-1-

The old man cast his fishing net into the shimmering waters, the morning sun glinting off its surface like scattered diamonds. He settled down beside his young son, the pipe dangling from his lips as tendrils of smoke curled upward, mingling with the crisp, salty air. They had embarked on their journey at the break of dawn, driven by the hope of a bountiful catch. Silence enveloped them, a comforting companion, as they absorbed the tranquility of the sea and the gentle lapping of the waves against their small boat.

Suddenly, breaking the serene stillness, the young boy's voice emerged, tinged with curiosity and wonder. "Father, have you ever seen a dragon?" he inquired, his eyes alight with the fascination of youthful imagination.

The old man exhaled slowly, sending a cloud of smoke drifting into the air before replying with deliberate thoughtfulness. "No, my son, I have not," he confessed, his voice a gravelly echo of tales long told by firesides. "But I've heard whispers of their grandeur and ferocity—beasts of immense size, whose very breath is a furnace of flame."

The boy nodded, his mind painting vivid pictures from his father's words. "They say the Targaryens have hair like silver and eyes of purple," he mused, the oddness of it striking him deeply. "Strange, isn't it? I thought only elders bore white hair."

"Strange indeed," the old man agreed, his tone laced with the weight of ancient legends and the mysteries of distant lands.

As they sat, the boy's thoughts wandered to the cataclysmic event that had reshaped the world—the Doom of Valyria, a calamity so profound that its tremors had been felt even across the seas in Westeros. The arrival of the dragonlords and their mighty steeds had cast a shadow of dread over the land, as Aegon, alongside his formidable sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, sought to bend the world to their will. With dragons at their command, few dared to question the inevitability of their conquest.

Lost in these thoughts, the boy was abruptly brought back to the present as his father strained against the weight of the net, now heavy and unwieldy. His brow furrowed, and he turned to his son with a silent plea for assistance. "Help me pull the net, lad. It seems we've caught more than we bargained for," he urged.

Rising to his feet, the boy joined his father, their hands working in unison to haul the net from the watery depths. But as the net broke the surface, their eyes widened in disbelief. Entangled within the mesh was not a thrashing mass of fish, but the limp form of a young woman. Her hair, a blazing cascade of red, intertwined with the net like a fiery beacon against the sea's blue expanse. Her skin was pale as moonlight, cold to the touch, eliciting a sigh of sorrow from the old man.

"Alas, poor child," he murmured, his voice laden with compassion. "How did she come to be adrift in the ocean's embrace?" Carefully, he freed her from the netting, noting the opulence of her waterlogged gown, its sumptuous fabric marking her as one of noble birth.

"She must be of high standing," he surmised, his tone tinged with regret for the tragic fate that had befallen her. Hearing this, his son turned to him, confusion and urgency mingling in his gaze. "Are we not to try and save her?" he implored, his voice edged with desperation.

The old man shook his head, resigned sorrow in his eyes. "She is cold as death, my son. Any efforts would be in vain," he replied, turning away with a heavy heart.

Yet the boy remained transfixed, his eyes drawn to the girl as if under a spell. Her beauty captivated him, a siren's lure that beckoned him closer. Compelled by an unseen force, he reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek with a tenderness that belied the severity of their surroundings. "Such a beautiful face..." he whispered, awe-struck.

The father, having stowed their meager catch into a bucket, glanced back and froze at the sight of his son's enraptured expression. "Gregory?" he called, a note of caution threading his voice. The boy did not respond, his eyes wide and unfocused, as if gazing into realms beyond their ken. The old man recognized the peril in that look, knowing all too well that this girl would bring unforeseen challenges into their lives.

As the sun sank lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the tranquil village nestled along the coast, Corrin and his son Gregory carefully carried their mysterious burden up the narrow path leading to their modest home. The sea's rhythmic whisper accompanied them, a gentle reminder of the day's unusual events. The girl, with her hair like a fiery sunset, lay motionless in Gregory's arms, a fragile enigma wrapped in a sodden, once-luxurious gown.

