Summer's First Snowfall
Juril comes in as hot as Iuneril did - muggy, humid, tense. The city buzzes softly with rumors of accidents and incidents, the faint pink skies lasting far too long and starting far too early only bolstering these. I burnt my buns last month, it goes. I never burn my buns.
The flowers haven't been growing as well as usual, it goes. It must be because we had red skies during Litha.
Such superstitions might be laughable - but in a world of magic, maybe they hold a little more truth than one might want to acknowledge. Still, for as many rumors as there are, there are just as many people who refuse to let the omen get them down. They might be a little more cautious, but they're hardly stopping what they're doing: sailors in the harbors carry good luck charms as they work, households hang sprigs of chamomile above their doors, Witches pound out extras of finding, luck, and safety magics in enchantment and potion form... Aefenglom is a superstitious city, but it's also a hardy one.
It's the superstitious nature that leads some intrepid young Witches to think everyone needs a little distraction from thinking about the color of the sky, however, and as the sun crests over the bay, white flakes begin to fall. The air grows colder, and throughout the day, the snowfall grows heavier and heavier until it blankets the city - or a few key parts of it. The snow shows no sign of stopping either; while it lightens up periodically, it still flurries on.
That might not be entirely intended - and the snowstorm that hits near the end of the month definitely isn't. Enjoy a peaceful snocation while you can, Aefenglom.
As noted on the calendar, this phenomenon will last all of the month! Feel free to set your threads and logs at any point during the month of July; all activities listed in the prompts below will also be going on throughout it. |
I. THE COVEN
For the first week of snow, the Cove calls off classes. It's not exactly a secret that the Head of the Coven proper has a fondness for the cold, so it doesn't come as a surprise to the students she'd put a temporary hold on instruction-based learning so she they could all enjoy it properly. There are just as many Witches deciding to study on their own as there are enjoying the respite from their professors, however - every opportunity to practice is a good opportunity.
For the rest of the month, it's back to business - but students still find time to have a little fun with the cold weather both during and after their classes, and their professors don't discourage it too much.
a. Winter's Touch It should come as no surprise at all that when Witches get involved with snowball fights, they use their talents to their advantage to send multiple chilly missiles at one another. They float, they fly, and some of them even latch onto the closest heat signature they can find - whether or not that was the intended target. Keep your wits about you, return fire, or cajole others into joining in! There's no such thing as "allies" when it comes to the Coven's brand of snowfights.
b. Enchant Snowcreature Snowmen aren't the only things that get created during the winter; animals of all shapes and sizes do too, and it's not uncommon to see the snow version of animals both of the regular variety (birds, deer, squirrels, cats, foxes, and so on) and rare (the fairytale depiction of dragons, unicorns, sphinxes, and pixies, to name just a few) roaming around along with a Frosty or two. There's even a sled ride hosted by a pair of snow pegasi for those interested in getting off the ground.
c. Ice Spires Instead of building forts and castles like regular people, Witches at the Coven use a mixture of transfiguration and conjuration magics to simply draw them from the surrounding snow and ice themselves, Elsa-style. Their creations range from the beautiful and intricate, to the hardy and hard-to-navigate - for safety reasons, naturally - and some even draw up elaborate staircases to the skies to expand on their creations. Make your own or simply explore the creations with a friend - but be careful, as at least one Witch has the had the inspiration to magic up some sprigs of mistletoe to hang in their snow fort.
d. Winter's Respite Not everyone is happy with the snow, however; in particular, those tending the gardens of the Coven are quite frustrated - plants, even magical ones, are quite delicate and sensitive to the cold!! As a result, there are warmer spots even around the Coven's courtyard; the snow is melted, and the Witches there are doing their best to save the chilled plants. This is also where one can take a break from all the cold and get some hot coffee that'll keep you warm for hours after finishing it and clothes enchanted to adjust their temperature depending on the temperature - for those who don't want to ruin their sporty short-sleeves style for heavy winter clothes. These enchantments only last a few hours, however.
For the interested: yes, the Witches are more than willing to teach those who'd like to learn how to do this - though their version of teaching seems to be more "watch and learn" than actual instruction. |
II. THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
Encompassing the Residential District proper on both sides of the River Temese, the Aristocratic District, and the Haven, the housing districts are similarly covered in snow - the Aristocratic District has gotten the worst of it in particular, being in the perfect place to center the massive weather spell the Witches responsible have set off. While the streets are quickly being cleared to make foot and hoof traffic a little easier, there's still a lot of snow and ice to take part in, and just as many people willing to have a good time in it. Children in particular are having the time of their lives in all the districts, and the sudden cold weather seems to draw people together -
perhaps a little too literally, with long scarves grabbing the nearest person to make a pair, mittens that won't let you stop holding hands until you've gotten somewhere warm, and wooly hats that suggest in quiet whispers to you that you should definitely go give that person you just locked eyes with a hug, they look so lonely... Whether they actually do or not.
