《DOC: Northern Light》 Chapter 0: Prologue In a bygone age, where the world was unformed, shrouded by a dense fog. The rugged planet called Ether was bleak and decrepit. With spirit trees, arching out towards the aether, in their never-ending strive seeking the light. In their futile effort, one decided to absorb the energies of its kin in an attempt to pierce through the perpetual fog. Miraculously it managed to overgrow itself through the fog to see the spark beyond the clouds. With its newly found strength from the flame, the Spirit tree lit up, and from its blooming petals blossomed the fruit which would enlighten the world. As the fruit fell onto Ether, life began to flourish anew. Senses, to feel the heat as well as the cold. Sight, to acknowledge the light as well the dark. The sentient, they were formed from the earth and a clot of blood. Gaining the essence of sustenance within the fruit. The first of them would take half of the fruit for themselves, and with it, they''ve attained power, allowing them to soar high, topping the skies. The second of them took the top half of what remained, and with it, they elevated themselves and their understanding to a higher plane. Squabbling amongst each other, the third and the fourth ripped apart what remained of the fruit into three. Seeing the moment of opportunity, the fifth stole a piece for themselves. Leaving the sixth, with only the remaining crumbs to share amongst each other. Thus, a new age dawned over Ether. With the sentient proclaiming themselves as ''Sprites'' at the helm. In their new legacy, they tried accomplishing what the past could not. With the abilities they possess, they embarked to dissolve the surrounding fog. With their immense power, the first penetrated through the fog, creating holes allowing light to touch the surface. Using the knowledge they''ve attained, the second invoked a storm. With it, they cleared what had remained of the fog. Merging themselves with what had remained of the spirit tree, the third fertilized the barren soil, and with the fog dissipated Ether, started overflowing with life. Thus their age began. But eventually, the fog shall return to engulf the world once more. *** The fog had always been feared as they withheld all life. But the life we¡¯re in now, is there any meaning to it? Closing a book, she had finished reading. Alma¡¯s eyes drifted towards the distant horizon. She didn¡¯t know whether it was the seasickness gutting the joy out of her. Or whether she¡¯s sick of looking at the same scenery for weeks to no end. As the boat continued rocking, Alma rested herself against the mast, hoping to reduce the wooziness. ¡°Looking gloomy again, lass?¡± said a gruff old man who happens to be rowing beside her. ¡°Well, how can¡¯t I be? We¡¯ve been floating on this longboat for weeks. We¡¯ve had nothing to drink but rainwater for the past few days.¡± complained Alma, croaking with a sore throat. ¡°Your daughter isn¡¯t much of a sailor, is she Magnus? Haha!¡± sounded another rower, who smiled with a straight face. Magnus seemed to brush off the sarcastic joke aside with a slight grunt, which the man reacts to in a slightly disappointed look. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re never any fun.¡± The jovial man then stood, bringing a wool blanket in hand. Though as he moved, he would shake the boat lightly with each passing step, causing her to groan. ¡°Put this on," he instructed. "We can''t have you dying from the measly cold, eh?" After Alma had covered her upper body, the man then gave her a flask in which to drink from. Though she felt it was suspicious. ¡°Go on! It¡¯s better than rainwater, that¡¯s for sure!¡± affirmed the man. Though she was hesitant at first, the gnawing thirst made her lose all sense of reason. ¡°Ufft...! Ahh¡­.¡± ¡°There it is good, right? Haha!¡± The man smiled as he looked down upon Alma. ¡°Hey, Troels, is it a good idea to give the young girl mead?¡± emphasized another man. From the start, Alma knew whatever the man was going to give her was an alcoholic beverage. Freshwater had long stagnated and spoiled since they departed. ¡°Hic¡­¡± But she was so thirsty to the point she couldn¡¯t bear to wait for another droplet of rain. She pondered whether the blessings such as rain could even grace them in this cold. ¡°Huh? What do you mean! Mead is good! It makes you feel warm inside! Right, Alma?¡± inquired Troels. ¡°Hic¡­ Yeah, I guess¡­¡± ¡°See? What did I say!? Besides, her father doesn¡¯t seem to mind at all! Eh, Magnus?." affirmed Troels, though as they glanced over, Magnus was already busy communicating light signals with the leading ships ahead. ¡°Ooh! It seems like landfall is almost upon us!¡± Shouted Troels enlivened. ¡°Our long journey is almost over!¡± ¡°But not yet¡­,¡± said Magnus. ¡°Since you¡¯re already up and about Troels, why don¡¯t you check the course ahead, so we don¡¯t get enclaved by two ice floes.¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Da! Capt.¡± Feeling curious, Alma had also stood to see what lies ahead. The wafting air was brittle like lace upon her skin, it was delicate, yet prickly altogether. Withstanding her cravings to drop unconsciously, Alma peered towards the desolate sheet of white. ¡°Why¡­? Why¡­. Why have we come here!?¡± Out of sheer disappointment, Alma cried out furiously onto the grey skies above. *** A week had passed since their arrival upon the Northern shores, and ever since then, the people had only prioritized settling themselves within their new environment. Erecting temporary shelters, a place where they could rest their weary bones. They had also created roofed enclosures for their livestock, whom they had brought across the ocean. One night, inside of the cabin they¡¯ve built for each other, two men discuss the future. As they rested on top of wooden benches, they stared deep into the crackling blaze upon the hearth. ¡°Everything had gone according to plan, eh Magnus?¡± Troels asked. ¡°It depends¡­ had everyone been accounted for?¡± asked Magnus. ¡°Well, everyone who has gotten here. I¡¯ve counted 7 families in total. We have 17 men, 13 women, and 5 children.¡± Answered Troels. ¡°Good¡­ We¡¯re lucky we¡¯ve gotten this far, now we only need to survive this dreadfully long winter nights.¡± As their discussion ended, the two men exchanged drinks amongst each other in silence, but such stillness was short-lived as the sound of a door being slammed broke all matters of serenity. ¡°How long will we have to stay here!?¡± sounded, a sharp piercing cry. ¡°Alma¡­¡± ¡°She¡¯s on it again, eh?¡± Troels murmured, in a low tone. ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay here!¡± continued Alma. "Please¡­ I want to go back to Lufenia¡­!¡± Magnus overlooked his pleading child even though he noticed the sullen look in her eyes. But he averted his gaze back into the flame, continuing to sip away the heated ice water from his cup. Unable to contain himself. Troels spoke up after he let out a long sigh. Coming closer, he leaned over towards the weeping child. ¡°Alma¡­, we¡¯ve been through this, right?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not convinced as to why we¡¯ve left Lufenia! To this empty wasteland on the rim of the world!¡± Alma objected incredulously. ¡°Geez¡­! Look, Lufenia has changed you know?, Things are complicated, especially for a girl your age. But to put it frankly, we humans are no longer welcome there.¡± Explained Troels. ¡°You¡¯ve experienced it yourself haven¡¯t cha?