Upon reaching the threshold of their cottage, they were met by Merea, Corrin's wife and Gregory's mother, whose eyes widened with concern and curiosity at the sight of this unexpected guest. Her hands, roughened by years of work, were gentle as she reached out to touch the girl's cold, pale skin.

"What has the sea delivered to us, Corrin?" Merea's voice was a soft melody, tinged with both wonder and a mother's instinctive worry.

"A mystery, Merea," Corrin replied, his voice carrying the weight of the unknown. "We found her ensnared in our net, as if the ocean itself had deemed her ours to save."

"Bring her inside, quickly," Merea instructed, her voice laced with urgency. "We must warm her, lest the cold claim her completely."

They carried the girl into the heart of their home, a place filled with the comforting scents of herbs and the warmth of the hearth. Carefully, they laid her upon a bed tucked into a corner, its simple linens a stark contrast to her opulent attire. Merea set to work immediately, her movements efficient and purposeful. She layered blankets over the girl's still form, her touch tender as she sought to coax warmth back into the chilled body.

Gregory watched in silence, his heart a storm of emotions. This girl, a stranger who had emerged from the depths like a figure from a dream, captivated him utterly. He found himself drawn to her side, as if an invisible thread tethered him to her presence. He settled into a chair beside the bed, his eyes never leaving her face, which appeared serene despite the mystery surrounding her.

As the hours slipped by and the shadows deepened, Merea moved about the room, preparing a simple meal. Her glance occasionally drifted to her son, who remained steadfast by the girl's side, his vigil unbroken. Corrin, seated by the fire, regarded this scene with a mix of concern and paternal protectiveness.

"Gregory, lad," Corrin's voice was gentle yet firm, cutting through the quiet like a beacon. "You've been at her side for hours. She'll not awaken any sooner for your watch."

Gregory turned his head, meeting his father's gaze with a quiet determination. "I wish to be here when she does wake, Father," he replied, his voice steady, underscored by an earnest resolve.

Corrin exchanged a knowing glance with Merea, whose lips curved into a soft, approving smile. "Let him be, Corrin," she murmured, her tone a balm, soothing and wise. "Perhaps this is a chance for our son—a chance for him to open his heart. He's turned away every girl in the village, after all."

Corrin chuckled softly, attempting to mask his own burgeoning hope with humor. "Aye, well, let's hope this one doesn't turn out to be as fiery as her hair suggests."

The evening wore on, the room suffused with the glow from the hearth and the rhythmic ticking of an old clock. Gregory remained by the girl's side, his posture gradually relaxing as fatigue crept in, his eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment. Eventually, he succumbed, slumping forward onto the edge of the bed, sleep claiming him at last.

Merea, ever the watchful mother, approached quietly, draping a warm blanket over her sleeping son. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions—pride, hope, and a tender affection for the boy who was growing into a man before her eyes.

The night deepened, stars twinkling in the velvet sky above, as the girl lay cocooned in warmth and care. Though she remained unconscious, her presence had already begun to weave itself into the fabric of their lives, a catalyst for change and unseen futures.

As dawn approached, casting its gentle light through the window, Merea sat beside her son, her thoughts a quiet reflection of the days to come. The girl, whoever she was, had brought with her the promise of something new—a shift in the tide of their ordinary lives.

In the predawn hush, the cottage was a sanctuary, a place of safety and comfort. Merea's gaze lingered on her son, his sleeping face softened by dreams. She wondered about the girl, about the stories hidden behind her closed eyelids and the fate that had led her to their door.

When morning finally broke, the room was filled with the soft light of a new day. Gregory stirred, blinking away the remnants of sleep, his first thought of the girl beside him. She remained still, her breathing even and deep, yet the warmth in her cheeks hinted at life slowly returning.

