Winter’s Solstice
Chapter 1/?
By Baine
Email: ladybaine at gmail dot com
Written: February 12th, 2008
Posted: February 29, 2008
AN: Sorry for the delayed chapter. I wanted to post this last week, but I’ve been really busy. I’m about to go across the country for a conference, too, and I didn’t want you to go another week without anything!
This chapter is for TheLaughingstockOfPassersby, my sole reviewer for the Prologue. Your review made me so happy! I thought that nobody was reading it or, if they were, didn’t care or wasn’t enjoying it. If I can make a story that even one person enjoys, I’m happy. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the plot I find new twists and turns every step of the way. I’m writing Chapter Four atm, and eager to get to the best parts that I’m just dying to write! I hope you’ll continue to stick with me. ^_^ Also, I will definitely keep you (and everyone else) posted when I begin the translations. It will most likely be in a note here before it’s anywhere else. I might not be able to start for a little while though, but will soon! ^_^
I think this story is going to be one of my favorites; I’m really having fun with it. I hope you are, too!!
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Winter’s Solstice
Chapter One: Kingdom of Ice
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Icicles hung from nearby tree branches, shimmering beneath the rays of the mid-morning sun. The crisp air brought a rosy shade of pink to Lady Tazusa’s cheeks as she walked across an unblemished carpet of snow, marveling at the beauty that surrounded her. Winter was, without a doubt, her favorite season. Even the bright colors of spring couldn’t compare to the glittering white of winter.
Because the kingdom was surrounded by mountains, it snowed here more than it did anyplace else in the realm. Of course, the best thing about winter was the fact that the lake would freeze over, creating a glassy floor upon which to dance. The lake was tucked into a valley, protected on either side by snow-tipped mountains. Every year, it sparkled at passersby as though it were a blessing from the fairies, and people journeyed from all over the realm for a chance to see its ethereal beauty and try their hand at ice dancing, a sport who existed in no other kingdom.
Old Man Skater had invented special boots with silver blades protruding from their soles, somehow magically allowing the person wearing them to glide across the ice. He named the invention after himself, calling them ice skates and offering special classes to teach foreigners from other kingdoms how to use them. The only catch was that the skates could be used no place save for in the Kingdom of Ice.
It was rumored that the lake had been magicked, for if it wasn’t spelled to retain its firm, glass-like structure, it would be weak and liked with cracks in the same fashion as the lakes in every other kingdom. Of course, people from the Kingdom of Ice maintained that being squashed between the mountains, they lived in the coldest part of the realm and that it was merely a case of other kingdoms harboring being too warm to harbor such a coveted prize. Whatever the reason, the rumors did little to abate anyone’s desire to visit the kingdom, allowing it to prosper each winter as travelers came from all over to whet their appetites.
Being the great-granddaughter of Old Man Skater, Tazusa Sakurano was able to skate whenever she wanted, provided she helped teach the classes her grandfather had established before his death. When Old Man Skater died, his business passed to his sole remaining child named Kori whom he’d named after his greatest obsession. Though Kori no long had the family name, having married into the Sakurano family, the name of the boots remained skates, and Kori and her husband, Akira, continued to teach ice dancing to foreigners, passing their love of the sport onto their daughter Tazusa.
The family business continued to flourish, and the Sakurano family became one of the richest in the kingdom, though they used much of their wealth to spread their sport to the poorer families in the kingdom who couldn’t otherwise afford the yearly cost of skate maintenance and lessons, causing the family to become beloved and well-respected by all.
Tazusa’s mother served on many committees and was the epitome of a socialite while her father was a high-ranking official who worked for King Tarou himself. All of this, of course, amounted to a high amount of pressure for Tazusa, who was expected to marry well and continue the family business after her parents’ demise, for she was now the only heir after her older brother Tsubasa’s untimely demise the year prior.
The entire kingdom had mourned his passing, for at twenty-three years of age, he’d been an upstanding citizen, both kind in heart and handsome in looks. His satiny black hair had fallen to his shoulders and his violet eyes were a rare color that no one else hade save for Tazusa. Because of everything he had going for him, he set many a young lady’s heart aflutter, and several mothers were more than content to watch their daughters throw themselves at him, hoping for a marriage match in order to elevate the status of their own families.
