Realistic or Modern If December Freezes (IC)

[Silver-]

Silver Blackwood
Tags; Out Of Words Larry Worthlessplebian xAlter Mentions; Rhyme Britt-21 Location; The Loving Spoon > Docks

Silver's foot connected quietly with the bottom of the door that exited the Loving Spoon, her hand clasping Rhevens's in silence as she pondered on how exactly to answer his question while also taking note of how much cooler things had become. She shuddered involuntarily, the sweater that had once kept her warm enough back in the Marasong Hotel apparently not being enough to keep the bitter chill weaved throughout the morning air from cutting through the thick material. She made a mental note to clean off her old clothes as soon as possible. It didn't feel quite right to be borrowing clothes from a place that was already sheltering them free of charge. In fact, it was kind of odd. Things were adding up in that people knew of supernaturals, fed them, even sheltered them. It was obvious they were being acknowledged and listened to, but yet something stopped them from voicing their thoughts aloud. A natural taboo of sorts, that even speaking in common terms were grounds for being silenced, hence why Dusk must've swept Roje away into the mushy embrace. Whatever the case, Roje was probably safe with him considering she wasn't tearing out his heart in front of the other customers. Even Tilly somehow caught on and allowed them to slip past Beth, the ever-growing pain in their ass.

She's a nice lady, I guess. The only problem with Beth was that she was a major distraction. She could easily wind Indy off-course, not to mention her mere presence threatened to summon Silver's own wolf should her emotions grow out of hand like they had upon their initial meeting. "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest," Silver murmured to him lowly in case someone was listening. The words were half true-- she really didn't know how in-depth their relationship truly was other than when they'd fallen into the timeline that went hundreds of years back. They'd been stuck in the bodies of people whom were something along the lines of their alternate ancestors or parallel universe existences, but whatever that place had been was only the first step on the ladder. "Whatever the case, I'm not about to sit around and watch them while Indy is out here wandering on her own. Even if Roje trusts her to know what she's doing."

When the hairs on her neck began to raise, she could almost hear the growling in her mind vibrate in her ears as if her wolf were standing beside her. It's body was rigid with tension, eyes staring forward with an unwavering glare towards someone in the sea of humans bordering the busy dock. Silver had been guiding Rhevens along it's edge and scouring the flurry of crewmembers and crates for a familiar, feline shape, testing the air for Indy's familiar scent only to be stumped after every whiff of a lead from the shower of saltwater clinging to the air. They were being watched with intent.

Where? She caught a glimpse of blue eyes just as they turned away to focus on a lankier man of around the same height. With Aódh's face turned away from her, she couldn't quite recognize him enough to denote that he was someone familiar, but considering how her wolf didn't seem too happy about him meant he likely wasn't human. Or is it the both of them that it's concerned about? "Probably somewhere she'd recognize. Or to find someone." Faintly, Silver remembered a man having come to their door for delivering their food the night prior, yet his face didn't quite manifest with enough clarity for her to point him out. He also hadn't given them a name. "She seemed pretty interested in a delivery man that had brought us food from The Loving Spoon though. I think he smelt of ... the ocean?" It wasn't a very helpful statement, especially since they were practically at the ocean's edge now that they were winding through the buzzing dockside, but it was the best lead she had for now.

Silver found herself wandering closer to where Bernard and Aódh were, catching herself tuning into their conversation by mistake as she neared them. The lanky man hummed with an aura that practically wracked her with a sensation of danger - that approaching wouldn't be a good idea. Not to mention that the closer she drew to Aódh, the more her wolf snapped at her to keep away as it could tell something powerful lurked beneath the pale skin of the man that had his back turned to her. Indy was more important than her fear, yet she stopped in her tracks halfway, turning partially to Rhevens. "I feel like we should ask them for help. I can't really pick up anything here." She gripped his hand tighter until she realized that she'd been using it as an anchor of sorts, pulling her own hand away and not meeting his eyes as her expression darkened. "She wouldn't have gotten trampled or anything. We just gotta figure out where she went."

Without waiting for a response, Silver strode over to the group of three, noting that the fox from the cafe was present as well. Her instincts were making her hands tremble if you looked closely, her heart thudding loudly in her chest yet her eyes betraying nothing as they raked quietly along their faces. "Have any of you seen a cat wandering around here?" Upon approaching, it was obvious Aódh was the werewolf from the cafe earlier - his scent, along with that of the others, was mildly familiar. Yun alone was the figure that stood out to her the most. Can I hear them?

 

[xAlter]

Jae-eun
Location: Docks
Interactions: Larry Worthlessplebian Out Of Words Silver-
Mentions: Rhyme

The reprieve from the cafe and all the things going on would be washed away by the mundane tasks of maintaining a sailing vessel here at the docks. Nothing else would occupy Jay’s mind, and the two others who he had made good company with would assist. Of course, the things that needed to be done would take a greater portion of the day, but having help around would maybe lessen that time consumption. Who was he to know the future? “Thanks.” he said, the help appreciated. “With you two helping, we might just finish earlier than I expected.”

Mentally compiling a list of the things he needed to do, supplies he would need to guess, and the tasks at hand, Jay for the most part, completely ignored Aodh’s question to the older Dane. More focused on figuring out what the other two could help with, a contemplative look on his face, Jay only caught bits and pieces of the conversation between the two. Music at night? A hypnotic rhythm? What sort of nonsense was he talking about? Marasong was weird, yes, but nothing out of the ordinary. Did he know of the nonhuman and spiritual nature of the inhabitants? Yes he did, but speaking of such things would be paramount to social suicide.

His mind had wandered away from his mental list, and now was fully listening to Bernard speak. Yeung coiled around his arm, and Yun seemed to walk closer to him, as they sensed the discomfort. “A-an immortal you say?” he voiced out, his thoughts now running wild. He couldn’t be suggesting something such as that? Not out here in the open. Oh fuck, he did just say that out in the open, didn't he? Damage control time? Damage control time. That’d be ludicrous. “That’s ridiculous.” he denied, lying through his teeth as Jay stopped and turned to face Bernard. “The only thing about immortals is myths and legends, stuff of fairytales!” he added too quickly, a panic to his voice. ”Next thing you know, you’re both going to tell me--you’re like some vampire or something like out of those stupid Twilight books as well.”

Pausing… Jay looked around and then back to himself. “I said that out loud... but you’re not right? Right?” Sensing not a confirmation or a denial, Jay resorted to sighing loudly. “We can continue this conversation at my place… please?” he pleaded, hoping to not continue this conversation on the docks.

Palming a hand over his face, Jay heard Yun faintly. “Company. Two of the cafe customers. New girl with the cat. Hehehe, stupid feline.” Only taking the key parts of the message, Jay smiled at the two. “Rhevens… new person… hi!” he said dumbly with a wave. Yun’s gaze locked at Rhevens’s for a moment before turning to Silver. “Didn’t know you had a girlfriend. Thought it was a ‘she goes to a different school type thing’. Anyway,” he continued on, looking at the girl who stormed up to the three. “-what do you mean cat? Not a lot of cats by the dock except for strays… what do they look like?” Yun remained silent, as Yeung crawled up around Jay’s neck, the serpent observing.

 

[silverwhere]

Hatsu Black
Imported Booty
Tags: BillieRoss Out Of Words
​

"It's a great trick, cost a pretty penny, but well worth it. And yeah, you can totally go in there. It's clothing, from shoes to hats and everything in between. We have a lot of eclectic styles, and some mundane ones as well. Even costumes!" Bug explained as he showed Hatsu the once hidden room.

Hatsu took a peek into the room and came to the conclusion that Bug had gone all out. The clock trick looked expensive and anyone that went in most likely could find something in their style. Hell, even the costumes were the same. There was something for everyone for any occasion. "Yeah, I'll say that it was pretty worth it." Hatsu said and took another look at the door before he turned to Bug, "by the way, thank you for the basket. It was a nice surprise." It was a nice surprise and it proved to be useful, it give him an apple to eat for breakfast. It did make him consider how fast Bug had to put it together and rush it over to his room before he got there. Either way, it was thoughtful. "Oh yeah, did any of my shipments come in? And how much are the storage fees?"

He wasn't sure how long Bill needed him to talk to Bug, but it gave him time to make sure everything was in order. If anything, Bill would probably come and get him when she was done. For now he fought the urge to look over at her and act like he knew nothing about magic. Which reminded him, "Oh yeah, do you do like any pirate themed maps by chance?"

 

[Rhyme]

Indy

Location: Discord Compilation
Tags: Out Of Words KodakWolf (Boy)

Boy had his eyes on the bag the whole time, not really paying attention to what Augie was saying. And when the man moved over to grab his food bowl, he promptly stuck his snout in it, causing it to tip over and finally reveal the cause of all the agitation.

