haunted.

[vinemagic]

⸻ 🌻 . . . AN ENCHANTED KNIGHT WAS already half-lost beneath one of Tyrants kudzu-clones when it found her.

While thorny kudzu-vines snaked &. swallowed silver-armor ⸻ that winded through the joints &. empty inner-space ⸻ punctured in the back from one of the Alderwood Wolves. As it forced its way through all the panic &. chaos. As it lifted her from the floor as though she weighed no more than an bundle of flowers intended for burial. As she missed the grand-finale ⸻ not that she had visual to witness it anyway. While she could hear ⸻ doors swinging open ⸻ the sound that felt like an thunderclap against her ears. As all this was an grim promise of medical aid . . . yet it feels so much more like an prelude to ⸻ medieval-medical-torture ⸻ or an burial-ritual. 

From an force down her throat ⸻ to expel shrapnel-fragments.  To Tyrants clone not giving her no time to recover ⸻ thrusting her face into an sink filled with water. While for an stunned second ⸻ everything was cold ⸻ &. everything was muffled. As air reached her lungs briefly before Tyrants clone dunks her again ⸻ washing pink &. stray shrapnel from her face ⸻ lashes. Again ⸻ it lifts her ⸻ again it forces her beneath the watery surface ⸻ rinsing her eyes with the relentless patience of something following instructions it only partly understands.

Being lifted back up ⸻ as the sudden rush of water dripping down her face ⸻ an clear scent of of smoke after she pushed the left over water out her nose ⸻ &. confusion why it had suddenly all stopped. “ Good timing. I was looking for better medical-coverage anyway. ” She sputtered water out of her mouth sounding highly sarcastic as watery deep-pink tears spilled as she was still unable to open her eyes.

“ You . . . do know the usual response to an ballroom becoming an hazard zone is to find cover &. not alcohol ⸻ right? ”

[casimirdraven]

cas blinked at her for a second before glancing over his shoulder toward the ballroom, as though he'd only just remembered there had been a ballroom. "...right." his brows pulled together. "there is... a whole thing, isn't there? i figured i could find both." he rubbed the back of his neck with an awkward laugh. his smile faded as he looked back at her, finally getting a good look at the tears slipping from her eyes. "hang on." his voice softened immediately. "do you know what happened?" he leaned in just enough to inspect without touching her, his nose wrinkling. "because i'm gonna be honest, this may be above my scope of knowledge..." he looked her eyes over once more. clearly she had been blasted by something. "actually, just tell me what you need. how can i help?"

[leonardoisms]

A flirty smile etched its way onto Leo's features. It was hollow, only there to mask as it the turtle gave Cas a once-over. His nights of patrol had given him enough clues that Cas was in close contact with Hades. Very close. Which, to some degree, everyone in the Underland was in Hades' pocket. Deciding how far the degrees of separation went was what Leo had been spending most of his time doing. His boss had a seat at Hades' table, but Leo wanted to know what was going on in the other factions of the Underland. Inferno specifically. "And this is what you considered worthwhile?" The slide asked easily. "Well, look no further. You found the best fighter the club has to offer." Although his confidence was a coat he wore as protection most days, there was still pride in his features at the statement.

"And what reputation have I garnered?" Leo had lived in the shadows up until now. Being so publicly known was odd territory for him. It went against everything his father had done while raising his boys. "Here I thought my entrance was dramatic enough, but I'm happy to take notes on how I can improve my flair."

[casimirdraven]

cas's grin widened, effortless and entirely too entertained. "somewhat worthwhile. i was going off secondhand opinions afterall.. i escaped for a reason, you know. i like forming my own opinions." his gaze lingered on leo for a beat before he gave an approving hum. "i'd say they undersold you, actually." he folded his arms loosely across his chest. "from what i've heard? you're dangerous, annoyingly hard to put down, and somehow still polite enough to shake hands after breaking someone's ribs. that's a rare combination." the corner of his mouth tugged higher. "but, i don't think you need my notes. i heard rumors you're leaving this place soon anyways."

