escordvi | closed 🪶⚡ all i really, really ever want is under the mistletoe

[She is almost completely buried in snow by the time they stop, and when his voice reaches her, she sits up from beneath the pile of white with a matching groan, all of it sloughing off her to create a heap at her waist.]

I am fine... A bit sore... Though nothing quite as sore as my pride.

[She looks around for him only to find him behind her, and she frees his leg from her grip so that she can turn to him.]

Are you?

I'll be feeling it in the morning.

[A wince before he slowly raises himself up on his elbows.]

But nothing broken so that's a start.

[That person who had flown past them is long gone, having disappeared beneath the next hill, or else she would have had several words to say. At least the snow is padded enough now from their fall that it isn't difficult for them to get up. She crawls over to him and slumps onto his lap.]

It would seem that it is just our luck for something to go awry just when we are getting the hang of things.

[Now sitting up, he just laughs wryly at her words and starts brushing off some of the snow off her.]

It would appear so. However, it just means we have to persevere and push through adversity.

[She brought a lot of snow with her.]

I am starting to wonder if it is the hill that we have chosen...

[Brush brush brush.]

Hmmm, true. This is the beginner's slope so it's not surprising we'll have others to contend. I wouldn't say we've advanced so much more, but...

[He looks around towards the next hill marked for skiing.]

Perhaps we can try over there. It has the beginner's flags but doesn't seem as crowded.

Perhaps less people to steer themselves into us as well.

[She follows his gaze with a nod of approval.]

I think we have practiced here enough. Shall we?

[And with a little (or a lot) of help between each other, they manage to stand up, retrieve their lost poles, and make their way to the top of the next slope.

It's still an easy, gentle, and straight slope, but it is longer by several feet. Like the other one there are tall snowbanks with notable person sized indentions (and one that looks a lot like a pig imprint). There are only a small handful of others practicing, but the slope is also wider to allow more ample room.

Studying it all, Cid nods.]

One at a time or should we try together again?

[It takes some effort to do so, but they manage together. Though by the time they have gotten up, untangled their skis and poles, and made it to the edge of the next slope, Benedikta feels a little worse for wear. She definitely is going to need some hot tea after all of this is over.

But once they're at the top and she's examined the hill in front of them...]

We still have not crowned a winner since neither of us made it down in one piece.

[A quiet chuckle at her persistence.]

Together then.

...And perhaps with a little more distance between us.

[While he would like to be close, given what just happened, out of safety it would be for the best.]

[She makes a sound at that, but not out of disagreement. Mostly just out of her own wish to remain close.]

Might be for the best.

[With one more squeeze of his hand, she shuffles away and waves her hand in a 'shoo' motion for him to do the same.]

And I will let you count us down this time.

All right.

[He takes a moment to ready himself, doing last minute checks on his boots and gear.]

One...two...

[And then a smirk before he pushes off while yelling:]

Three!

Cidolfus! Cidol—you little...

[She pushes off with a grumble, but there's a smirk beneath it as she pushes off after him. The hill is a bit steeper, so she picks up speed easier, and there is more room for her to do so. Well, if he is going to cheat, then so is she! He will feel a wind pick up, and if he's paying attention, he'll also sense the subtle prickle of her magic. It pushes her faster, and she catches up to him with ease, and when she does, she turns to grin at him.

And then skids past, using not just the poles and her legs to guide her, but also the wind. Her, and only her.]

Farewell.

[She will reach the bottom snowbank only a few seconds before he does and only narrowly missing it before coming to a stop—]

[She did it first! And WOW WOW he'll feel that familiar prickle and his head will look up and then at her as she passes.]

You little—!

[And although he tries to pick up speed, it's too late and he can only come to a stop after her.

...

But not before skidding a wave of snow at her, just like she did to him before.]

[Sorry, love. Cannot beat the wind!

And when he catches up to her at the bottom, she greets him with an all-too-delighted squeal as she shields herself from the wall of snow he throws at her. It's misty and cold, but that is not why her cheeks are red as she laughs at him, skidding and waddling over.]

I win.

You cheated.

[She clicks her tongue, but continues to grin wide and proud at him.]

Is it truly cheating if I use all of my skills to my advantage?

Use all our skills, eh? Should I use my lightning next then?

No, don't bother.

[She stops right in front of him and wraps an arm around his shoulders, the other taking both her poles in hand.]

The competition is over. I won. And now I shall claim my prize.

[He laughs at that as he looks down at her.]

At what prize is that?

[Several beats pass...]

...

I think I will make you carry me up the hill.

[Teasing. Maybe?]

You'd have to catch me first.

[Also teasing. Maybe.]

How fast do you think you can run from me in those skis, hm?

[She's seen how he waddles! It's not much faster than her!!!]

And fleeing down the next hill is much steeper.

I'm sure I could make it down all right.

[He then laughs as he leans closer to her.]

Now what do you really want?

[She hums, thoughtful, tapping her poles into the snow.]

Another date, and cup of your peach cider once we are finished here.

... And a kiss.

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