And I'm A Part Of The Act...

AU roleplay blog for Charlie from Don't Starve About Rules

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

Laws of politeness long since banished from her mind, Charlie clung to Wilson as if her very life depended on it. It’s been a long time since she’s done something like this. Often she found her comfort in other people, but all she had since coming to this damned place was solitude and agony. And it felt so... relieving, to finally be able to cry to someone about it.

“Oh Wilson...” through her cries, Charlie’s words come out as hardly more than a whimper. “All of this is my fault... how could I have been so blind! I’m so sorry, please... please forgive me for what I’ve done.”

[infused-science]

Wilson let her cling to him and cry as much as she needed. After that sentence, Wilson simply responded with, "You shouldn't blame yourself or be blamed for not knowing. It's not your fault, please don't be so hard on yourself. You don't deserve that..." He rubs her back slowly in a gesture of comfort.

[wilted-rcse]

It takes what feels like a long time for Charlie to be able to stand on her own again, but not wanting to burden Wilson with her weight too greatly she slowly pulls back, and tries to wipe the remainder of her tears away with gloved fingers. She sniffles, seemingly unable to meet the scientist’s gaze now.

“Before all of this... I was too scared to help Maxy... I guess I still am. But I want to help, I think I might be able to, if I could only get better at surviving.”

[nightwonder7]

A rose left in the dark.

[wilted-rcse]

@gentlcmanscientist

It was funny, almost. How Charlie had pleaded to be able to be with the others, to talk to them and interact in a way that she could be her true self. And she got what she begged for, yet her cowardice had held her back. So she stayed at a distance, and watched. Which was exactly the same thing she had been doing before as the queen. Survival was increasingly difficult for her, and if she slipped up even once then all of this would have been for nothing. She couldn’t let that be.

The first idea Charlie had would be to go to Maxwell, but truthfully she wasn’t sure if she could bear to see him again. To try and apologize to him would break her heart, and it would make her inevitable falling much worse. For the same reason, Charlie decided that Winona might also be a bad idea. So she sought out Wilson. Would he remember her? What she had done to him? Truthfully she didn’t know. But she had to take the chance.

It took her a long time to find the scientist, days even. Surviving by a thread of makeshift fires and anything she picked up to eat on her way. But finally, she found him. When the scientist came into view her confidence briefly faded, but she shoved herself forward anyway. “Excuse me!” Too late to turn back now, Charlie approaches. She stands back a bit though, guilt written all over her face. “Your name… it’s Wilson, right?” Of course it was, she knew it well. But her nerves were currently getting the better of her— shown by the anxious wringing of her gloved hands. “I’m Charlie, I was wondering if maybe… I could talk to you? If you’re not too busy, of course!”

[wilted-rcse]

Nodding slightly, Charlie thought back to the throne. How it had held them captive, both Wilson and Maxy. And yet, it had been so different for her. She tries desperately to control the cold chill that runs down her spine at the idea that she must be so far from human to have been able to do all the things she’s done. That she never wanted to do at all. Wide eyes blink at Wilson’s statement, and it takes a moment for her to shake her head. “No! No, I don’t... need any information on it.”

Shifting away from Wilson as he stands to retrieve his axe, Charlie stands as far away from the fire as she is comfortable being. Which, given her current situation, is not very far. Still, it might be best to give Wilson his space. Who knows what he might do. She still remembers how he tried to attack Maxwell when he first showed up as a survivor... hopefully it was special circumstance.

“Well... you see... I’m the one who dethroned you.” A brief break from her staring contest with the ground is taken, to glance up at Wilson’s reaction. “I just, I thought I could help. After seeing Maxy— Maxwell, uhm.” A shake of her head, it was a lot harder to talk to people than it was before all of this mess. “After seeing him suffer for so long, I didn’t want the same for you. I hadn’t been strong enough to help him when the two of us first got here.” A particular note of guilt laced her words, and she looks pained. “I still want to help but... I don’t know if I’m able to.”

[wilted-rcse]

@gentlcmanscientist

It was funny, almost. How Charlie had pleaded to be able to be with the others, to talk to them and interact in a way that she could be her true self. And she got what she begged for, yet her cowardice had held her back. So she stayed at a distance, and watched. Which was exactly the same thing she had been doing before as the queen. Survival was increasingly difficult for her, and if she slipped up even once then all of this would have been for nothing. She couldn’t let that be.

