Letter and a Package?!

[damn_juicebox]

[This letter is sent along with a small package on Tuesday evening. What's inside? A Santa hat and a couple of bells, a sprig of pine, and a bundle of mistletoe.]

Season's Greetings!

I am writing to you from the Santa Village. Yuki and I boarded an ocean ship this morning so we could get a look at the village for ourselves. Work has only just begun, so I regret that there isn't much here at the moment, but there is certainly a great deal of promise. I'm certain your Moogle companions have already told you of what they hope the place becomes and how we can help. I would encourage you to do so. Even if there is much work to be completed, the village has an aura of peace and good will. I would like to ask those in charge if we might use it, and expand upon it, as a place of refuge should we be able to evacuate those who are currently threatened by the expansion of the Calamity. I do not know if my suggestion will be taken under consideration, but this is my hope.

In the meantime, I believe I will transfer my belongings here for the month and stay at the inn, possibly a house if I am able as I would like access to a kitchen. As I will be assisting with appearances as 'Mrs. Clause,' I believe the role would be greatly strengthened if I were able to bake seasonal cookies and treats. If you have any recipes, please send them to me. I would be exceptionally grateful, and the sooner I can practice, the quicker I can produce satisfactory results.

Please consider doing what you are able for this cause as well. Knowing what's coming, I believe that spreading joy and peace to the denizens of this world will help to strengthen and unite them. I hope to see you here soon, even if only for a couple of days. Whatever you can contribute would be greatly welcomed.

Sincerely,
~Rukia Kuchiki (Temporary Mrs. Clause)

Comments

[goddessofthesky]

Dear Rukia,

I should be there shortly to lend a hand. I only need to get my things in order here. I've attached all my favorite cookie recipes some of which I made last year! If you have any questions about them please let me know.

-Zelda

[With the note comes a small stack of recipes including: snickerdoodles, christmas tree sugar cakes, cloud cookies, russian tea cakes, peanut butter cookies, candy cane sugar cookies, ginger bread, and many, many more.]

[damn_juicebox]

Zelda,

Oh, I am most impressed at this collection! I hardly know where to begin, but I look forward to shopping for ingredients tomorrow. Thank you so much! It will be good to have a friend present as well. Please let me know if there are any arrangements I can make in preparation for your arrival.

Your Friend,
~Rukia

[goddessofthesky]

Dear Rukia,

I'm planning a holiday party, I did one last year too. I'm not sure if I should try and plan for it here or in Christmas Town.

What do you think?

-Zelda

[makingfriends]

Rukia,

Thanks for the gifts! I think the cats like the bells. [You can bet Ven attached both of them to his cats' collars. And no, they really don't like them, if their sulking and glowering looks are any indication. (Not that Ven can tell. Cats are a lot harder to read than some others.)]

Me and Rae are gonna head over there soon, too. She has a good idea that I want to try, but I'm going to ask around and do some planning around here first.

I haven't done much baking, but I can lend a hand if you need it! I can help you set up or clean or something, at least.

Ventus

[damn_juicebox]

Ventus,

I'm glad to hear that the bells were appreciated. You own cats now? Is it difficult to take care of them? Perhaps I shall visit sometime, I would like to see your pets.

Baking assistance is always appreciated. I still feel I am somewhat of a novice. However, Zelda has mailed me several interesting recipes that I am eager to try. It would be a pleasure to make cookies together.

Once I've made living arrangements, I will send my location to you. Otherwise you will be certain to find me at 'Santa's Office' as I play my new role. I look forward to seeing you here in the future.

~Rukia

[shinrasfinest]

Dear Rukia,

You do remember what I said, about trying to take on too much?

~Sephiroth

[Because seriously, he wonders how she's going to manage to juggle all of that.]

[damn_juicebox]

[She grins when she reads this. Apparently the man has a dry sense of humor after all.]

Dear Sephiroth,

Oh my, are you worried about me? How considerate you are! My heart is overflows with joy knowing the depth of your vast sea of concern.

[She kids, she kids.]

All joking aside, do not fear. I find that this village is a peaceful place. There is much to do, but the work is fulfilling. It is strange to find so much happiness in such simple tasks, but it cannot be helped. I am certain others will move to assist in time as well, so I do not think I will be shouldering this labor alone.

