event log: winter wonderland

[moustre]

Event Log: July, Snow Sun? Snow Fun.

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".

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.

Welcome to your snow-filled event log! As a reminder, this will take place over the whole of July, so feel free to take prompts and inspiration for it for threads at any point. If you have any questions or need any clarifications, you can ask them here! We hope you all have a good time and don't give us the cold shoulder for pulling off not-Christmas in July.

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Caster (Cú Chulainn) | Witch | OTA

[futhark]

I. THE COVEN

a. Winter's Touch

[ With the first week of Juril being official vacations there wouldn't be much reason to hang around the Coven if not for all the shenanigans going out there. Turns out you can still get to cast a lot of spells when magical winter is in full force. Given how hot the summer is, this does feel like a bit of respite. Caster figures that with how focused on the element of fire he was, it could be a good chance to try something different—

Nah, he just wants to join into snowball fights, but he quickly finds out that the snow melts in his hands quicker than it should be. (Higher body temperature due to focusing on fire magic, like constantly... who would have thought that could have any side-effects?) but he finds a way around it.

He might be found practicing magic on unsuspecting snow, making it lift from the ground and form into a snowball— with better or worse effect. Not every attempt ends in a snowball, but the ones that does end with it launching straight into nearby person's face (perhaps that's you). Projectile snow, hell yeah. ]

Oh! My bad— [ He might say that as an apology but the amused lilt in his tone spells it clearly: he's not apologetic at all. Because now that he's on a roll, next snowball is magicked a lot quicker ] Heads up! next one's coming!

[ It was never an accident ]


c. Ice Spires

[ One of the senior witches at Coven certainly has a knack for architecture, turning half of the out-door area into a beautiful, castle-like maze made of ice. It looks especially spectacular during the night, with colorful lights shining through it. It might become less spectacular when you realize it has several floors and is incredibly easy to get lost in. ]

What's with Witches and their mazes? [ Caster huffs, his expression unamused. Good thing he got his fur hood and cloak and... a scarf, obtained elsewhere because the cold is starting to get to him. The scarf is warm fuzzy and definitely wants to be shared... What's with the witches and their enchanted clothing?? He throws the other end of the scarf in the direction of this new lost person (you, most likely). ] Think you could return to the entrance by retracing your steps?


II. THE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS


d. The haven I can't believe we got a hot springs episode

[ The extreme way magic shapes this world is still something that manages to surprise him. Not too long ago, there was that plot of land used as a communal garden and place for picnics. Now it's a hot spring in the middle of winter. Amazing.

Late-night bathers might spot Caster soaking in the warm bath, submerged almost to his chin and eyes half-closed. That's a perfect way to relax after a day of work, yes?

Same late-night bathers also might spot him sitting in the warm spring for too long and getting sprayed with the cold-water spell without warning. A string of curses follows. And probably a naked dude, jumping out of the water trying to catch the offending floating bucket for revenge ]


III. THE HARBOR DISTRICT


a. you give me fishing prompt, you bet I will take it

[ Fishing is one of those survival skills that are very useful. Ability to feed yourself is, after all, a key to survival. But to Caster it's more than just that, in fact, it's a hobby. One he enjoys most when he needs to find a quiet moment for himself, you know to escape the business of life or the irritation the magic overload brings— so he tends to engage in it in either early or late hours when crowds are smaller. The ice fishing is no difference, although it brings the excitement of a different method. At various time of the month he can be found melting the holes in the ice and then either with the makeshift spear, or just sitting on a (foldable) chair with a fishing rod.

He's more than likely to smoke a cigarette in the second scenario because old habits die hard.

If approached he makes a STOP gesture ]

Careful, the ice is thin here! [ And he points right at the place you happen to stand. ]

---

[ Alternatively, if he's caught while returning from ice and carrying his haul (bucket of fishes, with ice everywhere and some spell inscription on the bucket itself for extra coolness he can randomly just hand you the bucket ]

Hey, you wanna? It's a fresh catch. [ And it's in your hands now ]


IV. WILDCARD

｢ ooc: got a different idea? hit me up! I'm also interested in the ice skating and other residential districts prompt, as well with playing the whole "witches focusing on fire have higher body temperature" thing so I'm always open for wildcards and can always be contacted via aetarna for hashing out details ｣

III a

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker, too, couldn't resist the call of fishing. Somethings the grail could take away, other things were too ingrained to be removed. It's a good way to pass the time and it gets him food -- he doesn't enjoy it anymore because he doesn't enjoy anything.

