EVENT #21: SPECTER - IC LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #21 - Specter

OOC Event Log ⦁ Nocwich

In light of the odd happenings throughout September, it might take a few days or longer for you to notice that yet more is going on. Perhaps you catch your neighbor walking out of their house in a daze at midnight, or the bartender tells you his wife went missing two days ago. Maybe the fisherman claims he found his friend staring into the lake in horror before wading into the water and nearly drowning.

Whether you investigate further or dismiss the stories, you soon find yourself confronting some hauntings of your own.

Participating in the hauntings is optional! For players who wish to opt-out, characters can help others or attend the Eifstide festivities. You may also play with the onset aspects only. The hauntings do not need to escalate beyond the onset stage.

Haunting Echoes

For some of you, the incidents don't stop with your neighbors. They begin to impact you, as well. Indeed, after the eerie effects of the Heralds, you might even think they've returned. However, you realize this appears to go beyond Gods or spells. Instead, it's as if the land itself is crying out...the echoes of which you are absorbing.

How affected you are depends on how vulnerable you might be to such specters, the number of regrets or fears you have, and how much of your past follows you into the world of Abraxas.

Onset

Whether it begins while you're awake or asleep, or both, the effects are subtle at the start. You might shake it off as a lack of sleep or a trick of the light before you understand what's truly going on.

◎ Waking Visions

If awake, you'll notice it first in shadows and reflections. Mirrors and windows are common sources, but it can be anything where you might glimpse yourself in its surface: the blade of your sword, a polished dinner plate, or the side of some steel machinery.

What do you see? Is it the face of a terrible monster? Your own corrupted features? Someone you lost who's returned? It might not be a person at all. You might catch a splatter of blood across the sawblade you're using that isn't there. You may see your eyes bleeding when brushing your hair in the mirror or spiders crawling from the ceiling.

Alternatively, your glimpses might be surprisingly pleasing rather than frightening. As you apply your makeup, you find it looks incredibly nice - a surprise when you normally struggle to like how you appear. Of course, as you walk by a shop window later, you realize, to your confusion, that your lipstick is smeared, as though applied wrong. How could that happen? What's your real image? You may need to ask someone to discern the reality.

None of these tricks will last long. They could be accompanied by whispers or be solely visual.

◎ Lucid Dreams

While dark and frightening imagery can occur in your dreams, other aspects may be involved. For instance:

If you often have trouble sleeping, you'll notice that while you've more easily started falling asleep, you also dream immediately. You may find it difficult to tell when you're awake or not. You "dream" of sitting down to read a book...then discover that the pages are bleeding or the ghost of someone you lost appears over your shoulder. When you jolt awake, you're right where you dozed off on the same couch, book in hand. Everything is normal once more.

If you're prone to nightmares, you might experience something unusual: your dreams begin to take on some oddly cheerful aspects. Bright flowers bloom where you usually dream of corpses, or your stormy skies become sunny. The incongruous images might cause the scene to feel more unsettling. They can either overtake the dream or appear in subtler ways.

Most significantly, regardless of your experiences when asleep, they are strangely vivid. Further, you have to wonder, are you seeing glimpses of someone else's dreams overlapping with yours? Like ink bleeding through a page, the imagery creeping into your dreams could belong to another Summoned and vice versa. As the days continue, you might even see that person for brief periods.

Escalation

As the hauntings grow stronger, the effects equally increase in frequency and intensity.

◎ Whether they're visions or dreams, the brief and unusual flashes grow more frequent, last longer, or increase in intensity. Soon, you begin to see things that aren't there. You start to question reality. You find yourself in places you don't remember traveling to. Perhaps you end up at the market stalls with no memory of how you got there...or somewhere more dangerous, like the ocean or the forest. It may be that you're sleepwalking, or you could simply be following a nonexistent figure without realizing it.

