Cardinal Hill Starters

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[ritualove]

Open starter: @cardinalstart

Location: Town Square

Event #4: Pumpkin Palooza

Live music, good food, and fun games is what Joey was expecting to experience at Pumpkin Palooza. He had heard a lot about the event from just about everyone in time since he settled some months ago, how well it went last year, what people are excited for this year, and a lot of worries about whether or not it would even run. Since it was revealed that it would run, Joey had been thinking about it constantly, talking about it on HexWave so much people have been complaining. And he's been having a whale of a time, but the one place he wasn't expecting to spend so much time at during the event was the first aid tent.

Pumpkin carving and pumpkin painting were two seperate events, however Joey's experience with pumpkin carving included an unintentional dash of painting when blood started spurting from the deep cut on his thumb he accidentally gave himself after misjudging the density of a certain section of pumpkin. It was quite a scene, a lady passed out, Joey nearly passed out too, but that was mainly from the bloodloss. In the middle of the chaos, he was able to cast a spell on his hand removing the life-threatening aspect of such a cut, making a sliced artery just a near miss. The spell hurt more than the original cut, but at least he got to lay in the first-aid tent, hand wrapped in gauze, while the medics discussed simultaneously whether or not he should go the hospital, and what their dinner plans are.

It was actually a better vibe than Joey expected, he could hear the live music humming away at a nice level and he got a free cookie to help with his sugar levels. He responsibly denied any of the strong pain killers they offered, much to his, and his hand's, chagrin. It was starting to get pretty boring though, at least until Joey turned his head to the side, seeing a fellow cell mate getting sat down on a cot next to his, another topic for the medics to discuss. "Whatcha in for?" Joey asked, sitting up, giving himself a strong kick of vertigo that made him lay straight back down.

[lxstboysxx-deactivated20251114]

@cardinalstart.

Location: Cardinal Crystals

"What do you think? Is this a good way to say 'sorry I accidentally scared your boyfriend off by making him super uncomfortable during his first dinner with our family by talking in length about toxic masculinity and the rampant oversexualization that poisons the minds of most men in our society today that propagates the fragile male ego?" EJ asks holding up the dainty silver chain adorned with a small moon stone heart shaped charm. "It's for my sister" he adds.

[lovesspell]

Location: Outside of Cardinal Hill Chapel Starter for @cardinalstart

"Hey! Can you do me a favor? Tell me if this looks straight?" Will called from the top of the Chapel down to whoever was walking past as he strung up a new banner to announce the Chapel's food and clothing drive for the holidays. It was one of his favorite times of the year, even if it was one of the busiest. But he liked to know he was giving back and especially now, he wanted to be there for his community as much as possible. "What do you think? If it's even a little bit droopy, Sister Helen isn't gonna let me hear the end of it when she comes for mass this Sunday. And she has a mean stare," he told them as he shivered at the thought of it. "So, does it look straight or should I adjust it? Please don't tell me there's a typo on the banner."

[theonewhocaresforwhatremains]

status: open @cardinalstart

where: green thumb nursery

jibril took comfort in having houseplants in their apartment, it made them feel like the space was a little more "alive", in their opinion. there was just something a little dreary to him about living in a place with white walls and no greenery. they probably had enough already, as their place already had at least one sprout in every room, but that didn't stop them from browsing.

since he'd moved to cardinal hill, the local plant nursery had been his go-to for these purchases. sometimes they didn't even buy anything, but just came in to see if there were any new arrivals. he picks up a venus flytrap as he peruses the store, examining it carefully.

"interesting how even plants can be carnivorous, don't you think?" they muse, the question not addressed to anyone in particular. "it's almost unexpected, you'd think that they can survive off of water and sunlight alone. i guess it just goes to show that life will always find a way."

[touchofmxgic]

open for anyone! (0/3) @cardinalstart location: The Ceramic Cup 

Alice had been sketching away, color pencil in hand as she tried to distract herself from the thoughts at the back of her mind. The events of the Fair still present, the whole experience had scared her even when she was suppose to be 'safe', what if it happened again? What if whatever was trying to get her came back?

She stops, taking a deep breath. ' you're okay ' she repeats to herself, looking around her, everything was okay, she was okay. Alice was about to continue her drawing when she saw a familiar face." Hey!" she waves." Long time no see!"

[visionsofx]

open starter / @cardinalhq / location: UTP

"Is this one of them places that treats Halloween like it's some kind of godsend?" he asks, slipping an unlit cigarette between his lips, "why's that?" It's not even October yet and he's already seeing Halloween decorations fill the windows of the local shops. He blows through about a half dozen towns each year, so he's used to the way many small towns celebrate Halloween, but he's always disinterested in their yearly festivities.

