The first sensation I feel again is warmth. It surrounds my body comfortingly. I want to sink deeper and deeper into it until it consumes me completely. I am reminded of the humid summers in Landiani. While never the most comfortable in the world, they were especially pleasant at sunset, when the remaining rays of the sun would kiss my skin and fill me with immeasurable coziness. I feel this same sense of calm, and I long to keep my eyes shut and settle into it forever. Outside the world is cold and ice-filled. But here - wherever I am - is safe and warm.

Suddenly, something wet and slimy touches my cheek.

My body begins to wake at the unpleasant sensation. I realize now that there are warm, heavy blankets layered on top of me. I grip the corners of them and try to sink back into sleep once more. Then, the same sliminess attacks my forehead.

I open my eyes, annoyed at whoever is disrupting to me, to find a bundle of white fur in my face. I gasp in surprise as my vision focuses on not a wolf, but a large, fluffy dog standing in front of me. He has pointed ears, a curly tail, and a long pink tongue that is no doubt the assailant that has disrupted my sleep.

At the sight of my waking, the dog wags his tail happily and leans forward to give me a slobbery kiss, this time on the nose. I let out a groan of disgust and try to shift my body away from the creature.

Only then do I finally begin to take notice of my surroundings. Directly behind the dog is a brick fireplace where a warm fire crackles and spits. The heat that radiates from it is soothing, and the scent of freshly burnt wood fills the air. I glance around and upwards, taking better notice of my surroundings. It looks as if I am in a small, wooden cabin, far removed from the harsh winter that threatened to kill me. If this is a Magnuvian prison, it's not a bad one.

I begin to sit up then. As a blanket slips from my shoulder, I'm greeted by cold air, and I realize suddenly that I'm naked underneath. I gasp and hold the blankets close to my body.

The dog lets out a bark that causes me to jolt. I cower from the dog, unsure what it wants. There were friendly dogs that roamed the streets of Tetoa, but Mama never let us have pets, and I always found myself slightly intimidated by them.

In the distance, I can hear the wood creaking as footsteps approach. A deep voice speaks behind me.

"Siku, leave the poor girl alone."

The dog quickly removes his sights from me and walks over the source of the noise. I turn my body slowly, seeing a man enter from the hallway. He looks a decade older than me and is dressed from head to toe in warm winter clothing. He has long dark hair and a finely trimmed beard. I realize in the dim light of the cabin that he is a Kilneu native. My body relaxes some, knowing I was not discovered by Magnuvians, but then my panic increases at the thought of this stranger kidnapping me from the mountain pass.

"Who-who are you?! How did I get here?! What did you do—"

The man holds out his hand. "Relax," he says. He leaves me to walk towards the kitchen situated in the back of the cabin. He rummages through his cupboards and pours something into a cup before returning to me.

I lean back away from him, refusing the drink. I want to run. I try to make a motion to, but my body is too weak to do anything else than slightly sit up a little higher.

"Please calm down," he says again, certainly noticing the fear in my eyes. "I'm not here to hurt you."

"But—"

"I'm sorry that I had to undress you," he says. "Your clothes were soaked, and you were in the beginning stages of hypothermia when I'd found you. It's a miracle you survived with all your fingers and toes intact. Any longer, and you would have been a goner."

"Oh..."

"Here," the man says, handing me the mug. I reach for it carefully and sigh in relief as I feel the warmth from it radiating to my fingertips.

"It's some milk. Should help you warm up. Drink slowly though," he warns.

I nod and take a small sip. It is only then I realize how weak my body is. Just the sip alone is warm and nourishing, and despite wanting to drink the entire mug in one gulp, I limit myself to a few sips before I set the mug down and face the man.

"What happened?" I ask.

The man chuckles. "I would like to know, too. It's not every day a Landiani woman tries to make it up that mountain pass."

I narrow my eyes, still unsure if I trust the man. "You explain your side first."

"Alright, then. I was out hunting with Siku," he says, glancing to the dog who is now curled up in the corner of the cabin. "The summit is a good spot for rabbits. I knew a storm was coming, but it rolled in quicker than expected. We were just preparing to leave when Siku wandered farther out into the storm. I chased after him, and that's when I found you collapsed in the snow, as cold as an icicle. I placed you on the sled, and we raced back here as fast as we could so I could start tending to you. You've been asleep for the past two days. I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever wake."

I take another sip of milk, feeling relieved that this man truly only appears to be a Kilneu resident and not soldier in disguise. As my trust for him increases, I allow myself to calm.

