19 Dec 2023, 14:02
On the Sixth Day of Christmas
☽⦙ Date | 19 December, 2023 ⦙☾
☽⦙ Interacting | @Elsian Cox ⦙☾
☽⦙ Hex Code | #810B2D ⦙☾
Dori had not returned to the lake that changed everything since they had left the shore in October together. Yet, they had chosen to return with him at a brisk 7:30am to watch the sunrise. They had missed spending time with him, and there was only a few days of classes left before the entire 2ish week break. They needed a mental break, from endless studying and endless pining. They just needed a breath, even if it was a- very cold... very frozen breath.⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛
And of course they had the gift, as it was not just their presence that was the present. A small clear bag of wrapped jewelry boxes, not new, but Dori's jewelry. They didn't know why, could not tell you what reasoning, but it seemed that Elsi preferred Dorion's possessions to new ones. Preferred winter gear that they had worn, jewelry that had spent time against their own skin. Granted, some of it they did buy and wear within the last week just so it could be said that it was 'Dori's'.
They had set up the scene, using the hot air spell to melt a patch of snow for a blanket to lay. A couple of logs that had been smuggled out of the common room already piled ready to be set alight. Snacks, of course, in case Elsi was skipping breakfast to be here. A couple of travel thermos one filled with hot chocolate and one with Dori's typical caffeinated morning tea. And a giant blanket to wrap around them both and protect them against the chill of the air as deep reds and yellows began to peek over the horizon. When they heard the familiar crunch of footsteps behind them, probably dragging as if they were groaning in protest without Elsi having to verbalize how early it was, Dori cast the fire-making spell to set the logs aflame. Their arm also swept out to invite Elsi under the blanket that they had ever so diligently been warming up.
"The second you ask a question I'm gone. I've just missed you... and wanted to spend the morning together." The gift was carefully tucked away at their side, to be presented at the last second before they skidaddled off to class. But for now, Dori slid into comfort, their head naturally coming to rest on Elsi's shoulder. A hum that sounded much like the feeling of sliding a final puzzle piece into place emanating from Dori's vocal cords. Dori stayed, silent, listening to the comforting crackle of the fire and begrudging every moment that brought them closer to having to go to class.
When it finally came time, they untangled themselves from Elsi and cast the water-making spell to put out the fire. They still had to make a run to their dorm to put everything away. They of course, hadn't forgotten the small bag that rested undisturbed. "Day six. If you want, you can keep the blanket for now. For now." Their eyes narrowed, knowing Elsi would steal it if they weren't careful. "I'll bring it back to my dorm during lunch or something. But I have to go bring this stuff back before class starts." Their smile almost didn't reach the corner of their eyes. The stress of finals and the time away from Elsi was really starting to take a toll on them. "I'll see you later." With that they finally turned away, making the long trek back up to the castle.
There were six pieces of jewelry in the boxes. The first was a black tourmaline bracelet. A stone popular for protection, which was perfect because when they weren't together Dori was almost always worrying about Elsi. Another was a spider ring. Because of course. Kitty meant the world to Elsi and now he could have her with him even in class. There was another ring that was made to look like a tree branch wrapped into a ring shape. Perhaps... an ode to Dori's old name. The one they met under. The fourth item was a night sky pendant. Engraved with the day they met on the back, 22 September, 2019. The fifth- not something that Elsi would be expecting but of course they had decided to make a tiny mini itty bitty friendship bracelet for Kitty. They had no idea how she would wear it, but it felt wrong to exclude her. Buttons had a mini one that went on his collar.
The final piece of jewelry a simple silver chain with the letter D. They had been wearing it ever since they chose their name, ever since they came back to school. And today would've been the first day they hadn't worn it since it was instead now in Elsi's hands.
And of course, a note.
'On the sixth day of Christmas my best friend gave to me: Six pieces of jewelry (you thought I wouldn't, huh?) Tomorrow let's eat dinner together again. No questions!⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛ ⁛
Last edited by Dorion Anderson on 15 Jan 2024, 17:11, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know whether to cry or scream or do both. It feels like I've done more than enough of both. And it feels like I haven't done enough." - Mason Deaver
Stamina 12 ∴ Evasion 12 ∴ Strength 5 ∴ Wisdom 12 ∵ ArcPower 10 ∵ Accuracy 15
Stamina 12 ∴ Evasion 12 ∴ Strength 5 ∴ Wisdom 12 ∵ ArcPower 10 ∵ Accuracy 15
28 Dec 2023, 05:21
On the Sixth Day of Christmas
@Dorion Anderson
Elsian hated mornings.
Scratch that. He hated the feelings certain mornings inspired.
Like anxiety when faced with a test. Bone deep weariness from a horrible night of sleep. Or just childish bitterness at having a perfectly nice dream ruined.
That hate could be lessened though. Depending on the weather. Depending on the work he had to do.
Or the people he was seeing. Like Creampuff.
