middaeg | open | December catch all.

Entry tags:

open | December catch all.

Who: Antonio Salieri and You!
When: The month of Deceuer
Where: In most parts of Aef
What: Catch all log! Winter Event prompts and cookie making is a go.
Warnings: Snow-themed adventures and holiday cuteness galore.

Winter Event Medley |

I) A Chill of Dread. (Dec 6th)

[Salieri, at first, felt it only reasonable to second guess his choices when the first flurry struck his cabin and stretched onward throughout the city. Go out into the blizzard, help those who are in danger and so on. Such acts are far too admirable for someone like himself– someone who can only stake claim to his music and nothing more. As much as he did want to help, he was certainly not suitable for such a task.

But now as he swiftly stalks through the snow and wind, Salieri finds... that this isn't all that bad.

Or even difficult, for that matter.

It's cold, of course– but he's already adapted to the chill and the wind is only a brief distraction from everything else around him. His hefty paws and thick fur coat are undoubtedly to thank for this. His heavy tail balances his steps and thick round ears swivel at the slightest sounds about him.

He's made his way straight into the Outer City. Most of the residents have thankfully evacuated but there are still others who apparently have not yet made it to safety. Salieri searches for them– using every sense known to him to try and find their obscured figures in the howling wind.

It's only when he hears shuffling inside a nearby shelter does he err on the side of caution. Approaching the threshold Salieri breathes warmth into his open palm until a flicker of flame blossoms there. It's small but it will do.] Who's there? Show yourselves. [Humans? Someone in need of help?

The fire's wavering light illuminates the figure– a lone Shade, coiled to strike.

Of course.

The Chimera rears back just as the Shade lunges. Once at a safe distance he unsheathes his cross dagger.

Time to do what he traveled here for.]

II) Warm Company. (Dec 6th)

[It's only when Salieri has left the Outer City and back into his own District does he realize how things are faring there as well. Once again, he wills himself to conserve as much energy as possible– continues from door to door and provides the use of his novice fire abilities when he can. Several fire places, lanterns, wooden stoves and pits later, Salieri finds himself still out in the thick of it. He's covered in a fine dusting of powdered snow and even if he looks like he's freezing, he's really just craving a hot cup of cocoa...

And that's when he spots you out and about as well. His silvery brows pinch together.] I was begining to think I was the only one foolish enough to still be wandering around. Are you in need of help...? [Or warmth, for that matter??]

III) Eat, Drink & Be Merry. (Dec 12th)

[Now that all that is taken care of...

It's time to drink.

Maybe.

Salieri can do plenty of that later. It is a lively celebration for sure. There are warm, kind faces all around and plenty of fun and mischief (mischief for ones like his Bonded) to get into. He's already taken it upon himself to keep vigil over them when they decide to show up, but for now he's taken to coveting a certain spot at one of the tables were foods and sweets alike have been graciously lined up and served. This time he isn't going at every dessert available– instead, he's brought his own dish to place down along with the others. With a contented smile Salieri removes the dish rag from the pan and reveals what he's brought... which is:

Cinnamon rolls with mascarpone cream cheese frosting.] Please help yourselves. Once you've had a single bite, I can promise you won't be able to hold back.

[By the way Salieri smiles smug and assured, it looks like they might be worth a try!]

IV) Kiss-tletoe. (Dec 12th)

[Keeping an eye on his two Bonded and enjoying himself turns out to be a full time job sort of task... and it also proves to distract Salieri quite a bit. So much so that he doesn't realize he's walked straight underneath one of the enchanted sprigs that have been strategically hung everywhere.] Ah— Well—

[And now he's stuck under it... with you??]

Holiday Cookie Making | (Dec 14th)

[It truly does help to have friends in high places.

Or in this case, friends in delicious places.

Which is what Salieri has, and how he was able to reserve a small section of a bakery's kitchen to himself. He prided himself as a loyal customer, surely— dedicated and always eager to try their latest creations and treats. But baking sweets such as cookies all by himself?

Well, he's just a bit less confident about that.

Which is why he's recruited help, of course. By now Salieri has familiarized himself with the locations of the ovens, sinks and supplies they'll need to bake and decorate. It's an old-fashioned kind of kitchen, but it'll certainly be enough for more than one person to be running around in. He's laid out most of the ingredients, and even has a pre-made ball of dough sitting on the counter top. As far as he's concerned he isn't missing anything. Hopefully. He occupies himself with slipping on his kitchen gloves in a painstakingly slow manner.

