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17th Shard's Christmas: Advent Calendar


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You guys are probably gonna be pretty :angry: about the fact that I'm doing yesterday's prompt, but... here it is.

Star:

Spoiler

Auidor gasped, a drop of sweat falling off his chin. He was on all fours, fists clenched on the ground. Shivering.

    “Get up!” Isodf growled. “Get up! Look at you. You’re pitiful.”

    “I’m sorry master—”

    I’m sorry master.” Isodf mocked. “GET UP. I didn’t raise you to be a coward and a wimp!”

    Auidor whimpered—though not loud enough for Isodf to hear—and slowly struggled to his feet. His opponent was impatiently bouncing from one foot to the next, and gestured for Auidor to come at him with his fingers.

    Auidor hefted his staff, then ran towards his opponent. Fixing his mind on the star Inux, he enhanced his attunement to the Ethereum of Stone. The call of the mountains laced within the Ethereum spoke of inflexible permanence—the power of something that has remained constant and watched the world grow around it.

    Drawing upon that power, he struck his staff against he ground, flinging himself into the air like a pole vaulter. With him, he brought the force of a thousand falling stones, concentrated into an invisible blade of force fixed to the end of his staff. He swung downwards at his opponent, a final cry of desperation leaving his lips.

    His opponent easily sidestepped the attack. The second Auidor hit the ground, he was slammed in the back of his head by his opponent’s staff. He toppled over with a cry, collapsing at Isodf’s feet.

    Isodf growled, grabbing Auidor by his shirt and pulling him back up. “Get up, you coward!”

    “I’m not a coward.” Auidor replied, a little too softly.

    “What’s that?”

    I’m not a coward.” He glared up at Isodf, but averted his gaze in shame the second his master met his eye.

    “Sure you are.” He spun Auidor around, facing him towards the boy almost twice his size. “Prove it, then.”

    Auidor hefted his staff, ready to strike again… but something within him broke. He couldn’t make himself attack his foe.

    Isodf chuckled. “Not a coward indeed. Go back to your room! I’m done with your failures for today.”

    Auidor wasted no time, making for the monastery as soon as he heard ‘room.’ He was off the training grounds in an instant, and as soon as he was sure Isodf couldn’t see him, he began running. Anything to get as far away from Isodf as he could.

    Once he was back inside the building, he felt the tears he had been trying to hold back leak out. He wiped them off the moment he felt them—no need to embarrass himself in front of everyone else. Auidor turned a corner, anxious to see his friend again.

    She wasn’t there.

    Auidor stopped in his tracks, glancing around as if expecting to find out that she had been trailing him the entire time. She still wasn’t there.

    “Daisy?”

    One of the masters poked his head out of a classroom door. “Hm? What was that?”

    Auidor turned his head to them. “Daisy? Do you know where she is?”

    The master frowned. “You mean you don’t know?”

    “Don’t know what?”

    “She ran away, kid. She’s been gone since yesterday morning.”

    He blinked, not fully comprehending those words. “What?

    “They’re sending someone to go find her; they say he’s the best in the business. So you can rest assured that she—kid?”

    Auidor had started running again—this time, he didn’t wipe the tears out of his eyes.

    “Daisy!” He called, desperate. People stared as he ran through the halls and called her name. “Daisy!”

    Isodf would’ve called him weak. Was he weak because he just needed to hug his friend?

    Why did she leave him? Didn’t she know he needed her?

    He burst out a door, finding himself back outside. Had he really crossed the entire monastery? One of the tears dripped off his chin. He didn’t hear it hit the ground.

    Auidor’s voice was small and hopeless. “Daisy?”

    No answer. What did he expect?

    He wiped his eyes, then sat down, back to the wall. Auidor’s breaths were shivered, and only half from the night chill. Somehow, despite the pain, he managed to look up. The stars were out, as they always were at night.

    She had often told him that the stars were where the gods lived… or that the stars were the gods. Daisy was never clear on which.

