Letter to all Heroes--HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

[deadlyvu]

[The letter would go to all Heroes of Light, and even some of the non-Heroes like Biggs, and Cid, and Wedge. Once opened it's clearly a light-hearted letter, despite all the skulls and spiraling borders with spider-webs and bats on the page.]

Hello everyone!

My name is Lydia Deetz; I'm originally from Earth, in America, 1990ish if anyone recognizes the place and time. I missed out last year, due to being stuck in Crystal Stasis, and only arrived the February prior to that. I know things have been rough for the Heroes, because of whom we are, the past two Octobers.

But it's my favorite month--because back home, it's the month when Halloween comes! A time to enjoy the spooky and macabre and find the joy in the unusual. We've all had more than enough hardship lately, and I am excited to celebrate my favorite holiday for once! Some of the customs here on Crystallis are similar, but not all of them.

So... Please feel free to write me back, or meet me, if you're curious about Halloween where I'm from. Tell me stories about a similar holiday from where you're from! Also if you meet any ghosts, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me. Or better-yet, come and get me. Back home my best friend is a ghost, so I have some familiarity!

Thank you, and Happy Hauntings!
Spookily yours,
Lydia Deetz.

Comments

2/2 ACTION

[deadlyvu]

[B-13 is in the process of being decorated. There's a wreath on the door outside, but otherwise it's like every other house with curtains over the windows.

Inside, is another story.

Inside there are grey-cheesecloth shrouds hung across the walls and over frames. Occasionally there are swarms of bats along the walls. Shelves are decorated, and there are throw blankets and some pillows all over the living area.]

[21stcenturyguy]

[Of course, Santa's always been more of a Christmas person than Halloween, not that he doesn't dig the black and white part of the decorations. But apparently while he's been over visiting Duster, Creepy Child's vomited her goth everywhere.]

Yo, I think you missed a spot on the ceiling. People are gonna think you don't got the spirit.

[deadlyvu]

[If he doesn't like it he should've been around to say something then. Lydia's actually tried to keep it all restrained and tasteful, so she doesn't scare or make Nanami uncomfortable. She left the kitchen and bathroom and bedrooms alone too.]

IF they think that, then they're blinder than you are, Kringle.

[Gamely replied, as Lydia is glad to see him.]

[21stcenturyguy]

Where'd you even get this stuff? Did you make it? [Do they have crafting classes for witches at her school?

He scratches the back of his head and shrugs.]

So, are you gonna decorate for Christmas when this is over, or is it a Halloween exclusive?

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia would love it if they did, but her school is boringly normal. She's just the daughter of an artist and creative herself. Clearly he's not seen her crafting before.]

I made most of it, yes. Betel-Po helped by placing and shredding the cheesecloth though.

[Turning to give her his full attention, still amused even as her arms crossed over her chest.]

Depends. I wouldn't mind decorating for Christmas too. I've missed the last Halloween though, so I wanted to make sure I celebrated it this year.

[21stcenturyguy]

It's cute. You could write a crafting book or somethin', if you ever wanted to make some money.

[He shrugs. That probably sounded like he was bein' nice or something. He doesn't want the retro-squirt to think they're all buddy-buddy or anything, so he huffs.]

I mean, for all the weirdos who can't figure out how to decorate their lairs on their own.

[deadlyvu]

[Don't mind the eye-roll, as she turns around to readjust a pillow on the couch.]

Gee, for a moment there you almost sounded pleasant Kringle. Like you actually were concerned.

[She doesn't mind, as she's figured out he doesn't like appearing nice.]

I've had yard sales before, since I usually do clothing among some other stuff.

[21stcenturyguy]

Yard sales aren't bad. Sometimes, you can buy junk cheap, fix it up, and sell it at a profit, if you're smart and you don't mind gettin' your hands dirty.

[It's one of the things he did as a kid, to get money to help take care of Akane.]

I'm surprised there aren't many yard sales goin' on around here. Maybe it's just an Earth thing.

[deadlyvu]

[The smile returned, easy going.]

Most people weren't familiar with the idea, no. Even others from Earth. I thought maybe it was just an American thing, in that case.

[She shrugged.]

I repurpose or make clothing and other stuff. I also do drawings.

[No problem with getting her hands dirty here.]

wasn't sure where to respond

[line_piece]

[Knock knock, here's Chiaki!]

Lydia? Betel-po?

