Twisted Wonderland 2

A Certified Expert

Inside the assembly hall, you find that it's just a cozy, rustic room with a warm and inviting atmosphere. High, green painted wooden beams supporting the ceiling, creating an open and spacious feel. Large arched windows with black frames, allowing ample natural light to enter. A carved wooden piano with intricate details and a matching wooden bench placed on a circular rug. Comfortable upholstered chairs and a sofa with patterned cushions surround a wooden coffee table at the center, adorned with a fruit basket and a vase of flowers. A large stone fireplace with a roaring fire, giving the space a warm and homely vibe. A chandelier with multiple candles hangs from the ceiling, adding to the rustic charm. Decorative items, such as framed pictures, a clock, and plants, are placed throughout the room. The overall setting feels like a quaint, storybook cottage.

"All right, time to prep your sleds." Marja states, gesturing to a basket on the coffee table. "I'd like you all to pick out some fabric you like from this pile."

"We'll use the fabric to make the stuffed animals that pull the sleds." Epel adds.

Sebek nods. "Oh, right. This race involves stuffed animals rather than real ones."

You take a seat on one of the chairs while the boys look through the fabric. Grim leaps into your lap and curls up contently like a cat. Tucking his paws underneath him and loafing.

Sebek tilts his head as he inspects the fabric. "I'm seeing a lot of bright reds and checkered patterns... They're all rather showy."

Jade picks up a piece of fabric. "They're also different sizes and lengths."

"This is a pile of odds and ends that each household in the village contributes to." Epel informs.

"So it's scrap fabric." Idia holds his arm.

"We're not cheapin' out, just to be clear!" Epel explains. "The idea is to show we care about our things by finding ways to repurpose 'em. The stuffed animals are made from a patchwork of pieces, so pick as many as you like."

"Must we choose from this selection...?" Sebek shrugs and starts grabbing random fabric. "Then again, I suppose it doesn't matter, since this won't have any bearing on the sled's speed."

"Actually, it will."

"What?" Sebek exclaims.

"Really?" You ask curiously. "Even the type of fabric matters?"

Epel nods to the basket of fabrics. "Different materials have different levels of air resistance. And hydrophobic fabrics don't get weighted down in the snow. The fabric makes a world of difference on the sled's speed and durability."

Sebek tilts his head. "Is that right?"

Idia laughs as he grabs his items. "I've made my picks."

"That was quick." Sebek quirks an eye.

"I looked up what fabrics previous winners used." Idia grins. "This combination's gonna get me a high performance plushie, guaranteed!"

Epel chuckles. "Wow, you really did your research."

Idia smirks. "Just call me the Character Creation Samurai."

Sebek hums as he looks over his options. "I'll go with these snowflake and polka dot patterns for the base, with a touch of this orange for an accent."

"Fascinating." Jade smiles to Sebek teasingly. "So that's how you normally dress outside of school."

"NO!" Sebek exclaims indignantly. "I just based my fabrics off of what Idia chose. What about you? Have you made your selection?"