Day 24 (closer to the end)

[whiteofcrime]

Hey so uh, I was thinking... since it's cold and snowing and all, we should have some kinda winter festival. Well, maybe not a festival necessarily but like at least some kind of fun? We've been gone for so long and after that terrible thing happened I think everyone could do with some cheering up.

Is there anyone who has ideas on how to set up a skating rink? There's no pond or lake here but there's a good space in the middle of town to put down some water and freeze it, I think.

Comments

[shuttersense]

You mean a little like what we did last time?

It'd be nice. I'm not sure how much water you'd need, but I think you need it a few inches thick? And smoothed out.

It's not very useful. Sorry.

[whiteofcrime]

Yeah, like last time! I thought maybe we could gather a heap of snow and have Yun melt it. Or someone could gather water fonons from the air.

Why're you sorry? It's not like I expect you to know how thick it needs to be.

[shuttersense]

I think it would be easier to gather up the snow? And some of us could work together, not just Yun.

Less work for all of us, I think.

Oh-yes, of course. Right. None of us would. Anyway-I may be a little busy, but if nothing else, you can ask for whatever.

Maybe some of the locals will want to join in too. I don't know if they're familiar with ice rinks.

[whiteofcrime]

The people from the caravan might be since they travel a lot. I can ask them to help.

But if we do get Yun to help could you ask him for me?

[shuttersense]

Maybe. If they're up to it.

We can both ask Yun together if you want?

[whiteofcrime]

I think you'd have a better chance at persuading him to help with something trivial like this. Pleaaaase?

[ That, and he can still recall one particular nightmare of his with perfect clarity. ]

[shuttersense]

I'll ask him.

But I think there's something you want to chat about in person.

[whiteofcrime]

Huh? Not really...

[shuttersense]

Let me correct myself: something *I* would like to discuss with you, if you're so willing.

[whiteofcrime]

[ There is a definite pause here. Maybe he stepped away from the journal for a bit. Maybe something demanded his attention. It's hard to say, but his response comes a few minutes later: ]

What did you want to talk about?

[shuttersense]

[She doesn't know what he's up to, so it's not suspicious.]

Everything all right? You don't usually ask me to talk to people.

[whiteofcrime]

Yeah, everything's fine. I'm just really busy at the moment. Gotta speak to all the shopkeepers in town to make sure they're okay with me digging.

[ An excuse but a believable one. ]

[shuttersense]

Ah, yes. Would you mind asking Yun to bring back some bread? Since you're in town and he's in the bakery.

[whiteofcrime]

[ Another pause. ]

Yeah, okay.

[shuttersense]

[Huh. That is odd.]

Thanks Kid. Make sure to ask what kind of loaves they're planning to make tomorrow, since you'll already be there?

[whiteofcrime]

Sure. Any requests you want me to pass on to him?

[shuttersense]

If you could ask him to pick up more candles and milk, that would be great. We're getting low on both.

[whiteofcrime]

I can just pick that up myself, you know? I'm not THAT far away.

[shuttersense]

I thought you were busy with the rink?

[whiteofcrime]

Well, yeah, but I still gotta come back and sleep sometime, don't I?

[ Please don't make him speak longer to Hibari than he has to...! ]

[shuttersense]

Yes, of course. Are you planning on coming back to sleep soon? You can still deliver the messages.

[Rei, let him off easy? Psh.]

[whiteofcrime]

In a bit. I'll pass on your message to Yun first.

[ Unsaid: 'Why can't you do it yourself, ugh.' ]

[shuttersense]

[Because she wants him to talk to the person he's avoiding is why.]

Thank you. I'll let the others know you're coming.

[mostpositively]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to set up some snow ball fights, maybe see about making a kettle or two of cider- or any other local warm drink.

It could be fun! It feels like we haven't let ourselves have fun for awhile. We can't always be serious.

[whiteofcrime]

Oh man, that would be so nice! Even if Christmas isn't a holiday here we shouldn't let this snow go to waste!

[mostpositively]

I agree. We could even hold little contests for snow sculpting, things like that.

Maybe some of us can be in charge of cooking that day? Depending on what people like to eat. I'll try looking up what can be made into teas in the garden.

[whiteofcrime]

Ooh yeah, like the festival they had before we got kidnapped! That'd be a good idea.

Maybe we can do an snow sculpture contest like they do in Japan.

[mostpositively]

That's a wonderful idea!

Hm, I wonder what we could have for prizes...maybe blankets? Or mittens? Something that'll be good to bundle up with, with the cold weather maybe-

It's practical, but that way no one would be disappointed.

[whiteofcrime]

That'd be a good idea. I've got no idea how to make them or where to get them from though. Or are you volunteering?

[mostpositively]

Oh, I don't know how to weave, else I would! Sorry if that was misleading. But I might be able to make some mittens or socks if I get needles and wool?

[whiteofcrime]

There might be some with the market guys. I don't remember seeing any in the castle. Shouldn't be too hard to find though, I think.

You don't have to knit anything though. We can come up with some other prize. Like food!

[mostpositively]

Find or make, I think, depending on the thickness of the needle.

But you're right. Food would be an easier prize!

[whiteofcrime]

Then we'll use food! I know exactly who to ask as well~

[mostpositively]

Oh, excellent! It's good that you have a plan~

[enharmonica]

I didn't expect that you would ever want to cover the ground in ice on your own.

[whiteofcrime]

Not on my own!! I'm not gonna skate on it even if we set it up. Just 'cause I don't like it doesn't mean others feel the same.

[enharmonica]

You're a very selfless person.

[He pauses for a few seconds, then adds more as an afterthought.]

I would be willing to participate.

[whiteofcrime]

Really?

[ He is genuinely surprised. ]

Well, I'm gonna scout a spot to build this thing then. You can help with the set-up once I've measured things out.

[enharmonica]

Yes.

[He's not entirely sure which remark of his Kaito had been commenting on, but decides to let that go. A straightforward, affirmative answer is equally sufficient for both points, after all.]

I have no experience building anything like this. What approximate dimensions will it need to have?

[whiteofcrime]

I've got no idea actually. I was just gonna eyeball it. It's not like I have rulers or anything here anyway.