Daphne

Kaz

You can tell what color he’s already wearing. LITERALLY straight out of Oppenheimer.

“Kaz can you get Barbie tickets I already got Oppenheimer”

“6 tickets” “for Oppenheimer?” *stares* “Barbie”

Kaz was awake during the whole duration of Oppenheimer. He actually liked it.

Of course, he understands it. Everything. Afterwards, he had a discussion with Wylan for better bomb creations

“KAZZZZ I DONT GET ITTTT” “not everyone has the level of intelligence to.”

For Barbie, Nina managed to sneak some pink paint onto his coat

Honestly, he didn’t like it but he understood the message and was there for Inej (only) who was probably getting a tad bit emotional (who else wasn’t) So he tried his best to comfort her.

Jesper

A pink atomic bomb dropped on him

“CMON BARBIE LET’S GO PARTY I’M A BARBIE GIRL IN A BARBIE WORLD ..” He’s been singing that song non-stop.

Jesper slept during Oppenheimer. He was probably most awake during THAT scene though.

“I DONT GET IT WHAT DOES IT MEAN” “What did he say?” “HUHHHH” “WHEN IS THIS OVERRRRR” “Wylan this is YOUR THING”

“JESPER STFU”

A whole different person during Barbie. Got the Barbie popcorn, Barbie tumblr, even decorated his guns pink.

After the movie? A sobbing mess.

“I am Kenough. I AM KENOUGH.”

Continues not stopping to sing Barbie girl

Inej

Personally, I think she wore a less flashy color of pink..so dark pink? (Does she even have pink?) Well Nina helped.

“Inej what’s he doing?” yeah she does the explaining but not all of it BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE KEEP TALKING DURING THE MOVIE, SO SHE LOSES FOCUS ON WHAT THEY’RE SAYING.

“Please don’t tell me you plan on recreating that bomb Kaz”

She probably felt bored in some of the scenes.

During Barbie she had the time of her life. Laughing (Kaz was somewhat smiling because of that) Dancing in her seat during uplifting music playing and also tearing up. Especially during that line about the struggles of women.

She felt Kaz’s hands squeezing hers.

Pretty much comforting everyone else after the whole film (Mom of the group thingssssss)

Wylan

I think he’d wear black with a tad bit of pink to match both movies

HE ABSOLUTELY LOVEDDD OPPENHEIMER. He found it so interesting. Also inspiring maybe

“Maybe I can.. NO I WON’T”

Father son moment with Kaz about stuff . They were talking about everything that happened but most importantly if Wylan could recreate it but that’s dumb hahaaha Inej stopped it right away

HE ALSO ABSOLUTELY LOVED BARBIE. Ryan Gosling.

Laughing, dancing, crying too but he had to comfort Jesper.

The only person he could deeply analyse the movie with was Inej because everyone else was busy crying, comforting or Kaz.

“I loved how ..”

Nina

Dressed in absolutely the Barbiest pink you can imagine. And a cowboy hat.

In Oppenheimer she can literally tell who a character is played by. “IS THAT DEVIN BOWSTICK”

Most definitely awake during THAT scene. “I have a crush on Florence Pugh.”

After that, she doesn’t understand a thing. BOMBS. EXPLOSION. CILLIAN. that’s it.

She needed a whole 30 minute explain video.

“I come out of the cinema as J R Oppenheimer.”

“Nina, you know nothing about quantum physics.”

Like Jesper, SOOO HYPED FOR BARBIE. BARBIE GIRL. BARBIE WORLD. MARGOT ROBBIE. MOSTLY MARGOT ROBBIE.

“WATCH ME. DAAAAANCCEEEEE DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY”

A sobbing mess pt 2

But it’s fine because Barbie World started playing so she’s dancing again. With puffy eyes. #moodswings

“That..was a cinematic masterpiece. *intellectual statement*” but like 2 business days after the movie because she needed time to process and think and recover.

Matthias

Nina would PERSONALLY make Matthias try out a whole wardrobe. Black? Pink? Black AND Pink??????

“Nina, let me wear whatever I want”

“NO.”

He’s just there because Nina is there. Probably judges the whole Oppenheimer movie.

“Is that ethical?” “Is that reasonable?” “IS THAT BIBLICAL?”

But overall he probably was just silent during Oppenheimer.

But of course, he does have some statements about the movie #critic101 .

