Erick stood framed by the open door of his cabin, the warm light reaching past him, piercing the darkness of the storm.
“Farryn! Is that you out there? Come in! Get out of that storm!”
His words reached Farryn’s ears as she saw him beckoning her over with his hand. His rifle was at the ready in his other hand as he stood halfway out the cabin door.
Her previous doubts began to disperse at Erick’s apparent enthusiasm when he called out to her. However, Farryn still hesitated, the rush of thoughts, doubts and emotions causing a storm within her that mirrored the very blizzard they stood in.
Erick stepped out of his door and called out again.
“Farryn! Hurry! Before those demon beast things come back!”
“Plus, too much snow is coming in here!”
Farryn mustered up what remained of her strength and ran toward Erick.
“Erick! Do not come out. It is dangerous!” She called in reply.
Her exhaustion must have been apparent in her stride for Erick quickly descended the cabin’s porch steps, with his arms outstretched. Farryn’s body was at the limit when she reached him, her legs nearly gave way and sent her to the ground but Erick caught her in an embrace. He turned and helped her up the starts and into the inviting light of the cabin.
Once inside, Erick guided Farryn to a long padded chair and helped her to sit.
The interior looked as comforting and homely as ever. A roaring fire was built in the fireplace, and even though Farryn could not feel the heat emanating from it, there was still a sense of comfort present because of the blaze. Casting her eyes to the entrance, the fresh timber and iron on the door indicated that Erick had repaired the damage from the Frost Wolf’s attack and had even reinforced the frame. Farryn doubted it would stop the beasts completely but it would certainly hold longer than last time.
Erick had gone over to his kitchen and filled a glass vessel with water before returning and handing her the drink.
“Have some water. You look absolutely wiped!”
Farryn grasped the cool glass with trembling hands and raised it to her lips. She gulped down its contents; the liquid tempered her exhaustion as it ran down her throat.
“Heh take ‘er easy there!” Erick exclaimed. “Just how far did you trek through that storm?”
“Erick!” Farryn said. “You… you have returned? Is this truly happening?”
“Ah, yes… looks like I’m back in your neighbourhood!” Erick replied. “There I was, sipping my morning coffee, staring out the window on a bright, sunny summer morning… then bam! Instant whiteout.”
“And so I find myself here again.”
“Erick… I’m sorry. I don’t know what sort of magic has brought you here. If there was a way to stop it, I would-“
“Farryn,” Erick interrupted. “Don’t worry about it for now. You should rest for a bit. Besides, I’m happy to see you again!”
“Just lay down here. I’ll keep an eye out for the werewolf ice monster things,” he said as he patted his rifle.
Farryn wanted to resist his suggestion, but she was far too weary. She leaned over and rested her head on the pillow at the end of the long seat. The entire thing was plenty long enough for her to lie comfortably. Erick placed a very cosy-looking blanket over her. Of course, she could not feel its warmth, but the gesture was appreciated.
Farryn stared longingly into the crackling flames of the fire, her eyes flitting over to where Erick sat.
“Erick…” Farryn said with some trepidation. “Could I hold onto your hand? Just for a little while?”
“Sorry if I’m being too forward-” she continued.
“Oh!” Erick replied. “Right.. . yes, of course.”
He rose from his chair and moved to a different one near where Farryn was lying down. Their hands clasped, and Farryn breathed in a deep sigh as the warmth flowed from his hands to hers. The longer they touched, the further the warmth travelled up her forearm.
Erick inadvertently let out a sharp gasp as her unnatural, icy skin came into contact with his. Farryn pulled her hand back, but Erick shook his head.
“It’s alright. I can ‘hand’le it for now. Just relax there,” he said.
Farryn promptly fell into a deep, restful sleep with the magnificent warmth flowing through her arm.
***
Farryn stirred and opened her eyes sometime later, though she wasn’t sure how long she had slept. The weariness of her previous journey to the cabin had all but melted away. From the warmth coursing through her arm, she could tell Erick was still holding onto her hand, it was a most pleasant feeling to wake up to.
Her eyes turned toward Erick, and she considered pretending to be still asleep so she could linger her hand in his grasp a little longer. However, her eyes went wide as her gaze came to a rest on Erick; his body was wrapped in a large warm blanket and he was leaning toward the fire. His hand was trembling in her icy grip.
“Erick!” she nearly shouted, pulling her hand away and sitting up straight.
Erick’s body appeared to levitate for a moment as her sudden shout and movement startled him to the point of jumping out of his chair.
“Gah! Good morning!” he exclaimed.
“What happened? Are you unwell? Did you hold my hand the entire time?” Farryn loosed a barrage of questions.
