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sticksandbones2024-12-06 10:28 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-12-06 10:28 am
Entry tags:
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.
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.
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
SUBMISSIONS
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
Stop.
A.B.A may be strong, but Pure Vanilla is still a minotaur. Even she can feel his grip tighten.
This reaction confuses her... Is it supposed to be reassuring?]
...Am I?
no subject
And thus in Suri's sights. ]
... I do not know, truly. I have made a dire enemy of our captor by taking something he deemed as his away from him, by setting her free from his puppet strings. He can and will attack those I hold dear to punish me.
[ He grimaces a little, raising his free hand to his throat. With the winter wool there and now the daffodils in their cheerful yellow ring, the black scars of the demons claws are hidden. But considering the daffodils are blooming from them, he's never able to forget. ]
And he has shown he will not hesitate to attack in our dreams.
no subject
[A.B.A freezes, her own grip stiffening in his. And yet somehow the fear in her eyes has nothing to do with her own personal safety. The threat of being attacked in her dreams is nothing compared to the idea that Pure Vanilla could ever do something like that.
Like it's so easy.]
....And she walked away?
[No more confinement.
The words echo in A.B.A's head once again, and as badly as she wants to fulfill Paracelsus's wishes, she'd still need time— She isn't ready— If Pure Vanilla did that to them—
She slips her hand from the minotaur's grasp and shakes her head. Maybe a more reasonable person wouldn't make the kidnapping of a child all about themselves, but A.B.A can't stop seeing the comparisons. Is she....just as bad as the monster that torments them....?
With an unnatural need to hurry, A.B.A grabs her giant key and makes for the door. Her words come out just as fast.]
The room is lovely, you have my gratitude. We should return to dinner....
no subject
[ He's unaware of A.B.A's sudden fears, and looks confused when she's suddenly standing like that... but he thinks he understands. Suri can and will attack beyond their borders of their control. Into their very dreams which can be then manifested on their bodies.
To associate with Pure Vanilla, to allow oneself to be seen as family, is a veritable death sentence should Suri decide to strike for real. ]
I.... [ He hangs his head a little and then sighs, standing upright as he does, using his Staff to brace. His motions seem old, suddenly. Stiff, slow. It's all he is now, after all. Though his body yet looks young, he's an old, tired man. ] Of course, my dear, forgive me. Please, after you, I will follow.
no subject
A.B.A stops and turns around, watching Pure Vanilla struggle so. Has he...always had trouble moving like this?]
You're weary...?
[Where did all his energy go? Surely not from anything she did? ...Right?]
no subject
[ And sadness that she would wish to distance herself so quickly but he can't blame her for that. He offers her a smile, it's a little lopsided and he waves his hand gently. ]
I'm quite over two-thousand after all, and I no longer have that which kept me... ah. Empowered. Though I do not think my age will catch up on me all at once, I am.... feeling it, I suppose.
no subject
I don't understand... How did... You lost it?
no subject
[ His smile never falters as he moves to join her at the door, carefully heading down the steps. ]
The Truth... was what I bore. I was it's Guardian and, in turn, it granted me long life and wisdom. But the Truth is always the Truth, and the Truth of power is: it is only useful when it is used for the betterment of everyone.
[ He stops at the foot of the stairs, his ears flicking as he smiles at her. ]
I gave a piece to Ourania to bolster her, while we searched for a way to close the wound in her chest. I gave a piece to Beiwe, to bolster her against her brothers ministrations. And the rest I gave to Aurora, to bring her back to life. And with that, I gave away my Immortality and certain other things. [ Like his life. ]
no subject
The way he smiles when he says it only further confuses her. How...how can he be so happy while he says such horrible things?]
No... No!! Why would you... You were supposed to live for so long...! What is Lily to do when you die before she does?!
[Because isn't that the case? Aren't they all extremely long lived? Lily...his other, bigger, scarier husband? Did he not consider any of them?!]
Not allowed. You are not allowed to die! I was going to live alongside you...
no subject
[ HAHA lets not talk about his Oripathy, the black rock in his left palm hidden beneath his glove and gauze. That will kill him a lot faster. ]
But I cannot...
[ He stops talking, his voice trailing into silence, and his Staff turns to gaze out the window, before closing. Shutting him into darkness. The void aches. Resolution on his finger tries but it aches so still.
