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Adeste Fidelis | O Come, All Ye Faithful
Adeste fideles
laeti triumphantes,
venite, venite
in Bethlehem.
Natum videte
Regem angelorum.
Venite adoremus
Dominum.
Many, many years ago, in an era far away from our own there once lived two boys. They were blessed with a gift that they themselves considered more of a burden to bear: immortality. Or rather, almost-immortality. These children, born of the random union of humans, were Gabriel, the personification of the Knights Templar, and Gilbert, the personification of the Teutonic Order. Together with their friend Joan, the personification of the Order of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, they formed a trio like no other, for they were part of the knighthood as well as part of a monastic community. Two very different ways of life, which seemed almost impossible to reconcile, were concentrated in their existence.
But although they were called upon to serve and represent their order, which had given them life in the first place, in their hearts and at the core of their being they were still children for whom such a task presented an enormous challenge. The young boys had been carrying too much responsibility and too much emotional baggage since childhood. It had become their everyday life; they knew no different. Nevertheless, they cherished and treasured the few precious moments of lightheartedness and joy deep in their hearts.
This was also the case with this memory of a cold winter day in December...
***
„Gilbert!” cried a boy excitedly, his golden curls bouncing up and down as cheerfully as he was. With a sweet smile on his lips and a thick coat in his arms, he trudged through the deep snow, straight towards his friend Gilbert.
„Well, it's about time you showed up, Gabriel,” Gilbert grumbled, rubbing his upper arms vigorously. The boy was shivering all over in the icy winter air. He carried his fully packed jute bag on his back. And warm clothes were something he could only dream of at the moment. „I almost froze to death out here! And it's all because of you! I hope you're happy now.” Gilbert continued to shiver, and Gabriel gently wrapped the dark, thick coat around his cold shoulders. „I'm sorry,” he whispered softly, „my Grand Master and the Commander held me up. And then I quickly wanted to check the stables to bring you a thick coat. I heard that the merchants have been stuck in Kyiv for weeks because of the heavy snowfall. Honestly, I'm not surprised. How can you travel on the country roads in weather like this? You can't even get from the castle to the next village without sinking almost completely into the snow...“ Gabriel looked down at himself. He was covered in snow up to his thighs and his toes were freezing.
He had struggled through the deep snow to reach Gilbert at their agreed meeting place: the old clearing near the forest. A few days earlier, when the thick blanket of snow was easier to navigate, they had already met at the clearing, and Gilbert had asked him to come back today, December 24—Christmas Eve. However, he did not reveal why.
Now Gilbert looked Gabriel up and down, from his red nose to his snow-covered clothes. Immediately, his anger vanished and was replaced by pity in his heart. After all, Gabriel had fought his way through ice and snow to see him. He could just as easily have stayed at home, but he had come anyway. „Oh, Gabriel...” He shook his head but smiled. „Well, never mind, you're here now!”
„Of course I'm here!” Gabriel's eyes sparkled in the winter sun as his small body shivered from the cold. „So, what did you want to show me so badly?”
And Gilbert began to stammer when he saw that sparkle and hemmed and hawed. He nervously played with the carrying rope of his bag, digging his fingernails into the fibers. „W-well...”
Now that Gabriel was standing in front of him, Gilbert suddenly felt nervousness rising within him and wondered what he should do or say. Was it already the right time to...?
No, not yet. No, Gilbert wasn't ready yet. That was too embarrassing. And with both of them shivering, it might be a better idea to find a warmer shelter first.
„I'll show you later! First, I want to get out of this awful snow! Come on, let's find a place to warm up before we freeze to death. You look even more hypothermic than I do!” Without even glancing at Gabriel, he grabbed his hand and trudged through the winter landscape with him.
He skillfully ignored the sudden rush of heat to his head and his racing heart. It was probably just the tension. After all, he had put an incredible amount of effort into his plan.
„Gilbert, do you even know where we're going? The settlement is in the other direction, isn't it?” Gabriel blurted out, and Gilbert stopped abruptly, instantly changing course. He had almost marched into the forest instead of the settlement.
How embarrassing! Gilbert wanted the ground to swallow him up! How could he mess everything up already?
„I know!” he lied instantly, putting on a confident grin. He could never admit that he, the coolest and bravest knight far and wide, had made such a trivial mistake. „The route through the forest is so much nicer in winter! You'll see!”
„What do you mean?” Gabriel tilted his head. Somehow, he couldn't quite believe Gilbert. He was acting very strangely. Had he done something wrong again and was trying to cover it up, as he had done so many times before? Oh, that cheeky rascal. He never learned...
Looking up at the sky, Gabriel spotted thick, dark clouds. The sunlight was steadily fading and the first snowflakes were gently falling to the ground. Oh dear...
Gabriel furrowed his brow with concern. It looked like another snowstorm was coming. They shouldn't stay out here too long. Hopefully Gilbert's trip through the woods wouldn't take too long...
***
The snow fell softly;
the frozen lake lay still and silent.
The forest glistened with Christmas cheer.
And they rejoiced,
for Christmas was coming soon.
Their hearts were filled with warmth.
Sorrow and strife fell silent,
the worries of life faded away,
and the two rejoiced,
for Christmas was coming soon.
Today was Holy Night,
a choir of titmice awoke
and they heard how sweetly it sounded.
And they rejoiced, for
Christmas was coming soon.
Gabriel smiled blissfully, Gilbert's warming hand firmly enclosed his, as they strolled briskly yet reverently through the small forest. In the distance, they spotted young deer searching for food. Silver hoarfrost covered the branches and pine needles, breathing an almost heavenly tranquility into the forest. It was as if almost everything in this little corner of the world was asleep, and the falling snow soothed every waking soul with its glitter.
„You were right, Gilbert, it's really beautiful here...” Gabriel's voice was warm and soft, „Thank you for bringing me here...” Gilbert's mouth twitched slightly upward when he heard the praise, and he felt a tingling sensation in his stomach. Embarrassed, the boy scratched the back of his head, and if his nose hadn't already been red from the cold, Gabriel would have noticed that Gilbert's face had just turned a shade redder.
„You're welcome, Goldie. I thought a little Christmas walk would do us both good. It's a nice change from the stressful everyday life during Advent“, Gilbert laughed, and Gabriel recognized the mischievousness in his expression – something he actually liked very much. ”Wow, I'm so glad that all this fasting crap is finally coming to an end tonight. I'm so hungry for something decent to eat!“
„You say that every year! I could swear you complained about it last year too... and the same thing around Easter!” Gabriel giggled and stroked his hand with his thumb. Gilbert immediately felt a pleasant tingling sensation under his skin, and Gabriel gave him another loving grin.
