~'@ .:Act I:. @'~
RP Prompt
It was a chilly, snow-filled night that greeted the guests as they pulled up to Lord Strahlbaum's manor and wrapped their scarves, shawls, and coats a little bit tighter to ward off the blustery winter wind. Everyone was hurrying inside, not only for the glowing warmth of the fireplace and the delicious treats and warm, soothing drinks awaiting, but also because of the whispers that had been spreading like wildfire.
Herr Drosselmeyer was coming.
It was true that the children loved Drosselmeyer more than the adults, but it went without saying that seeing what brilliant new toys he brought to gift Lord Strahlbaum's children delighted the lords and ladies as well. Every years there was something more wonderful and spectacular than the last and everyone wondered and whispered at what it might be this year.
"Perhaps it will be one of his little fanciful carriages," one lady mused.
"Maybe it will be a gigantic jack-in-the-box," suggested another.
"I heard it's something that moves and walks about like magic!" whispered one of the lords with a bemused chuckle. It seemed as if everyone had a theory, but no one held the answers.
The grand ballroom of Lord Strahlbaum's manor had been fitted with several tables holding cookies and pastries and all manor of sweets and the main table had been lavishly decorated with a grand feast for the guests to sit down to eventually. The wonderful smells of baked goods hung on the air like a tantalizing perfume and more than once mothers had to smack the hands of children who tried to filch goodies from the table.
However despite the gossip and the smells and temptations of food, it was the centerpiece of the room that drew everyone's attention for standing so tall as to tower over most of the guests stood a beautiful, full evergreen Christmas tree decorated with flickering candles, colorful glass ornaments, silver ribbons, red bows, and even sporting a shiny gold star hanging above it. If that weren't enough to draw the eyes, though, then what sat underneath it would be as Christmas gifts spread along the skirt of the tree and smaller gifts dangling from the branches themselves all neatly wrapped in bright paper and ribbons and bows, and with more being added as the guests arrived in their carriages and began to mingle and meet.
The Christmas party has begun, and you are invited....
Herr Drosselmeyer was coming.
It was true that the children loved Drosselmeyer more than the adults, but it went without saying that seeing what brilliant new toys he brought to gift Lord Strahlbaum's children delighted the lords and ladies as well. Every years there was something more wonderful and spectacular than the last and everyone wondered and whispered at what it might be this year.
"Perhaps it will be one of his little fanciful carriages," one lady mused.
"Maybe it will be a gigantic jack-in-the-box," suggested another.
"I heard it's something that moves and walks about like magic!" whispered one of the lords with a bemused chuckle. It seemed as if everyone had a theory, but no one held the answers.
The grand ballroom of Lord Strahlbaum's manor had been fitted with several tables holding cookies and pastries and all manor of sweets and the main table had been lavishly decorated with a grand feast for the guests to sit down to eventually. The wonderful smells of baked goods hung on the air like a tantalizing perfume and more than once mothers had to smack the hands of children who tried to filch goodies from the table.
However despite the gossip and the smells and temptations of food, it was the centerpiece of the room that drew everyone's attention for standing so tall as to tower over most of the guests stood a beautiful, full evergreen Christmas tree decorated with flickering candles, colorful glass ornaments, silver ribbons, red bows, and even sporting a shiny gold star hanging above it. If that weren't enough to draw the eyes, though, then what sat underneath it would be as Christmas gifts spread along the skirt of the tree and smaller gifts dangling from the branches themselves all neatly wrapped in bright paper and ribbons and bows, and with more being added as the guests arrived in their carriages and began to mingle and meet.
The Christmas party has begun, and you are invited....
Daine Weirynsri
Mia walked in slowly, straightening out her dress a little. She hoped she wouldn't look too out of place at the party. She wasn't really used to wearing 'fancy' clothes, so she was a little uncomfortable. She had heard that Lord Stahlbaum threw an excellent party though, so she just had to attend! Who can resist some drinks and good Christmas cheer?
Galaxa13
Esmeralda looked around as she stood next to one of the ordurves (sp?) table awkwardly. She glanced as others began to enter the mingle. How could Auntie leave me here by myself? she wondered. It was true she no longer lived with her relative, but Auntie still forced her to socialize even though she knew she was no good at it.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia floats around in the crowd, glancing at the many leekorzi around...
She eventually drifted to the food table, nibbling on some small sandwiches.
She eventually drifted to the food table, nibbling on some small sandwiches.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda: She watched as another Leekozri walked up to the table she stood next to. She shifted uncomfortably. This was when she was supposed to speak to someone, right? Social interactions were so not her thing. "Um. . . Hi." she said. Curse Auntie for leaving me here. she thought again.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia was lost in thought when she realized someone was talking to her. "Oh! Um.. Hello! What is your name?" She asked politely, attempting to mimic the speaking style of the fancier leekorzi around her..
Galaxa13
Esmeralda gave a small sigh of relief, this person seemed nice enough. "Well, my name is Esmeralda." she said. Then she grew silent, unsure what what to do now. She didn't know it was common politeness to ask the other's name.
ChimeraNell
Casper leaned over against the intricately carved leg of the buffet table and arched his back. His master's manor was brightly lit and starting to fill with guests... but more to his delight was the abundance of the rich odors which were floating down from the table above. He rubbed himself against the table's leg and purred loudly, hoping to attract the attention of one of the people. More to the point he was hoping for one that might be swooned into sharing some food with him.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia smiled politely. "Well, my name is Mia. Pleasure to meet you!" She said, happy to be talking to someone instead of standing around awkwardly..
