Open A Shovelin' Snow

[Aradia]

Spring 4th, 513 Av
Late Morning
Court Yard



Aradia made her way to the Courtyard of the Sky to help the poor Yasi that had gotten into trouble for starting a snow fight. She did not see anything wrong with a little playfulness. People needed to lighten up and enjoy life more. Chastising the young for doing what they do best, having fun, was wrong to the little singer. She could not help but feel bad for them, so she decided when she found out what had happened, that she too would go shovel some snow, and make it fun for them. They just wanted to have some fun.. Aradia thought with an exasperated sigh as she walked into the Courtyard, watching the Yasi hard at work with sullen faces, shoveling the blanket of the white fluffiness.

Aradia gave the poor souls a warm smile, as she grabbed a shovel and started to shovel the snow along with them. She spent about 10 chimes shoveling the snow into a pile, her muscles would have already been screaming, had it not been that she used a bow. She figured about 20 more chimes of this though; her muscles would be cursing her for the work she was putting them through. It was boring work, the Yasi were quiet, shoveling the snow resentfully looking at one another, blaming the one beside them for the trouble they were in. Aradia chuckled softly under her breath, Time to spice things up a bit.. Aradia thought as she dug her shovel deep within the snow, gathering a large amount, and throwing it behind her, landing on the Yasi that were there. She heard the gasp of surprise, and the “Hey!” from behind her back.

She tried to suppress the laugh, but her back and shoulders shook with the suppressed laughter. She was about to turn to tell the Yasi sorry, but before she could make it all the way around there was a small shovel amount of snow that hit her in the face. The snickers of the Yasi became deathly quiet, as they stared with her with their eyes wide, ready for the punishing words.

Aradia stood there for a few ticks, shocked and cold, the snow slowly dripping off of her face and body, splattering to the ground. She opened her eyes and looked at them, and began to laugh, a genuine laugh that echoed throughout the silent court yard. The Yasi looked relieved by this and started to laugh with her, ”Alright, let’s get back to work.” Aradia said between laughs, turning back to her area to be shoveled, digging her shovel deep into the white mess and putting it in the pile she had started. What the Yasi did not know was that she would soon attack them with snow once again. Best they did not expect an attack… Aradia said to herself, a devious smile spreading on her face.

[Alori Sai]

Aela's morning was unexpectedly enlightening and entertaining to say the least. She awoke once again to Skye's chirps of hunger and after checking his rations bag, she realized that she hadn't been paying enough attention as she should. The bag was empty and she had nothing of her own to feed him. The Gyrfalcon didn't take well to this at all, and since the little Avora was sitting in bed with her legs exposed, Skye darted down and took his frustrations out on her toes. Aela squeaked loudly as she jumped up and then ran the naughty Gyrfalcon out of her room.

"Get your own food!" she yelled out to her pet as he flew off. "You're old enough now, go hunt!"

Standing outside the entrance to the Avora apartments, Aela hugged her shoulders and shivered. Even though it was spring now, the mornings still felt like winter, just as well if she had been dressed in more than her undergarments, she would have probably had a bit more warmth. The girl stood there for ticks more as she watched her pet fly off. Aela was so proud of Skye and how much he had grown in the few seasons that she had him. Still, the falcon could be a pain in the backside which made him all the more just like his owner.

There was no use in going back to sleep now, and after Skye's rude awakening and now the chill of the cool air had the young Inartan very awake. So instead of going back to bed, she stepped back inside and dressed herself before heading out for a stroll. She thought about going to the Hotshop and see how her former mentor was doing, but later she decided against it. Having a new identity was hard, and something that would take a long time to get used too. Already people were rising eyebrows at the blonde girl who spoke perfect Nari.

It only got worse when it seemed that she knew about stuff that foreigners wouldn't or at least not to the extent that she did. She would try harder in the future, but the truth was that no matter what she looked like, Aela was Inartan through and through and that would never change. But even so, there was a cost and once again she found herself walking passed people that she once knew, and even if she did wave she could only expect a half-hearted wave back instead of the warm greeting that she used to receive.

When she reached the courtyard her mood shifted when she saw a familiar face. It was one of the women that she had just met days ago. It was good to meet new people to go along with her fresh start and this girl seemed like she might stick around for a while. Aela grabbed a shovel to help out, but just as she did, she saw the short snow fight between the woman and the yasi. She chuckled softy and shook her head. This was exactly what she needed, more fun, more activities with her people. The young Avora had an idea then, and reached down to roll up a ball of snow that filled both of her hands.

