{"submission_id":"991461","keywords":[{"keyword_id":"60","keyword_name":"cat","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"110727"},{"keyword_id":"561","keyword_name":"christmas","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"8994"},{"keyword_id":"1029","keyword_name":"clean","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"7936"},{"keyword_id":"3","keyword_name":"dog","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"84008"},{"keyword_id":"123","keyword_name":"female","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"519950"},{"keyword_id":"33","keyword_name":"fox","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"135391"},{"keyword_id":"1042","keyword_name":"lamb","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"1430"},{"keyword_id":"174","keyword_name":"lion","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"22817"},{"keyword_id":"165","keyword_name":"male","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"639954"},{"keyword_id":"279127","keyword_name":"secretsanta2015","contributed":"f","submissions_count":"105"}],"hidden":"f","scraps":"f","favorite":"f","favorites_count":"6","create_datetime":"2015-12-22 11:53:28.717425+01","create_datetime_usertime":"22 Dec 2015 11:53 CET","last_file_update_datetime":"2015-12-22 23:09:35.9738+01","last_file_update_datetime_usertime":"22 Dec 2015 23:09 CET","username":"Sengir84","user_id":"13350","user_icon_file_name":"96749_Sengir84_1342740_drawoffamouswm_sengir84.gif","user_icon_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/96/96749_Sengir84_1342740_drawoffamouswm_sengir84.gif","user_icon_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/96/96749_Sengir84_1342740_drawoffamouswm_sengir84.gif","user_icon_url_small":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/96/96749_Sengir84_1342740_drawoffamouswm_sengir84.gif","file_name":"1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/1361/1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/1361/1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/1361/1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","files":[{"file_id":"1361599","file_name":"1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","file_url_full":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/full/1361/1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","file_url_screen":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/1361/1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","file_url_preview":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/1361/1361599_Sengir84_secretsanta2015.doc","mimetype":"application/msword","submission_id":"991461","user_id":"13350","submission_file_order":"0","full_size_x":null,"full_size_y":null,"screen_size_x":null,"screen_size_y":null,"preview_size_x":null,"preview_size_y":null,"initial_file_md5":"b0d323e55792fe799e77f3c5b91b69d7","full_file_md5":"b0d323e55792fe799e77f3c5b91b69d7","large_file_md5":"","small_file_md5":"","thumbnail_md5":"","deleted":"f","create_datetime":"2015-12-22 23:09:35.9738+01","create_datetime_usertime":"22 Dec 2015 23:09 CET"}],"pools":[],"description":"My secret santa assignment for the year was to Avabun. A story with his sheep/dog character [url=https://inkbunny.net/submissionview.php?id=929525]Areole Maëllys [/url]\n\nI had a lot of fun trying my hand on this, it was an interesting challenge to try and write something for someone else. I scrapped several other ideas before coming with this one. \n\nI hope y'all enjoy it. And Merry Christmas!","description_bbcode_parsed":"My secret santa assignment for the year was to Avabun. A story with his sheep/dog character Areole Maëllys

I had a lot of fun trying my hand on this, it was an interesting challenge to try and write something for someone else. I scrapped several other ideas before coming with this one.

