WEBVTT 1 00:00:12.919 --> 00:00:20.719 Hello, and welcome back to Sleepy Stories. I'm your host, Lucy, 2 00:00:21.519 --> 00:00:24.640 and my friends and I will be reading you a 3 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:31.120 sleepy bedtime story every week to relax you and to 4 00:00:31.239 --> 00:00:37.600 help you to drift off into a RESTful sleep. From 5 00:00:37.640 --> 00:00:42.039 time to time, we will also read you a relaxing, 6 00:00:42.399 --> 00:00:49.119 peaceful meditation that will take you somewhere beautiful and calming. 7 00:00:50.759 --> 00:00:54.359 Once we have read the stories, we will then read 8 00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:59.759 them a second time, but this time they will be 9 00:00:59.799 --> 00:01:05.760 read read even slower. This will help you to relax 10 00:01:06.799 --> 00:01:12.000 even more. Before we begin, I would like you to 11 00:01:12.159 --> 00:01:19.680 close your eyes and breathe in and out nice and deeply. 12 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:26.879 Take a few seconds to inhale, and then hold your 13 00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:34.040 breath for a few seconds more, and then release and 14 00:01:34.319 --> 00:01:39.319 breathe out. Do this a few times if you need to. 15 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:44.599 While you listen to the music and you listen to 16 00:01:44.680 --> 00:01:51.200 my voice, give yourself time to let your body relax 17 00:01:52.560 --> 00:01:58.840 and your mind settle. It's important that we allow time 18 00:01:59.560 --> 00:02:07.920 for us to feel safe, cozy, and completely at ease. 19 00:02:10.159 --> 00:02:30.240 And now it's time for this week's story. If you 20 00:02:30.319 --> 00:02:34.000 were to walk to the very end of Winterbury Lane 21 00:02:34.240 --> 00:02:37.879 in the little village of Hearthmore, you'd find a meadow, 22 00:02:38.199 --> 00:02:42.000 where the snow always seemed to fall a little softer, 23 00:02:42.719 --> 00:02:46.960 sparkle a little brighter, and stay a little longer than 24 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:51.680 anywhere else. The villagers said the meadow was enchanted, though 25 00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:56.039 no one could quite agree on how or why. Children 26 00:02:56.240 --> 00:03:00.400 claimed it was because the stars touched the ground there. 27 00:03:01.199 --> 00:03:06.280 Adults said it was just the wind patterns. But the truth, 28 00:03:06.800 --> 00:03:10.199 though very few ever knew it, was that the meadow 29 00:03:10.639 --> 00:03:14.759 had been chosen long ago as a resting place for 30 00:03:14.879 --> 00:03:21.360 winter's gentle magic. On the first snowy weekend of December, 31 00:03:21.759 --> 00:03:26.599 the children of Hearthmore gathered in the meadow to build snowmen. 32 00:03:27.319 --> 00:03:32.479 Some made tall ones, some made tiny ones, and some 33 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:40.080 made lopsided creations that leaned dangerously like sleepy giants. But 34 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:46.439 Elsie Wren and her best friend Toby Finch were determined 35 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:53.719 to build the perfect snowman. They worked all afternoon, rolling 36 00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:59.360 huge snowballs until their mittens soaked through and their cheeks 37 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:05.520 were pink and glowing. Elsie crafted the bottom sphere so 38 00:04:05.879 --> 00:04:10.759 smooth it looked like it had been polished. Toby shaped 39 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:15.919 the middle with comic seriousness, patting it firmly until it 40 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:23.920 held together. They lifted the head round, bright and beautifully white. 41 00:04:24.439 --> 00:04:29.959 Now he needs a name, Elsie declared. Toby studied their creation. 42 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:36.120 It had pebble eyes that sparkled unusually, a carrot nose 43 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:40.079 slightly bent to the left, and a smile made of 44 00:04:40.279 --> 00:04:45.480 coal that curved up mischievously. He looks like a Brumble, 45 00:04:45.920 --> 00:04:52.040 Toby said. At last, Elsie burst into laughter. Brumble, that's 46 00:04:52.120 --> 00:04:56.959 not even a name. It is now, Toby said, proudly. 47 00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:02.279 So Brumble he became. They gave him a scarf that 48 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:07.160 Elsie had knitted herself, with only seven holes this time, 49 00:05:07.800 --> 00:05:12.879 a wooly hat Toby's granny had made, and two branches 50 00:05:13.160 --> 00:05:19.839 for arms. Crooked but expressive, Brumble looked like he might 51 00:05:20.079 --> 00:05:25.519 wave at any moment. As the sun dipped low and 52 00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:32.439 the sky turned lavender, Elsie gazed at Brumble thoughtfully. If 53 00:05:32.560 --> 00:05:36.480 magic ever came to life, she whispered, I'd want it 54 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:43.120 to choose him. Toby grinned. Imagine Brumble coming alive and 55 