Katya awoke with the first light of dawn, her mind already focused on the day ahead. The small cottage was quiet as she slipped out of bed, the cold air biting at her exposed skin. Winter had settled heavily upon the village nestled in the snowy plains of Northern Serbia, but Katya was accustomed to the harshness of the season.
With practiced efficiency, she dressed in layers of wool and flannel, her movements precise and economical. There was no time for dawdling; she was the sole caretaker of their modest home since her mother passed, and her father relied on her to keep things running smoothly.
Descending the creaking wooden stairs, Katya's breath formed small clouds in the frigid air. She stoked the dying embers in the hearth, coaxing the flames back to life before setting a pot of water to boil. Breakfast could wait; first, she needed to prepare her father's lunch.
Her father, Ivan the blacksmith, worked in the castle for the Arch Duke, crafting weapons and tools for the guards and knights. It was a prestigious position that demanded respect, but it also meant early mornings and late nights at the forge. Katya took pride in her father's skill, knowing that his work was essential for the safety and prosperity of their village.
As the sun began to peek over the horizon, Katya packed a simple but hearty lunch of bread, cheese, and dried meat into a leather satchel. Wrapping it securely, she slung it over her shoulder, the weight a familiar comfort.
Leaving their cottage behind, Katya navigated through the waking village. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the chatter of early risers filled the air. Merchants were already setting up their stalls, their breath visible in the chilly morning air. Children darted through the streets, their laughter a sharp contrast to the serious tasks that lay ahead for Katya.
The path to the castle was well-trodden, winding through narrow alleys and past wooden houses with thatched roofs. Guarded by thick stone walls, the castle loomed ahead, its turrets piercing the pale sky. Katya approached the gates with purpose, her strides steady despite the weight of the lunch satchel.
As she neared the gate, a group of guards lounging nearby called out to her, their voices laced with crude humor. "Morning, Katya! Need a strong man to keep you warm?" one jeered, prompting laughter from his companions. Katya ignored them, her expression impassive as she continued on her way. She had long grown accustomed to such remarks, preferring to focus her attention on more important matters.
Passing through the gatehouse, Katya entered the bustling courtyard of the castle. Knights in gleaming armor strode purposefully, servants hurried with their daily tasks, and the sounds of clanging metal echoed from the smithy. Her father's domain.
Navigating through the maze of corridors and courtyards, Katya finally reached the familiar sight of the smithy. The large double doors were open, allowing heat and smoke to billow out into the courtyard. Inside, Ivan worked tirelessly at the forge, his strong arms moving with practiced ease as he shaped a piece of glowing metal.
"Father," Katya called out, her voice cutting through the noise of the forge. Ivan turned, a warm smile spreading across his soot-streaked face at the sight of his daughter.
"Katya, you're early today," he remarked, setting down his hammer and wiping his hands on a rag. "Did you bring me breakfast?"
Katya shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Not breakfast, but lunch. I thought you might appreciate something warm today."
Ivan's smile widened as he accepted the satchel from her. "You always know how to take care of me, my daughter," he said gratefully, pulling out the food and taking a bite of the bread.
Katya watched him eat for a moment before turning her attention to the tasks that awaited her. There was cleaning to be done, supplies to organize, and perhaps even time to practice her own modest skills at the forge. As the only woman in the castle's smithy, Katya had learned to hold her own among the men who doubted her abilities. But she had also earned their respect through hard work and dedication, qualities that defined her as much as her intelligence and stern demeanor.
As the day unfolded, Katya moved with purpose and determination, her every action a testament to her strength of character. In a world where women were often overlooked or underestimated, she stood tall as a beacon of resilience and capability.
And as the sun began its descent beyond the castle walls, casting a golden hue over the snow-covered landscape, Katya knew that tomorrow would bring another day of challenges and triumphs. But for now, she took a moment to savor the simple satisfaction of knowing she had done her duty well.