Christmas was fast approaching and the whole city seemed to come alive with the sounds, sights, and smells of Christmas. The snow had yet to stick but the air was crisp and cool leading up to the first weekend of the new Christmas market that TaylorBrown was busy setting up. He had gathered the best and brightest from the districts in the city to help him run the market which was set up much like an old world German Christkindlmarkt but with a few, decidedly, new world additions. 

The few days leading up to the opening of the market were full of hustle and bustle as structures were put up and painted to look similar to gingerbread cottages. Each one had a hand painted sign that was carefully set into place above the window and each cottage was hung with festive lights. The trees were festooned with colored lights in different patterns and an arched walkway was set up to showcase many more twinkling lightbulbs as guests walked down it towards the market. Above them, the trees were draped with stars and hearts and a bright shining star that hung directly over a large nativity scene that had been hand carved. The wooden figures are stood serenely, gazing lovingly at the manger which was filled with golden straw and a hand painted baby. Guests could come and look at the nativity, leaving messages in a wooden box that was well supplied with thick cards made of parchment, a pot of ink, and a decorative quill pen. A group of carolers sang near the entrance to the market, their voices merry and bright as they welcomed guests in the spirit of the season.

To the left of the lighted tunnel, there were several small stands with plumes of steam puffing out of their chimneys. The signs on the cottages told guests that this was where they could find delicious foods and sweets. Gordon_Ramsay was busy giving orders while he cooked up a delightful array of foods and sugary sweets. Picnic tables sat at the ready for guests to enjoy the feast that Gordon was cooking up for them. Near his booth was Hamish who was hard at work filling pastry bags with colored icing. His booth was filled with lebkuchen that were delicately tied with ribbons and hand iced to each guests whim. There were a few that were ready made, decorated with well wishes and good luck.  

The middle of the market was full of booths teeming with trinkets, ornaments, lanterns, and other holiday decor. They were illuminated by the bright lights of a carousel with hand painted horses. The calliope played Christmas carols as the gayly colored horses and carriages spun around. Behind the carousel stood the hot drinks booth which stood next to a large skating rink. Bright Christmas music was playing near the ice rink and folks young and old glided on the ice, guffawing with laughter when somebody inevitably wiped out and landed on their backside. 

​​​​​​​The far right of the market included entertainment for children in the form of a large two story play house with a slide that was decorated in the style of the cottage from the story of Hansel and Gretel. Next to the house was the main attraction, a jovial St. Nick and a real reindeer who children could feed with a small handful of oats. The last of the buildings in the line was a ramshackle shack that was dark and covered in sticks. A sign out in front of it indicated that this was a house belonging to Krampus and for children to beware. It seemed as though it was only for decoration though it served the duel purpose of acting as the front for the large gambling racket that Taylor had advertised. 

The day that the market was set to open, several members of Detroit and Las Vegas gathered around as Taylor opened a bottle of whisky and welcomed everybody to the market. He toasted the group, offering up words of encouragement just as the first few flakes of snow began to swirl. After the toast, they all filed into their booths as Taylor declared the market open.

"Fuck me this shit is tasty." Angela spun around, looking for the source of the statement. Only the reindeer stood there, coolly staring at her as he munched on her decorations.

"Stop eating the- STOP, Donner, that's not for you to eat! Here, have some oats, instead!" Angela filled the little trough she'd set inside the reindeer enclosure with another bag of reindeer chow, then turned to fix the popcorn and cranberry string she'd carefully woven around the pine boughs that decorated the fencing for the small petting zoo area. The popcorn was taking a hit, who knew reindeer liked it so much? And could remark upon it? It had to be Christmas magic.

"Behave!" She whispered to him as she passed him, then gave him a loving pat on the back. Outside the enclosure, the little bags of oats she'd sown to give to the children for feedings remained in the perfect mini pyramid she'd stacked them in, in preparation for the big opening of the Christmas Market. Not far from the small table was a large throne, one painted gold and upholstered in red velvet. Angela walked over to it, sniffing the air as she went. She'd had to fire the first Santa she'd hired, he'd reeked of booze.

