Winter Clutch 2022

Small Frenzy Flight
Snow crackled beneath Avarelle's feet. The white-grey reindeer dragon looked at the skies and smelled something different in the air. Like a storm brewing, but less dangerous. Clouds were packing together in the sky and soon snowflakes would float down, obscuring sight and sound. But it was winter in IceLand so that was a common enough occurrence. Her rider, Nyui was still with the IceLanders on Lantessama Isle... but something had drawn Avarelle to this place. As if she needed to be here. She took more steps, trudging through the snow. Her warmth magic meant that she would never get cold, no matter how far below zero the temperature dropped. Her attention was drawn by movement below the trees. She turned her head and froze.
Two other reindeer dragons, slightly larger than she was were standing there. One was silver and purple, a stag with impressive curled antlers. His companion was brown-gold with decorated, long antlers. Then suddenly, a shimmer in the air and a slightly transparent deer appeared. The snow falling intensified and as it grew colder, sleet fell as well. Suddenly the sound of bells sounded and a red-brown reindeer dragoness strode onto the clearing, her many wings seeming to spread cheer as they fluttered. Finally, a white-silver reindeer with a lot of fur and little lights that seemed to pulse and strobe, stepped out of the trees. 
The reindeer nodded to each other, bowing their antlered heads and introducing themselves to each other. Hot and cold energies clashed, magic, music, lights and cheer merged together, created a whirlwind of winter atmosphere. Smells of pines, holly and smoke wafted across the clearing. 
"Why are you here?" Avarelle asked.
"The ice called me near." Cedany, the icedeer shared. 
He shied away a bit from the warmth Avarelle spread until she noticed and toned down her body temperature. 
"Something is ending." Fodyos added, his voice the sound of chimes .
The silvery dragon with patches of colour that changed depending on the light, let his lights pulse more, forming a beacon in the dimming light.
"Somehow we knew our presence was needed." the purple-grey Donner said, scratching his claws on the frozen ground.
"We always wanted to check this place out." his companion, I'haeryok added.
The brown-gold deerdragon had black stripes and shaggy fur covering her feet. She played with little lights, causing the bells and baubles in her fur to glow. 
"I just wanted to see what all the fun was about." the red deerdragon with the many wings shrugged. 
Nolach'tach Houtalli had left her bond asleep. None would be the wiser of her little trip to the cold place. Well, not right away anyway because the peppy dragoness had put together why they were here tonight. Endings always called for new beginnings and those usually happened when males and females came together. She crackled, her green glow intensifying a bit as she challenged the present males.
"I say we spread cheer all around while having a little competition."
"Spreading cheer is my middle name." I'haeryok boasted.
"I don't know about cheer, but I can certainly spread flowers." Avarelle said, cocking her head.
"I prefer ice flowers." Cedany blew out a breath of chill air forming snowflakes in the air around him.
"Fuzzy snow." Donner agreed.
"Lights." Fodyos added.
"And when we meet, we can have a little fun of our own." Nola added, giving the male deer dragons a wink.
And then they were off. That night, the air was full of clouds and snow. None of the people of IceLand noticed the dragons flying overhead and that was probably a good thing as dragons were considered an ill omen. But some would later wonder about the sudden feelings of mirth and happiness that kept the children up way past their bedtimes and had the adults indulging them for once. About the abundance of falling stars and the appearance of flowers well out of season next to stars made of ice and little mounds of snow to shelter both. Some would vow on their loved ones that they had heard the sounds of bells, chimes and singing or the sound of hooves on icy ground. 
The reindeer dragons partied well into the next morning, the first rays of the sun appearing very late in this time of year. As they left, they promised to clutch together not too far from here as these little ones they were now carrying would need to know their extended family. And maybe, in the future, they would be called again to an IceLand that had changed. That was brighter and more cheerful, where the people had lost their fear of dragons and would go out to admire the snow without having to fear for their lives. 

Winter Clutch 2022

Hatching Story
Laedrys Trix had seen plenty of strange things occur on Lantessama Isle. But when a fog started to roll in, she was instantly on guard. Only a couple of years ago had they finally rid themselves of a shadow invasion and this fog seemed eerily reminiscent of those days. 
"Fear not. It is just the reindeer." Frynod, her peridot green dragon assured her.
"If you say so." she sent back, but kept looking at the fog nonetheless.
It had only been a fortnight since the reindeer clutches had been laid and though midwinter was approaching, it would be far too soon for those eggs to hatch. But as so often is the case, timing is everything and not a minute after the Laedrys had had that thought, she was alerted by one of the reindeer parents that any candidates and spectators would need to be on their way to the sands. Before Laedrys Trix could ask more, a summons, carried by the mental voices of all 6 reindeer dragons, was projected into the minds f everyone in the large vicinity. Chaos ensued as people dropped what they were doing and raced toward the sands, all of it true the rising fog and accompanied by the sounds of bells, chimes and carolling. 
"It is with great pride that we announce to you our children," the fireling hybrid Nola spoke.
"Though the clever workings of our combined magic we have ensured the ideal conditions for our eggs to hatch." the grey-purple Donner continued.
The icedeer Cedany scratched his feet across the floor and suddenly the sands and surrounding areas were frozen solid. People hardly managing to stay upright at the sudden change. The air turned to freezing and quite a few people huddled around Avarelle, who warmed up a 10 feet radius bubble all around her. Others ducked into their coats, blew their hands or suddenly found the need to embrace their neighbour. But no-one seemed to be in a bad mood because of the shift in the weather as I'haeryok spread her cheer and Fodyos added sparkling stars in the dark expanse of clouds above. 
Only then did Nola open up the portal to where their offspring was residing. 
A humming sounded but as the dragons of Lantessama welcomed the new dragons, there were two young female draconic voices that spun their own melody. though they shared the same father, they were half sisters, having been hatched from a different dam's clutch. Lodowy, the lightly coloured daughter of Avarelle with blue feathery wings and a fuzzy tail created small frozen flowers around her while the yellow-copper Hexie, daughter of I'haeryok, wove a beautiful harmony around the first's song. They took their time, enjoying the attention and applause of the gathered people. But in the end they could not keep from singling out their bond. 
"Snowstrides Lightly," Lodowy said, her mind presence sweet as the treat she was named for, "We've come to keep you company."
"And to fill your home with beautiful songs and flowers." Hexie added. 

