Author's Note: Hiya there. I've been sitting in this idea for quite a while now, and I felt like it was about time to make something of it. Sejuani is definitely in my top 2 favorite champions (Sona being the other), and I wanted to write something dedicated to her. I, like most other people, view Sejuani as a very cold (heh), harsh leader. However, at the same time, I like to think that Bristle holds a special place in her heart. During this fic, I intend to delve into this relationship, sort of as a 'what if' scenario. There will likely be some violence (haven't done really any planning whatsoever yet), so if you aren't for that, then this might not be for you. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the first chapter of From Boar to Brother.
This is being written for NaNoWriMo. The goal is 50,000 words written during the month, and I'll be updating my progress at the bottom for me to keep track. Expect chapter updates every 3 days, as that's about what I'm going to have to do to keep pace.
The village of Winter's Claw was unusually silent, only the sounds of the daily training regimens piercing the howling winds of the bitter Freljordian winter. My people have run dry on their usual success; the remaining tribes that stand alone and un-united are stronger and more resilient, allowing them to fend off our attempts at subjugation. I am already halfway done with my quest to reunite the tribes of the Freljord, and the resistance encountered by the outlying tribes is infuriating. However, my resolve knows no bounds, and soon, I will lead a united Freljord.
"Chief, what are your orders for the troops?" Olaf, the tribe's military trainer since his joining, stepped into my tent, closing the thick flap behind him. Inside the enclosed space, I sat on my throne, nothing more than a mere chair, toying with a detailed map of the Freljord sprawled out in front of me, hanging off the edges of the table. Dotting the northern reaches of the map, blue and red flags covered the parchment, all surrounding one gleaming, icy figure which marked our current location. I looked up at him, dropping a small figurine.
"We will cease our assault on the remaining tribes for now. We cannot fight with troops barely holding onto their life. The weakest among them will stay here and continue their training. Those able to leave the camp will explore or hunt, if they have the stamina. We cannot allow them to grow soft due to our recent troubles."
"Understood. I will go with the hunters and personally see that the people remain fed." He paused, taking a moment to move forward to examine the map. It hadn't changed much in recent weeks due to our recent string of disappointments. However, our routing coalitions were due to arrive in three days, which I still updated regularly. "What's our next plan of action?"
I shook my head, pounding my fist against my seat. "There's nothing we can do without gathering the allied tribes and launching a unified assault, but even then, we risk annihilating the tribes, not controlling them. The chiefs of the north would agree to one-on-one combat, however, we do not have a warrior that would succeed."
"My Chief, I am more than capable of ripping any of those - "
"No! We must show them that our average man is capable of defeating theirs, otherwise, they will have no reason to believe in our cause. If you or Volibear were to be the one to fight, it would be extremely dishonorable. You of all people should know that death should be brought fairly."
"By your orders, Chief. I will rally the troops." With that, Olaf left my premises, leaving me to my thoughts once again.
I pored over the map one last time. Further advancement was much more troublesome than I'd just described it, mainly due to the problem of the more southern tribes. Unlike my brothers to the North, the southern Chiefs were far more passive, turned off by the thought of bloodshed. Though I did not want such whelps spoiling the ranks of my warriors, they blocked an important route directly to Ashe's citadel in Rakelstake, and as such, at a minimum I need their support to guarantee a safe advance.
The southern tribes would be our final push before I took the forces to Rakelstake. Once the tribes to the north had pledged their allegiance to me, the army will be too large to oppose, and they will have no choice but to let us pass.
I donned my helmet, stepping outside the tent to assess our situation. Though no-one was truly injured, although we had lost every warrior we'd brought for the challenges to the north, it had been several weeks since a foraging expedition had occurred, and the stocks were running dangerously low. If Olaf's hunting mission turns up empty, it'd mean another day without food, and another day further from a united Freljord.
