#anywhere

*****

She hits the ice as if she were born to it, the blades on her feet cutting with no less expertise than the sword of a master warrior in his hand.

The music plays about her...

but she cuts figures so attuned to it youd' almost think she was the source of it

It's winter, it is Nadeen Dancingsnow's time, and she relishes it!

She leaps into the air, loops so sharp they seem to leave a mark in the sky above the ice. One, Two, Three, and Four! A smooth landing, a slide to grace and suddenly low, she holds one hand but inches above the ice as if she might caress it

Pyschka watches from the banks. The big dog has no interest on being on the cold-sliding-water, but her Person is out there, so she watches and guards!

There are other witnesses too, ones who did not expect THIS. A group of children with their own skates ready to it the ice. But they stare mesmerized, like rabbits catching a she wolf at play in the snow.

A small boy who clutches his skates to his chest breathes, "She's just like Elsa...."

More girls than boys, the lads prefer to throw snowballs or slide down great honking hills, but some boys with skates also stare. Indeed, no doubt, one or two will grow to fancy lasses with a slavic look and wonder why that's his type? SIdhe beauty, even to the unenchanted, is invasive

"She is" his older sister who was supposed to watch over him, still a child herself, gazes wistfully wondering what it would be like

to dance so perfectly. To be part of winter's wonder. to make the ice shine because you are on it

And Nadeen raises her hands, and starts to spin, spin, faster as the music approaches it's climatic ending

faster faster until she's almost a twirling star, a winter sun that spreads it's rays

One boy shyly, has dared get closer to Pyschka. But even his fascination with the huge honking BEAR DOG can't keep him from watching the woman on the ice

Pyschka eyes the lad, but as he does not attempt any untoward familiarity, his presence is tolerated.

An older boy - perhaps he would call himself a man, watches as well. He might be in his late teens to early twenties, and he holds a styrofoam cup of coffee, quite forgotten as he watches.

And the flourish, the finale, and the graceful bow , her lip gives a winter queen smile of amusement and a bit of pleasure at the sight of the crowd and their expressions of awe

Some of the young ones clap! Others still seemed to be slack jawed. A few comments among themselves

Tanya, yes, she must remember they'll see her as Tanya, skates towards Pyschka, "Be at ease, Pyschka. Young ones, do be careful, Pyschka is well trained, but she is also an Ovcharka. There is no fiercer more unrelenting guardian in the canine world and they do not tolerate foolishness, so don't aporoach her without my introduction, thank you"

Pyschka wags her tail, setting up a small cloud of powder snow.

The older fellow steps over and smiles. “You were amazing out there.”

Pyschka gives this one a level glance.

"Thank you, It's nice to see my talent can still impress" She of course knows she's amazing "I won a contest or two in my day. A lot of hard work, but I do enjoy the ice. " A look to the younger children "do any of you hope to figure skate?" She looks as much as the boys as the girls

The man persists, "What's your name? Can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

"Thank you, no. I'm going to have a meal with my husband, sweet of you to offer though" She says

He sighs a little, disappointed, and glances at her hands. "Married? That's a shame. I hope the guy appreciates you." Noticing that there is no ring on her finger.

"Like a queen" She assures him, "We're very lucky to have found each other, he and I. "

"Still, you could at least have a cup of coffee, couldn't you? Doesn't he let you have friends?"

A small voice pipes up, it's the little boy who was watching. "She said NO." His hands on his hips.

"Momma says that when a girl says no, you stop BOTHERING her."

She looks at the boy who defends her, and nods "You, young man, are right. A gentleman indeed. Your mother told you right" She looks at the overly ardent admirer "I have friends already. "

"Yeah!" The older sister agrees! "And if you keep bothering her, then we kick you right in the jools and scream as loud as we can. And I can scream really loud." She lifts a foot - one that already has an ice skate on it.

A pleased look. The serfs are supporting me! but she thinks it with humor and some truth warmth "No need for that. I'm sure.. ah. .this fellow realizes he overstepped and is quite apologetic"

THAT is enough to get the guy to back off. He seems halfway between being offended, and still wanting to placate the lovely lady... and leans to the latter. "Yeah, no, I'm sorry. No need for that. Just... you know, you looked good out there, is all." A touch of wistfulness in his tone, and he turns and walks away.

Pyschka goes hufff.

Nadeen merely gives the man a cool almost frosty look, then nods as he retreats. When her dog Huffs, she nods "I agree, Pyschka. I was this close to letting you teach him manners, but that would put blood on the lovely snow. Good girl'//She turns to the brother and older sister "Now you two can be my friends. I'm Tanya" She offers a hand to each "When you see your mother tell her I told her she raised two amazing people"

"I'm Billy, and this is my sister Patty."

The girl corrects him, "No, it's Pepa. Like from Encanto!"

Billy rolls his eyes. "She keeps SAYIN that."

"-I- think that Pepa and Elsa would be good friends if they met, because they both control the weather!" Patty - er, Pepa says.

Both shake Tanya's hands!

"Billy, while I think Patty is a fine name, it's a woman's prerogative to try new things now and then. New styles, new names... it's a form of adventure for us," And to Pepe she smiles "I do love both movies. Though I'm partial to Anastasia though it's hardly historically correct" Yet is closer to the truth than mortals know

"Who's Anastasia?" Curiously!

"Historically? A russian princess, daughter of a Czar who had already had her future crown ripped from her, but her family was slain anyway, because people fear those who have had power, even if only for a bit. Most likely she died with her family, but there are some who say Anastasia escaped, and went to Paris. I think you can find an animated movie streaming if you search for it. That's more...whimsical. Not that Whimsy is wrong, far from that. SO... you two clearly skate. Should we take to the ice? I can offer a few tips"

"Yeah!" Billy bounces, and is tightening up his laces.

Pepa beams, "We have Disney PLUS. There's LOTS of stuff on there. I'll find it!"

Soon, the two are wobbling on the ice, not very skilled, but clearly they've taken a few turns around the pond.

"If I may? " She glides along the ice "Try this posture and it might help ..." She demonstrates. The Baroness of the lands has been given a good turn, and even a Snow Queen may play the seelie.. particularly if either shows talent enough to muse

Billy sparkles quite a bit as he follows her lead, trying to be as graceful and lovely as his hero, Elsa.

Pepa also tries, she's a little more focused on keeping an eye on Billy though. A good older sister, but more practical, not as much of a dreamer.

Both admirable, in their way. "Very good, Billy, it's okay to be yourself on the ice once you get the fundamentals. " A smile "Pepa? I can watch your brother a bit for you if you want to unwind a bit more? I know I'm a stranger, but I'll look after him"

Dreamer in training, and possibly future second maid so Flo has an apprentice Is she joking in her head? Hard for even her to be sure

She considers this, and nods. "I've been working on doing loops..." Pepa goes off a little ways, and practices the maneuver!

"You know, Billy, there are some amazing male athletes who skate... just the sort of folks who would perform for Elsa or other world leaders at the olympics"

And she names some great male figure skaters of past and present... mostly on the Slavic side