“So Matthias what do you think?” “It was a cinematic masterpiece.. Christopher Nolan.. *blah blah blah*”

He secretly enjoyed Barbie. Secretly. Maybe he said it was too girly for him but he secretly liked it.

“I’M JUST KEN ANYWHERE ELSE I’D BE A TEN”

Of course, he comforts Nina because she’s sobbing. Hugs her. Kisses her. And reassures her.

“Kaz, please try not to talk about jobs during this trip.”

Kaz

Front seat because the back is too loud and he wouldn’t promise he wouldn’t kill anyone.

I guess he would be driving at night when they all need to sleep because - he’s Kaz. He doesn’t sleep. Plus he likes the quiet. Nah he drives most of the time. He trusts only himself.

“KAZ CAN WE STOP I NEEDA P-“ “no.”

“BUT I REALLY N-“ “no. Piss yourself.”

Unlikely to road rage UNLESS HE’S PISSED but his intrusive thoughts……. NAH HE WOULDN’T THERE’S INEJ TO TELL HIM OFF

He’s tired…of them (not Inej though, never her)

“The.. skies nice today” - Kaz trying to talk about something unrelated to work with Inej but it is awkward with everyone around.

Jesper

“ARE WE THERE YETTTTTT”

The most complains comes from Jesper and he’s unbothered by Kaz’s annoyance.

The few times he sits in the driver’s seat or the one next to it, he controls the radio. And whatever upbeat explicit song you can think of, yes. On full volume. “WOOOOOOO”

When he drives, the music is on full volume and rolls down the window.

“ THIS /&$/&/&/&/&/!,!4$&3/“ road rage. *beep* “HEY—“

“I’m bored.”

He talks to Wylan, Nina and Inej the most..probably gossip. Yea most likely that.

BUT HE DEFINITEDLY BREAKS TENSION (i wanna be on a roadtrip with Jesper)

*loud potato chip crunch*

Inej

She switches between front row with Kaz and back row with Nina.

Quiet small conversation with Kaz because bro is awkward in conversations unrelated to work (“boo”)

But you know what silence is nice too. Eavesdroppers are everywhere *Jesper, Nina, Wylan, Matthias*

In the back row, yes you can catch her laughing and having so much fun spilling tea with Nina (jealous Kaz moment)

Jesper, Nina and Inej filling the back row with laugher.

Mother of the group for sure, keeping everyone in check.

“Kaz, stop the van please” *stops*

Nina

Loud 2.0

She’s most likely high on soda…or alcohol she stole from the Crow Club 💀

“Brekker relax *rolls eyes*” “BREKKER YOU’RE PISSING ME OFF”

Kaz and Nina basically fight like children when it’s someone else’s turn to drive.

Nina basically brought her whole wardrobe - so you can imagine like 10+ luggages which she needs to leave behind. She brought an extra luggage for snacks…mostly waffles.

“BUT THESE ARE ALL MY NECESSITIES” “OH YEA WHATS IN THAT???” “CLOTHES” “YOU’RE NOT MOVING HOUSES NINA” “I MIGHT AS WELL DO IF I LIKE THE HOTEL”

Basically uses Matthias as a pillow

Matthias

Pissed off and tired 2.0

He takes turn with Kaz to drive because - same reason as Kaz - it is much more peaceful up in front. But he also likes to spend time with Little Red Bird.

“Matthias tell us a joke” “*dad joke*”

“You know in Fjerda” pt 29282828282

He reminisces the time when he was younger, he and his family would used to go on trips, before troubles.

100% believe he’s into nature so he looks out the window to look at the view.

HAS HE’S OWN EARPHONES. He listens to whatever music they listen to in Fjerda and also the playlist Nina made for him

Falls asleep but wakes up quickly because he does not trust Jesper to not take any weird photos.

Wylan

*LOUD DISRUPTION NOISES* Why am I hear again?

Basically in his own little world, looking out the window, probably sketching(?)

Also has his own playlist probably classics, instrumentals (and also some of Jesper’s music taste because it’s his own boyfriend for Pete’s sake!!)

Chats with Inej a lot about life, deep talks. Small talks with Kaz/Matthias

Basically Jesper’s guardian. “Jesper!!!”

He would take pictures with Nina and Inej, silly ones too.

He likes when it’s night because of the nice street lights and the peace. And the quiet. It just hits different for him. He feels at home.

**

*national anthem lana del rey starts playing*: money is the reason we exist

jude: cardan, hold my bag

cardan: yes ma’am

in a nutshell.

