly at the fifth spirit while Elsa hid her giggle with a hand covering her mouth. Ling smiled at the two before a thought rushed to her mind.“I don’t wanna sound rude, but it would be nice to know where my things are?” Ling said in a questioning tone while tilting her head slightly.“Oh! Of course. Your bag’s being watched by Ryder right now,” Honeymaren replied, and Elsa sent her a nervous glance as she fidgeted before speaking. “That.. might not have been the best idea.”“Why? Does he have sticky fingers?” Ling asked and chuckled at her own joke while narrowing her eyes slightly.Honeymaren grinned sheepishly, slowly backing herself towards the tent’s entrance. “I’ll go check on him. Make sure he’s not snooping where he shouldn’t,” she waves slightly and leaves.Silence filled the tipi. The awkward kind. Ling fidgets slightly, glancing at the ground and to her side. The fifth spirit breaks the stillness and clears her throat before bending down to pick up the Jian sword that rested nearby.“I believe this is yours,” she holds it out politely. As Ling reached out to receive her sword, she felt their fingers graze briefly. Ling stiffens almost subtly, her amber eyes flicking to Elsa’s hand. The fifth spirit seems completely unaware and unfazed as her expression maintained serene.Ling clears her throat, accepting the Jian sword. “Uh, thanks and um.. I appreciate the hospitality,” she replied, perplexed at how she was suddenly at a loss for words. She gave her most genuine smile nonetheless, never wanting to miss the chance to show a sign of appreciation.“You’re welcome. It’s the least we could do,” Elsa said and smiled softly.Ling secures the Jian sword at her side, glancing briefly toward the tent entrance where Honeymaren had left. Elsa let out a soft sigh before speaking, “Ryder might be... enthusiastic, but he means well,” she pauses, then glances at Ling.“Are you up for a walk? I assume you’d want an explanation about... well, your situation,” Elsa said, her voice hinting a slight wince.“A walk would be nice. Lead the way then,” Ling responded with a small smirk tugging at her lips while she carefully stood up from the cot. Bruni jumped off and ran skittishly towards the ice wielder before being held up to stand on Elsa’s shoulder. Ling had never in her life felt so close to home, and yet so far. Her gaze immediately landed on the enchanted forest’s inhabitants—a scene of simple yet vibrant life. Children laughed as they chased each other around the unlit campfire, while adults busied themselves with various chores and hobbies.For a moment, she stood there, transfixed. It felt like a fragment of her past, like the warm, bustling evenings back on her island when life was still whole. She couldn’t bring herself to remember everything, but the scene certainly felt comforting. Her lips formed a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed a bittersweet ache.You know better than to dwell on it, she reminded herself.She looked up to see Elsa waiting a few paces ahead, her platinum-blonde hair catching the soft light of the setting sun. Hues of orange and yellow painted the forest as the golden light seeped through the leaves and branches of the trees. Ling forced herself to stop ogling and move. Her boots crunching against the ground as she fell into step behind the former queen.The two walked in silence for a while, the forest around them alive with soft whispers of the wind spirit through the leaves. Ling, unable to help herself, softly kicked a small pebble along the path, watching as it tumbled forward.Finally, she spoke. “This place is beautiful,” she said, her voice quiet but genuine. She glanced around the camp once more, her smile faltering just slightly. “It kinda reminds me of home.”Elsa turned to her, her expression softening. “I’m glad,” she said, though there was a flicker of confusion in her tone. “But... I thought you said you lived just outside of Arendelle? Not that Arendelle isn’t as beautiful as the enchanted forest—”Ling chuckled, interrupting her ramble. “That’s true… but I wasn’t born there.”Curiosity flashed across Elsa’s face. “Where are you from, then? If you don’t mind me asking,” she responded, her tone carried a hint of hesitation.Ling’s smile turned wistful as she nudged the pebble with her shoe again. Though hesitant, she didn’t want to seem standoff-ish to the former queen. “I’m from an island a bit far from here. Tiny place, surrounded by endless blue water. Warm sand underfoot, sky that looks like it could swallow you whole. My hometown was lively, too—like this. People laughing, working together... stealing fruit from the market stalls, and running like your life depended on it when you got caught.”Elsa blinked at her, and Ling laughed at her own words. “Not me, of course,” she said, feigning innocence as she raised her hands. “I was an angel.”The blonde quirked an eyebrow, and Ling smirked. “Fine, maybe once or twice,” she admitted, her voice laced with mischief.Elsa chuckled softly. “I see. And how did those adventures turn out?”“Oh, let’s just say I became skilled at climbing trees,” Ling replied with a grin. “And making excuses.”The corners of Elsa’s lips lifted, and for a moment, the heaviness that hung in the air between them seemed to lift as well.They fell into another stretch of silence, but it didn’t feel awkward this time. Both seemed lost in their thoughts as they walked deeper into the woods, the sounds of the camp fading behind them.After a beat, they both opened their mouths to speak simultaneously.“So, do you—”“Have you ever—”They stopped abruptly, glancing at each other in surprise before both broke into quiet laughter.“You first,” Elsa offered, a rare playfulness in her tone as she gestured lightly toward Ling.“No, no, after you,” Ling countered, her grin widening as they both continued to walk.Elsa shook her head, her laugh soft but warm. “Alright, if you insist.”Ling leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a great secret. “I was just being polite,” she teased.Elsa rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips.“So,” Ling said after a moment, her tone light, “what’s it like? Living here in the enchanted forest?”Elsa’s expression turned thoughtful as her gaze swept over the trees. “It’s... peaceful. Different from Arendelle, but in a way that feels right. There’s a freedom here that I didn’t know I needed.” She hesitated, then added quietly, “And I believe I’m finally where I’m supposed to be.”Ling watched her closely, something soft flickering in her gaze. “That sounds very nice,” she said, her voice quiet but sincere.“It is,” Elsa replied.The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken words. The forest canopy stretched above them, casting dappled shadows on the path as Ling and Elsa walked side by side. Ling occasionally glanced at Elsa, catching the way her expression seemed thoughtful, even a bit hesitant, as though she were weighing her words.“Um, about what happened earlier,” The ice wielder started and glanced over her shoulder, her expression cautious.“The fire that surrounded me out of nowhere. The tornado that decided to take me for a spin. Yeah, I’m sure those are just normal, everyday forest stuff,” Ling snorted a playful "pft," and crossed her arms against her chest.Elsa clasped her hands in front of her. “It wasn’t,” she admitted softly. “The spirits don’t usually react like that to anyone.” She looked ahead, her gaze far, as she fidgeted with her fingers. “I don’t know why they reacted that way,” she said, her tone sounding with honesty.Ling stood straighter, her expression unreadable as her eyebrows furrowed. “Spirits? Like magical of some sorts or something?” She tilted her head, suddenly eager to know as her curiosity piqued.“Yes.. well, the five spirits are like.. the guardians of this forest,” Elsa said carefully. “Each tied to an element—Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind. They keep the balance here.”As if on cue, the fire spirit croaked, breaking its silence. Ling almost forgot the salamader’s presence as a chuckle escaped her lips. “I acknowledge your presence, little one.”“This is Bruni; he’s the fire spirit.” The ice wielder stated as the salamander smiled, and a small burst of flame erupted from his back, to which Elsa defused with a light rain of snow on top of the fire spirit.“I like him, except for the part where he tried to smolder me to ashes,” Ling responded with a hearty giggle, but secretly curious of the creature that held a power similar to hers. Bruni chirped in response and licked his eye with his tongue. “You mentioned four spirits; what’s the fifth one?” She added, raising an eyebrow in curiosity at Elsa.Elsa froze for a moment, her steps faltering. They had reached a small hill overlooking the Northuldra camp, where the golden light of the setting sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow. Ling stopped beside her, watching Elsa ponder for a moment. The question hung in the air like a delicate thread, waiting to be pulled.Elsa turned to her, her expression unreadable at first. Then, with a quiet but resolute tone, she said, “I am.”Ling blinked and tilted her head slightly. “You’re… what?” she asked, clearly confused as she registered Elsa’s words.“I’m the fifth spirit,” Elsa repeated, her voice steady but soft. She clenched her clasped hands as her gaze flickered to Ling, searching for a reaction. “I’m the bridge between humans and the elemental spirits.”For a second, Ling couldn’t reply. Her eyes darted back to the camp below, then to Elsa, then to the horizon, as though trying to make sense of it all. Elsa’s mind raced, her thoughts jumbled as panic ensued. She could’ve pushed Ling and sent her rolling down the hill to put an end to this awkward explanation, but she didn’t—she couldn’t, for goodness sake. Why would anyone do that?Explaining the spirits had never been easy for her. She felt awkward and found it difficult to string the write words. Her sister was mostly there to help, but on moments when she wasn't, Elsa would write out the script in her head and thought of every possible response or reaction, and would write another script for that. At this point, she has her script almost memorized. And this moment—this specific conversation with Ling—felt different. Elsa wasn’t sure why, but she felt an odd compulsion to make Ling understand, to explain things clearly and perfectly. Almost as if she wanted to impress her—which isn’t something the fifth spirit is familiar with. The thought made her feel both vulnerable and awkward.Ling stayed silent, her eyes widening slightly. She opened her mouth, then closed it, as if unsure what to say. Finally, she let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Of course it’s you,” she said, her voice light but sincere.Elsa tilted her head, surprised—flabbergasted even. “What do you mean?”Ling glanced down at the camp below, a thoughtful smile tugging at her lips. “I know we only just met, but I just feel like it just makes sense,” she said softly with a genuine tone.Elsa’s expression softened, her lips curving into a small smile. Every script she had prepared for crumbled and left her mind. “You think so?”Ling met her gaze, her smile growing a little. “Yeah,” she said, her tone warm but playful. “Besides, who else could pull off being the bridge between worlds?”Elsa covered her quiet laugh with a hand; amusement crossed her face for a moment. “That’s… quite the compliment,” she replied, a hint of teasing in her voice.“Just calling it as I see it,” Ling said, her smile softening into something more genuine and her gaze never faltering. She couldn’t help but feel the faintest spark of something stir within her—something she wasn’t ready to name just yet. Ling thought it was a bit silly. She had heard countless tales about the Ice Queen, but none of them could truly capture the reality of meeting Elsa today. She wasn’t just a figure of stories and rumors anymore—she was someone real, standing right in front of her.As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the forest, Elsa couldn’t help but feel that same odd pull she’d felt earlier. There was something about Ling—something curious, something she couldn’t quite place. But it was there, undeniable, and she was right where she wanted to be, a familiar feeling that differed slightly with Ling standing in front of her.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Fire. It was still burning her.Ling’s world was a blinding blur of agony, white-hot pain ripping through her body as rough hands pinned her down. She thrashed, voice raw from screaming, her nails clawing against anything they could reach. Several voices filled her sense of hearing; they were overlapping, frantic. Voicing out orders and pleas, whatever they said did not matter to Ling as she couldn’t seem to listen and understand their words; only that of the echoing screams and shrieks that haunted her.Her vision pulsed; she forced herself to focus. She scanned the area frantically in hopes of distracting herself from the chaos that bubbled. The room was too big. Too clean. Too untouched. Golden candlelight flickered against polished wooden beams, casting long, soft shadows along the walls. Heavy drapes framed the tall windows, their deep blue fabric embroidered with silver, shifting faintly. The sheets beneath her were smooth, smelling of lavender and something unfamiliar—something foreign, yet the scent of burning lingered. She certainly did not belong in such a place. Where was she?“Hold her still—”“She’s going to rip the stitches!”“She’s burning up, gods, we need more—”The pressure against her shoulders tightened as hands forced her down onto the cot. The pain in her neck pulsed, a searing, unbearable thing. She felt as if she was being peeled apart, layer by layer, stripped down to the bone, the air itself chewing at her open wound. Her sobs choked in her throat as something cool pressed against the burns—ointment, medicine, whatever it was, it wasn’t working. It only burned more.All she wanted was to stop the suffering. She wished for the excruciating agony to end. Oh, how it tortured her so. She didn’t know how long it lasted. Has it been minutes? Hours even?She only knew that when exhaustion finally dragged her under, she went willingly; darkness swallowing her whole. The next two days were quiet.Outside the sun-kissed window, the world was untouched by war. The sky stretched vast and blue, the sun casting golden light over the kingdom’s rooftops. She hated it. The warmth on her skin, the smell of fresh bread carried by the wind—it felt wrong. It felt mocking.The bed beneath her felt too soft, too clean. Her hands lay limp on the blanket, her fingers motionless. The bandages wrapped tight around her collarbone and neck itched—she ignored it. Her entire body was stiff, her muscles screaming to move, to run, to do something, but she just sat there. Staring.Yue lay on the other bed across from her, engrossed in a book. The firelight flickered against her face, bringing out the sharp angles of her tired features. She hadn’t said much. None of them had; it didn’t matter anyway. Ling could barely croak a mumble. It took a chunk of her speech, leading her to reply to the maids’ questions with a tired nod or shake. She heard the medics saying it would take a long time for her to recover. She was told to refrain from moving her upper body as well as talking long. Should she talk, her words must remain low and minimal.A soft knock at the door interrupted the silence. A maid stepped inside, carrying fresh bandages. Ling didn’t look at her. The other day, she discovered by a maid that she was currently in a castle, but the name of the kingdom was left unsaid. She guessed that whoever rescued them from the island were the people of the kingdom she was in today.