(october catch-all) IT'S TIME TO GET FUCKIN' DAMP

[vestigemods]

OCTOBER CATCH-ALL

► YOU CAN BE REGULAR DAMP

As Autumn sets in, the containment zone begins to settle into all of the trappings of autumn. Chilly weather, bundled clothing and hot drinks, the turning and falling of leaves... It really just goes to show that life goes on in a place like this just as it does anywhere else.

For those unfamiliar with the seasons on a cultural level, the newfound offerings that Foodland and the gas station have to offer might be a little surprising. After no seasonal trappings to accompany summer, we now see an abundance of plastic gourds and multi-colored corn, of browns and oranges and leaf-themed decor - and as the month goes on, an influx of spooky decor in blacks and purples and... still oranges, orange is pretty universal as far as fall is concerned. Many of the buildings around town also sport seasonal decor, subtle but present. A pumpkin here, a glittery sign with a fall-themed pun there.

The weather, depending on perspective, has taken quite a turn for either the better or the worse. All of the rain the skies withheld throughout the summer seem to be coming down all at once, sometimes a sprinkle and sometimes a downpour that soaks you to the bone if you dare venture out for groceries. But the rains are just short of lukewarm, not yet carrying any proper chill, and the lush greenery of the landscape seems to be thriving in it. Perhaps it isn't all bad after all?

► OR YOU CAN BE EXTRA SPICY BONUS DAMP

On the 18th of October, however, the weather starts to get a little bit... dodgy. Which is to say: You should probably be ready to dodge, as you find that the leaves blown about on the savage winds no longer just flop wetly against your clothes or your cheek. It will likely come as quite a surprise the first time one stings - you might even mistake it for an unusually frigid drop of water splattering across your skin, at least until your fingertips come away reddened just slightly with blood. But it's certainly not the end of the world, nowhere near as bad as rotting away or being haunted by some malevolent ghost. You can just bundle up! It's not as if they can slice through clothes.

But oh, it's not quite done just yet.

On the 24th, the cutting winds come to a head in a thunderstorm. Dark, ominous clouds greet you as you wake on this morning, perhaps even confusing your sense of time as a far dimmer light than expected shines in through your window. But the storm sets in like an oncoming wave, first hitting the town and then sweeping west. Those with an eastern view over the nearby trees will see it coming, a foreboding curtain of rain encroaching all to quickly. Then comes the thunder, rumbling far too close to feel entirely safe. Which is true. It isn't safe. Because after each clash of thunder comes the immediate flash of lightning... Lightning which skips right past high-reaching trees to seek out the nearest living being it can find. No - not any being. Just those who've been trapped here. Those whose suffering brings rest to the elder gods below.

Perhaps it's best to stay indoors.

► MOD NOTES

• This is the October Catch-All Log, for any action top-levels throughout the month which don't fit in a designated event log. Large gatherings (parties, meetings, etc) are still encouraged to post their own logs for organizational purposes!
  
• All top-levels for the Winds of Change mini-event also go here, since it won't be getting a log of its own.
  
• Refer to the bottom half of the October Bulletin for any October-specific info to potentially include in your prompts! The above blurb is honestly just mood-setting flavortext.
  
• Because this is a catch-all for everywhere + all month, try to remember to label your top-levels with identifying information like the IC date and location of each prompt (whether in the subject or in the prompt title within the comment). Also try to indicate any event prompts for the Winds of Change mini-event aside from just listing their dates, so they can be easy to spot!
  
• Any questions can be directed to this top-level or, for a quicker response, to Trace on discord/plurk.

Comments

[coolmotivestillevil]

You're welcome.

[ Just to set her at ease, he casts Quen on himself. For a brief moment, she will see gold shimmer across his body, and if she pays close attention, she could see it spark, barely visible, every time one of the leaves cut across him. ]

Where's your cabin?

[ He's pretty sure he knows where everyone stays, but it's best to ask anyway. ]

[lethechained]

[ The corners of her mouth pull up the slightest bit, although it fades as his casting draws her attention. With a tilted head and clearly piqued interest, she spends an extra few seconds examining him for any sign of that golden sheen reappearing, but presently supposes it's done its work. ]

There, [ she responds to his question, lifting one slim arm to point along the side of the lake, ] ... set back from the shore.

[ It's a decent walk, but not a terribly long one. Whether it was bad luck or good luck that she managed to get this distance from her cabin before running afoul of the wind is up for debate. Hands folding together again, she tucks her arms in close to her body; normally it'd just be in her naturally reserved demeanor to do so, but right now she's got good reason to keep her limbs close to her body. Apologetically, and with a tiny bow of her head, ]

I hope that isn't too far.

[ She didn't wake up today planning to be an inconvenience to anyone, of course. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

No.

[ Definitely not.

