Disclaimer: I own nothing, my writing is for amusement and sanity.
Here's my Take Three! Or is it Four? I've messed with my other story "Reindeer to the Rescue", from edits to deletes and redo tries...I'm not satisfied with it, and can't make myself fix it at this point so let's try this!
Read and Review please! Cross Posted!
Chapter One
Xxx
"…On Dasher and Dancer!"
"…On Prancer and Vixen!"
"…On Comet and Cupid!"
"…On Donner and Blitzen!"
The echoes of the shouts mingled with a deep belly laugh, tinged with joy and cheer, and Scott was smiling through the snow white beard as he called out with a powerful snap of leather reins, "Let's go boys! Hyah!"
Instinctively, she stepped back as the team lunged forward, the snap of buckles and harness straps creaking as they were pulled taut and into motion. The sleigh jerked and slid forward in a flash, building up speed as eight… well seven…reindeer jumped into the air; the eighth was a bit slower, stumbling but racing with the rest as they all soared skyward up to the peak of the dome.
Waving at Scott, Santa, her husband, she watched with rapt attention until the team and sleigh faded from view through the ice dome and then the magical door sealed shut again behind them and cut off the faint view of northern lights and stars up above.
Turning her gaze back to her own eye level, Carol's wonderous smile softened into a polite grin as she met another woman's gaze.
"I…hello, I believe we didn't get to start with that."
Dressed in fall tinged foliage and finery with a glisten of silver as if brushed by frost, Mother Nature's smile was warm and much more reassuring than Carol expected, and her handshake was welcoming and firm, "Hello dear, introductions were a bit rushed weren't they? I'm Mother Nature, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"Carol…New-I mean," She chuckled, "Calvin…or is it Claus?"
Another person chuckled, stepping up to Carol's shoulder with a grin and nodding to Mother Nature in respect, "That depends really, Calvin when in the human world, it's easier to explain and easier on paperwork. Claus up here at the North Pole, and in any other area of our world." The Tooth Fairy smiled, shaking Carol's hand, "Frantic flights northward aside, it is a pleasure to meet you my dear, Tooth Fairy by name, dental hygiene and care by trade. And I see that dazzling smile is still in place!"
Carol giggled a little herself, a blush creeping high up on her cheeks, "It is lovely to meet you, properly this time. Though I will say that was the most interesting flight I've ever taken."
Tooth Fairy smirked, "Glad you think so, not very often I take passengers. Though, as I had said, I'm beat and after tonight's sugar plums and candy canes…and then New Year's Resolutions of mothers and healthy kids…" He huffed lightly, shaking his head a bit before bowing politely to Carol, "I am going to crash for the next couple nights and prepare. So, I bid you lovely ladies a fond adieu, Merry Christmas and Congratulations my dear."
Mother Nature waved as Tooth Fairy zipped into the air, waving farewell around yawning widely and calling out 'goodbyes' to others as he went. Carol watched in wonder until Mother Nature lightly patted her shoulder.
"That is my cue as well, there's much to do tonight on my end, and I need to get all that ridiculous coal cleaned up from the workshop. No need for all that mess and waste." Mother Nature clasped Carol's hands lightly in parting, "Congratulations on your marriage and I hope to see you soon once the holiday settles down. I'll leave a note for Santa so you can focus on settling in."
"Thank you-" Carol tried to call out, stopping as the woman walked off before she could finish. As she glanced around, pulling the white cloak over her shoulders a bit better, Carol caught sight of a gaggle of young girls…elves…giggling and cooing over Carol, catching her gaze and waving excitedly. A light smirk crossed Carol's face, and she held up her bouquet of fluffy, vibrant roses. Cheers erupted from the group, and Carol smiled as she turned with a flash of her cloak, tossing the bouquet over her head with a gleeful flair.
Spinning to watch, the smile stayed in place as the elves scrambled for the flowers, tumbling into the snow with squeals before the winner hugged the bouquet. She showed her friends with a smug smile, before untying the bundle and passing out the individual blooms to everyone around her.
Carol couldn't help the wider smile stretching across her face at the sight.
Nor could she stop the slight shudder that ran down her spine, and she tugged the cloak around her tightly. Others were saying farewell to…Carol was pretty sure they were members of a council Scott had mentioned when the call went out for an emergency wedding officiant. Before she could either be pulled into another conversation or slightly awkward introductions to other figures from her childhood, Carol lightly patted her own cheek and found it tingling from the chill.
