nexus_sages | Winter wonderland

The Nexus has been covered in snow, from the highest rooftop to the lowest gutter. Some of it even persists on the gaudy Nexus sign. Winter has officially landed in the multiverse, and where there's Winter, there's a Winter spirit.

Reynard appears to be making an attempt at being anywhere and everywhere. He's skipping along the rooftops and skating along the path despite a lack of ice. The lakes and ponds in the parklands are frozen over, the windows of houses and shops are frosted, and it's really quite funny watching people try to get through the thicker parts of the snow.

Anyone looking particularly glum will have a snowball flung their way, with some passer-by looking like the culprit. Although someone is already on causing a snowball fight which is an encouraging sign. Occasionally he'll take to making a safe path an ice rink. Only when someone is already on it, of course. He may or may not be putting up the mistletoe too, with a preference for corners and hanging above benches. Certain places carry sound like the mountaintops, with even the quietest word being shared with everyone around. That's not even getting started on all the ice patterns he's spread about the place.

Reynard stops to fold his arms and admire his own work, commenting to whoever happens to be nearby. "Beautiful, don't you think?"

((Feel free to have Winter mishaps and misunderstandings galore here, thread hopping allowed and snow based mishaps encouraged. As noted here, Reynard will be causing trouble for the three months he's a Winter spirit. There is a list of Curses and Blessings here! For those who already looked: Double check as I added a couple.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I have had to fight demons for the sake of my life and that of my companions, to save innocent lives that were at stake. I had to watch someone die because of the murderous actions of those same people who summoned that fucking demon! Don't tell me that I know nothing of struggle!" Her face is flushed and her hands clenched tightly at her sides. She should back down, admit to not knowing as much as a Winter Spirit, but she's never been good at listening to reason once she's angry.

"So you had a couple of fights and saw someone die? Oh how terrible," he drawls, unimpressed but appearing more apathetic than annoyed. "And then I'll wager you got to go back to a large, cosy home with a loving family and eat plenty of food while you leave those troubles behind. How difficult for you. Do you really think that's even half of what Winter entails to many people?"

"I also got to watch the man's son go on a fool's errand of vengeance, with nothing but his hatred and wits to keep him company. Those troubles were not forgotten that first Winter - the weight of them hangs on me still. As something left undone, I curse every day I'm here and not back home. I have much left to do in my world - most of which involves letting my friend truly rest by helping his son."

She takes a long, deep breath before continuing. "I've seen the suffering of others during Winter - the nights with no place to sleep, the days with no food. I have helped some, hurt others. Such is the life I have chosen. Such is the very essence of life."

This time Reynard's eyes narrow. "Do not insult Winter or the Season's participants by saying your trials rival theirs. If you are of a constitution weak enough to make it such trouble, then say. Do not huff and howl about how strong you are, how compassionate, how noble, how philosophical you are. People who make themselves out to be martyrs are both ludicrous and dull."

"No, in fact, I think your disrespect, your ignorance, deserves correcting, since this is the Season for sharing. You truly want to be a suffering wretch? Very well, I'll help you." His bow is mocking and as he stands he waves his hand at her. There is no visual cue for the curse. The sinking feeling that befalls Amelia is the first clue something is wrong (other than the irritated spirit, that is).

Amelia recoils instinctively, her stance widening and her knees bending slightly. When Reynard doesn't openly attack, she quirks an eyebrow. Her curiosity lasts only a moment before the dread hits her. Her jaw becomes slack as she takes another step back. "What have you done?"

Suddenly the streets of the Forum seem too large, the people enjoying the snow slowly looking her direction. Why did they care about her? The ice beneath her feet cracked slightly, causing her to jump.

No. This isn't right. Something has changed. But still, those people, and then the ice? These weren't coincidences. This was all being done deliberately. They were after her.

Amelia's voice is full of panic when she finally turns back to Reynard. "What have you done to me?!"

While her eyes dart about the place, Reynard watches her intently, taking in every inch of her expression. "Given you what you most desired, my dear."

His answer doesn't make sense. What has she asked for? What did she-- Is that snowman turning toward her?

"I didn't ask for anything!" She can't even look at him as she speaks. There's too many things to keep track of. People, snowmen, ice, the strange abundance of mistletoe. It feels like everyone's watching her, like she doesn't stand a chance without her full arsenal of weapons. Breathing is becoming difficult, but she needs to get out. Can she even run on the ice? So many things to consider - and to keep an eye out for along the way.

The satisfaction that comes from her twitchy movements pulls the corner of his mouth into a small grin. "You made false claims and stuck fast to them. Clearly you wanted them to hold truth. Now they will."

She wants to curse at him, to tell and scream about the unfairness of it all. But he's the last thing on her mind right now. The sensation of being at the center of the attention, of bad attention, is overwhelming. The need to run washes over her again and this time, she can't deny it. With one last look of terror, she turns from Reynard and runs like hell.

Winter wonderland

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