melodiesoflife | Christmas Party & Cheer

Christmas Party & Cheer

WHO: OPEN
WHEN: FORWARD DATED: December 22nd
WHERE: Christmas Town
WHAT: Celebrating the snow, the holidays, good cheery, warm fires and friends.
WARNING: Mistletoe?

With Rukia's help they were able to find a large enough hall in Christmas Town to throw the party. Zelda had set it for this day since a group of brave heroes were going to set out on the 24th. She had made sure that everything was perfect and of course everyone was invited. There were at least six decorated trees with polished silver and gold ornaments hanging from their branches. Scarlet red ribbons decorated the trees and tables with large bows tying the streaming trails together.

There was one very large tree at the halls center and there were a few presents around the bottom for those who needed a place to put gifts. At it's top was a large pointed star.

Champagne and small finger snacks were set on the tables and a part of the room was cleared for those who wanted to dance. Zelda was even able to hire a few people to play Christmas songs throughout the night. There was a table dedicated to sweets with cookies, cakes, small pies and other wonderful treats spread out for people to try.

Among the decorations was mistletoe. This little plant hung above the doorways waiting for any pair who happens to be caught in their hold. Most of the mistletoe was thanks to Minako but Zelda might have put up one sprig at the entrance to the party; it's all in good fun and kisses on the hand or cheek are perfectly acceptable.

[ooc: feel free to make open posts and tag around! It's a party!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Even though Ace did remember to bring some of his presents to the party, it came with a certain dose of convincing, from both his housemate and the Moogle, to actually make him show up. There is nothing particularly festive about his outfit, but he's made a point of changing out of his Job's clothes at the very least, opting for something more casual than the fancy robes he somehow always ended up getting stuck with.

... Hanafuda, on the other hand, in her oversized Christmas hat, shines brighter than most ornaments present in the hall in her garb for tonight, so that sort of balances things out.

Living under the same roof with the Hero of Love, Ace is very much mindful of the mistletoe tradition, but there seems to be little reason to be concerned if one doesn't make much effort to mingle to begin with, isn't there? He mostly plays it safe, either sticking to the less frequented areas or hanging around the music corner that Zelda has set up. Thoughtful and quiet, the cadet might not be feeling the atmosphere yet, but that doesn't stop him from being polite to anybody that approaches him. ]

Oh!

[it's Sika who darts over first, face bright.]

That hat… it's incredible! Where did you find it?

[…sorry, Ace. She'll pay attention to him in a moment. Though K'pandolu's following after a few moments, offering both of them a wave.]

I wouldn't mind knowing that, too. But you're both looking good tonight. [she offers Ace a quick smile, tail lifted slightly.]

Edited (font tag) 2015-12-25 22:58 (UTC)

[ Hana sways merrily in place, the tiny bells sewn onto the edges of the hat ringing to the tune of the festive songs. However, she lifts it off her head upon noticing the fellow Moogle, if only to fly over and place it on the other's head with a triumphant sigh. ]

This is one-hundred percent original Mysidian work! We spent quite a lot of time in town and around, kupo, so I made sure to stock up. Go on, give it a spin~!

[ Placed next to K'pandolu in her elegant garb, or even his own Moogle, Ace has nothing on either in terms of festive looks, which is why the compliment makes him wonder, but he reciprocates with a shy smirk nevertheless. In fact, without his official attire to rely on, he might finally look more his years as he stands somewhat uncertain in front of the girl. ]

I'm fine with her taking the lead, but thank you. [ um. ] ... You look great, too, K'pandolu. I'm glad that I see you.

An original…! Thank you! I'll treat it with care!

[IT'S LIKE A CONCERT ON HER HEAD this is the best thing! Sika starts twirling, trying to shake it different ways so she can see what sounds it produces.

K'pandolu chuckles, watching her for a moment, and tilts her head back in Ace's direction.]

