Snow covered the land of Hyrule and big flakes were still falling, blocking off view completely. The chill went straight to one’s bones and even a heavy coat did little to dampen it. All over the land someone had taken the time to paste warnings.

“Heavy snow storm coming in, it is advised to find shelter at Inn. This storm could last until after Yule-tide; be prepared for a long stay.

Note: The stay will be free of charge.”

If you were reading the sign now, however, it was too late. Almost all of the sign was covered by snow, even with it being at a normal person’s head height. The snow in some places was over ten feet deep.

Most, if not all, occupants of Hyrule, even the more stubborn ones, seemed to be huddled in the Inn. The fireplace was a ‘hot’ spot for many to gather, but the kitchen, rooms, cellar, and supply closets were all open to the public use. Unfortunately the Inn wasn’t used to such numbers and only had three rooms of tiny proportions, a twin sized bed, night stand, and toilet (which there are only four of). The staff, maid and bartender, took two rooms, leaving just one open for use. Everyone else would be stuck in the main room, the one with the fireplace, either on one of the two couches, three chairs, or blankets on the floor. In the corner, out of the way and off to the side, was a grand Yule-tide tree.

While the tree itself was awe inspiring, just the right shade of green, perfectly shaped, and not to mention it’s large size, it was not very eye catching. The ornaments that decorated the tree were unique, but also not eye catching. An odd thing was, none of the staff knew when the tree was decorated, or even where these decorations came from.

Most of the other decorations were still in boxes in the kitchen, garland, candles, figurines, and other festive normals. The cellar was well stocked and the kitchen ready to run, with enough wood stacked all over, supply closets, kitchen, cellar, beside the fireplace, and even some in the one bathroom not connected to a room.

If a person wished to at least see the outside they would be dismayed to find all the windows covered by mounds of snow. Even the two doors that led out, located in the main room and kitchen, were blocked by snow completely.

The young hybrid was going to have no problem finding a warm spot to sleep that night, currently resting on the lap of one woman, while two others had decided to join where they sat by the fireplace. He just spoke and smiled with them, as they made nervous glances to a few of the supply closets that were around and randomly being used. Soon, though, he began to wonder of his mother and friends, as he could not spot any of them in the large crowd that had gathered in the main room.

This had not stopped the women from playing a silent game of stone-sheet-clippers, which preceded to them taking turns in the aforementioned closets, the boy coming out each time not tired at all, in comparison to whomever he entered the room with. However, after a few times of such raunchy activity, the group of women had just fallen asleep on one side of the fireplace, boy resting practically weightless on their laps, himself still awake.

Leth was sitting in a dark corner of the inn, watching the people with sharp eyes. There wasn't much else to do. He looked over at the Christmas tree for the hundredth time that day, and sighed. There was no point in getting up, he would step all over people that were sitting or laying down on the floor, and where would he go? The blizzard outside promised not to let up for a good while, and the snow was piled up so high it was near impossible to get out the door. So he was stuck in the inn, with not much to do. Leth was getting bored. He looked around for anyone he knew, or anything amusing or interesting that he might be able to participate in. Maybe a pool table or something? (Excitement Check)

OOC: Can someone explain to me why Hyrule celebrates Christmas?

Aiden was as chipper as ever, not at all fazed by the cold weather or the fact that they were all trapped in the Inn. She had already explored all the areas possible, even rooting around in the cellar for a bit. As normal she was barefooted and could often be found warming her toes by the fire, practically in the fire! For a while Worru's routine had fasicnated her, until she realized exactly what WAS going on. Now she would watch him with wide eyes whenever she went by.

At the moment though she was utterly preoccupied. Bent over she was up to her elbows in one of the boxes of decorations, if you were near you might hear her muttering as she shuffled things aside. Eventually she pulled out a long strand of garland and a bright red Santa hat. With a big grin she placed the hat on her head and then proceeded to run into the main room, the garland trailing out behind her like a banner, a ten foot long banner, the end dragging on the floor. Doing a series of twirls, one leg raised and forming a triangle with the other, like a ballerina the garland twirled effortlessly in circles about her. For a clutz she could be rather graceful and coordinated at times.