Galaxa13
Esmeralda looked down at the cat. "Go away, shoo!" she said as she made shooing actions with her hands. Then she looked back at Mia. "So. . . Yeah." she said before glancing down at the table. She picked up a small sandwich and bit into it.
ChimeraNell
Casper flinched at the people's obvious disdain for his glorious self and slipped away under the table for amount, before reemerging. He twined himself between the legs of the table in an attempt to display his grace and overall splendor, completely sure that the people would be caught in awe of him and offer him homage.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia laughed lightly. This conversation was a bit slow. She looked down to the kitty and gave him a little pat on the head. "Why hello there little kitty!" She said sweetly. She had a sweet spot for animals of all shapes and sizes.
ChimeraNell
Casper's back twitched unconsciously at the touch of the guest, but he remembered his objective and made quick to roll onto his back and present his belly in as cute a fashion as he could manage.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda gazed at the strange scene. She really didn't like cats. She guessed it had something to do with how her parents used to say she had demon eyes, like cats.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia let out a small "Aww.." When she saw the cute kitty roll on his back. She gave his belly a little rub, careful to avoid his claws. After a brief belly rub, Mia stood back up and looked to Esmeralda. "So.. What do you think of the party?" She asked.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda shifted on her feet. "I don't really like crowds. . . This isn't my kind of place." she said as she gazed off at the other guests.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia nodded. "Yea, this is a bit fancy for my taste.." She shifted uncomfortably in her dress. '..But I hear these parties are pretty fun, so I decided to check it out." She smiled.
Galaxa13
"I didn't want to come, Auntie made me." Esmeralda said as she looked back at Mia.
ChimeraNell
Insulted by the lack of awe the guests were paying to him he flopped to his side, stood up, and strode off in search of children. Which he knew were always eager to feed animals things they shouldn't be fed.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia frowned. "Aww, someone made you come? Well that makes it a bit less fun.. Is she still here?" She said, looking around the crowd a bit.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda shook her head. "No, she left a long time ago. She wants me to be more social." she said as she picked up a cracker with cheese on it.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia's eyes widened. "She just left you here with a bunch of strangers in hope to get you to be social?" She said, a bit astonished. "Well that doesn't seem proper.."
Galaxa13
Esmeralda began to shift her weight again. "Well, you shouldn't say things about people you don't know." she sat. She narrowed her orange-red eyed s little.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia noticed the slight change in body language and realized her mouth had carried her over the line again. "I'm sorry.. I s'pose I'm too quick to judge sometimes.." She said, losing any fanciness in her voice. She picked up another small sandwich and nibbled quietly.
Emalthya
Emma shook back her hair (Some of it had come loose during the ride in her father's open carriage- her parents took the barouche) and straightened her gown before entering the great hall and the wave of body heat that struck her like a blow. She smiled courteously to everyone, still not quite knowing how to act with her bethren; her father had sent hr around the world to the best teacers and she had only just gotten home.
Jalil
Selaine had hunted for hours to find her best robes for Lord Strahlbaum's party, and even then she might have looked slightly out of place. They robes were sleek and of a fine material, but they were still rather colorful compared to most of the dresses and suits that the true noblemen and ladies wore. Nevertheless, she resolved to not let it hinder her from attending reminding herself that a sorceress should stand out anyways. The children were the first to garner her attention and she spent the first little bit entertaining them with her magic by performing simple parlor tricks such as turning her hair different colors or conjuring little colored spheres of light to juggle, but eventually as was the way of children their attention would be caught by something else and Selaine finally found herself left to her own devices a short time after her arrival. She made her way over to the refreshments table to get a drink for herself and found two ladies there decked out in their best dresses. She paused a respectful distance away and folded one hand into the other to give her most formal bow. "M'ladies," she said respectfully to the both of them, not wanting to intrude any further on their conversation without being invited.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia smiled as she spotted the newcomer. Their outfit was very nice, but not too formal, and looked far more comfortable than the big dress she was wearing. She let out a quiet, envious sigh before curtsying. (And not very well might I add.) "Hello there! May I inquire your name?" She said, trying to sound proper and ladylike.
Jalil
"Selaine, m'lady. Pleased to meet you," Selaine said with a cheerful smile. "Have you come to see Herr Drosselmeyer as well?" she asked and there was bit of excitement in her voice that she couldn't quite hide.
Daine Weirynsri
Mia smiled. "Mia, and a pleasure to meet you too!" She said happily. "Why yes I have.. I've heard his inventions are absolutely a pleasure to behold! I haven't had a chance to witness them yet, but I heard rumor he will be here tonight." She said excitedly.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda watched as the brightly clad Leekozri walked up to the table. She started to feel a bit crowded, even thought there were only two other Leekozris other than herself. Slowly she began to inch away from the table. Time to find a new place to be a wall flower at. She made her way through the lords and ladies all wrapped up in their own conversations and pretty clothes. Esmeralda thought her dress was pretty, but it didn't hold that same essence of wealth like these others.