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:49.199 going on adventures. He'd be the bravest snowman ever. They laughed, 56 00:05:49.680 --> 00:05:54.519 gathered their things, and ran home before their parents started 57 00:05:54.639 --> 00:06:01.279 shouting about frozen toes. The meadow grew quiet until the 58 00:06:01.319 --> 00:06:06.360 moon rose It was a full moon, round as a lantern, 59 00:06:06.839 --> 00:06:13.120 bright as a polished coin. As its silvery light touched Brumble, 60 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:19.560 something stirred in the air, soft as a breath and 61 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:25.600 tingling like the first spark of a firework. A single 62 00:06:25.959 --> 00:06:35.160 snowflake drifted from the sky, glowing faintly, then another and another. 63 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:42.800 The glowing flakes gathered around Brumble's head, swirling gently. His 64 00:06:42.959 --> 00:06:49.199 pebble eyes shimmered, his cold smile twitched. Then with a 65 00:06:49.279 --> 00:06:58.040 soft wump, Brumble straightened. He blinked twice, and then Brumble 66 00:06:58.439 --> 00:07:03.879 the Snowman came to life. Ho, he exclaimed in a 67 00:07:03.959 --> 00:07:11.879 deep rumbling voice, surprised at his own sound. Ho, Ho, Well, now, 68 00:07:11.920 --> 00:07:16.160 what's this? Two legs, two arms, and a head full 69 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:21.560 of snow and I'm awake. Oh what a fine feeling. 70 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:28.240 He looked down at himself, admiring his branch arms, swinging 71 00:07:28.279 --> 00:07:33.240 them as though testing them out. He lifted each foot 72 00:07:33.399 --> 00:07:38.439 and marveled at the crunch of snow beneath him. I've 73 00:07:38.519 --> 00:07:44.560 been built beautifully, Brumble declared. Whoever made me gave their 74 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:49.160 whole hearts to the task, and something tells me I've 75 00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:56.279 not woken without a reason. For snow men rarely wake 76 00:07:56.720 --> 00:08:02.720 unless there's need, And indeed the meadow shimmered with magic, 77 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:09.040 as if urging him onward. Suddenly, something small and bright 78 00:08:09.600 --> 00:08:15.240 zipped past him, so fast that Brumble toppled backward into 79 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:22.439 a soft mound of snow. He scrambled upright, brushing himself off. 80 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:29.319 What was that? Another flash zipped by, this time circling 81 00:08:29.399 --> 00:08:35.360 him once before darting into the woods. It sparkled, like 82 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:43.279 a piece of starlight with wings, a snow sprite. Brumble gasped, 83 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:49.960 I thought they were only tails. Snow sprites only appeared 84 00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:55.440 when winter was out of balance, when some magic had 85 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:59.960 gone missing or been misplaced, and if one was flying 86 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:07.519 eyeing frantically, something must indeed be wrong. Brumble placed his 87 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:13.399 hands on his snowy hips. Well, then, seems I've awakened 88 00:09:13.960 --> 00:09:18.039 just in time for a quest. He marched toward the 89 00:09:18.159 --> 00:09:25.879 trees with enormous enthusiasm. Brumble, the brave, Brumble, the bold, Brumble, 90 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:32.240 the possibly lost. He paused, which way did the sprite go? 91 00:09:32.919 --> 00:09:40.279 A sparkle flickered between the branches, guiding him. Brumble dashed 92 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:48.080 into the woods, ducking under branches, skidding over roots, and 93 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:54.559 occasionally tripping which was expected, considering he had never walked before. 94 00:09:55.240 --> 00:10:00.720 He found the snow sprite shivering on a frozen log, 95 00:10:01.320 --> 00:10:07.679 flickering weakly. Oh, dear, Brumble cried, what's happened to you, 96 00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:15.440 little spark. The sprite buzzed, a faint chiming sound, like 97 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:23.080 wind passing through icicles. Snow men, being winterborne, could understand 98 00:10:23.200 --> 00:10:29.879 their language. You're saying the winter Star is missing, Brumble translated, 99 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:35.559 the one that keeps the balance of winter kindness, the 100 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:42.679 star that helps warmth and cold live together peacefully. The 101 00:10:42.759 --> 00:10:48.799 sprite flickered dimly. Oh, that is a pickle, Brumble muttered. 