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<v Speaker 1>Hello, and welcome back to Sleepy Stories. I'm your host, Lucy,

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<v Speaker 1>and my friends and I will be reading you a

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<v Speaker 1>sleepy bedtime story every week to relax you and to

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<v Speaker 1>help you to drift off into a RESTful sleep. From

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<v Speaker 1>time to time, we will also read you a relaxing,

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<v Speaker 1>peaceful meditation that will take you somewhere beautiful and calming.

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<v Speaker 1>Once we have read the stories, we will then read

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<v Speaker 1>them a second time, but this time they will be

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<v Speaker 1>read read even slower. This will help you to relax

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<v Speaker 1>even more. Before we begin, I would like you to

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<v Speaker 1>close your eyes and breathe in and out nice and deeply.

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<v Speaker 1>Take a few seconds to inhale, and then hold your

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<v Speaker 1>breath for a few seconds more, and then release and

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<v Speaker 1>breathe out. Do this a few times if you need to.

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<v Speaker 1>While you listen to the music and you listen to

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<v Speaker 1>my voice, give yourself time to let your body relax

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<v Speaker 1>and your mind settle. It's important that we allow time

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<v Speaker 1>for us to feel safe, cozy, and completely at ease.

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<v Speaker 1>And now it's time for this week's story.

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<v Speaker 2>Snow fell across the Kingdom of Silver Hollow in soft,

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<v Speaker 2>swirling ribbons, as though the sky had decided to practice

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<v Speaker 2>its handwriting. The rooftops glittered like sugar cakes, the trees

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<v Speaker 2>sparkled with frost, and even the river wore a shimmering

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<v Speaker 2>coat of ice. It was the night everyone in the

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<v Speaker 2>land had been waiting for, and Winter Royal Ball. Every year,

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<v Speaker 2>on the night of the longest winter moon, the royal

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<v Speaker 2>family opened the palace gates. People from every village, town,

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<v Speaker 2>and snowy valley came together. There were musicians from Frostmere,

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<v Speaker 2>dancers from the misty reaches, lantern makers from the ice Downs,

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<v Speaker 2>and bakers who crafted marzipan animals so delightful that no

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<v Speaker 2>one wanted to eat them until they smelled the almond.

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<v Speaker 2>At the heart of the excitement was Princess Elowen, whose

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<v Speaker 2>dark hair contrasted beautifully with the winter white fur she wore.

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<v Speaker 2>She was warm hearted, clever, and known for hosting the

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<v Speaker 2>most magical balls in memory, but even she had a

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<v Speaker 2>secret hope this year that the Winter Ball would restore

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<v Speaker 2>something her kingdom had begun to lose, its sense of unity,

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<v Speaker 2>For recent winters had felt colder, sharper, and less welcoming.

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<v Speaker 2>Something unseen had settled on the land, dimming lanterns a

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<v Speaker 2>little earlier and freezing rivers a little faster, Allowan had

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<v Speaker 2>promised herself Tonight everyone will feel joy again, even winter

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<v Speaker 2>itself will warm across the valley. Another figure watched the

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<v Speaker 2>preparations with narrowed eyes, the Witch of Hollowglen long Ago, Margreetha,

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<v Speaker 2>once a respected enchantress, had been cast into exile. She

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<v Speaker 2>had twisted winter to magic, stealing warmth from others. Her

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<v Speaker 2>wicked frost storms had nearly destroyed the royal city. In

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<v Speaker 2>her fury, she swore never to let Silver Hollow forget

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<v Speaker 2>her pain. Over time, she became a shadowy legend, the

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<v Speaker 2>kind parents whispered about when children refused to wear scarves. Tonight,

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<v Speaker 2>she was very real. From her crooked tower, deep in

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<v Speaker 2>hollow gland woods, Margreethera peered into her crystal of dark ice.

