event log: winter wonderland

[moustre]

Event Log: July, Snow Sun? Snow Fun.

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".

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.

Welcome to your snow-filled event log! As a reminder, this will take place over the whole of July, so feel free to take prompts and inspiration for it for threads at any point. If you have any questions or need any clarifications, you can ask them here! We hope you all have a good time and don't give us the cold shoulder for pulling off not-Christmas in July.

Comments

[lonewanderer]

[ Woof! He is best boy, pet him now pls.

And Lex laughs. ]

You're both very convincing, I see. How much am I going to regret it as soon as the air hits my skin?

[futhark]

[ Gives all the pets and ruffles

The snowflakes are slowly falling from the sky —magically enough—, but they disappear around half a meter above the water level. ]

Once you sink in here it will be worth it...

[lonewanderer]

[ yesssss ]

And what about when I get out again?

[ Even as she asks, though, Lex is leaning over to loosen her boots. ]

[futhark]

You won't feel cold, trust me. I'll take care of this. [ He got a warm coat to share and fire magic Lex! What can go wrong— or mmmaybe he's talking about something else. Dogmeat doesn't let him continue because of the loud woof (attention! I need attention) and just more tail wagging and paddling. It's probably easier to get into the warm steamy water when not being observed and talked to, maybe that's what good doggo train of thought is!

A grand success because he gets addressed too. What a high-level charisma stat ]

It's too late for you to have that problem! [ You're already in the water doggo. Don't complain now. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ Don't blame him for not planning ahead, Caster. Dogmeat is trying to be a bro. At least, that's what the whine and big eyes directed Caster's way might mean.

It's too cold outside of the water to linger over getting undressed, so Lex doesn't. It's quick and efficient, everything shed quickly but cleanly (no point in having to stand and get pants the right way after). She's already shivering when she gets in the water despite that, but the sudden heat puts a stop to that and makes her sigh happily, submerging herself to her chin. ]

With how nice this is, I might not want to get out again...

[futhark]

We can claim it as ours, you know? [ Caster turns to Lex, after broing extensively with the best follower of any Bethesda RPG ever. He hits the water surface of the water with open palms, making a loud splash (emphasis on loud, and less of the water splash) ]

Bam, conquered. We're not giving it back without a fight.

[lonewanderer]

Splash anyone who comes too close, [ she laughs, stretching out in the water. It's so much like when they met, but now they're both more relaxed - and, of course, coming into their own as the world changes them. ]

They could definitely stand to keep these around all the time.

[futhark]

Roger that! Spare no one! [ Watch out for friendly fire as Dogmeat paddles around ]

Ah, that reminds me! [ He turns around so his back is to Lex, and moves up to show his back. ] Check this out!

[ While it has healed thanks to a lot of magical help, there are still three long scars left across his back. Getting nearly killed by that salamander seems like so long ago, even if it wasn't. And yet another call back to their first meeting ]

[lonewanderer]

[ The scars may be healed, but they're fresh. Lex moves closer without thinking; the sound of her moving through the water is, at least, distinct from Dogmeat's paddling. ]

What happened?

[futhark]

Seven feet murder lizard? [ It's easy to make light of it now. Way easier than about talons carvings on his shoulder that are fresher and done be a smaller hand ]

It breathed ice and all the shit. Crazy moment. [ And he's even crazier because that moment? It made him feel alive. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ She laughs; can't help it. She can't quite help herself from reaching out to lightly trace over the marks with her pointer finger, either - though she is careful not to catch him with her claws, to open him back up. ]

The salamanders in the cave? I heard about those. Mostly dealt with the spiders myself.

[futhark]

[ Is there one person that had touched him recently that is not equipped with some claws or talons? He's going to get jealous, why is he the only one staying in this weak form, really! Huff ]

They were totally insane! I mean, if I had my spear it would be a walk in a park, but this place— [ He whistles and turns around to catch her hand. Everything about this place is about change, isn't it? A Druid should embrace it but— ] How were the spiders?

[lonewanderer]

[ Caster, you can literally throw fire at people. ]

You don't have your spear? [ She stills when he catches her hand, not quite sure if she should pull away or not - if she shouldn't have touched. After a brief moment of contemplation, she decides he'll tell her, either verbally or otherwise. ]

Huge. Shoved my fist through the main eye of one of them to save a friend of mine from its web. Dogmeat got bit by one, but the healing scrolls they gave us took care of it.

