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languageofmemory2023-08-19 02:45 am
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[Placeholder, though feel free to drop things off in the comments that I should add later and I'll use them as a checklist and delete the comments when they're actually added to the post proper.]
usemyheart2025-05-25 12:46 pmAnd I know exactly how this ends
Time used to have meaning to him, but at some point he and time have gone their separate ways. That's fine. He's not sure how long it will take him to find what he is looking for. At least his memories hold together, even if he is not entirely sure when they happened. Not everyone who has traveled where he has could say the same.
This delve has brought him to a garden under a dusk dark sky. He guesses it is a garden because the wildness of the plants and trees looks created. An ideal of what is wild, without the dangers of the wild. Well, at least nothing has run out of the bushes to try to kill him yet. It has the chance to be a safe enough place to rest for a little while.
He settles himself down at the base of a solid tree, letting it take his weight as he lets his eyes close for a brief rest.
This delve has brought him to a garden under a dusk dark sky. He guesses it is a garden because the wildness of the plants and trees looks created. An ideal of what is wild, without the dangers of the wild. Well, at least nothing has run out of the bushes to try to kill him yet. It has the chance to be a safe enough place to rest for a little while.
He settles himself down at the base of a solid tree, letting it take his weight as he lets his eyes close for a brief rest.
amistillenough2024-12-29 05:28 pm(no subject)
Barnaby has been spending a lot of time with Greta and Daye. Often they're doing it in the penthouse, but sometimes they go down to their apartment. Sometimes they're just spending time together, but often Greta and Daye are helping him understand what he is now capable of. While they don't carry all of the same abilities, they have a few in common and want to help him understand these new parts of himself.
It's been strange for him if he's honest, but not bad. They've helped in learning how to both shapeshift into human and non-human shapes and that has been a true joy. He's gotten mostly comfortable with the cat shapes he takes on, but they've taught him how to explore other forms, and he enjoys those too. They've also let him explore taking on different human characteristics, mostly by letting him take on theirs as practice. More than once Todd or Mikael has walked in on two people shaped like Greta or Daye.
Today had them working at the apartment. It was a good time, and both of them were always so kind, but he found himself more worn out than usual and finally getting to go back to the penthouse was a relief. They hadn't pushed him any further than he wanted to go, the three of them had Barnaby build a mental connection with them as practice while they worked on the shapeshifting, so they saw when he was starting to get tired.
So, they both gave him kisses and sent him on his way. Greta told him to text them if anyone was interested in having dinner, and he gave both of them hugs and kisses in return before heading back upstairs.
He's listening to see if anyone is around, but he's already heading to Todd's room. He'll pivot if there's someone home though. If he's alone though, all he wants is to go under the bed for a little while and rest. And hey, if he does that, he can practice getting smaller to make that goal easier.
It's been strange for him if he's honest, but not bad. They've helped in learning how to both shapeshift into human and non-human shapes and that has been a true joy. He's gotten mostly comfortable with the cat shapes he takes on, but they've taught him how to explore other forms, and he enjoys those too. They've also let him explore taking on different human characteristics, mostly by letting him take on theirs as practice. More than once Todd or Mikael has walked in on two people shaped like Greta or Daye.
Today had them working at the apartment. It was a good time, and both of them were always so kind, but he found himself more worn out than usual and finally getting to go back to the penthouse was a relief. They hadn't pushed him any further than he wanted to go, the three of them had Barnaby build a mental connection with them as practice while they worked on the shapeshifting, so they saw when he was starting to get tired.
So, they both gave him kisses and sent him on his way. Greta told him to text them if anyone was interested in having dinner, and he gave both of them hugs and kisses in return before heading back upstairs.
He's listening to see if anyone is around, but he's already heading to Todd's room. He'll pivot if there's someone home though. If he's alone though, all he wants is to go under the bed for a little while and rest. And hey, if he does that, he can practice getting smaller to make that goal easier.
softlyandsuddenly2024-12-29 05:05 pmsome things will never change
Greta has been quiet as of late. Not distant exactly, but more as if she's had something on her mind. She has, for the most part, been herself but there are flashes of frustration that show themselves when she's not careful.
Daye has been keeping an eye on her and sticking close. He knows what has taken up her thoughts, but he knows she would rather not talk about it until she's ready. He respects that and wants to let her bring it to the table, even if it's starting to reflect in his actions too.
It takes time for her to do so, but Greta finally tells Ash and Barnaby that she wants to talk to them about something and she'd rather do it in the bedroom she and Daye have claimed. The blankets from when they had first arrived are still there and have been added to, as well as many pillows for all four of them. Despite what she had expected, she feels comfortable there and wants that comfort when she speaks to them.