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<v Speaker 2>Through it, she saw crowds gathering, lanterns glowing, the palace

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<v Speaker 2>glittering with thousands of snow lights. Laugh, dance, celebrate. She hissed,

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<v Speaker 2>I shall remind you how cruel winter can be, and

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<v Speaker 2>your precious ball will freeze before the first waltz. Her

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<v Speaker 2>icy fingers curled around her staff, A twisted branch of

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<v Speaker 2>black frost. She raised it dramatically, and nothing happened. The

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<v Speaker 2>witch blinked. She shook the staff, coughed, smacked it on

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<v Speaker 2>the floor a few times for good measure. Still nothing. Oh,

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<v Speaker 2>for Frost's sake, she grumbled, These things used to be

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<v Speaker 2>so reliable. She peered into her spell book and discovered

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<v Speaker 2>with great annoyance that she needed something she had not

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<v Speaker 2>had in years, a spark of living winter magic. Without it,

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<v Speaker 2>her big dramatic curse would only produce disappointing puffs of snow.

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<v Speaker 2>What nonsense, she muttered, But she knew the truth. Winter

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<v Speaker 2>magic came from balance, cold and warmth living together, and

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<v Speaker 2>Marcgreetha had rejected warmth so fiercely that no winter spell

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<v Speaker 2>obeyed her fully anymore. Her eyes narrowed. Fine, she growled,

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<v Speaker 2>I'll get living winter magic myself, and then then the

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<v Speaker 2>ball will be frozen in its tracks. She wrapped herself

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<v Speaker 2>in her tattered cloak, summoned a swirling cloud of dark frost,

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<v Speaker 2>and flew toward the palace. Meanwhile, Princess Elwin hurried across

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<v Speaker 2>the ballroom, checking last minute details. The palace was breathtaking tonight,

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<v Speaker 2>crystal chandeliers glittered like frozen stars. Wreaths of silver pine

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<v Speaker 2>hung from the balconies. The orchestra tuned their violins, a

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<v Speaker 2>shimmering harmony filling the air. Elloen called her friend Caspian,

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<v Speaker 2>the Royal Ice Keeper, a young, bright eyed magician whose

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<v Speaker 2>responsibility was to maintain winter's balance. Everything is ready almost,

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<v Speaker 2>he looked, sheepish, almost, Ellowen asked. Caspian rubbed the back

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<v Speaker 2>of his neck. The winter heartstone dimmed earlier. Just a flicker,

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<v Speaker 2>probably nothing, Allowan frowned Caspian. A flicker is never nothing,

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<v Speaker 2>I know, he sighed. I'll keep an eye on it.

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<v Speaker 2>But as guests began to arrive, twirling through the palace

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<v Speaker 2>gates in furry cloaks, glittering gowns and boots dusted with

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<v Speaker 2>fresh snow, the flicker was forgotten. Musicians struck their first

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<v Speaker 2>triumphant notes, lanterns burst into golden blue life. Laughter echoed

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<v Speaker 2>across the ballroom. Princess Elwin stepped onto the balcony and

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<v Speaker 2>raised her hands. Welcome all of silver hollow, she called,

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<v Speaker 2>her voice, warm as mulled cider. Tonight we celebrate winter,

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<v Speaker 2>not for its cold, but for its beauty. Tonight we

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<v Speaker 2>danced together to remind the world that frost and warmth

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<v Speaker 2>can live in harmony. Let the winter ball begin. Cheers

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<v Speaker 2>erupted like a snow storm of joy, and somewhere above

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<v Speaker 2>the palace, the Witch of Hollow Glens scowled ugh harmony. Disgusting,

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<v Speaker 2>she swooped low, invisible to most, searching down below, a

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<v Speaker 2>small boy stood by the fountain holding a wooden toy fox.

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<v Speaker 2>He looked overwhelmed, and a little lost Elooan crouched beside him. Hello,

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<v Speaker 2>are you enjoying the ball? He shook his head. I'm cold.

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<v Speaker 2>Everyone says winter is festive here, but it just feels

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<v Speaker 2>lonely to me. Ellowen felt a pang. She removed her

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<v Speaker 2>warm blue scarf and wrapped it around his shoulders. Better

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<v Speaker 2>The boy nodded shyly above them. Unseen, a tiny shimmer

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<v Speaker 2>of bright frost swirled from the boy's breath, living winter magic,

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<v Speaker 2>borne from kindness. The witch saw it immediately there, she hissed.