I hope y'all enjoy it. And Merry Christmas!","writing":"It was a snowy winter day when Areole Maëllys was on the move. She had been travelling for some time now and had trained herself with her lute even more, but she was still a bit anxious regarding public performances. Lately she had been trying to put herself up to more of them to try and fight that anxiety. \nRight now she was walking through a dense forest towards a wooden cottage. She was contacted to play for some cubs who lived there with one adult supervising them all. An orphanage. Perhaps playing in front of cubs would help her learn things that an adult audience could not. After all, was a child’s mind not the most natural and innocent? And making cubs happy in this time of year, is that not also one of the best feelings? \nAs she approached the building she could see the sober decorations of the cottage. There were just a few lights on the door and when she glanced inside through the window she could see tree decorated with handmade drawings and cut-outs. She could also hear some singing. She looked for a bell, but did not find one. Instead opting to firmly knock on the wooden door.\n“Hello? It is Areole Maëllys. I was asked to perform here?” \nInitially there was no response. She could still hear the singing, but it did not seem like the door would open. She walked over to the window and looked through. She saw a few cubs singing songs and a few others listening. There was also one older-looking lion male with a red-headed blonde fox girl on his lap, reading through a book. It seemed like he was reading something and some of the children were background vocalists. Areole smiled at the scene and almost felt bad as she had to disturb this, but it was getting a bit chilly and she wanted to go inside, so she tapped the window. The lion noticed her and Areole could see him gesture to the children to stay there while he would open the door.\n\nAreole walked back to the door and pretty soon it opened. The lion was standing in the doorway. “My apologies miss Maëllys. I did not hear you. My name is Richard Leostra. Please come in and make yourself comfortable.” \nAreole introduced herself to mister Leostra and walked in the cottage, taking in the surroundings. As she stood in the hallway she could hear someone gasping from the direction of the room with the cubs. As Areole looked that way, she could see a blonde fox girl, the same one as before, staring at her lute. She was entranced by the instrument. When the child realized Areole had spotted her she quickly went back to the other children.\nThe lion seemingly noticed the little girl too, because he was quick on the uptake. “That girl is Evalyn. She is relatively new to this group. I learned that she loves music and I asked you to come and play to make her happy in this new environment. I do not know much of her past, and neither does she, but I hope that through the music she can see how much we all care about her. Did you bring what I asked you?”\n“Well mister Leostra, I hope I can meet the expectations. But I know how hard it can be as an orphan, and I will do my best to help her get through this first period of her new life. And yes, it’s in my bag. I take it that’s for her too?”\n“You are correct. I wanted her to have a new one of higher quality. I found one in her belongings earlier, but it was a bit worn down already. She loves the thing though and I think a new one will be even better.”\nThe lion flashed a smile at her and added: “But do not worry. I heard great things about you. Perhaps you could share some of your experiences as well? And if the children hear what you have accomplished, perhaps it will lighten their spirits even more.”\nAreole blushed slightly hearing that praise, but she was determined to give the children a great time.\n“Now miss Maëllys, let us meet with the children. I am sure they are delighted to see you.”\n“Please, call me Areole.”\n“As you wish Areole, but in return, call me Richard.”\n\nAs the two adults walked into the living area Areole could see the cubs sitting on a few benches. There were eight of them from various species and all around the age of 6-10 years old. The vixen Areole spotted earlier was hiding behind her tail, with a grey cat girl whispering in her ear, asking what was wrong. The other cubs were mostly looking curiously at the new visitor with her instrument, though one mouse boy was quite active, bouncing all over the place.\nRichard did a step forward and clapped his hands. “Attention children. We have a guest today. This is Areole Maëllys. She will be joining us today for some celebrations and a bit of entertainment. Say hello to her.”\nMost of the boys and girls came to the woman to greet her, mostly bombarding her with questions regarding her instrument and where she learned to play it. While Areole had no problems answering the questions, she noticed that the vixen and cat girl stayed behind, though they still seemed very interested in the instruments. After hearing the same questions repeated, she decided to address all the cubs. “Alright kids. I see you have a lot of similar questions, and I think it would be best I give you the answers in the form of a story, with a bit of music. Don’t you all agree?”