Happy Holidays

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⌈June - 2022⌋

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My my my, here we are again. We apologize for the radio silence, but as life has been keeping both admins busy like bees, we are happy to finally write a small news update for you. Things are happening on our small site, and we …

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⌈December - 2021⌋

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It is time once again for some news. The year is coming to an end and what a year it has been! We've held our first world event, welcomed new and old players and seen as your creativity has sprung freely in the …

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⌈September - 2021⌋

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Wow, has it really been 5 months since our last news update? Well Summer has come and gone, and today we close up the world event that has been running since December of last year. But with the event ending we are now faced with the …

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⌈April - 2021⌋

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First of all, happy easter for those who celebrate! Though we'll all be celebrating differently, we'd like to wish you a good time either way. 2021 has now had it's first three months, and as we are now entering …

Finishing Off the Year & Upcoming World Event
⌈December - 2020⌋

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For @Elora

James sighed to himself, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand as he was standing in the kitchen and cooking. Mars was preoccupied with some children's show on the television, hearing him laugh once in a while when a rabbit did something funny. He smiled, but he did feel a little nervous. Elora was coming over and the thought alone made a rush go through his stomach. He was trying to be calm, cool and collected, but he was probably not looking the part right now. Of course it was not hard making food, but he wanted this evening to be something that Mars might remember, or at least that was his hope.
Thinking of Mars, the whole situation with the rocket had been mostly resolved. He had sat him down, spoken in a language that he could understand and told him that mommy couldn't just get picked up by the rocket. The little boy had been almost inconsolable, but it was mostly because he knew how sad his father was. He might've not been old enough to understand fully, but he did know emotions. James had assured the kid that nothing could change how things were right now, and Mars had instead become obsessed with Solstice traditions - as well as rockets, duh, they were too awesome for the kid to let go of.
One thing was going to be a little exciting however and that was the fact that Andrew actually had said yes to come, and he was bringing Valerie as well - hence why James was making sure there was enough food with an extra adult lycan under the ceiling.

Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:04 am

Lukcily convincing Andrew hadnt been too difficult. But it seemed to help with the mention of two things: 1. Mars, and James but mostly Mars, was probably wondering why he was so busy and never came around, so at least he could come this evening when he hadnt had other plans either way. And 2. He could bring Valerie. The brute had hummed and then just made a short nod before she knew it was settled.
She was dressed rather pretty for once, a formal shirt with a woolen shirt over it for that cozy warm look, with a pair of high waisted pants, but short enough at the bottom to reveal her solstice socks that she had bought so long ago, simply because they had been cheap but now they matched the occasion. She had let Andrew in charge of bringing the presents since he and Valerie were taking the car. She got into her jacket and shoes before she left the apartment and went towards James’ place. Today was a good day; she could feel it in her bones. It would take a lot for the night to be ruined if it was even possible.
She pressed the button to the apartment and waited for the door to buzz before she could enter. She did have two smaller gifts in her bag but that stemmed from the thought of showing up empty handed being a bit weird. She went up to the apartment, greeting whoever at the door with a big smile and a warm hug. Today she wore lenses that looked quite like her own eyes but with a lighter pupil, sort of as if she was blind. As long as the nuances stopped people from looking into her real eyes, she was happy with the obscured vision.

