Disclaimer: I am not Tamora Pierce and I do not claim to own her characters even though I wish I did :
"Let the festivities begin!" Queen Thayet's clear voice rang out from the platform set up for the monarchs overlooking the snowy scene.
It was Midwinter. The air had that wonderful crisp, cool feeling that seemed to rejuvenate the lungs on breathing in, making even the starkest noble long to jump on the nearest sled.
In fact, that is exactly what was taking place. Children from nobility and the city of Corus had built their own sleds and were about to race down the largest hill the white blanketed Corus could offer.
Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan watched Tobe clamber onto the sled that they had built together. Well, Tobe had really made while Kel enlisted various people to help the boy due to her lack of skill in the carpentry department.
Kel could still remember the twinkle in Sergeant Domitan eyes when he found her attempting to build the now beautiful green sled. She was mercilessly smashing her finger in a frenzy of trying to overcome her deficiency before the Sergeant gently pried the hammer from her hand and began to work on it himself. Her glare she shot at him could of withered the hardiest flower, but Dom was far too busy correcting
Kel was standing with previously mentioned Dom and his cousin and cousin-in-law, Neal and Yuki. All where clad in the warmest clothing possible. Coats and sweaters of every color made the sea of onlookers look like a marvelous rainbow.
The children raced down the hill, gaining speed until finally a small lad who was one of Lalasa's helper's sons was declared victorious.
Kel eagerly made her way over to Tobe, assuring him that fourth out of fifty was quite an accomplishment.
"I believe some hot chocolate and marshmallows are called for." Neal declared after Tobe and Kel had weaved their way back to their small group.
"Let's go down to that new inn that has the delicious pastries." Yukie responded delightedly as she remembered the delectable pastries she had consumed previously. "I heard Madame Channing specially made treats for after the competition."
"Lady, can we please invite Sir Owen to come with us?" Tobe asked with big, hopeful eyes.
"Of course, the problem now is finding him?" she asked as she scanned the dispersing crowd for Owen's light blue hat she had seen earlier.
"Allow me to find him. We will both meet you at the inn." Dom offered, pulling his coat a slightly tighter to keep out the chill of the late afternoon air.
"It seems my cousin has finally learned some manners." Neal observed as they made their way to the gate after decided to walk rather than ride. The day was too pretty to rush any journey rather than sauntering along, peering at various store fronts.
A/N I never read these things, but for all the people that actually do read them... I'm planning to make this a short story. I'll probably update in two days. I'm trying to get the feel of writing before committing to a large fanfic. Anyways, I would appreciate reviews, but do not feel like you have to. Constructive criticism would be fabulous. :