meet me after dark

Mumu roleplay blog for Maple Creek. See pinned post for more information and bios.

[meaningofmaple]

Welcome to Maple...

Spotted on the ferry is JASPER ROWAN ASHCROFT, they were mistaken for TOM BLYTH. JASPER is 31 years old, they identify as a CIS MAN (HE/HIM). They are currently spending their time as RECORD and ART STORE OWNER in Maple Creek and are residing in MAPLE FOREST. On the island, people say they are CHARMING but SPOILT. (Soph, 34, GMT, SHE/HER).

Spotted on the ferry is BELLE MARLOWE, they were mistaken for SAMANTHA LOGAN. BELLE is 30 years old, they identify as a CIS WOMAN (SHE/HER). They are currently spending their time as BAKER and CAFE OWNER in Maple Creek and are residing in THE CREEK. On the island, people say they are PASSIONATE but BOSSY. (Soph, 34, GMT, SHE/HER).

Spotted on the ferry is PARKER HARRISON, they were mistaken for MATT CZUCHRY. PARKER is 46 years old, they identify as a CIS MAN (HE/HIM). They are currently spending their time as INTERNAL MEDICINE CONSULTANT in Maple Creek and are residing in FIREWOOD APARTMENTS. On the island, people say they are CHARISMATIC but GUARDED. (Soph, 34, GMT, SHE/HER).

[melissatherstone]

If Melissa was still back in New York City, she would've been lounging around right now with the band, undoubtedly attempting to write a new song or being general weirdos...and there weren't many people she'd felt comfortable enough to be her true self around. That? Well, it'd come with time. And every minute she spent away from them was more lost.

A ticking fucking clock.

The greeting to the person to her right was enough to garner a smile. "I enjoy the view, and the fact that there are no people around." For the most part. But the quiet? It gave her time to miss her friends, her bandmates. However, it was his comment on the quiet of Maple that caught her attention, eyes leaving the horizon to look at the man she was speaking to.

"I never really got use too it...I was always more into the city."

Are you local?

She couldn't exactly respond with 'unfortunately'. Instead, Melissa simply nodded, "Just moved back." Eyeing him for a prolonged moment, she nodded her head in his direction. "How about you?"

[meaningofmaple]

Jasper took a sip of the lukewarm coffee, glancing back out at the water like he was lost in thought for a moment. "Hmm," he laughed softly in agreement. "I agree with the no people part. But yeah, I get that. I keep thinking I’ll start appreciating the peace and quiet or something. Maybe I'll figure out something deep about myself. It hasn’t quite happened yet."

He shifted his weight slightly, tucking his free hand into his pocket.

"Sort of local, maybe." He paused. “Summer camps here, growing up. Then haven't been back for years. Now I’ve somehow ended up here, running a store no one asked for," he said with a shrug.

[midnightxraine]

Kris held in his sigh. He was hoping he’d get rid of Parker quickly but alas, here he was to ruin the rest of his morning. He leant back in his chair, holding his coffee in his hand and trying to give off his cool exterior. “Real memorable.” He joked. Truth be told he remembered Parker very well, or at least.. he remembered the woman they were both obsessed with as teenagers.

“Has the mortality rate in town gone up since? Bet you’re a big hit with the undertakers.” He joked, a small amused smile on his lips. He shrugged his shoulders humbly. “I built a few buildings in town, nothing impressive… we’ve been granted some land to look at some new commercial developments but we’ll see.” He learnt very early in Maple Creek that developments weren’t always seen positively and it was better to keep your cards close to your chest.

“It’s not quite Starbucks…” he sighed at his coffee once again.

[meaningofmaple]

Parker’s mouth twitched at their back and forth. He was well aware that they were both grown men in their 40s... but he was enjoying their old rivalry all the same. "You still know how to charm me," he replied, though there was a slight sarcasm to his tone. "No, I'm on a winning streak. A shame for the undertaker I'm sure," he joked. "Though Maple is a lot quieter than the city."

He took another sip of his coffee, nodding as Kris spoke. "Buildings, right." He paused. He knew that many in Maple weren't a fan of change. He knew Kris was aware of that too. "Did the buildings make you enemy number one? If it helps... I kinda like them."

He half laughed at the Starbucks comment. "How I miss all the chain shit in the city. This is about as fancy as Maple gets before nine in the morning."

[celiaowensby-deactivated2026041]

celia'd made sure to stop by the bakery at what had to be their busiest hour - despite it being very, very much out of line with what was an adequate, kind-to-yourself, human waking time somewhere around noon.

"that's okay," celia said absent-mindedly, half-sure the woman behind the counter wouldn't even hear amidst all the work.

she bent down a little to check out the pastries behind the glass, caught on the smell of cinnamon and glossy icing. this was no rush hour in soho, but still the closest thing to the hustle and bustle of home that she'd seen in a week. it felt nice.

