It is cold and dark. There are whispers of wind through the tall menacing trees. White frosted ground disappears into the skyline as mountains form. The landscape appears empty and barren. As it should this late into the winter, because anything with half a brain is hibernating.
And yet, in the distance something is moving…slowly trudging against the bite of the cold air.
No… not something…
Someone.
The person appears to be a girl, albeit dirty and definitely underdressed for the weather. Donned in a ripped cloak, dark green tunic, calf-length leggings filled with more holes than fabric, and worn brown work boots, she looks worse for wear as she shivers violently. Peering closer, it is easier to see the wild and untamed brown hair, the deep purple bags under her hazel green eyes, the worrying blue tinge to her lips and fingers, and the half-healed scratches all over her freckled face and arms. Every aspect of this girl screams hardship… except for the curious charm hanging around her neck. Shaped like the sun, and colored gold, she is gripping the trinket like it is her last lifeline to this world.
Reaching the base of a small rise, the girl slows to a halt and peers upward, as if dreading the thought of continuing her climb. Sighing deeply, she begins moving with a look of determination in her eyes, as if there is some force pulling her onward.
The screams of those I've left behind…. That is the only thought I can hear over the sound of my harsh breathing as I crawl up the side of a frost-covered hill. Digging my old boots deeper into the hard ground, I let go of my necklace to use my bare hands to pull myself further up until I finally reach the peak.
Feeling proud of my small victory, I stumble towards a nearby tree, my legs shaking from fatigue as I allow myself to lean against it momentarily to catch my breath. Too soon, I push off of the solid trunk and begin my trek yet again, ignoring the ache of overused muscles and the wonderfully welcome idea of stopping to sit down, if only for a minute.
But that is not possible.
I must keep going forward, always forwards. There is no other option. My people are depending upon me to bring the help that we need to survive.
My goal….I must reach the leader….the Queen of Arendelle.