102 00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:54.240 Without it, the village might freeze too cold or thaw 103 00:10:54.559 --> 00:10:59.759 too quickly. Snow might fall too heavy or not at all. 104 00:11:00.720 --> 00:11:07.639 Winter must be balanced, or Christmas magic falters. The sprite 105 00:11:07.759 --> 00:11:15.720 chimed again. Someone stole it. Brumble gasped, who would steal 106 00:11:16.039 --> 00:11:22.200 a winter star? The sprite shivered and conjured a tiny 107 00:11:22.799 --> 00:11:27.240 icy image in the air, a silhouette of a hunched 108 00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:33.720 figure wearing a ragged cloak slipping into the mountains. The 109 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:41.519 frost thief, Brumble whispered, he steals winter magic out of envy, 110 00:11:42.679 --> 00:11:47.360 and he's run off to the Crystal Gorge. The sprite 111 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:57.799 buzzed urgently. I'll go, Brumble said, bravely, you stay and rest. 112 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:04.559 I Rumble of Hearthmore will retrieve the winter Star. He 113 00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:09.960 puffed out his snowy chest and set off toward the mountains. 114 00:12:10.559 --> 00:12:15.720 His journey was not graceful. On his way, he sank 115 00:12:16.320 --> 00:12:21.879 into deep drifts, lost his hat twice to the wind, 116 00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:27.279 tripped over a fox who was not amused, and once 117 00:12:27.759 --> 00:12:33.279 slid down a hill so fast he screamed happily all 118 00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:37.399 the way to the bottom. But each time he fell 119 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:46.519 he stood up again. Snowfalls, Brumble said, and so do I, 120 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:52.519 but both get up again. By dawn he reached the 121 00:12:52.639 --> 00:12:58.679 foot of the Crystal Gorge, an enormous canyon filled with 122 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:05.519 towering eyes, ice pillars that chimed like enormous wind chimes 123 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:12.759 in the breeze. The sound was beautiful, but eerie, echoing 124 00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:21.519 across the mountains. Hoho, Brumble whispered, No wonder thieves hide here. 125 00:13:22.200 --> 00:13:29.120 He stepped inside the gorge glittered brilliantly, refracting light into 126 00:13:29.320 --> 00:13:36.759 rainbow patterns. Snow hissed under his feet. Then through the 127 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:46.960 icy glow, Brumble spotted a cave where shadows twisted unnaturally inside. 128 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:52.519 Hunched over a glowing object wrapped in cloth, was the 129 00:13:52.639 --> 00:13:58.480 frost Thief. He was thin, cold looking, with a cloak 130 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:03.080 made of icicle and a hood that hid most of 131 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:10.840 his face. Snow swirled around him in chaotic bursts, as 132 00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:18.120 though even winter refused to settle near him. Brumble stomped forward. 133 00:14:18.919 --> 00:14:27.519 You there, return what you stole. The frost Thief jerked up, startled. 134 00:14:28.120 --> 00:14:33.720 The winter star pulsed faintly in his arms, Struggling like 135 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:40.799 a trapped glimmer. The frost Thief clutched it tighter. Leave me. 136 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:47.200 I deserve warmth too. The star should be mine. Brumble 137 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:53.679 tilted his head. Warmth. But that star doesn't give warmth. 138 00:14:54.240 --> 00:15:00.159 It gives kindness, the thief snarled. And kindness is warm 139 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:06.480 of the heart. I want it for myself. Brumble stepped closer. 140 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:13.320 But stealing won't warm your heart, he said gently, It 141 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:19.559 will only make winter colder for everyone, including you. The 142 00:15:19.679 --> 00:15:26.960 thief trembled, his voice cracked. No one has ever shared 143 00:15:27.360 --> 00:15:35.200 kindness with me, not once. Why should anyone else have it? 144 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:44.080 Brumble softened, Because kindness grows when shared, but taking it 145 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:50.320 for yourself only makes your world smaller. The thief's grip 146 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:57.480 loosened slightly. Brumble held out his branch hand. Let me 147 00:15:57.759 --> 00:16:01.960 help you. Let's bring the stear are back together, and 148 00:16:02.240 --> 00:16:10.440 afterward I'll show you warmth of another kind belonging. The 149 00:16:10.559 --> 00:16:20.399 frost thief stared at Brumble's hand. His icy cloak fluttered uncertainly. Slowly, 150 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:28.080 very slowly, He reached out and placed the Winter Star 151 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:33.240 into brumble snowy arms. As soon as Brumble touched it, 152 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:39.080 the star brightened, flooding the cave with shimmering light. The 153 00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:46.480 frost thief flinched, covering his eyes. It's too bright, only 154 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:51.559 because you've forgotten what kindness looks like, Brumble said gently. 