Zypher: Little late on this one but i take full responsibility...for sitting on my hands. but imma make sure chapter 9 comes out on time! but anywho, enjoy the Winter Solstice Ball! prepare for a little surprise at the end~

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Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 8

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The first snow finally fell onto the concrete jungle that was Domino City. It was a gorgeous sight to see the gentle snowfall continue from late in the evening and into the morning. Not a car was on the street save the salt trucks to give them passage and the sky held a subtle overcast. Wide violet hues looked out through the game shop window, the frosted glass a chilling touch of welcome to flushed skin after just freshly waking from slumber. His grandfather wasn't doing much behind him, told more than once between daughter-in-law and grandson that he wasn't gearing up at any point in the day to take care of the sidewalks around the shop. Yugi would handle that when he was good and ready and would be soon. He wanted any and all chores taken care of before the message arrived to announce Atemu's arrival to pick him up. After all, it was the day of the winter solstice and there was a ball prepared in his honor. Yugi wouldn't miss that for the world.

Turning away from the window, Yugi padded his way over to Sugoroku, making the elder look toward him with a light smile. "Plans for today?" he asked. Since the introduction to the family, both parental figures knew well to take a guess of when Atemu would make his appearance to them to see Yugi. Often, it was to be whisked off to something planned by the king himself but if not that then the other would find himself curled up in the smaller male's room, enjoying the time spent together even if they did practically nothing. "We do! Atemu has a ball planned for tonight to welcome winter officially to the spirit realm! It's a grand affair like the Autumn Equinox and I'm extremely excited to see everything come together!" He said, a bright smile to cross his face. The hidden queen truly was excited for the event. He wanted to see everything the king had to offer for such a celebration but also wanted to take his mind off the prior event. Even for his defiance and the rescue to follow, being caught by Dartz and nearly becoming his forced queen had left him with mild terrors late in the evening.

Just the sheer thought of the agony as he was turned to nothing but a breeding sow for his twisted gain left a violent turn of bile in the pit of his stomach. He knew the risks posed as a human in the spirit world but that had been much too close for comfort. But he will put that behind him and enjoy the festivities that Atemu had meticulously planned for days, weeks even as he worked through November with a short visit to join them for Labor Thanksgiving Day. That was a rather amusing day, Yugi remembered fondly. There were two kudagitsune that had grown attached to him and saw no reason to leave the burrow when they had found themselves there, much to Atemu's mild displeasure. Not so much for having to share space and his queen with them but the fact they are a type of spirit that can and will breed rather quickly, amplifying their magical abilities made for good luck and fortune. Without proper culling or guidance, can spin out of control.

And if there was one thing Atemu didn't want to do to servants under his title was to cull them. So to prevent anything from happening while he was enjoying time with the extended family, he brought them with him. And they were rambunctious as any child, scurrying everywhere, poking their noses into things and overall excited to know this was the space of their queen. As such, they were already blessing the home with good fortune to the family name without preamble. Sugoroku was amused, Reichiru not so much. Yugi did get them in line while Atemu scolded them for their behavior. "We are guests here and are to show respect. Rein it in." He told them, holding the red one by his tiny scruff pinched in two fingers after he tried to slip into the miso. The rest of the dinner went by with no more accidents and Yugi was glad that even for the trouble brought by his slippery children, everything turned out great. And now they were in December, ready to truly welcome in the season with flair.

Yugi smiled at the thought, pulling back from the counter and gave a wave to his grandfather before padding back up to the main housing area, heading into the kitchen to see his mother at work with breakfast. Everything practically done aside from the table being set and Yugi went to grab what was needed. "Will you be staying overnight with Atemu?" Reichiru questioned, glancing at her son with curious eyes. He nodded, finishing with the last bowl, allowing her to bring everything to the table. "I'm sure the ball will last well past midnight so he will insist on me staying then I'll be back home likely by the afternoon." She nodded, setting all on the table in their respective places. While she understood the life her son now led with his very real and spiritual husband, there were still things she had to get used to. One in particular the barrier between life and death that Yugi crosses every time he goes to visit Atemu. She felt on a grander scale, this should be harmful to her son. That one day, he'd be stuck in between realms and would have come back a ghost without realizing it.

