nexus_crossings | Ho Ho Ho! Happy HP Holidays!

Ho Ho Ho! Happy HP Holidays!

There is something different about the Nexus this Christmas season. There is a light snow falling over the entire Nexus plaza. The snow is gentle, with no real coldness to the falling snow flakes. As one approaches the main gathering area, they will notice that there are many Christmas decorations, including garland hanging from the air, and there are twelve towering decorated Christmas trees, some sparkling with tiny icicles, some glittering with hundreds of candles. There are also thousands of floating tiny candles in the Nexus plaza, that gently move at their own discretion.

In one corner, there is an orchestra, directed by a Dwarf. All of the musicians are playing music on instruments made from ice. In the center of the Nexus plaza, is a huge banquet table, loaded with holiday foods and treats that showcases a variety of food from different cultures, and some of the different worlds that gather into the Nexus itself. The main delight of the banquet table is that magic can make the food replenish itself, meaning Christmas dinner never has to end. Most will be able to find something they would enjoy. With the added perk that the food is LOL-free.

There are some added little Christmas adventures, for those who get caught up in the holidays. Here are some of the extra options for the Holiday season.

Secret Santa!
There is an added bonus to the Secret Santa gifts this year. The presents will deliver themselves! There are tons of wrapped gifts floating through the air, destined to only drop when they reach the person to which they are intended. Please note that not all gifts will be given in the spirit of the season. There are a few prank gifts floating around too. Be sure to watch out for them!

Christmas Crackers!
There are Christmas crackers scattered among the tables, and in amongst the branches of the trees. They are decorated with festive paper that is twisted at either end like a sweet wrapper. Inside of the tube are prizes, and some contain Muggle prizes such as a paper hat, a plastic toy, and a slip of paper with a joke printed on it. But the rare person will receive a unique, peculiar magical prize, and will envelop everyone nearby in a cloud of blue smoke.

Weasley Sweaters!
Time to try your luck at the Christmas Sweater bin. There is a large rotating clothing rack that seems to have an endless supply of them. Each one more Festive than the last! Pick one and show your Christmas spirit for the rest of the day.

Enchanted Mistletoe!
Be warned Nexus traveler, the Nargles** have hung enchanted Mistletoe all around the plaza. If an unlucky person steps underneath the Mistletoe, they will find that they are magically stuck to the spot, until they can find someone to kiss them. Of course, the kiss can be platonic, familial, or even romantic. For a few unfortunate people, the kiss may be the last thing they would want to do... but it is that or be stuck in the same spot for the rest of the season.

**Nargle Wiki
[Click Here for information on the HP Holiday Event!]
[Your character is free to give other Christmas gifts to people they care about -- HOWEVER, please do not deliver your Secret Santa gift. That will be handled by the Secret Santa moderator. Please post details on your Secret Santa gift in this post please.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It is interesting to see the change in Caspar's expression, when Adia performs the same kissing behavior on him. Faris resists the impulse to tilt his head in thoughtful contemplation as he takes note of the difference. Perhaps the sensations are more effective when one does not have scales? Or maybe there is a heightened importance of the gesture when it is done between mates.

He decides not to mention his watchfulness for any threats to this gathering. "It is interesting," he answers instead, raising one paw to poke at the colorful sweater enclosing his torso. "I did not know that so many human holiday practices involve wearing special clothing." He smiles slightly, in his own way. "My peoples do not celebrate winter on a single day. Our home region of our world was rarely cold enough for snow, though enough that farming could not continue for a time. This time was instead used for learning and performing important poems and songs from our history, or learning the basics of a new activity that one did not have time for before. It was during this time that many cubs were also created," he adds, his tone mildly amused. It is a natural consequence of having much free time and spending more time indoors, surely something that translates well to human culture, he hopes.

Ah, yes, that sweater. Adia only gets the full effect of it once Faris points it out, and while it is rather cute, she can't help but be reminded of pet owners who dress their pets up for the holidays. "Are you comfortable in that?" she asks. She plucks at the tassels on her scarf of her snowman sweater. "I think it's because it's typically cold in the winter, and Christmas seems to be about decorating every single surface. We decorate a little for the Solstice, but definitely not this much."