I hope you are well. Perhaps you might stop by. I am certain your many fans would enjoy a guest appearance by their favorite general.

~Rukia

place holder. | his message is sent december 2

[dammit_flynn]

Rukia,

Man you're sure as active as ever, Shorty.

Sounds like you're enjoying what you're doing. If ya have any requests, send them to Brave Vesperia and we'll handle it as we see fit. The old man is included.

-- Yuri

[damn_juicebox]

Yuri,

Of course I'm active. I had to pick up the slack since one of us decided to take a month-long nap.

[You bet she's grinning from ear to ear when she writes that.]

That said, I'm impressed that you're willing to get involved so quickly. You never cease to surprise. I have an entire list of requests, but if I must narrow it down, having more personnel to staff the Village would be very welcome at the moment. There's a dire need for people to play Santa Clause, as the only one we have at the moment is a Moogle who seems very tired.

What do you think? Care to sign up for the job?

Hope to hear from you soon,
~Rukia

[tinypinkmenace]

Thank you, Ruki! I really like the hat and bells! [She already donned the hat and attached a bell to herself. She will probably be a jiggling nuisance to someone sooner or later. ] The hat is really warm and soft!

Since I can jump really high, I can hang stuff! I dunno know what else can do, but I want to help!

Ne, can I help you with the cookies? I can be the taste tester!

- Yachiru

[damn_juicebox]

Vice Captain Kusajishi,

I am certain your skills would be a tremendous asset. There are many trees and rooftops in need of adornment, so if you still possess the dragoon job, I think you would be well suited for the task.

For the moment, my baking skills need some work. Although the first batch of gingerbread men smells good and tastes fine, the shape leaves much to be desired, and they're a bit too crisp. Nonetheless, you are welcome to taste anything I make. I would welcome your critique.

Have you been adjusting well to life in Aqures Ixen? Is there anything I may do to assist you further? Please notify me should you require my service.

~Kuchiki Rukia [Yachiru is probably one of the few who receives the proper kanji of Rukia's name.]

[unyieldingspirit]

Rukia,

Thank you for the gifts. [admittedly, she's not sure what to do with the mistletoe and pine, but she'll think of something.] It's curious how some things seem to be common and yet different between worlds, isn't it? [She'd received a hat much like that in years before- but that wasn't the same figure back in Eorzea.]

That's a good thought. Most in the spirit of the season here.

I enclose the recipe I used at the end of the month of October. I hope this will serve you well. May your efforts bear great fruit.

- K'pandolu Tohka

[damn_juicebox]

[Rukia smiles warmly when she reads the letter. That was honestly very sweet, especially since they still know little about one another.]

K'pandolu,

Thank you. I will try this recipe on the morrow. Following instructions written on paper is so much different than receiving directions from a person beside you. I have much practicing to do.

While I practice the art of cookie baking, perhaps you can tell me more of this world you come from. I would be interested in knowing how the traditions of this one compare. I know little of the traditions practiced personally, but Soul Society has adopted the hanging of mistletoe and gift-giving, along with a few other things to celebrate the passing of the winter season.

~Rukia

[aero_dienamic]

Dearest Rukia,

I certainly hope you'll be moving back after this is all over! I'd hate to have another empty room in the house again. But I'll make sure all your things are taken care of while sending them over.

I've heard much about this 'Christmas' before I was here, but it seems that this holiday is quite similar. And inconvenient for me as Kukaze has gone off to help as well, leaving me to spend additional hours minding my hair in the mornings.

I'm not sure if I like this version of the holiday with such an inconvenience. ((It's a shame writing can't convey sarcastic cadence.))

Do write back soon, and be safe.
~Valvalis~

[damn_juicebox]

Dear Valvalis,

I'm so pleased to hear from you! I hope you are all doing well. Has the new Hero moved in? What is he or she like? Are you getting along? I do miss the times spent with everyone, and I hope you are all managing to eat properly.

Do not worry; I've already moved my things to my barracks in Esdham. I didn't have much time to accumulate a large number of personal effects, so moving was quite simple. Perhaps when the military no longer has need of my services, I shall return to Aqures Ixen. I had been granted the use of a friend's closet when I needed to dwell in the city, but as the fool was freezing at night while allowing me to remain blissfully and comfortably oblivious with his winter bedding, I thought it best to stay here at the Village for the time being.

