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theoneeyedgoldenwolf · 1 month ago

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Winter Solstice for three boys

For @freezingwhitefire

Part of my Ranch Family AU, the modern Linked Universe stories.

Summary: Winter Solstice is coming around and there’s lot of work at Lon-Lon Ranch. Time is up for making the celebrated day the best he can give to his three boys of Twilight, Legend and Wild.

Notion: - Time has lost his right eye and has the scar over it. Fierce Deity’s markings will come MUCH later. - There is a reason why Time’s so connected into the forest but he’ll only learn the info MUCH later (and the reason is: Wars fed baby Sprite with deer’s milk). - Luck Bird = Siberian Jay - When Malon died, she had been pregnant. Malon and Sprite (Time) hadn’t been aware of this. The doctor whom had done autopsy few days later told to Sprite (Time) the information. Time hasn’t told to anyone about having lost a child too when Malon died. He had Malon and their little one buried in same coffin to let them truly be together. Time never saw his child. In the gravestone, beneath Malon’s information is simply writing of “Our beloved little one” with the same date of birth and death as is Malon’s day of death.

I would've given AO3 link but for some reason it doesn't seem to work. =/ Anyway, enjoy of the story! =D

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Time knew he didn’t have the money but it wasn’t like he would deny a thing from his boys. There were three of them with Wild having been the latest boy he had adopted. Twilight, the first boy he had brought to the ranch, had changed a lot within that bit over a year he had been there. The second youngster of the one eyed male’s, Legend, had calmed down and clearly enjoyed of the life at the place. In fact, all three of them already called the Lon-Lon Ranch as their home and that was something that very much warmed Time’s heart more than anything ever could.

This was going to be Twilight’s second Winter Solstice and the first for Legend and Wild at the ranch. Time wanted to make each of those as special as he could and show how much he truly cared of the boys he adopted into the ranch. Twilight had at first been against the whole thing back at the earlier year but it had been simply out of the fact that he hadn’t had the celebration for years and definitely not in the right way. Yet, this time around he was eager and happy to help with the decorations and setting everything ready and right.

Legend had had some kind of celebrations back in the orphanage but never with the full grandeur it deserved. And he certainly hadn’t had any kind of presents. Even the foods had missed quite a much of what it could’ve been. Sadly, that hadn’t been because the place wouldn’t have been capable of giving such but because of the owners having been either declining from the offer or then just taken the foods for themselves.

Wild’s case was somewhere between the duo. He and the other kids had only gained scraps of the Winter Solstice meal. They didn’t get presents but they were quite well forced to make such for the keepers of the place. And, sadly, most of those creations were mocked and destroyed which certainly hadn’t done anything else than bring the kids down.

Time had all the intentions of changing those experiences and make things right. Legend had at first been suspicious of the situation but he was soon taken along by the joy of the season, the colorful decorations and the small goods of cookies and sweet pastries. Wild had been fully taken along from the start as deep inside he was happy-go-lucky kind of kid. And the one eyed male did all he could to include all three into the whole preparations and whatnot.

Time had made it into bit of a game when the December came and the cleaning of the house was needed. For each thing the boys did, they’d get a treat. It wasn’t much of other than a cookie, a piece of chocolate or such but it was something all three were more than eager of getting. Yet, even with something to gain, the one eyed male made sure the trio didn’t overdo themselves. He made sure it as just few areas each day and nothing too hard or out of their abilities.

Each evening of the December Time treated the trio with hot chocolates and different kinds of cookies. It was something to calm down with and enjoy of the calm moment after a full day of work. Yet, that wasn’t all the ranch’s keeper gave to his boys.

Each day Time gave a small present to the youngsters he had adopted. It was bit like an advent calendar of sorts for the boys. The owner of the Lon-Lon Ranch had tried to figure out a way to create or even to buy a calendar frame but he bit worried those would end up getting mixed or such. That was the reason he gave the small gifts personally.

Those small packages included little figurines. “The more of these you get, the better you can create a small wintery scenery. Just use your imagination and do as you wish with them.” Time told after the first presents were opened. “There’s no judging or figuring out whose creation is better. Just enjoy creating.” He continued before bit grinning. “Oh, and when Winter Solstice comes and last little thing is given, I want to hear your story for the scenery you’ve created.”

The trio was bit startled of the request while tad blushing. Yet, even though they only got one small sculpture by now, they already were planning a lot. The first packages had included a wolf for Twilight, a bunny for Legend and a squirrel for Wild.

As the Winter Solstice came closer, Time fetched the boxes that contained the decorations from the attic. He opened them at the living room and allowed the trio to pick whatever and how many ever they wished from them. “If you want or need it, I’ll be up for helping with the decorating of your rooms. All you need to do is to let me know and I’ll be there.” He promised while aiding his boys already by dragging some of the chosen things up to their rooms.

