Chapter 3 — Don’t cry, snowman<h4></h4>


    <h4 ss="paragraph"><span ss="userText">[Nivalis Silverfrost]</h4>


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis Silverfrost possessed a beauty that could steal anyone''s breath away. She looked as if she came from a different world, one filled with wonder and enchantment and not this one, filled with suffering and misery. Her hair, which flowed like liquid silver, cascaded down to her waist in shimmering strands that seemed to capture the very essence of moonlight itself. Her skin, as pale as freshly fallen snow, seemed to glow in contrast to the dark times that surrounded her.


    <span ss="userText">A delicate and lovely fragrance surrounded her, like the scent of a mountain meadow kissed by the morning dew. It was her natural aroma, tinged with hints of forest pine and wildflowers, a reminder of her deep connection to the woods and nature itself, something that ran through her very veins.


    <span ss="aiText">But perhaps the most striking feature of Nivalis was her eyes. <span ss="userText">They were a unique shade of blue, just like her mother''s, as deep as the ocean but sparkling with shining specks that danced in the light. They held so much emotion and intensity that it was as though you could peer into her very soul just by looking into them.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis belonged to the elves, a magical and mystical race known for their long lives and their bond with nature. And long ears, of course. They were a proud and noble group, and Nivalis was the heir to their kingdom.


    <span ss="userText">With her pure bloodline, she was destined for something great. She was meant to inherit a throne that had been around for thousands of years. Yet, here she was, living in a small human vige, in a poor wooden house that she tried her best to maintain, all hidden in the middle of nowhere.


    <span ss="userText">As the rays of sun bathed the world in a gentle, golden embrace, Nivalis found herself captivated by the beauty outside her window. The hills, nketed in snow, sparkled like a sea of diamonds. Her icy blue eyes, as bright as sapphires, absorbed the breathtaking scene. Yet, despite the enchanting vista, her heart remained heavy, weighed down by memories of the past.


    <span ss="userText">Once upon a time, in what felt like a different life, but on elven timespan, it was just a brief moment ago, Nivalis had reigned as a princess, the rightful heiress to the revered Elven Kingdom of Astralwyn. A kingdom where the melodiousughter of the woond inhabitants and the whispering leaves of the ancient forest were the only sounds that graced the air. A kingdom where the elves lived in perfect harmony with the mystical forces of nature.


    <span ss="userText">It was home.


    <span ss="userText">Now, though, her home was no more. It had been destroyed by the greed and ambition of humanity, reduced to ashes and rubble. Her family, her friends, her people... all gone.


    <span ss="userText">That harmonious existence had shattered like fragile ss when the relentless tide of humanity swept across their borders. In the span of mere months, the mighty human army of the Northern Empire Stormhaven had ruthlessly broken through the enchanted defenses of Astralwyn, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Fearless warriors of a Stormhaven are well known for their strength and tenacity, and the elves had no chance against their attack.


    <span ss="userText">On that fateful day when the walls of her beloved homnd fell, Nivalis lost everything. Her parents, her people, and her rightful ce were reduced to nothing but ash and dust.


    <span ss="aiText">Her kingdom, her very identity, was shattered beyond repair.


    <span ss="aiText">She had witnessed the death and destruction firsthand. She had seen the horror, the suffering, and the despair. She had heard the screams and cries of those who perished, their lives extinguished in an instant.


    <span ss="userText">Elven warriors had fallen like leaves in an autumn gale, and those who survived found themselves shackled by the chains of captivity.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis remembered how the screams of the elves echoed through the halls of their ruined city. Their cries for mercy had fallen upon deaf ears, for the human soldiers were not interested in the pleas of their prisoners.


    <span ss="userText">Princess Nivalis, with her luminous beauty and grace, had be one of the prized captives. Her very existence became a constant reminder of the defeat and humiliation suffered by the elven race. She was now hated<span ss="aiText"> and despised<span ss="editText"> not only by her captivators but<span ss="aiText"> by her people, a <span ss="editText">reminder <span ss="aiText">of the destruction brought about by the human conquerors.


    <span ss="userText">For a while, the people of Stormhaven paraded her through the streets of their biggest cities as a symbol of their victory, reveling in the sight of her despair. They seemed to enjoy seeing her sadness. But over time, they got tired of her, and Nivalis was sent to a remote and very cold corner of the Empire, an isted province on the outskirts of the Stormhaven territory. She was gifted to the mightiest warrior in Sormhaven, Haldor Firefury, and all these years, she lived in a ce where the days were long and the nights even longer. And much more terrifying.


