Guild: Bones Like Bare Roots - Channel: sidelines

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 04:27 PM

The lonesome edges of the cave where the air is colder.

Populated by the following NPCs:
The Huntress
Inkjet Printer
Josiah
(edited)

scarecrowby has pinned a message to this channel

Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 05:19 PM

Will remembers this event. He remembers introducing Lightning to Sunny at the same one last year. He thinks he might have been happier then. He also thinks he may have put more effort into his costume. This time though... this time he's jittery. There promises to be a big crowd, both of court cats and the various other creatures they'd interacted with. As he enters the cave with only his simple paper hiding his face, strapped loosely with thin vines, he can see Penny's large... strange form. And it puts him even more on edge.

He doesn't think Lightning's here yet. He also doesn't see Sunny which... which he's not sure is good or bad. Bad, because he likes Sunny, and wants to be around him. Good because... well. Will knows he's different. Will's not sure Sunny wants to be around him.

He wishes he'd found some way to bring Daniel that wouldn't have involved him running away. It'd make things better, easier. The ginger tabby wanders around aimlessly, muttering strange things to himself under his breath, and just hoping no one's really looking at him. He ends up near the edges of the cave, unprotected by the heat of the fire. But Will doesn't really feel the cold anyway - his paws have been numb to it for awhile.

He also doesn't seem to notice the Huntress lingering along the edges either. Instead, he just paces with his therapy flyer on his face and his bowtie settled crookedly across his neck.

[open !]

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 05:31 PM

The Huntress... watches Will, noticing his much less effort costume. It was a far cry from last year. She remembers him with Sunny, chatting and bright and vibrant.

Shuffling a little closer, the tall girl steps into Will's path. "Can I talk to you about something?" she says, voice hushed-- grey eyes flickering towards the entrance nervously.
@Booz!!!

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Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 05:35 PM

It takes a moment for Will to recognize the cat who's approached him. She looks different than the last time he'd seen her - tall with slightly different coloured fur. Honestly, he probably wouldn't recognize her at all if not for the cloak. It rings the bells in his mind, and the image is momentarily replaced with the small glimpse into Sunny's strange room before The Huntress returns. He blinks.

"You can talk. I'll listen." He says, though the way he looks at her suggests he's only vaguely present. When the taller cat turns to look at the entrance, Will follows her line of sight, ears pricked forward and confusion dancing on his face. Suddenly... suddenly he's nervous. What does she want to talk about? Did he do something wrong? Is this about when he'd asked her to lead him to the library? He still wants that. He still doesn't want anyone to come with him. Is she going to tell him no?

The nervous energy causes his tail to flick slowly from side to side, but he doesn't speak again until she says her piece.

@scarecrowby

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 05:36 PM

"... You deserve better than Sunny," she says, voice dropping low. "He ruins everything he touches. He's a coward."

The Huntress looks at her feet for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. Unsure of what came over her to say this to him.

"I just... I just think you should know that. And um. It's not your fault," she says, losing a bit of steam.
@Booz!!!

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Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 05:46 PM

If Will had been a car, his engine would have been stalling out for the better part of six months. He would have been taken to the shop time and time again to get it fixed, but nothing would have seemed to work. And now? When the Huntress says what she intends to say? It's as if someone took a bottle of liquid nitrogen and poured it directly on his engine.

He freezes, almost literally if not for the rapid rise and fall of his chest. His eyes are wide as cold air seems to enter his bones. His numb paws feel as if they've been bitten by frost. In fact, as he turns his head to look, he can almost see the frost crawling around him. He can feel it worming its way under his fur, obscuring the sun pattern on his back and turning it into a snowflake. In his minds eye, he becomes an ice sculpture.

Perhaps that's what keeps the fire in his stomach at bay. The want to hiss and yell at the Huntress for what she's said is kept cool by the ice that has replaced the blood in his body. He exhales, and he can see his breath mist in the cool air. "You're. You're being stupid." He says after a moment, eyes crossing. He closes them. Thankful that his expression is hidden behind his paper. "You're just mad. Mad because. Um. Because he misses your. Um. Your predecessor more than he likes you. That's mean. You should apologize. Sirius says apologizing is a good first step."