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<v Speaker 2>She swooped down, grabbed the sparkle mid air, and tucked

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<v Speaker 2>it into her jar. With this, she whispered, I shall

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<v Speaker 2>cast a curse the kingdom won't forget. But just as

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<v Speaker 2>she flew upward. Whooshe She collided with a lantern. The

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<v Speaker 2>lantern burst into sparks. The witch spun wildly. Her jar slipped. No, no, no,

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<v Speaker 2>Caspian reacted instantly. He conjured a gust, slowing the jar

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<v Speaker 2>just enough. He caught it barely. What on earth? He muttered.

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<v Speaker 2>The witch landed above him, cloak tangled, hair full of soot. Oh,

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<v Speaker 2>she said, flatly, Hello, margreether. Caspian blinked. Yes, she snapped,

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<v Speaker 2>Now give me that jar. No, give me the jar.

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<v Speaker 1>No.

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<v Speaker 2>Their magic collided, gold and frost, bursting into glitter below.

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<v Speaker 2>The dancers applauded, Oh dear. Caspian groaned, this is not

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<v Speaker 2>part of the entertainment. Ellowen arrived, breathless. Caspian, what's happening? This,

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<v Speaker 2>he said, was not on the schedule. Ellowen turned to

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<v Speaker 2>the witch. Why would you destroy tonight of all nights?

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<v Speaker 2>Margaretha snarled. The heartstone cracked, Frost raced across the ceiling.

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<v Speaker 2>I didn't do that. The heartstone is failing, Caspian cried.

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<v Speaker 2>Elloen grabbed Marguerita's hand. Help us. Margaretha looked at the

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<v Speaker 2>frightened faces and felt something twist inside her what must

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<v Speaker 2>I do, she whispered, Hold it, Caspian said, and give

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<v Speaker 2>it back. They ran to the heartstone. Everyone Ellowen called,

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<v Speaker 2>join hands. The ballroom obeyed, Warmth spread. I'm afraid, Margaretha whispered.

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<v Speaker 2>Maybe something good will happen, Ellowen said softly. Margretha lifted

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<v Speaker 2>the jar Winter. She whispered, I give you back your heart.

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<v Speaker 2>The magic burst free, The palace glowed balanced perfect, lanterns reignited,

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<v Speaker 2>music returned, The winter ball lived again, allow and embraced

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<v Speaker 2>the witch. Why are you doing this, Margaretha asked, because

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<v Speaker 2>you helped save us. The little boy stepped forward. You

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<v Speaker 2>look cold, he said, and placed the scarf in her hands.

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<v Speaker 2>For the first time in many years, Margreetha felt warm.

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<v Speaker 2>The music began again, and Winter, for the first time

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<v Speaker 2>in a long while, felt like a friend. Snow fell

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<v Speaker 2>across the Kingdom of Silver Hollow in soft, swirling ribbons,

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<v Speaker 2>as though the sky had decided to practice its handwriting.

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<v Speaker 2>The rooftops glittered like sugared cakes, the trees sparkled with frost,

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<v Speaker 2>and even the river wore a shimmering coat of ice.

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<v Speaker 2>It was the night everyone in the land had been

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<v Speaker 2>waiting for. The Grand Winter Royal Ball. Every year, on

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<v Speaker 2>the night of the longest winter moon, the royal family

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<v Speaker 2>opened the palace gates. People from every village, town, and

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<v Speaker 2>snowy valley came together. There were musicians from Frostmere, dancers

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<v Speaker 2>from the misty reaches, lantern makers from the ice Downs,

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<v Speaker 2>and bakers who crafted marzipan animals so delightful that no

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<v Speaker 2>one wanted to eat them until they smelled the almond.

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<v Speaker 2>At the heart of the excitement was Princess Elowen, whose

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<v Speaker 2>dark hair contrasted beautifully with the winter white fur she wore.

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<v Speaker 2>She was warm hearted, clever, and known for hosting the

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<v Speaker 2>most magical balls in memory. But even she had a

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<v Speaker 2>secret hope this year that the winter would restore something

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<v Speaker 2>her kingdom had begun to lose, its sense of unity,

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<v Speaker 2>For recent winters had felt colder, sharper, and less welcoming.

