Do They Know It's Christmas Time At All? [Part I]

[Gavner_Nahs]

Chapter I: The Gathering

Gavner tossed a look over his shoulder as he sneaked through the extremely late Radasanth night. He was extra careful to avoid the soldiers who were patrolling the area. It was difficult to understand the ins and outs of the environment he was in, because Gavner tended to overanalyze everything. He tried to plot out every single patrol route of the guards, tried to plot out the perfect time to sneak around, yet anything could happen at any time.

“For Christmas,” he mumbled to himself, “it is all worth it to celebrate Christmas with those whom I love.”

Gavner sneaked down an alley and across a street, barely avoiding one of the soldiers. Radasanth was under a strict curfew for all residents and guests of the city. Something about an oppressive governmental system with corrupt viceroys. The ins and outs of Coronian politics always baffled Gavner, and he had trouble understanding it. He never understood it up to this point, and more than likely he would never understand, so there was no sense in trying to now. Gavner had many fond memories of this place. Radasanth was the city that not only the Ixian Knights often protected, but it was also the place where he would converge with other knights of his team, and fellowship. They would often go to the citadel and battle it out, have tournaments, and enjoy beverages in the many taverns and marketplaces.

One time they actually got caught by solders when they were sneaking around past curfew. If Jensen had not arrived just in time to free them from the jails and kill all of the witnesses, the Knights’ wetwork team would have been completely exposed to the public. After that they never heard the end of it from Jensen. He and Sei were rather cross at their foolishness and recklessness, but they couldn’t help the way that they were. They were the wetwork team. They feared nothing at all. It takes a certain type of person to be on the Ixian wetwork team, and frankly, not giving a care in the world was a key component. Consequences were important, but Ixian assassins couldn’t be held back by the fear of them. They had to act according to what they knew had to be done, and deal with the consequences later. Such philosophy was difficult to those who were inhibited by circumstances and consequences for their entire life, but it was easy to adopt for the assassins. They didn’t have time to completely contemplate it, they just did as they needed to.

And so was the case as Gavner ducked and slunk his way through the shadows of Radasanth until finally, he came to the end of the street and saw his destination. Now, any normal human or creature in such darkness could not make out what the sign said, but with his supernatural vampric sight, Gavner could see, as plain as if it was in daylight, a large sign that read “The Rusty Wheel.” He had arrived at the convergence.

[drake]

Drake looked down at the piece of paper in his hand as he sat at a table in the corner of a pub.

My Dearest Mr. Drake, it said in beautiful, formal handwriting with black sticky ink,

You are needed for an adventure. Your valuable skill sets and knowledge of not only the lands and flora of the world, but also of supernatural occurrences such as demons, angels, and superterrestreal and divine beings will be of great use to us on this quest.

Along the way, great feats of strength and tests of courage you will undergo; such demanding aspects will be required of you; however, I know that it is in your nature as a person to accept these demands as challenges. You are not one to stray or flee from a challenge.

Indeed there will be many demands- and sacrifices, you will have to make- however; it goes without saying that there will be many rewards as well. Fellowship, camaraderie, connections, adventure, treasure, and much more are all on the line, as well as retrieving a stolen birthright from a dear friend of ours.

Should you choose to accept the quest charged upon you, meet at the convergence point, The Rusty Wheel, in Eastern Radasanth on the eve of the Descending Summer’s conclusion, two days prior to the Ascending Winter’s solstice.

I do hope that all is well. Godspeed, and safe travels.

