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On the periphery of the multiverse there is a small pocket dimension where a group of unique beings dwell. They have dedicated themselves to the tutelage of heroes and this they have accomplished with skill for countless millennia. Among their peers across the cosmos they are thought of fondly and are widely acknowledge for their steadfast adherence to duty, honor and tradition. It is on the time-honored day of remembrance and thanksgiving that the Celestial gardener Su Meng Peng allows snow to fall from the sky to blanket the estate of the Celestial Guardians.
The owl like Master Ou moved quietly and with purpose through the palace gardens. His sandaled feet, wrapped in warm cotton made a light crunching sound as they sank into the shallow snow. Normally dressed in an array of dazzling colors he had instead dressed today totally in white with silver dragons dancing around the hems. His feathered hands were clasped before him and hidden in the wide sleeves of his coat, his elegant long white cloak dragged behind him masking his footprints along the gravel path. In the cloudless sky above, the golden spirals of the celestial compass continued to spin through their appointed stations. Ous orange ear tufts twitched as the light snow continued to fall, his eyelids flicking over his large yellow eyes when a cold flake ventured near.
Winding his way through the immaculate grounds Ou admired the beauty of nature. Ou thought Master Peng's Bonsai collection placed near the koi pond looked remarkably breathtaking against the white background. Before long he reached the outer wall of the land that looked over the lake. Carefully he climbed the many stone stairs and soon found himself standing on the walls edge with his four fellow sensei and the fifteen heroes dedicated to the Celestial Guardians. Everyone present was dressed warmly and he smiled slightly at the edges of his small beak to see Pulsaar dressed in a pink snow bunny outfit.
Silently the group looked out onto the large lake, watching the snow twirl lightly in the wind. Several of the mortal heroes held large mugs of hot drink that sent whirls steaming mist into the chilled air. So much had changed for all of them since joining the Guardians. There always seemed to be a new revelation around every corner. Yet they were profoundly pleased to be part of something larger then themselves and basked in the joy of good company.
At the appointed time Kang Shuo Tan the green, multi-armed cooked called the assemblage to order. They all bowed their head in reverence and then from their coats and cloaks brought forth a small item to cast into the wind and the lake far below in remembrance of things lost and gained in the previous year. Each falling trinket had special meaning to the one who sacrificed it. Among the offerings was a white lotus, a cookie so light it twirled in the snow like a snowflake, an earring of gold and many other bright things. When the offering was done the gathering raised their heads and took in a deep breath.
Then the fiery Daemocles said Can we go in now Im freezing my tush off!
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From the heroes of the Celestial Guardians to the heroes of the Real World may you and your families have a safe and joyous holiday.
Catsai, Daemocles, Dark Panumbra, Helbourne, Helmkat, Imbas, Marcus Agama, Miyashion, Mystic Myst, Nephyrtiti, Phoenix wing, Pulsaar, Shining Dark, Uriels chosen and Wildboy.
/e bow
