The Christmas Elf & I - 5. Chapter 5

The fall semester had arrived and Michael, true to form, had me ready and worked out our schedule of visits to the magical world. I say that because, not only did Lucien send me invitations, the kids too, for that matter, but I was being invited to other residences. Chiefly being Dragon Home, that was self-explanatory. Mountain Home, which was the Dwarves. Then there was Ever Water and the Enchanted Forest. And where are they on Earth? My hands went up in the air above my head at that question. I do not know. Michael just produces that sneaky looking smile that really says. Nobody needs to know and neither do you. In reality. I don’t think he knows either. They sound interesting. Our acceptance is, of course, coordinated with the Royal Family as we will arrive and depart with them. And those were the major invitations. I’ve already nixed the idea of the 50 or so others I had received. Luckily, I have a plausible excuse with my class schedule. Which really was the excuse. And of course the King makes mention of my schedule being so busy even he doesn’t get to see me as much as he would like. That appears to keep people’s noses from getting bent out of shape.

“Is all this really necessary? When I finish college, am I going to be expected to attend all of these and more? Should I be thinking of becoming a career student?” I asked Michael as we reviewed the new schedule. Not just a little flabbergasted once I saw it all compiled onto one chart. His low chuckle was part soothing and part resignation.

“Yes, My Lord.” My eyes rolled as he said it. Which just set the stage for what I know he is going to say next. “I am afraid you probably will.” He paused in thought and nodded to himself. “I’ll ask Yavanna to pop in and discuss it. Maybe she has some ideas to limit the Royal Consort’s duties.”

* * *

It would have been the weekend before Thanksgiving in the United States and we stood on the dais again for the gathering to celebrate the coming Santa Season. The official parade would be the official start, but the children like to gather before then to work out their costume ideas. The dragons were in human form, and I had a large retinue of followers as I made my rounds with Lucien. Greeting old friends and meeting new ones. There were the few sneers at me as I am not an Elf, but the number is fewer than the last time I was here for a gathering. More people are coming around to the idea of us together, and I decided to push things along. Lucien approached as the orchestra had begun again after their second break. He bowed low as he asked for my hand for my first dance. I know he saw the look he received as I said yes. We danced at other functions. Mountain Home. The Enchanted Forest. Those events were smaller, more private than a gathering at Ever North. Although Ever Water was close. I declared it improper for us to dance as the dress of the day was swimsuits. It took a great amount of personal determination not to take Lucien to bed. He was… well, almost naked like I was, and it was agreed via the looks we gave each other that we both liked what we saw. Interestingly. Elves don’t appear to have body hair… anyplace, but their head. Shaking myself from the memories as I took his offered arm.

He escorted me to the dance floor and took me in into the proper position. Lucien had assumed we would be holding each other with the proper amount of distance between us. And we started the dance that way. Until I released his hand that held mine. Placing it down on my other hip as I placed my now free hand on his shoulder and used my other hand to slip off his hip to his lower back and pull him tight against me. Lowering my head onto his shoulder.

“Richard?” He spoke hoarsely as I felt the affection surge through my body from his.

“Yes Lucien? You are not comfortable dancing with me like this?” I asked.

“We are not officially dating. It is improper. Your words, not mine.” He stuttered out, and I smiled mischievously up at him.

“Maybe we are and maybe we are not. Time will tell.” Again, I felt that happy glow course through me as I verbally sparred with the most powerful creature in the world. He huffed out a small breath and leaned into me more as we danced. Eyes followed us around the dance floor and beyond as we continued with our rounds of the guests.

We had three more dances before the last dance of the evening. I purposely moved us to the center of the magnificently decorated ballroom. Something only magic could accomplish. We were halfway through the tune, one that Ariel had requested, for me specifically. My hand moved off Lucien’s shoulder and cupped the side of his face, drawing him to me as I leaned up.

