"How many days has it been?" Serenya muttered to herself as she opened her eyes.
She looked down at her and saw that she was covered in bandages, the white fabric wrapped tightly around her wounds, in stark contrast to the deep red of the bloodstains that still marred her skin. The herbs were placed on her chest, emanating a strong, heady scent that filled the air. She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her body, causing her to gasp and lie back down.
She took a deep breath, wincing as she felt the pain again. She had been injured before, but this was different. It was as if her entire body was on fire, every nerve ending in screaming in agony. She glanced at the bandages again, her mind racing as she tried to piece together what had happened to her. Her memories were foggy, hazy at best, but she could remember the feeling of something sharp piercing her skin, the searing pain that had followed.
The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of the moon outside the window. The walls were made of smooth stone, with intricate patterns carved into them. A soft breeze flowed through the room, causing the curtains to rustle gently in the wind. The scent of fresh herbs and flowers hung in the air, their aroma soothing and calming.
Serenya's bed was situated in the centre of the room, covered in soft linen sheets and blankets. The pillows were plump and comfortable, supporting her head as she lay there. Despite the warmth of the blankets, the room was chilly, sending shivers down her spine.
As she looked around, she noticed the small details that made the room feel cosy and welcoming. A vase of fresh flowers sat on a nearby table, their colours vibrant and alive even in the dim light. A bookshelf filled with leather-bound tomes stood in one corner, beckoning her to come and explore its contents. A small fireplace sat against the far wall, its embers still glowing faintly as the flames died down.
Serenya closed her eyes, taking in the ambience of the room. Despite the circumstances that had brought her here, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace in this space. The soft glow of the moon and the scent of the flowers lulled her into a sense of calm, washing away the pain and confusion that had been plaguing her mind. For the first time since she could remember, Serenya felt truly at ease. Until, a voice shook her, making her heart beat- beat- beat.
The massive door groaned and creaked as it slowly swung open, revealing a sliver of light that pierced the darkness of the room. Serenya watched in silence as the gap widened, wondering who or what was on the other side. She strained her ears, listening for any sound that might give her a clue.
The door moved with an eerie slowness as if it was reluctant to reveal what lay beyond. For a moment, Serenya wondered if it was all just a dream, a figment of her imagination. But then the cold air that rushed in through the crack reminded her that this was all too real.
The door was fully open, and a woman stepped into the room, holding a flickering candle that cast strange shadows on the walls. Serenya squinted, trying to make out the woman's face. As the woman approached, Serenya could see that she was dressed in a long, flowing robe that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. The candlelight reflected off her skin, making her seem almost ethereal, like a being from another world.
Serenya couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as the woman drew nearer. She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but there was something about the way the woman moved - slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey - that made her feel on edge.
As the woman reached the foot of the bed, the soft glow of the candle flickered in her hand, and Serenya caught a glimpse of her face. She gasped in awe.
The woman's face was like nothing she had ever seen before - Her skin was as pale as freshly fallen snow, and her hair was a cascade of shimmering ice that cascaded down her back like a frozen waterfall. Her eyes were the deepest shade of emerald green, and they seemed to twinkle like stars in the night sky. Serenya could not help but be entranced by the witch's beauty, even as a sense of unease crept up her spine.
"How are you feeling?" the woman asked.
The woman's voice was soft and melodic, like the tinkling of wind chimes on a gentle breeze. It seemed to fill the room and wrap around Serenya like a warm embrace. Her words were spoken with such care and tenderness that Serenya felt her worries and fears slip away, replaced by a sense of calm and reassurance. It was a voice that could soothe any troubled soul, and Serenya found herself entranced by its beauty that she forgot to reply.
"Little elf, I can see that you are not asleep. Are you unable to reply?"
Serenya tried to speak, but her throat was dry and scratchy. She coughed weakly before managing to say, "I... I don't know."
The woman moved closer to Serenya, holding the candle in one hand and a fresh set of bandages in the other. "Now, my dear, try to stay still while I change your bandages," she said in her soft, melodic voice.
Serenya nodded, wincing slightly as the woman began to carefully remove the blood-soaked bandages from her wounds. The woman's movements were graceful and precise, and she worked quickly and efficiently, expertly cleaning and re-dressing Serenya's wounds.
Serenya watched in amazement as the woman's long, delicate fingers worked their magic. The fresh herbs and ointments she applied helped to soothe the pain and reduce the swelling. "Thank you," she said, trying to hide the pain in her voice. "Did you see anyone else with me when I was brought here?"
The woman paused for a moment, her piercing green eyes locking onto Serenya's. "Yes, my dear, there is another young elf here with me. His name is Rowan, and he is being tended to in another room."
Serenya felt a glimmer of hope at the news, relieved to know that she wasn't alone in this strange, mysterious place. "Is he okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
The woman nodded. "He is still recovering, but he will be fine. You needn't worry about him, my dear."
Serenya sighed, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Thank you," she whispered.
The woman finished changing Serenya's bandages and gently patted her arm. "Rest now, my dear. You need your strength to heal."
The woman then placed a hand over the fresh bandages and closed her eyes, murmuring something under her breath. Serenya watched in amazement as a faint golden glow emanated from the witch's hand and spread to the bandages covering her wounds.
The warmth of magic seeped through Serenya's skin, easing her pain and making her feel comforted. She could feel the injuries healing, and her strength returning to her.
After a few moments, the woman opened her eyes and removed her hand. "There, that should help with the healing process," she said with a gentle smile.
Serenya looked down at her bandages, amazed at how they seemed to glow slightly in the dim light of the candle. She couldn't help but feel grateful to the kind and mysterious woman who had taken care of her.
"Why are you helping us?" she asked softly, looking up at the woman.
The woman nodded, a small smile on her lips. "As a healer that's my job, so that is my reason to help you and your little friend."
Serenya nodded, her face flushed. She couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward the mysterious woman who had taken her in and cared for her and Rowan.
"Excuse me," Serenya said, breaking the silence a bit shy. "May I ask where I am?"
The woman turned to look at her with a gentle smile. "You are in my home, little elf. I live here far away from people, hidden away from prying eyes."
Serenya locked her eyes into hers. "Serenya," she said abruptly. "That's my name. I am not little anymore, so please refrain from calling me little elf miss."
The woman chuckled as she patted Serenya over her blanket.
"How come you started living here?" Serenya asked, wanting her to stay a little more. There was something about her that she couldn't quite figure out.
The woman's smile faded slightly, and a shadow seemed to cross her face. "That is a long story, Serenya. One that I will share with you when you are stronger. For now, you must rest and heal."
Serenya nodded, feeling a sense of respect for the woman's privacy. "Thank you for taking care of me. And...may I ask your name?"
The woman held her candle in one hand as she smiled at her, a little innocent elf. "How amusing," she replied. "I am the Great Snow Witch!"