Christmas with the Crew | Part 2 (Patreon)

Damon

Though Christmas is something he's not particularly fond of, Damon doesn't mind spending the time together with the A6 crew. He had a rocky start to life, but he's grateful for where his life has led him, and even though he rarely shows it, he feels it, especially over the holidays.

Damon, of course, is happy to cook for Christmas, and he won't trust anyone other than Bash to be in the kitchen with him, knowing that food and cooking are things that Bash takes just as seriously as he does. Everyone else has to get out until it's ready. Go and find something else to do.

And no Santa hats in the kitchen, Sebastian.

He's generally in charge of the baking and desserts, while Bash busies himself with the main course and side dishes. When the feast is served, everyone sits down together, eating and drinking until the small hours. It's a rare time when Damon will let his guard down, usually after a few too many drinks, and quietly appreciate the people around him.

Ryona

On Tilaarin, Christmas isn't celebrated, so it's not a tradition that Ryona grew up with. However, there are festivities centered around the shortest day of the year - what humans would refer to as Winter Solstice.

Growing up, Ryona and her sisters loved to take part in the celebrations. They would eat good food, dance, and sing. Feasts would consist of stews and soups, pies, roast meat and vegetables, dried fruit and nut bread, and candied fruits and hot cocoa. Gifts are always given, and are often handmade, though with remarkable craftsmanship.

Since being away from home, Ryona has become more familiar with the traditional human Christmas, though she only recently celebrated her first one with the crew. While she enjoys most of it, some of the traditions can be a little overwhelming, and the food is sometimes too heavy for her taste.

Aya will try to rope Ryona into assisting her with decorating the ship, begging her to make the beautiful paper snowflakes she has a particular talent for. She also has some beautiful plants growing in her collection which only bloom around Christmas, their silver flowers a welcome addition to the Christmas table.

Ryona will always take a few, quiet moments on the day to think of her family and hope that whatever they're doing, they are happy and healthy.