This chapter was written listening to Holst's suite "The Planets." Its a really good CD . . . great for mood settings. LOL - here's your next chapter, Piper!

The early morning rays of sunshine poked their way through the window and began to fill the hospital wing room with light. They washed over Cordelia, who had fallen asleep right next to the window. It seemed that nothing could disturb her - the light hadn't awakened her, the sounds of an Elfsburg morning hadn't disrupted her slumber, and the gong of the workshop clock hadn't roused her.

Mrs. Claus opened the door as quietly as she could with the intent not to disturb her. She had gathered a few things from Bernard's room and wanted to move them to the Head Elf's temporary room . . . a great change for the elves of the North Pole. She opened the bag as she approached his bed table, stepping over the Head Elf's sister. She set out the book which he had been reading on his downtime (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - "Its very fascinating that there are other elves out there. In this place called Middle Earth . . . now I know that we aren't the only group of elves in the world"). She also took out a few trinkets and set out a picture.

Closing up the bag, she began to move back towards the door - that is, until she spotted the empty cocoa cup on the other side of Cordelia. Leaning over, she grasped it by the handle. In the process, however, the girl began to stir.

"Good morning," she said straightening back up.

"Mrs. Claus," the girl said in a slightly shocked tone. After all, she wasn't expecting the head guy's wife in the same room. "Where am I?"

The older woman smiled. "Bernard's room."

The younger girl skipped a beat. "How is he?"

"He's made it through the night. No problems. He's going to be all right."

All right? No problems? As Mrs. Clause left the room with the cocoa cup, it sunk in. Bernard was going to be all right! Jovially she got to her feet and went over to her brother's side. Of course he was still unconscious, but then again he'd be awake soon. Her eyes moved over to the bed table . . . heart stopping when she saw the picture. It was of her mom, dad, brother, and her.

~*~*~

In our family portrait

We look pretty happy

We look pretty normal

Let's go back to that . . .

~*~*~

About mid-way through Bernard's copy of "Lord of the Rings," she heard a cough come from the bed. Her eyes quickly looked up from the book and gazed over there. "Where am I . . .?"

Not remembering their purpose for being there, Cordelia immediately set down the book and flew over to her brother's bedside. "BERNARD!!!" She threw her arms around him, immediately getting painful cries back. She let go, apologized sheepishly, and stood up.

"How long have I been here?"

"A couple of days now. I've been here since I could."

This statement shocked the Head Elf. He had barely known her, yet she still felt an obligation to watch over him. "Why? You didn't have to . . ."

She smiled. "Bernard," she said. "Families stick together, don't they?"

He didn't say anything - he just smiled.

~*~MEANWHILE, IN ANOTHER PART OF THE WORLD…~*~

"We've looked everywhere, Michael. Where else would she be?"

There was a moment of silence as this question was pondered. "Do you think…?"

"She doesn't know of her heritage. Why would she be there?"

"It wouldn't hurt to try…"

~*~NORTH POLE, A FEW WEEKS LATER~*~

Bernard was recuperating quite nicely and, in the short period of time since the accident was able to walk again with a slight limp. Cordelia stayed alongside him throughout that entire time. This resulted in a close bond forming between brother and sister, obviously.

One day both siblings were on their way to lunch, completely unaware of the commotion going on down the hall. That is, until Cordelia heard a voice which she never thought she'd hear again.

"CORDELIA!!!" She cringed and turned around . . .

Well I must say … I love cliffhangers! LOL … don't worry, next chapter will be up as soon as its completed. Oh, just thought I'd like to mention that we're drawing near the end of this story … I'm completely up for doing a sequel after this! Any ideas? Well, please R & R!!!