Winter Moon

It was called Moon Stone. He had never seen its like before and had come upon it quite by accident. It had been two weeks ago at the first of two Yule time markets that were to take place. A woman selling polished and rough cut stones had shown it to him. He had gotten an idea for it almost at once and that bought a fair sized piece of it from her. He had been in his shop practically every day of the week since then, filling the spare moments between his professional work on this project. He had not made many pieces of jewelry since he opened his Smith shop and those that he had done were small jobs, nothing like this, but for two weeks of work he was proud of himself.

It was a silver bracelet, two thin bands linked together at the ends with the polished Moon stone and some delicate curved bands of silver held between them. It was not as fine as other bracelets she might find in other shops but he was sure that she would like it. He had hesitated when the idea had first come to him because he thought it might encourage his father and others to yet again think that he and Solana were meant to be together but surely there was nothing untoward or suspicious about giving a gift to a friend over the Yule season, why did there need to be any other motive behind his actions than simply wishing to give a gift to a friend? There did not. So he continued to work. It was almost finished now, all it needed was a polish and to be set into a box, which he would purchase today. The door of the shop opened but he did not look up from his work.

"You're working hard Brother" the voice was Luca`s.

"Yes well this is a special project"

"May I see?" Lance nodded and held the bracelet up over the half wall that separated the forge from the rest of the shop and behind which his work bench sat. "Its beautiful. For Solana?"

"Yes it will be her Yule tide present" Lance lowered the bracelet again and resumed work on it.

"Oh"

"Don't you even think about it"

"What?"

"I am making her a gift because we are friends and nothing more about it"

"Oh really? Well I am your friend too, more than than in fact, have you made me a gift?"

"Actually I have and you will get it not one day before everyone else"

"Spoil sport" Luca wandered the shop for a while and Lance continued working in silence.

"Was there something else you wanted Brother?" asked Lance as he set aside his tools and took up a polishing cloth.

"I only came to see how you were and to ask if you would like to join me for lunch"

"I shall, and thank you. I am almost finished" Luca nodded and took a seat to wait. Lance smiled to himself as he looked the finished bracelet over. He was sure she would love it. Lance rose to his feet to inspect the forge, making sure the fire was out before taking the bracelet and placing it in a hidden drawer in the sales desk. This done he threw a bear fur cloak over his shoulders and placed his sword over his back . "I am ready" Luca rose from his chair, tieing his own wolf fur cloak closer about himself, and the two made their way to the Inn of the Last Home. It had snowed heavily in the last week and everything was covered in a thick fluffy blanket. Their breath misted in the air before them as they walked.

"How has your day been thus far Brother?" asked Lance.

"Oh fine. Nothing out of the ordinary"

"That is good to hear"

"Was there anything special that you wanted to know?"

"No nothing, only curious" Luca nodded and let the subject drop. Lance had already heard all he needed to hear. He knew that if Luca had heard anything about the movements of the new followers of Takhisis he would have said something, especially to his Blood Brother. Arriving at the Inn they kicked the snow off their boots and headed inside. It was warms so they both stripped off their cloaks and found the nearest empty table.

"What will you have today?" asked Gems, or rather Gems daughter who shared her mothers name. Luca smiled at her.

"Two mugs of ale to start and a bowl of pork stew for me"

"Make that two and some fresh bread" said Lance. Gems nodded and hurried off to fill their order. Another bar maid came by minuets later with their ale.

"Do you think its a bad sign that if there is no news that I assume the worst?" asked Lace as he took a drink of his ale. Luca shook his head,

"Not at all. Given what we saw and encountered while we were away I consider it perfectly reasonable and I share that feeling with you"

"Well it is good to know that I am not the only one then"

"You are in good company as always brother" Luca smiled and took a drink himself. Their food arrived in good time and they enjoyed it in partial silence while their conversation drifted to other more pleasant things mostly concerning the coming holiday evening that was soon to be upon them.

