Mayriott

Blog for Mayriott "Passerine" Welk For Untrust Vsmp AU

[untrust-passerine]

“May We Rot” 

Mayriott Welk had never intended to run. He never was much of a runner. Yet, he couldn’t unsee it. That hunched figure over a lifeless comrade, draining the one thing he had left in him. He couldn’t help it. So he ran. Amidst his running, the battlefield melted away, and a town sparked into view.

This town, so far detached from any waking reality, may be his best chance at survival. For in Oakhurst, the beginning of the end is never so far away, and a rebirth is sure to be lurking around the corner. 

— 🎖️ —

Rules

Nicknames

Fun Facts

Original Post

“New Money”

Voice Claim

“Tea”

— 🎖️ —

UNTRUST AU

[untrust-passerine]

Hey :) how would you feel about a ship between Lior and Mayriott? I really like their dynamic so far and Lior is kinda crushing on May. I think? It could also be more of a queerplatonic thing if you want it to be. That would also fit in with Lior being aromantic (maybe like grey- or demiromantic idk still figuring out specifics).

No pressure of course on any of that and I would also be cool with them not ending up together if either of us end up prefering another end-game ship for our guys.

My ship name sugestion is Warhorse btw.

(hope this is formulated at least okay-ish.)

first off, this is formulated wonderfully, so no need to worry.

secondly, I think I’m leaning more queerplatonic, perhaps? May is a bit stubborn in the mind when it comes to love, but I’d be open to a queer platonic relationship between him and Lior!

I’d have to do some research since I’d want to as best as I can accurately represent it on his part, but I’d be good with that!

I think someone else was considering putting their character and Mayriott in a relationship, so I wanna check back in with them, but then we can try and build out their relationship more!

forgot to say, but I absolutely adore the ship name Warhorse!! I think that’s a play, too-

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Well my sleeping friend right here is Kismet, my roommate. But if you’re thinking all of town… I don’t know them all, but there’s a lot more faces than you’d expect for an abandoned town.

There’s a girl called Penny, shes got a … raccoon hat? There’s Odette, shes a Shepard. Can’t remember any more names though.

She taps herself when speaking, on her arms and neck.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

May hums, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he gives her a thoughtful pause.

“So I’ve heard. Well . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you, mond.”

The noise of her tapping makes him shift before burying his hands into the pockets of his uniform.

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose goes back to what she was doing, sketching in a little notebook. Then perks up like she’s just noticed something.

Mond?

She looks up at him, from her position lower down on the floor, crinkling her eyes and trying to discern if he knows her. I doubt it. The village is small. And We don’t remember him.

Why’d you call me that?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

Guys for reference shes in the uh teenager doodling in diary pose. Belly on floor, legs gently floating.

[untrust-passerine]

Once again he shifts his position, finally sitting as though he’s trying to curl in on himself and disappear.

“It means moon. I- I thought, perhaps, it fit.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh! That’s nice? Sorry, where I come from it’s just a little unusual to give someone a nickname without err knowing them well.

Where do you come from?

Totally not trying to scope out his intentions, maybe nicknames have different weight where he comes from.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Oh!”

May hums, pausing to try and find a way around her question before resigning himself to a slight truth.

“From the Northern West. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

A small village called Elmhurst to the west of here. It rained a lot.

Yeah it rained a lot. Do you miss the rain?

Should we have told them? They might know its reputation.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Good to know.”

It’s as simple as that. The name doesn’t even faze him, though after so many years, it appeared nothing ever would.

“Do you like the rain? It’s never been my style.”

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yeah, I mean it’s what I grew up with. It reminds me of home.

She smiles wistfully at the thought of her home.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior had been shuffeling around the room throughout that whole exchange. Finishing cleaning the vegetables, rapping Mayriotts share into a bundle for him to take, getting some food so Frido could eat during the night without anyone having to go outside and eventuelly starting to make some beds on the floor out of what blankets and rags he had and some of those Rose and Kismet had brought. When that is done as well as they can they come to stand by the still sleeping Kismet. He turns to Rosalina and akwardly asks: "Ehm... do you think she would mind if I moved her to one of the... well beds for lack of a better word? I don't really wanna wake them but, y'know with the sitting position I'm worried she might fall over. So?"

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Erm. I’m not really sure. I wouldn’t want to wake up somewhere different to where I fell asleep.

It’s happened too much. I don’t like it. I don’t like it. I don’t like it. …

Maybe we could just like pad up their surroundings, or push them against a wall, so they don’t fall over?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, yes you are probably right." Lior mutters and then sets himself to the knew task. They gently push Kismet back about a feet or two until they are leaning against what will later be the staircase. Then they find a pillow to support their lower back and a blanket to keep her warm.

After that is done he turns to Mayriott: "As I already said you can of course stay the night here if you like but if you don't," they point to their backpack were a tarp is already laying on top of it, "those should make for a decent tent and I'm sure we could find a spare blaket somewhere too." They scratch the back of their neck in a nervouse gesture and add: "Just make sure you don't sleep somewhere you'd get wet if it rains. It's cold out."

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose moves over to the nearest ‘bed’ to Kismet, with all the stuff she was drawing with. Tests it a couple times before sitting down. Tucks her feet under her, unplaits her hair and replaits her hair into a more sleep-friendly style.

(Also she’s just dense, and doesn’t know if she’s meant to be helping so she’s not helping)

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May simply nods, listening to the whole exchange only half-heartedly. After a minute of pondering Lior’s words, he settles into an answer.

“I’ll come back later for bed, if that’s alright with you, Lio. I’ll make my own makeshift hospitality when I tuck in for the night. I’ve done it before, so don’t bother worrying or trying to aid. You’ve done much enough.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior nods and smiles at Mayriott: "Yeah, of course thats alright."

@untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Wonderful. I’ll be back later, then.”

And with that in place, Mayriott stands and leaves the house. He never was one for saying “Goodbye.” It meant too many things during the war.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Well my sleeping friend right here is Kismet, my roommate. But if you’re thinking all of town… I don’t know them all, but there’s a lot more faces than you’d expect for an abandoned town.

There’s a girl called Penny, shes got a … raccoon hat? There’s Odette, shes a Shepard. Can’t remember any more names though.

She taps herself when speaking, on her arms and neck.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

May hums, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he gives her a thoughtful pause.

“So I’ve heard. Well . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you, mond.”

The noise of her tapping makes him shift before burying his hands into the pockets of his uniform.

