awashlogs | Event Fourteen.

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Event Fourteen.

Roses bloom and cease to be,
But we shall the Christ-child see.

t's very, very cold. It's cold enough that you'll see your breath fog in the air before you, that goosebumps appear on your arms and legs and a chill goes up your spine. You're inside, in a huge palace with sweeping arches and rooms, but it's no real shelter from the cold -- it's just as cold inside as out.

There's a throne room, a kitchen, various rooms and even a dungeon to be explored -- and outside, a frigid, frozen garden, a lake that's naturally frozen over, and miles, and miles of snow as far as the eye can see.

But be careful while you explore. The snowflake soldiers are naturally dangerous, but even more dangerous than that...there's that creeping sensation of numbness going up your arm, a pang through your chest, and the slow, slow freezing from the inside out.

Try not to leave any of your friends behind, okay? Even if they might look a bit too uncannily like some of the statues hanging around for decoration when they're frozen over.

Welcome to Awash's fourteenth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs for this event, but please keep in mind the lack of laptop function during this event when it comes to forum posts!

If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!

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Who knows... Maybe it's just an effect of being in this place? Magical cold, or what have you.

[ the good news is that Lupin pretty much never expects Cairngorm to thank him for anything, so he's not bothered by that. Or their complaining. If he was wearing shorts that short in this weather, he'd be complaining, too. As he holds his hands up to the fire in a similar fashion, he glances over at them, still looking a bit concerned. This is hardly a raging bonfire; it probably won't be able to warm them up completely. Realistically speaking, he doubts that anything actually harmful will happen to Cairngorm if they get too cold; presumably, they don't have any organs that could fail or blood to freeze, and the inclusions bringing them to life must be pretty damn resistant to cold if they can't usually feel it in the first place. But he hates to see them so miserable - especially when it's a problem he can actually help fix, for once. ]

You might already know this, but we humans are always generating heat... [ what he's about to propose is pretty intimate, he's aware, but his intentions are actually pure this time - he honestly feels badly for them. Lupin shifts how he's sitting, turning towards Cairngorm a bit and opening his arms in invitation. ] Come here. You can get warmed from both sides if you swallow your pride for a bit.

[ They look over at him, hesitating even despite their shivering. It seems like the compliant-gorm subscription ran out quickly. His hand was really warm, at least comparatively, so the idea is tempting. Though, the way larger part of them is in opposition; getting close to him makes them nervous, in a semi-good and semi-bad way, and they can only imagine that feeling will be worse if they can feel his warmth. The more important reason is of course that they don't want to cause him pain, at least not when they're not deliberately trying to in order to make a point.

So, they shake their head, looking back to their hands. ]

I don't know how that "generating heat" stuff works, but even still...

[ He's saying it's okay, but they're also aware that Lupin is several degrees more willing to endure how cold they are than the average human. So... they don't know what to make of that. Obviously they don't think he'd offer if it would endanger his life, but still. When they glance over at him again, they're both confused and hesitant, and it's mostly not because of their pride. ]

You just— don't have to. It's not like I'm gonna die or something.

[ he doesn't have to, but what if he wants to? His intentions really are pure; he's not trying to fluster them or flirt with them this time. That doesn't mean he doesn't kind of want to get close to them, anyway. On one hand, it would be horribly, bitterly cold, and the cold he's feeling now is already pretty horrible and bitter as is. On the other hand, when he thinks about it, he's never actually held them before. That time when they were in pieces and he had to heft their torso back to their house doesn't count.

If he says he wants to, though, he's reasonably certain Cairngorm definitely won't do it, so he keeps that thought to himself. ]

Well, neither am I. If you're worrying about me getting cold, I promise I can handle it, [ he replies, rather dryly - one day, he'll prove to them that he's not a total pushover, but that day apparently has yet to come. ] You, on the other hand...

[ an amused smirk and a raised eyebrow. They might not die, but they're acting like they will. ]

I won't force you. But don't feel like you need to hold back for my sake.

[ Hmm. It's a little annoying that he's implying that they can't handle the cold, which is probably true, but how are they supposed to be able to? They've never felt this before, and they don't generate their own heat like he does. Cairngorm thinks of themself as tough, so what he's implying obviously doesn't sit well with them.

They squint a little, thinking, before reaching over to tug the fabric near the juncture of his neck, being sure that their icy hand brushes some of the exposed skin there. ]

Fine. Don't say I didn't warn you.

