Dark Wings, Dark Words

Fairmarket

Ashanna Stark hissed as the collar of her sweat stained shirt, brushed the sunburn on the back of her neck.

The skin had blistered and began to peel.
And her beloved companions chuckled at her expense.

Larson said that would be the last of the blistering heat. The days would grow colder as winter approached.

Ashanna's wolves were delighted to be reunited with her and playfully chased each other for the remainder of their journey.

When they arrived at an exceptionally thick forest, Ashanna would've sworn she saw Larson breathe a sigh of relief. They continued on the path that led them through the extremely overgrown woodland.

When they past through Ashanna's breath caught in her throat.

Fairmarket.

And it was beautiful.

People raced to and from different cottages, helping each other with daily tasks.

Children played on the outskirts of the village and occasionally ran into each other's cottages.

A group of people were repairing the last of the damages inflicted by the Mountain and his men.

And only a few looked towards Ashanna and her companions.

A pair of moss green eyes captured hers. A girl around her age with long black hair watched her from the ruins of a old hut.

Ashanna watched as the girl whispered to some of the people helping her rebuild it before making her way towards Ashanna.

Cedric and Larson had already started unpacking the cart. Ashanna moved to help them while occasionally glancing at the approaching figure.

Cedric followed her gaze and immediately dropped what he was carrying.

"Da." He whispered as he stared at the girl in shock. Larson whipped his head around to face the girl. His face melted into joy and relief.

Ashanna watched as the father and son sprinted the few feet towards the girl.
The trio hugged, whispering words to each other while joyful tears raced town their cheeks.

After a few minutes Larson and Cedric brought the girl towards Ashanna.

The girl gave her a sweet smile, which Ashanna returned. Ashanna knew Larson would make an introduction but Ashanna already knew who the girl was, just by looking at her.

Mila.

Larson's daughter and Cedric's sister.
She was alive.

Ashanna beamed at her companions. She was delighted for them. Despite the horrors they endured they were together and that's what mattered. Ashanna only hoped that she'd have this moment with her own family soon.

"Ashanna, this is my daughter Mila." Larson said as his smile widened.

Ashanna grinned at him before stretching her hand out to Mila. Her mouth fell open before she took Ashanna's hand and shook it.

"My brother said that you're the She-Wolf the Young Wolf's sister." She said in awe. Ashanna glanced at Cedric, who was smiling smugly at her.

Ashanna nodded to the girl. Mila went to her knees before her.

"It is an honour to meet my King's sister." She said proudly.

"Please stand." Ashanna said softly. Mila stated where she was, a smile tugging her lips.

"Your brother, my King is one of the few reasons I am still alive. I am in debt to your family. The hospitality of Fairmarket is forever yours." Mila said slowly before rising to her feet.

"Thank you." Ashanna whispered.

"May I show you around, Your Grace?" Mila asked brightly as Cedric and Larson returned to emptying the cart.

"Please, call me Ashanna." Ashanna said softly. Mila smiled shyly.

"Ashanna." She nodded as she said the name to herself.