Cherie was beginning to realize that Spirale inhabited more than just humans. There were those like them, and yet not; those they felt a strong familiarity with.. and those who had been touched by something completely foreign.
Yet it was still difficult to truly distinguish between them all. All they could go off of were the strong pulls in their chest, the whispers begging to be heard in the back of their mind. And even through all the uncertainty, they couldn't help but feel that tug of fate towards him.
Above all else, he seemed.. lonely. Like he had endured pain no one in this world would ever understand. It wasn't their place to ask more; not when they knew nothing about him, and had no ability to find out more.. but perhaps, for now, a simple gesture would do.
The cupid had taken it upon themselves to.. volunteer. A very special first for them. Usually, they could only help one or two humans at a time; but here, they were needed by everyone. They flit about as if they belonged in this crowd, like they were human, too; they were seen and heard by everyone around them.. something they always wanted. And in their time of wonderful feelings, surely someone like him deserved the same.
"You look cold.." they spoke gently, giving space as they stood just within his reach. In their hands was a container of soup, one of many they had given out that day; and within moments, it was handed to the stranger. "Please, take this. There's plenty for everyone.. and if it doesn't help, I'll find whatever you need."
Another year can the gentle winds of winter be felt across the island. Snowfall accompanies it soon after, blanketing much of the island in glistening shades of monochrome. Breathes unfurl into wispy puffs of white, steam rising up from the hot cocoa that sits in the cool air that keep your hands and body warm with each sip. Winter has come and, with it, another time for activities that promote holiday cheer...
As a note: these activities are separate from any ongoing or upcoming events and you are free to participate in both! Just keep in mind that WinterFES activities do not count towards ranking up because this is not an event.
WinterFES activities are available until January 31st! We will be adding additional activities at some point during this two month period as well!
FIBONACCI WARD
BUILD-A-GINGERBREAD MAN
High-tech meets sweet treats in this customized kitchen. For a price of (dust), citizens of Spirale can use screens to design a gingerbread cookie to their likeness. You can watch machines behind the glass cut, bake, and decorate your cookie as you command. You could make a gift for your friend… or make a cookie that looks like your worst enemy, and bite off their face. There’s something for everyone!
SOUPS UP
For the duration of December a giant pot of soup can be found in the center of Fibonacci. The type of soup changes from day to day, and how it replenishes nobody is quite sure! Regardless it is free for the taking and never dries out. Could this be the work of our goddess Ofiuco? Or could it be something more sinister? (It isn’t more sinister, it’s free soup.)
ICE TO MEET YOU
A station has been set up in Fibonacci where you can come to view and sculpt ice sculptures. If you destroy any creations that are not your own, expect to have all of the Dust emptied from your account you jerk. All sculptures must be safe for work.
COTES WARD
QUID PRO SNOW
Wandering in Cotes, it’s not foreign to see pixies, especially in their playground. However, it seems they’ve invited their frosty little cousins known as frost fairies over to play a few games with them… and you! Making your way into here can land you a pretty sweet reward, given the price you pay. That is, these fairies will be more than happy to make you anything you wish out of the snow and ice were you to give them a small treat or a gift of their liking.
I’M GOING GHOST… INTERACTING!
Traveling through the Forest of Airaisal, one can find a passageway that mysteriously opens up on its own, leading to a path less traveled. Whether you choose to take it or not is entirely up to you. Electing to traverse it, you’ll find yourself in a small, private glen where you will encounter the ghost of your past, present, or future self. Whichever appears is up to you, though once it appears you’re welcome to interact with it as you deem fit. Maybe you want to console your past self that everything will be alright? Or perhaps you’d like to reflect on your present self, or at least the one that exists before you arrived here in Spirale. There’s also the option to speak to your future self, on what they think of you now, or maybe guidance on what might come. The possibilities are endless…
NOM RANCHING
Visitors to the ward, especially around the Eternal Tree, will come to find magical marshmallow treats that appears to be causing chaos due to magical means! Whether it’s pelting themselves against passing visitors, knocking precious things over, or merely just circling about as a chaotic distraction, it’s clear the only way to keep them in check is to capture them and have a sweet treat so they don’t overwhelm the area. Hopefully you came with an empty stomach and a sweet tooth, to boot!