◎ Other Summoned begin to see what you do. Eventually, they become drawn into your visions or dreams - or you into theirs. Your visions start to blend into a surrealist experience and you become trapped in the scene. You realize that danger lurks nearby, but your ability to affect or control your environment is limited. After all, you don't know that this is a dream. It feels so very real, though you may recognize that some of what's happening shouldn't be possible. You'll have to rely on each other and your wits to make it.

When inside a waking vision or lucid dream, characters will not know that it's an illusion regardless of how impossible the scenario or events might be. They'll behave as if the stakes are real.

Players can write the dreams and visions however they wish. The danger can be genuinely serious or something lighthearted that characters treat solemnly. For example, characters could be attacked by a monster or they could be fleeing from a giant chihuahua that's a manifestation of somebody's fear of dogs. The atmosphere of the thread is entirely up to you!

Dispelling

As you navigate the illusion you're trapped in, you eventually stumble across an Arcana sign. By now, you're familiar with the symbols. The one you see depends on what choice you made during the previous event: it may belong to you, it may belong to the person you're with, or it might be that of Justice - the Arcanum of Zorne, the Herald of Last Blood.

It'll appear anywhere: floating in the air, hidden in a vault that needs to be cracked, or held in the mouth of a dangerous animal. Regardless, you understand instinctively that you must retrieve it and that it's the only thing that'll help you. There could be multiple Arcana signs if the others with you manifest their own, but only you can activate yours.

There won't be any doubt which one is yours, either. The symbol's shape will carry an identifying mark somewhere on it or around it that you know inherently belongs to you, such as runes in your native tongue, your family crest, or equivalent.

The moment you reach for it, it begins to heat up until you can hardly stand it. Then it shatters, leaving behind the very thing you need to break free of this vision or dream once and for all.

See the Plotting Post for an OOC explanation of how the dispelling mechanic works and the impact of previous choices.

Eifstide

Although the incidents can be disturbing, the majority of Abraxas is either unaffected or only mildly affected. Most are preoccupied with the upcoming Eifstide celebration. Additionally, Nocwich has opened its doors for the Summoned to enjoy their version of Eifstide. They intend to provide a brief haven for any who want to get away from the troubles of war for a bit.

Of course, this doesn't mean everyone's safe. If you catch your neighbor walking off in a daze, you should probably try to help. You might also hear about a child who's run off and gone missing or somebody operating dangerous magical equipment at the lumber mill.

For aiding locals, players are free to come up with scenarios on their own. Situations may occur in the major three territories or Nocwich. If you have any questions or require further details, just ask!

Eifstide in the Major Territories

Thorne

Throughout THORNE, the cities and towns turn red and orange with decorations befitting the season, with garlands hanging between lampposts and awnings. Carved gourds are placed on windowsills and in entranceways of homes and businesses alike, with the gentle flickering of magical flames inviting family and friends to come in and enjoy a cup of warm cider. Eifstide is a happy fare, a time to gather and share in the company of the people you care about the most and share what you have with strangers.

Children run around in cobbled-together costumes of old clothing and hats, mimicking the university students of Hayle or the scarecrows that now stand as décor throughout the town. This year, though, they may ask for something from you to add to their costume: your trusty hammer, a feathered hat, or your scarf. They'll also Roam from house to shop to market, asking for Blessings in the form of treats and toys from anyone they see. The most popular blessing is the dolls, whose outfits and designs change year to year. Possessing the prettiest or best-made doll is a sure status symbol in the following months.

The spirit of the season peaks during the street fair on the final night. A plethora of seasonal goods like pastries and sugared nuts, jars of preserves and pickled vegetables, and crafts made from natural materials are sold for cheap so that patrons of all classes can enjoy them. Shop to your heart's content! The night concludes with the releasing of the lanterns into the sky, a symbol of carrying the light of summer into the darkness of the incoming winter.

In Nott and Borrel, the festivities are nearly the same as that by Castle Thorne, if with a more nautical flair. There's far more seafood available, and popular costumes include sailors and mermaids. They send their lanterns over the sea, and it's common to give little strands of unsellable pearls as a blessing.

