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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You think so? [Fang didn't sound (or feel) opposed to it.] Guess we could. I was stayin' in one of those big empty places with a couple of others, since they had rooms to spare, but... since the last full moon, I've hardly slept there. Just sorta been around. Hard time stayin' in one place lately.
["Around." Naps in the city's few trees, atop sturdy awnings, a roof here or there, and since the snow, those heated rocks out for the reptilian Monsters. In other words, a wandering cat. Fang wondered if it'd be easier to stick to a place, now that Ursula's magic chased off most of her compulsive itches.]
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That is definitely going to stop, I'm definitely not just going to let you be a vagabond if I can help it!
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[Humor, and a little reflexive defiance reared up.]
And just what'd you do to stop me, if I wanted to?
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I guess I couldn't stop you if I really wanted to, but I'd worry, for sure! You may be assured in your ability to take care of yourself, but there's some responsibility that comes with being Bonded. I'd just want you to be safe...
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Made it this long in life, hasn't it? I'm good at what I do.
[Ursula's concern was touching. And besides, it needled at her a bit.] But if it means you worry that pretty head of yours, I can sleep at your place. [Most of the time, anyways.] No skin off my back.
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Like a cat... like a cat... An outdoor cat. She wasn't fond of that idea, either, but it could work. ]
How about this... don't think of my place as somewhere you have to stay, but... a sanctum for you. Somewhere you can be that will always welcome you. Hot meals, warm bed. How's that?
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Deal. [She felt like she couldn't really turn her down, if the witch was offering to feed her. That was a much grander gesture than the promise of shelter in Fang's eyes.] You'll have to show me where, after this.
[Ursula acquired: outdoor cat. And she should be mindful of mentioning she need spell ingredients from anything animal, lest she wake up to find murderpresents on her porch.]
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There's definitely space for an extra bed. It's... mostly just a one-person loft, though. I hadn't planned on bringing anyone back there with me, after all.
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[That's something Fang never really got used to, in the cultures she's woken up in over the years... how common for every individual person to have their own room. It seemed lonely.]
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Small and unglamourous is what you prefer then? Because it's definitely that. [ A chuckle, cheeks still feeling warm. Inviting someone over, especially on a long term basis, wasn't something she really thought she'd do like this... ]
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[Ursula and her blushing, seriously. She really did seem to be a bundle of nerves, bouncing back between her excitement, embarrassment, and fussing through this conversation. And speaking of cozy...]
[Fang stopped outside the doors that would lead them to the officiates.]
You ready?
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As I'll ever be.
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[Now that Fang knew what the alternative was to weathering the twinned moons' whispers, she didn't want to go back to that, especially since the witch trailing after her seemed to become so taken with the idea. If this panned out, the nightmare of mindless violence would fade.]
[The witches responsible for the ritual didn't seem busy, with everyone out in the snow. The ceremony required a little preparation, and the duo was instructed to think about their vows as they waited.]
[...okay, so maybe it was a little like getting married.]
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I didn't know we'd need vows...
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[It was easy for Fang to feel exasperated with all the gravity and ceremony surrounding Bonds. Sure they were a big deal, but... it reminded her unpleasantly of the temple, and the Order. Unlike those establishments, at least, the Coven's been able to deliver on a few of its promises relatively quickly.]
[She glanced over at Ursula with a little bit of a sigh. Fang might not have been nervous, but the anxiety grating at the edge of mind was a little difficult to ignore. This woman...]
Relax, would you? You're just puttin' your decision to go through with this into words. Be honest, that's all.
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I'll try... I can't promise they'll be elegant or anything...
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[One of the officiates waved them along through a short hallway, opening into a round chamber with an intricate magic circle in the center. Fang's teasing brand of (attempted) encouragement gave way into something a tad softer.]
I'll go first if it's really got you up in knots. You can show me up after, mm?
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She turned her gaze back to Fang, giving a small nod. Ursula had her own sort of courage that showed up when it was needed, but in that moment, she was happy to borrow some of Fang's. Maybe a lot of it. ]
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[She never should have left.]
A vow, huh? [So, a bigger promise, right?] Right off the bat, you've shown me more faith than anyone ought to show a stranger... and one that just about threatened your life. You've offered me help, trust, hospitality, and more than I'd any right to ask. I, Oerba Yun Fang, swear to repay that. I'll do everything in my power to look out for you, and keep you safe.
[Fang almost left it at that... but her greatest failure wouldn't let her, begging her not to make the same mistake again.]
And I promise that I won't abandon you. Whatever happens in this weird world, we do it together, you hear me?
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She squeezed Fang's hands in affirmation, letting the words linger in the air around them before she finally spoke, voice soft... ]
You've shown me patience and compassion, and were willing to give me a chance to prove my dedication to my ideals. I won't ever forget that. I've always felt that a believing heart is the strongest form of magic a human is capable of, and I will protect yours as much as I can. To offer you a place to rest, and to foster the parts of you that are so... wonderfully human. [ A smile tugged at Ursula's lips, faint. ]
I, Ursula Callistis, swear to protect your heart, and the beliefs within it. Your dreams, even your hopes... I will always give them warmth, and foster them with my own.
And whatever happens, we do it... together.
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[Whatever it was, it didn't have to try very hard. There was... something unbelievably warming about the phrase 'wonderfully human.' Even if it's something she's lost before, and resigned herself to losing again, those words were comforting in a way Fang hadn't expected.]
[It felt fitting to return the gesture after her partner finished speaking, so Fang gave a gentle squeeze of her own. A glimmer of a sentiment she hadn't felt in what seemed like an eternity bubbled up.]
Promises can become miracles, [Fang murmured. It sounded uncharacteristically idealist, coming from her, but it tided her through rough times before. If anyone was able to wear down her tired cynicism enough to believe it again, this woman might.]
[Fang closed her eyes with a quiet breath, feeling the binding magic close around Ursula's half of the vow. That muffled sensation between them began to fall as their Bond grew naturally this time, the flow of magic between them becoming smoother and cleaner.]
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She could think of few things that felt like this, like this Bond. But she knew she'd felt it before. It was rare, scarce and to be treasured. A promise that could become a miracle...
As the light faded, the ritual completed, they were congratulated by the other witches in the room, but Ursula could barely hear them. She was a bit lost in her own haze of comfort in that moment, leaning against Fang, relief washing over her. ]
This has been pretty wild, huh?
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...Yeah, that's one word for it, [she breathed after a moment. It was a lot to take in, after so many years of solitude. Not unwelcome, but... a little overwhelming. Fang inhaled and sighed, familiarizing herself with her Bonded's scent and taking a moment to adjust to the full scope of their link.]
I'm the one that set out to make this damn thing and I had no idea what was in store.
[What, an hour had passed since Fang approached the witch? Half? Less? The magnitude of what they'd been experiencing in that short time made this whole episode seem so much longer. Raw gratitude bloomed through the Bond again, this time without the stopgap potion suppressing the intensity that Fang felt everything.]
Been months since I've felt this much like myself. [Not explicitly another 'thank you,' but the emotion probably spoke for itself.]
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I-I mean, it's... exhilarating. I feel like a whole new part of my life has been discovered.
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You're a riot. [She lifted a hand, patting Ursula's cheek twice.] See? Bein' honest isn't so hard.
[Now that the spell (figuratively speaking) had been broken, Fang became aware of the officiates patiently waiting around for the apparently typical post-Bonding moment to conclude. Without a hint of her own embarrassment or shame, she gently pulled away from the witch, nudging her shoulder with her own, and turned back towards the doors.]
C'mon. The nice people're waiting on us.
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