The NightWalker: Winter Solstice

The Silent Night

Once we catch up with Melody and Sif. I felt a little bit nervous. Not from the large, looming castle but from the crowd. I hate crowds.
"There ain't that many humans around here," I mumbled as I gripped Loki's hand.
"Are you scared to be here?" Loki pulls me closer to him when a group of people push past us.
"Uh, Not at all. I feel quite safe with you guys. It's just... I just don't do well with large crowds"
"I forgot about that," Loki squeezed my hand tighter "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you,"
"I know," We hook our arms together and with Thor, Melody and Sif by our side we stroll towards the castle.

"Wow! It's really... a castle," Thor whistled. Melody leaned her arm on his shoulder.
"A literal castle! Amazing right?" Melody beamed. Thor squints up at the imposing stone structure. Loki lets go of my hand and drapes his arm over my shoulders.
"... I don't like it," he shook his head. Melody's jaw dropped.
"What? Why? Who doesn't love a castle?" Melody spoke quickly.
"It's too big. Even if I knew the layout, I couldn't possibly secure a place like this," Thor frowned as he crossed his arms.
"You really don't have the greatest sense of direction," I added. Thor once told me that he got lost around his own home as a child.
"You got lost in the den once," Melody clicked her fingers.
"You've seen the den. It's huge," Thor looked at us and then back at the castle "All I see is a big stone deathtrap"
"Thor, What's safer than a castle? I mean, like... it's an actual fortress. They built these things to keep out armies," I walk a little forward so that I am standing by his side. Loki's hand runs down my arm and holds my hand.
"Castles were designed to keep out armies of men. Not whatever that walking icicle zombie thing on the video was," Thor rolled his eyes as he looked at me, then looked back to the castle "But I guess if we could get some catapults and a couple of barrels of burning pitch. Oooh, one of those ballistas they had on Game Of Thrones," I wrap my arm around Thor. (The other arm was attached to Loki.)
"We will be fine, Thor. I trust Sif," I insisted. Thor and I stared each other down. Sif coughed behind us.
"Ahem. If you two are finished, may we proceed inside? It's barbarically cold out here," Sif shivered. She wasn't wrong. Snow had started to fall.

We head inside where we are greeted by a tall, stern-faced vampire dressed in expensive-looking Victorian-ear clothing.
"Good evening, Sif. Loki," The old man took off his hat and bowed his head.
"Ebenezer. Thank you for agreeing to take up hosting duties this year," Sif placed a hand over her heart as bowed. Loki did the same. Thor, Melody and I all looked at each other, shrugged and followed suit.
"It seemed... unavoidable," Ebenezer sighed, glancing around.
"Unavoidable?" I asked as I peeked around Loki. Ebenezer placed his hat back on his head.
"An epic vampire shindig in a creepy castle? Who would want to avoid that?" Melody beamed.
"Anyone with good sense. I mean, the cost alone," Ebenezer glared at Melody.
"This guy is Michelle's uncle? Are we sure?" Melody looked between Loki and Sif. Both nodded.
"Young lady, My ties to Michelle were of an honorary relationship of affection stemming from a centuries-long association and not ties of blood," Ebenezer sighed.
"Could someone translate that?" Thor spoke up.
"I think he is saying they were like family. You probably get real close to anyone that you have spent a few centuries with," I replied. Ebenezer nodded at me.
"You would be surprised," Sif muttered. Loki agreed with her.
"We've spent a century with the council and we still are not close," Loki looked over at his fellow council members, Fandral stuck his middle finger up at Volstagg while Hela drooled over a waiter "Nor do I want to be,"
"Maybe he means that Michelle grew on him over the centuries. Like mould! Fabulous, party-loving mould," Melody smiled. I hope she never changes. I love the way she phrases things.
"I assure you! There is no mould here! Why, even the insinuation..." Ebenezer huffed. If this was a cartoon, he would have steam coming out of his ears. Melody then frowned and looked deadly serious.
"Hang on. HANG ON!" She pushed past Loki and strolled up to the confused, angry old man.
"Melody..." Loki warns.
"Your name is Ebenezer. You're rich and cranky. And you're not excited about the holidays..."
"Oh, here we go," I muttered as Sif, Thor, Loki and I all sat down on a wooden bench.
"Ebenezer... As in Ebenzer Scrooge? Any relation? Or maybe some inspiration?" Melody grinned. She was definitely on one tonight. God knows what she is going to be like once she has liquor in her system.
"How dare you! The impertinence. The disrespect. The sheer audacity. To come into my home and insult me so!" I think I am going to slap him. He doesn't get to speak to my best friend that way! No one does. I stepped forward. Loki grabbed my waist and pulled me onto his lap, Holding me to his chest.
"Park it," He ordered as he whispered in my ear. He locked his hands around me so that I couldn't escape "Melody can handle herself,"
"There's no need to yell at me, Grandpa," Melody frowned. Ebenezer turns and stalks away, anger in every line of his body.
"I suppose I had better go and deal with that," Sif clicked her tongue. With a sigh, she sweeps after Ebenezer.

"Was it something I said?" Melody mocked as she stuck her finger up at Ebenezer.
"Don't take it personally, Melody. Ebenezer is sensitive about that subject," Loki let me go, though I didn't exactly rush to get off his lap "None of us honestly expected the story to become so popular. He does not enjoy it,"
"You mean to tell us that it's true?" My jaw dropped. Thor chuckled.
"Oh yes. Charles Dickens was extremely involved in the vampire community," Loki placed a hand on my back as he moved me out of the way of an excited vampire.
"Asshole," I shouted as he nearly collided with me. Loki glared after the man.
"That is so goth," Melody grinned and clapped her hands together.
"So was he," Loki smiled. Melody said that she would love to hear more stories about him. Loki replied that he would tell more stories after about 8 drinks and once Ebenezer was nowhere to be seen "Come on, Let's find our rooms," Laughing, we followed a footman up the stairs and along a twisting path before he stopped in front of a door.

