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sticks and bones. ([personal profile] sticksandbonesmods) wrote in [community profile] sticksandbones2024-11-01 09:27 am
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EVENT 018

LIKE BRANCHES ON A TREE
A WINTER WONDERLAND
For a brief time, the world seems brighter; the sun pokes through the clouds more, and the gloomy atmosphere of the constant overcast days lessens ever so slightly. The sky seems bigger, brighter… but, it is the end of autumn as we know it and with the change of leaves comes bitter frost. The change is practically overnight — one morning grants pretty frosted windows and pleasantly crunchy leaves underfoot, and the next the world is being softly blanketed in snow.

Heimr stands at the window of the General Store, and every time he sees someone not dressed for the weather, he immediately calls them in. No one leaves without a proper pair of winter shoes and a coat, and the more you try to decline, the more he adds. Hats. Scarves. Gloves. Snow pants. Just make it easy on the both of you. Although, if you do feel you need that for the weather, he’ll oblige … And at least everything is nice to look at alongside being high quality.

Those with the bone ring may hear childish giggling as they leave, see the flick of a fox tail out of the corner of their eyes — but Plum is content to stay in the shadows still.

Winter frost and the falling snow seem to spread everywhere — Callan’s lake already has ice forming a thin shell on top while Terho’s cabin is blanketed in white. The river water is crisp and clear as ever, but the cold is bone deep and the Guardian tires from it already. Even the beach seems washed over with the cold.

Winter is here, and the cutting chill already tells you one thing: this won’t be an easy one.
WHISPERS IN THE WOODS
As the weather worsens, the forest and fog seem to open in sprawling paths. Some are inviting, a warm feeling in the air and even plant life poking through the snow still, an early spring! Some are alluring, wind beckoning and urging you forward. Come home, it says. Come home.

Even if you know it’s a bad idea, others might not — will you really let Mamika wander into the woods alone? Not that it’s truly her. The forest isn’t above tricks to get what it wants, and will lure you down these paths with illusions and mirages, the sounds of voices you know and love calling for you, for help, for anything and anyone — and maybe that is a trick, but can you really risk it?

Regardless, once you’re on the path, there’s no going back. It leads to a dead end and the fog closes around you. You’re trapped, alone in the woods, and all eyes are on you.
A DIFFERENT “ME”
… But only for a few hours. After that, you’re free to go, unharmed and unscathed. It’s just that… are you really you? Your clothes are different. Your memories too. Maybe now you remember making a different choice at a major crossroad. Maybe you didn’t save them. Maybe you did. Maybe everything went wildly wrong, and maybe it actually went right. But you’re different now, despite remembering your life in the abandoned Grove and all the people here clearly.

As you wander back off the path into town, you know this is right. You’ve been trapped here for however long with the people here, and maybe you no longer love them like this, but you know them, know yourself, and know what’s happened.

You’re just from a different walk of life, now.
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
A WINTER WONDERLAND
Winter has come, and during the light snowstorms, Heimr is lovingly forcing everyone into winter clothing. The more you say no, the more clothing you get. Be warm or else!

WHISPERS IN THE WOODS
Mysterious pathways open up in the woods. Should you go into them as they tempt you with murmurs and whispers, you'll be trapped for a few hours by a fog wall you can't pass through.

A DIFFERENT “ME”
But don't worry, you'll come out fine in the end - just with a few memories, or maybe even your physical body, changed entirely. Everyone will still recognize you as "you", and you'll still recognize the others... but maybe you know something has changed. Or maybe you don't.

OOC
Everyone thank Aspen for this month's player plot! Enjoy playing your AUs (or not) and get ready for winter. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out!

UPDATES
❖ None yet!

jouvente: game. (haha 👊 I'll be the only dream you seek)

[personal profile] jouvente 2024-11-05 03:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry Sesa, Isabeau is laughing a little, not at him though! Just the timing is comedic? Yes. That. ]

Don't experience a lot of it back home? I'd bet your workshop must be the best place to escape all this cold though! [ Nothing like a cozy warm workshop. ] If you need more proper clothing for it, come by the tailor shop anytime! I'll help you out.

