Chapter 12

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50 years had passed since Bernard moved in with Jacob. Bernard, at age 70, appeared 14, while Jacob, age 75, had the appearance of a 43-year-old. Sarah was 35. Neither she nor her two daughters, 10-year-old Clara and 4-year-old Mary, took elf food despite Bernard's pleading.

After Nicholas' death, the family began to visit the elf village to establish a relationship with the elves. On Christmas, they brought the younger elves a sack full of toys. The elves were thrilled with the gifts. Naturally curious, they wanted to know how the toys worked. So, Jacob continued his visits to teach the elves how to make the toys. In turn they shared their history and stories with him.

Now the family faced a large group of elves as Jacob explained his idea. He wanted the elves' help in creating toys to give to the children of the human village on Christmas. The elves could create toys to give each other as well.

Bernard had doubted the plan would fly with this particular community. Elves had always been wary of humans and would surely want nothing to do with them. And yet, they had come to love Jacob and Sarah, and the idea of helping them out brought joy to their faces.

"Jacob, you have yourself a deal," said the chief elf, holding out his hand. As soon as Jacob shook it, the elves burst out cheering. Bernard could not help but smile as well. Nicholas believed their worlds could one day be joined together, and now they were one step closer to that reality.

A celebration broke out. While Clara and Mary played with the elves, Sarah pulled Jacob and Bernard off to the side. "I have something I would like to discuss," she said, sounding unusually serious.

"I hope nothing is wrong, dear," Jacob said. "Are you upset with how things turned out?"

Sarah touched his arm and gave him a kind smile. "No, not at all. I just wanted to ask if I could join you two in eating that fruit."

"You want to age like us?" Bernard said.

Sarah nodded. "If that is alright."

"Of course it's alright!" Bernard has been waiting for her to ask.

"It's fine with me too," said Jacob.

"And maybe Clara and Mary can start soon."

Sarah's smile faltered as she looked to where her daughters played. "Well, that will be up to them, sweetie. When they're old enough."

"I'm sure they won't have a problem with it." Bernard could not wait for his whole family to be bound together. He was determined to live with them for as long as possible. Nothing could tear them apart!

2005

Brooke half expected Bernard to kick her out of his room. Instead, he was silent as she entered and climbed onto the bed. The turned away from each other, silence permeating the darkness. Her mind buzzing with thoughts, she decided to risk speaking. "Bernard?" she said.

"Yes?" he said, sounding tired.

"You grew up here, right?"

"That's right."

"Was it hard to come back?"

Bernard hesitated. "It is necessary."

Brooke frowned. That sounded like a yes to her. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Bernard sighed. "I don't think so, Brooke. I just have to get through it."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

Of course not. "Well, if you change your mind, I'm here. I'm always willing to do what I can to help."

"Why?"

"What do you mean 'why?'" Brooke rolled on her side to look at him, but he was still facing away from her.

"Why would you want to help me?"

Brooke had never given it much thoughts, but her reasons came to her easily. "You're a good person, and I care about you. I don't want to see you suffering."

A long silence followed. Then: "Thanks."

"Why did you save me when I collapsed from the cold?"

A longer period of silence. "I don't know. I could not leave you there. It would not have been right."

"Thank you."

Bernard rolled over and gave her a soft smile. "You're welcome."

Brooke returned his smile. "See? You're good. How could I not care?"

"Most people don't."

"Maybe you don't give them the chance." Brooke stifled a yawn. "Good night, Bernard."

"Good night, Brooke."

The following morning brought better spirits. The three companions chatted amiably over breakfast. Then they set off in search of Yunaesa. Brooke was curious to meet the leader of the other faction. Would she be anything like Theoden?

"Here we are," Sarya said, sopping in front of a long wood cabin. "This is the community center on our side of town. Yunaesa works here. She should be inside."

"I don't remember ever seeing anything like this before," Bernard said thoughtfully.

Sarya smiled. "They host activities every month. It is nice if you want to get involved and meet others."

"Maybe the North Pole should have something like this!" Brooke said.

