Horologium

[cuttleflush]

We’ve been traveling a lot as of late.

In complete transparency, I’ve never been the adventurous type. Much of my time was spent in the same state, now that I have the chance to reflect. It never occurred to me then that I could go wherever I wished—and of course, CloseKnit came along not so long after.

…Nadine’s my opposite when it comes to this matter. There are dozens of souvenirs and albums she’s shown me of her travels with friends over the years. Now that I’ve become a permanent part of her life—we’ve gotten to amass a collection of shared memorabilia, too. Though…it seems like we have a bit of trouble over collecting gifts to bring home.

—We’re still working it out. But I better can understand the appeal in pasalubong, at least.

This picture was from a little earlier in the week. Nadine had booked a short tourist boat-ride in the morning. Something along the lines of “beating the crowd and the heat.” To which I can agree. The temperature nearer to the waking hours is very nice. The sights were lovely as well, as you can imagine.

But most importantly—I had good company. I find myself smiling much more than I used to within the past few years.

Ah, I guess what I’m getting at is—I understand the appeal of traveling with a companion more than ever. I’ve been having a lovely time, even when unexpected circumstances arise. We continue to create lasting memories, regardless.

[rosegold-starclock]

Kam Manoja. You are such a goober. My favorite demon.

We’ve gotta start planning things to do together. This wedding planning has both me and Icarus feeling lazy.

[cuttleflush]

I can only imagine the stirs of wedding preparations are getting more, eh—busy? For you both? Nadine and I are always here to lend a hand or ease your burdens, if you require it. Nadine, especially. She has an arsenal of wedding contacts she’s shown me these past few weeks. It’s made my end of preparations less cumbersome, anyway.

[rosegold-starclock]

Of course. Both of your efforts are appreciated greatly. I think that now that we’re engaged we kinda need a kick in the pants to actually get moving.

I mean- everything’s bought, and mostly ready. We just can’t bring ourselves to quit bathing in the domestic life for more than five minutes.

Not that I’m complaining.

[cuttleflush]

I see. Then, savor the calm moments. I’m sure you’ll get the prompting once you’re ready. However—if you truly need the push then I can assist just fine.

[rosegold-starclock]

Aye aye, captain.

[cuttleflush]

We’ve been traveling a lot as of late.

In complete transparency, I’ve never been the adventurous type. Much of my time was spent in the same state, now that I have the chance to reflect. It never occurred to me then that I could go wherever I wished—and of course, CloseKnit came along not so long after.

…Nadine’s my opposite when it comes to this matter. There are dozens of souvenirs and albums she’s shown me of her travels with friends over the years. Now that I’ve become a permanent part of her life—we’ve gotten to amass a collection of shared memorabilia, too. Though…it seems like we have a bit of trouble over collecting gifts to bring home.

—We’re still working it out. But I better can understand the appeal in pasalubong, at least.

This picture was from a little earlier in the week. Nadine had booked a short tourist boat-ride in the morning. Something along the lines of “beating the crowd and the heat.” To which I can agree. The temperature nearer to the waking hours is very nice. The sights were lovely as well, as you can imagine.

But most importantly—I had good company. I find myself smiling much more than I used to within the past few years.

Ah, I guess what I’m getting at is—I understand the appeal of traveling with a companion more than ever. I’ve been having a lovely time, even when unexpected circumstances arise. We continue to create lasting memories, regardless.

[rosegold-starclock]

Kam Manoja. You are such a goober. My favorite demon.

We’ve gotta start planning things to do together. This wedding planning has both me and Icarus feeling lazy.

[cuttleflush]

I can only imagine the stirs of wedding preparations are getting more, eh—busy? For you both? Nadine and I are always here to lend a hand or ease your burdens, if you require it. Nadine, especially. She has an arsenal of wedding contacts she’s shown me these past few weeks. It’s made my end of preparations less cumbersome, anyway.

[rosegold-starclock]

Of course. Both of your efforts are appreciated greatly. I think that now that we’re engaged we kinda need a kick in the pants to actually get moving.

I mean- everything’s bought, and mostly ready. We just can’t bring ourselves to quit bathing in the domestic life for more than five minutes.

Not that I’m complaining.

[cuttleflush]

We’ve been traveling a lot as of late.

In complete transparency, I’ve never been the adventurous type. Much of my time was spent in the same state, now that I have the chance to reflect. It never occurred to me then that I could go wherever I wished—and of course, CloseKnit came along not so long after.

