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

Re: OTA

[show_me_something]

"Not at all, Miss Ives." Victoria waved a hand toward the seat beside her. "Please, join me." It had been quite some time since she'd met the intriguingly observant younger woman, but Victoria rarely forgot a face. The evening looked to be more enjoyable now, with her for company.

Re: OTA

[miss_ives]

"Victoria," Vanessa greeted her with a warm smile, and took her seat beside the older woman. "An unexpected pleasure."

Re: OTA

[show_me_something]

"It's been far too long," Victoria said by way of agreement. "I hope you're well."

[miss_ives]

"As well as can be expected," Vanessa answered with a polite smile. "And yourself?"

[show_me_something]

"Oh, I'm always all right," Victoria replied smoothly. It wouldn't do to be anything but fine. "But I'll admit I've always loved this time of year."

[miss_ives]

"Have you?" Vanessa inquired, picking up her glass to take a sip.

[show_me_something]

"Hm. It suits the perfectionist in me, I believe." With the baking and decorating and such. "Then there are all the lights, sitting by a warm fire... Although I'm just as fond of a quiet Christmas on a tropical beach somewhere."

[miss_ives]

Vanessa was very briefly distracted by the intriguing flavour of her black drink, but then she focused back on Victoria. "Are you? I've always associated Christmas with winter. The hazards of spending every one of them in Britain, I suppose."

[show_me_something]

"One of the benefits of early retirement: I can enjoy both. Part of the season in London, and only a hop on a plane necessary when I've had enough of the cold." Victoria sipped at her own drink, then around the rim of the glass added, "My friend lives much of the year in Moscow. Caribbean breezes will beat Russian winter every time, if I have the choice."

[miss_ives]

"Not having known either, I feel more interested in visiting Moscow than any tropical island," Vanessa answered with a hint of a smile.

[show_me_something]

"Not surprising. Of the two, I could more easily picture you in Moscow." The idea of Vanessa relaxing with sun and surf wasn't impossible, just unlikely, if Victoria had to guess. "You should go sometime. There are museums and libraries that shouldn't be missed."

[miss_ives]

"It is certainly an idea," Vanessa agreed, not empty words. She would actually consider it, perhaps sooner rather than later.

[show_me_something]

Victoria gave a tiny nod, liking the idea, whether it went further than that or not. But then movement caught her eye as servers came in from the kitchens. "Ah, the black roast beast. One adventure at a time, hm?"

[miss_ives]

"Let us hope this one isn't too much of an adventure," Vanessa replied with sparkling eyes. She was hoping that the food would actually be good, and not worth being called an adventure.

[show_me_something]

"More feast, less peril?"

It smelled good, anyway, as the servers set the food out on the tables. And looked – intriguing. "It'll be fine. A lovely meal, and a story to tell from now on, about the Christmas we ate an entirely black meal."

[miss_ives]

"In good company," Vanessa completed for her, watching the food arriving with curious bright eyes.

[show_me_something]

"In good company," Victoria agreed, raising her glass to the woman who made up that good company.