The Last Lesson

Aravos and Princess Ryana sat at opposite ends of the elongated banquet table. The vast and sparkling dining room utterly quiet. With only the sound of their silverware hitting against porcelain glass disrupting the cold silence which had occurred between the two of them for hours.

"You aren't eating." What is the matter? Aravos asked concerned with his nieces somber mood.

She didn't reply.

"I thought squid was your favorite? I can have the cook prepare something else if you like?"

She didn't reply. Continuing to fiddle with her silver spoon in her soup laid beside the dish.

"Is this about yesterday?"

"What do you think? The princess said coldly. You treat me like I don't know anything. Like I'm a stupid child not deserving of any respect. How can I ever be a good ruler if you or anyone doesn't have any faith in me?

You're mother is quite overprotective of you admittedly. He replied. Knowing his niece had strong mixed feelings about her. Feelings he knew how to get to the heart of. She just wants to look out for your own interests which is understandable given your...injuries and all the assassination attempts on you both. She only want's what is best for you.

You think I don't know that? Ryana snapped before growing silent at his persistence. You sound just like her but worse. She doesn't trust me. She'll never trust me like you do. That's the issue. The both of you not bothering to hear what I have to say.

Aravos remained silent. Tapping his long talons against the cold table in a deeply saddened thought. Thinking about how he could recover this. There must be some way to.. Ah but of course. But he must move cautiously.

"I'm sorry about yesterday my dear. Perhaps I was a bit too harsh. I just didn't think it the right time for you to learn such things.

"It's never the right time with you uncle. You're always keeping secrets from me. Saying I'm not ready. But I'm old enough to learn everything you have to tell. The good and the bad.

I doubt that. He thought to himself.

"...It's for your own good." He replied cautiously. Carefull. Carefull.

Ryana slumped back in her chair frustrated. It was always the same with him. "It's for your own good. "It's for your own good." She would be told time and time again to the point of sheer madness.

"I'm just tired of not being able to think for myself! Everyone telling me what to do! Keeping me cooped up from the world. I can't go anywhere without some hand pulling me along. Mother don't even trust me enough to fly on my own. She sees me if as if I'm made of glass that'll shatter at the slightest touch. I'm an adult now and still I've never even set foot in the sky or tasted real freedom or risk. The highest I've ever flown is only up to my ceiling because of you and your stupid rules!!! How can I call myself an albatross If I can't even fly?!!"

I hate it! And I hate you!"

Aravos remained in cold silence sensing her hasty anger. He was losing her. He put his hands together as he closed his eyes trying to quickly come up with a solution that would benefit the both of them from this tough patch they were both stuck in together.

You're hate is valid. I understand your frustration. Believe me I know. Being told day in and day out by a parent how to live your life. There is not a thing in the world that makes you feel more trapped. Perhaps.."

"I should try letting you live it for once."

Ryana's head tilted confused. What are you talking about? She said enraged yet a bit intrigued.

"I'll allow you to leave the fortress so long as you don't tell your mother.

"For one hour only."

"I will escort you through the ice canyons for a long overdue lesson in flying before returning to the fortress before anyone notices. Happy?" Aravos said coldly as he took a sip of his tea without looking up. He had her attention fully he knew. Now to seal the deal.

What...? You. You really mean it?

When I promise something Ryana. I fulfill that promise no matter what. I told you're mother I would watch over and teach you. I didn't say necessarily within these walls."

Ryana stood standing in her seat stunned. There was no way Stern serious Aravos would go through with this. Why now?

"Why now?" She asked unsure of his motives.

I have expected to much of you in the past. Demanded more than you are able to give. I now realize it time to be the guardian I should have been for you. At least for tonight. I have made mistakes. Perhaps it time for me to just face the facts. You are who you are, and not what others need you to be, nothing I do can change that. And I can not hold you back from being what you were meant to be. I have my responsibilities. But paramount above all else is making sure you are happy. Ask and it shall be so to the best of my abilities."

Just.."

Aravos breathed in heavily. Half hating himself for being only her tutor and not her uncle for already so much wasted time together.

"I just...., want you to please enjoy this day. Unclouded by responsibility or expectation from me and your mother. Remember it as the one good thing I've ever done to make you happy. Can you do that for me?"

