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[]
Martha made supper for the siblings and from conversing with the younger brother, Cruz, she learned about Dorothy's hang ups. But that's not the point. The point is, it was dark and Dorothy hadn't returned as she should.
Volume V: The Missing Daughter[]
It was another normal day. Other than shoveling snow, the elder found a new chore for Dorothy: herding sheep to graze in the grove. As soon as Martha hauled more lumber and rocks back, she went straight into the kitchen to cook dinner. Leaning on the windowsill, Cruz poked his head out, looked over the new ice blocks on the old house, turned and asked Martha, "Are you moving out, Martha?"
"In another week or two, probably." She sliced potatoes into a hanging pot.
Cruz ran into the kitchen, sat next to Martha, face cupped in hand and stared before finally speaking, "But I don't want you to go." Another pause. "But don't let my sister know I said that."
"Why not?" Martha stirred the pot with a ladle.
"Because she said we shouldn't rely on grown ups... Because they would just abandon us at the end."
The ladle swirled and would occasionally clank against the wall.
"Grown ups always got a lot of things to do. Dorothy said one of those would be more important than taking care of us." Cruz dipped his head, allowing the firepit to warm his cheeks. "But Martha would never abandon us, right?"
"What happened..." Martha fought hard to swallow the question she had in mind, before looking around and wondering, "How come Dorothy is not back yet?"
Cruz raised his head and peered out the window. The sky had darkened, with hail battering the house and cold win howling.
The boy started to panic. "Dorothy... Why isn't Dorothy home yet?"