I returned to The Shadow's Respite, brushing snow from my shoulders as I entered the warm tavern. Seraphina met me inside, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Are you okay, Varix? What happened? You were gone for so long."

I laughed and gave her a quick rundown of the events, describing how the entire village had been out enjoying the snow and how many times I'd gone down on the sled. I ended with,

"Sorry. I should have come back to get you."

"It's okay. I made excellent use of your tub and reenchanted your heating gems while I was at it. Sounds like it was fun, though."

"It was," I agreed. "But now I have work to do. Can I ask you a huge favor?"

"Sure, what did you have in mind?"

I led her to the back of the tavern and explained my idea for enhancing Lady Churl's new sheath. I told her how I'd like to take the piece Rogar would bring over and have her tinker with it.

Seraphina nodded thoughtfully. "I might have just the thing. I'll be back in an hour, just in case I have to do a little enchanting to get the gems ready." She paused, considering. "Or in case I decide to go sledding."

"You should. Half the village is up on the hill."

"I hope I come back to some hot cocoa."

I snapped my fingers. "Oh wow, Seraphina. What a great idea. I bet I can whip some up. Anyone who comes over will have a warm and tasty treat."

"Sounds wonderful," Seraphina said, kissed me, and headed out to the Gem Emporium, and maybe to do a little sledding afterward.

"Have fun, see you soon," I called and waved as she left.

Jessara and Milo bustled into the tavern moments later. I had my head in the cooler, pulling out every bit of milk I could lay my hands on.

"Lady Churl!" I called out from the kitchen doorway.

She popped her head around the corner, a questioning look on her face.

"I'm about to start cooking with a lot of onions," I said. "It's going to get really stinky in here soon. You might want to stay in your room for a few hours."

She smirked. "Reckon ya ain't gotta tell me twice. Gonna get me some reading done." She turned and headed toward the stairs that led below the tavern. "Don't burn the place down," she added over her shoulder.

"I'll do my best." I chuckled. “Wait. What are you reading?”

“Readin’ a book named ‘ain’t none your business,’” Lady Churl snarked.

“Sorry.” I laughed. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just didn’t know you were a reader.”

“Who ain’t a reader?” Lady Churl scoffed as she took the ladder down, the trap door banging shut after her.

In the pantry, I dug around until I found a small tub tucked behind some spices. Unsweetened cocoa powder. I'd picked it up a few weeks ago, intending to experiment with adding it to coffee in an attempt at making mochas, but I had never gotten around to it.

"Let's see what we can make," I said, carrying it back to the kitchen.

I measured out spoonfuls of cocoa into a pot, added sugar and a pinch of salt. Next, I threw in a dash of cinnamon for good measure. The cocoa I had acquired possessed a more nutty flavor than the processed stuff I was used to.

The warming milk and sweet ingredients began to fill the kitchen with a rich aroma. I taste-tested, adding more sugar and cocoa as needed until I had something quite tasty.

Jessara and Milo showed up as I was sipping a small mug, and I offered them a sample, wishing we had marshmallows. I also told them what I had planned for the festival tonight. They both nodded and agreed it would be a great surprise for Lady Churl.

As we sipped the cocoa, I realized a little whipped cream would be terrific, so I returned to the kitchen, whisked up a batch, and added a little sugar. Once it was ready, I added a dollop and sprinkled the top with a little extra cocoa.

"Moment of truth," I said, lifting the mug to my lips.

The hot cocoa was now near perfect, creamy and rich, with just the right balance of sweetness and a hint of spice. I was already thinking about making some extra strong coffee instead of espresso shots to dump in.

"This is amazing," Milo said, a chocolate mustache forming above his grin.

"Best thing I've tasted all winter," Jessara agreed.

"Thanks, team," I said. "Now, if you two haven't been sledding yet, you should head up to the hill while there's still daylight. Spread the word that we'll be serving this new hot drink soon. Anyone needing a warm-up is welcome."

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They exchanged excited glances.

"Thanks, Mr. V!" Milo exclaimed.

"We’ll be back later to help with the festival," Jessara promised as they hurried out.

“Oh! One more thing,” I called them back and told them what I had in mind. As I quietly explained, they took in my request, exchanged looks, and both shrugged.

“Sure, Mr. V.” Jessara nodded. “I’m sure we can do that.”

I thanked them both and sent them on their way.

Left alone, I glanced out the window to find the sun already hung low. Only a few hours left to prepare. When I returned to the stove, I noticed the fire was burning low and the kitchen's warmth was fading.

"That's odd," I muttered. I opened the wood box beside the stove—nearly empty.

I headed out back to check the woodpile and cursed. The pile was lower than I remembered. There were just a few pitiful logs left. I was supposed to have received a delivery today.

"Must be delayed by the snow," I thought aloud.

This was not ideal by any stretch. Without enough wood, I wouldn't be able to keep the tavern warm and also cook for the festival tonight.

I noticed a few shapes approaching the tavern from the other side of the village. Squinting through the falling snow, I recognized Bleek leading a group of goblins, with Urzan and Moktar ahead of them. I stepped out to greet them as they approached The Shadow's Respite.

"Welcome, friends," I said, but my smile fell. "I'm afraid we might have to delay the festival. We're almost out of wood for the fire, and I don’t think my delivery will happen today.” I pointed up at the sky and the snow that continued to drift down.