She has actually settled in Daye's lap, something she doesn't often do, and his arms are around her when the other two arrive. She gives them both an apologetic smile and gestures for them to sit down.
“I wanted to apologize for how I've been lately,” she starts when they've sat. “I've had a few things on my mind.”
Barnaby takes up a spot facing the two of them, bunching up several blankets and pillows and curling his body around them as he listens.
Daye has been keeping an eye on her and sticking close. He knows what has taken up her thoughts, but he knows she would rather not talk about it until she's ready. He respects that and wants to let her bring it to the table, even if it's starting to reflect in his actions too.
It takes time for her to do so, but Greta finally tells Ash and Barnaby that she wants to talk to them about something and she'd rather do it in the bedroom she and Daye have claimed. The blankets from when they had first arrived are still there and have been added to, as well as many pillows for all four of them. Despite what she had expected, she feels comfortable there and wants that comfort when she speaks to them.
She has actually settled in Daye's lap, something she doesn't often do, and his arms are around her when the other two arrive. She gives them both an apologetic smile and gestures for them to sit down.
“I wanted to apologize for how I've been lately,” she starts when they've sat. “I've had a few things on my mind.”
Barnaby takes up a spot facing the two of them, bunching up several blankets and pillows and curling his body around them as he listens.
awakeninwonder2024-12-29 04:45 pmonly then will we be free
They had planned to have another form before now. Of course, they're coming to understand that plans don't always go the way you expect, even if they've ended better than anticipated.
They had stayed with him in the apartment until the time came to return the body to its original owner. Even if they did put it off for a day or so, they knew not to push their luck and really did want to leave the person with no issues when they returned control.
Still, before they did, they picked up a collection of sweets and left it for the person to find when they were properly conscious again. It seemed polite.
They find another body quickly and decide that this time they're going to go through with their plan of finding something of their own before the time comes to give this one back. It's going to make things easier in the long run, and they'll be able to have exactly what they want.
For now, though, they walk through the door of the apartment in a small, lean body. One that seems like it would be both swift and able to get through all kinds of hard-to-reach places. They might go for something like this when they select their permanent form, but they're not entirely sure, so they're taking the chance to try it out. At the very least, they know this body will be able to pose a challenge for their companion if the two of them choose to go on a chase before they find a form of their own.
“I think this will do for now,” they say without preamble. “Though we need to find something more permanent before this one needs to be brought back. I'd prefer to not have to borrow a third body. Hopefully, we can manage that if we're less distracted.”
They had stayed with him in the apartment until the time came to return the body to its original owner. Even if they did put it off for a day or so, they knew not to push their luck and really did want to leave the person with no issues when they returned control.
Still, before they did, they picked up a collection of sweets and left it for the person to find when they were properly conscious again. It seemed polite.
They find another body quickly and decide that this time they're going to go through with their plan of finding something of their own before the time comes to give this one back. It's going to make things easier in the long run, and they'll be able to have exactly what they want.
For now, though, they walk through the door of the apartment in a small, lean body. One that seems like it would be both swift and able to get through all kinds of hard-to-reach places. They might go for something like this when they select their permanent form, but they're not entirely sure, so they're taking the chance to try it out. At the very least, they know this body will be able to pose a challenge for their companion if the two of them choose to go on a chase before they find a form of their own.
“I think this will do for now,” they say without preamble. “Though we need to find something more permanent before this one needs to be brought back. I'd prefer to not have to borrow a third body. Hopefully, we can manage that if we're less distracted.”
amistillenough2024-12-29 04:19 pmat the feet of untamed things
Barnaby is restless. At first, he thought it was maybe boredom, just a moment of not being able to focus on anything, but no. He can feel an itch to do something, anything, that has him moving.
He'd tried playing music, which didn't really get him anywhere. It felt good for a few minutes, but then it only seemed to build up the restlessness even more. So he put down his violin and traded it for pacing the length of the livingroom with a book in hand.
It also doesn't really help, but doing two things at once makes things settle a tiny bit more. He needs to do something though, something that makes him move and keeps his attention.
Putting down the book, he digs up some of the rope they keep around, running his fingers over it before he starts to tie and untie it until he finds himself doing a series of ties on himself. It's at least posing enough of a challenge to keep him occupied, which is all he wanted.
The thought of going to get Jeremy had crossed his mind, as had going to go talk to Birch to see if they would be a good distraction, but this would do for now. He can pivot to something else when it stops working.
