It was the day I first called Blizzard. I’ll never forget it.
I was only eight years old, but I remember everything about that day. Father had been acting strange—distant, like he had something on his mind but didn’t want to talk about it. That morning, he called me to his study, and his voice was the most serious I’d ever heard.
“Sarra, it’s time for you to learn something new,” he said, looking at me across the room. “Today, you’ll learn to summon your familiar.”
I had no idea what he meant, but I could tell by the way he looked at me that this was important. I’d seen Father’s familiar, Maréa, before—though not often. She was a Duskwalker Elk, graceful and strong, appearing out of nowhere, stepping through portals of twisting roots and rocks like she’d always been there. But I had no idea how she came to him or what it even meant to summon a familiar. Now, it was time I learned how to summon one of my own.
But Father didn’t know what I would summon. Nobody could. It could be anything—a creature of the earth, the wind, or something completely unexpected.
We walked down the winding stairs of the tower, past all the old books and candles that always filled the air with that faint, familiar smell of magic. We stepped outside into the courtyard, and the cold hit me like a slap to the face.
“Now, Sarra, I don’t know what you’ll summon,” Father said.
“You mean I can summon anything?” I asked, excitement bubbling up.
He smiled a little, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yes, anything. But don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll be nothing too... dangerous.”
I raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced. “Like what?”
Father nodded. “It could be a creature of the mountains, or the wind. Or—” He paused, eyes twinkling with mischief—“it could be a dragon.”
“A dragon?” I laughed.
Father chuckled too, but it was a little forced.
“Well, dragons are rare.” He said. “But I figured we should go outside just in case. Safer that way.”
We moved further into the courtyard, where the sky stretched endlessly above us. Father told me to sit down, cross-legged, and focus. He said it would be easier for me to summon my familiar with time, but the first time was always the hardest.
I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders as Father guided me to the far edge of the courtyard. The sky above seemed to stretch on forever, and the wind was cool and soothing.
“Sit, Sarra,” Father said, settling onto a large rock. “Focus on the magic inside you. Feel it. Don’t worry about what it might be. Just call.”
I nodded and sat down in the grass, crossing my legs awkwardly. The wind was colder here, and the trees in the courtyard swayed gently, their branches creaking like they were waiting for something. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it.
Father sat across from me, his face still serious, though there was a glint of pride in his eyes. “Close your eyes, Sarra,” he said softly. “Clear your mind. Don’t think about what might appear. Just reach deep inside. Find the magic within you.”
I did as he asked, trying to focus. At first, it was hard. All I could think about was what kind of creature I might summon. Would it be something small? Or something huge? Was I supposed to feel a rush of power, or something gentler?
“Focus, Sarra,” Father urged, his voice calm but firm.
I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, trying to ignore the thoughts that kept popping up. I could feel the magic within me now, a warmth in my chest. It was faint, but it was there—like the flicker of a candle ready to catch fire. Slowly, I reached for it, trying to grab hold of the feeling.
“Call to it,” Father whispered, his voice barely audible. “Call to your familiar.”
I held my breath and whispered, “Come.”
Nothing.
I tried again, a little louder this time. “Come. I call you.”
A strange feeling ran through me, like the world was holding its breath. The air thickened, and the earth beneath me seemed to pulse. But still, nothing appeared. A wave of disappointment hit me. I had tried so hard, and yet nothing happened.
Father’s voice broke the silence. “It’s alright, Sarra. The first time is always the hardest. Don’t lose hope.”
I opened my eyes and looked at him, frustrated. “But why isn’t it working?”
Father gave me a knowing smile. “I know you felt it, your familiar.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “Sometimes, like their summoner, familiars can be... stubborn.”
I nodded, trying to calm my breathing. I felt that warmth again, stronger now, more solid. I could almost feel something else—something waiting just beyond reach.
“Try again,” Father urged. “But this time, let go of the fear. Call without hesitation.”
I closed my eyes again and took another deep breath, focusing on that warmth. This time, instead of trying to force the magic, I let it flow through me. I relaxed, letting the feeling grow, feeling more connected to everything around me.
“Get over here!” I ordered, the words slipping out without thinking.
I held my breath, feeling the wind whip around me, the air growing colder. And then, it happened.
The ground trembled slightly, and the air seemed to freeze. A ripple of magic twisted before me like the air was shivering. Slowly, a shape began to form—its shape rising from the cold air, like the first frost of winter. A fox, delicate and ethereal, with shimmering ice-blue fur that glistened like snowflakes falling from the sky. Her eyes were large, glowing with an intelligence I hadn’t seen before, and they met mine, creating an instant connection between us.
I gasped. “What is it?”
Father’s voice was filled with quiet pride as he stood beside me. “It’s your familiar, Sarra. You need to name her.”
"Blizzard. Her name is Blizzard." I said, without even thinking.
The name seemed to fit her perfectly. Blizzard’s coat shimmered with delicate ice-blue hues, and her white belly looked like the softest snow. Her fluffy neck and elegant frame made her seem both regal and adorable all at once.
I stepped closer, mesmerized by her ethereal beauty. The cold around us grew more intense, but it didn’t feel harsh—Blizzard’s presence was soothing, as though winter itself was protecting me. When I reached out a hand, Blizzard nuzzled it gently, her soft fur sending a comforting chill through my fingers.
Father smiled softly. “You’ve summoned her, Sarra. She is yours.”
I looked at the little fox, still in awe of her beauty. Blizzard’s eyes twinkled like frost under moonlight, and I could feel the bond between us deepening. She wasn’t just a magical creature; she was a protector, a companion, and, as Father had said, a part of me.
“But... she’s so small,” I said, confused.
Father chuckled, kneeling beside me. “Blizzard is small now, but as she grows, you’ll see the strength she carries. She will protect you in whatever way she can, Sarra. It will take time for you both to learn what she’s truly capable of.”
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me despite the cold air.
“She’s perfect,” I said, my heart swelling with pride. “Even though she's not a dragon,” I teased with a grin.
Father laughed, ruffling my hair. “No, but she’s every bit as magnificent. Blizzard will protect you, Sarra. And you, her.”
And from that day forward, Blizzard was by my side. Not just a familiar, but a friend—loyal, brave, and with the heart of winter itself. And I knew that no matter what came, Blizzard would always be there, guarding me and guiding me through every storm.
— Sarra