The winter here, up on these mountains, was... well... mild. The snowfall was inherently cold, sure, but the surrounding air wasn’t. There were no biting winds, no screams of people in the distance of pure agony, no struggling beggars. At least, none that she could see. Being on this mountain, it was protection. From the base, there were people who wanted people like her dead. There were people like that everywhere. Here, they had three meals a day, schooling, and a warm bed. Plus, the commoners received luxuries they wouldn't have even dreamed of. However, Charlotte was also beholden to the idea that this place was also a prison. A cage. A gilded cage, nonetheless, but a cage. There were gates and walls, former students serving as guards for their protection. Or perhaps to keep the Gifted from escaping their duties. They were here, after all, to serve. To be pawns for the King. If not warriors, then scholars. The brown haired girl knew all of this, and yet, she found it difficult to bring herself to really do anything. Charlotte was more prone to napping than staging a coup or a protest. Indeed, she lacked the energy, or the desire, to care much. Apathy was so steeped into her soul, she did not even care to voice her concerns. Preferring instead to sleep, eat, and expand as little effort as possible. There were places in the castle Charlotte hadn’t even seen because she just did not care enough to go see them. She saw and observed everything, but she just did not give a shit. However, as the snow gently fell around her, as she sat perilously close to a drop off, she found herself wide awake. And with company.
The head of a doe was on her leg, as she sat with her legs crossed in front of her, she was resting peacefully. Fawns played around her, sometimes stopping to give Charlotte a nudge on the head or to rub face with their head, especially after Charlotte suggested they not bother their mother. A deer stood watch nearby, he was too proud to be play or cuddle up to her, but he checked in regardless, keeping them safe. A few birds played overhead, sometimes chirping their annoyance to Charlotte against one of their companions, and having her play mediator. Finally, two rabbits sat on her other leg, also resting, and Charlotte’s fingers stroked them. It was an oddly peaceful and picturesque scene, and Charlotte’s normally blank or scowling face had a rare smile on it. She was happy to be around the animals. They weren’t like people, they were free. Free to live their lives. It was a bit cathartic, Charlotte realized, to see such freedom. However, her smile turned into a scowl when she heard a twig snap. Instantly the proud deer looked to her and communicated this plight, the doe raised her head up in alarm, the fawns stumbled over to Charlotte, and the birds sat on her shoulders, putting their fate in Charlotte. The animals all expressed their fear, and Charlotte took her time to reassure them. “It’s okay, I’ll protect each and every one of you. I would never let them hurt you, okay?” Charlotte said, her voice calm and reassuring. “Go on and play, and nap, I will protect you.” The birds seemed okay with this, and resumed their game, although they stayed closer to Charlotte. The bunnies, however, expressed their apologies and retreated towards the safety of wherever they lay. The fawns sat by Charlotte and their mother. The mother, still laying down yet her head was fully raised, gave them reassurance. The deer stood in front of all of them, ready to signal everyone to bolt. Charlotte, however, was perfectly relaxed. She looked towards the person, and her gentle smile dropped to reveal a glare. “Is there something I can help you with?” She asked, her tone not pleasant at all. She tried her best to sound intimidating, despite the fact that she had a family of deer surrounding her and birds frolicking by her head.
