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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Progress!]
And what problem would that be?
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My pool has frozen over. And my partner has so far been... unsuccessful with thawing it out. I was hoping another Witch could help, and maybe keep it warm. I can pay, and you can even have a swim if you'd like. It's a very nice pool.
[It's deep and large, good enough for a Merrow to get some exercise without having to go all the way to the ocean.]
no subject
Hard pass on being in the water with him though.]
Well, I admit my choice in study of late has been fire. Perhaps I can help out with that. [She doesn't even spend more than a few seconds contemplating it! ... Surprisingly.] I'm not sure about swimming, though. [Yeah that's a very pointed look at him. She knows what he is. She knows.] Back at your home, then? I'm not sure I know where it is.
no subject
At the look, Connor sighs a little. Well, if it would make her uncomfortable, he won't ask her to do it. But he'd like it if she were less... apprehensive around him.]
Yes, it's home. I'll lead you there.
[He starts walking, hands in his pockets almost as if to try and hide the scales and webbing for Maria's sake.]
Are you enjoying the weather?
no subject
It reminds me of home. Nothing so different as what I am used to... but I didn't particularly miss it when I left. Still, it seems all the layers I normally wear are serving me well. [It was starting to get hot, wearing her entire set of gear. She follows him, of course, and doesn't actually seem to be too plussed about just walking beside him, so that's a good sign... probably.]
no subject
It was snowing at home for me, too. But it was actually November, not July.
[He says it wryly. He was actually enjoying the warm weather here. He only got to experience a night of August back home, and then he had to go into sleep mode until he was needed again.]
Luckily I don't feel the cold, so it doesn't matter that I wasn't prepared for it.
no subject
Hm, yes, though I can't say I don't appreciate some of the cooler weather in the midst of all this heat and humidity. It is worse here than back in Yharnam. [And Yharnam was a rainy, rainy, London-like place.]
You don't feel... even now? [Pause.] Is that part of the Android... nature?
no subject
[He leads Maria to his cottage, letting them in and leading her out to the garden. It's mostly been replaced with a deep, giant pool, and there is a sheet of ice over it. It's thick enough to be walked on, though Connor stands by the edge instead of standing on it.]
What do you think is the best approach here?
no subject
Still, as they arrive, she looks out over the ice. Her first order of business is to... step on the ice, where it looks thin, just put a little of her weight on it, to see how thick the ice is.]
Heating the water underneath, but that requires breaking through the ice on top. Perhaps a hammer, or a pick could open a bit of a space? Or, I suppose, I could see if my swords, imbued with fire, will open a hole wide enough.
no subject
[His tail is the only thing to feel pain so far, too.]
Luckily, Merrow can withstand cold water quite well. I'd still rather the pool was warm, though. Other people might want to swim, too.
[Connor looks curiously over to Maria's swords as she mentions them.]
Those might work.
no subject
Maria stands back upright, then nods, before taking out her sword - and leaving it still assembled, dagger end up, before she concentrates.] I think if I can cut a hole in the ice, we can enchant an item to give off a lot of heat, and drop it in the water. It will take a few moments, but the ice should melt naturally. Especially in those thinner places... [Nice uh. Middle-finger shaped craters in the ice, Hank.]
If that works, perhaps the Witch who lives here can keep items enchanted and in the water to keep it warmed. I'm not Bonded, and I keep my mana levels very low on purpose.
no subject
That seems like a good idea. Something heavy... I suppose a rock will work.
[There is still a good deal of dirt off to the side of the pool where Hank dug up the earth to make way for it, so Connor heads over to it and starts digging for a large rock.]
no subject
Yes. Not too terribly large, but large enough not to crumble under the heat.
[Otherwise, they'll have to improvise something else, and nothing else is really coming to mind. She considers the ice one more time, before finding a sufficiently thin space - probably where one of those middle fingers hit - that's close enough she can stab it, before setting herself up on the side. Her fingers touch the side of her blade, and she whispers a few words. A flame flicks to life down the blade, until the whole thing is awash in yellow and orange flames. And then she just gets to work - which is really just pressing the tip of the sword against the ice, and letting it sizzle and hiss and melt its way into the thick crust.]
no subject
This should work, shouldn't it?
[He doesn't really want to be holding it when Maria heats it up, because even if he can't feel pain he doesn't think it would do his hands any good.]
no subject
I believe so. I'll cast the spell, but I'm not sure how long it will truly last. It should be long enough to warm the water and melt most of the ice so spells and wards can be placed around the edges and the inside of the pool itself. [Which is her suggestion for what to do to make sure it doesn't crust back over again.] That's what I've been doing to my garden, and it's kept it free of snow so far. [But it's also been draining her mana, which leaves her less for other things, though she's not complaining. The less mana she has in general, the less it can build up to potentially explosive effect.]