《Heart of the Northwind》


 Chapter 1: Too Much, Too Soon

    "Vaelira, you are reckless, impatient, and arrogant!" Elder Firaen''s voice echoed through the chambers. The elder woman, with fiery short hair like a ruby, was ducking behind an ice barrier she conjured in front of her. Large ice spikes splintered the walls of the training chamber.


    In the middle of it all stood Vaelira, a young ice elf, her face burning with embarrassment.


    "It''s not my fault this backfired! I must have lost concentration." Vaelira blurted, cheeks burning as she turned her face away. Her arms crossed tight.


    "Child, you need to understand, patience and time have always been important for our people. We Ylvaari cannot allow recklessness to guide us. Why can''t you be like your sister?"


    Her brow twitched. The name Lyraena hit like a slap she¡¯d pretended not to feel for years.


    "Her? Oh yes, the amazing Lyraena who can do everything with such ease!" Vaelira snapped, fists clenched. She hated how easy the words came¡ªhow part of her actually meant them.


    "No," Elder Firaen continued. "It''s not about that. I believe there is potential in you too. You need to stop taking shortcuts. Know the runes you need then manifest.¡±


    Firaen sighed. ¡°But the destruction your impatience brings... could one day cost someone their life..."


    Vaelira finally looked at Firaen, the words weighing on her soul. Perhaps the elder was right. But she would never admit it¡ªshe wasn''t that kind of girl.


    The elder just sighed and shook her head. "The lesson is over for today. Go and reflect on today''s training."


    Vaelira gave a slight nod and left the training room without a word. On the way to her chambers she muttered under her breath.


    "Tch¡­ These lessons are useless¡­" she grumbled, storming down the corridor. "Wizards, magi, witches ¡ª half of them learned by trial and error. Not endless lectures." She clenched her fist while looking out the window. "Just one last step, one final push and then¡­ I am gone."


    She paused. Her legs refused to move for a moment as she took another look outside, thinking.


    But maybe¡­ this isn¡¯t what I should do. What would my parents think? The people of the village?


    She stared out over the frozen trees, fingers tightening on the windowsill. What would her parents say? Would the village even want her back if she failed? If she succeeded? But she had convinced herself that she had learned enough. She had read stories and studied magic. No matter what, she was close¡ªso close¡ªto making this happen.


    A few days later, during training, Vaelira was given a different wand than usual.


    "I swear, these wands are making me weaker on purpose¡­" she muttered.


    "No," Elder Firaen replied. "They are here to control your magic."


    "Yeah? Watch this, Elder¡ªI can cast just fine without them."


    Before Firaen could stop her, Vaelira threw the wand aside and raised her hand. Frost shimmered at her fingertips, forming a small, perfect snowball.


    For a moment, she grinned. Then¡ª


    Boom!


    She hadn¡¯t even finished decoding the Lexicon sequence. Maybe she¡¯d skipped a rune again. The Codex didn¡¯t care about instinct. It wanted order ¡ª and she hated that.


    The magic surged out of control, blowing up in her face. A burst of cold covered her, leaving her hair and clothes dusted with snow.


    Firaen sighed. "Enough. Since you refuse to listen, we are pausing your training indefinitely."


    "B-But¡­" Vaelira¡¯s voice cracked, before she swallowed her frustration and scowled.


    "This is because of those useless wands!" she snapped. "You¡¯re holding me back on purpose! If I could use Vaessir¡¯Syl, you¡¯d see what I¡¯m really capable of!"


    Firaen¡¯s expression turned cold.


    "No. My staff will pass to the most exceptional student. And right now, that is not you, Vaelira. Your sister is."


    Vaelira froze. Her hands clenched into fists.


    Firaen turned toward the door. "Now, excuse me¡ªI have another student to attend to."


    And just like that, she was gone.


    Vaelira stood alone, her heart pounding in her chest. Her sister. Always her sister.


    Enough was enough.


    The night was quiet. Vaelira moved slowly, trying not to make a sound. Her cloak hugged her tightly as she crept through the hallway.


    Every shadow made her nervous. Every step felt heavier than the last, carrying her toward her teacher¡¯s chambers.


    She stopped in front of the door. One deep breath.


    Then she slipped inside.


    And there it was¡ªglowing softly in the dim candlelight, as if waiting for her.


    Elder Firaen¡¯s Staff.


    The crystalline runes glinted faintly in the dim light, the power calling to her like a whispered promise. She hesitated. Just touching it¡­ She could still turn back.


    Then her fingers brushed against the staff. A strange chill coursed through her veins. Something deep inside her stirred awake. Her grip tightened. Maybe¡­ this was meant to be.


    Her heart pounded, breath coming quick and shallow. Her mind clouded with doubts, making everything harder. Yet the staff was hers now.


    Vaelira quickly left her village behind. Under cover of the night, the excitement drove her further, as guilt washed over her.


    But she knew that returning would cause more trouble than it was worth. And perhaps as punishment for what she had done, the elders would refuse to continue teaching her the magic she loved so dearly.


    She leaned over the frozen pond, her reflection fractured across the ice. Pale blue skin. Sapphire hair blown sideways by the wind. Orange eyes stared back¡ªbright and sharp.


    Ninety six years, by Ylvaari standards, was barely past adulthood. By human years, she wasn¡¯t much older than a girl stepping out of her teens. And yet, she was here, alone. A rogue spellcaster with a stolen staff and a dream she couldn¡¯t afford to abandon.


    The cold wind bit at her exposed face, but she barely felt it. She had been born in the frost after all. A child of the north. A child of ice. And yet, she thought, even ice can break.


    Vaelira¡¯s first days outside of the village were rough. She had imagined freedom would feel¡­ different.


    The first night, she was cold but exhilarated. The second, she shivered under thin blankets, hunger gnawing at her stomach. By the third, she stared into the fire, as exhaustion and doubt creeped into her mind.