He hesitates, and fixes those unfocused, scattered eyes on the Huntress. Even if he has to tilt his head up to do it. "It's all my fault though. So you're wrong. Stupid and wrong. Sorry."

@scarecrowby

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 05:50 PM

The Huntress... although she didn't expect that reaction exactly, looks sad at his expression. What he says is hurtful, but... true. "You're right. And I'm sorry, especially if I hurt you. I, um, didn't mean to make you... suffer. I just wanted you to know. I'm not sure what came over me..."

The Huntress chews the inside of her cheek.

"If I show you something, will you promise not to tell anyone? I think you, of all cats, might understand. And... and maybe I--" The Huntress looks at her paws again. "I just need someone to understand."
@Booz!!!

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Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 05:56 PM

For his part, Will doesn't seem to think that anything he might have said was wrong. So when the Huntress doesn't act angry, he's not surprised. She apologizes, and he nods, and the ice seems to thaw away from his paws. Whether he forgets what had just happened, or didn't realize it was happening at the time, he seems completely over it now as he blinks. "It's okay. You apologized. So it's okay." He blabbers, though falls silent again when she speaks.

She wants to show him something? Cats very rarely want to show him things, lately. Usually they just want to make sure he's okay, which is weird. Because of course he's okay. He's okay, right? Different. But okay. So why does she want to show him something? He tilts his head like a curious bird, before bobbing it in a nod. "I won't tell. Cats dont like to talk to me. I might tell Daniel, but he doesn't talk. He's very good at keeping secrets. It's better to tell people things. So you can show me. And tell me." He stands as if she intends to take him somewhere.

But... but that flash of clarity. How it loves to pick it's moments carefully. His voice is almost normal, his eyes almost clear, as he speaks once more. "I can't promise I will understand. But I will try. You're trying something difficult for me. So I will try for you." And just as suddenly as it was there, it's gone again as he stares expectantly at the tall creature.

@scarecrowby

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 06:01 PM

"Thank you," The Huntress says softly, examining his face and choosing to trust the genuine expression she finds there... even if it were just for a moment.

With shaking paws-- which are entirely too large for her to be proportionate now-- she moves to the clasp of her leather cloak. Unsnapping it reveals...a vivid golden glow like sunlight at dawn. Using one edge of the cloak to shield it from the view of the others around, she shows Will...a sun marking-- imprinted on her chest right beneath the comfortable hiding spot of the clasp. It's a sun marking almost reminscent of a compass, bordered by flower petal like shapes around the central circle.

Swiftly, she clasps the cloak again and... shrugs, dropping her eyes. He can make what he will of that.
(edited)

@Booz!!!

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Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 06:07 PM

She doesn't take him anywhere, and instead moves to just unclasp her cloak. Will's not entirely sure how stripping is going to help this thing, but moves to undo his bowtie all the same. That's what this is, right? An exchange of disrobing?

His paws falter and stop before he manages, however, when a sudden shock of light takes over his vision. He blinks, trying to adjust his good eye to the sudden flash, and when he does he can feel his mouth hang slightly open. His body moves without his consent, his paws reaching forward as if to touch the marking that she is showing him. A soft murmur comes unbidden from his mouth, a simple "What does that mean," But. But he knows, right?

Perhaps subconsciously, Will turns at an awkward angle to look at the sun marking on his back. They're different, of course, but similar enough to give him pause.

She's got it covered by the clasp of the cloak again, and Will swallows whatever words that had gathered in his throat. The light that had blinded him warms him, burning off the fog and giving him a few precious moments. "I won't tell but... but can you explain to me. What it means? For me. For me it was his way of marking me, I think. When I was born. Was that, for you too? Or your predecessor?" His voice is hushed, as if he has somehow gathered the importance of keeping this quiet through his haze.

