Happily Ever Christmas

~Twenty~

"So...are we gonna talk about the elephant in the room?" I asked finally, nodding towards the last thing in the room that we hadn't yet discussed.

It was the size and shape of a really big grandfather clock, but whatever it was it was covered with a black sheet like a shroud and every now and then I could hear faint metallic noises coming from underneath it.

The thing was ominous as hell looking, to say the least.

Steve gave a little smirk and straightened up to go over to the object. "Now this, this is classified." He told me with mock severity.

I gave him a look. "Trust me, I ain't gonna tell a soul. I don't wanna spend the rest of my life in the loony bin, thanks."

He chuckled. "Fair enough."

He drew back the sheet then, but it took me a minute to understand what I was looking at.

                                                                           *~*~*~*

I got up to move closer to the strange device.

It was a tall glass case with golden metal hinges.

Inside was a bizarre, swirling sand-like substance that was being churned and spun by a set of golden cogs and complications like that inside a true grandfather clock. But it had no dial, no face, no hands or fobs that I could see, at least. And yet, it was a measurement of the passing of time, I could clearly understand that just by looking at it.

Steve slowly approached me, palms up and open; the way one approaches a wild, possibly dangerous animal. "Hey, you okay?" He set his hands gently on my shoulders and I jolted as his touch brought me back to the present.

"Hey, look at me." He urged, and I obediently looked up into his crystalline blue eyes.

Only distantly was I aware of myself wrapping my hands around his wrists to hang on for dear life.

"This isn't for humans to engage in. Just looking at it too long can make you crazy. You are here with me...You okay?"

I had to try very hard, but I managed to swallow, and nod my comprehension.

"Okay. I'm gonna cover it again. Just...sit down for a minute and breathe, okay?"

I sank bonelessly down into the big chair.

I felt truly strange, like I'd just aged whole years in the span of seconds. I kept staring at my hands. I didn't recognize those wrinkles.

What new sorcery was this?

Steve tossed the shroud back over the timepiece and returned to me to kneel at my feet. "What you just saw was a time tumbler. Heavy stuff, right? Now maybe you'll have a better appreciation for my work." He chuckled, taking my hands and helping me stand. "Come, let's go eat lunch, hmm? I bet the elves are whipping up something hearty and delicious as we speak."

I was still in a total daze, so I just quietly let him lead me from the room of mystery and magic.

                                                                   *~*~*~*

Steve took us down the long hallway and sat me down in an adorably cozy little dining nook.

The booth was upholstered in red velvet and every surface was a dark color. Things were soft and warm and comfortable here with little candles and lamps everywhere creating a dim, romantic environment.

The view was breathtaking beyond the tall windows. The snowy hills and ridges of the jagged mountain range were tinted with the golden, pink glow of dusk.

It was beautiful beyond belief, but I was still too much in a daze to properly appreciate the grand majesty outside.

The elves brought us a sumptuous feast indeed; warm, savory soups with big hunks of sourdough bread for dipping, platters of assorted smoked meats, lamb chops over risotto, along with roast pheasant, salmon, and candied yams with wild rice and sautéed vegetables.

When I had stuffed myself with as much as I could, we finished with a classic British Christmas pudding and a nice robust coffee.

I was feeling worlds better now and I was even getting used to the elves darting in and out of the room carrying trays of food and chirping pleasantly in their funny little voices that reminded me so much of a kazoo.

The sun had disappeared behind the mountains and the fire had burned low in the grate.

I met Steve's eyes over the flickering candle on the table and gave him a small smile that he tentatively returned.

"I still can't believe I'm sitting here. With Santa Claus."

We both laughed a little at that, but the sound soon ebbed and faded away.

"I should, uhm," I cleared my throat, "I should go check on the kids, and Frodo-oh my God, Frodo!"

"Your dog is sleeping with the Newfoundlands, milady!" A tiny elf, only about three feet tall, materialized beside the table and I couldn't contain my startled yelp.

Both the elf and Steve chuckled at my expense.

I slowly let out a breath, glad the little elf didn't seem offended.

"This is Ralts." Steve said helpfully.

The elf swept off its cap and bowed to me deeply. "At your service, Mademoiselle!"

"Oh! Uhm, nice to meet you...Ralts?"

"As I was saying, Miss, Frodo is sleeping peacefully, as were your children when Mazie last checked on them!"

"Thank you!"

The elf was gone in the wink of an eye, leaving me blinking at the Persian rug where he had been standing just a moment ago.

Steve chuckled knowingly. "I think you could do for a nap yourself, hmm? I'll show you to your kid's room now, if you want..."

I shook my head, however. I wasn't remotely sleepy, no matter how warm and fuzzy I might feel.

"No. No, thank you. First I think I want you to tell me the one piece of the story that's still missing. The one that affects me; here, now, in the present.

"Why have you brought me here, Nick Light?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thank you for reading!

HRH