    She held the staff tightly. Its surface pulsed faintly with cold light, and the runes shimmered in the dark. This time, it would work. It had to.


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    She took a breath and focused. Frost gathered at her fingertips, swirling along the length of the staff.


    She pointed it at a dead branch on the ground¡ªand cast.


    The spell flared too strong. Ice shot past the target and slammed into a tree, cracking the bark with a sharp snap.


    "Ugh¡­ too much." She adjusted her grip. "Okay. Again."


    She aimed lower.


    Frost surged down instead, spreading under her feet and locking her boots to the dirt.


    "What? No¡ªno no¡ª" She tugged, slipping slightly. "I have the staff now. You¡¯re supposed to help me!"


    Traveling through the snowy terrain was difficult. The roads were often buried, making it easy for her to lose her way.


    Her heart pounded, and at times, her thoughts drifted back to Aelyn¡¯s Rest. She clutched her staff tighter as the cold gnawed at her face. The breeze stung her skin, bringing tears to her eyes.


    Yet no matter what, she remained determined and refused to slow down, even as each breath came in painful gasps.


    The decision was made and there was no turning back. Every time she stumbled, she reminded herself: this was better than another lecture. She was learning¡ªfor real this time.


    Days turned into weeks as she wandered further from the familiar glaciers of her home. She struggled to hunt or forage enough food, as she realized that the theoretical knowledge of survival didn¡¯t translate that easily into practical skills.


    She spent nights huddled by small fires, her stomach rumbling, learning humility in ways no mentor ever could.


    She struggled to stay patient. With everything around her, she had to make do. And it never crossed her mind to set traps, nor to bring any weapon, or knife.


    All she had were provisions that were running low at this point, her staff and her armor. No traps. No knife. No real plan. She glanced at her empty pack and grimaced. "Brilliant, Vaelira," she whispered. "Truly brilliant."


    The spark in her eyes never faded. She still wanted to do her best, she still was looking forward to coming back to the village as "the hero" she envisioned herself as.


    At times, during evenings she would even talk to herself by the campfire.


    "Oh, you are so great Vaelira¡­" ¨C the words would echo through the forest "Please, teach me your magic!" She imagined her parents clapping, the elders nodding with pride, and her sister¡ªfinally¡ªsmiling at her. Accepting her.That dream kept her going. But sometimes, when the forest grew too quiet, a different thought would creep in.


    After all, did she have the right to return? She stole the staff and left her village without saying a single word. Maybe to them, she wasn¡¯t a hero. Maybe she was just a thief. And that fear¡ªsoft and cold¡ªwould keep her up long into the night.


    As the day passed by, she continued to use her magic for survival.


    "Hah! You are no match for me, simple rabbit; you will be my dinner for today!" The spell started manifesting from the staff.


    Powerful light came out of it, but her enthusiasm quickly turned to frustration. The spell that she cast was an ice spike. Sharp, but instead of hitting the rabbit, it went right into a nearby bush, freezing it. The critter got scared by such a spell.


    The Codex didn¡¯t care about improvisation. And Vaelira was all improvisation.


    Many in her stead would simply give up. They would return home and apologize, begging for forgiveness and hoping to be accepted once more into society.


    But Vaelira was different, every failure was deepening her frustration. She curled tighter under her cloak, shivering. The idea of going back hovered like a phantom.


    "I¡¯m not a failure," she whispered to the woods. "I¡¯m not."


    After an unsuccessful hunting attempt, she managed to find just some berries, enough to feed her for the day.


    While the climate in the far north was unforgiving, some bushes still provided life and substance for the people that were traveling its forest. And during the night, she was finding shelter within the caverns to get by.


    Eventually, Vaelira reached a small village called Fenrir''s Crossing. It was nestled on the edge of a vast, snowy forest. Eager to finally do something useful and earn some coin. When Vaelira asked around, she learned that bandits had been attacking the village, leaving people terrified.


    "We just cannot do anything with these bandits, we have to give up what we have," a cry came from one of the villagers, an elderly man whose years were showing by the strains of gray hair.


    "Eh, just give me a sword!" A young girl barely into adulthood, pronounced, "And you will see I can handle them!"


    "If you handle them like you handle your tavernkeep job¡­" A young man bickered with her. There were arguments about the whole ordeal, as most villagers were just terrified of the bandits that had plagued them.


    Then, among so many people, words have echoed.


    "I can help!" Vaelira declared confidently. Many of the villagers have looked skeptically at the young stranger. Not a child, nor teenager but clearly not a veteran of adventures. She did her best to ignore these looks, as the village elder spoke.


    "Young lady" The man''s eyes studied her, gaze flickering over her frost-bitten cloak, the dark leather pants tucked into worn boots and the plated shoulder guards dusted with snow. A fine, well-crafted blue tunic, its surface etched with faded runes. The only thing truly remarkable about her was the staff gripped tightly in her hands ¨C too elegant for someone so young, too grand for her.


    "I appreciate the enthusiasm but I don¡¯t think y-"


    "Oh!" A shout interrupted the elder¡¯s words. One of confidence. "You don¡¯t have to worry. I know that I might not look amazing, but you are looking at an experienced traveler here. Bandits? I handle them with ease!"


    Some villagers, hearing her words, exchanged glances¡ªof hope. Others were still skeptical. Her smile froze the moment their eyes turned away. She wiped sweat from her palms. What have I just done¡­? She thought to herself, as some sweat formed on her neck.


    Seeing the villagers¡¯ reaction, the elder had no choice. Even if there were still skeptics, she raised the crowd too much not to accept her help.


    "Sure. If you can get rid of them, I will pay you six gold coins for helping us out." At these words, Vaelira smiled even more. She was overjoyed at the thought of getting paid and being able to get a proper meal and warm bed.


