Disclaimer: Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones is a belonging to his respective corporation and creator: Nintendo and Intelligent Systems. The following characters belong to the author.

Adrion: A recruit from Renais in training to become just like Seth.

Adam: A journeyman from Frelia in training to become Frelia's first hero.

Nicole: A young maiden from Rausten. The uptight best friend of L'Arachel.


Ephraim and Eirika – The Sacred Twin Life
The One with the Sacred Stone Ball—

-Castle Renais-

The front portal banged from outside. Seth, a knight general in service of the kingdom of Renais, ran to open the portal and saw standing there a mail carrier.

The mail carrier handed a four-sheet clipboard to Seth, "special delivery for…Seth of Renais?"

Seth puckered, "This is he… what's going on? I'm not expecting any gifts."

"Sir, it's my job to deliver packages, not accusations."

"I'm not making accusa—"

The mail carrier turned around, made a signal and there came in thirty transporters, each carrying about a dozen Christmas gifts in convoys. From small boxes to heavy carriages, it kept coming.

"What the—" Seth gasped at that sight, "What are all those gifts? From whom do they come from?"

The mail carrier glared at Seth, "You."

"Me?"

"Looks like somebody has not just being nice this year," The mail carrier patted Seth's back, "but he has been an angel. Now sign here."

Seth signed the clipboard and the mail carrier left with the transporters. The gifts took much of the hall's space. Eirika entered the hall; saw the gifts, then Seth. She smiled.

"Princess Eirika!" Seth warned her, "Please don't say anything!" He panicked as Eirika approached him, "And don't try anything stupid!"

"Well, aren't you Santa's pet?" Eirika mumbled and playfully slapped Seth's cheek, as if addressing to a toddler. She then left with a trail of laughter.


-Frelia Family Hall-

The family hall of Frelia was as large as a living room. The room was painted in marble white and two pillars accented in gold trim were leading towards the main hall. The chesterfields, the carpet, and beanbags were all of white color and tapestries. The Christmas tree, standing proudly next to the sitting area, was as white as snow and adorned in silver and blue ornaments. A wide screen television hanged at a wall, playing a certain documentary of Magvel. Sitting on the chesterfields and watching the documentary were Eirika, Ephraim, Tana, Innes, and Lyon.

The holidays at Magvel were always mild and moist. Snow rarely entered the continent but this year a heavy snowstorm was schedule to hit in the upper areas by Christmas Eve. Since Frelia, Rausten, and Carcino were the upper areas of Magvel, the twins and Lyon have decided to leave their kingdom and spend the holidays at the venerable sage king's castle. They have never experienced snow before and checking it out will be their greatest Christmas wish coming true.

Fado entered the scene, wearing a "Kiss the cook" apron and carrying on one hand a large spoon dripping of eggnog. His other hand held below the spoon, "Hey kids! Taste this and tell me what do you think?" Fado offered the spoon to the five friends.

"King Fado!" Tana cried, "I understand your stress, but please don't take it on the furniture!"

"I'll taste it." Lyon volunteered.

"What's going on Father?" Eirika asked.

"We're trying to create a recipe: eggnog cake." Fado said.

"Eggnog cakes?" Innes repeated.

"What's that?" Ephraim asked.

"It's a dish Hayden, Vigarde, and Ismaire came up with." Fado exclaimed, "It's like sugar balls. Coffee cakes. Except it's for eggnog!"

"Oh, so technically, it's eggnog balls?" Ephraim figured.

Fado blinked, looked up the ceiling in deep thinking, "I haven't thought of that."

"Is it good?" the cry of Hayden sounded from the kitchen across the hall.

"Is it too sugary? Cause we don't want to start it all over!" Vigarde's voice followed.

Everyone, including Fado, glanced at Lyon. The imperial prince tasted the eggnog and frowned, "too bland."

"Too bland!" Fado cried across the hall.

"BLAND? We've wasted sugar for that!" Ismaire's voice replied.

Fado ran back in the kitchen. An advertisement caught the five friend's attention, "Are you ready for Christmas? Then if yes, come celebrate the season with our 800th Annual Sacred Stone Ball at the Frozen Narube River and the Rausten Court Ice Hall!"

Tana, Innes, and Lyon jerked their heads excitingly. The twins only smiled at the sight. "The Sacred Stone Ball is coming to town!" Tana squealed.

"It's not coming to town. It's coming to Rausten!" Innes corrected, "I've always wanted to go there!"

"I've heard about it, but what's that?" Ephraim asked.

"Is it like a competition?" Eirika guessed.

"The best one EVER!" Tana squealed, "It is held every year around Christmas Eve!"

"The dancing king and queen winners get showered in gifts in expensive goods." The TV blared again, "So don't let this opportunity pass you by! Get tickets today!"

The twins' eyes boggled. They looked at each other then back at the TV. "Gifts?" they yelled together.

"I remember my first time at the ball." Lyon reminisced, "The lights were blazing joyfully. The people were happy. It was the best night ever."

"Did you won Lyon?" Tana asked him.

"No."

"Why? What happened?" Eirika was concerned.

"Well, the girl I dance with for instance was a real Scrooge-and-Grinch fusion," he said, "plus she was a bad dancer."

"We should go to Rausten and enter!" Tana proposed, and everyone except Ephraim agreed simultaneously. "Nah. I don't want to." Ephraim said.

"Why not Ephraim?" Eirika asked, "you were ecstatic about it just now."

"Yeah! The fact that I really want to be in the contest and dance my way to the finals, but remember my ice rink phobia?"

"Oh that." Eirika sighed in disappointment.

"Ice rink phobia?" Innes rose an eyebrow.

"Yeah." Eirika replied, "when we were kids, Ephraim once skated on an ice rink, and it cracked open and he fell!" she chortled at these last words and the threesome let out roars of laughter.

Ephraim didn't find this amusing, "that's not funny. I had to stay in my room until summer!"

"I'm sorry Eph." Eirika said, "But it's too bad I won't be dancing with you."

Innes immediately declared, "Why don't we go to Rausten together. I'll take Eirika to the ball."

Eirika gasped. Ephraim felt floored, "you'll do that for me? You'll… take me to the Sacred Stone Ball?"

"Why not? It'll be fun wouldn't it?" Innes smiled. Eirika wrapped her arms around Innes and gave him a firm hug.

"Oh, Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" she squealed.

"When I do that to you Innes, you reject me." Tana crossed her arms.

"That's because you embarrass me." Innes said.

"And Eirika is not?" Ephraim glared.

"Eirika is a friend." Innes replied, "It's easier with friends than with siblings."

"Really?" Lyon approached Innes, but the prince formed a halt sign at him, "Stop right there! I meant girl friends."

Ephraim raised an eyebrow. Eirika glared at him. Tana and Lyon both shook their head all while Innes stammered, "You know what I mean!"


-Renais Great Hall-

Sitting around a large round table made of fine glass material were Seth, Adrion, Adam, Gilliam, and Joshua. Sitting on and around the table, taking much the hall's space, were Seth's precious gifts. Seth glared at them, practically drooling. His attention focused on a small box, wrapped in white wrapping and a gold bonnet, resting right in front of him.

"Do it!" Adrion provoked, "Open it and let's not talk about it no more."

"Sigh! What are you waiting for?" Gilliam complained, "Are you going to open it or not?"

