Yes, sometimes, good things DO happen in the Divided universe...but only when it's non-canon like this is. Also, the next proper chapter is going to be upsetting, and those of you who followed my other stories know I tend to time the sad bits for seasonal holidays (without intention). So here's something dumb and fun. It's slightly out-of-character and a bit sillier than usual due to it being for-fun and non-canon.
No content warning for once except for a mild sexual reference later on.
'Tis the morning before Winterfest
in Withernham town.
Plenty of smiles here-
Not a single frown.
After the festive sermon's finished
The adults prepare for tomorrow- no simple task!
But the children of Withernham
Have a burning question to ask...
"Father, is Father Winter real?"
The adults only ever ask simple questions that have simple answers. The children always have a way to catch me entirely off-guard. I can't tell them yes because I'd be lying to them, and I can't tell them no because I'd ruin Winterfest entirely for the rest of their childhoods. The difficulties of being a priest is that you can't lie to the children, it isn't right- but white-lying to children is also a massive part of the role.
"Well, of course he is."
"So he isn't just a made-up person our parents tell us about to make us be good?"
"How come I've never seen him, then?"
"Oh, come on! He's just a story!"
"No he's not! He gets me a present every year!"
"How do you know that isn't from your parents?"
"Because they tell me they can't afford presents, and yet I always get a new dolly every year!"
"Look, children- Father Winter is very special. If you saw what he looked like, he wouldn't be as special, would he? So he keeps hidden best as he can on Winterfest Eve."
"You know, I bet if Father Winter were real, he'd leave us presents under the trees in the monastery too..."
These children...
"Father Winter can only get into houses. I don't think he could get into the monastery."
"That doesn't make any sense! We bet he could!"
"Yeah! So we're going to stay up really really late and we're going to look out of the window for Father Winter and his reindeer!"
"Children, please- like I said, Father Winter is very special and he..."
"But Father Winter gives presents to all the good boys and girls! And I bet he gives presents to grown-ups too! Maybe he will leave one for you if he comes here!"
"Yeah! I bet you've been good, Father! Priests are always really really good all of the time, right?"
"Well..."
"Wait- do you mean- you're lying, aren't you? Father Winter isn't real, is he? If you tell us he's real and we find out he isn't, we're all going to be really really sad every Winterfest forever and ever!"
"Of course he's real, like I-"
"So we're going to get presents when we come here tomorrow morning?"
"Yes! We're going to keep an eye out for him tonight!"
Will he have to get presents for the children?
Perhaps he ought to.
But first, Reynold heads home
To his partner and daughter...
When I get home, there's an amazing smell wafting in from the kitchen...
Áine and Róisín have been baking cookies for Father Winter for tomorrow. Róisín is asking if she can have one. Áine and I are supposed to eat them on the night, only Áine always polishes them off before I get even a crumb- yet every time I ask her about it, she says it wasn't her. Just one cookie - is that too much to ask for?
"Father! You're home!"
"Sweetheart, I'm so glad you're back," Áine says, throwing her arms around me. "Now we can finally settle down for Winterfest...at least until tomorrow morning."
"And now we can wait for Father Winter to give us all presents!"
On that note, I tell Róisín to play with her toys and I gently pull my partner into the kitchen for a quick word.
"Áine...I might be pretty busy. You see...the children asked if Father Winter was real, and then I said yes, and they asked if he'd come to the monastery and leave presents under the tree and- you can guess what kind of a mess I'm in now."
She bursts into cackling laughter.
"You don't have to do anything! Of course Father Winter is real! Who do you think eats the cookies every night?"
"...A mystery woman with black hair and a green dress?"
"Of course it's not me! I know better than to eat treats and not leave you any."
Is she playing around? Does she really believe in Father Winter? Is it more common with adults than I once thought?
It was always a different story with me growing up, but similar sentiment. Instead of Winterfest, the moon-shackled celebrated the last new moon of the year. Lunvin rode a magical sled with her four white wolves pulling her along, and she'd give gifts to all of her children. These gifts were metaphysical or abstract, but families would give each other physical gifts, usually meat or wolf-related objects like carvings.
"Are you just doing this because Róisín is in there? She can't hear us."
"No, I'm saying it because I know it's true," she insists. "I don't eat those cookies, and the extra present everyone gets isn't from me. I promise. But, if you still want to pretend to be Father Winter to cheer up the kids, then go right ahead."
"I suppose you've got a point. I've seen so many depictions of him that I don't know where to start. What is he like to you?"
"Let me think- when I last saw him, I was only a child, but I remember - he had a lovely red velvet suit and hat with white trim, had a cheeriness about him, and was a rather well-fed fellow."