Standing in the snow, Lauren Baker felt like running through the snow. There hadn't been any when she and the Alderman couple had arrived on Lantessama Isle but it was here now and it called to her shifter animal. But she knew she shouldn't do anything rash if she wanted to walk away with a dragon in tow. Luckily for her, she wouldn't have to wait any longer as a coppery brown twin-tailed reindeer approached her. He rubbed his body against her and sighed when she reciprocated:
"You give the best hugs."
"It takes practice to get this good, Kurant."

Arabella Jones had always known there was something off about some of the people that visited the Reindeer roastery, the coffee shop where she was the acting supervisor. She was starting to understand just how "off" they were by standing in the snow surrounded by dragons and reindeer.
"Reindeer dragons." a bright voice said beside her.
"Yes, Reindeer dragons... like you!" she nearly dropped her coffee.
"You can call me Glimte." the dragon continued chattering, "Oh and if you would share some of those pastries, that would be amazing! They seem so tasty and..." 

Leisurely walking in between the spectators, Lyanca felt buoyed by the cheer that hung thick in the magical fog. The humans probably didn't notice how their emotions were being swayed but as it was such a pleasant emotion, Lyanca figured it didn't need to be addressed. Still, she tried to keep from being influenced by it. Some of these people would be getting a bad hangover tomorrow. Slowly the wood elf made her way to the Greenhouse, intending to rest and turn in. But before she could make good on her plans, a large green shape swooped by.
"Excuse me milady, I've heard talk about a greenhouse around here." the green reindeer dragon, Kuusk said.
"It's just up ahead." Lyanca offered.
When both looked at each other, something clicked. Maybe it was their shared love of plants. Maybe it was the lingering effect of cheer. Or maybe it was fate.

Nimue, a travelling sorceress and wood elf looked around. She had quite a few years of experience and she'd seen gatherings like this one before. Even though this was nothing new, it was the first time she'd seen a festival on Lantessama. And the first time she'd seen reindeer dragons emerge from a foggy alternate dimension. She smirked at her own thoughts but was interrupted:
"And the first time to bond a dragon!" 
Nimue looked around and saw a slender yellow dragon with two sets of small wings, long antlers and a tail with a fluffy tip that looked like a painter would love to get it for a present. 
"Maybe in one of my next lives." Orameiro concluded. 

An orange-red reindeer dragon with small wings and long antlers walked away from the fog. Ice and snow were fn and all but he felt he wanted to be somewhere warmer. His entire identity was warmth from his powers to the meaning of his name. And then he caught sight of fire. It was a bright white dragon with feathery wings that almost seemed to glow. Everything about this dragon was fire and yet none of it was threatening. Olaus Sundog was a snuggle bug after all. Their gazes met and they both knew that they had found a soulmate. 

Snow, the sounds of bells and the smells of roasting meat might make many people happy and content, but Naek wasn't most people. There was an emptiness in her heart, something she hoped she would one day fix but until then, she tried to fill the whole the disappearance of her daughter had caused by stuffing it with knowledge. Feeling a little bit out of place in this winter wonderland, Naek decided to take a stroll by the sea. Sure it was away from the sands and sure she should be there, but she needed some space. Putting some distance between herself and the sands warmed her a bit. It also lessened the volume of chattering and bugling. In fact she could now distinctly make out the thumping of rushing feet behind her.
Looking behind her, Naek saw two reindeer dragons in pursuit. One was a wingless red with golden fur, the other was blue with purple fur and feathers. Both had the elongated antlers and they bore some resemblance as they were half-sisters. And both seemed to be intent to come to her.  
"Shouldn't you be looking for your bond?" Naek asked.
"I'm pretty sure I found her." Tximinia, the red dragoness said.
"We can make a party anywhere with our dazzling personalities." Shek'reba, the blue dragoness added.

Lost in a conversation with the local Aelith, Amarlon and Liciya, Yaradi the Zekiran-born Gene Bender was about as oblivious to her surroundings as one discussing their passions could be. She had come to Lantessama to bond a reindeer dragon but had not fully grasped all that entailed, so it was surprising when a blood-red male dragon suddenly butted into their conversation. The Aelith looked amused instead of annoyed and took a step to the side. Yaradi wondered what this dragon would add to the conversation, something about the red and the lights of the dragon, of Gnistre lulled her into a drowsy state. 
"Excuse me gentlemen," Gnistre said as he deftly pulled his bond on his back, "I'll be heading for the food before this one forgets to enjoy the festivities."
"Hey, I wanted to talk more..." Yaradi tried to complain but she was hit again by the giddy feeling of cheer and the lull of the lights and she thought: "This would be such a good anaesthetic..." before dozing off. 

A yellow reindeer stepped out of the fog, his large feathery wings fluttering and the lights on his body pulsing softly. Lampo looked around, considering his options. He'd come out early, not liking to waste time - or any other resource for that matter. A sudden gust of cold wind came down from above as the Air elemental Cemre Okada Windswept flashed by in their primordial form. Blasting cold air and snow Lampo felt like he'd found the perfect air conditioner and quickly grabbed hold of the immature being.
"You have lot to learn but don't worry, I'll be there for you."

Rune La Croix and Clover Graves stood at the edge of the snow-covered sand and wondered why they were here again. One moment everything was normal, the next everything you knew had been turned upside down. But maybe a bit of excitement and magic was just what they needed. Rune knew her life was boring as heck and Clover was in danger of becoming stuck in a rut. But not anymore. 
Just as they were sipping their coffee, a light porcelain-coloured dragoness skipped by, looking as if she had been dropped but had forgotten to shatter. The dragoness with cute little blue wings and a short curly mane of hair looked at the two women and decided that Rune was the one for her. 
"Great party, isn't it?" she asked excited, "How about we get some more food and then head out before they start asking to clean up the place?"
Likewise, a pink dragoness with white fur and feathers, large, scary-looking antlers and black leather bracelets with bells, moved in and took a close look at Clover who wanted to disappear. 
"Oh, horses are so passé!" a feminine voice sounded in her mind, "Reindeer are this year's animal stars! Although I guess you would know how to take care of me and you seem to have some free time in the near future. So don't mind if I stick around."

