This Shall Be The End

In the far lands of Aandrael, a peculiar world of myths and magic, the peeks of the highest mountain Neverwind were scratching the clear lilac skies. Its volcanic surface glimmered in the sun from the crystalized soft snow that conquered it. Although the harsh life conditions didn't leave much space for a comfortable habitat, its woods and dark caves flourished with life.

A cold breeze announced a strong storm climbing up the cliffs from the western kingdoms, warning the feral creatures to venture into the woods and try conceal themselves from the incoming chaos. One of the inhabitants seemed not to notice the sudden change of temperature and air pressure as it kept skipping carefree up the hill, pulling a loaded wooden sleight behind. A whistled song echoed through the clearing only to be silenced by the loud shifting of air.

"The snow glows bright in the mountain tonight..."

The wind started to howl and swirled the snow around, chilling every living being to the bones.

"...not a footprint to be seen."

A silhouette of a young woman fought against the strong force of nature by moving forward without hesitation.

"A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I'm the... Wait, wait, wait." she stopped abruptly and the cargo on her sleight clacked.

"I certainly ain't no queen. Hmmm... what title do I hold? AHA!" She snapped with her slender fingers and adjusted the straps on her back. She didn't see that one loose rope made its way around her ankle. Rising her arms high above her head, she took a deep breath to continue her song and return to the happy march.

"I'm an engineeeeeer!!! OUF!" her foot was pulled back and she fell on her face. Her body was spread on the snow but she didn't bother to stand up. Waving with her hands and legs, a snow angel was quickly made. She got up, removed the rope and tucked it back where it belonged.

"Now, back to the cave! Nanananananana... Batman!"

She walked a few more meters ahead and entered the hidden cave. The angel was no more as the storm carried a lot of snow and covered it.

A dim light came from an oil lamp hanged on a hook in the wall. The girl took off the harness and patted away the snow from her shoulders. She was wearing a thick pelt coat and leather pants. Her feet were kept warm by some odd looking boots covered with fur and thin belts. In a hidden pocket near her ankle she carried a small hidden knife. There were no dangerous beasts on the mountain but the town on the bottom wasn't as cute as it looked. Indeed, it was named Goodberg, but the dark alleys held their secrets she didn't want to explore. So it always came in handy to have something to defend herself with, whether a sneaky kid wanted to pickpocket her or a gruesome man persistently offered candy.

"Hey Maxim! I'm back and I brought finally the materials we need!" she shouted and at the same time loosened her cargo. A shadow emerged from the back rooms and fluttered up to a shelf.

"Good, good. This time it could actually work." A small snake-like dragon commented while observing the girl. His dark mane waved from side to side as he laughed.

"Hey, don't mock me. You know that I won't give up on this." she spatted at him worried. Even she started to loose hope to her project after so many fails. The observant plum scaled dragon noticed this and added: "If you truly yearn to fly with me Icarus, you should not give up on it." He jumped down on her desk and picked up a paint brush. "Come here young one."

The girl sighted in defeat and stopped picking around the sleight and removed her coat feeling a little bit too warm under it. With that, she revealed a stunning body in a tight corset. A red silk scarf embraced her thin neck and kept her cleavage hidden. She was aware of her looks but had no attention to show it off to the world like other girls.

Slowly she sat on a wooden chair and looked upon the mess on the table. There were all kinds of sketches, algorithms and drawings of her vision of the mechanical wings she worked on. Just recently she found the right leather from an exotic animal that was firm enough to endure the air resistance. Every previous attempt was a disgraceful failure to her. She wasn't the brightest one compared to the other inventors in Goodberg and due to the fact that she was very clumsy and often landed face first in the snow after jumping from a cliff she made very little progress.

The constant bullying drove Icarus and her best friend out from the town and into the solitude of the mountain. There they found the needed peace to continue their work. She wanted to prove everyone that she was capable and worthy to be called an inventor. And this time she could feel that it was almost out of her reach but also that it could be her last attempt.

"Here, this is the one you should try now." Maxim handed her an old sketch he processed in the time she was in town shopping for the needed supplies.

"This is the first sketch I made a few years ago. Why do you think it will work?" she looked up at him in confusion.

"It is the original idea and the only one you made with your heart and soul." he smiled and gave her a nudge with the brush he was holding.

"I guess you are right. I should at least try it. Well then, back to work!" she chirped excited and pumped a fist into the air.

.*a month later*.

The air was dry this specific morning and perfect for testing the new prototype. Their patience was also rewarded with a slight wind that was now blowing into the back of the juvenile girl. She was standing on the very edge of a steep cliff and looking down into the frozen valley.

"Are you ready?" Maxim asked spreading his wings.

"Lets do this!" She stepped forward and lunged from the edge. The wind was hitting her face hard and tears gathered in the corners of her eyes from the soreness. She moved the controls in both her hands and adjusted the mechanics. Her body leveled and she started soaring through the air.

"We did it! We did it!" she squeaked from excitement.

"Try flapping now!" Maxim yelled from behind following her. She moved the mechanics again and started ascending.

"I believe I can fly! I believe I can touch the sky!"

Their happiness was infinite and unmeasurable.

Seems like dreams do come true, right?