Deryn peered out the window, trying to see through the frosted glass. Outside, snowflakes fluttered in the dark sky. It seemed so dark, yet at the same time, so beautiful. It was like a long, intricate dance of twisting, twirling snow.
"Da, how is Santa supposed to drive his sleigh through that blizzard?" Deryn asked, climbing onto his lap and cuddling her head against his chest. He smiled down at her, and ruffled her hair gently.
"He has a light that guides him." He whispered in her ear. The five-year old looked up curiously. "Like my torch?"
Artemis Sharp chuckled. "No, birdie, not like your torch."
Deryn frowned. "Then what is it?" She scratched her head, trying to make sense of it all. Shouldn't Santa Claus have a torch?
Her da smiled softly. "He has reindeer. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. And don't forget Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer."
"How can a reindeer have a red nose?" Deryn asked, puzzled.
"He's a special reindeer. Have you ever heard the song 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'?"
Deryn shook her head. Her da gently stood up, and carried her to the piano. Delighted, she sat beside him as he began to plink out the tune, and he started singing.
"Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names.
They never let poor Rudolph
join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright,
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
you'll go down in history!"
He finished the song softly, as was his usual way. "Now, Birdie, it's high time for you to go to bed."
"Must I?" Deryn whined. "Couldn't I stay up and meet Santa?"
Her da shook her head, and picked her up. "Sleep, and maybe next Christmas you'll get to see him."
He tucked her in bed, and turned out the light. Deryn yawned, and whispered softly, "I'll see him, tonight, da." The door shut with a soft thunk, enveloping her in darkness.
Deryn slowly opened her eyes, and looked out her window. It was still dark, probably one PM, judging by the stars. They twinkled happily up above, making Deryn scowl. Lucky things they were, getting to see Santa every barking Christmas!
Deciding she was thirsty, she scrambled out of bed, inwardly cursing her night-gown. She pulled her hair back, and opened her door. The house was silent, and her footsteps echoed around the walls. She got her glass of water, and sipped it quietly. Suddenly, she wondered if Santa had come. Better check… She decided, and detoured to the living room.
The door slowly creaked open, and Deryn slipped inside. The tree's lights were twinkling, run by natural lighting. That was when Deryn saw the husky figure sitting by the tree, carefully putting a few presents in front of it. He stood up, and turned around to get the milk and cookies. Deryn gasped.
"Santa Clause?" She asked, cocking her head to the side. The figure slowly nodded.
"I'm sorry, I'll go to bed now. I had to get a glass of water, see?" Deryn told him, already stepping out of the room. She felt a hand on her shoulder, and looked up to see Santa putting his hat on her head. She beamed at him, and hurried on to bed. I think I'll always remember this Christmas… Deryn thought, and fell asleep smiling.