…Nadine’s my opposite when it comes to this matter. There are dozens of souvenirs and albums she’s shown me of her travels with friends over the years. Now that I’ve become a permanent part of her life—we’ve gotten to amass a collection of shared memorabilia, too. Though…it seems like we have a bit of trouble over collecting gifts to bring home.

—We’re still working it out. But I better can understand the appeal in pasalubong, at least.

This picture was from a little earlier in the week. Nadine had booked a short tourist boat-ride in the morning. Something along the lines of “beating the crowd and the heat.” To which I can agree. The temperature nearer to the waking hours is very nice. The sights were lovely as well, as you can imagine.

But most importantly—I had good company. I find myself smiling much more than I used to within the past few years.

Ah, I guess what I’m getting at is—I understand the appeal of traveling with a companion more than ever. I’ve been having a lovely time, even when unexpected circumstances arise. We continue to create lasting memories, regardless.

[rosegold-starclock]

Kam Manoja. You are such a goober. My favorite demon.

We’ve gotta start planning things to do together. This wedding planning has both me and Icarus feeling lazy.

[quietintrusion]

Anya? Gods, I’m so sorry. Are you alright? You didn’t drink anything, did you? Any cuts?

The little bastard.

@metal-mouth-vamp

i'm alright, mortimer. i hardly got a chance to hold the glass, let alone drink any, thanks for that, horologium.

are you okay? you're bleeding a little...

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I didn’t even realize. I’ll be alright, sweetheart. He’s got a weak arm.

I’ll fetch you another top, and a few napkins.

[quietintrusion]

i'll be fine, i can fix myself up in a minute, it's nothing more than a ruined sweater afterall; i seriously think you should fix your bleeding up just in case.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

..if you insist, I suppose I have no choice.

Someone please throw those dreadful sausages in the garbage.

[quietintrusion]

hah, after i let them marinate all night? tight ship you run here, i see.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I apologize, but they’ve left a sour taste in my mouth. His blood didn’t help.

I need a palette cleanser.

[quietintrusion]

well, there's a $200 merlot on the table that, as long as you stay away from empathy daemons and teenage cultists and assuming vernon hasn't drank it all already, should go down rather smoothly.

[rosegold-starclock]

A fuckin ‘thank you’ works too, ya old hag.

[quietintrusion]

you'll have a bill for the wine in two weeks.

[rosegold-starclock]

Better than mort gettin a payment for life insurance.

[quietintrusion]

the wine probably cost more than any life insurance policy on me would payout, so i have the upperhand here.

[tempestwhisper]

guys, seriously, that's enough. there's been enough fighting for one night, i think.

[rosegold-starclock]

Yes, dear.

[quietintrusion]

Anya? Gods, I’m so sorry. Are you alright? You didn’t drink anything, did you? Any cuts?

The little bastard.

@metal-mouth-vamp

i'm alright, mortimer. i hardly got a chance to hold the glass, let alone drink any, thanks for that, horologium.

are you okay? you're bleeding a little...

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I didn’t even realize. I’ll be alright, sweetheart. He’s got a weak arm.

I’ll fetch you another top, and a few napkins.

[quietintrusion]

i'll be fine, i can fix myself up in a minute, it's nothing more than a ruined sweater afterall; i seriously think you should fix your bleeding up just in case.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

..if you insist, I suppose I have no choice.

Someone please throw those dreadful sausages in the garbage.

[quietintrusion]

hah, after i let them marinate all night? tight ship you run here, i see.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I apologize, but they’ve left a sour taste in my mouth. His blood didn’t help.

I need a palette cleanser.

[quietintrusion]

well, there's a $200 merlot on the table that, as long as you stay away from empathy daemons and teenage cultists and assuming vernon hasn't drank it all already, should go down rather smoothly.

[rosegold-starclock]

A fuckin ‘thank you’ works too, ya old hag.

[quietintrusion]

you'll have a bill for the wine in two weeks.

[rosegold-starclock]

Better than mort gettin a payment for life insurance.

[quietintrusion]

the wine probably cost more than any life insurance policy on me would payout, so i have the upperhand here.

[rosegold-starclock]

Blow me. Grandma.

[quietintrusion]

Anya? Gods, I’m so sorry. Are you alright? You didn’t drink anything, did you? Any cuts?

