[chromatic.]

Username:kdougfang
Name:Cain De Cole
Gender:Male
Short story:
As you dash through the snow on your one horse open sleigh
Down the chimney he goes, sweeping the dirt away---jingle bells

He could smell the chestnuts that roasted on the open fire
The fire that kept jack frost from nipping at your nose
He sung the yuletide carols as he swept, as good as a choir
Catching the ears of plumies dressed like Eskimos------Sheryl Crow- the Christmas song

Once he was done it was a silent night, a holy night
All the soot was gone and the fire lite bright
'Round the fire was mother and child
They invited him in and he stayed a while
Yes all was well and at peace
And he slept in heavenly peace----silent night

[Anza]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Username :: Aqua.Rose
Name :: Ashlynn
Gender :: Female
Short story :: The fire crackled with joy somewhere below Ashlynn, warming someones heart and filling there souls with the undeniable happiness that winter brought with her as she swept the world. And although the frost bit at there little noses, young ones pranced around in the fresh powder. There checks red from the excitement as well as the cold. The adults would be gathering around the fire observing there young from the inside but not willing to take a leap and join them. They would be cozy, sipping tea or cider, disusing the many things that have occurred. Often Ashlynn would crawl through the dark tunnels towards the light of the blaze, she would get close but keep afar. Fire was her respected friend, it wouldn't harm her as long as she didn't harm it. She loved the crackling of the flames, the sent of the ashes, because she was in her own little world. Wrapped in a cocoon of warmth, away from the cold, away from the blaze.

"Could you believe what has happened?" A voice from the room below echoed through the chimney. Although Ashlynn hated ease dropping, curiosity got the better of her this time. Slowly, she lowered herself even further down to listen.

"No! I was so stunned when I heard the news too!"
"That poor Ashlynn girl has been missing for some time now. Sad to think we were going to invite her over for dinner!"
"Yes, but then again she's often missing. Going off on a walk through the woods, falling asleep in a chimney...I just pray that she didn't burn herself. Playing with fire is serious business! She can curse us all with her lack of control!"
"True, shall we take a stroll and invite her over now? She might be back."
"Yes, lets go."

They exited the house with there scarves and hats as Ashlynn slipped down the chimney into the room. She rolled her eyes remembering her neighbors discussion. She loved them truly, but they could never understand when she simply wanted to be alone. They worried to much, and the talk about misfortune... ever scenes the day Ashlynn had survived a major fire that turned her home to ashes they have claimed she was a sorceress, never able to be burned, the one who brings misery. That was the reason behind her avoiding the town citizens, tired of astounded looks and rude whispers, she had learned to prefer silence. Or as much silence as the fire could offer.

But tonight she would go back to her own home, warm her own heart near a blaze as strong as the one within her. And perhaps the future would bring her a spark of light. Perhaps faint as a flare from the burning wood, but strong all the same. The powdered snow would build on the window, but the fire would keep her warm. And the chimneys would keep her comfort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

[Moonpaw and Icyheart]

Username: Moonpaw and Icyheart
Name: Charlie
Gender: Male
Short story: (from the mouth of Charlie) "One day i was cleaning a customer's chimney, all of a sudden i heard bells. i'll never forget what i saw that night. i looked up and saw good old Santa Claus ""Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!" he said i smiled and waved next thing i know there's a present in my paws i heard Santa laugh as he flew away "oh oh oh Merry Christmas!" i smiled wide "AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR" i yelled. from that point on i've always believed in Santa Claus."

[RainbowCharizard]

Username: RainbowCharizard
Name: Flint, referencing a piece of flint used with steel to produce an igniting spark
Gender: Male
Short story: A small, glowing spark, growing in intensity as it made its way upward in a lazy spiral, alighted upon the wall of the chimney before sputtering out. Many such sparks were released, elegantly dancing to the top, but none made it very far before succumbing to the cold night air, becoming dusty grey flecks of ash which blended in with the smoke. The fire from which these sparks arose licked hungrily at its brick enclosure, drawing energy from the wood piled at its base. A young plumerian coughed and sniffled uncomfortably, his ravaged lungs producing breath tinged with smoke and soot. He sat, warming his paws and shifting uneasily in the cold, but savoring the heat the small, sparking flame provided. His fur was blackened and unkempt, but small orange flecks in his fur stood out. Perhaps his fur had once been full of this brilliant orange color, but now he, just as a spark, was sputtering out, and would become one with the smoke and ash and dust.

[Dewey]

possible reserve c:

username Dewey
name Bert (from Mary Poppins)
gender Male
short story

[clouds-move-on]

Username: ☁Lady Raincloud☁
Name: Smithy S. Smith "Jack"
Gender: Male
Short story:

Holiday Decorating With Smithy...

