sipped away

[belmondxwolf]

Tammi felt on edge lately, she'd spent her whole life wondering what had happened to her parents. No one had truly been honest with her and she couldn't help but wonder... if this had all happened before. If they had no left her but instead been taken or worse killed.

She'd needed some air and parked her car. Heading up towards the cabins. The ground felt dry, the air now getting cooler. He foot made a noise against a twig and before she could speak to Declan, he'd seen her. "You saw someone here? You mean me? I just got out of my car."

[sharpestwolf]

Declan didn't take his eyes off of the cabin again. He could've sworn he had seen someone. They were as real as Tammi had been. He shook his head, moving back towards his fellow wolf. "No... i meant... nevermind." He knew that he'd sound insane. Even more insane then being a giant werewolf in the full moon.

But as he started to move back towards Tammi, the rocking chair that sat on the porch slowly begin to move, sending a chill down Declan's spine. He swung round on his heel, holding his hand out for Tammi behind him. "Please tell me you see that now..."

[rarity-tahliad]

There were not many days that Tahlia could call her own. She spends most days either working or helping her grandparents out. Life could be very dull when you work two jobs and have a family that relies on you. This is probably why Tahlia took solace in the forest whenever she had the chance. She was not sure why but for some reason her path took her towards the cabins that were owned by her pack. She had been up here just a few days past for the full moon, which is usually the only time she inhabits the lands the cabins reside on. For an odd reason today, her feet felt a visit to the cabins was a necessity. Tahlia could not fathom why until she heard a familiar voice call out.

The young werewolf went to call out to Declan but before she could she stepped on a small pile of dried-up leaves. “Well… I guess I gave myself away. Wait! You saw someone? Do you know who?” Unable to stop the curiosity within her from taking over, Tahlia made her way over to where Declan was. “I don’t see anyone, Dec.”

[sharpestwolf]

Declan took a few moments to realise who was speaking but he relaxed when he realised it was Thalia. It was a safe face to see, after what he had just seen. He blinked again, looking back at the spot he had just seen the figure... no... the woman. It had been a woman, all dressed in grey. He moved closer towards the cabin, looking left and right as if he was going to see her squished between the wall and the foundation. But nothing was there.

He swallowed, turning his back completely on the cabins to look back at Thalia. "No... I saw someone... something." He shook his head, now moving back towards his fellow werewolf. "I think i've finally lost my marbles." he laughed, giving a charming smile. "Don't uh... tell anyone about this." The last thing he needed was Douglas hearing about this.

[sharpestwolf]

open starter

location: Howling cabins

Declan spent a lot of time at the cabins, they tended to be empty this time of year and with a few weeks away from the full moon he thought he had the whole place to himself. That was until he saw a flash before his eyes. Something darting between two of the cabins. He tilted his head, moving towards the area where he'd seen the figure. "Who's there?" He asked, stepping towards the cabin. He could see something... the bottom of a dress. He reached out, almost touching the figure.

Crunch. His attention was drawn back towards the road. "I thought i saw someone." He replied, rubbing his eyes. "No... i definitely saw someone here." He looked back at the cabins that now appeared to be empty.

[deirdre-sharpe]

open starter @hollowstarters location: lonesome woods time: early morning

To say Deirdre's night had been long would be the understatement of the year. It had been a full moon and Deidre had run wild, apart from the pack in a rare occurrence. She usually stuck close to the pack, wanting to keep a watch over the others, but last night she had yearned for solitude and the chance to stretch her legs and hunt.

It had been a successful night. But transitioning back always left her feeling, well, a bit hungover. She woke up near the tree she had marked and retrieved her clothes from a low-hanging branch. She was just pulling her hoodie over her head when she heard a branch snap behind her.

Shit.

"Who's there?" Deirdre asked, turning on her heel.

[sharpestwolf]

Declan was exhausted himself, holding his side he found himself stumbling through the woods coughing slightly. Apparently his wolf side, was just as clumsy as he was. "Dee, it's me. Dec. You okay? You're not hurt?"

