Submission (#1554) Approved

Snow had been falling steadily over the past few days, starting with a light flurry and eventually covering the ground like a blanket. Winter was finally here, and many terraliens were excited, beginning to decorate for the season. Oleander was outside, building an igloo village for the sqeetles. They let the little critters run up and down their arms as they worked, packing snow into bricks to make the structures. They sat back, admiring their work.
Nikki was skipping down a path, and stopped when she spotted Oleander. [What are you working on?] she sent, ‘speaking’ the way terras do by using her visor.
Oleander placed a sqeetle inside one of the mini houses. [Building igloos for the sqeetles!] they sent back.
[You should come with me to the town,] sent Nikki. [I have a theory about how sprout terras keep their plants warm in winter.] She swished her tail excitedly.
[Sure,] Oleander sent, standing and brushing snow off their legs. [I bet Rosco and his cubs would love to come along!]
They found Rosco building a snowman with his cubs. When Oleander mentioned going into town, the three cubs seemed excited, and Rosco agreed to join them.
It wasn’t long before they arrived in the town, terras and various critters bustling around. The town was picturesque and cozy, with snow covering the ground and winter decor adorning the buildings. Oleander was drawn to a shopfront, which showcased various winter clothing items. They pointed it out to Rosco, who followed them inside, while Nikki decided to stay outside. Oleander bought a striped scarf, and Rosco three hats, for each cub.
Stepping back outside, they looked around, finally spotting Nikki bending over near a lamp. She straightened up as they walked over, holding a rose.
[Look!] She showed it to them excitedly.
[A…flower?] Rosco seemed confused.
[Not just any flower. I bet I know exactly who left this rose here.] Nikki seemed to have another conspiracy on her mind. [This was left by Malachite. I bet he’s up to something.]
[That guy? I don’t know…] Oleander shrugged. None of them knew the elegant yet mysterious terra well, though Rosco’s cubs seemed to find him a bit scary.
[Cmon, I have a theory he’s a vampire!] Nikki took off, and Rosco, their cubs, and Oleander followed. She led them through the town, and stopped at the foot of a hill. At the top stood a castle, the massive stone structure intimidating in contrast to the jolly and festive town.
[Look, there’s some terras going in!] Rosco noticed. They all made their way up the hill, standing before the gate.
[I bet he’s going to drink their blood or something!] said Nikki. She sounded like she was just trying to be scary, but didn’t really believe what she was saying.
The gate opened, and Malachite bowed. [Greetings. I wasn’t expecting you, however, I welcome you to my castle.]
[You left a flower in the town] Rosco signaled.
[Ah, so I did. Thank you, I must have dropped it while preparing for the ball.] Malachite dusted the snow off of it and put it back in his visor.
[Ball?] Oleander asked.
[Indeed, I am hosting a winter ball to celebrate the festivities. All are welcome to attend.] Malachite waved towards the grounds inside the castle, where terras could be seen dancing, mingling, and overall partying.
Oleander perked up. [Thank you!] They went in, followed by Rosco and Nikki. The castle seemed much more friendly now, and Malachite much less odd. They met up with other terras they knew, and soon blended right in. It was a wonderful end to a perfect winter day.