Late Start
Uri, causing mischief, like he tends to do, finds himself wandering the streets of Firsden. While everylon is busy preparing for the holidays, Uri has a different kind of quest in mind. He sneaks through a snow covered alley, hiding behind some barrels as he hears some ursuki pass by. He giggles to himself and carefully tries to knock a barrel over. While this is a quiet alley, Uri is sure that if the ice freezes over here, maybe enough people going by will slip on it before he is discovered. His mom is away enjoying the festivities with his dad, and it was easy to slip away. He maybe has a good hour before they realize he could be off causing trouble, and of COURSE he needs to take advantage of the short time.
The barrel is just a bit too large for his tiny body, and as he struggles to move it, it begins to fall. Uri flinches away, not eager to get caught in the splash of cold water, but before the barrel can hit the ground giant paws catch it. A kind green and white face looks down, saying, “that’s not what St. Veti would do! If you want gifts, it would be best to be kind, not naughty.”
Uri makes a face, already thinking about how his plan could work. Almost as though reading his thoughts, another ursuki pops out from behind the other, saying, “can you help? I’m St. Elidi, and this is my love, St. Hart. Our son is missing, you see, and if we can’t find him, we’re afraid that there will be no one to deliver presents this year.”
Both ursuki watch Uri carefully as his face scrunches up in thought. He says slowly, “so…. If you can’t find him, that means I don’t get presents this year?”
The large ursuki blinks in confusion, saying, “yes…. I suppose that’s true. We’re just worried about St. Veti right now. This isn’t like him, and we could use your help finding him.” Uri thinks a bit longer, looking back at the barrel.
“Well……” Uri pouts, looking a bit disappointed. “I guess I could help….. But I was doing important things here. These barrels aren’t gonna dump themselves. That’s important barrel tipping time, and I don’t have a lot of that before mom comes.”
St Hart smiles, “well….. You could dump these barrels, and I am sure that it would be quite entertaining.” He pats Uri on the head. “Or you could help us find him, and maybe we could give you a gift for your trouble.”
Uri does perk up at that. Gifts are always good. “Well I guess I could help… but only if you promise. It has to be better than barrel dumping.”
St. Elidi laughs, squeezing his cheeks. “That’s the spirit! I’m sure our son will appreciate the help. The more the merrier too, so if you need help, take some friends.” She pats his head again as Uri smiles widely.
He looks excited as he bounces, “ok! I’ll do the best job. Better than anyone else!” St. Elidi tries to hold him in place as St. Hart moves the barrel back, but eventually Uri squirms too much, and bolts off down the alley in excitement.
St Elidi spins in surprise before yelling after him, “follow the path to the mountain! St. Veti’s workshop is up there!” Uri disappears off into the crowd, and she sighs, scratching her head. Hopefully he’ll make his way there…. Best to find someone else to help just in case.
Uri pushes his way through the crowds, dodging around legs and paws. Eventually he sees his parents in the distance, and runs up to them, bouncing in front of Vesta excitedly. “Mom! Mom! Mom!” Uri shouts excitedly as Vesta tries to calm him down. “I’m going to help St. Veti! Can you come with me? Can we go please?” Vesta looks confused, looking to Reeve for a moment for help. Before she can say anything, Uri dashes off into the crowd again.
“Uri!” Vesta calls after him in a panic, trying to spot him in the crowd. “Uri?! Where did you go?” She turns to Reeve, who blinks as she says quickly, “we have to find him. Let’s go now.” She starts shoving her way through the crowd, heading in the direction Uri left.
Reeve blinks again, before sighing in resignation. He mumbles to himself in the crowd, “it’s always something….. Take a vacation she said….. Uri will behave, she said…. It’ll be fun, she said…” He keeps grumbling to himself, following reluctantly behind Vesta.