"I think he's trying to make a bet on whether he will or something." Joshua flipped his coin, tempting Seth even more.

Seth's shoulders sunk as he pulled out a landscape-size cardboard that read "Do not open till Xmas," and was underlined in red and green.

Adam grabbed the cardboard from Seth and snorted, "Christmas? Like everyone's gonna follow that rule." He ripped the cardboard in pieces. Seth was horrified at the sight, "What the—?"

"Adam has a point." Gilliam said, "I mean think about it. Would those who sent you the gifts be watching you? Are they watching you now?"

The foursome leaned to Seth, their eyes fixed on him. Seth returned them the glare, "You are." He said blankly.

Gilliam looked up the ceiling, "Yeah that's true…"

"I'm curious Silver Knight," Adrion was at the edge of his seat, "who sent you these gifts?"

Seth picked up the box in white wrappings and gold bow, placed it near his ear and shook it, "my family." His response bought awe to the group.

"Really?" Joshua breathed.

"Wow! It must be large." Gilliam commented.

"It is." Seth replied, "From my mother's side. Most of them are in Rausten, but they're basically all scattered around the continent. I'm the only one here in Renais."

"I remember our first Christmas in Renais," Adam reminisced, "Our family sent us for Christmas a large basket of meat and cheese." He faced his brother, "remember that?"

Adrion nodded in agreement, "Yeah! What about last year's fruitcake! Disgusting and hard as a rock even. Gag."

"All right you two." Gilliam chuckled, "It may not be the best present, but still…"

"So what is it?" Joshua asked Seth after seeing him ripped open the small wrapped box.

Seth withdrew an oyster shell, cracked it open and was moved at what he saw, "It's a pearl!"

"A pearl?" They cried.

Adam scoffed, "What kind of a lowly pathetic gift is that?"

Seth sighed, the pearl held by his chest, "it once belonged to my great-great-grandmother."

"It's magnificent!" They changed tune and ran to admire the jewel.


-Rausten Court Garden-

"Oh my goodness!" L'Arachel admired the Rausten Garden, shaded in majestic frozen ice. "This is beautiful!"

"You think so Princess L'Arachel?" A soldier, working on the setting along with few others, asked.

"Absolutely! The people who'll attend this event are gonna love it."

The soldier smiled and returned to work. Everyone at Rausten was getting prepared for the Sacred Stone Ball Event and already they were finishing up with few touches. The snow-covered trees gracefully stood tall at every edge of the rink, and each had a glowing light at their very top.

L'Arachel finds Dozla entering the scene and rushed to him, "huh Dozla?"

Dozla smiled, "Ho-Oh! Princess L'Arachel! How fare you?"

L'Arachel sighed, "Well, there's something I have to tell you. It has been on my mind ever since the holiday season started."

"Oh?"

"…I think Santa Claus is a myth."

Dozla's pupils dilated, "A myth?" his voice went low-deep and his head cocked on one side menacingly, "What do you mean it's a myth?"

"I mean he doesn't exist."

Dozla burst out laughing uproariously, "You're kidding right? HEE-HEE!"

L'Arachel's silence confirmed it. Dozla abruptly stopped his laughter to gnash his teeth, "You're not kidding."

"I mean think about it," L'Arachel wrapped her arm around Dozla's shoulders, gazed in the ceiling, and raised her arm up, "How possible is it, to leave presents in every homes and castles, of every lands, of every states, of every nations, of every continents, of the world in just one night?"

"He could use the Warp Staff." Dozla argued.

"Yes." L'Arachel replied, "but see, the Warp Staff has limited powers, plus it takes time to take effect."

"But he could have a lot of Warp Staves."

"But he couldn't."

Dozla giggled mirthlessly, and was now his turn to wrap his arm around L'Arachel shoulders, "Okay, before we get into a debate here, don't you think you're giving up too easily on your beliefs?"

"So you think it's a myth?"

"IT'S NOT A MY—" he stopped short and cleared his throat, "I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry. But come on, there's plenty of other reasons that prove Santa's existence."

L'Arachel became interested, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah! The milk and cookies. You leave them at the table one night, the next day they're gone." He shrugged.

L'Arachel smiled and rubbed her chin in thought. Dozla continued, "I mean think about it. It's not like the milk and cookies are going to walk away in the middle of the night."

"I guess you're right."

"See?"

"But I'm not buying it."

"WHY NOT?"

"For starters, Uncle wakes up every night for his midnight snack." She replied, "What do you think he'll find there sitting at the table?"

Dozla, admitting defeat, huffed angrily, "All right. Let's make a bet. Christmas Eve, we'll leave two plates of cookies and glasses of milk. One will be for Pontifex Mansel, but the other will be exclusively for Santa. We'll wait behind the pillars and we'll wait for Santa Claus to come and grab his treats. Whoever's right about Santa will get 50g."

"100."

"150."

"200."

"Done!"

Dozla and L'Arachel shook hands.


-Frelia Kitchen-

"Beautiful! I think we've done it!" Ismaire rejoiced at the sight of a multitude of well-baked eggnog balls on different oven plates. The monarchs gathered in the kitchen to see their work.

"Are you sure about this?" Hayden asked, "Cause we can't afford any mistakes."

"We should taste them first." Fado offered. Vigarde picked one eggnog ball and took a bite. The monarchs leaned to him. Vigarde licked his lips, "delicious! We did it guys!"

"All right!" The monarchs gave each other a high-five.

"Now all we have to do is head for Rausten and see what the audience thinks." Ismaire proposed.

"Yeah! Let's do that!" Fado replied, and the monarchs took leave. At the same time, two chefs—a blond and a brunette crossed path with the kings.

"You too are in charge of the kitchen right?" Hayden asked the chefs.

"Yes Your Majesty." The brunette chef said.

"Good. Don't forget to take it to the convoy." he said, "We're heading for Rausten."

"Yes sir." The blond chef said.

The kings left the kitchen and the two chefs entered it. They gasped at the multitude of eggnog balls they have made from scratch.

"Holly Molly! Are all of these…the eggnog balls?" the blond chef exclaimed.

"Yeah, for how long have they done that?" the brunette chef questioned, "It's a lot!"

"A lot indeed…well let's get moving shall we."

"Wait a minute." The brunette chef stopped the blond chef at his track.

"What?"

"A quick question," he gasped, "usually when you bake, you add a little…baking powder right?"

"Yeah of course. Why do you ask? Aren't you a professional chef?"

"Oh I am all right. But the kings aren't." he pointed at a small bottle of white powder, inscribed on the bottle bought shock to the duo.

"Baby powder!" they gasped.

Hayden came in the kitchen and immediately overheard them. His jaw dropped.

--- --- ---

"What am I hearing?" the venerable sage king approached the two chefs, catching them off-guard. They hesitated.

"Err…we were talking about…" the blonde chef muttered, "balling power. Yeah?"

"Yeah!" the brunette chef answered, "balling power. Get it! Squawk!"

Hayden stood silent. The chef stopped laughing and cleared their throats, "You…you heard us did you, Your Majesty?"

"Every word."

The chefs gulped. Hayden felt frustrated, "I can't believe this! We've worked for how long to make perfectly good eggnog balls: almost twelve hours and still nothing!" he sat at one of the chairs, "Sigh…What are we going to do?"

