Winter Festival - Serene Storytelling

The objective of this game is to create an original Winter-themed story while using the keywords that are provided in this post!

Rules

1. Create your own Winter-themed story using EXACTLY 12 of the words from the following list. You MUST Bold the words that you use within your story. Once you use a word, you CAN use it multiple times.

Attacked / Caught / Fled / Negotiated / Slept / Snuck (Pick Only One)
Aurora
Avalanche
Blizzard / Heat Wave / Rain Storm (Pick Only One)
Cabin / Cave / Ice Flow (Pick Only One)
Candy Cane
Chime
Fireplace
Gingerbread
Goose / Polar Bear / Reindeer (Pick Only One)
Hot Cocoa
Ice Skating
Icicle
Midnight
Nutcracker
Shovel
Singing
Sleigh
Snowman
Star

2. Your story MUST be related to Sylestia and take place within the world of Sylestia. Your story CAN be in the form of a song or poem if you wish.

3. Your story MUST include at least one reference to a Sylesti (individual pet or species).

4. Your story MUST include at least one reference to a location within Sylestia (zone, region, dungeon, etc).

5. DO NOT post any images with your story. This is strictly a writing only contest.

6. You must share your entire story as a post in this thread. Providing a link to your story off-site will not qualify.

7. Please try and keep your story to a maximum of 1,000 words. This is not a strict rule, but if your story is clearly well over 1,000 words, we may just skip over it and not read it and you will not win any prizes.

8. Please DO NOT use AI to write your story. We want to see YOUR creativity, not ChatGPT's.

9. Your story must be site appropriate (PG-13). Any content that is inappropriate will disqualify your entry and be removed.

10. Please check the Festival Overview Thread for the listed End Time for Forum Games. Any entries posted after this time will not qualify.


Prizes

Everyone's submissions will be judged by the admins and we will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners based on creativity, effort, and appeal. It is possible for there to be more than just 3 individual winners.

There will be a Participation Prize as well for valid entries.

Have fun and enjoy!


1st Place Winner(s)
Winner(s): Angelbite
Prizes: Free Stable, [Peerless Avatar Token] x1, 3-Visible Winter Festival Themed Pet of Choice (2-Vis if Majestic) x2 OR Frost Essence of Choice x2, [Expedient Ice Sculpting Agent] x1, [Premium Ice Water] x3, [Box of Ice Sculpting Supplies] x1, [Box of Ice Sculpting Agents] x3


2nd Place Winner(s)
Winner(s): Arqzion, Calliopeace
Prizes: Free Stable, 3-Visible Winter Festival Themed Pet of Choice (2-Vis if Majestic) OR Frost Essence of Choice x1, [Expedient Ice Sculpting Agent] x1, [Premium Ice Water] x2, [Box of Ice Sculpting Supplies] x1, [Box of Ice Sculpting Agents] x3


3rd Place Winner(s)
Winner(s): Jadedragon, Muthulhu
Prizes: Free Stable, [Majestic Frost Essence] x1 OR [Fabled Frost Essence] x1, [Expedient Ice Sculpting Agent] x1, [Premium Ice Water] x1, [Box of Ice Sculpting Supplies] x1, [Box of Ice Sculpting Agents] x3


All Participants
With valid submissions

Prizes: Title: Serene Storyteller, [Fabled Frost Essence] x1, [Box of Ice Sculpting Agents] x2, [Avatar Item (Winter - Retired)] x3, [Frost Token] x1,000

