Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I managed to gather some of your favorite Amrantirians in one spot for a quick chat. (Don’t ask me how I managed it. Suffice it to say, there were threats, and possibly some bribery involved.) It was pretty enlightening.
I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Tau: Did she import it from Russia?
Alek: I believe she said she blended it herself.
Helaine: And he tried to be so sneaky about it, but his face gives everything away. Well, you know how he is.
Tau: She must have imported some of the ingredients, then. Would you like a cup?
Alek: No, thank you.
Nadja: Does he know you figured it out?
Pax: *whispers inaudibly to Petrin*
Petrin: *nods*
Tau: I’ll just pour a cup for me, then.
Helaine: I don’t think so. I mean, unless he’s done some–
A.K.R.: Hey, guys? Guys? I don’t want to keep you for long, since I know you’re all very busy–
Tau: That’s putting it mildly.
A.K.R.: So if we can just settle down for a minute, I promise I’ll make it quick.
Pax: Yes ma’am. Whatever you need, you just take your time.
A.K.R.: Thanks. Okay, so I know that you don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas, but I also know that you all love music, so I wanted to get your opinions on the songs we enjoy this time of year. You’ve all had a chance to check out my “Christmas Faves” playlist, and I wondered if any of the songs stood out for you. Like, did you have a particular favorite?
Helaine: Ooo, there were so many! Um . . . “Silver Bells” is probably one of the ones I liked best. It reminded me of strolling through the Market District around the Candlefire Celebration. Oh, and “Carol of the Bells.” That one has such a nice flow to it.
Nadja: You like bells?
Helaine: Huh? Oh, I guess I do. *giggles*
A.K.R.: What about you, Nadja. Did any of the songs speak to you?
Nadja: You know, there was one, actually.
Tau: *coughing and sputtering* What in the name of all that is right and noble is this rot?!
A.K.R.: Oh my gosh, do you need a napkin?
Tau: No, I need something for the burning in the back of my throat!
A.K.R.: *hands Tau water bottle*
Tau: Thank you. *guzzles water* Whew. I believe your beverage may have gone south.
A.K.R.: The Russian Tea? I tried it before you got here, and it tasted fine to me. I’m sorry you didn’t like it.
Tau: That – whatever it is – is most certainly not tea.
A.K.R.: Well, it does have some tea in it.
Tau: Impossible.
A.K.R.: Instant tea.
Tau: *cringes* And the Russians drink this?
A.K.R.: I . . . well . . . I don’t know. Probably not.
Tau: But it comes from there?
A.K.R.: No, I bought the ingredients from the grocery store nearest my house.
Tau: Then, is it used as some sort of weapon against these Russians?
Alek: Tau–
Tau: You didn’t taste it.
A.K.R.: No.
Tau: What are these other ingredients, if I dare ask?
A.K.R.: Just instant tea, some lemonade mix, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and Tang.
Tau: Tang?
A.K.R.: It’s an orange drink.
Tau: Orange juice?
A.K.R.: No, an orange drink. I don’t think there are any actual oranges in it. Well, maybe a tiny bit.
Tau: Then how is it an orange drink?
A.K.R.: It’s orange flavored.
Tau: You’re telling me this beverage contains tea that’s not actually tea, orange drink with no actual oranges in it, and has nothing to do with Russia, and that you . . . enjoy . . . this around your Christmas holidays.
Nadja: Oh, Uncle, give her a break.
A.K.R.: Yes! Yes, I like it, and so do many other people. I thought you all might enjoy something a little different.
Petrin: *sipping carefully* I find it quite refreshing.
A.K.R.: Thank. You.
Helaine: I’d like to try some. Oh, “Sleigh Ride!” I liked that one too.
Nadja: “Just hear those sleigh bells jingling…”
Helaine: *blushes*
A.K.R.: What about you Tau? Now that we’re all thoroughly aware of how much you dislike Russian Tea, did you find a song that you actually liked?
Tau: “I Saw Three Ships.”
Pax: *snorts* Really?
Tau: Of course. That’s a good song for any day.
A.K.R.: You do know it’s about the arrival of Christ, right?
Tau: *sips tea*
Pax: *chuckles*
Nadja: What about you then? No doubt your favorite was “O Christmas Tree.”
Pax: Why would you think that?
Nadja: Because you– ugh, nevermind.
Pax: Actually, I really enjoyed “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Connected with it.
Nadja: . . .
Pax: . . .
Alek: *clears throat* I particularly enjoyed “O Come, O Come Emanuel.”
A.K.R.: Oh? Why is that?
Alek: The desire for a great change, and the yearning for a long-awaited savior is something that resonates with me.
Petrin: Well, that makes my choice seem fairly petty.
Helaine: No! Go ahead. I’m sure it’s wonderful.
A.K.R: Yes, please share, Petrin.
Petrin: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” I liked that one. It felt peaceful and nostalgic. The perfect song to enjoy next to a fire.
Helaine: See, that sounds so nice. *sighs* Oh! “Winter Wonderland!” I loved that one, too.
Nadja and Petrin: “Sleigh bells ring . . .”
Helaine: *hides face*
Nadja: *laughs* You’re adorable.
A.K.R.: I really love all of those songs, too, Helaine. Honestly, it’s impossible to sing half a dozen Christmas songs without running into bells. They’re synonymous with the season.
Well, I think that wraps us up here! Thanks for taking the time to share your take on–
Helaine: What about Nadja? We haven’t heard her favorite yet.
A.K.R.: Oh my gosh, yes! She was about to tell us when . . . *side-eyes Tau* Well, that’s not important. Nadja, what was your favorite song?
Nadja: There were a lot of them I found beautiful and moving, and fun. But if I had to choose one, I’d choose “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” . . . If only in my dreams.
A.K.R.: Mmm. *nods* Thank you for sharing. And on that note, go! Go enjoy the rest of the holiday season. 🙂
