There was a time before the war where the days were peaceful and the nights were silent. There were only a few times of policing differences between the villagers. Snow dusted the ground, emphasizing the brilliant rays of the winter sun. People were singing with merriment, praising the Gods and Goddesses for the lives we have been blessed with. We were nearing the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, where we celebrate the birth of the Sun God. After this night, days will gradually become longer, once again bringing warmth and growth throughout the lands. Everything would prosper once again. At least, that’s what we thought.

I stared at my frosted window as I observed the fernlike patterns created by the crystallized ice. Everything about winter seemed magical, more magical than everyday life here on planet Rhiage. The way the snow glittered as the rays shined down on the ice and snow coated willows. How everyone naturally seemed to come together, which brought such a warmth into the Kingdom of Gwilidon. The playful patterns that were embedded in the ice. The chill that the winds brought. I love it all and cherished every moment I was given.

Knock knock, I had sat up and stretched my sleepy muscles. “Good morning, Blaise,” I heard Sam, my lover, say. “I’m coming in.” He opened the door, already dressed for the day as usual. He had a dark blue pair of jeans on, and a plain black shirt with a slight V-neck that showed off a small section of his dark chest hair. As I sat patiently waiting, I watched as a smirk played across his face as he silently observed me. I was still in a crimson red satin nightgown, my thighs and my shoulders exposed. My auburn hair was messy, but only slightly. I looked a bit more seductive than usual. “You’re utterly beautiful and radiant as ever, I hope you realize that.”

His compliment made me blush, and I stumbled over my ‘thank you’. Nothing new there. He closed the wooden door while I changed into my blue jeans and a dark pink long sleeve shirt. Today we were gathering everything for our Yuletide feast that would take place tomorrow evening. I looked forward to this day every year. With my hand intertwined with Samuel’s, we kissed and then made our way to the grand gathering hall.

Lucas Sharpe, Sam’s father, was discussing food preparations with the kitchen staff. My brother, Derek, sat by the fireplace chatting happily with his best friend, Tyler, as they both kept a watchful eye on the flames. Two large hawk’s, one a caramel brown and the other a dark mahogany, chased each other through the rafters. I assumed it was Aria and Tobiaus, our changeling comrades. They rarely used their gift of shape-shifting due to the scorn of the villagers, however, they were safe here. It was a season for feasting and playing. As long as my friends were happy, I was too.

“Morning,” Lucas said without looking up from the list he was reviewing. “Sleep well?”

“Definitely,” I beamed, remembering my intimate dream about Sam. “So, what’s the plan?” Intimate dream? Samuel thought to me as he looked over with a suspicious grin playing across his face. Later, I thought teasingly to him. This was a new talent that we discovered together. Sam cannot see what I am thinking, but he can hear what I think about.

“We are planning on feeding a total of 27 people, including ourselves and the kitchen staff.”

“Who is attending,” Sam inquired.

“You and your father, Blaise, Aria, Derek, Tyler and his family, Tobiaus, the four chefs, and we naturally invited the families of the chefs and the other two generals stationed here. Oh, and there’s me of course,” he smirked.

“What’s on the menu?” Tobiaus landed on the chair next to Lucas and began to shift back to his normal form. His bright red hair was just below his ears, and his bright green eyes sparkled with delight. Aria landed next to him and also shifted into her human body, nodding with excitement.

“Options will include a roasted turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, stuffing, green bean casserole, broccoli and cheese, cranberry sauce, a relish tray, and, of course, an assortment of pies. Hopefully, there’ll be enough for everyone to at least try everything.” The head chef beamed nervously. Jessie was very proud of his work.

“That sounds delightful,” Aria exclaimed, her hazel eyes twinkling with delight. “What can we do to help?” she asked, turning to Lucas.

“Well, decorations of course!” I inserted, excited to make paper crafts and put ornaments on our giant pine tree that the men went out and picked from the forever giving forest that surrounded our snow dusted castle. “Tobiaus and Aria, would you be willing to make the snowflakes?” They looked at one another and nodded, smiling from ear to ear. “Derek and Tyler, can you two hang the banners and streamers?” They turned around and gave the thumbs up as they chuckled about something. “Sam and I will decorate the tree and get the garland on the walls.” Sam smiled at me. Of course, I teamed us together.

“Alright everyone!” Tobiaus leaped into his chair, his hand raised above his head as he pointed towards the ceiling. “Let’s get to work!” We all giggled a little and got up, heading to get supplies.

As Sam and I went to get the decorations from the vast castle attic, he brought up the oh so intimate dream that I had about us during my slumber. “So, babe, mind filling me in on this dream of yours?” He spoke to me as he brought my right hand to his mouth and planted a kiss on the back of it.

I felt my cheeks grow warm as they pinked from the thought of telling my lover about the dream I had of us during the night. Oh hell, why am I getting nervous for? I thought.

“No need to feel nervous around me, my love,” Samuel said as he stopped walking, grabbed me by the waist, and pulled me into a warm embrace. “Blaise, we are one. Never forget that.” He said as he planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.