#Pretend I didn't just ramble on for five years in a drabble about how Tired Elwin is

[phoenix-flamed]

Thank you, @stingslikeabee , for showing me that Reddit post about the Northern Territories lore, because it enabled me to finally wordvomit this brainworm that's been sitting in my drafts.

The roses were in bloom back home. The castle gardens were no doubt bursting with color now that the seasons had shifted and the veil of snow had melted away, but it was always the roses that Elwin inevitably thought back to on his campaigns. They reminded him of Anabella, and of Clive, and now of little Joshua as well -- of the unbridled love he felt for all three of them, and of his ever-present desire to return home to them, that he might gaze upon the roses with them once more.

By now, and across the many summers since his youthful days at his father's side, he had witnessed the various seasons of the northern territories. He had trudged through sometimes knee-deep, sometimes waist-deep layers of snow, shuddered from the biting, unforgiving winds of the coldest months that seemed to stretch on into eternity; he had basked in the sunlight on its warmer days, where children from the local settlements played just near enough to the former Duke's temporary encampments, that his eldest son was able to watch them -- and sometimes join in their merriment for a little while. He had mused over the earlier arrival of snow flurries compared to back at Rosalith, and he had found the crunching and cracking of what few dead leaves remained to be a comforting sound in the otherwise stillness and quietness of their surroundings. It was as if the land itself had nestled into slumber to await the next coming of spring. And of course, he had gazed upon the growing patches of green as they emerged from their sleep beneath the snow and ice, and with their rousing did they bring along colorful little buds that would soon enough bloom once more, undeterred by the fighting that waged on around them, or the blood that seeped into the soil in place of water, or the clashing of ideals that rang as hauntingly loud as the clashing of steel.

Unbothered, even, by the looming threat of the Blight as it crept closer and closer towards them. Like a cold and merciless death, a finality so vastly different than the temporary sleep brought on by the winter months.

Conflicts and skirmishes with their northern neighbors were nothing new. But this was something different, something more; this was, simply put, war. What had prompted the assault by Silvermane and his men was inconsequential, in the grand scheme of things. They had chosen to march upon Rosaria's door to trade blows, and so Rosaria would do what it must do -- and so too would Elwin Rosfield. The fight for Kanver's independence was, for the time being, a distant memory in his mind, frozen and encased in the ice of the Northern Territories, buried between blankets of snow.

The campfire was almost dead; its embers would soon flicker out entirely, but the Archduke seemed not to mind, or maybe he didn't notice. His attention seemed focused elsewhere, somewhere in the distance but beneath the horizon that was barely discernible through the sea of trees and the melting stalactites that dangled from their branches. Elwin was no longer the youth he had been, and though his years didn't number overly many, those years since his father's passing had most assuredly taken their toll. The natural furrow to his brow was all that much heavier now, as the weight of his experiences sat heavy on his countenance. Lines and wrinkles, like cracks in a once flawless mask, allowed his sorrows and worries to seep through just as much as it allowed his determination and resolve to display in full. The callouses on his hands had hardened all the more from combat, and the scars upon his equally as roughened form had only multiplied with each battle, regardless of its outcome. But the latter of these things were concealed oh so carefully beneath chainmail and leather, and topped with that familiar red hue that was a staple of the ducal royal line's garments.

Even his surcoat, sewn and stitched with such extensive care and pride to mirror the ones worn by the rulers before him, was somewhat worn and faded. The vibrancy of its color had dulled from both age and stress, and one could argue that the same could be said of Elwin's ocean-green eyes as well.

Unlike those who came before him, he sought at every turn for a more peaceable solution to conflicts. The knowledge that in a few short bells, the fighting against Silvermane's men would resume in force, left him wondering if he was fit to wear this outfit, just as it left him wondering if he was fit to occupy the throne -- even as a mere placeholder ruler. So many questions flitted through the brunette's mind; what could he have done to prevent this? What happened? Why did it come to this? And why now, of all times? (Though he suspected he understood the answer to the last question, it was nonetheless difficult to swallow.) Geir Warrick, though not in control of every settlement of people across his lands, had always proven to be an honorable, sensible man during the times that his father had treated with him. And while the silver-haired ruler's strength and prowess as a fighter was nothing short of impressive, giving credence to the meaning of his given name, the aspect of him that Elwin respected the most had always been his dedication. Because while Geir was relentless in combat, he was also relentless in doing what was best or right for his people. If that meant staying his hand, then he would stay his hand; if it meant fighting, then he would take up his spear and press on without hesitation or regret. In that regard, he did remind Elwin of his own father.

