The air had a distinct chill to it despite the fact that it was summer. Lining the field on opposite sides were Kitsune and Fae, preparing for what they hoped would be the final battle of this war. Swords and arrows were sharpened in silence while the leaders made plans in their respective quarters.

"We cannot allow the Kitsune to win," said a blonde Faerie. His voice was powerful and commanding. On his breast was the insignia of the Queen's Guard: Rank One. "We need to destroy as many of them as possible so they do not want to attack again."

A calmer voice replied, the crown marking her as royalty. "Kinri," she said, stopping any other speech. "I understand your frustrations, but I do not want to destroy a race. We only need to win, not decimate."

"Your Highness, plea-"

"Make another strategy, Kinri. Eyre no longer wants to negotiate. I am sure if we came head to head, at least one of us would die." The royal gives a small smile. "Rest assured, I will not be the one to fall."

Kinri sighed but nodded. While in this situation his words weighed just as much as his Queen's, he knew that she was right and he shouldn't argue. "Very well... My second plan was this."

The male Fae swept his arm in a broad gesture, demonstrating the attack sequence. Her Majesty seemed to approve of it, several nods emitting from her. Explaining didn't take so long and the pair were able to sleep just as the moon reached its peak.

The following day, the battle ensued once more. Faerie against Kitsune, though there were four enemies for every one faerie. Eventually the Queen met Eyre on the battlefield and the two clashed. It was axe against spear in the one-on-one fight, close-arms not good for the spear-wielder. Graceful arcs met the straightforward slashes until the shaft splintered. Eyre struck down her opponent with ease; the Kitsune had won.

It only took a moment for the Fae to realize they had lost, and they turned and fled the scene. None moved to give chase. The war that had lasted 20 years was done with. It was time for a new era.

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A month after the battle, the land of Aelin recovered enough to choose a new Queen from its selection of Priestesses in Training. Hazel Glaz, one of the more promising Fae, stood under assessment in front of the former Queen's Council.

"Hazel Glaz..." an old Fae murmured, mostly to himself. "413 years. An affinity with the earthen element. Shows proficiency in contacting our Goddesses." He looked around at the other seven council members slowly before turning his steady gaze to the young Fae. "We, her late Highness's council, have selected you to become the next Queen of Faeries."

A voice, female, came from Hazel's right. It's creaky, similar to that of old wood. "It was nearly a unanimous decision, young one. Be happy you have succeeded in coming so far on your journey." She smiled warmly. "Once you become Queen, you will need to select a new council. Please do so with Aelin's best interests at heart."

Hazel stood stock still, the look of surprise on her face melting to show one of relief, excitement, nervousness, and pride. She bowed politely to each of the Fae present, thanking them profusely. "I will do my best," she said confidently.

A ceremony occurred the same week to crown the new queen. It was a joyous occasion with plenty of food (compared to what they were used to these past decades) and many laughs. Following that, Hazel met up with Eyre.

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The Kitsune in front of her was not entirely unlike the Fae. She looked similar to a human, but she had brown-furred fox ears atop her head, gold tipping them. The single tail behind her followed the same color scheme of brown and gold. It betrayed her youth, as one tail is the equivalent of 100 years of life for her kind. Her brown hair fell to her waist, and the overall aura emitting from her was that of neutrality.

Hazel kept herself composed, not showing any fear in her eyes despite there being so much in her heart. After all, this Kitsune had killed the last Queen. "On behalf of Aelin, I would like to extend a truce. We shall keep to ourselves and you may do the same in regards to all but matters to do with trade."

The silence between them lasted for what seemed too long. "Very well, your terms are accepted. Drzael and Aelin both need to recover." Eyre inclines her head slightly. "Keep to your woods, and we shall too. I wish you luck, new Queen of Faeries."

Though the words were well-wishing, Hazel felt a chill go down her spine. Something told her the battle would start again in her lifetime; she wished for that not to happen.

While festivities took place in Aelin, the darker forests of Azerith began to stir. Drzael was weakening despite their recent victory, and the beings of Azerith were intent on exploiting this fact. Shadows began to swirl throughout the forest and many Drzaelites were affected by this strange presence.

