sticksandbones | EVENT 019

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EVENT 019

A 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.

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.

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.

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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[ Baby girl, sweetie, do you know how difficult it is tracking your Tiger Lily ass down?! He ignores her attempt to shield her food and instead Beams at her with the force of Christmas Cheer, sets a crocheted pair of Keys In The Shape of Reindeer Horns on her head, and wraps her up into a hug.

He's extra warm due to his new winter outfit and the thick wool overgrowing on him like a walking cloud. ]

[Hug???? Hugging?????? HUG??????

A.B.A's natural urge is to shriek in protest, but she reminds herself that she allowed—pretty much BEGGED—Pure Vanilla to love on her. So she doesn't actually scream, but her face is frozen in an expression that suggests she very much wants to.

Instead, she robotically pats his back in gratitude, unsure what he just put on her head at the moment. She already wears a headband, so it feels...strange. Either way, he's soft and warm and her head is a storm of fighting off survival reflexes and feeling all weird and fuzzy inside.]

a-

[a]

[ a.

He laughs, he can't help it, petting his hand over her hair gently before pulling back, beaming at her. Then fixing her hair where he mussed it. ]

I have been looking for you, sweetheart!

[Mm. There's always something nice about having her hair touched. The more logical side of her tells her it's just because of all the nerve endings in the scalp, but sometimes even a homunculus wants to be simple and just accept "soft good."

While he addresses her, she takes off his crocheted masterpiece and examines it thoroughly. Keys??? Keys???? Keys???!!!???]

Oh...I didn't realize I made myself difficult to locate. My focus has been dedicated to the newborns.

[ Keys! If you use your imagination and take into consideration their coloring. He tried. He beams to her spending time with the dragons, nodding. ]

As you should, and I'm very proud of you for spending so much time with them! They are sure to grow up fierce for your tutelage. But there is a Holiday Gift I wish to give you, that I'm afraid I cannot bring to you physically. Would you please come with me?

[Listen, if she can think a battle axe is a key, then clearly these things are also keys. She's not...sure why the stuffed keys need to be worn as antennae, though? Or perhaps this was a key ring that snapped...

But hey, speaking of keys, A.B.A goes to grab her god-given giant key that leans lovingly nearby and throws it over her shoulder. With her free hand, she shoves what's left of her babka into her mouth and nods at PV with two cheeks stuffed like she's the world's largest chipmunk.

...You know, if chipmunks also had wings and a dragon tail.

There's a small nod.]

Very well.

[^roughly translated as crumbs shoot from her mouth]

[ Oh she's so very cute what a good girl that's a bit of crumb there baby hold on let Dad get that wipes her face a little okay there. ]

Thank you, my dear, I promise this will not take long!

[ And he leads her... away from the feast. Sorry, they will come back for it later. After a moment of them trudging through the snowy paths they've all made, it becomes apparent he's leading her to his house.

Today is the day he traps the feral kitten inside. ]

[It works out, A.B.A's not sure how long she wanted to stay at the feast, anyway. She's been so overwhelmed by being accepted and fitting in with dragons, even baby dragons, that she's forgotten how much she doesn't fit in normally.

Usually it's never been a big deal, she's accepted she wasn't made to fit in the world, but sometimes...it's nice to feel even a little normal.

If PV has any plans, A.B.A is oblivious. She sees them closing in on his home and only sees this as logical. Of course whatever it is he has to show her would be at his house. How could this possibly be a scheme???]

[ It is a scheme of the worst kind. One of love. When they reach the door he opens it and gently ushers her to step in first. As always, the house smells of fresh baked goods. Plus now the general scents of those who live there. Vanilla, cacao, lilies, and uhm.... a very odd mix of a little bit of fish and fresh cream. yeah.

Oreo greets her as well, tail wagging as the cream hound shoves his head out of the door to sniff her before letting Vanilla push him back in with a hoof. ]

It's upstairs, please, feel free to go first!

[ Ah, he feels the same feeling as when he did this with Felicity, and he knows his little girl wouldn't mind another having her old room. ]

[Ah right, their strange dog. A.B.A doesn't react much to his sniffling, merely observes before he's shooed away. His appearance as well as the various soft smells that hit her all at once only serve to remind her that they really were just living cookies, homunculi in their own right. Created for an unknown purpose much like herself, although they woke up in a world all of their own. She wonders if eating their own ingredients counts as something similar as her intake of blood... Do they see it as the same?

Despite how chatty her thoughts are on the inside, she remains silent on the outside, simply following directions and heading up the stairs without protest. Her hand softly slides against the railing, her other making sure to balance her key just right so it doesn't scratch the walls.

