Chapter 1

Morwen

Morwen's head felt foggy as she opened her eyes, her linen sheets scratched on her bare skin. Taking in her surroundings she recognized her bedroom, realising that it had all been a dream. A dream that felt so real, The images of a lush forest with tall, ancient trees and vibrant flowers danced in her mind, mingling with the scent of earth and the songs of birds. The dream was so vivid that if she closed her eyes, she could easily picture herself back in that forest, the warm sunlight filtering through the leaves, brushing against her skin like a gentle kiss.

With a groan, Morwen reluctantly dragged herself out of bed, her mind slowly registering the reality of her tiny bedroom. The sun was shining through her window, casting golden rays across the faded wallpaper. She realised with a jolt that she had slept in, and would now be late for most of her morning chores. Panic surged through her, urging her to hurry and make up for lost time.

In a rush, Morwen found herself picking a simple blue dress from the pile of clothes on her chair, mindlessly slipping into it. The fabric clung to her body, a stark contrast to the luxurious silk she had worn in her dream. It felt rough against her skin. Grabbing a worn straw hat from the corner of her room where it lay, she clumsily placed it on her head, hoping it would conceal the unruly mess of her hair. 

Morwen hurriedly splashed her face with cold water, shaking off any remnants of drowsiness that threatened to cling to her. The shock of the cold droplets against her skin invigorated her senses, bringing her back to the present. She glanced at her reflection in the worn mirror reminding her of the life she had known for as long as she could remember.

Descending the stairs two at a time, Morwen weaved through the familiar wooden furniture and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. 

Rushing through the doorway of the farmhouse, Morwen didn't see the tall figure before colliding into him. She stumbled back and fell, bruising her butt on the ground. Angrily she grabbed a handful of dirt, and flung it at her attacker.

"Jesus Morwen!" the tall figure yelped, jumping away from her.

"Morning, Zacky," she said dryly back to him.

"Looks like someone slept in." Zack eyed her up and down.

She stuck her tongue out at him as she wiped the dirt from her skirt. The big idiot grinned at her current dishevelled state. Zack was her little brother, though Morwen wasn't sure she could call him little anymore. He stood a whole head taller than her, he took every opportunity to remind her of her short stature which infuriated her to no end. She started calling him Zacky because she knew it annoyed him. He wasn't fond of the nickname; saying it made him sound childish.

"You better not tell mom."

He raised an eyebrow at her, "You're asking me to keep a secret from mom?"

Morwen narrowed her eyes at him.

"Alright, alright, don't shoot me." Zack laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I won't tell, but you have to do my chores."

Morwen sighed. It was the best she was going to get out of him. She didn't have the luxury of refusing, the sooner she finished her chores the better.

"Yeah, yeah," Morwen muttered, not wanting to get into a playful argument. "What are you doing?"

Zack held out a hand, helping her up. "Just going for a stroll. It's a lovely morning, and you know how much I love nature," he said in a sarcastic voice.

Morwen rolled her eyes. "You're a real comedian, Zack. Maybe you should go into show business. Leave me to run the farm alone."

"That's a great idea. Maybe I will," he said, giving her a sly grin.

"Hey, don't joke about that! The last thing I need is for you to disappear. I would never be able to run this place by myself."

"Aw, sis, I'm just joking. I would never leave you. Who else would annoy the heck out of you?" he teased, ruffling her hair.

Suddenly remembering the day wasn't getting any younger and the work wouldn't do itself, Morwen made her way to the garden. 

Zack's laugh followed her, echoing in the air as she left.

The morning sun was shining bright as Morwen made her way down to the vegetable garden, she was grateful that at least her dream hadn't ruined her day. She knelt down on the warm, soft earth and began plucking beans. Her mother had planted a wide variety of crops, and there was always something to do.

Her father, Jack, was a hard worker, and his dedication was evident in the way the farm looked.

Her father had a natural knack for gardening and knew exactly what crops would grow well. His knowledge of the earth was extensive, and his passion for his work was unrivalled.

It had taken a lot of time, effort, and resources, but their farm was finally beginning to take shape. Morwen had spent years planting and harvesting alongside her family, and had finally started to see the fruits of their labour.

She had never known another life other than the one on the farm. She had learned everything from her father, who was also the one who taught her how to take care of animals. When she was a child, she had dreamed of running a farm and had spent hours playing around in the garden and taking care of the chickens.Their home wasn't far from the village of Idrae, the town was located in a valley surrounded by lush green forested mountains, giving it a peaceful atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets wound through rows of shops and cottages. Their family made a living selling goods at Idrae's market. 