"How are we doing, Santa? All ready? It's almost time, do you have the candy canes?" This Santa was pretty old, but he sure looked the part. He even came with his own snow-white beard. 

"Yes, yes dear, the candy is right here, don't worry! You never did tell me what you wanted for Christmas this year?" The old chubby man sure liked playing the part! Angela rolled her eyes and picked up the camera sitting on the table next to the pyramid of oats, then checked her supply of film and flashbulbs. 

"We talked about this Mr. Nicholas- "

"Saint Nick."

"Making wishes is for little children."

"Oh, come now, Monkey. I know you believe in Christmas magic." Angela's jaw dropped as the camera hit the ground. How did he... ??

Robert waved at Gordon who was busy setting up the food stalls. Whatever he was making, it looked and smelled delicious, even where he was in the back, the scent of fresh bread and soup drifted over to the skating rink. He was lucky to have snagged a roll earlier and a bag of chestnuts which were keeping his fingers warm as he supervised the skating rink.  few people had already shown up and were taking their first timid steps out onto the ice as he wove around them deftly.

After a few goes round the rink, he skated backwards towards the booth where several patrons were waiting, rubbing their hands in their mittens to keep warm. They had their skates ready and Robert showed them the benches where they could put them on, assisting with the laces as needed. Soon they were off and so was he, gliding to the other end of the rink to call to Taylor who was nearly unrecognizable in full regalia. 

"Love the look Taylor, looks like we're off to a good start!"

.❆。• *₊°。 ❆°。

❄️°。                           ❄️°

ℍ𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕝 & 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕝

ℙ𝕝𝕒𝕪𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖

❄️°。                           ❄️°

   .❆。• *₊°。 ❆°。

Tweaking the last minute decorations Max miles at all of their hard work.

A childhood-inspired utopia of deserts and sweets, the two story play house cottage show cases a theme of Hansel and Gretel's fairy-tale, capturing everything from the giant hanging cupcakes to the enchanted slide decked out in fairy lights. It was truly magical.

»»————-　❅　————-««

Listening to the Christmas music filled Max with a glee like no other, she loved this time of year. As the light sprinkling of snow began to settle on the ground, the happiness that eclipsed her entire being was incomprehensible. Max hugs her on again off again partner from behind, "What did the wicked witch say to Gretel?" Kitten smiles fully indulging Max. With a wink Max seductively whispers into Kittens ear, "Crawl inside and see whether it is the right heat." Max plucks a soft kiss onto Kittens shoulder before edging away, "It should be noted I wouldn't mind taking a bite out of you. I bet you taste just like candy." Playfully pushing Max away Kitten began rearranging items once more. Max of course never one to leave things as they lay glided close to Kitten as she began to dance. Shaking her head Kitten took the offered hand and the two began to sway to the Christmas tunes and that is how their first visitors found them. 

Two children of about ten and twelve, a boy and a girl. The older of the two children, the girl smiles at the two women dancing closely, having never seen it before. It made her belly feel funny and she didn't know why. Nudging the boy with her arm she whispers rather loudly bringing the dancing couple to a halt, "Aren't you going to get us some candy?" Smiling at the two beautiful children max says, "Take whatever you want just make sure you leave some for the others, don't forget to ride the slide!" The boy and girl left with pockets ten pounds heavier and smiles on their face arguing over who was going to get to ride the slide first. Max shouts out behind the two arguing children, "Don't forget to take turns!"

The scent of honey and spices tickled Hamish’s nose as he walked into the Lebkuchen booth he would be manning at the Christmas market.  Although he knew little about German traditions, he was certainly aware of the healing properties of a good biscuit.  

The shelves were stocked with small bar cookies, little honey cakes and intricately decorated Lebkuchenherzen or Lebkuchen hearts.  The hearts had holiday wishes piped onto them in white frosting and could easily be customized for customers.  

Hamish had been practicing his icing techniques and although his penmanship needed work, you could certainly read his icing letters.

