sticksandbones | May Family Meeting

Entry tags:

May Family Meeting

Who: All y'all, everyone, the whole shebang, etc
What: Town Hall / Family Meeting
When: End of May
Where: Magic Lamp Cafe
Warnings: Typical Stix game warnings: Child death mentions, torture, body horror. More will be in post titles as they come up.

At some point after Passenger's cafe is finished being built and set up, he decides to coordinate with Enciodes to get a family meeting going, since it's been a bit. This time, a change of scenery is in order, so it'll be at the Magic Lamp — which has a surprising lack of magic lamps, RIP. It has normal booths with a Sargonian flare, but also the centre of the cafe sports ground seating, as does the back deck — the back doors have been propped open to allow the people sitting inside to converse with those sitting outside. For most of the meeting, Passenger will be behind the counter making a number of Sargonian dishes and coffees for anyone who wants some; just flag him down and he'll bring you whatever it is. He is listening, he swears.

Meanwhile, Enciodes will give the recap of the usual information, and from there, the meeting can begin.

Reincarnation and Our Past Lives

Our lives as we currently know it, while it did happen, are because we've originated here at the Grove in a past life. Some sort of ritual was meant to save our souls, thought we physically didn't survive. For the most part, it seems our personalities from our past life carried over somewhat, but overall, it doesn't seem like learning about them in detail provides any information on how to get back to our current home or how to best the creature.

The Residents

The Shopkeeper and the Trader — They lost their names to the forest, so their new names are Heimr and Ydalir. With this in mind, do not give the forest your name. They cannot be referred to by their old names, but Heimr used to be the person in charge of the Grove and Ydalir his sister. Heimr recently became human; maybe there's a way to get Ydalir to be the same?

The Guardians — the Guardians we can currently seek out within the Grove are Zahliya, the Guardian of the Grove and our small gargoyle friend; Moder, the large moose-like creature and Guardian of the Forest; Sinann, and the River Guardian, who appears as a large flare-fin fish. Treat them respectfully and give them offerings if you require their assistance or plan to take anything that is theirs. There are more guardians outside of the Grove. They're akin to... demigods, in a sense of the word. Moder and Sinann used to be corrupted, though on their deaths seemed to have been cleansed of this corruption. Though, going forward, killing the Guardians to purify them may prove detrimental. We simply got lucky with the first two. They were strong enough to revive. If we try again, we might not have this luck.

The Lake Guardian, Callan, is currently corrupted. The Sky Guardian is said to be long-dead by Moder herself.

The Gods — Beiwe, the Goddess of the Sun, and Ourania, the Goddess of the Moon, are the current overseers. According to Moder, they are very weak and may need some help regaining their strength through prayer and acts of devotion. We likely have the power to help them return to their former strength.. We just need to figure out how.

Purification, Zahliya, and the Corruption

Zahliya is able to purify things with some sort of holy magic. However, his purification is not as strong as it needs to be to fully purify something of corruption. As such, it's in our best interest to figure out how to do this so we can use this ability to cleanse other Guardians and residents in the future, like Nene. If you know of anything that might be helpful, but don't think it's a good idea for the creature in the forest to know, ask any corrupted person to leave first. They may be on our side, but their corruption lends to the forest being able to listen in anyway.

We've found shards of the sun, the moon, and know of Ydalir's star shards. They seem to be manifestations of holy magic, considering that this world reveres the sun and moon deities. We've given Zahliya the sun shard in hopes it'll help him purify things. So far, it seems to be going well, though it seems like there needs to be something a bit stronger to help.

Belief and the "magic" of this world

Belief in something gives it power. Names give it power. As such, refrain from giving the forest/the creature/the entity a true "name" of any kind. It's recommended to swap out the vague reference you use. Vice versa for our Guardians — please use their names, and believe in them intrinsically when we require their assistance. Mizuki has recommended before that we sing to Zahliya when he purifies things. Songs of protection and such might do us some good, I think. Just remember not to wish for things too frequently, only if it's absolutely necessary.

