The Lounge's Winter Wonderland

[Britwitch]

Winter is coming. Bringing with it crisp air, a sparkling covering of white and a subtle hum of excitement that accompanies the end of the year.

https://45.media.tumblr.com/d9b685c5ecee791ddd59db16d6803b44/tumblr_nyp2xtWmbR1uf8zlno1_500.gif

Welcome to the Lounge's winter escape, a wonderland to hopefully inspire...and allow for new friendships to be formed.

https://41.media.tumblr.com/2a7767ddaf2e0608860bfb06728753c6/tumblr_ntdwr7KJES1qe882do1_1280.jpg
https://41.media.tumblr.com/d76d169d19eb1840b8d82984cd5040fb/tumblr_nxozkgKGo11qbdkepo1_540.jpg

As always, all are welcome here, please make yourselves at home! There are sweet treats in the pantry, plenty of hot chocolate and warm blankets, along with plenty of places to snuggle up and watch the snow tumbling down.

https://45.media.tumblr.com/862cc90d3633ada09c3f1d38c532f5f3/tumblr_nykjprUiEG1skg7bvo1_500.gif

Here in these enchanted woods the snow will stay for the duration and you'll find cozy cabins tucked away in the woods for those wishing to spend a lengthier stay and a little further afield there are frozen lakes for skating upon and hills just perfect for sledging or skiing.

https://40.media.tumblr.com/5a8a4725dd27654c7c51a1732cbcaafb/tumblr_ny022jmS7B1uo4evdo1_500.jpg

Plus...with all this snow, it'd be a shame not to have a good old fashioned snowball fight...wouldn't it?

https://40.media.tumblr.com/3f7a68337316f87a1313913169b86fcd/tumblr_mz15g6s9Nn1rff1ieo1_1280.jpg​

 

[Britwitch]

Brit arrives, banging snow from her boots and pink cheeked from the cold. Jacket is hung up, scarf unwound from her neck and boots left neatly beside the door.

Inside the cabin the fire doesn’t take long to start dancing merrily, taking the bite out of the air, and with a muffled series of expletives she proceeds to drag a large and clearly heavy box into the middle of the main room.

“Time to get this place ready for Christmas, me thinks.”

Blue eyes gleam excitedly as she starts to take out bauble after bauble – setting each gently on the coffee table, covering a nearby couch with a layer of tinsel and then sitting down crossed legged on the floor to start untangling a mass of fairy lights.

https://41.media.tumblr.com/5e6077955aacc1cf07d3c475a40724d0/tumblr_mxeaibTAtl1rywdm9o1_500.jpg​

 

[Mac380]

http://greyduck.net/images/snowballt.gif

 

[StrangeView]

*rumble of '58 Panhead Harley echoes off the trees as it picks its way carefully along the forest track*

Well, I'm completely lost now. Must have missed the road somewhere back there when the snow hit, and it's only getting thicker now. I'll never find my way back in this, might as well keep going and hope there's some shelter up ahead. Good job the snow's fresh or there'd be no grip at all. Need to find somewhere soon though, the cold's getting into my bones now, and I'm starting to stiffen up.

Hey, what's that over there? Lights? Wow, nice place, and a barn too. Wonder if I can crash in there a while?

*heads into the barn, kills the engine, and parks the bike safely near the back wall before heading over to the house. Snow swirls thickly in the lights from the windows, which look warm and inviting*

I lift the frost-edged flying goggles from my eyes and pull the snow-crusted scarf from my face as I walk through carpet of white to the door, then stamp off the worst of it to try and make myself look more presentable.

I wonder what sort of reception I'll get, as I lift the bright brass knocker, and knock on the door.

 

[StrangeView]

Hmm, still nobody home, and I'm starting to look like a snowdrift!! Think I'll go and bed down in the barn; I'm sure if I'm not welcome someone will come and throw me out pretty soon.

 

[Britwitch]

The snow crunches delightfully under her boots as she follows an almost entirely buried path through it. She's heading towards the house in the woods and a little rest and relaxation after an emotionally challenging Christmas.

It's only as she's nudging the door open that she spots a faint light over in the barn, and then the fact that the door is slightly ajar.

A brow quirks curiously as she hops down from the porch and wades across to the wooden building.

"Hello..." she knocks three times on the door before pulling it open with a smile. "Anyone home...?"

 

[Erlind]

The frost and gently falling snow is a welcome sight for my eyes. I've always liked the cold and lately I've been stuck out in the heat. I pull the zipper up the last little way on my leather jacket and bury my hands deep in my pockets. I see tracks where someone trudged through the snow down to a barn from the cabin. In the distance I can see a lake that must be frozen solid and would be perfect for skating. Above all, I see acres and acres of ammo for an epic snowball fight.

First things, first though. Is anyone about.

"Hello?"

