Aricen led the group through the narrow, winding streets of the mortal village, eventually stopping in front of a small cottage nestled between two large buildings. He gestured for them to follow him inside, and as they stepped through the doorway, Serenya, Casey, and Rowan looked around in awe.
The interior of the cottage was cosy and warm, with a crackling fire in the hearth and soft blankets draped over the furniture. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and trinkets from all over the realm.
As they settled in around the fire, Casey explained her quest to find the Great Snow Witch, and Aricen listened intently. His brow furrowed in thought.
"It's not an easy task," he said finally. "The Great Snow Witch is known to be reclusive and difficult to find."
"But I have to find her," Casey insisted. "It's important."
Aricen nodded slowly, his eyes searching Casey's face. "Why is it so important to you?"
Casey hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "She is the only one who could save my brother," she revealed. "I don't have much time, his condition could be worsening each second we talk now."
Serenya and Rowan exchanged worried glances, and Aricen's eyes widened in realization.
"Why should I help you?" he said, raising his eyebrows. "and you!" he turned towards Serenya, "You will tag along with any strange traveller if they say they want you to help her to cure her brother?" He shot a glare at Rowan, "How did you end up with them anyways?"
Serenya glared back replying with annoyance, "Tsk, you wouldn't be spouting so much nonsense if you knew who is she. I thought you were smart brother!"
"Who is she?" He chuckled. "The mysterious princess of Rothania?"
Serenya scratched her cheek in surprise. "Oh, so you know! Then also your audacity. Our princess is just too humble."
"What?" he stood up in confusion, "what are you talking about?"
Rowan stepped forward, "Aricen, her full name is Casey Rothania. The princess of Rothania and her brother Lane Rothania the prince of Rothania whose life is in danger right now."
He turned towards her as he knelt on the ground and bent forward as he put his right hand across his chest. "My deepest apologies, your Highness. I didn't know!"
Serenya giggled, "This two-faced elf."
Casey sighed, "Please stand up and drop the formalities. You are also the prince of the elves village. I respect you as much as you respect me. It would be better if you could address me as Casey."
"Surely, so, Casey. It's a ridiculous idea--"
He was cut short by Casey, "As the Princess of Rothania, I order Aricen Silverstar to follow me on this expedition to find the Great Snow Witch."
Aricen was taken aback by Casey's sudden announcement. He chuckled, unable to contain his surprise at her boldness.
"Just now you said to drop the formalities, and there you go with all that," he said, still shaking his head in disbelief.
Casey stood her ground. "Aricen, It's an order."
Aricen bowed his head, a small smile on his face. "As you wish, Your Highness," he said, his tone mocking but playful. "I am at your service."
"Aricen on board," Casey shows her thumb to Rowan and Serenya. "The authorities are nice."
Serenya smirked, "Looks like we have ourselves an elf guide now."
Rowan raised an eyebrow. "An elf prince guide, you mean?"
Serenya and Rowan exchanged a look, both amused by the exchange. They smiled at the situation and how Casey delt with Aricen. The stubborn Prince surely going to get a hard time with Casey.
As they settled down around the small wooden table, Casey turned to Aricen and asked, "What do you know about the Great Snow Witch?"
Aricen furrowed his brows in thought before speaking. "Legend has it that she lives deep in the mountains, in a fortress made of ice and snow. She is said to be the most powerful sorceress in all the lands, and her magic is as cold as the snow that surrounds her."
Serenya shivered at the thought. "I've heard that she can freeze entire armies with just a wave of her hand."
Rowan raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Surely that's just a legend. No one person could possess that much power."
Aricen nodded in agreement. "Perhaps. But still, it's not wise to underestimate her. If you're determined to find her, you'll need to be well-prepared."
Casey leaned forward. "This just doesn't make sense. It's not like I am going there to harm her. Why would she attack us? We just simply want her to help us a bit."
Aricen leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. "The Great Snow Witch is a recluse, Casey. She doesn't take kindly to visitors, especially uninvited ones. And she's not known for being particularly helpful either."
Rowan chimed in, "But we have to try, right? We can't just give up on finding a solution to save our prince."
