{"id":20904,"date":"2019-12-24T00:01:17","date_gmt":"2019-12-24T05:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=20904"},"modified":"2019-12-24T07:16:51","modified_gmt":"2019-12-24T12:16:51","slug":"christmas-feast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/christmas-feast\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Feast"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christmas Feast
\n<\/strong>A Tale by Michael and Rhianna DeAngelo<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A blustery cold blew through the town, convincing its residents to keep inside to stay warm.\u00a0 In one of the snow-covered houses along the corner of one of the streets, what had been a quiet winter night in years past was filled with raucous growls and grumbles.<\/p>\n

When Zelda began running in circles, it was in excitement and anticipation.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long for Maisie, the little black-and-white dog, and newest member of the DeAngelo family, to surmise that those loops around the living room was an invitation to play.\u00a0 Back and forth they nipped at each other, spinning about the area, completely unfazed by the gazes that landed on them.<\/p>\n

Rhianna and Michael, sitting on the couch, watched in silence as Zelda sent playful snarls toward her younger sister.\u00a0 They alternated glances at each other as well, and at the clock, waiting for the coming hour.<\/p>\n

The cat, sitting atop the back of the couch, had no means of telling time, and tested the timing every few moments with a curious meow.\u00a0 Michael reached up and back, scratching Peanut on the back of her head.<\/p>\n

During a break in the dogs\u2019 chase, Rhianna began laughing at the sight of the pups.\u00a0 Zelda still grumbled, but Maisie\u2019s face was almost entirely engulfed in her older sister\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

Though it was faint, the wind seemed to grow in force from the back of the house.\u00a0 Nobody seemed to notice that sound, however, as another shift came from within as Zelda\u2019s muffled grumbles became something else entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn dunth ftherget: yerftha pthuppy, awm the adthult,\u201d Zelda said.<\/p>\n

For a moment, there was a pause, even as Maisie contemplated the strange noises coming out of her sister\u2019s throat.\u00a0 She hopped back then, her eyes gone wide.<\/p>\n

Zelda chomped at the air and licked her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally!\u201d Peanut spoke then, sighing for good measure the next instant.\u00a0 She hopped from her perch atop the couch and lingered by the silver water bowls beside the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been waiting all year for this.\u00a0 Huamns: I demand<\/em> a separate bowl. \u00a0This one insists<\/em> on drinking out of mine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again, Maisie nearly hopped in shock at the sudden new voice in the house, so strange yet so familiar.\u00a0 She let out a befuddled whimper and tilted her head sideways, listening as the feline spoke her dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cAww!\u201d Rhianna exclaimed as she rose from the couch.\u00a0 \u201cShe didn\u2019t know they were going to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou guys didn\u2019t tell her?\u201d Michael asked.<\/p>\n

Zelda\u2019s ears lowered as though she were being reprimanded.<\/p>\n

Peanut simply sat where she was, arching one of her furry eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cSo that\u2019s it?\u00a0 That\u2019s the end of our water bowl discussion?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna bent down and scooped Maisie off the floor, holding her against her chest as she lifted her up.\u00a0 Confronted with the odd sounds coming out of her sisters\u2019 mouths, Maisie felt confused and vulnerable.\u00a0 She nuzzled into Rhianna\u2019s neck, finding comfort and safety there.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright little one,\u201d Rhianna said, kissing the top of the little dog\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a magical time of year, and we\u2019re so excited that you\u2019re old enough to experience it with us this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we better get ready, huh?\u201d Michael asked, rising from the couch.\u00a0 \u201cWhat dangers do you think we\u2019ll have to deal with this year?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMean ol\u2019 polar bears!\u201d Zelda exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother trip to the vet,\u201d Peanut muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSentient Christmas wreathes that try to land on our heads and squeeze us until we pass out,\u201d Rhianna suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like that one,\u201d Michael said.<\/p>\n

Rhianna, still holding Maisie aloft, walked through the kitchen and peered outside.\u00a0 Together, they could see the wind whipping the snow this way and that.\u00a0 But when it began moving in a circular motion, the woman couldn\u2019t hold back her smile.\u00a0 \u201cAre you ready?\u201d she asked Maisie.<\/p>\n

At once, as though she had predicted its arrival down to the second, a flash of magic appeared in the back yard of the DeAngelo household.\u00a0 Maisie began following that swirl of wind and snow, almost like she was drawing circles against the glass of the door with her nose.\u00a0 Beneath her, Zelda stepped up against the door as well, her mouth spread into a smile.<\/p>\n

Wider and wider the portal grew, its power causing the door to shake a bit as the wind pressed against it.\u00a0 Though loud noises often frightened Zelda, she was more than eager to dive into the portal, and she scratched at the door to get her chance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Michael asked. \u00a0\u201cAre we all dressed warm enough to take our little trip?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe excitement is what keeps me warm,\u201d Zelda insisted.<\/p>\n

Rhianna chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you notice that every time we go to visit Santa, he\u2019s always got a new outfit for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, so what are we doing just sitting around here. \u00a0He\u2019s waiting for us.\u201d\u00a0 He looked back at Peanut, still pacing around her water bowl.\u00a0 Without any hesitation, he reached down and scooped her up, holding her under her arms. \u00a0\u201cLet\u2019s get to it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The portal in the back yard seemed stable then, its light flashing against the shed at the far side of the yard, and even the neighbor\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

Rhianna pulled on the door handle, and the wind jerked it forward.\u00a0 Maisie skittered against the wind, even as Zelda charged forward, unable to rein in her excitement.\u00a0 She skittered to a stop then, when she heard a tiny little whimper.\u00a0 The older dog spun about, seeing how fiercely she nuzzled against Rhianna\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Maisie!\u201d she promised.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re going to love it.\u00a0 It\u2019s Christmas!\u201d\u00a0 She spun about then again and leapt into the swirling vortex.<\/p>\n

Though it took all her courage to pry herself away from her safe little nook, Maisie lifted her head and noticed that Zelda was gone.\u00a0 With a slow turn of her head, she looked to Rhianna, her ears tucked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright, pig butt,\u201d Michael teased, patting her on the head as he passed her.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll keep you safe, and before you know it, you\u2019ll be having the best time!\u201d\u00a0 He closed the door behind Rhianna, and walked on, stopping at the lip of the portal.\u00a0 Peanut kicked off his chest then, springing into the gateway.\u00a0 Chuckling, Michael spun about, nodding to his wife and the little pup.\u00a0 With a little backward hop, he disappeared into the swirling magic.<\/p>\n

With all the rest of their family gone from view, Maisie looked back at Rhianna, nervously licking her lips.\u00a0 The woman gave her a few loving pats down her spine, but she was already inching toward the portal.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Maisie,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll do it together, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Letting out a little whimper, the newest member of the DeAngelo family peered into the gaping maw of the incredible magic portal.\u00a0 She closed her eyes and smashed her head back into Rhianna\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

Though she was sympathetic to the dog\u2019s nervousness, Rhianna couldn\u2019t hold back a chuckle.\u00a0 She grabbed the pup extra tight and jumped into the vortex.\u00a0 With a roar of mystical power, the way closed behind them.<\/p>\n

The DeAngelo family was once again on their way to visit an old friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Covered in snow, the black spots on Maisie\u2019s body were lost in a sea of white.\u00a0 It was only the darker coloring on her head that made her stand out then, and she barked in dismay when she looked ahead and didn\u2019t see anyone around her.\u00a0 Far in the distance, trees speckled the landscape, and mountains dotted the horizon, but there was nothing else, and she felt all alone.<\/p>\n

The snow surrounding her body gave way then, and a warm hand scooped under her belly and plucked her off the ground.\u00a0 In an instant, she was snuggled against Michael\u2019s chest, and he brushed the remnants of frost off her body, planting a kiss on her head for good measure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe found you,\u201d he said, rubbing her ears to warm them up.<\/p>\n

As he turned about, Maisie could see that the rest of her family was there too.\u00a0 Zelda marched through the snow, dismissing the cold and the uneven ground.\u00a0 Peanut was more careful with her steps, working hard at keeping above the powdery snow.\u00a0 Still, she moved in the same direction\u2014toward the lodge not so far away that seemed to be awash in warmth and light.<\/p>\n

The light framed Rhianna, who reached out to her husband and the little dog.\u00a0 He took her hand, and together they made their way through the cold, though it seemed not to bother them in the slightest.<\/p>\n

When they neared the door, it swung open, and a figure seemed to dance there for a moment before stopping and staring out into the cold.\u00a0 Obscured by lanternlight, the DeAngelo family couldn\u2019t quite identify who it was, but they sensed warm-heartedness.<\/p>\n

A tiny, happy gasp escaped the maiden, who moved out onto the stone step at the lodge\u2019s entrance.\u00a0 With peach-colored skin that was made rosier by the nip of cold that rushed out at her, and fern-green hair that framed her angular face, she looked unlike any elf the family had seen.<\/p>\n

They recognized the friendliness of one of Santa\u2019s helpers though: an exuberance in her eyes, a mischievous yet welcoming smile parting her lips.<\/p>\n

As pleasant and outgoing as Santa\u2019s elven friends were, though, the DeAngelo\u2019s were completely caught off guard by her unrestrained excitement as she threw out her arms and hopped into the air.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re here!\u201d<\/p>\n

The maiden charged forward, unfazed by the snow.\u00a0 She passed Zelda and Peanut, who sneered at being ignored.\u00a0 She raced by Rhianna, who arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 And as the chipper elf neared Michael, his eyes grew wider by the second, for she seemed unwilling to stop.<\/p>\n

Stop she did though, just before knocking into him.\u00a0 She brought her arms back together, playfully poking Maisie while making impish little noises.<\/p>\n

The little dog\u2019s eyes opened a bit wider then, and she passed glances at Rhianna and Michael, who simply shrugged at the peculiar behavior.<\/p>\n

Her looks to her family weren\u2019t lost to the elf maiden, who took a step back and tilted her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean you don\u2019t recognize me?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t mean to sound rude, but\u2026we don\u2019t recognize you at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell of course not, silly!\u201d the maiden chirped.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t met any of you\u2014though of course I\u2019ve heard all about you from Revan, and Leoden, and Narala, and Rosewyn.\u201d\u00a0 She turned back to the black and white dog cradled in Michael\u2019s arms then.\u00a0 \u201cBut you and I know each other very well,\u201d she said to Maisie, \u201ceven if you don\u2019t quite remember me.\u00a0 I was the one who chose you for your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maisie\u2019s eyes seemed to twinkle as she looked at the maiden.\u00a0 She tilted her head to the side as though she was trying to understand her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean you\u2019re<\/em> the reason we can\u2019t have nice things?\u201d Peanut grumbled.<\/p>\n

The maiden waived that notion away.\u00a0 \u201cYou just have one<\/em> really great thing,\u201d she said, placing her hands on either side of Maisie\u2019s face and lifting them up as if to make Maisie smile.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Santa realized Zelda needed a new friend last year, he asked me to help you find each other.\u00a0 And I think I chose just right, because these people seem to love you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s alright,\u201d Zelda yipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can feign interest all you like, but we\u2019ve seen you snuggling with her,\u201d Michael said, eliciting a shrug from the other dog.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you know us,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cBut we haven\u2019t quite been properly introduced.\u201d<\/p>\n

The maiden closed her eyes and shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cOf course.\u00a0 Where are my manners.\u00a0 I\u2019m Cecelia,\u201d she said, offering a slight curtsy to the guests for good measure.\u00a0 \u201cNo need to introduce yourselves, I already know you well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been spying on us?\u201d Peanut asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just observe you every now and again,\u201d Cecelia informed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s nothing to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019re aware of all the things she\u2019s eaten,\u201d Michael speculated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d the maiden returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe safety-pin?\u201d Rhianna asked, squinting as if to deflect from the embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cords?\u201d Michael wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy toys!\u201d Zelda exuberantly added.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe couch,\u201d Peanut sneered.<\/p>\n

