#hearths rising / 2023

[seirosu]

◦ 「 ☆ 」 —— " dastard . " from her fingers slips the plank of gingerbread , royal icing failing her . her gingerbread house was broken . human festivities can be . . . a perplexing level of frustrating . failing to see the festivity in the activity , seiros nevertheless yearned to learn . she wanted to make something beautiful too .

but patience was a virtue not yet acquired .

a fist falls on the gingerbread siding , breaking its walls in poised tempter .

@flameindream | hope you don't mind the hearths rising setting

[ttauriwanderer]

"Ito! The meteor shower will start soon! You'd better be ready or I'm going to leave you behind to watch them myself!" Steven pranced around the livingroom, a sturdy blanket clutched in his arms, eager to go.

"Itooooo! Come ooooon you're so slow! Don't you want to wish on the stars? They're not going to keep falling forever!"

@bvrriers

[aevummarket]

For the month of December: the Aevum Marketplace will allow all members ONE (1) free TIER 1 MARKETPLACE ITEM between 150-250 EMBLEMS. Purchases will be processed during Dec. 17th-31st.

[bluestringpuppeteer]

Welp here's my starter call for Hearth's Rising! I'll have two slots for this myself but castmates don't count toward that total.

Here's some places Legato can be found!

Yule Log Hunting - While Legato would like to secure a Yule Log, he has very little combat ability without his powers. He'd like to secure some kind of escort or assistance.

Hearth Dolls - Legato can be found sitting outside with a bag of sewing supplies, meticulously creating several hearth dolls. They aren't just of himself but only those from his own world will recognize most of them. He may be willing to assist others in making their own if you ask very nicely.

Krystal Count - He's liable to amuse himself looking for the shooting stars in the mall, though this will probably not last long before he ends up with a migraine from the stress of too many people around. He could use a little help getting back out again, if someone is kind enough to lend him a hand.

Starlight Soirerre - Legato will be found wandering about downtown, mostly listening to the musicians playing and exploring the Museum. He could, potentially, be convinced to ice skate but he will absolutely fall on his ass.

Lunar Voyage - I'm doing this one with epilvgue but if someone else would like to encounter Legato on the boat or before/after his gem hunting I'm open to that too!

Dwyrnøkk - Yeah Legato's going to see it. This man has a ton of nasty shit in his head and heart to attract such spirits. And while he's not not participating in the holiday activities, he's not exactly doing so in the holiday spirit per-say so there is a chance he gets dragged off by it.

[epilvgue]

The cold weather was something new. Something strange and foreign. Even to the Plant. Vash had only ever experienced snow and winter once, and it had been extremely brief. Not even the cryo-sleep chambers of the SEED's ships could compare to this.

Nothing could compare to the real thing. To seeing it in person. It was so cold that he could see his breath in front of his face, white fluff accumulated on the ground. The shore by the sea was even cooler, but he had gathered there with several others due to a posting and word of mouth regarding some sort of voyage. A voyage out to sea.

The sea.

He stood on the small boat, leaning against the railing. Vash had only seen video's and simulations of the sea and he thought that he could spend hours looking out at the waters, even if it was cold and dreary and the sky was overcast. Yet even as the snow gently floated down from the clouds, the waves were too much to be contained. They wouldn't freeze or ice over like a pond or a lake. However, soon he caught a flash of white and blue out of the corner of his eye. The cold winter sun flashed over his glasses as he raised his head.

"…Oh…" Vash glanced away from Legato. He was so uncertain of how to react to Legato. How to talk to him. How to feel. How to look at him. It felt even stranger as he had already recognized the way that Knives looked at this man who had caused him so much torment - but… this strange version of Legato wasn't quite that man yet, was he?

Finally he raised a hand and waved with a tight little smile. "Hey… what're you doin' here? You wanna see the island too? Or are you goin' after th' gems?" - He thought that he might collect one or two, though he was mostly interested in exploring Arcus Cove. The ruins that were said to be at the top of the cove's rocky, currently barren, peak.

