Valinteena

In a world left with scars from a great war, the humans rejoice in their victory, but also weep at the cost. Unaware of the blind hatred that led to the slaughter, an entire race was nearly erased from the face of their lands. They believed they had wiped the shifters from the face of the planet, little did they know very few lived on in the very forests they visited, and in the villages they traded with. Forced into hiding, the shifters built a new clan, and lived by the old rules, hiding from humanity. 

Kyera Shade of the Moon is a Shapeshifter who takes the form of a White tigress with silver stripes. Alone in the world, and carrying the weight of her clan on her shoulders, she attempts to uphold the law she was born to, and protect the remaining of her kind. Her heart decimated by the deaths of her brothers and the absence of her mother, she finds herself caught in a net and unable to break free. In her moment of desperation, a hand reaches out and catches her. A man who threatens to steal her heart away, but can she learn to forgive herself? Can she find love and salvation in another's arms after the betrayals of so many? 

Clovis of the Dancing Rain is the fourth Prince of the Forest Kingdom. He is a clever man, but had no wish to be king. Perfectly happy to raise is Daughter in peace now that his young wife had passed. There was darkness and secrets in his past, but there was no place for revenge in his future. Not until they took it too far. Pushing his bottom line a need to take the crown lit in his heart. However, he needed one thing more than anything else... the right woman by his side. As if the answer to a prayer, a woman appeared. Beautiful and trustworthy who loved his daughter as much as he did, if not more. Yet her heart was broken, her world surrounded by secrets and shadows, perhaps she was best left alone. However, would he be able to live without her?

The Tiger Within

The Palace, unlike the Palace of Clovis's childhood, was built up rather than out. Instead of many buildings that interlocked and weaved amongst themselves, the palace of ice stood tall over the landscape. It was clear by the number of windows staggered up the stone walls it was many floors high, at least a dozen. It was impressive with towers and bridges attaching different levels to other levels directly.  One bridge even seemed as though there was no floor, except for the soft gleam of sunlight reflecting off a glass surface. It was a staggering site for the young prince who had never seen such a interesting palace. In truth it was much more a fortress or a castle than a palace. 


Behind the building though, a single tree grew tall. Its branches dressed in white leaves reached for the sun in all directions. Blooming flowers at random intervals nested in the branches. Most the blooms were pale blue, but a select few seemed to be made of silver and white petals woven together  in a complex mix of color. Kyera smiled, having not seen this tree in so many years. It was still just as impressive as it had been when she was a mere child. Clovis, seeing this for the first time instinctively knew this was the tree from the legend.


The power coursing through the air radiating from its branches was unbelievable. Through the snow covered the ground, and the cold too much for flowers to bear, he could feel it all around him. Life. The vitality of the forest hidden in banks of snow. The magic seemed to seep into his skin filling him with the same power as the world around him. He followed Kyera closely as his eyes took in the Winter World's wonders. 


"Welcome to The Castle of the Snow Flower." Crystalsis swept her arm in a wide arch as if presenting the scene to them. It was a grand gesture, more for Clovis than Kyera. The people took great pride in their buildings, and this was the most exquisite they had ever produced to date. 


"Thank you, it is charming." Clovis replied honestly floored for what else to say. Kyera couldn't help but smile as memories flooded back. Snow ball fights with her brothers, bonfires and little treats made better by the flames, and the winterfest tale tellers all came back to her. Some of her best moments with her brother's had been built here before their mother left.


"It has been so long, and yet she has gotten better with age." Kyera whispered as she looked around at the tapestries and sculptures that adorned the outside. Even the gargoyles looked as though they were crafted from marble. 


"Yes, it has. Far too long, tigress. Welcome." called a man's voice as he jumped down from the roof, landing beside them. Clovis instantly felt a bit insecure, he had a feeling this was a old friend … again. One day he would really, really have to ask her why she had so many male friends? Were girls just too much effort or what? Would it kill her not to bring him yet another rival? 


"Sansor, I am surprised to hear you call me so kindly. Last we spoke I was 'Banished from your site for all eternity." Kyera called back and he flinched like her words were on a wip. He looked away seeming rather embarrassed of his younger actions. "I have to thank you though, if you hadn't put me down so ruthlessly I never would have met my mate." Kyera smiled letting herself rest against Clovis' chest. There was shock among the court again as they realized he didn't push her away. There was chemistry between the married pair, even though it was honestly just delicate touches, completely acceptable and expected in their society.


Meaning of the Crest