It was not that she expected him to be a romantic soul...It’s just that her soul was aching at the lack of romance in his.

It had been fifteen years since they first met. Her thirtieth birthday was coming up, and they were still just...halfway there. Him, supporting her writing. She, supporting his work...Whatever it was that he did.

He traveled a lot, that’s all she knew for sure. Her imagination pictured him as a secret agent, dodging bullets and saving the world.

Her rational thoughts reminded her that she should be able to know if he was busy with such things, since everybody carries their scars...Especially after matches of flying bullets.

But, he was always perfectly fine when he popped by. And it stayed that way, even after they got married. Every single time, he came home safely, without those scars.

Their marriage was built on a strange kind of love. But, more on companionship than love. And the need for each other. They were best friends, and yet, strangers. They were strangely similar in some ways, such as their need for silence and loneliness, and yet they were very different.

He had his filthy blonde hair, always neatly cut and gelled back. The only time she saw it in disarray was right after they woke up in the morning. His hair would then curl, and stand in every direction. She found it kind of cute.

She had her hair all the way down to her waist. Pitch-black, and au naturel. She left it flowing at all times. Loose braids when necessary, but the rest of the time it was just free. It would fold around her shoulders and cup her face.

His eyes were a deep, steel-blue pool of stubbornness. Only a few times did she see those steely eyes soften and look at her with concern and love. Or rather, something linked to love.

The first time she looked into his eyes, they were filled with concern. He was running, and rounded the corner of the store very quickly...bumping right into her. She fell backwards and hit her head hard. When she came to, those two pools were looking down at her. And she fell in love, immediately...

He once joked that she seemed to look into his eyes as if she wanted to search his soul. She meekly replied, “I wish I could.”

He looked surprised at first, and then he smiled one of his rare smiles. “Be careful, dear, for you are so busy searching my soul, that you are laying your own wide open in those honey eyes of yours.”

Honey looked up, her yellow eyes catching the snow outside. She smiled involuntarily. Personally, she preferred autumn, but winter had its quirks. Snow was only one of them...and of course, there was the memories connected to winter.

She closed her notebook and stiffly rose from the sofa. Four hours bent over a notebook, scribbling down her latest ideas for characters, settings, and plots...

It’s what happened when he wasn’t home. She just couldn’t sleep anymore. So, she planned. She wrote. She tried to survive.

Soon, it would be their fifth wedding anniversary...And with each passing year, she realized how much she truly loved him...Her husband...Linnaeus...

It’s as if she fell more and more in love with him, with each passing week. It didn’t matter that they didn’t spend time together; she still fell more in love with him each time.

When he was home, he locked himself in his study, for the most part. Especially during the last month that he was home; he slept in his study, he ate there, he worked there, and he practically kept himself imprisoned there.

The only time he took a break from that room was for some leisure. A quick walk outside in the brisk air. Or some time quickly spent tinkling out a ballad, or minuet, on the piano.

She didn’t understand why he was so anti-social. But, she gave him his space as he placed more and more distance between them. His work was very important to him...she could understand and respect that.

As she fell asleep that night, her life flashed in front of her eyes. And then she sunk into dreamland, a single rose wavering in front of her eyes.

It was the first time he ever gave her any token of his affection. When he asked her to marry him. His hair was unkempt that day. He had shaved, as usual, but he had missed a spot, much to her amusement and his chagrin.

They were standing in the middle of the meadow, bundled up against the cold around them. His hands were behind his back, and suddenly he produced the rose. Her breath had hitched as she accepted it shakingly.

Then, he proceeded to kneel down on his one knee. The world seemed to come to a standstill; even the snowflakes seemed to freeze in midair.

Honey Ehle, you and I have known each other for nine years. You have never tried to change me, but you accepted me as I am. Cold...stone-cold...

You’re not-

Please don’t interrupt me...For nine years we have been accepting each other. You with your romantic soul; I’ve always loved you for it. Me with my coldness.

I guess you can say that I love you in my own special way. It’s not all that noticeable to you or others, but I cannot seem to get you off my mind. You seep into my thoughts, no matter how hard I try to fight you.

Please, do me the honor and marry me.

Oh, Linnaeus!