One night, when the Blizzard came to the small town in Sylestia called Fungus Grove, was the year everything changed! for good and worse... it started the night everyone should have been sleeping but... one little Reindeer, couldn't sleep, that was the only one awake while the others good little Reindeer slept throughout the night. But this one little Reindeer was too excited so decided to go out side from he cave, where all the other siblings where sleeping, to explore Sylestia. He wanted to see it all at night. He heard that cool things happened in Sylestia at night! Like, the time his uncle told him about these cool Auroras that you could see in town, or the time his aunt told him about the Avalanche that changed the town for ever! But tonight He didnt want any of that, no, tonight he wanted to see the cool Snowman that his grandma told him about, she said they looked like the other citizens of Sylestia, which, the Little Reindeer never seen before and wanted to. His grandma said, with that look of hers, when she day dreams, that there was lots of different Snowman they built, like these creatures called; Ryori, which the way his grandma talked about them he thought they was so cool, that he wanted to see them too! So, he went out in the worse Blizzard of the season yet, just to look for them. So down to Sylestia he went. When he got there it was so busy, that he thought he was dreaming! Why would the creatures of Sylesta be up this late? I'd better check it out! So he did, and, he saw everyone doing christmasy things like; singing carols and Ice Skating. He made some friends with the creatures that his grandma told him about that made the Ryori snowman. He was so excited that by the time the sun came up he realized he'd stayed out all night! So, after the Ryoris gave him some gifts, he headed back home to tell his family the good news, and to also give some of the gifts to his grandma, which the Ryori said, she would know what they meant. So, as soon as grandma saw him, and saw the gifts, she smiled, and said "thats my boy! i knew you'd find them!" So, they sat around the Fireplace with Hot Cocoa and Gingerbread, and opened gifts and heard the new story from the little Reindeer...
i hope thats ok Krin! if i miss understood anything tho! please let me know and i can fix it! i cant wait to see everyone elses ideas/stories! and happy holidays everyone! :)

Winter had fallen in the fields boarding the dark forest. The winter this year was fierce and frigid. Ice coated some of the trees, looking as if they had been coated in glass and snow had built up along the paths we were barely able to keep clear.

As the sun dipped low, a fierce blizzard raged against our cabin. Our stockings hung neatly above the fireplace as the flames cracked merrily, filling the cabin with warmth and cheer as mother mixed the molasses batter for the gingerbread cabin pieces, snowman and reindeer cookies.

I watched Belladonna, my Zolnixi, cuddle bside Starlight Blaze, my mother's griffi as the gingerbread baked. Bella batted at one of the silver sleigh bells that Blaze wore.

By the time the gingerbread was finished, it was nearly midnight. Mother had crushed a large peppermint candy cane into pieces to decorate the gingerbread with, along with cream cheese frosting to hold the gingerbread cabin together.

Mother took the pans out to cool, and I made us hot cocoa before noticing that the howling winds outside had stopped. Curious, I ran to the door. When I opened it and took a few steps out into the snow, I could see an aurora in the north, far beyond the Umbra Forest where the elves lived.

As I watched, Bella and Blaze joined me just outside the door. As mother joined us, she gasped at the sight of the night sky- so clear after the storm. A brilliant star shone above, brighter than any other.

"The guiding star..." Mother breathed.

Blaze's sleigh bells rang out as she stepped, the crystalline ring sounded as though the bells were singing. The sound made me want to sing, too.

"It has become a truly gorgeous night." Mother said. Blaze made a melodious chirp in agreement. "I wanna sing, mom!" I said eagerly.

Mother laughed. "Of course, dear. We can sing as we make the gingerbread cabin."

"Yay!" I exclaimed, before running back inside, with the sylesties following more placidly as mother followed, closing the door behind her.

"Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,

Lean your ear this way!

Don't you tell a single soul

What I'm going to say;

Christmas Eve is coming soon;

Now you dear old man,

Whisper what you'll bring to me,

Tell me if you can." I sang as I waited for her to join us.

Word count (without this note): 398

"It was a dark and stormy night, a blizzard tearing through the land."

"Is a blizzard a storm?" Vanilla interrupted. "Or is it its own thing?"

"What? How is that -" Equinox began, disgruntled, before pausing with a soft sigh. "Yes, blizzards are a specific type of snow storm, which are storms. It's in the name. As I was saying..."

