Topic: Yuletide

Storm Divine

Date: 2007-12-24 15:03 EST
"Just a little further." Storm called out, hitching her thumb to the left. Hearing the sighs of many, a grin tugged at her lips as decorations were adjusted. "There. Perfect."

Her eyes moved from the decorations to look for Avery. Her search relaxed as she spotted him with the Dawson triplets, playing some sort of tag. Her eyes narrowed on his bare hands, but she sighed and let him continue to play. Gentle snow was falling all around the realm where all Elementals could celebrate the Yule in comfort and merriment.

"Looking forward to the celebration?"Anton asked as he came up behind her. They mirrored each other, with gloves, scarfs, and the warmest clothing they owned.

"It will be a nice time to celebrate more than Yule." Her eyes moved back towards all the boys, "Your boys will wear my own before his bedtime."

He chuckled, "Oh, they enjoy his company. Luke said that your flame-haired husband should bring Avery around more often."

She laughed, full and warm, "Did he? Perhaps Father will let Avery stay for some time after Yule." The memory of the bloodied note rose, but she tucked it away into the back corners of her mind. Avery was safe with her here, and Ewan was safe from at least the troubles of RhyDin.

"Do not tell my lads until you know. They may bother you all the more."

Storm purposely rolled her eyes, before she grinned, "I believe it. Let us go make sure everything is in order, hm? I am sure Renan and Kiara could use some help."

He sent her a look from her tone with 'Kiara', but he nodded and waved for the children to follow.

((Supposed to be posted on December 23))

Devin Archon

Date: 2007-12-24 17:07 EST
Devin whirled in place as a group of children ran past him, laughing and chasing each other. He recognized the Dawson triplets and then Storm?s Avery, and as they passed by two more children joined in the game. A rare unguarded smile broke across Devin?s face as he followed the shrieking group with his eyes. After a moment he followed the tracks left in the falling snow to their source.

It must have been a rather odd sight to see him walking through the snow, with the accumulation on the ground melting in his footsteps only to re-freeze. He was wearing a pair of boots and thin linen pants ? that was all ? and as falling snowflakes came into the circle of gentle heat he radiated they melted. He was spangled with raindrops in the midst of snow, and minded it not at all.

Yuletide decorations covered the gathering place, and Devin paused to study them, with his hands on his hips. His expression was lighter, and he appeared much younger as he grinned with sudden mischief. His eyes sparkled quickly from brown to gold, and suddenly false sparks danced along the highest decorations ? light with no heat to endanger the gathering. Satisfied with the effect, he looked down to see Storm and Anton walking off with the children continuing the game of tag even as they followed. Devin hastened his steps somewhat to fall in next to the pair.

?Are you ready for the Yule??

Storm Divine

Date: 2007-12-26 12:57 EST
Before Storm and Anton heard the voice, the use of a Fire's gift nearby brought their eyes up just to see the end of the sparks in their parade. Few Airs that were around setting up other decorations around rooftops shielded themselves from what appeared like harm. Anton's eyes went to the gathering of children, his triplets taking action in their young adult age to keep them close and safe. Once Storm saw that the sparks meant no harm, her eyes moved to find their source, and she matched it with the voice and the body coming up to join their walk.

Devin's appearance had her eyes narrowing, and despite herself, a faint smile tugged on her lips. "We almost are, yes. It is good to see you, Devin." Her eyes did not move from his face, but she managed to look him over. She tried not to smirk or roll her eyes at his lack of clothing. No matter how many times she was surrounded by Fires, their choice to use little clothing irked her every time. "Though it is a surprise for you to be playing such pranks after your recent mishap." She raised a brow then, wondering if her knowledge her knowing would surprise him.

"But it was clever all the same." Anton said with a grin and a wink. He reached over to pat Devin's shoulder in welcome. "Glad to have you helping us. We were just going to see if Renan and Kiara were having any difficulties with their job of keeping the insides of the shops warm. Care to join us?"

Devin Archon

Date: 2007-12-26 18:49 EST
Devin's face grew harsher for a moment at Storm's quip before he relaxed his expression into a charming smile. "Ah, but my pranks are under my control, and not meant to do more than startle and amuse. I'm glad there are some who have the sense of humor to appreciate that." Devin dropped a wink to Anton as they neared the shops, the charming smile broadening to a true grin.

"And of course I'll help Renan and Kiara if they need it, although as Guardians I expect they've got the task well in hand." His voice flattened as he mentioned the Guardian's names, and it was unclear if the faint traces of antipathy were directed at Renan or Kiara - or neither one at all. It could just as easily have been frustration or imagination.

"It's good to see you both as well - there hasn't been much socializing in the Fire Realm of late. It seems that all the life and boldness has faded away, and left nothing but caution behind." And there was certainly frustration layered in that remark - more than he intended to reveal. He shook his head with another charming smile and turned the topic of conversation back. "The decorations are beautiful - did you arrange the overall plan, Storm? Or was someone else?"

Storm Divine

Date: 2007-12-27 02:42 EST
"Well, with only the two of them in charge of all those shops, I am sure your help will save them time." Anton explained as they continued on their path. A whirl of children started to run across and past them, most hovering above the ground, and Luke holding on to Avery so that he could join in the lifting. "You be careful with Avery, Luke Dawson." He gently scolded, though Luke along with his brother grinned widely over his shoulder.