[ The bundle in his coat gives a helpful maaao. ]
theuniverseleads: we're coming in from the cold (118)

ii loop does know where he lives

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-11-05 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
[Hey Ain, remember when Loop asked for sewing lessons? And then showed up once and ghosted him for the rest of the month? Yeah, so, they're here and waiting for him and it's way past noon and they do not look happy about it.

... but they're also covered in soft, fluffy bunnies, so. Hard to stay especially mad, either. They do smile brightly at him when he happens to stop by finally, petting a calm little bun in their lap (menacingly).]


Well, well, well! Look who decided to show up! You know, if noon was a bad time you could've just said so from the start. It's not like the time actually matters to me, but I do have other things I'd like to do today~
timidheart: interdigitate@Plurk.com (77)

wildcard

[personal profile] timidheart 2024-11-05 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
[AV hadn't been interested in the clinic. It was a shame, and while Mayoi had never fancied himself a healer of any kind, he and Mafuyu had taken up residence here a few times to help the Grove.]

[He'd gotten a little comfortable in here, spending his early day cleaning and dusting and making sure everything was in their place in the off chance someone would need something. That is why he is so surprised when he sees a particular someone suddenly come in the door.]


Hiie! Don't kill me, don't kill me! I have not touched anythiiiing, I swear, I swear-!

[This is a blatant lie, of course, but if this was AV come back to do a murder after being awfully benevolent this whole time, he was not beneath being a worm about not getting killed.]
purevanillacookie: (066)

[personal profile] purevanillacookie 2024-11-05 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ The reaction to him stepping into the Clinic startles him, his ears perking up as he turns his Staff to see if there's anyone behind him who might be causing issues. Huh, no. Just him. ]

Oh! No, my friend, I am not going to harm you!

[ It takes a moment for Pure Vanilla to figure why the other would react so. Ah, yes, the Doppelgangers were murdering, weren't they? He sets his hand on his chest and smiles lightly. ]

I am Pure Vanilla Cookie, not one of the Others.
beathollow: (L2D. 026)

[personal profile] beathollow 2024-11-05 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
--Oh!

( oh goodness! it's a baby. its! a dandelion!

what the heck!! that's delightful! her disgust with the freshly fallen snow and it's untreaded purity vanishes and while she keeps a respectful distance, there's a light in her eyes that was not there a moment ago. )


That would probably be best, if it's a baby... they tend to be much more sensitive....
theuniverseleads: these insatiable aspirations make me whole (026)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-11-05 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, you're fine now but we don't know what the forest is up to! We just got rid of all the murderous copies and you think now is a great time to go wandering into the woods??

[The difference isn't immediately obvious, but it does sound like something's off... which isn't helping their nerves at all. Especially since, you know, the doppelgangers last month could also receive Loop's calls, so how do they know this is the real Timekeeper, haha!!

Taking a deep breath in, and out. Try not to jump to any crazy conclusions... stay calm, stay calm, stay calm...]


What's going on in there? The fog looked like it moved... can you come back the way you came?
timidheart: _7_HR@twitter (48)

[personal profile] timidheart 2024-11-05 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh...it is the real Pure Vanilla. Yes, that wretched scent of fake vanilla is not clinging to him in the same way it was the other.]



[O-Oh no. So that means-]


I-I-I'm sorry, I've been using some of your things!! Please forgive me!

[Bowing his head in a panic!!]
purevanillacookie: (007)

[personal profile] purevanillacookie 2024-11-05 05:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, goodness! The panic makes him smile a little - kind of confused! - and shake his head with a small laugh. ]

My friend, do not worry so. The clinic is open to all, whether they wish to help or whether they need it. If you saw need to use the items within, then I am glad they were there for you.

[ He steps further into the area, and sets his hand lightly on the boys head. Then ruffles his hair. ]

Whatever you need, please always feel free to use!
timidheart: _7_HR@twitter (13)

[personal profile] timidheart 2024-11-05 06:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Uuuue...headpats...]

O-Oh... I see...