"can i rely on your favourite?" she looked up with a squint and a smile. "or are you one of those plain bran muffin people?"

[meaningofmaple]

Belle looked up, her eyes lighting up at the question. "Oh I love you for asking that. I seriously love when people ask for my favourites, recommendations. Makes my day," she laughed, leaning over the counter a little. "Oh gosh no, absolutely not, I am not a plain girl. Life’s too short for bran muffins." She gestured around her cafe, all spring colours and flowers. "I mean… this place is basically proof of that. I spend all day here, I want it to be bright and pretty."

She looked back towards the counter with her same bubbly tone. "Cinnamon swirl, definitely. Just came out, still warm, makes the icing melty in the best way."

[midnightxraine]

Pat tried to keep his grumpy exterior, a small smile creeping on his face. Although it almost looked unatural under his beard. Belle was hard not to like, she was almost a cliche in a small town like Maple Creek. But he'd often though of her as a staple of the town. "I am trusting you with serious legit business." He corrected before pausing. "I'm trusting you with business." He coughed. "I think you'd be good at it, you know... you did a great job with this place. You have... opinions on things in town." he paused again. "You have opinions on things in town, right?"

[meaningofmaple]

Belle looked up at him before letting out a soft laugh. "Trusting me with business, I feel very important now. You really know how to sell it," she teased lightly as she leaned against the counter.

She tilted her head, really listening now. She was flattered he'd asked her. "I mean… I do have opinions, yeah. Probably more than I should." A smile played on her lips. "Comes with feeding half the town. You hear everything and anything when serving customers." Her features softened. "But I really do care about this place. What kind of business are we talking about here? Just general town stuff? And can I get you something while you're here?"

[midnightxraine]

Kris didn't know many faces in town anymore, or at least those he did know barely recognised him. Twenty years did that to a person. But he half chuckled looking at the blonde man that had once been the reason for a lot of swearing under his breath. "Oh.." He paused for a moment, as if having to think about who it was in front of him. He knew exactly who it was. But he wasn't going to give him that. "Parker, right?" he clicked his fingers in recognition.

"Medulla is apparently very my scene" he chuckled, little did anybody in town know but Kris had given in to the clean clinical look in his own work a long time ago. He lifted his cup to the man. "Only coffee shop in town that opens before 8am. The taste of the coffee is the price you pay for convenience" He wished he was joking, but the bitter overpriced coffee lacked the warmth of the shops further into town. "God... twenty... twenty five years? How has life been treating you?" He continued to ask about the man out of common decency.

[meaningofmaple]

Parker let out a small sound of amusement, shaking his head slightly as he pulled out the chair opposite without quite asking. "Hmm," he started, trying to keep his tone light. He refused to show his irritation. "Good to know I made that much of an impression."

He picked up the cup in front of him, keeping his eyes on it a moment before looking back at Kris. "It’s dreadful," he agreed, taking another sip anyway. "How I miss city coffee."

At Kris' question, he paused for a moment, leaning back slightly in his chair. They were both being polite. Civil. Adult.

"You know me. Not bad. Kept busy. Came back a couple of years ago. Work’s steady. People still manage to get ill in a town this size, surprisingly," he joked, his mouth curved just slightly. "What about you? Big business man?"

[midnightxraine]

Pat looked behind him, there was no one else in the queue but somehow the baker still seemed to be rushed off her feet. She always looked like that to be fair, but he figured that was the price of owning your own business. You rarely were not busy. "I was just bringing one of these for your window." he held out a stack of leaflets. "Town committee... we you know... do fundraisers for the flowers and decorations and stuff. I thought you might want to join." he pointed around them. "Most of the local store owners attend".

[meaningofmaple]

Belle's face lit up as she looked properly at the man in front of her. She'd known him a long time and she did enjoy talking to him. She took a breath, making herself focus for a moment. "Okay, you have my attention. You know me, I get fixated on what I'm doing," she laughed at herself. "Aww, yes. I can put that in the window. You know how I feel about the town." She nodded, unable not to smile. "Are you inviting me to legit serious town business?"

[melissatherstone]

FOR: OPEN TO ALL [0/6] WHEN: Early morning, April 5th, 2026. WHERE: Ext. Maple Creek Waterfront.

A lilt of a smile graced pastel pink painted lips. It was early morning, and the coffee had begun to set in. The usual jitters that would come along mid-morning and haunt her, were already working on their assault. Melissa wished, as she so often did, for the roar of New York City. The constant, yet unmatched 90 decibels of sound, but the crashing of waves greeted her instead. She knew Maple Creek well, had spent a lot of her youth in this very place.

And yet, she felt out of her skin here.