This isn't her home, after all. She needs to treat it with respect.]

[ She's going to be shocked when she reaches the top of the stairs and hits that attic bedroom. Though much of the furniture hasn't changed from the gothic vibes for Felicity, there has been a few adjustments made by Pure Vanilla.

Noticeably the keys.

There's small keys, broken here or there, that he's managed to scrounge out of the river bed. Old keys that no longer have a lock to go to, worn down, but strung from the ceiling and polished to the best he could to get them to catch the light from the balcony window.

A lamp that has been given the same treatment, polished to the best that he knew how and fixed up to work. But the best part of it might be the key 'shade' on it. Like the smaller ones dangling from the ceiling, they have obviously been scrounged up, broken and rusted but repaired. Well. "Repaired". He is no metal smith. Mostly the rusted bits were picked off and he sanded and polished.

And the last bits? A crocheted blanket and set of pillows. There are happy smiling keys all over the blanket and the pillows are in the shape of keys.

Pure Vanilla stands at the bottom of the stairs, staring up, nervously. ]

[A.B.A wasn't sure what she'd see when she reached the top of those stairs, it could've honestly been anything. Imagine her surprise, and maybe even overstimulation, when she's bombarded with yet more KEYS.

Pure Vanilla's answer comes from a very delighted...sound. Not quite a gasp, or a shriek, or even a word, just a very A.B.Aish sound of joy as she jumps from one thing to another. He can probably hear how quickly she runs around until finally she finds the words she needs.]

To truly understand the importance and worth of the key...!! Though their doors may no longer exist, they still live on in another form of beauty!! To extend their lives so lovingly...a true masterpiece of art!

[That's the gift, right? He was just showing her his art display???]

[ Oh, sweetie. Why are his children all so dense. They must take after Cacao and Lily. His smile relaxes as nerves leave and he heads up the stairs to join her properly, looking around at his 'art'.

And he can't help but laugh a little, covering his mouth as he does. ]

I am glad you like it, my dear, I tried to tailor it with you in mind. It is your room, after all, and though I am sure you will decorate it as you desire over time, changing out what you wish... I wished to set up something that said welcome home.

[ He turns to 'look' at her, his smile widening. ]

For it is indeed a welcome home.

[As Pure Vanilla comes up, he'll find A.B.A lovingly nuzzling one of the dangling keys, one low enough where she's able to do so. It's overly affectionate, like a mother, up until the minotaur makes his motives known.

Then she looks at him like a deer in headlights.]

You want to house me...?

[She looks over the room again, and suddenly it all makes sense. It...actually reminds her a bit of Frasco, the way it was decorated with toys just waiting for her to wake up. A.B.A may have never met her creator, but the things he left behind—as well as her aggressive need to always be over-optimistic when it comes to her life—makes her believe he must've had nothing but good intentions for her. Like, what horrible reason could a single scientist ever have to secretly create an overpowered homunculus in a world where artificial bioweapon people are a very normal thing????

A.B.A chooses to believe he was good, just like she can see Pure Vanilla's intentions are good. The difference, of course, is that Pure Vanilla actually knows what she likes and went out of his way to please her.]

Even if I could kill any one of you while you sleep?

[That is her...very A.B.Aish way of asking if everyone is cool with this.]

[ "House me". Like he is indeed taming a wild animal. Ugh, sweet girl. Someday she will realize just how much of a joy it is to have her around. What an honor it is to have her under the same roof. His little girl. He inclines his head gently when she asks her question. ]

I am well aware of the power you wield, but I trust you. Lily, Dark Cacao, and Clotted Cream trust you as well. I believe I am safe with you. There is a kindness in you that shines through your actions. Indeed, I believe we will be safer with you here.

[ He tilts the Staff to look around, smiling idly at the decorations. No doors for them, but indeed, still able to be useful. He moves to sit himself on the edge of the bed, patting the spot beside him, so she can look at the stuffed key pillows. ]

[A kindness? ...She's not sure about that. As much as she values kindness as a virtue, she knows deep down she hasn't been the best example of it.

But he's also right, she really has no intention of killing any of them. A.B.A's just surprised she gave off that impression! No one here thinks she's scary...or dangerous? Really?!]

Mhm...

[Nibbling on her finger a little, A.B.A does what she's told and sits down after placing her giant key against the wall. Now with both of her hands free, she rubs the comforter, her eyebrows knitting in thought. It's been...a long time since she's had a bed. It just never seemed necessary to have one when she had Paracelsus, but now that he's gone...BEEN gone...she can see the advantage of having one. When she's done judging its softness, she grabs one of the key pillows and runs her thumbs over it.]

