People are hard to talk to!

Dr Nyx SparrowAnimilia Council memeber with 400 something years and still she prefers to talk to animals than people.

[ofsparrcw]

VI:

Bustling voices pass by them, and overhead fairy lights and flickering lantern decorations make way to replace the sun in the sky. Mimicking the trembling stars in the night sky, swallowed by the darkness that surrounds them. It was the only sky Vidar would remember, inky blackness making way for the gods. But it was never that when he looked to Nyx, even now so distant from a time when the two were- he’d still just remember streams of morning light dappling through her window. He’d remember the sun, kissing the edges of her bare skin, and a warmth he’d long forget. But it was so much more than that which Vi wanted when he smiled back to her.

A hand over his mouth wasn’t much discouragement from furthering it, he only finds himself gently biting into the flesh of her hand. He’d careful not to use any sharp teeth, just a gentle graze before he pulls back, “I don’t have a problem with that.” He reaches over, a gentle finger brushing the pigment in her cheeks as he steps out of Nyx’s grip. “Don’t tell me you’ve gone all shy now.” Vi easily leans in, to whisper against her ear, careful if she doesn’t want others to hear. “Come now Nyx, I can think of much more interesting things we could be celebrating a reunion with.”

Everything here in Barton was like an exotic and pristine fish tank. Things worked, people kept to their own way of life and for the most part, everyone got along. But she couldn’t help but find herself longing for something more ... exciting. The monotony could be mind numbing at times, but there were a few people in Barton that stirred up the water, added that something new that she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

The gentle graze of teeth against flesh had her cheeks flushing a softer shade of pink, hand falling away quicker than she’d raised it as that wave that ran through her arm, like take a deep breath after being under water for too long. The air is nice, but it stings just a little. A bittersweet breath, this was a skill of his, getting past every defence she had spent the last four-hundred and something years building. “Shy hardly! I just know not to make idiotic mistakes again.” Perhaps a little more harsh than was needed, but she knew how he worked, his endless flirting always got to her. It was a weak spot.

“And what things could we possibly be celebrating Vi? Give me something worth it.” With an otherworldly grace, she plucked two large cups of spiced cider off one of the nearby stalls, offering one to him first. “I’m far to sober to be dealing with you.”

[ofsparrcw]

KATYA:

Katya was dressed a little less casually than usual, still were the leather pants and tight top, but an armored jacket replaced her beat up old leather one, more than one knife strapped to her hip and leg glinted under the new moons light. It may not have been her appointed job to protect the residents of Barton Hollow but since the arrival of the strange new creatures she was more than a little on guard, perhaps she should have taken a job in the Sheriffs office instead. Pushing dark hair away from her face, the fae looked up from her spot resting against the wall of Bridgeport Bar, shadows somewhat concealing her, “It’s late, what are you doing out?”

“Having a good time ... what are you doing out?” She’d had a little bit too much to drink, but with all that was happening around town, who could blame anyone. A member from each faction dead, who in their right mind would have the hatred to pull that off? “You look positively fearsome as always Katya.” It didn’t take long for Nyx to find herself on the wall beside her friend. 

“Isn’t it risky being out here all alone?” While she knew her fellow fae was capable of handling a little bit of trouble, much more than herself, she still didn’t want to see someone she knew as the next person.

[aliciaviklala-deactivated202104]

Alastair was looking over some of the various reports he’d heard about what happened at the bonfire party. He knew it was going to be talked about at the next Council meeting he and he needed to have all the information before attending. Of course he’d dealt with sirens before and this didn’t seem like their work but then again did anything seem like anyone’s work when there was an attack? He heard the knock on his door sighing softly “Enter, I’m not sure I can stare at these reports any longer, what is it?”

[ofsparrcw]

Nyx wasn’t the kind of person to just be ordered around by anyone, no she was far too stubborn for that, but when her queen had requested she deliver something for the council to the faction leaders she’d done so. Granted she complained about doing so, and detested being turned into a glorified messenger pigeon. She kept the small blade that Katya had given her strapped inside her boot, especially in the wake of the attack, she did not intend to be next. Nudging the door open with her boot she dropped a small stack of papers before him, a forced smile dancing across her lips. “Well it would seem i’m only adding to your workload.”

