Snow Witch'S Journey
The North Star Celebration

“Miss letters will be finished in 4-7 working days.”

Those words kept on shadowing me. Makes my head and my heart scream. I had to wait for hours to make a letter and now I have to wait for days to pick up the letter. “Why!?”

My shout seemed to make Draff laugh, “Indeed it was like that. Miss, look how many people are waiting in line. City hall employees are definitely hassles taking care of it.”

“But I can't stay here for long. There are many places waiting for me.”

“Why rush? Are miss chased for time?”

“No.”

“How about miss enjoy this city even longer. Soon there will be a celebration. Staying here for a week, won't matter, will it?” The man tried to convince me.

“Alright,” I replied resignedly. Besides, I can't go anywhere else without the letter either. I have to tell Edras about this.

In the middle of the square I passed, the residents were busy building a tree for the celebration later. Wooden boxes containing building materials were arranged around the tree. Nail, wood, iron and so on. The red light instantly smouldered brightly. People were screaming as flames burned the celebration tree still under construction. Snow fell to the ground, but black smoke rose into the sky.

The tree was still not half as it was, but the fire had burned completely when the candle in a box was triggered. Now, the tree looked more like a fire tree than a celebration tree. A bucket of water they just threw out would not be enough to extinguish it. I thoughtlessly called out to my staff and swung the snow on the ground as well as those still floating in the sky to stockpile fire. The snow was like a stream of white water swirling through the air, stroking the fire so gently that it put it to sleep forever. The tree survived, although some parts were scorched.

People looked at me as if I was the cause of the fire. I was in a daze because I just got out of the town hall without knowing anything. I was more confused and surprised as they continued to look at me, then clapped, and cheered.

Even the snow was unable to dampen the cheers of those who were rumbling all over the city. “The phone saved us! Celebration savior! Witch savior! Snow Witch! Live Snow Witch!” As soon as people cheered and exclaimed.

In fact, before the city was crowded with screams and fire, then suddenly crowded in cheers full of happiness and flattery. I'm like a dazed person. I don't know if they really cheered on me or anyone else. I threw a glance at Draff, but the man only replied with a smile.

One of the men suddenly came to me, his smile looking very happy. Then, in just a split second, the crowd of citizens surrounded me like a cage.

“Thank you, Miss Witch. If not thanks to the help of the lady, the celebration would probably be difficult to hold,” said the person.

“Bu-not a problem,” I replied with a stutter due to pressure from the crowd of citizens.

“What if miss helps us build this celebration? With magic miss all will definitely be fine.” The man looked at me with a pleading gaze.

“Yes! With the help of miss, everything will be easier,” added others in the crowd.

“The celebration this time will be even more festive with the presence of Miss Snow Witch!” add another person.

Draff patted my shoulder and smiled at my completely confused self, “As I said, don't be in a hurry to leave. Enjoy this city. Just enjoy this upcoming annual celebration.”

I'm late in the daydream. But the voice of a man surprised me. “Niva, what happened? I saw a fire and snow. Aren't you hurt?” Edras panted towards me.

“I'm fine.” I was surprised to see Edras here. I thought he was busy and couldn't see me.

“Who is he?” ask Draff to me.

“He's my friend, his name is Edras, also a trader. Because she happened to want to go to town, so she offered me a ride.”

“Who is he, Niva?” now it was Edras' turn to ask me, pointing to Draff.

“She Draff, the waiter at the tavern who accompanied me to the town hall, make letters,” I started explaining again. “Actually I wanted to tell you about this last night, but you weren't there when I knocked on the door. So I don't want to bother you.”

“Oh, I'm sorry about that. But, I put a cake and a letter in your room. Did you accept it?”

“Yes! That cake is delicious. Where did you get it? I want to try it again!” I was too excited when discussing the cake to forget the crowd around me.

“I know the place, want to go there?”

“With pleasure ha .. ti ..” my voice swallowed. I think back to that crowd. I then explained to Edras how I had to wait for 4 more days to retrieve my letter and how I got caught up in the requests of the citizens. “… but I don't feel good telling you to wait for days for me. Because of that ...,” my voice came back at the end with a tone that swallowed and then disconnected.

I was not bowed, but when Edras held my shoulder, I could see a gentle smile on his face. “No problem. You can help them, and maybe you can make new friends again. I can wait for you to finish your business here. Besides, there's gonna be a celebration soon, right? How about we enjoy this celebration together?”

Here's my. Ends where to fly wood to be planted in a foundation, holding the pillars from collapsing, carrying heavy boxes from one place to another, and put the flags on the ribbons between the roofs of the house without having to climb. I decided to help the townspeople design this celebratory decoration. Before my arrival, they had gotten used to building the decorations with their own hands, but ever since I helped with magic, things have gone faster and safer.