He'd tried playing music, which didn't really get him anywhere. It felt good for a few minutes, but then it only seemed to build up the restlessness even more. So he put down his violin and traded it for pacing the length of the livingroom with a book in hand.
It also doesn't really help, but doing two things at once makes things settle a tiny bit more. He needs to do something though, something that makes him move and keeps his attention.
Putting down the book, he digs up some of the rope they keep around, running his fingers over it before he starts to tie and untie it until he finds himself doing a series of ties on himself. It's at least posing enough of a challenge to keep him occupied, which is all he wanted.
The thought of going to get Jeremy had crossed his mind, as had going to go talk to Birch to see if they would be a good distraction, but this would do for now. He can pivot to something else when it stops working.
drinkeveryscar2024-10-29 08:30 amThe Quiet Dead
Florimund wasn't some neophyte. He was centuries old. However, it seemed that the older he got the harder it was for him to shake himself out of being caught up in seeing something he found beautiful. Not always, but there had been a storm last night. He had been out, well now he couldn't remember what he had been doing, but he had stood out in the pouring rain watching the lightning dance over the sky. Caught between entrancement and thinking about his storm spirit lover it had been nearly dawn by the time the storm had eased and he had come back to his senses.
Thankfully this city had a catacombs. No one would notice a new body, even a drenched one. Well that might make it seem more natural. As he settled himself in a reasonably comfortable position he put on his glass mask. These days his scar was often not seen as something to be shunned, however he has never managed to look properly like a corpse. His skin always looks and feels alive, even if a little cold. So if anyone were to see him, he thinks that not seeing his seemingly living features would be the better option.
As the sun rises over the storm-swept land he is pulled into the sleep of the dead.
Thankfully this city had a catacombs. No one would notice a new body, even a drenched one. Well that might make it seem more natural. As he settled himself in a reasonably comfortable position he put on his glass mask. These days his scar was often not seen as something to be shunned, however he has never managed to look properly like a corpse. His skin always looks and feels alive, even if a little cold. So if anyone were to see him, he thinks that not seeing his seemingly living features would be the better option.
As the sun rises over the storm-swept land he is pulled into the sleep of the dead.
fireinthesunrise2024-10-27 05:58 pmWhere do you go?
Tick.
There is a soft ticking somewhere.
He comes to with a gasping breath. Everything hurt. Even his skin feels like it had been burned when his clothes moves against him. Everything is a bright blur when he opens his eyes, the light stabbing down his optic nerves and making his stomach roil. Not wanting to potentially choke, he rolls heavily onto his side. For a moment, the world becomes a static hum of pain, and he is distantly aware of his body convulsing as his stomach empties whatever is in it.
Limply he lays and waits for the pain to shift. Slowly the world comes into focus. Near him, he sees someone else lying on the floor. A thought struggles to the surface, telling him that he knows that person is dead. A wave of guilt followed by confusion moves through his mind. Did he know them?
He tries to grab at his memories, but they feel used and worn. Second hand. This person had been his... friend? Probably. He can see in his mind's eye, like the memory of a memory, them giving him a smug smile and introducing themself as "Kite. Like the bird."
Slowly, he pushes himself to something resembling sitting, and this time, the wave of pain is not so bad. He takes steady breaths but resists the urge to close his eyes. Closing them for longer than a blink might return him to not being able to see clearly.
At his current vantage point he can see blood on the floor and spattered over Kite's body. However, it looks like it came from where he is sitting, not from whatever ended their life. Looking himself over he notes that the arms of his jacket have been shredded. Something tickles the back of his mind, but he can't quite get it to surface. He is also covered in blood. Not a massive amount, but enough he feels like he should have some kind of injury. However, beyond the pain he can't find anything. Nothing feels broken or out of place, and no cuts or wounds that he can find.
When he finally staggers to his feet he can see the pool of blood he had been laying in. Who's blood was that? Staying here and trying to figure that out feels like a bad idea. Now that he is in a position for mobility he is overwhelmed with the need to be away. Outside and away from here.
In his sudden desperate need he somehow pulls the door off of its hinges. Was that a normal thing? He doesn't remember doing something like that before. These thoughts spill through his mind as he awkwardly gets through the now broken door and out into the night. Above him he can see a slice of the night sky and he feels a sharp need to be up there. He coils and leaps. He tries. His vision fractures into a chaotic spill of perspectives and he can feel something reaching up. Arms? Legs? More than he thinks he should have.
