GP - dreaming of a black christmas

[lcrpg_npc]

The repurposed railway arches that housed Beagle's bar and restaurant were decked in shades of black: black christmas trees glittering with sparkly and satiny black ornaments, black wreaths with perfectly tied bows, black garlands draping along the walls and bar, ribbons edging the long banquet benches in the restaurant dining room. A gentle snow seemed to fall from the ceiling, a specially designed lighting effect much more pleasant than the cold and wet that would've accompanied real snow. Christmas music played over hidden speakers, setting the mood without interfering with conversation.

The Kraken Black Christmas feast was a different spin on the holiday than you'd find most places, and yet, a christmas feast all the same. All the flavors of the season were there, both in the bar's specialty cocktails and in the feast itself, served banquet-style to those fortunate enough to get tickets - mulled wine, egg nog, roasts and stuffing and puddings, and so much more. Yet the food and drinks all shared the same theme as the decor, shades of black augmented with squid ink, charcoal, or black sesame seeds.

Guests had been encouraged to continue the theme with black festive attire, but it wasn't required, and spots of color could be found here and there along the table or mingling in the bar. There was one thing everyone could agree on, though. No matter how black the theme, the mood was anything but dark.

Comments

[show_me_something]

"Happy Christmas, dear." Victoria ran an appraising eye over James without appearing to do so, and decided he was well enough, which was really all one could hope for with James.

"I'll be sure to let Ivan know you didn't leave me to fend for myself tonight. He'll love that," she teased.

[0_0_7]

"I'm not sure I want to be on Ivan's bad side. Or his good side either, frankly," he tease, his eyes sparkling as he smiled.

[show_me_something]

A gentle laugh bubbled up as Victoria shook her head. "Perhaps for the best. You're really too similar to get on, if I had to guess." Ivan was a teddy bear with her, but he and James interacting could be inviting trouble, whether they were getting along well or at each other's throats.

[0_0_7]

"That would be my consensus as well," he chuckled. "But our common trait is that we both adore you so at least we have that to start from."

[show_me_something]

"There are worse starts." Victoria's eyes glittered with quiet amusement. There were few enough people who knew her well enough to like her, and she treasured the ones who did.

"I know how hard it can be with work, but tell me you have some plans for the holidays?"

[0_0_7]

"There are a few parties, and Q and I will likely trim a tree, but work rarely allows for plans. I wouldn't mind spending the holiday somewhere warm, though...work or pleasure, either way," he replied casually.

[show_me_something]

"As long as you manage to find some time together, I'm sure it'll be lovely." That was the most important thing, and the best James and Q could probably hope for. "I plan to enjoy the benefit of retirement, both here, and somewhere warm, if I can."

[0_0_7]

"A very good idea. I am quite looking forward to swimming, a good beer, and plenty of rest. I've got a feeling I'll be going to China soon to investigate the Em-drive business to see if there's any weight to it," he said casually, then sipped his drink.

[show_me_something]

"It's always something with work, isn't it?" she replied noncommittally. "If they're going to send you, that is."

[0_0_7]

"It is. It seems like it always has been," he agreed. "I don't mind. Appalling love for Queen and country and all..."