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Post by Belle on Dec 18, 2008 20:21:26 GMT -5
*The castle had been completely transformed. The corners had been cleared of cobwebs, the more grotesque of the statues had been stuffed away in various storage areas, and a new warm glow permeated the once drafty halls.
Ribbons, tinsel, candles and evergreen branches covered every corner and every surface, and there were sprigs of mistletoe and holly mounted in doorways and corners. In the library, a cheery fire was going in the fireplace, and a space had been cleared for a massive Christmas tree, lavishly decorated with bells, delicate glass balls and tinsel.
All of these things hadn't been there the night before. Belle was in the library, before the Graf was usually awake, putting the finishing touches on the tree. She was humming and smirking a little to herself. She couldn't wait to see his face.*
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Post by Graf von Krolock on Dec 18, 2008 21:01:14 GMT -5
Fresh from a trip about Paris (he was trying, really, to get out more) Krolock was looking forward to a quiet evening at the castle.
He wasn't expecting what he found, which was...
Christmas?
Krolock had celebrated it before, but not like this. The last time there'd been one like it was...
When he'd still been human.
He slowly walked the halls, a look on his face that had likely not been seen there in a long time: peaceful.
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Post by Belle on Dec 18, 2008 21:13:34 GMT -5
*She sensed Johannes moving about the castle and smiled to herself. She debated whether or not to go find him, but decided to stay put once she'd finished the tree. She pulled a book from a nearby shelf and curled up by the fire, looking for all the world like she'd been there hours.*
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Post by Graf von Krolock on Dec 18, 2008 21:34:26 GMT -5
He moved at an even pace, exploring the seemingly-new fortress around him. Around every corner there seemed to be something different to discover. Finally, he came upon the tree.
Flashes memories long ago buried surfaced at the sight of it. He almost wanted to weep, though not from sadness.
He glanced at Belle, who was looking quite nonchalant.
"I don't suppose you know who did all this?"
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Post by Belle on Dec 18, 2008 21:38:29 GMT -5
*She looked up, unable to suppress a grin.*
"Guilty. I got Cal and Igor to help."
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Post by Graf von Krolock on Dec 18, 2008 22:16:54 GMT -5
Without a word, he moved over to her and pulled her into a ferocious hug.
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Post by Belle on Dec 18, 2008 22:21:18 GMT -5
*She laughed in sudden surprise, hugging him back.*
"I'm glad you like it."
*She hadn't been sure if he would- holiday cheer wasn't really his taste.*
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Post by Graf von Krolock on Dec 19, 2008 7:41:23 GMT -5
"It's...been a very long time since I was reminded of my childhood." He said softly.
"Those were some of the better days that I've seen."
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Post by Belle on Dec 19, 2008 15:10:52 GMT -5
*She smiled and kissed him lightly.*
"I always had these sort of decorations at home, even though it was much smaller."
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Post by Graf von Krolock on Dec 19, 2008 15:20:43 GMT -5
He kissed her back, bearing a smile of his own.
"I'm glad for your flash of inspiration. It's been ages since these walls saw anything like this."
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Post by Belle on Dec 26, 2008 23:17:02 GMT -5
She grinned.
"It looked so dark and gray that I couldn't resist. And we have to invite everyone for Christmas. This place is too big to keep empty."
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Post by Graf von Krolock on Dec 29, 2008 16:08:52 GMT -5
"In that you are right," he said enthusiastically.
"We should, at the least, have Herbert and Aziraphale here."
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