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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"I think so. Maybe one or two might not, but the spell the Coven gave me is a good one. And we can take turns practicing it to reinforce it when we are not busy."
He snuggled against her, not because he was cold, but just because.
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"Sounds good. I don't plan to go out unless I have too. I'm making scarfs and mittens for people. So you might see a lot of people coming by."
He's been warned.
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"I'll remember that. Should I send people in to see you if they come by?"
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Justine sighed softly as she curled herself close to him. "I am offering to make mittens and scarfs for people. Would you like some too? I'm not very good yet but I've been practicing." She liked her art projects and hadn't really had time for them as much as she had wanted before she arrived here.
"You're not... too cold out here. Are you?" Her gaze met his and she felt her cheeks flush a light rosy hue. It was just the cold... that was all.
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He grinned at her, poking her lightly.
Her question made him blink, then he shook his head. "It is cold, but you are warm." More hugging is done.
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She sighed softly as he continued to steal her heat. "You're just going to make me cold aren't you? I have a fire inside if you want to come in. Then-" Her voice cuts off when she realized what she was going to invite him to do. "That is, it's better if a fire warms you. You'll just make me cold."
She has no idea why she's getting so flustered…
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Harry pulled out the scroll and began to read, holding it in one hand as he placed the other around her fully, and pressed it to her belly. And as he chanted softly, the words glowed, and warmth bloomed under his hand, infusing her entire body with warmth.
"It will keep you warmer. And since we should talk, warmth is good." He kept his control, and resisted kissing her, for the moment.
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Justine smiled as she leaned against his touch. Warmth blossomed against her abdomen and seeped through her limbs until she burned with the pleasant radiating heat. "Talk?" She asked as she turned to look at him.
He was close, his lips only a few inches away. Her breath caught in her throat and her heart skipped in its cage. "Harry." Her voice was soft but it was unclear what she was trying to say. Justine wasn't good at talking. She'd rarely talked to Thomas, she'd never even told him that she loved him.
Talking was dangerous and it was one of the few things that Justine didn't know how to do.
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"Talk, before anything else."
He tapped her nose, lightly, his fingers smelling of wood and earth.
"I am feeling strongly these days, Justine. For you." He gently nodded. His heart was pounding and shuddering in his chest. "I like you a lot, and I am not... I do not... do not do casual sex very well."
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Her eyes dropped and she hoped that he couldn't see the feelings that she'd been trying to hide from him.
"What about Thomas?"
She whispered the question, not giving voice to her own answer despite how obvious her emotions were. There are many things that Justine is able to hide well but how she's feeling has never been one of them.
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Harry sighed, and shook his head.
"I know how you feel for him. And I know if he were here, all of this would never have happened. You two would be together here, like you were there r4ight before I came here." And he spoke the words deliberately, knowing she had not wanted to know her future.
But damn it, this was important. Is important.
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It was more than Justine thought she could give anyone. She didn't know how. Even with Thomas there were always lines that they didn't cross and things that they didn't say. She'd never once told him that she loved him or asked for more than he could give but she knew, deep in her heart, she wanted him to love her too. She wanted someone to have a family with and Thomas... why did it have to be so complicated?
Justine closed her eyes as her heart tightened in her chest. "I-" Then Harry said something unexpected and once again she was unsure.
"What do you mean Harry? I die-" Her voice choked. "Thomas kills me. I know it. You were there too. You saw me before I went to him."
She felt like her heart was going to break into two. She was addicted to Thomas and loved him but Harry was different. They both had good hearts but Harry was earnest, forward, trusting, he didn't lie to her, didn't make her forget. Justine felt her heart contract again as a tear streamed down her cheek. She knew how she felt about him but she couldn't bring herself to say it.
It felt like a betrayal.
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He speaks the words honestly, firmly, and earnestly.
"I know it may be hard to accept, but time changes us all." he pauses and sighs.
"I am not here to force you into anything you don't to be in, or do."
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For a few minutes, she let herself cry. The cold air stinging her cheeks and eyes as she tried to regain control of her emotions.
"I do care about you Harry. It would be so easy to love you." She forgot the hot chocolate and curled her fingers to her chest while trying to hide her tear stained face. "But I will never stop caring about Thomas. I-" She wished that it was simple. "I don't want to hurt you." But one day they'll return and she won't have a choice, she'll return to Thomas's side.
What kind of person did that make her? To have feelings for brothers...
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"You're a far better person than you give yourself credit for, Justine."
He awkwardly patted her leg, pain in his voice and tiredness, too. He did not cry, but he would do that, later. for now, he gently tapped her nose and held out a handkerchief to her.
"I am still glad you are here."
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It was so hard for her to try and explain how she felt. She hadn't grown up with love and even the affection that her and Thomas shared was distant. She couldn't afford to truly love. The cost was too high but more than that, she didn't know how.
"I want to love you." She whispered softly, not expecting him to hear her. "You deserve someone who can love you."
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He smiled warmly, and sadly, but he was prepared for this.
