Private Tales Amid Winter's Chill

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

The days had grown cooler, and shorter. More and more the Sun was hidden behind an overcast sky, and snow fell from above.

Like today.

Sat atop a horse-drawn carriage, layered in white furs, Erën took a moment to turn his eyes up. He never tired of watching the snow fall gently like this, and rest peacefully atop that previously fallen. He allowed himself to quietly marvel at the serenity for a time before turning his attention forward once again. Before him the road was blanketed, undisturbed. And lazily the horses continued on down it, kicking it all up in fluffs as they went. Large wooden wheels creaked and groaned as they turned, and left two great lines in the path behind them. Occasionally the carriage shuddered over a rock or hole beneath the snow, which at this point he barely noticed anymore.

A rustling in the brush reached his ear, and his gaze shot toward it. He peered deeply through the thick of snow covered pine, and caught glimpses of wildlife. There seemed to be little else out this way, which suited him just fine. He had had quite enough conflict in these parts as it was, and the reprieve he'd now been gifted was welcome beyond words. He enjoyed the peace, while it lasted.

But before long, he came upon a strange thing. Set alongside a frozen stream, nestled in between the trees, a lone building stood. A tall gable decorated with ice stood high among the pines, and every frosted window was lit with candle. A long and wide porch stretched out toward the road, and overhead a sign that was covered in ice and snow hung, and was difficult to read. Garlands were wrapped around balusters and handrails, and little shiney orbs of various colours were hooked and set into them. And stood by the steps onto the porch was a snow man with a tall top hat.

Erën brought the wagon to a halt, and gently knocked twice against it.

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Why did it have to be cold?

Even inside the carriage the fiery angel could feel the sap of winter pulling at her energy reserves. She tugged the furs her companion had piled the thing high with but it was no use, she wouldn't be fully warm again until she was beside a fire. It was often a shock for people to discover that Caliane felt the cold so badly given she had the elemental spirit of a flame living inside of her, and a powerful one at that, but what they seemed to forget was that ice was the natural enemy of flame and that all things in this world were held in balance. It didn't mean she couldn't use her gifts of course but being outside sapped at her strength making her sluggish and more clumsy than usual.

Despite the risks to her health, the fun loving Avariel couldn't help but look out of the window of the carriage at the beauty of the winter world and feel envy at not being able to enjoy it. She wanted to badly to be able to sledge down the snowbanks or throw tiny balls of snow at friends. Oh and it was so, utterly beautiful. What she wished more than anything was to be out in it for hours to simply marvel at it all. Maybe if she let the Soulfire creep over her skin entirely...

A sudden sneeze followed by a grimace reminded her of the dangers. Glumly she went back to merely admiring from afar. Thankfully she didn't have to wait long for the carriage to come to a steady stop. She waited and then came the signal that they were there. Caliane gave a soft sigh - another reason she wished she could stand the cold more, she wanted to spend the time she had with Eren actually with him. Carefully she opened the door and stepped out into the fresh blanket of snow with an odd mix of delight and disgust.

"This is the place?" she asked, eyes rising to take in the odd little establishment.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Looking at the building left a little to be desired, but there was still some charm in it. It did, however, not line up with any of his expectations. He turned to her, revealing a rosey complexion from the cold, and replied with a curious amusement, "so it would seem."

He hardly believed that this was to be their final destination, but certainly a stop to be made. As it was, the inclinations that once guided him had passed, abandoning him after he had stepped through the veil. But fate seemed determined to lead him on a particular path, and he felt as such about where they'd come to now.

He descended from his place, and stepped close to her. He smiled as he came near, and offered his hand to her, "come, let us see what is inside."

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Caliane took his offered hand with one gloved hand and put her other on his rosy cheek. Her smile lit up her eyes from the inside out turning them into a bright shade of green that spoke of a forest in the depths of summer, not the winter they stood within now. No words passed from her lips for the pair were beyond that now. A look and loving touch were enough to express her emotions. Then she let her hand fall from his face and walked with him up towards the little door.

