engage_the_enemy | [IC] Inbox!

Uh...?

[Shulk's not sure how to respond to, well, any of this. Why is Loki small and furry? Wasn't he a gargoyle before? No, the mountain would explain it, but he's never seen a red panda before in his life.

Loki just looks like an especially festive sock that happens to be alive.

The harpy decides against asking, instead peering over Loki's shoulder.]

Oh, uh -- thank you, Loki. Am I supposed to wait till tomorrow, or should I open them while you're here?

[He's terribly curious to know what he's gone and ruined by being a harpy again. And just terribly curious in general.]

Er... [Hmm. He goes to scratch his head, a rather awkward motion from the 'overly festive sock'.] Come to think, that one's probably up to you mate.

I mean, I heard most humans did the thing on the 25th, but then some do that on the 24th instead, and who the fuck knows for anyone aiming at a gathering before then right?

[Actually, it's pretty cute. But it is weird to reconcile that motion with the voice Shulk more associates with someone both bigger and more scaly.

The harpy nods as he listens, pursing his lips thoughtfully. It's not really much of a debate, in the end.]

I think now is as good a time as any. Did you want a cup of tea, Loki?

[Shulk smiles.]

That, and I also think a quick break would be good for you before your next stop.

Tea? [...Well. He's more a hot chocolate sort but...] Sure! That works out.

How'd you know I was heading elsewhere though..?

[Ok just because you emptied the pouch doesn't mean everything else isn't sitting on the roof to refill the bag kiddo. Not to mention, it's clear Shulk isn't the only friend.]

[Should have suggested it then, Loki! Shulk just defaults to tea because, well, can whatever Loki is even have chocolate? He knows some monsters can't.

The harpy smile widens, and he shrugs.]

Well, Yuya said Santa-san, er -- Santa Claus brought presents to all the kids who've been good. [He turns, heading to the stove.] I'd assume you have more people to visit, then.

[A boiling pot of water later, he's got two cups of tea, which he sets on the table, before settling in a chair. Reaches for a box.]

I had no idea you'd be coming though, otherwise I'd have gotten you something too. Now, what's this...?

Huh? That stuff? [Whoop.] I mean I guess that's how the story goes, but I'd have a hell of a lot of work if it was all the kids in Bavan!

I think I'd be a kid before you, at any rate. [NOT THAT HE'S A KID OR...ANYTHING.

He hops off the table though, and in a flash there's a rather gangly limbed, seven foot tall werebear in trousers and a poncho. Better to have hands when getting tea.] Heh--that's the point of a surprise isn't it? Better open it up if you're going to find out~

I'm just speaking to the general idea. Come to think of it, it's a bit sad this Santa fellow doesn't visit everyone who's been good.

[Adults can appreciate gifts, too! Like right now.

The harpy makes a noise of surprise, looking up in awe when the tiny sock-creature suddenly becomes much, much bigger. Seriously, he's massive! Shulk hasn't been dwarfed by a monster this drastically since that troll. And speaking of surprises...]

Y-yeah, you said it. [The harpy decides to focus on the box now, pulling it open, and...oh.] Haha, I guess I see what you meant now. Can't do much with these curtains myself, but um...I think Yusei could use them.

Well to be fair mate, it's probably a thing that parents do to give the little ones a little extra in the year right? That whole 'be good or else' shit?

[That just makes it worse.

The bear rubs the back of his head, grimacing.] Right...sorry about th--

Yuusei?

Ah, so you mean er, motivation - to be good for the year, I mean. I think adults could use that too, honestly.

[That probably doesn't make the concept better, but.

Shulk's already shaking his head too - Loki shouldn't apologize for a gift! - but pauses.]

Yeah, Yusei. Do you know him? He lives here too.

[Loki must have missed the gargoyle on his prior visit.]

Yeah, have to agree with you there; somehow that whole 'monster in the woods' deal doesn't quite work when they know not everyone's going to be a lawbringer though.

[Not that he's spreading those sorts of stories!!! And...

Hmrn.] Not a damn clue who he is mate--I guess I've gotten lucky on all my visits then.

Yeah, and kids are smart. I wonder what parents do when they're fearless, too.

[Tear their hair out, probably. Fortunately, Loki has no parents, right --

Shulk looks surprised. Really? Yusei was something of a homebody, so that Loki has consistently missed him, well. Should he be impressed?]

You recognize his name, though. Why do you say lucky, anyway? Have you heard bad things about him?

[Conveniently, Shulk is in the middle of opening another present as he speaks, and it's a stuffed dragon. He looks down, and shakes his head then, as if the dragon just agreed with him that no, that's not possible.]

If you ask me, it's up in the wind--there's good parents and bad ones after all. [No parents, that's for sure.

But oh? He raises an eyebrow.] What, 'Yuusei'? I just said I didn't have a clue didn't I?

'Lucks' more sarcasm than anything. If he lives here, I ought to have run into him at some point right? But I didn't!

[...Honestly the dragon was just because Hey Everyone Loves Dragons Right?

He didn't really have any shadowy blob plushes.]

[Bad ones...on second thought, Shulk would rather not think about parents right now. Or guardians, as it were.

