Chapter Text
Chapter 1: The Prophecy
Winter stepped out into the sunlight, squinting his eyes from the bright flash of light. Ever since Darkstalker disappeared, he hadn’t heard a word from Moon or the other dragonets in the Jade Winglet. As much as he didn’t like to admit it, he missed them, and even though he dedicated almost every waking moment to Sanctuary, stray thoughts wandered into his head; the memories of occasional stutters of Moon or quippy comments that Qibli made in particular refused to settle down.
He shook his head quickly, trying to dispel these thoughts. What would Mother and Father think if they knew I had emotional attachments to those dragons? Surely they would scoff at me and tell me this is why I’m the weakest link in the family. Even after deciding to leave his life behind, the shadows of his past still haunted him every day. However, in the end, he forfeited the Diamond Trial, so even if he wanted to go back, he couldn’t. He relinquished his family for happiness, so why wasn’t he happy?
Trying not to think too deeply of his emotions, he stalked through the streets, checking in on the scavengers in Sanctuary. Each scavenger had a dedicated cage, covered carefully with a layer of clay and sand for camouflage. Winter had gone out to find small things for them to decorate their nests with, which had helped him befriend the small creatures.
Some welcomed him and patted his claws, and he carefully tucked his claws in a way so the serrated edges wouldn’t hurt them. A couple of scavengers were still wary around him, and he could only snort disgruntled mist at them. He’d been here for a couple of moons now, but they were still uncomfortable around him. Nothing can be done about that, I suppose.
Winter tugged a scavenger off his shoulder, wondering how it even climbed up that far in the first place. Placing it carefully on the floor, he headed to the heart of the sanctuary, his office.
Just as he arrived in front of his office, he heard the sounds of wings beating. He turned around, wary. Dragons seldom come by here, unless they want to eat the scavengers. This could be dangerous. He reached his talon out and plucked a string, and immediately bells began jingling all around the sanctuary. There were squeals of panic, followed by scurrying and thuds of cage doors closing. He surveyed the sanctuary, then snorted in approval.
Training has taught them well. I’ll have to go get something delicious for them later. Winter then focused his attention on the nearing sound, squinting to see the dragons making their way to him across the dunes. He ruffled his spikes a little, trying to seem as intimidating as possible, as he tensed, ready for battle.
As the dragons got closer, Winter realized that he recognized them. At first, he couldn’t believe his eyes; he thought a Nightwing and a Sandwing had been stragglers who had spotted him and wanted to take refuge, and possibly food. However, upon closer inspection, it was none other than Qibli and Moon, the very dragons that he had thought of just earlier.
Letting his hackles fall, Winter heaved a sigh of relief and sat down, relaxing his spine. There was no need for him to worry after all. He plucked the string again, this time two times, and bells chimed once more. Scavengers slowly peeked their heads out from the doors, glancing up nervously at the approaching dragons.
As Moon and Qibli landed, Winter started to feel strange. He hadn’t spoken to anyone in quite some time, only having scavengers for company, and was quite rusty in his social skills, though he had to admit, he had very little. It’s been so long since I’ve seen them, what do I say? What should I start with? Why am I struggling with these small things?
Stepping forward to greet them, Winter opened his mouth, trying to speak some salutations, but was only able to conjure up a hoarse croak.
“It’s been a while since we last talked, Winter,” Qibli remarked. “We’ve been a bit busy as of late, so we weren’t able to send scrolls.”
“I do admit, it’s been quite some time,” Winter replied, clearing his throat. “I’d thought you had forgotten about me.”
Moon quickly cut in, “No! Um, we think about you all the time! Ever since you…” she trailed off, unsure of what to say. Her gaze unfocused, looking as though she were lost in thought.
She’s as beautiful as always. Breathtaking. Winter thought, taking a deep breath before continuing, “Yes, before I… decided it would be better if we parted ways.” He avoided looking at her eyes, for fear of making eye contact, and started studying her face.
A couple of brave scavengers had wandered closer to the small black dragon, gently poking at her talons. Moon looked down at them and smiled a tight-lipped smile, and the scavengers shrieked, running to duck behind Winter.
“Those scavengers have really taken a liking to you,” Moon commented, inspecting them as they climbed all over him.
“They like me if not for the fact that I bring them food, then for the fact that I am the only thing cold around here for many wing-lengths.” Winter snorted, tugging them off one by one and gently placing them back on the sand. He then turned his attention back to his friends, taking in all the familiar faces he’d only seen in his dreams.
It had been so long since he had last seen Moon, her black scales shining under the intense sun beams of the desert. Winter’s gaze drifted to the small silver scales next to her eyes, the shape of a tear. It had always attracted him before, back when he realized his feelings for Moon. I should’ve been nicer while I had the chance. Now it’s too late for anything to happen between us. Finding himself feeling bitter, he turned his focus onto Qibli, his former cavemate.
Qibli, noticing Winter’s averted gaze, gave him a toothy grin and said, “Guess I’m too charming, I’ve only been here for a couple of moments, and you already can’t take your eyes off of me.”
Scoffing, Winter scanned the Sandwing up and down. He hadn’t changed much, though he was a bit bigger; other than that, his earring was pierced in his right ear instead of the left due to injury. Prior to Winter learning of the conflict, he had been anxious for days when he learned that Qibli had gotten injured in battle, and there was no word sent since. I wouldn’t know what to say or do without someone next to me to help me carry on the conversation.
Quickly changing the conversation, Winter asked, “What did you come here for? I’m sure there was a reason for this sudden visit, or you would’ve sent notice.”
Suddenly, Qibli looked strangely serious. He glanced at Moon, and only after receiving an uncertain nod did he turn back to Winter. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Moon had another prophecy. We weren’t sure what it meant and decided that it’d be best to gather the entire winglet to talk about it first.”
Moon chimed in, “Well, we wanted to make sure you knew about it too, especially since, um…” she shifted uncomfortably, “It may pertain to the future of the Icewings.”
Winter snapped his head straight up and stared at her intently.
”What did this prophecy say, exactly?” He growled.
Moon began to shrink back, and Qibli gave her an encouraging nudge. She turned around gratefully, and Winter felt like he had taken a jab to the stomach. Seeing the two of them interact so fondly with each other, he realized why he had left. I’d only get in their way, and they wouldn’t want me around anyway.
“It went like this,” Moon said, and she closed her eyes. Letting her prophetic powers take the initiative, she started to speak in an ominous voice.
“In realms where elements conspire,
Caution to water, earth, and fire.
Arrogance crowned in icy attire,
Hungry for all, their flames grow higher.
Yet from shadows where hope adjourns,
A whisper stirs, a forgotten concern.
Pyrrhia's skies, with crimson yearn,
For the time when embers cease to burn.
Through eons' sands and icy mire,
A prince ascends with steeled desire.
Uniting the land, where chaos dire,
The first king rises, flames expire.”
Winter just stared. Again?