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Post by Avery on Jun 16, 2015 23:42:09 GMT -5
Cori was threatening Caraway again, yelling at her not to go over the Wall, Cara and go to school, Cara and there is delicious breakfast in the kitchen, Cara, all of which were just ridiculous things to say! After all, if Cara didn't go over the Wall, then how would the family eat tonight!? And If Cara went to school, then how would she have time to go over the Wall? And gods, did Cori really expect for Cara to believe that there were rolls on the table from her IMAGINARY JOB THAT SHE DIDN'T EVEN REALLY HAVE!? It was just... sometimes Cara wanted to slap Coriander and tell her sister to just wake up! It was so unfair, that Cara was just fifteen and Cori was so much older, and ought to be providing for her little sisters, but no! Instead she lived a deluded life and made everything so miserable, and in the meanwhile Cara and Rosemary suffered for it! Oh, what would Papa and Mama say if they could see this? How sad they would be, to watch their littlest daughters starving away as Cori lived on in fantasyland. "Look, Cori," she said evenly, "why don't you just go off to 'work', okay? Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. And Rosemary. Just like always, I promise!" She smiled thinly before looking back to Ivan, who was telling her about why he couldn't risk going over the Wall. This made Cara sad, because company was always nice, but she understood. Not everybody could be so brave as she was (well, she was actually average but sometimes she thought maybe she was brave, too?), after all, and Ivan had the Children to think about. She couldn't pay too much heed to his warning that she shouldn't put herself into danger, though: she had no choice. At least Ivan had the farm to rely on for food, but if Cara didn't go hunting on the other side of the wall with her handcrafted bow and arrow set... well... Things would grow bleak so quickly. As Ivan went on to tell her about the Resistance's foul deeds, Cara gasped in shock, barely noticing as a girl glided up on a bicycle outside and yelled insults at her (Cara was used to insults, after all she was so plain that they were just an every day occurrence, it was only a wonder Ivan was her friend at all instead of joining in on the insults; oh Ivan, he was too good for her!). After the insulter pedaled off, Cara gazed deep into Ivan's alluring eyes, so much more alluring than her pools of liquid emerald irises would ever be and opened her lips, as though to reply to him, but before she could, Cori replied in her stead, soothing Ivan's fears as she also made up MORE LIES AND UGH CARA COULD HARDLY STAND IT, HER SISTER WAS SO DELUDED. At least she left, then, whereupon Cara batted her eyelashes at Ivan. "I'm sorry you can't come with me over the Wall, but I should go soon if I want to make it back by the time school gets out, so that I may pick up my sweet Rosemary; I so hate that sometimes she must walk there and back alone! And on an empty stomach no less!" She sighed. "I'm sorry about Cori, too. She... means well, but well... you know how she is." As Cara talked, a movement outside suddenly snapped her attention. Oh boy... was that... her heart skipped a beat. "Ronan!" she called, waving awkwardly and clumsily. "I haven't seen you since well um--" Her eye falling momentarily back on Ivan, Cara faltered. "... Well, you know. That first day. Are you... are you adjusting well to Melville? I hope you like it! I hope you're eating well! And not being chased by monsters outside the Wall!" She froze again as she realized how stupid and awkward she'd just sounded, UGH, why was she so silly and dull, of course Ronan wasn't being chased by monsters outside the Wall now that he was inside! ... And oh gods, what if he'd overheard Cara's talk of going over the Wall and reported it to the Council; she didn't know if she could trust this alluring newcomer as well as she did steadfast, sexy Ivan. "Um. How long have you been standing there?" she asked. Cara laments about the deluded Cori ( Gelquie). She ignores Victoria ( Liou) insulting her because as a plain boring girl she is SO used to such things. After talking more to Ivan ( Celestial) she notices Ronan ( Elcie) and greets him!
