sticksandbones | EVENT 007

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EVENT 007

EBB AND FLOE

A WINTERFUL LIFE

cw: food scarcity

The December snows roll in heavy, and with it, the fear-monsters and little pranksters that harassed you all month disperse into black mist. Whether they were about to kill you, stalking you, or pulling your hair, as soon as the moon hits its zenith, the beasts are gone. The mists float harmlessly into the air, hopefully to never be seen again. Hopefully.

For now, you’re free. The Forest and the Creature within slumber, as the cold seeps into every corner of the confined space you reside in and beyond. No longer will the entities within the woods try to kill you just for putting a toe past the fog wall. No longer does anybody sense a lingering danger. Finally, the Grove is peaceful. You can only hope it’ll last.

Unfortunately, while no mysterious monsters are working to murder you in cold blood, nothing can be done about the river freezing over, cutting off access to fish, and nothing can be done about the General Store running out of meat. The river’s ice cannot be broken nor melted. The grasses and flowers have shrivelled under the extreme cold; the trees are twiggy and leafless. Mysteriously untouched are the gifts from the Guardians — the blackberry bush on the opposite side of the river and the apple tree on the bank near the school continue to fruit throughout the month. Remember to say “thank you” before you feast from what remains.

At the very least, the General Store has plenty of trail mix, vegetables, and crackers. It’ll be a difficult month — but so far, you’ve endured much worse. Surely a little hunger can’t kill you now?

FREEZE THE DAY

During the day, the cold isn’t that bad. Sure, there’s a foot of snow on the ground and more keeps falling, and sure, snowball fights aren’t exactly fun anymore because your fingers get way too chilly way too quickly — but the sun still shines, and sometimes you can stand out in a sunny spot and feel a whole five degrees warmer than you were a moment ago. It’s tolerable. During the night, however, the temperatures dip well below freezing, and the air is so frigid that it dries your skin out on contact. Frostbite threatens to set in within minutes if you aren’t properly dressed.

Fires are harder to light, too, even if they’re indoors. You’ll find that, should you get one lit, it’ll go out within half an hour. None of the buildings stay warm for very long past night, and though they aren’t completely frozen-over, it’s the least bit uncomfortable for those who aren’t cold-faring to cope with. What is there to do, other than grab as many blankets as possible and make a nest or a fort, or maybe even grab a friend and leech their body heat? They don’t need that, right?

While you’re bothered by the weather, the Shopkeeper, Trader, and the two Guardians present within the Grove are entirely unaffected. Rusty, however, is merely a dog. He’ll help himself to cuddling against you whenever he can, including letting himself into your room at night and getting under the covers while you sleep. He will thank you in the mornings by leaving you a simple gift at your feet: A bone he found outside, because he loves you.

…one has to wonder how he broke in in the first place, though.

PARTING IS SUCH SLEET SORROW

Midway through the month, the snowfall begins to pick up. While the Grove hasn’t quite hit blizzard territory yet, the snow is consistent and unending, especially late at night. On occasion, mixed in with the delicate snowflakes, are tiny golden lights. Should they go untouched and unobstructed, they’ll simply fade away when they flutter to the ground. But should you, say, catch one on your tongue with the other flakes, or have one brush your hand, or purposely try to grab one?

It will float through you, into you, and your mind will be transported elsewhere. To the past, as you were when you were here originally. It is a vision of your past life, of memories long lost, of a “you” that isn’t “you” as you are now. Whether the golden light has you spectating as if you’re seeing yourself on a television screen, or acting the part of the old “you”, that matters little to the vision the golden light wanted to show you. It will end when it wants to end, you see. You could get an hour of a memory, or a single minute, or three whole days. It might have even dragged in another with you, someone nearby who was hit with a ball of light themselves or happened to pass by.