GOLDEN WARD
SNOWFLAKE SCAVENGER
The Mermaid Cove Mall planned on having dancing snowflakes as an attraction, but it seems the snowflakes formed a mind of their own and… danced right off of their displays! Deciding to salvage the situation, the mall is now making a game out of it–find five of them and bring them back to the desk, and you win a gift card! Watch out, though. The snowflakes are notoriously hard to capture, and seem to take your own strengths into account… This won’t be an easy task!
XTREME ICE CHALLENGE
The ocean shores of the boardwalk have become completely frozen and boating is no longer possible nearby. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had there! An obstacle course has been made for the daring complete with icy ramps, jumps, and obstacles.. Come with skates or without, but the organizers take no responsibility if you slip and break your nose.
SILVER-WHITE WINTERS
For the duration of WinterFES, Spirale University is offering a different selection of classes related to the season. There are knitting classes where you can learn to make mittens and scarves, latte art classes to help you decorate your warm drinks for the season, and general classes to help you learn to wrap presents like a pro!
ARCHIMEDES WARD
CAROLS OF THE BELLES
On evenings in the Archimedes ward, ringing through the streets from the Calliope Theater courtyard, you’ll hear voices as lovely as the singers using them. A chorus known as the Winter Belles begin their lovely lyrical lineup, and the concerts are free to attend. There are also a few open slots to join them, as long as you attend chorus practice.
CRYSTAL FUNHOUSE
This large palace is made entirely of ice, and from the inside, one can hear chimes through its halls. Inside are several attractions: a mirror room, a hall full of beautiful ice sculptures, a complementary shaved ice bar for those crazy enough to eat them in this weather… But follow the chimes, and you’ll enter the ballroom, which is completely dark save for the tile floor. Each step you take makes a note that sounds most like you, and the ballroom lights up to the tune of your very soul as you dance across the floor… …What would happen if two people danced together?
YOU BAKE IT YOU BUY IT
Throughout the Star Trail, many stalls have been shifted around in order to make a large area for those who wish to put their skills to the test in what seems a continuous bake off. Not only that, but it seems they require volunteers to be the judges of the savory sweets that are gonna be pumped out throughout the days. Fancy yourself an excellent baker who can blow the socks off of any taster who tries your dish or those who wish to place their palettes to the test? Well, have a seat and be served… quite literally!
MISTWOOD
TERRES-TREE-AL DECORATING
Once more, a safe passage has been made into the Mistwood, leading to an area called the Traveler’s Garden. Some might remember the need to plant more trees and won’t be surprised to find that those planted back in Spring have now sprouted rapidly and is ready for decorating! Those who planted them can find them in the same spots with several boxes around them full of holiday decorations to get them decorated and ready to shine bright for the snowy season. Oh, and no worries, even if you weren’t able to plant one back in Spring, you’re still more than welcome to help decorate them!
TIS THE SKI-SON
In a clearing that breaks off from the decorating, various large hills of snow have sprung up from out of nowhere. Trekking up to the top or taking a ride on a few snowmobiles manned by some island residents will reveal that it’s a makeshift ski and snowboarding attraction! Once fitted with one of your preference, as well as given a safety helmet and goggles, you’re free to slide down those slippery slopes and show off to your pals. Or maybe you’ll just biff it as you catch sight of that rumored dragon in the distance as you ski on down!
SWIRLING GULF
SOMETHING SEEMS ICE-FISHY
While the Swirling Gulf can still be accessed, it would seem that a large portion of the waters nearby has been magically frozen over in a thick sheet of ice that can be reached with their submarine transportation system, allowing many people to walk with ease across it. Several holes have been drilled into it as well, allowing people to partake in ice fishing! Though a various amount of fish can be caught, there is also the risk of danger that you may be (un?)lucky to find a murderous large fish at the end of your line. But that could just be a rumor, right? No way there’s some large ghost fish or dangerous sea creature that you could reel in, right…
SNOWMANNING THE FORT
Deep below, found in various areas of the sunken city such as the Mainland, Coral Bay, and even near the Kelp Forest, snow that never melts has been brought down and packed into areas where many can build snowmen to their liking. Laced with bioluminescent qualities that offer you any type of color, you can make colorful creations come to life with ease. Not only that, but once completed, the snowman will imprint the emotion belonging to its creator, expressing itself in an exaggerated display on how they currently feel. Whether they’re the happiest they’ve ever been or happen to be a little Scrooge-y at the time, these snowmen are ways to express yourself from the bottom of your heart.
