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Prism landed gently in the alcove then shook off the snow, shivering at the bitter wind. Stamping his feet, he hurried forward and knocked on the door, huddling into his coat, which wasn't nearly enough at the North Pole. As soon as Phil opened the door, Prism hurried inside, gasping at the temperature difference. Phil shut the door and looked critically at the Guardian.
"You'll need an entirely new outfit," Phil said stoutly in yeti-speak. "This won't do for your first outing. Come along, quickly now! We have no time to spare!"
Prism followed Phil into a room and took the clothes that were shoved into his hands. He changed while Phil began to give him a rundown of what would happen. The yeti paced back and forth, his tone brisk and his words efficient as he explained what was expected of Prism during the deliveries. Prism listened and agreed to everything readily. He didn't mind adhering to such strict rules as long as he got to spend some time with the great Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Even at his age, the wonder hadn't faded, and he was excited to see the magic in action.
When things were settled, Phil relaxed his demeanor. "I'm glad you agreed. Everybody else disagreed at some point."
"I'm just along for the ride," Prism assured him. "That's enough for me."
"Is that all?" Phil asked shrewdly.
Prism hesitated then relented. There was no real reason to hide it. "I am hoping to make some sort of connection with North," he admitted. "I have done so with some of the other Guardians, but North seems particularly aloof. I find him hard to read."
Phil looked intrigued. "Really? I find him to be quite easy to understand. Then again, I've had the chance to learn his moods. You're still rather new to North, aren't you?"
"Quite," Prism replied. He tugged on the coat and looked surprised as he ran his finger along the smooth gift. "A real fur coat?"
"North likes them," Phil replied. "He was a hunter as a human and got many prizes because of his skill and bravery."
Prism smirked. "I bet you get to hear all about it. Again and again and again…"
Phil barked out a laugh and slapped Prism's back."I like you, Prism. You've got a sense of humor."
"North doesn't?" Prism asked.
"Not in December," Phil said.
A chime sounded out, and Phil shoved Prism forward. "That's your cue! Come on, to the tunnel!"
Prism hurried along behind Phil through several hallways then into the tunnel. North was there already, patting each reindeer and speaking softly in Russian. He turned to look at the door and then smiled.
"Ah! There you are, friend! Come! Is almost time for takeoff!"
Phil bade them to have a good time then returned to his duties. Prism stared at the sleigh as he sat down. He could feel the magic pulsing in the ornate wood. It was incredible. North sat down and grabbed the reins.
"Buckle up," he said, winking at Prism, who grinned in excitement. He knew North could see the wonder in his eyes, because he seemed to grow even brighter as he grinned back.
"And off we go!"
North snapped the reins and the reindeer snorted then began to heave the heavy sleigh forward. As they picked up momentum on the ice, Prism laughed softly, and a burst of rainbow light splashed out of his skin onto the ice. North brightened as they began to slide down the tunnel. Never before had Prism laughed for him. It made him proud to have accomplished what had initially seemed like an impossible task. The laugh had only been the beginning of a wild, prismatic ride through the tunnels as Prism whooped and laughed excitedly.
North was puzzled by Prism, who could be solemn as a tomb at one moment and as excited as a child in the next. In some ways, all the Guardians were all contradictions, just like him. Still, he couldn't help but wish that he understood as he urged the reindeer faster down the tunnel at Prism's insistence. He was so different from the others. Even Sandy, who was also from off-planet, acted far different than Prism. His solemness was sometimes hard to get past, though North was aware that the others didn't have the same difficulties.
"Up. We. Go!" North exclaimed as they approached the launch.
Prism's face was alight in wonder as he gripped the edge of the sleigh, his eyes shimmering dusky gold. They launched off the ramp and fell for a hundred terrifying feet before the magic burst to life, and the reindeer began to run on the air as if it were solid. The sleigh settled into the magic trail, and the exhilarating launch was over.
Prism settled back, very pleased. "Oh, that was fun," he breathed, grinning.
North glanced over. "Was invigorating, yes?"
"Indeed." Prism peered over the side to see a stretch of ocean already beneath them. "Where do we begin?"
"Where today is going to be tomorrow first," North replied.
"Oh, naturally," Prism said thoughtfully. "I suppose I should have guessed that."
North shrugged and snapped the reins. Then silence fell. This was what Prism was afraid of. He never knew what to say to North. As they soared through the air, Prism looked up at the moon and reached out to catch a Moonbeam. It became solid in his fingers and sighed to him. He twirled it idly, feeling awkward.
