saint valentine's

[fixtures]

Username/Display Name: un: headmaid, dn: Giselle
Server Channel: #general
Time: Early evening

Dear fellow guests,

Have you heard of the holiday "Saint Valentine's Day?"

With the turn of the month, the upcoming date is on my mind. Preparations for any formal celebrations of the holiday at the mansion typically begin around this time.

In any case, for those who are unaware, allow me to share the tradition with you: Saint Valentine's Day is a celebrated time of romance, taking place on the 14th day of February — a tradition which dates back many centuries.

Some say the date marks the beginning of birds' mating season, explaining its romantic association, while others connect the day with the assumed date of the execution of Saint Valentine, who, in legend, married young lovers in secret, despite the church's outlawing of the practice. Quite the tragedy...

On this day, it is common for lovers and friends alike to exchange written cards, poems, flowers and sweets as tokens of their affection.

I suppose I am curious which of these gifts you would most prefer to receive. A card filled with heartwarming feelings? The soothing aroma of a bouquet? A satisfying treat?

Or, perhaps, there is something different altogether which would lighten your spirit on Saint Valentine's. Hehe... would you enlighten me?

Best regards,
Giselle

Comments

[nonexempt]

It's not something I'm good at, no.

But I wouldn't be surprised if you were. You seem like someone who would be good at things requiring an elegant touch. I bet any card you would make would be lovely.

[fixtures]

A maid should leave everything she touches more elegant and beautiful than when she came across it.
I appreciate your generous compliment.

Still, I have not fashioned such a card before, despite my experience decorating other things.
You mentioned that these cards are produced by shops, in your time?

[nonexempt]

Understandable. If you had no purpose to, why would you?

But yes, cards can be found in shops in my time. Usually they have clever writing on the front and insides and you can add your own commentary from there. They're fairly plain, no lace or ribbons, but that's the standard.

[fixtures]

I see.
I will have to see if the hotel carries them. I cannot help but be curious...

Are there any other traditions common in your homeland?
Many have mentioned making chocolates — though that is a decadence reserved for the very wealthy, in the 18th century.
It seems to be available here at this hotel in abundance though, hehe.

[nonexempt]

Making chocolates is what I was going to bring up. A usual tradition is for girls to make chocolates for boys on Valentine's day. Of course, it's become less gendered over time. Now it's more the person who has feelings making chocolates for those who they want to receive their feelings instead. Then those actions are reciprocated on White Day in March.

Before you ask, White Day is a holiday about reciprocation. I'm not sure the origins of it, unfortunately, but it's held on March 14th — one month after Valentine's Day. It's a tradition in Japan, for the most part. Because Valentine's Day used to be about girls giving boys gifts, White Day is the reversed where boys give girls gifts instead, mostly to reciprocate the feelings shown to them on Valentine's Day.

As for making chocolate itself, I've never done it but it might be a fun thing to do here if you have the time.

[fixtures]

Oh, I see. What a lovely tradition. It is a shame they do not have it in the countries I have lived in.
In my time, it is not common for men and boys to make sweets, nor be in the kitchen much at all.
Such tasks are the work of wives and servants.
So, how heartwarming it must be, to receive a gift in return on that day...

Though I am surprised to hear that you do not yet know the practice, given the widespread nature of the holiday.
I suppose you did say you did not much experience relationships like those...

[ allegedly...... which she's still not 100% convinced of. ]

So, it would be my pleasure to teach you, if you wish to learn.
Perhaps, then, you may apply this skill in the White Days to come, hehe.
Call upon me as you wish — I have plenty of time, my dear.

[nonexempt]

[ maid-chan please, your faith in his wooing abilities is admirable ]

Huh. I think I do wish to learn, so I would be grateful for your help in making some chocolates. My time is quite open as well so how about I call upon you sometime in the upcoming days and see if you're free then to teach me?