it's the most wonderful time of the year

[innocentloveholic]

[ Today's invitations are stupidly glittery. Like, there is an obscene amount of glitter? It is going to get everywhere and also on you and there is almost nothing you can do, so enjoy it. They are also obnoxiously colored, because Aligula has missed having the option of adding colors to all of her creations, and she has decided to rectify this.

Anyway, the message itself is blessedly simple, and written in her usual curly-cute script:

Christmas party in the ballroom at 5pm!!
Don't be late!!!
Lots of treats!!!!
also bring whatever you don't want from whatever you got out of that crappy vending machine because we're doing a
~SUPER SANTA SWAP MEET~
and a super special contest!!!

~ Aligula ♥

...The ballroom is likewise obnoxiously decorated, with cut-out Christmas trees and ornaments and chains of colorful streamers and... and look, we got an art studio. Aligula's determined to make up for lost time here. Her treats are all sorts of sweets, like cookies and cakes and a small parfait bar, but she actually does have some other things available: peanut butter and jelly finger sandwiches, an attempt at curry that's pretty bland, salad. The usual refreshments are there too—water, hot chocolate, milk with various syrups so you can make your own, some tea that's been steeped way too long sorry tea drinkers!!!

The swap meet is more or less relegated to the space by the piano; go dump your unwanted things and trade with other people, or just take it off their hands. Or, if you want to be more Santa-like, go gift someone something you don't want!!! Either to get it off your hands or because you think they'd actually like it, whatever. As for the contest...

There's a table marked "COORDY-J CONTEST" off to the side, with plenty of paper and supplies from the art storage—the rules are there too and also very simple: Draw what you think Jericho looks like, and the winner gets to throw the first doll into the fire. ]

Comments

[firstaid]

I do have my friends. Perhaps it would be fun to celebrate it with them...!

[Just settle in a town for one night and celebrate and just appreciate one another.]

[chessturner]

That's the spirit.

[Kyrie seems to approve it]

Usually there's some good food during Christmas, too. Cookies, ham, and fruitcake. Aligula-san may have forgotten those for this party, but they'd be a good addition for your own celebration.

[firstaid]

So gifts and food? That does seem like a wonderful time-- almost like a time to appreciate one another.

[Since sitting down and eating feels like that at times, especially if they have an extravagant meal.]

[chessturner]

That's the reason why most celebrations are made. Now that I think about it, judging by the amount of celebrations there are, it's almost like celebrating is an important part of a person's life. You have missed a lot in your life if you don't do something like this often.

[firstaid]

I... went to a lot of social events, however they weren't celebrations, just something done as a part of noble life.

[...while she was stuck in the castle. And probably off to the side and only allowed to make limited conversation.]

[chessturner]

Does it feel strange to be among us commoners for so long?

[firstaid]

[Estelle shakes her head.]

I find it liberating. Everyone here is so free and I'm jealous of that lifestyle they had. You all had friends and people you're close to since your life wasn't monitored so closely like mine was. You could go wherever you wanted without being supervised.

...you could... actually leave your house. The castle is large, but never being able to leave was so suffocating.

[chessturner]

...believe or not, I can relate to what you're talking about. I have never been a princess, but I was set to be the next leader of my family -- not just any normal family. It's difficult to describe.

So I was raised for such task. If I hadn't decided to leave it all behind, I'd have a great burden on me.

[firstaid]

I'm happy to hear you left it. It's a rather burdensome role to have, though I'm afraid I'm not sure if I can leave a life so easily-- or if I will be allowed to.

[chessturner]

Are you sure? If you want to leave, then you must do everything in your power to accomplish it.

[And screw over a few people, most likely, but who cares about those details?]

[firstaid]

I'm a princess. I simply can't leave my people because I don't wish to have the lifestyle I was born into. It's my duty to serve them, though I admit before, I didn't do that much. However, I'm rather sure once my world is no longer in turmoil, I can return to the capital and finally be a proper princess-- yes, and only a princess. I wasn't chosen for the throne so I do not need to worry about that.

[chessturner]

If that's your choice then you'll do well. That's what is important. Besides...you do have the right temperament to be the kind of princess that can help your people, even if you weren't chosen for the throne.

You should be fine.

[Unless something happens and you get thrown onto the throne, like Kyrie told Adelina it could happen. She doesn't mention that, though]

[firstaid]

[She smiles hearing that.]

I certainly hope that I do. Thank you, Kyrie, for your kind words.