Forest Entity

It considers us toys. When it gets bored, which so far has been every handful of weeks or so, it will play games with us of some kind, as you may have noticed with prior events. They seem to vary in intensity. Residents were trapped inside a volcano and meant to get to the top before else risk burning alive… and it also seems to know what our absolute worst fears are, respectively. It will get in your head. Don't give it that opportunity.

Moder and Zahliya both have suggested to never call it a god, but to refer to it as either the "False God" or "the Creature". Moder has also previously called it "The Fallen Sun". It does possess a great deal of power, somehow, and referring to it in a derogatory sense might weaken it. Finding the source of its power may be vital, as it is a chaotic nature with a child-like, sadistic personality, which is a deadly combination.

Places of interest

Aldric's Manor is a place where Heimr's kids are currently. We can't get to it, but the children inside do have a notebook, and we hope they'll try to communicate with us. One of his children… There's a grave outside for her. Do not do anything disrespectful by it.

There's a part of the forest where you might find people you know, but as trees. It's… very upsetting there. Refrain from visiting it too frequently.

The Garden is where you'll end up if you die. Nene brings you back if you do end up here. Do not die. Do not end up here. Coming back will have you giving up something important.

The River is where the River Guardian is. Return any remains of the fish we eat from there back to it after we're able to fish there again. Thank the River Guardian when you take apples from the tree nearby there, and thank Moder when you take berries from the bush near it. Do not take bones from the river without permission. Be kind to the river's inhabitants, and don't dump any trash into the water.

The Well's water will always stay clean. Don't go dumping garbage into it, of course, but know that the water there is safe to drink regardless of what happens, it seems. Also, the well is completely bottomless, so if you can't breathe underwater, I don't recommend trying to swim down it. Mizuki tried to, but at a certain point it felt like something was pushing him back.

The Burnt Part of Town and Other Expansions — The Grove, prior to stuff going awry, was a sizeable place, so we're likely to explore more areas as a "reward" for participating in games. For the people who weren't here, it seems to have been "frozen in time". Which also means any corpses that were in there haven't been fully decomposed or anything, so be wary of that. Please also look out for the sink holes at that part of town — it's quite dangerous there.

The Church was Nene's previous home, and a former place of worship for Beiwe. It has since been worn down and transformed into something to worship the Creature.

The Temple is separate from the Church. Zahliya was formerly a statue guarding this place. It is also where the Creature was previously contained.

There are other places within the forest and such, but if you want specifics, talk to Mizuki. He has a map.

If you do end up going into the forest, bring a pair of the golden spectacles that Heimr has with you. They will show you a safe-adjacent way into the forest. It won't guarantee safety, but it'll be your best case scenario.

Returning home

Not outside the realm of possibility, but currently unable to. The creature in the forest needs to be dealt with first, as even if we find a way home, it can likely just bring us back.

The shards

Mizuki has the moon shard, and has since apparently swallowed it, giving him the ability to stop the corruption. Likely, the moon shard itself has calming, healing, and soothing properties. The sun shard is able to burn corruption away. Not as much is known about it, but we can likely ask Ydalir about it, and the star shards, if needed.

The Lighthouse

In the Lighthouse is a corrupted person who seems very territorial. It's recommended that no one go into the lighthouse or get near it, or they risk being attacked or even killed.

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[ HM, Affogato really doesn't like that. He sips his coffee again to keep himself from having to answer, his eyes narrowed as he studies Josh.

Of course he's not going to say anything that may incriminate himself if others can hear... ]

I'm afraid I don't know what you're speaking about.

Oh, but you do. You do.

[ He won't elaborate on that, either. They're surrounded by other people, and he isn't so cruel as to out Affogato right there in public. No, it's much more fun to let him keep his secrets. For now. He keeps his voice down, at a quiet conversational level, where others aren't able to hear. ]

I have to say, you've given me some good entertainment tonight. An A+ performance if I've ever seen one. I trust you'll keep it up?

[ How much does this one know? The fact he's keeping his voice down so it remains in their own little bubble tells Affogato he knows too much.

He's too dangerous.

