Maria lived alone in the loft of an old Catholic Church built in 1857 and, later, converted into a home. Her husband had died of a mysterious illness about ten years ago and she never remarried. Her children were grown and had their own families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That evening, she was in her kitchen preparing a warm cup of chamomile, lemongrass tea. Just as she was about to sit down take a sip, she heard a knock at the door. She stood up and said, \u201cWho could that be?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Setting down her tea on the counter, she slowly opened the door. At her feet was a small package wrapped in duct tape and this morning\u2019s newspaper. She picked up the package and stepped out into the cold, night air. In the sea of powdery snow, no footprints were to be found. Slowly, she turned to go inside, but stopped. Out of the corner of her eye, crouched atop the cathedral, she thought she saw an angel watching over her. \u201cIt\u2019s just my imagination,\u201d she said as she hurried back inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Staring at the package, she said, \u201cI hope that isn\u2019t just a rock that was thrown at my door.\u201d She carefully removed the tape and paper and found a peculiar thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She sat back down next to her Christmas tree and removed the tape and paper to find a peculiar thing, a Christmas ornament shaped like a wooden door. The little, brown door was decorated with sparkling poinsettia. The frame was covered in metallic green vines and leaves and there was a wooden tab on top of the door with an arrow pointing up engraved on it. Gently, she pulled it and the wooden door slid up through the frame uncovering a small, rectangular mirror. She peered into the mirror and saw the reflection of a pretty woman in her forties with long, silver hair, fair skin, and green eyes. Nina closed the ornament and thought, \u201cHmm, I wonder who would leave such a beautiful ornament here. There\u2019s no tag, name or address.\u201d Stumped and sleep, she hung the ornament on the tree. Then, she climbed the narrow staircase to the choir loft where she buried herself under the soft blankets piled on her bed and quickly fell asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As she slept, dreams danced through her imagination. Poinsettia shrubs sparkled like stars in a field of grass, a piece of Heaven on earth. A huge door that resembled the ornament stood in the middle of the field. A warm light under the door, as the scent of pine, cinnamon, chocolate, and frankincense filled the air. Maria pushed the door, but saw that she was tiny and couldn\u2019t get in. Instead, the flowers began to hum a sweet song. \u201cThat\u2019s my mother\u2019s lullaby,\u201d she said, as she listened and the dream came to an end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next morning, the sun poured in through the stained glass windows accentuating the outline of Jesus, Mary, and the Saints sending light into our world. Maria woke feeling refreshed and decided to visit the grave of her husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As she descended down the stairs, she glanced at the ornament, and smiled. \u201cWhat a lovely gift,\u201d she thought as she remembered her dream. \u201cI simply must tell my husband about it,\u201d she thought as she left for the cemetery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria picked a small bouquet of snowdrop flowers along the way and tied them together with a bit of string as a gift symbolic of her love for her husband. As she walked the short distance to the cemetery, Maria thought, \u201cHeaven, sometimes, seems so far away, but I\u2019m certain that my husband can still hear me there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon reaching her husband\u2019s grave, she and laid the little white flowers on top of it. She lit a small candle and prayed, \u201cMay that message of love in these flowers reach you.\u201d Then, she told him all about the ornament and her dream, the same way she did when he was alive. Suddenly, all of her memories of their time together washed over her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou were a beautiful person, smart, kind, funny, a great father, and fun to be around,\u201d she said. Then she remembered the times when he slipped into depression as he valiantly fought to stay alive. Mournfully, she whispered his words, \u201cNever speak poorly of the dead. They aren\u2019t around to defend themselves,\u201d Tears filled her eyes as she said, \u201cYou didn\u2019t deserve to feel worthless and like people wouldn\u2019t speak so poorly of you and to you if you were dead.\u201d As she was leaving she said, \u201cI will always love you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her walk back to the house was a quiet one. People weren\u2019t out and about. There was a disease in her area that caused many to become very ill and possibly die, so she went straight home. Upon arriving at home, she prepared a delicious meal, said, \u201cDear Lord, thank you and please bless this food that I\u2019m about to eat.\u201d She made the sign of the cross and gratefully ate her meal. Afterwards, she cleaned up and called each of her two sons. She asked them the usual questions, \u201cHow are you my wonderful son? How is your wife and the children?\u201d The conversations ended with, \u201cI love you and rest well.\u201d They\u2019d had many similar conversations in the past, but she was always happy to hear their voices and listen to them and, feeling satisfied, she went straight to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That night, when the clock struck three, she woke up for no particular reason and couldn\u2019t go back to sleep. Therefore, she went downstairs to make a cup of champurrado, her favorite. As she merrily drank her champurrado, she looked at the ornament and thought, \u201cSomething\u2019s different. Somehow, the flowers and leaves look more alive and sparkle more brilliantly.\u201d Upon closer inspection she exclaimed, \u201cHow curious! The symbol on the tab on top of the door has changed.\u201d Instead of an arrow pointing up, it was a music note. She pulled on the tab, but the door would not open. Then, perhaps because of her dream, she decided to try singing her mother\u2019s lullaby:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome adventurers,
Through deserts,
You\u2019ll find the way.