“Let’s get this changed, dear.” The maid’s voice was gentle, but Ling barely heard it. She sat, unmoving, as the woman pulled away the old bandages. It hurt. But she didn’t react.Just sat there as the maid worked, silent and detached, letting someone else put her back together. [13 years before present, 2 years after the incident.] “Mr. Ren, where should I put these?” the seventeen-year-old entered the room carrying a short stack of chopped up basswood and butternut logs. She glanced around the older man’s room in awe, admiring all the wood work he had done in the past year. She often stops to admire his work, and she knows he’s proud of it. His room smelled like a forest—earthy and mostly smelled of trees. Shelves were filled with wooden carvings that varied in sizes, shapes, and color—some painted, some not. Plenty of tools were hung and displayed on the wall near his work table. Piles of stripped wood covered a portion of the floor from shaving and carving wood; the older man would clean it up later, and a few Tree Penjing decorated around the cabin room.Ren turned around from his wooden stool, a chip carving knife clutched in one hand and a block of butternut wood in the other. “Just put them by the table, Yue,” he replied, nodding at the table near where the younger girl stood.Ren was a brawny man, broad-shouldered and sturdy, built like the trees he worked with. His tanned skin held faint scars from years of labor, and his hands rough from wielding axes and carving knives. His dark scruffy hair had a few strands of gray peeking through. Thick eyebrows framed his naturally upturned brown eyes, though the bags beneath them hinted at long days and longer nights. He kept his beard shaved, and his features were strong, yet somewhat soft.Yue took a few steps and huffed as she set the wood stack on the table, dusting her hands against her pants. “You’re making another one?” she asked, tilting her head at the piece of wood in Ren’s hands.Yue leaned in slightly, watching as he carved with steady hands. The shape was different from the usual birds he carved. It had broad paws, a powerful stance, and its head held high. “Not carving a bird today?” Yue asked and tilted her head.Ren chuckled. “Uh, no, no. I’m making a white tiger today.” He paused, smoothing the wood with his knife.“…Huh,” she said with a raised eyebrow. “Didn’t think you’d be into making stuff like that.”Ren smiled. “Figured it’d be a nice change. Besides…” He ran his thumb over the wood’s surface, smoothing the rough edges. “It reminded me of you.”“Really? How so?” Yue’s eyes flickered with curiosity.Ren paused and thought for a second. “I remember my mother used to tell me stories about the cosmos, one of which stood out to me the most: the five heavenly beasts, also known as the five celestial animals—each connected to an element and cardinal direction. Among them was the white tiger of the west—the queen of animals—said to be a symbol for bravery and depicted as headstrong, maverick, and proud.”“According to the legend, the white tiger only shows up when a kind and just ruler sits on the throne and there is peace in the world.” Ren explained, a small smile appeared on his face as he recalled his mother’s words.When he turned to the younger girl, her lips were curling into a knowing grin. Ren cleared his throat and lowered his gaze while inspecting the piece of wood on his hand. “What about Ling? How’s she doing?” He asked, opting to change the subject.Yue straightened. “She’s alright. She’s been reading those books about trees—the ones you gave her.” She tucked her hands into her sleeves. “Her wound’s healing well. The medicine’s working, and she can crane her neck without wincing too much.”Ren let out a slow breath, his shoulders relaxing. “That’s good. Real good.” His voice was low, relieved. He set down his knife for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck before glancing at Yue.She caught the look and raised a brow. “What?”Ren hesitated, then held up the half-finished tiger. “Wanna help?”Yue blinked.For a second, she just stared, as if she hadn’t heard him right. But then her face lit up, excitement flickering in her dark brown eyes as she nearly bounced on her heels. “Really? You’re gonna let me help?”Ren chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, don’t get too excited. You’ll be helping, not taking over. I still have to make sure this tiger doesn’t end up lookin’ like a rock.”Yue rolled her eyes but grinned as she pulled up a stool beside him. “Please. I bet I'll make it look better.”Ren handed her a smaller carving knife and guided her hand, showing her how to carefully shape the tail and figure of the tiger. He did most of the carving, but he let her work on some important details, correcting her grip when needed. Yue’s tongue stuck out slightly in concentration and her eyebrows furrowed; her strokes were careful and hesitant at first, but more confident as she went.They worked like that for a while, wood shavings falling like dust under their fingers.Just as they were smoothing out the tiger’s frame, a voice called from outside the room.“There’s a man looking for you.”Yue and Ren both turned to see Ling standing at the doorway, arms crossed.Ren ruffled Yue’s hair, making her scowl. “We’ll finish this later,” he said before getting up and stretching with a groan. He walked out, leaving the two girls alone.Yue frowned, pushing her messy bangs out of her face. “I was getting into that, too.”They moved to the living area, hanging out by the fireplace. Though the cabin was made of wood, the fireplace was secured with stone, ensuring no flames could spread. The warmth was pleasant against the early autumn air, the crackling of the fire filling the silence between them.A few moments later, Ren returned, waving off the man he had been speaking with. He smiled at the girls as he stepped inside.“Who was that?” Yue asked, stretching out her legs.“Someone from the royal castle,” Ren said, dusting off his hands. “They’re requesting a delivery of logs—lots of them. Autumn’s settling in, and winter’s not too far off.”Both girls perked up.“Whoa, cool,” Ling mused.Ren raised a brow. “You two wanna help me get the firewood ready?”Yue and Ling exchanged glances.Then, in perfect unison—“Yes.”Ren grinned, shaking his head. “Alright then, let’s get to work.” [11 years before present, 4 years after the incident.] The night air was chilly, crisp against Ling’s skin as she tightened her grip on the axe’s worn wooden handle. It was heavier than she expected, the weight throwing off her balance as she dragged it toward the chopping block. A fresh log lay there, waiting.She exhaled. Adjusted her stance. She had seen Ren do it before, just raise the axe high, swing down with all your strength, and split the wood clean in half. Simple and easy enough, or so she thought.She lifted the axe. Or at least, she tried to.The moment the blade rose past her shoulders, her arms wobbled, the weight shifting awkwardly in her grasp. Panic flared through her as she lost control of the swing. The axe came down—not onto the log, not with a clean, precise strike—but with a graceless thunk into the dirt. Ling stumbled forward with the momentum, barely catching herself.A low chuckle was heard.The fourteen-year-old girl froze.She gulped, and when she turned her head slowly, she found Ren standing by the cabin’s doorway, arms crossed, watching her with that unreadable expression of his that sat somewhere between amusement and exasperation.Ling jolted upright. “I-I wasn’t-” she stammered. “I mean, I was, but I-” She bowed her head. “I’m sorry. I should’ve asked. I know it’s dangerous, but I just thought maybe-”“Your grip is wrong.”Ling blinked up at him.Ren sighed, stepping forward. “You’re holding it too tight. You need control, not just force.” He gestured for her to move aside before picking up the axe with ease. “看.”So she watched.He positioned himself in front of the block, feet shoulder-width apart, and lifted the axe in a smooth, practiced motion. “Grip it firm, but don’t choke it. Let your dominant hand slide down as you swing. Keep your shoulders steady.” And then, with a powerful but fluid motion, he brought the axe down. The log split cleanly in two, pieces falling to the sides like it was nothing.Ling gaped as Ren glanced at her. “Your turn.”She hesitated. “But I-”“Pick it up.”She swallowed, stepping forward. This time, when she wrapped her fingers around the handle, she was careful to follow Ren’s instructions. He corrected her stance, nudging her foot slightly back, and adjusting her grip. “Good. Now, don’t overthink it. Breathe in when you raise it. Exhale when you swing.”Ling inhaled. She raised the axe.And swung.It didn’t split the log perfectly—not like Ren’s—but it stuck deep into the wood, a promising first strike.She turned to Ren, half expecting criticism. But he just gave her a small smile and a nod. “Not bad, kid. Practice some more and you’ll get the hang of it.”A grin tugged at her lips.Ling sneaked out of the cabin, attempting to chop a bark, and tried to do it without waking the others—to which she failed miserably, but it turned out to be an enjoyable and heartfelt experience with the man she had started to consider a father-figure to her. For the first time in a long while, Ling felt something solid beneath her hands. Something that made sense. [After Ashes.] The hall was quiet. Five days had passed since what happened. The survivors had been taken care of under the castle’s staff and the King’s watch. The Tài Yán Mín were obliged to follow orders, afraid they’d trigger another incident. They had no one left to turn to, and this kingdom was all their hope left.The king stood at the front of the chamber, his expression unreadable as he looked out at the few survivors gathered before him. His voice was steady, but heavy.“We were able to recover fourteen adults and three minors from the island.”Ren leaned against his crutch, eyes scanning the room. Fourteen adults. Four minors. He looked at the survivors—faces gaunt, eyes hollow, shoulders weighed down by loss.These people didn’t just look wounded. They looked like they had nothing left.He exhaled slowly.“If anyone is willing to take in the children, please step forward.”Silence.No one moved.Ren’s grip on his crutch tightened. He let his gaze sweep over the room again, over the blank, grief-stricken faces, over the eyes that refused to look up.No one here is ready to take care of the kids. Not after the atrocities they’ve been through.He clicked his tongue, shifting his weight. His ankle throbbed beneath the bandages, still mending from the weeks of strain. He shouldn’t be standing this long.With a sigh, Ren adjusted his stance and he took a step forward. A step with the intention of taking the responsibility of a significant figure, in hopes of providing the children with a life that they deserve. [A Day After Chapter 7 (note: I kinda fucked up the timing here LOL apologies, please bear with me). In a far kingdom.] The room was dim, flickering candlelight casted long shadows against the stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of wax and old parchment, the kind of suffocating silence that pressed against the ribs. A long, polished table stretched across the room, occupied by figures dressed in muted, formal robes."It’s been years," someone muttered, voice heavy with disinterest. "We haven't received a single trace of their existence. No witnesses, no reports. Perhaps it's time to let go of this… obsession."A scoff. "Obsession?" another sneered. "They were a stain on our history. We cleansed it. If we continue hunting ghosts, we’ll be the ones looking like fools."A few heads nodded in silent agreement. It had been a long time since they last acted. What was the point of chasing after people who had most likely been buried under the weight of their own forgotten existence?Then, a slow exhale. The leader at the end of the table leaned forward, his fingers pressed together; his presence held a quiet command. His face was barely illuminated by the candlelight, but his sharp gaze pierced through the room like a sharp Jian blade."That would be true," he mused, voice calm and deliberate. He reached into his coat. "If not for this."With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a folded piece of paper onto the table. It landed precisely in the center, unfolding slightly at the edges. The movement was graceful and effortless, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment. The others stared, wary, a few glancing between themselves before one reached forward and smoothed it open.Silence.Then the hush of fabric as the leader straightened, stepping away from the table. "Great news has finally arrived," he said, a smirk crept its way to his face. "And with it, an opportunity to finish what we started."The candlelight flickered. The people exchanged wary glances, and no one dared to speak.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Laughter filled the surroundings as the two women sauntered back to the Northuldra after their short walk. The sun had set, leaving no light behind, and the forest was now illuminated with the moon’s shine. The land animals were tucked away safely, and the night critters took their place in the forest. Just as their laughter died, the wind spirit greeted the two women with a cold brush of air and a playful chirp."Oh! I almost forgot to introduce you to the air spirit, meet Gale," the fifth spirit turned her attention towards the leaf-carrying spirit, a small smile formed by her lips. The wind spirit chittered in response and carried itself towards the raven-haired woman.Ling barely had time to blink before a swirl of air circled around her, ruffling her clothes and sending stray strands of hair into her face. She instinctively raised a hand to steady herself, though there was no real force to brace against."Ah, so you’re the reason I nearly broke my skull earlier," Ling mused, glancing up at a random tree and imagined how she’d been rather unceremoniously thrown earlier that day. "Quite the grand entrance, I must say."A sudden gust spiraled around her in response, sweeping fallen leaves up in a flurry. They twirled around her, brushing past her arms and face like tiny, mischievous fingers before settling onto the ground. Another small chitter, almost like laughter, whispered through the air.Elsa chuckled. 'I think Gale likes you.""Yeah, well, if this is liking someone, I’d hate to know what being disliked feels like." Ling smoothed out her sleeves, her tone faking annoyance in a playful manner. Another frisky breeze nudged against her shoulder, ruffling her hair again.Before she could retort, a familiar voice interrupted."There you two are—I’ve been looking everywhere for you." Honeymaren approached with an amused sigh, her hands resting on her hips. "You weren’t planning on skipping dinner, were you?"Ling turned to Elsa with a raised brow. "Is that an option? Because I might’ve taken that into consideration had I known."Honeymaren shook her head, clearly unimpressed. "Come on, everyone’s gathered."Ling followed them into the center of the Northuldra camp, where a warm fire crackled at the center. The scent of freshly prepared food filled the air, mingling with the crisp chill of the night. A few Northuldra people cast curious glances at her, though none approached just yet.As she settled on a log near the fire, a bowl was placed into her hands. Before she could take a bite, a voice piped up beside her."I totally didn’t peek in your bag."Ling blinked, turning to face the young man who had spoken. He grinned at her, entirely too pleased with himself. Honeymaren let out a deep sigh beside him, rubbing her temples as if she were physically in pain."Ryder,' she deadpanned."What? I didn’t say I did peek. Just that I didn’t." Ryder’s grin remained, unbothered by the brunette's evident disappointment in his existence.Ling exhaled through her nose, amused as she raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Well, now I’m definitely checking to make sure nothing’s missing."Ryder leaned back, his hands up in surrender. "Hey, I have standards.""They’re just very, very low," Honeymaren muttered.What does he even mean by that? Ling thought.Ling huffed a laugh, shaking her head as she took her first bite of the meal. The warmth seeped through her, contrasting against the cool air of the night. She glanced around the camp and found herself looking back to her past as familiarity washed over her once again. The people chattered and munched on their dinner; the campfire pledged warmth to the people, and it cast a warm and beautiful image. Unbeknownst to Ling, a smile had formed on her lips as the other three came to sit with her. Ling was seated closest to the fire; Elsa sat a good distance beside her, while the Nattura siblings settled in front of the two women with their left side facing the fire. Ling snapped out of her trance when she heard the Nattura siblings bickering playfully about Ryder’s intentions with Ling’s bag. Not long after, the four of them erupted in a fit of giggles and chuckles.The flame cast a soft glow on their faces as their conversation drifted naturally, and soon, Elsa found herself at the center of attention. "So," Ling leaned forward slightly, a teasing smirk playing at her lips. "You freed the forest, huh?"Elsa’s shoulders tensed for a brief moment before she let out a soft chuckle, tucking a strand of platinum hair behind her ear. "I… well, It wasn’t just me. It was Anna, too. She figured out the dam had to be destroyed, and I just—""—discovered you were a living bridge between humans and spirits, ventured into the unknown, and freed an entire enchanted forest,” Honeymaren finished with an amused look. “Sounds pretty legendary to me."Ling chuckled. "Yeah, I was expecting something more dramatic. You know, some grand proclamation, maybe a glowing mark or something."Ryder gasped. "A glowing mark would’ve been amazing!"Ling snapped her fingers. “Right? Imagine the aura you have!"Elsa groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I regret everything."Their amusement and laughter slowly faded as soft footsteps approached. The group turned to see Yelena making her way toward them, her expression calm yet unreadable. Elsa straightened slightly, a look of quiet respect in her eyes."Ling," Elsa spoke as Yelena reached them. "This is Yelena, the leader of the Northuldra."Ling stood up, offering a polite nod. "It’s a pleasure to meet you. I appreciate the hospitality you and your people have given me," she said, sounding a little too formal as she suddenly felt pressured by Yelena’s sharp gaze.Yelena studied her for a moment, assessing the raven-haired woman. "It’s not a problem. Besides," she paused and averted her gaze to the fire and glanced at Ling. "The elements of nature are welcome and welcoming."Ling’s breath hitched.For a split second, something sharp flickered across her face, something unreadable—but then, as quickly as it came, it was gone. She exhaled smoothly, smiling as if nothing had happened. Ling silently observed Yelena as she turned her back on her and walked away.Elsa, Honeymaren, and Ryder exchanged glances, sensing something beneath the exchange.Ryder was the first to speak. "Oookay… what does that mean?"Ling raised an eyebrow in confusion as she sat back down. 