When I opened the blinds this morning, I was greeted by a beautiful surprise.
It had snowed overnight, covering the world in a blanket of white. The streets were silent, and the usual morning rush was slowed down. Children were throwing snowballs, laughing, and enjoying their walk to school for the first time in a while.
This scene reminded me of the opening chapter of my first book, and I started to dream of a white winter night in medieval Scotland. I wanted to share this experience with you and look forward to your thoughts, inspiration, or criticism.
It was a cold starry night. Flurries of snow danced in the moonlight, and the frozen ground cracked under their wheels. The wobbling of the carriage and the fresh night air had made feel Amanda drowsy. She fought hard to stay awake by looking at Adelaide and Bhaltair, trying to read their expressions. That’s when she noticed that Bhaltair’s eyes were scanning the surrounding trees.
“What is it, Bhaltair? What do you see?
No, don't worry, I was simply looking for Adelaide's house. We should be close by now, right?
“Aye, it’s just around the next bend, Bhaltair,” Adelaide answered. Soon, we'll sit by the fire and drink mulled wine. It’s not often that I have visitors, so I am glad of the chance to sit and chat with you for a while.”
“I can hardly wait,” he said with a smile. “I think we all could do with a hot drink by now. I'm just hoping that I'll be able to let go of the reins. I can barely move my fingers because they are so cold.
“Goodness, why don’t you wear your mittens!”
“I forgot them at your house when I dropped the lads. But never mind, it’s not so bad, and in any case, we’ve almost there. Bhaltair shouted to the horses, “Giddy up, fellas! “ Adelaide’s cottage stood peacefully in the distance, its thatched roof and stained-glass windows drawing them in from the cold. Amanda pushed back her hood and grabbed her bag as the carriage rattled over the small bridge leading to Adelaide’s cottage. As the carriage approached the threshold, the door swung open, and Bhaltair's two sons, Hugh and Glen, jumped out and yelled at Amanda.
Hiya, lass, it is mighty fine to see you again. It’s been such a long time since you came to the woods!”
Well, that’s not true. It has been only a month or two. I can’t help it that you weren’t around,” Amanda teased.
Never mind, I will give you a hand with that bag.
“Glen, you’d better pick her up, so she doesn’t have to walk through the snow and wet her boots”, Hugh suggested.
“Aye, right, Hugh, as soon as you get out of my way,” his brother responded. “Come on, Amanda, jump on my back. I’ll carry you.”
“Are you sure? I am pretty heavy, you know.”
“Oh, come on, you are light as a feather compared to the sacks of flour I lug around all day.”
She replied with a grin as she jumped onto Glen's back, "If you insist."
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