Equinox Event: Eggs, ego and endearing endeavours

[shardofwinter]

It's the Spring Equinox in many of the planets linked to the Nexus. The beginning of Springtime gaiety, flowers, longer days and a break from the persistent snow. All through the Winter people have been grumbling about the cold. More than a few have been cursed for their blasphemous words and utter lack of appreciation for the wondrous work around them. For the longest time the thought of Winter's end kept many mouths shut and encouraged people to enjoy the sparkling spectacle surrounding them. Now, however, it's starting to look as if Spring isn't planning on coming to the Nexus at all. In a place that should be dotted with blossoms and daffodils by now, it still looks suspiciously like the dead of Winter. It acts like it, too. Fog, ice and bitter storms kicking up at the drop of a hat.

Reynard is keeping a close eye on his domain. Unlike his mortal, jovial self, his eyes are sharp and cold, his smirk cruel. Perhaps it's the time of year, but he is particularly on edge. Local flower shops all suffered a devastating loss during the last storm, and an increasing number of accidents appear to be happening to sappy couples or anyone carrying eggs around, chocolate or otherwise.

After dealing with a particularly irritatingly cheerful resident, Reynard has had enough of these upstarts thinking they have the right to demand anything of a Season. With a supernaturally loud voice he informs the Nexus, "Settle into this world of Winter! It's going to be like this for a long time to come!"

Comments

Egg Painting: It Begins

[adadlyfellow]

The gentleman in the suit never intended to get near a seasonal turf war. He's just been innocently setting out a big table with paints, dyes and baskets of eggs all ready to paint. Snow or not, it's that time of year and a dad's got to do his duty for the kids!

The hardest part was just putting up the tent over it. The ground around here is icy.

He's unzipping another holdall of art supplies when Reynard makes his grand announcement. Dad looks up with a puzzled burble, half a dozen paintbrushes in hand. He doesn't think that's how seasons work, Mr. Mustache!

Dads of the Nexus, unite!

[bestdadinamestris]

What is it with Winter in the Nexus? It doesn't seem to want to let go at all. Hughes is all but bristling about it when Reynard's voice booms through the Nexus, though his only acknowledgement of it is to roll his eyes. Really, sir, you sound like his four year old when she doesn't want to go to bed on time.

As he's passing through, though, he can't help but take notice of the tent - and the strange... octopus? setting up the egg-painting supplies. Curiosity overtakes his desire to get out of the cold and he wanders over carefully, smiling as he approaches.

"Need a hand?" Wow. Dad jokes already?

[shardofwinter]

That's how the Seasons work in this Seasonal spirit's head. He's none too happy to see the tent going up, let alone the eggs and the paints all set up for them. His rising fury halts and changes to amusement as an idea hits him. With a crooked grin, he invokes a little Winter magic.

Let's see how people like painting eggs with all the precarious icicles dangling at the entrance, and the snow piling on the roof of the tent, gradually weighing it down more and more.

[rift_magic]

Perhaps it's the naturally egglike shape of his bald head, but After his conversation with Reynard, Solas has gone from an uninvolved agent in the seasonal battle, to an interested party. He can understand a season doing what it exists to do (after all, spirits are themselves very much the same, being compelled by their natures to act in ways that befit their simple personalities), but that doesn't mean he has to tolerate the inconvenience for himself nor the pointless suffering and injuries of others when he can easily offer a hand, either. It's a small detour from his ultimate destination, but he doesn't expect this will take long.

"Good afternoon," he greets, approaching the tent filled with fun crafts laid out for children. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Despite his detached and utterly adult demeanor, he appreciates the idea of fighting Winter in this pacifistic way. (Part of him might also have a secret appreciation for skillful crafts.)

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia is quick to seek out the Winter spirit when she hears his voice.

This is it. This is their chance.

She lowers herself into a bow of deference at this feet before standing to meet his gaze. "Whatever you need, consider it done." A short, thoughtful pause. "But if you have anything that might aid me in this, I could do so much more..."

