will byers stan first human second
blake kathryn
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
styofa doing anything
Aqua Utopia｜海の底で記憶を紡ぐ
One Nice Bug Per Day
Jules of Nature
ellievsbear
JBB: An Artblog!
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Game of Thrones Daily
AnasAbdin
Kaledo Art
Kiana Khansmith
Claire Keane
occasionally subtle
todays bird
taylor price
Andulka
dirt enthusiast
seen from United Kingdom
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@the141ghost
SIMON 'GHOST' RILEY
An expert in clandestine tradecraft, sabotage, and infiltration. He lives with a redacted past and an undercover present, marked by a concealed appearance to hide his identity and maintain anonymity in the field.
| rules | about | verses | plotting call |
18+ ask/rp blog. sideblog. follows back from @thehandsomeasshole
PROMPTS FROM TASKMASTER SEASON 12 * assorted dialogue from the tv show, adjust as necessary
i was trying to start a heated debate, but no one gives a shit.
see, this is where i think i went wrong.
i feel like i've let down, like, god.
i think the public perception of me is that i'm quite cool.
i don't fear death. in fact, i yearn for it.
i want you to look at me the way i look at you.
it's the most passive-aggressive, calculated personal attack that i've ever experienced.
this is gonna summon something.
i'm not confident about it.
i've got a black belt.
are you ready, babe?
if i knew what cool was, i would not have arrived at this point in my life.
is there anything really basic that you don't know how to do?
do you know what that is, [name]?
i believe that's what you call a shelf.
it's like being on holiday in the '70s.
i'm going to have to make another one.
do you know i recently completed a master's degree?
i did the right thing.
what is beatboxing?
i knew you wouldn't let me down.
i don't want anything to do with you.
how does that look?
you could have stopped that sentence way earlier.
if you bump into anything, i'm going to prod you with it to stop it happening.
is it electric?
don't put pressure on me.
it looks like you're holding a piece of paper.
look down here!
that's a lovely twist on a professional sport.
i'm trying to express myself in different ways.
we've known each other 25 years and you've never heard me do this before.
do you have a favorite number?
you're a very charming woman.
are you serious?
i just want to visit once. could i?
lobsters are red, oceans are blue, i won't give you crabs if you let me marry you.
i'm so happily married.
if you got mad and killed a guy, i would be your alibi.
have you proposed to anyone before?
in a galaxy far, far away, everyone has tiny penises.
i was going to do great things.
i don't know what the hell's going on.
don't penalize me for that one.
i can't relax.
i always laugh when i'm nervous.
how can i add to this?
can you blow on my neck?
is that a thing i can ask you to do?
i'm not really up for this.
is that what happens at a certain time of day?
i don't remember at all.
me and you are different.
it's like looking in a mirror.
who created this atmosphere? i didn't.
can you let me in?
you look great.
i have flapjacks with me at all times.
i learnt that on instagram.
science is key.
that's the thing that ruined it?
i think that's actual dirt.
this is rather splendid.
i use it at least once a week.
is it weird that i want to slap it a little?
i hate everybody!
would we need snacks of some kind?
that's an hour well spent.
there's a word i've never used before in life. it's called hindsight.
can i touch one of those ducks?
i really wanted to do some substantial damage.
you've got to dig deep.
PROMPTS FOR SHARING COMPLIMENTS AND PRAISE * updated version. assorted dialogue for uplifting remarks, adjust as necessary
i think the world of you.
that was very brave, what you just did.
they owe you their lives.
you made it work.
i just knew you'd find a way to get it done.
you looked at me like you cared, like you saw something of value in me.
i didn't know people like you existed.
no one else listened to me when i came to them. except you.
i think you're doing an incredible job.
they'll never forget you after that.
you've shown me there's more to life than this.
you're getting better at that every day.
you make me want to do better.
your hair looks really nice like that.
you have great taste in music.
you should be very proud.
you inspire me.
i can tell how much time you put into that.
i enjoy spending time with you.
i look up to you.
that was incredible!
thank you for all you’ve done for me.
i’m so proud of the person you’ve become.