"Ahem, it was a dark and stormy night, a blizzard tearing through the land. It's easy to get lost in Umbra Forest even without such bad weather, and by midnight the little Ryori was so turned around that-"

"Is there anything softer in here?" Vanilla interrupted again, this time with a petulant whine as she padded about the small shelter they'd found in the Enigmatic Grotto, sticking her nose into every nook and cranny. "How is all the moss in this cave so un-mossy?"

"You can grow thorns all over your pelt, but Faerina forbid you sit on the ground without your favorite cushion," Gerais grumbled. She probably rolled her eyes, too, though it was hard to tell given the fact they all lacked pupils. "Angelbite fell asleep as soon as we got here. Why are you two still awake?"

Angelbite, who took a fireball to the face after trying to avoid a group of undead by hiding in a log, slept soundly despite her party's bickering. Getting hit with a fireball does that to you.

"Vanilla can't sleep without her bedtime story," Equinox explained with the patience of someone who had gone through all five stages of grief and accepted that this was his life now. Babysitting a grown Ryori that could tank an entire army's worth of enemies, and yet needed a bedtime story to fall asleep. "That or warm milk and Angelbite singing her a lullaby, but that one's out of the question."

"It's holiday season! I wouldn't be drinking warm milk!" Vanilla reared back, affronted. "I'd have gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa by the fireplace! Preferably on my cushion at home, with Angelbite petting my head, and my gifts under the tree, and - where are you going?"

"I would rather go outside and find a polar bear to fight than listen to you complain." Gerais got up, quietly making her way to the entrance of the Enigmatic Grotto. Icicles hung amongst and from the stalactites above, giving the whole thing a very ethereal appearance and a very cold temperature. Outside, the sky lit up with twinkling stars and the faintest hint of the aurora borealis visible from way up north, where the mountains began.

Not a Sylesti, nor an undead, nor a troll in sight - it seemed to be a very silent night, a boon after the day they'd had. Gerais watched the sky for a moment longer, ear flicking in acknowledgement as two sets of footsteps approached. Vanilla and Equinox settled beside her, entranced by the light show above.

"That's the north star," Equinox pointed out, using his claw to direct their attention towards the bright point in the sky. "It marks true north. If we go that way for long enough, we'll reach the mountains, and we'll be able to see the northern lights even better."

"Maybe we'll go there some day. We seem to be making our way across the whole continent, anyway." They stared until the aurora disappeared, quietly getting up and sneaking back inside to avoid interrupting their owner's sleep. "I think it'd be nice, if a bit cold."

"It's already cold. Now, settle down, and let me finish my story." Equinox waited for the two to curl up beside Angelbite before clearing his throat, and beginning for the third time. "It was a dark and stormy night, a blizzard tearing through the land. It's easy to get lost in Umbra Forest even without such bad weather, and by midnight the little Ryori was so turned around that they couldn't tell up from down or left from right. The only thing they could do was trudge onwards, towards the..."

He trailed off as two soft snores caught his attention, Vanilla and Gerais having drifted off to sleep. With a soft, fond sigh, he also tucked himself against Angelbite's side and closed his eyes. "The little Ryori found his friends, and he was never lost again. The end."

-

Word count estimate (not including this note): 710~
Words used: blizzard, midnight, cave, slept, singing, gingerbread, hot cocoa, fireplace, polar bear, icicles, star, aurora

Ice skating through a midnight run
A blizzard on the way
An avalanche of snow and fun
From the land of cunning fae

The Winter Fest is here at last!
Sylestians abound a' singing
Summer's star has fled, aghast
Now sleighs lead with ringing

Aurora's majestic web is spun
A celestial grand overlay
Howling Pass' magic now redone
Filled with griffi white from play

But in spaces no fae has trespassed
A fireplace lives safe and roaring
In a cabin of mortal cast
Bound by a door with iron flooring.

