It was cold outside. Her breath was steam against the cool air, mirroring the smoke that rose on invisible wings. The horizon was an elegant dance of red and orange, shifting against the backdrop of black heaps. The perfect curvature of arms, the chiseled jaws of men and the softer ones of women and children blistered into ash.
Her sight was imperfect now, the inevitable lines of age beginning to crease the vulnerable flesh of her face. Time had brought many changes, most of which she never could have anticipated. She no longer wore plates of armor, but instead satin expanses of white, blue, and gold that fell smoothly to the ground. Her blonde hair hid in the folds of an intricate braid, the crown of her head decorated by a jeweled tiara.
The fall of The Institute had been inexplicable. Peace had become an artifact years ago, buried beneath mass graves of soldiers and civilians, soaked in blood and terror. Death was everywhere but in her arms.
The baby nestled into the crook of her elbow was quiet, sleeping soundly despite the quiet chaos of it all. Their camp was eerily calm, set away from the main army by a couple of miles. Their presence was a technical liability, but the walls of the city were no longer safe. Like its dark brother, war was everywhere. It spared them for the moment, preoccupied elsewhere for the time being. Yet the air was electric. The Queen gingerly touched her child's cheek as their tent fell behind them, rolled up by the experienced hands of aged soldiers.
"Your mount is ready, My Lady."
The woman turned, taking in the wrinkled face of someone younger than her by at least ten years. She nodded her approval, handing the infant off to the soldier in order that they would travel separately.
Her white mare was calm as the Queen swung her leg across the saddle, pausing once more to regard the destruction of homes and lives. The sky was inky, and the suffocating ceiling of smoke leaked like water to drown the stars. All of this in the name of Justice.
Queen Luxanna urged her horse forward, disappearing into the dark.
As my first attempt at sharing something I've written, I'm aware that it is rather short. These "chapters", however, will continue to be penned during times of stress, anxiety, or otherwise while I'm just bored. Do to their random natures, I can't guarantee more lengthy additions. I'm not entirely sure where this is headed, but as the plot thickens...well, there'll be more to talk about, won't there? Thanks for reading, and if you're feeling generous leave a review - even though there isn't much to review currently.