#first snow meme

[asktheseawitch]

❄❄❄ *is lobbing snowballs*

The sudden fridged impact against the side of her head caused an audible gasp from the witch. Hastily she observed a familiar shade of brunette disappear behind some cover before more snowballs followed the same arch as their predecessor.

With quick footwork, Serena managed to finagle her way out of the onslaught without being hit. From there she made her way behind some brush.

Rya has no idea what she’d gotten herself into.

Creating plenty of amo for herself, Serena moved as quietly as she could, a challenge in itself in the snow, before making her way to closer cover. The sound of crunching alerted her to the fact that Rya had a similar idea.

And so they danced across the glistening white battlefield, ducking and dashing, shots were exchanged but narrowly missed their mark. Catching her breath behind a tree, a most mischievous idea came to mind.

Serena shifted and with one graceful beat she was airborne. She was no fool, working in the gunfighter’s element put her at the strategical disadvantage and so, by changing up the rules, the zoan shifted the odds.

And with all this powdery ammo blanketing the ground, there was a blizzard coming straight for that smug vixen…

[asktheseawitch]

@askyuivalanaki 🍵(Valerie)

Serena was deep into her current project when a knock on the door broke her concentration; gentle and even in pace. Before she reached the door she had a suspicion on who it was but when a pair of emerald green eyes welcomed her upon its opening, her hunch was confirmed.

It was Valerie who was patiently waiting in the hallway armed with a cheerful smile and hands playing with the seam of her dress in anticipation.

“Ah, Valerie. May I help you?”

“Hi! Uh…well, I could help but notice you’ve been working for awhile and I was wondering if you would…like some company?”

The witch couldn’t help but be enamored with her empathetic offer and let the young woman through with a smile. Her workspace had its trademark blend of herbal scents and earthy color pallet that welcomed all who entered. However, paralleling its inhibitor, it too held its potentially dangerous secrets and, it was for this reason, no one was allowed access without permission.

“The usual?” Serena called over her shoulder.

“Yes, please!” Valerie chimed as she made herself comfortable on the soft loveseat along the wall.

Humming was accompanied with the preparation of drinks; putting a small kettle over open flame while grabbing a few mugs Serena kept on hand. Next she riffled through some jars that perched upon her herb shelf along the adjacent wall until she found what was looking for. Into the mugs came a few heaping spoonfuls of a rich coa-coa blend that was apart of the witch’s secret stash.

Within the next few minutes, two servings of hot chocolate were placed between the two, fresh mint leaves accompanying the flavor.

[asktheseawitch]

🌁+ Thatch making hot chocolate for them, after they had spend a day in the snow.

@thatchtheawesomecook

Both Thatch and Serena made their way down the winding slope, back to the docks. They were still brushing off a layer of powder after an “accident” that had resulted in them both rolling down an embankment (if she was going down then she was taking the cook with her). Yet the mood was still light as they made their way on board the Moby Dick. Happily, they greeting brothers on deck, however, they were both eager to getting inside where it was warm.

When the opportunity suited them, they made their way into the kitchen. On the way, they hung their wet winter gear in the mess hall to dry. Thatch held the rotating door of the kitchen as the witch looked over her hat.

 “It’s going to be a bit until this thing fully dries”. she mentioned, perching on a crate that held dry ingredients for that evening’s supper. “Ya, sorry about that!”, a chuckle came from over Thatch’s shoulder, him rummaging through the cubboards.  

“The only thing you’re sorry about is that you got caught up in your own prank.”, the shot came back, a smirk on Serena’s lips. The cook responded with an exaggerated mime of a wound to the heart, throwing a kettle onto the stove, “Hey, hey now. No calling me out on my well-executed bluffs!”. Hardy laughter could be heard from both parties echoing in the expansive kitchen.

And so they chatted until the kettled called, Thatch whipping together his own blend of hot chocolate. Serena was about to grab a mug when her companion pulled out a bowl, milk, and a variety of other ingredients. Hand-made whipped cream, huh? The man really knows how to treat a girl he attempted to push down a snow-covered hill. Once finished, Thatch used his whisk to put a dollop of cream into each mug, handing one over to Serena. 