"Will you be attending the party here that evening?" asked Luca as he finished his lunch and pushed the empty bowl aside.

"I shall, along with my father. And yourself brother?"

"Yes I will be here also. Shall you give Solana her present then?"

"Yes I shall. It only makes sense I think considering that she shall be spending the holiday evening with her family and it is unlikely that I shall see her then"

"A fair conclusion. Will you and your father be coming to our house for the day of the celebration?"

"Like every year" Lance smiled and finished off his ale. The two parted not long after the meal and Lance returned to his shop for the bracelet before going to find the perfect box for it. He found one in a small carpenters shop. The box was plain save for the carved ribbon work along the top and down all four corners. The bracelet fit perfectly inside without being too tight or too loose a fit. With the box paid for, bracelet safely inside it, Lance returned to his shop to finish the days work.

Lance had just finished his breakfast on the morning of the Yule tide eve celebration when a knock came to the shop door. He heard Will answer it, prepared no doubt to inform whoever was there that the shop was not yet open, but instead it seemed he let whoever was their in and directed them upstairs for a second knock came to the door of the main house.

"Were you expecting anyone father?"

"Not I" Kalas shook his head. Lance nodded and went to answer the door. Solana stood there in a light brown leather cloak lined with rabbit fur, firmly fastened to ward off the chill from outside. She smiled at him.

"Good morning"

"Morning, this is a surprise" said Lance.

"I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

"Not at all. My son and I just finished our breakfast. Please come in" Kalas smiled at her and beconed her inside. Solana bowed and stepped into the room. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"I came to see if your son might come to the Yule market with me, as it is the last one"

"Ah and what do you say son?"

"I say that I shall go and gladly. Just allow me to finish the"

"I'll take care of the cleaning my lad. Don't keep the lady waiting" Lance laughed.

"In that case then allow me only to fetch my sword and cloak and we shall be on our way" Solana nodded and Lance hurriedly tied his wolf fur cloak about his shoulders and retrieved his sword before going to the door and holding it open for Solana. "Lead the way" Solana smiled and walked through the door and down to the shop. Lance bid farewell to his father before following.

This market was certainly bigger than the last. The number of vendors and merchants was at least doubled if not tripled and prices had been considerably lowered because of the time of the season. Lance found the same woman that had sold him the moon stone and thanked her for it, being sure first that Solana was occupied somewhere else. He did not however have control over other ears or eyes and when he turned from the vendor to look around he spied Vallan watching him. The two glared at one another and some, seeing what must have been frightening looks upon their faces, shied away from them both. Solana came to Lances side and also glanced over at Vallan who, upon seeing her, changed his expression to a more pleasant visage, bowed, and continued on his own way.

"Cannot you two get along even for the holiday?"

"It seems not" said Lance, his eyes followed Vallan till he could no longer be seen. Solana sighed and Lance turned to her, a small smile vanishing his earlier glare.

"Would you like something to eat? I know a great place to get some roasted pork and potatoes" Solana smiled.

"That sounds lovely" Lance smiled back and the two went their way in search of the vendor. They ate their food in a warm tented area the vendor had kindly set up for his customers. It was heated by the wood stove and grill he used to cook and was rather comfortable. Lance also ordered to cups of fresh cider to go with their meals.

"This is good. Thank you"

"You're welcome, I am glad you like it"

"I do wish every market day were like this one"

"As do I if only for the food" Solana laughed and continued eating. Once they finished lunch Solana led Lance to a lady who made dolls and other children`s toys. Solana bought a small toy for each of the orphaned children that the Temple took care of. It was late afternoon by the time Solana had done all of her shopping.

"Sorry for dragging you around with me like this Lance"

"Not at all I've enjoyed my self"

"I'm glad. However now I fear we must part. It will be time for the party over at the Inn soon. Shall I see you there?"

"You shall but please allow me to walk you home" Solana smiled.