"Queen Sejuani, the scouts have reported sightings of Avarosans near our southern borders. What are your orders?" The man standing before me looked weak, bordering on sickly, his usual strength dwindling after weeks of malnourishment.
"If they are just passing through, then we do not need to approach them. However, if they appear aggressive, then I personally will ride out with the Ursine and see to those whelp's retreat. They have no business near our borders."
The man looked up at me, a hardened resolve in his eyes. "Then I suggest you get riding. They are heavily armed, and the report said they were headed straight for Sabrefall. If you leave now, you - "
"Tell the Ursine to meet me there. The Avarosans will mourn their lost ones today." I spun on my heels, walking back towards my tent. I slipped inside only momentarily to grab my flail, feeling the familiar weight tugging at my wrist. Traditional weaponry never suited me. Any fledgling warrior knows how to block a sword or a mace, but few are able to predict the movements of a flail. More people than I can remember have fallen due to the shortsightedness of their training, a flaw I personally have rectified amongst the Winter's Claw.
I stepped back outside, walking around towards Bristle. The boar lived just outside my tent, always there just in case danger arose. The two of us had been in more battles than anyone could count, and together, we have turned the tides of scores of battles. Without him, I would still be an exceptional warrior, but with him, I am unrivaled in my battle prowess.
"Alright old pal, time for another one. You ready to go trample some Avarosan?" A hearty huff was his only response, along with him pressing roughly against my hand. "Glad to hear it. Let's go." I swung my leg over his back, locking myself in. Pointing forwards, he immediately began charging forward, towards our destination.
The journey was long, but tireless, as my trusty steed took us both the distance. With about a half hour left in our journey, the small coalition of Ursine caught up to us.
"Wonderful day or a hunt, isn't it Sejuani?" Volibear ran up next to me, the self-declared leader of the Ursine slowing to settle beside me.
"Indeed. I look forward to slaughtering the Avarosans that dare set foot upon our land. I'm sorry to call you out for such a worthless affair, but I cannot afford to send my own men."
He let out a hearty laugh, distorted slightly by a thunderous crackling in his throat. "The Ursine are still adjusting to my new leadership. Giving them an opportunity for this violence will be a positive experience."
"If I leave any left for them, I assure you we both will be monitoring their performance." I ruffled Bristle's fur, leaning in closer to my mount. "Let's go a little easy on them, understood?" A grunt was the only response I garnered.
Another half-hour later, we finally made our way to Sabrefall, just on the southern edge of our borders. It was nothing more than a clustering of tents in the unforgiving arctic tundra, a slightly larger one in the center designating the chief's tent. I dismounted Bristle, walking towards his hut.
The inside of the tent was nearly completely barren, filled with nothing more than a bedroll, and a mat which the chief currently sat on. He was a short, stocky man, brimming with enough muscle for two people. "My Queen, thank you for coming. The Avarosan forces were spotted twenty minutes ago one mile to the south, heading northwest." I showed him my acknowledgement with a nod, walking back out into the bitter cold, and back onto Bristle.
"Charge! Today, we take no prisoners, and leave no survivors!" In a triumphant roar, our forces left the camp, marching in the direction we'd been directed. Even though the temperature was well below freezing, with the combination of anger and adrenaline coursing through my veins, I couldn't feel any traces of the outside chill.
It wasn't long until we spotted the Avarosan forces a few hundred yards out. They were about fifty strong, maybe sixty, each one armed with a sword, and either a bow or a shield. I signaled for the Ursine to come to a halt, finding a hiding spot at the corner of a small glacier.
"I will attack from the front. Flank from behind, and they will crumble." I pointed forward, and Volibear nodded.
"As you command, Sejuani." Volibear led his troops around the glacier, and I took Bristle forward, preparing for the ensuing flank. It wasn't long before my presence became known, not that I was attempting to hide it, and I watched with amusement as the pathetic forces before me mobilized into something of a defensive formation.