Emalthya
Emma looked out at the wide sprawling grounds, covered in glistening snow. Se smoothed down the front of her gown. It was pale, like all the gowns were this far away from the European fashions. She missed being able to dress in colour, instead of being confined to virginal white.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda found a nice quiet corner. She gazed out the nearby window at the snowy landscape outside. Absentmindedly she listen to snippets of conversations around her. ". . . simply splendid, you must tell me where you got it!" "Herr Dosselmeyer as has the best toys, I heard this year he. . ." ". . . have you met. . ." "Hello, how are you?" "Did you see the. . ." She sighed. It seemed strange to her that so many people couldn't feel claustrophobic here.
Jalil
Selaine paused with a frown as the dark-haired leekozri walked away to another part of the room. She looked to Mia apologetically. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, I was simply intending to get a drink. If you wish to join your friend then please, don't let me intrude."
RP Prompt
The arrival of Lord and Lady Strahlbaum drew the eye of many of the guests as they emerged at the top of the stairwell leading down to the grand hall. Of all the leekozri noblemen and ladies, the Strahlbaums clearly stood a step above the rest. Lord Strahlbaum's coat of christmas red was decorated in beautiful and elaborate patterns in gold threading, and the Lady Strahlbaum had worn her finest dress in a pale emerald green like the color of snow on a christmas tree with accessories in a darker green silk and silver threading patterned across her dress. Maria always loved to see her mother dress up and watch her stride down the stairs so confidently on Father's arm. It was as if Mother was a queen gracing her loyal subjects with her presence, which made Maria her little princess. Maria had always had a big imagination, though. Where the other children tittered about Herr Drosselmeyer's arrival for the toys he brought, Maria was just as excited to see him come for the stories he would bring and tell them. She glanced up at her mother as Lady Strahlbaum reached down to make sure Maria's dress of red velvet was straight and that the bow on her sash and in her hair wasn't coming loose and then turned to remind Fritz once more the behave himself and be a good little boy tonight, trying not to fidget as she waited for them to announce Mother and Father so they could walk down the stairs together. Maria was fairly used to it by now, how everyone would pause what they were doing as the servants announced "The Lord and Lady Strahlbaum", and when they finally did and all the nobles paused to give respect for their host, she followed her mother and did her best to walk just like she imagined a princess would.
Finally after a moment the party resumed and Mother sent Fritz and her to go play with the other children after reminding them to behave themselves once more for good measure. Fritz bounded away like a puppy finally let off his leash, but Maria wandered around the ballroom curtseying to the nobles she passed and saying polite hellos to the guests until finally she found herself at the christmas tree. It was beautiful with all the presents and toys surrounding it. Maria was insatiably curious as to what those boxes held, and she knew that she and Fritz would get at least a few of their presents tonight, but more than anything she wondered what Herr Drosselmeyer would bring her. He always brought gifts for all the children when he came, and Mother and Father both had said he would be here tonight. She was just thinking to herself how much she hoped he would show up soon when she turned around and as if by magic there he stood with a knowing grin on his face. He wore a proper coat and suit, but it wasn't as nice as the suits the other nobles and Father wore and with him he carrying a gigantic sack that was bulging with gifts. "Herr Drosselmeyer!" she called excitedly and within seconds he was surrounded by the children all scrabbling to see what was in the bag.
"Now now, my children...all in good time, all in good time," Drosselmeyer said with calming gestures at the children as they scrambled to ask him what he had brought. Even some of the adults had drawn closer in curiosity. Finally Drosselmeyer sat his bag down with a chuckle. "Patience, my dears. Everyone will get their toys and trinkets....after dinner!" A chorus of dissapointed 'aawww's rose from the children who dispersed back to their games slowly with a little encouragement.
Maria lingered for a bit longer than the other children. "Everyone, Herr Drosselmeyer?"
The old toy maker crouched down and nodded. "Everyone, child. I promise. Now go and have fun, the banquet is sure to start soon," he said giving her a pat on the head and an encouraging push towards the other children before Herr Drosselmeyer too turned to mingle amongst the crowd.
Finally after a moment the party resumed and Mother sent Fritz and her to go play with the other children after reminding them to behave themselves once more for good measure. Fritz bounded away like a puppy finally let off his leash, but Maria wandered around the ballroom curtseying to the nobles she passed and saying polite hellos to the guests until finally she found herself at the christmas tree. It was beautiful with all the presents and toys surrounding it. Maria was insatiably curious as to what those boxes held, and she knew that she and Fritz would get at least a few of their presents tonight, but more than anything she wondered what Herr Drosselmeyer would bring her. He always brought gifts for all the children when he came, and Mother and Father both had said he would be here tonight. She was just thinking to herself how much she hoped he would show up soon when she turned around and as if by magic there he stood with a knowing grin on his face. He wore a proper coat and suit, but it wasn't as nice as the suits the other nobles and Father wore and with him he carrying a gigantic sack that was bulging with gifts. "Herr Drosselmeyer!" she called excitedly and within seconds he was surrounded by the children all scrabbling to see what was in the bag.
"Now now, my children...all in good time, all in good time," Drosselmeyer said with calming gestures at the children as they scrambled to ask him what he had brought. Even some of the adults had drawn closer in curiosity. Finally Drosselmeyer sat his bag down with a chuckle. "Patience, my dears. Everyone will get their toys and trinkets....after dinner!" A chorus of dissapointed 'aawww's rose from the children who dispersed back to their games slowly with a little encouragement.
