Topic: Holiday Party at the Rocking D Ranch

Jake Duncan

Date: 2009-12-11 19:31 EST
Jake was busy finishing off the last minute details of his tree trimming party. The long dining table was weighted down with all kinds of finger foods, cheeses, nuts and of course cookies as well as other holiday sweets. On the stove there was a kettle of warming water for tea, a pot of freshly brewed coffee on the counter sat a urn of hot chocolate and a punch bowl filled with eggnog.

Leaning back against the kitchen counter Jake helped himself to a steaming cup of coffee, a splash of the whiskey he had used for the eggnog had somehow found it's way inside the mug. As he eased the mug up for a sip he looked over the Christmas tree which now dominated the corner of his living room next to the fireplace.

"Looks pretty good if I do say so myself." Jake commented to Bobbi Sue as she lay curled up in front of the fire. The dog barely lifted her head as she cast a look towards Jake. "Of course it will look better once we get it decorated." This time the dog looked towards the tree as if to see for herself if Jake's appraisal was correct. With a loud sigh Bobbi Joe tucked her nose back under her paw, and busied herself with the important task of warming herself.

Back on earth in the 21st century Jake would have adorned the tree with hundreds of twinkling lights, but here with the dodgy at best electrical works, he figured it best for a more traditional tree like in his youth. In truth he was kind of glad. He had spools of thread at the ready to be donned with popcorn, and cranberries, a bowl filled with pine cones dusted with glitter ready to be hung; a good portion of the glitter still clinging to his hands and shirt sleeves not to mention the streak across his forehead he was unaware of.

Jake made a journey through the ranch house, pausing to light all the candles which illuminated the place in a festive glow. When he finished he grabbed the pot of coffee to warm his cup up. A glance was given out his kitchen window as he wondered who would arrive first.

Mira Cigargirl

Date: 2009-12-11 20:32 EST
Mira felt her way up the porch steps with her booted toes. The pile of boxes in her arms, besides limiting her view severely, was getting rather heavy. It did keep the wind out of her face for the most part, though.

"Hello Jake. Please be somewhere near the door." Mira called out half a second before she bumped into the door. She hoped that Bobbi Sue would delay greeting her until after the boxes had made it savely to a steady surface. It would be a shame if the pre-made walnut chocolate chip cherry crisp ended up on the floor. She was far less concerned about the boxes with the tree trimming pieces.

Jake Duncan

Date: 2009-12-12 18:36 EST
Jake had seen Mira, or atleast seen the stack of boxes she carried approching and was ready. Swinging the door open Jake was all smiles as he greeted her. "Happy Holidays Mirabelle!" He exclaimed as he set about helping relieve her arms of their burden. Bobbi Joe was helpful too, as much as simply laying by the fire and drumming a tattoo with her tail against the wood plank floor.

Once Jake had set the boxes down in the kitchen he turned back to Mira. "Can I help you with your coat?" He asked politely. He could wait a minute to point out the mistletoe that hung in the doorway.

Mira Cigargirl

Date: 2009-12-12 19:26 EST
"Jake, thank you. Happy Holidays to you, too." She nearly sighed with relieve when the boxes left her arms. "Those did get heavy. The top two are the cherry crisp. They'll just need a few minutes in your oven to get all warm and gooey again."

Mira had followed Jake into the kitchen and just now got a really good look at him. Her warm smile for him turned into a grin. She decided on the spot that glitter was a good look for Jake.

"You look very festive this afternoon." When she noticed his pointed look to her coat buttons she busied herself with them. "Of course you may have my coat, thank you. Did I manage to get here before anyone else did?"

Jake Duncan

Date: 2009-12-13 19:20 EST
Jake moved behind Mira to help her slip the coat off her shoulders. "You're the first one here. The others should be coming soon." As he slipped her coat off Jake leaned in to kiss Mira's cheek, his advance halted for just a moment. "You smell like chocolate." Jake said with a grin.

Mira Cigargirl

Date: 2009-12-13 20:37 EST
"Hmm." Was the all the reply she was able to get out just now with Jake leaning so wonderfully close. She'd tell him in a minute about her suspicion that her smelling of chocolate may be explained by her having made chocolate crisps, or perhaps that he was smelling the aromas wafting from the boxes rather than her. Mr. Franco did have it almost right in his paper; Jake was hot and a gentleman and good to her and hot. But there was more than just that in the way he looked at her just now. How was a girl to come up with a clever response in these circumstances"

"Rena and Elessaria both said that they were looking forward to the tree trimming party and that they would definitely be here." That was at best informative and not at all clever, but it would have to do. Just before she remembered the words in her mother's voice, 'keep your hands to yourself,' she had touched fingertips to Jake's forehead. The glitter there had just been too tempting. Now there was glitter on Jake's forehead and on her fingertips.

"I see you've been busy, too." Mira smiled to him. "Have you been dusting pine cones?"

