It had now been five years since Cedric had moved away from the city to this peaceful home in the quiet reaches of the valley.
He had decided to move over here a few months after he learned that Aika was with child.
That day had been one of the happiest moments of Cedric's life.
The spring thaw was when his daughter, Anya, was born.
She was beautiful, and more comforting still was that she looked more like him than Aika. She had his wide, eager smile and his stubborn chin, which never failed to make him grin and tease Aika whenever he caught sight of it.
…Come to think of it, leaving the capital for this valley had been a simple choice back then. He had wanted a quiet existence, with just his family, his hard work, and the peaceful woods.
Now he had it.
He had everything he ever wanted.
"Come on, Anya," Aika said, her voice soft as she took the little girl's hand. "Let's leave Daddy to his work."
"Okay!"
Their voices drifted across the clearing like a distant memory.