Twilight chose gold and green into his room. Legend went with pink, green and blue. Wild chose pretty much every color he could find. The newest boy of the ranch fully filled his room with the bright colors while letting them zigzag all around the ceiling, closet and table. Twilight had the least of the decorations but he thought the places very carefully while still making it very festive. Legend was somewhere between the duo while having less of thought than the first brought boy had but more than the third boy’s eagerness.

With the rest of the stuff that was left into the boxes Time decorated the rest of the house. The trio was happy in aiding by giving whatever was needed to get the things to stick in the ceiling and around the mirrors and few tables. Time let them choose the colors and the things that were put up. He followed the directions and ways the fluffy ribbons would be in the chosen places. He did his best to let each of the three equally choose how the things were going to be and which places.

The next part in the whole preparations for the Winter Solstice celebrations was a fir tree. This was the only part Time didn’t let the boys take part. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t have wanted them along but they weren’t as tuned into the forest’s ways. Twilight might’ve been close but even he couldn’t really see or hear what the forest wanted to show to him.

There had been only two places back in the orphanage where the one eyed male had felt safe. The first, obviously, had been right by Wars. The older male was a perfect protector and never allowed any of harm to come to him whenever he had the chance to defend him.

The second place had been the close by being forest. Wars taught Sprite, the name the ranch’s keeper had picked as his own, everything he knew about surviving in the wilderness. Yet, the five years younger boy had picked up something more than what his older brother could ever teach or give him. He instinctively knew how to navigate in the forest and hear the whispers in the still air. He didn’t know why or how he had gained such ability but it aided him each time he needed a safe place, food or, as at the moment, a fir tree for the Winter Solstice celebration.

The Lon-Lon Ranch owned a small patch of a forest not far from there. It obviously wasn’t within the National Park that was even closer to the ranch. Yet, it was almost connected into the area and hence, in a way, gave a slight bit more of safety for the protected forest.

Only few years ago Time still had roamed the forest with Malon. His late wife hadn’t been as tuned into the forest as he was but she loved to listen his explanations and watch him move around like the forest would’ve been his home. Even though he had started to pick up on the old habit of venturing into the forest about a year ago, he still knew every single creature that lived in there, their borders and each and every plant that grew in the area. It always felt like coming home and feeling entirely safe and cared of.

The one eyed male closed his eye and bowed his head as he touched the closest tree with bare hand. The air was cold but he always allowed the connection to be formed through skin to bark. Only a moment later he smiled a bit and opened his eye before already nodding once. After that he began to follow the forest’s guidance to reach the right tree that he had the rights to cut down and take to the ranch.

The fir tree was small enough for the room it would decorate but not having what it took to survive in the forest. Either the other plants were too close or then the others just were too big for the younger one to gain what it needed. It wasn’t sick nor did it have any inhabitants in the form of squirrels or birds or such.

Time placed his hand against the chosen fir tree, bowed his head while closing his eye and whispered few apologies and thanks. Even though there was no wind rustling the tree’s needles, it still moved like in a nod of acceptance. The one eyed male smiled bit sorrowfully before nodding back and starting to cut the tree down with the axe.

When the ranch’s keeper brought the fir tree home, his three adopted boys were astonished, excited and full of eagerness to get into decorating the tree. Yet, the youngsters had to wait until next day to give the tree the chance to melt, open up its branches and needles and being ready for the weight of the decorations. Twilight made sure the other two, especially Wild, stayed away from the tree until Time gave the rights to place the ribbons, baubles and other things into the places they wished to put them at.

The problem with the amount of money needed came when Wild quite well begged and pleaded that he could make the Winter Solstice meal. Time checked from the other two if they were okay with the idea, and having gained acceptance from the duo, he nodded in agreement. Yet, he certainly hadn’t realized how much all the needed ingredients would end up costing. Nonetheless, he wasn’t going to deny his cook-to-be the rights of doing what he loved to do. And so, he ended up paying some of the things out of his own savings.

That money had been mainly meant for his and Malon’s future but as such would never come, the ranch’s keeper hadn’t touched his bank account for several years. He knew it had increased a bit but he doubted it would be enough. The ranch did well but supporting four wasn’t cheap for the given income. Not to mention the gained money seemed to decrease at wintertime as the products sold weren’t so much needed unlike during the summer.

As the ranch’s owner checked the back accounts of both the ranch and his own after the very expensive grocery round, he started to make some counting. It would be bit tight squeeze but he was quite certain they’d make it at least halfway through January. At then, hopefully, the ranch’s income would be enough to fix the situation. If not, he would need to search for second job.

There were couple of ideas Time came up straight off. Unfortunately, he had the scratch other one off the list nearly instantly. The icy roads weren’t going to be safe for what he had had in mind. With the second thought he began to do swift checking but there were no horse races coming up where he could get himself and Epona into. These realizations left him with no other choice than to try and figure out some other plans. Yet, for the time being, he threw the worries out of his mind. He could come back to this problem after New Year’s Eve. Right now he had much more important things to put his notion into.

