Ingrid's Story

Fawn carefully finished her letter to send out. She was planning a celebration for the Fall harvest. She needed to make sure that there was going to be enough food for the Kingdom, after all, this was celebrating the farmers who made all their food. She had to be grateful for them. She sighed as she put the letter in the mail box and went back inside and sat on her throne. She clapped her hands twice. "Alexander?" She called, beckoning for him to come by her side.

Ingrid smiled as she laid down in the freshly fallen leaves. She had spent some time in the kingdom of Summer, and now she was cooling off in the Autumn kingdom. She loved the Middle. After all, all the kingdoms were next to each other. You had to love that. In the very middle, that's where everything grew, and where the temperature was perfect. Ingrid went back to the middle and sat down there. She smiled. "Perfect,"

Fawn smiled. "Is everything ready for the harvest party?" Alexander nodded. "Good. Because it seems like everything's handled, how about we go for a walk? It's quite nice today," Fawn stood up and headed into the forest with Alexander.

Ingrid could smell the bread baking. She had found a few coins and knew she could buy a loaf of bread from the Kingdom of Autumn. It had the second best bread, and she loved it. She brought two slices and headed back into the forest. She usually had berries from the forest, but she might as well have some bread. She went to the outskirts of the forest to eat her bread. She could see the Queen and a guard walking around. She listened in.

"I have no idea what to do, none of the Queens are agreeing at all, and I can already tell it's not going to be good-" Suddenly, the Queen tripped, hitting her leg on rocks and a pokey tree branch. Ingrid watched as the guard kneeled down and check her leg. It was cut open and was bleeding. Ingrid slowly crept out of the forest.
"I-I can help," She whispered.

Alex walked beside his queen while he listened to her troubles. She didn't know it but he was also worried about the toll this was having on her. When she tripped and hurt her leg he had barely grabbed her enough that she didn't fall and hit her head. As he was examining the wound he heard a noise. Immediately he was up and had his sword out. He Immediately located the the girl and had his sword inches from her throat. "State your name, peasant." He did not hide the hostility in his voice.

Fawn carefully touched the hilt of the sword. "Alexander, she's a child, not a ruthless criminal," Fawn said. Alexander lowered his sword. Fawn looked at the girl. "What's your name?" Ingrid took a small breath.

"My name is Ingrid. I-I can help," She said. Fawn looked confused. "Huh?" Ingrid kneeled down to look at the wound. She held her hands above it. The blood started to disappear, then her cut started to close up. In a few seconds, it was gone. "H-How did you do that?" Fawn asked.

Alex never put his sword away and never took his hand off. He was very suspicious of Ingrid. Of course he never trusted anyone to touch her. As soon as the wound was healed he narrowed his eyes at Ingrid. He understood that it was a rare power and was very uncommon. He squeezed the handle lightly unsure of whether to trust the girl or not. "Where are you from Ingrid?"

Ingrid looked around for a second. "I guess... Everywhere? I don't really live anywhere, mainly in the forest though," She was silent for a second. "I don't know where I was born, if that's what you were asking," Ingrid added. Fawn stood up.

"Where ever you're from, thanks," She said. "Would you like to come with us? If you want you can have dinner and maybe stay the night," Fawn offered. "T-t-thank you. I will," Fawn lightly placed her hand on Ingrid's back.

Alex cleared his throat and in a soft tone took the queens free hand. "I do not think it best that we bring strangers to dinner with us. I am sure we can situate her with a suit oval home in the kingdom." He pleaded so that she would understand his desperate need to keep her safe.

"I don't think she really needs that, she probably doesn't have any money, it's just one night and she's just a little girl! Not an enemy. I doubt she's capable of hurting us at all," Fawn whispered. "It's just one night," Ingrid hung her head low.

"I-I can hear you. I can just leave. I'm fine," Ingrid said lowering her head some more.