"I've got it!" the brunette chef beamed, "Let's not talk."

Hayden glared, "Not talk? You mean, staying silent?"

"Yeah…" the blonde chef agreed, "I mean eating a delicious eggnog ball? Phsaw! What's the harm in that?"

"IT HAS BABY POWDER ON THEM!" Hayden screamed, "Do you not understand the word: Baby powder?"

"I ate baby powder when I was a kid." The brunette chef disclosed. Hayden threw off his arms in surrender. The brunette chef continued, "Yeah, like my friend said, what could possibly go wrong?"

The chef picked a ball, took a heavy bite and out of the ball and his mouth transpired white smokes from the powder. The chef coughed and choked incessantly. The blond chef pulled out a vanilla whip cream spray and shot it inside his companion's mouth, ceasing the smoke. The brunette chef hanged his foaming mouth open, "See!" he uttered.

Hayden blinked, "That wasn't supposed to happen!"

"But it kinda did." The blond chef replied.

"Vigarde took a bite and it was delicious!"

"Perhaps…" the brunette chef muffled, "he hasn't eaten the whole of it."

The blond chef nodded, "True that."

Hayden slapped his face.


-Rausten Court Family Hall-

Dozla, L'Arachel, and Rennac hid behind a large pillar, as they stared at two plates of butter cookies and two glasses of fresh milks at a nearby stool, facing the crisping fireplace of the family hall. The Christmas tree lights shone brightly, making radiant reflection to the adorned ornaments and the candlelit chandeliers.

Rennac sighed frustratingly, "Why do we have to wait behind the pillars?"

"We're waiting for Santa Claus, Rennac." L'Arachel told him.

"It's five o'clock in the afternoon!" he hissed, "Surely Santa will not come at this time!"

"According to Dozla," she explained, "he leaves the North Pole at approximately two o'clock in the morning… yesterday, which means his trip around the world, including here in Magvel, will be over between eleven o'clock and midnight tonight."

"And you believe him?" Rennac muttered.

"Rennac," Dozla said, "you must understand the theory of speed and time in order to figure out Santa's existence. Including the theory of magic, this is down on the count, and a little something-something to prove it all, hence the milk and cookies."

Rennac simply rolled his eyes, "the milk and cookies. Yeah, how about the theory of you-being-a-pinhead?"

"Rennac!" L'Arachel scolded, "Stop being so negative! You don't want Santa to put your name on his naughty list, do you?"

"As long as he's the stuff of fairy tale, I'm always on his naughty list." Rennac said.


-Castle Renais-

Seth kept ripping through his gifts like a happy child on Christmas Day. Almost half of his gifts had their wrappings taken off. Seth received expensive scarves, shiny bracelets, capes, costumes, musical instruments, perfumes, precious stones, statues, swords, lances, gems, cashmere and even expensive French hens and electronics. Adam, Adrion, Joshua, and Gilliam stared at him wearingly.

"How long will this go on?" Gilliam moaned.

"Until all of my gifts are unwrapped!" Seth shrugged, "Duh!"

"Why can't you wait until Christmas?" Joshua asked.

Seth trembled at the thought. He then eventually shot a glare at Joshua, "Oh I see what's going on here?" he then focused his attention on the guys as well, "Not long ago, you're all pressuring me into opening my Christmas presents, and now you're all 'Let's wait until Christmas.' Are you like trying to play innocent with me and then BAM! …Run away with all of my goodies?"

The guys looked at each other. "Well," Adrion gulped, "As much as we're craving to do that… it wouldn't be fair to open all of those gifts now and on Christmas Day, while everyone will be opening their gifts, you'll be all…my gifts are boring and such. Because you'll have played with them for long."

"But Christmas is too long…" Seth bleated.

"It's tomorrow!" Adam cried.

Seth stared at him, "It is?"

Adam rolled his eyes. "b-but still…" Seth opened up a box and drew out of it a familiar Chia head. He gasped.

"It's Chia Fado!"

Everyone gathered to check out the 12-pound Chia head-shaped of a grumpy King Fado.

"Chia Fado?" Adrion squealed, "I've always wanted this toy!"

"Cool! Can't I play with it? I wanna grow its hair." Gilliam beamed.

"But I wanna grow its hair!" Joshua implored.

"Me too!" Adam whined.

"W-Wait a minute!" Seth interrupted, got up, and swept all the ripped wrappings. "You guys listen up!"

Everyone stared at Seth. The knight cleared his throat, "I've decided to listen to you all. From now on, whenever I am about to open a gift, no matter what size or height it is, please stop me."

"Got it!" they all said in unison. There was an uneasy silence between the group. Seth stared down at his gifts, a waterfall of dribbles hanged between his lips. "Give me those gifts!"

"Get him!" Gilliam signaled and everyone jumped in on Seth, restraining him from his gifts.


-Narube River-

The frozen Narube River was filled with an overwhelming crowd, all bundled in coats and gloves in the chilly afternoon. Everything, decorations, competitors, even news crew, and broadcasters were set for the Sacred Stone Ball. The Sacred Stone Ball was an ice-skating competition that took place in the afternoon and evening of every Christmas Eves. The winner was to be showered in expensive gifts from Magvel's fine retailers and boutiques.

"Welcome to our 800th Annual Sacred Stone Ball!" The host—a wyvern lord journalist, along with his crew wyvern riders announced, "Please take your seat, cause this year promises to be a blast!"

The competition was underway: some couples performed the tango; others flipped each other up in the air like acrobats, and other did a European dance and clapped hands. The crowd was amazed but it felt amateurish for some competitors. It was the same thing over and over until one couple took the stage: a berserker and a sage. (The music playing in the background was "Good Rockin' Tonight")

The berserker and the sage did the tango at first, following a slide, then a hint of foxtrot. They stopped after the foxtrot and the sage fake-slapped the berserker, and then the berserker flipped in the air and formed himself into a ball. The sage followed with basic sidesteps moves. This move was as if the sage was rolling a yoyo on the floor. The sage then bend her back, her hands and feet firmly planted on the floor. The berserker rolled back into normal shape, flipped backward and stood on the sage's stomach. The sage, in her position, began walking like a scorpion and the berserker moved in rhythm. The berserker jumped off the sage who returned to her normal shape, held each other's hand and with their other hand flashed a peace sign. The performance made the crowd roaring and whistling with excitement.

"Give it up for the World-Bestest Skating Performers," the wyvern reporter cried, "…Largo and Calill!"

Watching from outside the rink were the five friends. They were applauding Largo and Calill's performances. "That was awesome!" Lyon stated, "I've never seen such dance moves before!"

"I hope you guys are ready." Tana faced Eirika and Innes. The duo was elegant in their dancing costumes. Innes was in a black torero costume accented with a ruffled-white cuffs and a handkerchief attached by his neck. He also had on his raven-shining skating shoes. Innes's hair was well-combed from the front. Eirika had on a midnight blue skating dress garlanded in bright dots that resembled stars, which was backless and its skirt reached her knees. Her skating shoes unlike Innes were white, laced, and reached two inches above her ankles. She wore snow-white compatible gloves.

"We are good and ready," Innes said as his eyes glued on Largo and Calill. The competitive duo returned the glare.

"We'll crush those guys." Eirika said.

"I hope not." Ephraim muttered.

