Cerculean

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   The bitter cold permeated the air inside the cabin. The echo of the ruthless wind outside wailed in the distance. The old cabin shook and creaked each time the gale passed by, sending shivers down Avanelle's spine.

It was a few weeks ago when that royal guard had met her in front of the house she, her father and mother had once lived in together—as a family.

A few weeks ago when she had received the letter from the royal guard. The letter that contained the message that caused her to break down in tears on the cold floors of the cabin. The cabin that once held memories she and with her parents shared together. Memories that were no longer reality.

A few weeks ago, she heard the news that her father had been killed. Killed at the mere hands of the king. The king of Sterid, the kingdom she lived in.

She had remembered wanting to read the letter at the porch, still hopeful that her father would come home soon from whatever business she thought kept him from home. But the rough breeze night had brought to their cabin forced her inside, covered in goosebumps.

Once she had entered inside, she lit a candle and sat in her favorite spot in the cabin, by the window that displayed a clear view of the river that flowed through the kingdom. Although it was night, which restricted the sight of the river, Avanelle could still make out the twinkles that lay ontop the rivers.

She yawned, feeling her eyelids grow heavy and knowing she had to get to reading this strange letter.

Slowly but surely, Avanelle opened the envelope, feeling its velvety manner. She smiled and rubbed her fingers against the texture, thinking this would make a perfect envelope to give to one of her friends for their birthdays along with a warm letter inside.

Avanelle imagined the thought of putting the special letter inside the envelope, but quickly scolded herself and got back on track, carefully opening the envelope to preserve the elegance.

Once she opened the envelope, she got out the letter and unfolded it, moving towards the candle to get a better look at the words that made up the note.

Once she read the first sentence her eyebrows furrowed: We are here to inform younglad, Avanelle Dayvalor Mossade of the sudden news that involve her father, Tince Dayvalor of Morrow Creek.

Avanelle immediate paused, her wiggling foot stopping in place, and the only thing continuing of her is the small breaths she would take.

Tince Dayvalor had been killed as a suspect to overthrow the high king, Zilus and his crowned prince, Zephon.

Avanelle clenched the paper and chills traveled down her spine, infact, her entire body reeked of endless shivers.

She looked out the window, barely making out the shinings of the river before falling to her knees and wailing.

Tears quickly escaped from her eyes. Her heart ached, ached so bad.

It ached for her mother, who had not even been able to see Avanelle grow up to be a young woman. Who had not been able to experience the many achievements Avanelle and her father had reached after her death. Who hadn't been able to say goodbye before it all happened.

It ached for Zephon. Zephon, the very first friend she made when she first moved to Sterid. Zephon who had completely shut her out and who she had not seen in many years.