Stopping mid spin she let out a giggle as the garland, a sparkly gold color, wrapped around her. Her vivid gaze widened in shock as she was entangled by the garland as if it were a spider's web! After a moment of struggle she freed herself and then wrapped the garland around the bar. Smiling to herself she surveyed her work..

Keychain sat in the corner. Her gaze flickered around the groups and clusters. Coming from somewhere so small having so many people crowded into one spot was terrifying for her. Now and then she would snap her head in any direction that she caught the stir of conversation.

For the umpteenth time, Keychain drew her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, and rested her head on the joint. She sighed softly and undid the action that she just did.

She looked up at the tree with a small shock still rattling her system. In only a short amount of time, Christmas was already close. It felt like yesterday that she had appeared, when it indeed had been almost five months.

Her blue eyes flickered over people. So far she didn't see anyone that she recognized. She blew at her ashy red bangs in frustration. She was ignored at home because she was different, but here people didn't mind her constant shaking of her muscles that she couldn't control but it didn't really matter because no one really knew her.

Keychain rested her head on the wall. She closed her eyes and sighed. The first Christmas without her family was getting to her. She didn't know if she could stand it any longer.

OoC: Because, Leth, you silly goose, unless if you have a different religion that doesn't celebrate Christmas, it's world wide. So why not celebrate it in Hyrule?

Kuro hated crowded spaces; especially if he couldn't move at all. But, he hated the cold even more, so this stupid Inn would have to do. He had found a space that was large enough to sit in, but he remained standing. He could sit if he wanted to. He could even lay down since there was enough space. It was even possible that the area around him would stay open, since no one would go near him. But it's not like he could blame the people. Not many people would stand near a guy with three swords, and one of them being a two handed sword. But there was nothing Kuro was going to do about that.

But he was getting tired of standing, so he took off the two handed sword that was strapped to his back, and he propped it against the wall that was behind him. Kuro then sat down against the wall and leaned his head against it. Looking at the ceiling, he wondered when winter would end. Kuro hated the cold. The snow and Christmas where great, but the cold was something he despised almost with his entire being. He couldn't stand how much physical pain was amplified due to the cold, and he didn't like the ice that formed either since he couldn't travel as quickly without falling.

Kuro longed to be someplace warm. Someplace where he could feel sweat on his body; something he hadn't felt in a while. But where could he go?

"The Desert."

Kuro was startled at the fact that he had just said that aloud. Not only that, but he would suffer embarrassment from anyone that heard him say that. He quickly shrugged off the thought of minor embarrassment, and stood up. He strapped the sword back on to where it belonged. He walked through the empty spaces between the people and made his way to the door... then he turned back.

There was no possible way to get out with the way it was outside. What was he thinking? It wouldn't even be easy to get outside, let alone to a desert. Silently, he went back to his spot and sat down once more after unstrapping his sword. When would this end?

<i><center>Nayru be cursed!</center></i>

For she was the particular goddess for whom he believed was responsible for the atrocious weather.

He sat on the floor in the corner of the inn, having missed his chance to secure an actual seat at a table, and having been far too slow to reach the fireplace before it was completely barricaded by an ill-assorted rabble of adventurers and the like. Here at his own private corner he sat alone, chilled to the bone by a draft that seemed to be coming from nowhere. His eyes flitted about hastily, searching for signs of a crack in the inn’s inner wall. Nothing. Perhaps he was just generally cold. He had the option to remove himself from the corner, but that would require he stand up…

Reluctantly, hesitantly, the young human heaved himself up off the floor, his bones aching from moving under the pressures of the cold. He shivered inwardly and inched closer to the fireplace. As he neared he placed a gentle hand on the closest man’s shoulder, shoving him slowly to the side a he stole his place by the fire. The man turned on the boy, his eyes glazed over and a sloppy expression on his pale face. He was clearly quite intoxicated, likely drunk off the Christmas spirit… or, that is to say, the Christmas “spirits.” A few too many, it seemed. The boy nodded and raised his glass of warm holiday milk, smiling at the buffoon. The man grinned back and accepted the cheers, swigging deeply from his pint. He moved on and could be heard making odd, loud noises elsewhere. The boy loved how oblivious the man had been to what had just occurred.

