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sticksandbonesmodsA COOL WINTER'S GLOW
AS FROST'S BITE WORSENS
Winter in the Grove is always harsh. In the early days it seemed tolerable though- sure, Heimr was insistent on proper gear, but he always is. But there’s a sudden shift, a drop in the temperatures and heavier frost on the windows that last longer than the morning. Birdsong no longer echoes through the woods- maybe a few sad coos from the church, but little else. To see the plant infused animal spirits is suddenly much rarer, as is any sign of critters is scarce if at all present.
The lake is a bitter cold that’s sharp as knives, with only the faint glow from Terho’s windows showing any signs of warmth around the lake and cabin- even it’s Guardian finds it to be too much, preferring the tank prepared for him to sleep in as the chill sets in on his mind. The river is only barely better- though the edges are starting to freeze over, there’s still a bit of life left and Sinann’s presence is still felt. The divine fruits and berries, at least, are still untouched by frost… Though, it’s plain to see there’s not nearly as many fish as there are in warmer months. Even the Seaborn population seems to have taken a hit…
Winter is setting its claws into the forest painfully. Even as the fog pulls back so severely, something watches unseen from the trees. And every day the frost and snow worsen until everything is frozen over.
The lake is a bitter cold that’s sharp as knives, with only the faint glow from Terho’s windows showing any signs of warmth around the lake and cabin- even it’s Guardian finds it to be too much, preferring the tank prepared for him to sleep in as the chill sets in on his mind. The river is only barely better- though the edges are starting to freeze over, there’s still a bit of life left and Sinann’s presence is still felt. The divine fruits and berries, at least, are still untouched by frost… Though, it’s plain to see there’s not nearly as many fish as there are in warmer months. Even the Seaborn population seems to have taken a hit…
Winter is setting its claws into the forest painfully. Even as the fog pulls back so severely, something watches unseen from the trees. And every day the frost and snow worsen until everything is frozen over.
AS THE ICE CLAIMS WARMTH
The hope of the flowing water in the river doesn’t last long. Soon it’s all frozen over, and even Aurora is nowhere to be seen, which is impressive given her size. Moder takes the time for one last task before hunkering somewhere warm with her wolf, resting from the cold. Even Zahliya seems less active, staying in the church rather than atop that between his patrols, and sometimes the cold is so strong one may want to join them in napping somewhere safe. Zonari herself is not unaffected either, resting in the barn and not coming out.
The only sound of the Grove is yourself- your breaths, the crunch of your steps in the snow, the ruffle and shifting of your coat and clothes. It would be peaceful if not for how lonely it is, even with company.
Someone will have to fix that.
The only sound of the Grove is yourself- your breaths, the crunch of your steps in the snow, the ruffle and shifting of your coat and clothes. It would be peaceful if not for how lonely it is, even with company.
Someone will have to fix that.
WE STILL HAVE EACH OTHER
At some point, every door gets a rapt knocking with Ydalir or Heimr waiting with warm eyes and a gentle smile.
“We figured it’s no good sittin’ alone in all this-”
“So we are holding a feast like no other! I will bring you all your favorites from home, in exchange for fruit from the trees and shells from the shore!”
And so they lead each resident room by room and household by household to the inn’s dining hall. The wood walls are wreathed in ribbons and warm lights, bows of holly and ribbons hanging from rafters and above windows while snowdrops are painted all along everything they could reach.
Ydalir’s mirror hangs over the fireplace, and as you bring the requested items, she pulls dishes from your home, comforting favorites that perhaps you haven’t seen in some time. She encourages everyone to share, to lay each piece out on the longest table and sit together. Enchantments mean everyone gets a taste, even those who logically shouldn’t, and as the wind and snow howls outside, music plays from a painted phonograph.
Staying isn’t necessary, but for now? Sit and be with the others. Share in your home comforts. The chill will be there tomorrow. We’re here today.
“We figured it’s no good sittin’ alone in all this-”
“So we are holding a feast like no other! I will bring you all your favorites from home, in exchange for fruit from the trees and shells from the shore!”
And so they lead each resident room by room and household by household to the inn’s dining hall. The wood walls are wreathed in ribbons and warm lights, bows of holly and ribbons hanging from rafters and above windows while snowdrops are painted all along everything they could reach.
Ydalir’s mirror hangs over the fireplace, and as you bring the requested items, she pulls dishes from your home, comforting favorites that perhaps you haven’t seen in some time. She encourages everyone to share, to lay each piece out on the longest table and sit together. Enchantments mean everyone gets a taste, even those who logically shouldn’t, and as the wind and snow howls outside, music plays from a painted phonograph.
Staying isn’t necessary, but for now? Sit and be with the others. Share in your home comforts. The chill will be there tomorrow. We’re here today.
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
AS FROST'S BITE WORSENS
Winter is still hear and it's taking a much harsher turn now as the fog rolls back- animals are beginning to withdraw. The guardians are also being affected by the cold, starting to recede themselves... but something is watching.
AS THE ICE CLAIMS WARMTH
More guardians retreat inside to rest, and even the river is frozen over. The world is quiet. Too quiet.
WE STILL HAVE EACH OTHER
Before the cold can get any worse, the merchant siblings have invited everyone to a grand feast in the inn's dining hall, decorated appropriately. If you trade Ydalir shells and ingredients, she can retrieve a favorite dish of yours from home, and everyone is encouraged to share and spend the evening in good company and better food.
OOC
Merry Christmas! This is a check-in month, and also a lighter month for everyone's sake. Worry not, the horrors will resume soon.
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