This is not connected to Anywhere before anyone asks. This came around because I was convinced (bullied) by my WoF discord server to write a Winterwatcher story because I mentioned almost doing one. This, of course, is not what I originally intended. But if I was gonna do a popular ship, I am gonna do it my way. Not sure if I should continue this. Lemme know, of course.
The cold winds of Sanctuary billowed and whistled over the mountains and into the caves. Winter was coming, and with it, a world of white. The days grew shorter, and night chilled any non IceWing to the bone.
Yet for Winter – the IceWing, not the season – this was the best time of year for him. Even if everyone kept making jokes about his arrival with the season. At first it irritated the scales off his hide, but now he learned to roll with the swipes. Except for when it turned into 'another' meaning. That's when he felt that un-comfortability again, but mostly out of not knowing how to reply.
As he entered the work cave that he called home for the past twenty years, he was greeted by the warm glow of fire in a hearth. Although naturally cold, he had come to appreciate flame. If only for the comfort it brought his friends and colleagues.
Only one was here, though, and she currently resting by the fire with a book in one claw and a quill in the other. She kept her eyes focused on the book, not even looking at her writing as she jotted down every thought in her mind in a journal. Only when Winter approached did she slide her spectacled gaze to him, a warm smile forming on her yellow scaled lips.
"You return!" The HiveWing, Cricket, fluttered her four translucent wings enthusiastically. "That was quick. I'm guessing Sky and Wren didn't have much for you to do?"
"Those two are a team unlike anything I've seen." Winter chuckled, sitting nearby. "Really, I was only there for moral support. Twenty years building relations with humans, and they get it down in two days. Then again, being a human would help…"
"When's the new building going to be up, then?"
"Before the first snow, hopefully. The humans want it to be another school. Kind of like a university? They hadn't fully decided. It'd be the first joint dragon and human school, though."
"Oh, they decided to go for it?" Cricket's yellow eyes widened into dinner plates, tail swishing enthusiastically.
"They did." Winter nodded.
"I can't wait to tell Blue when he gets home." Cricket sighed happily. "This winter is going to be the best winter yet!"
"Well, hopefully it won't replace me."
Cricket shot him a squint and he smiled. "Who are you and what have you done with Winter? He never jokes."
"Maybe he changes like the season."
"Finally embracing the joke, are we? Or are you just trying to entertain me so I don't have to get up."
"I'd prefer it if you didn't strain yourself. You're due any week now."
Cricket glanced down at her stomach at the comment, where a notable bulge had grown over the past few months. Indeed, she was egg heavy, and had about three ready to come at any time. That did not stop her working in the slightest. She'd even joked about birthing while managing a project. But, somehow, Winter had convinced her to take it easy for the last few weeks.
"Keep this up and everyone will think you were the father." Cricket poked him with a talon. Then, a mischievous grin crossed her features. "Maybe it can be next time. I would love to study biology…"
Winter's look of deadpan shock sent Cricket into a snorting giggle fest that threatened to roll her into the fireplace.
"Blue would actually kill me if that happened." Winter found his voice after a moment.
"Yeah, he would. If he wasn't distracted by a lamp like the overgrown moth he is." Cricket replied through giggles. "Seriously, though, when are you gonna settle down? You're going to be twenty-seven this year!"
"Cricket, you know that - "
"You're married to your work, yeah, yeah." Cricket waved him off with a shake of her head. "Too bad your work can't… well, not warm your bed. Chill your bed? Is that what IceWings say?"
"Yes." Winter nodded, a thin smile forming.
"So weird. But that's what makes all the tribes fascinating, huh?" Cricket fluttered her wings enthusiastically. "Speaking of, I just got a summon to the Rain Kingdom. Apparently, some humans want to reside there, and they requested one of us to speak to Queen Glory."
"I'll go."
Cricket's cheery demeanor gave way to concern. "Winter, no, it's okay. I can make it there. Especially with Blue."
"I'm not having you fly long distances when you're about to birth," Winter replied bluntly.
"Are you sure? Because after five years ago…"
"I'm more than capable of handling the situation if I need to." Winter reassured her. "Chances are I won't run into any of them."
"Jade Mountain is on winter break." Cricket reminded. "Are you certain? Because I can do it."
"I already said no. Blue would say the same thing if he was here." Winter shook his head. "Actually, he's supposed to be due back any moment. Can ask him then if need be."
"Fine." Cricket scowled before grinning. "Come to think of it, a change of scenery would do you good. Maybe you can meet a nice dragon there…"
"Ha, ha…"
"Seriously, if you have a hybrid, you must let me interact with them."