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James was wearing a rather simple outfit, black button up shirt with some lighter jeans along with a black leather belt. His hair was pulled back in a low messy bun, or it had started out rather neat but with all the cooking and keeping Mars entertained it had sunken down a bit to the lower part of his head, a few hairs hanging loosely down beside his face, framing it. At the knock of the door, he turned down for the heat of some of the more delicate meals, drying off his hands, but Mars was out at the door before him.
Mars opened the door, his eyes big with excitement as he realized who it was, smiling from ear to ear as he giggled. He greeted her with a big hug - or a big hug for a three year old at least - nuzzling his face in to her hair with a happy smile. As she let him down, he sprinted out in to the kitchen just as his father passed him. James froze for a second, looking at Elora with awe in his eyes and probably a hopeless expression on his face. She looked absolutely breathtaking, and although he couldn't see her eyes, he liked the fact that they at least looked closer to her real ones. "Hi," he said, his voice a little timid, but he seemed to snap out of it, walking to her as he wrapped his arms around her. He was being a little careful, but nonetheless holding her close for as long as she allowed him to. "You look stunning," he whispered, even though he knew he should've chosen his words more carefully.
Leaning away he caught her gaze, knowing she wasn't much for eyecontact, but he just wanted to take in her features just for a little bit. "Daddy, potatoes!" Mars called, coming in to the hallway with a questioning facial expression. James gulped, knowing that he was showing too much affection for Elora, but damned she looked so cute with those festive socks. "Alright, I'm checking on them," he chuckled, walking to the kitchen, the warm smell of meat in the oven spreading in the small apartment. He knew that daemons didn't always like the smells, but he hoped that with the spices and everything it was at least bearable. "Mars helped me peel the potatoes, he's very excited to see when they are ready," he explained, though helping wasn't perhaps the right word. Sure, the kid had sat down and picked at some potatoes, but he hadn't been trusted with a sharp object today. The last thing he wanted was to go to the ER now. "Auntie Ellie likes potatoes, right?" Mars asked, climbing up on a stool that was placed a safe distance from the stovetop. His eyes gleaming as he looked at the pot containing the potatoes. James chuckled, nodding at he stirred in the sauce for a bit.
"James, why don't you run and find your gift for Auntie Ellie? And Uncles Drew of course - He should be on his way," he said, and off Mars went in to the living room, his small legs moving fast. He grabbed a present from under the tree before returning to the kitchen, handing it to Elora with a big smile on his face. James looked at their interaction, smiling to himself as he mostly focused on the cooking. Inside the present was a small clay figure, one that Mars had clearly both molded and painted himself, a proud smile on his face. It was covered in all sorts of happy colors, and Mars reached up and took Elora's hand. "Daddy helped a little," he murmured a little shyly before grinning.

Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:32 am

The smell of food wasnt really that bad to her but it was probably because she still had those lingering senses from when she wasnt a daemon. Like food still smelt like food to her, even if she knew she couldnt really eat it for nutrients and health. She hugged Mars close for as long as he wanted to before letting him go, watching him run off before she closed the door and started taking off her jacket and shoes. She looked up as he spoke, a soft smile spreading on her lips as she could tell how he was looking at her. It made her feel a little shy and unsure what to do with herself but thankfully he snapped out of it and came over to hug her. His compliment was sweet but she wasnt really good with those, so instead of saying anything she just squeezed him a little tighter before letting go, looking at him a little vulnerably; And how could she not?
Mars called and it loosened up the tension as they both went to the kitchen, Elora wrapping her arms a little around herself. Her hands felt cold to the touch but she would warm eventually. Maybe it was the cold and the fact that she felt a little out of place and not belonging, yet at least.
But a small yet bright smile spread on her lips as James explained how Mars had helped with the potatoes, nodding at the little kid’s question. “I dont just like potatoes. I love them. Ever since I was a kid, I almost wouldnt eat something if there wasnt potatoes involved,” she explained quite lightheartedly but it wasnt as happy a memory as she put it to be.
“Andrew sent me a message, they areeee on their way. But they forgot a gift, so they had to turn back and get it,” she explained with a shrug. It wasnt really surprising because Andrew was the worst when it came to packing. He would always forget a few things and it was always the most important. She accepted the gift from Mars and felt from the weight that it wasnt something she should shake. Pulling off the ribbon she tried to pull at the paper but asked Mars to help her as it just seemed to difficult for her. But she just knew that he would probably enjoy helping her unpack the gift. She looked at the clay figure and then to Mars with soft eyes. “It’s really pretty. Thank you so much. I’ll make sure it’s on my desk so I can look at it all the time,” she assured him before she looked at James with thankful eyes, just because she knew he had part in it too. “I actually have a small gift for you as well... Both of you.” she said with a smile, pulling out one of the small packages that she handed him. She also handed James his, because she had mentioned one for each of them. Mars’ gift was something she had seen and thought he would like. It was a plushy dog dressed in the clothes of an astronaut, with a helmet you could put on and take off. For James she had gotten a book that she knew he probably hadnt read, but it was a short story with a happy ending, the kind that left you with a good feeling after reading it. On the first page, she had left a note where she thanked him for being her friend and promised that it would be worth the read with a fresh cup of tea and a blanket. Elora wasnt exactly the best at gifts in her own head but she pretty much kept it practical but also with some sort of personal meaning to it.