I at least fulfill two out of three of those criteria. But where am I going to find a red and white suit on such short notice? There is a well-renowned tailor with a quick turnover in Willow Creek. Maybe I could take a quick trip and see if she's got anything. I'm sure Father Winter outfits are popular for themed celebrations and performers...
If he can't get a Father Winter suit
The children's Winterfest will be bleak!
So off he goes to Faiza's shop-
The best in Willow Creek.
* * *
The Father Winter suits are gorgeous. The one on the right looks closest to what Áine suggested- red velvet with a fluffy white trim. It looks lovely and warm- warmer than this robe, definitely.
"It's perfect. How much?"
"Two thousand Simoleons."
"Two grand?!"
"Well, this is absolute top-quality! I'm one of the best tailors in Henford, you know! Not a penny less! I have to eat, pay rent, and buy ludicrous amounts of luxurious clothes too!"
She's got a point. She's well-renowned, and most of her clientele are the rich and fancy, not modest priests who told a white lie to a bunch of children. Well, I can't argue with a shopkeeper about her prices. I do ask her a question, though.
"I hope I don't sound insensitive, Faiza, but - do you celebrate Winterfest? And do you believe Father Winter is real?"
"I don't, no. My family back home never did, either. But now I'm here, I like to visit the markets from time to time. I don't really celebrate it as such. My gift to the community is in my unmatchable skill and top-notch needlework. But I bet Father Winter's as real as the Watcher, Father."
So even Faiza thinks he's the real deal, and not just a figure from a story to keep kids in line.
"I tell you what- the Father Winter suit. Since it's Winterfest..."
"...I'll gift-wrap it for an extra fiver."
Two thousand Simoleons?
Reynold couldn't afford that at all!
So he asks the Gryphon
To lend a paw...
This year, the Annorin mansion is decorated lavishly. Even the gryphon statue has a Father Winter hat on.
"Happy Winterfest, Father!"
"A pleasure to see you," Owen says. There's still something unsettling about that smile.
"I hope things are going well for you both."
"Well, for us two, of course...Though I've had to cut off an unfortunate soul's leg today, of all days. Any longer and the infection would have likely killed him. That's the only trouble with this line of work," Lydia says. "When you have to perform a procedure like this during such a joyous season...Nobody wants to be in pain over Winterfest..."
"But, I have amazing news! I have managed to create a herbal remedy that kept him asleep throughout the whole ordeal! So at least he won't feel any pain for a very long ti-"
"Oh, Watcher! Sweet Watcher, the agony! It's unbearable!"
"Goodness! Owen, could you deal with Father Morgan whilst I go see to our patient?"
Owen sighs to himself. "What a Winterfest this is..."
Before I even finish, he slaps the cash on the desk like it's nothing. Then again, I guess that's pocket change to him.
"Thank you, Owen, truly. You have no idea how much I need this right now."
"No need to thank me. And no need to repay me, either. Consider it a Winterfest gift for all you do for the place."
"You're far too kind to me. Thank you- from the bottom of my heart."
"Though I must ask, why this much?"
How do I explain this to him...
"I lied to a bunch of children and now I need to fix it."
Not like that.
"I told the children at the monastery that Father Winter was real and now they're going to be looking out for him tonight to put presents under the tree for them, ready for Winterfest prayers in the morning. I need the money to get an authentic Father Winter outfit from Faiza."
"I see," he says, taking a long sip of cocoa. "Well, of course he's real."
Even Owen? Am I not as cheery as I once thought? Is it actually me who's the boring one? No, it can't be.
"What makes you say that? You're a man of science."
"And what makes you say he isn't?" He replies, in a cocky tone. "You're a man of spirituality."
I suppose he's got a point. A collective entity that guides all people, sure. A wolf wrapped around the world, of course. But there's something about Father Winter I just cannot bring myself to believe. Perhaps it was because I didn't grow up with him like everyone else did? I only saw people dressed like he would supposedly dress.
"Father never bought presents for Eli and I growing up. He said my education was his gift to me. I always got a present from Mother and from Eli as well, but there was always something special under the tree, with an ornate tag and handwriting, from Father Winter. It was always something I was thinking about, but not anything I'd told my mother I wanted."
"Ah, but that was a long time ago. I haven't had a present from Father Winter in years, though I've no doubt following my father so closely in his footsteps probably left me on his naughty list. You know, I wonder if that's why Samuel never got us presents. He never got one from Father Winter either, not since Mother died."
"Well, you've done a lot of work on yourself. Maybe you'll get one tomorrow."
"Perhaps you're right," Owen chirps, heaving himself off the sofa. "Anyhow, I'll let you get back to your day. And don't worry about paying me back."