But she shouldn't think for a single second that Atemu would allow such a thing. There was great power in his hands and obviously had the power of choice in many things. If he wanted to claim Yugi's life, as much as she dreaded the idea of such a thought, he could. If he wanted to keep Yugi away from the spirit realm, he could. If he wanted Yugi to forget his existence, an unlikely fact no matter who you asked, he could. There were many things he could do but it was without saying that Atemu valued safety overall and would make sure that nothing could ever happen to Yugi whether it was here at home or within the spirit realm. The chances of Yugi to ever lose his soul, spirit or life while in his presence was very slim as long as the king was on top of things. Breakfast settled on the table left Yugi to go fetch his grandfather from downstairs while Reichiru picked up the kettle from the burner to prepare her cup of tea while she waited. It didn't take long for her son to come back with the elderly male, both taking their seats before she gave the blessing for the meal.

Yugi smiled when she finished, picking up the bowl of miso to sip while Sugoroku began to discuss things he wanted to accomplish today while Yugi was gone. "At least he has the shoveling covered so that's a weight off my back." He chortled warmly, getting a pout from Yugi, complaining that he didn't want him to throw out his back. "The very most you're allowed to do is salt the sidewalks when I'm done cause if I don't want you throwing yourself out from shoveling, is to do the same slipping on a patch of ice." Yugi chided, getting agreement from his mother. "Gosh, both of you ganging up on an old man. I'll show you once we're reborn. You'll see." Sugoroku spoke with an amused smile. Yugi smiled as well, glad to know his grandfather took well to the idea. Atemu would be happy to know there wouldn't be any repercussions towards a new spiritual life with his family knowing well they would have rank among them. Reichiru shook her head in playful mirth to her father-in-law's antics as they continued to eat before Yugi finished. With thanks to his mother for the meal, the small queen headed to his room to get dressed.

As an apology for the lost mantle days before thanks to the wily interruptions that was Dartz and his radical ideals of owning him, Atemu had a number of warmer outfits made. The mantle return was still up for debate even if Yugi told Atemu to not trouble himself but it was a given the king would not leave such a treasured item in Dartz's hand. It would only entice him to try a second time to steal away his dear queen. It was a kind gesture and Yugi will admit he loved what he received lovingly from the forest community. Sweaters and cardigans of colorful threads and patterns, a knitted scarf and new mittens as well. Well woven leather boots to reach the mid-calf and a stole of the finest winter stoat fur caught by Atemu himself. The silk lining was like a gentle caress against his neck and the fur absolutely warm.

With it made from the trophy of one of his husband's hunts, he promised himself he wouldn't allow anything, animal or spirit, to take such a gift from him. Bundling up with his gifts, the queen smiled before heading off downstairs, slipping into his boots at the door before opening to the chilly winter morning. He took a deep inhale of the frigid air, relaxing the senses as the frosted vigor of the city filled his breast. It was a different kind of air between home and the spirit realm but the magic was still there regardless. Since becoming Atemu's queen, he could see what others don't and felt a whole new respect for his home and the arcane magic hiding under the surface. Every inch of the city still had a bit of life in it. From the cool panes of glass to the mixed asphalt of the streets. They may be manmade but still contain elements born of the earth. They echoed around him, whispering in coveted pride of the queen to roam the city and keep its arcane secrets well protected further. Spirits who hid away in the parks and sparse forests closest to the suburban edge seek his protection. Always hoping for Yugi to come to their aid when needed should any human draw close to finding them out.

A smile crossed his face at the thought before he went to get to work, picking up the shovel already waiting beside the door and headed into the fluffy white expanse covering the sidewalks around the shop. The sound of shoveling filled the air as Yugi took deep sweeps of the pristine snow to settle to the side, uncovering the cool pavement beneath. Arms strained under the effort but it didn't make him cease from his work. Instead, he hummed a floaty tune happily as he worked, small drifts of snow dancing around his feet in a small dance to his warm tune. As he worked, he didn't feel the drifts pick up so by the time he had finished one side of the sidewalk leading to the crosswalk and turned to work on the other half, it was swept clean of snow. "What the..." Was the quiet, confused admission before his sharp gaze caught sight of a single paw print in the dredge of shoveled snow. A smirk crossed full lips as Yugi went to walk toward the freshly shoveled sidewalk, setting the shovel aside, to examine the print. Not far behind him did more prints appear behind him.

