T A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

By Katybelle

I do not own TLW or any of the characters. This story is only for entertainment.

Thanks to my betas Leener and Lee who try their best to make my fics readable.

Rating PG

Finn watched Marguerite as she placed a bow around the candles on the mantle. The red bow did make them look festive. In fact the whole treehouse was starting to look very festive.

Christmas was only five days away. Marguerite and Veronica had already started decorating. They had also been on several trading trips, buying presents for everyone. They had dragged Finn along with them, telling her it was a girl's day out and they would have fun.

The truth was Finn enjoyed spending time with Veronica. She was also beginning to enjoy Marguerite's company more and more. She was no longer afraid of the volatile heiress. In fact, in some ways, she understood Marguerite better than she did Veronica. Marguerite was motivated by fear and the need to survive. And even though lately Marguerite had begun to trust her friends more, she was still a bit wary.

Finn respected and understood it. Where she came from, you trusted no one. Finn suspected she and Marguerite were a lot alike. Although Marguerite trusted Roxton, and knew he loved her, it was almost like she expected him to change his mind. She must have been hurt very badly in the past.

Marguerite turned around and caught Finn watching her.

"Is something wrong, Finn?" Marguerite asked, arching an eyebrow.

"No, of course not," Finn said. "I was just watching you decorate. It looks really nice."

"Try not to get too excited," Marguerite said sarcastically.

"Sorry," said Finn. "I'm not used to holidays or celebrating. I only have vague memories of Christmas with my parents. And later, living from day to day, trying to survive, while dodging slavers, no one felt like celebrating, or for that matter had anything to celebrate."

Finn looked so sad it tore at Marguerite's heart. She could remember many years when she didn't celebrate the holidays. When you are a child with no family, there are no holidays, no celebrations, and no joy.

Since coming to the plateau things had changed for Marguerite. She had more reason to celebrate this year. For the first time in her life, she had a real family, people who cared about her. She also had Roxton, whom she loved very much, even if she did have her old fears. As long as they were here, they could be together. She had decided to take it one day at a time.

"I understand Finn," Marguerite said softly. "But things are different this year. You have a family and we're going to make this a Christmas you'll always remember."

"Thanks Marguerite," Finn said with a smile. "All of you have made me feel welcome and as if I really belonged."

"You do belong Finn," said Marguerite. "I know I haven't always been easy to live with. But you are a part of this family."

"Any problems we had weren't your fault Marguerite," Finn said with a grin. "I'm sure it was something I said or did or maybe you were in a bad mood; a mood that I'm sure was bought on by having to sacrifice so much for all of us."

Finn had learned how to appease Marguerite and she wasn't above using white lies, if necessary.

Marguerite smiled at the younger woman.

"You're so right," Marguerite said. "The things I have to put up with. And does anyone appreciate what I do? Of course they don't." The dark-haired woman had found a willing audience for her rant.

"Finn would you like to see what I got the others for Christmas?" Marguerite asked hopefully.

Finn could tell it was important to her. It would only take a few minutes and it would make Marguerite happy, so why not?

"Sure Marguerite," Finn said. "I'd love to."

Marguerite reached for Finn's hand and pulled her down the stairs. The two went into Marguerite's room. Marguerite opened her jewelry box and pulled out a key. She then went over to her trunk and opened it.

"Okay I made these for Challenger and Malone," Marguerite said, pulling out tan and blue colored shirts. "I got the material on our trading trip. I've been sewing on them every chance I got until I finally finished them. They needed some new clothes. Their shirts are almost thread bare."

She folded the shirts back up and put them back in her trunk. She then pulled out some cloth. She laid it on the floor and began to unwrap it. Inside was a wood picture frame with jewels glued all around. They had been polished and shone just like stars.

"I made this for Veronica," Marguerite said. "I got the frame from a craftsman on our trip. I then picked out some of the best gems and polished them until they shone. Then I glued them to the frame. I figured Veronica could put a picture of her parents in it."

"It's beautiful Marguerite," Finn said. "You are very creative. Veronica, Challenger, and Malone will be very pleased with their gifts."

Marguerite reached in and pulled out a leather vest. "I made this for Roxton," Marguerite said. "I even cured the hides myself," she said proudly, softly caressing the garment.

