I think you're all familiar with how this game is played. One person starts the story and another picks it up. You can add as little or as much as you'd like to the story. Let's get in the holiday spirit!
Looking out the window, Sarah sighed. Even though the trees were barren of leaves, the sky gave no indication of snow. "Looks like we'll be dreaming of a white Christmas this year." She thought to herself. Even if she was loathed to admit it, this was the one time of year she actually looked forwards to the stuff. There was something magical about Christmas snow, from the way it made everything look like a Currier and Ives painting, to the joy it brought forth. It contained some element of happiness, that seemed lacking most times. As she reached into the cupboard for a coffee cup, Sarah thought she heard a sound. A small wee gasp. She stared at the cupboard. The only thing small enough to fit in with the cups and dishes would be a mouse, and Sarah had NEVER heard a mouse gasp. Curiousity got the best of her, and she gently began moving cups and plates about, looking for the source. "Probably going daft in my old age," Sarah thought. She stood on tiptoes peering into the far corners. "Yep, barely bridging 50 and senile. That's me." She began to ease down off her toes when movement caught her eye.....She blinked not believing what she saw. There was a tiny little person, staring very hard right back at her, and obviously frightened. "Awww..don't be scared," Sarah spoke softly, I won't hurt you."
Crouching low behind a coffee mug, the tiny person peered up at Sarah. "Are y-you s-s-sure? Tha-at's what the cat said right before it tried to eat me!" The slim little creature looked near tears. "What cat? Any way I promise not to eat you. Or hurt you in any way." Sarah held out her hand palm up, "Would you like a hand down?" She smiled. "I'm Sarah." Cautiously, the creature stood up and came out from behind the cup. Now Sara could see that it was dressed in a rather festive looking green tunic and tights. "Pleased to meet you , Sarah. I'm Pipin," he made a low bow. He stepped onto the palm of her hand,"Down, please." Very gently and with great care, Sarah lowered her hand to the counter where he stepped off. Pipen had decided that her face was kind, and reminded him a bit of Mrs. Clause, only not as old. Only...this human was definatley older then a child.. A grown up he decided, and he knew you couldn't always trust grownups. "Are you hungry or thisty, Pipen? I was just going to have some coffee and doughnuts." "FOOOOOOOOOOD!" Pipen cried and then blushed. "I'm sorry...it's been awhile since I last ate." Sarah laughed,"No worries, Pipen. I feel like that myself sometimes. I assume regular sized cups and plates would be too hard for you... hmmmm... Oh, I know! I'll be right back," and she hurried out to another room.
As Sarah rushed into the other room in search of tiny cups and plates Pippen took the time to be more aware of his sourroundsings (sp?). He never really took the time to look, he was scared he would be seen and he couldn't take that chance, because if the "humans" knew the truth about him, they would........
He shivered at the meer thought. Maybe he could trust this Sarah, maybe he couldn't, but time , what he had left of it would tell. He was already so so deep in trouble. "Found them," Sarah came back into the kitchen smiling, every bit as sunny as the beams coming in the window. "Just let me give them a wash, and we'll be all set." In her hand she held a tiny china tea set. "These were my daughter's when she was small. I knew I had saved them." Sarah quickly washed the tiny dishes and wee teapot, dabbing them dry with the corner of the towel. "Now let's see..." she murmered to herself. "Ah!" She laid a cereal box down flat, and laid a paper napkin over it. Then digging in her robe pocket, she produced a spool of thread. Sitting that next to the cereal box, she asked, "Think those will do for a table and chair for now?" Pipen smiled at here as he seated himself on the spool, "Oh yes! It's very very grand indeed!" Sarah cut him a bit of doughnut, and carefully filled his cup. Placing them on the makeshift table she told him there was more if he wanted it. Then bit her tohgue to keep from laughing at the sight of Pippen's bulging cheeks as he took two huge bites. "May I ask you something, Pippen?" Sarah broke off a piece of doughnut and popped it into her mouth, as he nodded yes, his mouth too full to talk. "Are you a fairy?" Pippen roared with laughter, "A fairy! Have I sprouted some flippin' wings? Oh oh, I am sorry, Sarah," he added at seeing her embarressed look. "I've forgotten that most humans no longer remember the differences. Let me give you some clues, and let's see if we can jar your memory. I know once you believed, and you still must, as you could see me right off and nonbelievers never can. Ready?" With that he stood up, " Pointy ears," he cupped his hand behind one as if trying to hear better. Then sticking a foot into the air he pointed at his shoe," Curly toed boots. " Putting his foot back down he asked, "Any guesses?" "But, I thought elves were bigger?" Again Pippen laughed, "Are all humans the same size? Neither are we elves. Some of us get to be two feet tall! And then suffer the embarressment of being taken for a dwarf!" "What's wrong with being a dwarf?" Sarah took another bite. "Nothing. Nothing at all - if you're a dwarf." "Mmmm," Sarah was thinking, remembering back to when she thought she knew about fairies and elves,"You're wearing green...are you a forest or woodland elf? Either one and you're far from home." "Neither," Pippen replied. "But I am far far from home."
Sarah looked at Pippen with a sparkle in her eye, after remembering childhood memories of dreams and fantasy, she wondered if Pippen would perhaps let her have a real one......she was afraid to ask........but then Pippen said.....
"how I miss everyone back there. Even old Boss Elf - pain in the seat he was. " Sarah wasn't sure but she thought he knuckled away a tear. "If only I hadn't been so - so STUPID and full of myself!" "Do you want to tell me about it, Pippen? Maybe I can help." Pippen opened his mouth to say no, but suddenly realized he wanted very very much to tell her the whole ugly truth. He took a deep breath. He was gambling alot in telling her. It was against the code to confide in humans, and considered very dangerous. But what was he to do? Even though he'd known her just this short while, he considered her his friend, and even if she couldn't help, maybe he'd at least feel better. Pippen paced across the counter top thinking. Tell, don't tell. What would she think of him, once he told? He took a deep breath and began... "You see, everyone thinks all elves do is make toys. But that's a myth. Elves have all kinds of trades. There's baking elves, and painter elves. There's those who specialize in sewing, and those who specialize in flight and naviagation. But all I ever really wanted to be is a deer handler." 'A deer handler?" "Yes! Oh they're amoungst the most elite elves. You see they get to venture out past the big gate on Nick's big night. It's their job to keep the reindeers quiet while he's delivering packages, and take them on practice runs." "Wait a minute, " a small frown appeared between Sarah's eyes, "Are you telling me you work for Santa Clause?" "None other," Pippen gave her a smile, that quickly sombered. "At least I did..."
