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[b]Time: Evening - Christmas Day
Location: Odette’s Apartment - Paris, France[/b]

Christmas dinner was cooking throughout the day, the smell of chestnut stuffed turkey being occasionally basted was mouth wateringly strong. Hor'dourves were already placed, freshly baked biscuits delicately topped with caviar, while fresh oysters were waiting on a bed of ice inside the fridge. Crystal flutes for the champagne were shining brightly at the table. Christmas decorations were throughout the apartment. Garland, lights, snow globes, even classical christmas music played. Poinsettia and Holly bloomed then seemingly coming alive when Bach passed by. In his hair were sprigs of Yew leaves sprung out, a stem of yew berries hung over his ear.

He pulled up one of the antique chairs then decidedly lounged over the back of the chair, leaning back on the two legs of the chair. On the table there was a bowl of cranberries, he considered it then pulled a few yew berries off his head then hiding it among the other berries. He smiled mischievously before eating a handful of the regular berries.

Vienna had been busy preparing for this dinner for days, expertly executing all the dishes lined up for the evening. Taking care of every little detail from serving times to decorations. She was thrilled at the prospect of having guests, and sparing no expense for not only her Lady but her family as well. It was an extreme honour to dedicate an evening in such a way. The Ambassador had been away for the holidays the year before so this year was particularly special.

The household fey was merrily bouncing between the stove, the countertops, and the dual oven. A master at work.

Odette sat before her vanity leaning forward on her elbows applying liquid eyeliner. Already dressed in her evening wear, an icy white sheer sleeveless [url=https://68.media.tumblr.com/67b4aa33b058a3fe4dc5ece65d3a312c/tumblr_of06wbO7tm1rrzmi2o2_540.jpg]dress[/url], with swirling patterns along the length of it. With dusty gold heels, and golden hooped earrings lay to her right. On the vanity to her left was Mandate’s [url=https://img0.etsystatic.com/119/1/6448769/il_340x270.1044259796_ien3.jpg]disguise pendant.[/url]

At Mandate’s request Odette had spent the day modifying it and giving it much needed attention to improve her illusionary disguise. The golem was about the apartment, Odette needed to go over some rules for while her parents joined them for dinner. The sorceress hoped this evening would be, at least, relaxing. What she truly hoped for was her parents opening their gifts and arrive wearing them.

The approach of the holidays had been a fascinating time for Mandate. The golem in question, though harboring some knowledge of christmas, had grown more and more curious with every mention and sign of the approaching day, and she had been eager to delve into research- perhaps driven by some fondness not her own, nestled away in her souls. As it turned out, christmas was rapidly becoming one of her favorite times; the golem had no particular interest in the religious aspect of events, but the time of merriment and free gifts fit perfectly within her interests.

And, more than anything else, it was simply fun. Mandate’s voice had hummed in a merry tune in mimicry of the festive music as she had aided Vienna in decorating the apartment, her massive hands as delicate with the snow globes she was particularly fond of as they were with the ambassador herself. Even Bach’s presence wasn’t very sapping; he could be ignored as she bobbled about and helped to prepare the house for the christmas day and the coming guests.

Ah yes, the guests. [i]I absolutely cannot break these ones.[/i] Mandate reminded herself sternly, swaying back and forth on her heels as she scanned the room delightedly. Everything was as set as it had been 30 minutes ago, but she couldn’t resist the urge to admire the little changes she had helped to make; being helpful was always a source of pride for the golem.

In truth, the guests were the only part that the golem was somewhat uncertain about. It was one thing to celebrate this half-remembered time for the first time- however strange that felt- with her dear miss ambassador, but to spend it with strangers as well was more perplexing, albeit intriguing. [color=LightPink]”I hope they’re not [i]rude[/i],”[/color] she considered suddenly, her eye straying towards Bach. [i]That would be very difficult.[/i]

But in a way, it was also exciting! She had a great fondness for meeting new people, new people that she couldn’t discover [i]invasively[/i]. That tended to be exciting; it was still a very new experience for the golem. [i]I wonder what I should do…[/i] she mused, her fingers idly brushing over where her disguising pendant would hang if she currently wore it. Finally, she reached her easy conclusion. [color=LightPink]Well, I’ll just act naturally, and I won’t break anything. It’ll be fine!”[/color] she decided, nodding as she brushed the issue away for the moment.

