Aged 22 years, Mr. Ms. Damon gave up on a career in medicine for a life of sex work. Anger and sadness clouds their mind in abject misery, a misery they gladly share with their lover.
Hearts and Chalices - Genevieve Gabriel
Aged 23 years, Ms. Gabriel studies to be a nun. The voice of God guides her gentle spirit, though to where she is unsure.
Spades and Swords - Ruth Sanchez
Age 23 years, Ms. Sanchez works as an aerospace engineer. A skilled huntress with a knack for survival, the quiet lady lacks one particular skill: socialization.
Clubs and Wands - Tobias Geiger
Aged 26 years, Mr. Geiger pursues erotic photography and filmography after dropping out a film school. A failure in most aspects in life, he skates by with one talent: unmatched charisma.
Jokers and Fools - Marlene Aspen
Aged 22 years, Ms. Aspen is a columnist for a fashion magazine. A beautiful young socialite with a knack for gossip, her friendly demeanor hides a long standing mean streak.
[Louis couldn't help the feeling he was being watched. It wasn't just because he was in the forest. No, it was something else, something deeply unsettling.]
[A branch snapped and out came a short young person. Their eyes narrowed as they approached Louis.]
Are you a cross dresser? Don't lie to me, I can tell you're a man. A woman would've put more effort into her appearance than you do. What really gets me is how no one has seemed to noticed, or at least pretends not to notice.
[They gritted their teeth as their voice grows more desperate.]
What is your secret? Where do you get the- the nerve! I- you think you are so special, don't you? With your- your short dresses and pretty hair! Must be so easy for you to just play around! "Oh look at me! I'm a little cross dresser! I like fooling around in women's clothes like a little fairy!" Must be a real big funny joke to you!
[They scoffed, though not entirely out of disgust. It sounded more like deep rooted jealousy. The kind of pain that came from seeing someone live out a dream you gave up long ago.]
-♦️ ( @the-fools-deck)
The crossdresser isn't too bothered by Asa's sharp tongue. She smiles, not nearly as warmly as the priest or many of the other figures that Asa had met. She has the same bite in her eyes that Asa has. Her bitterness lingers in all too familiar ways. She doesn't even bother hiding her deeper tone of voice when she speaks.
"Very good. You have quite the keen eye, although I'm not really trying to hide it. It was my father's idea, to make him look like a better man to the upper class British society. As soon as one of these disgusting pigs that calls themselves a man offers me clothing, I'll be dropping the façade of Darlene. I don't do it out of sick enjoyment, and I don't like the clothing. Of all the things to be in such an era of time, you really think I'd give up everything to be a woman?"
His bitterness seems to fade as the painted face of Darlene falls. He is someone beyond the woman that he appears to be. He hasn't done the best job, with sloppily painted nails and shaky eyeliner on his lids, but he hasn't done horrible either. The thing that stands out most about his appearance is the fact that he squints at everything, like he can't see a few feet in front of him. He takes a step forward, eyes narrowing at Asa before a grin splits his freckled cheeks.
"You're that guy that Jude was talking to. My apologies, Brother Reeves. What a bunch of fucking bullshit. He used to be a normal dude, I went to school with him. I wouldn't mix up with him if I were you. The guy may seem like he can fix all your problems like some magical bitch when he waves his hands, but he'll only make more for you."
He looks down at Asa, smile flickering from his lips.
"You seem smart. I doubt you'll need that wanker's medical advice. Such a shame that his family... Well y'know."
Asa does not know.
"My name before it was Darlene is Louis. I doubt either of us will live very much longer for you to get back to England and tell everyone I was some weird freak who pretended to be his own cousin to clear his dad's name. I hope I go before you do."
[Asa blinked, all his anger leaving him. This guy seemed... weirdly decent? He was delightfully honest and mild mannered in a way Asa hadn't expected.]
Hm. Well I'd call your father an idiot for making such a plan, but considering it seems to be working he might just be genius.
[Asa sucked his teeth.]
You're lucky you get to just switch back to being a man. Not many people have such a luxury.
