[65][written/action]

[silversnowfall]

[At last. Peaceful, mostly sunny. No sign of the moon, or masks, or costumes.

...And Nephry is moving through the plaza at the pace and with the general stiff gait of an old woman.

Fitting, she thinks.

Near the fountain she sits on a bench, opening the journal on her lap. She's never been one to make announcements too personal, or to call unnecessary attention to herself. A chill breeze lifts a few pages of the book, though, and she smiles, writing.]

Winter is coming. [a pause, and then] It's still strange to me, sometimes. Even after living here for a couple of years...I still expect the cold and snow to be a more permanent visitor.

Do you enjoy the snow? Or do you prefer warmer climates?

Comments

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

That's true. I wonder who I'll have to buy gifts for this year? I've met so many new people that it'll be difficult to find presents for all of them.

Oh, well I'll only be finding the gifts really, not so much buying them here.

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

Still, choosing something that fits each person can be a challenge.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'll just end up getting a few boxes of chocolates for the friends who I don't know what to get.

What sort of gifts do you enjoy receiving? Or are you content with what anyone gets you?

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

Ah...to be honest, I don't think about receiving gifts that often. If someone is kind enough to think of me, that's all that matters.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

That's such a sweet thing to say. I'll be sure to think of you this Christmas then, miss.

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

Oh...thank you. That's quite sweet of you.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Though I suppose after talking with you like this I could get you a present as well. Thinking of a person is fine, but it's always nice to show your true appreciation.

I'm Nodoka. Might I have your name miss?

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

That isn't nece required of you. Giving gifts is a very personal thing for some people, after all.

I'm Nephry. It's a pleasure, Nodoka.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Well yes, but I was intending to get everyone I know a little something anyway. I know I don't need to, but it would be nice if I did.

Nice meeting you Nephry-san. The feeling is mutual.

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

I wonder what that holiday will be like this year.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

It won't be like Halloween will it? Are the Malnosso mean enough to mess with Christmas like that?

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

I don't believe it has ever been like that. Halloween is a much more...inventive holiday for them.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Well that's very reassuring. This will be my first Christmas here, so I wouldn't know if the Malnosso would decide to do something like Halloween around that time of year.

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

It is often lonely, celebrating something important to you in a world that isn't yours.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

[There's a long pause before Nodoka is able to write a reply.]

It might be a little lonely, spending something like this without my family and friends from back home. Do you have anyone here with you to spend Christmas with Nephry-san?

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

There are quite a few people from my world here, but as I said, we don't normally celebrate Christmas at home.

...However, you are welcome to spend the holiday with us if you'd like.

[Voice?!--Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Ah, r-r-really?! Th-That's such a-- Oh, th-this is on now, isn't it? U-Uhm, sorry.

[Just ignore that. Nodoka wasn't expecting that sort of offer and accidentally knocked the journal over.]

Are you sure? That's very kind of you to offer, but I would hate to be a burden on you and your home Nephry-san.

[Voice/Written]

[silversnowfall]

[Nodoka will be able to hear Nephry laughing very quietly. Why is it that the people here are so unaccustomed to others just being kind?]

Of course I'm sure.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

[Oh dear, she's laughing. That's definitely laughing. Oooh...]

But won't it be a bother having someone else around? Perhaps I could help in some way to make it easier on you, if you're positive you don't mind.

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

[She's not laughing to be malicious! It's gentle laughing okay?]

If it would be a bother, I wouldn't have offered. Please, you would be very welcome.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

[Still laughing. Still feels like knocking the journal over like that was silly. Sob.

A longer pause as Nodoka thinks it over.]

Thank you, I would love to join you Nephry-san. Though I must insist that I help out in some way, otherwise I'll feel guilty even if you don't mind.

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

I'm sure you'll be able to help us.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Great! I'm an alright cook and I can clean fairly well too, so please set me to work with whatever jobs you might have when the time comes.

[Hmm. If she's going to be spending Christmas with Nephry...] Excuse me for asking such an odd question, but do you have a favourite scent at all?

[Written]

[silversnowfall]

Scent? [If there is a way for handwriting to convey being perplexed...] Hm. I haven't really thought about it.

[Written]

[alreadyknowsyou.livejournal.com]

Well there's no need to give me an answer right away. Think about it and get back to me when you have time. Don't worry, it isn't anything strange! [Or at least Nodoka doesn't think it is. What she has in mind was fairly common in her world, but here things might be different.]