The Winter Solstice had arrived! During this frigid time of year, good cheer was felt by all beings across the Realms. Lights were lit to show that happiness still burned brightly during such a cold time. At least…in most buildings. Over in a Baron\u2019s place of business, said Baron was busy with his books and ledgers. He heard a slight scrape. \u201cJust what do you think you\u2019re doing, Mr. Twelmek?\u201d snarled the Baron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTh…the fire, Lord Droka…it\u2019s dying,\u201d explained the Flame Elf Clerk, Twelmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome here,\u201d snapped the Baron, Droka. Twelmek approached Droka\u2019s desk. \u201cWhat\u2019s this draping over my body?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…A coat,\u201d replied Twelmek. A rather cheaply made coat, if one could observe it, almost like Twelmek\u2019s own coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd under it?\u201d asked Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA shirt,\u201d answered Twelmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd what surrounds my legs?\u201d inquired Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPants,\u201d replied Twelmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey\u2019re clothes,\u201d grumbled Droka. \u201cOur respective species, Human and Elf alike, had the intelligence to protect us from the cold. If I see you with that coal shovel in your hand, it might be necessary for you to prepare your resume.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, my Lord,\u201d gulped Twelmek. He then returned to his seat and was about to sit down only to hear a knock on the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Well? Let them in!\u201d snapped Droka. Twelmek opened the door to allow Malnar to come in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHappy Solstice, Your Highness!\u201d greeted Twelmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh no,\u201d groaned Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHappy Solstice, Mr. Twelmek!\u201d returned Malnar as she lowered her hood to reveal her glowing face, her cheeks reddened by walking briskly in the cold weather. She then saw Droka. \u201cHappy Solstice, Uncle Droka!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLoad of nonsense,\u201d rumbled Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSomething not balancing right?\u201d asked Malnar in a slightly teasing tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot my ledgers, the whole holiday!\u201d snapped Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…The Winter Solstice? A load of nonsense?\u201d repeated Malnar. \u201cThat\u2019s a joke, I trust?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t afford to joke about it!\u201d snarled Droka. \u201c\u2018Happy Solstice\u2019, to the Depths with the whole thing! All the Winter Solstice represents is racking up credit and being unable to pay it off the next year! If I had my way, any dimwit with \u2018Happy Solstice\u2019 in their head would have their heart burst upon even thinking it!\u201d Someone rang the doorbell. \u201cOh, what now?!\u201d moaned Droka. Twelmek had let an Inu male and a Dwarf female come in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDroka and Calna\u2019s, I believe,\u201d mused the Dwarf woman. \u201cHave we the pleasure of talking to Mr. Droka or Mr. Calna?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMr. Calna died ten years ago,\u201d grunted Droka, \u201con this very day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen it is a pleasure to see you, Mr. Droka,\u201d greeted the Inu man as he handed a business card to Droka. He turned the card over, then rolled his eyes as he handed his own business card to them. \u201cAt this time of year,\u201d began the Inu man, \u201cit is noted that many are in need of basic necessities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, those of us with the money and resources to do so,\u201d continued the Dwarf woman, \u201cshould do their part in easing the suffering of those that cannot afford a roof over their heads.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m hearing a pair of patriots,\u201d sighed Malnar happily. At that moment, they noticed her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour Highness, I do beg your pardon!\u201d gulped the Inu man as both bowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, get up,\u201d directed Malnar. \u201cSave the bowing for a Royal Audience. I should bow to you two if you\u2019re looking to help the poor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHold on, aren\u2019t there villages?\u201d asked Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Plenty of them,\u201d replied the Dwarf woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the shelters, are they still in operation?\u201d quizzed Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are, but the conditions are rather…lacking,\u201d answered the Inu man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen Poor Law is in full force?\u201d continued Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVery busy at this time of year,\u201d remarked the Dwarf woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh,\u201d sighed Droka in relief. \u201cFor a second there, I thought something had stopped them in their useful duty. I\u2019m glad to hear things are going well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot so well for the poor,\u201d corrected the Dwarf woman. \u201cAs my partner mentioned, the conditions are rather subpar to keep them safe and happy. Some of us are trying to raise a fund to buy them food and shelter, more STABLE shelter. What can we put you down for?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Let\u2019s see, zero golds,\u201d mused Droka, \u201czero silvers, zero bronzes, zero coppers, and zero tins.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Ah, you want this to be an anonymous donation,\u201d guessed the Inu man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want you idiots to leave me alone!\u201d barked Droka. Their faces showed confusion. \u201cYou asked me what I wanted, so that\u2019s my answer! …By the Ones, must I explain it in full detail?! I already pay enough by giving to the shelters and making sure the Poor Law has the necessary funds to keep it going and to keep the poor useful! They must make use of it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany CAN\u2019T make use of it!