“Ah! Yes… I mean, kind of. There were breaks, and I switched hands when it got too cold,” Erick replied.
“You didn’t need to hold me the whole time!” Farryn replied. “If it was too painful or if you fall ill-“
“It’s ok!” Erick replied. “I’m completely fine. Just got a bit chilly after a while. And when I let go, you started to fidget and squirm like you were having nightmares or something. Didn’t look restful at all!”
“Erick… I- still! Please do not put yourself at risk for my sake. I couldn’t bear it if you were hurt.”
Erick was about to speak but Farryn’s head suddenly twisted toward the kitchen as a delicious aroma caught her attention.
“I see you’ve noticed that pancakes!” said Erick. “Shall we have some breakfast?”
The scent of these “pancakes” was something wonderful indeed. And Farryn was most eager to have taste, or rather, consume a mountain of them.
“I had to let my hands warm up a bit, so I took the chance to whip them up,” Erick said. “Don’t be too impressed! I had, like, a week’s worth of mix prepped to go already.”
The pancakes were wonderful, indeed. Their soft consistency reminded Farryn of the tea cakes her mother used to make back home at the Realm Tree Village. As a child, Farryn had always made sure to pause her playful adventures for tea time with her family. The memories caused an ache in her frozen heart. It had been long since she’d thought about her home. Farryn’s mind had been solely focused on solving the curse problem and evading the frost wolves.
The howling wind and relentless snowfall battered the windows of Erick’s cabin, casting eerie shadows onto the wooden walls. Within the cozy interior, Farryn and Erick sat at the table facing each other. The plate that once held the pancakes was now empty.
Farryn saw Erick staring at her thoughtfully, his elbows resting on the table while he rubbed his chin.
“I tell you, Farryn, I can’t get a handle on this whole situation,” he said. “Honestly, it freaks me out a fair bit!”
While Erick’s words were somewhat unfamiliar to Farryn, she understood what Erick meant. Being suddenly pulled across entire realms was certainly a terrifying thought. In the blink of an eye, everything and everyone you know suddenly disappearing.
While Farryn could understand his unease, she was grateful to see someone else, if only for the brief respite from her solitude. She felt guilty for enjoying his company while Erick was wrestling with the uncertainty of the situation.
“Erick, this cabin, is this your home back in your realm? Do you live here alone?” Farryn asked, trying to put him at ease with some conversation.
“No, I don’t live here. It’s been in my family for a couple generations. My dad, my father, used it as a hunting cabin mostly,” Erick replied. “I used to go on hunting trips all the time with him when I was growing up.”
“I live in a city nearby, though. Pretty close to the mountain, the cabin is on,” he continued.
“Your father sounds like a remarkable man,” said Farryn.
“Yeah, he… he, uh, was,” Erick replied. “But.. he passed a little while ago, unfortunately.”
There was a silence between them. The dull roar of the blizzard continued to buffet the cabin.
His gaze slowly shifted downward as he spoke of his father. His hand rubbed his forehead.
“Erick… I’m sorry to hear that. You have my sympathies,” Farryn said.
“Thanks. It’s been tough,” Erick said. “How about you? What kind of place did you grow up?”
Farryn hesitated, her eyes flickering towards the raging storm outside before returning to meet Erick’s gaze.
“I grew up in the village, well, city really, at the base of the Realm Tree. My parents are caretakers at the temple there.”
“The Realm Tree?” Erick asked quizzically.
“Yes. The vast tree which supplies life to the world, supposedly planted by the Creator himself,” Farryn explained. “It is what allows us to use our magics as well.”
“I gather you do not have such a tree or anything in your world”?
“Ah, not that I know of,” Erick replied. “Though, I think some cultures have similar legends.”
“That is unfortunate! It is truly a sight to behold! Visible from great distances all around. I was blessed to grow up there. I often left my friends struggling to keep up as I explored all of its limbs and branches… secret passages even!” Farryn said, “And the view once I finally climbed atop it…”
“Sounds incredible!” Erick replied, leaning back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. “And you sound like you were quite the handful!”
“Yes, my childish exploits earned me many scoldings,” Farryn said wistfully.
She paused and lowered her head.
“I miss the village dearly… to run free amongst the branches of the Tree again, to see my mother and father, my friends… I’d give anything!”
Again, the two sat silently for a moment, taking in each other’s stories. Farryn lingered in the memories of her home. Would they fade away as she lived on this peak? Had they sent search parties?
Erick broke the silence and ventured a question, “So, how did you end up stuck here? On this mountain?”
Farryn shifted in her chair before leaning back and looking upward at the ceiling.
“How indeed,” she said “There was a battle at my village, and the Wizard of Winter used it as a diversion to steal something very precious to us.”