Someone might've had a little fun with their sewing.
a. EASTERN RESIDENTIAL In addition to the usual snow fun (with a significantly less magical spin on it than the Coven - magic is still present, but not to the same wild extent), there are hearty soups, hot chocolate, and fires to warm oneself around. Take a seat and relax a little; almost everything is free, though those wishing to purchase some (secretly enchanted) clothes to stay warm in a more permanent fashion than what's offered at the Coven.
b. WESTERN RESIDENTIAL Compared to the other housing districts, the snow in on the western side of the Residential District is much less - and that's due to the presence of heated stones. Alone or grouped together, those more cold-blooded in nature gather to rest and keep themselves awake while the chilly weather marches on. Nagas, Chimeras, and even the exceptionally rare Dragon or Fae can be seen here, with Vampires lurking around in similar spots with umbrellas and tarps up to shade them further from the darkened snowy sky. Spicy foods are popularly handed out around these areas, while in general everyone seems in favor of cuddling up a little.
c. ARISTOCRATIC DISTRICT While there are still rumors of pickpockets and petty thievery about (and the suspicious looks that come with such words from locals in the area), it hasn't dampened the spirit of those who really, really enjoy snow one bit. There's less activity than in either Residential District (and a lot more complaining about the weather), but what activity there is makes up for it: igloo-making, ice skating on makeshift rinks in the middle of intersections, sledding on the massive piles of snow, and taking a jingle bell-filled ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the stunning Aristocratic District. The latter is especially good for those traveling to and from The Haven and don't want to get their feet too cold (or who can't handle the cold temperatures at all).
d. THE HAVEN While most of The Haven has been relatively untouched, minus anything anyone living within it might have done - that's you, mirrorbounds - the barracks have been extra dressed up with lanterns and blankets to help keep out the cold a little better, and keep the warmth in. Some kinder Witches have also conjured up a few extra water fixtures, but not for skating on: hot springs populate the larger areas that aren't already taken up by houses, and for those not willing or unable to get in the water, there are sauna options as well in the same areas. Don't get too steamy, though - people getting a little too heated in these areas will automatically have cool water poured on them by some magical means in an effort to get them cooled off. It's a spell designed to keep people from overheating, but it isn't very picky with what it considers "too hot".
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III. THE HARBOR DISTRICT
Like the southern half of the city, the Harbor District is relatively untouched - relatively. It's an area much more based around industry and work than anything else, and interrupting it isn't looked on very favorable. With that said, though, the harbor is fairly large, and Witches finding a place to practice their own ice magic (inspired, evidently, by the going-ons at the Coven) have managed to bring of the winter cheer to the otherwise dreary district.
The orphans, a mix of humans and Monsters, are more than delighted by this turn of events, and they're a common sight playing in the snow summoned around their orphanages when they're not working in the many factories of the Harbor District. What's notable about them is that they don't use any magic at all when dealing with the snow - they've never had any learning in actually utilizing it for themselves, only in feeding it through the magitech used in their workplaces. Any and all shows of the stuff for purely fun reasons, therefore, bring forth grins and awe, regardless of the kind shown. Provided it isn't used to hurt anyone, of course.
a. ICE FISHING The areas of the bay that are iced over - either gotten by permission or by careful people watching to see how much use the area actually gets - are home to a surprisingly popular activity: ice fishing. Fishing rods, spears, ice chisels, and boots made for stepping on the ice are easy to obtain from those who've set up shop in the area, and many people have already taken to the frozen ground to try their luck at catching something further out than the piers. There are places to cook and eat what's freshly caught as well, but mind your step; the places where holes were are less thick, even as Witches routinely make certain to refreeze them every hour or so to encourage fresh activity in the area.
b. ICE SKATING The other not-as-surprising popular activity for such large swaths of frozen water is, of course, ice skating - and of course, unlike other areas which assume you already have the gear to do so, people have specifically (and quite quickly) set up stalls to sell their skates and sleds for prime ice fun. A little early for their winter line-up, but they're making do. Decorated with small bouncing lights hung on strings, not to mention the tents set up with blankets and pillows, the Harbor District's ice skating area is meant for those who'd like to take to the ice during both the day and night - and the latter is particularly enchanting in its beauty, the soft lighting allowing the frost to glitter in multi-color glory.