"Thank you" Lance nodded and followed Solana home. Once seen to her door he bowed and turned his own steps for home.

Upon arriving he found is father dressed finely and seated before the fire with Thorn, one of Mishka`s kits now grown, in his lap.

"Sorry to have been gone for so long father"

"Do not worry about it. Did you have a nice time?"

"Yes, I even had the chance to thank the lady who sold me the moon stone"

"Ah yes for that bracelet you were making. May I see it?"

"Yes as soon as I wash and chance into more suitable clothes" Lance smiled and made his way upstairs. Lance quickly washed his face and his hair before undressing. He changed into a green wool shirt and warm black leggings. He pulled his best boots from his cabinet and wiped them down before pulling them on. He then picked up the box that held the bracelet and headed back downstairs.

"Here it is father" he placed the box in his fathers hand. Kalas opened the lid of the box and carefully removed the bracelet from where it sat.

"Fine work Lance. Well done. She will love it"

"I do hope so father. Should we go?"

"Yes let us go son" Kalas nodded and rose to his feet, carefully setting Thorn back down on the chair, before tieing his heavy cloak about his shoulders. Lance did the same and retrieved his sword before following his father out, locking the door of the shop behind them.

The Inn of the Last Home was done up in its Yule tide best. Branches of evergreens covered window sills, outlined door ways, set upon the mantle of the fire place and were even interwoven through the roof beams. Glass globes held candles upon every table and these were surrounded by a ring of holly and winter roses. Gems served spiced cider, mulled wine and ale together with sweet rolls, all on the house. Every table was full so there were plenty of customers either at the bar or standing but no one seemed to care in the least. Lance and Kalas found Lucius and his family at one of the tables in the centre of the room. Kalas and Lucius greeted one another warmly as did Lance and Luca. Roasted duck and honeyed ham were on special that night and Lucius had ordered both along with two skillets of spiced potatoes.

"With all that food no one will be able to eat the wonderful dinner that Ariel will make tomorrow my friend" said Kalas.

"No fear of that Kalas. No one could resist my wife's cooking and besides I know one who will eat anything everyone else does not finish" while saying this Lucius looked to the door and all turned to see Khurn standing there. Lance rose and waved his uncle over to the table.

"Good evening Uncle Khurn and happy Yule tide"

"The same to you nephew" Khurn smiled and took Lances offered hand.

"Brother" Kalas stood and gave Khurn a hug. By the time everyone was seated again the food had arrived at the table. Lance surprised himself by finishing off two full plates and washing them down with Gems mulled ale. It was nearing ten o clock by the time Gems, certain that everyone had eaten and drank their fill, called for attention to make the Yule toast and to lead everyone in a song to help herald in the holiday and bring good fortune.

When the song was ended Lance looked about for Solana. Finding her Lance excused himself from the table and walked over to her, the bracelet in its box carefully concealed under his arm. He was a few steps away still when he saw Vallan approach. He thought nothing of it at first and stopped to allow Vallan to say his peace and move on but when he saw the man pull a long box from his belt his heart began to sink. Solana opened the box, inside was a bracelet, not of the exact design of the one Lance had made, but it too was Moon stone. Lance nearly felt his heart dashed to pieces, all of his hard work, all of that time, now for nothing. Vallan must have sensed himself being watched for he looked up and when he beheld Lance his lips twisted into a mocking smile. Lance felt his blood stir to violence at that look but he was quick to stamp it down when Solana too looked up at him.

"Oh, Lance, good evening"

"Yes good evening"

"Look at the bracelet Vallan got for me. Isn't it lovely?"

"Yes it is"

"Was there something you wanted?" this from Vallan, his eyes narrowed. Again Lance stamped on his emotions.