    “They’re closer at night when the stars are out,” Daisy would’ve said. She would have been laying on the grass beside him, holding his arm reassuringly and pointing out constellations. “So at night, they can listen to us.”

    He fingered the bracelet Daisy had given him, then closed his eyes and felt the stars.

    “Please let her come back soon.” He whispered. “Help Daisy come home.”

 

 

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In shock I Carol with a cosmere chorus. Sazed in Harmony banging out a tune. Ruin discordant with his lyrics future true. Middlefest comes and a tree rises up sculpted by Shallan standing beside Adolin her beloved bedecked in armor. Siri in colors glowing and swirling with Endowment's own power spinning. Windspren singing with Sylpharena in tow. Cryptics abounding and Inkspren who are in the know. Nighblood attuning a Rhythm and spreading songs with glee. Wit on the sidelines his flute spreading bright lord's songs for one and all.

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Just now, Nathrangking said:

In shock I Carol with a cosmere chorus. Sazed in Harmony banging out a tune. Ruin discordant with his lyrics future true. Middlefest comes and a tree rises up sculpted by Shallan standing beside Adolin her beloved bedecked in armor. Siri in colors glowing and swirling with Endowment's own power spinning. Windspren singing with Sylpharena in tow. Cryptics abounding and Inkspren who are in the know. Nighblood attuning a Rhythm and spreading songs with glee. Wit on the sidelines his flute spreading bright lord's songs for one and all.

 

Storms, that was good. Nice job Nath! 

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Spoiler

Hoid stepped up to the door. “Everybody ready?” Everyone gave an affirmative nod or quiet murmur of assent. “Alright, here we go!” Hoid gave the door a loud knock and then stepped back into the crowd. Raoden moved forwards and put one hand in front of him. As soon as the door opened all the way, Raoden began to conduct, leaving a trail of light behind his fingers. 

It started with Eshonai, Venli, and Rlain, who began to hum out a beat and a rhythm for the song. Hoid played a plucky tune on his flute, giving a melody for everyone else to sing to. Siri, Vivienna, and Susebron all began to sing, their perfect pitch allowing them to beautifully sing each note to perfection. Vasher just stood to the side, a scowl fixed on his face.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

As the group began the chorus, Wax, Wayne, Steris, Marasi, and MeLaan all began to sing the Harmony. Well, Wayne tried to at least. Mostly he interrupted the lyrics with his own variations. 

Good tidings (alcohol) we bring

to you and your kin,

We wish you a merry Christmas (bar fight),

and a happy new year! (brand new shot glass!)

Marasi gave a small kick to Wayne who just grinned and inexplicably brought out a bottle of wine and began drinking. Next up were the Radiants, who had prepared this verse specifically. Taln carried the bass with the Stormfather, while Dalinar sang in baritone ranges. Kaladin, Szeth, Renarin, Pattern, Wyndle, and Ivory covered tenor, and Jasnah, Spark, Nightblood, Glys and Malata sang the alto. Venli stopped humming for a second, letting Timbre take over, and joined Syl and Lift in singing mezzo-soprano while Shallan/Veil/Radiant led with soprano.

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

‘Cause it’s the Weeping!

Of course, after this verse, nearly all the Radiants broke out into quiet tears. Kaladin hadn’t been able to protect Malata from singing off-key on that third line. Was Shallan really good enough to be a soprano? She wasn’t talented enough, she didn’t deserve it, not after she messed up at Frost’s house. Dalinar was reminded of a children’s choir he heard singing this song once, and paused, solemn as he reflected on the crime he had committed in his past. Szeth stood there, hoping everybody would hate him for stealing the show with his excellent singing voice. Taln just stood there afterwards with his eyes blank, beginning to mumble incoherently. Renarin, however, was weeping tears of joy. In his vision from a few houses back, he had been sure that the caroling would go incredibly wrong, and end in everyone dead at the hands on Dalinar.

