Transmutation XX

[xerxesalchemist]

[Out in front of the Hoenheim household, there is a tall pine tree. Every year, for the past seven or so, it has been decorated for Christmas. This year is no exception

Comments

[the_wee_big_hag]

[Have a grown up Tiffany, who is married to your son Al, walking down the street]

That's quite beautiful.

[notimmortalyet]

[A laugh.]

I'm not sure about the blue lights. Edward said they look fine, but the brat's got no artistic sense.

[the_wee_big_hag]

I don't know. [Tilts her head as she looks]
They are rather nice. I mean you don't see blue lights like that everywhere. Even at this time of year.

[notimmortalyet]

I personally think they clash with the gold.

So, what are you and Alphonse doing this year? Other than avoiding the next event.

[snackaholictank]

[As used to the town as she is, Shiraasan never ceases to be impressed by the tree. Its ornaments glow. How cool is that?]

Putting everything up again?

[notimmortalyet]

Yep. How about you Shiraasan? Anything interesting planned this year?

[snackaholictank]

Same as usual. Try not to die during the event, open presents if they're still around. Stuff like that.

[notimmortalyet]

All the fun stuff, huh?

[thunder_striker]

Your tree is as beautiful as always, Van.

[notimmortalyet]

Thanks Fate.

Are you planning anything special this year?

[thunder_striker]

Only spending time with Nanoha. We prefer to spend this time of year alone.

[notimmortalyet]

[A soft laugh.]

Well, try and stay safe. You know how Christmas can get here.

[demon_of_paris]

Looking good, Hoenheim. Wondered when you were going to get it all ready this year.

[She eyes one of the ornaments in the way only a thief can, a look that says "I wonder how far I could get if I grabbed one of these and ran."]

[notimmortalyet]

Thanks.

[a grin.]

This year, they're designed to explode if they leave the yard. I've had problems with people stealing them in prior years.

[demon_of_paris]

...Ah, crap. Am I that easy to read now? I really have been slipping.

[notimmortalyet]

It's been years, and the tree is just as shiny as it's ever been. And all the metal is still real.

You're not slipping, just getting predictable.

[if_she_hollers]

[Mimi is standing in the yard, staring at the tree with a rather . . . strange expression on her face.]

[notimmortalyet]

[A sigh.]

Christmas time again.

[if_she_hollers]

[Ever since a few days ago, Mimi has been acting a bit odd. Nothing too excessively out of the ordinary, but a lot twitchier and angrier. It's beginning to show more clearly, though.]

. . She liked candy canes. We would put up twelve candy canes and she would eat one on each of the twelve days of Christmas.

Why aren't there any candy canes?

[notimmortalyet]

[Trust me, he's noticed it.]

I haven't been to the store recently. If you want some candy canes, you could go and buy them.