*three years later*

A man stumbles through the snow, limping through the covered meadow. A warm, woolen, black coat covers his body, reaching down to his ankles. It is wrapped around him tightly. The look is finished off with dark gray gloves and a scarf.

Splotches of red appear and disappear as he continues stumbling through the snow. Finally, he comes to a halt, in the middle of the meadow.

He drops down to his knees, and then places the three red roses on the ground. The tears form in his eyes, but he winks them away and hardens his features. For a silent moment, he allows their time together to flash before his eyes.

Even through all the hurt and pain of the last few years, he hasn’t changed much at all. His hair is still filthy blonde and his eyes still steely blue. He is still fit and well-built; muscular, even.

The memories start to slow down, until the last one remains. A young woman lying peacefully on the king-sized bed, the blankets folded around her in a haphazard manner; like only she could sleep.

She had a smile around her face, for she left the world in peace. She never even knew what happened. Only he knew...For the blood covered her neck, and when she was cleaned up, the slit was seen to be very deep.

He cannot hold it in anymore, and the sobs tear through him. Three years of just coming here, not saying anything. Just dropping a rose, two for the second year, and leaving again.

But, after three years, he had finally brought the criminal to justice. And now, there was time to heal...Or rather, time to realize that he could have done it differently. Trusted the only woman he ever loved.

She once asked if he was a secret agent...If only she had known that she got it right, though he laughed it off...

“I’m sorry, Honey...It was my job, as your husband, to be there for you...Not just to protect you from the danger, but also to protect you from the extreme loneliness...It was my job to be your companion, not just a ghost that popped in every now and then...”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you...” He forces out, between ragged breaths. His voice breaks, and he cries, allowing the tears to fall holes into the soft snow.

After the storm inside ceases, he struggles to his feet again. With a last deep breath, he turns around and leaves for the empty house...An empty house that haunted him, and yet comforted him.

Within those four walls, he felt her presence. But, within those four walls, he also felt the despair, the result of his failure. And she would never know now why he spent that last week so anti-socially.

He could never apologize. He could never have that time back. He could never fix any of his mistakes. He could never show his bumbling bee that there was romance in his heart. He hid it away, because it was not part of the job description.

But if he could have it all over again, he wouldn’t be such a fool again. Love is not meant to be saved for when you are in a safe occupation, or when you can afford it. It is meant to be shown always, even when there are bullets to dodge, and lives to be saved.

As he trudges away, the snow starts falling again, gracing the red petals. A bit of color in a cold landscape...Like she was the color in his cold world...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- 2020/12/17

The snow it fell so

I could not see

Could not perceive

The road ahead

I had your face

In my heart

Oh, baby, I won’t be able

To make it home, it seems

My limbs are freezing solid,

Tonight, there will be no fire to warm me

I am quite afraid

You’re not near to comfort me

The snow flurries past me

The white waves become thicker and thicker

Until I cannot even see my feet

But, I just struggle onwards, still trying

.....

It’s been a few hours now

And the blizzard has calmed down

But I do not know where I am

Baby, I will never come home

* * * * * * * * * *

Prompt: Write a poem about someone who cannot find their way home in the snow.

Rocco Cinnamonsticks quickly dove into the snow. Whew...So close...Almost. Almost that old oaf saw me.

Three years ago, he ran away from Santa’s workshop. He wanted to escape the slavery, the constant joy, the constant making of gifts for kids that they didn’t even know, checking the gift lists...

But, every single year, right around December, those memories resurfaced, because he couldn’t seem to escape the spirit of Christmas...or the spirit of Santa.

Now, it was December 20. Yes, he was cutting it very close, but his plans wouldn’t work out any other way. It had to be December 20, five days before Christmas...

Mrs. Claus quickly finished setting the table. She frowned lightly, and adjusted her cap. Now...if only nothing goes wrong tonight...

Dressed in red and white, she sure looked like the wife of the jolly, fat man. But, resting between her breasts, hidden under her outfit, there clung a golden ring to her skin.

It was not a ring given to her by old Nick, oh no. It was the ring of the one man she loved more than anybody else in the world. The one man that made her feel like a woman again.

It might be good to point out that Santa and Mrs. Claus have been in existence for many years. Yet, they do not grow old. And it is why we find Mrs. Claus with lightly graying hair, but still with a youthful face.