'I have no idea."Ryder narrowed his eyes. "That sounded so cryptic."Ling only hummed in response, casually taking another bite of her food. Elsa still looked curious, but she didn’t push further. After a while, Ryder suddenly clapped his hands together. "Alright, decision’s made. Ling, you’re staying in the tipi you were in earlier."Ling blinked. "Excuse me?""It’s empty, no one else is using it,” Honeymaren added. “And you need rest.""I can sleep anywhere. I’ll be fine.""Nope.” Ryder shook his head. “We insist."Ling narrowed her eyes. "I could literally sleep outside."Honeymaren tilted her head. "Okay, but why would you do that when there’s a perfectly good tipi?"Ling opened her mouth to argue but immediately met three determined stares.She sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine. But only for tonight. I feel like I overstayed, and I need to get back home before Yue scolds me," she shivered at the thought of Yue scolding her for arriving home so late.Honeymaren grinned. "Good choice."Ling let a chuckle escape her lips while the others retired to their teepees.Elsa failed to suppress a yawn and covered it gracefully with her hand. “I’m heading to bed. The rest of you should get some rest as well.”“I’ll-uh, I think I’ll rest here for a bit longer," Ling responded with a sheepish smile."Alright, but if I see you sleeping out here, I’m feeding you to the earth giants," Honeymaren retorted with a casual tone and a smirk as she was walking away with her brother.Ling chuckled and watched as the three headed to their teepees. Across the fire, Yelena watched her in silence, her gaze unreadable. The elder woman had seen enough in her time to recognize when the spirits reacted differently to someone.When Ling looked away, the fifth spirit halted her steps, and craned her head slightly to catch a glimpse of Ling for a second before going inside the tipi. That night, her mind wandered to what Yelena had said to the raven-haired woman. It bothered her that she couldn’t decipher what the leader’s words meant, and so she spent the night restlessly trying to figure out what Yelena was talking about. Eventually, exhaustion crept as the night swallowed her, and soon enough, she drifted to sleep.Ling, on the other hand, unknowingly smiled to herself as she thought back to their conversation earlier. The people of the enchanted forest seemed nice, and she got along pretty well with the Nattura siblings, plus she appeared to have a good first impression with the fifth spirit; that was definitely something to be smiling about. Then a thought occurred to her.Wait.. what the fuck are earth giants?
Dawn arrived, and Ling can be seen sitting on a large chunk of stone with one leg tucked under the other. The sunlight emitted a glow that covered the forest in bright-hued lights, the leaf-carrying wind spirit happily chirped along with the birds, and some of the Northuldra can be seen outside, preparing for the day ahead. The raven-haired woman hummed quietly to herself, a familiar tune she deemed unforgettable from a part of her past. Her right hand focused on drawing various lines and shapes on the paper, while her eyes glanced constantly between her sketchbook and the Northuldra camp in front of her.Ling halted her hand and stared at the Northuldra as they started their morning chores. Her mind started to drift back to the events that occurred last night.Ling's eyes narrowed slightly as she thought about Yelena's words the previous night. Has she known about her powers? Did she see right through her? What if she's been secretly stalking you? Ling blinked. That last thought wasn’t hers.我要點做？She sighed, a dull ache settling in her head. The sketchbook drooped slightly in her grasp, momentarily forgotten.That was, until—"Good morning, Ling!" Honeymaren’s voice rang out, cheerful as ever.Ling snapped out of her thoughts, turning toward the approaching siblings. Honeymaren grinned, tilting her head. "So? Did you actually sleep in the tipi, or did you actually sleep outside?"Ling smirked, putting her pencil down, and stretched her arms. "I did sleep there, actually." Then, she raised a brow, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Imagine if I actually didn't, but you wouldn't know that 'cause I woke up earlier than you. Unless you somehow woke up before me and stalked me last night?"Honeymaren gasped dramatically. "How dare you! I would never—""Oh, she totally would." Ryder snorted.Honeymaren smacked his arm. "Excuse you, I have morals.""Do you?" Ryder shot back.Ling laughed, shaking her head. Just then, movement stirred from one of the tipis. Elsa stepped out, blinking against the morning light. She caught sight of them and walked over, still slightly groggy but alert enough to acknowledge them."Morning," she greeted."Woah... morning, sleeping beauty," Ling teased as she suddenly became aware of how Elsa seemed to glow and her beauty radiated from the morning sunlight.Elsa rolled her eyes good-naturedly, settling down beside them. Ryder, however, suddenly noticed something in Ling’s lap and leaned in."Wait—whoa," he breathed.Ling stiffened. "What."Ryder pointed at her open sketchbook. "Is that—did you draw this?"The others peered over as well. Ling's fingers twitched, but it was too late—the sketch was already exposed. A stunningly detailed drawing of the Northuldra camp lay on the page, capturing the movement of the people, the play of light on the trees, the life of the forest around them.Honeymaren whistled. "Wow. That’s amazing."Elsa remained quiet, observing the sketch with quiet admiration. Ling, on the other hand, felt her face heating up."It’s beautiful," Elsa said softly."It’s just a quick sketch--heh." Quickly, she shut the sketchbook, holding it close to her chest as if that would somehow erase their memory of it. She smiled sheepishly, and the Nattura siblings chuckled at her antic.On the other hand, Elsa was silent and lost in thought. She stared at Ling, unintentionally studying her, and she felt that same odd pull from before when she was walking with Ling.Then, Yelena’s words from last night resurfaced. The elements of nature are welcome and welcoming.Elsa’s mind spun, trying to connect the dots. But did the dots even exist? She barely noticed how long she had been staring until Honeymaren waved a hand in front of her face."Earth giants to Elsa?"Elsa blinked, snapping out of her trance, only to realize three pairs of eyes were now on her. Worse, she felt warmth creeping up her neck.Ryder smirked. "Well, now I wanna know what she was thinking about.""Shut up," Elsa muttered, clearing her throat.Ling leaned on one arm, grinning lazily. "Whatever it was, it must’ve been something interesting if it got you blushing this early in the morning."Elsa groaned, rubbing her temples. "Please stop."The laughter died down when Ling stretched and let out a deep sigh. "Well, this was nice, but I should probably get going soon."Ryder immediately stood. "I’ll grab your bag—" He paused, frowning. "Wait. Hold on. You had your sketchbook. How’d you even get it?"Ling blinked, looking down at it as if realizing the question for the first time. "...Huh. I woke up, and it was just there. Next to me."A moment of awkward silence filled the air around them.Honeymaren narrowed her eyes. "So… someone snuck into your tipi last night?"Ling smirked. "Maybe it was you, Honeymaren.""Okay, now you’re just accusing me of crimes I didn’t commit."Elsa chuckled to herself and watched as the two bickered. Ryder groaned before speaking, "Alright, enough. Let’s get going before this turns into a full-on interrogation."And with that, the four of them made their way toward the edge of the forest, walking past the towering trees until they reached the large stone runes marking where Ling had first entered. Ling turned to them, slinging her bag over her shoulder."Well, this journey turned out to be what I wasn't expecting, but it was fun nonetheless. Thanks, again, for letting me stay. Maybe next time, I’ll let you guys sneak into my tipi properly."Honeymaren groaned. "Can you not make it sound weird?"Ryder crossed his arms. "I still think you’re a cryptid."Ling shot him finger guns and smirked. "And I’m not denying it."Elsa chuckled softly as the brunette shook her head. "Alright, alright. Travel safe, okay?"Ling waved them off with a lazy salute before turning around, her figure disappearing into the trees.The siblings turned to leave, but Elsa remained. She stayed there, watching as Ling’s figure faded from view. A strange feeling settled in her chest, something unfamiliar yet uncomfortably present—like a small hole carved out where something should be. She dismissed it."Elsa?" Honeymaren’s voice called.Elsa exhaled, her body moving first before her gaze followed. She turned and walked back to join the others. The sun had reached its peak when Ling’s trek was over. Upon arriving, she was met with a scowling Yue, her long dark brown hair—messy from movement—clinging to the sweat on her skin as she fought an invisible opponent, with a snake halberd that she wielded like a master. Ling furrowed her eyebrows, her heart raced, and anxiety started to build up inside her. She knew Yue too well to know that whatever she’s about to face is scarier than a hungry bear or dragon. Yue rarely trains alone. She either trains with Ling or never. But in cases where she does train alone, the reason is most likely not good.Ling gulped and gripped on the strap of her bag tightly before approaching cautiously. “Hey Yue, I’m back,” she raised her other arm and gave her a small but nervous wave.Yue glanced at the raven-haired woman before withdrawing her stance and bringing her spear down with a firm thud. She stood there silently for a moment, sharp and upturned brown eyes narrowing like a hawk hunting for its prey. Beads of sweat started to form on Ling’s forehead as she trembled quietly under Yue’s piercing gaze.Suddenly, Yue raised and clutched her spear with both hands and started running towards Ling, voicing out a battle-cry. Ling’s eyes widened in horror and shivered before dropping her bag to the ground, then turning away from Yue’s fury.Ling ran for her life.The wide, open space near their cabin offered little cover, and Yue was gaining fast, her footsteps pounding against the ground like a war drum."WHY," Yue yelled, spear pointed forward, "DID IT TAKE YOU SO LONG TO COME BACK?""It wasn't that long—!" Ling wheezed, barely dodging as Yue swung the blunt end of the spear near her side. "Just—just half a day late—""半日?!" Yue’s voice rose with aggravation.Ling winced. 屌! Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. She thought."Yue, please, have mercy!""Mercy?" Yue scoffed, lunging forward."Ah!—對唔住, 對唔住, 對唔住, 對唔住!" Ling blurted, her words tumbling out as fast as her feet moved. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so—"Then her foot caught on a raised bump in the ground.And just like that, Ling's entire world tilted.With an unseemly yelp, she crashed face-first into the dirt, her momentum sending her rolling forward before she finally came to a stop, arms splayed, cheek pressed against the ground. Then came a moment of silence.Yue slowed to a halt, exhaling deeply. She lifted her spear and thunked the butt of the spear against the ground, her other hand on her hip as she calmed herself.Ling groaned, turning her head slightly. "I think I died.""You’re fine," Yue muttered, playfully rolling her eyes. Then, she extended a hand.Ling hesitated before taking it, letting the older woman pull her up. She dusted herself off, rubbing her sore nose with a grumble."I swear, there's a reasonable explanation," Ling said, lifting both hands in surrender.Yue raised a brow. "Then explain."Ling let out a breath, about to start—but then Yue pointed the tip of her spear at her."You can explain," Yue said, "while we train."Ling deflated. "Oh, come on—""嚟啦, unsheathe your sword," Yue said with a deadpan expression.Ling sighed but complied, unsheathing the Jian sword from its scabbard that hung by her hip. The two moved into their usual training stance, circling each other under the midday sun.Ling initiated with a series of swift thrusts, aiming for the older one’s midsection. Yue responded by fluidly redirecting the attacks with her halberd, using circular movements to deflect the blade."Okay, so first of all, I got sidetracked—" Ling began, attempting to explain between strikes."No kidding," Yue retorted, stepping forward with a precise thrust of her halberd.Ling parried, her sword clashing against the halberd's shaft. "I—listen! So, I ran into this group of people, right? They were—uh—really interesting."Yue raised a brow, executing a sweeping arc with her weapon. Ling evaded as she used more of her footwork."Define 'interesting,'" Yue said, maintaining her defensive posture."They were Northuldra." Ling said delivering a diagonal slash.Yue faltered slightly but quickly regained her stance, countering with a thrust aimed at Ling's shoulder. "Northuldra? Are you sure you didn’t hit your head hard? What were they doing outside the Enchanted Forest?" She asked as she eyed Ling’s small patch of cloth that covered the wound on her head."They weren’t... I was. And about the head thing, I’ll explain it later." Ling replied while sidestepping the attack.Yue narrowed her eyes as she adjusted her grip on the halberd. "You went inside?"Ling nodded and grinned. "Yes..? But I kinda got pulled in too."Yue exhaled sharply through her nose, transitioning into a defensive stance. "I swear, you have the strangest luck."They continued exchanging blows, the rhythm of their training setting a steady pace."Anyway," Ling continued, deflecting a strike, "they were really nice. They let me stay the night."Yue scoffed, executing a series of rapid thrusts. "You sound like you were on vacation."Ling smirked, parrying each attack. "Kind of felt like one—oh, except for the part where I met Queen Elsa—or er.. the fifth spirit now apparently."Yue swung—then promptly lost balance. Her footing slipping as she stumbled back, landing on the ground with a muffled thud.Ling blinked, lowering her sword. "Uh. You good?"Yue remained on the ground, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "You met who?"Ling grinned. "Elsa. You know. The former queen of Arendelle? Blonde. Ice powers. Kinda—uh—insanely powerful?"Yue's mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. The younger one could practically see the gears in her head short-circuiting.She chuckled, holding out a hand. "C’mon, get up."Yue accepted the help, still looking like she hadn't quite processed reality yet. "你遇到艾莎了," she repeated slowly, this time, in their secondary language."Yup." Ling nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. Yue groaned, rubbing her temples. "Unbelievable. I leave you alone for one trip, and you run into a literal legend.""That’s just my luck." Ling laughed, tapping the hilt of her sword against Yue’s shoulder. Yue sighed, shaking her head before taking her stance again. "Alright. Start from the beginning."Ling grinned, rolling her shoulders before lunging forward. And so, under the bright afternoon sun, they sparred as one was exchanging blows, the other exchanging stories.