The Winter Nymph

Brian Leon

Snow falls, rabbits burrow, wolves hunt, humans hide. And the Winter Nymph rises. The legend of the Winter Nymph was known throughout the land, yet, still shrouded in mystery among the townsfolk of Fernrow.

Rumor has it, that the Nymph lived in the neighboring forest. On the first night of December, a man named Flint mounted his horse and went to search. After twelve hours of braving the harsh wind and rough snow, Flint reach the forest´s heart.

He set up camp for the night, struggling to light a fire the unrelenting winter. Flint thought about his warm cottage as he worked. He thought about how nice it would be to sit by the fireplace, and drink tea while he watched the snow from inside.

But Flint knew if he wanted any real chance of seeing the nymph, he needed to brave the elements. It took Flint a long time to set up his tent, and even longer for him to fall asleep.

Flint could have slept till the next night, but he was awoken by a strange sensation. He slowly peeked out of his tent, just in time to see snow spiraling in a tornado around a beautiful woman levitating above the ground. 

Flint finally got a good look at her when she landed. She wore a simple white dress with blue lines running down it. She had tan skin, and flowing white hair. Her white and glossy white eyes reflected the environment around her. She was the Winter Nymph.

Flint had been so mesmerized by her that he didn't notice her looking back.

¨Came here to gawk?¨ She asked in a bored, uninterested tone. Clearly the sight of a human was not new to her.

Even though she spoke English, her voice was otherworldly.

It took Flint a while to regain composure. He exited his tent and kneeled before her. 

¨I apologize for intruding your land, I was merely curious.¨ He spoke each word carefully.

The nymph raised an eyebrow.

¨Curiosity? Surely there is some ulterior motive?¨ She asked as though it were not a question, but a statement.

¨I was lonely.¨