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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Zelda | Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | Witch | OTA
[Where there is a winter wonderland, there must be a Scrooge, and Zelda seems content to play a part adjacent to that as she heads up to the Coven despite the announcement that formal classes would be cancelled for the week. How are they supposed to figure out where that dream came from, or how the mirrors work like this! What is she supposed to do with her time? Get a hobby? Ridiculous!
So she makes the hike to practice regardless, only to find that the surrounding area has been transformed into a veritable zoo of icy creatures, and, well... okay, they're pretty impressive. Except--]
I cannot imagine this being popular.
[She says to no one in particular as she examines the pegasi-drawn sleigh. To which the ice pegasus responds with tinkly braying that definitely sounds affronted. It surprises the princess, to say the least.]
Wha-- well, you cannot expect anyone to think it is safe.
[Yes, she is getting into an argument with a snow horse. No, she is probably not going to stop it on her own.]
coven; ice castle you have there
[Of the other events surrounding the Coven, the various castles constructed completely of ice are both the most intriguing and offer the most shelter from the magical snowball war taking place outside. Exploring is fun when it doesn't lead to horrible flashbacks of traumatic experiences! Plus, they give a nice opportunity to test out the divination magic that she so rarely gets the chance to work on.
No, she still doesn't need a hobby, shut up.
If you are also wandering the icy corridors built by the Coven's witches, then her presence will be heralded by a pulse of golden light zipping past underfoot as though following some form of circuitry. She's following after it, and is a little surprised when she runs into someone else along the way.]
Oh, hello. Are you heading up or down?
residential districts; strangled by the red scarf
Oh, Goddesses--
[That is the sound you hear moments before you find yourself wrapped in the woolly embrace of a brand new scarf that is also still currently attached to one (1) Princess of Hyrule. Were you getting groceries? Going to work? Also wandering around the city like some kid that doesn't know what to do with themselves outside of the structure of school? Too bad! The Scarf does not care for your petty mortal problems outside of keeping warm.
Zelda does, however, and the flush that reaches from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears is definitely not from the cold as she frantically tries to untangle herself.]
I am... so, so sorry-- this is not my doing, I swear...
[Maybe she should have been more suspicious about the discount she got on this thing, rather than just happy it was something she could afford...]
harbor; and at last icy the light
[The cloak she dons for weekly strolls down to the harbor district is a little less conspicuous in the magically enforced chill, at least, and she would be loath to let this opportunity pass her by. Especially, as she notes, when it seems like her magic is so much stronger in the wake of the new moons rather than under the light of the full ones despite the conventional wisdom of those at the Coven. Something the rest of the city will no doubt think of as another ill omen should it become common knowledge. There's certainly no short supply of those lately, it seems.
Regardless, the illusion does indeed seem to hold much better than it did the last time she tried this. Red eyes remain red; glimpses of skin from under the cloak retain their tanned hue. It's not yet a perfect replication of the disguise she hid herself under for so long, but it's a solid foundation. ... Funny, she spent years waiting for the day she could throw off the false persona, but now that the ability to use it at all has been taken from her, she longs to have it back. Perhaps she'll dwell upon that later (or, more likely, she'll lock those feelings up in a tiny box and throw away the metaphorical key), but for now she sets to wandering the industrious district.
She doesn't intend to stay long, just enough to see if any passersby react particularly strongly to the illusion, but she can't help stopping and staring when she finds the makeshift ice skating area set all aglow with gently twinkling lights, like something out of a dream.]
Hylia's grace...
[Okay, maybe the magic snowstorm is a little cool...]
wildcard;
[hmu in PMs or on plurk at
coven
You're not even a little curious?
[With a smile, he steps forward and pats the pegasus' flank as though it were a real flesh and blood creature. Up close, the craftsmanship, both in terms of sculpture and magical design, is remarkable and yet he's quick to turn his attention back to the young woman beside him.]
I'm glad to meet you under better circumstances, my lady.
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Of course, a reminder of what happened in the cave isn't much less of a hit to her pride, but that's something she can swallow down easily enough.]
Ah, yes, I... do not recall if I had the opportunity to express my gratitude for your assistance in those worse circumstances-- [Given she was kind of in the middle of a crisis and all.] --so, in the case that I did not: thank you. I imagine I would be in much worse shape right now if it were not for you and the others who aided me.