"What did you say Ephraim?"

"I hope so."

"Up next," the reporter yelled, "It's the sensational Eirika and Innes!"

"Wish us luck!" Innes said as the duo both entered the ice rink.

"Good luck!" All, except Ephraim cried out.

The music "Good Rockin' Tonight" played again. Eirika fake-slapped Innes then Innes jumped behind Eirika and the duo moved in rhythm. They separate, still moving in rhythm. Then they joined up again and flashed their arms up in the air.

Ephraim, Tana, and Lyon's jaws dropped at the sight of Eirika and Innes's dance. "They got skills!" Tana gasped.

"For how long did they practice?" Ephraim asked.

"Since yesterday." Lyon answered, "I never knew they got to this situation where… they are totally expert."

"Tell me about it." Tana breathed.

Eirika jumped on Innes and both turned their heads. Their expression looked quite serious. Eirika did the slide and Innes helped. The duo both turned facing each other again. Eirika bended forward, Innes leaned back, and vice-versa. They did the Cancan next and hereafter Innes grabbed Eirika's hand and the princess twirled towards him. Both duo twirled and formed a tornado. What seemed like snowflakes blew out from them, mesmerizing the audience. Finally they flashed their arms up the air again for the big finish. The performance had the crowd on their feet.

"What a performance!" the reporter gasped, "This bound to be one awesome competition! Give it up for Eirika and Innes y'all!"

Innes and Eirika ran to hug Lyon, Tana, and Ephraim.

"That was awesome girl!" Tana exclaimed.

"You think?" Eirika breathed heavily.

"I know!"

"We are sensational." Innes drew out a large amount of sweat off his forehead.

"You do know that this is a rock-n-roll song." Ephraim inquired.

"Of course I did." Innes said, "What did you think, Eph?"

Largo and Calill approached the friends, "What a performance!" Largo exclaimed, "We've seen competition in our land, but not as good as this."

"Silver-haired boy and Eirika," Calill said, "We should have you over at Tellius sometimes. We'll make you stars and go on tour… if you have a chance of winning of course."

"Gee thanks." Innes scratched his head.

"Who are you too anyway?" Lyon asked.

"Name's Largo," Largo introduced, "This partner here is Calill. We're the best!"

Calill snorted, "Yeah, what he said."

"The results are here." The reporter cried, "Only two performers will be going to the grand final at Rausten Court Ice Hall. The finalists are…"

Eirika's heart began racing. Innes however felt confident. The wyvern reporter pulled out a piece of paper from an envelope and read, "…Largo and Calill…"

The crowd began cheering as the berserker and the sage took the stage and waved to the audience.

"…and Eirika and Innes!"

Eirika was speechless. Hearing her name and Innes's in the list of finalists was joy enough to make her mute. Tana and Lyon both squealed in excitement. Innes haughtily smiled and Ephraim couldn't help but form a smirk for his sister.

"We did it!" Innes cried, "Come on Eirika! The stage awaits!"

"Congratulations!" Innes and Lyon cried out.

Innes and Eirika entered the ice rink and waved to the cheering audience. Lyon faced Ephraim, "Aren't you happy for your sister Ephraim?"

"I am…" He reluctantly replied, "…very happy for them."


-Rausten Court Guest Room-

Finalists and other competitors of the Sacred Stone Ball were to stay at Rausten Court's Guest Hall. The hall was large and had enough doors leading to many personal guest chambers. Innes and Eirika were led to the far-west guest chamber to celebrate their success in making it to the finals. The chamber was large and white as marble. It had a spiral stair that led to the bedrooms. The main level had a dining table, chesterfields, and a coffee table around, with a telegram in addition. The four friends entered together chattering amongst themselves. Ephraim, eating a banana trailed behind.

"Can you believe it?" Eirika gasped, "We're at the finals!"

"Oh I believe it or not," Innes replied, "We are."

The four friends climbed the spiral stairway. Ephraim glanced at the stairs.

"So where do you think is the Rausten Ice Hall?" Lyon asked.

"Gee, come to think of it…" Innes thought, "I've no idea."

"I've asked one of the chambermaids while we were coming." Tana said, "The Ice Hall is where the Rausten Garden used to be."

"The one that led to the throne room?" Eirika asked, "Where we had that slumber party?"

"That's the one."

While the friends continued chatting, Ephraim began studying the stairs' length and height, his banana still in his hand. He took five steps up, looked downstairs then up the stairs. It was at that moment he mustered a menacing smile.

"Where's Ephraim anyway?" Eirika looked around, "I haven't seen him since the competition."

The friends looked around and saw that he was missing as well, "Yeah," Lyon replied, "Come to think of it, I thought he was with us not long ago."

"I hope he didn't get lost." Innes said.

Just then, Ephraim's voice called from downstairs, "Hey Innes! King Hayden is sending a telegram! He's asking for your well-being!"

Innes threw a glance downstairs and saw Ephraim in contact with the telegram. Eirika, Tana, and Lyon peeked in as well.

"Hey Ephraim," Eirika called, "I thought you were lost!"

"I wasn't lost. I just arrived." He replied.

"Why would Father ask for my well-being?" Innes faced the friends as he walked down the stairs, "perhaps he wants to congratulate me on that awesome performance we did in the—"

Innes was cut off short as he slipped on a banana peel, took flight, and landed hard on the floor. Everyone watched in horror.

"BROTHER!" Tana gasped.

"Sweet Saint Latona!" Lyon trembled.

"INNES! ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?" Eirika cried.

"OW!" Innes groaned in pain.

"BROTHER! ARE YOU OKAY?" Tana cried.

"Yeah…" he looked up, "I think I hurt my ankle pretty bad…"

"I think we lost him…" Ephraim turned his attention to Innes and cocked his head one side, "…why are you on the floor?"

--------

-Rausten Court Guest Room-

"Innes! What happened?" Tana cried in horror.

"I dunno! I dunno!" Innes replied, "I was walking down the stairs, probably slipped on some… banana peel on the way and here I was flying!" he sighed then faced Eirika, "I'm sorry to tell you this Eirika but there's a chance I won't be competing in the finals with you."

Ephraim secretly pumped his fist in the air, but Eirika couldn't help but show disappointment.

"What?" she cried, "You can't—we…we're on a winning streak here. I mean, did you see those judges? How wild they were? A-And the crowd?"

Innes sighed, "I know, but… I'm sorry."

"That's a bummer." Tana exclaimed, "You're so good in the rink. I mean, who could replace you?"

Ephraim leaned in front of the friends and giggled mirthlessly, "I will!" The foursome stared at him.

"You?" They all responded simultaneously.

"Ephraim brother." Eirika approached her twin brother, "you have ice issues. You can't skate."

"I can and I will." Ephraim argued.

Now it was Innes's turn to raise an eyebrow, "you seem desperate Ephraim." He said, "by your behavior, it seems that we know the true story."

Ephraim's eyes enlarged. Everyone, even Eirika turned to face Innes, "What true story?" Eirika curiously inquired.

Ephraim shook his head at Innes. The Frelian prince continued, "The fact that Ephraim was inspired by my look and grace on the rink. And with my ankle sprained, he's desperate to follow my step."

Ephraim took turn to raise an eyebrow, but quickly replied, "Yeah, that's right!"