The first idea Charlie had would be to go to Maxwell, but truthfully she wasn’t sure if she could bear to see him again. To try and apologize to him would break her heart, and it would make her inevitable falling much worse. For the same reason, Charlie decided that Winona might also be a bad idea. So she sought out Wilson. Would he remember her? What she had done to him? Truthfully she didn’t know. But she had to take the chance.

It took her a long time to find the scientist, days even. Surviving by a thread of makeshift fires and anything she picked up to eat on her way. But finally, she found him. When the scientist came into view her confidence briefly faded, but she shoved herself forward anyway. “Excuse me!” Too late to turn back now, Charlie approaches. She stands back a bit though, guilt written all over her face. “Your name… it’s Wilson, right?” Of course it was, she knew it well. But her nerves were currently getting the better of her— shown by the anxious wringing of her gloved hands. “I’m Charlie, I was wondering if maybe… I could talk to you? If you’re not too busy, of course!”

[gentlcmanscientist]

He’d been surviving out in the open for a little while, hoping to find some trace of human life. It had been quite some time since he’d actually seen another survivor, frankly, and it was getting to be a little bit too much to take care of just about everything by himself. While Wilson might have settled for being nomadic for some time, at least, until he found another survivor or a decent location for a base, he couldn’t carry absolutely everything with him. Grass and twigs both stacked up to forty pieces, logs stacked up to about twenty. And logs were becoming incredibly important for more than simply keeping the fire going. He’d need to make an alchemy engine and prototype a thermal stone at some point. (It was possible for him to get by with his beard and a pair of rabbit earmuffs, but previous experience of surviving with just the bare minimum had discouraged him from that.)

There’s a jolt when he finally hears a voice, not a familiar one. Willow’s tended to be scratchy, Wigfrid’s was loud and boisterous, Wolfgang had a particular accent and way of speaking… It takes him a moment before he realizes that he’s dropped his trusty axe.

He whirls around, looking at Charlie with slightly widened eyes. How does this lady know his name? Then she introduces herself, and he’s immediately on edge with the request to talk to him. This rarely led to anything good.

“…Yes, but what about–?” He responds, nervousness edging into his voice as he circles the fire to find a decent spot to seat himself. “…What– what did you want to talk to me about, I mean.” Course-correcting, as per usual, because he’s fairly certain he might have come off as a bit crankier than intended.

[wilted-rcse]

When compared to the other survivors voices, Charlie’s was soft and melodic. Smooth, even, if she wasn’t currently so gosh darned nervous. And she is nervous, it’s written all over her face and in her posture. This could go very, very poorly for her, after all.

Charlie moves back when Wilson’s axe dully thumps to the ground, her own anxiety tricking her into believing, for just a moment, that the scientist might’ve been throwing it at her. But that was just silly, the item was only dropped to the ground. Still, as he whirls to look at her, she’s certain that she won’t be coming any closer. He doesn’t seem like he remembers her, or what she’s done to him, and she’s uncertain if she should feel relieved or not. Besides, won’t she have to tell him anyway?

A slight flinch at the edge in his voice, Charlie’s gaze shoots back down at the ground, as if she were a child admitting to have stolen a cookie. “I... uhm.” What did she want to talk about, anyway? Truly she hadn’t thought she’d get this far, but she’s already here, and now was not the time to be backing down! “I mostly wanted to... apologize, for everything I’ve done. And, to you, especially... do you remember the throne at all?” A tentative question, his answer might tell her just how much she needed to explain afterall.

[wilted-rcse]

Grumble grumble. Sure, maybe she racked up some bad karma for burning the treeguard, but come on! Those things could be so annoying when one needed firewood! Now, Willow felt she was being punished by a cold, autumn rain threatening the light of her lighter as she trudged homeward. “This is so stupid.”

Survival was survival, and Charlie could admire those who found creative solutions to their problems. Afterall, she had found herself in sticky situations more and more since becoming a survivor.

