//------------------------------//
// Winter 
// Story: Fey Breeze 
// by Masterweaver 
//------------------------------//

Chill winds gathered round the palace, whispers on the breeze, and then together wound in song and dance. Within were many of dress, and dress became form, and form became personage. And personage bowed, gathered, each clan represented.

Court was convened. And with it, the first illusion, the truth of image without form. One stood forward--murmurs, whispers, though this one kept low.

"What bring you, that impedes our song? What bring you that first must be heard? Arrogance shall not be rewarded."

"I bring you song, old and new. I bring you dance of realms long lost. I bring you the magic awakened again."

Murmurs again, greater still, till the highest gestured for calm. "You speak of the lost world. The dead world."

"Dead no more."

"Show us."

The one extended, flowed, and from them came the image that could not be falsified of what had been seen. The flying free. The power deep. The light weavers. These and more, every one once but mundane. And yet more, events only possible to those who could sing and dance.

The murmurs rose, waves of wonder and curiosity. The highest, again, gestured for silence.

"...You have seen this?"

"Yes. Though I but peered."

"The import cannot be denied. Our court convened, we shall discuss."

And so the dance began, cautious, speculative. And none did see the small bright robe fall to the ground, none did notice the tinyest gust whisk away from the palace, afor it was far too late to find again.





"Man. My life sucks."

"Do tell."

"Huh?" The auqamarine teenager looked up, only belatedly noticing the icy blue beauty leaning against a wall. "Oh! Hey. Wow, I must be really out of it, to miss something as lovely as you."

"Oh, I know. The woes of reality can blind us all." The girl's golden eyes were sympathetic. "Why, just this morning, I found somebody had gathered all my things up into a single bag!"

"You got kicked out of your house?" The gangly boy gasped. "That's terrible!"

"It would be, if I hadn't had the good fortune to run into somebody who could help me." The girl pouted. "You can... help me, right?"

The boy sighed, rubbing his pale blonde hair. "I'd like too, but... look, I left my sister hanging, and after that my mom's been super lock-down. I can't even have my smart-phone, just a ten-year-old flipout." He kicked a rock. "It's... it's a long story."

"Well... so long as we're suffering, we can suffer together." The girl breezed off the wall, her white hair whisking as flurry behind her. "And who knows? With magic, many possibilities open up to us."

"Heh, yeah." He adjusted his shirt casually. "A lot of new opportunities. It's... it's a shame I can't really take advantage of them."

"Because of your mother's restraints?"

"No..." The boy slumped. "Look. Lady, you really don't want to be with me. I'm... a failure. There, I said it. Everything I've tried, I... I dropped it after a while. I find a talent, and then I just... I just have no skill."

"You lack conviction. Purpose..." The girl slipped a sympathetic hand around his shoulder. "One of the quieter tragedies of this day and age."

"Yeah. I wish I could help you, but—"

"Perhaps," the girl mused, "we could help each other."

"What?"

"I know a spell, a spell to give you a stronger heart. A will to move mountains. If I were to cast it upon you, perhaps... perhaps you could grant me residence in your home?"

"I... I dunno. I still live with my parents—"

"I need very little space. Surely there is a place that is used only for storage?"

"Well..." He rubbed his whiskery chin with a frown. "I mean... there's the shed where dad keeps his leaf collection. He's got leaves from all over the world--but--"

"I promise," the girl purred, "he wouldn't even know I was there."

"We don't even know each other's names!"

"Hmm." The girl pursed her lips. "...Winter Lights. That is what you may call me."

"I'm Zephyr Breeze."

"And it is a pleasure to meet you." She spun around, looking into his violet eyes. "Now... do we have an agreement?"

"I..." Zephyr winced. "This won't... hurt, or do weird things to me, right?"

"Oh, trust me, you won't even notice anything besides your newfound confidence."

After a moment, he nodded and stuck out his hand. "Count me in."

"Our pact is sealed."





Pure Vibrations had changed after the Saturation. What was once a kitschy new-age shop... was still, technically, a kitschy new-age shop. The shop and its owner had always taken itself seriously, but before magic returned there was a sense of confusion, bewilderment, as though there was something just out of reach and nobody could decide what exactly it was. Now, now there was a sense of purpose and direction--scattered shelves rearranged in round patterns, single pots of incense in each of seven sections, crystals forming a latticework of light that refracted color in soothing and precise manner. Before one could have entered, and merely shrugged. Now, crossing the threshhold, one would sense an invitation; an invitation to walk, and find oneself.

Fluttershy felt the invitation, and accepted. She meandered through the shop, her hand brushing the collection of stones on one shelf. From red to orange, she looked over the oils and soaps; from orange to yellow, she passed the candles and heatpads. In the green section, she paused, noting the various scented fresheners; her eyes were drawn to the top shelf, and the winged jewelry that rested there. Her brow furrowed, and she looked back; yes, there was jewelry atop all the shelves, each tailored to a specific theme. With a small smile, she took a piece worked to look like a butterfly, and moved on--into blue, where rested wind chimes, and indigo with its collection of crystals, and finally violet, a bookshelf with esoteric titles.

