DAY 024

[allthekeys]

|| THREAT DOWN

|| DAY 024: GENERAL As day breaks, the wind picks up, bringing with it a thick cloud cover. By the time the sun has risen, snow is falling, thick and damp, as the temperature rapidly drops; it is uncomfortable at best, and those lingering outside for too long without precautions find themselves risking hypothermia and frostbite. This sudden snowfall does not deter the guards. The main gate of the outer wall opens briefly just after daybreak, a handful of battered and damaged guards returning inside as another group heads out. The gate is closed and locked behind them. The damaged guards retreat to their quarters, where they remain, resting and spending time with the handful of cats that are always present there. The snow piles outside throughout the day, collecting on balconies and drifting in the courtyards, town, and road. The townsfolk make occasional forays out in the thin daylight, to clear what they can around their homes and keep the area passable. Around the windows of the Castle and Town, on the outer sills, small songbirds have gathered, grey and blue plumage huddling in clumps against the glass. They are skittish if disturbed, quick to flee from people coming close. || CASTLE The hangings in the Castle are being changed out for heavier fare, the remaining Grey Maids hard at work, shaking the dust out of them. More will be found in the rooms, disturbing spiders, dust and other bits of things from their hiding spots. As the air cools, the walking dead become sluggish. They parade into the room with the poppy wreath, and vanish nearly as soon as the door closes. The Cook grumbles over a heavy pot of stew, rocking occasionally as he does so. He barks commands, though there is no one to hear him. The Steward’s Quarters are securely locked. Anyone who spends time in the Common Room might notice a noise reminiscent of splashing water faintly audible through the closed door. A message has been scrawled across the chore board: WHERE HAVE MY FRIENDS GONE || GARDENS AND YARD The branches of trees in the Gardens are weighed down with snow; some of it sifts through to drift, particularly in the more open areas of paths and clearings. The foliage seems to be stubbornly trying to remain in spite of the cold intrusion, shoots and buds sticking through it against all logic. The chores for the day have been assigned: Dorm 18: Second Floor Dorm 19: First Floor Dorm 20: Kitchen Dorm 21: Groundskeeping - Garden Dorm 22: Basement Dorm 23: Groundskeeping - Yard/Road, Stables Dorm 24: Kitchen Dorm 25: Groundskeeping - Yard/Road, Stables Dorm 26: Groundskeeping - Garden Dorm 27: Third Floor