⛄️ winter catchall

[hearthwarming]

❄️ who: oriphi & others
❄️ what: closed starters
❄️ when: winter
❄️ where: various
❄️ warnings: will add as needed

Comments

💧🐺💧

[hearthwarming]

[ It feels like a quaint, wintery afternoon on the Mori farm...

Ori's shop is closed today so that she can prepare for what will undoubtedly be a frenzied month, what with everyone's impending weddings looming on the horizon. She's been spending it in her greenhouse to urge plants and flowers to grow quickly with her druidic magic. Yes, it's a quiet, peaceful afternoon, with just her and her flowers in her greenhouse...

...until from just beyond the glass, she sees a a giant, 10 feet tall water wolf, with her boyfriend scruffed in tow. And watches as it crosses over their now-empty garden and dumps the man at their front door.

She would be immediately coming out of the greenhouse and running over, but with a 7 she manages to trip on her way out... (Which hopefully gives M-21 enough time to hide... something—) But soon she's on her feet again and making her way over, not even bothering to take off her gardening apron and gloves. ]

M—!?

[ Ah, the water wolf is gone... Wait, what happened to his shirt!? ]

Wh— What happened? Are you alright?

[feralheart]

Ori? You're home?

[ Ohhh, he should have timed this better. In his defense: M-21 didn't anticipate being ferried home by a gigantic wolf. He should have had plenty of time to tuck the feather in the pocket of his coat or something. But no.

He fumbles it in a panic at the sight of her, jamming it quickly behind his back, hidden in one large and still-furry hand. It hasn't occurred to him yet to transform back as she comes dashing over to him. ]

...I'm fine. It's nothing.

[ Nothing, except him being soaked and shirtless and as fully transformed as he gets, sitting in a clumsy sprawl at their front door. Very normal. ]

[hearthwarming]

I've been in the greenhouse...

[ Wait. That's not important. He's— he's fully transformed, which she hasn't seen before. She feels as if he wouldn't have transformed unless there was an emergency or something dangerous, so she isn't convinced at all. She also feels that this is certainly A Good Look, but she won't say that out loud...

Instead she kneels down beside him and reaches out, resting her hand gently against his chest, where skin meets fur. ]

...But you're transformed.

[feralheart]

[ M-21 straightens a little as the realization sinks in. He hadn't transformed back into a human while he was flailing pointlessly against the water wolf, and now she's seeing him in his full semi-monstrous form for the first time. She's probably seen stranger as an adventurer, but... he studies her expression a little uncertainly. ]

Yeah. I, uh...

[ His smooth lies are evading him a little when "I just transformed to try it out" doesn't really explain the wolf. He gives a little huff. ]

...Was fighting that wolf thing. [ ... ] Don't think it's coming back.

[hearthwarming]

[ What he'd find in her expression if he looks and thinks hard enough isn't any kind of fear or hesitation. It's worry. Worry over him, as her gaze roams down his body in search of. Um. Injuries. Definitely just injuries...

Her brows hitch up at his answer. ]

You were fighting it? What for?

[feralheart]

[ Definitely just injuries, right? She can feel for herself that he's just fine. As much she wants. He relaxes a little as he watches her watch him, stretching out a tiny bit under her regard. ]

It started it. [ Sort of?? ] Got in an argument with the goddess. We've never gotten along.

date date date date (Winter 11-ish?)

[feralheart]

[ If M-21 thinks back through the whirlwind of the last few weeks, he would probably have to admit that they've gone about this exactly backwards at almost every step. Was it really his very first meeting with Oriphi where they talked ideal dates? And then the auction had thrown those plans into disarray, and then before he knew it they were dating— engaged, and that still feels incredibly unreal, even if the ring is a concrete proof to the contrary.

So maybe there's something a little ridiculous about planning this after their engagement, and with the chill of winter already rolling in. But getting married shouldn't mean having to give up on dates, right? And besides, with the frenzy of weddings coming up, it's all the more reason Ori deserves a weekend away to get her mind off of work. With his werewolf strength returned, M-21 doesn't even feel the weight of a pack filled with things they'd need for the weekend and a hiking lunch. But he's already sniffing the sharp mountain air a little skeptically as he looks between the path and Ori. ]

...Maybe we should head for the inn first. It's not supposed to snow, but...

[hearthwarming]

[ Their relationship truly doesn't exist on any kind of linear progression. Far from it. But at the same time... That feels just right for them. They don't need an extended, shared history together or a conventional courtship to know that they both feel so strongly about one another, to know that they can chase happiness together, hand-in-hand. And for Oriphi, who's spent so much of her life worrying herself out of everything... It feels nice, to just go for something for a chance. And gods, she's glad for it.