@bluestringpuppeteer / Hearths Rising Starter

[fellstcr]

⚔️ // hands clasped together , laced before her chest in something of an anxious habit. the building — a mall , she had read — was a rather large establishment. larger , even , than the monastery. it was not the scale of the building that had perturbed her ... so much as it was the INFLUX of city residents that had flocked to the establishment.

it was an overwhelming crowd ... enough to make even the professor hesitate upon venturing further within. she did so anyways , brought with purpose to see for her own eyes some of the festivities of this world , instead of tucking herself away. soon enough , though , she found herself flocking to the only station of the mall that somehow seemed QUIETER. ( in the very least the frolicking gaiety of the children here was far more manageable that the ebb and flow of hundreds of patrons elsewhere. ) a small workshop of sorts well to do with crafting.

well ... she supposed she had come along this far with purpose. and perhaps a more mundane activity might ease the mind.

"...excuse me," she turned to the nearest other person whose hands were filled with supplies for what she could only assume was some sort of sewing task. "if it isn't too much trouble , could you show me how this-" she swept arm towards the supplies and employees scattered about the workshop area- "all works? or , rather. how you got involved. i'm not really sure where to start."

@bluestringpuppeteer / hearths rising starter !

[clxscdeyes]

"Huh?"

What was that just now? She could have sworn she had just seen something at the corner of her eyes. Maybe it was the trick of the cold air's fog. Already, Luna's heart begins to thump against her chest. She wants to RUN, but her feet are planted firmly against the snowy ground. She breathes, almost a little too heavily. Is it the fog, or is she about to have another problem? The unknown is scary and she can't even MOVE because of her fear.

MOVE. RUN. You're going to get KILLED.

Finally, Luna takes her first step, but when she does, she spots someone where she had thought she saw someone just seconds ago. The reason for that fear to spike right through her.

It's no one scary looking--but someone beautiful. Like an angel, really. Luna is awestruck.

@seirosu but maybe you're a goddess and not an angel??

[mischiefmodig]

@magnusmodig \ / Hearths Rising Starter

He really didn't see what all the fuss was about.

All of this... tradition felt gaudy to him; truly what was the point of hanging up lights to begin with? To simply w a s t e electricity? Frivolous indeed. It seemed he was not able to enter a shop without being assaulted with the smells of ( artificial ) mint, the only comfort being in the smells of ginger that followed...

No. He shan't grow sentimental for such things.

He was on a mission to discover the mysteries that lay in this world, and further still how he might escape ( he may be dead, but if he were alive here, surely he could be brought back? He'd made more marvelous returns in the past ). Of course, he was not alone in his exit strategy.

Upon observation, he'd taken a keen interest in this world's... Traverse Trove. To him, it was reminiscent of the portals that brought the lost things of the universe to Sakaar. There was no way to tell where it would lead should one enter... that would be a test for another time.

For now, he and Thor had agreed to meet at the festival Tinker Town, in order to acquire supplies ( for free ) to potentially contact passing vessels... or the Statemen. Loki knew the truth, but he would not give Thor reason to doubt - not until Loki knew his fate might be reversed.

He was waiting outside the establishment, impatient as ever and mildly agitated as he fiddled with the scarf around his neck ( the bruises wouldn't go away, he had no magic to hide them. ) Soon enough he saw the figure approach, though Loki made no motion in response.

❝ You're Late. ❞ Was all he said.

[magnusmodig]

╰┈➤ hearths rising starter call ! / CAP: 3 ! (if liking: please reply to this post with your favored location!)

Activities you can find Thor Doing include:

Yule Log Hunting Thor would not only help get the giant yule logs (meaning vs. the dire wolves) for the Fanalean bonfire, but he would also want to procure his own yule log for his family.