For those of you who have avoided this fate, you get to bear witness to those that are affected — they’re standing stone-still wherever they last touched the golden lights, eyes closed, as if asleep while standing up. You can try to rouse them, but they won’t wake until they’ve fully experienced the memory being shown to them. The best thing to do might be to drag them inside so they aren’t icicles when they come back to reality.

SPARK NOTES

CLICK TO EXPAND!

A WINTERFUL LIFE

The Forest has gone to sleep for the month. Unfortunately, the river is frozen, and it's hard to come across much food, save for what grows upon the Guardians' gift plants by the river. Luckily, the General Store seems to have some sparser amounts of food throughout the month.

FREEZE THE DAY

It's cold outside! Below freezing, actually! And for some reason, heat indoors just doesn't stick. Luckily you can cuddle with friends, in your own nest of blankets, or with Rusty, who is somehow breaking into everybody's bedrooms even if you've locked all your doors and windows. Hello, hi, he loves you and he is cold.

PARTING IS SUCH SLEET SORROW

Golden lights fall amidst the snowflakes. If you come into contact with one, you'll close your eyes and dream of your past life within the Grove. You might even unwillingly pull someone else in with you.

OOC

Y'all how is it already December. If you'd like to plot with people for this event, head over to OOC plotting. Reminder that AC for the month of December is check-in only, which means that if you're not feelin' it you can simply put in a "hi I still go here" comment and exit for the rest of the month. It's the holiday season, after all, so we don't expect you to give up family time for our silly little game. Regular AC will resume in January, and that will also be when our next TDM occurs. Happy holidays!

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A WINTERFUL LIFE

[ Kaneki is still very much new and very much still in shock from it all. He isn't sure what to expect from this place, and he isn't sure if he wants to believe everything happening in this place, either. Jaybe it's just a dream, maybe he will wake up soon, maybe, maybe, maybe.

Despite that, Kaneki is still one of the (probably very few) people who can handle the lack of food better than everyone else - he doens't need food that often (once a month!) and he had already arrived satiated. Which means he won't need food for a while. The problem will come after the "while" because, in the end, he still doesn't know how to acquire what he needs to eat, and that will eventually be a problem.

Maybe the merchants... although Kaneki didn't have the courage to approach them. He did peek inside the General store, but eventually decided against it. Nope, that looks really freaky.

In fact, he would rather just wander around Aldric's Grove, exploring the small location, because... well, what else is he supposed to do? He eventually will take refuge in the Inn, the only place he found that has what appears to be rooms. He can't sleep out there in the snow, after all. Its hard to keep warm, but Kaneki stays in a corner, hoping to wrap himself in blankets as he can. he won't even say no to Rusty! While kaneki is not an animal-person, Rusty is a good boy and also warm. ]

PARTING IS SUCH SLEET SORROW

[ He touched those lights. And now he is frozen in place.

And then a memory unfolds.

It's a bright beautiful morning, but most people are already awake. Kaneki is rushing out of the door, carrying a book, and well prepared for the day. From behind, his mother reaches for him "You forgot your apron!" and she is quick to wrap it around his waist while Kaneki comments how she is such a motherhen. Her response is to grab his face and fill it with kisses while he laughs and pretends not to want them. ]

I will see you later! [ he waves at the woman and leaves, running to the Inn. Inside, he puts his book down and greets clients and his boss ] I'm here, I'm here. [ "Late, you are late." kaneki laughs and waves his hand, while he rushes to the Inn's kitchen. ] I promise I will pick up the pace! Breakfast will be ready in a moment. [ and he truly means that because Kaneki will work hard. Once the first dish is ready, he brings it to someone sitting at a table ]

Here you go- eggs, beans and toast with jam. I made the jam myself. [ he is proud of his jam ]

Edited 2023-12-04 22:38 (UTC)

[Sesa- "Sebastian"- has been awake since before the sun rose. Right now he's having his "lunch" at the inn as he and his father break from their construction work on one of the buildings coming up in the town, which means that the table he's serving? It's the one Sesa and his father are seated at, the older man regarding Kaneki with a warm smile and a nod of his head.