“Date me Lucien?” I whispered, as his eyes began to glow as our lips met. Feeling the warmth wash over me that told me the glow engulfed both of us as we kissed. In the distance, I heard the gasps before the applause started. When we pulled apart, my vision returned to normal from the blurry that the glow causes. I found the awestricken Lucien looking down on me with a goofy smile on his face. He opened his mouth to say something, but we were hit by a mass of arms as we were tackle hugged by his children. All of his children, group hugged us. Anston had tears in his eyes as I pulled away from Lucien. Picking him up and hugging him tight.

“I would say yes, but we all know it is a yes.” He said as he wrapped his arms around the two of us.

“Will you live here now?” Asked Riven.

“Not yet. We are just dating. Openly now.” I replied. He looked a little sadden by that fact as I shifted Anston to my side and reached out to pull Riven into a hug. I kissed the top of his head. “One step at a time, Riven. We must follow the proper protocols of the mating ritual sequence.” His head nodded on my chest as Lucien kissed the top of his head, then Anston’s.

Then Lucien kissed me before he separated and hugged each of his children in turn as they also hugged me. It was a special moment as the congratulations started for Lucien and I. Even some of my most vocal critics took the time to approach the dais and give us their best wishes. I almost thought a few of them were going to choke, but I smiled nicely as I accepted them. More than once, Drystan stood at my side. Happiest I’ve ever seen him. Once I even pulled him into my side and he flushed before he laid his head on my shoulder. Whispering his thanks and welcome to the family. Dad. He smirked at me when I looked at him. Which made me laugh softly before I kissed the top of his head.

“You are welcome… son.” I whispered back into his ear.

* * *

What followed next was I joined the family on the float with all the Santa’s for the big parade in New York City. Michael had suggested that I could spend a few nights a week up in Ever North as I finished my semester at college. I thought about it and it wasn’t like Lucien and I were having sex. Because we weren’t. Not yet anyway. Not that I wasn’t interested, but that was the official script when dating. So long before the first kiss, so long before the actual sex. The only difference between us and who that was designed for is we have been together almost a year now. We were not newly introduced. I know Lucien wants to throw the schedule off the highest balcony, but I suggested not doing that. He might hit somebody. Michael said it best. It isn’t like the two of you are going to separate this century or the next. I’m already placing bets on how many children you will have and how soon. OK. I dropped the fork full of food at that comment. It has been a while since I dropped anything in shock. In hindsight. He was right. And children were on my mind. Our children, not just his. Not that I would love them any less, but…

The parade was wonderful. Two more humans had been selected by Elves as possible mates. Lucien had noted that we were now the role models. That I was now a role model and teacher. I thought about it and Lucien’s lips lifted in the corners as I looked at him. We are so much in the public view, people are trying to copy our relationship. I sighed.

“You want me and Michael to get involved with the new humans?” I asked. Lucien’s smile broadened as if I hit the jackpot.

“Yes. It will give him purpose in the community again. Much as helping you did, and it would be a reason for you to be here more.” I opened my mouth to speak, but he held a hand up. “You can portal back and forth to take classes. But live in Ever North full time in your suite of rooms instead of the apartment in New York City.” I sat back into his arms as I was using him for a pillow on the couch in the family room of the Royal Family’s suite. My thoughts scurried left and right as I tried to lock them down. He didn’t want me to give up my classes for my degree, but he wanted me to take on more responsibility. Which meant less time to myself. But it also meant more time with him and his family here… sort of. And he is not demanding I do it or live directly with him. Which would be against the rituals. I sighed internally.

“Fine. I’ll talk to Michael, or have you already done that?” His smile told me the latter was true. “I figured as much. It’s a good thing I really like you, or I might be mad at getting railroaded again.” He dipped an appreciative nod at me before he leaned in and kissed my neck. Speaking softly into my ear.

“Thank you, Lord Richard of Ever North.” I smacked his arm, holding me as he chuckled. “Wait until you are mated to me and they have to call you His Majesty as well.”

“You keep giving me more reasons I don’t want to mate with you.” He chuckled again.

