♥ March (Ainir) Event Log

[hugtopiamods]

March Event Log
Spring has sprung! Or at least, in theory. The month began monthly unremarkably, besides the priests of Ainea's temple prepping for the first month in their deity's season, which tends to be a little sleepy as the city traditionally shakes off those winter woes. The earthquakes still has everyone feeling a strange anticipation for change, but with how long it's gone with no noteworthy shifts yet, excitement has grown somewhat muted. All of that is about to change...

---

❥ PROMPT I: Let the Rain Fall Down

The month begins with something peculiar: a sudden rainfall occurring sporadically, not just in sections of the city the way it does when the weather system is malfunctioning, but rather consistent across the entire city. The natives in town are flummoxed; this rain is natural, passing harmlessly through the barrier, and the water that falls to the ground is clean, unpoisoned by the perpetual storm and toxic air outside. The rain comes in waves, from a light drizzle to a steady stream, and while it is not raining all day every day, it is probably best practice to travel with an umbrella on hand for a while.

Before long, the effects of this natural rainfall will become apparent: the city is undergoing an unexpected period of growth. Flowers, fauna, and all sorts of greenery are sprouting up in all areas of the city where grass or soil exists. It appears that at last your effort is paying off, and life is returning to Havenwell in a big way. The types of plants that grow will range in type, colour, and species- many of them are live versions of the extinct plants that have been on display in the museums, or whatever is already on display in the gardens. Some of the plants that grow might also be familiar to the visitors of this world- a small slice of your home, adopted by the gods that your touch have rejuvenated.

One downside is that since all these changes are happening at once, in such a short span, the botanical community is ill-equipped to make sure all of these new plants have a chance to thrive on their own. Many things that grow can be left where they stand, but the seemingly randomized placement means that certain plants aren't in a good spot. A tree sapling sprouting in the cracks of the sidewalk, or a sunflower tucked away beneath a rooftop, for example.

Thus, the community is asking for volunteers to help relocate plants to the proper areas. Most should be going to the parks, gardens, or temples, areas with clean, existent soil but with nothing yet growing there. These locations have been tested, and have been determined to be safe for planting- it seems that the rain has purified whatever sour ground that the barrier hasn't kept clean, to make way for the new plants. They can also be relocated to personal residences, for those houses that have gardens or a bit of soil if you're willing to install your own. As the rain continues to fall, plants will keep growing, so when the flora and fauna are relocated there will be more growing in its place before long. Lots of work to be done if you're to save the new life in town!

If you wish to include a specific plant from your canon: please request it in the PLANT FROM HOME APPROVAL thread on the plotting post!

Please be aware that much like the rest of the plants growing around town, those from home will begin as seeds and grow gradually over the course of the event. Keep that in mind!

❥ PROMPT II: Hold My Flower

As the days pass, and there seems to be no end to the growth in town, the natives are growing increasingly excited, and when the collection of flowers becomes such a plethora that there are too many, they explain that the timing of this is very on-point: years ago, before the world began to die, they celebrated a Festival of Flowers, to welcome the shift of winter to spring in their corner of the world. In previous years, the tradition lived on in a simpler form, with paper or synthetic flowers, but it isn't really the same without hair so interest waned.

A major part of the festival involves flower weaving, in many intricate patterns and arrangements, all of which have different meanings, like an arranged bouquet might. These flowers are sewn together into crowns, or woven directly into the recipient's hair, a delicate and rather intimate act done between friends, family, or lovers alike. Since the robots of town can't really benefit from this shared experience (of neither physical interaction or hair weaving), instead they happily pass along their knowledge of arrangements and techniques, floral symbolism. You can follow along with their directions, or just make something up/create something new, though certain unwitting combinations are bound to earn some curious (or amused) looks from the locals. For those of you who lack long hair for such acts, despair not! Crowns placed on short hair are just as socially welcome as the weavings, as you'll see from the robots wearing similar designs around town.