[shardofwinter]

Their eyes lock when she rises. There's an element of suspense, as though he might suddenly curse her despite her allegiance, but then he grins, steps back and looks her over. He waves a hand and, although it's chilly, she will find her boots replaced by white ones with a subtle, elegant design that shines in the right lighting. "That should do for now. You won't be hindered by ice or snow. You'll be quick on your feet, and the dusting of snow that follows you shouldn't be a problem in this beautiful landscape."

"All these people will their Easter eggs, dancing and bright colours... We need to bring back the feeling of Winter, my dear. Nothing less is allowed."

[mayfairmonster]

Dorian doesn't care for politics. Unfortunately for him, his side in this seasonal battle has already been chosen for him against his will: fresh-faced and red-cheeked, he carries the Spring with him like a mantle of renewal and warmth. Perhaps this is why he's being buffeted so mercilessly with chill winds and finding so many patches of ice in his path.

Who, or what, could want a cold like this? He's going to try and find out.

Shivering, he wraps his coat more tightly about himself to shut out the wind, and turns down an alleyway in the direction he thinks he heard the voice coming from. He's wrong, of course. Instead, his path takes him straight into the heart of the Nexus where the snow and ice are most concentrated, and those looking to preserve Winter are working their mischief.

And so it begins! Muahaha

[rogueinladysclothing]

Poor Dorian chose the wrong day to walk about the Nexus. The chill winds have been pushing around a lot of snow and the more conscientious denizens have taken to clearing the paths for people to walk on. Which leaves large, fluffy snowbanks everywhere.

It's almost as if Amelia can sense him before she sees him, rounding a corner at a speed far greater than anyone should be able to manage in the icy conditions. Her usual cloak and rapier have been left behind someplace safe, which makes the light, musical tinkling of her hair pin all the more noticeable in the Winter quiet. Dorian should have just enough time to turn and see a tall, lithe woman, clad in black leather armor over her wool-blend clothes and her long, dark hair pinned up approaching.

No chance he's getting out of the way before she reaches him, grabs him by the arm, and subsequently throws him by said arm into the nearest snowbank, though.

Winter Survivalist

[brother_alone]

This suits Joshua just fine.

He's got on all his layers today. Shirt, flannel, jacket, and hat as he wanders through the streets. If Winter lasts here then it's almost like time is standing still. And if time is standing still, then it's easier for him to ignore his troubles for another day. Easier to focus on just surviving.

Get snow to melt, gather firewood, find something to eat.

Josh can do these things. Prefers to do these things than to spend his time trying to change. To live.

[westfallcorndog]

Well here's a normal-ass guy who looks like he's neutral at the very least about this whole endless Winter deal. He's dressed for the weather, but he isn't trying to cause chilly havoc or paint eggs with a very normal father.

The last two times Harrowheart approached people with the intent of spreading Winter it hadn't gone well. Steve was sent inside like a child, Fortyskey melted his face off... Basically, he'd had better days. So maybe it was time to be cool nice? Maybe even to a stranger!

He approaches with... quite frankly, it's impossible to tell what his expression really wants to be. His unblinking eyes stare lidlessly at Josh, while his lipless, exposed teeth hint at neither smile nor frown. His burned hands, skeletal and clawlike, are bound to the wrists where they belong, so at least that shock isn't there... But is that really any consolation?

"Hey," he grunts. Deep down he's trying to be friendly. He really, really is. And yet...

[dembonyhips]

"Oh sure, an eternal fucking winter, REAL FUCKING ORIGINAL. Get your fucking sorry ass back to Northrend or where ever the fuck you came from, asshole!" Congrats, Reynard, you're getting flipped off by a skinny dead girl who's probably a hundred pounds soaking wet.

[westfallcorndog]

Au contraire, Fortyskey, it is you who is being flipped off. Harrowheart stands in his cliché Scourge armor, red cape billowing at his side, snow up to his kneeplates. One of his pale white hands is floating before him, casually flippin' birds that do not herald any Spring migrations.

