Hearth's Warming Eve (Cion)

Only a dim, amber sheen lingering on the horizon had remained of one day among millions. The blurred shapes of twinkling stars and shining moon slowly emerged from behind the onyx blue veil that enveloped the sky, shedding faint light upon the silent realm of snow and wind beneath. Admits the desolate, frozen land was a single spot of thriving that prevailed despite the harsh circumstances. Several dozen inviting cottages and business, all illuminated by candlelight and burning pinewood. These homes and shops, thanks to their hearths' granting pleasant warmth, invited occupants and travelers alike to remain inside.

The town's inn was no different, though it harbored but a few souls, visitors being a rarity on the verge of winter solstice. People tended to prefer the heat of Whitewater, but the fresh cold of Snowflake was comfortable in its own way to some. In a way, it epitomized the serenity and tranquility of this remote, simple piece of civilization. It was an ideal place to find true respite, especially after suffering loss in every meaning of it. Each of the half-dozen digimons present, including the proprietor, likely had their own long stories to share. Among them was an ancient entity finding herself at another of many impasses.

Leaning against a large window was Cion, having claimed a seating for two as her space. Considering the mostly empty establishment covered in the lambency of a carmine's fire, that was probably not an act of rudeness. Even if, she found it difficult to care. The tiny, silver fennec's aureate irises followed the slow movement of falling snowflakes. Uncountable, little parts that became the white mantle of this frost kingdom. They were all unique and had varying origins, yet they were destined to harmoniously integrate into something marvelous. If only people were the same.

Sighing silently, the restrained Arniomon's gaze briefly shifted to her oaken table - puce like the rest of this harborage's furniture. There was her steaming cup of hot chocolate she had not savored thus far, her black mobile phone and her infini-store. Blinking with a perpetual expression of physical and mental tiredness, she eventually touched the smartphone's screen so its illumination disappeared. She did not have to see the message received to know what its dispiriting content was. In the end she was here exactly because of it - to think, lament and envisage her next, lone steps.

She could easily contact her dearly beloved friends and colleagues for comfort, but... she was too tired. How many times had she been told of doors opening and closing, opportunities coming and ceasing? Why couldn't something simply last for once? Biting her lower lip, the unassuming sentinel fondled her short, green scarf before returning to the ease the view outside the window provided. Cion knew it was pointless, but she was too weary to accept that. It was repose - regardless of what happened tomorrow.

Noise - the most common sign of life. Everyone present, including herself, had said something to someone before returning to the comfortable embrace of pondering silence. A brief conversation between visitors, or a obligatory order - there was, understandably so, nothing beyond that. For various reasons, people visited this inn for tranquility, hence nonverbal consensus was that it was maintained.

Thankfully, due to the lack of customers, this was easy to uphold. It was merely for a moment where it was not, Cion's ears not focusing on the words among two stranger as her somber gaze remained observant on the proceedings outside. The snowfall turned heavy and winds became a fresh gale. An overnight stay probably did not hurt, though she likely had to request dinner. Having not eaten all day made her limp in spite of the fact that she did not feel hunger.

A sudden jolt claimed her frame as her eyes widened and her large ears peaked. Slowly, the silver fennec's tilted upwards and away from the window. With an expression of surprise, her body shifted towards the direction whence the young, male voice came. Having taken seats adjacent to her sat a blond, human boy and a typical Veemon. The former looked away shyly while the blue dragon's crimson irises lingered on her. She returned the attention with a slightly open maw, tiny canines and incisors letting go of her lower lip.

For a second, the restrained Arniomon cracked a faint smile. It was seldom she heard anyone, especially younglings, address her with such pleasantly polite manners. She did not know his, or their, impetus to approach her, but thus far she was charmed. "Yes, good sir?" She asked kindly, wonderment turning into composed placidity. The tone of her voice was youthful, but soothing words were evidently chosen carefully - almost as if she had practiced to converse properly. However, she did not carry herself with the Pharisaism of a common patrician upholding inane standards. She was a fair lady at heart.

Folding her small paws together, Cion beheld the duo whispering to each other with curiosity. It appeared their hectoring was out of their comfort zone. Fortunately, that was amusing instead of irritating to the female fox. Timidity... a sentiment she comprehended rather well. Giving them the time they required to muster their courage, the comely lad eventually spoke up. It was strange to hear an unknown concerned with her well-being. Regardless, it was appreciated - another simper gracing her muzzle for an instant.

"Yes, I am. I'm just... contemplating. Thank you for asking." She voiced her gratitude unhesitatingly. Naturally, as it was an act of courtesy, she too had to express her desire to understand how they fared. "Do you? It's quite a harsh and lonely place to visit this late, not?" She asked calmly, confident that these kind whippersnappers preferred the well-tempered environment of Terminus, Whitewater and similar cities.