Luckily, she's entirely unbothered by the idea of hiking in the wintertime. There's a certain charm about it, too, and especially in knowing that a relaxing time in the hot springs and a weekend getaway awaits them at the end of it. It'll be a wonderful way to recharge before the next few weeks of work and celebrations. When M-21 suggests they head straight to the inn, though, she can't help but glance at him with a questioning look. ]

Hmm? Don't you want to take our time and enjoy the hike properly...?

[ Ah. Wait. She tips her head to one side and squeezes his hand, with a fond but teasing smile on her lips. ]

You're just trying to get to the hot springs right away, aren't you? Cheeky wolf...

[feralheart]

[ The thoughts flicker across his face transparently and in rapid succession — first, that he hadn't planned that at all, but secondly now that she's said it... ]

The weather's right for it.

[ He's not putting too much persuasion behind it, though. They'd talked about the hike for a while, and it's always been part of the plans. There were some nice views on the route he picked.

...But there were also bound to be some pretty nice views in the hot springs. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ At least two nice views, even,

But the fact that M-21 is either stoically inscrutable or going through an extremely perceptible face journey is, in fact, a charm point as far as Ori is concerned. She's smiling expectantly all the while, and then laughs when he finally offers a verbal response.

At length, Ori just shakes her head and urges them along the path, swinging their arms as they walk. ]

We can enjoy the weather while hiking, too. Besides, I have a surprise for you for later, but we have to earn it first, okay?

[ Whatever could it be... Could it have to do with a few frilly things she snuck into the pack on M-21's back? It is a mystery. ]

[feralheart]

A surprise?

[ He's definitely glad he snuck something for her into the bottom of the pack, too. If he got all the way out here just to be caught empty-handed by that, he'd really be needing to demonstrate that werewolf speed. ]

Hah. Alright. But if we get caught in a blizzard on the way, that counts, right?

[ As "earning it," whatever this mystery is. M-21 glances down at their hands with another little smile to himself. So much for looking around at the view, although the mountainsides still have a nice dusting of snow from the blizzard the day before. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ She just smiles at him. Yes, a surprise. Another little laugh bubbles up out of her when he mentions the non-zero possibility of a blizzard, and she shakes her head. ]

Yes, that counts. Though it's too bad I didn't prepare a "control weather" spell for today...

[ Does she mean that? Can she actually control the weather with a spell? Another mystery. In any case, she draws in a deep breath and then exhales, her breath visible in the crisp, wintry mountain air. It feels nice - nicer because of him. ]

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. It's been busy, and it's just going to keep being busy, so... Thanks for taking me away for a little bit. But it really is incredible - so many people are getting married! Including us!

🌲 winter 16

[hearthwarming]

🐛 before— bug eater farm

[hearthwarming]

🌷 kaspar

[hearthwarming]

[ Unfortunately, it's rather early in the morning of the 16th when Ori arrives to Bug Eater farm as previously agreed-upon. Though she had wanted to keep her and M-21's elopement to themselves, well.. Sometimes she talks. And the two who live on this farm are close confidants and neighbors whom she trusts deeply, besides.

She takes her dress out of its garment bag and hangs it somewhere once she's let in, and takes a deep breath as she lifts a hand to her chin contemplatively. ]

Is... Is this too much? Should I take out some of the flowers...? A-And what should I do with my hair? I thought to wear it like I always do, but maybe I need to do something special?

[bluminescence]

[ Kaspar returns with her hot drink of choice in hand. It is offered to her, but his eyes are drawn to the dress almost as soon as he's sure he isn't about to spill any drink when he leans over. He turns as soon as he can, accidentally highlighting one of the hair ties she gifted him. He's only just passed his threshold for his hair to be long enough to look nice loosely pulled back. They both know how much idle time gets dedicated to styling it.

Should his hands be freed of her cup and small plate, mismatched in color but not spirit, he will approach the dress to carefully adjust the way it drapes. Notably, he's made sure his hands are clean. His veil is also in his room somewhere behind them, innocently minding its own business.

Her dress is pinker than the decor behind it, but the flowers are not out of place with the plants in the room. They've put a lot of care into the place. He hums before he answers, having taken it in at his own pace. But by then, he turns to face her and reach for her hair to fuss over it briefly. Then, eyes back to the dress. His tone is warm, content expression saying more than his words. ]

It's perfect.

