Realistic or Modern If December Freezes (IC)

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Tug O War​

There was a brief tug of war over Dusk, and it felt like they were testing her strength more than truly trying to pull Dusk out of Roje's grasp. After a minute, the tug ended, just as the vampire gave a good pull. The sudden loss of resistance sent Roje back several feet.

Anyone else would have likely stumbled and fallen to the floor. Roje initially stumbled, but kept her feet, and her hold on Dusk. More importantly, the sound of waves in her ears seemed to lessen, as if someone lowered the volume. It was still present, but muted enough for Roje to hear other things.

"Who are you? Why are you in Marasong? What are you?"

It wasn't just one voice, but three. Three voices all asking the same questions, at the same time. Almost like an echo of an echo of the real voice. It was impossible to discern if there were actually three people in the cave with Roje and Dusk.




OOC Information

Roje Britt-21 : The echoing of the questions sounds hauntingly familiar. Something like the melodies you've heard in the back of your head. You're not completely certain, but it definitely sounds something other than a mundane human.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Forest Glen​

Rhevens sat down, watching while the white wolf dug around the edge between clear and blurry. He tilted his head to one side, and his left ear to drooped slightly, giving him a bit of a comical look when Silver glanced back. He did seem to 'hear' or understand in the very least, what was being asked. However, rather than try to answer back, he changed forms.

Took about a minute before he was no longer the black wolf, but Rhevens the young man again. One hand ran through his hair to get it under control. "Eh-heh. It's uh.. hard to explain." He moved to the edge and extended a hand slowly toward the perimeter. The palm actually seemed to touch something, and with a bit of pressing, Silver could see it bend, like some bubble around the area. It didn't break, just warped slightly.

"It was a gift. A place to keep those inside... safe? The place isn't exactly keen on uh.. abilities. But sometimes, if you don't use 'em, you can go mad." He pushed against the barrier again before standing straight. "If you forget how to get here, just find me and I'll help."




OOC Information

Silver Silver- : You know in order to be inside, Rhevens had shown you the way, however it's lost in the strange warp of time. Based on his reactions, he might have not experienced the same distortion of time.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Homebodies​

One moment Jay's conversing with Bernard and Aódh, and the next he's alone in his house. Like, alone alone. For a couple of minutes, neither Yeung or Yun seemed to be around. Those few minutes seemed to stretch like a rubber band, and everything felt slightly distorted. With an audible snap, the world caught up with Jay, or maybe Jay caught up with the world.

Yeung and Yun were there, though on the floor and somewhat dazed. They made a good bit of sound in protest, and took several moments to regain their sense of balance and time. A look at the clock would show it was close to four. Several hours have passed Jay by, with very little to show for it.

Yun seemed a bit more unsettled than Yeung, but both were not happy. They couldn't explain what was wrong, only that something was wrong. The not knowing was the most disconcerting part of all for the two spirit guardians.




OOC Information

Jay @xAlter : You can't really remember much of the missing time. There's a faint recollection of seeing Bernard and Aódh moving like some NPC in an online game with a really terrible frame rate. Your body felt the passing of time, even as your mind finds it difficult to fathom.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Where Cat​

The two didn't have to go very far to find signs of the missing cat. With the cat came a dog, and Augie. The latter led the way holding a bag at his side, and the cat on a shoulder. The dog trotted alongside, with an occasional head pat here and there.

The trio seemed to have come from the East side of town, when the cat spotted Bernard and Aódh first. Indeed, Augie seemed to be focused on the cat's sudden leap from his shoulders and subsequent darting toward, and then past the two men. "Kit Kat! Dammit!" Augie picked up the bag and held it against his body in an effort to steady the contents as he started to jog after the feline with the dog not quite feeling up to the chase.

Augie hesitated to give chase once he noticed Boy hanging back. That's when he noticed the two others were paying the cat some degree of attention. "That cat needs to go back to the inn!" He made a gesture in the direction the feline took.




OOC Information

Aódh & Bernard Larry Worthlessplebian : Yeah, you're pretty sure that was a siamese cat that just ran toward you, then past as it turned onto the docks. And you're pretty sure Augie was speaking to the two of you when saying where the cat needed to go.

Indy Rhyme : Not that you were ever really lost, direction wise, but you definitely know the way back to the inn once you hit the docks. The activity is much less than it was in the morning as people are trying to wrap up their day to get home and fix dinner.

Riley KodakWolf : Augie isn't about to abandon you for the cat, but he is obviously concerned about the feline not making it back home. However, he comes back to give you some good reassuring scratches along the chin and ears as the concern shifts to you and your lack of energy.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Who What When Where Why​

The man looked confused as Leif handed over a piece of paper and stated he was looking for him. "Huh? Wh.." He had read what Levi had written down, stopping any further questions. If anything, he looked like he grew a bit pale and nervously brushed the hair out of his face before he licked a finger and started to rub it over the ink to smear the writing.

"Uh.." Once he was satisfied no one could read the words any longer, the paper was handed back. "Okay, so.." A pained expression crossed his face for a moment. "If you were told to find me, then it's messy, am I right?" River looked around the area, his anxiety just oozing off of him. "Know of a place that's kinda private?"

River moved a step closer and lowered his voice. "Gotta make it quick, before they come find me."




OOC Information

Leif KodakWolf : He seems genuinely willing to help you, though how isn't clear. (If you don't have any ideas, you can roll a d20 in Discord to see what Leif remembers of the area so far.)