Sincerely,
G-

Gavner knew that Drake would not hesitate to accept the quest, and the young half-angel could sense that in the vampire’s tone, as he wished “Godspeed, and safe travels.” The truth was that Drake would do nearly anything for his friends- Gavner, Koli, and Black Shadow being the greatest of which. It broke Drake’s heart- he came to this city in a broke down ship. It had been nearly 4 months with no calls or charges for quests and now he was here, looking mildly attractive in a pub’s bar. He just couldn’t stop thinking of all the adventures he had gone on, and how he so dearly missed his friends. No, he couldn’t stop. Ever since the last adventures, he had been wandering- searching for something more. It seemed that all he had was his friends. All throughout his years in this world, he had been a wanderer, never knowing where to belong. He never had a place to call home, nor did he ever have a family. He had undergone a painful, lonely past, but yet he was not hardened at all. He was still the kind, soft, empathetic angel that he had always been. No, it was when he was with his friends that he felt at home. It was when he was with his friends that he felt he had a family. But his friends never had time for him, they were all such busy people. Who could blame them? Saving the world all the time, there would hardly be time for friends. Either way, Drake was still excited. He leaned forward and rubbed his palms in anticipation of another gathering- of another reunion with his family.

[Koli]

Koli walked through the busy marketplace in Radasanth. It was a brilliant, beautiful sunny day, and the monk had his hood drawn over his head, not only to provide a shield from the sun, but also to shield his branded face. His kind was not welcome in parts like these- places suffocated with sin and people who care to do none other than participate in “the rat race.”

But that was what it all was, honestly. Everybody rushing from place to place, a whole community focused on nothing but money, greed, self satisfaction, and survival- all of which were subject to the political corruption and desecration of values and morality in humanity. Koli was not welcome here, nor did he belong here. He took an oath to protect the innocent, and these were not the innocent. Radasanth reminded him, in fact, of the ancient city of Granumn and Teturis. It was a city plagued with so much evil and sin that the creator itself wiped the city from the face of the earth. A similar story was that of the Tular Planes, in which there was so much evil and desecration of the good and of the innocent in the world that it had to be destroyed. Since then all civilizations in that area have been reset and circumstances have been made so that no major civilization could ever thrive there once more.

“Fresh fish!”

“How about some nice pecans?”

“Bread from the finest bakery in Corone!”

Suddenly a man impeded Koli’s path. He was tall with dark hair and a handsome complexion. Clad in shining boots, leather armor, and a sword on his hip, he struck a valiant pose and seemed to gleam in the sunlight with every aspect of perfection.

“Say man, have you given any thought to the Corone Guard?” he said, “If you want to learn how to fight, how to be a noble warrior, and how to serve a cause worthy of serving, then this is the place for you. Honor, courage, and gallantry are what we stand for, and you will not find a better cause to serve in the land. So what do you say? Will you make a man out of yourself yet?”

Koli stared back at the man and read into his being. Here was a man, masking something deep within with the promise of masculinity. He believed if he could be the best at something, then he could find meaning in his life. Granted, this man was the icon for every soldier- he was probably a womanizer, and a valiant fighter, and loyal to his cause- but he was still caught in the rat race. This man did not understand that in order to find value in his life, he had to look within. In order to serve something with meaning, he had to serve where his convictions lied, and adhere to that.

Koli stepped aside and continued through the crowd until he reached the secluded road.

The Rusty Wheel, he thought, This is my stop.

[Gavner_Nahs]

Gavner waited for the current guard to reach the end of the dark street before he crept across the road himself and entered the pub. As soon as he stepped foot into the low lit bar, he felt at home. The low, familiar murmur of Gavner’s old hangout came as a comfort to his ears. The Rusty Wheel was one of the few pubs that held, and encouraged, a secret “night life,” as they called it. The place was open to travelers, adventurers, and night owls who had no fear of the curfew and could safely sneak past the Radasanth Guard.

Memories of planning assassination missions, and having fun swapping combat stories flooded Gavner’s mind once more. This was only a pub for planning missions and enjoying leisure time for the Ixian Wetwork team. There were other pubs that were more suited for victories, and celebration, but this was a place of sincerity and preparation.

Scanning the crowd, the creature of the night saw two familiar faces, whom he eagerly approached. He, Drake, and Koli had been through so much together that it was hard not to smile at the thought or presence of them. So many fond memories of adventure and battle, joy and laughter, failures and pain, yet in the end they always prevailed and were deemed victorious. He reached their wooden table and sat down in one of the stiff chairs.