Then pain rips through him. It feels like something is trying to tear him apart. He screams and he can hear something inhuman screaming with him. Before the pain washes out the world again, his last thought is wondering if that is what he sounds like.
There is a soft ticking. It's the old watch on his wrist.
This time when he opens his eyes he is somewhere else. Inside another small home. This time the door is not ripped off its hinges. It feels familiar. It smells familiar. It feels safe enough that instead of getting up he curls into a ball and lets the darkness of unconsciousness take him again.
There is a soft ticking somewhere.
He comes to with a gasping breath. Everything hurt. Even his skin feels like it had been burned when his clothes moves against him. Everything is a bright blur when he opens his eyes, the light stabbing down his optic nerves and making his stomach roil. Not wanting to potentially choke, he rolls heavily onto his side. For a moment, the world becomes a static hum of pain, and he is distantly aware of his body convulsing as his stomach empties whatever is in it.
Limply he lays and waits for the pain to shift. Slowly the world comes into focus. Near him, he sees someone else lying on the floor. A thought struggles to the surface, telling him that he knows that person is dead. A wave of guilt followed by confusion moves through his mind. Did he know them?
He tries to grab at his memories, but they feel used and worn. Second hand. This person had been his... friend? Probably. He can see in his mind's eye, like the memory of a memory, them giving him a smug smile and introducing themself as "Kite. Like the bird."
Slowly, he pushes himself to something resembling sitting, and this time, the wave of pain is not so bad. He takes steady breaths but resists the urge to close his eyes. Closing them for longer than a blink might return him to not being able to see clearly.
At his current vantage point he can see blood on the floor and spattered over Kite's body. However, it looks like it came from where he is sitting, not from whatever ended their life. Looking himself over he notes that the arms of his jacket have been shredded. Something tickles the back of his mind, but he can't quite get it to surface. He is also covered in blood. Not a massive amount, but enough he feels like he should have some kind of injury. However, beyond the pain he can't find anything. Nothing feels broken or out of place, and no cuts or wounds that he can find.
When he finally staggers to his feet he can see the pool of blood he had been laying in. Who's blood was that? Staying here and trying to figure that out feels like a bad idea. Now that he is in a position for mobility he is overwhelmed with the need to be away. Outside and away from here.
In his sudden desperate need he somehow pulls the door off of its hinges. Was that a normal thing? He doesn't remember doing something like that before. These thoughts spill through his mind as he awkwardly gets through the now broken door and out into the night. Above him he can see a slice of the night sky and he feels a sharp need to be up there. He coils and leaps. He tries. His vision fractures into a chaotic spill of perspectives and he can feel something reaching up. Arms? Legs? More than he thinks he should have.
Then pain rips through him. It feels like something is trying to tear him apart. He screams and he can hear something inhuman screaming with him. Before the pain washes out the world again, his last thought is wondering if that is what he sounds like.
There is a soft ticking. It's the old watch on his wrist.
This time when he opens his eyes he is somewhere else. Inside another small home. This time the door is not ripped off its hinges. It feels familiar. It smells familiar. It feels safe enough that instead of getting up he curls into a ball and lets the darkness of unconsciousness take him again.
softlyandsuddenly2024-08-25 02:34 pm(no subject)
Including herself, there are only three members of the family here tonight. The function hadn't called for more, and really there should only be two, but everyone knew she and her brother came as a set. Even so, they are on opposite sides of the room, him talking with someone who believes the money they paid to be here will do more work than being a cordial person. Daye is better with those types of people though, she's never had patience for them.
Greta herself is talking with Vincent, their other brother who's shown up tonight. He's tending bar and keeping an ear out to see if there's anything worth hearing. They smile at each other and he hands her a glass of something she knows she'll enjoy before she starts making her way through the crowd.
Her hair is loose tonight, red curls against her dark brown skin, and the dress she wears is long and made of a a dark blue fabric that catches the light and holds her form well. She's taller than normal, but that's only due to the heels she's wearing and really, they only give her about four inches, which can still be useful in situations like this.
She scans the room before she spots who she's looking for. Raising a glass in Mikael's direction once she's caught his eye, she makes her way over.
"Hello there," she says to him, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Greta herself is talking with Vincent, their other brother who's shown up tonight. He's tending bar and keeping an ear out to see if there's anything worth hearing. They smile at each other and he hands her a glass of something she knows she'll enjoy before she starts making her way through the crowd.
