The Great War (of Snow)

The winter came swift, and almost without warning. Preparations for several festivals and celebrations had been underway in Espeor, only to be halted by the sudden onset of snow, falling nearly chest high in some higher areas of the mountains. While the city streets were swiftly cleared, the surrounding area was most impassable.

West of the city, in another section of the Queen’s land, the snow had made the path back to the city nearly impassable. Sure, Feriae knew they could do it. But looking around, not only at her youngsters but the other younger horses she feared they would have a tough time of it. The small town on the edge of the wildlands was quiet, smoke rising from several small homes as well as the giant bonfire in the middle. Her little herd gathered there now, standing in the muddy circle that was melted by the cheerful flames.

A light frost covered Feriae’s branches. While she, with her constant cold and mist surrounding her, did not quite feel the cold it was easy to see how her little herd clung close to the fire.

Embelia, Feriae’s daughter, stood close to Fenrin for warmth, while Kenopsia, her son, appeared nearly invisible in the snow.

Zorya stood with Cyrenx, Eolian and Odelle, the three youngsters talking quietly among themselves while the older mare watched over them. Meadowlark stood off to the side, simply remaining by the fire and trying to stay warm.

Looking out toward the mountains, Feriae saw the greyness and shadow, and knew that a storm raged there.

Perhaps they would not be returning to the city after all.

Feriae was about to break the news that it would be best to shelter in place for the winter season when a figure suddenly appeared beside her. The young mystic of Espeor, Melione, was standing by her side, wings tucked in tight.

“Hello, Cousin,” Melione greeted.

“Cousin?” Feriae replied, not questioning the title but rather the sudden appearance. While it was true they were not actually cousins, Feriae still considered her family.

“The storm has raged hard over the mountain passes. My sister would like to know if you would like to return with your herd to the city to last out the winter. This town is not as secure as the city,” Melione said simply, and a bit formally. But Feriae ignored the odd formality.

“How so?” Feriae asked, looking over her little herd. It would be tough, alone out here. The snow had come suddenly and without much warning, a bit earlier than expected. They had been preparing to leave two weeks ago when the first of it started. Feriae hadn’t wanted to risk the mountain passes in these conditions, especially when getting stuck in the blizzard in a mountain pass could easily be fatal.

“Teleportation, of course,” Melione said with a slight smile.

It felt like Feriae had suddenly dropped right into the city square. Queenbreak was warm….ish. Fires seemed to burn on every corner, keeping the streets clear of snow and ice, and oh, the great bonfire of the square gave off such warmth! Fenrin seemed to pop into existence beside her, and Feriae gave a gentle smile to her regal companion. Her cat wove around her legs and purred, happier to be in the warmth. 

“Traveling in style,” Fenrin murmured, which brought a laugh from Feriae.

With relative haste, the other seemed to suddenly appear around her, and Feriae counted them off as they did. Embelia, Eolian, Odelle, Cyrenx, Zorya, Kenopsia, Meadowlark, then finally Melione herself.

A familiar face came bounding up and Feriae smiled. “Zehar!” She greeted the gemstone stallion warmly.

Zehar grinned, hugging Feriae swiftly and being careful to avoid her branches.

“Welcome to Queensbreak!” Zehar said with a laugh. Feriae snorted slightly as she noticed the Saturnalia celebrations were swiftly underway. Indeed, as she looked around there were bits and baubles hung from many homes, as well as a great fir tree decorated with trinkets near the top end of the square. Bits of garland hung, as well as some decorative chimes. Nothing like the chimes hung out for Samhain; these were simply to honor those that came before, as part of the celebration, not the focus.

In fact, it seemed in Queensbreak Saturnalia and the celebration of the Winter Solstice were bleeding into Yule, creating one big long winter festival.

“The Queen wants to see you,” Zehar added, breaking Feriae’s gaze from the decor.

“Right, is she at home?” Feriae asked with a head tilt.

Zehar nodded, and Feriae bid Fenrin to watch over the young ones as she headed for the manor house of the queen of Espeor.

Khaalida was speaking, and Feriae followed the sound of her voice. Khaalida and Aurelion stood in a small sitting room, off the main entry.

“Hello, Queen,” Feriae greeted with a smile. She had grown close to Khaalida, and it was because of Khaalida she was gifted the job of protecting the Wildlands and maintaining her own herd there.