The bedroom is luxurious. The walls are lined with gorgeous, priceless art and the king-size bed is draped in a satin duvet and covered in a mountain of pillows. Melody launches herself onto her back into the pile.
"Holy fancy French name! This is just as comfy as I remember," Melody sunk into the pillows "I just want to be a princess. Is that too much to ask?"
"You and me both," I also throw myself onto the bed and sink deeply into the soft comforter "Sure it sounds nice but how would we pull it off?"
"In my case, I want to be a waitress in a random restaurant until I meet a guy who is secretly a prince on vacation," Melody leaned on her elbows "No, that won't do. Too difficult. Let's kill an actual princess and steal her identity,"
"Mel, if you are going to murder someone, you can't say it out loud," Melody closes her eyes, sinking into the pillow.
"Easy for you, you have your prince," Melody laid back down, staring up at the ceiling.
"Loki is not my prince," I sighed. I wish he was my prince. Except I look like a sloth and I still don't get why Loki even goes near me.
"Liar, we all know he is," Melody scoffed. I rolled my eyes. Melody then bolted upright "I gotta say, this place is a whole lot nicer when we are not being attacked by untamed that want to eat our faces. Maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up. With my luck, there's probably a whole train of them on the way,"
"Melody, no. No more negativity. This is the year we break that bloody curse," I also sat up. Not as graceful mind you.
"People have said that before," Melody mumbled.
"Yeah, but I am not people," I shuffled to the end of the bed "I am your badass roommate who helped take down an evil vampire senator. I will eat that curse for breakfast,"
"Extremely weird but I am into it," Melody smiled, determination growing on her face. I scrambled off the bed, stood in front of Melody and grinned.
"And we start now. Are you ready to check out the party?"
"Hell to the mother fucking yes!" Melody slaps the bed, bounces nimbly off the bed and stops in front of my suitcase "Now, where is that dress?"

We took a good ten minutes searching for the dress in my suitcase. Melody then empties her case and squeals as she finds it in her suitcase and she pulls out the elaborate holiday gown. The dress is a satin skater dress with thin straps. Black lace lines the edges. Plunging neckline too.
"The famous Christmas dress that made Stark crash into a wall. Oh my god. I have to see this on you," I slipped on my bracelet and necklace and strutted out the door.

Melody's jaw drops as I spin around, showing off the way the skirt flares out.
"Well?" I posed in front of Loki. He grinned and chuckled. He looked me up and down.
"Girl, fuck me sideways. You look amazing. Almost as if it was made to fit you," Melody pulls out her phone and aims it at me "Now for the final touch. Sing Santa Baby,"
"Melody, no. Stop!"
"Come on! put a little bit of Marilyn into it!" I slap the phone from her hands.
"You really think that I can pull this off?" I ran my hands down my skirt, suddenly feeling very vulnerable.
"I think you will kill it," I glance down, My cheeks burning "Ready to go?"
"Yeah, I think so," I gulped, I then turned to Melody "I need the loo,"
"I will meet you downstairs. Someone needs to warn Loki how hot you are," Melody left before I could stop her.

I must have checked my appearance several times in the bathroom mirror, turning this way and that to make sure everything was perfect. I added a few extra pins and hairspray and my hair as gently as I could to make sure everything was in place. Once I was satisfied that it was, I took a deep breath and grabbed my phone.
"Let's do this,"

I descend the main stairs into the ballroom, only to find Loki waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs.
"Emily, You look..." Loki murmurs. His mouth flapped open like a fish. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Fancy?"
"I was going to say breathtaking," he finally manages to get out, I smirk as I stop on the last step in front of Loki. For once, I was the same height as him. I licked my lips as I placed my hands behind my back.
"You can have mine then," I whisper. Loki smiles as he leans forward, kissing me on my lips.
"You don't look so bad yourself," I licked my lips. Loki growled as he grabbed me by the waist.
"Do we have to go to this party? Can we just skip it?" He pleaded. I knew what he was hinting at. I smirked as I walked away from him.
"No, Now come on," I wiggled my finger at him. Loki ran a hand over his face. I heard him mutter something but didn't quite catch it.

We walked a little further down the hallway before Loki grabbed me by the waist and dragged me into this little hideaway. I made a little squeal as Loki pushed me against the wall.
"Loki?" I said.
"Darling, I just need to speak to you," Loki was still holding my waist.
"What is it?" I curiously asked. I placed my hands on Loki's upper arms. Loki took a deep breath.
"Darling, You look ravishing. But I am afraid that your dress is ill-suited to my needs. I think we need to remove it. How would you prefer that to happen? Shall I slip the fabric from your body with my hands? Slowly, Intimately. Bit by bit with my teeth," Loki growled in my ear "Make your choice soon," I bit my lip as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Even in heels, I had to stand on tiptoes to reach his ear.
"Loki, All of those ideas sound excellent. However," I kissed his cheek "You can wait till after the ball," I smirked as I walked away. Knowing that Loki was still standing there.
"This going to be a long night," I heard him growl.

