Florence
The scorching sun from earlier was nothing compared to the biting winds. The tunnel leading to the SandWing Kingdom was always an uncomfortable experience- like her heart was on her tongue, wings cramped despite the neat folds and the feeling as if her scales were changing colour without will despite never doing so. She always seemed to hold her breath whilst walking through the tunnel of blackness, the narrow, harsh light that blanketed the sand in front of her even if no true threat stayed.

The hours saved was worth it every time, even if the disturbing feeling was preferred gone, she and her guards leapt into the sky, seemingly disappearing as they camouflaged- seemingly becoming apart of the blue hues of the endless skies with two of her most trusted Royal Guards. Their wingbeats were even as they glided, the conversation delightful as they scoured the skies, an occasional joke catching one of them off guard. Despite their blue scales reflecting more of the light than what darker scales would've absorbed, each RainWing was still fairly energised whilst 'basking' in the everlasting sunlight. For some moments, a comfortable silence fell, and occasionally a RainWing would take out a flask to drink some well needed, crisp water.

And now, visible to the IceWings, Queen Azalea and her two Royal Guards stood before the grand, towering gates to the IceWing palace. It was, in a word, beautiful and the prime example of elegance. Much did not suffice the IceWing Kingdom's beauty, sharp, angular spires and the delicate lining of silver embedded in the ice, tilting her head curiously as even under the warmth of her palms, the palace before her didn't seem to melt, it staying crystallised and regal.

In the end, she did not envy IceWing architecture. While appreciating the small details and crevices, it didn't compare to the natural serenity of tangling vines and busy birds announcing their accomplishments to the words to anyone within earshot, disregarding whether anyone cared or no. The humidity and heat was always a comfort, as well, cool winds creating a simple yet vital balance. It seemed in the IceWing Kingdom, the wind only hissed at you, biting at your scales whilst snow numbed talons.

Thankfully, they had been given heavy furred cloaks by some servants, the gift as elegant as the palace they were about to enter with intricate snowflake and diamond patterns sewn along the ends. She lifted her chin as two IceWing Royal Guards opened the gates, leading she and her guards inside. Her expression was composed, allowing a faint curiosity in her eyes and a soft, generous smile.

Her image as a reckless Queen was not easily forgotten, but that didn't mean she wasn't regal. What was a queen without a regal poise, after all? 

Being told to wait by a servant who nimbly scurried away, sought the General, telling her about her awaiting visitor. Queen Azalea's eyes crept up the walls, the guards beside her more aware of the surroundings before, having stoic expressions as they evaluated potential threats with sharp eyes. It was rare the group visited the IceWing kingdom, hence the sharpened features. Queen Azalea brushed their wings, a sign they shouldn't be so worried- to loosen up a bit.

Her eyes went bright when she saw the IceWing, smiling. "General Snowflake! Thank you for the invitation, I must say, the palace is beautiful, I'm afraid I've forgotten the details over time."
Virginia
*Snowstorm spent her day preparing for Queen Azalea's arrival pouring over maps and charts, formulating what she was going to say when she finally arrived. Of course, when she first sent the message about her idea, she had expected the Rainwing Queen to send someone else, instead, she got word that Azalea herself was coming, it was a surprise, to say the least.*

*She made sure to shore up some additional support for the unexpectedly royal visit, especially obtaining some suitably regal clothing for her, going from the rainforest to the tundra likely wasn't an easy trip. A memory of her first time going to the rainforest came to her unbidden, she felt like she was going to melt after just a few hours...*

*Eventually, a servant pushed their way into the room,* "Your, visitor, has arrived General, she is waiting in the vestibule."

