Chapter Text
At the beginning of all, the Lords Came to be, their descendants met others and formed families to look over the lands each group lived in.
In the eastern lands, where the gods all came to, two families shared the realm of which they maintained peace and tranquility over the ones who worshipped them; the Gonzales, Lords of the Sky, and Marilics, Lords of the Earth.
But one day, the heir to the Marilic throne, Joseph, God of Revenge, grew jealous of his neighbors; how their people danced and rejoiced, and how their people lived in lands fairer than their own. So began an ancient grudge that prevailed until today.
The Gonzales never considered their neighbor’s blemishes, trying to live out, handling the elements, and managing the seasons and weather, bringing wealth and peace to their followers….
“What do you MEAN she’s not here???”
In the sky above the frozen landscape, the Castle of the Gonzales hung on the peak of a Mountain, the city remaining unchanged, covered in snow from the winter that wracked the landscape of this gentle land.
Rows of mortals that climbed up the mountains in search of food and shelter lined the streets, covered in clothes to protect them from the cold, and surrounded hearths to look for the comfort of the warmth that the Lord of Fire gave to the cold worshipers.
Within the furnished castle, a reunion was still going underway, and surrounded by the members of the council, a figure of a woman with short hair, tied in braids, stood: her robes were blue and green in color, sown into it were the image of fields of corns, and in her hair stuck out wheat flowers and lavender blooms. Behind her, a coat of black feathers hung to the floor, dragging on it as the Lord passed around the room in worry.
The clothes she bore signed that she belonged to lands beyond where the cold is not to be worried about.
“You heard what I said,” Rouge spoke out, glancing out to the window and down the streets below. “She’s yet to arrive.”
“And what am I supposed to do with this information???” The lord spat out, crossing her arms. “You must know that I can't do anything without her! She’s the Lord of Spring, I’m just the Lord of Harvest.”
“We know very well, Dear Sapphire,” Anastasia spoke out before glancing at the Allfather, their face covered in shadow and drapes, making it hard for anyone to truly pay visage to their face. But the silhouette of the figure nodded before looking down at the ruler of Harvest, whose face scrunched up in a frown.
“I hear your concerns, fellow Lord” they spoke “and we do understand the roadblock ahead of our plans. We will send a scout to search high and low for your sister.”
They nodded towards Rouge, who motioned some guards to head out, their heavy steps echoing through the outside halls.
"It'll be hard- The winter climate prevents all Lord's contact with their surroundings, making it difficult for us to track other Lords."
“Hm… You best find her. Though a Lord, she cannot stand the overwhelming cold that your realm possesses.”
“We are aware of that…” Oris spoke out, her eyes only leaving the rows of papers on her desk for a moment’s time to glance at the Lord. “Perhaps while you were summoned here, she could have been summoned elsewhere?
“Hm. We must find her quicker then.”
And yet you all remain this calm… Sapphire thought, looking down.
Just like the Lord of Snow, her sister affects the Seasons, but so in a way that no one else can override what one has done unless a new Lord rises forth, which is doubtful that one will rise after one is gone.
The Lord of Harvest looked out to the windows, gazing at the cold and vast plains of snow that lay on the ground.
Where are you, sister?...
Sunlight shined down into the room, the fireplace crackling as the fuel burned out slowly, and filled the space with warmth. The flowers that grew on the bed’s edges bloomed fully, and the figure on the bed stirred slightly. Her groans caught the attention of the maid who was organizing the clothes within the compartment space in the room.
“Hm?...” she turned her head to look at the sleeping lord, who frowned in her sleep before sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
“Ah, you’re awake!” the maid smiled, before the lord turned her head, eyes widening in shock.
“W-What?? Wait, where am I?!” blue poppies grew on her hair, and around her, up to the floor. The housekeeper, shocked by this, took some steps back, before bowing in reverence. “I-I did not mean to surprise you, dear lord! I-I was put in to supervise you.”
“Supervise?...” Ruby tilted her head before the maid handed her a warm cup of tea. “What happened?... What is this?”
“My lord found you in his walk, buried within the snow. So he took you here, his castle, so you can rest.” the maid explained, while the Lord of Spring looked down at the cup. “That is a Frozen Heart tea. He ordered us to brew some so you may drink it.”
Frozen Heart… I’ve heard of this flower before- Ruby hummed, looking at the maid. Frozen Heart is said to grow in the coldest of regions, which shined with the dimmest of hues, and is said to be a holy flower for those who worship Lords of Winter, and those who drink its tea are capable of standing the coldest of temperatures… But also changes those who drink it.
“....Where is your lord right now? I wish to speak to him.”
“H-He’s in the courtyard’s gardens-... He said he did not wish to be bothered until he comes inside…”
Until he comes inside?... From the sound of it, it seems that this Lord does not mind the cold exterior that she felt.
