[Video]

[rekindlenpcs]

[Irene turns on the video feed, and while she looks just as put together as ever, her office looks a bit messier than usual – you can see her desk in the background, covered with notes and unorganized papers…which is pretty normal for a desk, really, just not for Irene’s desk. Has she been distracted?

She seems to be in a very good mood, though! Her smile looks more genuine than her usual calm, customer service face.]

Everyone, I wanted to ask you a few questions. Now, we have a lot of holidays here in Saeng Seong. Several of you were here for our last festival, and we’re going to have another one coming up at the end of this month… [oh!] which I’m not sure we’ve notified you about yet, but we’ll have more details later.

Our city – our world - has a long history, but I’m also sure that your worlds do, too. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m curious – what are some of the important traditions from your worlds? What holidays do you celebrate?

[She was going to end the video there, but she stops, reconsidering.]

On another note, regarding the fall festival I mentioned earlier, we’re currently open to suggestions if you all have any. I’ll be keeping track of comments here myself, and I can pass on information to the committee.

Comments

[hamburgerhero]

[Okay it's Irene. Maybe she didn't hear what he did last month. Even if she did he figures it wouldn't hurt to try talking. Now smile.]

There are a bunch of holidays back where I come from. Some of 'em have a lot of tradition or religious meaning to people, and then there are some other more obscure occasions that they say businesses made up to encourage people to spend their money. I can easily tell you about how things go in my country, but between other countries some holidays are different as you'd expect.

The closest holiday back home would be Halloween. Do you have that here?

[rekindlenpcs]

[Sorry to say, but she did since she's the head of native and guest relations. At least she won't hold it against him...]

We do not! Would you like to tell me about it?

[hamburgerhero]

Uh sure. Though you know the curiosity goes both ways. We visitors get to participate in your local celebrations but we don't really know the story behind any of the events. We'd like to know more too. [Is that some sly questioning about Saeng Seong? Shhh.]

On Halloween in the USA, a lot of people get dressed up in costumes. It's supposed to be a day for scares and tricks but all in good fun. There are parties and sweets, pumpkin carving, and little kids go out trick-or-treating in costume. Basically they knock on neighbors doors and announce "Trick or treat!" [He says it in a higher pitched voice.] And then neighbors give the kids candy.

That's how it's celebrated in modern times at least. It has changed over the years.

[rekindlenpcs]

[It is, and she notices. She doesn't mind the questioning, though.]

Well, I could tell you the stories, but my version won't be very eloquent. The short version is that the festival we celebrate now is dedicated to food and celebration - basically, it's a way for everyone to have fun before the weather gets cold and miserable. It derives from a religious holiday, and...well, like I said before, I'd rather spare you all my butchering of that and let you hear it at the festival from someone who really knows their stuff.

As for the holiday in your world, though...well, it certainly sounds different, but what kind of kid wouldn't love getting free candy? [From the way she's smiling, one can guess that she probably would have had a blast.]

You said they wear costumes? What kind?

[video]

[substandard]

You have the audacity to ask?

[video threadjack. yikes!]

[someonetowatchoveryou]

I was not aware that a simple poll would be so disturbing, or that replying to it was mandatory.

[His voice is emotionless but not monotone, and his gaze is expressionless yet not flat.]

[Also, yeah, I'm afraid that was Observer-ese for 'this isn't all about you.' Foolish man.]

[video]

[substandard]

[Draco's expression sours with a scathing and judgmental glare, and he leans his head back, as if recoiling from his baffled offense.]

And who are you?

If you don't realize why this specific casual inquiry is disturbing, then that isn't my problem.

Replying to it obviously is not mandatory, but I'm not going to sit by with my arse on my hands when my face is essentially spat on!

[video]

[someonetowatchoveryou]

[Completely unfazed by this outburst, the man blinks, head tilting to one side.]

Who I am is irrelevant to the point. I suspect that her intention was not to insult. Therefore, according to logic, the onus is on you to explain your anomalous reaction.

[He has no idea why he's asking. Probably because the reaction is so anomalous as to be significant.]

[video]

[rekindlenpcs]

[The lines of her smile harden, and though she doesn't seem particularly phased, her expression is more obviously a "customer service" face.]

I certainly didn't see any harm in it.

video;

[4balls]

.. "Suggestions"? [ He frowns a little. He still isn't sure about anything involving the people in charge of this place.. ]

Don't you have any specific way to celebrate your festival?

video;

[rekindlenpcs]

We do have specific regular events, but we also try to do new things every year. Besides, the festival is for the entire city. We want everyone interested involved in the planning process, including all of you.

[4balls]

[ Huh, so they're trying to involve them.. ]

Do our opinions really count that much?

[rekindlenpcs]

They do. Though sometimes we can't fulfill what everyone wants.

[video]

[unionjackoff]

Why do you not share your long history with the rest of us?

[video]

[rekindlenpcs]

I certainly could. Do you have a full day to spare, at least?

[video]

[unionjackoff]

[a light smirk. finally!]

I have as much time as you need, milady.

[video]

[rekindlenpcs]

I'm afraid I'm not the most eloquent or have much time, but I will try to keep it short.

The festival we celebrate in the beginning of the fall is dedicated to food and celebration. Basically, it's a way for everyone to have fun before the weather gets cold and the rains come more frequently. It derives from a religious holiday, and...well, like I said before, I don't doubt someone from the shrine will be there to go into more detail.

[someonetowatchoveryou]

My people do not celebrate holidays.

[Unlike the others, September doesn't sound insulted or annoyed or confused. He doesn't sound... anything, really. His voice is calm and even without being monotone, his face expressionless without being blank.]

If you prefer, I can compile a list of applicable ones through time that I have observed.

[rekindlenpcs]

They don't? That's a shame.

[Hopefully he'll enjoy being able to celebrate here, then.]

I wouldn't mind seeing that list, though, if you're willing to put one together.

[someonetowatchoveryou]

We see no need to. And I cannot miss what I have never experienced.

[He glances offscreen for a moment, and something that sounds like typing occurs.] Is a text file acceptable?

[rekindlenpcs]

A text file is more than acceptable.

video;

[ribbow]

[ Hee. ] You'd really like to hear them all?

video;

[rekindlenpcs]

Of course! Any that you feel like telling me about.

video;

[ribbow]

[ Oh! ] Let's see, do you want to hear traditional holidays throughout the world or just the ones from my specific country? I'm not that great with other worldy events I'll admit, but there are some we like to celebrate for fun because they're really popular!

video;

[rekindlenpcs]

I wouldn't mind either or, but perhaps you should explain what you're familiar with? I'm not picky.