"Get wrecked, Forty! Northrend forever!" he shouts. He's grinning smugly, amusedly. This whole thing is hilarious and fantastic to him.

[juststeverogers]

"Forcing things to never change only reminds us that nothing ever lasts forever."

That's an awfully stern and disapproving voice from someone so small and non threatening. He's even more slight than Forty is and he doesn't even have magic to back up those words.

"How's anyone supposed to appreciate winter as a season if it never goes away? You have to have change to appreciate anything otherwise you take it for granted."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Go back inside, Steve."

Amelia's voice is quiet, but commanding, as she approaches Steve from behind. She's dressed in far too little for the cold, though, if one doesn't know her clothes are wool-blend. No cloak, but at least she's wearing gloves and a small scarf. No hat over the top of her pinned up hair, though.

"As your friend, I'm telling you now - get out of the cold while you can."

[pathfromdarknesstogrey]

So there's someone responsible for this bullshit? It really shouldn't surprise her in the slightest, she's heard of weird Force powers, and even weirder forms of weather controlling technology and lord knows what else.

As such, Dia is pissed. See, before, it was irritation that this was a natural phenomena that would pass. All this has done? Has given her focus, and clarity of thought. Dia Starfall is not someone to take this lying down or hiding.

There's a thrum of raw force power as she draws from the depths of the Force, an she gestures outward with a shout, pushing back against the wind with raw telekinetic force. Although she does an admirable effort, she's still just one person. Even if it's throwing the winter's chill away from her, more than a little.

[rogueinladysclothing]

The feeling of power draws Amelia's immediate attention. This one will mean a fight, a real fight. The thought makes her grin.

As she slides around a corner and spots the source of the power, Amelia's immediately glad she's behind Dia rather than in front of her. That much force against her frame would likely have knocked her on her ass and that's the last thing she wants right now. Still, the seems woman distracted enough for Amelia to get close without a fuss. She skates in and, at the last possible moment, drops low and swings a leg out at Dia's ankles. With any luck, the kick will connect and she can take care of this Spring desiring nuisance swiftly.

Winter Rescuer

[smartass_captain]

Aw, Hell. Someone's gone and pissed in Reynard's snow cones again.

Jim didn't come to the Nexus today to get PTSD flashbacks of Delta Vega, but apparently that's what the universe has in store for him right now. The snow is thick, almost angry that anyone would dare wear something as bright and colorful as his command golds.

And the sudden blizzard conditions have a different concern on Jim's mind than what season its going to be. He needs to make sure no one's stuck out in this weather.

The Imperial Neutral Zone (for now)

[conjuredskies]

For those neither seeking a fight nor striving to coax out the Spring, the Imperial Legion's desk is still open for business. Felix is on duty today, call it good luck or ill, but he has no intention of suffering more than he has to. He's got a nicely built-up brazier either side of the desk, and he's gone so far as to summon a flame atronach to keep station beside his comfy armchair.

Every so often the burning elemental skates in a graceful loop around the desk, melting away the snowfall to leave a clear space. Only a little bank remains directly around the desk, where Felix has patted it into a neat windbreak for his legs. These things matter when your uniform includes a knee-length skirt.

Hood pulled over his head and satchel of cold-resistance potions close to hand, Felix is content to spectate with sharp eyes and a bottle of wine. He's not an unfeeling monster, though. He'll share if anyone stops by.

[smartass_captain]

Okay admittedly when Jim started to worry about these sudden white out conditions, the first person he started worrying about was Felix. He knows the Imperial's dress code includes skirts and this is not bare leg weather for any creature.

Finding the Legion's desk is more luck than planning and by the time Jim gets there he looks almost half snowman, for the amount of sticky wet snow Reynard has had pelting after Jim wherever he went.