155 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:56.879 Come with me, see how warm winter can be when 156 00:16:56.919 --> 00:17:02.519 you're part of it. Together. They left the cave, the 157 00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:08.799 star pulsing warmly between them. As they reached the gorgeous entrance, 158 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:17.119 the snow sprite swooped in, fully revived, circling them excitedly. 159 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:26.920 We did it, Brumble cried, well, mostly me, but you 160 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:34.880 helped too. The frost thief hunched shyly. Is the village 161 00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:40.000 safe It will be, Brumble said, And they'll welcome you 162 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:46.160 if you let them snow swirled around them as the 163 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:52.000 Winter Star rose high into the dawn sky, returning to 164 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:59.839 its rightful place. Immediately, the wind softened, the cold brighten, 165 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:05.480 and a gentle warmth spread across the land, not the 166 00:18:05.559 --> 00:18:13.480 warmth of fire, but of balance. Winter felt right again. Brumble, 167 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:20.279 the Sprite, and even the frost Thief returned to the meadow, 168 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:28.480 and there, to Brumble's surprise, stood Elsie and Toby, wide 169 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:36.759 eyed with astonishment, Brumble, they shouted together. You're alive, Elsie cried, 170 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:45.000 And you went on a quest, Toby added. Brumble beamed. Indeed, 171 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:52.039 I saved winter, brought back the star, and made a 172 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:58.559 new friend. The frost Thief hesitated, but Elsie smiled kindly 173 00:18:58.640 --> 00:19:03.279 at him. You can join us, she said, softly. We 174 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:08.119 have room for one more. At the winter festival. For 175 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:14.000 the first time in his life, the frost Thief felt warmth, 176 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:19.200 not the physical kind, but the sort that spreads quietly 177 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:26.240 from being welcomed. Brumble felt his snowy chest glow proudly. 178 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:34.359 Later that day, the village gathered for Christmas festivities. Brumble 179 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:41.160 was the star of the celebration. Children danced around him, 180 00:19:41.400 --> 00:19:46.319 adults laughed, and the frost Thief no longer a thief 181 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:53.759 helped hang lanterns, discovering that kindness shared felt far better 182 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:59.759 than anything stolen. As for Brumble, he stood tall in 183 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:05.039 the meadow, smiling brightly. He had been built with care, 184 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:12.359 woken by magic, and filled with purpose. And whenever the 185 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:19.240 winter winds whispered through Hearthmore after that night, villagers swore 186 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:27.119 they could hear a rumbling voice, joyfully declaring Brumble, the 187 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:34.759 brave Brumble, the bold Brumble, the ever ready for another quest. 188 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:39.799 And if the wind laughed back, well, maybe it was 189 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:57.839 because the magic of winter loves a good adventure. If 190 00:20:57.880 --> 00:21:01.240 you were to walk to the very end of Winterbury 191 00:21:01.359 --> 00:21:05.039 Lane in the little village of Hearthmore, you'd find a 192 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:09.680 meadow where the snow always seemed to fall a little softer, 193 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:14.680 sparkle a little brighter, and stay a little longer than 194 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:19.359 anywhere else. The villagers said the meadow was enchanted, though 195 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:23.720 no one could quite agree on how or why. Children 196 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:28.000 claimed it was because the stars touched the ground there. 