Very little could keep the golem worried for long, and concerns for squishy things that weren’t the ambassador weren’t one of them except in how they affected the human in question. She would just treat them as she treated other important people, and it would be fine.

Nothing could ruin her first christmas!

Odette called out to Mandate, “[color=thistle]Mandate, if you have a moment please come here.[/color]” Fanning a hand at her drying eyeliner.

She heard Mandate approach then saw the golem in her doorway in the reflection of the mirror, ducking her head low to enter through. The majority of the apartment had high ceilings but her bedroom was among the few rooms not so lucky for Mandate, she slouched to avoid scraping the ceiling. “[color=thistle]My parents will be here soon for dinner, as you know. They’re quite aware of Fey, but all other aspects of our lives are a secret. The illicit, the violence, and other such activities are to remain that way. Could you do that for me, my dear? Among keeping secrets I hope you do observe dinner party etiquette and manners.[/color]” Odette went on, brushing mascara onto her curled eyelashes. “[color=thistle]Above all else, I do want you to enjoy yourself.[/color]”

[color=LightPink]”Of course, Miss Ambassador! I can keep secrets, and I’m excellent at being polite.”[/color] Mandate reassured the beautiful metaphorical star atop her proverbial desecrated holiday tree, slouched low and providing her typical V of a ‘smile’ as ever. They were simple, easy rules to follow, she figured; no murder, no whatever-else-was-illegal, and no talking about murder and other illegal activities. And of course, being polite, but that was only natural for Mandate. Only the unworthy didn’t get to see her as she was being polite.

[color=LightPink]”I can’t wait to meet the people who made you, Miss Ambassador. They must be interesting![/color] And their awareness of the fey would make things a little easier on the golem, but that was a given. Or, perhaps not; Bach would probably be at the table, wouldn’t he? At least Vienna would probably be there too, though. She was much better than Bach.

Odette smiled in the mirror, poking the point of the hoop earring through her earlobes. “[color=thistle]Very good. I’m sure you’d like to see your new disguise, I modified it to your specifications.[/color]” She scooped up the necklace, standing up. She held it up as tall as she could go, rising a few inches on the tip of her toes. “[color=thistle]I did make you a proper christmas gift but opening that will come later, I know your curiosity is quite… [i]substantial[/i] so I hid it well.[/color]”

Mandate did not at all resist the urge to coo as the ambassador tiptoed to reach her; how could someone so regal be so cute? The golem crouched lower for the sake of the human’s access, giddy to receive the necklace. She had been very specific about what she wanted upon her disguise, in keeping with the holiday spirit.

Then the mention of a gift registered, and her excitement was palpable in the way she fidgeted. [color=LightPink]”A gift? For me? Thank you, Miss Ambassador! If I didn’t have to wait I’d open it right now!”[/color] she admitted shamelessly, simultaneously energetic and disappointed that she couldn’t access the present immediately. Maybe she’d bribe Vienna somehow?

Odette managed the necklace around the golem’s head then relaxed back onto her heels. She took a step backward holding up the length of her dress then admiring her work. “[color=thistle]You look positively Christmasy.[/color]” She said with a note of pride. “[color=thistle]Now your disguise eyes change to reflect high emotions, a little colour in your cheeks. Of course, the outfit as well.[/color]”

[url=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81nRB5twLeL._UL1500_.jpg]The tacky christmas sweater[/url] was woolly green, red trimmed and the unmistakable likeness of a christmas elf’s outfit below Mandate’s collar. It had little yellow pom poms sewn onto the collar points of the elf outfit, with a sequin gold belt buckle. They looked through pages upon pages of google search images for the perfect sweater to base hers off of. Embroidered at the corner of the sweater, ‘Best Elf’ in red script letters. In her disguise she was still rather large, by human standards as opposed to fantastic circumstances. She wore what appeared to be jeans but on her feet were bright red fuzzy slippers. She looked cozy.