And he can't even suck up to him, because he has a feeling the other would know and merely laugh at him. Like before, in a rare sign of nerves, he raises his thumb to chew on his nail a little. ]

I must insist I don't know what you are talking about, but you a free to believe what you will.

[ Aw. He's made this one nervous. Not what he expected, but oh well. ]

Your secret is safe with me.

[ For now. ]

We're similar, you and I. Don't be so nervous. I'm not going to bite.

Hm.

[ Like King, like Advisor, though Affogato's is less a grunt and more a hum. Thoughtful and soft, but the reassurance does seem to go a little ways into relaxing him, and he lowers his finger. He hates them, it makes having nervous habits a lot easier. Who knew "fingernails" were so chewable.

He does like how pointy they are here though, very nice. ]

If that is true, then I am sure you understand my hesitance to believe you.

[ Put some nail polish on them, then you won't want to chew them at all. But! That's just Joshua's opinion. He doesn't chew his nails anyway. ]

Oh, believe me, I do.

[ Unfortunately, he isn't usually the type to prove himself. Joshua thrives on other people making wild assumptions. He's sure that Affogato can make some wild assumptions about him - and is, right this moment in fact, though he's right about being dangerous.

Fortunately, for how dangerous Joshua could be, he's a slut for drama. That tamps things down a bit. And, in the interest of seeing more of the drama, he'll bite.

His sly smirk softens back to its usual state, and he crosses his arms, tipping his head. ]

What would make you believe me, out of curiosity?

[ Absolutely going to, once he discovers nail polish.

The question makes him smile, sweet and polite, which Josh can easily know doesn't reach any other part of him. ]

I'm afraid you cannot. Yet. Though I do adore your fashion tastes [ As they established at the dance. ] and I think your style is impeccable as always. If you are quite like me, then it takes a while to let someone into your confidences, to believe what they are telling you is the truth.

[ And not a lie to use you. To sway you. ]

[ Buddy, it's like looking into a mirror. ]

Aw, and here I was hoping it would be something easy.

[ Does he sound like he cares, though? Absolutely not. There is not an ounce of genuine disappointment in that voice. The compliment makes him preen just a little, though, turning his hand to inspect his impeccably clean and trimmed nails. ]

Oh, maybe. Once upon a time. I'm quite good at knowing when someone is telling me the truth these days. But, [ he drops his hand to his lap, propping his elbow on a table that isn't there, resting his knuckles against his cheek ] I guess we'll just have to see, hm? Time will tell.

[ He laughs a little mmhmm noise. Josh is quite a lot like him, isn't he? He understands the other perfectly. Even without the ability to read his mind like Josh has. He ponders the other thoughtfully as he preens. His expression slowly begins to reach his eyes. ]

Indeed, time will tell. However, should you desire to earn my trust faster... do let me do your makeup. Just a few highlights, your complexion is too flawless to ruin with anything heavy.

[ Affogato himself only uses lip and eye paint, after all. ]

Oh? Makeup, hm?

[ Well, now, that's something he can swing. He may not have anything more than a little bit of eyeliner on now - mostly because he's being lazy about it - but makeup is no stranger to his face. He's certainly played around enough over the years. ]

Hm. Makeup, I can do. But do you have the things you need? I doubt makeup is high on the necessity list here.

I will shortly. Pigments are easy enough to come by, it is the oils and fats that will be difficult to procure.

[ By Witches, he will though. He feels so incomplete without his makeup. Not that he needs it, he's fucking gorgeous even without it, but. ]

And you must let me do your hair.

Mm, I'm very particular about my hair. I do hope you know what you're doing.

[ Which is as much of an agreement as he's going to give, but at least it is an agreement! He can tell that makeup is a little bit of an issue, though. Hmm...

After a moment of silent thought, he extends one hand, palm face up. ]

Do me a favor. Place your hand on mine, just for a second. Again, I won't bite.

[ The noise he makes is entirely offended. Look at his hair, darling. Look at it! Do you not think he knows what he's doing?!

The hand being offered immediately sets Affogatos guard up, a cat bristling and arching his back. His eyes narrow at it, distrustful instantly. He's studying it for anything hidden. A needle to scratch with a poison. Something for the other to laugh at him about, perhaps.