¡± ¡°So!? It is our home, is it not? It¡¯s also the land of our birthplace! Even if we¡¯re lower class citizens doesn¡¯t mean we should throw ourselves here!¡± protested Alma. ¡°No¡­, there''s no reason to continue to live in such a place. We¡¯re merely slaves. Who¡¯s inadequate to pose a will of our own.¡± Sounded Magnus cutting them off. ¡°We¡¯ve never belonged to such a place.¡± ¡°¡­¡± For a moment, time went still between the father and daughter, as a faint trickle of tear drizzled down her rosy red cheek. ¡°You mean to say¡­, the home mother tried so hard to maintain... tantamount to nothing?!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°As we waited, and waited, for your eventual return to no avail? And now you¡¯re telling me to abandon all hope and run away...? Like when you abandoned mom?!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a coward!¡± she continued mockingly. With one final exchange, the two parted ways for the remainder of the night, with Alma setting out of the door she has intruded upon. ¡°Is it okay? For you to take all the blame upon yourself?¡± questioned Troels. ¡°It¡¯s fine...¡± replied Magnus. ¡°The girl might not enjoy the open seas as you do. But damn! she¡¯s as feisty as you are!¡± Troels jested, trying to liven the mood. ¡°Humph.¡± Grunted Magnus, looking somewhat peeved. ¡°It¡¯s her trait, not mine¡­¡± ¡°Pardon me if I say this, but by the look of things, families are a pain, especially for the lives we lead.¡± Troels scoffed. ¡°¡­¡± Magnus smiled, speaking in a straight-faced manner. ¡°You should try it one of these days, Troels.¡± ¡°Ehehehaha!¡± Laughed Troels brushing the joke aside. *** In her fit of rage, Alma decided to spend the rest of her time in the enclosure. There, she found herself with what remained from her old home, a plump sheep with its thick wool coat. ¡°Hey, Panser, you don¡¯t mind if I stay here for the night, do you?¡± said Alma reassuringly. Though it was a strange communion at best, the creature reacted by sitting down on all fours, continuing to graze on dry hay. Taking the kind gesture as a yes, Alma rested her head upon its rib. Luckily for her, due to Panser¡¯s overgrown coat, she could only hardly feel the bones against her nape. ¡°You¡¯ve gained some weight, haven¡¯t you? Panser?¡± Alma said as she gently caressed the sheep, much like a pet. ¡°Hehe, you better thin yourself out a little, wouldn¡¯t want you to be tomorrow¡¯s dinner!¡± ¡°Mbaa!¡± sounded Panser¡¯s harrowing cry. Alma giggled at the witty response. ¡±It was a joke! Silly! Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let them eat you.¡± she said convincingly. ¡°But hey, life sometimes is unfair, isn¡¯t it Panser?¡± The sheep didn¡¯t give her any clear sounds of reply, it merely snorted, as it closed its eyes. ¡°Ah¡­. There you go dozing off again¡­ humph.¡± Though she found it strange, Alma had always believed the animals could understand her, to an extent. Other than that, perhaps, it might be a habit she had developed being a herder for most of her life till now, though she believed the initial speculation to be more valid than it seemed. Alma had always cherished all the animals she had, perhaps, it stemmed from her mother''s teachings. [If only..., Mother was here with me...] She thought, trying to comfort herself as she delved into a nostalgia trip. With a steady breeze slowly numbing the body, her consciousness began fading as she succumbed into the harsh cold night. *** Lufenia was the first city ever erected by the sprites of old. Legends say it was there, the fruit of life once dropped unto the land of Ether. But to Alma, it was a rugged yet beautiful region, a place whom she has grown to love. Over at Lufenia, the first of the sprites, ruled over the land as its protectors. With the wisdom and strength they possessed, the first pioneered the way for a new era. It was there technological innovations such as farming, currency, and the like began. A social culture cultivated into what they call now as government and order. It was no wonder that they, the sixth, flocked towards the city, akin to a gleaming light in the center of the world, hoping to receive any stray embers for their own. Though different and inferior to an extent, the sixth lived in mutualism with the first, exchanging whatever they could with each other, albeit their exchange was imperfect. For the first had an innate ability pertained to them solely, while the latter had only the numbers in their favor. Years have they lived alongside one another, fulfilling the gaps of what the other could not. Yet, change is an inevitable part of life. And so their lives changed, as the fog made its eventual return. Collapsing on the distant lands across Lufenia, the fog seems to converge towards where it once was. And so, they departed in full force to repel it once again, like in the days of old. News of their victory would be heard several years later upon their return. Though in truth, the fog had remained at the end of the world, its advancement halted but not defeated. Nevertheless, ever since that fateful day, things started taking a turn for the worse. The first grew a much more violent persona, and such hatred would soon be transformed into discrimination for the sixth. As the upcoming years proceeded, life has turned unbearable for the sixth, with signs of oppression growing in each passing day. So they gathered themselves in secret, deciding to sever their ties with the first. Bracing themselves for the long journey ahead, they pooled their resources, as well as steeling their resolve. Using the boats they constructed in secret, they fled their homeland sailing towards the distant seas. With the bright city of Lufenia looming ever further like a distant memory. If only the pardon of leaving was accessible to all, would they have left no regrets? Chapter 1: Settlers in a new Settlement What separates man and beast? For aren¡¯t they both creatures living off from the world? They each strive to prolong their existence in this world, whether alone or together with its kind. Both man and beast possessed a cognitive recognition of their surroundings. They learn, adapt, survive, and thrive upon longevity. Yet some things differentiate us, whether it be our strengths or weaknesses, and most importantly, the consciousness derived out of purpose. ¡°Alma¡­ are you ready?¡± Sounded a man¡¯s voice husky and low. In response to her calling, the young girl suited her wooly parka and strapped on her rucksack, preparing herself on what¡¯s to come. Then from the far end of the cabin, a similar fashioned man in his long-sleeved gambeson approached her, spear in hand. ¡°Ready to go?¡± the man asked. ¡°Yes, father¡­ I¡¯m ready,¡± replied Alma. ¡°Good¡­, you¡¯re better off leaving that book of yours here¡­,¡± Magnus stated, eyeing over the book his daughter tuckered from him before proceeding to open the wooden door that connects them to the outside world. The girl looked upon the man presumed to be her father, who went ahead without her. Feeling indifferent about his actions, she contemplated before the open door. [I guess it¡¯ll probably get wet from the snowfall outside¡­] thought Alma, as she left her book behind in her house, embarking outside, allowing the chill wind a taste of her pale skin. [How long has it been now?] She asked herself. Prodding her memories, the girl recalled about roughly two months since they landed ashore and ever since the climate had only turned colder with frequent snowstorms, raging from time to time. Without definite estimation on the weather and with their supplies dwindling. They had no choice but to take turns scavenging in the wilderness despite the harsh climate. ¡°Alma! Nice weather we¡¯re having, right?!