\nThe cubs cheered and took their places on the couch again. Richard leant over and whispered in her ear. “If you keep them busy, I will have some preparations to make. If you have any questions, please do ask them.”\nAreole turned to the lion and said: “Oh no mister Richard, it will be quite all right. It’s what I partly came here to do after all.” She grabbed her lute from her back, sat on the big chair and prepared to play her instrument.\n“Well now children. This is the story of my past. On what you can accomplish no matter your start. I hope to inspire you all to find your own way as well.”\nRichard stood in the doorway and looked at the children. Seeing them all pay attention to the guest, he walked towards the kitchen with a smile on his face. None of them were stirring. Not even the mouse.\n\nAs Areole started playing her lute, she saw the kids looking with anticipation on their faces. She was a bit hesitant on performances before multiple people, but she knew how those cubs felt in these times. She had been through an orphanage herself. She closed her eyes and started playing.\n“This story begins quite a few winters ago. I was a child, a tad younger than most of you. I would guess around the age of the vixen over there? I was orphaned and got adopted by a master luthier. When I was eight years old I got my first violin and got taught how to play and maintain it.”\nA finger came up from the grey cat girl. “What’s a luthier?”\n“Ah, that would be someone who creates or repairs music instruments that use strings. So as you can imagine, I grew up between a lot of musical instruments.” \nThe cubs nodded their head and said nothing else, so Areole continued her story.\n“Over the years, I learned to play a few more instruments. But it wasn’t until I was fifteen that I actually supported my parents as well. Playing music and helping my parents with the repairing of instruments. I’m currently traveling all over and meeting new people to hone my skills and perform for audiences.”\nShe closed off her music performance and added: “I was thrilled to hear about this orphanage. I sort of know what most you are going through. It does look like mister Leostra does a great job with you all though.”\nThis was the cue for the cubs to bombard her with statements about the lion.\n“He’s the greatest!”\n“He lets me stay up as long as I want!”\n“He gives the best hugs!”\n“He shares his dessert portion with all of us!”\nShe laughed at all of the cubs with that last statement and tugged on a string or two to have them calm down again.\n“Now, for the next part I’ll need a volunteer. Someone to play…this.” \nShe grabbed a flute out of her traveling bag. Almost instantly an arm went up and all the other cubs were also looking in that direction. It was the little vixen.\n“Come here little one. What is your name?” \n“Evalyn…”\n“Well, that’s a nice name. Do you know how to play this?”\n“Umm….yes madam. I don’t remember too much of my past, but when I played with a flute mister Leostra found near my other belongings, he said I was a natural and I’ve been practicing a lot ever since!”\nThe little vixen was really beaming while she said that. Her ears perked up and her tail kept wagging. It sure was a cute sight. Really different from the shy and reserved girl Areole saw when she came into the orphanage.\nThe other cubs, the grey kitten most of all, also chimed in saying that Evalyn was the one who had to play this part. \n“Well Evalyn, looks like I have little say in this matter. I’m interested in seeing what you can do. Can you play a Christmas tune for me?”\nEvalyn nodded her head, took a breath and brought the flute to her mouth. While Areole just wanted to gauge the skill level of the vixen, she was still surprised by the amount of passion the little girl put into playing the instrument. The other cubs were also listening intently. The grey kitten was looking at everyone else quite proudly. As if mentally telling them that she was right about something.\nAreole couldn’t resist any more after a minute and grabbed her lute to play together with Evalyn. Evalyn skipped a note when she heard the other instrument, but it was quite clear that the vixen knew what the plan was. Together they finished the song. As the final note was played, the cubs clapped their hands. Areole looked at Evalyn and told her: “Go ahead, take a bow. You earned it.”\nEvalyn was looking a lot better under the attention. As Areole looked at the girl she thought. “And this was just practice…” \n“Alright everyone. That was quite the warm-up was it not? Now for this next part, I’m going to tell you a poem with some musical assistance. And I think that with this little girl here, we’ll even have a better musical harmony.”\nAreole leaned in to the vixen and whispered in her ear: “Follow my lead. I think you’ll do great.”\nShe grabbed her lute firmly and played the first few notes. \n\n‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house\nNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. \nThe stockings were hung by the chimney with care,\nIn hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.’