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[nerine]

UN: Monts
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[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. ]