"Your life is forfeit, Avarosan scum! Bristle, charge!" I gripped my thighs around the boar as his pace hastened, taking both of us directly towards the enemy forces. As predicted, they drew back their arrows, releasing a volley towards me. I brought my free hand to my face as I felt my armor peppered by the shots, all of which fell worthlessly to the ground.(Kirito-level plot armour or what)
As we neared the front of their ranks, I looked behind them, seeing Volibear and his Ursine approaching from their rear. My glance was fleeting, as I returned my focus to the Avarosan forces, dropping my flail to my right side as we neared.
"Bristle, I'll take one out and dismount. Leave none standing." I brought my arm back, as one of the shieldbearers in the front line steeled himself for my impending blow, a sickening smile formed on my lips. I brought the flail forward with surprising force, even by my own standards, throwing the poor man to the ground as my blow tore through his shoddy shield. I took a look back towards Volibear, seeing that he would be in the fray in no longer than five seconds.
Bristle threw his impressive weight forward, knocking down three more of their front line, and goring a fourth on his tusk. I leaped from his back, gripping my weapon on both hands and swinging wildly around me, sending an archer crashing into one of her allies.
"Ursine, take them down!" I heard the yell come from behind, and watched with satisfaction as the enemy forces whirled around, finally noticing the stampeding flank that had just arrived.
I gripped a nearby shieldbearer's arm, whipping him around. "Ignore the Ursine, you've got bigger problems to worry about." I brought my flail upwards, separating his arm from his shoulder in a visceral display of gore, dropping the severed appendage as the body fell beside it. On the other edge of the battle, I watched with amusement as body after body was thrown into the air as furry, clawed hands tore them in two on their way back down. The battle was over before it had ever begun.
Quickly, the Avarosan forces dissolved into panic as I tore through their ranks, leaving a crimson trail of bodies in my wake. The end of my flail dripped with blood as I sent it crashing through another victim's skull, a satisfying crunch sounding out before she dropped to the ground. I ripped the weapon out, surveying the battlefield. No allies had fallen, and a few Ursine were charging down the remaining opposition, granting them a swift death.
I walked over to Volibear, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Your cubs proved victorious, you should be proud of their performance on this day."
The Ursine chief nodded, pounding his fists together. "As should you, from what I observed. You are truly a fearful sight in the fray, Sejuani, as is Bristle. It is no surprise that you have such loyal followers."
I walked over to Bristle, ruffling his fur. "Indeed, they are loyal because I have proven my strength time and time again. However, I owe my success to this one here." I patted the boar's fur, emphasizing the point further. "Without him, I am far less than half the warrior I am on my own. I only split up today to clear the field as quickly as possible. I couldn't allow your warriors to take all of the kills", I punctuated with a chuckle.
"You will hear no complaints from me, Sejuani. Now, I have news from the Gelid Vortex that directly concerns you. I have not received news of this nature in many moons." The chieftain's burly arms were folded in front of him, displaying his serious composure.
"Is that all? Volibear, I do not have the patience for uninformative talks." I brow furrowed as I glared him down, his hands raising defensively.
"My apologies. I do not know much more other than it involves you...and Bristle. The Vortex's wisdom is never straightforward, and I scarcely understand it myself until the situation is already upon me. I assure you that it will be worth your time to visit."
"We will ride their immediately, then. I have heard tales of the Gelid Vortex, though I have never laid eyes upon it myself. If it has information for me, then I will heed its call. Now, let us depart." I climbed back onto Bristle, securing myself on top of him. The boar began his tireless journey, walking us back to Sabrefall.
Upon our arrival at the camp, the chief was waiting for us, letting out a joyous howl as we came to a stop next to him. "What a glorious display of carnage, I could hear their cries of agony even from here! Thank you for your protection my Queen, and I will ensure that you will have the full support of my forces when you next need them."
"That was the expectation when you pledged your allegiance to me, Chief, and it has not changed since. Your men will be called on when I request them, and expect you to respond with every man and woman that can hold a weapon. As for the Avarosans, there are none left to warn that coward Ashe, and she will learn not to send forces into my territory again."
