Looking up, Aveline watched as Connor opened the door to her room.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering if you were up." He scratched his head then smiled. "I know you've been cooped up in here for a while, so... do you want to come take a walk with me?"
Aveline studied him for a bit then nodded, rising to get on her coats. She stopped though when Connor chuckled. "What's so funny?"
"You'll need something thicker. It snowed pretty heavily over the last few days."
Aveline frowned but opted for the winter coat that Connor had bought her back when she first arrived at the Homestead.
"Better."
She rolled her eyes and followed him down the stairs. "I doubt it's that cold, Connor. I've seen it snow here."
Connor looked back at her, stopping as they reached the door. His hand was on the knob, about to turn it. "You've never seen it like this." He turned the knob and pulled the door open then stepped to the side, all the while watching Aveline's face.
He watched her eyes grow wide and her mouth slightly drop open. She took a step forward in clear disbelief at the thick white blanket that covered the porch, roads, and rooftops beyond. It was quiet outside, save for the minute sounds of birds and people shuffling about elsewhere on the Homestead.
Connor's smile widened as he followed her from the house, still watching as she glanced around, hands outstretched to touch the frozen limb of a nearby tree. "Ever seen it snow this much?"
Aveline shook her head. "No... this is... I don't know what to say." Connor chuckled.
Aveline kept wondering about, touching icicles hanging from the low hung rooftops of chicken coops and signs. It wasn't until she called out for Connor that she realized he was nowhere in sight.
"Connor. Connor? Where'd you go?" She passed by a bush and stopped, searching for him with her eyes. As she turned towards the bush and before she could react, a pile of something cold smacked her in the side of her face. She froze, only allowing a shocked gasp escape her lips.
Connor rushed to her side and brushed the snow from her face, trying and failing to hold back his laughter. "Sorry. I was aiming for the back of your head, but you turned."
"Why?"
"It's called a snowball. You know? The kids here are always starting snowball fights. I thought you might want to play one as well."
Once all the snow was brushed off her face, Connor stepped back and smiled. "Come on. You'll like it." He turned his back to her and squatted down, already forming a new snowball.
"Connor."
"Yes?" He made a few more before looking up to Aveline. His smile disappeared as he noticed her raised arm and the snowball flying toward his face.
"This means war." She laughed as Connor was caught off guard as the snowball smashed into his face, making him slightly fall backwards.
"Yes, it does." Smiling evilly, Connor chucked ball after ball at Aveline, forcing her to take refuge behind a tree. She got in her own shots though, driving him back behind a short stone wall.
They kept up their "war" for another hour or two. In the end, the war had ended up in a draw. Smiling and covered lightly in snow, Aveline rubbed her hands together, blowing into them. Connor joined her side, brushing the snow off her coat and hair before doing the same to himself.
"That was fun, but I feel like an icicle myself." Connor laughed at her words then pulled her in close. His lips brushed over hers.
"I could warm you up." He smirked and deepened their kiss, sending warmth and anticipation straight to her core. Aveline smiled back after the kiss broke and bit her lip.
"I'd like that." She laughed when Connor gave her a playful growl, sweeping her off her feet while he carried her to their home.