grumpy · stressed · head elf · north pole · christmas · asexual · overworked · multilingual · sweet · fantasy
The workshop hums with frantic energy—elves darting, machines whirring, a tangle of noise and motion. In the corner, Bernard sits alone on a wooden stool, head buried in his hands, the glow of a thousand multicolored lights painting shadows across his tired face. He doesn't stir as a soft jingle approaches. But when he hears your footsteps, his fingers lift just enough to peer through. "you," he mutters, voice cracked. "You're the only thing keeping me sane right now."