Another New Beginning

“How many blasted steps do I have to take in this place?!”

The door crashed open with a bang, startling the Queen of Espeor. What had been a relatively quiet morning was suddenly interrupted by a stranger's appearance in her hall.

The brightly colored mare was frowning, looking around in distaste. Cat hissed, fur puffing up, as Khaalida took a slightly defensive position.

“We are in the Mountains,” Khaalida said dryly. “Most travel here is either up or down hill. What brings you to Espeor, stranger?”

The mare locked eyes with Khaalida, her gaze intense and challenging. Khaalida stood straight, staring back with a hint of amusement dancing in her gaze. Was this a joust challenger?

“Haukea sent me on an asinine mission,” the mare said. “For this Solstice everyone is to learn a new skill, non magical mind you, and practice their magic as usual too.”

Khaalida raised an eyebrow, noting the mare’s reluctant posture, as if she would leave the moment the message was delivered.

“I take it you serve under Haukea. Seems to be a lot of newcomers to the service since this year's earlier chaos. What is your name?” Khaalida asked.

“King,” the mare replied, tossing her mane a bit. Khaalida barely hid her hint of a smile. It was indeed a fitting name.

“A pleasure, King. I am Khaalida, Queen of Espeor,” Khaalida replied.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Message delivered, bye!” King said, turning for the door.

“Not so fast,” Khaalida said, cutting off her escape. “The deities normally have their servants help, correct?”

King’s shoulders tightened but she did not turn around. “Correct,” she bit out.

“Oh good,” Khaalida said. “With such a big population, the extra help would be great.”

A quick message to Melione, and Quirlicorns began to gather, either using teleportation circles or Melione’s magic. Aelin and Elantaire joined Khaalida as she stood to the side of the steps of her normal speaking area in the central market.

“What is all this about?” Aelin asked, looking around. Her fairy guardian glided down to rest upon Cat’s back.

“We had a visitor from Haukea,” Khaalida said, a slight grin on her face. “With a task for this Solstice. Practicing a new non-magical skill, as well as our magic of course.”

“And why do you look so pleased?” Aelin asked, looking between Khaalida and the mare looking like she would rather be anywhere else.

“King here seems to want nothing to do with this task, not really,” Khaalida said, still grinning.

“And?” Aelin asked, not quite getting it.

“That’s what makes her perfect for it,” Khaalida replied.

Synnove and Eisling joined them moments later, both the mares and their wolf familiars looking a bit tired from morning training already. Sadira wasn’t far behind, the gentle mare looking around with a knowing look.

As everyone gathered, Khaalida watched the crowd, interest sparking in her gaze as she saw another new figure, one she hadn’t seen in Espeor before.

“A Mystic,” Aelin said in surprise, realizing swiftly it was not one that she had met before. The dark mare seemed both surprised and annoyed, her dual tail’s twitching slightly. Melione teleported in another group, and Aelin’s eyes widened as she saw another Mystic in the crowd.

“Two unknown Mystics,” Aelin corrected.

“Perfect,” Khaalida said, that same grin still present on her face.

“Do you know something we don’t know?” Synnove asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Maybe,” Khaalida admitted, but would say no more.

Once everyone had gathered, Khaalida took her place on the raised steps, gesturing for King to join her.

“Welcome everyone!” Khaalida began. “We come together again for another Solstice, the last of the year. This year has been… Well, a bit chaotic. But to celebrate the birth and growth of the new Sacred Dew Trees, as well as the Solstice, we have a representative from Haukea to join us!

“Haukea wishes us to rejoice in our magic, but also be prepared. So she has a task for us this Solstice,” Khaalida said, gesturing for King to explain.

King shot Khaalida a hefty dose of side-eye, before stepping forward and taking a breath.

“Haukea saw the chaos that ensued over the lack of magic, and her greatest wish is for us to be prepared in case anything like this happens again. So for this Solstice she has asked that every Quirlicorn practice a new skill. Something non-magical and useful for day-to-day life, that you can rely on in the event that magic ever fails again. While the deities do not see this happening, Haukea has the best interests of all Quirlicorns at heart as she asks me to come to you today during this celebration,” King said, her voice regal and carrying well across the open space.

“And to do this, King will be helping assist with our preparations. Because we have so many here, we will head out to the fields and set up areas. Vendors and Skillmasters, this is your time to shine! We ask you to please assist as well, in teaching others some of your skill. In addition to learning new skills, we will also set up an area for jousting, so we can all practice magics. You have the day to prepare, and we will meet tomorrow morning bright and early for a Solstice celebration!” Khaalida said, and cheers rang through the square.

King gave Khaalida an appraising look, seeming to take measure of the cheers and joy their queen brought them, a new light to her eyes as she looked around.

