black_shadow Winning Entry

It was a chilly winter's day in Mistica, and three friends were sitting at home by the fireplace, chatting about the recent string of Boreal sightings as a fierce blizzard roared just outside the cave entrance.
"I'm telling you, the witch is up to something!" A tropical Draklaita spat, slamming one muscled fist into the cave floor before using said fist to snatch a freshly-baked cookie from a nearby plate. "Boreal comes 'round every year, threatening to take over the world with her hoard of walking coal-"
"Touda," An arctic Stignightus with his legs tucked beneath him sighs patiently, "they are called Kohals, not 'walking coal'. Please be respectful."
"Che!" The Draklaita makes an irritable sound. “Well, whatever they are, they’re always on her side.”
“Not true.” Another Stignightus, this one noir, interrupts calmly. “Last year they came down and told King Blithe that they were slaves created by Boreal to do her bidding. Some of the owners around here have taken to them.” He takes a sip of hot cocoa, sighing as warmth seeps into his body. “And according to King Blithe, none of them that have shown up so far have violent tendencies. I say we trust them.”
“Hmph, you would Zalera.” The Draklaita named Touda grumbles, one head laying down on the floor while the other remains upright, munching on another cookie. “Look, I’m just saying, don’t you think it’s a little bit odd that we haven’t heard anything yet? No loud declarations of war, no ‘I’m going to destroy you all and crush your Mistmas spirit’? I mean we haven’t even heard anything regarding what she plans to do to Aurelius this year!”
“It is a bit odd, but perhaps it’s a sign that she’s turning her act around.” The darker Stignightus murmurs, eyes gleaming in the firelight. The Draklaita snorts.
“Do you not remember what Aurelius told us the first year he showed up? ‘There is no kindness in a heart that cold’. Meaning there’s no way she’s going to change her act just because she got beaten in the last few rounds. If anything, I think it means that there’s a storm brewing. She’s planning something, and it’s big.” The other head lowers down to the floor, the next words barely more than a whisper. “I just hope it doesn’t cost Mistica too much to fend it off.”
Both Stignightus remain silent at that, pondering over the other’s words. At last one speaks, although his words are not exactly helpful.
“Well,” Mateus begins coolly, “if she does attempt something, then I can assure you Mistica will rise to confront it. Don’t forget, we have Aurelius on our side. He would not leave us to confront Boreal by ourselves.”
Something like a sigh erupts from the two heads. “I hope you’re right, Mati. By the gods I hope you’re right.”
Quiet falls once more over the three. Outside the blizzard began to pick up, and the faint sound of a distinct cackle could be heard through the howling winds, followed by a horrendous roar. In the sky above, light flashes, iridescent, before vanishing into the night.