Ask Ash

[ashes-the-lonely]

[OOC intro post because they have too many aus to have an in character intros.]

This is an RP blog for my TMA OC, Ashes "Ash" Alexandria.

Set approximately around S3, but variable to change at request.

Lore doc:

Reblog by @maximillien-morreldantes

💬 4  🔁 15  ❤️ 27 · Tundra Ash au (I'm taking name suggestions): Ash ends up at the institute, as in the original, but it's Lukas who find

They're Lonely-aligned, with both Eye and Web markings/influence (unchanging, irrespective of their interactions with others. They will end up becoming a Lonely Avatar)

They're ~35/36 at this point in time.

DNI if you hate in any way, shape or form. I will not tolerate hate on this blog.

No asks that are too NSFW - Ash is aro/ace and Mod isn't comfortable with that.

Mod's main is @abovethemoon333

OOC/Mod posts will be tagged and also signed off.

roleplays tagged with #archivist ash au are from an au where ash takes over the Archivist role when Jon fucks off into hiding in early s3 and ends up an Eye avatar. for this au, text coloured red denotes the Eye's influence (i.e. them Compelling someone.]

roleplays tagged with #tundra ash au are from an au where ash joins peter lukas' crew instead of the archives. they're still a Lonely avatar. For this au, text coloured blue denotes them writing it down. Regular coloured text is for them speaking aloud.

- C

[ashes-the-lonely]

Hello you look very cool would you like to get sodas with me

Hello there, how did you get into... oh, why not. It would piss Elias off if I were to go out in the middle of the work day.

[They bundled their stuff into their satchel.]

Shall we?

[theonewithallthefixations]

Yay!

[I lead the way to the shop.]

What’s your favorite type of soda?

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

I like Sprite, I suppose. You?

[ashes-the-lonely]

Hello you look very cool would you like to get sodas with me

Hello there, how did you get into... oh, why not. It would piss Elias off if I were to go out in the middle of the work day.

[They bundled their stuff into their satchel.]

Shall we?

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"You should try it. It feels so much more... Alive. Energizing."

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'll.. take that under advisement.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"What's your name?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head.]

I already told- Ashes. My name's Ashes.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh yeah, sorry. Well. It was nice to meet you, Ashes. Maybe I'll see you at the Institute sometime."

[ashes-the-lonely]

It was nice to meet you too, Jude. Maybe I'll see you at another random construction site. Wait... Can you do that for all mechanical things?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yes... Why?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

....could you do me a favour? nothing huge, I just need you to make a specific computer.. crash, basically.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I ain't sure if computers'll respond the same way, but I can take a crack at it. Where is it?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

The.. Institute. It's.. my boss' computer.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"As long as they won't know, I'll try my best."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you'll be alright.

[They nodded.]

Yeah. I'm heading to work now, so you can.. come with, I guess.

[ashes-the-lonely]

haaiiiiiii archiviiiistttt!!!!! :333 what are you up to? do you want a leech? i have plenty to share!!!

...who are you? How did you get in here!? You-

[A pause.]

You're a Vastard.

[They ran a tired hand down their face.]

Who the hell are you?

@leechluvr85

[leechluvr85]

wow, you got that quickly!! hello!! i'm tilly :3 i heard you were the new archivist here, and i thought it best to make an introduction, as you'll probably be seeing more of me as time goes on!! i, um, wouldn't try to make any attempts to block me from entering, i always have my ways, you see :3 but i have no bad intentions!! i just want to say hello, i promise!

[ashes-the-lonely]

....right. Hello, Tilly.

[They sighed.]

As long as you mean no harm. You seem... tolerable enough.

[leechluvr85]

i'm very tolerable!! and quite harmless, when i choose to be... which i am choosing right now, truly! so... do you want a leech?

[ashes-the-lonely]

..no thank you, as I don't think I'd be able to look after it adequately. As it happens, I'm rather busy, but you can stay in here for as long as you'd like.

[leechluvr85]

..really?? that usually doesn't.. work. huh! i suppose you're new, that makes sense! well, thank you!

[she hops up onto the end of their desk, causing water to pool dangerously close to their papers]

so, what's new? any statements about me? i do love seeing those!!

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They winced at the sight of the water.]

Please, sit in the actual armchair, Ms Escareno.

I don't.. think there have been any statements about you.. wait, no, there was one. Some man going on about leeches being the devil. I thought it was rather amusing.

[leechluvr85]

oh, just tilly's fine!

