Quick background on original characters: Moira Morrison Gutierez is the daughter of Irish parents but was raised by her Spanish stepfather after her original father’s death (he died before her birth so she considers her Spanish father her true father) and after her biological mother’s death, her stepfather remarried. She was one of Diego’s friends in Madrid and they first met during a fencing tournament when she nearly beat him. Her stepparents, uncle and fiancé were killed in a carriage accident. She moved to Los Angeles and has been living at the de la Vega hacienda at Don Alejandro’s insistence. She knows of Diego’s life as Zorro after he saved her life from bandits and she recognized his sword work.

--Commandante Lucien Francisco Montenegro Dominguez is the new commandante of Los Angeles. He is a kind man and treats everyone with respect, but he had a gambling problem that lead to major trouble for Los Angeles before Zorro straightened him out. Since that day, he won’t gamble, not even for fun.

Also, I will use the English "Christmas" instead of the Spanish translation because I am uncertain of exact spelling or even what the season is called.

The Señorita in Red

A crystal blue sky surrounded the glowing sun, but even the warmth it offered was unable to heat the air of Los Angeles above that of a chill, forcing the residents to don their thickest clothing for comfort. However, not even the cool temperature could dim the lively spirit that had embraced the pueblo. Christmas was only three days away and everyone was preparing for the holiday that announced the birth of Christ. Bright flowers and decorations hung from banisters, doors and merchant stalls, and even the cuartel had flowers draped over the walls.

Miguel, the old shepherd, sighed in relief as he finished hanging the final blanket in his daughter’s booth. She was usually here to open the booth herself, but little Pedro had fallen sick from the cool weather so Miguel had promised Theresa that he would open her booth for her as well as talk to Dr. Hernandez about medicine for Pedro, his grandson.

I hope that I can sell enough of these blankets to pay for the medicine, mused Miguel as he eased himself onto a stool in front of the stall. Or that Dr. Hernandez is an understanding man. Miguel had never met the doctor in person and wondered if some of the stories that he had heard about the apparently kind man were true. Relaxing as the warm sun penetrated his aching bones, he allowed his thoughts to drift, lingering on little Pedro who always managed to wear a smile and share a laugh no matter how grim everyone around him was. With Pedro, everyday chores turned into fun and exciting games, bringing light to an otherwise dull life. The little boy was also very clever and quick, excelling at his studies at the mission school and making his parents quite proud of him.

The old man suddenly became aware of someone standing before the stall and he snapped out of his memories to find a young señorita in a festive red dress standing there with an understanding smile on her face. Something about her seemed vaguely familiar, as if he had not seen her in quite a long time, but he shook his head, dismissing the thought. All pretty and young señoritas reminded him of his daughter, Theresa, that was all.

"Many pardons, señorita," apologized Miguel, slowly pulling himself to his feet. "I’m afraid I was thinking more about my grandson than customers."

"That is all right, father," she replied in a gentle voice as she glanced over the blankets. "These are beautiful and I’m unsure how to choose just one to purchase." She turned kind hazel eyes on him and he found himself smiling at her, feeling younger than his six decades of life. "Did you weave these marvelous blankets?"

He chuckled and held out his rough hands. "No, señorita, I have lived a pleasant life herding animals," he confessed, a warm glow of pride infusing him. "My daughter, Theresa, dyed the wool and wove them herself." At her curious gaze, Miguel continued. "We have been friends with the Indians who live near our little home and they taught her about their colorful dyes and how to weave effective blankets that are also pleasing to look at. In exchange, they receive part of the wool from our sheep so they are not without clothing themselves."

"It sounds like a wonderful arrangement," she stated as she picked up a scarlet blanket and casually tossing it around her shoulders. The shade matched her dress exactly, blending the two fabrics together. "I believe I will take this one." She pressed several coins in his hand before folding his fingers over them. "Buy your grandson the medicine he needs."

Startled, Miguel opened his hand to find over twenty pesos there! Gasping in surprise, he could only stare at the coins for several moments until he remembered the words she had whispered to him. How had she known that Pedro was ill? With a slight frown, he looked up only to discover that the mysterious señorita in the bright dress had vanished without a trace.

"Gracias, señorita," whispered Miguel, clasping the coins tightly as he bowed his head in reverence. "Who ever you are." Pocketing the pesos, he sank back onto his stool once more, his heart lighter with hope.

Soft music floated through the air, and Don Diego de la Vega smiled as he relaxed in the sala with his guitar. His father was dealing with an early morning problem of some stray cattle and his close friend, Moira Morrison Gutierez, was due back from her business trip to Monterey. He missed the fiery señorita who had both the famed Irish temper and humor blended with the finest Spanish manners and upbringing. She had been residing at the de la Vega hacienda since she had arrived in Los Angeles nearly six months ago, mostly at Don Alejandro’s insistence, and in that time, Diego’s friendship with her had deepened while his father discovered a daughter in her. Neither don feared for her safety when she traveled alone, because in Madrid, she had been an excellent swordswoman, second only to Diego’s skill, and both of their skills with a sword had increased now that they had worthy opponents once more.

