It was strange to observe the landscape change over the course of several days. Ashe herself had never come so far north until now, and the tundra was the stark opposite of the supple grasslands and evergreen forests of southern Freljord.
It had been four winters since she had become the leader of the Avarosans, and three of those were filled with the tribe learning the lost ways of agriculture. Ashe had sent scouts into old ruins that had once belonged to the Eldest Ice Princess, and they had returned with a bountiful gift: knowledge. Knowledge that had been lost to the snows of time. In those three years, with the guidance of the old scrolls, the Avarosans had perfected the growing of many things.
But no venture had been so successful as wheat. It took on their fields, almost like a weed, and it had become a huge export for them, by way of Lokfar’s travelling tradesmen. It was popular, and in a short time many fractured nomadic tribes in the Avarosan lands had come into the fold. Ashe’s tiny tribe was expanding at a quick rate, and no violence had been necessary.
Perhaps, then, it was time to try a different approach with longstanding enemies. Ashe was not the leader her mother had been. Those who had refused to follow Ashe’s new way were sent with their packs northwest out of the territory. She knew where they would be after all this time. It was time to welcome them back home, and bring their new brothers and sisters into the fold.
By the time Ashe and her envoy had reached Ysgithr Baedd, it was officially the first day of Freljord’s long winter. In the south, only flurries and other small snowfall had begun. But here, in Sejuani’s territory, the snow was already to her horse’s hocks. By midday, they had reached the tall wooden walls of the place, and the gate was shut. She could see guards on the top of the wall. They had not shouted a greeting, nor even made any show that they’d seen them yet. At this time, Ashe was grateful that the new face of the Avarosan’s leader was unknown to the populace.
It had already been discussed with her guardsman that she’d play the part of the everyday Avarosan. Her ice bow, Iâsaeth, was stored carefully within the confines of her horse’s tack and saddling. For now, she’d be equipped with her childhood bow and arrows, the ones that had been crafted by her father’s hands. Should it ever be assumed that she was in any danger, her guards were ready to fight to keep her safe…but Ashe herself was no simple target.
She rose her pale face to the guards of the gate, her eyes the color of the winter’s sky.
“I seek counsel with your leader, Sejuani of the Winter’s Claw. Let down the gate so we may speak with her. We bring no war.” She stated clearly and loudly through the winds that blew snow around them. Her horse scraped the snow uneasily with its hoof.
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