I saw Mommy kissing Samba-Claus (KISS BINGO EDITION) 💋🌿

[beleos]

QIASU (HIGHSTORM)

On December 15th, the marker of the latter half of Takiltu, Kenos comes together to celebrate unity and togetherness, to come together with friends and family, to be kind to others and share in one’s wealth - whether that comes in the form of knowledge, monetary gains, or the exchange of gifts and one’s time. This celebration is an amalgamation of many worlds’ winter festivals, and as such, is known in the two cities as the Year’s End Festival, or Qiasu as Highstorm calls it.

This part of Takiltu is when Highstorm truly starts to hit winter. Snow is a frequent occurrence, but it’s one that the city welcomes, since with the snow comes a few of the most beloved traditions of the city. By far the most popular is heading to Greenwood Yards. The gardens themselves may be either dormant or showing their simpler winter gardens, but you may have noticed an area by the bathhouses left in surprising amount of disrepair… This is because during the winter months, this area fills up with a natural outdoor hot spring! Take a swim under the moonlight, and even explore some of those ruined old manors, now with their first floors warmly flooded. It’s a tradition to bring in your favorite drinks and spend an evening sipping it in a parlor with friends, and to make new ones by sharing your drinks. Of course, do watch out for the ghosts. They’re mischievous more than malicious, but this is their favorite time of the year too!

You can also head to the Great Tree, which is decorated for the season with glittering glass orbs and is the current roost for the pale Moonbugs of Highstorm. Write a wish on a slip of paper and hold out your hands, and one of the Moonbugs will come sit within them. Whisper the wish to the Moonbug and it’ll take the paper and fly away to find someone to fulfill it. Of course, this also means that a Moonbug is likely to come find you! Besides it being good karma to fulfill the wish, you’ll be given a brief vision of the person whose wish you fulfilled and be blessed by the tree for the duration of the month depending upon your Aspect:

• Advocate: People are more likely to buy you meals/rounds and every recipe you make turns out perfectly.
• Exalt: Animals seem to think more kindly of you, and you'll find them much easier to befriend.
• Harbinger: You're given a more silver tongue as your arguments seem to be better at persuading people.
• Iconoclast: You won't be effected by cold weather in any way.
• Savant: You heal much more rapidly from any injury and are generally the very picture of health.
• Stargazer: Your indulgences (whatever they may be) are both easier to find and are of higher quality.

And of course, there’s one more well-known practice in Highstorm, though it’s more of a tradition of Kowloon’s… The Gävle family is a well-known family who has lived in Highstorm for a long time, and they brought a tradition of building a festive Yule goat made straw in the square outside of their businesses. However, it also happens to be outside of Yura Szczepanski’s home. He’ll never do it himself, of course, but if you manage to burn it down? He’ll reward you, obviously. It doesn’t make it any more legal, so those that try generally spend some time in a Highstorm jail, but it’s an enshrined enough practice at this point that not only has it burned down more often than it’s survived, but there’s even a betting pool in Kowloon for whether it survives or not.

Of course, if these traditions aren’t quite your vibe, you’ll also find the city just generally set up for a metropolitan winter. The Antiques & Baubles Market is rearranged to make room for a large ice-skating rink, Tasseography (the coffeeshop by the Tomes) has a seasonal special for a hot chocolate that will fortify you from the cold for a few hours (and make you fire resistant? Weird,), and the city also hosts a full-size gingerbread house that you can indeed take a bite from, to name a few things. Generally speaking, if it’s something you could do in a snowy city at home, you’ll probably find an equivalent somewhere in the city of moonlight.

Be warned, however, if you are visiting from out of town. Highstorm's reception seems just a touch bit chiller than the weather!

YEAR'S END FESTIVAL (SPRINGSTAR)

Springstar will never turn down a chance to celebrate, but eternally Highstorm’s opposite, this is the warmest time of year. With the sun always shining, some days can get near sweltering, but that just means you have a different set of traditions to have fun with it!