With a bucket and Gae Bolg in hand, folding chair tucked under his arm, he's ready to set up shop. Though...

He gives a cold stare to Caster. He hadn't meant to approach him, he was just making his way out further, not paying much attention to his surroundings. ]

If I fall in, so be it.

[ He's already cold and miserable, what's making it worse going to do? He takes another step, the thin ice cracking beneath his boots. A short distance away, he sets up his chair and bucket and sets Gae Bolg down before he turns back. He walks back to the thin ice with a mildly defiant look. ]

I'm fine.

[ A worrying crack sounds out before the ice gives out beneath Berserker, plunging him into the icy water.

He probably deserved that. ]

[futhark]

[ Two dogs, run on ice in winter...

Okay, first it's not winter, second, they're not really dogs, but yes, the troubles are to be had. Caster lets a huff of smoke with the corner of his mouth, and says simple "Uh, huh" at Berserkers claim. He keeps observing his darker self as he sets up a fishing spot for himself.

Then he's back. On that thin ice Caster had warned him a moment ago and—

————————SPLASH————————!!! ]

...the hell!?!?! [ Maybe he should just... idk let Berserker drown. Maybe he should even pettily ice that hole over, take the spear and pretend nothing ever happened. But with his luck, it will only turn the man into some kind of massive shark monster that will eat all the fish and haunt his fishing spots forever, right?

So with a huff, he abandons his spot and carefully gets closer to the massive crack, avoiding the place where ice become slick with water. He even pokes at the water with the other end of his fishing rod. It might break if someone grabs it too hard, but it's a better option than spiky spear right? ]

Oi, stop scaring my fishes!! Get out of there! [ You're not so stupid to drown in here ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ It takes a moment for him to resurface. The water's freezing, his clothes are soaked, weighing him down. Berserker doesn't look panicked at all as he pops back above the water, just a faint hint of annoyance. No, he doesn't intend to drown here, that would be silly. ]

You think I want to be in here?! [ Still, he grabs for the offered rod. It's not going to hold his weight for long, if at all, but it could give him a chance to get to a more solid base. ] Don't say stupid things.

[futhark]

[ Berserker rarely looks any "emotion" at all, so no panic is a given. Caster's annoyance is a lot more animated and obvious—

If you said A you're gotta follow it up with B, so if he's helping his darker self, he is not going to ponder on each step or whatever. He makes a step (risky) forward trying to reach the hand holding (breaking?) the fishing rod, to at least drag Berserker a bit closer. ]

I warned you, so yeah, you are paddling here by your own doing. [ He can still biiiitch ]

ia but maybe iid later lets hot wing it

[usurpers]

[ have you ever had a lizard brain that always wants to work against you

eren’s heard about plenty of warm places being set up around the city, and off he goes in an immediate fast walk (as fast of a walk as a toned down fire lizard can walk, which isn’t too fast and sort of chunky) to the idea of massive heated rocks under the sun and blistering vapors of hot water springs (that you won’t, for the life of you, get him to go in. the temperature from it was just fine but the water can yeet itself).

until the smack of a frozen ball hits his bundled temple and spreads like rifle bullets once contact is made with his granite horns. he stumbles as if water was thrown at a cat, gathering himself to glare at the perpetrator with another ball of white forming. dull black scales suddenly deepen in color— an inky charcoal accompanied by hues of cherry red, sheens of purple and spots of deep orange, his head bobbing as erratically as his legs do. ]

Don’t.

[ YOU GET AWAY FROM HIM STRANGER. ]

when in doubt, kfc - later saunas

[futhark]

[ Cú "I have a death wish" Chulainn, that's him. One would think that targetting someone so obviously in the stage of draconic transformation... one would think so. Caster made that mistake and he is probably about to make another one.

He is not that much of a douche, because that reaction makes him tilt his head and not follow through with the warning. If he was more in a clear mind himself, he'd probably drop the snowball - that keeps getting bigger and bigger as he keeps pouring his magic into the snow. At least he's not launching it yet... ]

Aw, you don't wanna play?