However, there is a chance that the rain is also causing something other than plants to grow around town… namely, exposed hair. Those who get caught in the downpour might inexplicably notice that their hair is an inch or two longer the next morning… and then longer… and longer… there is no hard or fast limit to how much it grows, and cutting it may help for a time, but it does not stem the growth either. Maybe you should just relax and enjoy it for a while.

❥ PROMPT III: Scheme of the Wyrm Queen

Developed by Noctis and Pyra, in collaboration with the VR cafes, Havenwell officially presents: King's Knight 2.0: Scheme of the Wyrm Queen, a game that will be available going forward and premieres this month.

This game is designed to be like an MMO/mobile game, except in VR- every player gets an account, and to an extent their avatars are customizable. There are a set number of levels per playthrough, you can stop and pick up any time after a level ends, and you can re-arrange your party members at the start of each play session.

You can charge through levels just smashing away at enemies, but part of the game mechanic is that physical contact between characters in-game will provide stat boosts, enhancements, occasional heals or buffs, soft revives at 0HP, etc. The effect can vary depending on the nature of contact, but is also randomized to an extent, to allow for player freedom. Let's just say that intent plays a part... so touch someone and wish with your heart, and maybe something nice will happen. Or at least something kind of cheesy. (Noctis would like to establish that he did not program in that part.)

Noteworthy features:

• The plot: The evil dragon queen Nebula has kidnapped the prince of Oriens and absconded to the realm of monsters with him for some nefarious purpose. The gods of Totally Not Aellyn bless a group of heroes with the power to travel through that realm in order to rescue the prince! ...That's it. What, do you think you're here for plot? Nah. You're here to fight monsters and collect treasure.


• A party can consist of 2-4 characters of any class arrangement, though a somewhat balanced party is encouraged to survive each level. Repeated training (or grinding) can help characters acquire better gear drops or level up if they get stuck, but there is an emphasis on teamwork to get you through it!


• "Death" in-game causes a character to become translucent and unable to interact with the game until healed or revived, or until the level ends. If all characters reach this status, they fail the level and the game is over. All characters are healed to full once a level is beaten.


• Levels are randomly generated based on a set amount of algorithms, to shake up the experience and make each game a little bit different. There is a plot as noted above, with some dialogue and programmed NPCs, but interaction with either is simple and can be ignored or skipped after the first run-through if you so choose.


• Certain accounts of people who were a part of the development (AKA those who Noctis pestered about designing things) will gain access to unique costume options upon initial log-in, like a pre-order bonus. These items are cosmetic only, but look pretty nifty.


• The difficulty setting can be adjusted according to player skill, so if anyone feels like Normal is beyond their ability, don't be ashamed to turn it down a notch! Player accessibility is more important. There are leaderboards for each difficulty, but it's mostly for bragging rights and don't earn you anything special.

Available Classes:

• Knight - a well-rounded swordsman with a shield, built tough for the front line and defense


• Thief - master of finding hidden objects, detecting traps, disarming foes, the fastest class


• Sorcerer - commanding the elements, attack from a distance and overwhelm your enemies; glass cannon


• Battle Cleric - wielder of a magic weapon that recognizes friends from foes; striking an ally will heal them without injury, striking a foe will tear them down


• Dragoon - specializes in aerial assault, heavy hits and safe retreats, can reach high areas


• Archer - speedy attacks at long distance; inexplicably great at parkour and glitching out of bounds for treasure

Enemies:

Monsters in-game vary between generic beasts of lore, parody versions of creatures found in Final Fantasy XV, and some monsters based on descriptions that Noctis or Pyra acquired from asking people. These are subject to change on request, as the game will be developing gradually to improve itself.

If you have suggestions or requests for monsters, treasures, or equipment, please submit them to the additional information page on King's Knight, where such updates will be tracked!