197 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:33.960 Adult said it was just the wind patterns. But the truth, 198 00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:37.920 though very few ever knew, it, was that the meadow 199 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:42.440 had been chosen long ago as a resting place for 200 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:49.039 winter's gentle magic. On the first snowy weekend of December, 201 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:53.440 the children of Hearthmore gathered in the meadow to build 202 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:59.160 snow men. Some made tall ones, some made tiny ones, 203 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:06.960 and some made lopsided creations that leaned dangerously like sleepy giants. 204 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:13.079 But Elsie Wren and her best friend Toby Finch were 205 00:22:13.119 --> 00:22:20.359 determined to build the perfect snowman. They worked all afternoon, 206 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:26.400 rolling huge snowballs until their mittens soaked through and their 207 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:32.519 cheeks were pink and glowing. Elsie crafted the bottom sphere 208 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:37.920 so smooth it looked like it had been polished. Toby 209 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:43.480 shaped the middle with comic seriousness, patting it firmly until 210 00:22:43.519 --> 00:22:49.880 it held together. They lifted the head round, bright and 211 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:56.200 beautifully white. Now he needs a name, Elsie declared. Toby 212 00:22:56.359 --> 00:23:02.440 studied their creation. It had pebble eyes that sparkled unusually, 213 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:06.519 a carrot nose slightly bent to the left, and a 214 00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:12.119 smile made of coal that curved up mischievously. He looks 215 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:19.079 like a brumble, Toby said. At last, Elsie burst into laughter. Brumble, 216 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:24.640 that's not even a name. It is, now, Toby said, proudly. 217 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:29.960 So Brumble he became. They gave him a scarf that 218 00:23:30.119 --> 00:23:34.880 Elsie had knitted herself, with only seven holes this time, 219 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:40.559 a wooly hat Toby's granny had made, and two branches 220 00:23:40.839 --> 00:23:47.559 for arms. Crooked but expressive, Brumble looked like he might 221 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:53.240 wave at any moment. As the sun dipped low and 222 00:23:53.279 --> 00:24:00.119 the sky turned lavender, Elsie gazed at Brumble thoughtfully, if 223 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:04.319 magic ever came to life, she whispered, I'd wanted to 224 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:11.200 choose him. Toby grinned. Imagine Brumble coming alive and going 225 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:16.880 on adventures. He'd be the bravest snow man ever. They laughed, 226 00:24:17.359 --> 00:24:22.240 gathered their things, and ran home before their parents started 227 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:28.960 shouting about frozen toes. The meadow grew quiet until the 228 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:34.039 moon rose. It was a full moon, round as a lantern, 229 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:40.799 bright as a polished coin. As its silvery light touched Brumble, 230 00:24:41.279 --> 00:24:47.240 something stirred in the air, soft as a breath and 231 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:53.279 tingling like the first spark of a firework. A single 232 00:24:53.640 --> 00:25:02.839 snowflake drifted from the sky, glowing faintly, then another and another. 233 00:25:03.880 --> 00:25:10.480 The glowing flakes gathered around Brumble's head, swirling gently. His 234 00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:16.880 pebble eyes shimmered, his cold smile twitched, then with a 235 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:25.720 soft wump. Brumble straightened. He blinked twice, and then Brumble 236 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:31.559 the Snowman came to life. Ho, he exclaimed in a 237 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:39.559 deep rumbling voice, surprised at his own sound. Ho Ho, Well, now, 238 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:43.839 what's this? Two legs, two arms, and a head full 239 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:49.200 of snow and I'm awake. Oh, what a fine feeling. 