Aria Luther

Not all who wander are lost (but I still might be)

[wandering-librarian]

Aria glances around, stepping out from the shelter of the dark oak trees, her gaze fixed on the ruins of Oakhurst. Her large backpack was stacked full with as many books as she could carry, and she seemed... misplaced, among the scenery. Between the overcast sky and the dark trees was her, a librarian in creams and violets, orchids peeking out from her bag.

Hello! Welcome to my VSMP rp blog! Aria is an oc of mine, and i decided to plop her into the world of VSMP for shits XD

I am open to shipping! Just DM and we can possibly work something out. Aria is Pan Ace!

just gonna tag a few people uhhh

@scottgoldsmith @doctor-legundo @owen-the-lumberjack @trufflethepig @vampiresforbigfoot @oakhursts-curse @paying-my-respects @vampiresarerealdotorg @detective-drift @savethebody

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan picks up the book, flipping through the pages. Some of the knowledge in it is familiar, things their grandmother had passed down to him. Some of it is new, things Morgan had never dreamed of using.

“This is…incredible. Where did you say you found this?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Warwig, i think? They start to blend together after a while."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Warwig..? Interesting.” Morgan flips through the book. “Thank you Aria, truly. I appreciate it.”

[wandering-librarian]

"Of course," she smiled warmly. "You can keep it, if you want."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan smiles. “I’d there anything else I can do for you Aria? To repay you?”

[wandering-librarian]

"We could just talk."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Talk?” The herbalist tilts her head. “I haven’t just talked with anyone in a while, I don’t see why not.”

They walk over toward their kitchen, sitting on a chair at the table. She motions for Aria to sit.

[wandering-librarian]

Aria sat down across from her. "I don't think I caught your name."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Morgan. Morgan Thornewood.” She smiles softly. “My family was from Oakhurst, many centuries ago. What brought you to this place?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Well, I'm not really from anywhere. I've been a nomad since I was 19, and before that my family still travelled around often. I just... came across Oakhurst, I guess."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan listens intently, nodding slowly. "Nomadic, you say? You must have seen a lot in your travels."

[wandering-librarian]

she laughed slightly "I try to."

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan picks up the book, flipping through the pages. Some of the knowledge in it is familiar, things their grandmother had passed down to him. Some of it is new, things Morgan had never dreamed of using.

“This is…incredible. Where did you say you found this?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Warwig, i think? They start to blend together after a while."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Warwig..? Interesting.” Morgan flips through the book. “Thank you Aria, truly. I appreciate it.”

[wandering-librarian]

"Of course," she smiled warmly. "You can keep it, if you want."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan smiles. “I’d there anything else I can do for you Aria? To repay you?”

[wandering-librarian]

"We could just talk."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Talk?” The herbalist tilts her head. “I haven’t just talked with anyone in a while, I don’t see why not.”

They walk over toward their kitchen, sitting on a chair at the table. She motions for Aria to sit.

[wandering-librarian]

Aria sat down across from her. "I don't think I caught your name."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Morgan. Morgan Thornewood.” She smiles softly. “My family was from Oakhurst, many centuries ago. What brought you to this place?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Well, I'm not really from anywhere. I've been a nomad since I was 19, and before that my family still travelled around often. I just... came across Oakhurst, I guess."

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan picks up the book, flipping through the pages. Some of the knowledge in it is familiar, things their grandmother had passed down to him. Some of it is new, things Morgan had never dreamed of using.

“This is…incredible. Where did you say you found this?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Warwig, i think? They start to blend together after a while."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Warwig..? Interesting.” Morgan flips through the book. “Thank you Aria, truly. I appreciate it.”

[wandering-librarian]

"Of course," she smiled warmly. "You can keep it, if you want."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan smiles. “I’d there anything else I can do for you Aria? To repay you?”

[wandering-librarian]

"We could just talk."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Talk?” The herbalist tilts her head. “I haven’t just talked with anyone in a while, I don’t see why not.”

They walk over toward their kitchen, sitting on a chair at the table. She motions for Aria to sit.

[wandering-librarian]

Aria sat down across from her. "I don't think I caught your name."