"I just hope there's a fire," she sighed dreamily and rested her head upon his shoulder, one mittened hand still firmly entwined with his. To all onlookers they would have appeared a normal couple on a winter adventure, their real agenda carefully hidden under the façade. Her wing brushed intimately across his back offering him a warmth against the chilly northern wind that rustled the surrounding pine trees.

Once they had made their way up the decorated porch Cali knocked against the door. It wasn't long before an elderly woman with greying hair and the weight of time forcing her over into a hunch opened the door. She peered at them both through glasses that made her eyes look far too large for her face and then beamed.

"Ah welcome, my children, come in out of the cold, come, come."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

For a breath of time, the whole world went still and quiet to him. The smile in his eyes softened with her touch, and as he looked into hers he shared her unspoken expression. As they made their way, each crunching footstep brought him back. He felt the chilly breeze against his face, the warmth in their held hands. But even still, he was content to view the world as no bigger than just them and this place, here and now.

He gave a soft nuzzling against her as she laid her head against him, before straightening to cast a quick look around. Dotted here and there were pockets of decor, with laterns ready to be lit come nightfall. Behind them, the horses leisurely followed along with the carriage in tow, well aware of how to behave in such instances. As they came to the steps he examined the snowman with curiosity, wondering why someone would make such a thing. As they ascended he thought he heard a whisper from behind, and briefly turned to see that the snowman, though remaining still, had turned as if it were watching them.

Curiosity washed over him, but before he could afford it much thought the knocking on the door grabbed his attention, far more interested in who or what called this place home than some trick of the eye.

"Ah welcome, my children, come in out of the cold, come, come."
​

Erën blinked, turned briefly to Caliane, and resigning that it certainly seemed fine enough, did as the old lady requested and entered in. He cast a final look back to the snowman and saw that it had once again turned away.

Turning his eyes in he saw that the interior was a bit more extravagant than what his first impression had told him. In the center of the room a tall pine stood, littered with tinsel and jewel and... a string of... popcorn? Humans, he thought, had very strange customs, but this definitely ranked high on that list. The rest of the main floor was decorated in kind, and across the room a large stone fireplace burned brightly. The warmth it provided was full, and, almost unnaturally comforting.

"Thank you," he said as he took in the scale of the festivity in this place, then he started, "I am Erën'thiel, and-"

"Yes, Erën," the lady said, sharing a smile with each of them, "I know who you are."

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

The avariel of fire had been so eager to get inside and to shut out the cold that she had not noticed the odd little things outside. Her instincts and observations had been basic; it didn't look threatening, owned clearly by a human or someone who at least enjoyed their customs, and most importantly there had been chimney smoke rising which meant a fire. When the door opened and the woman ushered them in relief washed over her. In response to Erën's startled look Caliane could only shrug a little. She had not passed on their names but the Avariel were still a rare sight and talk of what had happened with the Amalgamation had spread far and wide. She had grown used to people knowing who she was from the sight of her wings and red hair alone. Erën, whilst he didn't like to admit it, had been as much a part of that day as she had. His name was alongside hers in the songs the orcs now sung.

Once inside her eyes drifted over the pine and fell upon the roaring fire. With a thankful sigh she strode over to it in three long legged steps and dropped down beside it. Her wings mantled out around her, catching and caging the warmth. A soft and contented moan escaped her lips before she quickly began to tug off her gloves and hold them out towards the flame. She could have stayed like that but they had a job to do. So in the end she stood up and looked at the odd socks hung above the mantle piece instead.

"Do you know why we are here?"

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Erën watched with a kindled admiration as Caliane slipped away to warm herself by the flame. He eventually forced his gaze away as she settled herself in for a few short moments. There were, unfortunately, other things to attend to. His eyes met the old lady's, who still wore that pleasant, kind smile. In the briefest of moments, he searched with his mind for any sense of who or what it was they were dealing with... to no avail.

