[Solo] First Snowfall | Orielath, Vidatyr & Askr [FIN]

[mistalina13]

Backdated to Askr's foalhood. heart (Since he was a ploosh I don't have a foal art though.)

mistalina13s Teepee

February 2022 Prompt

Wintertime in the Kawani is in full swing, and February is no exception! A strong snowstorm and cold front has blown into the lands, blanketing much of the land in white. Some areas have completely been overwhelmed by snow--and places that are typically warmer or never see the stuff have also been covered in the white stuff.

How is your Soquili handling this snowstorm? Were they caught unaware? Are they experiencing snow for the first time, or are they used to it? What do they do now that they're living in a winter wonderland?

For me only. No posting please.

 

[mistalina13]

- Vidatyr Snaerblod -

The winds hollowing had settled by the time the sun started to peak over the horizon. Vidatyr was unbothered by the additional snow. It was winter and in the mountains that was simply the way things were. The only small trial had been digging out the mouth of his family's cave and helping others of their village do the same. No lasting injuries had been reported overnight which had been a blessing. Others had been charged with clearing fallen trees and dealing with damage to shelters and other common areas.

He had done his duty, and more, before he'd been scolded. He was shooed off by the others. They reminded him that it was his duty to witness his young son's first real foray out into the snow.

He and Orielath had been blessed by a gentle snowfall when they brought Askr's basket home from the sheltered glen where they found it at the begining of winter. Looking back, it didn't seem all that long ago, and but it had been near half a season. Now the young lad was sturdy of hoof and clad in proper fur, cloth and feathers befitting a leader's son. Still a ways to go before he could learn to use an axe or a blade but the lad drunk in all his fathers' lessons eagerly. Vidatyr's pride in the boy was immense. He would grow to be a fine warrior.

 

[mistalina13]

- Orielath -

It was on mornings such as this that Orielath still felt the chill down to his claws. He had been born in a much warmer place and having only been here for nearly one full turn of the seasons he hadn't quite become accustomed to it. There was always snow, but he had been told that he would know when it was truly winter. And the storm last night had well and truly made it feel like winter.

What's more, Vidatyr and his warmth had left him at an early hour leaving their space feeling very empty. It was the only small downside to binding oneself to a leader. But his love was mindful and had covered him in many furs before taking his leave. He had promised to return once his morning tasks were through. Orielath knew he might do many more besides, so it might be a few more hours yet.

 

[mistalina13]

- Askr Snaerblod -

"Ada! Ada!" Askr was already awake and practically bouncing about. "More snow! Can we go play?" Da had promised when the next snowfall came they would take him out and make a day of it. "Please!?" His eyes were wide and cute. And his fangs only made his pout more pronounced.

When his Ada consented he bounced some more, sending his newly grown mane and tail length flipping everywhere. He didn't settle until his Ada produced a bone comb and then began resettling the first bit of his mane to rights.

 

[mistalina13]

- Orielath -

"Once your Da comes home we can go out little one." He picked up the bone comb again, bringing it very gently through his son's mane. He could tend to this part while they waited his love's return. Then Vidatyr could help him braid the boy's hair properly as was customary to be done once it had gained enough length. He had to huff and nudge at the boy with his nose a bit to let him get to some parts that needed attention. He moved onto his tail after and once both were through he was satisfied.

"It is important for you to be at your best, since this is the day we will introduce you to everyone." So he could start to take his place as one of the village and meet the people it might one day be his place to look after. "But I promise we will be able to play too." Vidatyr and Orielath both had been adamant that their son should be like any other and have his proper foalhood and get to make friends with his peers. Those friendships would help enrich his life and make him all the stronger for it.

 

[mistalina13]

- Askr Snaerblod -

Askr shook some of the newly brushed hair from his face, causing his Ada to shake his head. "But I already know lots of people!" More than he could count on his front talons even. Surely that was a lot?