Thank you. It's good to see you again, and in more pleasant conditions. [and she appreciates that this is a look that's a little less official, too! though, well, considering she's gone for full Weaver's… K'pandolu, please.] Do you have any festivites like this in your own world?

[ To that, Hana enthusiastically claps her hands. Even though it is truly a wonderful deal she found, and perhaps she's not ready to part with it forever, Hanafuda will gladly let her friend enjoy herself however long she wishes. Besides, it's more than likely that an identical, bought just-in-case hat is already in the Moogle's possession, so even if the other would turn out to like it that much....

Ace's definition of pleasant is a special one, so a part of him ponders on the apparent superiority of crowded party halls over wide plains and the smell of chocobos, but recalling the dreadful loops, he finally makes the connection K'pandolu was referring to. ]

I'm afraid not, or at least, they were not so widely celebrated to leave their mark.

[ After all, he could only refer to their local customs, having never had enough time to familiarise himself with other traditions, or... an entire variety of culture-related topics, to be honest. It's almost distressing how often he would find his knowledge so severely lacking when talking about his very place of origin. ]

Any events were kept somewhat low-key for practical reasons, but my knowledge might be limited to begin with.

[ A pause. ]

Nonetheless, you've come prepared, haven't you?

[well- it wouldn't be right to deprive her of it! If Sika does decide she wants one of her own- well, she can ask for where they got it, and then go there herself! Right?]

Maybe we should get a few more and see what they all sound like together!

[…this is something that can't possibly go wrong.

K'pandolu nods, ears flicking forward for a moment.]

I suppose, if matters were that terrible there… people's spirits would be rather dimmed. [certainly that was the case with All Saint's Wake.] Limited how? [she tilts her head, disconcerted. He seems the right age for the Starlight Celebration…]

Prepared- ah! Yes. One moment…

[she rummages through her ~~inventory~~ pockets for a moment, and produces a box.]

For you.

[and inside is a pair of garnet earrings, with a note in careful handwriting that says simply 'For strength'.]

[ She's clearly speaking Hana's language, and that is endless optimism in the face of failure. ]

I've tried wearing two at once, but it didn't work out, kupo.... [ Really. ] Who knows, maybe you would have more luck than me! Hopefully, they'll keep their business open for when we can pay them a visit, kupo.

[ Surely, there would always be an endless demand for useless Christmas hats, even long after another year has rolled around!

Meanwhile, Ace calmly proceeds with an explanation. ]

It was just me and my siblings when I was growing up, and we never really had an opportunity to see other people. As you can see... I am hardly an expert.

[ And, as if that's the easiest thing in the world, he completes his answer with a smile. For somebody who has spent the majority of his life in isolation, there isn't any regret to be detected in his voice, or any trace of sadness, at all; it's just the way it is.

The reaction that follows is somewhat less controlled, though the smile stays where it has been. Yes, she's managed to take him aback slightly, but at least he has the means to return the kindness. ]

... Ah, I meant in general, since you seemed to be in your spirit. [ Well, it is a bit awkward. Timidly, he bows his head. ] But thank you. If it's all right, I will retrieve yours in a moment, it's still under the tree.

[ And since she's been so eager about handing it over, he figures he shouldn't make her wait for too long, carefully opening the box. ~~Now he can look like a true jrpg character.~~ It felt... unusual, to see jewelry within, but he greatly appreciates the gesture, wondering whether the choice of crimson was random, or perhaps....

His eyes catch the sight of the little note, and he nods at K'pandolu, his expression bright. ]

[Well, there was no way Tear was going to miss Hana's festive spirit when it shone so brightly. There's a small smile on her face as she makes her way to them alone, while at the same time masking a rare feeling of nervousness as she approached the duo.]

Ace, Hana... I'm glad to see the two of you here tonight.

[If she remembered correctly, the cadet still wasn't all too used to such atmospheres. As it had at the welcoming party all those months ago, knowing her friend was here made braving the party more worthwhile, and given they were no longer meeting as frequently as they once did this was a welcome opportunity.]

[ A wonderful opportunity indeed. Although he would have sought her out regardless, the cadet visibly lightens up spotting Tear already on her way, sharing every little sentiment she happened to display. ]

Tear, I... [ While his smile grows brighter, the tiniest trace of nervousness makes its way to his face as he suddenly darts his eyes upwards. The gesture that follows in the form of his hand extended in her direction probably makes it no easier to comprehend his concerns, and for that reason, he rushes with an explanation.

That said, he will only very lightly tug at her hand should she accept the offer until she's close enough by his side, also known as the mistletoe-free zone. ]

... I would advise you to watch out for the plants above us, it's mostly my housemate's work.

[ While Ace isn't exactly superstitious, the same can't be said about Hana, which for him is enough. In fact, the Moogle responds to his plan with disappointment and puffed out cheeks, if only for a second before she returns to being her usual cheery self, overly occupied with energetic waving.

When the boy speaks again, there's a softer edge to his tone. ]

I'm glad to see you as well.

Plants...? But there are so many. [For a moment Tear stops in her tracks to look at the ceiling above her with furrowed brow, studying the accused decoration and its matching fellows carefully. They hardly seemed any different from anything else adorning the hall, but she nevertheless gently placed her hand in his without hesitation and allowed herself to be pulled to his side, turning her gaze away from the mistletoe to focus more on him instead.]

Aside from those, I hope you're still able to enjoy yourself. [Of course, she would be even more nervous if she knew just what those plants meant. For the time being she's content with simply being with him, despite the odd warning.]

... I was actually hoping to meet up with you soon, if you can believe that.

[ Though it quickly occurs to him that the melodist is even more oblivious than she initially seemed, it is hardly a matter worth raising an alarm for, so brushing it aside is what he promptly does.

After all, he merely wanted to give her a fair chance having valiantly fought his own way out of the green traps set up all over their house and now, the party as well. Should a possibility exist that they -- should they somehow get stuck underneath one despite his efforts... for once, he doesn't fear the concept of it, itself. ]

In that case, it makes me wonder if we have both been brought here by similar motivations.

[ Even without the mental images provided by the mistletoe he can already feel his face flaring up a little. ]

I am not familiar with the festivities, but they are meant to give you an opportunity to spend this time with those dear to you.

[ An update: flaring up a whole lot, the image completed by a sheepish smile. Well, nothing about that is false. ]

... Maybe we were. [Ace's behaviour merits a curious look from her, prompting Tear to take another step closer to peek at his face. While such an expression was endearing enough on its own, his choice of words were enough to draw out a faint blush on the melodist's own cheeks.

... That she was just now noticing that she still held on to his hand, however lightly it was, did nothing to deter the warmth she was feeling. Nevertheless she tried to keep it in check anyway, granting him a smile of her own instead of pulling away as she absentmindedly pushed a loose strand of hair out of her face.]

Celebrations like this one didn't really happen where I grew up, so I can't say I'm familiar with any of it. Even if it's true for this one, you know you can come over to spend time together whenever you want, right?

[Though she could always take the initiative herself, now that she realised it.]

[ At first, the only answer he has for her is a reaffirming chuckle, as nothing else seems to come to the mind of the cadet, not when the hand in his grasp actively reminds him of the newfound closeness. Needless to say, it doesn't occur to him to withdraw from the contact unless she decides to take that step herself.

Initiative becomes such a curious concept when you find yourself this dependent on someone, all of a sudden. ]

I know. [ Even after a longer moment has passed, he still considers these words important enough to be uttered. Frankly, he would have preferred that to another evening of wallflowering which the party would undoubtedly end up bringing, but knowing that this might as well be one of their last chances to gather before the storm hits, he's decided to swallow the awkwardness if it meant seeing his friends once more.

That, and he has another motive. ]

But since we're here... I have something for you.

Edited 2015-12-26 22:11 (UTC)

Ace | Open

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Re: Ace | Open

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