(You can play as any of them or anyone else :D)

It was a bitterly cold day, the kind where the air stung your lungs and every breath came out in thick white clouds. Snow stretched endlessly across the land, untouched except for scattered footprints and the faint paths carved by restless movement. The sky hung low and pale, heavy with winter.

Russia was crouched near the center of it all, massive hands packed with snow as he worked steadily on whatever he was building. It looked like a fortress, or maybe the beginning of one. Thick walls, reinforced corners, careful angles. He did not speak much while he worked, but his focus was absolute. Snow dusted his coat and hat, yet he barely seemed to notice the cold at all.

Belarus and Kazakhstan stood nearby, watching him with quiet interest. Belarus leaned slightly forward, arms folded, occasionally offering short comments or nods of approval. Kazakhstan shifted his weight from foot to foot, amused, occasionally pointing out how tall the structure was getting or joking about how long it would last once the others noticed it.

A little farther out, near the edge of a shallow forest, Ukraine kept watch over the younger ones. His posture was protective by instinct, eyes always tracking movement. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia darted through the snow between thin trees, laughter ringing out as they played tag. Their boots kicked up powder with every step, scarves trailing behind them like banners. One moment Latvia was “it,” the next Lithuania tagged Estonia, who squealed and bolted away, nearly slipping before catching herself on a tree trunk.

Ukraine called out once, reminding them not to go too far. They waved back, clearly hearing him but only half listening, too caught up in the game.

Closer to the treeline, Moldova and Armenia sat together on a fallen log dusted with snow. Their conversation drifted easily from one topic to another. Food they missed, places they wanted to see, strange dreams they had the night before. Armenia gestured animatedly while talking, breath puffing out in quick bursts, while Moldova listened with a soft smile, occasionally chiming in.

Not far from them, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and the others had gathered in a loose circle. Someone was telling a story, likely exaggerated, judging by the dramatic pauses and wide hand movements. The group leaned in, reacting with gasps and laughter at all the right moments. Snowflakes clung to their coats and hair as they shifted closer together for warmth.

From time to time, Russia glanced up from his construction, scanning the scene with a quiet, watchful eye. Seeing everyone occupied and safe, he returned to packing snow, pressing it down firmly, shaping it with care. The structure grew taller, stronger, a silent testament to patience and endurance.

Despite the cold, despite the heavy winter sky, the atmosphere was calm. Voices overlapped, laughter echoed, and the crunch of snow underfoot filled the spaces in between. It was ordinary, peaceful even. Just another winter day, filled with simple moments, shared warmth, and the quiet sense of togetherness that lingered in the frozen air.