spellbinders | (no subject)

Who: Haru and YOU.
Where: Botanical Garden
When: Day 151, mid-afternoon. (I know it's Dec 5th other places, so I forward dated this juuuust a little.)
Open/Closed: Open. Because Haru is inviting everyone to a tea party.

Hello everyone out there. As you may know, there is a garden area on the seventh floor of the apartment building we're all living in. I'm inviting anyone who hears this to come join me for tea. Think of it like a bonding activity? Getting to know someone better that you might have only run into a couple of times?

Or you could just come and help relieve me of all of the tea cakes and cookies I made this morning, it's up to you! Thank you for your time!

[Really, this is just Haru's excuse to celebrate to herself, just a little! It's Haru's birthday today and she feels much better doing something nice for the rest of the coven than just doing something nice for herself! Not that anyone outside her really knows that. Or so she thinks? When characters arrive to the garden they will see several smaller tables set up like this with several warm pots of tea around and plenty of cups! She meant for this to be something where the coven could help themselves.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sure! What is it?

[All asked in a hush whisper to match Haru's leaning forward motion, Nike couldn't help feel curious about it.]

Today is actually my birthday. But instead of wanting anything, I just wanted to see everyone smile.

[And of course it's working. Of course.]

Today is your...?

[Haru, please give Nike a few seconds to allow that knowledge to sink in. Maybe a minute will help.

A good solid minute will definitely help because she'll get back to Haru looking absolutely surprise.]

Really!? Today is your birthday? How old are you now?

I'm nineteen today!

[She blushes a little, Nike's reaction was a little too cute. Haru thinks that she has definitely been blessed with cute and nice friends.]

I had to count the days since we've been here, but, I'm certain of it.

In other words, it was close to winter back in your world, huh?

[She can easily believe it. A fond smile will form at the thought of getting the chance to celebrate a friend's birthday. A dear one at that too!]

Then it's the perfect occasion to propose a toast! Nineteen is such a great age. Kara-nee is the same age as you too. I'll have to make the perfect gift!

[There was so many ideas on the types of presents to offer her. Maybe she should go to an art supply store for them? She did notice it was one of the few places that offers material for diy activities.]

It's almost winter, and almost Christmas time too.

[Haru didn't expect to celebrate her birthday today. But telling her closer friends here was completely acceptable. Because the real gift is being able to spend time with them.]

You don't have to make me anything, Nike-chan. Your company is enough.

[She gives her a small smile.]

Christmas? What's that?

[She couldn't help feel curious over the importance. At the very least, it didn't sound like she was talking about a friend.

A smile will grow as she listens to Haru's request, realizing she was a lot like her family than she originally thought. They're all exactly that way too. The only difference being: no one in her country actively knows the day of their birth except for a selected few.]

Are you sure? I don't actively celebrate birthdays, but I understand it is an important time for most people. Not to say I don't support your wishes because I'm really happy to hear that. This will be my first time celebrating a friend's birthday. I want it to be absolutely perfect for you!

[And it's exciting to be given the opportunity to; just the experience is enough for her.]

[HOLD THE PHONE.]

You don't know what Christmas is, Nike-chan?

[Forget her birthday for a moment. Who doesn't know what Christmas is? Like, at least the idea of Christmas!]

No...?

[Haru's reaction will definitely catch Nike off guard because she wasn't exactly certain what to say other than the truth.]

Um...should I?

[.......she'll hold back in asking if the holiday was that important to begin with.]

I suppose not everyone should know what it is. But, I could teach you sometime?

[She smiles softly, knowing that she should get Nike a super cute gift for whatever Christmas is called in Shehui.]

Why not now? I have no where else to be right now.

[Haru, why do you keep her in suspense over this Christmas thing? Now she was even more curious than before. She wants to know more!]

Okay then! Sit down with me and we'll talk about Christmas.

[IT IS A MAGICAL! HOLIDAY!]

Do you have any gift giving holidays? Togetherness holidays?

[There may be a moment of silence on her part. A long moment of silence. Her face will face the roof to add further to the thinking effect. Are they any?]

...other than marriage ceremonies, baby showers, and funerals? Those are the only ones I can think of...

['Holidays in the Rain Kingdom were non-existence', will be left unsaid for many, many, many reasons.]

So can I celebrate Christmas and your birthday with you, Nike-chan?

[It is a 100% sincere question.]