Christmas Eve at the Jackdaw’s

[Christine Daye]

Christine curtseys a welcome to her Primogen, and for the most part has been sitting back with her usually vacant expression, listening to the music in her head. But at Erika's suggestion, she perks up immediately.

"Oh, yes! Some carols! Do you think? Mr Price? Should we do O Tannenbaum now? Or.... no... let's start things properly..."

And quietly, but with perfect clarity, she starts to sing "Silent Night"

[Erika Leroux]

Erika gives her the first verse, before gently adding to the carol herself. She adores carols, there's a joy to them that cuts through the solemnity of organised religion and reminders her of the magic that should be resting at the heart of it. No guilt, no foreshadowing of hell, but simple joy.

She loses herself in the moment, before catching Jerome's eye, nodding in turn to him to join in for the third verse.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine hears the carol enmanating from the other room. It does sound beautiful and she almost wishes she could join in. She looks harshly at Constance and gives her a pleading look.

[CFlaubert]

Constance arrives back in the room after a brief delay. She appears fine and retakes her place at the table with Reggie and Helen.

"Did I miss anything?" She asks

[annabelle]

Helen gives a polite nod to Constance and replies.

“I was suggesting for Reginald to maybe talk with the Jackdaws and try to solve any differences they have. Do you think that’s unreasonable Constance?”

There is something calculating in Helen’s gaze, an alertness, an awareness of her surroundings. It’s the feeling you get before the storm and she was deeply familiar with it. She straightens her back in the chair, no longer feeling relaxed and careless, looking, sniffing around for any sign of trouble.

How she loved that feeling…

The carols from the kindred was an ironic addition but she enjoyed it thoroughly nether the less.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine stood in the hallway, listening to the songs and chatter coming from the drawing room. No matter what, she was still the hostess of this party, and she had to continue the evening somehow. It seemed a little pointless but it had to be done. She looked into the ornate mirror on the wall and ensured that any streaks of blood were removed from her face. There she said to herself and put on a beaming smile. She walked back into the drawing room.

“Apologies for my short absence, I just had to discuss some arrangements with Ellen. Let me remind everyone that the food is still available in the dining room if you wish to partake. I heard some beautiful singing from the other room. Would it be a good time for me to invite in the carollers? Any more wine, anybody?”

She walks up to her husband and holds his hand tightly. She whispers into his ear.

“Be in no doubt that I have always loved you and always will.”

[CFlaubert]

"What issues are these Reggie?" Constance says lightly. "Hopefully nothing serious? It sounds sensible to resolve it as Helen says"

[Matthias]

There's a pleased smile on her face at the mention of carols that gets accompanied by a small eye roll as Silent Night starts up. It could have been worse admittedly. The look from Lissa almost made them laugh out loud, it had been such a long time and they'd almost forgotten what they were like. She gave her a bright smile in return and settled into enjoying the song, even if it wasn't a favourite.

Jerome's accompaniment to the two ladies added a certainly enjoyable layer to the song and almost made them stop paying attention to the comings, goings and conversations of the other Kindred. Almost.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine calls Ellen, the ghoul quickly attends to her Mistress.

“Yes, my Lady?” She asks dutifully.

“Could you bring more of the wine through? I believe we are starting to...” Her voice cracks slightly at the end of the sentence, and she has to stop to contain any emotion.

“Lady Katherine? Are you well?” Ellen gives a sharp look at Mr. Jackdaw. Ever since she had had to recover the pieces of Katherine after her husband disappearance, she had been wary of his actions towards her mistress.

Katherine starts slightly, “Erm.. sorry? Oh yes, please could you bring through some more wine?”

Ellen looks at Katherine assessing her carefully.

“If you are completely sure that there is nothing else I can help with?” Her disdain for Jackdaw now obvious to anyone observing the conversation.

“No Ellen. I just need a drink. Can you not do that?” She says harshly.

Ellen is stunned by the severe reprimand from Lady Katherine.

“Yes, sorry my Lady. Of course.” She mumbles and rushes off.

[Christine Daye]

Silent Night finished, Christine carries on singing. Next is the Wexford Carol, one of her favourites.

"Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved son
With Mary holy we should pray,
To God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn,
There was a blessed Messiah born..."

((https://youtu.be/KeZifgblGSs))