What Feriae didn’t see at first was another nighttime stallion, coat awash with blue and purple, standing in the corner. But when she did, Feriae dipped her head in greeting.

“Apologies, Zehar said you would like to see me and I did not want to delay. Should I wait outside?”

Khaalida smiled and shook her head. “Welcome home, Feriae,” she said, and Feriae felt a warm glow in her chest. “Please, join us.”

Feriae listened in amazement to the Queen as she explained her plans. Feriae barely noticed when the Queens children entered, simply listening closely.

“You have Melione picking up Pandora and her girls as well? And you want to invite the citizens of Snowhaven, Korvah and her girls, and the healers of Torre? And that desert stallion?” Feriae said in amazement.

Khaalida shrugged. “Why not?” she queried, and Feriae shrugged as well.

“It just seems like…. A lot.”

Khaalida laughed at that. “Perhaps, but they are my family. And it would be nice to have my family with me for the holidays.”

Feriae followed Aurelion, Koa, Khaaleesi, Zehar, Signe and Sidra out of the manor. Feriae had yet to meet Khaalida’s youngest, a small thing who seemed to take fairly strongly after her mother. A younger colt joined her soon enough, having been waiting outside of the manor. The pair walked quietly together, and Feriae heard a chuckle beside her.

Looking over, she found Aurelion had slowed to walk beside her. It felt strange to think of him as her grandfather, or Koa as her father. Koa had been young when Feriae and her sister Evarinya had been born, so he had not raised them. Instead, they were raised by Cyrenne and Liana, the very same who raised Khaalida, and now Cyrenne’s true blood foal, Melione.

In a way, they didn’t seem like family, even though they very much were.

A beautiful, white, antlered mare approached. “Koa, may I steal you for a bit? I found another old book!” she said excitedly, and Koa swiftly followed her. Feriae watched them go, wondering if there was something more to that interaction.

“Who was that?” Feriae asked, out of curiosity.

“Ah, that is Asteri, a resident of Torre who came to us,” Aurelion explained. “She gained empathy magic, and it came on strong and hard. She needed a bit of guidance to make it through that. She studies with Koa for now, learning more of her abilities and how to best translate them to the healing arts. They both will be venturing to Torre in the spring.”

“Oh,” Feriae replied thoughtfully. “Is Koa planning on staying there?”

Aurelion nodded. “Koa found a place for himself maintaining both our libraries here, and sharing that knowledge with those at Torre. He accepted a position as a tutor and teacher with Ilkay, and will be helping to manage the Silver and Gold towers.”

“That is good for him,” Feriae replied.

They found themselves in the square again, where Feriae found her little herd. Odelle trotted over, chatting excitedly about the city, and Feriae smiled. These were her Quirlicorns, her family, all unique and different yet all the same.

She was home.

Melione seemed to be working overtime. Suddenly more Quirls were popping into the square. Pandora came first, followed swiftly by a foal Feriae didn’t recognize, and the rest of her daughters. There was a large pause before Korvah appeared, who quickly made her way over to Pan, followed by three daughters. Feriae hadn’t heard that Korvah had a third daughter, but there they were!

Another pause came, and suddenly Eira was there, followed by Varune, Aster, Lullaby, Gwynn, and two new fluffy maned Quirlicorns.

Feriae watched with a smile as Avia came flying into the square, rushing to greet both Eira and her sisters, followed by Eira and Avia’s son, Galen, moments later. Introductions were being passed around, and Quirls were moving all over the square, reconvening with old friends, and making new ones.

Melione was back to work again, when Ausrune, the desert stallion, and his herd began to appear. He was followed by Belenus, Feriae assumed, a stallion she had only heard about, and two mares.

Last but not least was Ilkay, Sirona and Lunaris, the scholar and healers of Torre.

Looking around, Feriae couldn’t help but grin.

Khaalida approached about an hour after everyone had time to settle, followed by that strange blue hued stallion that Feriae had noticed earlier. This time she saw the tiny dragon coiled up around his leg and that piqued her interest; the last time she had seen a dragon was the one inhabiting the forest in the wildlands when Ausrune had stirred him.

“Welcome, one and all, my family!” Khaalida called out, approaching the steps where most of her speeches were done.

The square quieted, attention being drawn to the Queen.

