The Unknown Elf

Three

SANTA'S OFFICE WAS spacious, even with everything it held. Various pieces of Victorian furniture were scattered across the room. A set of French doors opened out from the far wall, letting in rich, life-giving light. That light accented the red highlights in the cherry-wood desk that almost sat in the middle of the room.

Behind the cherry-wood desk sat an elderly gentleman, his long, white beard only leaving Marie to guess at his age. She felt he could have been mistaken for an older version of a handsome gnome, if it weren't for his human features and large belly. He rested his head in one hand, a feather quill pen in the other. To the left of his hand lay an open pot of indigo, which was next to a piece of thick paper, ready for the quill that had not yet touched ink.

The man looked up, having heard the knock on the door and nodded. He recognized Clarence through the crack, knowing what he'd come for. "Come in. Come in. Don't just stand there waiting on ceremony. You'll let all the cold air in." He beckoned both towards some chairs in front of the impressive desk.

Clarence led Marie into the room at the Head Elf's invitation. But once they were inside, he just stood there and stared ahead until Santa cleared his throat, reminding him of his manners. He shot Marie a look as if it were her fault, then turned to his superior. "Santa, allow me to present Marie the Elf. She claims to come from 'No Where.'" He cast a sideways glance at his charge, eyes all but rolling.

Santa, of course, had already seen her while she'd been in the Medical Department. Though, he doubted Clarence knew that. He gave a nod of acknowledgement, dark eyes twinkling with a warm smile. He half fancied Clarence giving a stiff military bow but shook the thought away. It threatened to make him laugh.

"Marie, this is the Head Elf, Santa Claus," Clarence continued with the introductions. He pronounced Santa's name like one would to a small child, using a sarcastic tone that amused the Head Elf.

Marie looked into Santa's deep hazel eyes. "A pleasure to meet you, sir," she said. She feared her emotions might betray her, even though his face was kind. She was sure that the tear streaks already had.

Santa tilted his head a bit as he gestured for her to sit in the Victorian wing chair. He rested the knuckles of one hand on his lower lip for a brief moment, contemplating what his eyes saw and ears heard. "So, you're from No Where. I've never heard of such a place. May I inquire where it is located," he asked, teasing her as curiosity lined his smile-wrinkled face.

She looked past him, keeping her face as neutral as possible. "No Where is just that, nowhere. It's no place, no time. I don't claim to come from anywhere." She didn't appreciate his teasing tone. At least he didn't seem to have the nasty tendency of trying to provoke her like Clarence did. And he hadn't given her unwanted information about the rather rude Head of Operations either.

Mr. Claus left his chair and started to pace the room, leaving his antique pipe on the desk. He didn't even know why he kept it. He never smoked, but it was part of his heritage, not to mention that many young people seemed to picture him with one in hand. "Hmm. Most interesting. An elf from nowhere is always a matter of interest to me. There are usually so many things behind that kind of reasoning."

Marie followed his progress around the room with her eyes, not daring to move from her seat. "I would appreciate it if you didn't try to reason me out, sir. There are some things that are best left alone." Like my past. I don't need anyone digging that up and hurting me again. At least what I can remember of it. Her eyes narrowed just a little, forcing her mouth to droop into a slight scowl.

Clarence eyed his superior's face. He realized the Head Elf might not be taking the situation with the seriousness it required. What was Santa doing, playing games? He held that thought in check. Santa knew what he was doing. He recrossed his arms, making sure he stood to one side of Marie, where he could keep a close eye on her every move.