The one eyed male put the papers away and made his way into the kitchen. He smiled as he watched Wild doing the preparations for the Winter Solstice meal. He knocked on the doorframe and gave a questioning look. After the first start and snapping his gaze into the one close by, the newest boy of the ranch perked up and smiled widely and happily before already nodding eagerly. Time’s own smile widened as he went to aid his boy with the work. At least it would bit ease out the workload the youngster had put up for himself.

Eventually everything was ready and set for the Winter Solstice to arrive. The day started by Time giving the trio of his boys the last small packages which contained the last pieces in finishing their wintery scenery. After that Wild checked on the foods which his caretaker had put into warming up. Not that the youngster had anything to complain but he was the cook of the ranch and he really wanted everything to go perfectly right. The one eyed male had set the table too while he had waited for the trio to have awakened.

Since everything was correct in the kitchen according to Wild, Time did hot chocolates with whipped cream and strawberries on top. The about an hour of waiting for the food to be fully ready was spend by watching a very heartwarming and beautiful animation of one kind of Winter Solstice celebration. It had all kinds of animals getting everything set and done with gnomes that were about as tall as a fox. Time had watched the show ever since he had seen it during his first year at the Lon-Lon Ranch. Now, sadly, it was bit sorrowful thing for him as Malon wasn’t there with him. Yet, he was up for changing that as he had the youngsters he had adopted right by him and clearly the trio was equally enthralled by the show as he was.

Time had bit feared that Wild was up for doing bit too much of food for one day but he worried for nothing. The youngster had clearly counted things just right even though the amount of the food seemed enormous. Nonetheless, everyone ate well and even bit over too since some of them hadn’t ever tasted some of the foods before and wanted to know what they were like.

After the meal all of the boys aided with the dishes and putting away that little what was left of the foods. Once the kitchen was cleaned, Time started to usher his adopted youngster upstairs. “So, who wants to start and tell the story of the winter scenery?” He inquired fondly while looking from one boy to another.

“I’ll start!” Wild straight off nearly chirped out while already starting to drag his guardian and adopted brothers towards his room. He eagerly presented his creation which sat on the windowsill. It had few snowy fir trees to create a clearing of sorts. In middle of the scenery was a fireplace which had a cauldron on top of it. Inside the cauldron was small creations of carrots, meats, nuts and seeds. Next to the place of making food was a squirrel with a ladle. Wolf, rabbit and a bird were all separately placed on top of a log. In front of each of them was another log acting as a table of sorts. The snowy fir trees had few different colored fluffy vines to act as Winter Solstice decoration.

“Here we have a Winter Solstice meal.” The youngster started happily. “Squirrely has invited his closest friends for a special meal. Wolfy, Bunny and Lucky each helped with finding the best clearing and the decorating the area. The meal consists of meat, carrots, seeds and nuts in perfect harmony.” Wild raised his gaze up into Time while trying not to wait so eagerly for praise.

The ranch’s keeper smiled fondly and, with his boy’s rights, hugged him tightly while giving a gentle kiss to the top of his head. “This is very lovely scenery. The names are amazing and, as the day’s meant to be, it’s full of harmony and acceptance. Thank you for the story, Rascal.” He complimented happily before pulling off.

The newest boy’s adopted brothers nodded in agreement. “I like how there’s food for each of them in the meal. Just like it should be in this kind of special day.” Legend commented before bit grinning. “Plus, I like how Bunny’s between Wolfy and Lucky there.”

“I have you know that Wolfy’s very kind and caring canine.” Twilight countered and pointed to the whole scenery. “Just look how he’s guarding everyone. He would never harm those whom are part of his family.”

Wild listened happily and nodded eagerly in agreement. Time enjoyed of the short conversation of sorts between his boys. “So, which of you two is next?” He inquired after things had calmed down.

“Me.” Legend partly raised his hand and started to lead his family to his room. He felt tad uncertain of his creation since it didn’t feel like it could be compared into Wild’s winter scenery. Yet, he showed what he had come up with the small sculptures of sorts Time had given him.

“Before you start to tell the story, I want both you and Cub to understand that this is no competition.” The one eyed male started while glancing between the duo and noticing the uncertainty within both of them. “There’s no judging or comparing. These are your creations, your creativity. Each of the three are absolutely the perfect there can be. You all made them the way you saw right with the story for the scenery you came up.”

With the reassurances the duo calmed down and nodded. Still, Legend bit blushed as he carefully pulled off the cover of sorts made out of napkins taped together. “I’ve wanted this as a surprise rather than letting everyone straight off know what I’m coming up for this.” He explained with a slight shrug.