Starlight Soiree Thor can be found anywhere from Arcanus University (looking at the lights in the evening-night), to studying the legends of the Isle in the Museum. (he can mostly be found there!)

Tinker Town He'll be browsing, and mostly exploring Tinker Town. He might find a few small asgardian artillery or scrap junk there to create a small, spinning ornament with.

Lunar Voyage Thor has absolutely taken note of Arcus Cove from the beaches and would love to traverse the sea. Whether he goes gem hunting or logus fruit picking is up to the partner muse!

The Dwyrnøkk Thor has a GREAT MANY repressed issues and fears rattling around in his mind. So, while he certainly isn't a grumpy naysayer for the holiday season, he WILL see sightings of the Nøkk throughout the season.

Frostlight Cerdae, and the Frost Father's Cabin Thor would be approached by the Frostlight Cerdae! He is rather lonely, and the Frostlights would want to cheer him up with company. If they gift your muse a surprise gift for Thor, it would be wood working tools!

[duel-king]

Hearth's Rising 2023 - A Drabble (LOL I suck at titles maybe i'll come up w/ one later)

Seto Kaiba is not fond of the winter season. He's not fond of many things, let's be real here, but this time of year is especially irksome to him.

It's early evening and he's home, idly waiting for his phone to charge. As the sun sets, Arcanus City outside his window begins to light up with shades of red and green and gold. People really don't waste any time in putting up holiday decorations. Obnoxious, he thinks as he strides to the window curtains to block out the view.

Then, what do you know, a gentle snow steadily begins to fall. Despite himself, he remains at the window quietly watching, a long-forgotten memory coming to the forefront of his mind.

"Big brother?" Mokuba asks as he unzips his puffy winter coat. He's still a little out of breath; he and Seto had rushed to get one last ride down the hill on their sled before being called inside for the evening. "Yeah?" Seto is stomping the snow from his boots at the welcome mat, then shrugs off his coat and removes his gloves. "You said Santa's not real, right?" Mokuba lifts himself up onto a stool, waiting for his brother to help get him out of his puffy prison of snow gear. "Right." Seto is now kneeling in front of Mokuba as he unlaces his boots. With a little wiggle, he's able to pull each one of them off and tosses them to the side. "Then how does everyone get their presents on Christmas morning?" The little brother asks, stretching and wiggling his free toes. He doesn't think before blurting out an answer- "Kids' parents buy the stuff, wrap it up and put it under the tree while they're asleep. Santa's just a silly story. Pretend." "What about kids like us? ...Who don't have parents?" Mokuba sniffles. His little button nose is red and runny. Seto regrets telling him that now. Should have just let the kid keep believing in Santa. He hears his baby brother start to whimper, and shushes him gently before the little one can get himself too worked up. "It's okay, Mokuba. We'll still have Christmas here..." It's not working. Tears begin to fall from Mokuba's eyes as he tries and fails to stifle little sobs. He was hoping to be out of this place by now. "Mokuba..." Seto sighs. He's tired. So tired. Nevertheless, he grasps at some comforting words. "Our parents may not be with us anymore, but you and me are still a family. Even if we don't get any presents this year, I'm so happy that I still have you. I'll take that over any gift."

Seto absentmindedly reaches for something at his chest as he's lost in this memory, but it's not there. This realization brings him back to the here and now. Alone. An uneasy feeling washes over him. Rather than sit there with it, he dons his coat and goes for a walk downtown to clear his head.

Arcanus City University is alight with festivities. Not that Seto wants to actually partake; for some reason he just feels like being around other people right now (even if he's just being a fly on the wall) might ease this dread threatening to overcome him. He's just walking along in no direction in particular, people watching, taking in the snowy scenery, trying to distract himself from his thoughts. He sees a couple of young women (maybe students?) sitting at a booth, rubbing their hands together for warmth. He overhears one of them griping about needing to put in all these volunteer hours...