It was bad enough that it was starting to creep dangerously close to dark, but as if to rub salt in the wound the sky parted and it began to rain, hard. A chill runs down Charlie’s spine at the sudden coldness overtaking her, and without much thought she reaches into her pack for the umbrella she had found next to some skeleton. As if she’d ever have the foresight to make one herself.

Beggining to trudge in the direction of her own camp, Charlie stops to squint at the small flickering light she sees in the distance. A flame? Coming a bit closer she realizes that she recognizes it’s wielder, none other than the firestarter herself. But the flame wouldn’t last long in this rain and besides, it’d be nice if they could share what scarce light it might provide. Quickly, Charlie makes her way over to where Willow is, and holds the umbrella up to protect the firestarter and her flame. “I’m sorry to bother you miss, I was worried your light would go out in the rain.”

[the-wanderer-willow-deactivated]

“Well you’re in luck! I’m an expert with hair...and the styling might be a part of it. It’s a nice sort of updo you got going on, but hair needs to breathe!” Or, that was the best way she could put it, anyway. Willow knows less about hair than she’s letting on, but she does know the only way to rid someone of split ends is to cut them off.

“Well, might be a good way to kill time,” she muttered. “I got a razor. I could trim them for you and leave enough so you can still put your hair up.” She smiled. “You could pay me back for it and my oh-so generous hospitality by fixing dinner up. How does that sound?”

Sure, she took her in out of the goodness of her heart, but that warm fuzzy feeling you get from doing nice things doesn’t translate into a full stomach.

Before Charlie’s even answered, Willow got up to go track the blade down. Even if she said no, she figured it would be a good idea to track down the tool anyway. “And I sort of lucked out getting ahold of this place. Cost a lot of ‘oincs’, but pigs are kinda done. I just sorta waited until no one was looking and stole the deed. Not that I consider myself a thief, but the pigs are a lot more keen on letting plain survivors sleep outside than their own kind.”

[wilted-rcse]

“Why thank you, I’m rather fond of the style myself. I suppose you’re right though... it’s been, changed, a few times, but this is my usual.” Skirting around the truth, they didn’t need to get into all the aspects of her fight for her own body. Like the Grue, who’s hair is more akin to a shadowy black flame than actual hair.

Coming out of her thoughts, Charlie tilts her head at Willow’s suggestion. “That’s kind of you to offer, I can’t remember the last time I’ve had something done to my hair.” Bright gaze follows as her host stands to search for the tool, staying perfectly in place before the fire. It would be rude to help rummage around without asking first, after all!

“I would love that very much, but...” Cheeks redden with her embarrassment, and Charlie places a hand upon one of them lightly. “I’m afraid I might not be the best to ask about dinner. I’m still new to this, I don’t really know how to make anything fancy... but! I have a few seeds and berries I could cook for you!” Pulling her pack close, Charlie rummages around until she produces a handful of seeds and berries, along with a single carrot. “And a carrot I could roast for you!”

Awaiting Willow’s response to her dinner proposal, the queen nods. “I admire your willingness to do such a thing. Sometimes survival requires... creative solutions. And to have an entire home, all to yourself...” Wide eyes scan slowly around the small home, filled with wonder and just a hint of longing. “It’s the closest I can imagine to really living here, rather than just surviving.”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

Laws of politeness long since banished from her mind, Charlie clung to Wilson as if her very life depended on it. It’s been a long time since she’s done something like this. Often she found her comfort in other people, but all she had since coming to this damned place was solitude and agony. And it felt so... relieving, to finally be able to cry to someone about it.

“Oh Wilson...” through her cries, Charlie’s words come out as hardly more than a whimper. “All of this is my fault... how could I have been so blind! I’m so sorry, please... please forgive me for what I’ve done.”

[wilted-rcse]

Grumble grumble. Sure, maybe she racked up some bad karma for burning the treeguard, but come on! Those things could be so annoying when one needed firewood! Now, Willow felt she was being punished by a cold, autumn rain threatening the light of her lighter as she trudged homeward. “This is so stupid.”

Survival was survival, and Charlie could admire those who found creative solutions to their problems. Afterall, she had found herself in sticky situations more and more since becoming a survivor.