She quickly stepped into the master bedroom, her eyes not even taking in her surroundings, only the small jewelry box on her mahogany vanity. Her eyes stayed glued on this box, and soon she lifted the lid, fastening her gaze on the special set of jewels.

Beaming up to her, the emerald-studded necklace shone. In the middle of it, lay the two large golden emerald-studded earrings. Shaking, she quickly clipped them in, and then clasped the necklace around her neck, allowing it to sink away, hiding underneath her red and white blouse.

Rocco tapped impatiently on the door. Come on, Ranger. You know I’m coming today. He shoved his hand through his black, curly hair, frowning even more when his hand hooked on to his pointy ear for a mere second. How he wished that he could be rid of these hideous things. It really made it difficult to blend in with the people. How fortunate that he was one of the taller elves; at least that helped him to blend into the modern world with some ease.

Finally, the door swung open and his mirror image stared back at him. Well, his twin brother.

“Rocco, plans have changed. Come in.” Ranger pulled his brother inside, securely bolting the door behind them. They faced each other. “Nick has decided to take the missus on a vacation this year. Well, not really a vacation. It’s mo-”

“Ranger, don’t take the long way around things. Spit it out.” Rocco said, much more calmly now.

“Nick is not in the factory anymore. He’s not with the reindeer anymore. He’s heading home. He’s going to take Holly and they’ll be leaving right after dinner. So...you have an hour...”

“Brother,” he started with a mischievous smile, “I will need a few things, if you please.”

“My dear Mrs. Claus, something smells marvelous.” Santa said as he entered the cozy kitchen. Stunned, he stopped dead in his tracks.

Holly was also left frozen, biting her lower lip, pondering her next move. Finally, she turned around slowly, flipping her shoulder-length black hair to the back.

“Thank you, Nick.” She said calmly, but the quivering of her nose gave away her uncertainty.

“H-h-oll-ly?!” He stuttered, taking a step backwards. “H-h-oww?”

“Easy, actually.” She said, slipping on her kitchen mits and lifting the pot from the fireplace, placing it on her kitchen table. “To impresss you, I decided to disguise my actual hair color. To appear older and more favourable to you. But, I never got rid of my natural hair color.”

“And now,” she continued, “I’m just tired of being older than I really am. I’m going back to my youthful self; the ever-youthful soul you turned me into when you married me. See...I’m immortal now.” She smiled evilly, her blue eyes steeling over.

“Now...Holly.” He warned, stepping closer. Then he noticed her slim shape. “When did you lose weight?” He asked, his mouth falling wide open, finally paying full attention to her.

The dark green dress clinging to her body, reaching down to sweep the floor. The wooly white shawl hugging her shoulders. An emerald necklace and earrings glistening maliciously at him.

“It all started the day I met the true love of my life.” She informed him haughtily, tilting her head upwards.

“And who might that be?” He asked sternly, coming to stand in front of her, slightly surprised at the heat being radiated from the fireplace. “The fire is too hot.” He added.

“I know that. I stoked it to be this hot.” She said and took a step backwards, her eyes scanning him warily.

“Who might be this true love of your life, Holly?”

“Rocco Cinnamonsticks...”

“ROCCO CINNAMONSTICKS?!!” He burst out laughing, folding his arms around his paunch. “My dear wife, that elf has left us long ago. You are waiting for somebody that will never return.”

“That is where you are wrong, dear old Nick.” The taunting voice echoed through the room.

“Rocco!” She cried joyfully, but stopped when she saw the warning look on his face. Santa turned around, his eyes growing big.

“Oh...Look who’s here...Tell me, Rocco,” and he glanced behind him, “what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to take away Holly, kill you, and stop this horrid holiday that we have to go through each year.” He stated confidently, keeping his hands behind his back.

“Oh, really? May I ask how you are going to accomplish that feat?” Santa asked, seemingly amused.

“Look outside.” The answer came calmly.

Ranger took a deep breath, and then brought the match down. It ate at the short line.

At Rocco’s harsh “Holly!”, both fell to the ground, as the shot burst through the big kitchen window, fire crackers lighting up the room, being followed by the deafening noise.