THE CITY OF GLASS
ONSEN AND OFFSEN
Recently, there’s been some magmatic activity closer to the surface on the back side of the volcano… suspected Nuee Ardente Society activity. Nothing (too) dangerous, though, and in fact, it happens to be below a spring source, turning the small ponds and water pools around the area into hot springs! Despite the snow blanketing most of the rest of the island, the areas immediately surrounding the pools are kept clear, mainly by the hot cocoa vendors who are taking advantage of this sales opportunity. Be careful, though, because the magma flow isn’t constant, and the temperature of the water can fluctuate in either direction, for better or for worse.
JUST THE WAY YOU LIGHT IT
Leading up to the natural tunnel that gives access to the renown Garden of Ash, many might take note of a beautiful array of lights and colorful flowers that are laid out like a path into the garden itself. It’s highly encouraged to take this path at night, where many hand strewn designs light up in the dwindling hours, also illuminating the various plants which grow in the ashen soils, all while making the already falling ash even more snow-like to fit the snowy landscape the island has become. Some of the lights can even reflect of any glass in the vicinity, creating an almost kaleidoscope effect that can take the breath away of onlookers.
SUNSET CIRCUIT
RINK AROUND THE CIRCUITS
While more daring skaters might take fun in Golden Ward, more casual goers might find a bit more joy in the ice skating rink set up on the shores of Moon Beach where the waters have been frozen over and smoothed out. Even more alluring, the ice beneath seems to have a mesmerizing array of glowing colors that light up and forms into playful patterns beneath the ice to the beat of the current playlist. Whether you bring your own ice skates or have them provided, you’ll be sure to have a blast gliding along the top of the neon colors!
SNOW FUN ALLOWED
There’s a designated arena, full to the brim with snow that never seems to run out, dirty, or melt. Events take place not only throughout the day but also well into the night, with the arena being well-illuminated even at the darkest of hours. A good portion of the arena has been set up with barricades and obstacles for the ideal snowball fight zone, with regular switches between free-for-all or team games; the remainder has been sectioned off to protect any poor bystanders from errant deckings in the face, and is much more for making snowmen, snow angels, or any other sorts of snow activities you can think of.
SKY-STREWN ISLES
AN UPLIFTING WINTER FAIR
Life has gathered from far and wide to partake in a wintery celebration that spans the entirety of The Uplift. Snow falls from the sky and gathers on the area's many steps, and it would be quite a tumble if you were to slip and fall down them. You can find all manners of stalls, selling things from warm treats to winter clothes and toys. The perfect place to take a partner or friend to in order to enjoy some hot cocoa!
DON'T LOOK OUT BELO(H NO!)
Because of the colder, snowy weather, steep slopes and ramps have formed between the isles and have been repurposed for the Ultimate Skiing Experience. Just keep in mind that you are jumping between flying islands, and there is absolutely no service available to save you if you fall. That means it's best you have wings, levitation, or know someone who does to come with you!
THE ECHO
CAROL OF THE (C)OLD ONES
Even the Abyssal denizens in the Echo seem to be in the festive spirit. Taking the new crystal elevator in the museum lobby leads visitors down to the depths of Abyss, letting them out in a place that looks like a banquet. In this 360 degree crystal dome, the shadowy monstrosities outside the barrier begin to manifest... except they all seem to form a choir of beautiful, ethereal voices. As guests have dinner in the dome, they may see the shadows put on spectacular light shows in the darkness, like stars in an ever-present void. This is a formal event, dress for the occasion!
This may be his first tree decoration in a long, long time. He has to admit it’s painfully nostalgic and yet at the same time, it’s a sweet memory. Bittersweet. That’s the word. He chews on the inside of his cheek and takes a moment to pause when he feels the all too familiar present of someone he has been intimate with on numerous occasion.
“Hm~,” He hums with a growing smile. He’ll shove the migraine down and he’ll push away the growing pains, “If it isn’t my favorite person.” THAT is the truth. Eiden has got to be one of his favorite people.