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Two days had passed since Ling’s unexpected visit to the Enchanted Forest. On the same day she left, Elsa received a letter from Anna—delivered by Gale—inviting her and some of her chosen companions to a royal party celebrating her birthday. The party was scheduled two days before her actual birthday, allowing her to spend the real occasion privately with family and close friends. The event would be simple, with allied kingdoms in attendance, and, of course, the people of Arendelle were welcome to celebrate as well.[Three days after Ling’s visit to the Enchanted forest.]The market was alive with noise and movement, filled with a chaotic but familiar sound of voices negotiating, boots scuffing against the cobblestone streets, and the occasional sharp laughter of a successful bargain. The scent of fresh products, baked bread, and sea salt from the nearby docks mingled in the crisp summer air, creating a uniquely Arendellian scent—one that Ling had grown used to, though it still felt foreign in a way she couldn't quite place.Ling and Yue moved through the crowd like they had done so many times before, walking past vendors and carts with ease as their conversation blended into the market’s own sounds."You don’t need that much ginger," Yue said with an irritated tone as Ling unapologetically dumped a handful into their basket. The little knobby roots tumbled in with a dull thunk, looking suspiciously excessive for two people."I do," Ling countered and shrugged. "It’s essential.""For what? Your non-existent cooking skills?"Ling gasped dramatically. "Excuse you, I am an excellent chef."Yue shot her a look as they passed a stand stacked with plump red apples, the vendor greeting them with a toothy grin. She didn’t need to say anything; her expression alone said, Are we really going to lie like this in broad daylight?Ling scowled. "Last time you tried, you set the pan on fire.""That was one time," she said, waving her hand dismissively."And the time before that?" Yue asked dryly, pausing to inspect a pile of carrots.Ling crossed her arms, huffing. "The fire adds flavor."Yue exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We’re buying extra bread. In case you burn dinner.""Do we have to?" Ling asked and groaned in defeat."Yes," Yue didn’t even look at her before pushing the door open to the bakery, the small brass bell above the entrance jingling cheerfully.Ling stayed firmly in place, standing outside with her arms still stubbornly crossed. The scent of fresh bread wafted out as the door swung open, warm and inviting, but she held her ground. "Fine. But you’re going in alone. I’ll wait outside."She leaned against the wooden frame, watching the bustling market. The sights, the sounds—it all felt normal now, and she’d grown used to their scheduled shopping.She exhaled through her nose, rubbing the back of her neck.Yue turned to her, her expression softening as she took in Ling’s discomfort. She didn’t need to ask. She already knew, and she'd be the worst friend if she didn't. "Alright," she said with a small nod before disappearing inside.Ling let out a relieved sigh, crossing her arms as she tried to tune out the overwhelming scent of fresh-baked goods—warm bread, burnt sugar, and something sweet yet cloying. She forced herself to focus elsewhere, searching her memories for a distraction.A distant but clear memory of Ren trying to teach them how to cook a simple meal. Yue had been seventeen and Ling was twelve.Yue was surprisingly competent at the task. Ling, adamantly refusing to be near the fire, insisting she would just cut the ingredients, though she hadn’t even managed that properly. One slip of the knife and a small cut formed on her finger.Panic and chaos ensued within the old cabin. Ren was scrambling for a ripped cloth to bandage her up, Yue started flailing because the food had started smoking. By the end of it, the meal was burnt beyond salvation, and they had no choice but to settle for a small and simple meal that day.Ling chuckled at the memory. Ren was someone that had grown to become a father figure to them since he took them in. From the start, she had this feeling of comfort and safety with Ren and she didn’t know exactly why—perhaps because they shared the same homeland, went through, and survived a great loss, or maybe he was just the parent figure she needed the most during those hard times. Whatever the reason was, she was glad he stood up and took them in under his wing, sheltered and cared for them. She wished she could see his wrinkled smile again, hear his deep and soothing voice, and watch him live the further years that he deserved.Yue would’ve wished it too. Ling thought. Speaking of, just as she was about to glance back at the bakery to check on Yue, a familiar voice called her name.She turned to see Ryder waving at her enthusiastically as he jogged toward her, Honeymaren and Elsa trailing behind him with easy smiles.Ling blinked in surprise but quickly recovered, offering a small smile and a wave."What are you doing in town?" Ryder asked as he stopped in front of her.Ling shrugged. "Nothing special. Just groceries with a friend," her eyes flickered to Elsa for the briefest moment before returning to Ryder.Ryder raised an eyebrow, glancing around in confusion. "Where’s your friend?"Before Ling could reply, the older girl burst out of the bakery with a basket of freshly baked goods in her arms."Ling, you will not believe the new tarts they have—" Yue rushed up to her, shaking her by the shoulders. "I bought one of each flavor. They smell amazing—look at them! They—"She stopped mid-rant, finally registering the three people standing before them. Her gaze landed on Elsa, and she immediately straightened, clearing her throat.Ling snickered, unable to hold back a chuckle. Yue shot her a glare before lightly smacking her arm playfully."My apologies," Yue said, regaining her composure.The trio assured her it was fine. Yue nudged Ling, muttering, "You gonna introduce me to your new friends or what?"Ling smirked and gestured to them. "These are the people I met in the Enchanted Forest. You already know Elsa."The fifth spirit sent a simple wave and a small but polite smile."There’s also Ryder and Honeymaren," Ling continued.Honeymaren smiled. "Ling mentioned you two were getting groceries."Yue nodded, holding up the basket. "That, and discovering the wonders of these tarts."Honeymaren chuckled. "You sure do love your tarts.""Oh, you have no idea. If she could, she’d marry them," Ling snickered."Don’t be ridiculous," Yue said as she rolled her eyes.Ling grinned. "She says that now, but I’ve seen her whisper sweet nothings to a pastry before.""Guess I won’t be sharing them with you then, scorchy," Yue smirked.Elsa remained quiet the whole time as her gaze was fixated on Ling, studying her features—her almond-shaped eyes with a slightly upturned outer-corner, the way the sunlight caught in her raven hair. The small details reminded her of something else. The feeling of warmth by the fireplace, the quiet stillness of an early summer morning, like the fleeting moments in life that left an impression without reason.Ling’s voice snapped Elsa back to reality. "What brings you guys here?"Ryder and Honeymaren exchanged a look before answering. "We’re here for a celebration party."Ling raised a brow, confusion written on her face. "Celebration party?"Not knowing the details, the siblings turned to the fifth spirit expectantly.Elsa blinked as all eyes landed on her. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she cleared her throat. "It’s for my sister. Her birthday. There’s a celebration."Ling hummed with a smile. "Sounds nice. Have fun with that."Yue sighed dramatically. "Speaking of fun, we should finish our groceries before we get carried away."The two bid their farewells to the trio before turning to leave. Just as Ling and Yue took their first steps in the opposite direction, Elsa suddenly stopped as a thought occurred to her."Wait!"Ling and Yue halted and turned back. The Nattura siblings followed Elsa as she approached the pair."Would you like to come?" Elsa asked, surprisingly just a tad bit nervous as she waited for an answer.Ling and Yue blinked in unison, registering what the former queen had asked them.Ling’s excitement was immediate, though she masked it with a grin. Yue, on the other hand, frowned slightly. "We wouldn’t want to intrude,” she said. “Besides, we’re not exactly.. er.. party people."Ling turned to her, feeling and looking somewhat scandalized. "The Queen’s sister just invited us to the Queen’s birthday party, and you’re gonna say no?"Yue opened her mouth to counter, but Elsa beat her to it. "It wouldn’t be intruding. It’s an open event, and everyone’s welcome to celebrate—that is, if you’d want to, of course."Yue hesitated as she bit her lip nervously and glanced at the younger girl beside her before sighing. "Thank you, we’ll… think about it."Elsa’s smile grew as excitement bubbled inside her. "That’s good enough for me," she gave them the details before they parted ways once again.As the two walked back to their cabin, Yue groaned. "What are we supposed to wear to a royal party?"Ling smirked. "I don’t know, but it’s going to be fun watching you figure it out."Yue scowled. "This is a disaster," she said as she face-palmed and squinted her eyes shut in irritation.Ling snickered before offering a genuine, softer tone. "We don’t have to go if you really don’t want to."Yue was quiet for a moment as she brought her arm down to her side, she had this puzzled expression as if she was trying to solve an advance statistics problem. Sighing, she made up her mind. "…We’ll go."Ling grinned and punched the air in victory before skipping cheerfully towards their cabin, a basket of goods in hand while humming a joyous tune. The older girl stood there and watched the younger one for a moment, rolling her eyes playfully and shaking her head before following suit, with the absence of skipping and humming in glee. The room was in shambles. Clothes were strewn across the wooden floor, fabric of all kinds flung over the bedposts, draped over chairs, and even hanging precariously from the small dresser. In the middle of the mess, Ling stood in front of a cracked mirror, a ridiculous combination of garments thrown over her. She held out the hem of a long, oversized coat like a cape, tilting her chin up dramatically."Lady Ling of the—" she paused, shifting to examine herself in the mirror, "of the Frozen Isles, graces you with her presence!" She spun in place, nearly tripping on the fabric pooling at her feet.Yue, crouched by their modest closet, didn’t even look up. "If Lady Ling doesn’t start helping, she’s going to get booted from her own household."Ling raised a hand to cover her mouth elegantly and gasped. "How dare you threaten nobility? That’s treason.""Right. Treason," Yue sighed, pushing aside a stack of plain tunics. "We don’t even own anything that looks remotely presentable.""Speak for yourself," Ling countered, dramatically tossing another piece of clothing over her shoulder. "I think I look rather dashing."Yue finally turned, just to take in the absurd sight of Ling draped in a mix of ill-fitting shawls, mismatched skirts, and one of Yue’s own belts strapped awkwardly across her waist. Yue huffed out a laugh before shaking her head. "You’re an embarrassment."Ling grinned. "I try."As Yue turned back to the closet, her hand brushed against something firm—a carton box, tucked deep into the corner. Her brows furrowed. She didn’t remember placing anything like this here. Pulling it out, she carefully lifted the lid.Inside, neatly folded and untouched for years, was a dress. Her dress.Dark greens and soft grays, the fabric was modest, yet it seemed finely crafted. Delicate floral embroidery traced the cuffs of the long sleeves and the bottom hem, small, tangled vines curling toward each other in careful symmetry.A gift from Ren, given to her on her eighteenth birthday.Yue’s hands hovered over the fabric as a fond yet heavy warmth settled in her chest. She remembered how happy she had been, how much she had cherished it. Ren had said something about her needing at least one nice thing to wear. About how he’d seen the way she’d looked longingly at dresses in the marketplace but never let herself even consider asking for one.She smiled, though it faltered.A weight sank beside her. She glanced to the side to see Ling kneeling next to her, still adorned in all her ridiculous clothing. But for once, Ling didn’t say anything. She simply looked at the dress, then at Yue, before a small smile tugged at her lips.Yue exhaled through her nose and, in a quiet voice, muttered, "He really did know us too well."Ling hummed in agreement before suddenly snapping her fingers. "Wait—I think I got one too."She scrambled to her feet and dug into her own section of the closet, tossing aside jackets and tunics until she found what she was looking for. With a triumphant grin, she pulled out a dress neatly folded at the bottom.It was different from Yue’s—bolder in color, deep purple hues with hints of soft yellow. The embroidery was floral but also incorporated leaf-like patterns across the bodice, giving it a more natural feel. Less restrained and more expressive.Ren had gifted this to her too on her eighteenth birthday. Because if Yue got one, Ling absolutely needed one as well—or so did Ling say back then.Yue remembered how Ling had reacted that day—giddy, twirling in place, announcing with utmost seriousness that she was now a proper lady who must be addressed accordingly. She had even attempted a fancy accent, only for all three of them to dissolve into laughter.As the memory resurfaced, Yue let out a small chuckle.Ling grinned. "I nailed that fancy accent, you know.""Of course you did," Yue responded with a small smirk.They sat together in silence for a moment, admiring the gifted dresses.Suddenly, Ling clapped her hands together. "Alright! Now that we’ve got our outfits—Yue, are you ready to get ready?"Yue’s soft expression and smile turned quickly and morphed into a scowl as she groaned. "Never say that again.""No promises." The castle was alive with celebration.Arendelle’s grand hall, illuminated by golden chandeliers, bustled with nobles, royals, and townsfolk alike. The stone walls, adorned with deep blue banners embroidered with Arendelle’s crest, towered over the guests. Tables lined the edges of the hall, filled with a delectable array of food, and a few musicians played lively yet elegant tunes in the corner. Large arched windows revealed the dark evening sky, the flickering lights inside reflecting against the glass."Geez, how does anyone walk in these?" Ling fussed as she looked down at the two and a half-inch heels that they rented."Quit fussing. It was hard enough to find shoe rentals in your size, especially considering tonight's event," Yue raised a brow at Ling as they approached the entrance of the grand hall. Ling could only groan silently in response.The two stood by the entrance and stared at the sheer number of people.