Word Count: 918
Word's Used: shovel, cabin, snowman, ice skating, sleigh, reindeer, singing, gingerbread, hot cocoa, aurora, star
Places Referenced: Esior's Haven, Lost Grove
Species Referenced: Qitari

Captain Cat and Jinxie's Snowball Fight

The early morning rays of the sun were deceptively warm among the sparkling snow that fell the night before. At first glance out the window, all Captain Cat saw was the sun shining. He thought it would be a cool day, a little chilly but the sun would warm things up. However, when he stepped outside he was met with several feet of freshly fallen snow!

What the- Cat sighed and closed the door, stepping back inside to grab his shovel so that he could clear the path from his cabin to the docks.

Morning Cat! Jinxie called out when he opened the door a second time. Cat stared incredulously at Jinxie. He was fairly certain that she hadnt been there when he first opened the door...and yet there she was already finishing the snowman she was building in his front yard.

Cat shook his head and smiled fondly, Hello Jinxie. Enjoying the snow?

But of course! Jinxie happily placed a candy cane in the mouth of her creation and then skipped through the snow toward Cat. Dont tell me you have to work today! You promised to take me ice skating!

Im sorry, Jinxie, I have to go to the docks and make sure the ice hasnt caused any damage to my ship. If you can wait a bit, we can go after? Cat explained. Itd be nice if he didnt have any responsibilities, he missed the days of his youth where he slacked off all the time. It was nice, but growing up meant being responsible. And he didnt want to fall back onto the lifestyle that disappointed Jinxie.

Booo! Thats lame! Jinxie didnt follow him as he made his way down the path, shoveling snow out of the way. He had almost made it to the main road when an explosion of cold, white snow hit him in the back of the head and almost caused him to fall over.

Jinxie! He laughed as he turned around, but she was already running to take cover, Ill get you later! He threatened, a joyful sparkle in his eyes as he thought out his revenge.

Cat made his way to the docks, keeping a watchful eye out for a returning Jinxie. The ship was thankfully in good condition and while some ice flows had made their way into the bay, there werent any large enough to cause concern for the ship. So he left his vessel in the capable hands of his crew and went stalking about Esiors Haven for Jinxie.

It didnt take long for him to find her. She had joined a small group of people and fairies riding in a sleigh pulled by a party of reindeer qitaris. They were singing Christmas carols to anyone walking by as the cart wheeled on by. It was the perfect opportunity! Cat quickly made two snowballs, one for each hand, and launched the first one at the back of Jinxies head! The carolers stopped and whirled around to see a laughing Cat and joined in the fun!

Cat! Thats not fair! Jinxie grinned when she saw him. Then her face paled in horror as she saw him launching the second snowball at her face! Cat! She squealed as she narrowly dodged the second attack.

For the next thirty minutes, the town square was full of grown adults and children hurling snowballs at each other. Cat pretended not to notice a group of kids and faked a horrible death when they bombarded him with their cold, soft ammo. Jinxie feigned sadness, screaming over his body and earning several excited laughs from the children.

Youre really good with kids. Jinxie noted when she and Cat finally broke away from the chaos. They had made their way to a little shop where they purchased fresh gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa to warm up.

Cat took a sip of his cocoa and smirked, Probably because Im just a kid in an adult body.

Jinxie playfully punched his shoulder and shook her head. Will you be at the plaza tonight? Im sure theyd love to see you at the lighting of the new aurora star on the Christmas tree. You should see it! Its amazing! So colorful and bright and magical!

Yes, Im aware. Cat replied coolly, Im the one that collected the materials from the Lost Grove to make it. Actually, they want me to be the one to light it tonight.

Really? Thats awesome! Jinxie stared at her friend, impressed. The Lost Grove...beautiful but dangerous. And cat had braved it to get the materials! So cool!

That night was truly beautiful, a clear night with a visible moon and millions of sparkling lights in the sky...Cat was a bit nervous about being honored at the lighting of the tree-topper since he didnt usually get congratulated but the seasonal excitement distracted him from it.

