Crystal Springs

by SafyreSky

It's been nearly a year since the Thaw and things are looking...not so great. Jack's powers are seemingly gone and the Dome covering the North Pole is melting. The solution? Enacting the Legate Law, bringing Jack and the sister he hurt so many years ago together again. With his powers gone and his sister on the fritz, saving everyone just got a little more complicated. [Rewritten!]

19. Chapter 18: Market Day

Chapter 18: Market Day

One power nap later, Jack stood in the foyer, waiting for Winter to appear. He staunched a yawn, covering his mouth with the back of his hand.

Naps. He wasn't usually a nap person. Most sprites weren't. Why nap when four hours of sleep did the trick for you, right? But man, drawing from the ether was doing a number on him and the amount of sleep he needed. It was about double the usual now and then some, what with the scattered naps he found himself taking here and there. He sighed.

"Everything okay, son?"

"That's a loaded question," Jack replied, rubbing his eyes and glancing over his shoulder as Blaise headed up the hallway.

"That was a loaded sigh," Blaise shot back, stopping beside him at the base of the stairs.

Jack shrugged with just his hands, elbow propped up on top of the baluster. "Well. There's a lot going on. I'm tired all the time because pulling from the ether is by far the most inconvenient way for anyone to use their personal magic, no wonder we've all got cores. Wish mine were working but you know, what can you do, right?"

"You've only been home for a handful of days."

"I know, and I know that finding one's essence from scratch after thousands of years of it being pretty reliable isn't going to happen like that," he said, snapping his fingers. "But it'd be nice if it did, you know?"

"I know, Jack," Blaise said with a sympathetic nod. "Give it a bit more time, eh? I'm sure we'll figure something out."

Jack frowned. "Dad, I don't have time. Any moment now the Dome'll split a crack, I'll get a nasty headache, and off I'll have to go to fix it! And I still don't have my powers back! Fully, that is," he added as an afterthought, frowning. "I won't be able to do much if I'm still drawing from the ether. If I take winter magic from the ether at the Pole, it'll take away whatever's left holding the dome together right now. And I know it's only been a couple of days, and that this takes time, but I've been like this," he gestured to himself wildly, "for almost a year now! I am sick of it," he finished with a huff.

Blaise nodded sagely. "I know, Jack. And I know that a handful of days pales in comparison to a year. But for a handful of days, you've made amazing progress! I mean, look at you!" he said, gesturing to Jack's frozen suit and glistening hair. "You look back to your usual snowy self! You just destroyed your younger siblings in a terrific game of Elemental Ball. You've won them over, made up with your sister, with me, figured out why you weren't able to use your powers—you've done a lot in a small amount of time."

"Well, Jacqueline figured that last bit out."

"Maybe so, but you've done everything else, Jack. Making up with me, your siblings, and not to mention everyone at the Pole. That was all you. And your aunts, too! And learning how to wield magic when using the ether—all that's you, son. Don't diminish your own accomplishments. They're just as meaningful. And it's all right to ask for help, you know. It doesn't make you any less of a sprite."

Jack found himself flushing a bit, glancing away, unsure how to reply to the support without sounding silly. It had made him all warm inside; how could he even articulate that? Blaise did have a point, Jack thought, as Jacqueline rushed down the stairs in her usual dress.

"Jack, you've been trying to figure it out for like, a year," she said, hopping off the last step. "And with how gradual it had been and the lack of sprite-related resources at the Pole, it's no wonder it was such a slow crawl to figure out what the heck was happening." She smiled softly, hands on her hips.

"Exactly," Blaise said. "You were doing the best with what you had."

"Exactly! And sometimes you just need a different perspective, you know? An outside opinion. A totally fresh look at things. It's like when you're writing something," Jacqueline began, patting herself down to find her pockets, "and you keep reading it over and over and it sounds worse and worse as you go, because you've been looking at it for too long. So, you put it down for a second, because you're like, going bonkers the longer you stare at it." Finding the opening for her pocket, she slid her wallet in. "Or you give it to someone else, and get an outside opinion, you know?" She frowned. Her wallet had stopped without being fully in her pocket. She pulled it out, and crammed it back in—same thing happened again. "There's no shame in a new perspective, or different angle, or a second set of eyes…"

"Or help?" Jack teased, watching as the wallet refused to go all the way into her pocket over and over again.

Jacqueline huffed. "Totally. But unless you can shrink my wallet, I think this is a one-person job." She stopped stuffing, glaring at the tinniest edge that refused to go in. "Really? Really? We can't go any farther? Really? For the love of—"

"Jacqueline."

The sprite huffed, glaring at her Dad. "Yeah, I know, don't use your mother's name in vain," she said, rolling her eyes.

"I may not be able to shrink your wallet," Jack began. "But I can fix your pockets."

"How?" Jacqueline asked, not looking up as she pulled out her wallet and dug through the pocket with her free hand.

"I can make them deeper for you."

"Really?" Fishing her keys out of her pocket, she glanced up at her brother, quizzically.

"Absolutely. Pockets are easy. It's beginner's stuff. Oh! I bet I can find a matching material at the market—though really, for pockets any material works. As long as it's sturdy. Nobody's going to see them, after all."

"Well, if it's easy, then yeah! Absolutely! I'd love that! That's really cool of you, Jack. Thank you."

Jack shrugged. "It's nothing."

She paused for a moment, crossing her arms and serving her brother with a smug look.

"What?"

"Looks like someone's excited for the market today."

"And someone else is looking a little too smug about it."

"It's good that you're excited!" Blaise piped up, glancing upstairs. "It's been a while since you and your mother had some time to yourselves."

"That's one way of putting it," Jacqueline said, Jack replying in kind with a low growl.

"It'll be a blast," Blaise said, shooting Jacqueline a warning look. "And hey, maybe once you talk to your mother, you know, properly, about everything that happened, you'll make a bit more progress on that freezer burn of yours," he finished with a shrug.

"Again, I did not agree to that name."

"But it works," Blaise replied.

"You got me there," Jack agreed, reluctantly.

"It wouldn't kill either of you to say wow Jacqueline, what a brilliant moniker for a very serious situation, you know."

"It might," Jack said.

"This house can only fit so much ego, sweetheart."

"Wow! Rude!" Jacqueline said indignantly, hands on her hips.

"I for one think it is a very brilliant moniker for a very serious situation," Winter said, coming down the stairs and kissing the top of Jacqueline's head from the last step. "Brilliant job, Jacqueline."

"Thank you, Mom!" stepping back from the stairs, she glared at them. "See? It didn't kill her!"

"Winter, you look stunning!" Blaise boomed, side stepping the kids and grabbing her tightly, swooping her off the top step and covering her face in kisses all the way down.

The season laughed, playfully trying to escape. "Oh please, Blaise dear, do mind my hair! I've a frightful amount of ice in it and would hate to see it get all melted before I even left the house."

"Disgusting," Jacqueline said, sticking her tongue out.

"I did not need to see that," Jack uttered. "Not in front of your children, please!"

"I'd apologize but ah, I'm not the slightest bit sorry," Blaise said, placing his wife down gently. "Winter, you look amazing! Spectacular, showstopping—you are going to strike fear into the hearts of all of your enemies. Those poor market goers won't know what hit 'em!"

"I know!" Winter said cheerily. "I'm quite excited. I must admit, it was hard to top last night's look, but I think I've managed well enough!" Lifting her arms slightly, she twirled from side to side.

"I'll say." Blaise grabbed her hand, holding it up and twirling her around.

Today's dress was blue. It was a long sleeve, off the shoulder style dress with a matching low-cut neckline that could, quite literally, kill. It was made out of elegantly crafted, twirling icicles that shot straight across either side from the middle, jutting out on the shoulders. A white smattering of frost crept up and down jaggedly from her waistline, the spikes larger over the bodice, growing shorter and shorter as they wrapped around her waist. The sleeves were sort of sheer, covering her arms and coming to a point on her hand, the very tip of them creeping onto her middle finger. The frost and snow on the dress sparkled as she twirled, casting little fractals of light all over the hall as she lightly brushed out her skirt, a fresh layer of frost making it even more sparkly. She had even freeze dried her hair this afternoon; it was pulled up into its usual bun, albeit a little more elegant. The hairs out of place were strategic, and curled to the point of being perfectly still. She had even gone the extra mile and accessorized, a string of crystal snowflakes woven into her bun.

When Winter said she'd be imparting her wintry wrath, she had not been joking. Jack was relieved that he had gone the extra mile and topped off the ice on his suit, and touched up the frost in his hair. He had somehow managed to look extra frosty, despite the freezer burn and, not to mention, the thaw itself. It was impressive, given the slushier exterior he had these days. And even with the warm flush and softer eyes, he still had his reputation; he could coast by on it easily enough if the look didn't do the job for him. He grinned.

"I love the sleeves," Jack said, gesturing at her shoulders.

"You don't think it's too much?" Winter asked, delicately touching the icy edges.

"Not at all!" Jack said. "Jacqueline?"

"Oh I am definitely getting 'I can and will freeze you with a look' vibes from both of you. It's great. You guys are gonna kill it."

"Metaphorically, of course," Blaise clarified, reluctantly dropping Winter's hand. "Please try not to actually kill. I'd like to enjoy my weekend."

Winter's laugh ended in a sigh. "That's easier said than done, I'm afraid."

"Oh, is Leaf going to be there?" Jacqueline asked.

Winter grimaced. "Unfortunately."

"Ah," Blaise said with a knowing look.

"And Leaf is—?" Jack asked, curious.

"The most insufferable fairy I have ever met," Winter said, icily. "And that's saying something, given that most fairies are, by nature, insufferable. He helps out with Spring's booth."

"Why are fairies helping sprites?" Jack asked with a frown. "I mean, I know the fairy settlements here are very new age, but even then, they don't usually go around helping sprites. What's up with that?"

"It's this whole silly thing," Winter rolled her eyes, a dismissive hand waving over her shoulder. "In recent years, fairies have been coming to Crystal Springs from their home settlements and schmoozing with us seasons in particular. Our running theory is that they're hoping they can learn how to control some elements under our guidance," she sniffed distastefully. "Summer and I aren't tolerating it much. Autumn is being careful but not saying no. Spring, however, is very gung-ho about it. She's welcomed each fairy that came her way and assigned them simple tasks to help with her day-to-day duties."

"Which includes running the flower stall," Blaise added. "And Leaf is one of many of these fairies. It's not a bad idea, in theory. It'd be great for fairy-sprite relations. Unfortunately, these particular fairies coming in are a little too…traditional."

"That's one way of putting it," Winter said. "They're not as nice or pleasant or approachable or friendly as the fairies who live here in Crystal Springs. I will admit that the longer they stay, the more they abandon traditional fairy values. But unfortunately, not all of them are as changeable, which results in a lot of…intolerable fae."

"Including this Leaf guy, right?"

"Right," Winter nodded. "He's very greedy. He makes browsing Spring's flowers an absolute nightmare. And he's been at each and every seasonal market for the last decade! I'm this close," she said, pinching her forefinger and thumb very nearly together, "to freezing him right solid."

"I think you should," Jacqueline said, taking a seat on the third to last step. "As a treat. Just a little bit."

Winter laughed. "Well, I promised your father no murder, Jacqueline dear."

"Then it's a good thing I'm not going, because I made no promises and would freeze him solid on the spot," Jacqueline said disdainfully.

"Tell you what, if the need arises, I'll gladly take the heat for freezing him," Jack decided. "Should the need arise, of course. I won't ruin your reputation, Winter. Or yours, Governor Frost," Jack teased.

Blaise chortled. "Oh, please. I've ruined my reputation multiple times. And they still keep me around," he said with a shrug.

"Other politicians have done much, much worse than any of the things you've done, Blaise dear," Winter scoffed. "Besides, I think the general populous appreciates your bluntness. I personally find it very attractive."

"I personally find you very attractive," he countered, going in for yet another round of smooches.

"Blaise! My hair!" Winter laughed, defending her bun with her own smattering of kisses.

Turning away least he see his parents veer out of PG territory, Jack cleared his throat. "So, where are you off to today, little flurry?"

"I'm off to the Dream Spire. I'm hoping Xander can give me a hand with the magic-splosion thing. I thought of asking Myles, but the Sandfolk keep such meticulous historical records, I figured I'd have a better chance there than I would with the Tooth family." Unless you'd like me to go with you guys? She added as a quite literal afterthought, head tilted.