“This is a lot of people,” Ling muttered, quickly dismissing the unpleasantness of the black heels that adorned her feet.“What an insightful observation,” Yue retorted and tilted her chin upwards.Ling nudged her. “Are you nervous?”Yue sighed. “I’ll be fine. Just… need a drink.”Ling snorted. “You don’t even know where they’re serving refreshments.”“I’ll figure it out.” And with that, Yue disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ling alone.With nothing better to do, Ling leaned her shoulder against a pillar, crossing her arms as she observed the various guests. A few wore extravagant gowns, clearly nobility, but most people dressed in more modest attire. There was a blend of conversation, laughter, and the occasional clinking of glasses.Across the hall, Elsa stood beside Anna as they greeted an allied noble, the man rambling about his kingdom’s latest trade ventures. Although she was no longer queen, the fifth spirit felt obligated to stay close—she didn’t mind, and besides, she’d never turn down the opportunity to spend more time with her beloved younger sibling. The queen listened intently, though she tried not to yawn and make it seem like she was growing bored of the conversation—because that’s definitely not what’s happening right now.Elsa’s attention, however, had long since drifted. She let her gaze wander around, taking in familiar and unfamiliar faces alike—until it landed on a particular raven-haired figure standing awkwardly by a pillar.She almost didn’t recognize Ling at first.The usual endearingly silly, joker girl who carried herself with an air of nonchalance now stood in a dress that—while simple—did her a quiet justice. The deep purple fabric contrasted against her wheat-hued skin, the subtle floral and leaf patterns softened her presence, and the way the fabric draped along her frame… Elsa blinked, exhaling through her nose. It wasn’t extravagant, not by any means, but it suited her. Better than Elsa had expected.Not that she had expectations.She briefly glanced at Yue, who looked similarly different yet familiar in her own dress, but her gaze inevitably returned to Ling. She’d never seen her wear something so different from the aura she was emitting, but then again, she had only met her twice. Maybe it was how the dress framed her collarbones, or how it hugged her figure comfortably rather than restricting her. Or maybe it was her hair—the way the layered waves of her medium-length hair fell naturally, slightly unkempt, neither stiff nor overly styled, but just… soft. The slight mix of a hush-cut framing around her face only accentuated her features—thin brows, amber, expressive eyes, and small lips that always seemed on the verge of curving into some amused remark.Then the fifth spirit's gaze landed on the marked scar, beginning on her left jawline, close to her ear, and crossing diagonally toward her upper chest, stopping somewhere under the cloth that covered her chest. It wasn’t fresh as it looked faintly pink, seemingly healed but still a permanent mark.She didn’t think badly of it. Just… wondered.Ling didn’t strike her as the type to carry a wound like that without a story. Had it been an accident? Or something worse?Elsa glanced away for a moment, pressing her lips together.…She was just noticing. That was all—or so that’s what she told herself (gaslighting at its finest).Elsa caught herself before her thoughts drifted too far and pulled her attention away. A small, amused smile tugged at Elsa’s lips as she watched Yue reappearing beside Ling with an expression that screamed mild frustration. Elsa didn’t have to hear them to know they were bickering about something trivial.Her mind tells her to stay with her sister, but the more she watched the two bicker, the more her thoughts screamed to move her legs and stroll over to them.Exhaling a steady breath, she turned to her sister and tapped her shoulder. "I'll be excusing myself for a moment."Anna glanced at her, then at the noble still droning on about trade agreements. Her face contorted into one of silent desperation, begging to get out of the situation. As if she read her sister’s mind, Elsa suppressed a giggle and gave a small nod.Anna wasted no time. "Apologies, Your Grace, but I must attend to some urgent matters," she said in her regal tone and curtsied half-heartedly.The noble barely had time to nod before Anna all but darted after Elsa into the sea of people. As they approached, Yue was muttering, "It’s not my fault the drinks aren’t clearly labeled.""Oh, of course," Ling quipped, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "A tragic injustice."Elsa cleared her throat as they neared.Ling and Yue turned in unison, eyes landing on the two sisters. Ling’s face lit up and traced her gaze along the two figures, with Elsa in a light teal, off-the-shoulder dress that resembled her previous teal gown that she wore on Anna’s birthday years ago, only this time it was much less of a gown and more of a simple and comfortable long dress with delicate, icy patterns subtly woven into the material, only visible when the light hit just right, making the dress shimmer like a fresh powder of snow. Her hair, usually left untied or swept back, had been gathered into a French braid for the sake of the occasion.Anna’s gown also appeared similar to her coronation attire, only the one she wore today had a rich shade of emerald, deep and vibrant. The same square neckline framed her collarbone, and the bodice was fitted but comfortable, embroidered with subtle gold patterns that trailed down like vines. The skirt, though layered, moved easily with every step, and her hair was styled in a signature braided up-do. The small crown resting atop her head was a reminder of the title she now carried.While Ling’s face lit up in glee, Yue’s expression, on the other hand, was a fascinating mix of shock and mild panic.Anna, standing next to Elsa, simply blinked."…Oh," she said.The silence lasted a second too long. Or maybe it only felt that way to Yue, who suddenly forgot how human interaction was supposed to work.Elsa and Anna stood before them, and the realization settled heavy in her chest. It was one thing to hear about the Queen of Arendelle and the fifth spirit. It was another thing entirely to have them standing right in front of her, looking expectantly at both her and Ling.Ling, naturally, had no such trouble. She grinned and gave a casual half-bow, still surrounded in the lingering amusement of their earlier bickering."Elsa, the fifth spirit—" she winced slightly. "That sounded better in my head," she chuckled, and the fifth spirit smiled softly, unable to suppress a chuckle. "Your Majesty," Ling said, addressing Anna formally. "I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced."Anna blinked, then let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching her chest. "You mean to tell me my sister has been running around meeting people and not telling me?" She shot Elsa a look. "I thought we had a rule. No making friends without consulting your fun and very social sister."Elsa sighed but with a soft chuckle. "Ling and I met under… interesting circumstances.""That’s one way to put it," Ling quipped, hands now finding their way to her hips. "I crashed into the Enchanted forest—literally. Though I think I broke my ribs, I’m pretty sure it was my pride that took the real hit."Anna’s eyes flickered between them, eyebrows raising. "And she didn’t tell me this? I could have used that as leverage for at least a week." She crossed her arms, shaking her head dramatically. "Unbelievable."Yue, meanwhile, stood frozen. The uncertainty haunted her, a quiet reminder of the weight she often carried—the expectation to always be the composed, dependable one. Should she bow? Should she shake hands? Should she cross her arms behind her back or fold them neatly in front of her? Which was the correct protocol when meeting two incredibly important people? Should she make direct eye contact or—A small and gentle squeeze on her arm. She turned, meeting Ling’s warm gaze and an easy smile, the one she always had when she was about to do something reckless or when she was trying to tell Yue that everything was fine. It was silent reassurance, a quiet reminder that she didn’t have to hold herself so rigidly here. Yue exhaled slowly and returned a small smile of her own. She let her shoulders drop just a bit. She could do this. Just a normal conversation. Nothing too serious."Yue, right?" Anna’s voice cut through her thoughts. "Ling’s friend?"Yue gave a small nod. "In the flesh." Yue mentally face-palmed as she felt her face heat up. She heard Ling stifle a giggle next to her.And I thought I was the funnier one. But she's definitely the more awkward one. Ling thought."Nice to meet you!" Anna beamed. "If Ling is anything to go by, I’m assuming you’re also a comedian.""I—" Yue paused, thrown off. Was that an accusation or a compliment? Ling snorted beside her, thoroughly enjoying this.Anna’s grin widened. "Don’t worry, I mean that in the best way. Keeps things interesting."Yue didn’t quite know how to respond to that, but she managed a polite, "I see."Elsa, watching the exchange, let her lips curve into a small, knowing smile. "You’ll have to forgive Anna," she said, voice laced with amusement. "She has a way of making people feel like they’ve known her for years.""And yet I only met her a few minutes ago," Yue murmured under her breath.Ling elbowed her lightly, a small smirk on her lips. "You’ll get the hang of it.""Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing."Anna gasped again, scandalized. "I am a delight," she declared, flipping her non-existent flowing hair to her shoulder. "Just ask anyone."Elsa hummed noncommittally, and Yue found herself stifling a laugh."So, Ling," Anna started, tilting her head slightly, her eyes flickering between the two. "Elsa didn’t really tell me much about how you two met." She threw her sister a look—one that was teasing but had a slight accusatory edge to it. "I had to find out you made a new friend through this party; can you believe that?"Elsa huffed out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You make it sound so dramatic.""That’s because it is dramatic! I feel so left out," Anna said, feigning offense. "What else have you been up to behind my back, huh? Do you have a secret second castle somewhere?"Ling snickered at their exchange, crossing her arms. "I would also like to know if she has a secret second castle. I bet it has a nice view.""Right?" Anna nodded eagerly before fixing Elsa with a narrowed gaze. "Well?"Elsa only sighed, shaking her head. "No second castle."Anna squinted, clearly not convinced. "Suspicious," she muttered, before turning back to Ling. "Anyway! How did you two meet? And please don’t leave out the fun parts."Ling opened her mouth to answer, but Yue beat her to it, a playful smirk creeping onto her lips. "Oh, Ling has a tendency to just… disappear on short little trips," she started, tilting her head as if she were recalling memories. "She calls them 'expeditions' to find new landscapes to sketch, but really, it’s just an excuse to go and bother the local wildlife."Ling scoffed, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. "Excuse you, I am very respectful to the local wildlife.""Oh, right, my mistake," Yue hummed thoughtfully. "You don’t bother them. You just befriend them.""I do," Ling said proudly. "They love me."Anna perked up, intrigued. "Wait, so you sketch? Are you an artist?"Ling shrugged. "I dabble.""She draws landscapes mostly," Yue added. "I think she likes to pretend she’s a wandering poet or something."Ling pointed at her. "That is absolutely true."Elsa watched the exchange with an amused expression. It was an easy kind of warmth, seeing them bicker so effortlessly, comfortable in each other’s presence. It reminded her a little of how she and Anna used to be when they were younger."You should’ve seen her sketch of the Northuldra camp, it was gorgeous," the fifth spirit added, a grin tugging at her lips as her gaze turned to the raven-haired girl.Ling blinked, caught off guard. Her fingers twitched at her side before she awkwardly scratched the back of her neck. "Oh, uh—thanks," she muttered, shifting her weight slightly as a sheepish smile crept its way to her lips. Compliments weren’t so much foreign to her, but something about Elsa’s—genuine and effortlessly spoken—made warmth creep up her neck.The fifth spirit had never really thought about how Ling might react to praise, but seeing her suddenly shy away, f;ustered, and avoiding direct eye contact, something unexpected stirred inside her. A strange, light sensation unfolding in her chest, making her insides turn in a way that was… new. She felt her grin widen, the expression settling naturally on her face before she even realized it.Anna, however, noticed immediately. She raised an eyebrow, glancing between Elsa and Ling before tilting her head. "Wow, must’ve been a really good drawing if it’s got Elsa this happy."That made Elsa pause, her smile faltering just slightly as she blinked at her sister. She hadn’t even realized how much she’d been grinning. Anna didn’t push, though. She just shrugged and decided to change the subject, tucking the observation away for later."So if you just take short trips, how did you end up in the Enchanted Forest?" Anna asked, brow raised in curiosity.Ling recovered quickly from her flustered state and opened her mouth, but hesitated for a second. "…Okay, before I say anything, I would like it to be known that this was not entirely my fault.""Oh, this is gonna be good," Anna murmured, leaning in slightly.Ling cleared her throat and pressed her palms together. "Well, I was out trying to sketch, minding my own business, when the place I was in seemed familiar. Turns out it was the same Enchanted forest I saw a few years back then, just without the mist. So I ventured further—out of curiosity, of course—and before I knew it, the wind spirit decided that I should experience flight first and threw me in the air."There was a moment of silence between them, though the grand hall still bustled."Gale threw you in the air?" Anna asked, blinking."Yup," Ling confirmed. "And not gently, I might add. I was soaring for a good few minutes before it finally lost interest and dropped me."Anna covered her mouth with her hands, eyes wide. 'Oh my gosh, were you okay?!"Ling gave her a reassuring yet sheepish smile. "Mostly. Except for the part where I hit my head on a tree. That part was not fun."Yue sighed, rubbing her temple with her left hand. "She has the strangest luck.""Thanks again for the compliment," Ling tilted her chin upwards as Yue playfully rolled her eyes at the raven-haired girl."Anyway," Ling continued, "Elsa and the Northuldra found me and patched me up. They were very nice people, speaking of—where’s Ryder and Honeymaren?""Oh, they’re around here somewhere, probably indulging themselves with Arendellian dishes," The fifth spirit replied, shrugging slightly as a small smile appeared on her face.Anna, on the other hand, had a wincing expression. "I remember the first time we met Gale, never thought it’d happen to someone else as well. I apologize in behalf of Gale."Ling widened her eyes at the Queen’s sudden apology and shook her head. "Oh—it’s alright! No need to apologize," she chuckled nervously.Before the conversation could continue, a voice interrupted them. "Your Majesty."They all turned to see Kai approaching, his expression polite but firm. He bowed slightly before addressing Anna and Elsa. "King Shen has requested your presence."Anna straightened, all traces of playful banter slipping away as she turned to Kai. She exhaled through her nose, then turned back to Ling and Yue with a small, apologetic smile. "I’m really sorry, but I should probably go handle that."Ling waved her off. "No worries, queenly duties and all that."'Yeah, we get it," Yue added. "No hard feelings."Anna’s smile softened. "Thanks. Enjoy the party, okay?"Ling smiled and gave a thumbs up. "Will do, thanks."The fifth spirit lingered for just a second longer, glancing between the two before offering a small, warm smile. "Have fun," she said, briefly meeting Ling’s gaze before turning to follow her sister.Ling watched her go, blinking. For a split second, there had been something in Elsa’s eyes. Or maybe there hadn’t. It was like one of those moments where you think you see something—some kind of intent or a flicker of meaning—but the second you try to grasp it, it’s gone, slipping through your fingers like flowing water.Maybe I’m overthinking it. Ling thought.Her lips pressed together. Maybe Elsa thought she could get away with a stolen glance, like Ling wouldn’t notice. Whatever it was, it didn’t fail to bring a giddy smile to her lips.She exhaled through her nose, shaking off the thought as she turned to Yue with a small smirk. "So, do we actually enjoy the party, or do we find a corner to hide in?"Yue didn’t even hesitate. "Corner."Ling grinned. "Understandable choice."