I Love That They Made It Really Look Like Sushi. Like, The Eels Won't Care, But They Go That Extra Step

I love that they made it really look like sushi. Like, the eels won't care, but they go that extra step to make it pretty.

I bet that eels have fun. I bet that eels just love hanging out in their big old sinuous eel-swarms.

Merry Christmas, Little Red

It was December 21st and the whole world was coated in glistening snow. The wind was calm, the sun shone softly and the sky was enveloped in white fluffy clouds. It was a truly beautiful day. And our good old Santa couldn't wish for better weather for a trial flight before Christmas Eve.

Late in the afternoon he harnessed his trusted reindeers and took off. And indeed it was a splendid flight. Reindeers gracefully danced across the sky and the sleight glided along effortlessly. But as he was turning to go back to his domain, the wind picked up suddenly and the clouds gathered around him, swallowing him entirely. A loud thunder rung across the sky, startling the reindeers causing them to panic. Santa lost control over them and was blindly led by a terrified crew.

Too late he saw tips of the trees that made a huge forest below them. In the last second, he pulled the reins with all his strength to steer the reindeers to the side so they won't crash head-on. It was a harsh landing and the sleigh got bumped up a bit, but thankfully no one was harmed. After Santa managed to calm his fellow reindeers down, he took a closer look at the surrounding. It was a pretty large and thick forest. Taking off from the spot here was out of the question, so he needs to find an opening big enough to gather the required speed or better yet the edge. And he needs to find it quickly, for dusk was near.

Santa secured his crew and set off to find a way out. He wandered around the woods aimlessly for a long time. To ease his tired legs, Santa sat down on a stump he found in the snow. And while he sat there he pondered, how to get out of this situation.

"Hello," a little voice called.

Santa was immersed in his thoughts so much, he didn't notice a little girl walking up to him.

"Well hello there, little one," he smiled at her. She was indeed very little. Big blue eyes were

examining him thoughtfully, thin blonde braids stuck out from under the hood of her bright red cape.

"Are you all alright? You seem tired."

"I am a bit worn out, that is true. But I'll be fit again in no time."

"That's great," she smiled at him.

"Tell me, little one, what is your name?"

"My name is Susie, but everyone calls me a little red riding hood."

"And why is that?" Santa asked, amused.

"It's because of my cape that my grandma made me. See how pretty red it is?" she made a little twirl.

"Indeed it is very pretty. Pretty little cape for a pretty little lady."

"I am a pretty little lady, " she said proudly. "It's your turn now, you didn't tell me your name."

"My name is Nicolas, but people also call me differently."

"Really? How?" she asked eagerly.

"For most people, I am Santa Claus."

Susie thought for a moment. "I think I like Nicolas better. Santa sounds weird."

Santa laughed joyfully at her statement. "Well, thank you, little one. You too have a really pretty name."

"Thanks," she flashed him a bright smile.

"Tell me, Susie, what is such a pretty little lady doing in the woods all alone in such a late time?"

Susie went suddenly grim, her eyes looking beyond the thick trees. Santa waited patiently for her to answer.

"Are you a stranger?"

The question was so sudden it caught him off guard. Santa looked at her questioningly, before answering.

"What do you think little one?"

"I hope you are not. I like talking to you and your laugh sounds funny... No, I don't think you are a stranger."

Santa chuckled merrily. "Can't argue with that."

"Anyway, I am in a way to my grandma. She fell ill and mom send me to take her some medicine."

"Aren't you afraid of going all the way alone?" Santa asked.

"Nope, it's just beyond the large meadow on the other side of the lake."

"It looks you know it here pretty well. I seem to be a bit lost at the moment. Could you probably show me a way out?"

"I sure do, " she smiled. "Where do you need to go?"

"I just need to get to somewhere big and clear to be able to take off."

Susie tilted her head. "Take off?"

"Yes, I and my fellows were on a flight but we had an accident and crashed a little. Now we are looking for a way home."

