Under the Northern Lights

First Steps into the Forest

Naomi woke up earlier than usual, even before the sun had time to touch the horizon. The sky outside the window was still dark, but her mind was already busy anticipating today’s journey.

Her heart beat a little faster as Erik’s image flashed through her mind, a mixture of curiosity, awe, and unexplained anxiety. She sighed, trying to calm herself down, then quickly moved to get things ready.

The morning chill crept into his house, forcing him to pull on the thick woollen coat hanging by the door. She wore sturdy hiking boots and leather gloves and wrapped her neck in a knitted scarf.

A thermos filled with warm tea was carefully placed into the bag, along with the small box of medical equipment she had carefully prepared last night. Even in the biting cold, Lily and Duke-her guard seemed excited, barking softly as if they knew something special awaited.

As the clock struck eight, a knock sounded on the clinic door. The voice was firm but unhurried, enough to make Naomi pause, calming her breathing before stepping through the door. A cold wind rushed in, bringing the distinctive scent of snow and frozen leaves.

Erik stood erect in a thick coat that protected his body from the cold. His hood was covered in light snow, creating a sharp contrast with the dark colour of his clothes, almost like he was part of the snowy landscape itself.

His deep eyes looked directly at Naomi, full of calmness and a hint of mystery. At first glance, a small smile was painted on his face, enough to make Naomi feel awkward but calm simultaneously.

“Are you ready?” Erik asked. Although his voice sounded low and hoarse, it had a warm tone that penetrated the cold air.

Naomi nodded, gripping the strap of the bag on her shoulder tightly. “Ready,” she replied, though the sound felt like it was to reassure herself.

They walked through the village, heading down a small path that ended at the edge of the forest. The snow made the walk eerily silent, their footsteps the only sound.

The forest appeared before them, giant pine trees towering high with snow-covered branches. As they stepped inside, Naomi felt like she had entered a completely different world. The air felt fresher and sharper, and the silence inside was almost calming but a little scary.

“How does it feel?” asked Erik, looking at Naomi from the corner of his eye.

“Beautiful,” Naomi murmured, mesmerizing the scenery around her. “But also... like it holds something secret.”

Erik smiled faintly. “That's the forest. It never shows everything at once.”

They walked deeper, taking increasingly narrow paths. Erik led with steady steps, occasionally turning his head to make sure Naomi was following him. Although he didn’t say much, his presence felt nurturing, giving Naomi a sense of security in this unfamiliar place.

When they stopped for a short break at a small opening, Erik opened his thermos and offered Naomi some hot tea.

“How long have you lived here?” Naomi asked, taking this moment to get to know him better.

“Eight years,” Erik replied, gazing at the forest around them. I came to Glacier’s Edge after I realized that city wasn’t my place.”

Naomi tilted her head. “Why? What made you leave?”

Erik was silent for a moment before answering. “Sometimes, living in the city makes you forget who you really are. I needed space to think. The forest gave me that.”

The answer sounded simple, but Naomi sensed there was more to it that wasn’t being said. Erik didn’t speak like someone just looking for peace; he sounded like someone running away from something.

“You don't miss people?” Naomi asked cautiously.

Erik chuckled, though without humour. “People and I don’t always get along. But here, I have the forest. And Lily, of course.”

Naomi smiled, feeling a hint of warmth in the way Erik mentioned Lily. “I'm glad you found her. And now I found this forest too, thanks to you.”

After a break, they continued their journey. The further they went, the more Naomi felt she was stepping back in time. The giant trees and snowy ground created a scene untouched by time.

As they approached a larger opening, Naomi saw something strange. A stone circle resembling an artificial structure stood in the middle of the forest. The stones were large, partially covered in moss, and looked like they had been there for hundreds of years.

“What is this?” asked Naomi in a tone of awe.

Erik stopped, staring at the stone circle with a severe look. “We call it the Circle of the Pines. No one knows for sure who made it or what for. But it was here long before the village was built.”

Naomi walked closer, feeling the strange aura of the place. There was something that gave her goosebumps, though not fear. “Do you come here often?”

“Sometimes,” Erik replied. “This place... has a different energy. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.”

Naomi knelt, touching one of the stones. The surface was cold and rough, but she felt a subtle pulse under her hand. “This is amazing,” she said quietly.

Erik still needs to answer. He just stood still, his eyes watching the circle with an intensity that was hard to explain.

As they left the stone circle, Naomi felt their relationship had changed slightly. Erik no longer seemed like a man who kept his distance; he was starting to show a more vulnerable side.

They stopped by a small stream whose water was partially frozen. Erik stared at the stream with a severe expression.

“I didn't bring many people here,” he said suddenly.

Naomi turned her head, surprised by his statement. “Why?”

Erik shrugged. “This forest... is a part of me. Bringing someone here means I trust them. And trust is something that doesn't come easily to me.”

Naomi felt her chest warm at those words. “Thank you for bringing me here, Erik. I feel... special.”

Erik turned to her, his blue eyes shining softly. “You're a different person, Naomi. I could see that from the first time we met.”

His words left Naomi speechless. Erik’s honesty made her feel seen for the first time in a long time.

When they returned to the village, the sun was almost setting, bathing the forest in a golden glow. Naomi felt as if she had just travelled to another world full of mystery but also beauty.

Erik drove Naomi back to the clinic. Before he left, he paused at the door.

“Thank you for coming,” he said quietly. “I hope this isn't the last time we go to the forest together.”

Naomi smiled, feeling her chest pounding. “I hope so too.”

When Erik left, Naomi stood at the door of her clinic, watching him disappear in the distance. She knew today was the start of something big that would change her life at Glacier’s Edge.

In the night sky, the Aurora Borealis reappeared as if confirming that feeling.