¡± Hailed a jovial voice of a man. ¡°Well, it could have been worse,¡± Alma sneered. ¡°Shoveling the snow all day again today, uncle Troels?¡± ¡°Seems so¡­,¡± replied Troels as he lumbered reluctantly, shoveling away snow from the rooftops. ¡°I wished I could¡¯ve accompanied you on the hunt, but someone has to do it, or else our houses would have been snowed in!¡± ¡°Haha..., I guess you¡¯re right¡­ If I was as strong as you perhaps I could do it,¡± continued Alma, laughing impassively. ¡°It¡¯s not so heavy, ya know?¡± replied the tall and muscular man. ¡°I bet you could do it as well!¡± ¡°Eh, I don¡¯t think I could do it now! I¡¯ll take a rain check, I guess! See you later,¡± smiled the young girl as she ran across the cleared off snow road. ¡°Yoo¡­ ah, youth¡­,¡± said Troels, waving despairingly. Every family had their share of tasks for the community, whether it was gathering firewood, animal feed, or the hunt for wild game, Alma¡¯s role being the latter. Fortunately for them, they have settled themselves in an area that isn¡¯t devoid of resources. There¡¯s still a flowing river not too far off the hamlet. A serene inlet which allowed their ships to harbor, arched cliffs which help ward away the snow, and even woodland ravines which sustained some vegetation despite the obnoxious winter. As Alma traced her father¡¯s footprints towards the woods along the coast, she¡¯d be hailed by every villager she met along the way as they worked on their daily routines. From the blacksmith pounding tirelessly in his forge or the women weaving clothes in the comfort of their homes. They¡¯d all take their time to greet the flaxen-haired girl who dashed before them. ¡°Alma! Heading out today, are we? Do your best out there!¡± Said a stocky man who was focused on carrying softwood logs. ¡°Yes, Mr. Boris...,¡± replied Alma, nodding in acknowledgment. ¡°Good to hear! Better move faster so yer father won¡¯t leave you behind now! Come on then, Artyom!¡± The boisterous man shouted. ¡°We still need to chop these into firewood before nighttime!¡± Behind the man, a slender boy about her age followed suit not long after, carrying his own set of logs, his downcast eyes gazing away from Alma as they passed by each other silently. [I wonder what¡¯s his problem?] She asked herself in a straight face. Alma had already known everyone in their little hamlet. With their numbers being so few, it wasn¡¯t hard to memorize everyone¡¯s faces. Though she didn¡¯t know each of them personally, most of them were the same as her father in spirit. They couldn¡¯t stand being in Lufenia and sought out their place in the world, even if they¡¯d have to live in the frigid north. [Everyone is in high spirits again, it seems¡­ I wonder how they could maintain it? Is it purely out of self-preservation?] She questioned herself, inquiring about their efforts of survival. [Does living here have more merit than what it was in Lufenia?] How she longed for her old life, where she would venture out with her flocks of sheep accompanying them to graze in the open meadows. She''d lay herself onto the grassy knolls as she waited for them, daydreaming about her hero''s adventures. While her mother would prepare dinner for her as she gets back home, serving warm comfort food.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Yet, here she trudges through the cold snow with her father into some unknown wilderness scouring for any food they might find. With no one waiting for their return back home. [Oh, how ironically somber the reality is.] Alma concluded in regret, wishing she could somehow rewind time. ¡°You¡­ okay?¡± asked Alma¡¯s father, who was waiting for her in the clearing ahead. ¡°Hufft¡­ it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m fine¡­¡± replied Alma, panting slightly. ¡°Good.¡± Magnus snorted. ¡°Then, let¡¯s continue¡­ Time is essential to us, with nightfall only a couple hours away.¡± He declared, guiding the way without pause. Alma could only let out a long sigh. Why did she have to do this again? Perhaps she was better off shoveling the snow after all. ¡°Where are we going, father?¡± Alma asked. ¡°Let¡¯s head northwest following the coastline.¡± Said the stern man, oozing authority with his deep voice. ¡°We¡¯ll have to climb through the inlet¡¯s hills¡­¡± ¡°Hiking on snow? Ahh¡­¡± protested Alma groaning softly with her dishonest childlike demeanor. ¡°Trudging only northward wouldn¡¯t do any good,¡± said Magnus, dismissively shaking his head. ¡°With that high terrain altitude, it¡¯s only going to get even colder over there ¡°Right¡­ as if there¡¯s anything else here¡­,¡± scoffed Alma, kicking away the clods snow from her boots. ¡°Humph¡­,¡± exhaled Magnus, disregarding his child¡¯s antics. And so the pair continued traversing until they reached the top of the fjord, from there they would see the narrow waterway in the distance turning white with the cold. For a moment, the two had their sights pinned towards the wasteland laid bare before them. ¡°There¡¯s nothing here¡­ see?¡± said Alma. ¡°What kind of animal lives on solid ice?¡± ¡°No, where we are, this is perfect,¡± said Magnus. Alma didn¡¯t understand what her father had meant by it. But she followed him down the slope towards the snowy shores overlooking the sheet of ice. From there, her father took out a rope and entrusted one of its ends onto his daughter. ¡°Here, take this rope and hold it firm, okay?¡± Instructed Magnus as he tied the other end around his waist. ¡°W-What are you going to do?¡± Alma cried out. ¡°I¡¯m going to try walking on the ice-¡± ¡°A-Are you insane?¡± Alma cut him off. ¡°W-what if it does break?!¡± Alma doubted, her voice trembling tremulously. ¡°Y-You could freeze to death if you enter those waters!¡± ¡°Then you better pull me out of it before it does break,¡± continued Magnus. ¡°W-What? I-I can¡¯t pull you out from such a crucial moment! You¡¯re even heavier than I am, especially with a backpack!¡± Alma stated, discouragingly. Hearing her complaints, the well-built man kneels towards his daughter before encasing her frostbitten cheeks with his hands. ¡°Calm down, Alma¡­ it¡¯s going to be alright,¡± said Magnus as he gazed at her straight in the eye. ¡°Now¡­ I want you to be my anchor, keep the rope steady, and I would do the rest.¡± ¡°Okay¡­ I can do it,¡± replied Alma, reluctantly agreeing. Then the man carefully balanced himself over the ice as he moved slowly across the opaque surface, checking each step by sliding one foot beforehand. With each movement towards the center, anxiety would grow within Alma¡¯s heart, and her grip of the rope would tighten ever so slightly. Eventually, Magnus would reach the limits of his safety rope and had to accept it was far enough for him. He would then pull out a pickaxe from his rucksack, and with it in hand, Magnus proceeded to knock on the ice below consecutively with delayed hits. All the while being cautious about his surroundings. ¡°F-Father?¡± Alma cried out, fearing the faint crackling noises in the distance. Magnus, who was well aware of his situation, disregarded his daughter¡¯s cries and continued until a man-made hole was chiseled beside him. For a moment, he would peer into it, touching the exposed interior, getting a feel for the thickness of the ice. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ okay!