Could he be… The infamous Lord of Winter?...
“. . . I’ll look for him, dont worry.” she placed the cup of tea on the bedstand next to her and took off the mounds of covers that lay over her body, and moved to hop off the bed, her bare feet hitting the warm carpet below.
“D-Dear lord, please wait-” The maid implored “It will not take long, it is best you rest here where it’s warm.”
“I’ll rest once I talk to your Lord.” she fixed her winged coat and dress, heading towards the door. However, the cold air that hit her once the door opened caused her to shut it in a flash, looking at the room keeper with wide eyes.
“... I-I was about to say, you may want some clothes that fit this climate?” she motioned towards the closet.
“. . .. Yea, you are right…”
“Are these more appropriate?...”
The maid turned her head around as the Lord walked out of the guest room-
Her body was adorned with a thick white and red dress, lined with white cotton fur. She still had her black feathery coat, but she had a long hooded coat that draped over her shoulders that dragged on the floor.
“Oh, yes! Very much so, dear lord!” the maid nodded, causing the Lord to smile at her praises, sunflower buds growing on her hair.
“Although, you may not need as many clothes if you drink the Frost Heart Tea-” she added
The tea again?... She frowned at the mere mention of it. It seems they are oblivious to the true effects this tea grants to both mortals and gods, especially her family…
“With all due respect, I do not think the tea is necessary for me,” Ruby grumbled as she walked off, the maid following close behind, a look of nervousness and worry plastered on her face. “But thanks for the offer.”
“O-Oh, f-forgive me, dear lord.” her voice trembled “I-I was ordered to give you the cup-”
“I understand,” her expression softened, before looking at her guide with a smile. “I’ll have a talk to your lord, however. Where could he be anyways?”
She shot a glance out the frosty windows, before turning her head to see outside proper; the sight led to the castle’s courtyard, walls of glass doors lined the edges of the snow-covered yard, and a singular willow tree hung in the middle of it. Frozen droplets of water hung from the handing leaves, a trail of footprints lead towards the tree, and there a singular figure sat amongst the leaves, their blue and white cape trailing on the floor, a guitar in his hands.
She couldn't help but gaze at the tall Lord from afar, his long hair and somber look made her gaze out a little longer.
He fits the description of the Lord of Winter… She thought as she walked down the stairs, and up to the glass doors. Could he be the cause of the late spring? Why I was summoned to this realm with prayers?...
“Magnificent, isn't he?” the maid eyed her staring, causing the Lord to tense up, and look at her.
“Y-Yeah…" she responded, her cheeks reddening. "But he looks so... expressionless…” she frowned a bit “Did something happen to him?...”
“Yes, unfortunately…” the maid looked down. “A great loss has recently hit this realm and its inhabitants… Our Lord, most of all.”
“Ever since then, he has locked himself within this castle, alone. The All-father sent us to take care of him and the castle, but we haven't managed to do much; his grief has caused winter to last for over 12 months, causing starvation everywhere, and his worship has diminished. Yet he seems to accept this, and is ready to just fade away…”
“...Is that so….” Ruby’s shoulder sagged, her sight hitting the floor.
“I wouldn't be wrong to assume the faith of those within the castle is what’s keeping him still present with us…” the maid sighed. “... We here are aware of your purpose within our realm, oh hallowed one. Please, try what you can to thaw out his cold heart, for his sake and everyone’s…”
Ruby’s gaze fell to the side, upon which she saw the maid kneeling down, her head hanging low. A sign of respect, a plea for help; for not all bow down to the one they do not consider their lord. This came as a surprise, at least to her-
She kneeled down to her level, gently moving her head to face her. “Your gesture of gratitude moved me…. I’ll try what I can to help.”
“...T-Thank you…”
“Say, what’s your name?”
“M-Mika, dear Lord.”
“Mika… That’s a nice name…” Ruby smiled as she stood back up “Well then Mika, wish me luck, ok?”
“O-Of course!.... You may need it…”
The Lord of Spring nodded, as she pushed through the fragile doors, into the colder outdoors of the courtyard. She shivered slightly, though the clothes on her protected her from the cold. At this point, I might consider the tea…
She stepped towards the tree, the wind that once blew through the land like a hurricane calmed down, and everything remained calm and still; the snow crunched underneath her boots, audible enough for anyone around to hear.
Through the silence, she could hear soft guitar strings play, the sound coming from underneath the tree. Once she got closer, she could see the Lord up close: His gaze faced down to the guitars in his hands, face emotionless yet calm and serene. His pale fingers strummed the guitar, causing a gentle melody to fill the air.