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose goes back to what she was doing, sketching in a little notebook. Then perks up like she’s just noticed something.

Mond?

She looks up at him, from her position lower down on the floor, crinkling her eyes and trying to discern if he knows her. I doubt it. The village is small. And We don’t remember him.

Why’d you call me that?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

Guys for reference shes in the uh teenager doodling in diary pose. Belly on floor, legs gently floating.

[untrust-passerine]

Once again he shifts his position, finally sitting as though he’s trying to curl in on himself and disappear.

“It means moon. I- I thought, perhaps, it fit.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh! That’s nice? Sorry, where I come from it’s just a little unusual to give someone a nickname without err knowing them well.

Where do you come from?

Totally not trying to scope out his intentions, maybe nicknames have different weight where he comes from.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Oh!”

May hums, pausing to try and find a way around her question before resigning himself to a slight truth.

“From the Northern West. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

A small village called Elmhurst to the west of here. It rained a lot.

Yeah it rained a lot. Do you miss the rain?

Should we have told them? They might know its reputation.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Good to know.”

It’s as simple as that. The name doesn’t even faze him, though after so many years, it appeared nothing ever would.

“Do you like the rain? It’s never been my style.”

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yeah, I mean it’s what I grew up with. It reminds me of home.

She smiles wistfully at the thought of her home.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior had been shuffeling around the room throughout that whole exchange. Finishing cleaning the vegetables, rapping Mayriotts share into a bundle for him to take, getting some food so Frido could eat during the night without anyone having to go outside and eventuelly starting to make some beds on the floor out of what blankets and rags he had and some of those Rose and Kismet had brought. When that is done as well as they can they come to stand by the still sleeping Kismet. He turns to Rosalina and akwardly asks: "Ehm... do you think she would mind if I moved her to one of the... well beds for lack of a better word? I don't really wanna wake them but, y'know with the sitting position I'm worried she might fall over. So?"

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Erm. I’m not really sure. I wouldn’t want to wake up somewhere different to where I fell asleep.

It’s happened too much. I don’t like it. I don’t like it. I don’t like it. …

Maybe we could just like pad up their surroundings, or push them against a wall, so they don’t fall over?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, yes you are probably right." Lior mutters and then sets himself to the knew task. They gently push Kismet back about a feet or two until they are leaning against what will later be the staircase. Then they find a pillow to support their lower back and a blanket to keep her warm.

After that is done he turns to Mayriott: "As I already said you can of course stay the night here if you like but if you don't," they point to their backpack were a tarp is already laying on top of it, "those should make for a decent tent and I'm sure we could find a spare blaket somewhere too." They scratch the back of their neck in a nervouse gesture and add: "Just make sure you don't sleep somewhere you'd get wet if it rains. It's cold out."

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose moves over to the nearest ‘bed’ to Kismet, with all the stuff she was drawing with. Tests it a couple times before sitting down. Tucks her feet under her, unplaits her hair and replaits her hair into a more sleep-friendly style.

(Also she’s just dense, and doesn’t know if she’s meant to be helping so she’s not helping)

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May simply nods, listening to the whole exchange only half-heartedly. After a minute of pondering Lior’s words, he settles into an answer.

“I’ll come back later for bed, if that’s alright with you, Lio. I’ll make my own makeshift hospitality when I tuck in for the night. I’ve done it before, so don’t bother worrying or trying to aid. You’ve done much enough.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Well my sleeping friend right here is Kismet, my roommate. But if you’re thinking all of town… I don’t know them all, but there’s a lot more faces than you’d expect for an abandoned town.

There’s a girl called Penny, shes got a … raccoon hat? There’s Odette, shes a Shepard. Can’t remember any more names though.

She taps herself when speaking, on her arms and neck.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

May hums, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he gives her a thoughtful pause.

“So I’ve heard. Well . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you, mond.”

The noise of her tapping makes him shift before burying his hands into the pockets of his uniform.

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose goes back to what she was doing, sketching in a little notebook. Then perks up like she’s just noticed something.

Mond?

She looks up at him, from her position lower down on the floor, crinkling her eyes and trying to discern if he knows her. I doubt it. The village is small. And We don’t remember him.

Why’d you call me that?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

Guys for reference shes in the uh teenager doodling in diary pose. Belly on floor, legs gently floating.

[untrust-passerine]

Once again he shifts his position, finally sitting as though he’s trying to curl in on himself and disappear.

“It means moon. I- I thought, perhaps, it fit.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh! That’s nice? Sorry, where I come from it’s just a little unusual to give someone a nickname without err knowing them well.

Where do you come from?

Totally not trying to scope out his intentions, maybe nicknames have different weight where he comes from.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Oh!”

May hums, pausing to try and find a way around her question before resigning himself to a slight truth.

“From the Northern West. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

A small village called Elmhurst to the west of here. It rained a lot.

Yeah it rained a lot. Do you miss the rain?

Should we have told them? They might know its reputation.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Good to know.”

It’s as simple as that. The name doesn’t even faze him, though after so many years, it appeared nothing ever would.

“Do you like the rain? It’s never been my style.”

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Well my sleeping friend right here is Kismet, my roommate. But if you’re thinking all of town… I don’t know them all, but there’s a lot more faces than you’d expect for an abandoned town.

There’s a girl called Penny, shes got a … raccoon hat? There’s Odette, shes a Shepard. Can’t remember any more names though.

She taps herself when speaking, on her arms and neck.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

May hums, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he gives her a thoughtful pause.

“So I’ve heard. Well . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you, mond.”

The noise of her tapping makes him shift before burying his hands into the pockets of his uniform.

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose goes back to what she was doing, sketching in a little notebook. Then perks up like she’s just noticed something.

Mond?

She looks up at him, from her position lower down on the floor, crinkling her eyes and trying to discern if he knows her. I doubt it. The village is small. And We don’t remember him.

Why’d you call me that?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

Guys for reference shes in the uh teenager doodling in diary pose. Belly on floor, legs gently floating.

[untrust-passerine]

Once again he shifts his position, finally sitting as though he’s trying to curl in on himself and disappear.

“It means moon. I- I thought, perhaps, it fit.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh! That’s nice? Sorry, where I come from it’s just a little unusual to give someone a nickname without err knowing them well.

Where do you come from?

Totally not trying to scope out his intentions, maybe nicknames have different weight where he comes from.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

“Oh!”