Nods quietly, setting the dragon plush on his lap as he opens another. Inside, there's a notebook - he hasn't used his old one in awhile, he remembers. Taking notes on this place, it had fallen to the wayside with all that's been happening.

It suits him though, and he smiles. Ah, oops, and it looks like he misunderstood too. Sorry Loki, better not to use sarcasm around this one.]

Oh, from what you said, I thought maybe you'd heard mention of him. [He shakes his head.] He's a white gargoyle, pretty hard to miss in my opinion.

[Loki must have really convenient timing, in this case.

And packaged too, with the notebook, is a card. Beautifully drawn, in Shulk's opinion. But seeing a shade, familiar in appearance, looking back at him...no, it wouldn't do to forget everything about that time, much as he'd like. This card is the nicest thing to come out of all that. He holds it up, inspecting it more closely.]

...Did you make this yourself?

Huh. Well, there's your answer then-never heard of him until now!

[He watches the other look through the gifts, and it takes a moment to answer the question; he jumps a bit, pulled out from whatever thoughts he had, and grins.] Of course!

You're supposed to make things like that right? I figured I drew the stuff on my own cards, so why not these?

Right, sorry. Well, just know that your gift won't go to waste then.

[Hey, anyone could get use out of dark curtains. Who knows, maybe they'd get changed again, and Shulk really would need them after all.

Hopefully not, but.

The harpy hums thoughtfully, still studying the card.]

I'd be happy with anything, honestly. Whether you saw it in a store and got it, or made it yourself. You're very talented by the way.

[He settles on the last gift at that point, and it's...mushrooms? And they glow! A gentle, soft blue glow. He looks at them with a wide, gold eye, fascinated. It's...it reminds him of ether crystals. The light they produce is impressive, how could he not compare the two?]

Wow, and where did you find these?

It's better than nothing! I'm just glad you like it at this point.

[And gee-he has to rub his head at that compliment, and it's impossible to hide the grin it causes.] What, the drawing? It's just something I've done over the years you know?

[Ahem.] Found those mushrooms in the treehouse though; they were just growing along the basement, lighting it up to see the inside. I figured that kind of light would be safe for damn well anything, figured you could use it like a desk light!

Ah, my mistake then. I think the word I should have used for you is skilled.

[Yup, he saw that grin, and well, flattering people is a good way to thank them, right?

And it's true, this sort of light is way better than candles. Which weren't allowed in the apartments, and lamps were nice, desk lamps in particular, but they all had a soft yellow glow. These, though, it's a color that reminds him of home. Something familiar in how unusual it is in a place like this.]

The treehouse? Where would that be? In case I need to get some more.

[Who knows how long mushrooms last after all.

That said, he smiles.] I'll be using these for sure, though. Maybe natural light like this is easier on gargoyles, too. I know artificial lights bother Yusei a little, but these are much easier on the eyes. I can read at night without bothering him.

[GOSH, can this grin get any wider??

It drops a bit so that he can answer that question.] The tree? It's near Sanctuary; if you're dropping by, make sure to send a message first though, Feebs is a bit protective of it. [...So is he actually, he just hasn't had reason to realize that territorial drive just yet.]

Heh--seems like my goof wasn't so bad then!

It's funny, I haven't visited Sanctuary in person. I might have to now, if you've all got flora like this around.

[A nod.] I'll be sure to do that too. Wouldn't want to step on any toes.

[In the meantime, he'll just see how long these mushrooms last him. Hang in there for awhile, little guys.

He shakes his head, too, setting the jar aside.]

Er, I wouldn't call it a goof. Considering how often people change around here, keeping track probably gets a little difficult. And really, thank you, Loki.

[Seriously, this holiday appeared out of nowhere and he's gotten nice things unprompted. It's like a birthday, but for everybody.]

Well-! [Nooooo-] Sanctuary wouldn't; I said near, right?

It's only inside the tree. The entire thing's got this bizarre system of branches growing inside the trunk, it's bloody weird.

[Anyway. He just rubs the back of his neck, grinning.] Heh! It's nothing mate!

Merry Christmas, right?

Really? That's pretty strange. I've never heard of a tree like that anywhere, so it must be unique.

[Or rare, if not. This peninsula had a lot of secrets and surprises still, didn't it? He'll have to visit sometime, either way.

Shulk returns the grin.]

Yeah, Merry Christmas. [Hands free, he reaches for his tea again, which has cooled in the interim.] We'll see that you're a bit rested up before you head off again. Can't forget about your other stops.

[He's got your back, Santa panda.]

I'd bet-came from Feeb's world! I've never seen anything like it! [Well that explains it.

Anyway. TEA. The bear grins, sipping it.] Heh. Will do mate-thanks for it!

[IC] Inbox!

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youRE FAST

YE CAUGHT ME WITH THE CLEAN INBOX

weepS

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/whispers what else was there besides the Shrooms

Notebook, card w. shade!shulk, & stuffed toy of choice~

yes good ty

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, shulk. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 215.77.554.88 * shulk has joined 215.77.554.88 <shulk>** not actually sure what this is for but it seemed worth setting up