[usurpers]

[ when you make the same mistake twice that’s being dumb, cú. you have lived a good life. eren . . . would not be this testy, either! he’s no where near full moon, he’s perfectly bonded (two, he’s got two anchors), but alas— threatening him with a giant snowball was like showing a dog you’re taking him to the vet. giving him cold during the summer was like smacking a snack right off his hands into the dirt. he’s got hormonal tension too, what a great time to be a lizard (this is him on normal irritation, ok).

it’s threatening to his entire being and sinks to the core of his bones. he’s inclined to show this dude that he could take him on and book it, all in ten seconds. ]

You want to piss off?

[futhark]

[ That is true, he is hardly the smartest dog around. And you'd think that the "Caster" class would give for more scholarly attitude. Nope. The attitude Eren gives makes him want to pick up the challenge. Even if he's more chilled as Caster the Witch-designation combined with the fact that he is unBonded affects his temper for the worse (don't laugh at him, he haven't searched met anyone special yet; also asking for help is hard) ]

Having some fun is good for you, you know? Somedays you just gotta relax and let yourself go...

[ However, this is a different kind of mistake. Because instead of doing something like throwing the snowball, he simply missed the part where so much snow was collected that this looks more like a massive snowman torso rather than a throwing snowball. Nothing gets thrown, the collected snow just explodes instead— in all directions and makes it look like they are in the middle of a snowstorm.

It is unclear whether that was on purpose, or because someone might have lost control of the spell— and Caster would probably argue on the former even if it was the latter (it was absolutely the latter)

Guess it is a vet trip Eren. ]

ii.-D

[holyswordwielder]

[ The cold being as detrimental to the health and comfort of fire-breathing dragons as it apparently is, Arthur is very nearly inclined to say he preferred the sweltering heat from before. Although the house has been very good shelter for keeping the chill out, with Ozymandias having fallen ill it isn’t practical for Arthur to keep the heating turned up so high 24/7. As a result, in favor of keeping his housemate from becoming even sicker, the knight-king has decided to brave the outdoors on a search for some of these magical accommodations he’s heard of cropping up around the residential district for the people of Aefenglom.

But it seems this world has no shortage of surprises for Arthur because when he finally happens upon one such accommodation, his awe at finding the hot springs is abruptly cut short. Suddenly, a flying bucket zooms past his head fast enough to blow back off his head the hood of his coat. Said bucket is followed by a large, blue-haired man shouting and cursing as he streaks after it, completely butt-naked in the below freezing weather.

For a moment, Arthur just stands there, wide-eyed in shock, trying to process what just happened. D-Did he just see what he thinks he saw? ]

...Cú Chulainn?

[ Again? No... this one looked distinctly not like Berserker. More like the one he’d fought against and alongside with during the 1999 Grail War... Wait. Is that even possible? Two of the same Heroic Spirit in one place? Like in Chaldea? It can’t be... But what if it is?

With that in mind, Arthur swiftly turns on his heel and follows the other man’s tracks in the snow, running after him while shouting too. ]

Wait! Wait! Lancer! Stop!

[futhark]

[ Caster manages to catch the offending bucket right at the moment when he gets to hear his own name. He turns around both alert and curious (it is not a piece of common knowledge around here after all). The serious moment completely ruined because A)yeah still butt-naked, B) the bucket suddenly starts trashing and drags him along a few steps. He slams it into the ground, grabs a heavy stone and puts it inside, then starts packing it with more stones—

in case the bucket could carry one stone and use it as projectiles. This is a serious matter, he has to ground this vicious beast ]

You called, friend?[ He approaches Arthur with just a hint of recognition ] Ah, you're that... [ ~~gestures~~ ] —hiding guy. Saber.

[ The one who keeps away from everywhere and has a cool hood. ]

So you got dragged here too? C'mon, don't just stand there in this cold.

[ He will be very happy sink into the hot spring right back whether Arthur follows or not ]

[holyswordwielder]

[ When the other man seems to recognize him, Arthur is not entirely surprised; most from their world and its respective different timelines have so far recognized his likeness to Artoria. What does surprise him is what Cú Chulainn calls him: “...that hiding guy”?