<i><center>My spot now!</center></i>

He was beginning to warm already. All around him people seemed to be enjoying the predicament nature had forced them into. He was not so easily impressed. With arms outstretched towards the fire, he glanced at the nearest window. A solid white wall outside. This was hardly what he needed. How long would it take for it to melt? He had places to be, battles to be fought, stockings to pillage! Mainly the first two, but with the rudeness and rowdiness of the people around him, the third seemed increasingly probable.

Jett Ericson was not garbed in his usual black hooded cloak. His hands were bare, as opposed to being gloved, and his boots… well, his boots remained the same. Boots were boots, no matter what the colour. Today he donned a more traditional style of clothing – it was his normal seasonal outfit! It comprised of a standard pair of deep brown trousers and a simple, home-sewn holiday sweater. The sweater was deep blue, and had a reindeer sewn in with brown wool. The reindeer was wearing a collar of red and green ornaments, sewn in with those colours. It was a festive looking piece of work. Jett had never seen a real reindeer, and doubted that they were even a legitimate species of deer.

He saw no familiar faces, and everyone in the inn seemed peaceful enough. There was no need to hide his identity today. It was a cheerful time of the year, and he was at least glad to be spending it on the surface with people he shared a common goal with. He only wished that a friend or two was present.

"Mrrrowww?" Sauron ran back to Seth and dropped a small ball in Seth's outstretched hand, who immediately threw it back across the room.

"Seth, stop treating him like a dog," Arrika chided out of boredom. Normally she didn't care what the younger thief did, but she was trapped in this Inn and there was nothing better to do.

"But he likes it. See, he's happy."

Arrika sighed and glanced across the room. She recognized Worru and a few others... and Key. She rose from the couch in a slinking manner, all of her movements smooth and with purpose.

"I was kinda worried about you," Arrika said as she sidled up next to Key silently, and it probably would have looked like she materialized out of nowhere. The thief grinned. "Aw, don't look so down. It's just snow, it'll clear up soon! Come talk to Seth, he'll read your fortune if you want."

Keychain looked up quite surprised. "Arr. . ika? What are you doing here? Surely you have a home to be at instead of here." The confusion was ringing in her voice as she got to her feet.

"I don't mind the snow much," Keychain admitted. "I must admit, though, it's rare for snow to get this high. I'll be surprised if it melted in under a week." She gazed around at where "Seth" might be. Then her gaze flicked across one guy.

"Is that him?" she questioned as she pointed at the one guy throwing the ball. "C-could it not be right now? H-he looks a little weird to me."

Saber sat against the wall, legs tucked up close to him so as to avoid tripping up any of the other refugees. The snowstorm hadn't hit at the best time--he had had to cancel several jobs due to the white stuff's interference. However, he was fed here, and it didn't cost him a thing. There were also several people he knew about, including those he hadn't seen in a while. Arrika, Kuro...and one particular Bard his eyes couldn't help but follow as she raced about, leaving a golden trail everywhere she went. He smiled a little to himself and glanced around the room again. Worru was being Worru, Kuro looked as though he were about to explode with nerves if he didn't get some air...it was nice to finally have some constants in life. Maybe that's why I've finally stopped in Hyrule.

Smiling again, the mercenary stood and stretched, making his way to the now-golden bar to glance over the various refreshments. He never was one for drinking, couldn't ever afford it. However, if it were free...well, maybe there'd be something to entertain his taste buds.

OOC: I know you're all greatly disappointed I didn't bring Burlo into this, but honestly his bulk would cause too much damage in a place this packed

"I'm not one for empty mansions," Arrika said with a small smile. "I feel more at home in a crowded Inn like this. I guess some people were just born for the streets, huh? Weird, isn't it? And Seth... he's just a kid, you can't blame him... he's barely older than Worru. But I really think you should talk to him," she said more seriously. "It might help... you know... with Luis. Maybe. And everything else you might want to know about." She left the last sentence vague on purpose, because honestly the thief did not know all that much about her pupil.

"Meowww?" Sauron had sauntered up to Key and was rubbing against her leg.

"Sauron!" Seth called, but the cat did not move. The green-haired boy walked over and glanced at Key, and it was more of his clairvoyance than his good hearing that he knew he was being talked about. "I should start charging you for sessions," he said to Arrika.

"You owe me," Arrika replied shortly. "And Sauron likes her," she pointed out.