[ He can already imagine a few options, eyes following the length of her hair. Kaspar decides on a braid as he moves to gently sweep her hair to one side if she lets him. He's patient enough to not interrupt a drink. Her hair has always been a joy. With a smile and slight tilt of his head, Kaspar drops his hand.

It is a good thing it's only gotten easier to get the words out, after so much time spent in the shop. ]

Though, I believe, what matters most are your feelings for one another. You possess beauty within and without, whatever you choose. Effort would be required for you not to look lovely..

[ The sentiment is genuine, but all the same she probably knows his subtle look of well intentioned desire to make something look nicer by his own hand. Less obvious by nature than the first time they met, since he is sober. Still, the quiet anguish of an aesthetically motivated eye lingers on her hair-- ]

... May I?

[hearthwarming]

[ Even as small as the gifts are, seeing her cherished friends here using them always fills her heart warmly, and this time is no different even in the midst of her pre-elopement jitters. In fact, the sight of Kaspar with the felt flowers in his just-long-enough hair does wonders to calm her thoughts, to disrupt what otherwise would have been an anxious spiral with a precious little feeling. And it's with that feeling that she takes that proffered hot drink of choice - a cup of tea, for this morning - and watches as Kaspar examines her dress.

Ori truly went back and forth on her selection of dress; her first instinct, of course, was to go with something incredibly plain or to not dress up at all, but... Maybe after seeing some of her other friends preparing with their dresses, she thought that she ought to do something a little different, too. M-21 deserves that much and, miraculously, Ori has recognized that she deserves to feel special on this important day, too. Kaspar's words only solidifies that belief further.

So of course she lets him sweep her hair to the side. After their time working together, she's come to trust him deeply. Though she tends to trust easily regardless, there's a different, special sort that comes from cooperating to achieve things together, the same kind of trust she's built with M-21 while they worked on their farm, with Trahearne as they worked on gifts together, and with Otegine and Amber and Kaspar who have been helping at her shop, whether as one-offs or as a part-timer. With it comes the inescapable, wonderful feeling of watching each other grow - and this holds true for Kaspar, especially. She listens, as always, to every word he voices and offers, and treasures it in her heart.

Her lips curl against the rim of the mug, and she hums appreciatively in response. ]

Of course, Kaspar. And... Thank you. You've always voiced your feelings in such a beautiful way, but... I really needed to hear that, I think. It's so easy for me to worry about everything else that I can forget about what's the most important...

[ In this case, that being her and M-21's feelings for each other, the pledge they are about to make. ]

To be honest, I think M-21 would have been fine even if we'd gotten married at home in our pajamas or something. [ A chuckle. That would have been sweet in its own way... ] But I want this morning to be memorable in its own little way, too... [ And she goes on, albeit more quietly because she's not sure how much Kaspar knows about her husband-to-be: ] He doesn't have a lot of memories, so I want this one to be one that really stays with us...

🌿 trahearne

[hearthwarming]

[ After Kaspar has finished with her hair and she has her dress on, she finds Trahearne, already wringing her hands and pacing around nervously. She's so relieved that he and Kaspar were gracious enough to let her come over to prepare, at least. She doesn't know how she could have done any of this on her own, as much as she might have wanted to in theory... Hopefully M-21 is managing fine on his end, too. But... What if she shows up to the spot they'd agreed upon, and he's not there? What if he changes his mind?

What if, what if, what if? ]

T—Trahearne...?

[pactmarshal]

[ Trahearne is sitting on standby in the dining room, slowly sipping his coffee as he reads a book. He has very little input in the way of appearances, as evidenced by how he is...not. going to dress up for his own wedding. Or anyone else's. Someone will have to pry his leaves off his cold, dead body--

When he hears Ori's voice, he looks up, and he brightens. He sets his book and coffee down and strides over to her, beaming, and puts his hands on her shoulders to steady her, get a better look at the finished, well, look. ]

You look wonderful. [ She does!! Kaspar did a wonderful job--of course he did. ]

How do you feel?

[ Like, in the dress. But he doesn't realize it could be taken a different way--the more emotional way. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ And you had best bet that if there is an emotional way to be taken, Ori will sure as all nine hells take it.

As soon as he asks, her lips draw into a thin line, hands balling into fists in the delicate fabrics of her dress. ]

Thanks, but I feel— Oh, spirits. I'm so nervous, Trahearne. I feel like I've rushed headfirst into anything without a care and now everything's catching up to me and I'm— haaah... What if M-21 changes his mind? A-And what if we're under some kind of spell and when it wears off everything is different? And— What if end up being a horrible wife?

