Winter Arrives …
How quickly the seasons yield to one another. Barely has nature awakened to new life, letting everything bloom in its most splendid colors while the birds cheerfully sing their songs, when the first summer storms already sweep across the land. But as beautiful as the warm season may be, it passes just as swiftly. Wrapped thickly in woolen cloaks, the inhabitants of Althea gradually settle by their home fireplaces, enjoying warm honey mead and telling stories to fill the long evening hours.
All inhabitants of Althea? No, not all. There are two who never tire of their work and have diligently tailored more garments, carved bows and enchanted jewelry with magic. Although, that’s not entirely true either. Mostly it was Matilda who had to take care of this work, while Galvit lounged comfortably in the last rays of the autumn sun, constantly giving her instructions on how she should do her work. Not always to her liking, as one can well imagine.
And now, as the last colorful leaf had touched the ground, it was time for the two of them to set off. The merchant ship was loaded with their precious wares, very carefully, so that this time nothing would be lost either. Quite secretly, when old Galvit wasn’t looking, Matilda also rolled a large barrel of punch – refined with a splash of tequila – onto the ship. Satisfied, Matilda straightened her knitted scarf and secretly swiped a few gingerbread cookies from the prepared treats that were meant to keep the waiting customers in good spirits. After all, it only happened once, the little winter market.
28.11. (Time and location will be announced).
One last time, Galvit’s old scrutinizing eyes swept over the cargo before he signaled the captain to cast off with a satisfied grunt. With a steaming pipe, he let himself fall onto a straw sack, kicked off his plush winter boots and began dictating the list of wares to Matilda.
So if you’re still looking for a few gifts for your loved ones or even for yourself, you should keep the date in mind.