And when Augie reached for the cat, so did he. And Augie wouldn't be able to tell whether he wanted to eat the cat, play with it, or just eagerly sniff it...

Augie didn't think Boy would hurt the cat, but dogs were dogs, and cats were cats. "Easy, Boy! It's probably scared. How did you get in my bag?" He tried to keep his voice quiet, and soothing, even as he tried to catch the cat before the dog did.

Indy skittered free from the bag and away from the dog. Instincts kicked in as the giant beast lumbered toward her. Actual dog or something else—she wasn’t going to roll over and find out. Instead, she leaped to safety; height, she needed to get above the dog and the only available tree was Augie as she clambered up his legs and into his arms.

His scent was instantly stronger. Yes, she absolutely knew this man, but there was no time to process that as she stared down at the dog below her. Her fur fluffed up and her nose flared as she climbed higher onto Augie’s shoulders, mouth open in a silent hiss.

The cat got away for very little, and Boy jumped up on Augie to try and sniff it closer. Not too close, he was at a disadvantage now and didn't want to get his snout scratched. But it was close enough for him to pick up a slightly strange scent. Strange enough to make him suddenly back off and sit down, eyes up on the cat and ears pricked forward, head tilting this side and the other, hackles somewhat raised. He didn't really know what to do, or what to think. Maybe he should sniff it again, try to come to a conclusion. Maybe. It didn't make sense. The cat in the bag made a little bit of sense, maybe it wanted their food. But the weird scent, that didn't make sense.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Augie wriggled and tried to not squirm too much, as the cat climbed with its claws. He couldn't reach and help the cat because his hands were full with keeping Boy from jumping too much on him.

When the dog settled, and the cat's claws weren't so embedded in his shoulder, he had to chuckle a bit. "Well, Indy, wasn't it? Definitely an Indiana Jones personality."

One hand moved slowly in an attempt to pet the cat the other moved to give a reassuring pat to the top of Boy's head. "You're gonna have to wait until Boy and I eat. Then we can take you back to town before your people get too worried, eh?"

Indy slowly retracted her claws and allowed Augie’s hand onto her head, her tail still flicking apprehensively as she eyed the dog. He certainly looked and acted like a normal dog, but his proximity to Augie and the fact that this was Marasong—nothing could be for certain. For all she knew, that was a demon wrapped in a fur coat.

Augie trusted him however so she carefully eased from his shoulders back to the ground. Her claws flexed as she watched the dog across from her, just in case he tried to get a bit too close and personal with that nose. How could she communicate that she was friendly? She’d never had a dog, but she was fairly sure she had seen a few videos online talking about their body language. It would have to do; slowly she bowed to the floor, arching her back into a friendly play bow while trying not to think how goddamn ridiculous she looked.

Honestly, Boy wouldn't mind eating later and just taking the cat back to town first. It was a strange cat, and it made him kind of unsure and uncomfortable.

As he watched the cat carefully come down from Augie's shoulder, all that sudden instinct to chase after little critters was gone. Then it started doing that yoga like thing cats usually do, which meant it was... relaxing? Stretching? Was it not afraid at all? He wasn't sure, he'd never had a cat before. Maybe it was threatening him? But he heard no hiss, so maybe it was trying to play?

The eyes never left the cat as he got up and approached cautiously. Then he slowly pawed at the air around the cat, curious as to what it'd do, still wary.

Augie watched the interaction as he moved to pick up the bag and their food. Settling on the floor slowly, he was ready to intervene if need be, but food, glorious food, he couldn't deny the smell of Tilly's cooking much longer.

Funny thing, he didn't remember his 'usual' including a small cup of tuna on the side. "Huh."

Indy scrambled back as the massive paw loomed toward her, though he didn't appear to be anything other than inquisitive. The sounds and smells of the cavern were gradually becoming more apparent as the wafts of fresh food and Augie's scent finally began to dissipate. She could smell salt in the air, could hear the soft trickle of a stream nearby. There were stones and shells cluttered around as well--of course there were, she thought, though she wasn't entirely certain why she found it to be so expected.

She sat back and appraised the dog again. His eyes seemed intelligent, something was certainly different about him though he didn't exactly act like a shifter. It was difficult to know for certain. Best bet, stick around--at least until she needed to regroup with Roje and Silver.

Another reason to stick around: tuna. She could smell it the moment Augie pulled it from the bag. Hell yes--she approached him cautiously, tapping her paw on the lid with wide eyes. Yes, hello, I haven't eaten in years. Please feed me.

It was acting somewhat like a cat, despite the strange scent. It didn't try to threaten him, and that was a plus as well. Slowly, Boy was becoming less uncomfortable with the new presence in their cave, or at least less apprehensive, one could say.

When the cat turned around to approach Augie and their food (was that a tiny extra container smelling of tuna? What the hell, Tilly?), he followed it, ears still pricked forward with interest. And when the cat was distracted enough, he lunged forward and grabbed it by the back in his mouth, quickly taking off toward the opening of the cave before Augie could reach him. He held it just carefully enough it wouldn't get hurt if it didn't squirm too much. He was used to playing with little critters just as much as he was used to hunting them.

coded by: @s e v e n

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - Discord Compilation
Sleeping Beauty​

Leif knew something was wrong an instant before Levi even opened the door. His panic only confirmed it. Apparently, Marasong wasn't planning on giving them a break anytime soon.

As he followed Levi inside and through the hallway, it took a lot of strength to not allow himself to panic as well. One of them was already panicked, two panicking people wouldn't do anything to help. Yet keeping his head cool wasn't as simple when it involved Chase.

His heart sunk a bit when he walked into the room after Levi, but he was able to quickly inspect Chase while ignoring the racing of his own heartbeats. He seemed to be sleeping, dreaming for sure.

"I don't think so, no..." Honestly, he could barely think. He tried calling out Chase's name and shaking him a couple of times, not really hoping it would work, but there's always that little bit of hope that thiw try might be different

"Did you mention nightmares?" He threw Levi a quick glance.

Levi couldn't help but pace a little along the far side of the wall as Leif tried his hand in making Chase stir. He started to bite on his thumb, pausing only to answer Leif's question. "Yeah, he's usually gots the 'mares. Wakes 'em up a couple times at leasts. Ain't none last night."

Chase didn't seem to respond, but his eyes kept moving like in REM sleep.

It was twice as hard to get his mind thinking. Leif drew a long breath in, then let it out as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"The bite might've gotten rid of the nightmares. And made him sleep deeper." It did alleviate pain as well, didn't it? "But he should be able to wake at this point."

He ran a hand through his hair several times. "We could wait longer or give it a second try... I might be able to see what he's seeing." He shrugged. 'I'll let you decide." For now, that was. Chase seemed stable enough.

Now if that didn't work, he'd have to access his knowledge of magic, which was actually kind of vast. Yet it all seemed locked away somewhere right now, difficult to access.

Levi frowned and leaned to get a look at Chase's face. "Mebbe we sees if'n he comes outta it by lunch?" He relaxed only slightly before glancing to the closed front door. "Is yer friend comin' later?"

"Alright." He nodded, then frowned slightly as Levi mentioned Edwin and he tried to keep track of the last time he saw him. "I haven't seen him today, I don't know. But probably." Hopefully. If they did need to dip their feet in magic, they'd need a magician.

"Can you do magic?" He asked Levi, just in case. Then he remembered something else, and quickly reached in his pocket for Chase's phone.

"Here, look." He pulled up the picture of the shore, and thr figure standing in the water, and turned the screen toward Levi.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Magical Booty​

Bug was easily kept distracted with Hatsu's inquiries. He led the way into the clothing area as he talked. "Glad my booty could be of service." He cackled at his own little joke before he added, "Only a couple of your smaller orders, nothing big yet. But I've got some storage space for when they do. No worries, no charge. The commission from the orders covers it fine and dandy."

Bug was eyeing some of the costumes when Hatsu asked about pirate maps. "Oh do I have some pirate maps! Did you want to look at some?" He started to head toward the clock doorway to the main part of the shop. "Some are of course just novelty items, but I do have some rumored true pirate maps of buried treasure and the likes. Sort of a collector of those things." Bug grinned and there was the very faint sound of a chittering.

While in the main part of the shop, Bill was diving deep into the display boxes, sorting through this and that to try and pinpoint the real source of the magical vibes. Some of the items would have to be pulled out in order to get deeper without just spilling everything willy nilly. However, it wasn't all for naught, and Bill could tell the moment her fingers touched the strongest source of magic in each of the cases that called to her.




OOC Information

Bill BillieRoss : You come away with two smooth, very well polished, pieces of sea glass from the first box, one a light blue, the other a light green. Then a translucent pink mermaid tail pin from another box. And one pendant with small spiral shaped shells, and in the middle, a brilliant purple piece of sea glass shaped to look like a gem.