He whipped on an apron and hummed, the crisp air biting at his face.  The garland above his booth added a bright pine note to the scents of the cookies and he smiled, hoping this fair would brighten people’s spirits.

After tying his apron, checking the cookies one last time he rearranged the pricing board near the edge of the booth.

Blank Lebkuchen: FREE

Customised with a name: $10k

Customized with a phrase: $20k

Svent stood in front of his chilli stand, stirring a huge cauldron full of it over an open fire as he gave instructions to the man that would run this particular stand for him. "Make sure to stir this every so often so it doesn't burn. No one likes burnt chilli." He instructed before handing the ladel off to his helper. He then set a bottle of hot sauce and a sleeve of crackers.

Bowl of Chilli: $1.50

The male then went to the booth nextnextdoor and took a seat. Various wooden figurines set on the booth. All Christmas themed in nature. He even had a few wooden tree ornaments in shapes of candy canes, reindeer, and presents. Svent also had an assortment of ribbon laid out so the buyer could add their own touch.

Figurines:$2

Ornaments: $1

(Christmas themes only)

Custom Figurine: $4

Custom Ornament:$3

 He picked up a piece of wood and his whittling knife and began making a little wooden teddy bear.

Half the day had already gone by and many people had come and gone to the market. A gentle snow was drifting over the market but it didn’t deter the skaters and others who had come out to celebrate the Christmas season. A pair of skaters whirled past on the ice, one of them wearing a wreath of pine boughs as he and the girl beside him giggled over how silly he looked. 
 

Honey stamped his feet, now tired from wearing the tightly laced skates, and slipped on a pair of skate guards so that he could hobble over to the drink cart. Where Eee was set up. He gratefully accepted a cup of hot orange and cinnamon steeped tea and sat down on the wooden log next to the booth to drink. He could see Hamish concentrating on his gingerbread hearts and Angela chattering with Santa as she held tightly onto the reigns of a Reindeer who was trying to nibble through the gate, a proffered churro from a rather sticky hand of a toddler. He chuckled and stood, stumping his way over to Gordon’s booth. 
 

He leaned casually on the counter despite the indignant scoff of one of the girls at the counter. She made a little “hmph” sound as he smiled, looking around her to catch the chef’s attention. 
 

“How are things chef? Anything you need?”

A crisp evening called for a heavier-than-usual coat. Leaving the station behind him, Jack made the short walk to the market. He moved with an air of melancholy, likely brought on by Kates leaving his life. A gap he would struggle to fill. Still, today was about more than his loss. The first flakes of snow came to rest among the fibers of his coat. The high collar kept the crisp breeze from his neck and cheeks and deep pockets warmed his fingers. 

The sound of carolers also lifted his spirits. Who could resist the enchanting ballads, floating on a cool evening air between pine trees and flickering lights, accompanied on their journey by the smells of festive treats? Not Jack, despite his fiercely business driven mind. A smile broke as the song penetrated an otherwise regrettable day. Between the first of the cottages past the entrance, he found himself looking into the rosy cheeks of a cherub baby. Blank, vacant eyes which brimmed with a spiritual presence stared back. He took quill in hand and noted across a piece of parchment;

'Love your family, give thanks to your friends, open your door to the stranger. Merry Christmas. Jack.'

The note was posted in the box, which he tapped as the card fell onto the pile below. He wandered between stalls, making small contributions to the proprietors of each, taking a moment to have a warm exchange with others. He was delighted to see Gordon_Ramsay and exchanged an embrace with the man, picking up a bag of hot roasted chestnuts. They would both warm his hands and his stomach.

A pair of giddy children almost knocked him sprawling, had he not jerked to the side. He watched them gambol off between the bodies toward a playhouse across the middle of the market. It was there he also recognised Monkey_Schrute. A face he hadn't seen since a night at the Cat and Phoenix with Kates. His mood shifted again at the thought, but refused to let his face reveal it. He had hoped to catch the good Don Brown at the occasion, though was equally distracted by the idea of finding a warm beverage.

