There is in fact someone here - one person, not even a bartender nor a waitress. She's tall, insanely so even by the standards of dynasts - no wonder the ceilings here are three times Eridani's height, given this woman is a bit more than one and a half times Eridani's height. The ceilings probably feal reasonably roomy to her, especially given the icicles decorating the area around where she's sitting. (...And the frost on the stool and the bar and the floor spreading out from where she's sitting.)

She's gorgeous too, supernaturally so, her skin a frosted, faintly sparkly white and her loose wavy hair a pale yellow like the struggling winter sun, a faint glow lighting her from within. Her dress is white as well, sparkling in the multicolored fairy lights, giving her perhaps more of an impression of a living rainbow than was intended.

She's staring in deep consternation at some napkins spread before her, her shapely lips pulled into an intense thoughtfulness.

Pretttyyyyyy. Hopefully this isn't all a raksha trap. Only one thing for it.

Eridani flounces over to the woman, long skirt flaring out around her (pale red, to match the light silk blouse she's wearing).

"Hi! Do you know what's going on here?"

She looks over, raising an eyebrow. (Her deep eyes are the only spot of darkness on her entire body.) "Supposedly an interdimensional bar for meeting people in - it's so far more friendly than the Wood Between Worlds, at least."

"Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

Interdimensional bar? Sounds like fun. Eridani can always get on board with meeting people.

"Elathea Eridani." She bows formally, flourishing just a little bit of Essence to cause her anima briefly flare into little fiery dragons racing up and down through slits cut into her clothes for just such a purpose. Important to make a good first impression, y'know. The side effect these cuts have of making her outfit dance along the razor edge of risque when she moves or stretches just right is entirely mostly coincidental. "And you are?"

She eyes Eridani appreciatively before standing and giving a shallow curtsy. "I am Jadis, Queen of Winter in Narnia." A swirl of snow and ice whips around her, glittering images of frozen landscapes and grand castles shining briefly in the storm. Neither her hair nor dress are all at disturbed. 

"Nice," she grins. "I've never heard of Narnia."

"It's a world. Not much to recommend it, I'm sad to say, except that I've lived there for a time."

"Aw. It's gotta have some good parts, though."

Smile. "My palace is gorgeous."

"Let me guess. Is it all made out of ice?"

"And snow!"

"Sounds pretty cool."

"It's the best part of the world."

"Makes sense, for a Queen of Winter. I'm from a warmer part of Creation, myself."

"Where?"

"A country called Prasad. The jewel of the Dreaming Sea."

"Where is that?"

"In the South-East. So it's warm but not scorching hot, stuff still grows well."

"Tell me more of the Dreaming Sea and Prasad..."

She has lots of stories! Long lazy days at the shore, hot and heavy parties through the night in the city, dashing and daring adventures across the rolling plains or into the rugged peaks or out into the deepest depths. All manner of mortal adversaries, ferocious tigers or river dragons, thuggish bandits, evil warlords. Unruly spirits or gods in need of reminders of the proper order of the world. Devilish fae on expeditions to corrupt the narrative of Creation and twist it into their own private feast.

She listens with fascination. 

"You make me want to visit..."

"There's lots of good points. But! The star attraction is already right in front of you."

"Certainly. But I'd enjoy seeing you in your natural context, too."

"I can flourish in any context!"

"Even the deepest winter?"

"I'm a Fire aspect. I can bring my own heat."

"Is that so?"

"The anima flare's not all for show."

"Wonder if your heat or my chill would win."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll have to put it to the test."

She steps closer. 

Brr! Eridani grins, focusing intently- and a corona of fire flickers into life around her head.

Her breath is the frost of the deepest winter as she steps ever closer, gusting over Eridani's skin in a dance with the flames. 

Some people might find the proximity of a beautiful woman distracting from the necessary meditation to circulate their Essence in a controlled anima flare. Fortunately, Eridani practices this skill every day by being a beautiful woman herself and seeking out others of her kind every chance she gets. Her flames rise to the occasion.

She rises to match. 

"Have you checked how sturdy this place is?"

"I've been assured it and security are metaphysically up to any challenge. Though certain activities are banned in the main room..."

"I've been known to burn down a building or two when I really get going. And you look like the sort of woman who wants the best."

"I'll request a suitably durable suite."

"Uhh... From who?"

"The Bar, of course." She gestures over. 

"The bar itself?"

"Yes. She's a person, evidently."

"Huh."

"Hello," she says in the vague direction of the countertop. "Sorry I didn't notice earlier! My name's Eridani. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bar."

A little white placard held up by a metal stand appears on Bar's countertop. "It's quite alright, and the pleasure is mine. Would you like a drink?"

"A drink would be lovely, thank you."

And lo, a drink appears! It's got distinct layers, reds and oranges mixed in with blues and whites, and also a little red umbrella toothpick sticking out of it. 

