There was something about the moon that late dreary winter night. It shone brighter than ever. Ephemeral rays guided her path while she trudged on in the dark. A brass Persian lamp dangled in her hand, creating spectral shadows in her wake. She had been too focused on her journey to realise everything around her had gone quiet. No trace of nocturnal wildlife could be perceived any longer in the deepest part of Emerald Woods. This did not deter Danica, who continued. Finally, she spotted the familiar iron gate.

Emerald Woods had been her home, once upon a time. In its’ depths, stood forgotten by the world beyond, a medieval fortress. Regardless of centuries that had gone by, its’ architecture remained faithful to its original pristine appearance. Not a single element was out of place. Almost as if it had been newly built in a day or so.

It didn’t take her long to find the hidden entrance. The unassuming key, she had earnestly treasured all these years fit perfectly. A soft click followed by light footsteps echoed in the dark foyer. With her hood gone, luscious, greying red locks of long silk glided with her every move. Before putting off the lamp, she used its’ fire to light the array of candles positioned on the walls.

“Danica?” called a female voice, “Is that truly you?”

She turned around. A pair of obsidian eyes greeted her. They were a colour so deep, anyone could envision empty starless nights, or of Death himself. Danica missed the familiarity of those uncaring gaze. They belonged to the slim figure of a woman. She was dressed in a black laced gown standing proudly atop the staircase. Her golden hair shone in the night, crowned by the round glass window behind her. She had not aged at all and she never will. Unlike Danica, this young lady and the many others residing in these walls will forever live unaffected by Time.

Danica too had this gift many centuries ago. Alongside the inhabitants of this fortress, she had witnessed the comings and goings of the Fleeters. They were those who lived governed by Time. They had very brief lives, yet the gayness in their spirit lived on even when they succumbed to Death. Danica never understood why. Thus, she grew forever longing to venture beyond Emerald Woods. To live amongst the Fleeters. To experience Time in her skin. Hence, when she had been given the chance, she yielded her gift in exchange for Time. In exchange, she had to pay a price. She had to leave, for those with Time cannot survive inside the fortress’ walls. Without Time in their lives, Fleeters grow mad the longer they stay. Danica’s family begged her to leave and to never come back.

And so the young woman experienced Time just as she wished. But alas, she would seldom be delighted for it. She travelled around the world seeking the secret she was destined to never uncover. Eventually, after almost a hundred century of fruitless endeavours, she was overcome by a strong desire to see her beloved Emerald Woods again.

Danica, who many once called the hidden diamond of Emerald Woods, was now an elder woman with crisps wrinkles on her face and a tired look in her once vibrant verdant eyes.

“Good evening, Georgina.” she said, voice feeble, wrought by Time.

In response, the young lady descended the stairs and held the elder woman tightly in her arms.

“Welcome home, dearest little sister.”