Another hesitation. Unsure how to traverse the waters of socialization, even when he's feeling a bit more himself. Will glances behind himself again, before matching The Huntress' gaze on her paws. "Of course. You don't have to. It's your business. Thank you for showing me. If I can. If I can help you. In any way. I will." A longer pause. "I promise. I didn't... I'm sorry if I was rude. I'm. It's hard. Lately."

@scarecrowby

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 06:15 PM

The mark of the sun on Will makes her give a tense smile and nod. "That's-- part of why I thought you'd... understand, maybe. It's um... I guess it's something similar with me. I've... had it since I was born as well," The Huntress says awkwardly, glancing away. "Um..."

"But... my...predecessor did not. And...this mark on me, um, got her killed," The Huntress grew very quiet. "It was a long time ago. I was very-- I was..."

The Huntress looks... nervous. "Sorry, I've...said too much. But thank you. I appreciate you...listening. And I hope things get easier for you. It's...a tough world out there. I'm learning that myself.
@Booz!!!

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(edited)

Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 06:20 PM

Will's quiet as the Huntress talks, and though he can't bring himself to meet her eyes, it's clear that she has his attention. So... so they're in a similar situation then. It got her predecessor killed? What does... what does that mean for him? She... she was just lying about Sunny making things worse, right? Sunny had saved his life. There's no way he would ruin it. "Mine doesn't light up." He says, belately and awkwardly.

She apologizes again, and Will fixes her with a frail smile. "You can. You can talk to me. I'm a very good listener." He says after a moment, moving stiffly and resting his paw lightly over top of hers. "Or you can talk to my snake, if you want. He's. He's a better listener. He doesn't talk." Had he said that already?

A soft pause. He can feel the confusion start to grip his mind again, feel the want of his mind to get away from his body. He blinks hard. "I hope that. That things get easier for you, too. You deserve, nice things." He pauses again. "You aren't stupid. I'm sorry I said that. I was angry." Is he still angry? Emotions are so hard to hold onto.

Will removes his paw. "You can sit with me. If you want. We don't have to talk. But that way. Um. That way we both won't be lonely." Hesitation. "Crowds are. Awful. Too much can go wrong. A large margin of error."

@scarecrowby

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 06:23 PM

"Be thankful for that. It gives away my location in the darkest woods of the Bright Realms," The Huntress says, shaking her head with a little laugh.

The Huntress smiles at his kind gesture. "I love reptiles. And...thank you. I appreciate the apology. I'm okay to sit together. These things are weird. I spend tons of time out in the woods usually, so...big groups of people are...different," she admits.

The Huntress likes Will. There's an odd tether between them. Despite... how he is, she can't help but look up to him in some way.
@Booz!!!

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Booz!!!

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} Oct 31, 2020 06:36 PM

Will laughs softly at her small joke, a rough and unfamiliar sound. "I think I'd prefer. Prefer that. I, um, I get scared. Of the dark, I mean. Sometimes." His volume lowers with each word, as if he's admitting a dark secret. Which, maybe he is. He's been secluding himself in his dark den a lot lately. Briefly, he wonders if that's been his own special way to punish himself. But the thought is gone before it can gain much traction.

When the Huntress claims she loves reptiles, Will seems visibly lighter. "He's not. Excellent. With cats yet. But I'm training him. He'll sit on my shoulders sometimes. He's just recently shed. You're. Um. You're welcome to visit. Any time. I'm usually in there."

Her assessment of large groups and how they make her feel is echoed by a soft noise of agreement, but Will falls silent again not long after. This is... it's nice. He thinks. No societal pressure - most of his courtmates are enjoying the party in the more populated areas. And, despite his earlier words, he likes the Huntress. He likes that she's quiet and, while taller now, a warm presence. Anxious in ways that he finds similar to his own.

Maybe they're friends. Will thinks he needs some friends, and thinks that maybe she does too.

@scarecrowby

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 06:41 PM

"Can't fault you there," The Huntress says. She forgot the dark in the mortal world was... different than the dark of the Bright Realms. The Bright Realms hungered. The Bright Realms grew powerful under the cover of the rare night, which did not fall on the same cycle as this world. The night was long, terrible, and The Huntress traveled it each time. As her respective role, she walked the realm constantly, unable to get herself to settle in one place. It was her inherent restlessness that kept her paws moving.

