Mistletoe Mischief

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frost, the dim light casting a glow on the wooden floor. I stretched, the blankets rustling around me, and took a deep b

s in the mirror. I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day. I could feel it in my bones, like the hum of magic that always surrounded me. I made my way downsta

the woman behind the counter, her face lighting up with a friendly smile. I continued down the street, my eyes scanning the storefronts for any "Help Wanted" signs. I wasn't used to my han

hummed in the background, a steady rhythm that seemed to pulse with the lifeblood of Frostpeak. I'd never thought of working for a timber mill; didn't really know exactly what a timber mill did but

was louder here, the hum filling the air and vibrating under my feet. I walked up to the reception desk,

voice friendly and welcomi

in her presence. "I'm looking for a job," I said, m

I could see the curiosity in her gaze, the unspoken questions. But she didn't ask, i

ls were lined with photographs of the town, the images capturing the essence of Frostpeak-the snow-covered streets, the twinkling

petite stature by at least a foot, their expressions stern. They were again dressed in thick flannel shirts and jeans, their thick arms an

and. His voice was gruff, his grip firm. "An

f connection, a spark that I couldn't quite explain. "I'm Lumi," I said, my voice embarrassingly breathy as the fl

uff, stern loggers. And did I mention they were probably a foot taller than me and twice as wide with muscles? We were like night and day, oil

ruff. "Especially not... uh, elves?" He said the word like i

ry common," I said. "But I'm a hard worker, and stronger than I loo

indness in his eyes, a warmth that was lacking in his broth

I said. "I'm good with numbers, I'm organized, I'm great

een them. I could see the wheels turning in their minds, the calculations an

rative work," he said, motioning with his chin to the friendly receptionist who had originally greeted me now on the phone

itement washing over me. "I'm up for anythi