The Chief gulped, nodding as I turned back towards the north. "As you command, Sejuani."
That was the last I heard of Sabrefall as the Ursine and I departed, heading back to Winter's Claw and onward, up to the Ursine village and the Gelid Vortex. Volibear's words hung heavy on my mind as the minutes passed by. The fact that he had explicitly mentioned Bristle...intrigued me. While it was true that I was the descendant of the great Serylda, Bristle was...a boar. I had found and raised him since my own youth, but besides that, there was nothing unusual or extraordinary about him. The fact that the Gelid Vortex, which was responsible for bestowing Volibear with his unearthly powers, would specifically mention my trusty mount piqued my curiosity.
Within the hour, we managed to make it back to Winter's Claw, and I took a short break to check on my people. It was only minutes later that Olaf came striding up to me, holding a slain creature in his meaty hands that were splattered with blood. "Tell me, how did the hunt fair?"
"We secured enough meat to stay fed for several days, if we ration well. I believe we gathered some greens as well, though I was not monitoring that operation." The two of us walked back towards the fire, and he dropped his fallen prey into the nearby meat locker, turning back towards me. "The troops told me that you'd left to repel an invasion. I assume from your presence here that went smoothly?"
I nodded, swinging my flail across my shoulder. "Yes, the Ursine have proved their might yet again. Volibear has informed me that the Vortex has summoned me, I will be leaving for there imminently for more details."
Olaf tilted his head to the side, a confused look on his hardened face. "I've only heard stories about it, but if it has summoned you, then times are changing. Whatever comes of it, the war effort will surely be aided."
"Agreed, which is why I need to get going. You are in charge of the camp until I am back. Make sure that everyone remains fed. I do not know how long I will be gone." Olaf simply nodded, and we parted ways.
I returned to Volibear, finding the rest of his tribe already having left. "Let us go, The Vortex awaits, and time is precious." I climbed onto Bristle, and the three of us departed, heading into unknown lands. I had been to the Ursine village only a sparse few times, and I'd heard the tales of Volibear coming down the mountain, bringing the power of the Vortex down upon the previous leaders of the tribe. The thought of gaining such power, the ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a battle, seemed almost...intoxicating. If such power were granted to me, I would forego attempting to reunite the tribes, and march directly to the Frostguard Citadel, and slay the Ice Witch on her throne, simultaneously gaining control of the formidable strength of the Frostguard. From there, it would only be two days' march to Rakelstake, at which point Ashe would have no choice but to surrender. I replayed the scenario countless times in my head, smirking in preemptive satisfaction.
Volibear snapped my from my thoughts, bringing me back to the howling winds and bitter cold of the Freljordian winter. "Sejuani, we are about ten minutes from the village, and another five from the Vortex. Once we get there, I ask that you give me time to consult with the Vortex, to see if its information has changed."
"I will defer to your knowledge on Ursine culture as soon as we are on your land, Volibear. If that is what you wish, then it will be done." He nodded his understanding, before suddenly crouching down, as if searching for a lost object.
"I sense something...abnormally large, burrowing beneath the ice. Tread carefully, Sejuani, I do now know what creature is hunting us." He pawed at the ground several times before finally adding. "My scouts have had an unusual amount of frost wyrm sightings over the past dozen moons. I hope for our safety that is not the creature I sense now."
"Volibear, I did not come all this way to be halted by those creatures born from old legends. The ice is merely shifting, that is all." I motioned for Bristle to move forward, and the boar obediently did.
"Sejuani, please, heed my warning. I do not want for you to be attacked when we are so close to the village."
I turned to him, my frustration clearly evident in my expression. "Then move quickly, and if something does happen to be around, it will not catch us." With a huff, I turned back forward, signaling for Bristle to pick up the pace. "We have business to attend to at the Vortex, please do not slow me down by being fearful of fairy tales. Your men likely saw shapes in the storms. That does not mean they are real."
