The Advent Calendar of Christmas Drabbles

[AngstyAlb]

All Work and No Play

Prompt: In the meadow, we can build a snowman.

Character: Jivan Ari Zakian​

Spoiler

The young man with a sour expression peered out the fogged window within his study. Fresh powdered snow had fallen on Baccharis this morn' and so his kingdom once covered in warm colors among browns was now a covered in a white sheet. The hairs on his arms rose at the chill coming from the window. He brought his mug of coffee to his lips, black and bitter just as he'd taught himself to like.


Out in the castle courtyard were several maids and servants around a little girl, and through squinted eyes and much pondering he noticed it was his father's youngest daughter. Jivan's sister, if he were so required to think of her as that. The prince was already an adult, what business did his middle-aged father have siring a second child? Through displeased eyes he watched the girl roll up balls of snow until it was almost bigger than herself.


Jivan never had time to enjoy simple peasant pleasures like playing in the snow, he was a crowned prince and as such his life existed to be groomed for the throne. Who knew he wouldn't be seeing that throne until he was probably the age of his father now. Fortunately the discussion of marriage was dropped early on, the neighboring kingdom, Luxuria, that had been picking fights with them was not interested in a treaty. The other kingdoms tended to their own affairs, so Baccharis was on its own. If not for another princess then his father would probably pick from a court lady nearer to when he would step down, if he didn't just drop dead first.


With another sneer he turned away from the window, watching his younger sister assemble her snowman was just filling him with jealousy and wretched hatred, all very distracting emotions he didn't desire to deal with. He had to continue his plans for when he succeeded the throne, that was his one priority.

 

[AngstyAlb]

Shattered Remains

Prompt: Broken ornament

Characters: Josiah Murdoc Castagnier and Aster Emil Castagnier​

Spoiler

Fahy kept glancing over at the clock on the wall he helped his mother with finishing the decorations. Handmade wreaths adorned every outside door, fake cotton snow on every windowsill, and cheerful decorum was found in every room. Josiah stood with his hands shoved in his pockets, feeling a bit awkward since he was told not to do anything as a guest but feeling weird if he just sat and watched. Beforehand he was boasting a bright blush on his face; Fahy had made a flower crown of poinsettias and placed it on his head.


Normally Josiah's face offered nothing but a frown, on this day however he actually managed to keep a neutral expression with the occasional grins. The atmosphere was unlike anything he'd ever known, even when he was the chosen one. It was pure, gentle, and full of love.


"Jo, can you put these ornaments on the tree? Mom and I can't reach that high on the tree," the small boy said as he looked at Jo with the sweetest eyes.


Fahy did have an inner turmoil of anxiety awaiting the expected final guest, but he couldn't shake the joy he felt with Josiah being with him in his home and not trying to ruin the occasion. In fact, he was pretty sure deep down Josiah really loved it.


"Of course I can," he said with a grin as he rolled up his sleeves and stepped over to the box filled with white and red ornaments, tinsel, and a few specialty ornaments. Looking at the bare part of the tree he started placing them on the tree with great care, holding each one in his large hand gently.


As he worked he heard a door open but paid it no mind nor Fahy when he darted off to the door somewhat quietly. Once he reached the door he opened it a crack to see a young boy, much younger and smaller than he imagined, standing at the door with an owl perched on his shoulder.


"Merry Christmas Fahy....from Martel and I, of course," Aster smiled his trademark smile as he pointed to the small white owl on his shoulder that was staring deeply into Fahy's eyes before relaxing quickly after. Even Aster was surprised that she had judged Fahy as trustworthy so quickly.


"Come on inside, you haven't missed anything," Fahy spoke nervously as he stood back purposely blocking Jo's view if he would be looking this way. Aster stepped inside eagerly after him.


Aster looked around the entryway and let out a low whistle as he took in the decorations. "You've a lovely home, Fahy, thanks for inviting me."


"No problem, now we just ne-," his voice cut off with a sharp inhale when he heard a shatter in the living room where the tree was. Once the boy turned around he saw a shattered ornament on the floor and Josiah's entire body was shuddering with his fists clenched.


"GET. OUT. NOW." His eyes and hands began to glow bright blue and Fahy closed his eyes, preparing for whatever may come.