Radin AhlVyan appeared radiant as always, dressed in the latest fashion and glimmering here and there with a nice jewel, he looked about as dashing as the dragons and drew their attention without problem. However the half Jewel Witch half human had problems keeping their attention on him as one by one the reindeer dragons bonded others. But these things couldn't be rushed. So Radin waited elegantly for the right reindeer to appear. The right individual appeared in a flurry of snow and a mist of freezing water droplets that seemed to make his purple hide shimmer like a jewel.
"Do I look as stunning as you now? I can add a little more..." Kiseki conjured icecrystals in his furry mane.
Radin laughed and gingerly touched one of the freezing jewels and added: "I think I can get you some that are a fair bit more durable than these, Kiseki."

A steady beat arose from beyond the mist and lights started pulsing, heads turned as a sparkly copper dragoness arose in between the wisps. Her teal wings flashed with tiny sparkles that were neither her father's inheritance or a fancy jewellery but an effect that was truly her own. As the music picked up and she mixed a couple of melodies together like a professional DJ, Serpantina winked at Nen'trong Houtalli and quietly promised him to help him with his singing. 
"With me you'll always sound amazing."

A red reindeer with large feathery wings and sporting glowing lights was performing. Olinolino had left the portal and felt he was finally where he needed to be: in the centre of attention. He'd been performing for a few hours and though a lot of people came and went, there was one dragon who'd cheered him on from the moment she'd arrived. Zollohn Winterknell was a teal-furred, black dragoness with a long body studded with pearls. Olinolino had the distinct impression that she was supporting him and wanted no share of the limelight.... and that was something very appealing. 

Right in the middle of the sands, Duttu the Deer-kin from planet Twenty was waiting for a bond. She'd been waiting for years but disappointment had brought her here. Disappointment fled as a cheerful feeling grabbed hold of her heart and she followed the feeling to a camouflage green, see-through reindeer dragoness who despite looking rather frail, was covered in a multitude of wings and fur. Pasema, hiding just beyond the glow of lights, waited for the young deer-girl to approach and then quietly but fondly allowed the bond to take hold of their minds.
"I can't promise to be around people, but I can manage animals."
"I wouldn't ask for more." Duttu earnestly answered and joined her bond in her quiet retreat. 

Sebastian Prince was coping with the weird. He was in another world with dragons. The concept wasn't even that amazing since plenty of people had written such stories. There had to be some truth about it. 
"It's nice to see someone so open-minded." a black and blue reindeer said to him in his mind.
He knew her name too, "It's all about not sweating the small stuff, Addurn." 
"You look great in those pants too." the dragon added and Sebastian nodded faintly as he tried not to laugh. 

Joy Gyfte felt absolutely ecstatic. She was of course a winter reindeer who loved all things winter and festive. Just being here made her feel empowered, like she could fly around the world i a single night or shoot up to the stars and rearrange their configurations. But she should not give in to such whimsical thoughts as her reason for coming to Lantessama was very serious. She'd come to find an apprentice or two to share her knowledge with. But how could she call the right kind of reindeer to her? She released some frosty breath but that didn't set her apart much in the magical fog. Warmth only had people flocking to her and growing plants wouldn't do her much good. So she launched herself into the sky and circled the sands to wait for the right opportunity. 
Joy found it when she spotted a silver reindeer with purple fur who seemed to be looking carefully at some rocks. A good candidate found, Joy ducked and asked:
"How would you categorise these?"
"By composition and size." the reply came smoothly and Joy smirked as she caught her bond's name.
"Nice to meet you Iftiimay." 
"Are we exchanging gifts?" another dragon asked as he noticed them standing over the forgotten stones, "I can do better! You see my sister showed me this trick..."
And before she knew it, Joy's black feathery wings were sparkling with snow crystals.
"That is quite the good gift... Radosc." Joy had to admit. 
And well..., she had come for an apprentice or TWO. So taking in another shouldn't be a problem, right? 

The darkly coloured Bulkkoch, stepped around people, both candidates and spectators, and gauged his compatibility with others. He was a subtle reindeer dragon and felt like he would know he was looking for when they met. It was custom to bond such but Bulkkoch would not bond to just anyone and expect his life to be perfect. No, if he wouldn't find the right person, he'd go search for them in the nexus. Just as the speckled oily black started to feel resigned that his future would be thus, he crossed paths with a towering human with dark skin and long black braids. K'lein was jolly, good-natured and most importantly a righteous man. And the perfect bond who would carry the fame Bulkkoch felt he could do without. 

The chill in the air felt good as Wierszyk trudged through it. The old ice mage enjoyed the cheer of people as they enjoyed themselves in the cold. And he remembered himself riding under the cold winter sky in a sled. There was something about the season that was magical, especially for people like him. As the Ice Mage walked around the sands, heads turned and greeted him. Reindeer bowed their heads and those with appropriate magic offered snow and frost to him. 
It was said that dragons chose their riders, but sometimes it was the riders doing the choosing. Wierszyk greeted the reindeer quietly but dismissed most as he felt their connections to others. But somewhere around here was one that would be his for the foreseeable future. Looking carefully, Wierszyk caught sight of a pale deer with curved antlers and a healthy chonk. Though not particularly powerful, Seoli felt like a good match that would serve with grace. And that was what was needed.
"You're the one." Wierszyk told Seoli and the reindeer dragon bowed his head in agreement.
"I will join you on your travels to bring joy."
"Ho Ho Ho." laughed Wierszyk and off they went.

The Alderman couple stood near a group of local children and Yulia looked upon the excited faces with love. She briefly contemplated shifting to her bear form but that might cause a little bit of chaos even if people in the Nexus were used to strange things. She grabbed her husband's hand and squeezed, turning her head to gaze in his eyes when little flowers popped up all around them. Next thing she knew, lights were glowing and she felt absolutely elated. 
"I'd love to come watch the children with you." a sweet feminine voice, belonging to a white and yellow reindeer dragoness, told her, "My name is Dandelion."
"And I'll make sure everyone will always be happy." a red and green reindeer dragon added out loud, "My name is Udune."
Her husband Torben hugged his wife and her two bonds only to receive a little tap on his back. When the large bearshifter turned around he was met with two more reindeer dragons wishing to join their family. One was a stocky purple male with large feathery wings and clawed feet. His companion was a smaller, orange female that made up for her lack of size with ample passion. Both had hit it off in the pastures behind the portal and had decided they would look for a bond together. 
"We found you." Joto shared.
"It has to be you." Velchama nodded.  