He made his way to the front of the crowd, standing next to the mayor as she gave a small speech about the teamwork involved and how grateful they were to have such good people in Esiors Haven. And then she lit the tree-topper! It sparkled all sorts of beautiful colors, like a diamond when the light hit it.

Captain Cat! Captain Cat! A high-pitched voice screamed, catching the young mans attention. He turned from the tree to scan the crowd for the source and was met with a faceful of snow. Gotcha!

Jinxie! Cat exclaimed and took off into the laughing crowd to chase after her!

Noelle was resting in a Cabin by it's Fireplace, her plan to surprise her friends for Christmas wasn't going well. She wished to have them see this beautiful Aurora that's supposed to appear tonight around midnight in the Northen regions of Sylestia, but the constant blizzard, with the risks of avalanches happening, isn't making her idea feasible. Turning into an icicle isn't really a pleasant thought.

She looked to the side, the shovel she had brought, thinking it'd be only a little snowy today. On top of everything, the sleigh she borrowed from that Reindeer Qitari broke! She'll have to buy a new one to replace it later on. Maybe it would be best to settle for the Umbra Forest for their little party? On the plus side, the lake might be just enough frozen for them to enjoy Ice Skating, with stars above them shining bright.

Noelle invited her friends at the lake, which was frozen, as she had hoped, and they had a blast skating under the night sky! Later on, they sat and watched from afar, as the Aurora shone bright, even from where they stood. Her plans might not have developed as she wished, but it still was a wonderful night they wouldn't soon forget.

At this years festive gathering, everyone was anxiously waiting to hear Sandy Krakencallers story of The Night before Christmas. It was a story she told every year, but she liked to change a few of the details each time she told it, to make it new and exciting each retelling.

Tonight was December 24th. The hot cocoa had been passed out, and the fireplace was ablaze with crackling flames. Gather round everyone! Sandy called out. Its story time! Excitement buzzed through the group as all the Sylestians gathered close to hear.

Listen closely, and Ill tell you about the greatest adventure Ive ever had on the night before Christmas. Back when I was younger, I was galloping in the Virdian Meadows with my qitari herd. My best friend Tania Driftwood and I were farther away from home than usual, though we hadnt realized it. It was starting to get dark, so we knew we needed to head back. We thought we were going the right direction, though snow had begun to appear in piles on the ground. I was growing concerned, but then we heard some singing. Curious, we decided to find out where it was coming from.

As we drew closer to the source, we found a cozy cabin all lit up inside. The outside looked quite frosty as the snow completely blanketed the ground. There were icicles hanging from the roof and a frozen pond nearby. The chorus of voices inside the cabin drew us closer, and we decided to knock on the door to see if anyone there could help us find our way back to the herd.

A kindly, old aurleon answered the door. G-Good evening sir, I stammered. We seem to be l-lost and I was wondering if someone could h-help us find our way back to the qitari herd in the Viridian Meadows.

Well now, he answered. Im sure someone can help. Come inside and warm up first. He opened the door and we came inside, careful not to track snow into the cabin. The huge Chrstmas tree in the corner was decorated in gold and red ornaments with a huge star on top. The group finished singing and the aurleon asked them if anyone knew how to find our herd. Im sure we can get you back there. said a bright blue morkko with a toothy grin. My names Thomas. Lets get you back home.

So, Thomas led us back out on the porch. As we walked through the rest of the property surrounding the cabin, we saw many interesting things. There was a snowman sitting in a sleigh of all things!

During the trip, we passed a small food stall. Thomas stopped and spoke to the goose who was selling the items. Hey Lydia! Have you got any warm gingerbread cookies left?

The goose smiled, as only a goose can, and winked at Thomas. Of course! You know that I always save some for you! Youre my best customer, after all.

Got any extra for my friends here?

Well, youre in luck tonight. I baked extra because I had a funny feeling I would need them!

Youre the best Lydia! Thomas took the cookies and passed some to me and Tania.

Thomas leaned over and whispered loudly to us. Those cookies are magical, you know. Lydia puts something special in every single one of them.