Cecelia chuckled then.\u00a0 \u201cAlong with so many other things.\u00a0 But it\u2019s fine.\u00a0 Some people are curious with their eyes.\u00a0 Maisie is just curious with her mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell she\u2019s certainly been an expensive gift,\u201d Michael teased.\u00a0 \u201cBut it\u2019s a cost that is certainly worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe won\u2019t always be so mischievous,\u201d the elf said, petting the pooch on the head.\u00a0 \u201cAnyway, we should be getting you all inside, and out of the cold.\u00a0 I\u2019m used to it, but I can see you all starting to shiver!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re fine,\u201d Zelda said, through chittering teeth.\u00a0 \u201cBut we are ready to meet up with Santa and finding out what the next big catastrophe is.\u00a0 We\u2019re ready to save the day!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are the rest of you always ready to jump headfirst into danger?\u201d Peanut muttered.<\/p>\n

Cecelia giggled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s alright, kitty.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t bring you here for danger this year.\u00a0 Just dinner.\u00a0 Come along,\u201d she said, waving the rest of the family into the lodge.<\/p>\n

As Michael and Rhianna walked side by side, he leaned over to her.\u00a0 \u201cNot fiskeblugen, I hope,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

They felt warm at once upon entering the lodge, its lanterns offering up meager light, but the crackling fire in the main room burning brightly.\u00a0 Cecelia closed the door behind them, strengthening that toasty feeling they enjoyed.<\/p>\n

As they made their way through the building, the maiden gestured toward a room in the back.\u00a0 Two new ensembles were strewn out atop a bed there, looking to be about the sizes of the human guests.\u00a0 \u201cAs you said earlier, Santa is always happy to provide you a new outfit upon your arrival here in Tellest,\u201d Cecelia said.\u00a0 \u201cThese clothes should allow you to look a bit more appropriate for the other guests that we\u2019ll be expecting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Rhianna said, hurrying into the room to observe her new wardrobe.<\/p>\n

When the rest of the family joined her there, Cecelia closed the door.\u00a0 Rhianna held up her outfit\u2014a brown, laced vest that would sit upon a puffy white shirt.\u00a0 A pair of black slacks and new boots were present as well. \u00a0Some jewelry sat atop the pile: a pair of gold bands meant to clasp onto the arms just below the shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is going to look very slimming,\u201d Rhianna teased.<\/p>\n

Michael was already setting out his own attire.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s times like these where I feel more dressed up than you, honey,\u201d he said.\u00a0 His garb included a shiny, short sleeved leather tunic with an assortment of buckles, with fancy leather bracers to match.\u00a0 A fancy red shirt, along with black trousers of his own, completed the look.<\/p>\n

After a few moments, the husband and wife donned their new apparel, and emerged from the room, looking dapper and elegant.<\/p>\n

Cecelia hopped off the settee in the main room and burst into applause.\u00a0 \u201cYou two look great!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, what about us!\u201d Zelda piped up then, eliciting a chuckle from the maiden.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, after your costume changes last year, we thought maybe you could just be yourself this year.\u00a0 After all, last year you were all wound up,\u201d Cecelia joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute\u2026\u201d they heard then, and they looked down to see Peanut tilting her head sideways.\u00a0 She alternated glances between the elf maiden and Rhianna, finally narrowing her eyes and letting her face go sour.\u00a0 \u201cYou talked about the outfit back in our house.\u00a0 They have<\/em> been spying on us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have?\u201d Michael asked.\u00a0 \u201cAll the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cecelia simply shrugged and nodded.<\/p>\n

Michael covered his chest with one arm and reached for his trousers with the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you know by now, Santa takes decency very seriously.\u00a0 He watched you throughout the year to make sure that even though there were some stressful times, you still cared for and loved one another, and the rest of your family and friends as well.\u00a0 And not just those folks, but the strangers you meet too.\u00a0 After all, who is Santa if not the epitome of joy, purity and peace?\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut clicked her tongue and looked away, as if bothered by the concept.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come now, kitty,\u201d Cecelia said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve seen how friendly you\u2019ve been to Michael and Rhianna\u2019s friends that come over.\u00a0 You\u2019re very personable, even though you pretend not to be.\u00a0 Even you skittish puppies let your guard down after a little bit when you know there\u2019s no trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil our guests leave again,\u201d Rhianna mentioned.\u00a0 \u201cThen they try to act all tough again and \u2018chase\u2019 the intruders out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to earn our keep,\u201d Zelda stated matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

While everyone spoke, Maisie kept looking at her sisters, confused by the way they seemed to speak the same strange noises as their people usually did.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how does<\/em> he see us?\u201d Rhianna wondered.\u00a0 \u201cSanta, I mean.\u00a0 Does he just tap into our security cameras whenever he needs to check in on us?\u201d\u00a0 She gave Michael a playful smack on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI told you we always have to unplug that thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cecelia giggled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure that if he wanted to, he could employ your surveillance golem to do his bidding.\u00a0 But you must remember, Santa has powers beyond our imagining.\u00a0 And some things are meant to be secret, aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

The members of the DeAngelo family stood there, contemplating that sentiment.<\/p>\n

Zelda, though, had other things in mind.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just going to ask him next time I see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The people around her couldn\u2019t help but laugh at that innocent manner of thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou be sure to do that,\u201d Cecelia said.\u00a0 \u201cCome along.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring you to the kitchen where we can wait for our other guests to arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, you did say that we\u2019d be meeting with other folk,\u201d Michael recalled.\u00a0 \u201cAre these people we\u2019ve met before on our prior trips here, or are we making the acquaintance of someone new?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose Santa wouldn\u2019t mind if I told you all a little of why he\u2019s brought you here today,\u201d Cecelia said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve already proven your heroism and helpfulness on countless occasions, and he\u2019s excited to tout your achievements to the others once we all settle in.\u00a0 You are to be our ambassadors this evening\u2014heroes and diplomats who have saved alliances in the past, and even Christmas itself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmbassadors,\u201d Rhianna echoed.\u00a0 \u201cI like that.\u00a0 So, what kind of peace are we trying to broach, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cecelia nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou should be aware of the parties involved, if for nothing else to know and understand the situation.\u00a0 I assure you though, all the troubles have nearly been rectified already anyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot long ago,\u201d she continued, \u201cthe three races that populated this valley managed to live in relative peace with one another.\u00a0 The giants of Hjelle Mountain, inhabiting the caves there, slumbered for months at a time, and then went into the northern wastes to hunt katarak mammoths.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelda tilted her head to the side.\u00a0 \u201cBut isn\u2019t this the North Pole?\u201d she wondered.\u00a0 \u201cHow is it possible for them to go even more northerer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cecelia shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI guess that\u2019s just what the southerners call it, and we call it that for consistency\u2019s sake.\u201d\u00a0 She waved her hand, focusing back on her story.\u00a0 \u201cAnyway, the giants mostly ignored the other two races, for they were much too small to bother with, and they would keep to themselves in their own areas of the valley.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe elves of Andal Forest communed with the smaller animals there, hiding from the cold of endless winter, and spending their days looking at the stars in the twilight of the frozen north.\u00a0 They live close by\u2014Santa has offered them employment on more than one occasion to help make his toys.\u00a0 As you know, we elves have nimble fingers, so whenever something requiring a deft touch is needed, we\u2019re usually the first that Mister Klaus asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dwarves of Clan Lochmoor are the final race that calls these frigid snows home, although they usually keep to themselves within the mines to the southwest.\u00a0 Santa would probably never admit this, but he holds a special place in his heart for the dwarves, having carried on with their kind a great deal in his former home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna gave Michael a light elbow in his ribs and sent him a knowing glance when he looked her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything was going rather well,\u201d Cecelia went on.\u00a0 \u201cSanta was just about to establish a new alliance with the giants to help him put together a new workshop on the other side of the tundra so that we could get twice the work done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cecelia bowed her head a little bit as she recalled the goings on in the area.\u00a0 \u201cBut some things happened more recently that caused a schism between the three races, and it all started with a beautiful gem that was found recently out in the wilderness.\u00a0 When a pair of giants were out on a hunt, chasing down a katarak, one of their clubs smashed into the ground, tearing through ice and earth and revealing the stone underneath.\u00a0 But when the snow settled, and the katarak fled to safety, the giants realized they didn\u2019t quite care to give chase anymore.\u00a0 Below them, in the divot they\u2019d carved out by mistake, a beautiful scarlet glow seemed to radiate into the frozen waste.\u00a0 Though it was small, the ruby embedded in the stone entranced them, and they worked at plucking it from the stone. \u00a0Without tools though, even the fierce and powerful giants couldn\u2019t tug it free.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cecelia led them into the lodge\u2019s kitchen then and sat them at a small table.\u00a0 With a smile, she moved her way through the room, fetching cured meat treats for the animals, and cookies for the humans.\u00a0 \u201cIt didn\u2019t take long for the other races to hear of its discovery,\u201d she said then, as she placed two large glasses of eggnog at the table for Michael and Rhianna.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, it didn\u2019t help that it was far enough away from Mount Hjelle as it was.\u00a0 All three races claimed that the ruby was a part of their territory, and each of them were ready to go to war for it in that frigid place out there in the open.\u00a0 But, well\u2026something happened before then that caused even more problems than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Cecelia could go on, the family heard the jingling of bells from a door on the opposite side of the lodge.\u00a0 At once, Michael and Rhianna wore grins, for they sensed who had arrived, even without seeing him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHo, ho, ho there,\u201d a husky voice cried out.\u00a0 \u201cI do believe my great friends are here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though Maisie was unfamiliar with the voice, her sisters knew it well three years later.\u00a0 Zelda and Peanut finished up their snacks and sat upright and at attention. \u00a0While the cat kept her cool upon seeing Santa, Zelda couldn\u2019t shroud her excitement, and her enthusiasm had her spinning in circles at once as the Christmas wizard entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta!\u201d the auburn-colored chihuahua shouted.\u00a0 She jumped up against him several times, smacking her paws upon his burly legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back, you four\u2014ah, pardon me, it seems there are five of you now,\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n

As he drew closer, Peanut too approached him, coiling around his leg in a gesture of reacquaintance.\u00a0 Michael extended his arm, and Rhianna prepared to curtsy, but Santa was there in an instant.\u00a0 \u201cMy friends, there is room for many things in the great north, but one thing we have no room for is politeness.\u201d \u00a0Without offering up any other warning, he reached forth, and embraced the husband and wife in a great bear hug, squeezing them tight until each of them pressed out a little squeak.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we have yet to be introduced, little one,\u201d Santa said as he neared Maisie.\u00a0 She cowered away, just a bit, but the jolly fellow was quick, and his reach was long.\u00a0 In a mere moment, he was there upon her, tousling the fur on her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Cecelia,\u201d he went on then, \u201chow goes my dear friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything is going splendid, Sir,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cTheir trip here went off without a hitch, and I\u2019ve just been explaining the situation at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael nodded.\u00a0 \u201cCecelia mentioned that there was no catastrophe to clean up this year, but it sounds like war is ready to break out right at your doorstep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, then you\u2019ve heard about the ruby,\u201d Santa surmised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we heard that there was something else that caused even bigger problems,\u201d Rhianna added.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is putting it mildly, yes,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it didn\u2019t help that the ruby struck one of the races with a seemingly relentless curiosity.\u00a0 Where there was one gem, they figured, there were sure to be more. \u00a0Almost at once, the dwarves set out, aiming their mine in the direction of where they thought the ruby was.\u00a0 Well, there is perhaps nothing so important to a dwarf as something shiny\u2014at least in these parts\u2014and their mirth and their interest drove them forth faster than anyone could have imagined.\u00a0 All told, everyone in the region can take some inspiration in their hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Cecelia said, urging Santa back toward the point he was trying to make.<\/p>\n