Hatsu silverwhere : Bug is looking at you while he starts heading back into the main part of the store where Bill is rummaging through several different display boxes. But that chittering raises goosebumps, it's hard to tell just where it came from.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Troubles​

Levi looked at the phone, and lost most of the color in his face. In fact, his first reaction was to bat the phone away from him with a somewhat primordial scream. Thankfully, the scream was short lived. Even better, Leif had a solid grip on the phone, else it would have surely been sent flying against the wall. Levi had a good bit of strength behind the knee jerk reaction to the photo.

"Don't be lookin' fer tha'un, ain't no good, no good at alls a'nigh'." His words were quick, short, nearly jumbled together as he moved out of the bedroom in favor of fetching himself a glass of water. Levi filled a glass from the sink, then added a sprinkling of salt to the water before downing it with several hearty gulps. Afterward, the glass made a soft clank as he set it down with a small bit of force. "Fuckin' hell."

Levi then moved where he could see Leif fully. "You see tha'thin at nigh', you fucking run. And no stoppin' til fuckin' daylight. Even I ain't messin' with that."




OOC Information

Leif KodakWolf : Levi's reaction to the photo was definitely genuine, and it's made abundantly clear he doesn't want to see it again.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Floating Home Sweet Home​

Dusk led Roje down the docks, toward the West end, though he gestured beyond the town's boundaries. "Got it anchored off the shore a bit past the docks. I like my privacy. Rhevens sometimes stays there, or bunks around town. Think he'll be a bit distracted for a while, thanks to your friend." He chuckled, grinning wide at Roje as they moved past the West end stores.

One of which was a little store called Shell Rocked, and just so happened to have the same address Joe had sent to her. It sold seashells and rocks a plenty, with a couple of rock carvings displayed in the window. One was of the lighthouse, and another was of a mermaid hugging a rock above the water line, one arm reaching out toward the people passing by the window.

Dusk was looking toward the building at the very end. The Careless Shark Pub, with a sign in the window about a reopening soon. "The pub should be opening again this weekend, so Kai says. I'll buy you a drink if it does." The eyebrows wriggled roguishly, and he chuckled, but seemed intent on getting to the houseboat. "We can talk there. Give a man a hint?"




OOC Information

Roje Britt-21 : You don't see anyone currently inside the store, and the sign on the door indicates they will be back in an hour. Otherwise, if you continue on to the houseboat, it's about five minutes from the end of the docks along the shore. A modest boat more than a house, but clean, tidy, and full of Dusk's scent, especially in the smaller confined areas.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Cats and Dogs​

Augie had his hands full as he was splitting up the food, some for Boy, some for himself, and then the cat came over to tap at the tuna. "Aww, hungry? Okay, I.. Boy! Wait!" Augie fumbled, spilling one of the containers as he tried to get to his feet while Boy took off with the cat in his mouth. "Boy!"

It took him a little bit longer than he'd have liked, getting up and following after the dog. "Boy! No! Put the cat down!" He didn't want to yell, but did use a firmer voice than he would usually use. "Here!" He pointed to the ground where he hoped the dog would put the cat.

"What's gotten into you? The cat's likely as hungry as we are. Come on, put it down. You're the town mascot, the kitty won't change that, we'll take it back to their humans, but dammit, I'm hungry." Augie's stomach nearly protested louder than the man himself at not being allowed to eat yet.




OOC Information

Riley KodakWolf : Augie's scent is worried, and a little irritated, a classic 'hangry' type of irritation. And the fur at the back of your neck wants to bristle, as if something's watching you from behind, you know, where the water is.

Indy Rhyme : Whelp, the dog has decided you don't get to eat yet, unless you convince the canine otherwise.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
On the Docks​

Rhevens looked nervous when Jay talked about having a girlfriend, but figured it wasn't the place to confirm or deny. They were intent on finding Silver's cat. At least he could help describe the cat, having seen it on their table, plus it helped keep the topic away from things like girlfriends. "Uh, she is about this size.." And he held out his hands to indicate, "Looks like a Siamese breed? I'm not the best at cat breeds, but those stand out pretty well." Rhevens glanced to Silver to make sure he had it right.

Meanwhile, a few people have to make their way around the presently stopped group on the docks. There's no cat in sight currently, but probably wouldn't stick around with all the people hurrying this way and that. Someone with a larger cargo crate nearly drops it, and stumbles against Bernard. "Whoa, sorry. Slippery when wet. You okay?" The burly man gave Bernard a look over, making sure he hadn't stepped on a foot or the like.




OOC Information

Jay & Bernard & Aódh & Silver xAlter Worthlessplebian Larry Silver- : There's a distinct upset feeling in the stomach, like butterflies going haywire, for those who are talking about supernatural things. It's a quick clenching of the muscles, a bit of a sweat, and the sensation of pressure from the outside pressing inward.

Silver, you're not able to pick up anything from the fox, not like you could with Indy. Which means either you've not honed that ability enough yet, or perhaps the fox is simply different all together.

Bernard, you have the strange gut instinct the cargo crate was -this- close to falling on you, and it looked heavy enough it would have hurt at least. Surely it wasn't because of the talk about immortals, right?

Aódh, you're pretty sure it was because of the talk about immortals. It makes your hackles want to bristle and fuels a touch of paranoia.

Jay, the serpent gets a little tight around the neck when the others start talking about such things out on the docks all open like, but relaxes with your attempt to provide some cover up. While the fox can sense Silver paying closer attention to it, than anyone else.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Larry]

Aódh McFaol
Location: At the docks.
Mood: Perturbed.
Interactions: Worthlessplebian | xAlter | Silver- | Out Of Words
Mentions: n/A.​

Aódh didn't know what to expect when he had asked Bernard the question. So, when the Dane expounded on the presence of a hypnotic rhythm that played out during night-time, the latter being, as it were, acutely aware to the presence of things altering his psychological state, the notion elicited a reminiscence in the youth. Whilst he faintly remembered the presence of the rhythm, more than likely that awareness being subsumed under the experience of the nightmare from the night before, it was the incident on the beach, where an overbearing, even onerous, sense of paranoia and guilt gripped him, hearkening him to any misdeed he had ever committed against others, and likewise of others against him. So, it only made sense to be unnerved by the mention of this rhythm, and to be even more unnerved still, when the physicist mentioned the possibility of an 'immortal' living in the town. An immortal? Even though Aódh didn't map onto biology as cleanly as the scientific consensus exists at the moment, he knew that he belonged somewhere in there. But to be immortal, in the sense of not ageing? He couldn't fathom the thought of it.

Marasong, however, plays to her own rules, as she has demonstrated so many times to the Irishman during his brief stay in the town.

If he was being a tad bit credulous of the claim, though never being so assertive as to dismiss it out of hand entirely, one glance across at Jay served to coax him into believing Bernard's statement. In a manner quite unlike himself, he immediately pointed out the absurdity of the professor's postulation, rightly confining it to the realms of fairy-tales than belonging feltly in the real world. But this disabusement came across, given the frantic tinge to his tone that coloured his argument the more he spoke, as a desperate means to hide a better-left-unturned truth. As the final falter in the cogency of Jay's argument, he let slip something that he ought to have kept to himself, if his subsequent reaction were anything to go by: that Bernard was, hypothetically, a vampire. It clicked all of a sudden, for Aódh, who was finally able to ascribe a word to the differentiation he picked up on, between Bernard and the other people in Marasong, aside from its resident werewolves. He could even add that other women, the one who entered the Loving Spoon earlier alongside the cat, to that category as well, given the similitude between her and the Dane's scents.

This reasoning however, was not without its cost.

That creeping feeling, of distrusting every sideward glance of an eyeball, of every hushed tone, of the very inclination of people's goodness, sprang upon the young man, whose experiences the day before being ones he would rather not experience again.

They needed to stop talking about this: QUICKLY.

Almost to allay his fears somewhat, a question was posed from right behind the three of them, and even though the smell of the sea tried to obscure their scents, they were closer enough that Aódh could easily derive whom they belonged to. Turning aside, it was the other cat's owner...and Rhevens. Even now, his scent couldn't be described by the Irishman as anything but noxious. How this woman, a fellow werewolf, could stomach it, even clasp her hands to his and potentially even have it rubbed off on her, seemed a mystery to him. Regardless, she had asked as to whether the lot of them had any idea as to where her cat had disappeared to, with further clarification from Rhevens as to its breed, a tad bit flustered in response to Jay's comment about his and the woman's relationship. "I didn't see her leave the shop, not in a conspicuous way at the very least," Aódh replied, his tone a tad bit more serious, owing to the mingling of nervousness and his apprehension about Rhevens, "There were a lot of people entering and leaving the café while we were there. It isn't too hard to think that she might have left while somebody had opened the door. Cats are curious like that...or so I'm told."