    Without waiting for further objections, she started to go around the village and prepare herself a little. Some symbols on the buildings made in the snow, another on the road. Some villagers watched her on the streets, others from the warmth of their homes through the window.


    She began casting what she believed were minor protective spells around the perimeter. Everything was looking promising. Small patches of ice were forming exactly where she intended. They were ready to trip up unsuspecting bandits.


    But, her excitement quickly turned to panic as her magic started surging out of control. It began freezing everything in the vicinity. Villagers were trapped inside their homes, roads turning to slick ice beneath their feet, sending them on a ride.


    Vaelira¡¯s eyes darted around in panic. This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen, not now when she had her first occasion to prove her magic to people all over the place. Yet, fate is a cruel mistress and it decided to play with her.


    The villagers wanted to shout, cry for help, shout at her, but they noticed incoming bandits who were ready to pillage them. Yet, some of them felt something was different than usual.


    "Boss¡­ I don¡¯t think this will be like last time. Perhaps we shouldn¡¯t? The air is different today." One of the bandits said. There were a couple more who shared the sentiment, but the rest of ten of thirteen laughed it off. The boss shook his head.


    "Now, now. These are just villagers, what if they suddenly mustered some weapons? What if their militia will beat us? We have the numbers, they have no experien-" His foot slid out from under him.


    With a yelp, he hit the ground.


    A second later, two of his men followed suit.


    "W.. What is going on!?" One of the ones at the ground said. As one of the other defensive mechanisms activated, an ice spike dropped from one of the buildings. All of them looked at it, fear in their eyes.


    "Did they¡­ Hire a wizard!?" The same bandit from before shouted, fear in his voice.


    "Don¡¯t be silly! How could they af-" Before the bandit leader could say anything, another ice spike struck, piercing through his arm. A groan of pain followed. Vaelira looked at it with her eyes widened. It¡¯s not how she wanted it to go, but it gave her some confidence. After all, her magic worked! Partially.


    "R-Retreat!" The bandit leader scrambled to his feet, clutching his wounded arm.


    "Find another village¡ªwe¡¯re not dealing with a damn wizard!"


    His men barely needed convincing. They tripped over themselves, shoving each other aside in their rush to escape.


    Vaelira exhaled with relief, having that smug look once more on her face. She did it. She¡ª


    "Look at what you''ve done!" the village elder yelled, glaring at her. She backed away, her cheeks flushed hot with embarrassment. Looking around, she saw some of the villagers on the ground, others almost pierced with her spikes.


    "I-I''m sorry! I didn''t mean" she tried to explain, but the villagers wouldn''t hear it. The village elder gave her two gold coins with his words continuing.


    "And never return here!" Defeated and humiliated, she fled from the village, with their angry voices echoing behind her.


    She didn¡¯t look back. Not at the angry voices, not at the village. Her hand clutched the staff like a lifeline. She wouldn¡¯t quit. Not now.


    As the weeks passed, doubts filled her mind. If she came back to her home, would they welcome her back? Would she be able to ever return to face her sister Lyraena and the Elders?


    What would the others think? Her friends? Her parents? She clenched her jaw and kept walking, even as the cold bit deeper.


    She couldn¡¯t stop. Not yet. She hoped that one day, she¡¯d grow strong and respected enough to prove everyone¡ªespecially herself¡ªwrong.


    Even with doubt gnawing at her, she pressed onward.


    In the months that followed, she drifted from town to town¡ªa nameless traveler, a wandering spellcaster of no renown.


    Sometimes, she earned a meal. Other times, she left empty¡ªhanded. Her magic improved. Slowly. Painfully. By trial, by error, by the humiliation she endured.


    But she refused to give up.


    One day, she will be great.


    She had to be.

 Chapter 2: Adventuring, Probably

    She rubbed her arms as the wind cut through her cloak. Another night alone. Another empty stomach. So much for "adventure." Wandering from village to village, she scraped by, surviving on meager pay and odd jobs. Some nights, her stomach was empty; others, she shivered beneath thin blankets.


    Why did I have to be so stubborn... Out in the cold like this, with an empty stomach? She shook her head. No. No backing out now. If she gave up now, she''d be nothing more than another foolish child chasing a dream too big for her hands to hold.


    A sharp gust of wind brushed against Vaelira''s face as she stepped into Eldermoor. Snow crunched beneath her boots, and the faint glow of lanterns lit the small riverside village. It wasn''t much¡ªjust a handful of wooden buildings with roofs heavily covered in snow¡ªbut right now, it felt like the most welcoming sight in the world. Her legs ached and hunger gnawed at her stomach.


    She hurried toward the tavern, pushing the door open and stepping into the warmth. The heat inside was instant relief, the scent of roasted meat filling the air. Firelight flickered against the wooden walls as she made her way to the counter, ignoring the glances from the other patrons. With a sigh, she sat down on a stool and ordered the first proper meal she''d had in days.


    As Vaelira ate, the low murmur of conversation drifted from nearby tables. She hadn''t planned on listening, but certain words caught her attention¡ªmissing hunters, strange disappearances, things lurking in the woods. She slowed her chewing, pretending to focus on her meal as she strained to catch more. Another chance to prove herself? Maybe.


    "Are you looking for trouble, or just eavesdropping?"


    The amused voice cut through Vaelira''s focus, making her tense. She turned to see a half-elven man sitting on the next stool. A faint smile was tugging at his lips. His dark hair was slightly messy, his sharp emerald eyes holding an easy warmth. A bow rested casually against the bar beside him, and the worn edges of his cloak hinted at long travels.


    Vaelira straightened slightly, narrowing her eyes.


    "I can handle myself just fine." The words left her mouth before she could think about them, reflexive pride surfacing. But a second later, she hesitated. This was an opportunity¡ªboth to prove herself and to get friendly with someone.