JUDE IS IN CHARGE OF ELFHAME AND CARDAN IS

tcp jude: so do i become a knight?

qon jude: uh no

tcp jude: ??

tcp jude: WAIT WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?

qon cardan: 😬😬😬

tcp jude: WHAT THE FUC-

qon jude: BASICALLY YOU’RE GONNA BE HIGH QUEEN NOT A KNIGHT AND U MARRY CARDAN

tcp jude: WHAT THE FUCK

tcp cardan, appearing out of nowhere: wait we do? 🤭

qon cardan: yea

tcp cardan: *blushes* .. I MEAN WHY WOULD YOU???

tcp jude: YEA WHY WOULD YOU?

before the duel iykyk

Jude, seething: I might

Jude: I might kill my ex

Vivi: not the best idea…

Jude: HIS NEW GIRLFRIEND’S NEXT

Jude and Cardan celebrate Christmas with the Duartes

As the hooves of the ragwort steeds touch the pillowing snow, the High King and Queen of Elfhame were welcomed to the mortal world with the sound of the frosty wind swooping past them as chill ran up their spine while taking in the Christmas atmosphere with vibrant lights before them. Little children were busy playing in the snow at hours late like this, seeming to make a friend out of it, with rocks, sticks and carrots. Peculiar, thought Cardan, but he was rather intrigued. Everything was covered in snow as if it was a blanket, shielding it from the chilly weather.

Jude took Cardan’s hand and led him into Vivi’s house before he could get anymore distracted. Inside was warm, contrary to the cold outside, due to the nice, big fireplace Heather had installed.

“My, my. The King and Queen of Elfhame making a guest appearance, I see.” teased Vivi as she greeted them with a tray of freshly baked cookies with Heather beside her. The smell itself was so sweet anybody could be easily baited by it.

“I’ll be home for Christmas.” replied Jude, singsongly, which made Heather giggle.

“Don’t mind if I do.” said Cardan as he took a cookie from the tray. He seemed to have melted from the inside as he took his first bite due to its scrumptiousness, thus grabbing more greedily. Typical of him really.

“There are more batches of these cookies we’re making so don’t worry.”

“JUDE! CARDAN!” Oak yelled in his Christmas sweater, running to hug them as tight as his little arms could. Taryn and her young child followed shortly, both in matching Christmas pajamas.

“Let me show you guys the tree we built!” said Oak as he grabbed the couple’s hand, leading them to the living room.

Tree? Built?

There was a massive christmas tree in the corner of the living room as Oak had said. It was decorated with bright, colourful lights that were pleasing to the eye, giving a warm, comforting touch to this seasonal holiday. Beside the tree was the vibrantly large fireplace that kept the house from freezing to death. There were seven large red socks hanging above the fireplace, each with each person’s name written on it.

“Those are Christmas stockings which have little presents inside aside from the main presents,” explained Jude, when she saw her husband’s bemused expression.

“Can you guys help out here?” Taryn asked, shouting from across the house from the kitchen. “There seems to be a commotion..”

***

On their way to the kitchen, Jude stopped Cardan from walking any further. They were standing in a doorway and above them, a mistletoe was hung.

She tiptoed to kiss him softly on the lips. “You’re supposed to kiss someone who’s next to you if you’re under a mistletoe.” she explained, pointing to the mistletoe above them. A sly grin crept up his face.

“Well then, as High King, I will make sure to hang mistletoes everywhere in our palace back home then,” he replied, brushing her hair aside and placing it behind her ear.

“What if I’m not next to you but say, one of the advisors were?”

“Then I’ll make sure you’re tied next to me until there is no space between us.” he replied, stealing another kiss which made Jude giggle.

“Unbelievable, you are.”

***

The kitchen was a mess. Cookie dough was literally everywhere.

“What happened here?” Jude laughed.

“This is exactly why we need your help. The mixer exploded!” said Vivi with batter all over her hair. The sight caused a roar of laughter from Cardan to which Vivi replied with an eyeroll.

“Yeah whatever. Just help out.” Vivi said and tossed a mixing spoon.

The baking was quite intense since no one was speaking but only baking. Cardan would admit that he had absolutely no idea what he was doing since he grew up with servants to do everything for him and never learned how to bake. He was just mixing the dough mindlessly until Jude took over. To loosen up the intensity, Taryn got a hold on one of Heather’s speakers and a song began to play. An all too familiar bell sound started to ring and before you know it, Vivi and Heather were dramatically singing the intro for All I want for Christmas is You. Then everyone started to dance or clap along to the beat. Genuine smiles plastered on their faces and laughter filled the air, contributing to this joyous holiday.

