[ This is the yellow color requirement quest of the month, so they're a little more willing to cooperate with people without the same amount of cajoling it'd usually take. But... there's still a lot of unknowns about this quest. They're fine doing the hard labor part (chopping the tree down), and assume that whoever they do the quest with will likely provide the arts and crafts part of this. The great news is the first part's done; they've got a small pine tree dragging behind them, walking in stride with Ryo as they pair make their way back to the living area of Flavo, where it's most convenient to do the decorating part. ]
And you're sure that this is the right kind of tree...?
[ They ask, slightly suspicious, but otherwise not too bothered. ]
[ Ryo has always been a Grinch who views the winter holiday as superficial consumerist nonsense, but the quest rewards are a good incentive to get him to participate in activities like decorating trees or caroling. Cairngorm seems like a good quest partner for it, too—being a Gem with little knowledge of Christmas means they likely share his apathy toward it and won't think it has to be some special, magical experience. All that needs to be done is get that tree and put some decorations on it, no holiday cheer or getting into the spirit of Christmas necessary.
(Little does he realize that they do in fact need to put their heart into this.) ]
Yeah, I'm sure. Christmas trees are traditionally evergreen conifers such as pine or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance.
[ He responds, sliding his hands into his pockets as the pair starts heading back. With the hard labor part of the way, the only thing left to do is decorate it. Acquiring the decorations wasn't too difficult, thankfully; he had to do some scavenging, but he was able to find a box of ornaments and garland in a dusty attic. ]
[ Well... that's Ryo for you. They remember not understanding a lot of the words he throws around, and this is no different. To them, there's trees, and other trees, no need to make it more complicated than it has to be. But whatever. They hum, accepting his explanation with little question. They, too, are extremely goal-oriented with this task - they never understand what's supposed to be so sentimental about holiday crafts, especially when the craft requires getting dirty or hard labor (they'd really hated that pumpkin carving quest, so at least this one's a little less messy.)
As such, they don't mind travelling in silence up until the pair have reached a suitable spot to set up the tree - some abandoned Flavo cottage will do the trick. It's not like they want this around their own house. ]
Does it have to go inside? Or can we just leave it wherever.
It's more common to put it up indoors, but outside is fine too. [ An outdoor tree is exposed to the elements and can easily be blown over by a strong wind, but Ryo doesn't care; the only thing that matters is that it's standing long enough for them to decorate it. What happens to the tree after they're done is of no concern to him. ]
I'll go retrieve the decorations while you erect the tree.
[ With that, he turns around and starts walking toward Ruga, eventually disappearing from view—and a little later, he returns with a large box in his arms. ]
[ They nod, glad that this operation is going smoothly so far. As soon as Ryo takes off to retrieve the ornaments, thinking in a similar way that they don't particularly care what happens to this tree after they're done doing this little task. So, they just set it up slightly to the side of the cottage's front door, far enough away from the front of the house so that they'll be able to decorate it on all sides.
When he returns with the box, they peer inside, carefully slinging their finger through one of the hooks on an ornament, knowing that they'll easily destroy such a delicate and thin thing made of glace if their fingers even graze it. ]
And we're to just hang these everywhere on it.
[ It all seems like such a waste. They're so focused on getting a head start on this decorating that they pay no mind to the spider that's slowly making it's way into view in the vicinity of their decorating station. ]
Yeah. [ He says with a nod as he sets the box down near the tree. ] It's a rather asinine tradition, isn't it?
[ He reaches a hand inside the box and pulls out some sort of star-shaped ornament with a missing piece; it's certainly seen better days, but that's hardly surprising given the general state of the town. When he straightens from his bent posture, he sees something move in the corner of his vision and he immediately whips around to get a better look at the spider. ]
[ They were about to agree that this is an incredible waste of time, before they're prompted to look back at the spider. Which is initially shocking (they almost drop the ornament), but they belatedly remember that there's supposed to be some spider element to this quest. ]
Right. We're supposed to do this to "please" it or something...
[ Even though they know this, it's still a bit unnerving. They slowly move to place one of the ornaments on the tree, watching for a reaction from the spider. Once they place the ornament on whatever the closest branch to them was, they turn to face the spider fully, waiting for some sort of negative reaction that doesn't come. It just keeps standing there, unblinking, like it's waiting for the both of them to continue. ]
Is it really going to just stand there...? Or should we take turns watching it.