Even with the unfriendly snowfall and my magic making things easier, the citizens had no thoughts of relaxing. They also keep sharing tasks and running them vigorously. Draff and Ergas also helped me sometimes. Pairing decoration in street lamps and buildings. When I feel tired, they work a lot harder. Some people who couldn't help me, gave me fresh drinks and delicious food. Though I just want to put out the fire, I don't think people actually think of me as a celebrity. They appreciated my help, and gave me a gift.

Of course I can't refuse their good intentions. The food they gave us was all delicious. They seemed to really work very seriously to reward me with a meal. On the bright side, I don't have to spend a little money.

The days passed very quickly, maybe because I had a busy life so it did not feel like it had been 4 days since I decided to help the townspeople. The celebration tree was almost finished, one last touch left.

Standing in the middle of the city, the artificial tree looked like a giant fir with lights adorning its branches. The tree is 2 times taller than the city hall which is the largest building here. I'm sure the tree was clearly visible from the village or maybe my house at the end of the cliff.

I read about it in a book about the North Star Celebration. It is said to be an annual celebration in Orelum held when the northern star appears to shine brighter than any other star. In every area, this celebration always uses evergreen trees as one element that should not be forgotten. At the top of the tree, a chunk of stone will be placed that is formed into a star. And when the north star shines, the stone will resonate so that it emits the same light on the star to the corners of the city

I don't know the reason why the evergreen tree is always synonymous with celebration, so when I'm free I satisfy my curiosity by asking Draff. He's older than Edras, so I think he knows a lot more.

“There's one famous story, but I didn't know this was true or an essay. As everyone knows, the first human civilization was located in the cold Orelum Continent. So, during the time of that first civilization, there was a man who got lost in the forest. Dying in hunger and a cold that freezes the bones. After a long walk through the forest, he finally found the only lake that did not freeze in the middle of the forest. When the man wanted to drink the water, he saw a bright light shining on the surface of the lake. Actually the light that the man saw came from a rock that resonated with the north star, but he actually thought the light was only on it.”

“When the poor man looked up at the sky, a white light shone very brightly. So white, that even the snow looked like a black stain to him. From its position, the light seemed to be right at the top of the spruce tree. Curious, the man tried to climb up the tree to get a closer look at the light. When he was at the top of the tree, he realized that the light was further away from his reach. He was also disappointed and desperate. However, there was another scene that the man saw from the top of the tree. A settlement with warm fire and warm food was waiting for him. The man rushed there and finally he was rescued by the residents of the settlement.”

The next night, people gathered around the tree. I stood by the side of the road with Edras, looking at the residents from behind the crowd. On that night, at exactly around 7, I watched it with my own two eyes, a small white dot in the black sky slowly shining brightly. The light is as bright as a flower that will bloom. Its luster was completely brighter than any starlight in the night sky. The stone at the top of the tree was really glowing according to the story. A wide variety of wreaths were thrown in the air as the two lights greeted each other. The citizens who threw the wreath cheered with excitement. I don't know why, I can also feel their excitement.

The city of Pondorian becomes more beautiful at night, with beautiful lights in the sky and in trees. Flag decorations and green-yellow paper flower creations also adorn the streets. Previously there were only lights and chairs, but now it looks more crowded. Wreaths are shaped lengthwise and then tied from the end of the roof of the house to the roof of the other house, this has a meaning if everyone is bound and connected to each other. From where I stood, I could also see the performers of street music and entertainment shows near the trees.

This is the first time I've ever felt a celebration. As I thought, it felt really warm and crowded. I could see people hugging each other, lovers holding hands, and a family looking at the north star.

I don't know what to say, but my eyes are already blurry with tears. I am now away from home and I am grateful to be able to feel this feeling. If I were too hasty to leave, I would definitely regret it. This was my first experience. An experience I will always remember. An experience I cannot forget. One day, after I return from my long trip, I want to enjoy this celebration with my mother.

“Niva, this is for you.” A white box similar to the one in my room was thrust at me.

“I told you, just tell me where you got this cake, let me buy it,” I scolded Edras who gave me the box containing honey cakes.

“It's okay. After all, handing out gifts is also part of the celebration. See?” Edras pointed to the people who were handing out gifts to each other after complacently cheering. “People believe that sharing gifts is a form of gratitude and congratulations for surviving during a cold climate.”

“There's such a thing? Why don't I know?” I was surprised too. “Sorry, I didn't know. I'll buy you a gift soon.”

