A Perfect Day for Sledding, 3 SA

[Axelu 4333]

(L-R) Anthony, Victoria, and Helena during the Tuvmas season

 

For the past several days, the realm of Almaris had undergone a most drastic change, perceivable in the very sights one would consider mundane: verdant trees shed their radiance in favor of their bare, sturdy branches; plains, lakes, and rivers became coated with shimmering sheets of ivory snow, frigid and exciting. Even urban cities began to adapt with townsfolk and the aristocracy alike garnishing their doorways and hearths with wreaths and festive decorations. The Season of Tuvmas had arrived - one of utter elation, togetherness, and camaraderie! 

 

“... Do not forget the presents!” 

 

Helena had been bounding through the thickets and foliage surrounding the city of Providence, her cousin Victoria traipsing not far behind. The pair of guards accompanying the two young Imperials dutifully held their skates as the younger of the two, clad in boots and a prominently large wintercoat, had been scavenging the ground for visually appealing acorns and flowers such as hellebores and winterberries. 

 

“I.. I haven’t, Hellie,” stammered Victoria, nevertheless peering over her shoulder toward the guardsman, bellowing out a curt breath of crisp air. “B-but.. Anthony i-is... waiting for us at the rink. S-Shouldn’t we go meet him?” 

 

“I suppose,” murmured Helena as she tucked her russet tresses of hair into her hat and scooped the remainder of the trinkets she had found into her dainty satchel. Afterward, she caressed the pommel of the wooden sword sheathed at her waist consideringly. “Do you think this all will make a pretty wreath, Victoria?”

 

The young daughter of Kaphro obliged her cousin with a reassuring, if not timid smile, beckoning her forward into an embrace as they - together- meandered offward, reaching the city’s ice rink in due time.

 

The entourage was greeted by a bustling square, composed of a mingled populace. Bounding toward them was the adolescent Anthony Alexios, his visage garnished with a grin while towing along a rather slender, ornate sled.

 

“Sister,” he drawled, tousling the girl’s hair upon plucking aloft her hat. In kind, she nudged him, further beholding the entertaining sight of the ice rink.

 

“Hello, Ant,” Helena clucked teasingly in kind, making haste to equip herself with the skates she had earlier retrieved from the guards, with Victoria following hesitantly in suit. 

 

As the two siblings encroached upon the ice, with young Helena gallivanting meters forward, Lady Victoria stood still on the steps before, inclined against a ledge. 

 

“What is wrong, Torie?”

 

“W-Well...” croaked Victoria, fiddling with her fingers over her bodice. “I d-do... do not know h-how to skate..” 

 

Anthony emitted a low chuckle, eliciting a frown from his cousin, Victoria. “That is why I’ve brought a sled, Victoria Clementine, so you won’t feel alone,” He said duly, beckoning her forward. Helena grinned toothily, teetering from heel to heel as to sturdy herself on the ice.

 

“We can all go together!” decreed that adventurous youth, Helena Augusta. And so, they all ventured further into the rink - Victoria on the sled, Anthony maneuvering it, and Helena drifting alongside it. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season!

 

After an exhilarating day, the three kinsmen returned to the Augustine Palace to sup with their respective households and amiably boast of their experiences to their families. 

 

Merry Tuvmas!

(From the Households of the Princess Imperial and Count of Kaphro)

[BobBox 3798]

Anthony Basird walked around his room, looking for a certain object which he had lost. "Where could I of put my sled?" he asked his sister. Finally, it dawned upon him! Victoria had forgotten to give it back. Storming out of his room, he now had a new quest - to secure his sled.

[venclair 713]

A young Rhenyar let out a sneeze, sniffling thereafter as she rubbed at her frosty nose. Teetering from side to side, she eyed a servant while they brewed a cup of sugary, hot cocoa for her. It was amidst that that Victoria had noticed the sled she had forgotten to return to her cousin!

[Nectorist 12869]

Young Robert spectates the various courtiers playing throughout the white, snow-laced grounds of the Augustine Palace. He watches the many figures, as small as ants from the view he has, bustle about carrying packages, decorations, gifts, or clumps of snow. For several minutes he is content, but he eventually pulls the curtains over the window once again and returns to playing with his toy soldiers.