„Oh, no, you're just imagining things!” Gilbert looked away, feigning indignation, but unable to hide his smile. „And even if you are, it's only the truth! I bet you're sick and tired of that miserable fasting soup too!” „Maybe,” Gabriel smiled. And Gilbert was right. Gabriel was also happy to finally enjoy a decent, filling, and above all tasty meal again after four weeks.
But suddenly, he let out a little sneeze. Hopefully, he wasn't getting sick too. With Christmas just around the corner, he really couldn't handle that! He still had so much to do. So many masses, so many little Christmas rituals still laid ahead of him. The Christmas stress was only just beginning!
„Bless you...” Gilbert replied immediately and pulled his friend closer to him.
„Merci beaucoup...” Gabriel sniffed gratefully, „Are we there yet? It's slowly getting dark and the snowflakes are getting thicker... It already looked like a snowstorm earlier, but now it won't be long...” Gabriel was right. The once sunny winter day had turned into a gloomy evening. Gradually, wisps of fog settled and engulfed the trees and bushes.
„Ehh, well...” Gilbert suddenly flinched and spun around frantically. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit! Wait a minute, where were they anyway?
They hadn't seriously gotten lost, had they? And all because Gilbert had once again gotten caught up in his own monologue and lost focus!
Biting his lip, he looked apologetically at Gabriel, who of course immediately understood what was going on in his little brain.
„Gilbert, does that mean we're lost?!” „Well... well, you said that... I would rather...,” he stammered, playing with his cold little fingers, „I would rather say that we took a detour! But lost? Tch! I never get lost! I know exactly where we are! And we'll be out of here in no time, I promise you! Just wait and see!“
With his little white lie, he clenched his hands into fists and strode courageously and confidently through the increasingly dense fog. „I don't get lost! My name isn't Roderich!”
„Gilbert.” Gabriel raised his eyebrow skeptically, knowing full well that his cocky friend was pulling another stunt.
Oh, and how he had lost his way! That was obvious!
But Gilbert didn't listen to Gabriel's words and continued to wander blindly through the snow. „Trust me, Gabriel! I'll lead us out of this enchanted forest, as sure as my name is Gilbert Beilschmidt!“
„Gilbert,” Gabriel tried again, this time emphatically, but that was exactly what Gilbert didn't want to hear under any circumstances. No, no!
„Hah! See,” the albino boasted proudly, raising his head arrogantly, „I can see something up ahead! It must be the first hou-AHHH!” Suddenly, Gilbert felt a jolt. His left foot got caught on the ground and he stumbled forward with force, falling face down into the white powder snow, which now rose up like a mighty cloud of dust for a moment. He had gotten tangled up under a tree root.
„Gilbert!” Gabriel rushed to his friend and knelt down beside him in the snow. „Are you hurt?” With a worried tone in his voice and a frightened sparkle in his oh-so-sky-blue eyes, the slightly older boy looked at his impulsive friend and gently stroked his upper back with his hands.
Goosebumps spread across Gilbert's body and he jerked upright, pulling his bright red face out of the snow and wiping the icy flakes from his face. Oh, how embarrassing! Now Gabriel would think who knows what about him! He had wanted to prove to him how cool he was and how he had everything under control! The village must be just ahead! He had seen a wall, after all! „That damn tree! Does it have to stick its roots out in the middle of the path?” Gilbert cursed, trying to warm his face with his fingers, which were unfortunately just as cold.
Gabriel sighed. If he could curse, he couldn't have seriously injured himself. At least that was some consolation. Nevertheless, Gabriel couldn't resist correcting his dear friend. „Gilbert, we're in a forest. That's a spruce tree. It's a shallow-rooted tree.” „Yeah, I don't care! It's a tree. Its roots should be underground, not where I'm walking!” He stood up grimly and brushed the excess snow off his body.
„Whatever, but there really is something back there! Looks like a house wall. Let's go there before we both turn into ice corpses,” Gilbert said, now a little calmer, and gently reached for Gabriel's hand. Unlike his, at least it was warm.
„Just make sure you don't trip... Not like I did,” Gilbert muttered, without looking at Gabriel. Then he pulled the slightly taller boy along with him—very carefully, mind you—and led him safely down the flattening, snow-covered hill.
And Gabriel suddenly felt a pleasant warmth in his heart, followed by a gentle tingling and a heat that spread across his cheeks. Where had this sudden courtesy come from? He was acting like a little gentleman! How sweet, he thought to himself, and he smiled gently until they reached the foot of the hill.
„So, everything should be level again here...” Gilbert mumbled, still holding Gabriel's hand. The fog had grown thicker and hailstones were now mixed in with the falling snow. What a bummer! Hopefully they would reach the building at the end of the path as quickly as possible. But then the first large hailstones hit Gabriel on the head and he hissed in pain, holding his arms over his head. „Ouch! Oh, dear! Let's go faster, Gilbert! The storm is getting worse!”
„Yes! Quickly!” Gilbert agreed immediately, pulling the sturdy felt hood over his head and placing his arm protectively over his friend's head. „Come on, nothing can happen to you here...” Surprised and visibly moved by the gesture and Gilbert's concern, Gabriel was speechless at first. But once again, his chest felt light as a feather and tingly. What was this feeling?
Whatever it was... it filled him with a joy he had never known before...
But Gilbert also experienced similar feelings. The closer he was to Gabriel, the harder his heart beat, and his limbs tensed. A voice deep inside him urged him to do everything right. Every movement was thought through three times, every spontaneous word was analyzed five times afterwards. Oh, Gilbert wanted to be liked by Gabriel so badly. Not only was Gabriel highly regarded by all the orders and a role model for so many of his kind, he was also special to Gilbert himself. Because if it weren't for him, Gilbert might not be here... Gabriel had no idea how much Gilbert owed him. It was Gabriel's gentleness and big heart that had once helped him through the difficult early stages of his life:
His appearance and wild nature had scared off his Teutonic Knights, but right from the start of his life, into which he had been thrown so spontaneously, Gabriel had been there and seen something good in Gilbert that no one else had ever seen. Not even Gilbert himself.
Gabriel was his heart. He was love itself, which Gilbert first had to recognize in his life and then learn to pass on to others.
But Gilbert also had no idea how much sympathy Gabriel felt for him. Gabriel couldn't quite explain to himself what fascinated him so much about the smaller knight boy. As often as he admonished him for his impetuosity in everyday life, he also found this impetuous freedom and authenticity emanating from Gilbert admirable. Would he one day be able to speak so freely from his heart? Would he one day be able to shed his role as the model student, the golden child, and the ideal knight? Perhaps. At least Gabriel thought he could feel a tiny spark of this personal freedom when he was alone with Gilbert, far away from his order...from his everyday life.
