Winter in Pherae. The air was crisp and cold, and all the windows were blurry with fog. Few dared to venture out in the blizzard the day before, so come morning all I could see were vast blankets of freshly-fallen, untouched, sparkling snow.

Milord Hector and Lady Lilina were staying over for the week to attend Mother's funeral. Why she died I do not know; my father would not tell me. Yet...some part of me thought he just didn't want to believe it. But I knew deep inside...that she was truly gone.

"Roy? Are you in there?"

It was Father. "Yeah, I'm coming out soon," I answered, quickly throwing some clothes on and getting ready. Then I opened the door a crack, peering into the hallway.

"Looks like someone's stayed up too late last night," Father said, his arms crossed over his chest.

"I wasn't sleepy. I was just...contemplating."

His look changed to one of concern. "Are you feeling alright?"

"As right as I'll ever be. Shall we go for breakfast now?" I asked, changing the subject.

Father smiled a little. "Yes, lets..."

We walked downstairs, father and son, to the dining room.

"Roy!"

I hesitated. "...Lilina?"

She nodded, smiling. "That's my name. Where were you all morning?"

Sleeping, I thought to myself, did not say aloud, but instead: "I was, uh, reading up on some things."

"That's your big excuse? What would you expect me to do while you 'read up on some things'?" Her eyes were bright, but I could detect a slight tone of annoyance in her tone.

"Lilina!" Lord Hector reprimanded her. It was then that I should have realized Milord hadn't told her about Mother's death. But then why was she here? It didn't make sense.

"I was reading up on...things we could do together this week, like ice-fishing, or sledding, or maybe even snowman-building!" I finished smoothly, through my face slightly reddened.

Her face lit up. "Really? That sounds fun, but let's try something else too," she added, "like...why don't you teach me how to skate?"

"...Huh?" I certainly hadn't expected this. "Um...well...I'm just a beginner, and the ice isn't very thick..."

"No excuses! Come on, it'll be fun! And besides, winter's only just started. What with the snow and cold last night, I'm sure the ice must be safe enough now for skating."

I could see where her reasoning came from, but still couldn't understand the point of her logic. Oh, well. "S-sure, I'd love to," I said.

Father gave me a questioning look. "It'll be fine," I whispered out of the corner of my mouth as I ate some more. "Don't worry about it."

Oh, I worry all right, the look in his eyes told me, but he merely nodded. "Have fun, then."

I noticed Father and Lord Hector exchanging glances. Father seemed a little confused, and Lord Hector looked embarrassed. Right away I could tell that they'd probably have a little talk later.

"I'm finished breakfast. May I be excused?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable.

"I'm done too," Lilina chimed in.

Father nodded. "Sure. Make sure you don't go far. Come back for lunch, okay?"

"Yes, Father. Thank you," I replied, then turned to Lilina. "Let's go."

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What did you think of Chapter I? More to come.