"Oh, hello sir!" She very quickly changes her tone when she notices him looking. "Would you be willing to make a donation to St. Azalea's orphanage to help children and families in need this holiday season?" She's clearly just rattling off the pitch she was given in her best attempt at a customer service voice. Seto's not impressed, but...

"…Sure." He agrees. He needs no further details. He doubts she'd be willing and able to explain more if he asked. Doesn't matter. He reaches into his pocket and hands the girl a... not insignificant amount of keys. He knows this is as much as he can spare; he and Mimi had met and gone over the budget earlier today.

"Thank you so much for your generosity!! That's very kind of you, sir," she replies, shocked.

"Mhm." Seto is already turning his back to her.

"Happy Hearth's Rising to you and your family!" She calls out to him as he's walking away.

"...You too."

[breelandwalker]

Harvest Moon - September 28, 2023

The summer heat might be hanging on, but it's time to get excited for autumn shenanigans all the same. Grab your canning supplies and your favorite cider mug - it's time for the Harvest Moon!

Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon is the name given to the full moon which occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. It does not matter whether the moon occurs before or after the equinox or in which month it falls. In some years, this means the Harvest Moon may occur in October, in which cause the September moon might go by the name of Corn Moon or Rice Moon, depending on where you are.

In 2023, the Harvest Moon falls once more in the month of September. The same will happen in 2024, when the Harvest Moon will also be a supermoon! However, in 2025, the September moon will come early in the month, making it a Corn Moon. The Harvest Moon that year will be in early October.

The September moon is particularly beloved by farmers in the Northern Hemisphere, as it rises earlier and shines brighter than other full moons due to the relative angle of the Earth in relation to the moon during the equinox, which is helpful for lighting up the tail end of those long work days. In addition, the Harvest Moon may also appear full for multiple nights, providing additional illumination for labor or evening strolls. As such, while the peak of the Harvest Moon will occur in the wee hours of September 29th, it will appear to be full on both the 28th and 29th.

Other North American Indigenous names for the September moon include a number of variations of the aforementioned Corn Moon (used by numerous nations), such as Corn Maker Moon (Abenaki), Corn Harvest Moon (Dakota), and Corn Is Harvested Moon (Zuni). Other names refer to seasonal changes or animal behavior, such as Autumn Moon (Cree), Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe), Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe), and Rutting Moon (Cree). Some European and modern pagan names for the September moon include Barley Moon (Old English), Singing Moon (Celtic), and Fruit Moon (general).

It's also worth noting that our Jewish friends and neighbors will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah this month, so remember to share your apples and honey and wish them Shanah Tovah (Happy New Year)!

What Does It Mean For Witches?

As autumn begins, we continue to reap what we've sown over the course of the year. It's a time to pause and reflect on what we've accomplished, let go of any unnecessary burdens we're still carrying, and focus on taking care of hearth and home for the cold months ahead. Now is a good time to do one last clutter purge or finish those repairs you've been putting off all summer!

Change is in the air as well, and transformations begun earlier in the year will burst into vibrant life. Just as the flowers bloom in spring, the leaves turn in the fall, and those of us who come alive in the autumn will start to fell that zing coming back.

Community also comes back into focus during harvest time, both because of the sharing of resources and the accompanying start of the school year. Take a moment to reinforce positive and supportive connections with friends and neighbors, or reach out to your local or online circle to strengthen existing bonds.

This a time of great abundance, so if you've been meaning to draw any kind of increase into your life, take steps to do so now. Harness that Harvest Moon energy to help carry you through the lean times in comfort and plenty.

What Witchy Things Can We Do?

This is the time for feasting, bonfires, and outdoor gatherings. September and October will give us a few more warm weeks before the weather turns cold and rainy, so make the most of it! Have a potluck supper with a menu made of everyone's favorite seasonal recipes. Visit a local farmer's market and bring home that fresh seasonal produce. Thank the earth for the bounty it provides and renew your promise to be a good steward of the land where you live.