Volibear huffed, nodding. "Very well, Sejuani. We will make for the village immediately." The Ursine sprinted to catch back up to me, finding his place at my side. The rest of the journey to the village was void of danger, and within minutes, we were inside the Ursine village.
"Is there any business you must attend to, or are we going to depart for the Vortex at once?" I knew better than to issue orders to Volibear while in his lands, and reluctantly took my place as the one asking the questions.
He shook his head, thankfully. "No, my position as their leader only matters when in the heat of battle, as their commander. In here, I am nothing more than the figurehead, but I still perform my share of the work that must be done. Let us leave at once for the Vortex, so we can hear what it has to offer you." He pointed to the distant horizon, and I could make out the very edges of the tumultuous storm, ever-churning.
I followed behind him as he led me through the village and out the other side, the only thing separating us from the Vortex now being the endless expanse of the Freljord. The air was clouded with sleet and hail that found their way through the few exposed parts of my armor, lasting just long enough to leave a slight chill all across my body. The glacier in front of us sloped perpetually upwards, ending in a sharp point several thousand yards away, overlooking the Vortex. The two of us walked the distance in complete silence, the sounds of the raging winter storm slowly enveloping us as we approached the edge of the cliff.
"Wait here, Sejuani. I will consult with the Gelid Vortex, and see what more information I can glean. I will let you know what I come up with." Volibear walked to the very precipice of the glacier, leaning over to gaze into the swirling, icy storm. I dismounted Bristle and watched for several minutes as the Ursine chieftain stood, arms spread, allowing the bitter cold to consume him. Finally, a content sigh left his lips, and he turned back to face me.
"This is all I was able to gather, though I doubt you will be able to make much more sense of it than I will. 'What is one must become two, so that they can learn to become one once again.' Does this mean anything to you?"
I looked towards Bristle, remembering his involvement in all of this. "I think it's easy to assume that Bristle and I are the one, and when we are apart, we would be the two, but...I fail to understand what bearing that has on the situation. Is there anything else you heard?"
Volibear shook his head, pointing to the edge of the glacier. "Nothing, other than to approach when you were ready. I have no clue what will happen, but I am eager to find out."
I looked over to Bristle, who was quickly covering in snow. "What do you think Bristle, should we do it? Sounds like there might be a chance I'll lose you. I'm not sure I'm willing to risk that."
Bristle huffed, affectionately brushing against my hand, trying to reassure me. I stared into his eyes, the icy blue softening ever-so-slightly. It was a rare sight to see him anywhere near this peaceful, and I knew that he was willing to give it a try.
"Alright Volibear. I entrust my fate to the Gelid Vortex. Let us hope that trust is not misplaced." I brought my hand back to my side, and Bristle and I walked forward, until I was finally staring into the Vortex. The center of it seemed impossibly far away, thunder crackling all around the inner edges of the perpetual storm, adding a slight purple tint to its icy composition.
I sat there for several minutes, allowing the sounds of the Vortex to wash over me, before turning back to Volibear. "Is there some way to...activate it?"
The chieftain shook his head. "Just wait, and it will happen. I will leave you two to your thoughts, that tends to speed up the process." With that, he turned around and walked back to the village, leaving the two of us to stare into the Vortex.
"Bristle, whatever happens here, I want you to know that you've served me well through the years, more so than even my most loyal warriors. Now, let's find silence, and see what is in store for us." I shut my eyes and leaned against him, feeling the coarse fur against my cheek. In time, his breathing slowed, and I felt an otherworldly calmness wash over me.
