Submission (#1757) Approved

The holidays were always bright and festive, which was in direct opposition to the aesthetic of the Terra who housed a particularly sleepy owl within their visor; Owlin.
The dimly lit Terralien hung on the outskirts of the festivities in the town square, lights plastered everywhere, and a large tree stood tall and proud in the center of the square. To their left was an ice rink, large enough to fit numerous Terra’s without risking their safety, and to Owlin’s right were numerous stands of food and drink. Terra’s of all shapes and sizes roamed freely with one another and their pets. One with what appeared to be a piebald python walked past the brooding Owl, and their pet Skirkling stopped to glance at them. The little guy appeared frazzled, confused at the sulking Terra.
Owlin shooed the small thing away, and reluctantly, it did walk away in confusion, but the Skirkling wasn’t their only obstacle for avoiding festivities. Because to their left, an insect-like Terra crept behind the unwise owl Terra, and grabbed their hand. With a momentary unruly ruffle of their feathers, they paused once they connected who was grabbing their head to the visor and person; Alias. The beetle within their visor cocked it’s small head and beady eyes at the owl inside of Owlin’s visor.
Despite the brooding, it felt as though all worries drifted away once the “annoying” beetle grabbed Owlin’s hand, and began to pull them towards the center of the plaza, where a band played instruments that mixed classical holiday songs with modern ones. As Alias looked back at their taller companion, they dragged Owlin into the circle of dances and locked arms. with them, claws and paws tipping and tapping on the floor as the two of them were interlocked in an elaborate dance. The sullen nature of the reclusive owl all but melted away as the other dancers were all doing the same movements as them, blending into a bright array of colors and culture, different aspects of nature and technology blending together. Alias’s beetle swayed to the music as well inside of the visor, and Owlin’s small, sleepy owl, even made an effort to dance to the music as well.
Amongst the midst of the clapping and cheering, the wizzing of fireworks interrupted their dance as everyone turned to the brightened sky, frazzling blurs of multicolor hues dancing amongst the stars and the darkened sky outside. The smaller Terra’s were hoisted onto shoulders to watch the wondrous light display.
Alias turned to look at Owlin, who turned to look at their not-so-annoying companion as well. If words needed to be spoken, they would have, but the exchanged posture and stare was enough. Thank you. The two echoed wordlessly. Thank you.