"What is that?" North asked.
"Hm?" Prism turned and raised his eyebrows. "Oh, it's just a Moonbeam."
"What is purpose?"
Prism shrugged. "They're channels for Lunar to check on the children. If the moon is out, he can see whatever is below him."
"Really?"
Prism brought the Moonbeam up to his mouth. "My dear Lunar, you should really teach the Earth spirits more about our world. It's positively absurd that even the Guardians don't know how you work."
With that, Prism flicked his fingers, and the Moonbeam disappeared at once. North was angling down to begin his descent in the first country when another Moonbeam appeared and wrapped around Prism's palm. North's head jerked around as Lunar's voice came from the silvery ribbon.
"I know, I know. But I don't even know where to begin. It was far different for us. Earth isn't even aware enough to be a part of the Galactic Federation. How can I explain planets and peoples that Earthlings have no idea exist?"
The Moonbeam dissipated, and Prism twisted a new Moonbeam around his fingers. "Be that as it may, you must be aware that only three of the Guardians are Earthlings. The rest of us are aware of far more. It is unfair to North, Toothiana, and Jack to keep them in the dark. They must learn. I've got to go now. But at least think on it."
Another flick, and the Moonbeam disappeared. North landed on the first roof and shook his head. "Will magic ever cease to amaze?"
"Never," Prism said. "Now, how do we begin?"
North was thrilled by how receptive Prism was to his instructions. He followed every command to the letter, and North found that he was on track to finish on time. That had never happened with the other Guardians, and he was very pleased. Prism, meanwhile, found great satisfaction in his work. He loved leaving the presents, and he had an artistic eye when it came to arranging presents, which North seemed to appreciate. They worked well together, and they canvassed the world without much conversation.
Between the magic time fluctuation and their efficiency, for the first time in his long career, North was done before dawn. After the last house, they piled into the sleigh and began heading back toward the North Pole. Prism rested in the seat and glanced occasionally at North, feeling disappointed by the night. The magic had been worth participating in, but he felt no closer to North. That had been his primary hope.
"Would you mind making stop?" North suddenly asked.
"Hm?" Prism looked up as he registered the question. "If you want."
North nodded then twisted the reins and changed direction. They came down in a vast, snowy forest, and North got out of the sleigh and patted the lead reindeer. "Be good," he commanded them. "Rest for awhile. Have a treat." He gave each of them a carrot then turned to Prism. "This way."
Prism followed. As they trudged through the snow, he sensed a fear snake from North. Bear country. Prism was intrigued by this. He knew North didn't like bears, but he didn't know the full story. It would be nice if North would talk about it with him, but Prism knew better than to push right now. It wasn't an immediate threat, so there was no need to even mention it.
After hiking for fifteen minutes, they reached their destination. Prism was amazed to see it was a memorial. It was clearly very old with a runic language carved across the stone. A grave.
"May I ask whose grave this is?" Prism asked softly.
North placed his palm on the stone and sighed. "An old friend. We faced many adventures together before he was killed."
"Who killed him?" Prism asked.
A shiver of fear—Bear—and a flash of terrified memories.
"Bears can be fierce," Prism said.
"What?" North turned to Prism and frowned. "How did you know about the bear?"
Prism peered curiously at North. "You just told me."
"I said nothing."
Prism grew flustered. "Ah, I must have read your fear. My apologies."
North scoffed. "Am not afraid."
"Of course you are. And there is nothing to be ashamed of. You survived a traumatic encounter that left your best friend dead. Why wouldn't you be afraid?"
"I am not afraid! I am the Spirit of Wonder! I have no room for fear."
"That's a lie," Prism said. "Everybody's afraid of something. Don't lie to yourself, North."
North glared at Prism. "I think you'd better go back to the sleigh."
Prism was wounded by this, but he recognized he'd been a bit blunt. "If that's what you want," he said. "And thank you for showing me this memorial. It's an honor to be entrusted with this."
With those words, Prism turned and began to hike back toward the sleigh. He could feel North's weighty gaze following him until he was out of sight. He was ashamed of himself. The night had been going so well. He idly wrapped his fingers around a Moonbeam and twirled it as he strolled back through the wood. He heard a snuffle and a low, angry growl sounded out. Prism turned to see a large bear eyeing him hungrily.
"Oh, don't be that way," Prism said softly. He waved his hand then slowly approached. "Easy, girl. Easy. There you go. Good girl." Prism smiled as his magic soothed the creature, and she approached and made a pitiful noise.