A sharp crack of thunder broke me from the peace, and I peered over into the Vortex, observing the storm. It was growing more violent by the second, and the lightning rose further and further from the storm, until out of nowhere a bolt shot directly upwards, illuminating the sky just for an instant. I watched with curiosity as the subtle glow traveled along the cloudy sky, as if searching for some exit point. Ahead of me, another bolt made the leap from sea to sky, and then another until at last, it seemed as if the storm below had calmed, only to be replaced by the bizarre light show occurring above us. I clung tighter to Bristle as the lightning slowly crept closer to us, until finally, there was one crackling ball of light directly overhead.
"Whatever happens, happens, old friend. I hope it is for the best." I gave him one last pat before finally releasing my grip on him, allowing the magic of the Gelid Vortex to run its course. At last, the lightning bolt came crackling down right on top of Bristle, bathing him in pure electricity, the sound of pained squeals coming from within.
By the time the bolt had subsided, Bristle was left panting, and he crumpled to the ground in a fit of exhaustion. In a fit of rage I turned back to the swirling abyss, shouting at the top of my lungs. "Vortex! I trusted you, and this is what you have wrought upon me? Why bother summoning me all the way here, into these unknown lands, just to strike down my most loyal ally when I need him most? What purpose does this serve?" My words dripped with malice as I glared down into the storm, as if expecting it to answer.
But then, it did. From behind me, I heard Bristle's breathing dampen once more, and I rushed to his side. "Don't worry, Bristle, you'll make it through this, without a doubt. We've just got to get you back to camp, and the Ursine will be able to heal you." I brought my hand to his forearm, feeling his coarse skin...shifting? I looked at his arm, and indeed, found that the muscles beneath him were shifting about.
I took a step back, unsure as to what I should do. Whatever was happening, I did not want to interrupt it, for fear of the ramifications messing with such powerful magic might cause. Ever so slowly, his head started shrinking in size, as his tusks pushed themselves back into his maw, and his ears dropped lower on his face. Further below, his arms and legs were also contracting ever so slightly, as the musculature simply compacted beneath the surface. On his paws, his clawed fingers began lengthening, as well as the sprouting of a new, fifth claw on the back of his hand.
"What is...happening?" I stood back and watched as the changes began accelerating, and my faithful mount was losing his recognizable appearance. His tail slipped back into his body as the fur that adorned his back, arms, and legs receded, but at the same time remained at the top of his head. His face was taking on an almost unrecognizable look compared to how he was only minutes beforehand. His snout had collapsed into the rest of his face, with a distinctly...human appearance. That was finally when it dawned on me what exactly was happening to him.
I sat down on the ground, watching with fascinated interest as the remains of the transformation occurred. His shoulders broadened, allowing for his arms to rest by his side, and it wasn't long until his claws became fingers, gripping the solid ice beneath him. His head sat on his newly-formed neck, his tusks having become little more than overgrown incisors with a slight up-tilt to them, and a thick mane of gray hair sat atop his head. His nose had adjusted to look like that of a typical human nose, though it held an unusually square appearance.
When all was said and done, there was very little of the boar side of Bristle remaining. His ears had retained their point to them, and his eyes had remained filled to the brim with an icy blue, giving him an almost ghostly appearance. Also notable, his skin retained its thick, gray quality to it, and thick gray sideburns filled the side of his face, along with a small scruff on his chin. He was well over six feet tall, closer to seven by the looks of it, and towered over me, an experience I had never felt before.
His torso was adorned with armor that had been fashioned from his saddle and shoulderguards, looking rather similar to my own. Thick metal plates covered his front, arms, and legs, with generous amounts of gray fur sprouted from the openings, a fur similar in color to that what use to sprout from him. Small ice crystals sat on his shoulders and chest, a reminder of the only traces of armor he use to wear.
"S...Sejuani? What happened to me? I felt the lightning strike and then...nothing?" I stared into his eyes blankly, processing what had just happened. His voice was deep but gruff, exactly as I'd expected it to sound like, if he had one.
"You don't remember...anything?" He shook his head, before his eyes grew wide with shock.
