The snow started to come down heavily in the early morning, resulting in less people outside today. Everyone didn't expect it so early into winter.
This sucked.
Because of this, people filled the palace, continuously moving everywhere and packing things. It was slightly harder to maneuver myself though, sending nods and small smiles at some of the people I recognized from the Village square.
They were preparing for the big feast. Every year, there was a festive feast where we would celebrate surviving the past winters and making it this far.
It was tradition and everyone loved it, and it was 𝘣𝘪𝘨.
Everywhere in the palace would become cold except the place where we would all gather. My room specifically would be the coldest. It has always been like that since my birth.
Eventually I reached the large wooden doors and exited. Chase's house wasn't far from the palace.
Well, if I spoke for myself.
Being a hunter, as 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 called it, taught me how to walk long distances. That crap wasn't easy when I started.
The sun wasn't out as the clouds covered it, keeping the sky grey and setting the mood for the day.
Seeing Chase everyday became like a routine. We've been friends since I was born.
They said something like his father and my father were good friends and one of his best fighters, and that's how we came to know each other.
I didn't know if my mother played any part in us becoming friends. Chase's dad retired from fighting when Chase came along, but still helped my father whenever he could.
Chase was only a year and a half older than me. Not much. I've always shared everything with him, but most of the time he was there himself to experience it all with me.
All of my thinking shifted 𝘰𝘩 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘭𝘺 from my time with Chase to Hunter.
Our little exchange played on my mind and that grin he displayed about the information he knew that I very well didn't.
𝘚𝘩𝘦.
It pissed me off.
"My house is this side." Chase shouted from my right where I passed his house.
I didn't even register where I was walking. Chase started to laugh when I got closer and I soon joined him. It's always been contagious.
"What got you so deep in thought?"
I never missed his house.
"Oh. Nah, nothing important."
I wanted the focus on me to slip.
"Must be some important nothings' then." He commented with one brow arched and dimples showing.
I waved my hand to erase the thought I knew his mind held and walked into his house.
It was quiet. No kettle boiling or food on the stove with the usual chatter of people.
"They went out for now. They're looking for more wood for the fireplace to stock up.
I'm really glad you came by when you did. I was at the point of extinction from boredom."
I laughed.
"I've nothing to do much either. With this son of an injury, I can't do many things until it heals properly."
Chase's face looked grim in thought until it lit up as an idea came to mind. Not technically always a good one.
"When was the last time you went on a 'lil hunt?"
Oh I hated the idea so much that I loved it even more.
I'm sure that made sense? No? Ah well, anyway...
"Uh the last time I did that I almost got killed..."
My hand moved to cover my injured oblique. My face of uncertainty changed immediately into a mischievous grin.
"Let's do it."
No way would I back out from this one.