This is the right place to reply. :D

[deadlyvu]

[Chiaki's not kept waiting long, before BP opens the door and greets her with a 'Yo!' and a high wave of his paw.]

Lyds is preparing snacks kupo! Come on and make yourself comfy!

[Leading the way to the living room, where Chiaki's welcome to sit wherever she likes. Lydia won't be too long before she comes in with punch and snacks.]

Hi Chiaki, I hope you weren't waiting too long?

Re: This is the right place to reply. :D

[line_piece]

Thanks. Excuse me, then.

[Chiaki removes her shoes at the door, setting them to the side before walking in and taking a seat on the couch. By the time Lydia shows up, she's already dozing a bit. It's just what she does.]

Mm... no, I don't think so...

[deadlyvu]

[Betel-Po blinks, but shrugs and decides that whatever makes her happy, before he flutters off. He's got supplies to get for Lydia.

Lydia blinks a bit, setting the tray down, but if Chiaki really is okay...]

If it's a bad time, we could meet again later? I can get you a blanket and pillow too, if you want.

[line_piece]

Hmm?

[Chiaki blinks awake, letting out a big yawn.]

No, it's okay. This happens a lot.

[deadlyvu]

[Did it? Was that normal? Lydia is concerned, but she'll ask later.]

Alright, if you say so. Thank you for coming. What did you wanna know first?

[line_piece]

More about Jacques, I think.

[She wants to know about the man Chihiro was so close with.]

[deadlyvu]

[That brought a smile, affectionate and a bit wistful. Lydia missed her friends in the Neitherworld.]

Well, his full name is Jacques Lalean. I don't know if that's always been his name, and he's always been a skeleton, or if he had a different name and life before his time in the Neitherworld. He's from a family of skeletons there though, all french.

He's a housemate/room-mate to my best friend, Beetlejuice. Also one of BJ's favorite prank-targets, but I think they really are close even if BJ'd not admit it.

[Definitely a fond smile.]

Even though he has no skin and is all bones, he's very into physical fitness. He trains hard every day, and values being strong and fit and exercise. He even entered the Mr. Neitherworld contest, even though he had no skin/muscles--just his bones.

Jacques is very good natured and friendly, always willing to help and lend a hand if asked or needed. He watches out for his friends and those he cares about, and really is a lot more sensitive than he lets on.

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[nomorecowbell]

... You really went all out. Do most Americans do this for their favorite holidays?

[Nanami had seen foreign movies to know Christmas was a big deal, so she wondered exactly how weird this was.]

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia actually giggled a bit and smiled at Nanami.]

Actually, I kind of restrained myself. I know you're not really comfy with a lot of weird stuff, so I wanted you to be comfy with it too. Do you like it?

[Lydia had really tried to keep it to elegantly spooky and quirky. A bit less playful or childish, but still with a sense of humor. Definitely less 'scary' overall, but still in keeping with Halloween.]

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[nomorecowbell]

The things on the shelves are... nice. They look very vintage.

[How do you compliment people when it's not about expensive things?]

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia's grin remains easy-going. She gets it, and Nanami is trying. It counts for something.]

I had to do a bit of searching, and then some premature aging and painting of my own to get the right feel. I'm glad it's not too much for you though.

[Hands going behind her back, Lydia looks slightly sheepish.]

I remember you were really weirded out by Henry and his spell-stuff. It's my favorite holiday though, but that doesn't mean I wanted my housemates uncomfortable.

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[nomorecowbell]

Some of the weirdness was that Henry's stuff actually worked. Looking spooky is different than worrying I was going to wake up with boils or something because he had an accident.

[It would have not been the weirdest thing that had happened to Nanami, but still very distressing.]

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[deadlyvu]

[That does bring a giggle. Lydia's mostly untroubled by the idea, but she does know it's a legitimate fear.]

I can understand that. My friend BJ's magic doesn't always work the way he expects either, so I've had some strange things happen. Don't worry though, my stuff is all harmless.

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[nomorecowbell]

Good. I don't mind harmless spookiness as much. it's weird, but I don't mind it.

[She's trying. Maybe she shouldn't be calling her roommate's tastes weird, though.}

Re: 2/2 ACTION

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia's heard worse than 'weird', and she's used to being called that. At least Nanami's not doing so meanly, so Lydia'll take it.]

I'm looking into what I can do around the later holidays too. Although maybe less cutesy, while still being festive and tasteful.