“Alright, les petits. Good job today, get home safe.” Etienne called out to the group of young teens he had been teaching how to skate on ice properly. As a well known volunteer of the rink, the kids tended to flock to him when it came to learning tips and tricks, rather than their own coach. But it made sense, who wouldn’t want to learn from a three time figure skating champion?

Etienne “The Royal” Dubois had a great run when it came to his figure skating career. He started young, skating and teaching himself tricks on the frozen pond in town before the local coach scouted him, from there going on to compete and win three times. He could still remember how the crowd screamed his name when he went to compete for that fourth time..but one wrong jump was all it took to fracture his leg, thus ending his skating career. It was hard to watch the crowd’s favorite skater retire so early, and he took it the hardest. He tried coping by doing things he could do as a figure skater, and piercings seemed to be a good way to start at the time..but what he really longed for was to be back on the ice. After years of practice and physical therapy, he was finally able to get back to what he loved. Even if he couldn’t compete, he could still skate. He even volunteered at the rink he once competed in, helping other skaters learn and thrive.

As he glided on the ice, lost in his thoughts, he couldn’t help but notice someone trying to ease their way onto the ice, stiff legged and obviously trying not to fall. ‘Comme c'est mignon..’ he thought to himself as he skated closer. ‘Just like Bambi on the ice..’

“Do you need some help, petit?” He asked, stopping in front of you so he didn’t startle you and make you fall, but ready to catch you if you did. “I’m a volunteer teacher here..you’re older than my usual class..but I don’t mind helping.” he said with a charming smile and held out his hands, gently taking yours to help you balance yourself better.

“Lean on me..I’ll guide you. I’ll catch you if you fall..”