[His eyes widened at the mention of brother Reeves.]
Jude... you know him? Huh. Well I think all religions are bullshit and I doubt he has any actual medical training, unlike myself, so I don't need him fixing any of my problems. Unless he's got a fancy little icepick I'm quite fine handling my own like a grown person.
[Asa rubs the fabric of his shirt between his fingers.]
Well I've got nothing to offer clothing wise. I was lucky I was wearing shorts under my skirt, I'd hate to have to run around in well. That. Best of luck to you, Louis. I'll keep your secret if you keep mine. Takes one to know one I suppose, a man in women's clothes I mean.
[Asa chuckles to himself before giving Louis a wave.]
A sharp snap of a bush being stepped on alerts Asa to the presence of another human. Anyone could be approaching to do anything, it was good to be alert at times like these. With tensed shoulders and sharpened eyes, ready to fight back against an unrelenting force. Instead, Brother Reeves stands before him with an almost bashful look to his face. A soft smile paints his lips as he ducks his head down and raises his hands like he’s surrendering to Asa’s sharp glare.
“You’re on edge. You’re going to get too much tension between your shoulders and strain a muscle.” Brother Reeves says it so matter of factly, like he’s commenting on the sky being blue, or the weather being warm outside. His knowledge of the human body and how it reacts is almost too much for a religious figure. Like he had another life before the one as a preacher.
“Are you hungry at all? I found a pack of Biscofruit that survived the crash.” He holds out a package of eight jam filled sandwich biscuits, with strawberries decorated on the sides. The writing is entirely in French, but the snack is probably considered currency on the island. And he was giving it up for free with an outstretched hand and a warm smile that reached his eyes. It was rare anyone’s smile got that far since they landed.
It is curious where he got them from. As if Brother Reeves can read minds, he chuckles the soft laugh he seems to only use when he’s flustered. It may be the heat of the sun or the layers of fabric he has draped on, but his cheeks and the tips of his ears seem to tinge red in embarrassment.
“I have a son. Who quite likes the snacks. That’s where they came from. My Ex-Wife used to insist I carry them to make sure he was always well fed. Greedy little things, children are.” Brother Reeves looks down at the dirt beneath his shoes and smiles at what appears to be nothing at all. “Even the most holy people can be sinners too. Sinners that don’t regret a thing. I embrace the sin, because it gave me something worth the repentance that followed. Doesn’t it make common man’s sins easier to swallow to know that their idols of religion indulge themselves as well?”
Brother Reeves doesn’t wait for an answer. He presses the package into Asa’s palm, closing their fingers around the unopened pastries, and pats the closed fist twice.
-🫀
[Asa examines the packet of crackers, rotating the cardboard. It looked a little worse for wear, but it didn't seem tampered with. He looked back up at brother Reeves, confused. Didn't he have someone better to give it to?]
Ah, thank you? I've never had these.
[Asa sits on a nearby log before glancing up at Jude expectantly. He rolls his shoulder, pressing four slim fingers into the crook of his neck.]
Oh please, like we're not all stressed here. I'm used to a little discomfort anyways. You ever stay a month in the hospital? It's a terrible time.
[Asa opened the pack and slipped a cracker in his mouth. The jam was sweet and little tart, the cracker leaving crumbs on his lap. He hummed in approval.]
Ah... you have a son? And an ex-wife? Did you join the brotherhood of whatever the fuck you are to ditch 'em?
[Asa chuckles to himself before frowning.]
That must be nice. Having a son I mean. I can't have kids of my own. It's for the better anyways. I'd kill myself if I had a whore for a mom.
[Asa shoved three more crackers in his mouth, hoping to shut himself up. He picked at a hangnail on his thing, agitating the loose skin until it bled. He swallowed the sticky lump in his mouth.]
You sound like my... hm, well boyfriend isn't the right word. Do something wrong and then find pleasure in the punishment. Fucking catholics, I swear, crazy sons of bitches. Stupid too.... No offense, I guess, I just think you're dumb to limit yourself to the will of something that isn't real or at the very least cruel. I've watched too many good kids waste away to believe in that load of horseshit.