    She gave a small nod, trying to sound casual.


    Edrin raised an eyebrow, clearly catching the shift in her tone. ¡°Well, if you''re heading into the woods chasing whispers and shadows, might be smarter to bring someone who knows how not to get eaten.¡±


    Vaelira let out a soft snort ¡°Oh? And that someone is you?¡±


    He gave an easy shrug, the smile still playing at his lips. ¡°I¡¯m decent with a bow. Sword if needed. Better with getting out of trouble than into it.¡±


    She eyed him for a beat, then looked away, poking at the last of her meal. ¡°But I suppose backup never hurts.¡±


    The man chuckled, resting an elbow on the counter with an easy confidence.


    "Just a traveler passing through." He lifted a hand in a casual wave. "Edrin. Ranger, if titles matter." His gaze flicked to her staff, pausing briefly before meeting her eyes.


    "And you?"


    Vaelira hesitated for only a moment before straightening her shoulders, her lips curling into a self-assured smirk.


    "Vaelira," she said, lifting her chin slightly. "A great mage. A specialist in ice magic, if you must know."


    She let the words hang in the air, watching for his reaction. Of course, it wasn¡¯t a complete lie ¡ªshe was an ice mage. Just¡­ One still working out the finer details.


    Edrin¡¯s lips twitched, like he was holding back a grin.


    "A great mage, huh?" He took a slow sip from his drink, watching her over the rim of his cup.


    "Well, that¡¯s good to hear. The world can always use more great mages." His tone was light, sarcastic towards the end, but there was something in his eyes¡ªlike he wasn¡¯t quite convinced.


    Vaelira¡¯s smirk faltered for half a second before she straightened again.


    "Doubt me if you want," she said, flicking a hand dismissively. "But when you see my magic in action, you¡¯ll be the one impressed."


    Edrin raised an eyebrow, setting his cup down with a small thud.


    "Oh, I wouldn¡¯t dream of doubting a great mage." His lips quirked, tone still teasing.


    Vaelira narrowed her eyes; Is he mocking me?


    "You don¡¯t believe me," she accused, crossing her arms. Edrin chuckled unbothered.


    "I believe you believe it."


    Vaelira scoffed. "Well, you¡¯ll see soon enough. My magic has already left people in awe."


    "Oh, I don¡¯t doubt it." Edrin said smoothly. "I bet there are entire crowds talking about the legendary Vaelira. Songs written in your honor, tales of your heroic deeds, fans waiting in every town. Some probably even here, yes?"


    She blinked, momentarily thrown off.


    "That¡¯s not¡ª"


    Edrin leaned back, grinning,"Where¡¯s the crowd of admirers with flowers and parchment?"


    Vaelira huffed, turning back to her drink.


    "I don¡¯t have time for nonsense like that."


    Edrin chuckled again, clearly amused. But wisely, he let the conversation rest there. Meanwhile, Vaelira stared into her cup for a moment. Could she really pull it off¡ªhaving people who adored her? Songs that would be sung about her? Would she actually be loved by her village the way she wanted¡­? Before she sank into these thoughts, she heard a voice.


    "Hey, Vaelira, don''t daydream about the crowd in your name."


    She flustered, shaking her head. "Stupid, you¡­!"


    Edrin laughed as Vaelira crossed her arms, as they then continued to chat and bicker for the night.


    Morning arrived cold. Snow crunched softly beneath their boots as Vaelira and Edrin made their way out of Eldermoor, stepping into the frozen wilderness beyond. The sun, barely peeking through heavy clouds, did little to chase away the chill. Somewhere in the distance, a lone bird called out before the sound was swallowed by vast stillness. Nearby, tree branches shifted with a soft creak under their weight of ice.


    Vaelira adjusted her grip on her staff, glancing at Edrin as they walked. It felt strange traveling with someone after being on her own for so long¡ªnot bad, just different.


    "Hunters have vanished without a trace," Edrin said, his voice calm but focused. "The villagers whisper of strange creatures lurking in the shadows."


    "Are we sure this isn¡¯t just some old fairytale to keep people out of the woods?" Vaelira asked, stepping over a frozen root. Though, deep down, a part of her hoped it was real. A real danger. A real challenge. A chance to show what she could do.


    "It might as well be," Edrin said with a small shrug. "But we won¡¯t know until we check for ourselves."


    Vaelira nodded, swallowing the small flicker of nerves creeping in. She wouldn¡¯t mess this up. Not in front of him.


    Edrin stopped suddenly, holding up a hand.


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    "Tracks" he murmured, crouching low. His fingers brushed lightly over the snow, tracing faint impressions in the frost. "Fresh"


    Vaelira stepped closer, gripping her staff, tighter as she studied the marks. They were human, but the steps were uneven, as if the ones who left them were moving cautiously¡ªtoo cautiously. The spacing suggested they were carrying something heavy or dragging something behind them.


    The cold air seemed sharper now, her breath visible in quick, steady puffs. A quiet stillness settled over the trees, broken only by the occasional creak of ice-¡ªladen branches. It was as if the forest itself was waiting, watching.


    Vaelira stepped forward, gripping her staff tightly. This was it¡ªa chance to prove herself. A chance to show Edrin what she could do.


    "Now, hidden beast! You¡¯re mine! Just watch this, Edrin!"


    She planted her feet firmly, lifting her staff as cold energy surged through her fingertips. Frost crackled along the length of the wood, gathering into a shimmering swirl at its tip. She thrust her staff forward, releasing the spell¡ªintended to send a burst of ice toward a nearby bush, trapping whatever lurked within.


    Instead, the magic spun out of control. A surge of frost erupted wildly, ice spikes shooting in every direction. Trees, ground¡ªnothing was spared. One shard barely missed Edrin¡¯s leg, forcing him to stumble back with a whispered curse.


