[video] un: aymeric

[borelblue]

[The feed shows Aymeric and Night Sky seated at the simple table in Aymeric's backyard. They're holding hands in the middle and smiling, though Night Sky's smile is a bit shy; she remains quiet throughout. For those familiar with her, she looks a little different: her skin is of a strangely golden hue, her eyes are glowing a bit, there are green streaks in her hair, and there are antlers protruding from her head. There is also a ring on her left ring finger.]

Greetings and well-met, everyone. For those we do not yet know, I am Aymeric de Borel, and this is Night Sky. We come to you today with a most joyous announcement: our engagement.

[Their smiles grow a little wider.]

What was originally going to be a party for the Starlight Celebration in about a moon will now be our wedding, and will be themed around the holiday. We have set the date for December 25th. Although the ceremony itself will be kept to close acquaintances only, the reception will be open to all at the Observatory in Coldreach. Food and drink will be present in abundance, including a hot chocolate bar in the evening.

On the note of the Starlight Celebration, I shall provide a brief explanation here, though I can expand upon this on request. [Night Sky glances to Aymeric. As his explanation turns into a bit of a ramble, she watches his excitement with adoration.] It is a holiday in my world, held in early winter. 'Tis a festival of compassion and generosity, full of good food, gift-giving, and warmth. One can expect other features such as decorated pine trees, bells, mistletoe - there is a tradition, in fact, that if one finds themselves standing under a hung spring of mistletoe with another, they must share a kiss. [He and Night Sky share a little look and smile before their focus turns back to the camera.] I could go on, as it is my favourite holiday of all, but I digress...

[It's Christmas. Just by another name.]

Well, I believe that covers the most important information. Please feel free to each out to me if you require any other details. The wedding will be an evening of love and merriment that I hope you will be able to join us for. Farewell for now, and may Halone guide and keep you.

Comments

[invigorates]

It is, from what I have gathered, a celebration that takes place at the end of the Earthen calendar year wherein family and friends come together to spend time with one another and have a gift exchange. They also decorate trees and have many traditions like leaving milk and cookies out for the grand deliverer of gifts, Santa Claus, and singing carols. Also, I heard of an 'elf on a shelf' once? But it seemed a touch insensitive.

[borelblue]

[Aymeric listens intently, considering each detail with a smile.] That does ring some rather familiar bells. Exchanging gifts, decorating trees...though the Starlight Celebration's patron of gift giving is the Saint of Nymeia, the fact that they both have such a figure is more significant. Is this "Santa Claus" also a kindly, older gentleman with a white beard?

"Elf on a shelf"...? [He arches an eyebrow.] I cannot help but be curious. Of what significance is that? 'Twould have to be a sturdy shelf, to be sure. [Since the only elves Aymeric's familiar with are standard-sized people.]

[invigorates]

He is! How fun that they share so many similarities.

Well, Christmas 'elves' - and I do use such a term lightly, as they are most assuredly not elves at all that I know of - are small humanoid creatures, sometimes with pointed ears, sometimes not, and always with little hats. The elf on a shelf supposedly is placed around ones house to watch over children to see if they are naughty or nice to report back to Santa.

It is an... odd tradition. I cannot say I like that aspect much.

[borelblue]

How fun indeed! And how incredible that so many worlds should share such a similar holiday - one celebrating generosity and warmth at that. I cannot help but feel that this reflects well on the general nature of people across the many universes. [You heard it here first folks: Christmas and Christmas-esque holidays across the multiverse are proof of the inherent goodness of sapient peoples according to Aymeric de Borel.]

[Though the whole "elf-on-the-shelf" thing isn't helping...his brows furrow.] The so-called elves you have described sound more akin to a race from my world called the Lalafells. But I digress - and I agree with you. Scaring children isn't the least bit in the spirit of the Starlight Celebration.

[invigorates]

It is very good to know it is not restricted to the human-ruled realms, that is certain. ( It certainly says a lot about Valsheria and how it lacks such a holiday. Oof. )

Quite. And that is not even getting into the consequences if a child is 'naughty.' Although recieving coal is, I suppose, not the worst punishment. It is another tradition I could do without, though.

[borelblue]

I agree. Though I've no experience of my own in regards to parenthood, I am of the mind that discipline need not come from scaring the child straight. Not to mention that no child deserves such devastating levels of disappointment on such a cheerful holiday. 'Tis the Starlight Celebration, not a test.

[invigorates]

( Lioriley... sort of has experience insofar as most Lunari do while communally raising their young as they grow. Not to mention the plethora of people she has 'adopted.' )

Precisely! I think it is a wonderous, warm celebration in such a - literally - cold time of year for most realms, and should be appreciated as such.

All of that said, should you need anything with regards to your wedding celebration, do let me know. I would be happy to help.

[borelblue]

[He nods in eager agreement.]

Thank you very much, my friend. I shall keep your offer in mind. [He smiles, humour in his eyes.] I plan to use my seasonal abilities to make decorative sculptures and candle holders of ice for the wedding. Small ones, for the most part. Though I have one or two larger pieces in mind. If I find myself struggling, I shall call upon your expert advice once again.

[invigorates]

Oh? How precious. ( and an excellent use of his magic. ) I would like to see what you have managed already, presuming they are not melted.

[borelblue]

[He perks up] I'm afraid my most recent attempts have indeed melted away. But I can make another attempt. A moment, if you would...

[Aymeric sets his device down. He steps away begins focusing his powers, just as he'd practiced with Lioriley. With a few gestures to help put thought into vision, a sculpture forms in his hands. It's a creature of some kind, with a round body, little bat-like wings, and ball dangling from some kind of appendage over the critter's face.]

'Tis in the image of a moogle. They beings from my world that have much heart - and mischief - though their charming demeanour oft causes them to be underestimated.

[invigorates]

( Lioriley claps, because of course she does. She's so proud of her students when they succeed. )

I am familiar with them thanks to a friend from the last realm I was thrust into. It is very well crafted - you have been diligent in your practice, I see.

[borelblue]

[Smiling, Aymeric bows at the applause.] Thank you! Your tutelage was a great help to me. I hope to make a large sculpture to hold several bottles of wine, which will of course keep them chilled as well. Practising on the smaller sculptures will give me a better grasp of scale and detail.