Sesa, meanwhile, leans forward with a toothy grin, his wooden leg lightly tapping against the floor.]

There you are! I was startin' to make bets with my Pa that you weren't gonna show up today.

[ Kaneki grins at the comment, before he nods at the older man as a greeting. ]

Now, now, I always show up.

[ the Inn's owner can be heard from a corner "But late." and Kaneki gives him an apologetic smile ] I got distracted with a book this morning. I need to have hobbies, after all.

besides, my food is good, even if it's late. [ his smile grows wider. Kaneki is joking, of course, but he is a good cook, and even the Inn's owner will give him that ]

You got distracted with a book this morning? Who reads that early in the morning?

[Sesa's father gives him a light nudge to his shoulder, be nice. Sesa only doesn't read because he's too busy working outside. It's not Kaneki's fault that his hobby involves woodworking too.]

Heh, I guess you're right though. This place wouldn't be the same without your breakfast.

Everyone does. [ he pretends offense. No, actually, most people would not. Kaneki is just a massive nerd ] I read so I have insight into how people work and this way I can create better dishes.

Plus, I get inspired too. [ it works! or so kaneki says and people have to believe him on that ]

You know, if you have a special request, I can try to be here on time tomorrow - [ "No, not try. You will be on time tomorrow. " and Kaneki offers him an apologetic grin before he turns to Sebastian again ] - and I will make something special for you, Sebastian.

Eeh? Special...for me?

[It's clear that he wasn't expecting any kind of special treatment, and there's a moment where he looks visibly flustered by Kaneki's kindness. After a moment, he ends up glancing off to one side, rubbing the back of his neck.]

I mean. If it helps you get to work on time...then sure!

[But what could he ask him to make?]

Hm...you know that omelette that you make sometimes? The one with all the vegetables and mushrooms? That's what I'd like.

See? It's a win-win.

[ Kaneki hums, tapping his own chin for a moment ]

Oh, right, right - that is always a good dish. [ Ken nods afterwards ] Alright, I will make sure to get all the ingredients and make it tomorrow for you.

On time. [ he really will be at the Inn on time, he won't be distracted ]

[Sesa grins at that, looking positively pleased as punch.]

Heheh, thanks Kaneki! If you ever need a favor you just let me know, okay? One good turn deserves another, and I don't think I could cook you something as good as what you'd make...

(no subject)

anthropophagite - 2023-12-16 22:14 (UTC) - Expand

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sesa - 2023-12-19 23:01 (UTC) - Expand

[ For what it's worth, when Ken tries to investigate the general store, Mizuki quietly follows the ~~fresh meat~~ new curious person. He doesn't use his camouflage, but he doesn't exactly do or say anything to make himself known either, so it might be a bit startling for someone to suddenly grab Ken's hand out of nowhere. ]

They're really nice, if that's what you're worried about.

[ it is very startling, especially because kaneki is so very not used to physical contact. He jerks a little, and quickly steps to the side, ending up pulling his hand away ]

W-wah--

[ oh. It's just a young boy... ] S-sorry, you scared me.

Uhm, what are they? [ are they human?? ]

[ Mizuki makes little effort to chase his hand. Rather, he calmly drops it to his umbrella to twirl the handle around idly. ]

Merchants. [ Probably not what he meant, but, eh. Mizuki's not actually sure what they are, really. It's probably been brought up to him before, but far be it from him to actually care about the "what" people are, and only about the "who". ] Their names are Heimr and Ydalir. They're my friends.

Are you shy? I could introduce them, if you want. It's probably kinda scary to be in a new place with new people, right?

[ no, it's not really what he meant but... well, he might accept that answer for now.

But kaneki shakes his head. he doesn't want to be introduced yet. He will eventually get there, but there is A Lot happening already ]

Hmm, something like that. Everything is a bit confusing.