The little bastard.

@metal-mouth-vamp

i'm alright, mortimer. i hardly got a chance to hold the glass, let alone drink any, thanks for that, horologium.

are you okay? you're bleeding a little...

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I didn’t even realize. I’ll be alright, sweetheart. He’s got a weak arm.

I’ll fetch you another top, and a few napkins.

[quietintrusion]

i'll be fine, i can fix myself up in a minute, it's nothing more than a ruined sweater afterall; i seriously think you should fix your bleeding up just in case.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

..if you insist, I suppose I have no choice.

Someone please throw those dreadful sausages in the garbage.

[quietintrusion]

hah, after i let them marinate all night? tight ship you run here, i see.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I apologize, but they’ve left a sour taste in my mouth. His blood didn’t help.

I need a palette cleanser.

[quietintrusion]

well, there's a $200 merlot on the table that, as long as you stay away from empathy daemons and teenage cultists and assuming vernon hasn't drank it all already, should go down rather smoothly.

[rosegold-starclock]

A fuckin ‘thank you’ works too, ya old hag.

[quietintrusion]

you'll have a bill for the wine in two weeks.

[rosegold-starclock]

Better than mort gettin a payment for life insurance.

[quietintrusion]

Anya? Gods, I’m so sorry. Are you alright? You didn’t drink anything, did you? Any cuts?

The little bastard.

@metal-mouth-vamp

i'm alright, mortimer. i hardly got a chance to hold the glass, let alone drink any, thanks for that, horologium.

are you okay? you're bleeding a little...

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I didn’t even realize. I’ll be alright, sweetheart. He’s got a weak arm.

I’ll fetch you another top, and a few napkins.

[quietintrusion]

i'll be fine, i can fix myself up in a minute, it's nothing more than a ruined sweater afterall; i seriously think you should fix your bleeding up just in case.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

..if you insist, I suppose I have no choice.

Someone please throw those dreadful sausages in the garbage.

[quietintrusion]

hah, after i let them marinate all night? tight ship you run here, i see.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

I apologize, but they’ve left a sour taste in my mouth. His blood didn’t help.

I need a palette cleanser.

[quietintrusion]

well, there's a $200 merlot on the table that, as long as you stay away from empathy daemons and teenage cultists and assuming vernon hasn't drank it all already, should go down rather smoothly.

[rosegold-starclock]

A fuckin ‘thank you’ works too, ya old hag.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[quietintrusion]

[ anya flinches, stumbling to her feet and knocking her chair over with the movement as the liquid spills down the front of her sweater. she pauses, her hands held up a little as some of the drink dripped from the tips of her fingers. she huffs, shaking out her hands. ]

lovely. lovely. you make an effort to make amends and get a drink thrown on you in response.

[rosegold-starclock]

[He shakes his head, glancing around the room.]

There’s somethin goin on. Something’s not right.

[He stumbles over, grabbing the glass and running his finger along the bottom of the glass, hissing as he touches the powdery substance.]

Hey, hotdog boy? You wanna explain?

[quietintrusion]

[ anya narrows her eyes, scoffing and running her palms over the front of her jeans to dry them. ]

look, i get that you're hesitant to be in a room with most of us after everything that happened, i don't necessarily fault you for it, but it gets to a point. i'm sure it's just residue from the drink, there's no need to make a mess and try to start arguments on christmas.

[rosegold-starclock]

[His head snaps back to her, huffing.]

Get over yourself! This isn’t residue from the drink, dammit!

[He glances around the room.]

Mort. Mort, come on. You’re a smart guy. At least look at this??

[metal-mouth-vamp]

…if this is a joke, it isn’t funny.

[He reaches over, taking the glass to examine it.]

This- what?

This is arsenic.

[quietintrusion]

[ anya scoffs, peeking into the glass. ]

there's no way you can figure that out just from looking at it. i'm sure you're mistaken.

[ she glances over to frank, her eyebrows furrowing. ]

right?

[freakin-furters]

I—

It’s—

[Frank’s eyes dart around the room frantically—settling on the wrapped utensils beside his plate. His words trail off, as sweat beats down his face.]

You don’t understand. I needed this to be quick. I—can’t—

[Frank, in desperation, grabs the steak-knife, lunging over the table straightforward into Anya’s direction.]

[metal-mouth-vamp]

[Mortimer jolts to his feet, reaching roughly for Franks scruff. He tries his best to shove Frank into the table before he reaches Anya, his breath heaving.]