We get back to the stairs just in time for Melody to come into view. Loki's gaze never left me.
"See, Loki, I told you she was smoking hot," Melody said as she skipped down the stairs.
"That you did," Loki nodded and agreed.
"That's better than fancy," I smiled as Loki looked away, a small blush on his cheeks. Both Melody and I chuckled. Loki cleared his throat and walked before me, bowing a little.
"Emily, Allow me to welcome you to the Winter Solstice," Loki held his hand out for me to take, which I happily accepted "I want to show you both something. It's something a tradition,"

Loki leads us to the centre of the ballroom, where a massive obsidian obelisk towers over the guests. Thor is standing at its base with his clan, all of them studying the surface. As we join them, I realize that the tower is covered in names. Thor turns when he hears footsteps, Taking a double take when he sees me.
"Emily..." He muttered "You look amazing," Thor's jaw dropped. I heard a deep growl from behind me. I reach behind and pat Loki's chest.
"Easy tiger," I whispered. I swear Loki is getting worse with these growls. Maybe Melody is right, I do need to talk to him about it. Loki hums as he wraps an arm around my waist. I rolled my eyes as I looked back to Thor "Thank you, Thor,"
"No worries," He waves his hand at me. He then looks back at the tower, pointing with his thumb "So, what's with the giant tower?"
"I was about to ask that," Melody crossed her arm.
"This is the greatest monument of vampire history there is," Loki looked up at the tower.
"Really?" Melody tilted her head.
"Mmmmm," He reaches out to trace his fingers over a name carved into the surface. When I look closer, I see that it is his name "Every time a new vampire attends the Winter Solstice for the first time, they carve their name here. It's an unbroken record of every Solstice, going back to the first,"
"Wow. That's amazing," I grinned.
"It is. And now," Loki smiles softly as he pulls two sets of craving tools from his pocket and hands one each to Melody and Thor "Melody. Thor. You and your people are part of that legacy,"
"Oh, man. Carving my name into an ancient vampire obelisk to secure my place in history? Crossing that off my bucket list," Melody bounced up and down.
"That was not on your bucket list," I chuckled.
"Well, I'm retroactively adding to it!" Melody shrugs.

Thor turns the tools over in his hand, looking unexpectedly happy. Until one of Volstagg's men walks past.
"... Clanless sewer trash..."
"What the hell did you just say?" Thor snarls, spinning the tool in his hand, making a makeshift dagger. He takes one step towards the idiot. But before he can do anything, Sif places a hand firmly on his shoulder.
"Thor. Not tonight," She whispers. Thor looks at her over his shoulder, they have a private conversation before he lets out a groan.
"... Fine. Your lucky night, asshole," Thor spins the tool again and turns away. Volstagg's man goes to peak but Sif stops in front of him. She says something to him and he yelps, scurrying away and Sif joins us in front of the obelisk. she takes a double look at me.
"You look remarkable, Emily, by the way. an absolute vision," She then holds her hand up in front of Loki "And don't growl at me," Melody laughs as Loki holds his hands up.
"That's all it took to stop him?!" Thor exclaims. Melody then whispers to Thor that Loki would easily kick his ass but would never go up against Sif as he is a chicken shit. Loki agreed that Melody wasn't wrong.
"Thank you, Sif," I nod my head. Sif shrugs, her lips curving into a smirk as her gaze skates over me once more. Then, she turns back to Thor.
"Ignore Volstagg's lot. I was the first to carve my name into this. No one has more say than I over who deserves the honour. If you didn't deserve it, you wouldn't be here. All of us, we are honoured to have you here," Sif pats Thor's shoulder. Thor lets out a deep breath and I can see how much this means to him.
"... Thank you," he mutters. He lets out a sigh as he looks down at the tools.

Melody and Thor turn to the obelisk, both clearly moved by the gravity of what they are doing. As they begin to carve their name, I catch sight of another of Volstagg's men walking towards our group, clearly ready to cause trouble.
"Oh for fuck sake," I mutter. Loki asked what was wrong and nodded subtly towards the idiot.
"Do what you want with him," Loki spoke his voice low. I wait for the idiot until he is behind me and stealthily sticks my foot out.
"We let... Aaaargh!" He goes sprawling across the marble floor, sliding a little with the force of his fall. All around the room, vampires break into laughter "... I was doing a bit! a bit!" He scrambles to his feet and hurries away, chased by more laughter.
"I think that is called karma," I waved bye at him as he went back to where Volstags's other men were. Loki let out a loud growl as he shot a glare at them. He mouths something at them and they scuttled off "What was that about?"
"What I wouldn't give to rip their heads off," He snarled. I placed a hand on his cheek and he instantly calmed down.
"Ignore them," I said softly. Loki breathed in and as he exhaled, he let out the breath. He then looked at me and nodded.
"This is going to be a long night,"

We turn back to my friends in time to see Thor and Melody finishing up. Sif kisses both of them on the cheek, her smile unusually warm.
"Welcome to the family," She chimes. Melody and Thor look at each other in nothing that couldn't be described as pure shock.
"What?" Thor stuttered. Loki smiled.
"You ain't kidding. You do take this holiday seriously," Melody spoke quickly, placing a hand on the cheek that Sif just kissed.
"Yes. I do," Sif grinned widely.

As Thor and Melody hand their tools over to the next vampire, I hear a squeal from the far side of the room and spot a tiny figure running over to me and hug-tackles my legs.
"Whoa!" I nearly fell over. I look down and see a familiar head of curls.
"Emily!"
"Love!" I knelt down and she hugged me tightly. I then patted her toy elephant's head "Hello, Esteban," Love lets me go with a smile. She then walks up to Sif and tugs on the legs of her trousers.
"Miss Sif, Do I get to carve my name in the big crystal too?" Love spoke up. Sif knelt so she was at head height for her.
"Of course, sweet child. You are all part of the family now," Sif grinned as she handed Love a set of tools. Axl lifts Love up and tears prick my eyes as she catches her tongue between her teeth in concentration.
"Here, love. I will help," Medusa offers. Love snatched the tools away. Loki smiles fondly at the little one. You can tell he used to be a dad. He would have made a good one. 
"No. I can do this! Then you do it next," Love insisted. Frowning while she concentrated.
"We will all do it," Axl grins.

