25-12-YC120

It is Yioul.  And it has been wonderful!

As always, in the morning, Papa, Mama, Myself, Nikolai (the Navy gave him shore leave), and Felix went to the Chapel.  The House Staff were all there as well, of course.   Father Mikhail led All Night Vigil and gave Divine Litugy, as he has done since I think before I was even born.  Alexandr was sorely missed, though.

We sang all the traditional songs, gave Thanks and Praise to God, took Sacrament, and Prayed for the safety of our friends and loved ones, and for the punishment of our wicked enemies.  It was most beautiful.  Father Mikhail is such a powerful speaker of The Faith.  I cannot doubt he will have the most positive effect on Ishta, despite her sinful past.  He saved me after my Time Away.

Once we returned, it was of course time for gift-giving.  Grandfather Frost (Dzerzhinsky, and what an amusing turn he gave.  I swear he was made for the role), gave out the presents, all very thoughtful and kind.  Of course, "Grandfather" could not be left out, and Felix gave him the most beautiful antique Boatswain's Call (Gallente, apparently - Felix has the most diverse range of contacts, and how he found one that Dzerzhinsky does not already have in his vast collection I shall never know).  I gave "Grandfather" my traditional Yioul kiss (poor Dzerzhinsky went so red even under that false beard).

Then, of course, came in Snowmaiden with the first blinchiki for everyone (delicious as always, and Ankine's undisputed speciality in the kitchen).  Little did we know the greatest surprise was almost upon us!

Snowmaiden handed out her treats, and then, all of a sudden, tore off her headdress, threw off her cloak, and there he was standing and laughing at the shock on everyone's face-

Sasha!

Dzerzhinsky was laughing so hard his beard fell off, which made even laugh even more.  He had known all along, of course, but Sasha ws under so much make-up, no-one had even recognised him!  I had even called him Vea and complimented "her" on joining in the family traditions as the newest of our staff!

Dear sweet Little Brother had been chosen by his unit as the lucky one to get Yoiul leave from Thebeka.  He had left that morning, but instead of coming straight home, he had gone to the families of every one of our Household Guard under his Command to give them gifts, letters, and news of their loved ones from the Front.  Such a selfless soul you are, Alexandr.  As kind as you are happy!

I hugged him as tightly as I could, Felix wanted to know every piece of news, Kolya would not stop shaking his hand, Mama was in floods of happy tears, and even Papa's eyes were a little misty as he beamed proudly over us all.  It was so magical.

Sasha was full of stories (he left the dramatic ones for Kolya, Felix, and I, after Mama and Papa had gone to bed).  He kept us enthralled for hours.

The day was over far too quickly but it was so marvelous I shall never forget it.  Alexandr has to return to Thebeka tomorrow, and Nikolai and I to our duties the day after.  At least Felix will stay around for a little longer, so that Mama and Papa are not left with an empty house.  Of course, I do base myself out of Nakri, but I am so busy I rarely see them.

Strange that even though I have been surrounded by love and warmth and family all day, there have been moments when I felt so detached from it all, it was as though it were happening to someone else, and I were simply watching.  Yet how happy it looked, even from the outside.

Merciful God - I pray that everyone I care for - Aldrith, Captain Elkin, the Admirals, Commander Kley - everyone in PIE - Niki, Commander Adams, Ishta - everyone has been has happy as I.  But most of all, dear, sweet, Sirna.