The story of the North Pole (ch. 1-12/10)

[Bladderbrain]

I thought it was time for a Christmas story. I've got a good bit worked out already. This is just a teaser for the first chapter. Before every part I will try to post triggers that will appear. This will either go really well or really bad. If the latter happens I'll probably stop.

 

These stories have all affected me in my past. My fantasy or fancy is that great can come from grave. We have to hold those things in our hearts, the things that are good. I won't call it easy or simple but when the world shows how cruel it is we can show the good. It's not to say scars won't remain, but we can use those scars to remind us of exactly what we refuse to ever be.

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Everyone knows the story of Saint Nicholas. Yeah, yeah, jolly old man, with the jello belly. Laughs like he's insulting the world. You know the 8 tiny reindeer dragging around his overly puffy, wrapped in red velvet self. We all know that story, it's been drilled into us since birth. We've grown up on his kindness and his joy. His mystery feeds us as we try to understand how he manages such feats year after year.

 

Truly, we all know that story. 

 

We may even recall his famous little Rudolph. With his nose all aglow. Guiding the sleigh to safe harbor in storms. His fame may even rival Santa Claus. He stands among the greats, saving Christmas time and again. 

 

Yes, even his accomplishments have breached the isolation of the north pole and made it to the mere mortals. 

 

These stories we know by heart, they sing us to sleep through the year, and for one night they rouse our excitement and refuse us rest.

 

Yes we know these by heart….

 

But there is a story that is not told often, one that often is overlooked, or worse…. wrongly told.

 

This is a story of another great good. For only good things are allowed at the north pole. Only pure hearts, honorable intentions, these things are allowed in this place of wonder. However, Selfless love is desired above all others in the North Pole. In reality, all of the greatest stories here are rooted and built on selfless love. The story, our story, is all about finding that one virtue. Finding it where it has held strong, held strong against tyrannical monsters,  against overbearing circumstances. Where it has stood as a bastion of hope for the weak, refusing to die amidst the suffering. 

 

This story is about bringing that selfless love to the place where it will be grown and nurtured. Where it will be celebrated and cheered. Warmed and cherished, much to the dismay of the oppressive envious ones who witness the miracle of our story. 

 

It is true our story always begins in the ruins, it will, however, always end in a palace. You see, for those to be given the honor, there must be proof. It must be evident that their hearts do not waver. Even in the darkest nights, the lowest valleys, the coldest winters, or the loudest tempest. 

 

Yes, our story may not be widely known, nor is it famous from the songs sung by millions of children, but we know, yes we know the story. We know it all too well, we have lived it, and with each new face it is refreshed in our minds and hearts.

 

Now you will know it too, hereafter, Yes you will know it too. You see, it is time we like all the other immortals tell the story, the great story, the story of our greatest benefactor. 

 

The story of Mrs. Clause...

[keith60]

where is the story ?

[Bladderbrain]

Sorry for the delay. I really am bad at grammar and try my best to get all the missing words in correctly before I post.

Any way you don't care about my grammar, hope you enjoy installment one. 

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

 

The sled wasn't covered in silver bells, no it really wasn't fancy at all. It wasn't painted red, in fact it wasn't painted at all. There weren't gold runners, just plain steel. It was hearty, not showy. There were not presents on this sled, just furs and blankets. No hot cocoa, but there were supplies for those in need.

 

This wasn't the sleigh ride that was pulled by 8 tiny reindeer. No, that was in another stable. This sled was pulled by 4 large polar bears. The bears upset the reindeer, so they had needed a second stable. They were not cute or fancy. They were intimidating and large. 

 

No, this was not Santa's sleigh, and as she surveyed it she realized it suited her and her mission much better. 

 

The big man was a joyful man, he had always made her smile, but he had a flair for the fancy. That wasn't her style. She preferred to get the work done and be prepared for the next thing. 

 

It had been this way since she had been brought here. What a day that had been. Santa had seen her work, though limited by her means she had always done what she could. Back then it was 4 dogs though, there was no magic to her work. Now she had the power of Christmas. 

 

Reminiscing, her mind wandered to when she had first met Santa in the flesh.

 

It was quite the shock when she had arrived home to the sleigh, THE sleigh, in front of her house. Her precious cargo wrapped in the folds of the sled. He had let himself inside, presumably by the chimney, at least that's what she assumed later and he was entertaining the rest of her family with stories. He had found cookies and milk somewhere and was devouring a plate. Always the sucker for sweets, Santa was never without a candy cane or a cookie or candies of all types. At least it kept him plump and jolly. All that sugar may even be the source of his jolliness. Who knew?

 

When she entered he never even looked up until the story was over. Her guard had been up, but she let it play out. You didn't do her work without making a few enemies or not being able to read a situation. If he had been there for harm he would have started before she got there. 

 

When the oaf had finished his story, the family went to bed leaving the 2 alone to talk.

 

Still fully believing he was just an intruder she listened to his proposal, he wanted her to come to the north pole and do her work there. He had seen her, watched her. She thought he was a stalker. The conversation was not a long one, nor was it convincing. 

 

In the end he had to show her the truth through his magic. Flying reindeer and a glowing nose. 

 

The final convincing factor that had made her say yes was his list. It showed her everything she needed. She could help so many more, her mind reeled at the possibility. She could be a hope for the world instead of some small corner of nowhere in a really big world. Yes, she could change the world like he was. When she realized it, she was more than happy to say yes. The tears of joy he had brought her that night still found themselves on her cheek tonight.

