The first winter in our little cottage, the first winter as newlyweds. I can’t say I’m not excited. I absolutely adore Christmas, and I want to ensure that her first one is a proper holiday. Being a Drow, she does not celebrate Christmas. They don’t have Christmas Trees in the Underdark, I suppose. And because we have an extra room, my parents are staying with us for the winter.

She and my father, Arnel, get along extremely well. She never had a close relationship with her father, as he was killed by followers of Lloth when she was a babe. When I was following Shar, I couldn’t dreamed I would ever lead a life like this- with a wife, my parents close by, and all the animals and flowers I could ever want. But the light that is my life would not be possible without the shadow that was my life.

I stand by the window, the lamb I’m bottle feeding cradled in my hands. I watch as snow lashes at the dark sky, warm and safe inside as I wait for her to return. We fought about it, about who was going to go care for the animals. She absolutely refused to let me go, and I’m stuck waiting for her to come back. Storms always make me uneasy, especially when my wife is out in them.

Before we moved in, she had every door, window, and shingle replaced. She re-insulated the walls, she had the piping fixed so there was running water. I know I’m safe inside, but I don’t think I could stand to live this life alone if she didn’t come back. Just as I decide it’s been too long and I must go out to retrieve her, I hear the door slam shut. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more relieved.

I come rushing into our kitchen, and stop short suddenly. I straighten my spine and school my face the way I’ve been taught, and I just gaze at her silently. She sheds her thick overcoat, scarf, gloves, and her hat. She hangs them by the door and goes immediately to the sink, running her hands under warm water. I know she’s aware of me, but is respecting my hesitancy. After she has thawed and dried off her hands, she walks over and takes me into her arms.

Lamb and all, I hug back. The little thing is asleep, anyway, and seems to have no qualms about being pressed up between our chests. She guides us to our bedroom, stripping off her clothes as she does so. I know it’s not for sexual reasons, and instead so she can change into thick, plaid pyjamas. I cradle the lamb closer to my chest. I shut the curtains, and she puts some extra logs on the fire.

I allow our hound, Ranger, up on the bed and cradle the lamb still. “Oh, Shads, why do you let the animals on the bed?” She asks exasperated as she slides into bed next to me. “All the training, completely undone. And you won’t want that lab in the house when it grows, either.” She says, rubbing her temples and nudging Ranger out of the way with a huff. She gives me a look, and I return a pout. How could I leave them on the harsh, cold floor when they could be warm in bed with us?