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Description
Somewhere up north, there is a little city called Swan Valley. Once a town, their community expanded largely when a neighbouring city was hit with an epidemic known as the "Swim Fever", causing an exodus to the young town. Swan Valley was quite the magical scene one cold, Christmas Eve. Snow blustered throughout the city, covering the tiny shops in Destiny Square, blocking the doors of the houses and embracing the City in a cold, white blanket.

The kids from the local elementary school were excited to finally be on Winter break. When the snowstorm began calmly Saturday morning, they ran out of their homes in droves, claiming Tuberose Park as their headquarters. By the afternoon, sled tracks marred every hill in sight, and armies of snowman guarded the children's snow forts dutifully. Snow angels were lying close together; sometimes so close they covered one's wing or another's dress.

The teens from Swan Valley High were equally excited, as those who decided against tobogganing had claimed the safe to skate on Swan Lake as their territory, decorating it with figure eights and multiple chips. Their giggles joined the laughter of the children in the air. Their fellow peers ran through the snowmen, throwing snowballs at each other; the looming exams after winter break were the last things on their mind.

The weather network had warned the citizens of Swan Valley that the storm would worsen, come evening. Mayor Henry Swan had put out a public announcement, to batten down the hatches and sit tight-this storm would be a long one. With promises to get salt on the sidewalks and plows on the road throughout the night, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe evening, anxious to return back to his big family in the richer part of town, Posh Heights.

Likewise, many of the other citizens wanted to get home fast. They didn't want to be stranded when the storm hit its peak in the evening. And so, this little Christmas tale begins.
________________________________________

Mayor Swan got home in the afternoon to a very quiet, large house. "Isobelle?" he shouted for his wife, his voice echoing in the large entrance hall.

"In 'ere, Mon Amour," Isobelle replied. Her slight accented voice floated down from the living room upstairs. Climbing the grand steps, Henry saw his French wife sitting on the floor, wrapping last minute gifts. Her blue eyes were focused on the task at hand, cutting each piece with extreme precision, folding in the sides neatly. He smiled, and hugged his wife from behind, sinking down to her level and kissing her.

"Someone 'ad a good day, I see," She said after they broke apart, smiling, still feeling his warm kiss on her pink lips.

"It was long...I'm just glad to finally be home," he replied, and with a loud unprofessional sigh, sat on the floor beside his lovely wife, pulling her closer to him. They leaned against the couch, Isobelle snuggling deep into Henry's side.

"It's too quiet. Where're the kids?" He asked, although, he wasn't opposed to the uncommon silence in his house. It was something he rarely got with five kids and a bustling town hall.

"Aran, Evan, and Trena went to Tuberose Park with zeer trois amis. Aran was so excited when 'e saw the snow. 'e dragged Evan and Trena out ze door. Zeer amis barely 'ad time to walk up ze driveway," Isobelle replied, leaning into her husband's warmth. She felt his tense muscles slowly relax.

"Lizette decided to take advantage before ze storm, and drop off some of 'er furniture at 'er new maison. Derrick went with 'er to 'elp. 'e called a few minutes ago to check in. Do you know Dannica, ze McCabe's daughter?"

Henry smiled, "He fancies her," he stated. Anyone could see that their arrogant oldest son was practically enthralled with the girl. She was stubborn, though, and refused to give him a chance.

"Oui, zat's 'er. Zey ran into 'er at lunch, and Lizette asked if she wanted to help after 'er shift. Zeey are zere now, and I was able to wrap zese gifts and enjoy ze silence," Isobelle stated.

He sighed contentedly, slouching, completely relaxed.

"How long until the rugrats get back?"

Laughing, Isobelle swatted her husband playfully. "Zey aren't...What do you call zem? Rugrats?" she laughed again, her husband's heartfelt chuckle joining her.

"I told zem to be 'ere before five," she answered, "because I'm worried about the storm...it iz supposed to get worse."

"Well, we've got a few hours for ourselves then...I'm thinking red wine, strawberries, and A Christmas Carol..." he said, kissing his wife on the forehead.

"Henri, that sounds magnifique..." Isobelle replied.