"Hell, I don't know why I was even worried about you." Jim laughs and shakes his head as he starts trying to get the snow off of him.

neutral for now / feel free to bother the bear though

[icebearforpresident]

[Polar Bears are naturally fond of the cold, but polar bears that act like humans might have different quirks. Specifically, Ice Bear has built a large igloo near the parklands, away from the main forum area. The bear has taken the time to cook up some food in his ice house, namely some stew. One might catch him either sitting inside the igloo, stirring up a new batch of food, or sitting outside in the snow, looking up at the sky. Either way, his snow home is open to visitors looking for a warm meal or somewhere to stay during the sudden cold season. Either way, the bear seems pretty neutral about all of this for now.]

[shardofwinter]

While patrolling the Nexus for Spring-like activity, the igloo and bear catch Reynard's eye and he makes his way over, the cold air and snow following like an attentive audience.

"You look to be well prepared for the Season."

[long_live_msf]

Snow removal is a nearly sisyphean task, but a handful of soldiers are hard at work shoveling around the Plaza. They're clad in olive drab BDUs with patches that might be familiar to anyone who's run into Kazuhira Miller. Some spring-hearted soul has stuck blossoms in the barrels of the guns slung across their backs and at least one stoic-looking man grudgingly wears a flower crown.

The best these men and women can do is spread rock salt and pile up dedicated mountains of the white stuff. And if the task wasn't difficult enough to begin with, a gaggle of Nexus children wage guerrilla war, creeping in to carve out forts and wreak havoc on neat piles when the soldiers' heads are turned.

[hellburger]

Part of the reason for the soldiers' determined work ethic is the watchful eye of their commander. It seems like he's gotten to be even more of a taskmaster in his artificially old age. He mostly remains seated, but occasionally does a slow, hobbling circuit to smack a soldier with his cane if he determines their break is even a moment too long.

"I want ever last bit of this miserable white shit gone!" Miller barks. "And while you're at it, keep both eyes peeled for that Shakespeare-looking asshole!"

Choose Your Own Adventure: Ice Skater or Ice Hater?

[westfallcorndog]

While Amelia and Reynard might be making winter less hospitable to life, Harrow decides he'll try a different tactic. He's already had his face burned by a warlock for aggressively supporting the season, and he's sent one of his best friends to hide out in the safety of a warm building... But why not try to make winter welcoming? Skeletal and uninviting as his own visage is, he's out there on the streets of the Nexus creating reasons for people to remember why this season is the best (and should last forever and ever, amen.)

Flowing sweeps of his arms build icy handrails connected by chains of ice along slippery roads and ramps for pedestrians to catch their balance if they start to fall. Icicles grow in all directions from the lights of streetlamps, sending their bright rays to illuminate sparkling pinpoints on the sides of buildings, trees, and snowbanks. He's even encased a few topiaries in thick frost; the poor man's ice sculpture.

His latest and greatest endeavor, however, is his attempt to build an ice rink from a small park pond. He kneels at the edge of the already-icy water with his burned hands on the surface and focuses intently on thickening and smoothing the sheets of ice by infusing it with magic. This ought to be fun! Surely everyone will support him!

Ice skater with these two!

[youmeandpokemon]

[Melted faces do not stop pokemon friends from showing up, especially ones who gave them ice cream! While Harrowheart is trying to freeze the lake, he might notice a small tree moving over to the water's edge. Suddenly a small storm of ice starts to rain upon the pond, and Harrowheart might feel his powers getting a boost from Snover's Snow Warning skill.

As for the adorable pig Swinub, well, he's kinda helping by lightly dusting the nearby trees with Powder Snow. Hey it's the best he can do without knowing powerful Ice type attacks.]

THE CHALLENGER

[ixis]

All told, the weather suits a wizard attuned to each element just fine. Snow and ice are as familiar to him as his own limbs, building blocks and material for his own works. Anywhere snow goes, so goes his own mastery.

But this endless season does not sit well now that it's clear it's the manifestation of another's will. The ice is treacherous in more ways than just lending poor footing; if it's part and parcel with this fop, who's to say he can manipulate it as need be? And far be it from Ixis Naugus to share a mantle of power with anyone.

