Tali was beginning to love Rhydin, especially when the snow was falling. She and the kitten Soap used the falling flakes to cover their escape each morning before The Sisters and Mother woke up. Not that she didn't love her family, but there were only so many hours in a day, and with school lessons and chores, she never quite found as much time as she would like to spend at Delights.

She supposed she should feel guilty working for what was essentially Johhny's competition, but Wisper was a pretty nice lady, and not much older than Tali. It was as much a visit to a friend as it was a job anymore. And this week they had a special project in the works.

The little bell on the back door of Delights rang when Tali let herself in with her key. Soap took off to curl up near the fire in the workshop, and Tali settled at her workbench. In front of her were several spools of silver wire, and little bins of crystal beads. Picking up a tiny pair of pliers she set to work.

A twist here. A bend there. Slip a bead in place. Slowly the first one took shape, a tiny silver snowflake the size of a silver crown. They were fragile looking little things, just the way Tali wanted them to be. The plan was one for each of the Smith's, and Sianna and Wisper too. Something to make their first holiday season away from home special.

Just in time for the school bell to ring first call Tali slipped the little snowflake in a little white velvet box. She knew just who's pillow to leave it on tonight.