Now all that is left to do is wait for his help.]

Wildcard!
[Feel free to start something new with Salieri and just name the location and date in the subject line.]

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[ In his defense, Wataru has been out and about to look for people who are stuck in the snow. It's all by his own initiative though, and didn't ask for help before going out, so... yeah, that's foolish of him.

His encounter with the man has him blink, lips trembling and cheeks flushed. It would be a proper mask of embarrassment if the cold wasn't affecting him. ]

Ah, no... not really. In fact, I was looking for people to help, myself.

[ But as time passed and he found no one really freezing to death, he's very much tempted to call it a day and get himself a hot cocoa as well... ]

[ Shiro picks up one of the cinnamon rolls - it really does look good - and takes a bite. It's not overly sweet which is what he'd been concerned over. ]

Wow. [ He smiles. ] That's really good.

[Oh no.

Call Salieri biased at this point, but he certainly wouldn't be surprised if Wataru was frozen right down to his toes. With no fur to keep you warm... how was anyone expected to make it home?] Ah.

Then we are both at a loss. [Because he's been hoofing it for quite some time and so far has only come across this fellow here.

Unable to help himself Salieri peers just a bit closer at the other man.] Sir, you must be freezing...

[And just like that, Salieri's contented smile spreads even wider. If one looks close enough you might even see him fluff up a bit.] Are they not? There's even more if you'd like.

And cream cheese. [Salieri offers Shiro a napkin then.] Are you a fan of sweets as well?

[ He's kind of realizing going outside wasn't a good idea. And yes, unfortunately he's quite shuddering down to his bones. Hot fangire blood isn't in his veins thanks to being a mere human witch here.

The man steps closer and Wataru looks a bit embarrassed. ]

... I'm sorry. I do believe the chill is catching up to me.

[ Now that he's not running around, it surely is. ]

[he didn't respond to the posting - it was enough to read it, and to consult what was happening, and measure his own free time. but he does show in the bakery and heads back to the kitchen, walking with confidence enough that no one questions him.

seeing the man there, he raises an eyebrow, recalling their previous encounters, but there he is, wrapped in a black coat and with a very, very serious expression. then he speaks, and his tone is more even and calm than Salieri will have ever heard before.]

I heard that you intend to make cookies for the children and our new refugees. Allow me to lend my hand to the work.

[He did suspect, yes. It's still quite a walk from here to his cottage, and the last thing he needs is the young man to become covered in a fine sheet of snow before he can get him to warmth. Salieri debates for all but a second before he nods.] Yes, and if it hadn't now it surely would once you stopped for rest.

Here. [He begins removing his outer coat- it's a thick garment that provided only a bit more protection from the elements. He holds it out to Wataru.] It may not be much, and if the need arises, well...

[He clears his throat.] There is something else I can provide.

Can you continue walking? [If he's been out for this long...]

[If there is one thing Salieri knows better than music... it is the harmony which naturally rises from the thoughts and gestures of people. More than anything and more than ever the two rhythms of his Bonded resonate perfectly within his own. One brilliantly riveting, constantly inspiring— and another gently soothing, a peaceful current. Together they produce a single, heavenly note... one he now never wishes to part from or tear asunder.

—Of course, that goes without saying. However, Salieri would indeed be lying now if he claimed he didn't feel just a hint of apprehension at the task laid out before them. One would think it simple enough: bake a tremendous amount of holiday cookies and decorate them with care and love.

It's simple enough, he agrees. But for those two...

He huffs. No, surely everything will be fine. He already has molds of dough lines up and all the frosting and sprinkles they could ask for. If not for the kindness of the local bakery allowing them to use this section of the kitchen, he never would have been able to get this far with this little project. Now, he'll be depending on those two to help him see it through til the end.

And luckily enough, one of those two has already thrown himself into the sugary fray. Of course it made sense for Amadeus to accompany him to the kitchen, and now he keeps one keen ear at the entrance- awaiting the third member of their self-proclaimed baking trio.]

[Now there is certainly a face Salieri was not expecting to walk through the door.