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Larry]

Aódh McFaol
Location: Outside the Town Hall.
Mood: Satisfied.
Interactions: Worthlessplebian | Out Of Words
Mentions: Rhyme | Silver- | KodakWolf ​

It seemed as though their joint espying had only just started when the fuzzy form of a cat darted through the space between their pair of legs. The young man's head swung around, almost violently, to try and keep the creature in sight. There was no guarantee that this was the cat that Silver had been talking about; if it wasn't, he could at least give the excuse that he didn't know what a Siamese cat looked like. If only each breed squeaked out their name like Pokémon do, Aódh moaned inwardly, lamenting his lack of taxonomic nomenclature. Still, why not give it a go, especially when the possibility exists that it could be the cat they were looking for? That's what the youth, determining himself in his heart, decided to do, and his sudden conviction was bolstered even further by the injuction of a man in the direction the cat had sprung from. Looking up, he saw that it was none other than Augie, with Boy in tow as well. Although the dog seemed to be quite well-behaved, from what Aódh had seen of the animal the day before, perhaps he too finds himself subject to that classical inclination of dogs to contend with cats. But Augie doesn't seem the sort of owner to let a dog go off the handle like that, especially since Boy has his reputation of town-mascot to uphold too. Regardless, it didn't seem that Boy was too keen on giving chase to diminutive feline, and, in a way, almost seemed torporific. Augie asked them that they return the cat to the inn, pointing in the direction it had furiously scampered off in, given that Aódh had turn to face him in the first place.

Turning to Bernard, the Irishman said, "It seems we didn't have to look around for too long for something to turn up. I haven't the foggiest clue as to what a Siamese cat looks like, so my knowledge will have to make do with the circumstances forced on it!" Then, having said his piece to the Dane, he turned aside to Augie and Boy, stating, "Don't worry Augie, it won't be too long before that cat of yours is safely back at the inn."

With that being said, Aódh took off in the direction that Augie had indicated. It was during moments, such as this, that the enhanced senses of a werewolf would be quite useful. As a result, the young man tried to remember the cat's scent from the Loving Spoon, parsing through the numerous smells that coursed their way throughout the town. Compared to the medley of scents that circulated throughout the café, it was a lot easier to determine where the cat had gone, given the sparsity of people. Then, as though he grasped the thinnest of filaments in his hand, Aódh's head jerked in the direction that the feline bounded in and thus he likewise bounded. For some reason, he couldn't suppress a smirk that began to skirt its way across his lips. Was it the idea of chasing something? His mind wandered back to the days when he practiced with transformation and his traumatically acquired physical prowess; dashing throughout the parish like a man possessed, enamoured with the feeling of the wind coursing through the prodigious amount of fur matted over his body.

Don't worry little puisín, you'll be back at the inn in no time at all!

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Bernard Greve
Location: Jay's House;
With: Jay, Aódh;
Interactions: Larry Out Of Words Rhyme Only mentions: Also Rhyme
Art by leevolt on DeviantArt
Mood: Puisin Chasin;​

One would expect an amount of time to pass before you find what you were seeking. But for Bernard and Aódh, the fuzzy feline almost materialised in front of them. Clung to the shoulder of Augie as if it were an expensive hood ornament. As soon as it saw them, that siamese kat dashed down! Scurrying with all haste between their legs. Mimicking the werewolf's head turn, Bernard could almost hear his own bones and sinew pop. Bernard calling upon his extensive memory recognised the kat's head if nothing else. This is the one! But before Bernard could even think about propelling himself after the escaping mouser, the rapid descent of Augie and his canine companion stopped him in his tracks. The canine remained remarkably calm, even languorous about chasing a potential playmate or prey. Very peculiar. Augie asked of them to recover the siamese and deliver it to the hostelry. Bernard had been mildly convivial about the whole affair, it will prove to be a good sport in chasing down this feline. But why was the cat staying with Augie up until now?

Questions for later, as the Irishman immediately turned to him so that he may divulge his plans. "Flyt dig, min irske ven!" Bernard told the Irishman, following after him.

While Aódh had his powerful sniffer on the case, Bernard employed a wholly different set of senses. An imperceptible field extended out from Bernard, touching all manner of man, woman, building, insect, and whatever else. All these stimuli concaved onto the Dane with frightening ardour, but calm and collected as ever, this electric vampire endured it. Cannot be understated that without proper form, this capability of Bernard could not be possible. His physique elegantly attuned to this type of physical exertion bounded closely to the leading werewolf. He did not know if it was his vampiric strength that allowed him to maintain pace with such a specimen of power, but Bernard did not care if that were the case. This primal chase tickled the spirit of the Dane's ancient ancestor and the chained beast within. A certain joy that only hunting could provide. His combed hair flowed vainly in the wind.

 

[Rhyme]

Indy

Location: Run Cat, Run
Tags: Out Of Words KodakWolf Worthlessplebian Larry

The quiet streets allowed Indy to skitter across the stone paths, dipping between the stray pair of legs or bin left by the small roads as she careened toward the inn. It might have been a poor idea--frankly, it was a terrible idea; the only place you should never go when being pursued is home. In this case, the inn was a close second. Still, the innkeeper was terrifying and what was she meant to do, go to a police station? Oh, no. As a human that would be bad enough, but she would chew her tail off before she ended up getting taken away by animal control. Thank you, but the last thing she wanted was a rabies shot. It was absolutely past her agreed meeting time for Silver and Roje as well, so the docks were out of the question, which left the inn.

Lord help her if Beth was there.

She heard Augie shouting as she ran off--Kit Kat, he has to be joking--but she didn't risk glancing back until she had managed to wind her way down a few streets, dirt kicking up onto her fur as she dodged under small display stalls outside shuttered shops.

Oh, she was certainly being chased.

The pale one was sprinting toward her, his determined movements animalistic in nature. His eyes had a predatory focus locked on her, he almost looked gleeful as he pounded down the road past her. He was enjoying it. And the man behind him--for all his crooked stance implied, he seemed to glide across the road. The two of them in contrasting juxtaposition were terrifying; wolfish delight and the eerie calm.

Her muscles burned as she sped up, nails biting into the ground as she propelled herself over a fence for a detour through a small garden. They were nearly upon her; impossible for regular humans yet, clearly, her initial suspicions had been proven. It was a shame that they were both clearly intent on murder, she would love to hear how the hell two more nonhumans ended up in Marasong.