Since he'd returned through the veil his telepathic abilities altogether seemed dampened. But this was, if anything, a welcome relief. Without the Soul Forge his telepathy was haphazard and unpredictable, even potentially dangerous at times. But, despite the lack of this level of perception, there seemed some other assurance that lingered in the air. He trusted it.

He reached for his hood, and pulled the furs away, "how is it you know us?"

The crows feet either side of her eyes deepened, and her smile became almost mischevious, "you are the heroes of Bhathairk, are you not," she questioned before turning to a knit covered teapot, the contents of which she poured into three cups, "we have been expecting you."

"Do you know why we are here?"
​

She turned to Caliane and offered her a steaming cup, and with closed eyes shook her head and mouthed no, "but, my husband did go to see what he could do to help."

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Following his lead, she too reached up and pushed back the thick fur rimmed hood. Thick wavy locks of red hair spilled out to frame her face almost instantly. Despite having sat inside the carriage swathed in thick blankets her cheeks too had the look of someone who had been out in the cold for hours and not mere minutes. Despite the discomfort as always when she was with a person in need of help her face was nothing but empathetic to their distress. Caliane gently cupped the elderly ladies hands with her own and gave them a gentle, reassuring squeeze before taking the cup.

"Your husband is very brave to do so," she glanced from the woman to Erën with clear concern. If the gentleman shared this woman's advanced years then he had probably bitten off far more than he could chew. If he didn't return soon it wasn't just going to be the monster they had to deal with but rescuing a civilian too. She took a sip of the teacup and tried to keep her emotions from her face, an endlessly impossible task for the avariel.

"Why don't you sit down and tell us everything you do know until he gets back."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Erën's brow arched as his curiosity stirred. This lady had expected them, knew them, and knew that they were in search of something, but not what. However it seemed to him that they had a greater idea than even he of what that thing was, which thanks to Caliane, would likely be gleaned very soon.

He watched with a quiet contentment at their exchange, and failed to hide the sideways smile that had crept across his face. In times like these, he was of little use. To those he had little care or connection to, and even some of them, he could be difficult to speak to. She had far less trouble, and was far more empathetic than he could ever be. The old lady sweetly accepted the avariel's suggestion, and softly settled herself down and gestured for Erën to come for another cup, poured for him. He bowed his head graciously and stepped forward to take it.

"Yes, I suppose I'm making little sense now, aren't I," a sigh escaped her, "please, sit with me."

Erën cast a look to Caliane, and then quietly sat down as well, "please, share with us what you can."

She sipped from her tea, then began. She said her name was Gertrude, and that she and her husband had lived here for many, many years. She explained that she and him had heard of their deeds in Bhathairk, and when they realized that they would be coming here, they simply had to do what they could to aid them.

"How did you know we were coming?"

"In our youth," she replied, "we were given great gifts. My husband is a very helpful soul, and... oh you'd never believe this. He'll have to tell you... in fact, I think I hear him now."

Erën listened closely, but over the sound of the nearby fire he could hear little else. Concern grew in him as he wondered just what Gertrude was talking about, when all of the sudden, a sound came to him. It was distant, but the jingle jangle of sleigh bells was certainly what he heard. His eyes turned slim as he examined Gertrude, who was looking out the window expectantly, and he wondered. Elves were known for their acuity of hearing, and on that list Erën surely ranked high. How was it Gertrude had heard before him? His attention turned again when the sound grew louder, and then ceased.

He'd arrived.

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

To love and to care for people was a second nature to Caliane - almost as natural to her as breathing. So she didn't really notice it as she plumped up the cushions behind the old woman's back and helped her down into their soft embrace. She moved the table slightly closer to her so she wouldn't have to strain herself getting her tea and shifted her and Erën's chairs a little further forward. She did it all whilst the woman was talking, nodding her head along as a means of encouraging her. Once she herself was sat she brushed her wing across her lovers shoulders in an absentminded gesture almost as though the wings themselves had a mind of her own.

