![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
May Love Echo Where Snow Falls - Episode 6
⭠ last episode | Episode 6 | next episode ⭢
Rustica: But of course. Lavish things like feasts and festivals are most delightful. I look forward to enjoying the finished sculptures with her.
My heart skipped a beat.
Rustica was now showing the bird off to everyone, while he lovingly stroked the birdcage.
Owen: She...? Oh, ugh. You've gone and done it again, haven't you?
Rustica: Again?
Akira: Um, uhh...! How about we go around asking what everyone wants to have for dinner!
I barged into their conversation. To my success and relief, I managed to divert both Rustica and Owen's attention.
Akira: (That was close..... No way I'd want a peryton on the loose right in the middle of town...)
Snow: Now then. Once the sun sets we will be sealed in a painting. Let us start the feast before that.
[ Garden of Ice ]
It was the day after we had a great time at the feast.
We made our way to the Garden of Ice, this time, to help out with the sculpting.
Town Resident A: Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a good night's rest.
Rustica: We did, thanks to your hospitality.
Akira: Thank you for making room for us.
Owen: And here I was, thinking I'd get to sleep over in the twins' mansion.
Mithra: Me too. Since you brought us here, you should be the one to host us.
Snow: Ohoho. There is no chance that I'd let tricky children like you two into our mansion without us around.
Did you forget that White and I are trapped in a painting at night? If I had not returned to the manor, White might have been summoned here.
Snow had chosen to return to the Magical Manor at sundown. This was so that he could keep his involvement a secret from White, and it was also because of his injury from the calamity. He'd only just returned with the aid of Oz's magic.
The townspeople had started work on the sculptures around us.
Adults and children alike were hard at work, and the garden was bustling with life.
Everyone was motivated and having fun, chatting as they worked.
[ Lennox CG ]
Lennox: Where should I dump the snow?
Town Resident B: In the middle of the garden square, please. We need lots of clean snow for this, so we really appreciate your help.
Town Resident C: Oh my, the snow must be really heavy. It's always quite the task to unload it from the sleigh. We always need so many of us.
And you're doing it all by yourself! Magic truly is a wonderful thing.
Lennox: It must be rough living in a snowy country. If there's any way we can help with our magic, just say—
[ Something cracks. ]
Town Resident C: W-What was that sound...
Town Resident B: ......! The branches are breaking from the weight of the snow...!
Lennox: Hup!
Town Resident C: … He staved off that thick branch with his bare hands! Thank you. Is your arm alright?
Lennox: It's no big deal. I'm fine.
Town Resident C: That's good. Wait, that magic of yours...
Lennox: Oh...... I forgot to use it.
Rutile: So, you were saying there's enough space in this area for two sculptures?
Town Resident D: Yes. If it's getting too tiring for you, please let us know. We'll get someone else to sub in.
Rutile: Thank you for your concern. We're all happy to be a part of this important task!
I'll go all-out with passion, and set my imagination ablaze!
Murr: Look, Kenja sama, look! Rutile looks like he's about to explode like fireworks.
What shall we make? I'm feeling like something that gets your heart racing, like BOOM!
Akira: Let me think... Ah, how about a snowman? A great big giant snowman seems like it'll be quite the sight to behold…
Murr: Yeah, that sounds interesting! Then it's decided. Let's build a snowman!
How do you want it? As tall as the Northern tower? As wide as the twins' mansion?
Akira: (His sense of scale is wild...!)
Snow: What do you think? This is certainly more imposing than the previous pose.
Town Resident E: Whoa...! You look divine!
Snow: An imposing pose would be good, but a cute pose is good too.
Town Resident E: We'll sculpt you in all the poses you're keen on seeing yourself in, Snow sama.
Town Resident F: Ah... I never dreamt that one day Snow sama would be here, in the flesh, as our live model!
We'll definitely make this festival one to remember!
The garden square that had been reduced to nothing was now filled with mounds of snow.
I enjoyed myself making my own piece of art, and I had fun watching the others work.
It was then that my eyes settled on a particular sculpture.
Akira: (Oh, are those people working on what I think is the deer sculpture? That piece was really pretty.)
Rustica: Excuse me. I've brought you some fresh snow. I'll place it right over here.
Town Resident G: Oh, just when I thought I needed some more. Thank you.
Rustica: You're welcome. As someone who looks forward to seeing your completed work, it's the least I can do.
Using the fresh snow Rustica had brought, the man continued to work on the deer's torso.
I grew excited at the thought of being able to see that sculpture again.
Within the area, I spied Mithra and Owen too.
The two of them had stayed out of everyone's way, and were quietly watching the others work on the sculptures from above the snow.
Akira: (Somehow, these two look like they're right at home... maybe it's because we're in Northern Country?)
(They're probably calmer than usual because it's an environment they're familiar with...)
Nero: Everyone, good work. I've made some soup.
Akira: Nero! Thanks, I could use something warm!
Lennox: It smells good. That's a really huge pot though.
