A Winter Between Us
Introduction of 4 Kingdoms
Before starting this story, I would like to give a small introduction of the world where everything takes place.
Our ancestors tell stories passed from one generation to another, yet never fully forgotten about Queen Astexida.
A great ruler she was of a land so big it had no end, a queen who united humans, magical beasts, and people with powers under one rule. Everything was in balance back then, peaceful in a way people today can barely imagine.
But peace never lasts forever.
The witches, who were once respected, slowly started to change. They began using curses not out of need, but out of anger, jealousy, and greed. They no longer followed the rules, and when even the queen couldn’t control them, they turned against her.
They cursed Queen Astexida.
Not a simple death… but a cruel one. Her blood burned, her body weakened, her senses failed her one by one, until nothing was left. No body, no trace of her, like she disappeared into thin air.
And after her death, everything broke.
The witches wanted their own freedom, and chaos spread everywhere. The land that was once one became divided into four parts.
Noctyra: the land of witches, where curses and blessings are made, sometimes even sold in secret.
Valdrenor: the land of power, where nobles, armies, and strength rule everything.
Iskavryn: the cold, frozen land, where winter never truly leaves, and people struggle to survive.
And Elarwyn—the land of nature, the only one that stayed loyal to the old ways of Queen Astexida.
And this… is where our story begins.
Elarwyn kingdom is not a place easy to find. For many years, it stayed hidden. The entrance is nothing special, a simple cave with gates. No one would ever think a whole kingdom is hidden behind it.
But inside, it is something else entirely
Tall trees rise high, their branches holding homes built upon them, all connected by wooden bridges. Flowers of every kind grow freely, some harmless, some dangerous. Clear rivers flow quietly through the land, and animals move without fear.
People there do not act like strict nobles. They do not treat others as lesser. Even those who serve in the palace are treated with kindness, often spoken to like friends.
It is a place where life feels simple, yet full.
The men in the snow
It's winter. The kind of winter where the air itself feels sharp, and the snow never seems to stop falling.
A woman in her twenties was returning from outside the kingdom. She had gone to Iskavryn to exchange goods, as she often did when winter made farming impossible. Her clothes were simple, not expensive, but practical enough for travel.
She was riding a horse while her maid was sitting on the old carriage.
☝🏻This picture is for the readers to understand what kind of carriage I'm talking about.
Georgina/maid
We worked more money this year than the last one my lady *excited*
? ? ?
*chuckles, a little loud voice so Georgina would listen her* This year the harvest was the best, and considering that winter is short in Elarwyn, we'll work more than you think
Georgina/maid
*nodding to herself* you are right my lady
The road was quite quiet and peaceful.
Until something dark appeared against the white snow.
? ? ?
*gets off the horse and wasabout to step ahead to take a close look at the body laying on the snow*
Georgina/maid
*immediately grabbed her lady’s hand* My lady… don’t go there. What if it’s a trap? Or a wanted criminal?
? ? ?
*looking ahead, her eyes narrowing slightly* I think he is injured, the smell of blood is too strong.
Step by step, she walked closer.
A body was half buried in snow, blood spreading around it, staining the white ground red. The sight made her stop for only a second. A small breath escaped her lips enough to show shock by the state of how badly the man in front of her was hurt.
? ? ?
*Moves quickly, kneeling down and checking his pulse* He is alive.
? ? ?
*Without wasting time grabbed his arms* Come, help me.
Georgina/maid
*hesitated for a moment, then rushed forward*
Together, they lifted the unconscious man and placed him onto their wooden carriage meant for goods.
Georgina/maid
*looks around nervously* My lady… Princess will punish us if she finds out we brought an unknown man into the kingdom.
The woman immediately pulled a cloth over the man’s body, hiding him from view.
? ? ?
It’s a life, Georgina *says firmly* What is our second rule?
Georgina/maid
To save lives to the best of our ability Miss Neritha
Neritha Liriel/FL bff
Exactly *snaps fingers*
They continued their journey in silence until they reached a hidden passage inside the cave, the entrance to their kingdom.