Outside, the snow fell faster.
________________________________________

With the increased pace of the snow, the kids in the park decided to call it a day and started to make their way home. There were only six kids left on the large tobogganing hill, all crammed into one wooden sleigh, a grinning red head at the front. Behind her, an unsure dark haired girl flicked her violet eyes to her friend's almost evil grin, down the hill, and back again. She tensed up.

"Ellie...are you sure about this?" she asked, nervously pulling her hat down over her black hair.

"Positive! It'll be loads fun, Claire, stop being so shy!" she said.

Behind Claire, a boy with ocean-blue eyes and dark hair grabbed her tight. "Don't worry Claire, I'll hold on to you," he whispered, so only his best friend would hear.

"Thanks Duncan," Claire replied.

"How 'bout the triplets? You three good back there?" Ellie asked. The Swans were loaded behind Duncan, neat haired Evan sitting in front of blonde Trena, and messy haired Aran almost exploding with excitement behind his sister.

"YES YES YES!" Aran yelled, a large goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Aran, chill out, and move closer to Trena! We don't want her to get hurt," Evan said.

"But guys, it's four-thirty; we have to leave to make it home by five. It's getting worse," Trena said nervously, moving closer to Evan as Aran moved closer to her. She was a Trena-sandwich.

"Last run, I promise!" Aran said. The other toboggans were already at the bottom of the hill. Since Tuberose Park was almost in the heart of Swan Valley, getting home to Posh Heights wouldn't be so bad.

"Well then...LET'S GO!" Ellie said, letting go and starting the sled.

It slowly descended down the hill, gaining speed as it hit the steep slope. Snow flew out behind them, as Trena and Claire's screams of terror, borderline to enjoyment, rang out, lost between Ellie's maniacal laughter and Evan and Aran's loud whoops of delight. The toboggan glided smoothly down the hill, Ellie trying to avoid bumps and rocks. Closing her eyes, she let out a peel of laughter, lost in the moment as the cold air hit her face and whipped back her scarf...

"ELLIE! LOOK OUT! THE POTHOLE!" Duncan screamed, holding Claire tighter.

But she was too late; the toboggan hit the pothole and whirled out of control, the Swan sandwich thrown off the back. The toboggan spun in circles, and soon Duncan and Claire flew off and landed in a heap near the bottom. Finally, Ellie curbed the toboggan. It flipped over and landed on top of the daring red head, finally stopping its speedy descent at the bottom of the hill, close to the pile of previously discarded toboggans.

All was silent, with only the cold winter wind and snow blowing across the hill.

Ellie climbed out from under the toboggan, and stretched. "THAT WAS SO AWESOME!" She said, perfectly unharmed. "WHO'S NOT DEAD?" she called up the hill.

The silence was disturbed by laughter from Evan and Aran. After yelling at her brothers for not holding her in place, Trena joined in, giggling. Grinning, she gave thumbs up to Ellie, as the three triplets slowly made their way down the hill, laughter causing them to trip over and fall in delight. Ellie grinned and glanced to where Duncan and Claire were thrown off.

Duncan rolled out of his snow pile, and let go of Claire's waist. Quickly getting up and brushing the snow off of his jacket, he moved to Claire. "You okay?" he asked the back of her head. She stirred, then got up and looked at Duncan, spitting snow out of her mouth. They stared at each other, and burst out laughing.

"We're good!" He shouted to Ellie, helping his best friend up. They both doubled over in laughter, and Claire began rolling down the hill, squeals of delight following her down.

"Smarty pants!" he shouted, joining her and rolling down the hill. When all the laughing kids had made it down, they began their walk home.

Soon, the park was barely visible through the blistering winds blowing the snow around.
________________________________________

A little ways away in the main part of town, three adults were bringing furniture into an obviously abstract art inspired house. The house was two floors with a roof that appeared to be simply two triangles leaning on one another. A long row of windows wound their way around the house, matching the glass doors to a tea. Two of the adults, a woman with wavy brown hair and a slightly shorter woman with wavy blonde hair were bringing in boxes.

Behind them, a toned brown haired man brought a large object that resembled a stool up the walkway, the snow freezing his un-gloved hands.

"Derrick...you're going to catch frostbite on those hands if you don't put on your gloves!" the blonde woman said, putting her box down and searching out his gloves.

