[Kestrel]

"Oh. There are really a lot of people here." Mialarin peered about the room, eyes wide.

"Don't worry Mia! I've been here lots of days before. They're all nice. Haven't met a single mean person yet," Koyren said, handing her a gingerbread cookie.

Mia did not look reassured. "I don't know, Renzie. Maybe I'll just head...somewhere else." It had occurred to her that she was not near Idalani and she was not in Aldrect, and thus could not simply retire to her or Koyren's house. Nor was she familiar with the shops and bars nearby.

"Hey, don't worry. If you want to leave, we can leave. No problem. I've been here plenty of times before. And if you want to stay, I can keep you company! We can just stay near the cookies and chat. Would that be nice?" He gave her a big grin.

Mia's face softened into a smile. "That's so kind of you. It would make me feel better. But I don't want you to miss any of the fun!"

Koyren waved off her worries and simply handed her a glass of eggnog. "I've got you covered! And anyway, their snacks change every night, and I have yet to try all of today's." He gave her a wink and grabbed another snack.

[Freezair]

Christmas was a very human holiday, but that didn't stop Agni from loving it. As a volcano spirit, she was very good at making people warm in the cold. Just her standing next to people was enough to make them warm and cozy! But in the snowy weather, people loved to go to hot springs to soak in the warmth, and she loved heating those up for people.

She went to the advent calendar in her small, lizard-like form, scurrying along the ground. But as she ran past, sudden bursts of warmth surrounded the people she came near. Their cocoa was suddenly perfectly warm, too--but their noses were just cold enough! Smiles filled the faces who came to the calendar. The treats were nice... but making people warm was the REAL reason she came.

[Flame]

Ah yes, a party. It was unclear how Malaika had come to hear of this particular event, but considering who she was, it really wasn't surprising at all that she'd shown up (probably not having even received an invitation in the first place). That didn't seem to faze her at all though, as she sauntered into the tavern, waving a lazy hand in acknowledgement at the kind stranger who welcomed her in. The town was all abuzz about this party - which had apparently been going on for a few days now - and she was somewhat disappointed in herself for only having heard about it now, after it had been under way for so long. However, her understanding was that there were many days yet of revelry, and she fully intended to make the most of them. After all, you never knew who you'd meet (or what kind of trouble you'd get into) when you slipped into a party you weren't invited to.

No matter the fact that it was an event open to the general public - which she came to discover soon after entering - that didn't mean that the prospects were any less...promising. From what she could see, a few people were likely already inebriated, and with just a little time (and perhaps a gentle nudge in the right direction), the fun would really start. The crowd was certainly quite an assorted one, but the more diverse the fish in this particular pond, the better her chances were of finding someone to take home with her tonight. In the meantime, while she patiently waited for inhibitions to wash away, she claimed a drink for herself and settled against an open segment of wall to peruse what was on the menu tonight.

[Silver]

In all of her random stumbling, eventually the little Kitrell tumbled right off the table and onto the ground with a light thump. It was probably for the best that she hit the ground before she managed to knock over any more party snacks. With a bit more rolling around and a mighty hiss, she managed to find her way out of her new hat. She stood next to it, staring it down with all of the feathers on her tail puffed out as big as possible.

Eventually, she got sick of fighting the hat and decided to accept it. She gently tapped it with her left wing before climbing inside and curling into a little ball. She yawned widely and put her tail feathers in front of her face to block out the light. Doing so spread some of the whipped cream from before across her nose, which she eagerly licked off.

[MillietheWarrior]

Oh, well, um, this was a pickle wasn’t it? Why were things always so busy? It was almost like the world conspired to keep her from having fun. No matter, however, the Tali decided. It would be easy to make up for lost time. She’s managed to make her way back to the party after being called off to attend to some business, but now she was back and very eager to celebrate Christmas. Wagging her tail, she trotted into the killing crowd of people, excited for some time off.

[SpringsSong]

"Really, HK, we're fine here," Lana said, pulling the droid aside and away from the crowds.  "It's not like anyone can just find this place, from what I've overheard."

"The tavern's owner mentioned something about only being able to find this place if you wanted to," Xyshari said.  "Lana and I wanted a break, so we came here, and... well, the rest is history."

"Interjection: Until the organic meatbag you call Theron Shan has been dealt with, it is my primary function to ensure your safety," the droid said.

[FieldsofIris]

Dahlia settled down in the wooden chair across from her companions, glad she was still in close proximity due to the small table. Kosok hopped down onto the surface, but stayed quite close to Cody still, his tail thumping lightly against the man's arm.