She then put the vest inside the trunk and closed it quickly, as if she were afraid Finn would see inside.

"That's really nice, Marguerite," Finn said. "Malone will love his shirt and I know the big guy will love that vest. It's really nice."

Marguerite beamed with pride. She had made all the presents by hand including the silk robe for Finn. Finn wasn't used to nice things so Marguerite was especially proud of her gift.

So far Finn had not gotten anything for anyone. She didn't know how to sew well enough to make anything and she did not feel she was as talented as Marguerite and Veronica. Yet she wanted to get them something nice. They were her family now. But so far she had not found anything that was right; and it did have to be right. Maybe Marguerite had some ideas.

"Marguerite," Finn started, "I haven't been able to find the right gift for anyone. Do you have any suggestions? I'm not good at sewing or making stuff."

"Hmmmmm," said Marguerite, "Maybe instead of a physical gift you could do something for everyone. Maybe grant a Christmas wish or something." Marguerite shrugged her shoulders.

"Hey that's a good idea," Finn exclaimed. "I'll get everyone to tell me what their wish is and I'll make it come true."

"Be careful Finn," Marguerite cautioned. "There are some wishes you cannot make come true."

"Well I realize that," said Finn. "They will have to be realistic, something here on the plateau."

"And I can start with you Marguerite," Finn said. "What is your Christmas wish? Keep in mind it has to be something that I can actually deliver."

Little did the two women know but Veronica was outside. She had walked up and heard Finn talking about not knowing what to give everyone. She wanted to help and was going to interrupt when she heard Marguerite's response about granting a Christmas wish.. It was a good answer and although she wasn't sure Finn was up to the task, it was the thought that counts.

Veronica was getting ready to walk away when she heard Finn ask Marguerite what her wish would be. She had to admit to a natural curiosity. What would Marguerite ask for? Diamonds, gems or maybe a way off the plateau. Well she had to know that Finn couldn't deliver the latter. Veronica hoped for once she would not be selfish and ask for a way off the plateau. Hopefully she would ask for gems or something that Finn could actually get.

Marguerites seemed to be lost in her own world, so Finn called her name.

"What?" Marguerite asked. Then she realized Finn was waiting for an answer.

"I don't think you can give me what I want, but thanks for asking anyway," Marguerite said.

"Well you don't know that for sure Marguerite," Finn said. "I could try."

Marguerite turned away from Finn and thought for a moment. Then she turned back to Finn.

"MY Christmas wish would be," she hesitated for a moment, "my wish would be that Lord Roxton would have one day with no worries. No painful memories, none of us in peril, just a day he could relax, smoke a cigar and enjoy a glass of good whisky."

Veronica wondered who was shocked the most, her or Finn. Finn didn't say anything. She just stared at the dark haired woman.

"I know it's silly," said Marguerite. "We don't have any cigars and the only whisky we have is that bottle of Challenger's, and he won't give it up. And I've never known Roxton to completely relax, but you asked."

"Hey you never know," said Finn. "Stranger things have happened. I'll do the best I can."

"I know you will Finn, and that what really matters. But if you repeat that I'll deny it."

"Gotcha!" Finn said with smile. She turned to leave Marguerite's room and saw Veronica standing there. Finn started to speak but Veronica put her finger to her lips motioning for Finn to follow her. They went into the jungle girl's bedroom.

"What's the big secret Vee?" asked Finn.

"I didn't want Marguerite to know I was listening," Veronica said. "She would be embarrassed and upset."

"Yeah you're probably right," Finn said. "Were you surprised?

"Of course, weren't you?" asked Veronica.

"Not really," said Finn. "I've known for some time Marguerite was in love with Roxton. She would do anything to make him happy."

"Well I knew she loved him, but I didn't think she was that unselfish," Veronica replied.

"You know Vee, you may have lived with Marguerite for almost four years, but I don't think you really know her at all," Finn said. "She really cares about all of you, especially Roxton. She just doesn't know how to show it."

"Maybe you're right." Veronica said thoughtfully. "I guess I'm always quick to think the worst of Marguerite. I know she's changed, but I still act as if I don't trust her. The truth is I do, but I can't seem to let go of the past."