Jack moved on, appreciating the moment and greeting the visitors with a smile.

Hamish went skating for a few minutes since business had been a bit slow at his booth, and immediately remembered why he let Honey do all of the sport related stuff in their lives.  Still, he managed a few turns around the rink before finally collapsing to a bench to remove his skates. 

After returning the skates to the counter girl he made his way over to the hot drinks booth and got 2 cups of hot cocoa.  As much as he wanted to add a little something of his own to the cups he resisted, knowing Honey would be upset if he was unable to write nice things in frosting due to a shaky hand.  Well, there was time later in the evening he supposed. 

He waved at Gordon_Ramsay as he passed the delicious smelling booth and took a sip of his drink.  Hot chocolatey milk warmed his chest and he smiled in the cold air.  He was pleased that the melancholy of autumn was behind them and the dazzle of lights and sparkle of tinsel was there to brighten the world, at least for a little bit. 

Hanabi knew exactly that the Christmas market was just being opened as she was also consulted at least a little bit about her opinion on it which she, of course, gave even if she was not too helpful with that. After all, she was used to a very different kind of Christmas celebration back in her home country of the land of the rising sun. Nonetheless, she would, of course, visit the market why not? She knew that people worked very hard for it, and it could never hurt to meet old and new faces.

The woman slowly walks around the market and looks at different stands before ordering a Spiced winter soup with a fresh baked roll from @Gordon_Ramsey. Of course however not before warmly greeting him with a smile and little bow.

Smithy showed up to the market fashionably late, he was wearing his sunglasses so no one could spot that he had been drinking. He wasn't sure what he wanted to check out first but he wanted to get the whole experience. So he decided to start with some food so he headed over to Gordon Ramsey's stand, he chuckles as he heard the man yelling at someone. He walked up and took a gander at the menu.

"I'd like to try some of those hot roasted chestnuts my good sir."

Smithy handed him a 20 dollar bill and smiled.

"Keep the change and happy holidays."

He smiled and headed in the direction of the reindeers, he walked up as close as he could. He wasn't sure if they'd bite him if he reached to pet them, they were majestic creatures for sure, but he didn't know if they were dangerous or not. He saw there was a line of children waiting to sit on Santas lap. He started to chuckle wondering how Santa would react if he got in line for it, he was considering doing it just for the laughs. He started eating a few chestnuts as he waved to Angela before heading over to the play house. He smiled as he watched the kids enjoy themselves, it seemed like they were having a good time.

"There sure is lots to do here."

He said to himself before he headed over to the Lekubchen stand, he stood there watching them being decorated as he enjoyed his chestnuts. There was so much to check out. Smithy spotted a little kid that had fallen and scraped his knee, he walked over and helped the small child up their feet.

"There there, everythings gonna be alright."

The kid hugs him, still crying then says. "I don't want the other kids to see that I've been crying."

Smithy knew exactly what to do, he took of his shades and put them on the kid, then smiled at him.

"There ya go, now no one can say a thing and you'll be the coolest kid out there."

The child smiled at Smithy and ran off. Smithy figured it was a good deed done, even though he needed to get a new pair of shades now. He ate a few more chestnuts and went over to the chili stand, he really enjoyed a good bowl of chili.

"I'd like one bowl of chili please."

Smithy handed over another 20 dollar bill and smiled at the man.

"Happy holidays, please keep the change."

He sat down and started to eat his chlli as he watched the figurines being made, the man clearly had talent, Smithy was impressed. Ten or so minutes later he had finished his chili, thinking it had been a pretty good day at the market.