The rest of the day was a flurry of activity, but Aelin found herself following Khaalida to one of her meeting rooms. Some quick words to Melione had the other Mystic heading out, and Aelin felt her curiosity rising.

Cat and Elantaire lounged in front of the fire, and Khaalida stood looking outside as snow began to fall.

“The first snow, on the eve of the Solstice. Perhaps this will bring us good fortune,” Khaalida said idly.

“Perhaps, though one might wonder why it has not yet snowed this far north,” Aelin replied.

“Perhaps,” Khaalida agreed. “Do you know why I asked you to come with me?”

“Not entirely,” Aelin admitted. “I suppose it has something to do with what you sent Melione out for, though.”

“Yes,” Khaalida said, her gaze seeming to look beyond the world around them. “You remember how the Seer said my path was not yet at its end. I’ve felt a stirring in the world. Chaos erupted during the Summer Solstice, then the Equinox was giving visions of Zombies. Not only that, but our magic weakened when the threat was rising, and I heard that the new Dew Trees were attacked.”

“Attacked?” Aelin gasped.

“Perhaps not quite attacked, but something was feeding off their magic, drawing magic from the trees. Since the trees were connected to the Original Sacred Tree, it was drawing upon magic as a whole from our world. The deities confiscated the Dark Artifacts, and the trees were healed but… I feel I must do more to protect my people, my lands. Where the world was once closed to me, I feel new power. A new purpose. But for that, I will need strong Quirlicorns by my side.”

Aelin considered the words, a slight frown coming over her features. “What do you plan to do?”

Khaalida grinned. “Make friends.”

Melione appeared in the doorway moments later, and Aelin’s eyes widened as she saw the two Mystics they had noted earlier standing there.

“Thank you for joining us,” Khaalida said.

“I’m not sure we had much choice,” the dark mare with dual twisting horns said, raising an eyebrow.

“Perhaps not. But I did ask Melione to retrieve you for a reason. My name is Khaalida, and this is Aelin.”

Aelin gaped at the implied words, looking between all the Quirlicorns gathered.

“I am Loire,” the one who had spoken previously replied. The other mare, paler in coat but with green hues as well, was watching with curious eyes.

“I am Arwen,” she said. “Why did you call us here?”

Khaalida looked between the two Mystics. “Times are changing, and with these forces on the horizon I must do what I can to protect my people. I would like to offer you a position in my council, in exchange for your support.”

“Support with what?” Loire asked, looking a bit surprised at the audacity.

Khaalida explained her plan, and it left the four mares staring wide eyed.

“Can… Can you really do that?” Aelin asked.

“I suspect so, but not without gaining more power,” Khaalida admitted. “What I plan is a huge undertaking, and having all three of you as part of my Council will greatly help.”

“Three?” Melione asked, looking between them all.

“Yes,” Khaalida admitted. “Melione, I will need you to stay here. You have proven yourself reliable and a friend many times, and I will need someone I can trust watching over my lands here. Especially someone with whom I can communicate easily. You will have a different position, my official Mystic of my Mountains region home.”

Arwen considered it, shifting slightly. Her gemstones glinted in the pale light coming from the window, and danced in the light of the flames.

“I shall accept,” Arwen said, finally. “Your vision for the world is a good one.”

Loire looked between them, then shrugged. “A trial basis. I work with you, and see how I like it,” Loire said, a bit noncommittal.

“Thank you both. And Aelin?” Khaalida said, nodding to each in turn before turning to the Icy Mystic.

Aelin felt her chest warm. The amount of trust and kindness that Khaalida had shown here these months… “I gladly accept,” Aelin said.

“Very good. We start tomorrow,” Khaalida said with a grin.

The morning of the solstice dawned with no calls of zombies, but the air of rushed anticipation and preparation was still evident. The fields in front of the city came alive, with stalls and vendors, shopkeepers and tinkerers, all setting up shop. The posts marking the jousting area were getting set up, Quirlicorns already practicing new magics as they found ways to make the setup easier.

To everyone’s surprise more Mystics showed up, talking with Khaalida briefly, then joining in the preparations. It was all going so well, things falling into place perfectly.

Khaalida was nearly ready to begin the festivities when Sidra emerged. It had been a few months since her daughter's transformation, and there had been some secret news that Khaalida was excited to tell. Due to the nature of their long Quirlicorn lives, it was not unusual for Quirlicorn mothers to still bear children, even as their own children grew and did. And so, when Sidra had turned up with another young mare, Silhouette by her side, and announced that she was expecting a child, Khaalida had been happy to share the same news.

Despite the turbulence of the months leading up to the Solstice, there was pure joy in the air as Khaalida greeted her daughter.

“Sidra, daughter, how are you?” Khaalida said, nuzzling her daughter.