In fact the moment the man does make himself known Salieri swears a jolt of tension climbs down his tail. Their last encounter was— troubled to say the least, no thanks to the effects of one psychogenic mysterious mist. Although he had meant to make amends in another way, he supposes this sudden invitation is as better as anything else.]

Ah, then you've come at a good time. I've just rolled out a sheet of dough and there are cookie cutters aplenty.

[Salieri's hands are covered in a thin coat of flour.] Leave your coat there if you'd like. [He gestures to a nearby bread shelf.]

... I'm assuming you've done this before?

[And if not this will make for an even more surreal experience.....]

I have indeed.

[taking off his coat to go place it on the shelf, he's at least wearing a white shirt, though his pants and waistcoat are still black. habit is as habit does, even if baking.]

Do you by chance have an apron and a second pair of gloves?

[leather isn't preferable to work with dough, after all. best to keep things tidy.]

[They can only hope!] Yes, on the counter there on your left.

Hopefully the apron is sufficient. [He got the plain one so he's not quite sure what the other one is like...

Salieri thinks to make his way to the sink and finally wash his hands, but his brow slowly is pinching itself together. His lips are pressing tighter, as though he's attempting to keep something at bay—]

—I'm sure you already know. [He lets out the words in one breath.] The events of that night... I was not myself. Many of us were not.

But even so... [He clicks his tongue distastefully. He acted no better than a true beast... even if that was meant to be his altered nature.]

[ the singular witch in this trio isn't the biggest fan of putting his hands to work in this way, nor is he as particularly enamored with the final results as his two bonded are – but it is precisely for the fact that they are that he agreed. for salieri's charitable cause and the two's love for sweets, how could he say no?

yet in spite of salieri's season-embracing mission, he doesn't exactly seem to exude christmas cheer. it's certainly true that a symphony is heavily reliant on the skill (and attention span) of the hands at play, but it is the maestro that brings out the best quality in the piece.

amadeus can only wait for the former kapellmeister's cue, but between the furrowed state of his brow and the tense line of his shoulders, he wonders if salieri will be able to conduct them properly.

from behind the chimera, amadeus trains on that spotted tail, awaits his moment... and snatches its black tip! ]

Are you alright, Salieri? [ he snorts, watching how the massive thing hangs in a gentle arc from his hand. ] Would it help to part those gloomy clouds above your head if I went and fetched Maria myself?

[The clouds above the Italian composer’s head will hopefully follow the fate of the Red Sea, since the last and most cheerful member of the bonded trio has finally arrived. Marie is dressed in a simpler outfit than usual and a cute light brown apron decorated with ribbons and iris flower embroidery is covering her dress]

My apologies for being late! Did I miss much of the event? [because that’s what it is to her, a way to spend happy time with her Bonded. And the children from the district will benefit from that, perfect! Salieri was a genius.]

I was picking these out and could not decide until it was too late [points to two packages she brought with her] Can’t exactly have a proper baking experience without these, am I right?

[She beams and hands one of the bags to each of the musicians. Inside they would find aprons, maybe not as cute as the one she was wearing, but matching hers in style. The one she chose for Amadeus is dark purple with music notes and edelweiss pattern. Salieri would unpack a light gray apron with stitched on lily flowers]

[ ooc; sorry for the late reply, holiday season is taxing. ]

Not really, but I like it. It isn't too sweet.

—! [And just like that, Salieri is swiftly pulled back into the now present scene.

With the thick furred end of his tail currently captive in Amadeus's grip he immediately turns to confront the Maestro, his ears pulled forward as the beginnings of a scowl begin to tug at his face.] Wolfgang—

...! [And mysteriously it disappears, just as Marie enters center stage! He's surprised enough that his tail twitches, attempting to escape those long fingers as he faces Marie and her assortment of gifts.] Ah, Your Majesty.

Those are... ? [And as she explains it dawns on him. Oh no. Did she truly go out and buy these for them? Salieri's frown returns once again as he carefully plucks the garment from the bag.] For you to spend money on such things— [And then he sees the lovely and... delicate design.

And extremely cute design for one hulking chimera with twisted horns and black wings.] ...

[The more Salieri examines it the more he feels his cheeks heating up...]