“[color=thistle]Have a look.[/color]” Odette stepped away from the vanity tipping her mirror up for Mandate to see.

It was everything the golem had hoped for, in its tacky glory. Mandate’s gasp of excitement was mirrored by the face that stared back at her. Tall and broad-shouldered, though nowhere near as massive as Mandate herself, the vibrant human that was her disguise was made even more-so by the decorative clothing. Her exuberance made itself known in the broad and expressive grin on her face, and her eyes -rather than her single cyclopean orb- twinkled with delight. That was new; previously, the disguise’s eyes had been quite dead and unblinking. Dark, unruly hair served as an imitation of the way her silvery ‘mane’ bristled when she was filled with emotions.

She loved it. [color=LightPink]”Miss Ambassador! You made the eyes work! They did not work before! And look, I’m the best elf!”[/color] she exclaimed exuberantly. Her hands, guided by the view provided by the mirror, tugged on the nonexistent sweater as if to demonstrate the text more boldly. [color=LightPink]”It’s perfect!”[/color]

“[color=thistle][i]Magnifique![/i] I am pleased you love it. Come, let’s wait for our guests in the sitting room.[/color]” She held the crook of Mandate’s arm, leading them out of the room. They moved onto the sitting room, as they passed Bach precariously leaning in the chair he craned his head upside down.

“[color=darkseagreen]You look beautiful, My Lady. Mandate, you don’t seem nearly as dead inside.[/color]” He said, dryly watching Odette detach from Mandate with a wave of her hand heading to neaten up some garland. 

“[color=thistle][i]Merci beaucoup,[/i] Bach.[/color]” She replied, her back turned focusing on the garland.

Bach smirked smugly at the golem, still upside down.

[i]Bach.[/i] Mandate, detached from the previous pleasant contact with her one and only favorite human, stared down at the irritating man in question. Before her prickling irritation could grow any further, however, a thought occurred.

Grinning downwards, Mandate let out a startled exclamation. [color=LightPink]”Careful, mister Bach!”[/color] Her toes knocked against the leg of the chair with a stealthy slide of her foot, unbalancing the whole thing as she reached out as if to catch him. She was going to let him fall, of course, but being polite meant that she had make a pretend effort.

Uncoordinated he toppled over, he sat in that position for a moment folding his hands on his stomach. Whispering for Mandate only, “[color=darkseagreen][i]I know what Odette got you for Christmas.[/i][/color]”

Odette turned around shaking her head, “[color=thistle]If you damaged that chair you’ll be the one to fix it.[/color]” Stern, a little unimpressed and completely oblivious to what actually happened.

He rolled out of the chair. “[color=darkseagreen]Yes, My Lady.[/color]” A stiff bow of the head, “[color=darkseagreen]So, when are we expecting our guests?[/color]”

“[color=thistle]Soon.[/color]” She replied, brightly.

[center][b]One Hour Later[/b][/center]

Odette drummed her nails across the table staring down the bottle of champagne. Vienna removed the food to keep it fresh in the fridge. She fully expected her parents to be late but this was absolutely ridiculous. She unlocked her phone to check the time then locked it, proceeding to unlock and lock it several times in irritation. Her patience was wearing thin.

Whereas the ambassador was growing steadily more irritated, Mandate was deeply [i]bored[/i]. Her hands poked and prodded at christmas ornaments as she shuffled about the apartment, exchanging idle chatter with Vienna. The lateness of the guests didn’t bother the golem too much, but her attention span was such that she quickly found other things more distracting than waiting. But going over the same things could only be entertaining for so long when she couldn’t sink wholly into the examination.