Winternight floated above the sands and the candidates that were milling about with ease and poise. She tried to contain her excitement though chances were that some extra snow or storm would not be noticed anyway. But the gentle windigo did not want to risk causing trouble. She wanted someone to help her control those dangerous powers and watching the reindeer dragons bond, she was hopeful for a little Christmas miracle of her own. 
"Did you say Christmas?" a decidedly female and green voice asked excitedly.
"It is the time." Winternight admitted.
"I know but they're all calling it a Winter Festival here. And it's so much more to celebrate!"
"I know,... Kuusi."

The dark-coloured reindeer dragon with black marks and dark grey fur moved swifly through the snow and felt quite exposed. His lighter-coloured siblings would surely blend in better. Which is exactly why Ketho headed for the forest. He should be looking for a bond but the reindeer dragon wasn't exactly looking for one of the innocent youngsters that had been presented to them. 
Lashing his two tails impatiently, Ketho dislodged some snow and a muffled cry alerted him that he wasn't alone.
"Who's there?" he called, but had already pinpointed the mercenary guard before he could answer.
"Fergus. And I'm supposed to be here, you should be at the sands doing what dragons do."
Kehto snorted sarcastically and said: "I think I'd much prefer your company."
"Is that so? Well be my guest." Fergus added and gestured toward his sheltered seat beside the fire.

Panu'meri Steamfont, the fiery blue dragon mated to Nen'in, was slowly becoming less nervous about all the people crowding around them (and their fire) and let the magic of winter lift their spirit. The fire crackled and sparked as the mood grew more excited... until a snowball hit home. Looking up, Panu'meri gazed into the eyes of a deep blue, bearded reindeer dragon with black feathery wings and a frosty winter magic that allowed him to have an endless supply of ammunition. 
"Hit me if you can!" Sciolto issued a challenge and then fled away into the night, waiting for his bond, and maybe some other newly bonded to follow him to the fun. 

The two Kynnese Elafi stood close together as they waited for the reindeer dragons to appear. Though born the same species, they had their fair share of differences. Chi Tahana tried once more to sweep her hair into a tight bun but failed as long white strands escaped her grasp. Kohaku Rakena then kept their gaze firmly centred on the portal, not wanting to miss the reindeer that would be their. So it was not surprising that they knew instantly when their bond appeared. The slender silver reindeer with purple wings and fur looked radiant and confident as he looked around and met their gaze. 
"Making connections involves travel, right? I'd like that." Putnik proposed. 
Almost at the same time, a green reindeer dragoness with gold-coloured wingsails and fur approached Chi. The confident female bowed slightly in front of the bronzed, goat-horned female and confided: 
"There's not a decent recruit in this gathering except for you. I expect great things from our time together."

The Two Ice Elementals Windchill and Frostline were running through the snow and adding to the cold with their antics. They'd kept well away from the sands, disliking to be among too many people but with the weather and the festivities they'd dropped their guard just a bit more than usual. Which is how they suddenly found themselves surrounded by not one, not two but four reindeer dragons of different parentage. The green-copper, feathered reindeer dragoness Nairal Duu was the first to make a move; Curious about other cultures and inquisitive she could not contain her questions for long:
"Can we join your herd? I'd love to meet all the different people in the Sanctum Dream."
She was followed by the more calm and collected brown Rohkar who said: "I'm quite a bit bigger than you two, I can help protect this herd from danger."
The small blue reindeer dragoness with the small wings and lack of fur gave him a playful headbutt when she said: "Don't be such a man! We'll all pitch in."
Lastly, the wingless, copper-coloured Caniad danced as she sent: "Joyful beginnings will lead to amazing lives. I can't wait to tell the future herd members all our stories." through their newly-formed bond.

A bit uncertain as to how to act in between all these people, Toivo once more wondered how much his life had changed from those carefree days at university. In fact those times seemed far from normal, his survival skills having adapted to the enw normal that was the Combine invasion. But true to his name, he held the hope that they could change his world back to how it was. An unassuming green reindeer dragoness lacking the wings and the glowy bits that he'd come to expect jumped closer. She certainly seemed strong and healthy and though she wasn't as large as some of the other dragons, she certainly was cheerful. 
"My name, Phumelela, means to thrive." she introduced herself verbally as she could not speak telepathically, "somebody informed me you intend to live in a cold place but not too cold for there not to be flowers? That makes you kinda perfect for me."
"Toivo, my name means hope."
"Wonderful." the green dragoness grinned in return. 

Puma-kin Chihou stepped through the snow, cursing his momentarily lapse in judgement to go out and see what the fuss was about. Cold snow clung to his paws, wetness curled his fur and whiskers and felt absolutely awful. That magic fog was also a nuisance and Chihou sneezed just at the thought of it. Just as he was about to return to his temporary lodgings - much warmer and comfortable - a strange pull stopped him. Looking around, he found himself - a feline hunter! - stalked by a reindeer. Affronted he blushed but luckily his face was more like a cat's today and the rush of blood could not be seen.
"Can I come with you? Warm and comfortable seems like just what I need." the brown-coloured reindeer, Ulme, asked.
She sighed sadly and added, "Although maybe you wouldn't like an intruder in your home. I am quite big."
Chihou shook his head and spoke before he could think: "The place is big enough for both of us. And I would love your company and warmth." 

Jackie Raven kept herself upright as Billy Baker slipped and grabbed her arm. Jackie had the reflexes of a cat, Billy less so. They weren't exactly friends but when dropped into an alternate universe or alien planet it was only courteous to stick together. At least the laws of Physics still worked like they were meant to. A bright white reindeer dragon with teal-blue fur and wings trotted by and provided a strong anchor for Billy who gratefully draped himself half on the dragon's back.
"There there." the dragon sounded in his mind, "You'll sort it all out. Just rely on me and everything will be okay."
Billy suddenly felt like crying as he'd wanted to hear just those words. But he managed to stifle the sniffle and act as if he was just coming down with a cold. 
With Billy gone, Jackie looked around and wondered if she could maybe go and climb those mountains. Would they have skis here? It was maybe worth a question. 
"I know of a placer with lots of snow and mountains. It's on the main continent though but I could probably take you there."
"Thanks." Jackie said and turned around, coming face to face with the purple reindeer dragon that was trimmed like a poodle and had three sets of small wings.
"Can you even fly with those?"
"Wanna try me?" the dragon smirked back.
Jackie laughed and felt the thrill of the challenge, "You're on!". 

