I wanted to write a story to celebrate Christmas. It's my favourite holiday for many reasons...one of which is "family". GI Joe is a family. And though it may seem strange to say, Cobra is a family...and of course there are more "families," some more obvious than others. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, may you all have a blessed Christmas of peace, hope and love...and may you have a wonderful time with your "family." Nollaig Chridheil! And may I just add メリ-クリスマス!
The weather outside had turned bitter. Behind the rich mahogany drapes, the first snow of the season was falling over the moors. The Baroness leaned comfortably against Destro as they sat before a roaring fire, quietly sipping their glasses of very red, Port Wine.
Suddenly, a log shifted and fell with a crash, sending a shower of tiny sparks racing each other up the chimney.
"Baroness…?" Destro sat up, his eyes wide.
"What is it, Darling?"
"What month is it?"
A tray, laden with small cheeses, nuts and exotic chocolate, had been placed on the small table before them. The Baroness reached for a piece of chocolate and began to nibble daintily. "Why, December, of course."
"That's what I was afraid of," his forehead behind the mask creased into a frown as he leaned back and downed his glass of Port.
She blinked at him in confusion. Then it occurred to her, the annual Christmas party. She watched unperturbed as he rose and began to pace in front of her.
"I need to inform the kitchen staff to prepare a menu, and have the maids freshen up the Banquet Hall,…oh, and Baroness Dear, would you be so kind as to send out the invitations."
"But, of course." she murmured demurely.
"The wine needs to be selected and ordered…" he continued.
"Really, Darling…, why go to so much trouble if it bothers you so much?" she purred.
"Because, my Dear, it's Christmas," he growled.
The soft sounds of Silent Night played in the background while red, cranberry scented candles flickered on the coffee table in front of her. Lady Jaye inhaled the warm sweetness and smiled. A mug of hot cocoa steamed at her elbow. Christmas was coming. Many of the Joes would be taking their holiday leaves soon, going to their respective homes to be with family and loved ones. They would begin trickling out over the next few days leaving the Pit quiet and empty.
Jaye took another sip of her cocoa, indulging in the rich chocolate flavour as it spread over her tongue. She had not asked for leave. She would be a part of the skeleton crew left on base during the holiday. Unlike most of the other Joes who had been selected by lottery, she had volunteered. There was no where else to go, GI Joe was her family.
She stared into the flickering light of the candles, a sad smile playing at her lips.
"Nollaig chridheil!" His thick Scottish brogue broke the silence as he swept her up in his strong arms, laughing.
"Nollaig faoi shean is faoi shonas duit!" she laughed.
The smell of sowans tickled her memory. Her father made the special dish of oat husks and fine meal steeped in water every Christmas Eve. It was a Scottish tradition. Her mother had tried to make it many times and had dismally failed despite being a very good cook. Only her father had what he called the right "Scottish" touch. There must have been some truth to what he said, too, because whenever he made it, it was delicious.
In the evening, they would trim their tree with bright coloured lights and simple ornaments and then carefully unpack the Nativity, reverently putting each piece in place. Afterwards, she would stand still, gazing in awe at the contented smile of the baby in the manger.
And finally, just as she was nearly bursting with excitement, Christmas Day would come and their home would be filled with glorious sights and smells. Lady Jaye remembered her mother preparing the traditional Christmas meal of turkey with all the trimmings. And then there were the desserts; Christmas Pudding, Fruitcake and her favorite, Swedish Yule Log, the most delicious chocolate cake she had ever eaten. Her mouth began watering with the memory.
After the events of the day, as the evening fell into quietness, her father would raise his glass in the traditional family toast. Oh, how she loved to hear him. She still remembered the warm, red glow of the liquid as it danced in the firelight and his rich baritone as it rose above the silence in the Scottish Blessing.
"May you be blessed with the season
which is peace,
the gladness of the season
which is hope,
and the heart of the season
which is love."
"Yes," she repeated softly, "The Joes were her family, now."
Tonight was the Joe's Annual Christmas party. Everyone would be there, exchanging gifts and passing out Christmas cards. And that is why, on this cold winter afternoon, Lady Jaye was industriously wrapping her final gifts and signing her Christmas cards. She was always a generous giver and had carefully selected each gift with thought and love. She was currently wrapping her last gift, the navy blue angora sweater she had seen Scarlett eyeing several weeks ago when they were on that INTEL gathering assignment in Germany. She smiled as she added a final graceful touch, tying the smooth silver package with a red silk ribbon. Her eyes sparkled with delight. She couldn't wait to give it to Scarlett. And when Duke saw her wearing it…well…, she smiled mysteriously.
Taking another sip of her cocoa, she returned her attention to the remaining stack of cards, writing small personal notes on each and finally signing her name to the last with a flourish. She ran her eyes critically over the finished pile of silver and gold packages tied in colourful silk ribbons. Reflecting the light of the candles, they sparkled softly. She had to admit they were beautiful. Yes, she sighed contentedly, leaning back into the plush sofa, everything was perfect.
Well, nearly perfect. She stiffened suddenly as her thoughts turned to the large plain envelope in her desk drawer. She took it out hesitantly, studying the return address. The internal debate began once again. Should she? It was, after all, Christmas and he was family… It was only a card. "Yes," she finally gave in, "I'll do it." Christmas was a time for miracles after all, she thought smiling.
Standing up and stretching, she noticed the time. Shana should be back any minute, she realized. Time to hop in the shower.
I don't speak Scottish and I hope these translations are correct. You never know with the internet. Apologies beforehand if I got it wrong.
"Siochain na Nollaig dinar measc" is "May the Blessings of Christmas be with you." in Irish
"Nollaig Chridheil" is "Merry Christmas" in Scottish
"Nollaig faoi shean is faoi shonas duit" is "a prosperous and happy Christmas to you" in Scottish