[ Who knows when it might turn rabid and attack them, after all - they have little faith in anything that comes from that vile forest. ]
I don't think that's necessary, but be cautious. [ He regards the spider with guarded suspicion as he latches the star onto one of the lower branches. ]
I'd prefer to kill it right away if that wasn't going to make us fail the quest.
[ Murder is not a valid solution to the spider problem when you're supposed to please the damn thing, unfortunately. Not letting the spider out of the edges of his vision, he picks up a length of garland and begins to wind it around the tree, starting from the top and working his way toward the bottom. ]
[ They nod, efficiently beginning to hang whatever ornaments are in the box (even if they're partially broken), staying out of his way as he winds the garland around. These quests would get done a lot faster if there were more purpose-oriented people around like themself and Ryo, in their opinion. ]
As long as it stays standing there, there's no reason to fight it...
[ Personally, they wouldn't go out of their way to waste energy to kill something unless it was an immediate threat. Even if it is a little creepy. They try to keep the spacing between the ornaments big enough so that they can fill the space with the amount in the box, going to the other side of the tree as they work. ]
Though I can't say what about this is supposed to be enjoyable for that creature. Can it even understand what's happening? It's a bug.
[ They know for sure that Maya will have plenty enough of ideas for decorating for the both of them. They're not going to have to do much aside from the hard labor of actually getting the tree set up, which they're working on now - the huff a little as they set the tree they've chopped down upright, keeping their eyes on balancing it rather than looking at Maya as they speak. ]
Ugh. [ They brush some of the loose bristles off the branches. ] We have to decorate this whole thing?
[ They just give a tired nod, and would've begrudgingly gone along if not for... that huge spider just lurking behind them. It's not advancing, but they've learned the hard way not to wait until something bites you in the ass to attack it.
They slowly reach for their blade, completely forgetting their task. ]
[ They halt, only because she stood in front of them. ]
A judge?
[ In general, they tend to pay such little attention to the quest text themself, since other people usually have to explain it to them anyway... but they remember seeing "please the Christmas spiders" in there somewhere. ]
[ The only reason they're out here doing this quest? For Lottie's sake. Cairngorm themself would never expend this much effort just to make a wish - there's nothing they want that terribly that they'd ask for, nor that they think this place could provide. Besides, it's snowy and slippery out here, and Lottie needs protection from whatever things might come out of the forest on this little trek. It'd surely taken some cajoling to convince them, but eventually, they complied with her request for them to accompany her.
They've been walking in relative silence for a while now, mostly because they're very purpose oriented for the sake of this task, and they don't want to attract any monsters that live out here. Then, suddenly, as if the thought had just occurred to them to complain about, they muse out: ]
What makes you think this place will actually grant a wish for you?
[ It didn't take a lot for Cairngorm to come out with her. Being the feeble, useless, and generally soft human means she needs extra protection against everything. In the real world (her world) that wouldn't be the case, but in environments like this? She isn't leaving the house without someone escorting her.
And maybe because their house is STILL infested with spiders and she'd rather be, literally, anywhere else. Even the snow is preferable to that hell house. ]
.. Well, didn't you see the thing Phos got? [ She trudges through the snow, rubbing her hands together. ] I don't see why we shouldn't try it..
[ They hum in response, their exhaled breath not creating the fog her's most definitely is. ]
Then you already have something in mind that you're asking for?
[ Personally? They can't say they agree - their faith in the town's ability to solve any of their problems is quite low. It's true that the little charm that Phos got is incredibly useful, but any of the personal wishes they can think of... they're not things they would say in front of Lottie. Even then, it's not in their nature to ask for things they want to begin with. ]
[ Her hands move to cover her nose, rubbing it to keep the snot at bay. ]
Yeah. I hope it works.
[ Is that what they really think of her?? She's done plenty of other things to show she has more character than that, right? Lottie doesn't think questioning their suggestion would really do either of them good (also because she's too afraid to ask), so she shakes her head after a moment of hesitation. ]
No, not really. I don't need any of that right now, anyway.. I thought about it a lot and I think this one will be better!