    Edrin steadied himself, brushing the snow from his cloak with a slow exhale.


    "You know," he said, glancing at the chaos of ice spikes around them, "Next time, maybe give a little warning?" His voice was dry, but there was an amused glint in his eyes. "So this is the great sorceress, eh?"


    Vaelira clenched her jaw, gripping the staff tighter as heat rose to her face, painting her cheeks red.


    ¡°That was just¡ª¡± she started, then stopped, glancing at the failure.


    Maybe¡­ it had gotten away from her. Just a little.


    She hadn¡¯t even finished decoding the Lexicon sequence earlier. That¡¯s why the spell fizzled. Or maybe she skipped a rune again.


    She forced her shoulders back, turning up her nose.


    "It was a test," she declared. "A demonstration of power."


    Edrin raised a brow, unimpressed. "Of what, exactly? How to nearly take off a guy¡¯s leg?"


    Vaelira scoffed, crossing her arms. "You were fine."


    Edrin sighed, rubbing his temple. "Right. Well, since we¡¯re still alive, let¡¯s get moving. And try not to freeze the whole forest on the way."


    Vaelira huffed but followed, gripping her staff a little tighter.


    As they walked, Edrin slowed his pace, glancing at the trees. "You ever forage before?"


    Vaelira scoffed. "Of course I have."


    Edrin stopped, reaching down to pluck a small cluster of frost-touched berries from a bush. He held them up. "Alright, then. Which ones can you eat?"


    Vaelira opened her mouth, then hesitated. She squinted at the berries, as if the right answer might magically appear. "...The red ones?"


    Edrin smirked, tossing a different berry at her. "Wrong. Enjoy the stomachache."


    She scowled, catching it before it hit her. "Tch. Whatever. I don¡¯t need berries anyway¡ªI have magic."


    "Uh-huh," Edrin said, unimpressed. "And how many times has your magic actually gotten you food?"


    Vaelira crossed her arms, muttering, "That¡¯s beside the point."


    They didn''t speak much after that. It continued to snow as they walked, the only sound coming from their boots crunching through the frost. Vaelira kept her eyes low, embarrassed. Edrin didn''t push. He just led the way through the woods until the sky began to dim.


    They made camp just before the sky turned fully dark. Edrin worked quietly, setting up a small fire while Vaelira tried to help... and mostly got in the way. She fumbled with the flint, cursed under her breath when the kindling refused to catch, and nearly set her sleeve on fire before Edrin stepped in.


    "Maybe stick to freezing things," he said with a grin, tossing her a bundle of dry wood.


    Vaelira scowled, brushing soot off her sleeve. "Next time, I''ll handle it with a fire spell."


    "And then burn the forest down?"


    She didn''t answer¡ªjust crossed her arms and sat back with a huff.


    "Hey, Edrin... why did you leave your home in the first place?"


    Edrin looked a bit surprised by the question.


    "Huh? My folks were adventurers. They loved life, the danger. Me? I just wanted to make sure I was good at something. Turns out, this is what stuck. What about you?"


    Vaelira nodded but sat quietly, her amber eyes fixed on the fire.


    "It''s... Yeah, same for me."


    Edrin noticed something in her reaction¡ªno boast, no eye contact and her voice lacked its usual energy. But he didn''t press on the matter.


    "Anyway, the bow that I have belonged to my mother. And the sword to my father. They both taught me plenty."


    Edrin smiled, gently changing the topic. Vaelira looked back at him, a spark of interest returning to her eyes.


    "So you''re using their weapons?"


    "Yeah," Edrin said, setting his weapons aside. "I decided to mix their styles together."


    Edrin poked at the fire with a stick.


    "You know, for a "great mage", you sure struggle with kindling."


    Her eye twitched at this comment.


    "I was just being careful."


    "Oh, is that what that was?" He tapped his chin. "Could''ve sworn it was a technique to roast your sleeve first."


    She tossed a twig at him and then looked away, but a corner of her mouth twitched upward.


    Morning came with more snow and cold. She blinked at the weak light filtering through the trees, curling tighter in her bedroll until Edrin''s voice cut through the still air.


    "Up. We''ve got something important today."


    Vaelira groaned, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. "Important like... breakfast?"


    Edrin''s lips curled into a half-smirk. "Sort of. We''re going hunting."


    She blinked at him. "Oh. You mean you''re going to shoot things while I watch?"


    "No," he said, already standing and stringing his bow. "You''re going to track, and you''re going to catch something. Without magic."


    Vaelira froze halfway through tying her boots. "Without magic? Are you mad? I don''t even know how to use half the stuff you carry!"


    "That''s the point," Edrin said, tossing her a simple wooden spear. "You never know when you''ll be too drained or too rushed to cast. Basics matter."


    She stared at the weapon like it had personally offended her. "This is a stick."


    "It''s a tool. You''re smart, you''ll figure it out."


    Vaelira muttered under her breath, "I should have frozen him..." but followed him into the forest anyway.


    The forest was ever so white. Snow clung to the trees and muffled their steps as they made their way deeper into the woods. Vaelira walked behind Edrin, wooden spear in hand like it was a cursed branch. Every now and then, she gave it a look of pure disdain.


    Edrin raised a hand and crouched suddenly. Vaelira copied him¡ªwell, more like dropped into a crouch with far less grace and nearly slipped doing it.


    "See those tracks?" Edrin whispered, nodding toward a set of light prints leading through the snow. "Rabbit. Not too old."


    Vaelira squinted. "Those tiny dents?"


    "They''re clearer if you actually look."


    She rolled her eyes but leaned forward, studying them. To her surprise, she could make out the shape now¡ªtwo small front paws and longer back ones, pressed into the snow.