Finally, all the names have been added. Thor smooths his thumb over his name and smiles.
"Never thought I would see the day," Thor muttered. His hand drops to his side. Loki claps Thor on the back with a laugh.
"Honestly, neither did I. But today is a good day,"
"I think I prefer the two of you when you are dark and brooding," Thor pats Loki's hand.

On the opposite side of the room, a group of musicians strike up a cheerful tune. Love's eyes brighten with excitement.
"Oooo! ooo! Can we dance?" Love grinned, clapping her hands as she jumped up and down.
"What, you think I wore my dancing shoes for no reason? Come on!" Medusa takes Love's hand and leads her onto the dancefloor. Soon they are spinning and laughing as Thor watches on. Loki kissed my cheek and went to speak to someone in his clan.
"Well, I am glad they are having fun," Thor crosses his arm.
"Now you should have some fun, Thor," Axl smiled. He then leans in and whispers in my ear "Make sure he does, Emily,"
"Of course," I nodded. Axl smiles as he walks off.
"Where are you going?"
"To the table full of those fancy goblets filled with the finest blood. I don't know about you Thor but I am ready to see how the other half lives," Axl grins.
"Try the egg thing! It's scummy!" Melody shouts with a mouthful and she holds up a plate.

I shake my head as I watch Axel walk away. But in the corner of my eye, I see something shiny. I moved closer to it, I could see that it was one of those stupid shards. Laying on the base of the obelisk.
"Not here," I groaned. I turned my back to it. Why here? Why were these stupid things here? Maybe I should talk to someone about them. But how to explain that I am seeing things from the past without looking crazy? I tried to resist the shard but it was like I craved the thing. It was a fix that I couldn't shake but I can't help but reach out towards it. I felt a little lightheaded. My knees quivered as the world swayed. I close my eyes as I find myself once again, hurled through the past and into some crazy scenario that I knew would be involving Melody.

"Sorry, I am late. My cab got a flat," A woman runs up to Melody. Melody smiles softly at the lady.
"That's okay! You're here now. Are you ready for a night of epic hijinks and holiday cheer?" Melody grabs the woman's hands gently.
"How epic? I've had back-to-back meetings all damn day," the woman groaned.
"Oh. If you're too tired, we could..." Melody sighed, looking defeated. the woman shakes her head.
"No, I'm here now. We might as well do this," She puts on a fake smile, pulling her coat closer to her.
"Don't worry, my first of my hijinks is relaxing," Melody puts her hands on the woman's shoulders and slowly spins her around "So, Maria, How about we get you off your feet..."
"This sounds promising," Maria grins as Melody stops spinning her and waves her arm out in front of her.
"And into a horse-drawn carriage,"
"What?" Maria's jaw dropped. She had this strange look on her face. It was either disgust or disappointment. Perhaps it was both.
"I know, awesome right?" Melody beamed as she took Maria's hand in hers. Ignoring the obvious disappointment on her girlfriend's face.
"Uh, yeah. Awesome," Maria sighed. Melody excitedly pulls Melaine across the street to a waiting carriage and holds out her hand to help her up.

Inside the carriage, there's a bouquet of red and white roses mixed with mistletoe and a waiting bottle of champagne. Maria clicked her tongue as she sat down.
"Isn't it awesome?" Melody grinned as she shut the door.
"Okay. I guess it's kind of charming," Maria looked up and Melody and faked a smile again. The pair of them settle in as the carriage takes off, rattling beneath a clear night sky.

"Isn't it romantic?" Melody wrapped her arms around Maria and sighed.
"It's a little cheesy..." Maria scrunched her nose up.
"Oh," Melody sighed. That wasn't the answer she was hoping for. Maria bit her lip, feeling a little bad about her comment. She placed a hand on Melody's knee.
"But I mean, cheesy is fun sometimes too, right?" Maria sighed. Her smile growing determined, Melody reaches for the bottle of champagne but before she can open it, a sharp crack echoes through the night and the carriage starts to tilt.
"Aaaaaaaack!" Maria screams.
"What the hell?" Melody asks. Confused at what was happening. She stands up to go ask the coachman when she hears another crack and both Melody and Maria go flying. The champagne goes everywhere. Maria shields her head as the cork pops, narrowly missing her head. the bottle starts tumbling out of the carriage to shatter on the sidewalk. The broken wheel splits entirely and Melody and Melaine barely stay upright as the back part of the carriage thumps to the street.
"ouch," Melody climbs onto her knees and rubs her bottom.
"I am going to have bruises," Melodyhuffs angrily. Melody rushes over to her and helps her to her feet. The carriage door swings open.
"I'm so sorry. I am so sorry," he frets as he helps both women out. Maria tuts as she refuses his hand. Jumping out of the carriage, stomping all over the flowers as she storms to the sidewalk "Are you both okay? Are either of you injured?"
"It's fine, we are okay," Melody reassured the man. Maria shouts from the sidewalk.
"I'm not. I am not okay," Melody apologises on her behalf.

