Chapter 10 - Of Apples and Oats

Glancing over my shoulder, my eyes land on my front door. Nobody has come out to check on me, so I'm sure it's fine. Shaking my head, I slowly lift myself back into a standing position, keeping my hands at chest level.
"H-Hey there, buddy, is there anything I can do for you?" I ask, wincing as my voice wavers. "I-I don't have any oats on me right now, but if you and any of your friends need some grass to eat, you are more than welcome to come here. There is more than enough grass under the snow."
The buck's ears twitch, showing that he can least hear me and his tail flicks back and forth. This buck looks quite healthy and full for this time of year. But then again, hunting season and winter have only just started, so I'm sure this buck has been stocking up. My eyes flicker to the buck's antlers. And judging by just how big his rack is, this isn't his first winter in these parts.
My shoulders roll as I try to remain relaxed as the buck takes a few, hesitant steps forward. His brown and white fur gleaming in the moonlight with each step. My heart hammers in my chest as the deer draws near, but I refuse to move, just in case I somehow startle this normally skittish creature. A small part of me groans as the deer approaches, upset at the fact that the deer is much taller than I am, even without the impressive display of antlers on his head. The beings inside the house would have been towering over this buck no problems, but me? I just barely come up to his cheek.
"Am I destined to be smaller than everything I come into contact with?" I mutter.
I know that it's silly and there are many things that I'm much bigger than, but when all the other entities around you make you feel like an ant in a horse barn, it's really hard to not feel a little singled out.
I tilt my head back as the deer finally stops his approach, his nose inches away from my face as he leans in and sniffs me. A small giggle escapes me as the deer snuffles my hair before sneezing as a few of my white strands tickle his nostrils. Cautiously, I lift my palm for the deer to sniff, before I gently press it against his snout.
"S-Sorry about that," I say, giggle as the deer blinks down at me. "I should have warned you about how ticklish hair can be. Although, you did give me quite the scare, so maybe we can just say that we're even?"
The deer nudges my hand and I gently start rubbing his nose. The buck relaxes under my ministrations, blinking every so often as I continue to scratch at his nose.
"I really am sorry that I don't have any food for you," I say softly, guilt tugging at my gut. "I promise, the next time you stop by, I'll make sure that there are oats and feed out for you and your friends, how's that sound?" I chuckle as the buck snuffles my cheek. "I've only been back for a few days now, so I haven't gotten myself any supplies really. And today was quite eventful if I do say so myself, but I'll go and get some supplies tomorrow so then, if you stop by, there will be food waiting for you, m'kay?"
The deer nudges my hand before leaning further in and touching my cheek with his nose. I giggle from the cool and wet sensation as the deer nuzzles me. Suddenly the deer's head snaps up and stares over my shoulder, ears and tail at alert.
"Frost."
My body tenses before I turn and look at the doorway. Mortem is standing there on the porch, arms crossed on their chest. I shrink a little under their golden gaze and fight the urge to hide my face the deer's neck.
"Y-Yes?"
As if sensing my discomfort, the deer fidgets under the large being's gaze. Mortem uncrosses their arms and motions toward the house.
"I think it's time for you to come inside, young one."
Frost spreads across my cheeks and a frown tugs on my lips. But why? I'm completely comfortable out here and having a nice chat with this nice buck. Keeping my comment to myself, I force myself to nod and reach up to gently rub the deer's nose, soothing him a little.
"Sorry, buddy, gotta head in. But I promise to have oats out tomorrow, so don't be a stranger, okay? See ya then."
The deer nudges me one last time before turning and heading back into the forest. Sighing, I turn as well, pausing briefly to grab myself a handful of snow and walk over to the embodiment of death.
"Is something wrong?" I finally ask, nibbling on my snow as I stare up at Mortem. They reach down, ignoring my flinch, and grip my shoulder, squeezing softly.
"No," Mortem says, shaking their head. "But Wind come in and started a fuss so I thought I would come out and see what got them all riled up. Was that a friend of your's?"
My lips quirk as a long dramatic sigh escapes me. Leave it to Wind to cause a ruckus.
