riverviewlogs | introductory mingle: HYGGE

Entry tags:

introductory mingle: HYGGE

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Introductory Log and Hygge celebration
when: The month of December.
where: Anywhere around the city.
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

hygge

In the days leading up to December 1st, residents new and old will notice preparations beginning, a flurry of activity getting the city ready for the upcoming celebration: Hygge. This holiday is one of Riverview Quarantine's four yearly celebrations of love, this one focused on familial love and found family. The traditions associated with Hygge involve coziness and warmth with loved ones, as snow begins to blanket the Quarantine. Meals comprised of family favorites are shared together most nights of the month of December, and families both biological and found gather together by outdoor fires to drink hot cocoa and other warm drinks, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the beauty of the short-lived winter season on the moon, especially at night, when both the stars and almost unreal aurora borealis light the night sky.

a celebration of familial love and found family

Winter comes to the moon very quickly every year, as the orbit of the Capitol World crosses between its moon and the sun - the temperature drops to just below freezing in the span of only a couple of days, and the trees often don't even change from green to orange. During this short winter, the celebration of Hygge keeps all the residents warm. The main traditions involve comfort and warmth with those people you think of as family - platonic or romantic, though preferably mixed between the two - groups of people gather together to share meals and exchange gifts. The city sets up a series of cabins, each fronted with a fire pit, along the banks of the river, which has been lined with floating logs to interrupt the rushing water and allow the surface to freeze solid and form a series of skating rinks for the public to enjoy. Throughout the month, anyone can head down to the riverbank to make taffy candy in troughs of cold snow and share the various flavors with other families, or toboggan along winding, circuitous courses that range from easygoing to high-speed for the adrenaline junkies. The Town Square has a large, intricate ice sculpture set up, this year in the theme of a castle, that once entered proves to be a maze with a prize at the center for anyone who happens to make it through.

i. beach treats

The cabins that are set up all along both banks of the river are small and cozy, big enough to provide a comfortable lounging area with piles of pillows in front of a small fireplace where gift exchanges can happen, a kitchen to cook in, and a table for groups of people to share a meal at. Much like hotel rooms but without a fee, they're intended to be claimed at the start of the day and used for a while before being tidied and reset for the next group. Each cabin has a fire pit out front where a fire can be set up so groups of people can cook marshmallows for their hot chocolate and share stories or play music together.

Another major feature on the beach are the candy making areas, each big enough to accommodate a couple groups of people, featuring a bank of burners that keep various flavors of thick sugary syrup hot and ready. Once the syrup is at the right temperature, it can be drizzled into the snow packed in troughs to chill, and then rolled onto popsicle sticks to be eaten as a sweet chewy treat. Many families have their own particular flavor combos that are the go-to every year, and new families gather every year to start their own tradition.

ii. winter activities

After all that sugar, everyone's sure to be pepped up for a little activity! Every year, just before the big freeze, crews set up a grid of floating logs to calm the surface of the river along the banks, and when the temperature drops, those areas freeze into a thick layer of ice. As soon as they're safe to be skated on, booths pop up to fit residents with skates so they can skate around with loved ones, participate in ice dances, and play the ice skating version of almost any sport you can think of.

But skating isn't the only type of activity available! The sloping banks of the river have been set up with a variety of tobogganing courses, where people can share various types of sleds to slide down various set winding paths ranging from slow sloped ones to steeper, higher-speed ones that almost resemble bobsled courses.

Finally, for the more competitive, there is a less-gender-divided variation on a Lumberjack Competition, with various physical events that residents can compete in like sawing massive logs, logrolling, speed climbs, and boom runs.

iii. skygazing

After all that sugar and activity, lots of groups of family will settle down around fires either at the cabin or along the beach to enjoy a cup of spiked hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, and look up at the sky. Throughout the cold snap season in December, the sky is almost unnaturally clear and both the stars and the Capitol World are easy to see. Besides that, large swaths of the sky are bathed in beautiful aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, that paint large swaths of bright, beautiful color across the night sky. Curl up with a lover, a friend, a family member, or all of the above to keep warm and enjoy nature's fireworks show.

iv: ice maze

In the city center, residents can find a large, beautiful, intricately carved castle-themed ice sculpture. From the outside, it looks only about as big as a small house, but once residents enter they will find that the inside doesn't quite match the outside - courtesy of some of Gramarye Magic Research's top magic-users, the inside is massive, at least the size of a stadium. While cheery music plays, residents can traverse the complicated ice maze, each wall intricately carved and decorated with greenery, lights, and translucent watercolor paints. The walls are almost opaque, and the maze generally takes a couple of hours to get through for most residents.

