Chibi Antlephore
Malfoy
Autumn is like a second spring, where every leaf is a flower.
Deerling's brain buzzed with a quiet joy and building anticipation before she even woke up. She could hear wind singing in the trees and Ellie, her very special hedgehog, sniffing and nibbling about. An auburn light flooded her vision beneath her eyelids and she breathed in the scent of a new day. Her thoughts came into focus slowly but as soon as she'd gathered her senses she jumped out of bed. It was the first day of Fireside and Deerling was practically giddy with excitement. She got ready for the day, starting with feeding and watering Ellie, then getting dressed. She picked out her favorite Fall outfit and put on her tasseled shawl and purple scarf. Very last she picked up Ellie and put her on her shoulder.
“Alright Ellie,†she nearly squealed “They're going to be setting up this morning for the play tonight and I want to go watch!â€
She stepped outside into the crisp autumn air, inhaled deeply, and set off with a skip in her step. The sunlight glinted off of the quivering leaves in the distance and they sparkled like gold dust. When the breeze picked up the trees started dancing and they began to look like fire. Peace settled over Deerling as she walked, taking in the crunching of leaves and Ellie's happy squeaks. She drew in a deep breath and the smell of pumpkins and spices filled her nose. She was passing a small bakery, hard at work preparing treats for the nighttime festivities. As she neared the center of town the smell of baked goods slowly faded and the smell of Autumn leaves grew. They walked up on a busy scene.
There was a makeshift stage being put up by a team of at least ten people and there were props being painted and covered with glitter off to the side of a busy street. Gigantic sculptures made of fallen leaves were being erected and tables were being put up. Signs unrolled and prices came out. People were putting up their goods and wares to sell during the festival. There were hand sewn dolls and mugs painted with red rreigns. There were wax dipped leaves and painted pumpkins in boxes ready to be sold. Three children sat bundled up in scarves and hats painting a sign advertising fresh, hot apple cider in a nearby patch of grass.
Deerling wandered around nearly all day, sampling bits of foods and drinks for the bakers and chefs, helping set up whenever she could lend a hand, and making sure Ellie got to see all of what Fireside had to offer. In fact, she stayed so busy she barely noticed day fading into evening, until she was distracted from her own happy place. She'd been collecting interesting leaves in the dwindling light when a roar shook the trees and caused Ellie to give a small frightened shriek.
“It's okay Ellie,†she giggled, “That's just the red rreign. They bring one in to start the bonfire every year. They put on a play about the origin of Fireside by the light of the bonfire and we offer tributes to the red rreign.â€
She rushed to the side of the stage, which now sparkled and shimmered in the dancing firelight and checked to see how close it was to time for the play to start. There was plenty of time so she got some hot cider from the children and freshly popped harvest corn. She was beginning to feel the very first signs of chill kiss her cheeks. She loved the cold weather and she loved snuggling in to get warm. She'd spread out a blanket near the fire and snuggled Ellie closer to her. The cool breeze from one side mingled with the warmth from the fire and chills ran up her spine.
Soon the play had started and every tone of Autumn danced on the stage in a beautiful story. Actors dressed in intricate costumes spun the tale like words in a book. Leaves bloomed as colorfully as flowers in deep oranges, scarlet hues, and dirt stained yellows. The blistering red rrein swept down from the mountains and took an amber field of harvest. Poor farmers in their fading earthy browns gave tribute to the great beast. The colors of peace and change settled into the color of snow and winter and death overtook the valley. The actors went through a costume change, sporting threadbare cloaks and worn out boots. The statues of harvest foods had been painted a misty white and suddenly everything was ablaze onstage. Even Ellie, who'd fallen silent as she watched the mesmerizing play, gave a squeal of shock at the intense heat. Then, as quickly as the fire had started, it was over. In it's place lay great mounds of food, freshly harvested and another bonfire, this one a mere shadow of the one really burning. As the play ended and the curtains drew closed, Deerling felt her chest loosen around a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She knew the old story well but the play never failed to amaze her. She stood up and stretched, with an ache in her joints from sitting still for too long.
“How amazing was that†she asked Ellie as they made their way through crowds of people conversing about the play.
Ellie gave an excited little squeak and nuzzled the side of Deerling's face. The sudden spot of warmth brought how very cold she was to her attention so she headed past signs with prices for food, past the tables of dolls and pottery, past the children selling cider, past the bakery and back up the leaf-scattered pathway that led to her house. There was a satisfying crunch under her feet as she took each step. With each crunch the scent of fall filled the air like a fresh breath. Each step filled her with a perfect sort of stillness within. The promise of tomorrow, the beauty of mother earth wearing her autumn gown, like an elegant painting, all simmered inside her with the joy of knowing exactly what was waiting for her at home; a hot cup of tea, some soup, and a restful nights sleep. She settled in that night with Ellie still on her shoulder and drifted in and out of dreams as the world changed around her. The earth, the leaves, the colors of crushed ruby and rusted steel settled in for the night, finally letting Deerling get to sleep.
