Welcome to Gaia! ::

Emileigh protested. "Hey, I'm not the one who started walking backwards up the steps. You did. Don't blame me for that you moron." She grumbled under her breath, glaring sideways at Kit. "If you want to blame somebody blame yourself."

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Loralei noted Zasha heading towards the center of the town, huddled over something in her hand "Zasha!" She dragged Alucard behind her, then looked back at him. "Look, you get to meet Zasha, Alucard! And you get to see the Christmas tree!"

Alucard was still confused over what was happening, "..."

He hid behind Loralei and peeked out from around her to see what Zasha would do next.

"I don't even know what hot chocolate is. But it still sounds good," Alucard still had no clue why people were celebrating, but the idea of getting something good caused him to feel excited.

"Yay! Hot chocolate!" Alucard shouted with glee.

Zasha smiled at the little boy, then motioned towards the crowd gathering at the base of the tree.

"I've got to go up on the podium and make a small speech, but while I do that, there's a small stall nearby that you can get some hot chocolate at." She winked at him conspiratorially, "...And some sugar cookies too! And because of the Festival, it's all free!"

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Kit hastily covered his mouth and looked innocently up at Enid, going for his best 'I didn't do it! Honest!' face.

"Er...Sorry?"

Enid was not fooled.

"Right." She shoved the box off her foot, and glared at the boy. One eyebrow raised, she growled.

"You, little girl--go pick out your prize for payment, and then you can go. The tree topping should be soon."

She grabbed Kit's collar as he turned to go as well--"You will bring up a few more boxes on your own, and you'll stay here and help me decorate while the opening ceremony and tree topping occur."

Emileigh bit her lip, watching Kit being dragged off by the ear. "Um... if you don't mind, Ms. Enid, I'd like to stay. I like decorating, and besides, it's too cold outside for me. I don't mind..." Emileigh looked down at her feet, and twiddled her thumbs. She only hoped that Enid had enough holiday spirit to let her help decorate... and make sure Kit didn't miraculously 'disappear.'

~~~~~~~

Loralei looked at Zasha in exasperation, then felt herself being tugged off in direction of the stall. "Ugh. Zasha..." She sighed, shaking her head. Leave it to her to take away my bargaining chip.

Instead, Loralei put on a smile. "Are you ready for the best drink you've ever tasted in your entire existence?!" She squealed. "Hot chocolate, here we come!"

She headed down the path to the stall, humming a Christmas tune under her breath.

Loralei smiled down at Alucard, happy that he finally seemed to be in a better mood. "You seem to be happier." Loralei remarked, then stopped in the gratefully short line that stood in front of the stall that held the hot chocolate and cookies.

((Little Alucard is so cuuuuuuuute~))

Zasha hurried to the podium after giving the pair a cheery wave, then mounted the steps. She waved an arm in the air and let out a piercing whistle to get the attention of the crowd, then cleared her throat and began.

"It's been five years since we left our pasts behind--five years of hard work, and dedication to our new lives. From that effort has sprung forth a land of plenty, and as we celebrate the coming of our fifth winter; as the farmers lay down their plows and the loggers lift up their axes to give us a source of warmth in the cold, let us celebrate our successes and our freedom! We have proved that we can be more than just common criminals and animals, we have earned our celebrations. This angel--" Zasha lifted the silverwork angel to catch the light, showing the delicate curves of the cloth of the dress and the intricacy of the wings--"Symbolizes the hope we brought with us. Let us share with our fellow Hestians in a celebration of giving and goodwill--that which our old home thought us incapable of."

She turned to a man behind her who had already placed a ladder against the giant tree and handed him the angel. He ascended the ladder, and as he placed the angel at the top of the tree Erinyes Faction had donate and secured it safely, a cheer rang up from the crowd.

"From Artemis Faction to you all, enjoy this season! The Winter Festival has begun!"

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Enid sighed.

"Alright child--go get the ladder. We'll start putting things up while this one brings up boxes." She set her hand firmly on Kit's shoulder, and smiled at him. It wasn't a very nice smile. "Right, boy?"

Kit nodded, thankful to seemingly get away from this without a scratch.