     Having finished dinner at the Smokehouse the gangs decide it was time to grace the market with their presence. With their tummy's full with pig and scotch they all parted ways upon arriving. Some to run their booths and others to enjoy what they as a city had built with the help of their allies, Taylor was to do both. Dressed as Krampus he was there to scare off anyone that tried to mess with the Detroit Lotto which was concealed by all the booths, and he was also determined to sneaking in some skating with his bestie PoisonIvy whom had waited so patiently for him to arrive. Spotting her by the hot coco stand blowing gently on her cup to cool it down enough to drink he approached with open arms. She gave him a smile that would light up any room, and his own cup of coco to keep his hands warm as they meandered over to the ice rink. Chatting and laughing the two reminisced on times of old, collecting money and exchanging snacks. Finding a bench they sat down and began to lace up while waving at all the lovely folks that showed up like Smithy and Svent who were both enjoying bowls of delicious chili. Even the amazing Don JackMezzo was spotted enjoying himself.

Finally finishing getting their skates on and laced Taylor stood up and extended his hand to help Godmother Ivy

"Need a hand?"

A break that was what was in order Max thought as she grabbed Kittens hand, she said aloud to her bodyguards, "Be back soon, be nice to the little ones!" The market smelled of smoke, meat, and sweets causing Max's belly to make a rather unladylike noise. She waved to people that she recognized and as always to the children, they were her favorite people after all. Kitten grasps Max's hand really tight before exclaiming loudly, "A carousel!" Seeing the delight in her partners eyes Max tugged her towards the ride. 

Hair tousled, and clothes wrinkled from the up and down motion of the carousel Max decided that was the most fun that she had, had all year as she bumped Kittens hip with her own they began walking hand and hand over to the Lebkuchen booth manned by Hamish. 

Smiling Max and Kitten walk up to the counter, "It seems that we are in the mood for something sweet and delicious, what would you recommend?" 

The pop and crackle of spent flashbulb filled the air for a moment. Angela was having a grand time, taking candid shots of the little ones petting and feeding the reindeer, or sitting on Santa's lap. The market was a big hit, and the crowd had grown quite large. It seemed as though the promise of warm food, drink, and fun was going to be more than enough to bring people out into the chilly night. Through her camera's viewfinder, she spotted a pensive-looking JackMezzo and, before she lost her nerve, she snapped a picture, then lowered the camera to watch him drop a message into the box near the nativity. Angela had heard about Kates' hasty retirement, but hadn't known the woman well enough to understand just how large the hole was that she'd left behind in Philadelphia. Excusing herself now, she crunched lightly through the dusting of snow on the ground and over to the booth Hamish was running. 

"Mr. Hamish, may I get one that says- " She leaned down and whispered the rest. After a minute, a name was piped on a Lebkuchen, and she was walking it over to Mr. Mezzo.

"Hello. Are you enjoying the festivities? If you aren't having fun, Santa will know." Chuckling at her own lame joke, Angela handed him the cookie, but her face fell when she realized the name had been misspelled. That's what she got for whispering, she told herself with a sigh.

"That's supposed to say 'Kates', not 'Keats'. Well, I suppose it's the thought that counts. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Mezzo." She turned to walk back to the Santa and reindeer area, but stopped.

"I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest." She smiled up at him, knowing the quote somehow fit Kates just right, then she turned again to begin the slippery journey back to her station. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Smithy considering a sit on Santa's lap, and she did something rare, she actually laughed. When he moved on to the chili booth run by Svent , she decided that wasn't such a bad idea, chili sounded delicious. There might even be time for hot tea and a spin around the ice-skating rink.

Diego eventually makes his way to the Christmas market.

"Sorry I'm late guys, it's been a nightmare trying to source all this stock. But I guarantee it will all be worth it"

Raises his banner above his stall

DIEGO'S GERMAN BOOZE

Mulled Wine .......... $5

Steins ...................$10 

Bock 7.6%

Altbier 8.1%

Pilsner 4.3%

Dortmunder 6%

"Come and warm yourselves up with a nice beverage"

By now, Robert had taken off his skates and ha dput on his heavy boots. He slid out onto the ice to help a pair of young girls who had fallen and were nothing more than a giggling mass of scarves and earmuffs. They were laughing so hard they couldn't stand though, at the sight of Robert they sobered up quickly and gave him dreamy looks as he escorted the pair of them back to a bench where they could catch their breath. He chuckled under his breath.