Her circle complete, she moved to the middle of the shop, absently realizing that she had plucked some items off the shelves and carried them even now in her hands. She let them fall onto the surface of the rounded reception desk, smiling gently. "Um... Tree Hugger?"

The green-skinned woman opened her eyes. "Fluttershy. Welcome back. Did you enjoy your journey through the cosmic realm?"

"...I only walked around the store."

"But it is part of the cosmos. Ergo, it is a cosmic realm."

Fluttershy giggled. "You have a point. Anyway, I... I just came in to get some things." She looked down and frowned. "Although some of this I actually wasn't planning on getting... why did I pick up this rock?"

Tree Hugger took the rock in question, examining it. "...Aaaaah. A mix of quartz and calcite." She clicked it between her fingers, giving Fluttershy a sly smile. "Common elements in soil."

"O...oh." The yellow-skinned girl coughed. "Um. I seriously don't know why..."

Tree Hugger's grin only grew.

"...okay, fine. You caught me." Fluttershy rubbed the back of her head. "I've been... putting soil on my feet whenever I shower."

"Nothing wrong with that," Tree Hugger assured her.

"But the last time I did--"

"You let yourself become unbalanced and unraveled, Shyshy. It's perfectly fine to enjoy something, so long as you don't let joy become the addiction."

"Still, if it wasn't for you... I'd probably still be a tree."

"It is my greatest cause to bring balance to the unbalanced. I've extended my assistance past the material realm, actually."

"You...." The yellow-skinned teenager leaned forward. "You're actually doing chakra therapy now?"

"Mmmhmm. I'll admit I haven't ever seen a case as bad as you were, but sometimes it's the best help I can provide."

"Well... I hope I don't need it anytime soon. Not that you're not good, I don't doubt you are! I just..."

"It's all good, Shyshy, I get it." Tree Hugger held up a finger, reaching under the counter. "As a matter of fact..."

Fluttershy gasped as she produced a flowerpot. "You... is that...?"

"The most nutritious, delicious, and growthalicious soil that I could find in the superstore." She handed it over. "Free of charge."

"I... wow." Fluttershy took in the musky scent, and hesitantly smiled. "I... didn't even know I would want this. But... thank you."

Tree Hugger gave her a wry smirk. "Don't tell anyone I gave you that pot."

"Wha--oh." Fluttershy shook her head with a small smile. "Treezie, seriously?"

"Hey, what can I say? Your pink friend's been hanging around with her sister, and I picked up a few things."

"Yes, Pinkie Pie does... rub off on people." Fluttershy put the pot down. "I'm still paying for the rest of this, though."

"Of course, of course. The flow of the material is as vital as the flow of the spiritual. That'll be... fifteen eighty seven."





"....So."

"Yes."

The figure shifted, looking into the stained-glass window of the palace. "This is an interesting move for her."

"But not, if I may, unexpected."

"Can you elaborate?"

"My lord, you are powerful and have proven your worth a thousand times over. Your daughter sees this, and so wishes to prove herself. Opportunity to do so is rare in this weave of the realm, but..."

"Ah. With the dead world singing again, there is much that could be done."

"Precisely so." The shorter figure gestured wide. "She has already made herself useful."

"Has she?"

"Word of the world, the differences, the sameness. She speaks of what is and is no longer. She has found shelter, and..."

"...and?"

The shorter figure bowed. "A bond, my lord."

For a moment, the song of wind and whisk was the only sound.

"Of what kind?"

"Water."

The taller figure nodded. "A fair bond, I shall admit. There was some worry she would bond by Fire first."

"Your daughter is many things, but foolish is not among them."

"Indeed. And with a bond, she cannot be unwoven. She does intend to stay in this world, does she not?"

"She has found shelter, and whispers even now to her patron. She will not be uprooted swiftly."

"I suppose, then, I shall leave her to it." The taller figure turned. "She knows the price of failure."





"Hey Winter!" Zephyr jokingly knocked on the door to the shed. "How're you doing?"

Winter tilted her head curiously at him. "How am I doing... what, precisely?"

"Wh--oh, no. It's slang. Shortened language, thing. I just... I want to know what's going on in your life, if you need anything, you know, typical friend stuff." Zephyr's smile faltered. "We are friends, right?"

"We share a bond," Winter allowed. "As for my current state, I would have to say... I am quite well, actually."

"Really? I mean, that's good to hear, but--" Zephyr gestured at the various leaves pinned and framed on the shelves. "I... kind of figured, you know, you might want more."

