Archive of Our Own ^beta

A soft lantern light would shine through the thick darkness as you'd open your eyes, the smell of pine wafting over you. You'd cough a couple times, taking a moment to realize where you were. You'd get up off of the hard bed-like piece of cloth that was laid out for you.

You were in a small wooden room, the walls adorned with all kinds of trinkets and lanterns. There was barely any light, and no windows. You'd yelp as you see two eyes staring at you. Your memories begin to flood back to your mind.

``Good morning there. How did you rest?``

You'd look at him for a moment, still recalling. Last night bore such a sudden occurrence, and the adrenaline was still fading.

``M-morning Leshy`` you finally managed to spit out, still trying to calm your racing nerves, when you realized how cold it is.

You'd carefully open the cabin door as a gust of cold air blows in from the outside. Snow was covering the ground completely, and was falling from the gray sky. The trees were also covered, and on the far side a lone flower remained standing tall in the snow.

Leshy appeared beside you in the doorway. ``Do you know what that flower is..?``

You shook your head in reply.

``Me neither. I just know it’s kind always stay out during the snow. And what a beautiful flower it is too.``

You smile at how even though Leshy didn’t know what it was, he still acted like he did. Or maybe he was asking you. He looked somewhat pleased with your interest in the flower. Maybe a little too much.

With a grunt, he'd get up and walk through the snow over to the flower. You had rarely ever seen him get out of his chair, let alone leave the cabin entirely. He’d carefully pluck the flower from the ground, returning to the cabin steps.

``Here. For you, love.``

You’d take the flower, more than overjoyed about it. Leshy was unlike what had been told of him. He was kind and sweet, and his words were more than just words. They were feelings. Although he was temperamental, from his display last night, to you he appeared gentle and soft.

You'd hold the flower up to your heart, looking into his eyes. ``Leshy.. Can you make this a card for me? I want it to last forever.`` You were expecting him to say no, or that the flower would be useless during a fight, but he only nodded in response, motioning for you to follow him inside.

This world was built on cards. Cards were the only things that held any true value here. You traded cards for cards, and so on. Other things could be bought with that area’s currency, but that currency could only be found by beating the Scrybe.

``Here, leave it on this desk.``

You do as he commands, setting the flower down, and back away. He’d slowly lift his camera, positioning it just right. With a flash, the flower had disappeared. In it’s place stood a small card titled ``Love's Gift``. You were astonished at the damage and health points. 50 Damage, 70 health.

Without thinking, you'd spin around and hug the tree spirit tightly. ``Thank you so much Leshy..``He’d gently put his arms around you, returning the hug.

``Merry christmas, love.``

------------------------------

You'd hear a noise in the corner of the room, startling you. You'd whip your head around to see Leshy opening the door slowly.

``Hello in there, what are you doing?`` he'd walk in, sitting down beside you. ``Ah, organizing the cards I see?``

You'd nod then pause, looking up at him. ``Hey Leshy..? Do you ever celebrate christmas?`` You'd lightly touch his hand.

``No.. I don't. It's just not something I celebrate. I know Grimora celebrates christmas though.`` He'd hold your hand, thinking you wanted to.

``Grimora..?`` You didn't know what he meant by Grimora. Maybe it was one of his friends? ``Who's Grimora?`` Or someone he.. Loved??

He turned towards you. ``Grimora was an old friend of mine.. I just remembered though, she's not here anymore.`` He'd hold your hand tighter, looking at the ground. ``It's nothing though, she's not dead. Just.. not here. I'm not sad though.. It was for her own good..``

``Oh, I see. Well, I think we should decorate for christmas! Come on, I'll help you!``