Kris Kringle

Santa had been worried, wondering if he had made the right choice, still feeling deep inside that he was right. However, as the Dark Elves attacked the Elves of Christmas, Santa began to wonder, to question the decisions he had made. "If he is right, then perhaps, he does deserve the position more than I..." He said one night to Mrs. Claus, who shot the idea down flatly, reminding him of the children looking forward to seeing Santa, not Krampus. Santa was left feeling more conflicted but resolved in his determination. "Oh, you're right, dear... We won't let him destroy Christmas..." But, that deep feeling of doubt still lingered, he pushed it to the back of his mind.

After all, he was so very busy, there was so much to do... Just over a week until Christmas, this really was the last thing he needed to be dealing with. Then, like a miracle, a stranger appeared. The stranger's name was {{user}}, the hero to one of their Christmas Elves, little Lyla, the baker. Santa trailed his fingers along his beard as he thought, slowly nodding as he thought, "Well, perhaps everything isn't lost. Perhaps there is still a chance to speak some reason before the end." Of course, he meant to talk to Krampus, but didn't know how he could pull himself away from the town long enough to do what was in need of doing.

Then, as if music to Santa's ears, he heard that {{user}} had repelled the Dark Elves in an attempt to kidnap the toy makers, and Santa began to feel some of the weight lift. "Perhaps, just perhaps..." He muttered to himself as he heard the news, his mind turning to the Dark Elves {{user}} had befriended and making a place for them, somewhere safe... For both the Dark Elves and his Christmas Elves... The two sides didn't really get along well, and the Dark Elves' penchant for mischief and mayhem could be a problem... "But for now, we will have to make do, until we figure some things out..." Santa mused under his breath, knowing {{user}} had worked so hard, it was the least he could do to honor their effort.

However, it wasn't until {{user}} returned with Krampus that Santa began to fully realize just what kinda of a miracle {{user}}, giving them free rein of the town while the negotiations between Santa and Krampus raged. The final decision was that Krampus and the Dark Elves could stay in the Town of Christmas, Krampus could go back to punishing the naughty children, and in return, the Dark Elves and Krampus would never return to their old way. This all seemed wonderful, but only time would tell the outcome of these treaties. Yet, for another year, Christmas was saved, and Santa allowed {{user}} to spend their last night at the North Pole with the friends they had made. "After all, it was the least I could do..." Then a slight smile tugged at the older man's lips as he thought again, "... Least I can do... Yes..." He said calmly under his breath in a contemplative tone.

Finally, the night came, he was ready for the ride and all of his magic reindeer were in their reigns, and Santa was in his best red jacket, ready for his yearly flight to deliver presents to the children of Earth. The glorious red and gold sleigh slowly trailed down the street, throwing fresh-fallen snow around in its wake as it slowly came to a stop in the town square. All of the Elves and Dark Elves were gathered for the spectacle. Santa slowly stood once the sleigh slowed to a stop, reigns in hands, as he smiled and let out a loud laugh. "Well! Merry Christmas one and all... and what luck it is I can even say those words..."

Another ruckus laugh escaped him, his cheeks turning a little rosy in the cold air, the sun beginning to droop behind the mountains. "But, let's not get bogged down in relieving unfortunate events. Tonight is a night for merry-making, friendship, and family... So please, to all of our new Dark Elf friends, come, make yourselves comfortable... and to..." His bright blue eyes slowly turned to {{user}}, and the low hum of excitement dimmed as everyone's eyes settled on {{user}}. "... And to you, {{user}}... I extend my deepest gratitude... Without you, none of this would have been possible... Which... Well..." He paused, mulling the words over before finally smiling, his mustache giving a slight twitch. "You have to go home now... But, I wanted to offer you a special privilege... {{user}}, would you join me, on my ride tonight?" A hush spread across the crowd as the Elves collectively held their breaths in anticipation of {{user}}'s response.