Winter season came again to Orario. It was getting colder from day to day and started to snow. In that special time of the year even the Center of the World City would come to a hold.
In that time of the year most of the Familias took a break from the dungeon. No one knew how exactly the holy winter days started, most of the people said it was some god of ancient times.
Entering the dungeon was of course not forbidden, but the tradition was to relax this time and spend time with your beloved and Familias, because what was the reason of a life full of danger if you didn´t enjoy the benefits from time to time ? The Familias that produced clothing had their main time during events like this, another one would be the Halloween Festa. A time that a certain grey haired goddess would enjoy to its fullest.
Exceptionally she was alone in her big room and did not sit in her chair. Most of the people wouldn´t believe what she did right now, because being alone gave her a chance to show a side, that she would never in front of others...at least not as Freya... To mention, it wasnt exactly Freya whou sat cross legged on the carpet in a corner of the room and putting small packages in a big bag while humming and smiling from time to time. The bag was not to big to be carried by one girl, if she took it on her back. Believe it or not, every single package was packed up by herself. She took care, that every package was properly closed and safely in the bag, so they wouldn´t squash each other. Arriving at the last package she heard a voice from the door, but she didn´t look up from her work as said door opened and the goddess Freya entered the room.
After closing the door and making sure no one stood on the other side of the door anymore Freya turned to the sitting girl and bowed her head lightly.
"Good morning Mylady."
Now Freya looked up...or rather Syr did while smiling. Syr was the only way to express her feelings like she did now, and like that only in front of Helun.
"Good morning Helen, you´re right on time as allways."
Freya/Helen walked over to the sitting Syr in an elegant manner.
"I assume you´re about to go ?"
Having finished packing the bag Syr stood up and took her hat from a nearby table. "Of course."
"What about prot-"
"Nope."
This word she would never use as Freya, but just to be in case for whatever reason someone would enter the room, she changed speaking manners the moment Helen entered.
"I´m going to the orphanage and after that to the restaurant...I couldn´t be safer."
It made no sense trying to argue with Freya, she would do what she wanted. "Then I can only wish you safe trip."
Syr swung the large bag on her back and Helun opened the secret door for her.
"Then...I´m off." Syr wore a big grin on her face
...haaaa
How Helen enjoyed seeing her goddess like that.
"Have fun..Lady Syr."
.
.
It was chilly this morning in Orario but not to the point were it was unpleasant, but Syr was glad for the jacket she took with her as she leaved one of the main gates of Babel. Even at this early hour it was quite busy here. Some adventurers would enter the dungeon a last time, but not going deeper than the 6th floor. In this time of the year some new monsters spawned on said floors and vanished after it, having silly names like the spooky snowman. Even the floors would change, the walls getting covered in ice and snow, making the floors look beautiful she heard.
Also the ice ensured no normal monsters would spawn in this time. Apparently by defeating the monsters, they had a chance after dissolving to leave small bags behind, filled with special spices that would be used for meals and drinks. Syr had begged some adventurers she knew to get her some bags, happily they did and much more than she had hoped. She had thanked them with a big smile and some drinks at the Benevolent Mistress. The spices would be used by Mama Mia for the special Holy Winter menue.
The main street was cleared from snow every day but on the edge there was snow piled up. Happily humming Syr enjoyed trudging with her boots through the snow. A few people who knew her from her work at the restaurant greeted her and she returned every greeting smiling. No clouds were at the sky at this moment, but the magical weather forecast announced it would snow later the day. With the rising sun the first shops already opened, a few shop owners waved to her when she passed them, they´ve seen the grey haired girl many times walking this street.
After walking a while and turning some corners Syr arrived at the Daedalus street and followed it until she reached at her first destination of the day, Maria´s Orphanage. A slim older woman with black hair was in front of the gate of the abandoned church and swept snow away, she looked up as Syr came over and smiled gently.
"Ah Syr good morning."
