"I'm sorry if the chairs and tables are a little small for you . . . you need to understand that they're specially made for us."

Abby and Cordelia found a table and sat down with some food. The cafeteria was much like the workshop - a lot of color. The tables were lined with smaller-than-normal chairs and 10 rows of tables spanned the room. The food line started near the doorway. Many of the elves were still at their posts and doing their assigned duties, which resulted in the duo being a few of the only ones in the room.

"Its all right," Cordelia said. "I'll need to get used to it."

When they both began to eat, Abby looked up to her new friend. "I know you haven't been here that long, but are you beginning to feel at home?"

"Yeah," she said with a smile. "I am. Don't worry - everything's fine."

"That's good." The girls looked up when they heard a new voice join the conversation.

"Bernard!" The Head Elf grabbed a chair and sat down next to Abby.

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Bernard, the Arch-Elf. You're . . . Clarissa?"

"Close - Cordelia. Cordelia Williams." He extended his hand and she did the same. "Its nice to meet you."

"Same here." He smiled as he put his hand down. "Hey, I'm on dinner break right now - do you guys mind if I eat with you?" Both shook their heads 'no' and the elf got up, heading for the food line.

~*~*~

"So Cordelia, what are you into?"

"I'm into figure skating and gymnastics. I've done both ever since I was a little girl."

"That's awesome," Abby said with a grin. "I've always wanted to see figure skaters in action - I had heard about them from a couple of the elves. They say its fun."

"Its also a lot of work. I'll show you someday, though." The female elf smiled.

"What do you want to do around here?" Bernard asked. "I can get you into any department you want. There's wrapping, research and development, general building . . . I think you might want to stay out of the chem lab for awhile, though - until you get used to everything around here."

"You guys have a chem lab?"

"Chemistry lab. It's where we put together all the chemistry sets that kids ask for. There are mounds of chemicals that we have to dilute before shipping. I'd feel better if you stayed out of there for awhile."

"Why? You afraid that something'll happen with me in there?"

"Actually, yes. You're a nice girl," he said with a smile. "I'd hate to see anything happen to my friends," he continued while ruffling Abby's hair. Cordelia smiled at the compliment.

Bernard and Abby went off into a discussion about Santa and some sort of issue with him . . . she didn't hear what they were discussing exactly. Her eyes moved up to the pin once again. It was bothering her that she didn't know the meaning behind it. She had one exactly like it and she didn't know what it stood for.

"Oh, geez," Bernard suddenly said. "I've gotta run . . . the elves in Shipping need me. I'll see you two around. It was nice meeting you, Cordelia."

"Hey, Bernard."

The elf turned around as he was heading towards the door. "Yeah?"

"Where did you get that pin on your beret?"

"That old thing? It's been in my family for generations. I'll talk to you later, Cordelia!"

With that, he ran off.

"Don't worry," Abby said as she watched him leave. "He's called off like that all the time. Its nothing big." Her friend looked over to her and smiled. "So . . . shall I show you around the workshop now?"

~*~*~

Later on that night, Santa realized that the newcomer was missing a few things. "Hey, Bernard," he said to the Arch-Elf who was standing near him.

"Yea, Santa?"

"Do you know where Cordelia Williams is quartered?"

"Yea . . ."

"Great," he said picking up the bag. "Will you deliver these to her room for me? I've got to meet with Curtis and the elves in Wrapping for next-year's plans."

"Sure." Always eager to do Santa's bidding, he received the bag from him and began to make his way down the halls, through the Medical elves' quarters. He came upon the Research & Development elves' quarters and found her room, which was the first one on the right.

Cordelia opened the door and smiled when she saw Bernard standing there. "Hey," she said. "What's up?"

"Santa wanted me to deliver these to you. Said you'll need them."

"Thanks," she said taking the bag. Peeking inside, she saw her clothes and everything else she brought. "Bernard, real quick. Is your pin on your beret a one-of-a-kind, or are there more like it?"

"Why are you so interested in this thing?" he asked taking it down off of his head.

"Just curious . . ."

"The pattern is specific to my family - only members of my family have one."

"Ok," she said with a smile. "Thanks."

"No problem. I'd better get to that meeting with Santa . . . see if he needs anything. I'll see you around."

"See ya."

She shut the door behind her, going back into her room. It was a moderate size - not like Santa's with a Punch and Judy stage, train set, other toys, and a big bed, but it had everything she would need (a desk, bed, private bathroom, etc). The floor was a hardwood and the walls were painted a pretty scarlet color.

She reached into the bag and took out the picture of her family - Mom, Dad, herself, and her brother. She set it down on the desk and turned around, beginning to take out her clothes. Suddenly, out of nowhere, she stopped and took her pin out of her pocket. Turning back around, she gazed at the picture while Bernard's words echoed through her mind.

"The pattern is specific to my family - only members of my family have one."

A simple realization came through her mind. *Could it be true? My brother - the one whom my parents have been talking about?*

Indeed it was so - Bernard, the Arch-Elf was her brother.

So . . . inspiration was alive in my mind all day today - lol! I've got big plans for this story. Anyway, please R & R - I live for reviews!