¡± Magnus shouted. ¡°Thank goodness,¡± replied Alma, her shaky hands weary with sweat as the uneasiness subsided. But it wasn¡¯t over, as it was her turn now to traverse onto the ice sheet. Following her father¡¯s example, Alma proceeded, taking on her baby steps. It was an arduous track, and she knew it. With the inability to get proper a foothold while being burdened by a backpack. She realized sliding slowly with one foot at a time, was the only way to get a proper footing, though she knew it was much harder to cross without the safeguard of a rope which was held firmly by her father. Occasionally one of her legs would slide further than it should, causing her to lose balance temporarily, straining the rope as well as her body. ¡°Hufft¡­,¡± puffed Alma, exhaling gently onto her stiffened palms, attempting to ease the pain. But eventually, Alma would reach her father, and they¡¯d hold one another intimately. ¡°W-What¡­ a-are we doing here?¡± asked Alma. ¡°We¡¯re scouring for food,¡± said Magnus, casually speaking. ¡°W-what food could even b-be f-found o-on an s-sheet of i-ice?¡± Alma said, stuttering in the cold. ¡°I-I could hardly even feel my hands out here!¡± Looking into her childlike eyes, Magnus could only let out a disappointed sigh. ¡°You see this hole I¡¯ve made?¡± said Magnus after a brief silence. ¡°You¡¯re going to help fish for our food tonight.¡± Alma knew the glint in his gaze. The old man was pleading to her like back then, when she was on the boat for the first time, bound to leave Lufenia and her mother behind. Alma knew the glint in his gaze. The old man was pleading to her like back then, when she was brought on the boat for the first time, bound to leave Lufenia and her mother behind.The man pushed her to accept his decisions with a heavy heart, and this time was no different. With all kinds of emotions stirring from within Alma gritted her teeth and clenched her mittens into fists, she had hated that look from him ever since. She wanted to push herself away, but her logical rationality snapped her out of it. ¡°F-Fine! I¡¯ll do it.¡± Alma replied in an anguished tone. ¡°I¡¯d help you out¡­¡± *** Thus, for the remainder of the day, Alma stood atop the frozen waters, observing the bottomless blue ocean. With a wooden spear in hand, she remained vigilant, adhering to her father¡¯s instructions. She''d learn to scrutinize closely, gauging a shadow distance as it rushed by, lurking beneath the surface. It approached warily towards the jittering movement of a lure, gradually increasing in size the closer it gets. Remaining calm to prevent any sudden movement or noise, she''d make sure not to frighten it, and with a false sense of security, it tugged the string with a nibble, cueing Alma to strike. [Now it¡¯s my chance!] In the precise time, the lure was tugged from beneath Alma lunged her spear into the open hole piercing the shadow, and with the momentum of an entire body, she¡¯d pull it back out with excessive strength causing her to trip and lose her footing. #Thud# Sounded the girl, as she fell flat on her back. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Alma wheezed uncomfortably. ¡°H-How was that¡­? Did I get it?¡± ¡°You sure did¡­,¡± replied Magnus sonorously, giving a hand towards his daughter with a concerned yet proud expression. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t think so,¡± said Alma. While Alma repositioned her body, she¡¯d glance over a blood trail originating from her spear¡¯s tip. The part where the blade met flesh, skewering through the fish¡¯s corpse. For a moment, Alma was taken aback at the sight as if feeling sorrow for the animal. But if they were to survive this dreadful place, and what seems like a never-ending winter. They¡¯d need a lot more than a couple of measly fish. The mere thought made Alma¡¯s lips curl. ¡°Do you not like it?¡± asked Magnus, realizing her discontent. ¡°If you¡¯d live off life from the hunt?¡± ¡°Is¡­ this what you do for a living?¡± inquired Alma, dispassionately, her eyes tearing in a sinful innocence as she looked at him. ¡°Yes, I have always been a hunter¡­,¡± Magnus admitted. ¡°Before I was chosen to become an explorer, and back when I first met your mother. Hunting animals and beasts were my trade.¡± Alma gave a long thought about her father¡¯s words ¨C She tries to recall what her mother had told her about her family who had handled animals for generations. But a hunter also handled animals, did they not? However, before she could¡¯ve asked him even further, Alma¡¯s head started to feel lightheaded. ¡°Alma!¡± Magnus shouted, quickly catching his daughter, who was about to collapse once more. ¡°A-ah¡­ u-uh¡­ w-why my vision is getting awry¡­¡± Snorted Alma, gasping for air. ¡°Father¡­¡± She called out to him one last time before her senses started to fail her. The cold seemed mild at first, yet now it had numbed her entire body, starting from her face seeping down to her toes. With each breath, sapping the heat from within her turning into white vapor. Though her senses were dulled, somehow, she could feel a slight warmth of an embrace enveloping her. Though her body remained deadened, she could sense her inner doubts being thawed away. Chapter 2: Where is Home? ¡°If someone was to pass on from this life. What befalls them?¡± questioned the brittle voice of a child. ¡°Would they be reborn again in this world as something new, or would they simply cease to exist and be forgotten?¡± ¡°Why my dear, we¡¯ve all existed together in someplace, long before this world¡¯s creation,¡± replied a silvery voice of a woman. ¡°Therefore, we¡¯ll all return there someday.¡± ¡°But, then why are we here...? Mother? Why do we stay here and not where we came from?¡± asked the child. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Were we chased out from there as well?¡± the child continued. ¡°Yes, unfortunately so.¡± the mother, nodded. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It was because we¡¯ve conducted a grievous sin, so we were cast away.¡± answered the mother brooding over her own words. ¡°Was¡­ our mistake unforgivable?¡± asked the child, clutching the mother¡¯s wrinkly hands. ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s not,¡± retorted the mother after a brief silence. ¡°Which is why we¡¯ll eventually make our return.¡± ¡°I see¡­,¡± continued the soft-spoken child, giving a reassuring smirk. ¡°What is it like I wonder?, The place where everyone once belonged,¡± comforted by the thought, the child laid its back gently towards the ground, resting beneath the mother¡¯s gaze. ¡°It¡¯s peaceful and fertile land, with immense tree shades which are ever-deepening, with seas, rivers that intertwine but pure.¡± depicted the mother as she caressed the child¡¯s head down to the cheek. The mind ¡®s eye would recreate the vivid scenery foretold by the mother around them as they rested, amidst a blooming meadow which stretched beyond the horizon, without a single cloud obscuring the deep verdant serene. Fleeting throughout the fantasy, the child would be the first to break the silence between them. ¡°How can we get to such a place, mother?¡± The mother could only reply to the honest question with a faltering smile, seemingly unable to answer her child. ¡°You¡¯ll have to find out for yourself, Alma¡­,¡± the mother explained as she stood, distancing herself. ¡°Mother! Wait!