Holly Rose Winfield
23
Librarian and Writer
Ceremonial
“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.” - Paulo Coelho
{Canon Character for Spellcraft RPG; Mun/Muse are both 21+; tracking tag: hollywinfield}
"I swear, I’m not actually back from the dead. I’ve just been asleep for a while; too many days without sleep may or may not have caught up with me again."
I have to agree with you there, Holly. [He smiles and shakes her hand gently before withdrawing it and crossing his arms over his chest] I think this city could use some cheer. You know… If the budget allows, we might set up snow machines in New Orleans Square for Christmas. An excellent idea, actually. People might stop sending me angry letters about the blackout.
[ Her expression drops, suddenly at the mention of the blackout. An utter panic forms almost instantly, but she maintains her composure with the slightest hint of laughter. ] "People need to forget about that and just enjoy the holidays, don't you think? I mean it's a little ridiculous for you to still be receiving any complaint letters. The city's been up and about with power for a few weeks now... everyone's back to normal, y'know?"
"Extreme changes in weather? I'm sure one day, or even just one hour wouldn't change a thing. It happens all of the time. Did you hear how the Middle East got some snow these past few weeks? Now, that's something entirely unheard of, right?!"
"It doesn't even have to get cold, you know? It'd just be a beautiful sight for the holidays and all. Maybe it'll put some cheer in some of these grumps I keep running into at school."
A few years back, we had a trickle of snow - it turned to sleet pretty quickly, but snow nonetheless. [He extends a hand] Mayor Elliot Devereaux, pleasure to meet you, Miss…?
"It'd just be a lovely sight for the holidays, I just think. Perhaps, even a pick me up for some of the less merry folk." She's hesitant, because of her shy demeanor, but she extends her hand to greet him. "Holly. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, as well, Mayor Devereaux."
"I'm on my way; it may take a while since the traffic lights are out, but make sure the doors unlocked. Otherwise I'll have to pick it and someone's going to think I'm breaking in."
That was a relief, to say the least. Someone, anyone, willing to help Holly through such a panic. She couldn't exactly grasp the gravity of the situation until Adelaide explained how nearly every crevice and corner of New Orleans was out of power. This was worse than she thought.
As she lay in her tub, hanging up as Adelaide was on her way, she remembered that in the state of utter distraught she was in, she had forgotten to lock her door. Usually, that would be another concern, being since she did live in an apartment complex housing nearly three hundred occupants. But, no. The worry of an intrusion was far beyond a primary concern at this point. This was her fault, and she knew one way or another, she would pay. At least, that's her mentality. She'd always be the one to pay. For good, for bad... she was always the culprit.
Turning on the flashlight of her smartphone, she laid it on the bottom of the tub, facing upward so that the bathroom would illuminated somewhat; just enough so she can make out her surroundings. She buried her head in between her legs, sobbing dampening dampening her knees. They were quiet, but even the slightest pant or cry echoed through out the apartment because it became so dark and quiet. There was barely a sound on the street; nothing of the usual New Orleans air where honking cars were heard, or bar fights would make the evening as a brawl to pay attention to. It was complete and utter silence, which in many case for Holly only meant trouble.
There wasn't a fear in the darkness, for she spent too much time acquainting herself with it. Of course, it was something, rather, she grew into. Especially, when her mother would get so high off the potions she'd make, she'd lock Holly in a dark closet and scorn her from the outside, laughing at her every cry for help. So darkness became a conditioned behavior. After some moment in time, when she was locked away, she just accepted it without question or fight. But, silence? Silence was always the calm before the storm. It was always a gentle breeze before a massive tornado touched land.
Silence was the inevitability of malice. There was no hope or peace in it; just fear. And so she always figured that she would go, and leave this life in silence. At least, it would leave her that way. With all that happened tonight, she was certain that was it. Either someone would come to take her away and bring her back to her parents, or she would die at the hands of a stranger. Little Holly Winfield became that paranoid.
At this point, she accepted her fate if anything were to happen. Hell, she even convinced herself she deserved it after the mess she just pulled. She continued to cry, resting at the edge of the tub until she heard a door crack open. Wiping her tears she sat still, in worry, hoping it was Adelaide. When Adelaide discovered her, she was at a loss for words, unable to speak. Yet, even through the darkness, her eyes were visible, evident tears continuing to form at the their brims.
