White Queen Ascending

Not long after Torin and the children left, around the time when the sun is about to show up, people started gathering together in the same place.

"What happened here?"

Sounds of gasping and astonishment could be heard all over the once, small lake. Undefinable scent lingers in the area. The temperature of the place is still high, and smoke is still floating around, making everyone present sweat a bit. There were no evidence of what really happened, besides the huge white light they saw from afar. If not for seeing it with their own eyes, then they wouldn't believe that the lake has turned into nothing in an instant.

Theon Ruggiero knitted his eyebrows upon witnessing the sight. He is currently wearing normal civilian clothes, and his hair is tied into a simple ponytail. He perfectly blended in with the onlookers.

"Investigate what happened here." He said to the man behind him.

"Yes sire." The man replied, and bowed.

"Is this a supernatural thing? Or a man-made incident?" Theon whispered and touched his chin, he asked himself, 'If it is man-made, then who has the ability to do this?'

~~

Luciana, after walking for a long time on an endless path filled with fog, saw a huge door in front of her. She stared at the it for a while. It was golden, and shines brightly. The surface looks really smooth, and the fancy handle matches the door perfectly.

Luciana turned the knob, then entered inside. She found herself inside a majestic chamber.

'Is this a dream?' She asked herself. She felt confused, but still appeared calm while looking around the place.

The floor is made from white and clear marbles. Grand dr.a.p.eries stitched with an image of a fire breathing dragon, surrounds the entire room. The light coming from the numerous lamps attached on the wall, made the place filled with warm radiance.

She looked up, and saw the high ceiling covered in painting. The night sky was painted on it that was so realistic. The full silver moon glows along the stars in the inky sky. You have to take a double look, to realize it was only a painting.

She continued to observe the place, and somehow got a feeling of familiarity.

*Giggles*

Suddenly, the cute laugh of a little toddler could be heard inside the chamber. Luciana, not knowing where to go, decided to walk towards the direction the sound came from.

A man wearing gallant red clothes was sitting on a huge chair, while looking happily at the little child on his l.a.p.

Luciana couldn't see his face properly, it was blurred. Though, even without clearly seeing him, she felt at ease and comfortable. As if, she already knew the man from long ago.

She stayed not too far from them, but the two person didn't seem to notice her.

"Can I be yike you da-da?!" The childish voice of the girl was heard again. [1]

The man brushed her head lovingly, "Of course my child." His voice was deep and powerful, but contained warmth.

"Yiyii?" She asked excitedly. [2]

"Yes." He said, while still looking at her gently. "You should grow up strong like dada, to take over my place."

Although the man was still smiling, his tone hints a bit of pain on it.

The girl's face clearly shows confusion, but she still nodded her head.

He poked her small head, making her pout cutely, then continued, "Dada wouldn't always be with you, that's why you have to be strong. Strong enough, so that no one could bully you."

His smile disappeared for a while, as he looked at the girl seriously. "Promise me, my child."

"Mm" the girl once again bobbed her head.

Luciana walked towards him. She tried to reach out with her hand, but she couldn't touch him. Her hand just passed through his face, as if just touching air.

She suddenly felt as if her heart became heavy. Her eyes became red, but she refused to cry. She stared at the man who is smiling at the little girl. *Hiccup* She struggled not to let out her tears. Her heart felt so empty. She balled out her fist then pounded her hand to her c.h.e.s.t. She forgot to breathe for a while.

After calming down herself for a bit, with a brittle voice she vowed, "I will become strong."

She didn't know why she said that, or why she felt as if the man's words were for her. But she knows that her promise, is not only for the man, but also for herself. She would become strong. So strong, that she wouldn't fall under other people's thumb.

~~

Midday, at the eastern revolutionary camp.

"Are you bored?" Theon Ruggiero asked upon entering a small room. He is no longer wearing the common clothes he wore before dawn. Instead, he's dressed with a simple and elegant white robes.

"Why do you care?" The boy on the bed replied blandly. He is currently wearing blue robes, and has bandages all over his body.

"Don't be like that." Theon said, then sat on a stool beside him. "Tell me if you need anything, I'll see if I can do something about it."

"Why don't you just leave me alone?" The boy grumbled.

"Amias, I just want to show my goodwill towards you. You don't have to be so guarded." He said calmly while looking at him.

"I told you.. I don't want to do it.." Amias avoided his stare. He still feel nervous with the man's presence.

"Don't be too quick to refuse, you still have a lot of time to decide about it." Theon tried convincing him.

Amias remained silent after hearing that. He just lay down on his bed and covered himself with a quilt, refusing to talk any longer.

Theon sighed upon seeing Amias' action. He just stood up, then said before leaving, "Rest well and recuperate."

Before Theon completely left the room, he heard Amias speak.

"Did you find her?"

Theon didn't even need to think for long, to know who he's talking about. Ever since the boy woke up, the only name that comes out from his mouth is Luciana, the white haired girl.

"Not yet." He answered. When Theon felt like he no longer intended to say anything, he shut the door and left the room.

After a while, Amias sat back up, then he gazed out the window. His purple eyes looked dull and lifeless.

"Luciana, where are you?" He whispered. "Did you know? They let me eat a lot of food here..."

He paused, then wiped the tear that fell down on his cheek and continued, "Are you eating properly? I wish you are here too, so I could share all my food with you.."

[1] yike= like

[2] yiyii= really