I am sorry to hear that your hair maintenance remains so extensive, but the results are worthwhile, are they not? Perhaps you could try a braid or ponytail, as it may grow less tangled this way.

Please be well. I will come back to visit when I am able.

~Rukia

[There's actually an unopened letter for Rukia in the mailbox, indicating that there was no need to offer up her room, and that it remains registered in her name and will continue as such. Oops.]

[line_piece]

Rukia,

I guess I'll see you there, then. I'm opening a video game store in the village.

-Chiaki

[damn_juicebox]

Chiaki,

I'm pleased to hear you're doing so well with your game production. Such things are far beyond my comprehension, so I'm very impressed with your dedication and intelligence to produce these games. I'm certain the children will be delighted with them. Come see me when you've arrived, it will be good to meet again.

~Rukia

[scriptrix]

Rukia,

I'm glad to hear you're getting into the Christmas spirit. You should stop by the library some time for hot cocoa and story time with the kids. I'm going to be donating some of the money Fairy Tail makes doing jobs this month to the village, too.

-Levy

[damn_juicebox]

Levy,

That sounds wonderful. I'd be pleased to visit! I should be in the city relatively soon, I was informed that I'm to be granted a promotion in the military this week. You are free to attend, if you wish to visit Esdham. It is much warmer there. Are there any quests on the board that I can fulfill here in the Santa Village? I would like to contribute as well, if I am able.

~Rukia

[neverfirstclass]

Rukia,

After thinking about it I'm going to use the Santa job we've been given, and I'll try to do my part not just in the Christmas Village but in Trano Golsaucia and Aqures Ixen too. Maybe it'll be too much but I think it's important for everyone to have hope right now. Especially if what the Sage said about the Calamity is right.

If I can help out in any way let me know, but you can count on me for sure!

Cloud

[damn_juicebox]

Cloud,

Thank you, that's an excellent notion. The Moogles are quite eager for visitors, so if you're able to spread the word to those two cities, it should provide a boost in tourism at the village.

I am still unsure what to think about the Calamity. Would that we knew what causes it to move, and what causes it to cease. I worry about those who dwell too near to its presence, and hope we will be able to prevent any harm from coming to them.

I've heard there are chocobo races to be held soon as well. I plan to enter with Yuki. What about yourself?

~Rukia

[fushigichan]

Rukia,

Good timing! I was hearing about how interesting this new continent sounded, and now I get all this stuff from you! Thanks!

I heard about it from the letter the moogles sent, and from Tia- this Santa Village has so many different things to do, I got kinda bored listening to it all. But some of it sounded fun, so I might spend some time there and see what's going on!

You'll for sure want to have someone taste-test your cookies, right? It would be a shame for such an important character as Mrs. Claus to be brought down by a bad cookie. I'll come by sometime!

See you soon,
-Manami Sangaku

By the way, if I find a good slope here, let's race!

[damn_juicebox]

Manami,

It's always pleasant to hear from you. Yes, I think a visit would greatly please the Moogles here, they're looking forward to entertaining the visitors. The festivities are small for now, but we hope to improve them soon enough.

Yes, you may absolutely taste-test the cookies, so long as you promise to provide honest feedback. I wish to improve, as a Mrs. Clause who cannot bake is surely a poor performer indeed. It's clear that I can stand to improve, but possibly because I have little experience following a recipe as opposed to receiving instructions directly.

I am certain you will find an abundance of slopes. What type of race did you have in mind?

~Rukia

[nobugs]

To Rukia

You would like to use a kitchen? I suppose I might be able to offer ours and I would like to try and help you.


From Kija

[damn_juicebox]

Kija,

I'm pleased to hear from you again. Thank you very much for your generous offer, but I must do my baking here in the village in order to create the cozy smell of freshly-baked goods when visitors come to Santa's Office. I understand that aroma is very important when creating the proper holiday atmosphere.

Nonetheless, you are more than welcome to join me in baking, should you wish to visit. If you are unable to come here, then I can come to you in the next few days, as I must make a trip to Esdham to attend a promotion ceremony. Whatever is most convenient for you, let me know, and I shall endeavor to make things work in our favor.

~Rukia