Ooh, looks tasty. She tries a little sip.

"This is very good."

"Thank you!" says a placard. Then: "Only the first drink is free, but I work to make sure drinks are priced reasonably."

Giggle. "I can afford it. ...Assuming reasonably means what it does back home."

"I would hope it does."

"Glad we can agree. Oh, hey, I had another question since we're talking- what's with the ribbons and branches and stuff?"

"They're for winter holidays! Many are popular in the multiverse and the Landlords have decided to have a holiday event."

Grumpy face.

"Does the Queen of Winter not approve of winter holidays?"

"Not of Christmas."

"What's Christmas?"

"...Complicated."

"It's the birth anniversary of a common - type of person, in many worlds, who's often a religious leader and founder. It's celebrated by their adherents in various ways. In Narnia, that person is one of my greatest enemies, and he begins growing stronger on Christmas. So, I froze the advance of time so every day would be solstice day - a few days before Christmas, when winter is at its greatest extent."

"That seems kinda sad for everyone else."

"I don't particularly care. Magic ensures they have enough to eat, and now no one grows old; they should be grateful."

"When someone says should in that tone of voice it usually means they don't want to admit they made a mistake about how other people think..."

Grumpier face! "A few miscalculations might have been made," she concedes. Grumpily.

"Maybe you could have some other, non-Christmas holidays? Just to keep things fresh, if it's the same day over and over that would get boring- wait, actually, how does that 'freeze time' thing work? Do you still have day and night? Is it like a time loop thing?"

"It's not a time loop," she says. "Changes to the world created by beings persist between days, and there are still day and night. But the sun never grows stronger, and the days stay short and cold, and nothing changes of its own accord."

"Honestly, that sounds kind of depressing to live through."

Grump grump. "I like it. The world is peaceful, and quiet, and - enclosed."

"Well sure, snuggling up is good sometimes, but that can't be the only thing. People have to get out and stretch their legs sometimes too."

She turns away from Eridani. "I do not wish to argue about this."

"Okay." That means she knows Eridani is right but doesn't want to say so. Depressingly common, really. She drinks more of her drink and pats the bar in thanks. It's a really good drink.

"So it must have been pretty tricky to set that time lock up. Sounds like high sorcery."

She turns back towards Eridani. "It wasn't my greatest work, but yes, it was a most impressive undertaking."

"How long did it take you?"

"Oh... Just a few hundred years, give or take."

"Just a few hundred years, she says. Like that's not a lifetime's worth."

Laughter. "Not for me."

"I've always appreciated older women," she teases.

"And there's something to be said for the energy and enthusiasm of youth..."

"That it's adorable and super attractive?"

"Of course. Especially at the feet of the elder."

"I'm not thaaat short."

"You would be if you kneeled."

"I suppose so! But why would I possibly do that?"

"You don't feel a worshipful impulse?"

"That might not be quite the right for the impulse I'm feeling."

"Perhaps I'll simply force you to your knees, then."

"You'll probably need to take me to that sturdy room before you try."

She grins and saunters up to Bar to ask for a well-apointed suite fit for a Queen, "And make sure it is exceptionally sturdy."

An elaborate key made of frosted glass and red jade appears on the counter-top, with a little 'enjoy your stay!' card beside it.

"Then after you, Winter Queen," she says, bowing.

She laughs and takes Eridani's hand, pulling her towards the stairs.

Fun!!

It will be. 

The suite is of course absolutely gorgeous, a perfect blend of their respective styles, enormous and opulent enough to put an Empress to shame - not that Eridani sees much of it, what with how Jadis's freezing lips lock with hers the instant the outer door slams shut, the taller woman bending over her, wrapping her arms around Eridani...

Oh my, how bold. Eridani likes.

Not that that means she's going to make it easy for Jadis to keep her under control.

She'll have to contend with being picked up, first. 

"You realize this only gets me farther from your feet," she says only a little breathlessly, using her new position to nuzzle into Jadis's neck.

"Part of my plan to overwhelm you first," she murmurs. 

"How cunning."

Clearly Eridani has too much ability to think left. More kiss. (Her lips cold enough to burn.)

That's a definite series of whimpers she's eliciting! But Jadis may want to do something about Eridani's hands, which are on an exploratory quest undaunted by the pain her face is experiencing.

Frozen shackles, perhaps? 

A strong option. Might want to make sure the anchor's secure, though.

She'll add more layers of ice as needed - and step up her own distractions for Eridani, including her own wandering hands. 

Of course... the more worked up Eridani gets, the hotter her anima starts to burn.

Jadis can drop the temperature pretty low herself...

The great battle of fire and ice! Round one! Fight!! Hmm seems like everything is gonna get wet.

Part of the goal.

And, uh, how fireproof is Jadis herself?

'Very,' it seems.