240 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:55.920 He looked down at himself, admiring his branch arms, swinging 241 00:25:55.960 --> 00:26:00.839 them as though testing them out. He lifted each foot 242 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:06.160 and marveled at the crunch of snow beneath him. I've 243 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:12.240 been built beautifully, Brumble declared. Whoever made me gave their 244 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:16.880 whole hearts to the task, and something tells me I've 245 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:23.960 not woken without a reason. For snow men rarely wake 246 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:30.440 unless there's need. And indeed the meadow shimmered with magic, 247 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:36.759 as if urging him onward. Suddenly, something small and bright 248 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:42.920 zipped past him, so fast that Brumble toppled backward into 249 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:50.079 a soft mound of snow. He scrambled upright, brushing himself off. 250 00:26:50.759 --> 00:26:57.000 What was that? Another flash zipped by, this time circling 251 00:26:57.119 --> 00:27:03.039 him once before darting into the woods. It sparkled like 252 00:27:03.119 --> 00:27:10.960 a piece of starlight with wings A snow sprite. Brumble gasped, 253 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:17.640 I thought they were only tails. Snow Sprites only appeared 254 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:23.119 when winter was out of balance, when some magic had 255 00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:28.880 gone missing or been misplaced, and if one was flying frantically, 256 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:36.119 something must indeed be wrong. Brumble placed his hands on 257 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:42.000 his snowy hips. Well, then, seems I've awakened just in 258 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:46.559 time for a quest. He marched toward the trees with 259 00:27:46.920 --> 00:27:53.759 enormous enthusiasm. Brumble, the brave, Brumble, the bold, Brumble, the 260 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:59.920 possibly lost. He paused, which way did the sprite go? 261 00:28:00.599 --> 00:28:08.000 A sparkle flickered between the branches, guiding him. Brumble dashed 262 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:15.759 into the woods, ducking under branches, skidding over roots, and 263 00:28:15.880 --> 00:28:22.240 occasionally tripping, which was expected considering he had never walked before. 264 00:28:22.960 --> 00:28:28.400 He found the snow sprite shivering on a frozen log, 265 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:35.400 flickering weakly. Oh dear, Brumble cried, what's happened to you, 266 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:43.160 little spark The sprite buzzed a faint chiming sound, like 267 00:28:43.319 --> 00:28:52.039 wind passing through icicles. Snowmen, being winterborne, could understand their language. 268 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:58.480 Your saying the winter star is missing, Brumble translated, the 269 00:28:58.480 --> 00:29:03.640 one that keeps the ballots of winter kindness the star 270 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:10.960 that helps warmth and cold live together peacefully. The sprite 271 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:18.200 flickered dimly. Oh, that is a pickle, Brumble muttered. Without it, 272 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:23.039 the village might freeze too cold or thaw too quickly. 273 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:28.799 Snow might fall too heavy or not at all. Winter 274 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:36.279 must be balanced, or Christmas magic falters. The sprite chimed again. 275 00:29:37.119 --> 00:29:44.880 Someone stole it. Brumble gasped, who would steal a Winter Star? 276 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:51.720 The sprite shivered and conjured a tiny icy image in 277 00:29:51.799 --> 00:29:56.319 the air, a silhouette of a hunched figure wearing a 278 00:29:56.519 --> 00:30:04.119 ragged cloak slipping into the mountain. The frost thief. Brumble whispered, 279 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:11.319 he steals winter magic out of envy, and he's run 280 00:30:11.400 --> 00:30:18.599 off to the crystal gorge. The sprite buzzed urgently. I'll go, 281 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:29.119 Brumble said, bravely, You stay and rest. I Brumble of Hearthmore, 282 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:34.000 will retrieve the Winter Star. He puffed out his snowy 283 00:30:34.160 --> 00:30:39.200 chest and set off toward the mountains. His journey was 284 00:30:39.319 --> 00:30:45.880 not graceful. On his way, he sank into deep drifts, 285 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:51.039 lost his hat twice to the wind, tripped over a 286 00:30:51.119 --> 00:30:56.319 fox who was not amused, and once slid down a 287 00:30:56.440 --> 00:31:01.559 hill so fast he screamed happily all the way to 288 00:31:01.640 --> 00:31:09.680 the bottom. But each time he fell he stood up again. Snowfalls, 289 00:31:10.880 --> 00:31:16.640 Brumble said, and so do I, but both get up again. 