Wintersday Warmth in the Western Commons
Around the Western Commons the sights and sounds of Wintersday had begun to appear in successive grandeur. The initial herald of the season was the trademark colorful confetti that fluttered over the streets of the district had been replaced - white fell in it’s place, sparkling and resembling snow as it fell.
Not long after an open square in the northern portion was cordoned off and covered in a glass-like sheet of ice, thanks to the talents of some elementalists who had agreed to donate their time over the next few weeks to keep the rink formed. Any proceeds collected would benefit the Angel House orphanage in Ascalon Settlement and the Queen’s Heart orphanage in Salma district.
The residents were thrilled to see the addition of horse drawn carriages across the streets, the horses decorated for the season with bright green wreathes around their necks and lights twinkling along the carriages for romantic lighting. Stationed at three separate points, they were scheduled to run every weekend over the holiday season.
The district had really begun to embrace the Wintersday spirit, though a few still clung to their curmudgeon ways, despite all of the efforts of Minister @shilohdevereux and the offices of the Western Commons. Though that was all about to change for even the iciest of hearts were about to melt.
The 80 foot Evergreen was brought into the square next to the Flagon and erected, lights hung and a gigantic golden star hoisted onto it’s peak. If that itself wasn’t enough to herald the official arrival of the season to the Commons, the parade of officially invited tree decorators were sure to help usher it fully. Inward they marched up to the tree, little hand decorated mitten cut outs from wood covered in glitter and paint in their grasp. As the children from the Western Commons and the orphans from the Angel House and Queen’s Heart orphanage converged on the great tree, they set to placing their ornaments on the lower branches, which ended up only being about the lowest 1/3.
After their tremendous job adorning the Wintersday tree, the Minister and her office thought it only right they were given exclusive first access to the skating rink for the day and carriage rides with hot cocoa.
That evening as the sun slowly tucked away, the residents of the Western Commons and their Minister, along with their esteemed guests, stood in a circle around the giant tree and watched in awe as it exploded with pale white light that filled the surrounding area with a warm glow.
This was just the start of things for the Western Commons, as onlookers have seen Minister Devereux walking through the residential area discussing decorations and pointing out possible locations for more things to come!
( @alissabryliss-fairfax @shilohdevereux )