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<v Speaker 2>Something unseen had settled on the land, dimming lanterns a

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<v Speaker 2>little earlier and freezing rivers a little faster. Allowan had

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<v Speaker 2>promised herself tonight everyone will feel joy again. Even winter

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<v Speaker 2>itself will warm across the valley. Another figure watched the

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<v Speaker 2>preparations with narrowed eyes, The Witch of Hollowglen. Long ago, Margrietha,

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<v Speaker 2>once a respected enchantress, had been cast into exile. She

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<v Speaker 2>had twisted winter magic, stealing warmth from others. Her wicked

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<v Speaker 2>frost storms had nearly destroyed the royal city. In her fury,

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<v Speaker 2>she swore never to let Silver Hollow forget her pain.

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<v Speaker 2>Over time, she became a shadowy legend, the kind parents

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<v Speaker 2>whispered about when children refused to wear scarves. Tonight, she

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<v Speaker 2>was very real. From her crooked tower deep in hollow

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<v Speaker 2>Glen Woods, Margreethera peered into her crystal of dark ice.

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<v Speaker 2>Through it, she saw crowds gathering, lanterns glowing, the palace

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<v Speaker 2>glittering with thousands of snow lights. Laugh, dance, celebrate, She hissed,

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<v Speaker 2>I shall remind you how cruel winter can be, and

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<v Speaker 2>your precious ball will freeze before the first waltz. Her

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<v Speaker 2>icy fingers curled around her staff, a twisted branch of

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<v Speaker 2>black frost. She raised it dramatically, and nothing happened. The

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<v Speaker 2>witch blinked. She shook the staff, coughed, smacked it on

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<v Speaker 2>the floor a few times for good measure. Still nothing. Oh,

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<v Speaker 2>for Frost's sake, she grumbled, These things used to be

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<v Speaker 2>so reliable. She peered into her spell book and discovered

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<v Speaker 2>with great annoyance that she needed something she had not

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<v Speaker 2>had in years, a spark of living winter magic. Without it,

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<v Speaker 2>her big dramatic curse would only produce disappointing puffs of snow.

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<v Speaker 2>What nonsense, she might uttered, but she knew the truth.

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<v Speaker 2>Winter magic came from balance, cold and warmth living together,

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<v Speaker 2>and Markreetha had rejected warmth so fiercely that no winter

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<v Speaker 2>spell obeyed her fully anymore. Her eyes narrowed fine, she growled,

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<v Speaker 2>I'll get living winter magic myself, and then then the

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<v Speaker 2>ball will be frozen in its tracks. She wrapped herself

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<v Speaker 2>in her tattered cloak, summoned a swirling cloud of dark frost,

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<v Speaker 2>and flew toward the palace. Meanwhile, Princess Elwin hurried across

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<v Speaker 2>the ballroom, checking last minute details. The palace was breathtaking tonight,

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00:20:58.839 --> 00:21:05.599
<v Speaker 2>crystal chanderly glittered like frozen stars. Wreaths of silver pine

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00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:12.119
<v Speaker 2>hung from the balconies. The orchestra tuned their violins, a

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<v Speaker 2>shimmering harmony filling the air. Elloen called her friend Caspian,

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<v Speaker 2>the Royal Icekeeper, a young, bright eyed magician whose responsibility

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<v Speaker 2>was to maintain Winter's balance. Everything is ready almost, he looked, sheepish,

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<v Speaker 2>almost Eyllowen asked, Caspian rubbed the back of his neck.

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<v Speaker 2>The winter heartstone dimmed earlier. Just a flicker, probably nothing,

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<v Speaker 2>allowan frowned Caspian. A flicker is never nothing, I know,

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<v Speaker 2>he sighed, I'll keep an eye on it. But as

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<v Speaker 2>guests began to arrive, twirling through the palace gates in

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<v Speaker 2>furry cloaks, glittering gowns and boots dusted with fresh snow,

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<v Speaker 2>the flicker was forgotten. Musicians struck their first triumphant notes,

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<v Speaker 2>lanterns burst into golden blue life. Laughter echoed across the ballroom.

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<v Speaker 2>Princess Elwin stepped onto the balcony and raised her hands.

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<v Speaker 2>Welcome all of silver Hollow, She called her voice, warm

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<v Speaker 2>as mulled cider. Tonight we celebrate winter, not for its cold,

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<v Speaker 2>but for its beauty. Tonight we danced together to remind

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<v Speaker 2>the world that frost and warmth can live in harmony.