[leonardoisms]

#𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗋 ›› ft. casimir draven location: locust fight club tagging:  @casimirdraven

Leo never lingered long after fights. He'd offer the occasional autograph, never photos, and chatted when he could with his growing group of fans. It was an odd feeling being thrust into the spotlight when you grew up in the shadows. Being a pit fighter went against everything Leo knew in so many ways. He didn't do this for pleasure; is what he often had to remind himself. He did this out of necessity. Survival. He had to play the game of the Underland if he was going to help put a stop to Hades. A streak of blue flashed through the club as Leo made a dash for the door. He only halted when he almost collided with another body. Leo knew Hades' boys well enough. They were notorious. The closest you were going to get to the God since Hades didn't bother with the commoners unless you had something of interest. Interacting with both of them meant he was closer to Hades' radar. It was a dangerous game Leo was playing, but he wasn't one to shy away from danger. "Did they let you out of Inferno tonight to see the match?" He hummed, charm and all, as he began to slowly creep his way out.

[casimirdraven]

cas had barely stepped into the club before the noise hit him. the roar of the crowd, the thrum of music, the unmistakable energy of people waiting to see someone get knocked around. he wasn't exactly a regular here, but tonight? he had a reason. or at least, that's what he was telling himself. "what can i say?" he said, flashing a grin as he looked leo over. "i escaped. figured if i was going to break out of inferno for a night, it better be for something worthwhile." he glanced toward the ring with a knowing smirk. "i heard they had the best fighter the club has to offer. figured i should see if the rumors were true."

cas leaned back as leo started making his way toward the exit, matching his pace just enough to be annoying. "though, i gotta admit, i expected a little more dramatic entrance from someone with a reputation like yours, y'know?" he raised a brow, amused.

[shadowjinu]

"and why would you think that?" jinu didn't want to be doing anything for anyone. he wanted to be a free person. his freedom wouldn't come until he got rid of huntrix, but that was easier said than done. the memories that he wanted gone would probably help him. "you're funny. i'm self employed. no one other than me signs my pay check." not exactly true, but the job that mattered to him was in fact his own. maybe helped along by some shady people.

"yes, half my soul." a fae could probably do a lot with half of a demon soul, though jinu wouldn't know what they'd want to do with it. his soul wasn't even his own to begin with. "i don't exactly want anything." he wanted to be free. he hoped that one day he would be free. "why because then he couldn't use me?"

[casimirdraven]

cas barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "self-employed? sure, if that's what we're calling it now." his grin lingered, easy and teasing, though there was something more thoughtful behind it as he looked jinu over. "i've met enough people who swear nobody owns 'em while they're still dancing to somebody else's tune."

"i'm not saying i would steal half a demon soul, but i'd at least be curious what all the fuss was about that the fae would want it." he bumped jinu lightly with his shoulder. "relax, i'm kidding. mostly."

at the last question, cas's smile faded into something quieter. "yeah," he admitted with a shrug. "because if somebody benefits from keeping you exactly where you are, they're usually not real interested in seeing you walk away. especially for free." he let that sit for a beat before tilting his head.

[casimirdraven]

closed event starter ft. @vinemagic

cas had almost made it through the entire evening before he felt the spell begin to crack. it started at his fingertips, the magic pulling away from his skin like smoke, and panic settled in his stomach. muttering a curse beneath his breath, he slipped out of the ballroom and ducked into the nearest empty kitchen. the second the door shut behind him, the glamour finally gave out, minnie's features melting away until his own reflection stared back at him from a polished serving tray. "well," he sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, "that could've gone better."

the relief lasted all of three seconds. the kitchen door swung open again, and cas froze where he stood, shoulders stiffening as his gaze snapped toward the newcomer. traces of fading magic still shimmered in the air around him, impossible to miss if someone knew what they were looking for. he offered an awkward, crooked smile, silently praying they'd arrived just a moment too late. "before you say anything," he started, lifting both hands in surrender, "i can explain. i was just looking for better champagne."

[bluebeatricehawthorne]

“uhhh,” beatrice says, thrown off balance enough that her mind goes blank. her face feels hot. is she blushing? of all the times to not be a bird - at least then she doesn't have figure out how to respond to flirting. “right. yes, you can stay. since you brought food.” she shuffles further back against the window frame, tucking her legs closer to give him room. “although, better than people out there could still be pretty mediocre, as far as i know. if you're such good company, what are you doing hiding away with me? trying to escape your adoring fans?” she asks, recovering enough to give the words a sardonic edge, though the hostility has largely drained away.