Gilbert was his light. In the midst of the gray, strict everyday life, he was a spark for Gabriel, proving to him that his life did not always have to be the same. He was his freedom.
But neither of them was ready to recognize this yet. Together they were still at the beginning of a journey that would make them better people.
Perhaps one day Gabriel would gain the freedom to be himself and to act as he truly was.
Perhaps one day Gilbert would find love and learn that it too had the power to move mountains, and he could learn to share that love himself.
And then: finally. They had reached their sanctuary, but it turned out to be different than they had hoped. The closer they got to their destination, the larger and more imposing the building appeared. Massive limestone walls, stained by snow, smiled at them with their wonderful, brightly colored pointed arch windows. The gate was wide and reliefs adorned the individual doors, telling a picture story. The life of a saint was depicted. Gabriel thought for a moment. A pair of eyes and a wreath of lights as attributes... together with another scene with a sword and palm branch... It had to be Saint Lucia. The corners of Gabriel's mouth twitched slightly upward. Hopefully Saint Lucia would help them in this increasingly dark evening hour.
Then the young knight looked up. A rather short tower with a clearly visible bell and pointed roof crowned the simple but unmistakably Gothic church.
„It's probably further to the settlement than I thought... St. Lucia chapel is hidden a little deeper in the forest from the village, but walking around in this freezing cold and hail for any longer would be really awful. Let's take shelter in here until the storm subsides. Maybe the sacristy has some oil lamps we can borrow to find our way home later“, said Gilbert, opening the heavy gate with all his strength. “I'm sorry that our meeting has turned out so badly. It really wasn't planned that way...“ Great, now his plan B had failed too. Since he had already panicked about giving Gabriel his gift in the clearing, he had planned to give it to him after their walk on the edge of the settlement, but that had gone wrong too!
But Gabriel just shook his head. He couldn't be angry with Gilbert about something like that. He could never do that. „It's okay, Gilbert, it's not your fault about the weather. If anything, I should thank you for trying to protect me from the hail and helping me down the hill...” A shy but sincere smile now appeared on his lips, once again striking Gilbert right in the heart. He nervously scratched the back of his head and laughed.
„Ha! That goes without saying! That's all part of being a true knight! You taught me that yourself back then! As you can see, I'm not such a bad guy after all!” Seizing the moment, he held the gate open for his friend with a proud grin.
Gabriel giggled heartily, covering his mouth with his hand. And Gilbert's eyes sparkled brightly as he listened to that laughter.
Somehow, he was kind of cute...
Those words were probably shared by both of them in their thoughts before Gabriel accepted the gesture and entered the church first.
„Hehe! Well then, thank you very much, my noble knight!” he replied playfully, sending Gilbert a fleeting air kiss on impulse.
Oh.
If only he hadn't done that.
Oh, if only Gabriel hadn't done that, because now Gilbert was done. He stood frozen in place as if struck by the lightning of God himself, and a scorching heat spread throughout his entire body.
What had suddenly happened to him? What had that been?
His pale skin turned a deep red, and his ears and nose in particular seemed to glow.
Oh God...
Oh, dear Lord, have mercy on the poor boy.
„Gilbert, are you coming?” Gabriel suddenly snapped him out of his stupor, and Gilbert turned around, confused.
„What? Oh, right...” Only now did he realize that he had been standing frozen by the open door. Quickly and embarrassed, he pushed the massive wooden door shut. A few snowflakes still found their way into the entrance area of the dark church. Then he caught up with Gabriel in the middle of the almost empty nave.
Gabriel exhaled loudly. His hot breath formed small white clouds in the cool air, but it was a relief not to have the icy storm wind whipping their faces anymore. The Templar quickly rubbed his upper arms, breathed on his stiff, red fingers, and tried to see something in the almost pitch-dark church. In the faint evening light, he could just make out the outlines of some wooden benches, side altars, and stone columns. The polished stone floor reflected the silvery light, helping the boy find his way around the church.
„We should look for the entrance to the sacristy...” Gabriel murmured, „Hopefully you're right and we'll find some candles or a lantern...”
„Yes, and hopefully there's a fire steel and a tinder cloth lying around somewhere. Otherwise, even with the best will in the world, the candles won't help us...” Gilbert added, stumbling through the darkness with his friend.
Thankfully, the sacristy was not difficult to find, because once they had located the main altar with the Blessed Sacrament, it was easy to find the room they were looking for.
Then Gabriel bumped his front foot against a low step just in front of the high altar and stumbled forward for a moment. „Watch out, there’s a stair!” he warned his friend, who was following him, guided by the faint blue shimmer of his cloak in the dim light. „Ah, yes, thank you...” Gilbert murmured gratefully, because otherwise he would have kissed the floor again right here and now.
And landing on a hard, cold stone floor was not on his wish list.
Without further obstacles, the two young men reached the small sacristy. The room was semicircular in shape, simply furnished, and lit only by a small stained-glass window depicting St. George. Gabriel first looked for the candles, while Gilbert searched for the lighting tool. After a few moments, they found them. With great care—beeswax candles were, after all, an extremely expensive commodity—Gabriel retrieved the candles from the top shelf of the cupboard. Standing on tiptoe, he managed to do so and carefully placed his loot on the table next to him.
„That should be enough,” he muttered, but unfortunately, he couldn't find a lantern or oil lamp. Damn, he thought, how were they going to get back to the settlement and then to the castle in time? Gabriel had to be home at a set time. He couldn't miss supper, mass, and night prayers! He had his duties to fulfill and didn't want to get into trouble, especially at Christmas...
Gilbert knew nothing of Gabriel's worries; he was just happy when he finally found the fire steel and tinder he was looking for among the small vessels full of incense. „Finally! That should be enough for now...” He turned around happily. „I've got everything, Gabriel! Did you see a lantern lying around somewhere so we can leave later?”
But Gabriel just shook his head gloomily. „No, not that... And without a lantern, the candles won't do us any good either. The wind would extinguish their flames immediately.”
Gilbert grimaced and began to ponder. „Hmm... Wait here, I'll go outside and see if the storm has perhaps already subsided!” But no sooner had he rushed to the gate, full of enthusiasm, than the last spark of hope died within him when he looked outside. The icy wind whistled and hissed in his face and around his ears; snowflakes danced wildly around him, and a huge mountain of snow had already covered the church gate, so that he could hardly open it any further. There was no chance. They were trapped in this church!
How was he going to break the news to Gabriel? Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, this Christmas Eve had gone so terribly wrong since it had begun.
Gabriel would be so sad...
