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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Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter) | Dragon
[ 2-B. Western Residential 1 ]
[ 2-B. Western Residential 2 ]
[ 3-A. Ice Fishing ]
[ 4. Wildcard ]
2b ive came for u everywhere
Monsternapping, you.
( honestly, he tugs slightly to have the other come along with him now whether berserker wishes to budge or not is up to him. ) They're selling spicy food, I really wanna try, what about you? We can even make ourselves something and you've been sitting on that rock for such a long time, I thought you'd never get up! ( tucked under his other arm is a body part covered in ice from finger to elbow, it looks like it was broken from the actual body and in no way seems to be willing to melt under any circumstance and why would it, it's just too cold around here! )
oh no, what ever will I do <3
I'll eat if you do. [ It's still difficult for him to accept that he needs to eat now. It's weird having a human(ish) body with human needs. ] And I've been sitting there because it's warm.
[ He notes the body part with curiosity, head tilting slightly to one side. It doesn't bother him that the other man has it, it's more the why of the situation. ]
Why do you have that?
theres nothing you can do when it comes to me!!
( a brow raises to show his confusion, not too sure what the other could be talking about and surely it can't be about the severed arm he's toting about. tugging berserker anywhere with him normally works out in his favor if it's nothing too out of the way. besides, anything he ever asks for is simple and can easily be done. ) So you should eat something warm so that you can heat up from the inside out, isn't that how that works? ( that's exactly how it works, as soon as they come up to a stand; wei wuxian takes a look over the food that's presented to them. some soup, others happen to be rice with vegetables but the kicker about this is that everything should be hot. )
What do you want to eat? Or should I make you something?
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[ Use some discretion if you're carrying around a severed limb is all he's asking!
He lets himself be led along with a quiet sigh. This is just his lot in life: to be led around by people who have no fear of him. Wei Wuxian rarely asked much from him, a relief. None of the food particularly interests him -- eating is something he has to do, but he never puts much thought into what he eats. Food is food, it all serves the same purpose. He simply shrugs at the question. ]
Anything is fine. Whatever you choose will do.
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( imagine using discretion when he can carry his friend with no shame.. that's like, being ashamed of berserker.. how could he? now he would let the other hold big apple's arm, but he has to be gentle and wei wuxian doesn't think that's a word... the other even thinks about. instead, he tries to place the male's attention on the food around them, grabbing a plate and requesting some be poured right in the middle. the workers don't really care much for being precise but once it's dumped, literally dripping off the plate on one side. it all looks crushes together, he's unable to tell what they put in it but... dragons don't care right. )
.. Hm. ( he hands it over to the other. ) Okay, then we'll have you try them all. ( : ) )
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No, I was just curious as to what it is...Why does it have a name?
[ He peers at it to get a better look for a moment. Better that Wei Wuxian tries to distract him otherwise he's not going to let this go. Also better that Berserker doesn't handle the arm, either -- he's capable of being gentle, but it takes more care than he normally puts into anything.
The scent of the food catches his attention, taking the plate from the other man. A mortal body is something he's unaccustomed to still, needs like food and water unfamiliar. If a Servant ate or drank, it was purely for pleasure and not a need. A Servant only needed food if their Master couldn't provide them with sufficient mana on their own.
The offered food is a mess and he looks unimpressed, but it would be rude to refuse hospitality like this. Berserker takes a few bites, his expression unchanged. ]
Are you going to eat anything?
4 bc i have no self control
Well, neither of those things have turned out to be true and for once it's not because he's struggling with spellwork. That part actually went well. Rather, Diarmuid is fast learning that the snow creatures are only as enchanting as the witch who creates them is skilled at sculpture and he falls rather short in that regard.
He'll be damned if it doesn't move as fast as a real animal, though.
The snow-dog that lollops towards Berserker is misshapen with one leg shorter than the other, but, if you squint, somewhat recognisable as a large greyhound. Held in its mouth is a large stick and, as it hops excitedly back and forth on its paws in front of the dragon, its tail wags behind it hard enough to knock little sprays of snow loose. Diarmuid appears just a few moments later, laughing as he drops down to pat the creature on its icy head. In spite of being dressed in thick wools and a stole fluffy enough to make up for the fact that his creation is entirely bald, his nose is tinged pink.]
I'm sorry, he's a little excited. Would you mind throwing the stick? I- [Finally, he looks up. Ah.] ... hello.
[Now he's really not sure where to look.]
no need for self control where we're going
But where did it come from...? There wasn't anyone else nearby that he could see -- clearly a witch's creation gone astray. It might be kinder to put it out of its misery than let it amble around like this. No, no...It's happy and functional. There's no need to harm it. Plus, as much as he doesn't want to admit it, he has a soft spot for dogs still. The hound of Culann could never have that taken away from him.