It's more like even if they think more of her, there's no way they're gonna let her know that. Her response is quick and honest enough that it's pretty clear she actually wasn't considering it at all - which they are glad for. There's no need to harp on it if she's thought about it alot; however, if her wish ends up being stupid, they'll definitely let her know. ]
Well, I'm not wishing for anything. [ They say, accented with a sigh. ] Unless yours gets messed up and it has to be un-done.
Uh, why not? [ Hello! Cairngorm! Did you not see the text post where we all got a public bath because of Pornguy's wish? She could've sworn she mentioned this when she first saw it go up, too. ] Everyone's doing it.. It'll be fine. [ Obviously..... Follow the crowd. If it's proven safe don't try and deny it. ]
Just make one. You've been here the longest so you should at least have something you want that could be useful.
[ They give her A Look at that, before returning their gaze forward. What could they possibly wish for that would be useful? They have everything they need. They don't need to eat, they have powder and resin, brushes (as well as someone who is willing to make more of them), a body that can't die or decay, a weapon that is in good condition... certainly there's nothing material that comes to mind. ]
I've been managing just fine with what I have.
[ What they didn't have, they made. The glint of something silver sparks a bit away in the path in front of them, distinct from the light reflecting off of their own crystal features. ]
I don't have a faulty memory like Phos, so there aren't a lot of things I need. [ Huff. ] Besides, we're already almost there.
Damn.. This has nothing to do with Phos and you just said that.
[ Yeah, but that's just surviving. Sure, that's exactly what they're all trying to do.. But Lottie wants to come out big with this one. She deserves the good things in life, even when kidnapped. By extension, so should Cairngorm and Phos. ]
Look, I said want.. Things you want!
[ She tries to emphasize that point one more time - not need. Just things they might miss, or whatever. ] It could be something practical, too.. I know that's what you'd probably think of anyway.[ Them being closer just means she has to convince them a little harder. Although she isn't very sure if it's working all considering how the conversation is going. ]
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QUEST 38 | RYO
And you're sure that this is the right kind of tree...?
[ They ask, slightly suspicious, but otherwise not too bothered. ]
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(Little does he realize that they do in fact need to put their heart into this.) ]
Yeah, I'm sure. Christmas trees are traditionally evergreen conifers such as pine or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance.
[ He responds, sliding his hands into his pockets as the pair starts heading back. With the hard labor part of the way, the only thing left to do is decorate it. Acquiring the decorations wasn't too difficult, thankfully; he had to do some scavenging, but he was able to find a box of ornaments and garland in a dusty attic. ]
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As such, they don't mind travelling in silence up until the pair have reached a suitable spot to set up the tree - some abandoned Flavo cottage will do the trick. It's not like they want this around their own house. ]
Does it have to go inside? Or can we just leave it wherever.
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I'll go retrieve the decorations while you erect the tree.
[ With that, he turns around and starts walking toward Ruga, eventually disappearing from view—and a little later, he returns with a large box in his arms. ]
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When he returns with the box, they peer inside, carefully slinging their finger through one of the hooks on an ornament, knowing that they'll easily destroy such a delicate and thin thing made of glace if their fingers even graze it. ]
And we're to just hang these everywhere on it.
[ It all seems like such a waste. They're so focused on getting a head start on this decorating that they pay no mind to the spider that's slowly making it's way into view in the vicinity of their decorating station. ]
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[ He reaches a hand inside the box and pulls out some sort of star-shaped ornament with a missing piece; it's certainly seen better days, but that's hardly surprising given the general state of the town. When he straightens from his bent posture, he sees something move in the corner of his vision and he immediately whips around to get a better look at the spider. ]
We've got company.
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Right. We're supposed to do this to "please" it or something...
[ Even though they know this, it's still a bit unnerving. They slowly move to place one of the ornaments on the tree, watching for a reaction from the spider. Once they place the ornament on whatever the closest branch to them was, they turn to face the spider fully, waiting for some sort of negative reaction that doesn't come. It just keeps standing there, unblinking, like it's waiting for the both of them to continue. ]
Is it really going to just stand there...? Or should we take turns watching it.
[ Who knows when it might turn rabid and attack them, after all - they have little faith in anything that comes from that vile forest. ]
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I'd prefer to kill it right away if that wasn't going to make us fail the quest.
[ Murder is not a valid solution to the spider problem when you're supposed to please the damn thing, unfortunately. Not letting the spider out of the edges of his vision, he picks up a length of garland and begins to wind it around the tree, starting from the top and working his way toward the bottom. ]
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As long as it stays standing there, there's no reason to fight it...