"I do say." exclaimed a voice in the darkness. "It is rather chilly isn't it?"

This voice came from the voice of that of a man, a human man, who was standing at the window of their cottage, staring out into the snow with a dreary expression. He had hoped a bit of idle chat would get is utterly silent wife out of her blank state of staring... and yet she did not reply to one word he said to her. I know... he thought to himself I know what her thoughts have lingered off too...

"It shall just be another of those years." He added, turning to look at the distraught face of his wife. "Look, darling... we... need to find a way to move on now.... It has been over two years since Lizzie... well... left on this very day, but... She... She wouldn't want us to be sad... We have mourned and... will forever mourn for her... but... we cannot stop living because she has left us. Besides," continued the man with a sad smile. "We still have Jack."

"That boy never visits us." the lady replied as she rocked back and forth on her rocking chair, her fingers busily fidgeting with her knitting. "He has gone and ruined himself... Oh dear lord... I only wish we had another chance... I wish we could have another chance is all I ever want... A chance to do something right for once."

"It is not our fault dear!" replied her husband, bending down on one knee and staring up into her eyes. "Jack is not completely ruined. He is just having a hard time now. As for Lizzie... her death was inevitable."

"But I wish we had another chance! To fix everything... our family has fallen apart, especially since Lizzie died. I just wish that there was someone to help us."

"It is Christmas eve." Her husband said after a moments pause. "Perhaps... a miracle will happen."

-------- Time Skip --------

It was now Christmas day. The husband awoke before his wife, with an odd feeling, as though a warm, comforting breeze was blowing past in. But it was winter. The air was freezing cold. What could it be?

The man headed downstairs, when her heard a strange shuffling sound. He thought it was just, perhaps, rats and mice scuffling about. But to his astonishment, when he arrived downstairs, the room was a clutter of festive decorations. In the middle of it all was a strange creature... a bit like a large cat, with dark fur, and a yellow scarf.

He was hurriedly decorating the house, with the help of a large black cat and a snowy owl. It was rather comical to look at. The plumerian - for that is what it was - was hurrying his comrades along, a cup of steaming coco in one paw and a string of jolly Christmas lights on the other.

The poor man was awestruck, and a bit afraid, so that he merely stood there gaping.

"Morning to you sir!" greeted the young plumie, handing the befuddled husband the coco. "And a jolly good Christmas I wish you. We just stopped by to help you... be a bit less... cheerless."

So saying this, he smiled brightly, when there was a smash as a Christmas bulb broke as the owl tried to hang it on the healthy potted fir in the center of the room. "Oy!" shouted the plumie. "Do be careful! Those cost good money!"

The owl gave him an angry look, and quickly hurried to do something else, leaving the plumerian to instruct the act to sweep up the shards... which she could not exactly do properly.

"It was supposed to be a surprise." said the plumie with a small smile.

The man still looked awestruck, and the young adult plumerian had to lead him to a chair.

"I probably should have informed you I was coming." Whispered the plumie to the man. "I have just been busy you see... and I know you two have been feeling... well... I just wanted to help you. Especially mother."

There was a long silence, and after a few minutes, the man smiled. "Jack." he said. "Lizzie would have loved all this... she loved Christmas... in fact, we adopted you on Christmas. Remember? It was so long ago now..."

"Liz always loved the decorations." The plumie, or, Jack, said sadly, with a small trance of a melancholy smile. "But she loved to see you two happy even more... I know my current job has not payed very well... But things are beginning to look up now. I may not be your real son, father, and I know I will never replace Lizzie in your heart, but I promise one thing. Jack Smithy will never let you down. I have saved up a lot of money to buy everything you see here. But it is worth it if it reminds you of all the good times before... before her death. I hope it helps you to remember Liz when she was alive, happy and well. Christmas is a day to rejoice in the life of a savior and be thankful to all those who love us. Never forget that. It is a day to be joyful over the life that once was Lizzie for us as well as those... So merry Christmas father. And may the Lord God bless you."

-------- Time Skip --------

When the lady of the house awoke she was delighted to see her beloved adoptive son and husband downstairs, surrounded by beautiful decorations and looking happier than they had in ages. She felt the same warm feeling they all felt. And she felt for once that Lizzie was back.

She realized that Lizzie would always be with them in their hearts and mind. She rejoiced in the life that once was. She rejoiced to think that Lizzie was in heaven and watching over them that Christmas, and every day of their life.

The broken family felt happy once more.

The end.