"Help me," she muttered in complete disdain. Oh, Holly. You've really gotten yourself in deep now.
Adelaide: Multiple? You cast multiple protection spells? How can you be that scared of anything. [There are muttered curses on her end of the phone] I really don't have a choice do I? What's your address?
Holly: I--I'm really sorry, Addie. Uhm, I live at the Vieux Carre Apartments. 7C.
Adelaide: [She breathes through clenched teeth; feelings are not her strong suit, and crying makes it even worse] This is a protection spell gone wrong? Hell's bells, how did you manage to this with a protection spell? This is ridiculous! [There is a pause as she considers the situation] What do you want me to do, Holly? I'm not exactly the rescuing type.
Holly: [Deep breaths, deep breaths. She's laying in her tub now, embracing the brim of the cold ceramic against her skin.] It's more than just a protection spell gone wrong, Adelaide. It's multiple... and I--I don't know what you could do, but you're all I have when it comes to this. I'm so sorry I sound like a desperate little spineless twit, but I--I don't know what to do, Addie. I'm really scared.
Adelaide: Calm down. What did you do? [Her voice rose in pitch] Holly, no one is going to kill you except possibly me. What did you do? It's dark everyone where, I literally am operating on just the light from my phone.
Holly: [She begins to cry again, in utter panic, locking herself into her bathroom.] I think I did it, Adelaide. I'm so sorry. I was just trying to protect myself, y'know? I don't know what I did or the extent to how bad this all is, but I just need help. You're the only person I know, or can run to, rather and I can't ---... I don't know what I'm doing.
Adelaide: Does it have anything to do with the fact that the lights are out all over the city [She released an exasperated sigh] Literally, the lights are out, and it's pitch black.
Holly: [A muffled whimper] Maybe. Adelaide, I don't know what to do. I'm an absolute mess. They're coming to get me. I'm going to be captured. I'm going to die. They're going to find me. I ruined everything.
Light in All My Dark: The Outage (Part I) | A Self Para
"So, uh... You're Holly, right?"
His name was a common utterance amongst the population at the university. Girls of all different distinction gathered and gossiped at the slightest mention of his name. Through out the semester, it became much of a wonder to Holly. Had he not been your stereotypical frat boy? Perhaps, they were talking less about the deeds he's done for the common good and more about the dirty deeds he's done elsewhere... Either way she was curious. So she began to pay just a little more attention when it came to him. He was that spark of curiosity that would make her question her own silence and introversion in society; but, she hadn't needed to do much work you see? Sam had a knack, at least, so she thought, to show up everywhere she had been: the library, around campus, at the cafe in the French Quarter...
Holly began to see more of the pale, blond, and statured boy than she thought anyone had, really. At least, more than her peers had at college. What was she to know, though? She was only a commuter and running into him may have just been coincidence. However, she couldn't exactly make out the circumstances of the situation and she certainly did not expect for him to talk to her, at all. But, that was the irony of all of it. Sam, from what she's witnessed, wasn't your stereotypical frat boy and it seemed the only matters on his agenda were maintaining a scholarship and tending much to community matters.
God knows, but Holly was even sure that her assumptions hadn't failed her the moment that fire broke out in the French Quarter not too long ago. He was amongst those who ran to aid others, to make sure he could bring as many people as he could to safety. That's when she was able to grasp the difference between your average, party-going, socially driven college boy and Sam. One can only imagine the confusion it's caused Holly over time, especially now.
Attempting to maintain her composure, she nodded, subtly in response to his words, again wondering much about him. She couldn't contain her nerves, however; a sign that she was even the least bit attracted to the boy. Her fingers began to tap along the edge of the desk as she awaited a response, greeting him with a bashfully obvious smile.