The sound of a crate hitting the ground flung his attention in the direction where it collapsed, halting him from speaking any further about the cat. The man who had been carrying it conveyed his apologies to Bernard, who was rather close to where it had dropped, precipitously so. If he were in his right mind, devoid of any paranoia, he might have felt it to be a pure accident; the five of them were standing in an awkward enough position, on the docks. But this reasoned conclusion flew him.

A dash of scrupulosity seized him, causing him to turn to Jay, a gleam of urgency about his blue eyes.

"Lead the way to your house," Aódh said, a hint of exigency about his voice, his own concerns seeming to be in concordance with the Korean's, "And quickly, if you don't mind..."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Bernard Greve
Location: The Lovin' Spoon;
With: A reduction in numbers;
Interactions: Larry (Aódh) Out Of Words xAlter (Jay) Silver- (As Silver) Only mentions: Rhyme (Indy) and Rhevens;
Art by leevolt on DeviantArt
Mood: Hunger Roused -> Stifled Maw;​

As the Dane completed the elucidation of the arduous task before him, he expected the two fellows to laugh or dismiss his lunatic ideas. At the very least he expects them to lower their opinion of his credentials. But that last part did not exactly phase him. He finds many people worrying over their doctorates and degrees, rather than what really matters. The reaction that occurred was not one that Bernard initially expected. But upon remembering the interaction between him and the bar-owner, it eerily mirrored it in nature. It was the Korean, who up to this point had been relaxed, shuddered his voice. The nervousness... The panic... These emotions heartened something within Bernard. The impulses rushed through Greve's nervous system, from nerve endings to dendrites. They stopped, Jay protested his claims. Citing humanity's childish fairytales in a desperate bid to handwave away his observations, his life experience, his research. This fed into Bernard negatively and positively. All of which culminated in something uncomfortable when Jay accused, in jest, Bernard of being a vampire. His facial muscles pulled his lips into a smile. A smile that belonged not to a man, or a devil. But the smile of a beast. The predator had awakened. Startling blue eyes honed to kill. From this distance, Jay could unmistakably see the pearly whites. No pointed fang amongst the row, but Jay should have been looking at his hands. Fingers, crooked yet strong, poised into a pincher form. There could be no argument that those digits could crush stone right at this moment.

Jay should begin praying to whatever Godly beings he believed in, for if there were no witnesses then Jay would fall victim to the vampire's predation. His fox too. It was Bernard's logical side that held the creature back, temporarily. "If you so wish," A squint of his eyes and a fading of his smile as Bernard returned to his faculties. The high momentarily receded, that vicious fiend slinking back into its' corner of Bernard's mental palace. It was not under Dane's influence. It detected the mephitic auras of the son-wolf and the argent-lupine. Predators are intelligent, it knew that the scientifically-minded man would fare better against the danger they represented. The woman, Silver, spoke first. She seemed concerned. Bernard breathed in the salted air of Marasong. Another lock to the cell. He turned around to face them.

Silver had been noticeably worried about the feline that they had brought to the diner. He remembered it quite well. Jay had answered what type of cat, it seemed he was not enlightened to the guest. His question brought the back of Bernard's hand to hover above his chest. "Medium-sized body, black spots on its' face and paws, right? A Siamese? I regrettably have not seen that cat since the diner." It was then that Aódh stepped into his conversation, fulfilling his logic. "I concur with my fellow here—"

Crash

A hefty crate rated to be life-debilitating struck the ground where Bernard would have been but a moment ago. If it were not for the heightened senses and reaction speeds, a boon from the beast, then Bernard might have been injured. Even more so than the burn marks on his face. Sidestepping the flattening receptacle, Bernard glared at the man but softened once he apologised. "No worries, my good man. It happens." An acceptance of this undoubtedly iniquitous event was in order if Bernard burst now. He'd have to be restrained by the people around him.

Turning to Silver again, only clearly hurried. "What's the name of this cat? In case, we spot it." Glancing over at Aódh and Jay, seems the Irishman was rightfully urging the shaman to take them to his den of mysteries.

 

[BillieRoss]

Bill
Location: The Imported Booty
With: @ silverwhere , @ Out Of Words [Bug]

Bill held the things in her hand, staring down at them, hoping that if she just looked hard enough their secrets would reveal themselves.

It was barely a handful of treasures - a couple of random bits of sea glass, some of which had been turned into kitschy looking trinkets. Different colours, different shapes. Bits of sea-glass, worn smooth by the tides and sand.

She often wondered how people like Hatsu saw the world. She thought it must be like being colourblind; a whole second world just inches from your grasp, though incomprehensible. How did you imagine new colours? How did you imagine what it felt like to know something without being told?

She wondered what Hatsu would have thought of these things, if she hadn’t told him point blank they were magic. Would something about them raise suspicions anyway? Would he be drawn to them without knowing why?

More than that, she wondered what Bug thought of them. She wondered if Bug knew what it was he was selling, if he knew there was something inexplicably magical about them. She wondered if he’d been keeping them to himself, buried deep in the bins amongst like items. She wondered if she’d be able to broach it gently, delicately ask about what the things were without giving away that they were valuable. Potentially valuable.

She heard footsteps coming out into the shop. In a panic, she stuffed the pendant deep into her jacket pocket. Just in case.

 

[Britt-21]

Roje & Dusk
Out Of Words
Roje kept going along with Dusk toward the west, laughing at his words "Well Sil knows how to keep a guy busy I'm sure." and she surely got comfortable real quick to leave with Rhevens and split up the group even more than what it was. Splitting up may have been a bad idea, but at the same time, it could've been good. Getting information from other sources before banding back together to compare information... she thought before catching sight of a shop that had been labeled "Shell Rocked" and the address 100% rang bells Is this...Joe is here at this place? Didn't take him for a shop keep but... her eyes gazed over what was in the window and slowly she began to slow down. Though, she quickened her pace to keep with Dusk and she tore her eyes away from the window as it shrunk the further they got.

Taking a look at Dusk, she noticed him looking toward another building, clearly labeled as a pub. Ah, what Roje would do for a drink right about now. Or perhaps go back to her own club back in NYC- Speaking of, she wondered how it was going on in this universe "I'll take you up on that drink. Maybe more than just one." she laughed when he wiggled his eyebrows and she rolled her eyes "The only hint you're gonna get is that it's one hell of a roller coaster. Wish it was strictly an innuendo but, unfortunately, it is not." she bumped him gently with her shoulder and continued to walk along side him.

"I don't know how to really word it. Guess you could say it's probably not something spoken among many here."

Dusk made a bit of a throaty 'huh' sound before commenting, "Should make my day infinitely more interesting, it sounds like." Then he grinned wide, unable to stop himself from wriggling those eyebrows as he remembered the kiss in the cafe. "Though, it'll be hard to top breakfast."

Though he didn't have anything to eat. Dammit. He grumbled only for a moment, "Guess I can make us some eggs and toast at least. I don't burn those quite as often."

It would be a few minutes of walking along the shore, with Dusk glancing out across the water a few times before helping Roje into his boat, as there wasn't a dock here, just tied with a small bit of a ladder rolled out and tethered to a rock on the shore. "Watch your step."

Once on the boat, he guided Roje to the cabin, where the full scent of him living in the enclosed area would likely wash over her. It wasn't very tight, good bit of space for a boat one is living in. Definitely a lived in feel.

Roje let out a "pfft" and another shake of her head "Hmm... You saayy that, but are you sure?" she teased as they walked along the shore. That's right, he didn't get to eat...They kind of just walked out. But they did have a bag that contained whatever Tilly had given them. "I mean, to be fair, I'm sure there's food in that bag so you can munch on that." she shrugged and soon caught sight of the boat to which they approached. She was helped onto it, and she followed him to the cabin, taking in the full scent that smacked her in the face as soon as she got in. Granted, it was wet dog, but dog mixed with his own scent she had a liking to. "So tell me, Dusk, am I able to talk freely in this place? No restrictions?" she asked, turning to glance at him.

Dusk did grin and shake the bag once, hoping Tilly knew how much he ate and accounted for it. He started to unpack the goods when Roje asked about talking freely. He moved to lock the door, and then grinned at her. "All good. I doubt Rhevens will be by anytime soon anyway." Chuckle. "Let me get some plates and see what Tilly packed for us while you start."

"Would you like the short story, or the long story?" she put her hands into her pockets, gazing around the place and taking in her surroundings. Especially taking note of the locked door. "Either way you're gonna have one hell of a time hearing this."

With the food unpacked, and being moved to proper plates, Dusk rumbled, "Whatever you want to tell, darlin'." He set the food on a small table, and set out two beers. "If you want something else to drink, help yourself."