Khriss was writing in her notebook during this verse. Note to self, she wrote, if I ever need a superb alto singer, steal Nightblood. Nazh tapped her shoulder and she looked up. Seemed like it was their turn. She looked towards Kenton, who was giving Szeth an awkward pat on the back. He shrugged, and then the trio began to sing: 

Good research we bring,

to you and your secret organization

We wish you a magic system 

And a happy new shard!

Now! Kelsier thought with s smile on his face, It’s our time to shine! “Everybody make sure to use your zinc and brass!” Vin, Marsh, and Elend all nodded. Soothing everyone’s suspicion and dislike and Rioting their awe and appreciation would ensure that they would steal tonight’s performance. “Guys stop!” Adolin said. “You’ve done this at every house, we know what you’re doing!” Kelsier smiled even broader and ignored him. He began to lead the verse.

(Kelsier, with pep) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Marsh, in a low gravelly voice) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Elend, with command) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Vin, menancingly) So bring it right here.

Dusk looked over to the side to Silence. She shook her head. He nodded. After the Scadrial crew finished singing, neither of them began singing.

An awkward silence settled on the carolers, filled only by Hoid playing his flute. He played through the chorus a few times, while people were urgently whispering to each other. Raoden frantically waved towards the pair, but they both steadfastly refused to say a word. Vasher sighed, then did what he had to. “Adolin,” he whispered, “Let me teach you another lesson about sword fighting. Sometimes, you must sacrifice yourself in order to ensure the survival of the group” Adolin nodded. Besides, if Kelsier thought he could get away with stealing the show, then he was dead wrong. Together, Adolin and Zahel began the chorus next time Hoid came around to it with his flute.

Good sword fights we bring,

to you and your enemies,

We wish you a merry duel,

and a happy new blade!

All of the sudden, a large group of people in the back started to glow. They rose, flying into the air, preforming acrobatics that looked especially impressive coupled with the fact that they left behind a glowing trail of light behind them. Kaladin left his position with the Radiants to join them in their rehearsed Lashing routine. All together, Bridge Four began to sing.

We all like our Bridge Four running,

We all like our Bridge Four running,

We all like our Bridge Four running,

Despite our bad times!

Raoden then turned around to face the door. Sarene and Hrathen made their way up towards him, and began to sing the final chorus with him. 

Good Seons we bring,

To you and your kin. 

We wish you a painless Reod,

And a happy AonDor!

All together, the entire Cosmere gang began to sing. In a beautiful group song, they sang the last part of the performance.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

Everyone began cheering. It had gone more or less according to plan. They had succeeded. The months of practice and dedication had payed off. They all looked towards the door, eager to see the recipient’s reaction.

Odium, with a disgusted look on his face, slammed the door.

This took me about an hour and a half and all my heart and soul to make. Y’all better appreciate it.

Edited by Ookla the Steampunked
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4 minutes ago, Ookla the Steampunked said:
  Reveal hidden contents

Hoid stepped up to the door. “Everybody ready?” Everyone gave an affirmative nod or quiet murmur of assent. “Alright, here we go!” Hoid gave the door a loud knock and then stepped back into the crowd. Raider moved forwards and put one hand in front of him. As soon as the door opened all the way, Raoden began to conduct, leaving a trail of light behind his fingers. 

It started with Eshonai, Venli, and Rlain, who began to hum out a beat and a rhythm for the song. Hoid played a plucky tune on his flute, giving a melody for everyone else to sing to. Siri, Vivienna, and Susebron all began to sing, their perfect pitch allowing them to beautifully sing each note to perfection. Vasher just stood to the side, a scowl fixed on his face.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

As the group began the chorus, Wax, Wayne, Steris, Marasi, and MeLaan all began to sing the Harmony. Well, Wayne tried to at least. Mostly he interrupted the lyrics with his own variations. 

Good tidings (alcohol) we bring

to you and your kin,

We wish you a merry Christmas (bar fight),

and a happy new year! (brand new shot glass!)

