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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[She swiped some of her hair out of her face, smiling. Her, aiming for anything? Never.]
I'm not saying I'm interested. I'm just saying that I'm not someone you'd be interested in. Right? I'm too difficult, I'm sure.
Then again...I don't even know if you like women that way.
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My, my, did I hurt your pride for not pursuing more? [ A cheeky grin spreads across his face. The accusation so ridiculous that he doesn't even bother to address it— this game is designed to either rile him up (in an unfun way), make a fool out of him or both at the same time ]
You are pretty cute, beautiful even— [ He will readily give a compliment where it's due. ] But I can tell the difference between woman setting a challenge and just toying with me.
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Hearing that first comment had her laugh, leaning back against the spring.]
I am that. And you're an attractive man for certain; charming and caring of course. And smart too, to tell the difference between a uncertainty and bored.
[The sarcasm, it's biting.]
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You are difficult. Difficult to read. [ Not to mention her behavior at times was just... confusing. ] And the things you say— one or two times it can be chalked up to a coincidence.
[ But there was more than that, that's what he got an impression of. Right or wrong it is, he chooses to trust his gut. That's where his tone suddenly changes into serious, wistful almost. ]
I figured I owe you something, so I'm going to give you that. [ It's more of unfinished business for her than to him, but still. ] —sorry for not remembering you.
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He was clever for all of that, and could take a hint or five. He wouldn't have emerged from the Land of Shadows if he had been a muscle head.
She sighed, and looked away, her arms folding under her chest. All of the malicious light went out of her and she was-diminished.]
Don't be.
You're not missing much.
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Mhhm, I wonder... [ He trails off. Not like he can know, but if even just a small part of her behaviour was getting back at him for him being forgetful— is there ever "simple" between Master and Servant? In theory, it should be. ] Forgive me the curiosity, but—
[ And that's when he seats closer, with a dumb smile on his face ]
How it was? Aside from me annoying you.
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likely not back to fan serviceBut when she looks back again, he's there, and looking like a dumb puppy like he always is.
So she reaches up and tweaks his nose.]
You avoided me as much as possible, so you could be around everyone else but me.
[To save his sanity if anything.]
I inherited your contract, despite not being a mage. But I was an anchor. Nothing more.
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Ack! [ The nose tweak is super effective (critical hit), he makes the weird sound and tries to escape the clutches. ]
Question though—! How often you did this? [ The nose pinch ]
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[She let go, and moved to pat him on the cheek instead.]
You didn't like to get your face close.
You were never much of a kisser.
[Because he likely was afraid she'd bite. Rightly so.]
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You sure about that?[ Naturally, he has to fight back in the way he knows, that is by teasing ] From the sound of it, you never got a chance to see if this assumption is true or not.
[ But he is backing off, welp ]
Inherited contract, didn't expect that. Still sounds miles better than Fuyuki. [ Ha ha ha. ]
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Never much for kissing me, in any case.
[She offered a quiet amused huff-though it stops as he named a certain place she had gotten to know well. Huh.]
What's wrong with Fuyuki? Too cold?
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Hard to tell the weather when everything was burning.
[ Aka the HGW that went so terrifyingly bad from the start it rolled itself into a pretzel and turned into a singularity ]
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That's not what I expected.
[Was that a timeline where she wasn't there? Did she screw up somehow?]
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[ Okay, that seems to tip the scale into "familiar with the city" side. On the other hand, mentioning the destruction of this size— might be too early to read into it
So better to ask right away. ]
If you're familiar with the city, ease your worry— the ritual was all an aberration that got erased.
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[Her voice was a touch wry for a moment, but she blew out a breath. There was something...surprisingly anxious, though she settled after a few moments.]
Right. Of course. It wouldn't make sense-you were summoned as a Caster.
[Her voice lowered, more to herself to him.]
It worked. It must have worked.
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[ Not that he feels particularly guilty for dropping them— but there is enough that he doesn't understand about this former Master of his, to realize it might have not been a best idea ]
You okay? [ You don't look okay. ]
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[Did the Grail spill over? No, if that was the case, it would have been a small fire with only one Servant around.
...best to make sure.]
You didn't happen to see an Avenger, did you?
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No, there was just usual set of Seven of us. [ The classic class set ] Saber got to the Grail on the third day, but there was outside meddling at fault that made the place into hellhole it was.
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That...sounds about right. All right. All right.
Good to know. Very good to know.
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One day I might ask you more about all of that [ Avenger, Fuyuki, and so on— if there is a timeline that everything didn't go as it did, maybe the Master he knew is still alive there too. Would it even be the same Master, though? Caren did say she inherited the contract, which already is a quite curious choice of words. ] But it's enough for one day, no?
[ No denying, he's curious, but he can rein himself in. Didn't meant to cause distress ]
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While we're here, yes.
[She sighed again, grimacing. Really...that felt so unlike her.]
My apologies. I usually have far better control then that-I'm sure that made you anxious.