Everlasting dream (18+)

Chapter 17 — Our distant past

[Nivalis Silverfrost]

— "Ugh..." Nivalis's eyes fluttered open as the morning sun greeted her with its brilliant, golden light that managed to find its way to her face through the tiny crack in their shelter. Her vision was blurred, and her body felt heavy and weak. She blinked a few times, her eyelids fluttering as she tried to focus.

As her eyes adjusted to the light, her senses returned to her, one by one. First, the faint sound of birds chirping. Then, the rustling of the wind. Then, the smell of earth and pine. And, finally, the warmth of her children nestled in her embrace.

Nivalis felt their chests' gentle rise and fall, their tiny bodies tucked safely against her. Silvia's mouth was still attached to her nipple, a soft and warm sensation. Aster was nestled between them, his tiny hands curled into little fists.

As Nivalis slowly emerged from her dream-like state, her body began to awake. She felt the cold chill of the air, the soft, ticklish sensation of Silvia's warm breath on her skin, and the faint tugging of her mouth at her breast.

The memories of the previous day flooded her mind.

A shudder ran through her, a shiver of fear, relief, and gratitude. Her heart thumped. She knew they were still in danger, that the forest was treacherous and unpredictable, and that their journey was just beginning.

Her mind was filled with thoughts and worries, but she tried to push them away. "We are safe. We will be okay," she reassured herself, her eyes wandering to her sleeping children. The night was chilly despite her efforts to insulate the shelter. Next time, she planned to wake up periodically to keep the fire burning.

She could hear the rustling of the trees and the gentle whisper of the wind. She gently rubbed Silvia's back, her fingertips tracing the delicate curve of her spine.

— "Wake up, sweetie. It's morning already," Nivalis whispered, her voice soft and reassuring. She felt Silvia stir, her tiny body stirring in her embrace.

"Mmm," Silvia mumbled, her voice muffled against her breast. She reluctantly released her nipple, her lips parting with a wet pop. Nivalis couldn't help but smile. She brushed a stray lock of hair from her daughter's forehead, her fingers lingering on her warm skin.

— "We need to get up," Nivalis urged her, her voice gentle.

"I'm tired, Mommy," Silvia whined, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

Nivalis sighed, a mixture of concern and exhaustion creeping into her tone.— "I know, sweetie. But we can't stay here."

Silvia's face twisted into a frown, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout. Her voice came out soft and pleading as she asked, "Can I have some breakfast first?" Nivalis couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. With a sympathetic tone, she replied, — "Of course, honey, I have something for you here in my pouch. Let me grab..." But as Nivalis began to get up, she was taken aback when she felt a pair of small, warm hands gently pushing her back down.

— "What are you doing, sweetie?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of amusement. Silvia blushed, her eyes fixed on her mother's naked breasts, and murmured, her cheeks turning crimson, "I want to drink your... milk, Mommy."

— "Oh, I..." caught off guard, Nivalis stammered, unsure of how to respond. Silvia's pleading gaze, with wide and hopeful eyes, tugged at her heartstrings. Eventually, Nivalis agreed, a warm smile gracing her lips as she said, "Okay, honey." She shifted slightly, making herself comfortable.

Silvia wasted no time. Once again, her mouth wrapped around her mother's nipple, her tongue gently lapping at the tender flesh.

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— "Ohh," The unexpected sensation elicited a gasp from Nivalis, who was taken aback by the moment's intensity.

"Hmm," Silvia murmured in response, her voice muffled by her mother's breast.

The movements of her daughter's mouth on her breast were deliberate and sensual. Her lips wrapped around the rosy tip, her tongue swirling and lapping. Nivalis could feel the tugging and sucking, the warmth of her breath, and how her milk flowed into her daughter's mouth. She felt the soft, wet tip of her tongue against her nipple.

Meanwhile, Nivalis pulled Aster closer, realizing he also needed to be fed. This was the perfect time to take care of his needs. His small hands grasped her breast, his tiny mouth searching for her nipple. And when he found it, he put it in his tiny mouth. He sucked eagerly, his warm, velvety mouth drawing her milk into his throat. Nivalis closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax, enjoying the moment.