 

[StrangeView]

I'm half-huddled in my sleeping bag, trying to drink soup and read in the light from my small battery lamp, when there's a knock, and the door opens to reveal a friendly face.

"Oh, hello, I hope you didn't mind me using your barn, I just needed somewhere to hole up until the snow eases off. I did knock at the house, but it didn't seem like there was anyone home, so I sort of took the liberty. The weather closed in much faster than I'd expected and I must have lost the road back there, and then I ended up here. Not that I had much idea where I was headed in the first place, to be honest. It's beautiful place by the way. Oh, and I'm StrangeView, but generally people just call me SV. Erm, am I rabbiting?"

Another voice comes faintly from outside.

 

[Britwitch]

She listens as the figure in the sleeping bag rapidly explains himself, her smile growing a little as she steps just inside the door and out of the chilly wind.

"Of course I don't mind, I'm only sorry I wasn't around to let you into the house. A fact I hope you'll allow me to rectify now. There are plenty of rooms, not to mention heating and soft furnishings." She giggles lightly. "There's also plenty of food in the pantry."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, SV, I'm known as Brit to most around this parts."

The sound of another voice outside draws her blue eyes away from her latest acquaintance and towards the outside world.

"Tell you what, I'll go see whoever that is and why don't you sort yourself out and come up to the house when you're ready?"

Not waiting for hear his reply, quietly confident he'll choose the house over the barn, she steps back out into the snowy air and seeks out the other person apparently braving the weather. A familiar face is soon spotted and she approaches with a wave.

"Well hello to you too! Won't you come inside? There's another visitor in the barn but I'm hoping he'll join us soon."

Knocking the fresh snow from her boots she hops up the steps and in through the front door of the cabin. She notes that she should probably take down the festive decorations before long, but the fairy lights can stay.

Jacket hung on a rack near the door, scarf joining it as she kicks off her boots Brit runs her hands through her short hair, knocking out the flakes of snow that had settled there. Heading into the kitchen, she fills up the kettle and starts to look for suitable snacks for her guests.

 

[Erlind]

“The more the merrier,” I tell Brit with a gruff voice and a chuckle. The snow crunches as I follow her up to the cabin. I watch her as we approach the warmth of the cabin. She is certainly a lovely lady to follow. Emulating my hostess I kick the snow from my boots before coming inside and then run my hand rapidly through my short hair to displace those snowflakes for good measure. Coming inside, I strip off the leather jacket and leave it on a peg by the door.

“Love what you’ve done with the place,” I tell the curvy curator of this winter wonderland. “You’ve outdone yourself, you really have. I may have to find someone to go skating with at that pond later.”

I shiver briefly before walking over to the stone fireplace. For good measure I grab another log and toss it on the fire. I watch the flames lick at the new wood and begin warming my fingers from the wonderful heat. I look back at Brit and give her a warm smile.

 

[Britwitch]

Her hands are full as she steps away from the kitchen, heading for the large dining table set to one side of the main room. Bowls of nuts and other nibbles are set down next to a bowl full of fruit.

"I can always stick something in the oven if you're in the mood for something more filling," she smiles.

"What can I get you to drink? Tea? Coffee? Or would you rather have something stronger to chase away the chill?" While waiting for him to make up his mind she sets about lighting some of the candles in glass jars along the window ledge and the tall tapers on the table. Every flame that starts to flicker and dance helps to make the room seem warmer and more inviting.

"And thank you, I'm glad you like it. I do love these little spots I set up and I love it even more when people stop by." She blushes a little as she admits a secret. "I have to confess, I've never actually been ice skating. Shocking I know given where I live but I guess if I had someone to hold my hand, it would be fun to try!"

 

[StrangeView]

Well, that could have gone worse. My new host seems warm and friendly, and her offer to come over to the house isn’t one I’m about to refuse. A night in a barn is preferable to a night under canvas and snow, but a room and a bed is better still.

Climbing out of the sleeping bag, I reach for my boots and jacket, pulling them on quickly, then begin collecting my gear. The oversuit I’ll leave in the barn to dry off as I won’t be needing it at the moment, and the sleeping bag can go back in with the camping gear on the bike. The saddlebags with my clothes and winter gear can come in with me. I turn out the lamp, throw the bags onto my shoulder, and step outside into the chilly air.

The snow has eased a little now, light flurries dancing on the breeze as opposed to the almost solid white of earlier, making my surroundings easier to see. What I’d thought was a forest of snow laden trees isn’t as dense as I’d first thought, with plenty of open space around, and it looks like there might be lake over there. The house itself is a glittering fairytale palace, the light from its windows warm and inviting, and as I follow the two trails of footprints leading to the porch, I see Brit appear at the window lighting candles, and adding even more magic to the scene. Perfect.

Reaching the door, I knock the snow from my boots and brush the fresh dusting from my hair and jacket, before venturing inside.