[ Reverse psychology seems to work on them well, since now they're feeling like they want to make him feel the cold so he'll stop acting like a smartass. Maybe challenging them is the only way to really get them to do things. Something about being teased by him always makes them feel like they have to retaliate and push back, so they'll let him put his money where his mouth is, even if they are still slightly nervous about letting themself get so close to him. They use the grip they have on his clothes to scoot a little closer, huffing all the while and making a great show of being annoyed, if only so none of their embarrassment leaks into their expression. ]

You've really got to stop underestimating me--

[ Oh. Yeah. Those fingers definitely feel like icicles. His skin jumps a bit at the contact, breaking off his sentence, but he's not backing down, either, especially with how very vexed they're acting at him trying to be nice for their sake. There's really no other option but to prove that he can take it. As always, Lupin refuses to lose - especially when the cost of losing would be Cairngorm both suffering more and moving away from him.

Which he wouldn't like, despite the fact that it would make him about 30% warmer. With how heavy they are, he's not capable of pulling them in on his own, but he can try and prompt them; when they inch closer, he lets a hand fall to their hip, guiding them towards his chest. In a perfect world, Lupin would like to scoop them up and plant them in his lap - they're so delicate that they'd fit there easily, and it would be equally easy to wrap them up in his arms and share a little warmth. Alas, he's in the world where trying to do that would break both his femurs, so he'll settle for this, instead. ]

Better? [ he sounds amused, in spite of the chill setting in. ] Don't be shy. It's all right.

[ Somehow, him saying that makes them more shy about it. They pull their lips into a tight line as they slowly press themself fully against his side, coming to press their cheek against his chest like he's guiding them to. He's warm, really warm; or at least, it seems that way to them, when their body temperature is well below freezing. The hand at their hip feels hot, too, so they're glad they can hide their embarrassed expression from him, at least partially. ]

Shut up. This is not funny.

[ As soft and warm as he is, they are quickly realizing this really was a bad idea from start to finish. They should have been tougher and just endured the cold, because as expected, they feel the same bout of nervousness they had back at the harvest festival; their chest feels tight and they feel slightly dizzy, and it's not from the cold. And he's not even suffering that badly, so it was all for naught. Letting out a short, choppy sigh, they duck their head a little more so they don't have to look at him or see whatever amused expression is paired with his amused tone of voice, closing their eyes and doing everything they can to remove themself mentally from this. ]

[ if he weren't wearing a jacket, this would definitely be unpleasant. No, it's probably unpleasant even with the jacket - this palace is cold as death, and Cairngorm's done nothing but absorb all that coldness right into their skin by virtue of what they are. Even now, he can feel the heat being sucked right out of him at every point of contact between them. It's the polar opposite of huddling for warmth. But he can't quite bring himself to actually call it unpleasant. Watching them tuck their head against him shyly, with the weight of their deceptively small body leaning into him - frost might be nipping at his skin, but his heart swells with warmth, and he loops that arm comfortably, almost protectively, around their waist. They're so tough and proud that the moments when they're vulnerable are all the more precious to him. ]

I'm not laughing! I'm seriously asking if that's any better.

[ he's definitely grinning, though - not because of their plight, but because they're adorable, and he thinks he's probably in love. Sure, it's cold, but the fire will offset that more than enough for this to be worth it. Cairngorm will feel warmth, and with their head where it is now, they'll hear his heartbeat quicken some, too. ]

[ They shift, not exactly uncomfortably, but more like self-consciously when he wraps his arm around their waist, wishing they could curl up into a ball and just disappear. This is so embarrassing. If the other gems saw them now, they'd surely crumble to dust out of laughter— seeing tough and abrasive Cairngorm let someone so close and get so flustered about it.

They're only letting this happen because things really are weird with Lupin. They always feel like they should guard themself the most around him, but simultaneously like he's the only one it's safe to be vulnerable around. Over the last few months, they've found that leaning on him, physically and emotionally, is addictive in its comfort, which is why it's dangerous to be doing this; its foreign, too, if only because never being able to seek out those comforts for the majority of their life leads them to be tentative and unsure about doing it now.

But as sweetly painful as this feeling is, they like it too much to want it to go away. ]

You sound like you're laughing. [ And they know for a fact that he's smiling his stupid, kind, too bright smile right now. ] But this.... is fine.

