IC RADIO CONTACT

[starseedling]

✆CHANNEL FREQUENCY: 123.78383
DESCRIPTION: Steven will be fairly quick to answer, on average, but it's also entirely possible that he'll forget his radio or get distracted from answering.

✉MAIL BOX LOCATION: Mailbox on Door
DESCRIPTION: It's wooden and a little crooked but Steven is gradually covering it in sequins and jewels.

Comments

Mailbox

[pipers_son]

[Left hanging from the mailbox is... is that a fish? It's a fish bag. Well. That's one way to welcome someone into the Carnival.]

[Nestled in the depths is a playing card: the joker]

[He'll notice his dad has gotten one too.]

Mailbox

[pipers_son]

[Checking in the mailbox will reveal a very small package, wrapped up carefully. Opening it reveals a charm, and under it a letter written in what is actually pretty tidy writing.]

Use this in case of emergencies. All you have to do is touch it and think of me really hard. It'll take you straight to the inside of my trailer, hopefully away from anything that's causing us trouble. It only works on the grounds of the carnival, so get very good at running back here and always keep in mind how to get back.

- Joker

[Look, he signed his name and everything, no playing card- HA HA NAH there is absolutely a joker playing card beneath the note. What the fuck, Joker]

In Person

[starseedling]

[Steven suddenly appears in Joker's trailer like fifteen minutes after he actually receives the letter.

He looks surprised.]

HELLA BACK-DATED pre-tourist trap [Audio]

[periphrasing]

Steven? Where are you, I need to talk to you, immediately.

[This isn't typical Peridot being typically demanding as per her usual; she sounds urgent, and scared.]

[starseedling]

[Steven isn't always the best at keeping his radio on him, but he was just crashing in his trailer anyway. He's quick to answer, because there's one obvious reason Peridot could be scared right now.]

Peridot? Are you okay?

mailbox, right at the start of summerlands

[kingsroads]

[ look, gotta tell the kid who everybody was playing hot potato with that uh, we miiight still have to worry about the fae a little maybe. Strange's handwriting is legible, though there's a slight coffee stain on one of the letter's corners that Strange straight up didn't see before putting the letter in an envelope and dropping it in the mailbox ]

Dear Steven,

I cannot overstate how terribly sorry I am for my actions in Portland. Attempting to kidnap someone once is horrid, but twice is almost beyond the pale. My actions were rash and thoughtless and I shudder at the thought that I was even capable of such cruelty. Though I was not in my right mind during the attempt in the Count's castle, it still happened, so I must still apologize. If there is anything I can do to help make this up to you, then simply say so.

I wish we could put all this business with the fae behind us but unfortunately, that is not the case. During my unintentional stay with the Summer Court, I learned some information about the Portland fae that I feel you must know. I plan on telling the carnival as a whole, of course, but as one who suffered tremendously due to the fae's actions, you might appreciate hearing this information directly.

Though I confess, I don't know what would be the best way to relay this. In person? Over paper? This matter is entirely your decision and I await your reply. Likewise, I hope this letter finds you in good health.

Sincerely yours, Jonathan Strange

[ and hastily scribbled on the back of the envelope itself ]

I like your mailbox. Did you know half of the people I was trying to contact have taken theirs down in the first place? How silly of them!

-JS

the same day

[starseedling]

[It doesn't take too long for Steven to make it back to his trailer, where he surprisingly finds a letter in the mailbox he almost didn't bother checking. He sees the message on the back of the envelope first, of course, and smiles in faint bemusement before investigating further.

He reads the letter, and it won't be too long until there is reply back in his mailbox, written in the kind of penmanship you'd expect from a gradeschool kid doing their best to be neat. There are a decent number of spelling mistakes that he's had to cross out and rewrite, since it's in pen.]

Dear Mr Strange

Thank you for your letter! I sincerely appreciate the effort you put into writing it and for you apologizing, though I don't feel like it was mostly your fault because of how weird everything was there and all the stuff that happened. I'm sorry about what happened to you in the castle that was really awful.

I hope that we can be friends here even if Portland was a bad experience. I trust that you are doing your best to make up for your other self's mistakes!


I can meet you in the Cook House if you want?? I hope you are also in good health.

Yours Truly
Steven Universe

PS. thank you for complimenting my mailbox!

kind of mailbox

[atouts]

Young Master Universe,

There is something of great import I must discuss with you. Please meet me at the East Market by the golden butterflies statue at [ some time, yes, i know, amazing ].

[ Signed simply with the name 'John Childermass' at the end and left, folded over once, in his mailbox.

And, as stated before in the note, he will indeed be waiting there by a statue on the end of the East Market that more or less seems to be made of living, golden butterflies, fluttering endlessly from one form to another, sometimes a giant bird, sometimes a lion, sometimes a tree, and so on. He stands out starkly against all the color of the summer city street in his black and white, leaning idly against the base of the statue (if something like that could really be called a statue) and while away the time by puffing on his pipe. ]

[starseedling]

[Sure enough, Steven will be there to meet him. He's nervous, admittedly - both because Childermass is still an intimidating figure for him, and because whenever someone has something of 'great import' to talk to him about lately, it seems like it's going to be something bad about the fae.