"There's a party tonight. At the frat house. Kappa Lambda Gamma? I'm sure you've heard of us... maybe not, who knows. That's not the point, though. I'd like you to come... tonight," he continues as he turns his entire upper body around the chair of his desk to face her, dimples exposing the very essence of his sweet, playful nature. How could she even deny such a request? But, an party? An actual college party? While most girls would be elated over, even, the idea of getting asked to attend such a gathering, Holly was absolutely frightened. There were reasons to her own self exclusion, and while he tested her boundaries in that aspect, she still couldn't bring herself to give them up so willingly.
Those dimples begged, however. They were eating away at her soul as she contemplated a response. Holly resented the fact she found a weakness for them, a weakness for him. His very presence alarmed her in such a way that she knew he was trouble for her own guard. But, it was time to test the waters. It was time to tell if she was ready and capable of handling this predicament.
"Mhm, yes, I-I'll go." A stammer, but confirmation, nonetheless. Although, it came as a surprise to Holly, who hadn't expected the relief and excitement that coursed through her the moment she agreed to go. Sam certainly gave her the confidence boost she never thought she'd gain. After an exchange of phone numbers, and some talk about where he'd meet her, plans were final. Holly was to attend her first college party, ever... and to attend along the side of potentially the most sought after frat boy through out the entire student body?
There was truly a sense of happiness.
----
God knows how long it took Holly to get dressed and ready for this party. She rummaged through practically everything in her closet, until she found an outfit appropriate for the occasion. At least, in her eyes, it was. In hopes her outfit would suffice, she managed to put together a simply elegant ensemble: she would wear a sweetheart neckline, eyelet dress, topped with a pale pink cardigan, brown juke joint heeled pumps, and accessorize with her set of pearls.
Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she arrived onto the premises of the frat house, only to be greeted with typical surrounding. She couldn't understand the hype of college life, especially since it'd only confirmed how grotesque it seemed to be. It was certainly more intense, to say the very least, than it had been portrayed in the movies. Holly was less than amused when, upon her immediate arrival, she had been approached by the inebriation of one of Sam's brothers. She practically had to duck her way to get to entrance of the door.
Alas, once she reached her exact destination, she made her way in to the house, shuffling and bumping her way through until she found open space... on the staircase. It amazed her how a house so vastly large could become so ridiculously packed in a matter of moments. This wasn't a life she could ever see herself becoming used to, and it began to make her question exactly how a young man like Sam would ever become part of such establishment. He just didn't seem like the type. Then she was proven otherwise when they met each other's gaze.
Sam, with a red solo cup in hand, donning a polo with a popped collar and Greek letters, hustled his way through the crowd until he was able to get to the stairs. Approached with another cup in hand, he made his way up to greet her, gesturing a drink in welcome. "I'm really glad you decided to come. Did y'make it here all right?" he breaks, dimples forming again only to ease Holly's nerves. See, it was almost as if he knew the effect he had on her... not that she was proud of it or anything, but she couldn't hinder herself from smiling in return. "Your brothers are pretty drunk already, and it's only what? Ten o'clock? At most?" she chuckles. Some way to start up a conversation, Holly.
The two spent nearly an hour talking with each other on the steps about school, life (well, what Holly could share for the most part), and basically what made him want to become part of his fraternity. Sadly, his circumstances were ones that were all too relatable. Sam Harroway. The humble, modest boy, waiting to make a difference in the world... an orphan at the age of two. He's been alone practically all of his life. When he got to college, he just wanted to belong to something. A brotherhood. And Kappa Lambda Gamma was his. Holly, who took his story to heart, swooned by the sweetness of his demeanor and his past, followed him upstairs to his room when the conversation became all too personal for others around them to hear.
She sat herself at his desk as he closed the door, sitting himself down on his bed just for simple conversation. Holly was a listener. She listened intently to his words, his thoughts, emotions... even dreams. It seemed like he didn't have anyone to tell them to, or anyone to listen and God knows how analytical Holly was. Curiosity was more of a virtue than a burden, and to her luck it brought her knowledge of all that was around her.
Although, she did wonder why he was telling her his entire life. Perhaps, he was a social drunk and either way, as open as he may have been with her, she grew saddened with the fact that she couldn't feel as open as he was. Who was he anyway? All she really knew was his depth and his name. She didn't know who he was, what he knew or even experienced as a resident of a newly discovered and open New Orleans when it came to the craft. And if he was anyone in general, he could've been bait the Winfields were throwing at her to lure her back into a trap. To lure her back home. She couldn't have that.
Holly wasn't entire sure what to bring upon herself, but she wasn't ready. At least, not for what Sam wanted from her in that moment, even if it was just a hand to hold or an ear to listen. Onto her feet, heels walked over to the edge of the bed where he sat, bending over to plant a kiss on his forehead. She did feel sorry. "Sam, I don't know what it is that you want. But, I can't," she apologetically whispers into his ear, reaching for the door to open before he gets up, suddenly, An arm around her waist, lips pressed onto hers, she was caught off guard. Sam kissed her.
The moment was meant to be enjoyable, but instead it set off a whole different alarm for her, especially when she heard the snickering laughter going on in the hall. Holly managed to get the door open. Everyone was watching, staring as he kissed her. But, even he hadn't noticed. When she turned to look around, slowly walking herself out of the room, the crowd of people that surrounded her, Greek affiliation and regular student body alike, began to stare, whispering secrets amongst each other as she passed them. Her eyes widened, with grief and disparity -- not knowing what to do other than to leave and leave quickly.
What if her parents find her? What if any of them know who she is? All she knew was she couldn't show her face again, at least not in that frat house.
----
The witch left in such a frantic panic, she rushed home as fast as she could and only in the matter of minutes. Every part of her was shaking and she couldn't exactly process how it all happened so quickly. The talk, the kiss... the looks on their faces. She couldn't grasp her predicament. Most people wouldn't have cared much about it, really. At least, if they were normal. Any girl would've done anything to spend one night with Sam Harroway... and here was Holly Winfield: blowing it all away because of some kicked up insecurities and a disillusioned paranoia that through something like that her family would find her. Especially, now that everyone knew what she looked like, and even spoke her name after witnessing that lip lock, she felt doomed.
Trembling fingers delved into the depths of her purse, looking for her keys as she ran up the corridor and unlocking the door to her apartment. Slamming the door behind her, she stood against it, letting out a cry only her cat could hear. It was time for another protection spell. Maybe, multiple. She couldn't risk anything at this point. Hurriedly, she ransacked her room for all of her supplies, gathering candles, old and new, sands and salts, herbs, stones... anything she knew she needed in order to perform multiple rituals at once. Of course, all while she continued to panic through out the place.
Settling herself down in the middle of the living room, preparing the proper materials needed for her craft, she began to recite words written on pages and pages of several different spell books as she stammered through her tears, panting with each word that followed. All candles were lit, and she remained in darkness with him, shutting her eyes to send off power. She so desperately needed it to work. Holly felt she couldn't risk anything at this point, especially since she fought so hard to keep herself amongst the shadows of New Orleans' witches.
The thought of returning home pained her, only progressing her chants, cries becoming more and more desperately audible through out the living room. For each lash she'd remember, another tear was shed, and another intention to set up guard was made. No one would understand anything she's ever gone through. No body. That's another burden of being what she was. She could never be honest with others, let alone herself, if she really wanted to remain safe. So, she would cast as many spells of protection as she could until she was completely unfound, banished without a trace to those who would threaten her safety.
Suddenly, darkness.
Holly's lashes fluttered open to nothing but darkness. Her candles were put out, and the only light coming in through her apartment was the moon's rays illuminating the night sky. That's when she noticed something else was entirely off. The witch ran to her window, peaking outside as she held her cat, nervously, wiping the tears that remained on her cheeks. The sudden shock that carried through the rest of the French Quarter was now exposed to her own eyes. Oh, dear Holly. What have you done?
It seemed that in the spur of her own catastrophe, she has unleashed the power to diminish any light or use of electricity through out the rest of the French Quarter, at least so she thought. It was until she heard a voice outside her door talking to her neighbor stating that not only had it affected the block in which she lived, but New Orleans in its entirety, itself.
She ran off into her room, frazzled with little ability to compose herself, crying out with, "No, no, no, no, why?!" and uttering obscenities under her breath as she reached for her phone on the night stand. Panicked and in shock with her own actions, she calls out to the only person she knows that can help in the slightest: Adelaide Ward.
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