The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

Part I Finale

Several weeks had passed since the morning villagers awoke to the bloodless lamb cadaver and the broken branch from the ancient tree. The same morning Sanzher was visited by the Snow Queen in his slumber. The village had managed to restore itself to the normalcy of day to day life that had once fallen under the terror of wolves and ancient lore.

The trio had returned to their normal routine of hunting; Aleksandr enlisted the help of Artem at his ironwork station where they’d spend time forging and reinforcing weapons for some of the hunters and warriors in their village. Aleksandr saw war as another way to enlarge his purse of coin, as far as going under the employ of warriors from neighbouring villages. Artem, though conflicted said nothing. 

Great Kirill and the clergymen brought the village together, raising their spirits through the cold winter. The elders couldn’t explain its occurrence and more importantly, what it meant for the villagers. After sometime, the familiar patterns reappeared and the life in the small village returned to the norm, except for one thing.

Diana had been with child for several months now. Her skin had a new radiance. Or maybe it was the luminosity of her hair or the filling of her breasts. Either way, she kept Sanzher on his toes ensuring she and her protruding bump was catered for. He found himself doting on his wife after tending to her every beck and call and he loved it and her even more.

Diana had been over the moon with the progress she had been making with her pregnancy. After all the times the couple had attempted to fall pregnant, constantly falling in despair, this came as a winter miracle!

This event brought the Great Kirill immense happiness as he looked forward to the introduction of a new member to their small family. Someone to continue the family name. He would visit Diana and share with her stories of when he was young and in love with Sanzher’s mother. He hadn’t even shared most of the intimate stories he divulged to his son’s wife but Great Kirill was a man of great wisdom. He knew what he shared with Diana would be shared with only her. 

One night, when the air was still with only the melody of slumber was the only sound; Sanzher lay fast asleep with his wife coiled next to him. Suddenly a warmth enveloped the room; encompassing itself around Sanzher. The Snow Queen had returned to pay him another visit.

Sanzher sat at the top end of long and bountiful banqueting table. His eyes sparkled at the sight of the grandiosity of the platters. Large trays of hunks of beef, succulent roasted fowl and copious amounts of vegetables adorned the large table whilst barrels of fresh and cold kumis lined the table. As Sanzher reached to fill his equally large goblet with kumis, the Snow Queen seamlessly appeared at the other far end of the banqueting table.

‘’My love, let us feast! We must celebrate!’’

Sanzher lifted the goblet to his mouth and took a long and earnest gulp of his beverage.

‘’How do you like the kumis? It’s fresh! I brew it myself.’’ She said smiling with pride.

‘’What are we celebrating?’’ Sanzher asked.

‘’You are farcical!’’ She said finally revealing her captivating smile.

Sanzher twitched in his seat. He was sure he had never seen such a beautiful sight!

‘’Why are we here?’’

‘’This is my home. This can be your home too, if you so wish, my love?’’

Sanzher was confused but he had to get to the bottom of this. ‘’You must know I already have a wife?’’

‘’Yes, sweet Diana. She is a darling. I cannot wait to hold my babe!’’

‘’Your babe?!?’’ Sanzher snapped.

‘’Yes, my love. You don’t think – oh no, you actually think Diana – ‘’

‘’What are you talking about?’’

‘’Diana is merely a vessel to bring our child into this world, my love. After our heir is born, we will live together. You as my King and I as your Queen.’’ She said levitating out of her seat.

‘’You are crazed! That child is the heir to Great Kirill’s lineage. The last and true ancestor of the first settlers at the foot of the mount!’’ 

The Snow Queen seemed to grow large with rage. A sceptre emerged from thin air to which she clasped it and struck it on the long banqueting table. Instantly, a jagged stream of ice-water cut through the middle of the table – splitting it in half, letting the platters and trays spill at both sides of Sanzher’s throne-like chair.

‘’You cannot be this vacuous son of Kirill? You of all people should know that this is fortold!’’

‘’You are not going to come near Diana!’’ Sanzher said defiantly.

Fuming, the Snow Queen split the very floor Sanzher stood on, flinging her hands forward causing him to fly through the air down the edge of the mountain. As Sanzher fell, the Snow Queen erupted at him.

‘’Who do you think helped your ancestors settle here? Who do you think protected them through the coldest winters and the immense battles? You are what I’ve been waiting for hundreds of years. You are my prize and OUR little one will serve as testament to our union!’’

