Yes. It's not all that flashy or exciting but it means a lot to me so I'm glad to do it.
He's a big figure for the winter holidays on Earth. Hard to explain without sounding ridiculous, but he's essentially a legend in certain cultures who's been turned into the symbol of the season. Adults tell children he'll deliver them toys on Christmas if they're good, but get nothing if they're naughty. He invades people's homes through chimneys and eats way too many biscuits.
Jousting sounds way more fun. Though also a little too bloody for such a jolly time of year.
I'm sure you're the perfect choice. Would you like me to be there?
That's so... strange. Kids always get gifts on Wintersend if their family can afford it. Good or bad. That's the point of Windersend. To celebrate before the hard planting season.
No, no, the combat tournaments are bloody. Jousting is relatively safer.
Not to bore you with the details but I celebrate Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights. It's a Jewish holiday meant to commemorate the resilience of our people. It's an eight day festival, actually, and each night we light a candle and say a prayer with it, but it's really a joyous occasion. I'm glad I get to spend it with people I care about this year. Also - there's usually plenty of delicious food.
Hopefully with a gentle hand and some words. Not to reward bad behaviour with gifts, but it seems sad to deny them any joy of the holidays. It's a strange tradition but I don't celebrate Christmas.
You'll have to try my latkes then! You can't really go wrong with fried anything.
[That second comment gives him pause - it's a touchy subject for Steven, though it makes him feel for Hawke. He knows he loves his parents very much though, so all he can think to say is:] I'm sorry.
Seems more fun to watch and enjoy some popcorn in the meantime anyway, yeah?
For that, I'm grateful. I haven't poisoned you yet!
Yes, true. Though it's a sore topic for me, I'll admit.
[That makes him chuckle.] I'm happier when no one is actually getting maimed, but I suppose in a contest like that, they'd have volunteered so it's really their own doing.
[He's glad that Hawke isn't the type to pry, for once.]
So it's more than just for show, eh? That's fascinating. Reminds me of some traditions we had in more ancient civilisations on Earth, but anything like that in the modern world would be seen as inhumane.
Nowadays we play harmless games for prizes instead, I suppose.
Oh hmmm that's a good question! A lot of the games I play are usually achieved solo. Like puzzles and things. [Because he had no friends. But now he does!]
I've always thought charades looks fun with a big group. Where you have to act out a phrase or film title and your team has to figure out what you're doing without you speaking a word? Hilarious, really.
[Oh no!! He didn't mean to put that thought in Hawke's brain.]
It would be difficult for sure, I can only imagine...
but I wouldn't fret about it, love. that sort of thing is out of our control, isn't it? if she did show up, you'd do your very best to make up for all those lost years, I'm sure.
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Santa Claus?
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He's a big figure for the winter holidays on Earth. Hard to explain without sounding ridiculous, but he's essentially a legend in certain cultures who's been turned into the symbol of the season. Adults tell children he'll deliver them toys on Christmas if they're good, but get nothing if they're naughty. He invades people's homes through chimneys and eats way too many biscuits.
Jousting sounds way more fun. Though also a little too bloody for such a jolly time of year.
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That's so... strange. Kids always get gifts on Wintersend if their family can afford it. Good or bad. That's the point of Windersend. To celebrate before the hard planting season.
No, no, the combat tournaments are bloody. Jousting is relatively safer.
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It is strange, isn't it? I find it hard to believe any child is undeserving of a present either. How can any child be "bad"?
None of it is to the death or anything is it??
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I mean, children can behave badly. I know I did sometimes. But you punish them then, not later.
No, that's not how a grand melee works. It is until someone yields.
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Hopefully with a gentle hand and some words. Not to reward bad behaviour with gifts, but it seems sad to deny them any joy of the holidays. It's a strange tradition but I don't celebrate Christmas.
Oh good good
Have you ever participated?
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My parents discipline wasn't always gentle.
No, I was never really into that. And no mage would be allowed to fight in a melee. I can't ride horses so I've never jousted.
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[That second comment gives him pause - it's a touchy subject for Steven, though it makes him feel for Hawke. He knows he loves his parents very much though, so all he can think to say is:] I'm sorry.
Seems more fun to watch and enjoy some popcorn in the meantime anyway, yeah?
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[ He is unaware the shrug emoji exists otherwise one would be here. ] It's alright, I get the feeling my world has very different views than yours.
Yes, definitely more fun to watch! Like your movies but real.
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Yes, true. Though it's a sore topic for me, I'll admit.
[That makes him chuckle.] I'm happier when no one is actually getting maimed, but I suppose in a contest like that, they'd have volunteered so it's really their own doing.
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We don't have to talk about parents. We could talk about anything you'd like.
It can get you glory and riches. Some people walk out knighted or in service to a Lord or Lady. It can change a life in many ways.
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So it's more than just for show, eh? That's fascinating. Reminds me of some traditions we had in more ancient civilisations on Earth, but anything like that in the modern world would be seen as inhumane.
Nowadays we play harmless games for prizes instead, I suppose.
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It's rare but it does happen. I never attended one. I'd rather hang out at the Hanged Man than go to noble events.
What games do you like?
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Oh hmmm that's a good question! A lot of the games I play are usually achieved solo. Like puzzles and things. [Because he had no friends. But now he does!]
I've always thought charades looks fun with a big group. Where you have to act out a phrase or film title and your team has to figure out what you're doing without you speaking a word? Hilarious, really.
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I like card games. We used to meet weekly for games of Wicked Grace. I'll teach you sometime. I have a deck of cards.
Your brother and Layla wouldn't be willing to play with us would they?
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They'd be more than happy to, I'm sure. Especially since we've been spending more time together lately... they're getting nosy.
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I am going to keep spending time with you. We might as well spend time all together. Get your brother used to the idea that I'm not going anywhere.
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Oh.
I... I don't know what I'd do. Cry, obviously. I don't know how I'd let her out of my sight.
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It would be difficult for sure, I can only imagine...
but I wouldn't fret about it, love. that sort of thing is out of our control, isn't it? if she did show up, you'd do your very best to make up for all those lost years, I'm sure.
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I'd just be as a protective as your brother is of you.
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