[ On the morning of the 25th, Sieglinde will wake up with a box elegantly tied off with a red bow set beside her bed. There's a piece of parchment paper tucked underneath the ribbon, which reads: ]
Master Sullivan,
It is a bit difficult to tell when we are separate from our own world and calendar, but the seasonal activities are quite reminiscent of Christmas, I find. I do not know how much you may know of the holiday, but all the same, there is at least one tradition that I would like to extend to you. For a servant to give a gift to their master is a bit against etiquette, but I had been working on this regardless, and it seemed as good a time as any. As a tradition of the outside world, I hope you will accept it, whether it is on the occasion of the birth of Christ or not.
As a young lady, your time as a debutante will come sooner rather than later, and so you will need a formal dress to suit the occasion. Please consider this a token of my continued appreciation, and I hope that you wear it in occasions where you may proudly show your status as the noble Green Witch.
Your faithful servant, Sebastian Michaelis
[ And inside, Sieglinde will find an elegantdress sized to fit Sieglinde perfectly. Sebastian may have claimed to not be a tailor, but you really have to wonder when he makes things like this... The embroidery and beading is all done by hand, which may raise the question of when he managed to have time to do such a thing. But. It's Sebastian. He makes time. ]
being my castmate means I will always jump on these opportunitie!!
[Far more used to the rituals of the winter solstice's witches sabbat, Sieglinde hadn't precisely been expecting presents. To wake up to a box and a note was rather novel, and reading the words made her excited for the contents-
Which did not disappoint. Uttering a sound of wonder, she pulled the dress from the box- it was so light, in both weight and color! The sleeves were so very short! The embroidery and beading was so fine! Compared to the normal clothing she'd received at the Green Manor, usually blacks and greens, long-sleeved with fuller skirts, this was quite different...
And she wanted to try it.]
Sebastian?
[Called out excitedly even as she tried to shuck her sheets off while still holding on to the dress. She couldn't hear or see him, but- Sebastian was always around when she needed him!]
[ And indeed, he's absolutely not far at all... He could have just given the gift to her later in the day, but he had imagined that the novelty would thrill her at least a little. In her little studio, there's probably a section cordoned off for Sebastian's use with a modest curtain. It really only has an equally modest cot (which he's never actually used) and a small table that he uses as a desk (much more frequently used). The curtain is partially opened, which is a sign that he's there and awake, and he chuckles to himself when he hears Sieglinde stir and open the present.
By the time she speaks to him, he stands from his desk and closes the journal he had been working on. He peeks out as if he's just checking on her, though of course by his wry, pleased smile, he's just being playful. ]
[Sieglinde finally gets her sheets off, scooting around in bed to swing her bandaged legs over the side, all but bouncing with excitement.]
And a happy birthday to your Jesus, as well!
[Christ's Mass was the domain of Christians, as she understood it- so Ciel and Sebastian were probably of that inclination at least publicly... (there was the pesky matter of that demon worshiping cult, but) And she'd been doing some research on the customs!
- well, that part had been the contribution of a certain Norse trickster god that Sieglinde was still reluctant to believe in, but.
[ Well, that is not the response that he was expecting, but it easily gets Sebastian to laugh. That should catch on, he thinks! It's much less stuffy and more to the point, isn't it? Ah, well. He's probably not allowed to criticize religious customs, all things considered. ]
Well, well, it seems you do know a bit about Christmas after all! A happy Christmas to you as well, in that case.
[ He walks over towards the bed now that she's quite clearly up, and cheerfully so. Sebastian stops smoothly by the fireplace to put the kettle on the fire, since of course he'll prepare her tea for the morning now that she's up. ]
I was worried that you may not have heard of it, considering it is not quite a holiday of witches... But it is not a bad holiday, at the very least.
I had not- but I have been researching most thoroughly!
[It was a bit difficult, of course, seeing as most people seemed to have quite different ideas, but she was piecing together the general gist of things.
Sieglinde held the dress out at arm's length, clearly pleased at her gift, feet kicking slightly and admiring the embroidery and beading.]
