cuddlecity | EVENT: SLEIGH BELLS RING

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EVENT: SLEIGH BELLS RING

EVENT: SLEIGH BELLS RING.

Can you hear the bells? Throughout the city of Cadelle, the sweet chimes of bells can be heard, cheerful and bright as they sway in the cool breeze. It seems winter has finally come to the city, replacing the dreary drizzling fall rain with crisp, cool weather and — of course — the first of what is sure to be many snowfalls. In keeping with local traditions, citizens have begun hanging up their seasonal decorations, and no traditional home would be complete without a few (or a few dozen) small brass bells, hung just above doorways to merrily chime out with each coming and going.

Early in the winter season, the soft blanket of snow spread out across the ground and newly found chill in the air provides a perfect opportunity for festive frolicking. Whether you're an Olympic hopeful or content to just linger on the sidelines, there's something for everyone in the city to enjoy.

▸ By mid-week, the pond in Golden Park begins to freeze. It doesn't take long to solidify into something sturdy enough to hold weight, and as soon as it does, the city is all too happy to request the assistance of the Zamboni in making it smooth as glass. Those that have been practicing their skills over at the Ice Castle might want to show off, but those a little less familiar should have no fear — the public skating sessions are open to everyone, and skating teachers will be on hand an hour before each session to give lessons for anyone who might be interested! Skating is free, and should you get too cold after a spin or two on the ice, there's always the concession stands nearby... maybe pick up a hot chocolate or two and warm up?

▸ If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on solid ground, the gentle flurries that accompany the first few weeks of December prove the perfect atmosphere for a few wintertime classics. Snow forts, snowball fights, and even snow angels can be spotted all along the grassy shores next to Blue Springs Pool and within the tree-lined meadows of the city's many public parks. Feel free to join in to the fun! Who knows, you might even spot the Mayor building a tiny snow replica of City Hall. (Just please don't knock it over, whatever you do. We hear she's quite particular about her replicas.)

▸ While it's certainly beautiful to look at, cold weather isn't for everyone. Some prefer it hot, and for those that do, the city is all too glad to accommodate. Within the friendly and vaguely Nordic halls of the Elsket House, visitors will find a plethora of piping hot offerings to keep the winter chill far, far away. Those looking to rest and recharge may enjoy the saunas and steam rooms — the rock salt sauna claims to reduce stress, while the sun room's heated loungers provide a more relaxing opportunity to enjoy all that heat has to offer... and there's always the traditional wood saunas or steam rooms to consider too. Why not try them all?

▸ Last but certainly not least, those that linger out in the city center may notice the surprising absence of locals in their more common haunts on those days when temperatures dip below freezing. Ask around, and you may discover one of Cadelle's better kept secrets: the cave pools, open each winter season, are a collection of natural hot springs just beyond the city border. Tucked away inside caves within the lower slopes of the western mountains, the pools are local favorites for beating the chill, and are often quite popular throughout the season. While many are family-friendly, there are a few on the far end that are rumored to be adults-only both in attendance and... well, in everything else, too. (It's a bit of a don't ask, don't tell sort of arrangement. We're neither asking nor telling, so be discreet!)

Beyond the cuddle-worthy temperatures and picturesque backdrops, there's always something to do in the new month. Whatever you do, we hope you have a happy, merry, holly, jolly time during this time of year!

Can you believe it's already December, cuddlers? We can't either — even if it doesn't really feel like winter for some of us, we're delighted to share in the seasons greetings with you and some light-hearted winter fun! (Don't count on it all staying fun... but our lips are sealed!)

With all the wintertime activities available, we know there's one on the list that might spark a little extra curiosity. Yeah, that's right, we're talking about those magical hot springs, tucked in the hollows of caves, just waiting for the brave to find them and enjoy all that they have to offer. Should you choose to explore them, you'll have the choice between the standard and more adult-oriented of options. Both pools are imbued with the Energem's magic, and will leave bathers feeling warmed up and in good health. Small injuries, like a pulled muscle or shallow scrape, will heal with just a few minutes' time in the baths.

However, the pools at the far ends — the adult-only pools, of course — have a higher concentration of magic, the potent mixture having not yet met with the freshwater near the middle. These pools will not only warm a man and wash away his pain, they'll also leave bathers feeling particularly friendly after a while. Maybe you'd like to get to know someone better? Or more intimately? (We see you. We know what you're about.)

