Ardent found herself taken aback as the familiar surroundings of her old bedroom brought memories flooding to the surface of her mind.

The canopy bed, its red comforter and satin sheets to match, with their warm embrace. Gilded pillows that felt like clouds.

The large window at the far end of the room that one could watch the sunset through. Its velvet drapes, accompanied by the mahogany bookshelf, adorned with some of her favorite stories.

The gilded black space rug on the floor. The paintings on the walls, everything. She had longed for the familiarity.

Hesitantly, she opened the large wooden wardrobe, tracing her delicate fingers over the etchings of the bears on the doors. Inside was a white gown, embroidered and laced in scarlet and gold. This was the dress she used to wear around the town hall, it symbolized her status as the king's wife.

She pulled the gown out along with a pair of black boots. This would do just fine for the evening celebrations.

Outside in the hall, she found that everything had grown noisy. Golem and a disgruntled Lady Storm rushed past her. Something wasn't right.

"What in the world is going on now?" She mumbled to herself as she watched the pair disappear down the hall.

Lady Ardent made her way to the throne room, all the while taking in the chaotic atmosphere. When she entered through the decorative doors, she froze in place.

There were soldiers readied in front of the throne, occupying the expanse of space in four rows. A few familiar faces glanced her way as they stood in attention to king Alexander.

Ardent made her way up the aisle, stopping at the dais. She glanced around at those assembled before the throne. "What's going on?"

He motioned for her to join him, her old throne sat next to his, a smaller version of the kingly throne, made of gold and cushioned with scarlet leather. Nostalgia flooded her once again at the familiar sight.

She let her gaze sweep over the large room, the black curtains draped throughout, the large windows that stood behind the dais with their golden frames. The familiar gray walls and elaborate scenes of bears at play etched in gold paint danced along the dark backdrop.

She frowned as she returned her attention to her husband. "I suppose you won't tell me unless I sit right?"

"What's a king without a queen by his side?" He asked, his broad arms held up in a half gesture of surrender.

She sighed. “Very well." She said giving in, as thoughts raced through her mind. I know he wants things to go back to the way they were, but they can't. Not now. She spoke sadly to herself as she claimed her spot next to him.

"Now, as we were. I have called Master Sheninja from Omendusk, Prince Para from the mountain kingdom, Melaina, Lady Hinooki and many more, to help us fight an enemy that we all share. He has threatened our homes and cost us the lives of our loved ones. We must stop him at all costs."

She gave him a puzzled look as she examined the soldiers before them. Lady Hinooki gave her a soft smile, one which she returned. “You mean Etah.”

She noticed several of their own were missing, Lady Storm being one of them, but being in charge of the alchemy lab, Alexander probably sent her to check its wares.

Master Sheninja, the proud assassin of Omendusk, stood next to Lady Hinooki. His tall frame made her look like his shadow, which was what Omendusk was known for, its shadow and mystery.

His dark armor; a black under suit, encompassed with heavy metallic plates, pauldrons, boots and a breast plate dyed in a deep navy blue, crested with purple and bearing the shadow mark to represent his homeland, made him to look as mysterious as ever. His dark hooded cape only added to the look since he never revealed his face.

Prince Para of Melaina, stood proud also, a fierce determination set into his bi-colored eyes. If she didn't know any better, Ardent would have sworn he could command a storm with the way the lavender and gold of his irises blazed.

His glaive, Melaina, named after his home, better known as The force of Will, clung to his back, it black stem counteracting the golden sharp edge of its bladed tip. A purple ribbon danced elegantly where wood met metal. These were the colors of the Melainian kingdom.

As such he wore a black tunic over a purple undershirt, black pants accompanied with a pair of black boots. All were embroidered with the outline of gemstones in golden thread. His black hair, which was short as always was cradled with a golden crown set with twelve different gemstones, showing off his princely status, but why was he in the ranks of soldiers and not with the king?

She eyed the gemstone prince with curiosity. “You expect them to fight don’t you.” She stated accusingly.

"We have to, that beast.. Etah, has taken hold of Arcadia There is nothing left." The king replied sternly.

Her heart sank at his words, she thought of the birb elf, and the girl’s words sprang forth in her mind. You could bring survivors here

“You don’t have to fight, none of you do. I suggest we transport everyone, including the Arcadians to the realm.” She said with confidence.

He narrowed his eyes at her. “Now you know that would be cowardly. Every person in this room has their own right and reason to fight off that dragon.”

“So you’re going to risk the lives of others because you don’t want to be called a coward?” She bit back bitterly as she stood.

“That’s not… where are you going?” He asked, confused as to where her anger stemmed from.

“I should have known you wouldn’t listen to me.” She sighed angrily. “I told you that I couldn’t be here anymore, I told you everything, what I gave up to save you and the others. Do you not see the change in my appearance, or are you just pretending to be blind Alexander?”

He stood then, “This is not the time to be discussing this. We will prepare for battle and we will have a small celebration of your return tonight. And then tomorrow we can talk privately.”

She shook her head then, “There’s no point in talking to a wall, Alexander.”