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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
Late-december
No!
[ Yes, coffee grounds can be used as an additive but not after they've already been used as coffee!! Thankfully Vanilla has been watching Fern for a while and the only reason he approached now - other than to free Fern from the Coffee - was so he can plunk a pot of dark rich soil down. From the Greenhouse. He'd rather Fern be IN the Greenhouse but if the boy won't come to him, the Healer will go to him. ]
That! Not the coffee!
no subject
[ He was using that! Fortunately it's impossible to tell if the vine was scalded because it is also covered in brown coffee.
He frowns at the soil. ]
...This will make my arm grow faster?
[ This weird old guy does seem to know about plants, but... Fern knows almost nothing about plants. So he should probably take PV's word for it. He settles his sprouting arm gently on top of the soil. ]
no subject
[ He watches Fern gently lay the sprouting arm down, thoughtfully tapping his chin with his finger as he ponders it. To bury it would be egregious for the little sprout, but it won't grow without roots reaching into the soil. Photosynthesis may provide the "food" Fern needs, but the soil provides the moisture and other things. ]
Forgive me if this is rude, my dear, but do you have roots?
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He looks down at his feet, with their odd pointed ends in place of toes. ]
I don't think so?
[ He lifts one foot to look at the underside. Looks just like the top. ]
no subject
He gently taps Ferns shoulder to get him to move the little sprout arm, then picks the pot up and sits it by his foot. It should be enough for one foot. At least to dig his toes in. ]
Well, there is no harm in trying. Toes in, my darling. Let's see what we can learn together.
no subject
Of course, Fern has no idea what growing roots feels like, and it's all under the soil, so to him it just feels... interesting. His vine starts to perk up a tiny bit. He doesn't notice. ]
...Huh.
no subject
[ Well! That seems to have done the trick a little. He doubts it's a good long term solution - nothing short of Spring breaking will be he's afraid - but as a stop gap it's perfectly fine! ]
It looks like it might be a little helpful! As silly as it sounds, stopping by the Greenhouse for at least an hour a day may help your arm flourish.
[ He will check on said arm too. Make sure his little sproutling here is doing okay. He should also get Flamebringers opinion. ]
no subject
Mmm... yeah, okay.
What's the Greenhouse?
no subject
Look for the house that looks like it's made of sweet gingerbread. Across from it is a smaller building which is the Clinic, and attached to the Clinic is the Greenhouse. You will recognize it, as it is warm and full of plants which will bloom year round, and has walls of glass. There should be a door that opens to the outside, so you need not enter the Clinic proper if you merely wish to visit the Greenhouse.
no subject
...Why's it a Greenhouse, and not a Glasshouse?
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[ And his tail wiggles because he loves thinking of a happy Greenhouse full of happy plants!
Which may soon be including Fern so he's not so... brown. ]
no subject
Weird.
[ 'Happy' is probably asking for too much from Fern, but 'healthy' might be achievable. Wilting is actually really unpleasant, so the instant gratification of warm, healthy soil might get him to actually stick around. ]
Gingerbread house, glass walls. Got it.
no subject
If I am not in there, I will be in the Clinic or in my home, and will gladly come over to help you figure out what works for you the best.
[ He glances around to the food everyone has been sharing, thoughtful. He remembers their talk that Fern can't eat, but there are empty plates in front of him. Hm. ]
Have you figured out how to eat food? Would you like to try other things?
no subject
[ He had forgotten the meatloaf for a minute there, in his sudden brainstorm about the effects of caffeine on plant growth. He shrugs. ]
I dunno if I ate, but it sure looks like I did!
[ He's not sure where the food actually went, but he suspects it didn't go inside of him. He doesn't feel particularly full, even after having so much. ]
What should I try?
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[ If Fern can taste them... ]
If you would like to try something sweet, there are some softer options that shouldn't overwhelm you, and you can work your way up from there. What would you like to try first?
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[ He's probably had enough meatloaf for a normal person's lifetime. He probably won't want more until tomorrow. ]
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I am unsure what excess sugar may do to your foliage, so let's be gentle on it, hm?
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Mmm. Not bad.
[ His mouth is still full while he speaks. But some of the cookie does seem to be winking out of existence as he chews! ]
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If anything is not to your liking, of course, do say! But if you are able to handle it, then you are quite free to eat what you'd like, I believe.
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Hrrm, hmmm heeem grhm.
[ Translation: Hey, this is really good! ]
no subject
And thankfully he's fluent in 'child with mouth full'. ]
I am glad you enjoy it! Please, help yourself to whatever else you may find and wish to try. Do stop if you begin to feel ill, your body produces it's own sugar after all, and adding too much extra will negatively affect you!
[ Gentle little head pat for Fern whose a good plant boy!? ]
no subject
It was definitely too big for that. Oh well. He nods in response to whatever PV is saying. ]