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!

To PointlessPerson, AnimeFanikushonSakka, Ray Hope, Alice-Ann Wonderland, P-Cottontail: Thank you for the Faves and Follows!

Um...so I'm so sorry...I...have no excuse for taking so long in updating...BUT!

Two Chapters!

Chapter Twelve

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January 5th, 1872

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It took him days to resurface from his delirium, he only knew this from the rare moments of clarity that dragged his gaze around the room and saw the changing dates on the calendar at his bedside.

Once able to, finally, awaken from the fevered haze, he let out a harsh breath and groggily rubbed at his eyes with a hand that was entirely too weak.

Coughing a little at his dry throat, it was much harder to lift his shoulders and try to sit up, making his entire chest ache. Pneumonia, it had to be, he hadn't felt this bad since he was a child.

Struggling to focus, he groaned through a yawn, jolting on the bed when the double doors directly across from the heavy flannel sheets and velvety quilt opened to admit a pair of strangers.

"Look who's finally awake, glad to know our efforts were not in vain, sir."

The woman had the richest light chocolate skin Chris had ever seen. Youthful eyes shining with a depth of ages long past. Dark navy dress that glittered with gold and green fronds, like a pine tree caught on fire in the twilight, and it all sparkled with her small tiara of oak leaves and holly berries woven into her thick braids. She approached the bed slowly, allowing Chris to accept her appearance before she sat by his feet.

Struggling to sit up, Chris strained until he could sink back into the thick feather pillows, at least a bit more presentable than sprawled on his back.

"I beg your pardon ma'am, 'fraid I don't know what you are talking about."

She smiled gently, "Considering you arrived with hypothermia and the beginnings of severe pneumonia, I don't doubt your confusion. But, before we go on, how are you feeling?"

He shrugged a little, "I…I don't know ma'am, pretty out of sorts I suppose."

"That's to be expected," She grabbed a pitcher off the bed side stand and refilled a water glass, passing it to Chris after waving her hand over it to chill the liquid just a bit, beads of moisture dripping along the side, "We'll get some food in you and let you rest again. You still have a few more days of recovery before we're going to show you around. Now, if you could have anything to eat, what would it be?"

"I…" He couldn't answer, utterly lost and confused by the strange woman, strange room, strange everything. She seemed to notice his uneasiness, smiling kindly and trying a different approach.

"Let's start with introductions, you are?"

"McIntyre, Christopher McIntyre, ma'am."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Christopher, I am Mother Nature, and no, I'm not kidding."

Chris gaped for just a moment, before the woman held up a hand, wiggling her fingers just before a small sparkle of light graced her palm and condensed into a spring rose with draping leaves.

"Oh heavens…"

Mother Nature smiled gently, "Well that was a better reaction than most."

Another blank stare, but luckily before Chris could try and respond, the other stranger moved away from the door. Their dark green tunic top shimmering in the candle light.

"I don't think that's exactly helping your honor, sir-beef stew or chicken?"

Chris mumbled an answer, not entirely sure what he'd responded with even seconds after he'd done so, just staring at Mother Nature in a manner very unfitting to polite company-but he couldn't bring himself to care.

At least until the other person moved close enough that the candle nearest Chris glittered off their beret pin, and the tips of their ears.

"Holy-"

Surprisingly, the plush rug made excellent padding when Chris rolled sideways and landed on the floor.

Tipping his head, the elf standing at the end of Chris' bed stared as the man untangled himself from the blankets.

"That's gotta be the weirdest reaction I've ever gotten."

Chris stared at the boy-young teen-elf-before shaking his head and accepting the hand outstretched. Once upright and sitting on the edge of the bed, Chris tried not to openly stare at his helper. The elf didn't step back until Chris was no longer swaying where he sat, steady for the first time since he'd stumbled on to that sleigh.

"Where am I?" Chris accepted the fresh cup of water, not even bothering to question where the spilled liquid had gone considering he hadn't seen Mother Nature move to refill the glass, "What…what am I doing here?"

"Do you remember what happened?"

Shaking his head, Chris shrugged off the lingering fuzziness from the fevered delirium, "I was on night watch, Christmas Eve, the foreman let us haul off clearing trees for firewood early…I checked the horses, and was going back to bed when I found this…team…of deer…but bigger than the ones I hunt at home. And the sleigh…I…I couldn't help but stare, the craftsmanship was finer than anything I've ever seen."

"Then what?" The woman asked, gently resting a hand on Chris' shoulder to guide him back against the pillows when he wheezed from talking so much, "Take your time, you are still recovering."