Her hair is loose tonight, red curls against her dark brown skin, and the dress she wears is long and made of a a dark blue fabric that catches the light and holds her form well. She's taller than normal, but that's only due to the heels she's wearing and really, they only give her about four inches, which can still be useful in situations like this.
She scans the room before she spots who she's looking for. Raising a glass in Mikael's direction once she's caught his eye, she makes her way over.
"Hello there," she says to him, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
undoneanddivine2024-07-19 05:56 pmNew Times
Both of his partners are happy to give him the time to let go of his worries. They both understand that things built up to protect one's self take time to unmake once it is no longer needed. Todd has his own dismantling to do, but Mikael will be a point of safety for both of them while they navigate these challenges.
Mikael bushes Baranby's hand while Todd puts his arm around him. They are both content to walk in comfortable quiet together, and maybe that is something good for Barnaby. A chance to look out at this city that is now his home from a safe place between his loves.
Eventually they reach a quaint little shop front and the sign above the door reads "Nine in Time." In the windows are mannequins representing both male and female body types, but all the clothes are in the realm of suits, but all fit the forms under them perfectly.
"Here we are," Mikael says. He turns to look at Baranby, "Are you feeling ready? We can always come another time."
Mikael bushes Baranby's hand while Todd puts his arm around him. They are both content to walk in comfortable quiet together, and maybe that is something good for Barnaby. A chance to look out at this city that is now his home from a safe place between his loves.
Eventually they reach a quaint little shop front and the sign above the door reads "Nine in Time." In the windows are mannequins representing both male and female body types, but all the clothes are in the realm of suits, but all fit the forms under them perfectly.
"Here we are," Mikael says. He turns to look at Baranby, "Are you feeling ready? We can always come another time."
deathisacard2024-01-11 03:25 pmWe'll build our altar here
The days are approaching the winter solstice, and each day that passes Todd seems to be both lighter and more weighed down. A couple days before it coming to pass Mikael suggests they all take a walk around Todd's favorite park and look at the lights the city has put up.
Todd readily agrees and in a burst of happy energy he gets the trio out the door and to the park. It is in this nicer part of town and it takes very little time for them to walk there. Snow has fallen off and on for weeks now, but the roads and sidewalks are clear except for piles here and there pushed as far off to the side as possible. His partners might not be overly fussed by the cold, but he insists they dress as if the cold has some effect on them. He doesn't really have a heaver jacket, but he has a lovely scarf that shifts from purple to red in the light.
As they walk Mikael nudges Barnaby. "I gave him that years ago."
Todd throws a grin at the two of them.
People are out doing all their last minute Christmas shopping or taking their visitors around town. They all give the trio a large amount of space without really noticing that is what they are doing.
When they arrive at the park there is a flat courtyard that during the rest of the year sees people gathering or markets. Now there are small food carts arrayed around offering hot drinks and snacks (like mini doughnuts). Todd smiles brightly when he sees everything set up and the people going between them to get a snack on their holiday outings. The rest of the park is relatively free of walkers, which Todd thinks will make it a better time for the three of them.
"Anyone want anything?," he asks.
"I'd like some hot chocolate," Mikael says.
Todd readily agrees and in a burst of happy energy he gets the trio out the door and to the park. It is in this nicer part of town and it takes very little time for them to walk there. Snow has fallen off and on for weeks now, but the roads and sidewalks are clear except for piles here and there pushed as far off to the side as possible. His partners might not be overly fussed by the cold, but he insists they dress as if the cold has some effect on them. He doesn't really have a heaver jacket, but he has a lovely scarf that shifts from purple to red in the light.
As they walk Mikael nudges Barnaby. "I gave him that years ago."
Todd throws a grin at the two of them.
People are out doing all their last minute Christmas shopping or taking their visitors around town. They all give the trio a large amount of space without really noticing that is what they are doing.
When they arrive at the park there is a flat courtyard that during the rest of the year sees people gathering or markets. Now there are small food carts arrayed around offering hot drinks and snacks (like mini doughnuts). Todd smiles brightly when he sees everything set up and the people going between them to get a snack on their holiday outings. The rest of the park is relatively free of walkers, which Todd thinks will make it a better time for the three of them.
"Anyone want anything?," he asks.
"I'd like some hot chocolate," Mikael says.
amistillenough2023-12-18 07:16 pmi could have been anything
There are places Barnaby goes that don’t have him staying long enough to do things like find work, or worry much about the logistics of living. Then there are other places that tug at his desire for stability. They open up to him when he breathe in the air, or feels the sun on his skin, and he dares to dream of staying still for a while.