"I don't mind," she says, more than used to worse creatures. She considers that though. Perhaps that would be pleasant. It would be nice to... form another connection. She went through her life until this point tethering herself to so few others.
@Booz!!!

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miBOO!!! [

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] Oct 31, 2020 07:04 PM

Wendy is so excited, and the costume Rune got for her is just perfect!

Her tail jumps up and down as she moves, and her teeth stick out as she glances across the crowd. This is so exciting, but she's gotta be careful not to get too close to anyone. She's heard times like these are the perfect time to get cursed, and she doesn't want anyone else to deal with that.

She squirms, looking back and forth, back and forth... wondering what to do first.
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scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 07:16 PM

Josiah and Inky split off from the group muttering intently to one another.

"I'm just saying you're being a baby about this," Inky hisses.

"I'm being a baby? You mean about my murderous father being here chumming it up with everyone? Within feet of cats he actively tried to hunt down just a few days ago?" Josiah says, tone firm.

"My murderous adoptive father is here and he's fine. He's doing fine. No one minds him," Inky says.

"It's different, Ink," Josiah tells them.

"Just enjoy the night, okay? It's only one night. If anything this is good for us. Get him comfortable. You look handsome. Have a burger and maybe you'll calm down," Inky says with a lash of their tail, sitting off to the side and squinting at Wendy. "Hey kid. You eavesdropping on our conversation?"

Josiah rolls his eyes and glances around the party, eyeing the room up nervously.
@miBOO!!! [

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] @ wendy from inky, josiah open

miBOO!!! [

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] Oct 31, 2020 07:59 PM

This whole talk about murderous fathers is, like, kinda cool, but is also totally bumming her out.

"What?" she squawks when Inky calls her out. "Yeah, maybe. I dunno. I can kill people if I touch them, though, so your dads aren't that interesting. My dad's cooler, anyway. He's gonna wield magic." Wendy gives a toothy, smug grin, stretching out on her tall legs. Even still, she's mostly a kitten, and isn't all that big yet.

"Hey-- what are you supposed to be, anyway? I'm calling myself a spade monster. I dunno what this is actually called-- Dad got it from the store, and he didn't tell me-- but I've got a spade tail and these horns so I think it's a good guess."

@scarecrowby

Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 08:01 PM

| @scarecrowby

As Redeye slips through the crowd to join the festivities he can't help feeling proud of his work. Initially, he hadn't been all too keen on attending. Just...just one of those nights, he supposes, but then he considered dropping in and if he was going to drop in then, well, he needed to look the part!

So here he was, the picture of a walking skeleton, the detail of each 'bone' immaculate and flowing with his every movement. Yeah. He was an artist now.

As he pads out into the clearing a familiar face catches his eye, reddish gaze settling on a fluffy blue and cream tabby. "Hey, Josiah! It's been awhile!" He calls before sprinting over to the larger cat with a grin. He hadn't seen this guy since that venture into the city looking for Brutus. "How've you been? It's great to see you around. Are you enjoying the party?"

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 08:05 PM

"No way. You kill people on contact? I dare you to try to kill the next person who steps inside this place," Inky says, amber eyes lighting up with vicious ambition. "Do it, you won't."

"I'm like, the red wolf girl. From the human story. You know the one. I was just working on this prototype so... I didn't know what else to wear," Inky says, giving a little twirl of the cloak. "You're a devil, by the way. They're like... little monsters or something."

Josiah, fighting the temptation to bite into the conversation with Inky and the kid, turns instead to see Redeye and blinks his surprise. "Oh! Hello, it has been a while. I've been... alright. Things have been... hectic in the city to say the least," he says, leering past Redeye and towards the shape of his father beside The Truth. "But I've been well. A few things have been keeping me afloat. I'm having a good time so far! We just got here. How are you? You look incredible. I almost didn't recognize you."
@Unknown @miBOO!!! [

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miBOO!!! [

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] Oct 31, 2020 08:10 PM

Wendy frowns, almost audibly. "It takes a while. Like, they get... they get cursed, so they die. I'm a walking curse, so I don't touch people. It's cause of the eye on my head. Also, if I did that, Rune would get mad. So I can't. Sorry."

