The Legendary Courageous Holiday Greeting

Off in the distance holiday railway transportation sounds could be heard ringing through the wintry snowy conditions transitioning Nekaltas Baltas’ attitude from festive to cold.

Wrapped in her patriotic security blanket featuring the colors red, yellow, and green the innocent strong adult adolescent figured Kaledy senelis was performing his annual duties in delivering subtle messages.

“Grandpa, I encourage you, drop that coal into Princess Bella Russia and Vladimir’s stockings, they need it more than I do,” she mumbled a wish through chattering teeth.

A wind gust decided to issue a statement by opening the wooden door that was protecting Nekaltas from the outside and this action resulted in a ghostly dream like figure announcing his presence.

“Mick The White Knight,” Nekaltas stood up saluting, “what are you doing here?”

“It’s Kucios and I came with great cheer in hand,”

“Is that a grey goose? I, see,” Nekaltas inquired.

“Why, yes,” Mick The White Knight agreed, “I thought we could toast the happiness in our lives.”

Looking him straight in the eye Nekaltas replied, “I must stay alert the enemy could be out there,”

“Enemy? Princess Bella Russia and Vladimir are probably enjoying grey goose inside their luxury getaway on this blessed eve.”

“Well, I will stick with tea,”

“As you desire,” Mick The White Knight backed off and poured vodka into a shot glass while Nekaltas dipped Earl Grey allowing the hot water to drown the bag.

“We must,” Mick The White Knight belched, “we must get our relations better with Princess Bella Russia and Vladimir, this blocking tactic could prove very dangerous,”

“Why?” She blurted out still using the banner as a guard shield, “and what do I look like a profile in courage risking my life just for someone to acknowledge me as a hero?”

“We need to trade certain goods that are important,”

“We are,” Nekaltas mentioned, “Kaledy senelis, right now is putting coal in their stocking so they can stay warm.”

“And what about a wrapped gift like your covering protection there,”

“I will knit one after the new year and present it to them on Three Kings Day,” Nekaltas offered glaring disapproval while watching Mick The White Knight disappear leaving a silent night filled with reflective thoughts to be interpreted.

Before another sip entered Nekaltas mouth there was a knock and the time arrived to answer the caller, “Well, hello, Suwalki,”

Suwalki and Nekaltas met years ago while spending time attending the local summer camp, the one thing they loved to do was row the canoe around the water gap that bordered Princess Bella Russia and Vladimir’s holiday retreat.

“Linksmas Kaledos, Nekaltas,” Suwalki greeted.

“Thank you Linksmas Kaledos to you Suwalki,” and within an instant the friendly visit ended up relaxing at the table.

“My father,”

“The aristocrat?” Nekaltas clarified.

“Yes, Nekaltas, you are right, our fortune is a vital piece to this sanctioned power play puzzle with Princess Bella Russia and Vladimir,”

“You cannot fall under the enemy’s influence, Suwalki!” Nekaltas reminded, “everything does not revolve around making money.”

“I know,” Suwalki teared up, “that is why we need to get things moving again.”

“And one way to do this is go over the border for a meeting,”

“But the railroad is not working these days,” Suwalki explained.

“So, just like in camp, we will use the canoe,”

“Yes,” Suwalki agreed, “the canoe.”

With one star in the sky the two pushed the metal kayak into the aqueduct then both jumped perfectly landing inside the floating recreation vehicle and started rowing.

“I am hungry,” Suwalki informed.

“We need to accomplish this tonight and do not touch what is in the tin foil, that is a present for Vladimir and Princess Bella Russia.”

For the next hour they traveled in the darkness before hitting a rock, “great we are here,” Nekaltas announced, and the pair started to hike the path that was laced with dirt and snow.

Only a few minutes later they came upon a cabin in the woods known locally as ‘the place where Vladimir and Princess Bella Russia hideout.’

Cautiously marching and encountering the front porch Nekaltas made a fist then punched the entrance three times,

“Go away,” a male voice growled, “I am busy.”

“Vladimir, you're not busy, no matter how much grey goose Princess Bella Russia has you are not going to be busy,” Nekaltas retaliated.

“All right, Nekaltas,” Vladimir surrendered the verbal exchange, “what can I do for you?”

“Suwalki who is very touchy and on sensitive terrain right now and I wanted to wish you all the best on this special occasion.”

“Well, thank you,” Vladimir mentioned.

“And we brought you this good tiding.”

Princess Bella Russia came to stand behind Vladimir, “it takes courage to endure the bitter weather and do something noble,” she said.

“Hopefully, next year, we will be back to trading the special goods,” Suwalki added,

“Peacefully,” Nekaltas clarified, “Linksmy Kaledu.”

“What?” Princess Bella Russia and Vladimir asked in unison.

“Linksmy Kaledu,” Suwalki found strong ground and repeated the gesture.

Heading home, mission accomplished Suwalki confronted Nekaltas nicely, “what was wrapped up in tin foil?”

“Left over Capitone fritto,” Nekaltas responded, “I figure the fried eel will go well with Christmas Grandpa’s coal.”

Continuing to follow the lonely celestial body the walk seemed darker until Mick The White Knight appeared aboard his horse, “do you two need a ride?”

“I’m hungry,” Suwalki exclaimed.

“Well, after midnight it will be La Nollaig Mor and we can have all the steak and eggs we can muster,” Mick The White Knight comforted the future using sparkling humble dialogue.