Or, maybe there was nothing to tell. After all, this was not the Marasong she remembered.

The inn was within sight. She could see the innkeeper through the windows, could see the yellow light casting a faint glow on the path outside. Her tail twitched as she threw another glance toward her pursuers, lips curled in a threatening hiss. Come and try it. Lord knew what the hell their special quirks were, but she had no reservations about clawing eyes when the situation called for it. Morals be damned, today was not the day to be turned into a fur rug.

coded by: @s e v e n

 

[silverwhere]

Hatsu Black
- he/him -
Bill's House - Afternoon?
Tags: BillieRoss Out Of Words
​

Hatsu waited a bit longer to see how much work Bill was going to do that evening. She was invested in her books while he was already tired and ready to call it a day. There was still a lot to be done and he had plans on going to the Loving Spoon to get some dinner (he doubt he ate lunch that day) and maybe he'd be luck enough to run into Augie and inquire about a metal detector so if he didn't he could catch up with Bug again the next day. Either way, Hatsu was ready to call it a day and catch some rest. He was up way to early this morning and was up way to late the previous night.

"I think I'm going to go get some dinner and then go to bed. Do you want anything? I can always bring it back." He asked Bill before grabbing a few of his things and left her to her research. He didn't mind picking up food for her. She had done a lot today and was still worked to get more done. Upon that, he knew what could happen when you got invested into research and if she was anything like him she might forget to eat.

He made his way back from Bill's home towards the docks and towards the restaurant. He wasn't able to make it out it was, but it seemed that there was a commotion taking place closer to the docks. Maybe he'd be lucky enough to avoid it all; Hatsu was far too tired to offer a helping hand, as selfish as it was, he just wanted to eat some food and then pass out.

 

[KodakWolf]

Riley Adler/Boy

Boy was about to drag himself after Augie in chasing the cat, as it looked like the man was really worried about the feline, for whatever reason. But then Augie turned his attention back to him, and there was a bit of a tail wag when the dog realized Augie wasn't about to abandon him for the cat.

His ears pricked forward as he watched the two men he'd seen at the cafe before dart after the cat. And the dog could tell Augie was still worried about it. He wasn't too worried about a random cat himself, but he didn't want Augie to be worried. And he didn't really trust the two men he saw chasing the cat. His suspicions were proven true, they weren't ordinary humans, he could easily tell from the way they moved.

Still, not trusting the two men wouldn't be enough reason to make him go after the cat himself, but Augie's concern was. Even if it'd been Augie himself who sent the two men after the cat, it didn't mean they should be trusted. Augie wasn't really perceptive and Boy for sure didn't trust the man's ability to detect supernatural individuals.

So he took off in a different direction than the pair and the cat, hoping his knowledge of the town's layout and his instincts were leading him through a shortcut. He tried his best not to rely on his magic to keep up with the cat and intercept it, as there would certainly be a price to pay. But his senses were still sharp, hopefully sharp enough for him to snag the cat and bring it back to Augie before the two men did.

 

[KodakWolf]

Leif Hjalkarssen

Given how the man initially reacted, Leif thought his efforts would be fruitless. He was half expecting the man to tell him to disappear from his sight when he finally spoke, and Leif let out the tense breath he'd been holding in one long sigh.

Apparently he was about to get the help he needed, but the man's level of anxiety wasn't really reassuring, nor was his request for somewhere private. If someone ought to know, it wouldn't be him who just got teleported into town the day before. And to top it off, the man had just confirmed Chase was apparently in deep trouble.

Still, he was able to remember a bit of the last day despite the tension and the pressure. As he quickly glanced at their surroundings, images from woods like those crossed his mind, and with them images from a station tucked into such woods. Whether that was private enough or not he didn't know, but it sure seemed private when he and Roje used it as shelter from the sun the day before. It that didn't work, the only other thing he could think of was grabbing a shovel and burrowing into the ground, which was bound to take a while.

"Is the gas station anywhere nearby?" He whispered back, already reaching for the box so he'd be ready to go whenever the man was.

 

[Britt-21]

Out Of Words


"You mother fu-" she continued to play the game with whatever it was before she stumbled back from the release, this caused her to hold him closer almost in a bear hug. Not long after, to her joy, the sounds of the waves lowered and she breathed a sigh of relief. Though a voice came through and she looked around trying to find the source. At least something is talking to me I guess. "I should be asking you the same questions. After all, I'm the one blinded here." she retorted, just barely regretting her words as she could recall the voice being similar to that song she heard before when they arrived in general. "I'm Roje. A weird ass Vampire. As for why I'm here, well, quite frankly I don't know. Kinda just appeared here so can't answer that." she then continued "Can you tell me why I'm blind and why I can't hear much of anything? I'm not gonna hurt anyone, or do anything. Not unless you're threatening me." her eyes tried to look around in hopes she could see again, it sucked only being stuck to one lens. "Also explain to me why there's something on my partner's face?"

There was silence for at least two minutes, but the sound of the waves didn't increase. Roje could hear some faint shifting around before the voice(s) replied, "One moment." And in an instant, the waves were back up to a deafening volume.

Roje kind of just stood there, her expression holding one that basically said: "Hello? I'm waiting?" Though this is what she thought as she heard the shifting around before finally be replied to "wai-" before getting the voice to stay, the waves became deafening as she closed her eyes tightly "mother fucker!" She shouted, turning her head slightly as she continued to hold onto Dusk I feel like this is the equivalent of being placed on hold over the phone. the vampire thought "Could you at least lower the waves?! Shit, this is painful." While her partner didn't seem to wake up, no doubt her arms were going to get tired eventually.

