[Nivalis Silverfrost]
— "Ugh..." Nivalis blue eyes fluttered open as the morning sun greeted her with its brilliant, golden light that managed to find its way to her face through the tiny crack in their shelter. For a brief moment, everything seemed to blur together, her vision hazy and unclear. She blinked a few times, trying to make sense of the world around her. Slowly, her senses returned to her, one by one.
First, she could hear the faint sound of birds chirping, their beautiful songs filling the cold air. Then, she could feel the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, almost whispering to her. Finally, she could smell the earth and pine, reminding her she was in the wilderness. But most importantly, she could feel the warmth of her children nestled in her embrace.
Her children were still sleeping, their faces innocent and peaceful. Their chests gently rose and fell with each breath, their bodies pressed against her, seeking comfort and protection. The little girl, her sweet snowflake, had her mouth still attached to her pink nipple, letting out a soft, warm breath now and then. The feeling of that slippery tongue of hers gently lapping at her flesh was a welcome distraction from the cold. The baby, her little miracle, was nestled between them, his small hands curled into little fists.
Memories of the previous day flooded her mind. Her heart thumped in her chest at the realization that they were still in danger. Haldor could be out there, searching for them... not to mention the dangers of the forest itself. Trying to push her fears aside, Nivalis focused on her children. They were alive, they were together, and that's all that mattered. 'We will be okay,' she thought, trying to reassure herself.
The night was incredibly chilly despite her efforts to insulate the shelter; the family of three kept shivering throughout the dark without stopping. 'I'll have to wake up more often to keep the fire burning,' she decided, taking a deep breath. Nivalis gently rubbed her daughter's back, her fingertips tracing the delicate curve of her spine. She whispered, her voice gentle and reassuring, "Wake up, sweetie. It's morning already."
The young girl stirred, her tiny body shifting in her mother's embrace. "Mmm," she hummed, her high-pitched voice muffled against her breast. She reluctantly released her nipple, her lips parting from the rosy bud with a wet, popping sound. A string of saliva hung between her nipple and the girl's lower lip, and Nivalis couldn't help but smile at the sight. She brushed a stray lock of hair from her daughter's forehead, her fingers lingering on her warm skin.
— "We need to get up," Nivalis murmured, giving her little bum a gentle pat.
"I'm tired, Mommy," Silvia whined, her golden eyes still heavy with sleep. "Can we stay here a bit longer? I'm so comfy," she continued to protest, rubbing her cheek against her mother's chest. Her long, silver hair was everywhere, a wild mess of tangles that made her look even more adorable.
Nivalis couldn't help but let out a soft sigh; she wanted nothing more than to let her sleep, to let her rest and stay safe in this moment. But it was the last thing they should do, not until they find a safe place to settle. "I know, sweetie. I'm sorry, but we can't stay here," she murmured sadly. "You can take a nap in the sled later."
Silvia's face twisted into a frown, those long eyelashes of hers were fluttering, and her plump little lips stuck out in a cute, pouting expression. "Can I have some breakfast first?" she asked, her voice soft and pleading. She looked up at her mother with those beautiful, wide, golden eyes.
— "Of course, honey, I have something for you in my pouch. Let me grab..." Nivalis replied with a gentle, loving smile, slowly trying to get up. But her attempt to stand was halted when a pair of small, warm hands gently pushed her back down. There was barely any strength behind them, but somehow, Nivalis found herself lying on her back again. "What are you doing, sweetie?" she asked curiously, smiling and raising her eyebrows.
The little girl blushed furiously, her pale cheeks turning a deep crimson, as she murmured, "I want to drink your... milk, Mommy. Pretty please."
— "Oh, I..." caught off guard, Nivalis stammered, unsure how to respond. Her little snowflake's pleading gaze was so intense that it made her heart swell. Eventually, after a moment of hesitation, Nivalis agreed, a warm, welcoming smile gracing her lips, "Okay, honey." She shifted slightly, making herself comfortable, bringing her breast closer to the girl's hungry mouth.
Without wasting a second, Silvia latched on once again, the soft and wet sensation of her mouth immediately eliciting a gasp from Nivalis. "Ohh," she sighed, feeling her daughter's eager, warm lips wrapping around her rosy nipple, her tongue swirling and lapping at the tender tip. Nivalis felt the tugging and sucking, the warmth of her breath, and how her milk flowed into her daughter's mouth.
To save some time, and because her tiny baby also needed to be fed, Nivalis reached over and placed him on her other breast. Aster, even though still very much asleep, was drawn to her nipple by instinct, his small, toothless mouth searching for her soft flesh. And when he found it, he latched on like a hungry little cub, his tiny mouth sucking greedily at her breast.