[sirxfran]

Fran pressed his lips together, he wasn't going to show his amusement to the wolf. Though he did have a soft spot for him. "I'm not human, all food has very little taste to me," he told him, eyes following the wolf's around the room.

"I would never call you stupid, young one. I think you try to have a sense of humour," he joked, showing a smile on his face this time. "Do you think I have?"

[sharpestwolf]

"No offence... but that's actually one of the saddest things i've heard." He sipped his beer. "If that was my life i'd turn to killing people too, i get it." He grinned, giving the vampire the usual cheeky smile. "I try? I'll have you know my mom thinks i have a wonderful sense of comedy." He grinned to himself. "Is this where you like... slowly fade into the walls and it turns out you were a ghost all along?"

[aquaxtofana]

"Oh", Maryam let out a low whistle, "Someone special? A man with an agenda, I like that. I can only hope that person is aware of her status." As she saw his eyes wander towards the donuts Maryam nodded and then pointed at a certain one with sprinkles. Seeing him enjoy the pastry made her almost understand why mortals spend so much time creating food with their hands instead of simply using magic. It was odly satisfying to see your creation bring a smile to someone's face. Maryam shook her head, partly in response to his question and partly to chase these thoughts away. She was becoming too mortal, too feeling.

"Nah, I just helped our chef make them. And I added some extra sprinkles for good luck", she crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave him a quick look over, "Not that you need it though, but I hear strawberries are herlpful when it comes to love, so maybe take one for your special someone, too?" She was not above enchanting people here, a love spell like a fairy. That sounded like a good idea.

[sharpestwolf]

Declan smiled. Shaking his head but quickly paying his attention to the donuts. "I've never been very good with women." he laughed, once again lost in his sweet treat for a few moments." He raised a brow at her answer. "You're part of the team though, means they wouldn't be as sweet without you." He leant against the stall, not realising that his weight was slowly pushing the plastic table to collapse.

He smiled gently, holding his hand out for the boxes. "If these work... i'll be back. I can promise you that." he moved his hand, the last thing supporting the table from crashing to the floor. For a moment the world seemed to move in slow motion. His eyes widened as the coffee cart went crashing to the floor.

Declan stared guiltily at the woman. "Those ghosts... are real active tonight huh?" He looked around, people now staring. "Let me help you clean up, i'm stronger then i look."

[sirxfran]

Fran was always slightly amused by the young wolf. He seemed both bold and nervous around him all at the same time. Fran rather enjoyed winding him up, even if he wouldn't admit it. He titled his head, taking another sip of the bitter tasting tea. "Of course you are. How did I not know?" he replied, a slight sarcastic tone to his voice. "I'm a vampire. Do you think I like peaches?"

He raised a brow. "Well, if you look at it that way. I'm technically dead. Magic of some form allows me to live by consuming blood. Magic in your blood enables you to become a wolf. So yes, one could assume that magic allows beings to live as spirits or ghosts."

[sharpestwolf]

Declan smiled, sitting beside the vampire with a beer in his hand. "You're a vampire, not a fucking savage. Of course you like peaches." He chuckled, looking around the room. He wondered how tempting it was for a vampire. Hundreds of people all in one small space. But he quickly pushed that thought from his mind. He wouldn't give Douglas the satisfaction of getting him thinking like that.

"See, and some people think i'm stupid." he paused. "But seriously. All these years... you've never seen a ghost?"

[ofwulf]

"No, we're not, Declan. And to pretend to be anything other than what you are is just recklessly dangerous and stupid."

Dec quips about the full moon and at that moment Doug nearly proves his point because the younger Sharpe was winding him up. Giving a flippant come back or excuse to everything Doug said. It's annoying. Frustrating.

"There doesn't need to be. Does there?"

