“If someone was to pass on from this life. What befalls them?” questioned the brittle voice of a child. “Would they be reborn again in this world as something new, or would they simply cease to exist and be forgotten?”

“Why my dear, we’ve all existed together in someplace, long before this world’s creation,” replied a silvery voice of a woman. “Therefore, we’ll all return there someday.”

“But, then why are we here...? Mother? Why do we stay here and not where we came from?” asked the child.

“…”

“Were we chased out from there as well?” the child continued.

“Yes, unfortunately so.” the mother, nodded.

“Why?”

“It was because we’ve conducted a grievous sin, so we were cast away.” answered the mother brooding over her own words.

“Was… our mistake unforgivable?” asked the child, clutching the mother’s wrinkly hands.

“No… it’s not,” retorted the mother after a brief silence. “Which is why we’ll eventually make our return.”

“I see…,” continued the soft-spoken child, giving a reassuring smirk. “What is it like I wonder?, The place where everyone once belonged,” comforted by the thought, the child laid its back gently towards the ground, resting beneath the mother’s gaze.

“It’s peaceful and fertile land, with immense tree shades which are ever-deepening, with seas, rivers that intertwine but pure.” depicted the mother as she caressed the child’s head down to the cheek.

The mind ‘s eye would recreate the vivid scenery foretold by the mother around them as they rested, amidst a blooming meadow which stretched beyond the horizon, without a single cloud obscuring the deep verdant serene.

Fleeting throughout the fantasy, the child would be the first to break the silence between them. “How can we get to such a place, mother?”

The mother could only reply to the honest question with a faltering smile, seemingly unable to answer her child. “You’ll have to find out for yourself, Alma…,” the mother explained as she stood, distancing herself.

“Mother! Wait!” Cried the child as she tried to cling onto her, struggling to stand and follow suit, yet her body was as heavy as a rock, unbudgeable and stiff.

Unheeding to her cries, the mother continued wandering away into the tall grass, never glimpsing back towards the child she had forsaken.

Continuing to yell in her anguish until she could no longer bear it, her bright surroundings, muddled back into the bleak reality.

***

Opening her eyes, she found herself awake, yet all alone, atop of a jumbled sleeping roll. There she sat silently, as she was fixated into the crackling fire of a hearth beside her, taken aback for what had transpired she’d take several deep breaths as the sweat-filled anxiety flowed out from her skin.

She tried to get a feel of her physique through simple actions, though she felt moderately sluggish, and the surroundings seem warmer to her than usual, she brushed it off..., reassuring herself it is due to the wool sheets hampering her body.

Feeling arduous to breathe, she’d loosen the straps of her shirt, as she tried to recollect herself and her composure. [I was spearfishing with my father and… what had happened exactly? Where’s father…?] With the thought she explores inside her small cabin, she’d limp towards her father’s bedroom, but there wasn’t a single soul to be found.

[Leaving his unconscious daughter alone…, He’s the worst father!]

Confused and bitter, a mix of disappointment and loss outraged her. Deciding to leave the comforts of her wooden cabin to seek out answers, she immediately sought out her outdoor apparels, but alas, her overcoat was somehow wet on the inside. Unfaltering, she proceeded to shamble outside with only a linen garb she had worn, and a wool cloth tied around her, similar to a cloak encompassing her body.

Outside was a dark evening, and the unbridled windstorms swept her off her feet as she traversed through the snow-filled streets. The violent gust rattled the cabins-wooden shutters, while she desperately tried to cover her face from the freezing snow. Putting a brave face, she plods forward, attracted to the scantily lit glow, flickering in the distance.

Upon reaching her destination, she had stopped in front of the largest building in the hamlet. Other than its size, it was a structure made of timber frames with turfs as roofing, the same as every other house around here, though it was rowdier than most, clamoring with sounds of excitement.

[Ah, the mead hall... it seems everyone is indulging themselves as usual.]

This was a place where the entirety of the community did their cooking chores as fire is a necessity requiring fuel, so it was much more efficient to share it together with wood being a scarcity.