"Only to wish you a merry Yule tide and I hope that tomorrow will be filled with joy and fortune for you Solana"

"Thank you Lance"

"Yes thank you" Lances eyes hardened as he looked at Vallan and he hoped that his eyes were enough to say what he was thinking "I said nothing about wishing you the same". Lance tucked his present back into a pouch at his belt and returned to his table.

"Well nephew how did it go?" asked Khurn when he saw Lance return. Lance had his head bowed and did not respond. It was as if he had not heard. Luca stood up and placed a hand upon Lances shoulder.

"Lance?"

"Yes?"

"Your uncle asked how it went, with Solana"

"Oh, forgive me uncle Khurn. It went..fine"

"Just fine?" asked Khurn.

"Yes...uh father I am terribly sorry and to you also sir Lucius but I am feeling quite tired. I think it was the ale, happens all the time. I think I will head home for the night"

"Already?"

"I am afraid so Uncle"

"Lance did something happen?" asked Kalas. Lance shook his head.

"No father, nothing happened. I am just tired. Forgive me and good night" Lance bowed slightly and quickly made his way out of the Inn. Luca watched him go and then turned to find Solana. Seeing Vallan bent over Solana at her table it did not take long of Luca to realize what might have gone wrong. Clenching his fists Luca excused himself and made his way over to Solana`s table.

"Evening Solana"

"Luca! Good evening" Luca`s eyes fell to the bracelet in Solana`s lap, it was not the one Lance had made.

"That is a lovely bracelet"

"Thank you. Vallan gave it to me"

"Did he really?"

"Yes I did and it cost quite a bit of money" Vallan was puffed up and proud of that. Luca`s eyes flashed like steel.

"Solana might I steal Vallan from you for a moment? I need to have a word with him"

"Alright" Luca bowed and discretely took Vallan by the elbow to lead him away. Once at a safe distance near the bar Luca looked Vallan in the eye to be sure that the meaning behind what he was about to say would not be lost.

"Vallan if your pursuit of Solana is genuine, if you have true feelings for her and she returns those feelings I shall not interfere and I promise you that neither will Lance"

"I am glad. Now if you"

"However" Luca`s voice took on a dangerous edge and he gripped Vallans elbow tighter, his eyes burning coal bright and never leaving Vallans for an instant, "If your interest in Solana is purely out of a spiteful desire to humiliate and shame my best friend, regardless of her feelings and desires I promise you that Lance will be the least of your worries. I will see to it that you are brought before the Council on charges of disrupting the peace and inciting vice and you will be found guilty, mark me well" having said his peace Luca released Vallan and walked back to his own table, where he excused himself in order to go find Lance.

It was cold in the house by the time Lance returned. He placed his cloak carelessly upon the nearest peg, deposited his sword near it, and set to building the fire up again. Once the fire was blazing steadily Lance stood before it for a few moments and warmed his hands before folding silently into the nearest chair. He removed the bracelet box from the pouch he had placed it in and slowly opened the lid. The fire light made the Moon stone glow golden and the silver glinted like the metal shavings on his work bench back at the shop. It was not a fine thing he supposed, not something you would see upon a fine ladies wrist, but he had done his best and for his first piece of jewelry he had thought it well done. But what did he really know about these things? Perhaps tomorrow...no maybe the day after he would take it back to his shop, cast it into the forge and watch it slowly melt away. Make it into something more useful, a goblet perhaps. Lance sighed and closed the box, set it down upon the table. He would do no such thing. A knock came to the door downstairs. Lance got up and walked to the top of the stairs.

"Go away!"

"Lance! Don't be foolish, let me in" it was Luca. Lance walked down and opened the shop door. "May I come in?" Lance nodded and stood back to let Luca inside. Once the door was locked again Lance led the way upstairs.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you, I'll not be staying long" Lance nodded but did not re take his seat, instead he stood near the fire place. Luca looked down at the box upon the table and then back up at Lance, "Are you alright?"