Once they reach the center, they will find wrapped gifts arranged on a series of beautifully decorated tables, along with treats and warm drinks. The gifts are tailored to each individual in the maze, having been magically selected from a stockpile of items that have come through the portal, and consist of one small item from each character's home dimension (or, for CRAUs, from their previous game), similar to the "items from home" bonus reward, but without needing to spend points. The item should be small enough to fit in a shoebox, sentimental, and cannot be something intended for another person's character. Alternately, if there are no special items from home that a particular character would want or be attached to, an item of similar size and value that would make the character happy will be inside the box.

v. roommates or wildcard

Feel free to use this prompt to meet new roommates, for the purpose of getting to know each other, or hit up the mod-posted prompt to create a Communal Housing floor mingle. Or, if you have an idea for a prompt that isn't in this list, set during the Hygge, feel free to write it up!

visual inspiration

click on thumbnails for larger view

Credit: image i: Ryan Woodhouse; image ii: Hjalmar Wåhlin; image iii: David Fortin; image iv: Tzuyu Kao

navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Jason had been making his way back from getting more coffee, having spent most of his time off by himself much the way Wally was aiming to do. At first he had thought of walking on past him and going to sit off by himself even further but that seemed counter productive. He didn't really know the man just that he was important to Roy and Dick, and people from back home were rare enough.

So, without asking he moved and sat down beside the speedster. Taking a sip of his black coffee before speaking.]

Pretty cool, right?

[ Jason's unexpected arrival causes Wally to jump, nearly fumbling his cup of hot chocolate in the process. He must have been really lost in his thoughts and what's going on in the sky not to notice him approaching. Then again, the Bats have always had a way of sneaking up on people.

Once his heart stops pounding, he looks at the other man with a sheepish smile. ]

There is a certain charm to it. Y'know, if you're into that sorta thing.

[ Though he can't imagine how anyone wouldn't be at least a little mesmerized by what's happening up above them. ]

So, how have you been enjoying the holiday season thus far?

[ Something about making a speedster jump, brings a grin to Jason's face. Worth it. ]

I've always liked fireworks.

[ Which given how he died, maybe spoke volumes, but he just shrugged a bit and took a drink of his coffee.]

It's... been something alright. How are you guys holding up?

[ If there's some deeper meaning behind the fireworks comment, it's lost on Wally. He was still in the midst of catching up on what he missed back home while he was trapped in the Speed Force prior to ending up here. ]

We're doing okay. Things did get a little rough there for a bit, though.

[ Which actually took place before the holidays hit with Damian leaving. He didn't know Batman's son all that well, but the boy was close to Jon and had quickly become important to Dick once they got past the awkwardness of being from different ~~timelines~~ universes. He tried to help them deal with the departure, but there's only so much he could do.

Wally raises his own cup up to his lips for a sip of chocolatey goodness. ]

There's actually been some talk that we might have a dinner or something around Christmas. I don't know if you'd be interested, but I could let you know what we decide?

Edited 2017-12-06 05:31 (UTC)

[ He hadn't expected Wally to get the joke. Considering he only knew of the man more than knowing it, it made sense. ]

Without a doubt. Bruce is gone now to.

[ He was tired of being the barer of bad news, so he hadn't bothered calling anyone to report it. That would be admitting he had stalked the teenage version of the Bat. He had been actively avoiding anyone who might realize he might be upset about the loses. Most of his friends didn't even know he had family in the quarantine at all. ]

Nah, but thanks. It means a lot just to be considered. I'm not exactly a gathering type of guy. You guys do you, have fun. God knows you guys need it.

[ He spoke as he took another drink of his coffee.]

[ Wally sighs, staring down into the depths of his drink. ]

I kinda figured. [ a soft chuckle escapes his lips. ] Bruce as a kid. Can't say I was expecting that.

[ Of course he knows Bruce had to be a kid at some point, but it's still hard to imagine the Batman as such despite the physical proof. He'll never forget the glare Bruce gave him and Dick way back when after he found out they took the Batmobile for a little joyride. It was a long time before he visited the cave again.

The invitation getting declined isn't surprising given what little he knows about Jason. Still, it was an offer he had to make. ]

We'll try. I took Jon Christmas shopping earlier in the week. He seemed to enjoy it. [ His following shrug causes the blanket to fall from one of his shoulders. ] But feel free to drop by if you change your mind. People from home are in short supply around here.

Right? It was weird... seeing him young and happy.

[ Jason couldn't help but let a laugh escape to. Kid Bruce had been a trip, Jason had actually enjoyed being around him but he wouldn't dare say it. The Bruce he knew, before his death, had been a happier type, but the man he came back to was bitter beer face all the way.

It was appreciated that Wally thought of him.]

Good to know, I'm sure he's having a hard time. I had a snowball fight with him earlier today. Which is kind of unlike me, but I hate seeing kids sad.

[ Jon hadn't looked sad but, standing off alone made Jason feel bad. Shaking his head then he took another drink.]

