Deathbelle didn’t feel like the future was in her favor any longer, she felt alone. More alone than she had in a long time. Delicate paws carried her lightly over the sands, the beach was cold and the wing whipped through her soft winter coat. She tried to keep her head up, but it hung at her shoulders as the moon shone down over her royal form.

Her inner circle seemed to be no more, and the Empress could feel her grip slipping. She felt the winds of change blowing and she could feel the time coming when she stepped down as the Klein Empress. She wasn’t as strong as she once was, and her structures of support were crumbling. Deatahbelle would accept her curse, as long as Ashen would continue to thrive through her daughter.

She slowed to a halt and settled back onto her haunches as lavender eyes turned up to the moon, a sigh left her dark lips and for a moment se prayed for guidance and for a miracle.

The moon shone bright with its position in the sky, illuminating the world around him as he slowly walked across the beach unable to sleep. Dragging one of his furs from his den, it lay draped over him now to protect his summer coat from the winter chill. As the breeze came in with the waves, crashing into him like the water on the sands, he picked up the scent of another but it was distant and masked by the salty ocean

He found his paws crossing over the borders from the Armada to Ashen, and vaguely remembered Resin warning him to call first. He shrugged the thought off, knowing he was well covered in the scent of the Armada by now. He kept his pace slow, wandering really, until the silhouette of a figure appeared some distance before him. Curious, he kept his stride slow but moved towards the other.

When he felt he was close enough, he let out a soft huff to catch their attention and paused. Having never met most of the Ashen wolves, his ignorance didn't allow him to assume this was the empress, but instead just another member of the Empire. He dipped his head in a bit of respect though, assuming any wolf in the Empire was higher ranked than he.

The night was when the Empress ruled over her kingdom, she slept mostly during the day and like many of her kin became most active under the light of the moon. That was no different today. She wore her rose thorn tiara but had failed to wear a skin to keep herself warm in the cold of the night. For being so alone she was not prepared as she usually was for how cold it was beyond the walls of her palace.

The sound of breath on the breeze caught her attention and she averted her gaze from the soft moonlight to fall on the masculine form stopped before her. The dark and white man lowered his head lightly, knowing his place in the Empire even if he did not realize who he had disturbed. Even in the moon his eyes were striking, and he was easily able to capture her full attention.

Deathbelle was soft spoken even through the cold of the wind, but she had no doubt he could hear her. ”Greeting,” She forced her smile slightly, unable to deny her curiosity. ”You’re one of Sirius’s men, aren’t you?” Deathbelle questioned him lightly with a curious tilt of her delicate features.

As he hadn't seemed to alarm the other, he began to move forward until he was a closer as she greeting him and asked about his place. He wasn't sure if he was the newest recruit still or not, but he doubted anyone spoke of him besides maybe the young girl he sparred with days before, who he suddenly realized looked similar to the crowned woman before him.

"G'd-evening." He smiled, adding a simple nod when she asked of his place. "One of the newest warriors, and you?" He asked curiously, wondering if he was actually dumb enough to think the crown was only for decoration. He grabbed the fur from his back and strode a few steps to toss it over her, offering her warmth on this cold night. He would then sit by her, his tail curling to cover his cold toes as they dug into the sand absentmindedly.

The stranger didn’t hesitate to close the distance, she had no fear of him and she saw no fear in him. Deathbelle could appreciate the company, she knew it would be better for her heart than wallowing in her loneliness. She decided that she liked his smile, it came to his dark features easily as he greeted her in return. He asked about her rank as well before moving to give her the fur from his own back, no doubt she wasn’t good at hiding the little shivers that raced down her spine.

Warmth spread over her from more than just the fur as she smiled in thanks, an expression that she didn’t have to force in reaction to his thoughtful gesture. ”I suppose if you’re the newest I’d be the most senior.” She chuckled lightly at her own joke. ”Deathbelle Klein, Empress of Ashen’s Empire.” She told him with a slight nod of her head, lacking in the ego that could easily engulf someone of her rank. ”Thank you, for the fur. If… If you’d like to talk somewhere more comfortable we could retreat to the palace.”

She wasn’t sure what he sought from her or the beautiful night, but she wasn’t about to send him off when she yearned so heavily for a comforting presence.

Her joke had made him smile and he let a small laugh escape his lips as he gazed at her, the moonlight casting a luminous glow across her. No wonder she had such a following; he couldn't be the only one feeling a bit drunk when in her presence. He swallowed the lump in his throat when she introduced herself and he dipped his head again, ears flattening and eyes escaping her as he did. "Forgive my ignorance, your Grace." He stammered over his words and furrowed his brows, irritated at himself and whoever forgot to tell him how enchanting their Empress was. Suddenly he felt stupid, feeling whatever he was feeling being near her was disrespectful. She was the Empress, and he just a low warrior. His mind flashed back to the handmaiden he'd met the other day, the soft and young girl that seemed so skittish to be seen. He felt that way now, and for once he understood the panic he saw in her eyes, for it was in his now.