Gilbert bit his lower lip and closed the door. He wrapped his fingers tightly around the door handle until his knuckles turned white.
They had to stay here... Alone. In the dark church. In the cold. Without food or drink.
Just the two of them.
Alone.
„We're trapped in here, aren't we?” Gabriel asked cautiously, a sad tone in his voice. Gilbert hesitated, and just as he was about to turn away, Gabriel stole his words. „It's okay, you don't have to say anything, I saw it myself. We're stuck here...”
„I'm sorry, Gabriel.” Humble and full of remorse, the young knight stared at the ground. In fact, the „most awesome and bravest knight who has ever lived” felt like crying. His golden-haired friend noticed his deeply buried grief when he caught a glimpse of his glassy, ruby-red eyes, took a step closer, and spoke to him in a gentle voice.
„No, it's not your fault, Gilbert. How could it be?” When Gabriel approached him with all his heavenly mercy, despite the nerve-wracking circumstances, even though he was visibly frustrated as well, Gilbert had had enough and pressed his lips together, holding back the tears with all his might.
With a trembling voice, he hissed, unable to look Gabriel in the face. „Yes, it is. I forced us both to go on this walk, even though we saw the clouds! If only I hadn't insisted, we wouldn't be here!” Now it happened, the first tears rolled down his pale cheeks. He grimly furrowed his eyebrows, angry at himself.
„Gilbert...” Gabriel raised his hand anxiously, but Gilbert didn't hear him. He was caught up in his frustration, which hit him with such force that it was as if he were trapped on a wooden ship on the high seas in a violent storm. Gilbert sobbed and screamed in despair. „And now you're missing dinner, Christmas Mass, everything! And then you'll get yelled at because of me! And maybe even on your birthday, assuming we get out of here by tomorrow...“
Birthday? Gabriel paused, holding his breath. Gilbert knew about his birthday? Little by little, all the clues fell into place, and Gabriel gradually began to understand why Gilbert had been acting so strangely that day.
„...Gilbert...” Gabriel whispered, touched, resting his hand over his left chest and feeling a previously unknown chamber of his heart seemingly open up. Gabriel's heart felt heavy as lead and light as a feather at the same time. It tingled happily as the pain pulled at his heartstrings.
Oh! Joy and sorrow, they were an inseparable pair...
But Gilbert was completely caught up in his grief, didn't notice Gabriel's reaction, and struck the cold, stone church wall in frustration. „I ruined everything! Again, and all because I didn't have the balls to tell you... oh, fuck it!” he choked out, filling Gabriel's heart with pity.
He was so incredibly sorry if his sadness and stress were the reason Gilbert was so upset. He shouldn't take it so hard...
„I... But, Gilbert, listen...” Gabriel gently took him by the shoulders, carefully stroking his arms with his fingertips and finally cupping his cool hands, warming them with his own. „You couldn't have known that the storm would be so strong that it would snow the door shut... You couldn't have known that we would accidentally get lost.“ Gabriel smiled lovingly at Gilbert's tear-stained face. Little by little, the tears seemed to be shed and Gilbert's aching heart calmed as he became aware of Gabriel's love.
Gabriel continued to speak gently to him. His blue eyes sparkled and he lovingly stroked his scratched hands with his thumb.
„And if it hadn't been for you, we wouldn't have found this church as a shelter. You found it. And it is our sanctuary. You helped me when the hail hit us...you did what you could. I'm sorry if my stress made you think you were to blame. I don't hold it against you. Really, I don't. I'm grateful that you tried your best despite the difficult situation. I mean, at least we're here. We're safe in here. We won't freeze to death. You had the idea to look for candles, and we found them. You found the fire steel. We'll survive this night. And it's all thanks to you, Gilbert.“
Surprised and overwhelmed by Gabriel's praise, Gilbert looked at his slightly older friend in disbelief, his heart beating at an unprecedented rate. Then, not wanting to waste another second, he hugged Gabriel as tightly as he could. How else could he show his gratitude? Gabriel was so kind to him...
And Gabriel felt a wave of happiness wash over him. For his heart was also beating faster in his chest, and he hugged Gilbert back just as tightly. A pleasant warmth enveloped the two young knights—a warmth that neither of them could name. For as they stood there together—arm in arm, chest to chest, heart to heart—they felt miraculously complete. It was as if their souls had become one under God's grace.
After a few lingering seconds, however, Gilbert broke the embrace. He now seemed much calmer and more balanced, which pleased Gabriel. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he looked to the side. „We should still think about how to draw attention to ourselves. If the storm is over by tomorrow morning, we'll have to organize help to dig us out. But how...”
Gabriel pondered. His gaze wandered between the stained-glass windows, the buttresses, and finally up to the gallery.
They needed to draw attention to themselves... They were close to the settlement, but still too hidden in the forest for a visual signal to be effective... That meant they might still have...
A small rounded gate on the left side of the wall caught his eye. It was blocked by a black iron gate, but behind it was a narrow spiral staircase leading upwards.
„The church tower!” Gabriel blurted out immediately, „The bell!” And his eyes lit up like a starry sky. „Gilbert, let's climb the bell tower and ring the bell! Then someone will hear us and free us as soon as possible!”
Gilbert's face also lit up with hope. „That's a great idea! It could have been mine! Come on! What are we waiting for?” And with that, the little knight rushed to the gate and shook it until he finally managed to open it. The unevenly cut stone had blocked the iron door. Thick black stripes had now been painted on the stone arch. “Whoever gets to the top first gets to ring the bell! Three, two, one, go!” he shouted to Gabriel from afar and almost flew up the spiral staircase. “Hey, that's not fair! You had a head start!” Gabriel grumbled, but picked up speed to catch up with Gilbert and laughed cheekily. “Just you wait, I'll catch you!”
„No way! You're too slow for that anyway!” the albino shouted back mockingly, „Gotcha!” And with a big jump, taking two steps at a time, Gilbert actually made it up to the bell tower first. But Gabriel was close behind him and had almost caught up with him. „Hah...” Gabriel gasped, resting his hands on his knees, „I almost got you.”
„Yeah, but you didn’t! Ha ha!” Gilbert grinned cheekily and proudly, but he too was completely out of breath. The wooden floor beneath them creaked with every step, and thick wooden beams supported the tower and the mighty bronze bell. Gabriel paused reverently at the sight of it. The fine, beautiful engravings in the metal once again told a story. This time, it was the story of Saint Nicholas. They depicted the legend of the dowry donation, the corn miracle, and the calming of a storm at sea.
„Right, now it's my turn!” Gilbert rubbed his hands together and grabbed the thick rope to ring the bell using the appropriate mechanism. „Watch me closely, Gabriel, as I do this all by myself! You'll be amazed at how strong I really am!” boasted the boy with a grin, pulling on the rope with all the nonchalance in the world.
