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pumpkinhollow) wrote2000-02-08 08:52 pm
TDM #4 - Aurora Borealis Bust? [REPRINT]
[Find our plain text version here!]
Pumpkin Hollow Gazette
2/8/24 | TDM #4 - AURORA BOREALIS BLITZ BUST?
Content Warnings: "Further Details" section has independent CW labels.
Forecast: SEVERE BLIZZARD WARNING
REBUILDING HELP REQUESTED
By Cecil Gershwin Palmer
A photo taken of the damage.
ACROSS PUMPKIN HOLLOW - City government is requesting aid with repairs to public buildings and local fixtures after the recent earthquakes on Tuesday, January 8th. While there was minimal damage to Town Hall itself, several important buildings sustained damage, including the Magpie National Bank, the South Train Station and the Clock Tower, which is now stuck with hands at 8pm.
Regarding the cause of the earthquake, local biologist Dr. Elias Coldwood was heard to say “There's never been seismic activity here.” And he’s a scientist, so he would know! But clearly this is no longer the case. Perhaps Pumpkin Hollow has a mysterious tiny civilization underground worshiping a destroyer god, planning to attack through the bowling alley, the moment we create a bowling alley. Perhaps not. More on this story as it unfolds, faithful readers.
In the meantime, volunteers to help with the damage to city buildings are invited to meet with Mayor Hellen Poe for assignments.
AURORA TURNS VIOLENT - MYSTERIOUS BLIZZARD INTERRUPTS CHAOS
By Yorick Aberdeen
An artist's rendition of last year's view.
ABOVE MARROW ISLE - Despite our earlier report, it turns out that this year's annual aurora borealis season did not turn out to be a pleasant or romantic viewing experience. Instead, starry monsters based off of classic constellations have been attacking the town each time the aurora is in the sky! However, due to some extreme blizzards that have been occurring most nights each month since late January, the aurora has been interrupted more nights than not and the monsters intercepted. Still, the Pumpkin Hollow Safety Board would like to remind everyone to take appropriate precautions during inclement weather, and to tread carefully on clear nights as monsters may still be attacking until late February!
HOROSCOPES
By Cecil Gershwin Palmer
What do the stars say about you today?
Capricorn: Do you feel as if you’ve lost something? If not, it’s wise to double-check. Perhaps it’s not something like a button or a key, but your sense of wonder or your self-confidence. Remember, things tend to be in the last place you look.
Aquarius: Something about the year ending made you feel lighter, like taking off a heavy wool coat. Ride this burst of energy as far as it will take you, because the shiny of a fresh beginning tends to wear off quickly.
Pisces: Don’t worry, I don’t believe what everyone says behind your back. You’re not too sensitive or too naive. They’re just jealous. Really, most of the time when they’re whispering, it’s not even about you.
Aries: You’re the sort of warm individual that babies and animals are drawn to. Unfortunately, this may include hungry wolves and swarms of insects. But don’t let that bring you down! We need that sort of personality around here.
Taurus: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, until you work to stop others from also being the best. That’s called cheating and may lead to you being disqualified from competitions. If you get caught, that is.
Gemini: You know those riddles about the two guards, one who always tells the truth and one who always lies? Well, everyone hates those riddles with a passion. You’ll see for yourself, soon.
Cancer: Wouldn’t you like to know?
Leo: Your incandescent personality often makes you the center of attention. However, that’s not the only thing about you that glows. Moths may flock to you in the dark this week, and so might children afraid to sleep with the lights out.
Virgo: Be careful with your words–they aren’t just the precursors to your deeds, but the manifestation of your will. This is not a week for idioms and metaphors, not for you. Even something like bemoaning a lack of spoons may make eating cereal harder.
Libra: You are, inevitably, the first one heard to say a situation isn’t fair. And it’s not, nor will it ever be. Instead of getting upset, have you ever considered getting revenge? That’s usually more satisfying in the long run.
Scorpio: Ugh, Scorpios. The position of Venus means your usually volatile emotions will be in the doldrums instead. Enjoy this while it lasts I guess. Who knows if you’ll ever experience such peace again, given, well. You’re kind of an emotional mess and no one likes you.
Sagittarius: There will never be another day like today. You must strive to make the day everything you want it to be. No mistakes, now! Consider your choices very carefully. Consider your choice to consider, very carefully.
SUNFIRE'S HEARTH
By Yorick Aberdeen
A photo of Mayor Poe's cats, Toffee and Butter, enjoying the view.
ASSORTED LOCATIONS - As the coldest part of the year settles over our fair isle, it is time for Sunfire’s Hearth--- an informal celebration of bonfires and hearth flames, for those unfamiliar! For the months of January and February, a raised platform for bonfires will be lit on weekends, and restaurants and taverns across town will keep their fireplaces lit. Unlike many of our other festivities, there is no structured celebration--- simply make some time during this time to bask in the warmth of a fire! You can even celebrate at home.