"Yes I think so"

"No your not. Yours is not entirely like the bracelet Vallan gave. You put so much work into it, I am sure that she will see that and be happy to have it. Never mind that what will you do with it?" at this Lance smiled.

"You're right there"

"Could you not still give it to her? Tomorrow?"

"I suppose I could go early to her house and drop it off"

"Good idea" Luca smiled and walked over to Lance, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "I was impressed by the way"

"With what?"

"Well with the way you handled yourself. Knowing you that could have gone much worse. At least you did not start punching him" Lance chuckled.

"Believe me it was hard not to"

"I'm sure. Well if you are alright then I shall take my leave and see you tomorrow. Goodnight Lance"

"Goodnight" Lance saw his Blood brother to the door and then saw himself to bed. As he began to drift off he could hear his father just coming home.

The next morning Kalas was the first one up. Lance woke to the sound of his father moving about in the kitchen making breakfast. Outside the sky was clear and a light snow was falling. Lance indulged in a hot bath and washed his face before changing into a black shirt, over which he placed a blue tunic which had silver threads bended with the material so it had a slight metallic shine, and another pair of warm black leggings. He cleaned his boots from the night before and pulled them on before making his way downstairs.

"Good morning father"

"Good morning Lance. Have a seat, breakfast will be ready soon" Lance sat and waited, helping himself to one of the rolls his father had set on the table. Kalas came out of the kitchen with two plates of sausage, fried potatoes and eggs. Setting the plates down Kalas returned to the kitchen to bring out the tea before taking his own seat. Lance poured himself a cup of tea before starting on his breakfast. The two ate quietly for a while, enjoying the peaceful morning.

"What did happen last night son?"

"Vallan gave Solana a bracelet like the one I had made"

"The exact same?"

"No but with the same materials"

"I see. You know he does things like that just to get to you. I doubt he has any real interest in Solana"

"If he does or if he doesn't that is fine. It was the fact that he had deliberately gone out of his way to get her almost the exact same thing that bothers me" Kalas nodded and was silent again for a little while.

"Are you still going to give her the present you made?"

"Yes father. I will drop it off this morning before we head over to Sir Lucius`s house" just then there was a knock at the door. Lance pushed his empty plate aside and wiped his hands before going to answer it, Will was not in the shop today of course. When he opened the door Solana was there, wearing the same cloak as before. There was snow in her honey hair and she smiled at him.

"Hello Lance"

"Shouldn't you be home Solana? It is the day of Yule"

"Yes I know and I will return soon but I wanted to come and get the present you have for me"

"How do you know about that?"

"I didn't till now" she smiled again and Lance suppressed a chuckle.

"Come in then, please. Its upstairs" Solana nodded and walked past Lance up the stairs. Lance followed and retrieved the box from where he had placed it upon the mantle piece. "This is it" he handed the box to her and Solana opened it.

"Lance its beautiful. Did you make this?"

"Yes"

"I love it, thank you"

"Even though it is like the one Vallan gave to you?"

"But it isn't like it at all. You must have worked so hard on this I am sorry that Vallans present made you think I would not want yours" she closed the box and gave Lance a hug, "Thank you" Lance smiled and returned her hug.

"I am glad that you like it" Solana smiled also and stepped back out of Lances embrace.

"Sadly I should return home. Thank you again" Solana bowed to Kalas before departing. Kalas smiled then turned to Lance.

"There you see?"

"Yes father"

"Well lets get everything cleaned up and head out ourselves" Lance nodded and helped his father to clean the dishes.

Much later that night when Lance was getting ready for bed, his head still buzzing from too many glasses of warm mulled wine, he looked out his window and spied the white moon of Solinari hanging like a golden ball in the sky and next to it Lunitari was a muted rose. Over this holiday something had changed. He could not say what for sure it was merely a feeling but he felt sure that whatever it was would reveal it self to him in time. If Vallan had sought to somehow ruin the holiday he had failed. Lance smiled at that thought and drifted to sleep.