Wow, Christmas is on two days. Woah.
Anyway, this is my annual Christmas themed chapter, and I`m sure it will warm all Brackendra shippers hearts.
I have a SUPER EXCITING ANNOUNCMENT and that is that the story I have been teasing for a few months now is finally up! It is called Fablehaven; Return of the Darkness and is posted on my profile right now, please, please, please go and check it out! It is my own take on the events that took place after the original Fablehaven series (non-compliant with Dragonwatch) and I am so excited for it! (You might even see some of the characters that have shown up in these one-shots making an appearance.) I have great plans and I can`t wait for you to see it!
I`ll stop rambling now, enjoy the chapter!
"Kendra?" Bracken`s musical voice spoke up from beside her. She glanced over at him briefly before focusing back on the road in front of her. They had just spent the day at the mall doing doing all their Christmas shopping and after 5 hours of retail therapy, they were both exhausted. The drive home had been quiet so far, but comfortable, like it always was with Bracken.
"Yeah?" She responded, putting on her turn signal, and checking over shoulder, changing lanes quickly.
"Thank you for doing this with me. I had a lot of fun today." Bracken`s voice was sincere, as always and just the littlest bit shy. Kendra smiled, remembering how nervous Bracken had been to ask her go with him to the mall, they had been planning to anyway, as Bracken still needed help in understanding modern Christmas traditions, and also couldn't drive, but he had been clear, he wanted to go on a date.
A date. Kendra`s first date. "Of course, thank you for making it an amazing day." She risked another glance at Bracken, whose cheeks were dusted with pink, his eyes glowing. She had thought that was end of that, but Bracken spoke up again.
"I was wondering if we could do this again sometime." Kendra felt her cheeks blush, refusing to look at him, keeping her eyes determinedly on the road.
"I`d like that." Kendra admitted softly.
"What about next weekend?" Bracken shifted, turning down the Christmas music that played on the radio. "There`s a ball for our winter festival, in the fairy realm. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?"
Kendra grinned at his princely formality. "A ball… a truly royal activity, isn't it?"
Bracken laughed. "You`d better believe it, gowns and dancing, all the works. So, what do you say?"
Even though Kendra had already decided she wanted to go, something occurred to her. "I don't have a dress that exactly would be appropriate at a ball."
"Ophelia already offered to take care of that." Of course. Bracken`s youngest sister, Ophelia was one of the most fashionable people that Kendra knew, and absolutely loved anything and everything fancy and thrived in large crowds.
"In that case, sure." Kendra tried to keep her voice even and not show how both excited and nervous she was for the ball.
"Wonderful."
Later that day, after Bracken had said his goodbyes and Kendra had hid her gifts away from Seth`s curious eyes, Kendra made her way down to her grandfather`s study. Knocking on the door, she slipped the door open, going inside. Grandpa, who sat as his desk, glasses balanced on his nose was frowning in concentration at a bunch of papers on his desk. As captain of the Knights of the Dawn, there was always something for him to sign or approve.
Looking up, Grandpa`s eyes softened, as he gestured for her to come closer. "Kendra, what can I do for you?" Sitting down in the big armchair across from his desk, she tried to collect her thoughts not sure how to ask him.
"Next weekend… well, Bracken said, he-"Kendra cut herself off, taking a deep breath.
"There`s this… well I guess it's a ball but" Grandpa held up a hand, and Kendra stopped.
"Yes you can go." He sounded amused, and she looked up at him, shocked.
"Bracken came by before the two of you left today and told me and your grandmother about it. Wanted to make sure it was okay with your guardians before he asked you." Sitting back, Kendra nodded. He really did think of everything, Bracken did. And since her parents were on yet another trip, and her other set of grandparents, were on a mission in New Zealand, Grandma and Grandpa were it.
"Thanks Grandpa. Really." Grandpa smiled.
"Go and have fun, Kendra. Have a fun Christmas."
