The snow had not yet fallen today.

She wondered why, as she began painting the leaves and browning the grass with her powers. Wind wooshed everywhere, and she chastised him playfully, then directed Wind to blow away some poor gardener's pile of her leaves. She giggled as the man swore and chased down the mess she had made.

"I thought I was the prankster." A light voice full of laughter chuckled from above her. She didn't need to look up, but raised her hands high with a smile. Strong cold fingers closed around her wrists and plucked her off the ground.

"Jackie!" she squealed as she sat on his chest. Wind was strong today, able to hold both of them without much dipping. "You're late! Mother wanted you to start early this year. I was just putting the last touches on, and it hasn't started snowing yet!"

Her brother laughed again, his merry gaze glancing at the surrounding forest. The pallet his sister had painted that year was ten times more beautiful than anything he had ever seen, and he had seen many season changings in his 300+ years of existing.

"You really outdid yourself this year, Pips." He breathed, meaning every word. "I don't think I want to destroy it yet. Can't Mother wait until tomorrow?"

His sister tisked at him, shaking her head and poking him in the ribs, making him grunt and snort out a laugh

"It's the changing of the seasons, Jack. You know that you dunderhead!"

"Dunderhead?" He grinned mischievously, flipping onto his belly and forcing her to fly for a minute "You really want to go there again, Twinkletoes?"

She giggled and flew ahead of him, sticking out her tongue. He grinned, passing her while flying in a lounge position, "Come on, Pippy, one last race of the season. When I win, you apologize and beg Mother to give us one more day!"

"You promise to play fair?"

"When have I ever cheated?" His eyes sparkled.

"At the lake."

That floored him. "Wh...what?"

She flew up to him and pecked his nose.

"The lake. You cheated death!"

Overcome with emotion, Jack's center swelled, and he smiled at his sister, the sparkle returning in full blaze.

"Well I promise, no cheating. Not this time." He flew ahead a little more, then grinned mischievously "On your Mark, get set...GO!"

The Wind carried the Overland Siblings in their merry chase through the forest, over the hills and around the lakes and rivers, snow flurries and autumn leaves dancing behind them as they played and laughed together, thrilled to be free and alive...

And together again. Forever.