Roje decided it was best to explain the main events of the adventures that were taken. "Thanks, I'll have some in a bit." She moved her hands from her front pockets to her back ones and spoke, talking about the Coven, what they were doing, who they were, and some chick named Alyce, how they were snapped into another timeline and was soon transferred to this one. "That's how I know you and how I trust you right now. Dangerous It could be, I know." She paused for a moment, wondering how crazy she's gonna sound even though he was a werewolf and she was a vampire "After we got here, we stopped by the clinic, we've been told to keep, certain things quiet." She huffed and just shook her head "But why? What is going on in this place that we don't know?"

Dusk was quiet, listening, and also filling his face with food while she did all the talking. His expression changed here and there as she told her story. A myriad of emotion crossed his face, surprise, disbelief, intrigue, and more.

By the time she was finished, so was his plate of food. He took the time to down a beer, even got himself a second one and didn't have anything to say until he had settled down again. "Hmm." He rubbed at the back of his head a moment, seemingly absorbing the tale she told.

"Well, I haven't the foggiest. I mean, there are plenty of... normals around here. Can't just go blubbering certain things. Be a hell of a mess to clean up."

Well, nothing more she'd expect from Dusk. In fact, he reacted just about the same as the last time she had spoken to him. Well, that was a relief "Well, yeah that's a given." she walked over and reached for the bottle she didn't touch till now and popped the cap off "I guess in New York its a bit different, at least the part I was from." she took a sip and took a glance at the bottle for a moment "It feels more... Strict here, if that makes sense. Something about it doesnt sit well with me, but that could be my past experiences talking." she shrugged "Tell me what you know of this place, or this time line for the matter."

Dusk propped his feet up on the edge of the nearby sleeper sofa, stretching out his full form as much as possible. He continued to sip from the second beer as he pondered what information was relevant. "The normals here don't want to know about anything not normal. They want to live their lives, and work their jobs, and enjoy the pleasures of life without that knowledge."

A moment spent to crack his neck, tilting it from one side to the other, then he lifted the beer in a bit of a toast. "And in return, they let us do the same. No being hunted, no scrabbles between... factions I guess you could say. It's live and let live, and don't ask questions."

Roje's eyebrows furrowed, granted she could get behind the motive of wanting to be left alone, no hunts, etc. "Well too bad for you, I'm someone with too many questions and not enough answers. Being thrown through timelines kinda makes you that way." sip "Is there anything outside of here we should be worried about? Especially people like the Coven?" she slowly swirled the contents within her bottle, watching what she could through the dark glass, which wasnt much. "Peace like this comes at a price."

Dusk frowned in contemplation, swirling the liquid in his bottle before taking more sips here and there. "Not that I'm aware of. But.. I just work on the docks, I don't go poking my snout around where it doesn't belong. I like living here, the pace of the small town suits me."

I wonder if the original timeline Dusk would have thought the same. she thought "Glad to know I'm the nosy one of the two." she joked, smiling softly and turning her attention elsewhere "How long have you've been here? Hopefully long enough to ease my worries about this place." the Vampire added, shifting her position and letting her mind wonder while her sense of smell kept being invaded by the scent of Dusk "Also feel free to stop me from asking you questions like I'm interrogating you."

"About three years. Lots of easy work on the docks, cargo isn't that heavy for the likes of me." He did a little arm flex just because it amused him to do so, complete with bordering on cheesy eyebrow wraggle at Roje.

"You can ask whatever you want, however you want to use those lips, darlin'."

Roje laughed and shook her head "You never cease to amaze me, Dusk." she moved over toward him and gently brushed a finger against his cheek "You look just as hot as you did the past two times I've met you...." she muttered as her gaze dropped a little "It haunts me to this day that you weren't in my timeline anymore." she sighed softly and took another swig of her beer. I really need to stop being hung up on him but it's absolutely impossible when he keeps coming back. then she realized one thing: Her bond. What in the hell happened to it? She couldn't even remember "So a peaceful place with no catch..."

He captured a hand and turned his head, pressing his lips against her palm while never taking his eyes off her. "Darlin', there's always a catch. Just a matter of if you want to risk the peace to find out what it is."

Roje watched him with careful eyes as he grasped her hand, his lips soft against her skin "I'm not sure how dangerous your life used to be but I can assure you that mine is quite dangerous and, in fact, still is. If I take that risk then I could put people in danger." It killed her to say something like that, but in her mind it was true "Tell me Dusk, how was your life before this place?"

Dusk started to tug on Roje's hand, trying to slyly guide her toward his lap. "It was worth forgetting." And a bit more tugging, both hands now trying to hold onto Roje, somewhere, somehow. "Today's been the most memorable I can recall." Rumble.

The Vampire put her beer on the table as his hands tugged her closer toward him, moving into his lap to give him no more resistance "Probably because a hot Vampire caught your eye." she joked, making herself comfortable in his lap while her now-free hand caressed his cheek "Wouldn't be the first time, after all, you came to me the first time we met." gently she pressed her lips to the tip of his nose and leaned her forehead against his

"Hm, maybe we should try to refresh my memory from this other life." Dusk rumbled deeper and moved to press his lips somewhere other than the tip of her nose.

Roje smiled and met his lips, both of her hands cupping his face while her eyes closed in the process. I'll enjoy this moment for just a little longer... ​

 

[silverwhere]

Hatsu Black
Imported Booty
Tags: BillieRoss Out Of Words
​

Hatsu had inquired about the maps and Bug confirmed that he knew something about them, "Oh do I have some pirate maps! Did you want to look at some? Some are of course just novelty items, but I do have some rumored true pirate maps of buried treasure and the likes. Sort of a collector of those thing." Bug was on the move again and left the clock closet to show him where the pirate maps were, which were in the same area where Bill was. Bug grinned at him as he walked and Hatsu swore he heard soft chittering. It caused the hairs on his neck to stand and it made him uneasy. He couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from and, part of him, hoped that it was phantom noise that his head made it up. It reminded Hatsu too much of beetles that were currently glued to Bill's floor.

"Actually," Hatsu said in an attempt to disrupt Bug's attention, "I think I already found one." He reached into his back pocket and waved the folded map infront of Bug in an attempt to tempt the other man away from Bill. The map was still folded as he held it towards Bug after he grabbed his attention. "I wanted to see if you knew anything about it before I wandered off into the woods to never be seen again." Hatsu was on edge, something felt off and the chittering lingered- it rang alarm bells. Bug's name reminded him of the beetles just as much as the chittering and part of him couldn't help but question if maybe Bug put the beetles there. He took a deep silent breath to steady himself, it wasn't like Bug was going to turn into a swarm of beetles.

 

[Silver-]

SILVER BLACKWOOD
Tags; Out Of Words xAlter Larry Worthlessplebian Mentions; Rhyme Location; The Docks


“Girlfriend.” Silver echoed quietly, realizing that she was still grasping Rhevens hand only after a shock of nervousness lanced up her arm before being torn away. It was then that Silver realized they’d been holding hands the entire time, so it was only obvious that people would assume they’d be bonded some way from their closeness. It brought heat into her face, warm and annoying at its sudden temperature that made her want to lose focus on the task at hand.

“Anyway. She’s some kind of Siamese, yeah.” She nodded to Rhevens in hearing the questioning tone of his voice, nodding to both Bernard and Aódh in acknowledgement before movement around Jay’s neck startled her internally. It was there for only a second, some type of coiling, slow movement, before Silver deftly stepped back from the group at the loud clambering.

Straw-like materials burst from the crate, yet the noise was what made Silver wince the most as she hadn’t realized her underlying nervousness pooling beneath the sudden interaction with the others. She was never the type to just walk up and into a conversation, even if she needed help, this would’ve been her last resort. Not to mention all three of these men positively vibrated with something that wasn’t quite human, if her keener sense of smell hadn’t already pointed that out to her.

It took her a moment to respond to Aódh, drowning in her dreadfully sharpening anxiety while also picking up the taste of paranoia, maybe a bit of fear coming from him.

The man beside him whom had somehow escaped the wrath of the falling crate within a hair’s breadth swiftly claimed the apology of the crewmember, speaking hurriedly after describing the feline in question correctly. That’s right, he had been with Aódh at the time so at least he’d know what to look out for should she be seen by them. Partially, it came as a relief, though her hands hiding away as she crossed her arms still proved that her social anxiety was the real contender.

“Her name is Indy. You all seem to be in a hurry, so I won’t press you further, but..”, Silver trailed off to glance at Yun then back up at Jay. “If one of you finds her, just bring her to the Marasong Inn and she should be able to find her way home. Tell her you’re friends with Silver.”

Her wolf bristled at the fact that she’d given these strangers her name, it’s focus still on Aódh as it’s growl caught in her throat the longer she interacted with them. The vice-grip that built in her chest and attempted to break her stony facade by having her hands tremble were worsening with every passing moment, not to mention they were on a busy dockside full of people. The itch of the shift invoked a sudden change in the air around her, much like what she sensed from Aódh and unintentionally fed off of it.

