Slowly, as if settling for the night underneath a downy blanket, the sturdy wooden houses sank into the tall, smooth waves of snow, and as the people lit up their hearths inside, the warm glow poured out of the windows, making them resemble a glittering golden necklace resting on the shoulders of the mountain. The lone Wood Elf looked on at the serene sight from afar, and knew that it was almost time - time for cheerful songs, and exchanges of presents, and a hearty feast that would last till morning. He watched wistfully from a stony ledge high above the village, as the people far below scurried about, their brightly patterned knitted scarve