He nodded, understanding that he had steered a bit off track.\u00a0 \u201cThat unyielding persistence and determination wasn\u2019t without its own troubles,\u201d he went on.\u00a0 \u201cIn their blind craving for more gems, the dwarves dug straight through many days and nights, causing near-irreparable damage to more than just their bodies.\u00a0 They pushed right past where the ruby was originally found, underneath the tundra, and into the earth right below where the giants slumbered.\u00a0 You can imagine how upset one of the giants was when he collapsed into a tremendous sinkhole that opened up right beneath his bed!<\/p>\n

\u201cEnraged, the giant erupted in a fit of violence, reaching for the dwarves who attacked his home,\u201d Santa continued, waving his hands and looking at the ceiling as though he were watching it all play out before him.\u00a0 \u201cThe mine shaft that the dwarves constructed to that point fell in on itself as he knocked away support beams and stabilizing pillars.\u00a0 It was all the dwarves could do to sneak past the giant while he flailed and hollered.\u00a0 In the darkness, they saw much better than he did, and could scale the shallow pit that they\u2019d accidentally opened up with some manner of ease, thanks to their mattocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t escape his gaze for long though,\u201d he clarified.\u00a0 \u201cOnce he climbed out of his new basement, he saw the little dwarves exiting right through the front door of his cave and pursued them again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI get it,\u201d Rhianna muttered to Michael.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d be mad too if someone woke me up without any coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile all this was going on, mind you, I was in the frozen wastes, solving our ruby problem,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cImagine my surprise when a half dozen dwarves and a mighty giant charged across the area, looking like they thought I was aiming to steal the thing.\u00a0 But they just passed me by, completely unconcerned with what I was doing\u2014mind you I was working at stabilizing the relationship between the three races.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what ended up happening?\u201d Michael wondered.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see this ending well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt nearly ended in bloodshed!\u201d Santa confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cThe giant chased the dwarves into the Andal Forest, tearing a whole tree out at the roots.\u00a0 He swung it about like a mighty club, knocking over other trees while he was at it, and opening up a new sinkhole right into another branch of the dwarves\u2019 mine.\u00a0 Some of them managed to scramble into that, but the giant blocked it off with one of the fallen trees before they all could.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time I arrived, and tried to invoke some calm, the elves had gathered up arms and drawn their weapons,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be fair,\u201d Cecelia chimed in, \u201cthey probably thought it was an invasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not in disagreement about anyone\u2019s feelings or fears,\u201d Santa agreed.\u00a0 \u201cBut a whole series of accidents nearly thrust the region into chaos that I was completely unprepared for.\u00a0 It took a great speech and an impassioned plea to make sure that the area I stood within didn\u2019t become a battlefield.\u00a0 But, with luck, I settled the tensions, and didn\u2019t end up a splattering on the snow-covered forest floor, or a pincushion filled with elven arrows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now we\u2019re here to celebrate!\u201d Zelda cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right!\u201d Santa cheerfully confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cI brought you here for reasons twofold: first, you\u2019ve done me a great kindness for three years already, and if anyone can speak to the importance of everyone getting along, especially during this time of year, it\u2019s the DeAngelo family.\u00a0 I also know that every time I bring you here I have you risk your lives, so I\u2019m hoping it will be a nice change of pace for you to come here without everything falling apart around you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just happy to be able to visit you again,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cThough of course none of us are the kind of people to turn down free food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept for Peanut,\u201d Michael muttered.\u00a0 \u201cShe can be pretty finnicky when she wants to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cat sneered at him.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s finnicky to request three sardines, all perpendicular to one another, carefully strewn upon a velvet pillow, I\u2019m afraid I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before anyone could react to that absurd comment, they heard a hasty pounding on the door.<\/p>\n

Cecelia stepped forward, tapping Santa on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou stay here and talk to your friends.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go tend to our latest guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, my dear,\u201d came his joyful reply.\u00a0 He turned back to the DeAngelo family and clapped his gloved hands together.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you say I bring you to the dining area?\u00a0 We have plenty of goodies and treats to be had, and I know that even though Cecelia is helping where she can, my attention will be divided.\u00a0 Better I leave you in the presence of some tasty refreshments than here tending to the kitchen.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want anyone to think you\u2019re the help,\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n

The DeAngelo family took what little remained of their drinks, cookies and meat snacks, and followed Santa into what felt like a maze of corridors.<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta?\u201d Michael asked.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been wondering: how exactly are you supposed to indulge the delegate from the giants?\u00a0 The lodge is roomy in some places, but it\u2019s hardly big enough to\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His words trailed off then, as they entered the main dining area of the evening.<\/p>\n

A series of steps descended somewhat into the ground, but the walls remained high, without a second floor to ruin the scene. \u00a0The view was beautiful as well, for the ceiling in the chamber was made of glass that was so fine, it seemed to be invisible.\u00a0 Santa\u2019s guests looked at the sky in awe, observing the starry tapestry, and the aurora that passed by overhead.<\/p>\n

A wide banquet table was situated on the far side of the chamber, and to one side, a tall evergreen stood, adorned with many lights and baubles, along with long strings of garland.\u00a0 The tree itself would have been as tall as a giant, they realized.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were saying?\u201d Santa said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about him,\u201d Rhianna teased.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s just way too cynical.\u201d\u00a0 She nudged him on his side.\u00a0 \u201cYou see?\u00a0 Everything works out fine if you just believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their jolly host let a hearty laugh shake him to his core.\u00a0 As that laughter continued, he turned about, heading back through the lodge to meet his companion, and the arriving guests.<\/p>\n

Left alone, Michael and Rhianna and their pets looked across the room, spotting the food that the north had prepared for them. \u00a0Nuts, dried, thin cuts of meats, grapes and cheeses rested on the table on the other side of the room.\u00a0 The food sat illuminated by a beautiful fireplace across the way, and the mugs and dishware seemed to shine in that light.<\/p>\n

While the sight of it was enough to make anyone salivate, the lot of them could hear the frantic licks of one of their family members.\u00a0 They all looked about, until they sensed the desperation of the newest member of the household.\u00a0 Maisie licked her lips, and only ventured a glance elsewhere when she felt everyone\u2019s gaze land upon her.\u00a0 She looked back to the food a moment later, her whole body shaking at the prospect of the tremendous dinner that was about to be in her belly.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on babies,\u201d Rhianna said with a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go see what we can get you to tide you over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAssume the begging position!\u201d Zelda said as she hopped on her two back feet as they drew closer to the banquet table.<\/p>\n

When they passed closer to the far end of the room, Michael and Rhianna noticed the tremendous double doors built into the side of the lodge.\u00a0 No doubt that was fashioned just for the delegate from the giants\u2014they wondered if the lodge was built with them in mind, or if that gateway was added later.<\/p>\n

Their attention shifted elsewhere, then, for as they passed the sides of the table, they saw the magnificent gem that was responsible for the event that evening.\u00a0 The beautiful ruby sat at the center of the table, lying against an ornate horn that seemed a hollow attempt at seeming anywhere near as attractive as the real focal point.<\/p>\n

Michael and Rhianna approached the table and picked a few pieces of food off the table and fed the animals that crowded around them.\u00a0 Once the dogs and the cat were somewhat placated, Rhianna picked up a silver goblet, taking a gulp of the crimson drink inside it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa!\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the best wine I think I\u2019ve ever had.\u00a0 Santa knows his stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll like whatever\u2019s in here,\u201d he said as he reached for a golden mug that seemed to overflow with foam.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind some more eggnog though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive it a try,\u201d Rhianna suggested.\u00a0 \u201cWho knows?\u00a0 Maybe Tellest beer is something you can actually enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t argue with that idea, and he took a small sip of the beverage then.\u00a0 His eyes grew wide and he licked his lips. \u00a0\u201cOh wow.\u00a0 That tastes just like butterb\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say it!\u201d Rhianna interrupted.\u00a0 \u201cEven in Tellest we\u2019re not safe from trademark infringement!\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael accepted that wisdom with a nod, and happily drank from the mug again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see the party started without me,\u201d they heard then.\u00a0 On the other side of the room, a newcomer emerged from the corridor they had exited from a few moments earlier.\u00a0 \u201cThe big man always sets up one heck of a feast, so I\u2019m surprised ye left anything fer the rest of us!\u201d<\/p>\n

They could see, even from that distance, that the first of Santa\u2019s other guests was a dwarf\u2014the delegate of Clan Lockmoor, no doubt.\u00a0 Neither Michael or Rhianna had ever seen a dwarf dressed quite so dapper though.\u00a0 He wore golden bands in his dark brown beard and hair, keeping his coif proper and clean.\u00a0 A fancy vest, lined with black and yellow trim, rested over a linen shirt that was tucked into leather bracers as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalgrum\u2019s me name,\u201d he said as he drew closer.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure our mutual friend told ye all about the spat we dwarves had with the elves and the giants, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe told us bits and pieces,\u201d Rhianna replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s good that you were able to avoid a dangerous conflict.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye,\u201d Halgrum said as he rounded the table.\u00a0 \u201cThe big man has a habit of bringing out the best in people.\u00a0 Why, just a few months ago, before all the mess with\u2026\u201d \u00a0His words trailed off once he realized the humans weren\u2019t the only \u201cambassadors\u201d that Santa had brought to the feast.\u00a0 With a gasp, he threw his hands up to his face.\u00a0 \u201cPuppies!\u201d\u00a0 He fell to his knees then, petting the dogs with his stubby hands.\u00a0 Peanut, not immediately revered, sneered and strolled beside him then, earning a few pets of her own.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I see why Santa invited us here this year,\u201d Michael snickered.<\/p>\n

Before Halgrum could reign in his thoughts to speak to Santa\u2019s ambassadors again, the DeAngelo family were attended to by another of the delegates.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could have sworn I heard one of those malodorous tunnel-carvers from Lochmoor,\u201d came an unexpected voice.\u00a0 Neither Michael nor Rhianna could hide their surprise, having hopped back a few steps at the sudden appearance of the elf from the Andal Forest.<\/p>\n

Halgrum grunted, and rose from the floor, peering past the table.\u00a0 \u201cYe got to be careful around this one,\u201d he warned.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s sneakier than a shadow, and greedier with gold and gems than a dragon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the two delegates slung harsh words at one another, their tones were a little less callous.\u00a0 Still, when Halgrum circled around to the other side of the table to meet the elf there, nobody could dismiss the tension there.\u00a0 At any moment, it seemed, a war was fit to break out.<\/p>\n

Though the well-dressed elf looked unarmed, his auburn tunic, etched with silver thread, seemed like it could hide a small blade here or there.\u00a0 Wide eyes caught underneath a furrowed brow did nothing to stave off the thought of sinister intentions, either.<\/p>\n

A moment later, both the elf and the dwarf cracked a smile, exchanging a handshake as though they had known each other for some time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ll find it hard for anyone to express any ill desires here under the shelter of our gracious host\u2019s sanctuary,\u201d the elf said, somehow aware of the worries of the ambassadors.\u00a0 \u201cYou must be the friends that our mutual companion spoke of.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t been around humans much, but my guess is that you\u2019re Michael, and you\u2019re Rhianna?\u201d he asked, pointing to each in turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd these fluffkins are Peanut, Zelda and Maisie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is my honor to be meeting you,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cI am the delegate from the Andal Forest.\u00a0 My name is Beroras.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two seem to know each other pretty well,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 \u201cBut you don\u2019t seem all that hostile to each other.\u00a0 Forgive me for mentioning it, but weren\u2019t you two and the other delegate supposed to be on kind of uneasy terms?\u201d<\/p>\n