Finally, [i]finally[/i] the bell rang. Vienna announced it was Odette’s parents having finally arrived. She sprung up from her chair, then carefully smoothed down her dress. Vienna opened the door for Odette. Her mother and father stood in the doorway, Tristan and Perenelle Favre. “[color=thistle][i]Joyeux Noël-[/i][/color]” She paused registering what her parents arrived in.

Tristan Favre had an unruly black mop of hair grown out without any attention to it, still sporting a five o’clock shadow. He wore a tacky christmas sweater with reindeer and santa claus, Rudolf leading the other reindeer. While her mother wore her mousy brown hair in a messy bun, looking as if she only woke up five minutes ago and wearing a tacky christmas sweater as well. Hers was a Mrs. Claus sweater. They grinned sheepishly. In unison they said in a sing song voice, “[i]Bonsoir![/i]”

Odette stepped aside, grimacing, “[color=thistle]Please come in.[/color]”

“O-oh Anglais?” Tristan asked stepping inside, wiggling out of his boots. “You mentioned you had a friend here to have eating with us?” He switched to English, stuttering a little. He was decidedly a little rusty. Perenelle came in after him looking around for someone.

“[color=thistle]Yes she is here for christmas dinner-[/color]” Perenelle leaned across air kissing Odette over her cheeks.

“[i]You didn’t need to dress up for us, honey.[/i]” Perenelle said, “[i]You look nice.[/i]”

“[color=thistle]I gave you and Papa some new clothes for dinner, why didn’t you wear them? You’re so [i]late[/i], you were supposed to be here an hour ago.[/color]” Odette said, hurt. “[color=thistle]I feel silly now, I’m going to go change.[/color]”

Perenelle swiped some hair out of her eyes while Tristan leaned over to air kiss Odette as well. “Ah- your father and I were caught up in some… [i]Recherche[/i]. A new data sample that was begging to be mined. I was up all night-” She sucked her words back in as Odette sighed.

[i]Was that a euphemism?[/i] Mandate wondered as she listened curiously, head tilted. She had abandoned the snow globe she had been playing with to approach once the ambassador’s guests had entered the apartment, observing with her usual smile.

“[color=thistle]It does not matter, you are here now let me serve you some champagne.[/color]” She turned around seeing her father already pouring himself a glass and one for his wife as well. “[color=thistle][i]Papa![/i] Please, I insist.[/color]”

She hurried over gently tugging the bottle from her father’s hand. He laughed, “Relax, it’s just us. Speaking of just us, where’s Bach?”

He appeared from around the corner at the mention of his name and had a grin. Tristan and Perenelle hurried up to the Fey happily asking a million questions. Odette finished pouring the champagne passing them the glasses as they carried on. 

She stepped up next to Mandate, “[color=thistle]Meet my parents, Tristan and Perenelle Favre.[/color]” 

Perenelle stopped mid sentence waving at Mandate, “Perry is fine!”

Odette raised her hand up and whispered, “[color=thistle]They research the occult and supernatural. They love to speak with Bach whenever they have the chance.[/color]”

Mandate nodded in acknowledgement of the ambassador’s words, the smile of her disguise mirroring the good cheer she felt as she returned the wave. [color=LightPink]“It’s good to meet you, mister Tristan, Perry! I’m Mandate, you can just call me Mandate!”[/color] she greeted, shrugging amiably. [color=LightPink]”It’s foreign.”[/color] That was sufficient, right?

More importantly… The smile upon Mandate’s disguise became a grin as her cheer intensified. [color=LightPink]”I see that you are connoisseurs of tasteful sweaters as well!”[/color]


Tristan and Perry stepped over to Mandate, Tristan said, “Mandate? Ah, good to meet you too. Happy Christmas. You seem to be the, ‘Best Elf.’ Bach finally has some competition, huh?” He laughed good naturedly. Bach imitated the same laugh, not commenting.

Perry held out her hand to shake Mandate’s, “Yes, we rarely meet any of Odette’s friends. She is so busy with ballet. I can’t remember the last time we saw her perform.”

