The Christmas Elf & I - 2. Chapter 2

The train stopped, and we stood. No one else moved as we made our way down the aisle. The doors opened for us to step off and I was shocked to find hundreds of people standing behind a row of silver-suited individuals across the expansive Plaza. Silver. I whispered to myself. Mythril, stronger than titanium and it’s magically enchanted, impervious to human weapons, whispered Lucien back. I looked at him in shock.

“You heard me?”

“I have big ears.” Which made me laugh. He reached over and took my hand in his. I felt the warmth of it as I also felt the tingling feeling course through my body as if I was being embraced. The feeling of pure kindness and… affection. Looking around, I was in awe of the buildings and architecture. Then I looked closely at the people we were moving towards. All different. Like looking at a cross section of humanity as a whole. Every race was represented, except they had elf ears. I looked at Lucien.

“What happened to your mate?”

“He died of old age. He was just over 231 human years old.”

“He was human?”

“Yes. Being magical. Once a human is mated to us, we can extend their life. He was twenty when we met.”

“So… if we mate. You could extend my life?”

“Possibly up to 300 years, depending on your genetics and what ailments and diseases you already have.” He said clinically as he walked us towards the line. Looking back, Anston and someone else, possibly another child, were right behind us.

“Who is walking with Anston?” Lucien looked over his shoulder and smiled as he stopped us to turn around. Holding up his arms, both kids ran forwards into his embrace. One slightly taller than the other.

“Anston, you already know. This other troublemaker is Riven. My second youngest at 97 human years old.” Both kids nodded to me before Riven stepped forwards.

“Hello. Richard of New York City. I’m Riven of Ever North. It’s nice to meet you.” He said as he shook my hand. Not to be outdone by Anston’s shocking look as he just realized something.

“Nice to meet you too, Riven.” I said before I took Anston’s hand.

“I am sorry Richard of New York City. I did not properly greet you earlier. I am Anston of Ever North and it is a pleasure to meet you.” I did something that surprised me. I pulled his arm, making him come forward as I wrapped my other arm around him. He was a little stiff at first, then settled against me as I patted his back.

“It’s OK Anston. We know each other now.” I said before I released him. He immediately went back into his father’s arms for a hug. Lucien kissed the top of his head. Riven looked disappointed, so I opened my arms to him. He stepped lively into them and hugged me tight.

“Thanks for hugging him. He’s been lost since Dad died.” For people that live so long, I could understand that for the last 30 years he’s been in pain of some sort or another. Then I heard the whispered. “Are you going to be our new dad?” I tensed.

“Riven. That’s between me and Richard. It would be nicer for him if you let us talk it out first before you plant ideas in his head he may not understand or like.” Riven pulled away from me sheepishly. Anston was looking sheepish, too.

“Sorry, Richard,” Riven said with a slight bow before he backed away. Lucien sighed and was not at all happy until he turned to me. His expression became happier.

“Sorry Richard. They have been pushing me for 20 human years to go find another mate.” I just shrugged.

“Not like I’m not being railroaded here. I do not know what’s going on or why, but I am here.” That comment made Lucien’s face tinged slightly before he turned on two of his children.

“Up to your rooms. Now. We will talk about this later. And if any of your other siblings have ideas, you better warn them off before I find out. Have I made myself understood?” There was an audible gulp. I’m not sure which child, but they both backed away.

“Yes. Father.” They said in almost unison before they took off running. The people behind the line split open a space for them to cross as they headed into the city. There was the sound of a very heavy exhale from Lucien as he pulled a hand down across his face. He looked around and eyed the crowd.

“Wonderful. Just wonderful.” He said, barely loud enough for me to hear. His hands went out a short distance from his sides, palms out, and then he dropped them in defeat. “I’m sorry Richard. I guess I should have sat them down and told them what I was doing and not to interfere.”

His entire demeanor had changed in the span of a few minutes this drama played out. He looked tired as he turned to one of the people coming towards him. He spoke in that language once the elf was close enough. He must have been rattling off a series of commands because the elf had conjured a notepad and pen to appear. At least I think it was as he was writing as fast as he could. Asking a question or making a comment which either Lucien would respond to or nod at. After a few minutes, he waved the notes away and Elves in various forms of dress appeared seconds later. One had a box and came directly towards Lucien after a small bow. Holding the open box. He took the pendant out and nodded while speaking again. Before he turned to me.