Halgrum shrugged, but Beroras nodded at the assessment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true that we\u2019ve had a tumultuous few months,\u201d the elf said.\u00a0 \u201cIndeed, it looked like the ivory white of the wasteland would be stained crimson thanks to our greed.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t always like this, of course.\u00a0 I\u2019d run across Halgrum a few times in the past, and we always got along without much fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe kept to our own, which is what makes good neighbors,\u201d the dwarf teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but great neighbors learn to see the value in one another,\u201d a hearty voice called out.\u00a0 Santa entered the room then from the same corridor that the rest had emerged from.\u00a0 Even in that short while since they had seen him last, Michael and Rhianna realized that the jolly fellow had cleaned himself up somewhat, wearing a tighter-fitting red tunic that was inlaid with golden etchings.\u00a0 \u201cWe are almost ready for the feast!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat must mean Rurnar is around,\u201d Halgrum said.\u00a0 \u201cThough I can\u2019t say I felt him bearing down on us like a crash of wooly rhinos.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because his<\/em> invitation specifically requested a soft and reserved approach,\u201d Santa joked.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve seen all the decorations we have in place here.\u00a0 I can\u2019t have them toppling from their shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Santa passed the other delegates and his ambassadors and walked toward the towering double doors. \u00a0With a powerful shove, he thrust the doors open, and the rest of the attendants saw the tremendous final guest of the evening.<\/p>\n

Wearing matted furs and donning a scraggly beard and unkempt hair, the giant, Rurnar, seemed a little underdressed for the occasion.\u00a0 He took one step forward, and as soft as it was, everyone in attendance could feel the seismic shift beneath their feet.<\/p>\n

A little whimper emerged from Maisie\u2019s throat, and she ran behind Michael, pawing at him for protection.<\/p>\n

Halgrum and Beroras acted with more courage, approaching the doorway and drawing up behind Santa.\u00a0 They offered salutations of their own\u2014a nod from the dwarf, and a bow from the elf\u2014before Rurnar dipped his head beneath the doorway, just shy of being tall enough to accommodate his immense size.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must eat even more than Maisie,\u201d Zelda whispered to Peanut.<\/p>\n

\u201cYe don\u2019t exactly look the part of a fancy delegate,\u201d Halgrum teased then.\u00a0 \u201cWe should have felt ye comin\u2019, surely.\u00a0 But I\u2019m as surprised as I would be if I had a new nose growin\u2019 on me face that we didn\u2019t smell ye.\u201d<\/p>\n

The giant said nothing\u2014just offering up a low grumble\u2014but their host turned around and raised his hands to limit the smelly jokes.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not exactly easy for a giant to find or make such fancy attire as you have brought with you,\u201d he said to Halgrum and Beroras.\u00a0 \u201cI told Rurnar he didn\u2019t need to worry about things.\u00a0 I have a change of clothes for him right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the attendees looked around, trying to spot where a new outfit might be, but they couldn\u2019t find anything out of sorts.<\/p>\n

Then, with a snap of Santa\u2019s fingers, a bright light filled the lodge, reflecting off the large glass windows.\u00a0 When the illumination faded, Rurnar had transformed.\u00a0 His matted furs were replaced by a huge linen vest that was lined with fluffier, fancier fur.\u00a0 His breeches now fully covered his legs and tucked into boots that looked like it would have taken ten cobblers a year to make.\u00a0 Rurnar\u2019s beard and hair were more deliberately placed then as well.\u00a0 With large golden bands bundling the many strands together, he looked somewhat like Halgrum, though perhaps ten times as large.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Santa,\u201d Rurnar said in his low, deep voice.\u00a0 \u201cNow I don\u2019t have to worry about taking my annual bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beroras stepped forward then, tossing his hands out to the side.\u00a0 \u201cUmm, I don\u2019t think that is any reason to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Santa turned and gestured to the elven delegate to not bother with that train of thought.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re here to have a good time,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n

Michael raised his mug then.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll toast to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot everyone has their drinks,\u201d Rhianna chided.\u00a0 \u201cYou just wanted an excuse to get a refill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her husband shrugged and nodded, unwilling to contest that assessment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll take a bit of time to get the appropriate flagon for our mighty tall friend here,\u201d Halgrum said, pointing to Rurnar.\u00a0 \u201cBut the food looks ripe for eatin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh that?\u201d Santa asked.\u00a0 \u201cThose are just the appetizers.\u201d\u00a0 He clapped his hands, the sound seeming to resound through the lodge.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas wizard,\u201d Rhianna whispered to her husband.<\/p>\n

As the echo of his hand clapping dissipated, the attendants heard another noise take its place.\u00a0 Like the sound of soldiers marching, boots tapped against the floor, approaching the banquet area.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an invasion!\u201d Zelda cried out.<\/p>\n

She soon learned, along with the rest of the attendees, that more companions of Santa\u2019s were tapped to lend a hand to the all-important event.<\/p>\n

One by one, a parade of elves entered the room, led by Cecelia.\u00a0 She sent a wink in Beroras\u2019s direction, but kept to her route, leading the procession of helpers toward the table.\u00a0 Twelve elven maidens and an elf male carried covered foods to the guests, the aromas of the meals filling the room. \u00a0In a concerted effort, the elves placed their dishes upon the table, and in unison pulled the metal coverings from atop them.\u00a0 Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, beans and corn and carrots, heaping piles of bread, and so many more smatterings of food lay strewn across the long table, causing the delegates\u2019 mouths to water.<\/p>\n

The elves weren\u2019t done though, it seemed.\u00a0 For while the procession of elves brought food and further refreshments for the smaller of the delegates, a quartet of burly dwarves pushed a pair of carts into the room from a corner corridor of the lodge.\u00a0 The first cart carried an entire barrel of ale, and the one following it held a stack of mammoth ribs\u2014enough to sate any giant\u2019s appetite.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is incredible,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 \u201cI feel like royalty or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you should, my friends,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve helped save Christmas on three occasions, and now, you finally get your much deserved\u2026\u201d\u00a0 His words trailed off, and he tilted his head to the side as he stared at Michael and Rhianna. \u00a0\u201cSomething seems to be missing.\u201d\u00a0 He bent over, looking underneath the banquet table then, where he saw the other three members of the DeAngelo family.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, what are you doing under here?\u00a0 You\u2019re also our guests of honor!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

With smiles on their faces, Michael and Rhianna lifted Maisie and Zelda onto seats at the table, watching their eyes go wide at the sight of the food.\u00a0 Peanut, however, refused any assistance in the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet your hands away from me, peasant,\u201d she told Michael.\u00a0 Once she arrived there, however, and saw a plate of fish not far from her spot at the table, she eased up, and even pressed her head against Michael\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you to my lovely friends for all their assistance this evening,\u201d Santa said, addressing the wait staff and attendants.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re all getting something extra nice in your stockings this year.\u201d\u00a0 Recognizing their cue, the elves flashed cherubic smiles at the guests and their host before taking their leave.\u00a0 Santa turned and looked about to his eight other guests, bringing his hands together, before indicating toward the table.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, my friends: take your seats and eat, drink and be merry.\u00a0 We have a great deal to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

One by one, the other ambassadors and diplomatic delegates took their seats at the table.\u00a0 Rurnar recognized that no seat would possibly accommodate him, and rested on his rump, taking up a spot on the floor closest to the doors from which he had entered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, how are you?\u201d Rhianna asked, keenly aware that if he wanted to, he could probably eat her in far fewer bites than the ribs Santa prepared for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m better now that I\u2019m indoors,\u201d Rurnar said in his rich timbre.\u00a0 \u201cThe cold is harsh this time of year, and it\u2019s not exactly easy to find shelter when you\u2019re this big.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI rather like the cold,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cBut we also have like twenty blankets at home to bundle ourselves up in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re always looking for more,\u201d Michael said from the far end of the banquet table, clicking his tongue and sending a wink their way.<\/p>\n

Rurnar let out a chuckle that nearly shook the room.\u00a0 \u201cI have a blanket that was made out of mammoth fur that could cover this whole building.\u00a0 Of course, it\u2019s at the bottom of a sinkhole now,\u201d he grumbled, keeping his gaze on Halgrum until he turned to regard him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre ye still on about that?\u201d the dwarf asked.\u00a0 \u201cI told ye, a lot of people spend good money to get a basement, and ye got one for free.\u00a0 We did hard labor for ye out of the goodness of our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost folks get something like that while they aren\u2019t in<\/em> their home,\u201d the giant insisted.\u00a0 He looked back to Rhianna then, squaring his jaw.\u00a0 \u201cI know this doesn\u2019t make sense, but I\u2019m a bit afraid of heights.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you ever have those dreams where you\u2019re falling and then you have a sudden stop?\u00a0 Well imagine my surprise when that dream turned out to be real!\u201d\u00a0 He reached back and rubbed his rump.\u00a0 \u201cTruth be told, the dwarves were lucky they made it out of there alive.\u00a0 There\u2019s a tremendous crater where I landed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShaped like his rear-end, if the rumors are to be true,\u201d Beroras said as he passed behind Rhianna and grabbed a nearby glass of wine.<\/p>\n

Rurnar narrowed his large eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThose allegations are wildly exaggerated.\u201d\u00a0 He paused to consider things.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, there\u2019s some truth to it.\u00a0 Clan Lochmoor is still on retainer to repair my bed or make me a new one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell when we have a spare month, we\u2019ll send half our craftsmen,\u201d Halgrum said before tearing into a succulent turkey leg.\u00a0 After bringing up his arm, ready to wipe his beard on his sleeve, he looked to Michael who sent a discerning glance his way, reminding him where he was.\u00a0 With a little sigh escaping his lips and shaking the bristles in his beard, Halgrum reached for the nearest napkin.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was I saying \u2018afore I was so rudely interrupted?\u00a0 Ah, yes: the winters this far up north can be beautiful, surely.\u00a0 But the summers?\u00a0 They can be\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, what do you know?\u201d Beroras said from behind them.\u00a0 \u201cYou spend all your time underground anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halgrum turned to the teasing elf, who warmed himself by the fire.\u00a0 \u201cAnd yet, even though I do, I have this lovely bronze complexion, and ye look like a pasty white snowman.\u00a0 How\u2019d that happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael took a moment to enjoy his surroundings while the delegates participated in another round of verbal sparring.\u00a0 Snow started to fall outside, landing upon the glass ceiling above. \u00a0Far higher above, even the stars looked like wintry snowflakes.\u00a0 Michael hummed to himself as he took another sip of his tasty beverage, before setting his sights on the magnificent tree to his side.\u00a0 Many of the decorations were small wooden discs, with illustrated sigils of the cities and settlements of Tellest depicted upon them.\u00a0 While he scrutinized the few that he didn\u2019t know, the lights upon the tree seemed to flicker, and he tilted his head to the side to try and understand why.\u00a0 Before his eyes then, they rose off the branches, and fluttered to new spots.<\/p>\n

\u201cLumibugs,\u201d the man cheerfully said to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I might have everyone\u2019s attention,\u201d Santa said then.\u00a0 He walked along the open area of the floor in front of the banquet table, preparing for his speech.\u00a0 \u201cI am so glad that you are all here with us tonight.\u00a0 This is a very special time of year where togetherness is very meaningful.\u00a0 Today also marks a very special occasion because our three delegates who represent the elves, dwarves and giants are signing a special agreement that reiterates years of friendship, alliance and cooperation.\u00a0 And it\u2019s all thanks to that tiny, sparkling jewel there,\u201d he said, pointing to the ruby at the center of the banquet table.<\/p>\n

The animals, eating the various fish, meats and cheeses, paused for a moment to look upon the gemstone, before resuming their feast.<\/p>\n

Try as she might though, Maisie couldn\u2019t wrench her gaze from the shimmering ruby.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was lucky enough to be called to help when I was,\u201d Santa went on.\u00a0 \u201cYou all claimed to have the right to it, citing how you were harmed by the others after its discovery.\u00a0 But as much as it glitters in the light, at the end of any day, it would have just been a rock.\u00a0 Together, though, you were able to make something magical.<\/p>\n