“Please make sure she returns unharmed, if you find her.” The words came out like more or less of a command, to her disapproval, but she couldn’t really do much about it considering focusing was hard enough on its own. Her own beast was baring its fangs now that it was being shoved into a figurative corner, soothed only by—well, Yun. Animals were Silver’s soft spot, therefore her attention being on the vulpine more than anyone else was to tether herself.

Silver nodded to them before looking at Rhevens with a pained expression, weaving her way around people without so much as another word in the direction of the forest that bordered the end of the docks.

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - Discord Compilation (Indy/Boy/Augie)
Dangerous Waters​

The tuna was so incredibly close, Indy could practically taste the fishy bliss just as it was ripped away by the sensation of teeth gently clamping down on her scruff. She struggled uselessly as the mutt dragged her away from the food in some insane attempt at either play or psychopathy--even Augie protested, though most likely more on behalf of the interruption to their meal than her welfare.

When I have thumbs again you are so screwed, I swear to all that's holy. She wriggled in the dog's grip, whipping her head side to side in an attempt to look into his eyes. Look at me, dammit. Come on, drop the kitty, I'm not your fucking chew toy. There has to be at least one brain cell bouncing around in there.

The cat protested, but his grip was secure, and Augie protested as well, which was expected. The whole point of the game was getting them to protest after all, all in good nature. He turned around to face Augie, hoping the man would at least try to give him chase for a couple of minutes, a little warm up before food, and he even let out a couple of muffled barks to try to encourage him, cat still in his mouth and all.

Only, it was more like one and a half barks. The second one was kind of cut in the middle when the dog felt a familiar chill running down his spine, and he tensed up, freezing for a second as he tried to figure out what to do.

He knew just what was there behind him. He could feel its presence, and suddenly he didn't know whether it was just watching, or issuing some sort of warning. Ears flat against his neck and tail tucked, all that came into his mind was how strange the cat smelled. And that it had to be somewhat connected to even stranger thing in the water. So a second later, he dropped it, and bolted back to their cave, only reluctantly looking back when he was 'safely' behind Augie, a quiet whine leaving his throat.

Augie was thoroughly confused and befuddled by what played out. He was about to give a bit of a chase, sensing Boy wanted to play, but not sure the cat considered it play. And then the dog just froze, dropped the cat, and scrambled behind him like a small frightened child. "Wha.."

He sank into a crouch, one arm wrapping around the dog's body, while his other hand reached out toward the cat in an attempt to coax it closer. "Uh.. here kitty, kitty. Let's get you that tuna and uh.. you okay, Boy?" His gaze swept out across what part of the water he could see from his spot still more inside the cave than not.

Indy flopped to the ground as the dog bolted away. For a moment she nearly believed he had understood her—yet a quick glance up at the cowering beast told her otherwise. She felt as shocked as Augie sounded; what had she done? Something had clearly rattled the mutt but what had changed in that split second? She had felt the moment the dog froze, his teeth still firm around her scruff, the whole of his body pulled taut before he sprang away.

Carefully, she pushed off from the ground. One eye on the dog, she glanced over at Augie and followed his gaze out toward the water. Whatever was out there, that was the first place Augie had looked when his dog freaked out.

She took a few tentative steps toward the water, glancing again at the dog to measure his and Augie’s reactions.

No, Augie still wasn't getting it. If only he could talk... yet it should be obvious, shouldn't it? They'd come across that thing enough times Augie should know what was going on. It was almost like it was chasing them.

As he watched the cat, Boy felt a little bad about leaving it behind so close to the water. Yet the strange scent could definitely mean it wasn't a cat, and in that case it was certainly better to drop it as soon as possible.

Still, when it started stepping towards the water, be couldn't help but bark. He didn't really know whether it was a warning to Augie, to the strange cat (in case it wasn't returning to its master), or both. But he barked.

Augie was a bit slow at times to catch on, but at some point he did tend to get it. "Hey, come here, kitty." He let go of Boy in favor of inching closer toward the cat, trying to see what he now suspected scared the dog.

Indeed, if Indy looked closer at the water, a pair of dark horns and strands of seaweed or kelp. And the sense that whatever it was, was staring back.

Indy could feel the dog’s anxiety behind her as his barks increased in pitch—though she still wasn’t entirely certain who he was warning against what. She was fully distracted before she could consider the dog or Augie further because, as she inched closer, something moved.

The fur on her back stood straight. An involuntary tremble rattled through her as she continued to inch closer. Her nose twitched. Her back burned with the sensation of unseen eyes boring into her skin, seeing her—the scent of wet kelp and salty air filling her nose.

Augie was coming closer, the dog still cowering a few feet away; she whipped her head toward them, eyes wide as her mouth opened in a silent meow. Are you seeing this?!

The dog barked more when Augie let go of him and started inching toward the ever moving cat. No, he wasn't seeing anything from where he was standing, but he knew what was out there in the water. Besides, he'd spent enough time 'seeing' without eyes to be proficient at it.

His eyes were no longer on the cat, or on Augie. When his barks failed to stop the man, the dog lunged forward, latching his jaw on Augie's clothes as he started to try and pull the man backwards and into the safety of their cave and the solid ground, as far away as possible from the water.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - Discord Compilation (Leif/Levi/Chase)
Let Sleeping Secrets Lie​

Even when Levi's face lost its color, Leif couldn't have anticipated all of his reaction. Thankfully, despite being startled, he kept a solid grip on the phone, or else he'd be taking a second device for Bug to try to fix. Enough of breaking phones.

He resisted the urge to follow Levi when the man got up and left the room for a moment, and he waited just where he was until Levi was back, partially recomposed. One thing he was sure of: Levi wasn't lying. He could not have faked such a reaction.

But the man apparently didn't recognize Chase's phone, and as much as it was clear he'd rather not talk about the picture, they'd have to. Chase needed them to. As usual, he waited a few second after Levi was done speaking and reacting before he spoke again.

"Chase took this. This is his phone." His tone was quiet as he waved the phone in the air. "I tried, but found nothing out there."

Levi couldn't quite wipe the frown off his face, and kept on sipping his salted water. Green eyes shifted to the still sleeping form of Chase as he appeared to be thinking. When he finished the water, he used a finger to wipe out any traces of salt left behind, licking it clean after. Only then did he seem composed enough to talk again.

"Well.. he mustn't o' been it's target that night then. Cause he'd not be here if'n he were." It was not even lunch yet, but Levi seemed suddenly exhausted, taking up a lean against the nearest wall. "I.. I ain't able to help much. But.."

Facial expression twisted slightly, "Mebbe, I can direct you somewheres.."

Thankfully, Levi seemed to be done with the exasperated reactions, but he wasn't in a rush to speak. It took Leif some more patience to wait for him to finish sipping his water.

"That'd be good. And I need to know what you know as well. We need to figure out exactly what's going on." No more fearful secret keeping, or incomplete pieces of confidential information.

Levi's eyes drifted between Chase and Leif, then to random objects in the room as he was quite obviously thinking. "There's one.. but.. might be a bits hard ta find him available like." He rubbed at the back of his neck as he moved away from the wall and back to the other room, where he sat down on the couch. He couldn't help Chase wake up, but maybe he could help Leif.

Levi waited until Leif joined him in the living room before he said anything more. "If'n he's available, you'll find him on the far side of the town, likely in the woods. Jus' watch out for that other bloke, the one who was lingering 'round here yesterday. Nosy mother fucker."

Levi then wrote something on a piece of paper. "Name's River. Give him this." Then he handed the paper over before turning to drag out a small box from a low shelf on a nearby end table. It was full of pictures, the Polaroid instant kind. He fished around until he found a picture to show Leif who he was looking for, but he wasn't going to give the picture up. "That's him."

Paper reads: can u help chase neads help - levi

The spark of hope was tangible in the air as Levi spoke about someone else who might be able to help. When he left for the living room, Leif threw Chase a hesitant glance, but eventually followed.

He listened carefully, then watched carefully as Levi scribbled something on a piece of paper, then move of to grab a box full of pictures. When Levi showed him the picture, he half expected to see a familiar face at this point, but the person in the picture was either a stranger, or someone wiped off his memory. Levi didn't really hand him the picture and soon put it away, so he made sure to try to memorize it.

"Thank you. Really." He couldn't mean it more, especially after Levi's reaction to thay picture. For a split second back then, he thought Levi would be done dealing with him.

"I still need to know what that is." His tone was lower now, and he gestured toward Chase's phone, still in his hand. "Why did you react like that? I'm in the dark." And then he remembered something else. "And may I check that last box while wait?"