E
Much like most days Ember awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and falling leaves. She'd slept late again. She hadnt really planned to stay up all night working on her latest painting but like most times she'd stayed up past the time the moon centered the night sky. With a yawn and shrug she sat up and began to dress to go down to the market. She was running low on food... again. It was only a few days ago that Alfonse had warned her of it but she'd been so caught up on things to do that she'd forgotten about it till now. Her hand paused at the door handle as she thought of her brother. Would he drop by today? He never warned her when he'd come visit her. He barged into her home as if he lived here on a daily basis and left only when the sun was almost gone. With a small smirk she thought to herself, He'd probably live here too if his mother wouldn't have a heart attack about it. Chuckling, she stepped out, locked the door and walked the familiar forest path to the bustling streets of the market. It took her a while to get to "civilization" but Ember didnt mind the walk much. As per usual, people stopped, stared and skirted around her as if she carried a disease that was contagious. And as was her usual she ignored it, straightened her posture in a rigid form and kept up a mask of complete indifference and no emotions. It was easier to deal with it this way than confrontation.

Having bought food and a few other simple things she made her way back home with more ease. Nothing bad usually happened but sometimes people werent the most welcoming towards her. A commotion up ahead caught her eye and she slowed slightly. There werent all that many people that it was apparently obvious but the few that were huddled near each other and pointed towards an even more smaller group only a few steps or so away from them. As she neared closer she finally discerned who the smaller group consisted of and why the people pointed and whispered. The Queen of Autumn herself stood before them, her guard at her side and a small child of maybe 12 or 13. Ember sighed and rolled her eyes at the small crowd of onlookers. Once she was just behind them she gathered up her composure and said in a frosty tone, "You'd think people would have better things to do and mind their own bloody business."

The gathering of people, 7 or so that she'd counted, jumped and swirled around at her voice. Upon seeing her they glared and dispersed faster than she could count to ten. Satisfied, she gave the royal company a last glance before pulling up the hood of her cloak and continuing her way home. There werent many times she'd seen the Queen, only a handful of times had she seen the young woman in passing and not even for long periods of times. She was glad a guard accompanied her, though she knew nobody in the castle would be quite dumb enough not to place a careful eye to their Queen. Her subjects may be loyal but there did exist questionable people in the Kingdom and those outside that always seem to slip in unnoticed seeking her harm. With a sigh, Ember shook her head knowning she wouldnt be able to survive a day in the Queens shoes. And now there was talk of war! No, Ember had enough on her plate to ever switch with someones life. Finally in front of her doorstep she opened up the door to her home and almost dropped her basket of goodies at the sight of her brother in her living room.


A
Alfonse almost laughed at the look of alarm on his sisters face upon seeing him inside her home. No matter how many times Ember locked up her home she could never figure out how Alfonse made it in or out for that matter. Stifling that urge, he stood from his preferred seat and walked over to his sister. Finally composing herself she glared at him with irritation rather than real anger. Alfonse could detect the slightest bit of admiration but that was gone as quickly as it had appeared. "When will you learn to send over a calling card or warn someone that you're coming over? And how, for Autumns sake, did you even get in?" she grumbled at him as she made her way to the kitchen. He followed close behind her allowing a small noise of amusement to escape his lips and watched as she placed her goodies in their designated spot. His sister, such an orderly and odd creature she was but he didnt mind that at all. As always he ignored her questions and smiled at her boyishly. "Do I get to have my pick of dinner today since you've restocked?" he asked.

"I'm serious Alfonse... What if its not you next time? If you can get in without a hitch wont it be just as easy for anyone else to get in?" she asked him.

His mood darkened at the thought but he perked right up. "No. Not everyone is as amazing as me. Dont worry, I'll get you a dog if you're that worried." he said, knowing he'd won this time. He watched as his sister slowed in her actions and her face struggled to stay neutral. Soon enough though a small tentative smile stretched her lips. "A doggy? Really?" He smiled and nodded. He could practically see her vibrating with excitement at the thought. His sister turned toward the goodies and looked at him over her shoulder, with a grin she asked, "Hows strawberry pie sound like?" Alfonse threw his head back and laughed at her quick change of mood and replied, "Sounds like a plan."

"No." Alex said sternly to the girl. "The queen gets what the queen desires. I will make arrangements for the girl as soon as we get back." The last part was to the queen but he was watching the girl. He helped the queen up and then began walking back towards the castle. Soon they had a crowd gawking at them. Frustrated he was almost to his point of yelling when a girl his age told them to get away. He thanked the girl but was unsure if she heard him. So he began to usher the queen back some more.