[she doesn't seem to register their request.]

leeches being the devil? that is amusing! these little darlings are quite the opposite of satanic, i'd think... i mean, they almost look angelic, don't they? they're so sweet...

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They sighed.]

Please, move off my desk. And I will grant that your leeches are.. surprisingly well behaved.

[leechluvr85]

oh! alright, if you insist...

[she gets off of the desk, only to begin wandering around the room, examining anything that looks vaguely interesting]

well, for one thing, the leeches stay with me because i feed them. simple as that. but for another, they like you, archivist. they didn't like the last one, i'll tell you that. i mean, they have thirty-two brains. did you know that? so, you know, if you get on their bad side, they'll remember thirty-two times that you weren't nice to them! it's quite fascinating, to see the way they attack...

in any case! you're fine, though, they told me. don't worry!

[ashes-the-lonely]

[Ash was slowly reaching for one of the leeches left behind on the desk, tentatively holding out their finger.]

They're cute. Better than Prentiss' worms, at least. I knew her before she was.. of the Corruption, actually. She was rather nice.

[They shrugged.]

[leechluvr85]

oh, you're brave! that one's really nice, i promise. she bites, though. obviously. you knew prentiss before her children? really? i always thought she was so beautiful-- we cross paths sometimes, being a part of the flesh hive and all-- but i never really got the courage to say anything to her. people change a lot after they become avatars, don't they? i know i have.

[ashes-the-lonely]

I mean, I can't attest to her beauty more recently, as I was in Artefacts when she attacked the Institute, but I heard Elias' frustration at having to deal with the Health and Safety lot and honestly anyone who can piss him off is a friend to me, so..

[They let the leech clamber onto their hand.]

[leechluvr85]

oh, i don't like him either. sort-of-deadnaming nosy little prick.

so, tell me about yourself! how did you land a position such as this? where do you come from?

[ashes-the-lonely]

Uh, the short answer is that I've been working here - in Artefacts, not the Archives - since I was.. 14. Elias needed an Interim Archivist, so.. here I am. And yourself- oh, please be careful with that paperweight, it was a gift-

[Tilly was holding a rather nice metal paperweight in the shape of a middle finger.]

[leechluvr85]

what a….. kind? gesture? i wonder if it would break if i dropped it—

[at their panic, she giggles]

no, i’m kidding. you, um, have fun with this.

[she sets it back down]

me? i mean, i lived, i died, now i’m here! got a rather nice domain in the ocean, if you’d ever like to visit…

[ashes-the-lonely]

I would visit, but, well.. I don't know how well the Eye would handle that.

[They exhaled in relief as she set the paperweight down.]

[leechluvr85]

oh, i see… hehe, see, like the eye… anyway! i do not think the ceaseless watcher is very fond of me being here, either, so i’ve already irritated it, just saying… the sensation of true infinity is quite something…….

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They cocked their head.]

That does sound fascinating... perhaps I will come visit, if you can ensure my relative safety.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"You should try it. It feels so much more... Alive. Energizing."

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'll.. take that under advisement.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"What's your name?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head.]

I already told- Ashes. My name's Ashes.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh yeah, sorry. Well. It was nice to meet you, Ashes. Maybe I'll see you at the Institute sometime."

[ashes-the-lonely]

It was nice to meet you too, Jude. Maybe I'll see you at another random construction site. Wait... Can you do that for all mechanical things?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yes... Why?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

....could you do me a favour? nothing huge, I just need you to make a specific computer.. crash, basically.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I ain't sure if computers'll respond the same way, but I can take a crack at it. Where is it?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

The.. Institute. It's.. my boss' computer.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"You should try it. It feels so much more... Alive. Energizing."

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'll.. take that under advisement.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"What's your name?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head.]

I already told- Ashes. My name's Ashes.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh yeah, sorry. Well. It was nice to meet you, Ashes. Maybe I'll see you at the Institute sometime."

[ashes-the-lonely]

It was nice to meet you too, Jude. Maybe I'll see you at another random construction site. Wait... Can you do that for all mechanical things?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yes... Why?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

....could you do me a favour? nothing huge, I just need you to make a specific computer.. crash, basically.

[wonderful-rp-resources]

Please reblog this if it’s okay for me to just pop into your ask box to RP with you, even if you haven’t reblogged a meme, because I just want to RP with you

[ashes-the-lonely]

haaiiiiiii archiviiiistttt!!!!! :333 what are you up to? do you want a leech? i have plenty to share!!!

...who are you? How did you get in here!? You-

[A pause.]