Odette commented, “[color=thistle]I forward you tickets for every show. If you’ll excuse me, I will be right back. I will find my own… christmas sweater to wear as well.[/color]” She picked up the hem of her dress then stalked away to her bedroom.

Perry winced a little. “What is family dinners without a little drama hmm?” 

Tristan shrugged as he sipped his wine. Vienna appeared out from the kitchen carrying the tray of oysters. “[color=peru]Good evening, please enjoy.[/color] She bowed deeply serving up the oysters onto glass plates with a cloth napkin. The small household fey had pulled her wild hair into a tight bun, wore her favourite red dress and Odette helped her apply a little make up. 

She winked up at Mandate before disappearing back into the kitchen.

Mandate watched the ambassador leave, her disguise’s rather open face reflecting her concern, before it dissipated into a smile as she waved after Vienna. The ambassador would be alright, and apparently she had a good sweater to display as well. It took her a moment to turn back to the guests and accept the offered handshake, her thoughts lingering on her human companion. So far, the guests in question had not made the best impression; their sweaters were exquisite, but their politesse was lacking. But she would persevere, for the ambassador’s sake.

Her handshake was as gentle as her handling of christmas ornaments, barely there, and she hoped the pendant did a good job of disguising the true size of her hand. [color=LightPink]”Mhm, best elf!”[/color] she affirmed, smiling ‘good-naturedly’ at Bach. [color=LightPink]”I hope so!”[/color]

Ribbing her least favorite person aside, the mentioning of her favorite person’s ballet was enough to brighten up the golem further. Subtlety was not outside of her abilities, but she preferred to be blunt. [color=LightPink]”You should watch her perform more often,”[/color] she replied, chipper, [color=LightPink]”It’s always beautiful!”[/color] Indeed, it had been a great treat to watch. To not see it at every opportunity… Well, that was another strike against these rude humans. They were lucky they made the ambassador.

Tristan responded, “Oui, our Odette is a wonderful dancer. We should at least make time to see The Nutcracker before they move on.” He looked to his wife, she shrugged a little before dipping her head back to eat an oyster. He whispered, “Is she in it?”

Perry shrugged again, unsure.

Bach supplied, “[color=darkseagreen]No, she auditioned for the Snow Queen but did not get it. She is an understudy for Mrs. Stahlbaum, however.[/color]”

Perry said, “Ah, what a pity. Roles come and go.” 

Tristan nodded. 

Odette emerged from her bedroom in white leggings and her own [url=http://arphic.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/light-up-ugly-christmas-sweater-beneconnoi-light-up-tacky-christmas-sweaters-light-up-tacky-christmas-sweaters.jpeg]christmas sweater[/url]. It was dark navy blue with a christmas tree with presents beneath it, little lights poked out from the sweater. She clicked them on as she joined them. 

Mandate’s cooing was not at all diminished by her disguise. Her hands moved to her cheeks, her fond smile growing as she looked the sweater up and down. She at least resisted the urge to reach out and poke at the lights, but she was vocal about her admiration. [color=LightPink]”It’s so cute!”[/color] she offered encouragingly, aware of Odette’s somewhat diminished mood. It was important to let the ambassador know she cared.

Odette smiled warmly up to her friend, pulling on a stray thread, “[color=thistle]Merci, Mandate. I was afraid the batteries died. I did want to wear my dress but… now we match.[/color]” She squeezed the golem’s hand.

“[color=thistle]Let’s have a seat and eat.[/color]” She gestured to the living room, on the tv was on the fireplace channel. It crackled invitingly. She scooped up an oyster for herself and poured a glass.

Perry observed, “You’re not going to offer Mandate anything to eat or drink?”

Mandate, gleeful and pleased with the ambassador’s smile and attention, thought little of her reply. After all, she had said to observe dinner party etiquette and manners. It was only polite to eat, or pretend to eat. [color=LightPink]”I’d love some, actually!”[/color] she announced, grin growing.

