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[Back dated to the 11th.

Four. Four birthdays in Luceti. Honestly none of them have ever been very exciting, but maybe it's better that way. Calling attention to age, especially now that she's 20, is a little of a scary thought. Instead she'll act like it's a normal day for most of it. Taking her dog for a walk in the late morning, spending time in the smithy, and even grocery shopping a bit. Eventually sometime in the afternoon, before dinner, she'll ask the village a question:]

A question for everyone: How do you feel about growing older here? Whether you already have or not. Is it scary to think about?
[Families? Relationships? Are they even a good idea? Despite the fact those are things she wants.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I could probably replace your outer plating with an alloy used in the northern parts of my country. It's a mix of duralumin and other metals. It should reduce how badly your arm is affected by the cold weather. It's lighter, too.

I didn't really mean it like that; I've got no sensation in this arm. [At least, he's pretty sure he doesn't since landing arm-first from a two story jump doesn't send agonizing shooting pains through it.]

But it's a good thing I've got someone who knows their way around patching me up and the best materials for the job.

[He considers this for a moment.]

No offense, but you seem pretty young for this sort of work. [Okay, that didn't come out so well.] I mean, hell, I don't think I know half as much as you do -- but that's why you do what you do, and I do what I do best.

It's a family business. I've been helping my grandmother make automail before I was eleven. Anyway, it's probably best you switch out for the winter. The metal attached to your skin could give you frostbite if you're not careful.

'Switch out'?

[His tone holds a hint of wariness, of uncertainty more than curiosity.]

Yeah. I can recreate some of the outer plating and replace it for the season so you aren't as affected by the cold?

[Oh. For a second there he supposed she might have meant swapping his prosthetic for another composed of more winter-friendly materials.]

I've gone through a couple of winters with this, so I know what I'm in for.

[He's wishing a bit now that he hadn't jokingly exaggerated the situation, but it's a little late for that. Keeping a watchful eye on himself and dressing especially warmly should be enough, he figures. It's a bit of a matter of pride, too.]

But, tell you what. If it ends up giving me trouble, I'll get in touch with you and see when I might be able to drop by.

[She sighs.]

Fine, just as long as you aren't a moron about it.

[...] I don't make a habit of it.

[Pausing, he adjusts his tone just slightly so it's not quite so business-like as when addressing his superiors and fellow soldiers.]

You won't get to tell me 'I told you so'; I promise.

Good. I have enough customers like that.

Don't forget to take some time for yourself over the holidays.

[He hasn't a clue if she's the sort of person who tends to fill up her free time with her work or not, but he supposes a small, general reminder couldn't hurt in any case.

It's just beginning to sink in that he may very well be spending Christmas here. In Em's absence, it wasn't all that significant anymore - but it still meant something that he was away from home and not on the most relaxing of vacations.]