“I welcome you all here for our celebrations. It brings joy to my heart to see all of our families growing, and how strong we have become together. We have friends and family in all of the lands now, and together I hope we can create a brighter future for all who come after us,” Khaalida continued. She opened her mouth for the next part when another group suddenly entered the square via a strange wormhole portal.

“Sorry we are late!” the mare in the lead said, sounding a bit frazzled but also grinning. “No one wanted to get ready, then I had to grab Xenon, and drag his butt with me, and then I picked up Barricades, and well that was just a lot!”

Despite the confused looks from several of the Quirlicorns gathered, Feriae noticed Sidra looked a bit surprised and stricken, moving closer to Sulien. But Khaalida just laughed.

“Happy you were able to join us, Radiance! As well as Xenon and Barricades,” Khaalida said nodding to each. “I was in the middle of welcoming everyone, so you haven’t missed much.”

“Forget that,” Radiance said with a grin. “Where’s the snacks?”

“Radiance,” the stallion that Feriae assumed was Xenon chided.

Khaalida laughed again. “You are right, let's get the party started! Welcome all, to the winter festival of Espeor!”

Happy reunions were to be had in plenty, and some that were not so happy. Sidra stayed off to the side with Sulien, seeming to do everything to avoid the newcomers. Feriae took time to meet them, and realized why. The two youngest, Sonnet and Minuet, were Sidra’s siblings.

Feriae didn’t know the details, and honestly didn’t want to, but she had heard rumors about visions and alliances. It was too much for the mare to process, especially on a holiday.

The celebrations continued into the night, and into the next morning. The city was alive with music and dancing, a true party to be had. Liana and Cyrenne were serving drinks, and Abraxas was telling wild tales of his ventures. Ausrune and Asteri were chatting quietly in the corner, most likely catching up on their adventures so far.

Feriae met Ausrune’s mare companions as well. Keahi, the mare who was bundled in red wraps, seemed a bit standoffish, but Fire, the red hued mare was bright and happy, talking to anyone who would listen.

Koa, Ilkay, Sirona and Lunaris were all talking, and Sirona revealed that she had recently found out she was pregnant, which was celebrated greatly alongside the births of Korvah and Pandora’s newest daughters. Theo, the youngest of Korvah’s brood seemed to be a complete sweetheart, while Neith, Pandora’s youngest, was a bit of a hellion.

It was on the third day of celebration, the night before the Solstice, when Feriae, along with the other important Quirls, were summoned to the grand hall within Khaalida’s manor.

“I have brought you all here for a reason other than the Solstice as well,” Khaalida admitted.

“For the sake of those who are here, we will begin introductions again. I am Khaalida, Queen of Espeor. Feriae here is in charge of looking over the lands to the east, while my daughter, Khaaleesi, is moving to the coast to oversee our shipping port. Zehar and Signe will be taking position to the south east, watching over those lands and helping develop another great city.”

Feriae was surprised by the changes, but nodded in greeting.

“I am Eira, of Snowhaven in the Icy Region,” Eira said, stepping forward. She had brought Lullaby with her to the meeting, standing by her side. “And this is Lullaby, who I have decided to make regent as well as my brother, Aster. They are in charge of watching my land, especially as I have decided to go questing once more in the near future.”

“I am Pandora,” Pan said next, stepping forward. “I am baroness of Artmesium in the Windy Region, where I have sworn to provide a safe haven for any mares and their foals.”

Korvah was next, and simply stepped forward and said, “I am Korvah, of Labyrinthian in the Swamp.”

“I am Ausrune, baron of Phaedra of the desert. Belenus is my second in command,” Ausrune said, stepping forward at his turn.

“I am Sirona, of the Torre in the Plains. Our mission is to provide a place to learn and grow for all those who wish it,” Sirona said at her turn.

“I’m Radiance!” Radiance said brightly. “I have land in the Icy region too, three whole islands!”

“I’m Xenon, of both Icy Region land and Astral region land,” Xenon introduced.

“And I’m Barricades, I also have Mountain land and am a neighbor to Torre!” Barricades said a bit formally, and a bit excited. “I also bring hot chocolate!”

“I am Voyeur. Khaalida invited me because I am starting my Quests for land, and wish to start on a good hoof with other land owners,” Voyeur said, stepping forward.

Khaalida smiled at that. “What I have brought you all here for, on the eve of the solstice, is to cement an alliance between our lands.”