[ amadeus holds salieri's tail for an impressively long time, even as marie presents the gifts and he determines to retrieve his designated apron with one hand.

he finally relents, though, when he brings the thing up against his front to display. ]

Ahahaha, perfect! I don't know what I would have done if I had gotten flour or sugar on my outfit; it's a loan. [ he's joking. ] You know my tastes completely, Maria. Thank you. [ it's purple.

it's not but a moment that he spends admiring it before he ties it on. ] There, there. How's it look? —Oh, what are you waiting for, Salieri? [ with his face all red like that, too. ]

[ His only relief is that he didn't decide to bring Dahlia, his petalwolf, out in the blizzard to have her track people down. Kivat also argued that he would freeze his wings off if he came along, so Wataru up and darted outside to try his best at being helpful. That was foolish in retrospect.

The man's action, which gained him an extra coat out of nowhere, startles Wataru. ]

You shouldn't have... [ He frowns, but arguing about it would mean staying longer at the mercy of elements, so he hesitatingly accepts the garment and drapes it around his shoulders. ] But thank you... uhm... sir.

[ This is so embarrassing. ]

We'd best find a shelter and wait until the weather calms down.

[ And so he won't feel guilty about making the guy shed his coat off for his sake. ]

[the other one....is mercifully plain as well. Dantes would have tied it on even if it wasn't, preferring to protect himself above all, and pauses in pulling off his own gloves.]

It's not me you need to apologize to. It is the people in that shop you went and terrorized. As long as you made amends with them, I have no quarrel with you for that magical addlement.

[he'll also come to wash his hands before he slips on the kitchen gloves]

As for me, I will gladly step forth to knock sense into you should it happen again. Or to simply hone my skills, for when you lacked restraint, you were quite the opponent.

[there's a cookie cutter in the shape of a star he's been eyeing to work with, actually.]

[Oh, this looks so cute on Amadeus! But then again, she picked these aprons out precisely because she knew exactly what would fit their recipients. Now if only Salieri would wear his, they would all match nicely. But he did not do that... Was something amiss?]

Is everything alright, Salieri? Did I get the size wrong?

[Not that it would be that much trouble, this was an apron after all]

Could it be that... you do not like lily flowers?

[The former Kapellmeister is still very much observing the cute apron when his attention is piqued once again.] No, I—

...!

[Oh, right. They're both waiting for a response!] Lily flowers... are beautiful.

[With a slight shake of his head Salieri proceeds to put on his apron as well (although looping it around his head proves to be a little tricky with his horns).] It's exactly what I needed, your Majesty. Thank you.

[While he finishes tying his he takes a glance at the only Witch in their group.] Amadeus... [His brows lift, clearly impressed.] That suits you almost too well.

[Never mind where Marie found them, but it truly is on the nose!]

[ "lily flowers" — it's just like marie to put her subjects on the spot like that, even if she doesn't mean to. it's a good thing salieri seems admirably accustomed to royal pressure.

for the most part.

amadeus slips the apron on and extends his arms to see the full breadth of the thing, examining himself and dusting it here and there. ] Too well? [ he snorts. then directs this, especially, to marie. ] First the bunny suit and now this? Is everything I outfit myself with free game for criticism? [ smdh. ]

[Oh, of course you would, Amadeus. Instead of burning the cookies, you are going to watch Salieri and Marie burn. Is this because they mean the world to you?]

Oh... the bunny suit. [She looks at Amadeus, then at Salieri and then again at Amadeus before finally setting her gaze on Salieri] It appears that I have very much misunderstood its purpose.

[Her Bonded might feel a rush of feelings rather complicated in their nature from her]

[—And yes, he does feel that wave of emotion. Before he can even begin deciphering it something in those words have him screeching to a halt.] Bunny—

[Wait, no. Where did this conversation go?

That has NOTHING to do with holiday spirit!!] We are not speaking of that at this moment. ["That."] It has less than zero percent to do with our task at hand. So if the two of you would...

[... Look upon all this dough he balled up!] See here. I've prepared this first batch for you both. It simply needs to be flattened and pressed into shapes.

As for myself, [Clearly he's done his part in making most of this painless for his Bonded!] I'll be starting on making the frosting. Are there any questions? [Asks teacher Salieri.]

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open | December catch all.

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cookie making.

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closed to amadeus & marie.

here we go

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