1 The Rider (1)

<MARIA'S POV>

The cold air nipped at my skin as I plowed through the frosty fields, my horse nickering as it ran. Watching my breath go into frost-like clouds, admiring how they'd disappear, winter is here, and everyone is getting ready for it. Farmers getting the last bit of their crops, the maidens weaving thick coats, and the children running in circles trying to catch hens.

I stepped into the warm, cabin-like home, a gust of warmness surrounds me like a large hug. I take a deep breath, smelling the air, fresh baked bread and stew. I smiled as my little brother came running in with his little, chubby hands whisking in the air, "Maria! Maria!" he giggled, I swiped him up in one swoop, and went deep into my coat, "Guess what I got Lucas?"

His face brightens as soon as I said it, he was eager to find out what I had, his dark blue eyes piercing my coat, trying to control his excitement, then, I pulled out fresh Chocolate-chip cookies that I stole fresh from the bakery across the village he gasped and I then put a finger to my mouth and shushed him, he nodded and swiftly swiped the cookies from my hand, wobbling to his room to bask on that poor cookie. I chuckled at his silliness, I walked in the kitchen taking off my coat and get a bowl. My mom spun around in one quick motion with a spoon pointing right at me, I prepared for her lecture,

"Hey!"

I flinched

"Where were you?"

"I was out for a ride"

"Bull, you could've gotten attacked, or even robbed, just promise me, you`ll be more careful.. Or at least tell me you're going out!"

My brother giggled behind me, I chuckled and patted his head, as mom fumed about me running off. I sat down before my mom slammed down a bowl of her infamous, vegetable beef stew, with a quick glance of furry, I admired the red ripples with chunks of potatoes and meat, I licked my lips, I gripped my spoon ready to chow down, I glanced over and saw Lucas mirroring my every movement. I smirked, accepting the challenge, I lifted my hand, he also lifted his hand, I scooped a huge spoonful, he copied. I put it back, lifting the bowl, letting the warm soup flow down my throat until the bowl was empty. I coughed than glared at mom for spiking my stew with massive amounts of salt, she chuckled than turn back to get her own bowl of stew. I then glanced over at Lucas and smirked as his mouth was basically to the floor, I used my finger to shut his mouth, "Careful, you might catch flies."

His eyebrows dropped but he raised his chin

"Don't get cocky! I'll be able to beat you on no time!"

His face lit with determination, He made an X with his small arms, I chuckled at his bet watching him practice with his soup. I gently shook my head and got up and headed to the washroom I looked in the mirror admiring my features; unlike the rest of my family, I had piercing, dark green eyes, and red fire-like hair, I slid my hair out of its ponytail and washed my face, then crawled into my silky covers, only to be welcomed by Lucas I smiled, and softly chuckled, "Hey buddy, bad dream?" he gave small nod, I returned a small smile and pulled him close, up to my chest and engulfed him into a bear hug, "How did dad die?"

I flinched at how direct he was, "Well.. he died when you were around a month old,"