The Grotto was a fantastic escape from the summer heat the swathed the entirety of Alexshire.
There was still a dust of snow that powdered Nicolay on his hair when he barely missed the snow creatures' attacks (he thought that was a pretty fun spectacle of a winter wonderland and wondered how much they were getting paid for standing out there in the half-warm, half-cold in fancy costumes) but with the attention having long passed him, he now placed himself comfortably on a dry spot closest to the wall of ice where he leaned his head to cool it from Hel's glare. His eyes were closed, and he relished the cold air that filled the entire circle although it wouldn't take long, he knew, for him to freshen up. There was no scarf or coat or gloves to be had, after all. He only had on his most comfortable tee -- yellow with a trail of dashiri across his chest -- and an old pair of ragged jeans that was fading at the seams and around the mouths of stitches on his kneecap. Two brown packages were also gathered by his tummy.
When he opened his eyes, the crowd had changed and he felt much better. Summer was hot -- hotter even back in Scotland but he'd always preferred the cooler weathers. For a few moments, he stayed where he was, unmoving and simply watching the sights around him.
But soon he picked himself up, and dusting his behind and his pants off anything, he started towards the throne right across of him and stood two steps from it as he looked at the spruces, the bubbles and the contours of the throne.
Pretty neat spectacle, he thought to himself. Alexshire must be one wealthy city to afford this kind of reality-bending trick.
A bubble floated down from the heavens and he caught it when it reached the level of his nose and he thought he saw the face of a familiar man from a past life.
Albert Cannes.
What it was he was carrying, Nicolay didn't catch when the bubble popped but he frowned a little and dropped his gaze when he remembered that man.
No, he still didn't want to see him.
Take care of everyone while I'm here, all right? he thought...half-prayed to Xanth as he looked up to the ginormous throne in the heart of the event.
Mom, Dad, my friends...I hope Emily has a new boyfriend now...'cause I don't think I can come back to her anymore. Tell the family I'll look after Issy, too...well, I guess it's my job now.
He smiled a little before he turned to walk away. There was still lunch to be had in Colormints with the adorable Lazuli Kitay...that is, Nicolay was hoping she was free and open to his surprise visits...
...which was turning out to be a regular thing, anyway.
(And then maybe she'd want to go see the Grotto with him?)
OOC: Wishlist right here!