Greta breathed out, her breath wispy in the cold night. The land seemed to glisten under a fresh layer of snow, the moon's light bright. After a long day of festivities, spending time with other soquili and her dear familiar, Bert, Greta was enjoying the solitude. Despite being a very merry soquili, who enjoyed noise - laughter, conversation, and twinkling bells, it was also nice to enjoy silence; at least on occasion.
Coming from a small herd, their new year traditions were simple, yet meaningful. Time spent together, in a meadow near a forest. Gifts were shared, small trinkets. Tucked away berries were brought out during this time, a sweet feast. After their meal and gifts, their festivities turned towards conversation, where stories were shared - both the good and the hardships each of them had faced. It was a time to remember, those moments of joy, sadness, and anger. A time of reflection and at times, forgiveness. Greta breathed in deep, as she recalled those times with her old herd.
Although Greta had left her small herd when she grew old enough, coming to these lands, that was always the dream for her - to build new bonds, a new community. It had taken time but she now felt part of a herd again. She smiled, thinking of her friends.
"Greta." A voice called out to her.
She turned her head, strands of her brown mane rustled against her face, carried slightly by the winter wind. She smiled, as Nicky walked up to her. She had to crane her neck to look up at him, for he was so very tall, but she hardly minded.
Nicky was a bright light, he was similar in temperament to her - joyful and always willing to lend a hoof to a soquili or familiar in need. He had a massive heart, and Greta was grateful to call him her friend. His temperament matched his bright green coat, and shock of red hair. They had shared many stories, Nicky had told her before that prior to the new year he delivered gifts to soquili that did not have much, hoping to provide hope and joy, even if only for a short time.
Nicky smiled warmly at her, nudging her lightly with his nose. "I noticed you were gone, are you all right?" He questioned.
"Mmmmm." She murmured. "Thinking about my home, remembering fond memories." She replied.
"Ah." He said. "I've been thinking about the start of the new year. Anything you are hoping for or any big changes?" He inquired, curious about her answer.
Greta starred up at him for a few moments. Nicky held her gaze. Her heartbeat quickened slightly. Did he realize her affections? Or was he simply curious? She thought about being brave, she imagined what he might say if she told him what she felt; but it wasn't the time to voice such things. She wasn't ready.
"I believe that change is always in the air, sometimes subdued and barely noticeable and other times change is loud. Sometimes...." she paused, "sometimes it's just....steady." Her response perhaps could have been longer, but it would have to do for now.
Nicky seemed to ponder at her words, silent. He eventually gave a nod. "You have a way with words, Greta." He smiled more widely. "I find you know what to say, at any given moment and I appreciate that about you." His green eyes seemed to catch the light, so bright that they appeared to twinkle in the night.
"Maybe that is what I need to focus on. Being more steady." Nicky could fathom that his spirited enthusiasm could be draining at times, perhaps he needed to be more calm and steady. At times he felt so anxious when things didn't go the way he planned. "Regardless though, I am ready for the new year, whatever it may bring." He laughed, nudging her again.
Greta felt warm from where he touched her. "A new year, time for new beginnings." She agreed. They stood side by side, watching the wind rustle the snow, in the otherwise quiet winter landscape. Both had no idea what the new year would bring though both hoped they would remain in each other's lives. They continued to enjoy the night until it became colder. Nicky cocked his head to the side, and lifted his eyebrows as if to say, time to go home?
Greta laughed at the expression he made. She nodded softly in response. They turned away and began their walk back to their friends. Quiet words were shared between the two, as they enjoyed each other's company.
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