Caspar is trying very hard not to stare at the alien's sweater, because the look he would give it would not be kind. But don't take it personally, Faris. He thinks all of these holiday sweaters are atrocious. (Except Adia's, although he wishes it wasn't covering most of the pretty dress he bought her for the occasion.)

"I don't think we'll be getting much snow, either. But it makes sense that you'd concentrate on things that you can do indoors, instead." That last example makes her giggle -- yes, that translates just fine to human culture. Perhaps not so much to Cylon culture; Caspar needs a second or two to figure that one out. When he does, he blushes a little -- a very strange sight on his normally stoic face -- which makes Adia giggle even harder. "I suppose I should expect a population boom in about nine months, then... what's the gestation period for K'da cubs?"

"It is strange," Faris admits, "but it is warm and the colors are pleasant to look at." Whether he knows what the purpose of all the symbols are, well, that is a different story. But it is exciting to experience human culture in a way he had not before.

The K'da is pleased to see her laugh, finding yet another thing in common between their peoples. He is more than content to satisfy her scientific curiosity yet again; he is learning too - nine months for human cubs? That must seem like an eternity. His tail twitches, catlike, as he mentally converts the time into human terms. "The average is four Earth months. Because we now live on ships, breeding is a coordinated two-year cycle, divided into six parts. There are occasionally... scheduling errors," he says, with a K'da grin. "All cubs are welcome, no matter when they arrive."

"They are warm, aren't they?" Adia agrees, tugging down the hem of her own sweater a little. "How are you in the cold, Faris? It can get cold in the Nexus sometimes." Especially with a mercurial Winter spirit handling the thermostat.

"Four months," she repeats in surprise. She would have thought such a complex, intelligent being would need longer to gestate. "How about the Shontine? Do they coordinate themselves, too? We never did anything like that... not that the Quorum would be able to legislate that, anyway..."

Caspar, for his part, remains silent. Perhaps a little uncomfortable as well. Cylons -- his type of Cylon -- don't have babies. Except for The Eight who birthed Hera, an exception rather than a rule.

"It seems K'da temperature tolerance is similar to that of humans," Faris tells her, wondering just how cold this place might get. "Sharing body heat with a host is our typical way to endure the cold," he adds with a K'da smile. "Clothing is a new experience for me, though not entirely displeasing."

"Four months for the gestation only," he clarifies, since she sounds surprised. "Once the cubs arrive, they do not leave their guardian hosts' skin for an additional two or three months, except to eat."

He is, of course, entirely oblivious to Caspar's discomfort with the topic. It is a natural thing, and nothing to be ashamed of. All species must reproduce to create the next generation, in one way or another. "The Shontine coordinate also, though the cycle is longer. Shontine cubs must gestate for eleven Earth months, and are not independent of their mothers until fifteen years of age. They are also prone to having two cubs at a time, while K'da only have one."

"You might need to bundle up on occasion while you're here," she muses. The symbiotic nature of keeping warm for him makes a lot of sense, both on a practical level and as a way to increase the bond between Shontine and K'da. "Too bad that's not an option for us," she says, snuggling in closer to Caspar. "He's always warmer than me."

"Cylons handle extreme temperatures better than humans," he explains, a little distracted by Adia's display of affection. It eases some of the discomfort over talking about babies, which is good, because now that they are on the subject, Adia seems full of additional questions.

"Always twins?" she asks. "Identical or non-identical?" It might have something to do with the longer gestation period, she thinks. "Do the K'da help with the Shontine babies?"

Fortunately, it seems that Adia Costas has already determined that close physical contact helps, so Faris does not comment on the matter, merely smiling in his own K'da way. "Warm beverages may also aid you in keeping warm," he suggests, tilting his head towards the tables of holiday treats in a silent question. He could certainly use one to help chase away the chill. "My thanks again, Caspar, for the hot cider when we last met."