Her whole face betrayed how enraptured she was in the unravelling story. Her eyes wide, lips slightly parted. Humans were still such a novelty to the Avariel who had only found her wings in the past year. But she had heard a few stories, especially around the winter months from excited children she had met on her journey. Her ears twitched at the sounds of bells and Caliane might have even squealed if she hadn't managed at the last moment to keep herself under control.

Sure enough as the door opened it was filled with the mans bulk. He was almost as tall as the door and definitely as wide. He wore fur trimmed red robes that had delightful little bells on and a thick beard above which merry blue eyes shone out.

"It's him!" Cali whispered theatrically, leaning her head conspiratorially against Erën's.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Erën looked up to see the man enter, and watched him as he took several heavy steps forward before closing the door behind him. Then, he turned and looked between the three if them, a large and jovial smile written across his eyes, and not entirely hidden beneath the thick of his beard.

It's... him?

Erën was familiar with many of humanity's customs, but not all. His understanding centered more around honour traditions and things of that sort... so Caliane's reaction was greatly puzzling to him, and the identity of this man was still a complete mystery. After giving Caliane a confused take, his head shot back to the big man in red, who was softly chuckling in amusement.

"Peace Erën... there is no need for dismay here my son," the man said, turning to a nearby coat hook where he hung his hat, revealing a head of hair white as snow. He tugged at his sleeves, removing his coat.

"I, do not understand."

The tall man chuckled again as he hung his coat, and sat to remove a pair of shiney black boots, "well that seems to be the case quite a bit with you, Erën," he stopped a moment to wag his finger, "its always dwelling on the bad with you."

Erën's head canted back, and almost like a chastised child he quipped back, "I... you... that is not so! Who do you-"

A boom like thunder echoed throughout the home as a great and hearty laugh erupted from Gertrude's husband, throwing back his head and resting a large hand against his belly. Through tear filled eyes the man looked to Caliane, begging for her to render some explanation while he sorted himself through his humour. Gertrude's hand came to gently tap against the man's arm with a playful dicipline, before she too covered her mouth and gave a gentle giggle.

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Caliane was gripping Erëns arm tightly in excitement much like she had once with him in Alliria when she had watched a woman melt chocolate into a drink. It was like seeing a myth come to life and for once that was a beautiful thing rather than a horrifying one. The elvish stories were always far more gruesome than the human ones. She wondered if it was even possible for her race to come up with a story as fantastical as Saint Nikholas.

Cali looked to her lovers started and confused expression amidst the laughter and cupped his cheek with a warm smile.

"It is a human story, Hbeeti," she explained calmly and turned to regard the jolly couple on the sofa. "Nikholas travels the world rewarding children who have been good all year with little gifts, and his counter part Krampus punishes the bad children. It is why they leave out cookies and brandy on Yule, as an offering. Like you would a faerie- are you a fae?" Caliane asked curiously. It would explain their magic.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Whatever offense Erën had taken departed with Caliane's assurances, and the tension in his posture eased. As she explained, the older couple regained their composure and nodded approvingly of the story. Erën blinked between the two. Children? Gifts? Brandy!? And he was to believe the man sitting before him now was the center of such stories?

The old man chuckled and said, "no, no we are not Fae, but you can indeed call me Nikholas."

"And, how does sending gifts to children help us?"

Nikholas smiled, "it depends on what makes a child, Erën, and also what makes a gift," he looked to Caliane, "but very good Caliane. We are not fae, no, but it was a fae who gifted us our magic."

He started his story, telling of how he and Gertrude spent their lives in these northern lands, doing their best to make their way and help others, "there came a time of great hardship, and there were many orphans forced to live alone in the cold." They would ride out on their sleigh and find and help as many as they could, and this went on for years. Many came and stayed with them, and though they could have no children of their own, Gertrude and he adopted them as their own for as long as they needed to stay, and raised them. At one time they had nearly a hundred children with them.