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan picks up the book, flipping through the pages. Some of the knowledge in it is familiar, things their grandmother had passed down to him. Some of it is new, things Morgan had never dreamed of using.

“This is…incredible. Where did you say you found this?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Warwig, i think? They start to blend together after a while."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Warwig..? Interesting.” Morgan flips through the book. “Thank you Aria, truly. I appreciate it.”

[wandering-librarian]

"Of course," she smiled warmly. "You can keep it, if you want."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan smiles. “I’d there anything else I can do for you Aria? To repay you?”

[wandering-librarian]

"We could just talk."

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan picks up the book, flipping through the pages. Some of the knowledge in it is familiar, things their grandmother had passed down to him. Some of it is new, things Morgan had never dreamed of using.

“This is…incredible. Where did you say you found this?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Warwig, i think? They start to blend together after a while."

[thornewoodherbalist]

“Warwig..? Interesting.” Morgan flips through the book. “Thank you Aria, truly. I appreciate it.”

[wandering-librarian]

"Of course," she smiled warmly. "You can keep it, if you want."

[satinaholefor200years]

*The moon is starting to rise just a tad as a soft breeze sweeps through the forest. It's very much fall, leaves starting to dry and fall from oak, and other such various trees.

Owen is laying in one of said trees, on a rather long branch. He's staring up, eyes flickering from leaf to leaf. He's counting them, it's one of the few things he finds relaxing.

Despite being relaxed he's still on guard, his ears twitch everytime he hears anything small, like a mouse or cricket, and his eyes moving to investigate when there's anything louder.*

// @scarl3tt-h0rror , @vampiresforbigfoot (tagging y'all cause we've interacted but lemme know if you don't wanna be) //

[wandering-librarian]

Aria passed beneath the tree, walking the path through the woods, her eyes darting around before landing on a bush near a different tree. She crouched down, taking another glance around, not taking notice of Owen, before whispering something unintelligible. An orb of soft light hovered in her hand, and she peered at the bush, using the light to heighten visibility.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen stops when he starts to hear footsteps, he moves a bit, perching on the branch and watching to see what she's doing. Magic, interesting.*

[wandering-librarian]

She peered at the bushes a moment longer before pulling a small pouch out from her bag and opening it, then plucking leaves off the bush to put into the pouch.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen simply observes, trying not to stare at the weird orb of light, it's too bright for his eyes. His hand slips a little hitting a small branch and making it fall, definitely not his most graceful moment.*

[wandering-librarian]

Her head perked up, the light immediately vanishing from her hand. "Whose there?"

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen stills, and closes his eyes a little so the faint, cat like glow is less noticeable just in case she happens to look around enough to find him*

[wandering-librarian]

She kept looking around “I know you’re here.”

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen debates revealing himself for a moment, deciding against it for now and instead adjusting his position om the branch he's on.*

[wandering-librarian]

Just your imagination. An animal or something.

She hesitated before looking back at the bush.

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan picks up the book, flipping through the pages. Some of the knowledge in it is familiar, things their grandmother had passed down to him. Some of it is new, things Morgan had never dreamed of using.

“This is…incredible. Where did you say you found this?”

[wandering-librarian]

"Warwig, i think? They start to blend together after a while."

[wandering-librarian]

Aria was sitting on the floor of the new back room of the Wandering Library, her cauldron pulled out. It had gotten dusty from lack of use, but no better time than the present.

Rosemary, the juice of Bleeding Tooth Fungus, and shattered moonlight swirled through the cauldron, and she clipped a strand of her hair. Along with the strand, clenched in her hand, was a half-bloomed orchid bud.

He needed to forget.

He needed to forget her.

She dropped the petals and the strand of her hair into the cauldron, and the potion shimmered before turning a strong lavender.

@scarl3tt-h0rror

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Their last few encounters had been far from pleasant, but perhaps it was time to move past that. With this in mind, Allen stood in front of the door to the Wandering Library, and after a few hesitant minutes, began to knock }

[wandering-librarian]

Her head shot up, and she quickly emptied the contents of the cauldron into a small glass bottle, shoving the bottle in a cabinet and the cauldron under her cot, then extinguishing the orb of light she had been using to heat the vessel.

