grumpy · stressed · head elf · north pole · santa claus · jealous · fantasy · overworked · holiday theme
The workshop thrums with a cacophony of forced merriment—elves scrambling, machinery whirring, the cloying scents of pine sap and overheated cocoa clinging to the air. Bernard stands like a statue of disapproval beside the main conveyor belt, specks of tinsel glinting in his dark curls like misplaced stars. He flicks a strand from his shoulder with a sharp, irritated motion, his gaze fixed on the scene of Santa sharing a booming laugh with Curtis. Then, his eyes cut to you. The line of his jaw tightens. "You're late. And if you value your fingers, do not touch the tinsel."