The sun was starting to sink behind the hills on the horizon, casting a warm glow on the land, as two of the siblings came sprinting out of the forest. The air was crisp with the scent of pine and earth. Faith's laughter rang out like a bell as she darted ahead, her feet flying over the uneven ground. Her long legs propelled her forward with effortless grace, while Noah, panting and out of breath, struggled to keep pace behind her.
"It's not fair!" Noah gasped, glancing down at his own legs that felt like they were stuck in slow motion. "Why're your legs so long?!"
"I dunno, but it sure makes life more fun!" Faith called back with a mischievous grin. She spun around and pointed playfully at him, her bright green eyes sparkling with joy. "Look at your short little legs!" Her teasing only added fuel to his determination, but deep down, everyone knew he was destined to be the shortest in the family.
"Hey, I'm still growing," he muttered, trying to sound confident.
"Suuuure," she turned back to the house, rolling her eyes playfully as they slowed their pace, the cozy outline of their small house coming into view. It wasn't the grandest of homes, but it was filled with warmth and laughter. And that's all that mattered to them. Faith had lived there her whole life, and she couldn't imagine calling any other place home.
Yet, sometimes, her imagination would drift to the wonderful castle that sat atop a mountain not too far from the small place they lived, its spires piercing the sky, igniting a sense of wonder in her heart. What secrets might it hold? What stories could its walls tell?
When Noah finally pushed open the weathered wooden door, the aroma of fresh bread and broth met them. They stepped inside, their laughter mingling with the enticing fragrances filling the air.
"Catch anything?" Their mother, Beatrice, asked without looking up from her work.
"Just two hares," Noah set them on the table. "I tried to catch more, but Faith kept running off!" He shot her an exaggerated glare, his hands on his hips in mock accusation.
Faith tossed her hair playfully as she retorted, "You just can't keep up with me! Besides, I was the one keeping the chase exciting."
Beatrice glanced over her shoulder, wiping her hands on her apron before finally meeting their eyes. "Next time, try not to let your childness get in the way of a good game," she said, her voice gentle and stern at the same time. "Never waste the time we have to get food."
Noah groaned but couldn't suppress a smile. "It's not my fault! I swear Faith is secretly a gazelle." He flopped down on a chair, his energy gone, but his spirit still lively.
"Maybe I am," Faith said, then turned back to her mother. "Do you know when Papa and Kael will be home?"
"Should be soon," Beatrice set the pot of soup on the table. "Your father said the market was really busy this week, so he brought extra trade."
"We're back, don't worry," a deep voice broke in, as the door swung open and Kael walked in. "Made a lot more than normal today."
"That's great!" Noah exclaimed. Then paused before adding, " Now may we eat?"
"Just a moment, Noah," Their mother laughed. "Faith, can you quickly go call for Crispin? He's out in the forest still, and I want him back for supper."
"Of course!" Faith ran to the door. The weather had dropped a lot since the sun had disappeared below the mountains, but it wasn't really cold.
"Crispin!" She yelled in the direction of the forest. "Dinnertime!" After a few seconds, she heard a whistle, meaning he heard.
Then before going back to the house, Faith looked once more at the castle. Even in the dark sky, the flickering glow of the lanterns cast an eerie luminescence on its stone walls, revealing just enough of its high towers and arched windows to ignite her imagination. Shadows danced around the edges, and she could almost see figures behind the glass, holding secrets just out of sight.
Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over her. As if someone's gaze was boring into her from the depths of the trees. She spun around, breath caught in her throat. Only to be met with nothing but the whispering wind. Yet, after standing completely still, she could've sworn she glimpsed a figure melting back into the blackness of the night.
Just as unease began to settle in her chest, her mother's voice broke through the veil of the moment, reminding her of her task. "Faith! Come back inside for dinner!"
"Oh right-" She rushed back, ignoring her thumping heart. It was probably nothing. "Coming!"
Yay. Chapter 1 completed... lol
Please tell me if there're any typos, cuz I lose track 24/7-
