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+---- Thread: strike a match on all my wasted time (/showthread.php?tid=12389)
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strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 01-12-2026
A little fireball raced through town at twilight, its light reflected upon the ice and snow. People leapt out of the way with shrieks and curses, providing the perfect trail for Nina to follow as she chased after her playful fire sprite. When she found Ember, she was going to wring the elemental's metaphorical neck. Nina was trying to look distinguished as the new Keeper of the First Flame; chasing her wayward companion through the streets of Snowcloak was not in keeping with the image the young woman was trying to project.
She finally caught up with Ember near a large cookfire, where a hunter and his family had gathered to cook the meat he'd brought in from the day's hunt. Unfortunately for Nina, the hunter knew her well; he often requested the chance to pass his weapons through the First Flame before a hunt for good fortune. Mortified, the Keeper took a deep breath to calm herself as she approached the fire.
Ah, thought I recognized Ember! laughed the hunter, merriment in his eyes as he took in the disgruntled Keeper.
[say]"Please accept my apologies,"[/say] Nina said, her voice calm despite the burning shame pricking at the back of her eyes. [say]"We will leave you to your meal."[/say] Ember bounced around its bonded's feet, snow and slush sizzling where the fire elemental touched. Thankfully, the little fire sprite seemed to realize that it was in trouble, and it followed Nina quietly from the cookfire.
Once she was out of sight of the hunter and his family, she glared at her companion. [say]"I'm going to find a way to leash you,"[/say] she hissed, but the elemental was seemingly unperturbed by the threat. It floated along merrily, whizzing this way and that to take in the sights of the city that it rarely had cause to visit.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Flora - 01-29-2026
Flora is still marvelling at the way Snowcloak holds itself together despite the cold when a little comet of fire streaks past, its glow skating across ice and packed snow and drawing a wake of startled movement in its path. Even bundled to the chin in layers she is not built for this place, the cold biting through wool and fur in a way that feels personal, invasive, and wildly unnecessary given that it is supposedly LongHeat. Spice clings to her shoulder like a judgemental ornament, tail looped tight, a faint chill radiating from her small body that only deepens Flora’s sense of betrayal at being this cold in summer.
She slows as the chase resolves itself near one of the ever-burning cookfires, watching from a polite distance as the woman finally corrals her fiery menace, the whole scene carrying the unmistakable flavour of dignity slipping on ice. Flora does not know the woman, has never seen a companion quite like that darting flame, but the energy of it lands somewhere familiar all the same, a recognition born of living with clever, wilful things that think rules are more of a suggestion than a law.
By the time the pair move on, Flora is already smiling into the scarf pulled high over her mouth, eyes bright with amusement as she passes close enough to catch the glare directed at the offending sprite. She tips her head, eyes widening theatrically in a way that needs no explanation, the words slipping out warm and sympathetic despite the cold. [say]"Best of luck with that."[/say]
Spice responds immediately, huffing out a sharp little plume of frosty breath in what can only be taken as offence, the chill puff dissipating quickly into the air. Flora’s laugh follows without permission, bright and unguarded, shoulders shaking beneath her heavy coat as she reaches up to scratch gently beneath the dragon’s chin, murmuring something soft and indulgent that is lost to the wind.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 01-29-2026
An amused, feminine voice broke through Nina’s glare, and she turned her attention to the woman who had spoken - a woman who was very clearly not from Halo, if the bundles and bundles of layers were any indication. A small dragon hung from her shoulders, puffing out an offended blast of ice and drawing the Keeper’s attention - and, unfortunately, Ember’s. The little fire sprite hissed and spit excitedly, hopping around the newcomer’s feet and providing a modicum of warmth in the process.