Sanzher hurled out of the bed with beads of icy sweat trickling down his temple. This was one lucid dream he had just experienced. The wind blew harshly against the panes as he got up to pour himself a glass of water. After gazing at his wife who slept peacefully, he shimmied next to her; putting an arm over her and tried to fall back to sleep.

The next morning couldn’t have come any sooner. Sanzher surprisingly slept well albeit being interrupted by his late-night visitor. He was quick to leave his home in search of his best friend and his cousin, even if Artem didn’t want to get involved in what Sanzher had in mind. He knew precisely where they would be; at Aleksandr’s  ironworks.

‘’Aleks, We need to talk,’’

‘’Wow, you are up early! What has gotten into you?’’

‘’It’s happened again,’’ Sanzher said plainly. A trait he had picked up from his father. Even though he didn’t know with certainty the outcome of what he was about to say next, he carried the resolve of a man who had all the time in the world.

‘’What has happened again?’’ Artem interjected.

‘’You didn’t tell him?’’

‘’Artem wouldn’t know what to do with that kind of information. He would’ve told Father. I know it. But I may not have a choice.’’ Sanzher said. ‘’Artem, my dear cousin, I have met the Snow Queen but we don’t have time – ‘’

‘’What?! You expect me to remain calm after telling me that?! I need more information!’’ he said letting his eyes wear all of his intensity.

Sanzher spent a moment bringing his friends up to speed before dropping yet another bombshell, ‘’I think I may have to run away with Diana. It’s too dangerous here,’’

‘’You won’t make it far! The wolves!’’ Artem chimed in.

‘’He’s right, and Diana IS with child. She will only slow you both down. Stand and fight!’’

‘’You cannot win against her. You don’t know how powerful she is, Aleks,’’ Sanzher said.

He hadn’t shared in detail the fear and helplessness he had felt when was plummeting down the mountain cliff in his last encounter, masterfully manipulated by the ethereal Snow Queen.

As the trio deliberated on their plot, their progress was halted by a high shrill coming from somewhere outside. As they left the ironworks, Aleksandr’s younger brother was running toward them.

‘’Sanzher! Hurry, come! Diana!’’

The young men ran through the village toward Sanzher’s home. When they turned the corner of his house, Sanzher opened the door to see his wife sprawled on the floor. Diana was still in her white sleeping gown but the colour had a more vermillion hue as she lay bloodied all the way to her knees.

Sanzher rushed to his wife and held her.

‘’Diana! I’m here, my love! I’m not going anywhere!’’

‘’Why did she do this to me’’ she groaned weakly. ‘’Why did you do this to me, Sanzher, why, why, WHY!’’

Diana began flinging her arms in a wild frenzy whilst continuing her accusatory tirade. Aleksandr and Artem re-emerged at the couple’s door but this time, Aleksandr had important information to share.

‘’Brother, there’s a trail of blood. It’s fresh. It leads into the forest. We must mobilise the others and go after her!’’

‘’She snatched my baby!’’ cried Diana.

‘’Get the others ready to track and find her!’’ said Sanzher. ‘’I have to see my Father.’’

Aleksandr nodded, tapped Artem on the shoulder, ‘’I’ll meet you at the ironworks. Get some weapons ready for the men.’’   

Artem nodded and set off.

Epilogue: We hope to learn what happens to Sanzher and his trusted friends but with the quick thinking Snow Queen as his adversary, how do you think they will fare?

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

Aleksandr led Sanzher to the kraal to inspect the scene but he couldn't restrain himself after what Sanzher had just shared with him.

''I can't believe you saw her in the woods, brother!''

''It happened so fast, Aleks. You were on the ground, wrestling that wolf, Artem was yelping like a child in the night!''

''And you saw her again in your dream? Is she as beautiful as legend says?'' Aleksandr implored with the enthusiasm of a little girl who had just been given a porcelain doll.

''She IS beautiful. It was her voice, Aleks, like fresh kumis on a hot Summer's day!''

''Tell me more!'' Aleks exclaimed with great fervour.

''She beckoned me closer to her. She wore a sparkling white cape and her mane was just as incandescent,''

''She sounds majestic,''

''She was, Aleks. I love Diana. I love her with all my heart but I was enchanted by her. She called me 'her love',''

''And then you woke up! It was all a dream, brother! Your mind, it bamboozles you in your slumber!'' Aleksandr joked.

