lateness: (251)
𝚃 𝙷 𝙴 _ 𝙳 𝙾 𝙲 𝚃 𝙾 𝚁 . ([personal profile] lateness) wrote in [community profile] ximilialog2021-12-12 02:57 pm

OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

CHARACTERS: the doctor (12), the doctor (11), clara oswald, river song, and all of you
LOCATION: the mess hall, the kitchens, the simulation room
DATE: december 24th, 25th
CONTENT: team tardis throws a big christmas party for the station
WARNINGS: none for now, will warn as needed (no fires!!!)

PART I
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ...

1.0 Inside the kitchen and mess hall, Orbers will find the entire place decked out to the nines (Or elevens! Hohoho). No one knows how this all came together, but you will find almost everything Christmas related decorated along the walls and tables.

Hanging all around the walls are blue Christmas stockings! Each stocking will have the name of Orber etched in gold knitting. Inside each stocking is an array of personalized treats (if your character is a smoker, for example, then they will find a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, etc.)

On the tables at each place setting there are various coloured paper crowns for Orbers to decorate on their head – courtesy of Clara Oswald and her assistant, the Doctor (the chinny one) – and Christmas crackers to share with friends. Go on, then! Pull that cracker, see the assortment of sweets and surprises you’ve received. As far as refreshments go, there is plenty to share amongst everyone! There is eggnog, "naughty" eggnog, cookies, cakes, candy canes and sugar gumdrops. It is a downright delightful spread of treats to indulge and tide you over for before you feast with your teammates.


2.0 Before the main feast is prepared, there are plenty of activities to keep you (or a friend or two) occupied. Do you see those Christmas trees on almost every corner of the station? Yeah, the Doctor(s) got awfully distracted (something about if a hot dog is a sandwich) and these bare trees could use some decorative love. Or perhaps you can express your creative talents in the kitchen, where you may want to test out a new recipe to share with the rest of the class. Whether it be a savoury or a sweet dish, there is sure to be at least one person who might like it.

There is also a magician’s kit lying around if you want to take a crack at learning a few new tricks to show off to others! Or if you wish to partake in any group activity, there is a stack of board games and a deck of cards to play a friendly game of Go Fish! Who knows? The game-world’s your oyster.


3.0 By evening, the mess hall will be set up with napkins and plates and cutlery of varying Christmas-y colours. It isn’t perfect, but nothing ever really is, is it? Especially after the Doctor (the cross Scots one) might have very nearly burned the kitchens down a little earlier – something about improving the heat for the roast. Still, it’s finally time for the Christmas feast! And oh, what a smell there is wafting through the large space. There’s plenty of delicious food to go around – especially using much of the ingredients that had come in through the last supply drop. There are varying plates of savoury and sweet dishes, some recognizable, some a little more ... eclectic (you use what space ingredients you’re given, after all), but all of what the hosts have prepared look ... surprisingly edible, some of it even delicious. Roast veg, gravy, stuffing, biscuits, gingerbread, hot cocoa, marshmallows, something mulled, and sweets!

Of course, the more food, the merrier! If you’ve taken part in the cooking and baking from earlier, arriving with your own special Signature Dish, the Doctors (yes, both of them!) will be so pleased to see it join the rest of the feast.

And for those who might have run across the Doctor’s enthusiastic ramblings on Jammie Dodgers at one point will finally get a chance to try them. They’ll be stacked up to resemble a tree on a plate, sprinkled with (edible) glitter in blue and silver.


PART II
SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME

4.0 Christmas Morning finds everyone with an open invitation to the simulation room to attend a very merry Christmas morning. Step inside and be taken away to a warm and cozy living room that is elaborately decorated for the holiday. You’ve been decorated for the occasion too, decked out in pajamas and a robe. With slippers to match, everyone that’s a part of Christmas morning will look like they’re ready to play their part in the festivities. There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace, the smell of cinnamon and clove in the air, and the distant sound of traditional Christmas songs playing on an antique radio over in the corner of the room. There’s also a tree, of course, one that almost seems too large to be in such a quaint place. It’s fully decorated, absolutely covered with a variety of kitschy ornaments like Santa Claus on a T-Rex or bears in tutus. There also happen to be ornaments of every single orber present on the station, presented in the form of ridiculous looking little elves.