An impressively big reindeer male with a white hide and black wings strode out of the foggy portal, heralded by trumpets, flutes and drums. Following behind him were about a dozen more reindeer of different sizes and colours.
"We shall head for the Winter Gather to spread good tidings and comfort." Nøgle proclaimed and together they launched themselves, taking to the sky and winking away without looking back.

Frost Hoofwing stood at the edge of the sands, keeping an eye on the group of Whorlings that were in her care. She was so intent on keeping all her charges happy and safe that she hadn't noticed the reindeer dragon approaching her. The wingless, purple reindeer with long antlers waited patiently, thinking about the best way to introduce himself until he finally just lightly tapped her tail with his claws.
"Excuse me, Miss, I believe I could be of help to you now and later."

"There once was a young man from Sweden..." Ledger started to weave the funny and cautionary tale for the small group of children and adults that had gathered around him. The halfling with the unruly hair gesticulated and voice-acted superbly and most of the audience would hand a little something when they left. Having a generous audience was a relief after some hard days travelling across the Nexus. Maybe it was the festival loosening their purses but Ledger didn't stop to consider his luck. It was better to run with it before it ran out. 
The scent of flowers permeated the air and a large gust of fire lit the night. Ledger scrambled back but righted himself hurriedly when he noticed the fire had been breathed by one of the reindeer dragons walking around. The red dragoness with golden wings and fur looked as if she was dressed in brocade. She carried herself well and moved with grace and confidence as she took over his audience and entertained them with her antics.
"Maybe I can join you on your travels?" she asked him later and introduced herself as "Fleuve, she who flows with fiery flowers."

Luca Ward and Cora Olsen were trying to find their friends. They'd gotten separated somehow and needed to get back together. Who knows what would happen next and what problems it would spell if they weren't together?  
"Where could they be?" Cora asked, starting to feel pretty dejected and lost.
Next to her, Luca froze as he felt that tears were coming and he knew not how to handle that.
"There there girl." a light voice that seemed to gurgle like a brook said, "I'm sure we can find your friends. Let's just go ask the Laedryses or some other official and the dragons will all be on the lookout for lost children."
"We're hardly children." Luca replied.
"Right. I apologise. You all look so small to me. Call me Bronne and follow me, we'll sort you out."
Another blue dragon, this one with leathery wings and lights approached them. Somehow the atmosphere became warmer as the dragon came closer and his lights seemed to put them at ease. Only half a minute later, Cora was sitting on his back and she mumbled:
"Ikpo Oku, has anyone told you that your name is amazing? It sounds like a codename."
The dragon seemed to grow a couple of inches and grinned happily as he answered: "At your service milady." 

Hosanna should have appeared in the secluded mountain regions of Lantessama. Somehow, some other magic had displaced her teleportation spell and Hosanna would up on the back of a reindeer dragon. Not too uncomfortable but not exactly the low)key arrival she'd been going for.
"Don't worry." the female reindeer dragoness, Singilu, with the metallic streamers said, "Most people won't remember what hit them in the morning. Too much cheer. How about we go for a ride? You're as light as a feather."
"I could use some aerial intel." Hosanna shrugged and went along with the offered claw.

A white, wingless Kiu Dragon stood waiting at the edge of the sands. She knew she was incredibly unlucky and hesitated to take a step on the sands. She might just slip and slide. But her body moved on it's own when she spotted a light-coloured reindeer dragoness who was in just the predicament Tuyet'ling herself wanted to avoid. Slipping and sliding, the reindeer dragoness looked all but graceful as she moved wobbly across the frozen sands. Tuyet'ling reached Pin Shan and they managed to steady themselves somewhat.
"Oh thank you." the young reindeer dragoness told her saviour.
"I know just how difficult this is." Tuyet'ling confided.
The two equally cursed dragon-ladies bonded before they even noticed, brought together by their bad luck and their need for an ally. But as they were making their way back onto less slippery ground, Lady Luck smiled on them... or on their other bond. 
"Hello lovely ladies, I think you might like my company." Ivoar said charmingly, with a roguish wink that gave away his prankster heart.
Though looking rather fragile and transparent like his father Cedany, Ivoar had been blessed by luck and had managed to somehow live and grow with just the right balance between his mismatched genes and abilities. The happy-go-lucky reindeer took it all for granted and would probably frustrate his two bonds, but tha would be a tale for later, as his luck might just rub off on them. 

Buyl, the Buddhist monk travelling the galaxy, had left the cavern he used as a school and meditation room to join in the festivities. Though his beliefs didn't celebrate the winter solstice per se, he did understand the sentiment of enjoying the seasons and the beauty their change could bring. Looking at the ephemeral beauty of the snowflakes, as fleeting as the beauty of the blossoms in spring and the coloured leaves in autumn, the monk felt it was quite right to be out here. 
"The flakes are fleeting as hope." A gold-coloured see-through dragon remarked.
"Ah but as snowflakes return each winter, so does hope spring eternal." Buyl retorted.
"What if we could help out hope?" Metsahogi mused using his combined magical abilities to make the snowflakes grow and sparkle.
"Is that a proposition?" Buyl asked, "Because I might be willing to take you up on that offer. Although you might prefer someone younger."
"Youth is overrated." Metsahogi ended the conversation as the bond was formed. 

The ranger half-elf Estheris stepped lightly around a couple of bumbling humans. She wondered if she could help them but that might prove a bit dangerous to her own balance and they would be okay either way. Etheris wondered if she would stay to tour the main continent's rainforests or whether she would move on to the next Nexus world. She hadn't made up her mind when a dark, smoky voice resounded in her mind:
"How could you not want to see all this place has to offer?! Certainly you should see the place where I was conceived."
"Rainforests are pretty much the same. The vegetation varies but they're damp and wild."
"Do you not like a good challenge?"
Etheris felt herself be swayed into agreeing but she honestly didn't mind if she'd have some company.
"You're on." she said with a cocky smile. 