Unfortunately, he couldn't get the heavy bell to ring that way. He stared stupidly at the bell, which didn't move an inch. Well, Gilbert thought, then he'd just have to try with all his might! And so, he tried again, this time with all his strength. But even then, he couldn't get it to do more than vibrate a little.
„What the hell is this? Why isn't it working? Something must be stuck, just like that stupid door earlier...” he cursed, obviously unwilling to admit that ringing the bell was harder than he had thought.
„Do you want me to help you, Gilbert?” Gabriel approached him, but Gilbert skillfully rejected him.
„No, I can do it myself! It's probably just a little rusty, hehe...” Giggling nervously, he tightened his grip on the rope, closed his eyes, and exhaled. And... now!
With all his strength and his entire body weight, he clung to the rope and rang the bell... unfortunately only minimally.
Annoyed, he muttered and whined, brushing the white strands of hair from his face. „Oh, come on!” He had just wanted to show off in front of Gabriel, and once again he had failed miserably. How embarrassing was that?!
But Gabriel couldn't help but laugh heartily at Gilbert's reaction. Grinning amusedly, he walked over to his friend and grabbed the rope as well. „It's easier with two people, Gilbert. Please let me help, okay? Then it'll definitely work! “Gilbert wanted to protest, but when he saw the sweet smile on Gabriel's lips, he suddenly felt weak. How could he say no?
„If you think it'll really work, then please, let's try it...” Gilbert mumbled casually, as if chaos wasn't breaking out inside him.
„Good,” Gabriel smiled and got ready, „I'll count to three! One, two... three!”
And jump! Both children pulled on the bell rope and finally... Finally, the mighty bronze object gained the momentum it needed, so that the pendulum crashed against the metal with a loud sound.
Dong. Dong. Dong.
The language of bells rang out from far and near: Please help us poor souls! Please tell us that a savior is here.
Dong Ding Dong.
And the ringing grew quieter... slower, but it still echoed. Hopefully... Oh, hopefully someone had heard their cry for help.
Panting, Gilbert let go of the rope and looked out of the bell tower window. From a distance, he could see the tops of the roofs of the settlement houses, which were otherwise submerged in a sea of fog. „I hope that's enough for now, otherwise we'll have to try again tomorrow morning...”
„I hope so too...” Gabriel leaned his arms on the window frame and also gazed into the distance. „The storm has stopped, but the snow still doesn't seem to want to... Look... all the bushes have disappeared under a thick blanket of snow.”
Gilbert nodded and grimaced. „Maybe it was a good thing we found shelter in here after all... Come on, let's go back downstairs. Otherwise, the cold air up here will only make us sick.”
No sooner said than done: Gilbert and Gabriel descended the spiral staircase back down into the dark nave. By now, it was necessary to equip themselves with candles, so Gilbert and Gabriel lit theirs. A golden glow surrounded the children, and from a distance they looked like walking stars.
Gabriel held one hand in front of the flame to keep it from going out. The heat from it warmed his hands, and his heart felt cozy and warm. Gilbert strolled beside him, imitating his friend and glancing over at him from time to time.
Gilbert noticed a lovely sparkle in Gabriel's eyes as he gazed at the beauty of the candlelight. The light seemed to bring him joy... Oh, how Gilbert would love to bring him joy...
But then his stomach suddenly began to growl loudly, and he embarrassedly placed his hand over his belly. However, Gabriel had already heard his stomach growl and laughed softly. „I think someone's hungry!” „You don't say...” Gilbert grumbled and wrinkled his nose. Then he felt someone take his hand. „Come on, let's sit down in the transept and take a break to eat.” Gabriel smiled at him like an angel again.
„Did you bring anything?” he asked, hungry and relieved to get something to eat. Nodding, Gabriel took out his bag. „It's not much, but I'm happy to share it with you...”
Gilbert thanked him, touched, and scurried hand in hand with Gabriel to the crossing so they could lean against a pillar near the choir area. Behind that pillar stood a small side altar on a raised platform in the north transept. After Gilbert had spread his coat on the ground so that he and Gabriel wouldn't have to sit on the cold floor, and after they had both placed their candles in front of them, Gabriel opened his jute bag. Inside, in addition to an almost full drinking vessel, were some fresh red apples, which he had probably taken from the castle's earth cellar, a small bag of dried fruit, nuts, and a small loaf of bread.
„Didn't you say you didn't have much?” Gilbert skeptically raised an eyebrow and Gabriel scratched the back of his head nervously. His cheeks turned slightly red. „Oh, I guess I misjudged that! Anyway, help yourself!” But then Gabriel stopped himself. „Oh, we forgot to pray!”
Gilbert rolled his eyes. But he was hungry now. God would surely forgive him if he didn’t do it once. After all, it's not easy to pray on an empty stomach. But if it made Gabriel happy...
So, he knelt down like Gabriel, clasped his hands together, and closed his eyes while Gabriel said the prayer for both of them.
„Our Father, who art in heaven. Please be our guest and bless these gifts you have given us. We thank you for all the good things we have. Amen,” Gabriel said reverently, and Gilbert murmured after him. Only his belated „Amen” was actually audible, and then, thank God, it was time. Gabriel reached for the loaf of bread and divided it in two, giving Gilbert the larger piece. „I hope that's enough. Otherwise, you're welcome to take a few apples, as you like. I can get by with less.”
„Thank you.” Gilbert accepted the piece of bread with a slight smile. „That's very kind...” And he meant it. It was really very kind of Gabriel to share with him. What's more, the bread was still fresh. It must have been baked that morning. He nibbled on it with relish and grabbed a few dried fruits here and there while the fire from the two candles flickered. Little by little, the wax ran down their sides and solidified shortly thereafter. Gilbert thought...and took another bite of bread.
Gabriel had looked so blissful... so happy earlier when the two of them had walked through the church holding candles. His eyes had sparkled like stars in the sky...
Then Gilbert took one of the sweet apples and bit into it. He secretly watched Gabriel in the soft candlelight.
It was Gabriel's birthday tomorrow. They hardly ever saw each other on his birthday because it fell on Christmas Day... That's why Gilbert wanted to meet him today, and now they were stuck in this church. The birthday present he wanted to give him was still in his bag.
And as Gilbert cracked open some of the nuts and nibbled on them, he had an idea of how he could still save the evening!
When the church was filled with light, it would bring a smile to Gabriel's face... And if he was distracted for a moment, Gilbert could calmly think of the right words and give Gabriel the gift.
Exactly! That was it! Hallelujah, the enlightenment!
