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She considered this for a moment, then smiled. “All right, if it’ll make our journey smoother, I’m in. But you’ll have to teach me how to do it.”
I grinned, relieved. “Of course. Shapeshifting is a part of Yulian magic, and you’ve absorbed some of that magic... in more ways than one.”
She blushed at the insinuation, her cheeks turning a delightful shade of pink. “Well, let’s get started then.”
Over the next few days, I guided Noelle through the intricacies of shapeshifting. It was a delicate art, requiring concentration and a deep connection to one’s inner self. But Noelle was a quick study. With each attempt, she grew closer to mastering her transformation.
One evening, after a particularly intense session, she stood before me, transformed. Gone was the young, vibrant Noelle I had come to love. In her place stood an older, plumper version, complete with rosy cheeks and a twinkle in her eye. She was the spitting image of Mrs. Claus.
I clapped my hands in delight. “You did it! You look perfect.”
She laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Thank you, my dear Santa. Now, let’s get ready for our journey.”
The days seemed to pass in a whirlwind of activity as we readied ourselves for our impending Christmas Eve journey to Earth. Every corner of Yule echoed with the sounds of meticulous preparations. The sleigh, a magnificent vessel of Yulian craftsmanship, was given special attention. Artisans worked diligently, ensuring every inch of it gleamed brilliantly under the soft glow of the Yulian auroras. Its intricate carvings and designs shimmered, reflecting the dedication and love poured into its creation.
Meanwhile, the Yulians who would take on the roles of reindeer underwent their own preparations. These shapeshifters, skilled in transforming into the majestic creatures, were given special treatments to enhance their stamina and strength for the voyage. They practiced their transformations, ensuring that their reindeer forms were perfect in every detail, from the gleaming coats to the strong, proud antlers. They also feasted on a special blend of Yulian nutrients, ensuring they had the energy for the long journey ahead.
And then there were the toys, the very heart of our mission. Each one was a masterpiece, crafted with care and precision. They were sorted, labeled, and packed into the sleigh with utmost care, ensuring that each child on Earth would receive their special gift. Every detail was scrutinized, leaving nothing to chance as the anticipation for the grand journey mounted.
Chapter Sixteen
Noelle
At long last, Christmas Eve arrived. As Xanther and I boarded the sleigh hitched to the excited reindeer crew, I was nearly bursting with anticipation.
Xanther gave me an encouraging smile as we settled into the plush red velvet seats. He cut such a dashing figure in his formal red velvet Santa suit trimmed in white fur. I almost wished we could openly be ourselves tonight instead of disguising my true identity. But I understood the need to appear traditional to maintain the Christmas magic.
With a wordless shout, Xanther snapped the sleigh reins smartly. The reindeer leapt skyward in practiced unison, pulling us rapidly up through the swirling auroras blanketing Yule’s night sky. I waved giddily at the cheering crowds gathered below as we ascended, soon vanishing from view into the inky black cosmos.
As Yule shrank behind us, distant stars dotted every window, while Earth’s familiar moon swelled ahead like a luminous blue eye. Xanther’s strong hands expertly steered us around jagged asteroids, through glittering veils of stardust, and around the wispy tails of comets. Despite the phenomenal speed, the flight felt smooth as silk.
Snuggled in my elaborate Mrs. Claus disguise, I felt safely anonymous. This allowed me to pester Xanther with every question that popped into my head regarding navigation and sleigh capabilities. He answered each graciously, eyes crinkling at the corners with good humor at my inexhaustible curiosity.
“So the lack of atmosphere in space doesn’t affect the reindeer?” I asked at one point.
Xanther chuckled. “Fortunately, no. The void provides no friction to impede our velocity either. The sleigh’s adamantine hull also protects us from meteoric debris.”
He gave the side a proud pat. “She may not look like much, but this ship incorporates the peak of Yule’s astro-engineering. We can attain speeds nearly rivaling light itself when required.”
I shook my head in awe, watching shooting stars blaze past outside the crystalline windows. Even after this past year on Yule, such casual displays of alien technology and physiology continued to amaze me. Traveling faster than light still seemed the stuff of science fiction back on Earth.
We continued chatting as planet Earth ballooned large ahead of us. But too soon, the first twinkling rooftops and streets spun into view below. We had arrived at our destination. Xanther’s hand settled gently atop mine, steadying my nervous fidgeting.
“Nearly time, my dear,” he said softly. “Just remember, I’m right here with you.”
I took a deep, bracing breath and fidgeted with my Mrs. Claus hair, making sure every silver hair was in place beneath my red cap. My pristine white curls and rosy foam cheeks itched terribly, but I resisted the urge to scratch and attempted to settle my nerves.
“Ready as I’ll ever be, Mr. Claus,” I responded, masking my anxiety with theatrical batted eyelashes.
Xanther laughed, giving my hand an encouraging squeeze. “That’s the spirit! Here we go, Mrs. Claus. Let the deliveries begin!”
With an exuberant “Ho ho ho!” Xanther flicked the reins. The sleigh dipped lower in a graceful arc, gliding in silently over the sleeping town. My plastic smile froze into a look of wonder. Even through the disguise’s prosthetics, the magic of this moment took my breath away.
We coasted first over an industrial district, warehouses and factories artfully sprinkled with snow by weather machines. Then came the bustling city center, streets deserted except for the occasional street sweeper drone buffing lampposts until they gleamed.
Sparkling high-rises and historical brownstones slid by beneath us as we journeyed on toward cozier boroughs. Here holiday decorations sprang up like mushrooms - fairy lights bedecking rustic cottages, giant inflatable Santas waving from front lawns, intricate religious displays glowing in front yards.
The beauty and innocence of it all made my heart ache. I well-remembered that child-like excitement, waiting to see what presents Santa might leave beneath our Christmas tree. It seemed unfathomable that I now rode alongside Saint Nick himself! Me, little Noelle Winters, winging through the starry heavens on this magical eve.