[A young woman draws shapes in the sand. She looks lost in her own thoughts, her dominant hand doodling while her other counts. She startles at an unfamiliar shadow, looking over her shoulder at the man behind her.]
Ah, hello there. Do you need something?
[She narrows her eyes, standing up to get a better look at him.]
Do I... know you from somewhere? You seem.. familar.
[She stares some more before her eyes widen.]
Oh! We sat next to eachother in calculus! I remember now! You were.... you were.... Ignatius? Eric? Ivor... Irving! Yes, you're Irving! I'm- I'm Ruth! Ruth Sanchez! Do- do you remember me?
-♠️ ( @the-fools-deck)
[ The listing of false names didn't offend him as it might have to another, and instead he gave his friend a smile. If Ruth could bring herself to recollect any more, she'd remember he always seemed to be smiling through the worst of things, and it wasn't quite obvious if they were genuine or not. Now was not any different, it seemed. It was as odd as perhaps comforting to be receiving a smile from a familiar face amongst their situation. ]
"I do. Nice to see you again. It would have been better if the setting were different but we can make with what we're given."
[ He said that, but he couldn't have been as stable as that made him sound. Surely no one could be having that outlook and believing it wholeheartedly. Maybe he had not accepted the crash into reality just yet, sprouting his seeming light-heartedness. The time they had been on the island was perhaps still short enough to ignore the aching of his couple injuries and hold out hope that he would wake up elsewhere and have a story of a strange dream to tell to his friends. ]
"How have you been? Have you gone through anything interesting beyond calculus?"
I agree. It would have been nicer if we met again in a less "life or death" situation. Though, I suppose it's nicer to have allies in this situation?
I've been working on engineering for various rockets and such... um, oh! Do you remember the Ariel 1 satellite? I got hired about a year before it launched. I didn't do much but I was part of that team. What abouy you? You've always been quite a smart fellow, I hope you're doing well.
[A young person with an unfortunate haircut stalks through the trees. They kick a rock and instantly his in pain, lifting their foot to inspect the damage. A huff escapes their lips, deeming the injury unsubstantial before turing around.]
The hell are you? Some kind of freaky priest? What's wrong with your eye?
[They look Jude up and down, judgement painting their voice. They chew on their lip before averting their gaze. Nails dig into their bruised arm, agitating the damage. A tremor decieves their conceited tone like a growling chihuahua's shivers.]
What did you get fed as a kid? It's obscene for a person to be that tall.
- ♦️ ( @the-fools-deck )
The man stares down at Asa with a lack of hatred in his eyes, like the harsh words had hardly brushed his skin. He chuckles to himself, just loud enough to be heard, but isn't in poor taste towards Asa themselves. He glances down at the bruise on Asa's arm, and where the nails had dug into skin, blood welling up in small droplets from their nails. In a motion swift and fluid, he pulls a jeweled dagger out from somewhere beneath his robes, and a gutting noise of knife to fabric enters the air.
The man slices his own robe, what was likely a holy garment. The torn piece falls into place like it was never missing, disappearing between folds and pleats created in the green. The man gently moves Asa's arm with warm hands, guiding with a force that feels natural, and ties the torn fabric against the bruised arm.
"Freaky priest is a new one. I think it suits me, though. You're not entirely wrong. Call me whatever makes you happy, but my name is Brother Reeves. And I assume my parents fed me the same thing that most parents in France feed their children. I just got lucky."
Brother Reeves looks at his work, as if he is admiring it. His medical knowledge seems extensive, he put just enough pressure on the wound to not hurt or alter mobility, but enough to stop the bleeding. He tucks the dagger back into his robes somewhere, just as lost as it was before he pulled it out. He doesn't address the eye, or Asa's hurt foot. There is a humorous twinkle in his eye when he looks down at Asa, as if he is taking in their appearance, but not with judgment.
