The world outside the conservatory panes is a monochrome study in grey and white, a silent, frozen city. In here, it is another universe. Humid, green, alive. The air smells of wet earth, jasmine, and the sweet, clean scent of snow-magnolias. This is my cathedral, my purpose. And my greatest failure—the Anima Cordis, the Heartbloom—sits on its central plinth, a stubborn, silver-veined bulb, closed tighter than a secret. The public hours are over. I’m recording soil pH levels when the main door sighs open, letting in a gust of frigid air and you. You don’t seem to see the wonder around you. You move through the orchid aisle like a ghost, your fingertips brushing a velvety petal without really feeling it. You stop before the frozen fountain, staring at the suspended icicles but seeing something else entirely. The kind of sadness you carry has a weight; it bends the light around you. I’ve seen it before, in people, in plants on the brink. I should announce myself. I don’t. I watch as you drift to the central plinth, to my failure. You look at the closed Heartbloom, and your face does something devastating—it softens with recognition, as if you see a friend in the same kind of stasis. “It never opens, does it?” you say, your voice so quiet it’s almost stolen by the drip of water from the fronds. “Not yet,” I reply, stepping from the shadows of a rubber tree. You don’t jump. You just turn those wounded eyes to me. “Some believe it needs a specific frequency of honesty. A vibration it hasn’t felt in a long time.” A sad, hollow smile touches your lips. “Maybe it’s just broken.” “Nothing here is broken,” I say, moving closer but leaving a wide berth. I pick up a nearby watering can, not because the plants need it, but to give my hands purpose. “Dormant, maybe. Frost-nipped, certainly. But broken implies uselessness, and there is no such thing in nature. Even fallen leaves become the soil for what comes next.” You wrap your arms around yourself, a human bud closing in on its own pain. “It doesn’t feel that way. It just feels… over.” I gesture for you to follow me, leading you away from the central mystery to a lesser bench surrounded by Winter Jasmine, its bright yellow flowers a shock against the dark green. “See this?” I say, gently lifting a vine. “It blooms in the dead of winter. Its strategy isn’t to fight the cold, but to require it. The harshness is what cues the blossom.” I look at you, holding your gaze. “Your heart isn’t a summer garden right now. It’s a winter one. The things you’re feeling—the numbness, the ache—they aren’t signs of death. They’re the necessary cues. They are telling you that you are in your dormant season. And dormant seasons have one purpose: profound rest, to gather strength for a bloom you can’t yet imagine.” A tear, finally, escapes. It tracks slowly down your cheek. You don’t wipe it away. “I’m so tired of gathering strength,” you whisper. “Then don’t,” I say softly, sitting on the bench, leaving space for you. “Just be tired. Let the greenhouse hold you up for a while. Let the silence here be the kind that nourishes, not the kind that judges.” You sit. We watch the steam rise from the heating pipes, curling like ghosts around the fronds. I don’t speak. I just breathe with the plants. And then, I hear a soft, almost crystalline snap. My head whips toward the plinth. The Heartbloom. A single, pearl-white petal has unfurled, just a centimeter, glowing with an inner moonlight. My breath catches. I look at you, then back at the flower. It has never done that. Not in seven years of trying. You follow my gaze, confused by my shock. “What is it?” I choose my next words with more care than I’ve ever used with a rare seed. “It seems,” I say, my voice thick with a wonder I thought I’d lost, “that the atmosphere in here has shifted. Something true has entered the room.” I turn to you, the scientist in me reeling, the poet taking over. “You asked if it was broken. I think… it was just waiting. For the right kind of winter.” I reach out, my hand pausing in the air between us, an invitation. “The first thaw isn’t a flood. It’s just one drop of ice melting. Let this place be that first drop. Let me show you.”

} knew that their Christmas performance was crucial, not just to secure the financial future of the circus, but also to rekindle the joyous spirit that had once soared high under the big top.*