Princess Ryana started to clutch her heart in bewildered disbelief. Collapsing back in her chair. She didn't think...

"Of course uncle! Can we go!? Can we go right now?!! She began to ask excitedly."

"....If you're ready."

Yes Yes!! She said uncontrollably before suddenly noticing her uncomely eagerness.

"I mean..Ryana cleared her throat and rested her hands beside her dress. "Yes uncle we shall." She said trying to act somewhat dignified.

Very well then. Oh! Wait. Aravos scowled in frustration, resting his hand to cover his face at a realization he hadn't taken into account. One he knew that would only make her all the more eager to find out what.

What is it? Ryana asked sounding concerned about their new secret plan.

I am afraid we cannot exit the facility hangar blast shield doors, because I don't have the master control clearance. That jurisdiction is rightfully in your mother's hands for good reason. I only monitor the security systems and automatons patrols. She has total authority over every way in and out and I am afraid without her thumbprint we will be unable to proceed. I am sorry Ryana. I was foolish for even suggesting such a proposal that is so risky to you. Perhaps we can try a flying lesson in the main piano room. It won't be the same I'm afraid. Feeling the fresh cold air. Soaring through the clouds. But it should be enough without posing a serious risk to yourself like your mother would want. After all. Why else would she refuse letting you fly if she didn't think you could handle it?

Aravos then wiped his mouth with his napkin, gently pushed his chair back and stood tall and ready to lead her out into the hallways. He paused for but a brief moment in place, knowing Ryana was thinking hard about some way to recover and get what she had dreamed about for so long. He smiled. Just a bit longer.

You need her thumbprint?

Aravos smiled.

Yes. Just a sample. But I don't know where we would find something that contains that with a good enough clarity.

Ryana tilted her head down. Trying to recount her visit.

The dishes? She asked wanting to prove him wrong about being able to handle it. At dinner she drank some water from a glass.

Don't you think I've tried that? Aravos thought to himself frustrated. "A wonderful idea." Was what he actually said aloud sounding half impressed. "But I am afraid it is in vain. The servants wash all the dishes thoroughly after dinner. And if I were to ask them for one specific glass she just happened to touch she would grow suspicious. Concentrate. I know we can figure a way out. He smiled in a encouraging heartfelt manner. Hoping she would find one. Or else their plans were ruined.

Ryana pulled deeper into the previous few days. Shifting through memories for one that special moment that would...

She had it.

My storybook. Ryana smiled. Her old storybook. It's on the nightstand in my room. Only she touched it and it hasn't moved since. It's there undisturbed I know it is!

At last. Ryana. You blessed little genius. Thought Aravos.

Very well then. Let us be off then.

The two walked in anticipated silence with the princess growing more nervous and excited by the second. Suddenly Aravos gestured his hand for them both to wait behind the corner leading to her room.

"A guard is coming along this route soon. Wait just a moment."

Sure enough right on time, one of the automaton sentries was finishing its routine route it had followed unquestionably every moment of the day. Aravos stepped in front while Ryana stayed hidden behind the corner.

"You there unit thirteen! Come here!" He commanded. The small automaton rushed hastily to meet with it's lord's demand.

"The princess is tired and has fallen asleep in the library. Go outside the chamber and make sure she is not disturbed from her slumber. Or I shall have your head. Understood?"

Affirmative. The metal construct said quickly a bit terrified. Ryana started to chuckle slightly before being waved to stop from behind her uncle's back quickly or else she would ruin it from her giggling. She stopped, but not without some trouble. As the guard started to turn it's triangular head around curious as to what the sound was Aravos spread his wings to block his view.

"Well? What are you waiting for? A night off? See to it Immediately!!" He commanded.

After the construct hastily vanished from view almost tripping over itself. Before Aravos and Ryana could enter he instruected her to wait just a moment outside. She was confused for a bit but lobeyed. After a few minutes. Aravos came out with a copied print from the book he left behind inside the room. Her certainly came prepared. Ryana and Aravos started to quickly proceed to enter through to the hangar bay where the emergency escape shuttle was stationed. Aravos entered his scanned print into the slot on the wall using his gauntlet display and the hangar bay began to open slowly, releasing the cold southern wind and snow to enter through the room.