He wasn't sure why she was inviting him back to the palace, but he wasn't about to turn her down. One disrespect following another wasn't a good way to impress anyone, so he swallowed the new lump forming in his throat and nodded as he carefully rose back up from his bow. "If you wish. You could catch a cold out here with the ocean breeze." He certainly didn't want to be at fault for her catching a cold out here, so if she wanted to go back to her palace, he'd be more than happy to escort her back. Whether she truly wanted his company or not, his wants were forced to the back of his mind and ignored as he focused on hers despite his racing heart.

"Speech!"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2020

His amusement was clear in his laugh as she offered her little bit of humor, as she went on though he regained a bit of his poise. She was the Empress and that was a difficult fact to get past. She seemed to surprise him enough that he’d forget his name. ”What should I call you, warrior?” Deathbelle asked him softly as she found her feet, it didn’t take long to get uncomfortable in the winter cold once you stopped moving. She did wave off his apology, however much she enjoyed his obvious adoration.

He stood up carefully, seeming a little uncertain of her request at first, but there were many reasons to make a return to the warmth of her massive den. A place that seemed far too empty these days. He was right though, she could get sick but more importantly he could. He’d been so gracious to give up his added protection from the elements. ”Or you could.” Deathbelle retorted lightly as delicate paws carried her towards the sand bridge that connected the island to the mainland beaches.

”I… don’t get a lot of company.” At least not recently. Her alabaster tail wagged lightly at her ivory splattered hips as she walked. He was providing a distraction to her at the very least. ”What made you decide to join Sirius?” She asked curiously, leading the pair of them forward but glancing back towards him from the corner of her eye.

His gaze found her from where it had once been, a feeble smile crossing his lips as she asked his name. Was it really important? He was just another man in a sea of warriors, likely to die protecting her and the empire. What use was it knowing someone's name, getting attached, just to lose them in the end? Regardless of his own thoughts, he cleared his throat and answered. "Magnus Vyle." He said as he stood, turning to follow her in the direction of her den.

"My health is hardly as important as yours; I can be replaced." He finished there, knowing well he was nothing but a pawn in this game. The Empress' life mattered more than his own; there was only one of her.. He followed her across the sandbar, keeping a step behind her for respect and letting her lead him to the den.

She spoke of little company and it pulled the corners of his black lipa down into a frown. He didn't believe it for a second, but why else would she waste her time talking to him if there were others beating down her door for her attention? Thankfully, her question brought him back from his thoughts and helped him relax a bit, if only slightly.

"I had little purpose in my life until he found me that night. He gave me something worth fighting for." He smiled a bit, glad he had at least found something to make of his life, even if it meant he wouldn't see his older years.

She couldn’t help but feel like something was the matter when he finally gave her his name, it was beyond the nervous energy from being in her presence. She tried to offer up a comforting smile as she led the way towards the palace. ”Maybe not,” the Empress agreed darkly. ”But Sirius would be cross if I let his wolf freeze solid.” She chuckled lightly, not offering any regret in taking him home.

The palace entrance wasn’t far from the bridge, and as Magnus offered his answer the doorway came into view. It was much easier to make out without the usual thick foliage around it. Winter was rough, but the ocean was warm enough to keep her archipelago warm enough for the tropical plants that lived here. Mismatched ears swiveled to take in his answer, a good one certainly. One needed purpose, and what greater purpose than to strengthen the name of the Ashen Empire?

Deathbelle nosed past the thick hide at the door and led the way into the main hall. It was furnished with all the comforts one might expect, plush furs, pillows. Deathbelle motioned for her tiny lemur to spark up a fire in the pit, a petite little harth beneath a vent in the ceiling of the cavern. ”A noble reason.” She muttered lightly as she gestured for him to make himself comfortable. ”Do you like tea?” Belle followed up as she took to a hidden cubby to pick out herbs to make a nice tea.

He laughed at the thought of Sirius coming after her should she let him freeze out here, left like an icicle as the brackish water air froze him solid. A smile pricked at the corners of his lips and he began to calm down a bit, though he still couldn't help but feel a bit dumb. The silence between them as they crossed the sandbar only allowed him to question himself more, but as they approached her den and slipped inside, he was too interested in the furnishings of her den to think ill of himself anymore.

