[ Action ]

[ The draft had left everyone feeling disoriented and he was no exception. It might also have to do with the fact that his right wing was broken, along with his arm and a few ribs. His arm and ribs have healed quite a bit since then. The injuries now only light sprains that he wears a brace on his arm for. His wing, however, is taking much longer to heal and it's left him bed ridden for several days since the draft ended. Despite his general and easy return to almost full healthy Helios has been resting in the clinic for a few days. But today he's probably well enough to get up and have a short stroll around the village, maybe even play a little with Luminair and Maggir who are in Saori's care for the time being. Helios can be found at the bakery, library and then the clinic (when he's finally yelled at and dragged back there for being a bad patient) for most of the day. He looks better than he has been and he's not nearly as tired as he was, so overall he's making a pretty good recovery.

It's later into the evening when everything is winding down that he'll make a voice post over the network. ]

[ Voice ]

I know it-it's been rather rough on most of us these last few days. So I was w-wondering if anyone would like to do a potluck sort of endeavor at-at the welcome center? It could help us all wind down from the obvious thing. But, ah, it's-it's just a suggestion of course.

[ Because food makes everything better, right? ] Also if-if it's not too much trouble would anyone be willing to, ah, talk for a bit? It doesn't have to be about anything in particular, really. I-I've just been having a hard time sleeping lately- [ pain does that to you and of course the creeping sensations he gets when he dreams. Like he's being watched by something and it doesn't go away, it just never seems to go away.] -so perhaps I'll start off with a question. What's your favorite memory of home? It doesn't have to be one specific memory or event. I remember when I was little of going to the town near the castle and getting this fantastic ice cream from the ice cream parlor there. It was homemade, sweet and creamy, absolutely delicious; I haven't had ice cream that lived up to those standards yet. I've always tried to make it myself but it just never tasted quite like that type. [ Helios supposed that was a good thing. It would ruin the true artistry of the ice cream back home. ]

So if you want to talk, feel free to answer. Otherwise I hope you all have a good night.

[ 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. ]

Do you have a tradition that celebrates or honors the dead back home? In Romania back in the old days people always used to celebrate with a carnival. Merry Cemetery of Sapanţa is what it’s called now. It’s a very large and colorful cemetery also a museum as well. It’s quite well known to locals but sometimes you get people from around the world to go visit it. It’s not mourning in the obvious and usual sense, but it does help when you go about it a certain way. Amazing how cultures and people vary in their depictions of it, it’s very…interesting to say the least. The fact that death doesn’t have to be solemn but a celebration towards moving forward into a better life is a strange concept to conceive. Even when I was younger it was hard to be happy at such an affair, but perhaps my parents were right. Perhaps the person has gone on to some better, happier, place and thinking about it always made me smile just a little bit. [ There’s a soft sigh on his end as he continues. ]

But, goodness that is a bit morbid. I apologize for such things, it's just one of those days. [ He sounds a bit sad as he says those words. One of those days indeed and few handful of people who he's spoken to about this knew exactly what he meant by that. ]

What are...somethings you do to keep your mind from wandering? Making new sigils, spells, and reading helps me a bit but well perhaps I need some new busy work to sink my attentions into.

[ There’s a pause before he speaks once again. ]

But for something less dreary; I have an idea I’d like to discuss, if anyone is willing to lend an ear. I realize that Cloud Nine hasn’t been in use for quite some time. I was wondering if anyone would be opposed towards me opening up an ethnic sort of café. It would only be open for breakfast and lunch, but the food there would be cuisine from all around the world and not just Earth either. If anyone would be interested in helping I would appreciate it. You can speak to me about it over the journals or even stop by house 44 if you like. I’ll also be around the library too for most of the day.

[ He’ll leave the journal open as he makes his way off to the memory garden to give Elise a new batch of flowers then. He’ll stop by the flower shop before heading over too. It was irrational to be sad having grown up with that sort of mindset. But he was always sad on this day because despite it all he still missed Elise a great deal. One thing that prior shift had him thinking about was her. In that world she was alive and well despite not having stayed with Helios for too long a period. He was happy even without Elise but somehow that thought seemed wrong to even acknowledge now. But there was Max and he was happy, incredibly so, and yet here he was in the memory garden with a fresh batch of late blooming flowers in his hands. He would go about his business throughout the day shortly after visiting Elise’s plot in the memory garden. The tea shop, Grocery store and then finally the Library to check up on things. He has a distinct distance look on his face as his thoughts churn within the confines of his head. He would have to tell Max about it, and he’s been thinking on how to approach the subject for a long time, so this seemed like as good a time as any. ]

[ Locked: Filtered to Max ]

Max? I-I’d like to talk with you if you’re not busy? I know it’s a bit sudden but…it’s somewhat important. I-I’m at the library so if you wouldn’t mind stopping by?