May hums, pausing to try and find a way around her question before resigning himself to a slight truth.

“From the Northern West. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Well my sleeping friend right here is Kismet, my roommate. But if you’re thinking all of town… I don’t know them all, but there’s a lot more faces than you’d expect for an abandoned town.

There’s a girl called Penny, shes got a … raccoon hat? There’s Odette, shes a Shepard. Can’t remember any more names though.

She taps herself when speaking, on her arms and neck.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

May hums, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he gives her a thoughtful pause.

“So I’ve heard. Well . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you, mond.”

The noise of her tapping makes him shift before burying his hands into the pockets of his uniform.

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose goes back to what she was doing, sketching in a little notebook. Then perks up like she’s just noticed something.

Mond?

She looks up at him, from her position lower down on the floor, crinkling her eyes and trying to discern if he knows her. I doubt it. The village is small. And We don’t remember him.

Why’d you call me that?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

Guys for reference shes in the uh teenager doodling in diary pose. Belly on floor, legs gently floating.

[untrust-passerine]

Once again he shifts his position, finally sitting as though he’s trying to curl in on himself and disappear.

“It means moon. I- I thought, perhaps, it fit.”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Well my sleeping friend right here is Kismet, my roommate. But if you’re thinking all of town… I don’t know them all, but there’s a lot more faces than you’d expect for an abandoned town.

There’s a girl called Penny, shes got a … raccoon hat? There’s Odette, shes a Shepard. Can’t remember any more names though.

She taps herself when speaking, on her arms and neck.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

May hums, rubbing the corner of his eyes as he gives her a thoughtful pause.

“So I’ve heard. Well . . . it’s a pleasure to meet you, mond.”

The noise of her tapping makes him shift before burying his hands into the pockets of his uniform.

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina. But you can call me Rose. I’m a painter by profession.

She smiles a friendly smile at him.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

<< sorry for the late reply, I’ve been busy >>

He nods as if that response is believable. There’s a slight lull in conversation before they ask again.

“Who else is here?”

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors and Zaviers House (Day 1)

Thought I would just start this so we can try out different locations inside town. For reference I imagine its on the east side of town pretty close to the wall.

[zavier-untrust-au]

Lior and Zavier make their way back towards their house, Zavier takes in a deep breath, "thanks, sorry, it felt weirdly overwhelming in there, maybe just something I have to get used too"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at them: " Don't worry. I'm not complaning about getting away from so many people for bit."

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier offers them a small smile, going over to say hi to Frio before sitting down, when they speak again it's quiter, "still I don't know anyone else that would've done that for me"

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

His brows furrow for a moment and he makes a compulsive gesture as if to grab something hanging around his neck but they try to hide it quickly by acting as if they are scratching their neck. "Well, good thing you got me for that now," Lior says in an upbeat voice and then a little quiter and somewhat mumbled, "I get that, y'know. Sometimes things are just too much and..." they trail off and their breathing starts to quicken, their eyes dart around, eventually his gaze lands on Frido and they seem present again, though not quite calm.

(ooc: for potential later fan fic purpeses: does Zavier have something grey in their charackter design? Like the buttons of the waistcoat maybe? Don't ask Lior is invententing charackter lore without consulting me again)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

They're right, xe's glad to have Lior, but xe notices how Lior's breathing picked up and how they don't seem calm anymore, nodding and saying, "yeah things can be too much, I find that walking can help sometimes, maybe we could walk around the outskirts of town or in the forest?" Xe phrases it as if it would help xem, but just want to try and help Lior, "Frido can walk with us as well"

(ooc: xe has a greyish streak in their hair, and their gloves are grey as well)

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"If you want we can do that but I was actually thinking we could finish the roof," Lior looks at xem as if to see xir reaction but then continues, "I think manual labour is relaxing too sometimes. It's just... well it gives your hands something to do. So, if you think that would work too maybe we could do that?"

( ooc: Kismet and Rose might come to their house for introduction stuff since a L&Z haven't meet Kismet yet. So it would probably be good if we stay at the house, besides by my head count at least it should be aproaching 8pm so its already kinda dark)

@zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks slightly nervous at the idea of manual labor, but doesn't disagree, happy to do whatever makes them feel better, "sure, having something to do sounds nice" xe says to Lior, doing their best to hide xer unease

(ooc: ah sorry I didn't know that! They'll just stay at the house then ^^ which also makes sense if it's getting dark)

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior and Zavier start working on the roof or more precisly what will later be the second floor and serve the roof for the coming night.

Lior doesn't conciously notice Zaviers unease but makes sure to keep an eye on xem anyway: giving directions when xe seems lost on what to do, making sure to help with anything heavy and taking frequent breaks together when xe seems out of breath.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rosalina and Kismet walk up, holding a pot.

Might you be hungry from that physical labour? I know you ate a few hours ago, but you can never eat enough right?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks over at the newcomers, gald to have a break, their arms are shaking even if xe tries to hide it, old wounds were hurting, but there wasn't much xe could do about it. "That's so kind of you, this looks amazing" xe says

[untrust-au-lior]

"Thank you", Lior smiles at them, "Do you want to come sit inside?" They add pointing to the doors of their newly made house. It still looks rough but is has a roof and four walls by now.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Ok, yeah. More complete than what we have at the moment.

She heads inside to have a little look on the inside.

[untrust-au-lior]

The inside of the house has a slight L shape to it. Right ahead from the entrance there is an area marked out for future stairs, containing furnaces and some storage space at the moment. Behind the next corner is the a fireplace with an incomplete chimney. On the right hand side is another door leading to a pen wich contains Frido.

Lior gestures towards the chimney: "We are probably gonna put a seating area there but for tonight this is the bedroom," they eye Kismet for a second and then add, "If you don't think you'll have a roof by tonight I wouldn't mind sharing. I already told Odette, Penny and Riley the same so it might get a bit cozy but its a roof and if it doesn't rain much, a fire so." Lior seats themselves on the foor and takes out a bowl and fills it with some soup. He hands it to Zavier:"You take that I can just eat from the pot, "That is if you two have already gotten your share." They add looking at Rose and Kismet. Frido also joins Lior on the floor and rests his head on their knee.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: there are screenshots of the house on the blog if you want a clearer picture of what it looks like)

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

This is just spare soup, might’ve made too much. … Thanks for offering a roof for us tonight. All we have is a little campsite.

Might just … grab some stuff from there then!

