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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1a
Or at least she thought she'd been, but Fang's attack came less like a flurry of snowballs and more like an actual pounce, and the shield of snow she'd quickly tossed up to diffuse the balls wasn't going to do much against that. ]
H-hold on! [ She didn't get out much more than those words before it was too late. ]
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[Granted, Fang had pretty much dove into that shield head first, but hey, consequences of snow-war.]
[She rolled nimbly out of their icy crash with a whooping laugh, vigorously trying to shake the snow off her before it melted.]
Don't think I'll ever get used to all the creative little magic tricks you witches can do here.
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You are going to soak to the bone... [ A small, worried sigh. ] And for that matter, why did you do that to me? I wasn't even participating.
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[Well, she knew cold water could, but Fang was a little too amped up from the snow fights to care at the moment.]
You looked oblivious, [Fang gestured with one hand towards the sculpture, the other patting down the winter cloak she'd picked up somewhere,] workin' on whatever that is. Reacted quicker than I thought you would.
[That isn't a why, Fang.]
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Those all sound like pretty poor reasons, if you ask me. You shouldn't target folks who aren't going to fight back.
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[Fang stooped down, pulling at a little dot of purple in the snow. She came away with the hat, and did her futile best to shake it off.]
'sides, won't pretend to have a good reason. No way to spin "I couldn't help it, you had your back to me" like that. [Fang held out the hat.] You alright?
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It's... fine, I suppose. I'm not hurt, at least.
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[Fang's hands rested idly on her hip as she glanced up and around, half-heartedly keeping an eye out for any other surprises.]
You might not believe it, but I really did mean to come up an talk to you like a normal person. Just... [She gestured vaguely at their crash site.] The impulses get the better of me sometimes. You got time?
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Well that's certainly a way of getting my attention. Don't make a habit of it, and I'll give you as much time as you want.
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Then let's get movin'. Warm up faster that way. [The Coven's gardens and their warming drink was probably the closest warm spot, so Fang began meandering that way. She owed Ursula that much, after snow-dunking her.]
[Well. That, and one other thing, with how the witch had been babbling on about her beliefs.]
Not like you've got any stake in this, but... Thought you should know I've been thinkin' about some of the things you said. Wouldn't really say I'd found hope, or anything, but guess I found a little peace to be made with gettin' swept up through that mirror.
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May I ask what that peace is? If you can quantify it at all, I mean...
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[For all that she's talking of making peace with it, Fang paused, worry still gripping her heart.] Can't say I've ever met a more competent and driven soul. She's just gonna have to make do without me—but if anyone could see it through, it's her.
[And make sure Vanille knew that Fang hadn't abandoned her.]
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We'll find a way to make sure you're there for the big finale. If there was a magic that could bring you here, then there's a magic that can send you back, regardless of time or space. There are people here from different worlds, different times, so... We might be able to do it.
[ A lot of 'we' in that, huh? ]
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[So for now, Fang just nodded after a moment, a cautious acknowledgement of the idea.]
Yeah. Just might. But to do that, I've gotta keep myself outta trouble long enough to see that, huh? [Fang laced her fingers together, pushing her palms outward in an idle stretch and looking away. She might have looked a little aloof or casual, but for her, it was a rare display of nerves.]
So, still want help as much as when you were all liquored up?
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The wine made me more affectionate, it didn't just create my deeply held belief in helping those who need it. [ A small chuckle, lifting a knuckle to her lips. ]
If you have something you want to ask of me... [ Because it felt like Fang did. ]
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That bit about zappin' me if it looked like I was gonna snap someone's neck? That wasn't a joke. I almost killed someone, last full moon. Was about one twitch away before I realized what I was doin'.
[This time, she did look Ursula in the eye.] For no better reason than I snuck up on you a minute ago. She had her back to me, and had no clue I was there. Came awfully close to tryin' to kill you that other night, too.
[Fang shook her head. She still wasn't happy with it all, but...] Point is, I need a Bond. I know I've got no right askin' that, after everything, but it's gettin' worse every time. There's not much time before the full moon, and I... don't think I'll be able to snap outta it next time. Doesn't gotta be some permanent thing. Just long enough to get my head clear again.
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... But then she mentioned Bonding. ]
... Oh.
[ And suddenly, she felt a bit more uncertain of what to do or say. When it was just 'i promise to knock sense into you if i have to' it seemed a lot easier, despite the clear and present mortal danger that involved. But a Bond meant... ]
Are you sure you're comfortable with that being... me? I mean, it sounds like you put a lot of thought into this, but...
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[It was uncomfortable. And sudden. But Fang didn't have the luxury of waiting to be comfortable with it anymore. The tall woman tilted her head, her voice becoming a little softer.]
I'm not gonna put you on the spot. Think about it if you need to. Or tell me to shove off, if you don't want to. None of this's on your head, you hear? It's my problem. I can ask someone else—or I bet there's a safe place the Coven can put me.
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It took a lot of courage to ask me this. I'm not going to just shove you away... [ Slowly, she reached for one of Fang's hands, no expectations for it to be taken in turn. ]
If Bonds are what's needed of me to help people here, then I'll do it. But if we're going to Bond, we should probably get to know each other a little better than just what we did last night, right?
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[That night during Litha, she'd more or less accused the witch of being naive and too trusting. The cautious insistence to know more gave Ursula's protests that other night much more weight, and Fang couldn't help but smile approvingly—even if that desire to know more might cause Ursula to back out.]
Smart. [Fang accepted the hand.] Whatever you wanna know; even the stuff that'll scare you off.
[Fang kind of wanted to try. A part of her was still bitter with over-eager senses of good will, and wanted to see just how far those boundaries could be pushed.
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Trust me, I don't scare off easily. You should already know that, by now.
But I'm not going to make you tell me anything you don't want to, or that you think is irrelevant. I want to learn all I can, but you're a real person with feelings and boundaries, not some book to be studied.
In turn, you can learn about me, too, if you care to. Does that sound fair?
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[>Boundaries.]
Please. Lotta my life was public knowledge, at one point. Pretty sure I was studied, too. Not a lot you can ask me that'll make me flinch.
[Besides, Ursula probably had a pretty damn good idea of where the sore spots were, after their first meeting. They approach the Coven's garden, and the chill lets up considerably.]
I'll hear anything you think I ought to know. I know you teach, but that's about it.
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Well... What do you want to learn about me? I feel like you really only know my name, and maybe my core values, but...
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But, what?
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I feel like I have you at a disadvantage, knowing so much about you. We seem to find something familiar in each other, though. So... aren't you at least curious about me?
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