When Inky talks about the "red wolf girl", Wendy pauses for a moment... then lights up. "Oh! I think I know what you're talking about. We heard a lot on our travels. It's, like, the wolf eats her grandma or whatever. I didn't like that story, but you look pretty good."

"A devil! Well... I mean, I sorta got it," she snickers, shaking her fur out. "Right?"

@scarecrowby

Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 08:12 PM

| @scarecrowby

Redeye follows his glare to the huge black cat standing by the Truth, lost in staring for a moment, eyes narrowing. They were standing awfully close. "Is that the Truth's new man? Yeah, I don't like him either. He's a bastard," he huffs before turning his face away, refocusing on his current company. "The Truth deservers better than that guy, whoever he is."

He pauses for a moment, glancing over Josiah curiously. "Actually, didn't know you knew the Truth? Are you part of his group? Well, sorry to hear things have been a bit amiss in the city, hopefully they calm down soon and you can get a nice break tonight. " He beams once Josiah compliments his paint job. "Thanks! It took like 5 hours or something, but it was worth it!"

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 08:39 PM

"Lame," Inky snorts, some of their interest in that fun murder prank dying a bit. Clearly this kid has issues though, probably better not to push it.

"Yeah! Grandma eater. That's me. I've never had a grandma but I'm sure I'd eat her up if I did have one," Inky says.

"You were pretty close, kid. Man, you court cats get new folks all the time. I don't recognize everyone here. Not to mention the real freaks." Inky glances at Clockstopper and Penny.

Josiah lets out a long sigh. "I guess so. I hope not, but it seems like it. I don't know if there's labels yet. But they certainly seem... close. Everyone deserves better than him," he says, uncharacteristically bitter.

He pauses a moment before drawing in a deep breath, letting go of his anger.

"I'm not. I was working with Waters to help Shroudpaw find her parents. I look after the refugee clan cats in the city. One of which the Order's minions killed recently. And the other cat in that situation... I'm still not sure where he is. Maybe dead too. Two good warriors gone."

Josiah blinks, realizing he's gone bitter again. He shakes himself hard, thick curls of fur flying everywhere. "Ugh! Sorry. Being a downer. I've been hanging out with Inky! That's been nice!"

Josiah sends a sideways glance to the tuxedo cat.

"No labels on that either," he mutters to Redeye slyly.
@Unknown @miBOO!!! [

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Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 09:01 PM

| @scarecrowby

Redeye can't help the shiver that rushes down his spine. If even a friendly, gentle cat like Josiah didn't like that guy he really must be bad news even knowing what he knew about that relationship, whatever they wanted to call it. He would be putting some visits to the Church on his priority list in the coming days. "Who is he anyway? Never seen him around here before."

Redeye frowns at the news, eyes going a bit wide. He had no idea Josiah did such important work. "If I may be so bold, is there anything I could do to help?" Mention of the Order brings a dark look to his face, claws flexing. Shroudpaw's name being spoken does make him glance around, but it doesn't seem she's around this area. "That's wonderful you could do that for her! I know how much she was missing her family. Are they staying with us?"

As Josiah sends a sly glance first to Inky and back to him Redeye can't help laughing. "Wow, you have been busy then!" He teases, nudging his shoulder with a paw. "Congrats on your no labels relationship." Ah, growing love. At least in this case it might be something good for both cats involved.

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 09:19 PM

"Marshall, the leader of the Order," Josiah says bitterly.

"I appreciate the request. Maybe... maybe later. I... have plans. But I can't speak of them here," Josiah drops his voice into a whisper. "But I think they'll be better off staying with the court for the time being. It's not safe to be a clan cat right now."