Nina sighed heavily. [say]”Ember,”[/say] she complained. [say]”Be careful with your flames.”[/say] Turning her attention back to the stranger, Nina bowed her head respectfully. [say]”I will take all of the luck I can when it comes to Ember. It is… excitable.”[/say]
The fire elemental made a few popping sounds, not unlike a log splintering in the fire, and returned to its bonded’s side. [say]”Thank you,”[/say] Nina said to it wryly. Then, to the stranger: [say]”You appear to be cold. May I offer you a warm cider? There is a place nearby, if you would like to shelter from the cold for a time.”[/say]
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Flora - 01-29-2026
Spice’s reaction is immediate and deeply unimpressed, a sharp hiss spilling down from Flora’s shoulder as the little frost dragon arches herself protectively, wings flaring just enough to make a point. Flora’s mouth opens on a warning at the exact same moment the other woman speaks her companion’s name, the timing so perfectly mirrored that it steals a laugh straight out of her chest before she can stop it. [say]"Spice,"[/say] she says, gentle but firm, fingers lifting instinctively to rub along the dragon’s neck in apology, her smile already crooked with fond resignation.
Her gaze flicks back to the woman in front of her, taking her in properly now—the strength in her posture, the striking lines of her face, the quiet authority that sits easily on her shoulders—and the recognition softens something in Flora’s expression. [say]"Same problem,"[/say] she adds with an easy chuckle, eyes darting briefly back to the frost dragon as if this explains everything.
The offer lands like a small miracle. Flora wrinkles her nose, the movement exaggerated and self-aware, shoulders hunching slightly deeper into her layers. [say]"Is it that obvious?"[/say] The laugh that follows is warm and helpless, the kind that admits defeat without shame. [say]"I’m from Torchline,"[/say] she says, as though that single word should explain the scarf, the gloves, the borderline desperation radiating from her.
She steps forward without hesitation, boots crunching softly against the snow, Spice settling again with a faintly sulky shuffle. [say]"Something warm sounds incredible,"[/say] Flora admits, relief colouring her voice as she nods. [say]"My name's Flora."[/say]
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Serendipity - 01-29-2026
A plump, round-bodied bird flaps down nearby with more enthusiasm than grace, followed immediately by several others. Ningos quickly claim every available perch, their fluffy forms puffed up against the cold as they wobble into place.
They chirp loudly and constantly, hopping from ledges to shoulders to packs with no sense of personal space. One pecks inquisitively at a strap while another settles somewhere inconvenient, blinking wide eyes as though daring anyone to object.
Even when shooed away, the Ningos only flutter a short distance off before returning, undeterred and endlessly persistent. Whether they eventually lose interest or continue their cheerful harassment, they show no signs of leaving quietly.
NingoAreas Found: Halo — Common A fat all-white bird that produces high-quality meat. Its feathers are often used to line jackets and hats because of its insulating qualities.
Challenge Rating: Moderate HP: 70 | To Hit: +20 | Dmg: 8 Movement: Walk 20 ft.; Fly 30 ft. SPECIAL SKILLS Down Harvest: yields premium meat and dense feather lining prized for winter gear; Alarm Waddle: when startled, a flock moves in unison with loud honks, distracting predators and masking allies’ movement; Winter Roost: tightly packed roosts share body heat, reducing exposure effects for nearby creatures |
TRAITS Insulating Down: exceptionally warm feathers ideal for cold climates; Cold-Hardy: unbothered by most natural cold and light snowfall; Snow Camouflage: all-white plumage blends seamlessly into winter terrain; Ground Forager: adept at finding seeds and shoots beneath crusted snow ACTIONS Peck: a quick defensive jab of the beak; Wing Flurry: a burst of wingbeats that kicks up snow and loose down to obscure vision; Warning Honk: a sharp call that alerts the flock and may startle approaching creatures |
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RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 02-02-2026
The dragon flared its wings and hissed possessively, but the action did not deter Ember, which only returned to its bonded's side when it bored of being a menace. Rolling her eyes with fond exasperation, and muttering additional threats to leash the fire sprite, Nina called upon her magic, sending a small ball of flame towards her errant companion. The little beast absorbed it, buzzing with a noise not unlike a cat's purr, and settled by Nina's right foot, seemingly content for the time being.