\u201cRurnar, you found it\u2014and I don\u2019t think it would ever have been revealed if not for your hunt in the frozen wastes,\u201d Santa insisted.\u00a0 \u201cBeroras, you and your people took something simple and imbued it with great magical power, utilizing a millennium of experience to turn it into something more than just a shiny stone.\u00a0 And Halgrum, you worked together with some of your finest craftsmen to fashion a pendant powerful enough to house what became a fine artifact the likes of which this region hasn\u2019t seen in quite some time. \u00a0And now, with the ruby fixed into a pendant, we\u2019ve made not just a symbol of solidarity between all the people of the great north, but a tremendous tool that we can use to not only repair the damage that was done to your homes, but also the strain that has built between the giants, dwarves and elves.\u00a0 As per the agreement, you\u2019ll each alternate using the pendant, employing its enhancements of strength and speed to restore your forest, mine and cave.\u00a0 Afterwards, we\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

As Santa went on, the delegates and ambassadors watched in wide-eyed wonder.\u00a0 Their host had tremendous poise, and a charismatic gift for planning, and everyone in attendance truly felt united.<\/p>\n

But one little guest, who could not quite understand the words, couldn\u2019t help but remain distracted.\u00a0 Maisie\u2019s gaze remained fixed on the jeweled centerpiece, and she licked her lips as she considered how it might taste.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith our friendships renewed, I see a time of great prosperity in place for us over the next century or more,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cSo, if I may, I would like to ask that you all raise a glass.\u00a0 Here\u2019s to an alliance that will result in great things for our region, for now and for long to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

The delegates raised their glasses, mugs and barrels, and Santa\u2019s ambassadors did the same, toasting to the grand plan.<\/p>\n

By the time those drinks reached the table once more, however, the attendants realized that there was a subtle change about the place.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem,\u201d Peanut said.\u00a0 \u201cHumans?\u00a0 We have a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Michael and Rhianna looked about, not realizing what had occurred.\u00a0 They spotted Zelda\u2019s tucked back ears then, and watched as she lowered herself down toward the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Zelda?\u201d Rhianna asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you look so sad all of a sudden?\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael arched his eyebrow as he considered her odd behavior.\u00a0 \u201cShe never does anything wrong,\u201d he speculated.\u00a0 \u201cBut she always looks worried whenever\u2026\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Maisie as his words trailed off and watched as she looked away in shame.<\/p>\n

Maisie licked her lips again and moved her head forward as she burped.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take long for her humans to realize what had transpired.<\/p>\n

By then, the other delegates, along with Santa, noted the strange shift of mood in the room.<\/p>\n

Rhianna remained quiet, but her widening eyes gave away her feelings of concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter dear?\u201d Santa asked.\u00a0 \u201cIs everything al\u2014\u201d He gasped upon realizing what happened, and his face went red once he realized that the pendant was gone from the center of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem surprised,\u201d Michael deadpanned.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you always watching?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t you have seen this coming from a mile away?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s\u2026that\u2019s one of the great embellishments of my character,\u201d Santa claimed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat, do you think I never sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

By then, the other attendants began to understand what occurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we don\u2019t have the pendant, the mines might not last long enough to be properly reinforced,\u201d Halgrum stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet alone my cave,\u201d Rurnar added.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd as hard as the soil is, it\u2019s tremendously difficult to plant new trees,\u201d Beroras stated.\u00a0 \u201cWe were going to use the pendant to aid us in that endeavor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now,\u201d Santa said, raising his hands to placate his guests.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s not worry ourselves too greatly here.\u00a0 There is a simple solution to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the elf that took me dagger?\u201d Halgrum asked.\u00a0 \u201cA little incision right on her belly ought to get us right to the ruby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa,\u201d Michael said, pushing out his chair and rising from his seat.\u00a0 \u201cAre you a board-certified veterinarian?\u00a0 Because if you aren\u2019t, you can forget poking at our puppy with any pointy objects!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t need a knife,\u201d Rurnar said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll squeeze it out of her and get the ruby back in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna held out her hand and pushed it against the giant\u2019s as he reached forward.\u00a0 \u201cSettle yourself down there, big guy.\u00a0 Nobody squishes our dog but us.\u201d<\/p>\n

While everyone else grew louder and louder, the elf pacing behind the table offered up a quiet solution that nobody heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d Beroras said, \u201cwe could always just\u2026wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stern voices filled the banquet hall, and Maisie, still unable to understand them, let her eyes dart from one place in the room to the next.\u00a0 She looked to Michael, who rose from his seat and yelled at the dwarf.\u00a0 She looked to Rhianna, who used her \u201cangry\u201d voice toward the giant.\u00a0 She looked to Peanut, who shook her head at the young dog in disappointment.\u00a0 And she looked at Zelda, who returned a look to her before saying some more words that she just couldn\u2019t quite understand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you\u2019re not supposed to eat stuff that isn\u2019t given to you,\u201d Zelda said.\u00a0 \u201cNow everyone is mad and worried about you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Against that chorus of louder and fiercer voices, Maisie hopped from her seat, and looked about for any sign of peace.\u00a0 Her gaze settled upon the giant doors that Rurnar had entered from, and though she knew that they were closed, she thought perhaps she could scratch them open.<\/p>\n

Maisie darted in that direction, and to her surprise, bolted faster than she ever had before.\u00a0 Unable to stop before she reached the doors, she collided into them.\u00a0 Rather than hurt herself though, she barreled right through them, tearing one of the doors off its hinges.\u00a0 A cold gust of wind burst into the room, sending shivers down the spines of those in attendance.\u00a0 Maisie had moved so fast that nobody quite realized what happened, but it didn\u2019t take long for her family to realize she was there no longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaisie?\u201d Michael called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat just happened?\u201d Rhianna asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s our puppy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe just\u2026took off,\u201d Michael replied.\u00a0 \u201cShe was here one second, and the next it was like a bolt of black-and-white lightning.\u201d<\/p>\n

The delegates rose up, and looked about as well, peering this way and that, and approaching the battered doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has the ruby pendant,\u201d Santa explained.\u00a0 \u201cShe has the power of the enchanted gemstone, so she can move as quick as the wind, and she\u2019s as strong as Rurnar\u2014if not more so.\u00a0 Fret not, though.\u00a0 We can see where she went, and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see her trail!\u201d Halgrum shouted.\u00a0 \u201cLittle puppy footprints, leading out into the snow.\u00a0 Beroras, you\u2019re good at tracking, ain\u2019t ye?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got keen eyes,\u201d the elf confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s get after her!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rurnar stepped out into the cold then as well, shaking the ground with his urgency.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s moving far and fast,\u201d he said, pointing to the distance between her paw prints.\u00a0 \u201cCome on then.\u00a0 A higher vantage will give you a better chance at seeing her trail.\u201d\u00a0 He lowered his hands, letting the smaller delegates climb onto his palms before he lifted them up to his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you kindly\u2026\u201d Santa tried to say.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026And they\u2019re gone.\u00a0 Well this is a right proper mess that I wasn\u2019t expecting.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to his remaining guests, his ambassadors who had saved Christmas on more than one occasion, and realized they had one of their own that needed help that year.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m surprised you aren\u2019t out there as well, charging after them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t even know where to begin,\u201d Michael said, his eyes wide with confusion, and his voice crawling with exasperation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe couldn\u2019t possibly keep up with the others,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cBut we can\u2019t let them catch her Santa.\u00a0 None of them are thinking clearly!\u201dy6667<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d he replied, offering a reassuring nod.\u00a0 \u201cYou all are calm and listening to reason, which is more than I can say for the others.\u00a0 They can try to track her, but as frantic as she was, and in an unfamiliar region, I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be darting all over the place before she finds somewhere that she feels safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we don\u2019t have any<\/em> tracking skills,\u201d Peanut declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Zelda piped up, clearly offended.\u00a0 \u201cI am always<\/em> checking the perimeter for signs of any mischief.\u00a0 My nose is a finely tuned machine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut narrowed her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve seen them throw you food that you\u2019ve missed before, and you couldn\u2019t sniff it out even when it dropped right under you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLuckily, I won\u2019t be asking anyone to track anything,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cWith a little Christmas magic, I think I\u2019ll be able to help you find your missing pup before you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd before the others find her,\u201d Rhianna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll tire themselves out before long, and they\u2019ll need to come back here to regain their strength,\u201d Santa assured.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you four follow me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The DeAngelo family did as instructed, shadowing their host as he walked out into the cold of the snowy night.\u00a0 They saw Maisie\u2019s tracks as clearly as the delegates had, but they didn\u2019t linger there, for Santa turned to the side, and walked alongside the lodge until they passed its far edge.\u00a0 There, not so far away, was another building that looked just as warm and inviting as the lodge had.\u00a0 Santa led the family there and pressed through the swinging door at the front of the building.<\/p>\n

In the soft light of the building, they couldn\u2019t see much, but Santa wore a smile as he turned to regard them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure what\u2019s in there, but you seem pretty happy,\u201d Zelda said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be lending you three things to aid you this night,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019ll recognize this first one well enough.\u201d\u00a0 He turned toward the building once more, peering into the darkness.\u00a0 A moment later, he brought his hand to his mouth, blowing a puff of air off of his hand as though he had plucked magic from the aether and scattered it into the building.\u00a0 Sure enough, that magic took form, brightening the lanterns that were strewn about the building.\u00a0 There, in the center of the main room, was a familiar-looking sleigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that the one that we\u2014\u201d Michael began.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe very same,\u201d Santa expressed with his joyous tone.\u00a0 \u201cOnly this year, I won\u2019t be asking your little pup to pull it on her lonesome.\u00a0 Perhaps one of my friends could help you in that regard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Santa placed two fingers in his mouth and let a high-pitched whistle pierce the air.\u00a0 Almost at once, his guests heard the clip-clop of hooves, and they saw shadows moving from the pens in the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I can\u2019t let you use all of my friends here,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cI need them strong and rested for Christmas Eve.\u00a0 But I think you\u2019ll find that even one of them will give you the strength to outpace Halgrum, Beroras and Rurnar.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he finished speaking, Santa\u2019s friends emerged from deeper in the stable.\u00a0 One by one, a dozen reindeer entered the room\u2014including one with a shiny red nose.<\/p>\n

Zelda gasped, and her eyes grew large.\u00a0 She sprinted forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cSvetlana!\u201d she cried out, running past the more famous deer, who grumbled and returned to his pen, just a little dejected.<\/p>\n

When Zelda reached her reindeer friend from their previous adventure, Svetlana playfully tapped her hoof at the ground and reached down to nuzzle the pup.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see your little one has a strong memory,\u201d Santa said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat night when we returned, she would not stop talking about her favorite reindeer,\u201d Rhianna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd even when the next day came, and she couldn\u2019t talk<\/em>, she still woofed at us like we could understand her,\u201d Michael added.\u00a0 \u201cFor weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut clicked her tongue then.\u00a0 \u201cSo, we\u2019ve got a sleigh and someone to pull it.\u00a0 What good will that do us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna flashed a half-hearted smile.\u00a0 \u201cIgnore the cynical kitty.\u00a0 But\u2026she does have a point.\u00a0 Your other friends have an experienced tracker with them.\u00a0 I have a hard time finding my glasses when they\u2019re on my face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFret not,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cI think the last item I\u2019ll lend you will be the one that helps you most.\u00a0 Follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael and Rhianna did as they were told, chasing after their host as he moved toward a desk in the corner of the room.\u00a0 Peanut remained in front of the sleigh, taking the opportunity to groom herself, while Zelda continued speaking with Svetlana the reindeer, regaling her with all her tales and exploits over the previous two years.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we are,\u201d Santa said, pointing toward a mirror that hung from the wall above the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 \u201cThe power of self-confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Santa snorted and laughed at that notion, steadying himself on the desk before shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll have no need of that.\u00a0 But what you might benefit from is a little magic.\u00a0 Rhianna, no doubt you\u2019ve been reading that tome you were gifted a couple years back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFront and back,\u201d she replied.\u00a0 As she considered his words, her eyes widened in anticipation.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re going to use \u2018old world\u2019 magic, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to see how I always see the things I need to?\u201d Santa asked.<\/p>\n