Aravos strangely hesitated for a moment before grabbing his nieces hand and led her out into the quiet and vast fields of endless snow. She hated to have to rely on him for guidance but she knew that without it, she would never find her way back. He knew it was easy to get lost out here, and since there was no monuments or features on the terrain for Ryana to sense off of it was a shroud of darkness leaving her with no way to navigate. She would comply, Albeit reluctantly for the moment. But still she would try and enjoy this priceless moment in all it's glory. To waste it. Would be the biggest mistake of her life.

Ryana Smiled and sniffed the fresh cold air eagerly as they walked together. It felt wonderful. Not artificial like inside the citadel. It was entirely different and alive. It felt honest. A real environment not bound by rules or limitations as she herself was. She wished she could see it in all it's glory as he could. It must look incredible she estimated to her uncle based how clear the air was all around her, brisling against her feathers in the soft but swift wind.

Unbeknownst to Ryana. She wasn't missing out on much.

Aravos knew the rest of the world disregarded this vast empty landscape as uninhabitable and unappealing as nothing more than a dry pathetic waste. Perhaps it was. But he loved the sense of quiet and peace his home conveyed in all it's silent glory. More so in regards to all that it had accomplished despite the odds dealt against its so few inhabitants who had survived here for centuries and prospered. This was his first time outside these walls in years as well. And it was even better than he remembered.

No wonder it was called the frozen desert he thought to himself a bit amused.

Nothing grows here. It hardly ever rains or snows. And when it does. What is left behind never leaves and never melts. Below their feet brushing aside the snow gently in their path rested layers upon layers of centuries old ice miles thick. A tough sturdy place to produce tough sturdy people. There was little else around besides it's people. Not a tree or sign of life anywhere except for the two of them as they trekked on undeterred by the blistering cold. This was the coldest and most isolated region on the planet short of the very darkest and deepest of the ocean depths in all it's secluded mystery. None believed it possible to live here. And Yet the two southern inhabitants trekked on up the mountain unaffected by their natural element in the slightest. The below freezing temperature feeling like nothing more than a gentle breeze against them both. Ryana wondered how far they had to go. Soon enough She got her answer. And just in time.

"Stop. Aravos suddenly told her. Putting one wing in front so she wouldn't fall of the edge.

Ryana could feel it. Right in front of her a massive quick drop off the icy cliffside. To where she did not know. It was too far below for her visor to tell. She gulped. Starting to feel nervous with her hands shaking.

"Is this it?" She asked tensely, leaning over the edge to try and get a feel for the drop. Clutching tighter to her uncle's arm for support.

"Yes my dear. Are you ready?" Aravos held out his hand.

Ryana stepped back slightly. She was becoming terrified. She didn't think she'd get this far. That she would actually be able to fly.

I..I don't think. I can do this. Its all happening so fast." She said quivering. Feeling the cold air become swallowed downward to depths she couldn't fathom. But she could at least tell it was up.

High, High Up.

"I'm.., I'm scarred. I don't know what to do." Said Ryana fearfully.

"That's good." Replied Aravos. "It means you're careful and not overconfident. People who act as if they are brave in every situation even if they don't fully understand what they are getting into are more likely to fail. Admitting your fears and shortcomings to others you trust is a part of learning properly. Flying is no different."

"It is it's a rite of passage every one of out kind must face with a guardian guiding them along every step of the way. And it pain's me that you have been denied your first flight you are owed for far too long. I now see I have been so distracted by teaching you what your mother has desired. I have forgotten the very basic aspects that are truly most important in growing up as one of us. It's time for you to face your final lesson my dear.

Aravos approached closer and gently rested one hand atop her shoulder cloaked in her wing's tightly folded against her body acting as a cloak to hide her growing anxiety about what she had gotten herself into."

"We'll take it one step at a time. Listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you Ryana.

Ryana breathed and turned her head keenly to absorbed every scrap of knowledge Aravos would tell her. She knew she would need it.

"Albatross don't fly like other birds. Our wings are the largest in the world. They allow us to soar such great distances that would cause all other's to collapse into the sea from sheer exhaustion if they attempted the long journeys across thousands of miles we are able to make. It it was makes us special. We are the world's most efficient flyers. Don't exert yourself when flying. You needn't have to. The clifftop wind will provide all the lift you need. Let the strong southern breeze carry your wings like a glider up and down in a calm looping patter against the current. It will propel you're entire body without even flapping your wings once. All you need is be its guide."