The ivy-like vines that decorated the city in the beginning of the month (November) are now in full bloom, and you’re now likely to learn why the Meri consider them sacred. Wherever the flowers bloom, they encourage feelings of warmth and slightly higher inclination for physical contact within those that encounter their magical pollen*. Holding hands with someone by the flowers will give you feelings of liveliness and happiness, and for a few hours, the positive traits of the person you’re holding hands with become more prominent in you and vice versa. These effects do linger a bit longer, since for a month, you’ll also find that being around this person also gives you both a little boost in energy. It’s very sweet! This also comes with a bit of a further game, if you’re at all a frequenter of Psychagogía...

Madame Dee’s hosts a very popular competition simply called Kiss Bingo. Approach the booth set-up outside the brothel and touch your Shard to a special card, and names will appear upon it. From there, the rules are simple. Just give that person a kiss! It can be on their hand, their lips, their [redacted], all of it counts, and once you do, a little kiss mark will mark their name out. Get a bingo, and you can pick from a variety of prizes such as a ticket for a week’s worth of visits at a local buffet, a shopping spree at a nearby store, or a box seat for a day at the Coliseum. Of course, if you’re really an overachiever, fill out the whole card to get multiple prizes. Madame Dee might just give you a job!

With the promise of home that the Meri deeply believe in, they have their own gifting tradition. The Shard-Bearers know best that it’s possible to receive gifts from the Timestream, and for Year’s End, it’s tradition for the Tribune to pull out all the stops. For a week of the Festival, the Tribune works just outside of Heliopolis, and with the help of priests from the Church of Helios, reaches into the Timestream to produce a gift for anyone that comes to ask. This year, however, he's asked Quetzalcoatl and Samba's elves to deliver gifts, but you might not get anything you asked for (or maybe you did!) but they're all gifts the timestream spit out!

On rainy days (or simply the unbearably hot ones), you can also go to Starlight Park, which offers a reprieve from the weather. Inside the dome, you’ll find a idyllic, snowy valley where you can partake in all the natural joys of winter. There’s (highly) competitive snowball fights, sledding, and skiing to partake in, though you might be cautioned away from one slope. Head down that course and about halfway down, you’ll be chased by… a yeti? Luckily it doesn’t seem to be able to harm you, but it’s still shockingly fast and will catch you no matter how quickly you ski. You can also spend a bit of money to rent a yurt along the river for a relaxing and exceptionally cozy glamping experience. Some Yurts are even adorned with the sacred vines. You know, for no reason.

You’ll also find the Meri heading away from the city of Springstar a bit to head down to some of the beaches that surround Springstar. Being an island within an Island (capital ‘I’ meaning the Kenos kind of island), Takiltu is the traditional start of Springstar’s summer season and all the fun that comes with that. The beaches are bustling, but the cool and crystal-clear waters of the ocean surrounding the city make it worthwhile. Surfing, diving, and sailing are popular activities, but just make sure to stay within sight of the shore. It doesn’t take too long to hit the end of the Island and sailing outside the magical barrier that keeps Springstar floating in Kenos’s starscape generally isn’t survivable.

Just be mindful, if you're trying to escape Highstorm's chill for some summer fun, as attitudes are shifting toward bearers in general, and it might not be as easy as it once was.

NOTES

Weather summary for the second 30 days of Takiltu (NOV & DEC):

• Highstorm is out of fall and into winter. While there are some milder days, snow (and heavy snow at that!) is getting more common.
• Springstar is hot and humid, and it's not uncommon for brief thunderstorms to roll through in the afternoon.

Notable city changes:

• Both cities have experienced changing attitudes toward shard-bearers. You will need to be mindful if you want to travel to a city that doesn't house your faction, as things might not be as easy when it comes to getting around.
• Springstar has had an increase in attacks toward it's citizens, and they are often fatal and destructive. Rumors travel among Springstar's seedier types that these are escaping from Ryad, and they aren't being reigned in. That always comes with a flicker of worry.

CODING

Comments

[kaientai]

Of course!

[ ryouma has absolutely no business taking any credit whatsoever for the fact that he already has a ship, but the inherent risk of emotional bleed-through that is being a Shardbearer means he radiates pride in an embarrassingly palpable way. ]

Oh, well— [ when she puts it that way... ] I never thought about it like that, I suppose.

