#sbw22

"Here, deeku. What do you think of this one?"

Mio tried her best not to grimace as Masayu pulled another kimono from the rack, and held it out, closing her lower two eyes as if to get a better look at Mio. "Mother," Mio said, attempting firmness. "This is completely unnecessary. I'll be graduating in my uniform." "As well you should, deeku," Masayu said, examining another outfit. "But you'll want to change for the party afterwards. It does not sit well to disrespect one's uniform in such a manner."

Mio took a breath, allowing the conditioned air to pass slowly through her gills. They'd been browsing for hours and the bright lights of the clothier's shop were giving her a headache. It didn't help Masayu was correct – as usual. "Yes, Mother." "See, that wasn't such a difficult concept. How about this one?" "No, Mother. Cerise does not do me any favours."

"Oh?" Masayu stopped rummaging in the racks of clothing and looked directly at her daughter for what felt like the first time since they'd started the day with tea and sweet reefpod cakes. Mio tightened her spine. "Where did you hear that?" "I have a... friend. Her name is Whip. She's studying to become a tailor. She asked me to model for her dissertation. It was she who told me so." "A 'friend'?" Masayu raised an eyebrow ridge. Mio swallowed. "Yes, Mother," she said stiffly. "I do have them, you know." Masayu dipped her head. "I didn't mean it as a point of contention, deeku."

Mio closed her center eye. "I apologise, Mother. There've been rumours... horror stories... about Graduation day. The Seniors say that sometimes they pick a graduate to demonstrate the Matter Manipulator." Mio flared her gills. "It's not that I don't know how-" "Ah, my beautiful blossom." Masayu slid back the offending shirt and stepped around the rack. She placed a hand on Mio's cheek, offering a gentle smile. "You are still so young. One's nerves are not insurmountable. Serenity will come in time, with experience." Mio leaned into her mother's touch, all three eyes closing briefly. 

Masayu let her hand drop away. "Well now," she said, turning back to the racks of clothing, "if it's not to be cerise, then what would you choose?" Mio looked around the holo-quins, elegantly draped with silks and nanofibers. She pointed to a snow-white kimono, embroidered with azure piping and small blue and green winged insects. "May I try that one on?"

Starbound Winter Prompt List 2022

Steamspring

Snow (ball/ Man)

Festival

Capricoat

Wattage Potage

Igloo

Fireplace

Diodia

Cosy outerwear

Aurorabee (a bug)

This isn't an event as such, as there's no time limit, just a list of Winter-themed prompts you can use to build, create, draw, or write something Starbound-related as you fancy.

If you do make something and post it, you can use the tags #sbw22 and #starboundprompts22 to show it off - or tag me directly so I can rb your lovely creations.

The Capricoat

Made for the Winter '22 Starbound Prompt "Capricoat"

The Researcher

Night comes early in these high climes, but you don't mind. When the wind isn't howling, it's a fine excuse to finish work early, climb to the observation dome and watch the spectacular sunset.

It gets nippy up here as the wane sunlight fades, but you've a teacup in your hand and fragrant wattage pottage bubbling on the stove below. The tip-tap of Hollow and Snore playing and the soft patter of snow on the window eases your mind. The day's work was satisfying - part of your theorem proven correct - and as night falls, you feel safe and content.

Built for the Winter 2022 prompt, "Wattage Pottage".

Scorched Air

You ever have one of those moods where you want to build *something*, you're just not sure what? ...Hmmm. Yeah...

I'm not sure what this is trying to be. Maybe an air purification plant? Simply a remnant of what came before, that these two have been dutifully maintaining? Answers on a postcard... 😆

Built for the Winter 2022 prompt "Steamspring"

Snow man hylotl

The Bonfire

The light was fading fast as I searched for a suitable place to pitch my tent. Though I was in the warmer parts of this planet, it didn't stop the snow from falling; nor the temperature from dropping rapidly.

Wearily, I climbed another rise. As I paused at the top to catch my breath, I noted a peculiar sight. Between the trees, it seemed I could see a golden wall. My verve revied by curiosity, I hurried on through the trees.

There, in a hollow in the ground, I found a mighty bonfire. The heat was so tremendous that I felt as if the very sun was on my face. It was total dark now, though you'd never realise it with the glow from the licking flames. I pitched my tent and used some errant embers to reheat a can of Hot Hot Pot. The meal was boiling in no time, and I was soon warmed outside and in.

While I sat, gazing into the undulating blaze, I noted a new type of light. Twisting hues of yellow and green danced upon my cutlery. I turned my back on the fire and lifted my sight upwards. An Aurora, shimmying and shining across the crystal-black sky, like a wurm made of diaphanous yellow and green.

I relaxed back on the log, eyes still heavenward. I didn't know who had set the bonfire ablaze, but watching the spectacle above I sent out silent thanks from a weary traveller for allowing me this easy rest in spectacular company.

Built for the Starbound Winter prompt, "Fireplace". Just a small one to get me started with this list.