Follow the beacon,
The Christmas star,
Brighter than diamonds,
Heaven\u2019s door,
Love is with you
Wherever you are.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThe door slid open and she smiled with delight as she saw that the glass on the inside had turned into a silvery mirror made of water. Behind the water mirror was a ship decked out in Christmas lights emanating a dream-like, festive, Christmas music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Entranced, Maria touched her fingertip to the water causing a silver line to trace itself down her finger, to her palm, where it formed the outline of a star. Instantly, the room faded to black around her. The floor beneath her feet began to rock back and forth. As her eyes slowly adjusted, the outline of wooden boxes materialized nearby. She looked around and said, \u201cWhat\u2019s this? A storage room?\u201d The glow from the ornament faded as did the glow of the star on her hand. She found that her night clothes had transformed into a festive dress and stuffed the ornament in her pocket and stumbled towards the exit. She threw open the exit door and was hit by the smells of spicy roast beef with veggies, cinnamon, frankincense, and chocolate chip cookies. She was floating downriver on a ship and a marvelous Christmas celebration was in full swing. Smoothing her long hair and new dress, she climbed out from below deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She waded through the crowd saying, \u201cExcuse me, excuse me,\u201d as the ship rocked with the waves. Exotic, but friendly faces met her eyes. Upon reaching the railing of the ship, she exhaled. \u201cShhhhhhh,\u201d hissed ship\u2019s engine as they floated towards the docks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vessel landed smoothly and, with her feet still feeling unstable, she stepped, lightly, ashore. She swiftly moved through, festive lantern lit, wreath adorned, streets until she came upon a familiar, yet unexpected site, a Cathedral-like church nestled between two buildings with earthen walls, baked tile roofs, and shutters that could open to display goods. As she approached the church, she was greeted by a friendly priest who said, \u201cWelcome! Come in. Look around. This is the oldest church in the country of Kolbe.\u201d The priest continued, \u201cMay I interest you in a pamphlet? It gives a detailed history of this church.\u201d Nina replied, \u201cYes, please,\u201d but, as she reached out for the pamphlet, the priest gasped with surprise. The mark on her hand was glowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The priest said, \u201cMy dear, how did you come by that mark on your hand?\u201d Closing her hand, Nina said, \u201cThis, I, had an accident.\u201d The priest nodded and said, \u201cDo you happen to have an object with you, one that\u2019s shaped like a door?\u201d Maria pulled the ornament out of her pocket and said, \u201cDo you mean this?\u201d Again, a look of surprise came over the priest\u2019s face and he motioned for her to go into the church and out of the door way. Quickly, he said, \u201cYou must put that out of sight. That is what is known as The Christmas Star. It is said that the bearer of the object, is special. She has a mark on her hand indicating that it was meant for her. She is someone who comes from a foreign land, who will be sister to the princess, and help us rid our land of the demons who have invaded it. They hunger for that object and wish to destroy our world. Water snakes help to keep them away, but the demons, somehow, keep slipping through and reaping havoc. You must go to the castle! You\u2019ll be safe there. I know a shortcut to the bridge that crosses the lake. Follow me!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They ran a short distance between the buildings, and down a dirt road to where the bridge began. Just as they reached the lake, a beautiful, white snake with round pupils in her big, golden eyes swam ashore. The priest lifted the foot-long snake out of the water and showed her to Maria saying, \u201cThis one, we call Blanca. She is a type of water snake known as an Enhydris, once misunderstood animal spirits that we, now know, believe in a higher purpose. Blanca is well-known among animal spirits and will inform them and Princess Verde of Castle Kai of your presence. You may, now, safely cross to the other side of the bridge.\u201d Maria said, \u201cThank you, father, how can I be sister or, anything, to the princess? I arrived here by accident and have no idea what I\u2019m doing here or how to get home.\u201d The priest looked at her thoughtfully with his almond-shaped eyes and said, \u201cDaughter, trust key.\u201d He handed a small chain with a little golden cross on it to her. \u201cShow this to the person who answers the door and they will let you in once you get to the castle. Now, I must be on my way. I will pray for you and you have my blessing.\u201d He bowed his head slightly saying, \u201cUntil we meet again,\u201d and waved goodbye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Castle Kai sat atop a cliff above the lake and a steep, damp, staircase lead up to the entrance of the curtain wall. Maria saw a white water snake resting on stone lantern next to the entrance and said, \u201cBlanca! You look like you have been waiting forever for me.