A moment later, she came out from the back, preparing a cheerful smile before opening the door.

Her smile immediately fell.

"Allen.."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He forces a smile, though it is so broken }

‘’ Aria . . . hi. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Can I help you?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Could we talk? . . . Inside? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She paused.

This could be the time.

"...Come in." She opened the door fully, letting him in. "I was just about to make some food."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Slowly, he enters }

‘’ Really? That’s . . . nice. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, sidestepping the small table (now without an orchid) and opening the door to the newer addition to the building. It was a bit smaller than the first room, with the cot and basic necessities.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He follows behind silently }

[wandering-librarian]

"What did you wish to speak about?" She hummed slightly, making a beeline for the miniscule kitchen

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I’m sorry. And I know I say that a lot - I feel it a lot - but if you’ll just let me explain why . . . ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"For which part?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ For everything. ‘’

{ There’s a slight pause for breath before they go on }

‘’ I haven’t been completely honest about what my job was with you, and I think if I explain it, maybe that can shed some light on . . . everything. Everything that I’ve said and done . . . it won’t excuse it, but, it should do something. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She listened as she started prepping potatoes to bake. "Go ahead."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ There’s a moment of silence, only noise being the chopping of potatoes and the rustling of paper. Allen stares for a few minutes at the newspaper clipping before echoing its placement on the table }

‘’ I come from the Scathelocke family. They were middle class merchants before claiming nobility. We knew many trades and vigorously practiced the arts. When there was no social mobility, me found some. But few other nobles liked this. ‘’

‘’ One year - I was 12 - my family fell. It was those bloodied hands that I would crawl to for safety and comfort; for a promise of a new and better life. Of course, you can only guess how that worked out for me. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She listened, putting the potatoes in the pan on the stove. The bottle was still in the cabinet below her.

It hurt. It always hurt.

But it was for the best.

It always was.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I was a spy, Aria. Their spy. I hurt so many people. Not even the people I was sent to. And now I’ve hurt you. ‘’

‘’ When you lied to me . . . it reminded me of all the times I nearly fell. They would always try to get close with me only to give their best attempt. And I— I thought you would do the same. Hurt me as soon as I let my walls come down . . . ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"I didn't lie to you, Allen." Her words cut him off.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I— ‘’

‘You’re not understanding!’

‘’ . . . right . . . sorry. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"...But I do know where you're coming from." Aria continued, quieter. She pulled the bottle out from the cabinet, keeping it out of sight. "I can't say I haven't been burned in the past, both figuratively and literally."

It didn't matter what he knew.

He wouldn't remember soon.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Old habits die hard }

‘’ You— Aria, put that bottle on the table right now. ‘’

‘’ . . . you’re a witch, aren’t you?

19 + 2 : oh he knows

[wandering-librarian]

She froze, the bottle settling on the counter, the lavender liquid stilling.

WITCH.

He knows.

WITCH.

How does he know?

"Please leave."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He raises his hands, trying to show he means no harm if words don’t work }

‘’ I refuse to burn you, Aria, and I refuse to leave. If this is what you’ve been hiding . . . I am not going to use it against you. I swear I will not tell a soul. Alright? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"I don't know if I believe that." The memory of him shouting "Vampire!" As he ran into town rang through his ears, blending with her voice.

Madeline.

WITCH.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He sighs }

‘’ I’m not asking you to. I just need you to hear that. ‘’

‘’ I’m going to sit back down so you can do whatever you’d like to. You can forget I’m here. Just- remember what I said, okay? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

Her eyes went back to the option, before putting it back into the cabinet.

She had to.

She couldn't.

She had to.

She wouldn't.

"Why are you still here?" She asked, her voice quiet.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Because I care about you. I trust you, now more than ever. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"You shouldn't."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I know. But I also know that I have to. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

“Why?l

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Because I don’t have any other choice. I don’t have a place to call home, I don’t have a family that worries about me, I don’t have a town that wonders about me. I don’t have someone to look forward to seeing again. I have nothing. Nothing except for who I have found here. And need I remind you, you were the first I ever met. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Yeah, and then I just tried to drug you with a memory potion, so look how that turned out."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ There’s a sudden dizziness and ringing in their ears }

‘’ Aria . . . that was because of what I said, wasn’t it. I— you didn’t do it, though. You were going to, but you didn’t. Can you hear that and just believe that you aren’t as bad as you think you are? Please. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"It wasn't because of that. " she exhaled sharply. "It was because you don't need another bad omen."

