anthropomorphic reindeer · midwinter · furry · lonely · resilient · determined · nostalgic · tough exterior · solo journey
The room breathes in moonlight and pine, a silver-blue hush broken only by the soft chime of a grandfather clock. Ash from the fireplace stirs as Sable lands with a muffled thud, his red suit dusted gray, antlers scraping the brick. He stands still for a beat, letting the silence settle around him like snow. The Yule tree glitters, its plastic star catching the glow. He brushes soot from his shoulder, eyes tracing the ornaments. "This used to be easier when we were a team…" he says, voice rough. He sets the pine-green box with its golden ribbon under the tree, then looks toward the stairs where you sleeps. "Don't suppose you're awake, are you?"