\u201d Blanca looked at her and slithered towards the open door of the entrance. As she entered the gate she said to Blanca, \u201cWhat a magnificent Zen garden!\u201d She pointed and continued, \u201cThere\u2019s a sea of rocks representing a boat on choppy water. There\u2019s another rock representing a nearby island! I love symbolic gardens!\u201d Further interpreting, she says, \u201cThis one says that those who struggle will soon find peace and the way.\u201d Blanca turned her head towards the castle indicating, \u201cThis way,\u201d and Nina followed her down the wooden path to the entrance of a towering stone keep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swift footsteps approached and the door creaked open. It was the maid. With an assertive stride the maid and 2 guards stepped out and the maid said, \u201cState your business.\u201d Maria replied as she showed her the cross given to her by the priest, \u201cI was sent by a priest to see the Princess about a sacred object.\u201d The maid looked at the cross, stepped aside, motioned towards the door and said, \u201cCome in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria stepped inside and saw that Christmas was a little different in the castle. The interior contained a large room with no decorations save for a few paintings. She walked past the moonbeams from skylights dancing among majestic stone columns as she and the maid walked towards the cracked door on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The maid pushed aside the sliding door and stepped aside. Maria walked into a large room, containing a richly adorned, silk-covered throne, glowing lamps hanging from chains on the ceiling, a roaring fireplace, and a beautifully decorated tree next to a shuttered window. The tree had what looked like a glittering, red, garland spiraling around it. There were colorful balls spread evenly throughout it and it appeared to be crowned by a glimmering, prismatic starburst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the throne sat a woman who seemed only slightly younger than Maria. She had large, black eyes, long, dark hair, and was dressed in a forest-green gown, lined with gold embroidery. Atop her brow was an opalescent tiara. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria approached the throne and bowed with respect. The lady on the throne said, \u201cI am Princess Verde of Kolbe. I was informed by the Enhydris, friends of dragons, that you have a sacred object. Is this true?\u201d As she said this, what Maria thought was crimson garland on the Christmas tree, started to shimmer and smoothly move in a spiral around it. The star on top revealed itself to be a lizard-like head as Maria exclaimed, \u201cA dragon!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeing Maria\u2019s surprise, Princess Verde said, \u201cMy dragon will not harm you, but is only there for my protection.\u201d Maria relaxed a little and replied, \u201cMy name is Maria. I arrived on a ship earlier this evening from my home where I was teleported away.\u201d She held out the object in one hand and opened the palm of her other hand to reveal the mark etched into it. The dragon gazed at her intently as did the princess. Continuing, she said, \u201cI was told by a priest in town that this is a sacred object of great importance, but I don\u2019t know anything more about it. The priest urged me to see you and told me that I am to be like a sister to you.\u201d \u201cSo, the legend is true,\u201d said the princess. \u201cStay for the night.\u201d The princess rang the bell next to her throne and summoned the maid. She said, \u201cReady a room for this woman.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, she rose and told Maria, \u201cFollow me. I will show you to your room.\u201d As they walked down the hall princess Verde said, \u201cYou may think it strange that, I, a princess, would do all of this for you. However, according to legend, you are to be my sister.\u201d Maria nodded and said, \u201cI see.\u201d They arrived at her room and the queen said, \u201cGood night to you and may you rest well,\u201d as she opened the door for Maria. Maria entered the room and said, \u201cThank you and good night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rain splattered on the castle windows as Maria fell asleep. She slept soundly, dreaming of the warmth of home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next morning, Maria was shown to the kitchen by the maid. She saw a delicious breakfast of French toast, blueberries, strawberries, bacon, hot tea, and scrambled eggs was set out for them. Maria and Verde seated themselves at the table next to the warm, wood fired oven and happily ate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During their meal, Verde said to Maria, \u201cGood morning. Did you rest well?\u201d Nina replied, \u201cYes, very well, thank you.