54 (video, open to action)

[horrible_penny]

[Penny is in the Welcome Center looking positively overjoyed. The Center looks nice, too; it seems like someone has gotten a head start on decorating for the holidays. There's brightly lit tree, garlands, cut-out snowflakes, a menorah or two...]Hey, everyone! It's so great to see the City full like this! If any visitors can find the Welcome

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[solitarytramp]

What sorts of desserts? I don't suppose there's anything packable? Something I needn't sit down to eat?

[horrible_penny]

There're some cookies and brownies. If you want, I can put some of them in a bag for you.

[solitarytramp]

I'd like that.

Thank you.

I'll find you in your Centre. Just need to make past these crowds.

[And in a couple of minutes, a snufkin does show up, his hat pulled firmly down around his ears. He's wary of the crowds, but the adventure seems to outweigh the discomfort for the moment.]

[horrible_penny]

Not a problem! I'll get things ready for you.

[There is a bag full of goodies and a travel cup of steaming hot chocolate on the counter in the Center. Penny doesn't know who she's waiting for, of course, but she smiles at the snufkin as he enters.]

Hello!

[solitarytramp]

[Snufkin smiles back at Penny.] Hello! I'm Snufkin! We just spoke, you see. On the wireless sort of thing. Is that lot for me?

[He walks closer to lean slightly down and sniff at the drink.] It's cocoa, isn't it? [He adds hopefully:] I don't suppose that's for me as well?

[horrible_penny]

Oh! Right--yep, that's for you. And it's nice to meet you! I'm Penny.

Is what--? Yes, that's cocoa, and it's for you, too. If you want it, I mean. I don't want to force hot chocolate on anyone.

[solitarytramp]

What a kind thought. [He wriggles out of his knapsack and opens it to put in the bag of goodies.] I would like it, thank you. Now! Now, now, now. Penny. Is this your home? It seems alright--for a city. One big party.

[horrible_penny]

Not a problem.

...It's not where I'm from, but it's home. I've been here for over a year and half, I think, so it definitely feels like home. I mean, it has it's problems--curses and things--but it's nice. There're amazing people here.

[solitarytramp]

All places have problems. [He smiles, and picks up the travel mug to open it and take a careful sip.] I don't have anything solid to give you in exchange, I'm afraid. I don't go in for possessions. But-- [And he takes a mouth organ from his pocket and puts down the travel mug.] --I could give you a song?

[horrible_penny]

[She looks delighted by the proposed trade.] You don't need to give me anything, but I'd love to hear a song. I've never heard anyone play a harmonica before. ...Not well, I mean.

[solitarytramp]

Oh, but I'd like to. [He gives her two songs, in fact. He starts out with a song he's written about approaching winter and the road under your feet. It's one of his new ones. With this place being all adventure, it felt like the right place to play it.

And then he ends off with 'All small beasts should have bows in their tails'. He pauses a moment, and then not making a fuss about it, puts away the mouth organ and picks up the hot chocolate to take another sip.]

[horrible_penny]

[She listens very intently. Penny plays violin; she knows enough about music to appreciate it, especially when it's played well.]

Thank you. Did you write those? I've never heard anything like them before.

[solitarytramp]

[Snufkin smiles.] I did, yes.

[horrible_penny]

They're amazing. Are you a musician?

[solitarytramp]

[He spreads his arms apart cheerfully.] I'm an Everything!

[horrible_penny]

That's seriously impressive. I've never met anyone who could do that many things.