While the exterior of the mansion was, in fact, creepy and intimidating as ever, inside was nothing but festive warmth. Most of the decorations had already been put up, save for the one big main centerpiece, which was far too important and certainly did require a full afternoon and evening to take care of: their Christmas tree. Brought in directly from Nell's Soulwood property by Gladio, it was a full and impressive evergreen that infused the air with the fresh scent of pine, mingling perfectly with all the notes of cinnamon and peppermint already lingering in the wake of Ignis's flurry of food preparation, so that he and Liliana would have plenty to nibble on and sip at as they dripped its branches with holiday elegance and accoutrements.

Of course, his timing with everything had been impeccable, leaving a nice moment where he could just sort of enjoy his hard work through the day with a very strong mug of coffee spiked with both mint and alcohol. Listening to the orchestral sweeps of music and the crackling fire, waiting for Liliana to get home from the Consortium. Which, considering he'd insisted they wait until she'd finished with her work, he suspected would be sooner rather than later.

And another great part of it? Ignis didn't even have to look at how ugly anyone's sweaters were today, although he could certainly have done without the island apparently compensating by making the sweater he was stuck with feel almost as wretched as it no doubt appeared.

[[ mostly for the lady of the house, but certainly can be open for other visitors, with the caveat that I will likely be S L O W as hell ]]