"I…" Chris panted softly, "I was admiring the sleigh when I think I heard something in the woods, so I tried to send the team running. So their master didn't come back to an injured team…but they spooked when I reached to rattle the whip. I got knocked into the sleigh and before I could get seated properly…I…was flying? I…it was so cold, I have to apologize to the master…I think I stole his clothing...but I was freezing. I bundled into the coat on the bottom of the sleigh and tried not to fall."

The elf winced, but straightened up in seriousness before asking one more question in a tone that made Chris' chest clench in worry, "And the team's master? Did you ever see him?"

"No," Chris rubbed at his eyes, "No one was wandering around camp besides me, there were some tracks that lead into the woods…but barely, blown over by the wind so I didn't really think anything of them. Could have been there for hours."

Mother Nature sighed softly, "The coat, the one you put on, do you know what it is?"

"Other than lined with the softest fur I've ever felt?" Chris shook his head, "No, it must be expensive, that rich velvet is too fancy, even for the company owner I work for. I…it wasn't damaged was it? I couldn't feel my fingers…my hands…"

Shaking his own head, the elf grinned gently, "You did the right thing, it does no one any good for you to get hurt."

"No one?" Chris scoffed, "I don't know what you mean…I'm a nobody…"

"Not anymore." The elf reached down towards the floor by the end of the bed. When he straightened, his hands were holding the brilliantly red coat, the white fur that Chris had seen stained with smoke flecks and mud was now sparkling clean and gleaming in the candlelight.

Without knowing why, Chris reached for the elegant coat, his fingers sliding over the velvet red that was so smooth to the touch.

Shifting how she was sitting, Mother Nature drew Chris' attention with a low hum, "Christopher, what do you know of the man known as Saint Nickolaus?"

The man dropped the coat he was holding, the warm weight falling onto his legs with a low thump, "I beg your pardon?"

"Saint Nickolaus, or Sinter Klaus, depending on who is speaking."

Chris nodded a bit uncertainly, "Am I dead? I…that's just a story…history…what…what is going on?"

"Christopher-"

"What is going on?!"

"To put it bluntly? The 'master' who vanished from his team, was the man known as Saint Nickolaus, or Father Christmas. For whatever reason, he left the sleigh and the reindeer and you found them. When they bolted from the thing you heard in the woods, and you ended up sort of kidnapped-" The elf grimaced a little, "When you put on the red coat…you unknowingly accepted the role of Father Christmas, that's how the position is passed on, with the coat. You just, sort of fell into all this without the usual first flight change and having to be part of the job."

Chris couldn't come up with a response, he just stared.

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January 7th, 1872

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Pausing to catch his breath, Chris leaned against the ornate railing that edged the third floor of the massive workshop. After spending over an hour questioning his entire view on life and belief, and sitting through even longer explanations from Mother Nature-of all people…and the elf-who Chris learned was named Bernard…the man was finally allowed to think things over alone while eating the beef stew Bernard had had brought in.

Somewhere…in the last day or so, it had mostly sunk in that Chris' life had just rapidly changed, the previous Father Christmas had for some reason left his sleigh, and with Chris leaving with the tired and insubordinate reindeer-and putting on the coat…

The former journeyman had spent most of yesterday evening in solitude, trying to absorb all the information thrown at him. Mother Nature had stayed around until the morning after Chris properly woke up, leaving Bernard with the new Saint Nick and subjecting both of them to a day of explanations and then the elf trying to keep the human from getting out of bed just yet. By the time the elf-who looked so much like a half-grown boy in Chris' scrambled mind, had managed to get the human to a better footing on what was going on, it was late and Chris was willing to listen to the orders to stay in bed another night before wandering.

That had been yesterday, today Chris woke up to hot oatmeal waiting at his bedside without the deliverer waking him. After nibbling through most of the porridge and toast left for him, Chris had stumbled from bed and thrown on the robe draped over a chair. Pulling the sash tight, Chris had managed to slip from the bedroom and get rather far from the area with few none the wiser.

Leaning against the balcony, Chris watched the bustling lower floors with a mix of wonder and jealousy. Part of him was still worn out from the pneumonia that had ravaged his body after that nightmare ride. The other part, was desperate for motion, to no longer lie idle in a bed when he should be doing something.

Even just watching the happenings on the lower floor, set a drive within him, the quality of craftsmanship displayed by those…the elves who looked like children…and made his heart ache for his own little one…and yet the skills displayed…left his hands shaking to do the same.

