I'm taking a break from my hectic council life to spend some time in the countryside. I left during the fall season. But I was welcomed by the damp breeze of the winter season. Of course not, with also my friends on this side of this nation. Kehina country. It's so peaceful here, with the snow in a mild lurching effect where the trees and fields have blanketed. I feel like I can finally exhale the air of my exhaustion, as if all my worries are melting away with the frosty air. Once again, Lord Aisla, thanks for this opportunity. The small village I'm staying in is tranquil, and the locals are kind and charitable. During my morning walks, I can hear all the birds of different sizes and colors singing and see the flock of deer darting furtively through the woods. I, together with my friends in this village, am spending my days exploring the area. Some secrets and most of them are experiences that I overlooked when it comes to agrarian lifestyle. Mortals are sociable creatures, if I am not mistaken. Therefore, I as a human is susceptible to conversations. I venture to several spots and meet new people; there's something that rejuvenates in me. Hello here, hello there, and hello from a distance. The coldness gives effect to the voices. As if I am shouting my hardest to the fullest - at the top of my lungs. The yell shifts into a bellowing noise.

I ask about myself. Being here, being surrounded by nature and by the smiles of the deities who diligently take care of the surroundings and us. And as it helps me to realize that to appreciate life more in a deeper connection aside from being a part of a councilor of Lady Anda's inner circle. At night to recover some of my passion lost during my time in the castle, I take long baths by candlelight and gaze out of my window. And also the windowsill has its lamp kindle. I keep on mesmerizing at the stars twinkling in the night sky. On some nights, when it's especially cold, I curl myself up with a quilt by a warm fire to combat the sensation of frigidity. Next day, I am sitting on a couch inside my shack whilst staring at my opened window in the countryside, breathing in the crisp winter air. The same mundane repertoire during my visit in this season. The sun is starting to peek out of the thick clouds and the wind blows in a soft motion through the trees. I can hear birds once again chirping in the background. The same birds, I presume, and I can feel the faint warmth of the sun on my face whilst smelling the northern gust of the wind. When the midday is about to reach. I, that includes my friends and the rest of the acquaintances, have decided to walk into the fields. And as around me, the fields are blanketed with snow, and all of nature is silent and peaceful. The lax that I am looking for. I close my eyes, taking in the beauty around me. I have no affinity for magic but I do feel clairvoyant powers inside me. I feel a sense of contentment and relaxation as I take a moment to appreciate what the surroundings have to offer me and my friends.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

We slowly get up out of the snow and start walking along a path that leads away from our current position, towards a small village at the edge of town. As we walk, I take in my surroundings - snow capped trees, frozen ponds, rolling hills - all blanketed in an array of white. Soon enough, during the moment of dusk, we reach the village and we are met with a flurry of activity - markets selling winter treats, children playing outdoors, minstrels singing hymns and songs of the yuletide. I'm standing in a snow-covered field and pavements, the sun now is setting in the horizon. I do not know how time shifts so easily in this season. The crisp winter air fills my lungs as me and my friends watch a few snowflakes drift in the wind in a random fashion. In the distance I can hear the faint sound of music from a nearby stage. It is in the plaza, I guess. We stay for a while to share some stories of our recent happenings whether in our work or in life itself.

The sun hides itself and the moon has radiating up high now beginning to imbue. And where its low light casts a damp hue across the countryside. An aurora, so they speak. It is my first time to see such an awesome phenomenon flashing before my eyes. The music grows louder and I can now make out a few notches of the old folk songs that I know. I am decent, taking note of my singing skills. After my rendition, with the help of the musician, I thank them for playing all of the songs that I requested. We part ways afterwards. Whereas I walk on, more and more details become clear until eventually I find myself standing in front of an old wooden pub. Oh, the first tavern that I came across when I was transported here in Kehina! Such a fascination that most of the businesses here in Kehina still are prospering. I take a deep breath before opening the door and stepping inside. The ingress seems to be stuck but since my strength dwindles. However, I use my arms, my body, and my feet to lift up this goddamn door. Due to my determination, I got myself in. Phew, goddamnit! This door gave me a hard time. The warm air envelops me like a blanket. It is so much warmer inside, I see. I can hear people within this establishment chatting away, laughing, prancing, and playing games.

I take a few steps forward towards the bar. I let my feet crunch through the slippery puddle on the floor. As soon as I am about to reach my destination, I'm surrounded by a gang of rowdy men. Their shadows fall across me, forming an almost magical atmosphere. They have come to apologize for bumping me in an accident. I smile in response as a sign of respect. Hence, they offer me a drink which I accept their present as a tribute. Well, thank you for giving me a worthwhile stay, Lady Wellcia.