The warmth of her children's bodies, the rhythmic suction of their mouths, the feeling of their tiny tongues against her skin.

In the midst of this intimate scene, Nivalis reached for a snack from a small pouch nearby and a small knife. She carefully sliced the Frostapple Root into thin pieces with a knife in hand. The sound of her children nursing filled the air, creating a soothing ambiance within their small shelter.

Frostapple Roots are sturdy small plants that thrive in cold climates, gathered with the first frosts in the late autumn. They're crunchy and juicy, and they smell just like apples when you cut them, which is how they earned their name. When eaten raw, they make for a refreshing and nutritious snack. When cooked, they can be roasted, boiled, or mashed, much like potatoes, and their sweet and slightly tart taste adds a unique twist to savory meals.

— "Here, eat this, my love," Nivalis murmured, holding out a slice. Silvia reached out and took the piece with her mouth, her lips glistening with a hint of drool and milk. Grateful, Silvia murmured, her voice thick with desire, "Thank you, Mommy."

Nivalis continued feeding Silvia with root slices, and each time, Silvia washed it down with milk from her mother's breast. Nivalis also enjoyed them, savoring the sweet and tart flavors that danced on her taste buds.

After fifteen minutes, Nivalis gently said, — "Alright, sweetie. I think that's enough." Her voice carried a gentle and loving tone. As she pulled her breast out of Silvia's mouth, her nipple popped out, covered in her daughter's saliva. The cool rush of air against her moist skin made her shudder, creating a momentary sensation that sent a shiver down her spine.

Nivalis's breasts were still swollen with milk, her nipples still hard and tender. She placed her hand over her breasts, trying to ease the soreness. Silvia was smiling, her lips stained with a milky sheen. She looked content, her belly full, her mind at peace.

— "Are you feeling better now, sweetie?" Nivalis asked, her voice filled with concern and affection.

Silvia nodded, her eyes meeting hers. "Thank you, Mommy," she whispered, her words filled with gratitude and devotion.

— "Of course, my love," Nivalis replied, her voice soft and tender. "Now, we need to get going."

She carefully handed her little baby over to her daughter, her fingers lingering on his fragile, delicate skin. Nivalis couldn't help but marvel at the sight before her. Her daughter cradled her baby, her face flushed with pride and wonder. Silvia was gentle as she held her brother, her movements slow and deliberate, as if she were afraid that he would break if she were too rough.

As they dressed, Nivalis couldn't help but feel the cold winter breeze biting at her skin, its icy teeth nipping at her bare feet. Nivalis took two pairs of boots from the outside and some thick socks, handing one set to her daughter. Silvia took the boots, her tiny fingers fumbling with the leather straps and buckles.

— "Here, let me help," Nivalis offered, her hands gently moving over to her daughter's clumsy fingers.

"Thank you, Mommy," Silvia murmured, her voice tinged with frustration and gratitude.

The sound of leather tightening and moving filled the air as Nivalis helped her daughter. She then put on her own boots, her movements quick and precise.

Together, they emerged from the shelter. Nivalis felt the wind's chill on her bare face, her cheeks flushing pink. The cold morning air was crisp and fresh, and the sun's rays were gentle and welcoming.

— "Let's start packing, sweetie. Help me gather our stuff," Nivalis murmured, her gaze falling on the pile of snow-covered items and supplies.

"Okay, Mommy," Silvia acquiesced, her eyes wide and hopeful.

They began packing the sled. Nivalis folded the blankets while Silvia placed the pots and utensils in the sled. Their movements were slow and careful as they worked, and each item was handled with care. Their breaths formed puffs of mist in the cold, clear morning air.

...

— "There, all packed," Nivalis breathed, her voice filled with relief and accomplishment.

As Silvia sat at the front of the sled with her baby brother in her arms, Nivalis draped a thick, warm blanket over them. She tucked it around them, ensuring they were snug and comfortable. Silvia smiled at her mother, her eyes wide and trusting, her cheeks flushed.

— "Now, let's get going," Nivalis said, her tone anxious.