It felt like she was standing there for eons and all she could hear were the waves that kept crashing against whatever it may be. Though not known to her, in reality she had only been waiting five minutes. "Hellooo?" She sucked her teeth and decided might as well take a damn seat on the cold floor while maneuvering Dusk so he was (hopefully) comfortable on the ground

The moment Dusk was set down more comfortably on the ground, Roje could feel something rope like wrap around both her ankles and start to pull her, hard and fast.

Roje went to pull her feet away but was suddenly yanked and pulled at a speed that gave her no time to react and she was pulled from her partner "No!" she shouted, trying to stop herself on whatever she could possibly grab. Her heart had been racing and she was being pulled into wherever God knows where. "Fuck! Let me go!" trying to pull with her legs probably didn't help, not with the strength and speed.

It was barely a moment later when the water could be felt. She was being pulled into the water! The things wrapped around her ankles held fast, and soon Roje found herself pulled below the surface of the water.

Roje felt her clothes getting wet and over time she was pulled below and into the water where she could no longer breathe. Sure she was a vampire but she felt like she was going to drown if nothing was done. She struggled, trying to get free while her air supply started to deplete. No one was gonna save her in this situation. It was all her on her own.

Roje managed to free one ankle, but the other held fast. Down and down, the water growing colder the deeper she was pulled. Being so accustomed to breathing for the sake of appearances, maybe even some level of personal comfort, lungs felt like they were going to burst as she hadn't gotten a good gulp of air in before being taken under.

Her skin felt colder and continued to grow colder. She was lucky enough to get her one foot free but not to the point of getting both released. Her lungs felt like they were going to pop the deeper she went and it was at this point she was starting to realize this was going to be her end. No doubt about it. Not unless this was a crazier way of transporting to another realm.

The body couldn't help but convulse, and gasp, lungs filled with some water. Thankfully, Roje wasn't human, and the vampire abilities kept her from drowning. It was a harsh adjustment however, for Roje had 'breathed' to fit in long ago.

And still she was tugged down, down, down. Roje might not register the additional vines wrapping back around her once freed ankle. They wound higher, and higher along her body, doing what it can to trap her body in a cocoon of vines and leaves.

Despite being a Vampire and not needing to breathe, it still felt like her lungs were on fire and the pressure as she went deeper was not comfortable in the slightest. Her eyes closed -not that she could see to begin with- and could see her little brother who had gotten beaten by her stepfather, especially on a day that was none other than her father's birthday. The abusive drunk who came home plastered and attacked her baby brother. Her brother was innocent, and she stood up for him. Protecting him from the hands of her dad. That was the day that she became the protector. But as of this moment, there was no one to protect Roje from the trouble she was being pulled into.​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Needing R&R ​

Choosing to not interfere, Hatsu quickly detoured into the Loving Spoon. It was decidedly less crowded than the morning, even Miranda wasn't around, but they had a little time before needing to prepare for a dinner rush.

Tilly was there, wiping down counters, making sure all tables had plates of cookies. "Evenin' Hatsu!" And of course, a greeting. "Oof, yer lookin' like yer needing some soul warmin' soup! Small cup o' chicken noodle, loverly? Or be there somethin' else yer hankering to relax yer cares with?"

She smiled and smoothed down any strands of hair escaping from her usual bun at the back of her head. The apron was clean, in fact, everything looked like she had gone through a cleaning frenzy after breakfast. Everything in the display case was fully stocked and the first scents of what would likely be dinner cooking in the back wafted Hatsu's way.




OOC Information

Hatsu silverwhere : Soon as you step into the cafe, it's as if your shoulders relax, the knot in your back loosens, and an overall feeling of relaxation washes over you. You can liken it to making a decision of just not caring about your troubles for a short while. They'll still be there, but for the moment, it can all sit aside and wait while you treat yourself. With the revelations you've had this day, it's probably magic of some sort, but does it really matter right now?

The food smells delicious and the cookies look fresh from the oven.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Run Indy Run​

The problem with being a cat, is the distinct lack of thumbs. The doors to the inn were closed, and there didn't look to be anyone nearby planning on entering or exiting the establishment anytime soon. The two men in pursuit had rounded the shops and reached the dock proper. They both had a clear line of sight to the cat in front of the inn, they just had to run past several stores in between them and the feline.

Then the dog rounded another corner, coming from the other side of the inn, rather than follow the same path as the other two. This put him closer to the cat, and it looked like Indy was about to become Boy's toy again when the unexpected happened. Indy's attention temporarily focused on the dog caused a small amount of surprise as one of the inn doors opened up and she was quickly picked up and lifted. Only it wasn't into the arms of anyone she recognized. Or, did she?

He quickly stepped backward, letting the door to the inn close before the dog could slip in. The tall man had loose black hair down to his waist, and a pale complexion. Light hazel eyes smiled at the cat like he knew something. One hand held the kitten by the scruff to prevent her from just jumping out of his hold, the other supported her body so Indy wasn't just dangling. It was his voice that triggered something deeper inside the cat, with just two words, a connection was made.

"Hello, Sunshine."




OOC Information

Aódh & Bernard & Riley Larry Worthlessplebian KodakWolf : You three see someone you;re pretty sure you haven't encountered yet. They pick up the cat and step back inside the inn. Aódh and Bernard will need to get closer to discern anything about the stranger. Boy, there's something unnerving about this man's scent, but only to you. Can't quite place it, but it's not something that beckons you closer.

Indy Rhyme : Those words, that nickname, the inflection in the tone of voice, that damn smiling face, you know this person. Deep in memories you've tried to bury, or forget, time of when you were here before. A childhood friend, the way he would constantly make up nicknames for you, so much more. The name comes to you just moments before Seraphim utters it from her spot behind the desk. "Dapper? What do you have there?"

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
It's A Gas, Gas, Gas​

River looked in the general direction the petrol station would be, his expression scrunched up in thought before his head started to nod. "Yeah, yeah, that should be okay. Let's go." And he started to head that way at a very brisk pace. It almost felt like Leif should be looking behind them for anyone in pursuit, it was that swift.