Additionally, Queen Lia is rumored to be visiting Nott this year, but without the usual royal fanfare or her husband. She can be spotted in town, dressed plainly and giving Blessings to the children or encouraging her own children to explore the sights. Nonetheless, as the Queen of Thorne, she's followed by a few guards wherever she goes. While they do their best not to intrude, they're not difficult to pick out.

The Free Cities

In THE FREE CITIES, the weeks leading up to Eifstide provide a boost in local trade and commerce. Even with the unprecedented inflation due to recent conflicts, the markets are full and lively as citizens of every standing buy up all the party supplies that they can. Dark costumes depicting older periods in history are always popular while the grim decorations often contain a touch of humor like smiling skulls or signs that cheekily say "wish you were here" over a tombstone. Despite the dark and mysterious energy, Eifstide is undeniably a celebratory affair in the Free Cities. Locals may ask for assistance in hanging decorations or carrying supplies from the markets and storehouses. Just don't be surprised if a few good-natured pranks happen along the way. Usually, this involves children jumping out of bushes in "frightening" costumes or making scary noises from behind the trees.

Recent incidents aside, local museums continue with their plans to host macabre exhibits and art walks. If you have your own pieces to contribute, donations are highly encouraged. This year also includes a ghost tour in each city. The tour in Cadens follows the final path of a platoon defending the outskirts, Aquila's tour follows the exploits of a charming con man who met his end fleeing from authorities, and the tour in Libertas follows the sad story of a starving artist who famously cut off their drawing hand to force themselves to paint in a new way. Tours are scheduled regularly and can be joined at any time with only a small donation!

Parties held in individual homes are also popular. They frequently spill out into the streets and strangers are usually invited inside - including the Summoned. Laughter can be heard from dusk until dawn. Seances and spirit boards are common. Ironically, the spirit boards are twice as popular this year due to the eerie phenomenon that occurred last month. It seems all the frights and rumors have only made people more eager than ever to try their luck, hoping that it means they'll be able to contact a real ghost for once. You might be asked to join as an observer or direct participant.

Solvunn

In SOLVUNN, Eifstide is a somber occasion. In contrast to the festivities of Thorne and The Free Cities, the end of the harvest is when death walks amongst the living. The lighthearted attitude about getting the work done before noon is almost gone, its residents working harder and longer hours as if a fire was being lit under their feet. Children may take time from lessons to help and any volunteers from the Summoned are welcome and almost expected. Whether it be harvesting crops, turning the earth, delivering goods, or tending to livestock, everyone must do their part before proper preparations can begin.

In the days leading into Eifstide, wreaths of branches and bone are carefully crafted and hung upon the doors and walkways about houses and any buildings where animals sleep. Lines of salt or soot are placed in front of the door and the hearth. The work can be done by any family member or friend but a Summoned's hand is considered blessed, so your involvement would be pivotal to the particularly pious.

Daylight hours are spent in small groups with family and neighbors in quiet contemplation and reverence. The elders ask for Summoned volunteers to assist with warding rituals. You can decline if you wish, but locals will doubtlessly feel more secure seeing you smudge with sage around the Settlements. At night, all stay indoors and don the masks they created the days prior. This is to confuse any gods and spirits should they not be deterred by the wards on the doorways.

On the night of Eifstide, all gather at the center of the Primary Settlement where the Council members perform sacrifices of small animals born the week prior, each doing their ritual for the safety and prosperity of their settlement as well as for those who reside there.

Eifstide in Nocwich

Eifstide isn't as large of a celebration in Nocwich as Wintertide, but the Lunae and Ikorrans still observe a few traditions. For the werewolves of Luna, Eifstide is about hunting, while for the vampires of Ikorr, Eifstide is about memories.

Oleuni Square

Traditions in Oleuni Square are tailored for visitors rather than the culture of either Luna or Ikorr. As a result, you'll find a wide array of treats, drinks, and decorations not unlike what's available in your home territory with the usual Nocwich twist: glowing flowers, decorative bottles of blood wine, and appropriately spooky "dolls" knit from yarn spun using werewolf fur.