"You can fly?" her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Well yes, but not alone. I need my friends to help me. Do you want to meet them? I bet they would be delighted to meet such a pretty little lady."

"That would be so awesome, " Susie practically jumped with excitement. Santa stood up and took Susie by her hand to lead them back to his sleigh.

As soon as they caught a glimpse at the red sled, Susie ran ahead to admire its beauty.

"Pretty, aren't they?" Santa said.

"Pretty? They are gorgeous!" Susie proclaimed with an eager squeak. "And what are those funny looking horses?" she pointed at them.

Santa laughed wholeheartedly. "Those are not horses, Susie. Those are my trusty flying reindeers. Would you like to pet them?" Santa smiled cheerfully.

"Can I? Yes, pretty please," she pleaded with her bright eyes.

Santa picked her up carefully and showed her all his reindeers. And she couldn't resist petting them all.

"This is Dasher and the next to him is Dancer. Cancer and Vixen are right behind them. Comet can't take a step without Cupid. Donner here is always looking for others from behind and Blitzen can't stand still for long."

"How can you tell which one is which? They all look the same."

"And yet, they are not. They are different, you just need to know where to look. Dasher has a slightly splintered antlers from when he smashed into a tree while he was learning to fly. Blitzen has a small white spot around his nose. And Cupid never leaves without his grey socks on."

"And they can really fly?" she asked disbelievingly.

"They sure can. Hey, I got an idea. Would you like to take a little flight?"

Susie now had a smile bigger than ever and her eyes sparkled like a sky full of stars.

"Ho ho ho, I take that as a yes. But we need to find a clearing first, so we can take off. Do you know someplace like that?"

Susie thought for a moment and then pointed to her right. "Over there is a huge meadow and it's not that far away."

"That's great, Susie. You are a really smart little lady. Alright, fellas, let's move on," Santa called at his reindeers and sat Susie on the seat next to him. "Comfy?"

Susie nodded and leaned forward eagerly to get a better view.

"But be careful, it might be a little bumpy," he warned her. Santa flicked with the reins and the sleigh slowly made their way through the trees. The sky took on dark blue and purple shades and the stars began to appear. The meadow truly was not far and it was large enough for a safe take-off.

"Now, are you ready?" Santa asked.

Susie looked up at the dark sky full of stars with wary in her eyes.

"Are you afraid?" Santa asked calmly.

Susie nodded nervously. "What if we fall?"

"You don't need to worry, little one," he soothed her. "My friends are extra careful when we have a guest aboard, and we won't go that fast. Tell you what, if you don't like it or get scared, just say a word and we will go down. How does that sound?" Santa offered.

Susie looked over the sky once more before giving him a determined nod.

"Alright, little one. Hold on tight," Santa whistled softly, reindeers flicked their ears and run across the grassy field to gather the right speed. And before you know it the sleigh peeled from the ground and rose into the sky.

It was a magnificent view, stars glittered all around them, and a soft breeze caressed them gently. Susie was on the edge of her seat so she could see all the trees below and stars above.

"So, do you like it?" Santa asked playfully.

"I love it! Look, there is the lake. And there are the boarding mountains. Everything looks so small down there. And the stars are much bigger and brighter up here," Susie didn't know where to look first.

"Do you see that star over there?" Santa asked her. "That's the northern star. It always shines much brighter than others and it never moves. Whenever you get lost, just follow its light and it will guide you home."

"Really?"

"Yes really," Santa chuckled. "Now, it's getting pretty late and we don't want to make your grandma worry. Where did you say she lives?"

"Right beyond that large lake we just passed." Susie reminded him.

"Alright, let's take you to your grandma. I bet she is waiting for you. Hold tight we are going to land."

The landing this time was almost flawless. Santa helped Susie out of the sleigh and set her on the ground.

"That was amazing!" she beamed. "Can we do it again sometime?"

"Hmmm," Santa thought for a moment. "Tell you what, if you promise to keep it a secret just between us, I'll come to visit you on this day every year. What do you say?"

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"You must pinkie promise," Susie demanded cheerfully and stuck out her pinkie.

