Gromeontunth stared at her for a moment; looking very confused and completely frozen to the spot. He sat there with his mouth slightly agape just staring at Glacier, then at Blaze and then back at Glacier again, several times in fact, before replying. "I'm sorry Glacier, what was that?" He had turned his head at an angle accompanied by a frown, surprised by her sudden and quite frankly complete and unexpected change in temperament, not knowing what she was referring to!
"That!" She screamed in absolute shock, not understanding why he couldn't see it; which made her voice a little higher pitched, but somehow, she managed to keep her voice firm enough as she whipped her head around and pointed rudely at Blaze, but this time with more than just a little annoyance as she proceeded to question him.
Blaze was taken aback, she suddenly took a sharp intake of breath then squealed loudly as she began instinctively backed away slightly; looking very confused and shocked by her fellow queen's vicious verbal attack which instinctively made her bring both her forepaws up to her chest. She continued to back up but faster now, her eyes also widened as she proceeded to keep diverting her eyes from Gromeontunth, then back at Glacier, several times, all the while looking extremely frightened and incredibly uncomfortable not knowing what to do, her jewellery clinking against her scaled body as she continued to back up at speed.
All the while Glacier just stood there, glaring at him.
Gromeontunth looked at Blaze and then back at Glacier, trying to see what she was referring to, because by now he was more than just a little perplexed by her questioning.
"Glacier!" He said firmly whilst letting out a sigh before carrying on, trying hard not to be condescending in any way. "I really must point out that I am feeling very uneasy with your tone of questioning as I am more than conscious of the fact that Blaze is also, furthermore, I cannot see to what you are referring to!" Gromeontunth said, as he then turned his attention to Blaze and stated. "Forgive me madam for staring at you in such a manner for it is not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable in any way!" As he proceeded to bow mid-sentence.
He thought it best if he continued with caution, because by now Glacier had started to pace back and forth, and, he couldn't help but wonder if the statement that he had just made had angered her further; even though he knew the answer to this question. But at the end of the day he was only a male and all he could do was watch and wait while listening to her talons clicking loudly upon the marble floor; whilst her tail lashed out behind her at every turn, and, with every turn, he could see she was becoming more and more upset, but for the life of him, he couldn't see why. He was missing something; but what!
Gromeontunth then added. "If you would be so kind as to be a little more specific, then I would be more than happy to... hopefully assist with the answer you are seeking!
He stared motionless at Glacier as she continued pacing, she was starting to breathe heavily, clearly becoming very distressed. It was a very different side to Glacier that he had not experienced and if he was being honest, didn't expect, and yet, it seemed oddly out of character, but why? Certainly not the level-headed leader he was led to believe, it's almost as if she, herself was in shock, and it was something to do with Blaze, but what?
Poor Blaze was visibly shaking and still backing up. "Please Glacier... You're frightening me... What's wrong"? She said.
She didn't know what to expect next because she hadn't witnessed Glacier like this before, or ever heard anyone talk about any occasion that resembled anything close to this. Ever!
In the short time that Gromeontunth had gotten to know Glacier; there was something about her that he had come to admire greatly.
Firstly, she was a lady through and through, and was deeply respected by the rest of her fellow Queens because of it! She expected the same level of respect and would not accept anything less from her royal party; which was the sign of a true leader and great testimony to her true Character and strength!
Secondly, it was not just because she was a great queen, quite frankly, any dragon with a pair of eyes could see that. No! It was because she was a natural-born leader; of whom had turned into a great one! He had learned through his years of experience that anyone could call themselves King or Queen. Yet, becoming a strong and highly respected leader was something that could not be easily taught! Quite impossible in fact. You were either born with it or you weren't, and she most definitely was!
Both Gromeontunth and Blaze continued to stare at Glacier, completely rooted to the spot when suddenly she stopped pacing, she just stood there for a moment staring at him, her chest was heaving and her teeth gritted. He knew that she was going to say or do something, but what?
Gromeontunth completely froze, he even found that he was holding his breath not knowing what she was going to do, when, all of a sudden she started to shout at him. "Why won't you explain how you acquired... That?!" As she spun around and pointed, again, very rudely at Blaze.
"Glacier, please... Could you not keep referring to Blaze in such a way... I will not permit such rudeness in my castle!" Gromeontunth scolded.
Glacier started walking towards Gromeontunth, slowly at first, but she was beginning to rapidly pick up the pace.
Glacier immediately screamed her angry reply to Gromeontunth whilst marching very quickly towards him. "I am not pointing directly at Blaze as such, but rather what she now wears upon her talon... Where on three moons did you manage to get your talons on that?" She screamed dramatically and with such a level of intensity that Gromeontunth was completely taken aback.
Blaze immediately looked confusingly at the ring that sat so proudly and so beautifully up on her talon and then back at Glacier.
By now Glacier was almost running; and just a few feet away. He didn't know what to do, but he knew he had to do something and he had to do it right now!
Glacier was about to say something else just as Gromeontunth breathed in sharply.
What followed, was the loudest, scariest and most incredibly deep and frighteningly penetrating voice; Glacier and Blaze had ever heard!
In an instant, he had risen to his feet and had had become unbelievably massive and was towering above Glacier. A hideously profound and instant change had taken place in his features as he proceeded to stare at Glacier with such intensity; that she instantly looked away while trying to ground to a halt. She found herself scrabbling upon the marbled floor, trying her best to get a firm grip whilst sliding ever closer to where Gromeontunth was, her talons scraping and squealing loudly across the marble floor as she panicked in absolute terror, her tail was almost spinning in circles as she tried to keep her balance while she continued to slide across the floor, trying her best to get away, but failing miserably, given the state of panic she was in. By now, she found herself screaming, she was so frightened by what now towered above her she could hardly breathe. Gromeontunth's appearance had, in the blink of an eye, completely changed, he not only appeared larger but looked frighteningly menacing.
Gromeontunth then roared. "Glacier, stop... That is enough... How dare you speak to me in that manner... And in my own home too!" He boomed, as his forepaws slammed down so hard upon the table that it sounded like the loudest crack of thunder anyone had ever heard, disgusted by Glacier's chosen form of questioning.
The whole castle shook from his unbelievable air-shattering voice and thunderous forepaws, causing everything on the table and in the kitchen, including the beautiful crystal windows to shake violently, including Glacier and Blaze who, by now, had thrown themselves onto the floor in absolute terror.
