The Old Gods

The Crimson Sea

The warriors, from Gora Nevskaya were welcomed in the glory, and hospitality of the people who regained hope that they could win the war that was coming. The pagans were the first allies who came to Walnia in this desperate situation.

"Our friends came to support us in battle, Queen Zhanna, the Queen of Gorna Nevskaya, is here, and together, we shall fight this war!" Zorya announced.

"In the name of myself and the people of Walnia, I am grateful Queen Zhanna, but I have so many questions for you." Darius said.

The pale and fragile Queen smiled at the King and nodded.

"Your children are fine, and they are already training to become the glorious and big people. You would be so proud to see them, so little, but yet so full of life and hope. They are not angry at you for leaving them in Gora Nveskaya, they understand, and they are proud of you as well, and they are eagerly awaiting for the moment, when you will come back for them and take them to Walnia to be a family again." Queen Zhana spoke.

Both, Zorya and Darius held each other close while listening about their children, they missed being a family again so deeply, and Queen Zhanna reminded them what is worth fighting for.

"I hope we will survive the war, and come back for them soon." Zorya said.

"My prayers are with the two of you at every moment, this is a dangerous enemy you are facing, but we shall face him together." Zhanna said.

"What about Boris? How did he accept everything? How is he?" Zorya asked.

"Boris is a sick man, he is sick and blinded by his loss, and his loneliness. He had no choice but to accept your family, because if he didn't, the people would kill him. He was against doing this, but I don't see other purpose of me being his Queen, but to help a one true Queen." Zhanna said.

"What about Mira and Vadim?" Darius asked the question Zorya was afraid to ask. Deep inside Zorya dreamed about coming back home, and seeing her parents, together with twins, teaching them about life, about wars, about what it means to be a real ruler.

"They are in Vyraj now." Zhanna answered.

"They truly earned their place there, may they watch over us from the sky, as we fight." Zorya said.

"They will never abandon you, no matter what you choose Queen Zorya, no matter what your religion is, you are a Goddess to your people." Zhanna said

"I am a Christian now, Zhanna, but I shall accept my fate, if people of Gora Nveskaya, decide to make me one of their Goddesses, but I don't think someone like me deserves that." Zorya said.

"Please, let's go in the castle, you can eat and rest there, unfortunately I don't think you will have much time to enjoy our hospitality, because we heard that the enemy is closer." Darius said.

"Your enemy is closer then you could even imagine, King of the Dark, I believe that tomorrow we shall be fighting." Zhanna said.

"We are prepared, and now with warriors of Gora Nevskaya, we finally have hope, that we could also win." Darius said.

"I heard that Walnia never fallen before in the hands of foe, and I don't believe that it will be any different now." Zhanna answered.

And with that, Zorya had one more night, to spend in the safe arms of her beloved husband, before the true war begins and the death try to set the two of them apart. That last, silent night, the two of them spent, was like the stolen moment from paradise that they could never let go. And when they know that their children are awaiting for their return, they were ready to fight harder than ever before in their lives.