"That would be a waste of time," Bernard said. He looked at Sarya. "Should we go in?"

"It's best to knock," Sarya said, and she did just that.

Several moments later, a pudgy elf appearing in her mid-40s opened the door. Brooke found it curious that this was the first rounded elf she had met. "Hello, Sarya," she said, sounding friendly enough. "Are you here to volunteer?"

"Not this time, Yunaesa. I have brought a couple of friends." Sarya motioned to Bernard and Brooke.

Yunaesa frowned. "A human?"

"This is Bernard and Brooke. They are from the North Pole."

Yunaesa's frown deepened. "I see."

"We would like to speak to you about some of the issues you have been having with your magic," Bernard said.

"And why would that concern you?"

"The North Pole is concerned about all of the elf villages," Brooke said.

Yunaesa crossed her arms. "The North Pole is accepting human workers now? It really has gone downhill."

"Brooke is a special case," Bernard said quickly. "She's not staying."

"Won't you please speak with them?" said Sarya. "They will only take a few minutes of your time."

"Fine," said Yunaesa. "I will speak to him alone." She jerked her chin at Bernard.

"But-" Brooke started.

Bernard placed a hand on her shoulder. "That is fine. Thank you." He gave Brooke a small smile. "I'll be right back." Then he followed Yunaesa into the building.

"I'm not sure about this," Brooke mumbled.

"They'll be fine," said Sarya. "Why don't we look for Luthais?"

Brooke smiled slightly. "Alright. Sounds good to me." At least she could do something useful while she waited. As she walked off with the elf, she prayed for Bernard's success.

Bernard followed Yunaesa into the rec room, where she faced him with crossed. Great. Someone else who did not want him there. He did not have much of a chance to take in the couches and games scattered about. It did not matter anyway. He had to get to the point.

"Well, what is it?" said Yuneasa.

"I would like to know why you think your magic is fading so I can help if I can," Bernard said.

Yunaesa frowned. "Who told you our magic is fading?"

"One of our new recruits from Ciradyl, as an example. And Theoden all but admitted it himself."

Yunaesa scowled. "Theoden. What does he know? If you ask me, he's the reason we're having all these problems."

"It that why you started your own faction?"

Yunaesa spread her arms out wide in a dramatic fashion. "Of course! Just look at what he's done! He thinks there's no difference between elves and humans. He doesn't care about us."

"I know. I spoke to him at length yesterday. He does have some unusual ideas."

"Then you see what I'm dealing with." Yunaesa sighed. "What else am I supposed to do? Someone has to preserve our traditions."

Bernard nodded. "I understand that, and I don't blame you. Of course traditions should be preserved... including Christmas. I have not noticed many preparations."

Yunaesa pursed her lips. "Yes. That is your primary concern." She shook her head. "I am sorry, but we have been preoccupied. We have to look after ourselves first, you understand."

"Right. If you have any ideas how we can fix your magic, I can help both of us out."

"Get rid of Theoden! That's how you can help!"

Bernard gave her a wary look. He could see what Sarya meant by eccentric. Her ideas might not be as crazy as Theoden's, but she want too far in expressing them. "It would not be appropriate for the North Pole to get involved in one of the village's affairs."

Yunaesa rolled her eyes. "You're already involved."

"Not in the politics. We're only here to help with your problem. Would you mind taking me around your side of the village? I may learn something."

"I do not see what good it will do, but come along." Yunaesa led the way back outside. "You are from this village, correct?"

"Yes..."

"It must be nice to be back. Perhaps you could stay awhile."

Bernard did not know about that. Even in this part of town where he grew up, so much was different and yet similar enough that it pained him to see it. The children running around and laughing reminded him of him and his friends before he lost his family and the others abandoned him. There was nothing left here for him except bitter memories. He had a new home now. "No. I am needed at the North Pole."

"Suit yourself."

Brooke and Sarya searched everywhere for Luthais but could not find him. He said he would be available today, so where could he be? "He's probably holed up at home," said Sarya as they strolled down the path through her side of the village. "I'm afraid I do not know his address."