The part Godspawn, part Saashiyovi Milii Filidelunas kept to himself at the edge of the sands. People looked at him funnily and he was pretty much sulking while trying to retain an air of mystery. The red and white dragon had found his way to Lantessama by chance, drifting from place to place until a strange call had caught his attention. The call has tasted of cinnamon, had smelled of snow and had sounded like chimes. Following it he'd landed on Lantessama and had known better than to leave before the end of this event. One simply did not mess with the Fates. And though the night had started on a bad note, his luck was definitely turning when he caught sight of a grey and red creature of beauty. She had feathery wings, a large mane of fur that extended down her spine and amassed in a big fluff at the end of her tail. Her curved antlers looked elegant yet dangerous and the angry glint in her eyes matched his own. But as soon as their eyes locked, her eyes were nothing but warmth and love.
"There are far too many people here." Krykhkyy remarked, "Let us leave."
"I'm pretty sure I've done all I was meant to do here." Milii agreed. 
And then they flew off, away to a distant fate that neither of them recognised yet. 
Cheeralin Filidelunas was quite surprised to find one of her siblings milling about, but Milii hadn't seen her and that was probably for the best since her brother was pretty childish. The black and cream Godspawn-Saashiyovi mutt kept a low profile until Milii had bonded, using the patience and focus she used for fishing to her advantage. And let it be those two traits that drew one of the reindeer dragons to her. Firrmin had observed the observer and had liked what he'd seen. He was pretty patient himself and approved of Cheeralin's avoidance of drama. So once it became clear that she was ready to look for a bond in earnest, the green and brown reindeer stepped out of his camouflage and said:
"I gather you enjoy some outdoors activities? I prefer those as well."
Cheeralin turned to face Firrmin and decided patience was a good virtue to have in a bond, especially when you liked to go fishing.

Vero gratefully accepted the offer to switch. She'd been manning on the drink stalls since the afternoon and she was raring to go explore the festival on her own. Maybe she'd meet up with some friends later but she really wanted to look all around and experience it all. The cold of the snow, the taste of the snowflakes, the buzz of the uncharacteristic fog... it was all so magical and exciting. Vero enjoyed her life but the occasional festival kept things thrilling.
"I don't know if snow is thrilling, I'd call it romantic." a masculine voice said behind her.
"It can be." Vera agreed without turning around, "But even romance carries the thrill of expecting more."
"That's true." the voice huffed, "But I still prefer to call the snow romantic."
"That's your right." Vera said as she turned around to meet this stranger and came face to face with a brown reindeer dragon with blue wings.
"Nice to meet you, you may call me Lasæng."

A brown furry reindeer dragoness appeared from the fog, stalking regally through the crowd. She knew what she wanted, expected people to move out of her way and acted like a true queen. And she set her sight on one of the most timid beings in the audience. He lacked some backbone, but the whorling showed promise. And most importantly, he liked to garden. He was simply perfect. 
"Moss Hoofwing." Mominoki called out loud, refusing to only make her choice known to her bond, "We shall create beauty together." 
Moss Hoofwing swallowed and nodded meekly. 
Not much later, a striking golden male reindeer with long antlers and large feathery wings stepped onto the sands. His hide seemed to glow, framed by lighter fur. A true gentleman, Kiranam bowed before the shy whorling Sweetbee Furscale and told her: 
"You're such a pretty flower, you deserve someone to back you up. And then maybe we can help others together?"
Another reindeer dragon stepped forward and added his weight to that statement. 
"You'll need more than one guard to keep your brothers in check." the black and green reindeer fireling hybrid, Mun, said, "But together" and he looked at the large vicinity, "we will change things for the better."

Solemn Caelumpictor was dancing above the sands, rising up high and twirling in the cool snowflakes that floated down. The long dragoness had been delighted to find that the reindeer dragons appeared as adults because she had not come for a burden, she'd come to find someone to travel with. She did have a list of preferences for her bond, but she assumed that that would naturally be taken care of as such things were meant to be. Cosmic Providence and all. A reindeer dragon seeming to float on a cloud of lights approached her, flying and coming to a hover next to her.
"It seems someone else preferred to get a little bit higher." Soyol opened.
His silver-white colouring matched beautifully with Solemn's own black and white colours and would even match her dancing companions back home. A truly beautiful coincidence. 
"I love your lights." Solemn complimented Soyol, "How about we try a couple of moves to see if we are compatible?"

Shimmering into sight, a dark-skinned mage by the name of Bethor appeared in the middle of the hatching sands. Barely able to keep his balance, the young mage with the wise eyes tried to make sense of where he'd ended up. Practicing teleportation magic was a bit risky but it had to be done. He hadn't teleported in water, nor in stone, nor in a field of prickly cacti. So far this was a success. As Bethor turned to go get acquainted with the locals, he was suddenly met with a wall green fur and feathers. Golden eyes fixated on his own brown ones and a mental voice asked:
"How come you can teleport?"
"Practice." Bethor answered truthfully. Many years of practice in fact.
"Can you teach me?"
"Maybe?" Bethor said cautiously.
"Wonderful. I don't like to travel the old-fashioned way. My name is Iphupha by the way. Let's go eat something and get to know each other."

Hunter McCain sat on a cushion on a rock and looked at what was happening in front of him. It looked like a story come to life or some experimental lyrics written on some hallucinogenic drug. He'd pinched himself and he'd been here long enough to know this was reality. The coffee shop attendant tried to look on the positive side, at least he'd have plenty ideas for next open mic night. Or maybe the poetry workshop. How many words rhymed with dragon?
"Wagon... tarragon... this is hard." 
"Tarragon is good though, that might work." Hunter mused.
A faded blue head appeared next to him with silver fur and large antlers.
"I didn't know dragons could rhyme."
"Why wouldn't we? We've got plenty of time to think about things."
"I'd figured you thought about fire and burning and meat..."
"You might have the wrong idea about dragons. For one I can't breath fire, but I can destroy everything I touch." Led replied smugly.
"Huh, must be nice on garbage day."

A dark presence looked unto the festivities below and sighed. It would be best to not linger here lest her presence sour things. Sabia was used to living at the fringe of society and moving often. This world had seen it's fair share of disaster and she would not add to it. Turning, the demoness nearly ran into a red reindeer dragon with curly locks and curved antlers. The dragon was wingless and seemed to be surrounded by a shroud of fog. 
"I sense a likeness in you." Tiramoh said, "And I feel it might be best if I join you although I cannot fly."
"That is not a problem." Sabia answered and snapped her fingers to solve the absence of wings by granting the red dragon a set of smoky replacements. 

