Author:	Eve LeRieux
Date/Time:	12/26/2002 1:07:14 AM
Subject:	A Christmas Story
Fat heavy snowflakes drifted from the swollen sky like feathery bits of angel wings, sticking to the windows in intricate designs, no two the same. The trees and houses were transformed into a frozen fantasy of glassy icicles and spun sugar frosting. Eve held her breath in wonder as she gazed upon the magical morning before footsteps or paw prints could mar the perfect cover of white magnificience. A quiet peace lay upon the undisturbed day as if a giant hand had reached down to shush the rumblings and rantings of chaos. A true gift. Eve immediately dressed and stood for a moment in silent prayer with the flakes falling into the flame of her hair and seeming to melt there. Her face broke into a brilliant smile as first she heard Daz, then Miranda, then suddenly the sweet cadence of young voices raised in sleepy joyfulness. She met Sassy on the stairs as the two raced to gather the children at the top of the staircase. "Now everyone just wait a moment while I see if Santa has visited then we will have some hot chocolate and open presents." she said to the bouncing bunch of excited children. Never had she seen so many little faces glowing. Little angels each one. Her heart caught in her throat for a moment as she briefly flashed back to the same faces caught in a webb of torture no child should endure. No one could tell some of these children had been half starved urchins cast out to beg a short time ago. Diligently they would search for the missing parents who probably thought their children were dead. Holding her skirts in her hand she swept into the room thinking to herself how precious life was. Her face beamed as she looked upon the tree and the Elf Lord standing beside it with Boris Mondragon. "We had some gifts delivered last night." chuckled Luthien as Boris sipped on a steaming cup of coffee. Both of them looking very much like conspiratorial Santas! The whole room was stacked with presents. Glittering bows and ribbons with every color of wrapping paper that could be! "Eve I was careful not to disturb the snow in front of Sanctuary or the Tavern, but I kept watch all night and it seems the Gods that be have once again blessed us." Boris smiled warmly. "Looks to me like you two did more than watch over us!" Eve giggled with wide eyes. "Twas the good folks of the towns, Eve. A little bird told them about the children. You know news travels fast. We just barely got all these presents here in time." Eve's eyes filled with tears knowing that never ever would one of these children forget this Christmas! "Mythndale, Paxlair, Silvervale, I believe every soul dark or light in those towns have sent their blessings in some form of food or gift." Luthien chuckled as his eyes turned toward the tables heavily laden with rich desserts and heaping platters of meats and delicacies. Eve sat down in a chair and took her hankerchief out to wipe her eyes and blow her nose. "Boris, will ye get the children and Sassy please?" Her eyes filled again as her gaze fell on the Elf Lord and her heart shone as brightly and strong as Christmas Morning.