You're a Vastard.

[They ran a tired hand down their face.]

Who the hell are you?

@leechluvr85

[leechluvr85]

wow, you got that quickly!! hello!! i'm tilly :3 i heard you were the new archivist here, and i thought it best to make an introduction, as you'll probably be seeing more of me as time goes on!! i, um, wouldn't try to make any attempts to block me from entering, i always have my ways, you see :3 but i have no bad intentions!! i just want to say hello, i promise!

[ashes-the-lonely]

....right. Hello, Tilly.

[They sighed.]

As long as you mean no harm. You seem... tolerable enough.

[leechluvr85]

i'm very tolerable!! and quite harmless, when i choose to be... which i am choosing right now, truly! so... do you want a leech?

[ashes-the-lonely]

..no thank you, as I don't think I'd be able to look after it adequately. As it happens, I'm rather busy, but you can stay in here for as long as you'd like.

[leechluvr85]

..really?? that usually doesn't.. work. huh! i suppose you're new, that makes sense! well, thank you!

[she hops up onto the end of their desk, causing water to pool dangerously close to their papers]

so, what's new? any statements about me? i do love seeing those!!

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They winced at the sight of the water.]

Please, sit in the actual armchair, Ms Escareno.

I don't.. think there have been any statements about you.. wait, no, there was one. Some man going on about leeches being the devil. I thought it was rather amusing.

[leechluvr85]

oh, just tilly's fine!

[she doesn't seem to register their request.]

leeches being the devil? that is amusing! these little darlings are quite the opposite of satanic, i'd think... i mean, they almost look angelic, don't they? they're so sweet...

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They sighed.]

Please, move off my desk. And I will grant that your leeches are.. surprisingly well behaved.

[leechluvr85]

oh! alright, if you insist...

[she gets off of the desk, only to begin wandering around the room, examining anything that looks vaguely interesting]

well, for one thing, the leeches stay with me because i feed them. simple as that. but for another, they like you, archivist. they didn't like the last one, i'll tell you that. i mean, they have thirty-two brains. did you know that? so, you know, if you get on their bad side, they'll remember thirty-two times that you weren't nice to them! it's quite fascinating, to see the way they attack...

in any case! you're fine, though, they told me. don't worry!

[ashes-the-lonely]

[Ash was slowly reaching for one of the leeches left behind on the desk, tentatively holding out their finger.]

They're cute. Better than Prentiss' worms, at least. I knew her before she was.. of the Corruption, actually. She was rather nice.

[They shrugged.]

[leechluvr85]

oh, you're brave! that one's really nice, i promise. she bites, though. obviously. you knew prentiss before her children? really? i always thought she was so beautiful-- we cross paths sometimes, being a part of the flesh hive and all-- but i never really got the courage to say anything to her. people change a lot after they become avatars, don't they? i know i have.

[ashes-the-lonely]

I mean, I can't attest to her beauty more recently, as I was in Artefacts when she attacked the Institute, but I heard Elias' frustration at having to deal with the Health and Safety lot and honestly anyone who can piss him off is a friend to me, so..

[They let the leech clamber onto their hand.]

[leechluvr85]

oh, i don't like him either. sort-of-deadnaming nosy little prick.

so, tell me about yourself! how did you land a position such as this? where do you come from?

[ashes-the-lonely]

Uh, the short answer is that I've been working here - in Artefacts, not the Archives - since I was.. 14. Elias needed an Interim Archivist, so.. here I am. And yourself- oh, please be careful with that paperweight, it was a gift-

[Tilly was holding a rather nice metal paperweight in the shape of a middle finger.]

[leechluvr85]

what a….. kind? gesture? i wonder if it would break if i dropped it—

[at their panic, she giggles]

no, i’m kidding. you, um, have fun with this.

[she sets it back down]

me? i mean, i lived, i died, now i’m here! got a rather nice domain in the ocean, if you’d ever like to visit…

[ashes-the-lonely]

I would visit, but, well.. I don't know how well the Eye would handle that.

[They exhaled in relief as she set the paperweight down.]

[leechluvr85]

oh, i see… hehe, see, like the eye… anyway! i do not think the ceaseless watcher is very fond of me being here, either, so i’ve already irritated it, just saying… the sensation of true infinity is quite something…….

[ashes-the-lonely]

I will take your word for it, dear. Perhaps some other time.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"You should try it. It feels so much more... Alive. Energizing."

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'll.. take that under advisement.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"What's your name?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head.]