Maria lingered for a bit longer than the other children. "Everyone, Herr Drosselmeyer?"
The old toy maker crouched down and nodded. "Everyone, child. I promise. Now go and have fun, the banquet is sure to start soon," he said giving her a pat on the head and an encouraging push towards the other children before Herr Drosselmeyer too turned to mingle amongst the crowd.
Emalthya
Emma smiled at the arrival of Herr Drosselmeyer. It meant this party would liven up a bit. She had mised his visits for several yeas but couldn't actually place a difference in him. He seemed to have gotten a little stouter andshorter, but he had not changed that much.
With the others she was inexoribly drawn to the banquet tables where he sat down in some unnamed spot.
With the others she was inexoribly drawn to the banquet tables where he sat down in some unnamed spot.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda watched as some of the crowd seemed to surge at one point. She continually heard the name Dosselmeyer spoken. So, the toy maker everyone is so excited about has finally arrived. she thought. Soon the children dispersed, looking a tad let down. She saw the old, but quirky man. She watched him for a bit before moving towards the tree. It was quite large and full of decorations as it stood guard over all the presents. Esmeralda saw that the tree was alight with candles. Noting one candle's flame had gone out she flicked a finger and let it catch fire once more before turning her attention back to the crowd.
RP Prompt
The banquet spread out before all the leekozri with succulent honey-glazed hams, juicy roasted turkeys, and all the fixings anyone could ask for. The smells that drifted up from the table were of sage and bay leaves and holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. As everyone settled down to the sprawling banquet table with the Strahlbaums at head and Herr Drosselmeyer at the foot of the table, the servants brought out glazed white china that had been painted with red ribbons and mistletoe and holly leaves. The children had their own smaller table set up next to the banquet table and while most of them were eating like good girls and boys should, occasionally one would make a face or poke at their neighbor and inevitable break the quiet and cause their parents to hiss a hushed "shhhh!". As the noblemen and ladies ate their feast, small groups of conversation broke out over the table.
Emalthya
Emma sat and picked at her food. It was far too rick for her. She was used to French and English food, not the heavy taste of her home. She's also heard comments about her size.
"Dear girl over there, her parents sent her up the continent to boarding school and she comes back thin as a rake. She'll never catch a husband now..."
That was just how it went wasn't it? In France she was too fat, here she was too thin. Emma wondered vaguely if there was a country in which she was just right.
"Dear girl over there, her parents sent her up the continent to boarding school and she comes back thin as a rake. She'll never catch a husband now..."
That was just how it went wasn't it? In France she was too fat, here she was too thin. Emma wondered vaguely if there was a country in which she was just right.
Galaxa13
Esmeralda blinked as she sat at the table. Never had she seen such a feast! Auntie had always made simple meals. Slowly she cut off a bite sized piece of ham and placed it in her mouth. It was delicious! Soon she had loaded her plate with food and was happily eating, not caring that others were staring at her piled plate.
Rurouni92
Kurai swiftly walked into the hall. Of course she had to be late for the biggest party of the year. In fact, being somewhat antisocial, it was the only party she ever went to. She simply hoped she hadn't missed anything. Kurai was dressed in a elegant red silk dress that accented her eyes. When she arrived she was glad to see that all she had missed was introductions and had made it in time to enjoy the feast! She quickly found her seat and began to fill her plate. She glanced around the room as she ate, taking in the sights and seeing if she knew anybody. Other then the hosts she found she recognized nobody. She continued eating and people watching.
RP Prompt
As naturally tends to happen with children who are quick to lose their patience, eventually the children bored of sitting at the table and waiting for the adults to finish. Fritz was definitely bored. Where was all the fun? The gifts? The cool things that Herr Drosselmeyer was going to show them? "I'm so bored...let's go see what's in that big bag. There's sure to be something fun to play with!" And so he and a few of his friends snuck down from the table and over towards the large, bulging bag waiting beneath the Christmas tree, but bfore he could reach up high enough to grab the strings which held it shut, he heard a voice behind him hiss quietly, "What are you doing!?"
Maria, too, had snuck down from the table to see what her brother was up to. "Herr Drosselmeyer will be angry with you! You won't get your Christmas present.
"I'm just gonna take a peek, and then I'll close it back and act surprised. See?" he said making an overly dramatic surprised face at her. "It'll be like I never saw it!"
"Fritz!" Maria called, but he wasn't listening as he tried to climb up on one of the boxes beneath the tree to get high enough to reach the strings on the bag...
...and lost his footing. He grabbed for something to steady himself sending a bowl of shelled nuts and the stand it was on clattering to the floor before landing on his rump with a loud "OOF!" Lords and ladies paused in mid conversation, some with their food halfway to their mouths, and stared towards the commotion for a moment before they caught themselves. For what seemed a long moment there was a silence across the hall which was suddenly broken as Lady Strahlbaum stood and snapped, "Fritzgerald Strahlbaum, what do you think you're doing?!" and Fritz immediately broke into tears. From the other end of the banquet table, there was a light laughter. Herr Drosselmeyer seemed to have found something amusing about the situation and Lady Strahlbaum had swiveled her head towards him, confusion mixing with the exasperation already on her face. Drosselmeyer quieted his chuckles and cleared his throat. "My pardons, m'Lady, I mean no disrespect, but if I might humbly suggest...perhaps the children should have their entertainment. I'm sure it is simply Fritz's curosity that has gotten the better of him." In truth, Drosselmeyer was also getting a bit antsy. He was a toymaker and while he had no qualms about associating with the nobility, even he tired of the endless traditions and hoops that they jumped through just to keep up appearances. He would never say such things to his hosts out of respect, but the children had, inadvertantly, given him the perfect excuse and thus was his amusement.