Melissa longed for a place her parents had forced her out of, and the band waited for her with each passing day...even if that date seemed to get further and further away.

It was the scuffle of a shoe against the pavement that tore her from her spiralling thoughts. At this time, most people were still sleeping. Sunday mornings were for rest, or at least, that's what people told them. She'd never slept well.

Melissa turned her head and half-smiled. "Morning."

@maplecstarters

[meaningofmaple]

Jasper hated the fact he was an early bird. Years of fancy schools and law firms had done that to him. Walking through Maple was like deja vu, a place he had visited often throughout his childhood. He had one hand wrapped around his coffee cup, though it a little lukewarm now. The thought made his nose wrinkle.

His eyes glanced to the voice and he gave a smile. "Morning," he returned, his voice warm but still holding that English accent he had never shaken.

He glanced out towards the water for a moment, then back to her. "Early start? Or are you one of those people who actually enjoys mornings here?" he smiled, there was a slight teasing but not unkind. "I keep thinking I’ll get used to how quiet it is in Maple. Hasn’t happened yet. Are you local?"

[meaningofmaple]

status: open

location: Wildflower Bakery Cafe & Patisserie

@maplecstarters

Belle had flour on her cheek and absolutely no intention of slowing down. Once she was in her zone, there was no stopping her. She moved between tables with her usual bright smile, checking in, topping up cups of coffee, and making sure everything was okay.

She caught sight of someone lingering near the counter and offered a warm smile, she brushed her hands against her apron as she moved back to the front of the cafe.

"Hi, sorry there. I’ll be with you properly in just a second. It’s been a bit of a busy morning," she laughed lightly, glancing back over at the oven before returning her attention to them. "What can I get you?"

[midnightxraine]

status: open

location: Medulla coffee house

@maplecstarters

Medulla wasn't Kris' normal coffee stop of choice, but he had been called in to a meeting and needed the strongest wifi he could find on the island. His option was here or the local library and he felt like he might disturb fewer people in the rather corporate coffee shop.

The people around him were a busy clientele and all sitting across separate tables. The walls were cold and clinical with the odd coffee bean decal stuck to break up the coldness.

As he finished his work call he closed his laptop, holding his head in his hands for a moment. "Fucking Maple..." He sighed, leaning back with his coffee he lifted his head just as a pamphlet fell from a passer by's bag. He stood to his feet holding it back up to the person. "You dropped this." He offered gently.

[meaningofmaple]

Parker had only meant to grab a quick coffee before heading back to the surgery. Though as he stood in the warm, dimly lit room, he could feel the tiredness behind his eyes. He was lost in his own thoughts, half-watching the room, half daydreaming. He recognised the voice before the face, though as he glanced, he hadn’t changed much over the years. "Kris?"

He raised one brow, eyes flicking from the pamphlet in Kris’ hand to his face. A small, smile followed, something almost amused.

"Didn’t think Medulla was your scene. Or has Maple finally worn you down as well?" He paused beside the table, his body language relaxed but serious at the same time, the way he always had been. "Been a while."

[meaningofmaple]

This blog is now part of @maplecreekhq.

Blog for: JASPER ROWAN ASHCROFT (Tom Blyth) BELLE MARLOWE (Samantha Logan) PARKER HARRISON (Matt Czuchry)

[meaningofmaple]

Open Starter @acstarters Corin Valdris Location: Outside in Capital City

Corin was sat on the saddle, his gloved hand resting against the reins as his horse impatiently moved beneath him. The afternoon sun felt warm against his skin and he contently watched the busy city with quiet interest.

The capital was a place where everything important happened, he'd been told that his whole life. Every smile hid a motive, every greeting carried a hidden question or want. Corin had always found that rather entertaining, he lived for a game. His eyes scanned the crowd until they settled on someone approaching.

"Well," he said, his voice filled with his usual confidence. "Either you’re lost, or you were looking for me," he joked, rather pleased with himself. "I would be careful though, I do believe my horse has just kindly left a present on the ground, he said as his nose wrinkled.

[midnightxraine]

Starter: open Torren Blackmere Location: Valdrienne, a tavern in the upper city

Torren didn't care for the capital, he'd been here a handful of times as a young man for tourneys. It was Blackmere tradition that you entered a tourney as soon as you came of age, of course, Torren had taken the victory that year when he was just twenty- one years of age. Now here he was, seventeen years later. The city still smelt the same though, the sky still looked the same. Even with the old king dead, nothing seemed to change in Durn - not really. The tavern was busy tonight, ladies and lords all making polite conversation, Torren preferred something a little noisier normally, still he leant on the counter leaning in to listen to someone's conversation. "Be careful what you say - you never know who could be listening" he joked to the person beside him.

