Neptis Celeste

Neptis was sat in the Chieftain's tent with 4 other orcs when a messenger entered. While not entirely unexpected, the fact it was a Royal Gilnan Messenger got her attention. They were over a thousand kilometres from the Eastern borders of Gilnas, so what exactly was going on?

"Ah. I see you're entertaining company, Durzub. Who might you be?" The messenger asked, looking at Neptis.

"I am Hi-no. That's not right. Not anymore." Neptis started, but stopped. "I am now simply Neptis Celeste."

"Well, if you're a guest of Durzub, I'll consider you a friend of Gilnas." The messenger said, after thinking for a moment.

"What are you doing so far from Gilnas, though?" Neptis asked. "We're in the middle of the Steppes."

"News of war must travel to those who need to know." The messenger replied grimly. "The North is in the midst of a bloody civil war."

Neptis shot up like a cat. Could it be related? They had already established it was the very oldest form of magic known after consulting with the Chieftain's library, but little else so far.

"Whoa, jumpy much?" The messenger said, laughing. "You got friends up there?"

"Who's the contender?" Neptis asked, almost belligerently.

"Uhhh... let's see here?" The Messenger said, opening up the letter. "Looks like some Princess named Syndra Valmaris. Can't say I've heard of her before myself."

Neptis twitched. She knew that name, but that was impossible, she's been dead for hundreds of years! The Avalanche Princess! The strongest emotion caster in recorded history.

"Durzub, you know that name too don't you?" Neptis asked, glancing over at the Chieftain. He nodded in response.

"The Avalanche Princess. The Walking Whiteout. So, she's survived all these years. A shrewd woman to be sure."

The messenger could only laugh, it seemed he was the only one who didn't recognize the name.

"Durzub, I'm leaving for the North immediately." Neptis said, grabbing her staff. "I'll be back later."

"Take all the time you need, girl! You're meant to be there, after all." Durzub said, waving her off. "We'll still be here when you get back."

Neptis nodded and left the tent without another word, then launched herself into the sky with her staff, and began the long flight towards the Far Frozen North.