Through the dim alleyways and bright snowy streets, Jack, Jamie and I walked, following the golden sand to its owner. Festive lights twinkled and distant music filled the night, singing 'I'll be home fore Christmas." Despite the late hour, I wasn't tired. My body was coursing with adrenalin and the thrill of the truth that had just been reveled such a short time ago. With such an overflow of emotions that I could only recognize in my short happiness of childhood, I thought I would burst with laughter and tears.
Sometime after Jamie arrived and their battle came to an end, I had suggested seeing Sandy. Naturally, the pair were all for it.
It wasn't long before they reached the center of town. Sandy was perched up high on a tall brick building, working his magic like an artist does on a canvas. From below, we could just make out the graceful motions of his hands, creating animals new and old, ships sailing over a breathless wind, cars speeding of on an invisible track, and even miniature people, dancing in ball gowns or fighting with swords. From the corner of my eye, I could see my falcon circling over, its proud scream echoed softly through the air. Then disappeared above.
"So," Jamie said, breaking the awe I hadn't realized I was in. "How do we get up there?". Jack and I spoke in unison.
"Theirs a fire escape over there."
"I could fly us up."
There was a pause, as we looked at each other, contemplating the possibilities of both proposals. On one hand, heir was the fire escape that we could climb up and down from without fear of falling or being noticed. On the other, there was Jack Frost. I hated to admit, but I was leaning towards the second option, despite the fear that squeezed my chest.
"You'd only be able to carry one of us Jack. And we don't have to guess who's the lightest." My gaze shot to Jamie. "Besides, I'll be up there just as fast as you. Perhaps even sooner." He smiled cheekily. I turned to Jack, who gave me a reassuring smile. I wanted to be selfish and agree, but the pain in my chest was a reminder of myself.
"I don't mind. That is, if you don't either." My head bobbed in a nod. "Not at all! I mean, if you sure."
"We don't have all night, guys." We turned to Jamie, who was already climbing the fire escape. There was an awkward moment between Jack and me, as we both didn't know how this would work. "Piggy-Back?" I suggested, forcing the thought of bridal-style out of my mind. Jack smiled, stooping low for me to get on. Jack was quite strong for his size, never faltering as I adjusted myself. "Ready?" I took a deep breath, tightened my grip a little and then nodded. "Hold on." He said, but had barely finished his sentence before jumping of into the night air.
Like on a roller-coaster, my insides shift with the sudden lack of gravity, but that wasn't the only reason I had gasped; the stars and moon shown so much brighter with the streetlights below them, like someone had taken a cloth and polished the sky. Below was a whole new world of light, as if drops of sun had fallen upon the earth, and only a lucky few could see it. The dreamsand Sandy produced flowed like streams and brooks, ready to spread its glory into the sea and throughout the world.
Now, floating higher above the world then I thought, my grip tightened on my arms as the sudden thought of falling washed over me. The freefalling sensation, the wind howling in my ears, then, just as suddenly, contact with the ground leading into darkness. Sensing my unease, Jack tightened his grip on me and began descending to the rooftop. The ride had only lasted a minute, but it had felt like a wonderful lifetime.
Jamie had stepped out on the roof just as we landed. "How was it?" He winked at me, and I smiled.
"Awesome." Jamie chuckled, smiling at me lovingly. But he soon turned his attention to the Guardian of Dreams: as did I.
Having heard stories from Jamie for the good part of my life, I had a pretty good idea of the Guardians. But as I looked at the golden form before me, I couldn't help the surprise that must have been plain on my face. He was shorter then I imagined, and seemed made of the golden sand he produced. But his face held all the goodness and wonder that I could never imagine, or even expect. I was stunned.
Jacks voice brought my back to the real world. "Hey Sandy. How's it been?" The dream Guardian simply smiled, gave Jack a thumbs up and waving his hello to Jamie. "I want to introduce you to someone." Jack stepped aside, to give Sandy a better view of me. "This is Emily." Sandy's round face seemed to brighten as he looked at me, making me smile in return. Without really thinking, I held out my hand. "It's a great pleasure to meet you." The guardian before me nodded, taking my hand in is. His hand was dwarfed to mine, but it was soft and, to my surprise, as solid as any other human hand.
Could he have sent me my dream? I thought to myself as the lake once again appeared in my mind, Jamie and Jack, falling under. I shuddered, one that didn't go unnoticed by Sandy, who gave me a puzzled look.
