s p a r k

Penny Rivera. 21. Thaumaturge. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

[chaucerdowney]

Into the Thick of the Woods // Team E [Part 1]

Event: The Culling Team E: Aida Samuel, Chaucer Downey, Penny Rivera & Micah Shipley Involved in this Segment: Aida, Chaucer, Penny Location: The Woods Summary: Aida, Chaucer, and Penny leave the ball grounds, pick up supplies at Chaucer’s car, and head into the woods to seek out the source of a likely dying person’s screams. 

Read Below the Cut.

Keep reading

[pennywitch-blog]

amityxbell:

For the first time in months, Amity was in a place that they didn’t have to monitor themself constantly. They’d seen shadows dancing in the corner of their eye earlier, and somebody had laughed and punched them on the arm. There were dozens of other witches here - maybe even hundreds - and everybody had let loose, let their hair down a bit. Earlier, they had seen somebody breathing fire, and an old man producing flowers from nowhere. They’d never felt so much magick in the air, so much energy.

Watching people dance, they smiled to themself. Never a dancer, Amity didn’t really want to join, but they liked seeing people enjoy themselves. They hadn’t noticed the girl next to them until she spoke.

“Me?”

Penny smiled as the stranger replied to her. She felt as if she’d seen them around before. After all, their luxurious, bushy hair was hard to miss. Almost unconsciously, Penny pulled at her own straight locks. She couldn’t help but envy their hair a little bit--Penny’d done her own hair herself, and it was starting to fall out as the night wore on. 

“Yeah, you! You look like you’ve got some dance moves hidden away in there.” Penny was usually not so forward, but the blend of alcohol, exhilaration, and good music was lowering her inhibitions. “I know I can’t dance for shit, but who cares, right? Tonight’s the night to have fun, embrace your magick, have a little too much to drink, and dance!” 

Penny began walking backwards towards the dancers, an inviting smile on her face and her hands held out for Amity to grab, if they wanted. “C’mon, it’ll be fun! Dance with me!” 

[ribits]

Visit Original Link

[pennywitch-blog]

nicbrownjpg:

Dad, I know you’re trying,

to fight when you feel like flying

[bellasdonnas-deactivated2020022]

[pennywitch-blog]

nolanblake:

“Well, kid”, Nolan stressed as he let her pull him off the bench, “I haven’t tried inside the lodge yet, perhaps we should start the investigation there?” 

It was strange having to force himself to be happy and laid back, normally those came so easy to him he had a hard time taking anything seriously. And maybe if he wasn’t at some fancy dinner party, way out of his element, and not surrounded by a breed of people he was raised to hate, he wouldn’t have to force himself at all. But he was. And somehow he was just going to have to deal with that. 

After readjusting his mask, which was starting to dig inside his temples again, Nolan lifted up his arm for the girl to take. “This is a thing people do at these types of parties right?” He asked with a smirk. 

“Sure, sounds good!” Penny said, finishing her beer with a gulp. “We just need to find the drunkest person and ask them to point us in the right direction. Somebody’s gotta know where to find the official alcohol.

Penny started walking in the direction of the lodge, confident that the stranger would follow her. Everywhere, people were letting loose. Having fun. In the corner, someone had whipped out a ukulele and was singing extremely out of tune. Three drunk men were crying of laughter on a nearby bench.

She’d even caught glimpses of magick: pyromancers dancing with hands full of brightly colored flame, terraformers causing vines and flowers to grow up across parts of the dance floor before being trampled by dancing witches. It was a night of reckless abandon, those who usually hid their magick away were embracing it. It made Penny shift uncomfortably, further tightening her mask on her face. Magick was not something to be proud of. The thaumaturgy in her blood may not have been a curse, but it was no blessing. 

Penny was taken aback when the stranger offered her his arm, but accepted it with a grin. "Maybe you have a spark of fun in you after all, old man.” 

[pennywitch-blog]

esther-wright:

“Hey roomie,” Esther said, turning with a smile at the sound of the young witch’s voice. She took a sip of her rum and coke– her third of the night– only to sputter at the girl’s offer.

