It was snowing in the rolling hills of Laencastor. Heavy flakes dropped from the sky and disappeared along the ice-touched white caps of the rough Valan river. Despite the ice crowding the pearly rocks across its width, Rex and Vanora warily attempted the crossing.

They were old enough to know the risks of entering the oak wood on the other side, but then they were too young to care. It was no matter that the elders spoke of spry elves who would steal them away—nor was it one in the case of the goblins, who traipsed around with strands of human teeth. So few believed in such tales that they believed any disappearance was the case of a starving bear claiming a meal. Stories of savage daughters hardly frightened the youth anymore.

And yet despite their carelessness, the shape of a creature among the wood made Rex pause in his steps. Vanora nearly skidded across the ice-coated stones as her companion paused. “What is it?” She asked, exasperated.

Out of the wood paced a colorless reindeer with eyes as dark as the deepest pits. It lifted its head and regarded them coldly, as though its gaze was also varnished with frost. Rex slowly stepped onto the next stone, his eyes brightening. A pelt of such a creature would keep him warm throughout the long winter months and would hide him from the prey he needed to fetch for his family. The creature seemed to realize his excitement as it backed towards the woods. The shadows of hanging branches dappled its coat, black wreathing itself among the pallid color of its coat.

Any lesson he had ever learned evaded him as he danced across the frosted stones. He crept ever closer to Vanora’s dismay. She called warnings which fell upon deaf ears. Rex landed upon the pebbled shore of the rivers other side. As his booted feet touched the land, the reindeer retreated. It became a shadow, only visible by the glinting icicles hanging from its antlers.

Vanora had little choice but to follow the foolish boy, unable to allow that guilt on her conscience.

The reindeer waded through thickening snowdrifts. It’s sure-footed steps were followed by the clumsy, stumbling paces of the two mortals.

“We should go back,” Vanora warned. “It isn’t safe this deep in the woods.”

“Nonsense,” said Rex. “I need a new coat, and this creatures pelt is sure to make a good one.”

“It is not wise to kill the creatures of the Elf Wood.” Vanora cried in protest be he would not heed her.

They trekked for a short while before they came across the stoned ledge of the Valegrave, a long fence that prevented the mortals from reaching the elves. The reindeer took wary steps onto the stones. But where it was sure-footed in the snow, it was not such on stone. It was no mountain goat, built to climb the such boulders. Rex brightened when he saw his opportunity. He dashed for the rocks, scrambling upwards even as the jagged edges cut into his palms. If he could only cut into its neck, he’d have the pelt he so desired.

He unsheathed the long knife hidden in his boot and he slashed when he got close enough. Yet the reindeer paused, narrowly avoiding a fatal wound. The blade tore into its shoulder and it reared back as scarlet fell from the flesh-wound. It dropped back to the snow, regarding the boy with hostility not of an animal. The trees creaked and groaned a warning as the wind quickened. The creature’s head retracted, limbs becoming skin. The elf sheltered back against the stones, shrouded in a white fur coat. Blood seeped from a shallow wound in her shoulder as she glared at the boy.

Rex took a frightened step back, swallowing a cry of fear. It was cut off with the whoosh of an arrow embedded in his jugular. He fell without a sound, besides for the one that escaped Vanora.

The elves in the trees turned their frosty gazes upon the girl, before they pointed to the river and directed her back where she came. They sent her with a warning for her troubles. A warning that would echo in her head for years. Long Reigns the Wood, and Long shall the Wood Reign.