Marasi gave a small kick to Wayne who just grinned and inexplicably brought out a bottle of wine and began drinking. Next up were the Radiants, who had prepared this verse specifically. Taln carried the bass with the Stormfather, while Dalinar sang in baritone ranges. Kaladin, Szeth, RenarinPattern, Wyndle, and Ivory covered tenor and Jasnah, Spark, Nightblood, Glys and Malata sang the alto. Venli stopped humming for a second, letting Timbre take over, and joined Syl and Lift in singing mezzo-soprano while Shallan/Veil/Radiant led with soprano.

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

‘Cause it’s the Weeping!

Of course, after this verse, nearly all the Radiants broke out into quiet tears. Kaladin hadn’t been able to protect Malata from singing off-key on that third line. Was Shallan really good enough to be a soprano? She wasn’t talented enough, she didn’t deserve it, not after she messed up at Frost’s house. Dalinar was reminded of a children’s choir he heard singing this song once, and paused, solemn as he reflected on the crime he had committed in his past. Szeth stood there, hoping everybody would hate him for stealing the show with his excellent singing voice. Taln just stood there afterwards with his eyes blank, beginning to mumble incoherently. Renarin, however, was weeping tears of joy. In his vision from a few houses back, he had been sure that the caroling would go incredibly wrong, and end in everyone dead at the hands on Dalinar.

Khriss was writing in her notebook during this verse. Note to self, she wrote, if I ever need a superb alto singer, steal Nightblood. Nazh tapped her shoulder and she looked up. Looked like they were up. She looked towards Kenton, who was giving Szeth an awkward pat on the back. He shrugged, and then the trio began to sing: 

Good research we bring,

to you and your secret organization

We wish you a magic system 

And a happy new shard!

Now! Kelsier thought, It’s our time to shine! “Everybody make sure to use your zinc and brass!” Vin, Marsh, and Elend all nodded. Soothing everyone’s suspicion and dislike and Rioting their awe and appreciation would ensure that they would steal tonight’s performance. “Guys stop!” Adolin said. “You’ve done this at every house, we know what you’re doing!” Kelsier smiled even broader and ignored him. He began to lead the verse.

(Kelsier, with pep) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Marsh, in a low gravelly voice) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Elend, with command) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Vin, menancingly) So bring it right here.

Dusk looked over to the side to Silence. She shook her head. He nodded. After the Scadrial crew finished singing, neither of them began singing.

An awkward silence settled on the carolers, filled only by Hoid playing his flute. He played through the chorus a few times, while people were frantically whispering to each other. Raoden frantically waved towards the pair, but they both steadfastly refused to say a word. Vasher sighed, then did what he had to. “Adolin,” he whispered, “Let me teach you another lesson about sword fighting. Sometimes, you must sacrifice yourself in order to ensure the survival of the group” Adolin nodded. Besides, if Kelsier thought he could get away with stealing the show, then he was dead wrong. Together, Adolin and Zahel began the chorus next time Hoid came around to it with his flute.

Good sword fights we bring,

to you and your enemies,

We wish you a merry duel,

and a happy new blade!

All of the sudden, a large group of people in the back started to glow. They rose, flying into the air preforming acrobatics that looked especially impressive coupled with the fact that they left behind a glowing trail of light behind them. Kaladin left his position with the Radiants to join them in their rehearsed Lashing routine. All together, Bridge Four began to sing.

We all like our Bridge Four running,

We all like our Bridge Four running,

We all like our Bridge Four running,

Despite our bad times!

Raoden then turned around to face the door. Sarene and Hrathen made their way up towards him, and began to sing the final chorus with him. 

Good Seons we bring,

To you and your kin. 

We wish you a painless Reod,

And a happy AonDor!

All together, the entire Cosmere gang began to sing. In a beautiful group song, they sang the last part of the performance.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

Everyone began cheering. It had gone more or less according to plan. They had succeeded. The months of practice and dedication had payed off. They all looked towards the door, eager to see the recipient’s reaction.

