realityshifted | (no subject)

Entry tags:

*the twins

(no subject)

[Everyone will no doubt notice a new addition to the Plane: a giant Christmas tree. Yes, it’s decorated. Lights, ornaments, candy canes, the works. EVEN TINSEL. Tinsel rocks. Lots of tinsel, really.

There are also quite a few presents stacked under the tree. Each is addressed to a person on the Plane with hilariously appropriate - or possibly inappropriate - wrapping paper.

There is a sign near the tree which reads, “Thank you very much for helping us. Please accept a gift, completely and utterly free. It is our payment. We feel you’ve earned it! Did you know some trees stay green in the winter? But they‘re so prickly.”

At the bottom of the sign a small scribbled note reads, “We tried to bake cookies but even we wouldn’t eat those.”]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[looks at the tree]

Oh, well, not ones people have in their homes. But sometimes, they have displays in cities and things that are fairly lavish.

[looks back at Arthur.]

You seem to be enjoying that.

Oh, I've never had one before. The only Christmas tree I saw up close like this belonged to a friend, and he got rather annoyed if anyone tried to eat them.

Eat the tree? Or [gestures towards the candy canes] the candy canes?

[laughs]

The candy canes. Even I know not to eat the tree. It was very pretty though.

[laughs, too] All right. Just wanted to make sure.

Christmas trees usually are. I like them.

It's a shame they're tied-in with Christmas, really.

[puzzled look] You don't like Christmas?

Oh, well, I'm Quaker.

We don't celebrate Christmas.

Oh.

Well, how about tomorrow? If it isn't Christmas, can you still celebrate? Call it a Friday celebration?

It doesn't quite work that way, I'm afraid.

Oh.

Well, regardless of that, I still think they have a gift for you under the tree. Are you allowed to accept it, still?

I've never received a Christmas gift, so I don't know for sure. That would count as celebrating it, wouldn't it?

Maybe if you just consider it like a package received in the post? You're just opening something that was sent to you, nothing more nothing less.

Well, I suppose....[He doesn't look entirely convinced yet, but curiosity is getting the best of him]

Well, it wasn't expected. And it's all ready here. You might as well.

[Gives in and rummages through the pile, grabbing his gift. The wrapping paper is a soft green and covered with small, mathematical formulas, the bow a deep red.] Have you opened yours yet?

[shakes his head no] I'm going to wait until there are a few less gifts under there.

[nods at Arthur's gift] You go on and open yours, though.

[Arthur carefully unwraps his gift, open the box curiously. Whatever is inside shocks him, because all he can do is stare, his hands trembling slightly]

[looks at him curiously]

What is it?

[softly]

Letters.

Letters?

From William. He was, well he was a friend, went off to fight in the war.

He was supposed to return by Christmas, the whole war was supposed to be over by then. But he- these letters were never sent.

[his gaze falls onto the letters before he gives Arthur a sympathetic look]

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[Shakes his head, shutting the box again]

It's nothing.

[nods]

All right.

[beat]

Are you glad you opened it?