Arthur doesn’t get much time to just gape at the (naked) other Servant in surprise though, because before he knows it, Cú Chulainn is heading back to the hot spring and ushering him along too. He isn’t Lancer— or at least not the Cú Chulainn he’s most familiar with, yet he does not regard him with the same shock Diarmuid and Caren did. He was far more interested in fighting that bucket, honestly, completely unconcerned with his rear and male bits being exposed to anyone who looked up to see what the commotion was.

Yeah. Definitely a Celtic warrior, this one. ]

Er... you know who I am?

[ Arthur follows him back to the edge of the pool but he doesn’t disrobe. Instead, he merely watches Cú Chulainn sink back into the steaming water with his brow furrowed. Once the other man is settled, Arthur comes to crouch down beside the edge himself, close enough that they can speak comfortably. He pulls the hood of his heavy outercoat up again, hiding his horns out of habit, even though the other man has surely noticed them now. ]

Are you from Chaldea, then?

[futhark]

[ Why are people bothered by nakedness, really? Caster could swear he can tell how further away in future others are depending on the reaction. But fine, he'll be good. He'll sit in his warm, bath spot and no longer be glaringly naked and offending future sensibilities. Ha! ]

Yeah, from there. You got to Chaldea just shortly before I was brought here. Never got to say "hi" properly [ With the hordes of Servants in Chaldea that's pretty given. No one can know everybody that well. And "hiding" is the general impression Caster got because this man was hard to spot in the crowd. ]

So, "hi!" [ Have a small wave from the spring. Why is this guy not getting into the water? One surely can stay around here like in a sauna, but being fully clothed around the baths is... ah. Right. Transformation. That explains both staying dressed and being drawn to the warmth. Caster clicks his tongue and points at the spot nearby, left from them. ]

There are some hot, warm stones. Good spot to sit. [ So considerate...until ] Worry not, I can stay in the water to not distract you with the view. [ Because it's always time to tease ] I get a feeling it's not Chaldea you know me from, though.

ic for icy shenanigans

[topslug]

[ Yako yelps as the scarf snaking out catches her right around the face — thanks to height differences and the scarf not having sufficient sentience to care about, say, the ability of its wearer to see — and interrupts her answer. Unlike Caster, she’s wearing summer clothing just as normal, and maybe even a little bit less, skirt slightly deflated from the lack of a petticoat and the modesty of her otherwise scandalous neckline preserved by the gauzy fichu pinned over it.

Reaching up to grab at the scarf, Yako tugs it down enough to poke her head through, hair tousled like a particularly disgruntled baby bird. ]

I tried that already, but I believe that’s not how it’s meant to be solved. With all the surfaces made of ice and the enchantment to make it seem even larger on the inside, it all looks similar enough to be confusing.

protect yako from the cold

[futhark]

[ So it's a puzzle. It's not made to be confusing and annoy visitors, it's meant to be solved... by which, yes, yes it can totally be both. A puzzle and something to torment anyone who gets into it. But like with the whole "glass half-full, glass full-empty" your results depend purely on which side you focus on ]

...if my runes worked here it would be a piece of cake. [ "Tracking" an "exit" is a simple enough concept for Laguz to work splendidly. Maybe slap some additional magic resistance factors and good luck, and boom.

No use in finding options with options that do not work.

He lets more of that long scarf so as to throw more of it around Yako just because he can. And because she seems, well, cold ]

So what's the idea? You're the one who figured it needs to be "solved" — that means we're playing a "game" with the architect, no? [ Really "solved" is such a curious to use, and given how involved she is in the research... she'd make a good magus. Well, a Witch, here ] And games have rules.

no she's already overheated!!! magic is wild ok

[topslug]

[ More scarf piling on her gets a small noise of protest, Yako trying to struggle out -- on closer inspection, she's actually perspiring, like this is a muggy summer day like it's supposed to be instead of enforced winter. Given the scarf's determination to hold them together, she stops trying to fight it, even if it means standing closer to Caster than perhaps she normally would. ]

If they only meant for it to be explored, they could have just built a normal castle. [ Is what she offers as explanation. ] It took a lot of skill to put something like this together, and that always leaves some of the maker's personality behind. You can learn a lot about an artist from the art they make, and I think architecture is the same.

[ She looks around, pondering. ]

What kind of person do you think built this?

the hot springs episode.

[lonewanderer]

[ There are no rose petals, this time.