That's what Madeline had called her.

A bad omen.

A curse.

Unholy.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ You’re not a bad omen, Aria, and I don’t need protection from you or any other bad omen. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

That's what you think.

She didn't respond, taking the roasted potatoes off the stove

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He sighs, giving up temporally }

[wandering-librarian]

she plated the meal and set one of the plates in front of him with a fork before starting to eat her own.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Thank you. ‘’

{ He gives a polite nod before beginning to eat in turn }

[wandering-librarian]

she nodded in return, and they both ate in silence.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ The silence was unbearable to say the least and blasphemous to say the most. No words, no side-glances, no nothing. Finally, Allen was finished with his food, and immediately he stood from his chair, walked over behind Aria’s, and draped - as much of his body as he could manage - over her }

[wandering-librarian]

She froze before almost immediately melting into the embrace, turning slightly to hug them back tightly.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ They hum, smiling at the return of the hug }

[wandering-librarian]

"...You don't care that I'm a witch?" she whispered after a moment.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I am a spy, why would I care that you are a witch? No, of course I don’t care! I’ll only care if you use your magic for evil. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Doesn't that only matter based on perspective?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ . . . Touché. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She rested her chin on his shoulder, sighing contently.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ It’s nice, just being like this, but eventually it does have to come to an end. At least, sort of }

‘’ I love this, but I’m getting really tired of standing. May we please move anywhere more comfortable? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She laughed slightly. "Yeah, hold on." she got up from her chair, pushing it in.

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan's eyes widen, and they pause. "Really? You've found texts on herbalism?" The herbalist goes silent, moving over to his desk to pull his own journal out.

"Most of the knowledge I have was passed down in my family. It's usually done this way...but you're saying you've found actual books?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, grinning and setting the book down on the desk. "I come across a lot of different texts during my travels."

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[thornewoodherbalist]

Morgan opens the door wider, confused, and gestures for her to come inside. "Similar ambitions, you say?"

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, stepping inside."Yes. I found some of my older herbalism books in my library and figured I'd bring them over."

[thornewoodherbalist]

There was a knock on the herbalist's door, Aria on the other side. She had ditched her heavy backpack for a smaller messenger bag, a large-ish book tucked under her arm.

"Hello! I heard you were an herbalist?"

-@wandering-librarian

Morgan opens the door in surprise, but smiles at Aria. “That I am. How may I help?”

[wandering-librarian]

She smiled warmly “I just figured I’d reach out, as someone with… similar ambitions.”

[wandering-librarian]

Aria was sitting on the floor of the new back room of the Wandering Library, her cauldron pulled out. It had gotten dusty from lack of use, but no better time than the present.

Rosemary, the juice of Bleeding Tooth Fungus, and shattered moonlight swirled through the cauldron, and she clipped a strand of her hair. Along with the strand, clenched in her hand, was a half-bloomed orchid bud.

He needed to forget.

He needed to forget her.

She dropped the petals and the strand of her hair into the cauldron, and the potion shimmered before turning a strong lavender.

@scarl3tt-h0rror

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Their last few encounters had been far from pleasant, but perhaps it was time to move past that. With this in mind, Allen stood in front of the door to the Wandering Library, and after a few hesitant minutes, began to knock }

[wandering-librarian]

Her head shot up, and she quickly emptied the contents of the cauldron into a small glass bottle, shoving the bottle in a cabinet and the cauldron under her cot, then extinguishing the orb of light she had been using to heat the vessel.

A moment later, she came out from the back, preparing a cheerful smile before opening the door.

Her smile immediately fell.

"Allen.."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He forces a smile, though it is so broken }

‘’ Aria . . . hi. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Can I help you?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Could we talk? . . . Inside? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She paused.

This could be the time.