It was bad enough that it was starting to creep dangerously close to dark, but as if to rub salt in the wound the sky parted and it began to rain, hard. A chill runs down Charlie’s spine at the sudden coldness overtaking her, and without much thought she reaches into her pack for the umbrella she had found next to some skeleton. As if she’d ever have the foresight to make one herself.

Beggining to trudge in the direction of her own camp, Charlie stops to squint at the small flickering light she sees in the distance. A flame? Coming a bit closer she realizes that she recognizes it’s wielder, none other than the firestarter herself. But the flame wouldn’t last long in this rain and besides, it’d be nice if they could share what scarce light it might provide. Quickly, Charlie makes her way over to where Willow is, and holds the umbrella up to protect the firestarter and her flame. “I’m sorry to bother you miss, I was worried your light would go out in the rain.”

[the-wanderer-willow-deactivated]

If it weren’t for polite company, Willow would be happy to lounge around wearing nothing while her clothes dried in the fire. She was rather miserable with the way the wet fabric cling to her skin, but she could stand it awhile longer.

So she instead opted to sit with Charlie, in front of the lovely, warm, drying fire she would come to rely on much more as the weather turned colder. She seemed very sweet! It made Willow grin.

“Repay me? Please, I’m not going to leave somebody out cold in the rain. I imagine you would’ve let me stay over if we were closer to your camp—“ She watched her let down her hair, and hummed in disapproval. Not that it wasn’t very lovely. Willow really should’ve asked, but she took a strand gently in her fingers and sighed. “You poor thing. You’ve got split ends!”

[wilted-rcse]

In all honesty, Charlie wouldn’t mind even if Willow decided to lounge around without clothes. She’d by lying if she said she wasn’t feeling the same sort of way, her dress heavy and clinging from the rain. Still, she doesn’t complain. The safety and the company were more than enough to make her happy for now. As Willow joins her Charlie turns to watch her, painted smile softening at the sight.

“Well, you’re very kind then, miss. Of course I would’ve offered. I don’t have much, certainly not a whole house like you have, but it’s enough to keep one in the light for a night.” Charlie tilts her head lightly at the disapproving noise her gracious host makes, not minding in the slightest when a strand of her hair is taken. Cheeks redden, and fingertips rest gently in front of her mouth, but her smile is still there. “Oh my, I suppose I do. I haven’t taken my hair down in so long I hadn’t noticed at all... not that there’s much I could do, even if I had. I’m not the best when it comes to hair I’m afraid.”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

In another life, Charlie wouldn’t have hesitated to throw her arms eagerly around the scientist. She had always been a touchy-feely type of person, afterall. But not here, not now, when all she touched turned to ruin. Despite her small size and lack of strength, she was still afraid that she’d somehow hurt him.

Charlie is about to respond to him when darkness falls over them, and instead of a pleasant remark all that comes from her is a horrified gasp of “no!” The change is almost instant, taking over her entire body like a tidal wave. Thankfully, Wilson was quick enough so that the monster couldn’t do anything. For a split second the Grue is fully illuminated, but in the next moment Charlie is standing, trembling, amidst a considerable pile of nightmare fuel. Already her eyes are brimming with tears as she stumbles away from Wilson. “I...I, uhm... I-I think I should go.” Her voice sounded just as unsteady as she looked, as if she were about to burst into tears.

[infused-science]

Wilson took her hand to gently stop her. "It's okay... I'm not scared and you're alright here." He knew being nightbeast wasn't easy. She was likely scared. "I understand what it is you are and I'm not going to treat you any differently because of it. I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't been a grue at one point myself."

[wilted-rcse]

Charlie almost flinches when Wilson takes her hand, to keep her from fleeing. It was... too much to handle all at once, admittedly. Turning, almost hurting him, coming back, and now having to face that he knew what she was. Charlie sniffles, lips trembling, unmoving for a few moments. When she does move though she throws her arms tight around the scientist, to weep into his shoulder. “It...” her voice wavered. “It’s so horrible, Wilson...!”

[wilted-rcse]

Grumble grumble. Sure, maybe she racked up some bad karma for burning the treeguard, but come on! Those things could be so annoying when one needed firewood! Now, Willow felt she was being punished by a cold, autumn rain threatening the light of her lighter as she trudged homeward. “This is so stupid.”

