(Open!)

[stonebird]

Who: Sansa Stark & Open!
What: Celebrating Winter because she's a Stark.
Where: Around the Elf houses for the first prompt and around the city for the second.
When: Right now. This is happening.
Warnings: Forced optimism? It's the only sort of optimism that grows in the caverns.

(Let your hearts be merry~)

There are flames dancing merrily in the fireplaces of both Elven houses. Delicious scents are wafting from the kitchens - a sign of treats baking - and Sansa is rearranging the houses, adding what decor she has found and cleaning anything that seems to need it. She hums happy songs under her breath, lost in memories that have nothing to do with the cold stone of the caverns.

Mentally, she is in Winterfell, encouraging her brothers to dance, partaking of a feast and showing any guests one of the dresses she had made. She used to love preening and receiving compliments. Just like a silly little bird.

Lifting a festive wreathe, she hangs it over the fireplace with some difficulty. Her cheeks are flushed as she steps back to ensure the decoration is straight. She doubts very much she will ever see Winterfell again. Or Ruby City for that matter. Those are homes of her past. She must keep moving forward and not long for what is out of her reach. Therein lies the real reason she is decorating.

For Mother and Father; for Robb, Bran, Rickon and Jon; for Arya; for Lady, Lord, Jonquil and Ann; for Maedhros, Fingon, Maglor, Elrond, Celebrían, Erestor and Ciel. My home resides in my heart and my memories. No one can take those from me.

Dusting off her hands, Sansa walks to the kitchen to keep an eye on her cookies. She can't let her family eat anything burnt!

(Find your joy~)

She is a curious sight on the streets of Hadriel. Her dress is made of a thicker material than she would usually wear - in order to keep her warm - and it features some floral embroidery (of her own design). She is singing too, her voice as light and pretty as a bird's, but occasionally she misses a lyric.

It has been a long time since she saw Westeros, so maybe she can be forgiven?

She pauses at each store, gathering items that please her for the homes she wishes to decorate. When weather turns cold, the houses must be all the warmer and more inviting. However some of the Christmas themed merchandise brings her to a pause.

Red and green? It's not as if they aren't lovely colors, but why do they, in particular, represent this time of year?

"What of white and silver? The deepest blue reminds me of a winter storm too." but not red and green. Sansa puzzles over the choice for a moment longer before choosing a green candle from the bunch.

"I fear I will never understand all of these religions." nor does she particularly care to share them. The gods have done her precious little good, though she is not wanting or complaining any longer. Perhaps her current contentment proves that she is not fit for her world and she belongs in another entirely. The idea is not so fantastic and frightening as it once would have been.

Comments

Streets

[utulien_aure]

"It does," Fingon agrees, idly fingering the sleeves of his own dark blue tunic. "But the depths of winter can be hard to endure, even for those used to it. Red and green, Sansa? Those are colors of warmth, and of life."

He allows himself a glance around, noting anyone else who might be walking on the street even as he eyes the gaudy decorations with mock despair. "All this cheap foil has something to do with religion? I would not have imagined that."

Not least because religion gets weird when you live with your gods, but hey.

[stonebird]

"I did not see it in that light, but now that you mention it, I do like it when a fire glows red and when the leaves on all the trees are a bright green." so she will pick up a red candle too, stowing both finds into her bag.

"I cannot say for sure; I only heard of a holiday called Christmas." she desires to know no more than that about it all, frankly, "Religions are a clutter. I think we should celebrate our families instead."

[utulien_aure]

"Light and life in the midst of darkness," he grins down at her, before taking a few candles of his own.

(The instinct is two-fold. If something happens and the electricity is cut out, they might need every extra light they can find.)

"Always something to remember, no matter what the time of year."

Christmas...actually, that name does ring a few bells for Fingon. He looks around the shops again, shaking his head dubiously. "I think I've heard that name before. Something involving...someone named Santa?"

[stonebird]

She beams back at him, unable not to when he smiles. All the light and life she needs comes from those around her; those she loves. But it is nice to be able to see in the dark!

"I have no trouble recalling that lesson." currently, at least. Then again, once Sansa learns a lesson, she learns it well.

"Yes! Santa Claus. He supposedly brings presents to the good children." with...flying reindeer? It gets a bit weird there.

"There are Elves too." her eyes sparkle, "Very small ones that make toys."

[utulien_aure]

"No," Fingon grins at her, "I didn't think you would." He sees how fiercely she clings to those she loves;

At the teasing he groans. "Please, Sansa, be kind and don't mention that nonsense." At least two people have brought that up when they heard that he was an elf; Fingon can't imagine where they got such a mad idea.

And it hasn't occurred to him yet, but a powerful sorcerer in the North of the World who has enslaved elves working for him... not really the best connotations

Elfhouse

[bythewaves]

The log pops and cracks, and a voice answers it, the tune merry and joyful.