No, I'll be alright, he replied, mentally. We'll be alright. Thank you, though.

You're welcome! If you need me though, just shout. Offer's open all day.

I'll keep that in mind.

"You know," Blaise said, having lost this round to Winter, "we can also try the archives if you don't have luck with Xander. I'm fairly certain the library has records dating back to well before The Call."

"Hopefully I won't need to go that far back," Jacqueline said, pushing herself off of the stairs. "This has weird Legend-Legate thing written all over it."

"One hundred percent," Jack agreed.

"Trust us, Dad. We're experts at this sleet."

Blaise chuckled. "Say no more, kids."

Kids. I'll never get used to that, Jack thought at his sister.

She laughed. Yeah you will.

"We should get going, Jack dear," Winter said. "It's already quite late in the day, and there's much to do."

"Just one more thing before you go, Winter," Blaise said, grabbing Winter's hips and pulling her in close.

"Right, I'm gonna head out," Jacqueline said, pushing herself off of the step and skirting around their parents.

"Don't leave me with them!" Jack said, gesturing to the pair. Winter was laughing, parrying Blaise's kisses with her own while trying to keep her hair intact.

"You have years of this to catch up on," Jacqueline said, whipping open the door. It hit the stopper with a loud thunk! "YEARS!" she yelled again as the thunk reverberated for a brief moment. She smirked, the door slowly creaking shut. "Tootles, Jack!" and with a chipper little wave, she rushed down the steps and hopped onto the path as the door clicked shut behind her.

Jack smiled fondly, shaking his head and turning away from the door, surprised to see that his parents had stopped snogging. They both stared after the entrance thoughtfully, not moving.

Jack looked back at the door, then back at them. He cleared his throat. Still no movement.

"Mom? Dad? You, ah, you good there?"

"Right as freshly fallen snow, thank you, dear," Winter said, snapping out of it and tapping her chin. "She hasn't talked to you yet Blaise dear, has she?"

Blaise shook his head, hands deep in his pant pockets. "No, not yet. I haven't even had a moment to broach the subject, let alone ask her about it. You?"

"Not at all. I don't even think we've had a moment alone together. Aside from this morning, of course, but I wasn't about to ask her about it right when she woke up. What a rude awakening that would've been."

Oh, Jack realized, speaking up. "Yeah, no. She's been avoiding it completely. Even with me. And I was there!"

"You saw what happened?" Blaise asked.

Jack nodded. "I brought it up with her this morning. I know I shouldn't pressure her or anything, but if we have to go back before we figure out why those blackouts were happening to her? Or what they even were? That'll be a problem, especially if they happen again. Getting myself back in working order is one thing, but if that doesn't happen and the next Jack Frost is also not functioning? Yeah. Not the best idea. We don't have a third."

"Well, now that she's thinking about it, I'm sure she'll bring it up soon enough," Winter mused. "I'd rather she came to us of her own accord. I'd prefer that myself over being accosted by my parents, were I in her shoes."

"But a helpful nudge isn't out of the question," Blaise added. "And once she figures out the, ah, magic-splosion?"

"We are not calling it that," Jack said, slicing his hands through the air. "I've got to draw a line somewhere."

Blaise chuckled. "Well, whatever you decide to call it, once she figures it out, it won't be an easy distraction anymore. Boom, it's ticked off the list, and all that's left to look at are those blackouts."

"She'll come around. From what I know about the other Legates, Sandy's kid is level-headed and observant. I'm sure he'll pick up on what's been going on with her. Hopefully he can talk some sense into her and she'll feel comfortable talking about it on her own. Then none of us will have to bug her about it," Jack said.

She was scared; Jack could hardly blame her. It had looked scary enough from the outside—he couldn't even begin to imagine what it must've felt like internally, especially since she herself couldn't remember. That only added to the fear factor. But she'd be in good hands today; Sandmen were great at fighting fears. After all, their natural enemy was nightmares and half the job was fighting them off! She'd be alright, and so would he today.

"Now then," Jack said with a clap. "I believe we have trouble to cause, Mother?"

"We do indeed," she said with a smile. With a flick of her wrist and a shower of white sparks, a rolled-up piece of parchment appeared in her hand. "Though there will be people to terrorize, we are also in desperate need of a grocery shop as well," she said, surveying the list. "You'll be okay, Blaise dear? The twins are a little too quiet this afternoon. It's suspicious."

Blaise waved away her worry. "We'll be fine, the three of us! Don't you worry. You two go on out and have a great time. We'll manage," he said, with a reassuring smile. "Oh! And before either of us forget, here's your basket, Winter darling," Blaise twirled a finger.

A small, round, wicker basket with a lid came zipping down the hallway, nearly overshooting Winter's outstretched hand. She caught the handle on her wrist, the basket doing a few loops before finally settling.

"One more for the road?" Winter asked, tilting her head up.

"Don't mind if I do," Blaise said, leaning down for a smooch. Jack turned away, straightening out his jacket.

"We'll be back later. Hopefully not too late, though," Winter finally said, making her way to the front door.

Blaise nodded, jumping ahead of the duo to grab the door for them. "Take it easy you two," he said as Winter stepped outside in front of Jack. "And son?"

"Hmm?" Jack said, stopping in the door frame.

"Good luck," Blaise winked.

"Thanks," Jack smiled, heading down the stairs.

Blaise watched the pair head down the path, Winter grabbing Jack's offered elbow. He waited for Winter's usual wave at the gate before closing the door with a sigh of relief, his shoulders dropping as he locked it.

"Are they gone?" Fino asked, his head poking out from the basement.

"Yep. All three of them," Blaise replied, heading down the hall. "The house is ours for the evening."

"Oh, good!" Fiera said, her head appearing above Fino's. "Because we just found all the Rankin Bass movies. AND I got wind of a live action version of The Year Without a Santa Claus and guess what I managed to get from my friend?" she asked, her grin maniacal.

"The live action version of Rankin Bass's The Year Without a Santa Claus?" Both Fino and Blaise asked, sharing a look.

"YES!" Fiera said, jumping out of the doorway and into the hall, waving a plastic covered dust jacket in her hands.

"Is that bootlegged?" Blaise asked, eyebrow raised as he stopped by the basement door.

"What are you, a cop?" Fiera demanded, hands on her hips. "Don't ask questions you don't wanna know the answer to, Dad. Just come watch the movie with your favourite children," Fiera said, gesturing towards the den with the bootleg and the cutest face a little criminal could possibly muster.

"I've got the others here," Fino said, pulling out two thick boxed sets and looking just as cute with far less criminal intent.

Blaise blinked slowly, looking at both kids in turn. He smiled, a few sparks drifting off of his head. "I'll get the popcorn!"

The Twins whooped, running around Blaise to set up their pillow fort as he grabbed a bag of popcorn out of the cupboard, the kernels starting to pop in his hands as he rounded the corner into the den.

---

"So," Jack began, as they walked carefully down the street, opposite the direction he and Jacqueline had come from a few days earlier. "What's on the agenda? Who're we expecting to see? And why are we going this way?"

"Well, in recent decades teleportation points have become far more widespread. Each province actually has a direct to city one, and the one for the North is this way. We could've just taken the one down the street from the house, but the direct one is streamlined, and will take us right where we need to be."

"Ah. Rush hour must be quite the slog," Jack joked, surveying the tall evergreens that bordered the street.

Winter laughed. "Some days, yes. But the line moves fast enough. I myself prefer this way. The walk is longer, and it's the scenic route, which makes for a lovely commute pre-rush hour," Winter joked right back, watching as Jack surveyed his surroundings. "Street name is a little on the nose, isn't it?"

Jack chuckled. "You'd think we'd have been more creative with street names. Instead, it's all, oh, bordered by evergreen trees? Evergreen Lane!" He sighed, satisfied. "You know, I would've thought that, being as late as we presently are, we'd want to take the quickest route there."

"Oh, but the scenic route is lovelier, especially this time of year. I'm in my prime," Winter said with a deep inhale, and a satisfied exhale.

She was right, of course. The air was crisp and cool, the evergreens heavy with perfectly thick patches of packing snow. The ground was freshly cleared, mounds of snow bordering the walkway from the trees. The cobblestone street below them had a light dusting of snow that had escaped the plow, packing itself into the grout between the stones. The chittering of winter birds rang throughout the forest, the snow flopping onto the forest floor alongside them as the birds hopped from one branch to the next.

"Admittedly, I also thought it'd be nice to take the long way with you."

"With me? Really?"

Winter nodded.

Jack smiled softly. It was nice to hear, but something else lingered just below the surface. He could tell. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to talk to you. Really talk to you," Winter said with a heavy sigh. "I have quite a lot to say to you, and no idea where to start. Every time I try to start talking, I find myself inches away from a wobbly. I just entirely mess it up, because I keep getting hung up on our connection. Or rather, lack thereof."

"I'm sorry, what?" Jack asked, perplexed. He had gathered over the past few days that she had done the exact same thing he had done in regard to their connection. But he hadn't expected her to open with that! Especially since he was bracing for a lecture. Or worse, banishment. But to hear her say that, and confirm his suspicions? It was unexpected.

It was relieving.

"The connection. Our connection." Winter stopped, sighing and looking up at the trees. A robin hopped on a branch. It fluffed its feathers, then shook out its wings. "I won't speak for every single magibean mother. But for this one?" she pointed at herself delicately. "Each and every one of those connections I have, that tie me to you and your siblings, are important to me. Even the one on the ground in absolute tatters. And when one is cut, it feels like that child isn't even there," she admitted, her hand falling as she turned to look at Jack. "And yet, here you are!" she gestured towards him, the basket swinging on her arm.

"And here we are," Jack gestured back.

"And there's so much I want to say to you, but every time I try to start speaking the words die in my throat. I get caught up in my thoughts. I think to myself, oh dear, is this the right thing to say? What if it isn't? What will he think? Well, I'll never know now, will I? Not since I cut that connection of ours! Severed it right through, and there's surely no way he'd forgive me for that. I mean, I've been making your return home awkward enough as is! And here I am, barely able to form any semblance of a sentence because even though I can clearly see you right here in front of me, it feels like you're not...here," she finished, hand resting on her heart. "It breaks my heart now, seeing those three connections so bright and strong, while ours is on the ground completely shredded because of an impulse decision I made CENTURIES ago."

Jack reached out to comfort her. Well, he tried; but he found his arms dropping halfway. He crossed them instead, frowning at his less-than-smooth save. "You did what you thought was right at the time. So did I."

Winter laughed sadly, rubbing her upper arm. "I know. That's what everyone's been saying. When I did it, I thought it would help me feel less sad. But it didn't; after I woke up, all I felt was sad. I mean, I never in my wildest dreams expected to see you come home," she said, starting forward and talking with her hands. Jack followed, staying close enough to hear, but far enough to be out of range of her fast-moving hands.

"Nor did I," he shrugged. "When I left, I thought, that was it! Never again! I never expected to come back home. It's weird. But it's also very nice."

"It is! It's so nice to have you home, dear," Winter said, earnest. "Really. I'm so glad that you're back. So is your father and your sister and the twins. The house is even louder which I didn't think was at all possible, and even though it's been only three or four days it feels like it's been so much longer, but in all the good ways. It's been enjoyable! So why can't I stop thinking about the stupid connection and just, you know, enjoy it? Be here for you? With you?" she sighed, stopping in her tracks and looking off to the side, deep within the evergreens alongside them.

"I know I've only been back for a few days, and we've barely had a moment to, y'know, talk or anything, but it's been hard for me to say anything to you too. I don't even know where to start, half the time I've tried." Jack sighed. "Have you seen it? The connection? In your mindscape?"

"I have. It looks awful," Winter said, turning back to Jack with her hand on her cheek. "All tattered and dim and lifeless on the ground. I can't believe I did that!"

"Winter, please. You can't take all the blame. I cut my end too. I'm sure if I hadn't, it'd only look a bit worn, instead of, y'know, in shambles. Absolutely destroyed."

Winter laughed in spite of it all. "Completely frayed. Torn to shreds."

"You already said that one!"

"There's only so many different ways I can say it looks like sleet, Jack dear."

Jack laughed. "Ah. I'm sorry we're laughing about it."

Winter smiled. "Sometimes, you have to have a laugh at it all. It's one of the best medicines. Magibean tested, healer approved."

