Winterfall

The residents of the second inner ring may have been considered the poor class, but they were rich in spirit and resilience. Despite the lack of resources and opportunities, they found ways to support each other and build a sense of community. The simple homes may have been made of cheap materials, but they were filled with love and warmth. Families shared what little they had and looked out for one another, creating a bond that was stronger than any material possession.

The streets may have been lined with broken stone and brick, but they were paved with the stories of hard work and perseverance. The simple shops that my parents helped set up were not just places of business, but symbols of hope and determination. They provided a source of income for struggling families and a glimmer of possibility for a brighter future.

My parents' efforts to improve the living conditions in the second inner ring were not just acts of charity, but gestures of solidarity and respect. They listened to the needs of the people and worked hand in hand with them to create a better life for everyone. Through their guidance and support, the residents of the second inner ring learned to dream bigger and strive for more than they ever thought possible.

In the end, the second inner ring was not just a place of poverty and struggle, but a community of strength and resilience. The people who lived there may have been considered the poor class, but they were rich in heart and spirit, bound together by a shared sense of hope and determination. And with my parents' help and guidance, they were able to build a brighter future for themselves and their families, one step at a time.

“Why are the inner rings so terrible?” Marcel questioned me as I explained a bit about the ring.

“Because they can’t afford the necessities the upper class and nobles can. We aid them as much as we can, however, there is only so much we can do.”

“You could get rid of them…” Marcel trailed off in thought as he looked at the citizens of this ring.

Despite the dirt on their clothes, the holes in their garments, and the absence of shoes on their feet, the residents of the second inner ring were more than just their outward appearance. They were individuals with dreams, aspirations, and a yearning for a chance at a better life. They may have been overlooked by society, but they possessed a resilience and dignity that shone through their hardships.

Their poverty did not define them; it was merely a circumstance of their environment. They longed for opportunities to showcase their skills, talents, and potential. All they needed was a helping hand, a chance to prove themselves, and a platform to lift themselves out of their current situation. Despite their struggles, they held onto the hope that someday, their hard work and perseverance would pay off. They were just as the rest of us and deserved to live.

“Not a chance Marcel. They deserve a chance just like the rest of the people in my kingdom.” I huffed and crossed my arms, giving him a crude glare.

“What do you plan to do?”

“Help them like my parents did.” I told him.

He scoffed, “Yeah… We shall see..” He cut himself off before he finished what he was about to say.

I felt my blood begin to boil but it quickly faded as the ring and Théoden was quick to pull it away.

“Whatever.” I grumbled as I began to walk along the broken path.

He caught up to me quickly, “Sorry.” He mumbled as he reached for my hand once more.

I refused to give him my hand as he insulted my kingdom. “Uh huh.”

Our walk in this ring fell silent once more as I simply pointed out a few of the projects my parents helped create. “This one is a greenhouse and helps plants grow.” I pointed towards a glass building that had a variety of plants growing on the inside. “The owners had requested a grant five years ago and have since built up a very good business. In fact some of our flowers from the wedding are coming from there.”

“Really?” He questioned me with amusement in his voice.

“Yeah, they gave me a good deal on the flowers.” It wasn’t much of the deal they gave me but I wanted to give them the opportunity to help them grow.

Marcel fell silent once more as he stared at the greenhouse. “What’s next?”

We walked a few blocks and I pointed to one more building, “This is the hospital for this ring. Each ring contains a hospital but this one was built in the aid of my parents and staff was hired through the temples.”

“Why did your parents give so much money away?”

“Because they had faith in their people and loved helping them.”

He rolled his eyes but said nothing. I got the overall vibe that he despised those who aided people. Perhaps that was part of his devilish charm but it utterly bothered me. As I was raised to always be kind and giving if I could. If it felt right at the moment.

And that was one of the things Théoden and I had in common: our caring and loving nature for the people of our kingdom. Even though Théoden is a dragon and some may think dragon’s hoard and dragon’s don’t care about those around them, he was a prime example of what a good dragon truly is. And perhaps that is why he was given the gift of the Dragon King.

Thank you my dear. Théoden whispered through the bond as a burst of pride ran through me.

“Ready for the last ring?” I questioned Marcel as he seemed.. eager to move to the next kingdom as he had started to pull me towards it.

“Yes.” His voice was firm and a bit bitter as he spoke. Something felt off…

That eerie feeling I got never went away as we entered the last ring in my kingdom. The feeling was something I could not shake as I felt unsettled going to this ring with Marcel. I knew Theoden was watching. I knew he had guards on me. However, that still did not stop this feeling from overtaking me.

“Marcel… Do we have to?” I was hesitant in asking him.

He stopped just as we hit the cracked stone. He looked up at me with his reddish eyes and cracked a smile, “What’s the matter?”

“I… I….” Thinking of an excuse on the spot wasn’t something I was typically good at. “I’m getting soaked.”

He looked me up and down and saw how “wet” I appeared to be. My clothes were decently dry as magical clothing offered that protection. My hair was the worst of it.

I glanced at his eyes and watched him roll them. “If you insist…” He hissed as he turned around and pulled me back towards the castle. “At some point you will have to take me through it.”

“I will..” I whispered as I followed him back to the castle.

By the time we got back my hair was soaked. My clothes dry. And Marcel, seemingly un-phased by the rain despite being damp himself.

“I’m going to go change then grab a quick snack.” I told him.

“Alrighty. I got to check in with Crimson on a few things.” Marcel told me as we parted ways in the grand hall. He mimicked my own movements as I walked up the right side of the stairs and he walked up the left.

Once I was at the top of the stairs I picked up my pace and moved quickly back to my room where I changed out of my clothes and slipped on some comfy clothes and curled up on my bed and listened to the rain pitter patter against my stained glass window once more.

I sighed in relief as I let the rain calm my nervous as I had a feeling I just managed to dodge a potential threat.