Ashes

Arch III. The Longest Road. Prologue. Awakening

Somewhere in the mountains of the continent of Veniara lies the small village - Florael. An atmosphere of peace and harmony reigns here. In the spring, many bright and exotic flowers bloom here, creating flower carpets. The aromas of flowers fill the air, attracting butterflies and bees.

On the shore of a crystal clear stream, cozy houses with green roofs, made of wood and stone, are located, which harmoniously fit into the natural landscape. The inhabitants of Florael live in harmony with nature, caring for it and protecting its beauty.

In the center of the village there is a small market where locals offer their handicrafts, herbs and flowers to the merchants who visit the town. And in the evenings, locals gather around a large bonfire, sharing their stories and songs. Florael is a place where nature and people live in unity, and each day brings new wonders and discoveries.

That morning, as the snowflakes slowly fell from the sky, covering the land with a soft white blanket, something strange happened in Florael. As the villagers, dressed in warm shawls, left their homes to resume their usual activities, Ean, a young writer, noticed something unusual. At the edge of the forest, they saw a strange snowdrift. As he approached, it was clear that it was a girl.

"What is this?" the boy exclaimed, trying to attract the attention of the others.

Several more villagers approached the boy's cry. On the ground, surrounded by a blanket of snow, lay a girl with short purple hair. The girl's face was pale, and she showed no signs of life.

"She needs to be taken to the village," said the Elder, examining the stranger. "She is in danger."

They carefully picked up the girl and, wrapping her in a warm blanket, carried her to one of the empty houses, where no one had lived for many years. On the way to the village, the snow crunched underfoot, and the sounds of winter nature were heard around.

Abby slowly came to consciousness, as if waking from a deep slumber. The first thing she felt was warmth, enveloping her like a soft blanket. Gradually, the silence around her began to dissipate, and sounds began to reach her: the crackling of wood in the fireplace and the quiet whispers of strangers.

She opened her eyes and saw a soft light filling the room. The walls were made of light wood, decorated with green branches and bright flowers that even in winter retained their beauty. Abby tried to sit up, but her body was still weak.

"Careful, don't rush," a quiet voice was heard. The Elder, dressed in a warm cloak, sat next to her.

"Where am I?" she asked, barely audible. Her voice sounded hoarse, as if she hadn't spoken for a long time.

"In Florael," he answered with a kind smile. "We found you in the snow. You were unconscious, and we brought you to our village. Don't be afraid, you're safe."

Abby tried to remember how she had ended up here, but her thoughts were clouded. She felt tired, but at the same time, her heart was warm.

"Thank you," she whispered, realizing that these strangers had saved her life. "I... I don't even know how to thank you."

"All you need is to rest and recuperate," the Elder said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "We'll be there if you need anything."

Rising from his chair, he hurried out of the house, so the girl could be alone. Abby closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax. She didn't need to be afraid. Here in Florael, for the first time, she felt at home.

-----

On the other side of the continent, in the forest, there was a Church, built long ago by a young boy who had lost everything. The place was shrouded in deathly silence, and only a light breeze rustled among the coniferous trees. The forest around was thick and gloomy, like sentinels guarding this place. Their branches, hung with snow caps, bent to the ground under the weight of the snow. Snow crunched underfoot, covering the ground, giving it softness. The Church, built of dark stone, fit into the surrounding nature. A snow shroud adorned its roof, and the windows, framed with carvings, emitted light from the candles that burned in one of the rooms.