Full moon was a given, but it's not as though they don't have the capacity to turn on any other day - should the circumstances present themselves.

And when he's invited into the house, Doug just shakes his head, lets out a sigh... Gives Declan a look up and down and there's no way he can hide the -- disappointment -- on his face. Maybe they looked human on a day to day basis... But the fact that they could turn on a fucking whim meant that people could get hurt... Or worse. Or that they could end up on the wrong end of a hunters rifle.

"Take some goddamn responsibility. And stop playing at 'human'. Don't be that guy, Dec... Just... Don't."

[sharpestwolf]

Declan sighed, looking to his shoes. He loved his brother. He looked up to him. And he knew the pressure he must feel. But he sometimes wished they could just be... brothers. He wished he could go out and have a beer with him, enjoy himself, maybe even talk about girls. But he knew Doug had far more on his mind then pretty women and beers. It saddened him in so many ways.

"Maybe i already am that man." He replied simply, tossing his hands into his pockets. "But i can't live life afraid of what we are... and i have to live some sort of life. And you can pretend you don't need that too... but you do. One day you'll see that Doug." He nodded, looking towards the house. "I'll check in in the morning. You know where I am if you change your mind."

[ariaxblackwood]

Location: The Holloway Clinic

Aria stood at the nurses station, her hands gently clasping a steaming cup of coffee, its aroma mingling with the sterile scent of antiseptic. Fluorescent lights overhead cast a clinical glow on the bustling ward. It was another busy shift, but Aria had grown accustomed to the rhythm of the clinic, finding solace in the routine chaos.

As she took a sip of her coffee, the intercom crackled to life, announcing a patient in room 214. Aria's eyes flickered wit curiosity, wondering who she would be attending to this time. With a sense of purpose, she set her cup aside and made her way down the corridor, her white uniform swishing softly with each step.

Upon reaching the room, Aria paused for a moment outside of the door, gathering her thoughts and preparing herself to meet the person on the other side. She took a deep breath, steadying her nerves, before gently pushing open the door and stepping inside.

The room was dimly lit, the pale sunlight casting a hazy glow through partially drawn curtains. A figure lay on the hospital bed, their form obscured by the shadows. Aria approached, her footsteps whisper-soft against the tiled floor.

"Good morning," she greeted warmly, her voice a soothing melody. "My name is Aria, and I'll be your nurse today. How're you feeling?"

[sharpestwolf]

Declan chuckled awkwardly, he hadn't been expecting to see anyone but his sister. He was pretty used to being sent to the ER to be checked over and him being... a werewolf. It was a little bit of a delicate situation. He would heal fast, but that didn't always mean it healed properly or in the cleanest way. His family and friends were always keen he go get checked out. This time, he'd been in the fight with a kitchen cabinet and he held a packet of peas over his left eye. "Hey... you weren't who i was expecting." He lowered his peas, attempting to act a little manlier then he would have if the nurse was his twin sister.

He coughed, putting on his slightly deeper voice. "Good.... i mean, it's just a bump nurse. Just need the all clear and i'll be out of your uh... hair."

[ofwulf]

"And all of the council were in town while people were being attacked."

He lowers his voice, keeps it loud enough that only Declan has a chance of hearing him. Sure, the council 'jumped to' as soon as they were aware of something going on. But not fast enough to save everyone...

"You aren't a 'normal man'."

However much Declan might wish for that life. That mundane human existence with friends and girlfriends and... normality. It would never happen. Not for him. And Douglas sometimes wishes it were possible. To just give his brother that peace away from their 'inheritance'...

...And he's sure Declan doesn't need reminding of the fact, but he does it anyway. A heavy heart sinking with the words. Knowing that it was probably an unneeded gut punch to the younger wolf. A bucket of ice cold water on his enthusiasm for the evening.

Shit. Douglas hates being this to Dec. But sometimes he has to be.

"You can't forget that. Not for one minute."