He strides into the Plaza proper, staff in hand, flames at his feet. Each step melts whatever is underfoot, scorching the ground beneath. He cannot bring spring but he can certainly end winter. A stiff wind buffets the wizard, whipping at his cape and beard as he issues a challenge:

"Face me, then! No single creature can be lord of the Nexus!" Unless it's him, of course. "I defy you, Winter!"

[shardofwinter]

"I shall tell that to any creature I see." He appears behind Naugus, naturally. Hands draped lazily over the rapier hilt at his hip, ice spreading from where he stands and covering up the burning tracks Naugus leaves.

Though he initially watches with a cold, merciless glare, Reynard tips his head upwards to appear faintly amused. "But to challenge Winter is to challenge a force as old and powerful as the Earth. Something which holds countless aspects under its sway. You might want to reconsider." Beat. "Assuming you have any sense, that is."

He punctuates that with a large, not-quite-friendly grin.

go team spring (*•̀ᴗ•́*)و ̑̑ !

[dreamofpaprika]

Paprika is a lover of all seasons, but it's pretty disheartening to see snow and ice instead of sun and greenery on the first day of spring. She's not about to let that ruin the day, though. In order to commemorate the changing of the seasons, she's braving the elements to hand out tulips.

Anyone who walks by will be greeted with a smile before she questions what color flower they'd prefer.

go go team spring

[therubyrival]

[There seems to be a green-haired boy who's trying to traverse the Nexus and he's really not enjoying all this reoccurring cold weather (blame a lingering illness on that), so seeing the girl and her flowers cheers him up almost immediately. He walks over to her carefully, making sure not to slip on any hidden patches of ice, before answering her question politely.]

"Your flowers are very pretty. I think the red ones are the best, since the color reminds me of my friend's cape."

Spring Means: Free Concerts!

[notalldead]

Even though Jesse has been quite put back by the prolonged cold in the Nexus, no one could blame him for not making an appearance or putting up a fight. He was caught out badly once before by the random blizzards, so him being present in the Nexus at all is a huge risk to his welfare. There IS some activity near the chained and spray-painted subway station, but it's probably just a few brave Rotten moving trash from their tunnels to be carted away by any passing Nexus-goer who wants to snag some free junk. It's happened in the past.

They're always quick to scurry back into the tunnels, not liking the cold anymore than their leader does, so all that's left of their work is some...standing lamps? That's sure what they look like. Oh well. Maybe if others do their good work, the Rotten will be able to freely-

Wait. Those 'lamps' have extension cords trailing back down the tunnel. And after an hour, it's made clear they're not lamps at all, but rather standing electric heaters! A patch of snow has melted in this time, letting the Rotten dart back out and hurry to set up what looks to be a make-shift stage, some speakers, instruments...

And that's when the illustrious gang leader jogs his way up the steps, guitar in hand, clad in his usual attire. No dressing for the cold this time, not if they wanna usher in the next season properly! Getting prepped is done quickly; they had plenty of time to tune up back in the tunnels as they waited for the heaters to do their work.

A quick mic and sound check is all it takes before an all zed band starts playing a bright song about chasing the gloom away with Jesse on lead guitar and vocals. Who knew the guy would play AND sing!

[smartass_captain]

There's a familiar voice in the Nexus.

Jim can't help but laugh when he sees the zeds performing, clapping along and even going so far as to keep an eye on those space heaters on the offchance someone is going to try and knock them over.

He'll even toss a tulip onstage he's gotten from a certain lady selling flowers upthread while whistling when they've finished their song.

Hats, Gloves, and Scarves for Sale!

[rumormonger_nya]

You know who isn't just giving stuff away for free?

This entrepreneur of a cat demon sitting in a cardboard box with a myriad of winter wear hanging over the edges of the box on all sides. Her tip jar is stuck prominently in the snow.

Neko herself has a knit hat with space for her ears on and a huge down comforter folded in the bottom of the box that she's sitting in. There may or may not be heating pads stuck in between the folds. Out of sight, of course.