Lady Strahlbaum settled back into her chair. "If you wish, Herr Drosselmeyer. I'm sure we are all eagar to see what delights you have concocted this year." Most of the Leekozri had finished nibbling at their food for now, so those whose chairs were facing away from the Christmas tree shifted their seats to get a better view. In the meantime Herr Drosselmeyer made his way over to Fritz and crouched down. "Come now, there's nothing to be crying over is there? I can't give you your presents if you're crying, you know," Drosselmeyer said to Fritz in his kind, calm voice. Likely Fritz couldn't have stopped crying quicker if his life depended on it. His face lit up and he bounded up from where he had fallen, clearly not injured badly at all.
"So you'll show us what's inside Herr Drosselmeyer?"
Drosselmeyer grinned. "I'll do even better than that."
Maria, too, had snuck down from the table to see what her brother was up to. "Herr Drosselmeyer will be angry with you! You won't get your Christmas present.
"I'm just gonna take a peek, and then I'll close it back and act surprised. See?" he said making an overly dramatic surprised face at her. "It'll be like I never saw it!"
"Fritz!" Maria called, but he wasn't listening as he tried to climb up on one of the boxes beneath the tree to get high enough to reach the strings on the bag...
...and lost his footing. He grabbed for something to steady himself sending a bowl of shelled nuts and the stand it was on clattering to the floor before landing on his rump with a loud "OOF!" Lords and ladies paused in mid conversation, some with their food halfway to their mouths, and stared towards the commotion for a moment before they caught themselves. For what seemed a long moment there was a silence across the hall which was suddenly broken as Lady Strahlbaum stood and snapped, "Fritzgerald Strahlbaum, what do you think you're doing?!" and Fritz immediately broke into tears. From the other end of the banquet table, there was a light laughter. Herr Drosselmeyer seemed to have found something amusing about the situation and Lady Strahlbaum had swiveled her head towards him, confusion mixing with the exasperation already on her face. Drosselmeyer quieted his chuckles and cleared his throat. "My pardons, m'Lady, I mean no disrespect, but if I might humbly suggest...perhaps the children should have their entertainment. I'm sure it is simply Fritz's curosity that has gotten the better of him." In truth, Drosselmeyer was also getting a bit antsy. He was a toymaker and while he had no qualms about associating with the nobility, even he tired of the endless traditions and hoops that they jumped through just to keep up appearances. He would never say such things to his hosts out of respect, but the children had, inadvertantly, given him the perfect excuse and thus was his amusement.
Lady Strahlbaum settled back into her chair. "If you wish, Herr Drosselmeyer. I'm sure we are all eagar to see what delights you have concocted this year." Most of the Leekozri had finished nibbling at their food for now, so those whose chairs were facing away from the Christmas tree shifted their seats to get a better view. In the meantime Herr Drosselmeyer made his way over to Fritz and crouched down. "Come now, there's nothing to be crying over is there? I can't give you your presents if you're crying, you know," Drosselmeyer said to Fritz in his kind, calm voice. Likely Fritz couldn't have stopped crying quicker if his life depended on it. His face lit up and he bounded up from where he had fallen, clearly not injured badly at all.
"So you'll show us what's inside Herr Drosselmeyer?"
Drosselmeyer grinned. "I'll do even better than that."
Galaxa13
Esmeralda snickered at the commotion. Stupid kid, she thought. If you want to sneak around the most important element is the ability to actually sneak around. Then she heard someone else laugh and turned her head to look at Herr Drosselmeyer. He was a strange man, she could tell. His eyes had a quirky sparkle to them. After hearing the conversations others had had about him she was curious. She left her seat and walked over to the tree again. She pretended to examine the decorations again when in truth she was watching Herr Drosselmeyer and his bag.
RP Prompt
All the children watched eagerly as Drosselmeyer undid the strings on the bag. He was about to reach in when he paused. "I think the first gift should choose its own owner," he said with a smile before lifting out a small golden chest. It seemed to wiggle and bounce of its own accord as if it were alive or possessed by magic! The children were all staring gawk-eyed at the little box and Fritz even mumbled, "Whoa...I want that!"
Drosselmeyer chuckled. "Only if it chooses you my friend." He set the little box down on the floor where it moved and bounced between the children as each one tried to encourage it to pick them. However after a moment it bounced away and landed eight at Esmerelda's feet where it stopped. Drosselmeyer smiled at the dark-haired Leekozri. "I believe it chooses you, my dear."
Drosselmeyer chuckled. "Only if it chooses you my friend." He set the little box down on the floor where it moved and bounced between the children as each one tried to encourage it to pick them. However after a moment it bounced away and landed eight at Esmerelda's feet where it stopped. Drosselmeyer smiled at the dark-haired Leekozri. "I believe it chooses you, my dear."
