Trix had to reach deep into her cauldron, to ladle out more of her delicious mulled wine. She wasn't sure if it tasted better at the bottom, or if she was simply enjoying the drink immensely. It had gone over quite well at the festival, fetching her many compliments. Her cheeks were flushed red from the drink, and found no chill beneath her light cloak. Her blonde curls bounced care free, as she poured the drink into her cup. Standing fully, she wobbled slightly on the steps, and found herself falling backwards with a simple [color=f6989d][i][b]"Woo"[/b][/i][/color] She landed softly into a pair of arms, looking up to see a man with an awkward grin and a mess of red hair, sending her into a fit of giggles. 

[color=ed1c24][i][b]"You should be more careful Trix."[/b][/i][/color]

Reaching up, she pressed a hand sloppily against his cheek, [color=f6989d][i][b]"Oh hush Edoward, I... ooh!"[/b][/i][/color] She sipped at the wine that had miraculously not spilled. [color=f6989d][i][b]"Off duty?"[/b][/i][/color] She slipped down from his arms, steadying herself with a free hand against his chest, feeling the muscles there, sending her into yet another fit of giggles. 

[color=ed1c24][i][b]"Yep, just in time for you to run out of wine I see."[/b][/i][/color]

He surreptitiously slid an arm around her, under the guise of steadying her. Laughing more as she drank more, [color=f6989d][i][b]"We'll just have to find you something else to drink. I heard Halwynn was saving a barrel of honeyed whiskey for last."[/b][/i][/color] She leaned against him, finding some comfort in his presence. Maybe she should give in and be his. He certainly wanted her bad enough, that was evident. He was kind, had a good job, would be a good father. She just, never felt the spark she always hoped to feel. Her mother didn't have it for her father, but he had it for her. He was the safe choice, something she could settle for, somewhat happily. 

They sauntered through the reveling crowd, listening to the many different musics playing, looking at the decorations abound. Blues and purples were everywhere, couples holding hands. There was an air of comfort and serenity as sun was beginning to fall. People were cozying up with on another around campfires, though dancing was just as common. Trix had no desire to dance, she had two left feet at that, and her balance was, well, forcing her even closer to Edoward. 

They arrived at Halwynn's stand, seeing many anxious people waiting as she was tapping the barrel. [color=a187be][i][b]"Oh, Miss Greenlakes, I see you found the ginger fury to keep you warm tonight."[/b][/i][/color] She saw a familiar face with an orange sash on his armored bicep. [color=f6989d][i][b]"Ginger fury? Is this a new nickname Kestin?"[/b][/i][/color] The dark skinned man smiled brightly, [color=a187be][i][b]"No, not so much. He may have told us how he met you, quite fondly I'll say. We poked a little bit of fun at him, and well, ginger fury is what became of that tale."[/b][/i][/color]

[color=7bcdc8][i][b]"Aw, leave the poor boy be, no need to tease the smitten in front of the smiter."[/b][/i][/color] A kind face, neatly trimmed was scene with several cups of the honeyed whiskey in hand, offering them around. [color=7bcdc8][i][b]"Halwynn always serves me first. Cheers."[/b][/i][/color] Trix took her cup, as did the others, [color=f6989d][i][b]"Thank you Sergeant Brynmore, you are most kind."[/b][/i][/color] She hadn't even realized that Edoward had taken her wine so she could hold the whiskey. As everyone raised their toasts, she followed suit, and then drained the sweet burning liquid, giggling loudly as the men gasped after their drinks were done. [color=a187be][i][b]"Halwynn knows her brews, that's for sure."[/b][/i][/color]

The crowd was cheering loudly now, as Sergeant Brynmore grabbed another round. They always rang in the new year at the moment the sun was completely hidden. They began counting down, the Sergeant toasting quickly, [color=7bcdc8][i][b]"To a new and better year."[/b][/i][/color] Again, they all quickly drained their drinks, when Edoward turned her to face him, looking down at her. She felt a frog in her throat. Everyone knew couples kissed at the end of the countdown, and she'd never been kissed before. If she went through with this, she'd be his, she'd settle for him, for the good man he is. He closed his eyes, and began to lean in slowly, and she took a deep breath, and closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable to come.