ximilialog | OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

CHRISTMAS EVE.

1.0

[ it's not terribly surprising that the former orphan finds herself hovering in the kitchen, making a direct line for the desserts. everything that would never be found in ravka, too indulgent and sweet for a country that only knows the taste of stale bread and herring, to keep full through the harsh winters. the way she gathers pastries is evident of that, a little too close to hoarding as she curls over the steaming tray in front of her, lined with plain cupcakes and christmas cookies waiting to be decorated, like an animal that's used to being starved.

maybe ximilia has spoiled her, in that sense. still, alina looks as enthused as a child that's only freshly discovered desserts, a lopsided grin garnishing her mouth as she tugs her supplies over. a tube of culinary glitter that she uses in excess, sprinkling down until her hands are coated in green and gold flecks. whipped cream she can be caught dipping her fingers into, licking it from the tips of her fingertips, when no one seems to be supervising her. if she does catch someone's eye, she smiles guiltily — a secretive thing, holding her finger up to her mouth, to hush them. ]

Don't tattle on me.

[ or, if someone draws too close to where she's set up her supplies, they've unfortunately made themselves a target for alina's christmas cheer. without warning, she gently ambushes them in the midst of icing her cupcakes, wiping bright red frosting against their cheek — only for her to lift her eyebrows, a little cheeky when she offers, ]

You've got something on your face. [ another swipe, as her grin grows. ] Right there.

CHRISTMAS DAY.

5.0A

[ once she arrives, alina naturally orbits toward the peaceful coziness of the bookstore first. it's comfortable in its familiarity by the grandiosity of the party around her, quiet when she feels overwhelmed — though a heavy melancholy seems to hover over her, for a moment, as her fingers brush through stacks of books.

it would have been a dream come to life, for the girl she had been. for alina starkov, and her fantasies of traveling through the wonders the world has to offer. if the university of ketterdam truly houses a library as grand as this one, she'll never know it — never have the freedom to see it, never have a life that allows for that selfish adventure.

eventually, she'll end her exploration through the aisles and tuck herself away into a plush sofa in the corner, ideal for reading as she drapes herself across it. a large set of novels rests on the table in front of her, though if someone stumbles across her, she's quick to snap the book she was reading closed, with a criminally dark flush to her face. there's no hiding the contents of the book in question, when the rose petals and shirtless hero stamped across its cover certainly gives her away, but she still fumbles for a — ]

It's not what it looks like. I thought it was about — [ quick, alina. she flushes darker, fumbling to put the book in question — aptly and condemningly titled tied up, tied down — face-down on the table. ] ... botany.

[ a+ lie. smooth recovery. ]

5.0B

[ later, when she's had her fill of books — when she's searching for more company than words on a page — alina wanders into the pub. it's a noisy scene, endlessly rowdy, as glasses clink and strangers taunt one another over games in the corner — but it does the job of taking her out of her head, filling her mind with just the miserable buzz of her own thoughts.

undeniably, it helps that her mind is pleasantly humming, the lines of her body feeling weightless, with a shimmer of fairy wine still clinging to her lips. with a smile, she slides into a seat at the bar's counter, beside the familiar face of one of the orbers, seemingly amused with her own stupid joke when she turns to them to ask, ] I guess I can't ask if you come here often.

5.0C

[ by the time she's exited the pub, her glow is still there, humming beneath her skin — bringing little flecks of light to the surface of it, in her ability to fully control her sun summoning when she feels as though she's floating. euphoric, alina can't resist spinning herself in circles by herself to the lively sounds of the band, only pausing when she's tired of twirling alone.

her face is a flushed mess, from happiness and exertion alike, when the music slows and she snags the nearest wrist to get their attention, using their arm to spin herself around with a girlish laugh. ]

Tell me you have time for a dance?

6.0

[ there's only so long her elation can last before it crashes. once alina finds herself alone, she settles herself on one of the many benches, feet aching — shoes discarded, barefoot and aimless as she drifts away into her guilt. it doesn't feel right, nor fair to mal to enjoy herself so thoroughly without him. to forget that he isn't there, when she turns to the side and finds herself met with empty air or a different face.

the curl to her mouth is pensive as she watches her breath chill into a misty fog in the air, light bouncing between her fingers. the fairy lights above flicker tellingly as sunlight forms in alina's palms, gracelessly spinning itself into golden threads — until she forces it to focus, forming lazy shapes of rabbits from keramzin, hopping to their own rhythm, watching as they blink in and out between her fingers. ]

7.0

[ it takes time to gather herself, but gather herself she does. she curls around the bonfire without needing a nudge, a bag of marshmallows balanced on her lap, as she picks through them absently. when she spies an approaching orber, she lifts the blanket draped around her shoulders — inviting them to slide closer and share it with her as she sidles over to make space. ]

Cold?