 

That had been hundreds of years ago. So much had happened in that time, including their marriage. She had resisted his manly temptation for a 100 years. Whether it was the fact there were no other men around or she had truly fallen for him, they were happy. In truth the what's and why's of it all really didn't matter to her. What mattered was that the family was safe, cared for, and never left wanting. 

 

Which, let's be honest, at the north pole, who could really not have all those things and more? The finest toys were made here. The greatest foods were brought in from all over the world. Here beneath the ice, where the magic held strongest, the temperature was always comfortable. It had amazed her that night. The night she, the family, and her sled were brought home. 

 

The awe on their faces, the awe on her face, and that goofy laugh of Santa's. Of Course then it had been smaller, maybe only the size of a large sports stadium, but it had grown overtime. Now it was larger than most cities in the world. With its own skyscrapers and high rises. Of Course it looked nothing like the drab cities of the world. 

 

There were Christmas lights all year round. Twinkling and shining for everyone to see. Walkways between the towers shared Garland and bows. Christmas trees were at every corner. However the biggest difference was the noise. 

 

It wasn't quiet by any stretch of the imagination, in fact the noise may have rivaled normal cities. Instead of people yelling though, they were laughing. Instead of car horns there were streets filled with Christmas music. It was a wonder to behold. 

 

It had never grown old, sitting on her balcony watching the world she had come to love. Watching the streets full of laughter and fun. 

 

Her work was not nearly as demanding as Santa's, it afforded her more free time. Her list was shorter, maybe 10 names each year. Though, She checked it much closer than just naughty or nice. It was a meticulous task, one of detail and import. If she failed it may ruin the whole of the north pole, one mistake, one piece out of line and it could ruin the delicate balance that had been created. 

 

She surveyed the sled again. It was always the perfect size. Each year, bigger or smaller, it was always perfect. That magic had been a wedding gift from her husband. She checked the names for the 500th time. They hadn't changed in months, they were exactly what they had been. Each was perfectly made. Pure hearts, pure intentions, there was no mistaking them. 

 

She longed to hold them, it wouldn't be long now. She willed them to hold on for just a few more hours. No, not long until her mission would begin. 

 

The elves were busy with final preparations. Elves, as her husband called them. They were wonderful in their spirit. Never stopping their work, playing in the midst of their work. Making games and competing to finish first. Some, almost as old as her. Their faces finally showing age, beginning to look "adult" while only being a mere 3 feet tall. 

 

Wondrous indeed, they had seen so much of life, they were truly the reason Christmas kept coming each year. Working tirelessly, never seeing anything but hope and joy in their work. 

 

For instance, Conan was patting a polar bear by the name of Boris. He held out raw meat for the bear, a final snack for him before the night's mission began. There was no fear even though the elf was barely able to reach the bear's snout. Instead Conan's face only ever showed joy at his task. Smiling as the bear took the snack and nuzzled his handler in return.

 

In what other place would such a small being feed a beast such as this? At least without becoming part of the menu. 

 

She smiled at the scene, she knew every one of them, they were her world, and they in turn were the lifeblood of the north. 

 

She left the stable, content that all was in order. Or at least being put in order. It had been many years since she had to intervene on preparations. They knew their jobs very well.

 

Down the street she walked purposefully. It was time to be dressed for the journey. 

 

In her room, Santa waited for her. After centuries there was no need for words. He simply smiled, nodded and winked at her. 

 

It always made her heart glow a bit, her stomach fill with butterflies. The man had her heart, no one could deny that. 

 

She dressed making sure each layer had no gaps. It was a long way across the ice and it got cold. 

 

Finally she took a look in the mirror. She had seen the image before, a mostly slim woman, older looking but far from frail. Her hair in a tight bun, sensible for her work. The same red velvet and sash that Santa wore, but tailored for her. 

 

"You always look stunning my dear." Santa said from across the room. "I hope you are safe tonight. Remember we have a vacation to attend to in January so don't do anything crazy."

 

She laughed, "you're a big goof. You know as well as I that the bears would never allow me harm. You saw to that didn't you"

 

With a hig she was off. Her sled wasn't as fast as the red sleigh. She would need to leave soon if she was to be home before dawn came on her last stop. 

 

The roads were quieter than normal, the elves rested tonight as much as they would. 

 

Back in the stable everything was ready. The bears hitched, all her needed things in place. She tucked the list into a safe spot and spoke a few final requests to the elves close by. 

 

It was time.

 

Her demeanor instantly changed from smiles and laughter to grim determination. Those nearest her knew this change well and knew it was time to be out of the way. 

 

"Boris"

 

"Freya"

 

"Magnus"

 

"Linnea"

 

She called each bear by name. "We have work to do. Now pull!!"

 

The bears lurched into action. Through the open stable doors they went. Mrs. Clause at the reins, standing on the sled she was commanding. 

 

There was relief in beginning to move, Her mission had begun.

 

It wasn't a mission of peace and goodwill. It wasn't a mission of generosity or kindness, there were no cookies or milk waiting for her at her stops. It wasn't a mission to bring toys but rather to bring help.

 

She held no delusions about what she was doing. 

 

Her mission was search and rescue, and it was one she was good at.