Over near the vendors stands, a noise caught his attention and he could see Diego blustering about as he set up his wares. He wa glad for it too because there was nothing more than he wanted at the moment than a half pint of ale. Leaving the ice to his attendants, he made his way out towards the stall to greet his friend. 

"Diego! It's good to see you made it! I'll take your Bock if you please, I need something to warm me up after being out on the ice."

He handed over a crisp bill and received his beer in return, tipping the glass in acknowledgement. Taking it in hand, he made the rounds of the market, greeting patrons and watching all of the little interactions that were taking place. The Hansel and Gretel house was teeming with children and Angela looked positively giddy in charge of the reindeer and Santa house. Hamish was hard at work piping names onto cookies and every so often the shriek of a child informed him that Taylor's Krampus costume was working. 

"HOT CHOCOLATE PLEASE!"  Came a tiny voice that couldn't even see the top of the hot drinks cart Ethan was managing.  It didn't take him too long to put in two scoops of the chocolate shavings into the mug of cream he was keeping warm on the tiny stove next to the water for tea and coffee.  He stirred the mixture with the curved end of a candy cane until the chocolate had completely melted away.  He topped the drink off with a small scoop of cream that he'd whipped up and a few sprinklings of chocolate shavings used to make the drink itself. Ethan walked the drink around the cart to the front, to find a brown, curly-haired little girl who was missing her two front teeth.  He knelt in front of her and handed her the warm mug. 

"Hey little one.  It's hot, so give it a few minutes to cool off before you drink it." Ethan told her in a quiet but friendly voice. 

The girl giggled and pulled out the candy cane, and using it to eat a scoop of the whipped cream. "I will mister!" the little girl giggled as she dropped a few coins into Ethan's hand. "MERRY CHRISTMAS MISTER!" She yelled as she took her mother's hand, and they walked their way towards Santa and his reindeer. 

"Merry Christmas!" He replied giving the girl a little wave.

Ethan took a look around and after not seeing anyone else coming up to his stall, he took a short moment to himself.  He pulled out the small silver case from his coat pocket, and took out a cigarette. He leaned against the side of his stall and deeply inhaled the smoke.  The job was going a lot easier than he was expecting, and he felt he was putting on a good face of being merry.  He couldn't help but wonder just how many times he has said 'Merry Christmas' so far.    As he looked around he saw many familiar faces.  Giving a polite smile and wave to those he looked his way.  When he took notice of Gordon across the way, Ethan pondered when the good chef would stop by to call the hot drinks dealer a fucking donut or some other clever quip.  The thought made him chuckle to himself as he watched as people happily skated in the nearby rink.

Ivy smiles and sets her cocoa down before extending her hand out to TaylorBrown . It had been a while since she had been skating, but Taylor’s offer was too tempting to refuse. A bit shakey at first she skated alongside him. 
 

The sounds of the season filled the market as people huddled in groups and visited the booths. Everywhere you looked you could see people laughing and enjoying themselves. 
 

Ivy had finally found her footing and was enjoying herself as the pair skated around the rink. Every once in a while Taylor would show off his skating skills by doing “tricks” on the ice. She had been so busy lately and she was so glad that he had invited her to the market. There was definitely a good time to be had here. 
 

Suddenly a group of kids came skating through almost knocking Ivy over. Luckily Taylor was there to keep her from falling.

Hamish smiled broadly at Max and picked up a lebkuchen that looked like a fully decorated Christmas tree.  He handed it over, half wrapped in a piece of waxed paper.  

"I think will please any sweet tooth!" 

He turned to see Monkey_Schrute come by and leaned down when she went to whisper.  After taking the request he carefully piped on the name that seemed very familiar to him.  Right as he went to finish the frosting with a flourish the piping bag exploded.  "Nuts!"  He wiped off the extra frosting and hoped the cookie didn't look too weird.  "There you go Angela!" 

He brushed off his hands and cleaned up the frosting mess.  After reloading the bag he made a few cookies with loops and dots, then set them aside for the reindeer.  Then he set about frosting a few hearts.