An additional benefit of this time of year is that Merrymeet is well on its way. So take this time and get snuggly in front of a fire with your special person to get in the mood for romance! (Or they could be platonic snuggles. Whatever suits you best.)
LOCAL ALCHEMIST REPORTS MISSING POTION
By Yorick Aberdeen
Some of Mx. Sallek's usual stock. Could stand to have better labels./p>
LOCATION UNCERTAIN - Early Monday morning, local alchemist Aeryn Sallek reported that a large container of magical potion has been swapped with another, and it would seem that the mistaken jug has been sent out for delivery. According to Mx. Sallek, they sent a number of jugs out for delivery in a case with our local delivery extraordinaire, Sam Porter Bridges. The jugs were meant to contain a harmless, potable freeze-resistance potion for our town’s various water sources, in the interest of keeping water reserves drinkable in sub-freezing winter weather. However, when they returned to the shop, one of these potions remained on their counter while a love potion they’d been working on went missing.
“‘Love potion’ is kind of a misnomer, honestly,” Mx. Sallek is quoted to have said on the matter. “But ‘emotional acuity’ potion doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. Basically what it actually does is enhance existing romantic desire and embolden the user to be emotionally open. But Yorick should already know all this, since he’s the one who ordered it.” [Editing note: don’t forget to cut the last part of that comment before publishing. Cecil, you don’t need to include personal statements directed at reporters from these interviews!]
It’s unclear which area of town this particular potion ended up being injected into the water source, but according to Mx. Sallek, the potion was not particularly intense to begin with. It should be significantly diluted as to be harmless. Still, if you notice any strange symptoms such as butterflies in your stomach, a desire to burst into song, or inexplicable yearning, please file a report with the Safety Board at your earliest convenience.
FOOD SHORTAGES PUT STRAIN ON ISLAND ECONOMY
By Yorick Aberdeen
MARKET DISTRICT - While there are many things to celebrate this time of year, Marrow Isle is not without its adversity. Over these past months, many new members of our community have arrived by ferry after our numbers remained small and stagnant for many years. And the presence of our newfound neighbors has been a boon to all of us. Many artisans have opened useful businesses, medical professionals have expanded our access to healthcare, and a new fishing vessel has taken to the seas. However, despite a few additions, our farming community remains quite modest and planting was not planned with such incredible new growth in mind.
The unfortunate result of this is that food reserves on the island this year are uncharacteristically low. As such, Town Council has made the difficult decision to allow for the temporary inflation of food prices and the rationing of food staples.
“We understand the hardship this will place on the residents of Pumpkin Hollow,” said Mayor Poe in a statement after this decision was made. “But please know that we are all in this together. We hope to be able to offer a better incentive package for those interested in farming in the coming springtime.”
Page 1
Aurora
The dead of winter sheds all colors of the trees and flowers across Marrow Isle, but tonight, there are no stark whites and grays and browns.
Tonight, in the sky sprawling with stars above the dreary town, there are lights.
Sprawling trails of violet and green twist and wave through the sky, brightening the earth below and the sea beyond Jack's Marina in magical colors. The return of the borealis is something many Pumpkin Hollowites look forward to, and their reactions are very clear: people scurry down to the shores to watch with wide eyes, many retrieve telescopes, and some even borrow the decks of ships, abandoned for the night at the docks, to watch the sights.
It doesn't take long for this to change, however; the sea nor land are safe from the curse, and it's made quickly apparent that the sky is no exception.
At first, the sight seems like none more than an illusion, perhaps someone blinking and missing a strange shift of the lights. A glimmering outline forms around a cluster of stars, only slightly harder than any of the lines that define the aurora's rays. Several of these shapes form, each array of stars different from the last, some larger, some smaller.
And then, the stars begin to fall.
Seeming to peel off the painted sky, the ebbing colors surrounding the starlight drop, crashing to the world below. Some fall to the streets and beaches, while others fall into the forest, leaving view, or drop into the sea, leaving splashes and waves in their wake that ensure any watching knows full and well that this is not a trick of the light. At first, these shapes are unmoving, glowing masses of aurora-light with stars shining brightly within them. Most townsfolk are uneasy, but this seems to pale in severity to the other disasters, even if they lack any idea of what it could mean for them.
That is, of course, until the masses begin to move.
Each one is as varied as the constellation it stole from the sky: stars form suggestions of skeletal structures, and their "flesh", only consisting of swimming lights and liquid sky that steals any lights around them. Two identical glowing shapes rise to a face finally taking form, and slowly, moving more like gel than animal as it rises to freshly-formed legs, it settles on the closest living thing it can find.
There is no calculation in it, nor what seems to be a glimmer of thought.
It simply lunges with intent to kill.
