If you have to kill a snake, kill it once and for all.

[ Video ]

[ Medusa appears on screen wearing what can be described most kindly as a ’jaunty’ sweater and a cheerful little Santa hat. Her smile, for those who are familiar with her usual expression, is both incredibly wide and incredibly genuine. She’s got it, and she’s got it bad. ] It occurs to me quite suddenly – quite suspiciously suddenly, in fact – that there aren’t nearly enough decorations up. The mistletoe is a nice touch, but it needs more. We need wreaths, and lights, and- are there any menorahs up? We wouldn’t want anyone to feel left out. “Christmas” is intended to be a Christian holiday, obviously, but its roots lie in the change of the seasons which makes it a time of celebration for most religions. [ Yes, she managed to fit a small lesson into this. But as a witch she mostly serves as an observer for your cooky human holiday season. ]

Now, mistletoe and trees are pagan. Perhaps if we put up a few angels for the Christians, at least one public menorah and perhaps a few Stars of David for our Jewish neighbors? Let’s see, what other holidays do humans celebrate around the solstice? Well, you’ll all have to help me out if I’m forgetting anything. Of course there should be a feast, you can’t possibly celebrate the coming light of spring without a feast. And if anyone would like company to stay up on the longest night of the year and help the mother Goddess give birth to the sun, I would be more than happy to join you.

[ She smiles again, in something like a farewell. Then something occurs to her, and she holds up a finger to ask you to wait while with her other hand she picks up the head end of her enormous viper so that he can look at the screen.

If snakes can have expressions, he looks curious and mildly confused. He eyes the thing and flicks his tongue out at it experimentally as Medusa goes on. ]

Oh, one last thing. Does anyone have a very small hat like the one I’m wearing ? Poor Ophion has nothing to wear.

( [ Private Text to the Admiral - Gifts for Red, Arthas, Barron, Lua, and a general gift for all ] )

[ Medusa is a quiet Italian woman, always polite and gentle, but never taken advantage of. Rumor has it she was nobility, but took a fancy to that scary-looking Arthas fellow and ran away to be with him. She stays home and takes care of the house while he's off pirating, like a good little housewife. There are also rumors that horrible things happen to anyone who gets on her bad side, but why would you want to? She's sweet enough. ]

The comings and goings in this place are so hard to keep track of sometimes. I wonder if there's anyone around who might help me with a little project? The weather has taken its toll on this old house. I'd like to make some additions.

[ Private to Arthas ]

Arthas, dear, how goes our latest acquisition? I trust there weren't any difficulties?