This will be Moira’s first Christmas without her family, Diego realized with a small frown as he stopped playing his guitar. A sudden memory of one of their conversations floated across his mind. One of those killed besides my family was the man I was going to marry. We had plans to be married around Christmas so we could celebrate the birth of the Savior together in our new home. He stood up and started for his room with his guitar in hand when Don Alejandro entered the sala, shivering slightly from the cold.

"By the Saints, Diego, I can not remember the last time it was this cold in Los Angeles," announced the older don as he warmed himself by the crackling fire in the fireplace. "I hope this doesn’t last long." He left the warm flames long enough to pour himself a glass of wine before returning to his spot.

Diego smiled. "Tornado seems to agree with you, Father," he remarked, casually. "He doesn’t want to leave his stall even for exercise. And riding as Zorro is a chilling experience at night." He shivered briefly at the thought as Alejandro tossed him a glare that stated he didn’t appreciate Diego’s humor at that moment.

Just then, Buena entered the sala with a puzzled look on her face and began stacking wood on the fire. "Is something wrong, Buena?" inquired Diego, watching her with a concerned gaze.

"Not really, Don Diego," she replied, dusting her hands on her skirt. "One of the vaqueros has just arrived from Los Angeles with a story about a pretty señorita in a festive red dress helping people before disappearing." She shrugged. "A few of the peons are saying that she might be an angel visiting us for Christmas."

Alejandro glanced at Diego, briefly. "Thank you for telling us, Buena," the older don said with a kind smile. She nodded and left the room, leaving the two men alone. "I think I will go into Los Angeles for a while. Diego, will you join me?"

"Of coarse, Father," agreed Diego with a smile. "There is something I wish to get for Moira." He hurried up to his room and traded his guitar for his hat and gloves before joining his father in the patio. Together the de la Vegas mounted their horses and started for Los Angeles in the cool afternoon.

Moira Morrison Gutierrez hummed to herself as she easily handled the reins of the de la Vega wagon. She was dressed as a vaquero with her long red curls hidden under her hat, and a pistol next to her on the seat. Her father and stepmother had tried to break her of the habit of wearing men’s clothing, until her uncle had pointed out how safe she was when she was forced to travel alone. After seeing her skills with a sword, her parents finally consented to their daughter’s odd behavior.

Oh, Mama, Papa, how I wish you were here with me, thought Moira, blinking the sudden tears out of her eyes. She shook her head at herself. You need to get out of this gloomy mood, she scolded. It has been nearly nine months since their deaths. You can’t live in the past forever. For some reason, that decision made her feel better and she glanced back to make sure her special present was still with her. Sure enough, the great white stallion walked behind the wagon as if he was enjoying himself immensely, and he whinnied at her when he found her looking at him instead of the road.

"I’ll keep an eye on the road ahead," Moira agreed with a laugh. "I just wanted to make sure that you were all right." The horse bobbed his head, seeming to assure her that he was fine, and she laughed again.

Just then, a glimmer of read caught her eye and Moira looked ahead to find a woman in a red dress standing along side the road. A quick glance at the terrain revealed one of the few flat stretches of land between Monterey and Los Angeles, but Moira knew that even flat land could appear empty when hiding an entire band of robbers. Easily, she transferred the reins to one hand as she scooped the pistol up in the other, and slowed the horses to a stop in front of the strange woman.

"May I help you, señorita?" Moira inquired, pleasantly.

The woman smiled pleasantly. "Si, I was hoping you could give me a ride to Los Angeles," she replied with a hopeful note in her voice. Moira stared at the woman, thoughtfully, before sliding to the side and the woman climbed onto the driver’s seat with Moira. "Gracias, señorita. You will not regret this."

Moira held up the pistol. "But if you are part of an ambush, you will," she promised before shaking the reins to signal the horses to start forward again. The woman pulled her red blanket closer about her shoulders and gazed out over the landscape, which had turned rocky again.

"I can assure you that I am not part of any ambush," the woman said, soothingly. She smiled at Moira, and Moira found herself relaxing to an extent. "What is a young señorita like you doing out here all by herself?"

Moira smiled. "I am returning from a business trip in Monterey," she replied. "My uncle had a shipping company which I inherited when he died. A few problems appeared in the office in Monterey that I had to take care of, and I even managed to get a few gifts for my hosts while I was there." She blinked, startled that she had said so much to a complete stranger who she still knew nothing about. "What about you? This is hardly friendly country for a lone señorita to be out in by herself."

"I was waiting for someone, but they didn’t show up," confessed the woman. "I am Gabriella, by the way."

"Moira," announced Moira as she stared up at the rocks along the road. She shook the reins, sending the horses into a trot, and glanced back at the white stallion to find him having no problems with the faster pace.

"He is a magnificent creature," remarked Gabriella, looking at the stallion that arched his neck proudly.

Moira laughed. "He’s a military horse who didn’t get along with anyone," she explained, returning her gaze to the road once more. "Apparently, his owner was killed by some bandits and for the past year, he had been running wild around Monterey. Someone caught him, noticed the military brand and took him to the cuartel where he was identified. The only problem was, several officers tried to ride him only to find himself in the dust. I saw him and for some reason, he seemed to like me so the Capitan sold him to me."