Besides, they provided far more opportunities to gain experience and wealth for wayfarers and adventurers. Typically, that's were new bravers accumulated means to visit hostile locations. Except their jackets, they seemed... flatfooted.

Was the boy... blushing? That someone, though young, was this shy was quite amusing to Cion, thus she had a short, barely audible chuckle to herself. It was with childlike curiosity that she observed him and his partner, the Veemon who had initiated the private conversation between her and them. The blue dragon kept his composure and supported the digidestined with nudges and serving as a foothold. Inquisitiveness actually turned into honest captivation, which she unconsciously showed by leaning slightly forward to them. A candid, unfeigned human taught courage by a cordial digimon? Narrowing her eyes marginally, she knew she had seldom if never encountered this charming relationship prior to tonight.

Regardless, the silver fennec, merely the size of a common Rookie, nodded faintly with appreciation of the blond's care. It was a sign of growing compassion to her, briefly alleviating the world-weariness that claimed most of her thoughts and actions. Again, upon hearing that the incipient duo expressed their physical and mental well-being, she affirmed her genuine acknowledgment as before with a simple shake of her head.

As for the answer she received for her own question, she tapped her small talons on her left knee for a few seconds. "I see. Newcomers to the digital world." Cion commented calmly, not passing any judgment on the curious adventures. Certainly it was a naive and chancy path they took, but every man and mon was the architect of their fortune. If that was what brought them fulfillment despite the risks, then she hoped they would emerge victoriously. "Has our realm at least treated you... well-disposedly?" The restrained Arniomon asked kindly, sincerely and openly desiring the response to be positive. There was a dominance of woe to her regret. Perhaps leastwise the fine lad and his trusty companion had an irenic voyage.

A tiny simper appeared and finally lingered on her muzzle as the female fox learned of their way of thinking. Business for pleasure - so to speak? Sure enough a rare behavioral pattern considering most folk's longing for immediate success and comfort. "Understandable." She stated neutrally, not wishing to influence their disposition through endorsement or deprecation - not yet. Still, it was clear that she was becoming fond of the strangers, her previous frown permanently replaced by a rapt, diffident smile.

Delighted by their banter, the soul older than the soil she traveled on obviously did not mind it. Shaking her head as a reply to the friendly chap's apology, she stout-heartedly leapt off her settee and took a couple of petite, graceful steps to arrive at their table. Straightening her short, green scarf, she reached out her right paw to both of them, intending to properly introduce herself as it was natural for a fair lady. "I am Cion. Pleased to meet you."

Though initially amused by the friendly lad's inherent awkwardness, Cion's accumulated cheer she experienced thanks to the strangers was quickly giving way for dolor. Of course the digital world had not welcomed him and his partner with open arms - what had she expected? It was so often the same. Ferals or villains craving to feast upon the untaught and weak, as if they were not actually people but resources. So many of those she considered dear friends, even herself, had this beginning. Thankfully, it appeared that good individuals emerged victoriously from these adversities.

With narrowed eyes the silver fennec nodded, her gaze shifting towards the wooden floor as a quiet sigh escaped her lips. A struggle for survival that had pushed the Veemon past the restrictions of his current form. Typical - as if the only way digimons were capable of growing was through violence and suffering. Again, her own tales of ascension were no different. Without something as utterly fiendish as the D-Reaper, she would not have transcended into her apex stage. Looking at her fingers, she watched them move slowly, fold into a fist, then return to their natural posture. How could this never-ending, vicious cycle be broken?

The blond's words tore the vulpine sentinel out her melancholic thoughts, almost causing her to flinch as she raised her head. Her saddened frown, unexpectedly so, became at first a restrained grin and before she got the giggles. Naturally, she did not laugh out loud and tried her absolute best to surpress her guffaw... but the sight of the blue dragon flexing his arm was both incredibly comical and adorable. She clearly did not make fun of him; perish the thought. Gently biting her lower lip with her canines, she took in a deep breath to calm herself. "You funster..."

Fortunately, this wonderful moment of joviality allowed her mind to clear up and listen to the whole story of the blond instead of judging it by its prologue. The revelation that the occurrence he passionately narrated was more bewildering than afflictive was balm to her crannied soul. Besides, it seemed the boy had learned a valuable lesson, which was certainly to always be prepared. Knowing the functions of the analog jammer, the tiny fox gave him a confident if playful thumbs-up.

The news of every participant of the endeavor becoming acquaintances and members of a band was even greater. It was rare enough that a clash ended in peace, but that an actual bond blossomed out of it was close to a miracle. Self-evidently, this novelty delighted her and brightened her up. Although Cion had honestly no idea what the swashbuckling dinosaur was talking about, it did not matter. This conte's ending was... making her happy. It and the appreciated, good manners the duo displayed. "Alan and Levi." She repeated, showing them her well-known, genuine smile during their cordial introduction. This encounter was indeed a pleasure - bigger than they were probably able to imagine.