In a flash, Gilbert took another big gulp of water and wiped his mouth, then jumped up and brushed the bread crumbs off his smock.
Gabriel, of course, noticed his friend's frantic, energetic reaction and blinked at him in confusion with wide eyes. „Gilbert?”
Why had he jumped up so quickly? Gabriel couldn't understand and ate the last piece of his apple before he too tried to get up, but Gilbert put his hands on his shoulders and gently pushed him back into his seat.
„Stay seated!” Gilbert asked, grabbing one of the two candles that provided them with light. But Gabriel still didn't understand.
„What are you up to?” he asked in surprise. Had he heard something?
„You'll see!” Gilbert assured him with a cheeky grin on his face that made Gabriel feel slightly embarrassed. When Gilbert grinned like that, it could only mean a crazy idea that would either surprise him in a good way or end in chaos.
„I just hope you're not going to do anything stupid!” Gabriel warned him (out of love). „Of course not! When have I ever done anything stupid?” chuckled the albino as he climbed the steps to the side altar and lit the thin, long candles.
Gabriel just raised his eyebrows skeptically and smiled. „Should I give you a list?” he replied cheekily, watching Gilbert with interest as he scurried through the church. „No need!” he laughed, „But honestly, Gabriel, this isn't nonsense... You'll see what I have in mind...”
„Well then, I'm excited!” Gabriel saw how Gilbert was beaming with enthusiasm, almost sparkling with excitement. He never ceased to appreciate the enthusiasm he displayed. It was admirable and, in a way, cute...
So, Gabriel waited and watched patiently as Gilbert lit more and more candles, nimbly yet reverently. The side altar was illuminated by the golden-red candlelight, revealing the beauty of the paintings in their golden, curved frames. The corners of Gabriel's mouth twitched upward. This altar housed the Bible story of Jonathan and David. He liked this story very much. The deep, intimate friendship that these two men shared was something Gabriel also desired. He too would like to have someone by his side. A friend he loved as much as his own life. A friend whose soul was intertwined with his own. A friend...
Then his gaze turned back to Gilbert.
He stood on his tiptoes, his tongue stretched out from the corner of his mouth in utmost concentration, and lit the candles on the opposite side altar. A painting of Ruth and Naomi was hidden in the darkness. Then Gilbert sprinted toward the main altar, which was hidden in the largest apse. As Gilbert approached with the light in his hand, the flame reflected in the gilded cross that stood in the center of the altar. Once again, Gilbert lit the candles. From the small, thick ones on the altar to the long, thin ones next to the golden, richly decorated tabernacle. The light revealed more of the once dark church and bathed it in a cozy warm atmosphere, while outside, the snow continued to fall from the sky. The apse vault above the simple altar was the showpiece of that house of worship: a heavenly scene, in white and pastel clouds, the Virgin Mary sat with the young Christ on her lap, surrounded by thousands of pink roses and angels. Above them, the Holy Spirit watched as a dove, emerging directly from a golden triangle – the Trinity of God. On the left and right, saints knelt before the Christ child. All of them were figures from the Old Testament who had foretold the coming of the Messiah: Isaiah, Micah, Malachi, Moses, Zechariah, and Haggai. John the Baptist was also depicted. Gabriel marveled at the artistic masterpiece, even losing himself in the details.
His eyes sparkled, and he couldn't get enough of the beauty that surrounded him. For the more candles Gilbert lit and even distributed them on the floor, the brighter and more colorful the once gray and cold-looking house of God appeared. Color illuminated even the most barren stone, breathing life into it: red, blue, gold, green, a hint of violet...
Together with the warm color of the candle light, all the murals, frescoes, tapestries, and statues merged into a single, all-encompassing work of art. And Gabriel sat in the middle of it. Surrounded by warmth. Surrounded by light. Feeling his heart open and becoming softer than the powder snow waiting for them outside, his eyes sparkled brighter with joy than all the gold in the church. A fulfilled, moved smile had painted itself on his lips. Gabriel was speechless.
And Gilbert? Gilbert returned to him, smiling shyly and holding the thick candle in his hand, whose flame had already burned deep into the wax. He had given his best; put his heart and soul into this gesture and now hoped with all his heart to have made Gabriel happy.
And oh!
How he did. Gilbert saw it in the radiance that emanated from Gabriel. He had succeeded…
„Gilbert… “, Gabriel said in amazement. He was about to deeply praise and thank his friend, but he quickly knelt down, put the candle between them, and rummaged through his bag. „Wait, one more thing… “
Now or never…
He grabbed the soft thing, pulled it out, hid it behind his back, and slid a little closer to Gabriel, who looked at him…lovingly?
But Gilbert had not understood this look, even though he too was beset by feelings he couldn't describe at the same moment. He took a deep breath in and out. But his heart wouldn't stop racing. Nervously, he grabbed his present behind his back a little tighter. It wasn't until then that he cleared his throat and dared to look into Gabriel's astonished, yet deeply moved face.
„Gabriel… “, the young albino began, „Well…uhm, once again, I apologize for the circumstances… “
„Circumstances? “, Gabriel interrupted, beamingly, „Gilbert, this is breathtakingly beautiful…I can't describe it…I've never seen anything so beautiful in my whole life… “Gabriel smiled from ear to ear. Oh, if they hadn't gotten caught in this snowstorm, he would never have seen this...
„Hehe, “he chuckled nervously and felt his cheeks flush, „thank you very much...Nevertheless, I'm sorry, because I know you don't like neglecting your duties in the Order... “
„Was it that noticeable? “Gabriel asked now uncertainly, and his smile faded a bit. Gilbert suddenly realized that he had accidentally switched the topic to a negative one and now fumbled around in a panicked manner. He wanted to see Gabriel laugh! Oh, he said something wrong again!
„So- so yeah, that...that stands out quite a bit... “, he stammered, growing more and more red with embarrassment, „I mean, but not because it looks so obvious, but...uhhh...I'm observing you, no, I mean, I know you well enough to...uh...to see it. I've seen your previous breakdowns enough...
Great, Gilbert. You did it again. Oh God, he was so embarrassing! Him and his big mouth!
„Hey, hey… “, a hand rested on his shoulder, „It's okay…I think I know what you're trying to say? Everything's fine… “Gabriel smiled understandingly, and peace settled into Gilbert's soul. How did Gabriel always manage to do that?
„Thank you… “, Gilbert replied honestly and returned a gentle smile. „But I still have something for you... A little surprise to top it all off. “
Smiling, Gabriel slid closer; Gilbert could gradually feel his body heat around him. „And what would that be?“, he asked in a calm voice.
Now it was time. Gilbert held his breath.