Excellent.

Just as excellent as Eridani, really. 

Eridani is maybe a little more excellent that that.

She drags the excellency of everything she does up in her wake. 

Exactly!

Makes such basics as warmth a study in ecstasy.

Both of those are pretty much her stock in trade.

Jadis is beginning to get an idea of that. 

She's clever like that.

Exceptionally perceptive. 

Just one more aspect where she stands out from the rest.

One of very many. 

Possibly- just maybe- too many for Jadis to learn in a single session.

They'll need to plan more, then.

Whenever she feels up to the task~!

She'll need some sleep, first.

Eridani might go get a snack, then.

So long as she brings something back for Jadis.

Can do.

One last kiss for luck, and then she'll head down to the main bar again.

The bar is a lot more crowded now, with different decorations up - tinsel and shiny ornaments and lit only by the soft glow of multi-colored fairy lights - and soft music playing ('I've been an awful good girl, Santa baby -'), and a crowd dressed in colorful knitted sweaters with a few people in red or green miniskirts with a white fur trim, and a group barely visible in one of the bigger nooks, staring at something out of her line of sight. 

Ah, now it's a party. She skips over to the bar, humming along to the music. (Not that she knows the song, but the melody's not hard to pick up.)

"Hello miss bar! Do you have any good snacks?"

It's a pretty helpfully simple song! And apparently popular.

A placard pops up with a, "Yes, do you have any requests? And would you like another drink?"

"Yes! Can you surprise me again, on both of those? Also I had some questions about the whole Christmas thing, now that Jadis isn't here to get upset about it..."

Voila! A creamy white and light blue drink in a cup shaped like a snowman, and a bowl with a handle on one side for carrying (somewhat of a large mug, really) that's red with white snowflakes, full of assorted finger foods. (And a little placard with the very reasonable price.)

"You might want to ask some of the people here," says a napkin. "I'm afraid I don't know very much."

"I'll do that." She drops a couple silver coins on the counter and takes the mugs. "Thank you very much."

Then off to talk to people! One of her favorite things. Maybe she'll make more new friends. Wonder what that big group in the corner is about...

The big group in the corner seem to be watching - a screen with drawings acting out a play? The music cuts out when she looks at the screen, in favor of the audio of the movie, where the characters are going to see someone called 'The Snow Miser.'

What!! That's so cool!

There's seats open if she wants to watch! Though she might have to get cozy with someone for the best view.

She has no problems with that. As long as no one else does. She can share her snacks as a bribe if required... Usually that's not, though. This is the hottest piece of Dragonblood ass in the bar we're talking about.

She can convince quite a few people of that, including two very pretty lightly-beastfolk women (both some sort of cat) who'd love to have her in their laps while they feed her snacks.

Nice. Maybe they can help her out with cultural context for these singing moving pictures, too?

They'd love to! One of them actually turns out to be a stop motion animation geek, which possibly isn't exactly the kind of cultural context Eridani was looking for. (Though if she wants to understand Christmas movies, well, the only thing for that is a binge watch, isn't it?)

That sounds exactly like a proportional and well-reasoned solution. Eridani is all for it.

And then she can rewatch this movie from the beginning once she has more context!

Sounds perfect. Heat Miser will still be her favorite, though, she doesn't see that changing.

This elicits giggles and a sly joke about how hot she is. 

See, that's just empirically true. Eridani is the hottest, in all senses of the word.

Unfortunately she can't demonstrate most of those senses in the main room...

Very sad. Tragic. Maybe they can find another room after the movies.

Maybe one with its own large TV, for certain Christmas movies deemed inappropriate for the main room...

That sounds promising.

An excellent dessert after the marathon.

(Wiggle wiggle.) There's really a lot to appreciate about this whole 'Christmas' thing, huh.

An awful lot! 

For instance: the later more private showing introduces an exceptionally high number of variations on 'stock' costumes Eridani saw in the earlier movies. (Also some new and exciting tropes, and a new 'reason for the season' which is possibly related to corny videos about 'stepfamilies'.)

She's learning so much!! And some of those costumes are giving her ideas... Maybe Bar does clothing?

- Sounds like Eridani might have to trade someone else for clothing? Though apparently there's at least sometimes a 'Winter Bazaar' set up in the back yard (one of the catgirls bought some very sparkly snowflake body piercings there). 

She'll do what she has to. She has a plan.

Then the Winter Bazaar it is! 

She's given directions to the back yard - through the door to the right of Bar from where Eridani's standing - and told that her currency will be accepted, and to have fun. 

She will!

Now, to investigate this Bazaar... She has a number of purchases to make if her plan is to succeed. Inspired by the movies, she's going to show Jadis the true meaning of Christmas, but in a way Eridani thinks she'll like better. So, mixing in a healthy dollop of the 'adult' ones in with the stop-motion. To that end, she will require: One (1) fake beard, one (1) large red cloak, one (1) sexy Santa costume, one (1) large bag, six (6) lumps of coal, one (1) sexy Krampus costume, multiple (many) toys wrapped for presents (including as many adult ones as she can find)...