[He is off the hook? He is not to be banished to some dark abyss? Or exercised? Or-]

L-Let me at least ...show you the things I took. So they can be replenished.

[He will stand up straight and head off to some of the cabinets.]
ephemeralflow: (Don't walk backwards don't be jealous)

[personal profile] ephemeralflow 2024-11-05 10:57 am (UTC)(link)
Sorry, sorry. I thought I saw Dipper headed in here, and after last month...

[She shakes her head despite knowing Loop can't see that, letting out a resigned sigh. Well, she doesn't have to tell Loop of all people how rough last month was.]

I think I can, oddly enough. The fog's lifting, I can see a path. Cosmos Gear and I will be headed back your way shortly, with any luck.

[She's already moving as she speaks, following what looks like a familiar path back towards town, Gear bobbing after her. Before Loop can formulate a response, she pipes up again.]

Ah, I see the trees clearing already! Guess I'll see you soon, then.

[And she hangs up, because she fully expects Loop to be near enough where she entered the woods to ambush her when she returns. Indeed, it's only a minute or two later when... a hooded figure that very much does not look like Timekeeper steps out of the forest, brushing herself off, an oversized gear with a face looking around as it hovers over her shoulder.

Croissant Cookie slips her hood off and positively beams at Loop. A genuine smile, not a mask in sight.]


Ha, what did I tell you! I'm perfectly fine. Even though that is a little weird, for these woods.
purevanillacookie: (010)

[personal profile] purevanillacookie 2024-11-05 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's like a newborn cake pup! All trembles and anxiety! It's so very cute but also a little worrisome. Sweetiepie, what life did you lead to leave you like this? He sighs a little with a soft smile and follows after him, hooves and staff clicking lightly on the floor. ]

Thank you, my friend, for caring for the Clinic in my absence. I have heard my Other was not too keen on caring for others, so I'm pleased to see someone with a kind heart was here instead.
eidxiety: (bw. 102 @GEd__s)

[personal profile] eidxiety 2024-11-05 04:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ain stopped waiting out in the cafe at noon because you ghosted him, Loop, what is wrong with you. Anyway he's coming home with a hedgehog squashed up under one arm and stopping dead to stare at Loop like. What are you talking about, even.]

Haha... Shouldn't I be saying the same to you, since you ghosted me for the last three weeks?
theuniverseleads: not so thin, but not hardened (027)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-11-05 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Sorry? [in the most incredulous tone, because since when does Timekeeper apologize for anything?] Are you sure you're feeling okay?

[... but she's talking about the path, and—Cosmos Gear?? and they don't get a chance to ask again before she's ending the conversation. Now they know something is off, and all they can do is pace and stew in their thoughts for two minutes while they wait for her to appear. Something like the emotion rocks? Making her act weird?? If it's just that maybe it won't be that bad, but that seems too easy...

They hear the crunch of snow and twigs, turning sharply to make a beeline for her... and then stopping just as abruptly. Staring, equal parts concerned and wary.

After a moment, Loop raises one hand in a scissors sign. Just in case!]


Timekeeper?
theuniverseleads: and when it’s hard, (019)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-11-05 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't know if you noticed, but a lot of people were dead the last three weeks! Isn't it a little selfish to get hung up on something so petty when people were dying and getting replaced with evil clones?

But all of that is over now~ If you forgot, I guess I can still forgive you...
eidxiety: (bw. 052)

[personal profile] eidxiety 2024-11-05 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I had to take care of my boyfriend who got his guts blown out by a shotgun. [So no, he didn't forget!] But since we're on the same page, haha, are you sure you should be getting mad at me for "not being there" when you ditched first, and when I've clearly been busy taking care of the injured people?
forwander: (003 BlackCatSui_YOI)

[personal profile] forwander 2024-11-05 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
...would you like to eat anything with your coffee? The recipe hasn't changed.
forwander: (097)

[personal profile] forwander 2024-11-05 05:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Noted. Then, you'll want to avoid the babka, as it contains chocolate. If spice is what you seek, I could prepare you traditional Sargonian coffee, chai, or my homemade curry. Sesa claims it's the best curry he's ever eaten, though I have to account for his bias.

