ic contact;

[psycholawgy]

You've reached Athena Cykes. I'm currently unavailable, but leave a message and I'll get back to you pronto. Danke! (voice/call → text → video → action)

Comments

[shacklebreaker]

[On the 6th January, or the 'thirteenth day' (because Simon breaks the rules and does what he wants), Taka will show up at Athena's window. Should she decide to let him in, there's a necklace in his beak, and a note tied to his leg:]

Dear Athena,

Thank you for that veritable avalanche of gifts over the past two weeks. Despite our trying circumstances, this has been the most enjoyable holiday season I have had in a very long time, and I have your kindness and generosity to thank in large part for that. I hope you have not left yourself struggling for money, after all that expense.

This necklace is another gift to you. The gem is a moonstone; while it is not as exciting as a true moon rock, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed such stones to be formed from the rays of the moon. Rather fitting for someone bearing the name of one of their goddesses, wouldn't you say?

If you're of a superstitious inclination, I also read that moonstones protect the bearer, balance the heart to defend it from excessive sensitivity, inspire inner strength, and can even be used to help find love. Balderdash, in my opinion, but you may believe whatever brings you comfort.

Dutifully yours,
Simon

[psycholawgy]

[ Wow you just ruined Christmas with your made-up day, thanks Simon!!!

She gives Taka couple of crackers before sending him back, and an hour or so after that, she knocks on Simon's door. Or, well, in this case, pounds on it. ]

Open up! This is the police!

[shacklebreaker]

[Blackquill opens the door, expression already one of exasperation.]

What is it, Officer Cykes? I hope you're not placing me under arrest.

[psycholawgy]

I'm just about to leave for work! [ She greets him with a big smile, bright and chipper as ever. ] I thought I'd wear the necklace, too. What do you think?

[ True enough, what's hanging around her neck is not Widget, but the necklace that she's just been given. ]

[shacklebreaker]

[He looks it over for a moment, then smiles.]

Hmph. It suits you well.

[psycholawgy]

Who knew you had an eye for pretty things! This is really nice, so thank you so much!

[shacklebreaker]

Is it really so surprising? An appreciation of beauty and aesthetics was integral to the samurai of yore.

[AS IF THAT EXPLAINS ANYTHING...]

But you are welcome. It could even protect you should there be any trouble in future, so I expect you to take good care of it. [Not that he expects there to be a repeat of what happened before new years any time soon, but who knows.]

[psycholawgy]

[ Was it really, though?! ]

It would be bad if it broke if something bad happened... I'll try to get a box for it.

[ But that's enough dilly-dallying. She checks her CereVice for the time. ] Anyway, I can take care of that later in the afternoon. I'll see you around!

[shacklebreaker]

All right. I'll drop by the cafe for lunch later, if I have time... Take care until then.

[psycholawgy]

This one's for good luck.

[ And she gives him a quick hug before running down the hallway and into an elevator. ]

Bye!

[shacklebreaker]

[He returns the hug with warmth, then when she reaches the elevator, he offers a lazy wave of goodbye, returning to his room only when the doors close and she disappears out of sight.

Hopefully this morning puts Athena in better spirits than she seems to have been of late.]