"I like your hair. When mine grows out longer, I'll be sure to go to you to get it cut. Be gentle with yourself. If you need anything at all, I've found the materials for a small shelter twenty paces deep into the woods. You can find me there. Or you can go yourself if you need a quiet place to rest and be alone. Whatever suits your fancy."
Words hang in the air, but Asa can't tell what they are. Brother Reeves is leaving something out, and he won't be saying it any time soon. The metal eye glints in the sunlight, Brother Reeves' visible eye squinting at the rays. He isn't looking at Asa with the hatred of a priest or preacher. He must be something beyond modern religion. He looks pleased with Asa's company and his lips curl up in a real smile.
[Asa stood dumbfounded and flustered. It's not like kindness was that foreign to him; Cordelia and Johnny had been friendly. So why was this so different? Was is it the fact he treated them gently after their less than polite introduction? Was it the way he tended to Asa's wounds completely unprompted?]
[He gently grasped the cloth in his hand, rubbing the cotton between his finger. Asa's voice grew quiet and timid.]
Erm. Yeah, maybe I'll see you again, Reeves. Thanks.
[Shelter and friendship sounded so very nice, but that wasn't the way the world worked for Asa. It wouldn't take long for Reeves to realize how filthy he was, that was just a fact of life.]
[ There were a lot of other people on the vastness of the island that Asa had found themselves on. With how many there were, it really made no sense why they always happened to be the one to be approached with one useless question or another. This one was not any different. ]
"Would you happen to have anything for headaches on you?"
[ There should've been an obvious answer to this man's question just upon a glance. They didn't have a satchel or such on them, and surely they wouldn't be carrying medicine like that in the pocket of their clothes. He seemed to know that though, because before Asa could shove the obvious in his face he continued. ]
"Have you seen a man anywhere? Six feet tall, much more of a height than you, brunette and he has scars? I can't find him and I have something to say."
[ He paused once again for a moment, looking at Asa to perhaps find something to comment on, and that he did. ]
"If someone lost you, you'd sure be an easy find. Was your appearance always so unique?"
[ Rich of him to say. His blue eyes stood out like a sore thumb not to mention the quite noticeable French accent that glazed his words. ]
"And your name is? I go by Johnny for the most part."
- 🎻 @a-sunken-reverie
[Asa narrowed their eyes at the other man. If there was one thing he hated more than women, it was men. He hated this new bastard's smug face.]
Anything for a headache? Oh of course you think I've got drugs. Let's ask the crack whore how many pills she can pull out of her arse!
[Asa sucked his teeth before pulling out an orange medicine bottle. He shook out two pills and handed one to Johnny. Their voice took on a much more professional tone.]
I have Mandrax. You only need the one I think. Ah, before you take it, do you mind doing a few tests for me? Follow my finger with your eyes. Hm... now step into the light. Hmm... can you stand on one foot? Good and the other one? Alright, well you're probably not concussed.
[Asa placed the pills back in their pocket and crossed their arms.]
Jesus, you'll have to be more specific. Every arsehole here is a six foot brunette. Ermm... if you're talking about the neat little tan fellow I saw him talking to the bi- [cough] to- to Cordelia. My height, blue dress, freckles- she's a hard girl to miss.
[Asa's lip curled in disgust.]
Oh go fuck yourself. Yes I know my haircut is terrible, I don't need everyone here telling me that.
...Well, if you need anything else, Johnny, I'm Asa. I'm not sure if I'll be much help for long though. My.... Tobias usually has a lot of stuff, but I'm not too sure if it survived the crash. I don't know where that hippy ran off to, matter a fact. Wouldn't be the first time he's done something like this.
God damn! It's hotta than the devil's nut sack down 'ere!
[The sound of a foreigner pierced Opera's silence. It was more of a shock, really, that the volume of someone presumably talking to themself would be loud enough for him to hear.]
[The woman spotted him, amusement painted her face almost immediately. Her manicured hand covered what was surely a laugh.]
My apologies, sir! You must think my complaining is real rich comin' from a chick like me. You gotta be sweating yer ass off in a 'fit like that. How do ya do it, Mista....?
[She trails off, a puzzled look on her visage before she smacked herself in the face.]