The warmth of their little bodies, the rhythmic suction of their mouths, and the soft, wet sounds of their feeding created a soothing ambiance within their small shelter. Amid this intimate scene, Nivalis quietly reached for a snack from the nearby pouch and grabbed a small knife. The sound of the knife slicing through the Frostapple Root filled the air as she skillfully carved the plant into thin pieces. The scent of apples wafted through the air, making Silvia's little nose twitch cutely.
Frostapple Roots are sturdy small plants that thrive in cold climates, gathered with the first frosts in the late autumn. They're crunchy and juicy, and they smell like apples when you cut them, which is how they earned their name. Here, in the North, Frostapples are quite popular, and everyone has their favorite way to enjoy them. When eaten raw, they make for a refreshing and nutritious snack, perfect for kids. Or you can roast them, boil or mash them, much like potatoes, and their sweet and slightly tart taste adds a unique twist to any savory meal, especially meat dishes. "Take a bite, sweetie," Nivalis said, offering a piece to her daughter.
A tiny trickle of milk dripped from the corner of Silvia's mouth as she released her nipple, running down her chin. After gulping down the last bit of the warm liquid, the girl eagerly reached for the piece with her mouth, her pink, glistening lips closing around the piece of root. "Thank you, Mommy," she whispered, chewing the piece with a soft, wet, munching sound.
For the next fifteen minutes, the girl kept eating Frostapple Root slices while her little brother was busy filling his belly with warm milk. And each time Nivalis offered her a slice, Silvia would return to nursing, washing it with a gulp of milk before letting out a cute, satisfied moan. Nivalis enjoyed the snack too, occasionally taking a bite of her own.
The cold air bit at her tender nipples when both siblings finally unlatched from her breasts, leaving her nipples wet and glistening in the faint light of the shelter. Swollen and sore from the feeding, they ached with a dull, throbbing sensation that made her wince. Nivalis gently placed her hands on her breasts, trying to soothe the ache, but it did little to help. "Are you feeling better now, sweetie?" Nivalis asked, looking down at her daughter's satisfied expression.
Silvia curiously watched her mother's movements, her golden eyes following Nivalis's hands as they kneaded and massaged her heavy breasts. A little smile played on her lips. The girl nodded, her eyes meeting her mother's. "Yep. Thank you, Mommy," she whispered, proudly showing her tummy bulging slightly.
The sight made Nivalis smile, her eyes sparkling with love. "Of course, my love," she replied softly, gently brushing a strand of silver hair away from the girl's face. "We need to get going," she added with a hint of urgency. Nivalis carefully handed her baby over to her daughter's caring embrace, watching how her daughter's eyes softened, her mouth curving into a loving smile.
"Okay, Mommy," Silvia whispered as she took the baby in her arms, her delicate fingers cradling him with the utmost care, and her mother began putting on their clothes.
...
With one final check of their sled, ensuring everything was packed and ready to go, Nivalis nodded in satisfaction. Silvia was sitting at the front of the sled with her baby brother in her arms, bundled up in a thick, warm blanket that Nivalis draped over them. "There, all packed," Nivalis breathed, tucking the blanket around her children, ensuring they were snug and comfortable. "You can go back to sleep if you want."
Silvia smiled up at her mother, shaking her head. "I'm fine, Mommy. Don't worry," she murmured, as white puffs of air escaped her pink, chapped lips. The cold flushed her round cheeks.
Nivalis picked up the rope lying on the ground and gripped it firmly, her fingers wrapping around its worn, rough fibers. With a deep breath, she pulled, leaning her slender frame forward as her legs sank into the snow with each determined stride. The rhythmic crunching of her feet on the snow echoed in the crisp, cold air.
The wooden sled rocked and bumped as it glided through the forest, the runners scraping and bumping over hidden roots and rocks. However, Silvia didn't complain even once. Her hands protectively cradled her baby brother, swaying him gently with the movement of the sled. Her golden eyes were focused on her mother, watching her determinedly pull the rope.
Hours passed, and the forest remained silent and still. The only sounds were the occasional calls of birds in the distance and the soft rustle of the pines. The sun rose higher in the sky, bathing the forest in a pale, golden light that filtered through the snow-laden branches.
"Mommy," Silvia's voice was soft, barely more than a whisper, breaking the silence. "I was wondering if adventurers are real."
Nivalis, despite her hands and legs feeling like lead and her lungs burning with every inhale, couldn't help but smile at the question. "Very much so, sweetie," she said, glancing back at her daughter.
Those golden eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. "So, do they really travel the world, fight monsters, and save people?" Her soft voice echoed against nearby trees, a hint of wonder laced with each word.
Nodding, Nivalis replied, "Yes, honey. Adventurers do all of that. They rescue those in need." There was no need to mention that they do it only for the right price. Or that most adventurers Nivalis knew looked more like thugs than heroes.