"No shorter now will grow the days--
May the Yule log brightly blaze!

Fill the Hall with pine and holly--
Let us all be bright and jolly!

To the New Year let us raise
Songs of joy and songs of praise!

Though the nights be cold and drear
Within these walls, we’re full of cheer!

Hearts and hands, we’re all together,
Heedless of the winter weather!

Our children all are snug and warm,
Safe from want and safe from harm!

Let joy and laughter loudly ring
To the roof-beams as we sing!

Ever longer grow the days--
May the Yule log brightly blaze"

Maglor sits by the fire with his harp in his hands.



((ooc: pinched from Dreamflower)

<3

[stonebird]

She jumps, but she muffles her gasp in order to hear him. It would be a shame to interrupt him.

"You gave me a fright." but not really. She smiles at him warmly, tenderly.

"I'm sorry for sneaking in."

[bythewaves]

He smiles back at her fondly, patting the seat beside him invitingly, if she would like to rest a while.

"My apologies! I did not expect to see you either, but it does my heart good to see you happy and content like this."

[stonebird]

She laughs and sits down beside him, smoothing out her skirt. No one in their right mind can resist resting beside such a talented Bard! (Though she, of course, has other reasons for liking his company.)

"I thought it might be nice for you to have a warm fire, some decorations and, well, cookies."

streets

[roseofthetyrells]

[Margaery has been doing some shopping. yes, she's on a hit list from the Null but no, she's not letting it get in the way of her living her life. there are groceries to gather, after all.

Margaery, too, is confused at the sudden increase of red and green themed things. there are placemats, utensils, sheets of paper, paper bags, even items of clothing, all decked in red and green. what a garish color combination!

she spots Sansa across the store and just has to go say hello and see how she's doing. Margaery has her own exciting news, too]

Sansa! It's so nice to see you again! What have you been up to? And I don't think I'll ever understand these other religions, either.

[stonebird]

(If it is any comfort, Sansa would rather die than hurt anyone on that list. Seeing justice done is one matter, but mindlessly hunting people who are just as much of a prisoner as her is wrong. She is a Stark; she will stand for her morals. No one can make her crumble again - not for love, not for anything or anyone.

The red and green are forgotten when she sees Margaery. She smiles in happy welcome, giving the other lady a polite curtsy.)

I have been preparing the Elf houses for the season. I do not know if men have the knack for it. (A woman's touch can make all the difference!) There are so many. Religions, I mean. I admit...I do not wholly believe in the Seven anymore.

[roseofthetyrells]

[Margaery asked to be put on that list for personal reasons. she's relatively confident that no one here would seek to harm her, but she has a sword tied to the belt of her dress. it never hurts to be careful.

Margaery beams at Sansa and bobs a polite curtsey in return.]

Ah, Winter is Coming indeed. Even though I doubt we'll be getting any snowfall. Would you believe that I've never seen snow? I'd like to, just once, for the experience.

And it's kind of you to decorate your friends' homes. There you go, always thinking of the needs of others.

[Margaery leans in conspiratorially] Neither do I. After what the Sparrows did to Loras and me? Oh, I had to play the part of the humble penitent just to get out of my cell, but as far as belief goes? No. That went up with the wildfire.

[stonebird]

(Sansa has a dagger strapped to her leg under her skirt. She too has a sword, but not on her person at present. Maybe she is becoming a little too confident walking the streets of Hadriel? It is an easy thing to do when you are not constantly beaten or belittled.)

How is that possible? (She shakes her head in wonder.) I would invite you North if I could. The snow is beautiful. Everything is turned white except for the trees. We have an old forest of godswood. Their leaves can be bright red.

(Her cheeks flush and she smiles.) They are more like family to me.

(While she feels she should be mortified at the topic of conversation, she finds she's not. Margaery hasn't had an easy time of it either - how could she in King's Landing? Everyone there seems miserable.)

I'm sorry you lost it. I'm sorry that happened to you and your brother. (She frowns thoughtfully.) I have never lied to you, Lady Margaery. I know that makes me easy to use, but I don't feel like you or your family ever harmed me. Once Winterfell is secure, you are welcome there.

city;

[trashmouths]

"Some guy died on a cross and everyone argues about why." That's pretty much how he'd viewed religion, or at least what he had paid attention for. Richie knows Stan, who's so much of a jew he'd had a Bar Mitzvah, but that seems so long ago. Richie had dressed as nicely as someone like him could without going crazy, and seen him read from the Torah, and magically he's a man. He didn't quite understand it but neither did his friend, so it's a even-stevens.

The girl he'd overheard has hair like Beverly, but longer, and eyes like hers but not as old looking. Or maybe that's because it's so cold out Richie can't focus. At least has jeans on instead of his shorts, blinking owlishly through magnified lenses.

After a brief pause, he grins. "I don't get it either, and then there's all these weird-ass ones here, like, that can bestow magic on you or something if you pray hard enough? What's that all about?"