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Docks Too Crowded​

Jay started to lead Aódh and Bernard away from the docks. He headed through the path in the middle, turning toward the West behind the shops and the beginning of the rows of houses. It was just as active, people tending to the farm fields in the middle of town, walking to and fro. The small town was fairly bursting with activity as the morning had slipped by.

It had that small town feel, but that was also bad for secrets. Small towns were notoriously more difficult to maintain a strong sense of privacy. They could feel the occasional glance of curiosity drift their way more than a few times. However, eventually they did make it to one of the houses on the West end where they rented out rooms, such as Jay's current place of residence.

Silver and Rhevens wind up heading toward the woods just on the edge of town. Rhevens doesn't say anything, but follows Silver unless told not to. For a short while, they headed in the same direction as the trio, West. However, they went behind the shops, while Silver continued quickly along the docks, and the woods beyond.

From the town, the woods didn't seem like they would be as dense, or as thick as they actually were once the pair ventured past the first few trees. Like the cafe, it seemed deceptive, larger on the inside than from the outside looking in. The trees bore a full canopy of leaves, and the sunlight became rays filtered through the blanket of leaves. The sounds and smells of the town gave way to nature, the earth, the flora and fauna, and more.

Rhevens took in several deep breaths after they were in a few yards. "Love the woods. Uh.. eh-heh. You okay?"




OOC Information

Jay & Bernard & Aódh xAlter Worthlessplebian Larry : Jay - Please provide a brief description of your place when you're able to, can do so in Discord.

Aódh - You can smell a stronger sense of magic from the building next to Jay's place. It's more recent, likely within the last day, something magical went down there.

Bernard - You have quite the smorgasbord when you do decide to properly feed, present company included. And now that you will be away from prying eyes, it might be one of the better opportunities you'll have for a while.

Silver Silver- : Away from the humans, and the myriad of not so human scents in the town, the tension in the air begins to subside. Forests may not always smell the same, but there's a basic core underneath that remains consistent, something the wolf should recognize. And Rhevens' own wolfy scent is easier to sniff out without the confusing smell of others.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Goonies Never Die​

The moment Hatsu showed Bug he had a map, he had the man's full attention. "Ooooooooooh! YES!" Bug took the map and moved to the nearest counter, which was still in the clothing room. He pushed aside a folded stack of shirts in favor of making room to read the map fully.

"Where did you find this?" His voice carried the touch of boyish excitement and the respect of a man who had been around a few pirate maps in his day. He held it open and peered at the cryptic map. "Huh, usually there's more like.. drawn. And yeeeet..." Bug drew the last word out as he held it up to the light, trying to see anything hidden, only to pout when what he saw is all there truly was.

"Okay so, hm." Back on the counter it went, hands holding it open. "I'd say the arrows indicate a direction, like most would, for maps, it's typically North, South, East, or West. Only this map doesn't give like a guide, sooo.. assuming like most maps, the top is North, bottom is South.." He tapped on the first arrow. "However, there's the letter W, so I doubt it means East."

Bug made a number of facial expressions as he studied it more. "Really depends on the maker of the map, and how cryptic or how literal they were trying to be. So, whatever this shark represents, I'd say this means to go West one hundred and fifty.. something."

Bug grinned big as he glanced over to Hatsu. "See, if this was made by someone who lived in the United States, it could mean feet. Everywhere else, it could mean meters." Then he followed the rest of the written out map. "Once you figure out what measurement the map maker intended, then you would go North one hundred, then Northwest fifty, and the X is classic 'dig here' signal. So I'd wager whatever it is, is twenty five whatever measurement down in the ground and viola!"

He rolled the map up carefully and handed it out for Hatsu. "So you have two big things to figure out, what the shark means, and what measurement the maker intended."




OOC Information

Bill BillieRoss : Hatsu has bought you some more time, which alerts you to someone peering into the shop from the docks. You've seen him around, and heard enough to know it's Tucker. He's grinning with a small tilt of his head to one side, not immediately up against the store window, but on the far side of the docks. It's hard to tell what he might have seen or not seen, but he makes a motion with one hand. Using two fingers, he points to his eyes, then turns his hands around to point those two fingers at you. A small group of people pass between him and the store, and when they're gone, so is he.

Hatsu silverwhere : As soon as you take the map back, Bug is returning to the main room and heading for the counter. You hear only one more brief chittering sound before leaving the clothing room, and Bug's talking about how lucky you were to find a map and to let him know if it turns out to be anything good. He'd likely buy it.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Take Only So Much​

Levi waved a hand at the request to look at the last box. "I's left it at the front in the closet. An'.. I's ain't talking none 'bout that thing. Just.. yous ain't wantin' to ever meet that. Be glad it weren't after yous or Chase. It's.. strong, single minded like. It's got a goal and ain't taking no shit. It'd just as sooner as kill anythin' in its way an' strong 'nuff to do just that. Ain't knowin' what it's called, and I dunwanna."

Levi seemed to have reached his limit, whatever the picture was of, it wasn't something he was willing to dwell anymore on. "Go aheads and look at the box. I gots to figure out what to do with Chase. I's gots errands to do an' dunwanna leave him alone." He rubbed at his face and settled back in the couch, some of the tension leaving him, but his shoulders were still stiff. "And afore yous say you can stay, I ain't so sure I trust you alone like in my house."




OOC Information

Leif KodakWolf : The last box is indeed at the front of the others inside the closet of Chase's room. At the top are a few folded t-shirts, but as you're moving one of them, you can feel something is wrapped up inside the material. It appears to be an old coin of some sort, with possibly Egyptian markings. One one side is the portrait of a man's head wearing a crown, on the reverse the markings and another figure difficult to discern just what it is. It's old, weathered, and the markings are extremely difficult to read. (see the IC visuals in Discord).

Deeper in the box, you come across a sketchbook with very crude drawings that might take some time to figure out what they represent. They also have hastily scribbled notes on some of the pages: 'forest' 'kelp' 'Y'll' 'a worm', and more. The whole thing will require studying to piece it together. However, one page is pretty clear. It shows a figure, very simple, with just a head and body, no limbs. And some type of vine is wrapped around it. On the page is written 'doll' 'alyce' 'break curse?' 'free Turid!!!'

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Sunshine​

Augie was pulled back by a very stubborn and determined canine, leaving the cat on the shore near the water. There was a quick tingling of Indy's senses, and something urged her to take a quick sidestep. A thick, wet plop sound came from the spot the kitten had just occupied seconds before. The strand of kelp left impressions in the wet part of the shore as it was dragged back into the water.

However, that likely wasn't the most surprising or startling thing. A moment after the cat realized the kelp had touched the ground instead of her, there was a soft whisper. It carried on the breeze across the water, it floated in the foam of the wave that lapped at her feet. When had she gotten that close to the water?

Sunshine? Is that you?




OOC Information

Riley KodakWolf : You see the strand of kelp shoot out from the water, narrowly missing the feline on the shore. You can't hear the whisper, just the sound of waves, picking up strength suddenly, and Augie struggling to get free to get the cat.

Indy Rhyme : The name hits you like a brick, and the memory of a young, dark long haired boy. Someone who helped look after you, helped Beth take care of you. There was a mischievous grin, light hazel eyes that seemed brighter than the full moon, especially when he called you Sunshine.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Bernard Greve
Location: Docks > Jay's House;
With: Jay, Aódh;
Interactions: Larry xAlter Only mentions: Silver- (Silver) and Out Of Words (That one dude);
Art by leevolt on DeviantArt
Mood: Almost time for din-dins;​

An inaudible sigh escaped from Bernard's lungs when Jay guided them to his home. Or began. It is not that Bernard loathed the argent wolf or the son, but in his present condition: it would best not to chance his mental fortitude. The entire walk, Bernard had only managed to barely repress the ravenous hunger. The condition started extravasating into physical symptoms. The most common one, yet also almost unnoticeable, is the eye-twitch which happened in thirty-second intervals. An average denizen of Marasong had no idea or no hope of spotting such an occurrence. But Aódh could definitely observe it. Jay as well if only the Korean decides to look back. But surely these two wouldn't keep their eye on Bernard, would they? Yes, yes, they would! Bernard's paranoid state screamed at him. Bernard's pores opened to relinquish cold sweat.

They want to harm him, that's why they're leading him to his doom! Think logically: two against one, the people are active which means they are away from their homes, and quite clearly all of them are in on it!

"Hey Tamara, did you hear those screams from that Jay fella's house?"
"Screams? What screams?"
"Oh, hehe, silly me."

