Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 1

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away—nestled between Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Russia—there existed a quaint village named Snejotep Haven. It was a curious name, indeed, for "Snejotep" translates to "snow-warmth." This village was uniquely blessed, as it was said to be the only place in the world where cold and heat coexisted in perfect harmony.

This tale unfolds during the 1500s and 1600s, a time when travel was scarce, and exploration beyond one's homeland was a rarity. Knowledge of distant climates was limited, but the villagers held a deep belief that their land was special. They attributed this notion to two extraordinary sisters who resided in the celestial expanse above, where clouds danced like silken ribbons and sunlight shimmered in golden hues.

These sisters were known as Mother Rosamund and Mother Carmilla. Long ago, they had been ordinary women—spinsters who had never married. One sister was unable to bear children, while the other had tragically lost her only two to scarlet fever. Despite their heartache, their love for children was boundless. One fateful day, a terrible blizzard struck Snejotep Haven, causing many children to lose their way home from school. In a selfless act of bravery, the sisters ventured into the bitter cold to rescue as many children as they could. For every child they found, they sacrificed a piece of their own clothing to keep them warm on the journey back. In the end, they saved every child, but their noble sacrifice cost them their lives to hypothermia.

Moved by their selflessness, the Holy Lord above granted them not only a new life in the heavens but also immortality and dominion over the lands they once called home.

Mother Rosamund was given dominion over the North, tasked with ushering in Winter and Fall. She froze the land to allow plants and animals to rest from their toil, creating soft, beautiful snowflakes that floated like downy feathers and summoning winds that danced like playful spirits. She blessed the homes and hearths of the villagers, ensuring they remained warm throughout the season.

In contrast, Mother Carmilla ruled over the South, responsible for bringing forth Summer and Spring. She awakened the land from its long, cold slumber, coaxing gentle rains and bright sunshine to nurture blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and singing birds. She blessed the villagers' farms and gardens, ensuring bountiful harvests and healthy livestock.

Though the sisters were as different as night and day, they were as close as two peas in a pod. For many years, they found joy in their divine roles, caring for the good people of Snejotep Haven and enjoying each other's company, just as they had on Earth. Yet, like all mothers, they longed for children of their own. Though they never voiced their desires, God sensed their yearning and decided to answer their unspoken prayer.

Long before the sisters were born, God had entrusted a man named Zestial, or Lord Zesrial, with dominion over death in Snejotep Haven. He was responsible for ensuring that every villager's life ended at the right time and that their souls were guided to the appropriate afterlife. Despite his ominous appearance, he was gentle, patient, and understanding with each soul he took. However, such a weighty task required helpers and messengers, and one in particular should never have been created.

Madame Katia, a cruel and sadistic reaper, found pleasure in ending lives prematurely. One day, she unleashed a devastating avalanche upon a traveling caravan, claiming the lives of nearly all aboard—except for two children, a boy and a girl.

The Lord witnessed her wicked deed and devised a plan for retribution. He ensured that both Mother Rosamund and Mother Carmilla saw the massacre, and when they learned that Madame Katia had used their elements for her evil, they were filled with fury and descended to Earth just as she prepared to strike down the two children.

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The boy and girl stood shivering on the cold ground, fear etched on their faces as Madame Katia loomed over them. The boy, with tousled dark hair and wide, terrified eyes, helped the girl to her feet. She, also dark-haired, looked up at him with a mix of fear and determination. They were alone, lost in the wilderness, desperately seeking any sign of their parents.