[casimirdraven]

cas laughed under his breath as he settled beside her, careful to leave just enough space between them. "so that's the secret? all i had to do was bribe you with food?" he glanced down at what he'd brought before looking back at her with an easy smile. "good to know."

her question earned a quiet chuckle, and he shrugged one shoulder. "oh, i have plenty fans. they're just doing a terrible job of finding me." his gaze drifted out toward the ballroom for a moment before returning to her. "truth is, sometimes the loudest room isn't where the most interesting conversation is, right?" the corner of his mouth tugged into a small grin. "and i figured the beautiful woman hiding by the window might be a good match in company?" he tilted his head thoughtfully.

[shadowjinu]

jinu tensed up. he wasn't stealing souls, not really. it was more complicated than that and also his business did not need to be spread all over an event like this. people here didn't need to know what his actual job was. especially since jinu didn't want to do that part of his job, he wanted to perform music. he was only doing the soul thing because he wanted rid of the memories that hades promised him he'd get rid of. "do you always state everyone's business so loudly?" he questioned, eyebrow raised.

he wasn't going to drink anymore of the champagne anyways. when the glass was handed back, he set it on the tray of a waiter walking by, a frown on his face. "well, i'm not drinking anymore of it, so maybe they only have half my soul." jinu shrugged. "you know what, if a fae wants it, they can have it. i'm sure it's in better hands with a fae than it is with hades."

[casimirdraven]

cas let out an unbothered laugh, lifting both hands in mock surrender. "what? i figured if anyone was qualified to announce it, it'd be me." he flashed jinu a grin that made it impossible to tell whether he was joking or trying to get under his skin. "don't worry, i left out your employee id number."

he watched the abandoned champagne disappear with the waiter before snorting. "half your soul? that's generous. i don't see why they'd want that." cas leaned casually against the nearest table, tilting his head. "but, if you're volunteering it to them, at least negotiate. ask for a favor, eternal youth, a winning lottery ticket, being in a better boy band... something." his smirk widened. "giving your soul away for free? hades would be embarrassed."

[shadowjinu]

open starter / location : summer solstice ball

the second they'd gotten to the ball, the rest of the saja boys scattered, but jinu knew where they were. scattered among the rest of the people, they were clear with their brightly, almost neon colored outfits. he was the one that stood out from them, his all black outfit all dramatic flare. he didn't really care about attending an event like this, not because he hated balls or dances, but because half the time it reminded him of where he came from. of course back then jinu was attending them as someone working them, not a guest. he vaguely wondered if the regular people of elias attending would annoy him for autographs.

"this champagne tastes weird. do you think i'm going to be able to leave at the end of the night or did the fae steal my soul?" nevermind that he didn't have a soul.

[casimirdraven]

casimir appeared beside him with impeccable timing, glancing from the champagne flute to jinu with an exaggerated look of concern. "pretty sure you've got that backwards," he mused. "last i checked, you're the one who's supposed to be stealing souls."

he plucked the glass from jinu's hand long enough to inspect it before taking a sip himself. "hm. tastes expensive. slightly floral. only a little suspicious." handing it back with a crooked grin, he shrugged. "if the fae did manage to steal your soul, i'd ask hades for a refund. you're far too entertaining to keep gone for so long."

[bluebeatricehawthorne]

STATUS: open

LOCATION: summer solstice ball, evening/night

Beatrice curls into her seat on the window ledge, forcefully yanking the curtain closed to hide her from the rest of the ball. She rests her feet against the sliver of wall opposite her, covering her knees in a swathe of blue fabric. This whole thing is stupid. She shouldn't have come. Between the fire-eaters and the sword-swallowers, there's too much happening to feel like home.

