THE SNOW PRINCE
Jun 30, 2020 9:34:09 GMT -5
Post by themirrorthief on Jun 30, 2020 9:34:09 GMT -5
BY LI Sene
Miri lived in the far north country. She lived alone, her parents had both passed. She should have left their lonely farm but it was her home. She had her dog and the farm animals to care for and she couldn't stand the thought of leaving them. Here was the only home she had ever known.
She did get lonely at times although her chores kept her busy and she wrote letters to her old friends at school. However, her school years seemed so long ago. Sometimes she took the train to the city but she usually didn't stay long. She would shop for movies and books and perhaps a new outfit to wear.
Unfortunately in the area where she lived there wasn't much social life. Occasionally she visited the church where her parents had attended. She didn't enjoy it that much because she wasn't especially religious and most of the friends she had known there had moved on...far away. Besides, she didn't much care for the way some of the men there gawked at her, even the Reverend Holder.
Most days, after tending the farm animals, Miri would sit and gaze out the window at the snow...she loved the white snow. At night she would read by the fireplace and pet her dog Holly and her cat King Tut. They were beautiful animals and gave her much comfort. Miri was twenty two years old and sometimes she had to be honest with herself. She longed for more. But what was a girl to do? She felt trapped because mostly she was afraid to go away. She had low self esteem despite being smart, talented, and very pretty with her bright blue eyes and red hair(with gold strands here and there.)
Miri was usually tired come evening and generally she went to bed early. One particular night she tossed and turned, sometimes half asleep, other times half awake. Then she heard something...a gentle knock on the door? At 3am no less? She waited anxiously until she heard the knock again...softly it came but there it was. She slipped on her house coat and put her father's little pistol in her pocket. Then she went to answer.
Cautiously Miri opened the door just a crack. It was very light outside due to the moonlight on the snow. There was a man there, a very odd looking man. He was incredibly pale and his hair was white as the snow. It was covered in snowflakes and his eyes were a shocking shade of transparent blue. "Please, I'm so sorry to bother you at this hour but might I have a word with you for a minute"?
Against her better judgment, she let him in. He was dressed all in white and seemd half frozen. His frame was thin and his lips had no color. He seemed young to be so white haired. Miri wondered if he might not be an albino. "I have traveled south for many days and need to rest." he half whispered with a humble, hopeful tone to his speech. She immediately found his strange accent adorable.
Miri escorted him to a rocking chair that had belonged to her mother. It was very close to the fireplace. ""I am not cold," he murmured. This seemed odd to her because he looked half frozen and didn't appear to be warmly dressed. He sat in a chair farther away from the fire and sighed. "I am Miri," the girl said, "welcome to my humble home."
"Thank you," the strange man replied. "I am a snow prince and my name is Eadrick.
"A what?" the girl asked.
"I am a snow prince...I come from a place of snow and ice, not exactly human as you know humans. However, I mean no harm to you or yours. I simply thought we might be friends. I have observed you secretly for some time. Would you like a friend?"
Miri felt uncomfortble, the man was obviously unhinged to some degree or other.
Despite that, she liked his smile and row of perfect white teeth. "Do you live nearby"? Miri asked tentatively.
"Not to far as my people measure it. We travel quickly."
"I didn't hear your carriage, surely you are not on foot?" Miri inquired, her curiosity quite stimulated.
"Oh no, I don't have one of those things. My kind simply glide over the snow. Its an ability we have you know. As i said I am not human, at least not in many respects."
"I think you might need help, are you certain you feel at yourself?"
"I'm fine, it is wonderful sitting here talking to you, your beauty is very dazzling."
His voice was very soothing, almost musical...and the accent made her heart beat faster.
They chatted for a few moments before the boy rose. "I have left some of my things outside, give me a moment to fetch them and we'll talk some more. He took his leave but returned in seconds. He carried a small bag on his return but Miri's eyes opened wide at the site of the long curved sword that was fastened to his side. She was glad the little pistol was in her pocket.
"Please don't be alarmed. It's the wolves, one must be able to defend against them. they are hungry and attack very suddenly." Then he sat down again.