"One night while I was returning home, I heard the crys of a child in the woods... I had to go and help, and so I left my sleigh and headed into the trees... but what I found I did not expect..." Nikholas paused, and his eyes moved from one side to another, remembering the details, "I found the child, or at least who I thought was the child. A fae had been ensnared by a magic trap of some kind, the likes if which I'd never seen... I did not know what to do, but the fae did," he set his hand on the couchend, and tapped his finger, "I had heard of the fickled minds of fae, but... I could not leave her there. But... in helping her I was wounded, and, it seemed I would pass."

Erën by now was enthralled by the story, and even anxious to know how the fae treated him.

"She'd told me she'd seen my wife and I, and our efforts, and though she cared little for such things saw merit in it. She gifted me a red orb, much like the ones hanging from our tree, and when I touched it I felt life again! More than before! And she allowed me to share this gift with Gertrude..."

And now they experienced powers, not to the same extent, but similar to fae. They were gifted long life, foresight, and wisdom, and reign over a variety of other abilities. He could even speak to animals.

"And so for many, many years now we have worked to help as many people as we could... especially children. There are so many with so little, for many even the smallest thing can move mountains for them..."

Then, he looked at Erën, sternly, "it is no small thing you seek."

"I seek many things."

"Yes, answers among them, but do you know all your questions?"

"Why has the collective forsaken me? What has happened? What has brought me-"

Nikholas raised his hands in an eased manner, stifling Erën's frustration before it could simmer over, "patience, patience... I'm afraid I could only discover so much... but I believe I know what, or rather, who you seek."

---

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Caliane was as equally enraptured with the story. She hadn't released Erën's arm from earlier though her grip had relaxed the more she had explained to him who it was before them. Now, however, the grip tightened once again as Nikholas told them the tale from his own lips. Her eyes were as wide as two saucers by the time he was done, her wings trembling with the excitement of it all. It wasn't every day, after all, that a person met the stuff of myth and legend. A man who children looked forward to visiting them every year and who was a beautiful symbol of home for so many. To hear him tell how he came to be... It left her breathless. It was the sudden change in tone that snapped her out of her fancy and she glanced to Erën in confusion. Had he asked for something?

The truth was Caliane had not known the full reason why they had come here. She knew losing the Soul Forge had broken Erën in a whole other kind of way to how he had been broken before. She knew also, of the threats that had been revealed in the odd collective visions they had had. Erën couldn't tell her much. He only had theories and those theories were what were driving him to bouts of temper which were so unlike her beloved. It had been quite by chance that one of the elves in the village above which they had been staying for the past month, resting, healing, had mentioned the couple in the woods who they should visit.

She had thought that the girl had told them because they had needed help but now she wondered if it was because the girl had thought they needed the help...

"It's that thing isn't it, that... that monster from our visions?" her face fell. It was always hard coming back to reality but this fall was the most painful. The vision hadn't exactly been comforting, she had watched Erën die without knowing she bore his child. "Is he here already?" was the time growing nearer?

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

The quiet that followed her question was likely answer enough, but Nikholas felt it was not his place to discuss the whole of this issue - he knew too little. Instead, he smiled broadly beneath his beard, and leaned forward in his seat.

"Now, is not the time for such troubles my child," he rose to his feet, and started toward the decorated tree, "that time will come, but for now..."

He flicked his fingers, and in the midst of the sparkling light that sprung up from seemingly nowhere, and wrapped around the tree like a shimmering curtain, everything else seemed darker. All the way up to the star at its peak the light coiled, and then touched it with a gentle, illuminating burst. As it subsided, two orbs of light floated leisurely down from there into Nikholas' open palms, whereupon they popped into neatly wrapped gifts, complete with nametags and bows. He returned to them, and handed Caliane and Erën each a gift before seating himself back down

Erën took the gift, and hesitantly nodded his thanks before staring down at it, perplexed.

"Please, stay here and rest for the night. There is something more prudent I wish to give you each in the morning before you leave."

Gertrude smiled at them, and finished her tea before saying, "well, we haven't had guests for some time. I'll make sure there's a room ready."