Rose then disappears for a few minutes, maybe 15? And comes back with some of her stuff.

[untrust-au-lior]

After Rose leaves Lior turns to Kismet: "I don't think we have made intruductions yet. I'm Lior and that," they pet Fridos head,"is Frido. Are you and Rose meaning to room together?"

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet glances around, eyes somewhat wide, why did Rose leave them? “I- oh..” introductions right, “Kismet Tal. And uh…” he asked about rooming with Rose, “I don’t know.”

They shuffled, they really hope Rose was coming back soon. Would it be rude to walk away? Or did they, argh, they didn’t know

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @zavier-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior notices Kismets unease, they seem a little less frantic than Mayriott had as if they were imobelized by their anxiety. Lior figured giving them something to do would help.

An unwelcome memory surfaces in his mind. Luna. She had done that for him too. She had smiled and she had listened. She. She. "No use thinking of her now": he told himself, "She is happy back home." He hoped she was at least. She deserved it.

Lior snaps back to reality and asks: "Are you good with horses", nodding towards Frido, "I'm sure he wouldn't mind some attention. So, if you want to pet him maybe?" That had worked for Zavier after all, hadn't it? Zavier. They turn their head quickly towards xem. All good. Xe seems alright, if a bit tired.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Horses… Al had shown them those, some of their neighbors had some. Most animals don’t like Kismet, Kismet doesn’t like many animals, loud and unpredictable. But… This guy seemed.. nice? Maybe it was worth a shot? Better than stewing in the anxieties, the Iris always got crueler when Kis got like that

“F- Frido?” Kismet cocked their head to the side, “That was his name.. right?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose ducks in, her arms full of blankets, other fabrics and a few creams.

Did I miss something? Kismet? You alright?

A look of concern flits across her face, before it settles into understanding.

Ah! Sorry! … Should’ve told you I was popping back to our house for some night stuff,… we’ve been invited to spend the night here and I thought it better than at ours… as it’s more complete?

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

"Yeah, his name is Frido. He is relaxed right now so you could pretty much do whatever. But maybe just start by putting a hand on his neck for a bit. That way both of you can get used to the touch. Horses like being touched on the neck. Most of them at least. Thats because their parents do that a lot when they are still foals," Lior seems like they are done but then add, "Oh and if he starts to like, ehm nibble I guess? On your hand or something. Thats not him trying to bite you! Horses pet each other like that and I think Frido just takes humans for funny looking horses sometimes."

(ooc: featuring my special interest and need to info dump about horses)

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier sits quietly on the floor beside Lior and Frido, with a bowl of soup in xir hands, xe's never one to turn down something homemade, even if it feels bittersweet a reminder of some of their best memories, but a reminder that those moments are gone at the same time.

Xe nods along to Lior as they speak, agreeing with him.

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose drops her blankets and stuff on the floor, carefully, and lifts a hand to Frido, staying in his eyesight the whole time and laying it on his neck

@untrust-au-lior @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier finally looks up towards the unknown face,"Rosalina called you Kismet right? I'm Zavier"

Xe looks over to Rosalina next with her hand on Frido's neck, they simile softly at the sweet interaction.

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

Kismet fidgeted with their brooch, she’d forgotten xe were there, to be honest, “Y- yes, Kismet Tal.” It was probably polite to ask their name, right? Oh, but they already closed their mouth, it would be weird to ask, maybe xe’d tell them and then… People were too complicated, Kismet’s headache was throbbing over their temple

@untrust-au-lior @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior smiles at Kismet and makes a gesture to invite them to the group, that has formed around Frido. The Pony for his part seems to be enjoying himself, after a short moment of confusion he had rested his head on Liors knee again and Lior was now combing his mane with their fingers.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: I reallly want a fanart of the cuddle pile around Frido now)

[thorneyflowers]

Can I braid his hair?

Rosalina had almost appeared to forget there were people here and had almost started to braid Frodo’s hair, but then remembered (that this was not Basil. This horse did not know her. Bea had not raised this horse. Bea had not raised this horse to die.)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

Cuddle pile centred around horse!

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Wrong acc

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior looks at her for a moment and then nods: "Sure, just be careful with knots he still gets a bit antsy sometimes whenn you pull on those too much." Frido was only used to getting his mane braided for about half a year and sometimes still spooked but Rose seemed somewhat familiar with horses and they were their to make sure their friend was okay so, the let her do it.

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

She gently combs through his mane, lifting and twisting in turn. Whenever she’d find a knot she’d unweave it as skillfully as she could without tugging too hard. When she was done, Frodo’s hair was in a loose plait.

She seems much calmer whence done. Not that she didn’t seem calm, but like she could allow herself to relax in a way that was unlike how she’d been seen throughout Oakhurst before, when she plaited hair or groomed an animal. (She could tell something was wrong with Oakhurst)

@untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[alanasmithee]

Lior looks outside the window across from them. The sun is beginning to set now. They pet Frido and get up: "I'm using the last bit of daylight. I'll make a round and see if I can find some more carrots and stuff out of town. Gonna be back in a moment," they turn to Zavier, "Keep an eye on Frido will you." He leans down to Frido one last time and whispers softly in his ear: "And you keep an eye on xe too."

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior from where xe sits, nodding, "stay safe" xe says quietly. Xe looks around, they sit with Rosalina who's braiding Frido's hair, while Kismet is off to the side, "would- would you like to join us?" Xe asks Kismet, motioning to where there's space, "oh and I'm Zavier, I don't know if I introduced myself earlier"

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

(ooc: sorry it's been taking me so long to respond)

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

“You didn’t.” Kismet replied, but they stood still, watching for a few more moments, before walking over to stand by Rose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

"ah sorry," xe says before looking back down at Frido, unsure what to say.

How do I be like Lior here? They're good in these situations so was Ellis, but he's gone... Maybe ask a question? That could work

"uhm, what led you both to Oakhurst?" Xe says,

Was that good? I'm not sure

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[kismet-tal-untrust-au]

The Iris were loud in their ear, speak not what xe wish, hold your tongue

“Looking for a place to stay.” Kismet mumbled, petting Frido’s nose

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe nods, "that's why I came here too, and to.. get away from everything that happened" xe trails off at the end, not sure if it's something that xe wants to talk about yet or if it's over sharing

@rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

I’m looking for some inspiration for my paintings.