\u201d Verde said, \u201cI have informed the staff of your presence. You are my guest in the palace. I\u2019m sure that you have much to share with me. Why not start by telling me how you came to be here in the town of Kolbe?\u201d Maria relayed her tale of finding the object, being teleported to the ship, and making her way to the castle after meeting the priest. Verde listened attentively, and said, \u201cIn Kolbe your ornament is known as The Christmas Star. This object is a kind of mirror and portal. I have heard tales of it, but this is the first time I have actually seen it. It is said to be able to teleport people away, shine a radiant light, and show you your deepest fears if you were not meant to carry it.\u201d Maria asked as she pulled the mirror out of her pocket, \u201cWould you like to take a look at it?\u201d Verde picked it up, turned it around and said, \u201cIt certainly is beautiful, but it does not appear to have any unusual properties. The star on your hand is what tells us that it is that object. Maybe it only works at certain times or, somehow, needs to be activated.\u201d Maria said, \u201cIf so, I can\u2019t return home until I figure out how to get it to work.\u201d Verde gave her a sympathetic nod and said, \u201cI will help you utilize the castle library. We have oral legends, but perhaps, there will be more information about it there. We have the finest and most ancient books in all the land.\u201d Maria gave Verde a grateful smile and said, \u201cThank you.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the next few days Maria and Verde sifted through a pile of potentially helpful books. As they rifled through the texts, Verde told Maria, \u201cI have always wished for a sister like you.\u201d As Maria looked through a book Verde brushed Maria\u2019s hair aside and started to tie it up in a crown braid, then said, \u201cBeing a princess is not so great. I am just a political bargaining tool for my parents. Once, I was engaged to be married to a wonderful prince who I loved, but, sadly, he died when he fell from his horse and broke his neck while hunting one day. My parents have not arranged another marriage for me since then.\u201d Maria said, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry about what happened to your prince. I\u2019ve heard that it\u2019s rare for a princess to find love. You must have been heartbroken.\u201d Verde said, \u201cYes, but that is all in the past. Tell me about yourself. Were you ever married?\u201d Maria smiled and said, \u201cYes, I was married to a wonderful man. He was kind, smart, fun to be around, but, at one time, he was a little bit of a Grinch!\u201d Verde asked, \u201cWhat is a Grinch?\u201d Maria explained, \u201cA character from a television show who was a crabby misanthrope who disliked Christmas. A television is a piece of technology from my home that shows moving pictures that tell a story.\u201d Verde responded, \u201cIt sounds fascinating, but tell me more about your husband\u201d Maria continued, \u201cHe used to complain to me saying that I had too many Christmas decorations. I would simply laugh at his belligerence and say, \u201cOh hush, Sanford!\u201d Sanford was another television show character. That character had a tendency to be a pack rat or to hoard things. My husband, with his tendency to hoard things, really had no room to complain about my decorations.\u201d Verde laughed at Maria\u2019s story and said, \u201cTell me some more about your life!\u201d Maria said, \u201cWell, my husband and I had two handsome sons who are grown and have their own families. I\u2019m so proud of them. I would be living happily with my husband today if it weren\u2019t for a mysterious illness that took him away from me many years ago. Things were difficult after he died and I doubted everything, but I saw my sons and thought, I must continue on. My family needed me even if I didn\u2019t feel as if I were good enough for them. I wondered if I was supportive enough of my husband while he was sick or if I gave enough attention to my children who also missed their father. Perhaps I was disingenuous, just faking things until time healed our wounds. I love my family and hope that my mistakes can be forgiven.\u201d Verde looked thoughtful and said, \u201cYou are my sister. That is all that matters. I am so glad to have you here with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria and Verde were very happy being together, but, eventually, Verde found a passage in one of the books that she thought might be helpful to their quest. She excitedly ran over to Maria and showed it to her. The passage read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf one is swept away by the glowing star, she must become an angel to a kindred spirit in a faraway land. Together they must face their greatest fear on frozen a night of star-made shadows when snowflakes fill the sky. Only then will divinity find her and allow the marked bearer to aid the kingdom and return home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After reading the message, she pursed her lips and said, \u201cIt\u2019s so cryptic! How will I ever go home?\u201d Upon seeing her dismay, Verde, laid her head on Maria\u2019s shoulder, hugged her, and said, \u201cDo not worry. Everything will be ok.