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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Yako Katsuragi | Witch | OTA
[ Yako's not going out of her way to get involved in the snowball fighting shenanigans herself, but it's a good opportunity to warm up (literally) her enchantment skills. ]
a: [ In various spots throughout the Coven and Harbor District, Yako's set up with her cast-iron, rune-etched pan, carefully ladling dollops of batter in and expertly flipping them over once they've turned golden. That she appears to be doing so without the aid of a visible fire is less of a mystery to anyone who can detect the active enchantment from the iron pan, keeping it heated to Yako's specifications.
Despite the cold, she's dressed down to a gauzy summer dress, the bare minimum of what decent society in Aefenglom would permit. She glances up when she notices someone come near, wiping off perspiration that's gathered on her brow with the back of one hand. ]
Would you like a hotcake? Guaranteed to keep you warm for at least an hour, even if your clothes are soaked through!
b: [ More rarely, Yako can be found plying her wares in the Western Residential District, though with the monster clientele having less of an actual need for the enchantment side of things, she's gotten a bit more frivolous.
She can be found crouched at one of the hot stones, with three Monster children crowded around her and watching attentively as she drizzles batter thinly into the pan, then adds a bit more.
'I bet she's making a bird!' the Harpy girl declares, only to be nudged in the side by the Puca beside her.
'Nuh uh, it's totally a rabbit.'
'You're both blind,' the Merrow boy scoffs, pushing up his glasses and blinking rapidly. 'It's obviously a fish.'
Yako, who's been quiet until now, laughs and shakes her head, flipping the pancake over to reveal ... a rather lopsided cat. The children groan in unison at being thwarted in their guesses, then shriek in disgusted glee when the pancake starts letting out incredibly realistic-sounding meows. ]
2. winner winner fishy dinner
[ When she isn't playing celebrity chef, Yako can be found either gearing up to trudge out onto the ice or already sitting at a hole chipped through it, a maniacal glint in her eye. She doesn't seem to be having any particular luck, but she certainly isn't short on enthusiasm, casting her line into the waters like her life depends on it.
Occasionally, she can be seen muttering and waving her hands over the bait box she's brought with her; other times, she's gloomily perched on the edge of the ice and peering in, staring at the water like doing so hard enough will cause fish to spontaneously burst out and flop into her mouth. ]
Freshly grilled ice fish... [ She can be heard muttering to herself, like a mantra. ] I want to taste it ... just once ...
3. wildcard
[ Bring your own poison! HMU on Discord or through PM if you wanna do anything specific; the ice fishing prompt is particularly prone to going sideways. ]
2 Its raining fish!
Once there are approximately ten fishes laying around and in front of her, hands grab the edge, and the Oliver pulls himself up and out of the water, wearing only pants as he sits next to where the fishes have been hurled. The snow was not good for his bear-side, but a little dip in the water and the possibility of hot food made him willing to sea dive, especially since he was good at it.
"Is that enough?"
A blonde man with brownish fur on his head instead of hair, save for still blonde eyebrows, he was lean and muscled, with patches of fur at different points on his body and obvious claw points growing on his fingers.
hallelujah!
Only to nearly get hit in the nose by another fish rocketing out of the water. She jerked back from the edge of the ice with a yelp, only to have to quickly back up to leave room for the fishes as they landed, eyes growing wider with each one.
It was around the fifth or so fish that she realized there must be someone behind them, so it wasn’t entirely a surprise when someone hauled themselves out of the water in short order, and she beamed at him when he came up.
“This is plenty!” Not enough for her bottomless pit of a stomach normally, but a good start. “You caught these all?” It’s a pretty impressive display of physical skill — and cold temperature endurance.
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"I am hoping your grill here is warm. And I wanted to push myself a little. This cold bothers me, and I am new here, still."
Oliver did not like being bothered by such things. So he was pushing himself and trying to do more.
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"If it isn't warm enough, I've gotten pretty good at enchanting food with warming charms," she offered. People could be a little funny about magic in their food, at times, so it never hurt to ask beforehand. "It won't dry your fur, but it'll help keep you from catching a chill."
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He shakes his head as he grins, watching her work at the fish.
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“One enchanted grilled fish, coming right up then!”
Magic helped her cheat a bit at this, too. A shape traced in the air and soft chant later, and the grilling fish were already sending up a delicious, unmistakable smell.
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He settled opposite her. "Let me know if you want to do that again. I can probably do it every few hours. My new body seems to have a skill at fishing. And I like the cold water, even if my body also hates the cold."
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"Isn't that contradictory?" she asks, more out of idle curiosity than anything else. "It seems like you're well-adapted enough for it, but..." She doesn't know much about monster biology, really.
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"Previous to my turnskin change, I was well adapted to it. But the changes happening to me from this world are making me sluggish in the cold, so I am working to push my tolerance, try to regain my ability. My body still remembers being more resistent, but also is weaker. It is... annoying."
He pauses, then shakes his head.
"Sorry. This place bothers me."