Ironically, Tsubasa’s death was caused by the very sport upon which his family made its fortune. He’d gone out skating one night, encountered a weak spot in the lake, and drowned. The accident did little to diminish people’s continued acceptance of the short, however, for it was determined that he’d gone out at the end of the season without regard to the fact that the ice had begun to melt.
This year, the Sakurano family had erected signs reminding everyone of the best weeks for the sport and had decided to end the season a bit earlier than usual, a fact which saddened Tazusa, though she also supported the decision if it would save more lives. Of course, at the moment, the season had barely begun, and she had plenty of time before she began mourning its demise.
Sinking down onto a large rock after brushing the snow from its surface, she pulled off her well-worn, deerskin boots and removed her skates from a bag she’d designed herself. Gazing at the ice as she went through the familiar routine, she noticed someone already on the ice. Her brow furrowed, for there was seldom anyone here so early in the morning save for herself. Most people were still home in bed.
She eyed the figure before her, critically observing the person’s long, lanky form and broad shoulders. Most likely male, she determined, unable to know for sure due to the fact that the person’s head was hidden by a knit cap. Glancing down, she analyzed the wide skates. No way was that a female. There was no such size for women.
The person, who had been standing still at the lake’s center until now, began moving again, and Tazusa noticed his jerky, uneven moments as he limped, one foot followed by the next, using the skates as though they were normal shoes. He must be a tourist—either that, or he was hurt. She glanced down at his feet again to see if he was favoring one leg over the other and her lips twitched with sudden amusement. Oh, he was definitely a tourist. No one else would forget to remove their skateguards before stepping onto the ice. No wonder he was having trouble.
Pulling to laces tight on her left skate, she quickly made a double knot and stood, prepared to give him a piece of her mind. Novices weren’t allowed on the ice without supervision. They were more prone to getting hurt than any other demographic. Plus, if he didn’t even know to remove something as basic as a skateguard, than he’d obviously never skated before. Normally, beginners and tourists rented skates, only buying them if they were on the ice a lot. Being handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, skates were far from cheap. Did he steal those skates? The shop certainly wasn’t open this early in the morning, nor did they rent skates out after-hours for fear that accidents would occur.
Gracefully removing her skateguards, Tazusa glided onto the ice, instantly feeling as though she’d come home. Nothing felt so right as when her feet were centered on the glossy lake. She quickly strode over to the weaving figure, her experienced legs making quick work of the distance between them despite his being halfway across the lake.
She barely had time to appreciate the way her silver blades glinted in the morning light as they drew lines against the lake’s nearly-unblemished surface. Resentment pulled at the back of her mind at having this daily enjoyment taken from her. She loved marking the ice and knowing she had been the first to touch it. It was an almost-magical sensation, and put her into the peaceful state of mind necessary to get through the day.
“Hey” she called, attempting to get his attention. How had he not heard her coming up behind him? Not that she’d been inordinately loud or anything, but it was impossible to muffle the swoosh of her blade against ice as her arms pummeled the air, wind embracing her clothes and causing them to sing joyfully.
He quickly turned and she slid to a stop, sending up a spray of ice shavings due to the rapid motion.
“You can’t...” Her voice trailed off as her gaze locked with his own. His eyes were the color of winter, an icy shade of blue tinged with the soft gray of the snow-laden clouds above her. She’d never seen a color so captivating, and she suddenly felt as though she were drowning.
A ray of sunshine shot through his stormy pupils as they twinkled in greeting and his firm lips curved upwards. What was he doing to her? Her heart beat unevenly and her body felt overheated despite the cold morning. Was he a wizard out to ensnare her now that she’d interrupted him from...whatever he’d been doing? Her throat flexed and her lips cracked open, but no sound came out. What enchantment was this?
The light in his eyes quickly shifted, growing dark as he asked, “Are you all right?”
His voice shattered the silence and she found she could breathe again and that her tongue moved once more. The spell upon her broke.
Violet eyes flashing angrily, Tazusa proudly raised her head, refusing to directly meet his gaze again lest he capture her for real. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her lecture flying out the window.
He tilted his head at her question and a lock of wayward hair flopped across his forehead. Blond. His hair was blond, as though it had been spun from golden sunbeams. Tazusa had never seen such a shade before. He must be a wizard, for surely that shade wasn’t found in nature.
Realizing he was saying something, she snapped her attention back to the present and interrupted him, not caring if she sounded rude. “Sorry, what?”