The shivers that rushed down her back set her teeth chattering a little, and Carol found herself just a bit out of place all of sudden. Glancing around, there were elves of various heights and ages-all a bit misleading if she was understanding it all-some were cleaning up after the skirmish, some were checking each other over, some were beginning to relax and had found distractions and were settling into small games.
Before too much of the shock and awe could creep into her thinking, a small hand lightly tapped Carol's elbow through the cloak.
The impromptu flower girl-and relationship helper to Scott earlier-was standing at Carol's side, smiling as she tugged another elf over with their arms linked. The other was dressed similarly to the first, a deep red princess dress with purple tights and matching pointed hat with sparkles dancing on the wisps of her dress and cheeks.
"Mrs. Claus? I have someone for you to meet," She gestured to the other brunette, the elf dipping in a slight curtsy, "This is Judy. She's the Head of Relations, and in charge of the welcoming committee."
"Really?" Carol smiled, still trying to wrap her head around the new name she found herself donning, "Nice to meet you, Judy."
The she-elf smiled, warm and happy, "It's a pleasure Carol," Shaking the woman's hand, she turned to the flower girl elf, "Abby, why don't you go get a supper tray ready, with a pitcher of cocoa from my stock, okay? Meet us in the office."
Abby nodded, waving goodbye and taking off with fluttering skirts and beads. Judy turned back to Carol with a grin.
"I think you would like to get inside, you look a little cold Carol."
"Is it that obvious?"
Judy smirked, "Just a little, it takes some getting used to, even as mild as the North Pole remains all year. Even Scott had troubles the first winter he stayed up here."
"Stayed up here?" Carol was grateful for the steady reassurance and confidence the elf instilled without trying, it was easier to get past the part of her brain trying to comprehend someone who appeared only twelve years old being in charge.
"Mhm," Judy held open the nearest door, the warmth radiating from within a welcome boon, "It took Scott Calvin a little under a year to fully accept being Santa Claus, he spent most of the first ten months or so questioning his sanity and the magic taking over to go from Scott Calvin the businessman, to-"
"Santa Claus." Carol's voice couldn't fully get rid of the disbelief and shock, but instead of looking concerned or upset about the questioning of the magic or anything else, Judy just nodded in understanding.
While about two feet shorter than the woman following her, Judy held just as much maturity and confidence as she lead Carol deeper into the main building, past wondrous things and to a pair of frosted glass doors.
"Here's Santa's office, why don't you head in and warm up, the fire will be toasty and there's blankets if you need them. I'll bring you hot food and something to drink." Judy gestured into the room, silently encouraging Carol to enter without her.
It wasn't until the door was shut behind her, Judy calling through that the phone was automatically linked to the kitchens tonight in case of emergency, that Carol realized she'd been duped.
Not in a sneaky way, but rather in the same manner as Carol had done early in her career of education with panicking students. Get them somewhere calmer, let them relax on their own, and then come back to talk and continue.
Carol smirked, appreciating the familiarity in the method as she stepped further into the room. Rich reds, radiant greens and golds, and deep wood tones enriched the room dotted with a variety of vintage toys displayed on shelves. An ornate antique desk sat in the corner to the right of the doors, and opposite was a silent puppet stage. A cozy seating area was dusted with melted snow from a balcony entrance. Likely Scott's if Carol was understanding the events prior to her own arrival at the Pole. The French doors were shut tight, keeping out the night time chill as the light dimmed with the later hour, and Carol paused at the icy glass for just a second to admire the magical glow taking over the town. Instead of stepping onto the balcony, not even realizing she would have been mimicking Scott from eight years ago, Carol turned to delve deeper into the Santa Suite.
Scott's…Santa closet, she dubbed in her head, was full of red clothing, mixed with a few handcrafted sweaters dotted with holiday symbols such as snowflakes, reindeer, and gingerbread men. A fancy armoire, as tall as Carol and then some, was open, but empty, the hangers and velvet molds for the clothing items relaying it was the usual home of the infamous Santa suit.
Turning to the other side of the office area, Carol found a beautiful ensuite bathroom, with a towel warmer in the room and a jacuzzi tub. Decked in silvers, blues, and sleek white, Carol smiled in delight at the pleasant room. Connected to the office with one door, Carol peaked through the other in curiosity.
Compared to the office and even the bathroom-with its snow and icicle theme-the bedroom was more relaxed. Colored with soft greys, greens, rich wood tones to offset the muted colors, and a fireplace that was prepped but not lit, Carol smiled in relief at the calmer and less holiday decoration.
