Sprightly
Hoofs hit over snow, stone, to skip over freshly sprung grass. The creatures didn't want to trample the new life. The driver liked that, he didn't want to destroy something so beautiful after everything that had happened during the winter. It was finally coming to a close and he would have sung a tune if the reindeer let him steer slay. As it was Father Christmas didn't even know where his companions were taking him.
It slowed suddenly when there was a growl and a shout that was muffled an instant later.
He stood up slowly from the slay, glancing to the rock where the sounds had come from. "Who's there?" Another muffled sound met his words along with a warning snarl. "You can come out, the snow is thawing, winter coming to a close. Aslan and the Children of Adam and Eve will soon triumph over the White Witch!" If it so happened a spy of the White Witch was behind that rock the reindeer would take him away fast enough, but he felt the need to spread the news. "I heard their brother has joined them at-"
"Edmund!" A girl's voice shouted and soon he could see her climb over the rock a wolf-no Maugrim, Captain of the Secret Police jumped up beside her and he tightened his hold on the reins for a moment. "He's safe?"
"Yes," his eyes widened, "you're Susan." she nodded and he gave a joyful laugh. "That's great! Aslan and your sister and brothers are waiting for you at-"
"The Stone Table."
His eyes flicked back to the large wolf. "What is he doing with you?"
"Being a pain." Susan said the words with a smile as she clambered down from the rock and he glanced back to her, remembering then that he still had her present.
Father Christmas turned in his seat to grab the bag and get the items from it. "I almost forgot, these are for you." He handed her a bow, a sling of arrows, and a horn. "If you need a ride-"
"That won't be necessary," Maugrim growled, stepping closer to the human girl.
"You're being rude," she hissed.
"You're being naive," he growled back.
Susan turned to look at Father Christmas and he smiled encouragingly. It would be best for her to be away from the Captain of the Witch's dangerous law enforcement.
"Thank you for the gifts, but I'm sure you got more to hand out before Winter is over and I can make it to the Stone Table-" a series of disapproving growls cut through her words, "just fine by myself. I do appreciate the thought."
He frowned slightly but nodded, glancing again to the wolf that was now nudging at her ankles, growling something soft that sounded like, "these trees are still her eyes, move it pup."
A smile flitted across his face then. "That's fine. You seem to be in capable paws." With a shout he got the deer back in motion and they sped off.
He never thought he would see such a splendid sight. Maugrim actually seeming to be helping a human girl. What a wonderful late Christmas.