"How..How far have you traveled by wind uncle?"

Araovos smiled.

"One million, two hundred and seventy five miles. Me and my brother as a bet tested our wings against one another and flew all the way from the north to the south pole when we were eighteen. Without ever touching the ground. You can do that as well. But today we won't go to such extremes. We will venture through the ice canyon, across the lake and circle back. Nothing more, nothing less. It will be about a fifteen minute journey. And I'll be with you every step of the way guiding you. It may seem new. It may be scary. If you want to turn back ask and it shall be so. Whatever you choose, I will not leave your side. Trust me as much as you need to. But you must trust yourself far more If we are to proceed.

Ryana gulped. If there was ever a better example of be careful what you wish for. This was it.

The princess slowly crept toward the icy edge. Shuffling bits of snow beneath her elongated feet as she cautiously approached toward the frozen cliffside, trying to even create the thought of building up enough resolve and courage to spread her wings slightly.

"Uncle.." Ryana said nervously without looking behind. "You Promise you'll stay with me?"

Aravos reached out his hand to guide her once again.

"Always."

Ryana slowly breathed aloud. Placing another step forward. She could feel another strong winter breeze coming in behind her back. Almost as if it was cheering her on. She could feel something bubbling to the surface of her soul. Fear? Excitement? She slowly spread her enormous white wings wide apart. She knew what this new sensation was.

Instinct.

She jumped.

Ryana smiled in nervous anticipation as she spread her wings wide apart in place in the gliding position as her entire body free fell downward.

She then became a bit surprised as she suddenly felt her wings become locked in a rigid form in their sockets behind her back so she would not even have to worry about exerting a shred energy in keeping them raised any longer. It was just like Aravos said.

All she would have to do is be their guide.

And now her wings after being dormant and idle for so long had finally been allowed to fulfil their purpose in carrying their guide to soar untethered from the earth at last into the clear southern sky free for one precious moment.

She smiled as she felt brisk the artic wind thrashing against her feathers beneath her as she swooped upward swiftly along the current propelling her back upward. She couldn't sense the ground any more. She didn't care. She felt as if she never wanted to return to the confinement she had known for so long and just keep going.

"Uncle!" She called out cheerily through the strong breeze. Almost afraid he had left her side.

"I'm here!" He replied assuredly. "I'm right beside you." Aravos shifted his tailfeathers only slightly, to quickly glide in beside her. So close in fact, that the tip of their massive spread out wings almost touched. She could sense his comforting familiar presence now.

"It's amazing!" She cried out. Proceeding to spreading her arms wide part along with her wings like a child. Pure joy radiated from her at this new sense of freedom and feeling of being able to go anywhere.

"Of course it is." He smiled at the juvenile action. "It's flying. What did you expect?"

The two continued gliding in a straight path for a while before climbing upward rapidly into the clouds through the thin chilly air, with Aravos giving her small Course adjustments every few moments to make sure she stayed on the path for her safety. She obeyed but continued enjoying the tranquility of soaring above the frosty homelands she had never truly known until now. Feeling as if she were no longer in control of her wings. They were in control of her. And she loved it.

The two abruptly then dived down toward the thrashing sea waves miles beneath. The air and streams of clouds racing behind their streamlined forms' as they tucked tightly together beside one another. Falling like arrows side by side each other through the open clear blue sky, becoming faster and faster with the wind pushing against their faces. Before she could see how far she was able to go. Aravos instructed her to level out and fly straight and she listened, albeit reluctantly. His voice then became more methodical and cautious as he glided closer in beside her to call out the next instruction.

"Alright Ryana!" Shouted Aravos shifting his body slightly toward her in the air. "We're coming up on the ice canyon. It has a strong air current inside but the walls are quite far apart so you aren't likely to collide with the edges. But if you're scarred, we can turn back now if you would like."

Ryana grinned a most vicious smile that was so unlike her and pressed on. Much to the surprise of Aravos. He was deeply impressed by her determination. But he was also cautious. Determination could quickly turn dangerous in nature if not tempered properly.