[It could just be "average" to anyone else, fiancés are simps though.]
healinghotpot: <user name="cinnaberry"> (sweet to harmonize the stomach)

[personal profile] healinghotpot 2024-11-05 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Bias does account for a great deal... But, it sounds like it's already come with its own recommendation. I think I'd like to try the curry, then! As well as the chai, please.

[ He is curious now. ]

Make it as spicy as you would make it for yourself.
forwander: (019)

C... poor loop

[personal profile] forwander 2024-11-05 06:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[This is literally the saddest fucking thing Passenger has ever seen. Like, Old Isin got to the point where he couldn't eat, but that was because he was an ailing old man and not because he didn't have a fucking mouth. RIP Passenger's caretaker may he rest in peace etc, he would also know how to give Loop a mouth probably.]

Forgive my prying, [he's not actually sorry, yet his flat tone absolutely suggests no emotion one way or the other at all,] but are you able to consume food via consuming the energy from it, in the same way as a spiritual entity would do?
forwander: (033)

02

[personal profile] forwander 2024-11-05 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Guess who's here for winter clothing because he is from the desert and Hates it here!!]

If you could. I would be grateful to get proper winter-wear. Last year's clothing is more than a little torn up due to certain circumstances. [The Forest be like that, you know. Passenger will hand over a kind of destroyed fleece jacket for reference.] With absolutely no offence to Heimr and his storefront, I find that nothing he provides is quite warm enough for me, either.
theuniverseleads: unhappy and reckless (005)

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-11-05 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, sorry~ I had to solve a murder, remember that murder that happened? The one you wandered away from? Yeah, that murder. And then after all of that I had to go and save the people who died, too. Were you also there for that, or were you still tending to your partner?

[...

Well, sass aside he does have a point. They cross their legs in their seat, careful to adjust the bun still cuddled up in their lap.]


Hmmmmm... well, I guess we were both busy! Alright, I'll forgive you.

We're still good, right? No hard feelings?
forwander: (011 472ne)

II

[personal profile] forwander 2024-11-05 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Normal Timekeeper Croissant Cookie, meet normal Passenger Elliot. He sees her pass by and hears "clean up around the clock tower" and thinks to himself, oh, does she need help? He was on his way to Heimr's to buy new ingredients for the cafe, buuuut he can deviate for a bit. There's no reason not to.

To the north he goes!]


Pardon. I overheard you saying you were going to clean up — can I assist you at all?
theuniverseleads: but the sun will stay (125)

trying their best

[personal profile] theuniverseleads 2024-11-05 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[They look up with a sigh, head propped up on an elbow... they are doing this in public, so the prying is expected. They don't look annoyed or anything, just disappointed in themselves.]

Nope! Or at least I don't think so? As far as I can tell, I don't need to eat at all.

[but they would still like to! obviously!]
leggierissimo: (When did angry sex become our thing?)

[personal profile] leggierissimo 2024-11-05 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
i. a different "me"

[ Sometime during the month, you may come across a dragon. It's just... laying there, on the snow, or possibly draped on the roof of a building. Maybe your building? At least it doesn't seem to be doing much damage.

Like a lazy cat, the dragon usually just seems to be taking a nap. Right out there in the cold snow. You know, the peak of comfort. It doesn't seem like the cold bothers it, though!

Do you let sleeping dragons lie, or do you try to shoo it off with a broom? Or maybe some hidden third option? ]



ii. wildcard

[ For all your other Joshua needs! ]
poaceae: https://tinyurl.com/y9xorfh5 (pulling grass hair)

01

[personal profile] poaceae 2024-11-05 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fern has been released from Heimr's clutches only after being outfitted in hat, gloves, coat, scarf, and fur-lined boots. They look a little odd, since his pants are still grass just like the rest of him.

He is not pleased with this turn of events. ]


It's not cold enough, now. It feels like an oven in here! It isn't even that cold. The Ice Kingdom is way colder.
Edited 2024-11-05 19:10 (UTC)

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