Santa in a different setting

[ratsy]

Hey, Since it is Christmas I thought maybe we could have a thread where we can write a quick description of a Santa-like character in a fantasy or sci-fi setting. I'll give it a try.

The children huddled around the fire. It was cold outside, colder than it had been in years. Living in the servants quarters outside the castle didn't leave much to be desired, but this time of year everyone forgot about the hardships of the year and celebrated mid-winters festival. Only this year was cold and festivities were at a minimum. The children listened to the stories of Jaspeder the elf. He was a legend in these parts. For as long as can be remembered there was an elf who shared gifts and food with the common folk and royalty alike. He could avoid castle guards and watching mothers like they were not even there and in his wake, would be gifts for the children and food for the parents to cook and make a feast.

He never missed a family and was as consistant as could be, every year he would come bringing joy with him. No one had ever seen him but it was thought that he was immortal and sent by the gods themselves. What the children didn't know were the rumers that he may not be making it this year. It was thought that in the forest where he must have dwelt the cold will have killed off any living being and the food supplies he could bring would be non-existant. Of course Jaspeder was from the gods so how could he not provide on the one day a year where everyone was equal.

The fire roared and the children all began to doze and if you listened close enough, you could hear bells ringing in the distance. Jaspender treaded softly over the snow with a sack over his shoulder and a smile on his face.