With her grandfather`s blessing in mind, Kendra desperately tried to keep her mind off her mounting nerves as the week went on. Bracken assured her, again that Ophelia had everything taken care of, and Kendra only really needed to show up. It wasn't that she was particularly nervous to visit the fairy realm, Kendra had been there enough that she felt comfortable enough, but it was more that Bracken had informed her that this ball was one the fairies hosted for countless other allies of the Queen and Fairydom. And the fact that Kendra had little to no idea how to negotiate such a fancy ball. Kendra`s determination to fend off her nerves lasted just up until the afternoon before the ball as she sat with Rayne and Brea, Bracken`s other sisters, eating lunch. Bracken had walked her from where she landed in the lavender field that connected to Fablehaven before rushing off to help with final preparations for the ball that night.
Since she had arrived in the morning it seemed as though the entire city was bustling with activity in preparation for the ball. While the fairies didn't celebrate Christmas, they did celebrate the changing of the seasons, especially the winter solstice. So Kendra watched the snow fall outside as they ate, watching the picturesque city surrounding the castle turn into a winter wonderland.
"Kendra. Kendra!" Jerking back to attention, she realized that Rayne was talking to her. Straightening up, Kendra tried to smile, pretending that she was fine.
"Yeah, sorry."
"So you do think that my dress is ugly?" Brea raised a perfectly manicured eye brow, considering her critically.
Kendra groaned internally at her own ignorance. "No, no of course not, I just, was thinking about something else."
"Our brother?" Rayne asked innocently, taking a sip of her tea. Kendra rolled her eyes, shaking her head, returning to her own lunch. Despite an initially frosty reception from virtually all of the fairy realm, they had all eventually warmed to her. Bracken`s sisters becoming close friends and confidantes. And they teased her and Bracken to no end about their relationship.
"Actually, I was thinking about the ball."
Setting her fork down, Rayne sat back in her chair, crossing her legs. "You mean the nice little play we put on for our allies every year."
"A play?" Kendra asked.
"Imagine a ball in a fairy tale, and you`ll understand what the general feel of it is." Brea informed.
Kendra frowned. "But that sounds fun."
"Oh it is, except the years where the Elves decide to graceus with their presence." Rayne`s voice dripped with sarcasm.
"I take it that you all don't like the elves?"
"You fairies are shallow? Self-important? Arrogant? We are nothing compared to them." Brea confirmed, a tinge of exasperation entering her tone.
"That sounds… fun." Kendra tried to keep her voice steady and pushed the nerves away.
Rayne and Brea surveyed her, sympathy in their gaze. "Kendra, don't let us ruin this. We`re old and bitter. It will be fun, it always is, the elves are just irritating." Brea assured her, smiling at her.
"But then again, you will have to deal with the absolute insanity that is our sister during ball preparation." Rayne leaned back her smile taking on a smug expression.
"Kendra!" From behind her, Ophelia called out, her voice loud and excited. Kendra must have let her own exasperation show because Rayne and Brea began to laugh. Kendra felt her own spirits rise as she laughed with the girls that had become like sisters of her own. It was going to be fun, or at least, it would be a good story to tell.
"Just a little longer Kendra, don't worry!" Ophelia insisted, tugging a brush through Kendra`s hair, Kendra sighed, fidgeting a little. She had been sitting in the chair for about an hour, as Ophelia did her makeup, darkening her eyes and reddening her lips, and then curling her hair. Ophelia, as always was already made up completely, a robe wrapped around her, covering the beautiful black and white dress that she wore. Kendra however, was not dressed yet, as the dress she had still yet to see hung in her closet.
"What time is it?" Kendra wondered as her hair was pulled back and pinned in place.
"We have plenty of time, don't worry! The ball doesn't start without us!" Those words made Kendra think that it was later than Ophelia wanted to admit, but she supposed she was right. A ball really did not start without all of the princesses of the realm ready.
But luckily, it was only a few minutes later when Ophelia finally pronounced her hair to be done. Kendra looked in the mirror, admiring her hair. It had been curled and twisted up into an elegant, yet simple twist, most of it still hanging down her back. She looked pretty, Kendra had to admit, beautiful even.
"Ophelia, this is… amazing." She looked at the girl who smiled at her. "Thank you."
Ophelia grinned, her eyes twinkling. "Don't thank me until you've seen the dress! Let`s put it on!"
