Monthly Mingle Log

[thalassino]

Is it that time of the month already?

...No, today is not the start of shark week.

The Station Master's taken precautions to make this month's mingle party nice and laid back, after that rather magnetic week. Today, locals are all over the Plaza starting to put up the decorations for this strange holiday known as "Christmas", and they're more than happy to cheerfully rope any foreigner who doesn't look too busy into helping them.

The food tables are back, albeit with more drink than food. Hot chocolate, gluhwein mulled wine, a huge bowl of fruit punch, you name it, it's there. Foodwise, there's snowflake shaped crackers with cheese and meats, shrimp cocktails, cups filled with green or red jelly, and plenty of cookies to go around.

Near the food tables are the two usual booths, one belonging to the Welcoming Committee, armed with all the information a newbie would want to know, and the other belonging to the Host Club, manned by all the male eyecandy you could ever need. Have they done something special for their booths this festive season? Better sashay their way and find out!

Walking around all the tables and booths is what looks to be a giant lobster(???) in a Santa suit handing out candy to anyone and everyone nearby. It seems the locals don't understand that it's "Santa Claus", not "Sandy Claws."

Finally, it looks like there's been a new addition to the plaza. Was that ice skating rink over there last night?? It certainly fits the theme, and the locals don't seem to be surprised. They'll even help you lace up those skates and take them for a spin. Bundle up and try not to fall too much!

Comments

[theredrose]

[The question makes her smile dim as memories of seeing her parents in that portrait fill her mind. Would she see them again? What about Garry? Had he gotten home or was he here too? He'd been on the other side of the painting, ready to take her hand and bring her home.

And then there'd been that woman who'd looked and sounded like her mom, the fake person who wanted to keep her trapped in the gallery...she didn't know.]

I don't know where they are...I showed up alone.

[Except for her rose.]

[beauchevalier]

[She's alone and with no one else here to take care of her? That's not good at all. This girl was an orphan, much like he was before arriving at the abbey. Perhaps...yes, he might give it a try to ask.]

Would you like a place to stay for the time being?

[theredrose]

[She looked up at him, a little surprised by the question. They'd given here a thing for a hotel...but she'd never lived by herself before.

Finally she nodded. Who knew how long she'd be here or if her parents or Garry would ever show up, it was probably best to find someone who could help her to learn some things.]

Yes, I would.

[beauchevalier]

[He smiles at her again and though they reach the place to rent skates from, he still holds onto her to answer her before setting her down.]

I used to care for orphans back home, so if you'd like...I can take you in. How does that sound?

[theredrose]

[Orphan...was that what she was? Well, here, at least, she was. She nodded again and smiled a bit. Angelo seemed nice enough.]

Okay.

[Oh...there was something else, though. Something she was wondering about.]

What about Garry? We were together before...but he didn't come with me.

[beauchevalier]

[Garry? Is that a friend of hers? Hmm, maybe this guy will show up in due time.]

This Garry fellow, he's a friend of yours? I don't believe I've seen anyone in the city with that name. Perhaps the Lamufao will bring him here and when that day comes, I'll take him to you.

[theredrose]

[She nods, this answer is acceptable.]

Okay.

[...]

Thank you, Angelo.

[beauchevalier]

[He smiles and gives her a wink.]

Anything for you, fair Ib.

[theredrose]

[That makes her look at her shoes in a bit of embarrassment, but her hand tightens around his.]

...should we skate now?

[beauchevalier]

Oh yes of course.

[Seeing that they arrived at the area for skates, he sets her down gently still smiling at her.]

You go pick out your skates and I'll wait here.

[theredrose]

[She nods and runs off to find skates that were her size. Once they were on, she (carefully) wobbled her way back to him.]

[beauchevalier]

[He gets close enough so she doesn't have to wobble too far and takes her by the hands.]

We'll start the lesson here, let's slowly go across the ice together. [He then does such by guiding her across the ice, still holding her hands, every slowly and gently.]