"Thank you," I say. "Truly. I would have died out there otherwise."

The man nods, then looks at me more seriously. "So - what were you doing out there?"

I bite my lip, obviously unwilling to share the entire truth. I lay out a partial one instead.

"I'm unsure. All I know was that I had to leave Landiani. It was no longer safe for me. I didn't realize winter was so close. I was hoping to make it to Kilneu before the first winter storm."

"Perhaps a day earlier, and you might have," the man says with a slight chuckle. "My name is Kesuk."

"Nice to meet you," I say.

"Do you know where we are?"

I shake my head.

"We're just outside of the town of Kilaun."

"So I made it through the mountain pass," I realize.

"Just about," Kesuk confirms. "There aren't too many travelers out here, save for soldiers. For a while, it was peaceful and quiet, but there is a new soldier camp a mile from here that scares off the prey. I've had to go farther to hunt."

I stiffen at the mention of soldiers. I had hoped that the southern areas of Kilneu would be removed enough from the war to not be in contact with them, but it seems I was mistaken.

"You must dislike soldiers, too," Kesuk says, noticing my disapproval.

I glance at him, fearing suddenly he knows my identity.

"Hm?"

"You said Landiani was no longer safe. It must be because of the soldiers, right? I know your country has felt nothing but destruction since the death of the king," Kesuk explains.

I let out a deep breath. "Yes," I say.

"Well, that makes two of us. Now, do you have any warm clothes?"

"I had hoped the clothes on my back were suitable, but judging by the way the hike through the pass went..."

"Those clothes would not have kept you warm in most regions of Kilneu," Kesuk says. "I'll have to go into town today to get some warmer clothes and supplies for you."

I immediately shake my head. "There's no need. I have no money left and have no way to repay you. Thank you for caring for me these past few days, but I can be on my way. You've done enough as it is."

Kesuk frowns. "That won't do. Soldiers will be pursuing you, right?"

"Pardon?"

"Is your name Fetia?" he asks.

My blood goes cold, and I set the mug down slowly. I pull the blankets closer to my body and glance around his house, looking for an escape route. It is a foolish plan, considering I cannot even flee with clothes on my back, but if Kesuk recognizes me, I am done for.

"I have never heard that name—"

"Relax," Kesuk says once more, seeing my panic. "I will not turn you in."

"Really?"

He shakes his head. "I had the feeling you were one of the wanted assassins when I found you. Sure enough, when I was in town buying medical supplies, I recognized your face on one of the posters."

"I cannot thank you enough."

"Why did you come here? Do you have any idea what you're planning to do out here?"

"No," I say honestly. "I suppose I did not think I would get this far. I think I assumed I would die on that mountain."

"Well, I promise to do my best to keep you safe for the time being. But it would be wise to stay in the cabin. I cannot guarantee your safety with any soldiers around. Their guard will be low for now, at least. They won't have assumed you could make it up here, but if any word spreads about a traveler from Landiani being in Kilaun, there's not much I can do to stop a horde of soldiers from arresting you."

"I understand."

Kesuk rises and turns the knob of a closet door on his back wall. He rummages inside before pulling out a large winter coat, far more thick and warm than what I purchased from the shopkeeper in Sura.

"This will have to do for now," he says, handing it to me. "You can use it to cover yourself."

I thank him and grab the coat. He leaves briefly to go to his bedroom and prepare for his trip into town, and I quickly wrap the coat around my body. I am swimming in fabric, but it the coat is warm and covers the entirety of my body, at least.

Kesuk emerges a few moments later in heavy winter clothing. "I won't be gone too long. There is food and water on the table for you. You can watch Siku while I'm gone."

I glance at the large dog and gulp. "I'm not really experienced in taking care of animals—"

"He'll be fine. Won't you, boy?" Kesuk asks, patting the top of the dog's head. Siku gives an enthusiastic bark, causing me to startle.

Kesuk chuckles. "I am sure Siku will be your friend in no time. See you soon."

"Thank you. Take care," I say as Kesuk leaves.

When the front door shuts behind Kesuk, Siku's gaze automatically turns to me. I freeze as the large dog approaches. Siku's large size certainly does not make it easy to grow fond of him.

And yet, Siku's tail wags happily, which must be a good sign. I reach out my hand towards him. He gives it a few sniffs and a small lick.