Corrin joined them, his expression a blend of curiosity and cautious optimism. "She'll wake soon, I think," he remarked, his voice a low rumble, a mixture of hope and pragmatism.

Gregory nodded, his gaze fixed on the girl, his heart swelling with a protective instinct he had never before experienced. The world outside was a mystery, vast and unpredictable, but within the walls of their home, there was a burgeoning sense of belonging.

Days passed, and the girl's condition remained unchanged, her slumber deep and uninterrupted. Yet her presence was a constant, a silent companion who had somehow become integral to their daily lives. Merea continued her care, ensuring that warmth and nourishment were ever within reach, her maternal instincts guiding her hands.

Gregory, too, was never far from her side, drawn by a bond he couldn't fully comprehend. His heart, once indifferent to the advances of village girls, now seemed to beat in rhythm with the quiet breaths of this enigmatic stranger.

Corrin observed this transformation in his son with a mixture of pride and trepidation. He saw the spark in Gregory's eyes, the newfound purpose that seemed to have taken root. And while he worried about the unknowns that lay ahead, he couldn't deny the change—a change that suggested growth, maturity, and the possibility of love.

Merea's heart swelled with a mother's joy, for she saw in the girl not just a guest or a mystery, but a chance for her son to expand his world, to open himself to emotions he had long shied away from.

In the quiet moments, as the sea whispered its eternal lullaby and the fire crackled softly in the hearth, the family found themselves drawn together by this shared experience. The unknown girl, though silent and still, had become a part of them, her presence a harbinger of something more—a future yet unwritten, filled with the promise of discovery and the uncharted paths of the heart.

★

The morning sun filtered through the small window of the cottage, casting a warm, golden light across the room where Calla lay. The world outside was waking, the village stirring to life with the sounds of distant voices and the occasional cry of seagulls circling above. Inside, the air was filled with the comforting aroma of baking bread, mingling with the faint scent of salt from the sea.

Gregory sat quietly beside the bed, his gaze fixed on the girl who had captivated his thoughts since the moment they had pulled her from the ocean's grasp. Her hair spread like a fiery halo across the pillow, and her face, though marked by lingering pallor, was serene in sleep. He watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest, each breath a testament to her resilience, a promise of life returning.

For days, he had kept vigil, his heart a mixture of hope and anxiety, waiting for the moment when she would finally awaken. And then, as if sensing his presence, her eyelids began to flutter, the first signs of consciousness breaking through the veil of her long slumber.

Calla's eyes opened slowly, revealing depths of that shimmered with confusion and vulnerability. She blinked, disoriented, as she took in her surroundings—the rough-hewn beams of the ceiling, the rustic charm of the room, and finally, the young man seated beside her.

Her heart leaped in panic, a sudden rush of fear coursing through her veins. She recoiled instinctively, drawing back against the pillows, her eyes wide and wary as they locked onto Gregory's.

Gregory, caught between elation and concern, raised his hands in a gesture of reassurance, his voice gentle and calming. "Please, do not be afraid," he urged, keeping his distance as he sensed her fear. "You are safe here."

Calla's breath came in shallow gasps, her mind struggling to piece together the fractured memories of her ordeal. "Where am I?" she managed, her voice barely a whisper, edged with trepidation.

Gregory offered a reassuring smile, his eyes warm and earnest. "You are in our home, in a small village by the sea," he explained softly. "My father and I found you trapped in our fishing net. We brought you here to recover."

She absorbed his words, her mind a swirl of confusion and questions. The last thing she remembered was the cold embrace of the ocean, the relentless pull of the waves as she struggled against an unseen force. And now, she found herself in this unfamiliar place, under the care of strangers whose intentions she could only guess at.

Gregory continued, sensing her uncertainty. "My name is Gregory. This is my family's home. We've been taking care of you since we found you."