The Northern Territories and Rosaria had never been friendly, no -- at least not in recent history. But to outright declare war on the duchy again? Unlike the king, and unlike his father before him, the reigning Archduke was not so eager to march onward with this war. Not with a second war waging in the south, even if he did know that Anabella was more than capable of handling the ongoing political concerns and disputes back in Rosalith, as well as the diplomatic relations regarding the trundling Kanver situation, while he contended with this situation in the North.

Eyes dropped to half-closed. A deep sigh was exhaled, reminding him of just how cold the temperature had dropped during this night, and he finally withdrew his attention from the particular patch of greenery that he'd been so fixated on 'til then. The buds of flowers had begun to sprout, and it wouldn't be long until they, too, blossomed across these lands. While Elwin had outgrown the days of making wishes to Metia in hopes that they might be delivered to the moon, if there was one last wish he longed to have placed at the moon's feet so that she might carry it to the heavens... It was that Geir, too, had a garden of roses that would be blooming soon, that he too might gaze upon their blooms with his queen and daughter, and his heart be swayed by their love.

[strongsassysexysloane]

Eleventh Day of Twelve - A Tired but Treasured Day

A/N - Look at that! We are second from the end! Thank you to all the comments and love! Really appreciate it, it's been a long week!

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Read previous drabbles below.

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You walked into the office clinging to your cup of coffee. It felt like you were just here and you were, only five hours ago. This time however it was your own doing. You'd found a tiny shred of evidence to go on and had to follow it before the trail went cold. Then it lead to Gibbs and Nick finding the killer in a warehouse in town and bringing him in at just after 0100. You didn't finish interrogating until 0200 and it was now 0730. Coffee, coffee needed to be pumped into you to wake up this morning and a constant flow throughout the day would be required.

To your delight there was a hot cup sitting on your desk as you walked into the bullpen. No note so you assumed this time it wasn't from your gift giver. Day 11 and no one had spilled the beans or gone looking at the cameras like they wanted to on day one.

"Gibbs dropped it off about five minutes ago before he went down to get a report from Kasie who wasn't pleased to be called in so early." Ellie explained while leaning back in her chair and sipping her coffee. "He brought one for all of us."

"Christmas miracles do happen." Nick grinned, dropping his small cup in the trash. "Done."

"It's not a race. You just slugged all your energy for the next three hours."

"Oh please, I've stayed up later and come to work more tired before. Remember the November incident." He waved off.

"I still feel hungover from it." Ellie grumbled, scrunching her nose at the memory of Tequila.

"Please don't remind me." Tim groaned. "Plus I'm not allowed anymore Tequila, Delilah's orders."

"She may be on to something." You ran your hand through your hair, smirking at the banter. Turning on your computer for the day, you saw the next gift hanging from your desk lamp. It was beautiful, a little teddy bear carved out of marble with a shimmering purple and green crown sitting on its head.

"Day 11, the gift giver strikes again." You rolled your eyes at Nick's words while holding the Christmas decoration in your hand, running your thumb over the intricate detail.

It was sweet, a cute addition to your small Christmas tree at home. You'd put it up on December one. That was your tradition and some years it didn't seem worth it but you made the effort. Being alone on Christmas sucked, there was no way around it but this year you were making an effort to not sulk about it. The secret gift giver certainly lifted the spirit as well.

Your tree wasn't over the top but a nice addition to your home. This would fit perfectly front and centre and you made sure of it.

The day was relatively easy. The office banter keeping the spirits going with a good supply of caffeine. It was really just a lot of paper work and then you were set free around mid afternoon to try and have that weekend off. This time Vance made sure the team wouldn't be called in. There were other agents to take the call after all.

You'd missed Jack most of the day and didn't want to interrupt her as she was head deep in evals for the end of year. Instead you decided to shoot her a text when you got home.

- Just wanted to say have a good weekend. Didn't want to interrupt your head mojo.

You knew she'd get a kick out of it and you weren't mistaken.

- Head mojo hey? Smarty in the evening just like you said. Missed you today, didn't realise how many evals I still had to do before I went on my trip. Now I'm back logged and still at work.

It was just hitting 1830 which was a late one for Jack on a Friday. She was always hurrying along at the end of the week to make sure by the time 1700 hit she was out the door.

