(DISCONTINUED) When the Crocuses Bloom

Chapter 40

Winter's POV:

My boots pounded against the stone of the tunnels as I walked to the hot spring that was deep in the cave system.

I reached the doorway that I'd mined a few days ago, when I found the pool of water.

I blocked off the entrance as I stepped into the warm cave. I placed down the few lanterns that I'd brought with me. The room lit up with warm light as I put down my bag.

The cave was completely closed, meaning I still felt safe putting my guard down slightly.

I pulled out my towel and change of clothes, neatly folding them next to the pool of warm water.

I undid my boot laces and pulled off my socks, placing the socks in a dirty clothes bag and the boots with my clothing.

I stripped off the sweat, blood and dirt covered clothes I was wearing and bundled them into the dirty clothes bag.

I waded into the pool that was a metre and half deep at most, letting the warmth soak my skin.

I sank into the waist deep water letting the clear, blue tinted water soak my snow white wings.

The water sat at my collarbone as I lowered myself onto the mossy stone below me.

Little known fact about spring water, it has pretty good healing properties. The base of my wings gently throbbed as the warm water went to work on the fresh wounds.

I sighed, knowing that the place where the wings pushed themselves out would probably scar.

I outlined the scars on my face and neck. The cross below my right eye, the cut I'd gotten a few years ago on the left side of my jaw. The two on my neck, one to the side and the other at the centre.

My shoulders and arms were also scratched up. Almost all the light scars that adorned my body I had gotten in some form of combat, whether it was the short time I participated in the Independence war or the long time I trained with Techno.

I scooted back over to the edge of the water and grabbed the soap bar I'd placed out.

Quickly returning to the comfortable depth, I rubbed off all the grime and dirt that I'd gotten covered in the past day or so.

Time somehow went so slow, and much too fast at the same time.

I dipped my head into the water, and shook out the mess that was my short hair.

I was infinitely glad that I'd cut it to a more boyish style. Crazy that that was barely a week ago.

My hair hadn't grown much in the week since I'd cut it.

Despite my pale skin, my hair was a nice shade of mid dark brown, just a little lighter than Wilbur's. Wil had gotten the majority of the curly hair genes, whilst mine was only very slightly wavy.

Phil always said that I looked like my mother.

Once I felt nicely clean, I grabbed my towel and dried off my body, getting dressed as I went.

I had my cropped, sleeveless turtleneck that was tight to my skin and cargo pants that were tucked into my boots.

I flapped and shook out my wings, letting them dry a bit. I chugged the potion that I'd brought with me, gagging at the taste and texture of it.

I picked up the cloak Demetria had given me and smelt it lightly. It had the scent of honey comb and pine needles.

I gently wrapped it around my shoulders, feeling the soft wool inside. It was warm and fluffy like nothing else I'd ever worn.

I hugged it close to my body, just feeling the warmth for a few minutes.

I picked up my bag and made my way through the tunnels, back to Pogtopia. The walk took about five minutes, which I used to let my wings dry.

I turned into the ravine and dropped my wash bag in a bucket of water to soak. I walked into the potion room where I'd left Demetria to make potions.

Demetria was hunched over a brewing stand, slowly adding powdered ingredients to the liquids.

"Demetria!" I called, running over to the centaur. I'd explained the whole story of L'Manburg to her and promised to sing her the national anthem after my bath.

"Hey Winter," she said with a quick smile at me. "I'm almost finished with this batch of potions." She said, dropping some glowstone power in.

She stood up straight and looked proudly atDemetria walked over to me, leading me out of the potion room and to the table I'd woken up on.

"I believe that you have a pair of wings to be looked at, then a song to sing." Demetria giggled as I sat up on the table.

She lifted up the cloak slightly and went silent.

"It looks all healed…" she muttered. She dropped the cloak and looked at me. I got off the table and turned to look at her.

"What was in the water?" She asked. "Spring water." I stated, snuggling the cloak around me. She looked at me relieved.

"Techno's got your armour," she said, following me as I grabbed some stuff out of my bag. I nodded.

"Do you have any armour?" I asked, looking up at her perfect face.

She hummed a yes. "Techno's revamping some horse armour for me." She said, smiling.

"Let's go get your armour, then I want to show you somewhere." She said, grabbing my hand and pulling me to the smithing room.

We got both of our armour, both sets shining purple with netherite and enchantments.

I helped Demetria put on hers.

"I need to grab something, meet me outside!" I said, before turning to run to my bag.

I pulled out my violin case. You didn't grow up with Wilbur without learning at least one string instrument. Techno liked my choice of violin as well, so I'd still played it whilst I stayed with him.

I slung it over my shoulder and hastily walked out of Pogtopia, blades thumping against the side of my thighs.

"Ready to go?" I asked Demetria, stepping in the late afternoon air.

———————

•1040 words•

Am I putting off writing the festival? Yep.

Is it gonna be the next chapter? Idk, probably.

Look at me writing longer chapters naturally! I'm a good author.

Do y'all like Demetria so far?

How do you think she'll play into the story?

Take care of yourself!

Stay safe, stay POG.

Love y'all the most.

-nom <3

Vote and comment pls!