She catches a glimpse of her reflection in the window - wrong - and habitually lifts a hand to feel for feathers. It flutters there a moment before she pulls it away lest she ruin her hair. She'd put it up in a half-remembered copy of the way her mother used to do it, the way she herself had begrudgingly done it for one of her sisters. The dress she's wearing feels like something half-remembered too. Same with the dancing. When she looks at the ballroom she remembers learning to dance. Standing on her father's feet while they whirled around in front of the fire. And later too, the more formal stuff with her mother reminding her of the footwork. A ball, and she's hiding herself away. Mother would be so disappointed, she thinks like a needle to the heart.

She huffs out a beleaguered sigh. Then startles badly as someone pushes aside the curtain hiding her away. “Jiminy Christmas!” she scowls, dropping her feet back down to the floor. “Unless you're here to offer me fancy food, this spot's taken!”

[casimirdraven]

casimir froze mid-step, one hand still holding the curtain aside while the other lifted in surrender. "well, lucky for you," he said with an easy grin, producing a small plate he'd liberated from one of the servers, "i happen to come bearing fancy food."

he leaned casually against the window frame, eyes dancing with amusement. "and here i thought i'd discovered the most beautiful view at the ball." his smile softened just enough to take the sting out of the flirtation. "turns out it was just occupied already. mind if i rent the other half of the window? i promise i'm excellent company... or at least considerably better than the people out there."

[lukaskyle-moved]

Jordan Calloway as Jake Crawford FIRE COUNTRY — 1.15 "False Promises"

[wiccxnisms]

[ ✩ ]  ° •  open starter for  »  everyone

There was something oddly comforting about bookstores. Billy had never been able to explain why. Maybe it was because they were one of the few places where everyone seemed to exist at their own pace. Nobody expected you to rush. You could wander for hours, pick up ten different books without buying one, or accidentally disappear into an aisle because a title caught your attention.

Which was exactly what had happened. He stood balanced on the bottom shelf, stretching just enough to reach a book that had somehow ended up shoved onto the very top shelf. Whoever organized this section clearly had more faith in the average person's height than Billy did. "Almost..." His fingertips brushed the spine. "So close..." The book shifted. Then three more shifted with it. Billy's eyes widened. "Oh, that's definitely not how gravity was supposed to work." Before he could catch them, an entire row of books slid free from the shelf. They tumbled toward him in what felt like dramatic slow motion, and instinct took over before he had time to think.

A flicker of navy magic shimmered around the stack, stopping the books inches above the floor. Billy blinked up at them. "...Okay, that was probably more dramatic than just letting them fall." A sheepish smile crossed his face as he carefully guided the books back into his arms instead. "I promise I wasn't trying to redecorate." He laughed quietly to himself, turning just in time to notice someone standing at the end of the aisle who had almost certainly witnessed the entire thing.

"On the bright side," Billy said with an apologetic grin, "at least I proved the books can fly." He glanced down at the title he'd nearly caused an avalanche retrieving and sighed. "And, naturally, it wasn't even the right one."

[casimirdraven]

cas had paused halfway down the aisle the moment the first book shifted, fully expecting the unmistakable crash that usually followed. instead, the entire stack froze in midair, suspended by a shimmer of magic that earned a slow, impressed whistle from him. "well," he mused, folding his arms as the books obediently settled back into billy's grasp, "i've seen people make quite the entrance into a bookstore before, but levitating the inventory is certainly a new approach." a crooked grin tugged at his mouth. "you've set the bar unreasonably high for the rest of us."

his gaze drifted to the book still clutched in billy's hands before he looked up at the towering shelf. "for what it's worth, i think the staff started it." he nodded toward the impossible placement with exaggerated seriousness. "whoever decided to put anything that high is either eight feet tall or has a personal vendetta against the vertically challenged." without much effort, he reached up and plucked the neighboring book from the top shelf, offering it over with a flourish. "tell me this one's the right one before the books decide they want a rematch."

