It was the first day of December. The temperature was particularly low and the streets were completely covered in snow. Your mother had wrapped herself in her coat, leaning with one hand on the enormous desk with a geographical map covering its surface, while she sighed, still shocked by what had happened just before.

Elise: The entire area is under the power of the mercenaries. It's impossible to cross the border without someone getting in your way. Therefore, you will be escorted by one of our best knights, Ellie.

Still shocked, you brought a hand to your face, cupping the tip of your nose between your fingers as you nodded slowly. That night you had packed your bags, taking the bare minimum with you. Your mother would meet you at the border followed by other carriages, but the first to leave would be you, Ellie and some high-ranking gentlemen who knew the area perfectly. You rushed down the stairs. The storm had increased and you had to hurry before the weather got worse. Once you arrived outside, you found yourself waiting for Ellie. She looked serious and had her arms crossed in front as she gracefully held out her hand to help you up. During the entire journey, neither of them spoke. You were squeezed onto the left side of the carriage and had your hands resting elegantly on your lap as you tried to control your anxiety and especially the cold. Ellie turned to look at you out of the corner of her eye, releasing a soft sigh. She took her jacket off her shoulders, and you looked at her with soft eyes, surprised by her gesture.

Ellie: You should have dressed appropriately, m'lady.

She murmured in a gentle tone, her low voice vibrating in her chest as she placed the jacket over your shoulders. You looked at her from under your dark lashes, clutching your jacket with your fingers, around you.

Ellie: crossing the border is crazy. But I never thought you were like the others.

She said again, her emerald green eyes seeming to burrow into you, as she played with a bunch of keys.