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17 - Burn

Snow

She held the cup of cold fluid in her hands as the drops of humidity wet her fingers. Snow sipped on the glass as the sweet nectar veered down her throat. Her eyes shot open with the sudden surge of sugar in her bloodstream. Snow managed another gulp as she coughed at the unworldly taste.

"What is this?" Snow asked Brida.

It was reaching midday when the wind huffed warm air into the great hall. The guests were already feasting at the banquet, but Snow could not push herself to eat. It was not like her. Snow could make out the smell of charred meat from where she sat. At this rate she would have eaten the whole plate. Brida was observant enough to have noted her hesitation beside the dining table.

"I'm not sure, Milady," The girl shook her head, "The elders saw me pour broth for you and immediately told me to send you this drink instead. I'm not certain what brew it is."

"Well, it's not poison, is it?" She teased as she saw the panic in Brida's eyes.

Snow laughed as she felt her chest grow warm. The sugar was doing her good as the coldness from her fingers receded. Brida, on the other hand, grew pale and fidgety. Snow was about to ask her what's wrong when she immediately dismissed herself. The sudden heat must have had this effect on people.

Snow sniffed the drink and smelled wild berries and citrus. There was a hint of mint and rosemary as she took another sip. The liquid had a subtle tang when it first touched her lips but so quickly replaced with a prominent sweetness. She had to sip small amounts of the fluid just to keep drinking it. She liked it, nonetheless.

"How is our great huntress?" Clara sat beside her with a plate of cheese and bread in her hand. Snow backed away with the sudden stench that filled her nostrils.

"Get that away from me," Snow placed the cup of fluid on her nose to shield the smell of aged cheese. The hint of mint and mixed berry stopped her from getting nauseous.

"What? It's good!" Clara teased. She held out the plate to Snow's direction. She immediately withdrew the action as Clara hungrily consumed her meal. Snow quickly sipped the sweet liquid to stop herself from getting more nauseous.

"Something's wrong with me," Snow said as she gulped.

"Something is always wrong with you," Clara laughed, "Something is always wrong with me."

Without another word, Clara snapped her fingers as a small flame floated above her palm. The flame was as red as the bleeding sunrise. And Snow knew it was one of the harmless and most comforting flames Clara can make. Her flames ranged from a subtle warmth to a scorching blaze. You could see it in the color of the flame. If her hands lit a bright blue, it was to step away.

Snow watched her sister toast the bread with the sunset flame emerging from her fingers. The cheese atop almost melted. No matter how far Clara was from the dining table her food would always be warm.

"I'd love that ability," Snow said as Clara bit into the warm bread. Melted cheese oozed from beside her lips as she grinned.

"Don't worry honey, I'll roast all those smoked meat for you before we head home." Clara replied.

Snow felt a growing ache in her chest as she felt a sudden weight land on her shoulders. It was the last day she'll be with her sisters before they head back home. She basked in Clara's blond hair and soft blushing skin before she looked down at her drink. Tears welled from the corners of her eyes as she took another sip.