\n\nShe heard a few of the cubs giggling at the mouse line, looking at the boy that was so active earlier. But she continued:\n\n‘The children were nestled all snug in their beds,\nWhile visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.\nAnd mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,\nHad just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.\n\nWhen out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,\nI sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.\nAway to the window I flew like a flash,\nTore open the shutters and threw up the sash.’\n\nRight after Areole finished that sentence, everyone in the room heard a noise out on the back. The cubs rushed to the back window, each of them eager to get the best view. \n“Hey! I see some tracks. What are those?”\n“Aren’t those…from a sled?”\n“And look, between them. Hoof prints?”\nThe oldest looking of the group put things together. “It’s Santa!”\nJust as a few of them were getting ready to leave the room, Richard came in again.\n“Oh my, what is all the commotion?”\nAreole smiled in his direction, tail wagging as well. “It looks like Santa came by.”\n“Oh did he now? Well children, I think we’ll have to sing another song to invite him in, don’t you think so too miss Maëllys?”\nAreole got the cue and once again started playing. When Evalyn recognized the tune, she joined with her flute as well, and not too long afterwards everyone, even the lion, was singing along.\nIt was not long before they heard a shuffling noise on the roof. Areole could also swear she saw a red/green scarf pass by the top of the window for a second, but it was the front door through which he came. Big belly, white beard, red clothes. Santa was there. The cubs squealed and Areole could also not stop her tail from wagging. It was quite the interesting surprise and thinking how Richard must have arranged for this made her look at the lion with even more respect.\n\n“Ho ho ho young ones,” and as the Santa –Areole could see it was a bear– looked at the lamb he added, “and less young one. I took a quick break from my route to see you all here. Now, is there a nice chair for me? I’m sure you all have things to ask me.”\nRichard grabbed a big chair and Santa put a big bag next to the chair and took a seat.\nOne by one, the cubs sat on the lap of the bear and told him about their year and what they wanted for Christmas. Most of them had pretty standard wishes like stuffed animals or small toys. One of the cubs wished to be a traveler like Areole, which tugged a bit on her heartstrings and she flashed the boy a big smile to support him. Evalyn was the last one and said she didn’t really need anything. Her new place here was a great gift already. Like the other cubs, she got a small gift out of the big bag. A copy of the flute Areole gave her to play earlier, which made her ears perk up once again.\nWhen Evalyn got off Santa’s lap he said: “Well, it looks like we have two people remaining, don’t you think so children?” They all cheered.\n“Well then my lamb, you heard them. Please sit on my lap.”\nThe bear was quite big and Areole did not have to shift her weight around much to find a good way to sit. “So miss, I heard you are a good musician. What are your wishes for Santa?”\n“Well Santa, I really want to be able to influence people with my music. I hope to make everyone happy with the way I act. I wish to perform in big places, though I must train a bit to overcome my anxiousness in front of big crowds. But most of all, I wish for these children to have fulfilling lives.”\n“Now, Areole, I heard what you like, and I may have something in my bag for you. Let’s see here…” \nHe reached his right hand into his big bag and grabbed a smaller bag out of it. “Now, this is for you. A thank you from me for the time you have spent with the children.”\nAreole opened the small bag and found a few very high quality sweets inside. Once again her tail started wagging. \n“I see you like it. Well then, please take your place with the cubs, I have one more person to have here.”\nAreole thanked Santa and went to sit by the cubs. They all laughed together as the big lion Richard came and sat on Santa’s lap. It looked hilarious.\n“Well then my big boy, what is that you want for Christmas?”\nRichard tilted his head in thought for a second and answered: “Well Santa, I’d like the opportunity to keep this place running for a long time. And for all the young ones to stay in good health.”\n“That’s a nice thing to wish for indeed as their caregiver. Let’s see what I’ve got in my bag for you.”\nSanta reached into his bag one final time and got one gold coin out of it. The eyes of everyone widened. Even Richard was shocked for a moment, but accepted it anyway.\nAs the lion got up from Santa’s lap he got called out. “Ho ho ho, now my man. Please, sit between the others.”\nAs Richard sat down and got jumped by the cubs to look at the coin, Areole was mostly focused on the Santa. Who was that guy? Santa got up, grabbed his bag, threw it over his shoulder and addressed everyone one final time.