Sitting also at the wooden structure was what looked like a teenage boy with dirty blonde hair. He was garbed in a white shirt drawn together in the center with grey string. Black pants and leather boots garbed his lower body, and five shining throwing stars were strapped to his belt. This was Drake. He was a half angel, and he knew his way around the world. He also had friends in high places; quite literally to be frank. Angels from the Ninefold Celestial Hierarchy were among his best angelic friends.

Across from Drake sat a man garbed in white with a hood drawn over his face. Gavner could see through it though. His round, face and white irises humbly observed his surroundings, as the priest was ready to react at any moment. On the very center of his face was branded a red cross, which spread on his forehead, his nose, and down onto his lips. They were all in a dimly lantern lit tavern that had all furnishings roughly cut from wood, and large beams supporting the building throughout the room. The bartender who kept the finest alcohols was a fighter, and he knew how to take down even the strongest of warriors.

Just then the door to the pub opened, and a man with silver hair and glowing purple irises walked in. He was tall with a clear cut jaw and high cheekbones. Garbed in a long black traveling cloak with a cape, this man was visibly strong, fast, and a paragon of what seemed like nobility. He commanded respect, and yet there was still something graceful about the way he did it. This creature was named Mavrik.

[drake]

Although it was still daytime, and Drake knew that Gavner would not arrive until nightfall, the half angel was still excited for his friends to arrive. He hoped that Koli and Black Shadow would arrive too, and eager anticipation filled him every time he thought of it. For some reason the bar was rather empty- maybe people did not come to pubs this early in the day during the week in Radasanth. Perhaps everybody was too busy with work. The bar tender was friendly, however, and Drake happily waited, being content with the mere knowing that he was going to soon see his friends once more.

After a few hours of waiting and thinking to himself, the door opened, and a man in a white hood entered. Drake recognized that hood, and that tattoo on the man’s face instantly- it was Koli! Drake jumped up and hurried over to greet the man before he could remember that they were supposed to be prudent and civilized in this area. The half angel still could not understand why greeting those acquaintances that one knew personally was not considered “civilized,” but nonetheless he shook his good friend’s hand and motioned for him to take a seat at the table. Drake was so happy that he was speechless for the first few minutes.

“Did Gavner ask you here?” he asked the priest who nodded his head. Koil did not ever talk. He was like a dead silent monk. “He didn’t ask me to come, he actually ‘charged me on this fancy quest,’” Drake said. “Here, take a look at this!”

Drake procured his invitation from his vampire friend and set it on the table. Koli scrutinized the paper, and then pulled out his own. It read along the same lines, but it was worded differently.

Dear Priest Koli,

I am going on a quest which I cannot venture through without the assistance of you. I am hereby soliciting your part in accomplishing a complicated, daunting, yet rewarding task. Should you choose to accept, your presence will be greatly appreciated.

It is once more nearing the season in which joy must be spread through the world in the form of rash, and excessive deeds. Such adventure we will embark upon will bring many trials, and problems that we must overcome, and problems that I cannot face alone.

In light of such circumstances, I am embarking upon a quest which a company of multiple as opposed to one will be the most favorable. I cannot guarantee anybody’s safety, nor can I guarantee success, but I can guarantee eternal friendship, and unwavering gratitude.

Will you accept this charge? Will you embark on a quest of love to bring joy to he whom we care for? If you should choose to accept, converge with me on the Eve of the Descending Summer’s Conclusion, and we will determine the details and terms of this journey.

Safe travels, and Godspeed.

Sincerely,
G-

Drake was excited. Gavner was coming! And when he arrived, they were in for an adventure.