Melody scrambles out of the carriage and rushes back to Maria, Checking her over.
"Okay, this one is a bust but don't worry. The next one is even better," Melody's determined smile doesn't waver as she leads her date down the sidewalk "I have reservations at the best restaurant. That little Italian place you have always wanted to go to,"
"Really?" Maria folds her arms. Melody shakes her head, looking at her watch.
"Yeah! I had to make them months ago and called in about 5 favours to my uncle and my boss but we have got a table waiting for us," Melody holds her arm out for Maria and she takes it. Maria hurries in her steps, looking much happier.

The date almost seems to be recovering until Maria stops in her tracks.
"Is that smoke?" Maria questions, pointing in the direction of the smoke. Melody's hand flew to her mouth.
"Oh no!"

They turn the corner and see a crowd huddled outside the little Italian Restaurant, including several fire trucks and one distraught chef.
"For thirty years, I have run restaurants. And never have I seen a grease fire like this!" The chef spoke in a thick Italian accent, hands flying all over the place "In moments, my whole kitchen went up in flames!"
"Oh no... this is all my fault," Melody ran a hand over her red dreadlocks.
"Uhhhh... how is this your fault?" Maria scrunched her face up.
"I knew I shouldn't have made reservations for Christmas Eve," Melody covered her face with her right hand.
"Not this again," Maria rolled her eyes "Come on, Mel. It's silly to think that your bad luck caused a kitchen to blow up,"
"But what if--" Melaine fixes Melody with a stern look and Melody drops it. She rocks on heels for a moment before straightening up "Oh, one of my favourite food carts isn't far from here! I bet they are still open,"
"Maybe we should just call it a night. I'm freezing and I am tired," Maria wrapped her arms around herself.
"Hey, if you are cold, we could get some marshmallows. I mean the restaurant is a great heat source," Melody waves at the wave.
"Mel..." Maria shook her head. Melody grabbed Maria by the shoulders, her hands running down to her hands.
"No, come on. I swear they have the best falafel in town. I promise this will be worth it," Melody gave Maria puppy dog eyes.
"Well..." Maria sighed.
"For me, please," Melody begged. Maria closed her eyes and sighed heavily.
"Alright, fine. How far away is it?" Maria shivered and faked another smile.
"Not far at all!" Melody beamed.

The two women step to the curb just as a cab speeds off. The tires splash through a muddy slush, which splatters all over Maria.
"Oh no!" Maria's slacks and blouse are now ruined. Mud splatters her jacket. slushy snow drips down from her pants. She lets out a frustrated shriek that draws attention from passersby.
"Okay, that is it! This night officially sucks! I'm going home!" Melody screeches, snatching her hand away from Meloday as she storms off.
"Wait... just a second!" Melody chases after her girlfriend. Maria spins around and stops her "Maria, I know this night hasn't totally gone as planned but I--"
"Gone as planned? No, this is something else! You are deffo cursed," Maria snaps. Melody's shoulders drop.
"... I know," Melody whispers. Melody takes a step forward "At least let me walk you home," Maria shakes her head. She pushes Melody back.
"No, it's okay. With how tonight went, We would probably end up getting hit by a bus or something," Maria turned on her heel "Have a good Christmas, Melody,"
"... you too," Maria stalks off before Melody can say anything else, leaving her standing alone on the sidewalk "So much for breaking the curse," Looking dejected, Melody shoves her hands in her pockets and turns to walk home.

"Hey there, Mel. I just finished cooking and I even cleaned the place up" Emily holds out her hands.
"cool," Melody flops on the sofa and slams the pillow over her face. Emily sits next to her.
"Oh man, you look like you have had a rough night," Emily asks. Melody makes a loud, muffled HA sound "Trouble with the ladies? Am I going to need to find my bat?"
"Just the worst holiday date of my life," Melody spoke, pillow still over her face.
"Hold that thought, You look like you need wine," Emily pats Melody's leg. Emily jumps off the sofa and walks into the kitchen. Melody takes the pillow off her face and sits up.
"After tonight, I need a whole bottle to myself,"
"Where is that bottle of good stuff that we were saving for a rainy day?" Emily called out.
"Top right cupboard behind the coco-pops," Melody points in the air as Emily pulls out 3 bottles of red wine and opens the first one, handing it straight to Melody "I knew you were going to be a good roommate,"
"If wine is all it takes, I am going to be the best roommate. Now," Emily grins as she and Melody clink the bottles "Shall we talk about how this date clearly doesn't deserve you or is this more of a drink and watching crappy horror movies all night?"
"Every night is a drink and watches crappy horror movies night," Melody wipes her nose on the back of her hand "Look, let me be a mopey cow and a zombie-killing mess tonight. I'll cheer up tomorrow," Emily puts her glass down and stands up.
"Girl, I can't let you do that. Grab a controller and we can drink and play Call Of Duty," Emily grins as she walks over to the TV unit.
"You wanna kill some zombies with me?" Melody raised an eyebrow, Looking more like her uncle than ever.
"Only if I can use the machine gun," Emily picks up her bottle, takes a big gulp and throws a controller at Melody.
"You know, I've been thinking. I might change my hair colour to purple. Red is so last year," Melody grabbed her dreadlocks and held them up.
"Purple would suit you,"

The two of them laugh and kick back. Murdering zombie after zombie.
"...Thanks, Emily. You know... for tonight," Melody smiled.
"Anytime, Melody. You deserve better. You need someone who values you and treats you like the queen you are. Someone who appreciates you for the hermit crab you are," Melody glances away.
"Thank you. I don't know if I'm quite ready to move on but thanks,"
"I am here for you no matter what. You need to be with someone who appreciates you for your deep, deep-rooted awesomeness," Emily hugged Melody.
"This why we are going to be the greatest of friends,"