Around the tree and scattered around the floor are opened gift boxes, wrapping paper strewn about. Toys from the boxes are discarded on the floor and around the room, plastic dinosaurs and robots that come to life when you wind them up. There are ridiculous looking squeaky alien toys, marshmallow launchers, and even a giant stuffed giraffe. Who could all of these toys belong to?

There also happen to be gifts beneath the tree for everyone. There aren’t any labels on the gifts so feel free to choose whichever one you like (but only one, there won’t be any greedy Scrooges here on Christmas!). No matter what size package that is chosen, big or small, there’s a sweater inside: an ugly Christmas sweater for everyone. One that can be put on over your pajamas to take part in an ugly sweater contest once everyone has unwrapped their gifts.

And of course no Christmas morning is complete without some sort of breakfast. Set up in the corner of the room is a small table with pastries and cocoa, with a big bowl of mini marshmallows. There’s coffee present too, for those that prefer their breakfast with a little less sugar. There’s plenty of seating around the living room to grab a leather chair or a spot on the fluffy couch. Or maybe sit in one of the red velvet chairs over by the windows to watch the slow and steady snowfall over a picturesque view of the British countryside.


5.0 As the events of the morning slowly come to an end, the simulation shifts to a quiet little town. There’s snow on rooftops and colorful lights lining buildings that manage to glisten and glow even in the daylight. The entire street is completely over the top with decoration; fresh garlands that smell of pleasant pine, miniature christmas trees decorated from top to bottom, and vibrant red bows are just about everywhere. There’s no hustle and bustle here, just a relaxed afternoon in the most Christmasy town ever.

The smell of cider and gingerbread baking are in the air, brought on by a bakery that’s open for a visit. Want to make a gingerbread house? There are materials set out to do that. There are things for gingerbread people too, if that’s more your bag.

There’s a bookstore filled with all kinds of books. If you’re not from Earth and are curious about Christmas, there’s plenty of children’s books on the matter waiting for you to enjoy. They’re set up on an elaborate display up front, though anyone is free to browse around and look through what else they have to offer.

A toy store, magician’s shop, and a boisterous pub round off the shops found on the street. There’s street vendors selling chestnuts that have been roasted over an open fire, wassail, and marshmallows for roasting. There’s also a band playing live music, Christmas carols of course. Join in and sing along or don’t. No one’s going to judge you either way. Take your time to enjoy everything or rush through because it’s too much Christmas, all in your face at once. Either way, the marketplace is present for hours in the afternoon and leading into the evening hours.


6.0 As night falls everyone is guided out of town and down a candle lit path that leads to a frozen over pond. It’s been set up for ice skating, with skates set aside for anyone that wants a pair. There’s baubles of lights set out all around the area, and the moon hangs high overhead. No seriously, the moon looks incredibly huge tonight. It’s blue glow reflects on the ice along with the warm yellow glow of all the lights. It’s a welcoming atmosphere, inviting anyone that’s brave enough to put on skates and take part.

The band from the Christmas market earlier are back to play throughout the night, playing quieter songs mixed in with lively pieces that are meant to get people speed skating around the ice.

Set a short distance away from the ice is a long table, with plenty of mismatched seats. Fairy lights twinkle overhead, and are also glowing from inside glass canisters that make up the centerpieces on the table. There’s dark blue galaxy dinnerware at every place, and a small feast spread out so no matter where someone sits there’s plenty within reach. It always manages to stay warm, and nothing ever seems to run out. It’s a perfect place to take a break and grab a quick meal, or just sit and chat with someone while you both enjoy a drink.

The area around the pond can be explored, so go crazy playing in the snow or whatever it is you want to do there. Just don’t wander too far off from the group. There may or may not be razor-toothed snowmen keeping you from going too far. They may hiss or blow snow in your face, but they probably won’t try to bite anyone.


🎄 After all of that is said and done, Orbers may find themselves drawn towards a small bonfire billowing from the center of this quaint little town. But it isn’t just the scent of warm Maplewood dancing underneath your nose. There sitting on top of a milk-crate is The Doctor (12) playing a jaunty little tune from his electric guitar. Orbers are more than welcome to sit around the bonfire and reflect on these past few months and where they might find themselves in the future.