***

They fell back against the coach, all exhausted from the baking except Oak and Taryn’s son who were watching on a tablet. The cookies were to be baked for quite a while. When it all seemed like they were finally going to get rest, the doorbell rang. A grumble came from Vivi as she begrudgingly stood up and made her way to the door to answer it. A choir of children dressed in white began to sing Silent Night - singing harmoniously and beautifully. It was like ascending to the heavens. The rest came to see the carolers too and they were all moved to tears with their wondrous performance. It amazed Cardan to witness what these children could do.

The oven rang - the cookies were finally done. They all rushed into the kitchen to smell the aroma of the baked cookies. Without much surprise, it smelled mouth-watering.

“Oak, can you bring a cookie and some carrots and place them below the fireplace?” asked Taryn as she picked up her sleepy son.

“Alright.”

“Make sure you don’t eat it!”

“Of course not! I want presents and not rocks.”

“Why would you need to put cookies and carrots below the fireplace and why would you get rocks instead of presents?” asked Cardan.

Oak laughed at his confusion. “Don’t you know about Santa?”

“Who?”

“He’s this old man who lives in the North Pole and delivers presents to kids if they’re nice and rocks to bad kids. He comes through the fireplace so the cookies are for him and the carrots for his flying reindeers!”

“But how could he know if you’ve been bad or good? They’re agazillion children in this world!”

“He just knows..duh!”

“..weird”

“You should go to bed now, Oak. If you want Santa to come.” said Vivi

“OH YEA!” He replied as he rushed up the stairs. “GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY”

“But how does -”

“He’s just a myth, Cardan. Come on, we should get some rest too.” said Jude, walking towards the stairs.

***

As usual when they visit the mortal world, Oak gives up his room so that Jude and Cardan can stay there. Before going to bed, Jude gave Cardan an early present to open up.

“Pajamas?”

“Christmas pajamas, love. I have a matching one.” Jude smiled.

“It’s lovely. Thank you.” Cardan replied.

When they both had their pajamas on, Cardan scooped Jude up in his arms before collapsing on a bed far too small for the both of them.

“So, what do you think of this holiday so far?” Jude asked with Cardan in her arms.

“Peculiar but .. I like it. I like seeing you this happy.”

She smiled “It reminds me of my childhood here before..” she sighed, “It’s a very special one and I wanna make sure I share this with you.”

She brought her mouth to his, kissing him sweetly and softly, not the intense, hungry ones they usually share, but the ones that say I love you and I’m glad you’re here with me. A kiss can say things words can’t.

“You’ve made it special for me, Jude.”

***

“ITS CHRISTMAS ITS CHRISTMAS!!”

Everyone in the house was all awakened with Oak’s excitement and wanting to open the presents he was expecting to receive. They gathered around the tree suddenly surrounded with piles of wrapped presents, all dressed in their Christmas pajamas. It must’ve snowed at night since the snow outside was nice and smooth with no footprints marking into the snow.

“Santa came!” Oak exclaimed.

“He sure did.” said Heather, to which Vivi laughed in response.

And then, the opening of presents began. It was filled with cheers and thank yous, laughter and excitement.

“So before we came here, I had this made for you.” said Cardan, somewhat nervously when he gave Jude a box nicely wrapped.

“You knew about this gift-giving part?”

“Let’s just say I wanted to be prepared.” Cardan explained while nodding to Vivi.

When Jude opened the present, she seemed to have melted, a soft smile teasing her lips. “It’s so beautiful.” She said in awe as she picked up her new dagger, made of gold and emerald crusts. A brand new one to her collection.

“This is for you.”

“Oh Jude, you shouldn’t have! But if you insist..” Jude rolled her eyes.

It was one of those mortal books. She knew they intrigued him since she caught him rereading Alice in Wonderland about a million times before so she figured to get him a new one.

“I also got you a library card so we can borrow more if you ever get bored.”

“Jude, don’t you know you’re the best wife anyone could ever ask for?” Cardan said dramatically and hugged her tightly.

“I know,” she laughed.

The Duarte household was filled with laughter and showered with love. One would be brought to tears. It was warm and cozy inside although it was snowing outside, like angels descending from the heavens to wish everyone a merry Christmas.

“Merry Christmas, Jude.”