[IC Contact]

[cieled]

From childhood’s hour I have not been
As others were—I have not seen
As others saw—I could not bring
My passions from a common spring—
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow—I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone—
And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone—
Then—in my childhood—in the dawn
Of a most stormy life—was drawn
From ev’ry depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still—
From the torrent, or the fountain—
From the red cliff of the mountain—
From the sun that ’round me roll’d
In its autumn tint of gold—
From the lightning in the sky
As it pass’d me flying by—
From the thunder, and the storm—
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view—

Comments

Forwarded to 12/24-25

[trademark_skull]

[Around sometime in the day there was chirping at Ciel's window. Not...normal bird chirping, but a wyvern trying to get inside.]

[Little Malenzio was looking rather festive today in his messenger getup, with an important letter for Ciel somewhere in the satchel strapped to his back. Although the wyvern was more focused on getting attention than said letter, if it does get pulled out it reads:]

I know it's tradition in some worlds to give gifts to each other around this time of year. I wanted to do something to help our new camaraderie, though it I know isn't much.

- Emizel

[In the letter was a bright shell on a necklace that shined multiple colors depending how the light hit it. Emizel had many of these collected during Helisium thanks to Malenzio and they were quite pretty. Even back then, he knew he wanted to give them those to cared most about.]

[cieled]

(The window will be opened quickly as Ciel recognizes the wyvern. The small creature will be coaxed to calm with quiet words and gentle hands. Once he has taken the letter from the little messenger, he will unfurl it and read it quickly. The necklace is beautiful and he admires it as a token of friendship and loyalty.

A sentiment he wishes to return. When Malenzio is sent back, he will be carrying another letter and a satchel of small, black, polished stones shaped like stars.)

In the spirit of the holidays and our new friendship, I am happy to accept your gift and give you a small one in return. I too enjoy the beauty of nature.

- Ciel

Forward dated to 12/24

[thegreatpain]

[ This was someone Shinou was looking forward to spoiling. In the past months, he has grown rather fond of Ciel. The boy definitely seems to understand him, or at least gives him the feeling of being understood. He was good person who just... has been dealt a difficult life.

Shinou didn't sign his name to the huge box that Ciel received, but the theme he'll notice from it, well... it might be obvious to Ciel just who gave him this box.

Inside he will find a long warm cloak, colored in yellow, and black. The back of the cloak has little bee wings that stick out and it even has a hood that was detachable. The hood resembled a cute bear, making the wearer of the clock resemble a terrifying creature. That isn't all that's in the box though. He'll also find a rather large stuffed animal of the terrifying creature, big enough to hug or sleep upon. ]

[cieled]

(The cloak will never be worn in public, but Ciel might be snuggling up in it when he goes to bed. The stuffed animal will also, curiously, find its way into his bed. It will replace Ciel's favorite pillow - his "guard" against nightmares.

Surely such terrifying creatures can protect him while he sleeps.

A few days later - not quite on Christmas - a box will be delivered to Shinou's door. It is filled with Funtom sweets and even a plush rabbit dressed like a certain little Earl.)

12/25

[madcuriosity]

[You didn't tell her you moved, Ciel. Still, Alice finds you all the same and waiting for you, is a small batch of homemade cookies and special just for Ciel is a white rose lapel pin. Attached is a note:]

Merry Christmas Ciel,

May your holiday be merry and bright.

With love,
Alice Liddell

[cieled]

(He wasn't expecting a gift either! But considering how thoughtful she is, he isn't surprised. Later in the day, a stuffed rabbit will be left outside her door. The rabbit is dressed up like the one from her story - with a pocket-watch and all.)

Merry Christmas, Lady Alice. I thank you for thinking of me and I pray that you too have a bright holiday.

(At the bottom of the letter, there is a wax seal with the Phantomhive coat of arms.)

12/24

[onebadapple]

[Not Christmas day, but Christmas Eve, Ciel will find a pumpkin pie in front of his bedroom door. As well as a formal winter coat. The box is special and makes sure the pies stay warm. Attached is a note.]

Something to keep you warm this holiday.

Have a very merry Christmas!