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They stopped searching through the books for the evening and camped out on luxurious futons under the Christmas tree. Verde\u2019s dragon slumbered above them quietly, red scales gleaming in the candle light, its soft breathing lulling them to sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That night, the wind burst through the nearest window, waking the sleeping dragon. Dashing over to the window like the aurora named STEVE, he tried to protect them from the cold, but was too late. Snowflakes filled the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The object lying next to Maria started to glow. Awakened by the chill and mesmerized, Verde opened the glowing object\u2019s door. A look of horror came over here face as she gazed at the scene behind it. The image beneath the water mirror in the object showed her, lying on the ground dying alone, surrounded by an army of shades, shadowy, two-horned demons. She fainted from fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lake surrounding the castle outside was frozen solid along with the Enhydris. Because the Enhydris were frozen, in their room, from the depths of the shadows, the shades crawled forth, wave after wave of them. Verde\u2019s dragon fought valiantly, claws raking through their numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria, awakened by the noise, jumped up, bewildered at the sight she beheld. Suddenly, the symbol on the top of the ornament had changed to a star and the mark on her hand glowed. Maria remembered what Verde had told her about the object\u2019s ability to shine a radiant light. Then, as if natural, she grabbed the ornament with her glowing hand. The shades let out an angry howl as a burst of brilliant light emanated from the object, causing them to retreat back into the shadows. It was over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria ran to Verde\u2019s side. Verde was still incapacitated as Maria said, \u201cVerde! Wake up!\u201d Verde started to wake, but was in shock. Maria held her tight and dipped her hand into object\u2019s transformed water mirror as she sang her mother\u2019s lullaby once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome adventurers,Through deserts,
You\u2019ll find the way.
Follow the beacon,
The Christmas star.
Brighter than diamonds,
Heaven\u2019s door,
Love is with you
Wherever you are.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nThe dragon shrunk and wrapped itself around Verde\u2019s wrist. Then, the castle faded around them and they found themselves teleported into
Maria\u2019s home. It was early Christmas morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMaria wrapped Verde in her quilts to keep her warm and bound her wounded arm while the dragon made itself at home, coiling around and through Maria\u2019s Christmas tree like garland once again. Verde seemed distant and shaken as she whispered, \u201cThank you,\u201d to Maria. Maria went to the kitchen, then returned with a cup saying, \u201cTry this lavender tea. It will help you sleep.\u201d Verde slowly drank the tea without saying a word. Maria said, \u201cYou need to rest,\u201d and brought her up to the loft where they fell sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later, Maria said, \u201cLook Verde! A television!\u201d Verde smiled gently, but said nothing. Maria could tell that she still wasn\u2019t feeling better, so she said, \u201cVerde, I have an excellent idea. Let\u2019s go visit the cemetery and town. The fresh air might do you some good.\u201d Verde agreed and off they went. Maria lit candles and prayed silently for Verde and all of her loved ones. Verde stood next to Maria, quietly staring off into the distance. Next, Maria showed Verde the sights of her town saying, \u201cThere\u2019s the candy shop and the bakery,\u201d but they couldn\u2019t do very much because of disease that had ravaged the town. \u201cDon\u2019t go that way,\u201d said a friendly passerby as he pointed to a restaurant where someone was putting up the sign, \u201cTemporarily closed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As they walked by, Verde seemed deep in thought when she asked, \u201cWhy is life this way? Why is everyone and everything torn apart or taken away?\u201d Maria worried about her dearest friend, but said, \u201cThe world is very flawed, as we are, but, dear sister, all is not lost.\u201d Verde said, \u201cI am a useless idiot. How will I ever return home and what will become of you if I leave? Will you stay here alone?\u201d Maria looked a Verde lovingly and said, \u201cWe will never be alone. No matter what happens, I\u2019ll …,\u201d but her voice trailed off as she gazed into the distance towards her home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The women hurried back find an amazing sight! Verde\u2019s dragon, recently and lovingly named Steve, swooped and parried wildly through the air above Maria\u2019s home, shooting green fire everywhere, as though he were fighting an invisible foe. Then, a terrifying creature materialized before them! It was the demon of shades, a horror with knives for teeth. Somehow, this creature had noticed the glowing object placed on the tree. Steve had fought off the demon until Maria and Verde arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Realizing what was happening, Verde screamed, \u201cNo!