Technically, this is the second "harvest" moon of the year, since the harvest of most seasonal crops began back in August with wheat and corn and late summer fruits. The harvest of corn and grain continues into September and is joined by additional late-season fruits and vegetables, the most iconic of which is the annual apple crop.

Apple-picking is easily my favorite autumn activity and it's fantastic way to get outdoors, get some fresh air, and come home with tasty produce for uses both mundane and magical. From cider to applesauce to pies, apples are delightfully versatile. They also feature in a number of folk traditions and party games which double as divination rituals.

Continue your preparations for winter by canning or preserving fresh foods, hanging harvested herbs and flowers to dry, or refreshing your stocks of moon water and magical oils. Make your own magical brews using a stock pot as a cauldron and soups, stews, punch, cider, and mulled wine as your potions. Kitchen witches, your time is NOW!

Wear the colors of the season boldly and revel in all the gifts you've received and joys you've experienced so far this year. If you've been particularly blessed, pay it forward to share the bounty with others. Reflect on everything you've accomplished, celebrate your progress, and maybe set one or two small goals for the end of the year.

And since the decorations are already appearing in stores, start stocking up for Halloween!

Happy Harvest Moon, witches! 😊🍎

Further Reading:

Additional Lunar Calendar posts

Secular Celebrations - Autumn Equinox

Harvest Moon, The Old Farmer's Almanac.

What Is The Harvest Moon?, The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Harvest Moon 2023: The Spiritual Meaning of September's Full Moon, The Peculiar Brunette.

Full Moon 2025 Calendar, Full Moonology.

Rosh Hashanah, Wikipedia.

Everyday Moon Magic: Spells & Rituals for Abundant Living, Dorothy Morrison, Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

(If you’re enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊)

[moonriseoverkyoto]

Whistle while you work

Synopsis - sometimes all a little lass needs is to just holler the lyrics of an angry female-empowering country music, but a certain beloved Scot just can’t help but be worried he screwed up

cw: swearing, medical and military workplace inaccuracies, playful language, suggestive content, heavy flirting, slight miscommunication trope(this hurts me more than this hurts you believe me), nicknames, use of Scottish and southern(Georgia/texas) accent that some readers may find corny or displeasurable

Pairing: Johnny “Soap” MacTavish x southern!medic!reader

Author’s note: I know I said I was busy but I heard “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood come on the radio and it’s been an ear worm that sticking to my brain like flies on a horse. But once again I’m here to remind you that I’m taking southern notes from Georgia and Texas because I was raised in one and I visit family quite often in the other. I am completely open to constructive criticism but if you have nothing nice to say then you just scroll past it costs you absolutely nothing to mind your business. Italicized is singing btw.

©️moonriseoverkyoto 2023. please do not steal, copy, plagiarize, translate, or repost any of my works without my permission. do not steal any elements of my theme without permission.

Soap had begun to have a routine with you. He could often come visit you after shift hours or you would come along on missions and be his first pit stop at base. It was a beautiful little arrangement that the F1F begun to adore. You were the warm fire to warm their cold hearts or the blazing hearth to whip them into shape if they got rowdy. So it was a little jarring to him when he strolled into your clinic and heard an angry drawl.

“Right now, he's probably slow dancin' with a bleach-blonde tramp. And she’s probably gettin’ frisky.”

Your voice had him weak at the knees but there was something off in your pitch. A grit, an anger, a frustration. He suddenly began retracing his steps, trying to find a failure placed upon his behalf.

“Right now, he's probably buyin' her some fruity little drink 'Cause she can't shoot whiskey.”

“Bonnie?” the man called out to you, his reaction was controlled but his heart thumped against his chest trying to break out. When you didn’t respond he decided to stay by the doors out of your vision to figure out what was the issue, studying you.

“Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool stick. Showin' her how to shoot a combo. And he don't know”

Your hips began to sway against the rising tune and even in your scrubs, there was a clear muscle memory when it came to the rhythm of the song. Soap quickly exited and left to go to the common room to find the rest of the F1F playing poker

“There’s loverboy, we were wondering how long it would take for you and-“

“Firstly, she’s my friend Capt’n you know that. Secondly, Somethin’s a mattah with Bonnie.” Soap cut Price off quickly not caring for niceties.

“why because she’s running a little late?” Gaz spoke while checking his turn. It was comical how they knew you by your nicknames from Soap rather than your god given name.

“Aye ‘nd she’s singin’ this song of ‘ers and it’s got me all worried. I mean I know that I’ve been a wee bit busy lately but I’ve made sure to make me rounds and when I came to her place she was swinging hips and I ken to know when somethin’s a mattah with me Bonnie-“ Simon’s head turned to his friend with interest as Gaz cut the rambling man short.

“Calm down mate. We cannot understand you when you go back to the ancestral plane with that tongue of yours” Gaz spoke. Price waved him off to let the Scott breathe.

“She’s up tae high doh.” Soap rushed out, his brows knit together trying to piece together what could’ve happened.

“In English, lad” Price spoke up. However somebody came to his rescue.

“The phrase is meant to be used to describe when somebody is pent up, flustered. It’s a Scottish saying.” Ghost answered with a deep baritone. Everyone was surprised but secretly noted the phrase for whenever they had to go solo with the Mohawk man.

“So go talk to her” Price responded to Soap with a look that said he was ordering, then he offered a small gift of liquid courage

Soap refused the drink and made his way back over to the infirmary. His brain scrambling to find an answer.

“I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive. Carved my name into his leather seats”

Your belted notes rung through the doors and hit his ears. He vowed he would find out the issue and fix it just so he wouldn’t have to hear the pain in your voice. He came around the corner as you stood in front of a table, organizing your different surgery and procedural tools. He spotted the AirPod beneath your trucker hat (since wearing a traditional cowboy hat was too distracting in the work place even during the quiet shifts. )

“I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights. Slashed a hole in all four tires-“

Soap swallowed all his worry as he grabbed an AirPod out and spoke but you beat him to the punch.

“Who in all of god givens creation just ordered a free fuckin’- Oh sweetheart Johnny it’s you.” Your fire calmed just as quick as it kindled.

“hey lassie I was getting worried about you” Soap said. His heart and maybe something else throbbed at your honey tone. One day he’d finally act upon those feelings but today he needed to worry about something else. “What’s got you all worked up?”

“Are you saying I’m throwin’ a hissy fit?”

“Noo jist haud on there Lassie. I jist was-“

“Heavens to Betsy! You do think I’m havin’ a hissy fit, why you oughta know that I was the best little-“

As you two went on back and forth, the distance between your bodies got smaller and smaller. Two wide eyed grins plastered across your face. He cut you off with a smirk

“Oh I’m sure you were the.. how do you say it again? Oh right” Johnny leaned in closer and his voice dropped, “the best little girl this side of the Mississippi. Ain’t that right, hen?”

“I know damn well you did not just call me a hen from a damn barn house-“ you went to speak again but got cut off as your throat hitched, soap’s mouth just by your ear and his tone got unrealistically deeper and more dominant. A careful hand grazing your hip.

“Shut yer pus for a moment, hen. Tell me what’s a matter. What’s got you so up tae high doh.” The male spoke.

You were silent for once. All the cogs in your brain just stopped. Everything was quiet, if you had perfect hearing you could hear Johnny’s poor heart banging to get out of his chest in anxiety from him boldly caressing your waist.

“Aww come on lassie, need me to buy a wrench for that brain of yours”

“I misplaced my sewing needle. Well I did or one of the stupid nurses did but I can’t find it and I won’t find it till the cows come home” you huffed.

“The one from your nana?”

“Does a bear shit in the woods?”

