The Christmas Elf & I - 1. Chapter 1

The day was like any other recently. Cold snow flurries and light wind. It was to be expected, as it was the end of November in New York City. Today was Thanksgiving though, and most of the shops were closed as I was walking towards the sounds of the music. My shoulder bag strap across one shoulder and my hands stuffed in my pockets. People clapping, children yelling for Santa. I snorted. Wait until they find out there is no Santa. I was cold and my pants got ripped last night. Chasing down another thief trying to steal what little I have while I slept in the train station. Flashbacks of when I was younger, and I used to scream for Santa too. Having snowball fights with my friends. Sleigh riding at the town park. Back when my parents wanted me. Loved me. It was expensive to go to New York University and I couldn’t see the sense of taking out 100 thousand dollars of loans when I had no prospects of a job in sight. So, a senior at my Frat House turned me onto a website that you could post an ad and some pictures. Lucky for me, I have good genetics and played soccer in high school. I was what you would call a Twink. It took time to weed out the grain from the chaff, but I found some good clients.

Now you can call me homeless. Thrown out after my freshman year of college because I was using sugar daddies to support me through the year and someone told my parents. I was called everything from a slut to a prostitute. They kicked me out over the summer and I had no dates lined up until September. Dates… yeah. When I would go to meet the sugar daddy and convince him to support me. I never got lucky enough to find one that would put me on a salary like Timothy did. He was getting enough to cover his room and board, plus a few thousand to help defer his tuition. All he had to do was go out to Long Island a few times a month to see his sugar daddy. I smirked. Older guys with money that love to put their hands all over you. I shook myself out of my thoughts as I walked. Bumped by another person, shoved by someone else. Before I heard my stage name.

“Ricky?” the older male voice called. I had to think of his name. He was nice. Always fed me a good meal, slipped me a few hundred for letting him… I snapped out of it as I looked around and spotted the smiling face with a few other people looking at me. He waved me over. Dreading the thoughts of what he will say, I moved through the crowd in their direction.

“Not into the Christmas Spirit?” He asked as I got closer.

“I don’t believe in Santa. I just thought…” Thought what. I can’t come out and say I was looking for food. It was too late, as his nose wrinkled before he looked me over.

“What happened Ricky? I thought you were in college?” Just those few words brought tears to my eyes, and he saw it. “Come. Here, have some hot chocolate and a donut.” He said as he grabbed his thermos and poured some into a paper cup. Then held the open box of donuts.

“Who is this, Michael?” said another gruff voice, full of disdain.

“This is Ricky. Do you remember when I told you about that college kid, I used to spend time with? That’s him.”

“His pimp kicked him out?” He asked nastily. I shrunk back into myself as I backed away.

“No Ricky. Don’t go.” He pleaded before he turned. “You’re an asshole Tom. Not everyone grew up with a silver spoon sticking out of their ass. The kid was trying to get through college. You better than anyone should know how much that costs. Didn’t you just drop 75 grand on Jennifer’s schooling for the year?” Michael spewed out hotly. The Tom guy gave out a huff as his hand moved into his pocket. He withdrew a wad of bills, peeled a few off and shoved them in one of my pockets as my hands were full.

“Merry Christmas kid.” He said as he turned back to the parade.

“Wow. How considerate.” Michael said before he turned back to me. He reached into his pocket, too. A few seconds later, he handed me 100 in twenties. His face was apologetic as he did it. I knew he wasn’t rich and him throwing money at me was hard for him, but I am sure if he was rich, he would have paid for my entire education.

“Thanks Michael. I know it’s hard for you to do that.” I said, and he clapped me on the shoulder.

“Have another donut and watch the parade with us. The Santa float is coming.” He said, smiling. I was cold, and the donuts were more than I had to eat this morning. A lot of the places I would go for food were closed. Luckily, a lady gave me some breakfast bars yesterday. Not much, but better than nothing until the homeless center opens for dinner. I gave him a nod, and he moved me up next to him.

Michael’s friend was making comments the entire time as I watched the parade, but we ignored him. I spotted one of the elves riding on the Santa float when it came into view. He was surrounded by other elves, but was elevated higher. Just enough to not take away from the many Santas behind him, but enough to make him stand out from the others. He looked cute. Dressed in the standard garb for elves. Green tights and top. He even had a long, heavy cape over his shoulders. The edge lined with fur. Looking down the line of Santa’s, it was of varied heritages. Santa’s dressed in costumes from around the world. I actually smiled at the variety of colors and forms they had taken.

“Always a beautiful sight. Cultures all over the world have their own take on what Santa looks like, and this is the only display in the world that shows them.” Michael said.

