EmpressofDiamonds

Grand Admiral Thrawn hated Christmas. And it wasn't because he was a dead ringer for the Grinch, as the Emperor had suggested. It was because at Christmas, the world was turned topsy-turvy. The Emperor smiled and cracked bad jokes. Tarkin got drunk and went around snogging any random woman who would star still. Veers wore red and green that clashed so badly that Thrawn was surprised his eyes weren't knocked out every time he looked at him. Mysterious trees covered in multi-colored ornaments appeared everywhere, including his bedroom. You can imagine how well that went over. His alignment was completely ruined. It didn't help that packages fro

  "...OK." (Syren.) Mari was silent. He got up and followed her out. Mari remained quiet for a few minutes. "I can't believe it sometimes." He looked back to her. "Believe what?" Mari gestured. "This was leveled and built within a week. At least, most of it was. Some was added on." "How long's it been here?" "A few years. Maybe... ten." Peter nodded. "And made in a week. And still standing strong. I have to agree, that's pretty neat." Mari nodded. "Mother claims that the Palace was raised in twenty-four hours. Not the grounds or the towers or walls, but the Palace... I don't know if I believe that. I suppose it's possible." "With p

  Mari smiled. "Well, let's run and get cleaned up. We have to hurry." "OK, good idea." He took her hand, moving away from the in-laws. "Bye again." Mari was practically crusted over with icing when they got home. "I'm a mess." "But you do look delicious." Mari laughed. "Stop it. We're on a schedule." "OK, you should shower. I should too." He touched her cheek and tasted the icing. "You are delicious." Mari laughed. "I imagine you are too. Come on." She passed their suitcases. "Thank God I packed last night.” "Yeah, good thing. How long to we have before we have to leave?" Mari looked up at the clock. "Forty-five minutes. Let's

  The Matra rolled her eyes. "In every story, there's one character who turns the world. If that character dies, the story is over. In this case, that character is you. Much to my chagrin." (Ego boost) "...the world revolves around me?" He grinned. (And now the pin.) "Yes. And I'm one too. Now, get going." (Do you think that makes a difference? I'm so happy I could cry) He took Mari's hand and cheerfully set off. (Hmph. Must find a pin.) Mari looked up at him. "Shall we start with Mouse? She seems closest." (I don't think you can- I have every right to be proud. I have a world that revolves solely around me. And why would you even wa

  Jeremy looked over the top and laughed, reaching for some of the pasta. Mari looked around. "I think she found someone already." Anna was speaking to a tall character dressed all in black with his back to them. The Mavericks turned to look at the table and began plotting a counterattack. Peter sighed. "Looks like she realized taking Erica's approach won't work here." He looked at Mari. "I don't think you've talked to Mouse much, have you?" Jeremy glanced over with a look of glee and fear in his eyes. "Nope." Mari responded. The Matra watched them. "Looks like they're gonna form a tortoise and try to get at us with something like a fru

  F: So no pun in ten did? "Nope." Grenadier cocked his head to the side. "Shall we call it a draw?" F: Sure. I wasn't even sure if we were competing. *smiles* While Grenadier was punning with Fred, he hadn't noticed Caroline wandering out of reach and towards the dessert table, just happening to wind up beside Peter. Looking around, he spotted her and his spine stiffened, he moved in. Catching wind of what was about to go down, the Matra picked up three pies and called. "Attention please! What is the difference between a double-crust fruit pie, a cream pie, and a meringue?" She walked up to Peter. "To my mind, it is the sound they make.

  Mari's Maman was sitting in the front row next to someone who must have been Keanu. He had long, black hair with a white stripe and was wearing a bowtie over body armor. The Matra had made a lightning change into a lavender dress and a hat like the Queen of England would wear. On her other side was a much more familiar face: Lucian Moreau. (What is Lucian doing here? I barely know him. Why is he here?) Freddy: *whispering* My dog swallowed an engagement ring. It was a diamond in the ruff. (The Matra's revenge for this morning. Mari told her she could bring guests. And, he was lonely and bored. She felt sorry for him.) The music began an

  "It's fine, I found a second carton hiding behind the middle cake layer." Oh good. How long until they come, do you think? Mari checked the clock. "It's nine-thirty now. If they're on time... Ten minutes." She pulled a potato, egg, and cheese casserole out of the oven. "Can you split and cut the melon?" Sure thing. *grabs a knife* And I wouldn't be worried about all of them being on time, at least. *sighs* McQueens aren't known for being punctual. Mari nodded. "That's a bit of a relief." But, ten minutes later on the dot, there was a knock at the door. *looks at Mari, hand on the handle* You ready? "As I'll ever be." (Is it everyone

  Mari nodded. "I found it once." Ever won any of the bets "No, the Palace is a big place." Too bad. I hope you do someday. "Thank you." Mari finished rubbing and draped down beside him. *smiles*  ...I love you. "I love you too." She smiled at him and stroked the side of his face. Which was the cue for Carlie to burst in with Felicia. *sits up* Hey Carlie. Carlie cocked her head to the side. "It's too early for bedtime." *smiles* But no time is too early for  just being in bed. "Oh." She thought. "Can I cuddle too?" Sure, hop on. Carli climbed up. "Come on, Felicia." Felicia clawed her way up, but refused to settle between Peter

  Carlie and Felicia played gently in the center of the room while the gifts were fetched back and forth to the couple. Mari whispered to Peter. "I bet that half of them are china and the other half is mostly cookware." *leans close* Are you saying there wedding gifts other than those two? She laughed. "You never know. Someone might go crazy and buy linens." That would be horrifying. As it turned out, the first gift was none of these things, but a truly horrible abstract art vase from Prescott, Mari's college friend whose son was the ring-bearer. "Ummm... It's red." It had a lot of passion put into it, clearly. "And twists. Do you think