As Cody began to explain his situation, Dahlia felt her heart twist painfully. No wonder the guy was on edge! Kosok wrapped his tail around the man's forearm lightly, attempting to provide some comfort. He looked up at Dahlia helplessly. Do something, he urged, beginning to panic as the young man looked close to tears.

Dahlia ignored the creature, and instead focused on the distressed man. "Awh, honey," she soothed quietly, reaching out to rest a hand on his other arm. "Sometimes, we just get ourselves in a rough spot - we all have bad days!" She smiled encouragingly, trying to catch Cody's eye. Even though she was good humored most of the time, even she had bad days!

"I'm sure this Zane guy will understand, if he's as close to you as I think he is." She threw a cheeky wink and grinned slightly. It seemed like the two were more than friends, which was fine by her - she had friends from every sexuality under the sun!

Suddenly, a phone book plopped down next to them, opened to the correct page. The staff gave them an understanding smile and went back to their post.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

On the other side of the tavern, a tipsy Iris was swaying slightly in her stool in time with the music. What a festive little party! She grinned to herself, finishing off her... third? ... cup of eggnog. It's so nice to get out and relax. Why was she here again?

... She pursed her lips in thought, then shrugged, turning in her stool. Then, by some odd work of fate, she caught a glimpse of a familiar head of curls. Oh, yeah! Dahlia and Kosok!

With a final smile and wave to the bartender, Iris hopped off her stool and made her way through the crowd. Peering around a stranger, she saw her friends at a table with what seemed to be a distressed young man. With a frown, she decided against joining them - her inebriation would probably upset the man even further, and she didn't want Dahlia and Kosok to leave him alone in favor of taking care of her.

So, with a grin, she plodded out of the tavern, satisfied in knowing they were safe and sound. Pulling her jacket tightly against the snow, she began the journey home.

[Claiming day 5 / the 21st's prize! c:]

[Sappheara]

"Yes, compare the mortals to myself. At least my kind is more interesting then these mammals." Hono had a slight humor in her tone. She pushed the plates of food far from her. "You know, we could have done something like this in the temple." Her cat like eyes looked around the tavern. She wrinkled her nose at that thought. Chumani laughed at that comment. "Seriously?" Chumani laughed even more as she continued to think about it. It was one of the craziest things that came out of the guides mouth for a long time. "Which one of us would be buying the crappy decorations? Me? You or Ginabal? To top it off we would have to invite the family to the temple. Why would I want anyone to come to my private sanctuary? Just thinking about it irritates me in so many ways and you know who I'm talking about." Hono straighten up with the last few words. Everyone that was close to Chumani knew that one person that she hates in all the ways you can hate someone. Chumani has a good reason to hate her. For the sake of her krome demons, Chumani played nice. It would upset both of them, if she did something stupid.  

The music change to something more upbeat. The two demons that were dancing came back to the table. Enigma ran and hugged Hono when she saw her. "Hono, you came! Did you see me dacing?" Enigma unwrapped her hands from her guide. Hono gave Enigma a genuine smile. "Yes, I did." Enigma frowned. "Then why didn't you say hi to me when you first came in? You know I would have been happy to sit with you and metra." The demon looked down at the plates of food. Taking a cookie, she placed it in her mouth. "It looks like you and Anguish were enjoying yourself there for a minute." Hono turned to look at Anguish. "How are you doing little man?" Anguish smiled at her slightly. "I'm good." He sat down next to his metra. Hono and Enigma did that same thing. Anguish spoke up. "Did Gin say anything about joining this party?" There was hope in the young demon's eyes. "I'm sorry Anguish, he's unable to make it. He still has some errands to do in the other realm. He did tell me that he has something planed for the two of you when he gets back." With the last statement, it put a large smile on the demon's face.

{Claiming 5th Day}

[crow]

Leo gave a shrug. "At me, at the other interns; at least we had each other. And there are legal courses of action you could take to sue for it, but in practical terms it's not always quite that simple," he said. He left it at that. The topic wasn't especially upsetting to him, but he could see that it was making Oliver upset, and getting into the fine details of the legal aspects--- or the power of reputation that his employers could have brought to bear against him if he did so--- wasn't really a topic for dinner conversation.

He was beginning to regret he brought it up.

It was easier when the topic shifted away, to the specifics of Oliver's employment. "So you're saying you'd be my boss?" said Leo, smiling and raising a brow at him. "Hmm, I don't know. I'll have to think about that." There was a teasing note to his voice. "Is that what this is then? A bribe?" He held up the gift that Oliver had handed him earlier.

[Kestrel]

"Wait, so Renz, you've been here seven times already? To this one party?" Brynith asked, eyebrows raised as she faced her brother.