He did hear her, for he rarely missed her words. "You deserve to love those you wish. Someday, you will find your way there. And whoever it is with, will be a lucky person."
He nodded. "You deserve the person you love. I wish this place took requests, and would bring Thomas here for you." It hurt to say, but he also felt it truly.
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Then she felt herself break.
"I don't even know if I love Thomas." She's been with him for years but it'd started because she had to be. She belongs to him. Then she got to know him and she saw the man that he was beneath all that. She loved him but she didn't know in what way. All she knew for sure was that she was addicted to him. She needed him to breath and live.
Even when he hurt her and made her forget. He sheltered her from the world and kept her in a place at his side. Was that really love? Justine didn't know and it hurt even more to think about now.
What if she didn't want to go back home?
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He sighed as she spoke on and he winced. That had to hurt, and he gently hugged her again.
"I am sorry, Justine. There are times when i don't know if I know how to love either." He hated that he had so onbviously hurt her. He hated it a lot.
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"YOU DON'T KNOW ME."
Crazy. That's what they said. Stupid slut.
"YOU DON'T CARE."
Her nails dug into her scalp as if she was trying to rip herself free of her own body. Stupid. Stupid Stupid. Her frame began to tremble and any step her took towards her would be met with another step moving away. "You don't know." She whispered this time, her voice haunting. "You're just like everyone else. You don't even try. No one does." No even Thomas.
Tears fell freely down her cheeks as specs of blood dotted the pristine snow. "You don't care about me. You're a liar." Stupid little whore.
Then Justine was gone. In a flicker of magic.
If he check her bedroom door he'd find it locked and bared. She didn't care if it was stupid to run away. She was stupid to think that she could find love or try to start over. She was stupid, so stupid. Justine didn't want to see him. She didn't want to see anyone. She just wanted to disappear.
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When she flicked away, he groaned, and went to her room, and knocked. "Justine, please... I am not a liar, and I do care about you."
He leaned against the door, terrified, and suddenly just wishing he had never come here. This was what he got for being honest.
Great.
"Justine? Hello? Please talk to me. Please don't do this." He felt himself shudder as she was still quiet. Hell, he did not know if she was even in there.
Damn.
"Justine? Please?" His voice cracked as tears fell finally, damn it.
And he cried out, aloud, and the door itself shatered as his magic slammed into it. Oops.
"I... I am sorry. I'm sorry. Justine." He stumbled back from the door, shocked, and turned toward the kitchen, blind almost, shocked, arms and feet feeling cold as he trembled.
cw: blood/injury
No one step through the door way and the silence weighted on Justine's thoughts as a tight white hot tension knotted in her gut. She slowly rose from the bed and staggered when she felt the searing pain in her left calf. A long thin section of wood had embedded itself into her muscle and was now leaking drops of blood onto her white carpet.
She forced herself to calm, distancing the connections she had formed to keep her pain a secret despite the fact that they had undoubtedly sensed her panic. Justine tugged at the wooden spike and gasped as blood spilled from the now opened wound. She was too unfocused to realize how much of a mistake that had been.
Justine limped forward, using the walls and then the door frame to walk down the steps towards the kitchen. She felt Harry there, standing as if uncertain where he could escape. This had been her fault. All her fault. She had yelled at him but even in the clarity of her thoughts, she didn't think that she was wrong. Justine wanted Harry to see her as she was, not the person she would be in the future. If he felt anything for her, it should be as the mess that stood in front of him in this strange city.
"Harry." Her voice shook, tears staining her cheeks as blood continued to poor down her calf. The wood hadn't nicked an artery, she'd be fine with care, but she wasn't trying to stop the bleeding.
"Ha-"
She slumped against the wall, exhaustion sapping her energy while the blood loss was beginning to make her feel dizzy. "Sorr-r-y." The world blurred but Justine fought it, she found against everything her body was telling her.
Re: cw: blood/injury
Turning, he spotted her and saw in horror what he had done, and ran to her. "Justine? No, no no..."
He concentrted, then, and summoned he healing spells, pressing his hand against her wound as he caught her, and lowered her in his arms.
"Rest, and soon you will be all better, Justine."
And he concentrated on using all his healing power to try to heal her.
He had done this. He was such a fool.
"I'm so sorry, Justine. I never should have done this, any of it. I cannot be what you need, and I was an idiot to think I could be." Self-hate and recrimination filled him. What the fuck was wrong with him?
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"No. Harry. Please."
Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes as her palm rose to cup his cheek. "Don't say that. You've given me more than anyone ever has." He's given her something that Thomas never could give her.
Justine pushed herself up and gently pressed her lips to his. She couldn't explain how she felt but she could show him.
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But when she kissed him, he gently pushed her back. "What are you doing, Justine?"
His face was white as snow, and he was staring at her in shock. He wanted her, wanted to believe this meant more than he thought for sure it did. After her words, he was sure she did not, and would not, return his care. And he could not do this, if that was so.
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