“Dance?” she said, arching an eyebrow. She had never danced with another woman, nor had the thought ever occurred to her. Though she knew it made her a bit of a hypocrite to think things like this as a witch, she still had a lot of difficulty with the alternative lifestyles the younger generation seemed to have embraced so fully. Who would lead, even? She assumed it would be her, since she was the eldest.

“I’m not–” she started to say, hoping to let the girl down easy, when the waltz that had been filling the ballroom ended and an up-tempo pop song rich with guitars and synth replaced it. Dancing to this wouldn’t require touching, and the drinks had worn away at her inhibitions. Her face beamed as she shrugged and yelled, “Why not?” loud enough to be heard over the music.

Penny smiled at Esther’s voice. They had just gotten to know each other--Penny had just moved in to Esther’s old house a week earlier--but the witch already felt at home with the older woman. 

“Esther!” she said, her voice full of warmth. “Fancy meeting you here!” She offered the other woman a shrimp bite that she’d nabbed off one of the travelling trays. She’d eaten too many already, enjoying this night of overindulgence, a night where she didn’t have to fear nervous or afraid of the people around her. Most people here were acquainted with magick, if not witches themselves, and Penny was starting to feel comfortable. Maybe it was the seemingly endless alcohol at the bar, or maybe it was just that she was starting to feel more and more like Birchwood was her home.

“Yes, dance!” Penny said, laughing at how taken aback the other witch looked. “You know, where you move your body to the rhythm of music!” There was only a note of sarcasm in her voice. She wanted Esther to enjoy herself. The woman seemed reserved, quiet...sad? Penny was anything but that. 

When the woman agreed, Penny beamed. “C’mon, roommate! I want to see if you’ve got some sick moves hidden away somewhere!” She reached out to grab Esther’s hand and jumped into the throng of dancers. 

[pennywitch-blog]

penny rivera + moodboard gifs

[pennywitch-blog]

Penny watched the dancers, a small smile picking up the corners of her mouth. It was late, the party was in full swing, and Penny felt...peaceful. She had spent so much time running, hiding from her magick, but here she saw people embracing their abilities. They weren’t ashamed. Serenity settled across Penny’s heart like a warm blanket. This feeling of safety made her want to dance and sing. Life had finally cut her a break after so many years, and she wanted to embrace it. 

When she caught sight of a fellow observer, she spoke up with uncharacteristic boldness. The night had made her brave. “Hey, you! You want to dance? Nice people like us shouldn’t be standing by the sidelines.” 

[pennywitch-blog]

penny rivera + text posts

[pennywitch-blog]

nolanblake:

Crap, he really needed to get his shit together, because clearly he wasn’t hiding his bluff all too well. “Alright, alright.” He nodded his head as she nudged him in the shoulder. “I suppose you’re right.”

“So you haven’t found the bar either?” He turned and asked her, his mood seeming to brighten up. “Well I think that settles it then we’re just going to have to go find it.” Playing pretend witch with the girl in front of him, probably was one of the last things he felt like doing, but he supposed she could help him keep cover in the meantime. At least then he’d at least look like he was doing his job if another hunter caught him.

Nolan stood up and held out is hand to help the girl up. “That is if you’re even old enough to drink…?” He asked teasingly.

“Good!” Penny smiled happily, glad that the other man seemed a little happier. Now that her painful heels were off and a cooler breeze had picked up, Penny felt herself begin to enjoy things more. She had lived her life constantly afraid, always worried. But maybe tonight was the time to just let things go. She was young, and she deserved to be happy. 

The young woman cheered as the stranger agreed to search with her. “Wonderful!” she said. “Oh, this night just got a lot more enjoyable. The search is fun, the reward is even more fun!” She was glad he had humored her. Too often, people seemed put off by her cheerfulness, like her optimism meant she was stupid or naive. Penny didn’t see anything wrong in enjoying herself, as long as she was ready to run at any moment. 