If you find yourselves by your lonesome fear not! The Doctor (11) will be there offer you a hug (or smooch if you’re feeling saucy).

No matter what strife you have been through this year, just remember ...

Each and every one of your lives is a story. So best make it a good one.


naloxone: (pic#15255556)

[personal profile] naloxone 2022-01-03 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it's fortunate marta doesn't have a concept of what a tsundere is.... js...... ]

Don't worry, I'll be reading for fun. I would have never made a good ninja anyway, chakra aside.
blackfire: (pic#15365233)

[personal profile] blackfire 2022-01-03 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
excuse you!! we accept no tsunderes in this house pls and thank!!

That isn't a bad thing.

he says that with a faint shake of his head.

The life of a shinobi is violent and dangerous. It is not something to which anyone should aspire.

he has accepted it for his own life, but he has always wished for peace. for a time when shinobi may be unnecessary altogether.
Edited (i'm too tired i should not be tagging this is a disaster send HELp) 2022-01-03 21:50 (UTC)
peasant: (Default)

[personal profile] peasant 2022-01-03 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I can see why. It's good hair.

[ the compliment rushes out of her without any filter, no thought spared to how her words rush together like a babbling brook, and therefore it's painfully, obviously sincere. maybe some of the doctor's habits have rubbed off on her like overzealous glitter — or maybe it's just her usual awkwardness, quickly trying to smooth over any offense.

(for her sake, yes, but the doctor's as well. it wouldn't do to get him into any trouble, even if he so often seeks it out, drawn to it as moths to flames often are.)

alina, in contrast, can't help but to be drawn to stories — and this one is ripe with juicy flavor. her elbows plant themselves on the table as she leans forward, her smile radiating a curious light. despite it, her question is slightly shy when it comes, toeing at boundaries to ensure she isn't crossing any when she asks,
]

How long is long? A decade? Any time at all must feel long, with a man like that.

[ said with an air of unmistakably fond playfulness. the doctor might test her patience on the best of days, might sweep through rooms like a cyclone, but — she's eternally grateful to have him as a friend at her side. ]
Edited 2022-01-03 21:57 (UTC)
bindsthedead: (art-shock)

[personal profile] bindsthedead 2022-01-03 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
To be honest? Mostly just the dancing.

[Place settings, proper terms of address, how to deal with servants... all of it had been rather dull, although Sabriel had found ways to repurpose the last thing on that list.]
peasant: (Default)

[personal profile] peasant 2022-01-03 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ a stitch of guilt tightens in her stomach, watching sadness corrupt the light of his smile. it isn't an escape at all if she continues opening the door to misery, allowing their demons and duties to follow them into this safe little haven, when they can wait to welcome their worries back in the morning.

eagerly, she chases after the distraction he's offered, burying thoughts of their regrets and stamping them out before they can grow roots. her eyes flicker from the shining pink liquid swirling in her glass, up to his — a gaze that holds steady, as her head tips to the side. like a curious bird, trying to make sense of a new object in its surroundings for the first time.
]

You're burning off the alcohol? [ her eyebrows lift, befuddled in her quiet amusement. ] With ... dancing?

[ a questioning guess, as her eyes skip over the makeshift dancefloor some of the rowdier patrons in the pub have created, knocking into stools and tables in their attempts. it doesn't match with her impressions of xichen, a man that seems to carry himself with soft elegance, but — maybe she's been mistaken. ]
Edited 2022-01-03 22:46 (UTC)
cheapbastard: (butcher097)

[personal profile] cheapbastard 2022-01-03 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Considering where we are right now?

( this might be one of the quieter things they'd done so far. but no, he doesn't think these people are going to be the quiet types. even if they don't have anymore parties ever (doubtful), there'll still be things going on. )

Wouldn't do good to get bored in space. We might start going out of her heads, fuckin' eatin' each other and shit.
coordination: (honest bukkake)

[personal profile] coordination 2022-01-03 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds boring as hell, then, otherwise.

But useful, I'm sure, when it needs to be used.

What else did you have to learn?
bindsthedead: (art-explaining)

[personal profile] bindsthedead 2022-01-03 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, the usual things- Literature, composition, history, mathematics, science, music, Fighting Arts. [One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong.]

