Early the next day, Lucius watched the children playing and laughing with each other as Raven prepared to return home. "I wish I could stay, but Priscilla wants me home as soon as possible. You know how it is."

His friend smiled. "No, actually, I don't. I believe I was always the one that worried about you."

"Ha! You always worry about me!" Raven said, only half joking.

Neither of them spoke for the last few minutes it took for Raven to be ready to set out. Lucius straightened his new clasp and took a deep breath before meeting the taller man's eyes. "May Saint Elimine bless your journey."

"Bye." Raven said, kissing the monk's forehead. "I'll miss you." The door shut behind him and, just like that, he was gone. Vanished into the snowy hills.

He half wished the door would open again, that the Saint herself would change nature's laws and allow his friend to stay. A small hand crawled into his. "Don't worry Father, he'll be back next year."

"You're right, Rosie. I shouldn't worry about him so much."

"But it's not him you're worried about, is it?"

"Oh my gosh. Rei, stop being dark and creepy."

"Like you're any better, Chad."

Lucius turned and glared at the two. "Really? You're going to spoil your holiday spirit this early? Raven may have left, but that doesn't mean Christmas is over. Come on, that last pie needs eating."

Well, I hope you liked this. Please review because it makes me so happy to hear from you all.

Quite honestly, I get really sad when I have a story with no reviews for too long.