Thorn the Vessel

A Vessel with a wretched past and a hollow present.

[thorn-the-vessel]

Bloodied Thorn Without A Rose.

Hello! Welcome to my Vessel OC roleplay blog ^w^ My main is @weaveryivel Warning: this blog is SUPER angsty. Like, I mean, REALLY angsty. Is liable to include topics like; self harm, violence, abuse, suicidal ideation, gender dysphoria, body dysphoria, and other such things. Interact at your own peril! That said, they don't bite! ... They would if they could, but I mean that any other Pharloomblr roleplay blogs are super free to interact, and asks of all kinds are welcomed! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thorn is a Vessel, one of the Pale King's discarded children. Like many others, they wandered the wastes for a very long time, but eventually made their way to Pharloom, where they now remain. They are a mature Vessel, like the Hollow Knight; their horns are long and twisted antlers, their black shell is mottled with hardened scars, and they wear a cloak of dark green thorns. They have somewhat longer arms than the Hollow Knight does. Their mask, miraculously, remains unharmed. They wield a rusty coiled nail wrapped in the same dark green thorns of their cloak. They are also capable of wielding Soul magic - though in a rather primal, unrefined form - and are very in tune with the power of their own void makings. Pronouns for Thorn are... complicated, at best. I will be referring to them with they/them, for now. They refer to themself with it/its, when they refer to themself at all - they prefer not to. While it/its pronouns aren't inherently dehumanizing, they are using them in that context. In the future, they may end up discovering more about themself, and change to she/they. They have a wretched past, a hollow present, and not much to look forward to. Comfort them! Hurt them! Do whatever you wish! It will be exciting to see what happens, will it not? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rules: - No straight up NSFW. - Suggestive asks are fine. - You are welcome to mention this blog whenever you'd like and interact with their posts. - Shipping is fine. - This little one is kind of born to suffer, so be wary that there will be heavy angst most likely! That isn't to say there won't be fluff and happiness, of course. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tags: [a thorn without a rose] - any in character post! [the hand of the gardener] - out of character posting! [a vessel's bleeding heart] - answering asks! [vessel wreathed in thorn] - Interacting with other blogs!

[thorn-the-vessel]

Recollection I

TWs: Starvation, gore, cannibalism, self-loathing, self-harm

What can you do with a Void? You can smell it. It smells cold, cloying, wrapping around you and into you over and over, the smell of what's inside, the smell of home and of birth, and of kin. It smells like something old, something that is so ancient that the word old is younger than it, a thousandfold. A curse, a blight, a mark within the shell and behind the eyes, an excommunication from light, and an exile into the unforgiving dark. You can hear it. It sounds like nothing at all. It drowns out everything in silence. Vague suggestions of scratching metal enter the mind where no sound can be found in order to compensate for the lack, to make recognizable what you cannot hear because it is too loud. It sounds like small hands hitting and cracking against rock, turning over stones and dead roots, looking for something, anything to eat. Any of that bright paleness that lives in everything but it. You can see it. It looks hollow like the eyes of a monarch, a god disgusted by the makings of His own plan, eyes turned away from the dark. It looks like a beating, writhing lifelessness, stirring within a still shell. You can feel it. It drips across your foreclaws, the liquid a mere suggestion of something in order to make the nothing that much more apparent. It feels like a numbness, it feels like home, it feels like everything and it feels like rest. But you deny it. You're so hungry. Your fingers pull open the pale shells, stretching and cracking, until you can sink your fingers deep, deep within the blackened phantoms dwelling inside. Your hands shake in ecstasy, in fear, in need, in loathing. They say nothing while you do it. They only look at you. You can taste it. Greedily shoveling small handfuls into the hole you tore open in your own mask, no tongue to taste or teeth to chew, just a blackness within you as cold and wet and empty as what is within them. It ravenously absorbs everything that you give it, that you take for yourself, your shell swelling grotesquely as your Shade grows and grows and grows. You cannot cry, so you do not cry. You cannot scream, so you do not scream. You cannot hate, but you hate anyways. You can smell something wrong. You can hear the crunch of shell fragments and the sounds of thick, viscous fluid sloshing into your skull. You can see your hands, your shaky hands, your siblings, your poor siblings. You can feel that you have done something very, very wrong. ... It tastes delicious. ... Thorn has always been glad that it lacked the ability to dream. But that hasn't prevented the recurring recollections. ... It gets up from the ground where it rested. It pulls its cloak snug around its body to feel the thorns digging in. Then it goes on its way.