"Not always, but very often," he clarifies. "Identical cubs are rare but not unknown. It is common for K'da to help with their hosts' cubs. Those who are partnered with teachers and other roles that involve raising cubs do also. Cubs are the future of our peoples, no matter whether they are K'da or Shontine."

"Oh, that sounds good," Adia says, picking up on the hint immediately. She heads for the beverage table, tugging on Caspar's hand. "He didn't tell me that he got you a cider," she adds in surprise. Caspar kept his stories about his encounters in the Nexus fairly short. All she got from his conversation with Faris was that the "dragon alien" was all right.

Caspar shrugs. "He found a good coffee shop for us." Which turned out to be the Crossroads Café, which Adia was already familiar with, but whatever. It was a decent conversation, so far as conversations can go.

This conversation, though, not so much. The topic is clearly getting under Caspar's skin. Not simply because of the lack of Cylon babies. It's the one thing he could never provide Adia, and no matter how much she reassures him that she's not interested in having children, he can't help but feel inadequate.

"For us as well," Adia replies, although sensing Caspar's discomfort, she's quick to add, "That doesn't mean that we all plan on having them, though."

Faris is not terribly surprised that Caspar would not give many details of his visit, knowing that the Cylon did not intend to even interact with people as he was bidden. But interact he did, and the K'da is pleased to relay that information to Adia. "Oh yes, it was quite interesting. He did not recommend eggnogg," he adds, mildly amused, glancing at the man as they walk towards the beverage table.

Something does seem to be bothering the man, though Faris cannot guess at what. Perhaps it is a difference of culture? "Indeed," he agrees, without any judgment whatsoever. "Just as not all may be pilots or warriors, not all may have their own cubs either. Every person must walk the path that fits their own paws best."

Adia laughs at that additional bit of information. "I'm not a huge fan of it, either," she admits. "But you should try it anyway, you might like it."

"He can add a drizzle of motor oil to improve the flavor," Caspar can't help but add, which causes Adia to look up at him in confusion. But his amused smile doesn't last long, falling back into a vaguely pensive expression until they reach the table and he can busy himself with pouring a hot cider.

Looking over at Faris, Adia seems a little pensive herself. If she were alone with her friend, she'd feel comfortable explaining Caspar's attitude. But she's not about to do that with him standing right there. "Would you like to try some eggnog now?" she asks. "I can pour you a bowl." Better to just drop the subject entirely.

Faris does not mind the change in subject, nor the lack of an explanation. They have exchanged a great deal of information already, and he is interested in sampling the food and drink that is on offer. While Halloween - before circumstances took a turn for the worse - seemed to focus around sweet foods only, there are more savory meals available, and a larger assortment of beverages.

"I would like that," he agrees, tail flicking from side to side in contentment.

There's much less brightly wrapped candy, too, except for a surplus of candy canes. Adia discreetly slips a few into her messenger bag before holding one out to Faris. "Would you like to try this, too? It's called a candy cane and it's mint-flavored."

Caspar finishes making Adia a cider, then pours himself a mug of hot chocolate. It's good quality cocoa, as he discovered earlier. He unwraps one of the candy canes and uses it as a stirrer, letting the hook end hand over the edge when he's done. Whatever tension he had been holding in his frame over the previous topic of conversation seems to have disappeared now that it's over.

Once Faris has decided if he wants the candy cane or not, she'll pour him a bowl of eggnog and set it on the edge of the table. It seems more polite, even if logistically he'd probably have an easier time with it on the floor.

Faris' tongue flicks out to taste the scent of the candy she's offering him. It's strong and sharp, surprisingly so, despite the clear wrapper enveloping it. "I will try it," he decides, and grasps the candy cane gently between his teeth to carry it over to the table.

Her thoughtfulness in putting the bowl of eggnog on the table rather than the floor is greatly appreciated. K'da are very social, after all, and it is difficult to speak with others while one is on the floor. Finding a comfortable perch on the bench seating is slightly more difficult, but he can manage, after a fashion. "My thanks," he says, situating his tail so that passersby will not step on it.