The two women continued talking with Gabriella somehow controlling the subjects, and Moira found herself confiding in this strange woman. She talked about her family and her fiancé and the accident that took them from her while she miraculously survived. Then the conversation turned to the de la Vegas and Moira found herself dancing precariously around Gabriella’s questions about them. She had promised Diego that she wouldn’t reveal his life as Zorro, but some of Gabriella’s questions were straying too close to that topic for Moira’s comfort. Instead of answering some of the questions, Moira talked about Diego’s "scholarly" abilities and Gabriella eventually dropped her questions to hear about Moira’s stories about him. The young señorita was careful about what she revealed and hoped she painted Diego as a romantic scholar who wasn’t interested in participating in the conflicts that surrounded Los Angeles.

As the wagon rounded a bend in the road, Moira spotted the pueblo of Los Angeles and sighed in relief. "I think I’ll stop at the tavern for a drink," she announced, turning to the woman sitting next to her. "Would you care…"Her offer was forgotten because the seat next to her was empty! Startled, she looked around for Gabriella but could not find the señorita in the red dress. Suppressing a shiver, Moira slowed the horses to a walk as they entered the pueblo and she easily maneuvered the wagon behind the Tavern where the stables were.

Instantly, one of the stable helpers was there to hold the wagon horses as she climbed down. "Take good care of them, Paco," she instructed, handing him enough pesos to cover their care. "And be careful of the white one there. He isn’t too friendly with strangers."

Paco grinned. "Si, señorita," he agreed. "I will take good care of them. Even El Blanco." Moira smiled and entered the Tavern. As she entered the main room, she looked around at the large crowd gathered there and easily spotted Diego talking with Sergeant Garcia over a bottle of wine. A few seconds later, she noticed Don Alejandro speaking with a few of the dons before he saw her. He said something to the dons and casually made his way through the room towards her.

"Moira, I am relived to see that you have returned safely," Alejandro greeted as she removed her hat to release a mass of red hair. He took her hand and led her over to a vacant table as Maria, the Tavern helper, placed two glasses and a bottle of wine before them.

"It is good to be back in Los Angeles, Don Alejandro," she replied, taking a long drink. "I have a favor to ask of you." At his curious nod, she continued. "I brought a special gift for Diego back from Monterey and I need someplace to hide it until Christmas."

"Where is this gift?" he inquired, casually, sipping his own wine.

She grinned. "It’s a white stallion," she whispered. "He’s with the wagon behind the Tavern and I don’t want Diego to see him or it will ruin the surprise."

Alejandro chuckled. "If he does not mind wearing a blanket for a few days, I can put him in the stables at the hacienda," he replied, softly. "Of coarse, we must let Benito in on this or he will ask about the new addition to the de la Vega horses. Do you have his papers with you?" Moira nodded and pulled the packet out of her jacket, handing the papers across to Alejandro. The older don carefully looked over the papers before looking at her, startled. "Who exactly sold you this stallion?"

"It was Capitan Luis Francisco in Monterey," she replied, confused. "None of the officers could ride him and the soldiers didn’t want to risk it. The stallion liked me for some reason and Capitan Francisco sold him to me. Why?"

"Because my dear, you purchased Phantom, the horse Zorro rode while in Monterey," Alejandro whispered, his eyes twinkling. He returned the papers and stood up. "Now if we are to get him to his new home, we had better get going before Sergeant Garcia drinks all the wine."

Moira nodded. "I will meet you in front of the Tavern," she agreed, draining her glass. She stood and quickly made her way to the stables where Paco was watching little Mercedes weave some flowers into the white stallion’s mane.

"She didn’t think he was ready for Christmas," explained Paco, catching sight of Moira.

Grinning, Moira handed the little girl a few pesos. "Thank you for your hard work," she said, bending down to look Mercedes in the eye. The little girl giggled and shyly looked up at Moira as the señorita climbed into the wagon. She guided the wagon to the front of the Tavern where Don Alejandro was waiting for her on his own horse.

"He is a beauty," Alejandro announced, looking the stallion over with a critical eye. "I believe Diego will like him."

Moira grinned and started towards the de la Vega hacienda. "What was everyone talking about?" she inquired, casually. "I have never seen the Tavern so busy. Not even after Zorro rides."

The older don looked at the young woman. "There has been a young señorita in a bright red dress that has been seen around Los Angeles," he remarked. "She is something of a mystery since she helps people before vanishing without a trace. A few of the peons think she’s a Christmas angel come to help us."

"That sounds like Gabriella," mused Moira. At Alejandro’s confused look, she explained about the strange woman she had given a ride to only to have her disappear when they reached Los Angeles. "And she introduced herself as Gabriella. She asked a lot of questions about Los Angeles in general and you and Diego specifically."

Alejandro was silent for a few minutes. "I think I would like to meet this Gabriella," he said before tossing her a smile. "Now enough about mysterious señoritas. Tell me about your trip to Monterey." Smiling, Moira talked about her trip for the rest of the journey.

Closing her eyes, Gabriella stood on a hill overlooking the de la Vega hacienda and smiled as the sun warmed her skin. There was a soft sound behind her and she turned to find a man standing there. His long blond hair was tossed about in the light wind and he looked at her curiously.

"Why don’t you just go down and visit them?" he inquired in his soft voice. "You only have until midnight on Christmas."