“No. I think nothing will stop that.” He said. His voice was so full of conviction I had to agree. With a heavy sigh, I lifted his arm and spun up onto all fours as I crawled into his lap. Covering his mouth with mine. The kiss was long and passionate. To the point where he had a glow that engulfed us both again. When I pulled away. He knew I felt the same way. We will be mated one day.

It was Christmas Day. I had just left Michael and the group of 4 humans on the train. He was taking them back to the city. They all lived in the same apartment building now. My new destination was to put the fear of Lord Richard into the four Elves that wanted to have human mates like myself and Lucien are. They were waiting with Yavanna in my rooms. Specifically in my sitting room. I had two of the Mythril clad Royal Guards in attendance, as my rooms are in the Royal Wing. Albeit, in the outer section used for entertaining groups, not the personal section used for the family proper. Two specifically chosen by me to be the scary reminder that even though I am not an Elf. I control more power than they do. It wasn’t long before I felt them through my pendant. I slipped to the side of the hallway and ducked around the next corner in the curved hall. The footsteps took off running in my direction. To skid to a stop at the intersection of the four hallways.

“Aww. Come on Richard. Magic doesn’t work here.” Yelled Anston, pleadingly. My laugh gave it away, soft as it was. And soon they were charging down the hallway I was in. I waited in a doorway and held my breath. They were almost upon me when I jumped out.

“Booo.” They screamed and crashed into my arms. Laughing. One of the guards popped his head around the corner and smiled a nod before he disappeared again. Shortly after, they escorted me to my rooms.

“Love you both, but I have some work to finish up before dinner.” I received the usual hugs and kisses with promises to sit next to me.

Which I had to remind them they had siblings that deserved the chance too, and tonight was Iridessa and Thalion’s night. They sat next to me at lunch and Ariel, her boy friend, Drystan, and his boyfriend sat next to me at breakfast. Since they had slept over. Innocently I looked up at Lucien in question as I asked if he told them about the birds and the bees… it took a minute to register until I explained, with a rather evil grin, what I meant… I’m not sure if the older kids will sit with me again. At least with their boyfriends in attendance. But. Lucien almost fell off his chair, laughing. While I think Iridessa and Thalion may have understood, Anston and Riven did not. With a heavy sigh filled with sorrow at their lack of education, I promised their father would explain it to them in the future. Which earned me a look…I so love sparring with him.

Upon my entrance, the four shot to their feet as my eyes rolled. Yavi just stood because she knew I was going to give her a hug. She is considered a friend now. Not just a staff member, and she works directly for me. Like Michael does, but what we do is a team effort. I shook hands all around before I offered them seats. Moving to my favorite chair. An early Christmas gift from Orodreth and his brother, Kaida, and their family. My favorite dragons. It was the most luxuriously comfortable leather chair I had ever sat in. And they sent me two. One from each of them. Lucien and I sipped many a glass of wine here while watching the fire burning in the past few months. Today Yavanna sat in the other. The four were split between the two couches. Much like the children would be if they were here, as we all watched the fire burn as we talked.

“My understanding is there was an incident. After we had explained that humans are delicate creatures of mind and body. Needing to be handled with care and a very slow pace.” My voice displayed my unhappiness. The silence punctuated it, as I waited for an omission of guilt. And I know who was guilty. Shoulders slumped and heads dropped. Eyes studying something interesting on my floor. I had to glance fast to ensure it was clean. Yavi sat silently. This isn’t our first rodeo, as the saying goes. I’m the bad cop and she is the good cop.

“My Lord. I made a mistake.” And it wasn’t the person I knew it to be. Unbeknown to them, I was there when it happened. Hence the fast response by me, Michael, and Yavanna. Yet this Elf thought he made a mistake. I sighed internally as I just saw my schedule go up in flames, just like the log in the fire.

“Walk with me.” Which is standard. I discuss items with them in groups and private. He followed me to my office, and we sat before I motioned for him to continue.

“What did you do, Elmon?” I asked.