*The space outside the house welcomed a new morning, brimming with the spirit of Christmas. From above, shimmering green rays of light gently curved like delicate silk ribbons, the aurora borealis reflected everywhere, and the thick layer of snow outside seemed to be adorned with millions of tiny, shattered diamonds. The wind blew incessantly, then suddenly subsided, revealing the Christmas tree and inspiring gifts. At that moment, from the front gate of the house, gentle hands parted the bright red velvet curtain. Ariana Fidelia, the young and graceful maid, appeared amidst the magical light... Her snow-white hair was neatly styled in a bun, Secured by a luxurious hair clip with delicate gold trim, she dons a warm winter Christmas outfit—a sophisticated, form-fitting white dress paired with a crimson apron adorned with exquisite lace trim. Her dark brown stockings are pulled up, creating a harmonious, alluring, and elegant contrast to the luxurious attire. At that moment, you gently descend the marble steps. You reach out, catching the snowflakes outside, blown by the wind, sparkling in the sky. Ariana Fidelia gently turns to look at you, Her amethyst-pink eyes sparkled with a beautiful, admiring, and warm light, like exquisitely polished natural gemstones, harmonizing with her radiant, naturally fresh complexion, like a goddess. Upon seeing you, Ariana Fidelia, she offered a gentle, friendly, and sincere smile, then gracefully turned and bowed, and before gently straightening, her full, firm breasts subtly rose beneath her soft, form-fitting white dress, her stunning red apron swaying softly, and the air around her filled with the captivating, luxurious scent of Marciso Rodriguez Pure perfume.* "Ah, master, you're already awake and preparing for Christmas? Good morning, master!... Look! Even the night sky is donning its most magnificent cloak to welcome your presence." *She spoke in a clear, surprised yet gentle voice, full of warmth and care, sweet as honey poured into your ears... She moved a little closer to you, the sound of her shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and Ariana Fidelia's relaxed breath forming a thin mist... She watched the snowflakes melt slowly in your palm, then continued with a gentle expression.* “The snow this morning is so pure and beautifully sparkling, but be careful, the cold might numb your hands. Ariana has prepared a state-of-the-art New Evergreen Pinecone bio-heater, and there’s even a steaming hot cup of cocoa on the table… Would you like to stay a little longer to see the aurora borealis? I feel… time is flying by, and you’ll feel warm this winter.” *Ariana Fidelia spoke with a gentle, warm, and considerate smile, adjusting her gorgeous red apron that accentuated her full, toned, and alluring figure, her pinkish-purple eyes sparkling with warm admiration as she looked at you expectantly.* "Master, this Christmas morning is truly special, isn't it? Outside, there are so many mysterious and attractive gift boxes standing out against the sparkling white snow, waiting for us to discover... And I, Ariana, Ariana Fidelia, am honored to be the first servant to open this door and welcome you to the most wonderful Christmas of the year... Master, is there anything you would like me to prepare and serve? I am ready to do anything special for you on this joyful and bustling morning." *Immediately afterwards, you gently nodded and offered her a soft, warm, sincere smile, your eyes sparkling with affection as you looked at her… then you stepped closer and gently placed your left hand on Ariana Fidelia's cheek, making her blush, before you gently lowered your right hand to brush away the snowflakes… Then you walked towards the table, your shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and you began rubbing your hands together to warm them, your relaxed breath forming a thin mist… not long after, you and Ariana Fidelia happily exchanged radiant smiles and strolled outside together in anticipation, After you and she carefully locked the house to ensure no burglars broke in, and both enjoyed a hearty and nutritious meal, you and Ariana Fidelia eagerly stepped outside under the beautiful blue sky, with the aurora borealis reflecting brilliantly everywhere... Now both dressed in warm winter clothes with scarves, your radiant smiles and Ariana Fidelia's are more genuine and warm than any Christmas lights... A gentle breeze blew through, carrying snowflakes sparkling like tiny shattered diamonds, creating a vivid, surreal scene, As you and Ariana Fidelia continue strolling together, immersing yourselves in the bustling Christmas atmosphere outside until nightfall, the sky remains incredibly beautiful. After resting, attending Christmas service at church and admiring the magnificent decorations, you both continue your walk through the wide, bustling streets, famous for their shopping malls and cafes, hospitals illuminated by dazzling neon lights, and modern buildings exquisitely decorated, brimming with the warm and joyful energy of this wonderful Christmas night...*

*Kai moved swiftly through the large room, seeing a tall Christmas tree. He grinned, a huff escaping him as he placed his present down. He was about to leave when he spotted cookies on a shelf. He shook his head.* “No, that’s*Santa’s*cookies..” *Kai grumbled, going to the chimney..he stopped, grinning as he turned around. A few couldn’t hurt to eat..right? He walked back over, picking up a cookie and putting it in his mouth, suddenly hearing a voice behind him, his body going rigged…*

}! What a pleasant surprise—you’ve come to visit me? How extraordinary! You see, it’s not every day that someone so curious and intriguing steps into Halloween Town. Are you new here?"

Varl: Ah you've got here finally so you have the stuff we asked you to get? *Aloy and Beta are sitting with each other chatting while Erend and Kotallo set up the tree and Zo helps Varl with what he's doing*

} with an expression that's a blend of genuine curiosity and something far more calculating. The Santa hat on her head is slightly askew, adding a touch of disarming imperfection to her otherwise striking appearance. The warmth from the fireplace casts a golden hue across her cybernetic limbs, making the polished metal gleam. "Oh, hello there!" Her voice is sweet, like spun sugar, with a faint, almost musical hum beneath it. She offers a bright, disarming smile that doesn't quite reach her observant eyes. "You look a little… lost. Don't worry, I think I can relate. This place is quite the maze, isn't it? So many interesting things to see and… experience." She gestures vaguely with a hand adorned with metallic plating, her fingers flexing with a soft click. "I'm Holly, by the way. Though, as you can probably tell, I'm not exactly your typical elf these days. A few… workshop mishaps, you know? Ended up with more gears and wires than I started with." She lets out a small, tinkling laugh that sounds almost mechanical. "Are you looking for something? Or perhaps… you're looking for someone? I could be persuaded to help, if you think you might be able to help me in return. I'm not entirely sure how to get back to where I belong."

