Elric
@Atem
Santas reach knows all
In the ancient and mystical world of Melniboné, where magic and swordplay intertwined in the tapestry of legend, there dwelt a figure of sorrow and power – Elric of Melniboné, the albino emperor with the soul-drinking sword Stormbringer. On a special Christmas Eve, a time unknown to the world of Melniboné, a visitor from a realm far beyond its borders was making his way through the veil of reality. Santa Claus, the bringer of joy and merriment from Earth's folklore, was embarking on a journey to meet the brooding and tragic Elric.
Santa’s mission was a delicate one. He sought to visit Elric, a being who bore the weight of immense sorrows and burdens, a ruler of a fading empire and a warrior bound to a cursed blade. In his sleigh, guided by the mysterious forces that governed his Christmas Eve travels, Santa crossed into the realm of Melniboné.
Landing softly in the heart of Imrryr, the Dreaming City, Santa stepped out into a world vastly different from the cheerful and snowy landscapes he was accustomed to. The city was hauntingly beautiful, its spires and architecture a testament to an ancient and sophisticated civilization.
Santa found Elric in the imperial chambers, his pale figure almost blending into the alabaster walls of the room. The Emperor was lost in thought, his haunted crimson eyes reflecting the deep turmoil of his soul.
"Elric of Melniboné," Santa began, his voice warm yet carrying a weight of understanding. "I come from a distant land with a gift, for even those who walk the path of tragedy and power need a moment of respite."
From his sack, Santa produced a small, exquisitely crafted music box. It was adorned with intricate designs reminiscent of both Melnibonéan art and the simpler styles of Earth. When opened, it played a haunting melody, one that seemed to transcend worlds and speak to the heart.
"This," Santa said, offering the music box to Elric, "is a gift of peace, a melody from my world to yours, to bring a moment of tranquility to your troubled spirit."
Elric, taken aback by this unexpected visitor and his gift, gazed at the music box. For a moment, as the melody filled the chamber, the weight of his crown, the sorrow of his lost love, and the burden of Stormbringer seemed to lift slightly.
"Why bring such a gift to me?" Elric asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and despair.
Santa replied, "Because, Elric, even in a world where joy seems fleeting, there is always a place for hope and peace, even if just for a moment. This Christmas, I bring a piece of that hope to you."
Elric nodded silently, a rare flicker of gratitude in his eyes. Santa, sensing his time there was done, took his leave, his sleigh ascending into the night sky, leaving the world of Melniboné behind.
As the melody of the music box lingered in the air, Elric of Melniboné found himself contemplating the strange visitor and his gift. For a brief time, the music offered a respite from his eternal struggle, a reminder that even in the darkest of tales, there can be moments of light and peace.
That Christmas Eve, in the Dreaming City of Imrryr, as the stars shone brightly above the ancient kingdom of Melniboné, Elric sat quietly, the music box by his side, its melody a gentle echo in the vast tapestry of his tragic and powerful life.
@Atem
Santas reach knows all