1b
Easier still, when he has some familiar faces, and those kids were good enough of incentive as ever - and he's not that surprised to find them, today, with Yako. His lips quirk up in a smile and he hops over, leaning over his fellow Puca to peer at what they're looking at. ]
Ehh, you're about as good at this as Pinky's butler is... Nah, I guess you're better? At least it looks like what it's supposed to be. [ He's heard Rumors..... of how Bad Yuzuru's art is... He pats each kid's head in turn as he steps over to Yako's side instead, kneeling down with a soft sniff. Not fair, it smells really good... ] You guys gonna eat it, or do you like it when your food's quieter? I like mine fresh and squirmy. ♪
i'm just gonna stick with feathers, scaly, and fuzzy for lack of better name ideas right no
I'm going to eat it! [ Feathers recovers the fastest, apparently taking that as a challenge, and reaches out to snatch the hotcake off the pan. Unfortunately, she miscalculates the heat. She ends up having to toss it from hand to hand while it cools down, which leads to the meowing becoming stuttered and muffled, before she opens her mouth and crams it in one go, cheeks pouching out like a chipmunk. It at least gets the other two distracted from gawping at Ritsu, for now, and they burst out sniggering at the look on her face.
Yako's reaction is more sedate. ]
Hello, Ritsu-san. [ That's the compromise she's settled on for addressing him, for now. ]
as far as ritsu's concerned those Are their names so this works out
Children are so cute and fun. He loves them. ]
Hiya, Yako-chan. [ ...The compromise is fine, honestly, Tsukasa call him Ritsu-senpai so— ] You guys look like you're having a great time... I'm glad someone out here can enjoy the weirdo weather.
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[ Fuzzy cuts in, lapine ears not at all unlike RItsu's twitching. ] I hope it stays! I don't want to get my fur cut this summer! [ However, they're not going to let Ritsu get off that easily, pointing at him accusingly. ] You didn't have those ears before!
[ Or anything else, but you know, the ears are the easiest one to focus on first. ]
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Yep, they're new. Got 'em this past full moon... Guess I'm goin' through puberty. [ Is that what monsters go through. Is this just advanced puberty. Weird feelings, new hair in places you don't want it, bunny ears... ] Wanna touch 'em? I don't mind if it's you guys... Just don't tug 'em, 'cause they're rea~l sensitive.
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You can't just let anyone touch your ears! [ The kids fall back into squabbling, the general gist of their conversation apparently arguing about what is and isn't okay to touch by different monster standards, and Yako smothers a smile against her hand, turning to look up at Ritsu instead. ]
Do you want a hotcake? [ She offers, shaking the pan at him. ]
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Ahhh, I'd love one... I'm starving. [ It's a little bit of a whine, but that's just characteristic of him. He ate earlier, he isn't actually starving, but saying so will get him it quicker. ] Do I gotta guess what you're drawin' to get one?
2
Toothless plods across the ice ahead of Hiccup, sniffing at the smooth surface of it. He picks his way across like he's used to ice, avoiding the thinner spots where holes used to be, and Hiccup follows his lead, cleated prosthetic foot leaving tiny indents in the ice where he walks. He's thinking they might have to head farther out, let Toothless break through and do some fishing, but he stops, spotting someone perched at the edge of a hole in the ice.]
Are they biting today?
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[ That's said with a heartfelt sigh. Even in another world, it seems, her fishing luck is still extraordinarily awful. Yako responds without looking at who's speaking to her, at first, but when she does look up, she has to do a double take at the sight of the dragon picking his way across the ice. ]
Oh! Uh... [ Her gaze ... shifts from Hiccup to Toothless and back. Normally, she wouldn't even question which of them had spoken, but she's seen a lot of things since she came to Aefenglom... ]
i'm so sorry, work got crazy for a while
Or, uh, maybe they just aren't gathering in this spot. I guess Toothless wants to check. [Since the hole in the ice is already there and all.] If it's okay with you. We can go get our own hole in the ice.
no worries, life also consumed me
Her eyes are on the dragon by Hiccup's side, though, bright and curious. ]
Go ahead. I don't think I was going to get much fishing done anyway.
[ And she's curious what 'Toothless' can do. She shuffles away from the hole, mainly to avoid the potential of getting splashed with freezing water, and waves towards the ice. ] It's all yours.
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[Toothless flashes a big gummy 'smile' when he's basically given permission, and... proceeds to stuck his head in the icy water, leaning over as far as he can without falling in. Hiccup looks a little sheepish as Toothless goes to town.]
Thanks. He's, uh. He's hungry.
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One of the people who was selling fishing gear suggested it! ... Though I just kind of took a guess at how it's supposed to move and look. I don't get to do much fishing.
[ She has, however, enchanted a cake to look fucking creepy. As Toothless goes for it, she can't help but stifle a laugh. ]
I can relate to Toothless, I think. [ If she wasn't human, she'd absolutely be taking advantage of it to shove her face into food at every opportunity she could, too. At any rate, her attention drifts back to Hiccup, and she gives him a smile. ]
My name's Yako. I think I've seen you around the Coven, right?
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Her comment gets a slight cringe out of him, and he's quick to say-] Oh, no, don't encourage him-
[Too late. Toothless comes up with a few wiggling fish clasped in his mouth, and, looking at Yako curiously, spits a slimy big one right onto the ice at her feet. An offering! Offering of friendship! Humans are bad at feeding themselves.]
Ha, yeah, probably. I'm Hiccup. It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry for my dragon.