He arrived looking a little bit shy. He's since reverted back to his more usual manner of dressing, albeit with a different t-shirt/jean combo and possibly eye liner.]

Childermass?

[He holds back a little bit, like he's uncertain of how to go about this.]

BOX IN HIS TRAILER: WITH NOTE

[ringleaders]

[On B18, they will find a fancy looking gift box in his trailer with a note left on top. The handwriting is done in an over the top cursive that he might recognize as the Ringmaster's, written on aged papyrus with the ink seemingly made of shining gold.]

"Steven-

May you always find your way back home. These Summer sprites will know they can bond with you due to your heritage, and can be used to help you find your way.

The Ringmaster❧"

[Her signature is so massive and florid that it fills up the rest of the paper. When they opens the box, they'll find a small tree in a jar. This tree is a 'sprite colony', which is essentially a bee's nest for sprites. They are small, insect sized creatures that appear mostly as balls of light - they will bond with the owner of the colony, and have an amazing ability to keep track of locations. They can't speak with words, but they do feel emotion.]

D21, Lunar Solstice

[atouts]

[ Wherever Steven is staying (indoors, even, because Childermass is a shadow-hopping creep like that), he will find a plainly wrapped package tied shut with a colored twine. Lacking much to say regarding why he's getting a gift beyond just generally wanting to give him a gift, the only thing on the piece of paper attached is a ' C '.

Inside, he will find a thick scarf made of a wool-like cloth that runs the gamut of light to dark reds rather than being one solid color. Made from one of the caravan's magical fabrics, it is warm to the touch, even without prior contact. ]

during winter break

[pipers_son]

[If there's anyone who would appreciate an honest gingerbread house just as it is, Joker is sure it's Steven. That's why it's left for him (in a box of course) with a small joker playing card attached. There's writing on the card.]

I hope you like it. Feathers helped put it together. We know things have been rough but let us know if you need any help.

[joker is that even hygienic]

Mailbox - Holiday Gift

[anti_nonsense]

[One day during the winter vacation, Steven will find that a book has been delivered to his cabin, along with a can of sardines and a message scribbled on a piece of paper torn out of a notebook:]

Steven,

Thanks for before. I got this for you.

The sardines are for that lion of yours. I don't know what he likes, but my cat likes these, so... you know. In any case, tell him thanks too.

-Rita Mordio

[The book included with the note is titled Beyond the Sky: Perspectives of Space, a science book focused on astronomy that seems to be written for laymen and has a fair amount of illustrations and diagrams. It seems to be from some version of Earth, but some details may be different from his universe. Rita, of course, wouldn't have noticed those differences.]

B18

[soft_focus]

[After probably a Lot of searching around, something has been left on the window of Steven's cabin, wrapped in a plastic bag to keep from getting wet in the snow. At the top is a card-magically painted, appearing to move just slightly as a result.]



It's a Dandylion!! You have a tail like Dandylion, but you're also sort of a plant, like Dandylion.... ...Dandylion isn't very strong, but if you beat them, then they can call friends to help protect other people, which is really nice! It's a good card!

I'm learning how to make cookies, I guess, so I'm giving you some!! - Reira

[Indeed, she is; Steven will find a number of cookies that she tried Really hard to make look like flowers.]

PRESENT TIME

[otoko]

Steven-

Throughout everything, remember to remain positive! Your optimism is catching-and your kindness, perhaps your greatest strength! I have included a few things, to hopefully help you to keep your spirits up; and I shall see you in the coming year, as well!

Have a beautiful solstice!

- Noboru Gongenzaka

[In addition to a t-shirt matching his Best Friend's (Steven's of course, being the Pink One), Steven has four new books-each one with a bookmark formed out of pressed flowers on a sprig. They seem to be from Gongenzaka's mane! The first three are a complete trilogy-the adventures of a small alien traveler through space, who just wants to do what's right in the world, sharing a love for music as he goes! There's actually song music in the back of each one, if Steven wants to try his hand at them. ...Though they might not be much once played-Gongenzaka is No Magician. The fourth one is a mythology book...which is as close to Japanese lore as Gongenzaka could find. (There's definitely a number of Oddities, and that Sure Isn't Japan) It would appear he's additionally received a small omamori for good luck.]

Sometime middle of solstice

[hippocarnival]

[And not at the very end because Ath can't kept track of her stuff.

There's a pink origami lion and a note addressed to Steven:]

Steven,

I folded this for you! Is that pink lion like your pet?

You always help when we need it, so thanks for that. The carnival would be a lot worse off without you. It's been a long time since our last performance, if you want we can practice together when we go back down to the carnival.

Happy Solstice!

Yuya

solstice package

[whattaprick]

[ At some point in all this, Steven will get a package with a book and a t-shirt inside. ]

I figured I owed you something for patching me up so much. Happy solstice.

- Lambert

[ The book is a coloring book that contains illustrations and descriptions of the properties of various medicinal plants, similar to this one. Given how wacky some of the pictures look, it's clearly detailing the flora of a world that isn't basic Earth. It also provides helpful warnings to would-be herbalists about how some plants are more aggressive than others, and how to approach them without losing a limb. ]

Solstice gift!!!