Inside, the hall was packed. Most, if not, all the villagers had gathered in one place. Dancing, feasting, and downing on the same floor. Most of the adults would cheer as they dined atop the long table while enjoying live entertainment by the youngsters. Amidst the thirty or so people, she managed to squeeze herself inside without anyone noticing her presence, strategically positioning herself away from the center of attention, she inspected the masses trying to discern for any signs of her selfish father.

[Where is he?!]

Several minutes had passed since she began examining, yet it was to no avail, neither of the people she hoped to find was present. [Tsk!] Clacking her tongue in annoyance, she sat down, slumping herself onto a table grumbling as she contemplated on their whereabouts.

[Why are they still outside during this time of the day?] Incapable to comprehend the reasoning, her eyes naturally strayed away, glancing over to the girl who sang her heart for the crowd, a soothing voice which managed to relieve their worry and tension.

Unable to comprehend the foreign tongue she used to sing, there was little she understood. Other than the mellow resonance between, a lyre and a flute, accompanied by the slow beat of a drum, together they exhibited a soppy ballad, a comforting piece she had begun to enjoy.

As the song came to its conclusion, she believed to have waited long enough. Yet before she was able to make her abrupt exit, a resounding voice beckoned her to stay.

"W-Wait! Alma! Don't go!"

Stopping in her tracks, Alma took a gander at the person who rushed towards her from behind. "Oh, it's you... Neele, correct?" Affirmed, Alma onto the breathless songstress.

"H-Hah... Y-Yeah," she panted, her layered hair swaying around as her body jerked. "W-Would you mind having dinner with me?" she requested, sheepishly.

Not having the soul to refuse her plea, Alma reluctantly accepted. "F-Fin-" Though before Alma could give a proper reply, the borborygmus rumble of her stomach broke the awkwardness between them.

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"So, I take it you haven't eaten yet?" Continued Neele, humming as she grinned gleefully at her self-conscious peer.

"Y-Yeah... I guess so," replied Alma, scratching her head bashfully.

Sharing a table, they sat across one another. Alma didn't recognize what she had wanted from her. She hardly knew anything about her. Pitted in such a dubious situation, she'd scrutinize her every action.

"Something wrong?" Asked Neele, arching an eyebrow.

"Sorry... I don't get why a person such as you, would suddenly want to eat with me," bluntly saying what's on her mind, Alma didn't expect a bubbly flash of interest to be her response.

"Isn't it obvious...?" Neele questioned. "I wanted to be friends with you..." She continued in earnest.

"W-Wha?" boggled, Alma could only gape as her mind began welling up with memories of the past. She had known Neele way back when she had lived with her mother in their ranch on the outskirts of Lufenia, Neele was working in a family-run tavern in the capital city. It was an intricate building residing atop of marbled flagstone tiles. Alma would frequently drop by to sell fresh milk or cheese from time to time as they offered better prices than the regular market. Though they've never spoken with each other, as Alma wasn't allowed to enter the establishment, only venturing so far to the cellar and back.

She'd remember how she had to slant her head upwards to get a glimpse of the people inside, as they ate on a protruding terrace overlooking the city's market plaza. It was there she first saw Neele, serving exceptional food for city folk and the nobility.

"Alma... Alma? Hello? are you there?" Scolded Neele, snapping her fingers to Alma's face.

"Ah... Sorry."

"I'm glad to see... you're back to your senses..." Neele sulked. "I was afraid you were going to faint again..."

"Again...? What do you mean?!" Demanded Alma, after a brief delay, her eyes widening as her anxiety grew, believing Neele to know what had happened to her.

"Eh...? Sorry, I didn't mean to reprimand you." Neele clarified apologetically. "I truly appreciate what you've done for us... going so far to put yourself in harm's way as a hunter, it is awe-inspiring."

"Huh? What... have I done...?" Inquired Alma.

Alma didn't understand what she had meant by it, especially with the conversation discontinuing, returning to an awkward silence. She'd see Neele fidgeting, fiddling with her spoon on the table with her head hunched towards the two dishes that were laid out for them. A white, watery soup with chunks of fish floating in the center, topped off with a few green herbs.