Prism smiled. "Hungry, I suppose." He scratched her large head and she nuzzled him. "Perhaps I could help you hunt? North won't miss my company. I'm sure he doesn't want to see me again. Not after that disaster, anyway." He lifted the Moonbeam to his lips and spoke. "North, I'm leaving you to it. Thank you for such a magical Christmas. It was interesting to see how things work. Merry Christmas."
He pulled his hand back and peered at the Moonbeam. "To North, please."
It slithered away as he relaxed his grip and dashed back toward the memorial. Prism nodded then patted the big bear. "Let's go find you a bite to eat. Perhaps I could cut myself a piece?" The bear nuzzled him again and they walked away deeper into the forest.
Prism's night vision was superior to any of the other Guardians—even Nightlight needed light to see, though it did come from him—so he didn't bother lighting a torch. He was incredibly warm in the fur coat, and he reveled in the luxury. He owned very little, and most of it was actually from North. The Moon Clipper was Lunar's, and he owned no house or land on Earth. He stored things in deep caves sometimes, but he didn't consider those things his. He owned three sets of clothes, two of which had been gifts from North for Christmas, and the soul coins were hidden safely away, though he didn't dare to stake a claim on those. They were in his protection, but they were not his. Other than that, he owned a few odds and ends, like an old tea set, and books and games that North had given to him as gifts. He smiled a little. North was a giver, and perhaps that was why Prism always felt so uncomfortable around him. He wanted to give back, but he didn't have anything to give or any idea of what any of his friends would like.
"Well, isn't that interesting," he mused.
Prism passed under a tree and stopped walking abruptly as a wave of dizziness passed over him. He shuddered and staggered against the trunk, gasping in little breaths as the world became delightfully fuzzy around the edges. The most pleasurable taste and scent met his senses, and Prism was confused. Something was wrong. But what? Prism suddenly couldn't think, and he sank down the trunk of the tree, groaning. He looked around as best he could, trying to find a sliver of moonlight, but he was unable to reach it. The branches blocked out all light, and he sobbed as he curled up. The bear snuffled in his face and he clumsily patted it.
"No!"
Another bolt of sensation passed over Prism and the bear let out a roar of anger. Prism could barely register anything. He was disoriented and overwhelmed by the echoing sounds of a panicked fight and the sensation of drowning in something. It took him far too long to realize that he was drunk on fear. Wave after wave of North's abject terror that Prism had just been killed by a bear and history was repeating itself washed over the Darkling. Prism groaned and staggered to his feet, stumbling rapidly toward the fight. The bear was obviously outraged by what it saw as an unprovoked attack.
"Stop it!" he cried, flinging out his hands. Then he collapsed as the world spun.
There was a crash and North swore as he hit a tree. Some sort of invisible force had struck him. The bear was also getting up but it no longer seemed aggressive as it waddled over to Prism, who was lying dazedly in the snow.
"Good girl," Prism muttered. "Go find dinner…"
The bear grunted and waddled away.
"You're alive!" North sobbed, finally freed of shock and fear. He scrambled over and touched Prism's face. "You are okay?"
"No."
"What is wrong?"
A flush rose up Prism's cheeks, and he struggled to sit up before giving up. "I'm drunk," he muttered.
North paused. "What?"
"Your fear," Prism slurred. "Didn't expect it. Wasn't ready. So now I'm drunk."
Tears slipped down Prism's cheeks, and he looked away in shame. North softened. "Oh." He chuckled. "Would be silly if I said I wasn't afraid, yeah?"
Prism smiled a little then closed his eyes. "Everything's spinning. Too much fear. Ooh, I'm so dizzy."
"Would you like to come back to the Pole?" North suggested.
"If there's a chair in front of a fire and a mug of hot chocolate waiting there, then yes," Prism slurred.
"Let us go then."
"Need to tell Lunar," Prism urged.
"Show me how to touch Moonbeams," North ordered.
Prism clumsily took North's hand and showed him how to grasp a Moonbeam. It was smooth and soft and cool to the touch. North was amazed and he peered at it.
"Just speak?" he asked.
"And tell it who to go to," Prism muttered.
"To MiM, ah, Lunar, then," North said. "Was incident with fear. Prism is drunk and will be coming back to the workshop. All are welcome to come. The deliveries are over."