Odium, with a disgusted look on his face, slammed the door.

This took me about an hour and a half and all my heart and soul to make. Y’all better appreciate it.

Glorious!! Brandon would likely be amused by this!

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10 minutes ago, Ookla the Steampunked said:
  Reveal hidden contents

Hoid stepped up to the door. “Everybody ready?” Everyone gave an affirmative nod or quiet murmur of assent. “Alright, here we go!” Hoid gave the door a loud knock and then stepped back into the crowd. Raoden moved forwards and put one hand in front of him. As soon as the door opened all the way, Raoden began to conduct, leaving a trail of light behind his fingers. 

It started with Eshonai, Venli, and Rlain, who began to hum out a beat and a rhythm for the song. Hoid played a plucky tune on his flute, giving a melody for everyone else to sing to. Siri, Vivienna, and Susebron all began to sing, their perfect pitch allowing them to beautifully sing each note to perfection. Vasher just stood to the side, a scowl fixed on his face.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

As the group began the chorus, Wax, Wayne, Steris, Marasi, and MeLaan all began to sing the Harmony. Well, Wayne tried to at least. Mostly he interrupted the lyrics with his own variations. 

Good tidings (alcohol) we bring

to you and your kin,

We wish you a merry Christmas (bar fight),

and a happy new year! (brand new shot glass!)

Marasi gave a small kick to Wayne who just grinned and inexplicably brought out a bottle of wine and began drinking. Next up were the Radiants, who had prepared this verse specifically. Taln carried the bass with the Stormfather, while Dalinar sang in baritone ranges. Kaladin, Szeth, Renarin, Pattern, Wyndle, and Ivory covered tenor, and Jasnah, Spark, Nightblood, Glys and Malata sang the alto. Venli stopped humming for a second, letting Timbre take over, and joined Syl and Lift in singing mezzo-soprano while Shallan/Veil/Radiant led with soprano.

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

Oh bring us some spheres of Stormlight,

‘Cause it’s the Weeping!

Of course, after this verse, nearly all the Radiants broke out into quiet tears. Kaladin hadn’t been able to protect Malata from singing off-key on that third line. Was Shallan really good enough to be a soprano? She wasn’t talented enough, she didn’t deserve it, not after she messed up at Frost’s house. Dalinar was reminded of a children’s choir he heard singing this song once, and paused, solemn as he reflected on the crime he had committed in his past. Szeth stood there, hoping everybody would hate him for stealing the show with his excellent singing voice. Taln just stood there afterwards with his eyes blank, beginning to mumble incoherently. Renarin, however, was weeping tears of joy. In his vision from a few houses back, he had been sure that the caroling would go incredibly wrong, and end in everyone dead at the hands on Dalinar.

Khriss was writing in her notebook during this verse. Note to self, she wrote, if I ever need a superb alto singer, steal Nightblood. Nazh tapped her shoulder and she looked up. Seemed like it was their turn. She looked towards Kenton, who was giving Szeth an awkward pat on the back. He shrugged, and then the trio began to sing: 

Good research we bring,

to you and your secret organization

We wish you a magic system 

And a happy new shard!

Now! Kelsier thought, It’s our time to shine! “Everybody make sure to use your zinc and brass!” Vin, Marsh, and Elend all nodded. Soothing everyone’s suspicion and dislike and Rioting their awe and appreciation would ensure that they would steal tonight’s performance. “Guys stop!” Adolin said. “You’ve done this at every house, we know what you’re doing!” Kelsier smiled even broader and ignored him. He began to lead the verse.

(Kelsier, with pep) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Marsh, in a low gravelly voice) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Elend, with command) We won’t go until we get atium,

(Vin, menancingly) So bring it right here.

Dusk looked over to the side to Silence. She shook her head. He nodded. After the Scadrial crew finished singing, neither of them began singing.