[ It’s quieter and less intrusive than anywhere else really. He’ll be home later in the evening where he’ll take Luminair and Maggir out for some play time in the front of the house before starting on dinner in the evening. ]

[ The light rain in the enclosure does not stop Helios today. He's feeling rather happy and in a mood to share the wonderful change to the outside of House 44. Who knows, maybe someone else would like to do it as well, it's only fair to make people aware of the changes allowed. So the video feed with kick on with Helios smiling happily and a rather gorgeous looking castle in the background. ] I'm happy to say that the shift acquired to t-turn one of the houses here has worked quite well so far. I wasn't sure if anyone was into this sort of thing but, ah, it's a nice reminder of home. I just wanted to show people that we can actually change the outward appearances of the houses here. The inside still remains the same however, but it's an improvement I think.

[ And with that happy note he'll close the video feed and continue on his way into town. So any passerby who is around town will note the stand he’s put up covered with delectable sweets and treats. It’s mainly for the new feathers but anyone is welcome to stop by and have some. People are free to stay in the surprisingly dry bubble around said stand when the rain is especially hard. ]

So it seems like new feather arrivals are upon us once more. It’s very nice to meet you all. I-I hope you get situated relatively quickly. It can be a bit daunting, I know, but if there’s anything you need help with don’t hesitate to ask around. Everyone here is very friendly and rather open when it comes to helping out. If you’re in the village this afternoon I’ve setup a stand with, ah, some sweets should anyone want some. There’s no need to be shy either! These are for everyone, old and new, so stop on by if you’re hungry or just need something sweet.

[ Helios is very chipper and it’s clear that he’s open towards anyone taking the baked goods he’s offering. ]

As for more serious business, I’d like to make an announcement to the village as a whole. Last year we had something known as the Cultural Fair in Luceti, wherein people setup stands and booths that displayed and portrayed parts of their home worlds. It can be whatever you want to show; whether it’s food, games, or even pictorial representations of indigenous species in your world. Anything and everything is allowed ah, well, as long as it’s safe and not t-too terribly messy of course! The fair is going to occur in June fifth. There are posters around town if you haven’t already seen them which also advertise the fair as well. If you have any questions I-I’m open towards talking about it. Or, ah, if you attend the school Professor Raine or Professor Layton can help you with any questions you have as well.

[ And then he’ll pause again before humming slightly as he collects his thoughts. ]

Ah yes! There is one more thing. The magic club which was run previously by Harry Dresden has been absent of late. I-I do want to continue the various projects and meetings if anyone from the prior club still wished to partake in such activities. I-I think coming together and pooling our skills collectively could really turn up some…interesting ideas and prospective projects to help the village along. Perhaps we could have another meeting a week or so after the cultural fair to discuss some things in more detail. I-I would just like people to respond if-if you’re still interested in, ah, learning or doing anything with the club in general. Thank you for your time and-and as always I hope everyone has a very nice day.

[ Oh dear. When Helios came outside the house to take Luminair and Maggir for a walk he was not expecting this. Helios might run into anyone who is walking by and will politely offer his apologies for bumping into said people. ] Oh! Ah. I-I'm terribly sorry...

Lots of people here today, aren't there? Very strange...none of them have any wings either. Hm.