He paused then released the Moonbeam, which disappeared into the rays of moonlight. That done, North picked Prism up and began carrying him back to the sleigh. Prism could hardly sit up straight. After launching, North pulled out a snow globe and threw out a magic portal to the pole. When they came to rest in the loading tunnel, Phil came bursting in, looking surprised to see an empty sack of presents.
"You're done? Already? You're forty-five minutes early!"
"Yes, yes, am early. Help Prism into a shower. I will bring him something to wear. But be careful. He's drunk."
Phil looked even more bewildered, but he'd been around long enough to know he'd learn more by obeying then asking. North helped Prism out of the sleigh then bustled away. Phil easily carried most of Prism's weight as he led him to the room that Prism rarely used.
After a hot shower, Phil helped Prism into his room to see a present neatly set on the bed. He peered at the label then handed it to Prism, who fumbled before tearing it open. It was another set of pajamas and robe. This time they were dark blue instead of black, and they weren't made of silk but a wonderfully cozy fabric that was soft and thick. Prism smiled at the present and Phil took the clothes and began to help Prism dress.
"What do you give North for Christmas?" Prism asked, his voice slurred.
"It varies," Phil replied.
"Of course it does," Prism grumbled. "Couldn't be easy. That would be a shame."
Phil was bemused. "Did you get him something?"
"I got everybody something," Prism said. "But that doesn't mean I got something they'll like."
"That's not the point. The point is in the giving and receiving. You're still pretty new at this gift-giving thing. You'll get the hang of it."
"That's not much of a comfort, I'm afraid."
Phil paused."Is that why you're like this? You're afraid?"
Prism blinked. "No. North was. Though I can't blame him. He was terrified." He paused then looked away. "And it tasted so good, too."
Phil could hear the shame and self-loathing in Prism's voice. "I see. Well, do you want to lay down?"
"Wouldn't be good if I did. I just want to sit in front of a fire with some hot chocolate and sober up."
"Then that's what you'll do. Come on. I'll take you to the parlor then get you some of Tony's cocoa."
"Thanks, Phil," Prism said.
Phil helped him into the parlor, and Prism was delighted to find a plate of Christmas dinner and cookies waiting for him. North had changed into his own robe and pajamas, and he looked concerned as he peered over.
"You must sit down!" he exclaimed. "Thank you, Phil. Please have the sleigh cleaned and the reindeer fed."
Phil patted Prism's back and handed him over to North, who dropped all subtlety and picked Prism up when he swayed and deposited him in the chair. Prism flushed, but he was grateful.
"Thanks. Didn't expect dinner."
"Other Guardians will be here in an hour. Moonbeam just left out of window. They will eat, too. So we celebrate a bit early for you, eh?"
Prism nodded. "I appreciate it. It looks so good."
He clumsily began to eat, aware of North watching him. Finally he couldn't stand it. "Is something on your mind?"
North swallowed, and a wave of sensation passed over Prism. He dropped his fork as the world spun and he was briefly overwhelmed by an enjoyable burst of scent and flavor. He saw a flash of memory where it appeared that Prism was dead and that bear was eating him. Scrambling for purchase on reality, Prism was startled when North grabbed him. He was speaking, but Prism couldn't understand him. Instead, he grasped his hand and shared his own memory with the bear. North yelped then went very still.
"You were never in danger, were you?" North asked quietly after a long pause.
It took Prism a few moments to process the question. "No," he slurred. "She was just hungry. I was going to help her hunt. But she wasn't after me once I soothed her. I didn't realize you'd worry. I thought I'd sent a Moonbeam to you."
"Ah, you did. But then I realized I had made mistake. I did not want you to go. But I pushed you away because I do not like talking about fear."
"Understandable," Prism murmured. "Could you cut this for me? I need food on my stomach and I can't hold my silverware."
North was happy to oblige. "Is just uncomfortable."
"I'm aware," Prism said. "But hiding away a fear is unhealthy. Let yourself feel it. There's nothing wrong with feeling."
North set aside the silverware. "Don't want to."
"I know."
Prism took up his fork and stabbed a small piece of goose. He said nothing else, but he could sense North's unease. Every fear in the whole workshop rang like various bells in his head, sending spikes of sensation deep into his skin. Thankfully, most of the place was sleeping, but even so, it was excruciating.
"Would it help you to stop doing that?"
Prism sat up straight and flushed. "I'm sorry," he said pitifully. "I should go."
"You are going nowhere like this. Now answer the question."
"It would alleviate the fear of the unknown that's burrowing down my spine," Prism said, wriggling a little.
"You are usually not so crude."
