bladeofnymeia: (niiiiiice)
Firoza Istus ([personal profile] bladeofnymeia) wrote in [community profile] bottlecaplogs2025-12-14 07:45 pm

HOLIDAY HOTPOT MINGLE LOG

WHO: Firoza Istus, Ren Amamiya, and YOU!
WHAT: The results of the Holiday Hotpot player quest - and an open invitation for everyone to gather together and enjoy a hot meal!
WHEN: Monday, December 15th
WHERE: Bottlecap Bay, down on the beach
WARNINGS: I can't think of any, unless hot soup is a warning?

It may be a bit nippy with the wind coming in off the ocean, but the beach is the best place to construct and keep up a few large bonfires, if summer's events were any indication. Three pits have been dug and filled with firewood, and set up with large pots with dividers, full of savoury broth divided into a comforting, creamy concoction and a spicy, sweet surprise - options, after all, are not just a considerate consideration, but necessary!

There's plenty of food to add to these pots - lots of wild mushrooms plucked just before the harsher frosts claimed them, sliced berries, nuts, seeds, various leafy greens still clinging to their color, wild carrots and wild potatoes, seaweed...tofu? There's tofu. Some Pokemon in the Bay must make it and sell their excess, which is very generous of them. And, unless someone decides to surprise everyone with rice, there's bread to soak up all that lovely broth!

Looks like this is something you do together with others - cooking the bounty provided by your fellow otherworlders-turned-Pokemon, that is. The sand is thankfully, somehow, not wet, so you can sit there, wrapped up in your winterwear or a bolt of pressed wool provided for the occasion, watching your delicious meal simmer as you swap stories and laugh and have a good time, perhaps even make new friends with those outside of your assigned guild!

Which is exactly what your hosts, Ren and Firoza, would love for you to do! Don't be shy - come on and join us! There's plenty to go around!

[OOC: if you feel so inclined as to bring something along for the hot pot last minute, go right ahead! The more the merrier!]
offtracks: (πŸš‡ whistle)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-15 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ingo's food stores have been holding up well enough. Besides, communal meals are all the more important in winter - they can help to keep up morale. So he comes along with some contributions of his own, dried seaweeds and tubers. Out of deference to how odd some people were about hunting on the Pearls not so long ago, he leaves his fish and meat behind.

Sitting loaf-style on a bolt of wool, he doesn't have any clothing of his own save for his habitual hat. The weather is far easier to bear in this body! ]


I am quite impressed that they found such a dry area to hold this!

[ Unless, of course, he gets wet. Water seems to always feel frigid to him since he became a fire-type, no matter how warm he knows it ought to be. ]
wovensecrets: (actually pleased)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-16 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ What an exciting time to be around! Normally, Archnemon isn't one for gatherings, but there was something about this particular quest that had certainly drawn her attention. ]

Oh, this smells even more scrumptious than I had anticipated...! Let's dig in.

[ Normally she's much more reserved. But as long as there aren't too many conflicting emotions at play by others, or an overwhelming amount, maybe it would be fine? Either way she'll try to find a safe out of the way area once the cooking portion is done to enjoy the results of their hard work.

Granted she's more invested in the food than sharing stories or anything like that, but... well, she's a listener. She won't shy away from a chat if someone approaches...

... Or if someone is just happening to rouse her if she does end up dozing off... ]
timeexistseverywhere: (17)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-16 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Aegiomon isn't sure if he's ever seen Archnemon in this much of a good mood before. He kind of had a feeling when she invited him to go hunt for ingredients, but he never expected she'd be so excited by the end results.

It's nice.

Much like her, he doesn't have any stories to really share. ...Mostly because he hasn't been alive long enough to learn any, and the ones he DOES know...involve him in some way. He's not really ready to share those yet, this is supposed to be a happy time. So, uh hey! Soup is fun!]


Wow, you must really like soup, huh?

[Said with a smile and a chuckle.]
wovensecrets: (ramen is the best)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-16 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
It must seem a little simplistic, but it's just the sort of meal that can be satisfying with all the flavors it brings together!

[ ... She really likes soup. She's also not used to being this energetic and open about it, but maybe that's the nice thing about just. Not thinking about it. ]

And tends to not take too much, due to the amount of ingredient combinations. What do you think?
timeexistseverywhere: (8)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-16 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
[Is it really that simplistic? With all the ingredient combinations, flavor outcomes, dos and don'ts, Aegiomon was thinking it was way more complex than he originally thought.

He still thinks the fact that there's a divider is the coolest thing ever. Two flavors in one pot? Wild.

Still, he can at the very least understand the sentiment and nods.]


It's good! I really like how the mushrooms taste when you let them cook really long, heh...

[As if to emphasize his point, he plops one in his mouth and chews happily, savoring the flavor. He's been partaking in the creamier broths for obvious reasons.]