"Cricket, please…"
"Did I ever tell you when Blue's father found out, he clasped him on the shoulder and shouted 'GREAT SHOT, THAT WAS ONE IN A MILLION'?"
Winter couldn't hear his own head hitting the ground in exasperation from how loud Cricket was cackling.
It was the early afternoon by the time Winter reached the hot and wet Rain Kingdom. It was not a place he liked to frequent, as he always felt like he was suffocating. The insects buzzing in his ear didn't make things any better. Luckily, he was too cold for them to want to infest most of the time. A minor reprieve from the swelting heat and icky moistness that was the ground straining his blue-white scales.
Being back in the Rain Kingdom brought back… memories. From the time he snuck out of Jade Mountain to chase Icicle to evening gathered around a fire once the winglet graduated, Winter had frequented this place many a time. However, over the past five years, he went maybe once. As such, his tolerance had waned, and he longed to be done with this.
Once, an IceWing roaming the forests would've been an impossible sight. Now, a few made their ways about. None really stayed, though. Still, he didn't stick out like a sore wing as much.
The human embassies would be here later in the evening, so for now, he had to speak to Queen Glory. She had been made aware of his presence, having sent a letter in advance. Out of all the queens, Glory was one of the more… interesting ones to talk to. Always spoke her mind, never backed down. No speaking in tongues or diplomatic terms when it wasn't needed.
His cousin could learn a few things from her.
"Thought you weren't ever coming back here."
At first, his mind went blank at the voice. He thought it, briefly, to be a familiar SandWing. But, the voice was different. There was a NightWing accent to it, which said SandWing did not have.
Slowly, Winter turned to see a Sand/Night hybrid approaching. Gangly and thin like a SandWing, but with bronze scales blotched with blackish purple. He was full grown now compared to the dragonet Winter had seen him last as. Impressively tall, too. Must've gotten it from his mother, just like his green eyes.
"Sandrunner." Winter greeted respectfully.
"No shrieking in rage, that's an improvement." Sandrunner let a small smile tug at his face. "I'm guessing you're the ambassador Queen Glory is expecting?"
"I am."
"Funny thing, I'm off to see her myself. Why don't we go together?"
Winter suddenly felt very trapped. This hybrid had the guile of his father and the intelligence of his mother. He doubtlessly knew far in advance that Winter was coming.
"Things haven't really changed, if you were wondering," Sandrunner continued on. "The Kingdom, I mean. Night and Rain pretty much just became symbiotic. Granted, there are those who are repopulating the old kingdom, but most wanted to stay here. Can't say I blame them. I certainly prefer it here to the desert."
"It does have a better food supply." Winter nodded in agreement.
"Right?" Sandrunner's green eyes glittered. "Sadly, I'm only here on business. Gotta get that whole diplomacy thing a runnin'. 'Specially since dad is off doing Queen Thorn's errands again. But I mean, it isn't hard."
"Good to know what hasn't changed, either." Winter felt a small smile tug at him. Sandrunner paused at the comment, squinting. He said nothing, though, continuing toward the Queen's pavilion.
"I haven't told her you're here."
Winter paused on the walkway leading to Queen Glory's throne. Sandrunner was giving him a muted, deathly serious look. A look that said if it came down to it, he would use the stinger on his tail. It was something he inherited from his father, it seemed.
"I didn't plan on stopping." Winter gave him the same look in turn.
"You really think you can just wreck everything and not be around to clean up?" Sandrunner hissed, lip curling into a snarl. "Do you even know the damage you caused?"
"I don't know why you are blaming me for something that everyone knew was going to blow up," Winter answered vaguely, paying mind to some of the dragons nearby.
"And it was good they kept it a secret if this was always the outcome." Sandrunner shook his head. "With that one explosive outburst, you shattered fifteen years of friendship and split my parents apart. And you have the gall to just come swaggering in here and not once thinking of checking up on them?"
Winter could only stare, jaw ajar slightly. He… had assumed everything was fine. Removing himself was the only appropriate reaction. They didn't trust him with anything, so by leaving, he would let them be freer. Even if he was angry and betrayed by the whole thing.
"They… split?" Winter asked dumbly. "That's not what I wanted…"
"Well, it's what happened." Sandrunner went to move past him. "I'm not going to force you to do anything, but if you want my advice, I'd at least say 'I'm sorry for wrecking your entire life'."
Winter said nothing, unable to speak as Sandrunner strode into the queen's hut. Did he really cause that much damage? The lie that they told was massive. But he didn't expect it to have so much fallout. Then again, what did they expect when he found out? He was angry and oh so cruel that evening, but he never wished ill upon them. He never wanted his former friends to split apart.
Guilt tugged at him. Maybe he should check on her. Sandrunner did say that she was here.
But first, he had a job to do.