I looked over at him. There was a twinkle in his eyes as he looked back. His chin jutted out towards the float again, and I looked. The Elf had changed position, and he was looking straight at me. Not the crowd, but me. Suddenly he stood. Bowed to the float full of Santas and Elves before he stepped off. Everyone on the float hesitated for a second, turning to look at him as he turned and spoke. They all went right back to what they were doing. Waving to the crowd, each Santa taking a turn with their version of Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas.

“You should make a wish for Christmas, Ricky? It just might come true.” Michael whispered, making me look towards him. His eyes twinkled as he pointed towards the Santa float. I looked and the American Santa version was looking right at me with a wink and a Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas. He turned back to the crowds. The Elf was forgotten as I turned back to ask Michael a question. I was startled and stepped back, bumping into someone as I found the Elf standing next to me.

“Merry Christmas to you, Ricky.” He said with a deep, kind, yet commanding tone that was smooth as any jazz singer I had ever heard. Then it hit me. He knew my name.

“How… How did you know my name?” I stuttered out.

One eyebrow lifted, and he looked amused as he answered. “Why Ricky? I’m a Christmas Elf. We know everything. I hear you don’t believe in Santa anymore, either. Perhaps I can help you believe again?” He said smoothly. The first thought that came through my head was, this guy is a fantastic actor. Then I realized I didn’t hear any sounds. Nothing. I mean, nothing moved but us. I looked around in panic. Dropping the half-eaten donut and cup I was holding. His hand moved, and they returned to float in front of me.

“Don’t waste your food. Come. Take them back into your hands and let’s go for a walk.” I looked around again. The world was frozen. Everything was frozen. “Elves are magical creatures. The easiest explanation that you would understand is I stopped time, so that we may have time to talk privately. If you wish, I will restart time and you will never see me again.” His tone, while amused, was serious. On my say so, I would never see him again.

“While you are deciding. Richard.” He used my true name. “Possibly you should consider the wish you just made.” That made me drop my donut and cup again. His hand did a wrist twist and a motion upward again as he tilted his head at me. Eyes flicked to the floating cup and donut and back to me. A corner of his lip lifted in a half smile. I grabbed for them again. He grinned a little wider and gave me an approving nod. I looked back at the Santa Float, full of Elves and Santas relaxing, singing, and joking around with hot chocolate mugs and cookies as they watched us. They were the only people moving. I heard the flapping of wings. Looking up, I gasped before I dropped my cup and donut again. I heard the sigh as I turned to look at the Elf. He was looking up and spoke in a language I couldn’t even comprehend. The dragon spoke back to the Elf. The Elf waved after a few more words and the dragon left. Flying down the street before it disappeared in a flash of light. My mouth opened and closed several times before I heard the chuckle and turned back to look at the Elf.

“You are so dumbstruck, you haven’t even asked me my name.” He said, shaking his head in disbelief. “My, how times have changed? Manners forgotten.” He said with a soft sigh. He looked at my hands and frowned. Lifting a hand, and motioned. Instantly, another elf appeared, handing me a mug. He also handed me a small bag, before he winked at me, grabbed my paper cup and donut off the ground, and bowed to the other elf. As fast as he arrived, he was gone and back on the float. He made a motion with his hands and the trash disappeared.

“There. The mug will turn to dust once it is empty. Less garbage that way and the treats in the bag should feed you for days. They may look like cookies, but they are a balanced, nutritional diet.” He said as he turned and walked. I hesitated before I followed him. I saw the smile that caused as he waited for me and it looked beautiful on his face. Those high cheek bones, dark eyebrows over golden eyes. His dark hair peeking out from under his elf hat. He must have felt me staring.

“You want to see if I have elf ears?” he asked as I blushed. He had looked over at me and chuckled again. “It’s your first time seeing an Elf. It’s OK to ask questions. Try it.”

“Can I see your ears?” I sounded like a little kid, not the grown man I was. He smiled, golden eyes crinkled in the corners, as his hands lifted the elf hat off his head, tucking it under one arm. He shook out his hair. Long, black hair with silver streaks. Down to midway on his back. I looked up at him as he reached up and pulled the hair forward and above the ears into a ponytail, allowing the rest to hang straight down over his shoulders and back with the ponytail centered. My eyes went wide as they were there. Beautiful ears that ended in high points. He turned his head to let me see both sides as if he was modeling. A smaller Elf appeared next to us. Scaring me. Which caused me to drop everything again. The other elf’s eyes went wide as his hands moved. The bag stopped, but the cup tipped. Spilling its contents and turning to dust. The smaller Elf’s shocked expression spoke volumes as he spoke at an accelerated rate. While, my Elf, did I just think of him as my Elf? Tapped his foot and spoke in that language again. Obviously sternly as the other Elf appeared to be apologizing profusely before he disappeared and reappeared with 2 mugs of steaming hot chocolate. Handing one to me and one to the other elf. My Elf spoke again before his hand made a go away gesture. Before the other Elf left, he spoke, which sounded like a pout to me, but who knows? My Elf snorted a smirk. Kissing the top of his head. Making the little one smile before he was gone.