"...Come in." She opened the door fully, letting him in. "I was just about to make some food."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Slowly, he enters }

‘’ Really? That’s . . . nice. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, sidestepping the small table (now without an orchid) and opening the door to the newer addition to the building. It was a bit smaller than the first room, with the cot and basic necessities.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He follows behind silently }

[wandering-librarian]

"What did you wish to speak about?" She hummed slightly, making a beeline for the miniscule kitchen

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I’m sorry. And I know I say that a lot - I feel it a lot - but if you’ll just let me explain why . . . ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"For which part?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ For everything. ‘’

{ There’s a slight pause for breath before they go on }

‘’ I haven’t been completely honest about what my job was with you, and I think if I explain it, maybe that can shed some light on . . . everything. Everything that I’ve said and done . . . it won’t excuse it, but, it should do something. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She listened as she started prepping potatoes to bake. "Go ahead."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ There’s a moment of silence, only noise being the chopping of potatoes and the rustling of paper. Allen stares for a few minutes at the newspaper clipping before echoing its placement on the table }

‘’ I come from the Scathelocke family. They were middle class merchants before claiming nobility. We knew many trades and vigorously practiced the arts. When there was no social mobility, me found some. But few other nobles liked this. ‘’

‘’ One year - I was 12 - my family fell. It was those bloodied hands that I would crawl to for safety and comfort; for a promise of a new and better life. Of course, you can only guess how that worked out for me. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She listened, putting the potatoes in the pan on the stove. The bottle was still in the cabinet below her.

It hurt. It always hurt.

But it was for the best.

It always was.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I was a spy, Aria. Their spy. I hurt so many people. Not even the people I was sent to. And now I’ve hurt you. ‘’

‘’ When you lied to me . . . it reminded me of all the times I nearly fell. They would always try to get close with me only to give their best attempt. And I— I thought you would do the same. Hurt me as soon as I let my walls come down . . . ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"I didn't lie to you, Allen." Her words cut him off.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I— ‘’

‘You’re not understanding!’

‘’ . . . right . . . sorry. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"...But I do know where you're coming from." Aria continued, quieter. She pulled the bottle out from the cabinet, keeping it out of sight. "I can't say I haven't been burned in the past, both figuratively and literally."

It didn't matter what he knew.

He wouldn't remember soon.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Old habits die hard }

‘’ You— Aria, put that bottle on the table right now. ‘’

‘’ . . . you’re a witch, aren’t you?

19 + 2 : oh he knows

[wandering-librarian]

She froze, the bottle settling on the counter, the lavender liquid stilling.

WITCH.

He knows.

WITCH.

How does he know?

"Please leave."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He raises his hands, trying to show he means no harm if words don’t work }

‘’ I refuse to burn you, Aria, and I refuse to leave. If this is what you’ve been hiding . . . I am not going to use it against you. I swear I will not tell a soul. Alright? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"I don't know if I believe that." The memory of him shouting "Vampire!" As he ran into town rang through his ears, blending with her voice.

Madeline.

WITCH.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He sighs }

‘’ I’m not asking you to. I just need you to hear that. ‘’

‘’ I’m going to sit back down so you can do whatever you’d like to. You can forget I’m here. Just- remember what I said, okay? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

Her eyes went back to the option, before putting it back into the cabinet.

She had to.

She couldn't.

She had to.

She wouldn't.

"Why are you still here?" She asked, her voice quiet.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Because I care about you. I trust you, now more than ever. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"You shouldn't."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I know. But I also know that I have to. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

“Why?l

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Because I don’t have any other choice. I don’t have a place to call home, I don’t have a family that worries about me, I don’t have a town that wonders about me. I don’t have someone to look forward to seeing again. I have nothing. Nothing except for who I have found here. And need I remind you, you were the first I ever met. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Yeah, and then I just tried to drug you with a memory potion, so look how that turned out."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ There’s a sudden dizziness and ringing in their ears }

‘’ Aria . . . that was because of what I said, wasn’t it. I— you didn’t do it, though. You were going to, but you didn’t. Can you hear that and just believe that you aren’t as bad as you think you are? Please. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"It wasn't because of that. " she exhaled sharply. "It was because you don't need another bad omen."

