Collision

Ashes To Ashes

🔥

I remember...
I remember when things were simple.

When I didn't have to work so hard just to be considered an equal, something I shouldn’t have to be working for, only to barely make it a quarter of the way. Only to be harassed by members of the opposite sex who don’t think I deserved to be where I am, to even work to this point where I can’t even inspire the some of my fellow female peers. I remember when things were simple… and nothing is simple anymore.

Ah, right, where are my manners?

The name’s Jamison Phox, captain of the royal guard of the kingdom of Urfina. The only top female guard in the entire kingdom.
All my life, my future had been planned out for me, from the designs of dresses I would be forced to wear down to the color of the decorations for my wedding.
Growing up in a misogynistic society, having everyone expect you to follow order and certain rules. Being limited on what you can achieve is frustrating… but that’s why I fight. I fight everyday to show I do mean something more than what I was raised for.

My mother barges into my room and swings the curtains open, the light of the sun falling onto my face and startling me.
“Jamison, dear, time to get up, a lady should not sleep in this late in the day.”

I pull the blanket over my head, but it's yanked it off me, and I shiver slightly, being exposed to the cold world for a moment before surrounding myself with my wings, creating heat with the firey feathers.

Sitting up, I am greeted by the sight of my nagging mother.
“How many times have I told you to not to sleep in so late, I even gave you a time to wake up routinely. Do you have any idea what time it is now? What do you do even every night that prompts you to wake up at this time?”

I rub my eyes slightly, breathing gently through parted lips, my nose still stuffy from sleep.
“I was…. I was training last… last night,” I manage to mumble to her.

She rolls her eyes.
“Oh, of course… I don’t know why your father ever got you into that habit, it’ll get you nowhere. Now, get up and out of bed and come to the kitchen, I made breakfast,”
Just when I think she's done her eyes scan me in distaste.
“And change out of those filthy rags you wear every night,” she sighs.
“I don’t buy you beautiful nightgowns for nothing.”
She exits my bedroom and shuts the door.

I get up from my bed, planting my delicate feet onto the soft carpet beneath, stretching my arms, back, and wings, inhaling deeply through my nose to get rid of the stuffy morning feeling, then waltz on over to my closet to get some clothes to wear for the day.

🔥

I exit my bedroom wearing one of the many frocks that my mother has purchased for me, attempting to please her.
When I enter the kitchen she turns to take a look at me, smiling in satisfaction.
“See, dear? It’s always a lot better when you wear the clothes I get you, you always look so gorgeous in them.”

I nod, too tired to deal with her bullshit. I take a seat at a small, wooden dining table, a glass of water already waiting for me, and sip, taking a moment to relax, taking a deep breath… just for a moment.

A knock at the door causes my mother and I perk up.

We're expecting my father, who had been sent out to war for a few months. Wondering if it's him I stand.
I have missed him so much.
My mother heads to the front door with me following.
I can barely contain my grin, I'm so excited.
She opens the door to… a Royal Guard from the palace? Mother looks up in surprise and I feel myself deflate.

“Sir Ferand? Might I ask what brings you here today?”

The Guard holds his hands behind his back, looking down.
“Emlyn, I come bearing some… terrible news…”

I inch closer, my heart racing.
“...Where’s father?”

Ferand looks away from my mother, noticing me for the first time, his eyes filled with sorrow and pain.
Ferrand brings his arms around to his front, holding out a helmet.
My father’s helmet.
I rush forward, gently pushing past my mother and stare at the helmet.
Mother's shaking hands rise to her lips, her face shocked.

“I’m… so sorry but… your father, Captain Radolf… he has been killed in action.”