Rurouni92
Kurai finished her meal and then joined the circle forming around Herr Drosselmeyer and his bag. She was amazed as the first gift seemed to magically pick its owner. She was awed as Herr Drosselmeyer's skill and he had only given out one gift!! She looked around at the other Leekozri nearby as she waited for him to pull more wonders from his bag.
Galaza13
Esmeralda blinked in surprise when the golden box bounced up to her. She looked at Herr Drosselmeyer as if to ask if it was really for her before bending down and picking it up. "Th-thank you." she said in an awed voice. She certainly had not expected this. For the first time since coming here she actually smiled. As she moved over to a chair against the wall she didn't care that some of the children shot her death glares or pouted. . . She had been given a gift!
RP Prompt: Final
Herr Drosselmeyer chuckled and smiled happily as Esmerelda took her gift. There was a spark of knowing in the old toymaker's eye briefly before he turned back towards the children waving his hands at them in calming gestures. "Alright, alright. Settle down, there's plenty for all of you, but you have to behave," It took the children a moment to quiet down and even then the murmur of the astonished adults could be heard from the banquet table. What would they see next?
Herr Drosselmeyer was not one to dissapoint. He began distributing gifts to the children one by one. There were toy boats with the most realistic looking little seamen that bobbed around the deck, boxes that appeared from nowhere in sparks and dazzle that lit up the children's eyes, carriages with wooden horses that trotted and stamped their hooves, a play castle that opened up to reveal little dolls of the king and queen and their knights and servants inside, wooden toy swords for the adventuresome little boys, dolls that blinked and turned their head for the little girls, a small painted train that moved around on its tracks, and - one of the most coveted gifts - an armada of genadier toy soldiers that marched out of the bag in formation for Fritz (which suddenly was ten times better than a little golden chest anyways, of course). Everyone of the children had gotten a gift...except one.
Maria had sat and waited patiently, smiling and laughing in wonderment and amazement at all the trinkets Herr Drosselmeyer had produced from his back, but as the sack grew smaller and emptier, she had become more and more worried, and when he finally emptied the bag and gave away the last toy to the little girl sitting across from her, her heart sank. "But you promised..." she said as Herr Drosselmeyer began to fold up the empty sack. Tears were welling up in her eyes. She had been good, better than most of them! Why had he forgotten her. Upset at being left out, she turned to run away, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Maria, wait," came Drosselmeyer's gentle, calming voice. Reluctantly she turned back around but he had to lift her chin before she would look him in the eye. She was trying to hold back her tears, but it wasn't fair! Everyone else had gotten something wonderful, even the girl by the Christmas tree. Maybe that present had been meant for her, but it didn't choose her and now she was presentless! What had she done wrong?
Drosselmeyer was kind, though. He had not frgotten Maria and held up a finger for her to wait just a moment. Turning, he lifted one of the boxes from beneath the tree. It was longer than it was wide, much like a doll box might have been and Maria felt her heart leap a little as he gently placed it in her hands. "How could I forget you my dear, I simply saved the best for last," he said wiping the tears away. The old toymaker's eyes twinkled with pride and achievment as he let the gift go and motioned for her to open it.
Maria neede no more encouragement. She hastily pulled the ribbons off and opened the box, and as she did her eyes went wide. Gently, as gently as one might lift a newborn baby, she pulled the gift from the box revealing a very different and unique doll from what she was expecting. He was much like Fritz's toy soldiers if a bit taller than them, but in a coat of a finer material with his ears dangling down and his tail swaying back and forth with the motion of being lifted. A belt was hung around his waist with a beautifully detailed sword fit for a prince. His face was wide and had a wispy white beard and a funny grin, and his mouth was hinged on a handle on his back that allowed it to move up and down. "Oh! A nutcracker!" someone said and there were a few silent murmurs where the adults were sat as they wondered what wondrous thing the nutcracker could do.
Maria was happy with him just the way he was. She cradled the nutcracker lovingly in her arm as she leaned up and kissed Drosselmeyer on the cheek. "Thank you so much, Herr Drosselmeyer. He's the best gift ever!" she said with a smile before running off to play with the other children who were enjoying their new toys.
The old toymaker smiled fondly after her. "You're very welcome, my dear. More than you know yet..."
Maria had become very fond of her nutcracker doll in the short time she had him. She carried him with her around the room everywhere and always made sure his tail stayed curled and tucked just so and his sword belt was sitting just right. It was like having her very own prince. She drifted around the ballrooma nd imagined what he would be like. Kind, caring, valiant, brave, he would be the kind of prince that would even impress Father, she was sure of it. And of course he would be a gentleman to Mother and she would love him too.
Maria was so wrapped up in her imagination that she didn't see how Fritz kept curiously glancing at the nutcracker. It was one of Herr Drosselmeyers toys, it had to do something cool. His curiosity just kept nagging and nagging at him until finally he gave. He snuck up to Maria and as she turned just a little bit, he snatched the nutcracker from her arms!
"Fritz, no! Give it back!"
"When I'm done, I wanna play with it and see what it does!"
"He's mine! Give him back Fritz!"