WILDCARD.

[ feel free to adjust any of these scenarios to your liking, or hit me with your own! i'm easy peasy. c: you can hit me up via PM to plot or nereids with any ideas or questions. ]

Edited 2021-12-14 03:47 (UTC)

[Clara's trying her best to hide the fact that she's crying. Trying and failing miserably. She's really set her mind to just heading straight out of the simulation and calling it a night. She's emotionally spent and so tired. But Alina doesn't know that, and she offers Clara a perfect excuse to act like everything is fine.

Or try to act like it, anyway.

She slips right into the offered blanket, pressing in close against Alina's side. Her head promptly leans over to rest against her friend's shoulder, and she stares straight ahead at the fire.]

Freezing.

[Both inside and out, she thinks.

It's not good for her to stay. She really shouldn't. But she stays rooted right at Alina's side, taking some comfort in the fact that not everyone hates her.]

[ her artist's eye for details doesn't let her overlook the colors of clara's misery: red-rimmed eyes from crying, how the warmth in her eyes has gone foggy and dark with tears. or maybe it's just a skill alina has gained from years of being overlooked, only ever noticed for the wrong reasons; no one expects the misfit to be perceptive, watching from where they've isolated themselves in lonely corners.

there's no place for any loneliness, no room for the cold to settle into her chest, by the crackling glow of the bonfire. but watching clara and takeshi from afar, observing the two of them part like two divergent paths going their separate ways — there's nothing lonelier than that, alina thinks. nothing that could freeze a heart quite like what had looked, to her, like saying goodbye.

whether it's only a temporary fight, whether they're meant to intersect in each other's lives again — alina doesn't press for answers. she only cradles the side of clara's head, wriggling her shoulder beneath her friend, for her to find a more comfortable pillow without the risk of prodding her with the sharp point of antlers. ]

You look it.

[ it's a simple observation, informing clara that she knows. that she's seen by someone, even if she doesn't want to have her layers peeled back in this moment. soft fingers sweep the tawny curtain of clara's hair aside, drifting down to her arms. there, alina's fingertips brim with light, warmly brushing up and down — letting the heat of her powers seep into clara's bones. if she can't completely drive the cold away, she can at least make it better. bearable, for awhile. ]

I'm here. Whether you want to talk about it, or whether you don't ... [ gentle, she lowers her voice, a murmur for clara's ears only. ] I'll still be here.

Edited 2021-12-17 07:33 (UTC)

[The fact that she's having to rely on someone that she ought to be taking care of only makes her feel worse. Alina has been through so much, and is younger than Clara. She should be making sure Alina's night is perfect, not sitting here curled up against her like she's going to keep her from going off and doing something stupid.

But the warmth she feels coming off Alina isn't strictly brought on by her powers. Yes, she can feel that warmth, and it makes it so she stops shivering. But the slight tremble that remains has everything to do with a broken heart that can't easily be mended. It's worse because she did it to herself, ruining something that was good so she could try and protect someone she loves.

Without having to ask, she knows that Alina knows what's happened. She's perceptive enough that Clara is aware that denying anything's wrong would be useless. It's written all over her that something is very wrong. And she appreciates the gentle approach that's being taken right now.]

I didn't want to lose him completely.

[It's the only thing she can bring herself to whisper, her voice lost and tone hollow. There's a crack at the end, emotions getting the best of her. The heartache she feels is just too much in the moment, while things are fresh and she absolutely hates herself for what she's done.

Tears slip free, and she's not able to stop them. They slip down her face and drop onto Alina, and it's hard not to feel like she's ruined Christmas completely. Everything was supposed to be perfect. She was supposed to be happy.]

alina starkov / shadow & bone / ota!

7.0

no subject

no subject

5.0c — ;

no subject

no subject

5.0a;

no subject

no subject

6.0

no subject

no subject

5a

no subject

no subject

Wildcard

no subject

no subject

5.0b

no subject

no subject

6.0

no subject

1.0