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dydd calan yw hi heddiw

It only just occurs to me that had we been back home, and been in the timeline that our world was following along--today would be the first of the new year, the first of January, anno Domini 2020. As such, it marks the start of a year that commemorates an impressive anniversary of an even more impressively enduring Arrangement.

Happy New Year, my dear. To many, many more.

Dear classmates-

I realize the moment itself has come and gone, now, but how does one ring in the new year in each of your worlds?

In my world, it is often accompanied by toasting with a bubbly wine known as Champagne, watching a fireworks display, and participating in some kind of boisterous celebratory countdown to the moment the clock changes over (Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a riotous street party--an absolute delight). And then there are kisses. And singing of Auld Lang Syne. And New Years Resolutions, I suppose. The new year is symbolic of hope and change.

What do you hope to accomplish or change this upcoming year?

[[Unsigned.]]

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Where I'm from, we stay up all night and shout really loud and watch fireworks! At least Granny and I did. But things might be different with the boys now.

But what's that part about kissing?

[She is. Invested in that part.]

Oh that sounds fun! I do tend to prefer a quiet night in, but there's just something about the night that inspires loudness.

I believe the kiss superstition holds that you kiss someone on the stroke of midnight as the year changes and it is supposed to ensure luck, or perhaps a lack of loneliness through the coming year.

Though simply kissing your significant other throughout the year is likely just as effective, it is all rather momentous to see the couples kiss excitedly as the bells go off.

And how do you do that without passing out?

[Because she fainted the last time she tried.]

Is it a breathing issue? You might try breathing through your nose? (Do ducks have noses?) Or is it that the experience is just that overwhelming, you pass out from being too anxious? Practice makes perfect, perhaps?

The last thing, it's the last thing! Overwhelming experience!

Keep practicing? I confess my overwhelm goes in the other direction--I tend to engage more--but maybe you two need to slow down and let yourself learn to savor the experience. And if you feel faint, stop all together, and talk about it. Find something more calming for a minute, like holding her hand.

Maybe it's a bit like not eagerly eating up your food to the point of choking?

That makes sense. And I've choked enough times to know the feeling.

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it!

Oh! You are from Earth?

In a manner of speaking, yes.

I am as well, though obviously from further along in time. I am excited to know I too have someone here from my own world!

Oh, how much further? We are from the later half of 2019.

Over half a century further. I should not be more specific, just in case of temporal paradox, I think.

Everyone in science fiction throws around words like that--temporal paradox and whatnot--but I can't say I see where it would be that big of a problem.

It's not like humans don't already make enough of a mess of things anyway, just doing their normal human things. It's really quite lovely.

We omnics have also contributed in our own ways, I am afraid. That is something you will likely experience.

Perhaps. Or maybe not? I'm not entirely sure how timelines work, but we might be on completely different ones? Ours got slightly odd when the Apocalypse was undone before it even really began.

Hmm. You have not seen the production of omnics yet?

I don't keep up on tech development exactly, but I don't believe so? Best I consult Crowley.

I am certain you would know! We were very big news!

Then I suspect we haven't seen your kind yet. I believe I've heard of robotic dog toys, and Smart Houses, but nothing more elaborate that I've seen buzz about. [But then, he does live under a rock, basically]

Then you are headed for interesting times, if we are indeed from the same timeline. I admit I had not considered the alternative.

Having seen all I have, I’d argue that all times are interesting, in some way or another. I’m a bit tired of the interesting-in-a-bad-way ones, however, so I do hope that we are headed for a pleasantly-interesting batch for a bit.

But given the fact that there are different worlds, I suppose it stands to reason anything is possible, including other timelines.

'Many Worlds' theory has long been a popular scientific thought experiment. This may be its validation!

In my time the new year won't be for several months yet and it's variable depending on the annual flood. When we do celebrate however it is called the Wepet-Renpet festival and it's..... about what you would expect really. Feasts accompanied by religious ceremonies. So yes- alcohol is still very much a part of it. That hasn't changed.

As for what I hope to accomplish.... now that I have dedicated time towards honing the skills acquired here I hope to spend more time with the others I've either met here or from my own dimension. I'm afraid that I've been a bit remiss in that lately.

Oh yes! I recall an interesting poem-story, something with Isis and Nebthwt, I believe, was used during that festival. And the Egyptians did rather like alcohol if the Tekh Festival was anything to go by. If nothing else, humans do know how to have a party.

Haven't we all? One of the dangers of getting caught up in the day-to-day...we forget to enjoy our time with each other. Perhaps another party is in order, to encourage us all to spend time with our fellow classmates?

we mostly are just thankful we fucking survived tbh, at least on alternia

vaikuntha was a lot more like how you're describing, though

except there's always some stupid monster that shows up all over the world that we have to kill in droves but eh

Well, we did the monster slaying a bit early this year. Or late, depending on how you look at it. Let us hope it does not care to make a repeat performance.

You'll have to tell me more about your world, dreadful as it sounds every time you mention it. I'm rather glad you ended up here, if it meant getting you out of that Hell, even if you are something of a menace to society.

To all the years, forward and backward. (Except the ones that were mostly plague, those were so blessed dull.)

And never ending.

(That is an understatement. Though with you, they at least weren't completely dull.)

Oh, my dear, you're couldn't be rid of me now even if the world were to end.

Oh, I'm counting on it.

And apparently there's loads more worlds out there. Might even find the next one on purpose.

Go off together? I would love to. And I might know a couple of classmates who could even make travel suggestions.

But don't make plans just yet, Crowley. I've only just got you here. Do let me enjoy it a while.

Oh, I'm not going anywhere. Barely scratched the surface 'round here, I bet.

And certainly not leaving without you.

Indeed. There's plenty more trouble for you to get into, should you be so inclined. Though I feel I should be a tad less encouraging.

Well, I should hope not! You'd never hear the end of it if I have to track you down through multiple universes or summon every demon in existence just to bring you back. And I'll do it, don't you try me.

You're itching for me to be up to something, and you know it.

I know you don't think you're flirting just now, but it's a bit sexy anyway.

I don't know what to do with myself if you're being too--you know--G**D. I may have to start causing a ruckus myself if you don't, just to maintain the balance in this Arrangement. You not up to something makes me suspicious that you're VERY up to something!

Crowley there are CHILDREN present!
And anyway, what makes you think I'm not doing this at least a little on purpose? I am old enough to know how to flirt. I have tricks you haven't even SEEN yet!

Oh, you don't have it in you to really get up to something, do you? No assignment, everyone here already taking tea with you...

They're all teenagers or something, probably! Bet they think they invented flirting.

(And just who has Mr. Fell practiced his tricks on, angel? Should I teach the ducklings what the Hundred Guineas Club is?)

I see what you're trying to do and I won't fall for it. You cannot 'dare' me into doing mischief.

Even so, I want to set a good example.

(Don't you dare! If you do, ~~I'll~~ you'll have to spend the evening in your own room.)

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