Ah damn! I didn't even introduce myself! I'm Marlene Aspen! You can jus' call me Marley though. -🃏 ( @the-fools-deck)
[ While unable to place the direct origin of the accent, the woman is easily placed as an American. Soupy speech that clouded together on certain words, the way that she held herself, and the clothes she wore tied the bow together. What a girl like her was doing on this island was beyond Opera. She seemed so well put together, so in touch with herself. Manicured nails and her hidden giggles signified something deeper than just another girl on the island. She was a well trained one. One that society had formed long before it should have which ways to laugh and which ways to think. Perhaps that was true of all women, though. ]
[ Opera's shoulders tense at her laugh. So calculated. So cold. Something that she thought about doing before she did it, and split through his ears like the ring of a bomb hitting the surface of the Earth. He seemed to take it as a mockery instead of a nervous laugh at herself. Like there was something about him to be laughed at when she had been the one to use such foul language. ]
"You have a right to complain, you know. Doesn't matter who you are. You're stranded, that ought to be hard on anyone." [ Opera's head tilts with confusion, although he can understand the girl perfectly. Someone from money, someone who was pretty. She had nothing to complain about, but that didn't matter in situations of life or death. Did it matter at all? Despite all of her privilege shouldn't she have a right to complain? Wouldn't it be better to complain than to live a life of shame for feeling things out of her control? ]
"It is awfully hot, you should stay in the shade. You don't want your skin to burn."
[ He looks down at her, arms crossed tightly over his chest, and there is almost a comedic twinkle in his eyes. Like he had just told one of the best jokes that anyone could crack, one that only made sense to him, because he seemed to be the only one laughing at it. The thick layers of clothing don't seem to bother him, and don't seem to become abandoned any time soon. ]
[Marlene stared at him for a moment. His words were said with the cadence of a joke, yet the words themselves fell flat. She smiled anyway, letting out another boisterous laugh before patting him on the back.]
Y'know you're a funny fella mista masky or whatever your name is. That's the first step in making friends, you gotta tell eachother your names! You can't turn down a lady when she asks that sort of thing, that's just plain rude!
[She chuckled once more. She was all smiles and giggles, not a care in the whole world.]
You'll be seein' a lot of me, I guarantee it. Ah, maybe if I find some sunscreen you can help me keep from burnin' up?
[She teased. It was the sort of thing that came completely natural to her and completely unnatural for Opera.]
[ As if solely to get their attention, a firm, but not ill intended jab with a finger lands on Asa's shoulder. A young woman, about their age, cocks her head when they turn to face her, standing about as tall as Asa. She gives him a once over before lingering her gaze on their hair with a scrunched nose, as if she disapproves of the cut. ]
"Did you do that with the glass from the plane? It looks..." [ She seems to bite back the word awful before leaving the sentence in the air, like that will make the comment vanish. ] "I have a pair of snips for thread. When... that grows out, I could cut it world's better than what you've got. My sister's a hairdresser, it can't be that hard."
[ The woman does another once over before plucking a stray fern off of Asa's shoulder, tossing it over hers to be forgotten on the mixture of sand and mud beneath them. Cordelia seems to see right through Asa, as if she can tell everything about them with a glance and an eyebrow raise. It isn't cruel or judgmental, but her assessing the person in front of her. ]
"If you need anything at all, hair, clothing, or any other activities involving needles and scissors, I won't judge. My name is Cordelia. You should be a bit more careful with glass next time, you're going to cut your fingers and I'm not sure of any medical professionals around here."
-☀︎
cw: misogyny, slut shaming
[Asa couldn't bear Cordelia's analytical gaze. They knew it quite well. Those pitying glances women would share before snickering behind Asa's back. Beautiful, tidy women were the worst. Asa hated their cute faces and short little skirts, teasing their lithe legs. Teases, that's what they were. "I'm not like that stupid slut over there," they'd giggle amongst themselves, "doesn't she have any self respect?"]