"I know," Gabriella replied, gazing once more at the hacienda. "But I want to do as much as I can for the rest of Los Angeles as well. It would not be fair if I didn’t do what I can in the time I have been given."

He chuckled. "You have always had a kind heart, Gabriella," he said before disappearing once more. With a soft smile, Gabriella clutched her blanket tightly about her shoulders and started once more for Los Angeles.

When Diego arrived back at the hacienda, Bernardo met him in the patio and signed that Moira was in the sala. "Take this to my room before she sees it," instructed Diego, handing the mute servant a long package. Bernardo glanced at the package confused before his face lit up in a grin and he joyfully carried it up to the young de la Vega’s room while Diego entered the sala. There he found Moira reading a book in front of the fire and he smiled. She had left her hair loose instead of pinning it up in the latest fashion and the copper curls seemed to glow in the firelight.

"Buenos Dies, Diego," greeted Moira, looking up from her book as he walked over to her. "Did you enjoy Sergeant Garcia’s tales as much as he enjoyed your wine?"

Diego chuckled. "That would be difficult to decide," he remarked. "I am certainly glad that you are home from Monterey unharmed." He smiled at her as he poured a glass of wine. "I would hate to have to find another partner to practice with after I have gotten use to sparring with you."

"You sure know how to make a señorita feel appreciated," replied Moira, accepting the glass that he offered her. "Thank you."

"How was your trip to Monterey?" he inquired, leaning against the mantle as he watched her.

Moira grinned. "I managed to smooth out that mess in a few hours, the Governor and Lenore invited me to dine at their home while I was there, Theresa said to say hello, and Ana Maria still refuses to talk to me," she reported triumphantly.

That last fact caused Diego to burst out laughing. "She still hasn’t forgiven you for challenging her to a duel, has she?" he gasped between laughs.

"That one should settle down with Don Ricardo and raise lots of little ones," she said, waving the matter off if it was nothing more than an irritant. "She’s already decided that she doesn’t want to wait for her ‘one true love’, and I managed to convince you just how self centered she really is, so she should marry Ricardo."

"I think I still have a few lumps from that ‘discussion’ of yours," he remarked, rubbing the back of his neck, absently. "Are you sure you didn’t get Tornado to help you?"

Moira stood up and planted her fists on her hips. As always, Diego was amazed at just how small Moira really was. Her head only reached his shoulder, yet she managed to exhibit a self-confidence that made her seem larger. "As if I need him to help me win an argument with you," she retorted, her emerald eyes sparkling with laughter. The two of them stood there for a few seconds before both burst out laughing and Diego gathered her into his arms.

"It is great having you home again, Moira," remarked Diego, hugging her tightly. He felt her arms tighten briefly around his waist before she stepped back.

"It is good to be back," she said, scooping up her wine glass again. "How has Commandante Dominguez been?"

"He has graciously given Sergeant Garcia permission to sing at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve," the young don reported, sipping his wine. "Padre Felipe was delighted to learn that Garcia would sing in the choir. Dominguez has even allowed Garcia to practice with the padre in the afternoons." Moira nodded and they discussed everything that had happened while she was away. He always enjoyed conversations with Moira, and was happy to talk with her, whether it was over a puzzling problem or just to discuss local events.

For several minutes, the two friends happily chatted until Diego noticed that Moira was starting to fidget, a sure sign that she needed to do some activity. We should practice in the cave before she decides to do something a bit more destructive, mused Diego with a small smile.

"Would you care to cross swords with me?" he inquired softly, glancing around to make sure that no one could overhear him.

She grinned. "If you will give me a few moments to prepare, I shall be more than happy to take you up on your offer," she accepted as she stood. With her skirts swishing about her, Moira left the sala and Diego shook his head. He stood up and headed for the library when he met Alejandro emerging.

"Father, I was just coming to see you," Diego began before lowering his voice. "Moira and I are going to practice in the cave. I was going to try and locate Bernardo to go with us, but I thought you should know."

Alejandro gazed at his son thoughtfully. "Actually, Diego, I wouldn’t mind seeing you and Moira cross swords," he remarked casually. "I have heard you speak much of her skill, but I have never seen you and her duel."

Clapping his father on the shoulder, Diego smiled. "In that case, we had better get down to the cave before Moira decides that I’m not going to come," he remarked, heading into the library with his father right behind him. A quick glance around revealed that they weren’t being watched and the men slipped behind the bookcase and into the secret passages that ran through the hacienda.

Quickly, they strolled through the stone passages until they reached the staircase that descended to the secret cave where Tornado was stabled. Scooping up a lit lantern that was in a nearby nook, Diego lead the way down to discover Moira was lighting the last of the lanterns that were scattered around the cave. She had traded her dress for a blouse and riding skirt and her saber was lying across a table that Diego had in the cave. She looked up and smiled as Diego scooped up his sword and drew it in one smooth motion. Carefully, she blew out the match she held and picked up her own sword, before glancing at Alejandro.

