[66] [voice/action]

[offallingsnow]

While I can't speak for other worlds, in Auldrant we celebrate the "new year" in the middle of winter, shortly after the longest night. It's a bit different from the way things work here...but regardless, I am curious as to how many other worlds share a similar tradition.

[filtered to the Auldrant folks with whom she has made conversation]

Would you

Comments

[Auldrant Filter]

[fonon_professor]

[Later in the day, once school's out and she's done cleaning up the classroom, Gelda returns to her house and opens her journal to see Nephry's message.]

I think it's a wonderful idea, Nephry, and I would love to come. Is this party limited to those from Auldrant, or am I allowed to bring Regal as well?

[Auldrant Filter]

[offallingsnow]

[This is where she runs into the problem of, well aren't we all allowed to invite our various new family members?

...As if she would ever say no.]

Of course, Professor.

[Auldrant Filter]

[fonon_professor]

Perfect. I'll let him know, then. I assume the party will take place on the 31st of the month?

[Auldrant Filter]

[offallingsnow]

If at all possible. ...Things could interfere.

[Auldrant Filter]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Oh, this is...a very strange thing to come across.While he wants to violently object this little party of sorts, Nephry seems to really want it. And thus she wants him to be a part. That...honestly may not be a good idea. Might as well try and get out of it, though he...really does not think he will. Even if Nephry said going was voluntary, Dist know she'd be disheartened by his not coming.

Though there is reasoning in this! Just...gotta take it slow. Okay.]

Nephry, do you believe such a thing is the best idea? First and foremost, I don't think we have the space provided to hold a party of that size at the house... [He hopes.] And need I remind you some of the, ah...guests still see me as their enemy? With good reason, might I add...

[Auldrant Filter]

[offallingsnow]

[It will be a while before she answers. When she does, the uncertainty she had in proposing such an idea is carefully hidden behind a soft, friendly voice.]

No one's going to force you to come, Saphir. I would like you to be there, of course, but it's your choice.

[Auldrant Filter]

[its_rose_damnit]

[Rrgh...although Dist doesn't note the hesitance, it's just what Nephry says that makes him glance aside. Damn, damn, damn...why can't he just say no and have it be done and over with?! She's even giving him permission to do so!]

...I'll attend, br-briefly, of course. However, if I sense any hostilities from the other attendees, I will of course remove myself. [Or them from his house, of course.]

[Auldrant Filter]

[offallingsnow]

I said the same thing to Asch earlier - don't put yourself through something you'll hate. Especially as some sort of favor, or because you feel obligated.

[have a smile] Not everyone enjoys a dinner party. There's nothing wrong with that.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

[Sometime during the afternoon, Raine will be preparing to head back home from school herself. It's a chilly day, but didn't take her warmer coat with her. Still, the walk shouldn't be too far, and she's never one to complain over that.]

[action]

[offallingsnow]

[They have a habit of running into each other with one of them improperly dressed for the weather, don't they? When Nephry passes Raine at enough distance that she'd have to raise her voice a bit to be understood, she opts to just wave a little, instead. It's the same situation as with Professor Nebilim - she wouldn't want to interrupt anything.]

[action]

[wise_maiden]

[But it's not as if Nephry is interrupting anything. It's been some time since they properly talked, but at least by a glance the Auldrant governor seems to be doing better on the surface than the last time their paths crossed like this. So she's given a smile and a wave as well, as she gets close enough.]

Good afternoon.

[action]

[offallingsnow]

[She's much better on the surface than the last time they spoke in person. Nephry's smile spreads into a much more genuinely pleased one.]

Hello. Class is over for the day?

[Voice]

[soreplaceable]

That sounds like a wonderful idea, Nephry! I think it would be nice to bring everyone together for dinner.

Do you think we should have the others bring something to share with everyone as well? Perhaps then it won't be quite so much work, cooking so much food.

[Even though House one does have Nephry, Anise, and Tear, that'd still be a lot of food. Also, probably best to preemptively ban Natalia and Ion from the kitchen before someone dies of food poisoning.]

[Voice]

[offallingsnow]

I think that might be a good idea.

[What are you talking about, Ion and Natalia are cleaning up and setting up. And making sure Dist (or Jade) doesn't spike the drinks - with alcohol or otherwise.]

As much "work" as it may be, it won't feel like it at all if everyone enjoys themselves.

[Voice] //Filtered

[soreplaceable]

[With a soft chuckle.] Yes, you're right.

[And now, under that added filter. He has an idea, but:]

Though if I may ask, what else is it we'd be celebrating?

[Voice] //Filtered

[offallingsnow]

Oh... [There's a change in her voice, because the more she thinks about it, the less it sounds like any sort of good idea.]

I thought...we might at least acknowledge Luke's birthday.

[voice]

[seleniahymn]

I don't see why we shouldn't have a get-together, it's been a long while since some of us have been able to speak with one another.

[voice]

[offallingsnow]

I thought so, too. Even at home, the opportunity would be rare for some of us.

[voice]

[seleniahymn]

That's right... [She never would have dreamed that she would come to be close with Nephry back in Auldrant, nor was there very much opportunity to do so beyond her being Jade's sister that they would speak to when needed. To have her friendship here... meant a lot to her.]

Would you like me to help you in some way? There is a large number of us, after all.