Odette stared, “[color=thistle]Of-of course. My apologies Mandate, I thought you were… allergic to shellfish.[/color]” Reluctantly she picked up a plate for the golem passing it over.

“[color=thistle]Bon appetit.[/color]” Odette said, now regretting not adding some more features to the illusion. She sipped her wine, watching with unease.

Mandate hesitated now that the food was in front of her. The logistical errors had been obvious even as she spoke up, but she had figured that it would seem weird for her to simply not eat at all, or at least to not have a plate. Perhaps she could simply leave it there?

… Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. [color=LightPink]”Muchos gracias.”[/color] she chirped, mangling the pronunciation as she lifted the oyster. But what now? Slowly, gently, she pressed it against her face, over her ‘mouth’, smiling brightly at the ambassador’s guests as she ruined the oyster and smeared it upon herself.

[color=LightPink]”... I think that was delicious.”[/color] she announced after a few moments of silence.

The three humans stared, Bach howled with laughter unable to contain himself.

Tristan commented, slowly, awkwardly.  “...Indeed.” He tore his eyes away, finishing off his glass.

Odette grimaced leaning in close to whisper, “[color=thistle]Here is a napkin, Mandate. Pretend to wipe yourself clean. I’m sure Vienna would have appreciated the effort.[/color]”

[color=LightPink]”Thank you, Miss Ambassador.”[/color] the golem replied with a cheerful whisper, some of her uncertainty cleared by the thought of Vienna’s appreciation. She considered little Vienna a friend of sorts, after spending so long in the ambassador’s apartment. 

[color=LightPink]”Do you think I fooled them?”[/color] she murmured slyly, fully aware that she had not, in fact, fooled them. Perhaps it was obvious by her amused tone, though she studiously ignored Bach.

Odette looked over her shoulder, her parents had their heads bowed whispering much like they were doing now. “[color=thistle]I think so.[/color]” Odette joked, with a wink.

Vienna popped her head out of the kitchen to announce, “[color=peru]Dinner is served![/color]” 

They all followed Vienna to the dining room, the table had been beautifully set. At each placemat was a proportionately served turkey dinner with steamed vegetables, gravy spooned into small serving bowls. There had been a special plate of steamed vegetables and other wild greens for Bach separately. On the table was set with butter, freshly cut bread into slices served on it’s own platter. Sterling silverware, porcelain plates, and matching plateware as arranged on the table.  They all took their places at the table, Odette at the head of the table Mandate to her left and Bach on her right while Perry sat beside Mandate and Tristan was beside Bach. Mandate, for her part, politely ignored the way her chair creaked under her 500 pounds of weight.

Vienna was the last to join after filling water glasses and serving red wine, seating herself. “[color=peru]Please, enjoy.[/color]” 

Odette raised her glass of water in toast, “[color=thistle]Merry Christmas, I am blessed to spend today with my family and friends. Vienna thank you for all the hard work you have provided us a surely delicious meal. Mandate,[/color]” She gestured to her left, “[color=thistle]Unexpected was our meeting but I cherish the friendship you have provided me. You have provided me a great deal otherwise, but most of all I am grateful for you.[/color]” Sincere, genuine where those who truly knew her.

While Mandate could not breathe, and her body was hardly soft, nevertheless she was able to puff her chest out as she all but glowed from the ambassador’s acknowledgement, grinning brightly. There was no one else that could make her feel so bright; the presence of Bach couldn’t diminish that.

“[color=thistle]To Bach, I am forever grateful to you my dear friend. As always, I rely on you for most things. Thank you.[/color]” she said next to Bach, he grinned proudly then bowed his head in thanks. 

Odette’s attention turned to her parents, “[color=thistle]I appreciate all the support you two have given me and to my dreams. Joyeux Noel.[/color]” The quickest note, but not for lacking sincerity. There was little she could truly expand upon. They carefully clinked glasses. 