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Post by Celestial on Jun 17, 2015 7:34:22 GMT -5
Ivan had smiled at Cori's reassurance. Even if she was deluded in having her job, like Cara had said, she was still a good person and she was at least trying. Sometimes he found it hard to believe that she really would lie to her family like she did, and she seemed to be hanging around the bakery a lot, not to mention they always had fresh bread and even pies. It was almost like she did work as the baker's assistant. But regardless, it was none of his business what she did with her time. Mother and Father did always say not to poke his nose into other people's business, and now that he had responsibility of looking after the Children, he could hardly afford to do that. He was about to open his mouth to reply before he spun around as he heard the bike pull up. Ivan narrowed his eyes as Victoria stepped towards them, inching closer to Caraway as he did. But that was silly. Cara could look after herself, she was tough and brave, much braver than he was, but he still wanted to prove to her that he was a capable man, even if his current enemy was just some prissy girl on a bicycle. However, as Victoria began to touch him, he stiffened and glared at her. She always did that. Did she not realise that the one true love of his life was Caraway, even if he would never pursue her? Victoria just did that to make him jealous. Though maybe it would have been better for the Children if he accepted her offer...after all, he did say he would do anything for them... Ivan growled and shook his head. He wanted to say something clever, something to get Victoria to go away, but the way she kept insulting Cara made him see red. Couldn't she realise that Cara was so much more wonderful than Victoria could ever be? She was jealous, that was what it was. And the threats about the Resistance...they wouldn't get Caraway either. Cara could fight them off easily. Before he could open his mouth to reply, she had left. He glared on after her, spreading his arms slightly as though protecting Caraway. "Good riddance to Victoria," he murmured and glanced back at Caraway, checking she was alright. The worst Victoria could do was make her cry, and Cara was too strong to ever cry, except a beautiful single tear when she got too stressed from taking care of her siblings. Cori, however, recovered her nerve first (must have been something in the Nix genes that made them so cool under pressure) and when she asked him to make sure Rose and Cara get to school, Ivan nodded, unsure of who to listen to. Cori always seemed to know what she was doing but Cara insisted she was deluded so he was not too sure. Then again, he needed to go get the Children ready for school too so it would not be any trouble to see if Rose got to school, maybe even Cara...Cara, who was so smart and clever on top of being tough. She would do well in school even if she missed lessons. But he still did not want her to go. He gazed pleadingly at Caraway. "Please don't go over the Wall tonight. You should go to school, like Coriander said, get a good job and an education. It's too dangerous for you. Even if your sister is deluded, which I don't know if she is..." Ivan broke off as he noticed that Cara was not paying attention to him. At first he thought she had gotten bored of him, which was about time given how dull and simple and plain he was, but as he followed the direction of her gaze, he noticed... him. Ronan. Ivan narrowed his eyes at the stranger, his heart falling as he heard Cara's voice faltering. Her voice never faltered that like for him and yet, despite barely knowing Ronan, she was clearly so clearly in love with him. He tried to suppress the jealously building inside him. Of course, Ronan and Cara were perfect together. The alluring, beautiful newcomer, with his perfect dark hair and those gorgeous eyes and his tatty clothes which merely accentuated his fit, probably incredibly perfectly carved figure, as though made by the gods, was the ideal match for the wonderful Caraway Nix. She deserved him far more than some dull farmer's boy. Ronan probably looked amazing with his shirt off as well, much better than Ivan ever did. He foled his arms. "What do you want, Ronan? Have you come to hear about the Resistance and what they're doing?" Ivan grumbled. "Unless, of course, you already know. Maybe you're one of them?" Ivan is resssured by Cori( Gelquie) and puts up with Victoria( Liou)'s flirting, only getting protective of Cara( Avery) along the way. He makes no promises about getting Cara and Rose to school, though he realises he needs to get the children ready, and tries to talk Cara out of going over the Wall, before noticing Ronan( Elcie). He notices Ronan a lot. But recovers his mind enough to accuse him of being Resistance.
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Post by Jayeee on Jun 17, 2015 11:11:02 GMT -5
Wow. So like, it turns out that people weren’t all that interested in my stunning revelation. Can you believe that they started walking away shortly after?! That was totally offensive. So I’ve decided to raise the voluntary donations which are mandatory for my services by twenty percent. Suck it, losers. Anyway, after all that tension in the air, I needed a break. Walking through tension is majorly tiring. But like, isn’t that totally psychological? #IShouldBeASage I really felt like drinking a grande caffe mocha, no sugar, no whipped cream, extra dry, with half skim, half full milk. No I don't want 2% milk, just a mixture of the both. And raspberry syrup, mix with the milk, then the coffee. But instead I just settled for a water that I found some kid drinking. He was like, growing way too fast for his age, so I advised him to stop eating and drinking until his age caught up. I can be so selfless sometimes. I don’t even know how long I walked for. But I totally gave some nobody some free advice – orange does NOT go with the colour scheme of the wall, doesn’t she know anything about feng shui?! But then I saw this totally bangin’ chick walking by. Her singing was totally legit too! I was like, gurl please, you’re about to be the luckiest female alive. I totally think I recognised her too. When did she get so FINE?! I SO walked up to her right then and there. I can be a suave little charmster when I need to be. “Hey girl,” I said in a totally sexy voice. “I’m no photographer, but I can