She appreciated the difference, Scott separating his work from sleep, even if only by a single room. It's why Carol tried to keep school stuff out of her bedroom as well. It didn't always work, and judging by the handful of blueprints spread out on the bedside table, and a half complete model car on a dresser…Scott was just as successful.
Carol's intent, in her wandering, was to get a better idea of Scott as Santa, she'd seen many pieces of him with Charlie over the last couple years with the teenager in Carol's high school. And gotten to know even more about him during their so very brief time of dating. Exploring the Santa Suite, was supposed to give her time to relax and unwind, and be open to the next step.
She turned to see the frosted glass doors connecting to the office area, expecting a faint glow through the doors.
Not a heavy chair partially blocking her view, surrounded by scraps of rope and deep scuff marks in the carpeting from the chair…
…and boots.
Her fingers ghosted over the upholstery of the chair, friction burns in the fabric from struggling and scraps of fibers from the ropes being cut with a barely sharp enough blade.
A handful of scraps on the floor caught her attention, Carol bent down to grab an off color piece and turn to the light from the bathroom. The ropes were stained, dark…and damp.
Mind set in grim determination, Carol jumped up and storm walked from the room. The cloak was carefully tossed onto a chair in the office, while she yanked on her own brown coat with a snap borne from practice of dealing with school emergencies. Without that practice, she wouldn't have made it through the expansive building, weaving through the unfamiliar halls to reach the main workshop.
No longer covered in fine black dirt, the cleaning was well under way, elves already bustling about to clear out the gross coal residue and dispose of it properly, while others were resetting work stations.
In the middle of the organized chaos, was Carol's target, bending over a clipboard with a handful of other elves a bit taller than most but none were close to that elf's or Carol's heights.
Scott had in a flash, introduced Carol to the Head Elf after Charlie had raced back into the room with him, and only his son cutting in during Scott's ramble had given the principal his actual name as Scott was sort of beyond frantic. Bernard had taken one look at Scott, snapped at him about some shipping incident, and pulled the man's focus back to coherency. Carol appreciated their rapport and immediate reaction of working in conjunction, especially in time of panic.
She also appreciated the secondary first impression the Head Elf was making without conscious thought.
The first go round, had been after Charlie had scrambled to find the North Pole's second in command, appearing while Carol, Scott, and…Curtis? She wasn't too sure on that name, had untied the blocked doors to release the other elves. Taking stock of the situation, Bernard was immediately in control and ready for action, not questioning Carol or Scott or anything, even when suddenly having to remind Scott-to be Santa and get married after barely two weeks of semi-dating. Carol was almost one hundred percent certain it was because of Bernard, and likely Judy after meeting the lovely elf, that a snap quick wedding had been thrown together in the middle of the night on December 23rd, hours before Santa would leave on Christmas Eve.
This time, Carol's impression of the Head Elf was determined, hardworking, and way too good at putting on a brave face when needed. Especially with what she had jammed deep in her pocket.
Weaving through the busy elves, Carol was instantly in principal mode, politely greeting those who called out to her first, minorly assisting things if absolutely necessary like nudging a trash can closer or steadying a stack of objects in someone's arms, and making her way through the crowd without causing a huge disruption or bringing too much attention to her presence.
Bernard only halfway glanced up when she stopped off to the side, likely aware of her presence but hadn't fully pulled out of his current conversation. She knew the mindset, it was one she had deployed all too frequently with staff and parents. Patiently, Carol waited, acknowledging a few elves as they passed, and silently admiring their steadfast drive to get the beautiful workshop back in order.
After seeing Bernard's wrist flick as if stiff for the third time in under a minute, Carol stepped in when another elf questioned a sorting method for parts too large to box up nicely.
"Why don't we tape out boxes?"
"Hmm?"
"Hi Mrs. Claus!"
Carol smiled, shaking the elf's hand, "Hi there! And what department are you a part of?"
"I'm Liesel, Head of Wheels, or really bicycles, scooters, skateboards, those kind of things. The conveyors and presses are all messed up."
Nodding, Carol gestured to the painted lines on the workshop floor as a demonstration, "Would masking tape stick on your floors? Tape out boxes to sort things and then clean around them, then nothing is piled on top of anything else and risking more damage."
Liesel bounced happily, "Oh man that's perfect! Thanks Mrs. Claus!"
Without a word to the Head Elf, she dashed off, ducking under a ladder being carried through. Bernard subtly rolled his eyes at her enthusiasm, but there was a level of gratitude in his voice when he turned to Carol.
