One day we'll reach to emotions: unexplored, unprecedented

[matchbreaker]

[ Sometime shortly after the trial small notes will be folded underneath the doors of everyone still alive, and also posted to the staircase leading up to the upper floors. Not many of you have probably seen Elda's penmanship yet unless you checked that Penmanship check a while back, but it's impossibly impeccable fancy cursive script, to match with her old timey appearance. ... She also writes a lot more proper than she talks. ]

To My Fellows,

The half of you who didn't assist me in this are cordially invited to a celebration of our continued living, and to the memories of those who aren't. We are a mismatched group,
but it has become increasingly clear that we are together in this. Do not allow yourself to be alone.

We will be congregating in the ballroom for the rest of the night.

Better chefs than I will be providing food.

Sincerely,
Elda Marker

[ she's being somewhat facetious about half the group, but the fact does remain that she got more offers than she expected, when she set out to do this. She had expected that Sayaka would help, and indeed both her and Alex provide cookies and curry for the tables. Elda herself sets up the tables, dotting one longer central one made of smaller ones in the ballroom for things to sit on. The bulk of the food's provided by Tarrlok of all people, Chinese food by any other name. Susan, bless her, provides alcohol. Hibki, once she was clean, decided to run backup on preparing the food.

And then perhaps fittingly, Aligula provided the decorations. Steamers line the room, and little cut outs hang around. At Elda's instruction, it's a mix of cats, snakes, and bats. The majority of them have little faces on them. And finally, as and afterthought more than anything else, Elda makes some tea.

... Said tea is black tea and is impossibly dark and bitter because she can't taste it, but maybe that's what you want on a night like this. Who knows. ]

Comments

[bloodbiter]

It was primarily enjoyed by people who were more affluent, then?

[She takes another sip.]

[sleepytimegal]

That's the impression I get, at least. Like...it's for New Year's parties or "hey, let's get out the bubbly for a celebration!" things.

[bloodbiter]

New Year's parties? Is that a common holiday in your world?

[sleepytimegal]

New Year's! It's...how it sounds, there're parties on the last day of the year. Send off the old one.

[bloodbiter]

[It brings out a smile.]

That's a wonderful tradition. How do you typically celebrate, other than with champagne? Do you throw feasts?

[sleepytimegal]

Mmm, just gathering with friends, usually? Everyone's party's personal, there are big fancy ones and there are ones in people's basements, with bad movies and snacks.

...Oh, and...resolutions. Things you resolve to do differently the next year, and try to keep.

[bloodbiter]

Things you want to change about yourself, or change about the environment you live in, then?

[It's a comforting idea.]

I like that. I'm glad that you have such a celebration.

[sleepytimegal]

Exactly. It's... I dunno, a lot of people never follow through on 'em, or fall out of 'em after a few weeks, but...it's nice. The whole thing's nice.

[bloodbiter]

After only a few weeks?

[A frown, thoughtful.]

I hope there are least some who are more committed than that. Either way... It sounds as though the celebrations are wonderful, too.

[sleepytimegal]

There are, there are! Sometimes people just...make bigger promises than they can actually follow through on.

[bloodbiter]

So... They can at least correct that mistake the next year in most cases, then?

[sleepytimegal]

If they don't get too over-confident again. That's why it's always best to do a small thing. Not "I'm gonna never let my room get dirty!" but... "I'm gonna dust every month!" or something.

[bloodbiter]

[So, there are certain times when it becomes abundantly clear what her upbringing was like. This would be one of them.]

You didn't have anyone to clean your home for you?

[sleepytimegal]

Nnnnoooo? Why would I, that's for like...rich people and stuff.

[bloodbiter]

...That isn't normal?

[Ah... A nervous laugh escapes her lips.]

I apologize. That must have sounded absurd.

[sleepytimegal]

No, not absurd, just...

[ A little sheltered. ]

Unfamiliar.