-- Edited by valkricry on Saturday 14th of November 2009 07:54:27 PM
"Welll, you see...everyone kept telling me that I was just too little to handle the job. And I should be quite happy adding the twinkle to doll's eyes. I really was very good at that... but nooooooooooo. I wanted to be a deer handler. I had always wanted to be one. Ever since I was wee, I'd wanted to be one. I just KNEW I was meant to be one. You should see when I go out to the barn! The deers all come to me - and not just for the sugar I carry in my pockets either. Or the spare candy cane now and then. But they like me! Reallyo trulyo like me. So I set my mind to it and set out to prove that I could do it. And I asked Nick to let me have a trail run." "What happen?" Sarah leaned forward on her elbows, while thinking to herself, "Santa, elves, flying deers - oh yes, I've gone quite daft." Pippen removed his hat off his head, and was turning the brim over and over in his hands. A hard look came to his jaw, "He laughed at me! 'Pippen!' he said. 'you're a mighty fine elf. One of my best! But you are just too small to be a deer handler.' And he dismissed me - just like that!" Pippen snapped his fingers. "Well that made me mad. It was so unfair not to let me at least try! So- so I snuck out to the barn with a grand plan. I was going to take one of the deers out, and fly him about a bit, doing fancy loops and such - just until everyone was looking - then I'd have him land, you see, and I'd pop out to everyone's ooohs and ahhhs at what a grand job I'd done." "Pop out of where?" "Out of his ear of course. You see if I sit in his ear, the fellow can hear me much better then if I shout from his back. You see?" "Uh huh." Sarah nodded. "What happened?" "I bolloxed it. Oh it was going swell - the takeoff was flawless. Vixen was in fantastic form! Then during a hard left banking I lost my grip and fell off-" "Oh no!" "I lucked out in away. Landed on the back of a Canadian goose who was passing. Nice fellow - but a bit hard to understand with all his ehs. "
"You speak goose?" "Oh most elves speak a number of animal dialects. And I was too embarressed to go back. For all my bragging they were right - I'm just too little.... but I do miss home."
They passed the time talking until finally Sarah said, "we need to find you away back, Pippen. "
" Can't you just hop on a squirrel or another goose or something?" Sarah asked.
"It's just not that easy, Sarah," Pippen frowned. " I wouldn't know how to tell them to get me back. Not like I got here by taking a straight line."
Sarah sighed," Legend says Santa and his elves live at the North Pole. Is that right?" Pippen nodded. "Then we'll simply head north." "We? Who is this 'we' , Sarah?" "You and me of course." "Are you daft, woman!? You do realize the journey is bound be frought with perils? And you can't get there by comventional means. Not by car, nor plane, or however else you humans travel now days." Pippen stopped and took a deep breath. "Besides McNasty is after me." "McNasty? Who is McNasty?" "The meanest, biggest., scariest snowbeast to have ever lived that's who! That's why we elves cluster together - if he gets you, he tortures you for your elfen secrets, and then EATS you! Grinds your bones to make his bread! His teeth are thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis big!" Pippen stretched his arms out. "He's been on my trail, Sarah. And I can't put you at risk." "Don't be silly, Pippen. I'll be perfectly safe. If this McNasty eats elves - well, I'm not an elf. " Pippen couldn't think of a way to defy that logic. He could see that Sarah was a woman of conviction and backbone. Yet, he couldn't see how she planned to get him back to the North Pole...
After putting Pippen to bed in a cotton lined box with napkin sheets, Sarah gave it some hard thought, by morning she had a plan of sorts.
It took most of her savings, but they drove as far north as possible, and from there took a charter plane to the Pole. Everyone they met thought Sarah incredibly cheerful, but truth was it tickled having Pippen hiding in her pocket. The pilot Sarah hired treid to talk her out of going. "No one lives there!" he growled. But money talks, and shrugging his shoulders and murmering "it's your funeral, lady," he agreed. It was agreed he'd come back in two weeks to pick her up.
Even bundled in her parka, Sarah could feel the wind nipping at any crevice it could find. They were in the land of ice and snow. She had been unsure about the dog sled, until Pippen assured her that canine was one of the animal dialects he spoke. She stood on the back while Pippen rode in the ear of the lead dog. With Pippen's guidance, all Sarah really had to do is help hold the sled balanced. At night, She and Pippen snuggled down in the small tent, with the dogs surrounding them for more warmth. Days passed and Sarah began to fear that she had been mistaken to undertake this journey. She wasn't even sure where they were as one snow mound looked like the next. She relied on her compass to keep them heading north. One day spotting a family of penguins tummy boarding down hills, Sarah felt a moment of panic. She pointed them out to Pippen, "Something's horribly wrong!" She cried, "Penguins live at the SOUTH pole!" To her surprise Pippen fairly leapt from the dog's ear and did a happy little dance. "Oh, Sarah, dear, mortal Sarah! You don't understand....it's a sign that we're getting close!" "We are?" Sarah was thoroughly confused, and quite nervous as the penguins came marching up to them. The conversation between the largest one and Pippen seemed quite animated. Sarah didn't know what to think, until a baby penguin rubbed against her legs and looked up at her. 'Oh, aren't you darling!" Sarah squatted down and cautiously pet him. Taking her hand between his flippers he gave her a playful tug. "We're in luck!" Pippen said to her, "They're having a big Northern Lights party and have invited us as their guests!" "A party?" Sarah asked, and wondered if there would be anything besides raw fish served.