"That might have just saved her from working all night, Liesel hates sorting her machines out."
"Glad to be of help." Carol replied, her grin did fade a bit, catching the slight glance at her clothing Bernard gave her, trying not to be obvious. There was a flare of stress back in his eyes, hidden behind professional politeness, but she recognized it. He was worried she was upset and wanting to leave.
"So…Judy told me it takes some getting used to for this chill, or is that just to get my hopes up?"
Bernard grinned, "No, you'll adjust, it just takes a couple days, and stress doesn't help either. Speaking of, I thought Judy was getting you settled in Santa's office?"
"She was," Carol had to admit Bernard was correct, stress was making it a tad difficult to keep her tone neutral with the Head Elf, but happy with any of the others who passed by and greeted her or gave congratulations, "I actually came looking for you, if you have a moment."
"I really don't, not quite right now Mrs. Claus," Bernard grimaced a little, gesturing over his shoulder at the busy workshop, "Gotta get all of this squared away and moving before monitoring Santa's flight, I've got about fifteen minutes before he reaches Gisborne."
"New Zealand?"
Nodding, the Head Elf took a step back like he was about to disappear into the crowd, somehow, though being obviously taller it wasn't much an attempt at hiding, "Impressive, but yes, that's Santa's first stop and then the fun really begins. If you need help back to the office-Quentin here has a minute, but I need to-"
"Bernard-" Carol lightly gripped the cuff of the elf's sleeve, not tugging it at all but instantly stopping Bernard's departure, the forced look of confusion and nervousness on her face was enough, "A moment if you will? Privately."
A low sigh was her response, before Bernard nodded and quickly lead her off to the side, under the second floor balcony and into an open storage room, empty of its toys on the big night.
"Everything alright Mrs. Claus?" Now there was the underlying concern, Carol had seen it in a rapid flash when the baby reindeer Chet had bodily slammed into Scott and Bernard had rushed to help him up. The deep seated drive and compassion.
She nodded, smiling in reassurance, before her face dropped into seriousness and earned a slight tension in the elf's body language, "I'm fine, but are you okay?"
"Pardon?"
"Are you okay?"
Bernard shook his head, "I apologize Mrs. Claus, I don't under-"
"Please, call me Carol," She glanced over her shoulder to ensure their privacy, before pulling her hand out of the pocket it had been jammed in for safe keeping, "And I don't want to overstep and intrude, but I would like to know, are you okay?"
The sharp intake of air was answer enough, but Bernard was quick to nod when she moved to put her hand away, allowing Carol to hide the scrap of blood stained rope.
"I…" Bernard sighed, tucking the clipboard into a dusky brown messenger bag over his shoulder, before he carefully pulled up one of the heavy velvet sleeves covering his arms, "Not exactly one hundred percent."
The reluctance and bare minimum display was tell-tale enough for Carol, he was only listening because…technically if Carol understood her childhood stories, she was now his boss. But the red marks that were already darkening into deep bruises were not all that was there, more hidden beneath maroon and bronze fabric.
"Okay…" Carol didn't reach out, shoving the rope scrap deep into her coat before gesturing vaguely across the building, "You said there is about fifteen minutes before you will be monitoring Scott?"
"Yes, but-"
Carol interrupted, kind but firm, "If you have someone available to show me where, I would love to come help you out and learn about the Flight. I'm going to head back and eat, I have no idea what time it is so I have no idea how many meals I've missed today. The door is open if you want."
Slipping away before getting a reply, Carol found not only Quentin ready to help her back, but Judy as well, the she elf smirking in wait to guide the newly-wed Mrs. Claus. Not hearing the heavier boots of a taller person behind her, Carol accepted the result and followed Judy quietly, answering brief questions about food preferences while walking.
Once back in the office, Carol found a set of fluffy fleece pajama bottoms and long wool sweater, the tunic kind that draped midway to the knees. Soft socks and matching slippers were waiting as well, a thick tread on the shoes to be able to walk farther than just around a living area, perfect for trekking inside the main building. A much preferred alternative to her slightly heeled boots that were soaked and pinching. Shedding her coat and outer sweater, Carol stretched subtly and tried to still her nerves. A mug was handed to her without question, and the heavenly aroma earned a soft moan of delight.
Judy set up the simple meal of soup and sandwiches while Carol sampled the finest cocoa she'd ever had, smiling in bliss. Before she could leave the woman to her supper, Carol paused Judy's slipping away.
