Christmas Part 2: Christmas Day. Alexa and Hannah.
Alexa was restless. Normally she slept like a rock troll, but it was four in the morning and she was still awake. Sighing in defeat, she got up and got dressed. She padded out into the hall on near silent bare feet, wandering the castle like a restless shadow. Her wandering feet took her to Hannah's door.
The soft sound of her sister's snoring could be heard easily. Alexa smiled. Hannah could sleep through almost anything. She never had trouble sleeping, except when she was sick. Then and only then would the active blonde toss and turn, unable to sleep. Only Alexa could calm her sister during such times. But right now, all was well in Darrowdale Castle. The winged queen smiled and padded down the halls of her castle, enjoying the peaceful quite that filled it at this hour. As she wandered the halls, Alexa went over every detail of her Christmas surprise in her mind. This year was the first year she didn't have to hide and she was going to have a real reason tonight to celebrate.
A few hours later, Hannah woke to the sound of singing. Very loud singing. She smiled. Only one person could sing that loudly and still be flawlessly on key. Alexa.
"Well, someone is very happy today. Good. I can't even begin to imagine what the holidays must have been like for her growing up."
Hannah quickly got dressed and ran down to the ballroom, where Alexa was standing by the piano singing. Hannah smirked and suddenly joined in. Alexa jumped and turned around, but kept on singing. When she saw it was Hannah, she smiled widely as they finished the song together.
"Well! This is a Merry Christmas! It's good to be able to spend it with you, Fledgling." Alexa wrapped her sister in a warm hug.
"Same here! Let's go eat. I'm hungry." Hannah smiled.
Alexa chuckled and they left for the dinning hall.
Later that afternoon, the royal sisters were returning from a day of riding over the snowy fields side-by-side as a team of two reindeer pulled their sled swiftly over the snowy ground. Alexa and Hannah took turns driving, for the reindeer were quite gentle and both were excellent drivers. They spent the afternoon just enjoying the drive around the fields and each other's company. Anyway, they returned and Alexa made the final preparations for her surprise.
As night fell, the sisters met in the library to exchange gifts. Hannah went first. She handed Alexa a silver-wrapped package and watched with anxious anticipation as she opened it. Alexa gasped as she drew out a beautiful tunic of the finest cotton, dyed bright red, with blue, green, and gold embroidery all over it.
"Hannah! Thank you! It's beautiful! Did you make this?"
Hannah blushed. "Well, I did pick out the colors and did the embroidery."
"Well, I will wear this at the next royal function. It's far too nice for casual attire. Now, for your gift."
Hannah opened the long, thin bundle and gasped. It was a sword. But not just any sword. It was a one-handed, straight bladed sword, with a pink diamond in the pommel. The wooden grip and metal scabbard were the same light pink color, with a golden hilt and gold accents at the throat and tip of the scabbard. Hannah knew at once that this was an enchanted blade, forged by her sister's own hands.
"Thank you, Alexa. This is the most beautiful sword I have ever seen and though I hope I never have to use it, I will never use any other."
"I too, hope you never have to use this blade. But I don't want you caught unprepared, for we never know when we could be called upon to fight. What are you going to name it?" Alexa wrapped an arm around her kid sister.
Hannah thought for a moment. "Raedale."
"'Defender of the West.' Good choice." Alexa finished the sword with letters of silver, then hugged her sister.
Hannah returned the embrace and the two spent some time just enjoying some hot cocoa and cookies together before parting for bed.
Author's Note: I know it's short, but I find I'm losing inspiration for this story. I've still got some ideas I want to incorporate, but it might be awhile.