I already told- Ashes. My name's Ashes.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh yeah, sorry. Well. It was nice to meet you, Ashes. Maybe I'll see you at the Institute sometime."

[ashes-the-lonely]

It was nice to meet you too, Jude. Maybe I'll see you at another random construction site. Wait... Can you do that for all mechanical things?

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"You should try it. It feels so much more... Alive. Energizing."

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'll.. take that under advisement.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"What's your name?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head.]

I already told- Ashes. My name's Ashes.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"You should try it. It feels so much more... Alive. Energizing."

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'll.. take that under advisement.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Isn't it... Dry?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Not especially, no. But I'm not used to Feeding directly at all, so I suppose I'm a tad biased.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Does it feel strange, reading statements? Feeling the Fear second-hand?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Strange? No. But I suppose I'm used to it.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They were silent for a while, watching the commotion as unharmed people inside tried to help their coworkers and fellow bystanders rushed over to the fence to look on in morbid curiosity. After a while, they turned to Ash again, picking up their bag. "Thanks. I've been stalking this one guy for weeks. Hopefully he'll realize it was me - perhaps you'll even get a statement."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Let's hope I do get a Statement. Double Feeding off one event sounds like the lottery.

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They didn't move, gripping the links of the fence tightly as the crane's payload began to swing more wildly, people on the ground beginning to panic. As Ash Watched, it suddenly jerked and swung directly towards the scaffolding, striking it suddenly and crushing multiple people who didn't move fast enough as others were sent falling to the ground. The sound of screams, crunching wood, crunching person, and the clang of concrete on metal erupted like a volcano following the rumbling of concerned chatter below.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They tilted their head backwards, slightly overwhelmed by the sudden spike of Fear.]

Damn.

[They nodded respectfully at the man.]

[ashes-the-lonely]

A young person with short, dark auburn hair was standing a little way down the street from Ash, peering through a chain-link fence. They wore a brown leather jacket over a fairly mundane green-grey business casual outfit, and they were staring very intensely at the construction site on the other side of the fence. Their hand was entangled in the links of the fence, gripping it with white knuckles, as their other hand seemed slack, almost ready to let go of the bag they were holding; they weren't doing anything, but something felt very wrong.

@envys-new-tma-rp-blog

[They crossed the street, walking towards the person. Even from a distance, they could feel the person's Avatarhood.]

Excuse me!

[They called out as they approached him.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

His head rapidly turned towards them. He seemed mildly out of it, but the feeling of danger immediately evaporated. "Um, hello? What's going on?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Oh, you seemed like you were about to drop your bag. Are you alright? You look a little out of it.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Yeah, I'm alright. Who are you exactly?" They looked them up and down.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Ashes Alexandria. Nice to meet you.

[They held out their hand to shake.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

He shook it with a firm grip. "Likewise. I'm Jude. Jude Garraway. I like your hair."

[ashes-the-lonely]

Thank you very much. I like your outfit.

[They themselves were dressed in a white button-up shirt and a dark green sweater vest.]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

Jude was wearing a green collared shirt and grey slacks, with dark brown loafers that matched their leather jacket. "Yours is nice too. So... Where you goin'?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

I'm on my way to work. You?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"I, uh... I don't really have a job, so. I'm out finding sustenance." They raised the bag in their hand.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They nodded slowly.]

Makes sense. You're of.. The Slaughter, right?

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Eye?"

[ashes-the-lonely]

Yep. I work at the Magnus Institute, actually.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, that place. That makes sense." He glanced to the construction site. "Just had to interrupt me while I'm trying to eat, huh?" His tone was wry, with no sign of genuine animosity.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They shrugged.]

My bad. Don't let me keep you from Feeding. You might wanna do it somewhere you're gonna get less stares, though.

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

"Oh, it'll be fine. Wanna watch?" They seemed excited.

[ashes-the-lonely]

Absolutely.

[They sat down next to the fence, eyes fixed on him?]

[envys-new-tma-rp-blog]

They returned to staring through the fence, setting their bag down this time.

There was a crane in there, currently being used to move something heavy and concrete-looking. And at around the same height, about fifty feet away, was a set of scaffolding. As Ash watched, the crane's gentle ferrying of the object to its intended location came to an abrupt halt. Then, it began to swing.

[ashes-the-lonely]

[They whistled lowly.]

Goddamn that's impressive.

[They used the influx of fear to Feed as well - Feeding on Watching this Avatar engender Fear. It was surprisingly satiating.]