Eirika placed a hand on her hip, "Since when do you worship Innes's look and grace on the rink?"

"Since I was in the Christmas spirit," Ephraim replied, "Now are we going to go for it or not?"

Eirika's sigh showed that she was not too keyed up into going to the finals with her twin brother as her skating partner, "Yeah, yeah whatever." She said, "But we should revise the basics if you're up for it."

"I'm up for it."


-Narube River-

The night has fallen in Rausten and Eirika and Ephraim were alone at the skating rink. Eirika nudged Ephraim near the ice rink. As soon as he made contact with the ice, he freaked out and left. Eirika gave him another chance and nudged him near the ice rink. This time, she didn't let go of it until they both entered the rink. She finally let him go and after almost losing his balance a few times, Ephraim ultimately fell flat on his face. Eirika, once again, gave him another chance. After few nudging, Ephraim is now getting comfortable with the ice. Yet as he heard a crack from nearby, he freaks out and ran onto Eirika. Both twins fell flat on their face. The crack heard from nearby was only a tree which was cut from afar by a worker. The worker glanced at the twins, his head cocked on one side. After few more face falling and few more nudging, Ephraim stood on the ice the longest and was able to skate. Eirika, feeling sure to win the competition, jumped of joy and ran to hug Ephraim.


-Rausten Court Ice Hall-

The Rausten Court Garden had been turned into a majestic ice rink. Now the garden is now christened the Ice Hall, in occasion of the Sacred Stone Ball Finals. A huge cheering crowd filled the hall, anxious to check out their favorite skaters.

"Welcome back to our Annual Sacred Stone Ball!" the host replied, "We're down for the final competition and we have two of our awesome pairs of skaters ready to take our feet up in the air. Well, our feet are already in the air, right Yren?" he addressed his wyvern, who smiled back.

Ephraim and Eirika were both elegantly dressed. Ephraim wore a shiny white puffy shirt and ivory pants. His hair was well-combed from the front. Eirika was in an ivory skating dress with a white-ruffled skirt reaching her knees. Her white elegant gloves reached her elbows. Eirika's hair was styled in a messy bun. Standing outside the rink were Tana, Lyon, and Innes. Innes was back in his normal clothing in addition with the crutches he stood on.

"Wow Eirika! You look…stunning," he complimented Eirika's beauty. Eirika grinned from ear to ear but Ephraim frowned. Innes continued, "I mean…you got fashion! You're sure to win this. You…are…fabulous."

"Gee thanks." Eirika smiled.

"You are…gosh! I don't know what to say…"

"Then, don't." Ephraim interrupted.

"What's wrong Ephraim?" Tana asked, "Innes is just being polite. Eirika is beautiful."

"Indeed." Lyon agreed.

"So what if she is?" Ephraim snapped and faced Innes again, "You don't have to moo her."

Everyone gasped in replied to Ephraim's rudeness. Eirika bumped his shoulder, "Ephraim!" she snapped, "Be nice! He's been supportive."

"It's okay Eirika." Innes approached Ephraim, unsteadily in his crutches, "Now Prince Renais," he began, "from your tone of voice, it seems as though you were planning to see me fall and out of the competition so that you could swoop in here and take my place."

"Well then maybe I was."

Everyone gasped in horror at Ephraim's words. Ephraim quickly realized what he had said and put his hands on his lips. Eirika glared at her brother cruelly. Innes did not say anything.

"Oh no you didn't." Tana whimpered.

"You…couldn't." Lyon shook his head.

Ephraim looked around then faced his fuming twin sister who approached him, "Ephraim. Did you do this to Innes? Were you the one responsible for Innes's sprained ankle?" She pointed her finger to Innes's crutches.

Ephraim grinned nervously, "well…"

Eirika's mouth hanged open. Ephraim began stammering, his hand held up in front, "before we stepped into the wrong foot here, I…OW!"

Eirika angrily stomped Ephraim's foot, practically crunching the toes and turned away. Approaching the duo and also dressed similar to the twins were the competing finalists Largo and Calill.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't our two finalists." Calill giggled.

"Eirika and… wait a minute!" Largo glanced at Ephraim, then Innes, and back, "Silver haired boy. You're on crutches!"

Innes shrugged, "yeah. And we know who made it happen." He glared at Ephraim, who was too busy with his toes to glare back.

Calill clicked her tongue, "That's a shame honey."

"Yeah." Largo said, "We were eager to compete with you two. Silver hair here is like a god in the rink."

"And with things changing between you two," Calill added, "you're nothing but random competition. We must crush you."

With these words they left.

"Yeah?" Ephraim cried, "Well bring it on then!"

"Up next," the reporter cried, "The world-Bestest skating duo, Largo and Calill!"

Largo and Calill entered the rink and performed in rhythm to the instrumental music of "Sleigh Ride." At the same time, the monarchs scampered around the large crowd, selling their eggnog balls on platters accompanying with fresh milk. Hayden was with Fado, while Vigarde was with Ismaire. The chefs were separated in both groups.

"It seems our customers are enjoying our dishes. Check it out." Fado gleamed as he saw one of his customers munching on his eggnog ball he just purchased. Hayden and the blond chef noticed as well. It seems as if it all went well, until Fado turned his back. The customer rushed off the scene, coughing up smoke and attempting to gag. Hayden and the blond chef grimaced.

"Did you notice?" Fado smiled at his friend.

"Yeah, I did." He grinned nervously, "so…noticeable." The blond chef nodded.

"Squeal! I'm so pumped up! Let's sell some more!" Fado rushed through the crowd to sell more eggnog balls, but Hayden took the eggnog platter from Fado, "I don't this is such a good idea."

"What? Why not?"

"Well…it's just that…" the king couldn't think of a possible lie that could let Fado buy it, until the blond chef interrupted, "Some of our customers might not like eggnog." Hayden nodded.

Fado squinted, "Not like eggnog?" he began arguing, "Who does not like eggnog? Everybody loves eggnog! Those who don't like eggnog aren't human. They're Grinches."

Hayden raised his hand, "I don't like eggnog."

"Okay, then you aren't human…" He took the platter from Hayden and glared at him, "Grinch." He walked back toward the crowd. Hayden and the blond chef began panicking.

"What are we going to do?" the blond chef quivered.

"You know this is all your fault." Hayden snapped.

"M-My fault!" the blond chef gasped, "How is that my fault Your Majesty?"

"You dragged me into it!" Hayden replied, "How can you drag your king into this mess! You should have been fired! You and your accomplice."

"But you weren't supposed to overhear us!"

Hayden looked up the sky, "True that."

Hayden and the blond chef followed Fado. "We got delicious eggnog balls here. Try them, it's tasty."

"I'll try it." Nicole raised her hand among the crowd. As she approached Fado to pick one ball, she flinched, "King Fado? Wh-What are you doing here, dressed like that?" she remarked the king's floozy merchant costume.

"Nicole! Good to see you two." Fado greeted, "I'm making profits."

The blond chef gasped, "This is bad. King Fado is speaking with Lady Nicole, Princess L'Arachel's best friend."

"As long as Vigarde and Ismaire are not here, we'll be fine!" Hayden harshly whispered, "Now quiet!"

Too late. Vigarde and Ismaire came at the scene and also met with Nicole. Hayden gulped.

"We're done for." The blond chef whimpered.