He crinkled his nose, puzzled. The action gave him an endearing look, and Tazusa felt her heart flop over. “I said that I just came out here to enjoy the breeze. The air is so...pure here. It’s nice and crisp, more invigorating than in any other realm.
Tazusa nervously licked her dry lips. “Ah, so you, uh, live pretty—er, far—from here, then?” She was right. He was a tourist.
“Yeah, you could say that.” He smiled slowly, and the clouds in his eyes parted once more.
“You’ve never skated before, have you?”
“What makes you think that?”
She shot his feet a dry look. “You’re still wearing your skateguards.”
He glanced down, puzzled. “Skateguards?”
“Yeah, lift up.” She motioned with her hand and he pulled his right foot from the ice, confusion still plastered across his face.
Refraining from rolling her eyes at his ineptitude, she quickly removed the guard, than did the same for his other foot.
“There, all better,” she breathed, rising to face him once more. “That’s why you were having trouble earlier. Skates are for gliding across the ice, not tromping upon it.” Reluctantly, she held out her hand, palm face-up. “Need to hold on until you get the hang of it?”
“I, uh—” he glanced down at her skate-clad feet. Why don’t you go forward a few feet and show me how it’s done? Then I can imitate you. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?”
She held back a smirk and graciously acquiesced. Why were men so macho when they knew nothing?
She glided forward, moving her hips in time with the motion, keeping herself perfectly balanced. She turned with a flourish and made her way back to him, laughing as he started toward her with jerky, uneven movements. His hands flailed forward and she grabbed hold, skating backwards as she guided him forward. Her heart pounded and she suddenly wasn’t sure if she was grateful or angry that their gloves prevented them from touching skin-to-skin.
His eyes were narrow slits and his mouth was pursed with the effort of concentration. One step, than another and another...
“You’re doing well,” she soothed, hoping the encouragement would relax the crinkles marring his ivory forehead.” Her words were in vain, however, for a moment later, he pitched forward, dragging her to the ice with him.
“Ow,” she grunted, back flat as her limbs spread across the ice, becoming entangled with his own. She hadn’t fallen in...a really long time.
“Are you okay?”
Her eyes snapped up and she realized how close they were. Their noses were practically touching and they breathed the same air. His warm breath fluttered across her face and she breathed it in before returning it to him and starting the cycle anew. His torso was pressed to hers, pinning her to the ice. Her father would kill her if he saw her in so wanton a position—in public, no less.
As though sensing her thoughts, he sat up, straddling her legs instead of pinning her to him. He repeated his question and she nodded, dazed, accepting his hand and moving to a sitting position herself. She gingerly touched the back of her head and grimaced.
“Are you sure you’re okay? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to...”
“No, it’s okay, really. It’s not the first time I’ve fallen, nor will it be the last.” Why was she being so understanding? She should be flaying him for his stupidity. This was exactly why novices weren’t allowed on the ice alone.
“How did you get here, anyway?” she asked, allowing him to lean on her as he stood, then ignoring his hands as she rose to her feet on her own. The last thing she needed was to have him topple onto her again. He could barely support himself at the moment, let alone anyone else.
A startled look flitted across his face, but it was gone before she could analyze it. Had it even been there to begin with?
“How did I get here? The, uh, normal way, obviously.”
“No, I mean, why are you skating out here this early in the morning if you don’t know how?”
“Oh, that. Uh, well...” he sheepishly ran a hand across the back of his head, causing his navy cap to move up and down. “I’ve been watching everyone else skate for so long now, and I just wanted to give it a try, I guess.”
“Without taking lessons first?” She made a tsking noise with her tongue. “That was stupid.” She gestured with her head. “Not to mention reckless. Didn’t you see the sign back there?”
“What sign?”
“The one saying to keep off the lake after hours and not to skate alone if you were a novice.”
“Um, no, guess not.” An indecipherable look crept into his eyes.
“How did you get your skates, anyway? Normally, no one actually buys a pair until they’ve gotten pretty good at skating. Hid did you talk my dad into selling you a pair?”
“Your dad?”
“Yeah, he’s the one who makes everyone’s skates. You can’t buy a pair without going through him, and he’d never sell a pair to someone as green as you.” She blushed beneath his intense gaze and quickly added, “No offense or anything.”
“None taken.” He analyzed her face, eyes roving as though he were attempting to formulate a response. “I just...have them.”
