Chapter Text
Freezing. It feels like ice replaced all the bones. That feeling is overwhelming. She can feel some kind of a force on her back, but she can't make much of it. Lungs are burning. Air, air, air. Only water surrounding all senses. How long was she in the water already? Seconds? Days? The small amulet from her parents was long gone, even though she was desperately clutching it in her tiny hand. Strong arms have caught her and pulled out of the water. She could feel distant shouting, someone checking if she's breathing. Warm hands on her body, taking her wet clothes off. Her eyes remained closed. She's alive.
***
- I don't know, she looks Royan, but it's weird a child her age is on the surface. - a steady female voice said.
- Maybe she ran away. I don't know, Rover, what matters is that she's alive and stable, yeah? We'll ask her about everything when she wakes up. - a calm, male voice answered.
The voices woke her up. It wasn't quick and sudden, more like trying to swim in molasses of her own brain. Slowly, her senses came back. She was laying down on something soft. It was warm. No water or wet clothes. What happened? Her eyes opened hesitantly. Everything was blurry, but she could tell this isn't home. Those aren't family. Family...
- Luuk, she's waking up...
The two figures turned to her and stepped closer. The woman kneels down.
- Hey, sweetheart... can you hear me? - she asked, her voice kind and warm. The woman was pale, her golden eyes twinkling from the source of light.
- M... mama... - she creaked softly and the woman's expression fell.
- I'm not your mom, darling. My name is Rover and this - she pointed at the man - is Luuk. We are in Ginnungamere. I found you in the lake.
- Thirsty... - she whispered and the man, Luuk, immediately gave her a glass of water. He was holding the glass for her, as she drank almost everything.
- Do you remember how you got here? - Rover asked.
Her memories were a blur. How did she got here? She could remember home with lush forest and soliskins... She could remember mom and dad... where are they? What happened?
- Soliskins... - she murmured.
- Soliskins? Are you from Bjartr Woods? - Luuk asked and she nodded. - How did you get to the Frostlands?
- Supply train... my dad... worked...
- Your dad worked on the surface? - Rover asked. - And you went with him? Do you know where does he work?
- The port... - she whispered as throat pain became to take over.
- Roya Icebreak Port? Got it, I'll contact them and ask if one of the workers came with a daughter. - Luuk announced and grabbed his terminal. - What is your name, kid?
-...Aemeath.