Smiling and biting her lip to hold back another chuckle, Aela slowly moved closer to the woman and launched the snowball at the side of her head. It was on now...

[Eilea]

She had to enjoy the little amount of cold weather that was left in Wind Reach. Unlike Avanthal, her home, Wind Reach would get much warmer. Where it would get colder back home, it would get warmer here. This was something she wasn't too familiar with, drastic changes in weather. So, Eilea had to take in all the time she had left with the snow. But where to go? The vantha left her room in the commons and began to wander. There were so many options. Her dark hair was in multiple braids and blew in the wind, as did her cloak she had gotten in town. A few people gave her odd looks as she walked. She felt the cold, but it was comfortable and welcoming. So she wasn't too wrapped up. Eventually she made her decision where to go... The Courtyard of the Sky! Alright, she just sort of wound up there, considering she didn't quite know her way around yet. And... there was some talk of mischief. When she got to the Courtyard, she noticed that there were a few young inarta, as well as a couple older. Though, both of the older ones seemed unique compared to others she had seen in her short time in town. One seemed to have bright red hair, that gave the impression of pink or even purple when the light hit it right. The other had blonde hair. So, it was possible she wasn't inarta either, but what did Eilea really know? “Oh, now this won't do!” Eilea spoke in vani, her sing-song voice as she watched the exchange of snowballs between the younger inarta and the two older girls. One of them, the fiery red head, even seemed to be trying to shovel the snow and even though she laughed, she was still down for business. The other one, who had blonde hair seemed to be playing with the idea of enjoying the snow. And that's how it was supposed to be. Anything less just wasn't right. Using her Gnosis mark of Morwen, she picked up two handfuls of snow, molded them to perfect balls and held them as if she was weighing them. She made the outside of the snowballs a thin layer of ice, while the inside was soft almost watery snow. This was an old trick that her father had taught her. The vantha made sure the two were perfectly even before flinging both snowballs with her wrists. One headed towards the blonde. One headed towards the red-head. If her aim was correct, the snowballs wouldn't hurt when they hit, but would be quite noticeable, as well as make a nice shattering noise before . As a couple of the younger Yasi took notice, Eilea grabbed a couple more snowballs and looked up with a wide, crooked smile and waited to see if anything would happen. “Come on, you two!” She exclaimed in common. “There's not much time of snow left, why work? Let's play!” Eilea eyes held a bright blue-green hue, mimicking her excitement.

[Aradia]

Aradia had a good amount of snow in her shovel, about to throw it on the Yasi behind her, a sneak attack on them to be sure. Before she could fling it over her shoulder though, a snow ball pelted her on the face. Aradia stood there with her shovel of snow still lingering off the ground, shocked that such a thing had just happened to her. Her head turned slowly to the side, her violet eyes seeing the blonde woman from the other night, and a small smile spread on her face. ”Alright… I see how this is going to go.. Aradia said throwing the fair amount of snow in her shovel at the woman, throwing it to the ground with a clank as she reached for a handful of snow, ready to fight back. She had the snow ball at the ready, ready to fling at the blonde haired woman, but once again her attack was stopped by a shattering noise echoing in the court yard. Aradia looked down with a frown, Was that a snow ball? A Vantha made snow ball at that? Aradia asked as she glanced down at the mooshy snow that was inside the soft ice ball. Then she heard the sing-song voice of a Vantha call out about playing instead of working. A smile crept on the mixed bloods face, as she flung her snow ball towards the woman. She turned to look at the stunned Yasi behind her, ”Snow ball fight! Aradia called out scooping up more snow, ready for the attack that was sure to come towards her. She was happy to bring those smiles on the Yasi’s once sullen faces. It was what the young and old did best, to have fun in life. The snow would still be there, it could still be shoveled, after a little fun first.

[Alori Sai]

Aela smiled at the surprised look on the red head's face. She had gotten her good but now realized that she was unarmed and it was her turn to feel the snow. Just as the thought crossed her mind, the teen tried to double back and cover her head but it was too late and she found herself covered in snow. The little Avora's hazel eyes widen and her mouth fell open when the icy snow touched her skin. She squeaked loudly, now realizing that covering up more would have been a much better idea.