If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you. In addition, if you've got an idea for a future event, feel free to drop us a line at our EVENTS SUGGESTION POST.

We hope you have tons of fun out there this month, cuddlers, and we'll see ya around!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[he'd have made her one of those gigantic sugary monstrosities that kim is fond of getting, but alas he doesn't know skinny from no whip as far as coffee orders go. so the more milk than coffee drink that he offers up is his best attempt.]

You're welcome. [he leans in and presses a kiss to her cheek. and if that doesn't answer her question, he adds...]

I'm not mad. Just still trying to warm up.

( a nod of agreement — it is cold, more so than it's been even with the wet chill of the rain these last few weeks, hence her hot shower and the steamed over mirror she's facing now — and kimberly leads him out of the small bathroom and back into her room, where she can sink into her dressing chair and actually wake herself up with her coffee. )

Must be winter now, I guess. ( she huffs a bit, good-naturedly, before running her fingers through her hair, gently detangling any knots from the towel dry. ) Did you want to explore around town a bit?

( kimberly's not entirely sure he'll get the reference, but the corner of her mouth quirks up a bit all the same as she sing-songs, ) Maybe we could make a snowman? ( imitation dragging her voice a bit lower, she adds, ) It doesn't have to be a snowman...

Yeah I figured that too. It's not like the Energem could've just turned the AC on full blast. [though, after he says it he contemplates the idea that this blizzard could be just that. they live in a city built on magic. would it be so out of the ordinary?]

Yeah I want to head out. [he mumbles his reply, still tired to the point that he feels like he's missing out on something with regards to why she's chosen that particular sing-song voice.]

I'm gonna grab another cup and we can head out when you're ready.

( it wouldn't be entirely out of the realm of possibility. considering the city's managed to throw at them an earthquake, freak rain storms, and everything else, she wouldn't be too surprised if this surprise winter arrival wasn't part of the city's unique weather patterns too.

but whether the weather is a result of energem-influenced atmosphere or just standard shifts of the seasons, it's cold, which means layers. it also means a proper ditching of her tried-and-true lycra or denim shorts, opting instead for thick black leggings and a buffalo check flannel shirt that may have been stolen from the wardrobe of a fellow ranger particularly fond of yellow and black. clearly, kimberly hart has a type.

as she makes her way back into the kitchen, now empty coffee cup deposited into the washer, she offers a bit of a snap in reply. )

I can't believe you don't know that song. Everybody knows that song. I think my dad even knows that song.

( screw street cred. if she has to, she'll go home and get a dvd copy of it and sit robbie reyes down for a good and proper frozen singalong spectacular. )

[children's movies aren't exactly robbie's genre of choice. so kim shouldn't be all to surprised that he's not been introduced to the sensation that is frozen.

while kim finishes getting dressed, he rummages through his own pile of clothes. a pair of dark jeans replaces the plaid flannel bottoms and he slips on a wool coat over his inner layers.

before long he's rinsing his own cup and shrugging his shoulders at her comments.]

Sorry? I don't really listen to a lot of newer things. And I'm not convinced I should build a snowman.

Yeah, yeah, you're an old man with old man tastes. I know, Grandpa. ( she can't hide the grin that curves up the corners of her mouth; fondness and teasing have become their secret language, a callback to that first game of push-and-pull. it hadn't been that long ago, really, but it felt far away. like ancient history. going back to those days, pretending that feelings and emotions weren't a part of what went on between them, felt impossible now. even if they didn't talk about it.

both dressed, the trail from kitchen to driveway is a short one, door locked behind them once keys are picked up from the hook in the hallway. they could ride, of course — there's certainly no shortage of vehicles between the two of them — but the weather feels more bearable under proper layers, so she opts instead to guide him towards the sidewalk, where they can follow the path into the center of the city and investigate just what mother nature left behind. )

I've never actually built a snowman before, to be totally honest. It's just kind of... the whole thing. Winter wonderland-y, I guess.

And you're all about what's hip and fresh and lit, aren't you? [it's no challenge all, digging deeper to find those teasing words, to be playful and joke. kim makes it easy in a way that he can't really explain, that he hasn't even begun to explore but he's okay with that, in the same way that he's okay with the fact that they don't always talk about their feelings.

his hand, thankfully warm despite the chill in the air, slips into hers as the take a leisurely stroll toward city center. all around them are families clearing the paths to their doors and children having fun in the fluffy white snow which blankets the ground.]

