The powerful wind had indeed returned, this time bringing with it an immense blizzard that came upon them in a flash. At once, all sense of direction and orientation was lost in the whirling snow. Farryn was nearly knocked from her feet, and amidst the confused yelps of the wolves, she half ran, half slid down the rest of the slope. She was nearly blinded and the deafening roar of the storm overwhelmed her sensitive ears. Relying on her intimate familiarity with the mountain she pressed forward, hoping to put a good amount of distance from the predators in case the blizzard subsided.
The ground soon levelled off, as Farryn expected. This, unfortunately, slowed her pace significantly as she tried to keep her footing in the deep snow while being buffeted by strong blasts of wind. She managed to pick up the slightest indication that the wolves were still trying to find her, but they were also greatly hampered by the conditions.
What kind of tempest is this? Farryn had never seen the like. She could sense something far more profound to this storm than she knew—something otherworldly, even. She kept going forward as the storm ravaged the mountain.
Suddenly, something unexpected caught her eye. Through the darkness and blowing snow Farryn caught a glimpse of a slight orange glow. It was faint but there was a light of some sort piercing the darkness. Curiously, and having not much other choice, she began moving toward the light. Was it a fire? Had some other hapless soul been struck with such misfortune as to arrive on this mountain?
As Farryn got closer to the source of light, she became increasingly skeptical that it was a fire: the radiance didn’t flicker but remained constant. Could it be a lamp?
But by the time she reached her destination, she was utterly taken aback.
“By the Tree!” Farryn breathed out in amazement.
In front of her was not a campfire or any kind of lantern; instead, there was a huge cabin constructed into the mountainside. It was unlike anything Farryn had ever seen. The structure stood about three levels high and appeared to be charged with such exquisite craftsmanship that it was hard for her to believe. On the outside it featured multiple light fixtures and an absurd amount of windows, which only someone with immense wealth could afford — yet its design seemed so alien that even all the nobles and rulers she had encountered in her adventuring days would be unable to recreate such a structure.
Furthermore, how could this cabin even be here? She had been wandering this miserable mountain for an untold number of years. She knew every part of its surface by now. Farryn was quite certain this cabin had never been here before! In fact, she had traversed this very area mere days ago. There were certainly no signs of such a structure then!
As stunned as she was, her Elvaehen ears soon picked up the faint howls of the pursuing frost wolves as the ferocious beasts continued their search for her. She had little choice except to shelter within the mysterious cabin if she hoped to survive.
With the last bit of her strength, Farryn bolted toward the cabin, ran up the stairs and stood in front of the door. She prayed that it was not barred or locked. Even the doorknob appeared to be incredibly well made, and thankfully, the latch opened with no resistance as she turned it. She slipped inside and closed the door. However, as she scanned the frame she could see no way to bar it shut. Farryn spotted a small mechanism above the doorknob and it made a metallic click when she turned it. She assumed that was the lock engaging.
Farryn dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by the sheer relief of being in a seemingly safe place. A near-tangible blanket of silence settled around her and muffled the raging storm outside. But even with the glass windows, barely any noise made it through – providing a momentary sanctuary from the chaos.
Farryn’s eyes widened as she took in her new surroundings. The wooden floor was polished and reflective, with luxurious carpets scattered about. Mysterious lamps gave off a warm light, yet there were no visible signs of fuel or flame. She spotted numerous devices she’d never seen before, leaving her mystified about their purpose. The furnishings were comfortable and clean, making the atmosphere relaxing. She couldn’t help but feel as though she had entered an entirely different realm.
The warmth of the cabin would be a welcome respite, but instead, it was an unwelcome reminder of her curse. She felt the constant chill of winter despite the heat of her surroundings. Frustration rose within her. Was she forever doomed to suffer this? Was there no way to lift the curse?
Farryn became aware of a new sound, something like running water splashing on a surface.
Of course, there’s someone here! She reminded herself not to drop her guard.