"Pinkie promise," Santa hooked his pinkie with hers, sealing their vow. "Now hurry up, or you'll catch a cold."

"See you next year, Nick," Susie hugged him tightly and ran over to her grandma's house.

When she looked up to the sky for the last time, she saw the sleigh pulled by flying reindeers vanishing in the distance, and heard his cheery laugh echoing far across the land. It was all so magical and surely she wouldn't forget this night for the longest of time.

The Path of Destiny - The Blue Moon Ch 10.

Here I am :-) Late.... again.... I am starting to think that monday is cursed day or something like that.... Everytime I try to sit down and write, everbody needs something from me.... I hate it.... So I decided I´ll post at fridays... It´s more calm day and I would have more time to write and translate.... Hope you don´t mind and I really want to thank you for your interest and support :-D Love you guys <3

———————————————————————————

North Forest was very gloomy, although there wasn´t even time for lunch. Dense treetops didn´t let through almost no light. Neither birds singing couldn´t be heard here. The forest seemed to be dead. Eunis didn´t like this place. Shivers run down her spine. She was nervously looking around. Suddenly she spun around. Arian walked a few more steps, and then noticed that Eunis stopped.

„Is something wrong?” he asked.

„No, nothing.” she said. „I just ... I thought something in the bushes moved. I guess I just imagined it.”

They walked again. They walked in silence. Again. A gentle and soft rustling of leaves and twigs. Now Arian heard it too. He paused and raised his hand to draw attention to possible dangers. Again. This time, on the other side. Eunis listened attentively. What could it be? Wolves? No, they hunt in packs. If it would them, there have had to be more. Or could it be a bear? That causes more noise. Now. Something moved among the branches of a tree. It was too dark to recognize what it was. Eunis clung to Arian. Arian squinted into the darkness. His view was reciprocated. From the darkness, through the branches large glowing yellow eyes intently watched them. Eunis caught Ariana's hand. All of his body's muscles had tightened. He slowly bent. Eyes still fixed to the peculiar eyes. He picked up a small stone that lay at his feet. Carefully he straightened up. Eyes unobtrusively moved among the branches. The creature began to move. It slowly walked through the crown. He kept an eye on uninvited guests. Arian extended his hand, going to throw a stone at the creature. There was a cracking of branches. Eyes suddenly disappeared. Through forest sounded startled yelp, followed by a heavy thud. Arian with Eunis backed away.

„Shucks.” a voice came from the bushes in front of them. Eunis was surprised. Voice as if belonged to a little boy. She looked at Arian. He also looked puzzled.

„So that went wrong.” continued bushes. „Why am I so unlucky? Why me?” it lamented.

„You think it´s okay? And who is it?” Eunis asked quietly Arian. He shrugged.

„Yeah, I'm fine.” the voice said. „And to who I am, it´s none of your business.” Eunis's eyes widened in disbelief. How could it hear her? Even Arian was taken aback. She spoke very quietly. He almost didn´t hear her and he stood next to her. The kid in the bushes was at least two meters away. A rustle of leaves snatched them out of consideration. They didn´t believe their eyes. From the bushes crawled a cat. There would be nothing strange, there were a lot cats in the woods. But this was walking at two legs, measured over a meter and was wearing clothes. It was brushing its fur.

„Dear King.” Eunis gasped. The cat looked up. For a moment it studied them. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, it dropped to all fours and began to growl hostilely. It arched it´s back and bristled its fur. In the dim light it looked scary and dangerously. Arian again held out the stone.

„What are you doing here?” the boy's voice asked. Eunis looked around confused. But she can´t see anyone. Who was talking? There were only two of them, and the odd the cat. Eunis looked at it closely. It stood motionless in front of them. Only occasionally flicked its tail or twitched its ears.

„What are you doing here?” it repeated angrily. The voice was coming from its direction. The cat began to open and close its mouth. To their surprise, it began to build words.

„Last time I am asking, what are you doing here?” it shouted impatiently. No doubt about it. That child's voice belonged to the big cat that seems poised to attack. Eunis and Arian were speechless. Just stood there and stared in disbelief at the creature.