"Ah..." She reactively responded, her nose twitching embracing the smell as her mouth began to water, realizing what Neele was getting into. Though she was flattered, she also considered the praise unfitting for her, remembering she was only able to catch one measly fish. Let alone being able to feed an entire village.

"You overpraise me... I am not fitting as a hunter... You should express your gratitude to my old man instead." rebuffed Alma.

"Don't degrade yourself, Alma! This stew I've cooked was a result of both you and your father's efforts."

"..."

Taking her word for it, Alma took a spoonful and savored the taste. A thick broth carrying the savoriness of the sea, yet the fulfilling heartiness didn't come from the fish stock, but the mysterious milky mist.

"This is...? Cream?"

"Yes...," Neele nodded. "The fresh milk you've brought to the mead hall this morning."

"Panser's milk...," without further ado, Alma gobbled it till to the last drop. "Hah..." She exhaled, pushing the empty bowl aside.

"Thanks for the meal. It was delicious." Alma asserted.

Delighted with her response Nelee's eyes twinkled. "So, what are you going to do now?" she queried.

"Hm? Now you've mentioned it, I was going to go out and search for my father," answered Alma.

"Eh? But it's dark outside, isn't it? And it's the time of the day where it's chilling to the bone!"

"This is more important to me..." Undeterred, Alma stood despite the discomforts Neele spouted, with her stomach filled and her conviction resolute, she pushed herself towards the doorway.

"Alma! wait...!" Neele shouted in Déjà vu.

However, this time she wasn't about to stop her. Merely stripping off her fur parka, handing it over to Alma. "Here, you'll need more than I do, I wouldn't want you to succumb from the intense cold."

Seeing the glint explicated by her cerulean eyes, she sensed she was unable to refuse the proposition. Nodding in response to Neele's sincerity, Alma strapped on the superior designed parka, unlike her own, Neele's parka has a hood covering most of her head.

"I'm sorry I can't you spare any light-source, simple rushlights die out from the constant snowdrifts, and we don't have any lanterns to spare," Neele stated.

Shaking her head, Alma shrugged with an 'It's all right' kind of gesture, waving her hand dismissively. But her lax and carefree attitude soon changed as she turned to Neele, with her brows frowning, as she gave her a piercing glare.

"Hey... can I ask something of you? What do you honestly see in this desolate place?" Inquired Alma. "Your aria, it was like a gentle prayer, what were you hoping for?"

Listening to her remark Neele's eyes narrowed, with her lips pursing slightly. "I was only praying for the solace everyone sought in our mother tongue..., Do you not understand it....?"

Alma shook her head, dismissing the question. With Neele approaching her, offering her hand in a friendly manner. "Then I want to ask something from you... A handshake, would you accept it as a sign of our friendship?"

"Uh? Sure..." agreeing to it hesitantly, Alma placed her hand over hers, and Neele would tighten the grip over her hand, shaking it briskly.

"Then! From now on we're friends, My name is Neele! Neele Krüger!" She continued beaming a wide grin that slowly spread across her face. "and you're?"

"A-Alma... Fuchs."

"Fuchs? Ah! then, I'll be counting on you tomorrow as well partner, good luck out there!" Spouted Neele in an upbeat, waving her hand vigorously, as Alma stepped away into the dead of night. With her spirits lifted, undeniably Alma felt, elated knowing some people looked up to her. A feeling of being needed was gratifying, especially coming from someone she'd grown to admire.

[Hah, what peculiar personalities do these people have?] Alma bantered, snuggling herself in her newly acquired parka. [It smells nice, her smell is similar to mountain flowers.]

***

If you were unable to perceive your surroundings, you wouldn't know where you are headed, if you didn't know where you were in the world, you might as well accept your loss. Alma knew this for a fact as it was mentioned by her mother with great importance.

It was why braving the vast ocean wasn't something common folk sought. Either you have an iron-will or, you were desperate, yet both mindsets prepared you for the same ordeal, which is accepting the probable failure. What she's doing now is akin to such an undertaking. Pursuing vague footsteps imprinted on the snow, she didn't know where she was, but at least she had a destination. A wearying task, though wasn't impossible, for her eyes had grown accustomed to moonlight emitted by the orb of the night, which hung low in the lonely sky, a rare sight indeed..., illuminating the boreal land in an azure shimmer.