Oh hush, you big teddy bear! Lydia laughed. Go on then, get home before it gets any colder out here. Grinning, Thomas led us farther down the path until the booth was out of sight.

A little while later, my tummy happy from the cookies, we saw a marvelous sight. The aurora borealis was lighting up the sky over a large frozen lake. I had the sudden urge to step onto the ice. I had never been ice skating before, so I didnt even know if I could do it, but I sure did want to try! I looked over to Tania and saw that she was thinking the exact same thing, so we walked out onto the lake. Immediately, my four legs started sliding in different directions! I ended up flat on the ice and couldnt stop laughing. Both of us had a heck of a time learning to slide across the ice, but it was so much fun! Thomas joined us and was like a rock when he collided into me.

We didnt want to leave, but eventually we decided it was time to continue home. Thomas guided us all the way to the edge of our meadow. We could see the other members of our herd watching for us because of how late it was. We gave him a big hug as thanks for guiding us and ran off to let everyone know that we were ok.

Mother chided us for staying out so late on Christmas eve. How is Santa supposed to bring you presents if youre out so late? We giggled and went to sleep for the night, eagerly awaiting Christmas morning.

The group around the fireplace clapped as Sandy finished her story. Thomass fur was still as bright as when they had met him. He was always happy to come to her Christmas gathering to hear the story every year. Even Lydia was here this year! All in all, it was another wonderful Christmas eve!

Word Count: 1578
Words: blizzard, chime, reindeer, sleigh, midnight, star, singing, cabin, fireplace, hot cocoa, aurora, icicle
Places Referenced: Lost Grove, Astryls Vale, and Viridian Meadows
Sylesti: Giffi, Ferrikki, Aeridini, Nephini, and Austi a Lupora

They say to never venture into the mountains alone, be it summer or winter, but especially in winter. Those who tend to the land credit the blizzards that are common throughout the year that make their way down the mountain in the colder months. Those who tend to Sylesti credit the fabled Griffi instead, raging from how little is known about them to the possible omens that they can bring if you spot even a glimpse of them. While mountaineers instead credit the mountains themselves being just as cruel as Mother Nature if not more so. New adventures and researches are always given the same spiel year after year about the dangers of the mountains to the point where I even find myself repeating them like a local every time I meet someone new in the town, even though my intentions are the same as theirs; to venture into the mountains alone.

Sylesti have always fascinated me ever since I was young, and learning as much as I could about them always kept me coming back. From common information school children know to the running theories about more fabled species, I could never get enough. Eventually my dream was granted, Ive assisted in leading the research side of expeditions into the other realm of the Lost Grove in search of Ferrikki, spent springs looking for the Aeridini and their lovely blooming flowers, and ventured throughout Astryls Vale looking to the elusive and nurturing Nephini with each project having varying success. But they were still stepping stones for where my heart truly pointed to learning about, the Griffi. Sure there was tales of the fabled Sylesti venturing down the mountains to the Viridian Meadows in search of food during the winters but Ive spent countless winters taking a pause in any other project to spend countless hours looking for any evidence of such tales, prints of paws and hoofs in tandem, more food missing throughout the season compared to usual, glacier ice shed from their wings, and even the desperate search in extra snow fall were there shouldn't be, yet every year all Id get is inconclusive evidence at best. My only choice is to go to them in the mountains.

Chimes of silver bells pull me from my thoughts and back to the small room I found myself in, my gaze shifting from the hidden peaks back into town where a reindeer pulled sleigh ride was getting back and other festive activities were in full swing. Natives of the town and visitors alike reveled in the celebration of the Winter Solstice, marking the turning point of Winter where Spring was approaching faster with gifts of longer daylight and milder snow fall. Midnight was the draw, where legends say that if you make a wish on the stars, Spring may bring your wish in its gifts for the new year. It was always hard to believe such a legend fully, but it was hard to say that the hope of that wishing coming true and the joyous singing that surrounded it didn't feel magical. Maybe it was time to also join in the celebration, since the snow fall wasn't getting any better in the peaks.


