Hello everyone, this will be a collection of one-shots or rather drabbles. They will not be centered on any one specific country merely whatever inspires such as fanart, headcannons, or my own personal thoughts.
I hope you all enjoy this one shot centered on Canada in the cool artic weather.
Canada- Matthew/Matt
America-Alfred
Seychelles- Michelle
X
The land was vibrant humming beneath seal-skin boots as Matthew stalked through the woods, branches creaked underfoot but didn't snap under his considerably light weight. Ahead in a small clearing of sparse bushes and elms bent under the weight of heavy snow a deer was inclined towards the ground peeking through the snow to find grass stalks hidden below. Raising his bow the carved and smooth yew wood warm beneath his hands thrumming with hidden life. Bent over the string Matthew fitted the arrow the speckled feathers of a prey caught not long ago faint in the fading light. Light never lasted long in Yukon though Matthew could hardly blame the territory. Drawing the bow back lithe muscles coiled under thick layers of skins and cotton, as the tension reached its peak the bow shivering in gloved hands Matthew whispered a small prayer to the ancient deities that governed this land hidden from the world and let the arrow fly. It struck true and the deer fell quickly no pain in eyes of deep onyx as it crashed to the ground no sound heard in the blanketed world.
Standing up from his hunched position Matt rolled his shoulders shaking out the ache and chill he stalked forward a bare whisper of his presence dancing across snow laden earth. Crouching beside the creature Matthew took off the glove lined with soft fur and rested his pale and calloused hand on its forehead. A whispered prayer of thanks and peace left his lips before he slipped the glove onto his hand once again. With a great heave and a burst of determination Matt slung the deer over his shoulders the weight pressing his feet into the snow as he adjusted. Turning to face the sun a pale glimmer of gold on the horizon already setting casting shadows of the weak and shrivelled trees that stood firm against bitter wind. Turning to the east Matthew began the long trek towards the small igloo he had constructed a few nights before.
Shaking off snow that had piled like icing upon his cloaked head and shoulders Matthew left the deer outside the small round shape and entered crawling on his hands and knees to reach the airy space inside. Stepping inside the dark and chill room Matt straightened and squinted in the darkness trying to find the long tallow candles and matches. Upon alighting on the materials Matthew quickly set to work lighting the candle with a few muffled curses as the match was reluctant to light in his hands.
A warm glow soon filled the room catching the shimmering peaks of ice that had crystallized in Matt's absence sighing in content at the warm light flickering sparsely Matthew walked to the far corner of the circular room and flicked on a light powered by batteries so that darkness would not come swiftly. Creeping out of the igloo once more Matthew sighed looking upon the deer for a moment procrastinating before with a huff he began to drag the creature into his home for the next week and a bit. Looking up Matt could see a swirling vortex of snow pulsing on the horizon letting out a heavy sigh Matthew acknowledged that there was going to be a snow storm; a howling mess of white that rose up around you like a labyrinth and covered all tracks blanketing the land.
Heaving with one final push Matthew brought the deer inside and firmly shut the animal skins that served as a door to block out the snow. Already the air inside the igloo was warm and Matthew gratefully tipped back his hood and pulled his toque off shaking golden strands free to hang damply in a curled mess by his ears. Unbuttoning the thick parka Matt regarded the deer and rolled up his sleeves absentmindedly thinking of his plans to visit the town the next day would likely have to wait if the snow didn't let up.
Rummaging in a small grey bag made of thick canvas Matt pulled out the necessary tools and regarded the deer for a moment it's antlers glinting like peaks of ebony in the warm candlelight. The sharp cast of metal and light reflected for a moment as Matthew pulled out the necessary tools a soft humming under his breath as he methodically set to work.
X
The sizzling of meat over an open flame accompanied by the heavenly alluring smell of roasting meat made Matt's stomach growl and he glanced up warily as noise brushed against the door barring the outside world from entering. Within a moment the shuffling sounds stopped and the animal hide was pushed away by a small paw pale white in colour. Shoving away the bubbling worry Matt smiled as Kuma padded inside the igloo snow matting his fur and balanced on his nose. With amusement light in his heart Matthew rose to his feet reaching out to snag a spare towel he prowled towards the polar bear cub and began toweling off the excess snow.
"I thought you were going to stay with the other pack for a few more days Kuma?"
Matthew spoke his voice a gentle lilt neither soft nor boisterous like Alfred often was. Kuma looked up intelligent eyes of ebony connecting with Matthew's lavender eyes soft pools of soulful wisdom and determination. Nodding his head in understanding Matt sat back and curled once more in the pale rose coloured wool blanket a gift from Michelle for his birthday, Kuma tilted his head and padded over curling into Matt's side with a soft sigh.
Of absent mind Matthew weaved his fingers through Kuma's soft fur brushing out stray tangles and clumps of snow. The cub let out a pleased humming sound akin to a cat's purr and Matthew smiled fondly before returning his attention to the venison roasting over the fire. Testing the meat with a small carved wooden fork Matthew noted the meat was a tender brown with red splicing out from the center inside.
Snagging the spit off the fire Matthew set the meat to cool and retrieved a knife to carve open the body of meat, Kuma looked up from where his head was nuzzled in his paws regarding the proceedings with interest and hunger. Tossing a few scraps over his shoulder to the polar cub Matthew methodically continued his tasks setting some meat aside to preserve and the other for his own meal tonight.
Finished with the task Matthew carried the meat to be preserved over to the small barrel of salt and left it there to return to at a later time after finishing his meal. Finished the small chore Matthew sat down beside his pack and rummaged for the small packs of dried fruit and vegetables he had brought with him in preparation for the winter weather.
Feeling content and full from his meal, Matthew returned his attention to the long antlers bone white in the pale lighting of the igloo. The large antler rested comfortably in his lap and the small shavings of marrow grew into a tiny pile at his side. Kuma watched the proceedings with disinterest idly teething a bone Matt had chucked to the bear earlier. Outside his safe shelter the wind howled and raged with snow but inside it was warm as the humid Florida summers Alfred often experienced.
Finishing the large Thunderbird that swathed most of the horn grizzly and terrifying to gaze upon the large bird of prey haunted Matthew's memories. Shivering he set the horn beside him swallowing bitter bile down Matthew turned his mind away from thunder storms and heavy rain to days in the field hunting and gathering. Days when his skin had been the colour of warm leather and his hair deep ebony. The land had thrummed under his feet alive and vibrant with life.
Those were times past now though Matthew never forgot where he came from or who he was. He believed firmly in remembering the past as it was the guide to what the future might hold. Laughing at the contemplative path his mind had taken Matthew shuffled around the enclosed space checking the dying fire and packing away the preserved meat. Curling up into a warm sleeping bag with a few animal skins thrown over it Matthew felt content even as Kuma shuffled in beside him squishing the two inside one sleeping bag.
Tomorrow the dawn would come shining upon a world cloaked in white, Matt would venture to the town not far over greet his people and continue on ignorant or not caring of the matters the world troubled itself with.
X
I hope you enjoyed. Please forgive me for this collection will have a rather infrequent update times but I will try to post whenever I feel inspired. Reviews/Comments are always appreciated (: