deliverance.

there shall be great tribulation. such as was not since the beginning of the world. † evelyn virginia margaret look-out. thirty.

[aresmelaina]

"A look-out? Why did you pick that job?" Ares asked, curiously. For some reason, that was not what he had expected her to work as, but then again, he hadn't really expected anything. There were plenty of things you discovered about people during the apocalypse - and in a way, maybe it was fitting too. They hadn't known each other for too long before this, so who was he to say what was fitting or not? "A writer? And now he's an artist? That's, uh, quite the shift, isn't it? Sounds like Calamity's pretty multi-talented, then. What kind of books did he write?." It was strange, hearing about what people had done before the outbreak, mostly because after everything went to shit they did entirely different things. Ares had to think back on his group. Some of the guys there had been shit like kindergarden teachers or cleaners or vets - and now they were killing people for cans of food or medicine. He didn't want to think back on it, instead focusing on her. He noticed the shift in her expression and wondered, for just a moment, whether he had said something weird or wrong. Maybe being out in the wild had changed his perception of what was acceptable. Though when Eve spoke, her voice spoke of the opposite. Ares found his heart skip a beat for just a moment. We will do good. Like he was part of this - of what he had no idea, but it felt good. He missed it, being part of something bigger, and that something doing good? He gave Eve a sincere smile, nodding, a glint in his eyes as he listened to her story. He didn't really believe in god or a higher force or anything like that anymore but... he remembered how amazing it felt, finding something like this, a beacon, something to hold onto. "That does sound like someone put it right in your path. Must have seemed like a godsend." Ares responded, even though he didn't believe that it was actually the case. "Did you have any trouble getting in here? With the vetting and all? The council can be pretty strict with that whole shit."

[eveshepherd]

"He wrote movies." The word carries some awe with it, or maybe mistrust, either way she didn't have much of an idea what she was talking about. She'd never watched a movie, or if she had she'd been so young that it no longer registered. There was no way for her to say whether he was good, or whether there was something to look out for there. But she could say it and assume it meant something. "He has an artistic soul." Again, she had little to say on the subject, her own life had been sparse and devoted to servitude. There was no time for the arts, even now there was little time for it in her mind. But her husband was there to be what she lacked, to be the strength that she could not provide.

"I like being a look-out, it feels important." Protecting the entire town from what might be on the outside was after all, half of the battle. What was on the inside could be just as corrupted, but she would find that out in time. "It's peaceful. You get a lot of quiet, time to think about your priorities." To pray, if she had been so confident as to bring up such a bold notion at a time like this. But to think sounded better, she knew. "Out of all this, a place to go where you can reflect."

It was a godsend, but she would reflect on it by herself, finding the meaning that she was meant to find. It wouldn't happen right now, but at least Ares understood the path she was on. "There was no trouble." Or if there had been, she would be the last to know. It had all been easy enough, the questions had glowing correct answers for those with the right spirit. Those who were meant to be in the place. "Are there usually problems?"

[emirademir]

Sabriye finally switched to water. The last thing she needed was to fall asleep on a couch in a long-forgotten room, then forget where she was. She had met the honorees several times, at least, and seeing people come and go never ceased to leave a sour pit in her stomach. After the horrors she had witnessed in Roanoke, knowing it could easily happen again? It was a terrifying prospect.

She wasn't supposed to settle in Redwood, but she couldn't deny how nice it felt to finally be safe. Wandering aimlessly for miles on end and nearly days upon end was something that still woke her up in the night.

"It doesn't get easier," she said quietly and took a big sip of her drink before settling into a nearby chair. "But it is nice. One potential last hoorah."

[eveshepherd]

Easier? No, this was the sort of event that could very easily be looked back on as the last of the innocent. But, it seems as though most people are choosing to celebrate, to predict that the trip will be successful for all though who are participating. It is just blind faith that such a thing will happen, and she is happy to feed off such energy.

"A positive note." She nods, as though she completely understands what the other woman means by her own stance. At least she seems relaxed, passive at best. "Do you know them well?" Best to ask, not to assume that the demeanor came from a lack of connection and not a lack of feeling. "Or are you new here?"

[aresmelaina]

Damn, Ares was happy to see a friendly face. With the constant anxiety lurking in the back of his mind of seeing someone he'd hurt, it felt nice having somebody here who he actually helped. Both because it was like having somebody on your side and because, in a way, what he had done had mattered. He returned the hug, his own smile genuine as he pulled back from her. "Oh, Calamity's here too?" So they both made it. That was a relief. It was normal to lose people along the way in this world. Ares had done his fair share to contribute to that- and that was not something he wanted to dwell on right now. He took another sip from his drink, to wash the thoughts down. "Damn, that's great. Glad you both made it here. What are you guys doing here? Job wise I mean." He hadn't been able to figure that out for himself yet. Though he'd soon have to, if he wanted to stay here. "Me? Oh yeah, yeah, I mean, it's been rough but that's just life. Not rougher than for anyone else, probably. I helped a few more people, and all." He had to think about her next question for a moment, or rather, it made him pause. It reminded him of the fact that he hadn't been too... open, about his past. Vague as he could be without arousing suspicion. That was probably the only reason he had been allowed into Redwood. "I heard some rumors, mostly. Decided to follow them. And it led me here. It kind of feels like- well, it sounds silly, but at the time I thought it was some sort of fate, giving me a second chance after everything. To help more people. It was probably just luck, though." He shook his head, for a moment, trying to get rid of the thoughts of darker times. "Now, what about you? How did you guys manage to get here? Must have been a tough journey and all. Considering... well, everything."

[eveshepherd]

"Jobs?" An interesting first question, although perhaps that was what had come to be important in this particular community. Everyone had to pitch in somehow, keep things running. "I'm a look-out," a job which suited her far better than she'd expected, giving her time in thought, allowing her to be the eyes and ears for the entire group. "Solitary work, but I appreciate it." And she was always easy to find, if someone found themselves restless or sleepless, wandering towards a friendly face. "Cal is working with cartography— did you know he'd been a writer before this?" Although it wasn't brand new information to her, there was still a novelty in people having other jobs before the outbreak. That her own husband was paid to sit and write, well it always felt his thoughts were so important others paid to read them.

His declaration of luck and fate is met with a sobering expression, her mind fixing the different pieces of what causes people to hear about this place, why of all the times they should all be here together. It was not just luck which had brought her and Calamity here, and she doubted that such a force would just ignore Ares. No, they were all here just as it had likely been decided for them by the creator. "You do have a second chance here." Her pulse quickened at saying it out loud, "We will do so much good, I know it."

Her own journey to the town was far bloodier than she'd wish to share at an event such as this. She felt she could tell Ares everything and that somehow he would understand, but it was simply not the right time. That would come upon them just as perfectly timed as this reunion was. "We'd been walking and discovered the outpost." In the same way Eve discovered many towns and people, by God's plan directing her, no need for worry about what would be provided next. "As though it was the city upon a hill, put right in our path. Imagine our surprise!"

[emianand-deactivated20240524]

Emi didn't really consider it until the woman seemed a bit wary of the drink she was being handed, but there was an expectation that the two of them would drink together as they chatted about this and that. Maybe she had a bad experience with strangers giving her drinks, or maybe she just didn't drink alcohol. Renzie had told her the orange drink was spiked but now she couldn't be sure what other ones might have been spiked as well.

So she didn't urge the other woman to drink, but did take an awkward sip of her own, trying to find her footing again. Luckily the word husband rang through her ears and she perked up. "Your husband? You're here with your husband, that's great! My husband is here too, he's uh–somewhere here. Making friends." She let out a soft chuckle, turning her head around trying to find Renzie from here but failing. "Everyone here is really kind, so I don't doubt you'll meet everyone and get to know them soon enough." She offered the encouragement but was still feeling excitement bubbling inside of her knowing there was another married couple here.

"So um..." Emi started before pausing, asking herself if she missed the woman sharing her name or if it was never shared. "Sorry, I didn’t catch your name? But, have you and your husband been traveling together this whole time?"

[eveshepherd]

Stilted small talk was a skill that she had never had a chance to master. Before the outbreak what use had it been? Every conversation she'd had seemed weighted, important, loaded with interpretation and meaning. Perhaps this was just the lord's way of showing her what she still lacked, what she needed to learn before she too could ascend. So she takes the enthusiasm as a sign to forge ahead, that she's said the correct thing about her own life— how it mirrors the other woman's just right.

"Yes, it seems those are what husbands do best." Didn't she rely on her own for much the same. An introduction into the world that had changed in so many ways. "They'll run into each other." Spoken like fact instead of question, as though two men wandering trying to make conversation would be on an inevitable collision course. In a group this small it felt obvious, at least to her.

"Evelyn, Evelyn Shepherd." Her full name still fits in her mouth slightly off, out of practice from being immediately acknowledged as Eve by everyone in Eden. It had happened so often that she merely had to nod while someone else said her name, now she smiled to cover if there had been a stumble. "Yes. He found me just before the outbreak. A true trial— to have only each other through that." To go from a group who'd she'd known since infancy to just one man, changing everything she'd come to hold as comfortable. "But now, I can see it was a blessing, there's no one else I could have next to me." She nods, as though she's agreeing with her own profound thought, as though there's no way to find flaw in it. "Don't you feel the same?"

[peopleotheton]

Diana only frowned at the stranger. Nice? She really didn't believe that was the right word but who was she to snap that back? But then she stopped and took stock. Yes it was an unusual event but people seemed to be having fun.

"Mm, fun. not exactly how I remember it, but I suppose it's close enough. Could do with a bit more booze."

[eveshepherd]

"Could you?" The comment flares bright in Eve's brain, a wild marker for the type of person she is conversing with. She is practiced enough now for it not to ripple onto her expression. Those who seek solace in the material world often have much to discussion, they often need guidance. But, she could tread cautious, pick particular questions with a learned grace. "Have you been to too many of these?"

[emianand-deactivated20240524]

With Renzie stepping away momentarily, Emine was doing her best to be comfortable with this brief split from her husband. Things were fine, there was no reason to be concerned about the fact they weren't joined at the hip for this event, this party that they deemed a date. Couples didn't have to be close enough to always be touching at all times. She could even see him from here, having a conversation with an unfamiliar face, so obviously, she could do the same.

And who better to approach than the woman standing by herself off on the sidelines? Emi walked over, an extra drink in her hand as an ice breaker. "Hi. Yeah, I would say this is pretty nice. It's nice that the community can come together like this. Uh, this is for you." She added, handing over one of the cups in her hand. "I saw you standing here by yourself and I don't think I've seen you before. I'm guessing it must be weird being at a party where you don't particularly know many people. So, I'm Emi."

[eveshepherd]

She receives the offering quietly, looking at the contents of the cup to see what she's been given. If it reads as hesitation, that's because it is. But it is good to be noticed, welcomed in this particularly domestic way. Here is thy cup, now drink from it. She likely will not, but she smiles at Emi all the same.

"It is nice." Unity, in the face of the strange assignment that's been given, the two who are departing before she can truly know them. There's not much else to say about the room they all find themselves in., showing support for murky targets. "I confess, I only know my husband." There's nowhere in particular for her to point, Cal has escaped her vision, though she knows he is close as she knows her own pulse. There has always been a feeling to the two of them, some pull that she can only recognize as beyond her control. "That will change, of course," Smile finds its way to her face, the promising hope that perhaps this is the first of many introductions. The idea that it is already changing now with those kind enough to recognize her first. "I appreciate the company. "

[aresmelaina]

starter for: @eveshepherd location: community center

Ares considered parties important in getting to know people. It was just like before, in his old life, before the outbreak. You knew someone who knew someone who invited you to a party - and before you knew it, you were doing lines together with some big buy in the industry, who clapped you on the back and told you that you were a good kid and that he had work for you. It's how Ares had built his entire career. This was the same, just without the cocaine. The alcohol still worked well enough and the concept was the same. Talk to people, get to know them, build some relationships. Ares was intent on turning his life around, but that didn't mean he couldn't employ the same strategies, mingling around the room, smiling and laughing and drinking. As he was walking around, he noticed a figure, standing off to the side off the room. A familiar figure. And one that didn't have murder written on it, the last time he had seen it. "Evelyn? That you?" Ares smiled as he walked up to her. He had no ide she was here, too, but it made for a pleasant surprise. Especially after he had helped her out, last time he'd seen her. "Didn't know you were here too. I arrived a few days ago, myself, so I haven't even met everyone. How long have you been here? Is everything going good?"

[eveshepherd]

"Ares." The smile that finds its way to her face is genuine, the hug she gives him warm and all-encompassing. A softened edge in whatever still new facade she's brought with her to Redwood. If there's one sign from the Lord she reads clearly, it is when returned faces are put in her path. The surfacing of those who she'd hope to leave better, but could not keep. For whatever reason Ares Melaina is in Redwood, she cannot be sure, but she knows now that they are in the right place.

"I've been here almost two months, with my husband." Their little cottage a pace away from the commotion of the town, the divine light filtering into their kitchen each morning. "There's plenty to meet, I'm sure I haven't seen everyone yet either." And she means it, the close-knit groups take time to infiltrate, the strays that wander are harder to catch than one might realize. Patience in all things, even friendships.

"How have you managed?" She remembered him so clearly, moral confusion spaced with a little bit of hope. Finally, asking the real question, "How did you make it here?"

[marbledmayhem]

Though Maggie was far from the most popular person in Redwood, she still heard some of the gossip here and there. Not that she condoned gossip, but she did like to have some idea of who else was in the town she now considered home. Especially when those people were more... eclectic.

The new couple in Redwood didn’t have any children, so she had yet to meet either of them face to face. All she knew was the little she had heard about them from others. Before the outbreak she would’ve been content to stay in her bubble and chat in her own small social circle, but she figured it was a good time to get to know the new arrivals.

The woman - Evelyn, if she remembered correctly - was on the sidelines looking quite out of place. Maggie walked up to her and gave her a friendly smile to be met with a less-than-enthusiastic smile from the younger woman. Perhaps this would be more awkward than she thought. “Yeah. Always nice to have a bit of a celebration. Obviously a lot has changed, but I think it’s important to have something to look forward to, y’know? Everyone needs a break between everyday drudgery,” she said, trying for a non-(conflicting) topic. Maggie held out her hand to shake. “I’m Maggie, by the way, one of the school teachers. We haven’t had the chance to meet face to face yet.”

[eveshepherd]

They were new, this was to be expected. But years of never having to introduce, always knowing the same familiar circle of faces, has made this an area of lack. Even now, it seemed so simple to defer to Calamity, to allow him to say my wife, Eve. She looked at the hand that was offered to her for a brief stuttered moment, before grasping it with her own, giving one firm shake before a quick retreat. Receptive, yet unpracticed. She wondered if Maggie, school teacher, would comment on such a thing, if she would know the difference as well.

"No, we haven't." She leaves her own name out— again, the forgotten assumption that she is known, has been know since the dawn of time. Old habits, unable to be penetrated no matter how many times they might have moved to a new place. When in doubt, a compliment comes out, paired with a smile that might almost be genuine. "The school is important work." Is it? Certainly it is here. The expectation is obvious. "We're lucky to have you." A nod ties everything together, positive she has delivered a compliment.

"Drudgery?" The word for the party strikes her as odd. Is this not a mission for them? A celebration for a calling, for bravery to emerge? She's too new to question Maggie's true meaning, but the note has already been made. "That is a different way to think of this place."

[calamityshepherd-deactivated202]

@eveshepherd​

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

calamity’s voice was rough with manufactured calm, using the words as mantra to ward away the anxiety at the task that loomed ahead of them. despite being in redwood for nearly two months, tonight would be when their mission could truly begin. the community was larger than any they had entered before, and judgment could not be rushed.

his hand reached out to eve’s, taking it and brushing a thumb against her skin as he stood by her side–always by her side. a community as large as this no doubt carried many wolves in its ranks. a single offering would not move the scales. 

for redwood to be saved, they would have to be tested. their faith would have to be great. like abraham readying the knife at isacc’s throat. 

calamity was drawn to the sound of children’s laughter, watching as families gathered in the town square to revel in the false sense of safety this community had provided them. 

“when we’re done, this place will be what they think it is.” he remarked proudly. “fit for the new world. a place for their sons and daughters to live meaningful lives.” a blessed place. 

[eveshepherd]

His words conjure a warmth in her, which spreads from her heart to every part of her being. The reminder of her own blessed journey, of the steadfast man at her side. There was not a day where having someone at her side who understood, was not a blessing. There was not a prayer that left her lips without the thanks for her husband, as he touches her hand as gentle as she's ever been touched. As she remembers her great mission. Two months, and yet she had not made any decisions yet, only observed those around them.

It was as near perfect a veneer as she had ever seen, the light of the fire casting all in that same warmth. But as with all on this mortal plane, it was but an act, beneath it somewhere was the rot all humans were prone to. And they would find that sin, whether it lurked in the high council or in the groups of workers— no matter where it believed it could escape judgement.

"As it should be." Her words only serve to compliment his, their thoughts the same even in this moment. It takes such unity to survive what they have seen, to be continually blessed how they have been. Still, here stands their test. "Have you ever seen such a mask?"

[eveshepherd]

OPEN STARTER: EVENT 001

There is something beautiful in celebration of sacrifice, of acknowledging the journey that is about to take place. She does not know the honorees well enough to speak to their character, to know if they will return. It seems unlikely, though the background of chatter that the community center has provided is in stark opposition. her drink sweats in her hand. She'd like nothing more for the fire to start, but it has not yet. Her face, while still civil, edges on something approaching boredom. Still, she cannot move from the edges of the room, instead someone finally detaches and comes to her.

"This is—" She greets, a disingenuous smile worming its way onto her face, "Nice."

[eveshepherd]

TASK 001. FIVE SONGS ABOUT EVE (and one about cal)

BOTTOM OF THE RIVER delta rae

The rhythm, the full chorus of singing, everything. This song doesn't work without a community, lead by one strong voice singing her heart out. It's emblematic of Eve's childhood, of her beliefs, of the kind of (dark) energy she carries with her even now. In so many aspects she is sinking down to the bottom of a river, unable to swim to the surface. And, in so many ways, she would rather add voices to that message rather than find the surface.

OLD TIME RELIGION parker millsap

This is one of the first southern gothic religion songs I always gravitate towards when thinking of a character with the kind of aesthetic Eve does. The violence of it, the conviction that each little character story has. It's rattled around in my head for years, and I think Eve is absolutely one of those people who believes in the old time religion.

THROUGH THE VALLEY shawn james

I found this song from The Last of Us 2 trailer so long ago, and at that time it was the perfect song for the story they were going for there. And now, it's found its way to another world's end. Eve, of all people, walks through the valley and I know she fears nothing. I also just love the line 'how can you save the world from itself', because I know that Eve is on a mission to try and accomplish that very thing. Lots of tension to think through here.

I'M USING MY BIBLE FOR A ROADMAP don reno

Perhaps a little on the nose in terms of lyrics, but really if you wanted Eve's character arc laid out in a neat song, this gets pretty close. She knows no other way of thinking other than the cult she was raised in, and the only thing she's ever been taught is to trust the interpretation of the Bible she's been given. Everything she does is because she believes it is a sign to her from a higher power. Everything she does is in the hope to get to heaven some sweet day.

BLOOD ON MY NAME the brothers bright

It is an inescapable part of Eve that she is brutally violent, and that when she believes it is right she will kill someone. There is no escaping the fact that she has done the unspeakable time and time again, murdering for the righteous cause she has divined in herself. She believes that she is sending souls to heaven when she kills them, whether they be zombie or human. But from the outside looking in, we all know that is blood on her name pure and simple.

LORD I CANNOT WALK ALONE the southern gospel choir

Although there are obviously far more romantic songs out there, I wouldn't be doing Eve justice if I didn't pick one that suited her aesthetic style. And what's better than asking God not to have to walk alone, and being give the perfect soulmate. A man who understands her every thought and keeps pace with her on this eternal journey. She's blessed to have him, and this type of hymn-song expresses her feelings best.

[eveshepherd]

Name: Evelyn Virginia Margaret Shepherd 

Age: Thirty

Preferred Pronouns & Gender: She/her, cis-female

Relationship Status: Married

Previous Job: None

Community Job: Lookout

Reside in: A rundown log cabin in the farmlands— currently trying to make it more livable.

How long have they been in Redwood?: Two months

PINTEREST / PLAYLIST

tldr: eve was born to a young single mother and spent her entire life raised in a doomsday cult. she has never lived a normal life, and believes that the virus is a sign to spread her doctrine and begin cleansing the earth and preparing for the true end.

Biography:

Evelyn was a miracle. Her birth was ordained by a power much greater than just her mother— a girl with a quiet disposition, hands moving up and down the beads of a wooden rosary at all hours. She gave birth to her baby girl, an unblinking infant that did not make a sound. Evelyn does not know any other circumstances of her birth, of the life her mother lead before her. She has learned that if something is not known, it is best to not question it. Information will reveal itself, those who seek too much will find punishment at the righteous hand. 

What she does know is that Diedre took her five year old daughter and her suitcase, and began a long journey. An act of blind faith, of rustic gas stations and hitchhiking, moved by something within her soul. Their direction was unclear, the beads of the rosary continued to move as days passed. They would later call it their pilgrimage, once its true purpose was revealed, the word tripping over young Evelyn’s tongue in long syllables. 

Maryland was not the intended destination of their journey, but as with all things, one must have faith. They must trust that the woman running the strawberry stand off of a non-descript highway. When the woman saw the rosary and said true faith was so rare. When Evelyn had shyly introduced herself from behind her mother’s skirt, earning an expression of shock before the woman recovered her words, inviting them to come back to her home with her. There was surely a bed for a beleaguered mother and daughter. 

It was not until years later that the true reason for their acceptance would become clear. The Eden’s Gate commune had been missing its Eve, searching for the sign of the end of days that was promised to them with each and every morning service. Their Adam, their leader, knew she had been coming, knew the importance of her arrival. While her mother was simply another mouth to feed, another set of hands to garden and clean, Evelyn was special. She was looked after. She was the symbol that the end of all things was near. The daily reminder to be alert and of sober mind so that they may pray, they may survive the coming end. 

Though there was guilt and there was shame in her role, she could not escape the fate that grew around her. Pain was a secret language between God and the faithful; Adam's wrath translated it for her. She knew true love, the commune so intertwined around her, reliant on her good nature. Leaving was never an option, waiting became the great task of her life. How could she abandon those who had raised her, even when the burden felt so great she thought she might be the first to break.

When news of the outbreak reached them finally, it was almost a relief. Here was God's answer to the end of the world. They all prayed, waiting for their ascension. But the attack on their commune had not been predicted, it had not been preached, no one knew what to do. A group of holy people, all descended upon by creatures. The newly turned destroyed everything that they had built. Eden fell, Evelyn was locked out of it. 

Though she escaped, Calamity Shepard by her side, she does not know if any other members have. She does not know what caused such a violent change in God’s will. A massacre so bloody, the only explanation must have been sin, deep and rooted. It must have festered, spread throughout people she’d thought she’d known. They had been bitten before she could cleanse them, save them, send them to heaven. They had hidden their true nature from her, and now would forever be cursed to wander.

 She would prevent such a thing from happening again, the true believers would be found and spared. Those who needed to be saved would be found and given their chance at heaven. Redwood is simply a stop along her journey, another community which must not be overlooked in her journey. God had ordained her mother to deliver her unto the world, and she would deliver souls to heaven all the same. 

Headcanons:

Her full name is Evelyn Virginia Margaret, she did not have a last name until she took Cal’s.

As she was raised in Eden’s Gate, Evelyn is particularly skilled with off-the-grid living. She is able to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed, from gardening to general medicine.

Another consequence of this is that she never had a formal education. Although she was given basic schooling, she has a distinct lack of cultural awareness.

She still keeps her mother’s rosary around her neck.

[cupsofsilver-deactivated2026052]

The Lodge directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz

[maryastcr]

“IPHIGENIA : I shall wash blood with blood to get rid of the defilement—”

— Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Taurians (tr. by Anne Carson)