The meeting with Queen Glory went as expected. A lot of mapping out areas for the humans to live, supplies, rules. Cutting down the woods was not going to be acceptable outside home and survival. And even then, dead trees first unless it was necessary not to.
"Sloths are also off limits for consumption." Queen Glory stated, giving Winter a firm glare. "If one of the humans breaks this rule, there will be consequences."
"I will drill it into their minds, don't worry." Winter reassured her, and she grew lax.
With the plans for the settlement written down, Winter placed them into his satchel and left the Queen to her duties. Sandrunner was no longer around, and he felt like he had a moment to breathe now. Twilight was coming. He had a choice now.
He could wait for the humans in their designated spot, or he could go visit… her. Both would impact the other. If he went to the humans, he'd have the weight of guilt. If he went to her, it may go on longer and leave with even more confused and conflicting feelings.
Yet… he really couldn't fight the knowledge that he had split them apart inadvertently. He had to see her. For fifteen years, she was one of his closest friends. If anything, maybe laying this to rest could mend that rift? If not between them, but between Sandrunner's parents. A broken home… no dragonet should live through that.
And so he flew over the huts and canopies, toward the NightWing section of the kingdom. With each beat of his wings, uncertainly grew stronger. Was it really the best idea to swoop in? Should he just leave before he did any more damage? Well, according to Sandrunner, there wasn't much else he could do it make it worse.
He remembered where she lived. It was a nice little home built into rock, perfectly nestled away from the elements. A wooden door barred the entrance. There used to be decorations all over the front, though. Now… it was kind of barren. Sure, some remained such as tapestries and flowers, but it wasn't the same.
Winter stood outside the door for a moment. Should he knock? Should he just stay here? What should he do? Maybe leaving would be best. He made it this far. This was further than he ever expected to come.
No. He wouldn't back down from this. It's been five years. Seeing her again shouldn't elicit the same anger. He had to do this. He couldn't live with himself if he didn't try and work something.
With trepidation, he knocked. Bang, bang, bang. The knocks were heavy but not aggressive. There was the sound of shuffling. Heavy shuffling made by someone tall and muscular.
The door swung open, and there she was. Five years later, and she was still one of the most beautiful dragons he'd ever seen. Her black, purple tinted scales glimmered in the light alongside the tear-drop silver marking behind her eyes. Old memories surfaced as they met eyes. His heart began to pound from both apprehension and something long lost.
"Winter?" The NightWing spoke quietly, as if seeing a ghost.
"Hello, Moon." Winter attempted to make his voice appear less stiff to some success.
"What are you doing here?" Moon wasn't accusatory with that question. Rather, she seemed… happy.
"Cricket is close to giving birth, so I came here instead of her," Winter explained. "And then I ran into your son. He… told me what happened."
Moon let out a deep sigh as pain and guilt ripped through her. Tears threatened to glimmer in her eyes.
"I didn't want that, Moon." Winter averted his gaze.
"You didn't split us up." Moon smiled sadly. "Do you want to come in?"
"If… that's okay with you, sure."
Winter stepped inside the home, finding it much like outside. Little splotches of personality, but it was empty now. It was missing a husband. Nothing was left of the SandWing in question. Then again, Qibli didn't really carry much.
Moon pulled out a seat and gestured for him to rest in. It was bowl shaped, allowing him to lay down comfortably. Not as good as the ones he had back at Sanctuary, but they were naturally carved. He remembered watching Qibli and Moon do so one rainy day and was there for 'moral support' as the former had called it. Those were the days.
Kind of felt like that was all he was useful for these days. Which wasn't a bad thing at all.
"How are you?" Moon asked quietly.
"Managing," Winter answered in kind.
"Yeah, same." Moon fell silent for a moment. "Cricket's really pregnant?"
"Didn't she tell you?" Winter raised a brow. "I swore you two kept in contact."
"We do, but ever since that day, it's kind of been surface level." Moon averted her gaze. "It's how it is with a lot of the old winglet, too."
"Kinkajou actually let you go?" Winter asked disbelievingly.
"I haven't seen her in weeks. Her and Turtle are on the rocks last I checked, but they…" She trailed off. "I see him a lot at the academy. He always checks on me. Little mediator, he is."
This isn't what I wanted… A voice in Winter's head whispered. "Peril? She's still at the academy last I heard from Sky."
"She and I… well, she wasn't happy when she found out. It's better now, but again, all surface level." Moon continued to avert her gaze.
"Those things I said that night, this wasn't the outcome I was hoping for." Winter's brow furrowed. "I left you all behind because you didn't trust me enough. By removing myself, I figured the bonds would tighten…"
"All it did was prove we were carrying a massive lie." Moon shook her head, shifting her gaze to his ankle, where a Skyfire band rested. Winter honestly forgot it was there. "I don't blame you for wearing that."
