Chapter 20
The North Pole Epic
More in this series: Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 11, Ch. 12, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 15, Ch. 16, Ch. 17, Ch. 18, Ch. 19, Ch. 20, Ch. 21, Ch.22, Ch. 23
Klasina and Shurshkenmöch stood in a grand conference hall. The workers voted for the two to represent them all. Befana and Tomten escorted two goblins through the crowded Capitol. The workers went silent as the goblins proudly walked The long way through hallways and up stairs Until they finally arrived at the large room where Negotiation would take place, And a new North Pole would begin to take shape. As the goblins entered the great room They looked as though it was just another business deal they were used to. They began with a customary greeting, an elegant bow of the head. Then, their eyes took in Klasina the half elf and the yeti beside her. They held out a large ice bottle along with four glasses and said, “Let us share a bottle of our finest cider.” The reply came in a warm tone with just a hint of disdain, “We will not drink of your ill gotten gains. “Take a seat. Here your bribery has no place.” Klasina smiled warmly knowing the goblins' ways.
Shurshkenmöch pulled the goblins’ seats out Politely gesturing for the goblins to sit down. The goblins looked up at his hairy face and frowned. “Why’s this furry beast here?” their eyes conveyed practically out loud. Still they sat, the bottle and glasses at the end of the long table. All seated, the cordialities commenced. Then, dropping all attempts at pretense The negotiation began in efforts to arrive at an agreement which was sustainable.
Time ticked on and on. Everyone began to get bored before long. Snihurońka and others sang fun-loving songs But many were restless and ready to be done. Nicholas saw a small elf family Playing a game of antler rings With a gentle reindeer. They were smiling and laughing with cheer. He thought of the vision from Snihurońka’s and Nic’s dreams, The hope of a future North Pole sustained by generosity. The joy of children in this tense situation, That could be the new nation’s foundation. Nicholas spoke excitedly to the elf nearest him. “Do you know any toy makers or trinket creators?” He pointed to the family and the elf’s eyes glistened. Across the rotunda Nicole saw Nicholas pointing to Idly. Nicole jumped up and down in a frantic wave to her. She was so overjoyed she began to cry with glee. Nicholas knew exactly what was happening, So he stood quietly, smiling happily. “Yes I do!” Nicole grabbed Nicholas’ meaty hand. Then, she ran. Nicholas buckled from the pain of his wound. The large herds person on all fours, Nicole gently helped him up off the floor. She collected herself And guided him through the crowd of elves. “Nicholas, this is Idly, She’s as good as my family. “Yes, and oh . . . I should say, my name is Nicole.” Idly jumped for joy, as did the elflings. Their embrace was like a heart made whole The two friends speechless with eyes swelling. Nicholas could only think to say, “Hello.” They all, then, hugged the towering man. Even though it hurt, he was glad to understand. Nicholas told Idly and Nicole what he had in mind. They, then, with Idly’s family searched to find Someone who knew Where they might find more than a few Items with which children would know exactly what to do.
Cornnan heard whispers at the edge of the soup tunnel. Nicholas was looking for craftselves at the Capitol. Cornnan quickly took his soup Up the stairs to the other side Entering the Capitol’s round entry room. He quickly spotted Nicholas with keen elf eyes. He walked as quickly as he could, careful not to spill a drop. When he finally got to Nicholas he stopped stunned on the spot. Such an intimidating figure was this huge man dressed in blood. For a moment Cornnan completely forgot where he was. As Nicholas turned around He slowly looked down Where Idly had indicated an elf had clearly answered the summons. “Are you a maker of trinkets or toys?” Nicholas asked, looking at the elf with joy. “Yes, supposing they haven’t been destroyed. And there are more like me at Central Pole Bank. Dozens,” Cornnan managed to reply Shaking a bit in his knees and thighs. “Let’s go!” said Nicole leading the elves by their hands. “I’m going to get my sleigh. I’ll meet you behind the bank. Idly, Nicole, you can explain the plan,” Nicholas instructed as he hobbled off. “And, don’t get caught,” He chuckled with a slight cough.
I like how between all the heavy political stuff there's still the expected Christmas origin plot points, it makes them feel more significant with how the narrative doesn't immediately telegraph it from the start. Also odd question, have you ever watched Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Rankin Bass? There's an element of rebellion with Santa in that as well, though it doesn't really delve into it the way you have.