[arielnystrom]

oh, he was charming - that much was as clear as the sky was blue and the sun was shining, despite how often the underland begged to be grey. a man with this level of charisma typically moved through the world with ease, often finding it hard to be told no. she herself was starting to understand why, as she found it hard to say it. she crossed her arms, attempting to suppress a natural grin into more of a smirk, and shrugged her shoulders with a shake of her head. "can't be too trusting of kindness on this side of the bridge," she told him. "the most dangerous of brews can come from the prettiest bottles, you know." her eyes scanned him carefully before she looked to the table and then around to those surrounding. "a curse, indeed."

the mermaid made a face at the words local celebrity, unsure if she would claim anything of the sort. "and you have humor," she said with a laugh as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "you're just a modern day casanova, aren't you?" regardless, it was hard not to bite - even ariel was a simple woman at the end of the day. "i just thought it would be fun to get some local business together, gain some new clientele." she looked around, though, realizing just how big of an event it really was. it was safe to say she really pulled it off and then some.

"well," she said, smiling again as her gaze lifted to meet his now. while she had been spending most of this time trying to figure out how to rush around and fit as much into each minute, she took the opportunity to slow down. he was right in that people wished to speak with her and she wasn't necessarily offering attention to the same. "you have my attention, mister casimir." she repeated the formality mainly to poke fun. "have you been enjoying yourself?"

[casimirdraven]

cas laughed softly, the sound warm and easy as he rested a hand against his chest in mock offense. "modern day casanova?" he echoed. "that's the nicest accusation anyone's made against me all week." the grin never quite left his face, though there was something knowingly theatrical about it now. "and here i thought i was being subtle." his gaze drifted over the market she'd built... the bustling stalls, the crowds weaving through them, the unmistakable energy that hadn't existed here a few hours ago. "for what it's worth, i think you've proven your point. this isn't just new clientele. you gave people a reason to linger." his eyes found hers again. "that's a rarer kind of magic, no potion needed."

he leaned against the edge of the booth, folding his arms loosely. "you know, i can't even argue with you about the pretty bottle thing. half the people i know would absolutely smile while handing you a curse wrapped up with a ribbon." he tilted his head, amusement dancing across his features. "myself included, depending on the day." it was delivered with enough charm that it was difficult to tell where the joke ended and the warning began.

her final question earned a softer smile than the ones before it. "i have, actually." his eyes wandered over the festival once more before settling back on ariel. "i've spent most of my days watching people wander through the underland because they had to. today they're here because they want to be." he paused, "and i did get to monopolize the attention of the woman responsible for it all, which i'd call a successful afternoon. though i suspect i've only got a few more moments before someone steals you away to solve another crisis."

[incredibledash]

open starter. (2/4) location: paradise pier | new elias time: saturday, 5pm

it had been some time since his family had moved to new elias, but still dash parr felt strange running to his full potential. even here, he was able to pull stares out of people with his speed - which wasn’t exactly a problem, but it wasn't what he was trying to do. with that said, an impressive pace by most standards felt like jogging to the middle super-in-training. dash had to consider, in population dense areas like the pier, that 20 mph looked like a sprint to these people. crawling at 10 still got comments sometimes.

as he started to approach crowds on his run, he took the opportunity to slow down to a walk. now was as good of a time as any to stretch, grab a drink, and take a break. most picnic tables were occupied by families, but he found one that only sat one person. dash approached the table and sat down on the opposite bench without asking.

"alright," he said, as he scanned the area's food vendors. considering the day and time, most had lines that were painful - but there was a taco stand right in view that only had two people in line. he pointed. "so does the food suck or is it a hidden gem? place your bets."

[casimirdraven]

cas looked up from where he'd been lazily people-watching, one brow lifting as the stranger dropped onto the opposite bench without so much as a hello. his gaze followed the pointed finger toward the taco stand, studying the suspiciously short line like it was a puzzle worth solving. "see, that's exactly what they want you to think," he mused, resting his elbow on the table. "everyone assumes short line means bad food, but that's how hidden gems stay hidden. either that, or the guy working there just committed some unforgivable crime against seasoning." his shoulders lifted in an easy shrug. "honestly? i'm willing to gamble on either."

a crooked grin spread across his face as he stood, hooking a thumb toward the stand. "c'mon. worst case, we waste a few bucks and i've got a new story about the worst food i've ever eaten. best case, we accidentally discover the pier's best-kept secret." he glanced back over his shoulder. "and if it is amazing, we leave here telling everyone it was awful?"