did you cook this? it tastes amazing.
i don’t know who i’d be without you.
you saw me when i was invisible.
that was really brave of you.
you did a really nice job.
thank you for caring about me.
that was a brilliant performance.
i’ve always admired you.
i’m so lucky you love me.
you always manage to make me laugh.
i’m very proud of you.
that was great! let’s try it once more.
how can i ever repay you?
it’s so great seeing you do what you love.
you catch on quick.
i loved that book you recommended.
you’re so brave.
i’ve never met anyone as kind as you.
i see you as a role model.
let’s go out to dinner and celebrate you!
you clean up nice.
i love what you’ve done with the place.
you did everything you could.
i couldn’t do this without you.
you have endured so much, and yet you still stand here.
did you do this all by yourself?
you’re really easy to talk to.
i’m a better person because of you.
i knew you could do it.
they never took away your kind heart.
you’re so cute.
your kindness drew me to you.
i always believed in you.
you make it look so effortless.
you always check to make sure i feel comfortable.
your passion really inspires me.
that looks like something out of a magazine.
i always knew you had it in you.
i trust you.
i admire your ambition.
your hard work paid off.
you never gave up. even when they told you it was impossible.
you’re such a strong person.
you have such beautiful eyes.
i admire your confidence.
no one else would listen to me. you did.
i can always depend on you.
i’m so glad we met.
you always care about my input.
you’re my hero.
i’m so glad we’re friends.
you’re more than enough.
you smell really nice.
i can tell you’ve been practicing!
you blow me away when you do that.
you are exceptional.
[ COCOA ] for sender and receiver to get hot chocolate at a winter festival.
answered at xxx
@prosopagn0sis said : [ COCOA ] for sender and receiver to get hot chocolate at a winter festival.
---
Ghost wasn't entirely sure how he'd been dragged into this.
One second, he'd been sitting happily in his office—his warm office, mind you—and the next, he was standing in the frigid cold with Fate to buy two, frankly overpriced, hot chocolates. There were a lot of people, which was fairly expected for a festival at this time of year, and coupling the noise with the garish decorations covering every inch of the place made for a rather painful experience of sensory overload for Ghost. At least he got to keep his balaclava on, he supposed. For 'warmth'.
"Hot, remember," Ghost mumbled, nodding at the little paper cup in her hands. "Don't burn your mouth, leave it cool a bit first."
» ━━ BARBIE BIG CITY BIG DREAMS : LYRIC STARTERS.
lyrics taken from the barbie big city big dreams animation. please alter any pronouns when sending if needed.
“ i love the concrete jungle. ”
“ i’m a beach girl. ”
“ together we’re the best of both possible worlds. ”
“ our duo’s so dynamic. ”
“ like fire and rain, together we can set it off and make a big bang. ”
“ hey universe, look who’s coming at you. ”
“ for the first time i found my perfect match. ”
“ how did we ever survive before us ? ”
“ all i need now in my life is more us. ”
“ it’s like we’re meant to be, like destiny, so right. ”
“ i just go with the flow. ”
“ i plan out every day. ”
“ our master plan will lead us straight to broadway. ”
“ put respect on this groove. ”
“ through thick and thin. ”
“ we’ve got the brightest future. ”
“ where’ve you been? because i wish i’d met you sooner. ”
“ look and learn. ”
“ feel the burn. ”
“ just try harder. ”
“ this is tough. ”
“ tighten up. ”
“ my spirit is deflating. ”
“ my fear’s inflating. ”
“ this school is calling my bluff. ”
“ hope i have the right stuff. ”
“ remember how to be brave. ”
“ can i get out of my head ? ”
“ grind on my mind. ”
“ work it double time. ”
“ never fall a step behind. ”
“ this is what you wanted. ”
“ don’t be daunted. ”
“ just be patient and relax, cut yourself some slack. ”
“ why am i the only one who keeps scrambling and face planting ? ”
“ this is draining. ”
“ stop complaining. ”
“ i know it’s worth the trouble. ”
“ did everyone see ? ”
“ of course they saw. ”
“ pull yourself together. ”
“ practice until it’s perfect. ”
“ plant your feet. ”
“ use your core. ”
“ keep the beat. ”
“ get off the floor. ”