"You want to know what my Christmas wish is Finn?" Veronica asked.

"Sure Vee," Finn replied.

"I wish I could find a way to show Marguerite that I do trust her, that I have forgiven her for the past and that I care deeply for her," Veronica said. "The problem is I don't know how to do it. I can't say the words and I'm not sure she would believe me."

"Let me work on it Vee," Finn said, "I'll see what I can come up with."

Veronica smiled at the younger woman. She had become so fond of Finn. She may have even neglected her relationship with Marguerite. Finn was so much easier. With Finn there were no hidden meanings, no fiery outbursts. She said what she meant. The hot tempered Marguerite, on the other hand, kept so much hidden inside. Veronica often wondered if she had spent more time trying to get to know Marguerite, instead of writing her off as worthless, perhaps now she would have understood her and maybe even learned the secrets of her dark past that drove her on. Oh well, there was little she could do about that now. It was an impossible wish.

Finn walked out of Veronica's room and stopped as she got to Malone's room. She knocked on the door to see if he was there.

"Come in," Malone called.

Finn walked in. Malone was sitting at his desk, writing in his journals, as usual.

"Hey Malone," Finn said, "whatcha doing?" She began to walk around his room, checking out shelves.

"I'm writing," Malone replied. "You looking for something Finn?"

"Yeah," said Finn, walking towards Malone. "I saw that box you had the other day. When I asked you what was in it, you said nothing important. But I didn't believe you so when you left your room I came in here and found it and I opened it. It had cigars in it, didn't it Malone? "

"You did what?" Malone asked incredulously. "You went through my stuff.

"Relax, Malone," Finn said. "I didn't disturb anything and I didn't go through your stuff. I just looked until I found that box."

"You had no right to go through my stuff, Finn," Malone said, still a little angry. "Tell me is that something you did to your friends in New Amazonia?" Malone asked sarcastically.

"All my friends are dead," Finn said. "And anyway, we didn't have much stuff."

The anger went completely out of Malone. He knew from what the others had said, that things had been bad for Finn, but she seldom talked about it.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you Finn," Malone apologized, "but you must promise me you won't go through my stuff again"

"Yeah whatever," said Finn. "Getting back to the cigars, Malone, I bet Roxton and Challenger don't know you have them or that you're hoarding them."

Malone looked a little embarrassed. "I was saving them for a special occasion," Malone said. "I thought the three of us would enjoy one on Christmas as a special treat."

"I guess you don't really want them to find out about the cigars right now then do you Malone?" Finn asked with a grin on her face.

"Okay Finn, what do you want to keep quiet?" Malone asked.

"I want one cigar," said Finn.

"I don't have but eight," Malone said indignantly. "I didn't even know you smoked cigars."

"Well you won't miss just one," Finn said. "And you don't know anything about me Malone. I'm sure a lot of things I've done would shock you."

"Anything you want to talk about?" Malone asked eagerly.

"No thanks," said Finn. "Now about that cigar….

"I'll get it and bring it to your room," said Malone.

"Okay, but don't keep me waiting," Finn warned as she left and headed for her room.

It was only a few minutes before Finn heard a knock at her door.

"Come in." she called.

Malone walked in. He had a piece of cloth in his hand. He unwrapped it, revealing a single cigar.

"Okay there you go," Malone said, handing the cigar to Finn.

"Thanks Malone," Finn said, turning and walking over to one of the shelves in her room. She took down a hand carved box, a gift from Veronica, and opened it and placed the cigar safely inside.

Malone watched her wondering if she was really going to smoke it or maybe she just wanted one to keep. Maybe she was collecting things she had never had before. Malone turned to leave.

"Hey Malone," Finn called, "I'm asking everyone what their Christmas wish is. If you could have any wish, with the exception of leaving the plateau or becoming a famous writer, what would it be?"

Malone turned and looked at the young woman. He wondered what she was up to now..

"Finn why do you want to know what we wish for?" Malone asked.

"Because my Christmas gift to each of you is to try and make your wish come true," Finn said. "You ought to have heard Marguerite's and Veronica's. They are going to be very difficult."

"I can imagine what Marguerite wished for," Malone said with a smile. "She probably wants more gems or maybe a diamond necklace."