[amityatelias]

amity had never cared if she was too much for people because she had her friends. she didn't need other people to like her and didn't care if she came off as unfriendly to people that she didn't trust. she squinted her eyes. "i never said it was a bad thing." she crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him, unblinking for a moment. "which means i'm smart enough to know when to stay away from someone." that hadn't worked when she was younger, but still.

did she do that? sometimes. it depended on who she was talking to. for the most part amity tried to give people the benefit of the doubt and listen to what they had to say, but she was a bit judgemental. she didn't care. it kept her safe. and was she was pretty good about figuring out who to trust and who not to trust. "maybe i do. that's not a bad thing. i'm smart enough to know i'm probably only the second smartest person in the room." the witch looked around at all the people around them.

"i don't know anything. that's why i'm studying."

[casimirdraven]

cas barked out a laugh, shaking his head as he leaned back against the nearest surface. "only the second smartest?" he echoed, one brow arching. "see, now that's confidence. just humble enough that nobody can call you arrogant." his grin lingered, amused more than anything. "for what it's worth, i don't think being judgmental is the crime people make it out to be. underland has a funny habit of rewarding people who know when to keep one hand on their wallet."

he tilted his head, studying her for a beat before the teasing softened into something a little more genuine. "and that's probably the smartest thing you've said so far." one shoulder lifted in an easy shrug. "people who walk around acting like they've got all the answers usually end up face-first in the dirt." the corner of his mouth curled again. "studying means you're still curious, and curiosity's a dangerous little habit." his eyes sparkled with mischief. "i should warn you, though. if you keep asking questions around me, i might start charging tutoring fees. they're outrageous. i usually get paid in compliments."

[mandyfellwyn]

open starter location: club inferno | the underland

mandy had been flirting with this idea for quite some time that she needed another job. it was part of a grander scheme - one that involved a bigger apartment with less of a commute, both of which she couldn't afford without change. she knew though, when it came to the underland, that she needed to vibe check the place before offering them her contact information.

that was the goal tonight. first stop inferno, next stop gaston's - which bar needed someone to tend it? which had a more tolerable clientele? mandy;s eyes scanned the building as she looped around the edge, taking the long way to the front.

it was what she was good at, tending bar. it was decent money as long as the people were fine and finding a second job at a second club just felt brainless and easy. she propped herself up on an empty barstool and ordered a club soda with lime - no need to drink on a research trip.

her gaze moved to the person next to her as she attempted to smile, shifting to something more conversational. she could feel her guard rise the further she walked into the room, that was something to note. but she needed to give every option a chance - there were only so many.

"what's the vibe around here?" she asked bluntly, refusing to waste time on small talk when she had a unique cause. "do you come around often?"

[casimirdraven]

cas let out a quiet laugh over the rim of his drink, glancing sideways at her like she'd just asked for the password to a very exclusive club. "that's one way to skip the pleasantries." the grin that followed was easy, practiced, the sort that made it difficult to tell where genuine charm ended and trouble began. "yeah, i'm around often. occupational hazard." he lifted his glass in a lazy little salute. "i work here."

he leaned an elbow against the bar, giving her an exaggerated once-over before settling back into that crooked smile. "as for the vibe? depends what you're after." his gaze flicked across the room where laughter mixed with bass heavy enough to rattle glassware. "if you want boring, you've wandered into the wrong establishment. inferno likes people with thick skin, quick hands, and enough personality to keep the customers entertained without letting them think they're in charge." his head tipped curiously. "you don't strike me as someone who scares easy, though."

"research trip?" he guessed, eyeing the untouched club soda with lime before looking back at her. "you're either interviewing the bar..." another beat, his smile growing a touch more playful, "...or interviewing me." he offered her his hand across the counter. "cas. resident menace, occasional bartender, and completely unbiased spokesperson for inferno." there was just enough sarcasm in that last part to betray the lie. "so... what's gaston's offering that we aren't? besides worse company."

[casimirdraven]

what's your opinion on your birthday?

i stopped counting a long time ago since i look so young and so handsome already. but, celebrating me should be an everyday thing.

[casimirdraven]

💞 REVOLVING HEARTS — who and/or what are you most grateful for in your life?

"don't tell anyone i said this but hades and krit. again, don't say a word i would never live it down."