Quinn awoke with a start. Valor was rubbing his head against her cheek. She guessed he wanted to go out.
Sitting up slowly she remembered. She and her fifteen men were on the journey to the Freljord. It had been three weeks, a long and hard journey up through the mountains. This was their final night before arrival.
Rubbing her eyes, Quinn reached over to caress Valor. Light seeped through her tent. The canvas whipped slightly in the breeze. Quinn reached up to let Valor out, he flew stiffly from the gap. She watched as he went, noticing the sun was about to rise. They would most likley arrive at their destination by nightfall.
Letting out a yawn, Quinn threw off her blankets and searched for the map. As she opened it, her dreams came back to her.
She had dreamed of Jarvan, of course. The dream was of their first kiss, and the day that they realized they were one. Quinn always remembered that day fondly, but now it pained her. It was all she had left.
Over the course of the journey northward she had tried so hard to forget Jarvan, but every night he haunted her dreams. She wanted her mind to be focused on the mission at hand, but somehow she could not get Jarvan out of her mind.
Shaking her head she rustled the map sleepily, unfolding it with numb fingers. Quinn shivered as she saw her breath catch in the air.
She hoped her soldiers were all awake, it was about time they finally reached their destination. Quinn hoped they were not too late.
The map slowly came into focus as Quinn awoke. She blinked hard and finally double checked their route. The sixteen Demacian's would have to travel across a river, past the ruins and finally arrive at Rakelstake. Ashe would hopefully be ready for their arrival.
Inspecting the map once more she folded it back up, reaching for her pack next. Her crossbow, pack and quiver lay next to her feet. She picked up the satchel, noticing it finally showed age. She shoved the map inside and took out her remaining piece of bread. Taking a hungry bite she finished it off.
She placed the pack over her shoulder, grabbed her crossbow and quiver then exited the small tent. As she wiggled out of the enclosure the air temperature seemed to drop. The bitter air made her gasp, but she pushed forward. Soon enough she stood up in the frozen grass, straightening her armor.
Holding back a sigh she immediately walked to where the soldier's tents were. She had positioned hers under a single pine, not too far from the rest. It only took two strides in the snow to reach the first tent.
"Alright!" she called, making sure her voice was heard over the rustling wind. "Time to get a move on. We set out in half an hour!"
Quinn paced up and down the rows of tents, listening to the sleepy Demacians wake. She chuckled a bit, watching Valor overhead. She thought it funny she was now the one giving the orders, when she was so used to receiving them.
Once the young woman was finished commanding she returned to her own tent. She gazed in the sky once more, no longer seeing Valor. He most likely was off trying to find breakfast.
It did not take long for her to disassemble her own tent. All those years of training had led up to this moment! She thought, trying to lighten the mood.
Once she packed her things and put on her cloak, Quinn investigated the others. Almost all of them were ready. She quickly helped those that were struggling. The cold had severely affected one young woman so much her toes were beginning to blacken. Quinn worried for her, but hoped once they arrived in Rakelstake someone could help her.
"We are ready." It was Vayne who spoke. Her voice as chilling as the air. The lithe woman had decided to join their quest at the last minute. Quinn nodded at her fellow warrior.
"Let's set out then." Quinn said, calling Valor back to her. She and Vayne led the way up the slope in front of them. The river was a few kilometers away. Once they were able to cross that, they would be fine.
Once they reached the rover, it took them almost the rest of the day to cross it. It was much larger than expected, seemingly flooded. None of them had wanted to get wet, for fear of their lives. Quinn, Vayne and a man by the name of Ryke had devised a plan to get them all across safely.
They ran rope from the tents across the river using Quinn's crossbow. Valor returned to them not long after to make sure the arrow stuck to a bare tree across the river. Slowly and steadily the Demacians made their way over the rapids. Quinn was the last to cross.
She grabbed the rope overhead, threw her feet up and held onto the taught line. As quickly as she could she inched backwards towards the other side of the river. Soon she held her breath, she was directly over the water. The splashing depths only a few meters from her back. Pushing the thought from her mind she scooted towards the bank.