The silence is intense. Cautiously he extends his own hand and places it in Joshua's, every muscle tensing to yank it away immediately if needed. ]

[ Oh, good. He'd anticipated more of a struggle in getting what he wants. Joshua smiles, tipping his head but otherwise leaving his hand stone still.

And then something forms under Affogato's palm. It's small, flat and circular, only about an inch or two tall and made of glass. If Affogato lifts his hand to see what it is, he'll find a small container of pressed purple powder in a very familiar shade. ]

Consider it a gift. Go on, take it. It's perfectly harmless.

[ Oh he'll jerk his hand back, all right, wary... only to find eyeshadow waiting for him. In his usual color.

There is no such thing as a gift, freely given. Not for Affogato. Though he so desires to snatch the eyeshadow, everything he ever had has been taken by him with his own two hands. He's clawed Power and Comfort for himself out of the world.

The idea of a gift is foreign. The Ridge doesn't give gifts, either. His voice is rather flat. ]

A gift. Forgive my disbelief. What is it you want in return.

[ Aha. Thought so. Joshua's smile doesn't fade, and his hand remains still and steady. ]

Oh, I don't want anything. Consider it an investment in your future.

[ Not that he expects Affogato to believe him, with the response he just got and the response he got previously. ]

[ HM......... he distrusts him, but there's no way in the Oven he's turning up free things.

Forgive the way he snatches the eyeshadow from Josh's hand like Josh might yank it away. He cradles it to his chest like it's precious. ]

... Thank you.

[ That hurt. ]

[ Like a distrusting animal. Hm. Now that's worth looking into. ]

You're welcome. And there's more where that came from, when you run out.

[ His previous digging around seems to have gone unnoticed. It's a good sign. With that reaction still fresh, he should easily be able to dig out the root cause from Affogato's memory. On the surface, he doesn't appear any different or distracted as he digs - it's second nature to him. ]

Hm. Why are you being so kind?

[ Is it Kindness? Affogato doesn't know. It could be an act. A convincing play. The other did say they were quite alike.

And as Josh digs, memories rush up. A small Cookie, laughed and mocked by other smaller Cookies for the white in his hair, for the milk in his ingredients. Their slit eyes like his but full of scorn. Coffee diluted, sweet mixed in with the bitter. Weak. He'll never survive in the Ridge.

Sitting on the floors constantly, always on his knees, while others sat on chairs. If something was offered, there was always a catch. It was never a good catch. If he was allowed to sit on chairs, it was always in discomfort, in exchange for something. Those particular memories are deliberately blurred. Trauma amnesia. A toy offered, only to be snatched back by another, who scolds him that it's not his. He doesn't deserve it. Sent to the Milk Village, overlooked because they simply had no desire for him.

Things never given to the younger Cookie, without something taken in return. Until he clawed control of it all, used it to his advantage, built upon his trauma to use what others desired for his own benefit. ]

[ Ah. Good old purity politics at work. He's well aware of it - it lurks beneath Japan's polite veneer - but it's always a nasty thing. To see it in Cookies is surprising, though, particularly considering coffee and milk go together like strawberries and cream, or matcha and red bean. It isn't an unusual combination. Does the Cookie world not have lattes?

But it gives more context. No wonder Affogato is the way he is. Having even the most basic of needs given conditionally, not feeling any sense of belonging because he hadn't ever been treated as if he belonged.

He'd make an excellent Reaper, Josh thinks. ]

Am I not allowed to be benevolent from time to time? Besides, I like to nurture talent. It'd be awful to let yours go to waste, if your skills are what you say.

[ And that's just his child years! Let's not look too deeply into WHY he desires makeup so badly, or why he dresses the way he does, or why-

The question in return for his question makes him hm, his eyes narrowed a little still but looking a little more mollified. ]

My skills are always what I say they are. [ It's the one damn thing he prides himself in. ] Yet you do not know me [ lol ] so forgive me my skepticism that you truly care.

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May Family Meeting

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cw: child abuse

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