The large group of elders had begun to clear when the young men entered the kraal to inspect the siphoned lamb. Sanzher knelt next to its carcass and grappled one of its hind legs and noticed that rigor motis had already set in.

''This lamb has been dead for over twelve hours. Feel it Aleks,''

Aleksandr knelt next to his best friend and conducted the same experiment, lifting its hind leg, trying to manipulate the joint to bend but it was too stiff. The young men were perplexed by all this just as much as the elders were. Struggling to find an answer to this mystery, they left the kraal in search of Sanzher's father, Great Kirill.

Great Kirill was in the church lighting several sticks of incence when he turned to see the Sanzher and Aleksandr walk toward him through the centre aisle of the old church. Great Kirill wore a look of worry which seemed to wear itself on his face in the form of several wrinkles above his brow. The pepper in his beard was soon losing the battle against the salt that seemed to dominate his thick and earnest beard.

''My sons, I'm sure you've seen what has happened to the lamb?''

''Yes, father,'' Sanzher said as his best friend stood beside him.

''What worries me more is the broken branch,'' Great Kirill said plainly.

''Father, aren't we over-reacting? It's an old tree and -''

''Sanzher, that tree is what provided shelter for our ancestors when the were crossing that mountain,'' Great Kirill interjected. ''It is the symbol of our people. Even if it no longer bears fruit, its very presence is testament to the struggle, the victory and the decision of our people to settle here, at the foot of the mountain. It is what connects us to our ancestors, sons.''

Sanzher bowed his head in acknowledgement, taking in his father's wise words. At first, the duo had gone into the church with the purpose of sharing Sanzher's encounter with the Snow Queen but after his brief conversation with his conservative father, Sanzher opted to keep it to himself, in order to find an alternative solution to the burgeoning situation.


Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

Diana was up early, preparing breakfast for Sanzher in their quaint home. Sanzher stirred as the waft of fresh food engulfed his senses. As he shuffled in the bed, scrambling up to sit, Diana emerged with a plate of grilled fish, tomatoes and a rusk of bread.

''You looked so peaceful. I didn't want to wake you,'' she said placing his breakfast on his lap.

''What time is it?'' Sanzher asked planting his fork into a tomato.

''The first bell rang nearly an hour ago. How did you sleep, my love?''

Sanzher looked at his wife, unsure whether she remembered the events that transpired the previous night. Diana was brimming with energy and a revived sense of freedom that Sanzher hadn't noticed until today. She had always been a quiet woman, meek at times even.

''I slept quite fine, my love,''

''I know!'' she said wearing a wry smile.

She must've woken up with her sleeping gown still hoisted above her hips Sanzher thought to himself.

''Eat up now, you must regain your strength, my love,''

Sanzher took heed and continued to shovel large mouthfuls of the delicious grilled fish, breaking off large hunks of the loaf he had. He washed it all down with goblet of fresh milk Diana had collected whilst he was still in slumber.

After freshening up, Sanzher met with Aleksandr at the start of the forest. Aleksandr was setting a few traps to protect the village livestock when Sanzher arrived to lend him a hand.

''Where have you been? I'm halfway done!'' Aleksandr stated with his temper already flaring.

''Calm down, brother. I'm here now,'' Sanzher said kneeling beside Aleksandr.

''Did you hear what happened last night?''

Sanzher's ears tweaked. ''What?''

''Well, you know the large tree near the animal kraal?''

''Yes,''

''Well that tree has been here longer than anyone in this village. One of it's branches just snapped in the middle of the night!''

''Well it is an old tree though, Aleks'' Sanzher reasoned.

''You try and tell the elders in the church that! They've been talking about its meaning,''

''It could have been the wind. That mountain air is relentless,''

''They found one of the lambs in the kraal dead, Sanz. It was completely stiff, drained of all its blood. And the most startling thing is that they were no bite marks anywhere on its body!'' Sanzher stood still for a moment before Aleksandr continued. ''Why do you think I'm out here, setting traps for an animal that doesn't leave footprints nor a trail of blood for us to follow? This is certainly a fool's errand.''

Sanzher got up from the snow with a grave look on his face. This in turn made Aleksandr stand up.

''Aleks, I think I may know what is responsible.''


Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

A visitor in the night

Sanzher eyes grew heavy, ushering him to join his wife in her dream state. After a few turns under the bedding, he fell asleep spooning Diana with his arm over her body akin to a bird shielding it's chicks from  frost with its wing. The room grew quiet with only the wheezing Sanzher made as the only din. As his body slumped deeper into slumber, Sanzher's body was transported to a different plain. 