[weaveryivel]

Hey gang

I've been gone for a bit now

At first it was because I took a break, which was good for me, but lately depression has been hitting me hard and my motivation is down

I am NOT gone or quitting with my RP blogs, I'll just need a few days to get back into the swing of things as I start coming back

Apologies for being gone so long, and I am glad to be returning !

[void-soaked-shell]

... (Thorn approaches its sibling, and sits down next to it. It does not say anything, simply sitting close.) @thorn-the-vessel

...

[thorn-the-vessel]

... Hello... small sibling. ... Are you comfortable?

[void-soaked-shell]

...

[thorn-the-vessel]

... I hope you are.

... If you want anything I can help.

(it places a hand on the other Vessel's head.)

[void-soaked-shell]

... (Thorn approaches its sibling, and sits down next to it. It does not say anything, simply sitting close.) @thorn-the-vessel

...

[thorn-the-vessel]

... Hello... small sibling. ... Are you comfortable?

[gilly-of-far-fields]

(Thorn has been tracking Gilly. It doesn't know exactly where to look, but it has been trying.) Gilly...? I promise I won't hurt you. Or tie you up again. @thorn-the-vessel

*Gilly cringes the moment she hears Thorn's voice, hurriedly scrambling up to a small alcove hidden behind rocks.*

*Too hurriedly. She missteps, sending down a shower of small pebbles that give away her location.*

...g-gah... ugh...

[thorn-the-vessel]

Gilly? (Thorn walks under the alcove, looking up.) (... It shouldn't try to grab her. That may make her panic.) (It sits down, crossing its legs.) ... I know I already said this, but I won't tie you up, or hold you, or anything. I'll just... wait down here, okay? And I'll go away if you want. But I only want to keep you safe. I've been tracking you for a while because... (Would she feel worse to know she has worried it?) ... I'll just wait here.

[thorn-the-vessel]

(it cuts through the brush on its way home, bearing many flowers and fruits)

oho... a vessel..? so deep within the forest? how do you fare, small one? I would hope that one such as yourself were surviving well, however... are you alright? I have many fruits and flowers, if you would like! (@shaman-of-the-moor)

(Thorn looks up from its exploration around the Far Fields.) (It has given up on finding Gilly. She went somewhere else, evidently, and so... it does not know what to do now.) (... It has seen snails like this one before. They would sometimes come to the arena, take someone who they wanted for reasons Thorn didn't really understand, and leave. At one point, Thorn fought against a snail - they were a tough fight.) (... Thorn decides that it is best to be cautious.) I... Do not need either, but thanks. I am faring fine. What do you want?

[thorn-the-vessel]

Tell us a tale, spiny one

A story? I... guess I can. ... Uh... Do you want me to make one up, or tell you... one from my past? I'm... not sure what you want. You can ask for something specific. That would help.

[weaveryivel]

Back to scheduled programming

Roleplay hours

[weaveryivel]

Hello!

Sorry to all of those who I am in the middle of interactions with, I am going to take a break today! In the meantime, feel free to message me or send asks! I get overjoyed and surprised whenever I see a full inbox, it really is wonderful, and you guys send wonderful asks <3 This goes for all of my blogs today! Here's a list for you to easily send asks and know which are mine: @weaveryivel @arkus-the-ironclad @the-eternal-archivist @xel-the-revenant @thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

Would you like a blanky? It gets cold, and you look like you need it

... I don't need it. Give me whatever you wish, I guess. ... It would be nice...

[thorn-the-vessel]

*places peas on your thorns and antlers*

...? (Thorn doesn't understand, but shakes its antlers around. It seems to like having things on its antlers.)

[weaveryivel]

Abby here!

Sorry I've been so absent! Things have been rough lately.

Today, at around 5:00pm EST, I'll get started on doing things here and get completely caught up!

In the meantime, I apologize for my absence!

This also goes for my other blogs, which I will be reblogging this to.

Bye!

[thorn-the-vessel]

What is wrong with you little vessel thing

A lot. I wasn't a pure enough Vessel, of course. So the Pale King discarded me. I can't blame him; if a tool doesn't do what you need it to, then you get rid of it.

As for the rest... Well. I'm a monster. ... I just do my best to act like I'm not.

[thorn-the-vessel]

The thorns on your cloak can’t be comfortable

... That is the point.

[mottled-scout]

Where? Where could she be...?