- I hope you are either finishing for the evening or planning on having dinner while you work. It's getting late, Jack.

- No need to worry about little old me. I need to get these done, I'll grab a bite later. Enjoy your night.

An idea popped to mind, you grabbed your coat and car keys and headed back out into the snowfall with your blue scarf still wrapped around your neck.

Thankfully, you weren't too far from the Navy yard and the Diner was just a five minute detour on the route. You called ahead so the food was ready when you got there and still warm when you knocked on her door.

"Come in, y/n."

You huffed, opening the door. "Now how could you possibly know it was me?"

Jack was sitting on her couch, shoes off, legs crossed and glasses tugging her hair back and sitting on her head. "You didn't reply, you always reply. And you care too much." She got up, placing her laptop on the coffee table and walking up to you.

Those were a lot of compliments you weren't entirely prepared for. You thought Jack was the one that cared a lot, but never too much. "I think I care just the right amount but I can eat this all by myself if you'd prefer?" You smirked, pretending to walk back out but Jack caught your arm.

"I didn't mean it like that. I lo-ike that you care so much." She ran her hand up and down your arm a few times before dropping it away. Her warm comforting smile turned into a cute frown. "And don't you dare walk out on me now that youve made all this effort to come here." She took a deep breath in. "Is that two cheeseburgers and fries?"

The frown and the way her nose twitched at the smell was completely adorable. "With a side of gravy. Wasn't sure if you liked it on your fries or not." You shrugged, missing the soft and loving look Jack gave, you walked past her and sat at one end of the couch, unpacking the bag of food. "Come, sit." You urged, patting the spot beside you as she just stood there and watched.

With a soft smile curving her lips, she came around after a beat and sat exactly where you said to. She took the small pot of gravy and poured it over her fries before pouring the rest over yours. "Thank you."

You bumped her shoulder lightly. "Anytime. Can't have Jack Sloane Hangry and loose in DC." That got you a slap on the knee but it was worth it as her hand soothed the spot she hit and stayed there for a while until it was time to eat.

"Didn't mean to ruin your Friday night plans either." She took a huge bite of the burger.

Between bites you managed an answer, "You mean my big watching The Holiday movie while eating a cup of noodles or the one where I go to sleep at 7pm because im living on about four hours sleep right now."

Skipping over how tired you were she jumped at the mention of the movie. "That's my favourite Christmas movie! It's got the best of both worlds! The sun of LA and the cold winter wonderland of the UK. God, I haven't watched that in years! My mum and I went to the movies to watch it and then every Christmas after we'd watch it together, some people had Love Actually, we had The Holiday. Guess I stopped watching when mum passed." She ate a few more fries. "Wow, Jack, way to ruin the good mood. Sorry. Got lost for a moment there."

You liked it when she rambled. She always would say so many interesting things and you just loved to hear her voice. You prayed the day never came when you wouldn't hear it anymore. "Don't apologize-" You held up your hand to stop her from butting in. "- And, no it's not because of Gibbs silly rule. I enjoy hearing about your past about things you love or did. The Holiday is a sweet movie, my must watch in December along with The Grinch, Home Alone and many more. I try my best to keep the holiday spirits up when I'm by myself for them which has been the last many."

"I enjoy hearing you talk too." She smiled, taking a massive bite of her burger and filling up her cheeks.

There was no silence after that. The evals were put to the side and you talked for what seemed like hours. Talking about childhood Christmas' and silly stories to cringe worthy dating moments over this time of year. It wasn't until you couldn't keep your mouth shut from yawning that you said good night around 2300.

"Sorry you didn't get your evals done." You sing over the roof of your car as Jack unlocked her Mini.

"Don't be. I'm happy to come in tomorrow because tonight was fun!" Her genuine smile told you that she wasn't lying. You could read people pretty well and most times Jack Sloane was an enigma to you but right now you knew she was telling the truth.

"Good night, Jack."

She opened her car door before adding. "Enjoy your movie!"

You yawned with a laugh. "You're kidding right? I'm going to sleep, I'll watch it tomorrow now."

"Fair, good night y/n. Sweet Dreams!"

. . . .

Who doesn't want this to end? Me. But I also maybe, slightly want a break from writing every day. It's been fun but tiring. I've enjoyed it a lot though! I love this time of year, if only I wasn't working in retail.