But Fritz was determined. With a sly grin he gave Maria a shove as he tucked the nutcracker under his arm and ran to the other side of the hall. He stopped by the large bowl of nuts left on the refreshments table. Several of the adults were looking to see what was going on, and the Lord and Lady Strahlbaum had started to rise as Maria - who had finally got her footing again and was running as fast as she could manage in her dress - hurried to catch up still calling at the top of her lungs for Fritz to give her her present back. Fritz ignored them all. He was determined to find out what the nutcracker could do. Maybe something special happened when you cracked a nut. Quickly Fritz searched through the bowl and found the biggest nut in the pile and shoved it into the nutcracker's mouth, but as he pushed down on the handle there was a resounding *CRACK*.
"....uh oh...." Fritz murmured and seeing that now both his parents and his sister were closing in on him, he dropped the nutcracker to the ground and sprinted away.
Maria dropped to her knees by the nutcracker and gently scooped him into her arms. In trying to crack so huge a nut, his jaw had broken and lay crooked and drooping. Maria couldn't help but cry even as she worked to tug a ribbon from her dress. She had waited so long to get her present from Herr Drosselmeyer and now that she had finally gotten him he'd been broken. She hadn't even had him a whole day yet! Yet even as she cried, she took the ribbon from her dress and bandaged his jaw.
Fritz had been accosted by his parents by this time and while Father was giving him a stern if quiet lecture and sending him to his room, Mother was collecting up all his toy soldiers and locking them in one of the display cabinets. Maria didn't care about her brother being punished. She headed to the only person who she thought might be able to help her little nutcracker and tugged on his coat pleadingly. "Herr Drosselmeyer, please...can you fix him?" she said as she held the nutcracker up for him to look at. The old toymaker paused in his conversation with one of the nobles and knelt down to take a look at the broken toy. "I don't have my tools with me, dear child, but I can take him to my shop and he'll be as good as new. I'll even bring him back in the morning for you.
"No!" Maria yelped and hugged the nutcracker closer to her. Drozzelmeyer looked surprised. "I..I mean, please don't take him. Can't he stay with me? Can't you come fix him in the morning? I'll take good care of him tonight, I promise!"
Drosselmeyer smiled a little at her and nodded. "As you wish. I'll come fix him first thing in the morning."
"Thank you, Herr Drosselmeyer," she said giving him a little curtsy before carrying the nutcracker with her over to her parents.
"It's almost time for bed, Maria," her mother chimed. "Here, let me put your doll up for you."
"Oh mother please, can't I keep him with me tonight? He's hurt!"
"You know what your Mother has said about having toys in bed," Lord Strahlbaum interjected firmly.
"Then...can I stay down here tonight? Please Father? Please Mother? I promise I'll go to bed. I promise!"
Her parents looked at each other for a moment before finally looking back at her. "Alright, you can sleep down here, but only for tonight, and only if you actually go to sleep!" Mother finally said. Maria gave her mother a hug and murmured a thank you into her dress. "Alright then, go upstairs and get changed into your pajamas and when our guests leave we'll have blankets brought down."
As Maria hurried upstairs to get ready for bed, the party was indeed breaking up. Mothers were herding their children out as the carriages were pulled up from the stable to carry them home, and the nobles were all bidding each other farewell. The servants were cleaning up the leftover food from the banquet and clearing out the tables and chairs from the ballroom. Finally all that was left was the beautiful glow of the Christmas tree as Maria came back downstairs and was tucked in under the blankets with the nutcracker by her side...
Herr Drosselmeyer was not one to dissapoint. He began distributing gifts to the children one by one. There were toy boats with the most realistic looking little seamen that bobbed around the deck, boxes that appeared from nowhere in sparks and dazzle that lit up the children's eyes, carriages with wooden horses that trotted and stamped their hooves, a play castle that opened up to reveal little dolls of the king and queen and their knights and servants inside, wooden toy swords for the adventuresome little boys, dolls that blinked and turned their head for the little girls, a small painted train that moved around on its tracks, and - one of the most coveted gifts - an armada of genadier toy soldiers that marched out of the bag in formation for Fritz (which suddenly was ten times better than a little golden chest anyways, of course). Everyone of the children had gotten a gift...except one.
Maria had sat and waited patiently, smiling and laughing in wonderment and amazement at all the trinkets Herr Drosselmeyer had produced from his back, but as the sack grew smaller and emptier, she had become more and more worried, and when he finally emptied the bag and gave away the last toy to the little girl sitting across from her, her heart sank. "But you promised..." she said as Herr Drosselmeyer began to fold up the empty sack. Tears were welling up in her eyes. She had been good, better than most of them! Why had he forgotten her. Upset at being left out, she turned to run away, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Maria, wait," came Drosselmeyer's gentle, calming voice. Reluctantly she turned back around but he had to lift her chin before she would look him in the eye. She was trying to hold back her tears, but it wasn't fair! Everyone else had gotten something wonderful, even the girl by the Christmas tree. Maybe that present had been meant for her, but it didn't choose her and now she was presentless! What had she done wrong?
Drosselmeyer was kind, though. He had not frgotten Maria and held up a finger for her to wait just a moment. Turning, he lifted one of the boxes from beneath the tree. It was longer than it was wide, much like a doll box might have been and Maria felt her heart leap a little as he gently placed it in her hands. "How could I forget you my dear, I simply saved the best for last," he said wiping the tears away. The old toymaker's eyes twinkled with pride and achievment as he let the gift go and motioned for her to open it.