It took a little bit of time to reach the place. Time enough Leif started to feel the ring around his finger uncomfortably warm. As it warded off the sun's effect temporarily, it reminded Leif it wasn't a cure all for his daylight affliction. Wiri's station was a very welcome sight for sore eyes.

River knocked and called out for the ranger, "Wiri? You there?" The door wasn't locked, and after a minute of no answer, River opened it and headed inside. "Looks like he's not here. Probably visiting his mom or running his town errands. He stays busy, that's for sure. Okay, uh.. probably lock it behind you and let's go into the back."

River led the way, into what looked like a storage room, it was as far back as one could get, and shielded from the windows and door. Hands ran through his hair once before he cleared out a little space along the floor against one wall. "So, no real time to explain the how's or what's, just.. you're familiar with a magic eight ball, yeah?" He didn't really wait for an answer, hands toyed with shelves or boxes out of nervousness or anxiety.

"So, here's the general jixt of it. You can ask me one question, yes or no questions are easiest, and usually the quickest turn around, but not always. Uh.. the more complex the answer proves to be, the longer time I'll take to return with it. And if you can make it painless, I'd really, really appreciate it." River finally looked to Leif since arriving at the station, skin a little pale, like someone facing an unpleasant situation.

"Ask your question, and then kill me. I'll return with the answer, hopefully sooner than later. Oh and uh.. this is one of my favorite shirts sooo if you can not destroy it, yeah. I'd like that."




OOC Information

Leif KodakWolf : Yes, you heard correctly. River said to kill him.

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Out Of Words]

IF DECEMBER FREEZES​

IC Thread - GM Post
Awash With Memories​

Justin had wanted nothing more than to show off his latest science project. He had gotten an B+ on it after all, and had worked so very hard on it. However, Kevin didn't find it impressive. It wasn't an A, not like he had ever done well in school himself, but more importantly, it had made a hell of a mess. And Kevin didn't care for messes, even ones he made. He'd often order Justin or Roje to clean 'this shit' up, or they'd face consequences.

Maybe somewhere deep down, Kevin was upset neither kid seemed to remember it was his birthday, or didn't care to acknowledge it. Regardless, he had drunk himself into a near stupor like every other night, and lashed out at his own intolerance for the mess in the kitchen. Most of it was his own, but the exploding volcano worked, and it was that part of the mess he honed in on. "Stupid fucking kid!"

The sound of the backhand was nearly as loud as Justin stumbling back into a chair and falling to the floor. Kevin shook out the hand he used to hit the boy with, while he took a swig from the bottle he held in the other. It was clear he wasn't done yet.




OOC Information

Roje Britt-21 : You're wrapped up even deeper in the memory, seeing it play out in 'real time', or have you warped back in time? (You can roll a d20 in Discord if your character would attempt to disbelieve, or take some type of physical action.)

IF DECEMBER FREEZES
A story by Out Of Words​

Season One: A Night Bleeds​

 

[Rhyme]

Indy

Location: In the Arms of a Stranger
Tags: Out Of Words Mentioned: KodakWolf (Boy) Larry Worthlessplebian

Safety was within just a few inches' reach as Indy turned to look at the two approaching figures as they swept down the street. They would never make it, she just needed to get inside--

Inside the door.

That pulled open, rather than push. Shit.

The sound of steady paws beating against the sidewalk pulled her attention aside as, to her horror, she spotted the dog barreling up the street with a determined glint in his eye. Her paws skittered beneath her as she desperately looked for another avenue of escape, any way to avoid once again being whipped around like a stuffed animal in the dog's jaws. There was nothing; no other option aside from running straight to the other pursuers unless she could suddenly fly--

Which, to her shock, she did.

It happened too quickly to process. One moment she was wound back, prepared to launch forward once again onto the road when her body was pulled off the Inn's step. Her paws dangled uselessly, her eyes wide as she was swept into the arms of yet another stranger. The man holding her quickly stepped inside just as the dog nearly barreled straight into the doors, sparking a small sense of smug vindication in Indy.

Then, she looked up. Pale skin, dark hair that swung low enough to blend into his shadow. A stranger, another stranger that had taken her once again yet--yet. His eyes. When she looked into the stranger's eyes that familiar, nagging emptinesses pulled once again to the front of her mind. You should know. You should know him. So many things she should know, so many details that she attempted to grasp only to have them dissolve between her fingers. Still, she pulled. Her feet did not struggle, her claws stayed in place as she met the man's eyes and allowed that feeling of listless searching to wash over her mind.

"Hello, Sunshine."

Sunshine.

Sunshine on the tall grass as she crawled across the dirt, one hand pressed tightly against her lips to muffle the childish giggles that threatened to reveal her hiding place. A hunter, his own laughter well known yet his face lost to memory. Evenings spent pressed shoulder to shoulder at the same table, picking bites off the same plate and arguing loudly over the best bits until exhaustion tempted their heads to rest. Names, so many names--all of them lost but the feeling of them, to be known, she remembered that.

She remembered him. His own name a chant from her childhood that hung at the back of her tongue. Her mouth parted, her form forgotten as the human pieces of herself crept forward along with the memory that she forced loose.

Dapper?!

coded by: @s e v e n

 

[Larry]

Aódh McFaol
Location: Outside the Marasong Inn.
Mood: Curious.
Interactions: Worthlessplebian | Rhyme | KodakWolf | Out Of Words
Mentions: Silver- ​

Running after something shouldn't have been this enjoyable, it shouldn't. Yet, with the wind in his face, his eyes scanning the environment for the sudden appearance of any obstacles, he just couldn't help but smirk. Even Bernard, ever the staid character, seemed to bound behind with more of a gimp in his step. If he were the cat, to see such a pair of men chasing after him with such naked glee, he'd be quite perturbed too. Beneath it all, Aódh could only imagine the opinion that was being formed of him by the residents, should they care at all, of seeing him dash through the streets, and property of the people who lived there, chasing after a cat. The young man would have thought as well, that there was a 'want' in such a person. But, circumstances prescribed this course of action; he didn't need the Dane potentially harming Mr. Tangaroa, despite his assurances otherwise. So, in thinking that, Aódh would treat the cat like a sliothar after a loose pass: he'd chase after it.