"You wouldn't happen to have an extra mug nearby would you?"
Whether the Head of Relations knew what Carol was intending, or she was just happy to assist, there wasn't much of a distinction as Judy stepped behind Scott's desk and grabbed one of the silver mugs out from a cabinet.
"Santa always keeps extras in here, I think he enjoys sharing the cocoa as much as he loves drinking it."
Carol beamed, "I can see why, this is amazing."
"Not too hot," Judy stated, "Extra chocolate, shaken not stirred."
The hidden joke would definitely be a story for later, meanwhile Carol tucked in to her meal, waving as Judy left with words to call if needed and someone would always be available for questions.
Sandwiches half gone, and a bit of the soup as well, Carol was feeling a bit more human when voices rose outside the office.
"…but it's not like I knew that this was going to happen!"
"Curtis just stop! It's a miracle we got it all off the ground on time as it is! Now go get Quentin and Levi to double check the radios and start the call checks okay? I'll grab the manifest and meet them down there."
"But why can't I help with the Flight? I'm the Number Two-"
"You're in enough trouble as it is, do you really want to add messing up Santa's Ride to the list?"
The number two elf must have muttered back sullenly, too quiet for Carol to hear through the door, but the shorter of the two shadowed figures outside walked away, leaving the taller to pause in likely frustration before a polite knock clicked on the door.
"Come in."
Bernard was talking even before completely through the entrance, sounding way more flustered than even ten minutes ago, "I'm so sorry for disturbing you Mrs. Claus, I must have gotten distracted and need to get the flight manifest-"
The Head Elf trailed off, stopping in his tracks when Carol just stared with an eyebrow raised in amusement. Shaking his head, Bernard let out a deep sigh, "Right…Principal…"
"For someone as old as you, you'd think you'd be better at lying." Carol teased, not moving from her cozy couch seat while Bernard fidgeted.
"Hey! I'm not-" Bernard snorted, an actual smile appearing for the first time since the wedding…an hour ago, "Okay…yes, I am."
Not allowing her mind to get wrapped up in that train of thought of mortality and life spans, Carol tilted her head in question as Bernard grabbed a leather bound notebook off the antique desk, "Still, I'm sorry for disturbing you, I'll just-"
"Bernard."
This time, he outright sagged, shoulders slumping from the straight hold and looking pretty shaken up. Bernard rubbed at his face with the free hand, massaging his forehead to stave off a headache, "For the record…I am actually really good at lying, today's just not a good day."
Carol stood up slowly, passing the elf the second mug of cocoa in silent comradery, "I don't think it was a good day for anyone."
Another low snort, but Bernard did take the mug a drink deeply, "Says the bride who just got married."
"And," Carol's tone got the elf to look up and meet her gaze, both of their faces lined with stress, "Had my entire belief system as an adult shattered, relationship status turned on its head, plus got into a fight with life-sized tin soldiers. Not the smoothest day considering I woke up heart broken, mad at my family for ditching me right before the holidays, and then get told by one of my most delinquent students that magic and Santa Claus is real and needs me to help save Christmas."
Bernard groaned, "Aw Sport…I'm going to kill that kid."
"I'm guessing you know about Charlie's…" Carol hunted for the right words, "Extra-curricular activities?"
"I was going to say minor crimes and outright truancy with a side of failing his classes," Bernard shrugged, "He's popped on and off the Naughty List a few times in the last couple years, I've kept track with Scott and tried to help but…he wasn't listening to anyone."
"I think all of this," Carol waved around the suite, "Has been a part of that, I can't imagine what holding that secret has been like for him."
Another grimace crossed Bernard's face, this one deeper and truly pained, "Yeah…Charlie basically grew up here until about seventh grade, then the summer long visits turned into barely weekends…and then…I really don't think he's been up here in over a year. Scott wouldn't really give me a straight answer as to why, and Charlie wouldn't tell me either."
"You really care about him-"
"Scott? I don't get why-"
Carol shook her head, "I mean Charlie, Scott I understand, he's Santa…but Charlie, from a working standpoint I can't say that I would have gotten to know my boss's kid unless asked. You on the other hand…I'm guessing it's more than that."
Nodding, Bernard ducked his head a bit to keep the faint blush from being so noticeable, but in doing so shifted the notebook against his arm and hissed, almost dropping it in the process. He set the drained cocoa mug aside, rubbing at his arm through the sleeve and hissing softly.