Enough! Whats the matter with you?!

[freakin-furters]

[Frank is pushed over to the foot of the table, dishes clattering to the floor. Nadine rushes over to Anya’s side during the commotion.]

I have to do this. Why couldn’t you just—

[He attempts to lunge again, using his arms as a boost.]

—make it easy for me!

[metal-mouth-vamp]

[Mort hisses as he feels the knife edge bite into his shoulder. He sidesteps another lunge, throwing a sideways punch towards Franks gut.]

What are you talking about??

Put the damn knife down you ungrateful little shit!

[freakin-furters]

[Frank steps back upon impact, clutching his side. His tongue is held—knowing the potential consequences.]

I can’t.

[He remains on his feet, his hand still firm on the blade.]

Damn it, this would’ve been so much simpler if he—

[Frank shifts his sights onto Logi, pointing the knife in his general direction.]

—just kept his stupid mouth shut.

I didn’t want to make a scene. Keep it discreet, and book it. So why?

[Frank’s focus returns to Mortimer and Anya.]

Why couldn’t you just let it happen?

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shifts to stand in front of Icarus, his eyebrows furrowing as he forms a small ward around the two.]

Knew this was a bad idea.

[tempestwhisper]

[ icarus instinctively shuffles a little closer to horologium, looking between anya, frank, and mortimer before murmuring unsurely. ]

i mean- are you sure we shouldn't do something?

[rosegold-starclock]

No. Just.. focusin’ on you. I think mort can handle this.

You okay?

[tempestwhisper]

yeah, i- i'm good... the food smells so good, why do these things have to happen all the time, vernon had the right idea.

[rosegold-starclock]

I know, toots. Push comes ta shove? We’ll get a to go container.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[quietintrusion]

[ anya flinches, stumbling to her feet and knocking her chair over with the movement as the liquid spills down the front of her sweater. she pauses, her hands held up a little as some of the drink dripped from the tips of her fingers. she huffs, shaking out her hands. ]

lovely. lovely. you make an effort to make amends and get a drink thrown on you in response.

[rosegold-starclock]

[He shakes his head, glancing around the room.]

There’s somethin goin on. Something’s not right.

[He stumbles over, grabbing the glass and running his finger along the bottom of the glass, hissing as he touches the powdery substance.]

Hey, hotdog boy? You wanna explain?

[quietintrusion]

[ anya narrows her eyes, scoffing and running her palms over the front of her jeans to dry them. ]

look, i get that you're hesitant to be in a room with most of us after everything that happened, i don't necessarily fault you for it, but it gets to a point. i'm sure it's just residue from the drink, there's no need to make a mess and try to start arguments on christmas.

[rosegold-starclock]

[His head snaps back to her, huffing.]

Get over yourself! This isn’t residue from the drink, dammit!

[He glances around the room.]

Mort. Mort, come on. You’re a smart guy. At least look at this??

[metal-mouth-vamp]

…if this is a joke, it isn’t funny.

[He reaches over, taking the glass to examine it.]

This- what?

This is arsenic.

[quietintrusion]

[ anya scoffs, peeking into the glass. ]

there's no way you can figure that out just from looking at it. i'm sure you're mistaken.

[ she glances over to frank, her eyebrows furrowing. ]

right?

[freakin-furters]

I—

It’s—

[Frank’s eyes dart around the room frantically—settling on the wrapped utensils beside his plate. His words trail off, as sweat beats down his face.]

You don’t understand. I needed this to be quick. I—can’t—

[Frank, in desperation, grabs the steak-knife, lunging over the table straightforward into Anya’s direction.]

[metal-mouth-vamp]

[Mortimer jolts to his feet, reaching roughly for Franks scruff. He tries his best to shove Frank into the table before he reaches Anya, his breath heaving.]

Enough! Whats the matter with you?!

[freakin-furters]

[Frank is pushed over to the foot of the table, dishes clattering to the floor. Nadine rushes over to Anya’s side during the commotion.]

I have to do this. Why couldn’t you just—

[He attempts to lunge again, using his arms as a boost.]

—make it easy for me!

[metal-mouth-vamp]

[Mort hisses as he feels the knife edge bite into his shoulder. He sidesteps another lunge, throwing a sideways punch towards Franks gut.]

What are you talking about??