Tattoo artists will also offer discount prices for their unique glowing tattoos with set designs themed for the holiday season. If you pass by one of their booths, you'll be coaxed to take a look and consider getting a piece!

Taverns, inns, and gambling dens will also offer themed specially themed cocktails, including a delicious apple cider and spiced wine. All in all, the Square is bustling with tourists eager to leave behind the troubles of war and spend a few days enjoying themselves.

Luna

To prepare for the upcoming winter, hunting is an important part of fall. Thus, Eifstide in Luna has been structured around this need. The werewolves demonstrate their connection to Solvunn by also donning masks made of bone and antler during this period. However, rather than for any ceremonial reason, the masks are worn by hunting parties instead. They're seen as a symbol of good luck.

If you're interested in joining a hunting party, the Lunae will be happy to have you along. You'll be warned that it can be dangerous and that they won't slow down or stop if you fall behind. If you can keep up, though, you'll get the chance to hunt a variety of beasts in several forests around Luna. The most popular animal to hunt is the Fisceime. Wildly populous and destructive to the environment in large numbers, hunting them is an important aspect of maintaining the ecosystem.

Should you not be the hunting type, you can instead visit the Trail of Unseen Eyes. Here, masks from previous hunting parties over the years are displayed along a path that winds around all of Luna. Following this trail will take you to some beautiful views and popular spots in which you can dine or shop.

If you're the collector type, you can obtain a small booklet containing lovely sketches of specific masks and a small hint as to where they might be. Participating shops and inns will stamp your booklet if you can locate the shop displaying the mask matching the one in your booklet. Earn enough stamps and you'll receive a modest gift basket filled with cured meats, cheeses, and jams!

Ikorr

Due to the long-lived nature of vampires, typical concepts of spirits and the dead are not a part of Eifstide. Instead, Ikorrans revisit the past by sharing old memories. Many will use the opportunity to visit a friend they haven't seen recently or recreate an important event in their history. Couples might dine at a restaurant where they had their first date or a group of friends might dress in the same outfits they wore to a memorable party years ago.

Though your memories may not be as from long ago, you're invited to do the same. Why not recreate a fond memory with a friend?

You can also honor old memories by weaving a wreath of flowers using the unique glowing blooms that grow in Ikorr. Use colors and florals that remind you of someone or something important. You're encouraged to describe what you're making. It's considered not only polite to provide an answer when asked, but it's also courteous to ask others in return about what they're making.

Once your wreath is complete, you can take it home or gift it to someone. Those who carry a wreath in Ikorr will receive tokens from shops and stalls they visit. The tokens consist of small samples of desserts, miniature bottles of wine, beautiful colored crystals, and scented candles.

---

Comments

onset - nott/nocwich ( in person )

[thoughts]

[ content warnings: depiction of dead bodies ]

[ it's impossible to know when the hallucinations of this newest affliction take hold because they were always there in river's mind to begin with. anyone that's spent any amount of time around her would know how twitchy she is, how she always seems to be on high alert yet startles easily. she sees and hears things that no one else can and gets lost in it, lost in her own little world of monsters and secrets.

but as the days go by, it gets so much worse, and the trouble really begins when it stops being contained to her own little world.

woes be for the nott household of wayward summoned, as it becomes more and more frequent for river to wake up screaming or throw things across the room. while she's wandering the streets of nott and nocwich to explore the various eifstide celebrations, people might find her having a meltdown in public, nigh inconsolable by any of the abraxan natives that seem unsure of how to handle a summoned in distress. they might appreciate someone stepping in to calm her down or at least take her somewhere private before they have to call the guards.

if she's not causing a scene, you might otherwise find her sleeping in odd places, curled up on the sidewalk or leaning against someone's cart, or standing completely still as she stares blankly into the sky or at random surfaces. be careful trying to wake her up - she might react poorly, or you might get pulled into a hallucination.

