Es ist ein Ros entsprungen,
aus einer Wurzel zart,
wie uns die Alten sungen,
von Jesse war die Art
Und hat ein Blümlein bracht
mitten im kalten Winter,
wohl zu der halben Nacht.


It was a sunny morning when Lichtenstein awoke, golden rays shining down upon the ice that had frozen over the many blades of grass outside. As she yawned quietly and got out of her bed, she could hear her older brother Switzerland passing by her room, knocking lightly on the door and entering, immediately embracing him in a hug.

"Good morning, brother." Lichtenstein beamed as she made her way to the window, inviting Switzerland to join her. "It's a lovely day today."

Switzerland nodded in agreement, peering out of the window at the wondrous sight. As if pure gold, the sun's light reflected off the dew and ice, creating a beautiful shimmer on the ground and in the trees. It was much prettier than in the cold, damp autumn that had passed, although it was much colder. "I agree. But you're not going outside today; it's too cold for that. You must stay in and rest with me, okay?"

Lichtenstein giggled lightly and smiled. "Oh, but Germany does push-ups in the snow and hail. He makes Italy and Japan do them too, for training."

"And Germany is a grown man," Switzerland replied, smiling back, "although a… strange one. You don't go near him without me, alright?"

Lichtenstein nodded. "Of course, brother. He cares for Italy very much, though. It's rather nice."

"Yes. Yes, it is." Switzerland didn't really know what to say- he had seen Germany in the world meetings, of course, and occasionally passed by his land, but had never really met him and didn't know him as he did some of the other nations. Germany was perceived as strong and bold, as a determined and often merciless man. Switzerland, on the other hand, was perceived as neutral and peaceful all the time, something which he did not like at all. But it couldn't be helped at the moment, not at such a peaceful time as Christmas.

Lichtenstein knelt down suddenly as three little goats plodded into the room, rushing up to her and making her laugh at their playfulness. "Look, look, brother, the little goats are here! Eiger looks good today."

Switzerland watched her reflection in the window with a wry smile, thoughts running through his mind. It would certainly be a nice Christmas, he knew that for sure, but there was no telling if one of the nations would suddenly declare war only a few days in. Everyone thought that both Switzerland and Lichtenstein were neutral, but if something big should happen that affected them both, they'd have to choose sides. And in such a cold month, too…

He needed to know, and he needed to know now. There was only one thing for it.


Three rings came and went before the person on the other end picked up the phone. The tone of their voice was exasperated, and they obviously had no time for any nonsense. "Italy? Is that you again?"

"No, um…" Switzerland took a moment to pause. " It's Switzerland. Guten morgen, Germany."

"Oh. Guten morgen." Germany's voice was a little firmer as he spoke. " You don't seem to call me often, Switzerland. What do you need?"

"I… I just wanted to know if the Allies are still at war with you. You know, at Christmas."

Now it was suspicion that Switzerland heard. "And why is that?"

"I'm just worried. For Lichtenstein," he paused, considering his next words, "and I guess Austria has some reason to be worried, too. If there happens to be a large-scale war starting between now and January, it's going to affect all of us, and all the resources we seem to be using solely on Christmas. And I don't want them- us- hurt when we're so near to France, who'd no doubt play a major part in whatever war should befall us."

Switzerland could hear Germany chuckle from the other end. "Switzerland, there's no need to worry. The Allies have declared a period of armistice. After all," he suddenly became serious as he spoke, "we all know what happens when wars and disputes go on at Christmas."

Switzerland nodded. "Yes, I know. Thank you for telling me, Germany."

"No, it was my pleasure." Germany went silent for a few seconds. "Oh, Switzerland?"

"Yes?"

"I've seen how you care for Lichtenstein. You've done well, I hope you know that."

And with that, Germany hung up. Switzerland put the phone down and walked quickly back to Lichtenstein's room, where she was still playing with the goats. He grinned at the sight, going over to join her and the goats in their fun.

A strange man, indeed.


Hello there! Welcome again to Chapter 6! :D
I like finding out some new carols I've never heard of, and I found a new favourite I may use in a new chapter! I'll make a list of the ones I've already used just in case you want to check 'em out (they're all great!):

Chapter 1: It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Chapter 2: O, Christmas Tree
Chapter 3: Santa Claus is Coming To Town
Chapter 4: We Three Kings
(^ OK, you already know all those, I bet. xD)
Chapter 5: Fum, Fum, Fum
Chapter 6: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (A Rose has Sprung Up)

Thank you for all your kind words and reviews! I really appreciate it. :3
Have a wonderful day or night today~! :)