Everything a young woman of a certain social status is expected to learn.
cheapbastard: (butcher099)

[personal profile] cheapbastard 2022-01-03 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
You mean the stockings?

( he nods. )

Yeah, it's a whole thing. Usually people get a bunch of fuckin' candy and shit in it. It's for smaller gifts.
calmness: DO NOT USE (thinking of you ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2022-01-03 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
All use of spiritual energy drains one's reserves, but this isn't in a way that one should worry about. [he shakes his head slightly, lifting her up just a bit. worrying others is admitting a problem is not quite ready to face, not yet.

he is self-aware enough, though, to realize that if he'd heard the words that he would not believe them. so, it is a few more moments up, up, up high for clara before he's bringing her back down slowly with a smile.]
Did it live up to expectations?
winscenario: (nineteen.)

[personal profile] winscenario 2022-01-03 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's not looking like a puffer fish quite as much anymore, so that's gotta be a good sign. His breathing's also more even when his throat's not closing up on him, and he lets out a sigh, smiling quietly at her words. ]

No such thing as just a nurse. And you've kind of saved my ass, so if anything I'm the lucky one here.

[ He cants his head slightly, looking at her. ] Thanks, Marta. Any chance we can just... not tell Bones about this? I don't want him to worry needlessly.
calmness: by bangparty (in thought ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2022-01-03 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[xichen still hasn't gathered if earth is any different from where he is from, given that so many from there know quite a bit about the art and history of his own home. there is no christmas, though, for sure even if it sounds like perhaps it is simply celebrated in a part of the world he does not know.

it is all rather confusing business.]
I did not realise you were not from there? I am apologize, it is rude to assume but you seem very knowledgable about the food there. Like the popcorn. [which, okay, xichen is a fan. it's so light! and you can put anything on it.]

It is exactly what was needed. [the smile he offers now is warm, a cheerful thing accompanied by a raising of his glass.] All thanks to those organizing it. You may have made yourselves the official committee for festivities.
coordination: (pack of emos)

[personal profile] coordination 2022-01-03 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That doesn't even sound so out of place to someone like Yzak, who himself is both Used To Fighting and familiar with Sabriel and her world. ]

Well, a few of those don't sound too bad to me. [ Literature, history, music. Even some aspects of math and science ... he's had to dabble into both a little more, reading up on aerospace related things. ]
calmness: (oooooo ☁︎)

[personal profile] calmness 2022-01-03 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[by this time next week, everything will be groovy in these here parts.

there's logic to the other's words but xichen looks over the pile of gifts and shake his head, the other part of his present was at least acceptable and one he'll make good use of -- a set of brushes will serve both practical purposes and he can use them to paint for the pleasure of it.

he shakes his head.]
If I take another, someone else may be stuck with this one and then I am passing on the... [he looks at the sweater with a bit of wariness.] Well, whatever the opposite of holiday cheer is? Misery?

[no one has taught him of a christmas miser yet! but the mention of a dragon has him turning back pretty quick, excitement in his eyes.] A dragon? What sort? [does he sound like an excited child instead of the poised, collected grown man he had been moments ago? yes.

he makes a poor attempt at tempering himself.]
Ah--- [he looks sheepish then, lifting a hand to nervously rub at the side of his neck before sitting up a bit straighter.] you see, a dragon has not been seen in my world for some time, even if the legends of the encounters are true at all. If you are willing to share... What was it like? [even now, the stories seem like only legends.]
morethan084: (angry/listening)

[personal profile] morethan084 2022-01-04 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
[Daisy stares at Marta the entire time she goes over her family's traditions, even when she breaks eye contact.

Brows knitting together when she tries to dismiss all of that as being 'boring', Daisy's nose wrinkles.]


What? That is not boring. That sounds amazing.

[And in a way, Daisy's jealous. She would've loved to have grown up in a family like that.]

I would've given anything to have a Christmas like that growing up.
morethan084: (talkingdown)

[personal profile] morethan084 2022-01-04 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Daisy's laughing the entire time, probably little too loudly, but Alina's reaction is even better than she could've hoped for. Especially when she tries to drag Clara into this.]

You all sound like that.

[Okay, not true, but she's being a shit-stirrer right now.]

So not only can you blind people with your powers, you can also read minds?

