Serenity ran a hand through her hair as she breathed deeply. The promise of snow hung in the air, causing the pale girl to smile wide. Sitting at her window, she looked out at the dead trees, the frost on the ground, and just relaxed. Winter. Winter was here, and it was going to be a cold, long one. The longer it was, the more she could skate, the more she could improve. She let out a soft laugh and bit down on her lip, getting really excited.

Throwing the blanket off her lap, Serenity headed to her closet and pulled out one of her favorite fall outfits. A pair of tight black pants, a long, sweater shirt that was a dress on her; it was knit, so it breathed as well as kept her warm. The shirt was blue and purple and white, and full of swirls. She pulled that on first before grabbing a brown belt to cinch around her waist, and then tugged on her socks and a pair of boots that were the same color as the belt. With that done, she grabbed her hate and a light coat before she ran out the door.

The lake wasn't frozen yet, but she couldn't resist going outside and just being in the cold air. Serenity thrived in this weather; it was her favorite of all weather. Cold, nippy, just before the snow. Of course, she loved it when it snowed because she could skate, but the beginning of winter, the promise of the first snow fall... She wanted to be in it. Maybe she could call Lila, get her out here with her. Share the first snow. But at the same time, she didn't want to. Swallowing a little, she fought with herself and then pushed her hat back before humming. No, she wouldn't call Lila. This was her special time of year. Walking into her front yard, Serenity let purposely sought out piles of leaves to crunch in.

Her gardeners had gathered up all the leaves, raking, but she was still child at heart. When she came across one of the bigger piles, her pale blue eyes looked this way and that before biting on her lip. Backing up, Serenity got far enough away and took off at a full run before leaping into the pile of leaves, sending them flying this way and that, relishing in how they crunched under her. With a laugh, she buried herself in those brown and red and yellow leaves, hiding herself for a moment before springing out and making growling, zombie noises like she'd done when she was younger. Giggling to herself, she pulled the leaves all around her now, making herself a nice, little bed. It was bitter outside, cold and the sky was dark with heavy gray clouds, but she didn't care. If it snowed, it would snow on her and all would be right with the world.

Word Count: 493 (originally done before rule change)