546- The Winter That Melted All Shadows
POV Thalyndra Moonclaw:
Months later...
Snow covered the landscape like a white, silent mantle. The forest trees, tall and dark, looked like cut-out shadows against the gray sky. The cold wind carried the fresh scent of pine and the promise of more snow on the way. It was a harsh winter in the Tharnak, and Christmas in Eldoria, isolated from the world, seemed to have a magical touch I had never experienced before.
The warmth of the fireplace warmed my bones while the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies spread through the room. The air had a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. The window was fogged by the steam from the internal heat, but still, I could see the forest, quiet and distant. Small snowflakes danced through the air, falling softly upon the treetops.
I observed every detail carefully, trying to absorb that moment. The sky, cloudy and heavy, seemed to hide something, and the silence of nature was almost reverent. I felt like part of that place. Every inch of the forest outside carried a story, and now, I was connected to it all.
I always liked to admire the landscapes, reflect on the weight of years of secrets they carried.
Now, looking at the forest after so long, I realized it would also carry my story. Many good moments and others bad. Moments of mine and Anton's, from when I discovered the truth about the Mercantes, some with Aurelka, Myrion, and Lana. So many that I would soon lose count.
A smile bloomed on my lips.
I let out a heavy sigh, feeling my chest tighten with longing when thinking about my father. He would have been happy in Eldoria, would have loved the customs and culture, the way they preserved the past. He couldn't enjoy, experience, and live any of that, but I did it for him, always remembering who he was and how happy he would be if he were present.
I turned from the window and let my eyes wander over the decoration that Lunara had prepared with such care, and that was evident in every detail, from the pine wreaths that snaked around the windows and fireplace, to the gold and red ornaments hanging from the Christmas tree. Small lights blinked among the branches, illuminating the gifts wrapped in shiny paper at the foot of the tree. The soft scent of cinnamon and apple from the lit candles mixed with the sweet aroma of cookies coming from the kitchen.
I had never had anything like this. Christmas, for me, was always a small occasion, just me, my mother, and my father. The table was simple, and the tree, modest. Now, the scene was completely different. The room was full of laughter and voices, and I was part of it all.
Anton was beside me, his hand lightly touching mine, as if wanting to remind me that I belonged there, in that place. The bond between us was unbreakable, sealed by blood and heart. Ahead of us, Lana chatted animatedly with Aurelka, who exchanged knowing glances with Myrion. Celindra and Lyris helped Vladren's twins choose ornaments to put on the tree, while Nicoleta and Vladren watched, sharing smiles. Edric and Lunara were sitting near the fireplace, visibly proud of the gathered family.
I allowed myself to absorb the scene. I was no longer alone, and that house, that family, were now mine.
I felt Anton's hand squeeze mine. This was my place, the place where I should be. Not just as his companion, but as his wife, ready to build the future alongside him.
"I thought Mira and Nerea would knock the tree down," I whispered to him, joking.
He made a noise in his throat.
"Don't speak too loudly, it's still early, so anything is possible."
"I think Lunara would be a little upset, she arranged everything with such care and tenderness."
Anton took a sip of the whiskey he held in one of his hands.
"No, my mother would start laughing. Nicoleta, yes, would be upset. I'm sure she has her hand in all the decoration."
I looked at him, admiring him. Anton wore a red sweater, black pants, and boots. His hair was well-trimmed, as was his beard. I wore a green tube dress, thick tights, and boots.
It was my first Christmas with the Eldoria. I was so excited that I went into town to buy an outfit just for the special occasion.
Myrion got up and approached us, handing me a glass of țuică. I downed all the liquid, coughing. They laughed.
No matter how much time passed, I would never get used to the strong taste of the drink.
"Don't you think our parents are plotting something?" Myrion asked, whispering to Anton. "They seem different."
I cast a glance in the direction where Edric and Lunara were, but I didn't notice anything different about them.
"What do you think it is?" asked Anton.
Myrion shrugged and refilled the empty glass with more țuică, drinking before answering:
"I have no idea, I just know something's up. They're too quiet, talking softly. Last time they did that, they ran off to the family cabin because our mother was going into heat."
Anton made a disgusted noise in his throat.
"Let's not remember such tragic scenes, please." I choked on a laugh.
"I think they look happy, carefree," I commented, taking Anton's whiskey glass and sipping a gulp. "I think they're satisfied with the direction life has taken."
That was my opinion, observing them better. The children were adults, strong and fearless. Since Severian died, no Mercante dared to approach us, not picking up the dispute he himself had created for the clan. Edric and Lunara had nothing more to worry about, only to live the rest of the centuries they still had ahead, enjoying life with happiness and tranquility.
"They gave birth to us, of course they're happy and carefree," Myrion shot.
I rolled my eyes.
"I'm sure there was some bomb of arrogance in Lunara's womb, because there's no way you two can be so alike," I retorted, pointing between him and Anton.
"Nowadays, we're judged even for telling the truth?" Myrion whispered. "And you still want me to be honest with my lovers, for them to act with incredulity, like you're doing on one of the few opportunities in life where I'm completely truthful?"