Nivalis gripped the rope, her fingers curling around the worn, rough fibers. Her muscles flexed and tightened as she pulled, the movement slow and deliberate. She could feel her feet sinking into the snow, the powdery crystals crunching beneath her boots. The sled behind her followed her lead, gliding through the snow. Silvia clung to her baby brother, the sled rocking beneath them.

They traveled like this for a few hours. The forest was eerily quiet. The only sound was the crunching of footsteps in the snow and the occasional call of a distant bird. The sun rose higher in the sky, its rays dancing across the tree tops, bathing the landscape in a golden glow.

Nivalis could feel the ache in her arms, her muscles protesting. But she didn't stop. She kept moving. The sled slid through the snow, cutting through the ice crust. The cold air bites at her cheeks, and her breath forms clouds in the air. As they journeyed, Nivalis occasionally turned her head, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest for potential threats.

"Mommy," Silvia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and excitement, "I was wondering if adventurers are real."

Nivalis couldn't help but smile at the innocence in her daughter's question. Her heart swelled with warmth as she glanced back at the young, curious face of hers.— "Absolutely, sweetie," she replied, her voice brimming with confidence. "Adventurers are very real."

Silvia's eyes sparkled with wonder, reflecting a child's boundless imagination. "So, do they really travel the world, fight monsters, and save people?"

Nivalis nodded, her smile growing.— "Yes, honey. Adventurers are real, and they really do all those incredible things. They rescue those in need."

Silvia's whisper was filled with awe and amazement. "Wow, that's so cool." Her imagination danced with the images of these heroic figures. "Have you ever met an adventurer, Mommy?"

A soft chuckle escaped Nivalis's lips at her daughter's insatiable curiosity.— "Yes, sweetie," she replied, her gaze now focused on the path ahead. "I've met many adventurers in my lifetime."

Silvia leaned in closer, eager for every word. "Really? What were they like?"

Nivalis paused for a moment, her eyes gazing into the distance. Her mind wandered, her thoughts filled with memories.— "Well, the adventurers I've met," she began, "are all very different. They come from all walks of life with different backgrounds and beliefs. Some are noble and virtuous, while others are... a little less so," she added with a smile.

Silvia's eyes widened with a sense of wonder, and her gaze remained locked onto her mother's as if she were about to hear the most incredible story in the world. "What's the most impressive thing you've seen an adventurer do, Mommy? Maybe a battle!?" she inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.

Nivalis pondered the question, her brows furrowing slightly as she journeyed into the depths of her memories.— "The most impressive thing?" she repeated softly, a thoughtful expression gracing her features.

— "Hmm," she murmured. Nivalis paused, her brows knitting together as she delved into her memories. She searched her mind for a story that would captivate Silvia's imagination. "Well, my sweet, I haven't personally witnessed many battles with my own eyes, but there was one particular adventurer whose tale I heard." Her voice took on a tone of reverence as she continued, "This adventurer, long ago, faced an entire horde of terrifying monsters all alone. And won, saving the lives of hundreds of innocent people. Now that was impressive," Nivalis finished with a sigh, a cloud of mist escaping her lips.

Silvia's eyes shone with a mixture of wonder and admiration. Her heart thumped wildly, and her body trembled with excitement. Her mind raced, conjuring up images of epic battles, fierce combat, and heroic deeds. "Really? That's amazing!" Silvia exclaimed, her voice filled with amazement.

Nivalis smiled warmly, her gaze resting on her precious child's innocent and curious face.— "Yes, it is, sweetie. Adventurers are truly incredible," Nivalis responded.

Silvia paused, her inquisitive brow furrowed, her voice laced with concern as she tried to understand the world around her. "Where did monsters come from?"

She spoke with care and a hint of trepidation.— "That's a good question, honey. It's hard to say for sure, but it's possible that the monsters are what is left of the Dark Times."

Silvia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she absorbed the new piece of knowledge, "The Dark Times?" she repeated.

Nivalis nodded, her voice carrying the weight of history itself.— "Yes, honey. The Dark Times is a chapter in our history. A very, very long time ago. It was a period when large magical gates started opening in the sky, letting monsters enter our world. These gates were scattered all over the land, which meant that hordes of monsters could attack anywhere at any time. It was truly a frightening time."

Silvia's voice trembled as she whispered, "That sounds scary, Mommy," her young imagination painted vivid, ominous images in her mind.