Sanzher walked in the snow in nothing but his pants and boots. The brisk chill did not affect him at all as he walked through the tall leafless birch trees. 

''You are almost there,'' a voice called out to him. Guiding him through the eerie forest's heavy mist. 

Sanzher continued to walk until he reached a clearing in the forest where a large tree had once stood, leaving only its dead trunk as a fossil. 

''There, there! You have made it, my love!'' the voice continued. elated by Sanzher's efforts.

''Where are you?'' he bellowed. ''Show yourself to me!'' he demanded.

''All will be unveiled soon enough, my love,''

''I know it's you. I saw you in the woods earlier.'' Sanzher stated. 

''Then why didn't you greet me?'' the voice said teasingly.

''Please, show yourself!'' Sanzher implored.

''Soon, my love. Soon.'' the voice assured. ''I have one question to ask you, my love,''

''Speak your mind,'' Sanzher said cautiously 

''Why didn't you tell your father that you saw me in the forest?'' the voice purred in the wind.

''Why, because if it weren't for you, I'm certain if it wasn't the wolves that killed us, we'd have died anyway atop that peak from the wounds they would've inflicted.''

As the last words left his tongue, all remained still. He knew he was being watched. Slowly, Sanzher turned around to inspect the space behind him only to have before him the most glorious sight his human eyes had ever set upon. 

She stood a few yards away from Sanzher, wearing a vermillion hooded cape that shielded her face. Sanzher froze to the spot. He was unsure what to do. He whipped out a sharp dagger from its sheath which he then waved in the air in an effort to intimidate her. 

Slowly, the figure raised its hands to its hood and swung it back. Instantly, Sanzher's dagger disintegrated in his hand like ash with the flakes wafting away in the air. He was mesmerised as he watched her large sea of silvery locks flow in the wind. She was indeed enchanting, demanding every ounce of splendour. 

''You are The Snow Queen?'' he said fully aware who she is. 

''Come to me,'' 

''You saved my life. You saved my friends lives as well,'' Sanzher said falling to her feet.

''I had to save you, my love,'' she said running her fingers through his long wet hair. ''Let's escape the harsh wind and go to my lair. It is warm and you will regain your strength,'' 

''I will follow you to the ends of the earth, my Queen,'' Sanzher said blown away by her majesty.

''Rise, my love and come into me,'' the Snow Queen said opening up her vermillion cape wide to shelter Sanzher's naked torso. She wrapped her arms tightly around Sanzher.  

Sanzher shot up from the bed. he had beads of cold sweat trickling down his back and forehead. He didn't know what frightened him more - the fact that his body felt cold or the fact that he was now naked and his wive's white sleeping gown was hoisted all the way up to her navel. 

Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment

Snow Queen | City

Singer-songwriter Nata Llia teams up with Snow Queen Vodka

Winter is among us but this will not stop me from keeping you updated on some of the most stylish and exclusive soirees serving fresh and luscious Snow Queen cocktails such as the Capirosca, after all, all a woman needs is a large fur coat and Grapetini to battle the winter chill. A pair of lucky winners won't need their fur coats; to spread the word of their tipple of choice, Glamour Magazine is giving away a 2-night stay at the lavish Dorchester Hotel in London for one lucky user and a friend, courtesy of the equally superior Snow Queen Vodka. 

For more information, please visit: http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/promotions/snow-queen/competition/

Singer-songwriter Nata Llia

In an effort to create 'sweet music' together Snow Queen Vodka has teamed up with enchanting Eastern-European singer-songwriter Nata Llia, the new poster child for the unique beauty of Snow Queen Vodka. Born in Belarus in the late 80s, Nata Llia has always had music coursing through her veins as she is the daughter of musicians. From an early age the she exuded interest in piano enabling once was an interest into a passion, continuing to perfect her craft albeit going to university. The wraithlike beauty cites renowned pianist Maksim Mrvica as an inspiration.   

Singer-songwriter Nata Llia

I can't seem to stop playing her song, 'Love Poem' which combines her skillful and meticulous manipulation of the keys on the piano with a contemporary pop twist creating a fresh new sound for me to dance to as I doll-up in preparation for the pleasures of the night.

