This story is in no way related to, or in the same reality, as my other Christmas FK story, "Yuletide Bites." However, there was a comment LaCroix made in it that triggered the following bit of silliness. Send comments, construction criticism, and stockings full of rats to: Alibbyp@aol.com. Copyright 1996 Libby Singleton THE TASK AT HAND By Libby Singleton LaCroix waited patiently knowing his visitor would find him soon enough. Of all his children, this one had a need to hurry for though the night was one of the year's longest, there was also much he had to accomplish. The snow was heavy, offering little visibility, so he heard the jingling of the sleigh bells before he actually saw any of the eight reindeer. He watched them carefully as it would not do to be in their path during landing. LaCroix took the bridle of the lead animal to steady the team while their master climbed from the sleigh. The reindeer, he believed it had been named Blitzen, lowered his head, sniffing curiously at LaCroix's coat pocket where he carried a flask. He obligingly produced the container, tilting it so the deer could drink. "How many decades, Lucius? Three? What does it matter, you still try to spoil my Blitzen and he forgets nothing." "While a mortal, I had a steed who enjoyed wine, Kristopher. The best I've ever owned." "As Blitzen is mine." The two men gripped shoulders as they kissed each other's checks. "You look well, my son," LaCroix said. "Milk and cookies suit you." Kris laughed, his round belly shaking. "Easy enough to dispose of down sinks and garbage disposals these days. And you, well, I can most certainly say you've been naughty. Lucius, a radio broadcast? Isn't that a little risky? And don't think aren't aware there are mortals who know the truth about you and Nicolas." "Spoken as a true Enforcer." LaCroix's mood suddenly turned serious. His creation or not, he'd never quite trusted this one, especially after Kris had been Chosen. "Matters are well in hand, I assure you." "Don't be so gloomy. This is Christmas!" "Is that not reason enough?" LaCroix went back to petting the reindeer. They were remarkable not just by mortal standards. Many carouche animals were totally wild, uncontrollable. Yet Kris had created, then tamed these to be completely gentle, even with non- vampires. "I have never agreed with the nonsense of creating a legend for mortal children." "Are you not the one who taught me that mortals are necessary? They share their lives with us through the memories and nourishment of their blood. They do tend to be more creative than vampires when it comes to art, music and literature, all things we both love. How better to give them a sort of thanks than by bringing joy to their children! There's a good number of paint sets and musical instruments on my sleigh, perhaps the child who receives such a gift this year will become the next Picasso, the next Mozart. When grown his, or her, blood will be all the richer for it." "But a vampire delivering toys? On a religious holiday? The thought sickens me," LaCroix spat, not bothering to turn. "To think you to join the Enforcers to take on this ridiculous yearly mission." "Who better to accomplish the miracle of delivering to every child in one night than one of us? Because I was elderly when you brought me across, I am not as frightening to the little ones as, say, would be. Though his may be a holy night for a portion of the mortal population, do you see a crucifix on me? This date was chosen due to the length of the darkness. The fact my legend was worked in with older ones concerning the holiday was pure mortal imagination at work. I've explained I did not volunteer in order to leave you, I just thought it a worthy task." Kris clamped his hand down on LaCroix's shoulder, squeezing. "I do believe we have this argument every time we meet. Do you still fight with Nicolas?" "His favorite past-time. He will come to his senses eventually. Which does bring us to the task at hand. You must be moving on, as it were." Another round of laughter from the bearded, round vampire. LaCroix couldn't help but give a tiny smile himself. Kris was, indeed, quite jolly. "There, see, you do have a bit of the spirit of the season." LaCroix followed him to the sleigh, watching him dig around for the specific package. "Ah, ha! Here it is." LaCroix accepted the ribbon tied bottle. "I must thank you for this. Finding a gift Nicolas will appreciate is becoming increasingly difficult. I will save this for his birthday." "It was no problem. I was surprised and honored you summoned me. But why wait? Give it to him tonight! He would appreciate the gesture, Lucius. Perhaps that is the key to winning him back, not force." "You are very much like Nicolas. Soft. I give him expensive vintages often." "Mortal, not reindeer vintage, I'd wager. He'll find it more robust, gamier, than cow. I know from experience. There are very few mortals at the North Pole, so when I run short of my bottled supply, I must make do. Believe me, this variety isn't bad." "Perhaps I will sample it myself." "Do that!" Kris laughed as he climbed onto his sleigh. "We should meet more often. Let me know where you will be this time next year and perhaps I can pause in my task for at least a few minutes." "I shall endeavor to do so, my Kris Kringle, my...Santa Claus." LaCroix stepped back to allow the team plenty of room to launch the heavy sleigh. It circled high above him once. "Safe journey!" "Ho, ho, ho, Lucius! Merry Christmas to you...and to Nicolas as well!" Sighing, LaCroix raised both eyebrows. How did he always end up with such eccentric children? Ah, well, he would probably never know the answer. Taking off into the air through the snow, he flew swiftly back to Toronto, back to a son still within his reach. END