His explanation made sense and she relaxed. They wound up talking until dawn, at that point her guest fell fast asleep. Miri went about her chores as usual. However they boy fascinated her. And he was a boy, 19 years old he had told her. The more she looked at him the more handsome he appeared. He had a slight mustache and beard, so fine and white they were almost invisible. She cooked a large breakfast before gently tugging on his shoulder. His startling blue eyes opened wide and he jumped to his feet. He looked quite disturbed and unsure of his surroundings.
"I'm so sorry, I have breakfast for you. I'm sure you must be starved and its almost noon."
He smiled at her and she felt a tremble run down her spine. Then they sat down to eat. he was famished and only glanced away from his steaming plate to smile at her gratefully. Her heart beat faster each time he did that. When he finished his meal, the boy approached her and pressed a coin into her hand. To her amazement, it was a solid gold piece. The girl gasped, "I can't possibly accept this," she protested.
"Please take it, I have more...I had hoped to ask you for a few day's lodging. I will gladly pay and help you with any chores that need doing. You see, I have traveled a long way and have no place to stay...and you are the only person I know. And I can't imagine anyone being better company on these long winter days."
She didn't even give herself time to think about it...something in the sweet way his eyes pleaded with her. "Yes," she said and he took her hand and kissed it lightly.
The days that followed were lovely for Miri, she talked incessantly but the Snow Prince never seemed bored. He smiled at her often and was a great help with feeding the animals and many other things that needed doing around a farm. It all seemed so crazy but she couldnt recall a time when she had felt so happy. Then one day they took a walk, a fence barred the way but Miri began to climb over like she had done a thousand times before. However, it was slick with ice and she lost her grip. Falling backwards, she prepared herself for a hard landing but instead two strong arms gathered her in. Her arms impulsively went around the boy's neck and he held her very tightly and securely indeed.
Her head was pressed against his chest and she could hear his heart beating feverishly. She wished that he would kiss her but he didn't. He released her and said, "You must be more careful, what if I hadn't been here? Its not good for a girl living way out here alone."
"I've heard that one before," MIri replied, feeling a little frustrated and red faced. "Perhaps we had better go in, I can feel a big snow coming in and we'd better gather some extra firewood."
Eadrick, is tone subdued said "I will take care of it, go on in, you look chilled."
Miri agreed, she was feeling a bit tired.
In the days following Miri felt more and more tired. She had become sick and eventually could barely climb from her bed. Eadrick was always there to help and he took care of everything that had to be done. Miri was so grateful for him but at the same time she felt guilty for depending on him so much, and she feared he might take his leave for she held no bonds on him. However, he always seemed so cheerful and willing and the look in his eyes betrayed his concern. He read to her and his voice sounded so soulful and deep.
Despite the best Eadrick could do Miri continued to grow weaker. Sometimes she ached and at other times she cried. She wished her mother were alive to tend to her but she was glad she was not alone. Then one freezing winter day Miri heard the words that she dreaded so horribly.
"I must go," Eadrick whispered to her whilst holding her hand. Tears came instantly to the girl's eyes but Eadrick quickly explained. "My people have medicine that will restore you to health, however its a long journey and I must leave right away in order that I might return...in time."
Those last words he said almost in a whisper. "You wouldn't leave me forever would you Eadrick, the girl whispered. "Not in a million years because I love you," he replied before leaning in and gently kissing her lips. He remained there, hold her hand until she fell asleep.
When Miri woke she felt slightly stronger but Eadrick was gone. She wondered if he had really ever been there with her. Perhaps it was all just another fever induced dream. she fell back into her bed and cried herself back to sleep.
The next few days were a nightmare for Miri, mostly she slept but occasionally she woke to feel worse and worse. There were food and water by her bed but she had no appetite. At last she resigned herself to death and lay still, staring out her window, the one with the curtain opoened slightly. the snow was beautiful but it mostly reminded her of Eadrick. Then she would cry again. Her suffering increased by the hour. At last she wished that death would come and end this pain. Eventually she felt to weak to even cry and her eyes stared away into nothingness.