Gromeontunth was standing on his hind paws with his wings outstretched, his dorsal plates around his head and down the entirety of his back were super extended, and the look upon his face was menacing and frighteningly distorted. In a blink of an eye he had become massive. His eyes, that Glacier was so taken with, because of their colour, we're now glowing with a rich deep purple and looked wild. His nostrils had flared out very wide; accompanied by a lot of smoke that now just started billowing from them. He was breathing heavily, making his chest heave in and out at quite a pace; and with each breath that was exhaled; sounded like the deepest most penetrating growl that Glacier and Blaze had ever heard; which in itself was frightening enough!
His eyes were wide and fixed upon Glacier as she remained in a ball on the floor; waiting for some kind of argumentative questioning; but, there was none!
As he proceeded to look at her, he noticed that her whole body was, by now was trembling, he looked over at Blaze, she too was curled up into a ball on the floor and as he looked a little closer, noticed that she too was shaking!
He continued to stare at them as they remained in the same curled up position as before, half expecting something, but knowing in his heart that there would be nothing.
He looked towards the doorway and shook his head and sighed, then looked down at the floor, as he knew that his wife had most definitely heard the commotion and if by some miraculous stroke of luck, didn't hear it, then she was probably marching in his direction anyway, especially after the way the whole castle shook and resounded!
He took a really deep breath in then let it out slowly as he continued to look at the floor, he then looked down at his hind paws as he thought to himself. [Oh well, I can't do anything about it now!] Slowly he fell back onto all four paws, his talons clicking against the marbled floor while his tail swished slowly behind him.
He just stood there for a moment looking at Glacier and then back at Blaze, regretting his over-the-top reaction and still not knowing what Glacier was so upset about.
Suddenly he realised that he had to do something, a little time had gone by, at least 2 or 3 minutes, so he started to walk towards Glacier, offering his paw as he did so saying gently. "Glacier, please allow me". Glacier lifted her head slightly, immediately noticing his outstretched paw, she felt that she couldn't refuse to take it given what had just occurred so she Shakely accepted it. Gromeontunth started to help her to her paws, very slowly, he couldn't help but notice how much she was shaking and how unsteady she was.
Immediately he realised that he may have more than just overreacted slightly!
He slowly but very cautiously, steered her towards a chair, realising that he was practically holding her upright until, eventually, she was finally seated.
He said, as quietly and as very gently as he could. "Can I get you anything, my dear"? He waited patiently for a reply, but there was none.
Glacier just stared at nothing on the floor. So he gave a little bow and backed away a little.
Then he turned his attention to Blaze, he rushed over, collecting a chair as he went and placed it gently down and as close to her as he could, he bent down and held out his paw and said as quietly and as gently as he could. "Blaze, please allow me to help you to a seat"!
Blaze remained in a ball, visibly shaking. She couldn't get the image of that face out of her mind, the face that changed in the blink of an eye right in front of her, it was so horrible! It played over and over in her mind as she lay there.
Suddenly, she realised that it was Gromeontunth that was right next to her; she started screaming and scrambling to get away. Her paws were moving rapidly in a forward motion but she found that she wasn't getting anywhere, rather just galloping on the same spot upon the marble floor, her talons scraping wildly whilst trying to get some sort of grip. She couldn't believe that she was now face-to-face with him. "Get away...Get away"! She screamed as she turned to face him putting her forepaws up to her face, scrambling to get away.
"Blaze... Please, I'm not going to hurt you... I wouldn't dream of it!" Gromeontunth said, remembering that she was just a little princess. He looked down at his forepaws and said as quietly and as gently as he could. "I know I looked scary, but it's who I am, and, what I look like when I get a little upset... But... I also acknowledge that you have no possible way of knowing that." He looked down for a moment, then said. "I thought I'd just explain that!"
Blaze looked at him with a look of absolute horror, her breathing was so erratic that he was becoming a little frightened himself.
He backed away slightly, saying as gently and as quietly as he could. "Please, Blaze... I know I frightened you, but please believe me when I say; that it was most definitely not my intention to do so, you have to believe me!" He looked down for a second, thinking, then looked at her again, before carrying on. "I am so very sorry and ashamed of myself for acting the way I did... Frightening you the way I did... Is there... Anything I can do, can I get you a drink maybe?... Or... Or... Help you to a seat?"
He suddenly stopped talking and turned his attention towards the door and listened, as he was sure he heard the faint echoed sounds of many talons coming from further down the corridor, he just stood there listening and looking towards the open door of the dining room for a couple of seconds, his ears twitching as he strained to confirm what he thought he had just heard whilst shuffling slightly upon his paws.
He then turned his head to look upon Blaze and then at Glacier; before turning his attention to the table, where the three-dimensional map of Pyrrhia remained, he just stood there staring at it for a few seconds, he gave a little sigh and with a wave of his forepaw, the map disappeared.
The sound of his wife's voice echoed in the distance, a little drowned out by the sound of the many taloned paws and muffled voices, but, unmistakable nonetheless! "Gromeontunth!" She said, in a matriarchal sort of way. He started to walk towards the kitchen, and as he did so let out a little snort followed by a tiny trickle of smoke.
He stood there in the kitchen, waiting, with his back towards the door, hearing them getting closer and closer, until, finally, Beiphuth marched into the dining room.
She was wearing the most incredible jewellery, the necklace that she wore sparkled with the most beautiful green gems that were huge and a tiara that was incredibly intricately designed that just exploded with brilliance. She also carried several different pieces, ranging from rings to necklaces and a couple of artefacts, that were in their display cases, that she very carefully set down upon the table.
She stopped and looked at both Glacier and Blaze in turn, before deciding to march over to Blaze, and as she did so she glared back over her shoulder at Gromeontunth momentarily; before turning her attention back to Blaze and said cheerily. "Come along dear, up you get!" As she proceeded to grasp her forearm to gently assist her to her chair. "There you go!" As she then wiped the tears from her face, she continued. "Would you like a drink, dear?"
She turned towards the kitchen and glared at Gromeontunth once again. He was still standing with his back towards her in front of the drinks cabinet, his forepaws resting upon the counter with his head lowered.
Everyone else was chattering noisily at first, it was a kind of questionable concerning sounding chatter as they approached the dining room, but as they started to file quickly into the dining room, with each of them wearing the most amazing jewellery I might add, and, carrying many different-sized display boxes, just ground to a halt one after the other just inside the door.