"Mmm, yeah, yeah. I suppose," Jack said, taking a thoughtful pause before continuing. "Seriously though, you can't take all the blame for what we both did to each other. We both did it, after all. I mean, how could you have not? It was a bad day all around! Decades of Dad and I fighting and then it comes to literal blows, and you had to physically separate us? I almost killed someone we both really care for, and nearly destroyed an entire continent!"

"And how could you have not done the same? If it were me in your shoes, and everything I had worked for was threatened, and instead of support I was met with opposition? From my own parents? I'd have lashed out, too. You were already feeling so alone, like it was you against the entire world, and then I went ahead and did that."

"Mother, please. I went ahead and did the same thing to you."

"But I did it to you first! Your own Mother."

Jack sighed, taking a breather as they continued their stroll. "Look, Mom. You did what you thought you needed to do at the time. And I did the same thing right back after everything. I just wanted to forget it all and be done with it. I thought it was necessary at the time, just like you did," he finished with a shrug. "We both did it and we both keep getting all hung up about it."

"Jack, I'm so sorry, I—"

"Oh no you don't," Jack said, sticking out his hand to stop her. "Please, don't apologize for anything you did on the day I left. You were just trying to protect us all. You were trying to keep Dad and Jacqueline safe—and me, too, in a way. You did what was best at the time, right?"

Winter sighed. "Oh, I suppose. But thinking now of how alone you must've felt before you left? And then this year, post thaw? Nobody around to support you? Feeling the need to hide it? I'm so, so sorry Jack dear. You may have felt alone then, but I promise you," she said fiercely, her grip tightening on his arm as she stopped and pulled him around to look at her. "I am going to make sure you never feel alone again."

Jack flushed. "Mom, please! You're embarrassing me in front of the crowds," he said, hiding behind his hand as a small cluster of witches in training walked by them. They nodded at Winter; she nodded back. They glanced beside her, did a double take, eyes widening. A few whispers tickled their ears as they sped up, disappearing down the way.

One Witch did a triple take. Jack gave a cheeky little wave as she glanced back. The poor thing inhaled sharply, flushed and looked away, speeding up.

Jack chuckled. "This'll be interesting."

"I was thinking the exact same thing. And, if that was anything to go off of, I think this is going to be my cheapest grocery bill yet," Winter said gleefully.

"Thanks for that, by the way," Jack said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I-I'm-it's nice to hear you say that, Mom."

Winter smiled. "Of course, dear. You're very welcome," Winter replied, the pair continuing their walk, both of them glad to have finally, at the very least, broken the ice.

---

The air was getting colder.

This was about expected for the time of day, given that they were in the middle of the desert and the sun was just about to finish its descent in the sky. The hot air would cool down…but not quite as fast as it presently was.

Though it had been a hot day outside, and the windows were wide open always, the inside was temperate and had been all day. The air moved freely throughout the building, the dream sand travelling on it throughout the halls and out the open windows. It spilled out the openings, into the little settlement below the Dream Spire, slowly drifting out into the world.

One of Xander's favourite things to do on the weekend was to be in the library. Surrounded by books filled with stories and histories and such amazing things the dream weavers had collected over the years made minding the dream sands more of a pleasure than usual. He knew that the dreams he was sending out right now were bound to be fantastically amazing feats of fancy, thanks to his surroundings.

Large and airy, the library was bathed in the last bit of glow from the sunset. The rays burst through the large open windows, particles of dream dust floating in the light. The whole Spire had a golden hue to it, what with all of the dream sand that wove through it day in and day out.

Laying on his belly, he floated on a golden cloud of dream sand, twirling his fingers in comforting familiar motions, easing the dream sands out through the windows. One window in particular seemed remarkably interesting; he stared at it, unbrokenly. Watching it. Waiting for something—or rather, someone.

You see, the cooler air could, of course, have been the temperature change as the sun set. It could be rain; that happened on occasion, and the desert below them would come to life with the most amazing flora and fauna you ever did see. They would spring through the cracks under the sand and glimmer all sorts of colours, thanks to the dream sand that stuck to almost any surface.

But given how fast it was cooling down, Xander had a feeling it was something else entirely.

As the next Guardian of Dreams, or "Sandman" as it had been called for centuries now, Xander was very good at gauging how well someone was sleeping, and if not, why they hadn't been sleeping well. It was a simple trick; just think of the person and all the information was just there. There were a few close friends of his that he liked to use this little Sandman trick on, so he checked in weekly, to make sure they were getting enough sleep. It was like a love language with him; he wanted to make sure they were taking care of themselves, and the first step to self-care in his books was a good night's rest. His father had drilled it into him as a child, and his grandfather to his father before him.

A shame then that Xander was one of the dream weavers who seemed to not need any sleep. It sounded nice. He hoped he'd be able to experience it one day before he left the mortal plane. Naps especially. They sounded cozy. Everyone should get to experience a nice nap every so often.

But until then, making sure those he was closest to got to experience the nicest sleeps and sweetest of dreams would do just as well.

Admittedly, it was a little easier to do this when you also worked with your friends. And when your dad had insider details from the larger going-ons with the Magic Keepers, (or, as they had been called for centuries now, the Council of Legendary Figures), that explained why one of your dear friends was perhaps not getting enough sleep.

He had put the pieces together easily enough, and had been thinking of visiting her in the next few days to see if he could help her with whatever it was that was troubling her. But, based on the chill in the air, and the smattering of snowflakes that were starting to drift along with the dream sand, he suspected that she had come to him.

Xander ran through these thoughts in a manner of seconds. In that short amount of time, someone had arrived, landing on the windowsill he'd been eyeing and gently hopping off of it. Sand swirled around her, moving over her boots and tickling the hem of her dress. He smiled.

"Hello?" she shouted, flipping her hair forward, then back over her head, dream sand flying off of the frozen waves. "Anyone home?"

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Xander asked, floating towards her on the cloud.

"Shouldn't you?" she countered back seriously, eyebrow raised.

There was a beat. Then both figures burst out laughing.

"Shouldn't I be sleeping," Xander said laughingly, hopping off his dream cloud. "Ah, one day maybe! But you know me."

"You don't sleep," she replied with a grin. "And I just woke up!"

"Well not quite."

"Eh, close enough," she said with a shrug. "Hi Xander."

"Hello Jacqueline! I'm so glad you're here," he said with a smile, bringing the sprite in for a hug.

She hugged back, yawning. "Really?" she said, letting go and looking at her friend.

"Really! You haven't been sleeping well."

"Yes I have!"

"No you haven't. You can't lie to me about sleep, of all things, Jacqueline Frost."

His fellow Legate frowned thoughtfully. Getting full named by Xander was always humbling. "I know. I've been getting sleep, though. The recommended four hours and everything!"

"Yes, but you've been taking a while to fall asleep these last few days and, not even three days ago, you pulled an all-nighter."

"I was doing research."

"Oh, you know I love a good research session," he said with a grin.

"Yeah you do! That's actually why I'm here today."

"Don't change the subject."

"I would never," Jacqueline said with a gasp, looking over-the-top offended.

Xander arched an eyebrow.

"Okay, maybe I would. On occasion. But in all seriousness, I was just doing research two nights ago, honest. Hence the all-nighter!"

"But I'm sensing there's a lot more going on in there," he replied, tapping her forehead. "Care to share?"

Jacqueline pursed her lips; she held her breath for a moment. She looked thoughtful. She inhaled, very deeply, opened her mouth, and spilled it all out in one breath.

"My brother is THAWED if you can believe it, but in the thaw he lost his powers almost completely, so the Council called me in to temp for him and also maybe help him figure out why his powers were non-existent, which I did two nights ago, or three, time is fake really, and while we were at the Pole weird things were happening? There were blackouts and I can't remember things and then Jack and I got STUCK and there was this like MAGIC-SPLOSION and it fixed the Dome which, by the way, is the OTHER reason I was called, because the Deliquesce is starting and the North Pole is WARM and there's CRACKS and—"

"Jacqueline," Xander said softly, placing his finger on her lips, shushing her mid-rant. "Take a breath, would you?"

The sprite nodded.

"Okay. Good. I'm going to move my finger, and you're just going to take a moment to take a few deep breaths, and calm down the hamster wheel in your head, alright?"

She glared at him.

"What? I think it's fitting," he said, dropping his finger.

Jacqueline inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "I guess, but like—"

"Keep breathing."

She did it again, then continued. "A hamster? Really? They're rodents."

Xander laughed. "That's what you're upset about?"

More breathing, and then, "Rodents are icky!"

"But are prone to running around very fast."

"A cat with zoomies would be better. Or a dog. I'm not picky, both are fine."

"How bout a fox?

"A fox?"

"They're a bit of both cats and dogs."

"…I can vibe with that."

"Perfect. Has that fox settled down then? Brain zoomies slowed?"

"I think so, yeah."

"Then let's sit and take it from the top," Xander said.

With a wave and a whirl of his hands, the dream sand surrounding them stopped, and reversed, moving back towards them. It clumped together, swirling and twirling higher and higher until, poof! Poof! Plunk! Clink!

Two plush chairs covered in pillows took shape, a table popping up between them. A slight swirl of dream sand on top of the table cleared, revealing a teapot, two cups on saucers, and a stand with a couple of snacky treaties.

"Have a seat!" he said, hopping on the chair behind him. As soon as he sat, a shock wave of golden dust spread out from around him; the other seat, the table, and the food taking solid form and colour as the magic hit them.

Jacqueline looked suspiciously at the chair. She took a step or two towards it, glancing over at Xander.

"Well, go on," he said, fixing himself a cup of tea. "It won't bite."

"But is it real?"

"Anything is real when you know how to weave dream sand properly!" he said with a grin. "Sugar?"

"Please. Two lumps. Maybe three."

A pot of sugar appeared, three cubes shoving the lid off and diving into the cup, a bit of milk pouring itself in as well. A spoon materialized, and Jacqueline took it, adding in two more cubes and stirring the cup of mostly sugar. She glanced behind her, sinking down gently into the soft chair below her as she sipped, thinking of the best way to cram everything that had happened in the past week or so into a calm, level headed conversation.

This was very much not her forte.

Thankfully, it was Xander's.

"So. Jack's back, hmm?"

"Yeah!" Jacqueline said, perky. "Can you believe it? I can't. It still seems so WEIRD. I get up and he's across the hall in the room next door. He's met the Twins; he's talking to Mom and Dad?! Well. Almost."

"Almost?"

"He and Mom still haven't had a moment to chat, but they're hitting up the Holiday Market today and we're kinda hoping that they take the time they need to talk about everything that happened."

"I'm sure they will," Xander replied with a kind smile. "So. How did we get from the North Pole to Crystal Springs?"

"Did Sandman tell you about the last Council meeting?"

"Between naps, more or less."

"Cool! Well. It was an emergency meeting requested by Mrs. Claus and called by Santa. It was an intervention for my brother, because he wasn't telling them why the Dome was cracking and all that." She sipped her drink, then continued. "So, he caved and told them that for whatever reason, post-thaw throughout the year, his powers had dwindled away to nearly nothing!"

"Fascinating! Now is that a sprite thing or is it an any and all magibean thing?"

"Well, we figured out that it was his essence. Whatever was driving his magic before the thaw isn't anymore. It's weak now. So weak it's like it's not even there. So it's most likely a magibean thing."

Xander placed his cup down. With a wave of both hands, dream sand swirled around them until he clutched a pencil and a notebook in his palms. "Go on, I'm listening."

Jacqueline laughed, selecting a little cupcake from the tiered tray. "Well, they discussed what they could do, and they decided to semi-enact the Legate Law on him, bringing me into the picture."

"And it went well, yeah?"

"Yeah! I was very angry though and maybe did completely blow up on him. I, um, lost control a little bit."

"Jacqueline, you have an entire season at your fingertips. That's not surprising. And given your history, completely expected and acceptable. You're allowed to be angry. No need to be embarrassed."

"I know but like, it's embarrassing. A little bit!" she said, as Xander looked up at her over his notebook with a sort of oh no you don't kind of look. She continued peeling the wrapper off of the cupcake. "Anyway, we made up. I mean, there's still like, work to do but we talked and he needs help, you know?"

Xander nodded.

"So we got to work, and yeah, powers gone, and I had no idea what to do. Then I woke up surrounded by a nasty mess, on the floor, with everyone fawning around me all worried. For some reason I had just, blacked out and gone a little bit bonkers, I guess? I destroyed a bunch of stuff. Two times, actually."