After several hours of harvesting and tending to the crops, the wagon was finally full enough for a trip to town. Morwen wiped the sweat dripping from her forehead and climbed onto the wagon. Pulling the reins, she started off in the direction of Idrae, hoping to reach the market before it became too crowded.

It was the beginning of Autumn, and the weather was just starting to cool. Travelling with a full load made the trip slower. By the time she made it to the market, the sun was high in the sky. 

"Dammit, why did I have to sleep in so late? It's going to be dark before I make it home" She let out a long sigh of frustration.

The village brimmed with life, its residents engaging in jovial exchanges. The town square was bustling with activity as Morwen arrived. Farmers selling fresh produce lined the streets, shouting out offers to passersby. Morwen carefully navigated through the crowds, keeping her eyes peeled for any familiar faces. As she made her way through the throngs of people, she spotted a familiar figure.

"Morwen! Over here," a cheerful voice called.

"Galena! So glad to see you!" Morwen called back to her friend, weaving her way to the source of the voice.

"How are you? It feels like ages since I last saw you." Galena gave Morwen a tight hug, her soft curls tickling Morwen's nose. 

Galena had a flamboyant personality, Morwen would never forget the day they first met.

It had been a typical Saturday morning, Morwen and Zack had gone into town for supplies. They had just arrived at the marketplace when Zack was pulled aside by a group of boys. Morwen was left by herself, watching him as he was led into the alley.

The boys surrounded Zack, pushing and shoving him. They were jeering and taunting him, laughing at him as he tried to fight them off.

Morwen was furious. She could feel the anger rising inside her, her hands clenched into fists as she approached the group.

Zack was much smaller back then, and the bullies were all much bigger. They were twice his size, and they were all much stronger. Morwen could feel her heart pounding as she stepped in between the boys and Zack.

"Leave him alone!" She cried out, pushing one of the boys away from her brother.

The boy stumbled back, his eyes wide with surprise. The others turned towards her, their eyes full of amusement.

They were obviously not used to being challenged by a girl.

"Get out of the way, you little bitch," one of the boys spat, grabbing her arm.

"I said leave him alone!" Morwen yelled, shoving the boy with all her strength.

The boy fell back, losing his balance. The others turned their attention back to Zack, who was still cowering in the corner.

A rock went flying past Morwen and hit one of the boys in the head, when she turned to look she saw a small girl not much older then herself standing in the entrance of the alley, the girl bent down grabbing another stone, aiming it at the bullies.

"You little shit! What are you doing?"

Galena didn't reply, and the second rock landed square in the boy's face, he staggered back clutching his nose, blood spilling over his fingers.

"Run!" Galena shouted, turning and disappearing from the alleyway.

Morwen and Zack exchanged a glance, not needing another command.

"Come on, let's go," Zack yelled, grabbing Morwen's arm and pulling him away.

As the three ran, they heard angry shouts coming from behind them, but they were quickly drowned out by their laughter.

"You're crazy, you know that," Zack said breathlessly.

"Oh shut up, you should be thanking me," Galena replied.

"I can't believe we just did that!" Morwen exclaimed, the adrenaline still coursing through her.

"Well, you two are welcome." 

The three collapsed into a fit of giggles, the relief from escaping the bullies was overwhelming.

"Who are you, anyway?" Morwen asked once she had caught her breath.

"The name's Galena." The redheaded girl said, giving Morwen a toothy grin.

"Well, thank you, Galena," Zack said gratefully, extending his hand.

"Oh, it was nothing."

They all shook hands and the trio spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know each other.

They had become inseparable since that day, Morwen had lost count of the number of times her wild friend had gotten her into trouble. 

"I've missed you," Galena said, pulling back and taking Morwen's hands into her own.

"It hasn't even been a week, Galena. Don't tell me you're getting all nostalgic on me."

"I always get nostalgic. I miss you when we're apart for even a day. Isn't that what best friends do?"

"Yes, but that's ridiculous. I just saw you the other day," Morwen replied, rolling her eyes.

"Well, that's the problem. It was only the other day. Why can't we see each other more often?"

"I've been busy with work, Galena. You know that. It's not like I'm avoiding you."

"That's what you always say," Galena pouted.