Amidst the raging snowball fight that was unfolding before him, Lloyd noticed a familiar face in the crowd in need, and acted without so much as a second thought. Grabbing the plastic sled he’d been using as a shield, the brunette slid across the slippery surface; blocking the onslaught of snowballs from absolutely pummelling Eiden. When they died down for just a brief moment, he turned to the other; offering him a hand off the ground.
“You alright, Eiden? I figured you’d be good at this sort of-- whoa!” and there went another snowball, flying right over Lloyd’s head. “C’mon, I made a fort over there we can hide behind! Let’s run!”
❛ 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑, ❜ You begin, fox tail swaying gently as the cold flakes of snow continue to fall all around you. Winter is a season when humans find joy in playing in the snow. You find joy in watching each snowflake glisten and fall to the ground. Their unique patterns are deeply interesting to your mind. ❛ Have you ever partook in playing in the snow? ❜ It's a simple question (and totally not a front to push him face-first into the snow). 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐗𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐉𝐔𝐌𝐏 𝐍𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐍𝐎𝐖, So it's not as if you are unfamiliar with the joys it can bring. Eiden seems like the type to be rather in touch with his inner child, so you would not put it past him to roll around in the powdery substance, build a snowman, or even have one of those "𝐒𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒". You never found those ones fun.
❛ You seem like the type that would stay out until you were foolishly sick~ We can't have that happening now. So do make sure to use your brain if you get cold ❜ Maybe since you are in such a good mood right now, you'd even let him be warmed by your tail. Only if he asked though.
He hadn’t at all anticipated something like this happening when all he had wanted to do was take a casual walk through the Cotes ward. Maybe take in some scenery, spend some time looking around since he had hardly had much of a chance in his first visit into the area…
But peace isn’t what he finds.
Instead, the moment he gets closer to the large Eternal Tree, something pelts his head — and another, and another, until it’s a whole group of the living marshmallows staging an assault on the poor unsuspecting vampire.
He has no clue about the audience he has either, only able to swat away the apparently living sweets, bristling and letting out a displeased hiss in their direction as he tries to get the annoying pests to let him be.
“Agh! Someone help me stop these things!” He’s now trying to cover his head with his hands as he runs past his onlooker.
Normally he might ask more nicely of any bystanders but right now he’s pretty aggravated...
His summon had brought them to the Garden of Ash — and due to the timing, the reasoning was as clear as the glass from which the isle’s title derived. in order to fully embrace whatever it was he had in mind, Saber had taken the precaution to avoid any news about happenings within the area. Something there had spurned him to deem it a suitable attraction for them to meet. They hadn’t spoken about it, not properly, the disaster at Savior’s Respite. And if the past month had made anything crystal clear to the king, it was that communication was necessary.
A skill she’d been failing at, just as the days of her life. So she had mulled it over, still debating how to approach the subject, and without spoiling the outing he had planned. But to avoid any further missteps, she might need to dredge it from the shadows.
"Were you waiting long? I thought it appropriate to arrive a few moments earlier than the arranged time, but you yourself appear to have shared the idea”.
Ever since he had set up shop, venturing far out into Spirale was becoming rarer and rarer for Rinnosuke. Today just so happened to be one of those rare exceptions.
He had never been to Spirale University before now, and on one hand, the abundance of so many people (primarily younger folks) made the man feel inwardly happy to see that even here, so many people cared about receiving a proper education. But on the other hand, with how crowded it was, he felt vaguely uncomfortable. It was nothing like the amount of people or atmosphere you’d find from a temple school— and even from what he’s been told of high schools by Sumireko, he still felt unprepared.
It hardly felt like he even left the city, really.
But, his discomfort aside, he was suggested to come visit at some point— and so here he was now. Consulting the university’s office, it fortunately wouldn’t take him too long to find the classroom where Raine had been teaching at. Fortunately, by the time he arrived, it seemed as if her lecture was coming to a close.
Opening the lecture hall’s door, he’d hesitate as the student’s eyes quickly fell on him, before shifting to Raine once more— his presence even catching Raine off guard by the looks of it. Perhaps he should have texted her ahead of time that he was coming.
As such, Rinnosuke would slowly shut the door. He had the feeling waiting outside for her to finish was the best for now... and so, Rinnosuke did.
All while admiring the Christmas decorations adorning the hallways— which were fortunately for him not as busy as the university’s courtyard.
