(Six years in the past)

**** Mkarp's POV ***

The sun is burning my eyes.

That's the first thing I realize. The second thing is that everything is hurting, and the third is fact I can hear seagulls and waves, despite the fact my last memory was being in the cabins under the ship. I try to sit up, only for my ribs to practically scream for me to stop, so I flop over again, causing another flash of pain through my body. I crack my eyes open, wondering why I hadn't done that earlier.

A blue sky, hardly any clouds from what I can see, along with seagulls circling me. Huh. Who knew seagulls  would feed off the dead like vultures. Well, they would be getting me. Not yet, at least. I thought, trying to sit up once more. Once again, my body screamed in pain, and I gritted my teeth to fight off a wail. I sat there to catch my breath, and my ribs ached with every breath, but then I heard a soft thud on the sand next to me. I start, scrambling backwards, my eyes wide. Then I blink in surprise.

It's a young girl, as tall as me, with strange bird-like features. Small, grey and blue wings that hadn't quite gained feathers yet, with a bird tail to match. Feathers stuck up behind her ears, but they barely peaked out. It was clear she was young, probably about six or seven by the looks of it. She was also dirty, ripped clothes and cuts and bruises everywhere. "Are you alright?" I blink. Her voice is incredibly high, it reminds me of a chipmunks, if they could speak. "Are you?" She asked, and I shake my head. 

"Can you walk?" She asks, and I hesitate before nodding.

"Alright." The girl says, getting up and giving me a hand. I pause momentarily, before accepting. She puts one of my arms over her shoulders and we begin to hobble towards the town.

*** Winter's POV ***

My father was out of town. Again.

It made sense. He has business, and couldn't bring me along, since I was to small. He promised that when I was older, I'd be allowed to come with him, though. I can't wait. My door creaks open, and my head's whip around to see the baker's child, Caliko. "Winter. Your cookie's are ready." They said timidly. I nod, and hop off my bed and stride towards the door and head away from the room, not bothering to wait for Caliko. I could care less about them as I begin to walk downstairs.

*** ???'s POV ***

And that's the start of our tale. Please, do carry on reading. It'll be fine, I swear. :)