Warmth Intertwines With Cold

Chapter 1: Winter Woods

A very long time ago, when Pixie Hollow was very young, a newly crowned Queen Clarion longed for an adventure into the mysterious Winter Woods.

Clarion stood in front of the circular window in her bedroom, looking out into those cold enchanting woods. Its pristine aura allured all those who chanced upon it, stopping for just a moment to let that sight be etched into their memory.

She wore the winter wear clothes Fairy Mary had prepared for her. She must admit, the feeling of her fragile golden monarch wings bent, and tucked in felt odd and was a strange sensation to her. However, she was sure she would get used to it after a few days of being in winter.

The brunette ajusted her bangs, moving strands of almond brown hair to one side. Satisfied, she twirled around in her gold winter gown, admiring how the gown swirled through the air.

" I hope I do leave a good impression on the winter fairies..." She said under her breath. It would be the first time she ever met them. Would they accept her as the new queen? I wonder what they are like... I wonder what the Lord of Winter is like... She shook her head, cutting off her thoughts. I must be brave, I'm sure I'll be able to win their hearts.

The sound of the door knocking broke her trance of thoughts.

Although Clarion did not see them enter the door, she predicted their arrival before her enticipated voyage. She continued to look at her reflection, glancing at her ministers through the window's reflection. " My dear ministers, I reassure you I do not need anyone to accompany me to the Winter Woods. As the queen, I am perfectly cabable on my own," She reassured them in a soft but stern voice.

" Are you sure, my queen? None of the previous queens of Pixie Hollow ever ventured into the Winter Woods. It was always the Minister of Winter who gave updates on the preparations for winter! Even they did not go as far as to venture into that icy, cold and insecure frost," The Minister of Winter, Snowflake advised her, her eyebrows furrowed. All of the Ministers agreed in unison, noding their heads. The Queen of Pixie Hollow is far too important to risk losing her wings due to the sheer cold in winter.

Clarion gave all of them a single look, chuckling softly before stating, " I know and appreciate that you all are worried for my safety. However, I assure you that I will only stay in the Winter Woods for not more than two days at a time, until the preparations for winter ends. I promise to take care of myself," . She turned around and gave all of them a soft, but gentle smile.

" Utter nonsense! I'm sure my queen will do just fine in the winter woods, I whole-heartedly believe and trust her," The Minister of Autumn, Redleaf exclaimed. There was a warm sachrrine smile implanted on his face. His words were followed by an incoherrent string of agreements and nods.

" Thank you, Redleaf," The queen smiled calmly. She turned to face the window, where she could see that harsh season of winter far away. She continued," I understand that you are all worried for my safety, as the newly crowned queen. This arrangement will only be temporary until I place my trust in the Lord of Winter that Winter will go smoothly. Plus, wouldnt you want to know more about that mysterious cold season?"

" I'd rather stay far into the season of summer, my queen," The Minister of Spring, Hyacinth shivered from the false cold, his fingers gripping onto his sleeves, trembling.

  Clarion chuckled at his antics, placing her hand in front of her mouth to cover her saccharine smile.

" -Fine, we wont stop you from going, but please be careful dear. Its only been three seasons since your coranation!" Fairy Mary proclaimed, turning her around and pulling up Clarion's collar. She then swept fake dust off Clarion's shoulder. Fairy Mary sighed and continued, " I understand how much you want to prove yourself worthy as the Queen. As your friend, Ill accompany you to the border," She offered, opening the door for her.