[say]"I have never been to Torchline,"[/say] the Keeper said thoughtfully. [say]"But I understand that it is quite warm. I am certain I would melt if I left Halo."[/say] A pause as Flora introduced herself, and then a respectful nod. [say]"I am Nina. It is nice to meet you, Flora. Come,"[/say] she added, gesturing along the street towards a little cafe nearby. [say]"It is just over here."[/say]
Leading the way to the shop took the pair past a bunch of ningos, which flitted down to peck at the ground with interest despite there being no obvious food for them to partake in. Rolling her eyes at the creatures, Nina flicked her fingers, releasing Ember from its spot at her heel; the fire elemental streaked through the birds, sending them squawking back into the air. They might have been dumb, but even they knew to bow before fire.
[say]"If I may ask, what is it that brings you to Halo?"[/say] Nina asked as they walked through the previously bird-infested street. Ember returned to its bonded, hopping merrily along in the wake of the two women, as the ningos cried and hooted above. They would no doubt return once the fire sprite was out of sight, but for now, the path remained blessedly clear.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Flora - 02-04-2026
Flora laughs softly at that, breath fogging in front of her scarf as she nods along in easy agreement. [say]"That tracks,"[/say] she says, warmth in her voice despite the cold biting at her cheeks. [say]"Torchline is basically as warm as Halo is cold."[/say] The smile that follows is quick and bright, her eyes crinkling as she tucks Nina’s name away with care before falling into step beside her, boots crunching over packed snow.
Spice does not take her eyes off Ember for even a second, chin lifted in frosty suspicion as they walk, the little dragon’s tail flicking sharply with every erratic movement of flame. When the fire sprite streaks off after the ningos, Spice gives a startled chirr and launches herself into the air after it, wings beating once in indignant pursuit. Flora watches them go with a sidelong smirk, shaking her head as if this is simply the price of walking through the world with small, opinionated creatures attached to one’s life.
Her attention shifts back easily, the question settling comfortably rather than intrusively. [say]"I’m helping a friend build a shrine,"[/say] she answers, tone light as she shrugs one shoulder beneath layers of borrowed warmth. [say]"LongHeat is really the only time of year I can stand to be here for more than a day without dramatically reconsidering my life choices, so it's good timing he wanted to do it now."[/say] There is a self-deprecating laugh threaded through her words, easy and unembarrassed, as if she has long since accepted this particular limitation. [say]"I was born in the Greatwood,"[/say] Flora adds, glancing briefly at the frost-laced streets around them before smiling again. [say]"But I’ve lived in Torchline most of my life, so I think my body just...never really got used to having to deal with the cold."[/say] She lifts her shoulders in an exaggerated little hunch, amusement softening the admission.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 02-06-2026
Nina watched as her companion streaked off towards the ningos, shaking her head in wry bemusement as the dragon followed. It seemed that she was not the only one with a small, willful creature tied to her soul; the realization was a welcome one, for all that it did nothing to soothe her wounded pride.
[say]"I understand,"[/say] she said to Flora as they walked. [say]"I have never left Halo. It seems... unwise to do so now, when the heat has been such a problem this season."[/say] They arrived at their destination, and Nina held the door open for Flora to enter the cafe. It was quaint, but cozy, and certainly much warmer than the outdoors. A fire crackled merrily in a hearth at the center of the establishment, and Nina shrugged out of her coat before leading the way to a table near it. Hopefully it would warm her guest to be near the flames.