Knowing it was them he was meeting made leaving his comfy bed bearable. Allowed him to, not nearly as grumpily as usual, drag himself through the motions of shoving on his uniform and shoes. Though not without some sacrifices. Unseen to anyone else, the pajamas were staying on. The robes simply slipped on top. It wasn’t like anyone would notice. At least, not unless they looked too closely at his feet where the stars of his comfy sleep pants might peek out. But technically, he wasn’t breaking any rules. So they could shut up.
The snow outside was a bit of a challenge though.
He hadn’t thought to bring his broom. Too much effort. So Elsian had slowly wobbled and dragged his feet towards the great lake, huddled underneath his winter cloak as the snow crunched under his shoes. It was annoying, but fine. Because he knew Dorion was waiting for him.
This time, when he saw Dorion…
He couldn’t bring himself to question it. To say the words. So he didn’t, instead choosing to all but throw his bag to the ground and himself towards Dori to bury his face against the top of their head as he slumped under the warm comfort of the blanket, Dorion a safe weight against his side that helped ease the weary feeling he tended to feel during the mornings. Safe. warm. He could finally breathe while in their presence.
“M’kay.” He mumbled, voice still heavy and quiet with lingering sleepiness. “Missed you too…”
Gingerly, still sleep-addled, he’d eventually pick at some of the snacks. Begrudgingly for every moment he wasn’t pressed closer to Creampuff, arm wrapped around them, stealing some of their warmth, knowing, if he didn’t he’d regret it later.
The moment he was done however Elsi would be pressed close to Dori, practically leaching off the others warmth with a sleepy hum as he wrapped an arm around them. Content. So very endlessly content in just staying there, lazily watching the sunset bleed through the sky and cast a shimmer on the water and snow spread around them. It was nice. So terribly nice.
So when it came to an end? He, rather ridiculously, hugged them tighter, pilling all his weight into their side as they began to pull away with a garbled, nonsensical whine. “Nooooo.” he cried, and flopped pitifully onto his side with the blanket as they put out the fire.
“Can’t we skip? Just once?” He sighed, fingers childishly trying to snatch onto the edges of their robes as if to keep them there.
When it didn’t work a miserable whine followed the action, fingers dragging the blanket around them tighter as if to ward off Dori’s words before cutting off violently at the promise of the blanket. The boy nodded, a mess of black hair ruffled by the wind and tired green eyes peeking out of the blanket. At Dori’s narrowed look he gave another, more violent nod, thriving off the knowledge he’d have the blanket for at least the 1st few classes if he played his cards right.
It didn’t mean he was pleased to watch them leave. Like always it left him feeling…hollow.
He felt the sudden urge to stand up and run off to catch up, snatching their hand up in his for the walk back.
He curled his fingers around the small bag left behind instead. The bag crinkling under his fingers as he straightened and stared out towards the lake.
After a moment he finally reached within, the feeling slowly lessening into something else as he pulled out the first item. Opening up the box to reveal-
…a bracelet. Simple, and black and something he could see himself easily wearing often. It was a comfortable weight on his wrist as he slipped it on. It was a nice match to the next item he pulled out, which happened to be a spider ring, something that had a small chuckle escaping him as he slipped it onto his fingers. Testing. Before settling on the middle finger of his right hand where it fit best.
The 3rd item, would perhaps be his favorite so far, if the boy had the ability to pick favorites between the pieces of jewelry that was. As it stood however, he was so terribly weak, and therefore had decided they were all his favorite. A soft smile, hidden in the corner of his lips, was quick to grow into a small startled laugh as the branch themed ring, which made something in him so very pleased to have, was slid onto his left hand, and the 4th gift was revealed.
He couldn’t help it.
It was. Well. He hadn’t expected it.
He held up the pendant, blinking in surprise at the date engraved. He couldn’t believe it. Thumb brushing over the design as the sun cast a golden shine on the silver chain. “I can’t believe they remembered-”
A small bemused huff.
“No…it’s just like them to remember.”
This one was gingerly put back in the box. Not put on, yet, but…no less adored. His fingers were simply too cold to fiddle and struggle with putting it on sadly. Maybe later.
The next laugh was less of surprise and just plain glee. An unattractive cackle as he pulled out the tiny, oh so tiny bracelet. Kitty was going to bloody freak. He snickered, tucking it away into the box and holiday for later less he lost it in the snow or mess that was his bag right now. Later.
He pulled out a note, scanning over the words as he found the final piece of jewelry. A fond roll of the eyes and smile at the cheeky sentence. But they were right! He really hadn’t thought they would. Now he was realizing maybe he should be a little bit more worried about what they were capable of pulling off. But he’d never had that sort of attention aimed at him before so you could forgive his surprise.
“No questions huh?” he sassed quietly to himself, opening the final box and pulling at a simple chain. A familiar chain. The silver D that he always saw Dorion wearing when-
…
“...Oh.” it was practically a whisper for how quietly he said the word. Eyeing the piece of jewelry silent, a distant sort of understanding starting to dawn on him as he stared down at the cold silver cupped in his hand.
He swallowed.
“Oh.”
Stamina: 10┈┈ Evasion:17 ┈┈Strength: 1 ┈┈Wisdom: 9 ┈┈Arcane Power: 8┈┈ Accuracy: 10
I'd much rather be sleeping...