Morwen sighed, knowing that her friend was right. She had been so caught up with her chores that she hadn't had time for anything else lately.

"I would have more time to visit if you came to the market stall and helped me sell all this" Morwen said while motioning to the wagon behind her, "with your skills of persuasion it will be gone in no time."

"Oh, I couldn't," Galena replied. "My mother needs my help at the bakery. Maybe we could meet later, after you've finished selling."

"We can catch up then."

"Wonderful! I'll come find you as soon as I'm done here. I'll be waiting," Galena replied, before turning and hurrying off in the direction of the baker's shop.

Morwen watched as Galena's red curls disappeared into the crowd. She hoped that Galena would actually remember their promise to meet up, it wouldn't be the first time the redhead had gotten distracted by someone or something.

Morwen's eyes travelled over the crowded marketplace. She spotted a few familiar faces, and some new ones.

The village was a busy place, filled with farmers and traders, merchants and travellers.

Her mother was already at their market stall, selling a deer hide to a couple. Morwen tried to avoid her mothers gaze as she set up her area of the booth, for fear of being scolded for being so late.

She had hoped that the fact that she had brought such a large haul of produce would have distracted her mother, but it didn't.

"Why are you late? I've had to do everything myself today." Esther scolded.

"I'm sorry, I woke up late, and then I had to fill the wagon and-"

"Well, whatever the reason, I hope it doesn't happen again."

"Yes, mom," Morwen mumbled.

Her mother nodded, satisfied, before returning to her customers.

Morwen busied herself with arranging the vegetables and fruits on the stall, making sure that they were displayed attractively. She smiled at the villagers as they approached the stall, greeting them warmly.

After a while, she grew bored, her thoughts drifting to the dream she had the previous night. It had been so vivid, the details so real, and yet, the more she thought about it, the less certain she was. The dream had been strange, unlike any dream she had ever had before. It had felt as though she was really there, in the forest, and yet she had never seen anything like it before.

The sun was starting to set, and the market was beginning to quiet down, as the last of the customers bought their goods and made their way home. Morwen took her time counting the coins before she packed up. Her mother gently placed her hand on her shoulder."The autumn festival starts tomorrow."

Morwen turned her attention away from the coins to her mother.

"Yes, I know. Are we running the market stall this year?"

Esther nodded, a smile spreading across her face.

"You can take the weekend off, my dear. I can take care of the market," Esther smiled. "I want you to go with Zack. You both deserve to have a little fun. And who knows, there might be a man that catches your eye." She winked at her daughter playfully, hoping to see her happily married one day.

Morwen's eyes widened at her mother's suggestion.

"Mother, I've told you a hundred times, I have no interest in men," Morwen muttered, packing the last of the money into her bag.

"Ah, you say that now, but you will change your mind when you meet the right one. You just need to give it a chance."

Morwen rolled her eyes, she knew her mother was trying to be helpful, but the topic always ended in an argument.

Esther dreamed of grandchildren whom she could adore. Morwen, on the other hand, cringed at the thought of children. At eighteen, she felt she was still a child herself. It's not that Morwen wasn't interested in marriage, it was the lack of agreeable suitors, she scrunched up her nose at the mere thought of entertaining one of those hooligans from town. She wasn't very keen on the idea of running away with a traveller either. Shaking her head at the thought. 

"Mother, the last thing on my mind is men. Besides, it would take more than a pretty face to sweep me off my feet. I'm perfectly content being single. I'll just have fun with Galena, maybe go for a walk or something."

"Oh, come on, Morwen, live a little. You don't want to end up old and alone, do you?" Esther chided.

"I'm not going to get old and alone," Morwen huffed, folding her arms.

"You will if you don't start paying attention to the men around you," Esther laughed, patting her daughter's arm.

"Mother, enough," Morwen said, irritated.

"Fine, fine. I won't mention it again," Esther relented, holding up her hands.

"Thank you." she let out her breath irritated.

"I just want you to be happy, my dear," Esther said, patting her daughter's shoulder.

"I know, mother, and I am. I'm very happy."

"Alright, well, if you're not interested in men, maybe you'll have more luck with women."

Esther nudged Morwen with her elbow.

Morwen shot her mother a glare.

"Alright, alright. I won't tease anymore." Esther shook her head smiling, she had never been able to understand her daughter's lack of interest in men. She didn't push the subject further, and Morwen was grateful for that.