"It's never come off for years." Winter attempted to reassure her. "It's just… there."
"I see." Moon tried to meet his eyes but kept looking everywhere but. "Did… Sandrunner just up and confront you about this?"
"Basically."
Moon huffed out a loud sigh. "That boy is an adult now, but I swear he acts like a dragonet sometimes. I'll have a talking to with him later."
Winter wisely kept quiet about the fact that he was threatened.
"How long has it been?" Winter decided to bite the bullet ant and ask.
"The last time I saw Qibli, it was two years ago." Moon shifted uncomfortably. "I only hear things from Sandrunner, who is often back and forth. Although, lately he's been avoiding the subject of him. I don't want to ask."
"I'm sorry," Winter said the only words he could.
"You didn't cause this." Moon shifted her eyes to the ground. "All you did was rip off the wool over our eyes. We never should have lied to you for this long about Peacemaker. But the longer it went, the harder it was to tell."
Winter tensed at that name. Peacemaker… the 'reincarnation' of Darkstalker. The beast of the dark that killed his aunt and dozens of other IceWings. The monster that had plagued his tribe for two thousand years.
And he was relaxing in the forest with an egg on the way last Winter saw. The fact that they let that… creature reproduce was reprehensible!
At least, that was how Winter felt back then. Now, all he felt was dejected hurt from being lied to his face for fifteen years. Nothing happened. Maybe everyone did make the right call by forcing Darkstalker to change.
But it did not stop the scars of mistrust from bleeding ever so slightly.
"In the end, I sided with you," Moon continued after a moment. "There had to have been another way. We could've found it. Or maybe just a way to kill him. We honestly thought it was a kindness, but I see now that it was the worst punishment imaginable."
"At least you came around now," Winter said a bit too harshly. She visibly flinched. "I'm going to assume Qibli disagreed."
"He agreed that it was a torture, but that there was nothing else to be done. Things got better as a result, so it was better 'not to poke the dragonflame cactus'." Moon shifted to the door, as if she expected him to walk right in.
Nobody did.
"I did it anyway." Moon sighed. "I prodded and poked and it blew up. Every issue we had exploded around us, and poor Sandrunner was forced to see it all. We tried to make it work. We really did. But in the end… our philosophy on it was too different. He walked out that door two years ago, and I haven't seen him since."
"I see."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to just… throw all this at you." Moon let a tear slide down her face. "It's just, seeing you brings back so many emotions of what we used to have. I missed you so much, Winter. We all did."
Winter said nothing. He didn't know if he missed them, truthfully. Sure, he missed the good times and sense of companionship. The nights under the stars, the sense of adventure and danger as they took out Vulture.
But he didn't know if he missed them, the friends that hurt him to point of shattering.
"Why didn't you reach out, then?"
Moon winced at his question. "We wanted to. We were afraid you would just slam the door."
"But, you didn't try." Winter felt anger rise within him again.
"No, we didn't." Moon didn't bother fighting. That took the chill from his veins and warmed him slightly.
Silence. Moon didn't look at him at all. Winter didn't know what to say. He was going to be late for his meeting, though, if he stayed. Yet, he couldn't quite pick himself up to go just yet. Even after all the hurt and time passed, there was still part of him that cared enough to make sure she was okay.
"Aren't you going to be late?" Moon smiled sadly.
"I suppose I am." Winter slowly picked himself up, making for the door. "It was… nice to see you again, Moon."
"Likewise." Moon's mood visibly brightened.
"But, I don't know where we are now." Winter couldn't stop himself from saying. "I don't know if I can ever go back to trusting you again. But…"
"But?"
"…I guess it wouldn't hurt to visit every so often. Same with you and Sanctuary." He forced a smile.
"I'd like that a lot, Winter." Moon wiped the tear from her eye.
"I'm staying overnight. If you… still wanted to talk tomorrow, I won't be leaving until midafternoon." Winter gently opened the door. "We can see how it goes."
"Where should I meet you?"
"I'm in the embassy hut. Room three." He let out a silent groan. "… Right next to Sandrunner."
"Oh, good, I can yell at him for what he did earlier on my way to you."
That got a laugh out of Winter that was shared with Moon. It brought a sense of melancholy as he did. He loved her laugh and how it sounded like pure music in his ear. But hearing it… it only reminded him that things would never quite go back to being the same.
Whether that was for good or ill, that was up to the fates to decide.
Like I said, I think this is a good one shot but also a good continuing point. If yall want to see this continued, I have a small story mapped out. I don't see it lasting longer than 15 chapters, 20 at most.