(september catch-all) NOW WITH BIGGER, BETTER WAYS TO DIE

[vestigemods]

SEPTEMBER CATCH-ALL

► THIS SHITHOLE JUST GOT BETTER

The morning of the 10th feels just like any other. It arrives without fanfare, no itch at the back of your mind telling you something is different. If you're a homebody, you might very well go about much of your day without growing any the wiser... At least until you go outside.

The island is the first sign that something's amiss. Stepping out your front door and spotting the brand new tree-covered patch of land smack dab in the middle of your lake may not face some of you, but it's certainly not a thing that has happened before. Those who dealt with the hatch and the tunnel beyond in August might notice that the island very distinctly covers where that very hatch used to be, sealing off that tunnel system once and for all.

Those who live along the northern end of the lake will also hear the distinct sound of rushing water, a sharp contrast to the quiet atmosphere of the still lake you fell asleep to. Sure enough, a river now pours into the lake from the north, a whole ass river coming into existence overnight.

But the island and river aren't the only changes - they're just the most obvious. It may be today, tomorrow, or a week from now, but the next time someone makes their way to the north or east barriers in any shape or form, they'll find that the barrier no longer seems to exist. The trees are marked quite clearly, white spray paint on a trunk one per fifteen or so feet but you find that they're able to walk right through the area it's supposed to be. And walk, and walk, and walk. Is this a mishap with the barrier, or was it on purpose? Have the Technicians... set you free?

Maybe it's time to tell the others.

► LET'S SEE WHAT YOU'VE WON!

Those who make their way across the new and improved containment zone can encounter a fairly wide variety of things. Following the main road like a rational human being puts you on the direct route to town. Should you get curious along the way, you might detour off the asphalt to explore a stretch of farmland, with smooth rolling hills that may once have been idyllic before they fell into disrepair. If you're hungry, a grove of apple trees sit alongside the river, their branches heavy with fruits ripe for the picking. Consider sparing some for the horses fenced in the western field - they're too skittish to let you approach, but if you leave the apples inside their fence, they're certain to grab them as soon as you've backed away.

Conversely, heading due east from your cabin like the impulsive goblin you are will likely lead you smack dab into the swamp. It's dismal. It's disgusting. Use the damn road next time, and you won't be slopping your way through nearly knee-deep muck... And that's before you discover the alligators. (Are discovered by the alligators? Who discovers whom is just a matter of perspective, really.)

Whether you take the smart route or the soggy route, you'll (hopefully) end up in much the same place: the town. It's dirty and run-down and the alleys and back roads host a whole species roulette of strays, and you intermittently feel the distinct sensation of being watched or even followed, but it's not all bad. There's Foodland, which compared to the gas station pickings may as well be a five-star buffet. There's also a rec center with a functional bowling alley, if you know how to play - and across the street from that rec center sits an apartment complex, complete with nine mostly-clean apartments with fully-functional electricity and plumbing. I'm not saying the swamp-waders should hijack an apartment shower, buuuut that's definitely not not an option.

Finally, to the north, there's a bit of a mountain that I'm fairly sure that nobody is going to fuck with just yet, unless they happen to be some sort of overachiever who wants nothing more than to get a bird's-eye view of the landscape below. Mind the mountain goats. They like to shove.

► MOD NOTES

• This log is an introduction to the new expanded containment zone, but it also functions as the September catch-all log for all non-event starters.
  
• Refer to the Locations page for actual information on the various new areas and points of interest - the above flavortext is only meant to supplement the Locations page info.
  
• Also check out the September Infopost (most relevantly, the bottom two drop-downs) for more September-specific info to potentially include in your prompts.
  
• Because this is a catch-all for everywhere + all month, try to remember to label your top-levels with the date and location of each prompt (whether in the subject or in the prompt title within the comment)!
  
• Any questions (on the new setting or anything else) can be directed to this top-level or, for a quicker response, to Trace on discord/plurk. Additionally, if you catch any errors (incorrect links, etc) in the Locations post, please let Trace know!
  

Comments

[lethechained]

[ Shoulders sinking slightly, she looks genuinely relieved about the state of his robes. ]

I'm glad. It would have been such a shame if they were ruined. [ Lapsing into a momentary silence, she thinks back; although the memories of the time when they met are hazier than she's accustomed to, she remembers in a vague sort of way how his were some of the loveliest clothes she'd seen in her life up 'til that point. ] Actually, I would have regretted-- [ -- not getting the chance to draw them in proper detail, but that's such a strange thing to mention, isn't it? Perhaps she ought to keep her artistic inclinations to herself. ] Mm, nevermind.

