The harsh weather had softened a bit that evening, and the snowing air felt gentle rather than cruel.
Elora stepped outside the estate with a beautiful, woven basket hooked over her arm, her boots crunching lightly in the snow.
She had changed into a fitted pair of blue riding clothes trimmed with golden thread. The fabric hugged her tiny frame snugly, and a cream-colored fur shawl was tied around her shoulders, keeping her body warm from the cold air. A matching cream-colored fur hat sat atop her head, keeping away the chills of the weather.
Strands of her raven hair escaped the hat, brushing against her flushed cheeks that had turned pink from the cold.
Behind her, Azazeal followed diligently, his steps unhurried, his dark cloak moved faintly as he walked and he looked the exact opposite of Elora's bright and cheerful demeanor.
