This
is a work of fiction intended for mature readers. The characters,
events, and dark holiday elements depicted within are products of the
author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons or events is
entirely coincidental.
Retirement
A quiet discussion between husband and wife.Snowflake:
"I am tired of being the Ice Lord, Amy. when I was young, I always knew that I should be him, but thought it would never happen. Too puny. Too weak. I thought...hoped I'd be the Patriarch's helper, and then his successor someday. It wouldn't have been as grand as this place, but perhaps it would have been better."
"Deep down, I always wanted to be a Giftgiver. Perhaps that is why I have always clashed with Rebecca. We have been competing for the same role. She and I have been trying of late to cooperate more. And I prefer that. I think Anya likes it when we at least try to get along."
"I don't want to wear this cursed armored suit, any more. The Red and White garb is forever the Patriarch's. But I was thinking, it might be nice to get a new blue tuxedo. Perhaps a top hat. Always wanted one. And I miss wearing bow ties. Trim the beard down so I do not resemble that Norse douchebag quite so much."
"And I want to retire when I'm young enough to keep Rachel on course."
Amy:
"Yeah, I...think that might be a good idea. She's trying too hard to be a Princess. And she's pushing Anya to be even more so. That is NEVER going to work out. She's just not..."
Snowflake:
"No. No, we are not going to have that. Anya is Rebecca's apprentice. She will do best at that role, and caring for her gives Rebecca a purpose that suits her well. And in due time, Anya can become Prime Belfana, and Rebecca can cut back on her schedule to more fully engage in her obnoxiousness."
"And she wants to spend more time in Ohio with Annabelle. And that is how it should be, and will be."
"I have been talking with Second Amy, and she has good ideas on how things could go in the future. She could be sort of an overseer, coordinating things between Vinterland and the Monarchy. Anya and Tracy could run things here, splitting GiftGiving and Defending. And we would bring back the idea of a Council of Giftgivers. Give the ordinary citizens, a voice. And Mary would rule the Monarchy."
"There will be problems. But it's still the O'Rourke Family, just a little more diversified."
The
Belfana: A BeGee the Elf Adventure
Copyright © 2026 by Christopher M. Reed
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Copyright © 2026 by Christopher M. Reed
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.