As I walked along the forest path with Misceria, the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds filled the air, a melody I could never tire of. The sun was shining brightly. A gentle breeze was blowing.

The elderly spoke of this season as the "Season of Storms". They spoke of fierce gales that could pluck trees from their roots and toss them like leaves upon the wind. They spoke of diseases running rampant, and of malevolent spirits alighting upon the earth beneath the guidance of "The Skinchanger". In these months, fear pervaded the land and men bid farewell to their wives each morning with heavy hearts. Women kept watchful eyes upon their children, elderly prayed for the safety and well-being of their kin, as before the day would end, you could lose everything you knew.

Yet now, all that remains of those bygone days were these gentle breezes, wafting sweetly through the air. All that they could to was to tickle your skin.

Thanks to our Holy King.

Thinking of the sound of the forest, my mind somehow wandered...

Could the sick man, confined to his bed, also hear it?

A rabbit darted out from the undergrowth and ran across our path. Misceria giggled with delight, and I couldn't help but smile at the unexpected interruption. She tried to follow it a bit, then spotted a stick lying on the ground and picked it up. She started to wave it around, fighting imaginary monsters, or I thought so. We continued walking, I watched her as she startted to chase after butterflies, laughing as they flit away from her reach.

I suddenly heard the sound of approaching hooves and the creaking of wheels. I held Misa's hand and moved aside with her to let the carriage pass, but as it drew closer, I recognized the familiar faces of some villagers from a neigbouring village. They seemed surprised to see us.

"What are you doing out here, Fiera? Shouldn't you be at the healer's?"

"I'm taking my niece for a walk," I replied. "Where are you all headed?"

"We've got some goods to sell and trade. Would you like a ride?"

I hesitated for a moment, thinking if I should go to the Temple of Silas, but ultimately decided to reject the offer.

I rejected them politely. They warned me to be careful, as there were a lot of boars and jackals seen in the forest nowadays. I smiled at the villagers and thanked them for their concern. "Don't worry, we will be careful," I said reassuringly.

I took my niece's hand and we continued walking on the forest path. They were right to warn. I had to be more careful and to keep my eyes open for any signs of danger.

Meanwhile, Misa was having a great time exploring the forest, pointing out flowers and insects along the way.

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As we approached the village, I saw the thatched roofs of the houses peeking out from behind the trees and a faint song could be heard. The sound of children echoed through the forest, and the sweet scent of freshly baked bread drifted in the air. As we got closer, the narrow dirt path we're walking on widened into a cobblestone road. The village was bustling with people, with children running around and playing games, while adults went about their daily chores. The vibrant colors of the flower gardens and the neat arrangement of the vegetable patches were a sight to behold. The sun shining overhead casted a warm and welcoming glow over everything.

When couple of children spotted me and Misceria walking along the path, they immediately started running towards us, their laughter echoing through the woods. I smiled warmly as they approached, happy to see the joy on their faces. The children clustered around us, jumping up and down with excitement as I handed each of them a bright, red apple from my bag. I've never understood why children would get so excited to see me everytime but I was not complaining, I loved it.

Then I saw Kleiss, scratching his blind eye, also coming up to us slowly. I bent down to kiss him on the forehead and asked, "Where's your big sister?"

"With honour and with bravery,

My knight rode off to fight.

He held a ribbon close to him,

A gift that gave me light.

Amid the clash of sword and shield,

He pledged to keep me free.

And as he left, he turned to me,

And said, "Forever thee.""

Kleiss smiled up at me and said, "She's over there, by the well."

I looked over to see Ena, sitting by the village well with girls. I thanked Kleiss and told him to go play with the other children. As Misa joined the children to play, I went to the well to talk to Ena, Zulie and Glaudine. Before the grand oven, the other young girls of the village were kneading bread dough. I could hear their songs floating through the air.

"The battle raged for days on end,

And I prayed for his return.

But news arrived upon the wind,

And my heart began to burn.

He fought with all his might and skill,

But fate was not his friend.

Now he's just another nameless knight,

Whose story has no end."

Oh God, I had never liked this song. It gave me chills everytime.

As they saw me approaching, Ena standed up to greet me with a warm hug.

"Hey there, stranger," Glaudine said with a grin. "It's been too long."

"I know, I'm sorry. Things have been busy with Ascula."

Zulie shook his head. "You're spending too much time with that witch."

"I agree." I giggled, looking at her upon Ena's shoulder.

"He was my love, my guiding light,

My hope in times of war.

But now he's gone, and in his place,

There's only grief and more.

I'll hold his memory close to me,

And cherish every day.

For though he's just another slain man,

He'll never fade away."

My attention was drawn to the group of girls singing again, to their voices carrying a melancholic tune.

"What's going on over there?" I asked, my eyes lingering on the group of girls.

Glaudine raised her brows. "Didn't you hear? The Crown Prince has won the war in the south. He is coming back to the country."

"Really?" I was quite shocked to be honest. The war had been going on for years, it seemed like it would never end. "But why are they singing such a sad song then?"

"For the ones who were lost," Ena replied, with sadness in her eyes.

For the ones who were lost.

"But now he lies among the slain men,

Lost upon the field.

No one can tell him from the rest,

No one knows his shield.

The ribbon that I gave to him,

Is all that they could bring.

My heart is heavy with his loss,

And the song that I must sing."