Now, to say that fairytale characters are cold hearted denizens that only wish harm to humans, is a fair statement, to say that fairytales strung out on fairy dust are unpredictable to say the least, is also a fair statement. In a surprising twist, rather than using her sharp antlers to inflict harm, Dancer, the reindeer, embraced her name and began to dance. Her hooves tapped rhythmically against the wooden floor, transitioning from a gentle soft shoe routine into an impressive tap dance that would have made even Fred Astaire envious. It’s a moment that challenges your understanding of reality; you think you’ve witnessed it all until you find yourself captivated by a dancing reindeer showcasing her extraordinary dancing talent, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with every graceful step.

The effects of the fairy dust had taken her under its spell.

The Stranger moaned.

As I diverted my gaze from the mesmerizing river dance performance, my attention shifted to the Stranger, who was gradually regaining his composure. I assisted him in sitting up, and as he turned to face me, the haze from the impact began to dissipate, allowing his eyes to sharpen their focus. They drifted past me, captivated by the bizarre sight of the dancing reindeer, Dancer’s graceful movements were a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. The Stranger shook his head slightly, as if trying to shake off the remnants of confusion, and then turned his gaze back to me, a mixture of bewilderment and curiosity reflected in his expression.

I simply shrugged.

What could one say, anyway, this day couldn’t get any weirder.

How wrong I was.

As Dancer gracefully continued her captivating performance, I found myself anticipating her transition into the lively rhythms of “The Shim Sham” or perhaps the spirited steps of the “Waltz Clog.” However, to my dismay, this enchanting display was destined to be her final act. Just as she executed a breathtaking spin, her heart succumbed to the overwhelming strain of her exertion, a consequence of both her vigorous dancing and the excessive fairy dust that had fuelled her movements.

The thud of her body hitting the floor reverberates throughout the room.

“Damn reindeers,” The Stranger grumbles as he gets to his feet.

“What now?”

The Stranger eyes dart around the room looking at the various windows and entry points, wondering where the next threat would come from.

We didn’t have to wait long.

In the dimly lit corner of the room, a flicker of coloured Christmas lights began to dance, their rhythmic blinking casting an eerie glow. As the lights swayed, they revealed a dark silhouette that gradually took shape—Prancer, the reindeer. His majestic antlers were adorned not only with the twinkling lights but also with shimmering tinsel, creating a bizarre yet festive spectacle. However, the festive appearance was marred by the unsettling sight of his bloodshot eyes, a clear indication that he was under the influence of fairy dust, coursing through his veins like the potent drug it is. With a deliberate and menacing gait, Prancer approached us, exuding an air of both caution and determination. Unlike his fellow reindeer, who had succumbed to the narcotic''s effects, he seemed to retain a semblance of control, making his advance all the more foreboding.

“Prancer,” the Stranger spits out the word. “I still remember you.”

Despite my lack of clarity regarding the specifics of the past events involving the Stranger''s family and Santa Claus, I could not ignore the palpable tension in my partner''s voice. It has always been evident that the Stranger harboured deep-seated grievances against the cheerful figure in red, suggesting a history fraught with unresolved issues. Prancer, the reindeer, was just another hurdle in the Stranger''s quest to confront Santa and settle whatever score lingered between them. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, hinting at a complex narrative that intertwined their fates. Despite everything I have learned about the Stranger, this is the one mystery of his past that I am eager to uncover.

But that would have to wait.

As Prancer came closer the Stranger gently thrusts an object into my hand, all the while not taking his eyes from the reindeer. I look down in my hand and to my surprise I see a small round mirror. Now I knew that my appearance was a little dishevelled, but this wasn’t the time for a makeover. I looked at the Stranger, whose eyes were focused entirely on Prancer. And in that moment, I knew what he wanted me to do.

I slowly raised the mirror and held it up to Prancer.

The reindeer stopped as he caught his reflection in the mirror.

It was so amusingly straightforward that I nearly chuckled. Prancer, the reindeer known for his elegance and boundless energy, was also deeply enamoured with his own striking appearance. His self-absorption was evident as he constantly pranced about, eager to showcase his beauty to anyone who would look. This vanity made it impossible for him to resist the chance to admire himself. Upon catching a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror, he felt an immediate surge of satisfaction. Standing tall, he began to preen, adjusting his posture and ensuring every angle highlighted his charm, completely captivated by the image staring back at him.

It was his downfall.

As he continues to admire his looks, the Stranger moved with a deliberate slowness, carefully positioning himself behind the unsuspecting reindeer. The tension in the air was palpable as he raised the shotgun, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach, bracing myself for the inevitable violence that seemed about to unfold. However, in a shocking twist, the Stranger reversed the weapon, gripping it firmly by the barrel. With a swift and powerful motion, he brought the butt of the gun crashing down onto the back of the reindeer’s head. The impact was jarring, and I watched in astonishment as the animal crumpled to the ground, rendered unconscious by the unexpected blow. The scene was a stark contrast to the bloodshed I had anticipated, leaving me both relieved and bewildered by the Stranger''s unconventional approach.

“I may hate him, but I’m still and animal lover,” the Stranger informs me. “Besides,” he adds, “the Catcher will take him and who knows what useful information we could learn.”

The Catcher, a person as mysterious and enigmatic as the Stranger, known throughout the underworld as the hunter of fairytale animals.

With Prancer taken care of, the Stranger withdraws his revolvers and strides towards the nearest window. I follow closely behind, my gaze drawn to the tumultuous night outside. As I peer into the swirling winds, I spot Rudolph standing resolutely, his nose radiating a fierce, crimson glow. However, it’s not just the vibrant hue of his nose that captures our attention; it’s the clarity in his eyes that truly stands out. They are devoid of any trace of fairy dust, indicating that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is fully aware and in control of his faculties. This realization brings a sense of urgency to our situation, as it suggests that he is not under any enchantment, but rather, is fully present and capable of understanding the gravity of what lies ahead.

The other disconcerting element was Frosty the Snowman as he began to sing the joyful song about Rudolph the Red Nose reindeer and his shiny nose.

There are just some days when you wish you really were in the nut house.

 

 

Copyright © Peter Jessop 2025