picture us together.” I put my arm around her shoulder because I’m smooth like that. “Just kidding babe,” I added, but I wasn’t really. She must have been weak at the knees right then, because I was totally using some of my best moves on her. My moves can’t be learnt, #SelfTaught. I pulled a business card out of my pocket. “I’m a personal assistant, and based on my analysis, if you were a fruit, you’d be a FINEAPPLE!” OH BABY, I was even starting to charm myself. I almost had to leave to find a mirror and just like, stare at my reflection for a while. But #SheBeforeMe. I pushed my business card into her hand because girls love it when guys are forceful. I totally had that written in my lush day planner from the start. “I should introduce myself. Some people call me Sebastian McKenzie-Forbes-Thurlow-Thomas. But you can call me Tonight.” Can I just mention that like my day just got a whole lot more sexy after I came across Gelquie. No way she be refusing my flashy moves. #FlirtingIsAnArtForm #PlayersGonnaPlay
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Post by PFA on Jun 17, 2015 12:35:51 GMT -5
The child said that she—he? Fortune couldn't even tell—had been sent here by the Wallfare services. Fortune was baffled, staring at the paper she had been handed. It seemed to be some sort of map, but it was so smudged and dirty that she could barely read it. She could only assume that it had led the poor child here. But why would the Wallfare send the child to this house? Fortune's house, where she had always lived alone, and completely safe? Perhaps it was the will of the Council, which she certainly couldn't question... "I'm Arlie--Arlie Brook--and we're gonna be great friends," said the child, Arlie, grabbing Fortune's hand—Fortune squeaked, having to hastily adjust her grip on her radio so she wouldn't drop it. "...And go on adventures, and you can do all those things the grown-ups do with their kids like buying ice cream and reading books! Except I don't want to go to school, they don't like me very much. Or Pup. Oh, wait, let's go get my stuff first!""Wait! D-do we have to go right now?" Fortune wondered, adjusting her grip on her radio a bit more. The town anthem was just about finished, which meant that Sampson was about to start speaking. She always loved to listen to the news report, while sitting in her favorite chair and knitting. (She didn't have too much yarn, so she would usually knit the same scarf over and over, unraveling it when she was finished. Sometimes, if she was feeling adventurous, she would switch up and knit a hat or something.) It was a very important part of her daily routine, and she couldn't possibly miss it! But Arlie seemed insistent. Well, Fortune, she thought to herself, I suppose it couldn't hurt to change up your routine once in a while, right? It wasn't as though she never went outside, after all—she had to leave her house occasionally to buy groceries and such—but never at this hour. She preferred to do it early in the morning, when not everyone was awake yet. But... maybe she could be bold this one time? Just maybe? Fortune decides that Arlie's ( Coaster) presence at her house must be the will of the Council, and that she probably shouldn't question it. She does not, however, want to go out for ice cream. It's a scary world outside her house!
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Post by Fraze on Jun 17, 2015 14:21:46 GMT -5
Are you alright? Again, I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going. I was in a hurry. I hope you're not hurt!"No, no, it's fine!" Jensa dusted off her hands. "Well-" she unzipped the duffel bag and did a quick inspection. "Yep, everything's fine. I should've passed it off as a cartwheel really, but I didn't react fast enough." She gave a quick inspection of the young man before her. She had certainly seen him before - as a street performer, you see everyone eventually, although you don't usually get a chance to stay and talk with them. He was...sort of adorable, in a small and frazzled way. She held out a hand. "I'm Jensa." Before she could parse the 'in a hurry' part of what he said, she added, "I was just going to get some breakfast. That thing is ominous," she jerked her head in the direction of the message, "but you've still gotta eat. D'you want to get a sandwich with me?" Jensa says she's fine and asks Doormat ( Thorn) if he wants to get something to eat despite this being the most inconvenient thing she could possibly ask of him.
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Post by Thundy on Jun 17, 2015 15:49:43 GMT -5
The day was continuing on quite normally following the unusual news update. Although reaction to it wouldn't be truely visible to the ratings inspectorate until the next day. It was by now the afternoon, and soon the sun would be setting and KMLV would sign off for the night. Sampson would travel back to his small apartment in the inner District. Working for the council in this capacity had some benefits to it, although he didn't own a motorised vehicle like many of the other wealthy households in the area (indeed even those that could afford it had to scramble for the little petroleum that was available. Sampson preferred to walk anyway. A new segment was in the schedule today, there would be an interview with chief researcher of the Council's Scientific Committee. There would be a new topic of discussion, presumably hastily arranged by the council in order to stir up more wariness about outside beyond the wall. Sampson was eagerly excited, he loved conducting live interviews, although this one would pale in comparison with his seasonal interview with Mayhitch about the town's latest achievements and upcoming events. It was always the highest rated program. In addition to that there was to be a live broadcast tomorrow from the Melville Stadium for the semi-finals of the town's official sport: Wall Ball. The South Sidewinders were to take on Western United for the chance to face the Council's team in the final (the Council Crushers had won the trophy every year in existence). All in all the rest of the week was bound to be exiting, and the graffiti on the wall and sapped some of that excitement into today as well. Dr. Alton Knavesmire had arrived several minutes ago and was arranging his notes on desk situated opposite Sampson's. Dr. Knavesmire was a wizened old man in his middle 60s, described as one of the smartest people