Maeve slowed her precious steed to a slow trot as she entered a season of falling snow and Christmas cheer. It was so queer to her-she had just been riding wild and free with Delayna-here she was back in the round of falling snow. All the nude and off-white cottages were decorated in popcorn strings and wreathes, and from time to time she spotted an occasional, rare mistletoe hung sparingly above a doorway.
She slowed Delayna to a stop, sliding off her in a strange way to keep her dress settled so she didn’t accidentally flash a common villager. At that time a kind common farmer-bulkier than usual-took her horse’s reins from her, gladly, and tied Delayna up in a small barn rest. Maeve herself was unsure of what the strange structure was, but the kindness and glee from the farmer soothed all her storming doubts.
The small barn where Delayna was being safely kept was incredibly close to Ribeauville’s entrance, so she felt it safe to wonder around. All the ally ways and dead ends were swarming with people. It was nearly too busy for our sweet Maeve to handle. Ducking, swaying, and oftenly saying, “excuse me, sorry” she was almost out of the crowd entirely. Almost.
She practically all but ran over someone just about to the edge of all the craziness. When she looked down at her poor, pitiful victim she noticed it was a seventeen year old boy (a bit older than herself, but dreadfully handsome). He had darker tan skin, with mopey, messy black hair, and his metallic gray eyes…they matched the perfect shine of expensive silver.
Suddenly embarrassment took over her cheeks, and she bent down helping him up. “I’m so sorry. I tried so hard to duck people, but it’s…oh, it’s very much a horde of villagers back there!” she stumbled over her words, covering her mouth as she was still overwhelmed with embarrassment.
The boy grinned brightly after brushing himself off. Oh, it’s quite alright! I’m not one to hold a grudge, and with it being Christmas…don’t be sorry. I’m sure it was all but an accident!”
relief flooded through-out. “Oh, thank goodness!” she sighed.
He cupped her hand in his practically leaving poor Maeve breathe less. A small box was left within her grasps after he released his hold. “Merry Christmas, uh-“
”Maeve,” she quickly replied, dreamily.
”Maeve,” he ended. “I guess I’ll see you around. Please do be careful, and don’t make too many more boys fall for you.” He smiled, then turned and disappeared in the crowd.
Maeve studied the box in her hand; small, delicate, and beautiful. It just had to be a ring! She carefully lifted up the small square red lid, only to find a breathtaking bracelet with a single charm. To her surprise it was a ruby rose with a sparkling crystal center. She smiled to herself-she quite liked her new acquaintance-for it would give her more reasons to return. She also quite liked her special, unique gift as well. She loved them both. She finally now understood why Christmas was the most perfect time of the year!
written by Hailey Feuerbach
Part Three (Christmas addition)