Christmas Elf

Part 20

That night's dinner had been awkward, quiet shuffles and hushed tones. Nick and I had formed a contract to provide peace and solidarity to spread joy to the children of the world. Nion was in the corner analyzing every movement we made, how we stayed composed and kept emotions off the table. I saw Holy just behind him, her hair freshly pinned behind her head.

"Once a year, you are allowed access. Deal?" my brother in law leaned back into his chair. I watched his face grow with joy, feeling on top of the situation.

"Once a year, indicating a non-linear portion of time. In your proposition that could be two months long, end of December into the start of January one year and then the next would be the same. I propose that for the entire month of December we come down and visit and deliver presents." Nick proposed throwing the balance of power in the situation back to flat.

I watched the smug man's face fall, his hopes for overpowering us failed time and time over. He was losing hopes on riding his past from his present. I watched as Nion joined us at the table with his hands fidgeting around.

"I wish to stay with Uncle Chris, I want to learn to make toys." His voice was soft, unburdened and hopeful. His lean face glowed in the candle light, and his strawberry blonde hair turned an orange hue. He looked like a much younger version of me, a face holding innocence at the age of eleven.

"You will stay here, on earth where your uncle should have grown up and matured, not running off to bullshit magical worlds. You will study and work and be the perfect child, am I heard?" the older man snapped.

"Emery, I suggest you grow up too. Might do some good for that receding hairline." I grumbled, patting my nephews back supportively.

"You know none of the struggles I have, I rule this town, and you outed me as liking men as well as women. My reputation is deplenished, you caused that. I wish you would become a myth and disappear." He argued back, visibly iraatating Nick. his hair grew lighter as his face changed to disgust.

"You owe us a sled, you burned ours. So before we leave you make us a new one. And find all eight of our reindeer." Nick stood from the desk and walked to meet my daughter before the two of them left.

"Large, red to match our suits. And of cours new reins for our reindeer to lead us. Dont forget an extra compartment for those toys. Now I suggest you do that or you know what bad kids get. They get coal." I signed my name down on the now finished treaty and took my leave out of the room, my nephew at my side.