Riddle 013: Spreading That Christmas Cheer [Action]

[questionauthority]

[Christmas Time is coming! Today, you'll probably find Edward in one of three locations.

A. At the Christmas Village, dressed in his little "Helper Elf" costume and freezing furiously. He does not look at all happy to be there.

B. Wandering through the town, dressed in a warm, green pea-coat, a jade scarf wrapped around his neck, just admiring the winter scenery.

C. Back at home, meticulously setting something up on the dining room table. Once he's finished, he'll call upstairs.]

Slugger? Susan? I'd like it if you could come to the dining room, please. ...Susan, you're free to call upon your Grandfather, too, if you like.

Comments

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[Edward only nods sharply, clutching at his sides.]

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

I do wonder what this whole Christmas business is about.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

I'll admit, it is quite suspicious. All we can do for now, though, is smile and wave.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

They certainly are preparing something. Those mailboxes are very bizarre.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

It seems as though everyone's using them, too.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

I do admit, they are bizarrely appealing. It seems they have some form of magnetism towards Christmas goodwill.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...you didn't... use one, did you?

[Please tell him he isn't alone.]

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

...It seems they have a certain appeal.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...for children and adults, I've noticed.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

It seems they possess an almost magical power.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

"The Magic of Christmas?"

[He snorts derisively.]

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't rule that out yet. This certainly isn't an ordinary world and from what evidence we have seen, it seems a child is controlling it. Such childish thoughts are common and in this world could become reality.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

You raise a good point.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

I suspect the key to this town is the child.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

I'm inclined to agree. Though I'd say that I will need to investigate this matter further.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid in these costumes it will be hard to perform espionage.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Then perhaps it might be worthwhile to wait until we're off-duty.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

Hmm. But where would be the best place to start?

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

There's the Smith residence itself. I've been there once in the past, for a neighborhood block party, though I didn't find much in the way of answers when I tried investigating it. Then again, perhaps it's simply a matter of looking in the right places in that house.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

Perhaps it would be best to try and find other places to investigate before heading there. I wouldn't want to lose this job no matter how...

[The Professor snaps the tights on his elf costume.]

Uncomfortable it may be.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Nor I.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

It may be best to construct an action plan.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

It's doubtful that too many people will be out and about on Christmas Day. Perhaps we could find the time to do a bit of field investigation then, be it of the Christmas Village or what have you.

[teawithpuzzles.livejournal.com]

A good plan, but do keep in mind that the town is able to lock us inside our own houses. I imagine this Christmas will not be too pleasant for all involved.