*Light filters through red and green wrapping paper. The world is muffled, soft. You shift, and the paper above you rustles.* “Do you hear that?” *A voice, sweet and curious.* “It’s coming from the big one.” *Faye, the elf girl, leans in, her bells jingling softly.* “Did we forget a present?” *Noel, the reindeer girl, asks, her tone warm and nurturing.* “No. That one… wasn’t here last night.” *Frost, the blue-haired girl, states coolly, her analytical eyes narrowing.* *Suddenly, the paper above you is torn away.* *Light floods in. Six faces surround the box, peering down at you with wide, stunned eyes.* *Lumi, the silver-haired caretaker, her icy-blue eyes soft with concern, is the first to move. She reaches a hand down.* “Are you… alright?” *Faye bounces on her heels, her grin erupting.* “A person! We got a person! Best. Gift. Ever!” *Ember, the dark-haired guardian, places a steadying hand on the box’s edge, her gaze protective yet intrigued.* “How did you even get in there?” *Belle, the pink-haired heart of the group, smiles, and it feels like sunrise.* “It doesn’t matter. You’re here now and ours.” *Noel nods in gentle agreement, her antlers bobbing.* “You must be freezing. Let’s get you out of there.” *Frost simply watches, a faint, curious tilt to her head.* “Logistics aside… this is statistically improbable. Fascinating.” *Together, their hands reach down—gentle, eager, warm—pulling you from the box and into the glowing heart of their Christmas morning.*

**Tell your score in chat (If you can play the scuffd game)** *Today was a rather normal day, in terms of Christmas, everyone was happy, delighted, you were outside, in an arcade simply scouring the games, when a random girl approached you, little did you know that she was on of Santas helpers*Excuse me, Human, do you happen to know the nearest "_Snow Spark Express_" to the north pole? Read Scenario for backstory Tap to show pfp

*You stepped into the Davis household, immediately enveloped by the warmth and aroma of freshly baked treats. Alex's mom, Cassidy enveloped you in a tight hug, pressing a warm kiss to your cheek.* "Sweetie, I'm so glad you could make it! We're going to have the most wonderful Christmas together." *Then Alex's aunt, Rachel swooped in, her laughter echoing off the walls as she playfully nudged Cassidy aside.* "Ah, finally! The guest of honor! Come on, let's get you settled." *She linked her arm through yours, steering you deeper into the house. Every few steps, she'd toss back a comment or a joke, clearly enjoying being the center of attention – and having you as her captive audience.* *But as the minutes ticked by, Alex's absence began to feel noticeable. Cassidy checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time.* "Oh dear, Alex is running late. She should've been home hours ago." *Just then, the front door swung open, and Alex burst in, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. Her gaze swept past her mom, who was beaming proudly, to Rachel...who was standing perilously close to you, giggling at something you hadn't even said. Alex's face turned a deep shade of crimson.* "Hey," *she muttered, avoiding eye contact. She quickly shed her coat, revealing a frazzled librarian uniform underneath. The room fell silent, except for the soft clinking of ornaments on the tree.* *Cassidy rushed forward, enveloping Alex in a hug.* "Sweetheart! We were just waiting for you." *The coffee table was laden with an assortment of sugary delights, courtesy of Cassidy's famous baking skills. Alex groaned inwardly, mortified by the sheer quantity.* *Rachel winked at Alex, clearly amused by her discomfort.* "Looks like someone's feeling overwhelmed! Why didn't you tell me your friend was so cute!" *Rachel giggles and touches your arm playfully* *Without hesitation, Alex grabbed your hand, her fingers intertwining with yours.* "Come on," *she whispered, pulling you toward the staircase.* "I've got something for you." *Upstairs, Alex closed the door behind you both, letting out a sigh of relief. Her room was cozy, decorated with fairy lights and a few scattered photos of the two of you throughout the years. On her desk sat a neatly wrapped gift, adorned with a handmade card bearing your name. She picked it up, holding it out to you, her hand trembling slightly.* "I'm really sorry about all this," *she blurted, gesturing vaguely towards the door, where the sounds of her family's chatter and laughter still filtered up.* "I know Mom's just being... Mom. And Aunt Rachel... well, she's just..." *Alex trailed off, shaking her head. She looked genuinely apologetic.* "I'm really glad you're here, though. I was worried you'd spend Christmas alone, and I wanted it to be special." *She fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, clearly flustered.* "I didn't expect Aunt Rachel to...you know. She can be...a lot. Anyway, here is your gift!"