𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚎
𝚄𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎| 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 || 𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 | 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚎
December 24, 2011
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From his seat at the top of the stairs, Vale could see everything. The vaulted ceiling high above the numerous bodies moving about, hung with garlands of holly and candles. Enchanted snowflakes drifting lazily from the ceiling, disappearing only feet above the mass of guests. The long tables laden with delicacies prepared the best cooks of the DeWinter household. A quartet, playing a sweet melody that floated over the crowd.
And in the center of it all, his parents, entertaining the party.
Vale shifted around to look through another part of the balcony overhanging the main hall. A spiral staircase wove down, its banisters hung with glittering lights. No one could see him, thankfully. Vale remembered his bed time had been two hours ago, before the party even began.
But it was fascinating. Vale loved the elegance of it all, the beauty of the entire party. The DeWinters always strove for elegance, even in the smallest of things. Vale was proud to be a DeWinter.
"Vale?"
Vale looked up at the sound of the voice. A silver viscet, with bright blue eyes was walking towards him. She sat down next to him, her soft tail wrapping around his small body.
"What are you doing u-up?" she asked, stifling a yawn. "It's nearly eleven."
"I couldn't sleep," said Vale, turning back to watch the activity below them. "Not while this party was going on."
The silver viscet nodded. She yawned and lay on her side, watching with him. They were silent for a moment, listening to the laughter floating up from the crowd.
Vale's gaze turned to his father, a bright blue viscet with snowflakes seeming to be etched into his fur. Fjord DeWinter stood up on his hind legs, smiling at they array of guests before him. Vale knew what was about to happen, and he watched eagerly.
Fjord reached a paw upward. From his palm, a wave of snowflakes burst out, dancing in time with the music. He whirled about, creating several icy statues to form with a sweep of his paw. The crowd oohed and aahed as he danced about, performing feats of wonder for their entertainment.
"Crystal?" whispered Vale suddenly.
Crystal looked up and over at her brother.
"Yes, Vale?" she asked.
"When do you think dad will teach me how to use magic?"
Crystal looked at Vale curiously.
"He usually starts when you first show signs of magic," she asked. "That's when he started teaching Frost and me."
"But you discovered your magic when you were one year old," said Vale. "And I'm nearly two! I thought I would've discovered it by now."
"Everyone discovers their magic in their own time," said Crystal comfortingly. "I'm sure-"
"What if I don't discover my magic?" said Vale frantically. "What if I spend my whole life trying to find my magic, but it never happens." He stopped, taking a deep breath.
"Vale," said Crystal. "Look at me."
Vale looked at his sister, who was staring at him sternly.
"Listen," she said. "I know you want to learn magic. I know you're frustrated that it hasn't come yet. But just because it's not showing now doesn't mean its not there. You have to be patient."
Vale frowned.
"But-"
"No buts," said Crystal. "You are a DeWinter. It would be very unlikely that you wouldn't have magic. Nearly all the DeWinters have had some sort of magical powers. It'll come eventually."
Crystal leaned over and wrapped her arms around Vale. He leaned into her soft fur, sighing.
"Let's go down to the kitchens," said Crystal into Vale's ear. "I'm sure the cooks would be willing to make us some hot chocolate. Then I'll read you a book until you fall asleep."
Vale smiled. He pulled away and got to his feet, his hand clasped in Crystal's. Together the two walked down the hall, on the way to have a party of their own.
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December 24, 2013
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Another Day, another party.
Little had changed over the past few years. The DeWinters still had their extravagant parties, inviting their closest friends and family to spend the night before Christmas together. There still was an extensive banquet, accompanied by silvery music floating through the air. And still the displays of magic wonder for the guests to enjoy.
But now, Vale was able to enjoy it all.
He stood at the dessert table, a glass of apple juice in hand. He may be older now, but he was still too young to taste the champagne his parents brought out for this special occasion. He grinned. He didn't care that he wasn't able to fully indulge on the activities the party had to offer. He was here, and that was all that mattered.
"Vale!"
Vale looked up, and saw Crystal striding towards him. His mind flashed to this exact night, two years ago, as he experienced extreme deja vu. He grinned and padded over to meet her.
Crystal grinned, taking a sip from the glass in her paw.
"How does it feel to finally be at one of the famous DeWinter Christmas Eve parties?" she asked casually.
"Different," said Vale breathlessly. "After all those years of spying on it, it's nothing like I thought it would be."
Crystal looked at him worriedly over the rim of her glass. "So..." she said. "Is that a good thing?"
Vale laughed.
"It's amazing!" he said, spinning in a full circle. "I have no words..."
Crystal laughed.
"Are you ready for tonight?" she asked. "I remember I was pretty nervous at my first DeWinter party."
Vale considered this for a moment. Whenever a DeWinter child attended their Christmas Eve party, they were required to demonstrate their prowess, no matter how long they had been learning for. This was why they usually waited until they had been learning for at least a few months before coming to one. It was a tradition as old as the DeWinter family itself.