"I would suggest, Don Alejandro, that you stand either near Tornado or near the stairs," she suggested with a small smile. Nodding, Alejandro stood at the base of the stone steps as Moira and Diego faced each other. After raising their swords in a salute, they fell into attack stances and Diego felt his blood pound. He often found himself fighting one opponent or another, but as Zorro. There was something invigorating about facing an opponent without the mask and he blinked, instinctively blocking Moira’s swing.

Stop thinking about the excitement, he chided himself. If she had been an enemy, all this musing would have cost you your life. Determined, he began trading blows with the smaller woman.

Together, the danced around the stone floor with the sound of steel ringing and the occasional snort from Tornado to break the silence. A tension filled the air as each desperately sought to penetrate the other’s defenses and keep their own from being penetrated. All that existed for the two fighters was each other and their weapons. Finally, Diego knocked Moira’s sword out of her hand and they stood there, desperately trying to catch their breaths.

"Gracias, Diego," breathed Moira as she bowed to him. "I have not had a work out like that since I left for Monterey." Diego sheathed his sword as Moira retrieved her and they both turned to find Alejandro clapping in appreciation.

"It has been a long time since I saw a duel as magnificent as that one," announced the older don with a large grin. He took Moira’s hand and bent over it. "Never again will I doubt your skill or your ability to handle yourself."

Moira blushed and pushed a strand of hair off her forehead. "If you will excuse me, I had better get cleaned up before dinner," she said, heading up the stairs.

"I too had better get cleaned up or the servants may wonder what I was doing," remarked Diego, grinning at his father. Together, father and son started up the carved stairs and emerged into the hacienda, unaware that a pair of eyes had seen everything from the shadows.

Soon it was Christmas Eve and despite the numerous appearances by the mysterious señorita in the red dress, neither Diego nor Alejandro ever managed to see her. It also appeared that the banditos and crooks that normally plagued Los Angeles and the surrounding countryside had decided to enjoy the holiday in peace because Zorro was not called upon to ride for justice. Instead, the young caballero helped decorate the hacienda for the special day as well as wrap a few presents for Moira and his father.

Benito, the head vaquero, helped bring a fresh pine tree into the sala and Moira proceeded to decorate it with some help from a few of the servants’ children. She showed them how to weave small bundles of flowers together to form a long garland that was draped on the tree’s branches as well as how to take some of the pinecones and coat them with honey and corn before hanging them in the patio for the birds to eat from. Once the children returned to their chores, Moira brought out some of the decorations that she had brought with her from Spain and explained the significance behind each one as she carefully hung it on the tree.

"My uncle was always finding something to get for me at each port he arrived at," she explained as she hung up some delicate glass ornaments that were shaped differently and painted. "These he bought in Germany where they are hand made. I am glad they survived the journey intact."

Bernardo grinned as he handed her the next ornament before carefully unwrapping another from the small, straw filled crate that lay open at his feet. Alejandro and Diego watched and soon all the ornaments dangled from the tree, except for the brass star that Moira held. Turning, she grinned at Diego and held out the star.

"Diego, could you please put the star on?" she inquired sweetly. "I’m afraid I am a little short to safely put it on." She stood there for a few minutes while Diego gazed at her thoughtfully, and he smiled as he stood up.

"It would be my pleasure, Moira," he replied, gallantly as he removed the star from her outstretched hands. Walking over to the glittering tree, he easily placed the last ornament on the tree where it stood proudly, shining in the firelight. Stepping back, Diego stood next to Moira as they gazed at the tree and he absently slipped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close.

Alejandro smiled and said a silent prayer that Diego would realize how special Moira had become to him. Bernardo tossed the elder caballero a conspiratorial smile, which Alejandro returned before standing up. Together, the two of them started from the sala trying hard not to disturb the young couple when the small clock Moira had placed in the sala chimed the hour.

" Madre Dios!" gasped Moira, looking at the clock in surprise. "I must hurry if I am to look my best tonight." With that, she gathered her skirts in on hand and hurried out of the sala.

Alejandro smiled at his son who watched the young señorita leave. "I did not realize it was so late," confessed the elder de la Vega. "We too need to get ready for the Midnight Mass."

"Si, Father," agreed Diego. "I will see you in a bit." With that, both Diego and Bernardo left Alejandro alone in the sala. Silently, Alejandro strolled over to the small nativity scene that was displayed on a table and smiled down at the small figures gathered under the wooden structure. This had been his wife’s prized possession, and every Christmas, she proudly pulled the box containing the wooden figures out. With Diego’s help, she would arrange the figures while telling their young son the story about each one.

Mi Precious, how I miss you, mused Alejandro, reaching out to run his fingers down the Virgin Mary’s dark blue cloak. Sighing, he turned and left the sala to prepare for the Midnight Mass.

As he climbed the stairs to his room, Alejandro was surprised to see Moira emerge from her room with her arms full of brightly wrapped packages. "Can I help you with those, my dear?" offered Alejandro with a smile.

"Gracias, Don Alejandro," accepted Moira as the don removed the top packages from her load. "I thought the tree looked a little lonely without some gifts below it and decided to correct that problem." Together, they returned to the sala where Moira happily scattered her gifts under the tree before placing a gentle kiss on Alejandro’s cheek as she passed him, heading once more for her room. Shaking is head, Alejandro hurried to his own room to prepare for tonight.