I stumble a little as I am brought back to the real world.
"Mel.." I smile fondly at my best friend. That was weird seeing myself from last year. But as I try to remember more about the memory, it fades away, fluttering away like a bag in the wind, leaving behind a warm feeling of family. I sway a little, sure that something important has just happened "I think I need a drink and some food,"

As I grab a glass of wine, I look back to the party as more and more vampires join the dancing. but as the joyous, as celebration seems, it is also clear that most of the vampires are dancing and socializing with their own clans. I look over at Sif and she has clearly noticed. Her brows furrow slightly.
"Sif. It's miracle enough you got everyone here, Sif. I don't want you to be disappointed if..." I stood beside Sif. She nodded and sighed.
"It's the Winter Solstice. The day we set aside our differences and come together. It has happened in the face of war, plague and natural disasters. It will happen tonight," She holds up her hand, her expression clearing. She walks into the centre of the room and shouts for everyone to shush.

A tense silence lingers and Sif clears her throat.
"Ahem! I do believe it is time for a waltz," Sif announced. I glance around the room as vampires take the floor in courtly pairs. I bit my fingernail as I glanced at Loki. He was still chatting with his clan member.
"Go and ask him," Melody nudges me forward. I nearly tripped over "Oops. Sorry," She laughed.
"No, you are not,"
"Nah, I ain't. Now go get some," I straightened myself out. Refusing to look at Melody as I too, would have burst out laughing. I smile softly as I stand in front of Loki and curtsy.
"Loki, may I have this dance?" He smiles and holds his hand out for me
"Absolutely. It would be my pleasure," Loki offers me his arm. I slip my hand through it and let him lead me to the dance floor.
"And they say they are not dating," Melody speaks. I glare at her over my shoulder.

"Do you know how to waltz?" Loki smiled at me as he guided my hand to his shoulder and settled his warm fingers on the small of my back.
"You should know that I do know a thing or two," I smiled. Loki's lips curl into a playful smile.
"It does help to have an excellent partner, Miss Johnson," I beam up at him, looking into his eyes. He looks back at me, a small smile on his lips "You know, I didn't know how to waltz during my Winter Solstice. Safe to say Sif was appalled,"
"That sounds normal for Sif," I smiled as Loki spun me around, smiling as I gracefully landed back in his arms.
"I didn't even want to be there. The loss of my family was still so raw. I thought it was pointless to celebrate,"
"I am so sorry, Loki,"
"It was many, many years ago. And Sif... well, you have seen how she is. She pulled me aside and taught me enough of a waltz to get by. Then she made me practise for the whole year so that I would be perfect at the next Solstice,"
"Her nagging has clearly worked," I grinned as Loki guided me through the dance so gracefully, that it was like my feet barely touched the floor. Loki smiles down at me.
"I've come to appreciate a proper waltz,"
"You are very good at it,"
"And if you are enjoying yourself. Then all the centuries of practice are worth it," Loki spins me again, his hand strong at my back. And I let the quiet intimacy wash over me. It's just me and Loki and the way we move together, and it's perfect. I tilt my face up to Loki's. Taking the hint, Loki presses his lips to mine. Soft at first then a little harder.
"Mmmm," I moan as Loki pulls away.
"Emily..." Loki whispered. I ran a hand through his hair as Loki kissed me again. I move in close, unselfconscious in the middle of the dance floor. Loki's hands fall to my waist as he kisses me. Our surroundings blur and are forgotten in the heat of the moment.
"Mmmm," I nip his lower lip and his breath hitches. Heat floods through me as I kiss him deeper. Finally, I break away to catch my breath and lay my head on Loki's chest, swaying with him in time to the music.
"I think that this might be the best Winter Solstice yet," Loki leaned his head on top of my head.

As the dance finally comes to an end, I make my way to the massive banquet table, which is heaped with food and drink. And when I say drinks, I mean all kinds of drinks.
"Axl had the right idea," Melody speaks as she lifts a hammered golden goblet brimming with blood "Mmmmm fancy blood. Nom nom nom,"
"You are so weird," I giggled.
"Takes a weirdo to know one," Melody spoke with a mouthful of cheese.

As Melody struts off, enjoying her blood, I drift down the table to where Volstagg is sampling some of the whiskey that Sif brought.
"If there is one thing I will say for Sif, she has fine taste," Volstagg said as he admired the whiskey.
"You're enjoying the whiskey?" I smiled. For the first since I have met this man, Volstagg doesn't scowl, instead, he swirls the amber liquid in the glass.
"Yes, this one in particular. It was aged in port casks. You can tell from the taste. It reminds me... of my childhood," Volstagg sighed, lost in thought.
"Oh," What the fuck did Sif put in this drink? and can we use it more often?
"I remember the way my father would sit in front of the fire in his study after dinner. With a cigar in one hand and a glass of port in the other," He smiles wistfully at the memory, then pours a second glass and holds it out wordlessly.
"Maybe Sif is right. Volstagg is being nice. This is a holiday miracle," I accept the glass and Volstagg clinks his glass against mine before sipping his liquor. Tentatively, I follow suit. The whiskey is amazing, velvety and smooth.
"Is that a hint of chocolate and orange?"
"Yes. It's good to know that you are clearly not lacking in taste," Volstagg mocked, still in a good mood. I chuckled softly. Should I tell him that I picked the whiskey? Nah, I will let him have his fun. I'll ruin it tomorrow when he has a hangover. Deciding I have tested the holiday miracle enough, I finish my drink and retreat back to Melody's side.

"Uh, I think I am drunk on either booze or fancy blood. But was Volstagg being... kind of nice to you?" Melody stood there with her mouth open and nearly dropped her plate of food.
"He was being way less of a dickhead than usual, for sure," I took the plate off her and put it on the table.
"What the fuck did Sif put in his drink?"
"I wish I knew,"
"So, now that we have had some liquid fortification, do you want to go and explore the creepy vampire castle with me?" Melody pleaded.
"Do you think we should?" I question. We could get lost and Ebenezer would go off his head. He already doesn't like Melody, I don't want to be in his bad books.
"Uhhhh... Yes," Melody downed her drink and grinned "What if there are dungeons and/or dragons? This is an opportunity we cannot pass up,"
"Look, after the last time we were here, I think we should stick close to the others," I lean in closer "The whiskey may be making them happier for now, just in case..."
"Spoilsport. But you do have a point,"

Suddenly a voice rises from the far end of the buffet table.
"Take it off, at once," Hela shouted at Fandral, who was wearing a full Santa outfit.
"Come and sit on my lap and tell Fandral what you want for Christmas," He tapped his knee. I felt sick. How can anyone stand that creep?
"I hate this more than anyone has ever hated anything," Hela pressed her fingers to both sides of her head. Fandral laughed loudly.
"Hela, if he is bothering you so much, just walk away," Volstagg sighed. What drugs is he on? I swear we need to drug him more often. Or supply him with whiskey. Either way, I don't know if I like this version of Volstagg.
"No, she's just flirting. Aren't you, my little --" Fandral spoke but Hela cupped him by the chin and squeezed it, cracking the bone.
"If you finish that sentence, I will shove that hat your ass and rip out of your mouth and shove it back up your ass!"
"Ho, Ho, Ho! You know I'd love that," Fandral taunted. Hela dropped him.

Sif appears at my side, rubbing either side of her temple with both hands.
"They have been arguing for ten minutes already," She sighed, already drained of emotion "New record of arguing,"
"Don't worry, Sif, I can handle this," I put my fingers in my mouth and whistled "Hey Fandral!"
"What?" He rolled his eyes.
"Are you the one that ordered a bunch of strippers dressed like elves?" I pointed to the man. He slowly stood up and walked over to me. He did eye me up and down but the thought of strippers distracted him.
"What? No, I -- I mean, why do you ask?" he whispered as he got closer.
"Oh, I just saw a load outside, saying something about a dumpster?" I shrugged as the man clearly believed the obvious lie.
"Right! Well... if you... urm... excuse me... I need... some... urm... fresh air," Fandral wanders off, whistling to himself. What a dumbass.

Once out of earshot, Hela turns to me with a smile.
"Well, well. That was almost clever of you," she clapped sarcastically.
"uh... thanks," Hela pressed a long, cold finger to my lips.
"Shh," she whispers.
"Why?" I mumbled. Hela pressed her finger harder against my mouth. She eyed me up and down, almost leering at me.
"Shhhh! I am trying to decide if I am going to invite you to my post-Solstice orgy..." Hela licked her lips "It's going to be so much fun to break you,"
"The what?"
"On the one hand, you're being very interesting tonight. On the other, someone else might break you before I get to play with you,"
"No, darling. sorry, but you are incapable of deciding on that information in your pretty, stupid head," I told her as I pushed her hand away "So, thanks anyway but I think I hear someone calling me," I lied as I turned on my heel and I make a hasty escape.

As I cross the room, I catch a familiar voice in the crowd and boy, did he sound angry.
"That is not a threat. It is a promise," I pinched my nose as I scanned the room for the voice. I asked Melody where Thor is and she pointed to the east side and I could see Thor getting into a heated discussion with someone.
"Is that so?" Another voice growled. Melody walked off, saying she would warn Sif or Loki whoever she sees first. I followed the bickering and made a beeline for Thor and one of Volstagg's men "And what is a child like you going to do about it?" Volstagg's man clenched his fists.
"For starters, I'll--" I loop my arm through Thor's.
"Hey, Thor. Loki is looking for you," I whisper in his ear. The two men exchange another glare before Thor reluctantly gives in to me tugging on his arm.
"You better watch your back, dicksack," Thor warns.

When we are a few feet away, he sighs.
"What does Loki need?" Thor asks as we go and stand by a window.
"Nothing. I just wanted to get you out of there," I smiled.
"I don't need to hide behind Loki!" Thor yelled at me.
"I didn't mean it like that, Thor," I crossed my arms and took one step towards him, glaring up at him. I might be small but I don't back down from a fight "And don't fucking snap at me,"
"Sorry," Thor apologised, backing down.
"I thought you might like a break," I spoke, calmly. I had half a mind to slap him for yelling at me. But I would most likely break my arm on his jaw. Thor shoves his hands through his long hair.
"No, you're right. I do need a break," He stares at me, his gaze intense "Let's get out of here. Let's take a walk. Just the two of us,"
"We can't, Thor. Sif is already at her wit's end. And we have only been here a couple of hours. I feel like I should stick around to help her," I declined. I did want to help Sif but I wanted to be near Loki in case there is trouble.
"You're right. I'm sorry," Thor took a step back, glaring back at the party.
"Don't be sorry," I pat his arm, squeezing it gently "You shouldn't have to deal with those twats,"
"No, I shouldn't. But tonight, I will focus on how far we have come instead of how far we have left to go," Thor grinned as he grabbed a large goblet of ale from a passing waiter.
"I think that's a wonderful idea,"

