(doing the chapters in parts, because I almost had a full chapter typed out, then the page reloaded and erased everything :(

Years later...

"Majestic," said Queen Heather Joveson as she walked over a rope bridge in Newcity, "Absolutely majestic."

The city was beautiful at this time of night; lanterns hung everywhere, some having tinted glass so that the whole forest was filled with a vibrant array of colors. Numerous murals were painted on the sides of the trees, some depicting ancient heroes like Blackstar and Whitson during Ayman Lake, others more recent events, like Queen Emma's speech upon retaking the First Warren, a recreation of Jo Shanks' impossible shot during the siege, and Heather's own brother seconds before he ended Redeye Garlackson.

A creaking plank from behind her interrupted her thoughts.

She looked back over her shoulder, and saw a young, dark gray doe pointing menacingly at the offending plank. Before Heyna had left with her brother, Jo, and some others to go on the Pilgrim's quest, the Blackstar had trained a... mostly able replacement. Her new protector turned back to her, and did a little wave while smiling sheepishly.

"Still having trouble being the silent shadow, Edith?"

"Yes!" gasped the doe, exasperated, "Master Heyna did it so well! She was so sneaky I was surprised even when I was expecting it! I keep trying to read the ground, but then Ialsohavetowatchyou, andIcan'tdobothwithouttilitingmyheadfunny, andthenthatcausesmynecktohurt, andI'mrambling, I'm sorry, being quiet now!"

Edith took a deep breath and dragged a finger across her mouth, sealing it shut.

CREAK!

"Corn cobs! I swear," she said, pointing down at the plank, "I'm going to rip you up, and turn you into so many little splinters!"

"I think that will hurt one of you more than the other," laughed Heather.

Edith snorted indignantly at bridge, and then continued following her charge, towards a tree with a rather ornate door that was guarded by two kingsbucks.