The mission was decorated as gaily as any building in the pueblo with flowers and hand made decorations everywhere. The people were also dressed in their finest clothing as they entered the church and sat in the pews. The quiet murmur of talk filled the air, mixing with the rustle of cloth and the scent of the flowers. People were still arriving when the de la Vega coach pulled up to the mission and Alejandro emerged followed by Diego. The younger de la Vega turned and helped Moira to the ground before closing the door behind her. As the coach pulled away, Moira slipped her arm through Diego’s and they gracefully strolled through the church doors with Alejandro just behind them.

A surprised murmur rippled through the crowd at the sight of the de la Vegas and Moira felt a twinge of sadness that her family was unable to be with her this evening. Git yerself togethah, me wee lass. Ye promised yerself that ye weren’t gonna be livin’ in th’ past, admonished the small voice in her mind that always had her Irish mother’s voice and brogue. Firmly shoving the sad feelings aside, Moira held her head high as Diego escorted her to a pew. He looked so handsome tonight in a dark blue suite with fancy gold trim decorating it. A white shirt and necktie completed his outfit and she had to confess that her heart had skipped a beat tonight when she saw him in the patio waiting for her. Alejandro was clad in a black suite with silver decorations, but he too wore a while shirt and necktie. Unlike Diego, the older don had worn a hat to complete his outfit, and for some reason, Moira was self-conscious of all the looks being directed their way. Many of the more proper ladies of the pueblo regarded her as an outsider because of her obvious Irish heritage and strange behavior. Not one of them thought it appropriate for a young señorita to learn how to use a sword or even to dress as a vaquero when she is forced to travel alone.

It doesn’t matter what those snobbish old biddies think about me, Moira decided with a small smile. Diego and Don Alejandro like me for who I am and that is all that matters to me. Nothing that anyone can say will change that. She smiled up at Diego as they sat down once Bernardo had joined them and waited for Padre Felipe to start.

Diego tried very hard to keep his thoughts on the mass that was soon to begin, but they kept straying to the lovely señorita sitting next to him. Moira was wearing a silk dress of a soft emerald color that made her hair seem like spun copper and she had somehow managed to pin the curls into a pile on her head with a small waterfall of loose curls cascading over her left shoulder. Her only jewelry was a gold ring on her right hand that had a pair of hands clutching a crowned heart between them. It suddenly occurred to him that this was the first time that he had seen her dressed in her finest. While he wore fancy clothes as part of his public face, she rarely donned such finery, being content with simple riding outfits or casual dresses of green, cream, or light blue.

She is truly amazing, mused Diego, glancing at her out the corner of his eye. In Madrid, she was always there to either support me when I was feeling lonely or help me solve my problems. Now, she seems even stronger than she did then. I envy the man who was able to win her heart in Spain, and I wish I had been there to comfort her after the accident. Just then, Padre Felipe emerged to stand before the congregation as the choir filed in to stand to one side. Diego smiled at the sight of Sergeant Garcia’s large bulk clad in a robe that strained across his massive girth, but the boyish excitement that lit the sergeant’s face was mirrored in the faces of the people standing around him.

As Padre Felipe began, one last person slipped into the church to stand at the back, hidden in the shadows. She smiled at the sight of so many people gathered together to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, and drew the red blanket closer around her shoulders as she listened to Padre Felipe talk.

As the mission bell struck midnight, the people slowly left the church and separated to make their ways home. Carriages and coaches were brought out of the stables along with regular mounts and Moira shivered slightly in the cooler air of the night as she waited for the de la Vega coach to be brought around. Glancing around, she spotted Sergeant Garcia, dressed once more in his uniform, just emerging from the church and she hurried over to him.

"Sergeant Garcia, I just wanted to let you know how wonderful your singing was tonight," she announced, laying a friendly hand on the sergeant’s arm.

Garcia grinned and bowed. "Gracias, señorita," he said, beaming with childlike delight. "And I must say that you look absolutely stunning tonight."

Moira felt a blush creep across her cheeks as she murmured thanks before she returned to Diego’s side just as the coach stopped before them. Casually, Diego helped her in before both he and Alejandro joined her, and Bernardo climbed up to sit beside the driver, before the coach pulled out of the mission, returning to the de la Vega hacienda. No one in the coach talked much; instead, they preferred to enjoy each other’s company on this special night.

When they arrived at the hacienda, Diego, Moira, Alejandro and Bernardo entered through the patio while the driver took the coach to the stables. "I must confess that I was amazed at Sergeant Garcia’s singing," remarked Moira, crossing the patio to the sala with the men following her. "He doesn’t sing in the Tavern when I have been there."

"No but then, you usually buy him a bottle of wine," replied Diego with a smile. Moira laughed as she entered the sala only to stop, startled, at the sight of the woman standing before the small nativity scene. Behind her, she heard Alejandro gasp in surprise and glanced at him to find all color ha drained out of his face.

"Buenos Noches Alejandro, Diego," greeted the woman, turning around to face them.

Moira looked at her curiously. "Gabriella, what are you doing here?" she inquired, recognizing the woman as the stranger she had met outside of Los Angeles.

