Two Letters

Brando and Freya walked beneath the moonlight in the forest. The shadows of the pine trees overlapped, forming a long, narrow tunnel. Their soft footsteps rustled, while a full moon hung above the pine needles. Night owls cried out in the silent night, their piercing calls carrying through the woods from near and far. Brando walked quickly, and Freya could barely keep up. She held down her skirt with one hand to keep it from catching on the uneven bushes, but her thoughts had already settled on their clasped hands, leaving her mind in turmoil. She vaguely remembered that ever since they had parted in Brags, she had never again had the chance to be alone with Brando like this. The last time they had walked side by side beneath the night sky had been in Stag Forest—and that, too, had been in this very forest.

"Brando, where are we going?"

"You'll understand soon."

Freya fell silent. Though she was somewhat shy, she still let Brando tighten his grip around her hand. The two advanced through the forest, one ahead of the other. It was a journey both long and brief. Gradually, the dense branches parted ahead, and the woodland grew sparse. A faint light showed through, and only then did Freya realize that they had passed through the forest from the other side. Yet she was filled with doubt about what lay ahead.

Here we are. It really is still here, Brando thought.

The forest opened a great gate before them. Beyond it seemed to be a lively, bustling market. It sat at the edge of the forest, its scattered lights twinkling like a grand feast held by the forest fairies, who had gathered here and lit clusters of torches. But when Freya saw the crooked shelters and wooden