"Let me know if you need help unwrapping it," she says. She doesn't want to assume -- Faris is rather dexterous with small, delicate objects -- but she doesn't want him to struggle either.

Having shared a drink with Faris previously, Caspar does not think too much about the eggnog in a bowl, or the way the alien is perched on the bench opposite him. He catches Adia eying his hot chocolate, and wordlessly switches beverages with her.

"Oh, you don't have to--" she starts to protest, but Caspar just smiles and shakes his head. Cider is an acceptable substitute if it makes his girl happy.

"Let us know what you think,' he says to Faris. "Of the eggnog and candy cane." He's legitimately curious. And food, as little of it as he needs to eat, is a far better topic than childbearing.

Faris is not so proud that he will not take help when it is offered, fortunately. He has an easier time pressing buttons and holding things than he does peeling thin, crinkly wrappers from tiny objects. "If you would," he says appreciatively, flicking his ears forward.

The K'da lowers his head to the bowl and takes an experimental lap of the liquid. It's thicker than he expected, a heavy texture loaded with cream and spices and sugar. "It is very unusual," he reports in surprise, tasting it again. It is not unappealing, however.

"Sure," she says brightly. She takes the candy cane back to unwrap it, then sets it next to his bowl of eggnog so he can sample it at his leisure.

The K'da's reaction to the eggnog gets an amused smile out of Caspar. "Yeah, for me, too." The sweet, acidic taste of his cider is far preferable. "That's strictly a seasonal beverage."

Adia takes a sip of her peppermint-laced hot chocolate and tries not to watch Faris with too cute of an expression on her face. He reminds her far too much of a large cat lapping up a bowl of cream. "Oh, by the way," she says, "I got you something for the holidays." In all the excitement of freeing him from the mistletoe, it had nearly slipped her mind. "It's a book of poetry, one of the longest in my people's history, a legendary account of a famous war on Kobol. But I wasn't sure if you could bring back a book with you, so I can send it to you electronically instead?"

It doesn't feel as meaningful, to give a gift over email, but she wants Faris to enjoy his present, and not be handed something that would turn into more of a burden.

She has his full attention when she mentions a gift, and his ears perk forward in interest when she reveals that it is a gift of poetry. As a newcomer to human traditions, he had not expected any such gifts to be given to him. What a kind and generous gesture.

"I would be happy to receive it in whatever form you wish to give," he says gratefully, quite curious and eager to read the tales within. Learning a new people's epic poetry is a very attractive use of his free time, and it is worth the mild inconvenience of needing to carry a physical book back to the fleet. "It will be an enjoyable method of improving my skills of reading your written language."

Out of all her friends, her present for Faris was the most difficult to decide until she remembered his interest in poetry and song, especially as a method of learning. She still waffled over whether to get him a book or not, unsure if a material object would be of value to a being that spends part of his time as a tattoo on another person's body. But hearing his interest in the book makes her glad that she brought it with her; she pulls it out of her messenger bag -- unwrapped, to save Faris the trouble -- and eagerly hands it to him.

"I'll send you an electronic copy, too, in case the book is too much of a pain." It's a slim book, a paperback, with a drawing of a man in ancient gladiator-style armor on the cover. "Let me know what you think of it. It's not my favorite poem, but it is a classic among my people."

Faris certainly has never been one to collect many physical objects, for exactly the reasons Adia was uncertain if he would appreciate them. A host's pockets are only so big, and the potential to lose items - or create a larger inconvenience - is relatively high. That being said, he does have a few small objects to his name, and this book does not seem overly large.

"My thanks. I look forward to learning its story." Faris investigates the book, noting the scents of the paper and ink, and the somewhat delicate feel of the paper under his paws. He may need to ask Chanath to help turn the pages, but surely she will be just as eager to hear the tale.

"I do not have a gift for you," he says apologetically, hoping that it is not a breach of etiquette.