¡± Cried the child as she tried to cling onto her, struggling to stand and follow suit, yet her body was as heavy as a rock, unbudgeable and stiff. Unheeding to her cries, the mother continued wandering away into the tall grass, never glimpsing back towards the child she had forsaken. Continuing to yell in her anguish until she could no longer bear it, her bright surroundings, muddled back into the bleak reality. *** Opening her eyes, she found herself awake, yet all alone, atop of a jumbled sleeping roll. There she sat silently, as she was fixated into the crackling fire of a hearth beside her, taken aback for what had transpired she¡¯d take several deep breaths as the sweat-filled anxiety flowed out from her skin. She tried to get a feel of her physique through simple actions, though she felt moderately sluggish, and the surroundings seem warmer to her than usual, she brushed it off..., reassuring herself it is due to the wool sheets hampering her body. Feeling arduous to breathe, she¡¯d loosen the straps of her shirt, as she tried to recollect herself and her composure. [I was spearfishing with my father and¡­ what had happened exactly? Where¡¯s father¡­?] With the thought she explores inside her small cabin, she¡¯d limp towards her father¡¯s bedroom, but there wasn¡¯t a single soul to be found. [Leaving his unconscious daughter alone¡­, He¡¯s the worst father!] Confused and bitter, a mix of disappointment and loss outraged her. Deciding to leave the comforts of her wooden cabin to seek out answers, she immediately sought out her outdoor apparels, but alas, her overcoat was somehow wet on the inside. Unfaltering, she proceeded to shamble outside with only a linen garb she had worn, and a wool cloth tied around her, similar to a cloak encompassing her body. Outside was a dark evening, and the unbridled windstorms swept her off her feet as she traversed through the snow-filled streets. The violent gust rattled the cabins-wooden shutters, while she desperately tried to cover her face from the freezing snow. Putting a brave face, she plods forward, attracted to the scantily lit glow, flickering in the distance. Upon reaching her destination, she had stopped in front of the largest building in the hamlet. Other than its size, it was a structure made of timber frames with turfs as roofing, the same as every other house around here, though it was rowdier than most, clamoring with sounds of excitement. [Ah, the mead hall... it seems everyone is indulging themselves as usual.] This was a place where the entirety of the community did their cooking chores as fire is a necessity requiring fuel, so it was much more efficient to share it together with wood being a scarcity. Inside, the hall was packed. Most, if not, all the villagers had gathered in one place. Dancing, feasting, and downing on the same floor. Most of the adults would cheer as they dined atop the long table while enjoying live entertainment by the youngsters. Amidst the thirty or so people, she managed to squeeze herself inside without anyone noticing her presence, strategically positioning herself away from the center of attention, she inspected the masses trying to discern for any signs of her selfish father. [Where is he?!] Several minutes had passed since she began examining, yet it was to no avail, neither of the people she hoped to find was present. [Tsk!] Clacking her tongue in annoyance, she sat down, slumping herself onto a table grumbling as she contemplated on their whereabouts. [Why are they still outside during this time of the day?] Incapable to comprehend the reasoning, her eyes naturally strayed away, glancing over to the girl who sang her heart for the crowd, a soothing voice which managed to relieve their worry and tension. Unable to comprehend the foreign tongue she used to sing, there was little she understood. Other than the mellow resonance between, a lyre and a flute, accompanied by the slow beat of a drum, together they exhibited a soppy ballad, a comforting piece she had begun to enjoy. As the song came to its conclusion, she believed to have waited long enough. Yet before she was able to make her abrupt exit, a resounding voice beckoned her to stay. "W-Wait! Alma! Don''t go!" Stopping in her tracks, Alma took a gander at the person who rushed towards her from behind. "Oh, it''s you... Neele, correct?" Affirmed, Alma onto the breathless songstress. "H-Hah... Y-Yeah," she panted, her layered hair swaying around as her body jerked. "W-Would you mind having dinner with me?" she requested, sheepishly. Not having the soul to refuse her plea, Alma reluctantly accepted. "F-Fin-" Though before Alma could give a proper reply, the borborygmus rumble of her stomach broke the awkwardness between them.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "So, I take it you haven''t eaten yet?" Continued Neele, humming as she grinned gleefully at her self-conscious peer. "Y-Yeah... I guess so," replied Alma, scratching her head bashfully. Sharing a table, they sat across one another. Alma didn''t recognize what she had wanted from her. She hardly knew anything about her. Pitted in such a dubious situation, she''d scrutinize her every action. "Something wrong?" Asked Neele, arching an eyebrow. "Sorry... I don''t get why a person such as you, would suddenly want to eat with me," bluntly saying what''s on her mind, Alma didn''t expect a bubbly flash of interest to be her response. "Isn''t it obvious...?" Neele questioned. "I wanted to be friends with you..." She continued in earnest. "W-Wha?" boggled, Alma could only gape as her mind began welling up with memories of the past. She had known Neele way back when she had lived with her mother in their ranch on the outskirts of Lufenia, Neele was working in a family-run tavern in the capital city. It was an intricate building residing atop of marbled flagstone tiles. Alma would frequently drop by to sell fresh milk or cheese from time to time as they offered better prices than the regular market. Though they''ve never spoken with each other, as Alma wasn''t allowed to enter the establishment, only venturing so far to the cellar and back. She''d remember how she had to slant her head upwards to get a glimpse of the people inside, as they ate on a protruding terrace overlooking the city''s market plaza. It was there she first saw Neele, serving exceptional food for city folk and the nobility. "Alma... Alma? Hello? are you there?" Scolded Neele, snapping her fingers to Alma''s face. "Ah... Sorry." "I''m glad to see... you''re back to your senses..." Neele sulked. "I was afraid you were going to faint again..." "Again...? What do you mean?!" Demanded Alma, after a brief delay, her eyes widening as her anxiety grew, believing Neele to know what had happened to her. "Eh...? Sorry, I didn''t mean to reprimand you." Neele clarified apologetically. "I truly appreciate what you''ve done for us... going so far to put yourself in harm''s way as a hunter, it is awe-inspiring." "Huh? What... have I done...?" Inquired Alma. Alma didn''t understand what she had meant by it, especially with the conversation discontinuing, returning to an awkward silence. She''d see Neele fidgeting, fiddling with her spoon on the table with her head hunched towards the two dishes that were laid out for them. A white, watery soup with chunks of fish floating in the center, topped off with a few green herbs. "Ah..." She reactively responded, her nose twitching embracing the smell as her mouth began to water, realizing what Neele was getting into. Though she was flattered, she also considered the praise unfitting for her, remembering she was only able to catch one measly fish. Let alone being able to feed an entire village. "You overpraise me... I am not