"You...you responded to me? You can hear me?" He brought his hands up to his mouth, before extending them out in front of him, staring wide-eyed at his new appendages. That's when it seemed to dawn on him what exactly had happened. His eyes wandered his new form, flexing every muscle and joint as he worked his way down, ending with him digging his toes into the ice. "I...I look like you!"
I nodded. "The Vortex gifted you with this new form, for reasons that we are soon to find out. However, we must make our way back to the village, and inform Volibear of the changes that have been wrought today.
"As you command, Sejuani." I looked around for a few seconds, looking for my mount, before realizing the foolishness of my actions. Bristle looked at me intently. "Is there something you're looking for?"
I shook my head, waving the question away. "No, I was just...nevermind. Let us return to the village." The two of us walked in relative silence, as I followed him in. I could tell beneath his armor he was incredibly well-muscled, as evidence by his broad shoulders, and the still-sizeable circumference of his biceps. There were so many thoughts running through my head right now, all of them trying to come to the front, and the occasional one escaping my lips before I had the chance to stop.
"You've been able to understand me this whole time?"
He nodded. "Yes, I've been able to interpret this language for many seasons. Did you not know this?"
I shook my head. "I only assumed you understood commands, I had no idea you understood what the words meant. That's...fascinating. Is there anything else I need to know about you?"
He let out a deep chuckle, looking back towards me. "Sejuani, I have heard every word you've ever spoken since we've met, even when you thought you were alone, and there has not been a single line which I have disagreed with. I have fought for you all these years because I believe in your cause and what you stand for, not because you ordered me to fight. I will be joining your troops once we are back in Winter's Claw, and I will see to it that you are victorious on your future conquests." His eyes burned brightly with each word he spoke, revealing to me his absolute sincerity.
"Very well then. If that is what you so desire, then I will see to it that I am to personally train you. I will have to warn you though, that that will be the only preferential treatment that I grant you. If you are to be a warrior, then I must ensure that you have the resolve to stand on my front lines. I see no reason why these trials will prove challenging to you at all, given our history, but they must be done to show the validity of your recruitment."
He slowed down, allowing me to catch up to him. "Then I will pass them with ease, and if I do not, then I will not consider myself fit to be part of your forces. Now, let us make it back to the village, so Volibear can be sure the Vortex has done what it has promised."
I nodded and picked up my pace, struggling to match Bristle's new, long strides. His hips were easily 6 inches above my own, and the power contained within his legs propelled him forward with alarming efficiency, until I realized that I'd trained him for years to do nothing but carry me from location to location. Of course he would have learned to make the journeys as easy as possible. A pang of guilt ripped through me as I thought about all the ways I'd so harshly treated my own, personal mount. However, now, he wasn't my mount, he was a human, and if I were to show him even a hint of soft emotions, it would break the entire structure I'd built my leadership on. It would be challenging shattering my perception of Bristle, but it would be a necessary change if I wanted to continue my vision of reuniting the Freljord.
Finally we made it back to the Ursine village, where Volibear stood waiting for us. "Greetings Sejuani. What news do you bring from the Vortex?"
I turned towards Bristle, nodding for him to field the question. "As you can see, I am now no longer the animal I once was. I believe this is what was meant when you said 'the one shall become two', if I'm not mistaken. As for Sejuani, I believe the Queen remains unchanged by its magics."
Volibear nodded, constantly changing glances from me to Bristle. "I see, this is a most interesting development. Bristle, I welcome you into the village, and if there is anything you need, then we are more than able to provide. Such a transformation must wear heavy on the body."
"I thank you for your kindness, Chieftain, but I do not need assistance as of now." He turned back towards me, lowering his gaze. "What are your orders, Sejuani?"
I looked up to the sky, finding plenty of daylight left. "If we leave now, we can make it to Winter's Claw by nightfall. As much as I appreciate the hospitality, I do not wish to burden you with our extended stay. Let us go, Bristle."