[ Helios will ponder as he walks with one baby dragon draped across his shoulders and one nestled in his arms. He'll be making rounds to the tea shop, library, and of course the general store. ]

( Tis the season for snow myths! )

Ah I love it when it snows like this, there’s an ethereal sort of calm that comes with snowfall don’t you think? The way it falls silently and blankets everything in white...it’s rather beautiful and it’s come just in time. I was wondering if we were going to get any this year. [ He sounds pleased that they have though. ]

If, if anyone remembers from last year...I-ah, made a bunch of-of snow mythica around the town. S-So if you run into any today don’t be alarmed! They’re made purely out of snow a-and they're very friendly too! They tend to, um, take after the one wh-who makes them. [ Clearing his throat now. ]

If anyone has any other creatures from their own worlds they’d like to make and animate, I can certainly take requests! You’re more than welcome to ask too, don’t be shy! I do love making snowmen and it’s almost Christmas! Spreading the holiday cheer is what it’s all about right about now! Santa would probably be proud, he is a very kind and generous sort of man; he always was very good with giving out the compliments, too. Speaking of myths...has anyone heard about a being called Yuki-onna? It’s one of the better known ones in my world, Japanese in origin, but they stories describe her as a tall and beautiful woman with black hair and blue lips. She's said to be quite cold, figuratively and literally, but she also has a more motherly and good side to her too. The Snow Queen is another one, based on Yuki-onnas, and then there's even Jack Frost too! Jack Frost is...well, he's a personification of cold and crisp winter weather. He's also a variant of Old Man Winter, but the important thing to note is that Jack Frost symbolizes the youthful nature and wonder of children playing in the snow. And then there's Kuraokami, a dragon of rain and snow in Japan. He's quite the talker as well, but very good at ice sculptures. I learned that the hard way.

[ Helios laughs because that was a bad bet to get into. He totally knows this from experience guys. Not like anyone is surprised anymore. ]

I wonder if Santa will stop by Luceti too. Ah, well, that’s left to speculation at this point. It makes you wonder if the people here had someone like him to go around and give presents to them too. Or if they even had a holiday like Christmas at all. [ So many questions, so many left unanswered! ]

I do hope everyone has a good holiday though; you can never get too into the spirit of things.

[ Finally around later in the evening all the snow mythica will go back to being their snowy, sculptural selves, and can be found throughout the village in regal more natural poses. ]

[ After the weeks Helios has had prior to being possessed by Apep he’s taken some time out to think, be alone, cope with what has happened. He’s kept himself pretty much isolated the entire week only going out when necessary. But after all the support and help he’s had to give, thanks to the Kin’coran’s, his initial idea of isolating himself wasn’t working. So, instead, he coped and is still coping as he tries his hardest to make it up to the people he’s hurt. He spent several hours thinking on how to make it up to people and how to possibly convey his gratitude but nothing ever seemed good enough to really add up to everything. But sweets…that could be a start couldn’t it? All this baking also helps keep his mind from wandering too much today. So today on the 10th every sort of baked good you could think of will be set outside in the town square by the fountain. Cupcakes, cookies and a few pies. Luminair is enjoying the sun and walking up to people to grab their attention by pulling on their pant legs or chirping at their heels for them to follow and take some nice tasty sweets. Helios will also have refreshments out as well they’re all ice cold despite the sun and heat. It’s only when he’s settled back into his seat that he’ll make a short little announcement over the journals. ]

I-I’d like to, um, welcome all the new f-feathers that just arrived. It’s a bit startling but, we try to make everyone feel as welcomed as possible. If you have any questions most people are more than willing to answer. There's also the W-Welcome Center that can help you get a-adjusted with things too.

[ A pause. ]

Um, I’d like to also say that-that there’s some freshly baked s-sweets for everyone to take. They're out-outside by the fountain, y-you can't miss it. If-if you want any delivered that c-can be arranged too. Ah and lastly, f-for anyone interested, there’s a book club held at the library every last Sunday of the month. I’d also like to ask if a-anyone would be, um, willing to help with a little project in regards to the club. It has to do with the battle dome, but I’m afraid I’m not very good at those sorts of things...

[ His voice is low and stuttering not much different than usual at least. But there’s something else there too. A tiredness and sadness that he can’t help have permeated through his tone. Today was…a hard day for Helios. Anniversary of Elise’s death and their engagement party, that on top of everything else that’s happened, well, it’s not really any surprise that Helios is a bit dour. So once most of the sweets have been taken or devoured Helios will head over to the flower shop to get a bundle of flowers. Next he’ll go to the Memory Garden and then lastly you can find him outside in the plaza until it gets dark. He’s not doing much besides sitting down and reading a rather old and worn looking book. It appeared in the library a few days ago and ever since then he’s kept it in his possession. It was the last gift Elise gave him as a surprise gift and then his engagement ring popped up just the other day. It’s been two years since he’s seen that ring and now he absently rolls it in his palm when he next speaks. ]

Do your worlds have a concept of soul mates? And if so d-do you believe in it? Love at first sight I mean. And being so perfectly matched to someone that your share a part of your soul with them? Have you ever thought you’ve found that person in passing on the street, or in a class at college?