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A little over three centuries passed peacefully. The human land known as Kœdlye was running a majority of the trade between Aelin and Drzael. There were a few rumors here and there of a darker force running through the Kitsune lands, but any mention of it was quickly silenced. Eyre did not want her kind to seem weak.

The 314th summer Hazel took the throne, she gave birth to her first daughter, Illain. There were many similarities between the child and her mother. The moment her First Year began, Hazel took her daughter to a nearby Teller.

The house was made primarily within the trunk of a tree, but the top had a clear view of the sky. The Teller stood at the doorway, bowing politely to the Queen as she entered his home. He gestured for Her Majesty to make herself comfortable at the small table in the center. Light from the crescent moon shone down on the three (Illain was seated in her mother's lap), illuminating the royals' silvery hair.

"Your Highness," the Teller began. "It is an honor to do your first daughter's Telling here. Lady Illain is very striking, even now." His voice contained wisdom, certainly, and his golden eyes were focused solely on the young Fae, who was peering curiously upward. "My name is Ganté."

Hazel smiled, gently stroking her daughter's hair. "Good evening. Thank you for having me here," said the Queen in a soft voice. "Please, let us not waste time."

The Fae nodded and closed his eyes, allowing his senses to delve into the different futures. He sought out different paths, skimming over their contents with ease. It took four minutes and sixteen seconds. His eyes were alight with the glow of the pale moon when he spoke. "Illain Glaz, Daughter of Hazel Glaz. Born today a year ago. Her journey contains the Goddesses, many of them whispering to her ear. Even now..."

Ganté fixated his gaze on the yearling. "You have a powerful child, Your Highness. Take good care of her." Then he smiled and rose, bowing again to the Queen. "Have a safe journey home, please." Then he glided out.

Hazel took a moment to remember herself and rose with her child, setting off to the Temple to drop off her daughter. She visited often as she could, for parents were not discouraged to see their offspring there. Illain flourished in her life as a Priestess, and she was well on her way to becoming a High Priestess and maybe Queen.

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In the winter of her eight hundred and ninety-second year, Hazel had a second daughter she named Aria. Again on the daughter's First Year, Hazel brought Aria to a Teller. The same as last, actually. Ganté notified in advance and he quickly set up his abode for the Queen.

The house looked the same as it did her last visit, Hazel noted, and Danté was as constant as his home. The male Faerie's black hair was done in the same simplistic style (pulled back away from his face), and he wore a green robe with a brown sash to show his status as a Teller.

The two exchanged greetings and took a seat at the table, though this time a full moon was above the two. It made Hazel's silver hair glow even more, though Aria's dark hair seemed to absorb the light. The little Fae was as still as her sister had been, entranced by the moon in all its glory. One tiny hand rose as if to hold the orb in the sky.

"Shall we begin?" rang the voice of Hazel as she gently lowered Aria's arm.

Ganté smiled and nodded, easily entranced by the youth before him. She will be fierce, I am sure... he thought to himself. I have done enough Tellings in my life that I barely need to look farther than this to know she will be with the Guard.

Like before, the Faerie closed his eyes to delve into the future. It took eight minutes and thirty eight seconds for him to sift through all the different paths Aria's future held. "I said this before, Your Highness. You have a powerful child."

Hazel nodded again, this time a bit stiff as she waited to hear the Telling. "Well...?" she said, voice lilting toward the end to form the word into a question.

"Aria Glaz, Daughter of Hazel Glaz. Born today a year ago. Her journey contains many hardships, all paths leading to battle..." Ganté trailed at the end, unsure if he should mention the darkness that appeared in many of the paths. "Keep her safe, please."

Another nod emitted from the queen and she rose gracefully, holding Aria with one arm so that she may embrace the Teller with the other. "Thank you for your services, Ganté. I wish you the best of luck in the coming years."

"And I, you," he replied. The male Fae bowed his head and departed. Hazel followed suit shortly after, her feet carrying her to her castle.

On the lower floors of the Queen's Tower was the Barracks of members in the Battalion. It was here that young Fae were to be left if they were to follow the path of a warrior, and it was here that Aria Glaz was placed by her mother. Hazel exchanged a few words with the members on duty before leaving her second daughter. This one she would have to stay away from until Training was over.

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Hazel had her third and final child 146 years after Aria was born. It was the middle of spring and midday. Ciela Glaz went through the same process as her older sisters. Hazel travelled to Ganté's home where he searched the future and revealed a bit of Ciela's fate.

