A Goblin's Christmas

[Jezerai]

Scantlie Mabb strolled to the guildhouse in Venik Ragnew with a small strut in her step, fingering the small badge pinned to her chest marking her one of the guild. Life had taken a remarkable turn for the small goblin and, though she was not much given to introspection, even Scantlie was aware of this fact. Stolen from her home in Martok when she was still very young by Gulgrethor slavers she had been set to work in the fields collecting jute for the making of cloth. Because of her size she was not highly valued by her captors and was kept chained in the bottom of the ship's hold, in the wet and dark. But the desire for freedom burned in small goblin's breast and she worked and worried at the chains holding her, rusted from laying in the water so long. One day, the chains had parted and Scantlie found herself free. Through long twists and turns, Scantlie eventually found her way here. She opened the door and stepped inside and was utterly amazed at what she found.

The guildhouse, always a cheery and welcoming place, today was ablaze with color! Scantlie rubbed her eyes in disbelief. There were TREES! Someone had brought trees inside and they were covered with small sparkly lights. Big ribbons were strung on the walls. What was this? What could be happening? Scantlie went over close to one of the trees and fingered the lights. They were hot and she quickly drew her finger back, sticking it in her mouth. She had to know what this was all for. Of the many strange things that she had found since coming to these lands, far from her home in Martok, this was the strangest.

Looking around for someone to give her answers, she saw a tall figure standing in Kromb's usual place by the door and went to ask him. She adored Kromb, who had been the first to befriend her and always felt safest when he was nearby. She knew no one would dare to hurt her while Kromb was there. But when she drew near, she saw it was not Kromb. It was some fellow with a large white head wearing armor that looked exactly like Kromb's. She introduced herself and the fellow's head changed to Kromb's head! It was Kromb! Scantlie was amazed again. But Kromb didn't know much more about what was going on than she did.

Scantlie asked several others, but they were busy or they told her bits and pieces that didn't make sense.  Scantlie tried to work it all out, but she didn't understand and was rapidly growing frustrated. Then she spotted Lothiriel. Lothiriel was always kind and next to Kromb, Lothiriel held the little goblin's heart. Scantlie tugged at Lothiriel's robe and got her attention. "Lady," she asked "What be dis tings with all dem lights?" Lothiriel smiled down and Scantlie felt her heart swell with joy. "It's the Festival of Gloriann." she said, and explained about giving gifts to friends at this time of year. She even pointed to a large present at the back and told Scantlie it was hers. Scantlie felt she could have died of happiness right there. Presents? And decorations? And Antas Claws coming? Scantlie had never seen such a thing before and nothing in her prior life could even begin to compare to this.



She still didn't know much about this Gloriann, but decided that from now on she would follow this goddess. Somehow Scantlie did not think that Ghalnn would have a festival, or if he did she did not think it would be quite such a joyful time. Scantlie happily decided that the next day she would set out to find presents for all her friends in time for the festival.  But for this night, Scantlie wondered, what could be in that big box?