After a moment of staring down at the present, Erën finally asked, "What is it?"

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

"A present."

Caliane stared down at the beautifully wrapped box in her lap blankly. She was still reeling from what the silence meant. He was here, it was all going to come true. They would set foot on that bloody battlefield and she would lose the love of her life. Avariel's only ever found one soulmate and Erën was hers. She knew that right to the core of her very being. There would be nobody else for her. Her hands bunched into fists briefly on her lap as she struggled with the surge of emotions that rose up inside of her. She wanted to scream and cry at the unjustice of it all but she didn't want to upset their guests nor Erën.

She took a slow breath and explained a little more.

"it is what humans give one another around this time of year, to people they love. It's things they want rather than need," they were meant to be happy things, frivolous even. For the poor in the world it was the one time of the year where money didn't go on food or rent but something fun. Often it would be a game that would keep the family occupied for the whole year. Slowly she raised her hands and begun to undo the ribbon and paper.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

"A present," Erën repeated, casting Nikholas a curious look before turning to Caliane.

He'd been so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he'd failed to realize what this quest of his had been doing to those around him - to Caliane. But he saw and felt in her now such turmoil, though she did well to mask it. Even still, the pain he heard hidden in her breath was like knives dragging across his chest. He'd be blind to her selflessness before, and his heart sank to think of what struggle he'd put her through, what all this had put her through.

"These are special gifts, ones which I hope will aid you on your journey..."

Erën followed Caliane's lead, and began to unravel the gift in his lap. Once he'd undone the ribbon and bow, and was ready to lift the top, a strange thing occurred. The little box stirred. Erën canted his head to the side, and was just a breath away from words when the lids of both their gifts popped off, and from within the two little orbs from before returned, only this time they were different. Each of them had tiny wings, and the light they shone had taken a different hue. One was more green, the other, more red. And though at their center they burned ever so brightly, a tiny figure could vaguely be made out.

The green one which erupted from his gift fluttered around quite quickly, and then after some extravagant little flying, took up a position just near his right shoulder, where it comfortably hovered.

"These little friends of mine are now yours, for the time being. They know which way to go..." Nikholas yawned, and settled into his seat a little more comfortably. No doubt the magic in conjuring these creatures had come at no small cost.

---

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

The red one perched on the end of Caliane's nose. It forced the Avariel to cross her eyes and despite the lingering fear and distress over the future she couldn't help but smile at the beauty of the gift. The creature made a little jingling noise that was so faint she thought it might actually be words but she would never know. The light hopped off her nose, flew around her head twice, and then went and rested on top of her head. The red glow against the shade of her thick hair made it seem to shine. For a moment she looked up through the bangs of her hair to where she could just make out the creature before noting the tiredness in their hosts' voice. Concern painted itself across her features.

"Thank you, truly, they are beautiful gifts," she looked to the green light on her companion's shoulder and smiled faintly. "You have done so much for us, please, let me repay your kindness by cooking something for you to eat. Or if there are any chores that need doing..." she hadn't been prepared for gifts or she would have brought her own. Caliane was not the type of person who merely accepted gifts or favours and was instead the person who liked to lavish them on others. Some might see that as a weakness but her heart was her biggest strength in truth. Many people would not be alive today if it were any different.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

"Please, please, you needn't worry my dear," Nikholas protested, "we have everything well in hand."

By now, Gertrude had readied them a room and was returning with a platter of different treats, both savoury and sweet, "yes, please. This is what we do," she said, smiling at her as she set the plate down for them all to share.

Erën looked at Caliane, and he too began to smile. His eyes grew soft, and he drew his hand up to gently brush across her cheek, saying quietly, "let us... enjoy the moment, and the kindness shown."

Gradually, he was coming to understand such genuine gestures of care. He witnessed it time and time again, embodied in her own very soul - he knew it was hard for her to accept for herself without feeling guilt. He on the other hand, one could say he was spoiled and he would find it difficult to protest.