[ They stumble out, quite lamely, their face growing red while they listen to his heartbeat, secretly endeared by the sound. At first they thought it was strange and alien, like most things about humans, but they've come to appreciate it when they're close enough to hear it— it's a sign he's alive. Subtly, they move their cheek to be more flat against his chest, both because they want to hear it more clearly and because they don't want him to see even a hint of the color in their face. ]

[ fortunately, Lupin's as steadfast and confident in this matter as Cairngorm is uncertain and shy, and sensitive to the fact that they're feeling that way, to boot. Sometimes it means he should pull away and give them space. Other times, like now, it means he should stay the course. They shift, but he doesn't, keeping his arm snug around them. It's already going numb; he ignores that. The fire will warm it back up soon enough. ]

Good.

[ he was planning on going around the palace and making a mental map of it so he could determine where to investigate first, looking for his friends along the way. This is derailing his plans significantly. But if past events are anything to go by, he'll have plenty of time. As far as he's concerned, Cairngorm deserves his attention more at the moment. He sighs quietly, his breath ruffling their hair a little at their close distance. ]

We're really in a pickle this time, huh... [ the whole kidnapping thing was bad enough on its own. ] I'll figure out some way to turn you back to normal. Until then, you can have the privilege of using Arsène Lupin as your personal heater to your heart's content.

[ He won't see it, but they make a sort of pained expression at that. Always trying to help them. This time, they actually need it, not that they necessarily believe he will be able to find a way to fix them, as this ailment is clearly magical in nature. But the thought is still nice. ]

Ugh. Do you have to say it like that...

[ The personal heater comment, they mean. They were almost too caught up in his offer to help and nearly missed an opportunity to be huffy about the way he shows affection. It's so embarrassing... ]

I'll be fine after this. [ Probably? Sadly they don't understand the laws of heat and how they'll slowly lose it over time. ] I'm not following you around forever. I'm pretty sure something will come your way soon for that mirror, anyway. So you should be thinking about that.

[ Unless... they're the one being punished right now?! Were they supposed to break their mirror and this is what they get for not doing it? ]

Heheh. I don't know what you're talking about.

[ he snickers at their complaining, mischievous, and playfully squeezes them against himself a bit tighter for a brief moment. He'll die before he stops being melodramatic. As far as their being fine afterwards, Lupin is pretty sure they won't be, but he assumes Cairngorm is just being shy and trying to get rid of him, as usual - especially with their follow-up. ]

It won't be forever, you grouch. Just as long as you're stuck in the freezing cold wearing inappropriate pants. [ Lupin nudges one of their legs with his. ] Besides, who says I can't do both of those things at once? I've got enough brainpower to worry about you and myself at the same time, I'll have you know.

[ For once, they don't resist as much as they usually might when he pulls them in; their shivers are slowly subsiding, and they're starting to relax from the warmth. But then he ruins that by being a smartass. You know what, they're not gonna argue with him over their clothes, because what the hell does he know going around dressed as he does. That brief moment of being pliant goes out the window, and they just nudge him back with their still freezing leg, with more force than he had done to them. ]

If you're really doing both of those things, then why did you come looking for me so quickly?

[ Sure, it's a good thing he did, and they're grateful, even if they're not gonna say so. Their gratitude is evident enough in how they haven't stormed off, as far as they're concerned. ]

You haven't noticed anything amiss yet?

Edited 2018-12-02 12:09 (UTC)

[ listen, those shorts are closer to underpants than actual legwear from his perspective... but he actually meant they're not appropriate for the weather. Aliens get a pass on wearing racy clothes. Getting nudged back feels similar to getting hit with a sturdy block of ice, but he endures with only a slight twitch of his features. ]

Didn't I just answer that? I wanted to make sure you were all right. Seeing as you weren't, it's good that I did. [ really, it was random chance that led him to come across Cairngorm; they'd been low on his priority list because he knew they were tough as nails and immune to the cold. Supposed to be, anyway. ] As for me, I feel fine so far... Just cold, same as you.

[ he didn't arrive too long ago, so the chill hasn't truly set in for him yet - on top of that, his emotions usually burn so brightly that it's going to take time for them to freeze over. ]

[ They should probably feel a little relieved that he so far feels nothing is wrong, but for some reason, they don't. It feels more like this is the calm before the storm, at least relatively. ]

I see...