Kneeling down, Yugi brushed fingers over the print, feeling the summer warmth to radiate from it despite the chill in the air and chuckled. Wonder who left this behind~ When he stood again, he turned to see the following of prints behind him and laughed warmly, spinning about in the snow which had the desired effect as snow drifts began to form around him, becoming a moving shape in the snow, lithe and sleek, before filling out into a darker shape, scarlet eyes glistening in amusement as the form danced around the queen. When Yugi stopped, he smiled to the sight of his king, Atemu shaking out his mane of fur about his neck and grinned toothily towards his queen. "Morning, my precious dear. Thought I come early to help." Yugi smiled reaching to settle his arms around the kitsune's neck and held him close. "Well you helped me with the other side so that's half my task done. Now I just need to salt the paths so I know my grandfather isn't threatened to slip while I'm gone." Atemu nodded, taking a seat upon the ground as Yugi went to drag the large sack of salt from where it was propped against the wall. While he worked, Atemu asked him the menial questions of the morning. How he slept, how was the morning so far, if he was ready for later.

"Of course! You know better than me that you throw amazing festivals and I can't wait to see what you have for this one. Are you all set to come here for Christmas? That isn't far off either." Atemu smiled proudly, promising that he was certainly ready and had the perfect gift awaiting him for when he came over. Yugi smiled and nodded, shoveling another bit of salt and continued his work til the sidewalks were sufficiently salted to keep the ice away. With his task done, he turned back to Atemu who now sported his human illusion but gone was the usual tank top that betrayed his spiritual persona with showing little effect of the cold and now wore a dark sweater with the shoulders bared. Still betrayed his spiritual self, Yugi giggled, but at least it was a change and the sweater certainly looked dashing on his husband.

Inviting him inside for a bit so he could collect his things, the two headed up to the living space and Yugi left Atemu with his mother and grandfather while he got to work getting his bag and things. Everything accounted for and packed, Yugi settled his bag over his shoulder and came back down to fetch the kitsune. "Ok! All set so we're good to go. Mama, jii-chan, I'll see you tomorrow." Yugi spoke, moving to hug the two, Reichiru giving him a fond farewell and to be careful though she knew well she had nothing to worry about as long as Atemu was there watching over him. Atemu smiled, bowing to the two and told them he'd return the day after to stay with the family for the remainder of the holidays. Sugoroku smiled and nodded, waving as the two went to leave and once outside, they were off like the gales of frosted wind were nipping at their heels. Streets and sidewalks were relatively empty, allowing the two to chase like the playful foxes they embodied, Yugi laughing with warm undertones of joy as he chased his flighty husband amongst the fallen snow.

Close did he nearly catch him but Atemu danced out of his grasp numerous times, a hearty laugh escaping him as he moved with the fluid grace borne into the form he took. Soon enough did their fun take an interesting turn as they closed in on the shrine and the gate that would take them to the spirit realm. As with any snow day, some patches of ice are carelessly missed or iced over with little salt to deter them from doing that very thing. So when Yugi's foot had landed on one of those patches, he felt his foot give out from under him and gasped, thinking he'd hit the pavement with a rather ungraceful flair but found instead the hand to grasp his own. Pulled from his fall, Atemu smiled as he slid over the ice with ease and kept the smaller male close, dancing over the ice that would put an ice skater to shame. "My apologies, dove," Atemu began, lifting Yugi up over his head which got an embarrassed squeak, the kitsune clearly enjoying himself as if this was a couple's routine in front of a judge's panel.

"You know how it goes, this little area tends to go unnoticed to the public nowadays so sidewalks are always notoriously iced over." He continued, spinning in place with care before bringing his smaller partner down and reclaiming his footing now had Yugi following Atemu's path over the ice. Yugi smiled, nodding as the two skated with ease up to the stairs of the shrine, Atemu lifting Yugi to the first step before following. Yugi breathed out a puff of frigid air before leaning against Atemu, arm coming to wrap around his own and Atemu grinned. You're welcome, he whispered to the silent thanks before the two were off through the torii gate and into the spirit realm. They landed before their favorite willow tree, the tree bare of its leaves but the ice and frost to decorate the weeping branches made it a dazzling sight, a glowing ornament in a field of white as the sunlight made every drop of frozen dew sparkle. It was like lines of gems creating a shimmering curtain into a whole new realm and Yugi couldn't hide his awe even as Atemu left his side to part the branches and usher him into the burrow.