Just as she was starting to recover, the teen was pelted with a snow ball from another direction. There was something different about the last one as the ball exploded upon her flesh she felt a watery coat unlike that of the frozen bits from the first. Aela squealed, turning away to cover her bare shoulders from more attacks. The snow was icy could and the mere touch sent goosebumps up and down her arms and back.

"Oh gods that is cold!!"

Once she could safely look up from the shelter of her arms over her head, she spotted another young woman standing close-by. She was a new face, and the dark hair made her stand out from the rest. A foreigner for sure, but how long she had been in the city, Aela couldn't say as she had just returned herself. Either way, there was another player in their game and the snow war was on and happening.

She smiled, flashing a mischievous glance towards both women as she leaned down and quickly molding together two tiny snowballs and flung them rather wildly at both women, before running from cover.

"Everyone get the new girl!!"

[Eilea]

One hit the ground, the other hit the blonde. At least the snowballs made an impression. Before Eilea knew it, two snowballs were heading her direction. Out of reflex Eilea tried to catch the snowball the blonde threw. As it squished in her hands, the snowball the girl with red hair threw, hit her on her side. For a split second, the Vantha girl stood still, thinking, smiling to herself. The blonde had moved, probably looking to hide from any other thrown balls of snow, whereas the other girl had declared a snow ball fight. A few of the younger ones flocked about, sending balls of snow towards everyone in the area. Once one hit her in the face, it was definitely on! Eilea walked into the line of fire... er... snow balls! With a giant grin, Eilea knelt down and scooped up some snow. As the snowballs or several different sizes flew above her head, she began to compact snow together, preparing some nice even snowballs. Then she noticed movement out of her peripheral vision. Another snowball was heading towards her head. She rolled to the side, into the snow and laid there laughing until another snowball flew above her. At least the younger ones were enjoying the snow. They seemed to immediately get into the game. Eilea turned her head to look at the blonde girl. “I am coming after you.” As she said it she turned over and got to her feet, a snow ball in each hand. Doing the same thing she did before using Morwen's mark, she froze the thin outer layer of snow. It helped keep the snowballs together. She took a few steps towards where the blonde haired girl was, before spinning on her heels and tossing both of the snowballs towards the red head. It was then when she noticed the girl's eyes. Violet. Brilliant. It was different from the other Inarta she had met during her short amount of time in Wind Reach. The girl had to have had some Vantha blood in her. Purple tones were only common in the Vantha people, or so she thought. Of course during this moment of realization, she was standing in the middle of the commotion without any cover form any of the snow being thrown around in the air. In this position, she also had her back exposed to the blonde woman behind her.

[Aradia]

Aradia laughed a genuine musical laugh at all the commotion in the Court Yard. Snow balls were flying everywhere, all around her. Aela had ran off, saying to get the new girl, and Aradia shook her head laughing, Come back here you coward! Aradia said on a chuckle, attempting to go after the familiar face of the woman. Of course running in the snow was not the brightest of ideas, as she slipped and fell, riding the slippery snow a few feet before stopping. Of course… only me. Aradia sighed, lifting herself half way off the ground. She was ducking snow balls that were flying over her head and near her head. She looked around for the other two women, having lost them in all the commotion of the Yasi. Finally she spotted Aela and the dark haired female. The female was looking at Aela, saying that she was coming after her. Good… That means I have time to hide. Aradia thought with a devious smile, planning on hiding behind the small pile of snow she had made shoveling earlier. The Singer came to her feet, about to head to the protection of the snow pile. Before she could really make it there, she saw the Vantha snow balls flying towards her. Her violet eyes went wide with shock as she threw her hands up to protect her face, feeling the icy balls collide with her body. One splattered on her hands, the other her stomach. The little Singer shrieked a little, as they were frightfully cold. Vantha snow balls made with Morwens mark isn’t fair! The Singer said in the melodic language Vani. She used the woman’s slight surprise to her advantage and walked fast, since running was a bad idea, and came closer to her pile of snow she decided to fall to the ground, sliding on her belly a little ways until curling into a ball, rolling her body, until she was behind the pile of snow. Once behind the small barrier, she decided to build a couple of balls of snow. She was hasty in her work, so they were rather lumpy and poorly made. She looked over her pile of snow then quickly ducked her head, throwing the snow balls without aim, letting them hit whatever they hit, laughing behind her protection.

