Day 4 – December 25th... CHRISTMAS!
Everyone in the manor was awoken at 8am by Juliet running through the halls screaming her lungs out informing everyone it was Christmas. If anyone didn't know they would refuse to believe she was a Butler. It was a horrific way to awaken for everyone but no one could hold it against her due to her simple thrill at the day. As both Artemis and Butler had been awake already attending to their various tasks they were not woken but Artemis had made it clear that she would have to wait till everyone was up and fed before the festivities could begin. As per usual Butler was cooking and Artemis was sitting in the kitchen working on his laptop not being quite clear when their guests were to awaken and didn't want to appear rude. Mulch was the first person to join them, not needing to shower, and grumbled as he entered. He was greeted warmly by his friends however and that seemed to perk him up some. Over the next ten minutes everyone else arrived in the kitchen and breakfast was served. Everyone was excited by now and in a jovial mood mostly by the day. No one failed to notice Juliet's eagerness and so ate quickly so as to allow her excitement to finally burst and lessen slightly. Hopefully as the day went by her jocularity might reach a more bearable level.
Once finished they all made their way through to the living room where the gifts had been placed in individual piles according the Fowl way of exchanging gifts. "In my family we have always taken turns to give gifts so that all may know what has been given." Besides Juliet no one complained about the method devised to them; some even saw it as sensible and nice. "Who wants to go first?" Everyone looked toward Juliet expecting her to jump at the chance. This time however she was strangely quiet; clearly one of the people who preferred to to receive than to give. Mulch, for once, actually decided to give first before taking and had soon distributed all his gifts. As they all tore into the gifts gasps of surprise came from all around. Artemis and Juliet had been given a large gem; each matching their eye colour. The cost for one of such a size on the surface was probably in the millions though neither intended to sell. Julius have been extremely shocked at Mulch's sacrifice over his gift. He had provided the LEP commander with a tip off regarding a massive smuggling ring; one that would cost his PI firm a lot of easy jobs. Holly's gasp however was greater than all others together. As she unwrapped her gift she noticed a familiar object that she had lost years ago. Her old omnitool that her mother had given her. When she asked Mulch how he came about it he told the truth. He had stolen it from her. Holly's anger subsided as she realised he was being honest and actually regretted his actions. Julius' altruism towards the dwarf immediately vanished however since he had chewed Holly out thoroughly when she had 'lost' the item during the Hamburg affair.
Julius went next and managed to impress everyone though it was only two gifts that caused people utter amazement. He had not only given Foaly the ability to call him Julius ten times; he had allowed Artemis access to any one file that he himself could access. Artemis thanked him graciously and said "I already know which one. We can discuss it later however at a more appropriate time." Trouble went next and everyone he could tell he was nervous. Artemis and Holly chuckled as they knew why. Trouble too had found gifts that were at least sensible. Juliet however squealed in delight when she unwrapped her silver heart necklace. She gave him a massive hug; actually lifting him off the floor whilst placing a kiss on his cheek. All secrets were out now. Once the merriment wore off they both stood there embarrassed waiting for Julius' face to turn purple and potentially explode. Seeing that all he did was shrug filled Trouble with such joy he leant up slightly and kissed her on the lips. Butler was a bit put out at the match; but his sister's happiness was more important than anything to him so he could not object. Juliet's excitement shot back up now and proceeded to hand out her gifts. As she watched the others open then she couldn't help but giggle. Trouble gave a massive smile in understanding at his gift. A silver pendant with an acorn, heart and hourglass charms on it. As he slipped it on he gave her a loving kiss. Holly and Artemis blushed as they exchanged glances upon opening their gifts. Matching Santa outfits. Obviously Juliet's sense of humour had got the better of them. As much as they regretted it; they both agreed to wear them later so as not to disappoint their friend. Artemis however mentally noted it was going to vanish after today to be spared the shame of having to wear it. Foaly went next and to much delight on the receivers. Holly and Artemis were the most intrigued by their gifts. Holly received a disc with a note attached.
