Ten years ago,
Heavy snow blanketed Hage Village, causing blisters to form on their feet as Stella and her mother trudged through the frozen landscape.
"Come now, Stella; hopefully soon we can find some shelter," her mother murmured weakly, their weary journey having spanned days and weeks of relentless running.
"Mama, I'm cold," Stella whimpered, her tiny frame shivering from the biting cold.
"I know, sweetheart. Here, take my Robe," her mother replied, quickly removing her robe to shield her daughter's body already fully clothed but to make sure she was even warmer leaving her own arms exposed and body exposed to the snow. Wrapping Stella tightly in the robe, she lifted her up and held her close, their bond a source of warmth in the icy wilderness.
As they pressed on, the snowfall intensified, distorting their vision and making each step a herculean effort. Yet, a distant glow beckoned them forward, growing brighter with every labored stride. Determined, Stella's mother hastened her pace, clutching her daughter tightly to her chest.
Drawing closer, they finally reached a small church emanating light, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. A faint smile graced Stella's mother's face as they approached the front door.
"Help, please!," she called out, though her voice barely carried above the howling wind. Knocking on the door with all her strength, she struggled to be heard, her body succumbing to the frigid cold.
With a muffled thud, mother and daughter collapsed into the snow, their strength drained by the unforgiving elements. As Stella shook in her mother's embrace, the little girl, her teeth chattering, whispered, "Mama..."
...
As Oris rummaged through the storage checking the food supply, he asked Sister Lily, "Are all the children asleep?"
"Yes, everyone's sound asleep," Sister Lilly replied with a chuckle. "Especially Asta, who's dreaming about becoming the wizard king."
Looking out the window at the howling snowstorm, Oris murmured, "I hope this snowstorm lets up soon."
"I hope so too," Sister Lilly agreed. "Do you think we have enough food for the winter?"
"Thanks to Yuno delivering the letter to the mayor, we should be fine," Oris replied, his thoughts drifting to the risks Yuno and Asta had taken.
"At least the boys are safe now and alive," Sister Lilly said reassuringly.
Oris's voice trembled with emotion as he admitted, "I can't bear to think of what might have happened if they didn't make it."
"Let's not dwell on that now," Sister Lilly suggested. "It's late. Get some rest. You've had a long day."
"I will. You too, Sister," Oris said kindly. "I'll double-check to make sure everything is secure before heading to bed."
"Goodnight," Sister Lilly bid him farewell.
"Goodnight," Oris replied, his heart heavy with gratitude for the safety of the children.
...
Sister Lily silently searched each room in the church, her footsteps echoing through the empty halls. She hesitated before finally approaching the entrance to the sanctuary, where a chill seemed to linger despite the closed she neared the front door, a faint rattling sound disturbed the silence, prompting her to investigate. Opening the door cautiously, she was met with a small, trembling figure huddled in the snow.
"Please save my mama," the little girl cried out desperately.
Sister Lily's heart clenched as she saw a woman sprawled on the ground, her body battered and frostbitten. Without hesitation, she called out for Father Oris, urgency heavy in her voice.
"Father, come quick!" She shouted, her eyes wide with alarm.
Father Oris rushed to the scene, his expression grave as he assessed the situation. With a determined nod, he motioned to take the woman inside for urgent care, while Sister Lily guided the frightened child into the safety of the church, shutting the door behind them.
"Let's be careful not to disturb the other children," Father Oris murmured softly as he laid the woman on a bed, her breathing labored.
Meanwhile, the little girl nestled into Sister Lily's arms, her forehead burning with fever. Sister Lily whispered, soothingly placing the child down on a second bed . "Here, let me tend to the child. You go help the women, he said After having placed the women down, he went to retrieve a bowl with water and cloth.
"Water recovery magic, Sister Lily said as she attended to the women. casting a gentle blue glow that enveloped the injured woman, coaxing her back to consciousness.
As Father Oris tended to the child's fever, Sister Lily noticed the severity of the woman's wounds. The realization of the brutal attack weighed heavily on them, uncertainty clouding their efforts to heal her injuries, worsened by the frostbite on her limbs.
"How is she?" Father Oris inquired, concern etched on his face.
"Not well. I'll do what I can to stabilize her. And the little girl?" Sister Lily replied, her voice tinged with worry.
The child, wrapped in layers of clothing, appeared unharmed, a testament to the mother's protection amidst danger. as he was removing them to help ease the chills she was getting from her fever.
Luckily, Sister Lily was able to stabilize the woman's wounds , Sister Lily turned her attention to easing the child's fever. However, the woman's weakened voice interrupted their efforts, "Stella...?"
Oris turned his attention sharply and rushed to her bedside. "I'm so glad to see you awake," he said, his warm smile cutting through the tension in the room. "Stella, your daughter, she's alright," he says.
Though the sound tunneled, hearing those words brought a weak smile to her face. "I'm glad"
Her eyes slowly lifted to meet his, pleading silently for help. "Please, Miss, can you tell us your name? Who did this to you?" He pressed, his voice filled with urgency.
Her frail voice, barely audible, managed to utter, "They wanted our magic," before she was overcome by a fit of coughing.
Sister Lilly rushed by her bedside. "I will keep trying to heal her," Sister Lily declared, her determination unwavering as Stella, the little girl, remained in stable condition.
She slowly turned her gaze towards Sister lily "Promise me, no matter what, that you'll protect her. No matter who comes," she coughed, her eyes filled with desperation. "Promise me you'll protect Stel..." Her hand reached out towards her daughter, but it fell weakly before it could fully reach for her
Pleading for their promise to safeguard her precious daughter, Stella. In the midst of using her restorative magic, the woman's fragile form succumbed to her injuries, leaving a poignant silence in the room. Sister Lily felt tears welling in her eyes as she made a solemn vow.
"We will protect her, I promise," she whispered, holding her hand close to her heart..