[periphrasing]

[Steven gets a small package with a big long letter paried with it crammed into his mailbox, apparently delivered in secret at some point because Peridot really got into the SURPRISE!!! aspect of gift giving. The letter is written in rigid, all-caps block letters as if the writer is shouting, because of course it is.]

STEVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY SOLSTICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S NICE TO GIVE GIFTS OUT FOR FUN FOR ONCE, AND NOT JUST AS PENANCE FOR MY INADVERTENT TRANSGRESSIONS. THAT SAID, I APPRECIATE YOUR SHOWING ME HOW TO DO THAT. IT HAS PROVEN TO BE AN INVALUABLE SKILL ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.

I WANTED TO GET YOU THE MOST PERFECT AND UNBEATABLE GIFT IMAGINABLE TO DEMONSTRATE MY APPRECIATION AND ALSO PROVE MY SUPERIORITY AS YOUR NUMBER-ONE BEST FRIEND, BUT I WOUND UP SPENDING MOST OF MY CREDITS ON SOME RAW METAL WITH INTRIGUING MAGICAL PROPERTIES. THEN I ALSO GOT SOME LESSONS ON HOW TO CRAFT WITH THE METAL FROM A SMALL BUT POWERFUL DWARF WOMAN FROM THE CARAVAN.

(ALSO ALSO I BOUGHT A WEIRD FLESHY PINK ALIEN THING FROM A DIFFERENT MERCHANT. I GUESS SHE LIVES ME AND LAPIS NOW? YOU SHOULD COME OVER AND MEET HER SOME TIME.)

ANYWAY THE POINT IS I RAN OUT OF 'MONEY', SO THE GIFT I MADE FOR YOU IS REGRETTABLY RATHER REDUNDANT FROM A FUNCTIONAL STANDPOINT, GIVEN THAT ALL OF YOUR LATENT ROSE QUARTZ ABILITIES SEEM TO HAVE YOU COVERED DEFENSIVELY. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT ANYWAY, SIMPLY BECAUSE MY CRAFTSMANSHIP IS EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE. IT'S A BRACELET MADE OUT OF SOME OF THE METAL THAT I BOUGHT...

[The letter goes on to explain that the bracelet is made of Magitite, a special metal that basically functions like a lightning rod for magic. It is specially crafted so that it can dampen incoming malicious spells (or neutralize minor spells entirely) by soaking up that magical energy before it can do harm, all without interfering with the wearer's own casting. The wearer can also draw from the absorbed energy to help augment their own spells. Spells that are cast using the stored energy might even have bonus surprise effects added based on what type of energy was originally stored!

Steven's bracelet is a simple metal band with stars engraved on it to match the Crystal Gem aesthetic.]

B19

[sworntothesword]

[ Connie delivers a wrapped copy of "Pheobe and Her Unicorn," a collection of strips from a webcomic. In a separate package is a Party Console. There is also a handwritten note from Connie ]

Happy holidays, Steven.

I'll be ready to talk soon, I hope you're doing okay.

like literally two hours after Steven delivers his present on B24

[kingsroads]

[ Because Strange has just realized that oh shit, he doesn't have a present for Steven.

A few panicked hours later and a few trips to the carnival and back, and Strange has the world's most last minute gift. He leaves Steven a note somewhere he's likely to find it because it's easy to break and enter when you can literally turn into smoke. ]

Happy Solstice! Check your trailer at the carnival.
J.S.

[ If Steven goes back to visit his trailer, there's a patch of flowers and decorative plants surrounding the front of the trailer (because if you've got magic that can help grow plants, you cheat and use your magic to help grow plants). It's an odd assortment of flora: some are wildflowers and plants that could be found in the carnival woods, some are grown from food seeds and scraps, some are plants from the moon, and so on and so forth. The plants are of all shapes and colors, though Strange has trended towards pink and purple and there's absolutely zero roses within the bunch.

Really, the main thing is that it's all very pretty. Enjoy those plants, Steven (and also Connie and Lion by proxy) ]

S2, D3

[whattaprick]

[ Here, perhaps, is a voice Steven isn't going to expect. ]

Hey, Steven. I want to ask you something.

[ And then, reluctantly: ]

It's about the Rose Queen.

[starseedling]

[He's a bit show to respond. When he does, there is obvious trepidation.]

Um... Sure.

D17, night time, snazzy phone message

[pipers_son]

[On the new phone Steven has gotten, a picture will arrive of a certain floral mantis Pokémon. (Also a little of a wooden thumb.) Joker wasn't able to send it immediately, because the Carnival doesn't have cell phone reception, but he's done his best as soon as possible.]

ta da!!! when should I get her back to you

[starseedling]

[He'll get a text in return, not too long after sending.]

!!!
I could come now?

DAY 76

[ringleaders]

[At some point during the day, Alyss will find Steven and deliver a letter to him. She'll say it's from the Starlight, but that she hasn't read it. It's written in gold ink on impossibly black parchment.]