"Good morning Maria."
Syr putted the bag down on a spot without snow.
"What´s this ?"
Syr grinned. "Presents."
A new smile bloomed on Marias face. "You´re too kind."
Maria leaned her broom on a wall and opened the door. "Come in."
Taking her bag Syr followed her. "Morning Kids !"
"Syr !" "Syr." "It´s Syr !"
The children came running over to her and Maria. "The holy winter spirit gave me something for you all."
Syr playfully threatened with her index finger. "But only if you were well-behaved this year."
"""Of course we were !"""
It made Syr happy to see the pure joy from the children over the presents she brought them. There was a present for every kid and even one for Maria. Syr cleared her throat to get the attention of the kids.
"At todays evening you will get something else from my colleagues and me from the restaurant. Two of us will come over to bring you a special holy winter meal made by Mama Mia."
"""Oooooh !""" The kids joyful voices filled the church.
After staying for half an hour Syr wished goodbye and headed in the direction of the Benevolent Mistress. Today would be a good day she thought while swinging the near empty bag in one hand. Only three items remained in it. A large ribbon, a letter and...a Mistletoe she bought on her way. Arrivyng at the restaurant after a while Syr cleared her boots on the doormat before entering.
She was right on time to go upstairs to the changing room. After taking the stairs she knocked softly before entering the changing room where her eyes fell on a special elven girl. Syr showed her a bright smile.
"Morning Ryuu !"
Ryuu tied up her apron at this moment. "Good morning Syr."
Syr put down the bag in her locker and took her uniform.
"Whats in the bag ?"
"Hmm ? Ah nothing."
In the back of the room stood a clothes rack with various costumes for the evening. Every holy winter night they would change into them before evening. For Syr was some sort of animal costume, she would wear a headband with a tiny antler on it, a red ball to put on her nose and a short dress in brown with white fur border on top and bottom, as well as long separate sleeves with the same type of border and a short fluffy tail at her back. Ryu would wear a short green dress, also with white fur borders and a green cap on her head. But she refused to wear it without her tights. The other girls had various costumes, the only one who wouldn´t wear one was Mia and the kitchen staff. She didn´t want to but her staff had to wear them because she said
"My house, My rules."
"Mama Mia said we´re booked up for tonight." Syr took off her top while answering.
"Well no surprise, it´s like that every year. Loki Familia again ?"
"No, they were to late for a reservation. goddess Loki was upset when she wanted to book the entire store, but Goddess Hestia rented a big part before. The Familias of Goddess Hestia, God Takemikazuchi and God Miach are coming together."
"Oh thats something new. They do know about the prices at tonight do they ?"
"Yes, Mama Mia gave them a menu but Goddess Hestia said money doesn´t matter tonight."
"So Mr. Bell will be here tonight too."
"Yes." Syr showed Ryuu a smile. "Doesn´t that make you happy ?"
Ryuu looked slightly blushing to the side. "M-maybe a little bit."
Syr couldn´t hold herself back and hugged Ryuu from behind. "Aw Ryuu you´re so cute."
Struggling because she was putting on her tights right now Ryuu squealed for a second. "Ah Syr !" Instantly Syr froze. "Was that...a squeal ?"
From behind she saw Ryuus ears getting a red shade. "Don´t tease me..."
Syr giggled and rubbed her cheek against Ryuus. "So cute."
At Hearth mansion a few hours later.
.
.
Bell sat on the carpet in his room and worked at a piece of wood with his knife, his grandfather once showed him how to carve, it would be far from perfect but hopefully good enough. His goddess teached him in his first year in Orario how the holy winter night were celebrated here. For the last weeks whenever he had time, he would carve something, his goal was to gift every Familia member a selfmade present. He also had a leather roll with some files and a tiny planer in it plus a carving knife. For Hestias present he had used the Hestia Knife as well as for the piece he was at now. It was difficult to work with this knife, not meant for work like this, but it was important that he did it with this one. Because Hestias and this one were special.