it's an oddly pleasant one, at least at first glance. they're in a field of flowers and trees and blue skies above, the perfect day for a picnic. there are blankets set out as far as the eye can see, different groups of friends and families gathered to eat and laugh and lay down in the grass together.

it's lovely and quaint until you look a little closer and realize the food is rotting and so are the people, skeletons in various states of decay as they hold their teacups or rest their head in each other's laps. there are no signs of violence or resistance; it's like they had the most wonderful day and simply laid there until they died.

you could be trapped in the vision for a while or you might only catch a flash of it. either way, when you wake up, you'll find yourself sitting on the ground with river right beside you, still asleep herself or with her eyes wide open as she stares right through you. ]

Xǐng xǐng. It's time to wake up.

combo breaker

[aquilus]

[Altaïr remembers this young woman. Quiet, odd, yet with a look in her eyes that said she's seen more than her years should allow — he knows the feeling.

But he can't see anything in her eyes right now; they're staring through him, looking at something far away. Something's not quite right.]

River? That is your name. [He reaches out to gently touch her shoulder, and — ah. Now he is somewhere else entirely. Altaïr turns around, looking to see if she has somehow brought him into where she is or if he's alone in this sudden change of venue.]

[thoughts]

[ as he looks around, altaïr will find himself in the middle of that idyllic afternoon, on or at least near one of the picnic blankets where river is already sitting with her legs tucked to her side. she smiles up at him, warm and inviting with that same uncanny edge that makes everything seem a little too cozy. ]

Drink up, before it gets cold.

[ there's quite the spread before them, a basket full of molding bread and vaguely ornate plates stacked with stale pastries. river tilts a matching porcelain teapot over the quaint little cup on his side of the blanket, but nothing actually pours out of the spout.

it's just like a child playing pretend in this field of rotting corpses. either she's unaware or unperturbed, it's hard to say, but she seems pleasant enough as she welcomes altaïr to join her picnic. ]

[aquilus]

[Under most other circumstances, he'd agree to the gentle order without too much hesitation. Under current ones...

He takes a seat and picks up a slice of bread. Puts it back down.]

Are you finding this a pleasant day?

[thoughts]

[ she sets down the empty teapot and picks up her empty cup, holding it in her hands delicately as she listens to his question and then looks around with a sort of distant expression. ]

It's not pleasant. Not for us.

[ but for them? there's a slight furrow of confusion as she looks at them but river's eyes almost seem as empty as the rest of it, like she's not really comprehending what's in front of her. ]

[aquilus]

No. Not for us.

[He doesn't really know what River is feeling. As for him, well, this isn't the worst situation he can recall. But he wouldn't call it pleasant.]

We could leave. If you like.

[thoughts]

[ at that, she outright frowns, confused by the notion. ]

Can we?

[ river looks around again, at the corpses laying in their final resting place, frozen in this beautifully haunting moment in time. she feels trapped in exactly the same way, slowly rotting away under the warmth of the sun. ]

How? We can't stand up. Told us to lie down and we didn't have a choice. It always comes back to this.

[ it's hard to say how many times she's woken up here, trapped in this nightmare long before coming to abraxas. ]

Meltdown

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ Istredd has been spending more time in Nocwich since it opened for the holiday and it's been a relief to get some much-needed space from Thorne. He has thrown himself into the various holiday treats and Luna and Ikorr's challenges, and it's been pleasant so far. He messaged River to tell her he was spending time there, it would be easier for them to meet here than in Nott, so he's been keeping an eye out for her. He is somewhat known as a Summoned so he is grabbed by someone as he goes, mentioning one of his kind is in 'an emergency.'

He is already moving in that direction after the request but the closer he gets to River, the more he feels the psychic pain in the area, and then when he recognizes it, he runs. Istredd can sense exactly where she is and he rushes over. ]

River, it's okay, it's okay.