"I am usually sober," Prism retorted. Then he paused and shivered. "I do apologize. My inhibitions…"
But North laughed. "I think it is wonderful! You are always so solemn. I see now you do have a smile for me, yes?"
Prism couldn't help but smile. "I am rather reserved. I prefer to think some of Lunar's noble breeding was rubbed off on me while living with the Tsar and Tsarina."
"Is good way to think of it." North stared into the fire as Tony came in with two mugs of fresh cocoa heaped with marshmallows.
"Many thanks, Tony," North said. "Now go and sleep. Phil can handle things."
Tony grinned and bowed. "Thanks, boss. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," North said.
Tony left and North stoked up the fire while Prism finished his dinner. When the roasted goose was settling nicely, he sighed and took a cookie.
"Was so long ago, yet it never fades," North muttered.
Prism glanced over. "Yes. Bad times linger long after they've ended. Would you like to talk about it?"
There was another pause as North sipped his cocoa. "We were hunting. Was before Man in Moon talked to me. Was before magic."
"You were a normal human then?" Prism asked.
"At the time, yes. Didn't believe in magic. Thought it was foolish. One night we were caught off guard by a bear. Fiercer than anything. We both fought together, but only he fell. I was depressed for several years. In my melancholy, I decided to make others smile even when I no longer could. So I would make toys. Simple things back then. Wooden blocks. Rag dolls. Whistles. But the smiles of the little ones pleased me."
"It is always so beautiful to see a child smile, North," Prism slurred softly. "During my time on Earth, the children I came into contact with were the only ones who were ever friendly. All others saw only the taint that Obscurus left on me. A ruined child."
"That is the wonder though," North said. "It is a terrible wonder, but true. We are all ruined children, in some way or another.
"Hm," Prism murmured. "I suppose fear and wonder aren't so distantly related."
"That is true," North said. He paused then shivered, and a flash of memory passed through Prism's senses. Prism rode out the flashback with a deep breath and gripped his head. North looked embarrassed. "Am just making things worse, yes?"
"You're fine. Even if you leave the room, I'll sense your fear," Prism murmured. He was so very dizzy, and tears filled his eyes as he tried to focus. "I'd hoped Lunar would never see me like this," he whispered.
"Is my fault."
"That doesn't help. He'll be here soon, and there's no way I can sober up by then. I don't want people to see me like this."
"Things will be okay," North said. "Would anything help?"
"Unfortunately, I've never found anything that works. It's going to take days to go back to baseline."
North hesitated. "I was that scared?"
"I can't lie, North. Your reaction was not fear, it was beyond that. It was primal terror. I can't blame you. From what you've told me, through various means, your friend was killed by a bear. You thought it had happened again, and that caused you to jump in to fight. It's traumatizing, and that's okay."
North paused and looked down. "Is just so hard to think about."
"I'm sure it is."
North swiped at his eyes, letting out a shaky breath. "Am not ready."
"When you are, I will make time," Prism promised.
There was a knock on the door, and Phil led Lunar and Nightlight in then left, shutting the doors behind him. Lunar smiled at North and Prism. "The others will be here soon. But I was too worried to wait."
Prism turned his face away when Lunar approached. Lunar paused then touched Prism gently. "It's okay. You can't help it."
"That doesn't make it any easier, Lunar," Prism murmured.
Lunar reached out and wiped away a tear. "I think no less of you, I assure you brother."
Prism glanced up then smiled. "I cannot tell you how much that helps. But forgive me if I say something unusual."
"He means funny," North chortled. "Who knew Prism had sense of humor, eh?"
"Oh he's always had a sense of humor," Lunar said. "Though it tends to be dry or macabre. It really got dark just before he left."
"I was very depressed at that point," Prism slurred.
"This was after I left to find Obscurus?" Nightlight asked.
"Very soon after," Prism said. "I couldn't stand to put Lunar at risk anymore. I could feel myself slipping, and instead of reaching for him, I fled and gave into the darkness."
Nightlight nodded somberly. "I should not have left. Forgive me, my Lunanoffs. I failed your father."
"No," Lunar said sternly. "We were all children, and we made our choices. We cannot change that now. But we did what we thought was best at the time. I could have and should have gone after you, Prism, and I should have ordered you to stay, Nightlight."
"Besides, Papa was your father, too," Prism added.
Nightlight looked pleased at that. "Well, we cannot change what we did, anyway. But we are together again, and that is the important part."