The sorceress held Mandate’s hand carefully guiding the glass close enough to tink it gently. “[color=thistle]Very gently.[/color]”

[color=LightPink]”Thank you.”[/color] Mandate offered sweetly, truthfully referring to more than just the guidance of her glass. Her other hand raised and-as gently as ever- clasped Odette’s for a moment, offering a gentle squeeze. Her grin was bright as it turned to Vienna next. [color=LightPink]”And thank you for the meal, Vienna. I’m sure it’s delicious.”[/color] And she was quite certain of that; not being able to taste it didn’t diminish her faith in Vienna.

Vienna grinned at Mandate, “[color=peru]It certainly is![/color]” While the others began to eat Vienna watched her Lady to take the first bite. When Odette bit into a bit of turkey first, she closed her eyes appreciating the flavour and moist meat. Vienna satisfied and dug into the food herself.

All around the table others complimented Vienna and her cooking. Perry and Tristan launched back into their conversation with Bach, opening the discussion to the table. Odette occasionally answering her parent’s questions in between bites, loosening up a bit after a glass of wine. Bach happily soaking up the attention, dazzling the pair of scientists with more lore and sometimes even false information. Odette did not correct him, she figured it was his attempt to prank or lead them about. Odette turned to Mandate, growing bored of his conversation power gaming. He hardly needed to.

“[color=thistle]So, how are you liking Christmas so far?[/color]”

[color=LightPink]”I’m loving it! I’m really happy I learned about it and am spending it with you, ah...”[/color] Mandate paused for a moment, face scrunching up in thought, before she leaned over to whisper. [color=LightPink]”Miss Ambassador, can I keep calling you Miss Ambassador while they’re here?”[/color] she murmured, tone wondering.

Chewing through some bread she noted, “[color=thistle]Try referring to my name, see how it sounds. If it is too strange you can continue with ‘Miss Ambassador.’[/color]” She sipped her wine some more sighing with delight.

[color=LightPink]”Hm…”[/color] the golem hummed, watching the ambassador for a moment as she considered the idea. [color=LightPink]”Miss Favre-no, miss Odette. Odette.”[/color] It was different. Not necessarily in a bad way, but it was not at all what the golem was used to when it came to her human companion. She shrugged, and recollected her thoughts.

[color=LightPink]”I’m really enjoying myself. Your parents are okay, and they have a good taste in sweaters. And it feels nice.”[/color] Mandate considered her choice of words. That was the root of it, really. [color=LightPink]”Spending time like this feels really nice. I’m happy, and I hope you’re happy. I hope Vienna is happy too.”[/color]

Odette nodded, smiling, her cheeks rosy. She found herself liking Mandate using her name, it was incredibly strange however. “[color=thistle]Feels lovely. I am happy. We have had ourselves quite the year. A few things I would go back and change.[/color]” She admitted. “[color=thistle]Nothing I truly regret though.[/color]”

Perry tore away from the conversation to comment, “That is good, Odette. You know what I regret?”

Odette braced herself.

Perry waited a beat then said, “I didn’t have room for dessert.”

Vienna laughed so did Odette, exhaling with comical relief. “[color=thistle][i]Mère.[/i][/color]”

Dinner was finished, scraps cleared away, as a group carrying their respective drinks they moved back into the living room. Observing the large christmas tree, as they approached the faint smell of pine needles was apparent. The tree itself was decorated in rose-gold ribbons, blue lights twinkled on a timer, icicle decorations with the assortment of personal ornaments hung throughout it. Another point where sparing no expense was made. At the top of the tree was a glass star nestled carefully with a small white light set behind it. Beneath it were expertly wrapped presents. Bow tied ribbons, glittering name tags, proudly done by Odette herself. 

Mandate observed the christmas tree with the eye- or, on her disguise, eyes- of a proud craftsman. Placing the ornaments had been a task of utmost delicacy and care, aided by Vienna’s sure hand that was comparatively unable to destroy the entire apartment in one swing. [i]Miss Vienna even let me set the star![/i] It had probably been because of her great reach making it a not so delicate task, and Vienna had helped her straighten it out, but still.