Then, after turning a corner, Aódh had a clear line of sight on the cat, though there were a bunch of shops that he needed to make his way around first. Still, the fact that the cat had actually made its way back to the Inn, as opposed to him catching it in another part of town and then having to bear with it scratching, clawing and nipping at him whilst he brought it back to the hostel, was a big positive. But, just as the boon of the cat's intended destination was realised, so too did the bane of a certain canine arriving from the opposite direction of himself and Bernard. Boy, who had obviously absconded from Augie's side, must have decided to chase after Indy, once the listlessness that he had displayed only a few minutes previous had petered off. It clearly unnerved the feline, whose eyes almost seemed to jut out of their sockets, trying to find a route to evade not only the dogs, but the men as well. Out of nowhere, almost as though Marasong wished to be benevolent to one of the residents for a change, a man, with pale skin and flowing, black hair reaching down to his waist, emerged from the inn and scooped the cat up into his arms, cradling it with the tenderness one would a newborn child, before closing the doors behind him, with a frenetic Boy dashing into them as they found themselves firmly shut. Aódh winced at the sight, with a low 'ooooo...' passing through his lips. He trotted up to the canine, who was quite dazzled, as you would be if you collided head-first with a door.

"That was an awful smash you got there Boy, are ya alright?" Aódh asked, crouching down into a low squat whilst his eyes scanned the dog's figure, "Hopefully Augie isn't too far behind, he'll be able to give you a proper lookover. I might just pop in and see what the story is with this lad."

Saying this, he opened the door to the Inn, waving over at Seraphim who was at the desk working away; he then noticed the man with the cat, now strangely acquiesced, in his hands.

"Can I take it you know Silver by some chance, stranger?"

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Bernard Greve
Location: Outside the Inn;
With: Aódh, Formerly (Indy);
Interactions: Larry Out Of Words , KodakWolf (Boy) Only mentions: Also Rhyme
Art by leevolt on DeviantArt
Mood: The kitty has been kaptured;​

The thrill of the hunt, an ingrained proclivity that is present in all humans. A hold-over from their day as hunter-gatherers. This is what Bernard felt as the wind slapped against his exposed face, his clothes tugged by the breeze. He should not be ashamed, yet his face is bright red. Not from exhaustion of vaulting over public and private property, not from thought of the feline escaping, but from the eyes that surely focused on the two men. His logical side dictated that there should be no shame, explaining away that they are merely chasing a pet for a friend. His explanations for once did not help. Bernard had been conned—in reality, he acquiesced—into chasing this multi-shaded feline by the Irishman, but this proved more jubilantly refreshing than pestering an immortal bartender that is more fit to be a choleric punk about his family history. But alas all good fortunes must cease as the Siamese arrived at the Inn.

Cornered it bared ferocious claws, set to slice'n'dice their skin. Bernard had not been worried, as he readied a stance to subdue the beast. But before any submission could be done, the door flung open! Revealing a lanky man with charcoal hair that rivaled the length of a woman's, with eyes that reeked of prescience. A feeling that Bernard loathed as his body reclined from his advanced stance. He took the cat and shut the door!

Then the mangy cur of Augie known as Boy smacked himself into the door, the Irishman winced while Bernard's eyes fluttered at the impact. His lips mouthed, "That will leave a mark." Aódh moved to comfort the black dog, while Bernard hovered behind him. "I reckon you'll be fine, Boy, my own dog occasionally beheld the hyperactive states and thrashed himself a lot."

Aódh had taken the initiative to confront the man inside, Bernard thinking pragmatically decided to wait silently to observe his interaction.

 

[silverwhere]

Hatsu Black
- he/him -
The Loving Spoon - Dinner?
Tags: Out Of Words
​

It was nice to pretend to not have any problems. For now, he can act like he never knew that Marasong had a secret and that magic didn't actually exist. The Loving Spoon was oddly like a Masseuse; it was able to relieve stress and wash out tired knots and help him relax. He wasn't in the mood to question why this happened and it was best to leave it be. It was a peaceful place and obviously it helped as long as Tilly didn't try to eat his brains he didn't care.

"Evenin' Hatsu!" she called out "Oof, yer lookin' like yer needing some soul warmin' soup! Small cup o' chicken noodle, loverly? Or be there somethin' else yer hankering to relax yer cares with?"

Unlike him, she looked energized and different from this morning. She had time to wash up and to reorganize the dining room. The display case was restocked and the smell of fresh baked goods wafted from the kitchen. He wondered if she had any weird time skip and if he and Bill weren't the only ones to have missing time. Or maybe she didn't experience it and finally had a slow enough lunch service to catch up and relax a bit.

"Oh yeah, soups fine and maybe some hash browns?" He asked as he took a seat near a booth, "Oh and some green tea if you have any."

He took the time to go ahead and eat a cookie. Hatsu wanted to relax and act like nothing was wrong but he was curious. Tilly was an interesting person. Her cafe grew to fit more people and the current feeling of relaxes that washed over him made him question if Tilly was also magic.

"So was it a busy lunch? Busy day?"

 

[KodakWolf]

Riley Adler / Boy

The dog saw the third man stepping out of the inn and going for the cat, almost in slow motion.He tried to speed up and reach the feline before the man did, but the distance was just too great, the human had too much of an edge. Or was he human? Just as the dog sensed something strange about him, the door was shut right on his face.