Makes two of us. There's not exactly a ton of snow around LA. In the mountains, sure, but I don't think I've ever seen a single flake on my patch of grass. It's pretty. A bit cold for my taste, but at least it's not super windy today.

You feel like grabbing some hot cocoa and seeing what else is going on?

I guess I do like things pretty hot. ( a wink, and her fingers squeeze when his palm presses against her own. ) Cocoa... guys who light on fire... temperatures...

( they pass by a group of schoolgirls, no more than eight or nine years old, clustered around a collection of crooked snowmen and piles of prepared snowballs; the girls giggle and hide their faces behind the tallest snowmen as they pass by, ruddy cheeks colored both by their blushing embarrassment and the chill in the air. kimberly can't help but laugh as snowballs fly in their direction when their backs are turned, loud giggling echoing out from behind them when the projectiles make contact with the back panel of robbie's wool coat. )

I think you have some new admirers, babe. ( a hand reaches out to brush off some of the snow still clinging to the fabric. ) Should I be worried? Planning on trading me in for a younger model?

[if his fingers grow just a tiny bit hotter as she makes that particular comment, well, it's honestly just in response to the cold. robbie shakes his head, turning to regard kim with a look that says 'are you kidding me?']

You're ridiculous, you know that? Nah. I think I've managed to go young enough with you. Any younger and then I'm really straying into gross old dude territory, don't you think?

But it's tempting to turn back around and show them a thing or two about proper throwing technique. [it's said with a smirk, but robbie makes no attempt at turning around. instead he tugs them onward toward blue spring pool.]

Mm, ( she's non-committal at first, just a gentle hum in response, but it's quickly replaced by a snappy reply. ) You should probably stick with jailbait. People might ask questions if you start hanging around with little girls.

( to be fair, people might ask questions of his interest in her. he might have questioned it, too, if her age had been disclosed from the beginning. but it hadn't been, and by the time it had come up, it didn't matter as much anymore. she knew that might change, if and when they ever traded in this place for a city on a united states map back home, but that was something she didn't have to think about today.

instead, she had the banks of blue springs sprawling out before her, white as far as the eyes could see thanks to the recent snowfall. there were plenty of people about, enjoying the season for what it offered, and in the distance, kimberly could see what looked like a collection of snow angels left near the water's edge. )

I kind of feel like we're in a Hallmark movie.

Yeah. I think I'll stick with you.

[a nonchalant statement, accompanied by a smile. robbie's sure that there are people out there who'd question what someone his age might see in someone as young as kim, but as far as he was concerned, it wasn't an issue to worry about. not here at any rate.

he chuckles at kim's statement. cadelle blanketed in white does feel a whole lot like a wholesome movie.]

Yeah. But I'm not sure that Hallmark movies usually have guys who drive fast cars in them. Maybe the local plumber. Jack of all trades. Fireman. But you... you fit right in.

Me?

( her brows knit together a bit at the comment. she hasn't watched very many hallmark movies, but she's read a handful of harlequin novels. they'd been passed around in sophomore year, hand-me-downs from another girl's older sister. while your everyday cable channels offered movies with makeout scenes and flashes of topless women perfect for the passing interests of young men, it didn't do much for girls desperate for something more enjoyable than fumbling handsy passes in backseats or under bleachers. if she remembers, there were plenty of could-be bad boys in those novels. )

I think you'd fit in just fine, babe. ( as the 'rough around the edges but soft on the inside' type. the type that reminded her of mr skull-who-lights-on-fire himself. a pause, and she adds: ) If this was a movie, who do you think I'd be?

That's easy. Small town cheerleader who dreams of something bigger and better.

[robbie says with a shrug of his shoulders. he's not exactly the cable network's target audience, so he's just guessing at things here. but kim really does seem like she fits a whole lot better than he does. still, she seems to think he fits, and that's really the important thing here.]

What about me?

I'm pretty sure the Hallmark channel could do better than a disgraced former cheerleader.

( the answer to his question is easy too. it might not have been from the beginning, but the warmth that's been slowing creeping up her arms ever since his hand slid into hers has made it especially obvious tonight. )

But you... you're the bad boy with a romantic side. Obviously. You could melt an iceberg with those hands.