That is excellent! That is the sort of studious nature that I am quite glad to see. Though, out of pure curiosity, what have you managed to learn thus far? I imagine learning of our world here is an uniquely challenging task.
[ The kettle is set over the fire properly once Sebastian takes the time to add another log to the hearth. After that, he comes to stand at her bedside and brings a hand up to his chest as the obedient gesture of a perfect servant. Despite that, his smile is very warm and pleased, so it's not quite that formal. ]
I am so glad you like it. It has been quite a task keeping all of the work secret! Not that I am complaining, mind you, since I enjoy those little challenges. [ to say the least ] It is perhaps a bit formal to wear regularly... But I thought that it is better to be prepared. I can make something for you to wear casually in no time at all, but if you needed something formal, well! That is another matter entirely.
[ He's almost glowing under the praise... He gets this so rarely, so he has to take it where he can. ]
Everyone seems to have a slightly different idea of things due to the nature of their worlds, but I know now about the Santa Claus, and the gifts and mistil.
[Very important cultural studies, those. It came a bit less easily to her than the hard sciences, but she was a learner through and through... even if it meant she sometimes picked up information that wasn't exactly accurate.
She was free with her praise, at least, her open expression reflecting only the innocent glee any child would have upon receiving a present Christmas morning. Something to wear on formal occasions... she did not know if such a time would come soon, but she desired to try it on at the very least- surely she could wear it any time she wasn't working...]
Very clever, that, by the way- using an innocent plant as an excuse to extort kisses...
At the very least, Christmas traditions are hardly set in stone. They change quite frequently, actually...
[ Well, so far as Sebastian is concerned. If traditions change every century, then it seems quite quick to him... So maybe he's actually a bad person to ask about this. The mischievous expression on her face is something that he recognizes, but at least Ciel isn't here to be subject to it. Which is actually a shame, honestly, because Sieglinde gently and unintentionally bullying Ciel is gold. ]
Oh? Yes, I did see people—ah—affected by it a few days ago. It is a bit clever, though dear me... With that expression, did you happen to extort one of your own, Master Sullivan?
[Rather pleased with herself and hoping to be asked that question since it would give her a chance to brag a little bit, Sieglinde's response to that was a lofty sniff, a dismissive wave of her chemise sleeve.]
No one of consequence, I am afraid.
[Read: someone her own damn age]
It was enough for them to place a kiss upon my hand.
[Also read: when faced with the actual inevitable possibility of a real actual kiss, she had chickened out.]
[ Sebastian nods approvingly, since this fits with what's correct and expected for a lady (so far as he understands it, anyways), but he also can't help but laugh gently too. ]
My goodness... I hope that this does not mean that you have a suitor, Master Sullivan. If I should have to chase off the young gentlemen coming for your hand, it would be a strange change of pace from the young master?
[ Because anyone but Lizzy is sane and runs the other way... ]
[ It really is hard not to laugh. She's so precocious that it really is quite funny! ]
Well, I suppose I cannot disagree. They would be rather hard to find here, I imagine, so practicality may win out. Though do take care! Older men are not so considerate of a lady's virtue. If you ever have a problem with a young man being untoward, do let me know.
A gentleman is not. So you had nothing to worry about from the young master nor any you would have encountered at the time. However...
[ He's definitely teasing her here. He can't help himself, because this is what happens when he doesn't have Ciel to relentlessly bully all the time. ]
Who knows of the men here? With all sorts of different people and worlds, I cannot be so confident in my assessment.
[ Sebastian has to wonder about that, since it doesn't quite sound like the shy, polite woman he met. Let's see just what Sieglinde is misinterpreting— ]
How do you mean, Master Sullivan? That sounds quite untoward...
[Though she speaks about it as something of a badge of honor...]
When we first met after the prison incident and she came into my residence, she became quite embarrassed and apologized several times for her wandering gaze.