Because one slip. One emotion too strong and strung out in the wrong direction and it was all over (especially with that stupidly eager puppy face of Dec's, chasing girls was bound to be an emotional roller coaster). A shift in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people and he'd be -- h u n t e d. And maybe that's what Doug feared most.

There's a low 'hrrm' sound from the back of Dougs throat. Deep and rumbling. Half growl, half shaking himself out of the deep mire of those thoughts.

"Girl or not. You need to be careful. Have fun... Whatever. But keep your damn wits about you."

[sharpestwolf]

Declan sighed. He leaned his head back like a child and groaned. He'd had the 'normal man' speech hundreds of times since he was a teenager. And every time he reacted exactly the same way. "Except we are Doug. We can try. A full moon isn't every day."

Declan was a romantic and continuously seemed to fall in love with someone. Even if it lasted five minutes. But he refused to let the world harden him. He wore his heart on his sleeve; he was who he was and if he ended up in trouble one day because of that. At least he'd lived a life. But he wasn't going to say that to Douglas.

"Come on... come inside. Just this once Doug. I promise you might just see not everything in this town is out to get the Sharpe's."

[lostathena]

Location: Leland Manor

Status: open to all

@hollowstarters

Elyse's stance as she stood off to the side of the parlor of Leland Manor House could only be described as a statue. The perfect spot according to her to view the front door. Her eyes watched every person that entered said door for all suspicious inhabitants that could cause trouble during the night. From the moment Investigation of the Paranormal Society (HIPS) came to the Holloway Home Society with the idea for this event, Elyse has been questioning the advisability of the whole plan. Not that Elyse got much to say when voting with the Holloway Home Society. She was only seen as a junior member at this time. It would not be until she got voted into the next open seat on the board that she could object to crazy ideas such as this one. Since no one was listening to her yet, Elyse saw it as her duty to make sure nothing bad happened or at least try. "Don't touch that," she stated to the young child about to reach for a vase on the bookshelf. She tried her best to smile at the child while keeping a stern look. Within seconds the child took off towards their parent, and Elyse was once more left to focus on those entering the house.

[sharpestwolf]

Declan just caught Elyse look at the child and he couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes glancing at the young woman beside him. "You know my mom can still do exactly that. One look with her eyes and I want the world to swallow me whole." He held out a warm cup of coffee to the woman. "Saying that, if that had been me as a kid... i'd have definitely taken out three of those vases by now. I was such a clumsy kid."

[aquaxtofana]

Location: Leland Manor

Status: open to all

@hollowstarters

Of course, Lavender Haze had a booth set up in the gardens of Leland Manor. And of course, Maryam was on shift for most of the night. Part of her enjoyed that fact for it could allow her to indulge in the event, be nosy when it came to the fear of these mortals - and yet still uphold her aura of not getting involved in all of this ghost nonsense.

She had brought most of her supplies of magical sprinkles, ready to stir them into any and all drinks should this night become rather boring rather fast. And she was quite happy to know that she had even managed to find a source if Europe for the special stuff, the good stuff. The herbs here were still not close to the potent and powerful magic she found in the fae realm, but having Beifuß collected under a full moon in her bag made her almost feel as if she was at home.

"Looking for something special today?", she smiled at the first person coming closer to the booth, "We have brought our regular coffee for you brave investigators, but this is also the place to come to when you need an extra pick-me-up after tonight." The fae motioned towards the donuts propped up on the booth, but there was a special glint in her eyes, too.

[sharpestwolf]

"Something. Someone special." He smiled gently, although he had yet to find the girl he was looking for at this damn event. He sighed, moving towards the coffee stand. He looked at the donuts, then back to the barista almost asking permission to take one without words. He took it one, lifting it to his mouth. He let out a noise of approval. "Christ.... did you make these?" He licked his lips. "I think these donuts are pretty damn close."

[sirxfran]

Starter: open (@hollowstarters) Event: (Leland Manor)

After a few centuries of tolerating mortals and their strange events and celebrations, Fran could almost disassociate himself from it all. If he were not on the Council, he definitely not would be here.

