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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He gave the other man a reassuring smile before starting to collect the papers quickly, trying to stop them from getting too damp from the snow. He perhaps had an easier time moving than the other man as well as Asra continued to wear his habitual outfit, his only apparent acknowledgement of the cold the extra scarf and coat. Learning the enchantments for their clothing had been particularly useful for him, and he was more than happy to help someone who apparently hadn't that option.
"Where were you headed? We might be going the same way."
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He'd already been considering walking the other man to his destination to make sure he didn't have another fall when a name catches his attention and surprise flickered across his features.
"Symon? I know him. We've spoken a few times, but I don't think he's ever said much about you. I'm Asra." He imagined the lack of information had more to do with Symon not wanting to let on much of his own life, but nonetheless he was curious, especially now he was meeting the mysterious other man.
"Could I walk with you? I have some tea blends I'd be happy to offer in return."
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He was much more interested in hearing more about Symon anyway and a smile curled his own lips at the look on Lyr's face.
"You really care for him, don't you," he said quietly, after the introductions were done. There was a note of wistfulness in his voice, reminded of seeing that smile on someone else's face, once.
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Perhaps he'd misjudged the other man. Lyr had said he tended to keep others at a distance, perhaps his need for privacy was stronger than Asra had realised and once someone got closer to him, he was a different person. He knew someone else like that.
"How did that happen?" he asked, keeping pace with Lyr, an eye out for any other patches of ice that might be a risk for the other man's cane.
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He didn't like what Symon had apparently been party to, but... he knew as well how it felt to be trapped serving the whims of some cruel tyrant. And how much someone might be willing to endure for the sake of a plan.
"I can't imagine how you managed to see him as anything but an attacker," he admitted after a long moment. "After everything that happened to you, even that kindness must have been difficult to accept at times."
The story prompted his own memories, and Asra remembered then when he'd met Lyr first, the story of his uncle then. The same quiet, shy young man telling his stories, the same sadness in his voice then as there was now.
He reached out to brush his fingers against Lyr's shoulder briefly. "But I am glad that you both had each other."
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"The world can be cruel to the soft-hearted," Asra murmured. He didn't know how much that might apply to Symon and Lyr's experiences, but he couldn't help but think of it now, hearing the slight priest's story.
"With a life like that, it's little wonder why he has a scar that distinct on his shoulder and back," he continued, holding out his hand in case Lyr needed steadying over a particularly wide patch of ice near the barracks.
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"Some people are just kind and gentle all the time," he said. "They seem as though hurting anyone is against who they are. And then there's those that delight in hurting others. The ones that want to twist those who are nothing but kindness until they're changed. Broken." There was a dark anger behind his words, deeply personal and utterly unforgiving.
"Those people can't help but be cruel. Everyone else is something for them to break to fit their whims." He let out a slow breath, letting the anger fall back to the cold stone in his chest. "But there are those of us like you say. Neither one or the other. It's why I worry about those that are nothing but kind. They don't deserve to face that cruelty."
He fell silent for a moment as well, focusing on helping Lyr navigate the ice and towards the door of the barracks. And, Lyr's hand in his own and leaning on him, the other man could likely feel how Asra twitched in surprise at the words.
"You did that? And he..." He glanced at Lyr's leg and frowned. "Was it from the attack on your family? He doesn't hurt you, does he?" There was an edge to his voice, a bit of the anger ready to strike out at a different target, if need be.
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Asra relaxed a little more at the reassurances, but wasn't entirely convinced right away. It seemed that whatever was between Lyr and Symon was a complicated thing and, with Lyr's physical limitations and the strength he'd seen suggested in Symon's actions, it's still easy to see how one-sided an altercation could be if it came to that. It made him all the more intent on getting a measure of them both, to make sure Lyr was safe as he said.
Opening the door, he held it for Lyr just as a shiver worked through him. The magic on his clothing had started to fade, it seemed, and Asra hadn't noticed right away that he was starting to feel a chill.
"Tea might be a good idea," he agreed. "But the story only if you wish to."
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He trailed after Lyr, shivering slightly more now but looking around with interest at the barracks; he hadn't spent much time here for numerous reasons and welcomed the chance to look around a little more.
Once they reached the door, he made to open it for Lyr again, brushing close to the smaller man and humming at the offer of tea. "Lapsang souchong, if you have it. But if not, anything is nice with this chill."
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Closing the door behind them, Asra wandered into the room and in the general direction of the chairs, but didn't hide the fact he was investigating everything along the way. His fingertips brushed softly against the spines of the books and he tilted his head slightly to the side to read the titles.
"Mmm, it was my parents favourite," he murmured. "It reminds me of them."
He glanced over at Symon and smiled faintly, although there was a sadness behind it as he took the offered seat. "Nothing added. It doesn't taste the same otherwise."
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He had questions about Lyr and what he remarked about his past, but Asra supposed the least he could offer was a few answers of his own in return. Lyr seemed so open that it made him want to share a little himself, although he was always careful about how much.
"They disappeared when I was a child," he said quietly. "They just both never came back one day. I learned later that they had been executed."
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"It wasn't all bad. There were a lot of children who lived around the docks, so it wasn't unusual and most of the sailors and workers left us well enough alone. I met Muriel there too and we had each other. It could have been much worse."
If Muriel had been there he likely wouldn't agree, but Asra didn't see much point in dwelling on those particular wounds of the past. And especially not if they upset someone else.
Trying to shift the conversation away, he gestured to Lyr's cane. "Why did your mother have a cane?"
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"A leg and an eye? I wonder if she thought the price fair." He was still smiling although his gaze drifted from Lyr and towards the fire, and a shiver went through him.
"After all, it's not what you wish for but what it might cost you that you need to be careful of with magic."
That and the sight of the fire reminded him of something, and Asra returned his attention to Lyr. "You seemed to know what you were doing with lighting the fire. Is magic familiar to you?"
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you fantastic bastard, this is amazing
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