And an escape from what you’ve done and who you’ve let die.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @zavier-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

"you paint?" Zavier asks, curious, "I'd love to see some of your paintings sometime"

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Yes…

Say something else that’s not enough that’s not enough. Be nice. Be kind. People like that.

After a few moments.

I might be able to do a little one for you?

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[zavier-untrust-au]

Xe smiles, "I would like that" xe says, it's been a while since xe's revived any sort of gift, they truly appreciate it

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Rose smiles. It’s been a while since shes painted for anyone else. It could be good.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

As the sky begins to grow darker Lior enters the house again with an arm full of carrots and potatos and Mayriott at their side.

@zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-passerine

[zavier-untrust-au]

Zavier looks up at Lior and Mayriott as they walk in, waving at them from where xe sits on the floor with Frido, Rosalina and Kismet.

@kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau]

Oh hai!

Rosalina was sitting on the floor fiddling with her dress absentmindedly.

I see you’ve found a bit more than expected?

Who’s this then? (Addressed to Mayriott)

She appears more confident with speaking after an afternoon of chats and stuff.

Odd that so many people have come to this abandoned town…

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine @zavier-untrust-au @kismet-tal-untrust-au

:3

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior replies to Zaviers waving with a nod and a smile. In replie to Rose they shrug and incline their head towards Mayriott. "Well I had some help. We already meet earlier Zavier, Penny Odette, me and him I mean. And then I had the good fortune to run into them on the way out of town." Lior then moves to a bucked with water in the corner that they had filled for putting out their cooking fire, it was still half full. They dump the dirty potatos and carrots in and start scrubbing off what dirt they resonably can.

@zavier-untrust-au @untrust-passerine @kismet-tal-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau

(ooc: tecnically that bucket just materialized for my writing convenience but I figured they had water to put out the fire seeing as nothing has burned down yet and Kismet and Rose also needed water for the soup so yeah there is a bucket now.)

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott watches Lior move about, debating whether to go help or leave or suck it up and settle. Inevitably, he sits down across from the others, taking in his surroundings best he can, trying to decipher colorful shape from different colorful shape. He’s quick to give up and focus on the voice who asked about him.

“My name is Mayriott. And you?”

@zavier-untrust-au @rosalina-blackthorne-untrustau @kismet-tal-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

"Oh hi! Sorry! I didn't see you two there!" Violet said, looking back and forth at the two. Violet notes how formal one of them seems to be in their mannerisms. She gives a friendly smile to them.

"My name is Violet Penrose and im from Ambervale, although I've been traveling away from there for the past weeks. It was in chaos when I left," Violet pauses, considering what more to reveal about her hometown. She decides to say nothing more.

Instead she shrugs and offers her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, refusing her hand, instead shifting focus to Lior.

“You did not mention her.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior has to stifle a laugh of suprise at Mays sudden shift in demeanor but as he sees the tension in their posture he quickly repliese: "No, I didn't we haven't meet yet.", Lior turn towards Violet, "Well I guess we have now. I'm Lior."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

Damn these gays are weird.

Violet moves her hand away after seeing that the two clearly weren't going to shake it. She needs to remember not everyone does that. Just one of the old habits she picked up from all her parents fancy parties.

" well nice to meet you Lior!" Violet smiles at them. " and I get it, there sure is a lot more people than I was expecting as well. All these new people are a lot."

Violet turns to Mayriott.

" can I get your name, sir?" Violet asks softly.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“Mayriott.”

He offers no bow, doesn’t even shift focus onto Violet until after admiring his name. His shoulders, though he doesn’t intend them to, do relax the more he listens to the two exchange words. May has always been more at ease when he doesn’t have attention.

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior steals a quick glace at May to make sure they are okay. He doesn't seem anymore tense than usual so they continue their conversation with Violet: "So, as we have already established, it looks like I didn't meet everyone here yet. Who did you meet until now? I have been here since midday. Strange that we managed to miss eachother.", while he does find it strange he doesn't want to sound accusing so he adds, "Granted I wasn't in town for a few hours of that so I guess that explains it."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

( Ooc oops sorry that that took so long to reply! it has been a chaotic few weeks but I finally have time to actually do this now! Yay!)

" Oh you've been here that long? Yes it is strange then that we never came across each other. I was also in the woods for a fair bit so I am surprised, we must have both just been in the wrong place at the wrong time." Violet paused and tilts her head to the left lately " As for the people I have met...hmm. There were these two named Riley and Lily who seems nice enough, and this weird military person I think? There name is Nessie, I don't know they seemed rather odd. Oh! And this one librarian girl with the cat, Aster i think"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior nods along as Violet lists the names: "Yes I meet all of those exept for Lily I think. Riley went to the forest with us but got lost on the way. The librarien is the one with the cat, yes? Can't say there was much of a conversation but I did see her." Lior trails off not wanting to mention Nessie when Mayriott had been so nervouse earlier. They look up at the slowly darkening sky. "I think I should get back to Zavier and Frido wouldn't want them to worry", he turns to Mayriott, "Are you comming along we can get the vegetables cleaned and then split them between us and if the house is too crammed for you I got some stuff that should make a good enough tent, though you are always welcome inside if you want of course, "now adressing Violet, "If you feel like meeting some more people you could come along too."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Despite some hesitancy that he holds, May gives a silent nod and clears his throat. It would be wise to get sheltered. Maybe he’ll be better off in the morning trying to escape.

“I’ll come. No reason not to.”

@violet-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[violet-untrust-au]

" thank you for the invitation, I may come around later... maybe around nightfall. Although for now I was just planning to look around the Oakhurst forests a for little bit."

Violet steps slightly towards the woods and away from the broken down town walls.

" it was a pleasure meeting you two! " Violet says giving a smile and a small wave before speed walking into the forest.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May immediately turns to Lior after Violet disappears towards the woods.

“I don’t trust her.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Alright" Lior makes a mental note and then thinks to ask: "Do you know why?" He hadn't seen anything wrong with her yet but maybe his companion had picked up on something they missed?

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“She has no reason to look into that forest. There’s nothing practical nor meaningful to see. And she was much too eager to leave. Either something ails her, or doom leers ahead.”

May shifts from foot to foot, glancing towards the forest again before shaking off some apparent stupor and turning to his companion.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"I can't blame her for wanting some privacy away from people but you aren't wrong. I'll be careful around her. I promise. Now let's go." Lior makes a few steps in their houses direction looking to see if May followes.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

I promise.