Guest

Mars grinned from ear to ear as Elora said she loved potatoes, being even more proud now that he had helped with preparing them. As she asked for help with opening the present, he gladly helpe. His little fingers struggling a bit with the tape, but he managed to help out anyways. It was clear he was very proud of what he had made, but his face lit up as she said it was pretty and that she would keep it on her desk. The little guy burst out in a happy giggle, hugging Elora.
James smiled, shaking his head a little as she also thanked him, but it was clear he was happy too. At the mention of gifts Mars got excited, unwrapping the present eagerly. As soon as he saw the astronaut outfit he jumped up and down, looking at Elora with stars in his eyes. "Fank joo auntie Ellie," he said rather fast, giving her a quick hug before he ran in to the living room, already playing with his brand new toy. James chuckled as he looked at how happy his son was, looking at the gift that Elora was now handing him. Letting go of the cooking utensil, he walked closer, taking it in his hand with a smile. He opened it rather gently, looking at the front of the cover with a soft smile on his lips. Opening it to the first page he read the small message, feeling his heart beat so loudly in his chest. "Thank you, Ellie," he said, pulling her in to a quick hug. He always appreciated a good book, and the upcoming days off from work was a perfect time to get some reading done. Letting go of her he sighed softly, looking at her and then the book.
"The table is set, but could you perhaps fold some napkins?" he asked, mostly because he was busy with the cooking and Mars was playing with his toys, giggling and already telling the little astronaut dog all his secrets.

Guest

Valerie was excited, not only because it was Solstice, but for the first time in years she was actually going to celebrate it with someone she cared about. Andrew and her had spent a few weeks in Korinthia before they had had to go back, but she had enjoyed every second of it. Now they were in the car, going out to Eastern District, and she felt giddy, reaching over to rest her hand on his thigh as he was driving. "I'm looking forward to meeting your friend and his kid, but I can't say I don't feel nervous," she sighed, leaning back in her car seat and feeling silly. She didn't find herself doing too well with kids, and she wasn't really sure parenthood was something for her, but that didn't mean she wanted to make a bad impression.
They pulled up, parking the car, and she stole a brief kiss from the brute daemon before stepping out of the car. With everything that had been going on lately, she had found herself seeking comfort in touch more than she was usually willing to. Valerie was a strange lycan, she wasn't too keen on comforting touches, but with Andrew it was like she couldn't get enough. She went around to the back of the car, grabbing some of the presents, even if he insisted she would swat him off, telling him to carry one of the bigger ones instead. Getting buzzed in they headed up the apartment stairs, checking the name on the door before opening it. "Helloooooo~" she sang out, not trying to sound like an intruder.
Mars came running out in to the hallway, but suddenly got rather shy as he saw someone he didn't recognize, hugging the stuffed toy closer to him. Valerie just smiled at him, being very polite and complimented his toy, which only made the kid hide away his face in the small astronaut helmet. The lycan decided to move in to the apartment after taking her shoes off, and that was when the little guy's eyes lit up. "Uncle Drew!" he yelped with big eyes, running over to the big daemon and wrapping his arms around his leg, holding on for dear life as the brute started walking, giggling and laughing.

Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Sat Jan 16, 2021 5:49 pm

Seeing Mars so happy about the gift made her happy too, because she had worried that a plushy toy wouldnt be that interesting for a kid in his age, but she knew that he liked everything revolving around space, so the astronaut suit was probably what did it. She returned the quick hug and watched him run off before she got back on her feet and looked at James with his gift in her hands. Again, she was never really sure what reaction her gifts would spark, but she saw the soft smile on his lips and that was all she needed to see to know that it wasnt horrible. "Well I cant wait to talk to you about it," she chuckled, returning the hug carefully. She nodded at the question and grabbed the napkins before she sat down at the table and started folding. She knew a few basic ones, so she made them and asked James what he thought was most fitting.
The door rang and she went to get it to buzz them in. She then returned to fold the napkins, if she ever had a mind of finishing them in time for dinner. She heard Valerie call out and smiled a little while she kept folding. The lycan was always so bright and happy, it was something Elora liked about her. How she could make Andrew less brute-ish and stiff, so he wasnt just a bore to be around like he otherwise would be most of the time.

Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Sat Jan 16, 2021 5:50 pm

"You shouldnt. They're very nice people, and besides, they'll like you right away, I'm sure," he assured her as he kept his eyes on the road. It had been a while since he had seen James and Mars but that was because it felt weird to see them when Elora wasnt. And after everything that had happened with Cecilia, Andrew had noticed how different Elora was whenever James or Mars was mentioned. Andrew was far too thick skulled when it came to family to figure out what was going on in his sister's head.
The car was parked and surely he said that she didnt have to carry anything, but she did and he simply sighed and shook his head with a small smile. She was stubborn and that was what he loved about her. They got into the apartment and he didnt even get to take his shoes off before he felt the small arms hold onto his legs. "What is this around my leg?" he said, looking down at the little guy before he walked into the apartment with the gifts in his arms, probably to big amusement for the little guy around his leg. He stopped at the kitchen and nodded at Elora before looking at James. "Hey. I seem to have caught a tic on the way," he remarked in a surprised tone, lifting up his leg to show Mars, swinging him around a little but not too hard. "Where should we put the gifts?" he asked, to then go and place down the gifts at James' direction. Once that was done, he picked up Mars from his leg and up into his arms. "How about you greet me properly young man?" he asked, but he wasnt scolding him in any way. "Also, I think you will like what my girlfriend has in her hands. It's a gift just for you," he said, looking at Valerie with a smile.

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James chuckled softly, watching as she moved over to fold the napkins. He liked the fact that he didn't have to keep the conversation going, that they could be in pleasant silence. Smiling he looked at the book one extra time before returning to his cooking, making sure to place to book down a safe place where it wouldn't get damaged.
A smile spread on his face as he heard how excited Mars was to see Andrew. The scent of another lycan hit him, but he was rather relaxed about it, perhaps because he knew that she was with Andrew. Mars giggled loudly, bursting out laughing, hanging on for dear life as he was holding on to the daemon's lifted leg. "Geez, you guys are spoiling him!" James chuckled as he saw the many gifts that the female lycan was carrying. He gestured towards the living room, not really caring where they placed it.
Mars chuckled as Andrew picked him up, wrapping his arms around his broad neck, nuzzling his nose in to the daemon's cheek. It was clear the little lycan was filled with emotions, and mostly a little stimulated by all the surprises. He needed that tight hug from Andrew, and as he got it, he calmed down visibly. Mars had always loved having the daemon around, he wasn't afraid of playing big boy games and tossing him around - even if Elora ended up scolding him. A bit shyly he turned his head, looking carefully at the female lycan who had just placed down all the gifts and was in the middle of taking off her jacket.

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Valerie placed down the gifts before heading out with her jacket. She popped in to the kitchen, giving Elora a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before she greeted James more politely. She then returned to Andrew and Mars, and she felt her heart warm up as she saw him with the kid. There was clearly a connection between the two, and part of her started to wonder if she would reconsider having children. But then again, maybe it was just that primal feeling inside of her. She walked closer, looking at Andrew as he spoke of the gift, making her chuckle as she held out a small gift in her palm.
Mars was clearly a bit uncertain about it all, but knowing that this stranger was Andrew's girlfriend made him more brave. "Hello Mars, my name is Valerie," she spoke softly, smiling at the little curly haired kid. She held up the gift between their faces. "In lycan tradition, we give each other a small trinket when we are invited over for Solstice," she explained, handing the gift to Mars. The kid took it a bit reluctantly, his eyes looking to Andrew for reassurance.
Valerie took a step away, respecting that the small child wasn't completely safe around her yet. It didn't sadden her, mostly because that was how she had been when she was a child. Shy and afraid of strangers. But it was something that he could grow out of. "Help?" Mars asked Andrew, the gift a little difficult for his small fingers to open. Once they opened it, it was a small figure of a rocket, and Mars' eyes widened. "Elora told me how you like space, is that right?" Valerie asked carefully making the little lycan nod his head rather fast, but keeping his big eyes on the pretty rocket. Valerie smiled, looking at Andrew as if to asked if she had done good. It was something from her past that she had a hard time letting go off - the constant checking in if she had done something right.

Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Mon Feb 01, 2021 6:22 pm

"He is only getting what he deserves," Elora remarked in an offhanded comment as the others had gone off to the livingroom. She really wasnt that used to the whole holiday setting but she liked what she was experiencing so far and it hadnt even really begun yet. She had finished up folding all the napkins in their respective elegant shapes. It was quite simple but Elora was simple like that. She shared that trait with Andrew, even to the point where they were both complicated beings just liking simple things. "I'll make sure Andrew isnt flinging him around," she said because you never knew with the brute. If Mars asked him, how could he ever say no? She went to see what was going on in the livingroom, seeing how Valerie presented the gift for the little lycan made her smile a little.

Subject: Re: Happy Holidays Mon Feb 01, 2021 6:23 pm

Andrew was by no means father-material, at least by his own mind. But there was something about Mars that had just opened up a part of his heart that the little lycan had snatched. He was always gentle with him, even if their games could seem a little rough. Andrew always knew when a situation was getting out of hand and he could get how being overstimulated wasnt fun. So whenever he felt it getting out of hand it was just about keeping the little bugger close till he calmed down. He watched Valerie interact with him, mumbling to the little lycan that she wasnt going to bite him, like he had approved of her beforehand so he didnt have to. But he also didnt want to rob him of the feeling in his gut. It was important for Andrew to know that he wasnt going around trusting any adult he met, because Andrew hadnt had much of a choice in his own childhood and he hated that. "Of course little bud'," he said in a happy tone, lifting up a hand to hold and direct the little lycan to unpack the gift.
He noticed Elora and looked up, nodding her to come closer while Mars was unpacking the gift. He looked to Valerie and made an assuring smile to let her know it was perfect. "Do you like it?" he asked Mars to hear his thoughts.

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Mars looked from Andrew to Valerie and then to Elora, holding the rocket in his hand. At first he seemed a little confused, but then a big smile spread on his face, a giggle escaping the little boy's lips ad he nodded at the brutes question. James came in from the kitchen, holding a bowl of potatoes, maneuvering around the others to the set table. "Daddy! Daddy look!" Mars exclaimed exitedly, holding out the rocket for his father to see. James smiled, placing down the bowl before walking over to his kid, looking at the shiny toy in his hands. "And what do we say?" he said, raising an eyebrow at his kid that suddenly got rather flustered with the fact that he hadn't thanked for the gift yet. Mars turned to look at the female lycan, his face a little red from embarrassment. "Fhank you very mutch," he said, his words a little slurred from the shyness he felt around the newcomer.
James chuckled, rustling up Mars' curls before moving out to grab the rest of the food. "Aight, you guys, enough presents, let's get something to eat," James chuckled, ushering everyone to the table as he placed down the lamb as the last thing on the table. It was filled to the brim with goodness; potatoes, sauce, the meat and decorated with everything from small sparkling confetti to Solstice crackers. James helped Mars in to his seat; a chair that had an extra seat on top just so the toddler could reach the table. The little lycan insisted on having the astronaut dog sit in his seat as well, and the rocket was placed proudly next to his drinking glass where he was sure to look at it the whole time.

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Valerie was nervous, but the reassurance from Andrew along with the giggles from Mars made her take a breath of relief. She walked over, wrapping an arm behind the brute daemon, kissing his chin - as it was really all she could reach - before looking at the little guy once more. She didn't know what was coming over her, she was never the lovey-dovey type, but with Andrew she seemed to be. It was like he brought it out in her, and it was definitely something she had had a hard time coming to terms with. However now it just seemed like part of her life.
Part of her knew that Andrew would never agree or even think about the two of them having kids, which she was completely fine with. The only problem she had right now was the feeling that she might miss out on something if she didn't have kids of her own. But for now she had to push those thoughts away, smiling as their host told them to sit down.
The pleasant smell of lamb spread in the apartment, along with the scent of the pine tree in the corner with presents under it. It felt like a genuine Solstice. She sat down next to Andrew, mostly because she could sense there was something between Elora and James, something that she couldn't quite explain. The feelings were mixed, that was for sure, but there was genuine love between them. They said their thanks, before they started passing around the food. Valerie was actually surprised to see Andrew put food on his plate, but she guessed it was to encourage the kid that probably wasn't too aware of the different species yet. "Elora, have you made up your mind about New Years yet?" she asked as she passed around the potatoes. She had invited Elora to spend the New Years with her and Andrew where they would go down to a local pub and drink and have fun.

» Guide: Holidays
» Silence during the holidays has it’s downsides
» These happy places we go to
» Happy Solstice
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