I kinda wanna try the spicy one, but...doesn't it hurt? Why do people like spicy food?
wovensecrets: (laughs quietly)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-16 06:30 am (UTC)(link)
You could try a little and find out what you can tolerate... just be prepared with something cool to drink.

[ Another why question... normally she'd make a face at hearing the word, but she is aware he is genuinely innocent in this regard. It's almost tolerable when it's not asking the existential and is instead curiosity. Talking, being sociable, was that just because of the better mood? It was weird - but she was not about to think about that.

Either way, she has her own balanced portions of the hot pot in front of her, so she pauses a moment while she considers the question. ]


If it's done right, the flavor should outweigh the heat... and adds a little different flair. But, as for "why", you're opening yourself up to many types of responses as well. You might hear that some like it hot for the sake of it, or just to feel the pain or just to feel... something~ others might just think they're adding more to what they find bland or tasteless. Others still, just won't touch it at all to avoid the mere thought of pain, others just can't eat it because their bodies won't allow it. And then you would have to consider that there are different levels, different varieties-- like unexplored worlds, in a way.
offtracks: (πŸš‡ burgundy)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-16 08:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Doubtless not! Nowhere here seems properly set up for having flames indoors!

[ The tunnels are certainly not properly ventilated! The Cheri guild is up in the trees! Ingo's less familiar with Lum Berry housing...but, even so. ]

I've found it rather difficult to control my own well enough for cooking. Heating our quarters is one thing, that does not require much finesse.
wovensecrets: <user name="relares"> (contemplative)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-20 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
Right? It does seem like a reasonably-thought out location...

[ Certainly, she's never quite experienced something like this and is even more personally surprised to be enjoying it, considering how most gatherings like this tend to be more on the exhausting end. Give it time, maybe. ]

At least, it doesn't feel too closed in... the breeze is a bit bracing, but it's not like we're on the mountain path.
timeexistseverywhere: (31)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-21 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
...

[She's right, he could try it and just figure out that answer himself. Even with her explanation, he still eyes the broth warily.]

I don't really get it, but...okay, I'll give it a shot.

[The idea of purposely inflicting yourself with something like that just to feel something makes him kind of.......sad, but treating it like an unexplored world also makes it sound kind of exciting??? He eyes the broth one more time, then at her just in case she has any last minute warnings, and when there isn't any he finally takes a small sip.]
offtracks: (πŸš‡ whistle)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-21 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, my camp back in Hisui was on the mountainside! Only about halfway up, but quite above the cliffs. It is a bit nostalgic, especially now that I am feeling the cold less keenly!

[ Though he certainly remembers that Miss Hatenna does not enjoy the cold much. ]

How are you finding the winter thus far?
wovensecrets: (pleased)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-21 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
Learning what's worth trying and what isn't is half the battle, don't you think?

[ It's odd, to feel... proud of him for trying it anyway? She doesn't expect the feeling, so she tries not to think of it.

She'll patiently wait for him to try some of the unknown. Whether or not he does have a taste for it, or if he doesn't... then he'll know what to avoid, at least. She doesn't say anything at first, seeing what his initial reaction is or if she'll have to use some kind of healing move in an emergency response... ]
wovensecrets: (shrugs)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-21 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Aside from the obvious problems, there's refreshingly not too much to complain about.

[ She likes being alive. The last inclination of anything being horribly wrong had hopefully departed with that Froslass. Not that it stops paranoia, but it's so much better to not think of those things. ]

It doesn't usually come with pleasant reminders, so it's good to enjoy the time as it is.
Edited (Mobile, I wasn't finished ) 2025-12-21 22:20 (UTC)
offtracks: (πŸš‡ junction)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-21 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
I am glad to hear it! And I am always available for a visit, should you wish it! I can get about in the snow well enough!

[ Ingo would spend a few weeks in the winter with the Clan, around festival time, but the snow did tend to limit his travels otherwise. It gets lonely; he very much appreciates visitors then! ]
wovensecrets: (actually pleased)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-21 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh? Now that we've done considerable work to improve Guilmon's quarters, it definitely is more agreeable conditions for a visit. Please, do.

[ To both water-proof and fire-proof is a bit of an Effort in the canopy. Easily justified when the efforts aren't explicitly beneficial to herself. ]
offtracks: (πŸš‡ whistle)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-22 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
Of course! Perhaps I will bring by some food!

[ A gift? That does seem to be something that's done around here! ]
wovensecrets: (aw you shouldn't have)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-22 07:21 am (UTC)(link)
Oh? As long as it isn't too much trouble, that would also be quite welcome...

[ It goes without saying, the improvements to the Canopy as a whole have helped in this regard for navigation. New weather conditions aside, anyway. ]

We tend to end up with a lot of bread around, but that's about it.

[ Despite taking charge of the 'rooms', someone still hasn't quite fully approached the concept of cooking for herself yet. ]
offtracks: (πŸš‡ hunting)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-22 04:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Bread is so much more common here!