"Everyone always wants more. But to let want dominate, to let want overcome all thoughts, that way lies madness." Winter Lights smiled at him. "I have a place to rest, a bond to hold, and a task to complete. I am content, for the moment."

The teenager whistled low. "Well, that's actually good to hear. It sounds like you've got your life in order."

"Not hardly. Too much order is too little flexibility. I am no longer content, for instance."

"Well, that was abrupt."

"Indeed. Such is the way of things. Though I could rest, my body requires sustenance, and away I must go."

Zephyr chuckled. "Well, you sound a lot like one of Fluttershy's friends."

"Fluttershy... ah, your sister?"

"Yep. She's one of a kind."

"Hmm. Perhaps I shall meet her, one day." Winter Lights bowed. "For the moment, I must away, and seek that which shall fuel my form."

Zephyr rubbed the back of his head. "...I, uh... know a place with great... salads! Yeah."

"Yes?"

"We could go together. I mean, if you like. I may not have much money, but... you know, it's the weekend." He shrugged. "Have a little fun before going back to the dredge of school and work, right?"

Winter Lights considered him, her eyes absorbing the details of his expression.

"...Hmm. Yes, you would know the lay of the land... very well. Let us anon to shared meal."

"Great! It's a bit of a walk, but the day's pretty nice, so I don't think that's a problem."

"Assuredly not," Winter Lights replied. "We shall be as the wind itself."





Fluttershy hummed to herself as she glided over the park, a meandering tune that attracted little attention. A few other pegasus aspects were playing half-criffleball a distance away; she watched them flit about, and giggled when one floated to the ground petulantly after a ball had ended up glued to their shoulder. It was certainly a lovely day--

A strange chill brushed against her shoulders.

She blinked, looking around in confusion. Maybe one of the casters had let a spell out of bounds and hit her on accident? With a confused frown, she descended, allowing her feet to--

the scent of ice

Fluttershy jumped in surprise. "What...?" Her eyes darted around. "Is... somebody playing a prank on me? It's... not as bad as it could be, but... Hello?"

There didn't seem to be any response.

She shook her head. "I... I must be imagining things--"

She paused.

"...Oh, I've been listening to Pinkie Pie too much," she grumbled. "I can be imagining things, right? The universe still has some sort of randomness going on, not everything is a portent, right? Right."

With a firm nod, Fluttershy walked for the edge of the park

winter is coming

and whirled about. "Look, I don't know what you are or how you're doing this, but if you need my help can you at least ask directly?!"

The trees seemed to groan in reply.

"...Right. Right. Fine, I'll keep my eye out for snow, I guess." She threw up her hands. "Snow in the middle of spring."

the way is open

"Way, what way...? You know what, I'm just... I'm going to go before somebody catches me talking to thin air."

With a huff, Fluttershy stomped out of the park, never noticing the branches bending as she passed.





"Iron?" The tall figure tilted the object in his hand. "Or cold iron?"

"Not iron, definitely. Maybe cold iron. They call it aluminum."

"Hmm. What is contained within?"

"Sugary water, with flavors and chemical treatment."

The tall figure looked at the shorter. "...what."

"They've found a way to... extract it. Reforge it. It's so common, this is a disposable drink container." The short figure held up a hand. "Don't shake, the drink froths."

"Change... is to be expected, I suppose. It has been a long time since magic sang, and never has it sung like this."

"There is more. They have... I do not know how to explain it. It is like starfolk magic, only... not magic."

"Not magic?"

"Not how we describe it. If magic were to fall again, it would not be effected. It sings now too, with the new magic and old, but..."

The tall figure considered these words. "How common is this?"

"Very common. Households have it whisper through the walls. Carts without beasts move swiftly across great distances. Tiny bricks shout across the void to floating watchers. Sometimes this lets the bricks talk to each other."

"Have they... found the starfolk?"

"Winter has not said. But they did make a journey to the moon and back, before magic sang again."

"...if something is this common, there must be knowledge of it in their libraries. Take care, and find us the words of this not magic starfolk magic."

The shorter figure hesitated. "There is..."

"Yes?"

"There is... an invisible library," the shorter admitted. "Knowledge for all, from all, accessed with not magic, and... now that magic sings, there are creatures in it. But it is common enough."

"How trustworthy is this knowledge?"

"Oh, it depends. I call it a library, but Winter says it is more a library of libraries. Some are lies. Some are truth. She could... bring you a gate, but..."

"Iron and cold iron."

"Contained in strange false bone, but... yes. And rare is the gatekeeper that does not demand money. Or proof that we lie not of ourself."

"I see... perhaps take another's gate, then."

The short figure nodded. "It could be done."

"Good. And has my daughter, at least, found why magic sings again?"

"...The Belled Sorcerer left his gate open. Magic from his world poisoned theirs. Then another Sorcerer stepped in... and now the magics are blended, and she keeps the world together as it heals."