❥ PROMPT IVish: A Final Reminder

The soft earthquakes in effect since last month are still ongoing, however they have spread out more and are no longer occurring every day, but instead with a handful of gaps in between. As noted in the Intro Mingle log, there are new messages that characters can receive:

1) "Change is coming." this message is passive, almost like a greeting.
2) "We thank you for all you have done." this message is softer, almost apologetic.
3) "We shall do all we can to keep you safe." this message is gentle, almost parental in its affection.
4) "Share your bounty and your joy." this message is kind and encouraging, tugging you toward people you may not have met yet.
5) "Remember to keep the balance." this message is plaintive, but without urgency.
6) "Do not approach the walls." this message is LOUD, insistent, and the most frequently transmitted.
7) "Soon, change." this message is a gentle reminder.
8) "We welcome you to our home." This message is sent most frequently to newcomers.
9) "Be not afraid. You are safe." this message is polite and reassuring.
10) "Keep your footing and watch your step." this message is cautious, a firm warning.

Most of the residents have stopped linking up, since the messages are mostly on repeat, but the local temple priests still do it every time… just in case. Otherwise, it's easy enough to ignore for most people. The anticipation hasn't faded, but they're simply waiting for whatever comes next.

---

This event will run from March 13th to 29th. Click on each prompt's title to see the text. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread on the plotting post.

Comments

Ib with some II thrown in

[of_northern_skies]

[The rain started and it was a beautiful thing. The little slice of protected world around them had started to sprout and unfurl and grow. It was easy to get lost in that, rushing home from a full day of replanting and working outside with his hands. It was easy to forget until he actually got home and spotted his brother.

At least, he was pretty sure it was his brother. The figure was huddled under his cloak, the heavy leather far too large for such a small body. He couldn't see the occasional shivers, but he knew they'd be there. He'd seen them before, except here there was no fireplace to stoke.

Instead, he quietly slipped past the huddled form, heading upstairs. He was gone for several minutes, taking his time to make sure everything was right before he returned.]

Come on, Brother. I've got something for you.

[Which was the only warning Edmund got before Peter was unwrapping him from his cloak and scooping him up against the warmth of his chest.]

[ofthewaste]

[Edmund was brooding, there was no other word for it. He might be small and seem far too young now but it doesn't change the familiar paths his mind takes when the weather turns chill. Especially here when the rain merely reminds him of London, of Mother and the War, as much as it does of all the things in Narnia that make his bones ache.

He doesn't even look up when Peter comes home, a small noncommittal noise that is muffled in the cloak. His brother has other things to do, things to tend to that a body so small and fragile is in no capacity capable of performing.

He nearly jumps when Peter returns and he's loathe to give up the meager warmth inside the huddled nest of cloak he'd created. Before he could protest, though, the larger man had plucked him up so effortlessly he couldn't help a little surge of bitterness. He hates how little Peter remembers and he would not trade his memories of Caspian, Reepicheep, Trumpkin, even Coriakin, for the comfort of his body responding as it's meant to but there's a dark flicker of envy in his chest all the same. The kind of venomous feelings that are always made worse by the chill.]

I'm capable of walking, I'll have you know.

[It lacks his usual humor but it also lacks the bite his words often take on when he's feeling particularly morose.]

[of_northern_skies]

[Oh, he didn't think for a moment that Edmund wasn't completely ready to knock him about the head for picking him up like he had. Of course, that had never stopped him before. His brother would eventually be just as tall as he was, but he'd never be as broad. Even back home, if the weather had turned to a cutting chill and even a roaring fire couldn't melt the bad mood from Edmund's eyes, Peter would have no problem hauling him up and carrying him off.

Of course, once he's taller, he'll be tossed over Pete's shoulder like a sack of potatoes instead of held in his arms.]

I know. I also know that you wouldn't. I'd tell you to come upstairs and you'd snipe at me about having something better to do and we'd end up just arguing. So shut up.

[Heading up the stairs, he bypassed both of their bedrooms in favor of the door that was closed at the end of the hall. The bathroom. Inside, it became very apparent very quickly what Peter had been up to.