“ how can you even show your face ? ”
“ i’m losing my mind. ”
“ i flew in on cloud nine. ”
“ made a new best friend. ”
“ there wasn’t a question that everything would work out perfectly. ”
“ spoke too soon. ”
“ worst in the room, like a total crash landing. ”
“ i’m not going to let that keep me down. ”
“ it’s all about those good vibes. ”
“ take a look at me, so on pointe and savvy. ”
“ the whole world at my feet. ”
“ didn’t know what fear meant. ”
“ guess i’m not immune to the laws of gravity. ”
“ crutches won’t be keeping me earthbound. ”
“ is the glass half full or half empty ? ”
“ let the positivity take over. ”
“ como se dice ? let me put it this way. ”
“ chequen esto, chicas, mi visión loca. ”
“ my imagination soars. ”
“ got to spread my wings and get to higher ground. ”
“ back here again, losing a friend. ”
“ i thought i was strong, but i’m reeling. ”
“ this time felt different, our connection was instant. ”
“ that was pure magical thinking. ”
“ just move on from the pain. ”
“ soon it’ll fade like a memory. ”
“ you’ll start over again. ”
“ evolving from this fateful origin story. ”
“ a chariot streaks across the sky so majestically. ”
“ two girls on an odyssey in the city that never sleeps. ”
“ riding high on a merry go round of modern mythology. ”
“ discovered a new part of me in a fated friend. ”
“ i knew finding you would be an epic journey with no end. ”
“ you can’t see shooting stars in the city of marquee lights. ”
“ fate brough us together then tore us apart. ”
“ i wish i could go back and restart. ”
“ i’ll race across the sky to a work where dreams and friendships aren’t destined to collide. ”
“ stranded on this lonely island. ”
“ great beginnings don’t get happy endings. ”
“ glorious mythologies can slip out of your reach. ”
“ in reality, best friends leave. ”
“ you’re my fiercest competition. ”
“ we’re best friends, no contradiction. ”
“ never let jealousy get in our way. ”
“ help each other up. ”
“ you set the bar, i’ll raise it. ”
“ you won’t catch me holding back. ”
“ why should our drive divide us ? ”
“ let’s let our strength unite us. ”
“ i’ve still got your back. ”
“ see you at the finish line. ”
“ when you need the strength to clear it, i’m gonna be there cheering. ”
“ i’m never leaving you behind. ”
“ if you stumble, just keep your fight on. ”
“ follow my voice to my arms. ”
“ we’re going hard and we’re going together. ”
“ we know what we want. ”
“ we’re giving up never. ”
“ we were born to show the world just who the boss is. ”
“ stopping more traffic than midtown rush hour. ”
“ you know we’re doing it right. ”
“ lean on my shoulder. ”
“ we’ve got each other, that’s the way it’ll always be. ”
“ bank on our future, it’s gold. ”
“ we’ll wake up with our names in lights. ”
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! a collection of sentence starters and prompts to inspire holiday/wintery interactions. trigger warnings for mentions of food and drink.
❝ are you really playing christmas music already? it’s barely november! ❞
❝ come on, get in the spirit! dance with me. ❞
❝ if we’re having turkey for thanksgiving dinner, i’m not eating. the bird always looks at me funny and i’m not eating stuffing that’s been stuffed up a butt. ❞
❝ are you going to come sledding with us? it’ll be fun! ❞
❝ we can put up the christmas lights tonight! ❞
❝ i don’t want to be a grinch, but untangling lights isn’t exactly my favorite pastime. ❞
❝ let’s wear matching ugly christmas sweaters to the party! ❞
❝ do you think this eggnog is spiked? ❞
❝ don’t tell anyone, but, i spiked the eggnog. ❞
❝ you’re who i want to kiss at midnight on new year’s eve. ❞
❝ pucker up! you got caught under the mistletoe. ❞
❝ i didn’t know what to get you. i hope you like it. ❞
❝ you got me [insert gift here]? i love it. ❞
❝ please tell me that’s not a puppy yipping from the box… ❞
❝ isn’t it a little cliche to get engaged on christmas? ❞
❝ we always watch grandma got run over by a reindeer. it’s tradition! ❞
❝ i was sucking on this candy cane and accidentally made a weapon… ❞
❝ did you remember to get carrots to leave out for the reindeer? ❞
❝ i loved christmas as a kid, but i haven’t felt the magic in a long time… ❞
❝ do you want to bake cookies with me? ❞
SEND A WORD FOR A PROMPT. add + REVERSE to switch up who does what.
[ SKATES ] for sender and receiver to go ice skating.
[ COCOA ] for sender and receiver to get hot chocolate at a winter festival.
[ FESTIVAL ] for sender and receiver to go to a winter carnival.
[ ICE ] for receiver to slip on some ice while walking with sender.
[ FROSTY ] for sender and receiver to build a snowman.
[ ANGEL ] for sender and receiver to make snow angels.
[ MISTLETOE ] for sender and receiver to find themselves under the mistletoe.
[ TREE ] for sender and receiver to decorate the christmas tree.
[ PRESENTS ] for receiver to open a present from sender. (bonus points for saying what the present is.)
[ GRINCH ] for receiver’s reaction to sender not being in the holiday spirit.
[ KITCHEN ] for sender and receiver to make a mess in the kitchen while cooking the holiday feast.
[ MIDNIGHT ] for sender to kiss receiver at midnight on new year’s eve.
[ TIMES SQUARE ] for sender and receiver to watch the ball drop.
“did you find what you were looking for?” (Graves)
answered at xxx
@spitbullets said : “did you find what you were looking for?” (Graves)
---
Ghost inadvertently stiffened upon hearing the smooth yet deeply grating—as those accents always were—American drawl. It wasn't like he had a problem with Graves per se. It was more down to the fact that it wasn't his preference to work with others at all. He worked better alone.
He hadn't quite grown accustomed to the man, despite this not even being the first time they had worked together. Ghost didn't understand Graves, but he did respect him. He was a good leader to his men and an even better fighter. He got the job done, and that was the most Ghost would ask of him.
His sense of humour did leave something to be desired, however, in Ghost's mind, at least. Maybe it was the cultural barrier.
Ghost held up the green folder clasped in one gloved hand, brows raising ever so slightly in confirmation behind his mask. His arm lowered back to his side. "Affirmative," he replied shortly, eyes dropping down to observe Graves's hands, ensuring they weren't moving for anything they shouldn't be moving for. "Clean job. As always."
He didn't... distrust Graves. His close observation wasn't down to a lack of trust, or at least not a personal one. Ghost found himself not trusting anyone nowadays. It was safer that way.
"Appreciate the assist, commander," he said, after moments of deliberation finally settling on a shallow expression of gratitude. "Boss'll be happy with this."
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio † Prose by @bebx (♡)
PROMPTS FOR ACTION, CHAOS, AND DRAMA * a collection of lines for the more dramatic adventures
put the gun down. now.
nobody leaves unless i say so.
quick! hide!
everyone's out to get you.
can you still walk?
how much money did you lose?
looks like we're stuck in here for a while.
someone has to stay behind.
get down!
i think i'm gonna be sick.
you have my word.
it's too dark in here. i can't see anything.
we're gonna have company!
did you kill them?
shut your eyes. don't look.
is there a problem here?
drop your weapons.
we'll never make it in time.
i think he's one of them.
we can figure this out! stay with me!
hold your breath!
let me make you an offer.
wait, do you hear that? something's wrong.
when i say go, go!
can you think of a better plan?
i'm taking you to the hospital.
i'll get the money, i swear.
someone started all this, and i'm going to find them.
i'll get you out of here. i promise.
we're running out of road!
if you kill me, there'll be nowhere else to hide.
i'll tell you how this is gonna go.
brace yourself!
give me your gun.
where the hell do you think you're going?
i don't know! i'm all turned around. i can't remember where we came from.
give me the password.
i never should have come here. this was a mistake.