Hmm, maybe she should have gotten him a hardback instead? No, the paper inside would have been just as delicate. "There's an appendix in the back for some out-dated terms, but if you have any questions, text me. There's some stuff involving the gods that might not be self-explanatory. It predates our Sacred Scrolls."

Petty goddesses fighting over a golden apple, and offended gods vindictively punishing humans. Not a great look, one that was scrubbed clean in the Scrolls.

"Oh, Faris. don't even worry about it." She glances briefly at Caspar, who looks about as relaxed as can be in the Nexus. "Being such a good friend is present enough."

"She means putting up with me," Caspar adds with an amused smirk.

"That's not what I meant," Adia protests immediately, although her blush might suggest that Caspar isn't totally off the mark. "Anyway, I'm glad you like your present. I was so happy to be able to get gifts for all my friends this year. Last year I could only get something for the secret Santa."

"I shall do so," the K'da promises, eager to begin learning the contents of the book. But it would be rude to do it now, he feels, in favor of socializing with friends. And Adia Costas has always been pleasant company.

The mention of secret Santa is a familiar one - though he does not know all of the tales about the man in red with many names, he has learned enough of the tradition to participate this year. "It is a good tradition," he agrees, in between drinks of eggnog. "To give with no expectation of reward is a noble thing. Is that why it must be done in secret?"

Perhaps not the polite thing to do, to begin reading the book then and there, but Adia would have forgiven his eagerness.

"You do get a present from whomever your Secret Santa is," Caspar is quick to point out. He knows little about the man in red, either, but he was quick to learn the rules of this particular gift exchange when Adia said that they were participating. "So there is a reward, if you enjoy the surprise."

Adia takes a sip of her cocoa, letting Caspar get the cynicism out of his system. "I think it's a secret to make it more fun. You get to guess who gave it to you. Have you gotten yours yet?"

Edited 2018-01-12 01:39 (UTC)

What happens if one does not guess correctly, Faris wonders. Then again, he does not expect that his gift's recipient will suspect him either, and the K'da certainly does not mind remaining anonymous. So he supposes he has his answer after all.

"I have," he tells her, lifting a paw so that she can inspect the knitted paw warmers. His tail twitches from side to side in contentment, still enjoying the strange novelty of functional clothing. He may only be able to wear it for a few hours at a time, but it is warm and comfortable. "They are made much like the sweater is. I would like to thank whoever chose them for me; it is a very thoughtful gift."

Without knowing the identities of all those who have become the secret Santa, it is difficult to guess who may be responsible. Perhaps Adia herself? She certainly knows him well enough to choose such an appropriate gift. Though maybe she is too obvious of a choice. "Have you received yours?" he asks instead, interested to see what gift someone has given to her.

She sets down her cocoa so she can get a better look at the paw warmer. "Oh, they're so nice," she says in admiration and surprise. Her reaction seems genuine, so unless she has been taking acting lessons recently, it's safe to assume that she isn't his Secret Santa. "It must be someone who has met you at least once. That's a very thoughtful present for this time of year."

In response to his question, she opens her messenger bag and removes a square box. (The dimensions of which do not appear to be able to fit within the bag properly, and yet there it is.) She pops off the lid and takes our her present -- a snowglobe with a pair of cardinals inside. "Isn't it nice? Josh got it for me. It's musical, too! Listen." She turns a knob on the bottom and a delicate melody twinkles out.

Faris has seen such containers before, since coming to the Nexus, mostly in the company of Hermione Granger. Magic remains a strange, fascinating thing that does not seem to respect the physical laws of the universe, but the bag does not hold most of his scrutiny as she presents the snowglobe for him to see.

The K'da does not completely understand what it is, a strange liquid capsule with bright red figures inside - birds? Then she shakes it, and small white flecks swirl around inside, resembling... oh, the snow that falls around the plaza. A winter in miniature, then. The music is a welcome surprise, a tune without words, played by the tiny machine inside. "The melody is pleasant to the ear," he says after several moments of listening to it. "Is there a ritual significance to it?"

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