Sarah's appearance caused a stir amoungst the other guests, being a human, but they quickly accepted her seeing as she was with one of Santa's elves. Sarah, herself was amazed to see polar bears and penguins frollicking together, and decorations were everywhere. There was even a penguin band playing lively music to which they all danced. A very large polar bear approached Sarah and stood on his hind legs, taking a deep bow he held out his paws. "That's King Bruin," Pippen whispered to her, "He'd like a dance with you!" Unsure she stepped into his furry embrace. As they took a turn around the dance floor, everyone clapped. Sarah was amazed how graceful the giant creature was! Around and around they went. At the end of the song, he bowed again, and this time Sarah dropped a short curtsy in return. The baby penguin hovered near Sarah and led her to the reshreshment table. Amazed she stared at the bottles of Coca-Cola on ice. "What?" Pippen said, "You've never seen that commercial? You think some human was imaginative enough to make it up? " Just then the lights appeared, filling the sky. The great Northern lights display had begun and everyone gazed upwards. Suddenly over the oohs and ahhs, a low howling growl was heard! Pippen cried, "It's McNasty!" and the animals all ran for the cover of the ice cave.
Sarah saw the baby penguin fall and quickly snatched him up. She ran with the others, and having reached the safety of the cave, placed him gently with his parents. Looking back she shouted, "Pippen!"
-- Edited by valkricry on Friday 20th of November 2009 08:28:46 AM
Standing alone on a snowy mound, Pippen was valiently trying to distract McNasty by hurling snowballs at the beast and yelling, giving the others time to get away. The large snowbeast, annoyed more then anything, turned towards him, saliva dripping from it's horrid fangs. "I smell a snack," It said in a hidious voice," A yummy elf snack!" and swiped at Pippen with a large hairy hand. "I'm coming,Pippen!" Sarah's voice rang out across the snow, as she tried to run through the drifts to him. In her hand she clutched one of the balls off a tree. McNasty howled and the sound made her half sick with fright, but she didn't stop. "Get away from him! You- you hairball!" Suddenly from behind her a barage of snowballs soared over her head pelting the beast. Glancing back, she saw the polar bears and penguins aiming the arsonal, as well as arming themslves with long sharp icecicles. "You can't defeat us all, McNasty!" She screamed as she came within reach. Almost in one motion she yanked the cap off the top of the ball she had carried with her, and swooping up Pippen stuffed him inside, then with all her might she hurled it towrds the safety of the cave. Her back turned she never saw the beast's hand come down on her. All was dark for Sarah, she did not lay witness to the battle that insued. Over the snow charged the polar bears, some with penguin riders carrying icecicles like javalins. Other penguins slid over the snow like torpedoes to upset the beast's balance. King Bruin, himself led the attack and with a mighty swipe of his paw knocked the beast to the ground, as icecicle spears rained down on the beast. With a hiss, McNasty lumbered off, screaching that this was not the end. Gently, one of the bears lifted Sarah onto King Bruin's back, and he carried her back to the ice cave. All the frivolity of the evening half forgotten, the penguin's tended to her unconcious form, as well as to the other wounded. Little Aimmoo, the baby penguin , laid close to her and stoked her cheek, while two bears laid on either side to help keep her warm. No one knew if she would survive. In a hushed tone, King Bruin told Penoir, the penguin leader, "These humans are so fragile, yet she showed great bravery." "Yes," Penoir agreed,"and if she had not - would you have been so ready to do battle with McNasty, yourself?" King Bruin, looked about at the wounded, grateful none had died. "Perhaps not, Penoir. Would you have?" "No," Penoir shook his head, "I think not. Until that moment, I would not have thought we stood a chance. Together we are quite the force, Bruin." "Indeed we are. Did that snowball just move?" Penoir looked in the direction of King Bruin's gaze. Sure enough , the snowball was moving. "That's odd." Penoir picked it up, "There appears to be something inside." He shook the snow off to reveal the ornamental ball with Pippen still inside. Pippen staggered out, still quite dizzy from the shaking. "Sarah? Is Sarah alright?" Both Penoir and King Bruin looked towards where she lay. "Sarah!" Pippen cried and rushed to her side.
Pippen was standing near Sarah turning his hat over and over in his hands, blaming himself. He never should have allowed her to come. Humans just don't belong this far North. Penoir came up to him, looking troubled. Somehow during the battle, the sled had been destroyed, and there was no sign of the dogs. They had gathered what they could find of the supplies strewn across the snow. "It doesn't matter", Pippen said his voice thick, "Without Sarah nothing matters." Aimmoo suddenly became very animated, chirping so excitedly that even the other penguins had a hard time understanding at first. Penoir smiled at Pippen, "he says your friend is awake."
Pippen rushed to Sarah's side. She had been laying there telling herself that it had all been some strange dream. "Elves, dancing penguins...going to see Santa? At my age? Oh, I am definatley daft." However when her eyes fluttered open and she saw Aimoo looking at her intently, she began to wonder, and now with this little man leaning into her veiw, she knew it had not been a dream at all. "Hi, Pippen," her voice was soft and raspy, "Everyone ok?" "Yes, yes, no fatalities," Pippen smiled at her. "How you feeling?" "Like I got hit by a Mac truck...and hungry." Pippen relayed this to Aimoo who scampered off. His mother soon came bearing a tray of fried fish, and a bottle of Coke. "Ok...where'd they get the cooked fish?" Sarah wondered. 'I showed them the camp stove you brought. They've been cooking everything, or trying to," Pippen laughed a bit. "Snow doesn't cook too well. And they don't understand why anyone would cook a fish, but I told them you liked it better this way." Sarah took a little nibble, and found it to be quite good, and began to eat with zest.
"Where are the dogs staying?" She asked between mouthfuls.