He nods, following silently in their steps as the entrance of town fades behind them.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

"Oh hi! Sorry! I didn't see you two there!" Violet said, looking back and forth at the two. Violet notes how formal one of them seems to be in their mannerisms. She gives a friendly smile to them.

"My name is Violet Penrose and im from Ambervale, although I've been traveling away from there for the past weeks. It was in chaos when I left," Violet pauses, considering what more to reveal about her hometown. She decides to say nothing more.

Instead she shrugs and offers her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, refusing her hand, instead shifting focus to Lior.

“You did not mention her.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior has to stifle a laugh of suprise at Mays sudden shift in demeanor but as he sees the tension in their posture he quickly repliese: "No, I didn't we haven't meet yet.", Lior turn towards Violet, "Well I guess we have now. I'm Lior."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

Damn these gays are weird.

Violet moves her hand away after seeing that the two clearly weren't going to shake it. She needs to remember not everyone does that. Just one of the old habits she picked up from all her parents fancy parties.

" well nice to meet you Lior!" Violet smiles at them. " and I get it, there sure is a lot more people than I was expecting as well. All these new people are a lot."

Violet turns to Mayriott.

" can I get your name, sir?" Violet asks softly.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“Mayriott.”

He offers no bow, doesn’t even shift focus onto Violet until after admiring his name. His shoulders, though he doesn’t intend them to, do relax the more he listens to the two exchange words. May has always been more at ease when he doesn’t have attention.

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior steals a quick glace at May to make sure they are okay. He doesn't seem anymore tense than usual so they continue their conversation with Violet: "So, as we have already established, it looks like I didn't meet everyone here yet. Who did you meet until now? I have been here since midday. Strange that we managed to miss eachother.", while he does find it strange he doesn't want to sound accusing so he adds, "Granted I wasn't in town for a few hours of that so I guess that explains it."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

( Ooc oops sorry that that took so long to reply! it has been a chaotic few weeks but I finally have time to actually do this now! Yay!)

" Oh you've been here that long? Yes it is strange then that we never came across each other. I was also in the woods for a fair bit so I am surprised, we must have both just been in the wrong place at the wrong time." Violet paused and tilts her head to the left lately " As for the people I have met...hmm. There were these two named Riley and Lily who seems nice enough, and this weird military person I think? There name is Nessie, I don't know they seemed rather odd. Oh! And this one librarian girl with the cat, Aster i think"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior nods along as Violet lists the names: "Yes I meet all of those exept for Lily I think. Riley went to the forest with us but got lost on the way. The librarien is the one with the cat, yes? Can't say there was much of a conversation but I did see her." Lior trails off not wanting to mention Nessie when Mayriott had been so nervouse earlier. They look up at the slowly darkening sky. "I think I should get back to Zavier and Frido wouldn't want them to worry", he turns to Mayriott, "Are you comming along we can get the vegetables cleaned and then split them between us and if the house is too crammed for you I got some stuff that should make a good enough tent, though you are always welcome inside if you want of course, "now adressing Violet, "If you feel like meeting some more people you could come along too."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Despite some hesitancy that he holds, May gives a silent nod and clears his throat. It would be wise to get sheltered. Maybe he’ll be better off in the morning trying to escape.

“I’ll come. No reason not to.”

@violet-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[violet-untrust-au]

" thank you for the invitation, I may come around later... maybe around nightfall. Although for now I was just planning to look around the Oakhurst forests a for little bit."

Violet steps slightly towards the woods and away from the broken down town walls.

" it was a pleasure meeting you two! " Violet says giving a smile and a small wave before speed walking into the forest.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May immediately turns to Lior after Violet disappears towards the woods.

“I don’t trust her.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Alright" Lior makes a mental note and then thinks to ask: "Do you know why?" He hadn't seen anything wrong with her yet but maybe his companion had picked up on something they missed?

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“She has no reason to look into that forest. There’s nothing practical nor meaningful to see. And she was much too eager to leave. Either something ails her, or doom leers ahead.”

May shifts from foot to foot, glancing towards the forest again before shaking off some apparent stupor and turning to his companion.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

"Oh hi! Sorry! I didn't see you two there!" Violet said, looking back and forth at the two. Violet notes how formal one of them seems to be in their mannerisms. She gives a friendly smile to them.

"My name is Violet Penrose and im from Ambervale, although I've been traveling away from there for the past weeks. It was in chaos when I left," Violet pauses, considering what more to reveal about her hometown. She decides to say nothing more.

Instead she shrugs and offers her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, refusing her hand, instead shifting focus to Lior.

“You did not mention her.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior has to stifle a laugh of suprise at Mays sudden shift in demeanor but as he sees the tension in their posture he quickly repliese: "No, I didn't we haven't meet yet.", Lior turn towards Violet, "Well I guess we have now. I'm Lior."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

Damn these gays are weird.

Violet moves her hand away after seeing that the two clearly weren't going to shake it. She needs to remember not everyone does that. Just one of the old habits she picked up from all her parents fancy parties.

" well nice to meet you Lior!" Violet smiles at them. " and I get it, there sure is a lot more people than I was expecting as well. All these new people are a lot."

Violet turns to Mayriott.

" can I get your name, sir?" Violet asks softly.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“Mayriott.”

He offers no bow, doesn’t even shift focus onto Violet until after admiring his name. His shoulders, though he doesn’t intend them to, do relax the more he listens to the two exchange words. May has always been more at ease when he doesn’t have attention.

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior steals a quick glace at May to make sure they are okay. He doesn't seem anymore tense than usual so they continue their conversation with Violet: "So, as we have already established, it looks like I didn't meet everyone here yet. Who did you meet until now? I have been here since midday. Strange that we managed to miss eachother.", while he does find it strange he doesn't want to sound accusing so he adds, "Granted I wasn't in town for a few hours of that so I guess that explains it."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

( Ooc oops sorry that that took so long to reply! it has been a chaotic few weeks but I finally have time to actually do this now! Yay!)