That had lead him to be not quite sneaking down empty hallways, it was more of a slightly labored shuffle, but Chris was moving and that's all that mattered in the moment.

By the time he had to pause again to breathe, Chris had wandered well away from the bedroom of his convalescence, and stood at the doorway to an area much more familiar to his life than a fantastical workshop of wonders.

Brown heads with cocked ears and magnificent antler racks all stretched out above wooden stall doors, snorting and staring at the new comer in the flannel sleepwear and heavy velvet dressing gown. A grin managed to break across Chris' tired face, the stubble along his jawline a distant itch compared to his fingers reaching for the nearest velvet nose.

"Hello…aren't you a beauty…hello there," Chris smirked as the slightly damp lips caressed his palm, looking for treats. Habitually, he checked his pockets, coming up empty in the dressing robe with a bit of disappointment for them both, "Who are you, you beautiful beast?"

A glance at the plaque on the door was his answer, the creature was too interested in his other hand in search of treats to answer, Dasher grumbled at the lack of treats, but contented himself with the hearty ear scratching as a trade. At least until his neighbor complained about the lack of attention being spread around.

Time passed glacial slow, and yet lightning fast, as Chris made his way around the circular stable to each stall, paying special attention to each magnificent reindeer. Learning their names, finding that sweet spot to give scratches, and providing heaps of affection to each member of the team that had so rapidly changed his life.

Reaching the last stall, the proud animal named Vixen, a stunningly rich chocolate brown female-the only one within the stables-who had a haughty air about her demeanor as her great head tossed and danced away from his hand while she inspected him at the stall door.

"Well, milady?" Chris jested, bowing to the fussing female with a bit of a laugh, "Do I pass your test, or deign to be in your presence?"

Vixen snorted, her head ducking as if angered and stomping at the gate. Chris backed up when she half-charged, stopping before her chest could collide with the solid door and stretching over the obstruction like it was her goal all along. Tentative fingers drifted along the solid muzzle, finding the spot behind the doe's jaw bone that she preferred for scratches. The heavy head leaned into Chris' hand, a soft huff blowing along his wrist when Vixen turned to get a better angle.

"You boss around this raggedy team of boys, don't you milady? Yes, you are the true leader-" Chris snorted softly when in the next stall over, Cupid grumbled loudly at the implication the female reindeer was in charge, "Yes, you my dear are the prettiest little thing, dainty and most assuredly in charge."

A laugh slid from the man's throat, strong hands caressing the soft ears and rubbing the solid antler bases like one would an ox when adjusting a halter strap. Vixen groaned softly as she tilted her head in Chris' hands, getting the most of his presence while she was the center of attention.

"Such a lovely doe you are," Chris hummed softly, smoothing a calloused palm down the firm neck, "Yes, such a beauty, a lovely flower…a Christmas flower…a Holly-"

A crushing weight pushed itself against his chest, and it wasn't any of the reindeer causing Chris such pain, his fingers curled in the thick ruff on Vixen's neck, buried deep in the soft fur as his forehead dropped onto the female's neck in defeat.

"I want to go home."

With his face hidden in Vixen's neck, Chris didn't see nor truly hear the clacks of lock bolts sliding within their chutes, and his mind didn't comprehend the sounds of hooves rustling on straw littering the stone floor.

Nothing of the other happenings made it to his mind, not until a damp pair of lips nuzzled at his neck, the soft thumps of antlers brushing against each other-that got Chris to look up from Vixen's comfort.

Blitzen was mouthing at the collar of Chris' robe, slightly tugging him back from the only female on the eight reindeer team. Once Chris had turned around, Vixen pushed past her-unlocked-stall door, shoving Chris closer to Blitzen and getting his attention to the center of the round stables.

Six of the eight reindeer were in formation, perfectly spaced in two lines in front of a canvas draped sleigh that was tucked in the back.

Number seven was nudging Christopher's back, Blitzen coaxing the man to step closer to the waiting team as if trying to answer his plea.

The last reindeer…Comet, was balking at his open stall door, head tossing in annoyance at his team mates standing at the ready without harnesses or reins.

Chris chuckled weakly, smoothing a hand down Blitzen's neck when the reindeer nudged him again.

"I do not believe I can leave, you lovelies. As much as you seem willing, I don't think I could handle another trip like the last one you brought me on."