The vampire leaned casually against a wall, distancing himself away from the crowds as his eyes glanced around the people. His nose wrinkled slightly, so many scents.... so many species locked in one space. Now didn't that sound like a recipe for disaster?

He turned to the closest person. “You know there's been so many times in my life when I've been told that a cup of tea can solve most problems. I mean, I have no idea how it can help horrific things but optimism. Oh, there's also the fact that tea does not taste good to me,” he pulled a face as he took another sip. The liquid didn’t taste like much against his tongue, almost like the way he’d imagine soil to taste. Though it helped with his human facade. "Are you a ghost believer?"

[sharpestwolf]

Declan sipped his beer. It was a flaw of their kind that he had to drink twice as much to feel the same buzz as his friends. He didn't mind the event, although he wasn't spooked. But it was an excellent opportunity to be around other towns folk. "I'm more of a coffee man myself." He smiled, realising who he was talking to. "Although i like a sweet tea. A peach tea? You must like peaches?"

He sighed, putting his hands in his pockets. "Well... i'm a werewolf and you're a vampire. So ghosts... why not?"

[rarity-tahliad]

Location: Leland Manor

Status: open to all

@hollowstarters

The fact that Tahlia found herself at such an event like HIPS public investigation of Leland Manor was even a surprise to herself. It all came about due to desperation. Coffee; plain and simple. She needed coffee. While she could have made it at home (Not likely with a broken coffee pot) or stopped at one of the shops in town, this seemed like an easier way to go. Grab it and go. No need to wait around inside a cafe making small talk. She could grab it and go or so she thought. It turns out there was one thing Tahlia did not anticipate the long lines. For a small-town Holloway sure did seem to have a lot of people attending today’s event. "Just my luck!" She blurted out as she found her place at the end of the line.

[sharpestwolf]

Declan wasn't the best at planning, he'd arrived at the event late, ended up entering the house lat,e and now it looked like he was stuck right at the end of the queue. He looked in front of him, muttering to himself. But as she spoke, he realised who was in front of him. "Tahlia?" he asked. "Hey! It's Declan. Declan Sharpe." he laughed, gesturing to himself. "You're late to the party too?"

[ofwulf]

Sometimes it's hard for Douglas not to see Declan as a gangly, uncoordinated youth. Bouncing eagerly and happily from one calamity to another. It's hard to see him as the independent young man that he is. Finding his way in the world - accomplishing things that make Doug truly proud. A path that he seems to walk with a genuine and kind (if too open) heart.

That doesn't mean Doug wouldn't like to duct tape him to a wall for his own safety.

There's just a slow blink at the younger Sharpe at the notion of 'letting his hair down'. A blink which quite clearly communicated -- --No. No - there was absolutely no chance of that happening. At. All.

"So, you are going in there then?"

Doug can't exactly stop him (though the duct tape was starting to look like a better idea right now)... It doesn't mean he has to be happy about it.

"Look you know what kinda shit has been happening around here. You really think it's a good idea to lock yourself in a house with... Who the hell knows what?"

It's just a good time. Just a town event Just an innocent night of fun... So... Why doesn't he believe that?

There's something of a sigh as he looks at the pretzel in his hand and he passes it to Declan. A peace offering of sorts.

"What friends?"

He's not questioning whether Declan has friends. Rather who his brother's company would be for the evening (and... whether he approved or not).

"You need a lozenge or something? What's the matter with your throat?"

[sharpestwolf]

Declan understood why Douglas was the way he was. A lot of responsibility came from being the eldest, particularly in the werewolf world. And their parents hadn't exactly discouraged that. From a young age Declan had always been able to get away with more then Douglas. And Douglas seemingly had been blamed when it resulted in Dec ending up hurt.

