[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently?

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[quickpersuader]

[Honestly they weren't really expecting anyone to give a serious answer, but they appreciate getting one!]

Christmas?

[...Unfortunately they have no idea what that is, so.]

[bakaomi]

The holiday? With Santa Claus?

[ SANTA!!!!

he pauses ]

You don't have Christmas where you're from then?

[quickpersuader]

[Shaking head.]

I haven't heard of it from any of the other countries I've visited, either.

[bakaomi]

Well... it has a pretty long history and there's a shit ton of different meanings attached to it, but the most universal thing is that you get presents.

[quickpersuader]

Presents? Is there any specific kind?

[Looking at him intently now! They're curious.]

[bakaomi]

They can be anything. Sometimes people will make a list of things they want, and other times it can be a complete surprise.

[quickpersuader]

It sounds like a nice festival... What's Santa Claus?

[bakaomi]

According to the stories, he's the guy who delivers the presents to kids.

[ there's a pause, and then he adds more quietly ]

He's real, by the way.

[quickpersuader]

That's very kind of him. What made him decide to do that?

[bakaomi]

[ uh ]

No clue.

[ what is the santa lore.... ]

[quickpersuader]

You don't know?

[Shock!]

[bakaomi]

People don't normally get to walk up to the guy and ask him shit like that, you know.

He's kind of a recluse to normal society.

[quickpersuader]

How mysterious.

[Looking up at the mistletoe and such again.]

But these decorations... symbolize him in some way?

[bakaomi]

Some of them... if you see decorated trees, those usually are where he's supposed to leave the gifts.

The mistletoe is for kissing under if you go under it with someone.

[quickpersuader]

[Yeah that sure sounds like some kind of tradition.]

What's the story behind that?

[bakaomi]

People are horny?

[ he doesn't know ]

[quickpersuader]

[That's also fair.]

Couples do like to have excuses for some fun.

Thank you for explaining what you could.

[bakaomi]

Uh... no problem.

[ wow how... polite... ]

[quickpersuader]

I'd like to explore a little more, if you don't mind. Before I go, do you know if it's actually possible to get outside?

[They see the snow out there.]

[bakaomi]

You can go on one of those paths, if you want.

You won't really see much.

[quickpersuader]

They don't lead anywhere?

[bakaomi]

Not really... there aren't that many places to look at here.

[quickpersuader]

Even if you try to walk in a straight line?

[Though it's mostly musing at this point, because trying to navigate snow unprepared is a terrible idea in general.]

[bakaomi]

Go ahead and try.

[ he will allow this experiment to happen as long as he is not involved in it ]

[quickpersuader]

[Staring outside for a moment before shaking her head.]

I'd need supplies before I tried something like that.

[No getting lost in the snow without food, water, or shelter, thanks.]