"For the record, a trip now would not be nearly as bad as the last one. The magic of the coat keeps you protected. And…" Bernard trailed off, keeping his arms crossed over his chest like a barrier, but waving his hand a little at the gathered reindeer who had yet to leave their positions, "…you can leave…just-"

The elf's hesitation made Chris pause in walking along the lines of reindeer, turning to face him fully, "You said I am now…Father Christmas?"

"Yes?" Bernard's brow furrowed, staring at the mixture of emotions on Chris' face.

"So…" Chris scrubbed at his face, wishing he'd asked for coffee this morning instead of just downing the hot cocoa he'd been brought, "Does that make me your boss?"

"Yes…" Again, the hesitation set Chris' nerves alight, but it was more for the deep concern crisscrossing the elf's face.

Chris glanced down the team, old habits dying hard when Dancer sidestepped out of line, and Chris immediately tapped his flank to get the reindeer back in place. "If I ask…could I leave?"

Bernard nodded slowly, his gaze drifting away when Chris started to walk along the team again, hand running over the soft furs, "Don't even have to ask, you are in charge and…"

A sharp nod from Chris cut off what was likely about to be a long ramble from the elf, but it left the man open to continue without truly interrupting.

"If my foreman hasn't sent word, then he soon will, they'll tell everyone I'm dead."

"They won't be able to-"

"What?"

Cringing, Bernard shook his head, "That sound you heard? The one that spooked the reindeer…Sir, your camp was attacked, if you hadn't gotten caught up with the sleigh…"

"The men?"

A short shake of the elf's head was all Chris needed, a low sigh leaving the man's throat as he leaned against Blitzen's side in defeat.

"All of them?"

Bernard's face fell even further, but he managed to nod the affirmative before Chris dropped his head to Blitzen's neck.

The low growl that slid out into the air startled the elf, but Chris wasn't sure if it was from him or the reindeer. He did know his eyes were watering, and his chest ached from all the activity. And Bernard was suddenly right behind him when Chris started to go down.

A stilted sob made it past Chris' clenched jaw as he hit the ground, sitting on the cold stone and trying not to lean on the nimble legs of a very confused reindeer. While the worried muzzle nudged his head, huffing into his hair, Bernard crouched down in front of his new 'boss'. That was something Chris couldn't quite get his head around, he was a nobody…a nothing laborer who had just lost his crewmates and job…dragged off to a dream land…a man who now had no way to support his family…

Chris threw himself into a painful coughing fit when he tried to stand up, unable to make it to his feet properly even when a set of antlers and a pair of hands tried to steady him.

For someone shorter and with the appearance of at least ten years younger, Bernard was a lot stronger than he looked as he helped Chris hobble over to a hay bale to sit.

"I'd say 'there, there' but I get the feeling that's the last thing you want to hear."

"M-my…" Chris coughed, his body wracked with pain for several breaths until Bernard's hand waved over the man's and a cup of steaming tea appeared. Taking a sip, Chris rubbed at his chest a little before sagging back against the wall behind him, "My family…the company owner was due back to camp after the New Year…if he found the camp empty…my wife will think I'm dead."

"You're married?" Bernard's face scrunched up, looking away from Chris with a distance in his gaze.

"Mhm…" Nodding, Chris downed the rest of the hot drink, scrubbing at his face in fatigue, "We have a small farm just outside of Edenton, she's been managing it without me while I worked up at the mines."

"Really?" Something of a smile crossed Bernard's face, the bright eyes shining with a light that was much calmer than it had been since Chris had first woken up, "You know, there is more that I need to go over with you, but you just made some of it easier."

"How?"

"The role of Father Christmas isn't a solitary one, it's actually a job requirement to accept a matrimonial union at some point. Keeps the magic balanced."

Chris' brow furrowed, but his mind couldn't quite keep up, "I get the feeling we're going to have to talk about this again, but answer this…would you…are you saying I can go see my wife?"

"See her? You can go home…Christopher…you are not required to stay here, but you do have obligations…the one's we spoke of yesterday…but you will change, between now and the end of this year, before the next Christmas."

Glancing up at the impatient reindeer, the still unharnessed team beginning to stamp in place and toss their heads, Chris couldn't stop himself from nodding, an ache in his chest beginning to ease as Bernard stood up and started to shoo the reindeer back to their designated stalls, calling for a couple other elves dressed in livery gear.

"Uh…Bernard?"

"Yes sir?"

He grinned a bit weakly, trying to push confidence into a voice that just wasn't strong enough yet after a bout of illness and quite a few shocks. At least the elf didn't seem to notice, turning to Chris with polite curiosity.

"There's one more thing."

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