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The grand hall was blooming with celebration; the air buzzed with conversation, chatters, and the occasional clinking of glasses. Queen Anna stood poised yet relaxed as she was engaging in conversation with a young man dressed in navy blue and black apparel that blended the Kin Leung’s culture with Arendelle’s own refined simplicity.King Yin Shen was younger than most of the rulers Anna had met—only twenty-one, yet he carried himself with a composure that refuted his age. He was a refined sort of person, the kind who seemed like he had been raised to be polite before anything else. His long and straight raven hair was tied in an elegant half-ponytail bun; the strands fell neatly over his shoulders and framed his soft features. His brown eyes, though not particularly large, held a quiet and humble innocence. There was no sharpness in his expression whatsoever, no weight of bloodshed or war—just a young king who had stepped into power far earlier than he should have. Just a boy who had spent his life being taught how to rule before he had the chance to live.When he spoke, his voice was soft, smooth in cadence but with a certain carefulness in the way he shaped his words, as if he had learned the language through disciplined practice rather than casual speech. It wasn’t deep, but there was a steady richness to it. He has an accent—faint and barely noticeable—but it surfaced in the way certain vowels lingered just a little longer and consonants softened at the edges, distinct yet never intrusive."I truly cannot express my gratitude enough for this alliance, Your Majesty," Shen said, his voice light and sincere. "Kin Leung has long admired Arendelle from afar, yet for reasons unknown to me, our kingdoms had never formed a connection before now.""Well, I’d say it’s about time, then," Anna responded as she smiled happily.Shen let out a small, amused chuckle. "Indeed. The council was pleased when the terms were settled. Expanding our trade routes will benefit both of us greatly.""Speaking of, my advisor is also here, enjoying the celebration and speaking with other nobles. He has been guiding me since I took the throne."Anna gave a knowing nod. "That must’ve been a lot of responsibility for you at such a young age.""I had guidance. The council watched over me closely. I simply tried to do what was best for my people." Shen replied and smiled in the most modest way possible.Elsa stood a step behind Anna, listening quietly as the conversation unfolded. She observed Shen and wondered how he had this genuine delight in his tone. Unlike the hardened rulers she had met in the past, he was… different. He seemed like an idealistic and polite person, but it also seemed that there was no arrogance in him.Shen clasped his hands in front of him, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "It is strange, though. Kin Leung has formed alliances with many kingdoms over the years, yet I do not recall a single record of Arendelle in our diplomatic history." He paused, frowning slightly. "Perhaps our forefathers did not see the opportunity, or perhaps there were… other priorities.""Political complications?" Anna guessed, listening attentively to the young ruler.Shen tilted his head. "Something of the sort. My father never spoke much about the older alliances, but there were mentions of kingdoms our ancestors once traded with before those relations faded into obscurity." He furrowed his brows slightly. "There was one in particular that I remember being mentioned in passing during my studies. A long time ago, our kingdom had ties to an island… but something happened. A disaster, I believe."Anna—who had a worried expression—exchanged a quick glance with Elsa. "What kind of disaster?"Shen hesitated as he furrowed his eyebrows, eager to recall a memory while he tapped a finger on his chin. "A volcano, if I recall correctly. It erupted and wiped out the entire island’s population. That was what I was taught, at least."Elsa’s expression remained neutral, but she felt a shift inside her, like some kind of a slow realization of something just a little out of reach."The people who lived there," Shen continued, "were said to be unlike any other. Some claimed they possessed… incredible abilities. Powers that could bend the very elements themselves. They said to have beared powers of flames,” he gave a small, sheepish chuckle. “Of course, these are the stories written. I never thought much of it—it was only briefly mentioned in my studies."Anna narrowed her eyes slightly, intrigued. "What was the name of the island?"Shen exhaled, his gaze drifting to the side as he tried to recall. "Ah… Tài Yán Zhōu, I believe?"Silence stretched between them for a moment too long. Anna and Elsa kept their expressions composed, but the weight of the name settled between them like a long-lost ghost.Anna smiled politely, brushing off the pause. "That’s an interesting piece of history. I’ll have to look into it sometime."Shen nodded. "I do wish I could offer more, but my knowledge is limited."“That’s alright,” Anna assured him. “And truly, we’re glad this alliance could happen.”Shen’s kind expression returned, a wide and genuine smile tugged at his lips, eyes crinkling subtly, then bowed his head slightly. “As am I, Your Majesty.” The celebration had long ended. Most guests had returned to their own kingdoms, while some nobles remained in the castle for the night. The halls, once lively, were now quiet, save for the distant rustling of servants tidying up.The royal sisters walked side by side, dressed in their nightwear. As they passed through the familiar hallways, the soft glows of the castle lanterns cast long shadows and provided enough light to see.Anna stretched her arms with a tired sigh, her voice laced with drowsy amusement as she recounted the night’s events. “You know, that wasn’t so bad for a royal party. I mean, aside from a few moments where I thought I was going to pass out from boredom.”"Did you see Lord Harlund’s face when he accidentally spilled wine on his own coat? I swear, I’ve never seen a man turn that shade of red before."Elsa chuckled softly, only half-listening as she remained silent. Her mind had been drifting elsewhere."You’re quiet." Anna noticed and threw her sister a glance.Elsa blinked, her gaze distant. "Just thinking,” she replied in a low tone.Anna smirked as she gently elbowed her sister’s side. "Thinking about a certain raven-haired woman?"Elsa’s lips pressed together, but the way her eyes flickered with amusement gave her away. "They were nice," she finally admitted."Oh, they’re hilarious," Anna said, grinning from ear to ear. "Ling and Yue, I mean. The way they bicker kinda reminds me of us. Yue has that whole ‘cool and aloof’ thing going on, and Ling…” She hummed. “She’s a little awkward, isn’t she?”Elsa chuckled softly at that, shaking her head. “I suppose she is.”Awkward. She supposed that was true, in a way. She found herself thinking back to their conversation with Ling and Yue, the way Ling crossed her arms, that playful smugness in her stance whenever she bickered with Yue, the easy way she slipped into their banter like it was second nature. The small, absent-minded gestures she made while talking, her hands always moving, gesturing mid-sentence, made her have this animated personality that suited her well. The way her eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when she grinned, sometimes shifting into a smirk—one that held a kind of devilish charm.And her eyes—those amber eyes, mesmerizing, unreadable, and mysterious all at once. There was something layered in them, something Elsa couldn’t grasp.. yet. Depths of emotion or stories left unsaid. She caught herself wondering what they’d look like if she could see past them.Meanwhile, Anna almost brought up that moment—Elsa’s grin, the way she had looked when she mentioned Ling’s sketch. But she decided against it. Maybe it really was just a very impressive drawing.Elsa’s expression soon sobered as the weight of Shen’s story lingered in her thoughts. Biting her lower lip, the ice wielder hesitated on what to say for a moment. "Anna… what King Shen said about the island and those people. What if they were like me?"Anna’s smile faded. "Elsa… he said they died years ago. And judging by the way he spoke about them, it doesn’t seem like they’re even remembered much."Elsa’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t respond right away, though her mind buzzed with unspoken questions. She exhaled slowly, then glanced at Anna. “But what if there’s more to it? What if we’re missing something? Maybe we should check the library. See if there’s anything about.. er.. Tài Yán Zhōu."Anna yawned—a perfectly timed, exhausted yawn as she was rubbing her eyes. "Elsa, it’s midnight. It’s dark, I’m tired, and you’re probably tired too. Whatever we need to find out, we can check the library tomorrow."Elsa hesitated, a flicker of conflict crossing her features. Then, with a slow nod, she relented. "Alright. Tomorrow."They reached their rooms, pausing at their respective doors. Anna stretched her arms with a tired sigh. "Goodnight, Elsa.""Goodnight, Anna."As Anna disappeared into her room, Elsa lingered for a moment longer, her fingers grazing the door handle. The name Tài Yán Zhōu rolled around in her mind. Something about it felt important, like a puzzle piece she didn’t know she was missing.With one last glance down the dimly lit hallway, Elsa sighed and stepped into her room, closing the door behind her.HAAAAAAAAAAAaaaAAAAaaahhHH—Okay, no, it’s not the voice keeping her awake. It’s her own mind. It won’t shut up.Elsa stared at the ceiling, exhausted but restless, her thoughts running circles around what King Shen had said. Tài Yán Zhōu, a place that may or may not have existed. People who wielded powers, people like her.She exhaled sharply and sits up. There’s no point in trying to sleep when she’s like this. She knows herself well enough to know that much. So, she does what she always does when she can’t sleep: belt into song—no wait, wrong line—go to the library, drown herself in books, and try to figure it out on her own.The library was quiet, save for the faint rustle of paper and the occasional creak of the old wooden shelves. Moonlight spilled in through the tall windows, silvering the edges of the room in a soft, ghostly glow. The air was cool, still, carrying the scent of aged parchment and candle wax—familiar, grounding.With a small lamp in hand, she carefully scans the shelves, eyes flicking over titles that might hold answers. But every book she pulls, every page she turns, leaves her empty-handed. No mention of Tài Yán Zhōu. No trace of its existence. She moves on to maps—old ones, new ones, even faded sketches that look like they’ve been through too much. Still, nothing.She sighs, rubbing her temples. Maybe it really is just a legend, and maybe she’s getting too worked up on it.Leaning back against the couch, she let the map rest on her lap, her fingers idly tracing the edges. Outside, the wind whispered against the windowpanes. Her eyelids grew heavy as her head nodded slightly—The door creaks open.Elsa jolts awake, instinctively gripping the map as her gaze snaps toward the entrance. The lamp’s warm glow flickers, its light casting shifting shapes across the walls. Then, a small, round figure waddles in, glancing around curiously.Elsa exhales, setting the map down. “Olaf? What are you doing here?”The snowman spots her instantly, his eyes lighting up. “Oh! There you are.”“I should be asking you that,” he added, making his way toward her. “I couldn’t sleep. I went to knock on Anna’s door, but she was out cold. Then I tried yours, but no one answered. So, I wandered around and—tada! Here I am.”Elsa watches as he plops onto the floor beside her, grabbing a pillow from who-knows-where and hugging it. He tilts his head. “What about you? Why are you here?”She hesitates. Should I tell him? She thought.Her fingers trace the edges of the map on her lap. She doesn’t want to voice it, not really. Not when she doesn’t even know what to do with the information herself. But Olaf just looks up at her, his expression so genuine, ready to listen, that she sighs and relents.“I just… couldn’t sleep either.”He blinks. “Is something on your mind? Maybe talking about it will help.”She exhales through her nose, rolling her lips together. She hesitated, fingers brushing over the map’s worn edges, tracing the faded ink as if the answers might suddenly reveal themselves. Then, quietly, she says, “We talked to a king today. He said there was an island, long ago, where people had some sort of magic.”Olaf’s eyes widen slightly.Elsa continues, “I can’t stop thinking about it. If there were others like me… but it was years ago. Maybe just a legend.” She swallowed, the words feeling heavier than she expected. “But what if it’s not?”She didn’t want to admit how much the thought unsettled her. How much she wanted it to be true. How much she feared what it might mean if it was. There’s a beat of silence. Olaf shifted awkwardly, his twig arms rustling softly, clearly trying to come up with something comforting but not entirely sure how to approach it. Then, he perks up. “Did you know that some things people think are myths turn out to be real?”Elsa blinked, then let out a quiet chuckle. “That’s… oddly relevant.”He beamed, pleased with himself. “I know, right?”They sit there for a while, the tension in her chest easing as Olaf chatters about the party, the food, the music, the leftover cake he managed to snag. And somewhere between the soft glow of the lamp and the low murmur of their conversation, the weight in her mind dulled just enough.By morning, they were both fast asleep in the library. Anna wakes up earlier than usual, which is weird. What’s weirder is that Elsa isn’t up before her. So, naturally, she goes to Elsa’s room to greet her and finds it empty.“Huh.” Anna frowns, glancing around. Where could she be?She starts checking around the castle, asking a few staff members if they’ve seen Elsa. No luck. Shrugging, she sets off to find her. She checks a few rooms, asking passing staff if they’ve seen Elsa, but no one seems to know. Finally, she stops another maid in the hallway."Have you seen Elsa?"The maid pauses, then nods. "I think she’s in the library, your majesty. She was asleep there earlier, with Olaf."Anna blinks. Then she sighs, smiling tiredly to herself. "Of course she is." She thanks the maid before making her way to the library.When she enters, she’s greeted by the sight of Elsa curled up in a blanket on the couch, books stacked high around her, a sea of papers and maps scattered at her feet. Olaf is sprawled on the floor, a pillow tucked under his head and a map draped over him like a makeshift blanket.Anna’s brows shoot up. Well, that’s unexpected.The library is quiet, the morning light streaming through the tall windows, illuminating the mess Elsa left behind.Anna sighs softly, shaking her head. Even when she’s not queen, she still somehow finds a way to fall asleep while working late at night.The scene before her brought back memories of when Elsa ruled as Queen. She often found her sister dazing on the royal study’s desk with stacks of papers—contracts, letters, and whatnot—filling the wooden desk. Head resting on her folded arms as she snored quietly while the candle light was close to going out. On most nights, she’d gently wake her up, guide her to the bedroom, and sleep next to her, always bearing a sympathetic expression.Anna stepped closer, eyes scanning the books—geography, world cultures—and the maps. Then, her gaze lands on one with faint pencil marks tracing around Kin Leung, a small question mark scribbled near a tiny island.
