Welcome to Gaia! ::

Winter (or late autumn, who’s doing the math?) patrols made Tempesti particularly grateful for the magical protection her fuku offered her from the weather as she passed through one of the ubiquitous city parks. She was also more than grateful for years of practice walking on ice in high heels, even if she kept packets of heel grips in her subspace just in case. Even with these conveniences, she found it increasingly difficult to focus on her patrols. Ronan’s work with the books on Tempesti combined with the growing excitement that came with every new revelation about ancient Tempestine culture made it almost impossible for it not to dominate huge portions of her waking life. Fantasies of revivals, if not of the entire society then of what bits and pieces she could find. Pinpricks of light in the darkness that was the civilization’s history.

Mental note: Find Ronan a nice Christmas gift.

A flash of motion in the snow broke through her daydreams, or nightdreams that happened to occur during while she was awake as the situation may be. Though she sensed no Chaos energy signatures the experiences of the past year had taught her that it was less than wise to let her guard down as holidays approached.

The sudden appearance of two pairs of eyes wasn’t quite as startling as she might have expected. Maybe because they were unreasonably adorable. Crouching to their level, she realized that they were rabbits! Tiny rabbits camouflaged among the pure white of the snow. Crouching down for a better look, she managed to keep herself from clapping in delight.

“Hello, little friends!”

The senshi kept her voice low, hoping that they were in fact friends.

Sailor Tempesti looked up at the squire’s approach, a Cosmos Knight from the look of her. Offering a warm smile and a small wave, she continued to speak in low tones as she murmured “Aren’t they precious? I’ve never seen anything quite like them before. I’m Sailor Tempesti, by the way. Nice to meet you.” Her smile broadened as they paused their frolicking before turning their attention to the human newcomers with a seemingly excited curiosity. One of them hopped purposefully up to the knight, sending forth a shower of tiny snowflakes as it homed in on of one of her exposed ankles and snuggling up to her.

“They’re so cute! Tempesti managed to suppress a squeal as the second bunny made its way over to her and nuzzled into her outstretched hand. Its fur was surprising cold, though as she thought about it she figured that it made sense given the little snowflakes they shed. She found herself wishing that she could take one home as a pet despite the fact that she was entirely aware that wild animals weren’t exactly keen on living in people’s homes. Not to mention the objections Reginald would certainly have. For his part, Fin would probably be delighted considering how many park animals he had attempted to bring with him. She would have to enjoy them here.

As though sensing her thoughts, the bunny approached Odainsaker’s outstretched hand, nuzzling it with a surprising affection.

“They’re so sweet, I’d love to take one home. I don’t think they’d like that though, unfortunately.” Cautiously, she reached for the one closest to her and after allowing it to sniff her began to pet its soft fur. “Ooh, they are chilly!” She smiled, “They’re a lot nicer than some of the other things I’ve seen around the city.”

“No need to apologize,” Tempesti smiled down at the rabbits, “These little guys are a pretty serious distraction from everything else.” A soft laugh bubbled forth as the rabbit closest to her began hopping and frolicking in the snow.

“Really? Thanks!” Taking a couple of carrot sticks, she held one out to the joyfully bouncing rabbit who immediately turned its attention to the proffered treat before beginning to munch on it.

“I think they like them! I’ve got some granola bars in my subspace. It’s only fair that you get a couple after sharing your snack with us.”

Tempesti nodded, the appeal of these little fuzzballs was undeniable and only grew by the second. “I don’t know, there are these birds on my homeworld who have these little gold sparkles that come out when they fly or fluff themselves. It’s so cute.” Her voice carried a tone of joyful pride in the planet’s resurgent life, eyes taking a dreamy appearance. “I don’t know how many things like that Earth has. I’ve never heard of any.”

As though annoyed by the lack of attention, the rabbit began to headbutt Tempesti’s leg. “Oh, here are those granola bars, I hope you like the flavor.” With the soft crinkling of plastic a pair of raspberry white chocolate granola bars materialized in her hand.

“I don’t know, I wouldn’t try to pick them up.” She gave the one at her feet another gentle scratch. “I got bitten by a lizard I tried to catch as a kid.”