Snowfest Writing Contest 2024: katethemarten's entry
Theme: Traditions
Alix ran her paws along the silky fabrics laid out on the table before her as the babble of hundreds of other market-goers flowed around her like a brook. Lights twinkled overhead, illuminating the large square, and the nip in the air made her nose tingle and breath fog up in puffs that rose into the night. Somewhere far away Bell Fairies jingled and faint music wove through the conversations in an unobtrusive way. Every year she battled the huge crowds undulating through the largest Snow Festival Market in Tigereye Peak to pick out a new treasure for her wardrobe.
Last year she had been so excited to snatch up the last pair of Comfy Cozy Socks, earning a nasty look and sniff of disapproval from a matronly old hen who had been “thinking about picking them”. Ya snooze, ya lose grandma! Another year she had struggled to see where she was walking on the way home over the pile of six Snuggled Up Plush Kitsune that she just couldn't resist. Their little hats and booties were the cutest things, and the whole lot needed to come home to her condo where they lived up to their names in a tangle on her bedspread.
This year Alix was having a hard time choosing, and she wandered the stalls with increasing worry. She knew that the Snow Festival would be fun without a new outfit or keepsake, but this was her special tradition. The little gryphon knew that something wonderful was hiding in the corner of one of the myriad of colourful stalls, and she would try her darndest to hunt it down.
At least, after she stopped in the adoption area to play with all the Snow pets looking for homes! A coin to the attendant bought a paper bag with Jingle Mix, and Snow Poodles and Snow Kitties jostled with Snow Chinchillas and Snowbunnies for their share of the spoils. She even made sure to give some to the grizzled old Melting Snow Moose in the corner.
The next vendor had all sorts of Tigereye Peak Treats for sale, and Alix's tummy audibly growled at the delectable aromas in the air. She felt proud of her restraint when she walked away with “only” a Sushi Wreath and some Cranberry Crepes. After the snacks were reduced to a constellation of crumbs she brushed from her feathers, Alix resumed her quest.
Perhaps that table in the far corner might hold the perfect prize? She strode purposefully towards it, but had to swerve to avoid a clattering group of over-sugared children. The side of her wing brushed some merchandise off of the shelf where it shattered on the ground. Oh drat, why did they have to store the Icechucks and Ice Stars so close to the aisle? Luckily, the stall owner was understanding and only joked with a wink about coming after her with a Cold Hard Hammer of Justice.
Finally the gryphon reached the table she had been eyeing, and she squealed with delight. This was definitely the right place, with glittering outfits for every style. Comfy Cozy Scarves and adorable yellow Bun Bun Parkas crowded Winged Earmuffs and Sturdy Belts in a riot of colour and texture. But the most beautiful things by far were right in the center: rich blue and purple fabric on a thick sole and topped with soft white fur. The label dubbed them Snuggleboots and Alix had never needed anything more in her whole life.
A few minutes later, the satisfied gryphon sauntered out of the market square. Her new footwear felt like walking on clouds and her heart was content… at least until next year when the search would start all over again.
Alix ran her paws along the silky fabrics laid out on the table before her as the babble of hundreds of other market-goers flowed around her like a brook. Lights twinkled overhead, illuminating the large square, and the nip in the air made her nose tingle and breath fog up in puffs that rose into the night. Somewhere far away Bell Fairies jingled and faint music wove through the conversations in an unobtrusive way. Every year she battled the huge crowds undulating through the largest Snow Festival Market in Tigereye Peak to pick out a new treasure for her wardrobe.
Last year she had been so excited to snatch up the last pair of Comfy Cozy Socks, earning a nasty look and sniff of disapproval from a matronly old hen who had been “thinking about picking them”. Ya snooze, ya lose grandma! Another year she had struggled to see where she was walking on the way home over the pile of six Snuggled Up Plush Kitsune that she just couldn't resist. Their little hats and booties were the cutest things, and the whole lot needed to come home to her condo where they lived up to their names in a tangle on her bedspread.
This year Alix was having a hard time choosing, and she wandered the stalls with increasing worry. She knew that the Snow Festival would be fun without a new outfit or keepsake, but this was her special tradition. The little gryphon knew that something wonderful was hiding in the corner of one of the myriad of colourful stalls, and she would try her darndest to hunt it down.
At least, after she stopped in the adoption area to play with all the Snow pets looking for homes! A coin to the attendant bought a paper bag with Jingle Mix, and Snow Poodles and Snow Kitties jostled with Snow Chinchillas and Snowbunnies for their share of the spoils. She even made sure to give some to the grizzled old Melting Snow Moose in the corner.
The next vendor had all sorts of Tigereye Peak Treats for sale, and Alix's tummy audibly growled at the delectable aromas in the air. She felt proud of her restraint when she walked away with “only” a Sushi Wreath and some Cranberry Crepes. After the snacks were reduced to a constellation of crumbs she brushed from her feathers, Alix resumed her quest.
Perhaps that table in the far corner might hold the perfect prize? She strode purposefully towards it, but had to swerve to avoid a clattering group of over-sugared children. The side of her wing brushed some merchandise off of the shelf where it shattered on the ground. Oh drat, why did they have to store the Icechucks and Ice Stars so close to the aisle? Luckily, the stall owner was understanding and only joked with a wink about coming after her with a Cold Hard Hammer of Justice.
Finally the gryphon reached the table she had been eyeing, and she squealed with delight. This was definitely the right place, with glittering outfits for every style. Comfy Cozy Scarves and adorable yellow Bun Bun Parkas crowded Winged Earmuffs and Sturdy Belts in a riot of colour and texture. But the most beautiful things by far were right in the center: rich blue and purple fabric on a thick sole and topped with soft white fur. The label dubbed them Snuggleboots and Alix had never needed anything more in her whole life.
A few minutes later, the satisfied gryphon sauntered out of the market square. Her new footwear felt like walking on clouds and her heart was content… at least until next year when the search would start all over again.