„Well... your birthday is tomorrow, so... “, he mumbled, slowly pulling his gift from behind his back, „I spent the last few nights sewing this for you... “
And when Gabriel saw the gift in the candlelight, his eyes lit up with wonder. In his hands, Gilbert held a stuffed bear-like doll. The fabric was simple jute, one eye was made from a black glass bead, and the other was hand-stitched. The bear wore a self-made prayer chain around his neck – a rosary. Gabriel stared at the small stuffed bear in silence and carefully took it from Gilbert's hands. Although the jute felt rough, the smell reminded him of simple childhood days. The bear was filled with fabric scraps and clean sheep's wool.
„Unfortunately, the stitches are a bit ugly in some places”, Gilbert added quietly. ” I hope you like it despite the flaws. Happy birthday…and Merry Christmas, Gabriel,” Gilbert mumbled nervously, scratching his head awkwardly.
Gabriel smiled down at the bear. Gilbert had really gone to such great lengths for him? Gabriel thought his heart was going to jump out of his chest, he was so touched by his friend's kind gesture. He turned to him, his eyes glassy and close to tears of joy, then he fell around his neck and hugged him tightly and most affectionately.
„Merci beaucoup…“, he whispered in his ear, and Gilbert stroked his back as he returned the sudden hug with a racing heart. „Danke…“, he repeated in German, knowing that it would strike Gilbert’s heart even harder if he responded in his language. But Gabriel wanted to make sure Gilbert could feel his gratitude in every fiber of his body. For no word or song in the world could have just described what was happening in Gabriel's soul...what he was feeling in that moment.
But Gilbert seemed to sense it. Gabriel's closeness and how he showed himself to him proved it.
He had known that Gabriel, despite his reputation as the golden child, the model student, the supposedly most perfect young knight, was lacking in many things. It wasn't about money; Gabriel's order had a lot, but there was nothing about love and affection, which his human side of his existence desperately needed. They treated him better than Gilbert's order did, but they still burdened him with responsibilities that a child of his age should not bear. Gabriel was close to burning out, emotionally. The stress slowly ruined him from the inside like a flame that ate through the wax until nothing was left of the candle. Gabriel was not free. He was not allowed to be a child which is why it was even more important to Gilbert to give Gabriel gifts that had been forbidden for him by his order.
Gabriel's grip tightened, and tears rolled down his cheeks.
Truly, Gilbert's gesture alone meant so much to him.
But at some point, even their warm, cozy hug had to come to an end.
So, they parted, and Gabriel wiped away his tears with a slight smile. „Je suis désolée... I didn't want to cry. How embarrassing...“ A small chuckle escaped from him.
And then the bells began to ring. Far away…but they echoed faintly in their snow-covered church, lit by candles. The Christmas mass had begun in the village. Gabriel and Gilbert held their breath. „Midnight…“, they whispered in unison, then looked at each other in surprise and giggled.
„Merry Christmas, Gilbert…“, Gabriel now said with a gentle laugh, and Gilbert grinned happily at him with red cheeks, „And officially to you: Happy birthday, Gabriel…To another successful year for the second-best knight there is!“
He proudly extended his hand and shook Gabriel’s with a laugh, Gabriel joined in, but couldn't help but cheekily respond, „Second best?“
„Yeah, because I'm still the best!“ Gilbert boasted, closing his eyes and grinning as he tried to impress Gabriel. However, Gabriel didn't fall for it and just raised his eyebrows skeptically (but with a smile). „Well, I guess conceit knows no bounds.“
„Uh-huh!“, nodded Gilbert proudly, but then quickly opened his eyes, „Wait, what? Hey!“
Gabriel grinned innocently like a cherub. „What's up?“ he asked provocatively, amusedly watching Gilbert get playfully outraged.
„Tch! Not even two minutes into the new year and you're already being cheeky! Next year I'll think about the gift again.“ He crossed his arms in front of his chest and turned away from Gabriel, feigning offense.
But just as he was about to turn around anyway, Gabriel leaned over and gave him a tiny little thank you kiss on the cheek, which immediately silenced Gilbert. His eyes widened, and he immediately covered his cheek in shock and surprise.
What…?
Gabriel smiled again. Then he slowly stood up from the floor and held out his hand to him. Soft candle light illuminated him from behind, making him shine like a Christmas angel. His golden curls seemed to become light themselves, and Gilbert held his breath. He hesitantly took Gabriel's hand and stood up.
„Unfortunately, I don't have a gift for you...“, Gabriel apologized at first, „I'm sorry.“ But Gilbert calmly shook his head. „No worries...“. He didn't need anything. It was Gabriel's birthday, even if it was Christmas.
„I'd still like to give you something...,“ Gabriel stammered, looking once more completely entranced through the beautifully illuminated church, „After all, you've done so...so much, and I'd like to show you my gratitude...“
The candles flickered quietly and sweetly, and Gabriel unfastened the rosary from his cloak. Their pearls shone in a deep rose red, Gabriel's favorite color. Then he placed the beautiful, precious chain in Gilbert's hands and said, „It's not much, but...I'd like to give you my most cherished rosary... Unfortunately, it's not the same as your homemade bear or those beautifully shining candles, but I don't want you to miss out. And this chain means a lot to me...That's why...Please take good care of it, yes?“
Gilbert smiled back, recognizing the symbolic value, and wrapped his hands around the chain. „I will. Thank you, Gabriel. That's very kind.“ Then he grinned cheekily. „I'm sure it will bring me good luck and blessings if it’s coming from you.“
Both boys smiled at each other, and for a moment, there was silence between them.
However, it didn't take long before Gilbert grabbed Gabriel's hands, squeezed them lightly, and said, „Come on.“ Let's stroll through the church a bit…“ And of course, Gabriel followed Gilbert's request. However, he also carried his gift in one hand. He would guard the little bear like a precious gem.
As if they were both walking on a path of light, they wandered through the church, telling each other stories about experiences from earlier times. Here and there, Gilbert heard Gabriel whisper a soft Ave Maria. It was Christmas, after all, and the young knight wanted to keep up a bit of festivity. Gilbert viewed him from the side as he knelt silently at an altar, then lit a forgotten candle and placed it before the portrait of the Holy Family.
Then he bowed his head and returned to Gilbert, and they sat at the foot of the altar.
„They're probably telling the Christmas Gospel over in the village right now, and oh, they're probably singing beautifully too.“ Gilbert put his head in his hands. „And what keeps us from doing the same?“ – „Well...I'm just an amateur, I can't...“
„Listen, my friend, I know you know this story inside and out. If you want to tell it – go ahead. I'll listen to you,“ Gilbert assured, drawing another sweet smile from Gabriel.