"Itchy......" He brushed the top of his head against the coarse furs that were drapped over his Ada's back, seeking to soothe returned itching of his scalp since his mane had been tended to. As excited as he was to have big horns like Da he didn't like that they itched so much.

 

[mistalina13]

- Orielath -

"Easy meleth..." He turned and nosed parts of his mane out of the way. "When your Da and I do your braids we will put on some more of the medicine for you." It would help from anymore fussing further irritating the skin.

His ears rose at the sound of heavy paws contacting stone. It seemed his love had returned earlier than expected? "Vidatyr, I'll need your help with Askr's braids..." This was all a very delicate, but important, operation. It was only once of a handful of times they would get to do this before the boy was grown.

 

[mistalina13]

- Vidatyr Snaerblod -

"Of course, mine Heart." Vidatyr tapped as much snow as he could from his paws and fetlocks before heading further inside. He nuzzled at his mate and son's cheeks in turn.

"Today is your first step toward being grown. Your Ada and I are proud to guide you on your journey and love you very much." From the looks of things Orielath had gotten him all combed out, as much as the boy could sit through at any rate. More than enough for a braid at his neck and the other adornments they had planned to give him this day. "But it is important for you to learn of the others beyond those who have visited our cave. A whole village for you to mark as family, even though not bound by blood." But they could each one be trusted as such. He counted on each for loyalty and service to their village home.

 

[mistalina13]

- Askr Snaerblod -

"DA!" Askr bounced, eagerly returning his Da's nuzzle. He stilled almost automatically when his fathers started parting his mane to do his first braid. Da had said it was important to be settled for this so it did not pull. But he couldn't help the little eager taps of his talons on stone.

 

[mistalina13]

- Vidatyr Snaerblod

"This will not take long little one." Between he and Orielath they'd found a rhythm with the small combs and the braid was near half done already. "After this you will choose the first of your feathers." They would choose a second for him and give him one of the blue frost roses to adorn his mane. The tie at was a similar process to what the braid had been but they managed that too and Vidatyr tugged it tighter to secure it.

"How do you feel, Askr?" To have his first at last. The next would come when he was a stallion grown.

 

[mistalina13]

- Askr Snaerblod -

"Itchy." He sought his Da's furs to rub his horns on again. "Ada said it was time for medicine."

His little talons started clacking again as the medicine was applied. "Better!" The smell wouldn't last long, especially once they were all outside.

It was only now that Askr paid any real attention to his new braid. He tossed his head to feel the small weight shift. "I like it!"

 

[mistalina13]

- Orielath -

"I'm glad meleth...it suits you." It truly did. Orielath gave him another nuzzle now that the medicine was amply applied to his small horns.

"Feathers next?" He looked to his love and retrieved the appropriate basket after he nodded. "You should choose one for yourself, then your Da and I will choose one for you." Most were vibrantly colored or owlbear feathers like they both wore, but there were some choice others in the mix. Once they knew Askr's preferences then they could find more like them later on.

 

[mistalina13]

- Vidatyr Snaerblod -

Vidatyr wasn't surprised when Askr chose a long rainbow feather from the bunch. It was something more he could share with Orielath, who he took less from in looks.

A quick exchanged glance to his Heart gave the boy his second feather, one of a black and white owlbear like his own. It had come from his companion Kaja. "And there is one more thing. But we can pick it fresh once we head outside."

 

[mistalina13]

- Orielath -

It took a bit of fussing but once Askr's furs were determined to be sufficient it was time to get going. From the looks of things outside Vidatyr had obviously gotten some cleaning done. Though now the snow was falling again and there was a fresh blanket of new powder over the snowpack.

Orielath clicked along leisurely after his love and son. The latter two had practically barreled out of the cave mouth, kicking up a fair amount of powder as they went. Though he kept back for the moment to avoid the deluge of flakes, their joy delighted him.

It seemed a bit of play was in order before they went search of the rose and brought Askr around for introductions.