The past few months had seen their bond strengthen to a level it never had been before, even when Sidra was living in Espeor.

Sidra smiled gently, a soft knowing smile, and Khaalida gasped, noticing her daughter's slimmer figure.

“She was born?” Khaalida asked, and Sidra nodded, gesturing behind her.

Her herd emerged from the crowd, surrounding and guarding their youngest member from being knocked about by the festivities.

“Mother, may I present to you Phoebe of Valisthea,” Sidra said, as her herd stepped to the side, revealing the star-kissed foal within their ranks.

She was small, and precious, and all the hope for the world that Khaalida dreamed of every day.

“Hail, Phoebe, and be welcome within Espeor,” Khaalida said, formal words for the occasion.

Quirlicorns around them had stopped to notice, some gawking at Sidra’s change of appearance, others at the sense of wonder that came with two deities standing together, one mother, one daughter.

And perhaps some day, granddaughter. As Phoebe faced Khaalida, her eyes were wise, and gentle. Something beautiful rested within her soul.

“Hail grandmother Khaalida, of Espeor. I am honored by your welcome,” Phoebe said in a quiet, yet calm voice. Khaalida smiled.

“You have taught her well,” she commented to Sidra.

“Indeed,” Sidra replied with a smile, then gestured to Khaalida’s own belly. “And how fares your pregnancy?”

“I believe I am carrying two, who will arrive soon,” Khaalida replied.

“Hopefully not during the Solstice,” Sidra joked, and Khaalida laughed.

“Speaking of, it is just about time to begin!”

King joined Khaalida on the wide stage before the field. “Took you long enough,” King commented. “Though I admit proper etiquette must be followed.”

“Don’t worry, there will be a ceremony later. While she may be Sidra’s heir, she is still a princess of Espeor as well,” Khaalida said with a wry smile.

King looked over the gathered Quirlicorns, and Khaalida’s own family, standing to the side. Something glistened in her eyes for a moment, and Khaalida tried to see it how King saw it.

Her family. Her sons and her daughters, all standing together, even Sidra and her herd standing with her half siblings. How strange, it must be, looking in from the outside at the bonds that brought them all together.

“You are welcome to visit any time, King,” Khaalida said gently.

King snorted, as if it were beneath her to visit another Queendom, but Khaalida saw the twinkle in her eye that might have been mischief, might have been a tear.

“We come together today to celebrate the Solstice once more! Many have come and gone within Espeor, and it brings me great joy to welcome all the new faces. Thank you, King, for joining us as well, and being the representative of Haukea in these celebrations.

“Without further ado, let us practice our magic and new skills as we help each other become stronger, together!”

Laughter was heard, as well as a few curses as things went wrong. But as Khaalida watched over her Quirlicorns, she couldn’t help but smile.

As she wandered the winding paths between tents, she saw Sidra and Phoebe learning how to tie sailors knots, and further down, Aelin was standing with Arwen and Loire as a blacksmith went over how he crafted raw metal into gorgeous and often delicate jewelry.

Khaalida felt both peaceful and restless, knowing she would soon leave. The land was calling her again, another great adventure to be had, and the mare knew her time was close. She regretted that she could not stay longer with her foals but…

“Sidra, I have a favor to ask of you,” Khaalida said, as she joined her daughter and granddaughter.

“What is it, Ma?” Sidra asked, stepping away to talk as Phoebe followed the elderly sailors instructions, creating some kind of fancy knot that looked like a dreamcatcher of sorts.

“When I have my foals, will you take them with you?”

“What do you mean?” Sidra asked, confusion lacing her tone.

“I mean…. Something is calling me into the land, and I will not be able to be home. These foals will be born with magic, like you were. And although I tried to teach you the best I could… Keeping you here, until it was safe, was not right. I want my daughters to know what it is like to live before they are tied to the land. Leesi and Koa, they had the benefit of a young city, with a lot of freedom, and once they were older, then they got the duties. Signe and Zehar were lucky as well, being needed in the outskirts far from the city. But by the time I had you, Espeor needed a princess. And that is all you knew. I want to do better by my daughters than I did by you. When my daughters are born, they will be princesses. I want them to know…. Oh goodness I’m rambling,” Khaalida sighed. “I want them to live a free life, Sidra. I want them to have that, even if it’s not forever.”

Sidra looked at her mother with understanding and sadness. She understood too well how that was, but…. “Ma, are you going to visit them? Are you going to have a part in their life?”

Khaalida smiled gently, but sadly. “As often as I can, yes,” Khaalida replied. “But I want to give them the best chance they have. I want them to have a chance to choose this life. And you can give that to your sisters.”

Sidra blinked, as if it hadn’t entirely occurred to her. “Sisters,” she murmured. Khaalida could see the weight of the responsibility settled into Sidra, before she even nodded.