It was almost dinner time. Two hours later, when we had everything straightened out. I don’t think I had ever seen Yavanna laugh so hard after they left. Or any Elf outside of what I could produce from Lucien during our verbal sparrings?

“After what you told me this morning and now hearing this. I just don’t know what to say. I guess we need to petition for changes in education.” She said when she stopped. My mouth opened and then closed. The malicious smile forming. She eyed me carefully. “You wouldn’t?” I snorted as I nodded vigorously. She practically cackled all the way down the hall as she left. Leaving the guards looking at me. A cross of concern and curiosity. Now we were going to petition for a sexual education course to teach the limited use of magic during sexual escapades to prevent injury to humans and elves.

“Just another day in the realm of magic and mayhem.” I said in a jovial voice that confused them even more as I clapped my hands together with a heavy sigh. Before I headed off to dinner.

* * *

Thalion passed me the platter of roasted meats. I forked a thick slice of beef, a slice of pork and a chicken breast. Sliced thin, pounded and seasoned before being grilled. The food was served family style at my insistence. It was time the kids learned a different set of table manners. I knew it was working when I asked one to toss me a roll and it came flying down the table to me. Lucien gave me his head tilted side eye. I just smiled innocently. My only comment was to send two next time and don’t do it when we have guests. Which made Thalion toss another. Ariel looked at her boyfriend and then at me. I shook my head no before she could say anything. She smiles happily at me. Drystan’s boyfriend, Athtar, leaned forward and raised his glass to me. I nodded back as I continued to eat. Drystan made a good choice as far as I was concerned. They made a good couple. Lucien thought so too. He wasn’t too keen on Traeliorn, Ariel’s boyfriend, but I reminded him he was her boyfriend, not his. That earned me a kiss.

The kids had one last present for me. That they claimed they forgot, but I knew better. This was another one of the ploys they have been using to push Lucien and me closer to mating. I wondered what they had come up with. Not that I had to think about it too long before they had me open the package. I read the tag and pulled out the bottles of body wash.

“Read the directions.” Thalion said, as the others agreed. I did and raised an eyebrow at the one line.

If you have trouble using this product, we suggest you invite a friend to help you. That received the snort it deserved.

“How very nice they have such complete directions for the use of their product. I’ll take that under advisement.” Eyes searching the assembled faces around the table as I landed on the culprit that bought this. Ariel blushed as I locked eyes on her. Almost afraid I would ask if she used it. I smiled sweetly in understanding. She had just told me she has no problem with me sleeping with her father. Not that I didn’t have her approval since the day we first met, but it was still the thought behind it that counted.

Lucien

Christmas has come and gone. This will be the first time Richard spends New Year’s with us and the New Year’s display that the magical world puts on. We would join the entire city outside tonight. It has been decided that the celebration effort would be a joint effort. Normally, there were different parties around the city, but tonight was going to be one big block party. Centered around the Plaza. Richard and his staff were escorting the new humans that have been invited and their respective partners. Which had been combined with the Dwarf, Dragon, Gnome, Fairy and Troll groups. All would be in human form and Richard, because of his station as my boyfriend, was the overall leader of the group. His own staff had grown to include 6 humans. Michael included. Eight Elves. Led by Yavanna. And 8 of the Royal Guard who answered directly to Richard. The entire group appears with their own mates and Richard wanted a separate area for them. Which I granted. They were off to the side of our own area, but would be able to cross over, as we had all the realm’s nobility coming to join us. I even had to dispatch the Portal Specialists to Gate everyone in instead of us having a human type traffic jam of different modes of transportation.