“I am sorry. You have stirred quite the interest within my family. That was one of my children. Anston.” He said as his hand moved into position. A quick flick and he could catch whatever I dropped. I smiled up at him. Yes. He was taller than my 5 foot 10 inches tall, only by 6 inches. Funny how all the movies portray Elves as short people. His boots had 2 inch soles on them. But, he looked to be in his early 20s. I frowned as I was going back and forth in my mind at the image of him and his son, who was only a few inches shorter than me, but looked to be about 20 years old. Both were thin and lithe.

“How old are you?” He smiled as his hand moved into position again.

“We live a little longer than you. About 20 times your average age as humans. In your years. I am just over 400 years old. Anston. My son is 83 of your years old.” He said as he waited at the ready. I gave him a half smile as I nibbled on one of the cookies. It was not only delicious, but I felt different after a few bites. Like all the nutrients my body was missing, were being added to it as I digested the food. Like getting the mineral infusion through an intravenous solution and having a glow up.

“How many children do you have?” I asked, curiously.

“Six total. Anston is my youngest. The oldest is Ariel at 207, of your years old. She is dating now and might provide me with my first grandchild in the coming years.” He said proudly as I continued to nibble and sip my hot chocolate. That too was delicious. Warming every bone in my body. Then I remembered. I never asked his name.

“I’m sorry. What is your name?” He gave me that lopsided grin.

“Lucien. Lucien of Ever North.” That was interesting.

“Is that an Elven name or human? Is there no last name?” He gave me a dip of his head in acknowledgment of a good question.

“Just my first name for now. It is Elven and my last name is rather long and hard to pronounce for most humans. I will tell you later, but Ever North is where I live. Where I come from. It’s a designation of who I am. We all use that form in introductions.”

“So. I would be Richard of New York City?” I asked. Testing the concept to understand better. His head tilted side to side before he answered.

“At this time. Yes.” He said. At this time? Does that mean I’m going some place? That sent a shiver of fear through my body. “Are you OK? Is anything wrong?” he asked. Concern dripping in his voice. Internally, I berated myself. If he wanted to harm me, he would have already. I mean, he already stopped time, didn’t he? We continued to walk, moving around people that were frozen in time.

“I’m fine. How long can they stay like this?” I asked, waving at everyone around us. He laughed in amusement.

“They are in their regular state. I just moved you to ours. What will seem like a blink of the eye for you now is about 24 hours for them.” His hand moved to twist and lift. My mug returned to my hand. I didn’t drop the bag. “You’re getting better.” He said jokingly. I blushed again.

“It’s a lot to take in.”

“It always has been. Always will be.” He paused in thought. “Actually. That is not correct. Once upon a time, humans believed in things like dragons, elves, and other magical creatures. It was before my time. But. I would believe it would have been easier for them to understand than for you now. I think if I would have told you I was alien, that would be easier to understand for your generation.” I nodded slowly. He had a point. We turned a corner, and I saw the train station ahead.

“Are you alien?” I asked. Lucien snorted.

“I guess that depends how you look at it. I was born here on Earth, so were my parents and grandparents, back about 4 generations, I think. You could ask the librarian.”

“What librarian?” He looked at me funny.

“In the library. You know. They run the Libraries. They still have libraries? Yes?” He asked bewildered. Which made me think he doesn’t spend a lot of time in human society.

“Well yeah. They do, but I don’t know of any library that would tell me about aliens.”

“Oh. I can take you to one if you want? It’s only a short train ride away. I can show you my home, too.” My head turned to his, and he smiled that smile again. At this point, what do I have to lose?

“OK. I guess.” He smiled again, giving me an approving nod. 10 minutes later, we were at the train station. It was funny. Everyone was frozen but the people gathering near one track, I noticed as we walked down the stairs. I always loved the stone architecture here. We walked over just as the train pulled in. My eyebrows shot up as it looked just like any other Amtrak train.

“Follow me.” Lucien said as he walked towards a specific car in the train’s consist.

The doors opened, and a conductor stepped out. Giving Lucien a slight bow as he spoke that strange language again. I was looked over appraisingly as the Conductor smiled. Waving us forward. I heard the same Elf voice from before as another couple of Elves, laughing and horsing around, came running on to the same car. Only to skid to a stop. Muttering something as they bowed their heads towards us and taking seats a few back from our chosen location. When I turned back to look, it was Anston and his friends. He dropped lower when he saw me looking. I could just barely hear their whispers. Lucien smiled as he leaned his head back against the headrest. A staff member came down the aisle with a cart and stopped by us. Trays suddenly appeared over our laps as he poured me a new mug of hot chocolate and gave me an assortment of treats on fine china. Finger cakes, cookies, brownies, and some sort of rolled pastry.

