Author's Note

My first submission here, I hope you enjoy it. I've provided a bit of lore here just in case you're interested. It isn't necessary to understand the story but may help you get your bearings. Thanks again for stopping by.

Epic Crystalys

A small trail winding behind me is the only thing that breaks the pristine landscape of unending snow. Large snowflakes fall silently to the ground, the air still, without a trace of wind. The kingdom of Crystalys is larger than I had first thought, and though the moon still hung high in the southern sky when I departed, a late evening sun caused the Snow Fortress ahead to cast shimmering shards of light in triple halos around it. Ever since I had left the southern pine forests it had shone, the fortress stark against the dark faces of the Shaidar Crags. Fluted towers pushed impossibly towards the sky, connected by delicate crosswalks than seemed to hang effortlessly in the air.

I continued to trudge through the knee high snow, nearing the capital of all Crystalys. The high archway dwarfed the two guards who stood silently on either side of it. A heavy hooded cloak covered their whole bodies, covered in a thin layer of freshly fallen snow. It was only right before I reached the front entrance that the snow was packed enough for me to get a solid footing.

I bowed in front of the men, stating my name and business. Just as quietly as the snow falls, the guards opened wide the doors with silent nods. Stepping over the threshold, I lightly tapped the snow from my boots and shook the powder from my coat before entering. I shrugged off the garment, a rag tag conglomerate of colorful leather swatches with an extensive amount of fur trim at the collar. What surprised me first was how warm it was inside this castle, even though the elegant walls were composed of tightly packed snow. The sculpted interior glittered like gems with every step. The floor shone like thick ice, or brilliant glass, though my foot never slipped. Intricate stairwells spiraled off into the vaulted ceiling, suspended by glimmering white pillars. I was startled as, the gatekeepers shut the front doors behind me, the cold air ceasing with it. Yanking my gold and orange cap out of a weathered rucksack on my back, I crammed it roughly on my head , mumbling to myself as to break the eerie silence of Crystalys.

While adjusting the golden bells that hung down from my cap, I noticed another presence in the vast hall. A short warrior slouched against a wall, her frame bedecked with the gilded armor of a distinguished guard. Wisps of wavy brown hair peeked out from under a tight fitting leather skull cap. Sure enough, the symbols of the Frozen Blade were apparent on her helm and breastplate. Though her face was stern with a trained resolve, her eyes shone with a bubbling energy that I predicted could only be seen in pubs and on the battlefield. With a leisurely walk, she crossed over to me, extending her hand. Her head barely came up to my chest but even the way she strolled hinted at hidden strength and surefootedness.

"You must be the visitor Our Lady has been expecting," She said, her eyes focusing on my hastily donned cap, "A jester, eh?"

"I must confess, I am such guest," I replied sheepishly, making a shabby flourish, still in my ragged travel clothes, "And here to jest."

"I am Staff Sergeant Javanelle, and I will be escorting you to Our Lady's royal hall. I'm sure you are anxious to meet her, coming on such short notice."

A shy nod of my head was enough for Javanelle to head down a glimmering passage way. I followed complacently and although Javenelle continued to empathetically describe the various places we passed, I heard and remembered little. Snowy globes lit the way, emitting a soft light from within their depths. Even the wondrous sights of the castle could not break me out of my thoughts. My mind was weighing and balancing the negotiations I would soon have with the Snow Queen. She had the potential of being a fearsome adversary or a powerful ally, but the cards had to be played exactly right. Since I'm used to changing at a moment's notice, and always enjoy displaying my sleight of hand, I slipped into my full fool's finery while the Sergeant was distracted. From the puffy shoulders to the curling toe shoes, I shone in the same gold and orange as my cap. Once she reached the doors that I could only assume lead to the Snow Queen's royal hall, I was rewarded by her widened eyes, betraying her usually stony warrior's facade.

"Well aren't you the clever one," She said smugly. I answered with a small smile and a curt bow, "Make sure you watch your airs in Our Lady's presence. Neither she nor General Sammei take kindly to arrogance."

"I'll do my best," I replied, shaking three colorful leather balls out of my right sleeve. Tossing them lightly into the air, I began to juggle, an activity that was so natural to me now that I found myself doing it without noticing. The familiar feel of the routine calmed my nerves. With one hand, Javanelle pushed open the icy entrance and with a deep breath and a shake of the head, I ducked inside