@cardinalstart

[hearthandhallows]

✿ Open starter for @cardinalstart at Breaking Glass Bar.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Connor swirled what was left of his whiskey around in the glass, watching the amber liquid catch the light before throwing it back in one gulp. He wasn’t usually one for drinking this much on a weeknight, but the thoughts of the carnival clung to him like smoke. Hard to shake. He’d gone with a couple co-workers on the last night, just to be social, and he couldn’t stop wishing he’d stayed home instead.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Add to that his sister’s sudden arrival in town, and his nerves had been rattled more than he liked to admit. A few drinks at the bar had seemed like a good way to ease them, but instead he just felt restless, almost giddy. When he ordered his next round, he asked for something fun–something with a ridiculous umbrella.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ What he didn't expect was the bartender setting it down at the exact moment he reached for it. Their hands collided, the glass tipped, and bright liquid spread across the bar before dripping to the floor.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And, of course, onto someone else.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Oh, gosh–sorry, I’m so sorry,” Connor sputtered, snatching for napkins and blotting at the spreading mess. He turned toward the unlucky patron with wide, apologetic eyes. “Are you good? Did it get on you?”

[kamiikruz]

⸤ KΛMI ⸣   ⸻  open starter ╱ answer , if you DARE !

a shake of his head , that followed with his hand as he looked at the other before him. ❝  enough about me , as much as i love talking about how great i am ----- in and out of bed , what has you here talking to me out of all people ❞

[katakruzz]

⸤ KΛƬΛ ⸣   ⸻  open starter ╱ all are welcome !

❛ I KNOW you said to kill her with KINDNESS but can't i just , you know ----- KILL HER ? ❜

[bitethvhand]

❁ Location: Cardinal Hill Library ❁ Open Starter @cardinalstart ❁ Muse: Matilda Espinoza

Since the return of two people she thought she'd never see again, Matilda had been doing her best to figure out how they were able to find her in the first place. Where she ran away from had a reputation, and she was hoping that no one was after her, Haruki, or Olive. The library seemed like the best place to find answers; often, they'd have articles from newspapers, and she needed to know if there was something she had missed.

Had the group been dismantled? Was there actually no danger at all, and Matilda was just once again going straight into fight or flight mode? It was difficult for her to piece together by herself. For the most part, she had done her very best to steer clear of the library. The sound of children that echoed in the hallways made her instantly emotional every time, always catching her off guard, no matter how hard she tried to prepare. Since seeing Olive, that feeling would hopefully be manageable.

Walking through the entrance, she scanned the map near the doorway, hoping to find the archives, but she was so frantic that it was impossible to read it. Pinching in between her brows, Matilda took a deep breath and tried to calm herself before making her way to the first person she saw.

"Excuse me do you know where the archives are?"

[wcirdo]

Open starter for @cardinalstart Location: Downtown Cardinal Hill at a random cigarette machine

After securing a place to live and establishing a new life clear across the country Pascal found himself down to his twenty bucks. He got a job at the flower shop a week ago but wouldn't see his first paycheck until Friday so he was going to have to make what little cash he had stretch until he got his new source of income going. He'd just gotten done with another training shift at the flower shop and was heading back to his car when he spotted an unassuming cigarette machine.

He felt around in his pocket for his change and had just enough on him to buy a pack. Even if he was broke he was going to splurge on a vice to get him through the stress of moving somewhere new. He was just about to put his last coin in the machine when it jumped out of his hands and rolled underneath the vending machine.

"You've got to be kidding me," Pascal complained to himself as if he wasn't constantly inconvenienced like this perpetually throughout his day. Instinctively Pascal got on his hands and knees to feel around for his lost quarter. The closer he got to finding the quarter the more he found himself shaking the cigarette machine. Pascal had spotted the unassuming can of Coke someone had set on the cigarette machine but had thought nothing of it or the potential contents it might've held. That is until Pascal managed to get his hands on his runaway quarter only to bump the machine just enough to knock the can over and have it's gooey contents spill down the back of his neck while his head was still under the machine. Of course it wasn't just old Coca-Cola trickling down the back of his shirt. Unbeknownst to Pascal that can of Coke had been living on that cigarette machine for years and had been used as a communal ashtray and spit cup for months now and he now had a sludge of his new neighbors saliva and ash running down his skin.

He bumped his head as he got out from under the cigarette machine instantly alarmed by the feeling of something sticky on the back of his neck and he quickly swiped his hand against his skin to see what the hell dripped on him only to be disgusted when he looked and saw his fingers tinged with an unknown brown and viscus substance. Grossed out he instantly straightened up fully as he wiped again at his neck not having anything with him to properly clean himself up. Unknown to him someone had been watching this event all go down and was now approaching Pascal.

