(february catch-all) KISS KISS BLEED ON PLANTS

[vestigemods]

FEBRUARY CATCH-ALL

► NOTHING SAYS 'ROMANCE' LIKE CARCASSES IN THE WOODS

After the idyllic snowscape of December slipped into nearly a month and a half of Struggle plus an involuntary nap that wasn't even restful, it's entirely reasonable not to trust any stretch of time within the containment zone which seems to resemble peace and quiet... But believe it or not, that's pretty much what February has to offer. The weather is decent, the wildlife is back and flourishing, and the incidents this month are about as inherently harmless as the Technicians have to offer. It's entirely possible to go the entire month without encountering anything more stressful the trials of semi-survivalist life and the latent anxiety which comes with waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Which isn't to say the containment zone is without its dangers. The lake's ice is no longer trustworthy to stand on, the woods are once again home to predators and god knows what else, and for a very brief but vivid time, the overhead foliage is thirsty for blood. And also mildly voyeuristic. It's fine.

On the plus(?) side, Foodland seems all kinds of hype about a brand new holiday? And this one (much like Halloween) has candy, which beats the hell out of the decorative gourds and and books about Santa. And with this kind-of-downtime, you can catch up with all those people you've been too busy being snowed in or comatose to see! Maybe even pick up a new hobby if you want to pretend you're accomplishing something.

► MOD NOTES

• This is the February Catch-All Log, for any action top-levels throughout the month. Large gatherings (parties, meetings, etc) are still encouraged to post their own logs for organizational purposes!
  
• Refer to the February Bulletin for any February-specific info to potentially include in your prompts! The above blurb is honestly just 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).
  
• Lederhosen.
  
• Any questions can be directed to this top-level or, for a quicker response, to Trace on discord/plurk.

Comments

Song Lan | Closed to Xiao Xingchen Feb 14th

[snowflicks]

[The daozhangs had opted for a trip to the town, of course Song Lan went often with or without his friend, but it was nice to have his company. While they lived down near the lake, keeping an eye out else where was always good. So after roaming the city to make sure nothing was out of sorts, they stop at Foodland before intending to head back to their cabin. Not for lack of food on their part, but it never hurts to check on the main source of supplies here in their home away from home.

It might not even hurt to get more tea while they're here. Could never have too much tea. They split up down aisles, only intending to be here for a moment. Apparently the Technicians have other plans. Song Lan finds his feet stuck to the ground as he tries to continue down one aisle, like they're suddenly made of two giant stones. Confusion colors his expression as he looks down, then around him, trying to suss out the situation. It's like he has no control of his lower body at all, he attempts to even more his legs with his hands, but they're stuck no matter what he does.]

... Xingchen.

[He can hear the other daozhang close by, shouting isn't necessary, nor does he want to alarm his friend either. Again his eyes skim around, wondering if there's some answer to his sudden affliction. Then he sees it, a small paper, almost a talisman of sorts, but even smaller, there are pictures on it as if to explain something, but right now it doesn't make any sense. People... kissing? Then someone bleeding? What does that have to do with him not being able to move?]

Something is wrong, be careful not to get too close.

[He warns, not sure if it's him or where he's standing that's the problem. He doesn't need Xingchen getting stuck in place too.]

[daozhangs]

( at the moment, xingchen has been picking his way down the next aisle over, the handles of a large cloth bag tucked neatly over one arm (though it's only 1/3 full thus far - he tries to take only that which they definitely need, no need for waste). the subtle shift in zichen's tone, however, stops him short. 'xingchen.' )

Zichen? ( he inquires back, chin lifting so it carries over-top the shelving. the explanation comes shortly after, and with a knit of his brow he makes his way around the end of the aisle to zichen's own, bag carefully on the floor a few yards away. true to the warning, he doesn't get too close just yet... not before he can ask, ) What is it?

[snowflicks]

[There's frustration in his expression, not at Xingchen of course, but at whatever this may be. At least Xingchen listens, keeping his distance for the time being.]

Can't move.

[Wait that's not very specific. He'll try to show him what he means, attempting to move either of his legs or feet, there's a little shift, but he can't pick his feet off the ground.]

Something has trapped me in this spot.

[His gaze flickers around again, as if the answer will show itself. Again he notices the odd series of pictures and a bad feeling settles in his gut.]

... this may be connected.

[Fingers gently touch the bottom of the paper, then his hand drops. Now Song Lan is definitely not feeling good about any of this.]