fitting as a hunter... You should express your gratitude to my old man instead." rebuffed Alma. "Don''t degrade yourself, Alma! This stew I''ve cooked was a result of both you and your father''s efforts." "..." Taking her word for it, Alma took a spoonful and savored the taste. A thick broth carrying the savoriness of the sea, yet the fulfilling heartiness didn''t come from the fish stock, but the mysterious milky mist. "This is...? Cream?" "Yes...," Neele nodded. "The fresh milk you''ve brought to the mead hall this morning." "Panser''s milk...," without further ado, Alma gobbled it till to the last drop. "Hah..." She exhaled, pushing the empty bowl aside. "Thanks for the meal. It was delicious." Alma asserted. Delighted with her response Nelee''s eyes twinkled. "So, what are you going to do now?" she queried. "Hm? Now you''ve mentioned it, I was going to go out and search for my father," answered Alma. "Eh? But it''s dark outside, isn''t it? And it''s the time of the day where it''s chilling to the bone!" "This is more important to me..." Undeterred, Alma stood despite the discomforts Neele spouted, with her stomach filled and her conviction resolute, she pushed herself towards the doorway. "Alma! wait...!" Neele shouted in D¨¦j¨¤ vu. However, this time she wasn''t about to stop her. Merely stripping off her fur parka, handing it over to Alma. "Here, you''ll need more than I do, I wouldn''t want you to succumb from the intense cold." Seeing the glint explicated by her cerulean eyes, she sensed she was unable to refuse the proposition. Nodding in response to Neele''s sincerity, Alma strapped on the superior designed parka, unlike her own, Neele''s parka has a hood covering most of her head. "I''m sorry I can''t you spare any light-source, simple rushlights die out from the constant snowdrifts, and we don''t have any lanterns to spare," Neele stated. Shaking her head, Alma shrugged with an ''It''s all right'' kind of gesture, waving her hand dismissively. But her lax and carefree attitude soon changed as she turned to Neele, with her brows frowning, as she gave her a piercing glare. "Hey... can I ask something of you? What do you honestly see in this desolate place?" Inquired Alma. "Your aria, it was like a gentle prayer, what were you hoping for?" Listening to her remark Neele''s eyes narrowed, with her lips pursing slightly. "I was only praying for the solace everyone sought in our mother tongue..., Do you not understand it....?" Alma shook her head, dismissing the question. With Neele approaching her, offering her hand in a friendly manner. "Then I want to ask something from you... A handshake, would you accept it as a sign of our friendship?" "Uh? Sure..." agreeing to it hesitantly, Alma placed her hand over hers, and Neele would tighten the grip over her hand, shaking it briskly. "Then! From now on we''re friends, My name is Neele! Neele Kr¨¹ger!" She continued beaming a wide grin that slowly spread across her face. "and you''re?" "A-Alma... Fuchs." "Fuchs? Ah! then, I''ll be counting on you tomorrow as well partner, good luck out there!" Spouted Neele in an upbeat, waving her hand vigorously, as Alma stepped away into the dead of night. With her spirits lifted, undeniably Alma felt, elated knowing some people looked up to her. A feeling of being needed was gratifying, especially coming from someone she''d grown to admire. [Hah, what peculiar personalities do these people have?] Alma bantered, snuggling herself in her newly acquired parka. [It smells nice, her smell is similar to mountain flowers.] *** If you were unable to perceive your surroundings, you wouldn''t know where you are headed, if you didn''t know where you were in the world, you might as well accept your loss. Alma knew this for a fact as it was mentioned by her mother with great importance. It was why braving the vast ocean wasn''t something common folk sought. Either you have an iron-will or, you were desperate, yet both mindsets prepared you for the same ordeal, which is accepting the probable failure. What she''s doing now is akin to such an undertaking. Pursuing vague footsteps imprinted on the snow, she didn''t know where she was, but at least she had a destination. A wearying task, though wasn''t impossible, for her eyes had grown accustomed to moonlight emitted by the orb of the night, which hung low in the lonely sky, a rare sight indeed..., illuminating the boreal land in an azure shimmer. As she journeyed, Alma''s thoughts would center upon her father, derived out of hatred she''d think of the reasons why he''d abandon her. Though the more she''d put her attempts to comprehend him, the stronger her sentiments developed a fondness of him. The sound of Alma''s boots crunching through powdered snow was the only sound that could be heard as if the world around her was trapped in a glaring stillness. Her body had started numbing once again, breathing heavily in asphyxiation. [Am I going to faint due to the cold again...?] Doubting herself, she wavered though her intuition felt her father was near. Faintly she could hear it, the battering sound of crashing waves. [He must be here... the man who''s in love with the sea.] Squinting her eye atop of a pale hill, she''d see it foreshadowed in the distance, a bonfire being tended by a solitary man, who sat overseeing the faraway seas. Mustering whatever strength she had, she charged through in a mad dash. "Fatheeerr!!" she exclaimed his title at the top of her lungs. Flinging herself onto the man, they tangled and fell over onto the crystalline shores. "Alma!? why are you here?" Her father asked, much to his surprise. "I could also ask the same from you!" Alma cried, pounding the man''s chest, with light punches. "Why do you always put me second to your duties? Don''t you care about your family? You are an idiot!" she continued. The man lets out a long sigh, embracing his daughter and her tantrums with his sizable arms. "I''m sorry... you''re right... I shouldn''t have left you all alone." "You, s-should''ve at least taken me with you..." She sniffled, wiping off the haze from her eyes. Yet, as her pent-up emotions imploded, she continued to churn out tears until it dried out. Tired and in catharsis, Alma laid herself on the sand beside her father. She''d throw some somber hiccups here and there, but nothing else, and the two shared a moment of quietude. High above them, the starry sky was winking, flashing, like brilliant jewels scattered in abundance identical to grains of sand. In those pleasant seconds, Alma decided to inquire more about him. "W-what were you doing here, father?" murmured Alma''s hoarse throat. "I am waiting here, creating a sign. For our brethren, for those who wished to follow us to this land...," he calmly stated, affixing his gaze out onto the open seas. "This... blaze is the sign?" "Yes..." "Why would they even want to come to this inhospitable place..." scoffed Alma, causing her father to chuckle. "Ha... haha... Perhaps you''re right, but renegades like us are free here..." expressed her father, with a slow smile that drifts his lips. "Is it the main reason why we''re here?" "Well, apart from it... escaping Lufenia on mass would make it too obvious, especially if we all head in the same direction." Explained her father. ¡°So you can say, we¡¯re here avoiding where they least expect us.¡± ¡°... Is that so...?