    "Huh. That''s... kind of neat," she admitted under her breath.


    "Follow them slowly. Stay quiet. Step where I step."


    She tried. Really. But the first branch she stepped on snapped loud enough to make a crow flap out of a tree nearby. Edrin winced and gave her a sideways glance.


    "I said quiet."


    "I am quiet!" she hissed back.


    "Right. Like an avalanche."


    She grumbled under her breath, "I swear..." and tried again. This time she managed a few silent steps, though her balance with the spear looked more like she was holding a broom.


    Edrin knelt beside a log and pointed. "There."


    A rabbit sat in a patch of thinned snow, nibbling at something beneath the frost. Its ears twitched, but it hadn''t noticed them yet.


    "What do I do?"


    "Slow. Get closer. Stay low. When you''re close enough, throw the spear. Don''t overthink it."


    "Don''t overthink it? How am I supposed to analyze my action¡ªjust ignore my brain?"


    "Then try underthinking, it might help." He chuckled underneath his breath.


    She looked at the rabbit, then down at the cursed weapon in her hand. Don''t overthink it Vaelira, just move in, throw and... Hope for the best. How hard can it be to throw something like this?


    Vaelira moved forward, each step slower than the last. Her grip on the spear tightened, sweaty despite the cold. The rabbit was right there. Still nibbling. Still unaware.


    She raised the spear.


    Stepped forward.


    Shifted her weight.


    And promptly slipped on a hidden patch of ice.


    With a yelp, she tumbled sideways into a bush. The rabbit made a run for it. Snow exploded into the air.


    "By the stars¡ª!" she shouted, flailing to get upright again.


    Edrin was already laughing as he walked over, offering a hand to pull her up.


    "You said not to overthink it!" She snapped, brushing snow from her face and cloak.


    "I didn''t say crash into a bush like a blizzard," he said, still grinning.


    Vaelira groaned, rubbing a sore spot on her hip. "That rabbit''s lucky I didn''t have a spell ready."


    "No, I am lucky you didn''t have a spell ready. I still need all my limbs."


    She shot him a glare, but couldn''t help the frustrated sigh that followed. "So what now?"


    "Now we follow another set. We''ll try again."


    Vaelira groaned but nodded. As much as she hated to admit it... this was a challenge she couldn''t magic her way through. Not yet.


    They tracked another rabbit not long after. This time, Vaelira crouched slower, steadier, eyes locked on her target. Her throw was wild¡ªbut lucky. The spear flew into the snow beside the rabbit, which bolted¡ªonly to slip on a patch of ice she''d disturbed, knocking itself out cold.


    She blinked. "...That counts, right?"


    Edrin laughed. "Sure. Let¡¯s call it strategic chaos."


    Vaelira stood over the unconscious rabbit, brow raised.


    "Strategic chaos," she repeated with a smirk.


    Maybe she was getting the hang of this adventuring thing.

 Chapter 3: Control for Once

    She dreamed of home.


    Snow drifted through the air, settling over the familiar rooftops of Aelyn¡¯s Rest. The sky above was that soft grey of early morning, just before the frost thickened. Vaelira stood in the center of the village, wrapped in her old cloak, watching the world move around her like she didn''t belong in it anymore.


    Lyraena was there - her sister, silvery hair pulled back tight. She stood by the training field, arms crossed.


    "You shouldn''t have stolen it," Lyraena said quietly.


    Vaelira opened her mouth to argue, but the words caught in her throat. Somehow, it didn''t feel like her sister was angry¡ªjust tired.


    "You always make things harder than they have to be," Lyraena continued, glancing away. "But..."


    She stepped forward, a flicker in her eyes.


    "You always find a way to make them work. Even if it''s the worst possible way."


    Vaelira blinked. For a moment, Lyraena almost smiled.


    Then the snow rose and swallowed her whole, just as she reached for her sister.


    ¡ª


    Vaelira opened her eyes, heart pounding. The camp was quiet, save for the soft crackle of fire that was nearly out and the slow hush of falling snow.


    "You''re awake," Edrin said nearby, crouched low beside a cluster of prints in the frost. "We''ve got something."


    She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, rising to her feet. "Rabbit?"


    Edrin shook his head. "Boot prints. A lot of them. Too careful to be hunters."


    He frowned, brushing snow from one deeper track. "They must¡¯ve passed close during the night."


    He stood, looking between trees. "Looks like we were lucky. They didn¡¯t see our camp."


    She stepped closer, looking over his shoulder.


    "Hm? The ones we''re after?"


    "Looks like it. You alright? You''ve got sweat on your face."


    She stiffened. Her eyes widened at the comment. She didn''t want to speak of it yet. She shrugged it off.


    "Just slept too close to the fire. Nothing important."


    Edrin didn''t press further. He just gave her a look, then turned back to the tracks and began moving. Vaelira followed, tightening grip on her staff as they stepped deeper into the forest. A bird called out somewhere above ¡ª short, sharp, then quiet again. The prints led between snow-laced trees, winding a cautious path. They moved slow, careful not to crunch too loudly over the forest.


    "How far do you think they are?" she asked quietly.


    "Could be close," Edrin whispered. "Could be watching right now."


    Vaelira blinked. "You''re just saying that to mess with me."


    His smirk was the only answer.


    They moved slowly, the forest growing quieter with each step. Even the birds had stopped. The deeper they went, the heavier the silence became, broken only by the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet.


    Edrin raised a hand, signaling her to stop. He crouched, motioning toward a disturbed patch of snow near a fallen tree. Boot prints. Multiple. Close together, like people standing in a place.


    "They stopped here," he whispered. "Maybe scouting, or resting."


    Vaelira knelt beside him, trying to make sense of the marks. She wasn''t used to this kind of reading¡ªmagic was easier. But even she could tell: someone had stood here a while. And not long ago.