“Richard. May I give you this pendant? It serves multiple uses to protect you from magic spells and incantations. It also gives you the ability to understand our languages. Among other things.” He held it up to show me the pendant and the silver. Or was it the Mythril chain it was hanging on?

“What does it mean?”

“Nothing. That you are a human that is known to us and knows of us. Some of our people also think it designates you as an elven mate.” I didn’t know what to say about that last part, but I wanted to be able to understand everyone.

“OK.” I said, and he approached, placing the chain around my neck and lowering the pendant into my shirt. I was surprised it wasn’t cold. It actually felt warm. I actually felt warmth flowing through my body and the chill I had when we stepped off the train was gone. And all the murmuring behind us became clear in my mind. I could understand everyone. Listening for a moment, I frowned as I turned to face the crowd. I felt the presence next to me and everyone went silent as I stared them down. Lucien chuckled next to me.

“They are afraid of you now.” He said, which made me snort. Turning to his smiling face.

“They now think I am your mate, because you put this on me.” I said as I pointed to the chain and pendant. He sighed.

“That would be because the rumor mill has been working overtime. Which is why I said wonderful when I looked them over before. The Plaza should have been empty this time of day. Something else I need to discuss with my children. I think I had better send you back to New York City and allow the time to flow again as I correct my children.” He paused as he turned. “Pharomir. Please inform the train Richard is returning.”

“Of course, your Majesty.” He said before bowing, turned and headed for the train. Lucien raised a hand and motioned someone over. She bowed and stood at attention.

“Yavanna. Could you escort Richard to my private car on the consist? Let him shower and change into something suitable for New York City this time of year. Set him up in one of our safe houses too, please.”

“Yes, Majesty. May I stay for the parade?” She asked.

“Yes. By all means. Enjoy yourself Yavanna.” He said as he turned to me. “Yavi will take you back to the parade and then to the safe house. You are free to stay there as long as you wish. You can contact me through the pendant.” He said as he took my hand in his. Fingers rubbing my knuckles.

“Once I have talked with my family and corrected some issues, I will return to the parade. I would like to see you again. Bring you here again. If you will let me?” He was not happy about sending me back. I understood that, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come back or not.

“I thank you for everything, but I need to think about whether I want to come back. Maybe you could visit me in the city?”

“Fair enough. This hasn’t been the trip I would have liked to take you on. I can understand why you may not want to come back. I will endeavor to make everything right between us. Fair well in your travels, Richard of New York City.” He said as he gave me a slight bow and backed away one step.

“Thank you, Lucien.” I said as Yavanna motioned me towards the train station.

I looked over my shoulder as we walked and watched as Lucien turned around and walk away. His left arm swung around in a counterclockwise arc. Hand glowing a golden white as blue electrical sparks shot out, forming a circular gate that opened in front of him as he walked, walked right through, into a room it looked like before the gate closed the second he was on the other side. Everyone on the line now looked worried as they began pointing towards me and some pointed to the castle as they chattered on. One of the dragons let out a roar that made the air vibrate before its massive wings flapped twice, and it launched itself into the air. Beating fast as it climbed, just to disappear through a gate like Lucien did. I had stopped moving as I watched.

“He’s not happy. It’s a rare event he doesn’t mingle with the people as he walks to the castle.” She said. I stood a few moments longer. Yavanna waited patiently for me to move again. Moments later, we boarded the train, and she showed me where the bathroom was and all the clothing in the closet of the private car. Which, miraculously, was all my correct sizes.

Lucien

I gated back to my personal work quarters. Ignoring my people in a show of my displeasure. Thanks to my children’s good-natured interventions, Richard doesn’t want to come back. Ariel entered my outer chambers and looked around my rooms for me. She can’t use magic to find me because of the Wards I have in the rooms. Magic, aside from mine, doesn’t work here.

“Father?” I heard.

“In here, Ariel.” I said as I sat at my desk in my private office. She walked in happily, looking around. Expecting to find someone else. Eyes settling on me as recognition of my mood took hold.

“I had heard that you brought someone with you.” She said slowly. My head raised from the parchment I was looking at.