Neutral newbie is neutral! And trying to eke out some kind of survival here.

[springlocking]

Charlie is nothing if not cautious, and getting involved in what looks like powers beyond the ken of mere mortals such as herself? Yeah, she'll be neutral for now, thanks. There is literally nothing she can do, so she's just gonna try to get supplies to wait this out.

In her exploring, she's managed to pick up two winter coats (one for herself, one to trade), a crowbar, and some warm-looking strips of cloth. She isn't sure how she got the crowbar, but heck, it'll probably come in handy. She's already got one of her own in the trunk anyway. The cloth is also pretty useful, for that matter; she's already rigged up hand coverings with some of it. They're far from looking professional or anything, but they work, and that's what matters most.

Right now, she's at the car she was in when she got to the Nexus. It's not too big, but it's a decent shelter and sort-of base of operations...especially since it's got two flats and won't be going anywhere soon.

When she sees someone pass by, of course, she asks: "Want to trade?"

Have another neutral trying not to be snowbound?

[auspex_caelo]

Stratos has been trying to work back to the main plaza, having been caught on the outskirts of the wilds when Eternal Winter was declared. The cold doesn't bite as deeply as it used to for the mage, but he was tired to begin with: after a couple of hours or more trying to slog his way against snow and bitter winds even he is damp, chilled and entirely sick of the Nexus' fickle weather.

It doesn't help that his legionary armor includes bare arms and a skirt that doesn't quite reach his knees.

He's aware that he's passing another person, but it's not until she speaks that he stops, peering at her from under his cloth hood. Aside from that his uniform looks quasi-Roman by Earth standards, all leather and segmented steel. He's not carrying a sword though, just a sturdy satchel at his side.

"What are you offering?" he asks, raising his eyebrows as if she can see that.

[rift_magic]

Although relatively new to the Nexus and a mere observer of the conflict unfolding today, Solas can't help but interrupt.

"A very selfish and pointless wish, indeed," he comments, neither knowing nor caring that the booming voice can hear him or not. "Fighting the changing of the seasons is like fighting time itself: Such foolish endeavors will only end in exhaustion and failure. You may as well be sifting through desert sand for water to drink."

It's almost hardly worth commenting on something that seems so obvious and absurd to him, but the particularly bitter cold is making his choice of footwear (that is to say, none) hurt in a way it almost never does. Frost nipping at his toes, the extra little grain of annoyance from that means he's more willing to let loose with the disdain for what's happening that's there beneath the surface.

[shardofwinter]

"That is the wonder of this place." Reynard appears, one hand on his hip, leaning on his elbow against a nearby tree. All very casual, and with a voice that now half the Nexus knows. "Time is a tricky thing here. It moves strangely. Having it stall, or stop, is a small feat compared to most worlds. I am sure that from here you could find a desert with plenty of water to drink, too."

Finalé Thread - Come at me, bro!

[shardofwinter]

The attempt to get glitter and yellow paint off of his coat hasn't entirely worked. At least he doesn't smell of egg, though. Despite the small signs of small defeats, Reynard is standing proud in the centre of the Plaza. Far too many people are getting far too many ideas about spreading Springtime cheer.

Drawing his rapier of ice, Reynard amplifies his voice once more, making it reach the furthest corners of the Nexus. In contrast to his first announcement, this one has a particularly strong growl to it. "Spring has no place here! Anyone who acts otherwise will have to face me! This is your final warning!"

As he speaks, the wind kicks up, a blizzard starting, mimicking the fury in his voice. This time any sign of resistance will be attacked swiftly.

[sumarusfinest]

That sounds an awful lot like a threat.

The snow melts and hisses as a figure emerges from the limited visibility. Officer Suou is surrounded by a halo of blue light, pistol drawn. This has gone on long enough. Pranks and mischief is one thing, but threats on the public is another entirely.

It would seem he too, is done playing games.

"Stand down, North. I won't tell you again."