[Gift] Winter Solstice [🌞 Solstice Festival (24-25) 🌞]

The city was shining. The light of the polar day played on the facades of the buildings, covering them with warm gold, as if the walls themselves were dancing in anticipation of the feast. The main square was crowded: the plumiies sang, laughed, shared fragrant pancakes with honey and poured fruit compote into shiny cups. Amidst all the merriment, a music bar stood at the edge of the square, blaring tunes that turned into loud, temperamental dances and then into gentle, almost intimate singing.

Inside the bar was no less lively. Koda leaned back in a high chair at the counter, juggling a cane glass with something bright yellow. His sly orange eyes followed the crowd, and a thin smile played on his lips the entire time. Every gesture, every movement seemed to be part of his impromptu dance - a word with someone, a smile to someone, and a wink somewhere.

- Koda, you should sit still for once, - came a languid voice from behind him.

He turned around. Standing in the doorway was Zefir, elegant as ever. His cane touched the floor lightly, but it was obvious that it was more of an accessory than a necessity. He glided into the hall with a grace that even dancers could envy.

- You should have come down to the people for once, instead of staring majestically up at them, - Koda teased, bouncing lightly from his chair to get closer. - Still, why were you late?

- Creative process, - Zefir replied, making a slight gesture with his hand as if warding off an apology. - You know the drill: before you give something to the public, you have to make sure it's perfect.

Koda snorted.
- Sometimes you can be a little less than perfect. This holiday is about live emotion.

- Lively emotions, - plumii repeated with a slight chuckle, taking a seat on a bar stool. - That's exactly why I'm here.

He nodded to the bartender, who immediately placed a glass of clear water and a slice of lemon in front of him. Zefir bowed his head slightly, as if testing the flavor before taking the first sip.

- So, what's the plan?

- We're going to give the bar a real show!

- Are you serious about performing?

- Why wouldn't I? It's the Solstice, Zefir. Plumii are celebrating, singing, dancing! And us? We're part of it!

Zefir smiled slightly, but there was interest in his gaze. He couldn't resist the excitement, though he tried to maintain a semblance of equanimity.

- All right, - he said, leaning on his cane and rising from his chair. - Let's show them what real art means.

Koda clapped his hands and before mate could add anything else, he was already running onto the makeshift stage. He nimbly grabbed an instrument that resembled a guitar and struck the strings a couple times, making them resound. The crowd in the hall fell silent, waiting for it to begin.

Zefir sighed and followed, stepping majestically towards the microphone. As soon as his deep voice filled the hall, everyone, including Koda, froze. He sang of the light that never goes out, of the magic of nature created by the Goddess, of the changing of the old and the new. His voice, languid and enchanting, seemed to wrap each listener in a soft glow.

But as the song reached its climax, Koda struck the strings, adding a bright, rousing rhythm to the ballad. It was unexpected, but singer immediately adjusted, turning the last lines of the song into a sizzling chant. The crowd picked up the tune, and the hall filled with voices.

- Now that's what I call living emotion! - Koda shouted, raising his guitar like a victory trophy.

Zefir only shook his head, but a rare, sincere smile appeared on his face.

The night at the music bar continued. Koda started the dancing, lifting everyone out of their chairs, Zephyr, smiling, stood at the microphone again and again. Toward morning, with the polar sun still shining, they made their way outside. The city sang and danced along with them.

- I think that was a perfect performance, - Zephyr said, leaning against the railing in the square and looking out over the city.

- And I think it's just the beginning, - Koda replied, picking up a glass of fruit compote. - To the new year!

- To the light!

And their voices, merging into laughter, were lost amidst the sounds of celebration.