[ He says those words out loud, but he also surrounds her mentally with his gentle telepathic embrace, trying to soothe her brain as he does putting his hands on her arms in person. He waves one of them at the others who have been worried watching the situation enfold and they seem content to now leave this to one of her people, walking away.]

River, it's Bá. Come back to me. [ This to her mind. Father. Hers.]

[thoughts]

[ whether it's to escape her boredom from being cooped in the house for the first two weeks of being in nott or to escape the nightmares that seem to follow her into the daylight, river has been all over thorne and nocwich ever since the eifstide celebrations began. it's hard to say what set her off this time, especially in such highly populated areas with so many people's thoughts and emotions swirling around in the storm of cursed magic.

by the time istredd reaches her, river is in a blind panic and she screams when he grabs her arms, squirming as she weakly tries to pull away. ]

No, no! Don't touch it - let go!

[ it's clear she doesn't immediately recognize istredd, she's just a frightened animal trying to escape. but their telepathic bond is strong and she distantly hears his voice in the tempest, right beside her and far away. her movements slow as she tries to follow it but she's still lost in the vision, frowning as she looks at him like she isn't really seeing him.

at least, not the istredd that's in front of her. he's filthy, covered in decay and slowly rotting away himself. she sees him as he was in the pit and river screams in horror, reeling away violently enough to knock into a nearby cart. all at once, her skin begins to glow with starlight as she stares at istredd like she's seeing a ghost. ]

[magicalarchaeologist]

River, please!

[ Istredd doesn't want to have to physically manhandle her, he immediately lets her go because of that, but it means she can panic more without his gentle hand to guide her. There are a great many things that could trigger her so he doesn't know where to start. He is about to try another angle when something changes. She screams in horror and then it's the smell that sets him off.

It's decay and rot and deep dark dirt, mushrooms as well, always those fucking mushrooms, and it gets into his nose and he feels like he's choking on it. It's amazing how easily a smell can take someone back, and his vision changes around him, suddenly they're cast into darkness. Normal people aren't seeing what they are. He's covered in mud again and weak from hunger and thirst, unable to stay on his feet, crashing to his knees.

She is so bright in the darkness though, she shines, and his eyes feel like they can't handle it, cringing away. Some part of his mind knows what that is and he looks terrified. ]

No, River, you can't be here. She wasn't here.

[ Blood appears on his side and he feels it even if it isn't real. He's pale, he's dying. His fear becomes so extreme that he's the one that starts glowing next, the two of them marked by their divine family by the same starlight. ]

[thoughts]

[ she wasn't there and she doesn't know what it was like, not really. river felt it, she felt the memories that lingered in the pit and stood amongst the dead in nocwich's morgue as they tried to bring those lost souls back to their homes.

but she wasn't there, and istredd was. normally his mind is a steel trap, letting her see only as much as he allows - yet the dark magic that hangs in the air pulls her into the vision and she's there, there in the pit where the only light comes from their own panicked forms as istredd is dying right in front of her. ]

Bàba!

[ river wails and places both hands on his side, only a scar in reality even as she sees and feels blood seeping through her fingers. there's movement all around them that she can't see through the dark - people frantically trying to figure out what to do with two summoned freaking out in the middle of a market or people screaming as they're dragged away toward ever greater horrors - and all she can do is weep and try to staunch a wound that isn't bleeding. ]

No, no no no. What do I do? Wǒ de tiān ā, this can't be happening. Can't - I can't - what do I do, Istredd? Don't go...

[magicalarchaeologist]

[ This is the last thing he wanted her to experience. He was there when she was reacting to the psychic scars of the land on the island, and he tried to get her to leave at the time while she suffered. And it was terrible, he knew that from being there himself, but it's not like experiencing the real thing. It's descending on them. Darkness, fear, the chaos of people running and scrambling to escape, but not him. He stayed, wounded and dying, as the infection set in and spread.

There's blood that isn't there and what's worse is there's water that appears below them. It keeps rising. Because the rescue? It didn't actually occur the way people assumed. They tried their best but everyone there nearly drowned, including the rescue party. The water rose and it was dirty, diseased. If it wasn't for the sudden appearance of a turtle, they all would have died. ]

I didn't die.