-Castle Renais-

Seth tiptoed out of his bedchamber and headed downstairs toward the castle vault, where we had requested for his Christmas gifts to be locked there. Seth was craving to open one more of his gifts and began thinking of another tiny box he noticed not long ago. If he could open that meaningless box, he thought, that will make him feel better.

The paladin finally reached his destination: the vault. He examined the combination, and composed it. As soon as the gate opened, Seth saw four eerie shadows and let out a scream…

Seth breathed heavily, sweating greatly and almost wetting his bed. He looked around then let out a sigh of relief, "Just a dream." He flicked the light switch and saw Adrion and Adam, coddled up on both his sides of the bed. The brothers' eyes fixed directly at Seth, like a predator ready to jump on its prey.

AAHH! He jumped off his bed, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

"What does this doing here?" Adam waved in Seth's face two pairs of almost unwrapped gifts. Adrion opened Seth's wardrobe and about seven gifts rushed out of there. Seth stammered, "W-well…I was tr-trying to s-see if I c-could return…"

"Nice try." Adam grinned.

"You're a liar you know that?" Adrion pointed.

Seth lowered his head in shame, "A pathological one."


-Rausten Court Ice Hall-

Applaud roared as Largo and Calill ended the dance with a big finish. The cheering crowd roared with excitement.

"Awesome finish from Largo and Calill of Tellius, in the performance of 'Sleigh Ride', now that's what Christmastime is all about." The reporter gleamed, "Up next: The Sensational Eirika and Innes!" The crowd cheered and applauded louder than before. Just then a Pegasus knight flew towards the reporter with a cue card and whispered few words to him. The wyvern reporter nodded and spoke, "Looks like our program has changed people. Instead of Innes, it's Ephraim of Renais."

The crowd sighed, yet notwithstanding the change, applauded and cheered anyway. Eirika entered the rink, still angry. Ephraim trailed behind, nervously mingling his fingers.

"That's Ephraim and Eirika! Those are my kids!" Fado cheered at the sight of the twins entering the rink.

"Is that right?" Hayden approached Fado, seizing this chance to take the eggnog platter from the Renais king. Fado didn't pay attention and eventually let go of the platter. The two other chefs also took the platters from Vigarde and Ismaire who weren't paying attention as well.

"I thought Innes was competing? What happened?" Ismaire asked, watching the twins performing to the instrumental music of "Simply having a wonderful Christmastime."

"Wait a minute." Fado cocked his head, "Ephraim's afraid of the rink."

"Well looks like he isn't." Hayden replied.

"Something's fishy is going on here?" Vigarde questioned, "Should we meddle?"

"Let's leave them." Fado replied, "It's their problems, not ours."


-Rausten Court Family Hall-

"I can't believe I'm missing the Sacred Stone Ball finals for this." Rennac grumbled as he stared randomly at the milk and cookies.

L'Arachel returned in the setting, "Sorry, I had to go to the bathroom for awhile." She held onto her stomach, "too much eggnog balls."

"Swell." Rennac conjured a fake smile, "and you didn't buy one for me?"

"Believe me. You won't like it." L'Arachel looked around, noticing that something was wrong, "Where's Dozla?"

"He said that he had to run some errands from the Pontifex." Rennac replied, "Apparently he was supposed to run them since yesterday but he's having short term memory problems as we speak."

L'Arachel shook her head, but Rennac was not finished, "he told me to stay here and keep watch of Santa. Like you Princess, he's desperate to win this dumb bet."

"It's not a dumb bet!" L'Arachel contended, "Dozla believes in Santa and I doubt in Santa. We're trying to make a point here to see who's right."

Suddenly, bells began jingling from afar, and a heartily laugh "Oh! Oh! Oh!" echoed beyond the twilight. Both L'Arachel and Rennac gasped in reply of this sound.

"Santa's here!" the princess cried, "He really exist!"

"I don't believe it." Rennac wheezed.

At the same time, Mansel walked down the hallway and spotted the milk and cookies, "Say, who left these here?" he picked a cookie and a glass of milk.

L'Arachel came out of her hiding place and ran towards her uncle. Rennac followed.

"We left them here Uncle, for both you and Santa."

"Santa?" Mansel raised an eyebrow, "As in Santa Claus?"

"It's not midnight yet." Rennac complained, "Why picking those cookies now?"

"I was on my way to the Sacred Stone Ball finals, and I got hungry." Mansel replied, "besides, why leaving these goodies here? Santa doesn't exist."

"Oh! Oh! Oh!" the laugh sounded again. Mansel looked around frightened, "Okay he does exist!"

Entering the room was a chubby short figure in red velvet and white-puffed ensemble and hat, in addition of a pair of shiny ebon boots. He also carried a large heavy brown bag on his shoulder. It was really Santa Claus. "Gwoh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!"

Mansel, L'Arachel, and Rennac gasped at the sight of the jolly man, "Santa!" L'Arachel screamed, ran towards Santa and landed a heavy firm hug on him.

"Oof!" Santa gasped, "Not too tight! You're crunching my tender spine!"

L'Arachel released him, "Oh I'm sorry…umm…Santa?"

"Yeah?"

"I didn't know you were short."

Santa embarrassingly laughed, "Is that a problem?"

"Well yes," she replied, "my friend Dozla said you were tall like my uncle."

"Oh."

"But it's great to see you!"

As L'Arachel was about to hug him, Santa headed towards Mansel, "Hey!" he yelled at the Pontifex, who was about to eat the jolly man's snacks, "What do you think you're doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing?" Mansel boldly replied, "I'm feasting on my milk and cookies." He picked one cookie and chomped on it. L'Arachel gasped, "Father!"

Rennac grinned, "This ought to be interesting."

"Those are my milk and cookies!" Santa bellowed, yet he sounded a little shaken, "What are you trying to do, give the old man a heart attack?"

"I got hungry," Mansel said, "if you want some, there's plenty in the kitchen."

Santa gnashed his teeth and his face turned as red as a tomato, "GIMME THOSE COOKIES!" Santa clawed in Mansel, and both men began fighting.

"THEY'RE MINE!"

"MINE!"

"MINE!"

"MINE!"

RIP!

GASP! Everyone stared, dumbfounded at the Santa Claus's costume, ripped in two, revealing Dozla inside.

"Dozla?" L'Arachel, Rennac, and Mansel cried.

Dozla blushed, "Gwoh! Oh! Oh?"

L'Arachel approached Dozla, "You were S-Santa Claus?"

"Well…"

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!" L'Arachel walked away in tears. Rennac approached Dozla and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. The rogue couldn't help but muster a smile, "What a performance my friend. Quite tragic indeed. You entertained me. Worth missing the Sacred Stone Ball."

"Rennac…" Dozla grumbled under his breath.

"No seriously!" Rennac continued, "If I was Santa, you will be on my nice list." He slapped Dozla's back and skipped towards the exit. Mansel stared menacingly at Dozla, his arms across his chest. Dozla nervously giggled.


"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU!" Eirika growled at Ephraim, as they waltz on the rink to the instrumental music of "Simply having a Wonderful Christmastime." "If you have told me how you felt about me going out with Innes instead of giving him this injury in the first place—"

"Eirika!" Ephraim interrupted, "how many times am I going to tell you that I'm sorry? At least you gotta forgive me and dance like nothing happened! The crowd's watching suspiciously."