Holly,
This contains some interesting scenes for you. Feel free to use my laptop to view them. I dare say however Artemis' would do just as well.
Merry Christmas
Foaly
Holly thanked Foaly strongly though was slightly wary of what could be on it. Artemis on the other hand had got a laptop that Foaly had bought on their first shopping trip. His note however mentioned Holly and about having to hack into it. Artemis would have loved to have start trying to get into it right away but knew it would have been rude so he placed it to one side and thanked his friend and rival for his good thinking. Butler went next. He had provided Trouble and Julius with miniature berretas. As they questioned it he said it was to see their prowess after some practice. To see how they coped with the flaws not found in LEP weaponry. Following the same area of expertise he gave Holly a set of Teflon coated throwing knives that could be strapped to her leg. Artemis received an original copy of a manuscript written by Fiore Dei Liberi himself. Artemis was not shocked in the slightest by Butler's resourcefulness but he was by his ability to find a lost manuscript as well as the thoughtfulness of the gift. But then again Butler knew him better than he knew himself.
Artemis took his turn next. He had managed to find perfect gifts for everyone or at least ones of use to them. Mulch got some technological suction cups for when he needed to climb whilst hydrated and Julius received some top of the range Cuban cigars. 'To replace the awful stench of fungus' he explained. He had managed to finish his design of his new weapon for Butler. It was such that it could change the velocity and speed of the bullet by judging the distance of the target. Butler himself needed no such weapon but was touched by the gift all the same. Foaly chuckled as he unwrapped a laptop with a similar reason as the one he gave him. Holly however was amazed at her gift. It was a solid gold pendant representing the Fowl coat of Arms. "It is a tradition in our family to provide those who have performed an act of assistance to us or... mean a lot to a member. You fulfil both of these categories. It also seemed a good way of returning some of the fairy gold I... acquired." Holly was truly touched by his words. She knew what he meant, all of it. And as she placed it on she noticed it hung just below her book. Making it possible to wear both. In response to his gift she wished she could kiss him, but knew that would happen later. Or at least she prayed it would.
Holly was truly thankful that she was going last. It would make her confession so much more easy. Knowing she was last she hastily handed out all gifts but one, her second one for Artemis. Holly's gifts went down a storm. Even more so with her co-workers whom she knew far better. Artemis was amazed by his gift. He could not help but smile from ear to ear as he opened the box exposing a necklace much like he gave her but was in the form of a golden copy of the People's book. She blushingly explained that it was to signify his change and that he was a friend of the People; or at least a few of them. Whilst everyone was thrilled with what they had received and had started to play with, read, or in Julius' case, smoke. Holly took this as the perfect time to present Artemis with his second gift. She did so and left for her room quickly not wanting to be in the same room with the others when he realised what she was doing or reading the note. He noted her nervousness as she left but proceeded to open it regardless. Within the wrapped box was a leather bracelet with half a silver heart embedded in it. There were also words, he recognised as Gnommish, scored into the leather. He also saw a note beneath the gift but decided to decode the bracelet before the note. His jaw dropped as he read the words 'I love you'. He was stunned by it but before deciding anything he knew he had to read the note.
Arty,
I love you. I have for some time now and I hope you feel the same. I have the other half of this bracelet. If you wish to complete the it come to my room.
All my love
Holly
Just as Artemis finished reading the note he ran as fast as possible up to her room. He almost knocked over Juliet's pile of gifts much to her annoyance. It soon passed however as she realised they were going to be together now. 'Took them long enough' crossed her mindas she carried on enjoying her friends and surroundings. Butler gave her a look of concern for Artemis but was met only with a look that merely screamed 'DUH'. This caused Butler to smile.