Lex isn't complaining. The hot water is amazing, and seeing steam rise from it when everything surrounding them is covered in snow makes her smile. Dogmeat is less impressed; once he sees someone he recognizes in the springs, he darts forward and jumps in, tail wagging. ]

Shit-

[ Too late. Lex approaches the edge of the spring, watching her dog take a seat close enough to Caster to be pet and far enough away to dodge any possible reprimand. ]

Sorry, apparently the snow has made him lose his manners.

[futhark]

[ Dogmeat buddy, you sure like the baths. Someone else could maybe complain about the dog in hot springs. Caster isn't that person—

But then Lex apologizes and his smile turns into a sly grin ]

Just a sorry won't do~! [ He draws his voice teasingly ] There's something else you can do for me, though

[ As if getting splashed in the bath would be such a horrible crime that it needs compensation. But, hey, doesn't look Dogmeat is moving out of here, so you're stuck around anyway. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ It's not a bath, there's no soap. It is swimming. Far more acceptable!

The grin and the teasing tone make her laugh, and the lack of any further reprimand has Dogmeat wag his tail again. ]

Okay, I'll bite. What is it?

d. hot springs

[ishisstrength]

[Justine dislikes the cold. It isn't the cold itself but the interruption of the seasons. They all have there merits but she'd been hoping for summer and got a blanket of pristine white snow instead. Her beach plans and swimming lessons are on pause until the snow melts.

A stream of curses to her left makes her head rise and turn towards Caster. She'd been napping which is a wildly dangerous activity in the hot baths. Her cheeks are pinked with red heat as she exhales a heavy sigh.]

Are you alright?

[She looks as if she's nearly about to have the same thing happen to her but Justine is a little too sleepy to make the connection herself.]

[futhark]

[ Caster turns in the direction of a familiar voice, and you bet the bucket does the same. As if it had ears or some kind of heat-sensor... it would be very comical (it is very comical) if not for the fact that magic bucket has faster reaction time!

Curiosity on Caster's face turns quickly into "oh SHI————T" expression as the bucket zips past him into the direction of Justine. ]

Wait————!

[ The most pointless thing to tell a bucket that is now hovering right over sleepy (and so warm) Justine. Consider the action snapshot: one guy trying to out-run a floating magic bucket, one girl trying to nap in hot springs, about to be very shockingly woke up, one magic bucket spontaneously generating cold water and pouring it out.

(to be continued rolls out) ]

[ishisstrength]

[The cold waters splashes over Justine's head just as Caster goes dashing in her direction. She rises suddenly and gasps as her awareness sharpens to painful clarity. Her hips remain beneath the bath water and yet the contrast causes her slender frame to shiver painfully.

Her heart is racing and it's only as Caster steps closer that she realizes that full extent of the imagine forming.

She closes her eyes and braces herself from either Caster crashing into her, the bucket choosing to continue its horrible dousing or for the comical scene to come to its end. Either way, Justine isn't sure she wants to watch what happens next.]

IID

[showsnopiety]

[Oh. Oh well. And here she was trying to stick her feet into the spring for a light bit of heat, but instead...

Here's Caster. And here's Caster running around buck naked, trying to catch a bucket.

It seemed it was shocking enough to stun Caren for a few moments-and then she noticed another bucket.]

Incoming.

[Guess he was all hot and bothered.]

[futhark]

[ Goddamn, dude, have some decency for a towel or something. ]

What—? [ The warning made him turn around, with slide on the wet rocks that nearly ended with a fall in the spring. That was the biggest mistake because it means he stopped moving. And the second bucket? It had no intention of stopping, in fact, it flew right at Caster. And in his attempt to dodge the incoming bucket-tic missile, he made a step in the wrong direction—

—and plunged right into the spring.

The bucket didn't care and continued onwards. Soon someone else screamed in the distance among the splashing sounds of water. Being a magical bucket in hot springs sure is a busy life.

Caster meanwhile should surface soon. Thanks Caren, thanks ]

[showsnopiety]

[Why doesn't he go in with a towel, his spear is out????

And she watches as he gets slammed by a bucket, and then falls in.

She watches it fly away from where his body has fallen into the water, and goes over to the edge of the spring. She leans over, hands on her knees as she waits for Caster to surface.]

That's going to leave a bruise.

[Confirming yet again that she's the worst.]