Welcome to Gaia! ::

The grove had a sense of reverent silence about it. The snow had fallen overnight, covering everything in a thick blanket that dampened all sound as Murmur plodded through the snow. It was cold and wet, but he didn’t mind. How could he possibly? He was on his way to meet his mate for their first New Year together. The rest of the family was preparing as well, lighting fires and preparing food. The New Year was a transformative time for the Family, who believed the veil to the spirit realm was lifted on this night. There was also an air of anxiety in the grove as they all prepared. Tragedy had struck the family, leaving them all a little broken down. Murmur’s brother had been cursed into a shifter and was on the loose. Many of the Family were tracking him and trying to bring him back to himself. The rest were tasked with keeping the grove running for the makeshift herd they had settled there. Murmur planned to join the hunt as soon as the New Year celebration was over. He tried to put those thoughts out of his head as he kicked his way through the knee-deep snow. He wanted to be in the moment today, celebrating with his Love.

She was waiting for him at their secret spot, nestled at the edge of the Grove near what is now a frozen lake. The rocks and trees created a shelter that kept out the worst of the winter wind and created a small, cozy meeting place. He smiled around the basket he was carrying when he saw her. He had blankets across his back to keep them warm and a picnic in his basket. He set the basket down and nuzzled her in greeting.

“Are you ready for our first New Years?”

He didn’t answer immediately. As she had came into view the breath caught in Murmur’s chest as if often did when his beloved was near. She was simply breathtaking, emanating an aura of beauty and love from her very core. When he looked upon her everything else fell away and he felt some weight lifted from his shoulders as his worry over his brother lessened. She made all of his burdens lighter. To hear her voice was the greatest of blessings and he couldn’t help but embrace her when he drew near, nuzzling into her. He breathed in the smell of her, sweet and warm. For a moment all of the winter cold melted away and he was content. He drew away reluctantly, setting the basket down between them.

“I have prepared for us a lovely picnic!” He said excitedly, spearing the blankets from his back on the ground in the most sheltered spot from the wind. He started taking out the food from the basket and when he got to the two bottles inside he pulled them out with a mischievous grin. “These are what my father calls “Failed experiments”. These had become famous among the younger generations in the herd such as Murmur and his siblings. The liquid was fermented and alcoholic, and perfect for a little celebration. He set the bottles down and invited his beloved to join him on the blanket.

The lake stretched out before them, but more importantly the sky was open above, darkening with the setting of the sun. He thought about lighting a fire for more warmth but with the wind broken by the trees and his mate beside him, he felt warm enough. Besides, he didn’t want the light to interfere with the show they were about to get. He wasn’t sure if Yukay had heard or not, but they were expecting to see the Aurora tonight and he hoped it was going to be a surprise for her. “Happy new year,” he said softly, gazing lovingly at her.

Her voice sent a thrill down his spine; he loved to hear her speak to him. He gazed lovingly at her as their moment lingered where everything in the world fell away and there was only them. It was gone too quickly and the worries of the world crept in once more, gnawing at the back of his mind. He did his best to keep those tamped down so he could savor this night with Yukay. If his brother’s situation was any indication, life could change in a moment and everything you built can be lost. He was determined to help his brother get it back, but for the moment he was also determined to appreciate the here and now.

He took a swig of the fermented juice as well, savoring the taste. The first batch had been an accident but he’s since caught his father brewing the stuff on purpose. He smiled thinking on the stoic stallion having a little too much juice. His smile widened as he looked at his mate and thought about being a father himself. Perhaps not now, not with the chaos in the family, but perhaps soon they could expand their family. He’d love to see her swollen with foals, see her mothering them and loving them. She’d make such a wonderful mother.

Her question brought him back to himself. He gave her a mischievous grin. “It wasn’t something I brought with me, but something that will come to us” He began searching the skies and sure enough, after a moment the show had begun. The sky danced with greens and blues, the stars twinkling alongside. It was a wonder to behold, yet Murmur couldn’t help but stare at Yukay, lit up in the ethereal colors and watching the show.

“I want to have a hundred moments like this with you,” he said wistfully. “I hope this New Year is an indication of how this year will go for us, surrounded in beauty and love.” He took another swig of the juice with a giggle. He was starting to feel relaxed.

He liked when her attention was on him. It made him feel important and significant somehow. He could bask forever in the shadow of her gaze. He took another swallow of juice, letting it warm him from inside, causing his muscles to relax. He grinned at his mate.

“I love you too, Yukay,” he said happily, nuzzling her back. His vision was slightly blurry and his head felt thick, but he was happy and content. It wasn’t too cold and the snacks were good, the company even better. He could put down his burdens for the moment, and when it was time to pick them up again she would still be here to help carry them. He was so grateful to have found her. He stared back up at the sky for a moment, savoring the heat of her against him. He silently thanked the Gods for this moment they were able to steal out the claws of crisis and grief over his brother.

She made him feel stronger, strong enough to get through this ordeal and bring his brother back from the edge of insanity. Strong enough to take on any challenge the future may hold for them. He had hope that they would take life as it comes and be able to beat back any threat or tackle and obstacle. He had faith in them as a couple to go the distance.

Time passed as the two lay on the blankets watching the show and talking until the last wisps of the aurora had gone from the sky and the first rays of the sun were beginning to peak out from behind the horizon. “This has been magical Yukay, Thank you for meeting me here”