With proper thanks, the young woman took the mug before carefully sipping at its contents. It was delicious as always and would warm them both up quickly. Things were quiet as they both enjoyed their mugs. That was, until the witch got a mischievous spark that seemed to amplify when both Thatch and her were together.

“So Kanrya, huh?” The audible gulp she heard from Thatch was beyond satisfying. “Wha…What about her?” came the cook’s attempt at a casual response.

“Oh, no no no, my dear cook.”, the cream mustache on her upper lip would have typically been cute but, as those lips peeled back to reveal a mischievous smile, it brought about a different feeling. “I know that revenge is traditionally a dish served cold, however, I believe that today I’ll try it warm…”

[asktheseawitch]

🎥 (with Izo)

@my-muses-in-op

The two were initially planning on heading to town to run a few errands. ‘Were’ being the key word. Seeing as, once they made their way on deck, they observed the spectacle that was a massive snowball fight. Every single brother on deck must have been participating, fridged powder being flung in every direction. No one was safe.

Serena turned just in time to witness Ace take a snowball to the back of the head. It did result in a chuckle out of her but, by the time she looked back to Izo, the only thing that seemed to move were his eyes as he scanned the situation, the rest was stock-still and calm. She even took a moment to watch his chest. Was he even breathing?

“Perhaps our trip could wait until this is sorted out?” His comment broke her concentration, eyes catching his as she looked up. Serena nodded in agreement before moving to head back below deck. There was no way that she was going to get him off the ship given the circumstances and more so there was very little chance of actually stopping the free-for-all; with just a few days before Christmas there was very little to be done besides play. 

As the two figures made there way through the lower halls a voice called out…for Serena? That was unusual considering the company she was with. The witch turned her head to find Curiel peeking around a doorframe they had past a moment ago. “Ah! Serena, just who I would like to see! The men and I are still practicing for the big Christmas Party and some of them are just not feeling it, you know? So…uh…could you come and erm do the thing?” She blinked at the request, flashing a sheepish smile towards Izo for it more or less tipped her hand at how often she snuck away to come listen to the band play. “Oh, sure thing! I’ll be right there.” The witch responded, making a light bow towards Izo before dismissing herself where the 10th commander just disappeared moments ago.

Entering the room, she took in the space; decorated to the nines for the holiday season. She eyed the band across the room, Curiel just then situating himself with his instrument again before giving the young woman a ‘thumbs up’. She returned the gesture and the music began, the instrumentals to “Let it Snow”. A smile immediately lit up Serena’s face, as naturally her feet began to slide to the beat. 

The slightest movement caught her attention as she found Izo situated in the doorway, curiosity must have motivated him to stay. She did her best to shake off the blush rising to her cheeks and instead focus on other thoughts. Such warming up with her crew after a day in the snow or singing carols with her sisters of the coven; things that she cherished most about the holiday season. As she stoked those feeling of appreciation and nostalgia, she let down that shield that kept those to herself letting it expand across the room. As it did the music took on new life, slowly but surely, as it created a sense of unity between the musicians. 

The witch found herself singing along, mostly to herself, having the slightest bounce to her dance that trademarked the basic foxtrot. That was until she felt a presence behind her. Turning she was surprised to find Izo behind her, hand extended and the smallest smile gracing his features. So much so that she almost forgot the next line to the song. Almost. 

“And since we have no place to go, let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow~” she sang, a little quieter now, reaching out to give her hand. There was a small amount of doubt that this is what he wanted but, the moment she was fastened into the warmth of his hand, he gently closed the space between them. His other hand rested on her upper back as was the traditional stance before leading her off. Gracefully he lead her around the room, twirling and turning to the music while Serena didn’t know whether to feel impressed or surprised. Given, it was common knowledge that the 16th commander could dance but she had yet to actually witness it let alone be a partner. However, between the gentle brushing of their torsos and the reassuring lead, Serena dismissed the question for later. Instead wanting to fully enjoy the experience. 