Penny gripped his hand and jumped up from the bench. “Of course I’m old enough to drink. Nearly twenty-two. Old enough to drink everywhere in the world!" Penny replied quickly. “And even if I wasn’t, I’m pretty sure they’re not carding. It is a masquerade, after all. Wouldn’t want to be giving out any identification to a prying bartender.” She smiled slightly, peering off into the throngs of people. “Where should we look first, old man?”

[pennywitch-blog]

nolanblake:

“Well uh thank you.” Nolan said with a hint of a chuckle, amused by the girl’s enthusiasm. “Nature body paint? I haven’t seen them yet, it sounds pretty cool though.” Noticing the beer bottle in the girl’s hand Nolan’s eyes lit up. “Hey, where did you come by that? I’ve been looking everywhere for this mythical bar everyone seems to be talking about, but have only found waiter’s carrying empty champagne glasses, and something way too fruity for my over thirty palette.” 

The thought of actually getting a decent drink in the place perked Nolan’s mood back up, that was until the mention of witches anyway. Oh shit, that’s right. He looked back out at the mass crowd of party-goers, suddenly remembering what they all really were. It was different when he was in town and saw people, then you never could really tell who was what, but now in the shadow of the lodge it was rumored they had their meetings at, their was no question at all, mask or no mask. Fuck. 

“Yeah I guess so.” 

“Well, the outfit’s kind of cool. It’s definitely...unique,” Penny said, trying to put it delicately. She didn’t mean to offend anyone, but the outfit was a little...risque for her tastes. She smiled as the stranger perked up at the beer, waving a limp hand off to the left. “There were a couple bottles over there. I don’t think they were official party drinks, I think some kind person decided this party was BYOB. But I can’t find the ‘official’ bar either...I’m not sure if it actually exists!” Penny swung her legs, laughing. “Maybe we should try to find it! Four eyes are better than two!” 

Penny was starting to feel comfortable. This other man seemed nice enough, and the beer in her hand was pleasantly dulling her senses. She wasn’t drunk, or even tipsy, but it was called liquid courage for a reason. Already she felt bolder, braver, and more adventurous. 

But the other man’s voice seemed to change when she mentioned the party, and Penny cocked her head in confusion. “What, not enjoying yourself?” She nudged him gently on the shoulder. “C’mon, tonight’s the night to have some fun!”

[pennywitch-blog]

nolanblake:

He wasn’t supposed to be here this long, Nolan thought to himself as he looked out across the vast garden filled with people. He was supposed to hang around a few days, long enough to get done what needed done, then leave. What he wasn’t supposed to do was hang around and procrastinate for a week, especially long enough to get himself caught up in this- thing. Whatever the hell it even was. 

“Well I’m way too under-dressed.” He said to no one in particular, as he picked at the elastic band of his mask which was currently digging into the side of his head.

The mask itself was just a cheap plastic thing that he’d picked up at the discount store on the way there, nothing compared to the ornate pieces everyone else seemed to be wearing. Much less could be said about his “suit”, which was just what seemed to fit him best at the thrift store. In his defense he didn’t think he’d have to pack for anything like this when he left home. Not that he had much formal wear there anyway. Normally he never gave a shit about what he wore, but now it only seemed to intensify the feeling that he really didn’t fucking belong here. 

Penny had rarely felt this uncomfortable. The dance floor was hot--humid with sweat and alcohol. There were people making out in seemingly every corner. Her pumps were digging into the heel of her foot; the shoes that had once fit perfectly had grown too small. She growled in annoyance. With one swift motion, she kicked off the heels into a small flowering bush, deciding to come back later to pick them up. The cool stone was soothing on her aching feet, and Penny felt her mood pick up considerably. After all, this party was just a bunch of witches getting together and having fun. She should enjoy it. 

Well I’m way too under-dressed. 

Penny looked around as she heard a man’s voice behind her. She blushed, hoping he hadn’t seen her dump her cheap heels in a flower patch. But this man, even through his simple mask, didn’t look too drunk or preoccupied, so Penny decided to strike up conversation. Parties were for meeting people, right? 

