The Gnodfather was thwarted,
But no peace attained,
For though he had lost,
The Seals had been drained.

Ascension was coming
And the Soulless were near,
But now weren't the time
For trembling and fear.

FOR
It was the Winter Solstice,
That time of the year,
For candy and presents
And holiday cheer!

In the spirit of giving,
The gnomes had appeared,
But more generous by far
Was the dwarf Ironbeard.

While the gnomes were not easy
For a novice to find,
The dwarf gave out gifts
To those left behind.

The proles were all grateful
And wished him the best
All save for Xaldrin
Who was not impressed!

"That dwarf has been drinking!"
His voice rang out loud,
Which stirred up a murmur
That swept through the crowd.

"Section I," he proclaimed,
citing Hallifax law,
"And now Section II:
I command he withdraw!"

"Here's for yer Collective,"
Piped the dwarf with all grace,
Before leaning to belch
In the mangy cur's face.

But Xaldrin stood firm,
Unmoved from his space.
His incessant demand:
"He must leave this place!"

So Ironbeard left,
Taking presents in tow,
And the novices sighed,
Their hearts filled with woe.

But then, from amongst them,
A lone voice rang out.
It was Governess Sylandra!
Their luck might turn about!

"You overstep, Xaldrin,"
She explained as she passed,
"Those orders aren't fit
For one of your caste!"

"And besides," continued she,
"That dwarf is a saint.
He does the Board's work
And we'll hear no complaint!"

For, you see, boys and girls,
Ironbeard's gifts are not luck.
He gives to the poor
Until balance is struck.

That dwarf serves the Collective
Keeping down the bourgeois
And he shouldn't be stopped
For some silly law.

Xaldrin knew he'd been thwarted,
Turning red as a beet,
But before he could argue,
Something appeared at his feet!

It was a gift, he now saw,
In twinkling white wrap,
Which he hesitantly opened,
Expecting a trap.

BUT
There was no need for fear,
As its contents were good,
And though inside were just vials,
He at last understood!

The people rejoiced
And they danced and they sang,
And even ol' Xaldrin
Joined in with the gang!

"I'm sorry, Ironbeard,
For causing such strife."

"No need to *hic* thank me!
Thank the Godsh for yer life!"