"Oi, when's lunch? I want fish!" Emil sighed, having listened to his puffin's demands for food for the past ten minutes.
"We are going to get some food now, please be patient" Iceland pinched the bridge of his nose, a growing sense of irritation stirring within. The streets of Reykjavik were abustle with life, with residents and tourists queuing to buy the perfect Christmas gifts for their loved ones, strings of lights shining and festive tunes blaring, cutting through the chilled air.
Emil slipped between crowds of people, all the while Mr. Puffin continued to express his unhappiness at being 'starved', finally reaching his usual spot for food. It was a small restaurant located down a slim side street, away from the main source of chaos. Instantly, as soon as Emil stepped foot into the establishment, the country felt lighter on his feet as though he had stepped onto a cloud.
"Ah, Emil! We have your usual spot free. Will you be joining us for lunch?" An energetic young waitress bounced from behind the counter, gently scratching the top of Mr. Puffin's head while smiling sweetly.
"Yes please Greta, this one here would love a bowl of your finest mackerel." Emil followed the woman to an isolated table at the back of the restaurant, beside a small window that looked out onto the street.
"Oh of course, anything for our feathered friend! I will leave you with the menu and will be back shortly to take your order" Greta handed the Icelander a menu, whipping around to place a jug of water with two glasses in the center of the table.
"Thank you Greta, it is much appreciated" Emil nodded, moving to pour himself and Mr. Puffin a glass of water.
When Greta returned, Emil ordered a hangikjot sandwich and an americano. The woman placed a generously heaped bowl of freshly caught mackerel on the other side of the table to which, Mr. Puffin fluttered to and began to scoff.
"Are you sure you're a puffin and not a pig?" Emil teased, thanking Greta for bringing the last items he ordered. Greta bowed and left the two to eat. As the pair tucked in, a sharp tapping sounded at the window. Startled, Emil whirled his head around to investigate the source but found no one in sight. He did, however, discover that a gift had been left on the flowerbed that he was fairly sure wasn't there before. Swallowing his mouthful, the country reached forward to crack the window ajar, retrieving the present and placing it on the table.
"What've you got there?" Mr. Puffin spoke in-between mouthfuls, scarfing down a fish tail.
"Oh, I remember. This week is the Nordic secret Santa exchange, so I am guessing this is from whoever drew my name." Emil explained, wasting no time in tearing at the wrapping paper.
"What is it? There anything for me?" the bird squawked, thrusting his head back into the bowl for another helping of mackerel.
When Emil prised the lid off the decorated gift box, he found a knitted scarf and hand as well as a box of chocolates. Judging by the patterning on the hat and scarf, and by the language printed on the box of chocolates, there was no question that this gift came from Norway. Emil pondered if the Norwegian had cheated during the secret Santa name draw to get his name. Regardless, the gift was thoughtful and, at the very bottom of the box, there was even a matching hat and scarf for Mr. Puffin.
"Looks like we're about to be matching, its from Norway" Iceland held up the garnments of clothing to the bird with a smirk on his face.