"He'll show up eventually, right?" Brooke said anxiously.

Sarya gave her a soft smile. "If not, we can always find someone else, dear. There are plenty of elves with opinions around here."

"Yeah, I suppose." Brooke swept her gaze across the grass.

"Maybe we should head back to the community center. Bernard will likely be done talking to Yunaesa soon. She is a tough one to deal with for long."

Brooke was about to agree when something caught her eye. "Hey, there they are now!"

Yunaesa followed her line of sight to Bernard and Yunaesa walking together along a path a little ways away. "Oh, she must be giving him a tour of this part of town."

Brooke waved her arms back and forth above her head. "Hey, Bernard! Over here!" Bernard looked at her in surprise. He was about to step forward when Yunaesa grabbed his arm and jerked him back. She gave Brooke a dirty look before pulling him forward. Brooke frowned. "She really doesn't like me."

"It's not you," said Sarya. "She's distrustful of humans. A lot of folks around here are wary of them."

"You're not."

Sarya smiled. "I know there are good humans and bad humans, just like there are good elves and bad elves. Some people - on both sides - need to be reminded of that."

"You're probably right. What should we do now?"

Sarya appeared thoughtful. "Why don't I show you around the other side of the village?"

Brooke frowned. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"Do not worry. No one will bother you if you are with me."

"You are the one I am worried. Aren't your two sides fighting?"

Sarya chuckled lightly. "There is nothing to worry about, dear. No one will do anything to an old woman like me. Besides, it is not that serious. If there ever was any really fighting, Theoden will step in."

Brooke shrugged. "Oh, okay. Let's go then." Perhaps she could learn something useful.

"Then I will lead the way." They continued down the path, which went straight through the market. Brooke knew when they were on the other side of town because the feeling was palpable. The stares were different. They veered off from the market and strolled through the houses.

"Nothing looks too different."

"No. Despite everyone's bickering, there is still more that unties us than divides us."

Brooke smiled. "That is good to hear." Perhaps it would not be too hard to solve this problem after all. She looked around at the people as they approached a park on either side of the road. "Hey, are there humans here?"

"That's right. Humans are welcome in this part of town. Some even live here - an issue of great contention."

"I don't see a problem with it. Humans and elves are more similar than they are different."

Sarya nodded. "Yes, but all humans are not like you."

Brooke supposed that was true. She could not judge until she understood the situation better. "Do you think there's anyone here who would be willing to talk with me?"

"Oh, most people would love to talk to you, but they're not all worth your time. Let's see..." Sarya stopped and looked around. Then she smiled. "Gorman there should be able to help you." She led the way to a male elf appearing in his 30s, who was leaning against a tree with a book. "Hello, Gorman."

The elf brightened when he saw Sarya. "Hello, Sarya! Merry Christmas."

"It is getting around that time, isn't it?"

"Wow, I didn't think many people around here cared about Christmas anymore," Brooke said. She took note of Gorman's red and green attire and traditional green elf hat. "You look nice.'

Gorman grinned at her. "Thank you, miss. My name's Gorman. Who might you be?"

"I'm Brooke."

"It's nice to meet you, Brooke. How do you know Sarya? I've never seen her with a human."

"She is here with my old friend Bernard from the North Pole," Sarya explained. "They are both guests of mine."

Gorman lifted his eyebrows. "Ah, Bernard? I've heard of him."

"We're trying to figure out why your magic is fading," Brooke said. "Do you have any ideas?"

Gorman tapped his chin. "Hmm... There might be something wrong with the Star Shard. That's where our magic comes from."

"That's what Bernard has been saying! But Theoden doesn't seem too concerned about it."

Gorman shrugged. "He has other priorities. He's really trying to change things around here. He's made some mistakes, but he does have some good ideas."

"Some of us think he has gone too far," Sarya said carefully.

"That's why we have folks like you to balance us out."

"Maybe it's supposed to work that way, but that's not how it's turned out."

"There seems to be a lot of arguing," Brooke said. "Some elves think humans are the cause for the loss of magic."