290 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:22.559 By dawn he reached the foot of the Crystal Gorge, 291 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:30.720 an enormous canyon filled with towering ice pillars that chimed 292 00:31:31.119 --> 00:31:36.240 like enormous wind chimes in the breeze. The sound was 293 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:46.039 beautiful but eerie, echoing across the mountains. Hoho, Brumble whispered, 294 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:52.799 No wonder thieves hide here. He stepped inside. The gorge 295 00:31:53.000 --> 00:32:01.160 glittered brilliantly, refracting light into rainbow patterns. Snow hissed under 296 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:07.920 his feet. Then through the icy glow, Brumble spotted a 297 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:16.599 cave where shadows twisted unnaturally. Inside, hunched over a glowing 298 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:22.880 object wrapped in cloth, was the frost Thief. He was thin, 299 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:28.839 cold looking, with a cloak made of icicles and a 300 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:34.640 hood that hid most of his face. Snow swirled around 301 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:41.599 him in chaotic bursts, as though even winter refused to 302 00:32:41.839 --> 00:32:48.839 settle near him. Brumble stomped forward, You there, return what 303 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:56.359 you stole. The frost Thief jerked up, startled. The winter 304 00:32:56.480 --> 00:33:03.000 star pulsed faintly in his arms struggling like a trapped glimmer. 305 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:10.119 The frost thief clutched it tighter. Leave me. I deserve 306 00:33:10.279 --> 00:33:17.400 warmth too. The star should be mine. Brumble tilted his head. Warmth, 307 00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:23.960 But that star doesn't give warmth. It gives kindness, the 308 00:33:24.039 --> 00:33:29.960 thief snarled, and kindness is warmth of the heart. I 309 00:33:30.039 --> 00:33:36.920 want it for myself. Brumble stepped closer. But stealing won't 310 00:33:37.119 --> 00:33:41.920 warm your heart, he said gently, It will only make 311 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:49.119 winter colder for everyone, including you. The thief trembled, his 312 00:33:49.359 --> 00:33:56.400 voice cracked. No one has ever shared kindness with me, 313 00:33:58.319 --> 00:34:05.160 not once. Why should anyone else have it? Brumble softened, 314 00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:12.800 because kindness grows when shared, but taking it for yourself 315 00:34:13.719 --> 00:34:20.079 only makes your world smaller. The thief's grip loosened slightly. 316 00:34:21.239 --> 00:34:25.960 Brumble held out his branch hand. Let me help you. 317 00:34:26.719 --> 00:34:32.320 Let's bring the star back together, and afterward I'll show 318 00:34:32.360 --> 00:34:40.159 you warmth of another kind belonging. The frost thief stared 319 00:34:40.239 --> 00:34:50.519 at Brumble's hand. His icy cloak fluttered uncertainly. Slowly, very slowly, 320 00:34:51.320 --> 00:34:57.000 he reached out and placed the Winter Star into brumble 321 00:34:57.199 --> 00:35:03.000 snowy arms. As soon as Bumble touched it, the star brightened, 322 00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:09.119 flooding the cave with shimmering light. The frost Thief flinched, 323 00:35:09.639 --> 00:35:15.360 covering his eyes. It's too bright, only because you've forgotten 324 00:35:15.519 --> 00:35:20.719 what kindness looks like, Brumble said. Gently. Come with me, 325 00:35:22.159 --> 00:35:27.119 see how warm winter can be when you're part of it. Together, 326 00:35:27.760 --> 00:35:33.400 they left the cave, the star pulsing warmly between them. 327 00:35:33.920 --> 00:35:39.880 As they reached the gorgeous entrance, the snow Sprite swooped in, 328 00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:49.800 fully revived, circling them excitedly. We did it, Brumble cried, well, 329 00:35:51.320 --> 00:36:00.639 mostly me, but you helped too. The frost Thief hunched shyly. 330 00:36:00.800 --> 00:36:06.679 Is the village safe It will be, Brumble said, And 331 00:36:06.760 --> 00:36:12.519 they'll welcome you if you let them. Snow swirled around 332 00:36:12.599 --> 00:36:18.000 them as the winter Star rose high into the dawn sky, 333 00:36:18.960 --> 00:36:26.280 returning to its rightful place. Immediately, the wind softened, the 334 00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:32.039 cold brightened, and a gentle warmth spread across the land, 335 00:36:32.760 --> 00:36:38.719 not the warmth of fire, but of balance. Winter felt 336 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:45.639 right again. Brumble, the Sprite, and even the frost Thief 337 00:36:46.360 --> 00:36:53.199 returned to the meadow, and there, to Brumble's surprise, stood 338 00:36:53.360 --> 00:37:01.440 Elsie and Toby, wide eyed with astonishment. Brumble, they shouted, together, 339 00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:07.360 you're alive, Elsie cried, and you went on a quest, 340 00:37:07.840 --> 00:37:16.679 Toby added. Brumble beamed. Indeed, I saved winter, brought back 341 00:37:17.079 --> 00:37:23.599 the star, and made a new friend. The frost Thief hesitated, 342 00:37:24.119 --> 00:37:28.960 but Elsie smiled kindly at him. You can join us, 343 00:37:29.000 --> 00:37:33.440 she said, softly. We have room for one more. At 344 00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:38.679 the winter festival. For the first time in his life, 345 00:37:39.440 --> 00:37:44.639 the frost Thief felt warmth, not the physical kind, but 346 00:37:44.760 --> 00:37:51.119 the sort that spreads quietly from being welcomed. Brumble felt 347 00:37:51.119 --> 00:37:57.079 his snowy chest glow proudly. Later that day, the village 348 00:37:57.400 --> 00:38:04.599 gathered for Christmas festivity. Brumble was the star of the celebration. 