"Gross," I say, pulling my hand back. I sigh and gain the courage to reach out once more, beginning to stroke his fur. It is thick and soft, and the more I scratch, the more content he seems. He leans his body weight against me and his tail thwacks against my body with each stroke.

"I suppose you aren't that frightening," I murmur.

Siku turns his head towards me and kisses my face once more. I cease my petting and cover my face, wiping his slobber from my cheek.

"You sure like to lick though," I say.

I glance behind me at the kitchen, where Kesuk left me food. My stomach rumbles, and I finally realize how hungry I am. I slowly shove the remaining blankets off of me, pull Kesuk's coat tightly around my body, and try to gather the courage to stand. I rise slowly, finding myself more wobbly than normal. I grasp onto the side of the sofa for support. Siku stands concernedly next to me. Though he cannot voice his thoughts, I am almost sure he is judging me.

"Embarrassing, I know," I say. "You would think I had learned to walk ages ago."

I remain standing for a few moments, making sure I am balanced, and then take my first step. I nearly stumble but manage to catch myself. My legs are weak from the journey, and my body screams in pain. I take small steps, trying to ignore how much my legs tremble underneath me. Siku keeps by my side, walking slowly with me.

After what feels like hours, but can only be a few minutes, I am able to seat myself at the kitchen table. I let out a sigh of relief as I sit. Siku lays down beside me, probably relieved to no longer watch me stumble across the cabin to the kitchen.

On the table is a pitcher of fresh water, a loaf of bread, some freshly-cooked eggs, and seared meat. My mouth waters at the assortment of food. I almost do not know where to begin. After nibbling on nuts and fruit during my journey, this is a meal fit to what I ate in Esterpool.

I start with a glass of water, suddenly realizing how parched I am. I drink down nearly the entire pitcher and then dig into the rest of the meal. The bread is dense but flavorful, the eggs taste just as good as the omelets I've enjoyed back home and in Esterpool, but the meat is the real showstopper. I am unsure which animal it belongs to, but its savory juices melt in my mouth. Siku glances up as I eat, and I cannot help but toss him a spare piece with the way his eyes stare tearfully at me.

As he gobbles down his treat, I stare out at the window beside me, getting my first glimpse of Kilneu. The storm has since passed, and the sun shines brightly. A thick layer of snow coats the outside world, and tall pine trees raise into the sky. I know now firsthand how dangerous winter can be, but I am also learning how beautiful it is too. In the horizon, I can see even more of the Kilneu mountains, and suddenly it sinks in that I am here. I successfully fled Landiani, and, for the time being, I am safe.

After I finish my meal, I relocate back towards the fire, which is still burning strongly. I wrap myself back up in blankets and smile as Siku lays down beside me. I stroke his white fur and listen to him snore as sleep overtakes him.

As I gaze into the fire, I wonder...what are my next steps? I made it to Kilneu, but only barely. It was pure luck that Kesuk managed to find me and even greater luck that he decided not to turn me in to the soldiers. I may have somewhere safe to stay for a little while, but certainly not forever, if not due to the soldiers potentially finding me, because I cannot take advantage of Kesuk's kindness permanently.

My mission remains – to find allies and another way to take down the empire. But how will I be able to do that with soldiers lurking around? I sigh and put my face into my hands. Perhaps it would have been better if I had perished on that mountain. All I have is a half-formed plan, a desire to do something different from my mother and sister, and a need to protect Asteria. As of right now, those motivations alone will not be enough.

I lean back against the couch. Perhaps it is best I focus on my recovery for the time being. Once I gather my strength back, I can consider what my next steps will be. For now, I have made it out of Landiani, away from my mother and sister. That alone is an accomplishment in itself.

I let out a loud yawn and shut my eyes once more, becoming lulled to sleep by the warmth of the fire. My head droops as I catch myself drifting off to sleep.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The sound of the front door opening a little while later wakes me. Siku rises immediately to greet Kesuk at the door. It takes me a few moments to remember my surroundings, but when I do, I turn my head lazily.

"Sorry. That took a little longer than expected," Kesuk says as he enters, brushing snow from his coat. "I think you'll be happy to know you have a visitor."

I blink, unsure what he means. As he steps aside, another man enters in the doorframe, wearing a thick winter coat marked with soldier insignia. Immediately, I tense and brace myself for fleeing. I begin to curse Kesuk for fooling me and making me feel safe.

However, when my eyes gaze upward, meeting the soldier's own, I suddenly feel relief flood through me, and tears come to my eyes as the face of one of my oldest friends greets me.

Lagi.