A Winters Tale by Glorified

A Winters Tale

Read A Winters Tale

A Winters tale.

I was hoping she would visit, perhaps before the real snow settled down on us from the Hithaeglir. I knew she would maybe visiting the higher reaches of the mountains where her kind dwelt but I could not understand why she had left it this late, She had always arrived at least a week to a week and a half before the Yule time festivities. Tonight would be the celebration of our Yule feast, yet there was no sign of her. Indeed no signal from he sentries outside stationed on the upper reaches of our valley.

I stand outside the snow starting to cover my wool cloak and hood in a glittering mantle, the wind beginning to rise and sweep the snow into what will become banks and drifts in the morning. My seneschal Fin walks up behind me gently beckoning me to come in to begin the festivities. His hand on my shoulder reminds me of the warmth and solidity of the terrestrial world I inhabit, so different to you. You are a creature of the night airs the dawn and noon skies, pivoting in endless free fall.

I turn and walk obediently following knowing my duty is to my household as well. I must acknowledge the responsibility of the lordship I have been bestowed with and give my people their due. As I turn from the cold air and swirling lattice of snowflakes I utter a silent invocation for your safe keeping, wherever you are this night.

Later I sit swirling brandy in a glass in my study, Fin my seneschal has tried to sooth my misgivings and calm my disquiet saying he would look in on the sentries on the upper reaches of the valley for any signs or news early on the morrow. Yet I cannot rest. Oh I know you are quite capable of living and being on the margins of a freedom I can only nearly imagine. You creature of flight and light. Up to the Hithaeglir in winter, following the trade winds across the Lune in summer. Feasting, eddying, swirling and being in a totality of life I can only imagine. Yet I fear for you now. This is not like you I thought, I expected you would be here. Where are you? Where are you?

I feel myself nodding as I sit up right, the affects of the brandy and late hour and my noisome spirit. I startle awake by some noise a tremor and change in the airs temperature I think, and there you are looking at me, your eyes as bright and golden avian hued as ever. All thoughts of admonishment leave me, and I hold you close, relishing your presence and safety. You laugh at my overly demonstrative display, saying I do not give you credit for your abilities to navigate the weather nor the weathers inclemency. I laugh and give you brandy and stoke the fire and later when the house rises we have breakfast and I tell you of all that has befallen our valley and you tell me of your antics and wild escapades. I am glad for I have no other friend like you, to hear my wows with no judgement to hear my successes with no envy.

My Yuletide is brighter because of you, and I feel a refreshment of my soul to begin the next year and the long fight our people have with renewed strength.