To listen to more of Nata Llia's music visit: http://www.natalliamusic.com/

Snow Queen | City

images of Nata Llia courtesy of GLAMOUR

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

Sanzher stood still in the snow. Rooted to the ground and with his friends frozen still on the ground, Sanzher could not believe his eyes when he saw the Snow Queen float away into the thick birch forest.

''What happened?!'' Aleksandr said rising from the snow.

''I don't know what you did, Sanz, but thank you! You saved us from those wolves!'' Artem declared brushing snow off his large fur cape.

Sanzher picked Aleksandr's bow from the ground and handed it to his best friend, ''This place isn't safe. Let's go back to the village,''

''We have them right where we want them. We can follow them to their den, Sanz,'' reasoned Aleksandr who wanted to get even after his manhood was put to the test against the onyx wolves.

''We must get back up at the very least, Aleks,'' Sanzher stated with Artem nodding in agreement.

The young men agreed and set forth back to the village. Each step they took submerged their feet in the snow. Though Sanzher didn't say a word to his friends about seeing the Snow Queen in all her majesty and how it was her sonic shrill that in fact actually saved their lives, he felt that she was with them. Watching them as they went back to their village. It took took them short of an hour to get out of the large birch forest and into the fields that they would till in the dewy mornings of March.

The trio arrived back to the village with Artem and Aleksandr relatively unscathed but still shook after their ordeal with the wolves. When they walked into the church, Diaz and his team were already present.

''Sanzher!'' Great Kirill said when he saw the boys; with Aleksandr clutching his forearm. ''Are you boys alright?''

''We are fine,'' Aleksandr said.

''You don't seem fine, Aleks,''

''We were attacked by two of the wolves!'' cried Artem. ''Sanzher saved us!''

Diaz and two of his hunters walked toward the men, trying to get within earshot of our conversation. ''Did you see where they fled to?''

''It happened so fast, we were on the ground - snow everywhere, they were biting at us,'' Aleksandr babbled.

''They ran toward the ridge, west of the mountain peak,'' Sanzher said.

Great Kirill looked at Diaz and his men. He placed a hand on Diaz's shoulder, ''My old friend, we have to protect this village. Take ten of your bravest men, as many arrows as each can carry and see whether or not that is indeed where their den is,''

''Fresh snow is yet to fall. We may yet see this ordeal come to an end! I'll carry my dagger so I don't fall into peril like Aleks in close combat!'' Diaz said which made the two old men share a laugh.

That night as Sanzher placed his head on the feathered pillow next to his wife, he would re-enact the series of events that transpired in the forest in his mind, vowing not to tell a soul. He found it difficult to fall asleep, continuously tossing and turning while his young wife enjoyed her dream state. When slumber crept up, Sanzher would be visited by her again but this time it would change the course of his life, forever

Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment.

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

CHAPTER TWO

The snow was falling long and thick creating a new white coat over the land. For the first time in over a decade, Great Kirill had been wrong and winter had arrived a fortnight early. The ground was frozen, unable to sustain life against the unforgiving cold that was brought forth by the giant mountain. It wouldn't be long before some animals migrated to warmer climes and the black bears would vanish into their dens to hibernate.

One morning Great Kirill called a special meeting after it was learnt that three calves were abducted and a cow was mauled by a pack of wolves that left a trail of blood that started from the cow shed and vanished into the the eerie birch forest.

''We must act now,'' Great Kirill said over the small gathering of hunters and farmers and the blacksmith. ''These wolves have lived in these parts for countless generations. This is their home too. However, they have shown they are not scared to come to our village. To steal from us. We must show them that they must fear humans or else we will be their last targets when they have eaten our last calf!''

The small crowd rallied together, encouraging Great Kirill to press on, ''I want to see the head of their Alpha mounted on the wall of this room!'' The crowd grew fierce. ''We must follow their trail before it goes cold. Sanzher, I want you to lead your group towards western part of the forest. The trees are younger there and you can use the high ground as a vantage point,''

''Yes, father,'' Sanzher said.

''Diaz is an excellent tracker and will lead a team to follow behind, tracking them. They can't be too far - the blood is yet to freeze. Let's get moving!''

Sanzher and his team, which consisted of his best friend, Aleksandr and his cousin, Artem who was feeling odd about their new mission. ''I knew we were going hunting today but I didn't think for a second we'd be hunting wolves?!''

''I know?!'' said Aleksandr equally confounded.

''No one has ever seen their den. These are smart wolves, we must find their den'' said Sanzher.

''Well, we have to keep on going, the peak of this ridge is a few miles that way. We'll be there in no time.'' said Aleksandr with a new burst of energy.