Spotting them by the stairs, where they had carried up her bed frame, she grabbed them and met Derrick at the door, as he put down the stool.

"I'm fine, Liz, really, stop fussing..." he replied, taking the gloves and putting them on. "Besides, even with the gloves on, my fingers get all cold and I might as well be sticking my bare hands into a pile of snow," he complained.

The brunette stifled a giggle. "Oh, is your little sister bruising your ego?" she asked, putting down the box she was carrying and crossing her arms, fighting back a teasing smile.

Derrick acted hurt and looked at the brunette, "Yes...but not as much as you just did," he said, pretending to sniffle. The brunette rolled her eyes and walked out to the pickup truck to grab the other stool.

"Dannica, wait!" Liz shouted after the brunette, "That's heavy!"

She laughed, "I've lifted heavy things before, it's not a problem, Liz," Dannica said, grabbing the furniture. Derrick smirked and grabbed the shovel by the door, shovelling the walkway for what seemed like the fortieth time. As Dannica passed, he whispered, "Whose ego is being bruised now?"

Derrick was met by a slight whack in the head from the stool. Rubbing his injured head, he looked at Dannica.

"Opps...My hand slipped," she murmured, bringing the stool in and placing it beside its match. Derrick walked into Liz's house slowly, and took in their handy work so far.

His sister had bought the house last month, deciding that it was about time she moved out and started her own life. After Christmas, she could hopefully move in officially. So, instead of renting a giant truck to bring all her stuff at once, she'd decided to do it piece by piece, to keep things more organized. Closing the door, Liz looked out the window.

"It looks like the storm has gotten worse," she said.

"We should probably head back home, mom'll be worried," Derrick replied. He looked at Dannica, and smiled a for once, not arrogant smile. "I'll drive you to your home, and meet Liz back at my home." The two women nodded, leaving the house and closing the door behind them.

Locking the house door, Liz jumped into her car. "I'll let mom know you'll be home later," she said, and drove off.

Opening the passenger side of his car, Derrick gestured for Dannica to jump in.
As they drove off, the storm hit full throttle.
________________________________________

Description
Somewhere up north, there is a little city called Swan Valley. Once a town, their community expanded largely when a neighbouring city was hit with an epidemic known as the "Swim Fever", causing an exodus to the young town. Swan Valley was quite the magical scene one cold, Christmas Eve. Snow blustered throughout the city, covering the tiny shops in Destiny Square, blocking the doors of the houses and embracing the City in a cold, white blanket.

The kids from the local elementary school were excited to finally be on Winter break. When the snowstorm began calmly Saturday morning, they ran out of their homes in droves, claiming Tuberose Park as their headquarters. By the afternoon, sled tracks marred every hill in sight, and armies of snowman guarded the children's snow forts dutifully. Snow angels were lying close together; sometimes so close they covered one's wing or another's dress.

The teens from Swan Valley High were equally excited, as those who decided against tobogganing had claimed the safe to skate on Swan Lake as their territory, decorating it with figure eights and multiple chips. Their giggles joined the laughter of the children in the air. Their fellow peers ran through the snowmen, throwing snowballs at each other; the looming exams after winter break were the last things on their mind.

The weather network had warned the citizens of Swan Valley that the storm would worsen, come evening. Mayor Henry Swan had put out a public announcement, to batten down the hatches and sit tight-this storm would be a long one. With promises to get salt on the sidewalks and plows on the road throughout the night, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe evening, anxious to return back to his big family in the richer part of town, Posh Heights.

Likewise, many of the other citizens wanted to get home fast. They didn't want to be stranded when the storm hit its peak in the evening. And so, this little Christmas tale begins.
________________________________________

Mayor Swan got home in the afternoon to a very quiet, large house. "Isobelle?" he shouted for his wife, his voice echoing in the large entrance hall.

"In 'ere, Mon Amour," Isobelle replied. Her slight accented voice floated down from the living room upstairs. Climbing the grand steps, Henry saw his French wife sitting on the floor, wrapping last minute gifts. Her blue eyes were focused on the task at hand, cutting each piece with extreme precision, folding in the sides neatly. He smiled, and hugged his wife from behind, sinking down to her level and kissing her.