[ofsparrcw]

FREYA:

“That would be a good one to bet your money on that’s for sure. Or someone ends up seriously hurt.” she clicked her tongue. Her bored tone quickly turned into an interested one her eyebrows raised in Nyx’s direction. “Oh?” she said her interest piqued. “Do tell.” To her Vi was a harmless flirt, though after what happened to her mother she was a little on edge around vampires. “I have plans for champagne around a fire, lots of it.” 

The colour that briefly crossed her cheeks as she realised she may have offered more information about herself than she was intending, Nyx couldn’t help but lower the cup further. Maybe she should stop drinking. “Nothing, we’ve just met before.” She tried to school her features to something resembling neutrality, when in reality it still looked bright pink and wide eyed. She didn’t like vampires, as a whole, but he was the one that got under her skin ( pun intended ) the easiest. “Got enough champagne for one more?” 

[ofsparrcw]

VI:

Time would linger in all their movements, like forgotten shadows mimicking everything they already knew. The way Nyx would wrap her fingers around his wrist, like a threat he knew there was no fear behind, and the way her smile would offer something bitterly sweet. Yet Vi wants to sink his teeth in just the same, as she pulls back. He can never tell how much truth lies in her words though, that’s what time would always stain. The way she once stared back to his dark eyes, and the way flush used to rise to her cheeks at the feeling of his breath, no longer were there. But that only made Vi want to press into her all that much more until he found the right buttons.

“You’ve always been a bad liar,” He teases, as he follows her with light feet. It’s easy to keep pace, even with grace in his walk, as he ends just beside her. Back turned to the crowd, his eyes sharp on her as he walks backwards, crimson eyes seeking her attention. “Don’t worry though, I’ll be the one taking care of you all night. Or did you forget what it’s like? I might know a way or two to refresh your memory.”

Alluring didn’t even come close to describing what he was, but it would suffice for now. She found herself feeling that enigmatic pull towards him, that unknown, the what ifs and what could have beens. Her years had offered her the chance for responsibility and maturity, something he seemed to greatly lack. Her greatest problem with Vi was that she could never say no, she could drag it out, make him work harder than he needed, or at least she had done in the past. But she was different now, or so she kept trying to tell herself. The ghost of his touch lingered across her skin, the brush of a finger or the sweet caress of a kiss, it annoyed her to no end how easily he made her mind wander.

A hand rushed out, straight for his chest, grabbing a handful of shirt she stopped him in his tracks so he wouldn’t flatten a poor child. Cursing herself silently she'd very rarely been able to lie to people, that was perhaps why she had grown so harsh and cold, it meant she didn’t have to attempt it, but with him … she couldn’t help herself. That hand that was scrunched up in his shirt quickly flew to his mouth, clamping a hand over his lips in a bid to silence him, the colour blooming on her cheeks. “Gods there are people around!” She didn’t care that her hand was at his mouth, there was something in her, something she didn’t acknowledge that wanted him to bite her, wanted him to have her, wanted him.

[ofsparrcw]

FREYA:

“Well it’s a party.” Freya said matter of factly taking a sip from her cup, which was spiked. “Though, this many species together, something is bound to happen. My money is on an affair being outed.” she laughed giddy. “Though, that would probably mean Vi is behind it and then it would become lame.” she sighed changing her mind. 

There was a smile of familiarity, not just as she was Fae much like herself, but because there was something in Freya that she trusted, of course only because of the assistance and nice words her cat had to say. “Oh really, my money was on a fight of some sort.” Nyx couldn’t help but roll her eyes as she heard a familiar name. “That man ( could she even call him that ) has no sense of decency.” Inhaling the cold air she looked so much more at peace than she normally was at large events such as this. But this was one of her favourite seasons, it meant they were done with the heat, and winter was just around the corner. “So what else do you have planned for this evening?”

[ofsparrcw]

VI:

There’s an ease to the way he moves, lifting a hand to brush aside locks from Nyx’s face as his head quirks to chase her gaze. He doesn’t much care for the invasion of her personal space, just as he never did. “Really?” His tone dances in the air, amusement somewhere beneath his sharp smile. This was always the way with the blonde, sweet nectar words, and teeth that glistened in the moonlight. He was promising destruction dipped in saccharine honey. “What type of help are you seeking from me then?”