As for what he's carrying, it's an armful of what looks to be pinecones for literally no other reason than to throw at Eddie when he gets home for a laugh.

[stonebird]

"Was he a martyr?" such acts can have long-lasting effects. There are Kings and Septons/Septas that are used to strengthen a religion because of their fervor. But frankly Sansa has little interest in any of it. She might have more faith in the Old Gods rather than the Seven, yet that isn't saying much.

His smile - as sudden as it is after his examination of her - confuses her and she feels her cheeks warm in embarrassment.

"I do not wish to know. I am fine as I am and I will not ask anything of them." unless one of her friends or family are taken from her. Then her hand might be forced.

"Are you thinking of putting those on a fire? The scent is quite nice." she motions at the pinecones, trying to change the subject.

[trashmouths]

She speaks funny, but not in a bad way. She speaks in a pretty way, which makes sense since she's awful pretty, and Richie finds himself fumbling with his glasses. His arms are full of pinecones so he has to push them up with his shoulder, which definitely looks weird.

Ah, well. Once a loser, always a loser.

"Uuh--I didn't know these guys could smell," he confesses. "I was thinking of..." A pause. "Arts and crafts." The art of messing with Eddie and the craft of him knowing it's all in good fun. Richie clears his throat. "How do you know that stuff? You from a pinecone burning sorta world?"

[stonebird]

She speaks like a noblewoman - someone who has been trained practically since birth to be ultra feminine and polite. Of course she also has a fiery temper, so sometimes that politeness shifts when she is around the right people - or the wrong people for that matter.

Richie is a breath of fresh air compared to Joffrey or Littlefinger, so he doesn't have anything to worry about.

"Oh they can. It's like burning different types of wood." she nods vaguely, "Are you planning to give them as gifts, then?"

You from a pinecone burning sorta world? Forgive her, Richie, while she laughs faintly over his wording.

"We would need to burn something at Winterfell. It is too cold to do otherwise!"

houses

[naw]

[with everything that's been recently happening, the warm smell of something sweet baking is the last thing Nah would've expected. it's a welcome surprise, certainly, and almost makes her forget of the troubling things stirring in the city. it's nice to have these peaceful moments of normalcy.

so she had followed the smell to the kitchen, where Sansa will find her crouching in front of the oven and watching it intently. Nah looks up when Sansa enters.]

Is all this for a special occasion? I don't remember anyone mentioning a holiday.

[stonebird]

(Normalcy is necessary wherever you go. No one can exist long in cold, unfamiliar places. It changes you; it makes you bitter and scared of everything. She doesn't want to ever feel that powerless again. It may seem silly to some that cookies or a warm fire can chase those thoughts away, but it's the simple acts that make a home comforting.)

Winter is celebrated by many here. (She slides a couple of cookies onto a plate, bringing them to Nah.) I think it's a good tradition.

[naw]

[weird. winter always meant food shortages, and freezing chills, and the threat of death creeping ever closer. but if there is no snow down here and food remains plentiful, then she supposes it's a good enough cause to celebrate.

and hey, if cookies are apparently part of the celebration then she won't question it. she helps herself to one.]

How can you tell it's winter down here? I didn't even consider there could be seasons underground.

[stonebird]

(Precisely. What better time to enjoy the company of others and partake of more food to keep warm? Of course if there is less food to eat, they must find warmth and enjoyment in other ways.)

I noticed a shift in what was offered in the store mostly. It reminds me a bit of my home. Then I heard people talking about Christmas.

Elfhouse -- Delight's Housing #06

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin walks in the door after a grueling Guard shift and immediately smells the cookies baking. As he enters the living room, he spies the holiday wreathe hanging over the fireplace, and Elrond's housemate heading off to check the oven.

"That is really lovely, Sansa," he says, admiring the greenery and the red berries.

[stonebird]

She sets the cookies out to cool and quickly rushes to greet him, her cheeks a bit rosy.

"Do you like it? I found it in the shop. Two of them, in fact." one for each house, "I'm sorry for letting myself in, but I wanted the house to be warm for you when you came home."

[so_dark_a_road]

"I like it very much, Sansa! And you are a sweetheart for thinking of us."

He beams at her. It would be hard not to. That is the effect she usually has on him, but especially when she is enthusiastic about some project or idea.

"You don't need to apologize for letting yourself in, either. That's why we never asked you to give back the key when you moved two doors down -- we wanted you always to feel welcome here, to feel you are one of the family."

[stonebird]

"I could not forget you if I tried." she will sooner forget her heart - for they are certainly apart of it! She breathes in the soothing scent of burning wood and reaches out to touch his cheek.

"How is it that you and your family are always warm no matter how cold it might be outside?" her fire might just be wasted on them! Not that it wholly matters.

"Please make yourself comfortable. The cookies are a little too hot to eat, but I have some cocoa to go with them?"