Survival was survival, and Charlie could admire those who found creative solutions to their problems. Afterall, she had found herself in sticky situations more and more since becoming a survivor.

It was bad enough that it was starting to creep dangerously close to dark, but as if to rub salt in the wound the sky parted and it began to rain, hard. A chill runs down Charlie’s spine at the sudden coldness overtaking her, and without much thought she reaches into her pack for the umbrella she had found next to some skeleton. As if she’d ever have the foresight to make one herself.

Beggining to trudge in the direction of her own camp, Charlie stops to squint at the small flickering light she sees in the distance. A flame? Coming a bit closer she realizes that she recognizes it’s wielder, none other than the firestarter herself. But the flame wouldn’t last long in this rain and besides, it’d be nice if they could share what scarce light it might provide. Quickly, Charlie makes her way over to where Willow is, and holds the umbrella up to protect the firestarter and her flame. “I’m sorry to bother you miss, I was worried your light would go out in the rain.”

[the-wanderer-willow-deactivated]

She didn’t think that much of the contact. Even if she tended to be just as starved for attention, especially before coming to the Constant, the closeness was definitely intended to be functional. Though that little laugh was definitely a little cute.

“Thankfully it’s not too far,” but it would’ve felt a lot farther if she had to trudge the whole way in the rain, guarding her little lighter flame, “Here, this way...”

‘Not too far’ still meant minutes ticking by in mud in rain before reaching the hamlet and the shanty with its leaky roof. Still, a leaky roof was better than no roof. Willow didn’t regret leaving behind her camp. She quickly got a fire started in the fireplace before setting the lighter down and wringing the water out of her pigtails. “Bluh. Can’t get dry enough. Uh, make yourself at home!”

[wilted-rcse]

The gesture had been so familiar to her, William used to do such things often. The gesture just... made her happy. More so than she had been in a long, long time. Even if Willow thought nothing of it, she had just supplied Charlie with the perfect pick me up.

Her smile is evident, even in her voice. “Oh I don’t mind a little walk too much.” The cheery mood was something to behold indeed, hardly ever could something break through her melancholy, especially at night. And yet Willow had done so without even trying. It was like a breath of fresh air! The entire way Charlie stays dutifully vigilant as to not let Willow or her lighter get more wet, staying extremely close so that she might not get more wet herself. And before too long, they had arrived!

Entering the shanty, Charlie’s eyes twinkled with merriment. It’s so cozy, if she doesn’t think too hard about it, why, she could even imagine for a moment that they weren’t in the Constant at all! Another small laugh at what Willow says, Charlie tucks the umbrella into her pack before going to kneel next to the fire. “This rain is really something else. I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality, miss, how could I ever repay you?”

Still soaked herself, Charlie removes her long gloves before moving her hands to her hair, working with practiced ease to undo the fancy hairstyle it had been pinned up in. Honestly how long has it been since she’s taken it down? It’s so wet though, maybe letting it down could help it dry just a bit faster. Pins and clips are settled into her lap, and before long Charlie’s dark hair is brushing down past her shoulders. “Ah, that’s much better.”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

In another life, Charlie wouldn’t have hesitated to throw her arms eagerly around the scientist. She had always been a touchy-feely type of person, afterall. But not here, not now, when all she touched turned to ruin. Despite her small size and lack of strength, she was still afraid that she’d somehow hurt him.

Charlie is about to respond to him when darkness falls over them, and instead of a pleasant remark all that comes from her is a horrified gasp of “no!” The change is almost instant, taking over her entire body like a tidal wave. Thankfully, Wilson was quick enough so that the monster couldn’t do anything. For a split second the Grue is fully illuminated, but in the next moment Charlie is standing, trembling, amidst a considerable pile of nightmare fuel. Already her eyes are brimming with tears as she stumbles away from Wilson. “I...I, uhm... I-I think I should go.” Her voice sounded just as unsteady as she looked, as if she were about to burst into tears.

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

“Alright then, Wilson. Thank you.” A soft smile accompanied equally soft words. For the first time in a very, very long time, she didn’t feel so alone. It was nice, even, just standing here talking, pretending that she wasn’t a monster. That she wasn’t the reason for all of their suffering. If she closed her eyes, maybe she could even imagine they were somewhere better. But they weren’t, and she doesn’t.