[darkenedmammal]

username:
hello there! my name is shadow.of.the.wolf, pleasure to meet you.
currently the proud owner of one plume, #302 or mysterium.
i have permission from thistlestar to use his plumerian, hallia.

name:
i'd name him aldean, nicknamed aldy by friends. aldean is an old english name meaning old friend.
i thought it suited the idea i had for him so i went with it.

gender:
i can only see this cutie-pie as a boy, and that's what i'll make him.

short story:
softly falling from the sky, snow was tumbling like a slowly forming carpet, a blanket on the world.
aldy trudged forward, his paws were numb and cold, but his eyes were warm and kind, the eyes of one who knew pain.
the kind orphan never knew his parents, but had been raised by a caring couple in an orphanage, a couple which taught him how to be generous and kind, how to search for the light in others eyes. his hat was his only warmth on this winter night as he headed home after another day at his work as a chimney sweeper. covered in soot and ashes he just wanted to get home, clean up and have a nice warm meal.

that day was a very special day, for it was the twenty fourth december, christmas eve. that morning he had headed out, hoping to earn a little more cash to buy something for himself, something small and not grand at all, he was a very modest plumerian and not one for big celebrations. he turned his head, a sudden light not too far ahead blinding him in the nights pitch black darkness. "what are you doing out there! it's freezing out tonight!" somebody hollered, their voice sharp and clear on the silent christmas night. "i'm heading home, that's all." he replied, his voice a little dry. "i can't just leave another out in the cold on christmas eve! come on in, i've got plenty of room in here." he could not believe his luck. quickly padding inside, he was greeted by a quiet smile, one that was sincere to the fullest extent but didn't reach the other plumerian's eyes. "my names mysterium. you're welcome to spend the night here if you'd like. we've got plenty of room here." she said, her voice almost like velvet to his ears, her voice spoke kindness and was oh so very dear. the voice of one who was used to taking care of others. "thank you very much miss mysterium, i'd love to spend the night. my name is aldean, but most just call me aldy." he replied smoothly, clearing his voice quickly to clear up the dryness within it. "you can put your hat up on the coat rack there" she added politely, pointing over to a coat rack, one holding up a few winter coats, along with a hat or two, slowly dripping water onto the floor, where a towel was placed to stop the floor from getting excessively wet. he slipped off his hat, but left the scarf on, it was rude to wear a hat inside, and he was raised as a gentleman so no less was expected of him. the gentle plumerian spoke a little ashamed, "i'm terribly sorry, but i'm covered in soot and ashes, i wouldn't want any of that all over your carpets and floors". mysterium gave a little laugh, a sparkle in her cool blue eyes, he noticed now they seemed to almost have gray wisps floating behind them. "it's not problem, i'm sure hallia, my friend, and her friend, wont mind." she answered cheerily, most likely imagining her friends reaction. "do come in, we've got plenty to eat and do here, hallia and her friend will probably love you." she continued, gesturing with her head the living room just down the hall. he grinned happily, and walked alongside mysterium as they went inside the warm and cozy house.

they laughed, they talked and they ate, and by the time deep into the night, aldean felt very much at home with the two girls. he went to sleep that night fulfilled, happy, and safe. he woke up at the crack of dawn, on habit, and roamed the house in search of his new friend mysterium. after failing to find her, he softly woke up the sleeping hallia, and murmured "would you happen to know where mysterium went?" to which the sleepy girl replied, "she lef' earlier, gotta lon' way tuh go tuh get home." her words slurring at times. deep in his heart, aldean felt some sense of disappointment, abandonment, one he hadn't felt in a very, very, long time. he knew soon the young child's parents would be returning home, remembering that mysterium was only visiting the girl and her companion.. "go back to bed hallia, get some sleep." he whispered, and the plumerian's eyes slipped shut almost instantly.

slipping down the stairs as quiet as a mouse, aldy grabbed his hat off the coat rack, and turned to face the christmas tree while he adjusted his crooked scarf. it was then that his eyes slid over to a neatly packaged box, which from where he stood, seemed to have his name on it. stepping closer, he doubted his eyes, but no, it really did say his name. his mind filled with shock, then absolute joy, he hadn't received a christmas present since he moved out of the orphanage to live on his own. the neat little label said with elegant cursive letters, "from: mysterium, to: aldy" and below that, "merry christmas, keep warm!" he sat down, making sure not to make any noise, and carefully untied the shimmering ribbon bow. setting it aside, he undid the tape with absolute precision, making sure not to rip any of the glittering wrapping paper. opening the box contained within, it couldn't have been much bigger than two paws in height and width. his amber eyes widened with shock, and they brimmed with tears of joy. in the box was a beautiful elegant scarf, of a lush orange wool. it was so soft, he could just bury his face in it and sit there all morning. he slipped it over his neck, doubling it over so one end hung down. it fit beautifully, and it was incredibly warm, almost as if someone had set a small fire inside of it. he knew it would get dirty in his line of work, but he knew he could clean it. he didn't want to ever take it off, so that it would never get lost. he would treasure this present always. he gathered the wrapping paper and ribbon, and slipped it inside the box. carrying it in his paws, he set outside into the crisp winter air.
he would never forget this christmas day.