    <span ss="userText">Haldor''s golden eyes, like the scorching heat of the sun, always made Nivalis''s heart race, but not out of love or desire. The mere thought of his rough hands touching her soft skin made her shudder with fear and disgust.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis let out a sigh and pushed away those thoughts. She couldn''t keep thinking about the past. She needed to focus on what is happening in the present.


    <span ss="userText">A gentle wind blew through the window, bringing with it the crisp scent of winter. Nivalis closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, savoring the refreshing aroma.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis gently ced her hands on her round belly, her fingers tracing the gentle curve of her stomach. Inside, her baby kicked, making her smile warmly. Despite the pain and suffering she had endured, Nivalis couldn''t bring herself to regret the pregnancy. It was a small reminder of the happiness and love she used to have, a little light in the darkness around her. Her guiding star.


    <span ss="userText">Speaking of which...


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis kept her eyes on her 5-year-old daughter, Silvia, who was slowly approaching her with a timid expression. She was<span ss="aiText"> the spitting image of her mother, with her flowing silver hair and delicate features, but she inherited her father''s golden eyes<span ss="editText"> and much smaller elven ears<span ss="aiText">, <span ss="userText">a reminder<span ss="aiText"> of her mixed heritage.


    <span ss="userText">— "Hello, sweetie," Nivalis said softly, bending down a bit to greet her child.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia responded with a small smile, her eyes shining with gold, like her father''s. "Hi," she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis returned the smile, her fingers gently running through the girl''s silver hair.


    <span ss="userText">"Mommy, can we go outside to y in the snow?" Silvia asked, gently tugging at her mother''s skirt.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis grinned and yfully messed up her daughter''s hair. "Of course, we can."


    <span ss="aiText">Silvia''s eyes lit up, and she quickly grabbed her mother''s hand, leading her toward the front door. "Let''s go, Mommy! Let''s go!"


    <span ss="aiText">Nivalisughed as her daughter dragged her, her enthusiasm infectious.


    <span ss="userText">As she helped her daughter bundle up, Nivalis couldn''t help but think about how much the world had changed for her. She had gone from being a princess to a prisoner and now a mother, a trophy to a husband who didn''t seem to care about her.


    <span ss="userText">However, no matter how tough things were, she was determined to do whatever it took to protect her daughter. And the baby who would arrive soon.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia''s bright eyes gazed at her expectantly, and Nivalis could see the joy and excitement reflected there.


    <span ss="userText">— "Come on, my little snowke, let''s go build a snowman," Nivalis whispered, leading her daughter out the door.


    <span ss="userText">As they stepped into the snow,<span ss="aiText"> Nivalis''s gaze fell upon the vastndscape. The endless expanse of white was a stark contrast to the darkness of her heart. <span ss="userText">Outside, the winter sun shone brightly, its rays glittering off the nket of fresh snow. The frigid air nipped at their skin, but Nivalis didn''t mind. She got used to the cold. She had to. <span ss="aiText">Nivalis closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh, cold air, letting it fill her lungs. She could feel her spirits lifting, her soul bing lighter.


    <span ss="aiText">For a moment, she could forget about the horrors of her past and enjoy the simple pleasures of the present.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia squealed with delight, her boots crunching through the snow. Her golden eyes sparkled with wonder as she stared up at the vast expanse of blue sky above them. Nivalis gazed at her daughter, her heart swelling with love and pride. She was a ray of sunshine, a bright spot in the dark.


    <span ss="aiText">As the two of them began building a snowman, <span ss="userText">Silvia''sughter filled the air, a sound that warmed Nivalis''s heart and banished her worries, if only for a moment.


    <span ss="aiText">For a moment, everything was perfect.


    <span ss="userText">However, deep inside, Nivalis couldn''t shake off a growing sense of dread. She knew the harsh reality of Stormhaven all too well. She knew what awaited her daughter in a ce like this. She had seen the cruelty and brutality of these people firsthand. She, being a half-elf... The thought of her precious daughter experiencing such suffering tore at her heart.


    <span ss="userText">She needed a n to escape. She had no clue where they could go or how they would survive, but staying was not an option. As she watched Silvia happily shape the snowman, Nivalis felt a surge of determination well up inside her. She would protect her child, no matter what.