Farryn leaned forward, cradling her head in her hands before continuing: “Against my father’s wishes, I sneaked off and pursued the Wizard to this mountain.”
“Even when the frost wolves defeated our party, I pressed on alone instead of retreating with the survivors,” she continued. “Thus my, confrontation with the Wizard, which lead to the curse.”
“And you’ve been stuck here ever since?”
“Yes… ever since that day.”
“Geez… no search parties?”
“No, I… haven’t seen anyone come looking. The Wizard had infiltrated the party, and I can only gather that he deceived us all and kept our destination hidden from anyone else,” Farryn replied. “My parents, for certain, would have kept looking for me.”
Erick pondered for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. “How have you managed to survive up here so long? I would have totally lost it!”
“Not easily,” said Farryn. “But I’m quite adaptable. I spent years as an explorer going on many adventures, so I’m familiar with survival tactics.”
“Also, I can’t stand the thought of the Wizard triumphing over me!”
Faryn continued: ”In his lab, I found that the Wizard of Winter established a number of research outposts all over this mountain. I am working my way through them all in case there is any knowledge to be had about breaking this curse. I’ve also set up camps where I can rest and check my findings.”
“Whoa! You are a survivor for sure!” said Erick. “Very resourceful, too. Again, I can’t imagine what I’d have done. You are very strong!”
“Thank you,” Farryn said, her stoic expression softening ever so slightly. “However, despite my efforts, I have not found any solid leads to break this curse. If I could just find out what the Wizard was trying to accomplish, perhaps the curse ties into it.”
“Maybe I can help,” Erick suggested, leaning forward, eager to assist. “Tell me more about the curse. What do you know so far?”
Farryn weighed her options for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she considered how much to share. Finally, she sighed and decided to trust him with some information. “As I said, the curse binds me to this mountain, preventing me from descending or leaving. It has also driven all warmth from my body; even in your homely cabin here, I cannot feel anything but bitter cold,” she paused. “Until you… somehow, you seem to bypass that aspect of the curse.”
“With your—with… your touch…” she said hesitantly, her eyes breaking contact with Erick’s.
“Hmm… that is strange. I mean, this whole deal is strange to me! But yeah, curse-breaking powers,” Erick said. “What happened when this Wizard hit you with it? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“It’s alright,” Farryn replied.
She proceeded to tell Erick the story of her fierce battle, the narrow victory and the horrible phantom appearing after the Wizard’s demise. The memory of those freezing ghostly fingers gripping the heart in her chest… Farryn shuddered involuntarily.
“The worst of it… the betrayal…”
“Betrayal?” asked Erick.
“Yes, I had an old friend whom I met as a child. Dusty was what we called him. He became a mentor to me when I was older. He taught me the ways of the explorer. I had many adventures with his group,” Farryn said. She paused before continuing. “Yet in the end, he was the Wizard of Winter. He was lying to us all the entire time I knew him.”
“Whoa… brutal,” was all Erick could say. “Farryn, that is an awful thing to go through. I’m so sorry!”
“It was a long time ago now… maybe my father was right… but even still! The Wizard needed to be stopped,” Farryn said.
“Doesn’t sound like there are many clues there,” Erick mused, looking up thoughtfully. “Admittedly though, I don’t know the full capabilities of… uh, magic.”
“I’ve searched the Wizard’s lab top to bottom. I even burned his body, but I’ve discovered no way to free myself yet,” Farryn stated.
“Well, then I will lend a hand while I’m here,” Erick said with determination. “Two heads are better than one, after all.”
Farryn sat silently for several moments. She was very reluctant to involve Erick in this any more than necessary. However, if he was already here willingly or not, there was probably no harm in letting him look over the notes and items she retrieved from her investigation. After all, as long as he stayed in the cabin, the risk of danger appeared to be low. A small flame of hope flickered to life somewhere inside. Could this lead to the breakthrough she was seeking? Could bringing Erick’s insights into her quest increase the chances of lifting the curse?
“Erick, thank you,” Farryn said quietly. “I am very grateful for your offer.”
“No problem,” Erick replied. “Since I’m here, it would be very impolite to leave you hanging out to dry.”
Farryn was becoming more familiar with Erick and his strange expressions. She could discern the meanings of the odd things he would say; at least, she thought she was catching the gist of it all.
“Can you tell me a little more of yourself?” Farryn asked. “I’m curious about the man who would join me in my investigation!”
Farryn was eager and genuinely interested to know more about the odd man who had come to her from a distant realm.