Ah. So, that’s what kept her up.
Anna’s expression softened, but she didn’t wake her. Instead, she quietly leaves, stopping to tell Gerda not to disturb the library before heading off to handle her queenly duties. She still has to bid farewell to the royals who stayed overnight.On her way out, she passes Gerda and quickly says, "Don’t let anyone disturb the library. Elsa and Olaf are still asleep in there."Gerda nodded, a bit confused, but understood nonetheless. Later that day, lunch is quiet and comfortable.The dining hall is filled with the faint clinking of utensils, the air comfortable as Anna and Elsa eat in silence. Anna sits at the head of the table, stealing glances at Elsa, who sits to her right.Anna cleared her throat. "So," she started, setting down her fork. "Did you sleep well last night?"Elsa doesn’t look up. "Yeah. Slept fine."Anna raises an eyebrow in suspicion. "Really? Because the state you were in earlier in the library doesn’t quite match your answer."Elsa freezes (hehe). Slowly, she turns to Anna, eyes wide, caught red-handed.Anna smirks proudly. She knows her sister too well.Elsa swallows, clearly scrambling for a response. But before she can, Anna sighs and gives her a small, knowing smile. “You should’ve taken me with you. We could’ve stayed up late together.”Elsa relaxes slightly, offering a small, apologetic smile. “Sorry. I didn’t want to bother you. You were exhausted from last night."Anna frowns. "Okay, yeah, I was pretty tired. But still, what was bothering you so much? Was it what King Shen said?"Elsa hesitates, but eventually nods. “I just… I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about it.”Anna hums, twirling her fork. “You don’t hear about magical powers every day. Well, not unless your sister is you,” she said, pointing her fork in a nonthreatening manner.Elsa chuckled, shaking her head as Anna grins.Anna leans forward, more serious now. "It is pretty mysterious and very interesting. So, if you’re still curious… I could help you look for answers."Elsa blinks, surprised. "Don’t you have things to do today? Queen stuff?"Anna waves her off. "I’ve finished my morning duties, as for the afternoon duties. I’ll figure it out later. Right now, I’m helping you.""You really don’t have to—""Shhh," Anna cuts her off playfully. "I’m the queen. I make the rules. And I say I’m helping. That’s final."Elsa chuckles, shaking her head. But deep down, she’s grateful. Anna would put aside her duties just to help her with something that probably didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. She’s forever grateful to have a sister like her. “Okay, this is getting ridiculous,” Anna huffed, shutting yet another book with a loud thud. “Are we sure there’s nothing in here? Not even some weirdly specific conspiracy theory book?”Elsa sighed, rubbing her temple. “I swept through nearly every historical record last night. If there was anything, I would’ve found it,” She said while sitting next to her sister with yet another old map with faded scribbles.“Great. We’re doomed.” Anna said, slumping sluggishly against the couch.Elsa raised her eyebrow and gave her a look. “Or we try somewhere else.”Anna sat up, eyes lighting up. “Wait—what about the royal study? That’s where most of the important letters and files are stored, right?”Elsa blinked. “…That’s actually a good idea.”Anna scoffed. “Actually? Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence.”Ignoring her, Elsa stood and grabbed for her sister’s hand. “Come on.”They made their way through the halls, the castle still quiet this early in the afternoon, with less castle staff around as they were having their lunch. When they reached the royal study, Elsa pushed open the doors, eyes scanning the room.It was just as she remembered—piles of papers and documents stacked haphazardly on the desk in the center, the royal chair sitting behind it like a silent observer of the mess. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with old records, formal letters, and diplomatic paperwork. The scent of parchment and ink lingered in the air, mixed with the faintest trace of dust.“Still a disaster zone, huh?”Anna crossed her arms and tilted her chin upward. “It’s organized chaos.”“Hey, I had the same problem back in my days.” Elsa riposted and rested a hand on her hip with a deadpan expression.The sisters stood there for a moment, taking in the sheer amount of papers.“…Where do we even start?” Anna muttered as she glanced around the room.Elsa exhaled. “We compile. We focus on old records, documents, and letters first. If we don’t find anything, then we move on to more obscure files.”Anna groaned. “So, in other words, hours of reading.”“Unless you’d rather sit and do nothing?”“Ugh, fine.”And so the hunt for answers began. They combed through the shelves, carefully pulling out anything that seemed remotely relevant. Some documents were completely useless—trade agreements, land disputes, diplomatic correspondences that had nothing to do with what they were looking for. But they kept searching.Hours passed. The stacks of papers they had compiled grew, yet they were no closer to finding what they needed. When eventually and finally—“…Wait,” Elsa said suddenly, straightening as she flipped through a faded, handwritten record. “I think I found something.”Anna immediately walked towards her and leaned over. “What? What is it?”Elsa’s eyes skimmed over the words, her heartbeat quickening. “It’s a record of a volcanic eruption on a northwest island. It mentions a rescue effort—it says here that father sent a ship to save any remaining survivors.”Anna grabbed the document, her hands tightening around the fragile parchment as her eyes darted across the words. She skimmed through the formalities—location, date, event details—before landing on the numbers, and her heart pounded.“Fourteen adults and four minors,” she murmured, her voice hushed. “Eight severely injured, one especially injured, with high medical advisors needed.”Elsa leaned in, scanning the same section, but her eyes were already searching for something more. A list of names followed underneath. Names of people who had survived the tragedy.Her breath hitched.“Yan Yue and Chen Ling.”Anna’s head snapped up. “Wait—what?”Elsa’s fingers hovered over the names, tracing them as if touching the ink would make them more real. But they were already real. There, in front of her, written in ink that had long since dried. Proof that Ling and Yue had been on that ship. That they had survived and that they were tied to everything in ways Elsa had never expected.Anna exhaled sharply, her grip on the document tightening as the weight of the revelation settled between them. “No way,” she whispered.For a few seconds, they just stared at the parchment. After the one vague mention of an island lost to time, this was something solid. Not speculation, not rumors—actual proof. Elsa felt a mix of emotions swirl in her chest. Relief, intrigue, and something else she couldn’t quite name.The ice wielder read through the first page, then the next, and last. She furrowed her eyebrows as she fiddled with the corners of the last page. “No mentions about powers or magic whatsoever,” she said, a frown formed from her lips, and the hope meter went down slowly.“But that doesn’t exactly mean the magic is nonexistent.. but what do we do now?” Anna stated as she tried not to lose all hope yet, her voice quieter than before. The initial excitement was fading into something more uncertain, more complicated.Elsa frowned, her mind already racing. “Ling mentioned before that she wasn’t exactly born in Arendelle, but they’ve been here for a while.”Anna nodded slowly, inhaling deeply as she tried to gather her thoughts. “At least we know where to start, then. We just have to try talking to them; surely they know something.”A moment of silence engulfed the room as the sisters glanced at each other, and the realization hit like a damn truck.“…Where do they live exactly?”Elsa’s expression blanked. “…I have no idea.”Anna groaned, dropping her head onto the desk. “You have to be kidding me.”“We’ll figure it out. But not today.” Elsa sighed, rubbing her forehead.Anna lifted her head. “Wait, why not?”Elsa gave her a pointed look. “Because tomorrow is your birthday, and I’m not sure I want to spend it looking for Ling’s address for answers.”Anna opened her mouth, a brow raised in confusion as she hesitated. “You sure?”Elsa nodded and offered a genuine smile. “We’ll deal with this after your birthday. Besides, knowing this newfound proof at least made my chest feel a little lighter. Tomorrow, we focus on you. Just us and our close friends.”Anna stared at her for a moment, searching for any hint of hesitation, then smiled. “Alright then, deal.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The sun shined high in the sky, warm but not unbearable, as a summer breeze passed through the clearing. Leaves rustled, birds chirped somewhere in the distance, and the scent of damp soil mixed with the crisp scent of the trees around them. It was peaceful, calm—the kind of day that made everything feel lighter, if only for a moment.Ling dug her shovel into the earth, shifting a pile of dirt aside as Yue knelt beside her, cradling a small sapling between her hands. She gently settled the young tree into the hole, making sure the roots were properly placed before pressing the dirt back in around it. The motions were second nature by now. They had done this so many times before that they didn’t even need to think about it. But today, Ling’s movements felt heavier."You’re quiet today," Yue noted, not looking up as she patted the soil down around the base of the sapling.Ling exhaled through her nose, pausing for a second before driving the shovel into the ground again. "Had another nightmare."Yue glanced at her briefly before returning her focus to the tree. "Him again?"There was hesitation. Ling’s grip on the shovel tightened slightly. Yue caught the way her fingers flexed around the wooden handle, her thumb brushing against the smooth surface as if caressing it would help with whatever she felt. She didn’t clarify immediately, but after a moment, she nodded.Yue didn’t ask which "him." She had a feeling she knew which one Ling was referring to.The two worked in silence for a few moments, the rhythmic sounds of digging and planting filling the space between them. Then, Yue spoke again, her voice careful. "What happened in this one?"The younger one let out a slow breath, as if debating whether she wanted to talk about it. But she had already brought it up, so there was no point in holding back now. "It was like before. The island was burning. The sky was red; the air was thick with smoke. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think." Her jaw tensed. "I heard him calling my name."Yue kept her hands busy, pulling another sapling from their basket and examining its roots. "Your father?"Ling nodded. "But I couldn’t see him. Just his voice. And then... fire. So much fire."Yue hummed, thinking. She knew Ling had nightmares often, but she rarely talked about them in detail. "How did it end?" she asked gently.Ling swallowed, her gaze turning to the ground. "I woke up before I could reach him."Yue let the silence settle between them again, letting Ling process her own words. She knew better than to rush her. Instead, she focused on the sapling in her hands, digging another hole beside Ling’s before carefully placing it inside."You.. never really got closure, did you?" Yue asked after a moment, pausing as she stared far at the young trees in front of her.Ling blinked, caught off guard by the question. Her grip on the shovel faltered slightly before she resumed digging. "…I don’t know."Yue sighed quietly and brushed some loose dirt off her hands, sitting back on her heels. “I mean, I get it. One moment, he was there, fighting, and the next…” She trailed off, knowing she didn’t need to finish the sentence. "You never got to say goodbye."Ling’s lips pressed into a thin line. She had never really thought about it like that. Or maybe she had, but she had never put it into words."Do you ever wonder what he’d say to you now?" The older one asked and glanced at her carefully.Ling’s hands stilled on the shovel. Her knuckles had turned white from how tightly she was gripping it. Yue caught the way her expression had shifted—more troubled, more uncertain. And then, for just a second, she felt it.The air around them had changed. It was subtle, but noticeable. The warmth wasn’t just from the sun anymore.Yue immediately realized she had pushed too far.She reached out, placing a hand on Ling’s arm. "Hey," she said softly. "I didn’t mean to—"Ling inhaled sharply and closed her eyes for a second, willing herself to calm down. Her fingers uncurled from the shovel handle, and the air slowly returned to normal. She let out a slow breath, rolling her shoulders. "It’s fine," she murmured. "I just… got overwhelmed for a second."Yue withdrew her hand but stayed close, a frown forming on her face. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed."Ling shook her head. “No, it’s—really, it’s okay,” She paused, and a small smile tugged at her lips. “You’d make a great therapist, though.”Yue snorted. "Please. You’d be my worst patient."The tension in the air broke just like that, and Ling chuckled, the heaviness lifting ever so slightly. "No, really. I can already picture it. ‘How does that make you feel, Ling?" She mimicked Yue’s voice with exaggerated seriousness, raising an eyebrow.Yue rolled her eyes, nudging Ling’s shoulder as a smile crept on her lips, turning her frown upside-down. "Shut up and plant the next tree."They fell into a comfortable rhythm again, the conversation lightening as they worked. But after a while, as they planted another sapling, Ling's movements slowed, her gaze lingering on the soil as she pressed it down.Yue glanced at her. "You okay?"Ling exhaled through her nose, her hands resting on the handle of the shovel. "I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about it more lately."Yue stayed quiet, giving the younger one the space to continue."Everything that happened back then," Ling muttered, her fingers tapping absently against the wooden handle. "I still don’t know how I feel about it. About him. What I saw, what he did. I don’t even know if I fully understand why things ended up this way."Yue let her shovel sink into the dirt and leaned against it. "You mean what your father did?"Ling nodded slowly. "I never got to know the full truth. Just pieces. And maybe that’s why it still doesn’t make sense to me." She frowned, staring at the ground. "I don’t know if I want to understand him or if I just want to forget."Yue hummed thoughtfully. "You don’t have to figure it all out right now."Ling sighed. "I know. But I feel like I should. Like I need to."Yue pushed a bit of dirt around with her boot, considering her words. "I guess it’s like planting trees," she said after a moment. "You don’t always see the roots, but you know they’re there. Even if they’re tangled, even if they don’t make sense on the surface, they still shape what grew above." She met Ling’s gaze and offered a small but genuine smile. "Maybe you don’t need all the answers right away. Maybe it’s enough to just know that the past exists, that it shaped you, but it doesn’t have to define you."Ling was quiet for a long time, her grip tightening slightly on the shovel. But instead of frustration, there was something more like contemplation in her expression. "That’s… a decent theory to hold onto for now," she admitted, tilting her head. "Not bad, therapist Yue," she smiled.“Glad to be of service,” Yue replied and smirked.Ling huffed a small laugh and shook her head before turning back to the sapling they had just planted. They both took a step back, surveying the rows of young trees stretching out before them, bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. The breeze picked up slightly, rustling the leaves, carrying strands of their hair in the wind, and for a moment, there was nothing but the quiet rustling of nature around them.“We did good today,” Yue murmured, her tone softer now.Ling nodded, glancing at her. “Yeah. We did.”The uncertainty still lingered, but for now, it wasn’t so heavy. And maybe, that was enough for her.Yue exhaled, a small, contented smile on her face. “I miss planting trees with Ren.”Ling nodded, her gaze softening. “Yeah. Me too.”They stood there for a moment, just looking. Then Yue sighed. “We should stop for today. We have work tomorrow,” she said and dusted her hands off.Ling groaned and deflated. “Right. I almost forgot.”“At least we get fewer work days in the summer,” Yue pointed out. “Not as many people need wood when they’re not freezing.”“You know what that means?” Ling said, smirking.Yue gave her a flat look. "If you say ‘more free time to slack off,’ I swear—"Ling grinned, grabbing her shovel. "More free time to slack off."Yue groaned with a tired look on her face. "我憎你."Ling just laughed in response, leading the way back toward the cabin as the sun continued its slow descent behind them.