„Well...“, he began, „But don't kill me if I can't quote it with the exact wording!“ — „Oh, then I'd have to scold myself too. I can't quote it perfectly myself. We don't have to, either. We're just knights, not priests, Gabriel... It’s all good.“
Those words did offer some comfort, Gabriel admitted. He took everything too seriously, too seriously once again. But now he cleared his throat, and Gilbert listened intently to his friend.
„At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire…“
And just as Gabriel had finished his story – with Gilbert having eyes for Gabriel only – he began to sing a little song that Gilbert had never heard before.
„Adeste fideles,
laeti triumphantes,
Venite, venite
in Bethlehem.
Natum videte
Regem angelorum.
Venite adoremus
Dominum.“
Did he just invent it? Gilbert didn't know it, but he was enchanted by the angelic voice that belonged to his buddy. Enjoying it, he closed his eyes and for a moment he thought he understood the villagers when they said Gabriel’s singing brought them to tears. It touched his, otherwise well-guarded, seemingly hard, heart.
Oh, just a few months before, he had claimed the opposite...That Gabriel couldn't touch his heart with his sermon on love or his claim that praying and singing were boring. But to be honest, if Gabriel did it, it maybe was not that bad. When he sang, it was different. When he prayed, it didn't bother Gilbert. He couldn't explain where this change of heart came from, but... it was kind of nice.
And before he knew it, the two were caught up in a dance. Gabriel sang, and Gilbert accompanied him as best he could. They turned, surrounded by the golden light of the candles, surrounded by the protection and the grace of God. Gabriel's soft curls shone like gold and when he opened his eyes, they sparkled, and Gilbert felt himself falling more and more in love with his friend. And he fell in love with him further, with each step and each new verse. And this time... he realized it too, and all his gestures he had shown in the last few months made sense all of a sudden.
He had fallen in love with Gabriel. All these years, ever since he knew him, he thought they were just connected by an incredibly special friendship, but now...
Gilbert was baffled, and when Gabriel looked into his face, he saw an expression he didn't recognize. Gabriel didn't understand, but Gilbert seemed as if the realization had just struck him like a bolt of lightning.
And this astonished and gradually understanding gaze now also captivated Gabriel. What was he thinking about?
Gabriel would love to know that. Had Gilbert come up with a new idea like before? The thought amused Gabriel, and as the evening progressed, he appreciated Gilbert even more.
Behind the seemingly rough exterior was such a loving soul that Gabriel always wanted to have him by his side. Oh Gilbert…he was truly his dearest friend on earth. He had a heart of gold… Gabriel felt a smile twitch upward. How many times had this boy made him laugh? One couldn't even count it on both hands... But this fact alone made his heart skip a beat.
And when Gabriel saw those ruby-red sparkling eyes and how his bright appearance shone in both the dark and the light… He… He slowly suspected that he might feel more for this dear fellow than he had previously thought. He had never felt such joy as he did with him nearby…
Again, they turned to the sound of the singing, and the gentle wind that caught in their coats made the candles’ flames dance softly. And so, the night passed by another minute; by another hour. After some time, the two newly in love knights grew tired and the first candles went out on their own. Instead of singing, yawns echoed through the church halls, and Gabriel and Gilbert returned hand in hand to their sleeping quarters near the side altar, where their dry, warm winter coats were waiting for them.
Gabriel folded his winter coat into a pillow so they could share it, and Gilbert offered his coat to serve as a blanket. And then both boys went to bed.
Gilbert laid a little higher and took Gabriel in his arms. Gabriel had placed the small stuffed bear between them and cuddled peacefully against his chest. It had been a long time since they had shared a ‘camp’, and yet this time it was especially beautiful. For there was no battle ahead... No bloodshed and no diplomatic talks that decided the lives of other people were going through their minds. This time it was a peaceful, silent night. Without worry, without suffering.
Not long after, they drifted under the safe wings of God into their well-deserved sleep, while the very last lights gradually burned out on their own…
***
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!
Alles schläft, einsam wacht
nur das traute, hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
schlaf in himmlischer Ruh,
schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
da uns schlägt die rettende Stund,
Christ, in deiner Geburt,
Christ, in deiner Geburt.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight shone through the stained glass, the two young knights were still asleep. Soft as a transparent silk cloth, the colorful window colors laid over their resting bodies and the bright stone around them. The two didn't notice that voices were already being heard outside. They were still in dreamland.
It wasn't until the voices grew louder and more and more people started pounding on the church door that Gilbert first opened his eyes, closely followed by Gabriel, who immediately sat up, tired and completely groggy.
„What's going on?“ Gilbert mumbled, his eyes tired and he scratched himself under his uniform. „I don't know. People are coming…Probably.“, Gabriel yawned and straightened his completely messy hair.
And then: It finally occurred to them a few seconds late.
Oh my God, the rescue was finally here!
As if they had been promised a hearty, delicious breakfast, they both bounced out of their sleeping quarters and wildly stuffed all their belongings into their bags. Finally! Someone had come to free them! And... the sun was shining! Oh, what luck they had!
They quickly moved all the candles that Gilbert had scattered on the floor, and before they knew it, they recognized the voices of their rescuers.
There were two men and another young fellow like them, whom they knew and appreciated all too well.
„We're almost there, men! Just this little pile and we're in!”, someone muffled from outside behind the church door.
That was…
„Joan?“ Gilbert and Gabriel looked at each other with the same question at the same time.
And indeed. Just as their three rescuers cleared the snow from the door, Joan stood panting in the church doorway. The morning sun illuminated the young, dark-haired knight in his black habit from behind. „Gilbert! Gabriel!“ he called to them, relieved. „Thank goodness...I was getting worried when I heard you two hadn't returned last night...“
„Joan!“, they both immediately hugged their oldest friend tightly, who immediately pushed them away, coughing. That was a little too close and too tight, as much as they liked them. „Oh, Joan, you're our savior! How did you figure out where we were?“ Gilbert asked excitedly, feeling endlessly happy to finally feel the sunlight on his skin again.
Joan smiled. „Well, someone must have rung the bell, right? Well, then I put one and one together and ta-da! Here I am! Someone has to help you poor twerps and if it’s not me, who else would...“ Teasing them lovingly, he patted their heads. „But tell me, weren't you two afraid of being all alone in the storm? It appeared really harsh yesterday...“, Joan wanted to know, now as they all left the church behind them and walked leisurely through the – thank God – somewhat melted snow into the village.
„No!“, Gabriel answered confidently and immediately clasped Gilbert's hand, „Because we had each other... right, Gilbert?“
„You bet!“, laughed Gilbert at once.
And with these simple, cheerful words, that sweet memory of Christmas Day many, many years ago ended...