[center][img]https://images2.imgbox.com/58/e5/jrKhVDm8_o.png[/img]
[color=fff200]◉ ◉ ◉[/color]
[i][color=b99e6b]Level:[/color] 5
[color=b99e6b]EXP:[/color] 15 / 50
[color=b99e6b]Location:[/color] The Midnight Walk - Christmas Village[/i][/center]

Now that he had ingratiated himself in with this colorful group, Layton's spirits were quite high. Whatever goals they had might still be a mystery, one that he was interested in figuring out, but mostly he was looking forward to their eventual arrive at Moon Mountain. The books at Gressenheller talked only briefly on the area, predominantly regarding folk stories of its connection to the sun - his archaeological intuition had him curious. Answers were sure to come eventually, though, so for now the Professor enjoyed his time with the festival. A serving of roast, some festive pudding, and a Christmas-y tea were his foods of choice for the evening.

And, ah yes, there was a gift for him under the tree. A small box wrapped in a tasteful shimmery paper, one that only needed to be uncovered instead of unwrapped. And inside...
[center][hider=Gift for Layton][url=https://images2.imgbox.com/ac/b3/8pt5ADUP_o.png]Scooter Badge[/url]
While equipped, enables the user to summon a rideable scooter while sprinting. The scooter persists until the user stops using it, takes damage, or hits an environmental effect (ie, landing on a jump pad). It also comes with a horn![/hider][/center]
[color=b99e6b]"Delightful,"[/color] Layton said to himself, turning the badge over in his hand. He didn't accessorize such as that, but he figured it was keeping in the holiday spirit, so he carefully attached it to the band of his tophat. Hopefully whoever gave it to him would appreciate that.

There was a part of him that was a little... off. Wishful thinking, perhaps, in the hope that his earlier wish would somehow come true. It was impossible from a logical standpoint that anyone in the village could procure a letter from someone they never met on such short notice. Maybe he got swept up in the festive atmosphere, enough to give him that shred of belief. Layton's dinner turned melancholy after that realization, stuck thinking about his young apprentice.

Luke would've really enjoyed himself here.

Layton's mix of reverie and reflection was, same as everyone else, cut short at the arrival of an unplanned guest and his [i]entourage[/i] through the blizzard. Layton noted that the storm subsided to allow the group to exit. [color=b99e6b]"It appears we have discovered the source of the storm,"[/color] the Professor noted. This "Ice King", no doubt the leader of this collection of armed soldiers, was very irate about this festival. Threatening to devour everyone for it, though? Now that was a bit too far.

Layton considered the circumstances: this King held himself in high esteem, whether his title carried the proper role or was self-granted. And he treated this village as if he had some amount of control over it, enough to claim things occurring without his "say-so". Had the noise of their celebration truly breached the boundary of the blizzard to annoy the King?

Perhaps. But Layton figured the answer to this was much simpler than that.

While everyone stood in shock, anticipation, anger, fear, a bevy of emotions in response to the Ice King's appearance, the Professor went over to the buffet and collected a new plate of fresh food. Then he made his approach, walking up to where the tiger-formed King stood, not paying much mind to the icy guards flanking him.

[color=b99e6b]"Please forgive us, sir Ice King,"[/color] he said aloud, [color=b99e6b]"if we had known that you resided beyond that blizzard we would have made more of an effort to reach you. It's our mistake that you were left without invitation to this Christmas party."[/color]

When he was close enough - not too close to anger him or the soldiers, of course - he held up the plate of food he made, laden with a good helping of fried fish and a mostly rare slice of haunch. [color=b99e6b]"Fortunately, we're still in the middle of celebrating, so you've arrived at a perfect time to join. If you wish, that is."[/color][hr][center][color=b99e6b]Word Count:[/color] 677
[color=b99e6b]EXP Gained:[/color] +1[/center]