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<v Speaker 2>Let the winter ball begin in cheers erupted like a

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<v Speaker 2>snow storm of joy, and somewhere above the palace, the

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<v Speaker 2>Witch of Hollow Glens scowled, ugh harmony disgusting, She swooped low,

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<v Speaker 2>invisible to most, searching down below, a small boy stood

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<v Speaker 2>by the fountain holding a wooden toy fox. He looked overwhelmed,

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<v Speaker 2>and a little lost Elooan crouched beside him. Hello, are

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<v Speaker 2>you enjoying the ball? He shook his head. I'm cold.

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<v Speaker 2>Everyone says winter is festive here, but it just feels

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<v Speaker 2>lonely to me. Ellowen felt a hang. She removed her

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<v Speaker 2>warm blue scarf and wrapped it around his shoulders. Better.

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<v Speaker 2>The boy nodded shyly above them. Unseen, A tiny shimmer

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<v Speaker 2>of bright frost swirled from the boy's breath, living winter magic,

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<v Speaker 2>borne from kindness. The witch saw it immediately there, she hissed.

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<v Speaker 2>She swooped down, grabbed the sparkle mid air, and tucked

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<v Speaker 2>it into her jar. With this, she whispered, I shall

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00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:48.799
<v Speaker 2>cast a curse the kingdom won't forget. But just as

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<v Speaker 2>she flew upward, whoosh, she collided with a lantern. The

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00:24:56.599 --> 00:25:07.039
<v Speaker 2>lantern burst into sparks. The witch spun wildly. Her jar slipped. No, no, no.

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<v Speaker 2>Caspian reacted instantly. He conjured a gust, slowing the jar

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<v Speaker 2>just enough he caught it barely. What on earth? He muttered.

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<v Speaker 2>The witch landed above him, cloak tangled, hair full of soot. Oh,

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<v Speaker 2>she said, flatly, Hello, margreather. Caspian blinked. Yes, she snapped,

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<v Speaker 2>Now give me that jar. No, give me the jar.

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<v Speaker 1>No.

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<v Speaker 2>Their magic collided, gold and frost, bursting into glitter below.

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<v Speaker 2>The dancers applauded, Oh dear, Caspian groaned, this is not

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<v Speaker 2>part of the entertainment. Ellowen arrived, breathless. Caspian, what's happening? This,

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00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:19.119
<v Speaker 2>he said, was not on the schedule. Ellowen turned to

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<v Speaker 2>the witch. Why would you destroy tonight of all nights?

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<v Speaker 2>Margrethera snarled. The heartstone cracked, Frost raced across the ceiling.

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<v Speaker 2>I didn't do that. The heartstone is failing, Caspian cried.

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<v Speaker 2>Elloen grabbed Margerita's hand. Help us. Margaretha looked at the

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<v Speaker 2>frightened faces and felt something twist inside her. What must

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00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:58.960
<v Speaker 2>I do? She whispered, Hold it, Caspian said, and give

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<v Speaker 2>it back. They ran to the heartstone. Everyone Ellowen called,

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00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:15.279
<v Speaker 2>join hands. The ballroom obeyed. Warmth spread. I'm afraid, Margaretha whispered.

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00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:22.960
<v Speaker 2>Maybe something good will happen, Ellowen said softly. Margaretha lifted

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00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:28.440
<v Speaker 2>the jar Winter. She whispered, I give you back your heart.

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<v Speaker 2>The magic burst free, The palace glowed balanced perfect, lanterns reignited,

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00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:46.240
<v Speaker 2>music returned, The winter ball lived again, allow and embraced

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<v Speaker 2>the witch. Why are you doing this, Margaretha asked, because

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00:27:52.160 --> 00:27:57.200
<v Speaker 2>you helped save us. The little boy stepped forward. You

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00:27:57.279 --> 00:28:02.319
<v Speaker 2>look cold, he said, and placed the scarf in her hands.

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<v Speaker 2>For the first time in many years, Margreetha felt warm.

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<v Speaker 2>The music began again, and Winter, for the first time

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<v Speaker 2>in a long while, felt like a friend. Snow fell

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<v Speaker 2>across the Kingdom of Silver Hollow in soft, swirling ribbons,

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00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:38.920
<v Speaker 2>as though the sky had decided to practice its handwriting.