As she journeyed, Alma's thoughts would center upon her father, derived out of hatred she'd think of the reasons why he'd abandon her. Though the more she'd put her attempts to comprehend him, the stronger her sentiments developed a fondness of him.

The sound of Alma's boots crunching through powdered snow was the only sound that could be heard as if the world around her was trapped in a glaring stillness. Her body had started numbing once again, breathing heavily in asphyxiation.

[Am I going to faint due to the cold again...?]

Doubting herself, she wavered though her intuition felt her father was near. Faintly she could hear it, the battering sound of crashing waves.

[He must be here... the man who's in love with the sea.]

Squinting her eye atop of a pale hill, she'd see it foreshadowed in the distance, a bonfire being tended by a solitary man, who sat overseeing the faraway seas.

Mustering whatever strength she had, she charged through in a mad dash. "Fatheeerr!!" she exclaimed his title at the top of her lungs. Flinging herself onto the man, they tangled and fell over onto the crystalline shores.

"Alma!? why are you here?" Her father asked, much to his surprise.

"I could also ask the same from you!" Alma cried, pounding the man's chest, with light punches. "Why do you always put me second to your duties? Don't you care about your family? You are an idiot!" she continued.

The man lets out a long sigh, embracing his daughter and her tantrums with his sizable arms. "I'm sorry... you're right... I shouldn't have left you all alone."

"You, s-should've at least taken me with you..." She sniffled, wiping off the haze from her eyes. Yet, as her pent-up emotions imploded, she continued to churn out tears until it dried out.

Tired and in catharsis, Alma laid herself on the sand beside her father. She'd throw some somber hiccups here and there, but nothing else, and the two shared a moment of quietude.

High above them, the starry sky was winking, flashing, like brilliant jewels scattered in abundance identical to grains of sand. In those pleasant seconds, Alma decided to inquire more about him.

"W-what were you doing here, father?" murmured Alma's hoarse throat.

"I am waiting here, creating a sign. For our brethren, for those who wished to follow us to this land...," he calmly stated, affixing his gaze out onto the open seas.

"This... blaze is the sign?"

"Yes..."

"Why would they even want to come to this inhospitable place..." scoffed Alma, causing her father to chuckle.

"Ha... haha... Perhaps you're right, but renegades like us are free here..." expressed her father, with a slow smile that drifts his lips.

"Is it the main reason why we're here?"

"Well, apart from it... escaping Lufenia on mass would make it too obvious, especially if we all head in the same direction." Explained her father. “So you can say, we’re here avoiding where they least expect us.”

“... Is that so...?”

"Father, how many places have you seen with your eyes...?" probed Alma.

"Many, perhaps too many…, especially for a single bedtime story." the man snickered, stroking her head with his rough hands.

"Stories… Hey, promise to tell those stories to me every night from now on...." she requested of him, clutching his hand. "I don't mind wherever we are anymore..., as long as we're together then this is our home..."

Accepting the words with her soul, she had drawn her own conclusion for these Northern tundras where they call home. Yet in their moment of respite, she was startled as the skies above sparked up radiantly.

"W-What is that father...?" she stuttered, alarmed by the occurrence. Her father, however, was calm witnessing the phenomenon, with his bare eyes.

So, she braced herself as her father did. Seeing the most endearing colors swirling, shifting into different shapes athwart the skies like weaving strings of silk, from turquoise-blue, lime-green, and even luminous-yellow.

"How... intriguing... what is it really? It's as if someone lit the sky ablaze," commented Alma.

"It's an extraordinary occurrence which only happens in the roofs of the world, it's what the sailors call, the northern lights."

"Northern... Lights..."

It was as if the land itself had accepted them, showing a side of its beauty. Enjoying the bountiful scenery, Alma sensed warmth like never before. The ice was indeed thawing, and it wasn't only the surroundings that grew milder, but also the glacier imprisoning her heart. As she has grown to accept, only then could she ever recognize the meaningful value.