“You look fine!” she said, voice full of encouragement, plopping down beside him. “There’s someone walking around in some sort of weird nature body paint, so don’t worry, nobody’s looking at you.” She took a small sip of her beer and stared out at the masquerade-goers. “Quite the party, huh? I guess this is what happens when you get a whole bunch of witches in one place.”

[pennywitch-blog]

harriett-crowley:

“Oh, well, I don’t mind it that way. You can taste the sugar a bit more but, it’s delicious either way. Do you bake often?”

“Yeah! I love to bake. I taught myself to bake when I lived in Alaska, and I’ve been working on recipes since then. I’m no professional, but I like to think I’m getting better. I’m Penny, by the way! Sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier, that was a bit rude of me.”

[pennywitch-blog]

beginnings || penny + esther

[pennywitch-blog]

esther-wright:

Esther had her key halfway in the lock when the memories swooped in, unbidden and unwelcome. This time it was her first day in Birchwood, eleven years before, when Gideon helped her carry her bags into his mother’s house. She remembered how he smelled after the day long ride, and how he swayed comically while he fished for his key, and how startled she had felt when he pulled it out. She sat in her rocking chair and looked out toward the town square, just visible through the trees, but here eyes were unfocused, staring past the twisting shadows of the bonfire to something long ago. “What’s the matter?” he had asked, grunting as he adjusted his grip on her bags. “It’s just,” she had said, and now she was silently mouthing the words along with the memory, “I thought there’d be, you know, WARDS…like, runes and stuff.” He had doubled over laughing, dropping her things in the driveway, and though she had blushed and huffed at first she eventually joined him. The memory passed, leaving her hollow and empty. She had tried to resist their attacks for a while before learning that it was easier to let them pass through her and be done. She fished the traitorous key out of her pocket with a sigh and made to stand when her phone started to chirp. “Hello?” she said, and despite her mood she couldn’t help smiling at how chipper the voice had sounded– and then she asked about the room. Esther inhaled sharply. She had almost run back into Common Grounds to tear the notice down, but then convinced herself nobody would be interested. Birchwood was so small, and everybody had their little niche they were comfortable in, surely nobody would be desperate enough for housing to move in with the widowed shut-in. And yet here this girl was on the other end of the call.

“No,” she said. “No, you’re the first to call.” She blinked and bit her lip, wanting to say, “You do know I only posted that an hour ago?” but settled on, “We should meet first, of course. I assume you’re still near Common Grounds? I could be there in five minutes.”

You’re the first one to call. Penny bit her lip, feeling relief wash through her body. She leaned against Common Grounds, resting her head against the exterior wall. The setting sun beat down against Penny’s face and shoulders, causing her to shift uncomfortably in the sticky heat. Her apartment had a shitty window A/C unit that only worked half the time, so Penny had grown used to uncomfortable warmth in recent weeks. She almost asked Esther if the house had A/C, but decided against it. There were more important things to discuss. They hadn’t even met yet.

“Yeah, absolutely!” she said, trying not to speak too loudly into her cheap flip phone. “I’m actually right at the main entrance! My shift just ended...I work here, at Common Grounds. I can just wait here. Five minutes?! Wow! That’ll make my commute so much simpler! My name’s Penny by the way, Penny Rivera--well, Penelope actually, but everyone calls me Penny!” Penny winced as she realized her chatter was growing louder and more annoying. It was a bad habit for Penny, in new and frightening situations, to prattle on in nervousness. “Sorry, I’m just a little excited...I’ve never had a roommate. Well, I’ll see you soon, yeah?” 

Penny returned her phone to her purse with a smile. Things in this town just kept getting better and better. Back when Penny first discovered her magick, that fateful day in her Petersburg kitchen, Penny could never have dreamed that she’d end up where she was. She had a good job, was making friends, and felt like she belonged. And now she had a roommate! 

For the first time, Penny felt a tingle of nervousness. What if this woman wasn’t a witch? What if she was a hunter? How could she tell? In the first rush of happiness, Penny had almost forgotten that she was a freak, and that the world at large hated her for her magick. Penny began to chew on her fingers, waiting for the other woman to come. Maybe she should just ask, straight up? Would that be better? These thoughts swirled around in the witch’s head as she awaited Esther’s arrival. 