[11 years before present, Arendelle.]
The earth was soft beneath their feet, damp from the previous night’s rain. The air smelled of soil and pine, a crisp freshness that clung to their clothes. Sunlight filtered through the trees, creating uneven patches of gold on the ground. Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, their sounds tangled into the rustle of leaves swaying gently with the summer breeze.Ren dug his shovel into the dirt with practiced ease, scooping out a neat hole. He worked at a steady pace, methodical and unrushed, as if planting trees was as natural as breathing. A short distance away, Yue was crouched down, carefully settling a sapling into the ground, her fingers brushing soil over its delicate roots.Ling, however, stood with her shovel slung over her shoulder, watching the process with mild skepticism. The fourteen-year-old tilted her head. “So… you plant them, just to cut them down later?”Ren chuckled, shaking his head as he patted the dirt around the newly placed sapling. “That’s one way to look at it.”Yue, pressing the soil down gently, glanced up. “Isn’t it kind of ironic?”“Maybe,” Ren admitted. “But that’s how the world works. You take, you give back.” He leaned on his shovel, exhaling. “My mother used to say that if you’re going to take from the earth, you better make sure you leave something behind.”Ling pursed her lips, shifting her weight to one leg. “Sounds like a lot of work.”Ren grinned. “That’s because it is.” He reached out, gesturing toward the untouched sapling by Ling’s feet. “Come on, grab one. Let’s see if you two can handle this without breaking something.”Ling sighed dramatically but trudged over, setting the sapling down beside the hole he had just dug. She squatted down, watching as Ren nudged the soil aside, making room for the roots. Yue, already done with hers, dusted her hands off and joined them, eyeing Ling as she hesitated.“Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little dirt,” Yue teased as she smirked.Ling shot her a glare. “No. I just—” She fumbled, reaching out and nearly toppling the sapling before Ren caught it with one hand. “…I just don’t want to mess it up.”Ren snorted, adjusting the sapling’s position before nodding toward the pile of soil. “Then don’t. Now, grab some dirt and pack it in around the roots—gently, not like you’re trying to bury it alive.”Ling scooped up a handful, letting it slip through her fingers before pressing it down. “This feels like a funeral.”Yue hummed. “Considering how bad you are at taking care of plants, maybe for this one it is.”Ling gasped, eyeing her with a playful scorn expression. “How dare you.”Ren shook his head, amused, before settling back on his heels. He watched them work, Ling grumbling under her breath while Yue made sure everything was properly set. His expression softened slightly.“It’s funny,” he mused, wiping his hands on his pants. “How much I love doing this, considering my job.”Yue brushed loose strands of hair from her face, tilting her head. “Why do you, then?”He thought for a moment, his gaze drifting to the tall trees surrounding them. “A tree takes years to grow. Minutes to cut down.” His voice was quieter now, thoughtful. “Balance it out, and you don’t run out of what you need.”Ling frowned slightly, pressing the last of the soil into place. “So… you’re just keeping the cycle going?”Ren hesitated, the weight of her words settling in his chest. His cycle, maybe. But the world—no, it didn’t run in circles. It burned, grew, and burned again. He sighed. “Something like that.”For a moment, they worked in comfortable silence, only the sound of shifting dirt and the occasional chirp of birds filling the space.Then Ling spoke again, with a quieter approach this time. “Do you think people are like that too?”“Like what?” Ren asked and glanced at her, brow raised in confusion.Ling shrugged, suddenly focused on fixing a stray root. “That we… keep the cycle going. Even when we don’t want to.”Yue looked up, her hands stilling over the dirt. She studied Ling’s expression—something unreadable flickering behind her amber eyes. Ren, however, simply gave a small, knowing smile.“I think people are a little different from trees,” he said. “Trees don’t get to choose where they grow. We do.”Ling didn’t respond right away, her fingers tightening around the soil. But then, as if shaking off the weight of the conversation, she huffed. “Well, if I were a tree, I’d want to be a willow tree.”Yue snorted. “You? More like a tumbleweed.”Ren laughed as Ling gasped in mock offense, throwing a handful of loose dirt at Yue, who dodged effortlessly. The tension in the air lifted, replaced by lighthearted bickering as they continued their work.By the time they were finished, the sun had started its slow descent, creating a golden glow over the rows of newly planted saplings. Ren leaned against his shovel, surveying their work. The trees they had planted over the few years stood tall in the distance, their leaves swaying in the breeze, a testament to the time and effort put into them.They stood there for a good minute, taking it all in—the sunlight filtering through the branches, the rustling of leaves, the warmth of a summer breeze against their skin.Ling broke the silence. “So, when do we cut them down?”Ren groaned, shaking his head as Yue smacked her on the arm.The three burst out in a fit of laughter, their voices carrying through the trees, lingering long after they had left.
[Present time. Kin Leung]
King Shen moved with grace through the wide halls of the Kin Leung palace, the sound of his footsteps nearly swallowed by the polished stone beneath him. The walls towered high, adorned with detailed carvings that depicted tales of old, mythical beasts combined with the history of his ancestors. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the corridor, their gentle flickering creating shifting shadows along the ornate wooden beams above. Outside, through the wide, open windows, the scent of summer carried into the halls, mingling with the faint trace of burning incense from the temple nearby.A handful of officials and event organizers walked alongside him, their hushed voices speaking of preparations for the upcoming festival. The air was filled with the information of details—performances, banquet arrangements, guest lists. Shen listened with a polite expression, nodding where necessary, though his mind drifted elsewhere. The festival was a staple of Kin Leung tradition, a celebration of resilience and prosperity, yet it never failed to remind him of how fragile such things truly were.He adjusted the wide sleeves of his richly embroidered robe, the deep navy silk lined with gold stitching that traced elegant motifs of dragons and waves. His long raven hair was gathered into a half-bun, secured with a golden crown piece that signified his status.Just as they rounded a corner, a lone figure appeared in the distance. Shen slowed his pace as his adviser approached, his hands folded neatly behind his back. The man cut an imposing figure despite his composed demeanor. His traditional high bun was secured with an official’s hat, and the dark hues of his robes, subtly accented with muted reds and silvers, carried the unmistakable prestige of his status. His features were sharp, yet somewhat softened by an air of patience, the kind of patience that made people feel at ease—until they realized just how little they knew of what lay beneath it.“Your Majesty,” he greeted with a slight bow. His voice was smooth and measured. “If I may, I would like to speak with you in private.”Shen gave a glance toward the officials, then nodded. “That will be all for now,” he told them. “Ensure the preparations remain on schedule.”The officials bowed before taking their leave, their voices fading as they moved down the hall. Once they were gone, Shen turned back to his advisor, who had already gestured toward the open doors leading to the castle courtyard.“Shall we walk?” the adviser suggested.For a moment, Shen allowed his regal composure to slip, a small sigh escaping as he relaxed his shoulders. “If it means you won’t fill my ears with political riddles, then fine.”His adviser chuckled, leading them through the garden path. The courtyard was peaceful at this hour—except for the local cicadas doing their own thing and creating the sounds of nature. Lanterns were hanging from Qingtong, or also called flamboyant trees, their leaves rustling softly in the light evening breeze. The koi pond reflected the moon’s glow, and beyond the stone paths, a pavilion stood, its wooden beams wrapped in trailing vines.As they strolled, Shen’s advisor spoke in that same unhurried manner, the way one would tell an old proverb.“It is said that history is a river—ever flowing, never stopping,” he mused. “Some say to fight against it is foolish. That to resist change is to drown beneath its currents.”Shen hummed, his hands clasped behind him. “And others?”“Others believe that history does not flow—it is a cycle, one that repeats itself until the lesson is finally learned,” he glanced at Shen. “And in that case, one must ask… whose hands are turning the wheel?”Shen gave a short and quiet laugh. “If this is your way of easing me into another political lecture, it’s a poor attempt,” he said, his tone dry but not entirely unamused. He tilted his head slightly. “And? What do you really want to tell me, Qiao?”Qiao halted, folding his hands neatly behind his back. The way he looked at Shen was unreadable, but something flickered behind his eyes before he spoke.“There are survivors of Tai Yan Zhou.”Shen’s steps came to an abrupt stop. He inhaled slowly, composing himself before turning to face the advisor fully. “I do not entertain gossips, Qiao,” he said evenly.Qiao met his gaze, unfaltering. “Neither do I.” A pause. Then, his voice dropped to something quieter. “The lieutenant general mentioned it at the party in Arendelle.”A stillness settled between them. The breeze drifting through the courtyard felt warmer than before, yet a cold weight pressed against Shen’s spine. Shen’s expression darkened subtly, his usual composed features hardened.“And what are you implying?”Qiao smiled, but it was the kind that never reached his eyes. “I was merely wondering what you intend to do with this information.”Shen studied him carefully, his instincts stirring with caution. The mention of Tai Yan Zhou was something that had been buried for years, a past deliberately forgotten. The dead belonged to the past. What use was it to unearth them now? Besides, he had no interest in unearthing ghosts.“We have no business with them,” he said at last, though his voice hinted with warning that edged its calmness. “They are citizens of Arendelle now. Interfering with the lives they’ve built would only cause harm.” His voice was then steady, and a brow raised slightly. “Besides, Arendelle and Kin Leung have just secured an alliance. I would not dare break that, for I fear it would only end in ruin.”Qiao raised his chin upward with an unreadable expression, a thoughtful hum escaping him. "Wise," he murmured, though there was something almost amused in the way he said it.Shen narrowed his eyes, catching it immediately. “I take it you disagree?”"On the contrary," Qiao said smoothly. “I completely understand, Your Majesty. And I simply cannot agree more.”Shen didn’t relax. He was young, but he was not foolish. Not entirely. He knew his adviser well—his words were carefully chosen, always threading the line between truth and what he wanted Shen to hear. He studied him for a second longer, then nodded. “Good. I’m glad we are on the same page.”Qiao offered a small bow, the picture of obedience, as he prepared to take his leave. “That will be all, Your Majesty. I feel reassured now.”Shen’s gaze lingered on him a second longer before he gave a firm nod. “Of course, Qiao. Now, if that is all, I must attend another meeting soon,” he offered a polite smile before walking away, his robes flowing behind him as he disappeared down the path and returned to the palace indoors.As soon as his back was turned, the adviser’s expression shifted. His placid smile twisted into something sharper, something like a knowing scorn. His gaze lingered on the king’s retreating figure before he turned on his heel, walking in the opposite direction. The night air was still as the lanterns flickered while the Qingtong trees rustled gently, paired with the faint noises of cicadas.Only when he was out of sight did he let out a soft, knowing chuckle. And so, the wheel of history turned once again.