As I make my way around the room, I can still see Hela still watching me, tapping her chin. I ran over to Melody and pulled her to the side.
"Do you really think Hela is having a post-Solstice orgy?" I whispered into Melody's ear.
"Oh hell yeah. Deffo. Which is so hot but scary. but weird and also hot," Melody shrugged. I don't dare ask anyone else if Hela was telling the truth.
"There is zero chance it doesn't end with me dead," I shiver. I don't even want to think what she will do to me as I grab a drink from the table. It was some peach-flavoured drink and it was yummy.
"Probably but it would be one hell of a way to go," Melody grinned. We then walked to the quiet spot of the room, behind some statue of a naked guy "Though I doubt Loki would let you go. He would want you all to himself,"
"Most likely," I sighed as I sipped my drink.
"Speaking of whom. Have you talked to him yet?" Melody looked over her shoulder, Loki wasn't in earshot but he was in eyesight.
"No. I haven't," I shook my head.
"I know you have told me this before but what's stopping you from just going for it with him?" Melody sipped her own pink drink "Taste like cherries," I let out a long sigh.
"Just with everything going on, Now is not the right time to even talk to him about things,"
"I doubt it will ever be the right time. Listen to me, Em. He absolutely adores you. You should see the way his eyes glisten when you walk into the room. When I turned up on Friday to speak to him, he would not stop asking about you. He cares a lot for you and he has barely taken his eyes off you since this party started,"
"I'm just his employee,"
"That he has slept with, made out with and nearly taken people's heads off for even looking at you. I ain't even safe," Melody tilted her head, and I just looked at the floor "It's Christmas! what better time to ask than now,"
"I can't..." I whispered. 
"Yes, you can. You care for each so deeply. I can see it when you two look at each other, It's like you have spent lifetimes together," Melody grabbed my hand "What have you got to lose?"
"Someone that I care deeply for," I sighed heavily "And my job,"
"Trust me when I say that you won't lose him. He cares for you." Melody winked at me "And my uncle will happily give you a job,"
"Maybe. but I will talk to him when I am ready. You can't say nothing," I point a finger in Melody's face. She holds her hands up.
"On my honour as a Fury," She holds up her right hand and grins.
"A Fury's honour doesn't always mean what you think it means," I rolled my eyes. Melody rolled her eyes.
"Just because my uncle is a liar and a cheat doesn't mean I am," Melody pouted but I could tell she was hiding a smile.
"No, you're just better at hiding it than him," I grinned.
"Heck yeah. Now come on. Let's mingle," Melody wrapped her arm around me and we rejoined the others.

The music dies down as Ebenezer climbs onto the stage. He stands before a mic, tapping his glass. Everyone quietes down. Even Fandral keeps his mouth shut.
"We are gathered tonight on this, our most holy of nights, to celebrate both the tenacity of our survival and those we have lost. If you would all like to take a glass," Footmen drift through the crowd, holding out trays. I take a glass of bright, bubbling champagne from one. Most vampires take blood served in delicate crystal glasses. When everyone is holding a glass, Ebenezer lifts his "To our poor Michelle, whose joy in celebration gave us this castle. Let us celebrate her the way she would celebrate us,"
"To our dear Michelle," Sif toasts. I shudder as I lift my glass. I look towards the door. I remember the moment of her death all too vividly. Everyone repeats after Sif and after a moment of silence. Everyone drinks. Then Ebenezer lifts his glass again.
"To the friends who are no longer with us but who will always be a part of us," the crowd echos the toast and drinks again "And finally to our dear Sif, the only one left among us who remembers that first Winter Solstice. She keeps the meaning of this holiday alive for us all,"
"To Sif!" I call out. The rest of the assembled vampires echo the toast. For a moment, Sif looks deeply moved. Then her usual reserved smile returns.
"Thank you," Sif bowed her head.

As Ebenezer climbs off the stage, the musicians strike up a merry tune and the large clock in the hallway strikes midnight.
"Look at that, Melody," I poke Melody on the shoulder. She then turns around and looks at me.
"At what?" she tilts her head.
"I think your curse --" Melody covered my mouth. I licked at it but her hand did not move.
"No, don't say it! Never say it!" She snaps at me. She looks around, expecting the worst "That was close,"
"Melody, nothing is going to happen. Now, come and have a drink with me," Thor spoke as he walked past, wrapping his arms over our shoulders.

As we walked with him, that's when I heard a ramble.
"Did you guys hear that?" I said as I stopped walking. Another ramble. How can these vampires not hear it, I'm human and I can hear it. unless it's my stomach that's making the nose. Thor puts his hands on his hips.
"You're even more para--" He is interrupted by a boom that sounds from above.
"What was that?" Loki asked as he vamps to my side instantly.
"That sounded bad," Thor reaches for his sword.
"I... told... you," Melody whispered. All of the assembled vampires gaze up at the high ballroom ceiling. For a tense moment, no one speaks. No one dares to breathe. Then the ceiling splits open "Oh shit!"

Debris rains down as vampires scream and dodge for cover. Melody and Thor dived to the side. Both collide with another vampire. Loki shielded me with his body. He yells out as a piece of the ceiling lands on him.
"Loki!" Loki straightens up. I place my hand on his chest "Loki! Are you okay?"
"Don't worry about me. You can be my nurse later," Loki winks at me, making me blush. He cups my face and checks me over "At least you are okay,"
"Look out!" Melody yells, pointing above us. Loki holds me tighter and pulls me out of the way of a chunk of concrete.
"What the hell?!" Thor shouts, helping a vampire to his feet. We both look up in time to see the Red Guardian crashing through the ceiling.
"ABOMINATIONS!"