"You know none of you really know her," Finn said shaking her head. "The truth is you have no idea what makes her tick. With the possible exception of Roxton, I'd say none of you do."

"Well I can't argue that point with you Finn," Malone said. "After almost four years with that woman, I still don't know her, but I do have enough sense not to anger her. She can be lethal."

"You're right," Finn said laughing. "I've learned to get around her for the most part. I think she just wants someone to notice that she does her part too. I mean, face it, how many times do any of you compliment her on the things she does?"

"To be honest," Malone said sheepishly, "I never notice the things she does."

Yeah I know," Finn said. "Who do you think mends your clothes or did you think there was a sewing fairy? And who goes on all those trading trips and negotiates for all the good stuff we get?"

"You're right," said Malone. "I should tell her I appreciate her."

"What about Veronica, what was her wish?" Malone asked.

"Now Malone you know I can't tell you that," Finn said. "It's supposed to be a secret."

"You asked me what my wish is," Malone began. "Since I have returned, I've longed to reveal my true feelings to Veronica. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get her alone long enough. Someone always seems to be around. And then there's Roxton; I think he's doing it on purpose though, sort of a payback for all those times I interrupted him and Marguerite."

"Well can you blame him?" asked Finn. "I mean the way I understand it, you were always interrupting him and Marguerite."

"Yeah but I didn't do it on purpose," Malone muttered. "I didn't realize what was going on or that they even wanted to be alone. I just thought they were arguing."

"What are you blind?" asked Finn incredulously. I knew the moment I saw them together. You can almost feel the chemistry between those two."

"Yeah I know now," Malone said, a little embarrassed, "but I didn't then. They didn't even know how they felt about each other."

Finn shrugged her shoulders. "I think I can make your wish happen," she told Malone. "Just give me a little time and remember all wishes are secret."

Malone left Finn's room with a spring in his step. Hopefully, Finn could arrange for him and Veronica to have some time alone. Even if she did, it would still be up to him to follow through and tell Veronica exactly how he felt, even if it meant being rejected by the woman he loved more than anything.

Finn left her room and headed down to Challenger's lab. The scientist was busy writing notes on his latest experiment

"Hey Challenger, whatcha doing?" Finn asked.

"I'm recording the results on my latest experiment," Challenger said. "I'm really excited. The results are very promising."

"I'm sure they are," said Finn, stopping the professor before he could go on and on about some boring experiment. "I just came down to tell you I'm asking everyone what their Christmas wish is. I'm going to try and make them come true."

"Finn, what you're doing is very noble but impossible." Challenger said. "You cannot grant wishes, none of us can."

"I know I can't get you off this plateau, or make Malone a famous writer or you a world famous scientist," Finn said. "But I can grant some wishes. So why don't you try me and tell me what you wish for."

"Really Finn, this isn't necessary," Challenger said. "I really have nothing to wish for other then to be with my wife again and share my knowledge with the world and hopefully stop the destruction that happens in your time."

"Yeah they're all noble causes, Challenger," Finn said, "but I can't make them happen. So pick something I can do."

Challenger looked thoughtful and then shook his head. "You know I miss Arthur Summerlee so very much, especially now. I could discuss all my experiments with him. He would argue endlessly if he thought I was wrong," Challenger reminisced with a smile.

"Sorry Challenger," Finn said sadly, "I can't bring Summerlee back. I wish I could."

"No child of course you can't," Challenger said. "My point was I would love to be able to discuss my work with someone who understood it and was well versed in the sciences."

"Well Challenger, I don't think you're going to find anyone like that here," Finn said.

"Of course you're right Finn," Challenger said. "The only one I know is Marguerite and I've never been able to interest her in my experiments unless they relate to her comfort or a way off the plateau."

Finn looked thoughtful as she looked around the lab. The table was cluttered with unfinished experiments, notebooks and glass jars. The shelves on the other hand, were neatly arranged with notebooks, scientific journals and tools Challenger used in his experiments. Her eyes came to rest on some bottles sitting on the bottom shelf.

"Challenger what are these?" Finn asked pointing to the bottles.

"Those are bottles of wine," Challenger said. "Some of them we bought with us, some we acquired on the plateau. I save them for special occasions. We'll open a bottle for Christmas."