[r4g4rg]

Username: Three the Neko
Name: Oliver Cloud
Gender: Male
Accent: Italian
Short story:
Oliver walked down the stoney streets, keeping his head low, the winter breeze blowing his fur lightly. It was the middle of winter, and the temperature was starting to drop. As he was turning down the lane, a rather lovely looking plumie passed by and he tipped his hat towards he saying two words as he passed, "Bella Ciao.", and in response she slightly blushed. The words reminded him of a song his mother would sing softly in his ear to calm him. He tilted his head back, looking at the ice blue ceilo, and whispered Ciao Momma" hoping she would ascolti..

Song:
Una mattina mi son svegliato
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Una mattina mi son svegliato
Eo ho trovato l'invasor
O partigiano porta mi via
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
O partigiano porta mi via
Che mi sento di morir

Translation:
One morning I awakened
Oh bella,ciao! Bella ciao! Bella, ciao, ciao, ciao!
One morning I awakened
And I found the invader

This is the flower of the partisan
Oh bella,ciao! Bella ciao! Bella, ciao, ciao, ciao!
This is the flower of the partisan
Oh bella,ciao! Bella ciao! Bella, ciao, ciao, ciao!
Who died for freedom

Italian Words:
Bella Ciao = Goodbye Beautiful
Ceilo = Sky
Ciao Momma = Bye Mom
Ascotli = Listen

[Annekewren]

╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗
║"You can call me Soot. I travel all over, but I never leave home." ║
.•:●˚◐╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝◕˚●:•.
Username: Annekewren

.•:●˚◐◕˚●:•.
Name
Cinder
But he'll always ask people to call him Soot or Sooty.

Gender
Male♂

Occupation
Fireman on a steam locomotive.

Art my me

◕˚●:•.
Cinder woke from his comfortable sleep and slid from his cot. It was past twelve a clock, time to refuel the engines. He didn't need an alarm to wake him. He had been tending to these engines since he was he was in his twenties and he grew to know this steam engine inside and out. Now his muzzle had gone grey and his feathers were ragged from years spent tending to the fire.
He checked the steam pressure to make sure everything was in order and proceeded to shovel coal into the fire. The fire roared and hissed, sending sparks into the air. He quickly closed the hatch and shook some of the dust from his fur. He turned around to see the young engineer standing awkwardly behind him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in." He said, twitching his right ear. "Hearing's not what it used to be."
"Sorry to interrupt you so late, Soot."
The older plumie smiled and licked the coal dust from his nose. "What's on you mind?"
"Nothing really, I just thought I should say thank you for doing this. It can be hard to find a fireman who is willing to work during this time of year."
Cinder chuckled. "I don't mind. And besides, if I wasn't here to do it, someone else would have to. Someone who should be spending Christmas at home with their family."
"You don't have a family to go home to?"
Cinder shook his head, flakes of coal falling from his fur. "This is my home. There isn't anything I'd rather do."
The younger plumie smiled. Outside snow had begun to fall as the train continued to rumble along it's tracks.

[Master of Nothing]

THEOrnithologist

Ｅ ｖ ａ ｎ
male

Evan wiped his forehead, leaving his arm covered in soot. He had worked all day on chimneys, as everyone needed theirs clean for the holidays. He panted heavily and sat down on the flat roof of the house he just finished cleaning. Evan's breath steadied, and he covered his face with fresh snowfall. "That's more like it." he decided.
Suddenly, his scarf started to ride the wind, only staying on his neck because of how it was wrapped. Tiny snowflakes tickled his face, and his hat was knocked off of him. "Hey!" Evan yelled, scanning the ground for his hat. He climbed down the latter he had prepared and landed on the ground. More snowflakes covered his tracks as he left them.
After a long search, a small boy working at the bakery approached him. "Merry Christmas!" he cheered happily.
"M-Merry Christmas!" Evan cheered. He paused a few seconds, trying to remember his thoughts. "Have you seen my hat?" he asked.
The little boy nodded. "Yeah, the black one? I think it lead you to the right place, sir. It seems you need to get into the holiday spirit!"
Even squinted. "Holiday spirit?" he asked.
The boy motioned to the door, where the baker employees and their customers were talking and laughing, sharing freshly baked gingerbread cookies and eggnog. His hat was sitting on a stool, as thought it were a plumie, too. The boy insisted several more times to come in, so he did.
Indeed, he had needed his holiday spirit back. And he got it, too, sharing stories around a fire, with strangers that welcomed him warmly. And so the boy had been right.