The leaders of the various lands were gone, and Neith was out looking for trouble. The youngsters had all somewhat congregated in one area, so the galaxy coated mare was plotting what kind of shenanigans they could get into.

She went in search of Sulien, and found the colt and his hawk with Khaalida’s daughter Sidra, who had a white cat over her shoulders.

“So. You guys are being sticks in the mud, and all the adults are off doing things. I think we should start a war,” Neith said simply.

Sulien looked at Neith in surprise, and Sidra snorted.

“Sorry, who are you?” Sidra asked, raising an eyebrow. Neith rolled her eyes.

“Your new best friend,” Neith replied with a smirk. “Now come on, let's get the others and have some fun!”

Neith dragged Sidra and Sulien over to where the others were. She had met them all in quick succession and was ready for some chaos.

“All right everyone. We are in a city, yes, but there is plenty of snow around. It's time for an all out war!” Neith declared.

“What do you mean by war?” Karou asked, suspiciously. Tallie tilted her head, and Theo looked scared by the idea.

“A snow war, of course! Haukea blessed us with a huge snow storm, so we should make use of it!” Neith declared.

Resplendence grinned. “I can get back at my mom for dumping snow on me!” she said excitedly.

Sonnet snorted. “I could do it better, you know,” he replied.

“Sonnet, don’t be mean,” Minuet replied in her quiet voice. “I’m sure we can all do a great job!”

Sidra and Sulien shared a glance. Both of them had magic, yes, but it wasn’t exactly conducive to tossing around snowballs. But if they formulated a plan, and did it on the actual solstice….

“When is this being planned for?” Odelle asked, the sweet purple and blue filly looking intrigued.

“Tomorrow, when the solstice hits! Then we can all play with magic, but first. Let's start making forts!” Neith said with a maniacal grin.

Snow forts began to grow in the quieter streets of Queensbreak. Away from the chaos of the adults, the foals worked with lots of laughter, and the occasional snowball.

Sidra and Sulien worked together, and as the afternoon turned to evening, and the solstice began, gasps of wonder came from the gathered foals as the sense of solstice magic flooded their bodies. From there it went a lot quicker. Their fort became a tower of snow, with a few slim windows to fire out of. Sulien’s hawk perched on top as a lookout, and Sidra’s cat slunk around the bottom looking for any weak points.

Sonnet and Minuet had forts across the street from each other. Sonnet’s was large, and he kept adding little details that made it look rather extravagant. Meanwhile Minuet’s was simple and shimmered more like ice than snow as her cyrokinesis went to work on it.

Giggles came from Resplendence as she dived into what looked more like a giant pile than a fort, and Percy, Barricade’s foal, had a sturdy looking fort with high walls that looked like an angry stallion could run full tilt into it and not knock it down.

Faven, Martine’s foal, had hers off to the side from the others. The edges looked a bit rough, but it seemed rather solid in the middle, a mix of snow piles and crafted walls.

Korvah, Tallie and Theo had a giant fort together, full of weird snake looking designs and other weird swamp things.

Neith oversaw it all, like a general preparing for battle. She had her own fort that was more just a wall stretching across the street, and with Odelle’s help they blocked off some of the other exits. It was a perfect plan - lure the adults down the street, and then pile in snow from behind to block their exit. Then the real fun would begin!

It was Resplendence who was sent to grab the adults when it was time. Her eyes welled with tears, and it activated the parental instincts of the adults as she ran back toward the street where she claimed “Somethings happened!”

Khaalida took the lead, with Radiance by her side. Xenon and Barricades swiftly followed, grabbing Martine since his foal was also with the group. Psychomyth trotted along behind, since he was supposed to be watching the foals but they had all slipped away from his watch.

Eira and Korvah went with Pandora to look for the other foals and gather backup if needed. After the psychic mishap of the equinox, they were all prepared for the worst.

The streets were dark, and it was nearly two hours after midnight. Khaalida and Radiance had slowed to a walk, looking around suspiciously since Resplendence had disappeared ahead of them.

“How did I lose a foal that glows?” Radiance grumbled, and Khaalida chuckled. Xenon gave a soft snort, walking slightly behind the two deity mares with Psychomyth and Martine.

“They should be up here, I would think,” Khaalida replied, looking around. She tilted her head - the snow seemed higher than it was before?