The rampant, unchecked delusions were chipping away at Bernard's sanity. Akin to a sculptor with chisel hammering away at rock to shape into the perfect form. A shape befitting that of ignorance, lowliness, and bloodlust. Yet this stone fights back. It takes will to resist. Something that Bernard has in abundance. It is taking all the will that Bernard could muster to fight against the decay. Enough to at least force a standstill until they arrive at that blasted Shaman's house. In a tiny corner of the vampire's psyche, he blames himself for this misstep. If only he had properly nourished himself with sustenance then this would have never happened. In a sardonic sense of humour, another corner retaliated. Claiming that he subconsciously did this. Because he wanted to get some kick out of devouring a poor soul's life energy. In normal circumstances, he'd pay heed to the thoughts. This isn't one.

Once they arrived at the dwelling, Bernard did not even waste time, immediately bolting through the door once Jay opened it. He stopped once inside, bracing himself upon the nearest surface. His heart raced, breathing exaggerated. This disquietude cannot last. When the door was closed, he immediately turned to face the two. Eyes were sunken, the sweat continued. "Alright... Gentlemen..." His piercing gaze leered at them. He straightened himself out, attempting to sustain some form of formality. "Yes, Jay," He catches his breath again, knuckles tighten. "You are, surprisingly, astute in your wild-guessing..." His eyes dart between the two of them. "I am a vampire. Though not in the truest sense of the word." A hand is raised to the level of his abdomen. Bernard's pupils tighten, the whites of his eyes are graffitied with red streaks. In the blink of his eye, his fingers coruscate with powerful electricity. Once the prowess had been displayed, his hand lowered. He explained the plan. "Unlike the myths of old, I do not feed on man's blood. I gorge myself on the bio current that courses through your nervous systems." His eyes then betray a sense of acknowledgement. "I also know that you two are not what you appear to be yourself. Unless Jay, you would have me believe that a fox, an animal known for its' hyperactivity and unnatural sounds, is so deftly quiet and calm. Cognizant too." Then he turned to Aódh. "Though I don't know what you are, Irishman. Your 'scent' is like that of those two from the diner. I assume you'll tell me yourself then?" His breathing is quickly becoming erratic again. "Regardless..." The blue orbs in Bernard's skull rapidly lose composure again. "The crux of my dilemma is that I need to feed! Less a monster decides to make Marasong its' playground. At this epoch, I am still quite capable of controlling how much I feed on a person, but later? I give no promises." The problem is clear, but will the solution be as simple? He doubts.

 

[Larry]

Aódh McFaol
Location: At Jay's house.
Mood: Worried.
Interactions: Worthlessplebian | xAlter
Mentions: n/A.​

Aódh was about to comment on how nice the interior of Jay's house was, when, without warning, the door was slammed shut after they had entered through. The young man's attention, along with his body, violently manoeuvred in the direction of the sound, taking in the what-appeared-to-be vitiated form of Bernard, panting like a man having returned from a run. He was about to ask the Dane why he had gone and done such an unnecessary thing, before the professor began to expound at length, his gaze sending a chill up the Irishman's spine, such a departure as it was to see the physicist talk in such an unhinged manner. Even though Aódh used Jay's off-hand, even scuffed, remark about Bernard being a vampire heuristically, the youth was still surprised to see the man openly admit the comment to be true. And in so doing, Aódh found the boundaries of his world pushed even further beyond credulity, as Marasong was wont to do. This is beginning to sound like the start of a movie franchise, he thought to himself flippantly, almost as a way to distract himself from the oppressive tension that the Dane had brought to bear over the room. Then, to add onto the clarification he had established distinguishing himself from your typical vampire, a crackle of electricity sprang from his hand, the sound piercing the relative silence of the hallway. The Irishman didn't think that he could have found himself any more unnerved, only for Bernard to then state that he feeds off the bio-current of electricity that courses through all living things (as further contradistinction), and, as it so happens, coursing through the two of them.

Aódh gulped...audibly.

His monologue then continued, turning to focus on both himself and Jay. The latter's pet, Yun, was pointed out by the professor to possess an unusual calmness, in contrast to how foxes usually are. Adding on to that was the notion that Yun, beyond possessing the consciousness of a fox, seemed to have the awareness of a human one. Then, having blown Jay's veneer of normalcy out of the water, Bernard turned aside to him, his eyes streaked violently with lines of blood. In contrast to his previous accusation, the man didn't seem to know what Aódh was, only that he was anything else but normal, and, in a somewhat presumptuous fashion, wondered whether the youth would would tell him himself. Not even allowing the Irishman to get a word in, not that he was keen to either way, he continued, delivering an ultimatum to the two of them: either they let him feed off them, or he takes his pruriency out on the townsfolk. It was now, at this point, that the man had stopped talking, waiting upon the decision of the two men in front of him. Aódh, his mind laden with the flashing of scenarios, ones peaceably resolved and ending calamitously alike, knew what had to be done, even if the fear of having his bio-electrically drained threatened to barge in and overturn his resolution.

Glancing across to Jay, he couldn't help but concur with Bernard, however he came to the knowledge, that there was something strange about the lad; particularly, given the rather pungent scent of magic that came from the house next door, something that he noticed when they were making their way here. It wasn't inconceivable that he might have had a hand in that, especially in light of his companion being possessed of a cognisance greater than would think at first.

But there was more pressing matters to take care of. "Y-you haven't...haven't given us much of a choice, have you?" Aódh said, the nervousness in his voice quite obvious. Then, to steady himself, the youth took a big inhalation of air through his nose, his lungs filling up with oxygen before breathing out through his mouth. A determined look plastered itself across his face, despite the anxiousness that still gripped his mind. Then, one would notice that the softer shade of blue in Aódh's eyes was steadily being replaced with a starker, more pronounced, bright-blue, lightning-like in its intensity. Walking up to Bernard, he held his arm out in front of him, as a sign of the young man's consent to be fed off, in order that no townsperson would find themselves a victim.

"If you're going to do it, do it well," he said, smirking, bearing bare a mouth full of elongated teeth, "Werewolves tend to have a nasty bite."

 

[xAlter]

Jae-eun
Location: His House
Interactions: Larry Worthlessplebian
Mentions: Out Of Words Silver-

Following the short conversation with Dusk Silver and Rhevens, Jay bid the two goodbye and motioned for both Aodh and Bernard to follow. If he was going to lead them home, he wouldn’t take a chance on possibly dying to a blood sucking creature. Especially when he had just come off a really relaxing week. It just didn’t make sense… all these strange happenings in Marasong. Everything had been thrown off and everything was still going to shit.

Even now, just leading both the Dane and the Irishman to his humble abode, he couldn’t shake the feeling of nervousness that pervaded throughout the air. It was almost as if a palpable sense of paranoia had laced through the entirety of each member of the group. Jay could feel the sweat on his brow as well as his hands, clenched into fists as they were. Yun nor Yeung had uttered a word since the trio decided to resign to his apartment, the mounting dread being the only thing on his mind. Both him and Yun had a silent conversation that if they were to reveal anything, Yun's ability to communicate would be left out specifically.

Steadying breaths… he needed to breathe. Patience yields focus. That's advice that he was always given by his parents. Taking a deep calming breath, Jay fumbled with his keys, as he opened the door to his humble living. A single bedroom and bathroom apartment, it was homey, but small. It worked perfectly for Jay and his spirit companions. The decor was rather spartan, the only splashes of colors seemingly being a couple of pictures framed on the kitchen counter or the wall. The living room was also quite bare, save for a couch, a simple entertainment center where a lone television and a few game consoles stood, wired up. Emotionlessly, he threw his keys on the kitchen counter. “Make yourself comfortable…” he muttered, opening the fridge and finding the nearest can of beer.

Taking a long drink from the can, Jay rubbed his forehead as he placed the alcoholic beverage down. He didn’t want to be sober per say… but a little mentally inhibited would do him well. “We should, ‘should’ being the operative word here, be safe to discuss. Yun…” At his mention Yun hopped onto the counter and sat, her one tail splaying into multiple, nine to be precise.

Laid bare before the two, Jay continued. “As you may have surmised, Yun is indeed not a normal fox. In fact she is a spirit whom I have been contracted with long before I relocated to Marasong. She is a gumiho, think of the Korean equivalent to a kitsune. She is more aware of the world, and for all intents and purposes of the same intelligence of a human. That is all I can say.” Leaning down against the counter, Jay put his head in his hands, listening to Bernard explain his situation and Aodh begin to panic as well. A simple solution was found. Crazy, but simple, and quite possibly effective.

Currently though, his mind was going wild, predicting all manner of possibilities of what could happen. Fire world against vampires right? Water too, he hoped. He could use both fire and water as a means of fighting. Did he have garlic in the fridge? Was that superstition true? Would he care to test it? No, that answer was obvious. Did Aodh just say he was a werewolf? Joy. Taking another deep, shuddering breath, Jay spoke up again.

“How, how much of this biocurrent would you need to sustain yourself currently, without killing someone.” he asked Bernard, the words sounding crazy to him as he spoke them. “I have a solution, don’t know if I’ll like it, don’t know if Aodh will like it, but I have one.”