"The dogs are gone, the sled too." "Gone? What do you mean 'gone' ?" "Somehow during the fight, the sled was smashed. No one's seen the dogs since." "Oh," Sarah was silent for a long moment. "Well I guess that means we walk from here." "Walk!? Sarah, are you crazy?" Pippen exclaimed. "King Bruin, tell her it's a daft idea!" King Bruin ambled over and laid a large paw on Sarah's shoulder. "This is important to you?" "Yes, it is," Sarah replied and everyone stood still and stared at her. Not because of her statment, but rather because she seemd to have understood what he had said, and they had understood her. She inturn stared at Pippen, "How can this be?" "I don't know," Pippen's brow furrowed in thought. "Maybe that whack McNasty gave you jarred something or something?" "Maybe... but yes! Yes, this is very important. I need to get Pippen home." "Then we can take you as far as the North Glacier," King Bruin said. "But, first you must rest awhile and gather your strength." Aimmoo wiggled back up onto the bed thery had made for her. "Can I come too?" Sarah patted his head. "No, Little One, you're place is here with your mother." King Bruin leaned over, "Besides if you go, who will watch over my herd? I was counting on you, Aimmoo." "Me? Watch over your herd!? Oh, yessir, I'll do that!"
"Is the North Glacier very far from your home, Pippen?" Sarah asked. "Once we cross the Glacier, not far at all."
What Pippen did not tell her was just reaching the North Glacier would be difficult enough, crossing it would be another matter. He debated telling her, but the truth was, he was divided on the matter - part of him wanted her safe, and part of him wanted to continue the journey home. And as she had pointed out numerous times to him, right now they were in a sort of Limbo with neither of them home. They left in two days time, when Sarah appeared steady on her feet. They waved good-bye and began their Northern Trek. They could hear Aimmoo telling the bears, "I in charge! I in charge. King Bruin said so. I in charge!" and this caused them to chuckle. It was a cold crisp day, with hardly any wind and they made good time, with King Bruin carrying Sarah through the deepest drifts on his back. Pippen rode inside Sarah's hood next to her ear, and told her stories of elf life at the North Pole. When they stopped to rest, or to make camp, either King Bruin or Sarah would talk about when they were young. King Bruin showed Sarah how to make a snow cave so she wouldn't have to bother with the tent. Sarah was very surprised how warm it was inside, thought she suspected it was partly beacause the giant bear would curl up in the opening, blocking out the wind when it rose. One morning they came upon what looked to Sarah like a frozen river. It was very wide and seemed to go on forever. "That is the North Glacier," Pippen said. "If you look real close you can see that it's moving." "I guess this is where you leave us," Sarah looked at King Bruin, and threw her arms about his neck in a hug. "I will miss you." "I will miss you too, Sarah. I will watch while you cross." There were several false starts while Sarah got the hang of ice walking. She could hear King Bruin chuckling every time her seat met the ice. About midway across, Sarah heard a faint cracking sound. "What is that?" She wondered aloud. "The ice! She's breaking! Run, Sarah, run!" Pippen screamed into her ear.
Sarah tried to run, but her feet slipped out from under her and she sprawled with a jar hard enough to send Pippen flying from her hood. More cracking was heard as the ice splintered like a mirror beneath her. Pippen grabbed her sleeve attempting to pull her, "Get up, Sarah! Get up!" he yelled. Sarah slowly levered herself onto her hands and knees and began to crawl forwards, as ice gave and icy water seeped through. "Go on, Pippen," She hissed at him through clenched teeth,"Save yourself!" "No, I won't leave-" He was cut off as what appeared to be a black bullet streaked past and snatched him up. Sarah had no time to react or even to wonder as her knee plunged through the ice . From behind she heard a yell and she felt a bump from behind, next thing she knew she was sliding across the ice at break neck speed. Standing on the shore, King Bruin heard and saw the ice breaking. He ran back aways, and launched himself across the ice tobaggan style, aiming himself for Sarah's upturn posture. He too saw the black bullet but had no time to even attempt translating the blur. Right now he was just hoping he had picked up enough speed from his run that his slide would carry them both to safer ground.
With ice shattering around them Sarah laid low on King Bruin's back letting out small screeches as icy water threatened to engulf them. The slide was slowing down, but the ice seemed firmer. King Bruin told her to stay put as he rose to his feet. They were close to shore, well, a lot closer at least. Glancing back Sarah could see a yawning hole where they had been. Her heart was already jackhammering, as the ice gave way under the bear's feet, and his hide quarters recieved an icy dunking. A moments scrambling, a grunt and a lunge, and they were free of the water's grasp. Moment's later, that felt like an eternity to Sarah, they were safe on the snowy bank. Pippen came running up to them, relieve to see them alright. Behind him stood the 'black bullet' they had seen carry him off, a very large penguin. "Who have we here?" King Bruin asked. "Private first class, Musical, sir!" The penguin did a smart salute. Sarah did not think she had ever seen a larger penguin. "With the Imperial forces, sir!" "Could you knock off the sirs? " King Bruin began, "We're all friends here. I am Bruin, this is Sarah, and you've met Pippen." Everyone exchanged greetings as Sarah dismounted. "Pippen, Pippen are you alright?" "Just fine, Sarah. Man what a ride that was!" "Sorry, I couldn't get you too, Ma'am. But there was only time to grab one of you, and I saw Bruin here close on your flank." "Oh, that's alright. I'm awfully grateful you got to Pippen," Sarah looked about, "Are you by yourself?" "No, Ma'am. My platoon is right over on the other side," Musical blushed, "I sort of broke rank when I saw your predictament. I really should get back." "A moment, Musical," King Bruin, "I've a favor to ask. Are you perhaps heading south, toward's Penoir's Den?" "I believe so, Sir." "Would you deliver a message for me? Tell Penoir not to worry, that I have decided to continue on with our friends? Oh, and tell Aimmoo not to boss the bears too much? I would appreciate it. " "Yes Sir! It would be my pleasure sure!" With that Musical was gone skimming over the ice and snow effortlessly it appeared. "Nice fellow, except he 'sirs' way too much." King Bruin remarked.
"You're coming with us?" Sarah couldn't believe her ears. "I have too. You two get into more trouble then Aimmoo without supervision," King Bruin chuckled.
They walked aways and decided to break camp. Laying in the snowcave, that King Bruin had made, Sarah heard the low growling of McNasty on the wind. "He's close," Pippen whispered. "how close?" Sarah whispered back. "Not so close, that you two can't get a good nights sleep," King Bruin put in. "I will keep watch." He sat up filling the opening with his form, staring outward sniffing the air. "Yes, he's still far enough off you can sleep... We'll have to start off early though to keep the distance."
