Decorating for the Solstice

[Verbena Domitia]

Since her election loss, Verbena has been largely withdrawn while taking her meals in the Inn. But today, on a quiet weekday afternoon, she stands atop one of the tables, several lengths of twine clutched in her teeth. She loops one around a rafter and ties a knot, securing in place the final length of an evergreen bough. A half-dozen of such boughs already hang from the other rafters, creating a scalloped effect along the ceiling. More boughs are drying near the fire, and baskets of holly sprigs, mistletoe, and pine cones rest on the long tables. Verbena takes the twine out of her mouth and sets it down, then starts tucking the bits of greenery from the baskets into the evergreen garland. After several minutes of fluffing branches and adjusting berries, she takes a break to rest her arms, sitting down on the bench and sipping a mug of hot spiced cider.

[Degren Brightforge]

Degren, walking in an kicking off the snow packed under his heavy boots, stops suddenly and looks around. "What... what's going on?"

[Verbena Domitia]

Verbena looks up with a broad grin that falters somewhat when she recognizes Degren. But she presses onward, calling out cheerfully. "The Solstice, Degren! There was a conspicuous lack of festive cheer in the vicinity, so I took it upon myself to remedy that unfortunate state of affairs." She points around the room. "We have garlands on the ceiling, as well as the doors and windows. In the absence of oranges, I set out a dish of apples with cloves and cinnamon sticks. And there are candles, of course." She cocks her head at Degren. "You wouldn't happen to know if anyone in Holdfast is in possession of ribbon, would you?"

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