[He's so bad at this. He's so bad at reaching out, especially when it's his fault he stepped on a friendship. He's so bad at friendships. Still, Caleb was a good man, one of the first he knew here, and the last thing he deserved was Chris vanishing on him because of his own issues.
So he reaches out the only way he knows how to start: abruptly and without so much as a 'hello.']
You know the tall warehouse near the Down public housing? S'got a fence around it. Meet me around the back of it some night soon. I'm available tonight, if you are.
All of Nate’s gifts are delivered via a fluttering origami bird, which flies directly to the recipient and puts the gift into their hands. Once it’s given, the bird will unfold into a note, which explains what the charm inside will do, and how to activate it. When the note has been read, it will explode into a miniature display of multi-coloured fireworks, which spell out “Yuletide wishes from Nate!” and then vanish.
Caleb receives a stud for his other nipple (with a promise to pierce it for him). It’s enchanted for sexual pleasure, and will have a different effect every time it’s activated, depending on what kink Caleb’s most interested in at that moment. Also, a cuff charm for his ear, enchanted to put a magical shield around him. It has no on/off switch, but activates when he’s in danger.
On Christmas Eve, the Theatre will also be full of homemade Yuletide food and drink, for everyone who works there to enjoy.
[Either left at their home or given in person, Chris leaves a present for the few people he's connected with.
A small package tied with a raven card as signature, along with the gift itself is a small note and a plain black votive candle.]
City's got some other holiday on, but back home it's about time for Candleglow. You exchange presents to share in the year's wealth with people who you hope have wealth in the coming year. It's also a ceremony where everyone in the Moonsea lights a candle at the turn of the year and either sits with their loved ones until it burns out or sets it to sail in the Moonsea all around the shores.
I'll be at the beach at midnight when the year turns, you're welcome to come burn it with me or set sail in the tidepool or just keep it for yourself. No pressure or judgement either way.
Keep an eye on yourself. I've got your back.
-C.S.
[Caleb's present is a hand-sized switchblade whose blade edge glows a faint purple light, the only indication it's been enchanted. An extra note simply says 'For protection.']
Edited (LOL YOU DIDN'T SEE THAT) 2020-12-27 05:56 (UTC)
[ From the front, he looks kind of normal. A selfie nude in the bathroom, though both arms are visible, so maybe a photograph? But in the mirror is a tattoo made up of a single initial along with a few arcane symbols. If one were to look carefully. ]
[Sent as he's leaving the theater, on the day he's killed, to Francis and Caleb.] Hey, I'm headed back. Either of you want me to pick up anything on the way tonight?
[About three days or so after Caleb is told of Eliot's death, he gets a text from Eliot.]
I'm having the most unwelcome sense of deja vu ever. Please be here and let this not be some kind of Groundhog day scenario, because I've already played that game.
And if possible, clothes and shoes would be fantastic.
[ On Christmas morning, a small package will appear at the foot of Caleb's bed.
Inside is a pendant, a long one, set with a diamond-shaped, ruby stone. Its frame is yellow gold, with clean lines and a fine chain that's a good deal stronger than it looks. It radiates with a strange kind of power which does not feel like Nate's.
But there's a note attached. ]
Normally, I make my own presents, but I made an exception. It's like the necklace I wear, charmed to protect you. Wear this, and you can take a blow that would otherwise kill you. You'll still be weak, but you'll have time to escape or drink one of these potions.
I want you to be safe all the time, and it's not in my power. This is the best I can do.
I love you. N
[ Beneath the jewellery box, there's a set of six vials full of a bright golden liquid. ]
[There's a delivery made to Caleb's home with a small tag attached to the parcel that features a picture of a raven and a small note:
Use this to boost your luck with whatever you're trying to do, works once a day, take care of yourself. Happy Candleglow, may your path remain illuminated through the year. -Chris
[Once unwrapped, the present appears to be a small raven-shaped charm that can be attached to anything, it has Guidance enchanted into it.]
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