The tub was full, the water at a level that would no doubt be a little dangerous once Ed was actually in it, but that was what the stack of towels on the counter was for. Beside the tub the toilet seat was down, a folded towel atop to add a bit of cushion for whoever was sitting there. And between the tub and the makeshift chair, was a basket of flowers.

He made sure the bathroom door was firmly closed behind them before he let Edmund down on the rug that he'd pulled out to keep his bare feet from touching the cold floor.]

Please, Brother?

[ofthewaste]

There are better things to do.

[Catering to his foul moods was hardly an efficient use of Peter's time. He should be working or fussing over this Regis of his or... Or what, Edmund? It isn't as though they're in Narnia. Or that there is any real need for them to be doing much of anything beyond whatever they want right now.

But what he wants more than anything is to be back on the balcony of Cair Paravel or even perched at the Dawn Treader's prow, watching the sea rush by and the sun beam down on their faces. It's a futile fight, he knows that, just as it has been for years. Peter was always the one to fuss, to acknowledge the shadows that haunt him, brought to the fore every time he shivered.

Even now it wasn't really that cold, just chilly mostly, but his hands trembled as he lifted them to begin working the buttons of his shirt free. As much as he might complain he's not actually stopping Peter from what he means to do.]

[of_northern_skies]

[Even if they were in Narnia, Edmund was absolutely correct in the fact that Peter was a fusser. He fussed over his siblings, he fussed over his people, his gear, his army, his lands. He made it a point to find the ill or ache in others and try to heal it in any way he could.

He could never heal the cold spot that Jadis had left on his brother's heart, but he could at least remind him that there was still warmth in the world.

Reaching out, he covered Ed's hands with his own until they stilled, then he started working on those shirt buttons with sure, sturdy fingers. Once they were open, he tugged the tail of the shirt free from Edmund's trousers and then the whole thing off in one gentle tug.]

There isn't. Not right now.

[ofthewaste]

[As much as he might complain he does, at least, let Peter pull his shirt away. A fleeting thought of whether or not the crisp white of the shirt and the slide of tiny delicate buttons might bring up a memory of Spare Oom in his brother is immediately pushed aside when he shivers. The air isn't even that cool but against his bare skin he can't help shuddering.]

You just want to fuss.

[But it's not the first time his brother has bullied him into a warm bath, especially when the stone walls of Cair Paravel could not be warmed through enough to fight back the chill of winter. He'd never have gone and begun the process for himself but now that he's here looking at the steaming water he has to admit that it does look quite appealing.

Edmund takes a moment to remove his shoes, kicking them off toward the corner of the room before he finishes undressing. The fact that he doesn't take the time to fold his clothing, even damp as it is, says a lot about how cold he is.

Once he's undressed though he holds a hand up. Peter don't you do it. He doesn't believe for a moment his brother isn't planning on trying to dump him into the tub as gracelessly as possible. Cautiously, Edmund backs up towards the tub, eyeing Peter suspiciously. He doesn't get in right away though, perching on the edge and dipping his hand into the water. The temperature difference is enough to make him hiss out a breath, shuddering hard enough to make his teeth click.]

[of_northern_skies]

Only because you don't fuss about yourself. If I left it up to you, you'd never eat or go outside. I say, the only reason you go outside at all was because your Oak and Sallowpad all but drag you.

[When one of Ed's siblings hadn't done it, that is. Lucy wasn't quite as insistent as Peter, but she had her own ways. Susan was just as bad as Ed, but every now and then she'd instigate an excursion.

Usually if there was a suitor involved.

He watched his brother back up towards the tub and while his lips twitched up into a smirk, he didn't push his current size advantage. He let Edmund acclimate himself to the temperature of the water on his own.

Mostly because it was just about as hot as he knew Ed could handle it.]

Be easy. This one isn't nearly big enough for me to just throw you in.

CW: casual nudity? idk if anyone cares about that

[ofthewaste]

I've done nothing but be outside for months before coming to this place. It's hardly my fault we've arrived midwinter!

