"JUST A BIT HIGHER, LITTLE JOHN!!"<br/><br/>Elody Winston stood a pace away from the house, watching as her farmhand hung the final Christmas wreath between the second story windows. She was quite proud of them, she had to admit. She liked to think James would be, too.<br/><br/>The crisp breeze lifted her chestnut hair and pale green skirt, casting them gently around. It smelled like snow would be falling soon.<br/><br/>A soft sigh escaped her lips as Little John finally set the wreath, relieved it was over.<br/><br/>"HOW'S THAT MISS ELODY!?"<br/><br/>"PERFECT! YOU'RE A CHRISTMAS ANGEL, LITTLE JOHN!!" she laughed as he bowed and moved towards the ladder. She shaded her eyes as he suddenly stopped, looking towards the road.<br/><br/>"WE'VE GOT OURSELVES COMPANY, MISS ELODY!"<br/><br/>She turned her attention to the road, not seeing anyone from her vantage point. Little John had hastened down the ladder, moving over to her.<br/><br/>"There's just one, Miss Elody...i'll go grab my gun, just in case..."<br/><br/>She nodded, watching as Little John jogged towards the barn before turning her attention back to the road. After a slow inhale and exhale, she moved up the steps and onto the porch...reaching for a pistol that was resting on the banister.<br/><br/>After slipping it into her apron pocket, she moved back onto the steps, waiting.