My arm was suddenly grabbed by the man when I wanted to go buy a present. “Not necessary. I didn't ask for anything.”

“But-” my words were cut off as she pushed her box into my stomach.

“How about we eat this cake together? I'll take it as a gift from the famous Snow Witch Miss.”

I don't want to let me agree to it. We went to a table and a seat that was deliberately placed outside, only specifically for this celebration. After that, we ate the cake together until it ran out. But actually, I was the one who devoured the cake more quickly than Edras.

A number of passersby called my name, “Thank you, Miss Snow Witch.” And that kept happening as long as we finished the honey cake. I'm a little embarrassed but also feel proud of the nickname ‘Snow’ Witch for me.

Before long, Draff came along with a mature woman and girl who seemed to be my age. I think it was his wife and daughter he told me about.

“Halo Miss Niva, Mr. Edras, this is my wife and my daughter,” greet Draff while introducing them. “I don't think my daughter is a big fan of yours right now. But, she's shy, she wants to ask for Miss.”'s signature

I threw a glance at Edras, and he nodded. The girl handed him a book that might have been her diary. I then wrote the same letter N at the town hall on one of the sheets he pointed to. “Thank you,” said the girl timidly while covering part of her face with her book. But, I can feel that the girl is very happy. I was surprised that a single letter could make others happy.

“And also, here's a gift for you, miss. I heard from Mr. Edras, that she really likes mushroom cream soup and butter bread. So I made it for you.” The man handed over two bags in which there was a food box.

I accept it with pleasure. “Thank you. But, sorry I couldn't prepare a gift for you,” I regret.

“Miss gifts have been well received.This celebration is a gift that the lady gave me, to us. If, miss is not here, the celebration this time may not be memorable.”

I am also grateful to be here. I also thank Edras, Draff, and all the citizens of the city who were very kind to me, who always gave me food and drink when I was exhausted. Then, to the people who created this celebration, I say my gratitude.

Tonight I am content to eat all the food, drink all the drinks, and have all the fun. I went around the city with Edras to the narrowest corner. I saw there was a kind of game stall, where I had to shoot a small arrow into a rotating target to get various rewards. But, somehow all my throws missed, even though I never missed when shooting magic at my mother before. Or maybe it was because I was sleepy. My eyes and body suddenly weighed as much as a rock. I can't hold it anymore.

The noise outside forced me to open my eyes. I woke up in a state of confusion. Why am I suddenly in my room? Wasn't I angry because my arrow didn't hit the target? My hat and robe were placed on the next chair. Did I fall asleep? I racked my brain in the morning, and there was a vague image of someone carrying me. That must be Edras. I've troubled him again.

This morning should have been 6 days since my arrival. I forgot to check my papers because I was too busy helping the citizens. Since it's empty today, I'd better get ready to take the letter immediately. I haven't gotten out of my bed yet, I've been silent. I gawked at the multicolored checkered piles filling nearly half my room.

I immediately went to Edras' room and knocked on his door. “Edras! Wake up! Why in my room so many boxes!?” call panic.

The door opened and Edras appeared with his sleepy face. “What's up?” tanyanya.

Being too lazy to explain, I pulled the man into my room to show him a pile of boxes that almost resembled a hill. “Look!”

“Oh, it's from the citizens who want to thank you. Since you were asleep, so I received them and put their gift box here,” the man rubbed his eyes and yawned while explaining.

I'm excited about all these gifts, but I really regret that I couldn't bring them all. My journey will be very long, and I doubt I can continue to carry the gifts without being damaged or scuffed.

“At least wake me up. It is impolite to enter a girls room without permission!” I folded my hands in annoyance.

“Don't blame me. I've been trying to wake you up when you started falling asleep on the streets.”

“Alright, I know, I'm sorry. And what about these boxes? I can't take it all on my journey.”

“What if I drive him to your house.” The man's eyes were still half-open as he spoke to me, but at least, his words were still understandable even though the ones that came out were a bit confusing.

“What do you mean my house? Isn't there a magic protector around my house?”

“Calm down, I'll talk to your mom all right. After I drive you to your next destination, I will return to the village first. Therefore, I was thinking of taking him directly to your house. How's it?"

I exhaled, there was no other choice. The guy might have been whoring but the idea I couldn't just ignore. It's better to bring him back to my house than to return him to the people. No other idea came to my mind, so I just agreed.

I headed to the town hall after clearing all my belongings at the inn, while Edras headed to the stables to pick up his carriage. Then I will continue my journey. I really enjoy being here.

“Good, this is a Population Letter and Permit Letter to Visit Miss. Please sign to confirm the retrieval of the letters. Thank ye. Have a nice miss day.”

“Finally my letters!”