Before Gabriella could reply, Diego took a hesitant step towards her. "Mother?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief. Startled Moira looked up to find him staring at Gabriella in amazement and returned her gaze to the woman, who nodded. But Diego’s mother died several years ago, Moira thought with a small frown. So if Gabriella is really Diego’s mother, than… She let the thought drift off and stared at Gabriella in surprise as the red clad woman walked over to them.

Gabriella brushed past Diego and Moira to stand before Alejandro and wrapped her arms around his neck. Before the older on could do anything, Gabriella stood on her toes to kiss him passionately on the lips, and Alejandro instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist. After a few seconds, she broke off the kiss and looked at him with a mischievous smile.

"You were standing under the mistletoe," she explained, simply. Unable to contain it any longer, Diego started laughing at the stunned look on his father’s face and Moira joined in. Finally, Alejandro hugged Gabriella tightly with tears streaming down his face.

"Oh, Mi Precious," he whispered. "My Gabriella. I am so glad to hold you once again."

Gabriella sighed. "I’m only allowed to remain until midnight on Christmas," she confessed. "It is the one restriction we are given when we are allowed to visit."

"I am just happy to see you again, Mother," remarked Diego, walking over to hug the smaller woman as Alejandro released her.

Gabriella rolled her eyes at Moira. "When he was little, it was 'Mama’ and ‘Papa’," she remarked, dryly. "Now he is so formal with everyone." When Diego finally released her, she turned and opened her arms to Moira. "As far as I am concerned, you are a part of this family." Blinking back unexpected tears, Moira allowed the woman to pull her into a hug. When she was finally released, Gabriella turned and enveloped Bernardo in a hug, much to the mute’s embarrassment.

"Now that I have embarrassed everyone, why don’t you introduce me to that magnificent animal you keep hidden?" Gabriella inquired. Moira felt a flash of panic and glanced around to see if anyone had heard Gabriella, but the other woman waved off their surprise. "Do not worry. NO one will hear anything if I don’t want them to hear it. So are you going to show me the Fox’s Lair or do I have to do that myself?"

Laughing, Diego lead the small group into the secret passages and down to the cave where Tornado whinnied a greeting. Gasping in amazement, Gabriella walked over and stood before the powerful stallion who sniffed her curiously. Finally, he lowered his head so she could stroke his neck and scratch his ears.

"Oh you are a beauty, aren’t you?" she whispered as Diego walked over to join her next to Tornado’s makeshift stall. "You’ve taken good care of my son and for that, I thank you Tornado." She kissed the horse’s nose before giving him one last scratch behind the ears and turning back towards the stairs.

Moira shivered in the slight chill that hovered in the cave. "Why don’t we return to the sala where we can talk comfortably?" she suggested, resisting the urge to rub her arms for warmth. The others agreed and soon they were sitting in the sala with a crackling fire heating the air. Bernardo vanished for a few minutes only to return with a tray of pastries and fruit for everyone to enjoy. He was about to leave again when Diego waved him to a nearby chair. Smiling, the manservant poured everyone a glass of wine before sitting down with a glass for himself. Many wouldn’t invite a servant to join them, but Bernardo had learned long ago that the de la Vegas didn’t fit into the same mold that many others did.

The small group chatted about many things, dancing from one subject to another as the night grew late. No one was truly willing to go to bed and sacrifice a few hours from the short time Gabriella had with them. Even Bernardo was able to join in the conversations and not having to pretend he was deaf was a great relief for a while.

Finally, as the early morning light trickled into the sala, Moira stood up. "If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I wish to change out of this dress," she announced. "Plus, since it is Christmas morning, there are a few things I wish to retrieve from my room." With that, she left the de la Vegas and Bernardo alone in the sala. Diego motioned Bernardo over and whispered into the mute’s ear before Bernardo left the sala as well.

"Diego, I want you to know that I am very proud of you for what you have done for California," Gabriella announced, smiling at him. "I know is hasn’t been easy for you, but it is easier now that your father has pulled his head out of the sand." She tossed a mock glare at Alejandro. "I was wondering when you would realize that Diego is Zorro and actually acknowledge it. I didn’t think it would happen because of a physical fight between the two of you."

"I’m afraid I wasn’t able to look beneath the scholarly exterior to see the fighter," confessed Alejandro standing up to pour himself another glass of wine.

Gabriella returned he gaze to Diego. "And I think it’s about time for you to start breaking out of this role you have created for yourself," she said, holding up a hand to stall his protests. "I don’t mean ride into Los Angeles and challenge everyone there to a duel just to show your skill with a sword, but perhaps have Moira ‘teach’ you how to use a sword where people can see you. Like occasionally in the patio or near the stables. Anywhere that the vaqueros and servants can see you and spread the rumor back to Los Angeles."

"That is a good idea," agreed Moira, entering the sala with her arms full. She carefully placed the packages under the tree before standing up with a roll of papers in her hand tied with a ribbon. "And this is one way to start it." She held out the papers to Diego, who slid the ribbon off of them and unrolled the papers. Frowning, he looked at them before turning his gaze to her.

"Just what are these?" he asked puzzled.