As he starts walking, he carefully puts himself in the path of the wind. She'll have to forgive him for not being very talkative, but he's just ... not. ]

[lethechained]

[ His 'no' isn't very descriptive, but his meaning is clear enough when they start off. Since he's kindly elected to block the wind, Naminé keeps pace with the gap he creates the best she can so as to make his job easier, watching carefully for any sign that he's being harmed overmuch by the debris. Without seeing any immediately, she lapses into a silence of her own; reserved creature that she is, she's always found quiet more peaceful than unpleasant.

But the more time she has left to her own thoughts, the more she wonders about other things. Like-- ]

Have you been all right? [ Her voice is gentle, her concern polite but genuine. The words are abrupt, yet they're in keeping with her expression. ] It's been some time since we last spoke.

[ In another place maybe that would qualify as small talk, but around here - it's probably an all too valid question. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

Fine.

[ He's just all alone here, now, which is ... fine. He doesn't mind being alone. Except he doesn't know where Jaskier is, if someone has taken him and where, and the uncertainty and worry is almost eating him up inside. If he knew what to do, it would be easier, but he has no idea. There doesn't seem to be anything they can do about their captors. ]

And you?

[lethechained]

[ Monosyllabic responses are quickly moving up in her mental list of his traits - which, truthfully, doesn't bother her in the slightest. Although she considers him an extra moment as if looking for any tells that might inform her of anything more beyond that 'fine,' presently she says, quite genuinely, ]

I'm glad. I was afraid you might have gotten hurt, considering... well, what you do.

[ Being a Witcher sounds like a dangerous job, based on what little she's heard. As for her own experiences, she mulls her recent memories over briefly before answering. ]

It's been... peaceful here for me, lately. More than I thought it could be - or at least, it has been since the ghosts and those monsters left. That feels like it was such a long time ago now that it-- almost makes me nervous.

[ Like all of the badness is getting saved up somehow, to be unleashed later. (In the form of aggressive leaves this time, apparently, but even though she's not properly equipped to deal with those, they definitely don't seem like the worst that could happen.) ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ He has gotten hurt, but not because of any monsters. There hasn't exactly been many of them around to potentially hurt him either.

The nervousness is justified, to him. The Technicians will undoubtedly throw something more at them sooner rather than later. ]

They won't leave us alone for long.

[ His shield runs out, but he doesn't bother renewing it. The leaves still don't hurt. ]

[lethechained]

[ Momentarily distracted by their shared pessimism, she gets a vague sense that something has changed but hardly pays it any mind at first. ]

You're probably right. So long as we're still here, it's only a matter of time.

[ Because why else would the Technicians keep them around? Unless they were to abandon the project all at once, that is, and she's seen no evidence of that being likely. Now that she's thought back to the incidents from the previous month, ]

By the way... did you see those things that were in the forest? Back when the ghosts started showing up, I mean.

[coolmotivestillevil]

I did. Dealt with a few of them.

[ Not because he really wanted to, but because it seemed easier and swifter. As far as he's concerned, letting a wraith or ghost or whatever you want to call it suffer for longer than necessary when you have the power to do something about it is simply cruel. ]

[lethechained]

So-- they were dangerous?

[ They'd certainly looked it, and yet... She curls a hand against her mouth, thoughtful. ]

The first time I saw one, I was all by myself. I thought it would attack me since it was a perfect opportunity, but it left me alone.

[ Which made her wonder whether they were really a threat at the time; it had seemed silly, considering they were in the Containment Zone. Aren't most of the things that appear here supposed to be present to harm everyone? Peering curiously up at Geralt, ]

Do you know what they were? I'd never seen anything like them before.

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ He tilts his head briefly to the side, which isn't meant to be a yes or a no. ]

They reminded me of a creature called leshen, but I would not call them that. They were too many and not territorial enough. I do not think their instinct was to fight.

[lethechained]

[ Her own head unconsciously tilts, mirroring his movement without really meaning to as she tries to make sense of his response. The brief flutter of her eyelids at the name coincides with her storing it away for later, despite the moniker not applying to the creatures she saw. It pays, after all, to remain informed. ]

But you did fight them?

[ That's what she'd assume 'dealt with' to mean in this context, although she second-guesses herself a beat later, lips pursing as she glances ahead of them again. ]

If that's really the case, and they weren't trying to hurt anyone, then did you find any evidence about why they were put here?

[ Kind of a shame that meaning people harm seems like the most reasonable justification for anything new that pops up in the Containment Zone. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ Though she moves on from the question quickly, he manages to nod in response.

Hm. What word would she be familiar with for the wraiths that came along with the creatures? ]

They seemed to be connected to the ghosts that were walking around. But I don't know why any of them were here.

[lethechained]

[ It seems a shame to have to fight something that wasn't actively trying to cause harm - which might be the cause for the sad little purse of her mouth at his answer. But then again, even if the creatures in question weren't seeking people out at the time, the threat still existed. She's quiet for a beat, then-- ]

That does make sense. I'd never seen one of them before the spirits started appearing, and I haven't seen any since they left.

[ Not to mention she has her own private reasons for suspecting so. As for the matter of causes, she gives a contemplative little sigh. ]

I'm not sure even the ghosts knew why they were here. They... really seemed confused.