“No need for the ‘tude. May I look?”

“Sure. It’s no bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond” you said softly as he gently moved you aside to look at the table below. His trained eye spotting a glint on the ground. He reached over to pick it up and show it to you.

“Bless your heart! Good god Johnny, oh my sweet I could kiss you!” You cried out with the biggest grin. You leaned forward and kissed him softly on his cheek. His stubble gently scratching your soft, plump lips. His cheeks barely flushed as his smirk transformed into a smile and a small chuckle left his throat. He took a moment to memorize the feeling of your lips for later.

If that’s all it took to make his little Bonnie proud. He’d search every haystack for your needle in a heartbeat. You were his everything, he’d wait until the right moment to tell you. Especially when he was pretty sure the rest of the team was right around the corner listening to them. He’ll confront them later, for now he wants to stay in this moment with you. Watching his sweet hen, praising him. Grinning as she danced around with the needle he found, and even maybe hid.

MY REQUESTS ARE OPEN

Slang translations

Noo jist haud on - Now just hold on there

Heavens to Betsy - southern expression of surprise

Hen- a woman (Scottish term of endearment)

Bonnie - a beautiful woman, Scottish term of endearment typically paired with Bonnie lass

Lass/Lassie- beautiful woman, term of endearment

Shut yer pus - Scottish way of saying hush up, not literally referring to genitalia

Does a bear shit in the woods - kinda like a sarcastic response of “duh.” Whenever you’re asked a question. Hard concept to explain but I hope it’s not just me who got this from their southern mama

no bigger than a minnow in a fishing pond - comparison of size

Author’s note: AAAAAAAA I DID IT. I wrote my first fic. Oh my god. I’m so tired but I hope everyone loves this as much as I did. Please go listen to the song as well. It’s “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood

General Taglist (comment to be added) : @glossythor @banana-beans-police

also thank you for the support for the series: @fruitsa1ad

Banner credit: @animatedglittergraphics-n-more 

[ttauriwanderer]

Falling stars, meteor showers, star bursts, light rains, there were many names for the streaks of light that sped across the sky. Steven hadn’t actually seen many of them, though he’d seen pictures and read about displays like this. Meteor showers just weren’t a thing you saw, traveling around in space. Nebulae and comets were one thing but the streaks of light across the sky, reminding you how small the planet was, how small you are standing on it, that was something else entirely. Something special.

Steven hurried through the streets filled with people setting up to watch the show, a blanket clutched in his arms. He’d found the perfect spot to watch but then he’d gone and gotten distracted by the street vendors and the party atmosphere of the whole thing and now he was going to be cutting it really really close to get to his spot before the shower started. He had a lot of people to wish well after all, he wouldn’t want to miss a single star!

The fact that the shower would happen repeatedly over the next several days didn’t matter. He wanted to watch every single one.

To that end he arrives at a little church he’d found right at the edge of Clearview, perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean. The blanket is thrown over his shoulder and he takes a running leap, quickly finding hand and foot holds to clamber up the decorated side of the building. It’s quiet and empty, all the citizens out at parties or bigger events elsewhere, which means this is the perfect spot to set up for the night. He just wants this first watching to be him alone, secluded in the dark and quiet.

The blanket is spread out on a level bit of the roof where he can lay down and fold his arms behind his head, staring up into the star-filled night sky. He wonders what the constellations are called here, what shapes some ancient peoples had drawn in the darkness. Did their stars have names or was it all just a normal existence to them?

The first streak of light cuts through the dark and Steven holds his breath, scanning. Another. Another. Another another another and the sky is bright with streaks of fire. A comet trail? An asteroid? A simple debris field? Idle wonderings of what caused the phenomenon chased through Steven’s head until he shook his head to dismiss them. It wasn’t for wondering why right now, simply to enjoy it, to absorb and appreciate.