"No, but I'm hoping to soon call him one. I think he came here searching for food. I tend to leave oats out for the deer and some feed for the birds, I just haven't gotten around to getting any yet, with the meeting and then the snafu of today." I take a large bite of my snow and hum as the cold melts in my mouth and slides all the way into my stomach.
Mortem's gold eyes scan me as I happily munch on my treat.
"W'ot?"
"You haven't been able to pick up supplies yet this year?"
I shrug.
"A lot's been going on. Winter came a little early this year, surprising not only Kaia but myself as well. I didn't get a chance to prepare."
Mortem hums before ushering me inside. I don't miss the glance they shoot over their shoulder before ducking through the doorway. Frowning, I also glance over my shoulder. What are they looking at? I open my mouth to ask but Mortem merely shakes their head, pushing me further inside.
Wind spins around me, frantically searching for any possible injuries. I huff a chuckle.
"Wind, I'm fine, honest. It was just a buck checking to see if we had any food out for him."
Wind blows in my face. I roll my eyes.
"Yes, I know we don't even have food for me, but I promised that we would have some oats tomorrow for him and his friends. So, I'll just get something for us then too. Mother Nature's place should be cool enough to visit tomorrow."
"I wouldn't count on it, Snowflake," Ake calls from the table. "With all the strange weather patterns, Ela hasn't been able to keep up. So, it's still pretty warm at her place. Even by Ela's standards."
A groan catches in the back of my throat. Seriously? I angrily bite into my snowball. I'm in mid-chew when an idea hits me.
"What if I go and help Mother Nature cool down the Garden? Nothing major that will destroy the crops but enough to bring it to where it should be at this time of year?"
The five larger beings stare at me. Father Time and Ake exchanging a look of thoughtfulness while Cato looks worried and Mortem and Vita give nothing more than they are thinking it over.
"Frost, my dear," Cato starts slowly. "I don't know if you realize just how warm it will be at Ela's. The temperature will be very similar to that of the Void, my dear. One of us can just get the supplies for you, it's no issue."
My frown deepens.
"But if there is a way I can help regulate the Garden's temperature, shouldn't I at least try?" I stare down at the snow in my hand. "I mean, it doesn't at least hurt to try, right? And if it starts getting to be too much, I'll tell Mother Nature and return here and eat some more snow."
I fidget as silence fills the room, everyone's attention on me. I lift my gaze on the snow to hold the much older beings' stares. I'm not going to back down until I've at least tried.
"I'll—"
"The three of us will go with," Father Time states, cutting Ake off. "That way if something goes wrong, we'll be there to help."
My eyes flick from the scowling moon entity back to Father Time, warmth and excitement blooming in my chest.
"Really?"
Cato nods, their shoulders relaxing. "Why, of course, my dear. No reason for you to have to do this alone."
Nodding, I nibble on the snow to hide the small smile forming on my face. Well, that went over easier than I thought that it would. Now if only they would stop treating me like I'm made of glass, that would be great. Baby steps, Jack, baby steps. They'll get there eventually. I pause mid-bite as Vita approaches me, a slight frown on their face.
"Frost, is that all you've eaten today?"
Frost spreads across my cheeks and ears as I stare down at the half-eaten snowball. Vita lifts an eyebrow as I sheepishly smile at them.
"I-I mean, it's not like I have to eat every day," I stammer with a shrug. "And I had some tea today at Cato's. Some blueberries, too."
Wind nudges me before slipping away to zoom upstairs. I roll my eyes. They act as though I'm going to be scolded. It's not like this is anything new for me. I eat when I'm hungry. A soft murmur from the group in front of me catches my attention when Vita steps closer and holds out their hand. A shiny red apple appears and they place it in my palm.
"I expect to hear how it goes tomorrow at the Garden," they state, more to Cato and the others rather than to me. I take the apple with wide eyes and stare at the perfectly red skin. It's not often I get to eat fruit, most of it has gone bad by the time I reach it, much like the blueberries in the forest.
"Don't worry, Vita," Father Time states, smirking at me. "We will keep Frostbite out of trouble."