His guests couldn\u2019t keep their heads from nodding, though they were shocked still when they saw as Santa lifted his hand and pointed toward the mirror again.\u00a0 His skin began to glow, and before either of them could lift their hands to stifle the illumination, the whole room was awash in light, stealing away their vision.<\/p>\n

A moment later, the light faded, and their vision slowly returned to them.\u00a0 Santa stood there, a proud smile on his face.\u00a0 Together, Michael and Rhianna looked to the mirror, realizing that it no longer offered up a reflection.\u00a0 Instead, it showed their lost dog\u2014Maisie charged through the falling snow, toward the massive forest before her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this right now?\u201d Michael asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I run my magic mirrors on a delay?\u201d Santa asked.\u00a0 \u201cThis is live.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA real-life Santa tracker,\u201d Rhianna muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly it\u2019s tracking Maisie,\u201d Michael added.\u00a0 \u201cLook at how fast she\u2019s moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s about time we get you<\/em> moving,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cSvetlana will carry you quickly, but the others have a head start on you.\u00a0 There\u2019s no way they\u2019ll catch your little one, but they could scare her into running farther away or into a dangerous situation.\u201d\u00a0 He plucked the mirror off the wall and handed it to Rhianna.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll need this, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 Just remember to keep it safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause if it falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to disaster for Christmas?\u201d she wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Santa said.\u00a0 \u201cThe magic I\u2019ve enacted will only work for a day, and then it will revert to just another mundane mirror.\u00a0 But if it breaks, it\u2019s still seven years bad luck!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we won\u2019t be able to find Maisie,\u201d Michael added.\u00a0 \u201cCome on everyone.\u00a0 Before the others get too far ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Michael, Rhianna and Peanut climbed into the familiar sleigh, Zelda hopped upon the ground by Svetlana.\u00a0 Santa set everything in place, gently placing the bit inside the reindeer\u2019s mouth before urging the chihuahua into place alongside her family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that I\u2019ll be seeing you all soon,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you get back, we can resume our feast in full\u2014I\u2019ll keep things warm until then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Santa,\u201d Michael said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just another adventure,\u201d he said with a laugh before lightly tapping Svetlana on the rump to get her started.<\/p>\n

The reindeer pulled the sleigh out into the snow, and immediately set to work, building up speed and tugging the DeAngelo family along.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go Svetlana!\u201d Zelda cried, peering over the lip of the sleigh.<\/p>\n

Rhianna held up the mirror, squinting past the falling snow as it whipped by them.\u00a0 She caught Michael looking at him and clicked her tongue.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u00a0 You know how I can\u2019t look down at my phone in the car without getting sick?\u00a0 This is practically the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

He just snickered, and clung tight to the reins.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s she doing?\u201d he asked a few moments later, peering at the mirror.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s coming up on the forest,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen she gets in there, it might be too dark to see anything, so we have to move fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFaster then them, anyway,\u201d they heard.\u00a0 Michael and Rhianna looked between them then, to see that Peanut had joined them at the front of the sleigh, hanging over curling front of the vehicle.\u00a0 \u201cLook,\u201d she said, pointing to the snowy horizon.<\/p>\n

Each of them\u2014and Zelda, too\u2014followed that gesture, and noticed the towering giant who trudged across the icy plains.\u00a0 From that distance, they could only just notice the two figures on his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Svetlana,\u201d Michael said, giving the reins a light snap, \u201clet\u2019s beat them to the forest, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a horse-like snort, the reindeer dipped her head and pushed ahead.\u00a0 Rhianna grabbed Michael\u2019s arm when she lurched back from the extra boost of speed.\u00a0 She buried her head against his shoulder a moment later, and Michael lifted his arm to combat the rush of snow that blew forth.\u00a0 Peanut dropped to the floor of the sleigh, grabbing Zelda and pulling her back when she drew too close to the edge.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do care!\u201d Zelda exclaimed.<\/p>\n

The cat narrowed her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIf you fall out, we have to stop and come back for you.\u00a0 It\u2019s too cold out here to stay any longer than we have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelda stared for a moment, digesting the allegedly callous reason.\u00a0 She subsequently ignored it and began bobbing her head from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cYou like me, you like me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that,\u201d Peanut groaned.<\/p>\n

That request was granted then, for Svetlana carried them along fast and true.\u00a0 As the sleigh sped on, Rurnar\u2019s large feet showed alongside them, and the cat and the dog looked up to see the elf and the dwarf on his shoulders.<\/p>\n

Michael handed the reins to his wife then and cupped his hands around his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to go on ahead guys,\u201d he yelled.\u00a0 \u201cBut don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll make sure we get the pendant\u2014safely\u2014and we\u2019ll meet you back at the lodge!\u201d<\/p>\n

That explanation seemed to do less to placate the delegates, as Rurnar took longer strides and increased his pace then.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey think we\u2019re going to just grab our super dog and run off,\u201d Rhianna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat pendant had her burst through a giant pair of doors,\u201d Michael replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t need to give Maisie any more powers than she already has.\u00a0 Our house will be knocked down to the studs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m more worried about how quick she is,\u201d Rhianna said, her voice quavering just a bit.\u00a0 \u201cIf only she could understand us.\u00a0 She doesn\u2019t like hearing us yell, and it\u2019s all just noise to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure she\u2019s nervous out there all alone,\u201d Michael insisted.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s going to be overjoyed to see us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelda drew close to Peanut and tilted her head upward, offering up a thoughtful look.\u00a0 \u201cIf Maisie gets excited and jumps up on Mommy or Daddy, will they squeak like one of our toys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more likely they\u2019ll be tattered like the rug, or the couch, or the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot helping, you guys!\u201d Michael cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to hurry,\u201d Rhianna pressed.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s in the forest, and it\u2019s so dark I can\u2019t see where she is anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that will be a problem,\u201d Michael replied.\u00a0 \u201cLook,\u201d he said, pointing with his chin.<\/p>\n

As they barreled toward the Andal Forest, they could see the battered trees that Rurnar had knocked down during the skirmish between the elves and the dwarves.\u00a0 Those felled trees had deep scratches in the bark, and the DeAngelo family knew that they were on the right track.<\/p>\n

\u201cStress scratches!\u201d Rhianna claimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe definitely went this way,\u201d Michael said.<\/p>\n

They plunged into the forest, avoiding the uneven terrain as they went.\u00a0 Svetlana was forced to slow as they weaved between standing and fallen trees alike, but she still moved as fast as she could.\u00a0 When the canopy above grew dense, the husband and wife looked at one another in confusion.\u00a0 The starlit sky seemed to pour between the boughs, light enough to illuminate the path forward. \u00a0They couldn\u2019t understand why it seemed so dark around their lost pup when they scrutinized the mirror.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be just the forest, right?\u201d Rhianna wondered.\u00a0 \u201cWe can see this clearly; why is it we can\u2019t see her just as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael urged Svetlana around some snow-covered rocks before peering at the mirror.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s way too dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe better find her soon,\u201d they heard between them again.\u00a0 Looking down, Peanut was clinging onto the front lip of the sleigh.\u00a0 \u201cOur trail is starting to disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure enough, the fallen trees were far sparser then, and the scratches that indicated Maisie\u2019s path of escape seemed to fade from view.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven the mirror isn\u2019t helping us enough,\u201d Rhianna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d Zelda said.\u00a0 She sniffed the air, tilting her head to the side.\u00a0 \u201cSvetlana, slow down!\u201d<\/p>\n

The reindeer instantly slowed her pace, adhering to her friend\u2019s request. \u00a0No sooner did she slacken to a trot, and Zelda bolted from the sleigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing, puppy?\u201d Michael said, hopping from his spot and shuffling after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d recognize that stink anywhere!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

Unable to wait there, Michael charged after her, hoping not to lose another dog in the process of Zelda following her nose.<\/p>\n

Rhianna scooped Peanut up then as well and stepped out into the snow.\u00a0 She turned to regard their reindeer guide, stroking her back a few times.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be right back Svetlana, okay?\u00a0 Maybe hide so that the others don\u2019t see you while we\u2019re looking for Maisie.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reindeer grunted, but slowly tugged the sleigh further into the woods, away from the small clearing there.<\/p>\n

Peanut cleared her throat, then, gathering up Rhianna\u2019s attention.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t even think about adopting another pet,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would need a much bigger litter box,\u201d Rhianna considered. \u00a0\u201cLet\u2019s make sure we have our current family safe and sound before we think about that though, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

She trudged through the snow then, hoping that she would be able to find her way through the trees before long.\u00a0 Some barking not far away helped her narrow her direction, and a few moments later, she saw rocky, mountainous terrain before her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way,\u201d Michael called out when he saw his wife wandering about the area, juggling the mirror and the cat between both her hands.<\/p>\n

She looked over and saw her husband in his striking new outfit, standing out against the backdrop of white and grey.\u00a0 He stood before a gap in the rocks, which seemed to lead into a dark and twisting tunnel.<\/p>\n

\u201cZelda went inside,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cShe swears that she can smell Maisie, but I can\u2019t see past my own hand in there it\u2019s so dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t think to bring a torch,\u201d Rhianna said as she drew close.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think we need to go back to the lodge and get one?\u201d<\/p>\n

As she spoke, the way forward seemed to brighten, and they saw Zelda at the end of that illuminated path.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not scared of the dark or anything, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael and Rhianna looked at one another, trying to understand how they were able to drive away the darkness.\u00a0 Peanut kicked away from Rhianna\u2019s hold then, landing upon the cold stone floor of the tunnel entrance.\u00a0 Left with just the mirror in her hand, Rhianna realized why there was a sudden glow around them.\u00a0 The looking glass grew bright, giving off an otherworldly light that brightened the cave entrance.<\/p>\n

Awash in that light, Peanut strode into the cave, passing the pup who still sniffed at the air around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026don\u2019t run off,\u201d Michael pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not running anywhere,\u201d the cat scoffed then.\u00a0 \u201cWhile that one blindly follows her nose, you missed an obvious sign that the one that bites and chews and scratches everything has been here.\u201d\u00a0 She looked at the side of the cavern wall, and sure enough, some deep gouges were there, thanks to the enhanced strength lent to the pup by the enchanted pendant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019ll make things easier than looking at the darkness in the mirror,\u201d Rhianna considered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive me a minute,\u201d Zelda said, still sniffing the area.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll find her.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Michael and Rhianna walked on, following Peanut with the powerful equivalent to a modern floodlight, Michael tapped Zelda on the side, gathering up her attention.\u00a0 \u201cCome on,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWe figured out where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI helped!\u201d she cried as she fell into step behind the rest of her family.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure did, little puppers!\u201d Rhianna commended.\u00a0 She handed Michael the mirror then, before reaching down and plucking Zelda off the floor and snuggling her close to her chest.<\/p>\n

With the light source in his hands, Michael looked about the area, realizing where they were.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what this is?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 When he didn\u2019t get a response from anyone, he pointed to the joists along the side of the walls, and to the runic inscriptions that they passed here and there.\u00a0 \u201cThese are the tunnels that the dwarves built\u2014there must be a mine down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr this is the tunnel they were trying to carve out to find more of those rubies under the wasteland,\u201d Rhianna speculated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh, good thinking,\u201d Zelda joined in.<\/p>\n

Michael chortled at her little addition, but his face grew stern soon after.\u00a0 \u201cIf that\u2019s true, Halgrum is going to know these passageways like the back of his hand.\u00a0 We need to move a little faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

A loud grumble echoed in the cavern, and when they looked down, they saw Peanut displaying a sourpuss.\u00a0 \u201cAll her scratches are way down here, and she moves so fast they\u2019re few and far apart.\u00a0 I\u2019m doing the best I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing great, Peanut,\u201d Rhianna assured.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s just keep moving and do our best.\u00a0 Between your eyes, Zelda\u2019s nose, and our magic mirror, we\u2019ll find Maisie in no time!\u201d<\/p>\n