"That's the spirit," beamed Nikholas, before starting to get himself to his feet once again, "I am, however, really quite tired... I must get ready to rest."

Erën rose from his seat, placed his hand on his chest and said, "thank you for these... gifts."

He was yet quite uncertain about the nature of these creatures, and how they could possibly be of much aid, but he suspected he would come to understand more later.

"Do they have names?"

Nikholas nodded, and before turning to depart up the steps he said, "they will share them with you, if they choose."

---

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Eyes almost as deep as the colour of the Christmas trees leaves rose to meet his. There was confliction reflected within the pools but the caress of his hand across her rosy cheek and his gentle coaxing made her give in. With a sigh she let her shoulders slump a little as worry left her and she leant into his hold for a brief moment. A nod was the only other sign she gave of agreeing to his wishes before she turned her attention back to the retiring figure of myth. His words about the creatures made sense and she once more looked up to where she could feel her new one resting. Her movements didn't seem to disturb it, rather it moved like a butterfly would before touching back down to nestle against her locks.

"Thank you, for everything," she added and offered a smile. Nikholas returned it warmly before starting on up the stairs, those faint bells jingling as he went. Once he was gone Caliane's eyes turned to the food that was being piled up in front of them. She took the offered plate that Gertrude had already made up and began to try out the assortment of food.

"It must be tiring at this time of year especially," she glanced up to the woman opposite then to Erën. "We'll be out of your hair in the morning you must want to rest."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Looking over the food, he fought the urge to lick his lips. There was cheese, there were biscuits; beets, pickles, and cold, quartered sandwiches. He picked away at some of that as Gertrude and Caliane spoke to one another.

"Yes, the cold brings a greater need all around, and of course there are the presents to wrap," she said with a smile, sliding over a tray of cookies and chocolate.

"So its true then, you travel the land delivering gifts to children?"

"Anymore I leave that to Nikholas," she replied, and then she leaned a little closer Caliane's way, and hid her mouth from Erën, "I do all the rest of the work," then she let out a little laugh.

Erën smiled and cast his eyes down, biting into one of the offered cookies.

"How do you go to every child's home... in a single night?"

Gertrude waved her hand, "well, it is not quite so. We only ever go where we're invited," and she gestured toward the tree in their home.

They spoke for a while longer about some of the wonderous methods they employed the travel, and carry out the task they had taken up - and of the various helpers who aided them in their work, all of whom having done so out of an admiration for their kindness. And indeed, there could definitely be said there was something infectious about their nature. But as the time carried on, soon too Gertrude had grown tired.

"Well," she said with a heavy breath, "I guess I too should get ready for bed, and please do not worry Caliane, we are happy you are here. Please... stay and finish up as much as you wish, and I will be about for another hour or so if you need anything..." she stood, and with a weary smile she left to also climb the stairs and head to her room.

Erën turned and gently set his head against Caliane's and whispered, "you must be tired too."

---

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Caliane stifled a traitorous yawn.

Despite the sombreness of why they had come, and the damning answer they had received, she had managed to have an enjoyable evening with Gertrude. It had been a wonder to discuss the ways the two functioned. Helpers made sense of course but there were methods of travel available to the fae and now Nikolas and his wife that she had simply never heard of existing before. Travelling along lines of magic? Being able to sense the homes with these oddly decorated trees? One might have thought the logic behind the fairytale would ruin it but in this case it only made it more... mesmerizing. She could have listened to the tales all day but despite their prolonged life, Gertrude still felt her age.

"Goodnight," she had said shyly when chastised once again for worrying about their hosts. How hard it was to keep things hidden from two beings whose legend depended on seeing and knowing every little detail about someone! Alone though she felt herself relax a little more. He, as always, was such a comfort to her whole soul.

"The fire is giving me enough energy," she sighed in contentment and her hand sought his out, twining their fingers together. The two little creatures they had been given had fallen asleep together in a teacup that glowed with their joined auras. "I wonder if we will be like those two when we are old and grey."