[He can't stop himself from giving Peter grief but he is at least trying to get used to the water. A moment longer with his hand submerged, the heat rising over his wrist only making the rest of him feel colder. But Peter is right. This tub is proper tiny compared to what they'd have had in Narnia.

He waves Peter closer with his free hand, using the older man's arm to steady himself as he swung his legs over, sucking in a sharp gasp of breath as his feet touch the water. It's almost painful but it's such a satisfying sting and as he oh so carefully lowers himself into the tub it eases into a pleasant hum across his skin, chasing away the cold that tries so hard to take up residence in his bones these days.]

[of_northern_skies]

[He rolled his eyes, a gesture that would have no doubt gotten him a stern look from Tumnus in his younger years. He was High King, he couldn't be so childish. But there had always been something about how Ed and he bickered that just brought it out in both of them.

Ed got haughty. Peter huffed.

Once Ed was in the tub, Peter moved over to sit on the towel padded seat. He snagged a handful of sweet smelling flowers, crushing them oh so slightly between his hands before tossing them out over the surface of the water. The effect was instant and if he closed his eyes, it almost smelled like Narnia in the spring.]

[ofthewaste]

[Edmund needed banter to sustain himself as much as he needed air or water. Peter would never admit it but he enjoyed it as well, perhaps not as much as Edmund but it kept him on his toes.

If Peter was rolling his eyes then Ed was getting under his skin. It meant he was doing something right. Which was a nice change from the way the rest of the day had gone. Soaked through as he'd been.

Even so the warmth that envelops him as he sinks into the bath is enough to draw a groan from the younger man. He lets himself dip back into the tub, water sloshing over his head for just a moment. When he comes back up there are flowers and the bright smell of spring greenery and in that moment his heart aches for home. For Narnia.]

I miss it, Peter...

[of_northern_skies]

[He didn't have to ask what Edmund meant. He knew it in his bones because he also missed it. He'd been away for barely passes of the moon and already he felt that ache in his chest as he breathed in the sweet smelling flowers. He didn't answer because he didn't need to answer. He just reached out and put a hand on his brother's wet shoulder.

For a while, things were quiet between them as the heat soaked into his brother's body. Eventually, Peter started to hum a tune from home and it wasn't long before his humming turned into smooth words. He wasn't the best singer, but he wasn't horrible and it felt right. Another taste of the home they both ached for.

When the song ended, he let it hang in the air for a few more minutes before he reached over to grab the bottle from the shelf. Shampoo was a new thing for him, but he was getting used to it and he only squirted a little more than needed out into his palm.]

It's gotten so long you're going to have to sit up to let me wash it. Are you warm enough?

[ofthewaste]

[Edmund melts into the tub, letting his head rest against Peter's wrist where his brother's settled that hand to his shoulder. Far more comfortable than the cool porcelain of the tub's edge. Listening to Peter sing, not just sing or even sing a properly Narnian tune but to sing in the deep rich voice he will not grow into for some years yet again, is a balm to his heart. He hums along in little stints, whispers the words of the chorus.

He's half asleep by the time Peter moved to reach for shampoo, a sleepy hum of inquiry before he nods distantly.]

Yes... much warmer.

[Sleepy as he is he does distinctly forget just how full the tub is, little splashes of water sloshing over the edge as he pushes himself upright. The drip of water onto the floor has him more alert, blinking in surprise and then scowling at the edge of the tub.]

Blast

[of_northern_skies]

[Some water hit the floor, yes, but most of it had managed to find the knees of Peter's trousers, soaking into the fabric and immediately starting to cool. He hissed a breath through his teeth, but he didn't make any more fuss than that. Instead, he reached over to the counter and grabbed one of the towels from the stack that was sitting there.

Easy enough to drop it onto the puddle with his one free hand.]

Be easy, Brother. This tub is frightfully small. I came prepared. Close your eyes.

[And with that, he was shifting to kneel on that towel so he could better work the rich lather into his brother's hair and scalp.]

[ofthewaste]

[Frightfully small, yes. There was positively no way a man Peter's size would fit in this tub. Which was a shame. Edmund almost felt guilty indulging when Peter didn't have such luxuries.