[coolmotivestillevil]

Ghosts are usually confused.

[ Always confused, really, which is the mildest thing to be said about them. From his experience, they're mostly furious and vengeful. ]

[lethechained]

They are?

[ Her head tilts, her surprise quickly giving way to curiosity. Curling a hand against her mouth, she considers the possibility. ]

That's funny. Some of the ones from my worlds didn't seem...

[ Well, Zero seemed pretty normal for a dog, but how could one really tell? Giving a hum, she lets the thought go, then turns big blue eyes up at Geralt. More importantly, ]

Is it because they've died?

[ That does seem like it would be a pretty emotionally damaging experience in some cases, anyway. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

I'm not sure, but that's what I think.

[ From what he knows, and from how it seemed with these ghosts too, souls linger because their death was incomprehensible to them in some way. It was very traumatic, it was caused by someone they thought loved them (which could just as well be how the ghost perceived it), it was very sudden or very slow and painful. If there is no closure, there's always a risk a wraith will come out of it. ]

I think this is your cabin.

[ Knows it is. ]

[lethechained]

I suppose that makes sense. Not everyone is strong enough to keep hold of who they are when something like that happens.

[ Funny enough, she can - sort of - speak from experience. Not that she remembers being separated from Kairi or the other girl losing her heart, but Naminé's at least aware of the process and of the consequences. Most Nobodies aren't nearly as lucky as she was, and if so many of them became twisted husks in the process, it only makes sense that dying properly might function similarly.

All of this has preoccupied her so that it takes his comment to make her glance up and realize where they are, her steps automatically slowing. ]

-- Oh. You're right...!

[ And although it doesn't escape her notice that he can accurately single out her place of residence, that thought gets relegated to the back of her mind as she turns to consider him. Now that they've made it, perhaps there's room for her to ask, ]

How are you doing? [ The gentle concern in her voice makes it sound like he was already injured beforehand. Really, though, she just wants to know whether he's run any more afoul of the leaves or other debris than before, despite his obvious lack of consternation about it. ] You aren't bleeding anywhere, are you...?

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ He comes to a stop and turns to face her properly, but still keeps himself between her and the wind. ]

Not that I can tell.

[ Most cuts aren't deep enough to bleed and any he's gotten earlier today have already almost healed completely. She doesn't need to look too closely to find a cut or two on his throat and cheekbone that have a hint of red. ]

[lethechained]

[ It really doesn't take long for her to spot the most notable of the cuts, her face conspicuously falling at the sight. With a perplexed expression, she glances between one of the marks on his cheek and his eyes, as if trying to gauge whether or not he's just putting on a tough exterior. ]

Can't you feel it at all?

[ She's tilted her head to get a better look at one side of him, but a few (quickly) passing leaves remind her not to lean too far out of the cover he provides. Straightening up, she presses her arms a bit more closely to herself as she seems to reach some decision. ]

You can come in, if you'd like. It might not be a bad idea to clean up a little anyway, even if it's nothing serious.

[ Regardless of whether or not he's bleeding profusely, the least she can do is offer shelter. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

[ Should he accept just because she looks so ... determined, in a way? Even if he doesn't need it? That would probably be friendly, but he's also never been much for friendliness.

So, after a moment, he shakes his head. ]

I'm fine. I heal quickly.

[lethechained]

[ Although the corners of her mouth downturn subtly, the girl nods her understanding without reluctance. He's old enough to take care of himself, of course - so all she can do is take his word for it, worrywart though she might be. ]

I see. Still, I'm sorry that I couldn't be more help. I'm trying to learn ways to do that, but... it's difficult by myself.

[ Learn the appropriate magic, one might assume, considering the light show earlier. With a little shake of her head, ]

In any case, I'm grateful that you looked after me.

[coolmotivestillevil]

Don't mention it.

[ It was no trouble at all.

He'll stay put until she's safe indoors, but nods his head in a sort of goodbye. ]

[lethechained]

[ The girl nods, although of course not mentioning it won't involve her forgetting about the favor. ]

Well then... goodbye. I hope we can see each other again soon...!

[ And be in good health at the time, preferably, although the probability of the situation being otherwise is high enough that she elects not to mention it. With that thought quickly banished, she turns one last gentle smile up at him before she shifts to go on her way. When she passes by him, she does so carefully so as to stay out of the worst of the wind until she's made it up the stairs to her porch. At the door she looks back, lifting a hand to offer a small wave, and only after that does she finally step inside into the comparative security of her cabin. ]

[coolmotivestillevil]

Hm.

[ Some might call it rude that he's not actually saying goodbye properly, but his tone is soft and there's no annoyance in his face so, really, he might as well be smiling and waving enthusiastically. He likes Naminé well enough. She seems like a good person. He wouldn't be opposed to seeing her again, even if 'hope' is perhaps a bit strong.

In fact, if he never had to see any of these people again because they've managed to return home, he'd prefer that. But he understands the sentiment. ]