[Never mind that... Masamune had been shirtless and bandaged in bed at that time.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
being my castmate means i'll be like 90% of this inbox probably
Master Sullivan,
It is a bit difficult to tell when we are separate from our own world and calendar, but the seasonal activities are quite reminiscent of Christmas, I find. I do not know how much you may know of the holiday, but all the same, there is at least one tradition that I would like to extend to you. For a servant to give a gift to their master is a bit against etiquette, but I had been working on this regardless, and it seemed as good a time as any. As a tradition of the outside world, I hope you will accept it, whether it is on the occasion of the birth of Christ or not.
As a young lady, your time as a debutante will come sooner rather than later, and so you will need a formal dress to suit the occasion. Please consider this a token of my continued appreciation, and I hope that you wear it in occasions where you may proudly show your status as the noble Green Witch.
Your faithful servant,
Sebastian Michaelis
[ And inside, Sieglinde will find an elegant dress sized to fit Sieglinde perfectly. Sebastian may have claimed to not be a tailor, but you really have to wonder when he makes things like this... The embroidery and beading is all done by hand, which may raise the question of when he managed to have time to do such a thing. But. It's Sebastian. He makes time. ]
being my castmate means I will always jump on these opportunitie!!
Which did not disappoint. Uttering a sound of wonder, she pulled the dress from the box- it was so light, in both weight and color! The sleeves were so very short! The embroidery and beading was so fine! Compared to the normal clothing she'd received at the Green Manor, usually blacks and greens, long-sleeved with fuller skirts, this was quite different...
And she wanted to try it.]
Sebastian?
[Called out excitedly even as she tried to shuck her sheets off while still holding on to the dress. She couldn't hear or see him, but- Sebastian was always around when she needed him!]
hella
By the time she speaks to him, he stands from his desk and closes the journal he had been working on. He peeks out as if he's just checking on her, though of course by his wry, pleased smile, he's just being playful. ]
Why, good morning, Master Sullivan.
no subject
[Sieglinde finally gets her sheets off, scooting around in bed to swing her bandaged legs over the side, all but bouncing with excitement.]
And a happy birthday to your Jesus, as well!
[Christ's Mass was the domain of Christians, as she understood it- so Ciel and Sebastian were probably of that inclination at least publicly... (there was the pesky matter of that demon worshiping cult, but) And she'd been doing some research on the customs!
- well, that part had been the contribution of a certain Norse trickster god that Sieglinde was still reluctant to believe in, but.
It was the thought that counted?]
no subject
Well, well, it seems you do know a bit about Christmas after all! A happy Christmas to you as well, in that case.
[ He walks over towards the bed now that she's quite clearly up, and cheerfully so. Sebastian stops smoothly by the fireplace to put the kettle on the fire, since of course he'll prepare her tea for the morning now that she's up. ]
I was worried that you may not have heard of it, considering it is not quite a holiday of witches... But it is not a bad holiday, at the very least.
no subject
[It was a bit difficult, of course, seeing as most people seemed to have quite different ideas, but she was piecing together the general gist of things.
Sieglinde held the dress out at arm's length, clearly pleased at her gift, feet kicking slightly and admiring the embroidery and beading.]
This is a splendid gift!
no subject
[ The kettle is set over the fire properly once Sebastian takes the time to add another log to the hearth. After that, he comes to stand at her bedside and brings a hand up to his chest as the obedient gesture of a perfect servant. Despite that, his smile is very warm and pleased, so it's not quite that formal. ]
I am so glad you like it. It has been quite a task keeping all of the work secret! Not that I am complaining, mind you, since I enjoy those little challenges. [ to say the least ] It is perhaps a bit formal to wear regularly... But I thought that it is better to be prepared. I can make something for you to wear casually in no time at all, but if you needed something formal, well! That is another matter entirely.
[ He's almost glowing under the praise... He gets this so rarely, so he has to take it where he can. ]
no subject
[Very important cultural studies, those. It came a bit less easily to her than the hard sciences, but she was a learner through and through... even if it meant she sometimes picked up information that wasn't exactly accurate.