"Ciela Glaz, Daughter of Hazel Glaz. Born today a year ago. Her journey contains many paths and dreams." Ganté gave the queen a smile. "A priestess, a warrior, and a Teller. Your Majesty certainly has powerful children." With his usual fluidness, he bowed and left the queen alone in the room.

Tellers grew up with their parents, which meant Hazel would get to watch over her daughter. To ensure the proper Training, Hazel had Ganté come to the castle to teach Ciela all that he knew of Telling and its art.

Aelin was stronger than it had been at the beginning of the last war. Its enemies may be getting stronger, but Hazel was hopeful that peace would continue until the end of her reign, whenever that would end.

Aria woke up to the harsh voice of her instructor. He was shouting something about getting up and dressed since there was a drill coming up. One of the usual runs, she expected, with no food or drink until it was over. Following that would likely be breakfast along with weapons training. With a small groan, Aria slipped out of the warmth.

"Up up up!" barked Kinri. "No Battalion member is going to become a Ranker at this rate!" Aria's teacher made his way to the bunk next to her, roughly shaking the Fae occupying the bed. "Rise and shine, Caoste. You too, Glaz!" The next glare was shot at her before the Rank One Faerie made his way out of the barracks.

Aria's clothes, like all the others, were a simple green tunic and brown pants. There were also shoes, but that was the extent of their clothing. It showed that they were new, green, to the Battalion even after forty years of training. Slits were cut in the back of the shirt so wings could be used easily.

Once Aria was dressed, she gave her friend a long look. "Rilwen, please. If you are late, you will be forced to skip breakfast. Again." With that, she took off. She had suffered with her friend enough times that she would be forgiven, hopefully.

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Outside was even worse than in the building. The air was still cool from the night before, and the faint steam from everyone's breath was giving off an eerie sensation. There were only forty of the sixty five Fae who were here twenty years ago. The number would only go down.

Aria quickened her pace to catch up to those already running in the field. And at the same pace, she was able to position herself in the front of the pack. Rounding a corner of the field where the trees and river came together, she noticed Rilwen approaching in his casual jog. He fell in step with her, two strides behind like always.

The group ran in silence for the next half hour. There was nothing to talk about. Initially they would complain and groan, but that just wasted energy that would be used later. Staying quiet was better.

Kinri decided to reveal his face after the run. "Right, you green-wings. Get your butts to the Hall and relax. You have another half-hour to eat, then weapons for an hour. Dismissed!" With his leave came a round of salutes from the various young Fae.

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During breakfast, Aria was approached by a familiar face that one does not normally see in the green hall. They spoke privately before she went back to her table and ate. Next came the weapons practice. Everyone chose their favorite weapon and worked on the targets or dummies, depending on the range of the chosen tool.

The oak bow felt familiar in her hands. Aria ran her thumb along it while she grabbed the arrows and approached her target. Unlike times previous, there was a persistent gaze on her. The young Fae forced herself to relax. Just do it like you always do, Aria. One arrow at a time. She quickly scanned the area for Rilwen Caoste, noticing him near the spears like usual. Rilwen shot her a cheeky glance in return before returning to lazy throws of his weapon. Aria rolled her eyes mentally and lined up her shot.

The arrow is drawn back, nocked into place in one smooth motion. *thud thud thud* go three arrows into the middle of the target. All of them are on the bulls-eye, none touching the other. Aria didn't want that, so it didn't happen. Three more thuds, and the arrows already embedded in the target are split down the middle. Expert marksmanship.

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Aria flopped into her bed, exhausted after the day's tasks. Her group was forced into another run, this time lasting two hours. Then they had to complete the obstacle course that was built like a death maze. One wrong step and your head could be gone. The layout was constantly changing as well.

The memory of this morning flashed through her mind, and Aria groaned. One more task to complete. Thankfully she wasn't undressed yet. The green warrior got up from her bed for the second time that day and plodded over to the Ranker's Quarters. As a Ranker, Kinri had his own room.

"Ranker Ghaerst. Aria Glaz reporting," she said, knocking carefully on the doorframe. Kinri grunted his acknowledgement, and Aria stepped past the hanging cloth.