An awkward silence befell the room as each of them, in turn, looked at one another before looking at Glacier, then glancing over at Blaze. Battlewinner said. "What's wrong with them?" As she noticed that Glacier nor Blaze looked up to acknowledge any of them. Ruby was the first Queen to snap her gaze to Gromeontunth, who still hadn't moved nor turned to acknowledge them also from his spot in the large kitchen, his forepaws still up on the kitchen counter as the rest of the Queens followed Ruby's gaze and glared at Gromeontunth.
They couldn't help but notice how strange the atmosphere was; and the way both Glacier and Blaze presented, especially Glacier.
Battlewinner walked slowly over to Glacier and asked. "Are you alright, Glacier?" But she didn't move, she just stared at the floor, not even acknowledging Battlewinner, at all.
BattleWinner looked over at Gromeontunth and asked. "Gromeontunth...What's wrong with Glacier?" She waited for a reply, but there was none. Then she looked over at Blaze and said. "What's happened to Blaze and why is she so upset?" She glared back at Gromeontunth, waiting for some kind of response, but again nothing!
Battelwinner looked back at Glacier with a frown, staring at her friend who now shows a behaviour that she had never witnessed before, which confused her even more. She suddenly looked towards the kitchen as she heard Beiphuth's voice ring out.
"Come along Gromeontunth, out of the way dear, that's it, darling!" As she proceeded to nudge him out of the way with a wing. "Now, can you help me get everyone a drink, darling?" Beiphuth asked while she proceeded to reach for two crystal glasses. She gave him one of her sideways looks as if to say, I'm not asking!
"Yes, dear!" Gromeontunth said as he proceeded to grab an old bottle of Drainwing wine, pouring some into each of the nine crystal glasses. He then glanced to where his wife was, before quickly pouring some into his glass and downing it. Then, as if nothing happened, he refilled the glass once more.
Meanwhile, Battlewinner was standing there, glaring at Gromeontunth's back as he busied himself in the kitchen, clearly ignoring her questions to him; which she thought was extremely rude given the earthquake he had so obviously caused earlier, and by the looks of her fellow Queens, obviously had shaken them to their entire core.
But why? What had occurred that had reduced one of the most unshakable and remarkable queens in history to her present state? Surely she couldn't have caused this! More to the point what could have possibly happened to have caused such a reaction as to shake the very foundations themselves, and sound so unbelievably violent?
She looked at Glacier and then at Blaze, poor Blaze, she was shaking and sniffling so hard that it made her entire body jolt every couple of seconds, her face was completely wet and very red from crying which melted Battlewinner's heart, which I might add isn't easily achieved!
She then turned her attention to Beiphuth. Battlewinner just stood there, thinking and staring at her for a moment with her head tilted slightly to one side, frowning, before starting to walk very slowly towards her, her talons clicking against the floor as she suddenly came to a stop, deciding to speak as clearly and as straight to the point as she dared. "Beiphuth, what has happened here?... Something significant has occurred!... Or... Maybe that's an understatement!... But, given the state that I find my fellow Queens in, and, that they are still alive by all accounts...is... somewhat, perplexing wouldn't you say?" slowly turning her head towards Gromeontunth, waiting for a response, her tail flicking behind her in an agitated manner. Gromeontunth turned his head and looked at her momentarily before returning his gaze to what he was doing.
Beiphuth turned to her and said. "Oh Battelwinner dear, could you just place what you have in your paws into the middle of the table please dear!" Battlewinner frowned at Beiphuth, blinking with confusion before looking down at her paws, saying. "Oh yes! Certainly!" She turned towards the table and placed them gently upon it, then looked back at Beiphuth, as Beiphuth then said. "I think you look amazing in that armour, it looks as if it was made for you dear!" She then turned to Gromeontunth and said. "What do you think dear, Hmm?"
Battlewinner stood there completely gobsmacked by Beiphuth's matter-of-fact attitude, who also completely ignored her very polite and, as she thought, very, very restrained line of questioning; especially as her husband had caused their present state of mind, especially Princess Blaze. But, thought that they both owed some sort of explanation, especially for what her royal friends were forced to witness and were subjected to.
She couldn't help but think that Glacier would have been impressed with her for that, that is if she wasn't so completely traumatised. All it did was confirm that her way was best and as a result, found Beiphuth's rudeness to be extremely infuriating and exceptionally insulting.
Realising that the diplomatic way wasn't working, Battlewinner let out a snort, smoke billowed slightly from her nostrils as she suddenly turned to face Blaze and Glacier, seeing the Sandwing still sobbing while Glacier seemed almost... lost, her gaze remained fixed upon a single spot upon the floor, her tail hadn't moved that much either, even her wings were drooped and completely unmoving as Battlewinner took a seat on the left side of her.
"Glacier, please look at me my queen, my friend, are you okay?" The Nightwing asked, her head tilted to the side slightly, a rare soft concerning glint in her dark icy blue eyes, as she brought a forepaw up and placed it against Glacier's right cheek, making her turn her head towards the Nightwing Queen.
Glacier's eyes locked onto Battlewinner's, The Nightwing noticed that Glacier's eyes were bloodshot, yet saw no tears, perhaps it was fear? She wasn't sure. However, the very thought of Glacier being scared half to death worried Battlewinner. She shuffled her wings, causing her dark purple and black meshed armour to clink and rub against her body whilst she shifted about uneasily upon her chair, looking rather uncomfortable.
Battlewinner once again turned her head to Beiphuth, Her glare had darkened slightly as she watched Beiphuth make her way around the oval table towards where Blaze was sitting, Beiphuth was carrying what appeared to be a glass of wine in her right forepaw, She stopped in front of Blaze, before turning to sit down beside her, and while using her other forepaw, she tilted Blaze's head up slightly, making the Sandwing Princess look at her. "Now, now darling, calm yourself and wipe those tears away!" Beiphuth purred, using a softer tone to not startle her.
The sound of her mumbling filled Beiphuth's ears. "What was that darling?" Beiphuth asked, whilst placing the glass down upon the table, waiting patiently for Blaze's response and at the same time wiping away more tears. Suddenly she heard Blaze mumble again, this time catching what the Sandwing was saying. "T-that face, T-t-that t-terrible face!" As Blaze proceeded to drop her head and sob once more, which caused Beiphuth to tilt her head to the side slightly, a frown appeared upon her snout as she suddenly glanced over the table to glare at Gromeontunth!