" Oh you've been here that long? Yes it is strange then that we never came across each other. I was also in the woods for a fair bit so I am surprised, we must have both just been in the wrong place at the wrong time." Violet paused and tilts her head to the left lately " As for the people I have met...hmm. There were these two named Riley and Lily who seems nice enough, and this weird military person I think? There name is Nessie, I don't know they seemed rather odd. Oh! And this one librarian girl with the cat, Aster i think"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior nods along as Violet lists the names: "Yes I meet all of those exept for Lily I think. Riley went to the forest with us but got lost on the way. The librarien is the one with the cat, yes? Can't say there was much of a conversation but I did see her." Lior trails off not wanting to mention Nessie when Mayriott had been so nervouse earlier. They look up at the slowly darkening sky. "I think I should get back to Zavier and Frido wouldn't want them to worry", he turns to Mayriott, "Are you comming along we can get the vegetables cleaned and then split them between us and if the house is too crammed for you I got some stuff that should make a good enough tent, though you are always welcome inside if you want of course, "now adressing Violet, "If you feel like meeting some more people you could come along too."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Despite some hesitancy that he holds, May gives a silent nod and clears his throat. It would be wise to get sheltered. Maybe he’ll be better off in the morning trying to escape.

“I’ll come. No reason not to.”

@violet-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[violet-untrust-au]

" thank you for the invitation, I may come around later... maybe around nightfall. Although for now I was just planning to look around the Oakhurst forests a for little bit."

Violet steps slightly towards the woods and away from the broken down town walls.

" it was a pleasure meeting you two! " Violet says giving a smile and a small wave before speed walking into the forest.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May immediately turns to Lior after Violet disappears towards the woods.

“I don’t trust her.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

"Oh hi! Sorry! I didn't see you two there!" Violet said, looking back and forth at the two. Violet notes how formal one of them seems to be in their mannerisms. She gives a friendly smile to them.

"My name is Violet Penrose and im from Ambervale, although I've been traveling away from there for the past weeks. It was in chaos when I left," Violet pauses, considering what more to reveal about her hometown. She decides to say nothing more.

Instead she shrugs and offers her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, refusing her hand, instead shifting focus to Lior.

“You did not mention her.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior has to stifle a laugh of suprise at Mays sudden shift in demeanor but as he sees the tension in their posture he quickly repliese: "No, I didn't we haven't meet yet.", Lior turn towards Violet, "Well I guess we have now. I'm Lior."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

Damn these gays are weird.

Violet moves her hand away after seeing that the two clearly weren't going to shake it. She needs to remember not everyone does that. Just one of the old habits she picked up from all her parents fancy parties.

" well nice to meet you Lior!" Violet smiles at them. " and I get it, there sure is a lot more people than I was expecting as well. All these new people are a lot."

Violet turns to Mayriott.

" can I get your name, sir?" Violet asks softly.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“Mayriott.”

He offers no bow, doesn’t even shift focus onto Violet until after admiring his name. His shoulders, though he doesn’t intend them to, do relax the more he listens to the two exchange words. May has always been more at ease when he doesn’t have attention.

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior steals a quick glace at May to make sure they are okay. He doesn't seem anymore tense than usual so they continue their conversation with Violet: "So, as we have already established, it looks like I didn't meet everyone here yet. Who did you meet until now? I have been here since midday. Strange that we managed to miss eachother.", while he does find it strange he doesn't want to sound accusing so he adds, "Granted I wasn't in town for a few hours of that so I guess that explains it."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

( Ooc oops sorry that that took so long to reply! it has been a chaotic few weeks but I finally have time to actually do this now! Yay!)

" Oh you've been here that long? Yes it is strange then that we never came across each other. I was also in the woods for a fair bit so I am surprised, we must have both just been in the wrong place at the wrong time." Violet paused and tilts her head to the left lately " As for the people I have met...hmm. There were these two named Riley and Lily who seems nice enough, and this weird military person I think? There name is Nessie, I don't know they seemed rather odd. Oh! And this one librarian girl with the cat, Aster i think"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior nods along as Violet lists the names: "Yes I meet all of those exept for Lily I think. Riley went to the forest with us but got lost on the way. The librarien is the one with the cat, yes? Can't say there was much of a conversation but I did see her." Lior trails off not wanting to mention Nessie when Mayriott had been so nervouse earlier. They look up at the slowly darkening sky. "I think I should get back to Zavier and Frido wouldn't want them to worry", he turns to Mayriott, "Are you comming along we can get the vegetables cleaned and then split them between us and if the house is too crammed for you I got some stuff that should make a good enough tent, though you are always welcome inside if you want of course, "now adressing Violet, "If you feel like meeting some more people you could come along too."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Despite some hesitancy that he holds, May gives a silent nod and clears his throat. It would be wise to get sheltered. Maybe he’ll be better off in the morning trying to escape.

“I’ll come. No reason not to.”

@violet-untrust-au @untrust-au-lior

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

"Oh hi! Sorry! I didn't see you two there!" Violet said, looking back and forth at the two. Violet notes how formal one of them seems to be in their mannerisms. She gives a friendly smile to them.

"My name is Violet Penrose and im from Ambervale, although I've been traveling away from there for the past weeks. It was in chaos when I left," Violet pauses, considering what more to reveal about her hometown. She decides to say nothing more.

Instead she shrugs and offers her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, refusing her hand, instead shifting focus to Lior.

“You did not mention her.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior has to stifle a laugh of suprise at Mays sudden shift in demeanor but as he sees the tension in their posture he quickly repliese: "No, I didn't we haven't meet yet.", Lior turn towards Violet, "Well I guess we have now. I'm Lior."

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

Damn these gays are weird.

Violet moves her hand away after seeing that the two clearly weren't going to shake it. She needs to remember not everyone does that. Just one of the old habits she picked up from all her parents fancy parties.

" well nice to meet you Lior!" Violet smiles at them. " and I get it, there sure is a lot more people than I was expecting as well. All these new people are a lot."

Violet turns to Mayriott.

" can I get your name, sir?" Violet asks softly.

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

“Mayriott.”

He offers no bow, doesn’t even shift focus onto Violet until after admiring his name. His shoulders, though he doesn’t intend them to, do relax the more he listens to the two exchange words. May has always been more at ease when he doesn’t have attention.

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[violet-untrust-au]

"Oh hi! Sorry! I didn't see you two there!" Violet said, looking back and forth at the two. Violet notes how formal one of them seems to be in their mannerisms. She gives a friendly smile to them.

"My name is Violet Penrose and im from Ambervale, although I've been traveling away from there for the past weeks. It was in chaos when I left," Violet pauses, considering what more to reveal about her hometown. She decides to say nothing more.

Instead she shrugs and offers her hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

@untrust-au-lior @untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, refusing her hand, instead shifting focus to Lior.