Implications thick in his tone as he takes his hand back, before putting it haphazardly into a pocket. “I guess you’ll have to keep my company until morning light then.”

Strange things memories, they’d been here before more than once. Acquaintances fated to meet again and again across time despite her attempts to forget him. No, he was a temptation from another time, a time where she knew no responsibility or common sense. It was due to these bittersweet memories that her hand latched around his wrist with such speed and precision it could have mirrored his own. Pulling his hand from her hair, a smile adorning her face, words practically dripping with false honey. “Oh Vi, that’s your first mistake. I want nothing from you.”

Releasing his hand as she felt that pull back there was a look of utter disbelief, the surprise at his statement was palpable. “I’ll do no such thing. I’m not your babysitter, as much as you might need one.” Eyes rolling she simply stepped around him, like he was just something in her way, making her way further into the festivities in hope of losing him.

[ofsparrcw]

GRACE:

Grace thanked the heavens (she’s probably not allowed in, given her undead state, not that she believes in such things) that her day off completely lined up with the festival. She got to see what all the fuss was about, since she’s only been in the town for a year. Grace missed last year’s festivities and actually looked forward to this year’s celebrations. Her nice thoughts were immediately cut off when a child ran towards her and kicked her behind the knees. Of course it didn’t hurt that much but it definitely caught her by surprise which being a vampire is unheard of, but she sent a glare (and maybe hissed) at the poor kid making him yell out and run towards his mother, presumably.

“I know I am,” Grace chuckled at herself turning her attention away from the crying child running away from her. “What about you? Have you gone pumpkin carving yet?”

Vampires were probably her least favourite of the different species that came to call Barton Hollow home, she didn’t trust them, and she greatly disliked what they did for survival, she couldn’t help it. It was when she felt that familiar uneasiness that she turned to see a small boy kick the young ( physically ) woman. The corner of her lips quirked up into a smile for two reasons, the first and foremost being the boldness of the child, the second being the others lack of care for whether the human boy liked or disliked her.

“Certainly more now that I’ve witnessed that.” It wasn’t to say that she was no longer cautious of the woman, but there was something juvenile and almost mischievous about her actions. “No I haven’t, I wasn’t planning on it either. Isn’t that for children?” 

[ofsparrcw]

KAY:

she was like a shooting star, practically glowing from the inside out, radiating joy and excitement. no one could stop kay orion from trying everything tonight, from the homemade pumpkin pie to helping making paper-mache ghosts to string in the trees to even trying to win one of those infamous cake walks people were talking about. the festival was in full-swing, half on the shore and up the block and half down on the beach, where she’d spent most of the sunlight hours, splashing in the water with familiar friends and strangers alike. now it was twilight, darkening by the second, golden lights strung across the streetlamps lighting barton hollow’s way back up to the main festivities. there was where she found nyx, with their hot cocoa and gentle, rare smile. it was easy to feel them through all the noise and movement, coming up just behind them as they spoke aloud. it wasn’t to kay specifically, but they stopped at the other’s side, still damp around the hems with seawater and hair pulled into a tiny, messy bun. “ it’s been quite magical, ” they agreed with a breath, smiling wide. “ for lack of a better term, of course. ” a gentle laugh. “ it feels like the entire town has come out for the festivities, ” they continued. “ it’s very nice to see you. ” and it was - any member of the fae court was a friend. “ have you been enjoying yourself ? ” they asked curiously, finally looking over to the older of the two.

Nyx could hear them coming long before their voice graced her ears, “Magical is an interesting choice of words Kay.” Waving a finger towards the damp hem of their dress she couldn’t help but give in to her curiosity. “What got you all messy?” Taking a long drink from her steaming cup, “I will admit that it is nice to see everyone putting aside their differences.” It was hard for her sometimes, to shake that formality that came with her position and age. But it was far easier for her to step back around those of her own kind. 

“But this town doesn’t stay quiet for long.” She was sure that there would be some form of scandal, it was difficult with such a variety of personalities and species in one confined area. Perhaps a bar fight, maybe some infighting among the wolf packs or even the vampire clans. “It’s good to see you too Kay, I hope you’ve been well, staying out of trouble?” It wasn’t really a question, not once had Nyx seen Kay come before the Fae council for any wrongdoing, and she suspected that it wouldn’t start now.