[ He feels like he is, and he looks like he is, but he knows that he didn't. Istredd puts his hand in hers and their combined starlight brightens up the darkness around them. There was nothing like this in the Pit which means none of this is real. It's not real, he tells himself. The monsters in the walls and ceilings, the vines that dragged people down and strangled them. An endless waking nightmare. ]

River, you need to escape with the others. Go with Kell.

[ His children, he needs to save them both. His brain feels feverish like it did that day, when he couldn't keep awake or conscious for long. Damn, his mind knows this is wrong, but he's fighting against a torrent. In the darkness she may see a symbol, the arcana of the High Priestess, but she has to choose to touch it. ]

[thoughts]

[ the water rises and her panic rises with it, her heart climbing into her throat as she watches istredd living and dying at the same time. the light in their veins shines through the murky waters and she wishes it was comforting, wishes she could comfort him, but all she feels is cold. ]

He's gone, Istredd. They're all gone.

[ they're not there anymore, because the pit is empty and the island was razed to the ground. nightmares and reality are blurring in a strange way, something river is entirely too familiar with, but istredd is usually too powerful to get caught up in her delusions.

something else must be at play here. she couldn't begin to guess what it is, but when she finds the symbol of the fool glowing right beside the high priestess, a mirror reflection of river and istredd's hands, she's at least gripped with the sense that there is a way out somehow. ]

We can go together. Please. I won't leave without you.

[ she won't let him bleed out or drown or rot alone in the dark. ]

[magicalarchaeologist]

Gone. Yes.

[ Istredd forgot. In the Pit, there were two times where he went completely mad, and it was by choice, while he was healing the minds of others. And it was a relief, sadly, to let his mind release him. That feverishness made him forget that Kell is no longer there. It hurts all over again. He did get Kell out of the Pit though, all that time ago. And he's alive, wherever he is. With Rhy, probably.

River is not supposed to be in here with him, although he thinks she would like the turtle part, but he needs to get her out. It's so dark around them, smelling of rot and mud, and he tries to remember what fresh air felt like. How quickly that can change. He reaches out to touch the Fool, her symbol, and it heats up, burning under his hand until a small blue flower is left in his hand. ]

Feainnewedd?

[ There was no Elder Blood spilled here since Cirilla was able to leave, yet the unassuming flower remains in his fingers. He speaks Elder and places it to his lips. A portal opens next to them in the gloom and he looks shocked. It shouldn't work typically, given that people cannot teleport together, but this isn't real. It's all in their head. But it certainly looks real to him.

The ceiling abruptly comes down, cracking and crashing, and he pulls her toward it. ]

meltdown... housemate edition

[sorser]

[It’s the nth time that he’s heard her screaming in the middle of the night, and though that’s grounds to make one grieve the lost hours of sleep he could've have, Stephen finds himself more and more concerned than anything else.

Thus far, it’s been the others who’ve calmed her. But Stephen sees no reason why he might take up that role for now, given that the item she’s thrown nearly misses his ankles as it crashes to the floor, shattering. Nothing irreplaceable — an old mug, but that’s one less mug for the household.

Not that this is the important thing, here.]

River—

[He moves towards her, slowly but steadily, brow pinched.]

Hey, it’s okay. You're back at the house. I’m here.

pls feel free to ignore this horrendously late tag i'm so sorry.....

[thoughts]

[ her eyes are wide like a deer caught in the headlights when she notices him standing there. it's odd; she threw the cup at him but it's like she didn't see him, or maybe she was seeing something else entirely. her brows are furrowed in confusion as she frowns at him. ]

Not here?

[ she deflates a little bit, looking around the darkened room with the same confused expression, but there's still a tension and a twitchiness to her, like she might startle at a sudden breeze. ]

It was. I saw it. Right there, you didn't see it?

[ when did he get here? when did she get down here? it's not clear if river is actually awake at all. ]