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Winter had arrived to Jorvik this year earlier than usual, covering the island with a thick blanket of pure white snow. It was so deep riders sometimes had difficulties to get across the paths as the horses couldn't find the way beneath their hooves easily. It was cold, but not so freezing and the sun walked across the sky almost every day. It was magical and mysterious.
The towns and villages were full of people. They prepared for Christmas, getting presents and ornaments. Some of them just enjoyed a cup of tea or hot chocolate in the cafés. Lively noises filled the air. Even the horses seemed more excited.
However, there was a girl who didn't feel so easy at heart. She was The Fifth - the one who connected the Soul Riders and the Dark Riders, who had to carry a big responsibility on her shoulders and control lots of magic in herself. She was supposed to focus on her studies to handle all the spells - but how could she concentrate? Her thoughts were occupied instead with the woman of her heart.
Saga let out a sigh. She was out for a ride and couldn't stop thinking about Sabine who she didn't see for a very long time. Mr. Sands sent the general out for a long, long mission and she didn't meet her for months. Sabine started her journey even before the first snow fell. It made Saga worried as she wanted to enjoy the snow with her.
A loud snort of Nimbus made her snap out of her thoughts. The palomino quarter gelding turned his head to look at her rider. The glance he gave was kind of scolding. He snorted again and stamped his hoof.
"Sorry boy" Saga said and patted his neck. "I know there are more important things but I just can't help it. I miss Sabine so much. It makes my heart ache."
Nimbus stopped and turned his head even more, nuzzling the tip of Saga's boot. She patted him again.
As she straightened her back and looked up she noticed something in front of them. They were at a meadow close to Moorland, a few trees were around the clearance. Of course it was all covered in snow - but somehow it was different. There was something in the air, waiting - even the always chirping birds went silent. Nimbus lifted his head and perked his ears, snorting toward the weird part of the meadow.
Saga frowned. What could that be, she wondered. Using her powers she tried to detect any shadow seekers lurking but there was nothing. No Pandorian cracks around. Katja couldn't have been messing with either - she was at the Dark Core HQ working on measurements, along with Jessica. Saga jumped off of the horse's back and slowly started to walk toward the place. One step at a time, she examined every inch in front of her in case somebody else tried to trap her. Nimbus followed her closely but at a point he stopped and poked Saga's arm. She looked at him and the horse nickered.
"We need to check it out, who knows what it can be" she said but Nimbus just tossed his head and nickered louder.
"Shh, be silent" Saga whispered and took a few more steps forward.
Suddenly a noise came from the trees, as if someone stepped on a branch.
"Who's there?!" Saga turned there immediately but couldn't see anything. She frowned and slowly turned forward when-
"AAAA!" she cried out and fell on her butt in surprisement. She gasped for air as she landed and looked up at the figure.
In front of her the meadow was lit up by silken sunlight, making the area look even more pure and magical. Right in front of the rays a tall figure stood steadily, looking down at her in amusement.
"It's funny how your horse sensed me before you" the woman said with a chuckle.
"Shut the-" Saga cried and threw a snowball at the woman, making Sabine laugh. "You disappear for so long and you dare to come to me like that, scaring me and without warning and making me wait so much and just what?!" she bursted out and tears started to roll down on her face. She cried silently as her feelings took over her. "I missed you..." she whimpered as she lowered her head.
Silent fell. Only the girl's crying could be heard. She was scared she said something wrong, something that would make Sabine turn away and leave again and then she'd be alone again and-
"I missed you too."
Saga looked up at her in surprise. Did she really say that?
"I didn't think I'd ever say that. But I missed you" Sabine mumbled. "So I decided to come back for Christmas. Guess that's an important thing to you?"
Saga couldn't believe her ears. Her jaw fell and she just gasped.
Sabine, her master, the one who she bonded with when she arrived to Jorvik, who had always been by her side whenever she struggled with handling all that stuff going on, who taught her how to fight her fears.
Missed her.
Saga jumped on her feet and rushed to Sabine, wrapping her arms tightly around the woman's muscular body. She buried her face in her chest and cried again.
"If you dare to skip decorating the Christmas tree I swear I'll hunt you down" she said.
"I'd love to see that" Sabine laughed and put a hand on the girl's back.
"No, really" she looked up at her. "I got a pretty nice looking tree and awesome ornaments, it's all in your room already."
"I'd have guessed you've already gotten everything- wait what. In MY room?!"
"Yep. As we share it. I took it all there" Saga answered with a cheeky grin. Sabine just stared at her.
"Run for your life" she growled.
Saga laughed out and jumped on Nimbus who took a flying start. They galloped in the snow and as Saga looked back over her shoulder, she could see Sabine riding after them on Khaan's back. Their jet black figure against the white of the snow was a real contrast, making them look even more intimidating.
But Saga knew something.
Sabine wouldn't hurt her for real.
With that, she just laughed and let Nimbus run as fast as he wanted, breathing in the sharp cold air.
After all, winter did have its own magic, and it brought Sabine back to her.
Said woman was already riding beside her. They exchanged a glance and a wide grin, enjoying the snowy race toward the setting sun.