(Gromeontunth, look at me and be honest. What exactly did you do to scare this poor girl to this degree?) Gromeontunth turned and stared at his wife, remaining within the kitchen, his eyes fixed upon his wife's as he remained motionless while refusing to respond. He just stood there, staring with wide purple eyes.
(You better answer me dear, you are a King, Act like one, You have traumatised this girl to the point she can't even speak!) Beiphuth waited impatiently for his response, tapping a hind paw talon against the floor, the sound of the consistent tapping gaining the attention of the fellow Queens around the table. They looked at Beiphuth and then at Gromeontunth, before looking at each other, trying their best to keep quiet, though whispered. "What is going on?" They just observed this bizarre ongoing situation, not knowing what was happening.
Gromeontunth started to explain. (Glacier was unnaturally angry at... Something. She kept on pointing at Blaze, and she started to shout, I had no idea how to deal with it, so I did what I thought-) Beiphuth suddenly cut him off mid-sentence. (Was right? Mmm... By scaring both girls, our guests half to death?) she continued with a flick of her tongue. (Gromeontunth darling! You know that's not the way to deal with situations like this!) Beiphuth Chastised him, shaking her head from side to side and all the while tutting, whilst letting out a disapproving sigh as she then focused back on Blaze.
Suddenly she remembered she had given the ring to Blaze; and that, it was now sat upon the Sandwing's talon. Letting out a groan of displeasure, she shot her husband a glare that would stop the heart of any male.
(Darling!...) Beiphuth said as she turned in a snooty way before continuing. (She was looking at the ring... The... Ring!) She stated while not breaking her glare to her husband as she raised her forepaw, pointing at the beautiful ring that sat so proudly upon Blaze's talon, her upper lip curled up slightly on one side, an expression upon her snout that made him growl slightly as she was in danger of making him appear stupid, which Gromeontunth took to heart, a frown had appeared upon his face as he glared at her, which Beiphuth chose to ignore and carried on, not allowing her husband a chance to respond as she then continued.
(By the stars, why did I marry you!) She tutted while shaking her head quite dramatically, causing the jewellery she had on to clink and jingle against her body as she returned her gaze to Blaze, her tail flicking dismissively.
The Queens were watching the bizarre interaction between Beiphuth and Gromeontunth and enjoying it, realising that they must be interacting telepathically, it was almost comical to watch.
Suddenly a low guttural growl took them completely by surprise, making each of the Queens jump and their chairs squeal loudly upon the floor, their eyes widened and transfixed on to Gromeontunth, then all of a sudden and without warning Gromeontunth growled again, only this time much louder causing the Queens around the table to scream and cover their ears. His dorsal plates around his head and down his back extended once again, though this time with a purplish glow to them and shimmering slightly, a clear sign he was more than just a little upset.
By now he had started pacing, trying hard not to get too upset and he was succeeding, he knew he had to say something to stop his wife, she was embarrassing him and they couldn't know what he looked like when he was angry
Then he said in an authoritative snarl. "How Dare you talk to me in That manner!" Which made the crystal windows shake slightly and the royal guests gasp and shake themselves; given the sudden and unexpected reaction to... Something in the room.
All the Queens around the oval table just stared at Beiphuth, then at Gromeontunth, their mouths agape slightly, not knowing what was going on. He continued to glare at Beiphuth; while he made his way out of the kitchen towards her with a hurried but Regal strut, whilst verbally stamping his authority down upon his wife, his fangs bared as he towered over her; making her seem smaller than she currently was. "Remember Who You Are Woman, and Remember Your Place" As he continued with a booming voice. "You Are Just A Queen... But I am YOUR King!" He stopped in front of her, raising his head at an angle, looking down at her in an imposing manner.
Beiphuth lowered her ears and then her head slightly, realising her mistake as she quickly bowed towards her husband, her tail curling around behind her as Gromeontunth continued. "I realise now that I had missed what Glacier was referring to. And... As she grew more and more upset with the situation, she became very aggravated to the point of being exceptionally disrespectful towards Me, in my own home nonetheless and, By a woman... A Woman!" He turned his gaze towards their royal guests who were frozen to the spot, wide-eyed and mouths agape, just sitting around the table, his eyes glancing over every one of them in turn, slowly, they appeared to shrink in their chairs slightly one by one, as he glared at them, their gaze just staring back at him in absolute shock and terror, not knowing what was going on; before finally focusing back on to his wife.
He then continued "This is the first time WE have accepted guests into our home after the incident... I will admit, I was extremely apprehensive at first, yet, I grew to greatly admire Glacier and Battlewinner... Yet... I will NOT be spoken to in that way by ANY woman, Royal or Not!" As Gromeontunth let out a large puff of smoke which covered the floor as he turned to glance at each Queen in turn once again.
Beiphuth then said with her head still bowed, looking towards the floor. "Yes, my king... Please accept my deepest apologies... You are completely right and it will never happen again!" She remained bowed, she knew her place and knew she had overstepped the mark, and that Glacier had also. "My king... What are we to do about these two royal girls... if you don't mind me asking?" She questioned, not daring to raise her head.
Glacier shook her head from side to side once she heard Gromeontunth's strongly worded speech, realising that she was out of order and that he was right! Looking up from the floor, she glanced over to where Gromeontunth and Beiphuth were, she remained sitting there for a minute before slowly getting up, making her way around the table only to then position herself beside Beiphuth, bowing to Gromeontunth, showing him the respect he so rightly deserved. "My king... I too realise that I am out of order... Please accept my deepest apologies!" Gromeontunth remained where he was, raising a forepaw slightly as to speak.
"Beiphuth" his wife raised her head, looking up at her husband with wide oddly coloured eyes as she said. "Yes, my King?" "Tend to Blaze, Make sure she is okay and that she has a drink!" He turned his gaze towards Glacier, oh, and do explain to Glacier about the ring, at once!" He narrowed his eyes slightly, expecting some sort of remark from her, yet, after waiting for a few seconds, received none.
She bowed as she scurried off to do as she was told.
Battlewinner, along with the rest of the royal party, remained at the table, with their mouths still agape, shocked at what had just occurred, not knowing what was going on as Beiphuth hurriedly returned to check on Blaze and the other Queens. Gromeontunth then glanced down at the Icewing who remained bowed to him, lowering his snout slightly, he said. "Glacier, would you accompany me to the table" he then gestured towards the table, allowing Glacier to take the lead.
