Islinda’s heart felt lighter, and she couldn’t help but smile now that she was back on good terms with Aldric. She resumed serving food to the remaining Fae, feeling a sense of satisfaction in providing for them. She caught sight of the elderly Fae once more, and the knowing wink she received caused her cheeks to flush with embarrassment. However, their encounter ended there.
Unlike the first time, when a thick feeling of despair hung in the air like a suffocating blanket, now the atmosphere was lively and full of chatter. The Faeries seemed rejuvenated, their spirits lifted by the food and companionship. The small act of kindness had brought them together, and they were no longer burdened by empty stomachs. Happiness bloomed on their faces, replacing the previous worry and hunger.
Not only had Aldric cooked food for them, but he had also shared out goodies and coins. In a moment when they had been destitute, Aldric had emptied his pockets, giving all he had. Islinda could only hope that being a prince came with privileges and perks, as they were left with nothing else but their clothes. No food. No money..
However, as Islinda looked at the faces of the giddy younglings running around with high energy, she knew that the effort was worth it. The joy reflected in their eyes made it worthwhile. She would rather starve herself than let others suffer like this. Islinda smiled, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over her, knowing that she had made a positive difference in their lives.
Yet, her happiness was short-lived as the atmosphere suddenly shifted.
The Faeries turned in unison towards a direction, their expressions morphing into ones of concern. Islinda frowned, sensing that something is amiss. She peered ahead, wondering what the Faeries were looking at. Then, she hears it – the heavy sounds of galloping horses approaching rapidly.
It happened so quickly. The tranquility of the village was shattered by the sudden arrival of uniformed soldiers, the powerful hooves of their horses kicking up clouds of snow as they charged through the streets.
The winter Fae residents scattered in all directions, their panicked cries mingling with the snorts and whinnies of the charging horses. Children cried and screamed for their mothers while the males tried to shield the females from the chaos descended upon them.
To add to the ominous moment, what looked like a snow storm started, making visibility low. Islinda’s heart began to pound in her chest as she found herself caught in the midst of the pandemonium, frozen in fear as a massive horse charges directly towards her.
Before disaster could strike, a strong hand grabbed her arm and pulled her out of harm’s way with surprising agility. Islinda stumbles backward, her heart racing as she looks up to see Aldric standing beside her, his eyes narrowed in determination. Islinda breathed in relief, grateful to have Aldric at that moment.
As the soldiers continued their reckless charge through the village, their shouts and commands adding to the chaos, Aldric grabbed Islinda, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as they retreated to a secluded corner, watching the mayhem unfold before them.
Islinda’s heart sinks, not because they had unknowingly incurred the wrath of a powerful high Fae, but because she had come to the realization why this village lived in abject poverty. She had suspected that they must be in suppression of their greedy leaders, but this was all the confirmation that she needed. The winter Faeries were living at the mercy of a powerful and ruthless high lord.
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