How long ago has it been since she had celebrated the holidays yet had a reason to? It felt like a lifetime ago but she was going to make this one count! Not only for herself but for the one who had been absent in her life for longer than she would of liked.
Throughout the month she had been sneaking out of the quaint little homestead that Corwin had purchased in order to do something. She would gave him absolutely no hint about what she was up to but her lack of absence was likely noticed as she would push the limits of her boundaries and not be seen until almost dusk on many a day. She always left after he had wandered off to his lab/studies, or off into the streets before she finished her chores around the house. First things first, after all! Her return was always quiet, as if she were attempting to sneak back in, and things from the market normally brought with her to use as a distraction in case Corwin asked where she had been spending her time.
She didn?t like being away for so long, not while he was in the condition he was in. His health, while not waning, seemed to be a never ending exhaustion that threatened to swallow him whole. She had grown so worried that she had purchased a special mixture of Night Poppy in order to help him sleep. A little drop every other night found its way into his tea with promise of a restful night of nothing but pleasant dreams. Like always, if allowed, she remained in his presence - many of those nights he caught herself curled in a position so he could rest his head in her lap or against her torso. A familiar position that spoke of years ago and a time that had never been forgotten.
There was another reason was found of not being away so long from his presence. It seemed, for whatever reason, that the people of the city had started to fight among themselves. Several times she had to deal with nasty looks and services being denied. She had the problem before, being non-human, but never to this degree. It was like someone had dialed the hate up in Rhy'Din and it was fueled directly in racial hatred. It was scary, and dangerous, to go out! Despite the fear she was determined and once Niima had her heart set on something, especially when it came to Corwin, that determination could not be stopped!
Christmas Eve started out like any other day and she watched as he wandered out of the door. Moving up to a window she peeked out to watch as he strolled along down the street. She missed him already and gave prayer to whatever great spirit was listening that he would be safe out in the madness that was Rhy'Din. However, once he was out of sight was when she sprung to life. A dash from the window had her sprinting across the house to gather a few items before she was out of the door. Collecting her wits about her she started measuring steps in the direction of a familiar shoppe.
She was barely in the door when she was greeted by an elderly chuckle.
?You are a persistent one, child.?
Though she had spent years knowing the face of the man, she did not need to see him now to know he was smiling. The man had always treated her like some grandfather would to their grandchild. A kindness that the world granted her when Corwin was stolen away and her life was forever more changed. ?Please do not tease me, Master.?
?I shall stop teasing you when you stop calling me that. I was never your master and the care has fallen upon another now. How is your young friend??
?He is getting better as the days go by.? Or so it was she hoped. While they spoke she was already sifting through shelves and cabinets to clean up and put things where they belong.
?Good, good. Now stop doing that! Your pay for your help is on the desk. Off with you! You shall not be working on the Yuel?s tide!?
?Are you sure? I can finish up and do -?
?Young lady, if you do not leave I will call on that young lad of yours and tell him what you have been up to!?
Ahh! The threat! While she knew it wasn?t truly a threat she did realize she had a lot to do before Corwin got home. The elderly man was given a kiss on his weathered cheek. ?Thank you for all your help, Master.?
He was shooing her off with a chortle. He was happy to see her so lively and full of energy instead of just going through the daily routines. ?I will see you in the new year.?
?You shall! Happy Yule!? she called over shoulder as she headed out with the envelope of money in hand.
On her way to her first goal she recruited a merriment of children playing in the snow. With promise of candy, they agreed to assist her in some gathering and delivering. Their parents were of course asked first! Each was given an assignment and sent on their way with directions to meet up.
Come nightfall, when Corwin returned from his wanderings, he would find that the frame of the door was decorated with care. Small bulbs with warm, flickering lights welcomed him home. They almost looked to be little flames of magic floating around in the glass bulbs. When he entered the cozy home he would find the livingroom had been decorated in the same fashion. These were not colored lights but rather lazy white lights that glowed with gentle warmth, strung up sparsely but all seemed to lead to the seven foot tree that was nestled in a corner of the room. In its branches all sorts of things from ornaments to ribbon, the tree was apparently the highlight of the decorations! Under it a trio of gifts shined under the light of the tree. Were Corwin to look through the tree ornaments he would find one particular chibi looking one that resembled him. Rather closely in fact. Right down to the glasses!
On the table centered the room a crimson tablecloth had been set to line center and decorated with a number of shallow glass bowls for flower shaped candles to float around in. All of it designed for purpose. Not only to make sure it wasn?t overwhelming but warm and welcoming. A place to relax himself.
On the table as well was a plate for dinner and a mug of warm cider. There was also a glass of water if he preferred that. They must of been sat down on the table recently because the plate was still rather warm.
He would find Niima was unable to greet him when he found her. Sitting on the floor she had her cheek resting on the edge of the couch, apparently having fell asleep in such a position while patiently waiting. So excited that she wore herself in the wait.
In the morning he would have to open his gifts or be nagged by the sylph until he did so. In which he would find the following wrapped in shiny wrapping paper:
In box 1: A thick knitted scarf in his ever favorite color grey, of course. It looked to be handmade and plush to the touch. Warm and comfy for those cold nights!
In box 2: A book shaped locket made of a white-gold like material and strung from a leather cord. The book was finely crafted and with details that looked painfully done. On the bind of the book Corwin is spelled out in flourished scribe. When opening the locket he would find a small picture of Niima had been placed. On the opening door of the locket some words were scribed but hard to make out.
