Back at the ice castle, Nina told Snow Miser, "I'm going to hang out in my shed for awhile."

Snow kissed her. "Alright, angel. I'll miss you."

"I'll be right outside if you need me."

"I know," Snow chuckled. "Have fun."

Nina went outside and into the shed that Snow Miser and Heat Miser built for her. She looked through her bookcase and picked out a book to read so she could relax, then sat on the couch. For a long while, she attempted to focus on her book but had no luck. She kept thinking about several different things at once, mainly wedding plans.

Snow and she had already agreed on the date and place where the wedding would be held, but that was about all they had seriously discussed so far. As excited as she was, it was still overwhelming to think about. Everything was moving so fast, and although she didn't mind, there was still a lot to take care of and plan for. Not too long ago, she would have never thought she'd be engaged, especially to a supernatural being.

Nina loved Snow Miser with all her heart, but once in awhile, she had some self-doubt. Was she really worthy of him? Of course, he had assured her she was, but compared to him, she was fairly ordinary. She loved him and her family at the North Pole; they were all so magical in at least one way. She belonged with them, but yet, she felt there was nothing special about herself, so she didn't think she completely fit in with them.

Her mind shifted to Heat Miser and what had happened earlier. He didn't take the announcement about the engagement well, which hurt her feelings, but maybe it was just because he had a lot on his mind, as he had said. She wondered what was bothering him, but she couldn't pressure him to tell her. Hopefully, he would be alright.

Unable to concentrate on the book, Nina put it down on the coffee table, then looked up.

The Great Ak was standing a foot in front of her. He hadn't been there a moment ago. Startled, Nina shook, and she was unable to say anything.

The old man calmly looked at her and greeted her with a soft voice. "Hello, Nina Alvar."

Nina was finally able to speak. "Hello."

"I'm sorry for intruding in on you like this, but there is an urgent matter I must speak to you about."

Getting over her shock and forgetting about all of her previous troubles, Nina motioned toward the couch. "You're not intruding at all. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you." He sat by her. "I have come to you today to ask for your help."

"My help?"

"Yes. There is an evil that threatens the world, and the Council and I believe you may be able to assist us."

Concerned, Nina asked, "What's going on?"

"There is one who calls himself the Shapeshifter. He has been traveling throughout the world, spreading hopelessness and despair, mainly to children. He has told them that Santa Claus and everything he stands for isn't real and that peace is a useless prospect. He must be stopped, lest he cause the world to rot from the inside out."

Nina was worried and unsure. "I'd love to help, but what can I do?"

"This is a delicate matter, and the Shapeshifter will not be easy to find. You are the newest Immortal. You have traveled the world and know the ways of Mankind. Your fresh perspectives and good heart may help us find him and deal with the matter before any violence is involved."

"What does he look like?"

"The children have only caught glimpses of him. They described him as looking like the color of a blank sheet of paper and slightly translucent. He looked like a man but had no features except for a mouth that moved, yet he had no lips."

Nina thought about all of this. Finally, she drew in a sharp breath. "I'll do my best to help stop him. I just have one thing to ask of you."

"And that is?"

"You and the Council honor Snow Miser and me with your presence at our wedding."

The Great Ak at first seemed surprised by her invitation, then nodded. "We will be there."

Changing the subject, he told her, "I have brought someone along to help you with your task." He looked towards the door and called out, "Tingler, you may enter."

The door to the shed opened, and Nina heard bells jingling. A short man entered. He had dark hair and eyes and wore small sleigh bells from his head to his toes. His green hat matched his pants, which were held up by suspenders, and he wore a brown shirt and a peach-colored collar. He quickly came inside and closed the door and approached Nina and the Great Ak. "Hello! Bonjour! Marhaba! Hola!" He then tweeted like a bird.

"Nina Alvar, this is Tingler the Sound Imp. He expressed a desire to help you find the Shapeshifter."

Nina shook Tingler's hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"And you, as well, my lady," Tingler said. "So, you are Nina Alvar, the newest Immortal. I cannot believe I have the honor of standing in your presence."

Nina smiled, flattered. "That's very kind of you, but I'm not really that important."

"On the contrary," stated the Great Ak, "you are far more important than you realize. You should give yourself more credit than what you do."

Nina nodded, slowly. "I will keep that in mind."

"Well, I must go. Farewell, and good luck to you. If you need anything, call upon me," the Great Ak told Nina.

"I will. Goodbye."

With that, the Great Ak left.

Nina turned towards Tingler. "We should go inside the castle so you can meet Snow Miser."

"The one who controls winter weather? I have heard of him, and of you."

As they left the shed, Nina remarked, "Snow will be very happy to hear you say that."

When they entered the castle, Nina approached Snow, who was at the control panel. She said, "Darling, we have a guest."

Snow Miser turned toward them. Seeing Tingler, he smiled, broadly. "Welcome! Have a seat! Kick off your shoes!"

"You are Snow Miser?" Tingler asked, looking up at him.

"Yes, indeed, I am!"

Nina asked, giggling, "You're going to do the song, aren't you?"

"Now, sugarplum, I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't properly introduce myself." Snow winked at her. And so, he performed "Mr. White Christmas" for their guest.

When the song was complete, Tingler enthusiastically clapped his hands, cheering, "Bravo! Magnifique! Encore!" He made some chirping sounds.

Snow Miser bowed, grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you. Thank you." He sat on his throne. "I didn't catch your name."

"I am Tingler the Sound Imp. I am from the Forest of Burzee."

Snow Miser immediately looked at Nina, who stood, quietly. "That place sounds familiar."

Nina nodded. "Yes. The Great Ak was just in my shed, speaking to me. There's something I need to talk to you about." She told him about the Master Woodsman's request.

Frowning, Snow shook his head. "This could be dangerous. Why are a bunch of old people bugging you about this kind of stuff?"

Nina shrugged. "I'm not sure, but if I can help, I will. Besides, I've been through worse."

Snow Miser nodded, knowingly. "Alright. I'm not going to let anything happen to you, anyway." He cheered up a bit when he addressed Tingler. "Anywho, Tingler, isn't it?"

"Sí. Oui. Ja. Shì." He made a deep sound that mainly came from the back of his throat. "Yes, sir."

"Ah, you don't have to call me sir. That's too formal. Friends call me Snow Miser, after all."

"I'm...your friend?"

"Sure! You haven't done anything that would make you anything else. Just don't hurt my fiancée, or we'll have problems." He beamed at Nina, who gave him a small smile.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Tingler said. "I am here to assist Lady Nina; I'd never want to hurt either of you or anyone else."

"Hear that, sugarplum?" Snow asked. "You're nobility, now."

Nina shrugged, confused by the nickname but not minding it. She yawned. "It's getting late. Tingler, if you want, you can sleep in my shed."

"Honey, we can set up one of the extra rooms for him," mentioned Snow.

"The ice furniture wouldn't be comfortable for him."

"Oh, I can sleep anywhere," Tingler stated. "I've slept in all kinds of places."

"She has a point, though; we don't want you to be uncomfortable."

The Sound Imp bowed his head, gratefully. "You both are too kind. I will go to the shed, now. Oíche mhaith. Head ööd. Buenas noches. Good night!" He then scampered out of the castle, tweeting.

Snow Miser turned to Nina when their guest was gone. "He's an odd fellow."

"He's very sweet."

"I didn't say he was bad." Snow put his arm around her. "Let's get some shuteye. We've got a lot to do tomorrow."