Odette gazed up at the tree, then bent low searching throughout the pile of presents for Mandate’s. A small flat box with bright solid blue wrapping paper with a white ribbon. “[color=thistle]Mandate, this is for you. Merry Christmas.[/color]”

[color=LightPink]”[i]Oh[/i], me first? Thank you, M-Odette!”[/color] It wasn’t that Mandate had forgotten the presence of a gift from Odette, per se; the thought had been nagging her since Bach had mentioned it, possibly as a petty gesture. The festivity and joy had simply distracted her from that thought, as filled with anticipation as she was. [i]What could it be, what could it be?[/i]

The golem accepted the present with steady hands, her disguise’s face as bright and anticipatory as her voice. Claiming a seat for herself, the occasionally-gentle giant began to work at removing the wrapping and ribbon. For all of her destructive power, she handled it as if a single misstep would shatter the entire thing; as if it was a bomb resting in her hands, a bomb that she actually cared about at any rate.

Rather than a bomb, what awaited the golem within the box was… [url=https://www.pocketwatch.co.uk/images/greenwich-the-kensington-chrome-mechanical-double-hunter-pocket-watch-p3535-25720_image.jpg]A pocket watch?[/url] Beautiful and ever-so-delicate resting within her palm, Mandate’s adoring eye roamed over the intricate form of the timepiece, a fluttering within her that could not possibly come from any part of her physical form. It was equal parts complex and lovely- which applied to most of the things Mandate loved. She did not have a great understanding of pocket watches, but she did have a great love for the intricate and delicate, particularly for admiring it; something that the ambassador doubtlessly knew.  And, the golem realized belatedly, it was not simply a pocket watch.

To be more precise, it was an ornament. Mandate ran her fingers over the chain of the watch, inspecting it between two large fingers. It did not seem to be meant to be worn, as it was simply too short and small for that, but... The metaphorical gears in her mind turned as if they were the inner workings of the pocket watch itself, though greatly accelerated.

Then, she looked up.

Her disguise’s expression- for all of its manic and overwhelming glee- failed to convey the feeling that gripped her so tightly. All of her months of acclimation to the new and exciting realm of existence still couldn’t brace her for the feelings that struck on occasion, less like a physical strike and more like a strong gust, flowing over here; a breeze under metaphorical wings. She was far too heavy to fly, but her heart soared.

[color=LightPink]”Odette,”[/color] she murmured as breathlessly as a being without breath could, [color=LightPink]”Is it for the tree? An ornament?”[/color]

Odette gestured to the tree, “[color=thistle]Yes it is. It’s a tradition, while decorating a tree is for the sake of decoration is great fun. Over the years, family’s add ornaments that hold great significance. My gift to you is your first ornament, it will have its own special place on our christmas tree every year.[/color]” She said softly, patting the box. “[color=thistle]This signifies our friendship is timeless.[/color]”

“[color=thistle]Immortalized.[/color]” Her tone weighted in meaning. Her parents looked on curiously, completely unaware.

There were many things Mandate wished to say, but words sufficient to convey Mandate’s emotions failed her, so she did not try. Instead, the golem gently placed the box to the side, and surged forward into a gentle but all-encompassing hug, comfortably tight and pressing her absolute favorite person against her form. [color=LightPink]”Timeless!”[/color] she agreed, her voice bright with cheer as she indulged her sudden urge to hold the ambassador. [color=LightPink]”And immortalized. Thank you so much, Odette. I’ll make sure it’s the first of many!”[/color]

Just as quickly, she disengaged, searching the tree with a bright eye, longing for a prime spot to make her mark upon the tradition.

Odette turned as well observing the tree with her hands behind her back, pleased by Mandate’s reaction. Keeping secrets from her parents hadn’t felt the part of a burden for once, for that she was grateful. The night carried on in festivities, food and company. Some drifted away to sleep, while others stayed awake to watch the clock strike midnight. It was peaceful, a slice of memory all were sure to keep.