After walking through narrow alleys and checking their surroundings, the maid looked around carefully. Once she was sure no one was nearby, she nodded.
Georgina/maid
No one is here, my lady
Only then did they struggle to carry the injured man inside with effort and urgency.
They laid himd down on an old bed inside a house made by wood.
Neritha Liriel/FL bff
Prepare hot water, Georgina
Georgina/maid
Yes, my lady *quickly ran off*
When she returned, carrying the warm water, the Neritha was already kneeling beside the man.
Neritha Liriel/FL bff
*took a wet cloth from her maid and slowly began cleaning the blood from his face and clothes*
After a moment, she stopped.
Neritha Liriel/FL bff
I think only Elle can help us, he is bleeding too much. My abilities are not enough
Georgina/maid
*hesitates* But… it is winter. She does not come out during winter, my lady.
Neritha Liriel/FL bff
*paused* …You are right. How could I forget *facepalm herself*
Neritha Liriel/FL bff
*Tightened her grip on the cloth slightly* Then inform her first. If she agrees, send me a message. I will bring him myself. Hurry
Georgina/maid
Okay my lady * runs outside*
The Lady Elle
A mansion stood deep in the center of Elarwyn’s capital.
It was the warmest place in the entire kingdom. Snow never stayed near it for long. Even in winter, the air around it felt different, soft, warm, almost like spring trapped inside stone walls.
Inside one of the rooms, a fireplace burned quietly.
The firelight filled the room with a golden glow. It was so warm that anyone stepping in from outside would feel their body heat up immediately.
The mansion had always been like this simple, cozy, and peaceful.
A young lady sat in front of the fireplace.
She was wrapped in thick clothes from head to toe. Even her fingers were covered. Only her face and ginger-red hair were visible.
Her hair shined under the firelight, like soft flames resting on her shoulders.
A soft knock came on the door.
After a moment, the maid entered.
Melanie/Maid
Excuse me for disturbing you, my lady, Lady Liriel’s maid is here. It seems important.
? ? ?
*slowly looked up* Let her in❄️
Her voice was calm and cold, but not unkind.
After a few moments, Georgina entered and bowed quickly.
Georgina/maid
Lady Elle… sorry for disturbing your rest. Lady Liriel sent me here… to save a life
The lady closed her book slowly and looked at her.
Elle/ The FOX/FL
What do you mean, Georgina?
Georgina/maid
*clenched her dress tightly*
She looked nervous around Lady Elle .
Georgina/maid
*Closes her eyes and speaks quickly in one breath* We found a man who is very badly injured. My lady said… you are the only one who can save him. If you don’t, he will die. And if you agree, she will bring him here.
Georgina/maid
*opened her eyes slowly*
The lady was still sitting calmly. As if nothing had rushed her at all.
Georgina stared at her face for a moment.
She always gets herself starting at her eyes mesmerized sometimes even forgetting she is higher by position and she can't look at her like that shamelessly, and always she ended up to bring smile on that lady's face which was rare to see although she always looked a very positive and energetic woman.
But during winters Lady Elle was losing that side of herself, as if the winter colden her personality too.
Elle/ The FOX/FL
Again mesmerised by my eyes? *small smile*
Georgina/maid
*snaps out of her thoughts, she noticed herself looking straightly in her eyes* ah..that.. sorry Miss Elle, they are just too pretty
Elle/ The FOX/FL
*smiles and stands up* I'll ask Melanie clean a room for your lady and the man
Elle/ The FOX/FL
*Takes a stone out of one of the shelf and gives to Georgina* Give this to Neritha, it's for transforming him here faster
Georgina/maid
*takes it* thanks for the kindness Miss Elle
Georgina/maid
*bowed quickly and left*
The maid appeared as if she had always been there.
Elle/ The FOX/FL
You heard me, Prepare rooms for them and open my lab. I will need medicine. I cannot use too much mana right now.
Melanie nodded without a word and left just as quietly as she came.
Elle/ The FOX/FL
*sat back in front of the fireplace picking up her book again, and starts reading*
On the cover was written:
“The History of Queen Astexida”
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