Eirika scoffed, while twirling in place, "Yeah, like nothing happened." The twins resumed the waltz.

"Wait a minute! You were really going out with Innes?" Ephraim gasped.

"Duh! What did you think, him, inviting me to the Sacred Stone Ball was for? Competition purposes?" she hissed.

"Yeah-Uh!"

"We came to have fun, for goodness sake. Besides the one person you should apologize to, is Innes not me."

"If he asked you to the ball as a date, then there's no way that I'm apologizing to him!"

"Oh so be it."

Eirika twirled Ephraim in place and tripped him. The crowd gasped at this sight.

"Hey!" Ephraim cried as Eirika skated off the stage, "This was no part of the dance!"

"Princess Eirika tripped her skating partner on purpose!" the reporter said, "According to rule #800 Section 4E-6 of the Magvel Skating rulebook, the twins of Renais are disqualified! And so we have a winner: the World-Bestest Skating Duo, Largo and Calill."

A roar of applaud sounded from the crowd. The monarchs however felt disappointed.

"What happened? What in peppermint's name happened?" Fado asked.

"How are we supposed to know?" Ismaire shrugged.

"And where are the eggnog balls?" Vigarde finally noticed he and the others were not carrying the eggnog platters.

"King Hayden has it." Nicole pointed at the monarch and the chefs attempting to leave the crowd with the eggnog cakes.

"Hayden! Where are you going with those?" Vigarde approached Hayden and the chefs. Hayden stopped short and hesitated, "w-well… I, I…w-we thought…"

"Admit it, you just want to sell those cakes for yourself," Ismaire bellowed as she and the monarchs took the balls from Hayden and the chefs.

"Let me taste them." Nicole picked an eggnog ball and as she was about to shove it on her mouth, the chefs jumped and knocked the cake from her hand. The cake made a landing inside the yawning mouth of a man among the crowd. The man chewed the eggnog ball, immediately began coughing powder and left the crowd in haste.

"What in the—?" Fado baffled.

"Why's that man coughing powder?" Nicole questioned.

Vigarde approached Hayden and the chefs angrily, "Guys. Why did we saw powder coming out of a chewing eggnog ball?"

"It's… it's the batch!" the brunette chef confessed.

"WHAT?"

"Your majesties used Baby powder as a substitute of the baking powder!"

"Baby powder!" The monarchs all repeated.

Out of the blue, many coughing were heard among the crowd. The baby powder quickly smoke overwhelmed them.

"Hey! What are you trying to do, kill us?"

"Yeah! This is the worst holiday snack ever!"

"Begone with you!"

The crowd jeered and tossed the cakes on the monarchs, getting them out of the area. The monarchs finally reached a quiet place outside the ice hall.

Fado fumed at the chefs, "Why on earth didn't you tell us that we screwed up?" The monarchs glared at them.

"We thought that it wouldn't be a big deal." The blond chef said, "We thought it was just for fun, not charity."

"Not a big deal!" the monarchs bellowed.

"King Hayden thought the same."

Hayden shook as the monarchs stared down at him.

"I didn't think of it the same." Hayden said, "I found out right after we took leave for Rausten. By then it was too late. And…do you know how many hours we stayed at Frelia doing this?"

The monarchs looked at each other and nodded in agreement, "Yeah you're right." Vigarde said, "we did spend hours on the eggnog cakes and no success."

"I guess eggnogs are meant to be drinks only." Ismaire sighed.


"What was that all about, Eirika?" Tana asked Eirika, who stormed off the ice rink stage. Ephraim followed.

Innes approached the prince, "What did you do now Ephraim?"

"Everything!" Eirika snapped, "Everything that has be done wrongfully, I can't dance with this nuisance!"

"Oy." Lyon slapped his face.

Ephraim abruptly removed his skating shoes, "All right Eirika. You want an apology? Here it is!" he faced the Frelian prince, took a deep breath, and spoke, "Innes, I'm sorry."

Innes blinked. Ephraim continued, "I'm sorry for causing you this injury and I'm sorry I had you ousted from the competition."

Everyone, even Eirika, glanced towards Innes. The Frelian prince couldn't help but muster a sincere smile, and wrapped his arm around Ephraim's shoulder, "Forgiven, forgotten Eph!" he faced Eirika, "See Eirika. You don't have to be mad anymore. We made up."

Eirika nodded, then looked away and bit her lip, "Great!" her tone still sounded harsh.

"What's the matter now Eirika?" Tana asked.

Eirika whimpered, "We lost!"

The friends saw Largo and Calill trailing out of the ice hall with a convoy full of a multitude of color-wrapped gifts, basket, and decors. They laughed among one another.

"Hey! Too bad you lost cubbies." Largo exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Calill laughed, "But it's not like Christmas is ruined, right?"

"Yeah, what Calill said." Largo grinned, "And by the way, Merry Christmas. Bwah! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

The duo left in haste.

"These gifts should have been ours!" Eirika muttered.

"Well, if you hadn't tripped me in the first place—"

Eirika approached Ephraim. The prince backed up and changed tune, "Kidding. Just Kidding."

-Rausten Court-

It is almost the end of Christmas Eve and gathered around a thirty feet large glass table were Ephraim, Eirika, Tana, Innes, Lyon, Nicole, and Pontifex Mansel who sat from across. Sitting on the table were a variety of exquisite holiday foods, drinks, and goodies. In the middle sat a large roasted turkey surrounded in salads, pickles, peppers, and delicious French bread cut in croutons. Next to the turkey, on both its sides, were a honeysuckle white ham and a large lemon lobster. Other varieties featured mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, and hot spicy fried rice. Also included were mini cherry cheesecakes, and almond-covered balls. For drinks were sizzling apple ciders, chocolate champagne, and everyone's favorite holiday drink: eggnog. It was quite a feast, everyone dug in with no haste.

"Enjoying the food guys?" Nicole asked.

"Mm! More than just pleasure. Those peppermint-scented sardines are exquisite!" Lyon licked his lips, his hands practically smelled peppermint.

"You're right Lyon." Tana agreed, "Gee, when was the last time I enjoyed food this good?"

"Probably never!" Innes burped and Ephraim laughed on cue. Tana scoffed, "Maybe you haven't too."

Mansel chuckled, "Well keep enjoying. Keep it on."

"I don't know how we can thank you enough for letting us stay here in your home and enjoying this feast Pontifex Mansel." Eirika told the divine emperor, "We surely appreciate it."

"Oh please, it's Christmastime!" Mansel replied, "Besides, winter here in Magvel is brutal with the freezing rain and no snow. And I had that feast planned out all along."

"Really?" Ephraim asked.

"Yeah." Mansel faced the hallway and yelled, "Hey Dozla! Are the Gingerbread cookies and glistening white fudges 'bout ready yet?"

Coming in the room was a dragged and worn-out Dozla. His apron and clothes were filled with diverse stains from the intense cooking. He carried five trays: four trays of fresh vanilla fudge in glasses, sprinkled in shiny sugar dots, and one tray of gingerbread cookies, which he carried using his mouth. He placed the goodies on the table, "they're ready your Majesty. And believe me, no dribble of mine made contact with the cookies."

"Swell."

Everyone jumped on the cookies and the white fudges. Nicole giggled, "Dozla. You need any help?"