"We'll admire the sight later, I need to make sure your outfit is fitted to perfection so we have time to make changes before the festival starts." Blinking, Yugi was quick to shake off the wonderment with a nod, crawling into the burrow and down the steps with Atemu following after. When they reached the main space, Yugi headed off to the bedroom to put his things away while Atemu moved towards the couch to pick up the box waiting there. Opening the box, the king smiled as he looked over the outfit. Crystal blue threads made up the dress suit, coattails long and flowing with feathers sewn into the hems, clearly the means to embody wings in flight as Yugi danced across the ballroom floor. Embroidery around the shoulders were done in ivory threads, patterned snowflakes and flowers trailing from the lapels down his arm to circle around the cuff and in between the dress coat and pants laid the lavender shirt to go underneath.

It was a beautiful garment and he will be sure to compensate the karasu in charge of the piece most graciously. Closing the box again, the king made his way to the bedroom where Yugi was putting things away and cleared his throat to get his attention. Yugi turned, seeing the box in hand and made grabby hands for it, too eager to see what garment awaited for him inside. Atemu chuckled before holding the box out for him. "Had the best clothing artisan work on this for you and promise, this won't disappear." Yugi blushed, knowing Atemu spoke of that as he missed the outfit blessed by the earthen mother during the Autumn Equinox. He took the box, swiping the air to hush his husband who only chuckled and escorted himself out the bedroom so Yugi could try on his outfit.

When the king left, the queen opened the box and gasped as he saw the outfit inside. He almost didn't want to touch it, thinking the delicate fabric would disintegrate in his hands. The box was set on the bed, the dress coat drawn from inside and fingers brushing over the delicate embroidery over the shoulders and down the arm. It was truly a beautiful work of art and can only imagine what Atemu would be wearing to match. The coat was set aside, shirt and pants drawn out to join it before Yugi undressed so he could try on the piece. The lavender shirt was of cool fabric and caressed his skin like gentle fingers dancing over his arms. The pants came next, fitted nicely around his legs. He took a look over himself thus far and approved of the design, grabbing the coat next and slipped it on, bringing everything together. He moved to the vanity mirror, looking at the outfit in its entirety and was pleased by the result. He was like a beacon, glowing in the blue material paired with the lavender shirt. A true little spirit of winter is all he could compare himself to but felt there was something missing. Looking himself over, he didn't hear Atemu stepping back into the room until he hummed with approval of the karasu spirit's craftsmanship.

"A wonderful garment. You'll shine at the ball tonight, my dearest." Yugi turned to face him and smiled, reminding him to point out the spirit that made it so he could thank him personally before turning back to the mirror. But there's something missing, Yugi uttered, making Atemu tilt his head in curious thought as he walked over. They both gazed into the mirror, contemplating the missing piece and the more Yugi looked, the more it became noticeable. "A crown." The king blinked as he looked to his queen then back into the mirror and soon saw the image flow. A magnificent crown rested upon Yugi's brow, woven branches of frozen ice with glittering dewdrops hanging from spider's silk. Frosted holly made a nice centerpiece while the branches coiled a dazzling display like the horns of a buck behind his own crown of magenta and obsidian. He too had one of his own, more decoration upon his as white mistletoe and blue juniper berries decorated his own crown.

When they blinked, the image was gone but the sight engraved into mind, both turning to each other with bright smiles. Crowns were clearly a necessity and Atemu was off to sketch the images while they were fresh in mind to send off to the tsurara-onna for her to craft and finish before the ball were to begin. As he did so, Yugi slipped out the garment to preserve it from folds or wrinkles, setting it upon the bed before heading off to get a bath for himself. "I'll be there soon to join you, my love. Once I send this off, we'll begin our preparations." Yugi nodded and was off to the washroom.

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The afternoon passed quickly and soon, the dusky sky gave way to the evening clear. Stars dotted the vast umbral blanket of the night, the first quarter moon bright in her beauty and it shone upon the lakeside clearing already setup for the ball. Wooden tables were laid out with an array of treats to match the winter season, berry juices in crystal pitchers, fruit crisp and glowing with frozen beads of water. Leafy greens rested in carved bowls and wild boar and serow rested on platters made from slabs of oak. Venison settled on another, the rich meat steaming in the cool air as it dripped with flavorful oils and juices. It was all a beautiful sight and those in attendance were appreciative of the sight of their hard work. This would certainly please the king and queen once they arrived. The lake surface was frozen over by the spell cast from Atemu's hand, providing a glorious dance floor that had a few spirits already out to waltz under the moonlight fair. Richly dressed in finery to match their animal souls, the spirits were overjoyed to the coming of the truest winter. Of their last celebration before many settle in for hibernation until springtime.