"Good, ensure preparations are done in the kitchen, the trip likely left them hungry," *She nodded as she stepped past the dragon, who similarly scurried off to check on the rest of the preparations. As she walked the halls towards where she'd meet Queen Azalea, her gaze traced around the decorations, she remembered when she was young, and felt giddy just looking at the walls, how mundane they felt, sixty years later.*

*It didn't take long after the servant asked Azalea to wait for Snowstorm to arrive, dressed in what seemed like largely ceremonial armor, designed for aesthetics above all else, when she was addressed, the Icewing bowed her head, and Azalea could see the General's slight frown deepen for just a moment before fading back into her usual look,* "Snowstorm, Queen Azalea. I should be thanking you for taking enough stock in my plan to come personally. I'm glad it is to your taste, I'm sure our artisans will be happy to know they have your appreciation," *Her correction of her name was quickly followed by what else she said, firmly stating, but not dwelling on it for more than the briefest of seconds.*
Florence
Queen Azalea, upon reading the note was inteuged, for the quarrels of the SandWing and IceWing kingdom was a match worth avoiding, though felt inevitable, especially with the disappearence of the IceWIng Queen. She herself tended to be more cautious with the various missing royalties or deaths, which only made her wonder how many citizens of lesser importance have disappeared without a trace. That was why she hadn't trusted a general or other higher ranked RainWing to fill in her position. Whilst dangerous, with her being the Queen in a potential enemies territory, it was best to seek the information first hand.

She nodded to the servant, her personal guards readjusting their posture as the General walked in, the ceremonial armour seeming to reflect various light sources every so often as she walked toward the trio. She lifted her chin slightly as Snowstorm bowed, acknowleding the frown somewhat coldly. 

"Why, of course! I doubt these two would know what to say if not for me," She laughed casually, one of her guards glancing at the Queen with a hint of playfulness in their eyes before turning away. "I do appreciate the oppurtunity to be here, Gerneral Snowstorm. Shall we move somewhere more private to discuss?" She asked, being quite straightforward- figuring Snowstorm wouldn't want to dawdle on small things.
Virginia
*She could notice a softening of Snowstorm's features as she joked with her Royal Guards, probably the closest thing to a smile she was like to give,* "Of course, I have a room set up already," *The General said, motioning towards the doorway further in,* "I also have taken the liberty to procure food which I hope is to your liking, I admit a good portion is imported from your kingdom, but not many kinds of fruit grow in our climate, save for some kinds of berries. The servants should be by with it before too long."

*As they walked, Queen Azalea could no doubt tell that the recent rash of disappearances were weighting on the General as well, possibly to be expected after Queen Curlew was one such vanishing. She walked with alertness and caution, her head turning to investigate even the shadows passing by.*

*She didn't seem like much for starting a conversation, but, at least didn't seem against responding to them, there was still a little bit of time before they reached the prepared room.*

*Inside said room, it was decorated slightly more modestly than the extravagant halls, though the walls were still intricately detailed. It was likely not designed to house nobles or royals, instead, the table in the center, adorned with a map with marks all across it, and the more utilitarian seating, marked it more as a meeting room of soldiers. At least, save for the carpeting and the more than likely hurriedly moved seating from one of the other meeting rooms, considering it was a little too tall for the table, and it's slightly crooked placement.*
Florence
She nodded, walking with her. "Thank you~ it has been quite the flight and lizards don't do much for you," She chuckled, frills changing a rosy red to show her appreciation, her wing membranes following suite. Her scales stayed the same blue however- an effect of 'training' her scales to keep their colour- to keep a regal guise whilst also allowing small amounts of colour to seep through, so she wasn't autrisised from her tribe. There was a whole science to presenting, and Azalea had mastered it- even if her audacious manner did slip through from time to time. She merely shrugged when the general mentioned the fruits being exported from the Rainforest. "Atleast I'll know they're good," She joked informally.

She wanted to put the General at ease- her stiff, cautious posture clearly influenced from sometime in the past- the disappearence of the Queen, perhaps, and she hoped to be a comfort, walking comfortably with an unsaid confidence beside her.

During the comfortable silence, she took the time to admire the IceWing palace. Its beauty never ceased to amaze her, even with the excessive use of whites and blues.