They traveled on for some time, but with every new intersection in the mines, they had to stop and study the walls or sniff the air for any stray scent of their lost pup.\u00a0 They went on and couldn\u2019t ignore the chill that crept into the air, all of them beginning to shiver in the cold, damp place.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m less worried that the others are going to find her before us, and more worried that she\u2019ll freeze before anyone can!\u201d Rhianna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d Michael promised.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019re close.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he spoke though, the cold became almost too much to bear. \u00a0They walked forth into a much larger chamber, and the ceiling seemed to stretch far too high.\u00a0 Far above, moonlight shone into the cavern, offering the faintest light to the mine shaft below.\u00a0 Illuminated as it was, the room could be seen for what it was.\u00a0 Debris was scattered here and there, with large planks of wood smashed to bits, and piles of rocks and stone spread throughout the chamber.\u00a0 A large blanket lay against the wall on the far side of the room\u2014much bigger than one a human would use.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a dead end,\u201d Peanut said.\u00a0 \u201cBut\u2026how?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zelda still sniffed at the air, but with all the dust that had built up in the dilapidated room, she couldn\u2019t stifle a sneeze.\u00a0 \u201cBleh!\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI can hardly sniff anything out anymore.\u00a0 But I know she\u2019s nearby.\u00a0 She has to be!\u201d<\/p>\n

Without any other means to carry on the search, Michael turned the mirror over careful not to blind himself with its illumination.\u00a0 As he stared into the looking glass, the light it offered seemed to settle, and his wife drew nearer to get a glimpse as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s still just showing nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna narrowed her eyes, peering into it still.\u00a0 \u201cSay something again,\u201d she instructed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you just tell me to speak like one of the dogs?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d Rhianna said, pointing to the mirror.<\/p>\n

He did as he was told then, taking a closer look at the enchanted device.\u00a0 Sure enough, it wasn\u2019t as empty as he first thought.\u00a0 The mirror displayed the tremendous blanket, and the sweeping motion that moved a few layers of it.\u00a0 It grew brighter then, as if indicating that it wanted to be used to brighten the room once more.\u00a0 Michael was happy to oblige, and as he turned it toward the discarded blanket, it was like a spotlight shone on whatever lay underneath it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that\u2026?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it is,\u201d Rhianna said in a much more cheerful tone.<\/p>\n

Every time either of them spoke, the back-and-forth motion beneath the blanket grew faster.\u00a0 Zelda took note of it then as well and began digging at the heavy covers. \u00a0She soon realized the futility of that, for the blanket was simply too substantial to move any which way.<\/p>\n

\u201cA little help here!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

Michael placed the mirror down against the wall behind them, positioning it in such a way that it would offer its light up to them.\u00a0 And he made his way to the blanket, Rhianna followed alongside him.\u00a0 Together, they gathered up armfuls of the covering, shifting it this way and that.\u00a0 Zelda helped where she could, her anticipation growing with every swat of her paws.\u00a0 Behind them, Peanut took a breather, and groomed herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep up the good work,\u201d the cat said.<\/p>\n

Together the DeAngelo family moved layer after layer, until they could see a wagging tail beneath the piled-up blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhacha doin\u2019 in there, Maisie?\u201d Rhianna asked.<\/p>\n

Zelda let a little growl pass through her lips, that sounded somewhat like a disappointed grumble, and somewhat like a relieved huzzah.<\/p>\n

That noise did little to ease Maisie\u2019s tension though.\u00a0 She began noticeably shivering, and with the strength of the pendant flowing through her, everyone there could feel the cave begin to shudder.<\/p>\n

Michael dropped to the ground and sat next to the nervous pup, petting her back.\u00a0 \u201cWe were so worried about you Maisie.\u00a0 You scared us so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna joined him there, and gently pulled Maisie away from her little burrow.\u00a0 \u201cI thought we talked about this,\u201d she said in a teasing, playful voice.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got to stop eating things.\u00a0 It\u2019s one thing to chew up the stuff in our house, but it\u2019s another thing entirely to devour a symbol of peace that\u2019s meant to unite three clans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you can\u2019t just run away!\u201d Zelda added. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to take your lumps when you do something wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr just stop doing bad things,\u201d Peanut said.\u00a0 When Michael and Rhianna sent her disapproving looks, she sat up straighter.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maisie bowed her head in shame, her ears drooping down.\u00a0 She snuck glimpses at her family, who all looked at her and spoke in a language she couldn\u2019t understand.\u00a0 The little dog licked her lips nervously, but nuzzled alternately between Michael, Rhianna and Zelda.<\/p>\n

As everyone pet her and tried to ease her nerves, a small burp escaped her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm,\u201d Rhianna said.<\/p>\n

Maisie\u2019s head kept moving back and forth then, and she started making hacking sounds.\u00a0 Michael slid out of the way as the pendant\u2014covered in ick\u2014landed on the floor of the cave.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, no,\u201d Rhianna said as she sprang off the ground.\u00a0 \u201cThis is the worst thing that\u2019s ever happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael couldn\u2019t hold back a chortle, but even he blanched a bit as he picked up the pendant and wiped it on a corner of the giant blanket.\u00a0 \u201cRemind me to wash my hands when we get back to the lodge.<\/p>\n

\u201cEw!\u201d Rhianna groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s say we get out of here,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take the mirror since I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t want to carry this.\u201d\u00a0 He let the pendant dangle from his hand as he rose up, but as he looked at it, he saw the black and white pup still huddled up on the ground.\u00a0 With a happy sigh, he stuffed the pendant in his pocket instead, and reached down to pluck Maisie off the ground.\u00a0 \u201cActually, let\u2019s hold onto something more important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah!\u201d Zelda cheered.\u00a0 \u201cSquish her so tight she can\u2019t possibly run off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, the five of them began their departure through the cavern. \u00a0Michael leaned down and kissed Maisie on the head, and knowing that she was safe once again, she nuzzled against his chest.<\/p>\n

Almost as soon as cold dissipated, it returned, for they began nearing the entrance.\u00a0 Not one member of the family could tell which one of them yipped as they exited the stone tunnels and saw the three delegates from the feast.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems ye found the wee pipsqueak,\u201d Halgrum said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved us the trouble, it seems,\u201d Beroras added.<\/p>\n

Before the giant could talk, the woman below looked up at him with more confidence than she thought she could muster.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019ll be no squishing here,\u201d Rhianna said then, taking a step forward and placing her fists on her hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need for it, anyway,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 He balanced Maisie on one arm even as she cowered away a bit, avoiding any eye contact with the noisy trio of delegates.\u00a0 With his free hand, he reached into his pocket and retrieved the magic pendant.\u00a0 \u201cShe was all too happy to give it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halgrum clenched his jaw and leaned back, narrowing his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cLad, which side of that mutt did the thing come out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt came out the same way it went in,\u201d Michael revealed.\u00a0 He pulled his eyebrows down into a slight frown as he looked up at Rurnar.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry to say though that we\u2026we kind of used your blanket to wipe it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna took another step forward and clapped her hands.\u00a0 \u201cBut enough about all that.\u00a0 We must get back to Santa\u2019s lodge.\u00a0 There\u2019s a feast to be had, and he\u2019s sure to be worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo harm, no foul, right guys?\u201d Zelda asked.\u00a0 \u201cExcept for the turkey back at the lodge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut smacked her face with her paw.<\/p>\n

Beroras sighed and folded his arms over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cWe came here to get the pendant, and it seems you\u2019ve already retrieved it.\u00a0 It seems we traveled through the cold with the utmost haste for no reason.\u00a0 And so, we begin the long trek back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, wait a minute,\u201d Michael said.\u00a0 \u201cI think I have a way to get us back to the lodge in no time at all.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Zelda and pat her on the head.\u00a0 \u201cWill you do us the honor of calling over your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

Her mouth curled up into a big smile while she panted in excitement.\u00a0 She turned to the trees and tilted back her head. \u00a0\u201cSvetlana!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

A moment later, the reindeer burst through the dense forest, still tugging along the sleigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she can carry the lot of us?\u201d Beroras asked.\u00a0 \u201cEven when Santa travels by himself, he has to line up nine reindeer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, but he has all them toys,\u201d Halgrum reminded.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, they barely fit\u2026and Rurnar is a bit bigger than that sack of goodies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll he\u2019s got to do is hold on,\u201d Michael said with a chuckle.\u00a0 He approached the furry reindeer, nudging his wife along as he went. \u00a0\u201cCan you give me a hand?\u00a0 I can\u2019t unclasp the pendant while I\u2019ve got this noodge here,\u201d he said, smooching the pooch again for good measure.<\/p>\n

Rhianna was happy to oblige, and she set the pendant in place around Svetlana\u2019s neck.\u00a0 \u201cNow don\u2019t get going until we\u2019re all ready,\u201d she told the reindeer.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re going to be like a shooting star flying across the sky!\u201d<\/p>\n

Svetlana stamped her foot at the joke, leaving a somewhat bigger dent in the packed snow than she intended.\u00a0 Rhianna just laughed and waved on her family. \u00a0She waved more enthusiastically when she tried to summon the three delegates as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright everyone,\u201d Michael said as they crammed into the sleigh.\u00a0 \u201cThis wasn\u2019t as disastrous as we thought\u2014merely a hiccup and a bit of an adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a little bit of magic, I\u2019m sure the feast they prepared will be just as warm as it was before we left,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cFood we can<\/em> eat,\u201d she reminded, playfully poking at Maisie.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, enough of the pleasantries,\u201d Halgrum said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got a rumbling in my belly that feels like Rurnar\u2019s taking a jog on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be back there in no time,\u201d Michael assured.\u00a0 \u201cNow, Svetlana! Just Svetlana! Now dash away!\u201d he cried with a light snap of the reins.\u00a0 The reindeer took off at once, bolting into the snowy night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dusted free of the snow that covered them all, the delegates and Santa\u2019s special guests were pleased to be inside the lodge once more.\u00a0 Svetlana had joined them inside the building, shaking off remnants of the slush she\u2019d kicked into the air along their return trip.\u00a0 She\u2019d earned her respite, and she happily crunched on a carrot that Cecelia held up for her, the maiden giggling with every twitch of the reindeer\u2019s whiskers.<\/p>\n

At the banquet table, Halgrum regaled Michael with one of the exciting tales of heroism from his clan\u2014no doubt exaggerating with great details some aspects of the story.\u00a0 At the same time though, he chomped down on a plump turkey leg, the juices dribbling down his face and getting caught up in his beard.\u00a0 Every now and again, Michael could hear a word or two between his chewing\u2014a \u201cdragon\u201d here and a \u201csnow monster\u201d there.\u00a0 He nodded and smiled to the dwarf, raising his mug whenever he heard a particularly funny portion of the tale.\u00a0 But his focus always drifted to the center of the table where the three fur babies chomped down on their treats.<\/p>\n

Likewise, on the other side of the table, Rhianna half-heartedly watched while Beroras and Rurnar good-humoredly bickered back and forth, arguing about who was more integral to tracking down the runaway pup.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for the height advantage that I gave you, you would have never seen her wee tracks,\u201d Rurnar boomed, taking a gulp from his barrel as if he had proved his point.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have found them eventually,\u201d Beroras said.\u00a0 \u201cIt might have taken a little extra poking around, but I\u2019d have found them.\u00a0 Unlike you, who were too far away to see those tiny footprints.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rhianna laughed at their ongoing feud, and she took the moment to look to the fluffiest guests at the table.<\/p>\n

Maisie\u2019s eyes grew wide as she licked the plate beneath her.\u00a0 Some kind of carved meat had sat there, but it was all but gone in those few moments afterward.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh try these ones,\u201d Zelda excitedly said as she nudged another plate closer toward her sister.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re orange like pumpkin, but they\u2019re\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026starchy like potatoes.\u00a0 But they\u2019re kind of sweet too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut stopped eating her fish just long enough to lift her gaze toward the chihuahua on the opposite side of Maisie.\u00a0 She sent her an unamused stare that went unnoticed.\u00a0 Unperturbed, Peanut set back to work, sinking her teeth into the large fish filet that was stretched out before her.<\/p>\n