Gorman snorted. "That's ridiculous. Magic has nothing to do with humans - or elves. It's about the heart. Some humans can use magic too, like your Santa, right?"

Brooke nodded. "That's true. So, you think people's attitudes are at fault?"

"Probably. Maybe they need to get into the spirit of Christmas!"

"Gorman, you are so naive."

Brooke turned to the newcomer, a female elf appearing about her own age with blond hair twisted over her shoulder. "Hello there. I'm Brooke."

The elf gave her a forced smile. "Melarue. Charmed."

"What are you talking about, Melarue?" Gorman said. "Do you have a better theory?"

"Of course. We no longer need magic, so it has left us. Simple."

"What do you mean, dear?" Sarya said, appearing troubled. "Magic is a part of who we are."

Melarue looked at her with a fake smile. "Sorry if it's hard to accept, granny, but that's how it is. Your age is over. We have moved on."

Gorman shook his head. "I think you're confused."

"You're the one who is confused. Elves were given magic because we were mistreated by humans. Now the local humans treat us as equals. Therefore, we can meld with them like we were always meant to."

"But what about Christmas?" said Brooke. "The elves who work for Santa need magic."

Melarue shrugged. "That sounds like their problem to me."

"It is our sacred duty to carry out the traditions of Christmas," Gorman said. "Don't you care about our history?"

Melarue gave him a look. "History? Do you really want to go back to the time when we were persecuted? Everything is better now."

"No, I don't want to go back. I know there have been improvements, but that doesn't mean everything in the past was terrible. Why can't we take the best of both and combine them?"

"That sounds good to me," Brooke said.

Melarue sighed. "It's not that easy. The two ways of living are not compatible."

"I don't think that's the case. Elves can interact with humans and still retain their magic. Look at me! I'm a human living at the North Pole."

Melarue lifted her eyebrows. "They really hired you?"

Brooke rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, it was kind if an accident, but they didn't push me away. They're open to new ideas. You should talk to Bernard. I'm sure he'll listen to you."

Melarue crossed her arms. "I doubt it. If he's interested in our magic, then I have nothing to say to him."

"Well, if you think your magic won't go come back, you should tell him that. He won't go away until he finds answers."

Melarue rolled her eyes. "Fine. Take me too him."

"I should go too," Gorman said, "since your opinion is wrong and all."

Brooke smiled. "Great! We'll all go together. I hope Bernard is back at the community center."

Melarue gave her a wary look. "You mean we're going to the other side of town?"

"Don't worry about a thing," said Sarya. "You'll be just fine."

The four of them started on their way to the community center, none of them saying a word. Brooke thought this was at least better than fighting. They needed a better environment to have a proper discussion. They arrived at the same time as Bernard and Yunaesa were about to enter the building.

"Hey, Bernard," Brooke said. "Great timing."

Bernard gave her a small smile. "Hey, Brooke. Who's that with you?"

"Gorman and Melarue," Yunaesa said with a scowl. "What are you two doing here?"

"That's what I would like to know," Melarue muttered.

"We're here to talk about our magic issue," Gorman said. "Brooke said our opinions are valuable."

Yunaesa frowned. "She is mistaken."

"The more points of viewer, the better to find the truth," Brooke said.

"We do not need the likes of you around here, and we do not need any humans messing around." Yunaesa glared at Brooke.

Bernard glared right back at her and moved to stand beside Brooke. "She is trying to help, and she is right that we need all the information we can get. I would like to speak with them."

"If you are so certain you are right, what is the harm?" said Sarya.

Sarya pursed her lips. "Fine. You may come inside, but I will have nothing to do with this." She turned on her heels and marched into the building.

"Cheery," Melarue said.

Bernard turned to Brooke. "Thank you for finding them."

Brooke smiled at him. "No problem. I could not find Luthais earlier, but maybe he's available now."

"We'll take a look while you three talk," said Sarya. The two females headed off while Bernard entered the community center with Melarue and Gorman. Brooke knew the truth would soon be known!