Cecil’s disconcerting horoscopes have the following effects for the next few days:Horoscopes
[CW: Altered emotional states ]
(Don’t know your character’s sign? Feel free to just decide on one!)
The effects are not particularly intense. However, anyone who drinks any of the tavern’s housemade ale or cider, drinks the coffee, or eats any food that might require water to cook will experience symptoms of “emotional acuity”. This involves feeling more emotionally open, more receptive to positive feelings about others, a strong desire for physical or verbal affection, and the intensification of romantic or sexual attraction that you might already be experiencing. It will last about half a day. Just in time to help potentially land you a date for Merrymeet, a flower and fertility festival in early spring!Love Potion
[CW: Altered Emotional States ]
Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, the “love” potion ended up in the water supply of the Oak & Iron. As promised by Aeryn, it is thoroughly diluted, as its recipients believed it to be a normal freeze-resistance potion to be mixed with their water.
Food rationing and inflation will have the following impact: Grocery budgets for apped-in characters will be reduced in their efficacy. Bonuses and Discounts associated with the Farmer and Fisherman jobs are also reduced. Oak & Iron Residents will only be able to receive bland, repetitive meals with their food vouchers consisting of simple broth, plain bread, bland potato dishes, and the like. It is enough to be fed and comfortable but it is incredibly unsatisfying. (This includes all new characters that are not apped-in.) Drinks, however, are still plentiful. Characters who do not eat will find that their respective sources of fuel will be reduced to just barely enough to keep them functional, provided that they ration carefully. (Ex. Transformers may want to be less active. Vampires will find that victims cannot handle excessive blood loss without fainting and generally prefer to stay home.) Characters who were present to fight the Mother Crab back in late summer and chose to can some of their crab can use it now! Hunting, foraging, and fishing can help reduce the impact of these reductions, and people can share their food. You can absolutely die of starvation. After Merrymeet in February, food will return to normal.Famine
[CW: Starvation and food scarcity ]
Basic groceries will be only the most minimal of staples. You will likely go hungry if you do not find a way to supplement this.
Bountiful groceries will be reduced to the amount of food normally contained in basic.
Lavish groceries will not be available at all.
Your grocery choices from Activity Check are not able to be modified for this month unless otherwise stated.
Level 1 bonuses will be reduced to standard, which is to say how they would function for a non-Farmer/Fisherman character during a normal, pre-famine month. (ex. Whereas normally a Level 1 Farmer would get free Basic groceries, they will now have to pay the 50 Brass, but do not have the efficacy of Basic groceries reduced as described above.)
Level 2 bonuses will be reduced to that of a Level 1 Farmer/Fisherman. (ex. Whereas a Level 2 Fisherman would normally be able to have Bountiful groceries discounted to 50 Brass, they now must pay full price for Bountiful groceries. However, they can still get Basic groceries for free and don’t suffer from the famine induced efficacy reduction for either budget.)
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"I didn't have a project until now. Had to see if it worked, first!" César leans over to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Bones can be dyed for identification. Maybe only dye half of them to save time. We'll have to play around with it before any designs can come out of my head."
Then, he descends into helpless giggles again, but he keeps his voice a lot quieter. "... I helped you bone someone for Valentine's Day."
He couldn't help it; it's punny.
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Gods help anyone that hears them having this conversation.
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César tips over easily, laughing helplessly. This moment feels so natural, and he feels so at ease with her physical teasing. As does taking her hand to stand back up.
César giggles at the question, dropping his voice lower. "I'm fine with that as long as I'm the only one you bone lovingly." Then, he fights off another laugh, his lower lip trembling with the effort. "... if you get a headshot, that makes them a bonehead."
Looks like he's ban evading with those puns.
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César snerks loudly. "Okay, okay, we should probably save the bone jokes into we're in private. But more importantly, before I forget—I got help in finding enough ingredients to make us a decent Valentine's Day lunch or dinner, and I got you a couple of gifts. My townhouse is clean enough I can actually let you see it and cook for you. If you've got a few hours?"
Book-ending that so it's obvious he's not expecting her to sleep over. Keeping her independence.
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"Normally it would be my job to get you something," she points out with some amusement. "But an evening in does sound nice. I'll see what I can sneak home from behind the bar and be able to treat you." A wink; she knows that the owner can hear her, and knows that she isn't just going to be leaving with a bottle of wine like that.
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César grins wider at the wink. "If you can, you can, and if you can't, I've got enough for a casual dinner. We can just switch the days this year." He almost jokes Or you can mug me then cook dinner, but doesn't know if it'd be well received.
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"I'm supposed to get you something, and then White Day is your day to do something for me, but I think we're in exceptional enough circumstances that we could just do it all at once." She seems quite pleased with this idea. She might have given him a look over the joke, but she's already got something of an idea for the night, herself. Mostly, she wants to be able to help, especially given it'll be their first time doing something together that doesn't have something immediately to do with work, injury, or the village. They should both be able to make themselves a good meal for the occasion.