Finn noticed a bottle different from all the rest. "Challenger what's in that bottle?" Finn asked pointing to the bottle with the amber liquid.

"Oh my dear that is aged whisky," Challenger replied. "I'm saving that for a very special occasion, maybe the day we find a way off this plateau.

"Hmmm," Finn uttered. "I think we may be able to help each other Challenger. I'll get back with you on that." Finn then hurried off.

Finn found Marguerite on the balcony, looking out into the jungle. Finn wasn't fooled. She knew the dark haired woman was watching the hunter as he chopped wood.

"Enjoying the view, Marguerite?" Finn asked with a grin. She looked over to where Roxton was splitting logs, bare-chested.

Marguerite looked up with a blank expression on her face. "Whatever do you mean Finn? I'm just enjoying this nice breeze."

"Look I'm working on your wish," Finn told the dark haired woman. "I may need something from you though."

"What do you need?" Marguerite asked.

"How willing would you be to spend an afternoon with Challenger, talking science?" Finn asked.

"You're kidding, I hope," Marguerite replied, rolling her eyes. "When Challenger starts talking science he could put t-rexes to sleep."

"Well," Finn began," he does have that bottle of aged whisky. I think he may be willing to make a trade. Of course, it's up to you. It's your Christmas wish, after all."

"Hmmmm," Marguerite sighed. "I hope his lordship appreciates the sacrifices I make for him."

"I'm sure he will," said Finn, with a grin. "In fact, I bet he'll be really appreciative."

Both women giggled and then turned and went inside. Little did they know that down below, Roxton had been watching them. It did his heart good to hear his Marguerite laugh. He was also happy to see that Marguerite and Finn were becoming friends. Hopefully their friendship wouldn't be as volatile as Marguerite's and Veronica's. Shaking his head Roxton went back to splitting logs.

Roxton looked up expectantly when he heard the elevator. He tried unsuccessfully to not show his disappointment when Finn, not Marguerite, disembarked.

"Sorry, big guy," Finn said, "it's just me. Marguerite is working on some mending."

"Good," Roxton replied, "it'll keep her out of trouble."

Finn laughed as she walked over to where Roxton stood in front of a huge pile of cut wood.

"I've decided what I'm giving everyone for Christmas," Finn said to the hunter.

"Well that's nice Finn," Roxton said. "I'm sure whatever you choose everyone will like."

"Yeah I've decided to let everyone make a Christmas Wish and then I'm going to try to make it come true," Finn said excitedly

"Finn that's a pretty difficult task to accomplish," Roxton said softly to Finn. "No one can make wishes come true."

"I can try," said Finn. "So why don't you tell me what you wish for."

Roxton shook his head and started splitting logs again.

"Oh come on, Big Guy," Finn said, grabbing Roxton's arm. "It can't hurt to tell me. Who knows I might be able to help."

Roxton turned towards Finn. "Stop it Finn! You can't make wishes come true. Can you erase the pain of an unhappy childhood for Marguerite? Can't you give her the answers she needs about who her family is? Can you make her trust me and surrender her heart completely?"

"No Roxton," Finn said sadly, "I can't do any of those things."

"No you can't," said Roxton. "Look I'm sorry Finn. I shouldn't take my frustrations out on you, but I don't want to see Marguerite hurt again. I assume she made a wish."

"Yes she did," Finn said. "I can't tell you what her wish is. All wishes are secret, but it may interest you to know that her wish was for someone else not herself."

"Really?" asked Roxton, raising his eyebrows. "Though to be honest, I'm not really surprised. Marguerite cares very much for all of us, including you. She just doesn't want any of us to know. She's still afraid, deep inside, that we'll see her caring as a sign of weakness and use it against her."

"I know Roxton," Finn said, "but she didn't get this way overnight and she won't get over it overnight. It's going to take a lot of time and patience from you. Just don't give up on her."

"I have no intention of giving up," Roxton said with a smile. "I've been waiting a lifetime for her. I have no intention of letting her go now."

"Good for you Big Guy," Finn said, returning Roxton's smile. "You think about a wish. Just let me know as soon as possible. I will need some time to work on it."

"Okay Finn," Roxton said. "I'll see what I can come up with."