The three friends marched against the gusts of wind that blew from the mountain range, cooling the foothills they grew up in even more. The birch trees began to scatter as they reached the apex of the ridge. Suddenly with the snap of a twig, the men were alarmed by a terrible threat that seemed to have been stalking them. Two large black wolves emerged from behind a mound of snow. The wolves, like two onyx beasts aboard a powdery white soil snarled their teeth at the boys. 

''Remain calm, boys,'' said Sanzher softly.

''I think I'm going to soil myself,'' declared Artem who clutched onto Aleksandr's cape in fear.

Aleksandr was fearless to say the least as he quickly fed an arrow to his bow and prepared to fire. This seemed to agitate the wolves even more till one of them decided to move in to attack. Aleksandr released his grip and saw the arrow graze the rump of one wolf which let out a loud yelp before launching itself into the air gnashing its teeth towards Aleksandr and Artem whom due to Artem's bumbling, collapsed into the snow. 

''I told you to remain calm!'' Shrieked Sanzher as one wolf bit at Artem's shoe and the other went for Aleksandr's face which he fought off by offering his own hand as a substitute. Sanzher peeled out his knife from its sheath, ready to slice at the wolves when he saw something else approaching him. There was a sudden mist in the air as the mysterious being wafted ever closer toward the battle between the beasts and the young men. 

Arms unfolded to which the wolves began wimpering as if someone had been playing a high pitch noise only they could hear and fled into the heart of the forest with their tails between their legs. The haze cleared only for Sanzher to see her draped in a silvery flowing gown for the first time in his life - The intoxicatingly beautiful and mysterious Snow Queen.

Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

Desolation begins at home

The young men left the old decaying church with a sense of uncertainty. Old men carrying long arched canes teetered behind them mumbling amongst each other about what had transpired in their hallowed church..

''Uncle Kirill is right, isn't he Sanzhar? We'll stop her before gets to the village?

''No one has laid eyes upon her in over a hundred years. We use her name to scare the brats at night. I don't think there's anything to worry about,'' interjected Aleksandr.

''Father is seldom incorrect, Artem. He was only but a child when the elders of his time had her last visit fresh in their minds.''

''So you're telling me that we are living in fear because of some folk story your father was told when he was an infant?!?'' questioned Aleksandr.

''It's written in the sacred scrolls, Aleks! It's in the sacred scrolls!''

''If I knew where Great Kirill hid the scrolls I'd add a few lines of my own!''

''Alright you two. Enough of this. Lets retire for the night. I have to go home to Diana,'' said Sanzher.

''Tomorrow we hunt!'' cried Artem with excitement. 

''Hopefully we'll spot a few hare, throw some potatoes and carrots in there with it...'' 

''Your dear wife Alina certainly knows how to make the meat melt away from the bone,'' quipped Sanzher who receives a light punch on the arm from his best friend. ''Good rest, boys''

  

The door made its characteristic creak as Sanzher stepped into the home he shared with his wife. Diana was seated near their low bed brushing her mousey brown hair. it was long and had small curls at the edges where her hair was shortest. 

Diana turned to face her young husband who had sat on the bed to remove his dirty workman's boots. 

''I've made you something to eat, husband,''

Sanzher looked up at his young wife who looked a honest and pure in a white gown with delicate embroidery that she slept in. ''What is it?''

''fish and potatoes. I went to visit Alina earlier, she was kind enough to give me some herbs to bring out the flavour of the fish,'' she said as she removed a hot plate from the fire and set it onto the table near door to their quaint home.

Sanzher walked toward his wife and brushed the rogue strands of hair that had separated themselves from the knot she had tied, ''Thank you, my darling wife. You do love your husband,'' he said looking at her dotingly. 

''I do love my husband,'' she looked down, defeated. ''I will do anything I can for you but the only thing you need I cannot provide you with Sanz!''

Sanzher raised her head by placing his hand on her chin, ''Dearest wife, do not fret for we still have youth on our side,''

''But your family, it needs an heir. Oh, how long have we tried? Great Kirill...''

''What of him? Are you married to him? No, you are MY wife and I married you not for the litter you would provide me but for the love I have for you. It is this love I share for you, Diana that gives the rhythm to the beat of my heart.''   

