Snow

Chapter 21

As Seokjin walks through the forest with his mate by his side, he begins to wonder how far the forest extends into Frioria. "What are you thinking about, Flower?" Namjoon asks as he looks at his mate's face, which is scrunched in concentration.

"How far do you think the forest extends into Frioria?" Seokjin asks as he leans his head on his mate's shoulder.

"I am not sure, but I do not think you should extend the forest any further. You weakened after healing Taehyung. This forest is already very large and takes a lot of energy for you to protect." Namjoon responds, wrapping his arm around his mate's waist.

"But Frioria needs food to eat and wood for fire. If I extend the forest, they will have access to much-needed resources." Seokjin explains as he looks at the large vine wall he built. 

"Very well." Namjoon hums and walks toward the vine wall, gently pulling his mate with him. "Come. We will help the people of Frioria." He softly smiles and motions for Seokjin to lower the vine wall.

With a big smile, Seokjin lowers the wall and looks out at the thawing land. Seeing Frioria breaks his heart because he remembers when it used to be beautiful and full of life.

Taking a deep breath, Seokjin steps out of the forest and watches as the ground springs to life with each step. As Seokjin walks toward the nearest village, the villagers rush out of their homes and watch in awe as the large forest grows behind a beautiful man.

"'e 'as f'ames in 'is eyes like the royal fami'y!" The people gasp as Seokjin draws near.

"Is tha' a 'ell'ound?" Another villager asks when they see the large man walking beside Seokjin.

When Seokjin goes to take another step, he feels a soft barrier try to stop him. "This must be the edge." Seokjin hums and turns to look at the expanse of forest that followed him.

"Are you hungry?" Namjoon asks as he watches the villagers.

"Very." A child responds as he holds his mother's hand.

"You may enter the forest to find fruits and firewood." Seokjin motions for them to enter the forest.

"Are you the deity of this forest?" A woman asks as she holds her daughter in her arms.

"I am." Seokjin hums and observes the timid villagers.

"Is he a hellhound?" A man asks as he examines Namjoon.

"He is." Seokjin smiles, wrapping his arm around Namjoon's waist.

"Can we really get fruits and wood from the forest?" A woman asks with big eyes.

"You may." Seokjin hums and motions for them to enter the forest.

"Thank you." The villagers quickly bow and timidly enter the forest.

As the villagers roam around the forest in awe, Hoseok arrives with several of his villagers to welcome the newcomers. Soon, the villagers from Frioria and Vortier are mingling and talking. Seokjin is relieved to see that the hellhounds are integrating into the villages with ease.

"How are you feeling?" Hoseok asks with worry as he looks at Seokjin.

"I am fine." Seokjin chuckles and ruffles Hoseok's hair.

"If Jungkook sees the withering tree, he will lose his mind," Hoseok grumbles as he tries to fix his messy hair.

"That is why Moon is using it for firewood and to build new furniture." Seokjin hums and looks at his mate. "Aging is normal."

"Not for a deity." Hoseok sighs and turns his attention to the new expansion of the forest.

"The goddess was already waning. She had protected this forest for thousands of years. She was ready to move on to the next phase of her existence. She used up most of her energy healing Moon's and my grave injuries. We were close to death. The final energy that she gave me is enough for Moon and me to live on for many, many years." Seokjin softly explains to Hoseok.