Put the damn knife down you ungrateful little shit!

[freakin-furters]

[Frank steps back upon impact, clutching his side. His tongue is held—knowing the potential consequences.]

I can’t.

[He remains on his feet, his hand still firm on the blade.]

Damn it, this would’ve been so much simpler if he—

[Frank shifts his sights onto Logi, pointing the knife in his general direction.]

—just kept his stupid mouth shut.

I didn’t want to make a scene. Keep it discreet, and book it. So why?

[Frank’s focus returns to Mortimer and Anya.]

Why couldn’t you just let it happen?

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shifts to stand in front of Icarus, his eyebrows furrowing as he forms a small ward around the two.]

Knew this was a bad idea.

[tempestwhisper]

[ icarus instinctively shuffles a little closer to horologium, looking between anya, frank, and mortimer before murmuring unsurely. ]

i mean- are you sure we shouldn't do something?

[rosegold-starclock]

No. Just.. focusin’ on you. I think mort can handle this.

You okay?

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[quietintrusion]

[ anya flinches, stumbling to her feet and knocking her chair over with the movement as the liquid spills down the front of her sweater. she pauses, her hands held up a little as some of the drink dripped from the tips of her fingers. she huffs, shaking out her hands. ]

lovely. lovely. you make an effort to make amends and get a drink thrown on you in response.

[rosegold-starclock]

[He shakes his head, glancing around the room.]

There’s somethin goin on. Something’s not right.

[He stumbles over, grabbing the glass and running his finger along the bottom of the glass, hissing as he touches the powdery substance.]

Hey, hotdog boy? You wanna explain?

[quietintrusion]

[ anya narrows her eyes, scoffing and running her palms over the front of her jeans to dry them. ]

look, i get that you're hesitant to be in a room with most of us after everything that happened, i don't necessarily fault you for it, but it gets to a point. i'm sure it's just residue from the drink, there's no need to make a mess and try to start arguments on christmas.

[rosegold-starclock]

[His head snaps back to her, huffing.]

Get over yourself! This isn’t residue from the drink, dammit!

[He glances around the room.]

Mort. Mort, come on. You’re a smart guy. At least look at this??

[metal-mouth-vamp]

…if this is a joke, it isn’t funny.

[He reaches over, taking the glass to examine it.]

This- what?

This is arsenic.

[quietintrusion]

[ anya scoffs, peeking into the glass. ]

there's no way you can figure that out just from looking at it. i'm sure you're mistaken.

[ she glances over to frank, her eyebrows furrowing. ]

right?

[freakin-furters]

I—

It’s—

[Frank’s eyes dart around the room frantically—settling on the wrapped utensils beside his plate. His words trail off, as sweat beats down his face.]

You don’t understand. I needed this to be quick. I—can’t—

[Frank, in desperation, grabs the steak-knife, lunging over the table straightforward into Anya’s direction.]

[metal-mouth-vamp]

[Mortimer jolts to his feet, reaching roughly for Franks scruff. He tries his best to shove Frank into the table before he reaches Anya, his breath heaving.]

Enough! Whats the matter with you?!

[freakin-furters]

[Frank is pushed over to the foot of the table, dishes clattering to the floor. Nadine rushes over to Anya’s side during the commotion.]

I have to do this. Why couldn’t you just—

[He attempts to lunge again, using his arms as a boost.]

—make it easy for me!

[metal-mouth-vamp]

[Mort hisses as he feels the knife edge bite into his shoulder. He sidesteps another lunge, throwing a sideways punch towards Franks gut.]

What are you talking about??

Put the damn knife down you ungrateful little shit!

[freakin-furters]

[Frank steps back upon impact, clutching his side. His tongue is held—knowing the potential consequences.]

I can’t.

[He remains on his feet, his hand still firm on the blade.]

Damn it, this would’ve been so much simpler if he—

[Frank shifts his sights onto Logi, pointing the knife in his general direction.]

—just kept his stupid mouth shut.

I didn’t want to make a scene. Keep it discreet, and book it. So why?

[Frank’s focus returns to Mortimer and Anya.]

Why couldn’t you just let it happen?

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shifts to stand in front of Icarus, his eyebrows furrowing as he forms a small ward around the two.]