\u201d protested the Dwarf woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd that same number would rather die!\u201d supplied the Inu man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen tell them to hurry up and do so,\u201d snapped Droka. \u201cThe rest of us that want to be productive would get along better without the poor hanging on our sleeves! The door is right behind you, make use of it! Good day, you two!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy, you heartless…!\u201d snarled the Inu man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSir, Madam, could you wait outside?\u201d asked Malnar. \u201cWe can discuss my donation when I\u2019ve finished up here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course, Your Highness,\u201d obliged the Dwarf woman. The two left the bank and left Malnar to confront her father\u2019s brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUncle Droka, that was…!\u201d she hissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMalnar, my niece,\u201d interrupted Droka, \u201ckeep the Solstice how you like and let me keep it how I like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo one keeps the Solstice!\u201d argued Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet me leave it be then!\u201d snapped Droka. \u201cIt never does ANYONE good!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur spirits are lighter!\u201d argued Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI supposed that\u2019s why your father remarried,\u201d muttered Droka, \u201cto make his spirit lighter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe remarried because he loves Ma!\u201d protested Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLoves her!\u201d grunted Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou and I both know that love is a powerful force!\u201d argued Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt gets in the way of your goals,\u201d countered Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think you\u2019ll find,\u201d refuted Malnar, \u201cthat it didn\u2019t get in the way of Daddy\u2019s goals. Why not have dinner with us tomorrow and see?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see you in the Depths before that happens,\u201d snarled Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…I\u2019m not asking much,\u201d urged Malnar. \u201cI only want you to be a part of family life. Why can\u2019t you and Daddy be friends?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re wasting both of our time with your mewling!\u201d snapped Droka. He then looked at his watch. \u201cOh, Sweet Ones! It\u2019s closing time! Twelmek! Close up the bank!\u201d Twelmek couldn\u2019t clean up his workstation faster. \u201cI suppose you want the whole day tomorrow?\u201d grunted Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf possible and convenient,\u201d confirmed Twelmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s possible, yes,\u201d sighed Droka. \u201cBut convenient? No, and neither is it fair. If I were to dock your pay for it, you\u2019d strike, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d Twelmek gulped. \u201cBut you don\u2019t see the logic in me striking for paying a full day\u2019s wages for no work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s only once a year,\u201d observed Twelmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd it\u2019s still a day where a person\u2019s pocket is picked,\u201d grumbled Droka. \u201cStill, you may have the whole day off. Be here ready to open the day after!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, my Lord!\u201d promised Twelmek. All three had hurried out. Twelmek made a dash for his house while Droka stormed towards his apartment, Malnar hot on his heels in the snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you have a home to get to?\u201d snapped Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot until I pick your brain for a while,\u201d replied Malnar. \u201cI want to know what makes you so cold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you\u2019re in for a long night of never finding out,\u201d grunted Droka as he continued on his way. They arrived at his dingy apartment and he pulled out his key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt looks like you did SOME spending for elaborate ornamentation,\u201d remarked Malnar as she pointed to the knocker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat are you talking about? I never…!\u201d Droka then yelped in surprise. The knocker had a Troll\u2019s face on it instead of a lion\u2019s. \u201cC…Calna?\u201d gulped Droka. \u201cNo, impossible!\u201d The face faded and returned to being a knocker. \u201c…No, the stresses of the day,\u201d dismissed Droka as he and Malnar entered the apartment building. They climbed the stairs and went down the hall to his apartment. He unlocked the door, found a small fire and his meal of soup, and sat down by the fireplace to take in soup. \u201cThere\u2019s some food in the cabinet if you must have it,\u201d grunted Droka to Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m more freezing than hungry,\u201d shivered Malnar. \u201cCan\u2019t you make the fire any stronger?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFire fuel is too expensive,\u201d snapped Droka. \u201cNow, if you would REALLY insist on picking my brain, perhaps…\u201d he was interrupted by a bell ringing. \u201cMalnar, some quiet, please,\u201d grumbled Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not me!\u201d gulped Malnar. The door then opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI said, stop it!\u201d demanded Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUncle Droka, I\u2019m not doing this!\u201d yelped Malnar. She then froze at hearing the sound of chains being dragged across the floor. After five seconds had passed, a Troll man materialized partly, still transparent and looking more like stone than a living Troll should. The Troll was bound in many fathoms of chains made of cash boxes, keys, and bank books. Droka yelled and grabbed the poker, swinging wildly through the Troll until the Troll stopped the last swing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTake it easy, Drokky,\u201d advised the Troll. \u201cI\u2019d rather you not risk a heart attack, not until I\u2019ve received proof that you heard what I needed to say.