“Indeed I have.” Being out in groups wasn’t her forte, but she could see the necessity of it from time to time.

[ofsparrcw]

ATTICUS:

     “Are you including yourself in that?” Atticus asked the stranger. He realized that she may not have been talking to him at all, but it didn’t appear as if she was with anybody else. He was doing his best to get involved and have fun, but he could understand wanting to stick to the sidelines considering that was usually his gig. “It’s nice to see everyone coming together for this, I guess it’s nice to know most of the disagreements can be put aside for one night” he nodded gently, taking this moment to look over the crowd as he stood beside her. “What’s your favourite time of year?”

The question was valid and it took her a moment to consider, but in truth she was enjoying herself. “You, I think I am.” It certainly helped having a little extra something in her hot chocolate. Once again the young man raised a fair point, the cynic in her would normally say that it wouldn’t last, not in a town with such a melting pot of personalities. But for the most part people were putting aside differences that had long divided them.  “Winter, followed closely by Autumn. The colder the better. And yours?” There was something about being able to wrap up in knitted jumpers and sit by a fire that was so calming and soothing to her.

[ofsparrcw]

CYRUS:

Cyrus stared at the pumpkin in front of him. He was in charge of judging the pumpkin carving contest, and was taking the job very seriously. He’d been there for awhile and sensed someone come up to him. “i shall let you know i don’t accept bribery” @bartonstart·

“You aren’t worth the bribery dear Cyrus.” She’d been near the pumpkins enjoying a spot of pie when she’d been intrigued by some of the carvings, some were wolves and others were more ... abstract, then there was your typical jack-o-lantern style. “Who is your current front runner?”

[ofsparrcw]

VI:

The setting sun barley left the horizon when Vi finally found his way out into the evening air, where drying leaves danced in the air offering an array of yellow and orange confetti. He didn’t much mind missing out on the daytime activities, it was a taste that stopped seeming sour in his mouth decades ago. The warmth of the sun against his skin, and the look of everything under more than the tungsten glow of streetlights- they were all things he’d forget besides the way they were captured in paints and artwork. But there was always beauty to be found even in the night, where chill would nip at fingertips and settle against goosebumped skin. “Are you enjoying yourself?” Vi knew the question wasn’t aimed at himself, but he seemingly appeared from thin air besides Nyx all the same, round sunglasses perched down on his nose as he looks over the top to her. “Or do you need some help there?”

Finger tips pressed to the palms of her hands, rolling the small tassel from her scarf, eyes narrowing at the all too familiar voice that seemed to find its way under her skin better than any blade ever would. Spinning on her heels, a rather lazy smile, one that was often worn when one was expected to be polite but she didn’t want to be, “I was until you showed up.”

Nails tapped patiently on the paper mug in her hand before a small scoff blew the steady column of steam from existence. “Help? From you? You’re not the type of person that comes to mind when looking for that kind of help.” The corner of her lips ticked up into the slightest smirk. “Then again if you were to spontaneously burst into flames, that would be helpful.” Shrugging off his offer the cup rose to her lips, surely he’d just leave, most people usually did.

[ofsparrcw]

OPEN: LOCATION: OUTSKIRTS OF THE FESTIVAL

Nyx wasn’t the type of person to eagerly participate in anything that had large groups of people, but there was something special to her about the changing of the seasons. Maybe it was her heritage, maybe it was just nostalgia, she didn’t know. But she’d dragged herself out of the clinic early to enjoy some time outside. Clutching a cup of steaming hot chocolate for warmth she stood towards the edge of the festival, just watching everyone enjoying themselves. Children running around playing, the pumpkins, the general light heartedness of the evening. A small smile cracked her usually harsh exterior as a soft sigh passed her lips, speaking to no one in particular, “Everyone’s certainly enjoying themselves.”

[savannahnorth-deactivated202206]

open

“Come dance with me!” Freya said her face getting into the other person’s personal space kissing them on the cheek and pulling them onto the dance floor.” Freya had clearly been over served at the bar. “dance!” she demanded. 

[ofsparrcw]

The colour stained her cheeks as the combination of having a good night and all the alcohol she’d consumed had proven too much for her, there was a slow blink of surprise as she stared at the woman across from her, shaking her head too fast causing everything to spin for a second. “I don’t really dance.” The more apt word would be she can’t dance, but Nyx didn’t really think yelling that out over the music was a great idea.