do you even know why you're supposed to kill me?
don't give up. please don't give up.
this is going to get nasty.
you should sit down.
i'll cover you.
what's the combination?
shit! the door's jammed!
think i broke something.
this is a terrible disguise. i'm going to get caught.
we need to find something to stick under it to keep it open!
we both know what has to happen here.
i'm staying! i'm right here! i'm staying!
nobody has to get hurt.
we can't let them win.
someone's been here.
this was your idea!
you take the left, i'll take the right.
is that the best you can do?
please just let me live.
hold on! there's more of them!
i'm ready whenever you are.
they're dead, and it's all my fault.
i can't walk. can you carry me?
it's time to end this.
quick, through that door. i hear someone coming.
you just blew our cover!
i'm afraid it's a bit more complicated than that.
can you hotwire a car?
is the wall moving, or is that just me?
no! i'm not leaving without you!
i'm not against you, if that's what you're asking.
the current's too strong!
i think that's blood.
shit, it's a dead end! we're trapped!
hold my hand. we can make the jump together.
oh my god. he's reaching for something.
why didn't you take the shot?
we should get moving before they come back.
this isn't what i signed up for.
do you smell that? what is that?
are you with me?
let's go over the plan one more time.
we've got a serious problem here.
these people will kill you if they have to.
the door's locked. it needs a six digit code.
i think we lost them.
we might be stuck.
which way did they go?
i can't wait to get you back to the room.
let me drive this thing.
there's not enough room for both of us.
it wasn't supposed to happen like this.
you're bleeding.
i'm not sticking around to see what happens.
more random dialogue prompts ,
“why do you have that look on your face?”
“finish what you’re doing, we have to talk.”
“what have you done to yourself?”
“did you do something different with your hair?”
“it doesn’t do any good to get worked up.”
“when was the last time we had a real conversation.”
“are you in the witness protection program, or what?”
“there’s something wrong with me.”
“no, i don’t hate you.”
“hey stupid.”
“we’re aren’t them.”
“looks like i’ll live long enough to make you pay.”
“you know you’re wrong.”
“i don’t understand, why are you doing this?”
“now, before i say anything, promise me you’ll stay calm.”
“what makes me so special?”
“you have no idea what i’ve been through.”
“you really don’t have to do that, not for me.”
“did you really think you’d get a second chance?”
“how about we don’t do that.”
“i have a lot going for me, but humility is not one of them.”
“you’re the worst.”
“i don’t need you right now.”
“don’t just stand there, looking at me.”
“i thought you were supposed to call me.”
“take my hand.”
“i need you.”
“you’re allowed to need help sometimes.”
“for someone who doesn’t like to feel things, you sure feel a lot of it out loud.”
“when this is all over, i want it to be you and me.”
“why won’t you tell me what happened?”
“you don’t know what this means to me.
“i know it doesn’t make sense.”
“i’m trying really hard to keep it together.”
“i know you’re new, but we do things a little differently here.”
“your voice is putting me to sleep.”
“did you find what you were looking for?”
“you knew and you didn’t even warn me?”
“well, i guess that’s broken.”
“i thought it was part of the act.”
“you think u don’t know you’re only here because they sent you?”
“you promised to call me if you didn’t know what to wear.”
“you can keep a secret, can’t you?”
“how could you do this to me?”
“put the gun down, dearest. i have news!”
“i know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but you need to know something.”
“if you’re here to tell me what happened last night, someone beat you to it.”
“people think i’m weird.”
“i think i’m losing myself again.”
“you can’t be here.”
“i wish you’d come to the funeral.”
“do you know what today is?”
“so, you broke my favourite mug… and you’re breaking up with me?”
“i need to get out.”
“it’s like i’m cursed or something.”
“you are remarkably well-behaved tonight, what have you been up to?”
“you gonna eat that?”
“sir, the pony rides are for children only.”
“i don’t want you to worry about that anymore.”
“we’ll never make it in time.”
“you’d be late for your own funeral.”
“you should have seen it coming.”
“oh, good, you’re here! hold this.”