Farryn raised her knives to a ready position and slowly moved through the cabin, making her way toward the sound. It appeared to be emanating from somewhere above. She found the stairwell that led to the next floor and continued upward. The room she entered contained even more mysterious devices and furniture, including a chest-high table with tall stools all around it. A private tavern? She wondered as she continued to seek the source of the sound. The lamps were dimmer here, but still, they gave off an unyielding, apparently un-fueled light.
Farryn could hear the sound was still coming from above but it was getting steadily louder. She could see one more stairway against the wall opposite her. She made her way through the “tavern” and ascended this final set of steps. A small door greeted her once she reached the top. It was slightly ajar so Farryn took the opportunity to peer through the opening. Seeing and hearing no one, she gently and soundlessly pushed the door open.
The most luxurious bedroom she had ever beheld greeted her eyes. The largest, most comfortable-looking bed was placed near the centre of the room and shelves filled with clothing lined one of the walls. A large window took up the entirety of another wall, which, if not for the blizzard, would have provided an incredible view of the mountain valley. Farryn was taken aback yet again!
She snapped back to attention as the sound of the running water suddenly stopped. Her eyes focused on the far side of the room, the side against the mountain, where she saw another doorway. Farryn knew that whoever was the cause of the sounds was in the next room. Especially when the person started whistling a cheerful but unfamiliar tune. Quick as a flash and ever so silently she moved to the side of the door. The whistling continued as the unknown person shuffled around for several minutes.
Finally, she heard the pitter-patter of bare feet walking across a hard surface coming in her direction. And a human man emerged from the doorway. His dark hair was damp and he was only half dressed. Clearly, he had just finished bathing.
He walked right past Farryn, not even noticing her as she slipped behind him. He did notice, however, when she grabbed him from behind and placed her blade at his throat.
“Do not move, human!” She whispered sharply, “What is the-“
Farryn froze mid-sentence. She couldn’t find her voice as an impossible feeling came over her.
“Warm!” she said in barely a whisper.
The sensation she thought was eternally lost to her. She could feel warmth from his skin where her hand was gripping him. Her knife fell to the floor as she instead wrapped her arms around the man’s body. The incredible, forgotten feeling of warmth saturated her arms and face as she pressed into him.
The man let out a surprised yelp as Farryn’s pale, icy skin pushed against his back and waist.
“Wow! That’s cold!” the man exclaimed.
Farryn briefly snapped out of her trance and the man turned around. But she quickly embraced him again. Pressing her cheek into his chest as hard as she could.
“Eep!” he cried as her unnatural cold came against him once more.
“How are you even alive?”
He looked down at Farryn’s petite frame, but all he could see was her snow-white hair atop her head.
“Please… just… let me,” she whispered, “… so warm.”
Farryn trembled uncontrollably, tears of joy streaming down her face as she began to silently weep against the man’s chest. She heard his heart raced frantically as he cautiously embraced her back while patting her head.
“Uh… there, there,” he mumbled uneasily, feeling the frosty sting of her body against his own. “So cold!”
The events of the past few hours had finally caught up with Farryn. The surprise attack of the frost wolves, the chase through the forest, and the tiring trek through the snowstorm had all taken a toll on her. With her last bit of strength, she made it to safety. As her whimpers lessened and her body began to relax, she began to slip into a peaceful sleep.
“Hey, are you… did you just fall asleep?” asked the man.
Farryn couldn’t be bothered to reply
“Oh, well ok, you just rest a bit!”
His voice grew distant as sweet unconsciousness drew her in.
Farryn felt her feet lift off the floor as the man carried her a few steps over to the bed. She faintly struggled to stay awake as she felt the soft bedding settle under her body. The man pulled a blanket over her and even though she could not feel the warmth it provided, the comfort was not unnoticeable.
“What even is she and where in the blue blazes did she come from?” the man said aloud.
He looked toward his window and saw the blizzard outside.
“What?!” He nearly yelled out in surprise, “A blizzard? In July?”
Farryn barely heard his muffled shout as she finally relented and sank into a deep, restful sleep.
