Chapter 13: Snowfall

2892 P.C., the first of Winter, Hylicia’s Vale.

Unlike the other seasonal festivals, the winter solstice was not an occasion for feasting and the village to get together; The cold meant going outside is not the most appealing, and food had to be conserved to last until spring. Instead, fires lit every home and households celebrated in a more humble way, proportionate to their means.

But to Alunya, the day holds little joy as he beholds the outside gloomily.

“What’s wrong, Alunya?” Reia asks, lightly placing one hand on his shoulder and looking down at him. Alunya looks back up at her indignantly.

“Theres no snow! It’s supposed to snow in winter!” Aluna protests, pointing outside. It’s true; despite the weather having gotten colder, there had not been a hint of snow, merely frigid overcast skies.

Reia kneels down next to Alunya, glancing outside. Truthfully, the lack of snow was preferable to her, but she still wanted to say something to make her son feel better. “There there, I’m sure there will be snow in short order. It’s just the first day of winter.”

Alunya didn’t seem particularly cheered up, but Antares, who had just gotten out of bed and left the bedroom he shared with Alunya, traipsed into the room, surveying the outside from behind his mother and brother. Seeing the glum mood his brother was in, he places a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, Alunya, I know a place we can go, but only while it’s not snowing.” Antares offers.

“Oh, no you don’t! We need firewood for the winter, and it’s better to chop it before it’s all icy outside!” Reia interrupts Antares.

Alunya’s pout gets even bigger, and he tugs on Reia’s tunic, looking up at her with the big doe eyes he had mastered for when he wanted to get his way. “Aw, mooom! C’mon, he’s busy enough the rest of the year! Won’t you let him show me?” Reia looks down at Alunya, and then away, as if flustered.

“I mean ... I ... Oh, alright, fine. But you had better not stay out too long, you two!” Reia finally lets out, caving almost immediately.

Alunya pumps his fist, triumphantly. “Yessss! C’mon Antares, what were you going to show me?”

Antares watches the interaction between the two of them with something resembling contempt, shooting both of them a dark look before responding. “Just, follow me, I’ll show you.”

Alunya looks up at him, questioningly, but he would receive no answer as Antares opens the door and stalks off. Alunya glances back up at Reia, who shrugs, before he takes off after his brother. “Big bro, wait for me!”

Alunya jogs after Antares, catching up with him as he enters the village at a brisk pace. “Where are we going, Ari?” Alunya questions, taking hold of his brother’s hand just to keep him from walking off again.

Antares huffs. “Just you wait, you’ll see it soon enough.” Antares looks back forwards for a moment before looking back at Alunya, his expression softening. “ ... You’ll like it. Well, I mean, I think you will, anyways...” He trails off with significantly less certainty than he had started with.