The air was icy in the forest, where snow fell slowly, blanketing the ground in a thick white mantle. The trees, bare and twisted, seemed to whisper forgotten secrets, while the wind howled through the branches, creating an atmosphere both majestic and threatening. With each gust, snowflakes swirled, dancing in the air before settling down, adding to the magic and oppression of this wintry landscape.
The forest was almost silent, except for the occasional crack of branches under the weight of the snow. The shadows of the trees stretched in the gray light of day, while ominous clouds obscured the sky. This tableau, both beautiful and fearsome, seemed to guard buried secrets, concealing the stories of lost souls.
In this grim ambiance, a silhouette emerged from the depths of the storm. A woman, with hair black as night, moved slowly. Her thick coat, made of sturdy wool, beat against her legs in the wind. Her smooth, dark skin contrasted with the wintry landscape, while a birthmark near her right ear added a touch of uniqueness to her face. Her silver eyes shone with an intense light, capturing the fleeting rays of the weak sun.
As she continued her path, her keen gaze noticed tracks in the snow. At first glance, they seemed to belong to children, accompanied by patches of blood. A shadow of concern crossed her gaze. "What could have happened here?" she murmured to herself. As she approached, she realized these tracks belonged to children. With a resigned sigh, she followed the footprints, determined to discover what had happened.
After a few minutes of walking, she discovered a cave, half-hidden by the branches of an old fir tree. Her heart racing, she leaned in and saw two small beings huddled together, their faces pale and frozen. A little boy, slightly older, was wrapping his arms around them. When he saw a figure approaching, he stood up, his eyes wide open, both wary and frightened.
She studied them carefully. "Don't be afraid; I mean you no harm," she declared in a soft yet firm voice, her compassionate gaze resting on them. The boy looked at her, suspicious, while the twins, shivering, seemed even more anxious.
"What happened to you?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
After a moment of silence, the boy finally whispered, "We... we lost our way."
She knelt to be at their level. "I know you are scared, but I will help you. You are safe now. Follow me."
She extended her hand, and after a hesitant pause, the little boy took it, followed by the twins who huddled against her, seeking warmth and comfort. They emerged from the cave, and she led them to her small house, located just outside the forest.
The house was simple, made of wood, with windows framed by colorful shutters. Inside, the air was warm and comforting, and the smell of burning wood wafted through the air. She gently laid the twins on an old sofa near the fireplace, wrapping them in thick blankets. The little boy, who introduced himself as Sulas, was now nestled against her, his face resting against her chin.
"What are your names?" she asked, a friendly smile on her lips.
"I am Sulas," he replied, his eyes bright with curiosity. "And they are Lioras and Eilora."
She nodded, satisfied. She could feel the warmth slowly returning to their bodies, and she stood up to fetch them something to eat. As she removed her coat, the scars of her past revealed themselves, but she didn't care. She needed to focus on the children.
After a moment, she rose again. She needed to write a message to Alex, her butler, to request a carriage. She walked into another room of the house, where she had a desk. Opening the door, she discovered a real mess. Maps were pinned to the walls, some yellowed with age, while piles of documents were scattered on the table and floor. Every corner was filled with books, maps, and other eclectic objects, bearing witness to a life of research and preparation.
She sighed at the sight of the chaos, but she had no time to tidy up. She made her way through the room, searching for a piece of paper and a pen. Finally, she found a crumpled sheet on the corner of the table. She began to write quickly, knowing that time was of the essence.
"I need a carriage urgently. I am at the small cottage by the edge of the forest," she noted, forcing herself to keep a clear mind despite the urgency of the situation. She folded the letter carefully and attached it to her falcon's leg, which was waiting outside, perched on a branch.
She stepped out of the house, putting her coat back on, and approached the falcon. "Let's go, my friend, we have work to do," she murmured, gently stroking its feathers. She secured the letter to its leg, ensuring it was tightly fastened.
The falcon took off eagerly as soon as she released it, its wings beating powerfully as it soared into the gray sky. She watched it fly away, hoping it would reach Alex safely.
The falcon cut through the air, flying over the snowy landscape. As it moved away from the forest, the scenery transformed, revealing a small town where the brown-tiled roofs barely emerged from the snow. The stone walls of the houses were covered in a layer of frost, and the lights from the lanterns flickered dimly, adding a warm touch to the winter.
Inside the castle, Alex stood near one of the windows, dressed in light armor to protect him from the cold. He had a fair complexion and curly hair that framed his strong, chiseled face. His muscular build was evident under his attire, and a scar marked his right hand, a remnant of a tumultuous past. As he gazed at the outside landscape, a knight approached, wearing a thick uniform against the cold, a sign of the harsh winter.
"Alex, the message from our duchess has arrived," he announced, breathless.
Alex straightened, a thrill of anticipation running down his spine. "What does she say?" he asked, eager to know what was happening.
"A falcon brought an urgent message. She needs a carriage immediately. She is at the small cottage by the edge of the forest," the knight explained.
Alex nodded, his thoughts turning to Alca. "Prepare the carriage. We leave right away," he commanded, determination in his voice.