Disclaimer: This work of fan fiction uses characters from Rise of the Guardians and The Guardians of Childhood which are trademarked by DreamWorks Animation and William Joyce respectively. The author of this story claims no ownership over them. The story the author is telling is of her own invention and it is not purported or believed to be part of the canon storyline. This story is made for entertainment purposes only. The author is not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story.

My happiest memories

have no place in the

past; they are those

I have yet to create.

– Ellen Hopkins

My Love, So Sweet – Le Portrait De Petit Cosette OST

Tales - Fables Arc
Chapter 3: Memories
1860

Calla's palace in Sweden was always a soothing place to stay during the Winter months, Lily thought, as she lay sprawled in the gardens that her older sister made for her in particular.

She closed her eyes, letting the sweet and floral scents of thousands of blossoms fill her mind. Behind her, the sound of the rushing but soothing waterfall lulled her into a state of near sleep. And beneath her, the cool grass and soft earth provided more comfort to her than any bed could. Lily could easily doze off here and she did. She fell asleep and she dreamed. She dreamed of a memory that occurred nearly half a decade ago.

She didn't mean to spy on him; it was just that her curiosity got the best of her, so she followed him back to America. The Spring Spirit of the Flowers was in England when she saw him; she was pollinating the blossoms, ensuring that they will grow during the right season, and that they will grow healthily. But then a boisterous, joy-filled laughter surprised her and pulled her from her work. The young Spring spirit snapped her head in the direction of the sound - up.

There she saw a young man soaring through the clouds, and even from this distance, she could see that he had brilliant white hair, and a radiantly bright smile. She wondered how he could fly without wings and suddenly she realized as sudden gust of cold air blew through her hair, feathers, and dress that the Spirit can control the wind.

And she was unintentionally drawn to him; to his energetic flight, his cheerful laughter.

His pure happiness.

She honestly didn't mean to spy on him; it still winter and the chill was sapping at her strength and making it difficult to breathe. She timidly hid behind the trunk of a tree as she watched him play with the Colonial children. And even though they couldn't see him or hear him, the white haired spirit talked to them. He laughed with them and made snow balls for them to throw at each other. He nipped them on their noses with his magical snowflakes, creating pure joy and happiness for them.

She smiled lightly as she watched them play. Suddenly he turned around, as if he felt a presence watching him. Lily quickly ducked back behind the tree, fearing that he saw her. She was too shy to confront him. The white-haired boy glanced off into the distance of the barren forest; certain he felt someone watching him. But after seeing no one, he shrugged and returned to play.

Lily peeked out from behind the tree once again. She was enchanted by the boy, by his innocence, by his happiness.

And she will commit his happiness, his laughter, and his brilliant smile to memory.

She woke up slowly, as the sounds of the rushing waters brought her back to the world of the wake. The memory troubled the girl. It was a happy memory for her, but that was all it was. Just a memory, and she didn't want just a single memory of him. She wanted more. She wanted to know who he was, what he was like, she wanted to know his name.

"Calla," Lily called. The Rain Goddess glanced up from her perch on a large boulder on the southern end of the garden.

"Mm?" Calla murmured, as she flipped the page of the book in her lap.

"Have you ever met boy spirit with white hair?" Lily asked. "He has the ability to control ice, snow, and wind."

"You mean Jack Frost?"

"So Jack Frost is his name…" Lily murmured, toying with a blade of grass in her fingers. "Who is he?" Lily questioned.

"He's the Spirit of Winter, the only one of the Four Seasons who wasn't created by Mother Nature. Why do you ask, Lily?"

"What is he like?" Lily asked again.

"Well," Calla sighed, snapping the book shut, "I haven't formally met him. But, from witnessing his powers he's quite mischievous and energetic."

"Really?" Lily murmured.

"If you are so curious, Lily, why don't you go and meet him?"

"I want to." Lily confessed quietly.

"So go, he comes around Europe and stays in Germany for a bit of time during early Spring, maybe you can find him there." Calla suggested, her voice light and airy as she got up, brushed her dress and walked back to the palace. Little did Lily know, but her older sister had a playful smirk on her face.

"Calla – " Lily began to protest, but it was too late, the older Spirit of Spring had already left. So she was left sitting there, surprised by Calla's suggestion. Calla knows how shy Lily is: the girl can barely look at spirits other than her sisters without stuttering or wringing her hands nervously.

But Calla was right, Lily thought as small smile fell on her face. She wanted to meet Jack Frost; she wanted to makes memories with him, and not just memories of him.

So she will go to Germany, to meet Jack Frost: to meet her Prince of Winter.

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