[ There's a little sigh, while they take some of their weight off of him. Now that they're feeling a little warmer, still cold but not suffering intensely, they're a little more conscious of leaning too much weight on him. With his admission about his current status, they're rethinking their theory about The Snow Queen. They knew it wouldn't be as simple as click and drag from the text, but still... they'd hoped they'd solved something for once and could expect a concrete outcome. ]

Well, even if that's the case. It looks like your predictions were quite off the mark.

[ Other than maybe the one about nothing happening, but that's obviously not gonna come true, at least in their opinion. ]

[ u right gormy ]

[ he had a feeling they would try to back off again when he said that - the price he pays for being honest, he supposes. Seeing as he's rather enjoying getting to be close to them, though, he doesn't budge an inch. At their comment, he snorts, not seeming very bothered by the accusation. ]

I'll admit that "getting suddenly transported to an ice palace that previously didn't exist" wasn't really an option I was considering. Don't count me out yet, though - there's still time for something to happen.

[ even if he'd rather... nothing happened, he also knows that's most likely not coming true. ]

Besides, who knows? Maybe I'm safe for breaking my mirror, and those of you that kept it around are the ones in trouble. That could be why you're feeling so chilly.

[ They let out a bit of a scoff at that, turning their head slightly to look into the fire. ]

Yeah, right. Being impulsive and reactive is almost never rewarded in fairytales...

[ In fact, the trend is the opposite, at least in the literature that they've read. As much as he wants to say breaking that mirror was a calculated move, they don't buy it. They guess they can't rely on fairytales completely to explain the situation at hand, and also they've been punished for showing restraint in the past, too, but they're fairly certain this time they're in the right. ]

And I didn't put up with that thing for a week to get punished for it. [ KRUSTY KRAB UNFAIR IF SO!!! ] It probably is just this place. I'll ask Phos or someone else who can't feel temperature if they're feeling it later...

[ u right again gormy...... it was 60% impulsive, 40% making up reasons to justify being impulsive. Despite his attempts to appear so, Lupin's not perfect. But he only laughs under his breath at their transparent accusation. At this point, he can't really deny it outright; they've seen through him. He remains confident that he'll be fine. Whatever happens, he doesn't think it'll be permanent, and he doesn't think it will be anything he can't handle, either. ]

I wouldn't put it past the town, but let's hope that's not the case. No need to assume the worst just yet.

[ even if they'd been very cold at first, the nice thing about quartz crystal is that it conducts heat really quickly. By this point, the parts touching him aren't so painful anymore, and he feels almost comfortable. It would be nicer, of course, if they were sitting in an actual home with an actual fireplace somewhere, and if they weren't so heavy that they couldn't truly lean against him... but it's still nice. Gingerly, Lupin rests his chin on top of their head, though his touch is so light and experimental that he hardly puts any weight into it. ]

Phos broke their mirror, too, right? How have they been?

[ They're a little surprised that he's moving closer to them, and not further away... it's sort of a nice feeling. It almost feels like he just wants to be close to them, rather than just trying to help them. Almost. That's too bold of a thought to let themself think for now. ]

They're fine... loud, as always.

[ Is it really them talking about Phos if a little insult isn't tacked on? They actually should be keeping a closer eye on Phos now, with Ghost's sudden departure that neither of them have had time to truly even process yet... now its back to being their responsibility alone to watch over them. So that weighs heavy on their shoulders, and they're reminded of the fact just at the mention of them. ]

They said they broke it "on accident", but I'm guessing the town will treat them the same as you. [ Which means double the stress on their plate. But such is life, when the people dear to you are daring and willing to take big risks in the pursuit of knowledge. ] But so far they aren't feeling like this.

Really? No chills or anything?

[ After chatting with Rin a little bit before, he'd guessed that his encroaching illness was a result of breaking the mirrors, but maybe not. Considering Rin was supposedly immune to sickness the rest of the time, Phos probably wouldn't be excluded from disease, either. Lupin hums. They don't push him away, so he lets his head rest where it is. Their hair is cold as death against his skin, like the rest of their body, but surprisingly soft and humanlike; he learned that back at the festival, but it's even easier to feel it this time. ]

Damn. I thought I might have been onto something. As long as they're not suffering, there's nothing to complain about, I suppose... You've got a lot of babysitting to do, don't you?

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Event Fourteen.

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