Then she dreamed about Eadrick, he came to her and whispered that all would be well. Then he pressed a vessel against her lips and she tasted something very sweet. She took a long swallow and fell into a deep, restful sleep..
When she finally woke, Miri felt stronger. And she felt a gentle touch on her forehead.
"Aw, my angel is better this morning, but you must take more of this medicine."
At first Miri thought it was yet another dream but this time it was to real. Strong hands lifted her head and pressed the vessel against her lips. She drank deeply and felt a wonderful warm healing presence in her body. Eadrick lay beside her and stroked her hair so gently she slept again.
The next time Miri woke she felt very near normal. She was shocked by the sight of her own body though. She was truly skin and bones. She struggled to sit up and just did befoe Eadrick entered with warm milk and some sweet bread. To her amazement, she was famished. She ate like a hungry wolf while Eadrick sat approvingly by her side. He stroked her back and his finger played n her long hair. "I must look horrible," she whined.
"Never lovelier," the boy replied. "I was terrified I would not make it back in time, thank the Gods I did. I love you with all my heart."
Miri put her head against his shoulder and wept gently. Happiness was sweet she decided, especially after she'd slipped so near the coldness of the tomb.
Miri recovered quickly after that and one night she took Eadrick to her bed. They had never spoke of marriage but their lovemaking made everything, even the world, seem so very, very far away. The weeks that followed were bliss and plenty of it.
Unfortunately, nothing good seems to last very long in this world. One day the Reverend Holder came by to enquire why Miri hadn't been attending church. He wanted to make sure she was alright and besides the good Reverend had had his eyes on Miri for some time. He had his eyes on all the pretty young girls as far as that went.
Holder had just walked out of the thick woods when he spotted Eadrick outside feeding the sheep. Holder crept a bit closer until he got a really good look at the boy, then he turned and quickly made his exit.
The next day was was a very lovely one, at least it started that way. Eadrick and Miri made their early morning rounds feeding the chickens and the stock. Miri looked up and noticed a group of about twenty men rushing from the woods. She sensed at once that something was wrong because the men were led by Reverend Holder and he looked plenty angry about something.
"Stand away from that winter demon!" The Reverend's tone was hateful and scary.
Miri and Eadrick sood frozen, neither knowing what to think. The Reverend Holder approached the stunned couple and began barking orders to his companions. "Seize the fiend, don't let him escape. these demons are capable of anything. " Miri rushed to defend her lover but the good Reverend shoved her hard to the ground. Eadrick's pale eyes flared dangerously and he whipped out his sword. In a second the boy had thrust the blade up to the hilt in the Reverend's chest.
Holder's eys and mouth gaped open and he slumped to the ground, appaently not really enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Instantly several pair of strong hands grasped Eadrick and they bore him to the ground. One of the men produced a rope and growled "he's killed the Reverend, let's string this monster up before he casts a spell on us."
Eadrick struggled mightily but in vain. The mob dragged him to a nearby tree and put the rope around his neck. Miri watched in horror as they pulled the boy off his feet until he dangled in mid air. The boy kicked desperately for a few moments and then he hung limp. MIri screamed for them to cut him down before it was to late but they only laughed at the poor girl.. Eadrick died there like a common criminal.
The mob left save for one young fellow who had gone to school with Miri. He cut Eadrick down and dug a grave. After Eadrick was buried the young man approached Miri. "Im so sorry about this Miri, if I were you I would get the hell out of here and away from the miserable people that did this to you." MIri sat on the cold ground sobbing her heart out. Finally she got to her feet and wiped the tears away.
Miri the went into the house and gathered the gold that Eadrick had brought with him. She put it in a bag with the family bible and a few clothes. Then she sat the house on fire.
Miri went to Eadrick's gravesite and prayed for a very long time. She set free all of the farm animals and then set out walking. It took her all night but finally she covered the ten miles to the nearest train station. She rode the train as far as it would take her and then she boarded another train and rode it to its final stop. There she made her new home so far away from her old one. Her only companions were her little dog and her kitten. She found much comfort in her pets during this trying time.