Ember settled by the fire, seemingly content to behave now that it had gotten some of its energy out. Nina kept a watchful eye on it anyway, though she was well-practiced at doing so while talking. [say]"You may wish to visit the First Flame before departing,"[/say] she said as they settled in. [say]"If it is warmth you seek. And it may bestow good fortune on you and your efforts to build a shrine."[/say]
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Flora - 02-07-2026
Flora grins at that, the expression easy and a little wicked around the edges as she walks. [say]"In Torchline, you can always just throw yourself into the ocean to cool down,"[/say] she says lightly, as if this is the most reasonable solution to any problem involving heat. [say]"Any time, day or night. Very efficient."[/say] Her shoulders lift in a small shrug as another thought follows on its heels. [say]"I’ve been considering putting up cooling stations around the island, actually. Sort of like how we have water fountains everywhere, but colder."[/say]
The warmth of the café hits her the moment she steps inside, and the relief is immediate and entirely unguarded. Flora exhales a long, satisfied sigh as though she’s been holding her breath since arriving in Halo, shrugging out of her heavy coat and hanging it neatly on a nearby hook. The scarf stays, though, still wrapped snug around her neck as if she doesn’t quite trust the heat not to vanish the moment she relaxes. She moves closer to the hearth without thinking, palms open toward the fire as though coaxing the warmth into her bones by sheer will.
At the mention of the First Flame, her attention sharpens. Flora tilts her head as her brows lift with interest. [say]"Oh, right,"[/say] she says, the words bright with recognition even as her nose wrinkles in quiet curiosity. [say]"I’ve heard of that."[/say] The pause that follows is small but telling, her smile tipping toward sheepish amusement. [say]"Not...extensively, though,"[/say] she adds, glancing briefly toward the fire before looking back to Nina.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 02-08-2026
Nina was not what we might call up to date on the goings on in other regions, and so it was not until Flora began talking about cooling stations that the Keeper realized who it was that she was talking to. Flora, the Doubletake, Queen of Torchline - who else would have the authority to order such changes to the region, if not its queen?
But before Nina could decide whether to say something about this realization or stay silent, Flora was moving towards the hearth to warm up. The Keeper sat at the table nearby, patiently awaiting her return. She herself was comfortable with either cold or heat. She had to be, in order to both live in Halo and do her job.
Speaking of which, Flora's gaze sharpened on her, a gleam of interest entering seaglass eyes. Nina, always happy to introduce outsiders to the First Flame and its history, smiled. [say]"The First Flame is said to be the first fire to ever burn in Halo,"[/say] she explained. [say]"It has been tended by its Keepers for many generations and has never gone out. It is sacred here. Many of our residents seek its blessing before hunts, or long journeys, or special events."[/say]
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Flora - 02-10-2026
Flora slides into the chair opposite with a grateful little hum, boots tucking closer to the hearth as if proximity alone might convince the warmth to stay. Her hands wrap around the edge of the table, fingers slowly loosening as feeling creeps back in, and she listens with an attentiveness that is all the more genuine for the playful edge hovering just beneath it.
The story draws her in despite herself. A fire that never goes out, tended across generations, woven into hunts and departures and moments that matter..there is something about that kind of continuity that presses pleasantly against her ribs, much as the stories Vai used to tell her as a girl did. When Nina finishes, Flora leans forward, elbows resting lightly on the table, chin tipping to one side as her smile turns crooked and curious all at once. [say]"Never?"[/say] she asks, brows lifting with deliberate emphasis, eyes bright as they search Nina’s face. The word lingers between them, daring and intrigued. [say]"It has never gone out?"[/say] Her voice drops just a touch, conspiratorial without being unkind, as if she’s inviting Nina into a shared secret rather than challenging her. [say]"Do you believe that?"[/say]
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 02-12-2026
Perhaps Nina should be affronted that Flora thought that the Flame might have gone out. After all, if it had, it would have been covered up by generations of Keepers, a secret that would have been their undoing if any had found out about it. And perhaps it was naive of Nina to believe so strongly in her predecessors, but she had never been given any reason to doubt them. And since Flora was an outsider, not used to their ways and traditions, the Keeper found that she could give the young woman the benefit of the doubt.