"And both times were the same?"

She nodded. "I was doing one thing, and then woke up on the floor surrounded by a big, huge mess of my own doing."

"The blackouts."

"Yeah. I could barely remember how they happened; I had no idea what to do. Nor did the medical staff at the Pole. I decided that the best thing to do would be to go home. This way if it happened again, my parents would be there, and we'd have a lot more resources to help Jack with his freezer burn."

"Oh, I love that. Freezer burn."

"Thank you! It works, right?!"

"Well!"

"That's what I've been saying! Jack doesn't like it, but that only makes me like it more," she added with a devilish grin. "Anyway, Jack agreed to give going home a try, and my parents were all for it and said they'd be expecting us, and that's how we got from here to there and also what you missed on Keeping Up with The Frosts."

Xander laughed. "I can see why you've been having trouble getting to sleep. That's a lot of stress. Stress is one of the leading causes of sleep deprivation, you know."

"You're the expert," Jacqueline said, biting into her cupcake. "Okay, this is going to sound nuts, but this cupcake tastes like this amazing dream I had the other night where—"

"All food made from dream sand tastes like your nicest dreams. Unless it's burnt. Then it gets a bit weird."

"That's delightfully weird," Jacqueline replied, taking another bite of the cupcake.

"So, have you come by today to research the blackouts?"

"Uh, no," Jacqueline said. "No. I haven't really focused on them as of yet. Figuring out Jack's sleet kind of took precedence, and this magic-plosion is intriguing because like, first of all what the heck was it, secondly, it kind of like. It made it seem like Jack still had his powers? So like, maybe they're connected, you know? The blackouts are uh. A little lower on the list. I don't really remember them at all so I don't have a lot to go off of, and they haven't happened since coming home so. You know. Back burner," she finished with a sheepish shrug.

"I see." Xander scrutinized her for a moment before properly replying. "You should talk to your parents about it. I'm sure they're getting worried. They'll want to help you. Your brother's probably worried too, you know."

"Yeah, he's trying very hard to make up for missing fourteen centuries of older brother-ing. So much so that it's gone from brother-ing to BOTHERING. Ugh. It's ANNOYING!"

"But not unwelcome."

"No. I missed him. I'd always hoped he'd come back one day."

"And now he has. And yes, you want to help him, but I bet he wants to help you too," Xander said, waving away his pencil and notebook. They floated towards the desk at the front of the room, landing in a heap on top of a stack of paper.

"Well, he did mention the blackouts this morning. I was a little frosty about it, admittedly. It's scary," she said with a shrug.

"I know. But it's not as scary when you have people with you. And you have your whole family, Jacqueline! And if you need it, me and Dite, too."

"Dite!" Jacqueline said, visibly brightening. "I haven't seen her in a WHILE. How's she doing?"

"Peachy keen, and those were her words exactly. Busy as can be. Lots of love this season, or so she says."

"She's the expert," Jacqueline replied with a soft smile. "And I'll keep that in mind, Xander. Thanks for talking with me, by the way. I didn't know I needed this but apparently I did, and I appreciate it."

"What're friends for, eh, Jacqueline? Now then," Xander said, leaning forward. "If we aren't researching blackouts, and you've already found the cause of Jack's freezer burn, process of elimination says it's the magic-plosion thing. What's up with that?"

"You're going to LOVE this," Jacqueline said as well, moving forward. "It's one hundred percent a Legend-Legate thing."

Xander gasped. "It is?!"

"I'd bet on it! Let me give you the deets…"

---

It didn't take long for more groups to start showing up. As the trees thinned, more and more magibeans appeared alongside them. Jack was, in fact, fairly certain that he had not seen THIS many magibeans in one place ever, if at all.

Similar to the witches that had rushed by them earlier, the magibeans that made eye contact with Winter bowed their heads respectfully; some said a cheery hello, others addressed her very formally. "Her Snowiness" and "My Season" were Jack's personal favourites so far.

"I mean, we help out where we're needed but we're not really anywhere on the political spectrum, so I've no idea why they've begun to address us seasons so formally." Winter had said, tutting at yet another tiny fae creature addressing her as My Season, Winter's least favourite of the many titles magibeans used for her. "I think it's just because we're Mother Nature's wards."

"Definitely that, and definitely not because you are a literal season and that's just impressive on it's own," Jack teased. "The four of you literally influence the entire climate of the provinces just by living there, and you haven't the faintest idea why they do it?"

"Oh, hush you," Winter said with a soft smile, nodding politely at yet another magibean. "Don't people address you formally? Surely Legendary Figures on the Council have a fancy title."

"Aside from Council Member?" Jack asked. "Nah, nothing fun. But I think people should address us as something with more flare, you know? Like ah, your Legendary-ness, or something."

Winter laughed. "Well alright then, your Legendary-ness," she said, with a silly mock bow as they came to a stop in line.

"Your Seasonally-ness," Jack teased back, doing his own silly bow.

The pair laughed. The magibeans in front of them looked confused; the ones behind them shared a knowing smile between one another. It did not go unnoticed by Jack.

"Now that's different," he commented, turning around in line.

"I expect it would be," the taller of the two said with a soft smile. "You've done quite the number on this place without even being here, Jack Frost."

"Thank you, you're too kind," Jack replied.

"That wasn't a compliment, young man," the shorter figure beside the woman scolded.

"I take them as I go. You know how it is, eh, Bels?"

The crotchety old man chuckled, a smile splitting his face and making him look much friendlier; the woman beside him cackled. "Indeed I do." He was hunched over, hand gripping his cane tightly; his clothes were travel worn and tattered, but, given the nature of his job, this was no surprise.

"I expect you'll be getting a lot of that today," the woman said. She was dressed similarly to her companion, if a bit neater. Her hair was wrapped tightly under a kerchief, a large basket strapped to her back. Her trusty broom stood beside her, trying its best to sweep the ground below it clean, unaware that packing snow was especially stubborn. "But I also expect that that's exactly what the two of you are hoping for."

"Indeed," Winter admitted with a sly smile.

"Then I hope this interaction serves as a good start to your day. Especially since there will be many a cold reaction today for the pair of you, I fear."

"I don't," Winter sniffed. "I think anyone who tries to be cold with us will find themselves outmatched. The pair of us are far colder and I practically invented the cold shoulder."

"Ou, Winter! Feisty," Jack said with a smirk.

"Market day brings out the worst in me," she replied dryly, a dainty hand pressed against her forehead.

"The worst? Speak for yourself. I've half a mind to bring you down to Gstaad sometime soon. I bet you'd be a riot at the high-end boutiques!"

"That's our Winter," the woman said with a smile and a wink.

"Oh stop it, the lot of you. There's already far too much puffed up ego at home, we certainly don't need to add my own to the mix. What brings you and Belsnickle to the market today, Befana?" Winter asked with a small smile.

"Prepping for our journeys this year. Befana and I have been travelling the globe for sweet treats for the children we visit. We've hit up all sorts of markets and craft fairs, all around the globe."

"A bit of variety is nice," Befana said with a nod. "There are some amazing chocolatiers and bakers at the market here. And seeing a mother and her child having fun together does wonders for our old bones. It's nice to see. It's moments like these that we witness on our travels that help us keep ourselves warm on the journey."

"Well, it's nice to receive some warmth in return," Winter said. "Thank you both for that."

"No, thank you!" Befana said with a smile. "And officially, welcome back to Crystal Springs, Jack Frost. I hope your homecoming continues to go well." She looked thoughtful for a moment, tapping a finger to her chin before turning to her companion. "Do you want to let them know, Bels? Or shall I."

The old man gestured the Winter Spirits closer with his finger. They shared a look, both leaning in to the pair of Christmas Spirits behind them.

"In exchange for the warmth, a warning for you both. The Association of Fates has a bit of a bet going on amongst themselves, I'm afraid. They're all quite keen on proving our own Fate wrong, and they'll be on the prowl today. The Moirae especially," Belsnickle said wisely, tapping the side of his nose.

"And the bet pertains to?" Winter asked.

"Why, Jack's thaw and homecoming, of course."

"I'm flattered," Jack said, Winter snorting.

"They'll be at their worst, I'm afraid," Befana said, nose wrinkled in distaste. "But we think that if you prove them wrong in a most—spectacular fashion—

"Publicly. Rudely, maybe, too," Bels added with a mischievous grin.

"—it'll knock them down a peg or two," she said, eyes widening, eyebrows briefly lifting.

"Thank you so much for letting us know," Winter said.

"It was our pleasure! Us holiday spirits have to stick together, you know," Befana winked.

"You know, if Santa was half as lovely as you, Befana, I'd have been out of a job years ago," Jack joked.

Befana cackled. "Ever the flatterer, Jack Frost. Enjoy the market, dears."

"Your snowiness," Bels said with a small bow. "And your Legendary-ness, of course," he added with a wink of his own and a small bow for Jack.

Jack laughed. "Oh, you are an absolute delight, Bels. We should do cocoa sometime. Ou, or brunch! Maybe lunch? I know this lovely place in Niagara—"

"Next up!" A voice interrupted, cutting him off. With a wave, the pair headed up to the teleportation point.

The point itself, it seemed, appeared to be the main attraction of the small hamlet their walk had ended at. A handful of buildings, small, stout, and stony, were nestled close together, and served as a backdrop. Their roofs were coated in snow, strings of lights lining the doors and windows. Boughs of evergreen hung on the front doors, the town centre clear of snow, and small. It held a stone stage, on top of which the teleportation point sat, watched over by a castor.

Winter ascended the three small stone steps, Jack close behind. The cracks between the cobblestones below them cackled as magical energy zipped by, resulting in a steady, pulsating glow throughout the podium. The castor stood at the edge, offering his hand to Winter as she reached the top of the stage.

"Your snowiness, lovely to see you," he said. "And—oh! Council Member Jack Frost!"

If the man was startled or shocked at Jack's appearance, he did a remarkable job hiding it, Jack noted.

"Welcome home," he said, fairly fast. "Is this your first time taking one of our direct to city lines?"

"Obviously," Winter said, before Jack could. "No need to give him the run down though. He's teleported many a time."

"Ah—yes, of course, your snowiness."

"Come along, Jack dear," Winter said, gesturing to the spot beside her with her chin. She was standing tall and looking fiercely over the line below her. The entire queue looked shocked; Bels and Befana looked like their afternoon was shaping up to be quite enjoyable, as they shared a laugh amongst themselves.

"Sorry, is there a problem?" Winter snapped at the queue as Jack got in place beside her, making sure he was well within the boundaries of the teleportation point.

The queue went dead silent.

"I thought not," Winter said, Jack trying very hard to suppress his amusement. "Well then, I think we're just about ready to go, if you'd please?" she said, barely turning her head towards the castor.

"Uh, yes, right. Of course, your snowiness," he said. Clearing his throat, he lifted his arms. Twirling them, a staff appeared in his hand. He muttered a few words under his breath, and SMACK! Down went the staff.

The ground below them began to glow, the magic zipping through the grooves in the stones and swirling around Jack and Winter, growing thicker and thicker until he felt the familiar pull of teleportation. In a flash, the pair disappeared. Jack barely had time to blink before they reappeared on the other end.

"And here we are," Winter said, as the magic cleared.

They had landed on a wooden platform, one of four in a row. As the glow subsided, their surroundings grew clearer. The square they had reappeared in was somehow even more full of magibeans than the hamlet had been. Varied in race and type, the magibeans poured down the street, majority of them appearing on one of the three other platforms alongside theirs. They rushed down to the cobblestone path, chattering excitedly amongst themselves as they headed into town.

Colourful faeries floated past, shifting from small to big as they approached the city's grand archway of an entrance. Transparent spirits drifted by, dodging the centaurs galloping on the edges of the path. Witches with their cloaks and small pointy hats walked fast, loudly discussing spells and potions with warlocks scattered about here and there. Pixies mingled in the crowds, groups of healers rushing off towards the Springs. Living nature—beings made up entirely of plants, crops, flora and fauna, scooted past the castors, laughing amongst themselves as shorter magibeans, brownies and goblins and such, dodged legs with cheery little hops.

Winter walked down briskly, nodding at the castor that was monitoring their platform. Jack followed behind at a far more casual pace, nodding at the castor as well and smirking when he saw the shock register in return. He laughed to himself, running down the stairs and catching up to Winter, who had already smoothly merged with the crowd.