My holiday plans involve a pool table and a bar tab, trust me when I say it's better that way. I really do appreciated the offer but, you guys should have fun. God knows Dickie deserves a break.

It was definitely something all right. I can only imagine how strange it was for you guys.

[ Wally's own limited interactions with the teenage Bruce had been a touch awkward as it was hard to distance him from the one he knows even with all of the obvious differences. The Batman just knows how to leave an impression on people.

He nods along as Jason goes on to talk about Jon and his own holiday plans, but when the other man mentions Dick deserving a break, he can't help but snort. ]

You want to be the one to tell him that? He says he's fine, but...

[ The way he trails off is a clear sign he has some lingering doubts about how his best friend is handling everything. ]

[ Jason just shrugged as he finished his coffee. Not wanting to even scrape the surface of how he felt about anything, much less Bruce at any age. He managed to laugh when Wally spoke again and shook his head some.]

You think he'd listen to me? Hell no. Dick's going to do what he wants, that's just how it is. No one short of Alfred could tell him otherwise. And I don't see Alfred coming through that portal.

[ He sat the cup by his hips and rested his arms over his legs looking out at the sky.]

Just leave some cereal out and talk to him, I'm sure it'll help.

[ Wally briefly considers asking Jason about his relationship with Dick, but thinking it's too personal to ask at this point, he decides to let the opportunity pass by. ]

I just might have to try that. There's something else I've been meaning to talk to him about anyway.

[ He has led his best friend to believe his memories of his life with Linda Park were from another universe thanks to being stuck in the Speed Force, but the truth is he believes those memories were from the same universe before time was manipulated. He's been putting it off, but he's decided it's time to come clean about what happened back home.

He takes a big drink of his hot chocolate, before arching an amused eyebrow at the other man to go along with his teasing smile. ]

Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your secret love for snowball fights.

[ Jason chuckled some.]

That or waiting in his closet are probably the best ways.

[ Jason offered half a grin as he kept his eyes to the sky a moment. He was lucky to be disconnected from the troubles the Titans had to deal with, his team dealt with other issues... which might have landed him as a war criminal but, that was okay it was the greater good and all.

He shook his head some.]

Thanks, I work hard for my bad reputation, can't have people thinking Im some kind of nice guy. [ His tone showed he was teasing.]

[ That gets a genuine laugh out of Wally. ]

Well, your secret is safe with me. I wouldn't want all that hard work to go down the drain.

[ Looking back up at the sky, he blows out a breath which becomes visible in the cold night air. After a few seconds he feels the need to ask: ]

So what do you think of this place?

[ Jason smiled when Wally laughed, part of him would always be the boy who loved to crack jokes in fights. To try and make other's smile. Even when life changed him so much some things never changed. ]

I appreciate that.

[ He shrugged at the question and raked a hand through his hair.]

It's an oxymoron. It's both beautiful and terrible. I would rather stay here than go home, but I also hate it here. It gives and it takes back so much more... if that makes sense.

It makes sense. In a weird sort of way.

[ Wally thinks he gets the gist of what Jason means even if he doesn't share his opinion about preferring this place over home. ]

I keep expecting to find out there's something more going on behind the scenes, but I'm starting to think things are as they seem for once. All in all, I suppose there's worse places we could be stuck.

[ They can still build a life here. Maybe not the one they wanted or thought they'd have, but they can have something that is wholly theirs if they so chose. ]

Same here, like its demons or some Constantine shit. Or some kind of super villain, but if it was I'm sure the A team would be here, not us B teamers.

[ He doesn't know John, yet, but he knows of him and what he does. ]

Yeah, it could be worse, I don't mind it so much... just bored. Not as much to do here when the law actually does it's job.

[ The B team? Speak for yourself, Todd. ]

It's definitely a far cry from what we're used to, that's for sure. Hell, I almost miss the rogues. The last action I got on a patrol was stopping some guy from stealing a purse.

[ If it wasn't for his duties with the perimeter guard, he's sure he'd be going out of his mind by now. ]

[ True facts. ]

Shit at least they gave us something to do. I mean, I'm working on something but it's not much more the work the guards will take if they catch wind.

[ He admitted with a shrug.]

Been hanging around a bar lately thats got some minor drug trafficking going on.

[ Wally takes another drink of his hot chocolate which empties the cup aside from the marshmallows. ]

Well, that's something, I guess. You going to bust it up soon or are you still trying to follow it to the source?

I haven't decided yet, I am tracing the source but I kind of want to bust it up for the fun of it.

[ He admitted with a shrug, feeling his phone vibrate he pulled it from his pocket.]

Shit, I'm late, I forgot I have a dinner to be at. It was nice talking again.

[ He spoke as he put the phone up and pushed himself off the ground grabbing his empty cup.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

introductory mingle: HYGGE

III

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject