Quinn
VINCENT AND HIS TEAM returned from the mining dungeon, bringing with them invaluable data of their findings as well as scrolls and other evidence as a plot to bring down Norsewood by King Henry and his lackies.
There was also a good sample size of mana crystal, which pleased the blacksmith as well as the newly formed technology science department as they could now start with their experiments.
And finally, Christmas Day arrived, and I couldn't help but marvel at just how festive it was. The decorations, the people, the food, and the mood added to the jolly atmosphere. Everyone wore their best clothing, which they collected from the garment hall. As for the new citizens who had just moved into the lodge and the residents at the quarantine center, they gratefully accepted theirs yesterday. There had been lots of tears of joy naturally, as well as the other day during the move, and since then, the lodge was bustling with even more noise and activity.
I must say, Eden had outdone herself in organizing this, and Vicky did tell me she played little parts in it, which surprised me. Now, here was Eden, who looked pleased as punch at her success, because everyone was enjoying Christmas lunch tremendously. There were seats outside in the courtyards, too, to fit everyone in. The jolly noise was ear-deafening, with chatter, laughter, and children shrieking in delight as they ran about. There were small magical beasts here and there with pets joining the children in their eating and playing.
Meanwhile, the twins Hayden and Hunter Etons from Carnfell Village, were busy taking videos and pictures. Once again, like during the banquet, there were many requests for photographs. Even the new residents joined in, happily posing, showing off their new fancy garments in the style of the Edwardian era which the textile department unanimously chose for
Christmas. I had a feeling I'd be seeing more of this type of design going forward in Norsewood since everyone seemed to love it.
The women were in their classy day dresses, hair stylishly done, and face beautifully made up. The men were in their smart suits of black pants, white formal shirts, and dark jackets. Most of the new residents had already made friends with the others, and throughout this morning, I saw groups of young women rushing back and forth from one unit to the other to get help with hair and makeup. Rufina, one among the five hundred who had just moved into the lodge, was one of them. I had glimpsed Rosy persistently leading her out of her unit, which she shared with three other young women, to get her dolled up.
Currently, Uncle Colt was going around in his Santa suit, with little ones trailing after him, a few boys sitting on his massive shoulders as he gave out candies while saying, "Ho-ho-ho," and now and again, "Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas."
I shook my head, an amused smile on my lips. He was really taking the job as Santa seriously.
"What are you smiling about?"
The deep, husky voice whispering into my ear caused me to jolt, in both surprise and... Holy smokes! A warm liquid sensation was rushing through me. I couldn't believe just having Aldric this close and him whispering in
my ear would stir something this hot so deep inside me.
I turned to look at him and said, "Nothing." I wrapped my hands around his muscular arm and leaned in close. "Are you enjoying yourself during this festive day, my lord?" I was gazing at him through my lashes, hoping to trigger a stir within him, as he had done me, but what I received in return was a stoic expression. Well, what did I expect from that handsome face of his?
"I am enjoying myself," he said softly. "I'm blessed to be able to see my people this happy."
I raised a quizzical brow. "Only your people?"
"Our people," he said.
I frowned. But that wasn't what I meant to imply at all, the people part
and that they belonged to me as the lady of the land.