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<v Speaker 2>The rooftops glittered like sugar cakes, the trees sparkled with frost,

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00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:50.000
<v Speaker 2>and even the river wore a shimmering coat of ice.

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<v Speaker 2>It was the night everyone in the land had been

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<v Speaker 2>waiting for the Grand Winter Royal Ball. Every year, on

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<v Speaker 2>the night of the longest winter moon, the royal family

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<v Speaker 2>opened the palace gates. People from every village, town, and

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00:29:11.839 --> 00:29:18.119
<v Speaker 2>snowy valley came together. There were musicians from Frostmere, dancers

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00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:22.640
<v Speaker 2>from the misty reaches, lantern makers from the ice downs,

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00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:29.279
<v Speaker 2>and bakers who crafted marzipan animals so delightful that no

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00:29:29.359 --> 00:29:33.240
<v Speaker 2>one wanted to eat them until they smelled the almond.

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<v Speaker 2>At the heart of the excitement was Princess Elowen, whose

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<v Speaker 2>dark hair contrasted beautifully with the winter white fur she wore.

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<v Speaker 2>She was warm hearted, clever, and known for hosting the

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<v Speaker 2>most magical balls in memory. But even she had a

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00:29:55.640 --> 00:30:01.039
<v Speaker 2>secret hope this year that the Winter Ball would rest something.

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<v Speaker 2>Her kingdom had begun to lose its sense of unity,

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<v Speaker 2>for recent winters had felt colder, sharper, and less welcoming.

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<v Speaker 2>Something unseen had settled on the land, dimming lanterns a

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<v Speaker 2>little earlier, and freezing rivers a little faster. Allowan had

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<v Speaker 2>promised herself Tonight everyone will feel joy again. Even winter

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00:30:32.160 --> 00:30:38.759
<v Speaker 2>itself will warm across the valley. Another figure watched the

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<v Speaker 2>preparations with narrowed eyes, the Witch of Hollowglen. Long Ago, MARGRIETHA,

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<v Speaker 2>once a respected enchantress, had been cast into exile. She

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<v Speaker 2>had twisted winter magic, stealing warmth from others. Her wicked

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<v Speaker 2>frost storms had nearly destroyed the royal city in her fury,

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<v Speaker 2>she swore never to let Silver Hollow forget her pain.

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<v Speaker 2>Over time, she became a shadowy legend, the kind parents

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<v Speaker 2>whispered about when children refuse to wear scarves. Tonight, she

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00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:31.519
<v Speaker 2>was very real. From her crooked tower, deep in hollow

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00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:37.559
<v Speaker 2>glen woods, Margreethera peered into her crystal of dark ice.

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<v Speaker 2>Through it, she saw crowds gathering, lanterns glowing, the palace

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<v Speaker 2>glittering with thousands of snow lights. Laugh, dance, celebrate, She hissed,

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<v Speaker 2>I shall remind you how cruel winter can be, and

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00:31:57.920 --> 00:32:03.240
<v Speaker 2>your precious ball will free. Before the first waltz, her

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00:32:03.519 --> 00:32:08.839
<v Speaker 2>icy fingers curled around her staff, a twisted branch of

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00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:16.400
<v Speaker 2>black frost. She raised it dramatically, and nothing happened. The

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00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:22.000
<v Speaker 2>witch blinked. She shook the staff, coughed, smacked it on

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00:32:22.079 --> 00:32:26.799
<v Speaker 2>the floor a few times for good measure. Still nothing. Oh,

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00:32:27.039 --> 00:32:31.480
<v Speaker 2>for Frost's sake, she grumbled, These things used to be

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00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:36.440
<v Speaker 2>so reliable. She peered into her spell book and discovered

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00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:41.839
<v Speaker 2>with great annoyance that she needed something she had not

299
00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:49.319
<v Speaker 2>had in years, a spark of living winter magic. Without it,

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00:32:50.079 --> 00:32:55.720
<v Speaker 2>her big dramatic curse would only produce disappointing puffs of snow.

