( video; un: benefic )

[aheroipray]

[ The woman looking to the camera has probably been through worse. She looks like there's some powdered sugar on her nose, her glasses are askew, and her sweater definitely has some chocolate smudges, but hey... at least her rabbit ears are fine? At the very least, she looks determined, like the utter mess behind her isn't fazing her in the slightest. ]

There are others here who celebrate by making their gifts, aren't there? Whether it be Firialia or Starlight or - anything, really. Since we're all ushered away here... or, well - supposed to be? Is anyone truly braving that icy tundra? - either way, since many of us are here, perhaps it'd be helpful to make gifts together.

I imagine those who have just appeared here may not have much in the way of Chroma to buy anything if they have someone close to them here, and there are some of us who are doubtless better with our hands than finances. The villa I managed to rent is far too big for just two people, so I've no problem having a few over if one wishes not to craft alone.

I'm not stepping out into that snow if I can help it. [ She grimaces. ] It's simply not good weather for a desert-dweller.

Comments

[silksentinel]

[It is very hard to Hornet to describe the taste. It's unlike anything she has ever had before and she finds herself fixated more on just how distinct and strong the flavor is than on whether she enjoys it or not at first. Her diet up until now had largely been the unevolved bugs that were found everywhere in Dirthmouth and whatever edible vegetation she could get from Greenpath.

There are the vaguest memories of trying fruit before Hallownest fell, but that was so long ago she's not certain it actually happened, much less what it tasted like.

After overcoming the initial shock Hornet lets herself savor the treat for a moment and finds she enjoys it.

Finally she nods, looking back up at Allummette]

Many where I come from don on masks--not all, but the majority.

[Then some, like her siblings, had masks that made their physical form. Even she wasn't quite sure how their bodies worked.]

I like it.

[aheroipray]

[ She lights up, like there's stars in her eyes. ]

You do? Really? - though I...

[ Allumette pauses, something coming to her, quiet and subdued. ]

Most of you wear masks too, huh... is there a reason why?

[silksentinel]

[Hornet paused to consider that. It would be untrue to say that she had never questioned it, but it had always simply been how Hallownest operated for all her life, and very few texts had ever spoken about it. It wasn't a subject that came up too often as it was simply a given...but she knew there was a purpose; scattered tablets and the murmurings of the strange being hidden within the recesses of Deepnest made that clear.

Hornet could never stay in their little cavern for too long to question them at length about it--too much of that deep nothingness had settled there for her body to withstand it, and it caused her to question how they could.]

All my life it has always been that way, and all the life of my parents. I suppose you could say it more or less serves the same purpose as your clothing--to protect that part of us which is most vulnerable, and a means of decoration.

[She knew there was more to it than that and she had her speculations, but she didn't want to state as fact that which she did not know for certain.]