Snowland Ballad[]
This is a story circulating in Northland, though no one knows if it's true, but a minstrel wandering the Northland collected it in an anthology... Two blond Aurorian orphans from parts unknown met in a Northland village and form a solid bond through mutual aid and acceptance. In addition, we will also get a glimpse into the daily life of Northland Aurorians in the story.
Introduction[]
Another newcomer arrived in the village, and Martha's unusual behavior made it clear to Dorothy that the visitor came specifically for Martha, but Martha refused to tell Dorothy the truth.
Volume IX: Strange Visitor[]
Dorothy realized the village had a new guest when she helped some villagers haul firewood. An unfamiliar Aurorian with dark hair exited the elder's dwelling and went into the repaired old house. When Dorothy left the house, she spotted Martha mending Cruz's garment by the fireplace when she would ordinarily be out hunting long before then. Martha was gone when Dorothy got back. Cruz pointed to the neighboring house when his sister asked where did the blonde go.
The dark-haired Aurorian came for Martha, Dorothy was certain.
At lunch, Dorothy wanted to know about the dark-haired Aurorian, but she underestimated how resistant Martha can be.
Martha remained silent throughout Dorothy's pressing inquiries before merely admitting the Aurorian is "a friend".
Dorothy wasn't satisfied with the response. She was dying to know the Aurorian's origin, intent, and any potential threat to Martha.
"Just a friend," Martha calmly dismissed her questions.
A disappointed Dorothy dropped the issue.
The trio ate in silence, until the alarm bell tolled outside.
Martha was the first to get up and open the door.
Villagers crowded the town square, some cursing out loud, some weeping, some whispering to each other. Dorothy heard the commotion and followed Martha out the door.
Dorothy's expression turned to shock when she realized what the villagers were discussing.
Eclipsites. The villagers said signs of Eclipsites were spotted in the vicinity.