Storm watched as Avery's face held volumes of enjoyment, though Devin own quips had her grumbling under her breath, "Humor is subjective." She was certain that Xavier's and Korigan's influence on the Fires had installed some automatic disliking for her. That, or they taught their realm to be ill-mannered, sarcastic, and too confident. However, Storm had heard that Devin was a great influence to his people, despite his anger flares. So, she pasted on a smile and remained polite. "I am sure that under the circumstances, we have all been under great caution. This is a good way to build anew."

At the aspect of Storm being in charge of the decorations, Anton laughed bright and full. "Storm does not have the patience, time, or creativity to organize all of this. Thank the Goddess Patrice has taken the celebration under her hands."

Storm chuckled, and gave her fellow Guardian a hearty shove, "I can be creative if needed be. But no, we should all be thankful that this is not my obligation. But come," she added as they came into the area of booths and shops, "Let us see how we can finish up the day so we can rest for tomorrow."

Adrienne

Date: 2007-12-27 13:49 EST
The early afternoon still had gentle snowfall as many Elementals gathered to celebrate Yule. Trees were decorated with glass shapes and different crafts made by adults and children alike. Shops of all different trades were busy with people looking for items or simply seeking warmth and peace from the chill outside. Somewhere within the marketplace were musicians, their area spelled for warmth so that their fingers could move to the rhythm and beat with ease.

Adrienne walked around with simple contentment as she watched the playings of the day. There were several games and competitions throughout the day, as well as booths that allowed children to make different crafts. She came upon one of those booths now, this one decorating logs to either be saved or burned later. Spotting a familiar blond head despite the many layers of clothing, she came to rest her pale hands on Avery's shoulders. "Making a log for the fire, Avery?"

He looked up to see Adrienne, and was quick to slip out of his chair and wrap his skinny arms around her. A slow smile appeared as she returned the hug, but he was quick to release her and shake his head. "No? Are you taking it home with you?" He paused, shrugged and tried a series of signs to her, none of which she understood. So she smiled, and leaned to press a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Well, I am sure it will be of good use where ever it goes. Do you know where Storm is?" He turned, and pointed to the large gathering at a fire where made logs were being burned. "Thank you." Another last smile to him, before she started for the large gathering.

Storm Divine

Date: 2007-12-27 16:13 EST
"You made two?" Cornelious asked Storm as he tossed his log into the growing fire. Despite the fire's warmth and size, it did not melt away at the snow around it.

"Yes, I will burn one now, and will wait for Ewan to come home to burn the other. Avery is making one to take to a friend's house later as a gift." She had already set her own log away, and so the one in her hand joined her father's as it was tossed into the fire.

"That will be nice then. When does he come home?" His gloved hands reached out in hopes of warming them by the fire.

"A week, maybe two." She managed to shrug nonchalantly and keep an easy expression on her face. "Whenever he finishes what he needs to."

He studied her, but said nothing on the topic. He let his eyes roam, seeing many of the Guardians huddled around the fire. Laurin and Renan appeared to be engaged in a passionate conversation about glass, and it had his lips curling in its corners.

Storm however, spotted the oncoming Water, and she smiled brightly. "Come to get warm by the fire, Adrienne?"

"No, just passing by. Avery is still making his log."

Storm looked past the taller woman, her eyes easily landing on her boy. She had watched him stay in his spot for almost the past hour trying to perfect his design. "Why do you not help him? It was yours that won, after all."

Adrienne's laughter was light and blended with the gentle snowfall, "And give away my secret?" But she gave a small wink, and headed back for Avery to see if she could help him with his log so that he could go out and play again.

Storm watched for a few moments, before looking back to the fire. "I am going to go look in some of the shops. Patrice said I should take something home. Preferably something that she made." Cornelious chuckled and nodded, before Storm turned to head for the different shops and booths.

Jeremiah Pahadz

Date: 2007-12-29 19:45 EST
Jeremiah was quiet as he stepped out of Jodie's shop, hands easily tucked away in the pockets of his pants. Though he was not terribly covered in layers, there was a loosely wrapped scarf around his neck. He did not mind the solitude during the celebration, he was learning to enjoy time with only himself.

"Jeremiah," he could feel her before he actually saw her. The heat that radiated from her body, the scent seductive and very dangerous. He looked over to her, the colors on her clothing - what little there was - reflected the celebration of the Yule. And how, he wished that he had not noticed at all. Without giving Kiara another glance, he turned to walk down the cobblestone street.

"Wait, please I-"

"Jeremiah!" He nearly sighed with relief at the sound of Storm's voice. He did not think he could tolerate whatever Kiara had to say. "Come help me find something to spoil my husband." His face was fill with relief and gratitude as Storm tucked her hand under his arm. He found that he could put one foot in front of the other as he started to guide Storm into a shop. He felt eyes on him, and turned to see Adrienne watching the scene out of the corner of his eye. Storm then sent a stern warning glance to Kiara, before nudging Jeremiah gently and whispered, "You owe me."

He found that laughter was the best way to let the awkward situation slide.