That's what Madeline had called her.

A bad omen.

A curse.

Unholy.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ You’re not a bad omen, Aria, and I don’t need protection from you or any other bad omen. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

That's what you think.

She didn't respond, taking the roasted potatoes off the stove

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He sighs, giving up temporally }

[wandering-librarian]

she plated the meal and set one of the plates in front of him with a fork before starting to eat her own.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Thank you. ‘’

{ He gives a polite nod before beginning to eat in turn }

[wandering-librarian]

she nodded in return, and they both ate in silence.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ The silence was unbearable to say the least and blasphemous to say the most. No words, no side-glances, no nothing. Finally, Allen was finished with his food, and immediately he stood from his chair, walked over behind Aria’s, and draped - as much of his body as he could manage - over her }

[wandering-librarian]

She froze before almost immediately melting into the embrace, turning slightly to hug them back tightly.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ They hum, smiling at the return of the hug }

[wandering-librarian]

"...You don't care that I'm a witch?" she whispered after a moment.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I am a spy, why would I care that you are a witch? No, of course I don’t care! I’ll only care if you use your magic for evil. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Doesn't that only matter based on perspective?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ . . . Touché. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She rested her chin on his shoulder, sighing contently.

[satinaholefor200years]

*The moon is starting to rise just a tad as a soft breeze sweeps through the forest. It's very much fall, leaves starting to dry and fall from oak, and other such various trees.

Owen is laying in one of said trees, on a rather long branch. He's staring up, eyes flickering from leaf to leaf. He's counting them, it's one of the few things he finds relaxing.

Despite being relaxed he's still on guard, his ears twitch everytime he hears anything small, like a mouse or cricket, and his eyes moving to investigate when there's anything louder.*

// @scarl3tt-h0rror , @vampiresforbigfoot (tagging y'all cause we've interacted but lemme know if you don't wanna be) //

[wandering-librarian]

Aria passed beneath the tree, walking the path through the woods, her eyes darting around before landing on a bush near a different tree. She crouched down, taking another glance around, not taking notice of Owen, before whispering something unintelligible. An orb of soft light hovered in her hand, and she peered at the bush, using the light to heighten visibility.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen stops when he starts to hear footsteps, he moves a bit, perching on the branch and watching to see what she's doing. Magic, interesting.*

[wandering-librarian]

She peered at the bushes a moment longer before pulling a small pouch out from her bag and opening it, then plucking leaves off the bush to put into the pouch.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen simply observes, trying not to stare at the weird orb of light, it's too bright for his eyes. His hand slips a little hitting a small branch and making it fall, definitely not his most graceful moment.*

[wandering-librarian]

Her head perked up, the light immediately vanishing from her hand. "Whose there?"

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen stills, and closes his eyes a little so the faint, cat like glow is less noticeable just in case she happens to look around enough to find him*

[wandering-librarian]

She kept looking around “I know you’re here.”

[wandering-librarian]

Aria was sitting on the floor of the new back room of the Wandering Library, her cauldron pulled out. It had gotten dusty from lack of use, but no better time than the present.

Rosemary, the juice of Bleeding Tooth Fungus, and shattered moonlight swirled through the cauldron, and she clipped a strand of her hair. Along with the strand, clenched in her hand, was a half-bloomed orchid bud.

He needed to forget.

He needed to forget her.

She dropped the petals and the strand of her hair into the cauldron, and the potion shimmered before turning a strong lavender.

@scarl3tt-h0rror

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Their last few encounters had been far from pleasant, but perhaps it was time to move past that. With this in mind, Allen stood in front of the door to the Wandering Library, and after a few hesitant minutes, began to knock }

[wandering-librarian]

Her head shot up, and she quickly emptied the contents of the cauldron into a small glass bottle, shoving the bottle in a cabinet and the cauldron under her cot, then extinguishing the orb of light she had been using to heat the vessel.

A moment later, she came out from the back, preparing a cheerful smile before opening the door.

Her smile immediately fell.

"Allen.."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He forces a smile, though it is so broken }

‘’ Aria . . . hi. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Can I help you?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Could we talk? . . . Inside? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She paused.