Charlie nods along to Wilson’s tips, suddenly wishing very much that she hadn’t burned her map. It would definitely make keeping track of these things easier. Maybe she could make a new one somehow? Maybe with a piece of wood and charcoal. “Ah... that reminds me, Wilson, could I still look at your map if that’s okay? I suppose I do have my work cut out for me if I need an alchemy engine, I don’t even have a science machine yet!” She laughs again, but there’s a more nervous undertone to this one. So much to do, just to stay alive! All while trying to set things right, too. Maybe she was in a bit over her head.

[infused-science]

"Oh, right! I forgot that's why you came here." Wilson moves to a cartographer's desk and unrolls his map, making a copy. "Here, this should help." A good chunk of the map was explored, but some remained a mystery. "The new map is all yours."

[wilted-rcse]

Charlie nods at his remembering, and follows Wilson over to the desk. She watches in awe as he makes an exact copy of his own map in nearly record time, eyes wide when he explains that it’s for her. “For me...?” For a moment it looks like she might cry, even though she’s smiling. “Aw Wilson... I could give you the biggest hug! I won’t, of course, but you can’t understand how much this really means to me. Thank you so, so much.”

[wilted-rcse]

Grumble grumble. Sure, maybe she racked up some bad karma for burning the treeguard, but come on! Those things could be so annoying when one needed firewood! Now, Willow felt she was being punished by a cold, autumn rain threatening the light of her lighter as she trudged homeward. “This is so stupid.”

Survival was survival, and Charlie could admire those who found creative solutions to their problems. Afterall, she had found herself in sticky situations more and more since becoming a survivor.

It was bad enough that it was starting to creep dangerously close to dark, but as if to rub salt in the wound the sky parted and it began to rain, hard. A chill runs down Charlie’s spine at the sudden coldness overtaking her, and without much thought she reaches into her pack for the umbrella she had found next to some skeleton. As if she’d ever have the foresight to make one herself.

Beggining to trudge in the direction of her own camp, Charlie stops to squint at the small flickering light she sees in the distance. A flame? Coming a bit closer she realizes that she recognizes it’s wielder, none other than the firestarter herself. But the flame wouldn’t last long in this rain and besides, it’d be nice if they could share what scarce light it might provide. Quickly, Charlie makes her way over to where Willow is, and holds the umbrella up to protect the firestarter and her flame. “I’m sorry to bother you miss, I was worried your light would go out in the rain.”

[the-wanderer-willow-deactivated]

She was so focused on getting back to the hamlet, eyes firmly affixed to the ground as though it might keep more rain from getting in her face, that Willow didn’t notice anyone else around until the rain suddenly ceased.

“Huh? Oh! Hi! Nearly gave me a heart attack.” She looked between Charlie and her lighter. “No, no! You’re not a bother at all. I could definitely have used an umbrella sooner. The last one I had for spring just finally up and fell apart days ago. I always forget just how hard it tends to storm down before winter. Thank you.”

She looked around. Not that there was much to look at in the near total darkness surrounding them. “Uh, I’d love to chat more, but it’s dark, scary, and I’m certain we’re gonna get chased by spiders, or worse, if we don’t move along. Why don’t you stay the night at my place?” Normally she doesn’t invite guests so hastily, but gosh, she just wants to be under her slightly leaky, but mostly dry, roof again.

[wilted-rcse]

“Oh! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you!” For a moment Charlie almost recoils with the news that she had frightened the other, but just manages to keep herself in place out of the fear of being in the dark. With the news of the other’s umbrella, her expression turns sympathetic. “In that case you should take this one when we part. I didn’t even make it, I just found it laying out in the forest. It won’t be missed too dearly.”

Charlie herself is getting soaked to the bone in the rain, the umbrella big enough for only one of them. And her arm was held up high— Willow was an entire foot taller than she was, after all! But she wouldn’t dare to complain, so long as she could be in the light. She’s caught off-guard by the offer though, and feeling rushed to respond she quickly accepts. “Uhm, that would be lovely! Thank you so much, miss, I promise not to be too much of a burden. Honestly I just kind of want to be out of the darkness myself...”