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@civicbooty
when aymeric returns to their shared home in the evening, he might detect a warmth in their chilly halls, a subtle heat radiating from the direction of the kitchen. francel is there, stirring and taste-testing a pot of popoto stew. it, like most of the things francel cooks and serves to their table, has been thoughtfully chosen despite his persisting belief that aymeric is not especially moved by any of it. in dragonhead, knights coming off patrol oft enjoyed a simple bowl of popoto stew in the evening, garnished plainly with mountain salt and perhaps a sprinkling of crushed black peppercorns if they could get it; in aefenglom, francel has secured a new supply of income, a rewarding supply of income, and so he has been able to make a much richer version of the soldiers’ simple stew, with a splash of wine, fine sea salt, and exotic dried herbs as near to the sort from ul’dahn markets as he could get. he’s nowhere near as talented as some of the chefs that labored in the vault’s kitchens for the benefit of the high priests, but still — the stew smells heavenly, and it looks divine.
at aymeric’s approach, francel turns the fire a little lower — some kind of new magical implement has been affixed to the stovetop, one that lets him control the flames at will — and smiles.]
Aymeric! Welcome back!
[he’s full of energy — so much so that he’s too excited to walk, it seems. he takes one step forward, kicking off the floor, then bounds over to aymeric with a measured flap of his feathered wings, gliding an ilm or two above ground.]
The weather’s just like it was in Ishgard, so I know you must be accustomed to it, but still, I thought you might enjoy a bit of warm stew after a cold day out. Would you like to eat now, or later?
no subject
I can see no reason to delay it. [ And he remembers himself, this time, enough to evade another disastrous night: ] Thank you. You're in a fine fettle! Have you been out?
[ In the snow, that is, not anywhere in particular — if he hasn't, they're both going back out before dark. ]
no subject
I have indeed! I made a dreadful fool of myself, rolling about in the snow, but I'd always wanted to try it. It feels ever so lovely against the skin — though I fear I can't recommend it to anyone who isn't an ice-aspected Monster.
[finishing with one part of aymeric's armor, he moves on to another.]
Oh, Aymeric, it makes me wish we could return home to Ishgard. Isn't that silly? I remember well the years when Coerthas was wreathed in green and not white, and yet the snow makes me think so fondly of home...
no subject
Not at all. I thought the same, though it pains me to say it. I suppose we ought to accept the snows, no?
[ There's more he could say — he's had too much time to philosophize, lately — but Francel isn't here for a grand speech, and it's good, more importantly, to hear him talk so happily about returning to Ishgard without any uncertain qualifiers for the way he looks, what he's become.
Spontaneously, Aymeric adds: ]
And perhaps we ought not squander the occasion — past dark, no one's like to see you making a dreadful fool of yourself but me.
[ And he'd like to see it, so... ]
no subject
[these questions might sound incredulous from the mouth of another man; francel, however, manages to sound gleeful in a barely restrained sort of way. plainly, he would like nothing more than another chance to roll about in the snow, no matter how literal or figurative that may be.
his fingers finished with his task for the moment — aymeric still has his sabatons to consider, but at least his neckpiece and pauldrons are off his shoulders for now — francel clasps both hands against his chest, beaming at aymeric in excitement.]
I can think of nothing I'd like better! Would you like to go out now, before we eat? I'll be too full to move about if we wait after. Besides, I think it will be safe to leave the stove on — and I've a gift for you that's just perfect for the occasion...
no subject
[ Not that he has any intention of flinging himself into the snow — it wouldn't be nearly as pleasant — but these good spirits are too rare for Francel; weighing them down with even the mildest disagreement would feel like holding a snowflake between his hot fingers.
He steps toward the door, offering a hand out for Francel needlessly. ]
Where are we bound — just here, outside?
[ Francel can act like a child in his own yard, it's fine. ]
no subject
Yes, we're fortunate enough to have the open space — but, oh! Before we go out, wait here a moment while I fetch your gift!
[his cool fingers leave their perch. off he goes — he disappears to another part of the house, but he returns in due time, clutching what appears to be an ishgardian alpine coat against his chest.
it's not quite the same as the one aymeric kept in borel manor — the outer coat is a shade of sable slightly more brown than black — but the blue inner coat is just right. it's a close approximation, accurate to the style, and impressively put together given that lord francel would have never had the chance to spy the lord commander outside of his armor.]
You needn't wear it now if you'd rather not, of course, but do you like it?
[...francel's anticipation seems to waft out of him — he's floating an ilm or two off the ground.]
no subject
Perfect! I shall make a fool of myself as a proper man of Ishgard, no? But you, you have ascended, become a master of the snows—
[ He swings Francel in a half-circle, like a dance, to watch him glide, coat thrown over his shoulder. ]
no subject
I've become nothing of the sort! I...
[it would be easy, suddenly, to say it — to get too swept up in the charisma of a man he has known only some few months. it would be easy to fall in love with aymeric like this, with him so playful and teasing, so willing to humor francel's childish fancies. it would be foolish, and hopeless, and francel would be stuck repeating the same mistakes, hopelessly enamored with yet another man who will never look twice in his direction.
francel thinks to himself for one fleeting moment that he could learn to love aymeric — and then he swears to himself that he will never be so foolish as to do it, knowing that he fights a battle he has already lost.]
...I meant to express... that I am sworn to your cause. And we will return to Ishgard — I will do all in my power to assist you in that.