Thankfully he didn't hit the glass at full speed, but it was enough speed to hurt a few seconds after the impact, and enough to disorient him for those same few seconds. He did feel a little embarrassed, but embarrassment isn't really a big thing when you're a dog.

And just as he shook that little bit of embarrassment off, he sensed someone approaching, and the man soon addressed him, apparently a little worried about him crashing against the glass door. No big deal, he was used to crashing against stuff, especially before getting his eyesight back. The tail wagged out of habit, but soon as he realized it was one of the two strange men that were just chasing after the cat, and accompanied by the other one right close by, he backed off with distrust, even hitting the glass door again, with a lot less force this time around.

He just wasn't sure what was up with those two. 'Beheld the hyperactive states'...? Who even talked like that? He wasn't hyperactive any more than they were, he was just trying to get to the damned cat! Which has just been snagged by another stranger, by the way, someone Boy wasn't really sure he'd seen before. Was that the name 'Dapper' he just heard? This couldn't be good.

Before he could start barking or anxiously spinning around until Augie arrived or someone opened the door, the man who'd just knelt down to check on him stood back up, shifting his attention from Boy to the people inside the lobby. And voila, he opened the door, giving the dog just enough time to sneak in after him and quickly move out of the way. He didn't even toss anyone a glance until he was somewhat hidden from sight under one of the side tables against the wall, lest the friendly innkeeper go and kick him out again. He was so, so confused, perhaps from there he'd be able to make some more sense of who the hell all those people were and what the hell was going on.

 

[Silver-]

SILVER BLACKWOOD
Tags; Out Of Words Mentions; Rhyme Britt-21 Location; Eden

Silver was nearly shocked when she’d glanced over her shoulder to see Rheven’s form looming behind her. She’d forgotten they were still humans for a bit. The hairs on the back of her neck abruptly stood when he spoke, amber eyes darkening subtly as she watched him reach out to one of the blurry edges only for an invisible force to sort of undulate beneath his fingers. It was unexpected, to say the least. Whatever it was made of was sturdy enough that it’s surface couldn’t be broken yet thin enough that one could see where it’s space gradually ended.

A gift. Had he mentioned that before? The conversation felt familiar, but also just out of reach in terms of grasping the frayed ends of the thoughts. I’ll go mad if I don’t shift? Or perhaps it was different for this Rhevens and he hadn’t been referring to her at all. He seemed to have control over his wolf enough that it didn’t seem to be some kind of separate pelt mechanic in which he’d been chosen by an ancient werewolf, but rather just a regular guy-that-turns-into-a-beast. Her ears pricked at how he tested the boundary of the current reality, the way he spoke sounding as if he’d told her this before and was about to take his leave. How was she even supposed to get out of this thing?

Clambering out of the depression in the earth, she shook out her fur a little before a hand reached out to touch where the picturesque forest blurred. Silver jerked her hand back in reaction to the sensation, her lips twitching into a frown as she wasn’t sure what to make of it all. “You talk like you’re going somewhere and like you know someone that’s gone mad.” She murmured lowly, her eyes now on her sleeves as she noticed that she was no longer wearing the sweater Seraphim had brought up but her regular clothes. Looking up from assessing her articles, “Something is missing from here—I feel like I’ve forgotten something. I don’t remember coming in here with you or how to find you, unless you mean by scent.” There was no wariness or sense of alarm even when she noticed this, only mild interest. This space seemed to exclusively allow for relaxation to seep into her movements, a certain tiredness or at least an ever-present desire to sleep drifting in and out of the back of her mind. “I can’t tell if you’ve shown me all this or if I’ve seen it before already.”

And how do we get out? No matter how much she’d love to just plop down onto the grass and rest for a good while, she couldn’t shake the fact that time was different here and who knew how long it had been since they’d entered. Indy, Roje, please be safe.

 

[BillieRoss]

Bill
Location: Bill's Room
With: N/A (Mentions silverwhere )

Bill was dead-focused on the books in front of her, pausing now and then to rub at her eyes to stop them from unfocusing. It had been exhausting, but at least she'd landed on a few answers.

It had definitely been scrying, then. Someone magical had been watching them, or Bug, or the whole town. And there'd be more, more likely than not, waiting for them in forgotten corners of Marasong. Something in the till behind the Loving Spoon, something strapped to the underside of a truck. A decorative gem in the inn. A buried shard of glass in the forest. Someone was watching. Looking for something? Watching for the sake of watching? Watching someone? Protecting something? Impossible to know.

Bill had never bothered learning scrying. Her Dad had always thought it sinister, and his weekly rants about invading peoples' privacy had been enough to put her off. It seemed creepy, even if it was being done benignly.

She doubted it was being done benignly.

She picked up another book, flipping through, looking for something about amplification. Hatsu asked her a question, something about metal detecting, she didn't really know. She opened her mouth to answer before catching sight of something promising, and completely forgetting whatever it was she had been about to say. She flipped to the page, forcing herself to read more carefully.

"I think I'm going to go get some dinner and then go to bed. Do you want anything? I can always bring it back." Hatsu asked, getting to his feet. She didn't watch him go.

"Nah, I'm good for tea, but thank you. Swing by tomorrow though, aye?" she said, glancing up at his retreating back, "I don't think anyone should be wanderin' around on their own in this town. Also, if you do find some cool buried treasure, I'll be pissed as hell that I wasn't there when you found it."

"Good night," she said, turning back to her book. "Get some sleep tonight, would you?"

Mixing magic, it said. It amplified spells. Gave it a boost that some people couldn't handle. Bill scrunched up her nose and shut the book, finally deciding to cook some dinner. That probably meant no more solo-spells. Annoying. That meant casting all her spells in Latin. Double-checking with the other witch what it was they were casting, and that they spoke the same language, and blah blah blah.