An awkward silence settled on the carolers, filled only by Hoid playing his flute. He played through the chorus a few times, while people were frantically whispering to each other. Raoden frantically waved towards the pair, but they both steadfastly refused to say a word. Vasher sighed, then did what he had to. “Adolin,” he whispered, “Let me teach you another lesson about sword fighting. Sometimes, you must sacrifice yourself in order to ensure the survival of the group” Adolin nodded. Besides, if Kelsier thought he could get away with stealing the show, then he was dead wrong. Together, Adolin and Zahel began the chorus next time Hoid came around to it with his flute.

Good sword fights we bring,

to you and your enemies,

We wish you a merry duel,

and a happy new blade!

All of the sudden, a large group of people in the back started to glow. They rose, flying into the air preforming acrobatics that looked especially impressive coupled with the fact that they left behind a glowing trail of light behind them. Kaladin left his position with the Radiants to join them in their rehearsed Lashing routine. All together, Bridge Four began to sing.

We all like our Bridge Four running,

We all like our Bridge Four running,

We all like our Bridge Four running,

Despite our bad times!

Raoden then turned around to face the door. Sarene and Hrathen made their way up towards him, and began to sing the final chorus with him. 

Good Seons we bring,

To you and your kin. 

We wish you a painless Reod,

And a happy AonDor!

All together, the entire Cosmere gang began to sing. In a beautiful group song, they sang the last part of the performance.

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

And a happy new year!

Everyone began cheering. It had gone more or less according to plan. They had succeeded. The months of practice and dedication had payed off. They all looked towards the door, eager to see the recipient’s reaction.

Odium, with a disgusted look on his face, slammed the door.

This took me about an hour and a half and all my heart and soul to make. Y’all better appreciate it.

Truthless, you have outdone yourself. This is one of the best things I've read all year. :D 

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14 minutes ago, Ookla the Steampunked said:

It was really fun to make! I just hope I nailed down all of the characters’ personalities and such. I couldn’t write much for a lot of them anyways, so I guess it doesn’t matter too much.

Post it in a status so more people can see it. :)

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Since I missed yesterday (sorry, I was busy :unsure:), I'm combining today and yesterdays prompts together (Christmas carols and drummer boy):

 

Spoiler

 

Layla though frantically, trying to find a way out of this. Where were the jaguars leading her? A heavy fog had crept in over the few seconds Layla had been running. Or perhaps she had been led into it?

The trees on either side of her began to part and sparse, opening up the land in front of her. Layla’s side was starting to hurt, and she could hear the jaguars gaining on her. Her breath was ragged, and as she looked around to gauge the animals’ distance, one of her steps didn’t end when her foot hit the ground.

Layla was submerged up to her shin in ice cold swamp water. The mist had prevented her from seeing the pool. When Layla tried to pull her leg free, it stuck, thick muck sucking it down. That was when she truly began to panic. I’m going to die here. The growls of jungle cats surrounded her. She could see their yellow eyes peering through the mist. In a last-ditch attempt, Layla pulled out her phone. No connection. Great. 

“So, “ Layla said to the darkness. “I don’t suppose we can talk about this?”

In response, one of the animals leapt, clearing easily thirty feet and landing at Layla’s feet. It roared. Then, another tone overcame the roar, coming from behind it. Was that… drums? It was, playing We Wish you A Merry Christmas. It was a testament to Layla’s addled state that her first thought was Huh, it’s barely November. No one should be playing Christmas music yet. The jaguar growled under its breath, for a moment, looking toward the source of the music. Then, it turned and ran, the other sets of yellow eyes disappearing into the swirling mist.

Layla looked toward her savior. Out of the mist emerged a boy, perhaps eighteen or nineteen, carrying a large, wooden drum, covered in stretched animal hides. Poor animals. Layla was vegetarian for a reason.

“Hello?” Layla called out.