This could be the time.

"...Come in." She opened the door fully, letting him in. "I was just about to make some food."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Slowly, he enters }

‘’ Really? That’s . . . nice. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She nodded, sidestepping the small table (now without an orchid) and opening the door to the newer addition to the building. It was a bit smaller than the first room, with the cot and basic necessities.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He follows behind silently }

[wandering-librarian]

"What did you wish to speak about?" She hummed slightly, making a beeline for the miniscule kitchen

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I’m sorry. And I know I say that a lot - I feel it a lot - but if you’ll just let me explain why . . . ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"For which part?"

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ For everything. ‘’

{ There’s a slight pause for breath before they go on }

‘’ I haven’t been completely honest about what my job was with you, and I think if I explain it, maybe that can shed some light on . . . everything. Everything that I’ve said and done . . . it won’t excuse it, but, it should do something. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She listened as she started prepping potatoes to bake. "Go ahead."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ There’s a moment of silence, only noise being the chopping of potatoes and the rustling of paper. Allen stares for a few minutes at the newspaper clipping before echoing its placement on the table }

‘’ I come from the Scathelocke family. They were middle class merchants before claiming nobility. We knew many trades and vigorously practiced the arts. When there was no social mobility, me found some. But few other nobles liked this. ‘’

‘’ One year - I was 12 - my family fell. It was those bloodied hands that I would crawl to for safety and comfort; for a promise of a new and better life. Of course, you can only guess how that worked out for me. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

She listened, putting the potatoes in the pan on the stove. The bottle was still in the cabinet below her.

It hurt. It always hurt.

But it was for the best.

It always was.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I was a spy, Aria. Their spy. I hurt so many people. Not even the people I was sent to. And now I’ve hurt you. ‘’

‘’ When you lied to me . . . it reminded me of all the times I nearly fell. They would always try to get close with me only to give their best attempt. And I— I thought you would do the same. Hurt me as soon as I let my walls come down . . . ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"I didn't lie to you, Allen." Her words cut him off.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I— ‘’

‘You’re not understanding!’

‘’ . . . right . . . sorry. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"...But I do know where you're coming from." Aria continued, quieter. She pulled the bottle out from the cabinet, keeping it out of sight. "I can't say I haven't been burned in the past, both figuratively and literally."

It didn't matter what he knew.

He wouldn't remember soon.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ Old habits die hard }

‘’ You— Aria, put that bottle on the table right now. ‘’

‘’ . . . you’re a witch, aren’t you?

19 + 2 : oh he knows

[wandering-librarian]

She froze, the bottle settling on the counter, the lavender liquid stilling.

WITCH.

He knows.

WITCH.

How does he know?

"Please leave."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He raises his hands, trying to show he means no harm if words don’t work }

‘’ I refuse to burn you, Aria, and I refuse to leave. If this is what you’ve been hiding . . . I am not going to use it against you. I swear I will not tell a soul. Alright? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"I don't know if I believe that." The memory of him shouting "Vampire!" As he ran into town rang through his ears, blending with her voice.

Madeline.

WITCH.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He sighs }

‘’ I’m not asking you to. I just need you to hear that. ‘’

‘’ I’m going to sit back down so you can do whatever you’d like to. You can forget I’m here. Just- remember what I said, okay? ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

Her eyes went back to the option, before putting it back into the cabinet.

She had to.

She couldn't.

She had to.

She wouldn't.

"Why are you still here?" She asked, her voice quiet.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Because I care about you. I trust you, now more than ever. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"You shouldn't."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I know. But I also know that I have to. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

“Why?l

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Because I don’t have any other choice. I don’t have a place to call home, I don’t have a family that worries about me, I don’t have a town that wonders about me. I don’t have someone to look forward to seeing again. I have nothing. Nothing except for who I have found here. And need I remind you, you were the first I ever met. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Yeah, and then I just tried to drug you with a memory potion, so look how that turned out."

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ There’s a sudden dizziness and ringing in their ears }

‘’ Aria . . . that was because of what I said, wasn’t it. I— you didn’t do it, though. You were going to, but you didn’t. Can you hear that and just believe that you aren’t as bad as you think you are? Please. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"It wasn't because of that. " she exhaled sharply. "It was because you don't need another bad omen."