“why can’t you just be happy for me?”
“on a scale of one to ten, how do you feel about nachos right now?”
“is this how you flirt with everyone?”
“how much longer till we’re there?”
“what have you done?”
“it’s time for you to repay that debt you owe me.”
“where did you get that? who gave it to you?”
“what kind of mother has thoughts like that?”
“i know I haven’t been what you needed, but i’m here, and i wanna help.”
“i never want to hear you say that again.”
“you’re all i have.”
“i know it’s not perfect, but i did follow the recipe this time.”
“i was doing so well until you showed up.”
“don’t eat that! i made it ‘specially for our guest.”
“it’s not that i don’t like my life, it’s that i don’t have the energy to enjoy it.”
“how can you stand this place?”
“don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t exactly blend in.”
“you need to stop.”
“i don’t like that look, what happened?”
“is that seriously your password?”
“what’s your problem?”
“you had no right to use it without asking.”
“oh, wow, you weren’t kidding.”
“i couldn’t trust my own parents to protect me.”
“i’m surprised you haven’t been arrested yet. wait, no, i’m not.”
“why do you want to help me?”
“ten bucks for that piece of crap?”
“we have to hurry, they’re coming!”
“hey, look what came in the mail!”
“do you want to get a drink or something?”
“please tell me you didn’t eat that.”
“the worst part is you didn’t even notice.”
“if i wanted help, i would have asked.”
“wanna tell me what’s going on with your grades?”
“you need to leave.”
“talk to me, okay? i need to know what’s going on.”
“i do blame you.”
“sometimes life deals you a bad hand, but you can still play your cards right and win.”
“you’re no longer useful to me.”
“i’m not good with sarcasm: if you don’t like me, just say it.”
Injuries, Old and New Prompts
(Prompts for scenarios for injured muses. Add "+ 🔄" or "+ reverse" to reverse the scenario!)
😴 My muse wakes up in the middle of the night to find your muse injured in their living room
👊 My muse gets hurt during a fight
🔍 Your muse spots an old injury belonging to my muse that they didn't know about before
🩹 Your muse takes care of my muse after a bad injury
🔓 My muse reveals a hidden injury to your muse
🛡️ My muse gets hurt while trying to protect your muse
😑 My muse accidentally hurts themselves while doing something mundane
🤫 My muse tries to hide an injury from your muse
💔 My muse sees your muse getting hurt but is unable to stop it
🧳 My muse has been away for a while and returns with a mysterious injury
🙈 Your muse helps my muse to hide an injury
🕒 My muse is still affected by an old injury and they need your muse to help them
💭 My muse's opinion on something changes after getting hurt
🎭 My muse pretends to be injured for a specific reason
😖 My muse feels guilty after accidentally hurting your muse
💫 My muse has temporary memory loss after an injury
😤 My muse complains about a small, inconsequential injury to your muse
Death and the Soldier (1917) by Hans Larwin | Margaret Atwood, from “Roominghouse, Winter” The Animals in That Country
“i can’t lose you.” / “i’m not losing you.” from roach!
answered at xxx
@desireshonour said : “i can’t lose you.” / “i’m not losing you.” from roach!
---
It had been a clean job, more or less. A simple search-and-destroy mission, mostly just mopping up after themselves and the mess they'd made getting in there.
Until the final room. The sons of bitches in there were bullet sponges with their heavy armour, Ghost was convinced of it.
A hard blast to his chest from a rifle and Ghost stumbled back, losing his footing completely. On the way down, he raised his pistol, aimed, and managed to land a shot right between the bastard's eyes.
His back slammed into the ground and a loud, pained grunt slipped past his lips. He listened for a moment, and when he heard no more gunfire he quickly began to assess himself for damage. His fingers found the bullet's entry point, lodged deep in an armour plate but not quite breaking through. It'd leave a bruise, maybe even a burn, but there was no blood. He let out a sharp breath and let his head drop back onto the ground, too. He was alive. Winded and pretty sore, but alive.
Roach didn't seem to register that fact, not when he'd raced over, moving faster than Ghost could even register. "I can't lose you," Gary had said, "I'm not losing you."