\n“It has been nice seeing everyone like this, but I’ll have to be off. The rest of these gifts don’t deliver themselves you know. I’d better get on my sleigh and carry on. Merry Christmas to you children, mister Leostra and miss Maëllys. And we may meet again next year!”\nThe cubs waved as Santa stepped out of the room, Richard following him to lead him out of the door.\nAreole stayed behind and talked to the cubs about this experience.\nThe mouse boy was back to his energetic self and questioned everyone. Evalyn seemed to had lost some of her shyness and talked to other cubs as well, or more like, it looked like they flocked to her now because of her musical skills. The grey cat was always at her side though, making sure she would not be overwhelmed by the attention.\nAreole shared a few of her treats with the children and waited for Richard to come back. When he did, it was time to say goodbye.\n“Very well children, I think we’ve had a great day, right? But I’m afraid miss Maëllys has to be on her way soon.” \n“Aww…” the cubs said together.\nRichard continued: “I know, I know, I’ve enjoyed it too. But she surely has family of her own to go to for the night. Evalyn, Tassy, can you two go and grab the bag on the kitchen counter? There is one last gift to give.”\nThe vixen and kitten rushed to the kitchen and soon came back with one last bag. \n“Miss Maëllys, I thank you for being with us this afternoon. The cubs, and myself, have greatly enjoyed your presence. I heard about your favorite rewards and went to the market this morning to grab these vegetables. I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as we’ve enjoyed your music and presence.”\nAreole bowed to the lion and the cubs before saying one more thing.\n“I’ve enjoyed my time here as well and Evalyn, I hope to see you on the road in the future as another musician. Perhaps with that boy over there? The one that wanted to be a traveler? What was your name? Shane? I hope to see you too at that time.\nNow, how about one final song before the real goodbye?”\nThe cubs cheered and one final song was played.\n\nAs Richard led Areole to the outside, they shook hands and thanked each other for the gifts and the good time.\n“…and miss Areole, please thank your associate as well. His Santa play was phenomenal. And that coin was too much.”\nAreole was a bit confused. “But Richard, I thought it was a friend of yours? We do not have bears in our association.”\nAs they stood there together baffled, they heard a final whistle and saw the Santa fly away like the down of a thistle. They heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"It was a snowy winter day when Areole Maëllys was on the move. She had been travelling for some time now and had trained herself with her lute even more, but she was still a bit anxious regarding public performances. Lately she had been trying to put herself up to more of them to try and fight that anxiety.
Right now she was walking through a dense forest towards a wooden cottage. She was contacted to play for some cubs who lived there with one adult supervising them all.  An orphanage. Perhaps playing in front of cubs would help her learn things that an adult audience could not. After all, was a child’s mind not the most natural and innocent? And making cubs happy in this time of year, is that not also one of the best feelings?
As she approached the building she could see the sober decorations of the cottage. There were just a few lights on the door and when she glanced inside through the window she could see tree decorated with handmade drawings and cut-outs. She could also hear some singing. She looked for a bell, but did not find one. Instead opting to firmly knock on the wooden door.
“Hello? It is Areole Maëllys. I was asked to perform here?”
Initially there was no response. She could still hear the singing, but it did not seem like the door would open. She walked over to the window and looked through. She saw a few cubs singing songs and a few others listening. There was also one older-looking lion male with a red-headed blonde fox girl on his lap, reading through a book. It seemed like he was reading something and some of the children were background vocalists. Areole smiled at the scene and almost felt bad as she had to disturb this, but it was getting a bit chilly and she wanted to go inside, so she tapped the window. The lion noticed her and Areole could see him gesture to the children to stay there while he would open the door.

Areole walked back to the door and pretty soon it opened. The lion was standing in the doorway. “My apologies miss Maëllys. I did not hear you. My name is Richard Leostra. Please come in and make yourself comfortable.”
Areole introduced herself to mister Leostra and walked in the cottage, taking in the surroundings. As she stood in the hallway she could hear someone gasping from the direction of the room with the cubs. As Areole looked that way, she could see a blonde fox girl, the same one as before, staring at her lute. She was entranced by the instrument. When the child realized Areole had spotted her she quickly went back to the other children.