Now that his coat did not cover his body, he could see the clothes within that adorned his body; a white silk shirt covered his chest, and bandages covered his hands, except his fingers. A corset wrapped tightly around his waist, a black lased necklace with a golden stone hung from around his collar, and leather black boots sheltered his feet from the cold.
“. . . Excuse me, sir?”
The notes stopped before a groan erupted from underneath the tree.
“I thought I made it clear I do not wish to be both-” the Lord stop in his words upon noticing the one he saved from the frost standing there. He stood up straight, leaving the guitar aside.
“Y-you’re awake…”
“Indeed I am.” Ruby bowed before smiling “I’m grateful for you saving me, Lord of Winter.”
Lord of Winter?.. . Lucio tilted his head. He hasn't heard that title in a long while… “No no, I’m not the Lord of Winter…. That was my… father…”
“Your Father?... Well, I must say you quite bare the resemblance-” Ruby looked to the side. “Yet, you’ve seen the work you’ve done here? Do you think a mere “Lord of Snow” could do what you’ve done?”
“My power is still nothing to sneeze at, Fragile Flower.”
“Yet you humble yourself by keeping your antique title? I believe Lord of Winter is a more fitting title for someone of great stature as you.”
Trying to court me with praises?...
“Your flattery amuses me,” he replied, yet his face bore a look of gloom. “However, now that you’ve recovered, and that my woes have diminished, you best be on your way.” with this he grabbed his guitar and its case and walked towards the exit. Despite being taken aback, the Lord of Spring followed closely behind, trying to traverse the snow.
“W-Wait! We must talk, I insist.” she tried to follow. “ This darn snow- It is empirical that you stop this winter at once!”
“I see you’ve been sent by those of my house to court me into leaving my father’s castle,” he huffed, covering his body with his coat. “However, your endearments are not working.”
Sent by his house?... “You mean the Gonzales? No, I was called u-upon by the call of an e-eternal w-winter from within this castle-” shivers wracked her body, as the flowers on her head lost their petals on the white snow. “Almost as a call for help?... I’m not sure, but I cannot leave until I help those who summoned me.”
“Your help is not needed , Spring Spirit.” he spat out, causing the Lord to frown. He dares call me such a demeaning title??
“ Spirit??? You c-clearly do n-not know who y-you’re talking to!!”
“Oh? Is that so?” he turned around, facing his trembling guest. “Do enlighten me, oh so mighty Lord of Spring, a descendant of the House of Smiths.”
“So you do know! Y-Yet you refer to m-me as a mere Spirit??”
Lucio’s lips curled into a smug grin. Even he had to admit, her reaction is delightfully amusing.
Adorable, even.
“I do. For you have no comprehension of the number of people who claim to be the ‘One and only Spring Lord’ who have come here to persuade me to come out of my castle, only to be mere spirits with only a fraction of the amount of influence to truly be considered a God.” he spoke with a soft tone, leaning close to the Spring God’s face. “If so many can claim to be the Lord of Spring, then non of them are, right?”
Ruby’s face flushed- because of the cold, or how close he was to her, she couldn't say. But her face remained in a pouted frown.
“That is what I thought,” he smirked. “Now that you’re done pouting, it’s best you leave at once”
Ruby shook her head “You claim s-so, yet as a L-Lord, you m-must be able t-to tell the difference, s-shouldn’t you?”
She’s not wrong… As a God, he can tell the difference between a mere Spirit or Nymph and an actual Lord. Yet his judgment and grief cloud him to do so… What sorrow can do to a Lord… He thought. He frown at her, not for her retort, but the flowers on her head were drying up and withering. And a look of annoyed exhaustion was plastered on the Spring God’s face, her face red from the cold.
“.... come, you’re getting weak out here.” He hurried inside, his words confusing the lord, who tried to follow behind him. But her knees buckled, causing her to tumble forward, toward the ground; a great shiver shook her body as the snow hit her body. The Lord of Snow quickly noticed, before running to her side, gently picking her up, and covering her with the coats that hung from her shoulders.
He frowned, hurrying inside and up the stairs to her guestroom. His footsteps echoed through the marble hallways before he kicked open the door, startling the housekeepers that kept the room in order. They all swarmed the bed once the Lord of Snow laid Ruby on the bed, covering her with mounds of heavy blankets.
“My Lord! What happened??”
“She’s cold to the touch..”
“The flowers on her head are dying!”
The clamors of his servants fell on deaf ears as he just stared at the goddess before her, her face contorted into a frown as she heaved, gasping for air.
This- This reminded him of... Of the day… The days she-
He gripped the edges of the bed, leaving marks. Frost and snow started forming, and the air began to get colder and colder as he shut his eyes.
Dont remember it, dont remember it, don’t remember-
“. . Everyone, please, leave…” he muttered, all the maids and housekeepers inside quickly hurried out, leaving the Lord of Snow and Spring alone, his head hanging low.