Nivalis offered her a warm, reassuring smile, her motherly love a comforting shield.— "Don't worry, sweetie. The Dark Times is a part of our distant past, long gone. As for the monsters we have now, the Adventurer's Guild keeps a close watch on their numbers. If they spot too many monsters, the brave adventurers will step in to protect us."

With a sigh, Nivalis continued, — "And if, by any chance, the situation becomes too challenging even for our brave adventurers, the kingdoms may have no choice but to send their own armies to help. Our world has come a long way from the Dark Times, sweetie, so there's nothing to worry about."

Her mother's words reassured Silvia's heart, and she murmured softly, "That's good to hear, Mommy," a sense of relief washed over her. Her eyes still had a hint of fear in them, but her curiosity was stronger. "How the Dark Times ended, Mommy?" she asked, her voice a trembling whisper.

Nivalis turned to her daughter, her expression gentle and tender. She knew this tale might be a lot for a young mind to understand.— "It's a little tricky, sweetie," she began, her voice soft and caring. "You see, every religion these days has its own story about what happened."

Nivalis felt Silvia's inquisitive gaze fixated on her, patiently waiting for the story to continue.— "Some folks think the gods came to the rescue. They sent a hero from another world who closed the gates and kept the scary monsters out."

Nivalis's eyes gazed up at the endless sky as if searching for answers among the clouds.— "Others believe it was people's strength, bravery, and working together that saved the day. They banded together and fought off those monsters with their own courage."

— "Some even believe that there was no Dark Times at all," Nivalis mused, her voice calm, "They think that monsters have always existed, and it's just that their numbers grew so much that people started to make stories about them."

— "But, who really knows for sure, right?" Nivalis asked, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness. "History is full of different stories, and everyone thinks their version is the true one. So, what do you think, my sweet?"

Silvia made a pause to think, her mind racing with possibilities. "I think..." she began, "Well, I think it happened, and the gods have helped, Mommy," Silvia replied with unwavering certainty, her bright eyes shining with conviction. "But I'm not so sure about the hero thingy..."

Silvia continued, "I mean, the gods are super powerful, right? Why send a hero from another world? It sounds so silly. They could've just used their own power to defeat the monsters."

Nivalis laughed gently, her eyes twinkling with amusement.— "It is quite silly, sweetie, isn't it?" she agreed.

Silvia nodded, "Yeah!" then went quiet, but soon her curiosity bubbled over, "By the way, did you ever see a gate, Mommy?" Silvia asked, her voice brimming with excitement and a thirst for knowledge.

Nivalis gently shook her head.— "No, sweetie, I've never seen a gate. This happened a thousand years ago, if not more. But my father, your grandpa, told me so many wonderful stories about the gates and the magical creatures inside, like fairies! Can you believe it? Even though he hadn't seen any of it either, he knew so much more than me."

After hearing about fairies, Silvia's eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky. "Tell me, tell me!" she urged, her voice full of eagerness and excitement.

Nivalis smiled and nodded, her heart warmed by her daughter's enthusiasm.— "Alright, honey. Here's one of the stories your grandpa used to tell..."

As the day wore on, they walked deeper into the forest, the trail they made winded through the labyrinth of trees and bushes. The snow lay deep and thick, making every step a challenge. Nivalis's body ached from the constant strain, her muscles protesting the exertion. Yet, she paid it no mind, pulling the sled and entertaining her daughter with tales of the past.

As the hours passed, the winter sky took on a deeper shade of gray, casting a somber hue over the forest. The clouds had gathered and thickened, obscuring the pale sun.

They continued to walk, but the wind began to grow stronger, rustling the leaves and making the trees sway and shiver. The air felt heavy, and the snowflakes fell, falling upon the world like a thick, wet blanket, quietly covering their footsteps.

Nivalis couldn't help but feel the shift in the weather. She looked up, her eyes narrowing and her lips pressing into a thin line.— "Something isn't quite right," she whispered to herself, her voice full of concern and unease.

The snowfall intensified, the snowflakes clumping together as they fell from the sky. The wind, too, grew more fierce, its howling voice echoing through the forest. Nivalis knew what was coming, and her heart raced with the urgency to find shelter. She picked up the pace, her feet digging into the snow.