¡± "Father, how many places have you seen with your eyes...?" probed Alma. "Many, perhaps too many¡­, especially for a single bedtime story." the man snickered, stroking her head with his rough hands. "Stories¡­ Hey, promise to tell those stories to me every night from now on...." she requested of him, clutching his hand. "I don''t mind wherever we are anymore..., as long as we''re together then this is our home..." Accepting the words with her soul, she had drawn her own conclusion for these Northern tundras where they call home. Yet in their moment of respite, she was startled as the skies above sparked up radiantly. "W-What is that father...?" she stuttered, alarmed by the occurrence. Her father, however, was calm witnessing the phenomenon, with his bare eyes. So, she braced herself as her father did. Seeing the most endearing colors swirling, shifting into different shapes athwart the skies like weaving strings of silk, from turquoise-blue, lime-green, and even luminous-yellow. "How... intriguing... what is it really? It''s as if someone lit the sky ablaze," commented Alma. "It''s an extraordinary occurrence which only happens in the roofs of the world, it''s what the sailors call, the northern lights." "Northern... Lights..." It was as if the land itself had accepted them, showing a side of its beauty. Enjoying the bountiful scenery, Alma sensed warmth like never before. The ice was indeed thawing, and it wasn''t only the surroundings that grew milder, but also the glacier imprisoning her heart. As she has grown to accept, only then could she ever recognize the meaningful value. Chapter 3: Unrequited Dreams Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Chapter 4: The first, fog Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Chapter 5: A new dawn (1) When she reawakened, her beating heart sounded vigorously followed by the stroke of her drawn breath. She''d open her eyes despite her body being strenuously groggy and unresponsive. Partially conscious, she''d dart her eyes left and right while getting a feel for her body. "You''re awake, Alma?" a familiar voice called out to her, gruff yet mellow. Her sights veered towards the only person in the proximity, trying to recall what happened. All she remembered was an encounter with otherworldly beings, events that aren''t sensible for the average mind. "Alma...?" As she carefully observed the man''s face, her vision of him would clarify, his oval face decorated with green pea-like eyes and straight copper hair. "Father...?" "Yes? Alma...?" He''d lean in, inspecting his catatonic daughter. Though as he did so, his daughter''s eyes would widen, gritting her teeth as she clenched her hands beneath the sheets, turning them into fists. "Stay away from me!" Alma shouted as her right fist flew across the air, striking him in the jaw, causing the man''s body to stumble backward. "Waaah!!" screamed Alma as she stood, performing a mad dash towards the exit. "W-What''s going here? Magnus!?" Said a stern man, who came rushing through from that very doorway. "Alma!?" The man catches her scurrying off, his well-built body easily withstanding the impact. "Let me go! Let me go!" She squealed. "Where are you going, kiddo? It''s dark and cold outside y'' know?" Said the man, grinning amiably at the girl who kept pounding and flailing within his arms. "Your daughter is feisty as ever, isn''t she Magnus? Har!" He laughed boisterously. "He''s going to eat me! The demon''s going to get me! Let me through...!" She continued whimpering. "Demon...?" #Smack! "I think... it''s time for you to wake up!" said the man, after he gave her a convincing slap, knocking her senses. "Ah...," The girl wept as her cheeks turned bright red, in the shape of a hefty palm. Realizing what she had done, she was at a loss for words while the pain surged and subsided at the back of her mind. She was already back home, back inside the comfort of their wooden cabin, though her fuzzy memories shook her still. "I''m... sorry," Alma pleaded softly, with only the sound of crackling fire filling in their momentary silence. She''d hold her bandaged left arm, noticing its worn-out state. Exactly like how she''d remember it to be. Surely her father would know to use a clean cloth to cover wounds? If so, then it was the same appendages she received earlier today. "So, are you going to tell us why you''d punch your father?" Her uncle asked her as they sat around the hearth. "Very funny Troels..." scoffed Magnus almost immediately, placing his hand on his battered jaw. "Hey! you''ve gotten more handsome, at least!" Troels jested. "So, don''t worry about it, Alma!" Alma bent her knees as she sat, clutching them, eyes fixated upon her thighs. Should I tell them? She thought to herself. Wouldn''t they find the idea far fetched and laugh at it? She felt her cautiousness was excessive, but the recent events had taught her to be worrisome to a fault. "Well... how did you guys find me?" Alma replied with a question of her own, eyeing them skeptically, causing both men to exchange glances. "We looked all over for you...," Troels answered. "Neele told us you ventured northeast looking for wild game, and that''s where we found you, out cold by the Barr-," "Was I alone?" Alma promptly cut him off. "No...," said Magnus. An answer which alleviates her restlessness. "So, you saw her...?" Alma inquired her father, eyeing him sheepishly. "Who?" Magnus responded deadpanning with his arms crossed, causing Alma to frown. "Mother! of course!" Shouted Alma as she jumped, daggering her father''s perfunctory body language. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "Mother...? What...? She''s your mother?" Troels suddenly spoke up gaping, before bursting into laughter as he rolled on the floor, changing the growing tension into awkwardness as the two squinted towards him shamefully. "Uh....," "S-Sorry...," Troels implored, breaking his uncontrollable laughter with a made-up grunt as he regained his composure. "Ehm... Well, that was surprising!" said Troels. "I didn''t know you like them, small... brother!" he commented snarkily with a cough. "Welp, I better get going now! See you both tomorrow!" He summarized, abruptly making his exit before anyone could question him. Sigh. Sometimes Alma couldn''t differentiate the immaturity between her uncle and herself, but knowing he bore no ill-intent on his actions, she''d always learn to appreciate it with a smile. Though, she wondered whether she could say the same for his stoic elder brother. "Father... I-" "If you want to see how our guest is doing, she''s resting in your room," said Magnus, reading his daughter''s thoughts like an open book. "But, before that... Why don''t you explain yourself?" stressed Magnus, his eyes daggering her like knives. "Ah..." Alma sat on the rug from the sheer authority emanating from him, lowering her head timidly as she found the earthen floor requiring inspection. She didn''t know where to start or what info she should confide with him. "Well...?" He said pressingly. "I was tracking this animal...," "And...?" "Well... I got sidetracked..." continued Alma, lint picking to avoid his gaze. She knew he would be dissatisfied with such an irresponsible answer. So, how would she be able to explain it sensibly without sounding stupid? "You know I forbade people to go north, right?" He emphasized. "And, that''s including you." "Why? I never understood the reason. If it''s just because of the cold, It is getting warmer with each passing day, right?!" said Alma to her defense, while remaining curious. Magnus shook his head, denying her logic. "This land is new to us. We''re strangers here, and we''ve yet established ourselves. Exploring far north