Disclaimer: I do not own Claymore or any of its characters. I respect Norihiro Yagi and the wonderful story he has created.
The first snow of the season had started to fall almost as soon as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, blanketing the region of Calyuun in a white veil that softened the landscape into gentle slopes and valleys. The few small houses the dotted the land were quickly covered with the powdery snow turning them into glittering versions of themselves. A soft glow fell from the windows, flickering subtly with the dancing flames that created the only light that illuminated the night. The moon was hidden behind the heavy, moisture laden clouds, blocking it's light from reaching the world below.
One house stood apart from the rest, hidden just inside of the nearby forest, encircled by thin, tall trees. It was just sturdy enough to stand up under the weight of the snow piling on the roof, and had no markings or decorations that made it stand out. The window in the front of the house was pushed out a bit from the main wall, with a ledge on the inside. Sitting on this ledge was a tall woman with layered pale blond hair, her legs pulled up and her fist resting underneath her chin, every line in her face looking thoroughly bored.
A loud crash sounded from the room adjoined to the front parlor, making the woman jumped up with a start. "Helen, Deneve! What are you doing in there?" She shouted, glaring menacingly in the doorway. The light of the small fire burning in the stone fireplace directly across from the door captured the silver of her eyes, making them shine as if they had their own light.
"Nothing Miria. You don't have to worry about us." Came the reply. Miria sighed and stood up, dusting off the thick black cloak that was draped around her body.
"I'm not worried about you, I'm worried about my house." Miria said, silently walking to the room where her guests had no doubt been raiding the cabinets for food. She was rewarded with the sight of empty wrappings and open cabinet doors, the table littered with crumbs. Sitting in one of the light colored wooden chairs was a thin woman of average height with short, almost boyish dark blond hair. She looked innocently at Miria, smiling slightly, her eyes dancing with a rare mood of playfulness.
"What is it Miria?" She asked in a light, airy voice.
"Deneve, where is Helen?" Miria's voice held a note of authority, and Deneve shifted a little under the advanced warrior's fiery silver gaze.
"I have no idea. She just took off. You know how she is, always messing around."
"Yes, and it seems to be rubbing off on you." She glanced around the room, groaning inwardly at the mess. "You know you're going to get sick eating all of this right? You've eaten more than a human usually does, even split between the two of you."
"It's Christmas, remember? We're supposed to eat more than usual. Just because we're not human it doesn't mean we can't have fun. Come on, Miria, you're the one who wanted to have this party." Deneve said, standing up to rest a hand on Miria's shoulder. "Have some fun."
"You're right, and I will. After I find Helen. I don't want her to cause an uproar and alert the Organization to our presence. This village has yet to be touched by the Yoma."
"Of course. If it's any help, she went out back." Deneve said, gesturing to the door behind her.
"In this weather? I know the cold doesn't effect us like it does humans, but still…" She mused.
"Fun, Miria, remember? She'll be fine."
"Yeah, yeah. Alright, you stay here." She said, standing straight as her voice gained more authority. "I'm expecting more guests, so watch for them. I'll be right back and if I don't find her right away-"
Her voice was cut off by a sudden pounding on the front door. "Maybe that's her." Deneve said, trying to peer through the frosted glass window that rested on the upper half of the door.
A/N: Sorry about the abrupt end. I was very tired and couldn't write well enough for it to be publishable. ^^ Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed this rather short beginning. I won't beg for reviews, but they are nice to get every once in a while.