(OCC: So she's going to face your raft? Y'know, usually while dealing with enemies you have to deal with their wrath, not their boat)

Fawn shook her head. "Thank god for that girl," She muttered, watching the crowd walk away. Fawn was still confused. Everywhere? Where was her family anyway? Why wasn't she in an orphanage? She decided those were questions for later.

Ingrid laid on one of the plush beds in the castle. She felt comfortable, but she didn't feel like she was at home. She had already had dinner, which was wonderful, but she still wanted berries. It was just her own tradition, she guessed.

Fawn looked at three items on the table. She had always worked best with example. She had a tulip, a burning candle and an ice cube. She sighed. She didn't know who to attack, or who to be allies with. She knew that if she didn't decide soon, she would be the only one unprepared to attack. Suddenly she walked over to the map of the kingdom. If she built up defenses, and because the kingdoms were next to each other, concealed by trees, a sneak attack might work on either Summer or Winter. Spring wouldn't work, because it was diagonal from her. She sighed. She still didn't know half of her plan.

Fawn smiled. I was thinking the same thing. I'll write a letter to both of them,"


To whom it may concern,
There is no way to put it lightly. We are all going to war, and we're all frantically trying to find battle plans. I believe we could all benefit each other in this war, as if we became allies, we could easily take down Tanwen, considering us three are very powerful and she'll have no allies. If either of you considers to not become part of it, remember that Tanwen is no mood for alliances. I wish you both well, as I already have a battle plan of sorts, I wish you very well my dear sisters, and hope you both will side with each other to overtake the Kingdom of Summer.
Sincerely,
Fawn of Autumn Kingdom
Fawn put the letter in the mailbox.
"Hopefully they'll both agree," Autumn said, sighing.

Ingrid came down the stairs, looking for the Queen so she could thank her, but ran into Alexander instead. She then noticed something in his eyes. They were an interesting color, not exactly normal. He had a special power, and she could see it, and what it was.. After all, she had been trained by the best. She had learned to use her powers correctly and how to spot other's powers, whether they had a common power, a rare power or no power at all. She looked at Alexander. He stared to speak, but she cut him off. "Before you demand to know what I'm doing here, I never knew you had a special power. I'd always thought you'd be a normal wind power, but I guess I was wrong," Ingrid said, and then started to walk off.

Alexander grabbed the girls arm and spun her around. "Little girl I will have you know I have no powers at all. You may not believe it but there are some people out there who are strong by the mere will power to protect." He somewhat loosened his grip but wasn't done. "You need to go back to your room. The queen is in no shape to be speaking with tiny peasants. If you need anything a servant will get it for you. It is to late to go outside anyway. Now go!" With that he shoved her back in the direction of her room. Then he stood back in front of the door leading to the room the queen was in. This was the only door and there was no unprotected window so he did not plan to let the little girl in.

Ingrid clenched her teeth. "You sir, are probably one of the rudest people I have ever met. You do have a power. I was trained by the best, and you don't know what I can do. You are not just ordinary. If you ever want to know what you can do, I'll be in the room," Ingrid walked back into her room and started to pack her things up. Her window was open, and if he didn't come back to apologize, she would leave out of the window. She wasn't going to put up with this.

Ingrid finished packing up her things. She peeked through the small key hole in the door. Alexander was still there, grumbling to himself. Ingrid smiled. She opened the window all the way and carefully climbed down the castle wall. She reached solid ground and took off running towards the forest. She finally got to the middle and spotted a small brown bag. Ingrid picked it up and opened it. It had about twenty coins in there. She smiled. She could get a meal at a restaurant with this money. She smiled. Why not? It had live entertainment, and she needed something fun to do instead of standing around all day. She ran into the restaurant. She couldn't wait.

Ingrid sat down at the restaurant. She could see a woman backstage. She was wearing a black dress with white spiders on it. Ingrid thought the woman looked familiar, but it was probably just her imagination., or maybe she had seen her on the streets one day. There were lots of places she could have seen her, or a woman who looked like her. She tried to brush the feeling away, but it was hard. So she just ignored it and waited for the show to begin. She wondered what it would be about, after all, it wasn't everyday you saw a dress with spiders on it.