( speaking of ice and hands, there's an entire park bank covered in fluffy white stuff just waiting to be molded. )

Think you can handle a snowman without melting it?

Nah. I think that those movies eat that stuff up. Stories about redemption or whatever.

[he really shouldn't be surprised that this weather is encouraging her to make some rather corny statements. still, he can't help but turn a wide grin in her direction, squeeze her hand once more and nod.]

You know I've got perfect control of my hands. Let's get rolling. [and as with any snowman, the beginning is a perfectly formed snowball, which robbie squeezes in his palms until the sphere is nice and tight. he holds it out for kim to examine.] Wanna do the honors?

The honors?

( she's never actually made a snowman before. or a snowball, for that matter. salt in the air from the sea lowers the freezing point of the water around angel grove to the point that they only ever see damp winter slush, the occasional thin ice around the shoreline; picture perfect winter weather isn't the fisherman's village way.

so doing the honors is about as clear as a foggy day in san francisco. she's all too happy to take it from him, though, and toss it — gently this time — towards the wool that splays out over his shoulder. )

... whoops. Guess I don't have "perfect control".

Oh. Is that the game you wanna play?

[kimberly hart, this means war. robbie ducks behind a concrete statue, gathers up another snowball and lobs it toward kim.]

I hope you know you're gonna lose.

( oh, that's uncalled for. she does her best to duck, but she's less focused on evasive maneuvers; the ball hits her on the collarbone, snow spray clinging to her cheeks and hair, and she has to dart backwards to find shelter behind a picnic bench nearby. )

I didn't even throw it that hard the first time!

( but he's not showing her any mercy, which means she can't either. a tight squeeze of snow between her palms, and a rough imitation of his example is hurled back, accompanied by a bright burst of laughter when it hits him square in the jaw. she might not be a very good snowball former, but kimberly hart can throw a damn snowball. )

[he sputters as some of the stray snow from the ball that hit him in the jaw ends up in his mouth. it doesn't hurt, not really. just smarts a little. wounded pride hurting more than snow ever could.]

I thought you were a cheerleader. Where'd you get that arm?

[he calls back from over his current perch, behind a tall tree with a wide base and limbs bare but for the snow covering its branches above. he forms another half dozen balls before launching another at her. she manages to duck at the last second, though, and the ball barely grazes her shoulder.]

Same place I got the armor!

( he's faster at rolling the snow between his hands, practiced at offensive tactics in the field. this isn't a war, but it's a friendly play at one, and all kimberly's ever known is putties and flying and zords; her own inexperience shows as she peeks out too soon, his next throw hitting her square in the face as a result.

maybe she won't win by throwing, but she might be able to turn the tables in her own favor a different way. )

You're really going to hit me in the face?!

Well, if that's the target you're giving me. Why don't you put that armor to good use?

[he hides again, stockpiles a decent amount of ammo in this friendly fight of theirs.]

You gonna hide behind the bench all day?

( the next snowball skims over the top of the bench, breaking up into a million pieces that rain down around her. her arms reach forward, a wide loop that encompasses a tall pile of snow to be dragged back towards her; it's enough to create a small pyramid of snowballs, though she doesn't touch them yet. ) If that's the way you want to play... ( an exaggerated touch of her palms to her cheek is sure to catch his attention; her fingertips press in against her cheekbone with enough pressure to ensure the skin burns a little red. )

Can't believe you hit me in the face...

( if she could feign a faint, she might. instead, she sinks down once she's sure he's caught sight of her false wound, out of sight where she can groan audibly for effect and get to work building a pile of ammo for the right moment. )

You're the one who started this fight!

[he shouts out. a spares a glance in her direction, face falling a little as she groans and clutches at her face.

worried, he offers a chance for ceasefire.]

Kim? You okay?

Edited 2017-12-10 00:35 (UTC)

( a soft giggle is muffled by two hands suddenly clasped over her mouth, and once the sound is swallowed down, she offers a low whine in reply, adding: ) That really hurt, babe.

( come investigate, ghost rider. you know you want to. )

[a raised eyebrow. this is probably a bad idea, but he's going to go anyway.

robbie strolls on over, his boots leaving large prints in the snow.]

Babe? Truce?

EVENT: SLEIGH BELLS RING

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