Rachel and Violette huh? While the latter was new to Eliza, she felt the former was familiar somehow. Didn't Silhouette fail to attack a Rachel?

 Wait a minute. These were Ascendancy.

 [color=gold][i]"S h i t."[/i][/color] Despite internal screaming, she had to stay calm. They seemed to have no ill intent so far. Plus she hadn't encountered any Ascendancy members face-to-face, so they probably won't recognize her as a Cradle member. Eliza politely listened to Rachel's observations about the party, and it's host. [color=gold]"No doubt the horror's intervention was just the tip of the iceberg. Of weirdness. With so many different factions of magical girl, things are bound to get interesting."[/color] She said. [color=gold]"Other than a couple of bumps, things have been okay so far, and I'll make sure it stays that way. People need the break."[/color] Eliza crossed her arms. She spotted Oros walking by. Hopefully this conversation won't waste time.

 [color=gold]"Though by religion, are you refering to Christianity? Or something else?"[/color] She asked Rachel, admittedly curious.[hr]  Out of those observing the ice sculptures, Evelyn and North were relegated to their usual NPC selves. They stopped to look at Summer's statue of Cirno.

 [b][i]"Hehe. Looks kinda like you, North."[/i][/b] The mute wolf would lightly hit the fairy, pointing between the statue and North; who was starting to feel confused. 

 [b]"What kind of 4th-wall bullshi-"[/b][hr] While the other witches were already starting on their sculptures, Maura was stumped. She stared intently at the blueprint made of ice, then to everyone else. From Lauren's Lady Justice, to...whatever incomprehensible horror Maribel made, how did they come up with ideas so easily?

 She walked up to her ice block and place a hand on it. Sculptures usually took a long time to make, what with the attention to detail, and the risk of having to start over after a bad mess-up. Ice sculptures aren't as different. They took atleast three hours to make, depending on how intricate it is.

 So why the hell can't she think of anything?

 [color=9966CC]"Having trouble~?"[/color]

 Maura looked over to Maribel, who had walked over to check on her. How was she so calm about this? If she was honest, Maura would've expected an outburst like Lauren did. She shrugged, stepping aside to let the witch of Nightmares look over the block. Maribel rested her chin against her hand.

 [color=9966CC]"Huh, why don't you craft one of your old incarnations? Or that caricature people associate you with?"[/color] Maribel suggested. Earning a quick chuckle from the other girl.

 [color=crimson]"I don't think the grim reaper or the fourth horseman fit the holiday spirit, Mari. Remember? I got rid of my role in the coven a long time ago."[/color] It was almost tempting for her to leave it at "my role", but has she really let go of that part of herself? The part that served as a guide, a harvester, a reaper of souls?

 [color=9966CC]"Truely, you have grown?"[/color] Maribel smiled at her. [color=9966CC]"Then how about something outside the box? Something you care about?"[/color]

 Maura looked back at the blank canvas in front of them. Something outside the box, huh? Maybe one of her magical girls? No, too obvious. Besides, she didn't want anyone to assume she's picking favorites. Maybe [i]them?[/i] But would they really appreciate their visage being known? They did enjoy their privacy, after all. And for good reason.

 Then she had an idea, and began carving. Her ice magic made it easier for her to cut through the ice block, and surprisngly, Maribel was helping her. Well, enough beating around the bush.

 [color=Crimson]"Mari?"[/color]

 [color=9966CC]"Hm?"[/color]

 Maura frowned. [color=crimson]"How are you so...calm, about this? About running into me again after so long? After-"[/color]

 [color=9966CC]"Don't go burdening yourself with the past now~ I had a little glimpse of what you've been doing while you were gone."[/color] Maribel reassured her, and tapped the side of her head. [color=9966CC]"Mental link."[/color] She then continued carving. [color=9966CC]"You went searching for the next Witch of Dreams, a twin no less! If the boy has the potential, we could have three dream magician with us! Isn't that exciting~? Not to mention I have a new apprentice to meet, seems like. I hope I don't spook her too much..."[/color] Maribel began to explain. [color=9966CC]"You found yourself some more apprentices as well? Amanda seemed concerned for you."[/color]

 [color=crimson]"Uh, yeah. About a faction full now, apparently."[/color] Maura crookedly smiled.

 [color=9966CC]"Do they know? That kid you helped, what was their name?"[/color]

 Maura froze for a second. How long had it been since she's seen him? [color=crimson]"Vanhorn. He never really had a name of his own. Just monikers.[/color]

  [color=9966CC]"Yet that wasn't a problem?"[/color]

 She shook her head. [color=crimson]"Not at all. But no, I haven't told him yet. Maybe I can introduce him to the others sometime."[/color] With one last cut, the statue was complete. The two witches stepped back to look it over. It was similar to the Crimson Cradle's insignia, but instead of just the claw, it was a ghostly magical girl holding the orb in her claws. A typical witch's hat obscured her face, except for a smile. Whether it was malicious or not was up to interpretation.

 [color=crimson]"Huh. It's still missing something."[/color] With a bit of dark and ice magic, she darkened the body of the sculpture, and slivers of magic swirled around the orb itself. [color=crimson]"There we go. Thanks, Mari."[/color]

 [color=9966CC]"Anytime, dear! If you need anything, let us know. We'll make sure Lauren doesn't bash your knees in."[/color] Maribel joked, walking back to her sculpture.

 Well, now what? Maybe someone needed help with their snowman?