That earned Carol grabbing his hand, tugging it up while Bernard resigned himself to her focus and pulled up his sleeve.
The welts were not super deep, but had drawn blood in a couple places, the heaviness of the velvet fabric had kept anyone from seeing the red ooze, the cold snowball fight only assisting in slowing the blood flow.
Now, warm and the arms having been in motion, the cuts were not as stable as Carol would have liked.
"Mind if I clean these up? I don't think either of us want others finding this tonight, not after all that's happened." Even before she was done speaking, Bernard was nodding in agreement, silent now that the secret was really out in the open.
Instead of being asked, Bernard lead her into the ensuite bathroom, flicking on extra lights with ease and pulling open a pair of drawers to reveal first aid supplies. It was better that she didn't have to hunt for it, or ask; the Head Elf rather withdrawn as he gave up on shoving at his sleeves and just pulled the heavy shirt off to reveal and lighter t-shirt beneath it. Cleaning the rope burns and cuts was easy, so was wrapping them with gauze to keep the marks hidden until they could heal, concealing the darkening bruises that were going to get a lot worse before they got better.
Carol swallowed tightly once she'd turned away to discard the trash, fighting with herself not to push too far. She didn't actually know what had happened, Curtis had told Charlie where the Toy Santa had taken Bernard, but the woman hadn't caught more than that. Finding the damaged chair and rope…lead her to believe it was a lot worse than just locking the doors.
"Anything else?"
"What?" Bernard was fussing with the bandages, not quite catching the hitch in her voice, "What do you mean?"
"Any other injuries?"
That earned her a low sigh, "This is why I wasn't going to-"
Carol spun, a bit too fast but it got Bernard to stop deflecting, "I know, you don't want others to worry, I don't either. But I am asking if you are okay and need my help. I just-I found the chair and the rope and Scott didn't-"
Bernard jerked to his feet before she could start crying, warm hands on Carol's shoulders in reassurance, "Oh no you don't, Scott's the only one out of the two of you who gets to have nervous breakdowns, kinda in his job description, you on the other hand are going calm down and listen to me, alright?"
There it was again, the smooth redirection, only instead of snide commentary that jolted Scott, Carol received a much nicer teasing version to pull her mind out of spiraling with all the chaos.
"Santa gets nervous breakdowns?"
Bernard grinned, recognizing her jab as he backed off, "You'd be surprised, not in a bad way I mean, but not everything is magical and perfect like children's books. Some of the dirty work is nowhere near impressive. But enough of that," He gestured vaguely towards the dark bedroom, "I promise you, Carol, I'm fine, these were the only lasting effects from that chair. Probably wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't struggled once Scott and Curtis got here-"
"Wait…" Carol stopped Bernard trying to walk away again, "You were tied up in the bedroom and they landed on the balcony right? Why wouldn't they have heard you?"
A look of actual panic flared briefly on the elf's face, before Bernard tried to rapidly backpedal, "No, I-"
"Bernard."
Defeat took over again, and the slump to the elf's frame was almost enough for Carol to step closer without thinking. Bernard jabbed a thumb towards the bedroom and the mess needing to be cleaned up before Scott found it, "I was gagged, they wouldn't have heard me unless the room was open, North Pole glass can be almost sound proof when the doors are shut. Allows Scott to sleep without hearing the workshop echoing all the time when the night shifts start up every year."
"Curtis didn't know where you were locked up." Carol's guess earned a slight flinch, before the elf shook his head.
"No, none of the elves knew, Curtis made a lucky guess after likely finding out my actual residence was vacant and the house arrest they were told I was under had been relocated. That or Charlie figured out that Scott's bedroom was the most secure in all of the North Pole." If it weren't for Bernard's bag beeping in the office, an alarm on a cell phone, Carol might have pressed for more information, or an answer as to the deep lines still marking the Head Elf's face.
For now, she jogged to Scott's closet, pulling at the nearest sweater and handing it to Bernard before he could try to don the blood stained shit, even with the stains hidden in the dark colors.
"Don't even think about it, here-warm and soft, and lighter on those bandages for the night. I'm guessing it's going to be a long one, for all of us."
Nodding in thanks, Bernard left after pulling on the sweater, ignoring how the sleeves draped over his hands repeatedly while he walked. Carol took a few silent moments to clean up the bathroom, studiously refusing to focus on the small blood stains. Unable to sit down just yet, she stalked to the bedroom and yanked on the damaged chair, pulling it into the office and shoving it against the wall so the marks were not as visible. The rope pieces were tossed into the smoldering hearth, eliminating all traces of the bindings in the fire.