349 00:38:05.880 --> 00:38:12.239 Children danced around him, adults laughed, and the frost Thief, 350 00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:19.079 no longer a thief, helped hang lanterns, discovering that kindness 351 00:38:19.199 --> 00:38:25.320 shared felt far better than anything stolen. As for Brumble, 352 00:38:26.039 --> 00:38:31.079 he stood tall in the meadow, smiling brightly. He had 353 00:38:31.119 --> 00:38:38.159 been built with care, woken by magic, and filled with purpose. 354 00:38:39.280 --> 00:38:44.639 And whenever the winter winds whispered through hearthmore after that night, 355 00:38:45.599 --> 00:38:54.440 villagers swore they could hear a rumbling voice, joyfully declaring Brumble, 356 00:38:54.719 --> 00:39:01.000 the brave Brumbled, the bold Brumble, the ever ready for 357 00:39:01.119 --> 00:39:07.199 another quest, And if the wind laughed back, well, maybe 358 00:39:07.239 --> 00:39:12.800 it was because the magic of winter loves a good adventure. 359 00:39:27.199 --> 00:39:30.119 If you were to walk to the very end of 360 00:39:30.239 --> 00:39:34.519 Winterbury Lane in the little village of Hearthmore, you'd find 361 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:38.320 a meadow where the snow always seemed to fall a 362 00:39:38.400 --> 00:39:43.280 little softer, sparkle a little brighter, and stay a little 363 00:39:43.360 --> 00:39:48.400 longer than anywhere else. The villagers said the meadow was enchanted, 364 00:39:48.800 --> 00:39:51.920 though no one could quite agree on how or why. 365 00:39:52.800 --> 00:39:57.599 Children claimed it was because the stars touched the ground there, 366 00:39:58.480 --> 00:40:03.559 adult said it just the wind patterns. But the truth, 367 00:40:04.119 --> 00:40:07.519 though very few ever knew it, was that the meadow 368 00:40:07.920 --> 00:40:12.039 had been chosen long ago as a resting place for 369 00:40:12.159 --> 00:40:18.639 Winter's gentle magic. On the first snowy weekend of December, 370 00:40:19.079 --> 00:40:23.880 the children of Hearthmore gathered in the meadow to build snowmen. 371 00:40:24.639 --> 00:40:29.760 Some made tall ones, some made tiny ones, and some 372 00:40:30.119 --> 00:40:37.360 made lopsided creations that leaned dangerously like sleepy giants. But 373 00:40:37.599 --> 00:40:43.719 Elsie Wren and her best friend Toby Finch were determined 374 00:40:43.960 --> 00:40:51.000 to build the perfect snowman. They worked all afternoon, rolling 375 00:40:51.320 --> 00:40:56.639 huge snowballs until their mittens soaked through and their cheeks 376 00:40:56.719 --> 00:41:02.039 were pink and glowing. Elsie craft did the bottom sphere 377 00:41:02.719 --> 00:41:07.519 so smooth it looked like it had been polished. Toby 378 00:41:07.639 --> 00:41:13.079 shaped the middle with comic seriousness, patting it firmly until 379 00:41:13.119 --> 00:41:19.400 it held together. They lifted the head round, bright and 380 00:41:19.599 --> 00:41:25.800 beautifully white. Now he needs a name, Elsie declared. Toby 381 00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:32.039 studied their creation. It had pebble eyes that sparkled unusually, 382 00:41:32.360 --> 00:41:36.119 a carrot nose slightly bent to the left, and a 383 00:41:36.199 --> 00:41:41.719 smile made of coal that curved up mischievously. He looks 384 00:41:41.840 --> 00:41:48.679 like a Brumble, Toby said. At last, Elsie burst into laughter. Brumble, 385 00:41:49.079 --> 00:41:54.239 that's not even a name. It is now, Toby said, proudly. 386 00:41:55.159 --> 00:41:59.559 So Brumble he became. They gave him a scarf that 387 00:41:59.679 --> 00:42:04.480 Elsie had knitted herself, with only seven holes this time, 388 00:42:05.079 --> 00:42:10.199 a wooly hat Toby's granny had made, and two branches 389 00:42:10.440 --> 00:42:17.159 for arms. Crooked but expressive, Brumble looked like he might 390 00:42:17.400 --> 00:42:22.840 wave at any moment. As the sun dipped low and 391 00:42:22.880 --> 00:42:29.719 the sky turned lavender, Elsie gazed at Brumble thoughtfully. If 392 00:42:29.840 --> 00:42:33.800 magic ever came to life, she whispered, I'd want it 393 00:42:33.840 --> 00:42:40.400 to choose him. Toby grinned, imagine Brumble coming alive and 394 00:42:40.480 --> 00:42:46.480 going on adventures. He'd be the bravest snowman ever. They laughed, 395 00:42:46.960 --> 00:42:51.840 gathered their things, and ran home before their parents started 396 00:42:51.920 --> 00:42:58.519 shouting about frozen toes. The meadow grew quiet until the 397 00:42:58.599 --> 00:43:03.639 moon rose. It was a full moon, round as a lantern, 398 00:43:04.159 --> 00:43:10.400 bright as a polished coin. As its silvery light touched Brumble, 399 00:43:10.880 --> 00:43:16.840 something stirred in the air, soft as a breath and 400 00:43:17.000 --> 00:43:22.880 tingling like the first spark of a firework. A single 401 00:43:23.280 --> 00:43:32.440