Page 101 - СКАЗКИ СНЕЖНОГО ЭЛЬФА

Take your time. It should be done by daybreak, you can make it.’
Snowyflake pulled the branch close gently.
‘Thank you, my dear madam. I’ll do my best to make it on
time.’ The girl bowed.
‘No doubt you will. Frost is going to help you. And I’ve got a
present for you. I was a witness watching your birth and I’d like
to be your magic godmother. Today, after having some magic
elixir you were reborn, as a magician this time. Come here, my
girl.’
Snowyflake glanced at Father Frost and, seeing him nod
soothingly, stepped forward. The Snow Queen took off her
crown, picked a small gem, immediately replaced with another
one, then placed the crown back on her head and handed the
gem to Snowyflake.
‘This sign of my favor is going to be your warding charm
to keep every trouble away within the winter domains. The
cold will never do you harm again, you will no longer notice it
around you. But beware of the heat! From now on you’re going
to be a snow girl with a magic name of Snow Maiden and live
forever.’
Saying that, the Snow Queen tore out one of her silver hair,
put the gem on it and connected the ends. A brief flare of in-
tense light - and the Queen handed the girl a shining gem, sway-
ing like a pendulum on a fine silver chain. Snowyflake carefully
took the present, put it on her neck and hugged it to her chest,
gratefully bowing her head.
‘From now on the snowflakes born by your breath won’t
mix with the other ones. Your flakes are not going to melt, lying
in Frost’s everlasting repository in wait for their day.’
‘When is that day, Queen?’ Frost cut in.
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