Like a small bonfire, Led'pucati Houtalli was surrounded by many people who'd needed to warm up for a while after staying out for the extended time of the festival. She didn't mind much, she was a helpful sort of dragon. Suddenly though, she felt her ever-burning flames flare up a bit and she looked around to find the cause. A blue dragon with sparkling feathery wings sat a little bit away, gazing upon her and her crowd of people. 
"I want to help too." Lap Lanh told her, "I can't do much more than this though."
"It's enough." Led'pucati shrugged and wondered if she could get a little closer to get to know this cousin of hers.

Fragile-looking and clear as glass, a purple-tinged female reindeer with small wings and a fluffy tail tip gingerly turned her ears to pick up the sounds she was looking for. The heartbeat she caught was troubled but honest and told of anguish and doubt. But there was no need to ever doubt feelings, no time to waste on useless fretting. No, Iceflake Furscale, the frosty whorling should get out to party and she was just the right dragon to show him that.
"Come dance with me, let's enjoy the night and leave our worries behind." Bayramona twirled her tail and dragged her bond toward the ice where they could glide and flutter to the festive music. 
At the same time, another reindeer dragoness, the orange Yan Hua, had her sights set on Iceflake's friend, Fleethoof Furscale. The natural leader was strong which she liked, but he was also hyper and straightforward and that just got her thinking up scenario after scenario to trick him and rile him up and have fun. Launching small sparkling fireworks and flashing her lights, she sashayed up to the green dragon whorling and grabbed his tail with hers with a wink:
"Let's go dance as well!"

Pietra swerved from one stall to the next. She'd been eating skewers and waffles, had been drinking fruit juices and mulled wine. She knew she would feel the effects in the morning but she'd lament then and live tonight. Speaking off tonight, Pietra decided she'd better go check on the animals before heading home. 
Walking across the deserted fields, Pietra was relieved to see that the animals were pretty relaxed. The snow-effect had not reached their pastures and the temperature was less frigid here. Topping off the feed, Pietra felt confident that she could sleep in a bit longer tomorrow. Chances were that most people would be sleeping in. 
A sudden sound alerted her that somebody else was around. Not easily frightened, Pietra figured one of the other farmers or stable-hands had had the same idea that she had and she called out: "Good Night!"
A small shriek reached her ears like an animal indistress. Pietra rushed toward the sound, intending to help. She happened upon a big bulk of blue covered in lights that was trying to hide.
"Do you need help? Are you hurt?" she asked.
The reindeer dragoness squeaked again and tried to burrow. Her lights dimmed and then pulsed back on as Huohua got scared in the dark. Pietra quietly stroked the dragon, her innate calm helping the dragon to relax as she latched on to the steadying mind for comfort.
"You are nice. Don't ever leave me!"

Cnisp wandered around the Hatching Sands and surrounding areas. As the fiery male reindeer with the cosy temperament dragged around some of his favourite things he spotted an unusual human. The warrior looked a bit worried and more concerned about some of the others than of himself. That endeared Cnisp to him and so the furry male dragon approached the warrior.
"Oh nice to meet you." Thurisaz said.
"Are you interested in claiming a bond?" Cnisp asked.
"I was actually looking out for my men but I guess most of them have moved on and bonded. Guess I just missed that bit."
Cnisp gave the awkward man a soft nudge with his head and told him: "Well I'm free if you don't mind bonding a reindeer."
"It would be my honour."

Payi couldn't decide where to look first. There were lights and stalls with food and drinks, there was snow and so many people milling about. But above all there was the magical fog that made everything cold and magical. Minds that felt alien brushed along, acknowledging but never stopping as all of them knew they were not meant to form that connection. But one of them would eventually. So Payi searched and ran from one point to the next, watching, smiling, searching. And then there was one mind who took a real interest in her. A stuffy grey coloured-mind with a thirst for knowledge and a love of history. And Payi could quench that thirst even if she hadn't fully been conscious during the long days that she'd been cocooned. 
"Want to come with me?" she asked, "But only if you can do winter magic." a girl had to keep an eye on her own agenda after all.
A chilling breath surrounded her and snow fell quite locally as the grey transparent icedeer drew closer in real life. There was little that could hurt him as he could basically cure himself from just about anything that could hurt him. And he wanted the elf's knowledge, yearned to seek out more with her. 
"Is this enough to suit your needs?" Ketsuro asked.
And delightedly, Payi nodded her agreement.  

Diantha weaved her way in between the festival-goers. People were more relaxed then usual and the half-devil almost felt like she fit in. But tomorrow things would be different again. Her nature had her spreading a few small hexes around. Nothing too serious, just some people who would slip and fall, probably not even any broken bones. or at least Diantha hoped that or she might get in trouble and have to leave sooner than planned. It was this part of her nature that always ended up being a problem. Misfortune needed to happen but people always blamed her. 
"That's quite the pickle." a black dragoness with copper-coloured wings said.
Diantha felt a little better and recognised the cheer charm that was all around the dragon. 
"Hey, no hexing!"
"Why not? You've been doing it too."
"I guess you can't help yourself either, can you?"
"I guess devils wouldn't like me much." Ilhama noted.
"No they wouldn't. you're just perfect though."
"Why thank you."