A few months later Miri gave birth to beautiful baby girl with platinum hair, and very bright blue eyes. She named the girl Eadressa and she raised the little one with as much love and devotion as it was possible for a mother to bestow on a child. Miri also painted many portraits for the local folks and they paid her well. This was a skill she had had forever. When alone Miri painted Eadrick's portrait from memory. She had one especially good one that looked so much like her late lover that Miri cried when she'd stare at it for a very long time. She kept that portrait in a small room that no one else ever entered.
The years passed and beautiful Eadressa married and gave Miri grandchildren. This was a very happy time for the aging Miri. However, as things happen, the grandchildren grew older and each set out to make its way in the world. At last the time came, when Miri was very old, that only Eadressa came to visit her mother. And that was not to often because Eadressa had grand children of her on to help care for.
So poor Miri, ancient and feeble, spent most of her hours sitting by the fire and reading until her poor eyes grew to tired. It was especially lonely when winter came for Miri was reminded of her old home to the far north and the things that had happened so many years ago.
One long night, Miri had fallen asleep in her old rocking chair near the door. She was not feeling well and doubted if she even had the strength to make her way to her bed. So, she sat there, sometimes dozing, sometimes wondering what tomorrow would bring because she had very little food left in the house and her firewood was running frightfully low. Hopefully Eadressa would visit soon.
Then, as she sat deep in thought, there began a light tapping at the door. Miri had to summon most of her waning strength to call out "Please come in neighbor."
The door opened slowly and what Miri saw made her tired old eyes fly open wide as possible.
The person there was her long dead lover Eadrick! At first Miri thought it was the vision of a fevered old brain. But then he smiled and motioned for her to come with him.
To her surprise, if not shock, she bounded easily from the old rocker. She felt suddenly very strong and youthful again. Incredibly, when she looked back, her old self remained...still and motionless. Miri did not dwell on this miracle but she took Eadrick's strong hand and he led her out the door. The couple, finally united again, proceeded to walk out into the snow and they walked for a very long time indeed. The snow continued to fall as never before, beautiful and white.
end
Miri lived in the far north country. She lived alone, her parents had both passed. She should have left their lonely farm but it was her home. She had her dog and the farm animals to care for and she couldn't stand the thought of leaving them. Here was the only home she had ever known.
She did get lonely at times although her chores kept her busy and she wrote letters to her old friends at school. However, her school years seemed so long ago. Sometimes she took the train to the city but she usually didn't stay long. She would shop for movies and books and perhaps a new outfit to wear.
Unfortunately in the area where she lived there wasn't much social life. Occasionally she visited the church where her parents had attended. She didn't enjoy it that much because she wasn't especially religious and most of the friends she had known there had moved on...far away. Besides, she didn't much care for the way some of the men there gawked at her, even the Reverend Holder.
Most days, after tending the farm animals, Miri would sit and gaze out the window at the snow...she loved the white snow. At night she would read by the fireplace and pet her dog Holly and her cat King Tut. They were beautiful animals and gave her much comfort. Miri was twenty two years old and sometimes she had to be honest with herself. She longed for more. But what was a girl to do? She felt trapped because mostly she was afraid to go away. She had low self esteem despite being smart, talented, and very pretty with her bright blue eyes and red hair(with gold strands here and there.)
Miri was usually tired come evening and generally she went to bed early. One particular night she tossed and turned, sometimes half asleep, other times half awake. Then she heard something...a gentle knock on the door? At 3am no less? She waited anxiously until she heard the knock again...softly it came but there it was. She slipped on her house coat and put her father's little pistol in her pocket. Then she went to answer.
Cautiously Miri opened the door just a crack. It was very light outside due to the moonlight on the snow. There was a man there, a very odd looking man. He was incredibly pale and his hair was white as the snow. It was covered in snowflakes and his eyes were a shocking shade of transparent blue. "Please, I'm so sorry to bother you at this hour but might I have a word with you for a minute"?
