That winter, no snow fell on Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. But it was very cold. According to custom, Aélia, the young bride, is pursued by the entire wedding party. She takes refuge in the church she has just left. Suddenly, she discovers the cold presence of a stone effigy. Months passed. Aélia seemed wary of her husband. The village gossiped. One day, she saw two white peacocks mating. The next day, she gave herself to the effigy. She was overcome with a sense of immense wonder.