But Peter clearly has this all worked out so Edmund does as he's told (yes, he's capable of it) tipping his head back, bracing against one side of the tub. Oh but it would be so easy to just melt back into the hands in his hair.

Stars above how long has it been since they were able to actually participate in something so indulgent? Without the worries of what Mother and Father would think or their Masters at school or the fact that Aunt Alberta and Uncle Harold are so very stingy about water usage.]

Thank you, Peter.

[He cannot say how much this means to him.]

[of_northern_skies]

[No, there was no way that Peter could take a real bath in this tub. He knew. He'd tried. He'd given up after only a few minutes of trying to wrestle himself enough under the water to stop being chilly and had instead just bathed in record time and gotten out. He'd figured out the shower function not long after that, but he did miss his long soaks to ease out sore muscles.

His shoulders missed them, too.

For as much as he missed them, however, he didn't harbor any jealousy towards his brother. He was glad that at least one of them could enjoy it. And really, seeing Ed truly relax into the warmth of the water and the motion of his hands was well worth the little bit of stretching that came with having no step in the tub on which to sit.

As for the matter of how long it had been since they'd been able to indulge, Peter had no thoughts. To him, they'd always been able to enjoy this level of closeness. The only breaks had come when one or more of them had gone travelling or marched out to some distant field or another. Even then, they'd always have it look forward to upon returning home. Honestly, the thought of a long bath and Lucy's fingers twisting the knots out of his shoulders had been the only reason he'd managed the ride home from his last ride North.]

Of course. We haven't had a bath since we've gotten here. I've missed it. Lay back.

[And when Ed did, Peter let his hands follow so that he could run his fingers through his brother's hair to remove all traces of the strangely foaming soap.]

[ofthewaste]

It's been a good deal longer for me.

[Years, longer. Not since Peter had come home after the border with Ettinsmoor was finally solidified. It was impossible back in London. Their parents were already suspicious of how close the four of them seemed to be. Mother worried about them isolating themselves from their classmates. Being odd was not a favorable trait and Eustace had only made that worse.

He welcomed the urge to tip back, head dipping under the water enough to rinse but not actually submerge his face. Easier to let the thread of conversation drop there. Sometimes he thought he should tell Peter about... well at least some of it. But it would be so hard to wrap his mind around like this. Spare Oom had hardly been a memory of a dream, London far beyond that even.]

[of_northern_skies]

[Instead of answering, Peter made a quiet, almost thoughtful sound. It had become his standard response to anything his brother said that didn't quite make sense. It wasn't rude and he certainly didn't mean it to be dismissing, but the few concepts that Edmund had tried to explain hadn't made a lick of sense to Peter. In fact, it had kind of made his head hurt.

He could recognize that Spare Oom and War Drobe weren't in Narnia and that they had been born there instead of their home, but anything else just wouldn't settle. It swirled around until he was heavy and muddled and he eventually cried off. He knew it annoyed his brother...but he also knew that pretending to understand would only annoy him more.

Once Ed's hair felt clean and rinsed in his hands, he gently coaxed him up and back to settle his head once more on the water warmed edge of the tub. A soft cloth was pulled from the stack on the counter and Peter wet it before reaching for the bar soap. He set them both within easy reaching distance of Ed, then rinsed his hands and once more took his spot on the toilet seat.]

Do you want me to stay, or shall I trust you to stay until you are properly warmed.

[Because while Lu and he could banter comfortably while each other bathed, Susan and Edmund occasionally enjoyed their privacy.]

[ofthewaste]

Stay.

[Barely a breath in between the offer and his answer. He actually turned to reach out and capture Peter's hand. Even in the warmth of the water and the melody of that song trapped in his mind he'd spent more than enough time today cold and wet and miserable that he knew very well he should not be left alone with his thoughts.]

Tell me what plants you've found today, Brother.