Early evening had faded into night and most of the spectators and candidates had drifted to the foodstands and fairgrounds. The sounds of skating, laughing and carolling still hung in the air. The group of IceLanders that wanted to bond was still waiting though. Some of the youths were starting to become a bit worried that none of them had yet bonded. Their parents, the bonds of the Reindeer Dragon parents and generally every dragonrider on Lantessama had wished them well and had believed that they would bond. The pressure was high and the air felt tense. Until suddenly bells and ringing sounded and a herd of reindeer appeared from out of the fog. Like the group that had headed for the Winter Gather earlier, these reindeer dragons were quite diverse in looks and sizes, but they all seemed to get along great. 
The first dragon to step forward was a bright blue reindeer dragoness with lots of coppery orange fur and a second set of small feathery wings on her tail. She smiled warmly as she reached the IceLanders and bowed slightly before Guryn.
"We have heard of your plight and we wish to join in your efforts to rescue your people from the ghost of the shadow. With our help, you'll surely be able to make a difference."
"Thank you..." Guryn stammered, "Iztele."
The young IceLander tsted the strange name on his tongue but he knew that it was right. 
The next dragon to step forward was white with glowing lights and black wings. His presence alone seemed to right some wrongs and so Havoy's eyes grew wide when this dashing deer made his way toward him.
"My name is Ukrashenie, Havoy."
"Nice to meet you." the mineral-lover answered, suddenly feeling like he might now know what a diamond looks like.
An equally furry and lightly coloured dragoness stepped up next. She fluttered her grey wings and swept her mane back but remained silent as she approached Durya. A light touch later and the girl knew that she had a bond.
"Her name is Yukiza." Durya told the others, "And she doesn't like talking."
"You'll talk enough for the both of you." Havoy remarked which earned him a close encounter with Yukiza's tail.
A bright green dragon with large antlers and lights on his wings walked toward Yavis, the young man who found himself wedged between the past and the present, afloat between heritage and progress and uncertain of where he needed to go. 
"You can always make your own way, others be damned." the green dragon whispered for only Yavis to hear.
He added for the others: "I'm Pinur and I choose Yavis."
A funny-looking grey dragon appeared next. he almost faded in the mist but it was hard to miss all the little black bowties he wore in his beard and mane. His large feathery wings seemed to swirl with smoke and his body was marked with black stripes. Twin tails lashed behind him. And he went for the most precocious girl and the youngest of the group.
"Xandrya, let's make sure we have fun together while we help your people."
The young girl gave her bond a sly smile and replied: "Of course, Zavan."
"Finally it's my turn." a bright purple dragoness with wings that seemed to shimmer in slightly different colours, said.
"Giye, you're the brains of this operation. I think great minds think alike and our minds might just be very great."
Giye couldn't help but chuckle at the faulty logic, but he also knew it was a joke and that his new bond was indeed very smart and very fast and very up to the task. It seemed the pressure wouldn't become any less by having bonded tonight.
A pink-golden, fragile-looking dragoness with long antlers and frail-looking wings stepped forward. Saryn wanted to move out of her way so she could reach Keryk who was the last remaining unbonded youth left, but the dragon followed her.
"It is you I seek, Saryn."
"But, I already have Lussak." she exclaimed, thinking of her dark brown winged wolf.
"So? We can get to know each other too, with some rules it'll all work out splendidly."
Saryn looked at Lussak who closed his eyes as if to say: "Don't look at me" and that was it. 
Another fragile-looking reindeer dragon appeared next. He'd been well-hidden by darkness and snow, but as he came closer it became clear that he was very slim, lightly blue with tiny antlers and a long tail. He did not have wings and his legs were long and spindly.
Some people might say that he looked weak and sickly, but Rygha knew better. She'd had her fair share of prejudice, even in such an open place as Lantessama. She knew that appearances could deceive. 
"It is so." Kiremiti agreed, "The world will know my powers eventually, but I won't brag before my powers are needed."
Not as surprised after Saryn had also bonded, Rygha turned toward Verani, her winged wolf and introduced them.
"We are very alike." Kiremiti remarked and with that the two looked at each other and nodded. 
It was a fragile-looking, bright green reindeer dragoness with a short mane and unusual wings that stepped up last. She cocked her head sideways and approached the last remaining IceLander, Keryk, with a spring in her step. All around her flowers started to bloom and snow melted away into water.
"My name is Sabzida and I herald the coming of spring." she said playfully as if she were making a joke. 
But her power was very real and would prove a big difference in the future of IceLand. 

Marcelene led the moon lead her as she walked about the darkened festival grounds. Somewhere close by, people were eating and drinking and making merry. Lights glowed faintly and the smells of roasting meat and warm-blooded beings made Marcelene quite hungry. But she wasn't here to feast, she was here to take in the sights and to escape for a while. The fog was dissipating some but it hadn't gone completely, and it was thus that Pagoma seemed to rise from it, her white hide glowing in the starlight. The golden ornaments she wore gently chimed and the reindeer dragoness nodded her head in a royal gesture.
"Pleases to make your acquaintance."
"Charmed." Marcelene replied.
Pagoma let her gaze roam over Marcelene and the icy queen liked what she saw. A powerful body, great looks and eternal youth. 
"Now let us start our travel. I have places to go."

The two bards from Nidus Caelestis had alternated the entire night, each playing a set and sometimes playing together. In the late afternoon their playing had been overpowered by the yells of playing children who were trying to stay upright on a few frozen ponds. But now that darkness had fallen their harp melodies had brought a sense of jubilant calm to a secluded part away from the sands and festival grounds. Hot beverages (some alcoholic) were distributed and more than one couple had found a place to snuggle close for warmth as they wound down from the excitement. Arpeggio knew the night was coming to a close and he and his sister would be free to get some food and drinks of their own. The male elf also knew that his sister would insist on one last duet. Maybe he'd humour her tonight. 
As if on cue, Glissando appeared by his side, her handheld harp at the ready while he still sat beside the larger version. Eyes sparkling and gesturing wildly he knew she wanted to go out with a bang. She wanted to play the old English carols that she'd learned about by some Earthling they'd met prior. The music required four players but with their skills on the harp they would be able to manage without problems. 
"Fine." Arpeggio sighed.
"Thanks brother." Glissando smiled sweetly.
Together they set to playing and soon found themselves accompanied by some people who'd started singing. It actually didn't sound half bad, even if that bulky man should know better than to attempt those high notes. When they finally stopped they were awarded with a grand applause and a few draconic visitors who seemed to be wanting to speak to them.
"That was absolutely wonderful." a peachy orange-pink dragoness with curved antlers and feathery wings proclaimed.
"You two make such good music." another reddish-pink-coloured female dragoness said. She was a bit smaller and had three sets of small wings and a furry mane.
"Shameless groupies." a golden dragoness with red wings interjected. "Although they have a point." she grudgingly added. 
"I reckon we should follow them around to see if they're always this good." a green male reindeer with white fur and big antlers proposed.
"That's a good idea!!!" the three females responded in unison and before the two elves knew it, they had a small herd of four reindeer dragons attached to them. Isisi and Jivana, the two pink dragonesses had bonded to Glissando for they adored her sugary addiction and sweet disposition, while the green Winskje and the golden Stoli had bonded to Arpeggio because he was simply the most powerful of the two. 

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