On the other side of the room, those musicians that could were poking and prodding down the line until the last brother got the message. With a smug grin he broke away from the group just long enough to turn down the lights. This left the two to dance away amongst the garland and candle lights.

[asktheseawitch]

👥 for our muses to go for a walk in the falling snow

@askhildon

It was pure chance that Hildon was running an errand in the area and, luckier still, that Serena caught him flying overhead during the early morning hours, towards the end of her watch shift.

“Hildon!!” She projected from the top of the rigging, delighted that he had heard and was coming down to meet her.

The two met on the main mast, the witch ushering her friend into the crow’s nest for a chance to warm up. She was hardly the type to pass up a chance encounter and so throughly enjoyed when she had them with Hildon. They both exchanged formalities but that quickly gave way to cheery tales of past adventures and the therapeutic calm that results from catching up with a friend.

And, as conversation died down Serena found herself looking out the windows of the nest, taking in the last moments of the moonlight veiling the snow in a glittery silver sheen. Soon enough the sun would rise, creating a whole new spectacle with the powdery canvas. 

“You know, we could always continue this visit outside. Would you like to take a walk with me?” the bat asked, practically reading the young woman’s mind.

“Huh? Are you certain? We could stay here in the warmth, if preferred.”, Serena replied, regaining eye-contact.

Hildon flashed a enthusiactic smile before heading towards the door, “I insist, besides, it’s about time that I head out. I would very much like some company on the walk to town”.  

Tempted by the offer, Serena took a quick look on deck and was happy to see the kitchen lights on; Sanji was already up preparing breakfast. “I would be happy to accompany you to town. Just allow me to tell my crew where I’m going.”, the zoan concluded, opening the door for her friend. And, almost as if on cue, snow began to silently descend from above, making for an even more lovely walk.

[asktheseawitch]

🍵

First Snow Meme: Closed

@ask-the-marimozoro

In the late afternoon, Serena found herself exhausted on the floor on the crows nest. Every breath felt like swallowing fire and most of her limbs were trembling. Even so, she was diligent in cooling off properly, slowly stretching while on the floor.

“Ah, not bad for a afternoon workout.” Came the satisfied comment from her green-haired crewmate. Barely even panting, he set down a pair of oversized dumbbells before joining in her stretching.

This man was insane.

Given, she always thought something along those lines whenever they exercised together but there was no doubting that his methods worked. And, as long as he was safe and able to perform his duties, she couldn’t complain just how much the swordsman pushed his limits. That was Chopper’s job after all.

“Hey, fly down to the kitchen and get the crappy cook to make us up some tea would you?” Zoro said over his shoulder, his body too contorted to properly turn at the moment. Whether it was the way her lips pressed together or how her shoulders cocked in retaliation, but the swordsman could read her tell. That moment just before the witch was going to fire off a sassy quip. “Do I look like-“ it started before being interrupted.

“Huh, you know what? I think we accidentally skipped 3 sets of sit-ups.” This time it was Zoro who was interrupted by a cold gale of wind that resulted in the door of the nest suddenly being flown open. Smirking, he turned to find Serena’s cloak missing and a fresh set of footprints in the snow leading off the railing of the crows nest.

[asktheseawitch]

❄ throw a snow ball at your muse (giggles)

The cold ball of powder made impact on the back of her cloak, leaving a white mark as poof of the hit. The giggling shortly after told the witch exactly who was responsible. To be fair, there wasn’t many other options unless the squirrels and other wildlife wanted a piece of her. Lamy was kind enough to keep her company while she collected bark and hardy, woody plants of the woods near the Sunny. Though apparently the freshly laden snow was too much of a temptation for her.

With well-pivoted footing, Serena turned around to face her attacker. A bright smile shielded by some mittens greeted her in turn. Cocking her hip to the side, she discarded her cloak onto a nearby bush before chasing the young woman down, pulling her down into the piles of snow with her.

The witch fully accepted the fridged consequences of her actions but that was the reasoning behind ditches her cloak. She would need something dry for the walk back to the Sunny.

@ask-trafalgardwaterlamy