    "Are we close?" she whispered.


    Edrin gave a nod. "Close enough to smell their fire if the wind shifts."


    They pressed on, steps even slower now. The trees thickened ahead, narrowing into a tighter cluster. Beyond, faint voices floated on the air¡ªmuffled and indistinct.


    Edrin paused, eyes narrowing. He tilted his head, listening.


    "Do you hear that?" Vaelira whispered, heartbeat starting to pound.


    "Voices. At least four. Possibly more."


    She looked over at him. Honestly? He was better at this than she expected. But questions could wait.


    They moved closer, crouching behind a snow-covered ridge. Through the branches, just past a clearing, they saw it: a small camp¡ªtents, supplies stacked near a fire, two men seated beside it. Laughing quietly.


    More shapes moved beyond them between the tents.


    Edrin''s tone turned sharp but low. "We count before we strike. We don''t rush this."


    Vaelira¡¯s breath caught in her throat. This was it. No illusions. No practice. Just danger, waiting.


    Edrin leaned in slightly. "Five I can see. Might be more inside the tents."


    Vaelira nodded, a cold gust stirred the trees above them. But the poachers didn''t seem to notice.


    Then¡ªmovement. A rough canvas covering near the edge of the camp shifted. Beneath it, a crude wooden cage. Someone inside stirred weakly, too bundled to see clearly.


    "Someone''s alive..." Vaelira whispered.


    "Yeah," Edrin muttered. "We''ll need to draw some of them out. Thin the camp. Can you do that?"


    She nodded before she even thought "Yeah, I can do it. Just say when."


    Edrin studied the camp one more time, then gave a short nod. "Now. Aim for something away from the fire¡ªloud enough to pull them, but not too close."


    Vaelira shifted her weight, took a deep breath, then raised her staff. Cold energy sparked at her fingertips, but rather than casting directly, she guided the magic into her staff. The runes along its shaft shimmered faintly, focusing the spell like a lens. At its tip, the energy swirled tighter¡ªcontrolled, precise. A few trees away from the camp, the snow cracked sharply as ice suddenly formed across a branch. It snapped under the weight with a sharp crack, echoing through the still woods.


    Voices rose.


    "What was that?"


    "You hear that?"


    Two of the men stood. They grabbed their weapons and moved toward the sound. A third lingered for a moment, muttering something under his breath, then followed with a scowl.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Edrin''s eyes stayed on the camp. "Three gone. Two left by the fire."


    Vaelira let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding. "Did it work?"


    "It worked. Let''s move."


    They moved like shadows, keeping low as they circled around the edge of the clearing. Edrin led the way, barely making a sound. His eyes flicked between the remaining two guards and the tents beyond. When they were close enough, he held up a hand, signaling Vaelira to stop.


    One of the poachers had turned his back to the campfire, stretching and yawning. That was all the opening Edrin needed. He moved swiftly¡ªjust a few steps¡ªthen struck. A clean motion. The man crumpled without a sound, caught before he could even realize what happened.


    Vaelira''s eyes widened. That was fast.


    The second guard stood a bit farther off, arms crossed, watching the woods. Closer to her. Too close.


    Edrin glanced at Vaelira, giving her a small nod.


    She tensed. Okay, she thought, You can do this... Quiet spell. Quick. Controlled.


    A step forward¡ªtoo fast. The snow gave slightly under her foot. The poacher turned.


    "Who¡ª"


    Panic surged. Vaelira muttered a quick incantation, and frost spiraled around her staff. Ice shot out in a controlled burst, slamming into the poacher''s legs. He stumbled, snarled, tried to shout¡ªbut a second blast caught him in the chest, freezing him to the ground.


    She stood there, blinking.


    Edrin raised an eyebrow from across the camp. "Subtle."


    "I pan¡ª I mean, I had it under control!" She hissed back.


    He smirked, already moving toward the cage. "Still worked."


    Edrin knelt by the cage, inspecting the crude lock. Inside, four figures stirred¡ªbundled in furs, eyes wide with confusion and fear.


    "Hunters. They''re alive, just weak."


    Vaelira stepped closer, keeping an eye on the woods. Her heart still raced from the spell. "Can we break the lock?"


    "Not quietly. I''ll pick it. Won''t take long."


    But he didn''t get a chance. A voice shouted from the trees.


    "What the hell¡ª!?"


    The three missing poachers had returned¡ªtoo early. One pointed, eyes wide. "We''ve got company!"


    Edrin cursed, rising fast, bow already in hand. "We hold here."


    Vaelira stepped back, then nodded confidently. "Big spell?"


    "What do you mea¡ªnevermind. Big spell, yes!"


    The poachers rushed forward. Through the snow, weapons drawn. Vaelira stepped into their path, planting her feet.


    "Cover me!" she shouted.


    Edrin didn''t answer¡ªhe didn''t need to. He was already loosing an arrow, the sharp twang of his bow slicing through the chaos. One of the poachers staggered but kept coming.


    Vaelira raised her staff.


    She could feel the cold already there, waiting¡ªcurling around her fingers like a mist. But this time, she didn''t try to force it into neat little shapes. She didn''t focus on being perfect. She just let it come.


    Power surged through her hands, raw and sharp. The runes on her staff lighted to life, ice-blue and humming with energy. Frost bloomed along the wood, crawling to the tip.


    She focused¡ªeyes narrowing.


    "Velthira noran kalessar." The words came without thinking, drawn from instinct and training. Her voice shook the air, louder than it had ever been.


    The snow at her feet rose in a flurry. A blast of ice erupted outward¡ªfast, wide, unstoppable.


    The poachers were caught mid-step. One was thrown off his feet, crashing into a tree. Another froze mid-lunge, his legs coated in frost, the ground beneath him glazed in a sheet of slippery ice. The third stumbled, slipped, and slammed hard into the snow.