While barely resisting an eye roll, Ghost pushed himself up from the ground, dragging Roach along with him, and he gave the room a final scan. Satisfied that everyone else had been neutralised, he turned to face Roach.
"Oi, Roach, eyes front. Look at me-" Ghost snapped, placing a hand on either side of Gary's face before making him look down at his chest. His hands dropped away once he was looking where he wanted him to and a small huff of air left him, warming the mask between him and the outside world. "Hit a plate. It hit a plate. You need to calm down."
starter for @the141ghost // witcher au (Soap)
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The sounds of metal slicing through flesh and the squeals of dying drowners filled Soap's ears, the sweet song of a good fight. They hadn't been that difficult to track down, according to the info he'd gathered from the villagers they mostly stuck to one area, right by the lake's edge a short distance from town. They'd become a little more daring as of late, attacking fishermen out on the water, dragging them beneath the surface to the murky depths. Fearing for their safety, wondering if the beasts might get confident enough to attack the village next, the townspeople put up a notice, calling for any person (or witcher) good enough with a blade to help them, with the incentive of a reward of course.
That's where he came in.
He may not have been a witcher, but he could hold up his own against something like a pack of drowners. Soap was a good fighter - he was from one of the most respected and well known warrior families of Skellige, after all, even if he shared that with no one these days - so the stupid, clumsy beasts had nothing on him and his favourite axe. One by one, they went down easily.
It was things like this, earning money for his blade, that had been his main source of income since he'd left home. Whether that was for killing beasts or simply as a short term bodyguard, it paid decently well, enough to keep him going. It was more of a struggle in the winter, when people stayed home and beasts tended to hibernate, but he'd managed for just over three years now, so he was clearly doing something right.
The fight was almost over, he was covered in all sorts of unpleasant viscera which he couldn't wait to wash off, but there were still a few drowners left - no use getting distracted daydreaming about a bath, only to get himself injured. They hadn't managed to land even one hit on him yet. Shifting his grip on his axe, he swung again, slicing right through a drowner's chest. It fell, squirming, to the ground. Three left.
Ghost, too, had seen the bounty postings about the drowners.
Dead villagers, dead fishermen...
It was always the same old shit. He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually had to make an effort with a hunt; two, three years ago, maybe. Since then, monotonous bounties of the dullest creatures were all that were being posted.
But, coin was coin, at the end of the day. Something more exciting would come along, he was sure, so for now, he simply had to make do with scraps. He'd admit, the hunt became a tad more intriguing when the villagers mentioned there was another fighter taking the bounty, too. He had left first, they said, but so long as someone brought back the proof of kill, they'd be the one to get paid.
So, he set out to work, tracking the other man as opposed to the hunt itself. He'd find them both, either way, but truth be told? He was more interested by the stranger than the slimy selection of drowners he was probably being swarmed by.
Nearing the lake, he began hearing grunts of effort coupled with the soft sound of steel cutting through drowner flesh and their pained screeches as they were taken down one by one. Ghost continued to step in the direction of the racket and, finally, he found it.
A man, smaller than he was but no less sturdy, swung his axe around with surprising precision. He cut down the beasts with ease, careful steps over the muddy ground. Ghost half expected him to lose his footing, maybe face plant into the slick ground (conditions worsened by the already slaughtered drowners, their guts lay out across the dirt like a grotesque rug) and the beasts would get the upper hand.
They didn't. Dark eyes hidden in the shade of his mask, Ghost blinked lazily as he watched the man continue to prance about, cutting down drowners with a decent efficiency for a human. He took another silent step forward, before leaning one shoulder against a tree. One hand resting on the hilt of his sword, as it always was, and the other hanging loosely by his side.
A low, rumbling chuckle slipped past his lips as the man dropped yet another drowner, finally seeming to pull himself back from his own thoughts. That kind of mistake would get him killed one day, as weak and squishy as humans were.
Maybe that would happen today. Ghost could only wait and see if the man met his demise, he supposed. If he did, he'd take the bounty in.
If not? Well, it'd be a first.