A sudden whoosh startled the adults, and Khaalida spun around to find snow had covered the area behind them.

“This is waaaaaar!”

Khaalida spun back around to find Neith standing across a wall of snow on the road, and the foals popping up and giggling. Snowballs started flying, smacking off the adults who stood stunned silent for a moment. Khaalida and Radiance shared a look then broke out in a grin.

“Get them!” Khaalida cried, and they began to gather snowballs, whipping them back at the foals.

Laughter rang out, and as Pandora, Korvah and Eira returned with the rest of the gathered Quirlicorns they found an all out snowball war.

“Land vs land!” Radiance called out. “Let the war begin!”

Sidra and Sulien wove their magic together seamlessly, both learned and practiced. Fire and ice mixed, water and air, shadows whipping around. As they defended their fort there was a shout, and Sidra saw Sonnet’s fortress fall.

Without thinking, Sidra quickly called out. “Sonnet, to us!”

Chaos was reigning as some explosions began, Resplendence’s fort fell as well, and a strange snowball cannon had been erected on Neith’s wall. Odelle and Resplendence were laughing as they fired it off, sending massive snowballs into the fray.

Sonnet made it to Sidra and Sulien’s fort.

“I totally had that,” Sonnet said pointedly, before they dived back into the chaos.

Sidra didn’t think much as she worked alongside her brother. It wasn’t much of a thought in her mind, but they had settled into a rhythm of each popping up and firing a snowball, with Sulien providing cover.

Signe and Zehar joined them soon enough, and Sidra couldn’t hide her grin as her half siblings and full sibling worked in tandem to pelt their mother with snowballs.

Eventually Minuet’s fort fell to some flames in the mix, melting away, and she made for Sidra’s fort as well.

Minuet’s laughter wasn’t as loud as Sonnet’s, but it was still there, added to the giggling that took place as it began to snow again, as if Haukea sensed the fun they were having and was adding her own to the mix.

Sidra pulled back to take a break, and gasped with amazement. Floating above the buildings as if she were in water was Haukea! A gentle smile was on the mares face, watching the fun that everyone was having. Haukea’s eyes met Sidra’s, and Haukea winked, before seeming to fade from view with a ripple of water.

“Was that Haukea?” Sidra looked over to see Feriae standing behind her, looking in awe.

“I think it was,” Sidra replied with a smile.

Feriae grinned. “It seems this war is deity blessed. We should redouble our attack!”

The forts fell, and the wall broke. The snow was falling heavy and thick, and the war continued. The differences between the Quirls became less pronounced, no longer sticking with their herds or regions. Alliances formed and broke as the snowball war raged on, magic flaring up all over the city. The mixture of learned magic and accessed magic due to the solstice created funny scenarios, and several mishaps where magic just didn’t work as intended.

The entire city was overtaken by the war, moving from the one street to Quirls dodging in and out of streets, running for cover when snowballs went flying.

Pandora and Eira formed an alliance, and Pandora’s daughters joined them as they took over the market and surrounding streets. Ausrune and his desert herd joined them after they were mercilessly pelted with snowballs.

Sirona and Lunaris ended up in the manor with Barricades, along with two younger Snowhaven Quirlicorns, Ranvir and Quiterie. They began to work together providing hot chocolate, warm soup, and of course healing for those who got a little too rowdy.

The chaos raged on for the whole of the solstice, Quirlicorns working together and against each other to seemingly cause as much chaos as possible.

Khaalida and Radiance eventually broke away from the fight, both laughing as they retreated to a tower overlooking the war below.

“It seems like everyone is having fun,” Khaalida said with a smile.

“For sure!” Radiance agreed.

“It was much needed,” Khaalida laughed as she saw Sonnet, Minuet, Sidra and Sulien running from Neith, Percy, Odelle and Faven below, the foals' alliances apparently having fallen apart.

“It's good to see the children play,” Radiance said with a gentle smile, and Khaalida murmured her agreements.

“A successful Solstice?” Khaalida asked with a grin and Radiance nodded.

A scuff of a hoof on the floor was all that alerted the two great mares.

They turned, only to have a whole load of snow dropped on them courtesy of Resplendence.

“Gotcha!” Resplendence grinned, and Khaalida shared a glance with Radiance.

“Get her!” Radiance called out, and the two deities dived back into the action once more.