    <span ss="userText">She needed to create a n, a good one, gather supplies, and brace herself for the challenging journey ahead. She didn''t know how she would manage it all, but she knew she had to try. Not for herself, but for her.


    <span ss="userText">"Mommy, look! Look at my snowman!" Silvia eximed, her cheeks rosy with excitement.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis crouched down to examine her daughter''s creation. — "It''s absolutely beautiful, sweetie," she said with a warm smile.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia''s eyes sparkled with pride, a smile lighting her features as she exined, "It''s got a carrot for its nose, and I used stones for its eyes and mouth."


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis couldn''t help but chuckle. Even in such a bleak situation, her daughter managed to find the light within. She was a true force of nature, a pure-hearted child.


    <span ss="userText">— "I''m sure the snowman will be very happy," Nivalis replied, ruffling her daughter''s silver hair.


    <span ss="userText">A sudden gust of wind sent a shiver down Nivalis''s spine, and she instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself.


    <span ss="userText">In the doorway stood Haldor, his imposing figure casting a dark shadow. A tempest of anger smoldered in his eyes. He was draped in his usual attire, a worn and tattered dark cloak flowing over his strong, battle-tested shoulders.


    <span ss="userText">His presence was undeniably formidable, like a towering mountain overshadowing Nivalis. His massive frame made her feel small, his muscles visible beneath the rough fabric of his well-worn tunic. Skin bore the rugged texture of a man who had endured countless hours exposed to the harsh elements. Dirt streaks marked his face, mingling with the coarse stubble that covered his square jawline.


    <span ss="userText">The scent of earth and sweat clung to him, a testament to the grueling physicalbor he was ustomed to. Raven-ck hair, tousled and unkempt, framed a stern face. His piercing eyes zed like molten gold, smoldering with an intensity that sent shivers down the spine of anyone who dared to meet his gaze.


    <span ss="aiText">His presence alone was enough to cast a pall of fear over the entire vige. <span ss="userText">He was a warrior, a fighter who had seen a lot of bloodshed and violence. Rough, battle-worn hands revealed his years of training andbat.


    <span ss="userText">As he strode towards them, Nivalis felt her heart leap into her throat. Each step<span ss="aiText"> he took resonated with the pounding of her heart, his heavy boots thudding against the snow.


    <span ss="aiText">Silvia, noticing her father''s arrival, immediately hid behind her mother, grasping the edge of her coat tightly.


    <span ss="userText">As he approached, Nivalis could see the fury written across his scarred face.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis and Silvia knew that look on his face. They knew what wasing, and she dreaded it.


    <span ss="userText">"What is the meaning of this?" he growled, gesturing towards the carrot sticking out of the snowman''s face.


    <span ss="userText">— "I''m sorry, my love," Nivalis said, attempting her best to calm him. "It was just a silly thing that we''ve made..."


    <span ss="userText">"Silly?" Haldor spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You dare defile the sacred rites of our ancestors by spoiling the food?"


    <span ss="userText">He grabbed her arm roughly and forcefully, his fingers digging into her skin. "Do you even realize what you''ve done? You''ve disgraced us all."


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis winced as her husband''s grip tightened. She could feel the anger and betrayal in his gaze; she had no idea what was wrong with it, but it didn''t matter.


    <span ss="userText">— "I am sorry," she mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest. "It was a mistake."


    <span ss="userText">"A mistake? A mistake is spilling your drink, not ruining a sacred tradition!" Haldor roared, his face twisted with rage.


    <span ss="aiText">In <span ss="editText">Haldor''s <span ss="aiText">culture, it was a great sin to waste food. They believed that every drop of water, every scrap of bread, was precious and should not be wasted.<span ss="userText"> In the unforgiving cold of their environment, hunger was a constantpanion, a shadow that lurked in every corner of daily life. Every meal was a precious gift, a lifeline in and where nature''s cruelty could be unforgiving.


    <span ss="aiText">And now, here they were, standing in the snow, staring at a carrot sticking out of a snowman''s face.


    <span ss="userText">Before she could react, her husband mmed his fist into her face, sending her tumbling to the ground. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth, and her vision blurred.


    <span ss="userText">"Please," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. "Please, don''t hurt me."


    <span ss="userText">Haldor''s eyes narrowed as he gazed at his wife, her face bloodied and bruised. He clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening with the effort.


    <span ss="userText">"Don''t hurt her!" the girl cried, her golden eyes filled with tears.


    <span ss="userText">Haldor froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.


