there where cheers now, and the littlest of children raced forward in one big hoard and quickly started picking some of the roses with little scissors and started handing them out. every single person got one, and each person held the rose with the utmost of reverence. Alexei smiled as she gently brushed her cheek against hers, while Alexei smelled his, his eyes closed in wonder and joy. everyone was touched by the magic on this day, as the roses bloomed. finally Phedre had one of her own, it smelled sweet and fragrant, and it was oh so soft in her hands. the petals ruffled, fluttering in the breeze, causing the rose bushes to break out in another dazzling display of lights. everyone simply stood there and watched and held their flowers and one by one the crowd started to move. each person effected differently by the magic. "come on Phedre." Alexei whispered, a smile in his voice and a calmness that only magic could grant in his eyes. "let's go get some lunch." he offered, looking around for the best food stall. "shit. it's Abrand..." he stated with a small scowl as a huge hulk of a man strode towards them, a massive silver Dragon insignia on his chest. "stay quiet Phedre." he ordered softly. "he can't do anything to me."
"Alexei!" Abrand snarled, eyes narrowing at the boy. "You left the Winter Lands!" "yes i did. i was collecting someone, a foreign dignitary who was interested in the Festival, and my cousin." he stated, eyes narrowed. "she had a falling out with her family." Abrand paused at that, eyes narrowed suspiciously as he leaned down so that he was nose to nose. "i'm sick and tired of you Alexei, always strutting about like your something special. the Snow Princess is never coming back, and even if one is born, she'll be dead. because i won't let ANYONE have this land but ME!" Abrand snarled. "these people will be mine, this land will be mine, and i'll turn that pretty Unicorn of yours into STEW!" "you can try Abrand, but Magic will protect us all from your glory mongering." Alexei stated, his own eyes narrowing. "now leave, or do you want me to kick your ass again!?" he demanded, his voice a hiss as strange magic swirled around him. no one else seamed to be able to sense it, but Phedre could. this magic was ancient, primal, dangerous, but also loyal. "Step out of line around me again Abrand, and i'll kill you." Abrand actually flinched and backed away from Alexei. "you and your filthy Magic tricks! i WILL win this land Alexei! and you and your sister and that filthy 'keeper' of yours will be hanged!" and with that, Abrand turned and left, practically fleeing from Alexei who had his head up and his eyes narrowed, a proud guard of the Snow Princess to the bone. "you alright Phedre?" Alexis asked softly, taking the girls hand. "i'm surprised he did that... Abrand is gettign out of control... not even the Magic can touch him now..."