“Well, that sounds cryptic. Are they yours? Did someone give them to you? Did you, uh—find them lying around and, er, decide to keep them?”
His eyes snapped, darkening angrily. “I didn’t steal them. They’re as much mine as yours are your own.” He pulled his right leg backward, raising his skate to her. “There’s your proof; they bear my mark.”
There was a silver-embroidered star on the heel of his skate, the stitching small and delicate. She’d never seen anything like it. Her family didn’t make novelty skates.
Shakily, she drew in a deep breath and lifted her eyes to meet his own. “You didn’t buy these from us.”
“No.”
“Then where...whom...no one else...” Had he conjured them out of thin area? How else could they bear his mark? It was impossible for a man to create such a tiny stitch, or even to know how to use a needle.
“I already told you; I am not from here.”
“But this is the only kingdom in the realm that—”
“I am not from your realm.”
She swallowed heavily, a shiver of fear trickling down her spine like cold ice. “W-Who are you?”
His slate eyes glinted as he analyzed her. After a moment of thought, he stated, “Call me Pete.”
“P-Pete?” The word felt foreign on her tongue. “That’s not what I...what I meant was...” Her head felt foggy, as though her thoughts were wrapped in a bubble of gauze.
“And you are...?”
“Tazusa. Sakurano Tazusa,” she murmured, unable to look away, ignoring the alarm bells ringing at the back of her mind. Everything was so foggy. Who was he really? What was he doing to her?
A slow smile spread across his face as he brought one of the gloved hands he was holding to his lips, eyes never roving from her own. I’m glad I met you on this lovely morn, Lady Sakurano.”
“Tazusa,” she heard herself say. “Just Tazusa. Lady Sakurano is my mother...”
“Ah, yes, of course.” He offered her another devastating smile. “I must go now, but I’m truly glad for our encounter. I’ve wanted to...”
“Wanted to...?”
His eyes clouded over as a mysterious expression filled his smoky orbs. “Nothing. I’m just glad, that’s all. Perhaps you can teach me to wield these contraptions?”
“Y-Yeah, just come during business hours and we can arrange to—”
“No, that won’t work.” He shook his head at the thought. “It’s too crowded. Meet me here tonight beneath the full moon.”
“What?” She blinked, startled. “But the lake is off-limits then. Plus, you’re a beginner, and you won’t be able to see, and—”
“We’ll have the light of the moon and stars. They’ll pave our way and won’t let us get hurt.”
“But...”
“Besides, all this sunlight hurts my eyes. It’s giving me a headache. I’m at my best after dark.”
“It...hurts your eyes? Why, I’ve never heard of something so ludicrous. Stop being so ridiculous and—”
“Call it a skin condition.” He stared into her eyes, trapping her with no room for escape. “Do we have a deal?”
“No, we most certainly do n—”
“Tazusa.” He squeezed her hand, causing her to trail off. His eyes bore into her, and a cloying wave of murkiness drenched her once more. “Do we have a deal? Tonight, beneath the full moon as it hangs high in the sky?”
“O-Okay...”
He smiled and brought her hand to his lips once more. “Then, until tonight, I shall bid thee adieu, fair Tazusa.” He released her and moved backwards, disappearing from sight before Tazusa could reacquaint her mind with her body.
How had he disappeared so fast? He couldn’t skate. She glanced to her left, surprised to find herself on the outer edge of the banks. Soft voices drifted toward her and she heard the snap of snow as people trudge her way. How long had she been out on the ice? It seemed as though mere minutes had passed as opposed to hours. What had he done to her?
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Stay tuned for the next chapter! So far, chapter two is my favorite, so I really, really want to hear what you think. Hopefully you’ll stick with me. This chapter is a lot of build-up and history as we begin our tale. I’m in a new realm here, but I’m having a lot of fun with this story. As much as I heart the fandoms of old, I love that I can write something and have it be fresh with no clichés. I truly hope that you’re enjoying this fic. Please tell me what you think!
Also, sorry for any mistakes. I don’t have an editor for my Ginban fics yet, though I’m trying to get her into the series… ^_^
Like it? Hate it? I’m the one to talk to! Hit the little review button or e-mail ladybaine at gmail dot com today! I really hope you will, because I’m doing heavy experimenting with this story and really want to hear what you’re thinking!
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«•´¨*•.¸¸. *Baine*.¸¸.•*¨`•»
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