"Wow, that's so cool," the little girl whispered, her imagination running wild with thoughts of the brave warriors. "Have you ever met an adventurer, Mommy?"
The memories of her encounters with adventurers rushed through Nivalis's mind, from long ago. "A few times, sweetie," she answered, keeping her pace steady, pulling the sled through the snowy terrain.
Silvia leaned closer, eager to know more. "Really? What were they like?"
Taking a moment to think, Nivalis replied, "Well, the adventurers I met," she began, panting. "They were all different. They came from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and reasons for becoming adventurers. Some are noble and try to do the right thing, while others..." her voice trailed off as she tried to find the right words, "a little less so."
The young girl went quiet momentarily, thinking about her mother's answer, only to ask something else. "What's the most impressive thing you've seen an adventurer do, Mommy? Have you seen them in a battle?"
Humming to herself, Nivalis thought, "Hmm, the most impressive thing? Well, I haven't seen any battles, but I've heard some stories." Taking a moment to recall, she continued, "Long ago, one adventurer faced an entire horde of monsters all alone, trying to win some time for people to escape. He didn't survive, but thanks to his courage, hundreds of lives were saved. Mostly children and women."
Silvia's expression shifted to one of sadness as she replied, "That's... amazing, but also sad." Her voice was tinged with admiration and sorrow. "I wish he didn't die..."
— "Me too, sweetie," Nivalis replied softly, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air.
"Where did the monsters come from?" Silvia quietly asked a few minutes later.
Sighing, Nivalis replied, "It's hard to say. Probably from the Dark Times," she mumbled, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest.
"The Dark Times?" Silvia repeated, a look of confusion crossing her young face.
Nivalis nodded, remembering all those history lessons she hated so much. "Yes, honey. The Dark Times were a long time ago, very long. No one knows why, but many gates opened up in the sky. Huge, round things made from unknown metal that spit all kinds of monsters into the world. Entire hordes of them, from horizon to horizon, attacked everyone on their way, whether it was elf, dwarf or human. It was a terrible, terrible time." Nivalis stopped, not knowing what else to say, not wanting to scare her little snowflake with tales of blood and violence.
In a barely audible, trembling voice, Silvia whispered, "Mommy, that sounds scary." Her young mind painted vivid, ominous images that made her shiver in her little boots.
Nivalis slowed down and turned to her daughter, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, honey. It was a long, long time ago. Just a part of history now." Turning around again, Nivalis continued. "As for the monsters, well, this is why the Adventurer's Guild exists, to keep their numbers in check. And if, by chance, there are too many monsters to deal with, then the kingdoms send entire armies to help. We are safe, my love. There's no need to worry."
Silvia's eyes remained locked on her mother's as she continued to speak. She seemed to relax, her face softening and her eyes sparkling again. "That's good to hear," she murmured shyly, asking quietly, "How the Dark Times ended, Mommy?"
Wincing at the question, Nivalis replied, "It's a little tricky, sweetie," she admitted, her voice trailing momentarily. "Every religion has its own story, and each one claims to be the true one." She shrugged, unable to give a definitive answer. "Some say the gods intervened and sent a hero from beyond the stars, who led us to victory and sealed the gates for good. Others say it was our ancestors who fought back, with courage and determination, and defeated the invaders."
Nivalis paused, gazing up at the sky. "Some even believe there were never any gates, and that the entire story is just a fairy tale meant to frighten children. Who knows, sweetheart?"
A gust of wind rustled through the branches above, sending a light dusting of snow onto their heads and shoulders. Shaking the snow off her shoulders, Silvia spoke, "I think..." she began, pausing to think, her brow furrowed. "Well, I think it happened, and the gods have helped. But I'm not so sure about the hero thingy..." she trailed off, as Nivalis listened patiently.
The little girl continued, "I mean, the gods are super powerful, right? Why send a hero from who-knows-where? It sounds so silly. They could've just done it themselves."
Nodding, Nivalis chuckled. "It does sound a little silly, sweetie, doesn't it?"
"Yeah!" Silvia chirped, nodding enthusiastically. "By the way, did you ever see those gates?"
Shaking her head, Nivalis replied, "Of course not, my love. It all happened thousands of years ago, if not more. But my dad, your grandfather, loved to tell me stories about them. About how the gates led to the strangest places, and how the creatures that came out were sometimes very scary, and sometimes very beautiful, like the fairies! Can you believe it?" She smiled, remembering the old times.
"Tell me, tell me!" Silvia urged, jumping up and down on her butt in anticipation.
"Alright, honey. Let's see..." Nivalis began to tell stories about the past, her voice taking on a melodic, story-telling tone as she walked, her feet sinking into the snow with each determined step.
