Christmas Q&A

X: Marcus, let’s start with you: What is your fondest Saturnalia memory?

M: The time when I chased Niall with a stick I stuck into a pile of shit.

N: That’s your favorite Saturnalia memory? What’s wrong with you?

M: The way you shrieked… It always makes me smile.

C, aiming her words at Niall: Why do you still choose to spend time with him?

N: …I’m not sure.

X: This question is for all of you. Do you have any embarrassing winter-related stories?

T: I, uh… I was overly excited about the first snowfall. I looked at the sky and almost fell into a well.

C: You should be more aware of your surroundings.

T: Yes. It was a mishap. I didn’t realize what beautiful little things snowflakes are. And you can actually catch them with your tongue. Quite lovely.

Camilla shakes her head.

N: Mine is the time I was chased with a stick that was stuck into a pile of crap.

M: Ha!

N: It’s not funny. I ran into tata’s friends. One of them strained their ankle and had to limp for months.

Camilla and Marcus snicker.

X: When it comes to mistletoes, who would take the target of their affections underneath it? Who would turn it into a mistle-foe?

C: If anyone would drag me underneath one, I’d punch them in the throat.

X: Yes, one vote for mistle-foe.

T: Ah! That peculiar little custom. I would love to take part in it.

X: You wouldn’t turn it into a throat-punching event?

T: Heavens, no! Unless it’s customary.

N: I would take certain someone underneath it. And…

M: Are you planning on kissing Hati?

N: NO!

M: Ha! Look at your little cheeks. So red.

Marcus pokes Niall. Niall grows increasingly angry.

X: What about you, Marcus?

M: I would love to be dragged underneath any and all mistletoes. My love knows no bounds.

X: Quinn?

Q: Depends on the person.

M: Would you smooch Hati?

Q: Don’t talk about them, you disgusting creature.

Marcus grins in contentment.

X: Quinn. How do Saturnalia and Yule compare?

Q: It’s not even a competition.

X: Yule is better? Please, elaborate.

Q: Yule is about family. Your loved ones. These idiots run around drunk in costumes and gamble and fornicate like the animals they are.

M&C&N: Hey!

Q: Truth hurts, you disgusting–

X: Yes, thank you, Quinn. Well, do you prefer cocoa with rum or mulled wine?

C: What is this rum?

Everyone is given some rum to taste.

Niall spits it out.

N: BAH! What poison is this?

Camilla smells the rum, then takes a sip. Her eyes squint in thought.

C: It’s not terrible.

She takes another sip.

C: Yes. It’s quite strong but it’s… peculiar.

She hums approvingly.

C: Quite strong. You said we’re supposed to drink this with this… ‘cocoa’? Another strong beverage?

Everyone is given some cocoa to taste.

Camilla nods.

C: Not strong. But sweet. It’s…

She smacks her lips.

C: Sweet. Yes. Excellent.

She fills her cup with rum, then adds some cocoa.

X: So, who prefers cocoa with rum?

M&N: It’s disgusting.

T: It is indeed quite strong. But it was a pleasant experience to taste something so new.

Camilla has drunk the whole cup and is pouring another one.

C: This is good.

M: Are you going to drink the whole bottle, mother drunkest?

M: Oops, I mean dearest.

Marcus grins and elbows Niall. Niall rolls his eyes. Camilla enjoys her drink.

Quinn’s eyes are fully widened.

X: Quinn? What’s wrong?

Q: …This beverage. This… cocoa.

They take a deep breath.

Q in a whispering voice: It’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.