Cato nods, a beaming smile on their face.
"Of course, we will. We will come by early tomorrow so that we can head there together, Frost, dear."
I nod, only barely paying the keeper of memories any attention as I stare at the ripe apple in my hands. Do I even dare eat it? Maybe I can save the seeds and plant an apple tree near here for some animals to enjoy?
A hand gently cups my cheek jerking me out of my musings. I stare up at Vita as their nebula eyes search my face before stroking my cheek.
"It is okay, young one," Vita says, their voice the quietest it has been all evening. "You can eat it. There is nothing wrong with spoiling yourself a little every blue moon."
I blink.
"But this month only has one full moon."
Vita's lips quirk into an amused smile.
"That is all right, too. But I would prefer to see you eat something a little more...substantial than just snow. Could you humor an ancient being such as myself, little winter sprite?"
I bite my lip as Vita's hand falls from my face and my eyes drop to the apple. It might be a long time before I get another sweet like this, I don't want to waste it. But, if I don't eat it now, it might go bad by the time I do work up the courage to eat it. And Vita wants to make sure that I eat it, so, really, I should just eat it now, right?
Hesitantly, I bring the fist-size apple to my lips and bite into it. Instant, sweet crisp juice fills my mouth and I hum as my eyes close. Oh. I forgot just how good fresh apples can be. This is way better than those blueberries I found and my sugar icicle cannot compare to this sweetness.
My eyes flicker back open as a thumb swipes along my chin. Vita smiles down at me, their eyes swirling.
"I take it that you enjoy it?"
I nod and quickly take another bite, humming in pleasure. Maybe I can see if Mother Nature has any apples to spare so I can have some? My fingers flex on the smooth skin of the apple before spreading frost across the surface.
"Most have been a while, huh, Snowflake?"
I nod, chewing happily before swallowing.
"I think the last apple I had was a ghost apple seven winters ago."
"Ghost apple?" Cato asks as I take another bite. I hum as I nod.
"They look like this," I say between mouthfuls and lift my hand. Frost starts to form until it makes a perfect apple shape but the middle is hallow. "Frost forms around an apple that hasn't fallen yet and when the apple does finally fall, it leaves behind this shell. I like sucking on them because they are a little sweeter than most icicles."
I munch on the rest of my apple, dismissing the frost apple in my palm. Mortem reaches out and smooths my bangs away from my eyes.
"Next time you find some, you will have to show us, young one."
Oh! That would be nice.
Hopefully, I can find an apple orchid soon and see if they have any. I suck softly on the meat of the apple as Mortem and Vita turn back toward the rest of the group.
"All right, we should be getting back," Vita states, giving my chin one last swipe with their thumb. "The four of you will need to be up early tomorrow if you want to catch Mother Nature before she starts working."
Mortem levels a stare on their sibling.
"And we all know how much Mother Nature does not like being interrupted during her work. So, please try to be there before she sets out."
My head bobs while Father Time, Cato, and Ake all verbally agree. If it means that I might get more sweets like this apple, then I won't even sleep tonight, I'll just stay up until the others come and get me. Wind reappears, swirling around me in warning as if sensing my thoughts. I smile impishly at the northern wind and use the back of my hand to wipe at some juice rolling down my chin.
"Frost."
I glance over at Mortem and a soft smile forms on their face.
"Let us know the next time you want to come and visit so that we can avoid the "snafu" that was your little escapade today, all right? We will let you know if it is safe enough for you to be there."
Vita catches my chin as I attempt to duck my head, frost burning my cheeks as embarrassment shoots through me once more. Vita tsks.
"None of that. You had no idea it was going to be that hot, and normally, around this time, it is not at such extreme highs." Vita's expression softens. "And honestly? It was quite nice getting out of the mountain for more than just work. Isn't that right, Mortem?"
Mortem nods, their long golden hair swaying. "Indeed it has been quite some time since we last socialized with more than ourselves or even Cato. It has been quite refreshing."