“Hello? Brit? Am I ok to come in?”

 

[Britwitch]

The new voice draws her gaze away from Erlind and towards the door.

"Hi, of course, do come in and make yourself at home! You can leave your things at the bottom of the stairs if you like, there are plenty of rooms upstairs so you can take your pick when you're ready for bed." Her smile is wide and bright, "I was just asking Erlind here what he'd like to drink. Something hot or something strong. What's your preference to help chase away the cold? The cupboards are pretty well stocked and I think we have something to suit almost everyone. Never know who's going to come calling after all!"

 

[StrangeView]

"Thanks, coffee for me please, if the kettle's on. White, no sugar please."

I take off my boots and jacket, putting them by the door with the others, before moving further into the room, where the candles and the firelight sends shadows dancing around the room. I smile at the gentleman (who seems to know Brit well) warming himself in front of the fire.

"Hello, is it Erlind, I thought I heard Brit say? I'm SV, pleased to meet you."

 

[Britwitch]

Brit nods and heads back to the kitchen, returning a short while later with a large mug of coffee, vapour rising in curls as she holds it out to SV.

"Let me know if you need more milk," she insists before glancing to Erlind. "Anything for you before I sit down? And do, please, make yourselves at home." Her hands gesture towards the couches set near the fireplace.

"And SV, what brings you to the woods? It's always lovely to make new friends, even if your stay here might not have been of your choosing."

 

[Erlind]

"Pleased to meet you SV. If he's having coffee then I'll have a cup too. Black is fine."

I give a friendly smile to the newcomer and grab an iron fire poker to stir the fire a little. Before setting it back down and taking a seat on the couch she suggested. I stretch and yawn.

"I'm surprised you've never been ice skating, Brit. You would like it I think, besides, I would never turn down an excuse to hold the hand of a lovely lady like yourself."

 

[StrangeView]

I sit on the couch opposite Erlind and sip my coffee, the mug warming my hands, and its contents doing the same within.

"This is fine as it is, thanks Brit."

Turning to Erlind, he seems to visibly unwind as the fire warms him.

"Ah, ice skating, eh? So that was a lake I saw across the way. It's not something I've ever done either. I suppose I just never got around to it."

I hear the sound of Brit retuning with Erlind's coffee.

"As for what I'm doing out here, I suppose you could say I'm trying to step out of my life for a while. Last year wasn't great for me for a variety of reasons, and by the end of it, I just needed some space. The plan, as far as there was one, was to head north to anywhere, camp for a night or two on the way, find somewhere quiet to stay for a while, and wait for winter to arrive. Then maybe do some skiing, snowboarding, and stuff, and hopefully get some of my writing projects finished. Except that winter seems to have found me first. Mmm, this coffee is good!"

 

[Britwitch]

With a cup of black coffee in one hand and a mug of coffee lightened with a fairly generous splash of cream, Brit rejoins the two beside the fire. Handing the darker coffee to Erlind before choosing to sit in a comfy looking armchair in between the two couches, curling her legs beneath her and taking a sip of the coffee with a sigh of enjoyment.

"Well, you never know, I might take you up on the offer to hold my hand sooner rather than later." She grins at Erlind before looking across to SV and listening to his story.

"Sorry to hear that your year wasn't what you'd hoped it would be," she sighs quietly, "it seems 2015 was less than kind to several of us around these parts." She pauses, to sip her coffee and consider the challenges and events of her own year for a moment.

"But. It's a new year. Full of possibilities and I for one plan to make the most of them." She nods determinedly, the action sending several strands of short dark hair to fall across her eyes.

"And please, feel free to stay as long as you like, SV. There are slopes nearby for skiing and you've already seen the lake. And, I don't know about you, but I find this season and this corner of the world to be rather inspirational when it comes to writing. Hopefully you can find the inspiration you need to help with your own writing."

Smiling she sits back in the chair and sips a little more of her coffee.
"I'm hoping the peace and quiet will help me finish some writing projects of my own."

 

[Erlind]

The coffee is hot, but I take a deep drink anyway. The taste is superb and the heat running down my throat is just what I need in this kind of weather. I give the witch a satisfied grin.

"That is one good cup of joe, Brit," I tell her. "You know SV. I'm not really a skating enthusiast or anything. Not even real outdoorsy like I once was. I find in life there are just some things in life I have do. Skating the ice with a sweetheart, highschool prom (even though I hated that kind of nonsense), and hitting a concert now and again spring to mind." I realize I've been a bit preachy, so I stop for a moment adding only, "I hope you find good writing here, I know I always have."

The fire is crackling nicely now. Outside the snow is still lazily falling, already beginning to hide the tracks we just made. It seems a good time to stay in for a bit, and I'm glad to have the coffee and more importantly the company of this place. Looking out the window, the snow and ice covered mountains have a serene cold beauty, one that I've missed.