The boy walked up, kneeling down to help her out from the muck. “Well, look what the cats brought in. How did a human like you manage to get yourself stuck in the spirit world?”

“Oh! I… don’t actually know.”

“Hmm. Well, get on your way, then. Follow the Stars. They'll lead you to whatever your destiny is.” He turned, starting to walk away.

“Wait, what? That’s it? Who are you? How did you find me?”

The boy glanced back over his shoulder, then turned back to face her fully. “Name’s Theodor. I didn’t mean to find you, I just figured whatever the shadowcats were doing, it couldn’t be good.”

“Shadowcats? As in, Shadow? The spirit?”

“Yeah, Shadow, that’s the one. They serve her.”

“They wouldn’t kill me, then. I’m friends with shadow!”

“Good for you. I never had the reason to go get to know her. Follow the cats, they’ll take you to her. Follow the Stars, they’ll take you where they think you need to be.”

“That… doesn’t make any sense.”

The boy shrugged. “Welcome to the spirit world. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some birds to Carol to.”

“Oh, can I come with you? I like birds. Also, what’s Caroling?”

“Kid, either go home or find your destiny. And if you’re such good friends with Shadow, I recommend you ask her what Caroling is next time you meet. She should know well enough. It’s how I drive her animals off, after all.”

Layla thought on that as Theodor walked off into the swirling fog. Follow her destiny or follow the shadowcats? What did that even mean? And if the cats were Shadow’s, why had they attacked her? Layla had some decisions to make.

 

 

Edited by Ookla the Sprinkle
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How am I the first one to post my creation for today? :huh:

As we're getting more Christmas-y prompts, it's getting harder and harder to incorporate them fluidly. So, meet a new character meant to make my life in this regard easier: The Christmas Spirit. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Prompt: Advent Calendar.

 

Spoiler

 

Layla pondered about Theodor as she walked, once again following the arrow in the stars. After some deliberation, she had decided it was the best course of action. The shadowcats had attacked her, and she wasn’t sure she could trust them. Part of her yearned to go back home with them, find Shadow, get this all over with. However, Layla knew she had something to do, here. Theodor had said the stars would show her where she needed to go. It wasn’t about what she wanted, it was about what the world needed from her.

And storms, Layla was going to give the world what it needed.

Theodor had been strange. He seemed human, but he knew far more than Layla did. What was this “caroling” he spoke of? A song of some sort? He said it was what had driven off the shadowcats.

It grew colder the further Layla traveled. About an hour into the journey, she spied snow on the ground. It only became more common as she walked. It was growing late, however, and Layla needed sleep. She was growing groggy, her limbs feeling sluggish. That’s when she noticed snow falling from the sky. White flakes blew on the breeze. It was light, but picking up.

I need to find some cover. Layla started searching, but was interrupted by the sharp snapping of a twig behind her. She turned quickly, looking to see what had caused the sound.

Behind Layla stood a strange figure. He - Layla thought it was a he - stood maybe a meter and a half tall, with a ridiculous green and red conical hat perched atop his head. 

“Ho!” The creature shouted at her. “How does one such as myself find a jolly good specimen of cheer like one’s human self in this winter wonderland.”

Layla’s mind reeled for a moment, trying to process the sudden abundance of Christmas words.

“Oh, Hi. I’m Layla. Who are you?”

“Well, none other than Christmas Spirit, rosy-cheeked child.” Could he go one sentence without speaking a single holiday reference? Layla noticed the creature was holding a stack of what appeared to be thin, wooden boxes.

“Like, you’re the Christmas, the Spiritual Aspect of the holiday? That makes sense. I thought you'd be, like Santa, or something, though.”

“Oh, no. Common misconception, the jolly Aspect you’re looking at right now is the Spirit of the Christmas Spirit. You know, bein’ a good cheer, and all.”

“Well, that makes sense. Say, if you’re so jolly and good, could you help me find some shelter for the night?”