And so they slept, if you could call it sleep,it was more like dozing, with every whisper of the wind snapping their eyes open and the word McNasty jumping into their mind. As soon as the first grey light of dawn appeared they were off. King Bruin informed them that McNasty's scent had moved North of them. "B-but we're heading N-north," Pippen said. Bruin nodded. "Do you think he's waiting for us?" Sarah asked. "An ambush!?" Pippen squeaked. King Bruin frowned, "That I do not know. We were up wind of him , so we may have gone unnoticed, or he could be laying a trap. But, there is three of us, and only one of him." "Yeah, but he wasn't smart enough to be scared of a whole freakin' army, " Sarah murmured. Yet the concensus was they had to push on. They walked with ears keened, and Sarah scanned the area for something, anything she might be able to use as a weapon. King Bruin stopped short and sniffed the air. Pippen perched on Sarah's shoulder shaded his eyes with one hand and scanned the horizon. Sarah did the same, and saw specks in the distance slowly comeing closer. Slowly she was able to make them out. "Reindeer!" "No, those are cariboo," the bear corrected her. "What's the difference? They look like reindeers to me," Sarah asked. "Reindeers have jobs. " Sarah looked at him trying to get the joke. "Seriously," he continued, "If they work or live on a farm they're reindeers. If they're wild and roam like these, they're Cariboo." "I had no idea," Sarah stated, "But aren't they beautiful?" Silently the herd moved into veiw, then paused uncertain of the odd grouping of bear, elf, and the two legged creature. Sarah was surprised when King Bruin laid down, but she followed suit. Seeing that they would not give chase, the Cariboo passed. Except for two males, that were arguing. Sarah gasped as one lunged and the other deflected him with his antlers. Again and again they charged one another. The other cariboo had turned back to watch forming a half circle. It reminded Sarah of schoolyard fights. The ground fairly shook with their charging and leaps, as sharp hoofs slashed air and hide. Antlers met and twisted each seeking to better the other. Silently King Bruin rose and Sarah did the same and they moved well out of harm's way. The fight both frightened and exhilerhated Sarah. Her breath catching as the mighty bucks would charge and clash. " What are they fighting about?" Sarah asked a doe near them. "Who will be leader of the herd," the does head turned towards Sarah as she spoke. "My! What kind of creature are you?" The large brown eyes blinked. "A human." "Not too well made for this climate are you? No fur....no extra fat...My my my... you know I always thought humans were mythical, yet here you are. My my my." The crowd gasped as an antler snapped off and it's owner lay on his side. "Well fight's over, time to move. Humans are real! Imagine that! My my my," the deer returned to the herd. They moved off leaving the large stag to slowly fallow. Sarah lifted the broken antler out of the snow. It was large and heavy. Holding it by one end she made a few slashing motions through the air. "It'll do," She said tucking it into her belt.
The group walked on, in the distance they could hear McNasty's terrible growling and hissing sounds. Sarah kept the antler grasped with one hand as she followed behind King Bruin, his steps clearing a path for her of sorts. Pippen meanwhile had commandered the sewing needle from Sarah's kit and clutched it tightly, being careful not to inadvertantly stab her with it as he rode beneath her hood. He was telling her about the elves back home, in an effort to keep them both calm. "Boss elf, his name's Tbird, well he's a real slave driver. He'll make us redo an entire toy if there's so much as a speck left unpainted. Then there's the girls, you'll like them. Didi, Trish and BEAn'ette are all swell. Just don't tangle with Didi in a head on Trivia Game - she'll clean your clock! Talk about fast! And if you want to get in good, just engage BEAN'ette in a game of BINGO. She really loves that game." "Oh, so you do have some play time?" "Of course. I didn't mean to make it sound like all we ever do is work. We play games, have families, eat, sleep. Of course for elves making toys IS play. We've several elves that even invent new games for the children. Mus is real good at that." "I see," Sarah's stomache growled, and King Bruin laughed. "I do believe that is the loudest sound I've ever heard you make! Should we stop to eat?" "Do you think we should? I mean we know McNasty is near..." "That's just what he wants, Sarah, for us to be afraid. So afraid our fear controls us." Pippen said. "Well look at that," King Bruin stopped abruptly. Before them lay a patch of earth where the snow didn't lie. "That's rather curious..."
They looked at the patch noting its odd shape. "The snow wasn't shoved away, but more like melted away..." King Bruin puzzled. "That shape reminds me of-" Sarah began. "A gingerbreadman!" Pippen finished. "Look," Bruin said, "These funny dashes in the snow- this is the way he ran." In the same direction they heard McNasty growl. "You think, McNasty got him?" Sarah asked. She didn't even allow herself to wonder about a real gingerbread man, or how many she herself had devored in the past. "Well, he certainly was running from something... but I don't see any tracks from McNasty." King Bruin said. "Should we follow?" Another growl filled the air. "We should, he might need our help," Pippen said. As the group followed the tracks with haste, they began to notice the landscape changing. There was still plenty of snow, but now pine trees dotted the area. The air was heavy with the aroma of gingerbread. They could hear a commotion just over the next snowbank. Cries reached them, and they hurried. Before them laid an entire gingerbread village, nearly demolished, and McNasty having a field day of distruction. Gingerbread people were running about seeking cover. Some trying to fight the beast, pelting him with hard candies. "Hey furball!" Sarah yelled,"Remember us? Try picking on someone nearer your size!" McNasty's head snapped up,"I smell an elfen snack," he roared. Pippen leapt down from Sarah's hood brandishing his sewing needle sword. Onto an animal cracker zebra he hopped and charged straight at McNasty stabbing him in the ankle. Before McNasty could react Sarah and King Bruin both charged. "You bully!' Sarah yelled , "You're nothing but a playground bully!" She swatted at him with the antler. King Bruin grapped him from behind in a bear hug, immobilizing McNasty for a few moments. "Tie him with the licorice whips!" cried out a voice and just a suddenly half a dozen gingerbread men were running this way and that around him ensnaring him with ropes of liquorice. Pippen shoved McNasty somewhere near the anckles and he fell to the ground. A loud cheering went up, and Sarah, breathing hard asked, "Well we've got him...now what do we do with him?"