[ Nodding along at his assertion about cooking for oneself, Naminé finds she agrees. It's certainly a skill she regrets not having, although she's finding there are an awful lot of those these days. Gratitude is already swelling in her chest at his offer to teach her, but it's the suggestion of a real meal - even a leftover one - that really moves her in an emotional way. Has she ever had a proper, homecooked dinner? She's seen it so many times over in memory after memory, but her experience with food has been limited to what simple, basic sustenance either her captors or DiZ were willing to provide her with and - since coming to the Containment Zone - what she's been able to locate that hasn't required any significant sort of preparation. ]

Sizhui... [ She can't quite find the right words to express her thankfulness; they all sort of stick in her throat for a moment. ] I'd love to do that. A-all of it, that is - I'd be so grateful to learn from you. [ But how does one repay such a kindness? She came her to collect some items for herself, yet, ] Maybe-- I can help you carry a few extra things back, if we're going to your house. It's the least I can do to help.

[ Which hardly jives with his plan to bring back more for her and such a tiny thing as she is doesn't have much extra strength to spare. Still, it's the only offer she can think to make. As for the matter of Ellie, ]

I will. But-- I'll try not to make her nervous, [ Naminé promises. It's possible that breaking the news that she already knows of the other girl ought to be done gently, ] So that she won't have any reason to be upset with you. I wouldn't want to cause any trouble between you two.

[ Really, Naminé's had too much experience with being the bearer of bad news to feel as though her own presence isn't naturally offensive - but that's neither here nor there. Her eyes follow his pointing nevertheless, narrowing to focus on the milk. After a beat of silence, her initial verdict seems to be an awed, ]

There are so many. [ Probably far more options than say, the Destiny Islands were liable to produce. ] I had no idea there were all those different kinds...!

[ Although in hindsight, it might make sense. The keepers of this place have access to so many alternate worlds, after all. ]

[deferences]

It certainly would have. [let's just not mention the fact his father likely would've had a strongly worded discussion with him about making a mess of his clan robes and everything's fine. (it wouldn't have been that bad, given the fact they were the only clothes he had at the time, but still.) he's drawn from the brief thought by her sudden hesitation, brow knitted, head tilting thoughtfully.] No, it's okay. What would you have regretted?

[because while she may think it odd, he would be absolutely flattered that she wants to draw him.

gosh, the poor girl! it's the least he can do if she genuinely hasn't had an actual homecooked meal since he believes everyone should have one of those, even if it's just once a day. leftovers aren't terrible either, just sometimes not as good as when they're fresh. the bread and light mushroom soup are both perfectly good though and, as always, there's more than enough to go around, so she can take as much as she wants. the house always needs lots, but there have been plenty of times where he's cooked far too much, meaning there are other moments where food goes to waste, which he hates. thank the stars, there are porch raccoons to feed or he'd feel far worse.

he smiles again, nodding affirmingly.] I'll gladly teach you all I know! And if you'd like to help, I would appreciate that, since we will bring back groceries for you, too. We won't take a whole lot this time, just enough to tide you over for a few days until we can come back and properly stock the coldbox in your cabin. Does that sound alright?

Oh, and we'll make macaroni and cheese together, so you'll know how to make that right away. [ellie, meanwhile, he'd imagine won't mind too much; the town is only so big and it seems like they're all bound to run into one another at some point.]

It'll be okay, I'm sure. Ellie seems really nice and like she wouldn't be too put off by the fact someone might know her name, but especially not someone close to her age, which I'd assume you are? Perhaps that's presumptuous of me... though you don't seem much older than myself, so.

[frankly, she shouldn't feel such a way when she's been such a kind, caring person from what he's experienced. if she were to ever admit that aloud, he'd immediately correct her without hesitation because how? how could she ever think such a thing?]

Right? That's why I couldn't figure out which one would be the correct kind. Ah, well. [that's not entirely true.] I do know one wouldn't want to use chocolate or anything else sweet? That doesn't sound like it'd taste good with something creamy and cheesy. Cheesy, mostly though, seeing as some chocolatey things I've tasted here are creamy.

[lethechained]

[ Bashfulness quickly overtakes her features, although she presses the change in her expression down enough to make that adjustment less than obvious. Peering at him sidelong, she tries to mentally gauge what his reaction might be - but he asked, so she won't withhold her answer. ]

I would have regretted... only being able to sketch them from memory. [ Her shoulders rise slightly, shyly. ] They're so lovely, you see, and I-- I'd been hoping that I might get the chance to draw you the way I remember you from when we first met.

[ Normally her recollections would serve her well enough, but with the blurriness of that time, the details aren't as clear as they otherwise would be. That thought aside, she's much less embarrassed about discussing practical matters, and agrees firmly in response to his proposed plan with, ] Yes - that sounds good. If you're willing to take the time to help me, I promise I'll do my best to be an attentive student.

[ And surely Ellie would be more considerate than Naminé might fear; even the blonde herself knows that the people here are often kinder than she anticipates. Still, in a place so unsafe, an abundance of caution is warranted, which means she'd hardly blame anyone for being wary of an overly familiar stranger. With a shake of her head at his assumption, ]

I don't mind. I'm fifteen, if that sounds close. [ Only, while that's not untrue, it's not the whole truth either, is it? And she falters briefly thinking of that fact, but there's no easy way to explain it. So in lieu of that, there's a murmured, ] ... Give or take.