[meaningofmaple]

For a man who usually had a preference for the nicer things in life, Corin Valdris often found himself in a local Tavern. Though this particular one did make his nose wrinkle a little if he thought about it too much. He lifted his cup to his lips before the man’s words caught his attention. The corner of his mouth curved upward, his amusement obvious on his face. The expression was something he had practiced over the years, the face of a man who liked attention, a face of a man who knew what he looked like.

He turned slightly on the barstool, his light eyes glancing towards the man leaning on the counter. "Is that so?" Corin said lightly, his voice filled with amusement. "Then perhaps tonight, we should all whisper into our cups and spare ourselves the danger."

He took a small sip of wine, eyes watching the man with a mix of curiosity and a small amount of suspicion. Corin had spent enough years in court to recognise when a stranger worth noting. Though he would never admit that. "Though," he started again. "If one truly wished to overhear something valuable, this would be a disappointing place to find it."

[meaningofmaple]

This blog is now related to @ashencrownrp.

Mumu rp blog for Corin Valdris.

[carmenxherrara]

"You had me at the word pumpkin." Carmen nodded, bringing the cup in her hand to her lips and taking a longer sip than necessary; one that she'd regret later when she realized that she'd burned every tastebud in her mouth off on the liquid that hadn't quite yet cooled. It was no secret that Carmen Herrara was a sucker for the fall primarily for all things pumpkin flavored; her fridge and her pantry would be stocked with all the treats and coffee toppers your heart could desire until it was time to switch to peppermint mocha for the winter. She was craving the drop in temperature, the long jackets and boots that came up to the knee. These over the top temperatures and pouring sweat just stepping on her doorstep was becoming old very quickly.

"I actually think that's really cute." she nodded, letting her eyes meet the others once she felt her mouth cool off enough to be able to speak. "People in this town already go feral at the first sign of fall-" she paused, hand gesturing towards her own cup; not only was it a specialty fall cup it was also a fall drink; not that the other would be able to tell that. "So I think doing something like that to draw attention is smart." she nodded. "Would you change it over for every season or does that take the fun away?"

[meaningofmaple]

Sidney smiled, clearly taking the girl's response as a win. "Exactly! Lean into the madness of fall. Embrace the seasonal chaos. People may think it's too early right now, but another few weeks, the air will have that crisp breeze and people will want spiced muffins at the farmers' market and to feel all cosy."

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her thoughts wandering for a moment. She really did enjoy this time of year. "Yes, I would definitely change it up. And between us, organised chaos is my favourite. One month it's pumpkins, next it's twinkle lights, then pretty pastels and flowers. We go from fall to winter to spring. I love it all."

[midnightxraine]

Kris took a sip of his coffee and was just hoping that this wasn't another ploy to get him on some sort of decorating or events committee. He shook his head with a sigh. "If i turn around and someone has put a shot of pumpkin in this coffee i won't be held responsible for my actions. When did fall become such a big thing. When i was a kid it was just you know. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th July. Now we're decorating for a season?"

[meaningofmaple]

Sidney gasped, dramatically clutching her heart like he’d personally offended autumn itself. "Excuse me, fall is a lifestyle, thank you very much. And I am not just quoting Gilmore Girls. Though that is also a huge part of fall. It's cosy jumpers, the smell of cinnamon, and making everything look like it jumped out of a Pinterest board," she continued to ramble on.

She leaned forward, a little grin on her lips. "And no, you're not on a committee..." She paused. "Yet. But if a few fairy lights and pumpkins show up by the lake… well, I am not sorry." She gave him a cheeky smile. "And in your day? How old are you?"

[midnightxraine]

Sel smiled holding her lower back as he complained. "Because you lose flexibility every year after twenty five if you don't stretch it, come here more often and i'll have you as nimble as you once were." She clicked her fingers, as if somehow that demonstrated what she meant. "Because i'm looking out for your well-being and for that pretty face. It's know what's good for you." She spoke in simple upbeat statements, but it was clear her words were not up for debate.

She placed her hands on her hips, watching the drilling for a moment. "I hate it. The vibe hates it. It's ruining the zen. This is my yoga spot."

[meaningofmaple]

Gray winced playfully, rubbing the back of his neck as he straightened up once more, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright, alright, keep up my flexibility after twenty five, got it. I don't want to think about how long ago that was. Though maybe that flexibility will be useful in different areas on my life." He walked a little closer, tilting his head at her. "Though, if coming here more often means getting you as my personal yoga trainer, I might just start showing up uninvited."

He gave her a a cheeky smile, then followed her eyes towards the construction. The noise in the background made his nose wrinkle. "Yeah... it's like a clumsy drunk person at 2am. Just absolutely murdering the energy and the vibes." He folded his arms. "I say we stage a protest. You bring the incense and crystals, I'll paint a passive-aggressive sign." He nudged her, more interested in making her laugh than solving the town's noise problems.