Standing up, Kendra closed her eyes at Ophelia`s request and put her arms up as a mass of fabric settled on her body. It was a large dress, she was certain, with a full skirt that reached all the way to the floor. Ophelia buttoned up the back of the dress, fluffing it a little.
"Alright, open your eyes!" Kendra`s eyes opened and her breath was taken away. The dress was exquisite, absolutely beautiful, and everything Kendra had hoped it was. The dress was dark red, like the color of red wine and the over skirt was detailed, intricate lace work. The skirt was puffed out with the huge amount of tulle sewn into the underskirt, all coming together at her waist, lace flowers and mesh forming the top of the dress. It was strapless, cutting off below her collarbones with a sweetheart neckline that was moderate enough, but as she turned, she glimpsed the back of her dress in the mirror. Her back was mostly bare, the back of the dress plunging low. It was daring, yet classic and elegant. Kendra felt like a princess in this dress.
"Ophelia…" Kendra was absolutely speechless and Ophelia squeezed her shoulders, beaming.
"Don't say anything! That reaction said everything. Now," Ophelia untied her own robe, uncovering her dress and handed Kendra a pair of matching, sparkly heels, and Kendra was suddenly grateful for the etiquette training the Queen insisted on, that taught her how to walk in heels. "Let us go grace the others with our presence." Kendra grinned, slipping into her shoes and taking Ophelia`s proffered arm.
They walked together out of the room, down the hall and to the top of the staircase that led into the main ballroom, to where the others were. Kendra spotted Mizelle, Bracken`s eldest sister and her husband Peck, talking with Bracken, backs to them. Ophelia called out to them, and they turned. Kendra felt a blush rise to her cheeks as Bracken took in her appearance, his eyes coming to rest on her face, smiling so wide, Kendra`s cheeks hurt. Bracken walked towards her and Ophelia let her go, and Bracken took her hands, squeezing them tightly.
"You look beautiful." Bracken spoke quietly, but the intensity in her tone made her blush deepen. It was then when she noticed what he was wearing. He wore shiny black silk pants and boots, and a dark red undershirt that exactly matched Kendra`s dress, with a black vest accented in gold and silver.
Kendra smiled. "Thank you, and you match me."
Bracken grinned. "It`s my honor and I have something for you." He pulled something from a pocket, and showed it to her. It was a silver necklace and hanging from the chain looking like a raindrop.
"Bracken… this is..." Again, not for the first time that day, Kendra was speechless.
"It`s a dew drop, frozen with magic. And if you would, I`d like you wear it tonight." Bracken reached for her and she let him pull her in closer, turning around as he fastened the chain around her neck. His hands lingered on her shoulders for a moment before a shrill voice cut through the air.
Moment officially ruined.
At the other end of the hall, a young woman strode towards them. Her hair, dark and shiny was drawn up and away from her face, showing off her pointed ears. One of the elves. Her skin, a warm brown, glistened in the twinkling lights of the hall. Her dress, a vibrant orange, showed off her toned body and she looked truly stunning. However, what was not stunning about her was the expression on her face, a smug, arrogant look. Though Bracken drew away from Kendra, he still kept a hold of her hand as greeted the woman, obviously recognizing her.
"Bracken, have you been hiding? I haven't seen you in the ballroom!" The woman`s accent was pronounced and her voice was sultry and flirtatious.
"Yelena, it is good to see you!" Bracken took her hand, raising it to her lips and kissing it lightly. Even though Kendra knew it was, at least for royalty was a pretty traditional greeting, Kendra felt her stomach shrink a little, but she tried to keep her expression from showing her displeasure. Of course Bracken would have some beautiful elf after him.
The elf, Yelena then turned toward Kendra and something akin to anger flashed into her expression before disappearing in favor of that same smugness. "And this is?"
Kendra gave a tight, close lipped smile and bowed her head. "Kendra, handmaiden to the Queen."
"Of course, the human." The way she said those words told Kendra all she needed to know about what Yelena thought about humans.
"We should get going to the ball." Mizelle stepped into the conversation and before Kendra could blink Yelena had swooped in, tearing Bracken from her and pulling him off to the staircase leading down to the ballroom. Bracken turned, making a face and mouthing I`m sorry to her. Kendra felt her heart drop and her disappointment must have shown on her face, because Peck, ever the gentlemen stepped in, offering his arm to her.