[ A pause before he sighs and laughs a little. ]

I apologize. That’s a bit personal, isn’t it? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. M-Maybe something more open then. Imagine if you could…see the memories connected with a certain item or place. I wonder what you could, ah, gain from it if you could. History often teaches us rather a great deal after all. To be able to t-tap into the memories connects to things, like books, or jewelry and see their own history. It would…be interesting, wouldn’t it?

[ Helios has just gotten back from his most recent mission and he has comeback with a bit more than a few scratches. He’ll be making his way back towards house forty-four as he was deposited in the town square with his makeshift sling. His arm was broken in the final day’s fight and he might have some slash marks across his upper torso from shift hunters. He looks bruised, worn, and extremely tired for a man of his age far too old and far too gone to ever get back his lost youth. And yet, and yet he still manages to smile and keep on going. But he’s not going to make mention of those injuries delivered by the shift hunters or the nightmares that are likely to follow tonight. He should really not sleep at the house but he has nowhere else to stay. Maybe the clinic could work…

His arm he can’t really hide, although, he does stop by the clothes shop to pick up a new coat to hide his arm under. There’s stiffness to his step as he makes his way back to House 44 most likely too out of sorts to really try to go off the well trotted path, making him a very easy target. He’ll walk slowly inside, making sure not to disturb anyone as he enters. It’s only in the afternoon where his voice will come over the journal. ]

It’s strange isn’t it? Knowing how small ones planet can be here. I-I mean there are so many other places and beings here from worlds unknown. It makes you wonder just who is out there on this planet as well. S-So many other villages probably and who knows if there’s other versions of ourselves or even p-people we know in our worlds. I-I’m not sure if there can be two versions of one person in the same plane of existence. I’ve known it to happen and nothing good has ever come of it unfortunately. If you met yourself one day…and you were an entirely opposite person it would be strange, wouldn’t it?

[ A pause as there’s a finger tapping against a table on his end. A sigh before the tapping stops and there’s some shuffling as a book in taken out of a shelf and then placed on the table with a thump. The turning of pages fills the silence for a short amount of time before there’s another reply. ]

They say seeing ones doppelganger is an omen. I’m not sure if that’s true or not but…has anyone ever encountered something like a double of themselves before? There are myths and legends in my w-world about them but, well, I’d be curious to know if anyone else has something similar. Fetches, Fylgia, vardøgers. Ah. There are so many instances of doubles.

Oh! Yes before I forget. [ Said with a tiredness to his voice which is masked underneath all that excited air. ] Speaking of myths and legends the book club has been on an-an extended hiatus these past few months. But, well, I’ve recently taken up the duty of running the library a-and well the book club as well. A-Anyone who has an interest to read or loves to do so is very much welcomed to join us; we meet on the third Thursday of every month. It’s open to everyone here of course and I might be trying s-something new for this next meeting of ours. Especially to all you newcomers out there I-I’m sure you’re all wondering what there is to do here. We, um, d-do try to make things for people to join in on this is one such case. A-And if there’s anything either I or anyone else in Welcome Center can do to help don’t hesitate to ask! [Not as though Helios can be of much help right now as it is. But that's hardly ever stopped him before. ]

It’s, um, a pleasure meeting you all and welcome to Luceti. I-I know it's probably hard, getting used to this place, but everyone here is very nice s-so there's no harm in asking questions or needing help doing something. We're all very open towards helping one another.

( Actiony parts through out the week. )

On Friday morning Helios will send out message to the entire village. The voice should be noticeable and clear enough. There aren't too many people with slight Romanian accents after all. And yet there's something fundamentally different about it too. No stuttering or uncertain questions. Just an underlying cordial and confident tone of voice. ] So, this is quite the strange week we're having, isn't it? People claiming others to be acting odd and all. Not really unexpected of Luceti though, I suppose calling it a shift would be proper now, given the information collected. [ Looking through the journals again...Helios has noticed some very big differences. ] Then there's the battledome. I don't know the details on that but if anyone would be so kind as to oblige me with them I'd be sincerely grateful for that. Oh, and if anyone would like a simulation created for them I'd be more than grateful to help you out with that. It's a bit finicky and I'm not sure if the controls were damaged in the process either. But there's only one way to really find out. I hope not though it really is an exquisite piece of technology...