He shakes his head, sighs, smiles again and his Staffs eye opens. ]
I have promised to not give of myself anymore, however. The life I live now, free of the burden of a Higher Power, I live for you all. For you, Lily, Cacao. Dipper and his Uncles. For Loop and Siffrin. I will live along side you much freer this way, I assure you.
no subject
[It's hard for her to find his sacrifice noble. Maybe it's because she, herself, is a selfish person. But something tells her even with all her ignorance, she can't be that wrong...]
Do you truly believe hearing that makes me happy? T-That you would willingly give away yourself in pieces so much that it diminishes your life?! If living for me means stretching yourself so thin, then I'd rather you ignore me completely.
no subject
I am living for myself now, my dear. My family, my loves, living for you guys is living for me as well. There is an emptiness, yes, without my Soul Jam. But there is a freedom. The burden of Power is sometimes just that. A burden. I am free of it. And with it, I can focus on what truly makes me happy. Watching you grow, watching Lily strengthen and find who she truly is, watching Cacao soften and accept all the world has to offer. I can garden, and crochet, and read my books. And leave mending the World to others. I can focus on me, and those who fill my heart.
no subject
[She takes his hand as it passes by and holds it close before he gets to finish. Despite her anger, she can't bring herself to be truly vicious. How many times has she been downright awful to him?]
...you're supposed to live together...forever...
[Just like in the stories she read...]
You can't die before her. Before them. I won't allow it...
no subject
He was going to say he could probably figure out something as a Healer but HAHA HE'S NOT EVEN THAT ANYMORE. ]
You don't need to worry about that, my dear. I can assure you, I have no intention of dying before anyone else. I may be without my Soul Jam, but I still have quite a few formidable spells up my sleeves. I will not be going any time soon.
no subject
Why does he keep doing this to her?! Why does everyone keep leaving when she doesn't want them to... She acts as if the man is already dead as she stands there in his arms.]
Just promise me you won't be reborn as a dragon before I do...
no subject
I promise, dear. I will make sure to not be born a dragon until you have. Truth be told, I do not think I would make such a good one, anyways. Not like you.
[ He rubs her back gently and steps back, smiling. ]
Now come, let us return to the feast, hm? And... allow me to apologize about not telling you about the Creature earlier, I should have done so before offering you the opportunity to move in. I will see about other accommodations for you.
[ AS HE ASSUMES SHE DOESN'T WANT TO WITH HER REACTION EARLIER. ]
no subject
It's like they're hitting each other's horns-
...Wait, what, he wants to move her out already?!]
I'm not afraid of that...? If anyone tries to attack me, I'll just kill them...
no subject
Ah? I- Forgive me, I thought with your reaction to learning of our enemy targeting us, you wouldn't wish to live here? I do not blame you, of course! It is not an enemy we can easily ward against, though we do have many options to us.
[ The cosmic serpents blessings are, thankfully, still intact. Pure Vanilla should give his to A.B.A. to keep her safe. ]
no subject
I am more than capable of defending myself, especially now that I have my key. I highly doubt I'm in more danger in your home than I've been outside...
[Maybe it's just her ignorance again, but she really has no reason to believe Suri would want her anymore dead now that there's a roof over her head. If he wanted to attack her, then he'd attack her.]
no subject
[ Because she sure did jump up and run after he was like yeah Suri is targetting everyone I love because I freed his obsession. ]
no subject
He wants to pry.
Into one of her greatest fears.]
Nothingyoushouldconcernyourselfwithweshouldgobacknow—
[And with that, A.B.A takes their closeness as an opportunity to just HEAVE Pure Vanilla over her shoulder and trudge back into the snow. Her key rests on her other shoulder, and she seems to use her wings as a way to keep the two from bumping into each other.
Honestly, thank goodness she took the boon for balance, because who knows if she'd be able to juggle both of them this easily without it...]
no subject
[ The bleat is surprised when he's just. Picked up and slung over her shoulder, his hands scrambling to grab his Staff away from the wall so it's brought with. He looks bewildered and surprised and- ]
My goodness! Honestly!
[ He doesn't struggle though, so there's that. He just lets himself be hauled off back to the feast like a wayward sheep whose shepherd caught it.
So that's what it feels like........ ]