"Don't let her ruin this night Kendra." Peck`s voice, smooth and deep did little to reassure her, but she tried to smile. She knew that Bracken had certain obligations and so did she. It would be fine. Mizelle smiled, kissing her cheek and squeezing her shoulder in comfort before taking Peck`s other arm. Together, the three of them followed Ophelia and the captain of the Astrids, Gilgarol who was escorting her to the ballroom, arriving at the top of staircase.
The ballroom itself was decorated magnificently, tinsel, garland, lights, all works hanging from the banisters. A large dancefloor was set off to the side while a set of thrones were set on a terrace inside the ballroom. Table flooded the sides of the room and she noticed several Astrids standing guard along the walls. Kendra was able to spot Bracken and Yelena in the middle of a large group of elves, Rayne and Brea standing near their mother and father, who sat in the glimmering thrones. The Queen and King smiled at them and a voice boomed out.
"Introducing Princess Ophelia and Captain of the Astrids, Gilgarol." Ophelia, smiling and beautiful seemed to float her way down the stairs beside Gilgarol, proud and stern. They began to make their way to the Queen to greet them. Bracken had told Kendra that the beginning of the ball, and announcing each attendant was very ceremonially important.
Then it was their turn, and Kendra did her best to smile. She was wearing a beautiful dress and was going to her first ball! "Introducing Princess Mizelle, Prince Peck and Lady Kendra, handmaiden to the Queen!" As they walked down the stairs, she caught several astonished glances come their way and she blushed a little. It was a lot, having this many people staring at her.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Kendra suddenly felt someone else take her arm, and she turned to see Bracken, smiling brilliantly. He led the way and Kendra felt instant relief at the sight of him. She held onto him tightly and by the time they reached the Queen, her heartbeat fluttered only slightly.
The Queen embraced Kendra and whispered, "You look beautiful." Kendra kissed the King`s cheek who stared absently at the crowd, but at least he was here.
As Bracken led her off into the crowd, Kendra found herself surrounded by crowds of people who talked fast and loud, and Kendra just nodded along gracefully, smiling the best she could.
The ball was wonderful, really, the dinner was delicious as always, and the music was lovely. Bracken tried to be by her side as much as possible, but as it became the time for dancing, Kendra found herself sitting at a table with Rayne and Brea, who had no interest in dancing at all. Kendra watched grumpily as Yelena laughed with Bracken and the other elves who surrounded them. Kendra knew him well enough that he looked the slightest bit uncomfortable.
"How goes your first ball Kendra?" Mizelle and Peck peeled off from the crowd, taking a seat at their table, Mizelle sighing in relief as she got off her feet.
"She`s spent nearly half of it brooding after Bracken." Brea replied. Kendra glared at her, but she didn't correct her. She was brooding.
As the others tried and failed to hide their smiles, Peck stood up and offered his hand to Kendra. "Will you dance with me Kendra?" As Peck led her onto the dance floor, Kendra felt her irritation settle a little, now that she was busy and could no longer see Bracken and Yelena.
"You know Kendra, I do understand how you feel." Peck spoke quietly, his dark, serious eyes meeting hers.
"You do?" Kendra asked, surprised.
Peck grinned. "Of course. I was once only a single person in the crowd that pined after Mizelle." Kendra considered his words carefully. Though Peck and Mizelle had been together for a long time, there must have been a ball like this for him, where he watched so many others occupy Mizelle`s time and attention.
Kendra nodded carefully. "And what did you do about it?"
"Nothing." Kendra snorted. Peck amended his statement. "I sulked for almost the entirety of the ball until Mizelle finally asked me to dance."
"Sounds like what I`m doing."
"Which is exactly why I`m telling you this." Peck corrected gently. "Bracken told me that this was your second date, and I can`t even tell you how excited he`s been for the past week about going with you. Now, you know Bracken, and you know how seriously he takes his princely duties. He can`t simply leave Yelena, because that would reflect badly on all of us." Kendra knew he was right. And she understood, she knew the intense pressure he felt to uphold his responsibilities, especially after he had been gone for so long.
