cuddlecity | EVENT: SLEIGH BELLS RING

Entry tags:

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

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?

( she hears him coming. it's practically impossible not to, not with the way he stomps across the snow, dead grasses crunching under his weight as he walks. it's only once he makes his way around the corner that kimberly launches forward, pelting him with armfuls of snowballs and loose snow caught in between; once they're thrown, she follows their arc by launching herself forward, hands catching him around the waist and dragging him down into the snow with her. )

Nope! ( admittedly, it's kind of silly to call a truce when you're straddling someone's waist and they're backed into the snow. ) No truce!

[it's self-preservation that has that familiar feeling of flames drawing over his skin. robbie's hands, flat against the ground glow red and orange.]

I'm gonna get you.

[and with that statement, he bucks until he can flip them both, hands coming to settle on either side of her head as he peers down from above.]

Pinned you.

( okay, simba. she won't protest too much, just a quick scoop of fresh powdery snow in her palm that gets smeared across his cheeks — and just as quickly gets melted away by his own heat, those familiar flames coming out to join the fun. )

Yeah, you did. Did you think that meant you were winning?

( because usually this sort of thing means she's in for a good time. )

Because this is supposed to be me losing?

[he says as the flames subside long enough for him to grab a fistful of snow and stuff it down the front of her jacket.]

( shit, that's cold. a shiver runs down her spine, but she does her best to fight the chill, hands curving around another pile of white before slipping it in between the lining of his jeans and boxers underneath. )

Yes. You losing, me winning — ( even as her teeth start to chatter a bit, because this is serious now. ) — obviously.

[damn if that's not cold. and there's not really a good way to make the chill stop, save shifting uncomfortably to get away from the cold.]

I don't know that you're winning considering your lips are beginning to look a little blue.

Wanna try that again, chica?

( is she freezing? yes, absolutely. her teeth are chattering and her ungloved hands are starting to ache from the snow. but does she want to give in? no, definitely not. she'd rather avoid that if at all possible. so it's between slightly numb lips that kimberly replies, trying her damnedest to keep a stern face: ) I tricked you.

( but like hell if she'd complain about a little fire to warm her up right now... )

And you're two steps from freezing. So, you wanna give up so I can get you somewhere warm? [he says as he stands, letting his hands ~~arms feet and legs~~ and skull light up once more. if skulls could sigh contentedly, just picture that, kimberly]

Or are you just gonna gloat while you're cold?

M'not gloating, ( comes the complaint in return, even if she is one hundred percent aware that she's been gloating the entire time. because she's still proud of herself for tricking him into a temporary truce. she's practically a secret agent with that display of skill. ) Just telling the truth.

( but she'll hold her arms up anyway, looking particularly pathetic and needy in the process. love me say those big doe eyes. love me and warm me up, because i'm an idiot who started a snowball fight without any gloves on. )

Right. Because telling the truth also includes continued piles of snow to my crotch.

[he doesn't quite believe her. this is definitely gloating, but he'll let her have this one victory because he isn't cruel and she definitely looks like she's going to freeze if he doesn't intervene. robbie gives her a tug up and wraps her up tight. the flames subside even if the warmth doesn't and after a moment of silence, he rests his chin on her shoulder and presses their cheeks together.]

Warm enough yet?

( at first, the answer's no; she's still especially chilly even with the lingering effects of the former flames pressed against her skin. but after a few minutes, the shivering subsides and kimberly's left feeling toasty again. thankfully. )

I think so. ( though... if she says no, he'll stay close and cozy like this, right? ) But just in case... maybe just a little longer?

(no subject)

acuerdo - 2017-12-22 01:54 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only