With only 10 days until the Animalia Christmas Exposition, Animalia started getting preparations ready for the major events. The place where the Great Snow War was to take place was surveyed for where the trenches would be placed and where the fortifications/bunkers would be placed, and where the major snow "weapons" would be placed. But there was still time for other, minor, projects as well.
---
Miss Vivian was just finishing up with her last pre-order when Dr. Jones came into her store carrying an old-looking book. But before she could ask, Dr. Jones placed the book on the counter and proceeded to explain.
"I've got an idea for a Christmas present for Janice and Anne." he said, "Apparently this book has been in their family for a long time." Vivian took one look at the title and got some of the point.
"La Moufette?" asked Miss Vivian, "You do know what that book is about, right?"
"Kind of." said Dr. Jones, matter-of-factly, "It's about a prostitute who creates a skunkette costume to attract some of the more kinky customers, then proceeds to make it more and more realistic until people believe she is real. Then she only takes it off to clean it and her, and proceeds to suffer an identity crisis. The final chapter is really confusing, and is generally interpreted as her final descent into madness.
"A less glamorous yet accurate description." commented Miss Vivian, chalking it up to his autism.
"But that one was published in 1802," Replied Dr. Jones, "and this one, the one that was in the Cumbertin Family's possession, was actually published in 1765, and was originally banned by the catholic church at the time."
"Really?" asked Miss Vivian, opening the book and finding not just the date it was published but also the name of a printing business on Fleet Street, London, England.
"Apparently this one is about how Theresa, the main character, was one of the prostitutes that 'serviced' the men of the Hellfire Club. Using dark magic learned at their 'meetings', Theresa managed to assume the form of a Skunkette to better service her clients. Apparently the final chapter of the public one is actually an abridged version of the second half of this book, which is apparently about Teresa's search into making her skunkette form permanent, as well as several sex scenes that might be part of the reason why it was banned." answered Dr. Jones.
"And you want this to be a Christmas present for the Cumbertins because...?" asked Miss Vivian, still not getting it, cursing autism for making its subjects/patients hard to read.
"I would like this to be made into a mint first edition as it would appear in a modern book store." Explained Dr. Jones, a little frustrated that Miss Vivian couldn't perceive half the things he could, even as an Animalian.
"Okay." said Miss Vivian, finally getting it. "But you won't mind me making a copy to send to a friend of mine?" asked Miss Vivian.
"That depends on who it is." answered Dr. Jones, his face finally showing some emotion, mainly "am I supposed to be impressed? Really?".
"It's a friend of mine from college who went into writing." explained Miss Vivian, a little exasperated, "He specializes in romance novels, but critics often say that his books focus too much on the plot, and the 'magnetism' that draws two lovers together, and not enough on the actual love/sex scenes."
"Alright," said Dr. Jones, "As long as he doesn't plagiarize the copy you're sending him."
"Okay." said Miss Vivian, making a mental note to send a letter along with the book telling him about Dr. Jones' advice.
---
Polly and several classmates were enjoying the snowy weather after school when they saw Manfred dragging an enormous fir tree behind him.
"What are you doing, Manny?" asked Polly, going up to him. He had met him before when she went to visit Jeremy at Horizon one Day.
"I'm helping get the Christmas trees for the Great Hall ready." answered Manfred, not minding the nickname 'Manny'. At least that was better than 'honored ancestor' or 'revered ancestor' that the Elephant Clan of Lyre and Animalia were using for him.
"Really?" asked Polly, having never seen such a thing before.
"Yes," replied Manfred, "Apparently Santa's reindeer will be returning to take part in a community gift unwrapping event at Christmastime."
"I hope I get to take part." said Polly, excited at such an event happening.
"I hope so to." said Manfred, nodding and returning to getting the Christmas tree to the great hall.