[ should he feel bad for having his hands on another woman — looking at that Exalt sigil — while also thinking about his wife? he smiles warmly, fully capable of holding both of these things in his mind at once; they're separate individuals that he can fully appreciate in their way without taking away from the other — that's one of ryouma's unique talents. ]

I could think of a couple of things in that case.

[tattooism]

[The pride is palpable... and in a way that Kiritsubo is not used to. She is accustomed to being able to「see」karma and energies that cling to the flesh of those she views with her eyes, to her keen ears and her sharp nose being able to pick up on the rest, but emotions? She had kept herself apart, and her emotions to herself, for a very long time. Century after century. Because someone like her...

But this place was determined to have them "share". Determined to share things about them, too, if the strange broadcast was any indication. She is almost annoyed. Her experience with it keeps her own feelings more protected, they are not the same Aspect that can more easily bypass her walls that she carefully conceals as not-walls, but... There was something about him that seemed... Good, somehow. Like it might compliment her so very well. Hmm...]

I recommend trying it.

[She certainly tried a lot of things. She wasn't anywhere near done trying. And if it meant she could lay her hands on that interesting looking flesh...]

What are you thinking about, exactly... ? Now you have me all worked up, imagining...

[Worked up thinking about the tattoo that could result, of course. She's a professional.]

[kaientai]

[ ryouma doesn't mind the bleedthrough of feelings when it's easy. his tune changes entirely when he runs the risk of letting on more than he'd like, however, but he figures (see: hopes) if he doesn't have his guard up all the time, he'll be able to build his walls higher when it really counts. ]

Ahaha, is that so? You shouldn't get ahead of yourself in case you don't like the answer...

[ her choice of words makes him blush, but mostly because he never knows what to say to that sort of thing. good thing he has a question to answer.

he finishes smoothing the lotion over her back, thorough to the last — because it would be a shame if she burned because he missed a spot! or didn't tan? he's unsure how this works — despite the somewhat faraway look in his eyes. ]

Well, it's a pretty big deal seeing as it's permanent and all. You'd have to save that for the most special bonds. The unshakeable kind. There are two people who have stuck it out with me through everything, so I think it's safe to say they'd count...

[tattooism]

I'm a big girl... I can handle disappointment~

[After a hundred years or so, she had outgrown such emotions. Honestly... after fifty or so. With her particular set of abilities, and all it allowed her to「see」in others... she had become what others might consider jaded long ago. Not that she bothered dwelling on that. There were far more interesting things.

Like asking random men on beaches what tattoos they might consider.

He finishes with the lotion, but she shows no sign of officially absolving him of his responsibilities or thanking him for a job well done.]

Of course it's a big deal. I don't work on people who wake up in the morning wanting to do something new or drunks that find the idea funny.

[The names of lovers not destined to last, matching flowers on ankles, intoxicated dares, and little "punishments" from pranking friends... She was not a tattoo artist with a shop front and bills to pay who had to do such work. She took on only what she desired, and only that which represented a person's truth. Putting on their bodies what she could observe in her gifted sight.]

Think about it, won't you~ Most of the shard-bearers here... They aren't lucky enough to find their loved ones in this world beside them, after all.

[And sometimes, memories were not enough. ... She knew that. From the blade down her spine stabbing through a red peony and the flower blossoming over her womb... The man she loved was all over her body.]

[kaientai]

Of course, you can.

[ he laughs awkwardly again, rubbing his hands on his pant legs a few times until the friction makes them feel less tacky from the lotion. ]

It's true; I don't understand why I came here like this, and I only have Oryou's Shard, but I realise it could be a lot worse.

[ he assumes that's what she meant. the second Shard is visible with how he has his shirt partially unbuttoned in the heat, and someone else had known which way he'd Harmonised just by looking. it's easy to imagine she's capable of knowing plenty of things just by looking, too. ]

I heard Yima can retrieve the Shards of loved ones for the people who choose Zenith. I suppose if I'd done that, the three of us could be together, but I doubt we could've lived with ourselves.

[ it would be a lie to say the thought hadn't crossed his mind at least once. it's been a very long time since he'd left the world as a human but the entire point is that he still thinks like one. it's only natural. ]

Your way would be easier in the long run, I think.