[ The more they regard the freezers, the more Naminé becomes increasingly aware of how little help she might be in this case. But that won't stop her from trying, and, ]

From what I remember... usually they use the plain kind for cooking. So-- you're probably right about that, it should be the one without chocolate, or anything else in it. But I suppose that doesn't narrow it down very much, does it?

[ Mouth working itself into a thoughtful shape, she regards the freezers very seriously. ]

... Hm. There are lots of words on them, but... some of them are too small to read from here.

[ Perhaps a closer investigation is warranted? ]

[deferences]

[oh. color rises high on sizhui's cheeks once she admits to what she'd been talking about, his head bowing slightly with the faintest bashfulness of his own. he hadn't ever considered it was something like that, but now that he does know, he's glad she told him and hurries to reassure her decision to tell him in case his sheepish demeanor is misconstrued as embarrassment.]

I would be absolutely flattered to have you draw my portrait, miss Naminé. Whenever you'd like, we could plan for that, and I'll make certain my robes are perfectly pristine.

[sizhui definitely isn't going to judge her for not remembering things all that clearly; he himself hardly recalls some things here and let's not mention how awful his memory is when it comes to the past. (which is getting better, thankfully, but he does wish it would go faster sometimes.) here, in horrortown, this is the last place where anybody should be judged for forgetting things.] Of course I am or else I wouldn't have offered in the first place. [but he can't help grinning, squaring his shoulders and tucking both arms behind his back, much like he's seen his own teachers do.] I will be expecting you to try your best! Because trying is what matters, after all.

[so far, everything he knows about ellie (although it isn't much) is that she's rather nervous and definitely wary, which is completely, one-hundred-percent fair given their location. otherwise, she seems nice, helping him learn ways to improve his mac n' cheese game.]

Ah, that does seem close, for sure! I haven't outrightly asked her age, but I'm sixteen. [a pause, his lips pursed with thought before he follows her lead and repeats,] Give or take, seeing as I'm unsure if time flows the same or is different here? So, there is a likely chance I could have had a birthday.

[the ‘plain’ kind? odd, he wonders, what is the ‘plain’ kind? they won't have to worry much about their distance since sizhui's stepping closer to the freezer, reaching out and tapping a finger on the glass, right over a large gallon jug that says, ‘vitamin d, whole grade milk.’] This one seems the most likely, I'd think? Since this one, [he gestures to another smaller carton,] says something about almonds and that doesn't sound like something that belongs in cheese.

[lethechained]

[ It's obvious by the quick re-aversion of her eyes and the distinct pinkness of her own cheeks that she's taken notice of his reaction. She might well think that he's embarrassed; she certainly seems to be, herself. Drawing others has always been a matter of habit, but she's never had to ask about it before, and finds herself more intimidated by it than she would have expected to be if she'd thought of it beforehand. But the words that actually follow are more comforting than she anticipated, and she glances up just quickly enough for the fringe of her hair to sway, eyes subtly round with surprised gratitude. ]

Really...? [ Expression easing, she turns to face him more properly. ] Then - I'd be flattered to have the chance. [ The girl takes a moment to exhale, hoping to ease the nervous fluttering from her chest. With a readier smile than is often the case, ] Any time is good for me. I'm not doing much, so--

[ Suddenly seeming to realize something, she wilts slightly. ]

Oh. I... actually don't have very good materials to draw with yet, so maybe it will have to wait a little while. I've been hoping that I might be able to find something in those stores, and if I do, I'll let you know. Does that sound alright...?

[ Mood improved, Naminé has to stifle a quiet laugh at his change in posture. It certainly looks official enough for even her to get the idea of what he's going for. Through her amusement she folds her hands politely in front of her, the picture of a model student. ]

Yes sir, Mr. Sizhui. I promise not to let you down.

[ With a thoughtful nod at the explanation of his age, ]

That's true. It's hard to keep track of the time here, and since we're not even in the same worlds anymore, I guess anything could happen. But, [ She pauses for a second, lips parted; they press together as she considers him, tucking her chin slightly. ] Actually, I'm a little surprised that we're so close to the same age. [ Biologically speaking, anyway. Chronology is a different matter. ] You seem... more mature.

[ Shuffling closer to the freezer beside him, Naminé peers at the one that he's pointed out. It does look promising enough, and she makes a soft noise of agreement only to blink in surprise at the word 'almonds.' Turning her head slightly, she gives the offending carton a perplexed look. ]

I'm not sure why they would belong in milk, either, [ she concurs, sounding rather baffled. ] Maybe it's a flavor some people like...? [ Anyway, turning her attention back to the more normal-looking jug, ] Well, that does seem like as good a choice as any. If you're worried, we could taste it...? Then you might have a better idea of whether or not it will work for cooking. If it's not right - I can take it myself, since I think I need some milk, too.