Frozen pieces of ice soon came into view. She had reached the other side with no problems. She touched her feet lightly on the snow and pulled herself away from the threats of icy water. Still holding onto the tether, Quinn walked to definite safety.
Quickly they untied the ropes, with help from Valor and were on their way once again. She consulted the map once more before they trekked into the snowy landscape.
The sun was beginning to set overhead as they climbed up a rocky hill. Quinn had asked Valor to fly ahead to see if the ruins were at all visible. Digging their already frozen feet into the mixture of snow and grass, the Demacians made their way up the Cliffside.
Valor soon returned to screech overhead, caw echoing in the cold. He circled overhead a few times before swooping down. Blue feathers contrasting the gray sky. Like an arrow he dive bombed the group.
Quinn moved her head out of the way as he landed swiftly on her shoulder. "What's the verdict?" she asked, slipping slightly.
The bird has an excited look on his face as he pointed with his beak. Relief washed over Quinn. The ruins were just up ahead, it meant they were almost there.
Quinn spun her head around to call to her troops. "We're almost there!" They all looked up at the voice that pierced the silence.
After the news they all scaled the hill quickly. Quinn helped the last soldier up over the side of the cliff. As she did she heard the man gasp. Turning around Quinn felt the same way.
Giant grey ruins crumbled before them. They appeared to once have been some kind of temple with tall pillars in front. One still stood, omniscient in the dying light. Although they were beautiful, Quinn couldn't help but feel uneasy. The way they stood there, dead and abandoned sent shivers down her spine.
"Let's go." She told the group, falling into the lead. Valor decided to stay perched on her shoulder.
The Demacians made their way through increasing snow as the sun began to set. "Light some torches." She informed, "And be sure to wave them as we approach. We don't want to end up being attacked."
They all nodded, waiting for darkness to blanket them. She heard the lighting of fires behind her, orange light soon reflected off the giant ruins.
They finally moved past the ancient remains. Quinn did not want to camp another night, they had to get there. She said some words of encouragement as they trudged on.
All of a sudden a loud voice boomed overhead just as Quinn was about to ascend the dark steps ahead. She immediately looked up. Ahead of her she could make out the figure of a giant white bear.
"Who goes there?" he called, moving into view of the Demacians. The light from the touches flickered on his massive figure. She could tell one of the men further back had started waving a torch.
Quinn bowed respectfully. "My name is Quinn of Demacia. We have come to aid the Freljord."
She heard the bear grunt as she stood up straight once again. She guessed this was the infamous Volibear. Quinn had heard of his greatness, but she had always thought he lived farther north.
"This way." He said, throwing a paw in the air signaling them to follow. Quinn looked back reassuringly at the soldiers. All of them looked nervous, except Vayne. Her deep red glasses reflected the torch light.
Quinn turned around and followed the large bear. He led them around the ruins. Ahead of them in the darkness, Quinn could see the city of Rakelstake. It was beautiful, even in the night. Large statues stood in the night ahead of them, dark buildings contrasted against conifer trees and snow.
The group followed the bear silently, he did not take them far into the village. Volibear stopped as he came to a small pit on the outskirts of the civilization. He said nothing, only beckoned her to approach.
The bear then disappeared into the night. "Stay here." Quinn ordered. The soldiers did not protest. Valor cooed in worry as he looked towards the depression. A fire pit glowed dimly, illuminating a figure that sat near the center.
Quinn took a deep breath as she approached. As she got closer the figure stood up and gasped. The glow from the fire grew stronger, revealing the identity of the woman who stood. She did not move as Quinn entered the circle.
The woman had white hair, matching the snow that surrounded her city. The light illuminated the blue in her eyes. She wore a long cloak adorned in gold.
"I am Ashe." Said the woman, reaching out an arm. Quinn shook it firmly. "Thank you so much for coming."