The ookami pack paired with each other, some drifting away to find another partner among others such as the familiar karasu to make the clothes the king and queen wore or the tanuki women who were chittering their delight as they swayed with grace. A few things were missing from the table, grasped in the hungry paws of little Judai though he was all too eager to see the queen once more. He had something for him after all as he heard the stories on the winds and was both saddened and angry that his hard tailored gift was stolen by that dreadful monster of the decayed forests. It was a loss but one that he wouldn't allow to get him down. He worked hard with help from Yusei to make another and this one was twice as good as the last one! He couldn't wait to give it to Yugi! The ball was alight with promise but it wouldn't be complete without the king and queen. Luckily for them, they were well on their way, the jingle of the crotal bell to grace the king's neck ringing to announce their presence to all.

The dancers stopped upon the ice and the spirits raised their heads to the forest edge, seeing the dark shape running towards them with a graceful gait. The shadow soon burst from the forest's edge, the black shape of the king stirring snow drifts under his paws before coming to a rest before the spirits, his queen upon his back looking beautiful and regal in his outfit with the crown nestled perfectly upon his brow, finished just in time to debut. Yugi smiled brightly to the sight of all in attendance, seeing Judai jump in joy to see them and waved to him before jumping down from Atemu's back to step forward. The white threads of embroidery gleamed under the moonlight and the ice of his crown made a halo around his head, showing a promising blessing of their woodland queen as he took command of the solstice greeting.

"I thank you each and all for being here tonight for the Winter Solstice Ball. As you all know, this is my first time attending and to see you all makes my heart swell with happiness. To see all your smiling faces and enjoyment of yet another one of my king's wondrous festivals is such a blessing as your queen." Yugi proclaimed with pride, looking upon them all before bowing. "Now please, enjoy your time here and let us give thanks to the winter's breath that lets us sleep and renew ourselves for the coming spring!" The spirits howled, screeched and roared with their delight to the queen's edict, Atemu smiling proudly at how well he commanded such. A cool nose pressed to his cheek as a whispered "love you" escaped him. Yugi laughed sweetly, a hand coming to rest upon his mate's cheek before threading through the fur to rest there. "Did I do good?" he asked. "You've done beautifully, sweetling." Yugi smiled brightly before hearing his name called, turning to see Judai running to him, box nestled under his arm.

"Queen Yugi, queen Yugi! I'm so happy to see you!" Judai greeted as Atemu allowed the two to chat, moving towards the table to get his fill of the sliced boar to rest upon the table. Yugi smiled as he greeted the exuberant inugami before the box was thrusted into his hands. Judai clearly looked disappointed and the queen knew why. He still wanted to curse Dartz for apprehending his clothing but nothing pained him more than losing the mantle made by Judai's hand. Yugi reached to pet the spirit between his fluffy ears, making his tail wag before the box was taken. "Don't be sad, Judai. Losing that mantle was no fault of your own. Someday...I'll get it back. I won't allow that monster to keep it forever." At the claim, Judai smiled more and nodded but tapped the box, telling him regardless, he had made another one special for him.

A smile pulled across the queen's face, gladly accepting the gift before letting the inu spirit run off for the table once more, a little brown blur moving to sit beside Atemu and digging his muzzle into a bowl of fruit. Yugi chuckled at the sight before opening the box, seeing the grey fur and was in awe before pulling it out from the box to look it over. It was a near replica on the one he lost but clearly had an upgrade, the hem lined with snowy owl feathers in a beautiful array. The lining inside the mantle was a vibrant indigo and Yugi promised that such a labor of love to replace the lost one would not go missing this time. Settling it back into the box so it wouldn't be covered in snow, Yugi brought it to the table, seeing seats clearly made for the two at the head should they all come to eat together before the peak of the ball. Box left, Yugi began to wander the clearing, greeting spirits as he passed them before pausing to look upon their grand lake ballroom floor. Eyes glittered as he watched spirits waltz over the frozen expanse, smiles on their faces and joy in their eyes as they celebrated the Winter Solstice.