Moira grinned. "While I was in Monterey, I found this magnificent white stallion that wouldn’t let anyone ride him, not even the military officers," she explained, casually. "However, he did let me ride him so the Capitan sold him to me." Her grin grew into a smile. "According to your father, the stallion’s name is Phantom and you’ve rode him before." Diego smiled and took Moira’s hand, placing a simple kiss on it. Blushing, Moira grabbed a pastry from the tray as Bernardo entered, his arms also full of packages, which joined the others under the tree. Then she sat down in an empty seat next to the tree.

Gabriella cleared her throat. "Moira, I have a few messages to give you," she announced, and Moira looked at her startled. "Your family is happy for you and Joaquin wants you to move on with your life. He doesn’t want to see you grow up alone and childless. He wants you to find someone who you will be as happy with as you were with him and not let that one go." A fain pink stained Moira’s cheeks and she glanced at Diego before lowering her eyes to the pastry she was eating. Alejandro smiled at Gabriella who nodded her heads at the gifts scattered under the tree. He nodded in understanding and looked around at the others.

"Moira, will you be kind enough to pass out the gifts?" he inquired, startling the young woman. Finishing her snack, Moira knelt next to the gifts and began distributing the packages with Bernardo’s help.

Finally, everyone except Gabriella had a small pile of gifts next to them and Moira frowned, thoughtfully. It didn’t seem polite to her for Gabriella to be excluded when a sudden idea occurred to her. Quickly, she removed the slender gold chain from around her neck and walked over to Gabriella with the necklace in her hands.

"I want you to have this," announced the young señorita, holding up the necklace with the green stone dangling from the delicate gold chain. Before Gabriella could protest, Moira had fastened the necklace around her neck. "My uncle picked this up for me during one of his many rips to Ireland. The green stone is rumored to be part of the Blarney Stone which will bring those who kiss it long life and luck."

"I can’t accept such a precious gift," began Gabriella, moving to take it off when Moira grabbed her wrists.

"Please keep it," whispered Moira, her green eyes staring into Gabriella’s hazel ones. After a few minutes, Gabriella nodded reluctantly and Moira smiled before returning to her gifts. She picked up a long gift and carefully unwrapped it to reveal a magnificently crafted silver sword.

"Gracias, Diego," breathed Moira, testing the balance of the weapon. She took a few practice swings and grinned as it whistled through the air. Diego laughed at her antics as he opened his own gifts and soon, all the gifts were unwrapped, leaving four happy people and a pile of paper and ribbon. Carefully, Moira placed her new books in a stack near her sword and stood up to face Diego as she removed a small pouch from her skirt pocket.

"I have one final gift for you which comes from Ireland," she announced, handing him the pouch. When he opened it, a larger duplicate of Moira’s gold ring fell into his hand and he looked at her puzzled. "It’s called a Claddagh. The hands symbolize friendship, the crown, loyalty and fidelity while the heart is for love."

Smiling, Diego slipped it onto his left hand and looked at Moira to find a faint blush on her cheeks. "Gracias, Moira," he said, watching as the blush deepened from pink to red. Gabriella and Alejandro exchanged glances before laughing at a private joke.

The day passed with many stories accompanied with laughter, and Diego speculating which horse was faster, Tornado or Phantom. The end result was Gabriella and Diego on Tornado racing Alejandro and Moira on Phantom with Bernardo watching them amused. Finally, the mute declared both horses the winners of the race because he couldn’t tell which one had crossed the "finish line" first.

Despite their hopes that midnight would never come, it loomed over them all too soon as the hours flew by, propelled by their happiness. Finally, the small clock in the sala struck a quarter to twelve and Gabriella sighed.

"It’s nearly time," she remarked, leaving the sala with Alejandro, Moira, Diego and Bernardo accompanying her. Silently, they walked through the patio and out of the hacienda, stopping only when they reached a hill nearby.

Alejandro took Gabriella’s hands and looked at her with a pleading expression. "Must you go, Mi Precious?" he asked in a broken voice.

"Yes," she replied softly before smiling. "I will always be with you even if you can’t see me. You have years ahead of you, Alejandro, and I will patiently wait for you." She slipped her hands out of his as she turned to Diego. "You take care of yourself," she said, pulling him close in a tight hug. "And watch out for Moira too."

Gabriella enveloped Bernardo in her arms. "Watch Diego’s back," she requested. "I think sometimes he actually believes those legends that surround Zorro." Bernardo nodded and signed his understanding of her feelings.

Finally, she turned and gathered Moira in her arms. "Don’t break his heart," whispered Gabriella in the redhead’s ear. "He really cares about you. I can see it when he looks at you." Moira nodded, unable to speak past the emotions wielding up in her throat. Alejandro and Diego walked over and enveloped both women in their arms in one large hug. For several minutes they just stood there when a glowing light attracted their attention. Breaking apart, they discovered this column of white light stretching down from the heavens and Gabriella smiled.

"It’s time," she announced. Turning, she kissed Alejandro lovingly before she backed towards the light. "I love you all." With one final smile, the light enveloped her and disappeared, taking Gabriella de la Vega back to where she belonged.

Alejandro put an arm around his son’s shoulders and around Moira, holding them close, while Bernardo placed a comforting hand on Diego’s shoulder. The family stood on the hill and stared up at the glittering stars that danced in the velvet night sky as the mission bell echoed across the land.

The End

Happy Holidays