The Smoldering Embrace was swarming with people. Despite a biting wind and sharp snowflakes, most people seemed to be in a good mood. Children were running along the maze being careful to stay near the fringes so that the light of the big fire could be used to guide them back. It had been a very cold summer and several strange things had taken place which caused whispers to fly around more than usual. Young men and women often used these gatherings as an excuse to slide off into the maze in search of a secluded corner to call their own. It was also common for concerned parents to shuffle off into the maze to play the role of disruptor interruptus.
Close to the intricate sculpture of a hundred braziers sat a ring of musicians who were entertaining the crowd with a never-ending song that morphed every time a new artist sat down and added his or her own spice to the arrangement. A small entourage of icebears emerged from the maze and formed a small arc. Moments later, Morwen emerged and took her place in the center of her escort. One of the elders took notice and used his drum to guide the others into winding down their tune. When it had finished, Morwen walked without her guard among the crowd. Gracious as always, the queen embraced her extended family. She truly viewed those who bear her mark as children.
The goddess smiled and kissed babies, hugged women, patted young men on the cheek and so on. The process took her over a bell to make her way to the center. Despite any fears and doubts that the sturdy Vantha might be facing, the warmth of the Ice Queen stirs their hearts into a place of peace and security. Eventually, the matron found her way next to the fire. She raised her hand and calmed the talk, murmurs and whispers.
The icy gaze picked through the crowd as she began her seasonal address. “Good evening, my loves. Summer was a bit stranger than normal but we’re going to make up for it with the Fall Games!” A rip of cheers went through the crowd and Morwen gave them a moment to calm down. “Before we get to that, I would like to let everyone know that we will be looking for new recruits into the Icewatch program. Men and women of Avanthal, there’s a calling that needs to be answered. Search your hearts to see if service rings true. We need your bravery, your intelligence and your courage.” Another wave of applause and shouts echoed up into the darkening sky. This one went on for several moments longer than the first until Morwen raised her hand.
As the silence settled in one more time, the queen smiled and its radiance seemed to bring everyone back to the joyous part of the gathering. “As always, we will be celebrating the arrival of Fall with a series of games!” More cheers and even some cat calls. Morwen batted her lashes at the caller. “There will be wrestling! There will be jousting! There will be dog sledding!!” Each announcement was split by more shouting. “There will also be a new game introduced this year where you have to use ice reaving!” There was silence. Morwen made a face where her mouth pulled to the side and she placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t worry…there’ll be plenty of drinking involved!” The crowd exploded into cheers, shouts, songs and the music resumed. Morwen laughed. It was a sound that rose above the noise and tickled the hearts of children, warmed the souls of the lonely and made the elders feel appreciated.
Morwen lifted her hands in air as if encouraging the roar to rise. “It’s Fall in our beloved city. Avanthal…let’s…celebrate!!!!”
Close to the intricate sculpture of a hundred braziers sat a ring of musicians who were entertaining the crowd with a never-ending song that morphed every time a new artist sat down and added his or her own spice to the arrangement. A small entourage of icebears emerged from the maze and formed a small arc. Moments later, Morwen emerged and took her place in the center of her escort. One of the elders took notice and used his drum to guide the others into winding down their tune. When it had finished, Morwen walked without her guard among the crowd. Gracious as always, the queen embraced her extended family. She truly viewed those who bear her mark as children.
The goddess smiled and kissed babies, hugged women, patted young men on the cheek and so on. The process took her over a bell to make her way to the center. Despite any fears and doubts that the sturdy Vantha might be facing, the warmth of the Ice Queen stirs their hearts into a place of peace and security. Eventually, the matron found her way next to the fire. She raised her hand and calmed the talk, murmurs and whispers.
The icy gaze picked through the crowd as she began her seasonal address. “Good evening, my loves. Summer was a bit stranger than normal but we’re going to make up for it with the Fall Games!” A rip of cheers went through the crowd and Morwen gave them a moment to calm down. “Before we get to that, I would like to let everyone know that we will be looking for new recruits into the Icewatch program. Men and women of Avanthal, there’s a calling that needs to be answered. Search your hearts to see if service rings true. We need your bravery, your intelligence and your courage.” Another wave of applause and shouts echoed up into the darkening sky. This one went on for several moments longer than the first until Morwen raised her hand.
As the silence settled in one more time, the queen smiled and its radiance seemed to bring everyone back to the joyous part of the gathering. “As always, we will be celebrating the arrival of Fall with a series of games!” More cheers and even some cat calls. Morwen batted her lashes at the caller. “There will be wrestling! There will be jousting! There will be dog sledding!!” Each announcement was split by more shouting. “There will also be a new game introduced this year where you have to use ice reaving!” There was silence. Morwen made a face where her mouth pulled to the side and she placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t worry…there’ll be plenty of drinking involved!” The crowd exploded into cheers, shouts, songs and the music resumed. Morwen laughed. It was a sound that rose above the noise and tickled the hearts of children, warmed the souls of the lonely and made the elders feel appreciated.
Morwen lifted her hands in air as if encouraging the roar to rise. “It’s Fall in our beloved city. Avanthal…let’s…celebrate!!!!”