in Melville (but not of course, smarter than the Council), conducted periodic research, developing some of the technology that allowed the town to retain a degree of self reliance. The broadcast was due to begin in a couple minutes. "Okay doc," Sampson said, setting his ever twirling pencil on his desk "The Council was quite clear with how this interview should go, I'll just run over the usual general questions, and it's on you for the dramatics, I'll just improv off your responses." The doctor nodded "Yes, although I assure you the results of our own experiments beyond the wall speak for themselves, it is something not to be trifled with unless you want to lose your live specimens. Although I suppose nobody really notices if a few of prisoners in Melville Tower go astray?" Sampson looked at his watch, gave Dr. Knavesmire a thumbs up, and pressed the transmit button. "You're tuned in to KMLV, all town, all the time, so don't touch that dial! Seriously, don't touch it folks, wouldn't want any of my loyal fans to end up in the Tower now? That last track was by Johnny and the Melvillites with their new single "Rockin' Around the Wall". We've got an interesting new program for you all today, as part of our series of interviews asking those difficult questions: what lies behind the Wall? Today's segment is entitled "The Outside, just how FAST can it kill you anyway? I'm joined by Dr. Knavesmire from the Council's Scientific Comittee!" "Thank you Mr. Thorpe, it's a pleasure to be joining you on the air, it's my first time appearing on KMLV." "Right, we'll skip the joining ritual where we induct you into our cult, because I'm afraid we don't have that much time," Sampson always found that inserting a bit of comedy into a serious interview could lighten the mood and make interviewees seem more human on the airwaves. "So, you've been doing experiments, care to tell us about them?" "Yes, well, there have always been several theories as to why the outside is fatal, we considered a range of possibilities, wild animals, radioactive hotspots, poisonous plant life, that sort of thing. This was done use of dedicated brave explorers, some of whom gave their lives to obtain this valuable data which the Council shall be able to use to safeguard us for years to come." "Well that's a relief! I'm glad we've got friends like the Council that are prepared to take the difficult decisions necessary to protect us and our families." "Indeed, in the end we were able to identify the key factors of just what makes beyond the wall so deadly. I shall describe it as if you were to simply just begin walking away from the wall into the wilderness." "Oooh, can I bring my picnic basket? I do enjoy a good stroll, doctor." "Ha ha ha, that would be your first mistake my friend, I'm afraid choosing to bring food with you means selecting a slower more painful death than a relatively quick one. In the immediate vicinity of the wall, within the first half a kilometre or so, there are dozens of species of carnivorous animals, and through rigorous study we have determined that they are in fact, hungry all the time, and have a taste for human blood." "Sounds like the stray cats that hang around the fish market, those things are vicious, last week one of them gave me a good run for my money on a side of trout." "Yes well these would take your money and your trout Mr. Thorpe, after the ring of wild animals you start to encounter the bandits, savages would whose technological development hasn't advanced for hundreds of years, if you survived this far you might be quickly impaled on one of their crude spears, before becoming their dinner, some tribes have been known to be active cannibals." "Cannibals, bleh, good thing we've got the wall to keep them out, so how far would you make it past these obstacles?" "Both of these lines of obstacles would comprise your first two hours walk from the wall, there is a high chance of death, but it is possible to survive long enough to make it to the environmental hazards. Here you have a choice, go north and freeze quickly in the Lombard Mountains, go south, and by the end of the day you will be dying of heat stroke in the Poppleton Desert." "Out of the fire and into the freezer?" "More of a pick your poison, which would you prefer Mr. Thorpe," "My poison? Brandy probably." "Ha ha ha, quite the joker, but needless to say you wouldn't make it very far. Outside of that range we didn't get much data, but we have reason to believe that the mountains to the north include fog that contains a large amount of acidic compounds, based on the amount of our erm, volunteers that were recovered as skeletons." "Yikes, well I won't be planning my next holiday there that's for sure. Anyway, I believe that's all we have time for Dr. Knavesmire, thank you so much for joining us!" "No no, thank you Mr. Thorpe, it was exciting to be here," "Well folks, we're going to go to more music after these messages from our friends at the Council, but be sure to join us for our live segment reporting from the Wall Ball semi-finals from Melville Stadium, who knows, I might even see some of you guys there!" The light winked out and a short piece of upbeat propaganda began flowing out over the airwaves. Sampson rose and shook Dr. Knavesmire's hand, it had been a good show. There were only a few more programs to run through before the day would be finished and Sampson could head home. How to survive beyond the wall: don't
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Post by ♥ Lulu on Jun 17, 2015 15:50:40 GMT -5