\u201d and ran towards the object to keep it from the demon. The demon charged after her! A white snake that resembled the Enhydris slithered forth and transformed itself into an angel. Then, towering, looming shadows of animals from within the hallowed ground with white, glowing eyes surrounded them as the sky darkened. Maria thought she saw an outline of an angel atop her home once again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The demon arrived next to Verde and Maria flung her out of the way as an angel with a flaming sword suddenly swooped in and chopped off the demon\u2019s head. Maria said, \u201cIt\u2019s the angel that was keeping watch from the roof!\u201d The beheaded demon dissipated in a flame. The spirit animals bowed and returned to their homes as the transformed Enhydris angel turned back into a white snake and left and the angel with the flaming sword turned to address the brave women. It said, \u201cDo not be afraid. You have found what was lost.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verde and Maria looked with admiration at the angel. Maria had suspected his presence and wanted to say, \u201cWhat took you so long,\u201d but thought that would sound ungrateful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, Verde saw the glowing ornament alight in her hand and decided to ask the angel, \u201cHow do I return home? What has happened in Kolbe? What will happen to Maria?\u201d Maria turned to her and said, \u201cI will be fine here. This is my home. You will always be in my heart and things will get better. You\u2019ll see.\u201d Maria\u2019s hope inspired her and Verde\u2019s fears disappeared. Verde said, \u201cYou are my sister and are an angel to me. I will never forget you.\u201d Maria replied, \u2018Good bye, sister. Until we meet again.\u201d They turned to the angel and he said, \u201cTouch the water mirror in the object with your hand and you go home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shrinking again, Steve wrapped himself around Verde\u2019s arm and Verde gave Maria a hug. Then, Verde opened the ornament and touched the placid water mirror inside the door-shaped ornament, causing it to ripple. Clouds closed in around her as she was transported back to the throne room of her castle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon her arrival Verde saw that the room was pristine as if nothing had happened. The angel stood beside her and said, \u201cYour servants and the town\u2019s people are safe. You have returned to the instant of your departure, as though no time has passed.\u201d Verde gratefully replied, \u201cThank you for your deed.\u201d Then, the angel said, \u201cYou\u2019re welcome, but I have something to ask of you. Will you return the Christmas Star so I may return it to the sky? It fell from the sky and transformed into that object the night Maria found it on her doorstep, but will be needed in the sky to guide travelers once again.\u201d Verde handed the object to the angel and he said, \u201cThank you,\u201d as the ornament changed into a glowing ball of light in his hands. The angel said, \u201cIt was not this object that brought the two of you together and defeated the demons in battle. It was the love between you. Love is what will keep the demons away.\u201d Verde smiled and said, \u201cFrom now on, we will always celebrate love in the Christmas season to help keep the demons away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The angel walked over the window and the ball of light dissipated, reappearing in the sky, becoming the beautiful Christmas Star. Then, the angel smiled at Princess Verde and vanished in a glimmer of light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verde never saw Maria or the angel again in her life. However, in her heart she knew that, Nina, her sister, would always be with her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One evening, many years later, when the tradition of Christmas and love were keeping the evil at bay, Verde looked up at the sky and saw the Christmas Star shining brightly in the distance. It twinkled as her life slipped away. She felt herself rise up into the air where she walked through an enormous wooden door in the middle of the field of glittering, red poinsettia shrubs. As she walked through the open door, she saw Maria and excitedly called out, \u201cMaria!\u201d They met with a joyful embrace and walked off together into the sunrise to forever be with the ones that they loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The End.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Maria lived alone in the loft of an old Catholic Church built in 1857 and, later, converted into a home. Her husband had died of a mysterious illness about ten years ago and she never remarried. Her children were grown and had their own families. That evening, she was in her kitchen preparing a warm… <\/p>\n