[futhark]

[ The fire (or frost) he got constantly turns out as not very effective. He either needs to up his pyromania game, or find ways to get his bullshit strength and endurance back. Never again getting mauled by evil lizard/(dragon) twin, ok? ]

It didn't make the trip. [ It's a little more complicated than that, but he saves that bullshit story for a time when it will be necessary. He keeps holding her hand, slowly tracing all the shapes and with his fingers in a tender, curiosity fueled gesture. An attempt to soothe ] Good you made it in one piece. That cave was completely opposite what they advertised it to be, huh?

[lonewanderer]

[ Soothing is- well, almost what it is. She's frozen, unable to move, and simultaneously burning up. The claws sprouting from her fingertips are turning black and curved and cruel, talons of a great bird. It's a definite contrast to the straight, red fur growing in among her curls - it says chimera, for those who look close enough. ]

It was a trap, [ she says after a moment, uncharacteristically slow in her assessment thanks to watching his fingers move over her hand. ] But we lived.

[futhark]

[ Caster's gaze snaps up to catch hers. His fingers stop and instead his whole hand covers hers ]

Trap. [ He repeats after her. Despite the low light, his pupils turn into cat-like thin slits for a moment— before dilating back to wide (normalish) circles. No disbelief or doubt, more of a curiosity for a professional assessment ] Spider's trap or—?

[ Or more than that? ]

[lonewanderer]

I mean. That too. But...

[ Spiders made webs. That was in their nature, was what they did. Trees didn't scrape themselves clean of bark. ]

The trees around the cave had been cleaned, made to look like everything was okay. Even if everything else in the cave had been clearly a result of infection and abandonment - the infected pools that tried to draw people into them, the Shades, the spiders and salamanders... that's suspicious.

[ She doesn't ask if he agrees; doesn't need the validation. Something about that place had been rotten, and it wasn't just the corpses. ]

[futhark]

[ It's also curious how ready they were to send all those new strange people for this safe expedition, right? ]

Yeah... these divinators haven't really proved themselves there. Their information couldn't be more wrong. [ Doesn't put much trust into the whole school of magic after something like that. ]

Guess the hope blinded them when they saw a clean forest— whoever cleaned the forest must have counted on that.

[lonewanderer]

[ Well, not as far as Lex is concerned. It makes sense, even if it's kind of a dick move. ]

I mean, 'safe' for a relative value of the word, but... not safe at all.

[ She snorts slightly. He's still holding onto her, but it doesn't stop her from shrugging slightly. ]

These pools are pretty damn nice in comparison, though. In case you thought you missed out with your injury.

[futhark]

[ Yes, he is. Why not play further and draw shapes around the knuckles? And I'm totally retroactively writing in that limited bracelet because it's hilarious to not use. Feel free to notice a piece of jewelry worn in the bath ]

It won't happen again. [ He clicks his tongue with but a hint of annoyance, it's directed at the memory though, at the whole getting injured and finishing the fun early. ] I'm getting better at gauging and handling the magic here.

[ He'll adapt, he always does ]

[lonewanderer]

[ There's a sudden intake of breath as he starts drawing on her hand with his own; she's been surprised, but it's not a bad thing. The tension in her melts away, melts even further into relaxation that she'd had before. The touch is nice, even if the bracelet bumps into her every once in a while. ]

People are more confusing, [ she muses, but she sounds distracted. Then, ] That's new.

[ Lex nods at the bracelet. ]

[futhark]

[ Caster smiles noticing that relaxation. Finding a moment of respite between battles is important. A warrior that is always tense and high-strung quickly becomes burnt out. After all, there must be something to fight for, even something simple like that.

Though that smile sours a bit when the bracelet is brought up ]

Yeah, and kind of annoying. I can't really leave the town for two weeks or so. [ Stupid limiters. ] Feeling better now?

[lonewanderer]

[ There's a blink at the comment, and Lex shifts her hand in his to gently tap the bracelet with one of her talons. ]

Because of this? What is it? What happened?

[ She is not feeling better now that she knows something's wrong with him. Whoops. ]

[futhark]

[ Dang, it. All the work at relaxing ruined, another reminder to keep his mouth shut. He brushes her cheek in a comforting gesture— moving away a hair strand could be an excuse, but he doesn't need an excuse. ]

It's nothing big, I just got into a fight. We broke some public property got a slap on our wrists and this. [ The bracelet ] It's a limiter — of magic and strength.

[lonewanderer]

[ Oh- that's nice, actually. Lex tilts her head into the touch, sighing softly. ]

I didn't realize they could... do that, I guess. [ She wrinkles her nose. ] I mean, at least it was just a wrist slap, but that's... [ worrying ] good to know.

Do you need your magic limited? I mean, that's a side effect of not having a Bond, right? Excess magic?