"Cold?" I looked at Jamie and smiled. "I little." It wasn't a total lie. "Do you want to head home?" Before I could answer, Jack spoke up.
"Why not meet the rest of the Guardians." He suggested as casually as if he suggested which ice cream to chose. I stared at him wide-eyed, a new excitement filling me. "Really!" He smiled warmly and nodded. Without a thought, my body took control and before I knew it, my arms were wrapped around Jack in an embrace.
As per usual, his body was cold, but I didn't care. The fabric of his hoody was soft on my cheek, and as I felt his own arms surround me. It felt so welcoming and safe. It felt a little like being home.
I pulled away from his embrace, remembering myself. I hadn't wanted to, but it felt so different: foreign. Not something I'm use to. Glancing at the others, I managed to catch them exchanging similar looks of a cunning smile. Sharing a similar thought. But as they looked at us, it vanished as quickly as it came. "Sorry." I said, not meeting his gaze, my face burning. I quickly changed the subject. "How do we get there?"
After a moment of silence and awkward glances, Sandy formed a circular object with a wave of his hand. As it began to form and take shape, it changed, like the sand was heating up and melding together. Soon, it became a clear, glass globe with swirls of white and blue. "A snow globe?" My eyebrow rose. The three chuckled, Sandy raising a hand in a gesture to 'wait and see'.
"You may want to hold on to something. It's a bit of a rough ride."
"Hold on to what?" No one bothered to answer, as in an instant, Sandy though the globe against the building. It shattered but no glass fell and in its place, a cool whirlwind of blue and white light. Before I had time to think, Jack and Jamie grabbed my hands and pulled my through.
The light consumed us quickly, and an icy chill shocked through my nerves. Panic rose in me as I lost my breath, and struggled to gain it back. My body jerked in response, but the boys held their hands firm, squeezing my hands just as hard as I was theirs. I couldn't see anything, so it was a reassuring gesture.
Then, just as suddenly as it occurred, it ceased, and we tumbled over the hard ground. As the three of us fell in a heap on the red, carpeted floor, Sandy followed, as calm and composed as if he had just crossed the threshold of a human door, rather than that of a magic one.
After seeing two of the five Guardians, I thought nothing could surprise me. Clearly I was wrong.
All around me, pillars of wood and marble stood tall, supporting multiple open levels of floor that rose high with the very tall ceiling. Large furry beasts ran around with bundles of toys and wrapped gifts in their arms. Little elves scurried here and there, avoiding the heavy feet of the Yeti's. The sounds of their bell-topped hats rang softly through the halls. Thick red carpet softened our fall and silenced any noise that would have been made.
I looked over to Jamie, who –I was sure- mirrored my own wide-eyed face. Looking back at me, we both smiled and cried out gleefully. We leapt into each other's arms, as we acting like two school children.
"Sandy! Jack! It's great to see you my friends. Who have you brought with you?" A voice rang out in a thick Russian accent. There was no need to question who this Guardian was, but still –as I turned to face him-, even after all the stories and everything I've been through, nothing could have prepared me for this meeting.
There, in all his glory and joy, North stood as tall and proud as an oak. Like the old stories, he had a long white bread and a round belly, but not one filled with many cookies and milk. The only thing that could ever give him away to his true nature was the big tattoos on this arm: one saying 'Naughty' and the other "Nice".
There was no need for introductions to be given. As North looked past his fellow friends and to us, his face brightened with joyous surprise. "Jamie! My dear boy, its great to see you! It has been some time?" He stepped past Sandy to embrace him in a large hug that swept him off his feet. North's gaze then turned to me as he placed Jamie down, and a new glow fell over his face. His eyes twinkled with emotions, one I thought to be sympathy, but it was gone before I could be sure.
"Emily. Emily Lafond. My dear girl, it's been far to long." He showed me the same love he showed my friend, but in a not so dramatic hug. Though welcomed, it was somehow off putting for the man of Christmas to look at me with a different eye then another. I tried not to let it get to me.
"It's a great pleasure to finally meet you. In person, that is." I told him, smiling up at him like a child looks up to an idol. His large hands rested on my shoulders, warming my entire person. "You have grown so such child. Look how beautiful you've become." I averted my gaze, my face turning a shade pinker as I accepted the compliment.
"Are the others here?" Jack asked.
"No. Toothina is at her palace, busy as always. And Bunnymund painting egg's for next year. So, what brings you here tonight, my friends?" North asked. Sandy began making pictures over his head, but they ended up in a tumble of golden blurs. "We'll, we just wanted to show Jamie and Emily around really." Jack said.