Getting to their seats, both Gromeontunth and Glacier sat down, Beiphuth was still attending to Blaze, and soft whispering could be heard between the two girls, which was, the only sound to be heard from within the dining room, besides the odd clink of jewellery. Gromeontunth glanced over the table to where Beiphuth and Blaze were. He suddenly spoke up. "Are you alright Beiphuth, do you require some assistance?" Beiphuth's ears perked up as she, in a quickened manner, replied. "No... no dear, we're doing quite alright thank you!" She said in an upbeat cheering sort of way.
Gromeontunth then glanced over to his son and asked. "Did you get a drink, my boy?" This startled the young Drainwing Prince from his thoughts as he stared over at his father. "No father, I... turned it down" Gromeontunth glanced over at the windows, thinking for a few seconds before asking. "Are you feeling well my son?" turning to face his son once more, his eyes had finally lost their wildness, as he waited for Krystal to reply.
Krystal sat there at the table, fidgeting with his forepaw talons while figuring out how to respond to his father's question, his long tail curled around the legs of his chair as he said. "I'm alright Father, just a little tired, that's all!" As he looked up at him, attempting a little smile, and in response, his father gave a little smile back.
Battlewinner suddenly got up, making her way around the oval table, towards Beiphuth. Her tail swished behind her, while her large wings bobbed slightly with every step she took. The fine-meshed armour she had on moved like a fluid, exploding with a million pinpricks of light that covered her entire body, not leaving a single bit of her exposed, that is, except her head as the armour stopped just under her jawline. She was a sight to behold, for she looked every inch a Queen.
Gromeontunth glanced over at Battlewinner, watching her move around the table, as he called out. "Battlewinner!"
She immediately stopped and turned to look at him and replied. "Yes, Gromeontunth?"
He said. "Do you know, that that armour that you so graciously wear, and, wear it very well I might add; belongs to your ancestors?"
She was shocked to learn this, as she looked down at her forepaws and replied with a questionable frown. "Really?...No...I didn't know that!" she looked at him with her head turned slightly as she asked. "May I ask how it fell into your possession then?" She turned her head, slowly to the opposite side, without breaking her gaze, not giving him a chance to reply. "And, if that's indeed true!" She chose her words carefully as she continued. "Then why is it not written within our sacred scrolls?" She took a deep breath, then continued again. "I hope that you can appreciate that... This!" She looked down at the incredible armour that glinted so beautifully upon her body, running a forepaw down her chest. "Is not something you can exactly miss, is it?
Gromeontunth then replied. "No, you are right, it is most definitely not something you could miss. But, it is Nightwing property nonetheless. And, only the Queen can wear it, and, that... Are you!" He looked down for a moment, collecting his thoughts before carrying on. "Furthermore, do you know that any other Queen from any other kingdom could not even attempt to get the armour on?" As he suddenly leaned towards her, resting his forepaws upon the table before he continued. "And do you know why?" He glared at her, waiting for her reply.
Battlewinner was enthralled, as she replied. "No... I don't!" As she continued to frown, knowing that he was enjoying himself, also knowing, that he had her complete and undivided attention as he continued. "If you look at your armour closely, you will notice that it is beginning to pulse slightly, causing millions of tiny little ripples to expand from their centres. And, with every pulse, your very soul conjoins with it, making you permanently bound to it, even in death!"
Battlewinner shifted uncomfortably upon her paws, looking down at her body, replying. "I... I don't understand... how can that be?" as she continued "What do you mean it... Conjoining with my soul?"
Gromeontunth then asked excitedly, as if he were a big dragonet. "Would you like to see what it can do?" He then realised he had to point out an important fact as he then said. "Oh, but if you do agree, you Have to promise not to be frightened in any way, as I just realised I can be... quite scary at times... Well?... Do you promise?"
Battlewinner, along with all the other Queens, all looked at each other, unsure of what Gromeontunth had in mind. Battlewinner looked back at Gromeontunth before shrugging her shoulders whilst saying. "Yes, and... Yes!"
Gromeontunth exhaled before saying. "And do reassure Blaze... for this may be a bit loud darling... and I'm sorry in advance."
Battlewinner shuffled about on her paws, growing more and more anxious by the minute, her tail starting to whip from side to side when Glory suddenly perked up, pointing to Battlewinner, saying. "Battlewinner, look at your armour, I-is it meant to do that?" The Rainwing Queen questioned with confusion dripping from her words, her scales changing to a light blue, a clear sign of confusion.
Gromeontunth gave quite a loud laugh saying. "My dear Glory, the armour is affected because Battlewinner doesn't know what is going to happen, and because I mentioned that it was going to be quite loud, she has become ready for any confrontation, even if she doesn't realise that yet, the armour does!"
Beiphuth suddenly spoke up, saying. "Blaze and I, are going to take a little stroll into the gardens, and possibly into the woods a little ways" Blaze had by now calmed down, yet was still sniffling a bit, she made her way out the dining room, with Beiphuth trailing on behind her as they entered the hallway. The sound of their talons echoed as they clicked against the marble floor, growing more and more faint until their steps couldn't be heard anymore.
Gromeontunth focused back on the Queens around the table, but more importantly, on Battlewinner as he rose from his seat, making his way around the large table in a slow manner, taking his time as the sound of his heavy paws and talons that clicked against the marbled floor filled the room, his tail swished from side to side while his heavy wings shifted slightly upon his back with every step he took, all the while his gaze remained unbroken, focused completely on Battlewinner as he made his way onto the more open part of the dining room floor.
Once he came to a stop he glanced over at the other Queens, seeing that they were all staring at him with growing anxiety, waiting nervously for something to happen.
Battlewinner felt a little intimidated but tried not to look overwhelmed considering she is a warrior Queen. She took a deep breath and got into a defensive stance as she backed up slightly, her talons clicking upon the floor while Gromeontunth stared down at her with his purple eyes.
Ruby leaned towards Thorn, whispering to the Sandwing Queen. "Look at Battlewinner's armour, it's... beautiful, it's like nothing I have ever seen beforem it's like a dream" Thorn gave a nod, her tail flicked slightly as she replied. "Indeed, try explaining this to someone else, they'll never believe it. Though, looking at Gromeontunth, I'm worried about what he is going to do, I'm sure we haven't even seen his full potential yet, and, I must admit, I'm terrified with the thought of seeing that!"