Usually he'd close his eyes to make wishes but he keeps them open as he names individual streaks of light. Aerkins. Arron. Dran-Ra. Suki…. Carry my well-wishes to them, let them know I'm thinking of them even if I'm not there. Keep them safe and sound in my absence.

The young Captain settles back and lets his mind drift to his friends and family so far away, off in the Void somewhere beyond the world he lay in now. They'd be alright, they were all so capable and extraordinary. Aerkins would keep his own crew safe and if Steven's went to him with news of his disappearance he'd protect them too. Probably find a way to come bursting into this world to find Steven, he thinks with a chuckle. It would be fine, hardly the worst storm they'd weathered and a fantastic story for Steven to tell when he got back home.

He breathes out a cloud into the cold air and hums a low tune as he watches flashes fire continue to light up the night well into morning.

[aevummarket]

Hiya! Today is 12/27! Using my Hearths Rising Voucher, I'd like to purchase the Garden Stone for Byleth (Fe3H)! My stats can be found at "stats" (/s), and her participation can be found at "threads" (/t). Her emblems tracker can be found at the top of her stats page! (And also at /e).

A special item has been delivered to your home and placed in a mailbox that wasn't there yesterday. The box, and the item both have your name on them.

DIMENSIONAL GARDEN STONE 250 Emblems A medium sized, egg-shaped paperweight made of glass. Inside is a glowing flower of various colors. When placed, this item will create an extra-dimensional GREENHOUSE. The garden orb can be placed inside or outside of a person’s living quarters. If picked up, the garden will disappear into dimension-space.

ORIGINAL EMBLEM BALANCE: 150 TRANSACTION: Free! ( Hearths Rising Voucher 2023 ) CURRENT EMBLEM BALANCE: 150

— 🏵️ Creo

[bluestringpuppeteer]

Legato had been spending the afternoon wandering the streets of downtown Arcanus, a bag of coins in his pocket. There were musicians on several street corners and he'd spend a bit standing near and listening to them before approaching and leaving several coins in their instrument cases. He's left a trail of donations to various musicians in his wake, then picked up a hot chocolate to keep his hands warm as he continues to wander.

He's considering touring the Museum to see what they've put on for the season when he comes across a familiar face.

"Ah, good afternoon Donald. Have you put on something fancy for the season?" Legato blinks, then blue brows draw down and together. "Wait, no, you are not Donald. My apologies." He dips his head slightly with a grimace for his mistake.

In his defense, ducks look awfully similar. He'll have to pay closer attention.

@richcstduck

[epilvgue]

There's no knock on the door or any other indication of someone having been there but when Vash next leaves his home there is something out of place on his front stoop. A little doll, carefully sewn, with black hair and a black suit and button eyes. A little wrapped cross is tied to the doll's hand. Entirely recognizable and entirely out of place. Left there like a little protective guardian on his porch.

「𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤!」 - Vash wasn't usually one to watch where he was placing his feet when he stepped out the door (which had gotten him into trouble more than once). However something caught his eye and he stooped down to grab the odd little thing lying on the step. He had almost tread on it as he left to meet up with Knives. What was this thing even doing here? Had some kid been playing around and dropped it. ...Maybe it had been meant for his roommate...?

He looked around but couldn't see anyone, much less a child who looked as though they'd lost a doll.

With the little effigy in hand, he examined it. The confusion quickly turned into something else and he gripped the small doll tighter. Just one good look was all he needed. This was meant for him.

...Wolfwood. It was a little doll in the shape of Wolfwood.

But then that left the question of who had made this and why they had decided to leave it with him. Well... perhaps the why didn't need quite as much pondering as the who. ...Then again, considering that it definitely wasn't either Roberto or Knives (at least he wouldn't expect this out of Knives), maybe the why was relevant.

All his very short list of possible "culprits" left was Legato...

He felt his phone buzz. Knives wanted to meet him at a pond for something. This could wait. He tucked the doll into a deep inner pocket of his duster.