Snowy Touch:
Latest activity was making Sinsmas wreaths for the hotel, made from branches of Spruce, holly and ivy. Flowers and ribbons littered the coffee table of the parlor with scissors being shared. How a variety was made by everyone from traditional appeal to out there.
"Tree is done." Corbin and Hepizeheb were announced.
"Isn't it decorated oddly?" Elrod pointed out.
One of the decorated trees on the first floor had more hand decorations on its branches. Everything was made of twigs and twins or dried fruit beside Elanye's homemade cookies. Tree topper was made of natural materials and modeled the golden angel.
"Yule," Hepizeheb reminds Elrod, "Charlie allowed us to dress at least one tree for it."
"Why can't the decorations be less naturey?" Elrod asked.
He noticed spherical shape ornaments were made of transparent, colored glass and filled. Sealed closed with beewax with a metal topper and cup hook to be hung. Everything else looked like they were picked up from the nearby park. Put together with the use of a knife and twine from the junk drawer and hang up.
"Honor the natural world by incorporating natural elements," Elanye answered him, "Anything else?"
"No." Elrod just stared.
Elanye's ended up welcoming Keekee into her arms where she was allowed to pet her. A piece of jerky that Elanye was feeding Hoo Hoo went to Keekee. Who happily accepted the treat while Hoo hoo was happily feasted on her. Cornelius was resting in a coiled state after swallowing a whole rat. Razzle and Roh were splitting a plate of Elanye's spiced gingerbread man munching on one.
"Let's do the rest of the hotel," Lucifer held up his ducky wreath, "Anyone up for it?"
This was where handmade wreaths were spread throughout the hotel from the indoor garden and pool. Where flashing green and red lights were placed along the walkways. To elevators getting a single wreath and garlands. Each floor got a Christmas sign and some type of set up that was different. All the way down to the first floor, reception and parlor area being decked out. Trees were strategically placed through the lobby and individually decorated. Fireplace had tonsils with garlands covered in bows and a single wreath. Elanye surprised everyone by hanging up embroidered stockings. Each one crafted fit a member of the hotel With such care. Carefully handled by Roh as nod hung them from the mantle on hooks.
"These must have taken you days." Charlie noticed the detail each one had.
"Hepizeheb and Octavia helped," Elanye mentioned, "Their crafting skills were helpful."
"Don't forget me." Mirabelle came charging.
Elanye scooped her up for her to brag about the stocking she helped put glitter on or dye. Goleon was right behind her out of breath as he altered his clothing. Elf themed outerwear he wore was more for Mirabelle's entertainment, then his own.
"Someone's excited." Roh could clearly see it in Mirabelle.
"She insisted on coming back then to be taken to see the Caroler's or the Krampus parade," Goleon explained why they were suddenly back, "She wanted to be present for decorating."
"Then she came in time to help with the apple tower." Lucifer scooped her up.
Mirabelle happily cheered about what she gets to do with her grandpa and mommie Vaggie. Angel Dust, Cherri Bomb, Niffty, and Alastor were sampling Husk's Christmas themed drinks. Roh and Serenity watched from the stairwell with boxes of decor left. Elrod, Octavia, Corbin and Hepizeheb were cleaning up the wreath making a mess. Charlie ended up giving Elanye a hug after looking around. She wrapped her free arm around her as a form of comfort with another holding Keekee. Mixture of discomfort over the lack of her mother not being present and hurt. Elanye sensed without even needing to touch Charlie as she just held her.
8*8
Creaking of hinges of doors being opened on their own for two,faces here to see the prince. Two familiar faces he found waiting for their appointed time to see him. Hidden within the main corridor opposite the Great Hall, Serenity sat on one of the scarlet velvet benches. Her hat held a holly arrangement with a clover pendant. Elanye was the one standing in her usual hood and gloves with a covered basket. A Poinsettia cloak brooch was clearly seen on her cloak. Kept a respectable distance from Serenity as she held her basket. Hoo Hoo rested soundly on her shoulder without much as a chirp. Wearing a spring of holly on one of his talons.
"Serenity. Miss. Bloodmarch," White irises with thin vertical reddish pupils took in the sight of the two.
"Constantine." Elanye nods her head.