Dec knew it was his own clumsiness and sometimes sheer stupidity that landed him in trouble. But he knew his brother cared and just wished he wouldn't do that. Truth be told, Dec wished that too. But he was like a moth to a flame. "Sure... why not?" He sighed. "Half the council are in there, I doubt anything will be allowed to happen." He tried to convince his elder brother.

"Or... it is a good idea. You know, show some camaraderie with the rest of town. Maybe it's exactly what we need to do." He patted Doug on the shoulder. He glanced down, accepting the pretzel with ease and leaning down to take a bite.

"I have friends." He answered defensively, his shoulders tensing up. "My throat maybe you just make me way more nervous then the ghosts do." he laughed gently. "Fine, guess i should be used to there being no secrets in this family. I was hoping to run into a girl... you know... like a normal man."

[bxd0mens-deactivated20251018]

status: open location: near the manors

wolfgang had shit luck with his bike at the best of times. but out of the few possessions he actually owned, this bike was his pride and joy. he built it from nothing, all on his own. so when the goddamn thing didn't work he'd always put his all into trying to get it running again. only this time he was sure to need a part that would be tricky to get his hands on. "ugh you stupid fucking thing... just... come... off!" tough and calloused hands pulled at a part of the bike, forcing it off with a big yank before he let out a small yell once it finally clanked on the ground. it took wolfie an extra moment to sense the presence of the other. his heightened senses kicking into gear. he didn't even bother turning to face them, just simply muttered under his breath. "i'm busy!"

[sharpestwolf]

"Doing what? Declan grinned. "Pulling your bike apart." He moved closer to his fellow wolf. He knew a thing or two about bike's, although he had been banned from riding one from his parents for a young age. But he had been obsessed with them for years and when Douglas started working at the garage Declan couldn't help but head over and admire the bike's occasionally. "You need a hand?"

[ofwulf]

Starter: open (@hollowstarters) Event: Holloway Event 01 (Leland Manor)

Douglas has no intention of attending the 'lock in'. Because, well ... Bad idea. Too many people. Too enclosed an environment. There's a chance that something - bad - might happen. And he most determinedly doesn't want to be said 'bad' thing. That hasn't stopped him from heading in the general direction of the Leland Manor... Or lingering in the garden and wandering a little distractedly around the different vendors and booths. So far he has a coffee and a salted pretzel - not that he particularly wanted either but it's a good enough guise under which to nose around.

Because there are weird things slipping into the town. Causing harm... causing fear. And Douglas is scared - not for himself but for the people who live here... His friends. His family. And this... this event. He's just not sure. Is it a good thing to raise a little morale? To give people the space to let their hair down and have a little harmless fun? Or is it a damn beacon. Drawing people in... Locking them in. A place where any screams or cries for help may just be assumed to be part of the entertainment. He's trying to shake the words - 'lambs to the slaughter' - out of his head... But without a great deal of success.

So no. He won't be stepping through those doors when the key turns. But maybe he won't head too far out of the neighborhood... Just in case...

He's trying to keep an eye on who is coming and going through the front door, but the place has a buzz of almost nervous excitement - and he's finding it hard to keep track.

"You going in, or just here for the spectacle?"

He asks half distractedly to someone near by.

[sharpestwolf]

There was someone at the event that Declan was hoping to run into, and by someone, he meant a woman. For years, it seemed like he was chasing his tail in love… and things seemed even more complicated lately. When he saw his brother, he nearly turned around and ran the other way. The last thing he was prepared for was a lecture. But he took a deep breath, beginning to walk towards the old manor house. He nearly got away with it too, that was until Douglas turned and uttered something.

Declan paused, wondering if he was talking to someone else or perhaps just hadn’t noticed it was his younger brother. He coughed, his voice coming out deep and rougher, clearly put on to fight through his nerves. “Oh! Just… you know.” He shrugged. “Hopefully hanging out with some friends.” He threw his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. “Are you joining us brother? Have some drinks… maybe let your hair down for once.”