[Alori Sai]

Aela had tried to flee, even a short distance but it didn't happen.The teen Avora slipped the moment she attempted to move and ended up stumbling a few feet before she could catch herself. A rather viscous snowball slammed into her bare arm, causing the girl to shriek loudly as she jumped. She tried to run again, this time choosing to go in the other direction where she was met with more flying snowballs. Aela made a yelp, jumping and covering her head from the incoming blizzard. "No! You traitors get them, get them!!" she yelled to the yasi.

The sing-song voice called out suddenly, and Aela turned to see the dark haired woman coming towards her with not one but two snowballs. She stumbled backwards then, almost falling down from her haste to get away. "No no, not the face." she giggled and held her arms up to cover her head. Somehow the teen had gotten picked to be the victim and everyone was pelting her with snowballs. Though she couldn't see the others throwing at each other since she was busy trying to escape the dark haired woman.

It came to her as a surprise when she turned away from her and tossed both snowballs at Aradia. Aela chuckled at the scene, seeing the surprise on the face of the redhead from the double attack. The next words that the woman said were in a language that she didn't understand and she stared confused for a bit at the two women. Once Aradia was on the move again, Aela gave another yelp as she dropped down to quickly stuff together another two snowballs.

Already she could feel the numbness growing in her hands and fingers from the contact with the frozen snow and the tips of her fingers were turning red because of it. The young Avora shivered from the cold. hazel eyes darted back and forth from the snow and the girls closest to her while she finished packing balls of snow into her palms. Aela quickly stood up wildly tossing one ball after the other at the dark haired woman. "I got you!"

[Eilea]

The Vantha watched as both of the snowballs she threw actually hit the fiery haired girl. She replied by saying that the snow balls she was making wasn’t fair. Wait… Was that in Vani? Could she be…? No… there’s no… way. With a chuckle, she replied in Vani as well, “Says who?” She impressed that the girl could speak her native language. But, as she pondered over that realization, her focus faltered. Before she knew it, the Inarta had moved. “Whaaaat?” Eilea whipped her head around, searching. She was no where to be found. There was white, the young ones, more white, and snowballs being thrown around. With a smirk, Eilea came to the conclusion that the red haired girl had to have found a hiding place in the snow. There were a few giggles. Eilea tilted her head to the side, listening. The excitement seemed to be dying down. Suddenly, it was as if the snowballs were specifically zoning in on her. One it the side of her face, then a couple hit her in the back, one right after another. She shivered partially because of the cold and partially because of the surprise. “Ahh!” That’s when she remembered the blonde girl. Her eyes changed to a pastel blue and a larger smile formed on her lips. She turned on her toes, carefully, leaving an imprint on the soft snow. Once facing the blonde, she held her hands up. “Okay, okay!” She said with her sing-song accent, speaking common. “I… surrender!” Eilea kept her hands up, half expecting more snowballs to be thrown. So, the blonde was there. Where was the red haired one? Eilea bit her lip, and darted her eyes back and forth looking for some sign. All the while, a few more snow balls were thrown from different directions. The younger ones were still having fun. That in of itself, made Eilea feel good. She took a step towards the blonde and shrugged her shoulders. Not being the greatest at silent communication, or rather gestures that were the same between regions and cities, the Vantha only hoped that the girl in front of her would understand she was trying to form a team.

[Aradia]

The snow was cold, not as cold as it was in Winter, but still it was freezing. Aradia looked down at her numb hands, both of her hands were turning a red in color. From her hiding spot she had made a few snow balls to through at the others. Prepared to launch her attack, she looked over her small heap of snow, and saw that the dark haired woman was being pelted by snow balls. Aela turned the Yasi on the woman. Aradia chuckled to herself, as she made a few more of the balls of snow, and placing them beside the others. Like any skilled fighter, she waited, patiently. She waited till that perfect timing, to launch her own attack on the women. A small devious smile grew on her face, as she heard the court yard go a little silent. The dark haired woman had surrendered, victory is mine! Aradia thought to herself, snickering. She waited and leaned over ever so slightly and saw the dark haired woman heading over to Aela, attempting to converse with her. Perfect! Aradia thought, doing a victory fist pump, as she leaned back behind her snow pile, and grabbed up her snow balls. The Singer lifted her head up from her snow pile, ”Vengenance is mine! Aradia yelled in common, laughing, as she started to pelt snow balls at the two women. One after the other, as fast as she could, which was not that fast. When all six snow balls had been thrown, Aradia fell in the snow laughing at the women’s reactions to her attack. Lying on the frozen bed of snow, giggling with mirth. She knew it was only a matter of moments when the two of them would attack, but it was too funny to stop laughing.