[pennywitch-blog]

a mix for Penny Rivera [listen]

Smile - Mikky Ekko // Penny’s Song - Jed Whedon // Beautiful Times (feat. Lindsey Stirling) - Owl City // South - Sleeping At Last // Dear Prudence (Across the Universe cover) - The Beatles // Trust - Christina Perri // Give Us A Little Love - Fallulah // Safe and Sound (feat. The Civil Wars) - Taylor Swift // Worried Shoes - Karen O and the Kids

the specific lyrics that made me choose these songs:

Smile - Mikky Ekko

Well, call me loser, call me thief Tell me I'm special when you spit at me 'Cause I don't wanna be lonely, I wanna be loved

Penny’s Song - Jed Whedon

And every drop of rain Will keep you growing Seeds your sowing in the ground

Beautiful Times (feat. Lindsey Stirling) - Owl City

I fought all through the night Oh, oh, but I made it alive The sun's starting to rise Oh, oh, these are beautiful times

South - Sleeping At Last

If truth is north Then I am true south. I can’t figure it out- God knows. Always looking up 'Til my eyes give up.

Dear Prudence - The Beatles

Dear Prudence, see the sunny skies The wind is low, the birds will sing That you are part of everything

Trust - Christina Perri

And I don’t know how to forgive myself for everything But I must learn trust

Give Us A Little Love - Fallulah

It's another time, it's another day Numbers they are new, but it's all the same Running from yourself, it will never change If you try you could die

Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift

The war outside our door keeps raging on Hold on to this lullaby Even when the music's gone

Worried Shoes - Karen O and the Kids

My shoes took me down a crooked path, Away from all welcome mats.

[pennywitch-blog]

The dress is Penny’s old dress from junior prom. She did her hair and makeup herself, and bought the mask on the cheap. 

[pennywitch-blog]

beginnings || penny + esther

 Common Grounds was bustling. Founder’s Week had been some of the busiest days Penny had worked. Every time she turned around, someone was waving money around, demanding a fresh pastry or a hot cup of coffee immediately. Penny answered every request with a smile, but the workload was starting to wear on her, and she was ultimately glad Founder’s Week was nearly over. 

Adding to her stress, rent was due in three days and she was struggling to scrape it together. The apartment was one bedroom, the sink leaked, it was twenty minutes from work, and it smelled like mildew and cat pee. And she still was struggling to pay the bills. Penny knew she needed a roommate, but it was hard to find anyone, given the fact that Penny had only been in Birchwood a month. Everyone else seemed to have lived there forever. 

Penny finished up with a customer, smiling with the same trite have a nice day that every Common Grounds customer got. She glanced at the clock, feeling relieved. Her shift was finally over, she would clock out, go home to her crappy apartment, and try to figure out her finances. Maybe she’d take some of her stuff to a thrift store--she was pretty sure there was one in Birchwood. Penny didn’t have much, but selling her bedframe or her dresser would be better than being homeless. 

She gathered up her purse, made sure to leave her apron and name tag in the locker, and gave a cursory sweet of the counter. Good enough. She was done for the day. Penny was about to leave when she caught a glance of the bulletin board out of the corner of her eye. There, in large black words, was pinned a yellow flier. Roommate wanted for small house. 

Penny hurriedly walked to the bulletin board, almost pushing a customer out of the way in her haste. She ripped the paper off the board and began to read. At every word, her heart rose. This was perfect. Her share of the rent was relatively cheap, it was located closer to Common Grounds than her current apartment, and--best of all--she’d have a roommate! It only took her a few seconds to realize she had to jump on this opportunity. Taking the flyer with her, she hurried outside and dialed the number on the flyer. Esther Wright. 

“Hello?” she said, smiling almost uncontrollably, “I just saw your flyer in Common Grounds, and I’d be interested in being roommates! I do hope nobody else has jumped on it before me?”