It had been a lazy day so far for Catalina Livington. After her wife had gone to work, she had finally roused herself from a comfy bed, and showered and dressed. It had been late morning by the time she’d gotten out of the house, and there was a brisk breeze she enjoyed on her way to work. Stopping to get a hot, sweet pastry on her way, she had found the Town quiet. While there was rarely someone at her door, desperate for the Town approved literature, she usually more on her way to the bookshop. The path from the home she shared with Pansy to the bookshop took her straight through the centre of Town, though occasionally, on days when she felt more active, she would take the scenic route that swung by the wall before circling back. Perhaps there was something going on, something she hadn’t heard about - or, more likely, she’d forgotten about. Her mother was sometimes absentminded, and Cat seemed to have caught it off her. It was the only trait they shared. After letting herself in, and spinning the sign to ‘Open’ with a practiced flick of the wrist, she got out her broom and duster. A quick sweep of the floors to clear what little leaves and dirt her customers brought in - but mostly it was from her heavy boots tracking it in and out in the mornings and evenings, while the radio buzzed from the counter. Then she took to dusting the bookshelves. She had slacked the day before - given that she owned the shop, there was no one to berate her for that. It usually took a full two hours or more, depending on how energetic she was feeling. When that was done, and it was almost soon, she took a heavy seat behind the counter. As always, she pulled out a book from the nearest shelf to read. Opening at the near the end, she scanned the lines without really paying attention, while keeping one hopeful eye on the door. She had read every book that filled shelves over and over. Books were heavy, and so even when new people arrived in the Town - a rarity in and of itself - it was rare that any new books came into circulation. Well, of course, occasionally that happened, and more often than not, the Council deemed it unsuitable. So it rarely mattered whether Cat picked up a book from the start, middle or end. She knew them back to front, and while sometimes she had a specific mood or stress to be filled by one in particular, usually she grabbed whatever it had been longest since she had read. Today was the usual kind of story - a boy who worked hard, and became successful, and found an average, but handsome girl to marry. She checked the cover, and saw it was an old book, which she had two or three copies of, somewhere hidden in the shelves which loomed over the counter. It used to be that the council penned books too, but that was before one of the printing presses broke down. Now, the only one that worked was dedicated to the newspaper. And there were those that were gibberish. Random letters and sometimes numbers, which she kept under the counter. Misprints, perhaps, and bad ones at that. Her stomach rumbled. For now, all she had to do, was wait for her wife to come to her for lunch, as well as pretending to read the book in her hands. It broke up the day nicely, when Pansy went to lunch with her. Catalina Livington comes into work in her bookshop after a lazy morning. The bookshop only has certain books, all of which she's read before, since few are bought in or approved by the Council. She knows nothing of what has happened at the wall yet. She waits for her wife, Pansy ( Pixie) so they can go to lunch together.
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Post by Gelquie on Jun 17, 2015 17:48:12 GMT -5
Cori's absentminded singing--as she pushed out the thoughts of how Ivan had better tried to help Cara not go over and Walls whatsoever and actually go to school please--was interrupted by the approach of a man, sauntering up to her and putting his arm over her shoulders. She instinctively recoiled at the sudden touch; it was way too personal, way too soon. It gave her the opportunity to get a better look at the man, though. She didn't know him well, but she had seen him around, usually when he tried to push himself into other peoples' lives regardless of what they wanted. Given the life she led, she had been content to avoid his antics, but she supposed she couldn't avoid him forever. Not with her luck. Still, she found herself at a loss for words as the man gave her his business card, while continuing to compliment and flatter her. Or at least he tried to; they were goofy compliments. But so far it seemed to be harmless goofiness, not like the goofiness Cara pursued. ...Cori pushed the thought out of her mind as she read the card and listened to the man's introduction. “I should introduce myself. Some people call me Sebastian McKenzie-Forbes-Thurlow-Thomas. But you can call me Tonight.”Oh, was he... Oh boy. He was asking her for a date. She supposed she should have guessed as much with the way he flung his arm over her shoulder and sidled up all closely to her. It was certainly forward, and in this case... She glanced away, wringing her free hand before she tried to duck out of Sebastian's grasp. "Uh... Look," Cori started, turning to the man. "I'll be straight with you. I really don't have any time in my life for dating. Or... Or romance. Or... Anything like that. I spend all day at work and come home trying to take care of kids, and I just... I'm too busy, and it never works out." She then began to walk again, but slowly enough that she could hand the card back to the man. "You really don't want to hold your breath for me, because I'm never going to have the time." Cori is dumbfounded by the FORWARDNESS of Sebastian's ( Jayeee) flirting. She removes herself from his grasp and makes it very clear that she's a very busy woman with a full-time job and kids to take care of, and that he shouldn't wait for her because with her busy life, she'd never find the time for romance. In short, rejection. ;_;
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Post by Thorn on Jun 17, 2015 18:31:04 GMT -5
Breakfast? But he had to see Agnes! She was expecting him. Maybe they were going to make a potato bake...and he couldn't miss that, he enjoyed all things baked-in-a-dish-with-potato...plus she would have exciting tales to tell, of course. Embellished probably, but certainly exciting nonetheless. And he could tell her about the Wall...if she hadn't already heard, and did he really want to spoil her afternoon with scary stuff like that? Totally disregarding the proffered hand (more out of obliviousness than active aversion), Doormat nodded twice and said: "I would love to, Jensa, but I have to be somewhere. Oh, but I'm Doormat! And yeah that writing is certainly something...stay safe! I mean, most likely they'll catch who did it and things will go back to normal, I reckon. But we should be careful just in case, I think." He edged past her and halted, not leaving for the moment, but indicating his desire to make such a move best he could. Doormat excuses himself from the conversation with Jensa ( Fraze); then launches right back into it with a renewed air of "I'm trying to wrap this up, but covering loose ends first so I don't look rude". He probably contributes very little which can actually be used to write a reply, sorry for that.