"Alright! We'll go on. Just follow my lead this time!" He cried out. Aravos then flapped his wings just once to speed ahead and glide in front of Ryana. "We're coming up on them. Stay behind me and follow what I do! Just shift your body side to side gently to steer!"

She nodded. Readying her muscles and breathing aloud slowly. Preparing for her next great test she must prove herself worthy of confronting.

Ryana suddenly began to sense the faint outline of a massive icy entrance quickly approaching in front of them both that was as tall as a skyscraper, (not that she had ever seen one). She didn't gulp this time at her nervous anxiety and continued undeterred.

"Turn Right!" Aravos said to her quickly and calmly. Shifting his body against the wind. Ryana complied and did exactly the same following closely behind him. Entering the narrow passage and feeling a fresh gust of wind pushing her upward being channeled from far below in the darkness. The tip of her wing feather's gently grazed against the ice, not enough to ground her but just enough to give her a brief startle. There was no going back now she reminded herself.

She would see this through to the end.

"Everything alright back there?!" Aravos called out concerned.

"Nothing! I'm good! She lied.

Alright were coming up on another turn!" Exclaimed Aravos. "Then they'll be an arch we have to go under! You'll have to tuck in your wings for just a few seconds! Follow my lead!"

She nodded and followed. Listening intently for when the time was right.

"Left!" He ordered.

The two immediately shifted left. Ryana could feel a massive wall rushing right behind swiftly beside her. She had never known true danger. It felt exhilarating.

Alright were coming up on the arch. After this is the exit! On three..!!

Ryana nodded. Preparing to let herself go limp in the air for a few seconds.

Two..!

One!!

The pair immediately tucked in their wings and dropped. Ryana could feel a Massive arch of ice frozen in place passing right above her head. The cold air rushed all around her body as she fell. Almost tempted to see how far she could go.

"Up!!" Aravos ordered. "Up!! UP!!"

Ryana obeyed her tutor after realizing she was delaying. And spread her wings back wide apart. Immediately carrying her upward with the gust of wind being channeled out the exit. She had grown careless. Ryana felt ashamed. She knew he didn't like what she had done.

The two continued soaring in a straight path until they reached the ice canyon exit. Ryana lost track of the two opposing walls and was now aimless and flying blind.

"Land." Aravos said sternly. Turning toward the frozen ground in front of the lake and not looking behind toward his foolish niece.

Ryana complied in shame and followed.

"Tilt your wings upward and pull out your feet like so to run across the ground. He coldly instructed. "It's tricky but the snow out here is like power so it will cushion your fall even if you tumble. We're taking a break."

Aravos tilted his wings upward and elegantly and seamlessly transitioned to the ground without a hint of trouble. Landing and skating against the soft snow as if it invited him.

But for Ryana however...

Sure enough...

Thud! Slide! and Tumble. It didn't hurt. It was as if diving headlong into a sea of soft sugar being parted as you entered. Ryana started to laugh wildly while covered in snow. Standing and shaking off the fresh powder sticking to her ruffled wings, hair, and wrinkled dress.

Aravos folded his wings to his back and turned to approach toward his niece in silence. Ryana tilted her head toward the ground and folded her wings. Time for another lecture about how she failed.

"You performed admirably Ryana."

Her white eyes expanded underneath her tiara. She wasn't expecting that at all.

"Wait what?" She said confused." But I hesitated. I disobeyed you."

"You did." If you had gone any further I would have had to intervene and catch you from your recklessness. You would have crashed against the ice. But you didn't. You knew when to pull back up. And it wasn't me you were listening to was it?"

"No..."

"Then what was it?" He smiled.

"I had a feeling in my stomach. Telling me don't dive any further, you don't know what's down there. It felt strange and uncomfortable. Yet.... strangely comforting.

"That's called a gut feeling." Even if you yourself were committed to going further. It told you that wasn't the right call. And you listened like you should have. It's good to test your limits Ryana. But not at the expense of your own safety. And I'm glad you realized that unlike I did.

Ryana looked back up. "Wait what do you mean unlike you did?"

Aravos pulled out his arm and removed a piece of his gauntlet exposing his wrist.

"When I first flied alongside my father. I wanted to prove myself to him anyway I could. So I tried to perform aerial maneuvers I had seen my brother do but never tried myself. As I dived toward the ground wanting to pull up a the last second. My arrogance got the better of me.."