[She allows for a brief pause to let that sink in, but she's quick to shift topics away from that particular memory.]
As for this... [A gesture to the sleigh and its pegasus, which gives a mighty huff.] ... I cannot say that I am, truthfully. Certainly, the enchantment for flight is an interesting thing, but it is impossible to know how strong it is, or how long it will hold. I am not fond of the idea of leaving those variables up to chance.
[The risks she takes are calculated (... even if she's bad at math), okay, and this one is not seeming worth it!]
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Regardless, his smile softens.]
The same, I'm sure, could be said for the rest of us. [He's being sincere; alone, those beasts would have snapped his spear in two and followed it up with him.] You acted admirably and I'm very grateful.
[But that's as much as he'll say on the matter. When Zelda steers the conversation back onto safer ground, he follows.]
It would depend on the handler. What if we were to share the responsibility? We've both proven ourselves to be competent witches, haven't we?
[Oh no. He's really determined to get her on that thing, isn't he?]
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strangled by the red scarf
Uh, yeah. No prob.
[ He didn't want to try and tear or stretch the thing; women's clothing tended to be manufactured delicate, but this wasn't ideal? He'd just wanted to have a coffee and chill. ]
What the hell's goin' on with your scarf? Someone put a jinx on ya?
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I-- I suppose? I have never encountered a curse or enchantment like this before, so I don't know what exactly is making this happen-- would you let go, please?!
[The Scarf is indifferent to her pleas.]
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He brought his fingers up under one of the cloth's exposed edges, and tried an experimental tickle or two. The thing stiffened at first, then started to flutter and wave against his fingers, like the fins of a cuttlefish. ]
Looks like it ain't inclined to listen, Miss. The, uh... this a new scarf?
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scarf
Uh, hey Zelda, what's up? [As in, what's doing this? Incidentally, though, America is especially warm up close. Fire dragon perks.]
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It was not a very good attempt, but there is only so much one can do when they're dragged by the neck into the personal space of the nearest heat source. One of those wings might be rather uncomfortably pinned between them now. She's going to have a bruise from where his tail thwapped her leg. It's very unfortunate.]
I don't know! [Flustered and frantic and about two second from falling over she might be, she at least tries to pull at the woolen fabric now wrapped up around his neck and shoulders.] It is not my doing--!
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yet!]no subject
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scarf
Otherwise, he's just going to let it happen. Fighting it is too much work. ]
You're going to take care of it, though, aren't you?
[ That would sound a little more intimidating if it weren't muffled by a scarf. ]
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Y-- Yes. Yes, of course, just give me a moment...
[She reaches up to gently tug the fabric down off of his mouth first and foremost, which The Scarf allows, but trying to pull it away any farther than that is met with resistance. In fact, it seems like with every pull she makes, the thing just gets tighter around both of them. Which, in turn, shortens the length of scarf between them and makes everyone's personal bubble that much smaller.]
... Um.
[This... is a problem.]
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...
You bought this without asking any questions, didn't you?
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harbor
It's really pretty, isn't it? [ Breath fogging slightly in the chilled air, Yako pauses to admire the view too, but the pair of skates she's already carrying in one hand clearly show she intends to do more than look. ]
Were you planning to skate?
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Still, there wouldn't be any point to this exercise if no attempt was made at keeping it up, and so the voice that answers Yako is a little deeper than she's accustomed to.]
I wasn't aware the opportunity was available until this moment. Unfortunately, while I've walked on ice before, I've never made use of those... bladed shoes before.
[So that's a no.]
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Coven - Ice fortress
She's not used to the castle actually being made out of ice, and stepping inside - tentatively, she's heard from the Knights plenty of times what happens to people that fall through thin ice, and never to trust it just because it looks like it can bear your weight - she finds... she's a bit impressed. She wouldn't think it would be cold enough, but with magic, just about anything is possible.
And then there's footsteps behind her, and a weight shoving into her back, and she jumps, hands instinctively going to her swords, but she doesn't draw it. Especially once she sees the shock of blonde hair and an... at least semi-familiar face.] Up. I was going to see if I could surmount the tower.
[She might secretly be a gargoyle.]