This place has been like that, It’s a waystation for most, a point to stop and refuel or get some supplies or downtime on the way out to further points in the stars, but he likes it here. Eventually he’ll leave, he always does, but for now he’s pretending he can keep this for a while.
He got a job doing maintenance and repairs around the area. Technically he’s working on spacecrafts, doing all those fiddly things people forget to do when they’ve been traveling for too long, but he’ll do just about anything someone asks of him. He’s good at fixing things, or at least working out what might be wrong to begin with, and it really does make him happy to untangle things like that.
Barnaby also tends to claim the less desirable shifts; nights, mostly, but if there’s something big coming into town, or someone has a holiday they celebrate, they can usually get him to cover. It’s why the sun is barely starting to show when he’s walking out, hands in his pockets, and head tilted toward the sky. It’s not a way he normally navigates in the world, but no one’s around, and he’s always loved looking at the stars.
There’s someone headed toward him, but he doesn’t actually consider it much. At least not at first. Something about them pulls at his attention, and more at the binds that he still wears. They tighten around him, as if trying to keep him from getting too close. It makes him stumble at how abruptly they constrict, and he suddenly feels like he’s choking.
They don’t let up though, in fact they tighten hard enough to bring him to his knees as he coughs and tries to get himself out of the way.
Whatever's happening, he’s pretty sure this means he’ll be leaving soon.
This place has been like that, It’s a waystation for most, a point to stop and refuel or get some supplies or downtime on the way out to further points in the stars, but he likes it here. Eventually he’ll leave, he always does, but for now he’s pretending he can keep this for a while.
He got a job doing maintenance and repairs around the area. Technically he’s working on spacecrafts, doing all those fiddly things people forget to do when they’ve been traveling for too long, but he’ll do just about anything someone asks of him. He’s good at fixing things, or at least working out what might be wrong to begin with, and it really does make him happy to untangle things like that.
Barnaby also tends to claim the less desirable shifts; nights, mostly, but if there’s something big coming into town, or someone has a holiday they celebrate, they can usually get him to cover. It’s why the sun is barely starting to show when he’s walking out, hands in his pockets, and head tilted toward the sky. It’s not a way he normally navigates in the world, but no one’s around, and he’s always loved looking at the stars.
There’s someone headed toward him, but he doesn’t actually consider it much. At least not at first. Something about them pulls at his attention, and more at the binds that he still wears. They tighten around him, as if trying to keep him from getting too close. It makes him stumble at how abruptly they constrict, and he suddenly feels like he’s choking.
They don’t let up though, in fact they tighten hard enough to bring him to his knees as he coughs and tries to get himself out of the way.
Whatever's happening, he’s pretty sure this means he’ll be leaving soon.
softlyandsuddenly2023-12-18 03:54 pmall the people were watching...
Neither of them were looking to find something interesting when they stepped onto this particular planet, but it doesn’t mean they’ll turn away when something interesting passes them by. It’s why they’re here, watching the stranger who seems to be set apart, even within a crowd of bodies, all of which seem to move as one while the evening descends upon them.
Daye understands how that can work, how things can distort when you’re around. He’s not seen it in others for a while now, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t recognize it immediately
For her part, Greta seems curious about the anomaly they’ve found, but not enough to go explore on her own. However, she knows how this works, and Daye’s interest is enough to echo within herself to motivate her. It’s why she’s taken to following the blue skinned stranger as they continue to travel through the crowd. She doesn’t try to hide herself, but she doesn’t directly interact until Daye is catching up to her. Then she lands several feet ahead, cocks her head at the person, and flutters her wings to be sure she has their attention. To them, all she might seem to be is a large black bird of some kind, but if you pay attention, it’s obvious she’s far more than meets the eye.
Daye comes jogging up behind them, his presentation settled into that of a young, pale skinned boy, though the true color of his skin seems to shift and turn depending on the way the light hits him. It’s the shape he often wears with people who don’t recognize him, the one that’s a little less inclined to induce uncertainty but familiar enough for him to be comfortable wearing.
“She says hello,” he tells the stranger, standing about an arm’s length away from them. “I do too.”
Daye understands how that can work, how things can distort when you’re around. He’s not seen it in others for a while now, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t recognize it immediately
For her part, Greta seems curious about the anomaly they’ve found, but not enough to go explore on her own. However, she knows how this works, and Daye’s interest is enough to echo within herself to motivate her. It’s why she’s taken to following the blue skinned stranger as they continue to travel through the crowd. She doesn’t try to hide herself, but she doesn’t directly interact until Daye is catching up to her. Then she lands several feet ahead, cocks her head at the person, and flutters her wings to be sure she has their attention. To them, all she might seem to be is a large black bird of some kind, but if you pay attention, it’s obvious she’s far more than meets the eye.