"I'll never forget your kindness, Owen, and neither will the children. Happy Winterfest."
* * *
After picking up some gifts I bought from good friends- toy colourful horses made by Eli and Oskar, and some perfume from Kat and Ellie for my partner and my sister- I make my way back towards the monastery. I can't believe I've spent all day trying to sort this out- it's almost evening! Oskar had baked us his family's traditional stollen as a gift. I didn't eat it back when he couldn't taste his own cooking, but now, I actually look forward to trying some of it.
Oskar said that, back in Windenburg, Father Winter is known as Der Weihnactsmann, and that even after he'd stopped believing in him, he still always ended up with a special present. I don't think Eli has ever stopped believing in Father Winter. Is this it? Is everyone else just far more fun than I am?
On the way to the monastery, though, I spot something unusual...
With the Father Winter suit
Reynold's Winterfest plans were going well!
This would be a Winterfest the children would remember,
He could tell!
The sun sets on snowy Henford
Hours away from Winterfest cheer.
Though Reynold's curiosity is piqued
By a majestic-looking deer.
It seems a little startled, so I try to reassure it.
"Don't worry. I'm just passing by."
The poor thing must be so lost. What's it doing all the way out here? They live halfway across the globe.
Do not be startled either, Father. Father Winter needs your assistance. He promises you'll be back by tomorrow morning.
Did...
Did it just talk to me in my mind?
Yes, I did. I am one of Father Winter's faithful reindeer, Winterberry.
A talking reindeer. Have I caught some sort of winter flu? Is that what's messing with me?
At that moment, 'Winterberry' trots right up to me.
Climb upon my back, and I will take you to him.
Trusting in a talking reindeer? I don't know what else to do. If this isn't real then I'll just wake up warm and cosy next to Áine. If it is? Then it'll be an interesting Winterfest, I suppose.
I carefully climb onto Winterberry's back, holding on to the bases of his antlers.
Hold on tight, and prepare for amazing sights that have only been seen by the birds before now!
Winterberry starts to seemingly trot into the air- and I'm not seeing things. He really is flying!
My chest feels like it's about to fall out of my mouth with fear, but at the same time, it's amazing- we're actually flying! To look down upon snowy Withernham like this- it's a beautiful sight. To think the birds see these incredible sights every day of their lives and think nothing of it - I envy them.
Are you alright?
"I'm flying on the back of a talking reindeer!" I yell. "I'm not entirely sure!"
Hold on tighter- we are about to breach the very limits of time and space itself!
"Wait- what? What on Earth does that-"
The reindeer flies through chilly skies
And charges through space and time-
When he lands, hidden amongst pines
And layers of snow and rime
Stands a beautiful house
Cosy and merry and bright-
To be standing at the foot of Father Winter's own home-
What a magical night!
I don't know how fast we were going- only that I can't see anything at all. I stumble off of Winterberry and lean against a three, being violently sick into the snow.
These humans can't handle anything, can they?
Oh, be nice, Snowdrop! Anyone would feel nauseous crossing dimensions like that.
Dimesions? Transcending space and time? All of those things are surely impossible!
Up the stairs, Father Morgan. Father Winter is awaiting you!
This house is gorgeous- like nothing I've ever seen before. Magical illuminated snowmen and trees decorate the front stairs. At the foot of the door, I gently go to knock before the door opens itself- and there he is, in his signature red-velvet suit, with his signature hearty laugh, and the wonderful smell of fresh biscuits and gingerbread...
"Welcome, Father Morgan, to my wonderful home, and a merry Winterfest to you!"
"Father Winter- it's - it's really you?"
The place looks so magical- I can't believe my eyes.
"Indeed, it is I, Father Winter! I live here, in a dimension inaccessible by any means other than my magical reindeer. You see, Reynold, I surpass space and time. Some of the bits and pieces in this house are well beyond your own time!"
How fascinating- so some aspects of his home are actually from a distant future?
"I've baked some wonderful festive treats- help yourself! Cake, biscuits, hot cocoa..."
I tuck into a few gingerbread men- they're pretty moreish, though, and I ought to not be potentially flying out on a magical sleigh on a full stomach- or someone down below is going to have a nasty sickly surprise on Winterfest night.
Father Winter shows me his workshop room. He says it's normally far bigger, but these are the last of the toys that need to be put on the sleigh and delivered to the children. Some of these are things I have never seen before- toys of what look like little square people, a dangerous spiked lizard, and a sort of mechanical wagon? Are these discoveries of the future recreated in toy form? Those tigers are incredibly sweet.