Calla hesitated, her instincts warning her to be cautious, yet something in his demeanor—a kindness, a sincerity—tempered her fear. She studied him, noting the earnestness in his expression, the gentle strength in his posture. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice still tinged with hesitance.

Gregory nodded, relief washing over him like a tide. "There is no need to thank us. We are glad to have you safe."

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the tension easing as Calla relaxed slightly, though her mind remained vigilant, attuned to every detail, every nuance of her surroundings.

As the morning light grew stronger, Merea entered the room, her presence a soothing balm. She carried a tray laden with warm broth and fresh bread, the simple fare a testament to the family's hospitality. Her eyes lit up with a mother's warmth as she saw Calla awake.

"Ah, you've finally joined us," Merea said, her voice a melodic blend of welcome and relief. "I'm Merea, Gregory's mother. How are you feeling, dear?"

Calla managed a small, tentative smile, her anxiety ebbing in the face of such gentle care. "A bit confused," she admitted, her voice gaining strength. "But grateful."

Merea set the tray down on a small table beside the bed, her movements graceful and efficient. "You've been through quite an ordeal. It's only natural to feel disoriented. But you're safe here, with us."

Calla nodded, the warmth of their kindness seeping into her bones, easing the cold fear that had gripped her heart. "I don't remember much," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration and vulnerability.

"There's no rush to remember," Merea assured her, her smile reassuring. "Take your time. You're among friends."

Gregory watched the exchange, his heart full of admiration for his mother and the calm she exuded. He remained nearby, ready to assist but mindful of Calla's need for space and reassurance. His gaze often wandered to her, curious about the stories hidden behind those striking violet eyes.

As Calla sipped the warm broth, she felt a flicker of strength returning, a sense of grounding in this unexpected sanctuary. Questions hovered at the edge of her consciousness, yet she felt no urgency to voice them. For now, it was enough to know she was safe, sheltered by the kindness of strangers who had opened their home to her.

Over the following days, Calla's strength grew, her recovery aided by the gentle rhythms of village life and the unwavering support of her newfound hosts. Merea and Corrin treated her as one of their own, their kindness a balm to her bruised spirit.

Gregory, ever attentive, became her guide to this new world, introducing her to the simple wonders of village life—the bustling market, the laughter of children playing by the shore, the camaraderie of neighbors who greeted her with curious but friendly smiles.

Despite the warmth of her welcome, Calla remained guarded, her past a shadow she could not yet escape. She spoke little of the events that had led her to the sea, her memories fragmented and elusive, like pieces of a puzzle she was unable to assemble.

One afternoon, as the sun cast long shadows over the village, Gregory and Calla walked along the beach, the sand cool beneath their feet. The sea was a vast, endless expanse, its waves whispering secrets only it knew.

"Do you remember anything more about how you came to be in the water?" Gregory asked gently, his curiosity tempered by genuine concern.

Calla paused, her gaze fixed on the horizon where sky met sea. "I remember running," she said finally, her voice a soft echo of the turmoil within her. "The water was my escape, my only choice."

Gregory considered her words, sensing the fear and determination that lay beneath them. "Whatever you're running from, you don't have to face it alone," he assured her, his voice steady with conviction.

She turned to him, her eyes searching his face, finding reassurance in his sincerity. "Why are you so kind to me, Gregory?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

He smiled, a warmth in his eyes that spoke of something deeper. "Because you needed help, and we could give it. And because you deserve a chance to find peace."

Calla absorbed his words, the simplicity and truth of them touching her deeply. In this small village, far from the troubles of her past, she had found a haven—a place where she could begin to heal, to understand who she was and what her future might hold.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Calla felt a glimmer of hope, a spark of possibility that perhaps, here among these kind strangers, she could find her path anew. The sea, once a symbol of her escape, had brought her to a shore where she might discover not just safety, but belonging. And in Gregory, she sensed a kindred spirit, someone whose quiet strength and unwavering kindness could help guide her through the shadows of her past into the light of a new beginning.