#character gothic

[golden-lionsnake]

Rules For Walking Alone At Night

-If you think you saw something, you saw something. Don’t question it, and keep your guard up. -When the mists roll in, walk backwards with a mask on the back of your head. This confuses the spirits, but it will not confuse the killer. -If you turn and find a man standing in your path, it is polite to bow or curtsy and greet him- but do not linger or let yourself be trapped by ‘polite’ conversation. -His words are sweet, but what he will do to you is not, move on. -If you find yourself directly between hither and yon, allow him to escort you, but do not take his arm, even when he offers. -If you can sing, offer to do so for him- this will give you time. -If you can’t sing, do not ask for him to do so- his voice is very sweet, and you will relax. -Do not mention how clean his sword is. -Do not forget the smell of copper and almonds on his claws. -Compliment him, but do not take his compliments. Egos are so fragile. -If you get to where you are going, bid him goodnight. -If you are far from where you are going, stop at the first lair you see, and apologize to him and the owner that you must refresh yourself. He’ll be gone before you’re done. -If he takes his leave of you, do not stay on the same path, even if it takes you backwards. -When you hear singing behind you, dance to it. -As the voice gets closer, lean in. -Always remember that it’s polite to participate in his game. -Never forget that the game is rigged. -When you leave the mortal coil, try to whisper his name.

[golden-lionsnake]

Unfortunately you were not born with a fire in your heart. You were born tender, wet, and green. It took someone cutting you down, and ages for you to become kindling, before a spark could be lit.

[golden-lionsnake]

How to walk quietly with the woods.

-Do not wear shoes, if the ground hurts your feet, it is not meant to be tread on. Thin socks are acceptable if it’s cold, or you do not have callouses. -You should walk along the edge of the woods until you feel it call out to you, it is polite to wait for an invitation. -When you see her, you think you will know her shape, but you do not. -You must do your best not to step on any newly sprouting plants, even if you find them under snow. -If you hear her, you must listen, she is choosing to help you, and she can also choose not to. -It is impolite to stare into the lights behind the mask. Some say they are her eyes, some say it is her heart, all know that she does not like it. -If you must step over moss, apologize first. -What she teaches is something you must learn alone. There is no going back once you know. -It is polite to bring her a piece of the Bramble, naturally fallen, like her. -Remember to clear frost off of any thorns you pass. -Carefully build bones into the bonfire and call to forces older than the gods you know. When the bones shatter, you have been heard. -Do not disturb her when she sleeps, do not ask if she’s really sleeping. -The young fear her. The old fear her. The brave fear her. You, too, should fear- but not her. -If the elk on the tundra are not bothered by your presence, it is because they know you. -There is something ancient that stands across the alcove from you, and you must not forget your place. -She defends the clan, though you do not know why. You should thank her. -If you find a burrow big enough for you in the woods, remember that it can close at any time. -If you must walk in snow, tie a branch to drag behind you. Not to cover your footprints, but to cover your scent. -When you begin to feel her watching you closely, it is time to leave. -Always dust your feet off before reentering the lair, or leave the socks outside for the night. You do not want unintended visitors.

For @greengalaxy-254179 of their most lovely Kyrie

[golden-lionsnake]

in anti ice related news

How To Avoid Fossilization

-Sleep on your feet, rest will come soon enough, but here you will not get up again. -Keep topaz in your pocket, this will focus your intent. The universe listens. -Do not eat food from the dirt, or if you must, rinse it thoroughly. Once the dirt is within, you will never be free of it. -Let others gather around you, but do not tell them all that you know. -Avoid walking during sunny days, this will only hasten the bleaching of your bones. -Take your water from fast moving sources only, lest you be pulled down in the mud. -When you can no longer walk, crawl. -The tar will stick to you, and try to pull you under. Remember that you must be stronger than it. -Do not cry out for help. The others don’t deserve your fate. -If you can still move your hands, take the topaz out of your pocket and swallow it. -When the dark pulls you down, focus on the stone within you. -Sleep with your belly down. -When you wake again, you may marvel at your new form. -Try not to mind the stares of others. It is merely awe.