"Vincent." Serenity tranquility answered, picking her hat up as she got up.
When Serenity stood, Elanye stepped and backed away to allow her to pass her. Wishing her a pleasant time with his highness with her head tilted to allow her to pass. Hoo hood had to readjust his wings and footing of his talons.
"Not joining us?" Serenity asked her, "Since the last few times with you were a tad fun. That Zon can hold his drink better than any demon and has taste. Despite being only 16 and not a trance of demonic traits, your nephew is a spirited lad."
"Fresh ears and eyes have been helpful of late," Constantine agreed with her, "Shall we?"
"You two can handle a 12-ounce bottle of Midsomer Waltz and roasted sandstone snapper?" She asked what she had in her basket.
"Where do you keep pulling these rare hellochols?" Constantine asked her.
"Even I can't figure that one out." Serenity admitted.
His offered hand was taken by her with their gloves fingers weaving together in firm grasp. Serenity saw a glint of affection and joy appear in Constantine's eyes. Slight smile graced his face when his eyes met Elanye's own. His stiff posture laxed in a way when his tail started to sway. Way Hoo Hoo came to life with wings opening and chirping.
"As much as I like to quietly watch you love birds … " Serenity broke their silence.
Even hidden under her hood Constantine knew Elanye was pressing her lips together. Those candy apple black lips turned into a small smile that reflected his own. Trying to hold back a giggle as silvery blue eyes trembled with glee. Hoo Hoo moving about on her shoulder from excitement. Which made reading her hard for Serenity when she watched them.
"How's everything going with that luck fae?" Constantine brought up Roh, "Roh something or other."
"He's just another acquaintance." Serenity got defensive.
"Really?" Elanye was surprised, "That would explain a lot."
Roh had taken to his new home in the woods as sort of a house sitter and live caretaker. Doing small chores about the place for them when he wasn't with them. Which he preferred since being around demons during holidays. Usually gave him an upset stomach to the point he was woozy. Making time to see Serenity when she wanted help with private manners.
"I can message him," Elanye offered, "He just doesn't do holiday-fueled crowds very well."
"Hear that?" Serenity asked Constantine.
Elanye already knew they two were sarcastically taunting the other about Roh. Friendly way they went about poking each other gave her hope for genial bonds. Since the rare one she was currently witnessing was between an Overlord and the Prince. Further gave her more to smile about under her hood. Had her tighten her end of held hand she had with Constantine to pull him close, and kiss him. Which silenced him long enough to be caught off guard. Left hoo hoo to rustle up his feathers with wings pressed onto his side.
"I'll give her, his information later," Elanye interrupted them, "Can we carry this conversation in a more private setting and get down to business? Are we continuing this out here?"
She further made her point by altering Constantine's tie pin worn on his cravat to Christmasy one. White gold farming polished Selenite that was shaped like a Snowdrop.
"Dare I ask?" Constantine wondered with the change.
"Blame your sister." Serenity answered her.
Up went a single eyebrow when too many questions concerning his sister and altered tie pin. Answers came when he got an invite to a decorating party for a tree at the royal residence. When he arrived to find twinkling lights to Handmade wreaths and ribbon decorated garlands were everywhere. Belvedere wore an apple blossom with red ribbon and gold bell brooch. Greeting and informing Constantine, everyone was in the main sitting room decorating the tree.
"By the looks of things," Constantine pointed out, layers of dust were gone alongside the sheet, "My sister and company have been busy."
"Since early this morning," Belvedere happily answered him, "Traveling from one area to another."
"I see." Constantine grew quiet.
His recalled during his mother's seven year adsense as when sections of royal residence went used. Vast spaces his family spent centuries living their lives in bliss. Times he and his sister grow side by side under loving eyes. Endless lessons with highly skilled tutors over numerous subjects. Celebrating the holidays in company of the sins while attending formal gatherings. Were nothing but distant memories for Constantine as he looked around. Stopped when the familiar sound of someone's footsteps headed they're way.
"Belvedere?" Clicky clack of heels on hardwood flooring told Constantine who it was. "I know Charlie and you showed me where to find them, but I am still getting lost." Elanye soon revealed herself.