"If you keep this up, you won't have any steam left for the fun part," Winter teased.

"If I don't keep this up, I'll go from feeling like I'm on stage to feeling like I'm at a zoo. I'm being gawked at! And I'm not entirely sure I'm liking it."

"You? Not liking attention?" Winter said, sarcastically. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"I know! I was thinking the same thing," he said. "Hi, how's it going," this comment directed towards a group of gnomes that had audibly gasped when they saw him.

"Well, I have a feeling that they'll lighten up in a bit," Winter said coldly, narrowing her eyes off in the distance. "Looks like company is calling."

Jack looked off into the distance. You had to squint to make them out, the way they darted in the shadows, flickering at the edges of your gaze. People shivered as they glided around one person to the next, weaving their way through the crowds. Two of them were approaching from the front; Jack turned around as casually as could be. It didn't take long for him to pick out the third one coming up from behind.

"People just can't seem to get enough of us," Jack said, turning back around. Winter continued to walk forward, wearing her best no-nonsense face. Taking her cue, Jack shoved his hands in his pockets, staying as chill as possible as the shadows grew closer and closer to them.

"Befana and Belsnickle did warn us."

"Thank goodness for that," Jack said, genuinely, Winter humming quietly in agreement. It made it a lot easier to stay as nonchalant as he was knowing that they were expecting this particular brand of company, and that they were not expected to be polite to them.

"Well…"

"Well…"

"Well…"

The trio spoke as they inched closer, one after the other until they surrounded Jack and Winter. In a flash, the three shades took form, startling the crowd pouring into the city. Magibeans stopped in their tracks, stepping back and pulling children and tiny creatures out of the way as the flickering masses fully appeared. Their hoods were over their heads, covering their faces in darkness; their robes of green and red, and cream, and deep blue billowing behind them, as did the robes of all of the Fated figures. Constantly flapping in a breeze that came from nowhere. A little flashy, and a lot annoying, if you asked the sprites.

"Of course," Winter replied, eyebrow arched. "It's December first; everyone knows that's when I visit the market."

"Not you," the woman closest to her hissed. "Him," she crooked a long finger out and pointed at Jack, a hair's breadth away from his nose.

He raised an eyebrow. With a distasteful noise, he pulled his hand out of his pocket and pushed the offending finger down. "Do you mind?"

The hood tilted; there was a small laugh. "Not at all."

"We had heard rumours," the cream figure behind Jack hissed. "But never would I have seen this coming," she continued, with a little laugh.

"Lachesis, sarcasm is very unbecoming of you."

"Oh but Clotho, it's ever so fun."

"Ladies, please. We all saw this coming. It's what we do," said the one in front of Jack, scolding her sisters.

"I mean, did you though?" Jack asked.

"Excuse me?" her deep blue robes puffed out, like an angry bird.

"Oh, nothing," Jack said, glancing around them as though he had better things to do than talk to these three figures. "It's just, we have it on good authority that you did not have it on good authority. You know?"

"Are you implying that we did not foresee this outcome?" Deep blue asked again.

"Yes," Jack and Winter both said in the same cold, obvious tone.

"How dare you! We are the Moirae! We see All! We—"

"Atropos, calm down. They're doing this on purpose."

"Did you foresee that too?" Winter asked, eyebrow raised. A low oooo rang out from the crowd; Jack laughed. This was getting good.

"Don't make me cut your thread," said deep blue.

"I'd like to see you try, Shrew," Winter said, unmoved.

"Shrew?!"

"No need to sound so upset," Jack piped up. "That's your title, after all, isn't it? The Three Shrews of Fate?"

"Oh my gods. Did I not just say that we are known as the Moirae?! I'm sure I said that."

"Indeed you did, Atropos," Lachesis said, addressing the fate in the deep blue.

"You two are unbelievable," Atropos said with a huff.

"Now is there a reason you stopped us? We're already behind as is, so do make this quick," Winter said.

"Although we spin the threads of life, everything is not quite as…predetermined as fate would suggest," Clotho began.

"What people do with the life presented to them is subject to change," Lachesis clarified.

"Earlier this year one of our fated compatriots presented this exact scenario to us."

"Which was not what the threads said!" Atropos insisted.

"We were merely coming by to check and make sure that he had done his duty…right," Clotho said. She seemed to be the one who called the shots; Atropos seemed to be seething, and Lachesis was just along for the ride, or so it seemed.

"As far as I know, our Fate does not get things wrong," Winter said, sternly.

"But he has been known to mess things up," Lachesis said. "That whole debacle with the twin princes, for instance."

"One of those princes is my husband, so I suggest you tread carefully, shrews," Winter said icily. The air grew chilly; the cold pricked the fingers and toes and noses of the magibeans standing around them as they watched the fates square off with the winter sprites.

"Shrews! Again! How many times must I say it? We are the Moirae! Not shrews!"

"Atropos, please," Lachesis said. "They're trying to get a rise out of you and it's working. Be better."

"Let's stay focused," Clotho said, steering them back into the choppy waters, away from the icebergs. "Our threads did not speak of this happening; but Fate said it would. Given his messy history in the fated arts, and how your own threads have been woven, we weren't so inclined to believe that…"

"That what? That after hundreds of years away I'd be back in Crystal Springs? Thawed? With my family again?" Jack asked, bemused. "That people can change?"

"Precisely," Atropos spoke up. "And yet…it seems he was correct. Tell us, Jack…what of the rumours of your lack of powers?"

Jack smirked, snapping his sleeves back, his hands sticking out, fingers spread. The neat snowbanks on either side of the cobblestone walkway began to rumble. Jack lifted his hands into the air; snow began to lift from the stacks, hovering in the air. The magibeans walking around the crowd on the edges of the street jumped back, unfazed as they continued on their business.

"Tell me something," he continued, the snow rumbling in midair. "Does this look like I'm lacking in power?"

Two streams of snow shot over the heads of the spectators. Flakes trailed in their wake, delighting the children in the crowd. The parents and guardians eased up, watching as the snow flew right over them harmlessly, and landed at Jack's side. He pulled his hands down, and the snow followed his command, morphing into two giant snowy hands.

With a cheeky little grin, Jack yelled, "GROUP HUG!" and the two snowy palms rushed around him, slamming into Lachesis and dragging her forwards. Clotho and Atropos were scooped up in quite the same manner, the three fates colliding, a tangled mess of robes and linen and threads and hair, hoods flung back unceremoniously by the snow.

Jack clapped his hands together, dropping them in front of him with a sly smile. "How's that for no power, hmm?" he asked, as the hands mirrored his own movement and squashed the fates together in one chilly hug. They squirmed, trying their best to escape; the snowy hands got tighter every time one of them wiggled.

Winter took two measured strides forwards, standing as regally as she could in front of the snowy fate sandwich. "You can take your bet, and shove it," she said.

Before any of the indignant Moirae could snap back, Jack spoke up. "Well, it was lovely to chat with you three! I'll be sure to stop by your stall later. But for now, we have places to go, things to do, people to see. So, uh, buh-bye," he said, with a little wave.

The snowy palms slid off, still holding on tight to the fates, disappearing into the crowded marketplace ahead and taking the Moirae with them.

There was a beat of silence before the folks who had stopped to watch went absolutely wild. While Elder magibeans that had watched silently started back on their walk into the market, the younger crowd was laughing. They were whooping, they were cheering! Some of the younger magibeans had whipped out their phones, recording the encounter and posting it on Thorn and Chirp. It'd be all over the magic net in no time at all. Somewhere in the crowd, someone yelled GET THEIR ASSES! Jack found himself laughing at that one.

"Consider their asses got," Winter shouted back, the crowd going even crazier when the season herself said the 'ass' word.

The crowd dispersed fairly quickly after that. The next set of arrivals from the teleportation points had pushed through, unsure of what had happened and just trying to get into the city. The people loitering in the middle of the road took the hint, and traffic resumed as normal in no time at all.

Winter was laughing. She took a few slow steps forward, waiting for Jack to catch up before they, too, rejoined the crowd heading into the market.

"I never could get behind the fates. Any of them, really. Moirae, Parcae, Norns, even our own Fate himself…they're all so creepy, and not in the fun Halloween way, you know?"

"Oh, all too well Jack dear. That's what made that an absolute delight to witness!"

"And don't think I didn't hear what you told them to do with their bet," Jack added.

"And hopefully the fates, ALL of them, get my message," Winter said coldly, before a smile cracked her icy façade, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Now then! With that out of the way and the crowd a lot more favourable, I think it's time we wreaked havoc somewhere else. I bet Leaf's had a lovely morning. Let's go grab our flowers and make sure his afternoon is mediocre at best," Winter said, starting towards the archway that led into the market space.

---

Perched on a window seat and using the window pane as a head rest, Jacqueline yawned for the umpteenth time. It was getting harder and harder to scan the contents of the journal she was working through as the sun disappeared below the sandy terrain outside. The desert was bathed in all sorts of cool colours, a hint of a breeze rustling the loose strands of freeze-dried hair on either side of her face. She gazed out at it for a bit, taking a moment to breath, yawning yet again as she watched the sun's last few rays disappear into the sand.

Above her, high in the stacks, Xander sat on his dream cloud, scanning the ancient tomes on the very tippy tops of the tall stacks, gently pulling out the volumes he thought relevant. He placed them down beside him, golden swirls of dream sand gently picking them up and placing them on the table closest to the window Jacqueline was perched on.

They were making their way through the records of Sandmen past, ever so slowly. Thankfully, Xander's memory was absolutely stellar, so once Jacqueline had explained the weird "magic 'splosion" at the Pole, he knew exactly where to look. He had gotten right to finding the volumes they'd potentially find hints of this phenomenon in, and Jacqueline got right to work carefully skimming through them.

With a roll of her shoulders, she turned her attention back to the paragraph at hand and continued reading.

We were subduing the darkness as usual today when things got even darker, if you can believe it. There must have been a recent spike in fear that I missed, for there were many today and they were almost overwhelming for Zareb and I. We did our best, but it had been a long night of shadows and nightmares and it showed. I thought we were almost done for, when the most peculiar thing happened.

Jacqueline blinked, ever so slowly.

… when the most peculiar thing happened.

She straightened in her seat; whatever sleepy tired had been settling in on her was gone in an instant.

… when the most peculiar thing happened. A nightmare was headed straight for my son; I rushed to pull him out of the way and found that I couldn't let him go. Literally. We were stuck to one another.

"Oh! Oh oh OH! XANDER!"

"Did you find something?!" He asked excitedly, jumping off of his cloud and peering over Jacqueline's shoulder.

"I think I found THE thing! Look," she said, pointing to the sentence that had drawn her attention.

Xander, ever the fast reader, caught up to Jacqueline's hovering finger in a matter of seconds. "They got stuck together! Just like you and your brother! Keep reading," he added, his eyes scanning the entry himself.

A very odd sensation descended over the both of us. It felt as if our powers had doubled in strength; our very cores perhaps intertwined. Instinct told us not to question it, and to continue our fight. So we did. And sure enough, our weaving was doubled in strength; we made short work of those chaos causing nightmares and shadows and sent them on their merry way.

Though neither of us are sure about what transpired, we've both already got some working theories. Whatever this phenomena is, it is clearly filled with potential; if we could figure out how to use it, how to harness it…

"That's it?"

"Yep, that's about par the course for Great Grandpa! He trails off a lot when he's thinking about a problem or a new thing he's discovered and just leaves the entry hanging to go work on it. But not to worry, Jacqueline! He always makes sure to go back and report on his findings." Xander put his hand on his chin, floating deep in thought. "Let's try going forward about a month or so, see what we can find," he mused out loud.

Jacqueline slid off of the window seat gently, holding the book carefully and following Xander. He floated up to the shelf he had been at; lips silently moving as he mumbled to himself, he pulled down a couple of leather-bound journals. Streams of dream sand floated alongside him, forming supports for the books to open up in front of him.

Jacqueline watched, head tilted, as Xander straight up read about three books at once. He skimmed through the pages VERY fast. Dream sand flipped them for him as he rubbed his chin, sitting cross-legged in his cloud, the riffling of pages echoing around the library. The acoustics in here are fantastic, Jacqueline thought, as she hopped up into the air, the wind gently placing her on the very top of the stack Xander floated in front of.