Austi gave me a dirty look as we left the Cabin inn, being pulled away from the crackling fireplace she was more than enjoying, and she was not accepting my apologies and promises of a good time drinking hot cocoa with the friends weve made.

Austi come on, I start with a smile, your winter coat has more than grown in by now. That fire was probably going to give you heatstroke in the middle of winter if I didn't suggest joining the fun. I joke, my smile only growing as I only got a gruffed huff in response as the maroon purple Lupora folded her giant wings closer to herself now that we were out the door and in the cold. Yet something felt off like I was forgetting something important. Not my bag or anything, it was hard to leave any place without basic research and survival items. More like there was another legend aside from the one about wishes.


5 hours until midnight.
It wasn't until I noticed the start of the aurora that it finally hit me. If conditions were just right on the Winter Solstice, different families of Giffi would meet near the peaks to keep the peace between them and keep the mountains protected. Maybe this year was one of those meetings. My heart leapt at the thought as I ran to Austi, who was using an icicle as a sword and playing with the other Sylesti of the town in makeshift swordfights.

4 hours until midnight.
Austi was against the idea of heading into the mountains. Even if that legend was true, she knew the sayings as much as I did. Wed be walking into the death trap if we went. But she also saw that the storm was changing, how it felt off.

3 hours until midnight.
The wind is so loud I can barely hear my thoughts. The snow and cold make it hard to write anything down now. I just pray were getting close, even with the storm hindering our journey. Austi is still against the journey, but she didnt want me to go alone fully, knowing that shed probably never see me again if she did let me. I have to make my argument that I wouldnt be alone with her true. We will be ok on this trip, even with the weather.

2 hours until midnight.
The rope between us is almost completely frayed, even after making sure it could take anything so Id never lose her. Something that mightve happened if I hadnt pulled Austi close and borderline carry her as we continued. Its probably been the best idea Ive had all day. Maybe not, since we cant turn back now.

1 hour until midnight.
I cant continue. The cold its too much. Ive collapsed. Im exhausted. Austi, shes laying on my chest shivering. Shes taking too much of the cold head on. All for me. Yet I convinced her on this mountain. Im sorry Austi. You were right. This was a fools errand. Im sorry.


Midnight?
My eyelids were heavy when I awoke, not sure how much time had passed. The room I had expected was replaced with the night sky twinkling with stars and rivers of color.

Im alive? I couldn't help but ask, not even sure if the words left my mouth or stayed in my head. And a question I couldnt linger on for too long before a heavy mass pounced on my chest with the whining giving away who it was.

Austi? You- youre ok..! I exclaim, happily reaching up to brush my beloved Lupora who I thought I had brought into a deathtrap. The reunion didnt last for long, however, as nearby the snow crunched as an entity approached us. Causing Austi to move and pull away as she sits, nodding her head in the direction.

Following her suggestion I look over and cant believe my eyes. A lone Griffi takes a few steps to me, as if to check that Im alright. Its chest fur is a cream color with faint blue tips, a navy blue disappears on to the back of its neck and the front of its legs creating white diamond patterns in its fur. It has horns on its head and a general light blue glow around it, making it hard to tell if this Griffi usually has this glow or if it was caused by some sort of power this one had. Aside from the addition of horns, I wasn't too surprised about its general appearance, it looked like a powerful Griffi sure, but its wings and tail were so different then what was previously believed. Instead of wings of ice they looked more like frozen feathers, the smaller ones being a darker blue that nearly matched the sky while the tips matched its more cream yellow beak and horns. The tail, which was thought to be more like ice as well, was longer and had matching frozen feathers on it, ranging from the cream colors to the blue ones. So many questions filled my mind, everything I have ever wanted to know.