Seth reached for Key's hand and closed his eyes.

OoC: So... since I can't god mod, tell me what you want Seth to see in a PM or something. Or if you don't want him to see anything at all.

Keychain nodded her head at Arrika's words. Having a home big for just one person(or where there others?) would be lonely a lot of the times. Lonely. It's how she felt without the constant shape of her brother next to her. She did feel that she needed to do something about that.

Then the cat came up to her and rubbed her leg. She nearly jumped out her skin in fright. Key looked down at the cat and sighed. Her zooming heart began to slow to a regular pace. No matter how much animals liked her, most especially her Midnight and Bells, she could never get use to the sudden appearance.

The cat suited Arrika's style of sneakiness, though.

Her face reddened with embarrassment. "L-look, you don't have to. I-I never really have believed in fortune telling, so you don't have to," she said in a quick rush of words. She was blushing all the way up to her ears by the time she was done talking.

It was too late, though, he already had her hand.

((OOC: For some reason I dislike these "winter events." Maybe it's because my character isn't very social. Oh well, an event is still an event, better participate anyway.))

Luna slouched in a wooden chair in the corner of the room, as far away from everyone as possible. In doing so she was also the farthest from the fire, and the drafty walls didn't do much in the way of holding out the cold. She shivered, her clothes weren't the best choice for winter, but she hadn't had the chance to get a cloak. She sighed and rubbed her arms to keep them warm as she watched everyone around her talk.

"I hate winter..." Luna muttered under her breath. I wish I could just hide in a pocket like Kumori... I'm sure he's nice and comfy with my body heat to keep him warm...

"Fortune telling? She makes me sound like some 3rd class side act, where people throw coins in a hat..." Seth mused.

"We did that once," Arrika replied with a raised eyebrow, but did not interrupt him any further.

"You have a funny name," Seth said quietly. "...I See... a star... not a falling star though, or else you'd be in trouble... who is she? ...Aqua...? More weird names... Black armor, but it reminds me more of dark blood... I can almost smell blood. A bearded man, with hair as white as moonlight..." He flinched as the man in Seth's vision suddenly opened his eyes. "And green eyes. A really deep color, like they could pierce you." He sighed heavily as he dropped Key's hand. "I've Seen worse."

Arrika safely assumed that everything Seth had mumbled about made perfect sense to Key. And there was the mentioning of the 'men in black armor' again.

"Luis. What about Luis?" She prompted him, but he shrugged.

"I don't pick what I get to See."

The older thief made a face and gazed around the room once more. She had her back to wall; it was just one of those habits she had adopted from Kobas that she couldn't shake off. Well, at least this one was useful.

She noticed Saber; the Mercenary always seemed out of place when he wasn't trudging around in a desert. She also saw a female thief she didn't know. It seemed like everyone was an equal here, defeated by the elements.

Sauron's eyes glowed, and a pool of shadow appeared at the hell cat's feet. It warped and twisted as if it had a mind of its own, and tangled around Key's legs as if it were trying to drag her in.

"Stop it, Sauron," Seth said, but didn't physically try to help Key. He merely stood there, watching with an odd, sadistic gleam in his eyes. The hell cat's bushy, fox-like tail flickered in the air like a black flame.

OOC: Hey guys try to give others a chance to get involved and post, this is a topic so we can all try to interact.

IC:

After she had strutted about the bar, clearly rather proud of her work she looked out into the crowd. No one seemed to be quite as pumped as she! For a moment her smile wavered, but then the grin returned. She was about to dance over to Kuro then spotted Saber. Freezing mid step she looked to him, "No drinking for you! Besides.. I could use some help spreading Christmas cheer!" Moving closer to him she looked around before whispering in his ear, "I need some help making... cookies.."

Pulling back quickly her eyes danced, she figured cookies could cheer up any crowd, it would just take a lot of cookies! Nibbling on her lower lip in a nervouse manner she shrugged her slender shoulders, "I could use some help, but don't spread it around.. we don't need a riot!" Yes, Aiden thought that even the mention of cookies could cause a cookie riot!

Without waiting for a reply she darted off to get a few more 'volunteers.' Her first stop was Kuro. Kneeling down in front of him she smiled, "I could use your help in the kitchen... and it's a little less crowded there!"