Truly, it was a sight to behold, to see all under Atemu's watch so happy and carefree. And now, he was a part of it. Lovell of the ookami pack spotted him and whispered to his mate, the she-wolf nodding with a pat to his shoulder before he was gone from her side and bowed before the queen. "May I have this dance?" A hand was brought to him and Yugi bowed as well before taking his hand and was guided onto the ice. The first dance of the queen was met with the parting gentry, a firm hand resting on Yugi's hip and hand taken in a warm grasp. Lovell smiled as the air shifted, music in the wind and through the trees before the two began to waltz over the ice. Yugi matched the ookami step for step, praising the other for being quite the dancer. "I hope I won't make your mate jealous of me." Yugi commented which gained a warm laugh from Lovell.

"Oh, she isn't jealous at all. In fact, she is honored that I am able to have this dance with you. Any of us spirits would be honored as long as we remember our place in your presence as well as the king. Such is why he watches but doesn't mind as long as we do not step over boundaries." Yugi nodded, completely understanding and knew well that unlike those of the decayed forests, the spirits respected the authority over them and wouldn't dare to think of stealing him away from Atemu. They all likely knew of Dartz's banishment and wouldn't risk the same if they were lucky. This was a beautiful home and wouldn't dare give that up just for the rarity that was he. The two continued to waltz over the ice, joined by others as they danced slow circles around the ice and soon found themselves joined by the king as well. As he was already in full form when Yugi had gotten dressed, the queen hadn't seen the outfit prepared for him so colored him impressed and floored to the sight when Atemu came onto the floor with Yusei walking beside him to have the first dance with the king.

To match the bright shade of blue that was his outfit, Atemu's was a deep navy shade closely bordering on black with a maroon shirt underneath. Like his own embroidery of white snowflakes, his was done with silver threads to resemble the long dripping fingers of icicles and the sleeves winding willow branches and leaves. A divine ensemble and fitting for his king. A smile crossed his face as he watched the two bow to each other respectfully before they were waltzing across the ice together, leaving Yugi to think to himself. Yusei was a kind and proud spirit but was alone romantically. Even for his aloof personality, he cared well for Judai like he was a brother. But there was something in his eyes, something that desired more than a brother and a desire Judai certainly can't fulfill. He needs a partner, a mate which to call his own. He should definitely talk to Atemu about allowing Yusei to find someone. After winter passes, Yugi thought to himself, dipped by Lovell before he was twirled across the floor and soon found himself in the arms of the eldest tanuki woman who chirred with glee as she danced with the queen.

Slowly, both king and queen danced their way among their subjects, growing closer to each other as the peak of the ball was close at hand. The moon hung high above their heads, centered with the lake with its half crescent bright as Yugi was brought to the center of the iced floor, the tsurara-onna giving him a delighted smile before letting go of his hand. Yugi waved to her before hearing a pair of feet stopped behind him, turning to see the sight of his king there waiting. A tender smile was etched on the king's face, giving a sweeping bow to his queen. "May I have this dance?" You had no need to ask was the queen's reply, returning the gesture and was soon in his husband's embrace. The music of the wind and forest had adhered to the royal dance, a soothingly tranquil beat that was joined by the harmonious tones of the spirits. Their song echoed a thrumming presence in Yugi's body, feet guiding him to match Atemu's as they danced across the floor.

Snow drifts rose to the occasion, joining them in their frolic display and gesture towards the frost king who will bring the truest winter chill upon the spirit realm, slowing the bodies and allowing them rest until spring. Their gaze were drawn to one another, never once looking away as they continued to move about the floor, Atemu giving a twirl and a dip to his blushing queen before bringing him close. "As we come close to the year's end, I am truly thankful to have you at my side, sweetling. My harshest past had molded me in what I am now but even for the life I have here, it would've been a lonely one without a queen I could cherish with all the love in my breast. Now, I have you and cannot wait til our most wished dream comes to pass." Those words stirred so much in Yugi, making a gentle sob leave his lips before he pressed closer to his king. "For what I am, I couldn't ask for anything more than having you become my husband. I can't imagine what my life would be without ever meeting you. Of what spirits could come in search of me to my awakening fae heart and were only half as kind as you are. To this day, I can't thank the earthen mother and her blessing to bring you to me."