*Carefully and quietly, the scout stalked the Fields. Their antennae twitched in anticipation, both desperately following the familiar scent and dreading what could be at the end of the trail.*

*But she had to pursue. It was the only way to know what happened to her. Weapon in hand and keepsake on her back, she continues the hunt for Gilly in stealth.*

@gilly-of-far-fields @thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

(Thorn is leading the de-masked and de-cloaked Gilly around on a rope.) ... Some of these pilgrims seem less sentient than others... I think... Come on, Gilly. I know you're hungry, I promise we'll find something soon. And hopefully I figure out how to help you soon, too... @gilly-of-far-fields

[gilly-of-far-fields]

*Gilly growls, straining against the rope.*

...rn. Th-thrn...

...hhh?

*She stops short, then throws her weight in a different direction entirely.*

M-mrr! Ma. Mrrn! Rrrr...

@mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

Something is up ahead...!

*Marron hid in the foilage nearby, barely getting in a glance. Locking in on the sound, Marroon couldn't handle it anymore. She needed to act or else...*

Or else...!

*Fiercely and screaming at the top of her lungs, she leaped out of cover, curveclaw at ready.*

*Only to slow to a confused halt when actually taking in the scene.*

Mister... Thorn...?

*It was clear the ant had run themself ragged with stress; Crooked antennae, staggered uneven breath, and twitchy movement. What should be relief to find a friend was mired with dark thoughts about this being where the trail ended, evident in their stare.*

Is that...?

@thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

Oh. Hello Marroon. (It tilts its head.) ... Yes, this is Gilly, if that's what you were wondering. I recommend you don't come too close. She's... ... Well, I'm worried about her. I was just bringing her to find some food.

[gilly-of-far-fields]

…Mar-roon.

*Gilly quiets a little.*

Marrrrrroon. H-hhh. He-llo.

…I am. Not. Bad.

Not. Going to. Bite you.

*She glares at Thorn, a little resentfully.*

@mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

I thought you- I thought you were-

I am so happy to see you alive, Gilly...

*She had heard Thorn's warning but couldn't help but slowly draw closer. Her tired eyes were almost locked onto Gilly.*

There is no chance you could bite me; You have no fangs to boast of, remember? Do not worry, I am not leaving...

*Her attention shifts to the rope and its holder.*

I-I saw, further into the Fields, something attacked Gilly. She is injured, I-I-I need to get close. I do not understand why you bind her, Thorn... It seems... Cruel...

@thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

Oh. She's... bitey. (It looks over at Gilly.) She bit me a lot. I don't know what's going on with her, but I don't want her to hurt anyone, so I'm keeping her on this rope. I've been trying to keep her fed.

[gilly-of-far-fields]

Rope... is. Bad.

*Gilly reaches towards Marroon.*

Not. Free.

Don't... like... rope.

...hhh... hhhelp.

@mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

...Is there not a better way? She does not seem to like it...

*Marroon stood just out of reach of Gilly. But they were compelled to reach out the feral in kind.*

If you require meat, I-I can easily get it. As much as needed. Anything for you.

[thorn-the-vessel]

She doesn't like it very much. I don't like it, either.

She seems to need fresh killed meat... For whatever reason. I don't understand what's going on with her, but I want to keep her and other people safe...

.. I'm sorry about the rope, Gilly. I tried making sure it doesn't hurt.

@gilly-of-far-fields

[gilly-of-far-fields]

...N-not. Enough.

*Gilly scratches at the rope.*

I want. Off. Free. Run.

Let me go. I... want... off.

Marr... Marroon. Help. Me.

Hurt. It... hhh... hurts.

@mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

But Thorn, you- I-

Cut her free. She needs you, Marroon.

...

*The thought swirled freely in her mind. The more she stared at Gilly desperately struggle against the rope, the more anxious she felt. Her grip on the keepsake blade tightened.*

Thorn shall understand. You thought she was dead. She is wounded and afraid, understanding only as much as you. The last thing she needs is discomfort. You can grant the comfort she provides to you, repay that debt. If you truly wish to be by her side, then you act without a second thought.

...Forgive me, but I can handle this myself Thorn.

*In a flash the rope was cut, the flying blade circling through the air before being deftly caught by Marroon.*

...Of course I would help. We both have so few who love us, so I must help when needed; you would do the same for me. I have no reason to fear you Gilly. I am always going to side with your comfort, I promise.

*She smiles sweetly.*

[gilly-of-far-fields]

*The tension from the rope gone, Gilly slams face-first into the ground, letting out a low whine.*

...Marroon.