The second adopted boy of Time’s had also created a clearing of sorts. The fluffy vines of sorts were carefully tied together to make three much longer vines than what they would’ve otherwise been. These colorful things were going from one snowy fir tree to another while rounding the whole clearing. They were in different heights so it really fenced the area quite well. In middle of the place stood lonely snowy fir tree. On top of it was the bird. Bit lower was a squirrel. Wolf was leaning against the tree while having clearly helped the rabbit into the lower being branches. Two logs were put together to create a bigger table and on it were small creations of seeds, carrots, nuts and meats. Cauldron was on its side below one of the fir trees and before its mouth was a fireplace.

Legend took a deep breath before he started to explain the scenery of his: “Since this is the time of acceptance and peace, the world needs places for predators and prey to be in safe. The Luck Bird, with the help from the Rabbit and Squirrel, created this small clearing. The fluffy vines are magical fence and only allowing those without malicious thoughts or intents into the area. The Wolf is friendly one. One of those capable of being domesticated but still never a pet. It followed the beautiful singing of the Luck Bird and found the clearing. Even though worried, it decided to try its luck and, to its delight, got through the barrier. The Luck Bird, Rabbit and Squirrel happily welcomed the Wolf among them. They roasted the foods just for the crunchies. There’s a small cave of sorts close by which these four decided to call as home while sharing the food they could find and gain together. The fire in front of the cave is to keep the cold at bay and let the four of them be cozy and warm. This day meant finding a family for these four animals.”

Time blushed when his boy claimed the bird to have a beautiful singing voice. He noticed the slight grin and glance Legend did towards him when he mentioned that. The one eyed male didn’t sing often and even less if he knew someone to be listening. Talon had tried to get him to sing in the days of celebration but he had declined unless he could sing with Malon. Yet, after his wife had passed away, he hadn’t sang than in very rare cases and only when he really had thought to be alone without no-one hearing him. Clearly, Legend had heard him at least once if not more often. He wasn’t certain how to think about that but he let it slip for now since the other two clearly were unaware of the implication of their adopted brother’s words.

Time hugged his boy tightly and kissed the top of his head. “Thank you.” He whispered quietly while fully meaning those two simple words. He knew that the duo with them wouldn’t realize what he actually was thanking the youngster for. “The scenery’s beautiful. Loving how there’s a place of safety for those in need of such. A place to call home with the creatures within it to call family. Very good interpretation of this special day.” He complimented before pulling off from the hold.

“Thanks for making the wolf friendly but still wild.” Twilight commented while enjoying of how the animals were aiding one another in there.

“I really love the safety the area gives. It’s decorated and yet it’s also protected.” Wild mused happily while fully liking the different take for the same sculptures of sorts they had gained. Sure, they had gained different items each day to keep it from knowing that they were in fact gaining same things to create the scenery.

“My turn then.” Twilight almost exclaimed while actually feeling excited of telling his own story of sorts for the scenery he had created. His caretaker and two adopted brothers followed him into his room while enjoying of the stories, the winter sceneries and being together. “So, this is my thoughts of the day.” The youngster stated out while presenting what he had created onto the windowsill of his room.

The clearing was surrounded by snowy fir trees but only the one middle in the area was decorated. The top of the decorated snowy fir tree was inside the cauldron and on top of it, on the smooth part of it, was the fireplace. The logs were jammed into diagonal way against each other between two fir trees. The four animals of Wolf, Rabbit, Squirrel and Luck Bird were in a half circle and facing the decorated tree. Before them were the foods of meats, carrots, nuts and seeds.

“The four have known each other since their birth and been close friends ever since.” Twilight set the situation. “They started their lives as trapped beings by bad guys but got out due to brilliant cooperation from each of them. They ran and eventually found this clearing and set a home to here. It had been Winter Solstice when they escaped and hence this darkest day of the year is more special to them than to anyone else. They celebrate it by creating a star of sorts into top of the fir tree. A sign of radiating light that will help them through the hardships as long as they stick together. Together they have a family and together any place can be a home to them.”

Time smiled fondly and hugged the boy he had first adopted before already kissing him to the top of his head. “That was really amazing story. Loving the fact they were a family already from the start and got out together. Really good idea of putting Winter Solstice to be the day of the escape. Gives more meaning to the day for them.” He commented happily while pulling off and letting the other two say a word or few too.

“I like how you did the star part. Gotta have needed bit of working to get it to stay like that.” Wild said while bit wanting to poke at the thing and see how easily it would fall. Yet, he didn’t do such as he didn’t want to ruin the scenery and his brother’s work.

“I gotta say that was well thought for how they got together. Hoping they’ll stay safe and together.” Legend mused while enjoying of the fact how different they all had made the stories to be even though the given toys of sorts were the same.

“Don’t worry, they will.” Twilight answered before, like from shared thought, he and his adopted brothers turned towards Time quite well simultaneously. “One more story to go.” He stated out with a grin.

Time blinked in start and recoiled bit backwards. “What?” He half queried while looking from one boy of his to another.