Dozla's eyes fixed on Nicole and began nodding wildly, "Please! I sure will apprecia—"

"Dozla?" Mansel scorned.

Dozla's shoulders sunk, "I don't need help from no one because I'm Santa Claus." He recited blankly, "If I can't travel around the world in one night, nobody can."

"…and?"

"…the same applies to cooking."

"Good!" Mansel smiled, "Now up! Up!"

Dozla dragged himself back in the kitchen. Eirika and Ephraim blinked, "how brutal." Eirika said.

"He'll be fine." Innes replied, his attention on the foods and a plate of barbecue chicken.

"What he said." Mansel agreed.

Just then, Fado, Hayden, Vigarde, and Ismaire came in.

"Ah! It's the monarchs!" Mansel proclaimed, "Come on! Have a seat."

"Hey everyone!" Fado greeted.

"What y'all eating? Ooh! Smells good?" Hayden glanced at the feast.

"Good food Father." Innes exclaimed.

"You should try them! Especially the turkey and lobster." Tana gritted on each pieces.

"Don't mind if I do." Hayden reached for them.

"Hey Father? Whatever happened to the eggnog balls?" Ephraim asked, "we could have tried them."

Fado hesitated, looked at Hayden, Vigarde and Ismaire, then back at the twins with a smile on his face, "who cares for eggnog balls, when you can have the real deal here?" he reached for a glass of the eggnog drink.

Ephraim and Eirika both looked at each other then shrugged.

"Got news for you all." Ismaire disclosed, "it's snowing in Jehanna."

"Really?" Everyone gasped in unison.

"Yes." Ismaire replied, "I just got a telegram from my husband the king and reported that all of the white dunes are totally blanketed in snow."

"Wow!"

"Snow hasn't fallen here hasn't it?" Eirika took a peek at the window.

"No it hasn't." Mansel said, "in fact, the last snowfall happened 700 years ago."

The twins, Tana, Innes, and Lyon were floored to this news, "That long?" Ephraim huffed.

"I wish it did snow again though." Lyon replied.

"Well, I heard it will sometime tonight." Vigarde said, "Imagine snow at the capital."

Lyon sighed, "I just got that imagination Father."

"Well, what do you know? Father and son equal one mind." both Vigarde and Lyon laughed.

"One imperial mind!" Fado said and everyone joined in the laughter.

Just then, Seth, Gilliam, Adrion, Adam, and Joshua came in as well. Gilliam transported Seth's remaining Christmas gifts on a large convoy. Everyone welcomed them at the table with opened arms.

"Hey Seth! What are you doing here?" Fado asked.

"Guess what Father," Eirika disclosed, "Seth is Santa's pet."

"Really?"

Seth sighed. Adrion added, "he's not just his pet, he's obsessed in opening his presents."

Ephraim gasped, "You're kidding!"

"All right, enough disclosures. Yes, I'm 'Santa's' pet..."

An overwhelming "Oooh!" emerged from the crowded table.

"So cute." Gilliam blinked cute eyes.

"And cuddly." Adam added.

"Let's bet on if he's going to be Santa's pet next year!" Joshua flipped his coin which fell on his served mashed potatoes.

"I'll bet. Heck yeah on that mashed potato he will!" Nicole cackled, following laughters.

"All right, all right... but, but I was able to control myself and not open a single gift... at all." he noticed Gilliam shaking a small wrapped box in his face. Seth took the box, tossed it back in the convoy and continued, "And besides, Santa is the stuff of fairy tale."

"I totally agree with you!" A familiar voice came in the room. The entire cast turned to the source of the voice and saw L'Arachel and Rennac. Everyone welcomed them at the table.

"Hey L'Arachel, is it true? You don't believe in Santa anymore?" Nicole asked.

"Yeah." L'Arachel replied, "but I'm okay with it. Whether he exist or not, Christmas still remains the same."

"And since then," Rennac wrapped his arm around L'Arachel's shoulder, "I've found new respect in her."

Nicole, to Rennac's comments, almost chocked on her food.

"Oh Rennac! You and your zingers again." L'Arachel giggled. Dozla joined in the table, carrying a platter of delicious cornbreads, "Here's more desserts."

Everyone leaned in to grab each a piece. Dozla continued, "I'll joined in but I'm a mess, so..."

"Oh forget it Dozla. Come! Come and be unashamed for once!" L'Arachel invited him in.

"Yeah, don't be." Mansel replied, "We're having a good time and it won't be fair excluding you."

"Gee thanks." Dozla pulled up a chair and joined in, but L'Arachel hasn't finished talking, "but don't forget you're doing the dishes before morning."

"Aw blast."

"Just kiddin'"

Largo and Calill entered the scene, along with their cargo full of their gifts. "Is it too late to join in too?" Calill asked.

Everyone shook their head in unison, "No please, go ahead!" and immediately allowed the duo to joined in the feast.

"Hey. So what's up with you guys?" Innes asked, "enjoying your prizes?"

"Well," Largo said, "that's why we came to see you. Not for that, but for something else."

"Oh?"

"It felt shameful for us to leave Magvel with all of these gifts for ourselves, so..." Calill said.

"...we decided to give all of them gifts to you," Largo said, "Innes, Eirika, and Ephraim: the true champions."

The trio gasped in joy. Ephraim almost shed tears, "You're... including me too?"

"Of course honey cub!" Calill said, "you may have been inexperienced than Silver-haired boy here, and we didn't want to exclude you."

Ephraim shot a glare at Innes, who stuck his tongue at him and mocked, "Gnah, gnah, gnah, gnah, gnah, gnah."

"...and you should all be happy." Largo said.

"We're in joy." Eirika complimented, tears ran down her cheeks, "thank you so much."

"Aw!" the crowded table felt moved to this moment.

"It does feel good to give." Largo added, "It was Calill's idea to give away these gifts. I was reluctant even though she persuaded me so hard that at one point, she pulled my ear..." he then glared at Calill, "...which hurt by the way."

Laughter emerged from the crowded table once more. Calill bit her nails, "Oh, pooky-pooh-Largoo. Tee-hee!"

"Look everybody!" came the voice of Adrion by the large window, "It's snowing!"

Everyone immediately left their plates and joined Adrion at the window. Tana and Hayden made room for Innes who trailed behind in his crutches. Everyone breathed in awe at the sight of beautiful, glistening snow flakes, falling from the quiet night sky of the Theocracy of Rausten. Every meadows and trees were blanketed and wrapped in snow. It was beautiful sight. Playing in the background was the quiet instrumental version of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sings."

"It's... beautiful." Eirika gasped.

"Yes. It is." Ephraim replied.

"This is one Christmas I will always cherished." Lyon smiled.

"Let's go play in it!" Adrion proposed and like, little children, everyone ran outside to play in the snow, form snowmen and make snow angels. It was a fun night for both the monarchs of Magvel, the royal youngsters, knights, and the visitors of Tellius.

-----------------------------------------

Both Eirika and Ephraim faces the readers.

"From everyone in the continent of Magvel." Ephraim says.

"Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year." Eirika finishes.

"Oh... and watch out for ice." Ephraim warns and smiles at Eirika.

"Oh you!" Eirika giggles, forms a snowball and begins chasing Ephraim. The twins laughs in cue.


END OF CHAPTER