Submission (#7667) Approved

Shimmer and Olympia stepped out of the carriage and took in the sight of the cozy little cottage nestled among the snow covered pines of Strynhalde. The air was crisp and tinged with the soft, clean scent of winter, while snowflakes drifted down in a gentle flurry. Every surface was blanketed in beautiful white snow, making the landscape look like something from a storybook. Ice coated branches sparkled in the soft light, casting a silvery glow over the snowy landscape that stretched as far as the eye could see.

The cottage was charming and welcoming, with a sloped roof piled with snow and smoke curling from a stone chimney. Large windows faced out toward the snowfields, and a small porch wrapped around the front, perfect for taking in the view. Shimmer and Olympia shivered slightly as they hurried inside, their breath fogging in the cold air, but they couldn’t help smiling at each other, excitement bubbling between them.

Inside, the cottage was warm and inviting, with a roaring fire crackling in the stone fireplace. Cozy rugs covered the wooden floors, and soft blankets were draped over the armchairs and couch. Olympia immediately set her things down and wandered over to the window, gazing out at the landscape in awe.

“Can you believe how beautiful it is here?” she said, her voice filled with wonder. “I feel like we’re in a whole other world.”

Shimmer nodded, joining her at the window. “It’s incredible. Everything is so peaceful and still… like time has slowed down just for us.”

They stood there for a few moments, just soaking in the view. Eventually, they settled onto the couch, each wrapping themselves in a blanket, and began discussing what they wanted to do during their vacation.

“So,” Olympia started, pulling her blanket a little closer around her shoulders, “what’s first on our winter agenda?”

Shimmer’s eyes lit up as she started listing off ideas. “We could go snowshoeing or maybe explore the nearby forest trails. I think I saw a few wildlife tracks in the snow outside, and I’d love to see if we can spot any winter animals.”

Olympia smiled, nodding along. “That sounds perfect. And maybe we could build a snow fort or have a snowball fight. It’s been years since I’ve done something like that.”

Shimmer laughed. “I’d love that! It’s been ages for me too.”

They continued chatting, their ideas growing more extravagant with each suggestion. They talked about making snow angels, finding the best spot to watch the stars, and even attempting to make a miniature snow version of Silveil out on the porch. Each idea made them laugh more than the last, filling the cottage with warmth and cheer.

Just then, Shimmer remembered something she’d read in the welcome letter from the cottage owners. “Oh, Olympia! I almost forgot to tell you, the family who owns this place also owns an outdoor hot spring just a short walk away. They said we’re welcome to use it anytime we like!”

Olympia’s eyes light up at the thought. “A hot spring? Outside? In the snow?” She wrapped her blanket even tighter, shivering playfully. “That sounds both amazing and incredibly chilly!”

Shimmer grinned. “I know, right? But just imagine sitting in that hot water, surrounded by all this snow. It would be like having our own private winter wonderland.”

Olympia thought about it, a smile spreading across her face as she imagined the contrast of the steamy water and the icy landscape. “Alright, let’s do it. This will be the most luxurious winter experience ever.”

They bundled up in warm scarves and thick boots, their fur already puffing up against the cold as they ventured outside. Each wore a cloak over their shoulders, draped snugly around them, with mittens poking out from their coats. They couldn’t help but giggle as they stepped into the deep snow, sinking just slightly with each step, creating perfect little craters behind them. The path leading from the cottage was lined with tiny lanterns that cast a soft, golden glow over the snow covered landscape, illuminating the way to the hot spring. The air was perfectly still, so quiet they could hear their own breaths and the soft crunches of snow under their feet.

As they walked through the moonlit woods, their breath turned to mist, swirling in the chilly air. Pines loomed tall around them, their branches heavy with snow and sparkling like gemstones in the gentle light. Shimmer could barely keep her excitement contained as they walked, and Olympia’s eyes sparkled with each step, her smile wide with anticipation.

"Can you believe this?” Shimmer whispered, as if the stillness of Strynhalde’s snowy woods demanded a soft voice. "It’s like walking through a dream."

Olympia nodded, her voice soft and full of wonder. “It feels so untouched, like we’re the only ones who’ve ever been here.”

Finally, they arrived at the clearing, and there it was, a large dome structure made entirely of clear glass windows, blending almost seamlessly into the wintery landscape. Inside, through the frosted glass, they could see the inviting glow of the hot spring, the water sending up wisps of steam. A single wooden door, crafted with charming ironwork details of stars and snowflakes, marked the entrance..

They exchanged a look of delight before Olympia pushed the door open, and they were greeted by a rush of warmth. It wasn’t as hot as the spring, but it was perfectly cozy, just warm enough to keep the biting chill outside. Inside, it was a blend of natural stone and polished wood, with floorboards scattered with a few plush mats so they could place their boots somewhere soft.

“Oh wow!” Olympia gasped, taking in the enchanting sight within the dome. The hot spring was at the center, a large oval pool surrounded by smooth rocks. Moss crept along the edges, adding to the earthy feel, and a few small trees and plants reached up along the interior, giving the dome the look of a secluded, magical glen.

Shimmer was wide eyed, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s like our own secret garden.” She glanced up, noticing how the glass ceiling allowed them to see the snowfall outside. Flakes drifted down slowly, landing on the glass and melting away. It was mesmerizing, as though the snow itself was dancing above them.

They moved to the edge of the pool, the warmth coming off the water and meeting the chill in the air, making the whole dome feel like an oasis within the winter wonderland. The steam rose in tendrils, curling upwards as if reaching toward the ceiling.

“Alright,” Olympia said, still breathless with excitement, “I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for this.”

Shimmer laughed, her eyes bright with anticipation. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more ready for anything.”

They quickly shed their layers, laying their scarves, mittens, and cloaks on a bench nearby. With a delighted sigh, they dipped their paws into the water before sinking slowly into the spring. The heat was like a balm, chasing away any remaining chill and relaxing them instantly.

“Oh, this is absolute heaven!” Olympia exclaimed, sinking up to her shoulders. She looked up at the glass dome above, watching the snowflakes gently settle on the windows before melting away. “I don’t think anything could be more perfect.”

Shimmer leaned back, her fur warmed through and through as she closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sensation. “It’s like… a piece of Strynhalde’s magic is here with us.”

They relaxed in silence for a while, marveling at how the world outside seemed so close yet distant, as if the snow draped landscape were a painting just for them. The snow continued to fall, soft and constant, and within the cozy warmth of the dome, it was the perfect mix of nature and comfort.

After a long while, Olympia looked over at Shimmer with a soft smile. “Thank you for coming out here with me, Shimmer. This is… beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Shimmer returned the smile, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the spring. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”