Tch, I would've buzzed it all off if I could. Long hair is a pain. Did you pack a hair brush too? You'll be looking like me quite soon. I could cut your hair for you, since you seem so enamored with my hair.
[Asa flinches when Cordelia plucks the fern. They take a step back, their brow furrowing. They wanted to trust her so much, to think that she really wouldn't judge if them if they wanted to look a little less trashy. She reminded them so much of an old friend, it frightened them.]
I'll... Consider it, Miss Cordelia. Besides, I can take care of myself just fine. I used to study medicine, y'know? I could've been a doctor if-
[Asa's prideful grin fell, their face turning pale. They clenched their fist and crossed their arms.]
What does it matter anyway?! I'll figure it out, mind your business.
[They clench their teeth before reluctantly adding.]
Asa - Ruth: Hunting buddies. Ruth thinks Asa is too emotional. Asa thinks Ruth is hard to talk to. Otherwise respect each other.
Asa - Marlene: Ex secondary school friends. Ended on bad terms, tension still exists.
Eve - Ruth: Childhood friends, strained relationship due to opposing ideals.
Eve - Tobias: Avoids each other. Eve thinks he's a sinner destined for Hell. Tobias thinks she's a crazy bitch.
Eve - Marlene: Polite to each other. Eve thinks Marlene is a little too worldly. Marlene isn't into Eve's religious shtick.
Ruth - Tobias: Ruth avoids him like the plague, thinks he's annoying. Tobias respects her for hunting but doesn't really know her otherwise.
Ruth - Marlene: Friendly but not friends. Ruth thinks she's nice but is wary of her. Marlene thinks hunting is gross and isn't into aviation but respects her intelligence and necessity.
Tobias - Marlene: Marlene thinks Tobias is a pig and should leave Asa alone. Tobias thinks she's pretty and charming but can't get close to her. He's curious about her relationship with Asa but neither will tell him about it.
New faces are hard to remember, especially when you don't feel the need to recall. Who can pick out the faces of the people who crashed on the island when the injuries were more notable? It didn't matter between heads of brown hair and curved frowns, everyone was meeting for the first time, and everyone looked identical amongst the rubble.
However, there's a young man that lingers on the outskirts of the group. He never looks up into anyone's eyes, and his hair covers most of his forehead, the ends brushing the tips of his lashes. He isn't memorable except for the fabric that he wears, draped across his arms and heavy looking, especially in the heat. A man of religion, which is evident from the strange symbol he wears on a chain around his neck. It's unrecognizable. A religion that maybe only the man knows, but seems to be an important figure in.
He doesn't check up on anyone, but approaches Eve as if drawn to her by some unknown force, moving with intent but seeming so natural. He looks at her for half of a moment, his only visible eye meeting her own and acknowledges her with a hint of humor in his eyes, like there's something funny about the two of them meeting each other.
"You're Catholic, aren't you? You have a God well deserving of your worship. Hopefully He tells you a way to get us off the island, or a way to subdue the chaos so nobody gets hurt. Let me know if you hear from Him at all. He never quite spoke to me, but I'd like to know His voice too."
The man never offers a name or title, but pulls a small flask out of his pocket. It's cold to the touch, and full of scentless, clear, liquid. A religious man never drinks. Fresh water. An offering of peace.
-🫀(@orphic-snapdragon)
[Eve beamed at the sight of the man. She couldn't recognize his vestiments but she could recognize the respect in his eye. It was a look she hadn't seen in a long while. "Psycho bitch" and blaspheming whore" were titles she had grown used to. This though... this was new.]
You're very kind, good sir! God speaks to all His children, though if I'm being honest He speaks to me far more than others.
[She chuckles to herself.]
If you don't mind me saying, something tells me we're something of kindred spirits- call it divine intuition. We've both been touched by God.
[She points to her covered eye before taking flask. She swirls the liquid and sniffs it before taking a sip.]
Oh! Is this water? Thank you very much! Mr...
[She cocked her head.]
Oh silly me! I completely forgot to introduce myself! I'm Sister Genevieve Gabriel, though I usually go by Eve. How may I refer to you?