Ryana stepped forward in the snow and felt her uncles wrist. It felt bumpy and out of place slightly. Her mouth widened."

"You crashed?"

"Yes.." Aravos said ashamed. "I nearly died. I broke my leg and my wrist never fully healed properly into place. I was lucky I was still able to fly at all after the ordeal. My father and mother were furious with me. And I hated myself for quite a while for putting myself in needless danger trying to look for his approval. I wanted to prove I was capable, instead I only made a fool of myself.

"I pushed myself farther than I was capable of at the time. And I payed the price. But you.."

Aravos smiled and turned.

You tested your limits today properly. And you followed my lead because you knew you needed it and allowed proper guidance to help you through unfamiliar waters. And although you may have gone of course slightly from time to time seeking adventure and self-discovery. You still knew not to indulge in too much hubris and tempered your ambitions for the sake of yourself and others who care about you. A quality that is essential for a good ruler. And for that my dear.."

"I couldn't be more proud of you for being so unlike me. You have the makings of a great leader. A better one than I ever could have hoped to be." Aravos smiled a bit saddened.

Ryana turned her head confused by the last few words.

"Uncle.., what do you mean better than I ever could have hoped to be?"

Aravos suddenly glanced away enraged at his slip of the tongue. He had said too much.

"Uncle..." Nadia asked hesitantly.

"Why..., why were you sent into exile?"

He didn't respond. He just stood there in enraged silence. The snow falling upon his old faded wings that had become worn down by war.

Uncle. You can tell me. Ryana said calmly. Clutching tightly to his hand.

Aravos flinched. He didn't know what to feel. He hadn't talked about what happened for so long. But still. Something was compelling him to reveal his secrets. At least this one. Just to her. After all he might never get another chance to again. It's not like he could sink any lower at this point.

"Alright Ryana....." Muttered Aravos. The imposing warden cleared his long throat anxiously. And after waiting a few agonizing moment's he finally revealed his greatest failure.

"I was your father's replacement." He said without a shred of pride in his words. "I was once Emperor of the South Pole Empire."

Ryana's white eye's widned under her tiara. Her mouth gaped open. She wanted to say something. But not yet. She grew as silent as the grave as he continued.

"After,.... your father passed. Our nation was a mess. Your mother was stricken with grief for weeks and I was next in line for the throne. I loved my brother but thought I could succeed where he had failed in leading our nation out of its darkest hour. Believing I could be a better ruler and avenge him my own way. A better way.

I was wrong.

I came into power when we were already losing the war. I was arrogant and stubborn in thinking I could somehow turn our desperate situation around before it was too late. Not wanting to see the Empire my father built destroyed and ripped apart from our enemies right as my moment had come at last to prove myself. We were offered surrender numerous times by the ocean monarchy. But.." Aravos clenched his fist in a pure moment of self loathing.

"I refused every time."

I was stubborn and full of pride. Not wanting to let my brother have died in vain and lose all that our family had built over centuries. And because of my stubborn blind determination. Thousands more died. The war dragged on and I was the one to blame for the needlessly bloodshed I invited upon my citizens that I was supposed to protect.

It was only after our nation was devastated and starving almost to the point to extinction from their bomb did I finally surrender in shame. I was there that day, I saw the wave that literally tore our nation in half. A wave so high it touched the clouds. A typhoon that broke off so much of our home to fall and sink into the sea, casting us all back into the dark ages. And it was all my fault.

I was rightly dethroned. Imprisoned. And cast aside. My brief reign as a foolish ruler cut short after only six months. Everyone wanted me dead, myself included. But your mother. Bless her soul... spared me. She sent me into exile as your trusted guardian for my punishment while she herself was left to pick up the pieces I had created. But still after all my years in servitude. I have yet to atone for all my crimes to my nation. And to you. But I will never stop trying. My life doe's not matter anymore. I am not a king, a conqueror or even a lord. I am merely a tool. A tool to repair all that I have broken. And I will do whatever it take's to fix all that I have helped destroy.

Ryana was speechless. She had no idea. She didn't know what to think.

Did she hate him? Did she think less of him now that this was revealed she wondered. She instead was surprised by what she didn't feel.

The only thought that could even form in her mind was how could such a good man come to hate himself so?

