[SP-F15] Wintry Appearance

[Shin Kagami 0]

Winter had come early for the mountainous settlement on Floor 15. Several days have passed since the last time the sun graced the NPC residents of Lhasri with its presence and the remaining vestiges of warmth petered out. All that was left were the monotone gray sky and the piercing cold which took its place as the uncontested force of nature. It wasn’t long before the city life dwindled and the streets died quietly as few dared to challenge the unforgiveable weather and continue about their daily life.

But to the players who stayed around and remained inside of the small village, life continued without much change. The biting frost carried by the wind posed only a small discomfort and any damage they would have received was negated by the sanctuary properties of the safe zone. Kagami was even enjoying the cold and the small cubby in front of a shop that she tucked herself into. If anything, she had embraced the everwinter. Kagami loved how the steam from her tea quickly froze and lingered and the world’s absolute silence save her breath and the crunching snow when she shifted her weight. It was refreshing that all of these small details that the frigid weather brought into her ever-momentary life.

But like every moment, it passed. Ice slowly appeared in the cup of tea she made until it and Kagami’s bittersweet smile was all that was left. She poked at the ice to break the thin membrane with a hunting knife she carried around and took a sip from whatever tea remained, wondering if some of the tea could still be warm like a river under a thin layer of ice. She dumped out the rest of the tea with disregard before heading back to the inn that she was staying at while in town with hopes to find something interesting for the next moment in her life.

Stats: Non-combat but started at level 8.

Word count: 318

[Shin Kagami 0]

Kagami stopped in the entryway of “The Fading Junco.” She frowned at how it fared the weather. Its windows that peered into the small common room were now boarded up and sloppily sealed where the howling wind succeeded to break in. The once elaborate wooden decor that let the otherwise non-descript building was warped from the merciless elements. She shook off the snow and ice that clung to her clothes and headed inside, making sure that the door was only open for that short instance.

The inside of “The Fading Junco” was much homelier than the outside, though not by much. Woolen blankets lined all of the walls and even the wooden boards that covered the windows. A few candles deceptively enlargened the empty lobby. But to make up for the bleak conditions, the most notable thing was the short, portly woman across the counter that greeted Kagami with a smile. “I was half expecting that you left and took my mug with you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it Mama Fahri.” Kagami smiled and leaned over the counter to hand Fahri the mug. She clasped their hands and gave them a small shake. Showing how much she had learned from Mama Fahri including how the servants of Kunchen, the majority of NPCs of the floor, showed appreciation for the minor things in life. “I really enjoyed the tea while it was warm. Thank you so much… really.”“Many thanks to you child. May many gifts come your way and may they guide you.” The gentle smile transformed into one of radiance and pride and the room grew a bit warmer in its presence. Tightening her grip, Fahri met Kagami’s eyes. Seeing a set of eyes with years of happiness, Kagami couldn’t help but try to return the same thing. She felt guilty, trying to appear as happy as Mama Fahri and hoped that her imitation was good enough to pass as the real thing.

Word Count: 323

[Shin Kagami 0]

The silence was awkard for Kagami full of unending eye contact full of unconditional care. Searching for any way to escape, she weighted her options. And truthfully, anything was worth trying if it meant breaking the silence and hopefully becoming free of guilt. “Yeah, you too,” Kagami said with a voice that shrank into the distance. The storylike picture became tainted with concern and the silence much more awkward with no escape in sight.

But Kagami would be saved by the bell when a player entered the inn and brought the elements with them. His armor was worse for wear and his frostkissed face was covered with exhaustion. Yet his work was for naught, if the empty sheath was a worthwhile indicator. The two players traded places as the man trudged towards the counter and Kagami rushed to close the door behind the man. A bag of Col was dropped on the counter, and a few magic words were muttered that would let him have a room in the inn before he continued his long journey that led him up the stairs leaving only a trail of melting snow behind.

Kagami sighed. That wasn’t the first person to come by in that manner since she’s been staying at the inn. He certainly wouldn’t be the last. But it had definitively gotten worse since the everwinter started. She used to warn the newcomers to try to leave most of the snow outside and keep the door closed as much as possible. Now, it seemed pointless as all of her pleas fell on deaf ears and that energy was better spent on brandishing mops and rags.

Even Kagami’s frustrations were heard but were discarded by Fahri. “I feel bad for them. The council and those travelers are trying to help everyone survive these harsh conditions. I don’t want to trouble them anymore than I need to. Plus, you’re always there to help out.”

Word Count: 321

[Shin Kagami 0]

“You should be a bit more selfish,” Kagami said. “The bounty rewards that us travelers receive are already increased… And we know the risks so no one owes anyone anything that isn’t already contracted.” It was a pointless statement to make. A redundant one at that. Kagami was already prepared for Mama Fahri to talk about how the kindness that they have received should be reciprocated in greater kindness. That lecture never came.

Mama Fahri forced out a hearty laugh. “Hahahaha, maybe I should but not before the sun returns.” The silence crept back in between the two as neither of them wanted to voice their uncertainty. Mama gave a smile and tried to say a few words of hope but her grin and voice were a bit weak and wavering, tired and tiring. “Speaking of the council and the weather, we should start heading to The Table. Maybe they’ll have a solution this time.” She rummaged through a few drawers and eventually found the plaque announcing her absence. It read: “The matron of this inn is not currently present. Anyone in need of the inn’s service can help themselves and leave the appropriate payment on the counter.” After placing it onto the plaque, Mama Fahri and Kagami were off to attend the village meeting.

It took almost an hour to reach the top floor of the central building between Kagami’s incessant worrying about Mama Fahri tripping on the ice and Mama Fahri endlessly tripping after giving assurances that it would not happen again, only saved from a bad fall by Kagami. Despite the duo’s hilarious cycle of misfortune, they eventually reached the central building of Lhasri and climbed the stairs which took them from the empty bazaar on the bottom floor to the top floor that housed The Table.

Word Count: 300