In box 3: In the box appeared to be a simple brass band but with a little poking around Corwin would find that the band actually held three small compartments.
Happy Yule Corwin~ ♥
Throughout the month she had been sneaking out of the quaint little homestead that Corwin had purchased in order to do something. She would gave him absolutely no hint about what she was up to but her lack of absence was likely noticed as she would push the limits of her boundaries and not be seen until almost dusk on many a day. She always left after he had wandered off to his lab/studies, or off into the streets before she finished her chores around the house. First things first, after all! Her return was always quiet, as if she were attempting to sneak back in, and things from the market normally brought with her to use as a distraction in case Corwin asked where she had been spending her time.
She didn?t like being away for so long, not while he was in the condition he was in. His health, while not waning, seemed to be a never ending exhaustion that threatened to swallow him whole. She had grown so worried that she had purchased a special mixture of Night Poppy in order to help him sleep. A little drop every other night found its way into his tea with promise of a restful night of nothing but pleasant dreams. Like always, if allowed, she remained in his presence - many of those nights he caught herself curled in a position so he could rest his head in her lap or against her torso. A familiar position that spoke of years ago and a time that had never been forgotten.
There was another reason was found of not being away so long from his presence. It seemed, for whatever reason, that the people of the city had started to fight among themselves. Several times she had to deal with nasty looks and services being denied. She had the problem before, being non-human, but never to this degree. It was like someone had dialed the hate up in Rhy'Din and it was fueled directly in racial hatred. It was scary, and dangerous, to go out! Despite the fear she was determined and once Niima had her heart set on something, especially when it came to Corwin, that determination could not be stopped!
Christmas Eve started out like any other day and she watched as he wandered out of the door. Moving up to a window she peeked out to watch as he strolled along down the street. She missed him already and gave prayer to whatever great spirit was listening that he would be safe out in the madness that was Rhy'Din. However, once he was out of sight was when she sprung to life. A dash from the window had her sprinting across the house to gather a few items before she was out of the door. Collecting her wits about her she started measuring steps in the direction of a familiar shoppe.
She was barely in the door when she was greeted by an elderly chuckle.
?You are a persistent one, child.?
Though she had spent years knowing the face of the man, she did not need to see him now to know he was smiling. The man had always treated her like some grandfather would to their grandchild. A kindness that the world granted her when Corwin was stolen away and her life was forever more changed. ?Please do not tease me, Master.?
?I shall stop teasing you when you stop calling me that. I was never your master and the care has fallen upon another now. How is your young friend??
?He is getting better as the days go by.? Or so it was she hoped. While they spoke she was already sifting through shelves and cabinets to clean up and put things where they belong.
?Good, good. Now stop doing that! Your pay for your help is on the desk. Off with you! You shall not be working on the Yuel?s tide!?
?Are you sure? I can finish up and do -?
?Young lady, if you do not leave I will call on that young lad of yours and tell him what you have been up to!?
Ahh! The threat! While she knew it wasn?t truly a threat she did realize she had a lot to do before Corwin got home. The elderly man was given a kiss on his weathered cheek. ?Thank you for all your help, Master.?
He was shooing her off with a chortle. He was happy to see her so lively and full of energy instead of just going through the daily routines. ?I will see you in the new year.?
?You shall! Happy Yule!? she called over shoulder as she headed out with the envelope of money in hand.
On her way to her first goal she recruited a merriment of children playing in the snow. With promise of candy, they agreed to assist her in some gathering and delivering. Their parents were of course asked first! Each was given an assignment and sent on their way with directions to meet up.
Come nightfall, when Corwin returned from his wanderings, he would find that the frame of the door was decorated with care. Small bulbs with warm, flickering lights welcomed him home. They almost looked to be little flames of magic floating around in the glass bulbs. When he entered the cozy home he would find the livingroom had been decorated in the same fashion. These were not colored lights but rather lazy white lights that glowed with gentle warmth, strung up sparsely but all seemed to lead to the seven foot tree that was nestled in a corner of the room. In its branches all sorts of things from ornaments to ribbon, the tree was apparently the highlight of the decorations! Under it a trio of gifts shined under the light of the tree. Were Corwin to look through the tree ornaments he would find one particular chibi looking one that resembled him. Rather closely in fact. Right down to the glasses!
On the table centered the room a crimson tablecloth had been set to line center and decorated with a number of shallow glass bowls for flower shaped candles to float around in. All of it designed for purpose. Not only to make sure it wasn?t overwhelming but warm and welcoming. A place to relax himself.
On the table as well was a plate for dinner and a mug of warm cider. There was also a glass of water if he preferred that. They must of been sat down on the table recently because the plate was still rather warm.
He would find Niima was unable to greet him when he found her. Sitting on the floor she had her cheek resting on the edge of the couch, apparently having fell asleep in such a position while patiently waiting. So excited that she wore herself in the wait.
In the morning he would have to open his gifts or be nagged by the sylph until he did so. In which he would find the following wrapped in shiny wrapping paper:
In box 1: A thick knitted scarf in his ever favorite color grey, of course. It looked to be handmade and plush to the touch. Warm and comfy for those cold nights!
In box 2: A book shaped locket made of a white-gold like material and strung from a leather cord. The book was finely crafted and with details that looked painfully done. On the bind of the book Corwin is spelled out in flourished scribe. When opening the locket he would find a small picture of Niima had been placed. On the opening door of the locket some words were scribed but hard to make out.
In box 3: In the box appeared to be a simple brass band but with a little poking around Corwin would find that the band actually held three small compartments.
Happy Yule Corwin~ ♥