Against her better judgment, she let him in. He was dressed all in white and seemd half frozen. His frame was thin and his lips had no color. He seemed young to be so white haired. Miri wondered if he might not be an albino. "I have traveled south for many days and need to rest." he half whispered with a humble, hopeful tone to his speech. She immediately found his strange accent adorable.
Miri escorted him to a rocking chair that had belonged to her mother. It was very close to the fireplace. ""I am not cold," he murmured. This seemed odd to her because he looked half frozen and didn't appear to be warmly dressed. He sat in a chair farther away from the fire and sighed. "I am Miri," the girl said, "welcome to my humble home."
"Thank you," the strange man replied. "I am a snow prince and my name is Eadrick.
"A what?" the girl asked.
"I am a snow prince...I come from a place of snow and ice, not exactly human as you know humans. However, I mean no harm to you or yours. I simply thought we might be friends. I have observed you secretly for some time. Would you like a friend?"
Miri felt uncomfortble, the man was obviously unhinged to some degree or other.
Despite that, she liked his smile and row of perfect white teeth. "Do you live nearby"? Miri asked tentatively.
"Not to far as my people measure it. We travel quickly."
"I didn't hear your carriage, surely you are not on foot?" Miri inquired, her curiosity quite stimulated.
"Oh no, I don't have one of those things. My kind simply glide over the snow. Its an ability we have you know. As i said I am not human, at least not in many respects."
"I think you might need help, are you certain you feel at yourself?"
"I'm fine, it is wonderful sitting here talking to you, your beauty is very dazzling."
His voice was very soothing, almost musical...and the accent made her heart beat faster.
They chatted for a few moments before the boy rose. "I have left some of my things outside, give me a moment to fetch them and we'll talk some more. He took his leave but returned in seconds. He carried a small bag on his return but Miri's eyes opened wide at the site of the long curved sword that was fastened to his side. She was glad the little pistol was in her pocket.
"Please don't be alarmed. It's the wolves, one must be able to defend against them. they are hungry and attack very suddenly." Then he sat down again.
His explanation made sense and she relaxed. They wound up talking until dawn, at that point her guest fell fast asleep. Miri went about her chores as usual. However they boy fascinated her. And he was a boy, 19 years old he had told her. The more she looked at him the more handsome he appeared. He had a slight mustache and beard, so fine and white they were almost invisible. She cooked a large breakfast before gently tugging on his shoulder. His startling blue eyes opened wide and he jumped to his feet. He looked quite disturbed and unsure of his surroundings.
"I'm so sorry, I have breakfast for you. I'm sure you must be starved and its almost noon."
He smiled at her and she felt a tremble run down her spine. Then they sat down to eat. he was famished and only glanced away from his steaming plate to smile at her gratefully. Her heart beat faster each time he did that. When he finished his meal, the boy approached her and pressed a coin into her hand. To her amazement, it was a solid gold piece. The girl gasped, "I can't possibly accept this," she protested.
"Please take it, I have more...I had hoped to ask you for a few day's lodging. I will gladly pay and help you with any chores that need doing. You see, I have traveled a long way and have no place to stay...and you are the only person I know. And I can't imagine anyone being better company on these long winter days."
She didn't even give herself time to think about it...something in the sweet way his eyes pleaded with her. "Yes," she said and he took her hand and kissed it lightly.
The days that followed were lovely for Miri, she talked incessantly but the Snow Prince never seemed bored. He smiled at her often and was a great help with feeding the animals and many other things that needed doing around a farm. It all seemed so crazy but she couldnt recall a time when she had felt so happy. Then one day they took a walk, a fence barred the way but Miri began to climb over like she had done a thousand times before. However, it was slick with ice and she lost her grip. Falling backwards, she prepared herself for a hard landing but instead two strong arms gathered her in. Her arms impulsively went around the boy's neck and he held her very tightly and securely indeed.
Her head was pressed against his chest and she could hear his heart beating feverishly. She wished that he would kiss her but he didn't. He released her and said, "You must be more careful, what if I hadn't been here? Its not good for a girl living way out here alone."