"I am actually," he said confidently. "Even though I've only been learning for a few months, I'm confident in what I can do, and I know I'm prepared to show off."
Crystal's eyes gleamed with pride. "What will you be doing?" she asked.
Vale grinned.
"It's a surprise."
Crystal groaned.
"The suspense is killing me," she said sadly. "Just give me a hint."
Vale opened his mouth, but was interrupted by a voice speaking over the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlecets!" said the deep voice of Fjord DeWinter. "Welcome to the DeWinter household once again for our annual Christmas party! It's an honor to once again be your host on this fine night." His words were met with a round of applause, as more viscets turned their attention towards him.
"Now, I would like to introduce the mage who will be performing for you tonight," continued Fjord, as the last of applause faded away. "After only a few months of training, he's convinced me that he's ready for tonight. I don't doubt, as he's progressed faster than anyone I've ever seen."
Vale exchanged a warm smile with Crystal, who was glowing with pride.
"It is my honor to introduce my son," said Fjord. "The youngest of the DeWinter children, Vale Arcticus DeWinter!"
The crowd applauded as Vale made his way forward. They parted, creating a path to the raised dais his father stood upon. Vale tried not to blush as he climbed up next to his father.
They exchanged a hug. Fjord gripped his son tightly, before pulling away and jumping off into the crowd. Vale stood alone, gazing out of the crowd. He took a deep breath and smiled.
It was his moment. He was not about to allow nerves ruin it.
Vale raised a paw, preparing to unleash his powers, when the front doors exploded.
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December 24, 2013
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Wooden pieces flew everywhere. Smoke billowed in voluminous amounts into the house, obstructing the outside. Screams filled the air and viscets fled from the wreckage. Fjord DeWinter ran through the crowd, halting at the edge.
Vale watched in horror as the outline of a viscet appeared from the smoke. A massive viscet emerged from the clouds, pure white, draped in silver silks. With every other step she took, there was a dull clunk, as her staff hit the floor. She paused after a few steps, taking in the wreckage of the party.
“So…” she said softly. “This is the famous DeWinter household. It’s…” she paused searching for the right word. “More firey than I would have imagined.
“What.” Said Fjord loudly. “Are you doing here? You have no right to barge in on this party."
The newcomer turned her gaze to Fjord. She studied him, looking unimpressed.
“How do I put this?” she said, rubbing her chin. “I. Don’t. Care. I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. There’s nothing you can do.”
“You’re not allowed to be here,” said Fjord. “Leave, or else we will forcefully remove you.” Snowflakes swirled around his feet. Several more mages stepped out, emboldened by Fjord’s courage.
The newcomer rolled her eyes.
“Really?” she said. “Fine. I’ll leave. But only,” she raised a paw. “If you listen to what I have to say."
The mages looked over at Fjord, waiting for him to make a move. His eyes were narrowed as he stared the newcomer down.
“Go on,” he said in a dangerously low voice.
The newcomer laughed.
“I have come,” she said, spreading her paws out. “For your children.”
The room gasped collectively. Vale glanced at Crystal, who stared at the newcomer. She quickly glanced over at Vale, looking fearful.
“If you could just point me in their direction,” she continued. “I’ll let you leave in peace.”
“You’ll never take my children,” said Fjord. “Leave at once! You have no right to ask that!”
The newcomer’s smile melted off her face.
“Ssssooo,” she growled. “You’re choosing to do this the hard way?”
Fjord glared at her, his head held high.
The newcomer took her staff in both paws. She slammed it to the ground. The place where it hit began to glow with bright, white light.
“If you will not give me your children,” she said, her voice echoing through the room. “You will not leave. Until you give me your children, you will stay in this house, bound to it forever. Attempt to leave, and I will know. If any of your guests attempt to smuggle your children out, I will know. From this day Forward, you will suffer an eternal winter, never to see spring again.
She raised her staff and slammed it to the ground once more. The house shuddered, as the newcomer was consumed by light. Vale closed his eyes, shielding his gaze from the explosion of light.
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When Vale finally opened his eyes again, he was alone. The guests had gone, leaving him with only his family. He was sprawled on the floor, staring up at the ceiling. The snowflakes were no longer falling.
Fjord reached out a paw to Vale.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "I've sent all the guests home."
Vale nodded, grasping his father's paw. Fjord heaved him up from the floor, helping him to brush off.
Crystal got up from the floor, gazing around. Her eyes were filled with tears.
“Wha-“ she said weakly. “What just happened?”
Fjord bounded over to his daughter. He enfolded her in a hug, and let her bury her head in his shoulder. Vale heaved himself to his paws, shaking all over.
“That viscet will pay for this,” growled Fjord.
“But how?” asked Vale. “If she was telling the truth, we can’t leave.” The reality of their situation struck him hard. “We’re trapped.”
Crystal let out a sob, muffled by their dad’s fur. He urged her to sit down, rubbing her fur gently.
“What are we going to do, Dad?” said Crystal.
Fjord, for once, looked lost for words.
“I don’t know,” he said, looking around. “I just don’t know.
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