Once that was done, logically Carol should have thought about going to bed, she wasn't wrong in that it was going to be a long night, and judging by the trio of clocks on Scott's desk, it was well past three in the morning in her town. Nearing nine pm in New Zealand, Christmas Eve night was truly beginning for the world.
Instead of settling in, Carol rushed through a shower to chase of the last dregs of chills, these from stress and high emotions instead of just the cold air. The new clothes were warm and smelled of vanilla, and the throw blanket she pulled from Scott's bed smelled like cinnamon, and the man himself. Though it made much more sense now why Scott Calvin had always left a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg behind after visiting Carol's office.
Judy reappeared just as Carol was pulling on her new slippers, the elf stepping in to take away the tray and looking a bit confused at how little the woman had eaten.
"Are you alright Mrs. Claus?"
She nodded, "Yep, just got a little distracted, could you actually show me where they're monitoring Scott-Santa and his flight?"
"Can't sleep?" Judy asked, smiling knowingly without an answer.
Carol just smiled, "I don't want to, to be honest, almost unbelievable. With everything I have seen today-"
"Seeing isn't believing," She replied, "Believing is seeing."
Now Carol beamed, fully understanding the hesitancy and begging for acceptance, and then rapid shift into being fully comfortable and at ease…Charlie had been so very different outside his principal's house, compared to the strong teen he'd turned into at the North Pole.
"You must have taught that to Charlie."
Shaking her head, Judy bundled up the food tray, setting it on a cart outside the doors when Carol followed, "No, he always knew that. Santa on the other hand…that was a lesson that took longer. Everyone believes differently, and it can change just like people do. But I don't think you want to get that philosophical tonight. I'll show you the command room, those of us watching out for Santa will be there, and I'll bring more food down once you're settled."
Xxx
Quentin had been working at the North Pole for longer than he could remember…if an elf's memory was really that bad. Which it wasn't.
Rather, he said that, when chatting with new elves nervous about their new jobs and surroundings, or to New Santas, it was a familiar enough turn of phrase that played off the age difference and relaxed those humans especially worried.
Carol Newman-now Claus/Calvin-had smirked a bit at the joke, before taking it in stride after asking where the British accented elf working. That got the Head of Research and Development to introduce the new Mrs. Claus to everyone gathered in the sitting area of the small command zone.
It was actually the communal area for the E.L.F.S. crew, their dorms, storage rooms, training bay, workshop for the jetpacks, and monitoring systems for any and all emergencies now completely centrally located in one part of the main workshop building for ease of access.
Santa had implemented that after getting a full report of the team's deployment the night he ended up in jail and needed help. The streamlining of the team's needs into one location had freed up three other departments for more space and expansion.
Getting to those present by the computers and radio systems, Quentin introduced himself, Joey-the current leader of the E.L.F.S. squad on duty tonight, Maria-North Pole navigator and weather expert, Larry-Stables leader for the reindeer team-he was practically bouncing in his seat over the chatter coming from the other side of the radio, and Bernard-who Carol had already met and was the only one who hadn't been surprised Mrs. Claus had appeared; he'd remained lounging across the desk chair, feet propped up on the table and arms crossed as he stared at the tracking screen.
Mrs. Claus' arrival had been a blessing, in that Judy was bringing food and cocoa much sooner for the monitoring team. Usually as Head of Relations, Judy would have first focused on getting Mrs. Claus completely settled for the night, answering all questions and explaining everything she could until the new person was happy and able to rest. She'd done most of that for Scott Calvin at his arrival, even if the man had been stubborn and confused. Having a Mrs. Claus appear brand new on Christmas had thrown them all for a bit of a loop, but Quentin was astounded and grateful that Mrs. Claus appeared to be diving right in and had almost immediately arrived to join them on their long vigil.
Quentin also suspected it had something to do with Bernard wearing one of Santa's smaller sweaters, but the Head Elf was likely not going to talk about it, not when he was completely focused on the small-talk chatter Santa and his son were going on about, around Santa gently but sternly redirecting Chet about every ten minutes.
It had been every five, but the baby reindeer was slowly figuring it out.
Luckily, the weather globally was supposed to be smooth sailing all night, and Chet was listening to Santa without balking or complaining. Mostly he just couldn't focus for more than about eight minutes give or take, and being harnessed at the very front of the team to counter balance his lack of flight experience wasn't the ideal placement for the baby.