She was free with her praise, at least, her open expression reflecting only the innocent glee any child would have upon receiving a present Christmas morning. Something to wear on formal occasions... she did not know if such a time would come soon, but she desired to try it on at the very least- surely she could wear it any time she wasn't working...]
Very clever, that, by the way- using an innocent plant as an excuse to extort kisses...
no subject
[ Well, so far as Sebastian is concerned. If traditions change every century, then it seems quite quick to him... So maybe he's actually a bad person to ask about this. The mischievous expression on her face is something that he recognizes, but at least Ciel isn't here to be subject to it. Which is actually a shame, honestly, because Sieglinde gently and unintentionally bullying Ciel is gold. ]
Oh? Yes, I did see people—ah—affected by it a few days ago. It is a bit clever, though dear me... With that expression, did you happen to extort one of your own, Master Sullivan?
no subject
No one of consequence, I am afraid.
[Read: someone her own damn age]
It was enough for them to place a kiss upon my hand.
[Also read: when faced with the actual inevitable possibility of a real actual kiss, she had chickened out.]
no subject
My goodness... I hope that this does not mean that you have a suitor, Master Sullivan. If I should have to chase off the young gentlemen coming for your hand, it would be a strange change of pace from the young master?
[ Because anyone but Lizzy is sane and runs the other way... ]
no subject
[Her sleeve wave is even more dismissive this time around, tsking softly at the idea of "young gentleman" suitors.]
I see no point in wasting time on men younger than myself.
[... I mean, honestly, they'd be ten. Far too immature and inexperienced in the world.]
no subject
[ It really is hard not to laugh. She's so precocious that it really is quite funny! ]
Well, I suppose I cannot disagree. They would be rather hard to find here, I imagine, so practicality may win out. Though do take care! Older men are not so considerate of a lady's virtue. If you ever have a problem with a young man being untoward, do let me know.
[ he'll get his shotgun ]
no subject
I thought you said that men were not as my books had described them....
[WHICH ONE WAS IT, SEBASTIAN.]
no subject
[ He's definitely teasing her here. He can't help himself, because this is what happens when he doesn't have Ciel to relentlessly bully all the time. ]
Who knows of the men here? With all sorts of different people and worlds, I cannot be so confident in my assessment.
no subject
[She appears quite thoughtful about this very important matter, please excuse her and the look still on her face....]
And the women have proved equally as salacious...
no subject
[ Sebastian laughs again, and he cants his head lightly. ]
Dare I ask who?
[ because you are NOT ALLOWED TO HANG OUT WITH THEM... Sieglinde you're bad enough on your own, we don't need more bad influences. ]
no subject
[Didn't courtesans usually get referred to as "companions", and "dancers", and "actresses"?
Not that she's judging courtesans, but. This is a particularly salacious one.]
no subject
[ He hasn't met anyone else to call themselves dancers, at least... Sebastian does laugh at Sieglinde's assumption, and he shakes his head. ]
I am not sure if it is code though, Master Sullivan. She does not strike me as the type.
no subject
[His reaction confuses her- but then, the woman herself was quite confusing.]
She appears most unable to speak clearly, but she has been quite lecherous with her gaze and my person in the past.
[She has felt the weight of her leer!!]
no subject
[ Sebastian has to wonder about that, since it doesn't quite sound like the shy, polite woman he met. Let's see just what Sieglinde is misinterpreting— ]
How do you mean, Master Sullivan? That sounds quite untoward...
no subject
[Though she speaks about it as something of a badge of honor...]
When we first met after the prison incident and she came into my residence, she became quite embarrassed and apologized several times for her wandering gaze.
[Never mind that... Masamune had been shirtless and bandaged in bed at that time.]
no subject
[ Sebastian definitely sounds doubtful, but he pauses momentarily before he questions it futher. ]
And, Master Sullivan? I get the impression that there is a bit more to this story.
no subject
[She looked at him as if she had no idea what he was inferring.]
She has been plying me with foods and apologies ever since.