[And while Peter talks about his day, no matter how maddeningly mundane it may have been, Edmund will wash the lingering splatters of mud from his body. It really didn't matter what Peter talked about, just so long as he stayed and spoke and insisted on responses.]

[of_northern_skies]

[Edmund's hand found his and Peter didn't hesitate before wrapping it in his larger one. It was strange, feeling that familiar hand so small in his own, but it wasn't as strange as it had been months ago when he'd first turned around to find his brother so young. And really...it didn't matter. Edmund was Edmund and Peter treasured the times when his usually so stoic brother sought out attention.

Releasing Ed's hand to let him wash, Peter leaned back and took the opportunity to tell him the exciting news he'd wanted to lead with upon getting home.]

I found a tree. It's very young yet, but I'm fairly certain it's an apple tree. Silly thing was growing in a crack in the road stone between two buildings! I managed to work it free and replant it in a rubbish bin, but I worry it won't fit there for long.

[ofthewaste]

In a bin?

[Edmund sounds absolutely scandalized, tossing a withering look over his shoulder at his brother. He's so busy scowling that he very nearly sends the soap flying out of the tub with a too-hard squeeze.]

You can't leave it there. Of course it won't grow properly.

[of_northern_skies]

Really? Well, gosh! I thought it would be perfectly fine to leave an entire tree in a bin!

[That withering look was promptly returned, Ed. Reaching out, he flicked a bit of water at his brother's face before flopping back again.]

I'm working on it. It's a bit difficult with all the construction in this area, but I've opened a dialogue with the locals. We're working on an idea now. And for right now, the bin is perfectly adequate. It's barely two foot tall and about as big around as your wrist, Brother. I think I have time to come home for an evening before it bursts from it's makeshift pot.

[ofthewaste]

[Keep it up Peter and he'll throw this entire wash cloth at you. Sopping wet and all.]

With the way the rain has been going I wouldn't be so sure about that.

[His hair should be testament enough to that. It's not exactly to make a point, but it sort of is, when he sinks back in the tub bundling his hair up to drape it over the edge.]

[of_northern_skies]

[....okay, point taken.]

With luck, these talks will pan out and I can start work on transferring it to somewhere more permanent.

[He shifted, leaning forward to carefully comb his fingers through wet, black hair. It was long and thick, much more like what he'd been used to when he'd left their home. His was even longer, but it was braided back and tucked tightly away from his face. It was how he wore it out on the field, and he'd put it up and stopped thinking about it.

Except that his braid was loose now. He could move the whole thing with the amount of slack that had grown in since that morning. Ed's was impossibly long compared to the short crop that he'd started with and Peter took his time to comb through it.]

I want to braid it. Will you let me?

[ofthewaste]

I rather thought that's what the flowers were for, Brother. You didn't bring that whole basket in just to scent the water, surely.

[Called out.

Of course Peter was going to braid his hair back, twist flowers into it just as they always would do come spring. Especially once the cherry and apple trees began to blossom, not a thought in their heads but joyful gossip and sharing their hard earned beauty with all of Narnia.

Edmund merely laid back, making certain to keep his head angled to be certain Peter could reach what he needed to.]

[of_northern_skies]

[He chuckled and flicked a little more water in his brother's direction, but it was playful instead of mocking. Yes, he'd brought the basket in with the purpose of weaving them into his brother's hair, but that didn't mean that Edmund would let him. Especially here, in this strange place with it's strange people and it's magic. Peter wouldn't have blamed him at all if the idea of braiding flowers into his hair was too 'childish' or 'silly' for his little brother, the stress of the place earning quick wit and a sharp tongue.

He was glad that it didn't, though.

He stretched out enough to grab the comb off the counter, then it was a matter of adjusting himself to be able to reach Ed's hair without having to bend too much. Combing it took time, as did separating out sections, but Peter filled the time with another song. This one was lighter, less the haunting memory of a home that they both missed and more of a springtime revival. He even included the wicked bits that made Susan glare at him, then giggle behind his back when she thought he couldn't hear her anymore.]