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Greedy Elf Hogs Spotlight, Angering Colleagues
North Pole Gazette
By Sparkly Sprinkles
Ludicrous Lil, as she has sometimes been called, angered colleagues Nim, Figgy and Pixie when she rudely interrupted an interview by spelling her name in order to make sure this reporter spelled it correctly. As if L-I-L is so difficult to spell.
“Now you’ve done it,” Nim was heard to say after this over-the-top and obvious grab for more publicity than her fellow Mischief Makers. Is this the type of behavior we can expect from the Mischief Makers? Only time will tell.
The hospital buzzed with excitement as the elves prepared a dazzling light display in the courtyard for the children to enjoy. So far, the hospital staff and patients were delighted with the antics of the mischief makers…messes and all. And, except for a few hiccups here and there, all was going well.
Sparkly Sprinkles sat in the corner of the courtyard smiling suspiciously and filling her notebook.
“She’s probably writing something terrible about us,” hissed Lil, still smarting over Sparkly’s latest character assassination.
“I don’t see what she could possibly find about tonight’s festivities,” said Nim as he pulled a string of lights across the cafeteria. “We are decorating with lights, nothing too sinister about that.”
“Oh I wouldn’t put it past her,” grumbled Pixie. “She has a real talent for spinning tales.”
Glitter bounded up to the group, breathless and agitated.
“I’ve just come from Santa’s office,” Glitter whispered, her eyes flicking toward the nosy reporter.
Nim raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it, Glitter?”
“It’s about that book. The one they found in the Grime and Goo department,” Glitter replied. “Santa believes it might not be a legend after all. He’s sending a team to investigate a rumored location of the forgotten mailbox.”
Lil frowned. “A mailbox?”
“Yes,” Glitter said, casting a wary glance at Sparkly Sprinkles. “According to the book, there may be a mailbox where all these lost letters were sent. A forgotten mailbox. But Santa suspects someone might be trying to interfere.” She inclined her antlers at Sparkly.
“Oh she’ll interfere all right,” said Lil. “Interfere, then smear. She’s good at that.”
“Exactly,” Glitter nodded. “There’s a Twinkling Trail, an ancient magical path, that leads to the mailbox. It’s said to glow faintly under the light of the Aurora Borealis. Santa wants us to check it out.”
“Us?” asked Nim.
“Yes, Santa has asked me to come and get you. He needs your help.”
Nim nodded and turned to his three friends. “Right. Lil, Pixie, and Figgy, can you guys keep an eye out and make sure Sparkly doesn’t catch wind of this. We can’t trust her with something this important.”
“We’re on it!” said Figgy.
“You don’t understand,” said Glitter. “Santa has requested help…from all of us.”
After a few moments of shocked silence as they digested Glitter’s news, the four veteran elves took a collective breath and straightened their shoulders.
“When do we leave?” asked Lil.
As she spoke, 6 elves zoomed through the window, landing in unison next to Glitter.
“Immediately,” said Glitter, gesturing to the six newcomers. “This is your replacement team.”
The six elves saluted as they each introduced themselves.
“Hello Sirs, and Ma’ams! I’m Bubbles McJinglepants, leader of the Jingle Jest Squad!”
“The Jingle Jest Squad?” asked a mystified Pixie under her breath.
In turn, each member of the squad stepped forward and saluted.
“Snickerdoodle McSparklepuff!”
“Wiggly Wobblewhisk!”
“Gigglesnort Tinseltoes!”
“SnuggleMuffin Twinkleberry!”
“Melvin Martin!”
“Er, nice to meet you,” said Nim as the squad scattered and seemed to work seamlessly to finish the light display. Even Sparkly was mystified by this group of energetic elves racing around and decorating at top speed.
“Ready?” asked Glitter.
With one final look at Sparkly, who was heading their way with a determined glint in her eyes, Glitter galloped off with Nim, Lil, Pixie and Figgy zipping at her hooves.
a pinch of homestead 