is a fool''s errand, for it''ll only grow colder the further you wander." She couldn''t defy his argumentations on the matter, he possessed more wisdom, and it was evident. "Right., She reluctantly agreed. "Then... tell me what happened next?" Alma then explained to her father, mostly from her understanding of her memories. From her reasons for drifting to the coast, her encounters with her mother lookalike, and the nightmare experience. "So... you were consumed by the fog?" Father took her words very seriously, the strain on his troubled face, made it apparent of the gravity of her story. Though his concern mostly centered upon the fog and much less to Alma''s presumed mother. "Father...?" As she called out to him, he seemed to be out of it, sweating profusely. "Alma.... what did you see?" Alma struggled to describe its appearance, for she lacked the words. "A-A walking Mouth-man who had looked like you," She bluntly said, causing her father''s eyebrows to raise briefly. "I see... so that''s how it is," He chuckled, rubbing his cheek. "So you fought it and won...?" "No... I lost, it bit me." Alma admitted, contemplating over to her benumbed shoulder. "I assume, the reason your left hand is numb is from the fight?" "Well, actually, it''s more like my entire upper left body that''s numb," said Alma admitting with a rueful smile. "It must have been quite a frightening experience." He replied, gripping tightly onto her arm which, Alma could not feel, presumed solely by his actions. She felt he was overwhelmed, dropping onto his knees before her, holding her close. It was the first time she saw him behaving this way. The rumbling anger and disappointment within himself felt exhibited through his gaze. "Father... I''m going to be alright, it was my fault, to begin with, I''m sorry." She tried to embrace him, but she was powerless to do so. "Besides, It was Mother who saved me! And now she''s here with us, father! So there''s no need for you to be hard on yourself." "Alma....!" Hearing her statement, her father bellowed lightly, his voice in turmoil between a whisper and a shout. "Your mother passed away, in her cell...., There''s no way she''s here with us!" "What...? No! You''re wrong! She was with me, father! I was holding onto her. I was holding her hand and...," Trying to recall what had transpired, fragmented memories which she had buried deep within her would resurface, a turning point in her life, where the flesh would eventually fail man. "Alma....." Being called upon with such a disapproving tone only shriveled her confidence further, causing her to avert her gaze from reality, closing it. Alma was reluctant to hear his words, for she knew her words carried no weight, only raw emotion derived out of selfishness. "That woman isn''t your mother..." "It''s not fair," Snapped Alma, pushing her father away. "Why can''t I have a complete family? Why can''t I see my father and mother in one place?!" Alma withheld herself, writhing in suppressed fury, while droplets of tears began dripping out her eye sockets. #Ssshh "There there... Alma, it''ll be alright," Whispered a soothing voice bequeathing her ears while an arm wrapped around her intimately, a heartwarming sensation she knew all too well. She''d let her body sag, loosening her muscles to the solace. She knew it wasn''t what it seemed, an embrace which cradled her like a cherished child, came from a woman who''s akin to her mother. Alma clenched Iris''s robes, coddling herself in her smell. In her embrace, she''d feel her worries washing away. Perhaps she was clinging onto false hope, but she could feel her withheld affection, although she couldn''t understand it, Iris had always felt sympathetic towards her in spirit. "It''s getting late, child... it is best to rest yourself..., I''ll take care of it." Assured by her words, Alma relinquishes her consciousness as she snuggled, Iris would then continue to talk with her father while she continued to brush Alma''s hair. It didn''t take long for Alma to be half-awake as she tried her best to lull her to sleep. "Iris Lufenia... there''s no need for you pamper my daughter," "Let''s not talk about trifling things." She dismissed it casually. "Have you thought about my proposal Magnus?" "Yes... I have," replied Magnus after a lengthy delay. "You want my help to track the Majarians," "A simple task, is it not? Especially for one such as yourself, renowned hunter-explorer..." Magnus clacked his tongue bitterly in retort to Iris''s praise. "Lay off the contemptuous flattery aside firstborn." She shrugged airily without an answer. "What is it do you seek to gain from us?" said Magnus, prodding her for answers. "It is in my greatest interest to ensure our future...," Iris looked into him languidly. "So, would you like to play a part or be a bystander?" "..." *** How did it turn out this way? She had wondered to herself while rubbing her eyes in astonishment. Seeing food prepared on the table in the early morning was a sight for sore eyes, and it wasn''t watery soup or fish! Alma clasped her hands blissfully as she sat drooling over a loaf of bread accompanied by small berries of variant colors. "Here goes!" said Alma holding the hard crust within her hands. "Ow!" Alma cried, being struck lightly on the head. "Have you washed your face? and your hands?" A woman asked her, ladle in hand. "A-Ah... I forgot! I''m sorry!" said Alma, scampering away in great haste. She''d head towards the back yard where a pail laid empty. "Figures..." Carrying it along with her, she''d bring it to a flowing stream where she''d rinse herself clean. Brr! Alma shivered, friskily shaking her face and her wet hands, which conducted cold, although the sight of her trembling hands appeared a bit odd. Nevertheless, she''d dismiss the thought as soon as her stomach began to churn, she was famished! Let alone think straight. In mere secs she was back on her table, sitting on her wooden chair, among her parents who had awaited her return. They''d thank for their food before Alma took an oversized bite onto the loaf presented to her. It made a crunch like nuts, but the bread wasn''t airy in the middle, it was substantial but wasn''t tough to chew. Supplemented by a different mixture of sweet and sour, Alma can personally tailor her loaf with a myriad of flavorful combinations. They had breakfast together in silence, except for Alma, who indulged in herself, creating munching noises in glee. "Well, I am off," said her father breaking the muteness. "See you both in the evening." he continued, carrying a sizable rucksack filled with protruding tools such as pickaxes, and the like. "W-Wait, father!" "Ng...?" her father eyeballed her nonchalantly. "Shouldn''t I come with you...?" Alma asked perplexingly, confused by his actions. She knew she had disappointed him, which is why she''d like to make up for it. Though seeing him leave without her, does it mean he''s furious with her? "You should ask your mother," he stated, knowing his child''s dilemma. But, those were his only words, before leaving with a slight smile. "Huh...?" "Take care..." Alma looked up at the woman who uttered those words, who stood idly, holding her by the shoulders. "Mother...?" "Yes?" She replied, beaming at her, causing Alma''s childish eyes to lit up to the realization "From now on, I shall be your surrogate mother..." She didn''t truly understand the meaning behind those words, but the fact she was there was enough for her. To Alma, her presence was more than enough to mend the emptiness within her.