“You heard wrong then. I met someone and wanted to talk to him. Brought him on the train. Wanted to show him the splendor of Ever North.” I said without emotion as I evaluated my daughter’s involvement, “Unfortunately, I had too many other people that don’t understand how delicate humans can be in the first meetings, trying to assist and spreading rumors.” My voice had risen towards the end and she winced before she sighed.

“They kept pushing you and then thought they should push him too…” she said sadly. I nodded.

“They did. Now I am calming myself before I go talk to them. I have already restricted their magic.” She winced again. Locking a magical creature’s magic, so it wasn’t available for their use, is considered by some as cruel and unusual punishment. By now they are nestled in bed to keep warm, wrapped in the bed covers.

“Yes. You can play the part of the protective big sister and let them feel warmth. Maybe even take them some hot chocolate and cookies.” I said which made her smile as she figured it out. “Then maybe you can explain to them the error of their ways before I do.”

“They are rather hard-headed occasionally.” Which made me snort as she hit the nail right on the head.

“Yes… Yes they are. A combination of me and your dad. Now I understand why my parents said grandchildren are the best revenge.” I said sagely. Which had Ariel laughing so hard her face was flushed.

I wrote out what I wanted and read it again to be sure before I tapped a button. The desk wavered before my family accounts materialized. I took gold from Anston and Riven. Placing it in the conversion to US Dollars queue and tagged it for a new account I am creating. Within 20 minutes, I had done everything I wanted to do. Sending the message to Michael Astroka. We haven’t seen him lately, but that is expected. Being here most likely brings back too many memories. He’s been coming less and less since he retired 4 years ago. His partner died two years before that. We tried our best to support him while he was here, but he is human. Pain of loss like that runs deep. It saddened me that for all the power I have. I can’t mend a broken heart. But then. I haven’t been able to mend my own either. I sat back. Richard “Ricky” Vanderhof. The first person I have looked at that has interested me since Anthony died. I felt the wetness begin as I rubbed my eyes and stood. Walking across the room to look at the pictures. I shook the globe and his image came to life, waving to me as he spoke. Come on baby. The kids want to make snowmen. The tear made it down my face before I swiped at it. The sounds of the Ariel and Drystan calling to me in the background from over 150 years ago. Before Anston, Riven, Thalion and Iridessa were born.

“Oh, how my heart still longs for you, my love.” I said to the empty room.

* * *

Taking the stairs, I went up two levels and walked across to the west wing of the castle. That is where the family quarters are. Staff stepped aside for me as I walked through the hallway. The ceremonial guards opened the door as I approached and entered the foyer, past the reception room, music room, and coat closets to the formal private dining room and formal parlor. To continue past the formal kitchen and grand doors to the balcony. To the next set of doors that the four footmen in the Royal Livery pulled open for me. To bring me face to face with the house Majordomo. She bowed as she started her report. Telling me who was in the house and where.

“Thank you, Meliantha. I will not be here for dinner. The guest room will not be needed.” I said as she finished. She hesitated and her smile slipped just enough, I noticed.

“Of course, Majesty.” She replied as she bowed slightly and returned to her work. I walked down the hall and made two turns before I was where I need to be. My bedroom suite. I moved to my sitting area and sat in my favorite chair. A twitch of my hand and the control panel came up next to my arm. I tapped two buttons.

“Come to my sitting room.” I said and didn’t wait for a response. Moments later, I heard my two children running down the marble hallway to my suite. They both stepped over in front of me. Blocking my view out the large bay windows. I motioned to the other couch and waited until they sat off to my right. My gaze never wavered from the front, watching the snow falling outside. I wave of my hand and they both visibly relaxed as their magic became available again.

“I probably should have sat all of you kids down and told you what I was doing and not to interfere. But I didn’t.” My hand shot up and Riven closed his mouth. “I’ve told all of you. Humans are delicate creatures. That not only applies to their bodies, but to their minds as well. The magical species of this world are not known or understood by them. They are afraid of the unknown. The two of you trying to push him to me, to us, was not a smart or safe move.” They flinched. “Now. You have done damage that I don’t know if I can fix. Richard doesn’t want to return here.” Shoulders sagged and heads drooped. I turned my head slightly and saw the tear drop from Anston. Standing, I walked over and pulled him up into my arms.