The fat man stepped back among the chaos, and then fell backwards, hitting the kitchen table with force. As he sank to the ground, the pot was tipped over and fell on him, scalding his whole body.

Rocco chuckled dryly, jumping over the table, and grabbed Santa’s legs.

“Rocco, what on earth are you doing?” Holly screamed, where she still lay on the ground, covering her ears. Another round of fire crackers flew into the room, the chaos being renewed.

Under his breath, Rocco cursed, but slowly lifted Santa, dragging him towards the fireplace. A cracker flew past his head, momentarily disabling his hearing.

Biting his lip, he dropped down, and crawled to Santa’s head. He lifted his victim upwards, groaning as he fought against the bulk of man.

“For FREEDOM!!!” He yelled as he pushed Santa forwards and into the seething fire...

The snow coated the landscape, decking the hills in white. From where she sat on the top of a hill, she blended into her landscape.

Her hair fell onto the snow, melting into the whiteness. Her skin was almost as pale as her hair, and her eyes were a light blue, almost indistinguishable from the white of her eyes.

She was very short, even shorter than a dwarf. Her face was petite, her nose small, but hooked, and her ears pointy. Her small lips were pinched together as she sat, waiting in the cold.

Her white fur dress covered her from her chin to her ankles, even all the way to her wrists. Her feet were bare, but hiding underneath her dress. Even her hands were bare, but she didn’t seem to mind.

Her ears twitched slowly as the rhythmic drumming reached her hearing. Gleefully, she straightened her back and peered down the hill, into the valley below.

Yes! She thought as the twelve drummers came drumming down the road. Dressed in their white and blue uniforms, they themselves fit in pretty well with the environment.

They would've been able to creep up on people easily if it weren't for the beating that they kept up, no matter how far they were walking.

Every winter, the Guild of the Twelve Winter Drummers set out on their march. They marched across the country, stopping in every town, lifting the spirits of the townsfolk. It was their well-advertised duty; sowing joy through rhythm.

But, only she was aware of their real mission. Nobody else had considered what the men kept themselves busy with when winter came to an end.

After many years, she had figured it out and now it was time to punish them. To end their lives, and ultimately, to save the other seasons...

After twelve years of drumming, the winter season has increased from a period of three months to nine months already. A full-blooded summer hasn’t been seen in at least six years. And the people didn’t seem to notice or care...Not that it was their fault.

But, today, she would destroy the Twelve Winter Drummers; the Archduke of Winter would lose his best henchmen...

She softly started humming, allowing her voice to grow stronger and louder, until the snow started moving underneath her, slipping out from under her and rushing down the hill. She stayed stationary, not pausing her song.

As the Winter Pixie, it was her duty to bring back her siblings and to restore freedom to Myfantheslandia. And today, she would start her mission by burying the drummers, with the help of her best friend...Lady Snow.

Skaters pass each other, deftly swinging past the slower ones, as they go round and round the massive skating rink. With a roof overhead, they do not fear having to stop for any abrupt blizzard.

To the right side of the rink, not even two feet from the entrance onto the rink, a young man is holding on tightly to the rail. His raven hair is standing up a bit, attesting to all the times he pushed his hand through, during the day, out of sheer frustration. His icy eyes flash annoyed as he slowly tries to move himself forwards.

With a disgusted grunt, Adam looks down at his skates. Oh yeah, let’s try a new sport this winter...

Why on earth did he decide to take up a winter sport this year? It was the stupidest thing he’s ever done. And of all the sports...Ice skating...Yes, because that was a terrific idea!

Ugh...Why couldn’t I just leave the sports for summer or something. He pushes himself forward, but has to reach out and grasp the railing again.

Oh no, we don’t. There will be no falling on our-

Somebody whizzes past him, momentarily making him lose his balance. He tumbles to the ground, sitting down on the cold.

“I’m so sorry!” A young woman calls out, but when he looks up, he doesn’t notice the culprit.

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Stupid woman. A chuckling person glides up to him from behind.

“You do like sitting around, don’t you?” The male voice says amused. Adam peeks over his shoulders and then groans wholeheartedly.

“You have got to be kidding me, man. What are you doing here?” He asks. Henry chuckles again and then skates around Adam, stopping in front of him, and bending down on his knees.