[ Personally, they wouldn't go out of their way to waste energy to kill something unless it was an immediate threat. Even if it is a little creepy. They try to keep the spacing between the ornaments big enough so that they can fill the space with the amount in the box, going to the other side of the tree as they work. ]
Though I can't say what about this is supposed to be enjoyable for that creature. Can it even understand what's happening? It's a bug.
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QUEST 38 | MAYA
Ugh. [ They brush some of the loose bristles off the branches. ] We have to decorate this whole thing?
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... Or at the very least, a new experience for you.
[ Maya totally looks psyched, though. ]
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Well, I hope you brought enough things to put on it.
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[ Like ribbon and bows! She's got an entire basket of the stuff.
Meanwhile, their new spider friend has made itself at home in the corner, just. Watching. ]
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They slowly reach for their blade, completely forgetting their task. ]
Stay back.
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[ Maya's already moving in front of them, shaking her head. ]
The spider's a part of it! It's like a judge, probably!
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A judge?
[ In general, they tend to pay such little attention to the quest text themself, since other people usually have to explain it to them anyway... but they remember seeing "please the Christmas spiders" in there somewhere. ]
Is that... supposed to be the Christmas spider.
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So let's just let him be and see if he does anything once we're done with the tree!
[ let's not have a throw down just yet. ]
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QUEST 39 | LOTTIE
They've been walking in relative silence for a while now, mostly because they're very purpose oriented for the sake of this task, and they don't want to attract any monsters that live out here. Then, suddenly, as if the thought had just occurred to them to complain about, they muse out: ]
What makes you think this place will actually grant a wish for you?
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And maybe because their house is STILL infested with spiders and she'd rather be, literally, anywhere else. Even the snow is preferable to that hell house. ]
.. Well, didn't you see the thing Phos got? [ She trudges through the snow, rubbing her hands together. ] I don't see why we shouldn't try it..
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Then you already have something in mind that you're asking for?
[ Personally? They can't say they agree - their faith in the town's ability to solve any of their problems is quite low. It's true that the little charm that Phos got is incredibly useful, but any of the personal wishes they can think of... they're not things they would say in front of Lottie. Even then, it's not in their nature to ask for things they want to begin with. ]
It's not more clothes, is it.
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Yeah. I hope it works.
[ Is that what they really think of her?? She's done plenty of other things to show she has more character than that, right? Lottie doesn't think questioning their suggestion would really do either of them good (also because she's too afraid to ask), so she shakes her head after a moment of hesitation. ]
No, not really. I don't need any of that right now, anyway.. I thought about it a lot and I think this one will be better!
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It's more like even if they think more of her, there's no way they're gonna let her know that. Her response is quick and honest enough that it's pretty clear she actually wasn't considering it at all - which they are glad for. There's no need to harp on it if she's thought about it alot; however, if her wish ends up being stupid, they'll definitely let her know. ]
Well, I'm not wishing for anything. [ They say, accented with a sigh. ] Unless yours gets messed up and it has to be un-done.
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Uh, why not? [ Hello! Cairngorm! Did you not see the text post where we all got a public bath because of Pornguy's wish? She could've sworn she mentioned this when she first saw it go up, too. ] Everyone's doing it.. It'll be fine. [ Obviously..... Follow the crowd. If it's proven safe don't try and deny it. ]
Just make one. You've been here the longest so you should at least have something you want that could be useful.
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I've been managing just fine with what I have.
[ What they didn't have, they made. The glint of something silver sparks a bit away in the path in front of them, distinct from the light reflecting off of their own crystal features. ]
I don't have a faulty memory like Phos, so there aren't a lot of things I need. [ Huff. ] Besides, we're already almost there.
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[ Yeah, but that's just surviving. Sure, that's exactly what they're all trying to do.. But Lottie wants to come out big with this one. She deserves the good things in life, even when kidnapped. By extension, so should Cairngorm and Phos. ]
Look, I said want.. Things you want!
[ She tries to emphasize that point one more time - not need. Just things they might miss, or whatever. ] It could be something practical, too.. I know that's what you'd probably think of anyway.[ Them being closer just means she has to convince them a little harder. Although she isn't very sure if it's working all considering how the conversation is going. ]
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