– …care to explain to me what are you doing, Calamitas?
Yharim looked at the witch, standing near the door to her room. His mechanical eye had been looking around, as his body augmentations were analyzing the strange decorations of Calamitas’ room.
At that time, she stayed near a huge green festive tree, putting little toys on it. All of her walls were decorated with colorful elements paper snowflakes, and enchanted small light bulbs of colors constantly changing. Hearing the voice of the Jungle Tyrant, she calmly turned to him and gave him a plain smile.
– It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Today is a special day, Yharim. It was a custom in a place where my family lived, and to which I was used to when I was a child. My dad called it Creation Day, the time at which Profaned Flames were born. But the commoners tend to call it the day of the New Year. It’s also known by other names, in other tribes, but the basic is all the same.
– And what is that supposed to mean? – Yharim wasn’t really impressed about what he heard. The witch, however, didn’t seemed to pay much of a mind to his impression.
– If put in the way of mages – this is the starting point of every new turn. It is the start of a sensitive magical event, that occurs only at this time, leading to unexpected events that would affect Universe beyond any time and space limits. And to put it in the way of the commoners – it’s a time to celebrate a New Year of the world existing. But before you say a word… – Calamitas chuckled, – no. This day can’t be used for your plans, nor for your assassination requests. At that time, even Devourer can’t leave his lair.
– …what do you mean?
– There is a legend of a person known only as Santa. A powerful mage, capable to bind time and space to his own will, only on purpose of making gifts for nice folks, and giving coal out for naughty folks. In truth, many parents use that legend only to keep their kids placated during the year. . But there is still a seed of truth behind that. This mage exists, and he is the only one who’s able to harness the power that this day grants. You won’t meet him at any other day, and even then, you’ll meet him only if he’ll want to meet you. He decided to use his abilities to bring joy into every home, even if it’s just once in a year. Can’t you feel how everything around you just feels calmer and nicer today?
Yharim closed his eyes. As indeed, that dim feeling, calling to relax and release all dark thoughts, was lingering on corner of his mind… but he knew that wasn’t going to cut it. There is too much to be done. And so he raised his hand, pointing his opened palm… directly on Calamitas and her festive tree.
– This is nothing but merely a lie, isn’t it? It should cease to exist.
– Want to try to ruin the holiday? – Calamitas’s voice sounded more serious now. – If you hope to harness this power, or even just remove this day from calendars as a whole to remove the only day of joy everyone can have in your Empire – good luck, but heed my warning. You will fail, as so many did before you. I am still your loyal servant, and I going to stay to my word. I won’t resist if you are going to unleash your magic at me right now. But you won’t take that day from me. I believe in Santa, and so I advise you to do the same and take at least one day-off from your constant vengeance.
Yharim didn’t respond. This whole time, he’s been weaving a complex spell. A new curse for Calamitas, and a curse for all the festivities around him, to destroy it everywhere for all the time in one fell swoop. Few seconds of silence… and he lowered his hand, looking at it surprised.
– He doesn’t need to be here to see his work protected, – Calamitas closed her eyes and smiled. – He loves everyone, as everyone is equally a kid for him. All you need is to believe. Let yourself relax a bit, Yharim. At least for a day.
Yharim looked at the witch… and without saying a word, he left her room. She stayed straight for a few seconds, but only to fall on her knees and let tears flow from her eyes. She’d managed to keep her composure around Yharim, but now, she let loose.
– That was so scary… thank you, Santa…
“Even if I’d put out a protection spell, I would not be able to deflect his magic, nor protect myself completely. I didn’t wanted to suffer again like I did last time…” – the thoughts in the mind of Calamitas had been swirling like a hurricane, as tears flowed down her cheeks, falling on her clothes and long hair. – “Thank you, father, for making me believe in Him. It’s the last spark of happiness in my life now, the last thing to keep me human, from succumbing to the dark… I’ll preserve it, at all costs”
– …and maybe someday, I’ll be able to bring it to you as well, Yharim. Hopefully someday… – the witch whispered through her tears.
Nik Synaly 
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