ϡ - Chapter Fifty; Let it snow, let it snow [action|voice]

[folklorist]

[ Helios will be dumped off unceremoniously into the snow early morning of the 2nd of December. It's a light snow, but it is sticking, so he's bound to be able to make some sculptures with it. It's become something of a tradition and Helios is going to uphold it for as long as he can. Despite the evident bruising and his wobbly steps Helios is going to pretend that he wasn't just dumped into the snow by a pair of droids. He'll set off right to work after returning to House 44 and stopping off at House 51 to check in on Max and his housemates. Ensuring them all that he's not gone and that he had just been mallynapped for a few days. He'll also be busy setting up some Christmas decorations in the Library because tis the season, etc, etc. Once that's taken care of he'll set to work in the plaza.

He'll setup a station with warm cider, coffee, and coco before he makes his sculptures once again around the general vicinity of the town. It's a nice way to bring in the new season and the first snow fall of the year. Luminair and Maggir will be with him as well, Luminair sporting a cute little sweater while Maggir has her thick fur coat. They're both having loads of fun in the snow. Maggir especially since she was built for the weather. The two dragons will run over and play with anyone who walks by including snow mythica. They'll be around town chasing the prancing unicorns, fluttering pixies and swooping phoenixes that dot the sky, each one leaving a trail of snow in the air as they dive and twirl in the air. serpentine dragons will smoothly move through the snow strewn ground in silent majestic grace. Anyone can stop by for some entertain or make your own. ]

How many of you have heard of a Yuki-onna? They're a type of spirit that takes the form of a beautiful woman with raven black hair. They're said to lead traveler's astray to freeze to death in the winter months of Japan. But to be fair I've always found them helpful on my travels. [ He'll laugh a little at that because he got so terribly lost that one time... ]

There's also Amarok, Akhlut, Barbegazi, Hrimthurs, Ijiraq, and some others. But Jotuns, Yetis, Wendigoes, and Father Winter are probably some of the more well known names associated with winter. It's amazing how many mythological creatures are associated with weather when you think about it. Oh! I almost forgot about Jack Frost! He's a very popular character during this time of the year too. [ Derp Helios, derp. ]

But if anyone wants to stop by plaza for some hot coco and to help me build some snow myths feel free to do so! The new cafe in Cloud Nine's place is just about ready to open as well. I have some food from the menu out for snacking on too, if people would oblige me in taste testing them. I think having it open after the New Year will be best since, ah, I still need a good few volunteers to help out with running it. If-if you know anyone or would like to help out feel free to contact me in person or through the journals. I'll certainly be about!

[ And true to his word Helios will definitely have hot plates of food out for people to nibble on as well. It's an assortment of things like pot stickers, some cheese and crackers, and other finger foods. Some of them recognizable while others not so much. ]

Comments

[Voice]

[darknessillusion]

You forgot Sasquatch!

[This is said, of course, with a giggle in her voice.]

But then, a lot of humans associate them with Yetis. I'll give you a pass on that one.

[Voice]

[folklorist]

Ah yes of course! I knew I was forgetting something. [ He sounds amused on his end too. ]

Most of the Yetis and Sasquatch are good acquaintances back home. Even if they're often mistaken for being the same thing. [ They're probably used to it. ]

They're actually not so bad once you get to know them a bit. Shy but nice.

[Voice]

[darknessillusion]

The ones in my world are particularly fond of bananas. I can't even begin to wonder why!

Then again, bananas are a tropical fruit, and Sasquatch are cold-weather sorts, so I suppose I can see the appeal.

[Pun intended? No one knows but her.]

[Voice]

[folklorist]

[ Helios chuckles at that. Appeal indeed. ] Don't tell them that joke, they might not find it so amusing. But I've never asked what they like to eat. They never really mentioned it either.

[ Though he would assume it would be nuts, berries, and fish for those that lived in the mountainous regions. ]

[Action]

[windandrain]

Honestly, it's hard to keep track of all the goings on right now, with as lethargic as the weather makes Saori, but Helios' kidnapping hadn't gone unnoticed. It'd happened while she was still a child though, so she hadn't really had a chance to respond.

But when he shuffles into the house, she's laying on the couch by the fireplace covered in an old blanket or three. She doesn't really stir till he's inside, but she looks up sleepily.

"You're back...Hello, you."

[Action]

[folklorist]

Helios tries to return to the house rather quietly but it's hard when Luminair and Maggir get excited and almost tackle him. He'll give them a surprised exclamation before bending down to get them appropriate pets and cuddles. Once they're settled he'll rise to his feet and go over towards the couch to see Saori as herself again. A soft smile touches his lips as he takes a seat, with a very apparent sigh of relief, across from her.

"Yes I am. Droids just dropped me off a few moments ago actually." There's a distinct tone of tiredness as he says that.

"Are you feeling alright? Can I get you anything?" Says the man with a bruised cheek and some minor abrasions underneath his layers of clothes.