[Her nose wrinkles as she pretends to mull that 'new info' over.]

What number am I thinking right now?
morethan084: (small smile)

[personal profile] morethan084 2022-01-04 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
Mmmm...

[Daisy trails off as she stabs more of her food with her fork,]

What was it like to co-exist with dinosaurs?

[She's asking it as a joke, but, Daisy has no idea if Andy was actually alive at that time or not. She just knows she's insanely old.]
morethan084: (well)

[personal profile] morethan084 2022-01-04 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
I've burned pasta before, so...

[Probably better that she doesn't try to recreate this or anything else.

Smiling at her response, Daisy leans her hip against the table.]


So does that mean you're liking it or do you find it obnoxious?

[No judgement either way, if anything she finds it amusing.]
morethan084: (thinking/realizing)

[personal profile] morethan084 2022-01-04 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
[The Little Palace sounds a lot like the Afterlife, right down to the teaching Grisha how to control their powers.]

How do they find this place? Or do you bring them back there once you find them?

[She had absolutely no idea that the Afterlife even existed until Gordon took her there. It was meant to be kept hidden in order to keep Inhumans safe.

Frowning as he explains how they're treated, Daisy's hand gently strokes up and down his back as she can imagine how much this hurts him. Her hand does slow to a stop, however, when he explains how he's managed to stay alive for this long.]


What?

[So it's not something he and his mother are capable of. Immortality, more or less, is common among all Grisha.]

How long after you stop does it...?

[She trails off, not wanting to finish that question.]
karaoqi: (o80.)

[personal profile] karaoqi 2022-01-04 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. [ His goal right now is just to stay as still as possible. ] Yeah, the flailing isn't subtle, is it?

[ But Shang-chi has never had any problem with taking orders and readjusting to a teacher's advice, so he's quick to change the way his legs are set, his spine accommodating the shift in weight by leaning forward a little just like Yelena directs him.

If he does reach out to cling a little to Yelena's hand at his arm, that's got nothing to do with needing a little extra support, okay, he's got this. He's got this! Yeah. Maybe if he repeats it, it'll be true.

The guy can kill a man at least fifty ways, but apparently ice skates are going to be what ends him. Still, the direction helps. He's already a lot less wobbly now, which was a feeling he wasn't used to. ]


Any other protips?
karaoqi: (o50.)

[personal profile] karaoqi 2022-01-04 01:05 am (UTC)(link)
— three.

[ Shang-chi pulls at his end with enough force to balance what he feels of the resistance on the opposite side, the cylindrical shape in the centre bursting open with a pleasant and sudden pop! accompanied with the tearing of whatever pretty wrapping paper the hosts had covered it with.

Out spills small bits of chocolate and other assorted sweets in a colourful rush. ]


Okay, okay — I think I can see the appeal. Kind of like a way less violent piñata.
bindsthedead: (Art-Notice; Almost a smile)

[personal profile] bindsthedead 2022-01-04 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
It wasn't, really. School was... well, I didn't really know anything else for most of my life, but I did well enough in all my subjects.
bossily: (clara342)

[personal profile] bossily 2022-01-04 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
That's exactly who I am. I'm open to hearing whatever sort of gratitude you'd like to throw my way.

[She's not at all humble, her egomania enjoying any sort of praise for a job well done. Even if she didn't program all this, the Doctors did. She'll take partial responsibility.

As they move to the music in a lively dance, Clara finds herself forgetting more and more that this is only a simulation. This is fun and she feels light and free. It really is the perfect Christmas.
]
spoilers: (smile:  whenever wherever)

[personal profile] spoilers 2022-01-04 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, and it's the best.

[ Her smile is bright and sad. It doesn't dampen the happiness behind her words. ]

Our story's spanned across so many times and so many places. It's been amazing. And he may not think so, but the very best is yet to come for him.

Because in all that time, we never stopped to appreciate it.
karaoqi: (o17.)

[personal profile] karaoqi 2022-01-04 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
Hey — honestly? I kinda like it. It even has lights.

[ A sweater with string-lights and big streamers of tinsel? She really does look like a Christmas tree, but there's no trace of malice in Shang-chi's voice. ]

Probably? Turns out I'm not celebrating Christmas right back home. There's a lot of this stuff here that's new to me.