Thank you. Was all I could get out, every question getting clogged before I could even get the courage to say any of them. But maybe that was all that needed to be said. It did seem to like the simple thanks, bowing respectfully before going to pluck two of its many feathers from its wings. Instinctively I reach out my hand out for the feathers, never dreaming to give up the chance to accept this gift. I pull it close as the Griffi turns and disappears into the night, just as quickly as it had appeared. Looking back at the feathers, the deep blue fading into that cream yellow capturing my entire attention and the almost glow it had didnt help with looking away. They were also impossibly cold, even through my glove I could feel the chill they had.

I I think the results of this expedition should be considered inconclusive. I state quietly, a few moments of silence fill the space between us as my dear friend gives an agreeing bark. I have the perfect string to attach these two once we get back.


ok longer then I was expecting so it may not fully count/be passed for prizes but I loved writing it and have to share it no mater what. I do have notes on this story but I will leave it at just the story :3

Secrets of the World Sylestia

It was September 1988, when my daughter was christened Iyanaheavencloud. We had fled to a small town near Eisor's Haven. My name is CasmereSphynx. My husband, Nebulacrash, had disappeared just after her birth. I suspected that he had finally infiltrated the Temple of the Forsaken, under the AURORA, event that had taken place just a few days earlier, and silently ATTACKED. His goal was to find out what had happened to the Sylesties that were vanishing all over the world of Sylestia.
My family had been in charge of the task of helping Sylesties to improve their fighting skills so that they could successfully conquer the temple in the Lost Grove. Covert intelligence provided by the Strelitzia Nicolai Nephini had shared all of their information and action had to be taken before the next planned AVALANCHE that would happen right after the next BLIZZARD!

The Crystallized Griffis in coordination with the Pink Gladiolus Griffis were planning in their cozy little CAVE Snacking on CANDY CANES, GINGERBREAD, and HOT COCOA - their secret protein recipes, used to build their well muscled bodies. Suddenly the POLAR BEAR Morkkos rushed in still wearing their Ice skates. ICE SKATING was their preferred mode of transportation. They confirmed that Akios, from the Lost Grove Temple, was finally ready to conquer the whole of Sylestia!! Plus, it was the Ancient Temple Guardian who was pulling all of the strings that would crush all of Sylestia, Putting it under the leadership of the Horseman that lived in the temple.

Something needed to be done, quickly!!! The Mystic Skullmoth Ferrikkis, Astral Wanderer Ryoris, White Sands Luffox, and Imperial Peacock Griffis were all ready to fight! Their Max Stated skills fully made ready by myself since 2016. Suddenly, we heard strange sounds at MIDNIGHT after the bell CHIME. No one even noticed that the fire in the FIREPLACE had gone out. The Spring Cosmo Sylvorpas had shown up carrying mini SNOWMEN, and SHOVELS pushing their ICICLE ice cream, wanting to join the fight! They were singing the Ancient Sylestie songs. Posed in the front of their SLEIGH was the missing NUTCRACKER, which was actually an Ancestral Deity Lighira in disguise. The sylvorpas had followed the north STAR to find where everyone was hidden. They were not strong enough to join the fight, but allowed because they were so dedicated. The momentum had turned and the battle would soon begin!!!

What would be the outcome of the battle? No one knows. One thing was for sure. All of the Sylesties would join the battle, the fight for their beloved home! Me, CasmereSphynx, and my daughter, Iyanaheavencloud, and Nebulacrash would enter the fight in full battle gear, with our new, SuperMax Sylesties and rule the battle. Our trusted Cane Corso army would also join the fight! Clash against these villains! With our sheer power, intelligence, and confidence, win the day!!

I've hidden this secret information in my barracks, just inside the Lost Grove. So some day the information will be found. I Pray that we will win the day and all of Sylestia will be saved!!! This is where the ancient paper ended. Where's the rest of the scroll? It Scroll ends here. I can only assume the battle was won because Sylestia still exists today!!! Till this day. no one knows that the 3 of us are actually time travelers that came back in time to help Sylestia. LONG LIVE SYLESTIA!!!