Daye comes jogging up behind them, his presentation settled into that of a young, pale skinned boy, though the true color of his skin seems to shift and turn depending on the way the light hits him. It’s the shape he often wears with people who don’t recognize him, the one that’s a little less inclined to induce uncertainty but familiar enough for him to be comfortable wearing.
“She says hello,” he tells the stranger, standing about an arm’s length away from them. “I do too.”
undoneanddivine2023-10-30 10:11 amAre all those bridges now old stone?
[From Here]
There are a fair amount of people here going to the stores, going to work, leaving work, all the bustle of a healthy city. Since he is paying attention Barnaby finds that people are avoiding them. There are no ill looks being cast their way. It is more like the people on an instinctual level sense something and move to avoid it. It is not dissimilar to a shark, who is not feeding, moving through a school of fish.
As they walk Mikael points out and comments on the buildings and shops around them. This is the very nice part of town and everything is well taken care of because the city has put more resources here. Mikael comments that the whole city could be like this if it better cared for all its people and places like this.
Soon enough Mikael draws them into a shop. It is long and narrow. The front is just shy of cluttered with tables and chairs, none of which match. A couple more comfortable and plush places to sit are set into the walls to either side with their own little tables. At the far end is a counter and behind it a whole wall of containers, pieces of equipment for boiling water, and mugs. There is a small glass case of pastries on the counter, with little labels set by the clusters of baked goods.
Behind the counter is a slim man dressed in comfortable looking clothes in warm shades that compliment the warm color of his skin. His dark hair is cut short, but the kinkiness of it makes it so it is a soft, short, poof. At the moment he is the only other person in the shop and he smiles in greeting to the new arrivals.
"Ah, Mikael. Good to see you. New friends, I'm Arthur. I have a menu of teas up here or we can talk a bit and I will make some suggestions," he says.
Mikael gives a little wave to Arthur. "Whatever you two feel like. I can be part of your conversation if you want that but don't feel confident."
There are a fair amount of people here going to the stores, going to work, leaving work, all the bustle of a healthy city. Since he is paying attention Barnaby finds that people are avoiding them. There are no ill looks being cast their way. It is more like the people on an instinctual level sense something and move to avoid it. It is not dissimilar to a shark, who is not feeding, moving through a school of fish.
As they walk Mikael points out and comments on the buildings and shops around them. This is the very nice part of town and everything is well taken care of because the city has put more resources here. Mikael comments that the whole city could be like this if it better cared for all its people and places like this.
Soon enough Mikael draws them into a shop. It is long and narrow. The front is just shy of cluttered with tables and chairs, none of which match. A couple more comfortable and plush places to sit are set into the walls to either side with their own little tables. At the far end is a counter and behind it a whole wall of containers, pieces of equipment for boiling water, and mugs. There is a small glass case of pastries on the counter, with little labels set by the clusters of baked goods.
Behind the counter is a slim man dressed in comfortable looking clothes in warm shades that compliment the warm color of his skin. His dark hair is cut short, but the kinkiness of it makes it so it is a soft, short, poof. At the moment he is the only other person in the shop and he smiles in greeting to the new arrivals.
"Ah, Mikael. Good to see you. New friends, I'm Arthur. I have a menu of teas up here or we can talk a bit and I will make some suggestions," he says.
Mikael gives a little wave to Arthur. "Whatever you two feel like. I can be part of your conversation if you want that but don't feel confident."
deathisacard2023-08-22 02:18 pmEntry tags:
The Message
It is morning proper by the time Todd starts to stir. He slowly wakes to being surrounded in warmth. The body pressed to his is becoming familiar and the feel of Barnaby's skin against him brings a quiet interest to him. Nuzzling at his neck he pushes forward to tip him toward being on his back. Kissing down his neck he runs his hand down his side.
He has always enjoyed waking up like this. Almost always with Mikael, but here with Barnaby he feels a soft enjoyment to it that is new. It is enough to pull a soft sound from him in an attempt to articulate how pleased he is.
He has always enjoyed waking up like this. Almost always with Mikael, but here with Barnaby he feels a soft enjoyment to it that is new. It is enough to pull a soft sound from him in an attempt to articulate how pleased he is.
amistillenough2023-08-20 12:06 amEntry tags:
i will never look away
Ever since he received the opera tickets from his boyfriend, Barnaby had kept them in his violin case. Every so often he would check to make sure they're still there, or simply just take them out to show himself they're real. Every time though, he can't help but smile when his fingers first touch them.