Elessaria

Date: 2009-12-14 22:52 EST
Bundled up beneath the folds of midnight blue wool, Elessaria headed up the steps to the house that belonged to Jake. The elven empath admired the quiet rural setting to the ranch while she made the long walk from the center of town. Peaceful was becoming increasingly appealing to her as the busy holiday season kept her hopping at her parfumerie. In a tiny hand hung a woven, wicker basket in which she had placed some soaps infused with cedar, vetiver and cardamon along with a matching shaving lotion and after-shave. In addition was a small box of delicate madelines which she had baked just this morning. Hanging from the handle was her contribution to his tree.

At the stop step, she crossed the porch and knocked firmly on the door. "Jake" Mira" 'Tis Eless, " she called out cheerfully, her eyes shone with anticipation at spending the time with good friends.

NorseLady

Date: 2009-12-15 16:33 EST
Hearing about the holiday party at the Rocking D, and knowing she is invited, gives her pause to ponder attending or not. There she is, standing next to a snow-covered evergreen, ankle-deep in the fluffy white crystals, debating whether to continue down the road to Jake's ranch or return to her log home before someone notices her presence.

"Hva should I do' Hva should I do?" Quietly asks the Wintery outdoors.

Leather-encased hand raises to stroke over the scar above her left eyebrow; an old, unbroken habit.

"I just do not know hva to do!" Her tone of voice a little louder, full of frustration. "'Tis the first Yuletide without Eel-eye-ja, and I am still feeling sorrowful. Howe'er, I suppose I should attend the gathering lest anyone tenkes I am being ....hva is the word" ....anti-social. More than some mayhap already believe me to be."

Ceases that scar-stroking, and takes a deep, cleansing breath, then releases it slowly. A glance at the small package she holds in her right hand; it is prettily wrapped in festive paper and a matching bow. A gift that was to be for another no longer here, but she does not want it sitting around, unused. Besides, it is not too personal of a present to give to someone of the opposite gender.

Once again she asks, "Oh hva should I do?"

Jake Duncan

Date: 2009-12-15 22:57 EST
Jake was just about to answer Mira when he heard the knock at the door, and then Eless' voice. "Looks like Eless made it." He stated to Mira and then turned to answer the door.

He was unable to stand the smell of the walnut chocolate chip cherry crisp any longer and before opening the door he grabbed a spoon and helped himself to a taste test. When he opened the door for Eless he was grinning like the cat who ate the canary, spoon still sticking out of his mouth. "Happy Holidays Miss Eless!" He mumbled around the spoon.

Mira Cigargirl

Date: 2009-12-16 02:52 EST
"Elessaria, you made it. It's so good to see you." Mira had followed Jake to the door and now awaited her turn for a hug, still grinning about Jake finding her baking so irresistible. She got a glimpse of a figure in the distance over Elessaria's shoulder.

"Is that Rena per chance?" Mira thought out loud. But it couldn't be because Rena didn't have red hair. Then her attention was on Elessaria again, and the basket she carried. "Something smells good."

Elessaria

Date: 2009-12-19 00:31 EST
With a grin, she flicked the spoon hanging out of Jake's mouth and teased, "I know thy mother taught thee not to speak with thy mouth full, Jake." However the tone and sparkle of mischief in her gaze destroyed any seriousness to her statement; so, the diminutive elf handed the basket to Jake, still smiling. "Aye, 'tis me and not Santa Claus, I am afraid to say. Nor is Rena with me, " Eless added when she heard Mira, looking over her shoulder to the figure in the distance. "I believe that may be Shylah out there. Anyhow, I do thank thee kindly for including me in thy festivities."

Mira Cigargirl

Date: 2009-12-19 12:16 EST
"That's my fault. I brought some cherry crisp."Mira Chuckled softly as Eleassria admonished Jake and felt a wee bit guilty but also very pleased that she had provided the temptation.

"Really' Shylah is coming?" Mira's eyes lit up at Elessaria's words and, stepping around Elessaria, she raised an arm to wave to whom she now just knew had to be Shylah.

"You could go into the kitchen to warm up and have a taste to decide if Jake had a good or not so good excuse. I'll wait right here to welcome Shylah." Mira offered with a smile.

NorseLady

Date: 2009-12-20 15:48 EST
Lightest of blue gaze raises from the holiday gift held in gloved hand, coming to rest upon the three standing in the doorway of the main house. Their cheery voices carry over drifted snow, to the place where she remains rooted next to the tall, aromatic Pine.

"Oh! I have been spotted." Soft words spoken to the Winter wonderland; warm breath meeting chilly air in puffs of white.

Decision made, Mira's wave is returned. Frustration melts away as a smile forms, and the trek toward Jake's ranch begins.

Elessaria

Date: 2009-12-26 02:19 EST
Elessaria scootched past the couple in the doorway and headed directly for the kitchen where she stood next to the stove, stamping her feet lightly to warm them. She peeled off her cloak and hung it on an empty peg near the back door. On the table was the baked treat Mira mentioned; it both smelled and looked incredibly delicious. The elfess murmured, "No wonder he talked with his mouth full!" She found a clean spoon, then promptly helped herself to a taste of the dessert. "Oh my! This is delicious," she sighed, peeking back out of the kitchen while she waited for Shylah to join them at the house.