Holly was sitting in her room feeling her heart breaking with every passing second. The thought crossed her mind briefly to run. To avoid the awkwardness of having Artemis breaking her heart. She knew however that would only destroy their friendship, something she could not live with. Her thoughts continued down that path until the door burst open. Artemis stood there wide eyed and out of breath. 'It was not to be' Holly thought sorrow taking her over. Artemis walked over to her clutching the bracelet tightly. She felt tears spring to her eyes as she gazed at the floor; not daring herself to look at him. Once he was within arms reach she could control her tears no more and quietly sobbed. Artemis felt himself break inside watching her cry and he knelt down so they would be eye level and cupped her chin bringing her now wet eyes to meet him. Before she could say or do anything he pushed his lips to hers. This time it was not a simple peck; it was passionate; loving. Holly had her answer. He loved her. She could no more contain her joy as a five foot wall would stop an army. She continued to cry but this time it was happy tears. They broke apart only when the need for air became unbearable and even then they continued to gaze into each other eyes professing all their love. Artemis reached up and stroked her cheek tenderly and said "I love you. I have for so long. I cannot believe you return my affection. I feel I may die happy. This has been the happiest day of my life." Holly's crying came to an end and they kissed again relieved that she was able to be with the man she loved.
They remained in that cycle for well over an hour talking, kissing, holding and revelling in each other's company. They however knew that the others would grow wary of their disappearance and come looking for them eventually so they made their way downstairs holding each others hand tightly. Had anyone paid close attention they would notice that the hands that were connected both possessed a similar bracelet on thus making their hearts complete. As the entered the living room all eyes turned to them. Once they noticed they held hands all faces broke out into smiles and congratulations at their relationship. Holly now knew how she was going to spend the two week holiday Julius had given her; right here with the man she loved. She had no doubt Trouble would be of the same mind. The day passed quickly for everyone seeing as they had plenty to do; especially the two couples who spent almost all day without leaving each others side. Holly had only left Artemis for the briefest of time as she tested her throwing knives. Artemis was glad of the reprieve as it allowed him to discuss his present from Julius with him and Foaly. "I take it that the accident that cost Holly her mother is in the LEP database. It is that file I wish to access." Both Julius and Foaly were surprised by his request but did as he asked. In truth Artemis only wished to know who to bankrupt for causing such pain to the woman he loved. Once he received the needed information he closed the file feeling pain as he learnt the true nature of how Coral Short died. He then proceeded onto his gift from Foaly. He had only managed to crack the first level of encryption when Holly returned so he put it aside for now.
They dined heartedly although again avoided meat much at the fairies relief. In truth Artemis missed meat but for Holly he would willingly avoid it. The meal was large and filled the stomach of the entire house. Afterwards they all reclined happily once again in the living room and they stayed like that till late into the night drunk on each other. Particularly the two couples who snuggled together thrilling at their new found love. Once late people started to gather up there gifts; thanked everyone and went up to bed alone or together. Holly and Artemis had spent so long in each other's company that the idea of leaving each other didn't even cross their mind. Holly went to her room briefly to change before joining Artemis in his room. Something occurred though that Artemis didn't expect. When he had slipped on some pyjama bottoms Holly rejoined him but in her human form. She was wearing a similar outfit to the one that he had seen by accident, and she was drop dead gorgeous, but she was clearly very shy. "Do... Do you prefer me like this?" Artemis' heart clenched as she asked.
"Holly you are beautiful like this. No doubt." She clearly found that answer worrying until he reached up to remove the morph-necklace from around her neck. "But you are more so like this. It's who you truly are." That made her happy; knowing he thought her better as she was rather than human. Normally she wasn't like this. But when she and Juliet had discussed sex she had become aware it might be better if she seemed human. 'Maybe he would prefer me human?' was a thought that crossed her mind more than once. Now that she was an elf again Artemis kissed her lovingly proving his point; that he loved her not what she might be. For some reason and much to Holly's annoyance he picked her up wedding-style at that point and placed her on the bed. They both longed to be 'fully' together but both also knew it was far too early for that. They just lay spooning, occasionally kissing, listening to each others heartbeat that soothed their minds and their souls. They fell asleep eventually, still within each other's arms, and they were finally at peace with the world around them.