He placed his gaze somewhere else, noticing the still steaming cup of tea on top of the nightstand, making him frown.
“ She didn't... Drink it?...”
“I did not.”
Lucio turned his head back to the bed, all to see the Lord of Spring woken up, her blue eyes gazing into him. Despite how weak she felt, she propped up on the bed with confidence, causing Lucio to tense up, and the floor freezes under him. She can’t stay here- It’ll hurt her- I will-...
“.... Why didn’t you drink the tea?....” he mumbled.
“Because I chose not to,” she answered, causing Lucio to frown even more. “Do you know what that flower does to my body?”
“Makes you more resistant to the cold?” Lucio muttered. “Helps you survive this harsh environment to make sure you can leave with no problems?”
“And also will make my powers change, and I will no longer be a Spring God.”
“Oh…” He looked down, gripping the blankets. Take away her powers… I almost took away her powers by my ignorance… . “ I did not know… Forgive me, I’m not too versed on the side effects of flowers…”
Ruby’s expression softened, looking down at the Lord’s trembling hands; the grip he had caused frost to form around the quilts. Poor Prince, why is he so shaken? What loss has wrapped him with such pain?...
“ I’m so so so sorry, I d-didn’t mean t-to…” he uttered, his arms shaking and trembling, almost as if he was about to cry and sob. She sighed out, laying her trembling hand over the lord’s; it was cold to the touch which made her shiver again. The Lord of Snow tilted his head to look at her, only to see her smiling. “Do not worry about it, dear prince,” she spoke through the shivers. “Not all know of the afflictions my family has, no need to stress about it.”
“.....Even if I tried to get you to drink s-something that would s-strip you away from your powers?....” he mumbled. “...Even when I insulted your title?.. Even when I-”
“All of that is in the past, Lord of Snow.” she nods. “I forgive you”
I forgive you… His eyes widened at those words, straightening his back as he looked at the Spring God who gave him a warm smile. This gesture made his expression soften, blue and red pupils showing calm, and his lips molded into a smile. His hands became warmer and so did the room; the fire in the hearth burned brighter, and the frost that once covered the floor melted away.
I managed to calm him down… Ruby thought with a smile, before gazing towards the outdoors through the window. The clouds overhead were disappearing, and the sunshine fell down in beams, coating the ground with warmth.
“Aww… Looks like the skies are clearing up,” she mumbled, pointing at the window, the Lord of Snow gazed that way as well. His eyes lit up, as he walked towards the crystal pane that leads to the outside. Indeed the light shined down, making the day brighter than usual, filling the air with a golden warmth long not seen before.
The Lord of Spring smiled at the scene: not just the warm rays of sunlight coming down, but also because of the visage of the Lord standing there, smiling…. A sight she did not want to lose?... She couldn't tell why she felt this way….
Lucio closed his eyes, sighing...This view… It filled him with warmth.
Made him feel… happy….A change of view made him happy.
Change….
Change…
No…..
No no no, nothing can change, it must not- his gaze contorted into a frown, as clouds reformed in the sky, the calm in the Spring God's face turned into shock and worry. Snowfall once again fell, and the clouds became thick and heavy.
The sight changed… He cannot let it happen again- He frowned, turning around to face Ruby. She caused the change…
"Lord, what happened?-" she asked but the Lord did not answer, rather he walked out the door, just as she stood off the bed. But when she reached the door,It was locked- the knob freezing cold.
"Hey!! What is- Open the door!!"
Lucio sighed, before turning to gaze at his servants, especially the roomkeeper Mika, a cold gaze in his eyes. "She is not to leave this room, no matter the circumstances."
"M-My Lord, why?-"
"I don't owe you an explanation. This command is final."
Before Mika could say more, the Lord walked away, his footsteps echoing through the hallways.
Things cannot change… He thought. Not again, not ever-
Not to maintain or preserve, but to keep them at bay…
"....Lord Joseph"
From within a room, a voice grunted, their face covered in shadows, yet two golden eyes shined from within the darkness. Draped banners hung from either side, sown with golden string that shone in the dark.
".... What news have you got for me, girl?"
"....I believe two of the members of the Smith family have arrived in Gonzales' realm. While one is in the capital, the other is in the outskirts, near our border in the Castle of the late Lord of Snow."
This perked the shadow's attention, looking at her. "Is that so, hm? But we cannot enter the realm due to the harsh weather the measly Lord of Snow is causing."
"That's correct… For now… His barrier of snow is faltering. If we prepare for the moment of weakness, we could storm in and take what should be ours."
"Hm…." The figure smirked, "this might work out after all…"
"We'll finally… Conquer the lands once and for all"