With one final word, Volibear left us to depart. "The Vortex has bestowed a great gift upon you, Bristle. I hope you will take full advantage of it." Bristle nodded, and the two of us departed the Ursine village, back out into the vast, empty expanse separating us from Winter's Claw.
It wasn't but a few minutes later until I felt a low rumbling in the ground and the two of us stopped regaining our balance.
"These are the same tremors from earlier, though I'm not surprised you weren't able to feel them. I do not know if they are because of a frost wyrm or not, but I recommend safety."
I stopped in my tracks, staring indignantly at him. "And just like I told Volibear, we have no time for safety. We will continue onwards, and if this mythical frost wyrm were to appear, then we will simply outmaneuver or slay it, if necessary. Now come, let us return to camp."
"By your orders, Sejuani." Bristle walked by my side, until a few seconds later, another rumble occurred, this one far more violent than the previous. I continued onward, until a third, final tremor took my balance, and I collapsed into the ice. Bristle immediately bent down to lift me up, but he too was knocked off his feet. We both struggled to get up as the tremors increased in intensity, until finally, a giant crack emerged from the ice, and a massive, white creature emerged, plunging back into the ice several seconds later. Again, it popped up, leaving another strand of serpentine skin exposed as it slithered through the ice.
I looked at Bristle, staring directly into his eyes.
"Run."
We both scrambled to our feet and began sprinting at our top speed, which quickly meant that I was left behind. I took a look over my shoulder to see the head of the wyrm emerging a third time from the ice, this time staring directly at me. Beneath its white scales, a soft, icy-blue glow emanated from its belly, evidence of the vast amounts of ice it consumed. I turned back forwards, pushing all possible energy into my legs, willing them to run faster than I'd ever managed to run before.
Ahead of me Bristle looked back, finding me struggling to keep up. He reached an arm out behind him and slowed just enough, allowing me to catch up to him. As soon as I locked hands with him, however, I felt his impressive strength pull me forward, and he slung my body over his shoulder, wrapping an arm around me to keep me secured.
"What...do you think...you're doing? If I am to die to this creature, then I desire an honorable death!" I pounded my fist on his back in frustration, as I hung there, unable to break free.
"And I refuse to let your desire for an honorable death allow you to suffer any death whatsoever! Now stop struggling and allow me to do what i always have done!" I obeyed, realizing there was no way to convince him otherwise, and resigned myself to being carried to safety, a tale far less worth the stories than any I would have had in mind when confronting such a fantastic creature.
Bristle charged with endless stamina, until eventually the frost wyrm gave up on the chase, presumably to hunt down easier prey. At last, Bristle set me down turning towards me. "I apologize for my brashness of action, but I knew that if I did not intervene, you would have succumbed to that beast. I hope you find it within you to forgive me."
"I will forgive, but I will not thank. You are not my protector anymore, Bristle, and I do not expect you to treat me any differently than a soldier would. However, now that the frost wyrm is gone, let us return to Winter's Claw. Olaf will be waiting for us.
He nodded, and we departed, leaving the Ursine village and the frost wyrm behind us. Though I was harsh on him earlier, a brought my hand up to his shoulder, grasping it firmly. In truth, I was extremely thankful for his rescuing, but I could not let him know such. This first act marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, and it was a chapter I would not forget for many years afterwards.
Word count: 6568 (not including the Author's Notes)
Author's Note: That's a wrap! Over the past 24 hours, I've developed a lot of ideas about where I'd like to take this since I started it earlier, and I expect to have more content for you all by Thursday or Friday, depends on how much time I devote to this. Anyways, as always, leave me a comment if you've got any thoughts to share, or a PM if you'd just like to chat about...anything, really. Now, it's about time I took a nice long mental break before starting up chapter 2 tomorrow!
Overall, I'm looking at this fic being roughly 100k words, so do not expect it to be done by the end of November (unless I keep doing what I've done today). I'm going to try and use the momentum I generate this month to keep me going, but I make no promises.