The lion seemingly noticed the little girl too, because he was quick on the uptake. “That girl is Evalyn. She is relatively new to this group. I learned that she loves music and I asked you to come and play to make her happy in this new environment. I do not know much of her past, and neither does she, but I hope that through the music she can see how much we all care about her. Did you bring what I asked you?”
“Well mister Leostra, I hope I can meet the expectations. But I know how hard it can be as an orphan, and I will do my best to help her get through this first period of her new life. And yes, it’s in my bag. I take it that’s for her too?”
“You are correct. I wanted her to have a new one of higher quality. I found one in her belongings earlier, but it was a bit worn down already. She loves the thing though and I think a new one will be even better.”
The lion flashed a smile at her and added: “But do not worry. I heard great things about you. Perhaps you could share some of your experiences as well? And if the children hear what you have accomplished, perhaps it will lighten their spirits even more.”
Areole blushed slightly hearing that praise, but she was determined to give the children a great time.
“Now miss Maëllys, let us meet with the children. I am sure they are delighted to see you.”
“Please, call me Areole.”
“As you wish Areole, but in return, call me Richard.”

As the two adults walked into the living area Areole could see the cubs sitting on a few benches. There were eight of them from various species and all around the age of 6-10 years old. The vixen Areole spotted earlier was hiding behind her tail, with a grey cat girl whispering in her ear, asking what was wrong. The other cubs were mostly looking curiously at the new visitor with her instrument, though one mouse boy was quite active, bouncing all over the place.
Richard did a step forward and clapped his hands. “Attention children. We have a guest today. This is Areole Maëllys. She will be joining us today for some celebrations and a bit of entertainment. Say hello to her.”
Most of the boys and girls came to the woman to greet her, mostly bombarding her with questions regarding her instrument and where she learned to play it. While Areole had no problems answering the questions, she noticed that the vixen and cat girl stayed behind, though they still seemed very interested in the instruments. After hearing the same questions repeated, she decided to address all the cubs. “Alright kids. I see you have a lot of similar questions, and I think it would be best I give you the answers in the form of a story, with a bit of music. Don’t you all agree?”
The cubs cheered and took their places on the couch again. Richard leant over and whispered in her ear. “If you keep them busy, I will have some preparations to make. If you have any questions, please do ask them.”
Areole turned to the lion and said: “Oh no mister Richard, it will be quite all right. It’s what I partly came here to do after all.” She grabbed her lute from her back, sat on the big chair and prepared to play her instrument.
“Well now children. This is the story of my past. On what you can accomplish no matter your start. I hope to inspire you all to find your own way as well.”
Richard stood in the doorway and looked at the children. Seeing them all pay attention to the guest, he walked towards the kitchen with a smile on his face. None of them were stirring. Not even the mouse.

As Areole started playing her lute, she saw the kids looking with anticipation on their faces. She was a bit hesitant on performances before multiple people, but she knew how those cubs felt in these times. She had been through an orphanage herself. She closed her eyes and started playing.
“This story begins quite a few winters ago. I was a child, a tad younger than most of you. I would guess around the age of the vixen over there? I was orphaned and got adopted by a master luthier. When I was eight years old I got my first violin and got taught how to play and maintain it.”
A finger came up from the grey cat girl. “What’s a luthier?”
“Ah, that would be someone who creates or repairs music instruments that use strings. So as you can imagine, I grew up between a lot of musical instruments.”
The cubs nodded their head and said nothing else, so Areole continued her story.
“Over the years, I learned to play a few more instruments. But it wasn’t until I was fifteen that I actually supported my parents as well. Playing music and helping my parents with the repairing of instruments. I’m currently traveling all over and meeting new people to hone my skills and perform for audiences.”
She closed off her music performance and added: “I was thrilled to hear about this orphanage. I sort of know what most you are going through. It does look like mister Leostra does a great job with you all though.”
This was the cue for the cubs to bombard her with statements about the lion.
“He’s the greatest!”
“He lets me stay up as long as I want!”
“He gives the best hugs!”
“He shares his dessert portion with all of us!”
She laughed at all of the cubs with that last statement and tugged on a string or two to have them calm down again.