“Well, as I said, I grew up in this area,” said Erick, leaning back in his chair. “Uh. Um I mean, not THIS area where we are… currently…. Obviously…”
“Sorry!” Erick continued. “This is all quite confusing. I grew up around here, well, in my realm… and then I ran off to join the army for a bit. I did a couple of tours of duty. I got out, then came back and landed a job, employment in the city.”
“Army? So you are a warrior?” Farryn inquired.
“Uh, that seems to be overselling it a bit,” Erick replied. “I didn’t really see much action. Some recruiters caught up with me after I won a few long-range competitions. And I was, I don’t know, looking for something, I guess.”
“Long-range? Is that to do with your ‘hunting rifle?’” Farryn asked.
“Yep. Ah, don’t like to brag on, but they figured I’m a good shot,” Erick replied. “Boys in the unit called me ‘Precision Pete.’”
“But your name is not Pete?” A puzzled Farryn said.
“Yeah… Greystone said it rolled off the tongue better,” Erick chuckled.
“Aside from that, I have two younger sisters and my mother… back home, I guess.”
“I hope they don’t worry about your absence,” Farryn said.
“We’re all independent. I only really see them sporadically in a given month,” Erick replied. “I haven’t been gone long enough to cause any worry.”
“Surely your wife is concern-“ Farryn caught herself.
“Heh… well, I don’t have a wife yet, so no cause for concern there!”
“Oh! Apologies, I shouldn’t have presumed-“
The both of them sat in silence for several moments. Farryn mentally chastised herself for making such an assumption.
Her mind drifted back to her own family, her parents back home. They must surely miss her as much as she longed for them. Erick must have caught the sorrowful expression on her face.
“It… it must be difficult…” he began. “To not know… to have no way of letting them know you are here.”
“Yes… It’s, I wish very much to return to them. To let them know I haven’t abandoned them,” Farryn replied shakily.
“They must think me dead, I hope they don’t assume I didn’t-“
“Hey now!” Erick interrupted. “From what you’ve told me, it sounds like they seriously loved you! I’m sure they are worried, but they undoubtedly know you’d get back if you could.”
Farryn took a deep breath. Strong emotions were not considered an Elvaehen trait. Their near immortality gave them a vastly different perspective on many things. What was the curse, this imprisonment wracking upon her?
“I’m going to help you ditch this curse, okay?” Erick continued. “So you can look forward to reuniting with your family. We will find a way!”
Farryn found herself uncharacteristically touched at his likely unfounded assurances and couldn’t help but smile softly.
“So… did you find anything in these ‘research outposts’ you mentioned?” Erick asked.
“Precious little, besides some arcane machinery whose purpose eludes me. I have been collecting notes and the like from each one I’ve gone to,” Farryn said as she drew several small books and the infernal grimoire from the pouch on her back. “I haven’t had time to look through these ones yet, but the information has been mostly sparse so far.”
“Might I take a peek at those”? Erick inquired.
“Of course, I hope you can gain some insight from them.”
Farryn reached across the table and gave Erick a book of notes. He took it and gently turned it around in his hands, looking it over carefully.
“Certainly a dusty old tome!”
Erick set it down, carefully opened it and gently leafed through. He stared intently as he scrutinized the pages.
“Hmmmmm…” he let out a long hum.
“I’m seeing the first problem,” he said, looking up. “I can’t read the writing!”
“Ah that is unfortunate!” Farryn said. “I had hoped since we seem to speak the same language…”
It was rather odd, Farryn and Erick could easily communicate by speaking to each other yet the written words of her realm were foreign to Erick. Was there a form of magic helping them communicate? Or was it merely happenstance that they could understand each other?
Just then, Farryn noticed the faint buzzing noise that heralded the end of the previous blizzard. It seemed Erick would soon be returning to his realm. Farryn sighed and stood up, checking her gear was secured to her battle harness.
“Oh! Did you need som-” Erick started to say but stopped as he began to hear the sound as well. “Ah… looks like it’s time to go.”
“I want you to know that if this cabin re-appears, you’re always welcome here, Farryn,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to come on in!”
“Thank you,” she replied, appreciating his words. “I appreciate your help… and your company.”
As the cabin vanished, leaving Farryn alone on the mountain once more, she couldn’t help but feel that flicker of hope that first emerged upon her first meeting with the odd fellow. And not only for the chance breaking of her curse, but also for the unexpected bond that had begun to form between the two of them. She dared not hope for much. If the curse was to be broken, she and Erick would go their separate ways into separate worlds. At the thought of such, Farryn noticed a slight pang of disappointment in her chest. She quickly attributed it to her emotional state and the long isolation she had endured. It was unbelievably comforting to see a friendly person, after fighting for survival all alone for so long, even if he was a complete stranger.