"Even if it was for...less than savory reasons," Vita finishes, nebula eyes flickering to glance outside. "But, alas, we have work to do, sibling of mine. Be good, Cato. And keep this little sprite out of trouble."
A startled giggle escapes me as Vita ruffles my hair before turning and with a wave of their hand, a portal made of colors of the rainbow spirals up from the floor before fanning out to create a large blinding portal that extends all the way to my ceiling. I go to bite into my apple again when a thought occurs to me.
"Th-Thank you for the apple, Vita!" I call out as the two ancient beings walk forward. Vita smiles at me over their shoulder.
"You are very welcome. There will be more waiting for you the next time you visit, little sprite. So, come visit soon."
My heart leaps into my throat as Vita vanishes into the light of their portal. They want me to come and visit? At any time? I flinch. Well, I'm sure not at just anytime, but when it's a little cooler? I smile into the apple as I take the last bite. They want me to come visit. Maybe they'll even show me around the Void a little bit. Even if it's a little creepy.
Wind nudges me until I finally offer them the core of my apple. They spin around my palm quickly, lifting the apple higher and higher before zooming out through the window with the core floating with them. I smile.
"Frostbite."
I turn toward Father Time, humming in acknowledgment. Father Time smiles at me.
"The three of us are going to head out, but we will be back at the crack of dawn to head to the Garden with you."
I nod, my mood dampening a little as the reality of why everyone was in my home in the first place sets in. The tip of my boot scrapes against the wood of my floor as I glance at Cato.
"And you'll be keeping, uh, you'll be keeping the little fox, right?"
Cato approaches me and cups both my cheeks, tilting my face up toward them.
"Yes, my dear, I will be keeping your little friend with me so that I can do a little more research and then we can ask Mother Nature how we can properly bury your friend without upsetting her, all right?"
My gaze drops as I nod and Cato swipes a thumb across each cheek before leaning forward and kissing my forehead.
"Very good. Now, rest up. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
Cato pats my cheek and turns just as Father Time creates a portal.
"Want one of us to wake you tomorrow, Snowflake?" Ake asks before squawking as Father Time grabs him by the collar. "Hey! What gives? Zaman! It was an innocent question!"
"No, that's all right," I say, chuckling as Ake swats at his sibling's hand to release him. "I'm sure I'll be awake by then. If not, Wind will certainly get me up. Have a good night."
Father Time growls something toward his sibling before smiling at me.
"Good night, Frostbite, be good. And no more friend-making tonight!"
I barely open my mouth to reply when Father Time hurries through the portal with Ake tight in his grasp. Cato shakes their head, pinching the bridge of their nose and releasing a slow breath. Their mouth is moving as if muttering to themself but without any sound.
"C-Cato?" I call out, jerking the keeper from their thoughts. "If-If you don't hurry the portal will close."
The keeper of memories glances over at the clock portal before smiling tiredly at me. "Thank you, my dear. I was just lost in my thoughts, so thank you for helping me find my way. Have a good night, Frost, dear."
"Good night," I call out, matching Cato's wave as they quickly step through and the portal vanishes. I sigh.
"So much for inviting people over AFTER I finally get everything settled here," I grumble, allowing Wind to nuzzle around me. "Let's go to bed, shall we?"
Wind whistles happily and gently floating me upwards, instantly turning my frown into a smile. All right, so maybe it hasn't been all bad today. And hopefully Cato can figure out some more information about the humans behind such a barbaric form of research. I shake my head as my feet gently touch the wooden floor of the second floor, the boards barely creaking. I stretch my back and roll my shoulders as I head for my bedroom. I might as well just call it a night. Don't want to be late for visiting the Garden tomorrow.
Yawning into my fist, I pull off my hoodie and boots before yanking off my pants and neatly folding the articles of clothing, placing them on the floor next to my pile of blankets. Wind swirls around once, making sure I'm comfortable as I rearrange my blankets, blowing through my hair as I nestle down into my little nest of blankets. I smile as Wind heads for the window.
"Good night, Wind, I'll see you in the morning."
Wind whistles one last time before zooming out the window.
Breathing out slowly, I close my eyes.