Nero: I borrowed one large enough to make some for everyone. Can anyone lend me a hand?
Rutile: I'll go! Fufu, everyone would be happy.
Akira: I'll go call everyone over!
Even though they had politely declined at first, the scent of tasty food was enough to eventually lure everyone over.
Town Children: Wow, it's so tasty!
Town Residents: It warms you right to the core...
Akira: (Huh? Come to think of it, I haven't seen Rustica around.)
(I thought he was by the deer...)
Nero: What's up, Kenja san. Not gonna have some?
Akira: Sorry, it's just that I haven't seen Rustica around.
Nero: The groom?
Akira: I... I think I'll go look for him.
[ You wander around the Garden of Ice in search of Rustica. ]
Akira: (Oh, he's over here...)
I found Rustica almost at once.
He was only a short distance away from where everyone was, sitting on a bench made of ice.
On his lap was his birdcage. He seemed to be chatting with the peryton.
Akira: Rusti––
[ No BGM ]
Rustica: You must have been so lonely whilst separated. I know that feeling all too well.
It's alright now. Please, don't make such a sad face.
Akira: .........
His voice was filled with sorrow. It was heartrending.
Cruel as it might be to describe him like this, it sounded like Rustica had crushed his heart and poured it all into this little bird.
[ BGM restarts ]
Akira: (Rustica still deeply believes that the peryton is his bride, with all his heart...)
... If it were his usual self, he'd definitely have realised that it wasn't the case by now.
For some reason, I found myself unable to take another step towards him.
Rustica: Oh, I know. Shall we sing? Perhaps it would ease the pain in your heart.
The little bird chirped, and Rustica sang along with it.
Akira: (Oh... it's The Traveller Peryton on the Journey of Love.)
It was that beautiful song we'd heard in the manor.
Like mist, the lyrics lingered in the cold, crisp air.
Even when sung, its melody and song were no different from when he was playing it on the harpsichord.
It was still the story of a traveller who had persisted on his journey to meet his lover.
I couldn't tell why exactly, but in this very moment, it sounded particularly heartrending.
Nero: It sounds a bit sad, but it's a great song, isn't it?
Snow: Umu. Its delicate yet strong notes really tugs at your heartstrings.
I turned around, and saw two people headed my way.
Akira: Nero. And Snow, too...
Snow: Ohoho, Kenja, you hadn't returned after a while, so I came to fetch you instead.
Akira: I'm sorry. I intended to return with Rustica, but......
I was enraptured. I had missed my chance to approach him.
Episode 7 ⭢
Rustica: But of course. Lavish things like feasts and festivals are most delightful. I look forward to enjoying the finished sculptures with her.
My heart skipped a beat.
Rustica was now showing the bird off to everyone, while he lovingly stroked the birdcage.
Owen: She...? Oh, ugh. You've gone and done it again, haven't you?
Rustica: Again?
Akira: Um, uhh...! How about we go around asking what everyone wants to have for dinner!
I barged into their conversation. To my success and relief, I managed to divert both Rustica and Owen's attention.
Akira: (That was close..... No way I'd want a peryton on the loose right in the middle of town...)
Snow: Now then. Once the sun sets we will be sealed in a painting. Let us start the feast before that.
[ Garden of Ice ]
It was the day after we had a great time at the feast.
We made our way to the Garden of Ice, this time, to help out with the sculpting.
Town Resident A: Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a good night's rest.
Rustica: We did, thanks to your hospitality.
Akira: Thank you for making room for us.
Owen: And here I was, thinking I'd get to sleep over in the twins' mansion.
Mithra: Me too. Since you brought us here, you should be the one to host us.
Snow: Ohoho. There is no chance that I'd let tricky children like you two into our mansion without us around.
Did you forget that White and I are trapped in a painting at night? If I had not returned to the manor, White might have been summoned here.
Snow had chosen to return to the Magical Manor at sundown. This was so that he could keep his involvement a secret from White, and it was also because of his injury from the calamity. He'd only just returned with the aid of Oz's magic.
The townspeople had started work on the sculptures around us.
Adults and children alike were hard at work, and the garden was bustling with life.
Everyone was motivated and having fun, chatting as they worked.
[ Lennox CG ]
Lennox: Where should I dump the snow?
Town Resident B: In the middle of the garden square, please. We need lots of clean snow for this, so we really appreciate your help.
Town Resident C: Oh my, the snow must be really heavy. It's always quite the task to unload it from the sleigh. We always need so many of us.
And you're doing it all by yourself! Magic truly is a wonderful thing.
Lennox: It must be rough living in a snowy country. If there's any way we can help with our magic, just say—
[ Something cracks. ]
Town Resident C: W-What was that sound...
Town Resident B: ......! The branches are breaking from the weight of the snow...!
Lennox: Hup!
Town Resident C: … He staved off that thick branch with his bare hands! Thank you. Is your arm alright?
Lennox: It's no big deal. I'm fine.