“Participating in my all-time favourite winter sport.” He says, not even trying to hide his wide smile.

“Don’t lie, man. I didn’t even know you can skate.”

“You’re right. I couldn’t skate, not until last week, that is.” Henry rises up again and then offers his hand. “But, I’m a sucker for my lil’ sis, bud.”

“Your little sister?” He asks and takes the offered help. “Which one?” He grabs on to the rail, and clings to it tightly, before facing his friend.

“My baby sister. Oh, right, you’ve never met her.” Henry points to the other side of the rink. “The daredevil over there. She looks a lot like me; well, you know, all my sisters and I share some similar features.”

Adam turns and looks, noticing the ten-year old girl whizzing around people, before moving to the middle of the rink. Her black pigtails fly behind her, and he is positive that her green eyes are sparkling now, just like her brother’s eyes would sparkle when he’s busy setting a new speed record on his motorcycle.

“She’s good.” He remarks and then faces his friend, trying to pull himself up to his full height.

“Hey, she’s got five years of practice. Of course, she’s good.” Henry chuckles and then waves to his sister as she zooms past them. “She’s damn good.” He says, staring at his sister, the pride lighting up his face. “Damn good.” He whispers.

“You’re a good brother, Henry.” Adam admits softly, regaining his friend’s attention. “A good brother. And friend. I don’t know how you keep your wits among six sisters. Willing to support their dreams, their hobbies, and to support them in the trying times. Your parents would be proud of you.”

“Thanks...” He gulps and blinks his eyes, before turning to watch his sister again. “Thanks, man...”

“So...about that being a good friend part...” Adam continues.

“Yes?”

“Uh...Want to join me for the game tonight? I can order some pizza. I mean, if you don’t have anything else on your plate.” Henry chuckles and faces his friend again.

“And here I thought you were going to ask me to help you out with ice skating.”

“You help me with skating? Nah, I’ll get it.”

“Alrighty then!” He bursts out laughing and then winks to his sister. “Nina, we have to go now! Ilena will never forgive us if we don’t make it to her recitation.”

“You leaving already?”

“Yep. But, I like the pizza and game night idea. Consider me in. Ilena can keep the house standing tonight. Game starts at six, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Great. I’ll be there at six.”

“Not coming earlier?”

“Nope.” He faces his struggling friend again. “Janine’s game lasts until five thirty. You’re welcome to join us.” He then teases.

“Um...”

“Look at you. I can barely mention my sis, and you are turning as red as a tomato. When are you going to ask her out on a date?”

“Never.” He breathes out, and looks ceilingward. “You are imagining things.”

“If you say so.” Henry chuckles and then skates past his friend. “Later, man.”

Adam takes a deep breath and then twists his neck around.

“Hey, Henry! When you learned to skate...uh, did you fall a lot?”

“Yup.” He chuckles and turns back to face his friend, his green eyes glistening with great amusement.

“Not afraid of people laughing at you, huh?”

“Adam...my sisters laugh at me all the time; if I’m clowning around or being dead serious; if I’m succeeding or failing. I have learned a valuable lesson over my lifetime, and I honestly am not afraid to fall anymore.”

“What’s the lesson?”

“It’s always worth falling.” He answers, the smile still lingering around his lips. “From all my silly failures, I have made quite a few people laugh, or just smile. And I like that. In the end, I also end up laughing at myself. Which is...well, really worth all the pain.” He grins and quickly looks over his shoulder, satisfied to see his sister already sitting down to remove her skates.

“I see...You are different, aren’t you; wanting to see people laugh and smile...” Adam answers and slowly tries to turn himself fully in his friend’s direction.

“My advice to you: Don’t be so tight. Fall. Get up. Try again. And...well, ask for some help.” He bursts out laughing as his friend rolls his eyes. “That’s what I did, man. And look at me.” He skates backwards slightly. “I’m a master on ice...well,” he grins, “almost. Ciao, amigo!”

“Hi, you need help?” He looks up into the brown eyes of the young teenage girl. Her black hair is cut into a bob and softly frames her face as she giggles down at him.

“Uh...I just fell.” He mumbles and pulls himself up.

“Maybe I can help you?” She murmurs softly. “If you want,” she adds.

