Eirwen

Snow White

I don't remember much about my birth mother only that she abandoned me. Though I never found myself wondering why. Father was all I had and all I needed, well, all I had apart from dozens of servants and maids at my beck and call in the palace. And her, but I can't think about that particular problem (not now anyway). Father adopted me after I was found on the palace steps on December 21, the first day of winter (I also claim it as my birthday 😊). I used to ask him to tell the story of how I came to be. He would tell it differently every time. I let my thoughts wander as I thought of him. It was only now, a day like today, that I let myself think about him. A day like today that I let myself grieve; even now ten years later on the eve of my birthday. I reached out and touched the grave stone in front of me, tracing the letters that had been engraved there:

Loving Father
Husband
And
Benevolent King

She chose the inscription, but I secretly had "loving father" underlined. He was always my father first, adopted or not, I know he loved me. I let my hands fall and slowly closed my eyes as I thought of him. I imagined him, light creamy skin that contrasted with dark eyes. I remembered how he kept his hair cut low but still allowed his beard to grow, and even that too was kept trim. I loved it though his beard grew scratchy and tickled my cheeks. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a loud ringing. My eyes snapped open and I uttered a curse under my breath, instantly brought back to the present. I quickly stood and dusted myself off trying to gather my wits. "I'm going to be late!" I thought, frantically. "Stepmother is going to kill me!" I picked up my cloak from where I had laid it to serve as a protection from the grass; stepmother hated it when i mucked up my dresses I turned to leave and was about to run for home, but found that my feet were rooted to the spot. I turned to the grave and, as custom, curtseyed before him and then took my leave. My feet raced across the grass and I was careful to avoid anything that would cause damage to my gown. I had almost succeeded when i suddenly found myself sprawled onto the ground.

"Oh my! Are you alright?" I heard a voice ask, sitting up. I looked up and was shocked to see a young man with hair as red as an apple. I knew my hair was peculiar but I'd never seen anything like this before and I couldn't help but stare. "Hello? Miss?" His voice pulled me back to the now, his hand was outstretched so I took it. "Are you alright?" He asked
"Huh? Oh yes quite fine, thank you."
"My names' Red. Its nice to meet your acquaintance miss...?" I hesitated wondering if I should tell him and decided on telling him my nickname.
"Oh yes. My name is Eira." 

"Well then miss Eira, where are you rushing off to?" I hesitated then said,

"To the palace." I stated simply. He started to say something else but I held up a hand to silence him. "I'm sorry to cut our introduction short but I really must be on my way." And with that I turned and continued on to the palace. A place that seemed bright and inviting on the outside, but as I made my way inside a shiver worked its way through my bones and the cold winter air had nothing to do with it. The gates opened for me without question. Almost immediately I was cornered by a beautiful woman. Hair dark as night and skin as light as powder with ruby red lips and dark eyes. 

"Hello step mother." I said letting out a sigh.

"Hello,Eirwen." Her voice sweet but her eyes cold, colder than the wind when it moans, than the freezing air, and colder than the snow I was named after.

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