“I shall, Ma. I will raise them, until they are old enough to make their decision.”

“At least they will have a playmate,” Khaalida said, with a sad but grateful smile, looking over to Phoebe.

“That they shall,” Sidra said, watching as her daughter gave a soft and quiet smile at the various knots that she had laid before her.

Phoebe turned to them then, her eyes bright. “I will have siblings?” Phoebe asked.

“Perhaps, but not the ones coming to visit us. They will be your Aunts,” Sidra said.

Phoebe considered that. “Even though they are younger than me?”

“Yes, Quirlicorn’s live for a long time.”

“Perhaps I shall call them sister anyway,” Phoebe mused. “I always wondered what it would be like to have a little brother or sister.”

“How long have you wondered that, Phoebe? You are so young yourself,” Khaalida teased, in awe of the young foal's intelligence.

“Well, at least since I realized I was the only foal in the herd,” Phoebe said. “It gets lonely, having no one to play with except adults.”

At this, Khaalida laughed, knowing her daughters would be in the best kind of company.

Decision made, Khaalida ventured back out into the crowd again. Cat purred, rubbing up against Khaalida’s legs, a reassuring feeling as Khaalida considered her next decisions.

So many things falling into place, so many choices she had made that were leading to this.

Change was on the air, and she was to greet it.

So Khaalida looked at her people and smiled, and joined in with their activities. She drifted from stall to stall, trying various new things, before settling on map making. It seemed a useful activity to learn, and the Quirlicorn who taught was patient. Khaalida had knowledge of maps, but the way they were crafted, the artistry that went into them awed her, amazed her. The detail, the precision, the way they crafted something that was so large into a manageable space. Khaalida smiled, knowing this skill would benefit her as she walked the world once more.

It was nearly evening, the magic and the skills slowing down in favor of feasting and relaxing. But chaos soon erupted, with a loud voice that sounded very much like King.

“I came here, didn’t I? What more do you want?”

Khaalida rushed over, sharing a concerned look with Sidra, Aelin and Phoebe as she joined them on the edges of a circle. Within the middle were King and Haukea…. Facing off?

“Maybe if you actually put an effort into helping others,” Haukea said dryly, and was that…. Oh goodness were those icicles floating in the air around them?

“I did! I supervised!” King said, with a haughty snort. “Can’t have my coat getting dirty, I don’t know the state of their baths around here.”

“We have very nice baths I will let you know,” Khaalida cut in, stepping forward.

“Oh hello Khaalida, lovely to see you again. Hopefully this year won’t be as much cleanup as last year's snow,” Haukea said, tone completely changing.

“Oh no, you aren’t going to take that tone with me then completely change it around!” King said, with a huff.

Khaalida blinked in surprise at the audacity, then sighed. Oh, why was it never a calm solstice without any chaos?

“Alrighty then. King, we have very nice baths, so any damage to your coat can be repaired. They are not only fed by underground hot springs, but we have a fine collection of soaps and salts to be used as well.

“Haukea, King has actually been very helpful to us for this Solstice. She stepped up to the plate, and has assisted in all areas of preparation and practice. While she may not have been actively getting dirty, she had been great at keeping others safe while practicing their magics and other more dangerous skills,” Khaalida said, looking between the two.

The icicles that were floating around slowly lowered, and turned to snow, falling to the ground.

“Well… that's good then. Why didn’t you just say that, King?” Haukea said.

“What fun is that?” King asked, a bit of a smirk on her face.

An answering hint of one crossed Haukea’s face, and Khaalida looked between the two, a slight worry coming to mind.

Goodness, what would this pair get up to when they were back in the Icy Region?

“Haukea, would you like to join us for the feast?” Khaalida asked, turning back to the polite host mode.

“Perhaps a snack for the road, I have many more lands to check in on tonight,” Haukea said, and Khaalida nodded.

“We will prepare something for you for your travels,” Khaalida said, with a smile and Haukea nodded.

“You and I will have words when you are back,” Haukea said to King, before following Aelin who had gestured to the Icy Deity to follow her, presumably to catch up as well.

“Well, that was something else,” Khaalida said, watching as things slowly went back to normal.

“Are all Solstice’s like this?” Phoebe asked, and Khaalida chuckled.

“Chaotic? Normally,” she admitted.

Phoebe nodded, then smiled slightly. “I am excited to get older to enjoy more of them.”

“Oh, don’t grow up too fast,” Khaalida said with a smile. “Half the fun is the mischief you can get away with when you are young!”

Khaalida shared a glance with Sidra, before the two looked back to Phoebe. At the puzzled expression on the foal's face, the two mares burst into laughter.

“Come on, let’s go eat,” Khaalida said, leading her daughter and granddaughter into the main hall, where food and good stories waited for them.