Koyren paused to do a quick count of his many siblings. "Well, only six, I guess. Zy couldn't make it--a tournament of some kind, I think, that lasts this whole week! So I skipped a few days ago."

Brynith hmmed in response, holding a glass of eggnog as she surveyed the crowd. "And it still hasn't gotten dull for you, I suppose."

He actually laughed at that. "Dull? How would it get dull? The people here are so interesting! Let me tell you, Bryn..."

He put one hand on his sister's back and led her around them, recounting the many colorful personalities he had encountered in his six days here.

[Sarah]

The hunter found he was alone yet again. The party went on around him as if nothing had ever happened. He wondered about the creature, phantom, light, whatever it was. What he'd seen was twisted, demented, somewhere in the back of his mind he remembered seeing it before.

After its little trick it had vanished. Ütezi wasn't sure if it was from his own will, or if the creature had more victims. The Taken had come to Evelon along with him. How many made it over? How many just wanted to lead normal lives?

[Saahs]

Warren smiled down at the doll as she clambered up into his lap. She was... strange looking, certainly, but he had an eldritch horror rune carved into his forehead so who was he to judge? So long as she wasn't malevolent, or even was just pretending to be nice, that was good enough for the guy.

"Hmm? D'oh, this!" He held up the kazoo, twiddling it between his fingers. "This is a kazoo! Ya play music on it and it sounds funny, here-- listen!" With that he brought the kazoo up to his lips, and gave a soft doot dooting of a tune. "See? Funny soundin', ain't it!" He grinned down at the doll, once more twiddling the kazoo about between his fingers.

(Claiming today's prize!)

[Mojave]

Despite his misgivings about it, Diego had been convinced to bring the family out to claim an advent prize. His daughter was perched on his shoulders, wearing her favorite outfit of faux leather jacket, distressed jeans, boots, and a red long sleeve t that said 'Daddy's little hellion' across the front in black flaming letters. Diego himself was wearing significantly more clothes than he was used to, but he liked the break from his job. Home was his little haven of normalcy, even if it wasn't all that normal. Beside him, Cal was leaning against the wall doing something on his phone, leaving him to survey the crowd. He'd long since given up looking for someone in particular, but he'd picked up the habit of people watching in exchange.

"Dad, the line's moving!" The girl chimed happily, playfully kicking at his chest to make him go like she would a pony. Cal slipped his phone into his jacket and grinned up at her, "Hold your horses, CB." She giggled in return, and kicked again. With a fake growl, Diego pulled her off his shoulders and held her easily in one arm while he tickled her with his free hand. "Who do you think you're kicking like that, little lady?" He laughed as she flailed and sqealed, trying to squirm to the ground. "AAAHHHAHAHAHAA! Daddy, no I'm sorry! I yield! Uncle Cal, help!" Diego released her, setting her down gently so she could hide behind Cal, grinning back at Diego before sticking her tongue out at him.

Their game had seen them to the front of the line to claim a prize, so Diego shrugged in response, grinning mischievously. "I see how it is, Roxy. We come all the way out here to let you claim a Christmas prize and now you don't want it. Guess I'll draw it myself." Cal looked down at her, shaking his head while  trying to hide his own smile, "So ungrateful. It's a shame, really."

Roxanne made an offended noise and ran back to Diego, "No, I do! Let ME pick it, Daddy!" He laughed and picked her up again to let her reach into the bag for something. When she drew her hand back with a box in her hand, Diego turned to the woman hosting the event, "Thanks, and happy holidays!" Before the three of them left to return to Jawan.

[Middy]

Sinclair stood away from the crowd... watching. He wasn't one to partake in any sort of festivities, and that certainly wasn't going to change. Despite being in his disguise, he still wasn't going to go socialize. Just sitting on the sidelines observing people was enough, either looking for new people to stalk or con out of something. He had orders not to kill during the holidays, some funny joke from his boss perhaps. Really, he didn't like the holiday much, in fact he was executed around this time around 400 years ago. What a joke.

[Claiming 5th Day]

[Indigo]

To say he didn't like parties was an understatement. Meeting new people was fine, even a lot of them at once, but it was impossible to really talk to anyone in a situation like this, with music and other people's conversations filling up the space. He hadn't been aware this tavern even existed, much less that there was some sort of event happening in it—in fact he'd spotted it on a street that he could swear hadn't contained it a week ago.

He was used to strange things, of course, but why a place like this should want him was something of a mystery. They certainly didn't seem to have much use for a poet. But he was here, and so he might as well enjoy himself, or try to. Maybe he could seek out someone else who wasn't having the best time, and they could commiserate.