'Til Death We'll Be Freezing

Chapter 2 - "Send Your Letters Off To Santa"

❄️Song to listen to while reading❄️: "Mind Is A Prison" -Alec Benjamin
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Maylin hung her coat and slipped off her shoes at the door, finally back at her cottage in Antarctica after making a few more stops for the night.

The little cottage, nestled within a snow-capped mountain, was hidden from prying eyes with an enchantment only visible to those with magic. No one could know the legend of the winter spirit was real— at least, that's what she told herself.  A cautionary step, she supposed. Children, perhaps, Maylin didn't mind. They had a knack for sensing her presence. It made sense; her role was to bring joy to the young, to maybe even sprinkle a little magic into their lives.

Maylin often basked in her secluded corner of the world. It was a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. No annoying neighbors or anyone sticking their noses in her business.

"Except for the Legendary Figures." She muttered, eyeing a little letter sealed with red wax that lay on the small kitchen table.
Every three months Maylin received a letter to attend their stuffy meetings. Apparently, they considered her one of them.

With a sigh, she tore it open and began to read whatever they had to say to her this month.

Dearest Maylin,
We once again extend our  warm invitation to join us at our Legendary Figures meeting. This month, we will meet at the North Pole in Santa's workshop at noon.
It is of utmost importance you attend this month as we have serious matters that could benefit from your expertise.
We hope to see you there.
~ Mother Nature

Maylin scoffed, throwing the letter aside and into the trash. They were crazy if they thought she would willingly attend one of their stuffy meetings. The thought of discussing matters with the Legendary Figures repulsed her. Yet, despite her resistance, a flicker of curiosity lit within her— what did Santa's workshop truly look like? Shaking off the idea, Maylin grabbed her well-loved novel and settled into her small loveseat, wrapping herself in a blanket.

The new-aged fantasy fiction book absolutely swept her away. Its pages seemed to be filled with their own kind of magic, and, once she picked it up, she could hardly seem to put it down. It was amazing to Maylin how human authors had crafted their own worlds and tales, many of which were far more engaging than those written in her youth.

But as she turned each page, her mind attempted to wander off to memories she tried her hardest to avoid— memories of lost loved ones and broken promises. Before long, however, her eyelids grew heavy, the warmth of her blanket lulling her into a deep slumber, the book slowly releasing from her grip as she surrendered to the dreams which always were laced with memories of the past.

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Maylin often dreamt of the day her heart shattered, of the storm that completely swallowed the small ship whole. Each dream felt like another weight dragging her down, yet her mind refused to release the past.

Tonight was one of those nights.

The ship pitched violently as the storm raged on. Beneath the deck, Maylin clung to the wall, her heart racing with a panic indescribable. This was never how she envisioned her escape to go.

It had been weeks since Bernard had broken her heart, yet it was his warmth and safety she longed for. Maylin cursed herself for her foolish thinking. He was supposed to be the object of her hatred, not her longing.

A waterfall of frigid water surged through the cracks in the deck above, sending chills down Maylin's spine. The cold waves were relentless and the girl wondered if the storm would ever cease. Yells of the captain's orders and frantic cries of the crew erupted from the deck.