“I sure-as-Clause could! Here, just let me put these away.” Christmas Spirit tucked the large boxes he carried into the tiny sack on his belt, the objects vanishing into the much smaller space.

“What are those?”

“Oh, these sliver and gold beauties? These are advent calendars.” Christmas Spirit pulled one of the boxes back out. “You see, all these doors have candies and toys behind them. You open one each day of December until Christmas. I’m handing them out to all the good little Spirits ‘round here. Now, let’s get you some nice, warm clothes and fire. It’s cold outside.”

 

 

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Joyous wisdom solemnly fills a hall as three wise men face off in an open hall. Vasher stands tall his back to the wall a blade that bleeds black smoke by his side. Sazed sits as a stoic statue copper glinting upon his arms. The third Nohadon is the quietest of them all. Mysteries surround him as a heavy cloak against the cold of ignorance. Each of these stare as a feat of wisdom is brought to them as silence continues its reign over all.

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Prompt: Three Wise Men

 

Spoiler

 

The snowfall had become a blizzard. Layla waded through drifts of snow, following Christmas Spirit. The Aspect skipped over mountains of white that Layla had to push her way through forcefully. 

They were following tracks, apparently. Layla couldn’t see them, but Christmas Spirit said they would lead them to the house of the Vide’modum. Rhythm Seers. What those were, Layla didn’t know. 

“How much longer?” Layla called ahead to Christmas Spirit through the howling wind.

“Not long, yon caroler.”

There was that term again, caroling. What did it mean? They were going to visit the Rhythm Seers. Carols were like rhythms, right? Maybe they knew what was going on. Maybe they would actually tell her.

After a few more minutes, Layla spotted warm light ahead. About time. Her fingers were freezing. Christmas Spirit had produced some warmer clothes for her, luckily. Otherwise, Layla thought she may have frozen to death. Still, the flickering firelight was a welcome sight.

Layla rushed over the next hill to find Christmas Spirit waiting at the door to a small cottage. More a hut than a house, really. The windows glowed with that welcoming light. 

“Come, come.” Christmas Spirit Called. “The fire is so delightful.”

Layla and Christmas Spirit walked through the door, and the warm heat hit them immediately. Layla sighed, taking in the heat for a moment before looking around the rest of the room. A fireplace crackled at the far wall, letting out smoke through a wide chimney. The bricks of the mantel were stacked high with figurines of various animals. Cats, dogs, buffalo. Layla even thought she spotted a narwhal. Funny. Those don’t even exist. 

The three owners of the house stood to the side, doing dishes, by the looks of it. They had their robed backs to Layla and Christmas Spirit, though one turned and raised his hand to them as they entered. 

“Ah, Spirit.” The hood of the man’s dirty-brown cloak obscured his eyes. Only his long, white beard showed thorough. “We meet again. It has been some time. Who do you bring with you?”

“Oh. Hi, I’m Layla. Sorry if we’re intruding.”

“No, no.” The man moved forward, his companions turning to watch the newcomers as well. “We are very honored to have another Listener in our presence. Say, Spirit, does this one have the Second Gift?”

“What? Second Gift?” Layla asked, confused. “Wait… I’ve seen this trope before. You’re blind, aren’t you. And you can see beyond what any mortal can? You’re going to remove your hood and you’ll have glassy white eyes, right?”

The man stopped. “What? Oh, no.” He pulled back his hood, and the others followed suit, revealing perfectly normal eyes and human faces. “We’re just cold. It happens when you’re this many millennia old. We can see beyond what most mortals can, though. Or, hear, rather.”

The man who had spoken was old and balding, other than his long, white beard. The one on his left was dark-skinned, with a shock of white hair bursting from the back of his scalp. The final man was shorter, and Layla realized with a start that he was no older than 15. Not a man, but a dark-haired boy.

“We, “ Said the boy, “are Listeners. And you, child, are one of us. You see the secret rhythms of the world. The patterns others cannot. The Aspects of existence that give things substance. You are Vide’modum.”

 

 

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