"Someone 'ad a good day, I see," She said after they broke apart, smiling, still feeling his warm kiss on her pink lips.

"It was long...I'm just glad to finally be home," he replied, and with a loud unprofessional sigh, sat on the floor beside his lovely wife, pulling her closer to him. They leaned against the couch, Isobelle snuggling deep into Henry's side.

"It's too quiet. Where're the kids?" He asked, although, he wasn't opposed to the uncommon silence in his house. It was something he rarely got with five kids and a bustling town hall.

"Aran, Evan, and Trena went to Tuberose Park with zeer trois amis. Aran was so excited when 'e saw the snow. 'e dragged Evan and Trena out ze door. Zeer amis barely 'ad time to walk up ze driveway," Isobelle replied, leaning into her husband's warmth. She felt his tense muscles slowly relax.

"Lizette decided to take advantage before ze storm, and drop off some of 'er furniture at 'er new maison. Derrick went with 'er to 'elp. 'e called a few minutes ago to check in. Do you know Dannica, ze McCabe's daughter?"

Henry smiled, "He fancies her," he stated. Anyone could see that their arrogant oldest son was practically enthralled with the girl. She was stubborn, though, and refused to give him a chance.

"Oui, zat's 'er. Zey ran into 'er at lunch, and Lizette asked if she wanted to help after 'er shift. Zeey are zere now, and I was able to wrap zese gifts and enjoy ze silence," Isobelle stated.

He sighed contentedly, slouching, completely relaxed.

"How long until the rugrats get back?"

Laughing, Isobelle swatted her husband playfully. "Zey aren't...What do you call zem? Rugrats?" she laughed again, her husband's heartfelt chuckle joining her.

"I told zem to be 'ere before five," she answered, "because I'm worried about the storm...it iz supposed to get worse."

"Well, we've got a few hours for ourselves then...I'm thinking red wine, strawberries, and A Christmas Carol..." he said, kissing his wife on the forehead.

"Henri, that sounds magnifique..." Isobelle replied.

Outside, the snow fell faster.
________________________________________

With the increased pace of the snow, the kids in the park decided to call it a day and started to make their way home. There were only six kids left on the large tobogganing hill, all crammed into one wooden sleigh, a grinning red head at the front. Behind her, an unsure dark haired girl flicked her violet eyes to her friend's almost evil grin, down the hill, and back again. She tensed up.

"Ellie...are you sure about this?" she asked, nervously pulling her hat down over her black hair.

"Positive! It'll be loads fun, Claire, stop being so shy!" she said.

Behind Claire, a boy with ocean-blue eyes and dark hair grabbed her tight. "Don't worry Claire, I'll hold on to you," he whispered, so only his best friend would hear.

"Thanks Duncan," Claire replied.

"How 'bout the triplets? You three good back there?" Ellie asked. The Swans were loaded behind Duncan, neat haired Evan sitting in front of blonde Trena, and messy haired Aran almost exploding with excitement behind his sister.

"YES YES YES!" Aran yelled, a large goofy grin plastered on his face.

"Aran, chill out, and move closer to Trena! We don't want her to get hurt," Evan said.

"But guys, it's four-thirty; we have to leave to make it home by five. It's getting worse," Trena said nervously, moving closer to Evan as Aran moved closer to her. She was a Trena-sandwich.

"Last run, I promise!" Aran said. The other toboggans were already at the bottom of the hill. Since Tuberose Park was almost in the heart of Swan Valley, getting home to Posh Heights wouldn't be so bad.

"Well then...LET'S GO!" Ellie said, letting go and starting the sled.

It slowly descended down the hill, gaining speed as it hit the steep slope. Snow flew out behind them, as Trena and Claire's screams of terror, borderline to enjoyment, rang out, lost between Ellie's maniacal laughter and Evan and Aran's loud whoops of delight. The toboggan glided smoothly down the hill, Ellie trying to avoid bumps and rocks. Closing her eyes, she let out a peel of laughter, lost in the moment as the cold air hit her face and whipped back her scarf...

"ELLIE! LOOK OUT! THE POTHOLE!" Duncan screamed, holding Claire tighter.

