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I grinned into the rushing wind, not believing my luck. Soaring through the Christmas sky with Santa himself, off to deliver gifts and spread joy. My heart overflowed with wonder at this magical night. What an adventure awaited!
As the sleigh climbed higher, the neighborhood rooftops spread out below us like a sea of twinkling jewels. Strings of colorful bulbs lined the eaves of every house, some arranged neatly, others in wild cascades. Glittering wreaths adorned front doors, their crimson ribbons fluttering.
“It’s so beautiful from up here,” I breathed, leaning over the side.
“That it is,” Xanther agreed, gathering the reins. “Your people’s holiday adornments never cease to fill me with wonder.”
We glided higher still, and soon the houses gave way to city streets threaded with traffic lights and storefronts blinking with holiday displays. Rivers of luminous red and green blurred beneath us as we soared over bustling city centers.
“How do you maneuver through all this without being seen?” I asked Xanther.
His eyes twinkled. “A touch of Yuletide magic helps obscure mortal eyes.”
As if in response, we rose rapidly until the chaotic city melted into an orderly grid of lights sparkling in the darkness. Up here, all the individual cars and people streamed together like schools of luminescent fish swimming through an inky ocean.
Xanther let the sleigh drift, allowing me time to admire the view. I grasped the side, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty. What must it be like to observe the changing world from this perspective every year for centuries? I gazed at Xanther’s chiseled profile, marveling that this astonishing being chose to share these sights with me tonight.
Suddenly, he turned and flashed a grin that made his eyes crinkle at the corners. My heart gave a little lurch. This night felt more magical by the minute!
As we coasted over a large park, Xanther pointed at a towering statue of a mounted general. “Ah, I remember a Christmas or two back when my sack got caught on old General Longstreet’s sword as I leapt from the sleigh to deliver presents.”
He chuckled. “Poor Blitzen had to circle around while I hung twenty feet above the ground trying to pry myself loose. Took a patch job and extra carrots to soothe that reindeer’s nerves afterward!”
I laughed, picturing the scenario. “Sounds like you have your share of delivery mishaps.”
“More than I can count over the centuries!” Xanther said. “But it comes with the territory.”
As we flew over the neighborhood park, I noticed the frozen pond sparkling below us. I pointed it out excitedly to Xanther.
“That’s where my dad taught me to ice skate when I was little!”
I gazed down fondly at the small wooden warming hut on the shoreline that held so many memories. “Every winter, we’d come down here after the first big freeze. Dad would pack up our skates and thermoses of hot chocolate in this old duffle bag he’s had forever. He’d lace up my tiny double-bladed skates for me so carefully, making sure they were snug.”
I smiled at the recollection. “Then he’d take my mittened hands and walk me out onto the ice. I’d slip and wobble at first, but Dad never let me fall. He just gripped my hands tighter and coaxed me on, skating backwards while I toddled along on those shaky blades.”
I mimed my little self’s uncertain steps and proud smile when I made it across the pond that first time.
Xanther grinned. “What a heartwarming tradition. Your father sounds most patient.”
“He really was,” I agreed happily. “Once I got my ice legs, we’d glide around the pond for hours, just holding hands. He taught me to skate backwards and even do little jumps.”
I sighed blissfully. “I really looked forward to our skating days all year. Dad helped make winter magical.”
Xanther listened intently, eyes softening at the nostalgic story. “What lovely memories,” he said when I finished. “You must miss the time with your family.”
“I do.” I gazed down at the moonlit pond. “They’re so important to me at Christmas. I can’t imagine life without them.”
Xanther nodded solemnly. “Family is indeed a precious gift. We all need those who care for us.” He paused reflectively as we soared over twinkling rooftops. “Perhaps when our journey is done, you can share more tales of your Christmases past. I’d love to hear them.”
His invitation warmed me through. “I’d really enjoy that,” I replied sincerely. Snuggled under a blanket beneath the glowing Christmas tree suddenly seemed a lot less lonely.
As we flew over the river, the water glimmered with the reflections of bridge lights and passing headlights. I stretched my arm out enthusiastically to point at the shifting colors.
At the same moment, Xanther extended his hand toward a cluster of buildings decorated in multicolored lights, no doubt highlighting some point of interest from his many journeys.
Our outstretched hands accidentally brushed, and we both drew back in surprise. But after a heartbeat, I shyly reached out again, intentionally grazing my fingertips over Xanther’s gloved hand where it rested on his thigh.
I felt him tense slightly at the contact. But then he turned his palm upward in silent invitation. Hardly daring to breathe, I allowed my fingers to intertwine loosely with his.