Silvia noticed how the weather changed and her mother's sudden shift in behavior. "Mommy, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice heavy with worry.

— "We're making a shelter. It's going to be alright, honey." Nivalis assured her daughter, her tone calm and reassuring.

As the storm escalated, the wind raged through the forest, shaking the trees with relentless force. The snow fell thick and fast, spinning and twirling through the air, obscuring their vision and veiling the world around them in a curtain of white. But she managed to spot a massive boulder that could protect them from the wind. Just beside it stood a mighty tree, its trunk sturdy and thick. It was the perfect combination for a makeshift shelter.

Her hands worked as Nivalis cleared the area to prepare for their shelter, her fingers scrabbling and digging into the snow. The snow was wet and heavy, clinging to her fingers, making it difficult to grip. She could feel her fingertips growing numb, the chill seeping into her bones. But she didn't stop. Her movements were desperate and wild, her mind racing.

She reached into the sled and pulled out their biggest blankets and rope.— "Stay right here, my love," Nivalis instructed, her eyes alight with a sense of urgency as she moved quickly, her boots sinking deep into the snow with each determined step. She tied the rope to the tree around its thick trunk. Next, she tied the rope to the sled, pulling it close to the boulder.

She placed the blankets on the rope, creating insulation for their shelter. She pulled the corners down, trying to create a solid barrier between them and the storm. But the wind was relentless, ripping and tearing at the blankets, causing them to flap and flap. She knew it wouldn't hold, so she started to look for a few stones to place them on top of the blankets, weighing them down and giving them more stability.

Silvia held her baby brother close, her arms wrapped protectively around him, trying to shield him from the wind and snow. She watched her mother with wide, frightened eyes, her heart filled with fear and anxiety.

Nivalis located a handful of rocks, each becoming an anchor for the blankets. She secured the edges of the blankets, ensuring they would stay in place. The snow was falling thick and fast, and the cold was seeping into her bones. Nivalis felt the bite of the icy wind against her cheeks, and her breath came in ragged gasps.

As Nivalis worked, she could hear the sound of the storm building in intensity, the wind howling and whipping through the trees. The snow was coming down in waves, falling thick and fast, covering everything in its path.

Her hands moved with urgency as she began to gather and cut pine branches, using them to create a makeshift floor for their shelter. The numbing cold bit at her fingers, her palms raw from the unrelenting work. But her motherly determination pushed her to continue.

...

Nivalis could hear the wind howling, and she felt the gusts tugging at her cloak, trying to pull her away. Nivalis hurried back. She did everything she could to improve their shelter, but the snowstorm was now in full force, and the wind was screaming. Nivalis noticed her daughter hadn't moved from the sled, holding her baby brother, even though their shelter was ready.

— "Come, my love. Don't be afraid. It's safe inside," Nivalis said, calling her daughter over. Silvia stood there for a moment, her eyes wide with fear, like a deer staring down the jaws of a wolf. "Come on, sweetie, hurry," Nivalis urged.

She gathered her courage and started to walk, and then finally, Silvia crawled inside, her body shaking from the cold.

Nivalis took all remaining blankets and furs, water, and something to eat from the sled and crawled inside as well, closing the entrance behind her. It was dark, damp, and chilly inside, but at least the wind wasn't whipping at them. The shelter was tiny, barely enough for them. They could hear the storm raging outside, the snow and wind pounding against the walls. The weight of the snow pressed down from above, creating a tight, protective seal.

A numb, aching cold made their teeth chatter, and their limbs shake. Nivalis wrapped her arms around her children, holding them close, their bodies pressed against each other, trying to generate warmth, especially for her little son. She additionally wrapped them in blankets and furs that she got from the sled, but the cold seemed to slip through.

The air was heavy with the scent of earth and pine, and the darkness enveloped them. Their breathing was slow and steady, and their hearts beat in unison. The sound of the storm was muffled as if it were far away.

As they lay there, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one. They could hear each other's heartbeats, feel each other's breathing, and sense each other's thoughts:

They were alone. Lost in the wilderness. No one could save them.