[Action]

[windandrain]

"No," she replies as she sits up, clearly bleary from sleep even though it's well into the day. "No, I'm fine. It's just seasonal lethargy. I don't like winter very much, it makes me feel groggy."

She reaches down to pet Keiko, the stately old maid having been napping beside her mistress, and receives a lick on her hand. Just one, because more would be...undignified.

"How about you? Are you feeling okay? You look a little worse for wear, you know."

[voice]

[complicatedliar]

Really. What know you of the Jotun?

[voice]

[folklorist]

Well aside from what the legends have written about them in my world, they're rather amicable given their history. I-I mean they never threatened me or anything like that but...but I just think they're misunderstood like most mythica in my world. I've actually had the pleasure of-of meeting a good few of them. Hel, Jormungand, Laufey, and Loki. I-I met with all four of them actually...it was a bit- [ terrifying ] -intimidating.

I wanted to know if they would allow a few of their people to attend my school.

Re: [voice]

[complicatedliar]

Hah. A very different sort indeed, then.

Monsters are so often misunderstood. But attending school? Curious. Were they anything like the Jotun I know, I'd wonder if you were going to teach then better ways to eat children.

[voice]

[paladinlost]

I must say that none of those names are familiar to me. But any list of beings associated with cold and winter should include Shiva, if one can count her as a myth.

[He prefers to think of her as 'Rydia's friend who helps us in battle'.]

[voice]

[folklorist]

Ah! Yes. I've heard Rydia explain who she is. Shiva she is...a spirit correct? Related to cold and winter and things like that. [ If he's remembering correctly. ]

[voice]

[paladinlost]

She's the ice-elemental Eidolon, yes. Her attacks are even colder than the strongest Blizzaga I've ever felt.

[ action ]

[magicmaestro]

[Frederic despite having secluded himself in the house for awhile, decides to come out and meet with Helios. It's been a long while since the two of them spoke, so he stops by the plaza as he heard Helios speak over the journal. In a way, the town right now reminds him of Baroque as well.]

Enjoying the snow, my friend?

[ action ]

[folklorist]

[ Helios looks up in surprise at the other man, a soft smile touching his lips as he continues to mold a fairy out of snow. Frederic has been a bit secluded as of late but it's nice to finally see his friend out and about again. ]

But of course! Care to join me?

[ action ]

[magicmaestro]

[Frederic admires the fairy being molded and stands right next to Helios as they continue to talk.]

I'm sorry for not being around as of late, Helios. Between being changed into a rabbit by the Malnosso and having uncertainty in regards to Feliks... I'm at a bit of a crossroads with myself.

[voice]

[neverplaysfair]

Perhaps the Yuki-onna just aren't that fond of you. They don't want your frozen corpse littering up their beautiful mountain.

[voice]

[folklorist]

Ah w-well...perhaps. [ He doesn't sound very enthused with that response though. ] I don't really think that's the reason though. They're not the evil sort like most people tend to believe. [ A soft chuckle on his end as he clears his throat. ]

[voice]

[neverplaysfair]

Then where do you think all the stories came from?

[Voice]

[of_sablier]

There's a mythological creature named Jack?

[Yes, he may be just the tiniest bit intrigued by this revelation.]

And popular, you say... what does he do, if I may ask?

[Voice]

[folklorist]

Oh yes! Jack Frost is a very prominent figure for this time of the year. He's basically an, ah, embodiment of snow, ice and cold weather. He's like another piece of Father Winter.

[Voice]

[of_sablier]

An embodiment of snow...

[... oh. That's... almost painfully ironic, not that Jack will say so or even let on.]

... that sounds rather interesting indeed. So then he's said to be the one who controls winter weather, in other words?

[Action]

[abjurer]

You are amazing.

[It's incredible, seeing all of these snow creatures wandering around, animated as close to life as they can get. Max stoops to pick up Luminair, scritching him affectionately as he approaches.]

Do you need anything? I'd hate for you to catch a cold.

[Action]

[folklorist]

[ Helios will look over his shoulder at Max when he says that. The bruising is a bit better with Nala's aid but it's still red and splotchy from his time with the Malnosso and droids. He'll give a wide smile as he scoops more snow onto the mound that will make another fairy or two. ]

You're too kind, Max. It's nothing, really. Just thought that with all the people who left that we could use some cheering up. [ And despite his ragged look right now Helios shakes his head. ]

Oh, no, I'm alright dear. Unless you'd like to come keep me warm. [ He just gives a teasing look back at the other. But he'll wave his gloved hand over towards the table. ]

There's tea, coffee, and hot chocolate over there. Along with some desserts and finger foods.

[Action]

[abjurer]

[He still doesn't look right. Not completely, and that worries Max a little. It feels like he can never protect him and that hurts.]

Yeah. Yeah, that's a good idea. Hopefully Christmas will be kind of relaxed.

[His smile turns sly and pleased when Helios says that.]

I wouldn't mind. Isn't that a bit scandalous though? Although I do kind of want to drag you to the hot springs.