FIORA: DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN

VOL 2 - Chapter 14 - Cabin in The Woods

In the heart of an ancient, enchanted forest, a year had flown by like a fleeting dream. The towering trees, their gnarled branches adorned with emerald leaves, stretched towards the heavens and whispered secrets of untold ages in the gentle breeze. The verdant canopy above cast dappled sunlight on the forest floor, a myriad of golden specks dancing in mesmerizing patterns. Amidst this fantastical landscape, a quaint wooden cabin had risen, a testament to the resilience and determination of the family that called it home.

Antrodos, his stature proud and unyielding despite the loss of his left arm, wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his right hand. He stood back and surveyed the fruit of their labor. The cabin, constructed of sturdy timber and fortified with cunning craftsmanship, was both a haven and a symbol of hope for the family that had been forged in the crucible of adversity.

Agnes, her eyes shimmering with the light of accomplishment, smiled at her father. She had been eager to help in any way she could, lifting logs with her cursed hands and using her innate ingenuity to devise clever solutions to the many challenges they faced during the construction process.

Max, however, was relegated to the sidelines, observing the progress with a heavy heart. The bones within his body had healed over the course of the year, but they remained fragile and bent, a cruel reminder of the curse Entrados had inflicted upon him. Max longed to contribute to the construction of their home, but he knew that his weakened state would only hinder their efforts. He watched, his chest tightening with a mix of pride and envy, as Antrodos and Agnes tirelessly worked together, their bond stronger than the mightiest oak.

"I wish I could have done more," Max muttered, his voice laced with a tinge of despondence.

Antrodos, sensing his son's melancholy, approached Max and placed his remaining hand on his shoulder. "You've done more than you know, Max. Your presence, your determination, and your love for this family have been the driving force behind all that we've accomplished. Never underestimate the power of your spirit."

With that, Max managed a small, grateful smile. The cabin, nestled within the embrace of the mystical forest, stood as a beacon of hope for the family that had endured so much, and yet emerged even stronger, united by their love and the promise of a brighter future.

A sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air as Antrodos and Agnes led Max into their newly constructed cabin. The scent of freshly-cut wood and the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest mingled, imbuing the air with a sense of warmth and familiarity. The interior, though not yet adorned with the trappings of a home, held the promise of a sanctuary where they could find solace and respite from the trials that lay ahead.

Antrodos's eyes sparkled with determination as he addressed his children. "Soon, we'll transform this humble abode into a true home. I'll gather materials and craft furniture that'll make this place cozy and inviting."

Agnes chimed in with enthusiasm, her voice a delicate symphony of hope. "And I'll add some feminine touches, drawing inspiration from mom's and Matterinna's styles. Together, we'll make this a haven we can all be proud of."

As they toured the cabin, the trio marveled at the quaint living room, the modest kitchen equipped with basic necessities, and the attic, which was designated as a storage space for the weapons, armors, and supplies they would acquire in their future endeavors. The tour culminated in the discovery of four bedrooms, each with its own unique charm and potential.

Max, his curiosity piqued, inquired about the need for an extra bedroom. Antrodos and Agnes exchanged knowing glances before answering in unison, their voices brimming with optimism. "It's for Illyanna, of course! Once we rescue her from Entrados, she'll need a place to call her own. We should decorate it to her taste, so she feels welcome and loved."