“Mmhmm, your turn, Time.” Legend leaned against the table while crossing his arms over his chest. He grinned while being equally curious and excited to hear the one eyed male’s Winter Solstice story.

“I…” Time started while feeling entirely uncertain. He gave a sheepish lopsided grin and shrugged. “Don’t have winter scenery created so can’t really tell the story either.” He told while hoping it would take the notion off of him.

“Does it really need the winter scenery for the story to be told?” Wild queried with a slight frown while bit tilting his head to side.

The ranch’s keeper looked from one boy of his to another. All three looked so hopeful and waiting that he didn’t have the heart to decline from the silent query. He sighed almost exaggerated and nodded. “Alright, alright, I’ll yield.” He replied while raising his hands in slight surrender. “Come on, this will be bit longer story so, if you’re okay, Twilight, we could sit down to your bed. Yeah?”

“Works for me!” Twilight confirmed while already almost dragging the duo to the bed. Time bit chuckled and followed easier. He made sure none of them were having their backs towards the fall just to make sure each of them were safely on the soft place.

The one eyed male leaned against the headboard and took a deep breath. “Give me a moment to come up with something.” He requested while closing his eye and trying to figure out something to tell. Eventually he sighed a bit sorrowfully before opening his eye and turning his gaze into the window. For some reason he just wasn’t able to face the trio at the moment as he began to tell his story.

“Long ago there was a small and scrawny bird. Lost and lonely. It flew through a forest during the darkest day of the year. It saw many places where celebrations and joy were present. Families and friends. And yet, it didn’t dare to go and meet with them. Too scared and feeling like it didn’t have the rights for such. Just not worthy of being cared of. Besides, how could it go and ruin someone else’s joy? How could it, an outsider, ask to be part of something that wasn’t meant for it?

“The bird continued forward and saw a wolf. It hid at first before few things caught its notion. The wolf was alone. It wasn’t limping but something in its demeanor told it didn’t have a pack. The bird flew down to meet the predator. As it looked into the canine’s eyes, it saw the same feelings it itself had. Being both lost and lonely. The wolf clearly recognized the similarity within them too and so they decided to continue forward together. Neither really knew what they were searching for but at least it was better to be together than alone.

“To cut the silence of the darkness around them, they started to talk. First about anything and everything. Yet, little by little, the talk turned into them. Who they were and where they came from.

“Some time later they encountered a rabbit. A defensive thing that had no fear in taking on a huge wolf or even the whole world if needed. Yet, as the duo looked at the newcomer and the bunny looked at them, all that defensiveness was just to hide the same feelings of being lost and lonely. No family or home. Without better things to do, the rabbit decided to tag along. It could always bail out if it felt like it.

“The duo introduced themselves to the rabbit and told about themselves the same what they had told to each other by now. The bunny first just listened and stayed mainly silent but slowly the company got him to open up too.

“The internal clock of the creatures told it still was day even though it was as dark as night could be when they were startled into a stop. Something had fallen from the tall snowy fir trees around them right in front of them. Luckily the snow on the ground was soft and saved the small being from harm.

“The squirrel was shocked and scared when its gaze found the wolf. It looked around frantically in search of an escape. Yet, the snow was deep and the trees were far so the situation looked very grim for the little one. Though, suddenly something hit him. There were a bird and a rabbit with the predator. Unharmed. Calm. Safe. The squirrel returned its gaze into the trio and curiously took a better check on them. On that moment the fear moved aside and the loneliness was easier to deal with.

“The four of them continued forward together. They found a clearing with a forgotten burrow, abandoned cave, a squirrel nest without warmth parts and half done bird nest. It was better than they could ask for and, without thinking or planning, began to clear things off. Cleaning and fixing the places. The wolf, rabbit and bird gave loose bits of fur and feathers to make the squirrels nest warm, fluffy and safe against the winter. They all searched for sticks to finish the bird nest. Yet, in the end, they stayed at the wolf’s den and cuddled close to each other. The wolf getting the warmth from its comrades and the trio getting the softness of the fur and tail.

“It was nighttime when they searched for food together. Fish from the close by river that the bird and squirrel had spotted. The wolf sniffed out fresh and still fairly new bark of trees for the bunny. They all aided to find the nuts and seeds for the other two.

“As they returned back to the clearing and into the den of the wolf to rest, they suddenly realized something. None of them was feeling lost or lonely. They had each other and that gave them both home and family. It didn’t matter they were of different species. What did matter was what they felt. Safety, calmness… Loved.

“Their search was over. They had all they could ask for just by the fact of having each other right there by them.” Time finished quietly before turning to look at his boys. The awed silence of the trio got him to blush a bit and shrug. “That’s kinda all I could come up with.” He wasn’t certain if he meant the words as an apology or just a statement.

“That… That was awesome. Beautiful and awesome.” Legend whispered and the duo by him nodded in agreement.