[ Please stop her before she keeps going... ]

[pactmarshal]

Calm down, Ori.

[ Trahearne squeezes her shoulders, trying to ground her and to get her to stop fiddling with her dress. Whether she looks up at him or not, he offers a reassuring smile.

He understands her worry, and he feels a bit guilty. That one day they had together must have had a big impact on her, didn't it? Even though he knows it was not specifically his fault, still... ]

When did you start feeling this way about M-21?

🌲 somewhere in the forest...

[hearthwarming]

[ It would have been reminiscent of the morning of their cruise date, if Ori was conspicuously absent from their bed in the morning, leaving only a note...

Today is a special day, however, so instead she somewhat mirrors the very first time they met, gently waking M-21 with a cup of coffee in her hand and a kiss, before telling him that she's going to go elsewhere to get ready (Next door. She's going next door. Kaspar is doing her hair? And also she'd read something about it being bad luck for the groom to see the bride beforehand?) and that she'll find him at their chosen spot, which has already been decorated for the occasion, thanks to a questionable use of a Buff Fairy contract.

Spirits. They're doing this. They're getting married. Today. This very morning. Her heart and mind are both buzzing with all sorts of feelings and thoughts, all of which seem to make for a perfectly anxious Oriphi. But not anxious enough to change her mind - she won't change her mind.

When she finally arrives in her dress and her little cape, her hair in a long braid that tumbles over her shoulder, and a bundle of lupine flowers in her hands, she pauses in her tracks for a moment to find M-21 - her roommate turned boyfriend, turned fiancé, and soon to be husband. ]

[feralheart]

[ The time to be nervous would have been when he asked her — when he fumblingly presented the feather he was poorly trying to hide, rather. There's nothing left for nerves now with everything settled. But M-21 still finds himself smoothing his hands anxiously over his wedding tux again and again as he makes his way to their spot in the woods to wait for her. It's not like he really thinks she would've been struck by second thoughts and dashed off into the trees. But until the moment he spots her standing there in her dress, looking like a flower in bloom herself amidst all the snow, it somehow doesn't quite feel real.

He comes to a halt in front of her, speechless for a second as he stares down at her. He reaches up as if to tuck a strand of her hair back — but it's already perfect, and his fingers hover in uncertainty before he just smooths them down her braid, like it's impossible for him not to touch her. ]

You look...

[ What word even covers it? "Beautiful" isn't even close. "Radiant," maybe, but he falters in embarrassment. Scrambling for anything, he clears his throat softly. ]

...Incredible. We better hurry this up. [ Um, ] ...Before you freeze.

[ Definitely the driving motivator right now. He runs his palms lightly down her arms as though to warm her. ]

[hearthwarming]

[ Maybe she already is frozen, because the moment that she sees M-21, she feels as if everything has just stopped. Like they're not two people who met under such strange circumstances, on some strange island. Like nothing else matters as much as the two of them, here in this secluded little spot. It feels surreal, but at the same time... she wants to remember how this feels forever, and the way her eyes are fixed on him says as much. The way that he's scrambling for words is blessedly lost and goes entirely unscrutinized because she's simply stunned, silent and speechless.

And, while she knows that M-21 isn't a knight in the same sense that she knows... As he stands tall before her - dressed as sharply as he is, gazing down at her with the morning sun filtering through wintered tree canopies, his hand gently, reverently moving down her braid - he feels knightly to her, and perhaps that's all that matters.

...It's not until he moves his hands along her arms that his words even register, that it really hits her that this is really, truly happening, now that they're both here. (And also the Priest Fairy, somewhere.) Heat soon rises to her cheeks as she smiles up at him, unabashed and utterly lovestruck. ]

And you— You look so... So handsome, M. [ Oh, goodness. She can't stop smiling. ] I can't wait to marry you.

[ Luckily, she won't have to wait much longer. ]

[feralheart]

[ The Priest Fairy must be there already (and watching them, and probably tapping one fairy foot in impatience as M-21 gets all the staring out of his system). But for M-21 it's like they're the only two people in the world right now. He brushes the back of his hand over the blush brightening her cheeks and has to fight back a slightly giddy grin.

It's real. She's real. And once they do this, it's permanent, like nothing he can remember in his life. ]

Then let's get that priest to move it.

[ Just for his wedding day, M-21 can probably curb his undiplomatic impulses long enough to not drive away their officiant. At least until after it's, well, official. He finally shakes himself out of his daze enough to reach for her hand instead so they can make their way over to the little(?) fairy. ]