“Now, for the next part I’ll need a volunteer. Someone to play…this.”
She grabbed a flute out of her traveling bag. Almost instantly an arm went up and all the other cubs were also looking in that direction. It was the little vixen.
“Come here little one. What is your name?”
“Evalyn…”
“Well, that’s a nice name. Do you know how to play this?”
“Umm….yes madam. I don’t remember too much of my past, but when I played with a flute mister Leostra found near my other belongings, he said I was a natural and I’ve been practicing a lot ever since!”
The little vixen was really beaming while she said that. Her ears perked up and her tail kept wagging. It sure was a cute sight. Really different from the shy and reserved girl Areole saw when she came into the orphanage.
The other cubs, the grey kitten most of all, also chimed in saying that Evalyn was the one who had to play this part.
“Well Evalyn, looks like I have little say in this matter. I’m interested in seeing what you can do. Can you play a Christmas tune for me?”
Evalyn nodded her head, took a breath and brought the flute to her mouth. While Areole just wanted to gauge the skill level of the vixen, she was still surprised by the amount of passion the little girl put into playing the instrument. The other cubs were also listening intently. The grey kitten was looking at everyone else quite proudly. As if mentally telling them that she was right about something.
Areole couldn’t resist any more after a minute and grabbed her lute to play together with Evalyn. Evalyn skipped a note when she heard the other instrument, but it was quite clear that the vixen knew what the plan was. Together they finished the song. As the final note was played, the cubs clapped their hands. Areole looked at Evalyn and told her: “Go ahead, take a bow. You earned it.”
Evalyn was looking a lot better under the attention. As Areole looked at the girl she thought.  “And this was just practice…”
“Alright everyone. That was quite the warm-up was it not? Now for this next part, I’m going to tell you a poem with some musical assistance. And I think that with this little girl here, we’ll even have a better musical harmony.”
Areole leaned in to the vixen and whispered in her ear: “Follow my lead. I think you’ll do great.”
She grabbed her lute firmly and played the first few notes.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.’

She heard a few of the cubs giggling at the mouse line, looking at the boy that was so active earlier. But she continued:

‘The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.’

Right after Areole finished that sentence, everyone in the room heard a noise out on the back. The cubs rushed to the back window, each of them eager to get the best view.
“Hey! I see some tracks. What are those?”
“Aren’t those…from a sled?”
“And look, between them. Hoof prints?”
The oldest looking of the group put things together. “It’s Santa!”
Just as a few of them were getting ready to leave the room, Richard came in again.
“Oh my, what is all the commotion?”
Areole smiled in his direction, tail wagging as well. “It looks like Santa came by.”
“Oh did he now? Well children, I think we’ll have to sing another song to invite him in, don’t you think so too miss Maëllys?”
Areole got the cue and once again started playing. When Evalyn recognized the tune, she joined with her flute as well, and not too long afterwards everyone, even the lion, was singing along.
It was not long before they heard a shuffling noise on the roof. Areole could also swear she saw a red/green scarf pass by the top of the window for a second, but it was the front door through which he came. Big belly, white beard, red clothes. Santa was there. The cubs squealed and Areole could also not stop her tail from wagging. It was quite the interesting surprise and thinking how Richard must have arranged for this made her look at the lion with even more respect.

“Ho ho ho young ones,” and as the Santa –Areole could see it was a bear–  looked at the lamb he added, “and less young one. I took a quick break from my route to see you all here. Now, is there a nice chair for me? I’m sure you all have things to ask me.”
Richard grabbed a big chair and Santa put a big bag next to the chair and took a seat.
One by one, the cubs sat on the lap of the bear and told him about their year and what they wanted for Christmas. Most of them had pretty standard wishes like stuffed animals or small toys. One of the cubs wished to be a traveler like Areole, which tugged a bit on her heartstrings and she flashed the boy a big smile to support him. Evalyn was the last one and said she didn’t really need anything. Her new place here was a great gift already. Like the other cubs, she got a small gift out of the big bag. A copy of the flute Areole gave her to play earlier, which made her ears perk up once again.
