**Part One**
Winter.
It was Elise’s favorite season.
Even after the magic of Christmas had long faded, January and February still held just as much magic for the appreciative girl. Scarves and creative layers to personalize the repetitive academy outfit she and the rest of the girls at her private school had to wear. Hot chocolate and a warm fireplace after a brisk walk in the cold. And, most importantly, snow. While most adults in the north grew jaded due to shoveling and driving in the annual torment, Elise loved every second of it.
Today included. Fresh snow on the ground from the previous night’s precipitation encouraged Elise to take her favorite route after the last class of the day. On colder days, she would stay in and do homework or study her notes from that day’s lecture. But a walk through the park sounded all too great for her today. She needed to decompress, and walking always helped. The fresh snow was just an added bonus.