    <span ss="userText">"Who allowed you to speak, brat?" he yelled, his voice rising to a roar.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia''s lower lip trembled, but she didn''t back down. She took a step towards her father, her tiny hands balled into fists.


    <span ss="userText">"I won''t let you hurt my mommy," she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    <span ss="userText">Haldor''s face darkened, and he turned to his wife.


    <span ss="userText">"This is all your fault," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.


    <span ss="userText">"You''ve poisoned this child with your foolishness and disobedience," he hissed.


    <span ss="userText">A moment of silence appeared as Nivalis had no idea what to say. Once Haldor understood that she''d remain silent, he spoke.


    <span ss="userText">"I''m going on a hunting trip, and I expect you to have rid yourself of that cursed snowman," Haldor said, his voice thick with anger.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis could feel his gaze burning into her.


    <span ss="userText">"I understand," she replied, struggling to keep her voice steady.


    <span ss="userText">Haldor changed into his warm fur attire and retrieved his longbow from the barn. His fingers ran over the polished wood, a bow he had meticulously crafted from the trunk of an ancient elven oak tree. It had taken him months toplete, and he took great pride in his work.


    <span ss="userText">As he slipped the quiver over his shoulder, a sense of anticipation welled up within him. The winter woods were always treacherous, and the prey he sought was no ordinary game.


    <span ss="userText">The sun hung in the sky as Haldor ventured into the forest, his footsteps echoing on the icy ground.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis watched him finally go, then stood up and said to her daughter, "Silvia, please go inside and wash your hands. I need to take care of something."


    <span ss="userText">The little girl nodded and disappeared inside. Nivalis couldn''t help but notice the sadness in her daughter''s eyes.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis swiftly dismantled the snowman, removing the carrot nose and stones from its face.<span ss="aiText"> She felt a pang of regret as she destroyed the joyous creation that had brought her<span ss="editText"> daughter<span ss="aiText"> so much <span ss="editText">joy<span ss="aiText">, but she knew she had no choice.<span ss="userText"> As she worked, her mind raced with thoughts of escape. She knew they needed a n — a way out of this life of fear and cruelty.


    <span ss="userText">"I can''t keep living like this," she thought, her heart heavy. "I have to do something."


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis stepped through the front door of her house, tired. Her round belly takes a toll on her every move. The chill of winter clung to her clothes as she closed the front door of the house, but a warm feeling blossomed in her heart as she found her daughter, Silvia, seated by the window. Silvia''s eyes were fixed on the snow-covered hills that stretched beyond the window.


    <span ss="userText">Kneeling beside her daughter, Nivalis gently wrapped her loving arms around Silvia, pulling her close. She spoke softly, her voice trembling with emotion — "It''s going to be alright, my dear."


    <span ss="userText">Silvia, feeling her mother''s embrace, took a moment of silence but eventually whispered back, "I love you, Mommy," as she leaned into Nivalis''sforting presence.


    <span ss="userText">Tears welled up in Nivalis''s eyes, and she replied, — "I love you, too, my little Silvia," her voice quivering with tenderness. She held her daughter even closer as if trying to shield her from the harsh reality that surrounded them.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis held her daughter even tighter, her voice unwavering and filled with conviction as she reassured Silvia, — "We''ll find a way out of this, I promise." Her words may have seemed as fragile as a delicate butterfly in the wind, but her determination to protect her daughter was unbreakable.


    <span ss="userText">In that tender moment, as mother and daughter clung to each other, an unspoken understanding passed between them as if the world outside had ceased to exist, and all that mattered was the love that they shared.


    <span ss="userText">— "Are you hungry, little one?" Nivalis asked gently, brushing a strand of hair from Silvia''s face.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia nodded, her young eyes reflecting a profound sadness that seemed beyond her years, and fear of the previous event still clung to her like a persistent shadow, refusing to let go.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis smiled warmly and said, — "I''m going to make you some soup. How does that sound?"


    <span ss="userText">"Yes, please," Silvia replied, her voice barely more than a whisper, but gratitude filled her heart.


    <span ss="userText">As Nivalis began to prepare theforting meal of soup, her hands moved with a sense of purpose. Each ingredient was carefully selected, and every step was taken with love. The simmering pot on the stove filled the air with a warm and inviting aroma, and she felt a renewed sense of determination coursing through her. She would protect her daughter, no matter what.


    <span ss="userText">And perhaps, if they were lucky, they would find a way to escape this terrible ce.