“As before. All of that is balanced, nutritionally. You won’t gain weight.” Lucien said as he put his head back again after taking a sip from his mug, stealing one of the rolled pastries. Holding it up in salute before he made it disappear into his mouth. That made me laugh softly to myself.

“Thank you.”

A few minutes later, more people boarded the train. Our car was better than half full. People that passed us did a double take as they looked at me. Giving Lucien a slight bow. I watched as people would turn to look back at us or when I looked behind us, they were watching too. A few minutes later, the Conductor stopped by us and spoke. Lucien replied, and he gave a slight bow and went forward. Seconds later, felt the train move. After we cleared the city, the Conductor and another person arrived by us. Lucien opened his eyes.

“English please.” He said. Both of the newcomers’ eyes went wide before they spoke. In the perfect Kings English. Lucien’s hand shot up in the perfect position to indicate a stop. “American English.” He said with a smirk. Both of the newcomers’ mouths formed perfect ‘O’s. They started again in now accented English that I understood perfectly.

“Majesty.” My eyes went wide. He’s Royalty? “The Engineer has come with the report.” The Conductor said as he stepped aside for the Engineer who spoke.

“Majesty. We have cleared the city and are approaching the gate. We are clear to Step by your leave, Majesty.” He said. I didn’t have time to contemplate what was going on as one of his children arrived.

“Father.” Anston called out. “Can I do it? Please? I promise to take us home.” He was pleading to take us home. I’m not understanding that at all. My expression must have been broadcasting that as the Conductor made a motion with his eyes and Lucien turned to look at me. Breaking out in a deep belly laugh before he patted my hand.

“Yes, Anston. You can take us home. And I mean Ever North. Anyplace else and I restrict your powers again. Understand?” he said sternly. Anston paled slightly.

“It was only a joke, Father. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” He said in his defense.

“And yet you didn’t look ahead before you took us to the island, when you were supposed to take us home. Your actions have consequences. The sooner you learn that the better.” His eyes closed and when they opened, they glowed momentarily, then returned to normal. “The track is clear at home. Set the portal and take us there.” Anston hugged him as he kissed the top of his head.

“Thanks, Father.” He nodded to me and went to turn away. Then stopped and looked at me again. “I’m sorry that I scared you earlier. I didn’t mean to.” Lucien let a small smile peek through his dour expression.

“It is OK, Anston. It just caught me by surprise. No harm done.” His smile lit his face.

“Thank you.” He said with a small bow before he took off following the Engineer. I looked at Lucien. Eyebrows raised. He chuckled.

“We will enter a tunnel. And not come out the other side. We use the entrance as our portal gate. We energize it and it transports us to wherever we want. In this case, Ever North.” I continued to look at him. He said nothing more.

“Majesty?” He smirked.

“Yes. I am the High Elf King. King of all magical creatures on this planet. A position I inherited from my father about 120 of your, years ago when he elected me for it.” My mouth opened and closed a few times before I spoke again.

“Why am I here? Why are you talking to me?” I asked. I really couldn’t understand why I would be here.

“You’re cute. The more you talk. The more I like you. I will not lie. I am looking for a new mate. My last mate passed 30 of your, years ago.” We entered the tunnel on the outskirts of the city. When we exited, we were in a winter wonderland. Whizzing past a snow-covered trees winding through a high mountain valley. Suddenly, Lucien pointed out the window. He then grabbed my mug as I almost dropped it again. We went around the bend, looking down the valley, and there was a city. Right out of a fairytale. Standing in the middle of a hilly snowfield. There were colored lights and a giant, must have been several hundred foot tall, Christmas tree. I could see people sleigh riding on a nearby hill. Then there was the beautiful stone and wood castle sitting on a raised plateau. As the train got closer, I saw all kinds of creatures. There were even two dragons sitting up on the parapets of the castle.

“Welcome to Ever North. My home.” Said Lucien as we turned another corner.

Anston came bouncing in. Face full of pride as he dropped into his father’s lap. Hugging each other as I heard him speaking to his dad. Is he going to be my new dad? I’m positive that was what he said as they hugged a little longer and then Lucien patted his back. He stood and waved to me. Giving me a slight bow before he took off to join his friends.

“He’s happy.” I said. Lucien nodded.

“He is. About many things. His first age is coming up. Puberty is what your society calls it.” I was confused and it must have shown on my face as he continued. “He’ll reach 85 of human years in just under two of your years. That is the equivalent of being 12 in human terms, in our society. Even though he is really just over 4 in human society standards. Once he reaches 100 human years, he will be considered 14. At 120, he’ll be equivalent of 16 and then at 150 human years, he is equivalent to 18 years old in human standards.” I sat back to digest that as I watched us pull into this snowy wonderland city.