But she was too late; the toboggan hit the pothole and whirled out of control, the Swan sandwich thrown off the back. The toboggan spun in circles, and soon Duncan and Claire flew off and landed in a heap near the bottom. Finally, Ellie curbed the toboggan. It flipped over and landed on top of the daring red head, finally stopping its speedy descent at the bottom of the hill, close to the pile of previously discarded toboggans.

All was silent, with only the cold winter wind and snow blowing across the hill.

Ellie climbed out from under the toboggan, and stretched. "THAT WAS SO AWESOME!" She said, perfectly unharmed. "WHO'S NOT DEAD?" she called up the hill.

The silence was disturbed by laughter from Evan and Aran. After yelling at her brothers for not holding her in place, Trena joined in, giggling. Grinning, she gave thumbs up to Ellie, as the three triplets slowly made their way down the hill, laughter causing them to trip over and fall in delight. Ellie grinned and glanced to where Duncan and Claire were thrown off.

Duncan rolled out of his snow pile, and let go of Claire's waist. Quickly getting up and brushing the snow off of his jacket, he moved to Claire. "You okay?" he asked the back of her head. She stirred, then got up and looked at Duncan, spitting snow out of her mouth. They stared at each other, and burst out laughing.

"We're good!" He shouted to Ellie, helping his best friend up. They both doubled over in laughter, and Claire began rolling down the hill, squeals of delight following her down.

"Smarty pants!" he shouted, joining her and rolling down the hill. When all the laughing kids had made it down, they began their walk home.

Soon, the park was barely visible through the blistering winds blowing the snow around.
________________________________________

A little ways away in the main part of town, three adults were bringing furniture into an obviously abstract art inspired house. The house was two floors with a roof that appeared to be simply two triangles leaning on one another. A long row of windows wound their way around the house, matching the glass doors to a tea. Two of the adults, a woman with wavy brown hair and a slightly shorter woman with wavy blonde hair were bringing in boxes.

Behind them, a toned brown haired man brought a large object that resembled a stool up the walkway, the snow freezing his un-gloved hands.

"Derrick...you're going to catch frostbite on those hands if you don't put on your gloves!" the blonde woman said, putting her box down and searching out his gloves.

Spotting them by the stairs, where they had carried up her bed frame, she grabbed them and met Derrick at the door, as he put down the stool.

"I'm fine, Liz, really, stop fussing..." he replied, taking the gloves and putting them on. "Besides, even with the gloves on, my fingers get all cold and I might as well be sticking my bare hands into a pile of snow," he complained.

The brunette stifled a giggle. "Oh, is your little sister bruising your ego?" she asked, putting down the box she was carrying and crossing her arms, fighting back a teasing smile.

Derrick acted hurt and looked at the brunette, "Yes...but not as much as you just did," he said, pretending to sniffle. The brunette rolled her eyes and walked out to the pickup truck to grab the other stool.

"Dannica, wait!" Liz shouted after the brunette, "That's heavy!"

She laughed, "I've lifted heavy things before, it's not a problem, Liz," Dannica said, grabbing the furniture. Derrick smirked and grabbed the shovel by the door, shovelling the walkway for what seemed like the fortieth time. As Dannica passed, he whispered, "Whose ego is being bruised now?"

Derrick was met by a slight whack in the head from the stool. Rubbing his injured head, he looked at Dannica.

"Opps...My hand slipped," she murmured, bringing the stool in and placing it beside its match. Derrick walked into Liz's house slowly, and took in their handy work so far.

His sister had bought the house last month, deciding that it was about time she moved out and started her own life. After Christmas, she could hopefully move in officially. So, instead of renting a giant truck to bring all her stuff at once, she'd decided to do it piece by piece, to keep things more organized. Closing the door, Liz looked out the window.

"It looks like the storm has gotten worse," she said.

"We should probably head back home, mom'll be worried," Derrick replied. He looked at Dannica, and smiled a for once, not arrogant smile. "I'll drive you to your home, and meet Liz back at my home." The two women nodded, leaving the house and closing the door behind them.

Locking the house door, Liz jumped into her car. "I'll let mom know you'll be home later," she said, and drove off.

Opening the passenger side of his car, Derrick gestured for Dannica to jump in.
As they drove off, the storm hit full throttle.
________________________________________