[OPEN/CLOSED DEPENDING ON PROMPT] Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way!

[lonelysmiles]

Who: Alastor and you!
Which: Log, Open/Closed depending on the thread prompt
Where: Around Reverein in general for the open prompt, Alastor's home for the closed one
What: Christmas presents and a private Christmas party!
Warnings: Standard Alastor warning weirdly coupled with some potential sugar and wholesomeness.


Merry Christmas to all!

Comments

[cawpatrol]

"Is that so..."

The crows, intrigued by that little mention, began to peck at the gift in an attempt to open it.

"Easy! Easy! Let me see here..." She did need their help unwrapping it, since she only had one arm, but once she did...

"... Ah. This is... quite thoughtful." And look at that - a rare smile on her face!

[lonelysmiles]

Alastor was bouncing on the tips of his...well, hooves as she unwrapped it, eager to see her response.

"You're quite welcome!" he chirped merrily. "I believe in giving practical gifts rather than little trinkets. I had an inkling you'd appreciate that."

[cawpatrol]

"We've only met for a short while, and yet you know me well." Indeed, she was much more grateful for practical gifts than anything fancy. She began folding the quilt, but the crows were a bit more impatient, curiously pulling things from the bag. She glanced over, and paused again.

"... Is. Is that your hair?"

[lonelysmiles]

"None of it pulled out, I assure you," Alastor told her. "It's not exactly fur, but I do have a 'winter coat' of sorts. I need to regularly brush it out lest I end up with nothing but painful knots on my head. I simply noticed how your crow friends enjoyed it as nesting material, so I tossed it into the bag with other bits and bobs that were too small for me to use."

[cawpatrol]

"I'm not sure that's exactly something I wish to encourage..." But she wasn't going to return a gift, especially when the crows began making happy clicking and chirping noises in response. Sighing in defeat, she closed it back up.

"I know you said otherwise, but I wish there was something I could to do repay you."

[lonelysmiles]

"If nothing else, perhaps it might encourage them to seek out proper nesting material from the willing rather than stealing it. They'll get far more from a willing than the unwilling."

Alastor's grin widened at the happy crow noises.

"It's a gift, my dear. I'll admit that I'm not the most generous person but even I know how to give something with no strings. Though if it truly bothers you, there is something you might be able to do for me as a gift in return. Tell me, how good are you at reading aloud?"

[cawpatrol]

"Reading aloud?" She repeated, already confused. She was expecting some sort of labor, or doing chores, along those lines.

"Well... I often read to the younger Cookies when they have trouble sleeping. I'll tell them fairy tales or legends of old. And if the elder Cookies' vision isn't so good, I'll read what they need to see."

[lonelysmiles]

"Splendid! I do so enjoy reading but sometimes I need to do a bit of mending or other work that requires me to focus my eyes and hands on something other than the page! Absolutely frustrating to have to close a good book to do one's chores when all you want to do is continue on to the next chapter!"

[cawpatrol]

Books were of rare supply in her village, so she couldn't quite understand the urge. Still, if that was really all he wanted...?

"Very well. Then I'll read as much and as long as you wish, if that makes us equal once more."

[lonelysmiles]

Oh, Black Raising Cookie, if you enjoy reading, you're going to be in for a real treat.

"You didn't owe me anything, but, yes, that would more than suffice to keep the scales balanced."

Alastor's smile is amused.

[cawpatrol]

Yes, the scales balanced... as all things should be. That's what comforted her.

"When would you have me begin? I can move my patrolling around easily."

[lonelysmiles]

"Oh, I didn't have a set schedule of when I do my mending. How about I just send you a message and you can let me know if you're available or not?"

[cawpatrol]

A little nod-nod.

"Understood. I'll await your message and arrive as soon as I get it. This I vow."

As if this was deadly serious business and not reading bedtime stories.

[lonelysmiles]

"No need to be so dramatic, my dear. If the timing doesn't work for you, I can always try again another day."

[cawpatrol]

"I gave you my word, and I would crumble to pieces before I broke it."

Some of her crows may be giving her a side-eye, but she doesn't waver.