She wore a Red, short dress with gold embroidery and an asymmetrical, short Skirt. The translucent bishop style sleeves with similar embroidery patterns and thread coloring. Queen Anna neckline with a dabble of gold trim in a blanket stitch. Matching basic rounded toe, four and half heeled pumps. Hair styled and curled to lay on one of her shoulders as she wore basic makeup and a Poinsettia brooch. On her shoulder Hoo Hoo rested with a red bow tied around her neck. She stood like a beauty queen ready to be interviewed by the judges.
"I shall leave you two alone to get acquainted as I inquire what you're looking for?" Belvedere went on to Constantine and Elanye.
"Fine by me." Constantine and Elanye weren't bothered.
"Good day." Belvedere would leave alone.
He bowed out already knowing what Elanye was asking about without her needing to say it. No worry about those two being let alone and unsupervised from what he heard. Hands became tucked behind his person as he took his time walking away.
"Already making friends," Constantine approached Elanye, "Should I be worried?"
"No, your sister and dad had been sharing stories." She reached upward to stroke Hoo hoo's feathers.
His offered hand was taken by her bare one as he filled him in on what they were doing.
8*8
Nobody knows how the snowball fight in the hotel's front lawn started, one afternoon. A canopy tent was set up by Roh for anyone to sit under and view the snow. How Constantine found himself in his sister's company beside Serenity. Just neither got far in conversation when a misaimed snowball hit dead center. Snow fell from the side of Constantine's face when he was mid- sentence. In an instant he turned his head to find a frozen Elanye. Despite her expression hidden under a fur line hooded capelet. Through their mental bond, he discovered no malice behind the snowball. More of her misguided attempt in a toss in some random direction.
Constantine excused himself from his seat from the company of his sister and Serenity. To only have Charlie join in the snowball fight just minutes later. Since Constantine would try to return to Elanye's disarmed snowball. Triggering a friendly clash between children of the sins and hotel's staff/ residents. Wasp and Monte were clobbered during the first few by friendly fire. Elrod was taken out by a snowball to the side of his face by accident. Corbin worked with Osmodai and Hepizebah to take out Ragnild. Which caused a minor one- sided argument, one to call the other a traitor. Mirabelle did help from Roh to drop a snowball on Ragnild's head.
"Who is winning?" Roh asked, looking at everyone.
He then put Mirabelle down in the snow to run around with Hepizebah's leopard. Allowing him to offer a hand with no answer coming from anyone.
"Just a friendly snowball fight." Ragnild answered him.
"Yea," Wasp air quoted friendly, "You've been trying to get back at Corbin every chance you've gotten."
"So they tied or what?" Monte asked, looking around.
"Two to 0," Octavia recalled. "He injured his wrist first time and this is the second time with help."
Ragnild huffed at the score that was recalled once she retracted her hand from Roh. Using an excuse she was cold and was heading in to warm up. Which had Corbin following her to check in on Cornelius in the lobby.
"Can we talk?" Corbin didn't like how she was acting, "I am not a fan of grudges and I kinda feel you have one towards me? I mean … I know it's not my place to point this out to a child of Sin."
"I never met anyone that has matched me on my level," She found herself openly admitting, "Decades of experience and education the day I face you for that demonstration. Were tested against a soul that knew what he was doing."
Corbin was quiet for a minute in what was said and needed a moment to reflect. Not knowing how or answering her when he recalled what he was taught. Naturally lifting one of his hands between them as his eyes glowed. Tapping into chilly water molecules to model a single blue rose. He grasped within his own hand to hand over to her when fully formed. She would have accepted from him if it wasn't for the interruption of fingers.
"Make me one," Mirabelle tried to reach for the one Corbin made, "Please."
"Here." Ragnild offered the ice rose to her.
"Thank you." Mirabelle accepted with a big smile.
After accepting she ran over toward Roh to show what was given to her from Corbin and Ragnild. While Constantine welcomed gloved fingers onto his face. Lightly brushing away flakes of snow, from a blond goatee and a slight beard cut into two points. Which was stopped when he grasped those fingers from behind, and kept them against the side of his chin. Forgetting they long since fallen over into a snowbank since the snowball fight stopped. On on top of the other with chill of the first snowfall in hell.