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[Zelda is quick to apologize for her clumsiness in bumping into the taller woman; she may not know Maria herself very well - only noting her rather intimidating presence in passing at the more offensively oriented classes and practice sessions at the Coven - but she knows that lightning quick reach for a weapon that can only come from years of training, and she knows that her blunder could have ended much worse for her if the other witch were just a slight bit less relaxed.
She smiles a little at Maria's answer, though. It's even mostly genuine!]
Would you like some company along the way? I have been using this opportunity to test my skills with divination, and hoped to find the top that way myself.
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Harbor
[Caren had been skating by, but hearing the other person stop...she had paused, and looked over the stranger, curious. Red eyes, she didn't blink an eye at; it seemed that she didn't see a thing under the illusion. Or maybe she was rather used to it, all in all.]
My apologies but-are you invoking something...?
[Just, you know. She was curious about what she might be missing out on, all in all.]
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The stranger raises a hand, placating.]
More of an exaltation than an invocation. I've not borne witness to many sights such as this one, and it drew the name of a goddess of my homeland from my lips. It's nothing that would summon any kind of power this night.
[If the goddesses can even hear prayers directed towards them from this world, it certainly doesn't seem like they can answer them. It's not a fun idea to think about.]
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scarf
—That's unexpected.
[He looks different. It may be because of the faint shiny patches in the corners of his eyes. It may be because he's wearing his hair down. It may be because his pupils seem to be elongated like a cat's. It may be because of all the changes.]
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Despite the evidence pointing towards a lizard-y endgame for him, he looks almost... softer than she remembers, right now.
... But those thoughts are quickly discarded once more in favor of embarrassment as she resumes trying to unwind her scarf from his person, because clearly this has to be as uncomfortable for him as it is for her. Right?]
Forgive me, I don't-- I was not told of any curse or enchantment placed upon this thing. Just give me a moment...
[... why isn't it letting go. Every time she tries to pull away it just clings tighter--]
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scarf;
[He sighs with the defeated tone of someone who's been through far too many shenanigans in this snowy wonderland of sorts, already. He was just calmly walking by to his residence to finally have a nice, long nap in a warm spot when he'd felt something... reaching for him. And it's surprisingly hard to defend yourself from a piece of clothing, especially when you don't see it coming.
He frowns at the woman behind the dark sunglasses he's wearing to hide his snake eyes- but she looks far too flustered for this to be her fault.]
I believe you. But- [He sighs as he tries to tug the scarf off on his end, to no avail. ] Would you happen to know what we're supposed to do to end this predicament?
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The hesitation that follows in the wake of his question does not bode well for her having a decisive answer to it, and indeed, what she offers is more of an affirmation instead.]
... I certainly intend on figuring that out. I cannot imagine it to be a very complicated enchantment, after all--
[Is your heart overflowing with faith yet, Somnus? At least she's quick to attempt to make good on her word, tugging at the offending garment here and there, pulling at the weave of it to check if something hasn't been written into the knit itself... if all else fails she can cut the thing apart, but man, what a waste that would be...
... On the plus side, the heat of her embarrassment could almost substitute for one of those magic rocks down in the western residential district. Such is the power of a flustered princess.]
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sorry this is late! july was mean
no problem!
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residential district, kinda
Ritsu's familiar with her, at least - he spent a good week or something in the same house as her after all - and, well. She's a little like Tsukasa: a good kid, but in some serious need of loosening up. He thinks there's no better candidate for helping with that than himself - well, and Kaoru, but he'd never inflict him on a nice girl - and so, well.
He readies another snowball, ears perked up in delight; today's dressing is a nice thick, navy-blue coat over a cherry-patterned dress. It was literally the cheapest, longest thing on the proverbial clearance rack at one of the tailors. Sue him. ]
Wanna cool down a little, Princess~?
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Zelda whirls around to face her attacker, the indignation written plainly on her face likely not coming as a surprise to Ritsu. Her pride has already been bruised quite enough for today, and then there's this asshole toying with her further! For a stick firmly planted in the mud as Zelda, it's basically the worst day.]
What are you-- no, I do not!
[But hey, at least she doesn't care about his bargain bin fashion. She would be a bit of a hypocrite if she did, after the shenanigans her own attempts at being thrifty have wrought.]
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