“I know you are in pain and want another person to call your dad. I really know Anston. What you don’t understand. What neither of you understand is I’m not ready. I still feel the pain and loss of your dad as much today as I did the day he died. But I went outside my comfort zone for my children and it failed. The two of you failed me. Failed to listen to what I have tried to teach all of you children. That makes me feel I failed in that regard too. I’m looking into a tutor for the two of you to teach you about interspecies relationships. Maybe they can teach you what I tried to and have obviously failed.”

“But. We just wanted you to be happy again, father. You smiled more today than you have in the last year.” Riven argued.

“That’s nice. You still went about it wrong. Rumors. Making suggestive comments. Outright, asking him if he is your new dad.” I was getting louder and took a second to close my eyes and breathe. “He’s human Riven. He is part of the masses. He did not know that we existed until this morning. In the span of three hours, he had nothing but one surprise after another. That to humans are unbelievable, fantastical creatures and powers. You have to work them through it slowly.”

“You brought him on the train.” Countered Riven.

“Yes. Because I needed to take him to the library. Which is just outside the train station and across the plaza. Which should have been empty at that time of day. Instead. My Royal Guard is in attendance with 100’s of our citizens lined up to see the supposed new mate of the King.” I practically growled out. Which made Anston cry harder and Riven’s eyes were getting wet as the realization set in on what happened. I held out my arm, and he crashed into me. Joining his brother by crying on my other shoulder.

“Maybe if that had happened after him being here for a few visits it wouldn’t have mattered, but on top of everything else, it was just too much.”

“How do we fix it?” asked Anston between sobs.

“You do not. I’m already working on it. I want all of my children to leave him alone as I try to salvage this. Don’t expect it to happen overnight.” I said and both of my children nodded on my shoulders. “Love you both. Now go get dressed. I’ll take the two of you to finish the parade with me. Think you can smile and wave for a few hours?” Their heads came up as they wiped their faces before I got a kiss from each of them.

Michael

I looked at the note Yavanna handed to me. I opened the folded parchment, and the text scrolled across as I read. It brought a combination of sadness and happiness to me as I absorbed what the High Elf King had written. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Ever North, and now I might have to go back again. I folded it and placed it in my pocket. Looking out over the crowd to the Santa Float. Lucien’s eyes were locked on me as I gave him a nod of understanding. He dipped his head in that Elven way that meant deep gratitude and thanks. Something that is rare from an Elf. Ricky was surprised I knew Yavanna. He’ll be even more surprised when I tell him what is going on. His Majesty himself is supporting Richard “Ricky” Vanderhof’s return to college. Hoping to be able to repair the damage his children created so they may talk again. I’m supposed to help explain the Elven culture to him, acting as a mentor. He even stopped my retirement pay and put me back at full pay. They put him in my apartment building. Which is owned by either the elves or someone connected to them. It’s a safe house of sorts. Ricky doesn’t know that yet, but he’ll figure it out shortly.

Richard

We didn’t travel alone on the train. The car was almost full. Yavi told me I could take all the clothing from the closet and produced a suitcase for me to put it all in. I now had a very large suitcase with multiple changes of clothing. Everything from gym wear to dress clothing, even a suit. And everything from the underwear to the new jacket fit me perfectly. She sent someone with the suitcase on ahead to the apartment she said I had, while we went to watch the parade. Not that I really wanted to, but I didn’t want her to be alone. She brought me back to the same spot near Michael. He, like everyone else, was still frozen. I watched as the group of Elves and Santas suddenly all stood as the blue arc seemed to cut the air in a circle directly in front of the float. When the ends connected, the entire inside of the circle turned golden white and then looked like you were looking through a doorway into a room. Suddenly, Riven and Anston stepped through. Directly on to the float. Followed by none other than Lucien. Once his trailing foot cleared the portal, it collapsed and disappeared. He spoke momentarily, and everyone took their positions before he sat down. He closed his eyes and his whole body glowed a golden color before he raised a hand, making a twirling motion.

I jumped at the sudden blast of music, people talking and yelling, singing, and a ho, ho, ho Merry Christmas from a Santa on the float. I turned to Michael, and he was talking with Yavi, who handed him a piece of parchment. He was reading when I looked back at the float. The kids were waving to everyone until they spotted me. Then they both bowed in unison and went back to waving to everyone. Lucien didn’t look any place but forwards until he suddenly turned his head. He was looking towards us. Until I turned my head and saw Michael. He made a slow nod. I whipped my head back to look at Lucien. He made some special form of a head dip that must have had meaning. Turning back to Michael, he had a satisfied happiness about him. Yavi handed us each a bag of cookies. The smile that Michael produced as he thanked her was a mix of happiness and sadness. I thought I saw a tear form in his eye.

