By: Ellodin Posted on: December 31, 2014
The fens seemed all placid, the vipers at rest,
but the misty keep's lady felt rage ill-repressed:
"I invited all Sapience to my masquerade
and they thanked me then - now they all cower, afraid!"
Belladona's voice boomed as she stomped through her halls.
As she plotted a night of acts crueler than balls,
an idea was formed - why not just crash their fun?
She decided this was the way Logosmas'd be done.
Off she flew past a village that stood in a copse
when an errant balloon flew right past her and popped!
Filled with water, it splashed on the vampiress' dress.
She expected the culprits to swiftly confess
but she knew not the Longtails, the mischief they caused,
that an angered vampiress would not give them pause,
so they hid in the trees as the cruel woman searched,
seeing her walk to one family's warm, charming porch.
"How unlucky, the Strausses!" thought those who could see
for the residents were a sweet, widely-loved three.
Belladona looked 'round ere she knocked on the door,
Mrs. Strauss was inviting, saying, "Make room for four!"
Little Elsa sprang up, swiftly fetching a chair,
why'd it seem no one minded the vampiress' glare?
Was this village so brave that not one child felt fear?
Was this bright, cheerful mood simply Logosmas cheer?
With a tentative smile, Bella entered the house
and was met by the smell of a slow-cooking grouse.
Something stirred deep within her, a dream of the past,
of a young noble's childhood when prospects seemed vast,
so she sat with the Strausses to share in their meal.
As the family ate, they took turns telling tales
of great wonders that filled even Bella with awe
until midnight drew near and she chose to withdraw.
Belladona retired back to her dark keep
as the people of Sapience headed to sleep.
Though the feeling of wonder would swiftly wear off
and her evening's actions would cause her to scoff,
it was no doubt a holiday she would remember
for the night had passed by with no mortal dismembered.
The fens had been tranquil, but with her return
an oppressive gloom settled - the night was adjourned.