Gromeontunth then said, "Do you know that nearly every Nightwing Queen throughout history who has been associated with, And has worn this armour, now pulses through your veins as you become one with it!"
He then continued. "And if you ever go into battle with this armour, you will never be going into battle as just Queen Battlewinner, for all the Queens before you, who were ever remotely connected with this armour, will be with you!
Battlewinner listened to what he said, her ears twitching as he continued. "Being the formidable Nightwing warrior Queen that you are, whilst in Battle, you will notice that you will do some things you normally wouldn't do!"
She continued to listen, more intently now, but she couldn't help but ask with a frown. "What on Pyrrhia do you mean?" She shifted upon her paws as her tail tip flicked. Gromeontunth took a moment to think, his eyes growing distant for a few seconds, when all of a sudden, he rose onto his hind paws, letting out a very loud blood-curdling growl with his teeth bared.
At that very instant, she reared up, an incredible pulse of light emanated from her, blinding everyone in the room for a few seconds, as her armour activated. Thousands of tiny armour plates sprung into action; and like a shockwave, completely covered her entire body, her head as her whole body shimmered including her wings, even the tips of her ears were completely encased in armour as she tried to anticipate his attack.
The rest of the Queens around the table looked with wide eyes, their mouths agape, in awe of the magnificent glowing warrior Queen that now stood before them!
Gromeontunth couldn't contain himself, a splitting grin spreading across his muzzle as he said. "What do you think ladies, isn't she a sight to behold!" He fell back onto his four paws, chuckling to himself as he made his way back to his chair. Battlewinner was left standing on her hind paws, adrenalin and energy from the armour pulsed through her as she remained battle ready, not realising what she now looked like. "I don't understand!" Battlewinner said with a frown as confusion slowly took hold of her.
Battlewinner looked towards the table, her mouth agape slightly as she asked. "What... just happened?" Ruby was the first to respond, getting off her chair and making her way around the table as fast as she could. She was wearing a satchel around her chest. As she neared Battelwinner, she put her paw into it and pulled out a hand mirror. "Battlewinner, you must see yourself my friend, you look Fabulous!" She said. Holding it up in front of Battlewinner, only for her to gently take it from the Skywing Queen, allowing Battlewinner to see her face, which was stilled encased in the armour.
Battlewinner just stood there, looking into the mirror. All the other Queens stared at her as she glowed and sparkled from head to talon. The armour flowed like a fluid but worked together as one piece; with the tiniest of little scales that were so intricately connected, showing the unbelievable craftsmanship and dedication that had gone into producing such a piece. Nobody had seen anything like it or heard anyone talk of anyone capable of producing anything even close to this.
Gromeontunth watched their faces with satisfying glee. He stood there listening to their voices and the expressions on their faces, especially Battlewinner, who was standing there trying to hold the mirror from all sorts of angles to admire herself, which for Battlewinner was extraordinary, to say the least. Eventually, all the Queens were up on their paws trying to assist Battlewinner in getting the correct angle with the mirror. Ruby was in her element!
Ruby then said while clapping her forepaws together. "Oh... It looks so beautiful... Can I try it on now, so I can see what it looks like on me... Please?"
Gromeontunth replied. "As I mentioned previously Ruby, the armour can only be worn by the rightful Queen of the Nightwings and no one else!"
"But why?... Why only the Nightwing Queen?" Ruby questioned.
Immediately Gromeontunth replied. "Because it was designed and enchanted by animus magic, purely for the use of each rightful reigning monarch throughout the thousands of years; now Battlewinner, quite rightly is a part of; as every Queen before her was and still is, and, every time Battlewinner uses it, she will feel and be able to use parts of their abilities, as well as her own!"
Glacier listened intently, then said, while turning and holding out a forepaw towards Battlewinner. "I have never seen anything like this before in my entire life!" as she while turning and held her forepaw out whilst moving it up and down in front of Battlewinner. She then turned back towards Gromeontunth, looking straight at him and said. "I am confused!... Would you mind explaining how Battlewinner knows nothing about it and is not written in any of the Nightwing scrolls... But, more importantly, how you acquired it, and, how long have you had it in your possession, as I'm sure I remember correctly that Battlewinner asked the same question?" She continued. "Why is it that only the Nightwings have this animus armour, did something occur for them to forge such a powerful piece?... I am more than a little confused!"
Coral was the next to speak up, glancing towards Gromeontunth. "If the Nightwings have such an impressive piece of animus enchanted armour, that nobody knew anything about, not even the Nightwings. Then, potentially we could all have animus enchanted armour, or, some sort of enchanted piece of jewellery, or, weapons of some kind!"
Coral glanced at each of the Queens in turn, her thick tail flicking slightly as she then started to speak. "I would like to make a statement if I may... When I was outside swimming, I dived down into the depths, enjoying myself, when all of a sudden, I came across a purple glowing light a little way off in front of me. I decided to investigate, though as I grew closer to the source, I could feel the energy that it emitted with every pulse, the closer I got, the stronger it felt, until I felt something beside me, when I looked, I noticed a tendril with flashing lights, made of all the colours of the rainbow... It spooked me because of the way it made me feel, I...I can't explain it. It was almost as if it was coming after me, which makes no sense, I know! That's when I resurfaced! I couldn't say anything at the time, for I felt you all wouldn't have believed me at all!"
She finished her explanation, looking back at Gromeontunth, while all the other Queens just stared at her. Looks of shock and disbelief covered their faces as Gromeontunth glanced towards the other Queens, though mostly at Battlewinner and Glacier, for he knew they had an idea something had been plaguing Coral.
Battlewinner looked at Glacier, then the two looked simultaneously towards Gromeontunth as Battlewinner piped up. "We knew something was bothering her from the very moment she climbed out of the ocean. This is the first time she has spoken since then, I must admit it was not what I had expected, though, now we know why she has been so quiet!" She took a breath before continuing. "The next question, which I think you know exactly what I am going to ask, is... What on three moons is exactly down there?"
Gromeontunth looked down at the table while shifting awkwardly upon his chair, he was about to answer when further down the main corridor, the distinct sound of the echoey clicking of two sets of talons could be heard, it made him lift his head immediately as he shifted slightly upon his chair once more; which made him look towards the open doorway to the dining room. His tail swished slowly from side to side and his ears twitched as he was now able to catch the faint voices of Beiphuth and Blaze.
It sounded as if they were in deep conversation!
