/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>45479793
(18)
A sudden gust of cold wind makes me shiver and hold me arms close to my body. Winter is making its arrival clear, enforcing itself upon the world. Even the Forest of Magic, dangerous and wild as it usually was, seemed to relent under the new order. A silence hung over the forest like a frost, nary a animal’s cry or footfall to be heard. Even the occasional sounds of fairies giggling and chattering were missing. It was like all of them had simply left the forest. Do fairies hibernate? I had no idea. The usual strange smells and lights from the latent magic of the had faded to be unnoticeable by me. Even the magical plantlife of the Forest of Magic could do nothing but bow before the reign of winter. It made the trek feel safer, although the coldness nicking at any skin it could get made sure it wasn’t comfortable. Most people-sane people- were back at the village, huddling in front any source of warmth they could find or making final preparations for the winter. The solstice was rapidly approaching, but for me that meant-No, I had to focus. I could take one day to push all my worries out of my mind and have a bit of fun.

The dolls around me remained vigilant, both an escort to protect me and a guide to avoid losing my way in the confusing forest. I knew a woman my age shouldn’t be into dolls, but they were so cute. The way they looked so serious holding their tiny weapons and scouting out for danger while still in their frilly dresses. Ah~ It was adorable. I held onto my gift for Hana, it shouldn’t be long now. It took a minute or two of an uneventful walk before the trees cleared and Alice’s house loomed into view. Eager for shelter from the cold and food, I quickened my pace to the house, having my doll guard split up their ranks to keep up with me. When I reached the door, they all veered off to parts unknown. I opened the door and stepped inside, shutting it quickly behind me. I must have been early, as it was just the residents of Alice’s home here, no other guests in sight. At least the preparations seemed to be done. The table was stacked with a buffet of food. A large cake dominated the table, but there were all sorts of other foods as well. Meats and sweets and teas and snacks among much more. It was something that took a lot of work, I should know. On another table were a few gifts, waiting to be unwrapped by the birthday girl. I made my way over to the table and placed my gift down.

“Everything’s set up, we’re just waiting form everyone to show up. Coat rack’s over there, have a seat” Marisa said as she pointed out a coat-rack in the corner. I took my coat off and placed it on the rack, it was a little toasty in here. Done, I flopped down on a chair and took some crackers from the table in front of me. “Thanks for coming, this is going to be good for her” Marisa continues.

I give a short hum in agreement. I’m good at keeping secrets but I had felt the urge to left others into the secret quite a few times. There were plenty of people that would have loved to come, but we had all agreed to keep this on a smaller scale. No inviting people she hardly knew, just a smaller party with people she knew so she would feel at ease. It also made planning and keeping this a secret much easier. I had just finished eating my crackers when Mima floated out of the kitchen. “There’s still food in the kitchen. Help Alice carry it out” Mima probably could easily throw me one handed across an entire clearing as easily as someone could throw a pebble, but she still asks me to carry the dishes. I guess that’s a perk of being a god.

I go into the kitchen, Alice is busy preparing the last of the dishes. She pointed out the ready dishes on the counter. I started my work to carry them out to the table, putting them on the table. With Mima’s direction, everything was soon placed right where it needed to be.

Then I was told to help Alice clean up the kitchen. Once that was over, I finally had another chance to rest. Just as soon as I sat down, the door opened again. Mamizou stepped through the door. “Hey everyone, has the party started?” She strode over to the gifts table and tossed her gift there. Ignoring the stares from everyone, she took over her coat and placed it on a coat rack before flopping down on one of the chairs. “Looks like I’m early, or this isn’t much of a party at all” She takes out her pipe and some tobacco, fumbling with it and letting some hit the ground.

“Ah, please don’t smoke in here. The smoke gets everywhere” Alice pleaded. Mamizou paused before letting out a sigh.

“I’ll just smoke outside in the cold. Those frail old bones of mine get so creaky in this cold, all of you youngsters will understand when you get older”

Mima scoffed “I doubt you’re older then me, and I don’t feel anything in my bones”

Mamizou looked like she was going to respond, but not to. She tucked away her pouch of tobacco as everyone waited for her to finish.