Winter, a time of snow and cold. When the planet's pole tilt away from the sun. It's a season of change and rebirth. A continuation of the cycle of the death and birth of the sun or so the people of Whitehold say. And it is only fitting that this event also serves as farewell to those lost to the disaster.
I am familiar with winter, where the wind prompts tears to form in one's eyes and the cold makes the cheeks and fingertips burn or most commonly give one a runny nose but not here in Whitehold, not now.
It is warm here in spite of the falling snow, as if a filter is hanged over the village. The snow is absent of the cold factor which is magical in itself as it allows for a lot of possibilities during this winter solstice festival.
Everyone was talking about it. How wondrous the shift in weather is. They make it seem like it's compensation for the troubles we endured the last two weeks. And in the spirit of that the village hasn't been livelier.
The festive atmosphere reminded me a lot about Christmas and that elicited memories and emotions from my past life. I always thought I'd like Christmas given the chance but the cruelty of life made sure I could never appreciate the season. In my heart I loved it, and I think it was my favorite time of the year but the pain of my life made Christmas a painful reminder of my circumstances.
But no more of that depressing trail of life. I am with a new life, in another world. With the gift of new opportunities and experiences. I will make the best of it. And live a life without regret starting with the winter solstice festival.
Decorations hang on the doors and walls of each home. Sweet and joyous melodies echoing out of the mouth of neighbors as they prepared for the festival. Everyone was happily involved, including my family. Who is running up and down, looking lively as he set things up and interacted with the peddlers who'd since been coming to the village with the interest of making a profit from our crisis a few weeks ago.
Mom and her men has been active in their security endeavors. They spared no leisure to ensure our safety. Bringing home with them games they hunt on their patrols. It make for a wonderful evening everyday.
Granddad, since the events has taken to wizardry with a passion. He enjoys each day to it's full and maintains communication with the wizard association especially about the disturbance with the magic factor. He was officially designated as the guardian wizard of whitehold affording him some benefits in the form of books and resources which I've been perusing to my benefit.
I have come to understand the standardized structure of the magic system of this world and I dare say it's complicated, extensive and mind bending.
While science does not hold much dominance in this world, the study of magic has delved into areas that science hasn't even conceived of the notion to venture. It takes mathematics and logic to a whole other level. A complex, intricate and fulfilling field of study with the universe and it's mysteries in sight to explore.
After indulging myself each day to granddad's books I take in the pleasure to enjoy some leisure.
And as I was doing that today, I was interrupted yet again by Aunt Rhys who has left Lael with me. Well not exactly with me but left us together.
I looked him in the eyes, the oceanic blue of his eyes gazing back at me in wondrous curiosity.
'At least he has the pleasure of infancy'.
He was unlike me. A true newborn with no memories of a previous life and in his eyes I felt the joy and freedom of starting afresh.
Somehow I envied him for that and also pitied him for it.
Regardless of circumstances, this is my reality now.
I laid with him, trying not to stir him up but the kid was trouble. Even I, who had the enhancement of magic granting me perks like strengthened physique wasn't as troublesome as him. He was restless and relentless in kicking and pushing me about, all the while laughing and enjoying himself.
A tyrannical behavior which made me wonder of his future. He was a bundle of endless energy, always up to something despite the limitations of his infancy.
And for a whole hour I had to endure him. Mom and Aunt Rhys eventually came for us, to which I greeted them with a frown which elicited laughs from them at me.
There stood a large old tree in the village, north in direction from the main gate. It's leaves a shade of white like snow with red branches and bark. Upon it were symbols and decorations for the festival.
At the appointed time, the whole village convened at the tree, with Dad delivering a moving speech about loss, change and life. He was inspiring and managed to touch everyone with his words.
When he was done, the atmosphere reverberated with cries of joy and celebrations. The villagers indulging themselves in merry making.
The village was abuzz with music and dance. The sweet smell of meat, sweets and food in the air.
I looked around in Mom's arms and saw everyone partaking in the festival. The elderly were regaling the youth with tales of days past while some took to theatre in another. There was even someone dressed as a clown, performing. All kinds of activities that lit up the festive atmosphere.
Before long, Dad came for Mom. Extending his hand in an invitation to dance and Mom accepted by leaving me behind to enjoy as well.
I laid there for a while, watching everyone enjoy themselves. I even saw granddad with old woman Marie sitting and conversing. His face was red with wine and he was laughing without reserve. All the tension and pressure from the previous weeks were nowhere to be seen and that made me happy.
Aunt Rhys was also dancing happily with her husband who'd fully recovered from his injuries during the wild orcs invasion.
They looked happy together, dancing and laughing in the snow.
Sir Dordis and his men were in the company of women, drinking and dancing to the festive tunes.
After the wild orcs incident, they remained to provide security until more help was sent from the capital but that would take a while so they made themselves at home and the village welcomed their stay.
After the incidents, the village mourned our loss and performed the burial. It was a grand funeral with farewells from everyone.
Afterwards the wizards from the association left, leaving us to finish with the last bits of work. The family especially got busy, with everyone of them playing an active role in the affairs of the village.
Dad tended to the immediate families of those who lost their loved ones while granddad supported him by working with the priest to help them in their grief while maintaining the barrier over the village.
Mom had to deal with a man called Gust who was riddled with guilt over what had happened to mom and her team when they encountered the orcs in the forest.
Dealing with all these made time go faster and before we knew it, it was the winter solstice festival and everyone was steadily healing.
I think this festival is just the thing the village needed to move forward.
I stood on top of the church, after leaving the festival grounds. Everyone was immersed in the company of their partner or something else so I took that opportunity to get away.
The sky was thick with clouds denying even the moon lights from falling to the earth. Had it not been for the torches and bonfires lit up for the festival tonight the village would have been a world of darkness.
I gathered some magic power in my palm. Playing with it until I shot it upwards.
Boom
It blew away the clouds, revealing the beautiful stars shining in the far distance.
'what a beautiful sight'
But it was missing something sparkly.
Every Christmas, I'd be forced to watch the skies and that was how I became a part of the celebration. Watching the wonderful fireworks that went boom, boom, boom with lights to my awe.
'fireworks huh' I gathered magic power in my palm again. Playing with it and changing it's properties. Red, blue, violent, white.
This was just me messing about but I've come to learn that doing so can derive a lot of functions.
I pointed to the skies and released the magic power. Watching as it exploded with a satisfying boom and beautiful fireworks that caused heads to turn and watch the sky.
It took a moment for the village to appreciate the sight because they thought it was some form of attack but as the beauty of the scene set in, they relaxed and watched in each other embrace as the sky danced with blazing lights.
I doubted anyone knew it came from me but otherwise it enhanced the celebration of the evening.
The festivities went on into the night, till day broke and the sun rose on a new world. By then I was fast asleep, satisfied with the mood of the village.
-
Eleven years later…