I don't think it wants us to make a lot of sense of what's going on. Disorientation is often the best tool to make someone miserable~. But, um, I can at least tell you some of the stuff I know to make things a little easier? I've only been here a couple months, but I know some stuff. Or I could introduce you to the Grove's residents? Or whatever else you might need to get situated??

Oh! I'm Mizuki, by the way. It's nice to meet you.

Edited 2023-12-07 21:48 (UTC)

[ then, it just wants to make everyone miserable? How come? What did they do to deserve that? ]

It's nice to know, Mizuki-san. I'm Kaneki. [ maybe he should call Mizuki "kun" iunstead? well... no matter ]

What do you know? If it's not a bother to share, of course.

Ehe... In hindsight? Probably too much too much to go babbling about in one conversation. I feel like it might overwhelm you a bit... Would you like to sit down somewhere, first? Some of the stuff might be a bit on the heavier side to take in, but I can go slow, if you'd prefer.

Would you rather I start with the small stuff?

[New people wandering means that Elsword just has to say hi, especially when he sees this guy poking into the store and then back out. Maybe... he thinks he needs money? Hrm.

When Kaneki is out exploring, away from the shop and perhaps, closer to the well, Elsword will approach and wave hello. His facial expression is completely stoic and flat, but he's trying to seem friendly. He only means well.]

Hi. Are you new here? It's nice to meet you, if so. ...are you lost?

[He's been wandering for a while, hasn't he?]

[ honestly, Kaneki just doesn't know exactly what he should be doing. Going into the store is also a difficult step he still has yet to take because he is nervous because of what he must do. But that's a problem for later on, it seems.

His attention will turn to Elsword, when he speaks up ]

H-hello. I suppose I am. [ kaneki tries to offer a smile, but it doesn't come ]

Hm... I'm not sure what I should be doing here. [ so he is a bit lost, sure ]

I guess it depends. Do you like exploring or doing fun stuff?

[This is, clearly, an important question.]

Or did you want to go into the store with me? I saw you peeking in, and if you're worried you don't have any money, don't be. I have enough shells and bones from the riverbank if you wanted to buy something.

[ doing fun stuff? What's even fun stuff here?

But clearly, it looks like the other person finds this whole deal perfectly normal - kaneki doesn't. ]

No, I mean. How do we get home?

...we can't. At least, no one's found a way yet. I want to go home, too, but we're stuck here.

[He looks skyward for a moment, then points up to where the snowflakes are falling.]

We can't even fly out. I tried, but there's some sort of barrier that's keeping us all in, even though we can't see it.

[ stuck. So they really are stuck, right.

He looks up as if trying to see the barrier through the sky, but naturally, there's nothing. He glances back at the other again ]

And why are we here, anyway? What are we meant to do? [ hopefully there will be more to the answer than "doing fun stuff". ]

[ Everything about all of this sucks. It's cold and miserable and there's not much food around, but all the same, when Toge comes into the common area, with a bundle of trail mix.

He's not alone though, he sees Kaneki and so he approaches. He looks like he could use the snack, but instead he shifts the blanket over his shoulders so it balances fine and holds out the bundle to him.

Toge offers him the snack without hesitation. He can handle hunger, he's just sure Kaneki could use it more than him. ]

[ Kaneki doesn't have to worry about hunger at this moment, thankfully. He will later on, and trail mix will sadly not do, but for now, he can actually say confidently he doesn't need it.

So at the offer, he gently shakes his head ]

O-oh, I'm alright, thank you. [ he will be alright for a while, hopefully. ] I don't really need food, right now.

Takana? [ Is he sure? Toge's going to settle down in a chair very nearby, and if he's sure, he'll lower his collar and eat up. ]

[ rice... paddy?

But Kaneki doesn't actually voice that, simply nodding. He really will not take the food. ]

Uhm- I'm Kaneki. What's your name?

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EVENT 007

Ken Kaneki / Tokyo Ghoul

Parting is such sleet sorrow

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A Winterful Life

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winterful hours-

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A Winterful Life

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