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KATYA:

Katya found a clear spot on the counter to perch herself on, one leg crossed over the other as she listened to Nyx speak, shaking off the comment with a wave of her hand, there was no offense taken by it at all. “Really? How do people not like you?! You’re adorable” It was teasing but she was always somewhere in the realm of teasing, especially with other fae, she couldn’t understand how there were people who didn’t like the vet. “But seriously, a scalpel? What were you going to do? Death by a thousand tiny nicks?”

“Because i’m a ... what’s that word again, oh yes, i’m a bitch.” There was nothing in her voice that suggested she was joking. She knew people didn’t like her, and it bothered her not one bit. “I’d hardly say adorable.” A small pout spread across her face as she shook her head. Throwing her hands up in exasperation, there was no winning against Katya. “If I had to yes, death is still death silly. But I was thinking of something a bit more threatening, like a stab or a slice maybe. As much as it might surprise you, I actually know what I’m doing with a scalpel.” Her last words were whispered as though it were in fact a secret. “With all the security on the doors, and your talent with a blade, we are safe as can be in here.” Now they just had to wait till the sun rose.

[ofsparrcw]

BRIAR:

“sure have,” she answered with a nod, smile wide and bright. she couldn’t help but beam with pride when she thought about how popular her pastries had become with the townsfolk; baking had been a passion of hers for decades now. “hmmm… looks like you’re getting the last cherry tart, in fact! i’ll have to pop a few more in the oven.” she placed the items nyx had ordered on the counter in front of her. “that’ll be $7.50. you get a little bit of a family discount, just between us animilia fairies.”

The two of them were such opposites, Briar always smiling, boundless energy, just generally making a warm impression, whereas Nyx was cold and shut off, she was far more snappy and less tolerant of the idiotic tendencies of some of the town. She’d once known plenty of Animilia fae, but in the lass hundred or so years, they had been growing fewer and fewer. “Always as sweet as your treats Briar.” It had been a while since she’d visited the cafe, preferring either her home or the clinic. “How have you been? No trouble on wolf night I take it?”

[ofsparrcw]

KAY:

the big meetings that involved all the higher council members of each fae kingdom happened pretty regularly these days. at least, that’s what kay had been hearing from the others, ones who were much more interested in the going-ons of their leaders than she - their noses stuck up high to humans but seemingly not above gossiping like them. their kind were notoriously petty creatures to begin with, but sometimes it really showed. though they would much rather spend the day in the cool and quiet museum, the little star fae had a job to do, one that required them to go to the heart of town to take a look and possibly pick up a piece for an exhibit the museum was putting together. it was bustling this afternoon - as it normally was - and they were quite small; bumping into someone, or even a number of someones, didn’t make them upset in any way.

it was who she bumped into, and how they spoke to her, that earned the other a little noise of surprise. “ oh - miss sparrow ! ” it would be odd to curtsy or bow in front of them in the middle of the sidewalk, so they only offered the official a nod of the head and a bright smile. “ i’m so sorry. i have a hard time seeing in the sunlight. ” weather this affliction was shared by the other night fae, they didn’t know, but it was one that they’d had to grapple with since arriving here. “ i hope i didn’t messy you in any way ? ” stepped-on shoes, hand to the perfectly-pressed blouse sleeve - anything could’ve happened thanks to their waning eyesight. 

While it was true that the fae seemed to run on their own frequency, a higher vibration, a different energy to the humans, there was one in particular that came to mind that had a uniquely different energy of their own. Reaching out a hand she latched onto their arm to stop them falling to the floor. Quickly righting herself she suddenly released the other and straightened out her uniform. “Perhaps you should try some sunglasses.” There was no malice in her tone nor anger, mostly indifference, a flatness that suggested perhaps she was tired from a day of working her mundane job followed by a fae court session.

Nyx did feel some small something for those of her kind, not just of the Animilia clan, but all fae, her voice softened almost imperceptibly, except for those that were used to her harshness. “No no, i’m just in my scrubs, they’re made to get messy. Why are you out and about if its troublesome with your vision?” She wouldn’t leave them standing there if they truly needed help. But she wasn’t the type to out-rightly offer assistance unless there was an animal in jeopardy.