"...okay...” He smiles weakly. “But...ah, nevermind...I would appreciate some help. I’ve got a best friend to beat at being master on the ice.”

“Consider me your mentor then.”

“And consider me your most attentive student...I’m Adam. What’s your name?”

* * * * * * * * * *

Prompt: You have decided that this year you’re going to take up a winter sport. Now that winter is here, you…

The snow trickled down from the dark heavens above. The streets were quiet, and mostly dark. People were in their homes, resting up for the New Year, and recovering from Christmas.

It was almost midnight, and the lights slowly were distinguished one by one as the power was cut.

On the one dark street, a lamp post stood, all regal. Its lights were slowly flickering, but not enough to shine some light into the dark night. It stood in the middle of a circle, a road going all around it.

Many people had lain their eyes on it as they rounded the circle to drive down one of the four roads. But, none of them knew the true power behind the lamp post.

The lights started flickering a little brighter as the shuffling of feet approached. A cane was heard, hitting against the cobblestone.

An aged man appeared, clinging tightly to a little girl’s hand. She was walking on his left side, allowing him to use his other hand to hold the cane that helped to steady him.

His hair was as white as the snow, standing a little statically in different directions. His spectacles were hooked on to the pocket of his jacket, within ease of reach. His fading green eyes sparkled with excitement, but they also showed the last flicker of life left in him.

His brown fur coat hung heavily on his body, but protected him against the cold. His cane was strong and sturdy, splattered with touches of gold.

The little girl by his side was something else. Many people had laughingly asked if she was a little pixie, and in her life she had been teased plenty, by the jealous, because of her appearance.

She was very slim and thin, considering that she was only five years old. Her black hair fell down onto her shoulders, a tease of a curl in the strands.

Her green eyes shone like emeralds; they were also full of life and excitement. Her nose was a little pointed, but very petite. She had a petite oval-shaped face, rosy cheeks, and a small mouth. When she smiled, a dimple appeared on each cheek. Her ears were slightly pointed, to the surprise and chagrin of her family.

She clung like a nervously excited child to her great-grandfather. Her coat dragged in the snow, adding even more white to the edge of the fur.

Both the old man and little girl reached the lamp post. By now, the light was growing stronger and stronger. The luminance reached out farther and farther, brighter and brighter.

“Nia, we are going to go there now, okay?” He huffed out, and then coughed. “Don’t be scared. The Luminians are good people. Like their country, they are bright and friendly.”

“Yes, Great-grandfather.” She said timidly, her eyes wide.

He let go of her and reached out his weathered left hand, resting it against the post. “Luminia, Lantin ofen Lumin, welkomen wene.” He muttered.

The whole post started glowing golden bright, and both closed their eyes.

“A new year. And after this celebration, I can die in peace.” He mumbled, before the ground underneath them seemed to vanish and they started floating.

Luminia, Land of Light, had their new year celebration on December 28, for the humans. It only happened every five years, though. Every five human years counted as one year for the Luminians.

If the doctors say I’m dying, then I must be dying. But I won’t die in this godforsaken world. I’ll die with the people of my heart. The old man thought, floating in the air. And Luminia will take over from me. She’ll come back home, but she will be there for the Luminians too. If only the children will accept my last wish.

A small prick of light flickered in front of his eyes. It grew bigger and bigger until a young woman appeared. Her black hair fell down to her feet. Her amethyst eyes glimmered. The rest of her body seemed to be covered in light, though. She smiled at him.

“Lumis, she is only five. And she is a girl. She won’t be able to do it. You expect too much of her.” The soft voice floated towards him.

And I am a hundred and twenty, Lucia. I’m too old and she’s too young. Which one is the right choice. She is, trust me...You don’t know her, dear. She’s perfect for this. You wait and see. He promised. Her smile drooped as she looked on him sadly and then sighed.

“If you say so, Lumis. But your time is over...I’m really sorry about that.” She seemed to step even closer, and then she leaned over. A soft kiss fell on his cheek. “Rest now.” She said before disappearing again, but he saw the tears in her eyes.

I love you, Lucia. Take care of my little girl...

“I will...” The voice whispered, before the darkness folded in around him, and he fell into an abyss.