Stephen Strange Holmes: A Journey of Magic and Faith

Chapter Fourteen: Christmas in the Moon Crown

Stephen hung the tiny red ball on the twig he'd managed to put in a jar. "And I have my first Charlie Brown Christmas tree," he said. He chuckled to himself. "Who would have thought?" Despite the size of Kamar-Taj, there was no way he could get away with his usual Christmas extravagance. He wasn't even sure if sorcerers celebrated holidays like others did. But he'd managed to find a couple items for the Ancient One, Mordo, and, yes, even Wong.

Thanks to his finances, he'd been able to purchase a fine tea set with old Celtic imagery and natural teas for the Ancient One. For Mordo he found wrist guards set with some semi-precious stones meant to offer protection (whether they actually did or not, Stephen had no idea) and a Kingdom Hearts keyring of Riku's Way to Dawn. Wong, well, books obviously. He'd managed to find an old copy of the Holy Bible in both Latin and English. Then just as a joke, he'd tossed in a couple Beyonce and Adele albums.

Christine . . . he could only hope she'd like them. During his search for the antique Bibles, he'd come across a modern English version with a beautiful, soft teal cover. He paired it with a journal with embossed roses and a necklace holding an amethyst crystal woven with golden wire. He still wasn't too sure how much stock he put in the beliefs of stones having energy, but he couldn't deny that with his new line of work, he couldn't be too careless with Christine's safety.

All the packages had arrived at Kamar-Taj where Stephen had taken the time to ensure they were properly wrapped. He'd have to send Christine's back to the States because the hospital needed her on call over the holidays. He had hoped she'd be able to come, but it wasn't to be. He'd drop Wong's present in the library, the Ancient One's gifts he'd leave in her sanctuary, and Mordo's gifts he'd give when they spent an evening together.

He sighed. Who would have thought that this would be his life? Buying presents for sorcerers and being on the opposite side of the world for Christmas.

His phone interrupted his train of thought. He smiled at the caller ID. "Hi, beautiful."

"Hey, handsome," Christine returned. "How are things going today?"

"Oh, just thinking about how odd Christmas is this year," Stephen said. He grimaced. "Your gifts may be a bit late this year."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, was hoping you'd be here, but now I'll have to ship them back to the States," Stephen said.

"Hm, better late than never," Christine said. "But you do know I miss you most of all, right?"

"Always nice to have verbal confirmation," Stephen said. He rolled his eyes as he heard a knock on his door. "Just a sec. Someone's at the door. I'm guessing Mordo."

"I'll wait," Christine said.

Stephen lowered his cellphone as he opened the door. His jaw dropped.

Christine stood before him in all her Christmas loveliness, grinning like the cat that got the cream.

Stephen raised the phone to his mouth again, grinning with mischief. "It would seem I'll have to call you back. A ministering angel just appeared at my door."

"I hope she treats you well," Christine replied impishly as she hung up.

"How on earth?"

"Mordo thought it up," Christine answered, nodding to where Mordo was standing to the side.

"How? Why?"

"And let you two lovebirds languish over the holidays?" Mordo said. "I think not. The Ancient One and I agreed we should celebrate Christmas just a little early for the two of you."

"I have the next two days off," Christine said. "Mordo transported everything I need through a portal, and either of you would be able to return me in plenty of time."