[ He'll pause the tapping of a pen against against a desk the only sound. ] But onto something a little less business and a bit more...casual. [ All work and no play makes Helios a dull boy. ]

I've been thinking of having a game night. You know the usual. Poker, Black Jack, Solitaire, whatever ones you have in your world. Everything is welcome mind that you have the necessary materials to play it. And for the hell of it I think I'll hold a little session of Dungeons and Dragons too. [ A laugh on his end. ] But, yes, it'll be at House forty-four just behind the town square. And lets...make it for around eightish on Saturday. I think that should be suitable for everyone. You don't have to bring refreshments, we can provide, just bring yourselves your friends if you want and the insatiable appetite to vanquish demons, slay dragons- [ Oh right. Not getting into it, nope. He'll clear his throat. ] -and have fun, we'll hopefully being seeing you all on Saturday.

((ooc; Due to my own fail with this event the action in this post is for whatever day you want. Basically the same thing as an Any Day thread in the mass log. You can put what day and where if you want to but it's not needed. The voice part only takes place on Friday though! And Helios' AU info can be found here.))

[ There’s the rhythmic clink of a knife cutting through vegetables and on the cutting board. There’s a small humming coming from the person doing said cooking before they stop. ] Ah! G-Good afternoon everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves today. It looks like we have a bit of a snow storm going on, hm? Make sure to bundle up if you do go out.

[ There’s a hum and then another chop or two. ] Snow. Snow lots of it. Plenty to do with it though. Speaking of I have two ideas I thought might be nice to bring up. First one being a delivery service of sorts! It'll run out of house forty four and we can get you anything you might need during the winter...during times like this, for example. Because walking out in this kind of weather is just dreadful. H-having teleportation magic makes it loads easier a-and I think it'll help people out just a little more. I-I suppose requesting things over the journals would be the fastest way to get it to you. I haven't quite worked out all the details for it yet. But having it as a service available for the winter months might be beneficial all around. [ He'll clear his throat before continuing. ]

The next is a bit more fun and less serious. I thought up the idea back in December, if you saw my snow sculptures walking around that one day. How does a nice, light, fun snow sculpture competition sound to everyone? You can make teams based on the community buildings, houses, or simply join up with your friends! I-I think…it might be nice to do. It’ll help with the recent going ons around here. [ Lots of people leaving some good old fashion fun wouldn’t hurt. ]

As for prizes…well I’m not quite certain what one could ask for when you can get whatever you want. It’s a rather tricky thing to come up with prizes here, but not impossible. Ah! But…there is the hot springs. Perhaps the winning team can take a few hours or a day to have the hot springs to themselves. Maybe having the food of their choice cooked for them while up there? [ Just going to be chopping some more yup. ]

I don’t know when to have it either, actually. Maybe right after Valentine’s Day? [Oh boy Valentine's Day. That is coming up rather soon, isn't it? ] Depending on the amount of snow we get. I-I’m sure it’s not going to melt anytime soon. Could always make more too…

But, yes, if you have any feedback for it I’d love to hear! A little community fun can go a long way after all. I think Luceti could use- [there’s a long pause and then a muted cry of pain comes over the journal. It comes out as a pained gasp and the knife he was holding clatters to the floor but only after Helios cuts himself. Damn. He'll just quickly grab a nearby towel and press it against the wound. Helios turns off the voice function as soon as it happens so no one else can hear it. But, oh, damn he hopes no one is home right now. It’s back, this pain, oh gods it’s just like getting it the first time. He’ll just brace himself against the kitchen counter as he bites back those tears. The next part is said shakily. Helios manages to keep his voice level however. ]

S-sorry about that. But I think everyone could agree that Luceti could use some fun. I'll be around so-so if anyone has any questions feel free to ask. Th-there's also the ah... [ Give him a second he's trying to brain things while all this pain is hitting him at once. ] Th-the meeting tomorrow, too. I can answer things there as well, if-if people need t-time to think on it. S-Stay warm today everyone. Hot chocolate is a wonderfully good remedy for this sort of weather. [ Of all the times to get back his curse. It was bound to happen. He knows that. Nothing ever lasts forever. ]