Urzan's brow furrowed. He turned to Moktar and smacked his chest, barking something in Orcish. Moktar looked annoyed but nodded.

"What's that about?" I asked, puzzled.

Urzan grinned. "Orc have much wood at orc fort! Moktar bring back!"

“Really? Thank you, Urzan. That's a big help."

The orc waved his hand dismissively. "No problem for Moktar!”

Moktar's brow furrowed as he glared at Urzan. It seemed it was a problem.

"Thank you, Moktar."

"Moktar cold! Stupid snow!"

Urzan shrugged like it didn't bother him at all, but he was visibly shivering. I had found it was best not to call out orcs too often on perceived weaknesses. They could get pretty grumpy.

Moktar grumbled something but turned on his heel and set off at a fast clip.

"Orc need drink! Hot drink!"

"Oi. What 'ee said," Bleek put in. Behind him, a couple of goblins nodded, arms wrapped around their chests.

"Of course," I said, leading the group inside. "I've got just the thing. come on in, all."

In the kitchen, I prepared mugs of hot cocoa, adding a shot of Iron Forge Whiskey and an extra dash of cinnamon to each.

Bleek nodded approvingly. "This is good, Varix. Bit sweet, but that whiskey's got a kick. Wossit called?"

I showed them the bottle of Iron Forge whiskey.

"Gots ta get me some of that. Thank you for bringing back the festival."

"Happy to do it, Bleek."

"Where's Churl?"

"Lady Churl," I corrected him. "I sent her down to her room for a while so I could surprise her later. Can you set up quietly?"

Bleek shrugged, and the others nodded in a disinterested way.

As they finished their drinks, the goblins spread out around the tavern, beginning to set up for the Festival of Word and Bone. They hung strings of small bones from the rafters that looked like frightening dreamcatchers. In one corner, they arranged a circle of cushions around a low table and placed a pile of what looked like bovine rib bones in the center.

Bleek directed two goblins as they set up a small stage near the fireplace. They covered it with richly embroidered cloth. Another group busied themselves, arranging candles throughout the room.

"That's lookin' real nice. Brings back memories," Lady Churl said from the kitchen.

I spun around, startled to find Lady Churl standing in the kitchen doorway. I hadn't seen or heard her enter the room.

"How did you...?" I began, but she just shrugged.

"Knew you was up to somethin', boss. Decided to let ya have your moment," she said.

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're a sneaky one, Lady Churl."

She grinned. "Ain't no one sneakier than a goblin. Reckon I’m one of the best.”

"Well, look who it is," one of the goblins said menacingly.

Lady Churl's eyes narrowed. "'That you, Crilla?"

The other goblin, Crilla, nodded. "Yeah. Missed me?"

The two approached each other cautiously, and neither were smiling. Lady Churl's hand rested on the handle of her murder-chef knife.

In a flash, both goblins drew their blades and whisked them toward each other's necks with blinding speed. The sharp edges stopped a hair's breadth from touching flesh.

But then, both Lady Churl and Crilla broke into wide grins and lowered their weapons. They started to argue about who had been the faster draw.

"I got ya first, Crilla!" Lady Churl exclaimed.

"Ain't no way, Churl! I was faster, and ya knows it!" Crilla shot back.

"Goblins are so weird," I muttered under my breath as the pair continued arguing about which would have slit the other's throat first.

The door flew open, and Lady Chrul and Crilla spun, blades held at the ready, only to see Moktar. He tromped inside, his arms laden with a pile of firewood he could barely see around. Snow dusted his shoulders and head, and he grumbled under his breath as he dropped the wood near the hearth with a loud clatter.

"Thank you, Moktar. I have a special drink for you," I said, and I did. I poured a healthy double orc shot of Iron Forge whiskey into a mug and topped it off with a spicy beer called Dragon's Breath Brew, of which I had a very small amount on hand. I felt he deserved it after traipsing through the snow drifts.

Moktar took one sip, and he blinked a few times, shook his head, and drank a little more. "This good!"

"I thought you'd like it," I told him with a grin.

I quickly put the wood to good use, stoking the fire until it roared and crackled. The goblins had pulled back some of the tables and chairs to make space in the center, but they gravitated toward the fireplace for the heat.

I clapped my hands together once and rubbed them together. "Alright. Before we begin the Festival of Word and Bone, I'd like to say a few words. First and foremost, I want to thank Lady Churl for all her hard work and dedication. She's not just an employee, but a true friend to me. Without her, The Shadow's Respite wouldn't be what it is today."

Lady Churl shifted, looking uncharacteristically bashful. I continued, "I know the Festival is a part of your heritage and culture, and I know it was long ago forbidden. I'm honored to help bring it back and to share in this celebration with you and the other goblins here tonight."

Lady Churl cleared her throat. "I... I don't know what to say, boss. This means a lot. I ain't one for fancy speeches, so, er... thank ya."

The goblins stomped their feet and clapped their hands; their spirit was infectious even the orcs joined in.

As the cheers died down, I raised my mug of hot cocoa. "To Lady Churl and to the Festival of Word and Bone!"

"To Lady Churl!" the others echoed, raising their own mugs.

Lady Churl grinned. She raised her own mug, sloshing a bit of the contents over the rim. "To the Festival of Word and Bone! Righ’. Let's get this started!"