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

[Smiling up at him, Daisy scoots over to give him room on the log next to her.]

It’s not what I’m used to, but, yeah. Pretty much.

[Despite a lot of people having already called her out for spotting the two of them together, Daisy’s still hesitating to show any affection in public. With how cold it is, however, she instinctively scoots closer to him to try and soak in some of his warmth.]

Are you having fun?

[There might be proof that the Darkling was less in control of himself than he wanted to be, namely the indiscretions in Braccia and with Daisy at the party for skeletons. But he did try to keep his private business, well- private.

Daisy scooting up, makes that... more difficult. The Darkling watches the fire, hand coming up to brace against the small of Daisy's back in greeting.]

Snow and fire.

[He looks over at Daisy, a smile lingering at the corner of his mouth for a short second.]

It reminds me of home.

Except there’s no pickled herring.

[Daisy teases, smiling up at him when his hand touches her back. It’s become more and more apparent that the people here know something is going on between them, so she’s not doing the best time at hiding that right now. Especially when she moves to rest her head on his shoulder. Sneaking an arm around him as she does.]

Is it ever summer where you’re from?

For a month or so.

[The warmth of summer too soon forgotten in the cold light of winter, but he carries it with him. The scent of summer blossoms and ripe berries, the feel of sunlight against his skin.

Ravka, bathed in the golden rays of lights.

He laughs, low and warm.]

Did you not like them? The herrings? My mother tried to teach me how to make them, and I wowed to never make them again. One of the chefs in a camp taught me how to make them like this, without the vinegar ruining the taste.

[And without the fish turning in to mush in the jar within a week, the disgusting sludge that was congealed enough to be more of a spread than a piece of fish.]

That sounds depressing.

[Sometimes she can be blunt, but she’s pretty sure he wouldn’t disagree with her. Who the hell wants only a month of warmth? It’s part of the reason Daisy moved to the west coast.

Tilting her head to look up at him when he laughs, Daisy’s nose wrinkles at his question.]

Not really.

[She admits, before quickly adding…]

I’m not really a fish person. Unless it’s sushi. How did your mom teach you to make it?

Such is the way of Ravka.

[Dark and depressing, the people used to it to a degree that sometimes frightens the inhabitants of the Isles. Or the more- free people from Novyi Zem, used to a life in warmer climates and the lifted spirit that the sun brings.

But he smiles back, settling his arm more firmly around her waist.]

What is sushi? [before explaining his mother's quite frankly, disgusting handling of fish.] Well- for one, she places them in pure vinegar. For weeks. And, to understand the abomination that this is, you need to know that the vinegar is used to preserve as much as for flavor. We are no longer a sea-faring nation and to keep the fish from rotting, pickling them is a good way to keep them fresh while they are transported inland.

But it also dissolves the bones. Pure vinegar dissolved everything, the acidity alone- after a few weeks, it is no longer pickled herring, Daisy, it's sludge. Vinegar flavored fish sludge, that you would have to eat with a spoon. Straight out of the jar. That is when she used to mix in the sugar and the spices if we had any on hand, but by then, the disaster had already happened. [His mouth pulls down, remembering the cold nights and the absolute horror at having nothing else to eat but his mother's herrings.]

It's raw fish, usually wrapped in seaweed.

[...]

Which probably sounds disgusting if you haven't tried it.

[Looking out towards the fire as talks, Daisy's nose wrinkles in disgust.]

So fish pudding. That sounds awful.

You eat- seaweed.

[With a teasing tone of voice, since really- that is much worse than pickled herring. Just thinking about sinking his teeth in to the slimy, salty seaweed that drifts to shore by the True Sea and he wants to rinse his mouth.]

It does, yes. It sounds absolutely horrible, to be honest. Seaweed. Really? You put that in your mouth?

[It's... nice. Quiet, despite the music and the other orbers close by. The snow like a blanket over the room, dampening the sounds and it makes knowing that there are walls all around them fade a little.

That, and Daisy.]

It was disgusting. But she doesn't make them anymore, thank the saints for small favors.

Yeah I guess when you put it like that, it doesn't sound any better than pickled herring...

But it's not all gross and slimy like it is when it's in the sea. It's cleaned and dried out. Maybe we can somehow order it. I think you'd like a California roll.

[It's the small things that this place lacks that make her realize all over again the things she's missing about home.

Brows knitting together, Daisy tilts her head to look up at him. She knows he's old, really old. So it's surprising to hear that his mother is still alive.]

Your mom is like you?

[She's purposefully being vague, since there are people within hearing distance.]

What about me makes you think that I would enjoy raw fish and dried seaweed.

[Maybe it's the way he tends to follow her suggestions these days, or the way he can't help smiling, just a little, when he spots her across the room. The tremor of anticipation that comes from her nearness by the fire.

The Darkling nods.]

Yes. It runs in my family.

[Daisy laughs softly when he puts it that way.]

How about this? I'll try the herring if you try sushi?

[Would the sushi even be good? Who knows. She's never attempted to make it herself before either.]

What about your dad?

[He's never mentioned him before.]

Alright, you have yourself a deal, Daisy.

[Laughing softly, refusing to get lost in the fog of memories that come from sitting around a bonfire. From the shared sense of camaraderie that it inspires, what it was built for. He knows a manipulation tactic when he sees it, even more when it blows gentle heat across his exposed face and lights up the darkness of the night so prettily.

But for one night, he can pretend. The Darkling smiles in to Daisy's soft hair before pulling back a little.]

He's dead. I've never met him.

