Snow dropped all around in a flurry. Seeing the soft flakes that felt soothingly cool made his mind go back.
It had been what, two - three years after his mother's death. Father had been going downhill but still hadn't been that bad. At least he could still laugh and talk semi-rationally.
It had been such a good snowfall that week. The trees had been entirely covered in snow. His mind easily recalled the memory to mind.
He had bounded into the clearing all smiles, kicking up the snow and frolicking happily. The tree spirits had laughed at him, their musical voices filled up the air.
The lake had been frozen over, and he had made a beeline for the huge tree hanging over its frozen depths and addressed it, "Miss. Is it alright if I decorate your tree? It's suited perfectly."
The oldest of the dryads had come out and ruffled his hair, "Of course, youngling. I will even help you."
He clapped his hands together and jumped up excitedly, silver hair bouncing around his ears. "Thank you!"
"You're such a good child. And rather sweet today."
"Am I not always sweet?"
"Just, you know. Your very much like your father in some ways."
He knew what was meant and smiled a bit. Of course he sometimes got a little scared but it was snowing, and his hair was silver, and he just felt so happy and curious about everything! What did it matter where his fate would lead him on such a beautiful Winter's Festival!
Decorating the tree was fairly easy, working with its spirit. And rather fun. He jumped down after putting on the final touch and looked at it. Wrapping around it was some rather lovely green vines that his aunt had preserved from decay at his request. Letters that they had written to each other was all over it and a few trinkets that his mother had made them. His smile faltered a little thinking how much his mother had always loved Winter's Fest.
But then, his twin sister tapped him on the shoulder and told him it was time to eat. He eagerly sat down, his mouth already watering. It looked so delicious...
Especially the pie she had made. Mulberries. He had always loved them, especially his sister's wonderful pies!
"Wind? Are you okay?" The gentle soft voice snapped him out of his reverie and he turned to look at the person he had chosen to help him fix everything.
He smiled at her. "I'm fine, Princess. Just got a taste for mulberry pie." He wondered whether his sister and this half-blooded girl would get along. He rather hoped they would. After all, they would be working together for years to come.
"Mulberry season has come and gone. No way can I make you some."
"I wasn't asking you too." He tilted his head, "Just remembering a Winter's Fest. Have you ever celebrated it before?"
"With my mom, yeah. Before she died we would celebrate it every year. Who did you celebrate with?"
At the note of geniune curiosity in her voice, he smiled. "My family. Only my sister is still alive. I wonder if you two would get along. You both are wonderful in your own way."
"By that you mean we both know how to cook."
"Cooking isn't everything. I mean, I don't know how to cook all that well, and people tend to find me likeable enough."
She just laughed at him and walked off.