"And perhaps to see if you needed any help." I added, worried that he might not approve of such a selfish act. North looked at me with a warm smile on his face, and I wondered what he thought of me. Just then, a loud crash startled everyone to attention. Not far away, a Yeti had dropped a bundle of toys just as an elf scurried away. North sighed.
"That would be wonderful."
Just putting one batch of sweets to the side and another in the oven, I yawned as I made my way to the large counter were I had began to make Jack's gift. Some time ago, I was in charge of the kitchen and making sweets with a squad of little elves for assistance. I didn't mind being placed here- like some other feminist women- because it was the only place I really felt of any use. Back home, I loved to bake cakes and biscuits, muffins and pies and cookies, of course. So when North offered, I gladly accepted.
The elves proved of some use: fetching flour and mixing ingredients. They weren't as bad as their reputation perceived them, as I looked into their excited little faces. My heart melted as they played and joked and laughed as a bag of flour exploded in their faces. It was almost like baby sitting, but better, as more little elves were sent into my hands.
It was there that I decided what to get for Jack. Ideas always seem to strike in the weirdest places. Mine happened when I was icing cupcakes with blue frosting. With a cry of delight, I sent a handful of elves to fetch the supplies I needed. They were only too happy to oblige, and soon, I was at work, crafting carving, shaping to my idea. I only hoped Jack would appreciate it.
"It smells wonderful." I looked up from my mixing as North walked in, drawn instantly to the iced cupcakes and sugar cookies. I checked on the batch in the oven. "I hope they taste just as good." He didn't answer as he already had a mouth full of sweets, looking very content. I laughed as he mumbled something, but had to repeat it.
"These are marvelous!" I took the brownies out of the oven, smiling shyly. "Thank you. But I would be lost without the elves, I admit. They did quite their fair share." The ones who hadn't past out from all the sugar intake smiled proudly, their faces covered in flour and egg. One sat pleasantly on my shoulder observing. North chuckled. "I can see that. They have grown quite fond of you."
"And I of them."
"What is this?"
I looked over to the clutter in the corner that North observed, taking an object from the table. I frowned. It hadn't turned out as I had planed. "Nothing." I walked over, hoping to cover up my work. "I was just trying to make something."
"For Jack."
It wasn't a question, so I didn't answer, averting my gaze. My cheeks suddenly feeling warm. "It's nothing now." "On the contrary, its quite lovely. Why, all it needs is a little box and it will be set to go. Come, follow me." I hesitated, but decided not to argue. North was an expert in such things, so I should take his advise gladly. Placing the elf on my shoulder on the counter and in charge, I followed after North.
North's special workshop was small and simple, but didn't lack in wonder. Toys and objects, varying in size and shape, were placed with care on shelves and tables. "I have something to show you." North said, closing the door behind. He walked over to a shelf as I walked over to the frosted window across the way, looking out patiently.
"What do you remember of your childhood, Emily?"
It was an odd question to ask, but I replied. "Not much. Jamie mostly, and the days that followed our first meeting. Why?"
"And before that?" I paused, thinking back, but unable to remember. Like the day I met Jamie was the start of everything. "Here" He handed me a red wooden box with a small golden latch. I gave him a confused look, but gave me a nod back: a command to open it. So I did. Letters in different stages of age, stacked neatly and ties with a red ribbon, lay nestled on a velvet cushion. I immediately recognized the writing as my own.
"You kept them!" I exclaimed, looking up at him with excitement. I never imagined North to keep his letters after he's looked at them, but then I couldn't imagine him throwing them away either. He looked down at me with a warming smile that touched his eye.
"In all your letters, you never ask for anything of yourself. Why is that?" I looked away, not in shame, but in shyness. "I don't know." I answered honestly. "I guess I thought I had everything." My thoughts drifted to Jamie and I smiled.
"And I still think I do." I closed the lid and handed it back to North, but he shook his head.
"Keep it; as a reminder of who you are and who you will always be. You are a very special girl Emily. You have a gift that many lose over the years, and it is not only the gift of sight. You have a strong heart and a powerful soul that is matched by no other. You are far braver then you believe yourself to be." He lifted a hand and unintentionally pointed to my necklace, hidden under my shirt.
"All you need is in here."
My hands shook as I looked into North's blue eyes, blinking away the blurriness that suddenly blinded me. His sincere word touched my heart that no one else could, and with a watery smile, all I could manage was a quiet thank you.