The rest of the Queens fell silent as they too glanced towards the entrance to the dining room. They continued listening as they glanced at one another and then to Gromeontunth and finally back to the doorway; as the sound of their talons and voices grew nearer and louder.
Battlewinner turned her attention back to Gromeontunth and said. "Gromeontunth, you were going to say?"
When all of a sudden Glacier cried out. "What... What was that!" She snapped her head around to look directly at Battlewinner with such a shocked expression upon her face, it made Battlewinner to immediately stare at Glacier with her mouth agape, wearing a confused but questionable frown.
Glacier just stood there, staring at Battlewinner as if she had been slapped in the snout.
Battlewinner stared back at Glacier, completely lost for words for a moment, her head tilted to one side slightly before asking in a whisper. "What's wrong with you Glacier?... Why are you looking at me like that!... What did I say!"
Glacier stood there with her eyes flicking from side to side, her wings twitching while her tail remained as still as ice; and after a few seconds, returned her gaze to Battlewinner as she whispered. "D...Did you hear what Beiphuth just said!"
Battlewinner stood there, shaking her head from side to side, her ears also twitching as she then said. "No!... I-I didn't... What did she say?" She waited patiently for Glacier to respond, watching as the Icewing's eyes flicked from side to side still, she also noticed that her wings ruffled slightly when Glacier suddenly said. "I may be wrong... But I'm sure I heard her speak a name; a name I haven't heard in a long, long time. In fact, the last time I heard that name was when I was just a mere dragonet!" She paused for a few seconds, glancing at the floor as if thinking before she continued. "I believe it was... Celastrina?"
Battlewinner looked even more confused now, ruffling her wings slightly as she turned to directly face Glacier as she whispered. "Cela.. who?"
At that moment Glacier's eyes widened, looking gobsmacked as she replied with an exasperated whisper as her wings bobbed dramatically. "Are you kidding me Battlewinner, after the months of looking at the scrolls we read together, you're telling me, that you have Zero idea who Celastrina is! Haven't you noticed the ring that Blaze has been wearing... That's... Queen Celastrina's ring!"
At that moment, Battlewinner's eyes widened in shock as she took a sharp intake of breath, and whispered. "How on three moons did Gromeontunth and Beiphuth get their claws on that!" a slight hiss between her words as she threw a look of daggers at Gromeontunth, she was about to speak when suddenly, Beiphuth came marching back into the dining room, with Blaze struggling to keep pace with her.
At that very moment, Battlewinner's armour surged with the ancient power of her ancestors, activating it as she got into a defensive stance, not expecting Beiphuth to come in so... energetically bouncy.
"Oh! Battlewinner... you look fabulous! How does it feel darling?" She questioned as she stood there, with a massive grin that spread across her snout, she then diverted her attention to her husband, saying. "I'm famished! What about you my love?... Oh yes!, Blaze dear, please do give the ring to it's rightful owner now... and if you're wondering, it's Glacier darling!" she commented, pointing a talon to Glacier.
Battlewinner and Glacier just stood there, mouths agape in utter shock as they stared at Beiphuth. All the while Blaze came scrambling up to Glacier, holding the ring in a forepaw as she then found herself standing there, waiting for her Icewing friend to take the ring. "Sorry!, I kind of got caught up In It's beauty, I didn't scratch It! I-I think!"
She waited a little longer until she found herself saying. "Glacier, here you go!" She gently grabbed Glacier's forepaw and placed the ring gently within her grasp, before turning on the spot and making her way back to her chair, appearing to be her old cheerful self again.
Battlewinner was the first to glance at the ring that laid so elegantly upon Glacier's paw, she gave Glacier a little tap with a wing, shaking the Icewing Queen from her thoughts as she eventually closed her mouth, turning her head to look upon Battlewinner, seeing the Nightwing glance from her face to her paw, hinting at something as Glacier glanced downwards, seeing the same ring that she admired within the scrolls for many years upon the talon of the great Queen, Celastrina!
Her eyes lit up as she slowly brought the ring closer to her snout, taking it with her other forepaw, remembering how she felt as a young, tiny dragonet, remembering the details within the scrolls. She remembered how she always wanted to one day hold it within her paws; finally she picked it up with two of her talons, taking the upmost care as if it was a hatchling; before turning it slowly, looking over it's brilliance as it sparkled and the beauty and the magnificence of this remarkable piece of ancient history, she was totally stunned and was in awe that it was now in her grasp, she studied the main jewel that crowned the ring, taking in the beauty as the light caught it's brilliance at every angle, she then looked over the much smaller countless gems that were of the exact same shape and colour as the main jewel.
She turned the ring once again, causing the large cyan Blue Diamond, that sat so proudly and with such beauty, to become alive! The light caught every angle of it's amazing brilliance, making it flash so much that the stone momentarily disappeared.
It sat well above a further two rings of smaller cyan blue diamonds; with themselves stacked, and set, into the most intricately designed silver bands that she had ever seen before. "Magnificent!" she said quietly to herself.
They were designed in such a way, that they too sat high and proud from the ring. The first ring of cyan blue diamonds directly below the centre stone were slightly bigger in diameter than the stones below it, that then graduated down further to slightly smaller cyan blue diamonds again, they also seemed to explode with a million pinpricks of light. They were set, completely covering the bale in it's entirety, before advancing further down both sides of the silver coloured ring.
Glacier then looked at Battlewinner, who in turn looked at her before tilting her head towards where Beiphuth was as Glacier started to walk towards her, all the while keeping her gaze upon Battlewinner, as if asking for her support.
Battlewinner noticed the look Glacier was giving her, giving a nod before she started to follow her Icewing friend, knowing that she wanted her as moral support. Glacier then turned her gaze towards Beiphuth, all the while Gromeontunth eyes were focused on the pair of females as they made their way regally towards his wife.
[well, this is going to be interesting if I say so myself!] Gromeontunth thought to himself while he continued to watch the event slowly unfold, knowing what was about to happen.
Glacier came to a stop just outside of the kitchen, watching Beiphuth run around as she prepared the evening meal. "Beiphuth... if I may have a moment of your time, I would like to ask a few questions please" Glacier raised up onto her hind paws, placing her forepaws upon the counter as did Battlewinner, the two of them waiting patiently for a reply from the Drainwing Queen.