[Koli]

Koli took one more look around at the world that he was so loathing of before he pushed open the door to The Rusty Wheel. Koli had only been in these parts once. The rich, clean cobblestone roads of Radasanth spoke a lot of the society itself. The only way that sanitation and cleanliness is forced upon a society is from political figures, which is a tell tale sign of oppression. The brilliantly constructed, zoned buildings, and the bright and festive adornments on not only the personal, but also the public buildings such as the town hall, and the citadel were extremely lavish with seasonal decorations such as flowers and lush, ripe fruits from the harvest. Koli assumed that all of this was a mandated adornment. The brilliant blue sky blazed overhead as the ex-priest stepped to the door of the pub. He took a deep breath, and entered.

“Koli!” The priest heard from a corner of the lonely, deserted place. “You’re here too! I’m so glad!”

Koli looked to the corner of the room and noticed the familiar figure of boy in his very late teens, who had dirty blonde hair, and was dressed like that of an esquire. He was rushing Koli’s way, and the monk could tell that he was going to hug him. Koli disliked such physical contact, and so he sharply stuck out his hand for the boy to shake. Drake was a half angel, but he was too caught up in the family and fellowship aspect of gatherings. The boy shook the monk’s hand very vigorously and put his arm around him, leading the man back to the table. Koli could not help but to break a smile. The enthusiasm of Drake was, although at times excessive, always very uplifting and fun.

Koli sat down at the table and looked smugly at Drake. This was the monk’s favorite part of the night. Drake always wanted to talk Koli’s ear off, but Koli did not ever speak- and Drake knew that. It was interesting how Drake found ways to get Koli to communicate with him.

“Koli, blink twice if you had a good trip!” Drake said. Koli stared back with no reply because, in fact, he did not have a good trip. Drake looked puzzled after a few seconds. Koli loved being frank with Drake, because he always was so easily confused.

“Why did you not have a good trip?” Drake asked puzzledly. Koli raised an eyebrow at his half angel friend. “A rough voyage?” Koli gave Drake a look. “Burglars?” Koli cocked his head. “Disease?” Koli sighed and looked away out of the corner of his eye. “Ohhhhh! Monster attacks!”

That was the one. Koli gave a smirk and turned his eyes ice blue for a split second. Drake shivered all over. “Did Gavner invite you here too?” the half angel asked. “He gave me this invitation.”

Koli pulled out his own and set it on the table for Drake to enjoy. They waited for Gavner to arrive as Drake tried to communicate with the priest some more

[Gavner_Nahs]

“Mavrik!” Gavner said across the room in a hearty, happy tone.

“Gavner!” The newcomer answered, “It’s so good to see you, old friend!”

“Granted,” Gavner said, “it has only been several months, but it feels like a very long time!”

The two friends came together and shared a brotherly embrace. Mavrik was a vampire from Gavner’s clan, and their meeting seemed more than that of happenstance when they had first encountered each other. Mavrik was actually in the special forces of Clan Anoterish, meaning that he was a spy. Anoterish was a clan with royal vampric blood, meaning that they had exponential perks over all the others. Nearly all vampires had incredible strength, which was given to them by their vampire cells, but normal vampires peaked in strength and speed after about 200 years of life. Normal vampires were also limited to about one thousand years, and aged at one tenth the rate of a normal human. The only normal vampires who deviated from these limits of life were the princes of each clan. Each vampire clan had members, generals, and war princes. The vampire War Princes were the ones who made every decision and important, and a special bloodline was passed among them. These princes had no limits to how strong they could become.

Anoterish was different, however, and superior in many ways. According to legend, their ancestral council of war princes agreed to help the head arcangel of the heavens fight ten legions of demons who were storming the gates of heaven. For this, the angel gave the vampire princes something called royal blood which they shared with their whole clan. From that day on, everybody in Clan Anoterish had no limit to how strong they could become, they aged one year for every twenty that they lived, and they would live until they were about two thousand years old. The princes, however, were given a very special bloodline indeed. They were granted so called everlasting life, as they would live until they were killed. They were immune to disease, their regeneration abilities were incredible, and they could undergo incomprehensible feats of strength.
Gavner met his friend Mavrik when he found out that the other clans in the vicinity were forming factions against Anoterish as he was spying on the other clans. He would have returned safely with the news, but he was discovered upon his escaping the enemy’s headquarters. By the time he reported the affairs to his clan, Anoterish was surrounded. Gavner and Mavrik were among those who managed to escape to a neighboring clan. Mavrik was separated from the special forces, and he was reduced to a member. The two traveled to other clans, fostering relations and rallying allies who would help them take back their homeland.