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<v Speaker 2>What nonsense, she muttered. She knew the truth. Winter magic

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00:33:03.039 --> 00:33:09.599
<v Speaker 2>came from balance, cold and warmth living together, and Marcgreetha

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00:33:09.880 --> 00:33:15.039
<v Speaker 2>had rejected warmth so fiercely that no winter spell obeyed

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00:33:15.119 --> 00:33:23.640
<v Speaker 2>her fully anymore. Her eyes narrowed fine, she growled, I'll

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00:33:23.640 --> 00:33:29.960
<v Speaker 2>get living winter magic myself, and then then the ball

306
00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:35.480
<v Speaker 2>will be frozen in its tracks. She wrapped herself in

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<v Speaker 2>her tattered cloak, summoned a swirling cloud of dark frost,

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00:33:41.440 --> 00:33:48.119
<v Speaker 2>and flew toward the palace. Meanwhile, Princess Elwin hurried across

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00:33:48.160 --> 00:33:56.720
<v Speaker 2>the ballroom, checking last minute details. The palace was breathtaking tonight.

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<v Speaker 2>Crystal chandeliers glittered life like frozen stars. Wreaths of silver

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<v Speaker 2>pine hung from the balconies. The orchestra tuned their violins,

312
00:34:10.719 --> 00:34:17.360
<v Speaker 2>a shimmering harmony filling the air. Elloen called her friend Caspian,

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<v Speaker 2>the Royal Icekeeper, a young, bright eyed magician whose responsibility

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<v Speaker 2>was to maintain Winter's balance. Everything is ready, almost, he looked, sheepish,

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<v Speaker 2>almost Ellowen asked. Caspian rubbed the back of his neck.

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<v Speaker 2>The winter heartstone dimmed earlier, just a flicker, Probably nothing,

317
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<v Speaker 2>Allowan frowned Caspian. A flicker is never nothing, I know,

318
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<v Speaker 2>he sighed, I'll keep an eye on it. But as

319
00:34:59.599 --> 00:35:04.519
<v Speaker 2>guests began to arrive, twirling through the palace gates in

320
00:35:04.760 --> 00:35:11.159
<v Speaker 2>furry cloaks, glittering gowns and boots dusted with fresh snow,

321
00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:19.079
<v Speaker 2>the flicker was forgotten. Musicians struck their first triumphant notes,

322
00:35:19.920 --> 00:35:26.559
<v Speaker 2>lanterns burst into golden blue life. Laughter echoed across the ballroom.

323
00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:31.599
<v Speaker 2>Princess Elwin stepped onto the balcony and raised her hands.

324
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<v Speaker 2>Welcome all of silver Hollow, she called her voice, warm

325
00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:44.199
<v Speaker 2>as mulled cider. Tonight we celebrate winter, not for its cold,

326
00:35:45.239 --> 00:35:51.960
<v Speaker 2>but for its beauty. Tonight we danced together to remind

327
00:35:52.039 --> 00:35:56.159
<v Speaker 2>the world that frost and warmth can live in harmony.

328
00:35:57.199 --> 00:36:03.119
<v Speaker 2>Let the winter ball begin. Cheers erupted like a snow

329
00:36:03.320 --> 00:36:08.719
<v Speaker 2>storm of joy, and somewhere above the palace, the Witch

330
00:36:08.840 --> 00:36:18.119
<v Speaker 2>of Hollow Glens scowled ugh harmony disgusting, She swooped low,

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00:36:19.199 --> 00:36:26.880
<v Speaker 2>invisible to most, Searching down below, a small boy stood

332
00:36:27.000 --> 00:36:34.400
<v Speaker 2>by the fountain holding a wooden toy fox. He looked overwhelmed,

333
00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:43.760
<v Speaker 2>and a little lost Elooan crouched beside him. Hello, are

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00:36:43.760 --> 00:36:49.800
<v Speaker 2>you enjoying the ball? He shook his head. I'm cold.

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<v Speaker 2>Everyone says winter is festive here, but it just feels

336
00:36:55.519 --> 00:37:01.360
<v Speaker 2>lonely to me. Ellowen felt a pang. She removed her

337
00:37:01.440 --> 00:37:07.639
<v Speaker 2>warm blue scarf and wrapped it around his shoulders better.