Before entering the room, she flicked her tail, causing both guards to stop. Looking behind her, she merely smiled. "Please, atleast make yourselves presentable," She scoffed, rolling her eyes to the mostly silent guards, their scales turning yellow in amusement before one scolded the other- all in great fun. Azalea tsked, turning back to the room, smiling faintly. "Those guards, what are am I going to do with them?" She asked rhetorically, shaking her head- thinking of their somewhat strange stoic nature when presented with strange variables.

She noticed the slightly crooked placement, but made no mention of it, privately enjoying the beauty of the unorderly. Quietly, she made her way to a seat, gazing down at the map that seemed to reach all four corners of the table, considering the difference between the NightWing meeting room and IceWings.

"Snowstorm," She started informally, "Your letter provided detail on SandWing affairs- do you care to explain further?" She asked, tiling her head to the side, her frills expanding as she recalled the letter in her mind.
Virginia
*Truthfully, Snowstorm appreciated the levity, even if she couldn't show it. Even with her usual demeanor, recent events have only served to harden her heart even further. Having someone even trying to ease her mind felt like a rarity. Having the confident Rainwing Queen walking with her head held high was, more comforting than the General was able to admit. Not to mention the one thing she appreciated was the fact that one could usually tell how Rainwings were feeling, being able to tell when you offend someone culturally was rather invaluable in her position.*

*Queen Azalea joking with her guards brought a short chuckle from her, as well as a memory of her original unit, good times they were... The slightly out of place seat did seem like it was brought in from another room specifically for her, since it was placed so she would be able to see the whole of the map.*

*Snowstorm took her place across the table, and began,* "As you no doubt know, tensions are somewhat high between the Ice Kingdom and Sand Kingdom. Which, is causing no small disruption to trade between our two Kingdoms, either from restrictions by the Sandwings, or from needing to go through Skywing Territory, incurring their taxes. The land transport needed for large scale trade is practically a cornerstone of our relations."

*As she spoke, she traced some of the lines drawn onto the map,* "I had the thought to attempt a project, rather large-scale, and one that would be near impossible to do alone. With the King as, busy, as he is, I thought to bring this to your attention first. I believe it's possible, to create a trade route, starting at Phyrria's neck, that traces above the Sandwing border, and then between Sand and Sky until it meets the Claws of the Clouds, where we would be able to cut a path through the mountains, placing the end of the path quite near the western edge of the Rainforest."
Florence
She nodded, taking in the information with a bright blue whilst in thought, considering the aforementioned pros and cons. She thought about the RainWing-SandWing tunnel, to supply the RainWings with less flight- yet it was in the practically in the heart of SandWing territory, extremely close to the SandWing Stronghold which would raise suspicions substantially- besides, it wasn't the most favourable for other tribes to inquire about- even if it was somewhat known knowledge. Another benefit to the trade route is if the IceWings pleased, they could adapt the trade route to one of the eastern kingdoms, for example for the MudWings.

"Well thought out," She mused, curling her tail around her back ankle, watching as Snowstorm drew lines on the map. "And the only problem is the SandWings," She said, tapping the neck of the dragon, in thought of solutions the rainforest as well as phychological knowledge that could influence a solution for the problem.

"You could.. Scare them. Fear is a powerful emotion, and proof for the fear only concentrates it." She met Snowstorm's eyes before continuing, "I think there used to be monkeys that screamed like dragons, though I'm unsure whether those are just old legends- anyways, if you can find a way to scare SandWings out the territory without it being known that IceWings are behind it, hopefully it will deter them. Be mindful not to be seen, though. As once an IceWing is spotted, they will realise it's not a strange force of nature and war, though inevitable, will be sooner than hoped."

Her knowledge of war came from her military general- who seemed to drone on about papers and tribe realtions- and despite knowing the general infront of her carried knowledge, it was best to warn her anyway to prevent any... Undesireable results. She glanced at the door as a servant brang in foods- mostly fruit, with the occasional seal which she carefully avoided, picking up some frozen raspberries and crunching on the cold ice that surrounded it, wrinkling her snout slightly but nethertheless enjoying it.