[Given all the reflective hazards this week, the impressively large bonfire for this particular gathering has been stacked and lit right in between two of the log cabins, a little further in the back to keep farther away from the skating rink and the ice maze both. The flame is towering and sturdy and roars all day and night long to keep everyone as toasty as possible (and to help roast or warm any food that's been icebitten by the temperatures), curling beneath the sun and the stars.

It truly is cold here, but there's hot and gently bubbling oden courtesy of Marcus, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine from Makoto, other drinks and sundry snacks thanks to the help of Suga and Raven and anyone else who wanted to pitch in or even bring their own marshmallows (how big are these marshmallows it's anyone's guess). Anyone who really needs to get toasty can also take refuge in the cabins!

There's also an even more impressive stack of wood behind one of the cabins proper, brought over from the friendlier forests and climes of the other areas -- here Alexei, McGillis, Marcus and any other helpers, gawkers or aspiring lumberjacks may be found plying their extremely temporary trade. Scant outfits not-so-practical for winter and morale booster eyecandy for all? Why not.]