Watching as the lemur started the fire, noticing how many in this land had these smaller companions, or even larger ones. He wondered how they came about these creatures and tamed them, but her inquiry pulled him from his thoughts again. "I've never had tea before." He admitted, his eyes lifting to watch her move about her storage to gather things as he settled himself near the warmth of small fire. "I come from a primitive way of life, this is all so very new to me." He spoke in reference to everything - mutations, pillows, tea, companions... it was all new, and strange if he were asked his opinion but not in a bad way. He couldn't help but watch as her back was turned, stealing as much of her as he could while she gathered. It was rude, and he knew it, but he couldn't help himself.

She managed to put him a bit at ease with a chuckle as she mentioned her Warlord’s displeasure at her mistreatment of his wolves. Deathbelle wouldn’t have wanted to keep the man uncomfortable anyway. As they settled into the palace he admitted that he hadn’t tried tea before so the Empress put together something relaxing and warm. A bit of black tea leaves, cinnamon with a sprinkle of dried orange peel. Something warm for the cold of the night.

He admitted how primitive a life he’d come from before, and she had no doubt that he could be overwhelmed by the difference in lifestyle they had here. The Empire was rich, and Deathbelle was afforded a more than comfortable life. As she turned she caught a glimpse of his staring, the corners of her dark lips turned up in amusement. There was a glimmer of excitement that flared as well, but she didn’t take it seriously.

Pretending her focus was on the container of water nestled in its place to warm by the fire she settled down across from him. The furs were plush and the chill was kept from the room. She stretched lightly, extending her claws that were so much like a cat’s. ”You’re settling in well though?” She asked while waiting on the water to warm.

He hadn't noticed her catching his stare, and he continued to wander over her frame as he spoke and until she wandered over and settled across the fire from him. Flashing his eyes to the fire, avoiding any chance at eye contact after just been staring at her. A trace smile complimented him, though it was gone as quick as it came while his eyes watched the fire dance. Fire had hardly been a mastered concept from where he was from, far more used for battle than warming ones den. Her words brought him back to the present, and he found her face with his eyes again though still tried to avoid eye contact, looking anywhere but in her own matching ones.

"Oh yes, everything is going well. I needed a change, anyway." He chuckled a bit, pushing back the thoughts of his old home. This was home now, or rather, the Armada was. He couldn't imagine living in a place as fine as Deathbelle's den. His toes curled on the fur he laid on, recognizing it's presence and enjoying it's comfort against the hard ground.

"I'm sure your story is much more interesting than mine; were you born in Ashen?" Magnus tilted his head a bit as he watched her so curiously for an answer.

The wolves in Boreas and Auster were all rather advanced in their climb to civilization. They controlled fire, she’d heard rumors of raising a pack’s own livestock, they used tools to name a few examples. Deathbelle lived a lavish life, she had pillows and furs and tea within the mountainous walls. Her gaze didn’t remain on the pot of water, as she settled the woman looked up to Magnus. His gaze averted so she took her own chance to steal a few glances from him. Had she not known better she could have placed him within her own blood line.

His black and white fur and how handsome his features were… the only distinguishment he really had was how heavily he was built. Most of the Klein bloodline were thin and looked almost delicate. The Empress was anything but breakable though. Magnus looked back towards her and she busied herself with filling the two little pots with the chosen mix for tea. Snowberry, the tiny lemur, carefully scooped the hot water in after she was satisfied with the amounts in the bowls.

He assured her that he was settling in well, and he’d needed to mix his life up. To continue the conversation he asked after her place of birth. ”No, I was born far from here. Under my father’s rule. That branch of the Empire fell during my second year. My family fled here, and I raised Ashen with my own two paws.” With that the woman nosed his bowl of tea towards Magnus before settling in to lap gently at her own.

Magnus watched as she went about her ways in making the tea and as the lemur assisted, still curious about the whole thing. He wondered if the small creature had befriended the Empress, or if they were here for some other reason. Perhaps some kind of assistant, assigned and just doing their job. They seemed too peaceful to be a slave of any kind, but he hardly knew much about lesser creatures, much less what they were thinking and how they felt. His focus didn't stay on the lemur for long however, if hardly a moment or two, and his gaze was back on her, watching.

She spoke, telling him of her origin briefly and he nodded. He kept his thoughts to himself when he wondered what caused the fall during her younger years, choosing instead of be quiet a moment as she passed his tea over and began hers. Giving a cautious sniff to the mixture, he carefully tasted the warm tea and was mildly impressed with it. "You've done a wonderful job." He looked up from his tea and smiled at her softly before returning for another drink.

She’d gotten the tiny lemur after a bit of help from her late husband’s companion Obi. The primate was still somewhat present, but he hadn’t blessed her with his presence in a long time. For so long she had relied on him to keep her from sinking after Archon’s death, now she wasn’t even sure if he cared about her anymore. Still, Snowberry was a loyal servant of the Empress and was not opposed to any task she was set to.