"I understand that this is all a bit of a shock to you, Reynold, but you see, we are both quite similar- and I'm not just talking about our beards and our sweet tooth," he says, laughing. "You see, we both spend a lot our time trying to spread hope and joy to all- but it gets difficult, more and more so every year. And hope and cheer are what keep the sleigh and the reindeer going."
"You have a point," I tell him. "Trouble is, there's not a lot of hope in Henford at the moment. Having magic like ours makes you a target, industrial advances mean there's less work going around, people are going hungry...I'm doing what I can with the help of some good friends and acquaintances, but it does get harder."
Out of nowhere, Father Winter brings out a strangely-coloured book. Is this it? The legendary naughty and nice list?
"Let's see... Áine Sídha and Róisín Sídha are both on the nice list. And you...well, it says here that you once lied to your partner about eating some biscuits she baked, but luckily for you, that's a small error. Oh, and wouldn't you know! Owen Annorin's first year on the nice list."
"It must be rough writing everyone's name in there."
"Ah, thankfully, this book mostly writes itself- though I do make some amendments here and there. However, Reynold, I want your help on my sleigh tonight. I see what you've been trying to do for the children, for once, I will show myself as we fly past Withernham. You've tried so hard to make the children excited for Winterfest, so let us work together. And we can put some of these toys under the monastery tree- no charge to you."
"That's incredibly kind of you, Father Winter- really. The children will be amazed. I just want to say that I'm sorry I didn't believe in you. I didn't grow up with you the way others did."
"No need to apologise," he says, in a warm tome. "Every group and culture has its own ways of doing things- the true story of Father Winter has its own retellings all across the globe. I find it fascinating. Anyhow- help me wrap the last of the presents, and we'll make our way to Withernham first. How does that sound?"
"Of course, but first off, I have to ask...what's it like in that sleigh?"
"For me? Exhilarating! For you, utterly terrifying!"
Brilliant. I still can barely believe any of this is happening, but when the children see the sleigh, they're going to be so excited.
After what must have been hours of hard work
All the presents are wrapped and on the back of the sleigh.
With the reindeer ready, Father Winter has to work quick
And get the presents delivered before the morning of Winterfest Day!
Father Winter lets me change into the suit, insisting that as beautiful as it is, it's still not as good as his. The two of us get into the sleigh, and the seats are surprisingly comfy. The reindeer immediately line up alongside one another.
"We're going to be alright...right?"
"Of course! We'll go so fast that gravity will glue us to the seats!"
"What?"
"Winterberry! Snowdrop! Crocus! Honeysuckle! Jasmine! Hawthorn! Camellia! Pansy! Primrose! Off we go!"
The reindeer gradually trot along, slowly lifting higher and higher with their magic.
Once they start to pick up speed, a glowing light envelopes them, and magical reins materialise as they seemingly transform from normal-looking reindeer to Father Winter's legendary magical reindeer, with bright coats, their legs turning to a blur. I have no ide how fast we're going- but strangely enough, Father Winter was right- we're practically glued to our seats.
"Once the reindeer get back, they get a hearty meal- and some families even leave out carrots for them."
"My daughter loves doing that,"I tell him.
"So, Reynold! What do you think of the view? Isn't it incredible?"
"It's amazing, and exciting," I say to him, trying to hide my childlike wonder at it all. "I wonder if we'll fly someday? A flying carriage...What a thought!"
"Who knows?" Father Winter replies. "In your time, perhaps man just might fly after all."
"Really?"
"Ah, I've said too much! Never mind. Anyhow, it looks like we're almost at Withernham! Prepare yourself- the landing is the scary part!"
* * *
Father Winter flies high above Withernham town
And the townspeople gaze up in awe
In just a few hours, Winterfest will be here...
Presents and joy for all!
Once the children are called back inside, Father Winter lands his sleigh, and the reindeer wait patiently outside.
"Can't people see you out here?"
"Not right now! For now, my sleigh, reindeer and I are all invisible to all other humans! I must say, this monastery is very impressive!"
After some hefty lifting between the monastery and the sleigh, all the presents for the children are under the tree, and it looks gorgeous- and exciting!
"There we go. Milk and cookies, just for Father Winter!"
"Oh, wonderful! Did the children make these?"
"They did. A question, Father Winter- since I'm also kind of Father Winter right now-"
"No, I'm not sharing! These are for Father Winter only!"
"...Okay. I'll be good."
"I hope you and the Peteran children are proud of what you've been doing," Father Winter says to me, in a jolly voice. "You've worked your rear off to make Winterfest special for the children and for your family."