Fawn sighed. Just two hours until she had to meet Kiah. She trusted Kiah enough, but she could already tell this wouldn't be a permeant alliance. Everyone would turn their backs on everyone eventually. She sighed. She hoped the kingdom of Winter would respond to her letter, and then maybe after Summer, they could take down Spring, and then just either try to live with each other, or just fight it out.

Heava stood staring to the floor from backstage, causing her blond hair to fall over her face slightly. She'd felt eyes on her, but she was unable to trace them. But the feeling had made her spine shiver... "Heava! You're mic is ready, come on we're on!" She was awoken from her thoughts as she was suddenly whisper-yelled at by her guitarist. "Alright, alright. I'm coming, someone would think your wife's in labor..." She muttered to herself, earning a chuckle from the man beside her. Grabbing the mic she nodded to the man and the curtains swung open, and with that she made her way to centre stage. "Hey guys, I'm Heava! Most y'all know me anyway, but today I'm mixing it up. I've decided to do something less... Formal?" She stopped herself there as her statement became a question and shrugged to herself. She put her thumb up to her band and soon she was singing a song she held close to heart.
"Well you only need the light when it's burning low, you only miss the sun when it starts to snow..." She began, her luscious voice filling the room. The crowd became silent then, watching her will awe filled eyes. Heava let her eyes scan them all, and then she saw her. After years of searching, there she was. She continued to sing, but this time looking into her sisters eyes in hope she'd be recognised. In order to help her younger sister remember her, she mouthed "hello again, Innie" as the instrumental came. Soon she was singing again, smiling to herself from the use of the nickname she'd given her sister as a child.

(OCC: Don't you mean Spring? I asked Winter and Spring to align)
Fawn smiled as she got the letter. She read it and wrote a reply.
Dear Serenity,
I am aware that Tanwen can not be beaten easily, but I know that I have a strategy that will work. Spring and I will meet in the middle at midnight tonight, and I hope you will come too,
Your sister,
Fawn
Fawn sighed as she sent the letter.

Ingrid watched the woman sing. Everything was familiar about her. She even knew some of the words to the song. Ingrid noticed the woman glance at her more than once.
Do I know her? Ingrid muttered. Suddenly, she was remembering things.
A man stared down at her from a crib.
"What a wonderful baby," He whispered.
He turned around.
"Would you like to say hello to Ingrid sweetheart?" He asked. An older girl leaned over the crib. Ingrid grabbed onto her finger.
"DAD! She won't let go of my finger!" The girl laughed.
Then Ingrid was in her arms, at a different time of day. "Dad!" She cried out. The man was running away from them. The girl wiped her tears.
"It's ok, he'll be back," Ingrid could feel the girl's tears go down her neck. "It's alright,"
Ingrid looked at the woman. Was this woman her sister? She had to be. Ingrid waited until after the show until she approached her.

Ingrid smiled. She slowly hugged her sister back. Once Ingrid was freed from the extremely tight hug, Heava offered to show Ingrid her cottage. Ingrid was excited. She might just have a home for once. Once she got a small, but fun tour, Ingrid smiled at her sister.
"Come with me, and I''ll show you where I've been living most of this time," She led Heava to the Middle. She showed her the most pretty parts of the forest and then they decided to hang out in the very middle. It was almost midnight, and they had lots to catch up on.

Fawn slowly walked into the forest. She knew that Serenity would be there in a few minutes, and Kiah would too. She slowly walked towards the Middle.

Ingrid stared at the queens. She didn't know they were meeting in the Middle. She noticed some burn marks on the Queen of Autumn. She also noticed scars on the other two queens. She motioned for Heava to hid behind the same tree. Ingrid carefully formed her healing magic and carefully packed into a ball. She threw one at each queen.
Fawn smiled. "Thank you," She said, taking the apple. She bit into it, and noticed a white glow around her. It was around her two sisters too. Her burn marks started to disappear.
"What the-" Fawn stared at her arm, which was wounded with battle scars and burns only a few seconds ago, was now completely normal.