"I've heard that one before," MIri replied, feeling a little frustrated and red faced. "Perhaps we had better go in, I can feel a big snow coming in and we'd better gather some extra firewood."
Eadrick, is tone subdued said "I will take care of it, go on in, you look chilled."
Miri agreed, she was feeling a bit tired.
In the days following Miri felt more and more tired. She had become sick and eventually could barely climb from her bed. Eadrick was always there to help and he took care of everything that had to be done. Miri was so grateful for him but at the same time she felt guilty for depending on him so much, and she feared he might take his leave for she held no bonds on him. However, he always seemed so cheerful and willing and the look in his eyes betrayed his concern. He read to her and his voice sounded so soulful and deep.
Despite the best Eadrick could do Miri continued to grow weaker. Sometimes she ached and at other times she cried. She wished her mother were alive to tend to her but she was glad she was not alone. Then one freezing winter day Miri heard the words that she dreaded so horribly.
"I must go," Eadrick whispered to her whilst holding her hand. Tears came instantly to the girl's eyes but Eadrick quickly explained. "My people have medicine that will restore you to health, however its a long journey and I must leave right away in order that I might return...in time."
Those last words he said almost in a whisper. "You wouldn't leave me forever would you Eadrick, the girl whispered. "Not in a million years because I love you," he replied before leaning in and gently kissing her lips. He remained there, hold her hand until she fell asleep.
When Miri woke she felt slightly stronger but Eadrick was gone. She wondered if he had really ever been there with her. Perhaps it was all just another fever induced dream. she fell back into her bed and cried herself back to sleep.
The next few days were a nightmare for Miri, mostly she slept but occasionally she woke to feel worse and worse. There were food and water by her bed but she had no appetite. At last she resigned herself to death and lay still, staring out her window, the one with the curtain opoened slightly. the snow was beautiful but it mostly reminded her of Eadrick. Then she would cry again. Her suffering increased by the hour. At last she wished that death would come and end this pain. Eventually she felt to weak to even cry and her eyes stared away into nothingness.
Then she dreamed about Eadrick, he came to her and whispered that all would be well. Then he pressed a vessel against her lips and she tasted something very sweet. She took a long swallow and fell into a deep, restful sleep..
When she finally woke, Miri felt stronger. And she felt a gentle touch on her forehead.
"Aw, my angel is better this morning, but you must take more of this medicine."
At first Miri thought it was yet another dream but this time it was to real. Strong hands lifted her head and pressed the vessel against her lips. She drank deeply and felt a wonderful warm healing presence in her body. Eadrick lay beside her and stroked her hair so gently she slept again.
The next time Miri woke she felt very near normal. She was shocked by the sight of her own body though. She was truly skin and bones. She struggled to sit up and just did befoe Eadrick entered with warm milk and some sweet bread. To her amazement, she was famished. She ate like a hungry wolf while Eadrick sat approvingly by her side. He stroked her back and his finger played n her long hair. "I must look horrible," she whined.
"Never lovelier," the boy replied. "I was terrified I would not make it back in time, thank the Gods I did. I love you with all my heart."
Miri put her head against his shoulder and wept gently. Happiness was sweet she decided, especially after she'd slipped so near the coldness of the tomb.
Miri recovered quickly after that and one night she took Eadrick to her bed. They had never spoke of marriage but their lovemaking made everything, even the world, seem so very, very far away. The weeks that followed were bliss and plenty of it.
Unfortunately, nothing good seems to last very long in this world. One day the Reverend Holder came by to enquire why Miri hadn't been attending church. He wanted to make sure she was alright and besides the good Reverend had had his eyes on Miri for some time. He had his eyes on all the pretty young girls as far as that went.
Holder had just walked out of the thick woods when he spotted Eadrick outside feeding the sheep. Holder crept a bit closer until he got a really good look at the boy, then he turned and quickly made his exit.
The next day was was a very lovely one, at least it started that way. Eadrick and Miri made their early morning rounds feeding the chickens and the stock. Miri looked up and noticed a group of about twenty men rushing from the woods. She sensed at once that something was wrong because the men were led by Reverend Holder and he looked plenty angry about something.