They continued to talk late into the night, with Aricen sharing his knowledge of the realm and the various creatures that inhabit it. Casey's mind wandered as the talk continued. She couldn't help but think about Lane, who was still suffering from those scratches given by the Leech goblin. She wondered if he was okay since Hugo is taking care of him personally. If he missed her, and if she was doing the right thing by leaving him behind. She tried to push the thoughts aside and focus on the task at hand, but worry lingered in the back of her mind.
As the fire burned low and their eyelids grew heavy, Aricen offered to let them stay the night.
"You're welcome to rest here until morning," he said, gesturing towards the blankets on the nearby couches. "We can start our search for the Great Snow Witch together."
They all settled in for the night and felt grateful for the kindness of this elf who had become their ally.
***
The wind was rushing past them as they rode their horses at full speed. The sound of hooves pounding against the ground echoed through the trees. Aricen was leading the way with Casey, Serenya, and Rowan following closely behind.
Casey's heart was racing as she held onto the reins tightly. She had never ridden a horse this fast before, and the sensation was exhilarating. The forest around them was a blur of green and brown, the branches swaying in the wind as they passed by.
Serenya let out a whoop of excitement, and Rowan laughed in response, his long hair whipping around his face. "I need to cut them."
"So, what exactly are we looking for?" Casey asked, her eyes darting nervously at Aricen.
"A rare artefact," he replied, his eyes not leaving the sight in front of him. "It's said to have great power, but it's also highly coveted. That's why we have to be careful."
Serenya rushes her horse near Casey. "Don't worry, we'll be fine. Just stick close to us and don't draw any attention to yourself."
Rowan did the same from the other side. "Yeah, please make sure you put your hood on all the time."
"It's hard to be a princess." Casey shook her head.
Aricen led the group into the heart of the forest, the trees thickening and the sunlight growing dimmer with each step. Casey couldn't help but feel a little uneasy at the thought of being so deep in the woods, but the sense of adventure was too strong to resist.
After a few minutes of winding through the trees, Aricen slowed down and came to a stop in front of a huge circle of trees. He dismounted his horse and began to circle it, his eyes scanning the trees around them.
"What are we looking for?" Casey asked, following Aricen's lead and dismounting her horse as well.
"A landmark," Aricen replied cryptically. "Something that will tell me where we are and where we need to go."
He continued to circle his horse, and then suddenly stopped. He let out a high-pitched whistle that echoed throughout the forest. At first, there was no response, but then Casey noticed movement in the trees. Small, furry creatures began to emerge from the shadows, their eyes glowing in the dim light.
"Fauns," Aricen explained as the creatures approached. "They're my friends. They know these woods better than anyone."
The fauns gathered around Aricen, chattering excitedly in a language that Casey didn't understand. Aricen spoke with them for a few minutes before turning back to the group.
"Follow me," he said, remounting his horse. "They will show us the way to the black market."
As they followed the fauns through the forest, the trees began to thin out until they reached a hidden entrance. Aricen turned to Casey and the others, "Remember, we must be cautious. We don't know who we might encounter here."
The group nodded in agreement as they followed Aricen through the entrance and into the black market. The black market was a dimly lit and eerie place, filled with mysterious vendors selling all sorts of strange and illicit goods. The air was thick with the smell of incense and other unknown scents, while the sound of hushed whispers and rustling fabric filled the narrow alleyways. It was a place where shadows seemed to linger and secrets were traded for a price.
Aricen led them through the crowds, navigating the maze-like alleys until they reached a small stall tucked away in a corner. The stall was unremarkable, with a simple wooden sign that read "Curiosities."
As they approached the stall, all of their faces turned in frustration after seeing the sign, "Closed!"
"Why today out of all of the days?" Aricen grumbled.
Casey looked around. "What do we do now?"
Serenya suggested, "Maybe we could ask around and see if anyone knows where he might be?"
They approached another vendor and inquired about the missing vendor's whereabouts. The vendor shrugged, "I heard he's gone for the day. He'll be back tomorrow."
Rowan sighed, "Where would we find a place to stay for the night now?"
"Maybe I will try asking my faun friends, they are quite generous," Aricen replied as he started to head back. He reached out to Casey's hood and swiftly adjusted it more, "Cover yourself properly, princess. You stand out too much."
Casey looked up at him, "Tell that to yourself mister elf."