Kinder words have never been spoken and Atemu dipped them both low, leaning in to press a kiss to his queen's lips before bringing him back up. They waltz for a moment longer, the peak of their generous choir hitting the highest notes of their song and with a final lift, the snow drifts departed on their way, their blessing realized and Yugi laughed, a bell-like chime to wash over all in presence. "I thank you for allowing me to be here tonight with you, my king." Yugi whispered. "It would be foolish to never invite you to our seasonal celebrations, dove." Atemu spoke before bringing Yugi down slow, gazing into twinkling violets before leaning in close to kiss him again, deeper than the last. Arms came to loop around his neck, returning the kiss and hearing the applause of their display of true love. A bond that cannot be broken or torn away. A bond that made their king happy and their queen a welcomed presence into their home. They couldn't ask for better to rule over them all.

When they parted, they left the ballroom floor to head over to the buffet that awaited them. What remained was enough to polish off among them and both took their seats before they were joined by the rest of the spirits. When all were gathered, Atemu gave a nod and cleared his throat. "Once more, I thank each and every one of you for being in attendance tonight, as we give our thanks to the earthen mother for her bounty and the frost king for our slumber. I ask that you all eat hearty and well before your rest. I will always be watching over you and make sure that a beautiful spring awaits you when you wake." The king declared. The spirits were vocal in response and Yugi smiled. "And I too will be at his side to watch over you all as well. I will make sure springtime will give its all for you when you wake." Judai howled happily at the thought, making the queen laugh before Atemu gave them the pass to enjoy the meal in full. Fruits were plucked from bowls and handfuls of greens picked. Slices of meat were devoured and berry juice drained from their pitchers. Yugi enjoyed each delicacy with joy, sharing with his king as he plucked his share.

When all the fare was emptied and nothing remained, cleanup was a breeze as the spirits gathered bowls and plates, cups and pitchers and took them all to wash at a basin prepared for them. Yugi took the offered handkerchief from Atemu, the king cleaning his hands as he would his paws though it was quickly ended as Yugi smacked his arm. "Be proper." Atemu chuckled but did as told, cleaning his hand with another handkerchief before Yusei came over to tell them all was cleaned and they were free to go. "I'm sure your highness has other things he wishes to attend to before the night is completely over. We wouldn't want to keep you." A laugh came from the king, speaking that all he was ready for is a quick bath then bed. He wished he could spare the energy for a proper send off of the yuletide solstice but it would have to pass. "However, I won't excuse the Spring Equinox. There are plans that I refuse to shirk for that." He said, spirited with promise and Yugi could feel his cheeks heating up.

He may not know the plans in question but if he knew enough about springtime and what it brought to the table, he won't be moving much after the festivities are done. Yusei nodded, a longing look in his eyes which Yugi caught sight of. I'd like something like that, those royal blue hues read before he was gone with a bow to the king and queen, catching up with Judai who was well on his way back to their den, whining his tiredness and ready for hibernation. Yugi watched him go before looking to Atemu as he stood. "Atemu, I have something to ask you once we return to the burrow." The inquisitive look in the other's eyes held a curious gleam but the king nodded to his queen's request, leaving the lake to return home after saying their goodbyes to the other spirits, Yugi giving his thanks to the karasu tailor as he flew off towards his home in the mountains, before their departure.

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Dressed for bed, Yugi was on the furs as Atemu was combing out his tails, both fresh from their bath and the heavy draught of sleep taking presence. The question was on the table and left the king pondering. Yusei was one of his most loyal of spirits, a fine specimen of byakko who meshed well with Judai and took great care of him. If anyone was deserving of a partner worth his stripes, it would be him. And his queen's request was a genuine one out of care and love for the other where he saw the solemn desire of a mate to call his own. When spring breaks through the frost and verglas, we will see to finding a mate for Yusei. That was a vow from the king himself and Yugi smiled, knowing Atemu would not rest unless ordered to by his queen, to finding a perfect mate for Yusei. When his last tail was brushed out, Atemu moved towards the bed and climbed in, untucking the furs and brought them over himself and his queen.

"Do you think someone is out there for Yusei?" Yugi asked, snuggling close to his husband, the two kudagitsune finding their place at the foot of the nest. "I wouldn't doubt it for a single second. There is someone for any good spirit, it's just a matter of finding them." Yugi nodded, bringing his head to rest over his mate's shoulder, feeling an arm come to slide around his waist.

Yes...it was just a matter of finding them...and Yugi would not rest himself until the perfect spirit was found for Yusei in the spring.