„Well?!”

Arian spoke first. „You ... you can talk?”

„You can hear me, don´t you? This isn´t enough as proof? Or gentleman needs a written agreement?” he spewed out angrily.

„Of course I can talk.” he added insulted after a short pause.

„You think just you know how to talk?”

„Who are you?” asked Arian.

„I am the guardian of this forest.” he said proudly. He didn´t stood so spiteful as before. He wasn´t so tense and slightly straightened up. Fur also wasn´t bristled.

„My job is to keep order and safety of the local residents.” he said proudly.

„Really?” laughed Arian. „That squirt is the guardian of the forest?”

„Hey!” the cat shouted and stood menacingly on the back legs. He clenched his fists (yes, instead of the front paws he has hands) and belligerently put them in front of his face.

„You want to fight?” he challenged Arian. Arian dropped the stone and he wanted to hit him, but Eunis stopped his hand.

„Don´t do it.” she said. The cat grinned. Out of the darkness came a quiet buzzing.

´Probably it is a fly or a beetle.´ Eunis thought when she heard it. She wasn´t the only one. The cat twitched one ear. He dropped his hands along the body and mesmerized watched an invisible point in the air. Then he crouched down and jumped in an attempt to catch the insect. He managed to knock it to the ground, started fumbling after it. The pair watched his actions.

„Nice guardian.” whispered Arian.

„Hey!” The cat looked up and the beetle had slipped through his fingers.

„Look. It escaped now.” He stood upright against them. Eunis guessed his height to 150 centimeters. Maybe a little more.

„You still haven´t told me why you're here.” he reminded them.

„We are looking for a certain man.” Eunis said.

„A man?” the cat asked.

„Yes, a man. His name is Zodocar. Do you know him?” The cat lightly jerked his ears.

„We have a problem and our friend told us that this man can help us. He says that he lives somewhere near.”

„Zodocar? I don´t know. Don´t know him.” he said nervously.

„Seriously? Are you sure?” Arian didn´t believe him. The cat was nodding eagerly.

„And what's your problem?” he asked.

„Our problem is our problem. It´s none of your business.” he brush him off.

„Well, I just thought I could help you.”

„You and help us? How could you help us?”

„That depends on what your problem is.”

„With this you can hardly help us.”

„What do you know?”

Eunis tugged Arian´s shirt to attract attention. He turned to her. „Why don´t give it a shot.”

„What?”

„Why not try it with him?”

„We don´t even know him.” he countered.

„Exactly. We don´t know what he can do or what he knows. Maybe he can take us there instead of Zodocar. He said he doesn´t know him. Who knows where we had to look for him. We just get lost.” she cajoled him. Arian carefully eyed the cat.

„And what are you?” he finally asked. The cat shook his head.

„You've never seen a cat?”

„But you're not a normal cat.” Arian reminded.

„You're right. I'm not an ordinary cat.” he unsuccessfully attempted an indifferent tone. „As not that I have anything against ordinary cats.” he added quickly. „I like them. But I belong under the order of werecats.” he said while proudly rubbing his facial hair.

„Were-what?”

„Well, werecats. You've heard of werecats, haven´t you?” the cat asked.

„Well, I just heard about werewolves, but werecats? I hear it first.” Eunis admitted.

„Oh yeah. Werewolves.” the cat said. „About them they write almost everywhere, but what about poor werecats, no. It's just an inferior cat, huh? But doggie, this is a holy animal, right?” he huffed.

„Easy. Calm down, kitty.” calmed him Arian.

„I'm calm. And don´t call me kitty, please. I have a name.”

„And what's your name?” Eunis asked.

„You first.”

„What?”

„When you want to know someone's name, introduce yourself at first.” the cat clarified.

„Oh, sorry. I am Eunis.”

„Arian.”

„I am pleased Eunis, Arian.” he slightly nodded. „Selim my name.” he said politely.

„Well.” he clasped his hands together. „With what do you need help?”