"Does she know of us?"

"...I cannot say. Winter speaks of her as a great power, and yet choosing to remain mortal."

The tall figure nodded, holding the can in his hand. "Were we in their world, this would unweave me. And it is common... inform Winter that she is to proceed with great caution."

"It shall be done, my lord."





"...and then, I pointed out that it wasn't the color of the hair, but how you style it that matters. You know?"

"Appearance is paramount."

"Ha!" Zephyr nodded. "First impressions, I know! Still. At least I managed to get something out of the situation. I," he said proudly, "have a job interview."

Winter smiled broadly. "Congratulations!"

"I know, I... I think I would have caved in if it hadn't been for... whatever it was you did." The boy rubbed the back of his head, glancing around the trees they were walking through. "You've really changed my life."

"Well, that is an effect of having a bond."

"Hmm. Hey, Winter, where are we going?"

Winter smiled. "I am headed to a bastion. You, simply happen to be following me."

"A bastion--oooooh, you mean a place where you can meditate or think on magic, right?"

The woman tilted her head, acknowledging his words.

"Well... I guess that makes sense. It's just..." Zephyr coughed. "I dunno if you follow the news, but you know those angst monster things? Some were sighted in these woods earlier this week."

Winter turned to him curiously. "Angst monster?"

"...You really haven't heard? Apparently some disease mutated when magic came back, and it's been having weird effects on the animals that catch it. Some people think it's rabies--my sister isn't so sure."

Winter Lights looked behind him. "Would these angst monsters appear to have shadowy bodies and bone spurs, by any chance?"

"Oh yeah. Also their eyes glow yellow for some reason, it's really... creepy..."

Zephyr blinked.

He slowly turned around.

"...Okay." Very carefully, he backed off from what he was guessing might have been a bear once. "They're attracted to fear, hate, basically negativity--that's why they're called angst monsters. If we stay calm and move away slowly--"

Winter Lights stepped forward, tilting her head, observing the bone-faced creature as it growled at her.

"...ah. Interesting." She brought her hands together. "Most interesting..."

"Winter, get away from that thing!" Zephyr grabbed her arm. "It's dangerous!"

"Many things are."

The creature lunged--

--her hand shot out--

--and with a yip, it was impaled on a shard of ice.

"I," Winter continued calmly, "am among them."

"Oh." Zephyr blinked. "Well--well, uh, good. Still, we should get away and tell somebody from the Bacon Horse group about this--these things travel in packs."

"Indeed?" Winter Lights, for a moment, seemed to smile. "Fascinating."

Her eyes narrowed. "Quite fascinating."





"...Something's different about you."

"Huh?" Zephyr looked up. "Oh hey sis! Yeah, that... whole thing with the tree, you know, it got me to rethinking my life. I mean, I just always assumed you'd be able to shrug off anything, but--"

"Not that." Fluttershy waved her hand. "Not just that. You're... more professionally dressed."

"Hmm? Oh." Zephyr adjusted his bowtie. "Yeah, I'm trying to reinvent myself. I have a job interview today, you know?"

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean it's just the local bookstore, but I figure everyone has to start somewhere."

"Well... I'm glad." She peered at him. "Have you shaved your whiskers off?"

"Oh, you noticed!" The boy rubbed his chin. "Actually, I... well, you see, I've met this girl. I mean I don't know if we're actually dating, but she's nice, she's friendly--"

"Huh. Do I get to meet her?"

"I mean, maybe. She's busy a lot, apparently she's the secretary to some court or other."

Fluttershy frowned. "How old is she?"

"Well... huh. You know, I never asked?" Zephyr shrugged. "I know she was kicked out of her home, but she has a job and I helped her find a place to live, so... I'm guessing, like, early twenties?"

"And you're thinking about dating her."

"Not like that! I mean, I wouldn't mind it, but she's just a friend right now. We meet up during lunch."

"Mmmhmm." Fluttershy crossed her arms. "Well, I'm certainly not against intergenerational friendships, but you should be sure she's not trying to take advantage of you."

"Hey, Winter Lights is very..." Zephyr paused. "Well, okay, she might. But not sexually. She's more, goal oriented, you know? If it helped her, she might ask for a few bucks. Nothing wrong with that."

Fluttershy narrowed her eyes.

"Seriously. She's a good friend, nothing more!" Zephyr sighed. "No matter what I try."

"...Just keep working at getting yourself put together," Fluttershy suggested. "And... good luck with the interview."

"Thanks, sis. Oh!" Zephyr glanced at the clock. "It's in thirty minutes. Gotta go!" He gave her a brief hug before rushing out the door.

Fluttershy smiled faintly. "...I guess he's finally growing up. I don't know what I was worried abo—"

Her eyes fell on the foyer table.

"...oh my."

Zephyr had left his icon pin behind.