North listened with rapt fascination as the three ancient beings talked of their split. The rest of the Guardians were curious, even Jack, but the three of them rarely liked to discuss it. Prism turned and caught North's eye.
"So sorry to exclude you, Nicky."
North scowled at once. "Do not call me Nicky."
"Why not?"
"Only Dmitri called me Nicky."
Prism blinked. "The grave?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Then I am deeply sorry, North. I didn't mean to offend you. I always thought it odd you didn't like that."
"Is odd, but I don't care. You might get away with calling Bunny Ellis, but I ask that you not call me Nick or Nicky. It reminds me of bitter loss."
A shiver of fear raced up Prism's spine, and he yelped as he heard the terrified screech of a dying man. "Nick!"
Lunar's touch brought him back, and he struggled to sit up as another wave of dizziness crashed over him.
"Sorry," North muttered.
"No more Nicky, I swear," Prism slurred.
"Yes, thank you," North replied.
"Easy there," Lunar encouraged. He sat in the big chair next to Prism. "I think we should talk about something not so scary. How's Christmas, North?"
That was something easy to talk about, and North's entire demeanor changed. He began chatting, and Prism relaxed into the chair as all traces of North's fear vanished for the moment. He could feel Lunar's gentle worry and Nightlight's pulsing concern, but those were more soothing and comforting than intoxicating. He closed his eyes and listened as his friends talked. Eventually, there was another knock on the door, and Prism opened his eyes as Jack, Sandy, Toothiana, and Bunnymund came in.
"Knew he'd be here," Jack said, gesturing at Lunar.
"Course he is. How ya holding up, Prism?" Bunnymund asked.
"I'm still quite sloshed," Prism slurred.
There was a surprised pause at the use of slang then Jack burst out laughing and padded over. "Sloshed, eh?"
"It's not funny," Prism said.
"It is a little," Nightlight argued. "When you faced the void serpent, that was not funny. That was scary."
"No fear!" Prism cried out, sitting up. "Oh just tell funny stories or something! I can't function as it is!"
"Peace, Prism. It was only a comparison," Lunar soothed. "Though I would like to hear the story soon."
"Later, please. I don't want to be like this, and it's going to take days already. Please, something light, something funny. Anything besides fear."
"Ah, first we have dinner," North said. "You sit there, Prism, while I fetch the food. Rest. You may stay here as long as you need to."
"Thank you, North," Prism slurred. "Could you bring more cookies?"
"You don't usually eat sweets," Jack said.
Prism glanced at North, exasperation crossing his features. "Do I have to tell everybody that I'm not usually drunk? Or is it just assumed that I live in a constant state of intoxication?"
The others looked puzzled but North burst into a merry laugh. "I will bring food and cookies."
"Phil can join us if he wants," Jack said. He waited until North was gone before he turned back to Prism. "So you like sweets now?"
Prism rolled his eyes then answered with an amused smile. "Jack, I'm drunk off my stars right now. I don't usually eat many sweets, but I want some now because it reminds me of Tsarina. She would comfort me after nightmares with something sweet."
"Oh. I just like the sugar rush."
"That is better than drowning in terror," Prism muttered.
"What exactly happened?" Toothiana asked, flitting over to land in front of him.
"Ask North," Prism said.
"Ask North what?" North asked as he rolled in a cart with heaping plates food on it.
"How Prism ended up in this state," Lunar clarified.
North hesitated, and Prism shrugged and waved his hand. It was his choice. After a moment, he sighed. "Was my fault. Went to bear country in Russia to visit grave. There was a bear, and I thought Prism was in danger."
Sandy smiled and took a plate, symbols flashing over his head as he spoke in symbology. "You're both okay, though. And I'll give you both some dreamsand for good dreams."
"I don't think I'll sleep until I'm sober," Prism said quietly.
"Why not?" Jack asked.
"Because I don't trust myself."
Jack softened. "The night mares?" he asked gently.
"Yes."
"Well, if you want company, I can stay for awhile."
"I'll have to check on my garden a few times," Bunnymund said. "Delicate time. Better cared for it is, the better the eggs will be. But I'll stay in between."
"Sounds like a plan," North exclaimed. "Now, let's eat!"
They all sat down and ate. After dinner, Prism asked if North would tell him one of his hunting stories. North was absolutely thrilled to do so, and he jumped to his feet and tried to choose one as he paced, a gleam in his eye. As he turned and began to tell of a cold night with his friend Dmitri, Prism reflected that despite ending up drunk, the Christmas had turned out to be a success after all.