"So what should I do?" Kendra questioned.
Peck smiled at her, as the song ended and began to lead her off the dance floor, back to their table. "Well, the way I see it, you can either sulk like I did, or you can choose to not let Yelena ruin this for you." Kendra sat down in her chair, thinking hard about that Peck had said, the table was now empty except for her and Peck.
As the music changed again, it was a song the recognized, some slowed down version of a human Christmas song. Kendra couldn't help but smile. The song reminded of that ride home with Bracken after the mall. After their first date. And Peck was right, this was supposed to be their second date. And they were spending it apart.
Maybe that's what made her stand up, or the way that Yelena put her hands on Bracken`s arm, just at that moment.
"What are you doing?" Peck asked, sounding amused. Kendra glanced at him, now grinning. He grinned back, gesturing for her to go on.
"I`m going to dance." She set off across the floor of the ballroom catching a distant Ophelia`s glance who smiled at her. It only served to spur her on. She arrived at the table Bracken and Yelena sat at. She didn't know the other elves, but it didn't matter. She wasn't here for them. Bracken saw her, his expression brightening and Kendra smiled at him.
"Kendra." Yelena didn't sound happy. Kendra ignored her.
"I was wondering if you wanted to dance Bracken." Kendra caught Yelena`s eye and continued. "With me." She shifted her gaze back to Bracken. The moment felt just as intimate as the one when he had given her the necklace she wore proudly around her neck, or in the car.
"Actually Bracken-"Yelena was cut off by Bracken ripping his arm out of her grasp and standing.
"I would love nothing more." He replied firmly, and it felt like there was no one else in the world besides the two of them, and all was right. She reached forward and took his hand, tugging him over to the dance floor. Once there, he placed his hand on her waist and she put hers on his shoulder, as their other hands intertwined. They began to sway back and forth.
"That was smooth." Bracken complimented. Kendra smirked.
"I have no idea what you`re talking about." But as they turned slowly she saw Yelena looking at them, outrage painted all over her face as the other elves laughed, either at them or her, Kendra wasn't sure.
"I`m sorry." Kendra met Bracken`s eyes, who looked despondent. "This was supposed to be about us, and I… well, I screwed up. And I`m sorry. It`s just… sometimes I feel like I have to do all of these things and I lose sight of what important."
Kendra nodded. "I know. And it's okay. Believe it or not I understand having impossible obligations. What`s important is that we`re both here now." Bracken`s eyes shone and Kendra couldn't help the blush that spread across her cheeks. That look on his face, of pure joy always made her blush, just knowing that she was the cause of it. They continued to dance, the song slow and beautiful.
"I love you Kendra." Bracken whispered softly into her ear and her eyes met his. That was the first time he had ever said that to her. She wanted to be shocked, but she wasn't, not really. She knew he loved her, she knew in the way that he looked at her, like she was the only thing in the world, and how he laughed at her stupid jokes and watched all the Christmas movies she liked, she knew because she felt the same way about him.
"I love you too." Bracken smiled before his gaze left hers, looking up. Somehow, they were now under a hanging plant, slowly revolving, that she recognized as mistletoe. Casting her eyes around the room she spotted Ophelia, Rayne and Brea on the terrace, standing next to the thrones that the Queen and King occupied and Ophelia`s hand was glowing. They looked like they were laughing.
Kendra smiled as she looked back at Bracken. "Well?"
Bracken leaned down, catching on. "Who are we to ignore a time honored tradition?" When he kissed her, it was sweet and warm, reminding her of all the good things in the world and all of the doubts, jealousy and fear was wiped from her mind.
She pulled back, leaning her forehead against Bracken`s. "Merry Christmas Bracken." She whispered.
He smiled, this boy who she had come to love, who she had come to cherish and always would.
"Merry Christmas my love."
Thank you to WolfLover27, FairyGirl22, JesusSavedEvenMe, celesstialdreams and Yakall for the support! It makes me so happy to read your feedback!
Merry Christmas guys, and don't forget to check out my new story, Fablehaven; Return of the Darkness.
Bye bye my loves!