"The thing is, if we sink to his level, then we're no better off then he is..." Sarah said. "And I agree he should be punished for what he's done." She surveyed the damgage that was all around her. Broken candycanes, gingerbreadhouses, their roofs akimbo or torn off, everywhere lay ruins. The gingerbread people stood about, some badly damaged; with arms or legs snapped off, or their icing badly smeared. "But first things, first. The wounded need to be tended and the houses put back in order. " McNasty laid on his side growling out his dispair. Sarah looked at his matted fur, and wrinkled her nose at his stench. "Then, McNasty, we'll deal with you." They left King Bruin in charge of gaurding the prisoner, along with several of the larger Gingerbread men, while Sarah and Pippen began to help the wounded. Armed with bags of icing they began to put arms and legs back on. Several needed their icing scraped off and be intirely redecorated. Pipen carefully added a twinkle to each patience's eyes with a tiny dab of frosting. That twinkle caught everyone's fancy and soon even the well were lining up to get a twinkle added. Sarah chuckled softly to Pippen, "You've started a trend." Pippen smiled back, "well the elves all said I was the best at twinkling."
After the wounded were cared for they moved on to the buildings. Since Sarah was quite a bit taller then the rest roofs proved no problem for her. The gingerbread folks were busy baking shingles, doors and the like. The village was a flurry of activity as hard candies were rolled into position and pressed into place, and candy cane trimings cut just so. Sarah fought herself hard on nibbling anything, as it looked so delicious, but she didn't want the village people to think she was some sort of monster. The whole time, they could hear Mcnasty wimpering in his bounds. "They hurt," he whined, "Can't you loosen them, just a little?" and King Bruin's strong, "No, but we can tighten them if you'd like." With everyone pitching in, they soon had the village back to rights. Sarah had been listening to the villagers as they worked, "I hope we punish McNasty soon. He's stinking up the whole place!" "His breath's enough to melt ribbon candy!" added another. "Personally, I don't care WHAT they do to him, as long as he's away from HERE," said another. Over and over Sarah heard these sentiments repeated. A meeting was held over a potluck dinner that night, where the concensus was they'd deal with McNasty in the morning. Sarah was very surprised to learn that the eating of gingerbread and sweets was not considered canniblism to the Gingerbread people, as long as it wasn't in person shape. A small gingerbread girl offered her gummybear teddy to Sarah for a good-night hug, and whispered that Sarah was the 'bestest giant in the world', which made Sarah blush. Of course the villagers all wanted to hear how our travelors came amoung them, and their connection with McNasty. While Pippen and King Bruin told their tale, Sarah went to check on the snowbeast and give him some food and water. "You aren't going to just let me starve?" McNasty eyed her with suspicion. "Why?" "Why should we?" Sarah replied. "Were you hurt in the fight?" At first McNasty glowered in response. The softly he admitted, "A little sore around my ribs. Your friend has quite a squeeze." "Not much I can do for that," Sarah said. "But you're lucky it wasn't worse. Why do you go around bullying everybody?" "Why not?" came the answer,"I'm McNasty...who'd want me to be their friend?" "No one with the way you act," Sarah said and walked off.
All night Sarah pondered the proper punishment for McNasty, as she laid on her cookie sheet bed, her head resting on a marshmellow. "He sure is a dirty, smelly, nasty, old beast," she thought. She looked around the room again, before closing her eyes, and marveled how quickly the gingerbread people had built her and her friends such a cozy cottage in record time. Of course Sarah had been way too tall to fit into any of their homes, as had been King Bruin, who prefered a nice cave anyway, and Pippen though just about the right size, refused to be seperated from his friends very long. Sarah couldn't even figure out when they had time to build it during the reconstruction of their own homes. Somehow they had though, and it was beautiful. Sarah rolled over - even if cookie sheets are a bit hard on the back. Early morning, Sarah had decided on at least one course of action for McNasty. She held a whispered conference with the head Gingerbread Person and his officers. They nodded agreement. With sharpened candycanes, they poked and prodded Mcnasty to a whole in the ice, that King Bruin had poked, large enough for McNasty to sit in. Since water and Gingerbread don't mix well ( who want's soggy gingerbread?) Sarah, Bruin, and Pippen took care of phase one - scrubbing McNasty down with lots of soap. King Bruin dunked McNasty several times. He was then hauled out, where he shook himself like a dog, howling his protests, as he had been since being pushed into the water. A dozen gingerbread men armed with candy combs then swarmed him, untangling his fur, as another group brushed his fangs. Any resistance he showed, met with the sharp end of the candycane sticks. "What torture is this?" cried McNasty. Although he had not cared for the bath one bit, he had to admit to himself that the combing of his hair, once the tangles were out, felt quite good...he even sortof wanted it to continue after they were done. He ran his tongue over his fangs, that felt so odd to him now, but a good odd, not all furry and sticky. Yet he continued to howl and hiss out his protests. Now he was led back to the village and given a breakfast of warm gingerbread and hot cocoa, which he wolfed down.. while gingerbread guards stood ready to bind him up with licourice whips if he made the wrong move.
"At least he smells a lot better" the people murmered. Suddenly a shriek was heard coming from the school. One of the walls had given away and was toppling forwards! In it's path were the children at recess. The group lunged forwards in unison, bent on reaching the children. Children were screaming, running from the wall's path, several fell and were certain to be crushed! King Bruin had been in the lead when he saw a blur pass him by, and dive beneath the wall, using itself to hold the wall up off the children. As he reached the wall, he heard a muffled voice, "Get them quick! I don't know how long I can hold it!" The children either scrambled out or were carried out by others. "Is that everyone?" came the muffled voice. "Sarah?!?" King Bruin was surprised to find her, breathing heavily from the run by his side. Only she or himelf would have been large enough to hold that wall...then who? By now the entire building had collapsed ontop of whomever it was, and they began lifting the pieces away, as frantic parents did a head count. " Gumdrop is missing!" went up the cry, and Sarah remembered she had been the tyke with the gummybear teddy from the night before. Now everyone began hauling away broken bits and pieces as they searched for the child. Lifting a large chunk of roof and wall the found Mcnasty crouched over the child, protecting her with his own body. Everyone was amazed at his act. He straightened up a bit and she scampered out to her parents. McNasty stood up, and plucking a gummibear from his fur, very gently handed it back to the girl. "I believe this is yours." Suddenly feeling awkward at all eyes being on him he growled, "What are you all looking at?" Pippen said, "I do believe it's you. You are a hero, McNasty." This coming from an elf of all things caused McNasty to blush. He scuffed a toe in the snow. "Awww..it..it just seemed the right thing to do. As unaccostomed as I am to that." "Feels good though. doesn't it?" Pippen asked. McNasty nodded agreement.