The couple shared a  passionate kiss followed by a tender embrace. Sanzher knew Diana was right. He knew that the bloodline had to continue. Had to survive. His wife could not provide him with a son. He knew it would only be a matter of years before Diana would slip into a deep depression caused by severing the historic bloodline that ensured the very existence of the people living in the foothills of the Alatau Mountains. Something anyone would find hard to forgive of themselves.  

Great Kirill had not been informed of his son's barren wife and knew that his father would have him take another wife from the village. Someone whose love could never equate to the love he had for Diana but who said that the village was his only option?

Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment

Snow Queen | City

MTV Staying Alive 15th Anniversary Gala

With all the Halloween festivities going on last weekend, it was rather refreshing knowing that I had been invited to a more glamourous gala event taking place at the St. Pancras Rennaissance London Hotel to celebrate the 15th Anniversary Gala for MTV Staying Alive. With my dress picked (the navy blue backless number) and Cinderella heels to boot, I awaited my carriage looking forward to what the night had in store.

Once arriving at the palatial St. Pancras Rennaissance London Hotel, VIP guests walked the red carpet taking time to smile for the cameras before being ushered into the reception where tantalisingly crisp Grapetinis and the fruitier Peach Queen flowed in abundance in preparation for the main event.

Millie Mackintosh on the red carpet

Julien Macdonald and friend

Guests were served Snow Queen Vodka's signature cocktails

Boris Becker and Lilly Becker

As the guests took to their seats, the real fun started as MTV's Laura Whitmore and MTV Shuga star Nick Mutuma took to the stage to host the gala. The gala showcased the inspired interpretations of the MTV EMA from artists and designers such as Lee Broom, Ryan Gander, Yinka Shonibare, Dave White, D*Face along with Philip Michael Wolfson and Sabine Roemer which went under auction along with other once-in-a-lifetime auction lots such as a pair of VIP tickets to the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles including business flights with American Airlines and the amazing opportunity to play at the sacred courts of Wimbledon with Tim Henman I mentioned last week! 

Nick Mutuma and Laura Whitmore hosted the gala

The redesigned MTV EMA on display

The gala was chaired by Former Chief Executive and Chairmain of MTV International, Bill Roedy and saw speeches from former French footballer Patrick Vieira as well as Executive Director of MTV Staying Alive, Georgia Arnold. The night also witnessed Henry Luyombya awarded with the MTV Staying Alive Inspiration Award. The night had its own melody as newcomer Amy Matthews warmed up the stage before headline act Lianne La Havas - guitar in hand strummed away to a happy night. The night was topped of after my glass of Grapetini was topped up by an electric crowd-pleasing performance by Snow Queen Vodka's ambassador SMITH LDN who performed his exciting new single 'I Come Alive'.

Bill Roedy

(from left) Patrick Vieira, Henry Luyombya and Georgia Arnold 

SMITH LDN

The elegant night along with its celebrity heavy guest list which included Eliza Doolittle, Boris Becker, Millie Mackintosh and MTV Staying Alive Ambassador Becca Dudley capped off this worthwhile event by raising a jaw-dropping £250,000! If that wasn't enough, Durex pledged to a condom for every pound raised - Thanks Durex! In a world where 32 million have already been lost due to AIDS related causes since 1984 and the alarming fact that 1 in 2 new HIV infections occur among those between the ages of 15 - 16, causes such as this are tantamount to the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensure we help the next generation grow up in a world that is HIV free. 

Snow Queen | City

all images © Copyright James McCauley
facts and stats courtesy of UNAIDS 

The Legend of the Snow Queen | Aphotic Adaptation

CHAPTER ONE

The sky was a sea of grey as the clouds grew, looming over the small village which stood separated from the harsh cold of the mountain which lay hidden by the birch forest that too hid the village from the mountain; protecting it from the extreme cold the mountain offered.

Some of the younger men were still working on the earth, tilling it as the sky grew dark above them. The small church gong began to ring signalling the arrival of the night as little girls clutching onto their porcelain faced dolls that were dressed in garish garbs to hide the dampening straw that gave them weight ran into their homes to escape the impending winter.

The younger boys were still embroiled in their game – using their bright imaginations to turn the sticks they clasped as sharp swords; whacking at each other with intent.

‘’Get to the homes,’’ said the young man who dragged a rusty plough behind him as he was flanked by three other men his age. One carried a pick axe; the other wielded a long machete as the youngest was given the duty to kraal the ox back to its enclosure.

‘’Please, Sanzhar let us play for five more minutes,’’ implored the boy with a galaxy of freckles on his face – the defunct spokesperson for the younger boys.