Enchanted by the youth's equally sincere simper, an instant of silence and motionlessness was eventually overcome by the ancient soul's wish to become acquainted with her new companions. "May I take a seat?" She asked kindly, earnestly hoping they cherished her presence.

Merely two words sufficed to turn past melancholy into present and future serenity.

It was with glee that Cion enjoyed the politeness the charming duo endowed her. The harmony both the blue dragon and the comely boy displayed was quite uncommon, hence she perceived it as all the more wonderful. Their synergy in movement and laughter was simply enchanting and certainly simmered down her agitated soul. Despite the negativity, hostility and painful setbacks she had experienced recently and throughout her entire existence, good people remained that were worth bonding with and fighting for. Perhaps... she just had to determine her next steps with better providence.

However, plans and possibilities were not on her mind this stormy yet cozy evening. Instead the silver fennec showed her appreciation towards the lads' invitation with a firm nod and rapt smile. It was with a single motion that she leapt adjacent to Alan, smoothly sliding into a comfortable sitting posture. The restrained Arniomon stretched herself and let out a slightly audible, pleased sigh. It was without doubt obvious that their togetherness gladdened her in multiple ways, previous sorrow having ceased entirely from her muzzle. Bliss among friends - the way she relished amity the most.

With the hope that Levi was not bothered by her choice, Cion tilted her head to face the blond juvenile. His courteous question visibly amused her; winking coltishly before uttering her playfully cheeky response. "Who said I would?" She asked rhetorically, watching him enraptured by the pleasant scent of steaming, hot cocoa. "It is." The small fox confirmed calmly when, surely surprisingly so, a faintly white sheen engulfed her belongings. As if caught by a distorting aura, her infini-store, smartphone and full cup began to float over to their table. It was with a gentle thud that they landed in front of her, the veil of force disappearing around the objects and her paws.

Giggling like a frolicking girl, she decided to grab her brew by its handle. Slowly, she pressed its rounded edge against her lips, savoring a mouthful of liquid chocolate. A palatable aroma fo sweet and somewhat bitter heartiness caressed her senses as she closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of regalement she had prior to this denied herself. Inhaling and exhaling softly through her snub nose, her throat briefly narrowed as she quietly swallowed the swig. Shuddering, she put her cup back on the desk and nodded. "Tasty."

Naturally, this minor event had claimed several seconds as well, making the vulpine guardian not realize that Alan had been daydreaming. It was just the sentences he nervously spoke afterwards that request her benign attention, ears shortly peaking as she was bewildered by his nervousness. "Don't be shy. Everything's alright." She wholeheartedly assured him there was no reason to apologize for anything yet. Idiosyncrasies were not a flaw in her opinion, but aspect that made every individual special. Her grace, his musing and Levi's jocularity.

"Is what you intended to say possibly... that you too want hot chocolate?" She kindly wished to know, not liking it if a person was too self-effacing. Courtesy was one thing, but unvoiced wills only reinforced yearnings, which was completely unnecessary.

Honestly, Cion did not know what amused her more - Alan's jumpiness or his and Levi's amazement due to her accidental demonstration of a minuscule fraction of her power. Was casual telekinses truly that astonishing to them? It was surprising to learn of this aspect of theirs considering how surreal the digital world was; a realm where thoughts could be turned into reality through force of will alone. Even humans quickly accustomed to such facts of this plain of existence without paying it much thought.

However, this sense of wonder was not a bad attribute in her opinion. On the contrary, it fueled a thirst of knowledge and stance of cosmopolitanism. The silver fennec was genuinely growing fond of this trusting human and coltish Veemon. Although likely unintentionally so, this duo was unlike most she had encountered throughout her entire lifespan. Was it with intent or not, they carried in their hearts genuine warmth for things other than themselves or their immediate peers and interests. They expressed this in silly if not childish ways, but... this was not irritating. It was captivating, even engaging.

Chucklng with a playful smirk, Cion granted the blue dragon and the blond juvenile a moment to exalt her might while and after savoring the delectable flavors of her cup of hot chocolate. Leaning into her seat, the tiny fox took pride in having partially guessed the answer to her previously asked question correctly. Given the outside cold and time, it was naturally no surprise to find out that they desired a proper dinner. "Of course that will suffice. Bits have a relatively high value." She assured that his available money was enough many times over. A whole order probably cost something around 20 of them each. In the end, nobody was meant to suffer due to a lack of currency. What kind of harrowing, dreadful place would that be?

Quietly following Alan's and Levi's banter, the conversation at hand lingered on the subject of an evening meal. Not certain if she was hungry to begin with, the restrained Arniomon still peeked at the menu, seeing quite delicious dishes listed on it. Simple cuisine, but often nourishing and filling for a fair price. Having to giggle again since the poor Veemon had to encourage his partner yet again to muster his courage, she was self-evidently happy to help by suggesting what she would take.

"Certainly I don't mind. If you want to diversify your diet, buy one of the varied plates. I mean... gyro or kebab with trimmings of your choice sound great." She spoke calmly yet confidently, hoping this obvious advice helped the lad. "Too bad I'm not feeling any hunger today." She lamented under her breath as she returned to an adequate sitting posture. Concerns and trepidation kept on plaguing her brain and senses despite her outer bliss.

Though, in an attempt to let go off them for a mere second for the sake of a fine evening, it was as if the perception of herself and her environment shifted suddenly and violently. With her folded hands on her lap, Cion's large ears peaked as a penetrating, lengthy noise echoed in their booth. Sounding like a pair of bears growling viciously, the fennec's cheeks assumed a rosy sheen. Briefly glancing down at her, it appeared that the few drops of cocoa had sufficed to wake up her empty stomach, reminding her of her ignored appetite.

"Ehehehe... scratch that. I take a double." The Arniomon laughingly corrected herself, nervously scratching her cheek and the back of her head with a wide grin. This once, it was her who was the awkward one thanks to her intrusive digestive system. Biology - pesky, was it not? Then again, eating was among the greatest pleasures if relished correctly.

Thankfully, neither Alan nor Levi had been bothered by the rude wake-up call of Cion's fluffy tummy. To be honest, she had not expected any quips from them to begin with, but she was a self-conscious individual who preferred to perpetually show her good sides, including her ladylike grace. Such unavoidable incidents remained an irritating splinter in the sole of her foot - alas, there was nothing to be done about it anymore. Instead, just like the heart-warming duo, she focused on the immediate present, which was of course their dinner.

With both the shy human and coltish dragon following her suggestion, it did not take long for a waitress to hear their order and deliver them their wholesome, square meals.. With a massive plate of kebab meat, varied salad, spiced rice and different dips in front of her, the silver fennec calmly wielded her cutlery with proper etiquette. Self-evidently, she savored her impressively big dish with barely producing an annoying sound. No messy chewing or immodest gulping, despite eating rather fast. Considering how she kept up her pace, it appeared she was not a gourmand but someone who truly required that much nourishment. That was due to her apex form, a fact her new friends did not know.

Keeping mostly to herself while savoring this moment of felicity, she did not notice the lad's hidden envy nor his partner's adorability. In lieu thereof solely joyful togetherness was on her mind and lips, standing triumphantly over her past sorrow-stricken self. Eventually, it was her finished fare and Levi's unforeseeable statement to nudged the tiny fox out of her bliss. It was with surprise that Cion beheld the blue dinosaur slip beneath the table only for him to reappear next to Alan to cuddle up with him.

Finding it difficult to not squeal with glee though refraining from doing so, the ancient, vulpine soul silently followed their short conversation. She admired the impenetrability of their bond regardless of the likely small amount of time they had spent together thus far. They shared more than a common goal and purpose - genuine affection. It was a link that manifested itself in the elation they experienced and the pride they felt for each other's accomplishments. It was unquestionably wonderful to witness this kind of rare intimacy. This once, it was her who grew a little envious, wondering if the day would ever come where she too was blessed with a kindred spirit... again.

To her delightful bafflement, the Veemon actually voiced quite wise words. There were plenty of concrete reasons why some people had true companions while others did not. Certainly it was their abundance of empathy and geniality that had made her appreciate their company. Naturally, she was not irritated by the boy's cheeks assuming a red sheen; and she nodded quickly to confirm her fondness of them. Seeing the young dragon rest his head on the juvenile's lap to repose was among the cutest events she had encountered throughout her eons of existence; only second to the endearing Logan the Offmon.

The youthful digimon closed his eyes, quietly leaving the female fennec and the male outsider to their amity. "Indeed." She answered with a rapt smile, folding her arms as she spectated at their serenity. It had been... an eternity where another had loved her so intensely and openly. If nothing else, it was reassuring and soothing to observe affinity personally where the world often presented her callousness, selfishness and vain avidity. This was what she had fought for during several eternities of hardship, an impetus that was possibly bound to never change or cease.

Closing her eyelids, a hushed sigh escaped her muzzle as she relished the atmosphere of this encounter. What a fortune circumstance it was. "You two are undoubtedly partners. I'm... eagerly anticipating your future exploits." She stated with sincere confidence, certain that the duo had the heart and potential to achieve unadulterated greatness. Like herself long ago, they were cions that merely needed an incentive to blossom. However, the restrained Arniomon had no doubts that this was going to be a righteous, higher cause.