December 26: Chance Encounter

From Ennui Enigma - Watson meets a reindeer

Watson stood outside the cage gazing thoughtfully at the lone placid creature before him.

"A rather unassuming creature, when you get down to it. Hardly towering or majestic."

The sign outside the cage gave all the standard scientific information:

Name Reindeer. (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus.) Half-wild artiodactyl. Known as the Artic or Mountain Reindeer. Also known as Rangifer Tarandus Eogroenlandicus, or the East Greenland Caribou, depending on the region where located. The male ranges from 90-180 kg, depending on the subspecies, size can be from 65-210 kg. Diet: Normally eats grasses, hays, twigs, lichen, leaf buds, bush and tree leaves of all sorts. Species is known to be a flexible and wide raging grazer-forager, depending on the season and what is available.

"Sounds far less picky than Holmes. Probably eats everything it can get its little teeth on."

The sign went on to explain that reindeer have wide hooves, and that the creature often stood with its legs spread widely, so that it could distribute its weight in snow, or in swampy conditions. It also has very warm fur, with hollow hairs (much like a polar bear), and a thick undercoat. Both worked to hold in body heat, or trap air in pockets.

"Seems to be an admirable creature for its environment. Trains well for pulling heavy loads, That's ideal for pulling wagons and sleighs, especially sleighs with toys."

The posted information went on to explain that reindeer antlers grow the fastest in the world, and are fully grown by late fall and winter, when it uses them for rutting, and protecting the young.

"Well that also explains why all the Big Guy's reindeer have antlers. Rather makes sense. The reindeer in the Christmas stories only seem to number eight or thereabouts. Maybe they have the finer details wrong. Pity nobody knows Saint Nick personally, such that they can get the straight story."

The reindeer munched slowly and rather listlessly on a limp looking pile of hay in the corner. Watson looked around, and saw little else for the creature to eat, Except for a through with water in it, no other food source appeared available

"I wonder what Holmes would make of this little chap. He seems to be one of the smaller variety, although he could be rather young. Poor thing looks bored silly."

Watson had a small apple in his pocket, which he impulsively took out. Looking around, he saw nobody nearby – so he tossed the apple into the cage, near the pile of hay. The young reindeer immediately took interest, stepping over to the apple. A quick sniff or two, and the apple became a reindeer treat.

"Sorry, little fellow. That's all I've got." Watson gave the reindeer a small shrug.

The reindeer gave Watson a long, apparently sad look, as if realizing no more interesting treats would be forthcoming. It then slowly turned away and bent to eat more hay with what only could be described as reluctance.

Watson sighed, feeling depressed for reasons he could not explain. He had a sudden vision of wild open tundra, snowy landscapes, and softly falling flakes.

"This isn't where such a noble creature should be. He deserves better – or at least something more entertaining to eat."

Watson decided he'd had enough of the zoo for one day. He walked out of the park, and took a cab to his favorite shopping district, where he hoped to do some book shopping, in the off chance he would find the perfect Christmas gift for Holmes.

A fortnight later, Mrs. Martha Hudson, Watson and Holmes sat in their sitting room, opening presents from each other on Christmas day. Holmes warmly thanked Watson for his book on 'The Ideal Architecture of The Beehive: Practical Guidelines For The Working Apiary.' "A perfect start to my collection, Watson. This will give me much to consider, as I make plans for my future."

After they had exchanged all their gifts, Holmes leaned down and picked up a small box hidden in the back of the tree. "It's addressed to you, Watson." He quirked an eye at Martha Hudson, who shrugged, and said "Don't look at me. It's not one of mine."

"A mystery, Watson?" asked Holmes with a slight smile. "Any ideas?"

"None at all, Holmes." Watson took the small box in hand and shook it. It made no sound, and he could determine nothing unusual about it, except that it was somewhat heavier than its size would indicate. He tore open the wrapping paper and found a rather ornate box of what looked like birch wood. Upon opening the box, he gave an involuntary small gasp.

"It's… lovely!" It was a small, exquisitely formed silver apple, along with a note on high quality paper. It read:

Thanks For Feeding The Reindeer.

Warmest Seasons Greetings! Nick

"Oh my!" said Mrs. Hudson.

"Watson, I think you have a story to tell!" said Holmes.

"I don't really. It's nothing."

"Clearly not nothing, at least to someone," prompted Holmes. "Who is this 'Nick' fellow?"

Watson smiled, and said, "You're not going to believe this. It happened two weeks ago at the zoo…"

(The end.)

A/N: "He knows when you've been bad or good." Watson has been a good, caring soul.

I have shuffled the prompts for the next few days. I will eventually cover all the prompts I have been given. This one just felt a bit better closer to Christmas Day.

Please Review. Thanks!