[ Sure, it existed in Hisui, but rice was the far more common grain! ]

How do you both feel about rice?
wovensecrets: (actually pleased)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-22 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmm! Certainly no objection to that, either. It's been some time since I've last had a taste of onigiri...

[ Though something else about his statement also might need correcting. ]

Oh, and I should note, if you'll be visiting... we also have Aegiomon staying with us as well.

[ Gesturing with her hair tendrils in the direction of a skiddo in the nearby vicinity. ]
offtracks: (πŸš‡ drag)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-22 04:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah! We have not met! I ought to introduce myself, perhaps!
wovensecrets: (pleased)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-22 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
I think that's a splendid idea. He always seems happy to meet new people, and has an inquisitive mind.
offtracks: (πŸš‡ petrol)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-22 07:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, excellent! It would be terribly rude to venture into his space without even an introduction first!

[ The invitation from Archnemon makes it alright, but it's still not really up to Ingo's standards of courtesy! So off he goes! ]
timeexistseverywhere: (12)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-22 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Having heard his name from where he was at, Aegiomon was thankfully already on his way over. It's not like he meant to overhear, he just...doesn't exactly have a very common name and these goat ears pick up everything.]

Did somebody call for meβ€”? Woah...

[Aegiomon pauses, looking up at Ingo with wide eyes. Wow, an adult who is actually taller than him, that's been rare in this world...for whatever reason. His expression may come across as fear at first, but then his little tail starts to wag.]

Cool...
wovensecrets: (ramen is the best)

[personal profile] wovensecrets 2025-12-22 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Don't mind her, she'll just be back here while the introduction commences, though she does give a little wave to Aegiomon with a tendril to confirm that she had just mentioned him to the approaching Typhlosion. ]
offtracks: (πŸš‡ doodlebug)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-24 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
Good evening! My name is Ingo! Miss Hattenna and I were just discussing my making a visit to your home - I have been here for nearly a full year now, so I have known her and Guilmon both for some time!

[ It's a little strange to think about. Ingo's not sure if he can mark the exact day or not, but it was certainly after midwinter, wasn't it? Probably another few weeks is all. ]
timeexistseverywhere: (34)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-24 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Seeing Archnemon wave from behind Ingo is certainly enough to help, but he can't help but be alarmed by Ingo admitting he's been here for almost a year. Quite some time, indeed. Does he miss his home? Does he have friends waiting for him back there? Was he human before, how does he feel about being a monster now? So many questions and none of them make it out of his mouth. Instead, Aegiomon realizes he should probably say something right about now. They're only in the middle of an introduction, and standing around shuffling questions in his head just makes him look silly.]

Oh! Um, hi! My name's Aegiomon, it's nice to meet you.

[Manners are important.]

I'll try to keep my side of the room clean while you're over.
offtracks: (πŸš‡ buffer stop)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-24 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
Oh -

[ He hadn't meant to imply he was unclean! Oh dear! ]

Why - yes, of course! Is there anything that you cannot eat? I would like to bring a dish!
timeexistseverywhere: (30)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-24 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
It's just...I started learning how to draw recently, so I have a bunch of...papers everywhere... So...

[He sheepishly paws at the ground with his hoof. If anyone's implying he's unclean, it's him.]

Let's see, uh...I definitely can't eat meat anymore. Which stinks, because I used to love meat... I mean, unless it's, like, really good, I'm willing to put up with the stomachache. Don't tell Hatenna.
offtracks: (πŸš‡ hunting)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-24 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, that is unfortunate! It tended to be a staple of the midwinter festivals in my world...though, here it is traditional to not eat meat on the festival day, or so I am told.
timeexistseverywhere: (8)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-24 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
I'm totally okay with that tradition, heh...

[He pauses, then decides he can no longer keep his questions to himself.]

So...what sort of world did you come from, anyway?
offtracks: (πŸš‡ alert)

[personal profile] offtracks 2025-12-24 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, it was very like this one! Except humans and Pokemon lived much closer together - I was a human, then.

[ It's been a year since. Has he always said that he "used to be" a human? Maybe let's just not think too hard on that right now! ]
timeexistseverywhere: (22)

[personal profile] timeexistseverywhere 2025-12-26 08:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[Alright, confirmed. A former human. Aegiomon's little leaf tail wags more.]

I still can't believe PokΓ©mon and humans live in the same world together, that's awesome! I'm so used to Digimon being from the Digital World and humans being from, well, the human world.

[Maybe if they lived together like humans and PokΓ©mon, they'd be much closer, too... Ugh, if only. Although, if humans can be in multiple worlds, who's to say there isn't a world out there already like that? The possibilities could be endless...]

So do you like it? Being a PokΓ©mon, that is. It must be way easier for you since you already come from a world where they already exist, but...I also don't know how comfortable humans are with changing...

[Sorry, Ingo. He is a child and you are very cool and interesting.]