Maria neede no more encouragement. She hastily pulled the ribbons off and opened the box, and as she did her eyes went wide. Gently, as gently as one might lift a newborn baby, she pulled the gift from the box revealing a very different and unique doll from what she was expecting. He was much like Fritz's toy soldiers if a bit taller than them, but in a coat of a finer material with his ears dangling down and his tail swaying back and forth with the motion of being lifted. A belt was hung around his waist with a beautifully detailed sword fit for a prince. His face was wide and had a wispy white beard and a funny grin, and his mouth was hinged on a handle on his back that allowed it to move up and down. "Oh! A nutcracker!" someone said and there were a few silent murmurs where the adults were sat as they wondered what wondrous thing the nutcracker could do.
Maria was happy with him just the way he was. She cradled the nutcracker lovingly in her arm as she leaned up and kissed Drosselmeyer on the cheek. "Thank you so much, Herr Drosselmeyer. He's the best gift ever!" she said with a smile before running off to play with the other children who were enjoying their new toys.
The old toymaker smiled fondly after her. "You're very welcome, my dear. More than you know yet..."
------
Maria had become very fond of her nutcracker doll in the short time she had him. She carried him with her around the room everywhere and always made sure his tail stayed curled and tucked just so and his sword belt was sitting just right. It was like having her very own prince. She drifted around the ballrooma nd imagined what he would be like. Kind, caring, valiant, brave, he would be the kind of prince that would even impress Father, she was sure of it. And of course he would be a gentleman to Mother and she would love him too.
Maria was so wrapped up in her imagination that she didn't see how Fritz kept curiously glancing at the nutcracker. It was one of Herr Drosselmeyers toys, it had to do something cool. His curiosity just kept nagging and nagging at him until finally he gave. He snuck up to Maria and as she turned just a little bit, he snatched the nutcracker from her arms!
"Fritz, no! Give it back!"
"When I'm done, I wanna play with it and see what it does!"
"He's mine! Give him back Fritz!"
But Fritz was determined. With a sly grin he gave Maria a shove as he tucked the nutcracker under his arm and ran to the other side of the hall. He stopped by the large bowl of nuts left on the refreshments table. Several of the adults were looking to see what was going on, and the Lord and Lady Strahlbaum had started to rise as Maria - who had finally got her footing again and was running as fast as she could manage in her dress - hurried to catch up still calling at the top of her lungs for Fritz to give her her present back. Fritz ignored them all. He was determined to find out what the nutcracker could do. Maybe something special happened when you cracked a nut. Quickly Fritz searched through the bowl and found the biggest nut in the pile and shoved it into the nutcracker's mouth, but as he pushed down on the handle there was a resounding *CRACK*.
"....uh oh...." Fritz murmured and seeing that now both his parents and his sister were closing in on him, he dropped the nutcracker to the ground and sprinted away.
Maria dropped to her knees by the nutcracker and gently scooped him into her arms. In trying to crack so huge a nut, his jaw had broken and lay crooked and drooping. Maria couldn't help but cry even as she worked to tug a ribbon from her dress. She had waited so long to get her present from Herr Drosselmeyer and now that she had finally gotten him he'd been broken. She hadn't even had him a whole day yet! Yet even as she cried, she took the ribbon from her dress and bandaged his jaw.
Fritz had been accosted by his parents by this time and while Father was giving him a stern if quiet lecture and sending him to his room, Mother was collecting up all his toy soldiers and locking them in one of the display cabinets. Maria didn't care about her brother being punished. She headed to the only person who she thought might be able to help her little nutcracker and tugged on his coat pleadingly. "Herr Drosselmeyer, please...can you fix him?" she said as she held the nutcracker up for him to look at. The old toymaker paused in his conversation with one of the nobles and knelt down to take a look at the broken toy. "I don't have my tools with me, dear child, but I can take him to my shop and he'll be as good as new. I'll even bring him back in the morning for you.
"No!" Maria yelped and hugged the nutcracker closer to her. Drozzelmeyer looked surprised. "I..I mean, please don't take him. Can't he stay with me? Can't you come fix him in the morning? I'll take good care of him tonight, I promise!"
Drosselmeyer smiled a little at her and nodded. "As you wish. I'll come fix him first thing in the morning."
"Thank you, Herr Drosselmeyer," she said giving him a little curtsy before carrying the nutcracker with her over to her parents.
"It's almost time for bed, Maria," her mother chimed. "Here, let me put your doll up for you."
"Oh mother please, can't I keep him with me tonight? He's hurt!"
"You know what your Mother has said about having toys in bed," Lord Strahlbaum interjected firmly.
"Then...can I stay down here tonight? Please Father? Please Mother? I promise I'll go to bed. I promise!"
Her parents looked at each other for a moment before finally looking back at her. "Alright, you can sleep down here, but only for tonight, and only if you actually go to sleep!" Mother finally said. Maria gave her mother a hug and murmured a thank you into her dress. "Alright then, go upstairs and get changed into your pajamas and when our guests leave we'll have blankets brought down."
As Maria hurried upstairs to get ready for bed, the party was indeed breaking up. Mothers were herding their children out as the carriages were pulled up from the stable to carry them home, and the nobles were all bidding each other farewell. The servants were cleaning up the leftover food from the banquet and clearing out the tables and chairs from the ballroom. Finally all that was left was the beautiful glow of the Christmas tree as Maria came back downstairs and was tucked in under the blankets with the nutcracker by her side...
~'@ .:End of Act I:. @'~