[the-wanderer-willow-deactivated]

“Mm...” Willow spent a solid chunk of time mulling over Charlie’s offer. “Nah, you’re already sharing it with me. You never know when it’ll start storming down like this, and I can make one any time. You probably need it more than I do. It was a tempting offer, though.”

In the dim light, it took Willow a moment to realize just how much the smaller woman was struggling to do her this favor. It’s...kinda sad, actually. Sure, there wasn’t much room, but Willow would make room! She looked an arm around her middle and tugged Charlie close. “It’s not too far, thankfully. And who WOULD wanna be out in the dark? It’s gross. And scary.”

[wilted-rcse]

Charlie could tell that Willow was debating her offer, heavily at that, and smiled. The item would be surrendered at a moment’s notice if the firestarter decided she wanted it, but to her surprise the offer is declined. “Alright then, if you’re sure... the offer remains open though, if you change your mind.” She just wanted to help, afterall.

Truly she didn’t mind this too much. Sure it was wet and cold, but it’s not like it’d kill her! Probably not, anyway, despite herself she wasn’t too versed in what could or couldn’t kill her yet. Not that she hoped to find out, either. Charlie’s eyes widen as Willow hooks an arm around her, pulling her in close so that they could share. Cheeks turning red she exclaims a little “oh!” Followed by some light giggling. The contact was... nice, actually. How long had it been now since she’s been this close to, well, anyone? Needless to say she wasn’t upset about it in the least. Beaming smile turned up towards Willow, Charlie nods in agreement. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, miss. What direction are we setting off in?”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

“Alright then, Wilson. Thank you.” A soft smile accompanied equally soft words. For the first time in a very, very long time, she didn’t feel so alone. It was nice, even, just standing here talking, pretending that she wasn’t a monster. That she wasn’t the reason for all of their suffering. If she closed her eyes, maybe she could even imagine they were somewhere better. But they weren’t, and she doesn’t.

Charlie nods along to Wilson’s tips, suddenly wishing very much that she hadn’t burned her map. It would definitely make keeping track of these things easier. Maybe she could make a new one somehow? Maybe with a piece of wood and charcoal. “Ah... that reminds me, Wilson, could I still look at your map if that’s okay? I suppose I do have my work cut out for me if I need an alchemy engine, I don’t even have a science machine yet!” She laughs again, but there’s a more nervous undertone to this one. So much to do, just to stay alive! All while trying to set things right, too. Maybe she was in a bit over her head.

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

Charlie further flinches at this news. “How terrible...” She wonders, briefly, if this was something that she had done. Deep down, in some way, she knew that all of this was her fault. If she could turn back time, she would in a heartbeat. She could’ve saved him— but before she can drown in her own thoughts, Wilson speaks again. Truthfully his wording brought her relief, she was such a terrible liar. “Oh it’s been, uhm, let’s see... a little over a week now, I’d wager. Yourself?”

[infused-science]

He knew about the night monster and who she was, he was just feigning ignorance on her behalf. He can’t imagine--well, no, he could imagine what being a grue is like. Those damned greys made him one once. “I think this is my fourth winter,” He explains. “I came here around fall.”

[wilted-rcse]

If Charlie knew that Wilson already knew exactly what she was, she would have stayed very far away from him, too afraid of his potential hatred to approach even if she had been desperate. Ignorance is bliss, so they say. “Goodness, that’s such a long time, Mister Higgsbury...” A small laugh escapes her then, an attempt to make light of their grim situation. “You wouldn’t happen to have any tips for survival, would you?”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

Charlie further flinches at this news. “How terrible...” She wonders, briefly, if this was something that she had done. Deep down, in some way, she knew that all of this was her fault. If she could turn back time, she would in a heartbeat. She could’ve saved him— but before she can drown in her own thoughts, Wilson speaks again. Truthfully his wording brought her relief, she was such a terrible liar. “Oh it’s been, uhm, let’s see... a little over a week now, I’d wager. Yourself?”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

“That’s so unfortunate! I can’t imagine not being able to eat chocolate— well, I suppose I can, considering how long I’ve been here, but I’ve always had a sweet tooth, personally. Still, I guess there are those choco pigs...” She was rambling, slightly, but in order to get over the awkwardness of speaking one must speak. “Birds? That’s so lovely! Very elegant and free in my mind. I don’t think my family was ever represented by an animal... That must mean you come from important heritage, right? Like a family crest of sorts?”

