Back? # **Chapter Fourteen: The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer…** *International Transport Terminal, 11:30 AM* --- Song(s): **Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses** --- Back at the ITT, the travellers were still waiting for Earth’s portals to reopen. However, the oppressive boredom had vanished, replaced with vibrant, electric excitement: the gathered crowds were being treated to a sneak peek of the Festival’s concert! It had been Nimue’s idea. Shortly after the collective despair had reached a crescendo, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She approached the front desk -- politely this time -- and began setting up a makeshift stage at the head of the hall with the receptionist’s help. The terminal usually held pop-up concerts in the main hall, so Nimue was able to acquire all the equipment she needed to put on a damn good show. Rousing Jilaiya and Mara and dragging them to the front, she persuaded them to mount a drumset and pick up a guitar while she seized a microphone. “Nimuuuuue,” Jilaiya groaned. “Are we really doing this right now?” “Yep! Now quit your whining and give me a beat. We’re doing Christmas Wrapping.” With a sigh, Jilaiya obeyed, setting the tempo for one of the group’s favourite numbers. Mara chimed in on cue with a half-hearted guitar strum, and Nimue began the song’s first verse. It didn’t quite have the effect Nimue was expecting; beyond a few turned heads, the crowd didn’t react. Not even Jilaiya or Mara added their harmonies, much to her frustration. Her voice started to falter, and she was preparing to call it quits mid-song. But as she began the second verse, another voice joined in. And then another, and another, and more still, their warm tenors, baritones, and basses blending beautifully with her vibrant soprano. It was Taron, backed by the other members of Greek Chorus. They carried the tune, lifting Nimue’s spirits and spurring her onward. Their support also snapped Jilaiya and Mara out of their daze, finding their voices just in time for the chorus. Now, the crowd was listening, and little by little, more listeners started to sing along, accompanied by impromptu dancing, a bob of the head, or a tap of the toes. What else were they going to do? The music seemed to be the only thing that could pierce through their complete and utter boredom. And, in fact, it was. Whether they realized it or not, the performers’ music directly countered Eira’s icy spell, restoring the crowd’s hope with each note. As the concert carried on, more acts joined in, adding their selections to the setlist. A message passed between the crowd as they enjoyed themselves, beginning with Taron and quickly proliferating. The Festival had suffered some major setbacks, and for it to go ahead as planned, its organizers needed all the help they could get - and fast. As the clock struck twelve and the final notes of a crowd-pleasing carol rang out, swirling, multicoloured vortexes roared to life behind the performers, showering them with glittering sparks. Makeshift confetti heralding a job well done -- and another just about to begin.