    Silence fell¡ªbrief, stunned.


    Even Edrin stared for a second.


    Vaelira stood there, panting, heart hammering in her chest. The staff still crackled faintly in her grip, frost clinging to her fingertips. She stared at the aftermath.


    That... That actually worked.


    The realization struck harder than the spell itself. Not wild, not chaotic¡ªcontrolled. For once, it had listened to her.


    Then. She straightened, cleared her throat, and lifted her chin just a little with a smirk.


    "See? Told you I am a great mage!"


    Edrin lowered his bow, giving one of the poachers a cautious nudge with his boot.


    "Still breathing. Barely."


    Vaelira, still catching her breath, looked down at her hands. The frost was already fading from her fingertips, the lingering hum of power slowly slipping away.


    "You alright?" Edrin asked, glancing back at her.


    "Of course I am! And you were doubting me."


    He raised an eyebrow, then let out a soft laugh. "Remind me never to doubt you again."


    She smirked, but the glow of pride in her eyes betrayed just how much that meant. Edrin moved back to the cage and knelt by the lock again.


    "Let''s get these people out before more trouble shows up."


    Vaelira watched as he worked the lock open, and one by one, the hunters were freed. They stumbled out, weak and shivering but alive.


    "Thank the stars," one of them let out. "We thought we were dead."


    "You''re safe now," Edrin said, helping one stand. "You''ll be back in your village by nightfall."


    They bound the unconscious poachers with leftover rope. Vaelira crouched beside the captured poachers, narrowing her eyes as she raised a hand. "Just a little frost to keep them from running..."


    A sharp pop cracked through the air.


    Ice exploded outward¡ªnot dangerously, but enough to freeze her own boot to the snow and scatter a bit of frost across Edrin''s back.


    He froze. Slowly turned. She cleared her throat.


    "...Measured restraint."


    "Uh-huh."


    "Still counts!"


    They made the journey back together¡ªslow, careful, but without trouble. Edrin helped the weakest walk. Vaelira offered her arm when needed, carrying supplies for one of the hunters and helping another steady his steps over the uneven snow.


    The poachers trudged behind, wrists bound and grumbling. One of them kept glancing down at his bruised arm, jaw clenched with pain.


    Word must have traveled ahead somehow. Maybe the children of the returning hunters had spotted them from afar. Either way, by the time they reached the edge of the village, a crowd was already gathering.


    The elder hurried out to meet them, pushing through the gathered crowd. "You found them... By the frost and you even captured the poachers!"


    "Heh. Yeah¡ªthey won¡¯t be bothering anyone anymore." Edrin said. One of the hunters gave a tired smile.


    "Would''ve frozen in that cage without you two."


    Then there were cheers. Light applause. A few villagers rushed to take the poachers, while others offered hot drinks to the duo. The villagers for once, could finally relax. In this moment, even the wind felt a little less cruel.


    Someone handed Edrin a small pouch¡ªworn leather and light, but heavy enough to jingle faintly. He weighed in his hand, nodded with quiet thanks.


    "Not much," the elder admitted, "but it''s what we could gather.¡±


    "It''ll cover warm beds and a real meal," Edrin said with a nod. "That''s more than enough."


    Vaelira stretched her arms overhead with a groan. "I''ll take that over freezing my toes off in another tent."


    "Didn''t you say tents were "perfectly fine for rustic charm?"


    "I said that once. In confidence. While freezing."


    A pair of children approached Vaelira cautiously, eyes wide. One held out a half-melted snowberry tart.


    "We heard you did amazing magic... Here." one of the kids said, almost too quiet to hear.


    Vaelira blinked. For a second, she didn¡¯t know what to say. Then she crouched, carefully accepting the tart. "Thanks," she said. "I¡¯ll, uh... try not to explode it."


    The kids smiled and ran off as Edrin grinned.


    "You''ve got fans."


    "About time!" she declared, but her gaze lingered on the spot where the children had stood¡ªuntil Edrin poked her.


    "Hey, great mage. Let''s go to the tavern." She flustered but simply followed him without a word.


    The tavern wasn''t fancy, but after the cold outside, it felt like a palace.


    The fire crackled in the hearth. A stew pot simmered somewhere in the back, filling the air with the smell of herbs and roasted meat. Vaelira sat at a wooden table near the flames, hunched forward with a bowl cradled in her hands. Her cheeks were flushed¡ªnot from embarrassment this time, but from actual heat.


    "This," she muttered between bites, "might be the best thing I''ve ever tasted."


    Edrin smirked, sipping from his cup. "Better than rabbit?"


    "Don''t ruin this moment."


    "Fair."


    They sat in companionable silence for a while, echoes of other villagers low in the background. Some were still whispering about the magic, the fight, the ice¡ªeverything they¡¯d heard from the hunters. Vaelira pretended not to notice, but her posture straightened slightly every time someone glanced her way.


    Eventually, Edrin leaned back in his chair, stretching. "You know," he said casually, "if you keep pulling off spells like that, people''ll start saying you''ve got Frost''s Embrace."


    Vaelira paused mid-sip. "Frost''s what?"


    "Frost''s Embrace,." he grinned. "Old mage legend. A spell so strong it could freeze a mountain from the inside out. Total nonsense, obviously."


    Her eyes narrowed, curious. "You made that up."


    "I didn''t!" He held up a hand. "Well, maybe the mountain part. But there is a name like that floating around. Some old wizard tale from the north. Rumors say it lets you master ice itself."


    Vaelira leaned back slowly, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "...Frost''s Embrace, huh?"


    Edrin frowned, seeing the expression. "That''s not a real goal. Please, don''t make that a real goal."


    Too late. The gleam in her eyes said everything.


    And somehow, Edrin knew this was just the beginning.