[Dust, his mother called him. Why waste your time thinking about dust, Eryk (David- Ivan- Petyr- Andrei- Maxim- Dmitriy- Artyom- Nikita), when you will outlive him by hundred of years. Thousands., a lesson she wanted him to learn early on. That he had no equal, that everyone he could ever meet would be dust in the blink of an eye. Unimportant and forgettable, like a single drop of water in a rushing river.]

All I know is that he was powerful. A Heartrender.

[Smiling at her small, pending, victory. Daisy tucks her hands into her sleeves to keep them from getting cold.

Frowning when he explains that he never met his father and that he's dead, Daisy can relate to that. For years she had no idea who her parents were, much less if they were even alive.]

I'm sorry.

[Daisy tilts her head to look up at him, the frown still firmly planted on her face.]

What's a Heartrender?

Why, I never knew him. I haven't- felt the loss.

[Not in any meaningful way. Pressing his shoulder to hers, the Darkling holds out his hand, shadows pool against the palm of his hand. Writhing like snakes, unformed and fluid. Out of the darkness, a shadow bird appears, black wings rustling.]

I control shadows. A Heartrender controls hearts. [He smiles] That's not entirely true. They can control the human body. Healers in my world, are of the same Small Science as Heartrenders. They can control the flow of blood, the beating of a heart. Restrict it, or make it race.

Oh.

[There's questions she has for him, but he's already beat her to the punch. Watching the shadows appear around his hand, Daisy smiles when a bird appears suddenly.

Brows knitting together at his explanation, Daisy looks from the shadow bird up to him again.]

So there's multiple people with the same power?

With most, yes. They train together, live together and learn how to keep each other alive. In the Little Palace.

[Trying to explain the intricate details of Small Science and how it manifests, seems like too heavy a subject, given the gently glowing fire and the subtle heat of Daisy that seeps through their winter clothes to reach him. Or he might be imagine that part, the softer side of winter.

The emotions that twisted themselves through the tangle of numbness that he's been cloaked in for so long.]

There's only one like me, and only one Sun Summoner.

Huh. That's--

Completely different to how it is in my world.

[And not something she had thought could happen, but apparently it's common where he's from. Frowning slightly when he mentions that only he and one other person have unique abilities, Daisy can imagine the amount of attention that draws.]

What about your mother? What can she do?

How is it in your world?

[He skirts the question about Baghra, eyes going from the fire to Daisy's illuminated face, golden and beautiful in the flicking fire.]

I know you mentioned that you were- made. [Experiments, cruel and inhuman, visited upon Daisy's unwilling body] Are you the only one like you?

As far as I know, yeah.

[Daisy's eyes drift back to the fire, thinking about what could be happening to her friends right now.]

There are people where I'm from with abilities that aren't Inhuman too.

[Like the Hulk, or Captain America.]

You're not-

[But he lets his weak defense of Daisy's humanity fall in to the snow around them, the words dying before he can find the right way to frame his argument.]

How did they get theirs. Were they born with it?

[Daisy smiles sadly when he almost argues that she's not inhuman, this time looking back to him.]

It's not a bad word. Not to me, anyway.

[Sure, there are people who use the word with disgust. It's why she's taking the word back, to make it something that they can't use against her.]

It was passed down through my mom's side of the family. But I didn't actually gain my powers until I went through this thing called Terrigenesis, there are these crystals that when exposed to someone with the Inhuman DNA gain there powers.

[Or kills you, if you're a regular person. Daisy leaves out that part.]

How could it be anything but. Calling yourself inhuman as if you're not the same-

[How to articulate his disgust and his hatred of that word. Of hearing Daisy cast herself as something lesser, something unnatural, when her powers were her. Like a heartbeat or the breath in her lungs.]

You are human, and you could never be anything less.

[Powers activated, and that part he does get. How pain could be the trigger to the Small Science already lying dormant within.]

We use pain. To find Grisha.

But we're not the same. I mean, not completely.

[She knows by now the word offends him, and she can understand why, but...]

Unless I missed the memo where regular humans can create earthquakes, or create shadows.

[It's an attempt to lighten the mood and Daisy nudges her elbow into his playfully.]

Why? I mean, seems pretty barbaric.

[It's not a dig at him necessarily, just the whole situation.]

No one are the same, but the differences are not enough to make you anything less.

[Bristling, he straightens, cocking his head to watch her face.] I am the norm. It is theorized that all men were created with a connection to the Making at the Heart of the World. Ties that binds us to everything- think of it as a string, that flows with power. Vibrating and almost alive, and it binds us to every other thing.

[Years of Small Science boiled down to a few short sentences.] Somewhere along the way, as time went by. Most lost this, they are blind. Orphaned from the Making and from the world. That is why we call them otkazat'sya- the abandoned.

You are more, Daisy. So much more.

[A short pause, his gaze falling from her face to his own hands.]

Because sometimes a little pain brings the string to the surface. It can't hide. A reflex, if you will. To protect themselves. It is less painful that getting stitches. We do not seriously harm children. [He holds up his hand, the clawed ring glinting in the light of the bonfire] I use this. All it takes is a little prick, a drop of blood.

[Daisy listens intently as he explains his theory about his kind in his world, and while her knowledge is limited it sounds like it could be plausible. Frowning when he brings up that word again, Daisy continues to watch him even when he breaks eye contact.]

I don't see myself less than anyone else. I used to--

[Daisy looks towards the fire again.]

At first, I was terrified of what I could do. I was so desperate to get rid of it. I was brought to a safe haven for people like me, and I learned how to embrace it.

[By her own mother.

Looking at the ring, Daisy remembers him briefly talking about this before.]

Do they even know they have powers?

OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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