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[nerine]

UN: Monts
text; voice; video; action

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[laeradr]

[ As the kettle bubbles away on the stovetop, he focuses only on her, listening quietly as she speaks. And he gives a small nod in understanding. ]

They must have been very glad to have your company. And even if you don't abide by the religion, I'm sure it was a meaningful time for you, sharing that time with your family.

[ In truth, matters of family bonding are completely unfamiliar to him. But he can at least imagine the warmth and comfort found in an unofficial tradition like that. Vangeance smiles gently. ]

It's unfortunate you were unable to maintain the tradition this year. So we'll have to do our best to ensure next year will be different

[nerine]

They went through the trouble of raising me after all so it's the least I could do for them.

[She settles into an easy silence as he focuses on his task. In regards to there being next year... Monts doesn't really want to entertain that possibility of being here that long. But she doesn't voice that concern aloud because it seemed so callous when most everyone she's met and befriended has been so accomodating and kind in different ways. And it also felt unsettling to some degree that if she did happen to disappear, she may never meet them again...

As Vangeance makes the tea, she hums "Silver Bells," falling into her own reverie as she listens to the bubbling kettle and the sound of the stovetop turning off.]

[laeradr]

[ He briefly considers saying something about how raising one's grandchild wouldn't be considered 'trouble.' But Monts seems at peace with that quip, moving onto other thoughts, so he leaves her in that easy silence for the moment, turning to tend to the kettle when it begins to whistle.

Especially since her humming makes for peaceful background noise as he begins brewing the tea. The scent of something fragrant and herbal quickly fills the air, and it's not long before he brings over a tray with a pair of cups. ]

I hope it's to your taste.

[ Said as he places one before her with the gentle clink of ceramics. Then a little jar of sugar cubes, though no cream, she might note. ]

To be honest, I'm afraid I wasn't very prepared for guests.

[nerine]

[She picks up her cup to take in its fragrance and let it fill her body before taking a small sip to taste.]

Not bad! Just what I need for weather like this. I don't think you need to be worried about being a good host for guests with tea like this.

[Setting her cup down, she just adds one lump of sugar to stir in.]

Well? Are you going to open up your present?

[laeradr]

[ He'd been waiting a moment to make sure she didn't have any complaints, but laughs gently when she brings up the gift. Not that he'd forgotten it, even for a moment, but it would have been rude to seem too eager to open a present, wouldn't it? ]

I suppose it would be rude to keep you waiting for much longer.

[ And with that, Vangeance gently eases open the lid of the little crate and peeks in. ]

Oh. [ He sounds (very mildly but) pleasantly surprised. ] These are ... ?

[nerine]

Succulents!

[Indeed there are six small potted plants within the wooden crate. Despite their size, they boast an unusual plump texture and their bright smooth color contrast with the grey winter season.]

Aren't they cute? They're drought-resistant plants so they're popular with people who aren't very good at taking care of greenery. Not that I think that you wouldn't be any good at it.

[Monts is unusually, if at least, low-key excited at introducing these to Vangeance.]

I kind of took a while to think of what to get for you. But then my mind wandered and I thought of when you used your magic to help me out from drowning... [She gestures with her hands animatedly as she explains herself.]

... And then it also made me wonder if you even have these types of plants where you're from. I think it'd be obvious that flora and fauna are very different across worlds.

[laeradr]

'Succulents.'

[ The careful way he echoes that unfamiliar word makes it incredibly obvious that, no, he's not well-acquainted with these types of plants.

Vangeance reaches into the crate to carefully pick up the fattest one of the bunch, holding it up to admire it better in the lighting of the room. Tilting his head one way, then the other as he studies the unusual texture of the leaves and their vibrant coloring. And faintly, he smiles to himself, equal parts amused and curious. ]

They're certainly odd-looking plants. I've never seen anything like them in Clover.

[ Finally, that inspection done, he lowers the succulent and gives Monts a proper smile. Warm and genial. ]

Thank you very much, Monts. They're terribly [ cute ] charming. I can't claim to have any true skills as a gardener, but I promise you I'll do my best to take good care of these.

[nerine]

Is there desert or dry regions where you're from? That's kind of what factors into how these plants were cultivated if I recall correctly.

[His reaction to them is enough for her. Not that she expected fireworks and being over the moon for some plants (not from Vangeance anyway), but she can tell that he likes them for their uniqueness.]

Please do! They're for your viewing pleasure after all. We had bigger versions of these plants at the cafe and I've been told by customers looking at them makes them cheer up; I think it has to do with the fact that they're so hardy even in rough conditions.

[laeradr]

There are drier regions at the borders of the Kingdom, towards the north. Though I'm afraid I haven't spent much time in those areas, personally. Most of my missions kept me closer to the Royal Capital, to the east.

[ He gently pulls out the other little plants as he speaks, looking over each one before putting them down in a row on the table. ]

But I'm always glad to learn of new things, so I appreciate these greatly. Especially if they're resilient. [ Vangeance smiles as he runs a finger against the edge of a fat leaf. ] I'd hate to ever have to deliver the bad news to you that I failed to let your gifts flourish.

[nerine]

All they need is just the smallest amount of water and some light. Just find a place where you can check on them easily and you'll be ready to go as a plant dad.

[Monts has a way of saying embarrassing things without batting an eye... Still, she beams at him.]

Merry Christmas, William.

[laeradr]

[ 'Plant dad' ............. That sure earns a raised eyebrow from behind his mask. But how could he possibly be weirded out at all when faced with that bright smile and the warm holiday greeting?

So Vangeance blinks, then laughs softly. And responds, as gracious and gentle as ever: ]

Merry Christmas, Monts. I hope the day treats you kindly, and that you're still able to create some fond memories of it.

[ Especially if the holiday has a special meaning for her. ]