"Got em!" Xander suddenly announced, the pages stopping suddenly. With a gentle two finger twirl, two of the books shut and were placed back on the shelf by dream sand. Xander grabbed the third one, his cloud drifting up until he was at eye level with Jacqueline. "Would you like to do the honours, or shall I?"

Seating herself on the top of the range, slipping her feet under her legs, Jacqueline surveyed her friend with a fond smile. "You can go ahead."

Xander nodded. Clearing his throat, he began to read the entry open in front of him.

Zareb and I are torn between calling it a power share, or a power merge. It seems we can do both with the technique that saved our hides from the shadows this spring. It's been a bit of a struggle to figure out how to activate it. It seems to really like to appear during drastic circumstances and moments of mortal peril. Something we apparently encounter far too much of during our night-to-night operations. We should really look into making this profession safer; not just for the guardian of the sands, but for all of our people. Every dream weaver in the spire!

But this is a longer battle not for tonight, I think.

I should note that the more we attempt to power share, the easier it is to use the technique. If we fight back-to-back, the same thing happens—our powers amplify! Which may be another potential name for this. Thing. It also seems like only us Guardians can perform it; it does not seem to work amongst the rest of our people, though the team building experiments it has resulted in have been excellent!

With a bit of concentration, Zareb and I have been able to give some of our power to the other, without constantly touching, for a little boost. We still need to test this portion of the power sharing a bit more, but I'm hopeful that this will strengthen us and perhaps, when Zareb takes the title, he will have a far easier time fighting off the nightmares with his own son.

"So Legates and their Legends can share their personal magic between each other?"

"Apparently!" Xander said, excited now. The dream sand sped up, rushing out of the library and into the world. "It seems it needed a bit of fine tuning."

"Did your gramps write anything else?!"

"I'm afraid not. This was closer to the end of his term as Guardian of the Dream Sands. The boogies increased tenfold after this; so my grandfather took the title and carried on his father's fight, alongside my Dad. The nightmares got worse; the darkness got bad. The Legendary Council added a few more members, the Santa Clause was established, and then Grandpa went missing. Which resulted in the Legate Law being established. It's likely nobody even knew about this, outside of my grandfather and his father. Until now, that is," Xander said with a grin.

Silence fell for a moment. Jacqueline looked thoughtful; Xander reread the entry, his excitement growing.

"So, Jacqueline," he began with a clap. "What should we do about this?"

"I think I should be asking you that," she replied with a fond smile. "I know that look. You've got like, fifty ideas."

"Seventy-two, actually! But we'll need help," Xander said, as a clatter reached their ears. It came from one of the open windows. There was a soft whack, followed by a very grandiose yawn, complete with lip smacking.

"Right on time!" Xander said with a grin. He hopped off of his cloud and onto the floor. "Hi Dad!"

"Oh, hello Xander," Sandman said with a yawn and a stretch, readjusting his cap. "Still awake?"

"Always!" Xander replied. "We have a guest!"

"Hi Mr. Sandman!" Jacqueline waved cheerily from the top of the stacks.

"Oh! Hello Jacqueline! How's your brother doing? He's been oversleeping," Sandman began, interrupted by a yawn, "A lot."

"Oh, he's good! We're home now, actually. He got to see Mom and Dad and meet the Twins."

"Oh, that's wonderful," Sandman said, earnestly. "I can see why the extra sleep. Lots of emotion; very draining, especially with all the past. And your younger siblings. He'll be needing the extra rest."

"And combined with pulling from the ether for magic? Yeah. He's a sleepy lil' sprite," she replied in a silly voice.

Sandman chuckled, making his way over to his favourite armchair.

"Actually, Dad, if we could steal you for a bit?" Xander asked, gently kicking the chair away. It slid back, Xander smiling innocently as Sandman watched the chair slide down the aisle with a forlorn look. He sighed.

"Sure. What can I do for you two?" he finished, unable to stop another yawn from slipping out.

"Jacqueline and her brother had this fascinating thing happen to them before they left the Pole! Something that happened to Grandad and his Dad, too! I wanted to look into it a little bit, but I'll need your help."

Sandman looked intrigued now. "Oh?"

"Let me get you up to speed, here," Xander began, Sandman really wishing he had his armchair right about now.

---

"So tell me about this Leaf guy," Jack said, trying to keep the mission in sight as he and his mother entered the Market properly.

It was phenomenal, and that was saying something given that Jack held a certain…disdain for most Christmas markets. The main entrance was set up in the courtyard that stood in front of city hall. The large limestone building sat at the very back, decked out in all sorts of holiday decorations. Garland, lights, snowflakes, wreaths—you named it, it was on there. The fountain in the middle of the square was dressed as a little replica of the springs themselves in the mountains. The marble was covered in greens and wintry flowers. The water gushed out of the very top of the fountain, going down three levels, a small purple diamond floating above the spout.

"Well," Winter said, watching as Jack surveyed the fountain curiously. "He sucks."

Jack laughed. "I'm sorry?!"

"Oh, I don't know," Winter huffed. "He sucks! He just." She shrugged with a half frown, searching for words. "He's incorrigible and I hate dealing with him. He thinks he's the goddess's gift to magibean kind since he was the first fairy Spring agreed to mentor. I think the goddess should knock him down a peg or two. But unfortunately, she has yet to do so," Winter sniffed, following Jack's line of sight. He was staring at the purple diamond above the fountain. "Curious about that?"

"A little bit, yes. This seems new."

"Well, we sort of commandeered Christmas a little bit," Winter began with a laugh. "But what else is new for that particular holiday, right? Anyway, as the holiday gained traction as more secular, with the focus on giving and thanking and the like, we decided that we'd use the season to celebrate the Gift of the Springs. And now, Christmas in Crystal Springs is tailored to it. The diamond above the fountain is a specialty. It's supposed to represent the source of all magic."

"So do we top our tree with a little purple diamond?"

"Some are little," she said, gesturing to the one above the fountain. "And others are…fairly big," she said with a smile, gesturing behind the fountain.

Jack looked past the fountain. Just behind it stood a large evergreen tree, almost as tall as city hall, and frosted at the edges. Above the tree was a large, shimmering purple diamond.

"See, I knew I was onto something with the stealing Christmas idea," Jack joked.

Winter laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Oh Jack. You're miles ahead of the general magic populous," she said, dryly. "Now then, shall we?"

"Lead the way," Jack said, gesturing his mother forward.

Nodding her thanks, she started into the market proper, weaving her way expertly through the stalls. An incredible feat given how tightly packed they were! The space around the fountain and the tree were clear of stalls, and seemed to serve as a rest area for magibeans perusing the market, as well as flow of traffic in and out of City Hall. Warm drinks were being served by the tree, along with some chocolatey desserts, if the smells were anything to go by.

But the rest of the square was fair game, and it showed.

The stalls stood table to table, tent to tent, counter top to counter top. Banners hung along the makeshift pathways, strung from post to post, magibeans doing their best to keep traffic flowing through the labyrinth that was Market Square. All sorts of magibeans shouted over their counter tops, drumming up interest for their wares (as unnecessary as it was, given how packed everything was). Witches chatted up warlocks, sharing various ingredients for spells and potions. Wizards and sorcerers bickered over books, laughter ringing out all over the place. Children screamed in delight, flying, running, whizzing by, tossing snowballs at one another as their guardians shouted for them to take playtime to the designated zone.

Goblins and ghouls chatted happily with one another as they made their way through the crowds, waving to fairies and pixies that floated by, hands full of packages and parcels wrapped in all sorts of colourful paper and ribbon. Centaurs and fauns trotted by, chatting amongst themselves, nodding respectfully at the dryads that watched from their trees on the outskirts. And this was just a small sampling of the magibeans currently perusing the Market! They had come from all over to enjoy the stalls that bled out into the city itself, the magical camaraderie, and apparently, the warm beverages and treats. Jack made a mental note to swing by later and see what drinks they had. And if they did special orders. He could go for a cocoacinno.

Magibeans politely nodded as Winter passed them. Head held high and standing tall, she nodded back. Jack found himself getting a couple of smiles here and there; and a lot of younger magibeans absolutely grinning when they saw the pair of them walk by. Apparently, various reports (and videos) of the confrontation with the fates had spread through the city very fast.

On the outskirts of the square, where the dryads sat in their trees and wisps drifted from flower to flower, was where Spring's winter flora and fauna stall was set up. Vines twirled around the posts, people in clumps around the tables, admiring the rows and rows of seasonal flowers. Crocus and primrose sat in colourful rows; Christmas roses had a table all of their own. There were some ornamental cabbage and kale, witch hazel, winterberry and snowdrops and, of course, the main attraction: Spring's poinsettias. They were stunning; big blooms and very full, they were in all sorts of colours. There were brilliantly red ones, bright and full pink ones, and even a good amount of marble poinsettias on one of the tables.

Winter breezed past all of those and stopped at the tables covered in white poinsettias. She smiled, her cheeks flushed, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, aren't they marvellous, Jack dear? They're bigger than last year. Classic Spring, she always has to outdo herself. Oh, the white ones look like freshly fallen snow," Winter said, twirling her fingers above one of the blooms. Snow fell from her fingertips, settling on top of the blooms happily. "Well, now they do."

"Careful! You damage any flowers, you purchase them. And it's non-negotiable!"

Winter's smile fell, landing in a frown. She looked up at the person who had spoken. "Well first off, I haven't broken a single petal, thank you kindly. I've simply improved them. Much closer to perfect now."

"They're already perfect! Spring sells only the finest, your snowiness," the fairy replied.

If Jack had to describe him, he'd say that the fairy was reminiscent of the tall, purple Luigi in the Mario games. Though he wasn't tall, he was lanky. His wings gently fluttered behind him as he gave his goatee a little stroke, serving Winter with his best (worst) customer service smile (it was verging onto devilish grin territory, in Jack's humble opinion). The fairy's eyes flickered over to Jack. He mustered up his coldest look, barely holding back his grin when the fairy's wings fluttered in shock, the man growing two shades lighter.

He cleared his throat. "You're late today, your winteriness!"

"You have her springiness to thank for that," Winter said with a sniff.

"And I see you brought the black sheep with you, eh?"

"Takes one to know one," Jack shot back with a grin.

Leaf looked offended. He cleared his throat, pushing back his hair and straightening his jacket. "A bold choice this year, I see," he said, looking at Jack under his eyelashes. "You made quite the entrance, eh?"

Jack dropped his elbow on a clear space of table, leaning over the surface to smirk directly at the fairy. "And that was just their sales pitch! Oh, I can only imagine what seeing merchandise and bargaining over their prices would've led to," Jack warned with a charming wink.

Winter's frown was long gone, now. Jack slammed his hand on the table, pushing himself back up. Leaf visibly gulped. They were off to a great start, Jack thought to himself, snapping his jacket sleeves and adjusting his vest.

"Now then!" Winter said with a chipper little clap. "I'm sure Spring has told you of our arrangement?"

"Y-yes! Yes, of course. And I am to deliver them safe and sound to you, your snowiness, as per her bloominess's instructions. Right this way!" he said, clapping his hands together and gesturing them down the row, towards the back where a brownie worked away at the cash, scribbling down the receipts and dolling out change expertly, sending off patrons with a cherry little wave and a blessing from the springs.

There were several sections on this far back table, each with various groups of flowers placed together. "We've decided to expand the hold table this year, make it open to everyone. A fun little initiative for a small fee, of course."

"Of course," Winter said distastefully.

"And here are the six you requested!" Leaf said boisterously, presenting a group of six lovely white poinsettias.

Winter passed the basket to Jack, moving up to inspect the flowers. She hemmed and hawed a bit, gently touching the blooms and lifting the pots. Finally, she twirled her fingers above them once more, watching the snow settle happily. "Perfect!" she decided, snapping up with a smile.

"Now then, shall we discuss payment?"

"No," Winter said curtly, grabbing the basket back from Jack and opening it up. It looked very dark inside; it seemed to go on forever under the lid. "It's the same every year, Leaf."

"But there's a few added fees this year," Leaf insisted, grabbing Winter's wrist as she grabbed the first poinsettia.

Winter's face darkened. She glared at the fairy's hand; he let out a yelp, his fingers flying off of her wrist. He shook it back and forth. Jack could just make out the bright white swath of frost that had settled on the fairy's palms.