„We need to get somewhere.” Eunis explained. Selim looked amused.

„Just this? Why didn´t you say so? I know every corner here.”

„Really?” Eunis rejoiced. „You can you take us there?”

„Where do you want to go?”

„Thou shalt confess in the vicinity of the western mountains?”

Selim was surprised but not startled. „So the western area, huh? And what are you looking for? There are only woods and mountains bordering our and the Forbidden territory.”

„And that's exactly where we need to go.“ said Arian.

„I see. And what's there?“ he asked.

„That's our business.“ Arian admonished him. Selim raised his hands in apology.

„Where exactly would you like to go? This area is quite large.“

Arian pulled out a map. He tried to focus, to discern at least some part of it, but the dimness made it impossible. Selim came closer and looked over his shoulder.

„You have it backwards.” he pointed out.

„Really?” Arian wondered. „How do you know?”

„Well. I am werecat. And as such, I can see even in greater darkness.” he explained.

„Wow.” Eunis marveled. „That's why you found us.”

„Finding you was not so difficult. Guests don´t visit here much. Even if you don´t know about it, you're making a lot of noise. Furthermore you smell differently. No offense, but you smell as resin and smoke. And especially you, Eunis, you smell after something specific, odd. I can´t describe it, but it smells quite far. Lucky that I've found you. Being it someone else, you're gone. We are not fans of visits. Most of them didn´t end very well.“ he paused. „So, where is it?“ he asked and adjusted Arian´s map.

„I don´t know if you can see it, but in the west of the Forbidden territory should be chateau or a castle. At least a tower. That is the goal.”

„Okay. We're here in the north, and you want to get here on the west.” he mused. „It's quite far. It will take a while. How soon you need to be there?”

„Within nine days, with the way back.” said Arian.

„Hmm. That will be a little problem.”

„A problem? You think we won´t be there in time?” Eunis was startled.

„That's not the point. In nine days, we could get there in time. But it won´t be an easy journey. We have to get nearly over a quarter of the island. Is it really such hurry?”

„In the nine days the celebration of the Blue moon will take place. Yesterday was also attacked our village. We think it has something to do together.” Eunis explained.

„And how does it relate to the Forbidden territory?” Selim didn´t understand.

„I think that's where it´s all planned.” she clarified.

„Okay.” Selim was apparently satisfied with the answer. „I suggest, when we get out of the woods, we go straight to the west. The shortest route. We'll get to the river Ventuss.” he showed the way on the map. He probably didn´t realize that he is the only one who can sees it.

„There we´ll go along it and then we turn more to the south. Once we come to the bridge, we get into a town. There we can pick up some food or obtain some information. I bet you don´t know much about the Forbidden territory, huh?” He let the question hang in the air and then continued. „From there, we´ll head to the mountains. Go through the valley, and we're almost there.” he finished.

„That's amazing. Thank you very much, Selim.” Eunis enthusiastically hugged him around his shoulders. Selim flinched and twisted his ears back. Eunis released him immediately.

„Sorry, I'm sorry. I guess I scared you.”

„No. that's ok.” he said. „I just ... I'm just not used to it.”

„Why are you doing this?” Arian asked suddenly.

„What?” Selim was confused.

„I mean, why do you helping us? Didn´t you want to eat us just a moment ago?” he said.

„What do you think I am?” Selim was amazed. „I don´t eat people. I just wanted to expel you. And,” he added with a grin, „I feel an adventure. I have a nose for it.”

„Do as you think. So, where do we go now?”

„First we need to go to our place. I need to take a few things. I won´t go empty-handed.”

„You come with us?”

Selim nodded with a smile. „I won´t let the whole adventure just for you. Nothing happens here. I wish I had some fun.”

„I really thank you very much. You saved us.”

„You bet. Without me, you would have lost.”

They walked through the woods. They sailed through the trees like a fishes among the coral. Selim suddenly stopped. Eunis nearly hit him. He turned to them.

„I almost forgot. There is just a tiiiiny problem.”