She grumbled to herself as she cracked some eggs into a bowl. How many other witches in Marasong even were there? If it was just Alyce, she thought she might be better off risking life and limb. She snickered to herself, and let herself get absorbed in the familiar motions of dinner. Scrambling eggs, chopping potatoes, frying onions, boiling spinach. It was hardly fancy, but dinner was ready in five minutes, and that was all she cared about. She sat down at the dinner table with a mug of tea and tucked in, mindlessly shoveling food into her mouth.

Different kinds of magic, aye? She thought to herself, Better find it before it finds me.

 

[KodakWolf]

Leif Hjalkarssen

The more time passed, the more puzzling the whole thing became. The way River was acting brought little relief aside from the fact it did look like he was going to help, only the how was still a mystery. But there was no other visible option, so Leif followed him. And besides, getting out of the sun's reach wouldn't hurt.

The warm ring around his finger kept reminding him he wouldn't be safe outside for too long, and it'd be a lie to say the thought of attacking River didn't briefly cross his mind. Not rational of course, and not something he was remotely close to giving into, but controlling what crosses one's mind isn't that simple. He still hadn't figured out what in the world the man in front of him was, but he could tell he wasn't human, and that would certainly be enough to protect him from the sun for a few more hours at the very least.

The sight of the ranger station was a very welcome one, and it was enough to sweep any predatory instincts away even before Leif stepped foot in the shade. The station wasn't any different than the last time he was there with Roje. "The ranger hasn't been back here yet." He whispered, as perhaps River would appreciate knowing that. Or perhaps Wiri was really just always that busy and that short term 'disappearance' meant nothing worrisome, but Leif just couldn't know.

River didn't stop walking until he was as deep as possible into the building, a spot the vampire hadn't seen before but seemed as secluded as the place could possibly get. Leif set the box down as he watched the man toy with boxes and shelves, waiting for him to pull out whatever object he was apparently trying to find. When the magic eight ball was mentioned, Leif guessed that's what River was looking for. Not the solution he expected, and he did feel a bit of frustration boiling up, but in the absence of other options he would just have to give it a try, right? Besides, he bet it wouldn't be just a regular magic eight ball, not in Marasong.

It got weird when River said 'make it painless', if things could have gotten any stranger. Then what he said next completely interrupted Leif's attempts at deciding what would be the best way to formulate a question. Did he really say to kill him? Yes, he did. Perhaps that explained his nervousness.

It took Leif about a minute to process everything River said, even so, 'process' might be an overstatement. It was hard to go through his mental files in search of any memories of ever coming across something like River, think of painless ways to kill him and at the same time think of what would be wisest question to ask. However, it wasn't long before Leif, too, agreed that there was no real time to explain the how's or what's. He had enough to keep his mind occupied for now.

It was hard to think when River's heart thumped in his chest with such strength, vibrations that could be felt in the air together with an intriguing scent of blood that awakened those instincts Leif had been working to supress. If River was making some sort of sick joke, he'd picked the wrong person for it. Leif wanted to double check what the man was saying, if he really meant that, but something stopped him, something he knew all too well.

But he wasn't a newly turned vampire, unable to control his need for blood and kills. So as he felt in his pocket for the small silver knife he carried everywhere (and it was there, even in this timelime), he also tried to piece the puzzle together. One question. A yes or no answer wouldn't be enough, even if he had to wait longer for the man to return.

It was the box he'd just placed on the floor that held the answer. The notes in the box proved what he feared, that Turid had been taken as well, and Chase had probably been caught while trying to free her. As terrible as that was, it allowed him to ask one question that might be able to help both of them. Now he could ask about Alice, Levi, this place he'd just been teleported to, and even this timeline, which might as well be another illusion. But ultimately it was only two things that mattered to Leif, only two people. So he might as well go straight to the point if he had only one question.

"How do I free Chase and Turid?" As he stepped closer to River, he let go of the silver knife, now that the question had been asked and his mind was free to ponder what would be the best way to kill him. No, the blood would ruin his shirt. But he sure knew how to deliver a clean bite. And as he did just that, an arm wrapped firmly around River's head, snapping his neck with unholy strength just a second later, before the man could take in much of what was happening. As painless as Leif could think of, yet satisfying for his instincts.

He didn't drink much, just barely enough to sate his thirst, barely enough to allow him to back off without too much a of a struggle against himself, and hopefully enough to protect him from the harmful sunlight for a little longer. When the body went limp in his arms, he lay River down on the floor before he stepped back as far as he could, until his back hit the opposite wall and he slid down to sit on the floor and wait. Wait, and take in all the dizzying effects that rare magical blood had while the pounding of his own heartbeats thrumming in his ears gradually decreased in intensity after the adrenaline rush washed over him. Little by little, his thoughts became clearer again, and he watched River for any signs of life, hoping the man would truly come back as promised, yet trying not to overthink it too hard. It was a matter of waiting now, and trusting the process.

 

[Britt-21]

Out Of Words


Roje's eyes widened by not only witnessing the backhand, but watching her younger brother stumble and fall down. "You son of a bitch!" her blood felt like it was suddenly lit ablaze and she dashed toward her father. He was not going to touch her brother again. It was about time that he was going to get the horns for messing with the bull, there was no more barking. Now it was all bite and nothing was going to stop her. There were times where all she could do was yell back and take a hit here and there. Just getting into so many arguments as she became more and more troublesome over the years and just witnessing her brother take a hit from him had snapped something within her, causing to release all of the pent up anger and charge at him. Her hand balled into a fist and fire dancing in her eyes. As soon as she got her hands on him, she was not going to stop her assault. Why did this feel like she was here? Was this a lucid dream? One that she could control the scene, control the outcome?

The vampire didn't care, all she could think of was getting her fist into her father's face. Make him learn that she likes to hit too, especially when someone she loved dearly was getting hit. "You're going to pay, Asshole! Let's see how you like to be hit!" eyes locked, target acquired. She will never let anyone else be hurt. Not again. Not those that she loved and protected with her life. She would die for anyone that she cared about.​