Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 21

As they entered the village of Snejotep Haven, Vagatha's breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened in sheer wonder. This was a world she had only glimpsed from the ethereal perspective of a sprite, a realm of vibrant colors and bustling life that now enveloped her in rich sensations. The air was filled with the inviting aromas of baked bread and roasting meats, mingling with the crisp scent of pine from the surrounding woods.

Vagatha paused, taking a moment to absorb the scene before her: quaint cottages with smoke curling from their chimneys, storefronts adorned with cheerful signs, and villagers bustling about, their laughter ringing like music in the cool morning air. It was all so alive, so tangible, and her heart raced with excitement.

"Look—" she began, but before she could finish her thought, she slipped her hand from Anthony's grasp and darted into the street.

"Hey! Wait!" Anthony called, his voice trailing behind her as he tried to keep pace.

Vagatha was already weaving through the crowd, her senses overwhelmed by the vividness of it all. She marveled at the colorful market stalls, each one brimming with fresh goods and handmade crafts, and fragrant herbs. A vendor was displaying chestnuts, their glossy shells glistening in the sunlight, while another called out, offering sweet pastries that made Vagatha's mouth water.

"Can I have one?" she asked the vendor, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Of course, dear!" the vendor replied with a smile. "Enjoy!"

Vagatha took a bite, the crispness and sweetness exploding in her mouth, and she felt a rush of joy. It was a simple pleasure, but in that moment, it felt like magic. She turned to see Anthony catching up, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"You really need to slow down," he said, panting as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Either that or I need to work out more!"

Vagatha, energized by the sweetness of the pastry and the vibrant atmosphere, couldn't resist the urge to explore further. She bolted away from Anthony again, her laughter ringing out as she dashed past stalls filled with colorful fabrics and intricate trinkets.

"Oh not again! Can you at least let me catch my breath first?" Anthony called, his voice tinged with urgency. "Why am I always chasing things that I don't want to chase?"

What was wrong with this woman? She acted like she had never been to a town full of people before.

Anthony scanned the bustling crowd, his heart racing with a mix of concern and frustration. He pushed past villagers, apologizing as he bumped into a burly man carrying a basket of apples, nearly sending the fruit tumbling to the ground. "Sorry! Have you seen a woman with black hair, olive skin, and wearing a fur coat?" he asked, but the man merely grunted and continued on his way.

As he moved deeper into the market, Anthony dodged a group of children playing tag, their laughter echoing in the air. He caught a glimpse of a woman with a basket of flowers, but it wasn't Vagatha. "Where could she have gone?" he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

Just as he was about to give up hope, he noticed a flash of vibrant color atop a nearby building. His heart nearly burst as he squinted against the sunlight, realizing with growing horror that it was Vagatha, standing precariously on the roof of a quaint cottage, her arms outstretched as if she were about to take flight.

"Oh sweet Mary!" he shouted, panic lacing his voice as he rushed toward the building. "Get down from there!"

She turned at the sound of his voice, her face lighting up with delight. "Look at the view! It's amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with wonder as she gazed out over the village, completely oblivious to the danger she was in.