fyodor as the demolition man cuz he's been serving demolition lately. might start posting more art in between fic posts, cuz I've got a couple fire tcfsr drawings from this week.
phantom for the christmas letter and gift thing?? keep up the good work btw <3
From, Phantom
Christmas Letter and Gift event
After a day that had dragged on for so long that you were almost certain it had no end, you returned to your room ready to collapse on your bed and fall asleep. However, instead of an empty room, you are greeted by a visitor; a familiar two-tailed black cat sat on your bed, staring at you expectantly.
You blink, stepping further into your room “...Miss Christine?” Her cerulean eyes look into yours, and with grace she hops from your bed and circles your ankles, rubbing her head on your legs. Before you can pet her, she quickly slips away toward your desk, jumping on your chair before sitting on your desktop.
It’s then that you notice the black envelope closed with a gold wax seal placed on your desk, hardly inconspicuous among your other white sheets of paper. The design on the seal is ornate, but doesn’t make the letter particularly showy. Still, you can tell it’s important; there’s nothing written on the front or back of the envelope, but it’s obviously addressed to you - why else would be it sitting there on your desk in the middle of the night? The real question was the sender’s identity.
You take a seat at your desk, and Miss Christine relaxes with her eyes still fixed on you as your fingers gently open the envelope; an effusive smile finds its way to your lips as your eyes recognize the neat cursive writing on the paper inside of it, and you immediately know who the letter is from.
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My dearest [name],
The Christmas season is the most wondrous time of the year for most. I’ve noticed that, like anywhere else, Rhodes Island and its residents have their own celebratory rituals for the Holidays, and for some, any sign that Christmas is near is enough to bring the brightest of smiles to their faces; perhaps it’s that way for you as well? To see you, my little kitten, grinning at the sight of snowflakes or Christmas sweets on the table in the staff lounge….just the thought brings palpitations to my heart.
In Victoria, Christmastime is celebrated very widely. Gales of laughter fill the streets and vibrant lights illuminate smiling faces; where was I during Holiday celebrations? I was on the stage, performing extravagantly with those who were part of the theatre troupe I travelled with. The shows would pertain to Christmas, of course, with revelers dancing and my voice leaving me in an almost mirthful manner; but those days have long passed.
Forgive me, little kitten. The purpose of me writing to you is not to overbear you with my dolorous thoughts.
Since Oripathy ended everything, Christmas has passed like any other shadow does; I don’t celebrate the Holidays nor have I ever particularly wished to. Until the day I encountered you.
[Name], this world and its society have lost its way. People keep themselves blinded; they ignore the shadows, and once they are forced to face them, their fate is often left unseen, hidden behind the curtain... It’s happening as we speak; Christmastime is bright, but the dark is always there, even if no one wishes to acknowledge it. Joy is ephemeral, and death arrives untimely and without clemency. Though...it was in this same blighted world that I was able to cross paths with you.
My little kitten, my [name]. The feelings you raise in me, the prospect that you don't find the dark and I unsightly...it’s all so profound. When I’m with you, something comes over me, and I wish for nothing more than to lie with you under the starry veil of the night. You are my light, you stand fearlessly in the dark and emanate warmth and safety; I don't feel imbued with darkness when you're in my company or in my thoughts. If I told you how often you occupy my mind...hm, I’ll reserve that for when we’re alone, when I can look into your eyes and hear your voice.
Returning to Christmas; people exchange gifts during Christmastime, and I felt strongly compelled to prepare a present for you...I am not familiar with Holiday traditions, so whether or not the gift I’ve bought for you is a suitable Christmas present, I’m not certain. A present to me is not simply materialistic; I hope with this gift, how much I cherish you is conveyed.
Until you're freed from your responsibilities at Rhodes Island for the Holidays, do be careful. The weather can become bitterly cold during this time of year, maybe...I should lend my cloak to you? I promise you it’s warm and comfortable.
Miss Christine and I both dearly miss you. I regret that I’m unable to express these thoughts to you in-person; I wish to have you to myself straightaway, but I will be patient and wait. After all, I’m never too far away. If you wish for me to be with you, all you need do is call me, I have told you that several times before. Little kitten, I'll always do as you wish.
Nothing is enough to express how much I truly love you, [name], but I dearly hope this letter and my present to you causes a smile to dance on your lips.
Christmastime with you, my little kitten; I hope you are anticipating it as much as I am.
Always, and forever,
Phantom
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With a grin still on your face, your eyes find Miss Christine again; the sleek black feline had made her way back to her bed whilst you were reading. Phantoms’ letter held carefully in your hand, you stand from your chair and join Miss Christine on the edge of your bed. A soft meow leaves her, and you notice she’s sat beside what looks like a wooden box - it isn't wrapped, unless the black Christmas bow stuck on the box by its adhesive backing counts as gift wrapping. Eyes curious, you remove the bow and take the box in your hands; quickly, you discover it’s not just an ordinary box, but an antique hand-crank music box.
Its dark coloured wood is lacquered, making it easy to run your fingers over its surface. It’s appearance is so elegant and lavish; every design - from the baroque esque patterns carved into the music box to the intricate details on its handle - has clearly been done by hand and with lots of care. You set the music box in your lap as Miss Christine looks on from her spot laying near your pillows, her tail flicking curiously back and forth.
Carefully, you open the lid of the music box, revealing the contraption inside; eager, you turn the handle a few times, winding the music box up before retracting your hands and allowing the song to play.
An enchanting melody composed exclusively of piano slowly fills your room. You know this tune; a long while ago, Phantom had hummed that same melody while lulling you to sleep after you had awoken from a nightmare you didn't wish to disclose the details of. He had held you close to his chest, and you could remember the sound of his voice that night like it was just yesterday. You could never possibly forget that tune, in fact, you recalled it very vividly; but you would've never thought it'd be as important to him.
When you shut your eyes, you can hear Phantom’s soothing voice singing in harmony with the ariose piano being produced from the music box. Letting a sigh leave you, your eyes slowly flutter open. As the song nears its end, your gaze is drawn back toward the music box - this time to the words written on the inside of the lid. You had been so curious in hearing the music box play its song that you hadn't even had the chance to read them;
‘Merry Christmas, little kitten. If you remember the tune the music box plays...I applaud you. I have spent many nights transforming that simple lullaby into a musical score.’ Phantom's thoughtfulness fills you with warmth, and the note continues, ‘This melody...I wish for it to be reserved for us.’ The song finally ends and your heart swells upon reading the last words of Phantom's message, ‘A song reserved for only you and I.’
The trial by flood was appropriate for me, seeing as I am a servant of God. But I'm rather sickly. I would be in real trouble if I were to fall ill. So I'll repay you with the same trial. Well, then, I'll be off. I pray that you both will be in the arms of your God in these final moments.
Hollow Grey @rendezvousoneiros - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