Still, there was an edge of steel in her voice as she confirmed, [say]"It has never gone out. To allow it to do so would be disastrous. The Keeper who failed in such a way would be..."[/say] She shook her head, as though such a thing was truly unimaginable. [say]"It would not be a secret that could be kept."[/say] And that was that, as far as Nina was concerned. She paused, and then: [say]"Does Torchline have any similar traditions?"[/say] They would surely not be as interesting as that of Keeping the First Flame, but she didn't have to tell the young woman across from her that she thought the coastal region rather uncivilized in comparison.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Flora - 02-12-2026
The steel in Nina's tone does not go unnoticed. Flora hears it the way one notices a blade’s edge catching light; subtle, deliberate, not meant to be touched. For a flicker of a second she had hoped for some whispered scandal, some dramatic near-failure generations ago, but the certainty in Nina’s voice settles the matter cleanly. No cracks. No cover-ups. Just devotion. Sigh. She inclines her head instead, the teasing curve of her mouth easing into something more respectful. [say]"That’s... honestly impressive,"[/say] she admits, and she means it. [say]"To keep something alive like that, across generations. "[/say] Her gaze drifts briefly toward the hearth, then back again. [say]"You must all have to be incredibly disciplined."[/say]
Flora pauses, her expression suddenly thoughtful rather than prying. [say]"Is that why you don't leave Halo?"[/say] she asks gently, head tilting, curiosity softening the question. [say]"Because of the Flame?"[/say]
When Nina turns the question back to her, Flora exhales a quiet laugh through her nose and shakes her head, curls brushing the edge of her scarf. [say]"No. Not really."[/say] The smile that follows is crooked, affectionate, and faintly self-aware. [say]"We definitely have traditions, but.."[/say] She trails off there, searching for language that will not sound dismissive, fingers idly tracing the grain of the tabletop as she thinks. Torchline is not lazy. It is not careless. It is alive in a different way. Restless. Salt-soaked. Improvised. [say]"We're not really a people who.."[/say] She hesitates again, nose wrinkling as she tries to find something that will not bruise. [say]"Anchor ourselves to symbolism like that, I suppose."[/say] Her shoulders lift in a small shrug, apologetic without being ashamed.
[say]"We do keep the lighthouse lit,"[/say] she adds quickly, a brighter note returning to her voice before a laugh slips out before she can stop it, warmer now, self-deprecating. [say]"Although ours has definitely gone out a few times over the years."[/say] She lifts her brows in confession. [say]"Sometimes with fairly disastrous consequences, but.."[/say] She shrugs her shoulders; such was life out on the open sea.
RE: strike a match on all my wasted time - Nina - 02-12-2026
As Flora complemented the Keepers and their ability to keep the Flame burning, Nina relaxed slightly, allowing the brief offense to slide into the past. [say]"The Keepers are wholly dedicated to the First Flame,"[/say] she said. [say]"It is our sole charge."[/say] As though that wholly explained her steadfast devotion and unwavering faith. To Nina, it did; and whether it made sense to Flora or not, she couldn't care less.
[say]"I have been training to become Keeper since I was very young,"[/say] she explained. [say]"It is rigorous. I did not have the time nor the inclination to travel."[/say] In truth, she still didn't wish to travel much. She was quite content to stay here and tend the Flame rather than boarding skyship after skyship to travel a world that seemed so... empty, when compared to her role in Halo. [say]"And now, my duties do not require me to leave Halo."[/say]
Flora's hesitation at her question was marked, but Nina waited patiently for the Doubletake to find words to voice her thoughts. Given that Nina was not particularly sociable, she understood the need to gather one's thoughts before speaking, and she would not begrudge someone else the same courtesy she wished she was given more often. When Flora did speak, it was of a lighthouse that, in Nina's opinion, seemed fairly useless if it wasn't consistent. [say]"I see."[/say] She tilted her head to one side, curious in spite of herself. [say]"Why allow it to go out, if the consequences are so dire?"[/say]