“I’m sure the bird wasn’t as scrawny as you claimed.” Wild pointed out before shrugging. “And if he was, the trio certainly aided him to be the most handsome bird of the whole forest. They all certainly made each other better and stronger.”

Twilight didn’t let it show but he bit wondered how much of his own life his caretaker had put into that story. Had it been the way he saw himself and them? Had it been how he had found his way into the Lon-Lon Ranch? He didn’t dare to ask or comment on any of that as the day was supposed to be full of joy and love. “You made an excellent story, Time. Absolutely perfect for this day.” He finally told with a small fond smile.

Time was bit blushing at the compliments before already forcing himself to sit up straight. “Okay, how about presents now, hmm?” He suggested with a slight grin while fully wanting to avert the conversation off of him and the story he had come up with. His grin turned into a wide smile as Wild got fully excited about the idea and quite well started to drag the trio off of the bed and out of the room. The three of them chuckled a bit and followed the newest boy of the ranch back downstairs.

They had the presents underneath the decorated fir tree. Yet, instead of being haphazardly there, they were in small stacks to know whom was going to share which packages to the others. It also was a slight rule of sorts that no-one had gone to try and figure out the presents by picking them up and / or shaking them to feel the weight or hear what they’d hold inside.

Now the four residents of the Lon-Lon Ranch gathered around the tree into a half circle while leaving enough of room in front of them for the gained presents and for unwrapping the packages. At first Time was up for asking whom would start but eventually he chose to go first. He didn’t have the presents in any specific order so he just picked the first one and handed it over to Legend.

The youngster frowned a bit at the name of the book of sorts he got. Catalogue of apple trees. “Open it.” The ranch’s owner coaxed while trying to keep his grin off of his face. On the first page of the book was one simple handwritten note: “Once the Spring comes, you and I will go to the local apple tree farm Altim’s Apples and get one to few of different species bought. Until then your job is to figure out where you want them. The catalogue doesn’t have all of their apple trees but most of them anyway.”

Legend stared at the note before slowly raising his wide-eyed gaze up into Time. Without thinking he straight off glomped his caretaker and held tightly. “Thank you.”

Time returned the hold while smiling fondly. “You’re welcome.” He half whispered before letting go and picking up the next present. He handed it out to Wild. The youngster eagerly ripped the paper off of the thing before gasping at the book which title was: “Recipes for experts”. “Rascal.” The keeper of the ranch called and got the boy to snap his gaze up from the intriguing recipes. “I promise to you that we’ll go through that book and its recipes during the next year.” He told and smiled fondly at the youngster’s wide and excited smile. Right after that he already ended up glomped by Wild. He chuckled a bit and hugged the boy back. “You’re welcome.” He half whispered before the youngster pulled away. It was clear that Wild would’ve loved to get back to his new book to see what recipes it held but he concentrated into the gift giving around him.

The last package of Time’s went to Twilight. The youngster gasped when he took out a wolf toy with soft golden fur and the Mark of the Wolf on its forehead. “I recommend to NOT wash the wolf. I kinda self-dyed the grayish fur of its and did the marking by a marker. I hope I got it right.” Time explained while the youngster was checking the creature through from all possible angles. “I heard once someone talk about Room Guardians and thought it could act as such for you.”

Twilight carefully set the toy down and went to hug his caretaker tightly. “Thank you.” He whispered while very clearly loving the toy and the meaning the one eyed male had given it.

“You’re welcome.” Time replied while feeling grateful of having made the right choices in the presents. Once the youngster pulled away from the hold, it was his time to share out the presents. He picked them both up and gave them off to his adopted brothers.

While Wild eagerly went to rip the paper off, Legend took calmer way with opening the gift wrapper away. They both gasped a bit in surprise at the books of sorts they found from the packages. Though, the second brought boy of the ranch also got a package of apple tree seeds. For him on the cover of the book was written: “My own apple tree” while for Wild the title was “My recipes”. The books were empty which meant those clearly were for writing down their own notions or, in Wild’s case, to write down own recipes.

“Well, our small apple tree forest will be growing bit more than I anticipated.” Time pointed out while knowing his boy would be up for doing everything in his power to make each of the gained seeds to grow into a healthy apple tree. “And I’m more than eager to see and taste what you’re up for coming up with the cooking.” He continued fondly while being entirely happy of how thought out the presents had been.

Legend was next to share out his presents. He gave tad heavier package to Wild with both hands before, with a grin, throwing the other one to Twilight. “Nothing to worry. It’s fluffy.” The youngster told at the slight start of the trio around him. “And I mean it with capital F.” His grin had widened into full mischievousness.

Wild found a kettle from the package and as Time checked it, he had to admit that they had been missing the given size. Twilight on the other hand found a stuffed wolf cub toy. Legend’s grin lost the mischievousness from there as he watched how much his adopted brother loved the creature. “His name is Fluffy. Take really good care of him.”

“I will, I promise.” Twilight replied while hugging the toy close and enjoying of its softness. He gently put the creature down as Wild was still up for sharing his presents.

The newest boy of the ranch picked the two presents next to him bit shyly. “I… I-I know I don’t know you guys well as of yet but, um…” He started uncertainly before tad shrugging. “Here.” He nearly whispered while offering the packages to his adopted brothers.

“It’s not really about the presents.” Time told gently while watching the trio fondly. “It’s just about the family and time spend together. Presents are actually just extra.” He shrugged once before bit grinning mischievously at the startled gazes of his boys. “Yet, those are fun to search and give. The joy it gives is worth it.”

The trio blushed a bit before nodding. After that Twilight and Legend turned towards the gifts in their hands before already opening them. Both found a small package of four toys from there. For the first brought boy of the ranch it was a mother wolf with three cubs while for the second boy of the ranch it was mother bunny with three little rabbits.

“I just… T-though they were cute…” Wild mumbled while feeling bit fearful of whether or not his choice of present had hit right.

“May I hug you?” Twilight inquired while knowing that this last month had been surprisingly good for his newest brother. Wild didn’t really want people close to him and less so to let them touch him. Yet, this time he nodded and allowed the gentle and bit loose hold. Loose since the trio he lived with were considerate and giving him all the chances to pull away from the embrace if he felt like it. “Thank you, Wild. This is absolutely perfect.” Twilight whispered before pulling away.

“Can I hug you too?” Legend queried while not wanting to push the boundaries or how much the younger male could take in one day. Nonetheless, he too got the rights and he was equally gentle and considerate with his hold. “Thank you, brother. You made exactly the correct choice.” He admitted happily before moving out of the embrace.

After this, though, all three turned towards Time. “Your turn.” Twilight stated out firmly with a grin.

The ranch’s keeper blinked once in surprise before giving a short chuckle. “Sorry, boys, but I already gave the presents.” He answered with a slight shrug.

The trio chuckled and shook their heads. Legend picked the last package up and offered it towards their caretaker. “For you. From all three of us.”

“I…” Time stammered while almost tentatively taking the offered present. “Y-you guys didn’t have to. Seriously, this…” He tried but as he looked at the pleading looks of his boys, he fully melted and sighed softly. “Okay, okay, I’m opening it.” He continued and began to open the colorful packaging.

“Um… Time…?” Twilight started and the one eyed male hummed to show he was listening. “You remember that one time I kinda snuck into your room during the night…?” He half inquired bit uncertainly.

Time frowned and raised his gaze up from the present in his hands. “Yeah, I do. What was that about anyway?” He countered while starting to feel bit concerned of the situation.

“Just open the present and I’ll explain after that.” The first brought boy answered while giving bit of a sheepish look. Time’s worry only grew but he nodded and returned his notion back into the present his boys had gotten him.

When the back of a photo frame came into sight from the present, the one eyed male frowned. Yet, his expression soon melted into a fond smile as he thought his boys had taken a picture without his notion. Still, the worry he saw within the trio from the corner of his eye didn’t make sense… Until he turned the thing around and actually saw what the photo was.

Time gasped and stared at the photograph that couldn’t in any of way be real. He barely breathed as he stared at his older brother’s picture with a forest in the background. There had never been any pictures taken at the orphanage. Not by him, Wars, the keepers or by any of the other kids. The photo couldn’t be real.

“The reason I came to your room was to borrow the drawing your wife had done from your description about your older brother.” Twilight told and got his caretaker to snap his shocked gaze into him. “I’ve returned it back to its rightful place!” The youngster straight off confirmed before gulping once. At least the ranch’s owner had calmed down a bit by the reassurance.

“We had found this artist whom could do very real life looking pictures from drawings.” Legend took part into the explanations. “You told that drawing was the only picture you got of your brother so we thought… Well…” He shrugged and gave a sorrowful smile.

“We took few copies of the picture you have so it should be safer now. They’re behind the fake photograph of sorts.” Wild told bit shyly. “Y-you know… To make sure you wouldn’t lose the actual picture no matter what.”

Time stared at his boys while being entirely out of knowing what to say or do. He slowly dropped his gaze back into the fake photograph before with bit shaking hands turned it around to open the back. He took one of the few pieces of papers out to see the copy of the picture Malon had drawn for him years ago.

Slowly the full impact and understanding of the situation struck the one eyed male. He carefully put the picture back into the safekeeping, closed the back and looked at the fake photograph of his big brother. He felt the tears in his eyes as he smiled a bit at the picture. Soon he tightly cradled the photo frame against his chest while bit hanging his head as he closed his eye.

The trio watched bit worriedly at the situation while feeling tad uncertain if they had actually done the right choice with their present. Time gently kissed the top part of the frame before standing up. Without a word he walked bit unsteadily to the bookshelf. He smiled a bit at the photos on one of the shelves before carefully and gently moving few of the photo frames. After that he placed the gained fake photo into the given empty spot.

The caretaker of the trio took couple of steps backwards while having a small, bit sorrowful smile on his face. He slightly titled his head before trying to dry the tears. “Finally where you belong, Wars.” He whispered quietly while feeling entirely grateful of having the full family of his on the shelf.

Photo of Talon with young Malon on the left. The wedding day’s picture of Time and Malon. Wars’ fake photograph. Twilight’s photo of him brushing Epona. Legend inspecting one of the apple trees while faking not to notice the close by being rabbit just to allow the scaredy bunny get close to him on its own terms. And lastly, on the right, photo of Wild cooking and bit smiling while enjoying of his work.

Time turned towards his boys and gently beaconed for them to come closer. “Can I…?” He half inquired with quiet voice while mainly pointing his words to Wild. The newest boy of the ranch nodded and the oldest of the four residents of Lon-Lon Ranch pulled the trio into a tight hug. “Thank you, boys. This is absolutely the perfect present besides having you three here.” He whispered before gently kissing the boys to the top of their heads until letting them free from the hold.

The boys calmed down and relaxed in the hold. They were fully grateful of having made the right choice in the end. It had been bit expensive but they all had contributed to make it come to reality.

“Now, how about some hot chocolates to finish today off?” Time offered fondly and grinned a bit as his adopted boys perked up at the idea. “Come on, one last little thing for today.” He ushered the trio to the kitchen before already having to gently guiding Wild to sit back down. “My treat. Please?” He almost begged and the newest boy bit blushed but he nodded and accepted to be treated this time around.

Soon enough the trio’s caretaker brought over the last little treat for the day: Hot chocolates with whipped cream and strawberries on top along with earlier made pastries with different jams inside them. “I know I’m not as good as Wild but I think I’m capable of some things.” He offered as a slight compliment and an apology. Yet, he smiled fondly as the trio really enjoyed of the last little treat of the day.

“I gotta learn how you do these. These area really great!” Wild exclaimed happily while going for third already.

Time chuckled a bit and shrugged. “It’s not much, really. I go down the easy way of premade pastries that just needs to be filled and cooked in the oven.” The scarred boy was bit surprised of the given answer. “Yeah, I know you could do better by the fact of doing everything from the start but… I go by the easy way.” The one eyed male replied with a slight blush.

“Either way, these area good nonetheless.” Wild told happily with a shrug. “Maybe I can try doing some at later time, yeah?” He half requested with bit of hopeful look.

“That would be cool, sure.” Time nodded while knowing homemade was always a better tasting than premade stuff. Still, he hadn’t had the chance to really start to search for right recipes and ways of doing things without others noticing. Besides, Wild had had the kitchen most of the time in use so he wouldn’t have had the needed time or moment to handle things from start to finish.

Twilight glanced around his brothers while finishing his hot chocolate. He raised an eyebrow at Wild whom simply gave a slight nod of acceptance. After that the first boy of Time’s turned his notion into his caretaker. “Time.” He called and got the one eyed male to look at him with a hum to show he was listening. The youngster gave one last check around just to be certain until voicing his simple request: “Can we sleep in your room tonight? Please?”

Time blinked once in surprise before turning his gaze into Wild. All three of his boys were sporting slight form of puppy-dog-eyes as they waited for an answer. The one eyed male chuckled a bit while relaxing. “Of course. You three are free to sleep in my room at anytime you wish.” He told fondly before getting up and starting to usher the boys off to wash up. “If you wish to stay the night there, you gotta wash up and change clothes.” He pointed out with a slight grin. “Now, get going, I’ll handle things here.”

The trio chuckled a bit before, one by one, coming over to give their caretaker a tight hug. After that they dashed off to get washed up. The ranch’s owner watched them leave with a fond smile on his face before turning to cleaning the mugs, plates and table.

It didn’t take long before all four were on the king sized bed of the main bedroom of the house. All three youngsters were on one side of Time while each of them used him as a pillow of sorts with Wild being in middle. The one eyed male watched the boys sleep peacefully for a while before gently wrapping his arm around them protectively. Soon enough, though, he too fell asleep while actually feeling happy and content.

Yet, even with such happy day and having these three by him, there still was slight ache in Time’s heart. He knew it wasn’t fully only because he missed Talon, Malon, his and Malon’s little one and Wars. It felt like there still were missing people from his life even though he wasn’t certain why he believed it to be such. He suspected it was because of there still being so many empty rooms in the house and he felt like wanting to fill them too with life to have a full house.

Still, right now the ranch’s owner just concentrated into what he already had. These three were amazing youngsters and aiding him heal quite a much. And today had been absolutely perfect day. That was why he fell asleep with a happy and content smile on his face.

#my stories #linked universe #linkeduniverse #lu time #time lu #twilight lu #lu twilight #lu legend #legend lu #wild lu #lu wild #Fluff #Winter Solstice #hot chocolates #celebrations #presents #food #stories

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