"Would you like to rethink that, Leaf?" Winter asked, eyebrow arched.

"It's just—you know, there's a hold fee this year, not to mention, these are the uh, the fullest of the snow-coloured batch, which will also cost you extra—"

"Let me just stop you right there," Jack interjected, frowning. "Or will that cost us extra too?"

"Of-of course not, Mr. Frost!"

"That's Council Member Frost to you," Jack shot back, trying very hard to hold back a smirk. Winter snorted.

"Right, sorry, Council Member Frost," Leaf said, shoving his hands under his armpits and looking like he'd like to be anywhere else but there.

"My dear mother has had quite the ordeal in the last few days, and majority of it was thanks to your flowery patron, Leaf. I know that. Winter knows that. And so does Spring. You saw what I did to the Fates," Jack said, cracking his knuckles. "I suggest you tread carefully going forward, eh?"

Leaf cleared his throat. "Of course, of course."

"So Leaf. What's it going to be?" Winter asked, coldly.

"Uh. Oh! Right. Well! Let's see, shall we? The going price for each of these, the fullest of them that is, is about one gold each…multiply that by six…plus the hold fee which is one gold each…so that'll be twelve gold pieces."

"What, no taxes?" Jack said.

"The market is tax-free, unfortunately," Leaf said with a sniff.

"Now hang on a second," Winter began. "I spoke with Spring this morning. The going rate for the poinsettias is two silver and a bronze. Multiply that by six, and the total is two gold, three silvers, and one bronze."

"But the hold fee—"

"Should be waived, given that Spring put these aside for me without my prompting. I did not request a hold. This isn't a library."

"But it is a business! And we need to make sure we stay afloat, you know."

"Five gold. No hold fee," Winter said.

"Five gold, and I'll half the hold fee! Eight gold sounds nice, right?"

"For you, maybe," Jack said, unamused. Leaf really did suck, and Jack did not appreciate how the fairy was treating his mother.

"What would you suggest, then, Ja—ah, Council Member Frost?"

Jack cleared his throat. "Come here," he said, beckoning the fae towards him with a finger.

Leaf took a step closer.

"Closer, if you please."

Leaf stepped a little closer, looking confused, but intrigued.

"Just a couple more steps, if you wouldn't mind," he said with a winning smile.

Leaf went right up to the counter, leaning over it until he was face to face with Jack.

"Perfect!" Jack said.

"So, what's your offer?"

"Family discount," Jack tapped the fairy's mouth, freezing it solid. He jumped up in shock, his wings buzzing angrily. "Which means," Jack continued above the fae's muffled protests, "no hold fee, and three gold for the six of them. What do you say, Leaf, Deal?"

"Mrfm! Mrgm! Hrm!"

"He said yes," Jack translated.

"Oh, lovely! Thank you ever so much, Leaf," Winter said with a brilliant smile. With a wave of her hand, the flowers flew into the air, gently drifting into the dark recesses of the basket. "Always a pleasure doing business with you, darling," Winter said sarcastically, as she placed the three gold on the empty space where her flowers had been.

"Mrrrfgm!"

"Not to worry, they'll be perfectly safe in my basket. Ta for now, Leaf!" Winter closed the basket shut and placed it back on the crook of her elbow. Without a second glance, she turned on her heel and walked off, looking absolutely chipper as Leaf bounced around behind her, trying to wipe the frost off of his mouth.

"Ciao," Jack said with a smirk, following Winter and laughing as the unpleasant fae behind them yelled soundlessly.

---

"How long do you think it'll take before that little incident gets around?" Jack asked, as he and Winter wove their way through the section of the market dedicated to all things spellcaster. The stalls held colourful odds and ends, shinning gems and rocks and runes, potion ingredients hanging from the tops of the tents. Another stall was covered in old tomes and ancient spell books, clusters of wizards nerding out over them, excitedly discussing spells with sorcerers. Incantations resounded through the air, colourful sparks and poofs of smoke exploding above them and dissipating in the air. A frog croaked nearby, a group of children jumping around excitedly with beginner's wands.

"I'm sure it'll get around fast. Word of mouth works wonders, especially with the positive press from our entrance," Winter replied with a grin as they passed a ready-made potions stall. She watched for much too long as Jack browsed the wares, thinking that maybe there was a potion that could give him his powers back. Winter dragged him away from the stall, pleasantly reminding him that a potion that specific would be a special order, not to mention a lot of trial and error.

Jack did not appreciate this reminder. They were proper in the city now, the market stalls taking up spaces that storefronts hadn't claimed for their own businesses.

"I wasn't too much back there, was I?" Jack asked, as they passed a shopkeeper arguing with a stall owner.

"With Leaf? Ha! No, you were just the right amount of too much," Winter said with a fond smile. "Freezing his mouth shut. Absolutely brilliant! I couldn't believe those prices. Twelve gold? I hate to see how much he's charging other magical folks."

"I'm sure that he's seen the error of his ways now. He won't be able to rip anyone off until tomorrow morning, if he's lucky."

"Shame it won't last longer," Winter said.

"Mother! You are bad."

"I'm telling you. The market brings out the worst in me," she said, placing the back of her hand on her forehead and looking very woe is me for the briefest of moments. She snickered. "I quite like it, though," she admitted, as they came to a very large stall filled with magical oddities. "It's nice to be a little mean sometimes. And I have a reputation to uphold, of course."

Jack laughed. "Oh, of course," he teased, as a blonde woman in a large white pointed hat leaned right over the table.

"Winter! Hello!"

"Oh, Gwen! How do you do today," Winter said, stopping in her tracks to talk to the Grand Witch of the Light Arts.

Jack paled. If Gwen was around, then her sister couldn't be far off. He tried his best to hide behind Winter, hoping to avoid the Grand Master of the Dark Arts at all costs. They chatted briefly, Jack keeping a sharp eye out as they spoke. He almost made it through their conversation. Almost. As Winter waved and set off, who should be directly in their way but none other than the Grand Witch of the Dark Arts herself?

Of course, Jack thought, as Winter greeted the Grand Witch.

"Winter! Hey, nice to see you too," Cheri said. "I hope Glenda wasn't being too much of a kiss ass."

Winter laughed. "Not at all! Just a little exchange of pleasantries, and all bad things about you, dear, don't you worry."

Cheri cackled. "Good! And don't think I didn't see you hiding behind your mommy, Jackie. Welcome home! I'm still waiting for that call back," she winked, hopping over the counter of their stall and settling in. "You two have been tearing it up! I saw that stunt with the Fates all over Witchbook," she cackled, pulling out her phone and giving it a little shake. "Iconic. And I hear that Leaf had to go home sick. Frostbite or something."

"Oh, my, how terrible! What a shame."

Cheri cackled. "You are bad, your snowiness! I like that."

"Cheri, quit bullying them!"

"I'm doing no such thing," Cheri said, leaning back in her chair and throwing her booted feet up on the counter. "If anyone is bullying anyone, it's these two, and it's half of the horrible magibeans in this damn market. Pretty sure that cancels out the bad, which is a shame. Anyway, we're just exchanging pleasantries, Glenda dear."

"That'll be the day," Gwen said with an eye roll.

"We ah, best be off," Jack said, gently pushing Winter forward.

"Call me," Cheri teased, miming a phone with her hands.

"Oh-kay! Off we go, bye bye your lightness, your darkness," Jack said, rushing away from them and trying very hard to ignore Cheri's very loud boisterous laughter.

"Oh, she was just bugging you, Jack dear. No need to rush off so fast."

"Here's the thing, actually, mother. I uh, I never did call her back."

"You—oh, dear. How on Earth did you end up in that situation?"

"You know how when I was younger, I was very gung-ho about learning more than what you had taught me?"

"All too well. I lost count of how many times I had to explain that I had already taught you everything that I knew."

"Right. Which got me thinking. What about winter bringers that existed before you and I? What about all the long-gone sprites, only known in fairy tales nowadays? What if I could speak to them, and see what they knew? What if I could, you know, get into Rosehaven with like, a visitor's pass?"

"Oh no. You didn't."

"I did. Cheri was the only person willing to give it a go, and without her help it would've been a lot harder."

"Do I even want to know what in the name of the Springs you had to do for a favour that large?"

Jack cleared his throat, flushing. "Oh, you know! I just used my charm and good looks to wine and dine and, ah. Well."

"Oh my goddess!" Winter realized, eyes widening as she burst into laughter. "And you never called her back!"

"I did not."

Winter sighed. "Your father taught you better than that."

"He did, but I've never been one to listen, have I?"

"Not often, no. But you know, we're no saints either. We have flaws, your father and I, and we didn't often know how to listen to you, or how best to approach your extra frozen condition," she admitted with a sigh.

Jack smiled, his heart warming a bit. It felt nice to hear Winter say that they weren't perfect, even though he hadn't been, either. Far from it! "But you tried your best. And that's the best that anyone—"

"The best that anyone can do," Winter finished for him, hand on her heart and a soft smile on her face. "You remembered that? After all these years?"

"It stuck with me," Jack shrugged, averting his eyes.

Winter smiled, hand still resting on her chest. "I'm glad it did."

"Well, when you jump off a three-story building in the hopes you can fly, and then find out you can't, and as you're lying there in the snow your mother comes and offers her support and tells you that your best is enough as is? It sticks with you. Curse and all," Jack said with a soft smile. "Though admittedly it's only really resurfaced in the past year."

"And given the year you've had, I can see why," Winter said, with a sad smile. "Oh, my poor baby boy."

"Mom, stop! I'm not a baby."

"You're my baby," Winter emphasized.

"I know," Jack admitted, grumpily. "But I wasn't completely alone this year! Santa was really very kind when he really didn't need to be. And Carol, oh, she's been an absolute sweetheart, really! And, y'know, the elves warmed up to me and the Council was very supportive too. And I lost count how many times Mother Nature went up to bat for me. You'd think, given his fluffy nature, Easter Bunny'd be a little bit nicer."

Winter laughed. "That's why he's so fluffy. He's full of spite."

"Oh, that's good!" Jack laughed. "I've gotta remember that one for the next council meeting." He paused for a moment as they entered the clothing section, thoughtful. "And you know, from what I've heard, parents usually make the worst mistakes with the first one. So when number two, or, y'know, three AND four come around, they don't repeat them. I mean, seems like they turned out a lot better. And I'm sure they have you and Dad to thank for that."

Winter laughed. "Oh, they were troublesome in their own ways. I don't know how Jacqueline had so much energy all the time. And she had this horrible feud with one of the school teachers, that was a rough go! And I don't even want to think about what nonsense she may have run into while she was out and about amongst the ordibeings."

Jack chuckled. "You really don't."

"And the Twins! Lady of the Springs, those two are always causing trouble. Wild animals in the house at any given time; far too many fires for me to keep track of. They're very sneaky. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that they may not be as bad as you were, but they've had their moments," she said with a fond smile. "You've all had your moments, the four of you. Don't go singling yourself out, Jack dear," Winter finished, wagging her finger.

"I'll try not to," Jack said, stopping at one of the stalls and browsing the spools of thread. They were very vibrant; he was fairly certain that some of the colours weren't normally seen by the ordibeing eye. And they looked sturdy—that was promising. "But you need to stop being so dismissive of yourself! You've been plenty supportive since I got home," Jack continued, moving over to the next stall as Winter followed steadily, letting him browse. "Don't think I didn't notice the matching outfits yesterday. Or all the times you defended me from the other seasons. Or how you tried to delay them coming over. Amongst other things."

"Oh good! You noticed!" Winter said, cheerful. "I was having such a rough time telling, I figured I'd try showing, first. I'm always here for you, Jack dear. Even if I can't say it."

"Thanks Mom," Jack said with a soft smile. "I appreciate it."

"Of course," and, before Jack had time to process, she pulled him close in a very, very, very tight hug. "I've missed you very, very much Jack," Winter said, squeezing tighter.

Jack smiled softly, squeezing her back. "I've missed you too, Mom."

"This is all very touching, but could you maybe take it somewhere else?" the stall keep in front of them said, disdainfully.

Winter whirled on the man, absolutely furious. "I haven't seen my son in fourteen HUNDRED years," she said, sternly, jabbing an accusatory finger at him. "So I will damn well hug him wherever I please! Understood?" She glared so hard at the shop keep that his clothing was beginning to look a little frosty.

"Yes ma'am!" the shop keep squawked, jumping back.

