Ivan’Tzar Blodovich longed to return to the wide open ice fields of his home.

  The incessant rain and cramped city made his skin itch for space. The only reason he bore it was to secure the tempestuous hand of Lady Ellisandra.

  “Ivan’Tzar, events have taken a turn. The Everwinter Pillar is more active than ever, the titans are unruly, and the storms are fierce. The Babushkas warn of encroaching danger. You must secure the hand of lady Ellisandra, and do so with all haste. Speak with her mother, she is her gatekeeper. We will send sixty titanslayers to reinforce the Ellis lands, as soon as the marriage is conducted. Use this as an incentive. You cannot fail. May your hearth be warm, and your axe sharp.” His father’s deep voice rumbled from the transmission talisman.

  Ivan’Tzar tiredly sighed.

  He had honestly tried his best to win Ellisandra’s affections. Apparently, her culture did not value the gestures of physical intimacy that would surely work in Poluski women. Nor did she appreciate it when he defeated the small man who was showing her disrespect. The small man had certainly deserved it.

  His father was, admittedly, more politically and socially mindful…and tactful, than he was, so he struggled with this sort of courtship.

  He gently knocked on the door to the Ellis rock pile.

  “Gods man, you'll break down the door!” Chamberlain Havoc scolded as he opened the door with an aggravatedly quick swing.

  “Apologies, guardsman. I have come to speak vith Lady Ellismera.” He said and, assuming that the man would invite him in, pushed past Chamberlain Havoc. He sometimes struggled with this Common language, as the Ls sometimes made his tongue stumble.

  “Now see here-” Havoc started but cut off as he realised that Ivan’Tzar Blodovich was no longer listening and had walked down the corridor.

  Ivan’Tzar, or Ivan as his brothers called him, walked down the hallways and followed the sweet scent of Lady Ellismera. It was sweeter that anything he'd ever smelled naturally, and cloyed to the inside of his powerful, hairy nostrils.

  The only reason why he wasn't being actively attacked by the household guards was because they knew the Poluski people and their bullish nature. Chamberlain Havoc nevertheless felt it was his duty to escort Ivan’Tzar to the lady of the house, and hurried in front of him.

  “Right this way, Ivan’Tzar Blodovich.”

  He might as well not have said anything because Ivan already knew where he was going, and would have gone there without this small man's direction.

  It was only purely coincidental that every time the small man made a turn, or went up a flight of stairs, Ivan would likewise turn or walk up the small steps that were too narrow to accommodate his full booted foot.

  When at last the small man stopped in front of a door, where the scent of Lady Ellismera was strongest, Havoc announced him, “Ivan’Tzar Blodovich to see Lady Ellismera.”

  “Enter.” A refined and cold voice called from inside.

  Ivan, unused to lowlander customs, did not notice her icy gaze, nor her piercing tone, for that was the nature of the Eternal Ice. Poluski are known for their frigid demeanour, their stoic resolve, and their unwavering determination in the face of adversity. The Everwinter Pillar rises close to their home; from which descend colossal arctic titans that provide bountiful danger, opportunity, and sport.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Titanslayer.

  Their title, their creed, their way of life.

  He bowed slightly, “Mistress Ellis, I come with grave tidings.”

  “Master Ivan’Tzar, please sit.”

  Her delicate hand indicated to the chair in front of her desk, while she remaining seated, likely some low-lander slight but Ivan didn't care. He looked dubiously at the small chair that, as he watched, grew to accommodate his size.

  Must be some form of witchcraft.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” Her feigned politeness and empty blue eyes told of her opinion of him.

  “I have news from my Glavnyy, my father. He varns of ill tidings from zhe Babushkas. He sayz I must persuade you to let Lady Ellisandra mary me vith all haste. As an added incentive, ve are villing to send sixty Titanslayers to bolster zhe Ellis lands, as soon as zhe marriage is confirmed.”

  The scents in her office were pleasant: Candle wax, parchment, herbal tea, rose perfume.

  She raised her eyebrow, sceptical, but before she could reply Ivan elaborated, “I know my weaknesses very vell, and know zhat I could not persuade you to do anything you do not vish to do. Let me say zhis, zhen: my father is not one to send empty varnings. Nor is he zhe type for duplicitous actions. As far as I know, his varning is heartfelt.”

  Ellisandra did not immediately respond with the scornful incredulity which she craved. She instead forced herself to smile tightly, “Ivan’Tzar, I have watched as you grew from a pup to the dashing Titanslayer I see before me. I know your father, and I know you. This is the only reason why I am even entertaining your proposition. My daughter is yet to see her second century, and while I am advocating for her marriage, she is under no pressure from her Elders. Her decision is final. If she wishes to cut off the courtship then we will support her decision.

  That being said; I see the generosity of your offer. Your Titanslayers will add much-needed defense in the coming storm.”

  She was evidently still making her point so Ivan imitated the wise nod his father often used to show his understanding.

  She continued, “While I am inclined to allow this course of action, I must first consult with my husband.”

  Ivan immediately felt a surge of both relief and anxiety, though he was much too emotionally unaware to recognise these feelings as anything other than a bodily sensation.

  -

  Ellismera did not need her husband's opinion. As her mother, Ellismera had the most say in her life as part of her maternal rights. It was an important point in her marital contract. But she did need time to gather information. Her father, the late Lord Ellisconnol, always said, “Trust, but verify. A noble without information about their enemies and allies, will soon be a dead one.”

  Given that Ellismera’s first and only protector had been her darling husband, she could not ask him to gather information. He had other duties now.

  She would rely on Elder Guanji.

  “Zhis is acceptable.” Ivan’Tzar said in a thick Poluski accent. “But I ask zhat you do not talk too long. Ve must make haste for the long vinter is coming."

  Ellismera smiled tightly, “We will take all the time we need. Please, master Havoc will see you out.”

  -

  Ivan suddenly felt like he was sitting in front of a mother Arcat: highly territorial, highly dangerous beast-mothers that have the [Maternal Vengeance] Trait. If killed while nursing cubs, they will return as undead necro cats and will only perish once their cubs are avenged. It was a death sentence to fight them.

  “Of course, Lady Ellisandra.” he hurriedly stood from his seat and bowed deeply, “If zhat is all, I vill return to my room.”

  “Good Day, Ivan’Tzar Blodovich.”

  She did not rise from her seated position to greet him, and this time Ivan knew that it was definitely an insult.