When Evalyn got off Santa’s lap he said: “Well, it looks like we have two people remaining, don’t you think so children?” They all cheered.
“Well then my lamb, you heard them. Please sit on my lap.”
The bear was quite big and Areole did not have to shift her weight around much to find a good way to sit. “So miss, I heard you are a good musician. What are your wishes for Santa?”
“Well Santa, I really want to be able to influence people with my music. I hope to make everyone happy with the way I act. I wish to perform in big places, though I must train a bit to overcome my anxiousness in front of big crowds. But most of all, I wish for these children to have fulfilling lives.”
“Now, Areole, I heard what you like, and I may have something in my bag for you. Let’s see here…”
He reached his right hand into his big bag and grabbed a smaller bag out of it. “Now, this is for you. A thank you from me for the time you have spent with the children.”
Areole opened the small bag and found a few very high quality sweets inside. Once again her tail started wagging.
“I see you like it. Well then, please take your place with the cubs, I have one more person to have here.”
Areole thanked Santa and went to sit by the cubs. They all laughed together as the big lion Richard came and sat on Santa’s lap. It looked hilarious.
“Well then my big boy, what is that you want for Christmas?”
Richard tilted his head in thought for a second and answered: “Well Santa, I’d like the opportunity to keep this place running for a long time. And for all the young ones to stay in good health.”
“That’s a nice thing to wish for indeed as their caregiver. Let’s see what I’ve got in my bag for you.”
Santa reached into his bag one final time and got one gold coin out of it. The eyes of everyone widened. Even Richard was shocked for a moment, but accepted it anyway.
As the lion got up from Santa’s lap he got called out. “Ho ho ho, now my man. Please, sit between the others.”
As Richard sat down and got jumped by the cubs to look at the coin, Areole was mostly focused on the Santa. Who was that guy? Santa got up, grabbed his bag, threw it over his shoulder and addressed everyone one final time.
“It has been nice seeing everyone like this, but I’ll have to be off. The rest of these gifts don’t deliver themselves you know. I’d better get on my sleigh and carry on. Merry Christmas to you children, mister Leostra and miss Maëllys. And we may meet again next year!”
The cubs waved as Santa stepped out of the room, Richard following him to lead him out of the door.
Areole stayed behind and talked to the cubs about this experience.
The mouse boy was back to his energetic self and questioned everyone. Evalyn seemed to had lost some of her shyness and talked to other cubs as well, or more like, it looked like they flocked to her now because of her musical skills. The grey cat was always at her side though, making sure she would not be overwhelmed by the attention.
Areole shared a few of her treats with the children and waited for Richard to come back. When he did, it was time to say goodbye.
“Very well children, I think we’ve had a great day, right? But I’m afraid miss Maëllys has to be on her way soon.”
“Aww…” the cubs said together.
Richard continued: “I know, I know, I’ve enjoyed it too. But she surely has family of her own to go to for the night. Evalyn, Tassy, can you two go and grab the bag on the kitchen counter? There is one last gift to give.”
The vixen and kitten rushed to the kitchen and soon came back with one last bag.
“Miss Maëllys, I thank you for being with us this afternoon. The cubs, and myself, have greatly enjoyed your presence. I heard about your favorite rewards and went to the market this morning to grab these vegetables. I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as we’ve enjoyed your music and presence.”
Areole bowed to the lion and the cubs before saying one more thing.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here as well and Evalyn, I hope to see you on the road in the future as another musician. Perhaps with that boy over there? The one that wanted to be a traveler? What was your name? Shane? I hope to see you too at that time.
Now, how about one final song before the real goodbye?”
The cubs cheered and one final song was played.

As Richard led Areole to the outside, they shook hands and thanked each other for the gifts and the good time.
“…and miss Areole, please thank your associate as well. His Santa play was phenomenal. And that coin was too much.”
Areole was a bit confused. “But Richard, I thought it was a friend of yours? We do not have bears in our association.”
As they stood there together baffled, they heard a final whistle and saw the Santa fly away like the down of a thistle. They heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
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