"Stand away from that winter demon!" The Reverend's tone was hateful and scary.
Miri and Eadrick sood frozen, neither knowing what to think. The Reverend Holder approached the stunned couple and began barking orders to his companions. "Seize the fiend, don't let him escape. these demons are capable of anything. " Miri rushed to defend her lover but the good Reverend shoved her hard to the ground. Eadrick's pale eyes flared dangerously and he whipped out his sword. In a second the boy had thrust the blade up to the hilt in the Reverend's chest.
Holder's eys and mouth gaped open and he slumped to the ground, appaently not really enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Instantly several pair of strong hands grasped Eadrick and they bore him to the ground. One of the men produced a rope and growled "he's killed the Reverend, let's string this monster up before he casts a spell on us."
Eadrick struggled mightily but in vain. The mob dragged him to a nearby tree and put the rope around his neck. Miri watched in horror as they pulled the boy off his feet until he dangled in mid air. The boy kicked desperately for a few moments and then he hung limp. MIri screamed for them to cut him down before it was to late but they only laughed at the poor girl.. Eadrick died there like a common criminal.
The mob left save for one young fellow who had gone to school with Miri. He cut Eadrick down and dug a grave. After Eadrick was buried the young man approached Miri. "Im so sorry about this Miri, if I were you I would get the hell out of here and away from the miserable people that did this to you." MIri sat on the cold ground sobbing her heart out. Finally she got to her feet and wiped the tears away.
Miri the went into the house and gathered the gold that Eadrick had brought with him. She put it in a bag with the family bible and a few clothes. Then she sat the house on fire.
Miri went to Eadrick's gravesite and prayed for a very long time. She set free all of the farm animals and then set out walking. It took her all night but finally she covered the ten miles to the nearest train station. She rode the train as far as it would take her and then she boarded another train and rode it to its final stop. There she made her new home so far away from her old one. Her only companions were her little dog and her kitten. She found much comfort in her pets during this trying time.
A few months later Miri gave birth to beautiful baby girl with platinum hair, and very bright blue eyes. She named the girl Eadressa and she raised the little one with as much love and devotion as it was possible for a mother to bestow on a child. Miri also painted many portraits for the local folks and they paid her well. This was a skill she had had forever. When alone Miri painted Eadrick's portrait from memory. She had one especially good one that looked so much like her late lover that Miri cried when she'd stare at it for a very long time. She kept that portrait in a small room that no one else ever entered.
The years passed and beautiful Eadressa married and gave Miri grandchildren. This was a very happy time for the aging Miri. However, as things happen, the grandchildren grew older and each set out to make its way in the world. At last the time came, when Miri was very old, that only Eadressa came to visit her mother. And that was not to often because Eadressa had grand children of her on to help care for.
So poor Miri, ancient and feeble, spent most of her hours sitting by the fire and reading until her poor eyes grew to tired. It was especially lonely when winter came for Miri was reminded of her old home to the far north and the things that had happened so many years ago.
One long night, Miri had fallen asleep in her old rocking chair near the door. She was not feeling well and doubted if she even had the strength to make her way to her bed. So, she sat there, sometimes dozing, sometimes wondering what tomorrow would bring because she had very little food left in the house and her firewood was running frightfully low. Hopefully Eadressa would visit soon.
Then, as she sat deep in thought, there began a light tapping at the door. Miri had to summon most of her waning strength to call out "Please come in neighbor."
The door opened slowly and what Miri saw made her tired old eyes fly open wide as possible.
The person there was her long dead lover Eadrick! At first Miri thought it was the vision of a fevered old brain. But then he smiled and motioned for her to come with him.
To her surprise, if not shock, she bounded easily from the old rocker. She felt suddenly very strong and youthful again. Incredibly, when she looked back, her old self remained...still and motionless. Miri did not dwell on this miracle but she took Eadrick's strong hand and he led her out the door. The couple, finally united again, proceeded to walk out into the snow and they walked for a very long time indeed. The snow continued to fall as never before, beautiful and white.
end