For Hestia he made a stylized flame, for Welf a tiny anvil, Lily got a tiny bell. For Haruhime he made a fox and Mikoto even though she transfered back to Takemikazuchi Familia a tiny Katana.
After doing the last cuts and filing as well as polishing for two hours he was done with the last piece, not master crafted but it came from heart. He laid it into a box right next to the one he did for Syr, a medallion that looked similar to the one she gave him before the wargame. His hands were a bit rough now but he used a hand cream he got from Hestia with the words.
"I can´t allow my cute little Bell to have hands like a ruffian ! Even though I´d like to being hold with such strong hands...just kidding...ahaha !"
It turned into a forced joke at the end when Hestia saw Lilys glance.
When he went to the bathroom the boys used, Hestia strictly insisted the woman and man from her Familia used different bathrooms so no "accident" in someone seeing Bell without clothes might happen, he met Welf there who was busy wiping himself with a cloth after doing early work in his forge.
"Ah Bell, done with your secret work ?"
"Finished just now, and you ?"
"Just did some last details."
"What did you made for Lady Hephaistos ?"
Welf coughed. "How did you know ?"
Bell grinned. "Quiet obvious."
"A forge hammer with a head made from pure adamantium, on one side the her symbol, on the other side my lettering, hope she thinks about me when she uses it."
"Phew, thats bold."
Welf grinned wide. "Nah, I´m sure with our never ending love in her hand she will produce amazing pieces."
"Aha...and what do you feel with her giving those pieces to someone she forged using your love ?"
"Hmm...pride ?"
Both laughed, it was a joke between them.
A silent knock on the door interrupted them, Bell went and opened the door a gap. On the other side stood Haruhime who forgot what she wanted the moment she saw Bell shirtless before her.
"Awawa...a mans chest..."
"Oy you perverted fox, hurry up !"
A louder voice came from hall, Aisha was here, to visit her little sister. "Tch you have nerves trying to sneak into the mans bathroom without me."
Haruhime whirled around and stuttered. "Th-Thats not it Aisha ! I-I just wanted to tell them we have to go in half an hour !"
Aisha stood with crossed arms in front of Haruhime. "Your nose is bleeding."
"Kya !"
Haruhime quickly took a handkerchief to whipe the blood away. Aisha took a side glance to the still in the door standing Bell, letting her eyes wander around his muscled chest for a moment, until Bell closed the door wide enough so only his face could be seen.
"Just what did you made out of my pure little sister..."
"I did nothing to her !"
"Pff..coward."
"Anyway i got the message !" Bell closed the door and turned around.
Welf grinned. "Popular as always with the ladies."
"Not you too.."
.
.
With the sun starting to set the three Familias met at the entrance of the mansion. Daphne and Cassandra wore simple dresses matching their haircolor. Nazas dress was a bit more elegant , one arm naked except for a glove, the other one like always covered, she also wore a gentle smile on her face, she had hooked her elbow with Miach. The Takemikazuchi Familia wore eastern clothes fit for a party. Mikotos eyes wandered around unfocused and her face deep red.
Her mind still tried to handle her situation. After returning to the Takemikazuchi Famila but still being in the big Dungeon Partie, her god fulfilled his promise and gifted her the other blade.
Also this morning he gave all of his children presents, in Mikotos case a ring. He was not so unaware of her feelings as she thought and asked her to share her life with him. Stuttering she had accepted, the two now engaged. Love between a god and a mortal was not that rare in Orario. The others pretended to not notice her condition but to be honest, you could use Mikotos face as a signal lantern right now. It wasn´t the only couple among them, Ouka and Chigusa had hooked in their pinkies, hoping nobody would notice it, as if their faces didn´t reveal it.
A time for love indeed. Aisha wished them a goodbye and set off to the home of Hermes Familia. "I can´t let our captain alone with whatever pranks our god is planning or she might cry."