There are so many things his boyfriend has done for him but this one holds a special place in his heart. He can't even articulate why exactly, but knowing that Jeremy got those tickets for the two of them just because he thought he'd enjoy it still sends happy little shivers through his whole body.
Even though he knows the opera was coming up, he was still surprised when it was only a few days away. Now that it's here and they're more awake than not, he realizes that he's feeling a kind of nervous anticipation.
This could be utterly amazing and he wants it to be, but there are always worries and doubts that whisper from deep within his thoughts.
Instead of indulging them though, he snuggles up to his boyfriend and nuzzles into him.
“Getting up for coffee has both never felt so easy and so hard. If I cave in and wrap you up in the blanket so I can bring you to the kitchen, would you judge me for it?”
There are so many things his boyfriend has done for him but this one holds a special place in his heart. He can't even articulate why exactly, but knowing that Jeremy got those tickets for the two of them just because he thought he'd enjoy it still sends happy little shivers through his whole body.
Even though he knows the opera was coming up, he was still surprised when it was only a few days away. Now that it's here and they're more awake than not, he realizes that he's feeling a kind of nervous anticipation.
This could be utterly amazing and he wants it to be, but there are always worries and doubts that whisper from deep within his thoughts.
Instead of indulging them though, he snuggles up to his boyfriend and nuzzles into him.
“Getting up for coffee has both never felt so easy and so hard. If I cave in and wrap you up in the blanket so I can bring you to the kitchen, would you judge me for it?”
deathisacard2023-08-06 07:26 pmEntry tags:
Everything Bleeds
He isn't sure which city this is. He hadn't bothered to learn those particulars. The Hierophant tended to move from city to city with whatever whim took him. He rarely took Todd with him, but did expect him to catch up with him. Between that and his formless times in the Void, Todd travled a lot. When he arrived to wherever the pull of his Arcana was he regularly would find some hotel to stay at. Even while staying in whatever city it was he would change locations regularly. Sometimes the city's Royals would get ideas and if he could make their jobs more difficult, all the better.
What belongings he did have he kept in the little sliver of Void he carried with him. It was a handy place because he was the only one who could access it. There was quite a collection of weapons and ammunition for the weapons that required it. His favored weapon remained the shattered sword that had been used to kill him the first time. He was sentimental like that. But beyond that he had a few items that he kept to remind him of times past. Many of them were given to him by Mikael, an Icon of Judgement who had become attached to the wake around the Hierophant. They were friends and occasional lovers, in as much as Todd had anyone to call a friend. Not that he had found or reconnected with Mikael yet in this city.
He had been busy, he told himself, with doing the Hierophant's dirty work. That dirty work had eventually led him into what had turned out to be a well made trap. Well made enough that Todd had not realized it until he had been pinned down under a hail of gunfire. It might have worked for the Royal that set it up. They might have been able to injure him enough to send him for a time to the Void. Unfortunately for them it had not been enough and Todd had killed them all. He had even chased down the last couple that tried to run.
Now he leaned up against the wall of an alley somewhere near the warehouse the trap had been in. It was dark, probably, or maybe it was only a product of the blood loss. As long as no one else with violent intent and skill took a serious run at him he would probably recover from this.
What belongings he did have he kept in the little sliver of Void he carried with him. It was a handy place because he was the only one who could access it. There was quite a collection of weapons and ammunition for the weapons that required it. His favored weapon remained the shattered sword that had been used to kill him the first time. He was sentimental like that. But beyond that he had a few items that he kept to remind him of times past. Many of them were given to him by Mikael, an Icon of Judgement who had become attached to the wake around the Hierophant. They were friends and occasional lovers, in as much as Todd had anyone to call a friend. Not that he had found or reconnected with Mikael yet in this city.
He had been busy, he told himself, with doing the Hierophant's dirty work. That dirty work had eventually led him into what had turned out to be a well made trap. Well made enough that Todd had not realized it until he had been pinned down under a hail of gunfire. It might have worked for the Royal that set it up. They might have been able to injure him enough to send him for a time to the Void. Unfortunately for them it had not been enough and Todd had killed them all. He had even chased down the last couple that tried to run.
Now he leaned up against the wall of an alley somewhere near the warehouse the trap had been in. It was dark, probably, or maybe it was only a product of the blood loss. As long as no one else with violent intent and skill took a serious run at him he would probably recover from this.