As the day wore on, they walked deeper into the forest, the trail they made wound through the labyrinth of trees and bushes. Her body was aching from the constant strain, and her muscles protested the exertion. Yet, she paid it no mind, pulling the sled and entertaining her daughter with tales of the past.
As the hours passed, the winter sky took on a deeper shade of gray, casting a somber hue over the forest. The clouds had gathered and thickened, obscuring the pale sun. The wind's chill bit at Nivalis's cheeks, its cold breath whispering of the approaching storm.
Noticing the shift in the weather, Nivalis looked up, her expression growing concerned and tense. "This isn't good," she muttered to herself. The wind picked up, howling through the trees, causing the branches to sway and creak. The air felt heavy, and the snowflakes began to fall, slowly at first, but growing more intense with each passing minute. Nivalis knew that they needed to find shelter soon, before the storm hit in full force.
"Mommy, what's wrong?" the little Silvia asked, her voice trembling, as she noticed her mother's sudden change in behavior.
— "We're going to build a shelter," Nivalis replied, forcing a smile on her face, trying not to scare her daughter. "It's going to be okay."
The snowfall intensified, and the wind grew more fierce, its howling voice echoing through the forest. Nivalis picked up her pace, desperately trying to find a suitable place for a shelter, somewhere protected from the wind and snow. Her eyes scanned her surroundings, searching for anything that could provide them with some cover. The snow now fell thick and fast, the wind whipping and swirling it around, making it difficult to see more than a few steps ahead.
Finding a huge boulder with a nearby tree, she didn't think twice before getting to work. Her hands worked tirelessly as she cleared an area around to prepare for a makeshift shelter. The snow was wet and heavy, clinging to her fingers, making it difficult to grip. She could feel her fingertips growing numb, the cold seeping into her bones. But she didn't stop. Her movements were desperate and wild, her mind racing, her heart thumping in her chest like never before.
Reaching into the sled, she pulled out their biggest blankets and the rope. "Stay right here, my love. I'll be very quick," Nivalis instructed, looking down at the trembling girl and her baby brother wrapped in her embrace. A little nod was her only answer.
With quick, determined steps, Nivalis moved forward, her boots sinking deep into the snow with each stride. She tied the rope around a thick tree trunk and secured it to the sled, pulling it closer to the boulder. Then, she laid the blankets along the rope to create the roof for their shelter.
The wind kept whipping at her face, making the fabric flap violently. Knowing it wouldn't hold for long, Nivalis started to search for some stones to place them on top of the blankets, weighing them down. It was quite hard to find any, with all the snow, but she found a few and put them on the edges, keeping the blankets from flying away.
Meanwhile, Silvia held her baby brother close, her arms wrapped protectively around him, knees brought to her chest, trying to shield them both from the storm. She watched her mother work with wide, frightened eyes, how she started to cut pine branches, using them to cover the sides and the floor of their makeshift shelter, giving them more protection against the cold and the wind.
Nivalis barely felt her hands at this point, but the cold was nothing compared to her fear of her children freezing to death. So she kept working. Kept cutting branches and piling them, one on top of another, until the shelter was finished. Her cloak fluttered wildly in the wind, and her hair whipped around her face, snowflakes sticking to her long lashes.
It wasn't perfect; far from it. But the wind was getting stronger, and the snow was coming down in waves, covering everything in its path. She didn't have time to do better. She needed to get her children to safety. "Come, my love. It's ready. Hurry," Nivalis called to the girl still in the sled, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.
The girl sat there, her eyes wide with fear, her body trembling from the cold. Finding the courage to stand up, she started to walk, one little, shaky step at a time. The wind tugged at her cloak, threatening to knock her down. The snow swirled around her, blinding her. Then, everything became dark. She somehow found herself inside, the warm, protective darkness of their shelter wrapping around her, making her feel safe; her teeth were still chattering though, loudly so. Nivalis crawled inside too, closing the entrance behind her, holding all their blankets and furs.
The shelter was tiny, barely enough for them. They could hear the storm raging outside, and the snow and wind pounding against the walls of their shelter, making it shake and rattle. The weight of the snow pressed down from above, slowly but surely sealing them inside their little fortress.
A numb, aching cold made their bodies tremble uncontrollably. Nivalis did her best to wrap everyone in blankets and furs, trying especially hard to keep her little son warm. Despite her efforts, the cold was still barely tolerable. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and pine, the darkness so thick that they could hardly see each other's faces.
Only their hearts, beating in unison, and their breathing, slow and steady, echoed in their pointy ears, making the sound of the raging storm a little less noticeable. Still, it couldn't quiet Nivalis' worries and racing thoughts: They were alone. Lost in the wilderness. No one was coming to save them.