“Kit, it great seeing you again to what do I owe this honor?”

“Ascara, it is great seeing you as well, however I am afraid my presence is not a social one but a dire one.” Ascara as old as she was still had impeccable sight and a grand memory. Walking slowly with the assistance of another she stops a few inches away from Tina. Kit, assumed it was an act informing her she had been rude in not introducing her guest.

“Ascara, apologies her name——–.”

“Tina, “she says cutting her off.

“I thought you never visited Nephelé before, “Kit ask her in confusion.

“I have not this is my first time setting foot upon the hidden city.”

“Tina Kennard-Porter, wife of the great Bette Porter I know of who you are even though you do not know of me I have been expecting you but hoped you’d arrive sooner.” Tina was at a complete loss of words as the wise woman before her knew so much about her.

“Welcome, you are forever safe here.”

“Gratitude.”

“Ascara, Cordelia has been attacked.”

“Yes, I know, “she replies somberly.

“We would have arrived sooner however during our travels we stumbled across a grave discovery.”

“What kind of discovery?” Kit still holding her horse reigns slowly turns her body and with it her horse followed suite when she stopped the coffin like box was finally exposed. Kit letting go of the reigns walks over pulling back the cloak revealing her face. When her face was revealed loud gasps could be heard from everyone that had gathered. As Tina stared at the shock expressions on their faces what happened next she did expect, everyone fell to one knee and bowed. Humbled by the respect shown she silently prayed the queen would return back to full health. When Tina met the gaze of Ascara the expression upon her face appeared indifferent. Signaling for the woman who had assisted her to let go she slowly walked on her own towards where the queen laid. Using what little strength she held she too kneeled down on one knee placing her hands on the box to help stable her balance she stared down at the queen. With her right hand she gently rubs her cheek and was grateful for the feel of warmth returned signaling breath still filled her lungs.

“Since crossing paths, Tina tended to her wounds yet she has still to awake I fear she grows weaker and weaker as the days pass.”

Moving her hand to her forehead Ascara closes her eyes then breathes in deeply. When she opened her eyes Tina was surprised to see her once dark pupils were completely white after another few seconds they returned back to their normal color. Leaning in, Ascara took another deep breath this time when she exhaled she breathed softly onto Queen Aviles face. When the last of her breath released she pulled away. The silence was deafening especially for Tina suddenly what sounded like an injured cow struggling to take its last breath the queen let out a loud moan opening her eyes. Completely lethargic she struggled to make since of her surroundings and where she was. Ascara reaching in the box finds her hand grabbing ahold of it. Turning her head Queen Avile meets Ascara gaze.

“As—-Ascara, “she manages to say barely above a whisper.

“It is I.”

“Cousin……where am I?”

“You are home, “she says smiling at her then looking deeper in the box.

“Koi, come you are safe.” Hearing her name she reveals herself.

“Ascara, “she says with tears in her eyes.

“It’s been a long time, “she says while extending her hand for Koi to climb into it. When she did she ran up her arm excitedly when she reached her neck she extended her small arms as far as they would go hugging her neck.

“Now, let us all rest and when the sun rises we will see proper plan put into place.”

TBC