McNasty dusted himself off awkwardly, as everyone stared at him. The thought that right now, this moment, he could bolt and run away, or charge the elf and gobble him up, did cross his mind. However, he found he didn't really want to. For once in his life no one was running from him, or shrieking in fright. Insteasd of fear, he was being looked at with...was it admiration? Inwardly he sighed, because it would be short lived. Soon they would meter out his punishment for the years of elf-eating, and destruction he had wrought. A spark of anger flared in his mind - but no one ever gave him a chance to be good, just because he was big and ugly, they expected him to be mean and a bully, all he did was give them what they expected! Still, a new thought made it's way into his mind, it had been his choice in the long run, and he deserved to be punished. Sarah moved forward and placed her hand on his arm. He looked at her warily."Are you alright?" He felt his jaw drop open for a second. Slowly he worked the words,"I'm fine, Thank you," out, but inside he was almost shocked that she appeared to really care for his well being. Another meeting was called, and this time they left Mcnasty unbound, with only a handful of gaurds to watch him, as Gumdrop and the other children played about him. Children are much more forgiving then adults, and they considered McNasty their friend now, and it's only natural to play with one's friend. Inside the meeting place his fate was being debated. The Mayor was speaking, "It must be an unanimous vote, if we do as Gumdrop's parents suggest. There's no guarantee that McNasty won't return to his old ways." A murmer went up. Pippen cleared his throat, "If, I may, Mr. Mayor? I suggest we test McNasty. If he passes, then we go with their suggestion - if not....Well then we rid ourselves of him for good." "A test? How do we test for a change in him?" several asked at once. "Simple...we know McNasty loves an elfen snack, we see if he has one, when he thinks he can't get caught." "Elfen... Pippen, NO!" King Bruin and Sarah both cried out. "Are you crazy!?" "No way!" and other cries filled the air. "It's the only way to ensure everyone's safety," Pippen argued. "Besides we'll take precautions against my demise." Bruin and Sarah were shaking their heads no. "Look it's my fault he came here to begin with. It's my fault for the penguins and bears getting into that battle with him. My fault you were hurt, Sarah. Everything is my fault! If we don't test him and something happens to this village , how am I to live with myself? We need to be sure, he's really changed and this is the only way!"
It was dusk when they put their plan into action. Sarah and King Bruin were hidden down wind of McNasty, and the gingerbread gaurds were no where to be seen. They had brought him dinner, and then left Pippen watching him. "Why are you here, Elf?" "Name's Pippen, McNasty. Just thought you'd like some company. " Pippen made himself comfortable on a snowbank so that he was just about even with McNasty's seated position. "Hmmm...Pippen....Never thought about elves having names, other then 'snack'." McNasty shoved a handful of food into his mouth and chewed noisily. "Wouldn't hurt you to learn some table manners - like chewing with your mouth closed," Pippen said, as bits fell around him. "Why?" "Well, it looks better, and more food stays in your mouth." McNasty liked the idea of more food, so he gave it a try, but it was hard to remember to do. Pippen looked about, "looks like it's just me and you out here. " "Yep, it does." "so tell me, why do you eat elves?" McNasty was quiet for a bit. "Do you really want to know?" Pippen nodded. "Well to be honest... I've never really eaten one." "What!? But everyone says-" McNasty cut him off, "Everyone says I do. That story was probably started by some elf out of fear that I would." "Then why on Earth do you call us 'snack' ?" "To scare you of course. I mean look at you - not even a mouthful. So why even bother? " "But why scare us? Instead of trying to be friends?" "I use to try... but it was plain they never wanted to be. So I gave up. I saw that goose catch you, you know." "You did?" "Yep, and I thought, "Here's my chance...I'll just fetch that little fellow back and maybe, maybe have a friend. But you ran from me. And look what happened at the penguin's den... I didn't have a chance to do anything before you were hitting me with snowballs and everyone ran away. Then they attacked me. " Pippen wasn't sure, but he thought he saw a tear in McNasty's eyes. "I wanted to try and make friends here... and I thought a gingerbreadman fresh from the oven, who hadn't heard bad things might - but as soon as he saw me he took off running and fell in the snow." Pippen remembered the odd clear spot they had seen. " I tried to pick him up but he ran here and started screaming I was a monster. They didn't give me a chance either." "So your saying all the bad credited to you was sortof a fluke?" "Sortof..I've done bad true. Destroyed things. But it's what they expect." Pippen thought about it for awhile. How initially, he had thought even Sarah might eat him, just based on her size. Given McNasty's looks... yes, Pippen could see being afraid of him without cause even. "I'm sorry, McNasty." Pippen held out his hand, "Friends?" Pippen wasn't sure but he thought the grimace on McNasty's face was a smile. "Friends," McNasty held out a finger to shake. Pippen and McNasty talked at great length that night. After a long while, Sarah and King Bruin happened to 'stroll' by and joined in. Early the next morning they reported their findings to the Council and Gumdrop ran to tell McNasty the news, with the village in tow. "You can stay with us!' She shouted. "Stay? With you? Here?" McNasty was confused. The Mayor stepped forwards, "We took a vote, and it was unanimous. We can use a...ummm...man of your abilities, and you're welcome to stay in our village as long as you want." "Then I will have a home," McNasty said in wonder ," A place to go to and from, and to belong." "If you want," said the Mayor. "I want." The crowd cheered then and all the little gingerbread kids swarmed McNasty hugging him. Sarah explained to McNasty that since they were leaving soon, the village had decided that he could have the cottage they'd been living in. The trio left the next day, crossing through Pine Valley.