“Please, sit down!” Gavner said motioning to the table. “Everybody seems to be here now,” the vampire general said to the group.
“We all know why I have called us here, I assume,” Gavner said, “The spirit of Christmas!”

[drake]

“Yes!” Drake said excitedly, and the two vampric guests winced. Granted, Drake had said that a little louder than he had anticipated, and he had forgotten that the vampires had very sensitive hearing. “Oh, sorry…” Drake just got so excited every time that Christmas came around. Last year they had a big party where Gavner tried to get as many of the world’s major criminals and enemies all together to share a joyful evening, setting aside all of their hatred for each other for just one night. Needless to say, that did not end all that well. The year before that, Gavner had first found out about the concept of “Christmas,” and decided that he needed to get a present for his best friend, Black Shadow.

But Gavner did not stop at a mere “Merry Christmas,” and a quiver of arrows. No, he solicited Koli and Drake to go with him to find all of the materials to make a Bladesinger Bow, the most powerful ranged weapon, and quite possibly the most powerful weapon on all of Althanas. That year, the meeting place was the oddest in existence, a place called Istraloth, which they were the first people to set foot on the tropical mountain continent. They later found that it was a haven for dragons, and they barely escaped undetected. While they were there, they discovered many mysteries on the uninhabited place, but that was not their goal destination, so they set sail for the Red Forest in Raiaera. When they made it, they were separated, and many perils they encountered. Gavner almost died, Drake was almost killed, and if it was not for Koli, they would not be here today.

So one of the main components for the bow was a branch from one of the oldest, most mature Ulder redwood trees that naturally grew a core of Liviol. They got the branch and barely escaped with their lives. After they escaped, they tried to find refuge in Eluriand, where they were tormented by the king of hell himself. They then found themselves in the midst of a dimensional tear where demons were flooding the world. Drake, Koli, and Gavner found the tear and defeated the demon lord, the commander of the providence, and they took an arrow from him as a trophy. Thus, they made the bow, saved the city, and brought Christmas to Gavner’s best friend Black Shadow.

Drake was ecstatic to see what Gavner had in store for this year’s Christmas. What he was certain of though, was that an adventure was at hand, which Drake was always willing to undergo. He could sit and daydream about adventures all day, but he never tried to go on any because adventures by himself were lonesome. What was the use of going on one if it was going to be lonely? What was the purpose of going on an adventure if he had no one to share it with him?

“So Gavner,” Drake said, “What’s in store this year?”

[Koli]

Koli studied Gavner carefully. Drake, Gavner, and Black Shadow had been through many experiences together, the paramount being the whole “Christmas” fiasco two years ago. Gavner had to obtain the best physical present for his friend Black Shadow on the whole world that he was willing to go to the ends of the world to get it. Gavner drafted Drake and Koli, who were more than willing to help their friend out, but the quest nearly killed them multiple times. But, despite their poor past experience, Koli was still willing to accompany his friend on this journey. The priest looked at Gavner, and looked at Gavner’s friend. Koli didn’t’ make a judgement about this man though.