\u201d The Troll then saw Malnar. \u201cGood Evening, Your Highness. Happy Solstice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cH…Happy Solstice,\u201d replied Malnar weakly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy word!\u201d breathed Droka. \u201cYou…you\u2019re…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCalna Drelmek,\u201d finished the Troll, \u201cyour old business partner and your best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut…but you\u2019re…dead!\u201d gulped Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA chained ghost!\u201d gasped Malnar. \u201cI thought such ghosts never show themselves!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot usually,\u201d replied Calna\u2019s ghost. He then turned to Droka as he was shaking his head. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, don\u2019t believe in ghosts?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot in YOUR ghost, no!\u201d hissed Droka as he returned to his soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan\u2019t you see me? Hear me?\u201d asked Calna. His spectral hand then placed itself onto Droka\u2019s shoulder. \u201cFeel me?\u201d Droka shivered at the sudden decrease in temperature on his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re probably something I ate!\u201d snapped Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I must have eaten the same something,\u201d mused Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly,\u201d declared Droka. \u201cAny minute now, everything will return to normal! This is all a load of nonsense!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYOUR VERY ATTITUDE IS A LOAD OF NONSENSE!\u201d roared Calna\u2019s ghost. Droka cried out in terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease!\u201d wailed Droka, his stony face displaying abject terror. \u201cHave pity on an old man!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDroka Emboramii, do you believe in me now?!\u201d demanded Calna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYES! YES, I DO!\u201d replied Droka. \u201cBut…but Malnar is right! Ghosts that are chained are never seen unless in extreme circumstances! Why do you make an appearance now?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo help you escape my fate!\u201d explained Calna. \u201cEvery spirit that walks the earth has to travel and go on a journey of change. Beings like Malnar take that chance so they could learn from other cultures to help assist in that change. She is comfortable with learning new things. As long as she stays the course, then her soul will be free forever when she dies! Do you believe the Depths of the After-realm are torture? No, at least you abandon hope and are comfortable being declared wretched! They do not know the torture of being shown what their actions have caused in the mortal realm! I am condemned to such a fate, trying to lighten my burden by helping those more wretched than me, but never being able to do so! Constantly burdened by my chains of sin!\u201d He held out a length of the chain wound about him to explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou mean, that chain represents whatever sin you\u2019ve committed?\u201d asked Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt represents a multitude of my sins!\u201d wailed Calna. \u201cNo rest, no peace, no way to help those less fortunate than me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Calna, I can\u2019t understand why you are chained in the first place!\u201d protested Droka. \u201cAll your life, you were excellent in banking!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd never turned my eye towards the consequences of my ruthless endeavors!\u201d urged Calna. \u201cI never realized until it was too late how unfair I was being to those less fortunate than me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Is that what this is about?!\u201d snapped Droka, his usual demeanor returning. \u201cSome spiel about changing your ways?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m warning you, right now,\u201d insisted Calna, \u201cdon\u2019t waste your life as I did!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWaste?!\u201d protested Droka. \u201cHow can you say that?! You were a legend in the banking business!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was not my business!\u201d wailed Calna. \u201cThe affairs of other people were supposed to be my business! The good of society was my business! Charity, mercy, kindness, all that good stuff, THAT was my business! Our trade is nothing but peanuts compared to our true business! Listen to me and listen well, Droka, my time is almost up! I came here tonight after 10 years of failed attempts to reach you to tell you that you have a chance of breaking your chain! There will be three guides coming for you! Listen to them carefully! Expect the first guide at 1:00 tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan\u2019t they all come and we can get this over with?\u201d asked Droka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExpect the second guide,\u201d continued Calna, \u201con the following hour, and the third the hour after that. Pray that you never see me again!\u201d The chain, as if strings on a puppet, dragged Calna through the window. His wailing joined with those around him, chained ghosts like himself, weighed down by the pursuit of material gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Well, this is a turn,\u201d mused Malnar. \u201cSo, who would be your guide?\u201d mused Malnar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…A load of nonsense,\u201d grumbled Droka.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Winter Solstice had arrived! During this frigid time of year, good cheer was felt by all beings across the Realms. Lights were lit to show that happiness still burned brightly during such a cold time. At least…in most buildings. Over in a Baron\u2019s place of business, said Baron was busy with his books and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1462,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[463,466],"tags":[318,502,524],"class_list":["post-2639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-standalones","category-ttr","tag-christmas","tag-malnar-emboramii","tag-stave-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2639"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2728,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2639\/revisions\/2728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}