338
00:37:08.440 --> 00:37:15.679
<v Speaker 2>The boy nodded shyly above them. Unseen, a tiny shimmer

339
00:37:15.760 --> 00:37:22.559
<v Speaker 2>of bright frost swirled from the boy's breath, living winter magic,

340
00:37:24.119 --> 00:37:31.679
<v Speaker 2>borne from kindness. The witch saw it immediately there, she hissed.

341
00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:38.360
<v Speaker 2>She swooped down, grabbed the sparkle mid air, and tucked

342
00:37:38.400 --> 00:37:43.400
<v Speaker 2>it into her jar. With this, she whispered, I shall

343
00:37:43.440 --> 00:37:47.559
<v Speaker 2>cast a curse the kingdom won't forget. But just as

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00:37:47.599 --> 00:37:55.239
<v Speaker 2>she flew upward, whoosh, she collided with a lantern. The

345
00:37:55.360 --> 00:38:05.880
<v Speaker 2>lantern burst into sparks on wildly. Her jar slipped. No, no, no,

346
00:38:07.480 --> 00:38:13.119
<v Speaker 2>Caspian reacted instantly. He conjured a gust, slowing the jar

347
00:38:13.679 --> 00:38:20.960
<v Speaker 2>just enough. He caught it barely. What on earth? He muttered.

348
00:38:21.880 --> 00:38:29.880
<v Speaker 2>The witch landed above him, cloak tangled, hair full of soot. Oh,

349
00:38:29.960 --> 00:38:39.159
<v Speaker 2>she said, flatly, Hello, margreather. Caspian blinked, yes, she snapped,

350
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<v Speaker 2>Now give me that jar, No, give me the jar.

351
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<v Speaker 1>No.

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<v Speaker 2>Their magic collided, gold and frost, bursting into glitter below.

353
00:38:57.000 --> 00:39:02.920
<v Speaker 2>The dancers applauded, Oh oh, dear. Caspian groaned, this is

354
00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:11.880
<v Speaker 2>not part of the entertainment. Ellowen arrived, breathless. Caspian, what's happening? This,

355
00:39:12.639 --> 00:39:17.880
<v Speaker 2>he said, was not on the schedule. Ellowen turned to

356
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<v Speaker 2>the witch. Why would you destroy tonight of all nights?

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<v Speaker 2>Margaretha snarled. The heartstone cracked, Frost raced across the ceiling.

358
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<v Speaker 2>I didn't do that. The heartstone is failing, Caspian cried.

359
00:39:38.159 --> 00:39:40.360
<v Speaker 2>Elloen grabbed Marguerita's hand.

360
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<v Speaker 1>Help us.

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00:39:43.320 --> 00:39:49.119
<v Speaker 2>Margaretha looked at the frightened faces and felt something twist

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00:39:49.239 --> 00:39:55.039
<v Speaker 2>inside her. What must I do? She whispered, Hold it,

363
00:39:55.719 --> 00:39:59.760
<v Speaker 2>Caspian said, and give it back. They ran to the

364
00:39:59.800 --> 00:40:09.880
<v Speaker 2>whole everyone Ellowen called, join hands. The ballroom obeyed, Warmth spread.

365
00:40:11.360 --> 00:40:18.519
<v Speaker 2>I'm afraid, Margaretha whispered. Maybe something good will happen, Ellowen

366
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<v Speaker 2>said softly. Margretha lifted the jar winter. She whispered, I

367
00:40:25.880 --> 00:40:30.920
<v Speaker 2>give you back your heart. The magic burst free. The

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<v Speaker 2>palace glowed balanced perfect, lanterns reignited, music returned. The winter

369
00:40:41.280 --> 00:40:47.000
<v Speaker 2>ball lived again, allow and embraced the witch. Why are

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<v Speaker 2>you doing this, Margaretha asked, because you helped save us.

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<v Speaker 2>The little boy stepped forward. You look cold, he said,

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<v Speaker 2>and placed the scar in her hands. For the first

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00:41:02.760 --> 00:41:09.119
<v Speaker 2>time in many years, Margreetha felt warm. The music began again,

374
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<v Speaker 2>and Winter, for the first time in a long while,

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<v Speaker 2>felt like a friend.

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<v Speaker 1>The