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Post by Avery on Jun 17, 2015 21:20:44 GMT -5
As Ivan pleaded with Cara not to go over the Wall-- coming from him it was so sweet and caring, unlike from Cori; it was too bad she would never ever be good enough for him-- and then went on to talking to Ronan, Caraway Nix took a deep breath and glanced behind her back into the house. She could hear Rose puttering around getting ready for school and although Cara so wished she could stay back and help her sister and walk her to school like sweet little Rose so deserved, there was not time. "I'm sorry, Ivan- I have to go over the Wall, maybe I'll catch you a rabbit for the Children while I'm there," she said heroically. "I'll see you later?" And with that, Caraway called back into the house bidding goodbye to Rosemary before she shut the door and, leaving Ronan and Ivan to both be sexy unattainable man-gods together, flounced down the dirt lane toward the Wall. Her bow and arrow set was hidden in a thicket up the road; she couldn't risk leaving it at home in case the authorities searched her house and found it, because such a thing would implicate poor sweet Rosemary as well, and gods help Cara if she let Rosemary suffer for her crimes! That was something Cori would do, not Cara, gods knew Cara was so much nobler of heart even if she was very plain and clumsy. Pausing at the thicket, Cara slung the bow over her shoulder and patted her case of arrows before hurrying her pace as she reached the more rural parts of the town. The Wall rose up ahead like a giant stone god, so intimidating but of course Cara could not allow herself to be intimidated, or else sweet Rosemary would starve. No, in spite of her averageness, Caraway Nix had to be brave, for her sister's sake! Cara stilled as she reached the Wall, running a hand over its mossy brick surface. Climbing it near the Gate was impossible, but this far south... it was a risk, but feasible at least. She just had to be very careful, because if she got caught... a single shiny tear pricked at her eye as she imagined what would happen: she would hang, Rosemary would lose another beloved family member, and then Cori would be in charge. And even if she did get out of the colony, the Wood itself was so dangerous. Monsters and beasts and... gods, once she trusted Ronan Vudal more, she should ask him more questions about how ever he'd so alluringly survived in such a wicked place! "Oh Rosemary!" Caraway whispered under her breath. "May the gods protect you if things go wrong in the Wood today, or the Guard catches me climbing!" She kissed two fingers to her lips before holding them skyward toward the Walled God, a sign of utmost prayer and respect and definitely completely creative and not found in any other place ever! With a deep breath then, Cara started up over the Wall, hoping dearly that she would not be caught by an unseen person who might have been nearby. Caraway leaves Ivan ( Celestial) and Ronan ( Elcie) to climb the Wall and hunt in the Wood. But might somebody come across and catch her and inquire as to what she's doing? Perhaps you, darling reader! =D
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Post by Pixie on Jun 17, 2015 22:37:01 GMT -5
She grew up believing the walls would keep her safe, but quickly learned it wasn’t strictly true. Even in the bastion of Melville, people were injured, people fell sick, and some were born a little ill. It was a fact of life that people’s bodies betrayed them sometimes. That didn’t mean life wasn’t good. In many cases, something could be done, if not the ailment undone completely. Traces would remain, like the vandals’ markings laying dormant under coats of paint in the city’s’ outer Wall. The cases where something could be done meant that Dr. Pansy Livington had a purpose. That’s why she choose her occupation instead of her parents’ bureaucracy. Pansy was the doctor, or one of many, who kept the people of Melville in good health- at least those who could afford it. It was beyond her means to extend her services to everyone, but that didn’t stop her from aiding those she could. It was noon. She had just finished with her last client and was on her lunch break. It was a lovely part of the day, where she would cross the bridge from her clinic to Island and and rejoin her beloved wife. Catalina was nearly perfect. Very intelligent, very affectionate, and very capable, even if she didn’t exactly apply herself. It was okay. At least a quiet bookshop was out of harms’ way. Pansy could tell today’s lunch break would have a different tone, though. The last client, however, a child who had a broken arm from roughhousing, and a very unamused father, had told her of some alarming news. The rebellion had left a message on the Wall. The kid had seen it. The kid wouldn’t be playing out by the Wall anymore. The doctor didn’t dislike children, but she wasn’t eager to have one herself. Children were better in smaller doses. She was not very fond of foolish people who would waste her limited resources, and kids had a tendency to be foolish. If it was her own kid who kept getting sick and battered, she wouldn’t even be able to get extra funds from it to support her family. She did concede that they could be rather cute though, when they weren’t making trouble. From the description and from the father’s fear, she could tell the Wall spoke of death. It spoke of a change from threat to action, like a sudden rupturing of an infected wound. It was something red and something visceral. Something had been brewing, something toxic, some threat, and she hoped it would stay far away from her clients and and her family. She entered the bookshop, two lunch bags in hand, the familiar smell of dusty books greeting her. She smiled warmly at the woman behind the counter, as she set the food down on a table. With her hands free, she walked over to Catalina and greeted