Everyone enjoyed that merriment, but they grew even more excited when their jolly host strolled back into the room, dangling a jeweled pendant from one of his white, unblemished gloves.<\/p>\n

The delegates and human ambassadors broke out into applause, happy to have the ruby back in the room, cleaned up and sparkling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow let\u2019s try this again,\u201d Santa said, though he kept the pendant close at hand, rather than placing it on the table.\u00a0 \u201cThis ruby is a symbol,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAt one point, it was a symbol of disagreement, of competitiveness, and yes, even of greed.\u00a0 But at some point, over the last few weeks, and even earlier today, it became a symbol of collaboration and solidarity.\u00a0 It united your three clans, and you came together to bring it back, so that you could make things right about your homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, it didn\u2019t quite work out the way we had hoped, because this little one was a lot quicker and stronger than anyone could have predicted,\u201d he went on, smiling as he towered over the table and looked at Maisie.<\/p>\n

Even though his tone was jubilant, and he was as happy as he could be, the little dog lowered her head and looked up with guilty eyes.\u00a0 A little whimper escaped her lips, and she looked to Michael and Rhianna for some assurance.<\/p>\n

None of the delegates noticed, but his human ambassadors smiled when they saw Santa snap his fingers, and they detected the presence of new magic in the feasting hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d Santa asked.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t quite understand you before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maisie gulped, and looked back at him.\u00a0 \u201cI said, \u2018I\u2019m sorry I ate the shiny thing\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 As her words lingered in the air, it took a moment for her to realize she had spoken words that sounded different to her.\u00a0 Her eyes crossed as she looked to the end of her nose.<\/p>\n

Santa let fly a belly laugh then, winking at Rhianna and tossing a smile at Michael.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes this mean she\u2019ll be able to talk every year like the others?\u201d Rhianna asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t seem fair otherwise,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNow go on, I\u2019m sure there\u2019s much to talk about!\u201d<\/p>\n

Maisie still looked at her nose in confusion while Zelda squirmed onto the table and in front of her little sister.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaisie, you can talk!\u201d she exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd more important: you can listen.\u00a0 So, there\u2019s a lot that I must teach you, and only so much time to do it.\u00a0 Lesson one: How to fetch.\u00a0 The key instruction here is that you have to bring the ball back<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s less important than recognizing where you\u2019re walking,\u201d Peanut pushed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you always have to walk around like everyone\u2019s black and white shadow?\u00a0 One of these days I\u2019m going to stop walking and people are going to have a hard time figuring out where I end, and you begin!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t lose another ball, Peanut!\u201d Zelda insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t have it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last thing we need is for Little Miss Stalker to sweep the legs of one of our humans,\u201d Peanut countered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Peanut,\u201d Michael exuberantly said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they can\u2019t get the food, we\u2019ll starve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael\u2019s smile faded then, and he stared at his cat with narrowed eyes.<\/p>\n

As the feline\u2019s latest words reached her, Maisie\u2019s eyes grew wide with excitement.\u00a0 \u201cFood!\u00a0 That\u2019s<\/em> the most important thing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone laughed at that thought, for they all knew how dangerous her appetite could be.\u00a0 With her newfound voice, Maisie was eager to talk all about her exploits over the past year.\u00a0 She told taller tales than Halgrum and spoke more than Beroras and Rurnar combined.\u00a0 And despite all that, her sisters were happy to talk to her.<\/p>\n

One by one, the other delegates excitedly rose to talk to the new, talkative pup.<\/p>\n

Beroras ran his hand down her back, and Maisie wore a contented smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I chewed on all those trees,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The elf laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt could have been much worse!\u00a0 With your powers, you could have knocked a whole lot of them over.\u00a0 Truth be told, we elves always like to use a fallen tree to its fullest, and I\u2019m glad you used them to ease your nerves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Halgrum was there a moment later, patting her on her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I scratched up all those stone walls,\u201d she apologized.<\/p>\n

A deep chortle escaped the dwarf\u2019s lips, as did a burp he tried to stifle with his hand.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s okay there, little doggie.\u00a0 It\u2019s just a mine.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need for it to be fancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the giant approached, and towered over the table, Maisie couldn\u2019t ignore her feelings of unease.\u00a0 She gulped and looked up at him, his face so far away from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really, really sorry I hid in your bed, sir,\u201d she squeaked.<\/p>\n

Rurnar\u2019s laugh shook the banquet room, and he shook his head as he dismissed any of her worries.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s alright, very<\/em> little one,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you found a place to sleep and settle yourself.\u201d\u00a0 He reached down and scratched her head with the very tip of his pinky, making sure to be extra careful with the small pup.<\/p>\n

With apologies and forgiveness out in the open, the delegates and the ambassadors returned to the festivities in full.\u00a0 Santa regaled his guests with stories of his own past exploits, happy to have a year where most everything was in place.\u00a0 Surrounded by warmth and merriment, everyone celebrated long into the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the DeAngelo family returned to their world, none of them could pretend in the slightest that they weren\u2019t as exhausted as they could remember.\u00a0 Michael stumbled on ahead, opening the door for everyone else.\u00a0 Peanut and Zelda were eager to get inside out of the snow, and they bolted past the curtain.\u00a0 Rhianna cuddled their other sleepy dog against her neck.<\/p>\n

Maisie, with her newfound voice, had spent nearly all the rest of their time at Santa\u2019s lodge speaking.\u00a0 Once she realized who Santa was, and what he represented, she rattled off a list of things she wanted (which, though they started as small and reasonable requests, quickly became a bit greedier and more ridiculous as she went).\u00a0 Santa listened to her for longer than everyone else believed he would, and all his other guests laughed whenever the pup took a deep breath to continue her demands.\u00a0 It was his turn to laugh\u2014quietly\u2014when the dog blinked and yawned in the middle of her thoughts.\u00a0 Within a few seconds, she stretched out on the floor, quietly continuing her speech.\u00a0 She was blissfully unaware when Santa stepped away and prepared to say his farewells to the rest of her family.<\/p>\n

When she was startled awake by the gasp of her older sister, she resumed her list without missing a beat.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026and maybe another bag of pork chomps\u2014just in case the other ones get lonely.\u00a0 And then of course we need to get Zelda a bag of her own, so that I have something to steal, and\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Maisie blinked her eyes and looked around, realizing that they were no longer at the lodge.\u00a0 \u201cSanta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry,\u201d Rhianna chuckled, kissing the pup on the side of the head.\u00a0 \u201cHe knows exactly what you need, and you\u2019ll get it on Christmas day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut look!\u201d Zelda shouted.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve already got some presents under the tree!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sure enough, several wrapped presents were there, with a huge burlap sack lying against the wall there as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he get us this year?\u201d Michael asked. \u00a0\u201cAnother couch?\u00a0 That thing is huge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever he got us, I hope this year there\u2019s no more woofing coming any of these boxes.\u00a0 Or worse: meowing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut sent a salty look toward Zelda, squaring her jaw and narrowing her eyes.\u00a0 She looked up at Michael and Rhianna with a sneer.\u00a0 \u201cI, too, am done collecting little sisters for the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you say?\u201d Rhianna asked.\u00a0 \u201cShould we get to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose presents aren\u2019t going to open themselves!\u201d Michael said.<\/p>\n

Rhianna set Maisie down, and she curled up next to the other members of her family, who plucked the presents out from under the tree, and set to unwrapping them.<\/p>\n

Michael grabbed his first and looked at the tag on top of it.\u00a0 \u201cHey, this one is from Halgrum.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled the wrapping paper apart and removed the lid from the box within.\u00a0 \u201cA new pair of slippers!\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd look: there\u2019s a note inside.\u201d\u00a0 He took it out and laughed before he showed it to his wife.\u00a0 \u201cSince Maisie ate my old ones,\u201d he explained.\u00a0 He leaned over and smooched the pooch before he kicked off his boots in excitement to try on his new slippers.<\/p>\n

Zelda, too, couldn\u2019t contain her excitement, and set to work chewing and clawing at the box with her name on it.\u00a0 With a box that was bigger than her before her, she nudged the top off it, and was startled for just a moment when a card sprang up out of it, in the shape of a reindeer\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s from Svetlana!\u201d she giggled, and she sprang back up to see what else was in the box.\u00a0 She gasped with delight and couldn\u2019t keep her tail from wagging.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a whole bunch of toys!\u201d she cried, taking hold of one and plucking it out from the pile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt because Maisie ate all your ones,\u201d Michael said, teasing the other puppy, who started to shake off her fatigue in the presence of all the excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh\u2026look what Beroras sent me,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 She pulled two beautiful midnight blue-colored velvet pillows from a box of her own.\u00a0 \u201cBecause Maisie ate our old ones!\u201d<\/p>\n

Peanut swatted at the gift box with her name tagged upon it.\u00a0 \u201cOpen this one for me, peasants,\u201d she demanded.<\/p>\n

Michael chortled at that stern request, but he was happy to oblige.\u00a0 When he picked it up though, he could hear rattling from within.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s strange,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what, there is a bit of a theme with the rest of these.\u00a0 And Maisie really didn\u2019t eat anything of Peanut\u2019s.\u00a0 I wonder what it could be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Michael shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIt looks like this one is from Cecelia.\u201d\u00a0 He ripped the wrapping paper off the small box, and opened it up, noticing the small tube within.\u00a0 When he reached inside though, he felt a rolled-up piece of parchment first and pulled that out.\u00a0 \u201cFor Peanut,\u201d he read.\u00a0 \u201cWe noticed you\u2019re losing a bit of weight, and this will make you feel better.\u00a0 Take two a day.\u00a0 Forever.\u00a0 Love, Cecelia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Peanut cried.<\/p>\n

While she dealt with that unpleasant news, Michael grabbed hold of her and set her down in his lap, squishing her in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s only one present left,\u201d Rhianna said.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what that means, right?\u201d she asked Maisie.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that one\u2026for me?\u201d the youngest fluff asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, open it, open it!\u201d Zelda cheered.\u00a0 She ran behind the tree and started tugging at the mound of burlap, barely able to move it at all.\u00a0 \u201cI could really use that pendant about now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help,\u201d Michael said, handing the kitty to his wife.\u00a0 He rose up and moved to the burlap sack, tugging with all his might to move it toward the center of the room.\u00a0 In exhaustion, he collapsed once he arrived there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it is, it must be really nice!\u201d Zelda said.<\/p>\n

Rhianna leaned over, then, noticing the tag sticking off it.\u00a0 \u201cThis one is from Rurnar, the giant,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd there\u2019s another little scribble on the bottom.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s had its annual wash. -Santa\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 She arched her eyebrows in curiosity and pulled at the twine ribbon that cinched the sack shut.\u00a0 With a magical puff of smoke, all that sack disappeared, leaving the gift behind.<\/p>\n

Maisie\u2019s eyes grew wide as she recognized the blanket she cuddled beneath back at the North Pole.\u00a0 She sprang on top of it, settling into the comfortable folds of it.\u00a0 That time though, she looked around eagerly at the rest of her family.\u00a0 \u201cCome on!\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of room for everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nobody could resist that invitation, nor the comfort of that massive blanket.\u00a0 One by one, all the rest of her family joined her there in the warmth and coziness.<\/p>\n

Even Peanut.<\/p>\n

Together, the DeAngelo family cuddled next to the tree, watching the snow fall outside their window, wondering what joys the next year would bring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Happy Holidays everyone!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you enjoyed this story, check out the DeAngelo Christmas Archive<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Christmas Feast A Tale by Michael and Rhianna DeAngelo   A blustery cold blew through the town, convincing its residents to keep inside to stay warm.\u00a0 In one of the snow-covered houses along the corner of one of the streets, what had been a quiet winter night in years past was filled with raucous growls […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20907,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[463,462],"tags":[1907,1241,695,2011,2012,291,1055,489,1054],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Featured-Christmas-Feast.png","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1UVey-5ra","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20904"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20904"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20908,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20904\/revisions\/20908"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20907"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}