"I know I am a miserable fool Ryana. I can only hope to serve you and our nation in any way I can to repair the irreversible damage I have done. "I'm sorry."

Ryana scowled. He may think so little of himself. But Ryana loved him no matter what and knew he was being far too humble for his own sake. Everyone deserves redemption.

Ryana suddenly hugged tightly around her uncle's back. Squeezing him like a cobra.

"You are not a disappointment. You hear me uncle? It wasn't your fault. It was their fault! You have always done what is best for us all. And although other's don't appreciate you. I do.... So don't you dare tell yourself any different."

He was a bit surprised by the action for he was not the hugging type. He instead sighed aloud and awkwardly patted her on the back just twice trying to escape her clutches. Her word's were appreciated. But untrue. But Aravos wouldn't sour her one of a kind spirit. He always would do whatever was necessarily to make sure she was safe and happy. No matter what. So he could play along. He always did.

"Ryana..Cant breath." He said calmly and trying to put on a façade of humor.

"Oh sorry! She replied cheerily."

The two stood laughing in the snow on the edge of the frozen lake for minutes on end. So much so that both their stomachs started to hurt from their constant uncontrollable chuckling.

"Hahaha!..Aghm!" Aravos cleared his throat trying to return to his normal composure. He could permit a giggle or two. But nothing more could come from himself."

"Alright then.." He straightened his back" Shall we return?"

Ryana kept silent and turned toward the frozen lake saddened. Not wanting to go back to her prison.

"In a moment?" She asked hopefully." I want to try skating across the lake."

He sighed. She was stalling. She didn't want to return. Who could blame her?

Alright ten minutes. He said reluctantly.

Ryana smiled and began to hastily sprint toward the water. Only for Aravos to stop her in place with his hand.

Not so fast. He smirked. I have to check the ice first to make sure it's solid. Part of the job of being your overwhelmed guardian.

Ryana nodded and waited eagerly as Aravos walked toward the edge of the frozen water. Pressing one foot gently across the ice dusted with snow. He took another step. Then one more. Suddenly the ice cracked.

"Nope!" He muttered.

Just as Aravos started to turn his back toward Ryana. The ice shifted and parted under his feet.

And Aravos Fell in.

Uncle!! Ryana screamed. The young princess hastily began to fumble her way over to the dge of the ice looking for any sight of him. Begging for him to resurface safe.

"No. No no no!"

As Ryana started to cry in grief. She felt a few faint droplets of cold water fall upon her head. She tilted her head up.

She had been so distracted she didn't even notice.

"And that..my dear. Aravos wheezed soaking wet. Is why we test the water's. In this case literally.

Ryana chuckled back amused in relief. Always with the lectures.

Aravos then proceeded to walk over to the snow and kneel down. Ryana was worried he was angry or hurt, but she noticed the freezing cold water didn't even affect him. To him it probably felt just like a lukewarm swim. What was he doing then?

The Warden slowly grinned as he cupped his hands together to form a pile of snow. Ryana tilted her head slightly.

Suddenly she sensed a flying ball come right at her. Hitting her squarely in the shoulder.

"Oww." She chuckled.

"There.." Aravos grinned obnoxiously, while tossing another snowball up and down in his hand." Now' were even."

"Oh you're going to pay for that! She Smirked." Quickly kneeling down to form her own weapon from the snow.

"Very well. I accept your challenge your majesty. Aravos smiled.

The towering warden proceeded to wind his arm to prepare to draw first blood. Amused as the princess herself started to aim the first in a large pile of snowballs held barely in her arms.

Begin. He Said confidently.

The two spent the next ten minutes pelting each other with rolled up snow, hoping to force the other into submission. Dodging and evading. Using their wings as shields. But despite his best efforts, the eventual victor was Ryana. For while Aravos had the skill. Ryana had the pure determination of youth he could never match.

"Alright I yield! I yield!" He cried out desperately.

No! She laughed maliciously. I will not accept this answer!" The small princess continued pelting her uncle in the back with every last snowball she had. Standing victorious in the snow wiping her hands together of the snow panting excitedly.

Aravos grunted and stood up completely covered in snow. Ruffling his feathers to remove the powder and flexing his wings. "Happy?" He asked disgruntled at her making such a stationary target out of him.