I... hrrr... thank... you.

I... don't... hurt. Anymore.

*Gilly slices off the last of the rope. A small bundle goes with it, both clattering to the ground a few paces away.*

I'm... free. I'm...

*She looks up with a grin.*

Free!

*And then she lunges at Marroon, grin widening into gaping jaws.*

@thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

(With a honed swiftness and instinct, Thorn lunges out to grab Gilly. It ignores the infuriated bites on its arm.) (It looks towards Marroon.) ... You can see what I meant, now. I'm not upset you cut the rope. I really don't want to keep her on one, either. I just don't want her to... Well. Bite people. And get herself hurt by doing that. ... If it doesn't stop soon, I'm considering letting her eat passing Pilgrim bugs. But I'd prefer not to. @mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

*Marroon had fallen backwards onto the ground. Her wide eyes were locked onto her writhing friend. Her entire being convulsed with fear, her hyperventilation waas laced with quiet sobbing. Processing the abrupt event was more painful than if Gilly had succeeded in tearing her head off. Betrayed, like she always was. By her beloved friend, and by her own judgment.*

Why? Why you...?

*Overflowing tears soaked into her beloved cloak's downy collar.*

[gilly-of-far-fields]

*Gilly blinks.*

*And stops.*

*And wails.*

No! Marroon! MARROON!

I DIDN'T MEAN IT!

*She struggles, trying to break out of Thorn's grip. Her claws reach out, this time not to attack but slowly, pitifully.*

MARROON!

@thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

(What does Thorn do? What does it do??) (It has never had to do anything like this before. It comforted children in the arena, yes, but this is completely out of its realm of knowledge. It... tries to speak softly, thinking of what it would want to hear right now.) Hey, it's alright. Don't worry, Gilly, it's okay. Marroon knows you didn't mean it. (It looks at Marroon.) ... She really didn't. She's not... fully in control of herself right now. (It holds Gilly tight with both arms.) This is... not a good situation. But she still cares. And she knows you care, too. Please don't run away, Marroon. I... don't think she'd take it well. @mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

*Her claw was compelled to slowly, shakily start to extend out to Gilly's. She knows so, so well that the monster's fangs did not belong to Gilly. She believes it in her soul, even now as she wept while staring up at her.*

*But for a brief moment, the very moment Marroon's heart was on full display, Gilly horrified her in ways Karmelita could never. Vulnerability, swiftly punished by the one she gained it from shifting into a nightmare.*

*She stops herself, retracting her arm.*

*Marroon draws the hood of her cloak over her head and curls into herself, hoping it would shut the world out.*

Sorry.

*Barely audible past her whimpering.*

[gilly-of-far-fields]

*Gilly's wailing quiets to incomprehensible murmuring. Then she coughs and stares, looking horrified.*

Marroon...?

*Limp.*

Marroon? I...

I'm... not... I didn't...

I... don't... hurt...

...do I?

*Thorn's arms relax for the briefest of moments.*

*And Gilly wriggles out of their grip, sprinting as soon as she hits the ground. She makes a mad dash for the dropped bundle, snatching it up and fleeing.*

*A small doll clatters to the ground behind her, forgotten.*

@thorn-the-vessel

[thorn-the-vessel]

(Thorn lunges for her, but does not catch.) (As she runs, Thorn looks down at the doll, and picks it up with gentle hands.) (... It... doesn't like this.) (It is very, very worried.) (... It holds out the doll to Marroon.) ... We should probably find her, but I think she'd rather you carry this.

@mottled-scout

[mottled-scout]

*The doll resembles Gilly, but its craftsmanship brought to mind the cage that the vessel met the ant in.*

*She clutched and cradled the doll to herself as if it were made of glass, and it would slip through her grasp if she stopped focusing on it.*

N-no.

I am... Not yet ready to see her again.

I clearly was not before... I promised her my comfort, and I have already failed...

*They stood and burrowed into the ground, only stopping to look up at Thorn.*

My cowardice will only hinder you. Goodbye, friend.

*Marroon disappears into the ground.*

[thorn-the-vessel]

(... It watches her disappear.) (... It doesn't know what to do.) (It supposes the only thing it can do right now is search for Gilly. Hopefully it will find Marroon along the way.) (As it wanders off in Gilly's direction, it cannot help but feel like it has already failed its purpose a third time.)

[thorn-the-vessel]

Elemer type shit

Need I say it again? I did it first. I also do it better. Elemer wouldn't stand a chance against me in the arena.