"You tease me with an offer of your hand, Ms Brit. You know I'd gladly take it and more, and we might even go skating later too." A devilish grin seems the only kind I know how to have sometimes.

 

[StrangeView]

I stretch back, letting the fire and the coffee warm my bones, and find that the company is starting to warm my soul. Freak coincidence or some cosmic plan for me to wind up here? I don't care which, I'm beginning to like it here.

"Y'know Brit, I might take you up on that offer to stay awhile, it seems like you have everything I was looking for right here. And the company is better than I was expecting, too. Maybe I can get my head clear enough to get back into my writing."

I turn to a happy, reclining Erlind, finding his character very likeable.

"I know what you mean about some things just needing to be done; life can be unpredictable, and too short not to do them." I laugh, "Even if it's riding head on into one of the worst snowstorms I've ever seen, on an ancient motorbike, with no idea where I'm going!!"

The relaxed atmosphere suggests to me that these two are known to each other, perhaps friends of long standing, and I make a mental note not to be too intrusive. As I drain my coffee, I slide to the front of the couch.

"Actually, if nobody minds, I might just go up and get my stuff sorted out. I could do with putting my laptop on charge as well, the cold is bound to have killed the battery by now."

 

[Erlind]

"I know what you mean about some things just needing to be done; life can be unpredictable, and too short not to do them." I laugh, "Even if it's riding head on into one of the worst snowstorms I've ever seen, on an ancient motorbike, with no idea where I'm going!!"

"Exactly, SV," I tell him excitedly, "Exactly. Hey, I hope you find some good writing here too. I always have."

 

[StrangeView]

"Exactly, SV," I tell him excitedly, "Exactly. Hey, I hope you find some good writing here too. I always have."

"I have a feeling that I will. Quite often, stories that I've set in winter tend to have something of a depressive edge to the surroundings, but I'm not feeling that here. In fact, it feels much cosier here, and much more upbeat. Maybe some of the ideas that I've been stalled on are actually on the wrong track altogether, and I need a rethink. It's certainly worth considering."

I find myself thinking that there's something inspirational about this place, and that's probably something I need right now.

"I'll just go up, stash my gear, and get this laptop on charge. Won't be long."

Grabbing my gear, I head up the stairs to find a room, eager not to be too intrusive on my new found friends, even though I'm itching to get back to their company. It's only when I reach the landing that I realise that I don't know which rooms are occupied. As good a choice as any seems to be one of the rooms at the front of the house, so I gingerly open a door, and find no signs that it's in use. The furnishings are exactly what I'd have expected: wooden framed bed with plenty of thick bedding, small desk and chair, large wardrobe with chest of drawers to match, and couch over by the wall. I walk over to the window to check out the view, and instantly I'm glad I got to this room before anyone else did. The view of this wonderland that I've found myself in is breathtakingly beautiful.

 

[StrangeView]

Although the snow has eased to a delicate dusting, drifting on the breeze, it's still persistent enough to have covered our tracks outside, and I wonder if there'll be any more visitors arriving anytime soon. I turn away from the window, put the laptop on charge, the set about hanging my winter gear in the wardrobe. From the bottom of the bag, I retrieve a bottle of JD and a bottle of half-decent brandy that I'd brought along for any special occasion that might arise, and I think that a little contribution for the hospitality I've received would be the least I could do.

Smiling at my good fortune, I head for the door and the welcoming fire downstairs.

 

[Britwitch]

While SV heads upstairs to choose a room and unpack his things, Brit heads to the kitchen. She refills her mug and pads back into the main room, cradling it in her palms as she retakes her seat in the armchair.

The crackle of the fireplace is a soothing sound and she's happy to know there are visitors to the lodge. She's always taken time to try and include people, to make them feel at home and welcome, seeing other people enjoying themselves genuinely makes her happy.

She sighs a little as she thinks back to former times and former friends but she soon moves her mind onto happier topics, like new acquaintances and first meetings. After all times will always change but she would hope that even if the faces alter as the months and years roll by that the friendliness she finds in new people remains the same.

"I'm hoping I'll find words while I'm here too, it's been far too long since I've written in this particular neck of the woods."

 

[StrangeView]

As I re-enter the room downstairs, I find Brit has refilled her coffee, and is curled up on the armchair, looking a little reflective.

"I'm back, and I thought these might be useful at some point." I put the bottles down next to the couch, and settle back into it. "The landscape here is stunning; it puts me in mind of Vermont in the winter. I have family over in the US, and had the opportunity to spend some time in New England. Haven't been over there for a while, and I'd forgotten how beautiful it can be. I remember taking a midnight horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods there, one new years' eve. A fantastic experience. Brit, do you live here all year round, or just for the winter?"