Jasper listened to Kate, letting her words calm him. He wasn't use to the praise, it felt unnatural receiving it, though it seemed to be a common thing with Kate.<br/><br/>When Jonn began to speak, Jasper shifted a little so he could look to the man. He was confused as to why anyone would want to celebrate the winter solstice as everything was cold, dark, and often gloomy when compared to the long, warm days of summer. He shook his head to answer Jonn's question. He had never seen a festival, plenty of celebrations for various things, but never something like Jonn was explaining.<br/><br/>-----<br/><br/><span style="color: #4080FF">Jonn leaned forward not wake up his father, "Winter Fest is the biggest celebration of the year. The whole of Atria celebrates. Winter is the best time, the harvest is complete. The whole town has a huge party. The town is decorated in greenery a huge tree is dressed in decoration, song is sung to merriment, goodness, and life. People dress up and visit each other's homes. Then on the solsist day, the shortest day of the year, we exchage gifts from Papa Frost. A tradition began long ago, a holy man, who had a heart for the poor and children, placed food and toys in stockings and handed them out. Later a tree was used as a gathering place for merriment, drinking, and peace. Soldiers began it after the dragon wars. The place still exists, a marker is placed for all to remember and reflect. Today, the tradition is a tree is placed in each home, village, and town. Over the years, the celebration became a time for families to get other, stop quarrels, and make peace. We have grown up with the whole town having huge feasts of food, dancing, drinking warm alcohol and fermented drinks, exchanging gifts, and ice-skating in the center of town. Lighting of festival candles in green, red, white, black, purple, and blue, symbolizing all peoples, races, and classes."<br/>Kate whispered excitedly, we hang our stocking by the fireplace in the parlor, because it is the heart of the home, we gather there to play instruments, sing, roast nuts and pop popcorn, Papa, Jonn, and you can go in the forest dig up a tree and bring it into the parlor and we all decorate it. We have special ornaments and we make decorations for the tree and house. This year you get to help, Jasper. We will decorate your room…"<br/>Jonn chimed in, "You can have the room across Kate's. <br/>Kate snuggled her cheek to Jasper's, "You will share my room at night." <br/>At that moment Lord Lyons awoke, "He may only until he is fully healed. You have a full grown, man with you, Kate you cannot coddle him, and he will resent you."<br/>Kate petted the tabby, "I am aware of what he is. Until he is physically healed, accustomed to our home, and can sleep a full night will I permit it." <br/>The mage was glad her authority as healer would override he father's rules. She also thought about Ann walking into her room and found jasper turned earlier that morning. Kate smiled and kissed his cheek. <br/>Before Jasper could speak for himself, Peeled pulled up to the manor driveway, guards pulled away the large gate, and Peel stopped the carriage behind the house. The sun disappeared from the horizon as the all entered the hall by the kitchen. The aromas of roasted boar, gingerbread, spiced cider, and homemade apple bread filled the back of the house. <br/>Kate sat on the kitchen, farm table Ann turned from the stove, "Your back just in time. Jasper, dear, how was your first day in town?"</span><br/><br/>-----<br/><br/>Jasper listened to Jonn explaining the celebration with interest. He had heard talk of such things from visitors, or even from other slaves who had seen them. As Kate took over, Jasper turned to look up to her with his green eyes. When he heard Lord Lyons awaken and speak, Jasper's once calm and relaxed frame became tense once more as he turned to face his master. His ears lowered slightly at his words as he let his gaze fall to the floor at Lord Lyons words. He wanted to apologize for causing such problems but was stopped by Kate kissing him on the cheek.<br/><br/>He knew had he been in his human form and received such attention he would have been blushing profusely. Quickly turning to look to Kate, his eyes displaying shock and confusion, he silently questioned her action. Before he could do or say anything, Jasper felt the carriage stop.<br/><br/>As they entered the hall by the kitchen, Jasper's nose was filled with all the smells coming from the kitchen. As they came into the kitchen, Jasper saw the woman from that morning, Ann. When she asked about his day, he paused, wondering how much he should tell her. Settling for as little as possible, he answered her.<br/><br/>"It was good, tiring, but good." If she asked further questions he would answer, but he didn't want to burden the woman with his problems. He had done that enough with Kate.