Part 1 : She Leaves

My bondmate ended his life, and they have said this was my fault, for causing him shame. I have been banished.

I stay with Jim's Uncle Bill, a boisterous man fond of bad singing. I love him dearly. Sarek says I may one day come back. But do I want to?

Though he does not try to prosleytize me, Uncle Bill teaches me of Christmas, and its traditions. I am told of a man who does naught but love children and make them gifts. There are worse myths than this.

We two are going to the North Pole for Christmas.

 Part 2 : She Searches

We were shown a reindeer. Some were thrown that it was not cuddly. I found it beautiful.

Some thought it odd that a Vulcan should be at The Arctic Circle. But Hellguard was cold. Despite the heat, I have found Vulcan even colder.

Unseen by Uncle Bill, I make my way across the Circle, to seek Saint Nicholas. All legends have a base in fact.

Before the cold takes, I see a bright village that should not be. I will make this place my home, and here, I will be happy. For Santa will not turn me away.

Part 3 : She Finds

When I awake, I am in the presence of Santa Claus. He is indeed the Bishop from Asia Minor, made Immortal by his faith and philanthropy.

He tells me that I may dwell in that place, where he no longer makes toys, but rather, puts extra joy into gifts given and received. I am pleased. Sri Sarek and Sra Amanda are good people. But I am so alone on Vulcan. There is no one there who is just for me. I wish there was.

Santa then asks me if I will deliver a gift for him. My joy is complete.
 Part 4 : They Look To Find Her....

 "In the news, a Vulcan child named Saavik, the adopted daughter of Captain James Kirk, has vanished while visiting The Arctic Circle."

"This could be the second such tragedy to strike at Captain Kirk, who lost his adopted son and nephew six years earlier."

"In an odd twist, a note was found from the young woman stating her desire to find if the legends of Father Christmas are at all real."

"Perhaps odder is the public reaction to this. When polled, most said they hope she finds him."

"This world is with you, Saavik, as you search for Santa Claus."

 Part 5 : She Gives A Gift.....

In my new home with Saint Nicholas, I must earn my keep. So it is that I exit through an odd door, to deliver some gifts. They are two earthenware bowls.

In a land not cold, I see a boy crying. I see a distant procession. His bowls have shattered. Perhaps he cannot feed himself, now. My gift is so welcomed, he forgets to be afraid of me.

He stretches skins over the bowls, and joins the procession. These are now sounders, which he plays for a newborn. The child smiles at us both.

I have given and received a gift.

Part 6 : She Must Leave....

I see in Santa's eyes that I may not stay here any longer. But I have no regrets. He has been kind, and shown me about giving. I will leave this place, but it will not so easily leave me.

I fall into the ice and snow as I leave. Strong, comforting arms then grasp me up. It is Sro Jim--my adoptive father.

"Bones, I've found her!"

"Good news. The frostbite's mostly superficial. Your little girl's a tough one."

"Bones---I swear I saw a house around here---"

"Jim, the cold and ice can make you believe----anything."

 FOUR YEARS LATER....

The coverage of my rescue forced T'Pau to undo my unjust banishment. I was returned to Vulcan. I miss my Uncle Bill.

They all took pains to tell me that what I saw was an illusion brought on by the cold. I never believed them.

Santa said my loneliness would end. I would find someone who was just for me.

This Christmas night, I climb into his bed, but not to mate or 'pet'. We merely hold each other and are happy. I write a special, undeliverable letter.

"Dear Santa--thank you for my Peter. I will love him always."

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Writer's Note : (Contains a secret)

Love And Loss. Joy And Sorrow. God's Gift and a Slaughter ordered by a wicked king. The dreaded family reunion. The joyful family reunion. Bright Lights and grimmest poverty. How can one day possibly contain it all?

We find it in a boy who finds a nice little tree, despite the taunts. We find it in a kind old philanthropist, vilified roundly by Right And Left.

Did this story work for you? Being a series of drabbles, did it cut out too much? Did it seem too silly, even using an AU Saavik? Please let me know---and Merry Christmas!