While she walked away, Bell saw she wore the gloves that Haruhime knitted for her.
Hestia nodded statisfied with everyones looks. "Now then, let´s go."
About ten meters later Hestia was at Bells right arm, Lily at first wanted to take his left, but unfortunately he hold a box with it. Hestia smiled victorious. The sun sank down more and more, but it wouldn´t get dark in Orario the most nights and surely not this one. Every street was filled with lights and laughter. Walking along the streets at some point the catgirls Chloe and Ahnya dashed past them with murderous speed, both had big boxes in each hand that were covered in cloth.
Bell only heard a quick " See nya later !"
They charged in the direction of the Daedalus street.
"I wonder why they´re in such a hurry ?"
It was Miach who answered Bells question. "I´m sure Mama Mia set them a time for their delivery and also most of the catpeople don´t like the cold. That reminds me.."
Miach laid his arm around Nazas shoulder and pulled her closer. "Are you cold Naza ?"
Naza could only shake her head but also cuddled up a bit more with her god. Seeing Mikoto and Takemikazuchi as they met in front of the mansion gave her the intention to be more bold with Miach.
Just as it was getting dark they arrived at the Benevolent Mistress.
"Woah !"
The inside of the restaurant was decorated up to the roof. All tables full with people, except the ones with a "Reserved" shield on it. The waitresses moved between the guests with professional practice each of them handling more than one plate in one hand.
"Mr Cranell, goddess Hestia, god Miach, god Takemikazuchi, Hestia familia, Takemikazuchi familia and Miach familia, good evening."
Ryuu greeted them wearing a cute green costume.
"Ah Miss Ryuu good evening."
All of them took of their jackets while Ryuu showed them to their tables, they were arranged in a long line, the ends reserved for the male gods and the middle for Hestia.
"Your dress looks cute." Bell talked without thinking, having a blushing Ryuu as a result.
"Th-thank your Mr. Cranell."
After they sat down and ordered their drinks, they started to talk over various things. When Ryuu came back Syr was with her, because they had ordered more drinks than even a trained waitress like Ryuu could carry. The costume that Syr wore was even beyond cute.
She got more attention than the other waitresses in the restaurant. Bell thanked when she gave him his drink.
"Your costume looks amazing."
"Ehe..thank you ! I was lucky that i got this one, I think I will get the most tips this year again !"
Ryuu coughed. "Syr."
"Ah sorry I shouldn´t announce that so loud should I ? Teehee." Syr lightly bumped her head with her fist.
"Uhm..are you...did you have a drink ?"
"Just a bit tipsy Mr. Bell. Its holy winter night after all. So what would you all like to eat ? Our main chef is just waiting for your orders."
Syr took one half of the orders, Ryuu the other half. After the two left Hestia cleared her throat and hold up her drink, it was a big wooden tankard with foam from her drink at the top.
"Now everyone cheers !"
The drinks were mixed with the special herbs of the season and tasted amazing. After the food arrived the party started for real. Bell enjoyed the food and atmosphere to the fullest. He couldn´t decide what had the best taste, the meat, vegetables or the sauce. Syr and Ryuu took turnes in bringing new drinks, food or taking away the empty plates. At some point Ahnya and Chloe returned, brought the empty boxes to the kitchen and started to serve the customers, they was no way they would miss the opportunity to fight for the best tips. Even though Ahnya was a little clumsy and made mistakes, even though she worked here the longest time, she was liked by the customers, maybe exactly because of her behaviour.
And so the hours went by...
After a few hours some of the guests took their leave either wanting to see the festivities on the main place around Babel or just going home, making it less hectic for the girls. Welf had excused himself half an hour before, he wanted to meet with Hephaistos. Hestia got a bit sleepy but kept drinking and talking with Lily, they got along surprisingly well this evening. Normally they would fight over Bell at this point. With everything calmed down a bit, he waved over Syr.