[tattooism]

[Is that what she meant? She'll leave it to his imagination. She might not have the True Sight that certain well-Harmonized shard-bearers did, but those dark, deep black eyes of hers could「see」far more than a human's. Not the light of a Shard, but the imprint of a presence, the strength of it revealing it must be close. Anything on flesh was just as clear to her as a tattoo might be.]

"Oryou"... ? What a lovely name.

[No tattoos of names, however. She could read karma and fortunes, she wasn't an omnipotent prophetess. Idly, she slowly kicks her pale feet, curling toes with perfectly painted nails.]

Ah... the Lady Yima does promise that, yes. But the cost is quite high. A world of potential souls for one soul in the hand. What a dilemma.

[... For some people. Not quite as much for Kiritsubo. But no need to advertise that. Her position on that point was.... rather unique. She was aware.]

But lucky for you... As unpopular as Zenites are becoming here, I do still do business in Springstar. If you ever want to call on me~

[kaientai]

It is, isn't it? Plus, we're both 'ryo', so we're both dragons. That's always been our joke.

[ he smiles when she compliments the name, glowing with genuine fondness. he agrees because of who it's attached to and not just because he was responsible for it. ]

I suppose you could say I have a special responsibility, so it makes the choice a bit easier. I took it on a long time ago, but that doesn't mean I get to leave it behind when it's convenient.

[ it's not even his pact with the World he's referring to, but something more important than that. he has to carry on for everyone who never had the chance, and seeing old friends recently makes that stand out in his mind now more than ever. ]

Where in Springstar? Or do you mean you make house calls?

[ which is a perfectly reasonable question to ask, but also manages to feel incredibly forward in a way that makes his ears burn. ]

[tattooism]

"Dragon", hmm?

[Kiritsubo considered herself a citizen of the world, for she had traveled all over it once the opportunity arose, but she was born of and belonged to a certain island nation that Ryoma was himself quite familiar with... and she knew well the ways that names could be written there.]

Not "good"... ?

[龍... 良... Well, she could guess it would be the former just「looking」at him and the shape of that woman's influence on his skin, the sensation of black scales and gentled claws, but. She could also sense something else that made her want to play with those meanings- that "special responsibility", perhaps.

But more clear than her little quip about name meanings is,]

I make house calls~ Putting down roots is not exactly my strong suit, you see... Having one actual studio in Highstorm is more than enough for me.

[kaientai]

[ free of his obligation to hide his True Name as a Servant, ryouma doesn't see any point in prolonging the mystery. ]

Nah, my father had high hopes when he called me "Dragon Horse", but I like to think I've at least done my best to be worthy of it.

[ ryouma has never considered his accomplishments his own, after all. he can be proud of the efforts he's put in — that he's given it his all — but he has always given the wins and the credit over to others to enjoy. ]

It's for the best, anyway. "Good" wouldn't suit someone like me.

[ he doesn't elaborate on that but says it plainly as a statement of fact. he doesn't try to play this one off as a joke, either, but it's a part of his character he'd accepted a long time ago. it's what makes him successful, but he's more aware than ever of what he could be capable of if he ever let that side win. mostly he's thankful that the well-intended hopes of his parents didn't turn him into a liar. ]

I've always hated the idea of settling down, so I get that. That's why I'm gonna live on my ship full-time; I didn't even bother trying to look for another place.

[tattooism]

[... Hmm. Kiritsubo knew the name of one Ryoma who wrote his name with those characters. A rather famous one, actually. But... the karma on this man was not one that aligned with those of her world. Which world, she did not know... but it was not hers. Could it be a similar man... ?

Or, of course... It could just be a name. But she was a strong believer in fate and coincidence both, and so... Would that not be terribly amusing, if it was both?]

Well...

[Is she going to comment on the name, or whether "good" seemed to suit him? She almost seems like she will... But at the last moment, she just smiles, friendly and "innocent" and completely unconcerned about serious things such as that. Why would she care, surely, when its far more interesting that-]

Why, such a sea-faring man! I've been on my share of ships, but... You'll show me yours some time, won't you?

[Just, you know. For fun. She leans her cheek into her palm, glossy lips curling mischievously.]

- But if I can convince you to go under the needle, I must insist you come to my parlor. The sea is far too fickle a mistress for me to do linework on her.