* * *

Three hours later, I am tired, and Yavanna is taking me to my new home. Explaining to me about the apartment and the security set up, as well as how to notify management if I have any problems. Michael had to leave thirty minutes ago. His friends left after we returned. No great loss there as far as I was concerned. Once she showed me how to code the system to unlock the outside door, we stepped in to use the elevator to take me up to the 7th floor. It was a nice, but small, one bedroom. The furniture was clean, and as Yavi pointed out. My cabinets and refrigerator were half filled with enough food for a few days. Also pointing to another bag on the counter. More assorted cookies, finger cakes, and rolled pastries. Enough for a week. She told me. A knock at the door that shocked me. I looked at Yavi, and she indicated the door with her chin. That made me think it was Lucien. I slowly opened it to find a smiling Michael.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I live here. Well, across the hall. I figured you had a long day. So I wanted to invite you over for dinner.” He said as he looked over my shoulder. “Yavi. Have time for dinner?” She looked up.

“I can stay another hour and catch the last train.” She said, and Michael smiled.

“Wonderful. Come on over in 10 minutes. I’ll leave the door open. Just walk in.”

“OK. I guess. You still didn’t tell me how you knew I was here.”

“Then come to dinner. I have lots to tell you and you have lots to do in the next few days.” He said as he turned and crossed the hall. Leaving his door cracked. I looked at Yavi.

“He had the message. He’ll have to tell you, but he was mated to an Elf that died… must be 6… 7 years ago now. He’s retired and moved back here. Beyond that, Michael is the one to ask.” And another shocking moment.

5 minutes later, he welcomed us to his apartment. It was nice. He had a lot of keepsakes around on shelves and cabinets.

* * *

Dinner was very good and Michael admitted he has some special spices he gets from Ever North to season the roast with. I’ll have to ask about that later. Yavanna had to leave to catch the train and Michael asked me to the couch as he sat in his recliner.

“What did Yavi mean about your pendant?” I asked, and he sighed.

“Well. I’m not wearing it. And she is concerned.” It must have been my confused look. “Part of the life enhancement is the pendant. How old do you think I am?” I had to think, and he smiled.

“58” I said slowly. He barked out a laugh.

“I wish. No Richard. I am 187 years old.” Then he sighed. A long sad sounding defeat. “When Orin died, his magic died with him. That is the main driver of the life extension that you get when you are mated to an Elf. The pendant is more of a first aid type device. It keeps you healthy. Doing that, your body parts can last for centuries, not decades. But I have decided to follow my mate. I don’t wear the pendant, so my body will naturally shut down as it should. In another year or so.” I was silent when he finished. I didn’t know what to say. He reached over and patted my leg.

“It’s OK Ricky. I’ve had a good life. But before I go I have one more job to do for the High Elf King.” He said, waiting for me to ask.

“What does he want you to do?” I asked, confused.

“Get you set up in college again. Teach you about the Elven culture and I am sure at some point, take you on tours of Ever North.” Michael said. My mouth must have been hanging open as he started to laugh.

“Why.” I finally asked.

“I am sure it has more to do with how the Elves take care of their own, than some nefarious plot to buy you. Although, I am 99.9 percent positive that Lucien likes you. As part of the children’s punishment, they are paying for your college.”

“They can afford that?” He just nodded.

“Oh yes. They most certainly can. Remember, they live for a very long time. Some of the oldest companies in the world are owned by them.” I had to stop and think. I did like talking to Lucien. But, I don’t know him.

“Is he trustworthy?” I asked. Michael’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline.

“So, you did like him. Yes. You can trust everything he says. He will not or let you be hurt. You already have a pendant to protect you. In a few more days, you’ll never get sick again.” My mouth opened and closed again as my hand touched it through my shirt.

We spent another few hours talking. I had so much information on Lucien and his family as well as elves themselves. That was how it started. Us running around setting up my enrollment for the spring term, get my books and supplies. I learned more about Michael too. Christmas morning, I found presents from Santa in my apartment and I received a private note. Two of them, from Anston and Riven. Apologizing and asking for my forgiveness. Michael helped me write them back.