"And thanks! It's weird. Ink's... Ink's weird. Good weird! But... I don't know. I've never met anyone like them," Josiah says in a slightly flustered way, pawing at his face as if to clear the expression off it. He's quietly pleased about the better topic. "Anyways!"
@Unknown

Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 09:25 PM

| @scarecrowby

Marshall. That name sinks into him like the blade of a knife and for a long moment he's silent, body language rigid and claws unsheathing to grip the ground beneath them fiercely. Memories of those last days in the city flash through his mind and when he stares at the dark tom all he sees is red.

"What is he doing here!? A cat like that doesn't belong here!" He snaps, breaths coming out ragged. Never before in his life had he set eyes on the leader of the Order, but he knew that name.

The panic flowing through him is suffocating enough he has to sit down, closing his eyes and trying to just - to just steady himself. He told Will he wasn't violent anymore, and fighting Marshall here and now wouldn't do anything beyond probably leave him an actual corpse.

"I'm sorry, it's...I know it's not your fault. The Truth brought him here, not you, but I...there are cats here he shouldn't see."
(edited)

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 09:29 PM

Josiah is alarmed by the sudden jolt of fury and anger in Redeye and gently presses his shoulder to the other toms. "I know. I would have had more to say about it if my relationship with The Truth weren't already tenuous at best. This event is meant to be peaceful...so we should be...fine. For now. There's a lot of weird creatures here. And he's only got one bodyguard. He should know he's out of his element."

"Doesn't operate this far out anyways as I know right now," Josiah mutters. "That's why it's safe for clan cats to be here...for the time being."
@Unknown

Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 09:46 PM

| @scarecrowby

For the time being. It's difficult for Redeye to believe Marshall is capable of following rules or being peaceful. He's built a certain image of the tom in his mind that he isn't in any hurry to dispel, his gaze burning and furious as he stares at Marshall and the Truth before finally managing to rip his gaze away.

"I sure hope so."

All Redeye knew is if Marshall brought the Order here to try and reclaim the lives that escaped his wrath, he isn't sure the Court will survive. Redeye thought Bane's group was untouchable, but now they weren't anything beyond fertilizer. "I'll be having a word with the Truth later, he should know better than to show a cat like that around the Court."

Was he trying to put them all in danger? He had to know what Marshall was like, that he didn't tolerate rival groups. The Court might not exactly be a rival yet, but the moment he started to see them as such? Paranoia wraps around him like a tangle of wire. "If you're sure it's safe for now though I'll leave them be."

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 09:49 PM

"I'm sure it is," Josiah says genuinely. "I give you my word."

He wasn't really sure himself. But he would do anything to ease Redeye's mind somewhat.

He doesn't speak for the Truth's judgement here. Josiah finds him to be a few pieces of prey short from having a full pile. He lets the conversation fall into silence, ready to let it die out or for Redeye to pick a prettier topic.
@Unknown

Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 10:07 PM

| @scarecrowby

"Ok - ok," Redeye concedes, turning his back fully to the pair so he wouldn't have to look at them. "So, Inky, huh?" He asks, making a clumsy attempt at returning to the previous topic.

"He made this for me," he mumbles, brushing his silver bandana with a paw. "Don't know him well, but he seems like a funky fresh dude and not bad on the eyes either. You've got taste."

scarecrowby Oct 31, 2020 10:22 PM

"Inky! Yes. He made this for me too," Josiah says, gesturing to the purple stitched collar. "I guess that means he likes you, when he makes you things."

"I've... I'm new to all this, admittedly. I guess I've never had time for it before," the tom says with an awkward laugh, self consciously grooming himself a little.
@Unknown

Electric Bones Oct 31, 2020 10:49 PM

| @scarecrowby

"I did pay him...sort of. I gave him this cool white rock I found by the river," Redeye replies helpfully. "I heard he was a trader of sorts so he sounded perfect to help me out with...a little problem I was having."

His expression grew softer as Josiah went on, feeling a bit guilty for his outburst earlier. One can't quite help their trauma sneaking back up on them of course, but it wasn't an excuse to lash out at others.