That's what Madeline had called her.

A bad omen.

A curse.

Unholy.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ You’re not a bad omen, Aria, and I don’t need protection from you or any other bad omen. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

That's what you think.

She didn't respond, taking the roasted potatoes off the stove

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ He sighs, giving up temporally }

[wandering-librarian]

she plated the meal and set one of the plates in front of him with a fork before starting to eat her own.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ Thank you. ‘’

{ He gives a polite nod before beginning to eat in turn }

[wandering-librarian]

she nodded in return, and they both ate in silence.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ The silence was unbearable to say the least and blasphemous to say the most. No words, no side-glances, no nothing. Finally, Allen was finished with his food, and immediately he stood from his chair, walked over behind Aria’s, and draped - as much of his body as he could manage - over her }

[wandering-librarian]

She froze before almost immediately melting into the embrace, turning slightly to hug them back tightly.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

{ They hum, smiling at the return of the hug }

[wandering-librarian]

"...You don't care that I'm a witch?" she whispered after a moment.

[scarl3tt-h0rror]

‘’ I am a spy, why would I care that you are a witch? No, of course I don’t care! I’ll only care if you use your magic for evil. ‘’

[wandering-librarian]

"Doesn't that only matter based on perspective?"

[satinaholefor200years]

*The moon is starting to rise just a tad as a soft breeze sweeps through the forest. It's very much fall, leaves starting to dry and fall from oak, and other such various trees.

Owen is laying in one of said trees, on a rather long branch. He's staring up, eyes flickering from leaf to leaf. He's counting them, it's one of the few things he finds relaxing.

Despite being relaxed he's still on guard, his ears twitch everytime he hears anything small, like a mouse or cricket, and his eyes moving to investigate when there's anything louder.*

// @scarl3tt-h0rror , @vampiresforbigfoot (tagging y'all cause we've interacted but lemme know if you don't wanna be) //

[wandering-librarian]

Aria passed beneath the tree, walking the path through the woods, her eyes darting around before landing on a bush near a different tree. She crouched down, taking another glance around, not taking notice of Owen, before whispering something unintelligible. An orb of soft light hovered in her hand, and she peered at the bush, using the light to heighten visibility.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen stops when he starts to hear footsteps, he moves a bit, perching on the branch and watching to see what she's doing. Magic, interesting.*

[wandering-librarian]

She peered at the bushes a moment longer before pulling a small pouch out from her bag and opening it, then plucking leaves off the bush to put into the pouch.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen simply observes, trying not to stare at the weird orb of light, it's too bright for his eyes. His hand slips a little hitting a small branch and making it fall, definitely not his most graceful moment.*

[wandering-librarian]

Her head perked up, the light immediately vanishing from her hand. "Whose there?"

[satinaholefor200years]

*The moon is starting to rise just a tad as a soft breeze sweeps through the forest. It's very much fall, leaves starting to dry and fall from oak, and other such various trees.

Owen is laying in one of said trees, on a rather long branch. He's staring up, eyes flickering from leaf to leaf. He's counting them, it's one of the few things he finds relaxing.

Despite being relaxed he's still on guard, his ears twitch everytime he hears anything small, like a mouse or cricket, and his eyes moving to investigate when there's anything louder.*

// @scarl3tt-h0rror , @vampiresforbigfoot (tagging y'all cause we've interacted but lemme know if you don't wanna be) //

[wandering-librarian]

Aria passed beneath the tree, walking the path through the woods, her eyes darting around before landing on a bush near a different tree. She crouched down, taking another glance around, not taking notice of Owen, before whispering something unintelligible. An orb of soft light hovered in her hand, and she peered at the bush, using the light to heighten visibility.

[satinaholefor200years]

*Owen stops when he starts to hear footsteps, he moves a bit, perching on the branch and watching to see what she's doing. Magic, interesting.*

[wandering-librarian]

She peered at the bushes a moment longer before pulling a small pouch out from her bag and opening it, then plucking leaves off the bush to put into the pouch.