As they were traveling through to Pine Valley McNasty tripped and bumped his head. Sarah the rest were very worried. After inviting McNasty to live in their village would they lose him? After about a week McNasty woke up in ICU without any though on how he got there. He didn't remember anything, he didn't rememberh is name.
So it was that Gumdrop renamed McNasty, McSweety, because with all memory of his cruelties forgotten only his new demeanor remained. He returned with the Gingerbread-citizens to their village, and King Bruin, Pippen, and Sarah continued their journey through Pine Valley. Pine Valley was so named because of all the Christmas Trees that grew there, the air heady with their fragrance. King Bruin stopped dead in his tracks, "Any one else hear that?" They listened intently, and heard it again, a tiny weak voice crying out for help. "Please! The holly and the ivy are choking me! Help! Help!" They searched and found no one, but the crieing continued. Finally they stumbled upon a tiny little tree, almost entirely covered with Ivy and Holly berries, and it sounded as if the voice came from there!
What they didn't know was the little tree was making the sound. You see once upon a time the tree was a fair maiden, but a witch has cast a spell upon the fair maiden and only a "kiss" could turn her back. With the ivory and berries covering the tree, it was hard for the tree (fair maiden) to breathe. As the group came upon the little tree Sarah remarked.......
-- Edited by Totally-Tempting-Trish on Tuesday 22nd of December 2009 05:45:06 PM
"Is that that tree yelling?" "Sure sounds like it," King Bruin agreed, and the group began pulling the ivy and holly away. With each vines removal the voice got a little louder. King Bruin pushed his snout into the tree searching for the voice's owner. "Hey! That tickles!" the voice giggled and began to shimmer and shake, causing Bruin to abruptly sit down and the others to gasp. Within the shimmering another form took place. "Are you guys seeing what I'm seeing?" Sarah whispered. "I - I think so" Pippen whispered back. It's - it's a girl!" Before them stood a beautiful elf maiden, who stretched and bent."Oh my! I can move again! How wonderful!" She looked at the group, "Which of you kissed me?" "No one kissed you," King Bruin said. "I just poked my nose in trying to find out who was speaking.." "Well bears kiss with their noses... I suppose that did it!" The maiden smiled. She then told them her story ending with, "I guess she wasn't too exact on the kind of kiss! By the way my name is Sou." The group introduced themselves. Sou stared at Sarah a long moment, "Sorry for staring,' she said when she caught herself, "It's just I always thought humans were made up creatures." "It's quite alright," Sarah said, "I've been doing alot of staring myself lately." After explaining to Sou that they were going to Santa's, it was quickly decided that she would join them. The group walked on for miles, until they cam to a break in the trees. There in this snowy meadow layed out the most charming village, with elves scurrying to and fro. Pippen said one word, "Home." As the approached bells began to ring and many rushed to greet them. Sarah, Bruin and Sou hung back as Pippen was clapped on the back and his hand shook by many, and bombarded with questions. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa" pippen laughed holding up his hand, "In a minute, I promise to tell all. But I and my friends have come along way, let us catch our breaths!" A man much taller then the others, all dressed in red came forth, "Yes, first you must rest, then I want a full report, Pippen." Sarah felt her mouth drop open in a silent O... here was THE Santa. He smiled at her, "Hello, Sarah, glad you could make it. Well come, come, let's get a hot meal into your bellies!" He ushered them into his very own house.
While Mrs. Claus fixed them dinner, the women were shown where to freshen up. An elfen couple rushed in calling, "Sou? Sou! Is that you?" "Mama! Papa!" She cried and ran into their arms. "My darling! My baby!" The older woman cried and held her tight. "We searched and searched for you, but never gave up hope. I can't believe you're finally home!" Sarah watched the reunion with a tugging at her heart. She knew that back home, no such greeting waited for her. Her own family had been long gone, before she embarked on this trip. Her daughter lived far away with her own life, and they talked by phone once a week - other then that... She watched the happy family wander off together, and smiled, then went to get dressed. The meal was held in the great hall with much festivity. Even though Sarah was different, nearly as tall as Santa! - the others made her feel at home. Trish, BEAn'ette, and Didi asked her many questions, and answered some in return. Pippen was in his glory, relating their adventures with great gusto. "Let me get this straight," Santa said, "All of this happened because we said you were too small to be a deer handler?" Pippen blushed, "Yes, sir. All because of my stupid pride." "Yet you tamed, McNasty..." "Not exactly, sir...you see..." "Details, details," Santa laughed and waved his hand. "If a deer handler you still want to be, I think we can at least give you a chance." Pippen's face broke into a huge smile,"YESSIR! I would like that very much." King Bruin clapped him on the back, and Sarah hugged him. Mrs. Claus leaned over and touched Santa's hand, and gave a meaningful nod towards the hugging couple. Santa cleared his throat,"And you dear, Sarah, what will you be doing now?" "Me? I guess I'll be returning home..." She looked at Pippen, "I really hadn't thought beyond helping Pippen return." BEAN'ette giggled, and Trished whispered, "They're in love and don't know it!" "Well then," King Bruin murmered,"They're the only ones that don't." Santa smiled, "Is this true? Are you two in love?" Pippen and Sarah stared at each other, each quite nervous. "You risked everything for me," both said and laughed. Pippen spoke, "I believe we are, sir. But.." "No buts," Santa said, "if you love her then kiss her proper." Sarah bent down and Pippen stood on tip toes and they kissed. Sarah put a hand to her head, "Oh my, I feel strange...kindof tingly all over..." "Sarah! You're shrinking!" Pippen and King Bruin made the observation at the same time. "I- I am!?!" Trish ran over with a spare tunic while Didi and BEAN'ette held up part of Sarah's now too large clothes as a curtain. Sarah stepped out now just slightly taller then Pippen. "How? How did this happen?" "Love did it," Santa explained. "This is a magical place you know." and smiled. And so it was that Sarah would always know white Christmases, and after years of resigning herslef to being alone, found herself a new family and a love like no other...