"Do you and Ryuu have a few moments of time ?"
She looked around. "It should be okay I guess."
Then she disappeared to get Ryuu. "Excuse me for a few minutes."
Bell took the box he had with him and went over to Syr and Ryuu who were standing near the stairs.
"Are you enjoying the evening Mr. Cranell ?"
"Of course, it´s fantastic ! And ahm.." He took out the box.
"I have something for you two."
Syr clapped her hands excited. "Oh what is it ?"
After opening the box he gave Syr her present wrapped in cloth and Ryuu hers. Syr unwraped hers and looked happily.
"Ah how cute of you Mr. Bell I really like it !"
Ryuu on the other hand said nothing for a few moments. She looked at her present, a carved sword with wings on the side, the symbol of the Astrea Familia.
"I..." Ryuu was simply overwhelmed. "Thank you Bell.."
Ryuu even forgot to use his last name like usual when they were not alone.
Bell rubbed his hand a bit embarassed. "I´m glad you two like it."
Syr responded happy. "I will treasure it for life !"
Ryuu pressed it carefully to her chest, deeply moved. "But...we don´t have a gift in return..."
She was a bit troubled with the fact.
For a second Syrs eyes flashed. "Ah but we have something Ryuu !"
"Huh ?"
"Wait a moment !" Syr rushed up the stairs and came back shortly after, holding a few things in her hand.
Syr handed Ryuu a letter. "Here hold it."
Then she walked around Ryuu a few times and loosely wrapped a the long ribbon around her.
"Syr..what are you.."
"Shh."
After finishing Syr passed Bell the end of the ribbon, which he took confused. After that she took a green branch and stuck it in the bar above Bell and Ryuu.
"Now read it."
"Okay.." Ryuu unfolded the letter and read what was written there.
"Bell...your present...is me...!"
.
.
It took a few seconds for Ryuu to realize what she just said and as a result she blushed intensively all the way up to her ears.
"Wah...Syr !"
Even Bell was red.
"Hehe..." Syr smiled innocent.
"Wh-What a-are you making me s-say !"
"But look, Mr. Bell seems to be happy !"
Ryuu eyes met Bells. "Auuuh..."
For a moment Ryuu tried to turn away but Syr interrupted her. "You two cant walk away !"
""Why ? Its embarassing !""
Syr pointed to the branch over them.
"This is a so called mistletoe, when a man and a woman step under it, they have to kiss or else the curse of holy winter night will come over them !"
"What ?! B-But you hung that up !"
Now Syr grinned like a kid. "I know."
Ryuu turned to Bell again, he swallowed. "I guess we have no other choice.."
"B-Bell ?!" Ryuus brain went overtime. There was no way, no way she could do that here ! Looking at the smiling Syr she swallowed.
"Ah don´t worry, I will cover you two with my tray."
Not sure how to behave Ryuu stepped from one foot to the other. She shrieked a bit when Bell took her by the shoulders and stared deeply into her eyes.
"Ryuu..."
"Bell..."
Be a man Bell.
Ryuu sweared she heard voices from above.
Go for it ! Do it Ryuu ! Go you subborn elf ! Take him ! Claim your man !
Closer and closer got the distance between them, when their faces were merely separated from each other Ryuu closed her eyes, while trembling, puckered up her lips and stood on her tiptoes, because Bell was about half a head taller than her.
Bell also closed his eyes.
Finally their lips met.
Yes ! Good work ! Thats my little sister ! Nicely done for a good-for-nothing-elf.
After a few seconds Bell started to separate and Ryuu took unconsciously a tiny step forward to make it last longer for a second. They both stared at each other in silent and pretty embarassed.
To their luck only Syr saw the scene with Ryyu being wrapped up and Bell holding the ribbon. There was a strange shine in their eyes and just as Syr wanted to say something both surprised her in leaning slightly forward and kissing again.
Syr smiled lovey. "Happy holy winter night you two."