her with a big hug and a small kiss. She debated how to share the possible threat tactfully. Her wife had to be kept informed, but Pansy didn’t want to make her worry over it if there was no danger. She loved seeing Catalina calm and happy. The doctor adjusted her glasses, tucked a strand of long black hair back under knit net that kept it in its neat bun, and took a single step back. “My dear Cat, I have brought, besides lunch, some news,” Pansy spoke, her smile just a little less wide, “First, let me know if you’ve heard this already. I’d rather discuss anything else otherwise. I do not believe either of us would be targets, but there has been a new threat from the rebellion. It was written on the Wall. I think it will be safer if we stay away from the wall for a while. I don’t know what those hooligans are up too, but we don’t want to get caught in whatever insane crossfire may or may not take place. Don’t worry though. It could just be another empty threat, my love. I think everyone will be just fine. ” 34-year-old Dr. Pansy Livington is a medical doctor working somewhat near the center of town. She found from a patient about the threatening message and meets up with her wife Catalina ( ♥ Lulu) as usual for lunch, who she greets and then shares the news too.
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Post by Draco on Jun 17, 2015 23:00:48 GMT -5
Quentin organized a few papers at a desk. There were some students in the class, but most seemed to be missing. He ran down his list, noticing a few obvious ones missing. A few of the students had parents who worshiped The Wall, like his uncle, so they probably kept their kids home for whatever reason. A couple more were a bit different... "Miss Nix is missing once again it seems, said Mr. Nook with a somewhat annoyed tone." He should expect that from Caraway Nix though, it was a normal thing for her to miss class... It still bothered him a bit though. At least she was a bit brighter then some of the students who missed class. It seemed as time went on, more and more students tended to skip school, either going to nicer schools in other parts of town or just choosing school not important enough. Quentin sighed a little, and looked at the remaining students. Because of the lack of students several of the grades had to be mixed into one class. This was sometime done out in the farming district, or when there weren't many children old enough for school to fill a grade, but out of around a hundred children that are supposed to attend, he only had about two dozen students right now. One of the students raises her hand, "Mr. Nook. Can you tell us about the wall writing?" Quentin stood up and began to draw the wall the best he could on the chalk board. "As you know, the wall has been around for many generations. It protects us. How and why the wall came to be has been lost for a long time, only the council truly knows the answer, and to protect us they do not tell us but the basics, Mr. Nook says a matter of factly." He then scribbled a few symbols and writing on the wall. "Streetsign, is something that happens from time to time. Messages, directions, different things depending on the writer. There are theories on who writes it, most just assume people. However, sometimes the messages just appear, as if The Wall wrote it itself. Some groups do not wish to acknowledge either theory. The Wall Worshippers are even split by this. Some believing if The Wall wrote these Streetsigns, then they should be taken care of, while others believe it defacing and should be carefully covered up, says Quentin as he puts the chalk down and looks back at the class." The class, most of which were younger students were all ready bored and playing around, only a few were paying attention. "To put it simple, do not worry about the writing that appeared today. It was most likely a joke, and should be dismissed for now. You children will be safe. Tomorrow, I'll talk about the folk tale of Ciseon. So for the day class is over. Please return home safely, said Quentin with a kind tone to his voice." Quentin had a number of theories about the wall, many of which his uncle would find blasphemous if spoken out loud. Every now and then he would sneak some of this into his lectures, but kept it small enough he wouldn't be scolded. It was good for the children to learn anything they can after all. Quentin Nook grumbles about the lack of students, mostly Caraway Nix ( Avery) missing again. After being asked about it, he explains about the writing on the walls, and hints at Ciseon ( icon) a bit.
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Post by The Scrac that Smiles Back on Jun 18, 2015 0:53:24 GMT -5
Noon came, and Drale set his last batch to cool. His ate a quick lunch while overseeing the sorting of the broken glass his assistant had brought in, collected from businesses and individuals who were customers. In return for the broken glass, he offered discounts. It was a common system many business owners used. Everything had to be recycled. He was looking at the records his assistant had made notes in for the day when he noticed the remains of a pre-wall bottle being added to its glass type melting pile. He stared mournfully at the priceless antique. His assistant carried on, as though nothing was the matter. After the sorting Drale left the workshop, the afternoon not being the best time to work during, though today was strangely cold. The assistant was in charge in case a customer came by and watch over the cooling glass. If anything important came up, they’d send a messenger. He cleaned and dressed up some before making an appearance to the rest of the stores on the Island. Customers appreciate professionalism. Drale finishes a batch of practical glass items and changes before heading out to the other stores on the Island. He morns a smashed pre-wall glass antique he's been given for melting down.