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"That's how we do it back home. But I've put you at a disadvantage for preparing, then." César's been literally preparing/thinking about this for at least a week, but he'd absolutely love being able to cook a meal together. They haven't had much purposeful time together yet, mostly just finding it during the day. Too much has been happening.
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"Then maybe that'll be the new tradition, at least until someone else comes along that knows the proper protocol. For now, I look forward to seeing what you can gather up. Maybe by then we'll have something a little more substantial to do with all this-" She raises the bone that she's still holding.
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"A full meal with a large amount of protein. There should be leftovers. That much I can tell you. You won't go home hungry." César's noticed she's gotten leaner, and he's only been able to bring home those side leftovers from the feast (beggars can't be choosers). "... ha, we'll definitely have some time to brainstorm! I've got no concrete plans other than dinner and gifts. I prefer to freeform my dates and live in the moment. They're about spending time together, not about sweating a timetable."
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Her smile only grows as he echoes the sentiment that she'd given when they first met. "I can't wait to see your home finally. I've been waiting for you to get it all ready so I can come by and see what you've done with the place."
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He worries about everyone, and he's partially kept his clothes on around her to prevent her from worrying too much.
"It's only a few rooms that are ready. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom with the tub. The rest is still... a work in progress. My bedroom's mostly tidy. I just haven't used the bed yet for anything besides naps." Literally, been coming back to the Oak & Iron every night to see Magne. "Probably won't for a while yet."
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They both have their own private, very good reasons for keeping their clothes on around one another, at least for the time being. It's safer that way.
"That makes sense though, opening up more rooms as you find more uses for them and have a reason to. I'm still coming to use your bathtub, by the way." Her tone is joking, but it's been so long since she's had a bath that wasn't a quick and dirty sink shower or a cold hosing off that she's almost forgotten what a hot bath felt like.
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The clothes will come off when it's time. But for now, they'll take it slow and get used to each other in different ways.
"Mmhmm, that's the thought." He brushes his thumb across her cheek. "A spoiler for tomorrow, but I've got a key made for you so you can get a bath whenever, and the bathroom door lock works. Come early and you can have some time to wash up and soak before dinner."
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At least, until he finishes that thought, and she has to press her lips together tight to keep from laughing over it the same way she had over the misheard petname. He has to know, right? ...clearly not, if he's saying it right out in the open.
"And it's only the first date!" Scandalized tone and all, just to poke fun at him.
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"Second, technically." César grows incredibly confused, and it's almost possible to see the equations and words flying through his head with that expression.
Then, he figures it out, and his cheeks redden, and he drops his voice to an embarrassed whisper. "... did I just proposition you? ... I-I mean someday, but I'm happy just letting the pace be whatever it is. You're worth the wait, and I honestly need it myself."
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"I don't know how it normally works for you but usually when we know we're about to do that, we wash up first, yes. I'm not saying no but I very much think a little more time would be nice."
cw: mild talk about sex, nothing explicit
"... you know, that's super smart. I'm game for that." He adopts that philosophy as his own automatically. "More time it is, then. ... it's my preference, too."
They're quiet enough to be heard only by themselves, and it's a good thing that the Oak & Iron is quieter, because César becomes quieter still, breaking off his gaze to look to the side.
"And I wish to speak to you about things ahead of time, anyway... whenever. My neurological structure causes impediments—" César stops himself then removes that blanket of technical terms he was starting to hide behind. "... My brain throws curve balls. I don't want you to think it's because of you it if it happens. And we should both be comfortable without surprise hangups."
He's not going to mention he's straight up disassociated before during sex, but it's on his things to warn her about. It's clear there's something worrying him about it. So it's not just all about her needs, but both their needs. César wants her to know he's got things going on, too.
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"Then we'll talk later, when it's just you and me. We already broke the ice, now it's just about the details, right?" The other hand lights on the inside of César's forearm where the ink has finally worn mostly away.
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By the time she's finished speaking and touches where the faded ink is, César's body has relaxed so fully that he closes his eyes and lets out a sigh almost as if he'll fall asleep then and there. Perhaps a strong breeze could blow him over. For a moment, he even wobbles before catching himself with a little laugh. His right hand, still free, brushes Magne's side just under her ribs as he rests his forehead against hers again.
"... Right. You're so good at keeping me from over-complicating and over-worrying things in my head. I can say what I mean with you...." Another sigh, happy, and more awake, his voice full of quiet warmth. "I'll pick you up here at three tomorrow, if that works. We can walk over together so I can show you the way."
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"Three. I'll plan for it then and meet you here. We can plan for more bone science too, while we're at it."
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"Perfect—bones, too." He turns his head to give her a soft kiss on the lips. "It's a date!"