“You did not mention her.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-vsmp-au]

Forest Day 1

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott felt his shoulders finally fall under relaxation as he let out a quiet breath. Who knows how long he’d been holding it for. In any case, it was for good reason. You can’t go about trusting strangers, certainly not in some abandoned town. Their identities are uncertain. Spy? Murderer? Noble? Worker? Or, on a more uneasy note: fellow soldiers?

Whatever these people were, Mayriott was certain he’d be rid of them soon. He’d find a way to get back home.

— 🎖️ —

@zavier-untrust-au + open to anyone!

[untrust-au-lior]

As Lior wandered the outskirts of oakhurst they see a figure clothed in red moving towards the town. Mayriott he thought, the soldier from before. "Hey!" he calls out.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott had flinched at the sudden call, though the darkness covered that movement well enough. Carefully, he packed everything away, bundling up into a facade he’d grown far too accustomed in.

“Hello . . . Lio, yes?”

[untrust-au-lior]

"Yes, sorry if I startled you. I was just making a quick trip around town to forage some while we still got some daylight. You wanna come along?" Lior holds up a few carrots and some garlic they already managed to find.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He studies their face for a minute before staring at the treasures they already unburied. By the next second, he had made up his mind, moving to join by their side.

“I saw some at the . . . Northeastern side of the barrier. It could be well to check there.”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

"Sounds good! Lets go", after a moment they ask, "Was it good? Whatever you were doing I mean. How was it?"

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, falling into consistent stepping rhythm with them.

“It- . . . It helped, that’s for sure. The forest is made primarily of Norway Spruce, y’know that? Some European Beech here and there, but, well. Back home those were awfully more common.”

As he talks—which is longer than he usually does—he pats a part of his coat, as if it’s giving him the knowledge in every brief touch.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior finds themselves relaxing at Mayriotts explenation of the flora of this strange new place. It's just nice to listen to him talk. "I didn't know that. Can't say I know too much about trees but it's interesting to learn about them for sure.", they pause for a brief moment and then add ,"Honestly I'm just gald for a big forest nearby. Somewhere to let Frido graze for now. He can't eat too much grass yet y'know. He ain't used to that and horses tend to get ill when they eat too much too quickly so..." he trail of looking at Mayriott, a bit unsure if they lost him with their ranting about grass.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He nods, eyeing the forest as they speak. After a second, he turns to meet their gaze again.

“That’s common for animals. I think the forest is a perfect place for most life, though, no matter their condition. It . . . anyways, have you heard anything odd in the town?”

May can’t help but wince when he hears his voice waver at his final question.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior does his best to hide the displeasure at the last question. They had been enjoying the casual conversation and seeing the soldier more at ease than before.

You can take the soldier out of the battlefield but there is no taking the battlefield out of the soldier, it seems.

But they answered anyway, lying wouldn't do here. He doubtes he could fool the soldier anyway even if they tried. "I mean not really. I saw a few more of the other people. Ones name is Aster, she had a cat and seemed interested in books, there are also Rose and Kismet they are nice. They brought Zavier and me some left over food they had.", they chuckle, "Good to know someone here can cook. Because I certainly can not." Liors gaze shifts for a moment, becoming more seriouse and then softening again. "There was another fella in uniform too. Seemed nervouse but not battle worn so I don't think you got anything to fear from them.", Lior takes a long look at Mayriott and adds, "And if you do I've got your back."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He seemed to lose touch with the real world as Lior talked about the other folks, but that quickly turned out not to be the case.

“A librarian, two cooks, and another soldier.”

Mayriott patted that coat pocket once more.

“Did they mention which direction they hailed from?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior spots a few carrots to their left and goes to grab them as he answers: "No he didn't mention anything. But like I said: I only saw a uniform, could be Militia, could be just stolen or borrowed to avoid trouble on the road. And if she is eager to make trouble for you I'll be right there to help."

Lior pauses in his movement as he crouches to dig up the carrots. He stares at his hands and the dirt on them. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks quitely: "Can I ask you a favour? It might sound strange but I figured you might be the best to talk to about this."

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He hums, moving to stand beside them, eyeing the carrots as though they might leap out and attack them.

“Of course. What’s the favor?”

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Liors looks at his hands for a bit longer while trying to get their thoughts in order and then begins to speak: "I think I might stay here for a bit, at least until after winter. Traveling in the snow isn't any fun and I promised Penny I would teach her a thing or two about mining.", they look up at Mayriott for a moment and study their face. He continues, "Point being: I'm gonna stick around for a bit and I figured you might too. So the thing is..." They trail off and then start up again: "First of I don't want to worry you but I want someone to know that... See if I happen to die here I don't wanna be buryed. Don't care what else just don't wanna end up in a grave." The last two scentences came out in one hurryed breath. And then he sits there, shoulders tense as if waiting for something to happen.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

He stares at them briefly before sitting down beside them. May sighs, shoulders relaxing as he braces for what could be an utter mistake.

“You won’t die, El- Lio. I promise you . . . you won’t die. But, if you do, you won’t be buried. You’ll belong to nature, or some other force beyond us. It’s a better ending. A more beloved one.”

Somewhere behind the whole facade seemed to be a soldier who lost everything. Who lost a beloved; a friend. Someone who has yet to move on from such a fact of his past.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior sits quitly for a moment and then relaxes. A smile of relieve crosses their face. "Thanks you, really.", they pause and turn to look at Mayriott, "I didn't mean to worry you, really didn't, but I figured with you being a soldier and all, it might not be the first time you had a talk like this with someone. Besides I can't really ask Zavier. Don't wanna scare xem. Xe is already plenty scared." Lior pushes themselves up from the ground and offers May their less dirty hand.

@untrust-passerine

[untrust-passerine]

May nods, humming in silent acknowledgment. He takes their hand, standing after a slight wobble.

“I understand. Really, you don’t need to worry about it. I- I’m used to it. You’re right. I’ve had this talk many the time before.”

He shifts a bit before finally starting to walk again.

@untrust-au-lior

[untrust-au-lior]

Lior falls into step along with Mayriott. Relaxed and glad there talk went over well. The pair starts making their way back into town and as they get a clear view inside its walls the notice a figure in purple dress standing close to the entrace they are heading for.

@untrust-passerine @violet-untrust-au

[untrust-passerine]

Mayriott stiffens, fixing his relaxed posture back into what’s expected of a soldier. It takes much strength to force down other habits. Still, he remains wary of the figure.

“Name and place of which.”

@untrust-au-lior @violet-untrust-au