She finds a quasi-enclosed section with a large "TO ENTER YOU MUST BE OF AGE IN YOUR JURISDICTION" sign affixed to the entryway, and within that a wondrous variety of adult toys and treats. 

Exactly what she was looking for.

Milliways: convenient like that! 

So convenient. Best bar.

Now she just needs somewhere to change, then she can collect some more snacks (wrapped up like more presents, if possible), and then back to the room she was sharing with Jadis.

Who's still napping much like Eridani left her, actually, even though Eridani is pretty sure she was gone for nearly the whole day.

Must be the convenient timeslidey thing she heard about. So she's got time to set up a bit. Let's see, snackies here, first bag there, second bag there, fluff the beard a little, and then she can pose like so...

Now, how did that laugh go? Ahem. "Ho hohoho ho hoho!"

She startles awake. 

Sexy posing!

"Now do you think you've been nice... or naughty?"

?!??!?

Eridani giggles and starts dancing.

...Blink blink. 

Then she reaches out to pull Eridani into her lap (with the help of spells, if she must).

Whoops okay here we go.

"Now what's this about?"

"It's the spirit of Christmas. The sexy, sexy spirit of Christmas."

She laughs. "How long did I sleep for?"

"...Hard to say, actually. I think I left for- most of a day, from my perspective, but time isn't necessarily consistent in different parts of Milliways."

"Interesting..." she says, in the vaguely distracted tone of a nerd having ideas.

Impatient wiggles. "Is that really the most important thing right now?"

Kiss! "Will I have to tie you up to get plotting done in the future?"

"If you're trying to interrupt my impressive and extensively-planned seduction efforts, yes."

She laughs. "It'll be a future endeavor, promise."

"Now, where were we?"

"Sexy Santa dancing!"

She loosens her grip on Eridani. "Go on, then."

And up she hops to resume her dance.

She watches with a languid, hungry smile. 

She likes performing for an appreciative audience. And she thinks Jadis will like it even more when she gets to the part where she starts unwrapping the presents...

(Her solidly mixed feelings do move more towards 'in favor.')

"You're cute."

"I am, aren't I?"

"The cutest!"

"You know, I picked up a costume for you too..."

"Not as a reindeer, I hope?"

Giggle. "No! It's a sexy Krampus. The Christmas bad guy."

"Not someone I've heard of, I'm afraid."

"Then you can make the character your own."

"Fair enough. Though I also suspect you've encountered different... Interpretations of Father Christmas than the man I'm used to."

"I have watched so many movies."

"Movies?"

"Like a play, but it's been recorded and the whole thing lives on a little gadget that you can watch whenever you want."

"Fascinating."

"It is! And," she leans in to whisper theatrically, "there are even sexy movies. I got a lot of this routine from those."

"You'll show me them, of course."

"Of course."

Kiss!

Now, what of this outfit - ?

She will retrieve it! She bends over to shuffle through the sack and give Jadis a very nice view of the way her short skirt rides up and comes up with a slim package. (There's probably not too much fabric involved in this costume.)

The fur bikini is certainly interesting - though the horns, claws, and birch rod seem more of a focus, true. 

It's dangerously sexy. Emphasis on the danger.

Naturally. 

So it fits Jadis pretty well.

Just about perfectly, really. 

Eridani's glad she likes it. Put it on! Put it on!

She will! 

...Agonizingly slowly. 

That's fun too.

Jadis in fact seems to have independently invented the reverse strip tease.

Hot.

If Eridani says so. 

She does! And she is the local expert, after all.

She laughs. "Certainly far above your Narnian competition."

"Well, I've got a special perspective."

"A good one."

"I'm the best!"

"A strong claim."

"Do you doubt it?"

"Not one bit."

"Well, there you go then."

Kiss!

Smug kiss.

And now that she's dressed: what's next in Eridani's play? 

Now it's time to open presents!!

No punishments to be meted out? 

Does she see any naughty girls around? They could go find some if she wants, Eridani is pretty sure those catgirls might agree to confess to mischief.

Eridani seems like she might have a naughty side. 

What!! She's been so nice the whole time Jadis has known her.

"I have a sense for these things, little girl."

"Is that so? Well, if you don't think I deserve presents..."

"I think you need to prove it."

"And how can I do that?"

"For one... Take your punishment for being naughty without complaining."

Wiggle wiggle. "Yes'm."

And she does have this lovely birch rod now...

Yike!

She's into it, though.

Good girl.

Then presents, after she's proved her goodness?

Then presents after. 

Yay!

It's the true spirit of Christmas.

A proposition she's coming around to.