11.0 [audio]

[scionofwisdom]

[Tap. Tap. Tap.

Zelda's fingers drum softly against a wooden desk in the library.]

It has come to my attention that a certain holiday season is upon us. I have...done a bit of reading up on the subject, and according to the texts...this 'Santa' quite a few of you have referred to is a but of a misunderstood character. From what I can tell, he appears to have manifested from an early 'Christian' saint that went by the name of Nicholas who was a bishop. He earned himself a reputation for gift giving which evolved and was manipulated by those of the faith.

The question I pose is this; is this particular legend itself commonplace amongst your people? Or...is it simply the belief of...this large man in red who breaks into your homes to deliver gifts to children?

Comments

[fred-cassidy.livejournal.com]

If you think that's funny, read up on the Tooth Fairy.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

Are all of the stories as...interesting as this 'Santa'?

[Tooth fairy, tooth fairy...she's flipping through pages to look it up.]

[fred-cassidy.livejournal.com]

All myths are interesting.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

...Yes, I see that. What in the world would a fairy want with children's teeth?

[aswanbyday.livejournal.com]

What an...odd...tradition.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

It is, is it not? I admit I am a bit...confused. There are many varying stories of this...one single man and yet what he has evolved into with elves and toys...

Strange.

[aswanbyday.livejournal.com]

I've heard people talking about "Santa" before. But I still find it odd.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

In your world, or here?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

As though we would think evolution over time is impossible. You and I are exceptions, Your Majesty. It is a bit unfortunate that such a thing that was once so pure has depreciated over time to attachment to materialistic things, but not even we are excluded from such.

Either way, I think the stories are fascinating.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

It is a bit unfortunate, but I admit it is rather interesting to see how this story evolved into something so different.

Have you ever heard of the tooth fairy, Princess?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

I would imagine like most things, that time simply caused people and ideas to change. It amazes me that in spite of the time that passes us both, we are still nearly mirrors of one another.

[Zelda thinks for a moment.]

No. I cannot say I have. What may that be?

[throwslikedavid.livejournal.com]

Never thought 'bout it like that before.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

Which part? The original legend, or the fact that a very large man is sneaking down ones chimney?

[throwslikedavid.livejournal.com]

The breakin' in part. I ain't heard the other part before.

[conquistasal.livejournal.com]

Hey, I love Santa! Not... not that I believe in 'im anymore er anythin'.

Anyhow, uh, most people realize Santa ain't real by th' time they get t'bein' an adult. But 'fore that, kids believe it. Nothin' wrong with that, though, right? Spurs 'magination an' stuff like that.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

Is that why parents lie to their children about this? [She's not putting it down. She's just confused.]

[conquistasal.livejournal.com]

Ah... well, I never really thought of it as lyin'. I always thought it was t'inspire kids... er give 'em a reason t'be good. Always worked fer me.

I dunno, I guess I don' see it as a lie. More like a jus' a story that could be real er not.

[shipshapeshipco.livejournal.com]

No no. I'm afraid your account is writhed westward on this subject. The large, ruddy man is known as the "Blustering Belgian." Every Christmas morrow he appears outside your doorstep to demand drinking chocolate and butter cookies. If you comply he returns your benevolence by not cursing your ears. My great aunt once made the unwise motion to shoo the poor Flemish dastard off the porch. She spent the next Boxing Day haunted by the cackling crows of cocks none but she could hear! Should you find yourself under the toes of a waffle-fiend on Christmas day I bid you do his wishing, lest you miss our sweet caroling behind the deafening cries of a phantom Rhode-Island Red!

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[Blink.]

'Blustering Belgian'?

[shipshapeshipco.livejournal.com]

Is that a whiff of Béchamel I'm smelling? Could it be that the Belgian is...

On your very stoop right now?! Ha-ha-ha!

[The laughing continues.]

[diverged-fate.livejournal.com]

Hey...! I remember that. People used to celebrate that holiday back when I was a kid... I'm pretty sure that guy didn't really exist though.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

According to these texts, the actual saint existed, though I am still attempting to make the connection between how he turned from saint to a large mand in red stealing into homes in the dead of the night.

I find it interesting that stories can evolve in such ways.

[diverged-fate.livejournal.com]

Things change over time. Maybe it shifted into more of a kid's holiday, so the serious legend turned into something cute.

Yeah, that is pretty interesting. I'm kinda curious about holidays like this... a lot of people where I'm from don't celebrate them anymore.

[triplethecrazy.livejournal.com]

Zhat's an organic thing, isn't it? I do not haff any knowledge of it.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

An...'organic' thing? [She pauses, then thinks a moment on his statement.] I see. You are one of the...Cybertronians, yes? Like Ironhide. [He's the only one she's met.]