With love,
Snow White

[cieled]

(The smell is tantalizing and he opens the door to find the prizes. He really can't say no to all the sweets and, despite what Nina said, he could stand to gain a little weight. The next morning, Snow White will find a stuffed white bear in attire much like hers with a crown on its head.)

12/25

[mon_dieu]

[A simple box with a simple note. It's just a set of cookies... except EXTRA is Antoine's middle name, so he not only baked them, he also elaborately decorated them in sprinkles and icing to resemble snowmen and tree and presents. They're yummy.

Card!]

Merry Christmas.

Antoine D'Coolette.

[cieled]

(The details are appreciated and Ciel will be sharing the treats with all of those living in Snow White's cottage. Since Antoine has remembered him, he does likewise, bringing him a box of candied apples. Some of them might have faces on them.)

12/25

[lightthedarkness]

pWaiting for Ciel come Christmas morning is a bag of cookies. Attached is a simple note:]

Happy holidays!

Love Usagi

[cieled]

(He chuckles and asks around, finding out Usagi's address and leaving a very special stuffed rabbit at her door. This one is dyed gold and it has blue eyes. It's also wearing what looks like a school girl's uniform.)

Merry Christmas!

(The Phantomhive wax seal is at the bottom of the letter.)

voice.

[glorifies]

[ A few weeks later after Ciel's transmission over the crystal network when he looks for employees, one (1) Obocchama contacts him. ]

Hello. I'm sorry for the intrusion, but are you still looking for musicians, and perhaps someone with some experience in business?

voice.

[cieled]

I am and I would appreciate both qualities. (He doesn't feel he needs guidance in business, but it can't hurt. And he needs musicians.) May I ask your instrument? Or are you speaking on behalf of another?

voice.

[glorifies]

I play both the violin and the piano, although since you already have a pianist, I would rather not take his spot.

[ Midorima happens to be one of his best friends, if not, the only one, after all. ]

voice.

[cieled]

That is thoughtful of you. The violin is an instrument you and I share. If you are very good, I might inquire about lessons with you.

voice.

[glorifies]

You'll be able to supply the violin, correct? I can be the one to look for strings.

[ Different brands and qualities, after all. ]

You can judge my prowess then.

voice.

[cieled]

I can see to it. I have one for personal use, but it is not full size. (He is a small boyman.) Fair enough.

delivery;

[torankusu]

[ Whenever Ciel next comes to his shop, there will be a small package waiting for him on the doorstep with his name written on a white tag complete with a happy face beside it. The package is a small bag that's tied with some string and, inside, Ciel will find cookies that are clearly handmade... since they're a little burnt, some of them. Inside the bag, sitting on the cookies, is a small note that says:

I made these myself. I hope they taste ok. : )
- Trunks

Spoiler: the cookies will be a simple sugar kind and actually not taste too bad, save for the few that have that burnt flavor to them. ]

delivery;

[cieled]

(Trunks, you sweetheart. Ciel will enjoy the cookies with his tea - even the burnt ones. Friendship goals!

There will be a delivery in return, a bit delayed, of cookies in the shape of clouds in sunset hues. These are the products Trunks helped inspire!)

I ate every last one. Thank you. I hope you enjoy these in return.

- Ciel

voice;

[capsulecorps]

[ The curious voice that comes over the amulet is one that, while perhaps a touch familiar, sounds older. Not ridiculously older but... not that of a child anymore. ]

Hey, Ciel. Are you... still here?

voice;

[cieled]

(He doesn't entirely trust his ears! Is this...Trunks? But why does he sound older?)

I am. (His tone is a little stiff, unsure.) Trunks?

voice;

[capsulecorps]

[ Ah, he's here. A smile touches his lips at that. ]

Yeah, hey. It's, uh... been awhile I think?

voice;

[cieled]

Just about a month...

(Time, once again, has ceased to make sense.)

Are you...older? Your voice has changed.

voice;

[capsulecorps]

Yeah I... sorta left this place all of a sudden and came back not too long ago.

[ He has no idea how or why these things happen. ]

It's... kinda been a long time for me but not so much here it seems.