Town Resident C: That's good. Wait, that magic of yours...
Lennox: Oh...... I forgot to use it.
Rutile: So, you were saying there's enough space in this area for two sculptures?
Town Resident D: Yes. If it's getting too tiring for you, please let us know. We'll get someone else to sub in.
Rutile: Thank you for your concern. We're all happy to be a part of this important task!
I'll go all-out with passion, and set my imagination ablaze!
Murr: Look, Kenja sama, look! Rutile looks like he's about to explode like fireworks.
What shall we make? I'm feeling like something that gets your heart racing, like BOOM!
Akira: Let me think... Ah, how about a snowman? A great big giant snowman seems like it'll be quite the sight to behold…
Murr: Yeah, that sounds interesting! Then it's decided. Let's build a snowman!
How do you want it? As tall as the Northern tower? As wide as the twins' mansion?
Akira: (His sense of scale is wild...!)
Snow: What do you think? This is certainly more imposing than the previous pose.
Town Resident E: Whoa...! You look divine!
Snow: An imposing pose would be good, but a cute pose is good too.
Town Resident E: We'll sculpt you in all the poses you're keen on seeing yourself in, Snow sama.
Town Resident F: Ah... I never dreamt that one day Snow sama would be here, in the flesh, as our live model!
We'll definitely make this festival one to remember!
The garden square that had been reduced to nothing was now filled with mounds of snow.
I enjoyed myself making my own piece of art, and I had fun watching the others work.
It was then that my eyes settled on a particular sculpture.
Akira: (Oh, are those people working on what I think is the deer sculpture? That piece was really pretty.)
Rustica: Excuse me. I've brought you some fresh snow. I'll place it right over here.
Town Resident G: Oh, just when I thought I needed some more. Thank you.
Rustica: You're welcome. As someone who looks forward to seeing your completed work, it's the least I can do.
Using the fresh snow Rustica had brought, the man continued to work on the deer's torso.
I grew excited at the thought of being able to see that sculpture again.
Within the area, I spied Mithra and Owen too.
The two of them had stayed out of everyone's way, and were quietly watching the others work on the sculptures from above the snow.
Akira: (Somehow, these two look like they're right at home... maybe it's because we're in Northern Country?)
(They're probably calmer than usual because it's an environment they're familiar with...)
Nero: Everyone, good work. I've made some soup.
Akira: Nero! Thanks, I could use something warm!
Lennox: It smells good. That's a really huge pot though.
Nero: I borrowed one large enough to make some for everyone. Can anyone lend me a hand?
Rutile: I'll go! Fufu, everyone would be happy.
Akira: I'll go call everyone over!
Even though they had politely declined at first, the scent of tasty food was enough to eventually lure everyone over.
Town Children: Wow, it's so tasty!
Town Residents: It warms you right to the core...
Akira: (Huh? Come to think of it, I haven't seen Rustica around.)
(I thought he was by the deer...)
Nero: What's up, Kenja san. Not gonna have some?
Akira: Sorry, it's just that I haven't seen Rustica around.
Nero: The groom?
Akira: I... I think I'll go look for him.
[ You wander around the Garden of Ice in search of Rustica. ]
Akira: (Oh, he's over here...)
I found Rustica almost at once.
He was only a short distance away from where everyone was, sitting on a bench made of ice.
On his lap was his birdcage. He seemed to be chatting with the peryton.
Akira: Rusti––
[ No BGM ]
Rustica: You must have been so lonely whilst separated. I know that feeling all too well.
It's alright now. Please, don't make such a sad face.
Akira: .........
His voice was filled with sorrow. It was heartrending.
Cruel as it might be to describe him like this, it sounded like Rustica had crushed his heart and poured it all into this little bird.
[ BGM restarts ]
Akira: (Rustica still deeply believes that the peryton is his bride, with all his heart...)
... If it were his usual self, he'd definitely have realised that it wasn't the case by now.
For some reason, I found myself unable to take another step towards him.
Rustica: Oh, I know. Shall we sing? Perhaps it would ease the pain in your heart.
The little bird chirped, and Rustica sang along with it.
Akira: (Oh... it's The Traveller Peryton on the Journey of Love.)
It was that beautiful song we'd heard in the manor.
Like mist, the lyrics lingered in the cold, crisp air.
Even when sung, its melody and song were no different from when he was playing it on the harpsichord.
It was still the story of a traveller who had persisted on his journey to meet his lover.
I couldn't tell why exactly, but in this very moment, it sounded particularly heartrending.
Nero: It sounds a bit sad, but it's a great song, isn't it?
Snow: Umu. Its delicate yet strong notes really tugs at your heartstrings.
I turned around, and saw two people headed my way.
Akira: Nero. And Snow, too...
Snow: Ohoho, Kenja, you hadn't returned after a while, so I came to fetch you instead.
Akira: I'm sorry. I intended to return with Rustica, but......
I was enraptured. I had missed my chance to approach him.
Episode 7 ⭢