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“Arthur, be careful,” Oz calls out to a young bundled up Arthur running in the snow, just moments before he trips and falls face first into the cold. Oz lets out a sigh as he walks over to the small figure that’s struggling to pull himself out. As Oz walks over, he expects Arthur to be crying. Instead to his surprise, the older wizard is met with giggles by the child, his hair and clothes covered in white powdery snow.
Arthur lets out a sigh as he looks out the window of his bedroom. The sun is bright and warm on his skin. A small knock pulls him from the thoughts of his past. The prince turns his head to look towards the open door, Cain standing in the doorway.
“Arthur-sama, Sir Sage wanted to meet with the Central wizards. Are you free at all?”
Arthur gives Cain a nod as he follows the knight out. The two reach one of the meeting rooms within the place where Akira, Oz and Riquet already sat waiting. The two sit down at the table joining the rest of Central Country and the sage.
“I spoke with the other countries, and it looks like everyone else is wanting to hold a big celebration this year.” Akira smiles. “I was thinking we could celebrate it here, however if you guys have any other ideas on where we could hold it, I would really appreciate your help. The others seem really busy right now so I don’t want to bother them with making them help me plan this.”
Arthur's eyes light up. “Oz-sama, could we perhaps spend the celebrations at your castle? It’s been so long since I last celebrated Christmas there.”
Oz looks to Arthur, the pleading in his disciples eyes made it hard for him to say no. The owner of the castle sighs. “If you would like to hold it in my castle, then that’s fine. We can celebrate it there this year, as long as everyone is on better behaviour than the last time a handful of us went.”
“I can talk to Murr, and the rest of the wizards. I really appreciate being able to spend Christmas at your castle Oz.” Akira looks at the older wizard with gratitude in his eyes.
“Arthur, you’ll have to come with me to prepare the castle early. If you have nothing planned now, we should head over.” Oz stands up, with Arthur quick to follow.
~
Arthur runs into the snow outside Oz’s castle, filling the air with the sound of laughter. The young prince turns around and looks to Oz with a bright smile. “It’s like when I was a child,” Arthur says with a giggle.
“Except this time, your face isn’t planted in the snow,” Oz replies back, intended to tease, but his voice coming out monotone.
“It’s nice to be back here to celebrate Christmas again with you Master Oz. I’ve missed being here with you so much. I wanted to suggest coming back after the last time we came but… I never really found a chance.” Arthur stands by Oz’s side as the two look out over the village below.
Oz is the first one to make a move back into the warmth of his castle, Arthur quick to follow. “Would you like something warm to drink Arthur?” Oz offers noticing the young prince now shivering slightly.
Arthur gives a small nod. “A warm cocoa would be nice actually,” he says as he makes his way to the couch closest to the fireplace. Next to the chair is a small gift bag that Arthur placed down earlier when they arrived.
Oz returns to Arthurs side, the Hot Cocoa in hand. He hands the drink over, and notices the bag. “Arthur, what’s that by your chair?”
Arthur picks up the gift bag. A sheepish look on his face. “It’s not very good, but Chloe helped me make this. I’m sorry if it’s not to your liking Master Oz…” Arthur hands over the bag.
The older wizard takes the bag, carefully opening it. Inside is a hand knitted scarf in the colours of the Northern Lights that Arthur would look at from the castle. “Thank you Arthur. I’ll be sure to treasure it.” Oz wraps the scarf around his neck. A rare, soft smile on his face.
“I have a surprise for you too.” Oz starts to leave the room, Arthur once again following. They head towards Arthurs old room.
“Master Oz, where are you taking me?”
Oz stops outside of the door that once led to Arthur’s door. “Open the door.”
Arthur does as he’s asked. When he opens the door, he’s met with a room that doesn’t look like his old room, but a room that resembles his current bedroom at the Sage’s castle.
“Master Oz…” Arthur looks to the master of the castle. “Thank you. This makes me so happy!”
“Merry Christmas Arthur. Feel free to return whenever you like. This room is for you to do with as you please.” Oz turns to leave, but stops when he feels the weight of Arthur hugging him from behind.
The sound of crying sniffles stops Oz from being able to say anything. “This is the best gift anyone could have given me. Thank you Master Oz. For the longest time I thought you wanted nothing to do with me but…but… I just… thank you,”
Oz slowly spins around enveloping the young prince in a hug. “You’re welcome Arthur.”