[theartofintrigue]

status: open @cardinalstart

where: riverside bookstore

riverside was one of richie's favorite haunts. he didn't always purchase a book from the store but he found that it was worth perusing the shelves nevertheless. besides his obvious interest in psychology, he also enjoyed reading a variety of genres. today, he looked over the mystery section of the bookstore.

upon locating a book that seems interesting, richie decides to open it to the first page. it isn't long before he's engrossed in the writing, casually leaning against a bookshelf. he barely notices when someone brushes his shoulder, glancing up from the pages with a wry smile. holding up the book slightly, he asked, "have you read this one? i hope it's worth the read or i'm about to waste a perfectly good afternoon. and please, don't tell me the butler did it."

[footnotesoftherecentlydeceased]

status: open @cardinalstart

where: go fishin game, cardinal hill fun fair and carnival

ash was focused intently on the game at hand. plastic fishing pole with magnetic lure in hand. he'd always been fond of the carnie games at fairs, even if he knew they were mostly rigged. nonetheless, he found a certain enjoyment in testing his skill at these games. a lot of the time, he got lucky enough that he walked away with a small prize.

the same was true today, the worker pulls the tab off his fishing pole to reveal blue, an indicator of a small prize. ash sighs and gives a small laugh, feeling only slightly discouraged. he selects a keychain with a mini stuffed frog for his prize after being shown his options.

"i don't know about you, but i always feel like i win the small prize at these games. like i've been coming to fairs for years and i don't think i've ever won a big prize at the fishing game."

[ritualove]

Open starter: @cardinalstart

Location: Cardinal Carnival & Fun Fair

Eren has only been to one carnival in her life, way back in her childhood in Turkey. That carnival formed many a core memory for her, and she had always wanted to go to another one. Everytime she had the chance, she wasn't able to go. Pre-made plans to visit her family, finals week at college, bronchitis, the universe had a way of making her miss the rides and the expensive food. This year, it was Calvin who tried to get her to miss it. Well, not exactly, he did say that there was a chance he would be working late, and as much as Eren wanted them to go together, he didn't complain when she said she was going to go without him.

Despite the carnival having been in town for quite a while now, it was still bussling. The energy was alive, and the music from all the rides were booming. Eren wasn't feeling it though, she hadn't gone on a single ride, the single game of Wac-A-Mole resulted in an underwhelming loss, and the romantic 'couples deal' at the churro stand would've been way too much for her to eat alone. She was frustrated more and more by every opportunity that she couldn't entirely enjoy just because she was alone, the sight of the young couple exiting the photobooth made her frustration apex. She would not be going home from the carnival without a photo. Going up to the first person she could see, Eren tapped them on the shoulder, "Hi, I'm here alone and I saw there was a photobooth over there," She pointed to the small box, "Wanna get a photo together?"

[prophecieswithoutcause]

status: open @cardinalstart

location: cardinal hill carnival and fun fair, in front of the carousel

levi sits on a nearby bench, watching as the carousel begins another round. when they were young, it used to be their favorite ride at the carnival. now, it just felt like something that had slipped out of reach, the colors and jaunty music tugging at a time when the world seemed simple. their eyes scan over the painted animals, all dressed up in their carnival costumes.

the thought creeps in that they want to go on the ride, but they feel a little awkward going alone. it's a children's ride, for the most part, or something couples reliving nostalgia. neither of which were applicable to levi. part of them wonders if the ride operator would even bat an eye. they look over the crowd, wondering how weird it would look to ask.

"hey, i know this is a weird question, but would you mind going on the carousel with me? it seems like the kinda thing that's for children or couples, and i've got neither. i'll buy you a funnel cake or corn dog or whatever. dealer's choice."

[lovesspell]

Location: Cardinal Carnival & Fun Fair (near the food stalls) Starter for @cardinalstart

"Uh if you were hoping for a corn dog I'd give it at least another 20 minutes unless you want it extra fried." Xander laughed at his own joke as he glanced back at the stall. He had been hoping to enjoy more of the carnival but he had ended up working and had greatly underestimated how many literal and figurative fires he would need to put out throughout the opening days of the carnival. "Or I'll buy you one when they're ready if you pretend to need my assistance at the Basketball Shoot. There's a prize there I kind of want to win for someone. What do you say?"

[rigorwithoutreward]

status: open @cardinalstart (carnival event)

location: ring toss

andrew had never really been one to attend carnivals, but since he was new in town, he figured it wouldn't do him any harm go to the local fair. the ferris wheel reminded him of the london eye, though on a much smaller scale. maybe it was the fact that he hadn't eaten all day, or maybe the scent of sugar and friend foods in the smelled too good, but it made his mouth water.

he makes his way to the ring toss, where he observes several patrons attempt to win a prize. the attendant asks andrew if he'd like to buy a couple rings to try his luck, but he declines, perfectly content to people-watch for now. he hones in on one person who's attempting the game, watching them toss a ring and miss, before he makes his way over.

"try flicking your wrist when you throw the next one." he suggests, stopping a few feet from the other. "the angle makes it more likely that the ring will land on a bottle."