Ideally, both Larry and Maria would have put Chet in the second row up from the sleigh, or the third, depending on the lead team. But seeing as Comet was out of commission for the night and the steadfast reindeer was the team's true lead-Chet got shoved next to Blitzen to offset his lack of strength and the team's gap.
Quentin knew just thinking about it was giving Bernard a headache, especially as both Charlie and Santa had to correct the young reindeer rather loudly as they soared over the Pacific Ocean to Gisborne, prepping for their first landing.
"Hey C'mon Chet! Focus here!"
"Told you this was a bad idea-"
"Maria!"
"Well it is!"
"I agree, he's not big enough-"
"But the sleigh is too heavy for just seven, not until they hit the African continent does it ease up enough the team might have-"
"So not helping Larry-"
"…ease up guys-Whoa! C'mon, I know he's new! Be nice Donner!"
"What, don't want to fly tonight Joey?"
"Who me? I'd rather go nap til after New Year's-"
Before Bernard could even move, Mrs. Claus cleared her throat softly, putting her voice on the microphone when Quentin instantly passed it over.
"Scott honey,"
"Carol?! Hi, how are you? Settling in okay? I didn't mean to just take off like-"
"Scott."
"Yes dear?"
Quentin snorted loudly, earning a glare from Bernard but a smirk from Mrs. Claus; the woman bit back her amusement, tone firm and sounding very much like the principal she was, "Try whistling."
"What now? Chet! Straight line! Blinders might have been a good idea guys…"
Larry winced, sighing in defeat when Maria nudged him slightly, Quentin had been pulled in to rapidly double check the team after the abrupt take off screw up via Toy Santa. Once Chet had been assigned to replace Comet, there had been a heavy argument as to whether or not the baby should wear blinders to keep him safe and focused. Maria had demanded them, Larry had refused, trusting not only the reindeer team as a whole, but also Santa, if he was having trouble already…Joey still might have to fly.
"Scott I'm not joking here."
"I heard you, what am-"
"I got it Dad," Charlie cut Santa off, the loud snap of the reins flicking to keep the team on track making it to the Pole's end of the radio as Santa must have shifted for his son to assist.
Before Quentin could warn the others, it was too late. Charlie's piercing whistle blared over the speakers at full blast, static lacing one of them as it couldn't handle the noise pitch.
While the others cringed, Bernard was rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"An entire summer following me around, and that's what you remember the most?"
"It worked didn't it!"
Grimacing, the Head Elf leaned back in his chair further, "Not in the sleigh Sport, can't see what you're doing."
"Oh so now you admit that-"
"Watch it short stuff-"
"Who you calling short, old-"
"Charlie-"
"You are aware you are still very grounded right?"
"Oops."
Bernard snorted loudly, "And that's just your dad's side of this kid, wait til you come up here next week."
"Yep, I'm dead."
"Told you-"
"Not helping Dad-"
"Still digging yourself a hole Charlie."
"Bernard!"
Santa laughed at the Head Elf and teen, "Anyway, he's right though Bernard, that whistle of yours is working. Hopefully Chet gets smoother, dropping Charlie at his mom's. Can't have him whistling all night. Nice call Carol."
She smirked, blushing a little when Maria praised her as well, "Thanks. How's New Zealand looking?"
"Dark."
"Dad!"
"What? It's dark out!"
While the conversation delved back into rambling small talk, Mrs. Claus jumping in when Santa prompted, Quentin took a minute to watch Bernard. The Head Elf not getting up when Judy arrived with a cart full of food. It wasn't unusual for Bernard to not pay attention on Christmas Eve, especially during the Flight. But this was after a really crazy day and Quentin knew there was more than just holiday exhaustion that the elf was hiding.
Mrs. Claus knew it too, and after passing the radio to Maria to double check Santa's inbound route to the first city, the woman had fixed two plates, setting one directly in Bernard's lap before sitting with her own. When the Head Elf glanced at her in confusion, she didn't move. As in she wasn't eating, just staring at Bernard in silence.
It took the pair only about twenty seconds, before Bernard guessed her ploy and began to eat, barely managing not to inhale the sandwiches while Mrs. Claus went on a bit slower.
Glancing on the R&D Head, Mrs. Claus winked, earning a wide grin from Quentin as he toasted her silently with his cocoa.
Bernard caught the exchange, glaring at Quentin a little but turning his focus back to the screens as Santa began his deliveries.
While it was going to be a long night, Mrs. Claus was definitely going to make it smoother, or at least more entertaining.
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