Better Together
St. Veti’s workshop lights up as the small group bustles to help prepare for the delivery of packages. While Vesta and Uri run around completing tasks, Reeve finds himself in a corner. Vesta had dropped some paper and ribbon at his feet, and left him with a pile of toys. He stares at the one in front of him, eyebrow twitching as he tries to figure out what to do. He glances over at Vesta, watching her help Uri get out a large bag to put the gifts in. his face softens and he sighs, awkwardly starting to wrap the gifts. While they look a bit crude, Reeve starts getting through the pile, leaving the finished presents to the side. Vesta moves over quickly, scooping gifts into a bag for St Veti as she gives Uri and the large ursuki instructions. The workshop is soon a flurry of activity, not helped at all by Uri running through legs and causing trouble. Soon the bags are mostly full, and St Veti gets his cloak on as he prepares to head out.
Uri dances around him, saying excitedly, “how do you fit in chimneys? Does everyone get a present? What if you’re on vacation, do you know where I am then? I’m not at home so do I still get a present?” St Veti steps carefully around him.
He scratches his chin, saying, “well….. Fitting in chimneys is a trade secret. I can’t tell everylon that, or I might lose my job. I try to give everylon a present, but sometimes if you’re very naughty you might not get one, so you should always behave. I…. don’t know where you are when you’re on vacation. I can just leave your gift at home for you.”
Vesta sighs, carrying another bag over for St Veti. “Uri…. don’t be rude. I’m sorry sir…. He gets excited.”
St Veti smiles, taking the bag as he says, “I would be in trouble if not for all of you…. I’d be sleeping still if you didn’t barge in. Maybe….. Knock in the future…. But I’m very grateful for the help.”
Reeve wanders over quietly, standing next to Vesta as they watch St Veti get ready to leave. The ursuki pats Uri on the head, saying, “I have one last job for you…. Can you do that?”
Uri bounces excitedly, saying, “yes! I’ll do it the best, I promise. I’m a good helper, my mommy says I am.”
“Good, good!” St Veti laughs heartily. “I need you to go back to Firsden, and let everylon know I’ll be a little late tonight, but I’m on my way. Can you do that for me?” Uri nods excitedly, running around in circles.
Vesta sighs, looking up at St. Veti. “Will you be alright? Is there anything else we can do to help out before you leave? Maybe you could postpone a bit…. I’m sure people wouldn’t mind.”
St. Veti laughs again, hefting his bag over his shoulder. “Don’t worry about me… with a little bit of magic, I’ll be able to make it in no time. Thank you for all your help. I’m sure everylon around Bellecoste would thank you too.”
Vesta smiles at him before starting and shouting, “URI!” The small pouflon already has made his way down the path, dashing through the snow as he shouts into the air, “St Veti is coming! He’s a little late but he’s coming!” Vesta quickly runs after, shouting her thanks back to St Veti as she goes. Reeve looks up at St. Veti, hesitating before he nods in approval, running quickly after Vesta and Uri. He doesn’t look back, but can hear the festive laugh of St. Veti as he disappears off to deliver his gifts.
The way down the mountain is a blur of snow for Reeve, kicked up by Vesta and Uri as they dash. He can make out Uri shouting happily in the distance ahead of him, and runs faster to catch up as he sees the light of Firsden in the distance. His heart races, and soon he sees Vesta and Uri in front of him as they enter the town shouting. Many ursuki and other travelers look in surprise at the commotion, and Reeve slips and slides to a halt, running into Vesta as she stops abruptly. The three of them tumble into a pile, Uri laughing excitedly as Vesta yelps and Reeve grunts as they hit the ground with a dusting of snow falling on them. Vesta blinks slowly in shock, before she bursts out laughing with Uri, cuddling him in her arms. Reeve stares at them a moment before smiling, hugging the both of them under the Firsden lights.