"Very." She smiled.

The Princess slowly began to lose her warm smiled as she folded her dress underneath her and sat down in the snow at the edge of the lake. Aravos sensed her unease and approached to sit beside her silence.

"I'm not going to leave for quite some time.. Am I? Ryana muttered saddened at the realization.

Aravos bit his lip. "Yes. I'm afraid this is a one time thing. We will have to return eventually to the citadel."

Can't we come out here regularly? Maybe after dark?

Aravos shook his head. "I'm sorry Ryana. That isn't possible. To many outings and the other's will grow suspicious and tell your mother."

Ryana gripped her palm tighter and gulped. She didn't want him to get in any trouble. Especially when this was her idea.

"Alright uncle..." She said painfully. Just..Just a bit longer out here?"

"Of course my dear. I know it will be some time before you taste freedom again such as this. But....I just hope you enjoyed yourself and learned something useful from this whole ordeal. And I hope I made you happy.

Aravos desperate tone almost made it sound as if he was begging her to say yes. That she would remember this moment fondly no matter what happens.

Ryana yawned as she rested her head against her uncle's winged shoulder, both sitting at the edge of the massive beautiful lake of solid ice which reflected the sky as a titanic mirror.

"I always learn something useful because of you uncle. She yawned, slowly falling asleep nuzzled against his arm. After all...."

"I couldn't have asked for a better godfather....."

Aravos's mouth widened in shame. Clenching his fist in anger at the situation they were both trapped in. He wanted to say something. But she was already fast asleep beside him. He instead stared out in silence indulged in the peaceful sight of the open frozen south.

A sight that he knew full well....

She would never be able to set foot in beside him again.

He kept staring at her for quite some time in silence. Questioning if this was the right path to take. He loved her as if she were his own, however much he tried to deny it. But years of sheltered life had made her innocently naive and incapable of grasping the harsh reality of the world and of being a proper ruler. No amount of lecturing could change that. She was a kind trusting person. But kind and trusting wasn't enough to be a strong feared ruler. That was what had done her father in after all. Too trusting. He knew her reign would not last long either unless he intervened on her part. This had to be done. For her sake. His own. And most of all his homeland. He had to think about it's future. This is what it would take to make things right once and for all. Finally outside the walls blocking his signals. He could set things on the right path as they were meant to be and repair the damage he had done all those years ago.

It was the only way.

Aravos gently pulled out a secret communicator smuggled inside by one of the servants from the outside world through the portals that was loyal to him. Silencing the noise so as to not wake his niece fast asleep against his shoulder. She shifted in place. Nudged. But ultimated still remained fast asleep against him.

He breathed a sigh of relief and took one final look at his niece who trusted him with everything in her life. Affording to put her aside out of his mind just for one moment. Long enough to do what he needed to be done. He may be her warden but the empress was his. And he would never have another shot like this. It had to be now.

He activated the beacon. Recorded his encoded message and sent it to the other side of the globe quickly so he wasn't found out and so he couldn't turn back from what he was doing. He turned off the small round beacon and stared at it for a while as if it were covered in the future blood he knew would spill from the call he had just made in the palm of his hands. But he had spilled far too much already. No amount more would not affect him anymore than it already did.

He sighed aloud in dread before tossing his deception into the cracked gap of the frozen river he had intentionally made to bury the evidence. His involvement in the coup hidden forever. The empress and Ryana would not find out until it was far too late and they were both under house arrest. His supporters for his rightful claim to the throne would hone in on the beacon's signal eventually. But that thankfully, that wouldn't be for quite some time.

For now. He would spend what little precious time left with his niece by the lake. Hoping in years she would remember him with some shred of fondness for this happy memory he had tried to make for her. And more importantly.

Forgive him in what came next. And why it had to be this way.

I'm sorry...He whispered softly before kissing her gently on the forehead with a look of sorrow across his face. Whether to both the ghost of his beloved brother Arkonus or his daughter, she would never find out. Ryana couldn't hear a thing or course she was so close buried against his wing. A sound sleeper. Hm...He smiled one last time at seeing the familiarity. Gently brushing aside a stray strand of feathered white hair from covering her face that was so much like his from when they were boys.

Just like her father...

He slowly looked back to the valley

Too much like her father...