Merriada

Swifty is happily napping on the floor in his warm den near a crackling fire when he smells . . . . . . . BACON!!!!
And not just bacon, but fresh-made pancakes as well. Smiling, he gets up and washes the sleep from his eyes just as he heard golden laughter outside.
"You're not sleeping at a time like this, are you?" inquired the red-furred Tundra who peaked her head inside. Merriment sparkled in her eyes, and she carried a basket laden with food.
Swifty gave a crooked grin. "Certainly not. I was just resting my eyes so that I had enough energy." Then nodding at her package, he continued, "But I see true to form, you have not forgotten your old Friend."
"I couldn't let you starve to death could I?" Placing the basket on the floor in front of the fire, she started pulling out food. "Bacon, (lots of it), blueberry pancakes, (the size of a huge platter each), maple syrup (warm and smelling divine), and did I mention bacon? (MORE!)"
The brightly colored Imperial nuzzled against his dear Friend even as reaching out to snag some of the afore mentioned BACON!!! "You treat me good, Merriada. But I suppose we should move it along. Nickoli will be chomping at the bit to get started, I dare say."
A joyous smile crossed Merry's face at the mention of her mate. Reaching out to hand the jug of syrup to the waiting Dragon, she laughed as he chugged down the contents. "I guess you can finish the rest as we travel. Nickoli may be getting a tiny bit excited."
"Understatement of the year!"
"Do you have it?
Swifty patted the pouch hanging about the fireplace. "Can't light up the Christmas Tree without the Star now can we?" Then nudging against her, he laughed. "But we have to go! It's Tyme!"