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Post by Tiger on Jun 18, 2015 12:33:40 GMT -5
Aerona was not having much luck on her hunt. Maybe, with a few tweaks to the wooden frame, and extra stick here or there, she could fill in some of the empty pane-space, or just accept that this lamp would have thin glass panes and sell it with the advice it be mostly a decorative piece. Yes, that might be the way to go - but she would have to fancify the wood carvings; like a lot of her lanterns, the frame was patterned to look as though flowered, leafy vines were creeping onto the glass. A little bit of the Outside’s charm without it actually having to go Outside. Aerona’s hands clenched in her pockets and she hunched her shoulders as if against a chilly wind. There were a lot of frightening things Outside, no matter how many lovely vines and leaves and flowers it tried to lure people in with. ...Lure them out with? Whichever. Well, Outside or not, Aerona would need to spruce up the lantern, and so she headed for places where she knew vines grew, in order to get proper reference for additional texture. Hmm - perhaps she could add a small insect crawling on one of the vines, a little grasshopper or a ladybug, maybe, or perhaps even an ant - ants were Melville’s official city insect, after all. Musing over the various options for the lantern, Aerona let her feet guide her south, toward the farms and the southern part of the wall, where vines - as well as moss and a few times a year, clusters of a certain kind of mushroom - grew tall and quite readily observable. ...There were tracks in the mosses. Aerona frowned at them. They looked pretty humanish, but she was a lantern-maker, not a doctor, nor was she a tracker or hunter, or whatever sort of outlandish occupation would give someone the ability to recognize human prints. Even if she was, there was no such thing as an expert in beasts, who might know what sort of monsters might be able to make their feet look like humans. Or even had human feet. But monsters couldn’t come in over the Wall, that was fact. Life was good, Melville was safe, all those things. And even if one had managed that unprecedented event - surely the Council would have discovered it by now, and cordoned off the area. Despite wishing she had the large, hooked metal rod she used to guide lanterns onto or off of high hooks, just in case, Aerona followed the tracks. She wouldn’t have called herself a curious person - no, this was more to convince herself that it was just a person, just another observer like herself. Or maybe not like herself, but certainly human. Human would be good. Aerona did not feel as much relief as she’d thought she would upon finding the tracks did indeed belong to a human, a pretty girl with a bow and arrow on her back. Because she was climbing, or at least starting to climb, the the Wall. Why was she climbing, or starting to climb, the Wall?“Wha - what on the Wall are you doing?” she gasped. “I mean - what are you doing on the Wall?” Aerona considers modifying the lantern frame rather than making more glass for the panes, and heads south to look at the vines growing over the Wall for ~inspiration~. Instead she finds Caraway Nix ( Avery) trying to climb said Wall. Oops.
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Post by Jayeee on Jun 18, 2015 13:06:44 GMT -5
You know, for a second I totally thought that maybe she really wasn’t interested. But then I thought, bro, these are prime moves. And you’re a prime piece of man candy. And she is totally bae material. She was playing hard to get. But wait, did she just say kids?! I am way too young and studly to be tied down. Kids are serious responsibilities, and ain’t nobody got time for that! They can learn to walk on their own time, I’ve got a business to run. And council help them if they were to ruin my lush day planner. “The kids are a total downer,” I admitted to her with a dejected look. I was looking majorly vulnerable right then just so she’d melt into my arms. “But hey, adoption is totally a thing. The only babe I need in my life is you.” She was really giving this act her all. I was totally impressed. She was definitely the bae I’d been looking for. I walked fast to catch up to her. “So you can start by telling me your name. Otherwise, I’ll just have to call you bae all the time.” I SO had no problem with doing that. I figured the bae wouldn’t either. “Step one of improving your life is totally dating me. Step two is sending the kids to the orphanage. We’ll work on the rest after we’ve gotten to know each other a little better.” I made a mental note to write all this down in my lush day planner. “And by the way,” I added, “I would totally hold my breath for you for a lifetime. Except if I like, hold my breath does that mean that I can’t talk? Because I really need to give people advice – it’s totally my job. As a Personal Assistant. Did I mention that? Because it’s all you could want in life, right?” I totally wanted to put my arm back around her shoulder, but it’s always better to let your chicks come to you. Some friendly advice. #SecretToSuccess “How about we go somewhere tonight? Somewhere fun!” I pretended to think about this for a little bit. “Oh, I know! There’s a party in my pants, and you’re invited!” Can I just add that Gelquie is totally feeling my vibes right now. I think that my new bae is going to be all anyone around here talks about from now on. After she sells the kids. #KidsRuinEverything #AnythingForBae #BaeErryday
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