In Rosemary village Erza had done what the woman had told her to do. She had gathered all sorts of firewood that she could find but she still wondered why the woman from the forest had told her to gather wood. It was late fall but the woman merely told her that she just wanted her to be very warm.

After gathering wood Erza made a fire and ate a few strawberries.

Not long after that Erza fell asleep.

Erza was soon awoken by the cold air. She got to her feet and went to the door only to be at full alert that she was snowed in her home.

She closed the door and ran back to the fireplace since it seemed the cold air was getting worse. Erza was still careful not to get too close to the fire without burning herself but she still stayed away from the walls since the walls began to have ice and snow form. Erza was scared as she curled into a ball and tried to stay a safe distance between the fireplace and the snow.

"Someone help. I'm scared."

Elsewhere

Irene and Neinhart were walking through the thick snow. Well Nienhart was, Irene was walking on top of it. As they were making their way into the snowed in village of Rosemary Irene just couldn't help but smile at the idea that she was going to be a mother very soon.

She couldn't wait to now have a child to call her own and hold in her arms.

They soon arrived to the snow covered city only to see just a line of smoke that led to a single house. Irene was pleased to see that Erza had followed her words then she and Neinhart had went to the house that had smoke coming out.

Irene used her magic to move the snow out of the way then Neinhart opened the door. When they got outside Irene and Neinhart saw Erza sleeping in front of the fireplace and Irene went to Erza. She smiled softly at Erza who was sound asleep but Irene was a little disappointed in herself. Why was she? She had a little girl to gather wood to keep herself warm but at the same time Irene could have just taken Erza with her when they first met.

She could have done that, instead of having Erza to be frightened while being snowed in her home. Everyone knew that orphans in general can't defend themselves unless they had a leader of some sort and Erza's case she didn't have anyone to look up to.

Irene gently picked Erza up and put her cloak around Erza to keep her warm. She turned to face Neinhart then spoke.

"Although there shouldn't be any, check for survivors then come back to the castle."

He nodded.

"Yes Lady Irene."

With that Irene left out of the house and carried Erza out of the village.

As she was walking with Erza in her arms her firm expression went into a soft one when she looked down at Erza who had moved in her sleep.

Irene had stopped to watch her only to see that Erza had held onto her and mumbled in her sleep.

"So warm…."

Irene just looked at her then she smiled at Erza.

Irene then placed a hand on Erza's cheek then she went on walking to get back to her castle.

Time skip

When Irene arrived back to her castle she took Erza to her chambers. It was late evening so chances of Erza waking up was unlikely. Irene wondered if Erza would be alright if she were to be in bed but since they both had been out in the snow that wouldn't be too good for Erza's health.

Irene took Erza to her hot tub that was perfectly well heated. Irene was glad that Erza wasn't shivering or having any nightmares but she figured that sudden heat would wake Erza up.

Just as she had guessed Erza stirred after they were both in the water. Irene held Erza to her and Erza opened her eyes but she was still very tired from being so cold.

Irene smiled warmly at Erza and rubbed her back.

"It's alright my dear, Erza."

"…."

"Go back to sleep. You have nothing to fear."

Erza nodded then she felt Irene tuck her head into her neck.

"Sleep well, my darling Erza."

Erza closed her eyes and once again sleep had taken her.

After a little longer Irene got them both out of the hot tub and went into her bed. She had Erza to wear a nightgown and she wore a robe. They both were in the bed and Irene held Erza close to her. She smiled warmly at Erza then she leaned over and kissed Erza on the forehead.

"You are no longer alone, Erza. You are mine and mine alone. I won't let anyone take you from me."

Irene caressed Erza's cheek then she wrapped her arm around Erza's small form and brought her closer then they were both asleep.

AN: Alright there is chapter 3 and when I have another idea on the next chapter I will update again!