‘’You heard the gong? That means GET TO THE HOMES!’’ The young man gripping the machete bellowed. He too had a cluster of freckles on his face.

The boys dropped their sticks and began to run ahead of the young men who continued to walk to the small wooden church that was painted white but had greyed over the years due to the harsh winds that eddied around it.

‘’You didn’t have to be so harsh to the little ones, Aleks,’’ said Sanzhar to his best friend.

‘’You are too nice to those pests, Sanz,’’

‘’Isn’t one of them your brother, Aleks?’’ joked Artem.

‘’Go and leave that ox with the rest of the cattle, Artem. We’ll save you a seat’’ said Sanzhar dragging the plough, leaving it to the side of the small church with a ‘chink’ as he set it on the ground.

As the young men walked into the church they were greeted by the elders who as the little boys were embroiled in their own contest but instead of sticks they clutched onto bibles.

‘’WE ARE DOOMED!’’ Yelled one elder,

‘’WINTER IS COMING! SHE SAID SHE WILL RETURN!’’ yelled another,

‘’WE WILL NEVER HEAR HER COMING!’’ yelped another elder with a long grey beard.

‘’ENOUGH!’’ said the head priest boldly over the arguing congregation, ‘’winter is not yet quite upon us. We still have time. And lest we forget, we have the great birch forest between us and the mountain. Our hunters are skilled and can trace down black bears and protect our animals from the hungry wolves. There is still hope.’’ He continued with the whole congregation at his command.

‘’How do you know they can do anything for us?’’ yelped a villager.

‘’No one has seen her walk; she can’t leave a trail for the hunters to follow?’’ stated the fellow villager beside him.

The congregation erupted in calamity once again. The high priest, Kirill was a patient man. He was indeed a wise man whose family line began at the foot of the mountain. This was his home and he was about to risk everything to protect it, his family and the rest of the villagers. Unbeknown to him was the stirring presence that had just awoken from a deep slumber during the sunnier and warmer seasons...

Catch the continuation next Thursday for the next installment.

Snow Queen | City

Snow Queen | City

The Iconic MTV EMA Customised by leading contemporary artists to help fight HIV

How I'm in love the fall with its reddish leaves falling and scattering on the ground. It’s also a great opportunity for me to reveal my stylish A/W wardrobe. I was just about to head out of the house when I received an e-invitation to an event that will see the iconic MTV EMA customised by leading contemporary artists in an effort to help fight HIV.

The night will showcase the different interpretations with the redesign of the iconic MTV EMA from artists  and designers such as Lee Broom, Ryan Gander, Yinka Shonibare, Dave White, D*Face along with Philip Michael Wolfson and Sabine Roemer. The artists went away to find inspiration from an array of sources. I’m looking forward to seeing Sabine Roemer’s incorporation of the emeralds she has produced with Gemfield’s Zambian emeralds on the tail of her stunning version which features a bird.

The re-designed awards will be auctioned off at a special event alongside other once in a lifetime auction lots which includes a game of tennis on the hallowed courts of Wimbledon with Tim Henman and the chance to take on Chess Grandmaster, Garry Kasparov, 38-storeys high at SushiSamba

Bidding for the lots has begun already online at www.gavelandgrand.com/auctions/mtvsaf

The refreshing Grapetini

This event will mark the 15^th year of MTV Staying Alive and will be hosted by MTV’s Laura Whitmore at the beautiful St Pancras Renaissance Hotel on the 2^nd of November. I’m looking forward to watching the amazing performances by MOBO-nominated singer, Lianne La Havas, as well as the new and exciting artist SMITH and Amy Matthews as I sip on my refreshingly crisp Grapetini alongside my fellow VIP guests.

‘’HIV continues to affect millions of young people around the world with half of people who are HIV positive become infected before they turn 25 so to be able to transform an award from MTV – one of the most iconic youth brands – is so fitting. Young people have never known a world without HIV and AIDS but through this auction and event we hope to allow them to be the generation who can change this.’’ said Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

To have a collection of artists and designers so distinguished supporting such a worthy cause is very incredible and inspiring I'm looking forward to the night. But I must admit, I’m one Spicey Queen away from making a bid for court action with Tim Henman!

Snow Queen | City | 2013

SnowQueen Vodka guests arrive Kimberly Garner

SnowQueen Gallery Night

SnowQueen Vodka Graffiti Jam