Knew this was a bad idea.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[quietintrusion]

[ anya flinches, stumbling to her feet and knocking her chair over with the movement as the liquid spills down the front of her sweater. she pauses, her hands held up a little as some of the drink dripped from the tips of her fingers. she huffs, shaking out her hands. ]

lovely. lovely. you make an effort to make amends and get a drink thrown on you in response.

[rosegold-starclock]

[He shakes his head, glancing around the room.]

There’s somethin goin on. Something’s not right.

[He stumbles over, grabbing the glass and running his finger along the bottom of the glass, hissing as he touches the powdery substance.]

Hey, hotdog boy? You wanna explain?

[freakin-furters]

…What do you mean?

Haha 😃. You’re freaking me out 😃😃😃 matey!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

You sit your ass down.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[quietintrusion]

[ anya flinches, stumbling to her feet and knocking her chair over with the movement as the liquid spills down the front of her sweater. she pauses, her hands held up a little as some of the drink dripped from the tips of her fingers. she huffs, shaking out her hands. ]

lovely. lovely. you make an effort to make amends and get a drink thrown on you in response.

[rosegold-starclock]

[He shakes his head, glancing around the room.]

There’s somethin goin on. Something’s not right.

[He stumbles over, grabbing the glass and running his finger along the bottom of the glass, hissing as he touches the powdery substance.]

Hey, hotdog boy? You wanna explain?

[quietintrusion]

[ anya narrows her eyes, scoffing and running her palms over the front of her jeans to dry them. ]

look, i get that you're hesitant to be in a room with most of us after everything that happened, i don't necessarily fault you for it, but it gets to a point. i'm sure it's just residue from the drink, there's no need to make a mess and try to start arguments on christmas.

[rosegold-starclock]

[His head snaps back to her, huffing.]

Get over yourself! This isn’t residue from the drink, dammit!

[He glances around the room.]

Mort. Mort, come on. You’re a smart guy. At least look at this??

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[quietintrusion]

[ anya flinches, stumbling to her feet and knocking her chair over with the movement as the liquid spills down the front of her sweater. she pauses, her hands held up a little as some of the drink dripped from the tips of her fingers. she huffs, shaking out her hands. ]

lovely. lovely. you make an effort to make amends and get a drink thrown on you in response.

[rosegold-starclock]

[He shakes his head, glancing around the room.]

There’s somethin goin on. Something’s not right.

[He stumbles over, grabbing the glass and running his finger along the bottom of the glass, hissing as he touches the powdery substance.]

Hey, hotdog boy? You wanna explain?

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[cuttleflush]

I see.

[Kam feels a gentle nudge from Nadine, who ushers them to their cup.]

I can’t say I’ve gotten any better at giving speeches. In all honesty, I feel I prattle on during moments like this.

I’ll do my best to keep this short—for all our sakes. Vernon looks to be eyeing that smoked ham.

[Kam rises from their seat, drink in hand.]

It is far from a stretch to say this group’s encountered—many trials. We could make a fortune on the amount of insurance spent within this past year alone. Despite this, we’ve persevered. Life has continued to propel us into the future regardless of the circumstances.

While it remains unclear what awaits us—and most certainly will we face many more challenges in the year to come—it’s moments of peace like this that are a reminder of our endurance. Our connections to one another continues to grow alongside our own personal perspectives. I believe I’ve learned a good deal from all of you, as much as I loathe to admit that.

The past will never truly disappear. But, that alone does not mean our futures cannot be brighter as we stick together.

[Kam’s glass is raised higher.]

To the friends we’ve made—

[Kam turns to Frank, extending their focus to him.]

—and those we will bond with in time.

[rosegold-starclock]

[Logi shoots to his feet, smacking Anya’s glass out of her hand.]

@quietintrusion

Don’t drink that!

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[hiss-understanding]

…Real kind’a you to mention, bud.

But, if it gets me outta doin’ it, I’m not one’ta complain.

[rosegold-starclock]

I mean it’s only fair. They’re the catalyst for most of all our… positions, I guess.

Well then. To Nadine and Kam.

[He raises his glass, pausing momentarily as he senses a faint magic signature.]

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?

[freakin-furters]

No 😀😀😀 clue!!!

[rosegold-starclock]

I vote the lovebirds. Kam and Nadine, I mean. Everyone here’s a lovebird except for Vernon and Frank.

[metal-mouth-vamp]

Well, this is dinner. Thank you all for making an appearance. Are we ready to eat?

[rosegold-starclock]

Yeah, yeah.

What the hell are we toastin to?