Beiphuth snapped her gaze to Glacier and Battlewinner, the countless jewellery she had on all clinked and jingled against her body and one another as she darted around the quite frankly, large kitchen. "Of course, please do fire away darling!... GROMEONTUNTH!" She shouted to her husband. "I NEED HELP IN THE KITCHEN DARLING!"
the sounds of bubbling pans and hissing fish kettles filled the room as Gromeontunth said. "On my way my emerald!" He carefully shuffled past Glacier and Battlewinner, being mindful of their personal space before slipping into the kitchen to help his wife.
"So!, what do you wish to ask me darling!" Beiphuth said as she made her way up to the counter, raising up onto her hind paws as she rested her forepaws upon the counter top, glancing at the two younger females while she waited patiently for a response.
Glacier glanced down at the marbled counter top, running a serrated talon against it's smooth surface while choosing her words carefully. But Beiphuth piped up once more. "Oh! you aren't wearing the ring yet?" Tilting her head to the side slightly as she gazed down at the ring that now sat upon the counter top between Battlewinner and Glacier.
Glacier then said. "That is exactly what I would like to ask you about, if I may" The Icewing's ears flicked slightly while she waited for Beiphuth to respond, yet noticed that Gromeontunth had froze to the spot, as if he had been frozen by an Icewing. This caused her to become more mentally guarded, for she now felt a sense of alarm, not knowing what Beiphuth was going to say!
Beiphuth by now looked confused, if not a little worried as she said with a soft smile. "Go on darling, you can ask me... Anything!"
This made Glacier feel better about herself as she raised her head more regally, clearing her throat before she spoke. "I wanted to ask who Celastrina was?" At this question, Beiphuth froze, because she wasn't expecting it at all! Her eyes wide as all seemed to go quiet.
Gromeontunth snapped his head around and glared at Glacier momentarily, before turning back around to focus on the dinner. Yet, kept his ears pointed towards his wife and the two royal girls as to not miss out on their conversation.
Beiphuth kept quiet for some time, trying to figure out how to respond, for she knew that she was half Icewing, and that it would be a massive shock to Glacier to know that!. She rhythmically tapped a forepaw talon against the marble top of the counter, humming softly to herself as she turned her head to look out of one of the giant windows, her wings shifted slightly in an awkward manner while her tail tip twitched.
Glacier and Battlewinner shared a glance at one another, confusion riddled their facial features before they simultaneously glanced back towards Beiphuth.
She then looked back towards the two royal girls before speaking directly to Glacier. "Pardon me if this appears rude in any way... But, why are you asking this question? I am just a little confused, for I am certain that you know very well who Celastrina is... Yes?" She then tilted her head to the side slightly, waiting for Glacier's response.
Glacier let out a soft snort, shaking her head as if saying No. "I thought I did, though it appears that I may not know the Whole truth on who Queen Celastrina was!" If she was being honest, she felt as if both Gromeontunth and Beiphuth were avoiding answering her questions, which was begging to push her patience. she felt her talons dig slightly into the marble surface as she then asked abruptly. "What was Queen Celastrina to you?"
Beiphuth found herself quickly glancing back down to the counter top, a new question had stabbed her, and it made her squirm by how Glacier worded the second question. She knew she HAD to answer it, yet found herself unable to do so, her throat suddenly felt dry as she glanced back towards her husband, who instantly knew what his wife wanted as he grabbed a crystal glass from the glass cabinet and filled it with wine before slipping it towards her gently.
Beiphuth grabbed the glass before drinking it's contents at a pace that made even Battlewinner look in amazement, she then placed the glass down before she asked the two royal girls. "Would you two like some wine?" She quickly turned back to her husband as Glacier let out another snort before speaking.
"Beiphuth, please answer my question, this is of upmost importance!" Gromeontunth then said with a gentle and loving tone.
"Glacier is right my darling emerald, you must answer her question, for she needs to know the full truth, I can tell that she hasn't been told the full truth yet! And up until now, we have been rather... unhelpful with that" Beiphuth found herself staring at her husband with wide pleading eyes, she was starting to feel uncomfortable, yet the words of her husband rippled throughout her mind, she Knew she had to answer Glacier's question!
she slowly turned back to Glacier, taking in a deep breath before she spoke. "Queen Celastrina passed the ring down to me... it was her gift to me before she passed!" She felt the words get caught in her throat as she struggled slightly, yet pushed herself to continue. "When Celastrina was on her death bed, she picked me to succeed her, I knew the Queen of the Drainwings had less power than the King, yet a new Queen had to be picked!"
Glacier wrinkled her snout as confusion ripped through her mind, she looked at Beiphuth. Yet, couldn't see any sort of resemblance to Icewings, at all!
"How can this be!, Queen Celastrina was an Icewing, there is No way on three moons that she would give the Queens ring to a Drainwing!" she scoffed, her tail rattling while her spikes also rattled in frustration.
Before his wife could respond, Gromeontunth spoke up while he grabbed a case of wine. "Perhaps it is better if we all sat at the table... for I feel this will be a far bigger shock than you think it will be!" He said directly to Glacier while he and his wife scooted past the Icewing royal.
Beiphuth took a seat beside her husband as she suddenly piped up. "Is it just me, or is it getting very warm in here?" Gromeontunth curled his tail around hers, making sure she felt comfortable as he poured a glass of wine for all the ladies, including his wife.
Battlewinner and Glacier too joined them at the table, taking their seats with the rest of the royals. Glacier kept her eye on Beiphuth, seeing how disturbed the Drainwing female appeared to be.
[what exactly is disturbing her so much as to reduce her to this state? I don't understand, did my questioning really effect her that much?] Glacier questioned herself, her tail curling around herself self consciously, finding herself staring down at the table once more in deep thought. She shook her head, shaking herself free of the grips of deep thought before she focused back onto Beiphuth.
"Beiphuth, I do deeply apologise if I've caused you any distress at all, I meant no disrespect... At all!"
Beiphuth snapped her gaze from her husband to Glacier, her ears twitching as she suddenly said. "No no!, it's fine, it just hit a bit of a nerve, that's all!" Glacier found herself tilting her head as she then questioned.
"What do you mean by it hit a bit of a nerve? I really don't understand. I'm really sorry Beiphuth, but I really don't... at all!" Glacier shifted a bit on her chair, making it creek slightly while she kept her gaze upon Gromeontunth and Beiphuth, waiting patiently for a reply.
Gromeonth placed his large forepaw upon Beiphuth's own much smaller paw, nuzzling into the crook of her neck before he looked towards Glacier. "Glacier... what my wife is trying to say is... That... Celastrina was her mother!"