He's about to take the stick from the dog to throw it when he sees Diarmuid. Uh oh. It's not that he's embarrassed by what happened between them, it's more that he has no idea how to talk about it. It would be easier to not talk about it, but that would only create problems.
Time to ignore it for now. He takes the stick from the snow dog with a faint smile and tosses it a short distance away. ]
Is this how you've been spending your time -- making pets for yourself?
[ Better than hoarding bones. ]
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... something like that. I still miss my hounds.
[In the background, the dog skids in a dramatic spray of snow and frost and trips, uneven legs catching on each other in its eagerness to grab the stick. Aside from being poorly constructed physically, it doesn't appear to be the brightest thing either.
He winces.]
I'm not very good at it.
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The faint smile remains on his face as he watches the dog tumble over itself to retrieve the stick. Hell, he'd seen completely normal pups do such a thing, so he can't entirely fault its creator for that small issue. ]
I can tell. [ He bends down as the dog comes back to drop its stick at his feet. There's almost a fondness in his eyes as he pats its icy head with a gloved hand. Some things the Grail couldn't take away. ] You'll get better in time.
[ He throws the stick once again, slow to rise back up. Now's a good a time as any to ruin the atmosphere with what needs to be said. ]
... Don't be embarrassed, either. I don't fault you for what you did in any way.
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[That smile might be the gentlest expression he's seen Berserker wear. It's still something of a surprise, though, when their bond allows some of that sincerity to slip through; there's something that he still likes after all. It's... endearing, actually. Enough that when the awkward topic of their last meeting arises, his own smile doesn't fade.
But it does falter a little and, in defiance of the cold, his cheeks flush hot.]
I know. It just happened. [He sighs softly, leaving a cloud of condensation in his wake.] But I'm glad that it did. I...
[The snow dog pads back over- with a stick that definitely isn't the one that Berserker just threw given that it's twice the size. Oh, and it's missing an ear.
Before Berserker can respond, Diarmuid's back on his knees and fussing over the creature, patting the spot where its right ear used to be with a gently scolding huff. It's as good a distraction as any; with his head down, no one can see the dreamy, hopeful look he's trying so hard to fight.]
What have you done, hmm? Hold still.
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You what? [ He shakes his head at the poor snow dog. It's trying its best. ] What's with that look on your face?
[ He didn't really have to ask, a part of him already knew. It's still so alien to experience these warm emotions again, however faintly and from someone else. It's almost an unwanted nostalgia of how he used to be before something broke inside. And yet he doesn't mind it.
Strange. ]
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2.B.
She's on her way to the market when Justine feels the soft tug of her scarf. The warm wool strip of fabric drags her across a short distance to where Berserker has just risen from the warmth of the enchanted stones.
Thin pale fingers tug at the scarf but there doesn't seem to be a way to release herself.]
I'm sorry. I'm not sure what's happening...
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You're the one wearing it. [ Read: "you should know how to fix it." ] Do something about it.
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It's a spell. It will take me a moment to unweave it.
[She pauses and eyes those claws of his.]
Unless you can cut through the fabric?
[Justine has no idea how potent of a spell this is... the shop keeper hadn't mentioned it.]
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... I can't. [ Frustrating. ] So hurry up.
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A-alright.
[She closes her eyes and tries to focus on the invisible threads of magic that have woven their way around them. It's more complicated than she first expected and it takes more than a few minutes for her to find the point of the spell that will unravel and tug gently. It's a light touch but as Justine focuses she feels the scarf begin to unravel.
Assuming that her fellow captive isn't distracting her.]
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Is this as fast as you can manage? [ STOP BEING A JERK. ] You're not very good at this.
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2b
It's probably wondering if you're cold in spite of the layers, Berserker.
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Dragons aren't meant to be cold.
[ His eyes flick back down to the familiar for a moment. ]
Did you create this?
[ The magic of this world is still a curiosity to him as he hasn't seen much of it himself. Only a few healing spells and some minor elemental work. ]
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[The little embercat pads in a circle around him before settling down near his feet and flaring it's body a bit. A touch more warmth flows into the air, and something that sounds vaguely like a purr follows]
I conjured it. It's an elemental, I just gave it a form to take.
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The magic here is unfamiliar. I don't know what's simple or more difficult.
[ He has no need to learn, so why try? When it becomes relevant to him, that's when he'll care. ]
Why a cat, though?
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[She waves at the little thing, not quite fondly, but not dismissively either.]
It just came naturally, after the first time. Besides, cats are alright.
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It doesn't seem like much of a mouser. [ Appearances can be deceiving. Plus it's cold, he can understand not moving much when it's cold. ] I imagine it's better when it's motivated.
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