"Ah, well, I appreciate that, but I don't work as hard as you-"
"Now, now, it isn't a competition, is it? We all know I am the one and only and the best Father Winter, but you're a close second, Reynold! Everyone in Henford is proud of you. And I know this, because I'm magical!"
"And because you're nosy."
"Ho-ho! Of course! Now, I'm going to be off now- many children around Henford and the world are waiting for me!"
"Thank you, Father Winter- for everything you do." And a happy Winterfest to you."
He throws an arm around me, and walks me out to the sleigh. Climbing in, the reindeer transform back into their magical forms, and the sleigh gradually lifts into the air, further and further until he's almost obscured by the snowdrift.
"Merry Winterfest to you, Reynold, and to all of Withernham!"
"And to you, Father Winter. And again- thank you, from me, the children, and everyone else."
Winterfest morning is finally here!
And as Reynold opens his eyes
After a long sleep from drifting off on the pew
He's greeted with quite the surprise....
I awake to joyful, screaming children and tearing paper. Could they not wait until my Winterfest speech to open them? Ah, how can I blame them? What child wouldn't be excited about toys under the tree? I do wonder if meeting Father Winter was a dream, but then those presents are all exactly where I put them...
"Father! Look! Look! Father Winter left us lots of toys!"
"We saw him! We saw his sleigh in the sky!"
"Yeah, and I saw you in a Father Winter outfit too! Were you pretending to be Father Winter to make us excited?"
"What if I told you children that Father Winter himself helped me make Winterfest special for you all?"
The children gasp in unison. "Really? You met Father Winter! That's amazing! I bet he has given you a really really special present to open for helping him!"
* * *
After the speech, Áine and Róisín and I head back home. Before I even have a chance to give her her present, Róisín tears off the paper and squeals loudly at the colourful toy ponies Eli made for her.
"Wow! These are so so so so pretty! I bet Uncle Eli made these, didn't he?"
"He did!" I tell her. "He made them just for you. Did Father Winter get you anything?"
"Yes!" she cries, jumping up and down. "He got me a pretty new dress! I'm going to wear it to the next Peteran sermon. I bet all the children will really like it!"
"Father? Can I ask something?"
"Of course," I tell her. "What's on your mind?"
"Well...The other children said that Father Winter saw that you were trying to make Winterfest special for them, and then he helped you. Is that true?"
"Would you believe me if I said yes?" I ask her, gently. Her expression lifts into a huge grin, and she grabs me into a ginormous hug.
"I knew it! Mother and I saw the sleigh in the sky! I knew you would want to make Winterfest special because you're the bestest father ever!"
No matter what gifts I get this year, the biggest gift of all is that of Áine and Róisín, and trying to make this wonderful day as magical as I can for them both.
"But wait! Father Winter got you a present too!" she chirps, jumping up and down. "Come on, it's in the kitchen! Go and open it!"
"Well, why don't you stay here and play with your new magical ponies whilst I go and check in on your mother?"
As I walk into the kitchen, there's an amazing smell not unlike that in Father Winter's house.
"Is that vanilla? And gingerbread?"
"As you asked for for Winterfest...some lovely treats courtesy of myself and our daughter."
"It all looks delicious, Áine- thank you. I'll no doubt polish this all off in a matter of minutes," I say to her, laughing. "I hope you like the perfume Kat made for you. Is that what you're wearing now?" I ask, breathing in a sweet floral and fruitlike scent.
"It is," she replies, in a sultry voice. "Though I can think of one present I'd like to unwrap..." She playfully tugs at my collar, trying to undo the top of my shirt underneath my robe.
"Steady on!" I whisper, chuckling. "That present will have to wait until we put Róisín to bed."
"Speaking of presents- Father Winter left you one. What you did for the children was wonderful. In fact, I think Oskar and Eli enjoyed the sight of that sleigh more than any child in Henford did."
And so he did leave a present for me after all, wrapped in his signature style, with his gilt-edged gift tag as well. I wonder what's in there?
"I love all of the things you baked for me, Áine- but I hope you know that you and Róisín are the best gift I could ask for."
"That's so sweet..." she says, leaning in a little. "I mean, those perfumes are the best gift I could have ask for- but you're alright too," she replies, in jest. "Merry Winterfest, sweetheart."
The gift from Father Winter is incredible- a golden wolf's head, intimidating yet protective- everything a child of Lunvin ought to stand for. It's absolutely beautiful. He even left a thank-you note in the box.
It's safe to say it's been an exhausting Winterfest, but a magical Winterfest that none of us will soon forget.
And so all of Henford had a lovely Winterfest
Full of joy and cheer.
To all of the readers and supporters
A Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
P.S. I'm not on the naughty list. (Honest.)