This would be...good...if the children ever wanted to spend a night with me...

[Can't just say she likes the room, gotta make PV believe she's doing it for the benefit for someone else.]

[ The opposite! He knows she's very dangerous, but he trusts her. He can imagine she would react like a cheesemanian devil if someone went after any of them, and that puts him at ease. He knows he's safe with her. He smiles when she sits with him, remaining quiet as he lets her debate the idea and investigate the other items.

They're as soft as they can be, he worked the wool as much as he could as he spun it into yarn. And of course there's wool stuffed inside. At least for these he's managed to get the vanilla scent out of them. He doesn't want to overwhelm her, after all.

And when she finally agrees he looks delighted, his tail wiggling lightly and his ears perking. ]

Indeed! There should be enough room for them and you to rest comfortably!

[ And because Tal put the request in there should also be an en-suite bathroom attached now. ]

I am glad you agreed, it brings me comfort knowing you will be here!

[O-Oh boy! Her own bathroom! She will...definitely be using the tub soooo often, Tal you spent your bonus so well-]

It'll be nice...seeing you and Lily more often...

[And Clotted Cream and Cacao too, but they aren't treating her like an adopted child. Still, being taken in like this... She may be trying her best to play it off, but it brings a strange warmth to her chest. Even if she can survive the harshness of winter, she really wouldn't be thriving. To curl up in a warm bed, to wake up surrounded by soft smells, to know she can properly keep the babies safe...

To know that she's wanted...

It feels....good. A.B.A is terrible at thank yous, but the implication is there. It's in her smile, the softness in her eyes. She's already planning out what little of her items her drawers are going to store. Her drawers! She has drawers again! Yes, this will do so nicely.]

[ Please at least use soap and a damp cloth......

But her happiness makes him happy, and as her own eyes soften and she smiles, he absolutely beams. His tail wiggles enthusiastically to show his glee as well. ]

And it will be wonderful seeing you and the babies more often as well! And, please don't feel pressured to do so but if you have time and the desire, will you write down any food you'd like or to try? I would like to keep the pantry stocked with things you enjoy!

[ After all, it's her home too now, and she should be able to enjoy the things she likes in the comfort of her own house. ]

[Eep.

He wants her to list...more food? She's lucky she barely managed naming one for the feast! A.B.A's pretty sure she can't just list babka repeatedly this time around (or can she???), but...if those are the requirements for keeping a room here...

He said not to feel pressured, and yet here she is, feeling pressured.]

I will certainly...try...

[Why can't people just eat rocks? Wouldn't everyone be happier if they could just eat rocks?]

Food isn't necessary for my survival, so please don't...fuss.

[ Cute. And this is why he told her not to worry about it, smiling as she offers that she'll try. ]

I will not fuss if you cannot. Do not worry about it, but do let us know if you ever feel the desire to try something. The fridge and pantry are stocked as well as they can be, and quite a few of us know how to cook, but there's many edible things that can be eaten raw.

[ He smiles and holds his hand out for hers. ]

I want you to feel comfortable here. This is your home now too, after all.

...

[A.B.A glances at his hand, his words somehow bittersweet. She bites her lip, unable to accept his vision.]

No...my home will always be wherever Paracelsus is... Until we are reunited, this will only ever be a safe place to rest.

[And yet, she takes his hand anyway.]

...still, I am comfortable when I feel safe. I can give you that much.

Where the heart is.

[ His tone is acknowledgement. For some people, a house is just a house unless their loves are with them. When she takes his hand, he smiles and folds his fingers arounds hers to hold gently. ]

I will accept that. Then know you are safe here. You can unburden yourself and relax as you see fit. I do ask we keep any screaming to before bed time though.

[ He squeezes her hand and smiles as he says it, to say he's joking, but only a little cause sometimes you just need to scream to let the stress out. ]

[He's right. A.B.A has spent many nights in alleys, train cars, park benches... She'd trade this room in a heartbeat to sleep in them again, if it meant she'd get to be by Paracelsus's side.

Pure Vanilla's little squeeze makes her blush a little. A small splash of color on her otherwise pale face. His joke, however, throws her off.]

But...then how will you know if I'm ever attacked in the middle of the night?

[People die that way, PV.]

[ That makes him blink gently for a moment, then smile oh-so-fondly. ]

I will make an exception for attacks in the middle of the night. You may make as much noise as you so desire then.

[ With his free hand he reaches up to tuck her hair behind her ear, his touch light. ]

I do not see the need to do so, however. As I said, you are safe here.

[ Even if unease crawls in his gut as he remembers Fel being attacked by Suri in her sleep. His grip tightens just a little on her hand. ]

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