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Clarine, Lokison, Argnok and Helia

A blanket of pristine white lay across the vast prairie at the foot of the Pear Tree sapling's hill, as though it were icing spread perfectly over the top of a cake.  The gentle breeze whispering across it had a frosty tickle, but underneath the cloudless midmorning sky it smelled sweet and clean.  Clarine took a long breath, smiling widely as the fresh cool air filled her lungs.  Air like this had not been known in Solaria for a long time, and it gave her great joy to bear witness to the denizens of the land fully enjoying it even through the chill.

Proof of this enjoyment being what happened half a heartbeat later, as the prestine surface of the snow was sliced by the runners of a sled that went racing past her.  Clarine heard the high laughter of the trio of pups upon it, but far moreso from the Spitz of the Corps that had been unwillingly taken along for the ride.

"Lokison-you're-going-to-pay-for-this-this-is-not-what-TOO-FAST-THIS-IS-TOO-FAST-KIDS!-aah-lean-lean-no-the-other-way!-We're-going-head-over-heels-at-this-rate..."   

About a third of the way up the hill--the closest any waja not present to visit the tree itself felt comfortable appoaching and still remain respectful--Lokison was visibly grinning.  On either side of him more pups were laughing even as they prepared a second sled.  Helpfully Lokison held its pullcord, keeping the pups in place until they were safely settled.  He had been doing the same for Helia while she settled her trio...and then had proceeded to let go before she could hop off.  Something Clarine suspected Helia should have seen coming, given the Corsie of the Corps longstanding trickster reputation.

"When am I gonna be big enough to play sled?" one tiny voice said reproachfully.  

Clarine looked around.  Argnok, who was sitting next to her, had taken upon himself to comfort the young, as of yet too small to safely play sibling of one of the pups that had just gone flying by.  Though at the moment only the tiny water pup's head was visible poking out between his front legs.  The rest of it had taken shelter from the chilly breeze in Argnok's plentiful chest floof.

"Not long, little one," Argnok said calmly.  "Good pups always grow fast."

"Keep telling us your story, I am curious to hear the rest," Clarine urged.  "After all, Argnok and I are here to learn more about the holidays.  But I've never heard of pups having to find their presents by following strings."

This worked.  The pup's moroseness faded as tiny eyes lit up with childlike eagerness, ignoring even the small wave of snow that cascaded into the air as the second sled came flying by and louder yips and cheers echoed.  

"Klaus does it!  That's what my Papa said!  He said last year he laid out a string for my sister that she had to follow all through our den, like a game of seek-and-find!  She had to play games and solve riddles to find where he hid her gift!  And guess where Papa said it was?"

"Where?"

"Under her bed!  That sled!  Hiding under her bed!  She says she never noticed it when she woke up, but it's so big!  It was just like magic!  And then that scarf, that scarf she's wearing, she found it just hanging in her wardrobe, right where she needed to find it!  Like an extra special surprise!  And my Mama said when she was a pup, she really needed a new brush for her fur, and Klaus left her one right next to her old one!  And..."

The pup continued, Argnok listening patiently.  But Clarine was distracted as Lokison strutted by and sat down at her other side, her Corps counterpart pleased with himself. 

"I will say, I did learn to appreciate how you celebrate the holidays in Lunaria the years we were stuck there," he said.  "But the little one is right.  For a long time, most families couldn't do trees or stockings anymore, so finding Klaus' Trail to Treats was something to look forward to."

"But Klaus left more than toys.  I like that." Clarine smiled.  "Giving things pups want, but also things they need."

"Not always, but if there was need, he never fails to provide." Lokison turned away.  "Hang on, Helia, kids!  I'll help with that.  Ah, c'mon you old chatterbox, it's all in good fun..."

Two groups of thoroughly delighted pups passed by once more, going back up the hill, the Corps duo helping to pull their sleds.  The littlest pup was still happily talking off Argnok's ear in a way that would certainly give Helia a run for her money.  It gave Clarine a moment to turn her gaze to the crest of the hill, to the sapling and the endless blue sky beyond.

"So many beautiful ways our brothers and sisters here found to endure the hard times," she thought.  "We definitely need to bring these traditions back to Lunaria.  I am sure our pups would love just as much to play seek-and-find..."

Of course, that was why they were here now, was it not?  Learning so they could go back home and share the new stories and traditions with the wajas of Lunaria.  Further building the bonds of friend and family between the two sister lands and the denizens that lived in them.  It made her all the eager for the holiday celebrations of this season still to come.  What more wonderful things would her fellow Chosen learn here?

And then she paused, a thought occuring to her.

"Little one, may I ask you something?"

The pup stopped, looking around at her.

"We don't have Klaus in Lunaria.  We have Santa Apollo.  And our children sometimes leave out treats for him too, as thanks for the presents he brings them."  Clarine smiled, and the pup smiled back.  "Do pups here in Solaria leave something for Klaus too?  I imagine treats were sometimes not always possible.  But did you make something?  Leave a little note perhaps?"

The pup blinked, ears twitching as she thought hard for a long moment.  And then she brightened.

"Oh, yeah!  What my Papa says!  Papa says that..."

"Oh, he did it again," Argnok said with a chuckle.

"What?"  Both Clarine and tiny pup were distracted.  "What did he...oh, haha, hang on, Helia!"

Another sled speeding down the hill, another cascade of snow breaking the pristine surface in long runner skids, more laughing pups.  And a windswept blue Spitz once more finding herself along for the ride. 

"Lokison-for-the-love-of-Artemis-I-won't-let-you-GET-AWAY-WITH-THIS-AHH-SLOWER!-SLOWER!-don't-let-go...!!"

*******

Nothing more fun than a day of sledding, is there?  I think the Chosen and Corps are having a great deal of fun this year!  But Clarine and Argnok's new little friend didn't get the chance to answer her question.  So let's answer it for her!

Jolly old Klaus has given his blessings to the denizen of Solaria for many years.  It stands to reason that the wajas of Solaria in return would wish to thank him.  But although some certainly do leave offerings of a treat or two, surely there were other ways to show thanks.  So for the third Festival of Frost lore question, let's find out!  What could pups offer a jolly spirit to thank him for the wonderful things he does?  The treats and toys, the unexpected surprises found right where and when a young waja would need them, and of course the coals to warm their hearths through the remaining winter months.  Offer your suggestion below for the chance at a CWP prize!

And speaking of prizes, it is just turning into a sort of pattern that more than one answer would speak to us here on staff.  Just as with the first, the second lore question also has two winners!  We are proud to congratulate:

Miyu (#367659)
Sitka (#2500)

Thank you so much for your wonderful heartwarming answers!  Your prizes will be sent shortly!

Answers for lore question #3 will be accepted until December 23rd EOD, with the winners announced on the next lore question on Christmas Day.

And speaking of the 23rd, for those of you that have not yet posted in the Nominate for a Staff Gift thread, you have until the 23rd to do so!  Be sure to check it out, along with the rest of the Festival of Frost contests still ongoing!