Koli never had a “Christmas,” where he came from, as it did not exist; however, the brotherhood, which was the organization that raised him and made him a priest, did celebrate a day to bring joy to the world. The soft murmur of the tavern brought Koli back to his first Daniel’s day…

---

Soft white light gently hugged the landscape, flowing through Koli’s dormitory window and bathing his quarters. The young monk stared out the window at the falling snow as it glided down from the sky and landed soundlessly on the landscape. It was the eve of The Apex of the Ascending Winter, and there were many preparations to be made. The following day was Daniel’s day, and Abbas Amo wanted lots of toys and goodies ready to give to the local children. Daniel’s day originated from a wandering holy man named Locus, who brought wealth and peace to continental Dheathain with the hopes that people would spread happiness with their newfound wealth. But human nature does not go away with the good intentions and will of one man, and the powerful rulers seized the wealth of the less fortunate, and formed factions to rule the whole land mass. But shortly afterward, Locus came to the town that the brotherhood was in with a wounded and dying son. At the time, it was a monastery, and Locus asked the monks to save the life of his son, and he would do anything for them.

The friars saved Daniel, and charged his father nothing in return, and so Locus gave to the mission his only son to become a monk. Locus said that his son would be a great man of strong integrity and morals, and he would bring safety to the surrounding areas. Daniel grew up to become not only a monk, but the head priest of the entire monastery. It was there that he instituted that the missionary become a brotherhood instead. Daniel was well respected, and his idea was put into practice. It was there that Daniel instituted every monk become adept at martial arts and the ways of willpower and heart. He emphasized putting others before oneself, and revolutionized the brotherhood. They now stood for serving others, and keeping the peace of the world. Daniels day celebrated giving joy.

[Gavner_Nahs]

“Wait,” Mavrik said, “what’s Christmas?”

Gavner’s eyes widened, as he was a bit taken aback, but then he remembered that Christmas was not a widely spread holiday in Althanas. “Did I not tell you about Christmas before?” He asked.

“No, I’m afraid you did not,” Mavrik replied with a smile. “But I would most definitely like to find out!”

“Christmas,” Gavner said, “Is a very important tradition that was brought to me by a, er, important companion of mine.”

“Yes,” Mavrik said, nodding, “Go on.”

“Yes yes,” Gavner said, “It is all about love, joy, and making people happy.” Gavner continued. “On the day of Christmas, which is in the midst of the ascending and descending winter, friends will all come together for a celebration, and a time in which feasting, fellowship, and the exchanging of gifts takes place.”

“Now this is interesting,” Mavrik said, “We have never had anything like this before.”

“Indeed,” Gavenr said, “The exchanging of gifts is the most important part. Essentially, that is what Christmas is. It is the most quintessential aspect that gives Christmas its essence.”

“I see,” Said Mavrik, “But why?” He asked. “What purpose does converging and exchanging objects and giving things away have?”

“It is a time to show your friends that you love them,” Gavner said, “It is a day on which you can make them feel special and all warm and fuzzy on the inside.”

“But why this sudden change of heart?” Mavrik asked, “As I said, the clan has never hosted anything like this before.”

“I had the same view as you did when I first heard of Christmas. But trust me, my friend, you will warm up to it!” Gavner replied. “Now, who is up for some refreshments and fun?”

Gavner went to the bar tender and flashed his sharp, black teeth in a smile. “Hello, sir,” Gavner said in a friendly tone, “Two ales, a bottle of your finest port, and a glass of milk please.”

Gavner returned to his friend telling old war stories of Gavner and him to Koli and Drake. Gavner gave Mavrik the ale, Koli the bottle of port, and Drake the milk as he sat down and began to listen.

“Okay,” Said Mavrik, “This one time, Gavner was coming back from the training hall with his shirt off, and Gavner has always been a ladies man-“

“Oh, you are not telling them about that one event with Arrya, are you?” Gavner asked heavily with a big grin.

“Oh yeah,” Mavrik said, “You better believe that I am!”
Everybody was smiling and looking around as they swapped stories, simply enjoying each other’s company. Gavner bought them all another round of drinks, milk for Drake of course, and they all talked late into the night.

“So back in the Ascending Summer of 1802,” Mavrik was recounting, “Gavner was merely a cub, which is what we call extremely young vampires- he was just a baby at that time,” Mavrik poked.

Gavner smiled. This was going to be a long, fun night.