Silence fell between them and Deathbelle let herself relax into it. She inhaled deeply at the aroma of the tea and relaxed further into the plush furs as her lilac gaze watched Magnus take his first sips. He gave her a soft smile after he spoke up again, though she wondered if it was in reaction to the tea or her work in building the empire. Maybe it was a little of both. ”Thank you, Magnus.” She said bretahily as she took another sip of her tea. ”I hope you enjoy your first tea experience.” She chuckled out softly as she shifted in her place slightly.

"It's quite different, but I like it." He smiled, taking another lap at the tea to show it wasn't a bad different, just new to him. He couldn't begin to imagine what else they had evolved with and began toying with what he assumed to be outlandish ideas. A small smirk settled on his lips as he thought, but it faded soon enough as other thoughts drifted into his mind.

Perhaps one he should've stopped himself from verbalizing. "What makes you lead Ashen alone?" Having never heard anything of her late husband, he wasn't aware of the sensitivity of the subject. "You must be batting men away like flies." He chuckled and took another lap at his tea, but kept his eyes focused on her assuming she would follow with some equal jest.

"Speech!"

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2020

He wasn’t displeased with the experience, and she had to admit that it was much different from drinking water. The different tastes and aromas that steaped into the water could vary infinitely and this orange cinnamon was a good one to help make her feel a bit warmer on the long lonely nights. Her lilac gaze stared into the golden liquid as the thoughts raced through her mind, though Magnus wouldn’t allow himself to be forgotten about.

Deathbelle’s eye widened as they looked up to the black and white man and his question. The pain in her gaze came next but as she looked away again she tried to hide it. Already been found out it wasn’t likely he wouldn’t have noticed. ”I have loved and lost more than my fair share.” She whispered softly, trying not to indulge the memories of those who had taken a part of her heart. Belle swallowed back her emotions quietly and lapped softly at her tea.

He felt the mood in the room change almost as soon as he had asked. She had looked away before he'd seen the look in her eyes, but he didn't need to see it to know. He bit his lip for asking, although he had no idea of her losses, and tasted his own blood as it barely escaped from the nic he'd left in it. He stared down at his tea for what felt like forever but had hardly been longer than a second after she spoke.

"I am so sorry." Sorry for her losses, sorry for bringing it up. His voice cracked when he spoke and a frown pulled heavily at the corners of his mouth. His gaze was fixated on his tea, but it slowly sought her out again though his frown remained. He had only meant to jest, but he had in fact done the opposite. He hoped she understood, but he'd likely never forgive himself regardless.

The Empress was a strong woman, she could take care of herself in life and in battle, but emotionally she felt weak. She couldn’t hold back the loneliness or the feelings of abandonment. Sirius, her first love and the one she could never have. Archon, the man she had fell hard and fast for. She could have easily spent the rest of her life with him had his life not been taken from her so soon. Iolaire, the dainty healer had been there for her through every painful moment, she lifted her up and showed her that she could indeed love again. She wasn’t the wolf to spend her life with the Empress though. Her loyalties were with the Warlord, and she would never be able to give Deathbelle the children she needed to grow the Empire. Then her dear Daimyo and half brother Hannibal.

His missing presence was the most recent and the pain of him not being beside her was the most fresh. He had a talent for suddenly leaving, and she shouldn’t have hoped that this time would be any different. She’d loved and lost so many times over now. Deathbelle barely heard Magnus and his gentle offer of an apology, but it wasn’t his fault. She was always on the edge of succumbing to her heartache. She was the Empress though, and it was much better to hide her pain.

She sighed heavily and returned her gaze to him, pleasantly surprised to find his deep gemmed stare searching her own. ”It is no fault of your own.” Belle assured him gently. ”You couldn’t have known.” She shook her head lightly. ”I should be apologizing, you shouldn’t be subject to my emotional weakness.”

Loss was hardly something Magnus had felt in his life, though he was sure his family had felt some sort of inkling of it when he disappeared. They hardly cared for him though, their suffering was hardly as painful as what Deathbelle had been through. He was ignorant to her losses though, but could tell she'd been through a number of them in her years from her expression. Family, lovers, children, he wasn't sure but it had caused her pain and made his heart sink as he thought about it further.

Her words did little to make him feel better, but helped in a small way. Perhaps it was just her understanding that he didn't know, but it didnt quell the feeling of sadness that quelled within. Carefully he rose and steppes gingerly around to settle close to her, his body curling around itself yet his fur mingled with hers in places. He reached to wrap his head around hers and pull her into a hug should she allow it. "They will always be with you." He whispered softly, loud enough for only her to hear.