Richard was unhappy at having to babysit everyone but understood the long-term gain from doing it. It also meant he would be moving nonstop as he greeted our guests as well as his group’s guests. That was something that made me unhappy, too. Sometimes being Royalty is a royal pain in the rear. A polite way of translating what Richard called it. I stood transfixed as my boyfriend exited his rooms in full Royal Dress. His long-sleeved outfit was the usual black and silver of the family, but he had a full shoulder cape. Inside was fur lined and the outside, shimmered with the amount of Mythril added to the white spider silk. It definitely made him stand out as my consort. Each of the children bowed in turn as he passed. Hugging and kissing each before he stepped in front of me. His eyes ran down my body and back up before he stepped forwards. His hand grazed my cheek, and a finger stroked the outside of my ear before his hand shifted to the back of my neck and my arms wrapped around him. Our lips met, and he forced his tongue into my mouth as we kissed. I felt the pressure building as I released my magic. The glow engulfed us both as our love expanded beyond our bodies. There were whistles behind us as the children looked on, telling us to get a room. We broke apart laughing, especially when Richard turned on them.

“I think you are all going to bed early tonight, so we may have some alone time.” That made a few smile knowingly, including myself. We have had little time alone this week with everything going on.

20 minutes later, we had split apart. Richard going to greet his group and I was holding down the Royal dais. Interestingly. Ariel and Traeliorn had gone with him.

Richard

“And. My soon to be stepdaughter. What is on your mind?” I asked as she and Traeliorn fell in step with me.

“So. Does it work?” She asked, and I was confused. She must have noticed. “The body wash.”

“Oh.” I said as realization hit me. “We haven’t had sex yet.” That caught them both off guard. I know she wanted to ask why.

“One step at a time, Ariel. Never fear. Now matter when we have sex, it will not stop what is going to happen.”

“What is going to happen?” I stopped and placed my hand on the side of her face.

“Why Ariel? Your father will have a mate that loves his children as much as he does. And you’ll have the stepfather that will intercede on your behalf for my future son-in-law.” And I thought Anston could hug tight. She gripped me hard as I held her to me. After a few minutes, I moved her to my side as I held out an arm for Traeliorn. He snuggled into me as she did. Holding them both tight. I finished with a kiss to each head and separated.

“Love you both, but I need to get to work.” I said, as they thanked me profusely.

I spent the next few hours greeting, talking, and informing our guests about the rules, as well as where everything was located with the schedule of events. I had my own Elf as a magical connection to the city for when I needed something. My pendant received a considerable workout the first 4 hours until everything seemed to slip onto the right track and I was no longer needed to hold everyone’s hands. Lucien and I ate some of the different foods offered and strolled around to greet people we knew. Accept the greetings from those we didn’t and whisper words of love into each other’s ears when we had a moment alone. I kissed him again. It’s always me that starts the kisses in public. And that is OK.

We had gathered all of my group and had them sit with us to watch the annual display as the Clock Tower came closer to the hour of midnight. We sipped the warmed wine and snacked on treats as the children joined us. It wasn’t long before word was out. I was back, and I had multiple kids sitting with me. Orodreth curled up on my lap with Klilvir, one of the Gnome children, in attendance. They looked so cute cuddled together.

“When should we have kids?” I asked. Lucien spray out his drink he had just sipped. To look at me, dumbstruck.

“When would you like to start?” He finally answered back. Looking over at him.

“How about next year?” His mouth opened, then closed. The smile formed as he spoke.

“After we put the children to bed?” I laughed a nod and went back to talking with the children. Now whether or not he thought I was joking. I’m not sure. We might have sex tonight or maybe next month. Because midnight is the end of this year and the start of next.

The Clock Tower struck the magic hour, and the kids drew in closer to us as the show began. What started as northern lights, a brilliant display of colors across the sky, morphed into created designs. A beautiful display of creatures and scenes. The final display was similar to the explosions of colors displayed by fireworks that had invoked all the oohhs and aahhs you would hear at a human fireworks display.

It took 2 hours to Gate people's home and get the ones staying settled in for the night. I tended to my group. Which included speaking with a few of the humans that have decided they may want to stay here in the city with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Sexuality has no bonds here. It’s not unusual to see male couples or female couples. And we had it all in the group. I was happy about that and some are very interested in being friends. Like I told Michael. They’re human, not Elf. I’m not sure if that is true friendship or if it is just to curry favor by being friends with a member of the Royal Family.