Waking earlier than she usually would, the dragoness went to work. First, she carefully slid away from her mate, trying not to wake him, a smile upon her snout as she lay the few gifts she'd picked out beside.

When he opened them, he'd find a few bottles of scale oil, scented like the pine forests that surrounded the lair.

The other package held smoked hams and sausages, the package she'd received from the butcher days earlier.

Continuing through the lair, she slid into the little ones rooms before the children could wake.

Sunset would wake to find a new blanket, and a stuffed animal to cuddle, along with a bag of gingerbread cookies.

Each child would receive their gifts, there were bouncing balls they could chase, bigger of course so the toy couldn't be swallowed, and each would get a new blanket and cookies, a sweet treat. Even something called a radio, that was left for David in his room. Stuffed animals and books, no child in their care would go without.

Finishing up her rounds, she yawned, and slid back to Aurthur's side, where she curled back up carefully.

Soon momma was sound asleep once more, her job was done for now.

The holiday had truly worn him out. He hadn't even known that his mate had gotten up to get the gifts, but he did wake briefly when she returned. He was, however, woken by his daughter's happy squeals, and he smiled down at his daughter and nuzzled her.* Merry Christmas, my daughter. Now let's lay out mommy's gifts for her, while she rests.

*And several gifts were laid out on the floor for his mate. There was a large assortment of scale oils for her to choose from, as well as a few scented perfumes for her to try. He had also purchased several spell books for her that he had hidden away from her while they were out shopping. And finally, there was a little slip of paper, written in neat draconic, that read, "I owe you one very special Christmas Kiss, my mate, my darling wife."*