"I know what you mean. I never thought I would...have anyone like that, and somehow I did twice." Maybe...maybe three times? If he was lucky.

scarecrowby Nov 01, 2020 01:41 AM

"Well... good for us then," Josiah says hopefully, a smile turning up his flat muzzle.

"Ink's helpful like that... and they improve all the time too, I'm lucky to see how much better they get over time." Josiah gives the tuxedo a fond glance. "And I hope things... get better soon. For all of us."
@Unknown

Electric Bones Nov 01, 2020 03:57 AM

| @scarecrowby

"Yes... I hope so too." The fondness in Josiah's eyes as he glances at Inky reminds Redeye of something. Did he look at Crowsong that way? Was it as evidently transparent to the rest of the Court as Josiah and Inkjet's entanglement was?

"I er - I have something similar, I think. Something without a label. Maybe. I don't actually know how they feel. I'm a bit afraid to ask," he laughs softly, gaze dipping to his paws. "How did you two go about, er...not having a label together?"

scarecrowby Nov 01, 2020 06:44 PM

Josiah laughs at that, a bright, warm noise that reflects genuine humor without judgement. "Inky approached me first. They've always been the bold one. And I have never even thought about something like that until they waltzed right up into my life. I knew them before, yeah, but...never truly knew them. The connection was just instant. I don't know. I just feel this draw in my chest. This fondness. I think... if you have something like that..."

Josiah pauses.

"You should be bold about it. But maybe I'm speaking from a place I don't know about. After all, we've got no labels yet." He laughs again.
@Unknown

Electric Bones Nov 02, 2020 08:15 AM

| @scarecrowby

Be bold about it. Josiah's advice makes sense, but the thought of telling Crowsong how he felt made his stomach flutter like it was full of butterflies.

"I've always been bold in the past, but it feel different now," he replies a bit sheepishly, batting at a tuft of grass by his paws. "I don't know why it feels so hard this time."

scarecrowby Nov 03, 2020 12:03 AM

"That's a good sign though, isn't it? Someone who really shakes up your usual life is... special," Josiah says gently, a smile curving up the edges of his flat muzzle.

"Whose this mysterious cat whose caught your eye?" he prompts, giving Redeye a ginger nudge of a paw.
@Unknown

Electric Bones Nov 03, 2020 10:35 PM

| @scarecrowby

"I - yes, I suppose it is," he chuckles. "Not like my last few relationships exactly turned out well. I want this one to - if it became something labeled, that is, be one that lasts."

Josiah asking the name of this mystery cat does make him pause, glancing around as if to make sure no one was close enough to overhear let alone the cat they were talking about. "Crowsong. Have you ever met him?"

scarecrowby Nov 04, 2020 01:16 AM

Josiah makes a delighted noise, nodding. "Ah! I don't think I have. I've heard good things, though," he says. "What do you like best about him?"

This is a better topic. A lighter topic. It relaxes Josiah somewhat to discuss. He wonders when the first kits will be born in the court.
@Unknown

Electric Bones Nov 04, 2020 06:17 AM

| @scarecrowby

"A shame, I'll have to introduce the two of you sometime. He's quite the character!" Redeye exclaims with fondness. This change of subject was nicer, lighter. It focuses his mind on something other than the terrible revelation from only a few minutes ago.

"What do I like best about Crowsong," he murmurs softly. Could he pick just one thing? "There's just something about him I find inspiring. He's honest to his core, and always seems to know what to say. He really makes me feel seen, and he fights for what he believes in even if everyone else is against him. He was a leader once and I can see why. I'd follow him to the ends of the earth if he asked me to. So long as Hare could come, of course."

scarecrowby Nov 04, 2020 11:45 PM

"Honesty..." Josiah nods approvingly, the word ringing true to him. "That's something that's really important to me to. I feel like it's really important to be your authentic self. And authentic people give authentic advice."

He smiles.

"I'm glad you can have someone like that in your life. You deserve the best Redeye, always remember that," Josiah says, with heart like he truly means it.
@Unknown

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| Lelia

) Oct 23, 2021 12:50 AM

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