"Wahhhh! WAHHH!"

I froze mid-step, my glass heels sinking into the fresh snow. That cry... it tore at my heart, a sound of pure anguish and fear. Small. Alone. Desperate.

Snowflakes danced around me as I turned, my flowing white dress swirling in the icy wind.

Each step left a delicate impression in the snow, quickly erased by the relentless fury of the wind. Above me, the towering stone buildings of Valenor rose like ancient giants, their intricate carvings and towering arches etched with time.

The majestic clocktower stood at the heart of the city, its rhythmic chimes echoing across the streets, marking the hour.

I rounded a corner into a small alleyway, and there she was. A little girl, no more than six, huddled against a cold stone wall. Tears streaked her face, her tiny hands clutching at a bruised knee.

"Hey there, little one."

I called softly, approaching with care.

"Are you lost?"

Her head snapped up, wide eyes full of fear and pain meeting mine. She tried to speak, but only a choked sob escaped.

I knelt beside her, my voice gentle.

"It's okay. I'm here to help. Can you tell me what happened?"

The girl sniffled, her words tumbling out between hiccuping sobs.

"I... I fell. It hurts."

"Shh, it's alright," I soothed, reaching out slowly. "May I take a look?"

She nodded, lower lip trembling. As my fingers brushed her hair, warmth bloomed within me. Arcane energy pulsed through my veins, crystals of light dancing at my fingertips.

I took a deep breath, centering myself.

"This might feel a little strange, but I promise it'll make the pain go away. Ready?"

The girl's eyes widened as blue light erupted from my hand, enveloping her injured knee. She gasped, then giggled as the warmth spread.

"It tickles!"

She exclaimed, wonder replacing fear on her little face.

I smiled, watching the bruise fade away to nothing.

"There we go. All better now."

She flexed her leg swinging it up and down, then beamed up at me.

"Thank you, pretty lady!"

Before I could respond, she was on her feet, twirling in the falling snow.

Her laughter, pure and joyous, echoed off the stone walls. With a final wave, she dashed away, leaving me alone once more.

I stood, brushing snow from my dress.

"This place hasn't changed a bit,"

I murmured, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips.

"Still so full of life, even in the depths of winter."

My gaze drifted beyond the city streets, where Valenor's bustle faded into reverent silence.

Through the swirling snow, I saw them.

The gravestones.

Majestic and solemn, adorned with shimmering crystal flowers that defied the season.

My feet carried me forward of their own accord. Each step felt heavier than the last, memories surging with every inch. I stopped before the central stone, my breath catching as I traced the familiar inscription.

"It's been far too long."

With trembling fingers, I removed the crystal clip from my hair and then placed it atop the gravestone.

"I miss you all…"