Chapter Cornelia: Crescent Sun

Exiled Snow - Lilliput Steps

"Serafina, lass, come here, quickly." my mother yearned for me as soon as she saw my shadow. I dashed towards her, embracing her upon contact.

"Whatever is the matter, Mother?" I asked, slightly tilting my head sideways whilst still having my arms around her.

"Serafina..." my Father, sitting quietly at the throne, looks more than stressed. "It's, err... Very difficult to explain this to you lass, but..."

"You have to go with Marseth and Roshea and get out of here, right away."

Ah? Am I hearing things? Did I just hear Father give me permission to go to the outside world?

Initially, I felt exhilarated, and yet...

"R-Really? Right now? But I haven't even—"

"Serafina!" my Mother cut my words, embracing me tighter as her voice cracked. I... I can feel the tears falling from her cheeks...

Sensing the sorrow spiralling around Mother's voice, the unpleasant mood emanating in the air struck me...

"What's...going on here...?" I began to question the grim atmosphere hurdling around the throne room.

Why is everyone looking at me with a frowning face? Why are my parents' main weapons laying on their side? Why won't Mother free me from her tight embrace...?

"Lass..." it didn't take my Father long enough to join my Mother in gripping his arms around us. "You know of Edfaust, the Kingdom of Earth, yes?"

"The northern kingdom? What of it?" I asked as their tight hugs are almost squeezing me to death.

"We don't have the luxury to stay idle here, but... They... They ambushed our borders." Father laid the unfortunate news to me. "We're still unaware of their motives for attacking us, yet judging from the pace their armies are moving, I hold no doubt that they won't stop lest the whole kingdom is in shambles."

"From where did they attack?" I asked with a trembling voice.

"Northwest of here..." Mother answered. That's where Marseth and Roshea came from. Is that why they're here already?