"I'll take a spool of the black and white each, please," Jack said, trying to bite down the laughter as he watched the shaken elven looking fellow rush to grab the spools for him, as though his life depended on it.

---

Well, the day went on. The sun gradually made its way lower in the sky, and Market Day fast turned into Market Night.

The city glowed; holiday lights shone all over the place, the streetlamps lighting up. Little caps on top of the lamps directed the light down. Looking up, Jack could clearly see the starry night sky. It was gorgeous. Live music was playing from somewhere; the sounds drifted through the market, the festive spirit contagious.

A second run in with the Fates had resulted in all the material Jack needed for his sister's pockets, and a couple of other swaths of vivid blues and whites that Jack grabbed, too. Their stall had the most varied collection of fabric, and their new snowy exterior looked lovely. They had been a little snippy when Jack had commented on the new snowbanks, but they hadn't killed him, and that was a win in his books. And the prices for their fabrics hadn't been bad at all! If all else failed, Jack had decided he'd make a decent living as a magibean seamstress. Winter had laughed at that!

Picking up the various foodstuffs Winter had needed to grab had gone swimmingly; they had barely needed to barter by the time they made it to that section of the market. The shenanigans that had followed Winter and Jack around had spread, and the magibean vendors were quite generous. Needless to say, Jack was no longer worried about the country's reception of him.

Finally, the pair had gathered all of their things (and then some), and headed home—but not before the crowd waiting at the teleportation points had started up a chant of SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

"Oh, alright, since you all asked so nicely, I'll see about a light flurry."

"How about a heavy flurry?" Jack asked, as Winter summoned a snowball and brought it close to her lips, whispering quietly.

She paused, turning to look at Jack with a cheeky smile. "Big flakes or small ones?"

"Oh big, of course! Make it stick, Mother."

"Big flakes?" she asked the crowds. They whooped, chanting BIG. BIG. BIG. Winter laughed. "Alright, big it is," and, bringing the snowball back to her lips, whispered some last-minute instructions. Satisfied, she inhaled, her face turning blue, and blew on the snowball.

The snowball sparkled; Winter's pattern slowly crept around the snowball, until the entire thing was covered in elegant swirls and lines. She looked at the crowds, stepping up to the platform for the Northern Province. She looked left, then right.

"Ready?" she asked.

The crowds cheered, the castors running the points stopping to watch the show.

"Anything to add, Jack?"

"A nice chill," he decided.

"You heard the man," Winter said to the snowball, moving it towards him. Hand turning blue, he gave it a little tap, his own elegantly jagged pattern creeping alongside Winter's.

"And off you go," Winter said, tossing the snowball up.

It disappeared, high into the sky until it was a little speck. And then it burst, blue and white sparkles lighting up the sky above them. And as the magic sparks dissipated, a big snowflake fluttered down, down, down. Then another. And another, and seconds later a thick flurry had begun.

The crowd cheered; Winter gave a little wave, turning away from the crowd and heading up the steps.

"Such fanfare," she said, as they stepped onto the teleportation point. "I feel like it gets worse every year."

"You don't like the attention?"

"Well, it is nice. I do prefer this over the complaints ordibeings have. Oh it's too cold, and oh, the wind is hurting my face! Why won't my nose stop running? They're always so mad about the shovelling, it's absurd. I don't get that here, and it's...nice. They're very sweet, the magibeings. And it is fun to showboat a little," she nudged his arm, giving him a little wink. "But lady above is it ever exhausting." She stepped into the circle, looking relieved. "I much prefer being at home, nice and cozy with all of you by my side. Now then Jack dear, limbs all in?"

"Yep," Jack said.

"Take us home, please," Winter asked the caster.

"You got it!" they said, and, with a grin, their robes fanned out as they mumbled to themselves, their eyes glowing as the purple magic lit up the platform, zapping the pair back to the small snowy hamlet and off to Frost Manor.

---

The walk was pleasant; silent, but not strained. The flurry had started to move in, a few big flakes falling from the sky.

"Well?" Winter asked, a smile in her voice. "Fun enough?"

"That was marvellous,! It was just as fun as elemental ball, if not more! Thanks for taking me. And for making the time for us to talk," Jack said, earnestly. "I appreciate it."

"Right? Goddess of the Springs, trying to find the time, let alone work up the courage, has been a nightmare! Thank goodness that's out of the way. There's just one little thing left to do now."

"Right!" Jack said, clearing his throat. "I'm sorry, Mother. About…well, everything, really. The fight, leaving you and dad, hurting Jacqueline like that, hurting you and dad too with every single action I took the day I left! And before then, too. I was young and brash and very upset and a bit out of control."

"A bit?" Winter teased.

"Just a tad," Jack said, whipping his hand out of his pocket and lightly touching his thumb and forefinger together. "And I know that you feel like, had you and Dad done something different, it would've turned out differently…but I can tell you with one HUNDRED percent certainty that had I managed to calm down, and spare Jacqueline, and talked it out or whatever, I still would've left. I thought that I needed to do what I was doing, and I was determined to see it through. Consequences be damned. And for all of that and more, Winter, I'm sorry. Truly very sorry."

"I am too, Jack. I'm sorry for the part I played in it all, too. And I appreciate your apology very, very much," Winter said, her voice a little heavy.

It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. "Thank you, Mom."

"Thank you Jack." Stopping in her tracks, she looked at him fondly. "Thank you for coming home," she said, hugging him once again. "I missed you."

"Better late than never, eh?" Jack said, hugging Winter back. "And I missed you too." Jack cleared his throat, breaking off the hug. "You were saying? One last thing to do?"

"Yes! Right! Fix our connection, of course!" she said, chipper.

"Fix our—" Jack blinked, dumbfounded. "You think we can fix it?"

"You don't?"

"I'd like to, but I've never heard of that, you know, being a thing," Jack said, rolling his wrist. "You really think it can be done?"

Winter smiled. He had asked in such a genuine way that she couldn't help but be reminded of when he was much younger. "They said you couldn't be thawed, and now look!"

"That's true."

"So, why not give it a shot?"

"Sure," Jack said, with a carefully careless shrug. "I'll happily give it a go."

"Ready?"

"Ready."

"Then into the mindscape we go!" Winter said, closing her eyes.

Jack followed suite.

It was a mess.

The snowy outside had disappeared, in favour of a dark, sleek antechamber made entirely of bright ice. Furniture was all over the place; random objects floated in the air. Jack frowned, waving away a shoe horn as he climbed over a toppled chair, searching for the space where his connections lay. Why was it so messy? And where were the large windows with the snowy landscape? Usually it looked like the den back at the condo. But today, it looked like someone had come into the condo and carelessly thrown the furniture from his suite at the pole, and his room at Frost Manor into the mix, tripping on the "default" theme button on their way out.

He righted a chaise lounge, the back of the foyer coming into view. A dark tunnel led out of the antechamber. Into the subconscious mind, he knew. Which meant that on either side of the tunnel should be—ah. There they were!

On one side of the road to the subconscious was a bright, light blue thread: his connection with Jacqueline. Still nice and bright and not torn or cut like the one that should have been on the opposite side of the subconscious. He frowned, walking towards the smaller, darker hall and nearly tripping.

"Ah," Jack said, catching himself and glancing down at the offending object. It was a broken thread; very tattered, looking a little worse for the wear…but more or less intact.

And weirdly enough, flickering.

Gently, he picked it up. Patting down the tattered threads, he smoothed out the line, satisfied when the flickering slowed, and slowed, and finally, stopped. He made his way to the severed end, and began to walk forward through the hallway that the thread had been curled up in front of. He looked down at it; the thread was glowing. It hadn't done that in…ages! Sure, it was dull, but it was alive.

Portraits lined the walls, each one a different memory as he made his way farther and farther down the slowly lighting tunnel. The thread began to brighten; that was promising. He sped up a bit, reaching out mentally, hopeful.

Mom?

The thread lit up. Jack? Her voice replied, clear and sharp.

I can hear you!

And I can hear you!

It was working. It was actually working! They were really fixing their connection! He could hear Winter inside his head again, like he had hundreds of years before.

Before she had cut it.

Before he had done the same.

Just a little more, Jack! I think we almost have it!

And before Jack could reply, the other end of the thread appeared as bright as a blanket of fresh snow on a brilliantly sunny day. Externally, you couldn't tell what was happening; the pair of them stood still, looking very focused. But in their minds, there was a brilliantly blinding light and a loud SNAP as the two ends met and mended themselves. The impact threw their inner selves back; Jack went flying, right into the foyer and out of the mindscape, stumbling as he came back to the conscious world.

He stuck out his hand just in time, a pillar of snow popping up from the ground. He grabbed it, swinging around it as he caught his balance and stood back up, his ears ringing. He blinked a few times, turning back around. Did it work? Where was Winter?

Mom?

Right behind you, dear, she replied mentally.

Jack spun back around. "It worked!" he shouted, rushing to help Winter up.

"Quite the throw, though," she said, taking Jack's outstretched hand. "But I managed to catch myself." She pushed herself off of the snowy chair she had conjured as Jack pulled her up. Standing up, she dusted the snow off of her skirts and waved the snowy mound away. "You okay, Jack dear?" she asked, stretching out her arm, the basket happily hopping up and sliding right back on it, settling at the crook of her elbow.

"Yeah, totally fine. I, uh, I can't believe it worked. And that it was that easy!"

"I know! Bit of a nasty headache coming on, but that's understandable given the circumstances," Winter said with a fond smile. "And worth it."

"Very much so," Jack agreed, offering her his elbow.

With a gracious nod she took it, exhaustion beginning to settle in. "I look good for my age, but I must say, after messing around in the mindscape? I'm really feeling it today."

Same, Jack thought at her with a grin.

Winter laughed. "Did you see it? In your mindscape?"

"How could I not!" Jack replied. "It nearly blinded me."

"It looks lovely," Winter said, teasing. "Very smart. Pristine and bright and full of life, back in one piece."

"Completely new," Jack replied. "All orderly and salvaged and fresh."

Winter laughed. "It looks very smart!

"You already said that one!" Jack laughed.

"Well, there are only so many ways I can say that it looks just as it should," Winter teased, squeezing Jack's arm. "Welcome home, Jack. I'm glad you're back."

"Me too," Jack smiled, squeezing back. "Me too."

---

A/N: Done November 11th, 2022 (and touched up September 2023!).

Sorry this one took so long! I was on a roll and then got absolutely gobsmacked with two months of BULLSHIT due to GRIEF, then October came and I got the fucking RONA as I was finally making a dent, and it's been a lot, and THEN I had my bridal shower right after Covid recovery? Suffice to say, I'm feeling MUCH better and happy to finally have this one out (especially before the series airs like, next week! Wanted to get my Befana in before they show theirs and probably make her evil even though she's NOT, especially given the latest article where tomithy is quoted as saying "we're putting the CHRIST back in CHRISTMAS, fuck spirits and ghouls and goblins!" and now I am mad. The second part is paraphrasing.)

Also glad to FINALLY have ALL THE FROSTS CLEAR THE AIR! The next few chapters shouldn't be as much of a gap, they're far more recent so there's barely changes to be made (and chapter 19 is so SHORT by my current standards, hopefully I fly right through it). I'm hoping to get CS FRESHLY updated with the start of the end this December! Especially since I wanna start cross posting to Ao3 and. Well. The series is coming and new friends abound, I'm sure! Especially with the uh. Direction the series appears to be going in :\

Kind of wanted to wait until I finished Frostmas before crossposting, bc the end of Frostmas is the beginning of Crystal Springs and that's like, the IDEAL reading order, but I'm getting the vibe that I should cross post SOONER rather than later. Especially with the yearly 'oh no! ff dot net is dying!' scare becoming a bi-monthly one 😅

Anyway. This one was hard. You should SEE the edits page for this chapter-there are SO MANY ITERATIONS of the FIRST SCENE with Jack and Winter talking, it's insane. So much cutting and rephrasing and just. AH! Sorry for the length (though I know most of you love too much content, you absolute maniacs. I love you for it tho). ALSO I totally skimmed the editing in the doc manager (aside from the second Xander/Jacquie scene which for some reason came into the doc manager fully italicized? and then spread into the next scene a bit?), so if you see any desserts that should be deserts or vice versa, or any cheery waves that should be cherry waves, let me know.

Do R&R! Hopefully I see you SOONER rather than LATER for Chapter 19 :D