She could feel her mouth watering. She was so hungry already, and all this talk of chocolate and perogies certainly hadn’t helped! “Well they sound just lovely. Please forgive my eagerness Mister Higgsbury, I’ve been surviving off of berries and seeds and carrots since I got here.”

[infused-science]

"Oh dear, Surviving on just berries, seeds, and carrots can't be good for you... They should be ready about anytime." As he spoke, the crockpot slid open with the meal presented. It was odd how it did that, but wilson ignored that. He hands the dish to Charlie. "Here, eat up. I can make more after if you're still hungry."

"As for family, I do come from a bit of a blue blood family. Though it's not as pleasant or easy as one might assume since I'm a clumsy man and social graces aren't my forte. So I left that life and settled with my wife and daughter outside of nighthorn."

[wilted-rcse]

“I admit that I’ve been struggling a bit on my own, but I’m certain that I’ll get the hang of things eventually! I... hope so, anyway...” Sure, death wasn’t a permanent thing here, but it might as well be for her. One chance was all she had to try and make things right... oh, if only she wasn’t so afraid! But all of those frightening thoughts wash away as she’s handed the food, causing her eyes to light up like stars. “Thank you so much, sir!” Eagerly she digs in to the generous gift, taste buds nearly tingling in delight. How long has it been since she’s had real food? An honest cooked meal? The delight it brought her could almost bring tears to her eyes.

Amidst her eating Charlie listens closely to what Wilson had to say, about his life before all of this. She doesn’t respond until after she’s finished, however, not wanting to be rude and speaking with her mouth full. “It’s never seemed easy to me. My family was a bit lower within the working class, but high society never seemed any fun in my opinion. I can’t even imagine.” She felt a distinct ache when he spoke of his wife and daughter, though. How horrible, to be yanked away from something like that. “Oh, you had a family...” her pain for him is evident in her voice, and expression. “That’s so horrible, Mister Higgsbury... I’m sorry.”

[wilted-rcse]

@infused-science

Charlie should’ve known that burning her map to make a fire was a bad idea. Sure it had been useful at the time and barely filled in at all, but it still could’ve been even more useful to help her gather her bearings when she got lost. And look at her now, wandering all alone in a feeble attempt of spotting something familiar, anything that might help guide her back to her own camp.

She had wandered too far this time, the prospects of more food to satisfy an empty stomach pushing her far outside of the bounds of familiarity. All she even had to show for it were a few berries and some measly seeds. With any luck they could hold her over for a short while, but even if she did manage to find her way back now she’d just be hungry again by the time she got there.

Surviving had turned out to be a whole lot harder than she imagined.

A heavy sigh escapes her, and Charlie takes a moment to stop and reassess her surroundings. Of course, it was all foreign, not that it had ever been easy to make sense of the wilderness anyway. A sound catches her attention then, the small snap of a twig, and her head raises towards the sound. There, through the trees, was another survivor. Her first instinct was to stay back and out of sight, but Charlie quickly shoved the idea away in favor of a better chance at survival. She jogs a little bit to catch up, calling to him so that she doesn’t scare him by accident. Only when she comes to stand before him does she stop.

“Hi there! I’m so sorry, do you maybe have a map I could look at? I’m a little lost.”

[wilted-rcse]

“That’s so unfortunate! I can’t imagine not being able to eat chocolate— well, I suppose I can, considering how long I’ve been here, but I’ve always had a sweet tooth, personally. Still, I guess there are those choco pigs...” She was rambling, slightly, but in order to get over the awkwardness of speaking one must speak. “Birds? That’s so lovely! Very elegant and free in my mind. I don’t think my family was ever represented by an animal... That must mean you come from important heritage, right? Like a family crest of sorts?”

She could feel her mouth watering. She was so hungry already, and all this talk of chocolate and perogies certainly hadn’t helped! “Well they sound just lovely. Please forgive my eagerness Mister Higgsbury, I’ve been surviving off of berries and seeds and carrots since I got here.”