Saved, yet again, by Zombies...
10 . 03 . 14
10 . 03 . 14
WILL THIS EVER BE UPDATED AGAIN?
Last update Rossamund was still dead ffs.
The first time.
Fuuuuck.
Little self-reminder/MOTIVATION to at least go and try to archive as many RPs as possible before Skype deletes them so I can actually remember what happened when I do get around to it.
STILL LOVE YOU, CRAZYBITCH. I'M SORRY.
least you get a bio tho
Doing everything in her power to keep her presence in the Forest lightly-felt and difficult to trace, but inevitably brought out of her seclusion on a few noteworthy occasions.
Reunited with Castallion when she first caught scent of the buck, glad to see he was in as great as shape as ever (and just as colorful in personality as appearance). Tended as much to Rossamund as she could, finding the boy needed counseling through an admittedly difficult chapter of his time in the forest. Tried to work with him on fighting in his ghost form and encountered a hostile June during one their sessions. Spoke with the Rabbit and attempted to diffuse a little of the ire she understandably felt for both of them, succeeding on a few small points she felt. Vowed to take advantage of what communication had been established to try to follow through on it in the future, and from that could only strongly advise Rossamund on how to handle interactions if he valued having a chance of a relationship with his "sister." (It seemed he had been stalking a few of her friends. No idea where he learned that kind of behavior...)
More than the "physical" however, being relegated to this form had the Myling contending with heavily emotional turmoil. Did her best to offer her support where she could through these dark times, not minding when he came to visit her and Indi although made it clear after an encounter with Rohit that he understood both children were to be protected at all costs. Didn't feel she had to say more than that, and Rossamund appeared uplifted by her mentioning that she considered him like family. Less enthused about received the title of Aunt, but it was neither the place nor time.
Speaking of confusing familial ties, had been making gradual progress in her relationship with Indi's son, still finding it imperative to get him on accepting terms with her before approaching Abhiri. Starting to consider it wise that Rohit learn to spar, as he's a quiet, serious little thing with a lot of pent-up energy, and she frankly thinks he could use the outlet. He'd (unfortunately) seen his first fight not too long ago, despite her and Indi's attempts to keep him out of it knows he saw far more than he should have. Attempted to egg him on a few times on a lazy evening at the Playground, under Indi's approval of course, and probably only succeeded in cementing her Weirdo image. Though was able to deadpan though her joy in causing him some adorable frustration in the process of trying to get him to wrestle.
Ended up laying off him finally, and he'd retreat back to his mother on the boulders glaring at her as if she was the single greatest source of evil on this planet. Joked with Indi a few times about how much he seemed to take after his mother and just kind of gets this look back that made her question if the Sangai also noticed a certain
other resemblance the children bore... maybe JM wasn't going crazy after all.
One of the most significant recent occurrences to memory was no doubt Rossamund's safe and eventual return to life, after a long and frustrating journey. Saw to it that he was fed and accompanied for the first few days of his recovery, incidentally using up each of the rabbits she had asked him to kill just days prior, when food hadn't been of interest to him but was to her for a project. Didn't find out how it had happened, not finding the timing right then and also not having seen much of the Myling since that week, though hearing whispers here and there of some of his exploits, for better or for worse.
Caught Rohit and Abhiri out running around one night without Indi's usual constant supervision and got just close enough to keep an eye on them without alerting them to her presence. Indi showed up in no time, so she relaxed and fell into her own thoughts as the family played. Completely caught off guard when the trio came and took Red Hill by storm in a confusing game of
Zombies, no doubt initiated by Rohit, and ended up getting involved in it whether she wanted to or not. Somehow had been promoted from "Evil Zombie" to "Zombie Hunter" in the little guy's eyes, which while it sounded like an improvement at the time, Jokerman quickly realized still made her the antagonist in the little game. Though she fought back, was quickly outnumbered, mobbed, and infected to his seeming delight before Abhiri tired out. Rohit still looked at her like she was nuts when she rubbed the trees afterward, in an attempt to get him to play a little more. Would have to try more drastic measures later, but for the time just took it in stride and settled near the group tentatively. Heart all but seized when the smallest of the trio wandered over and ended climbing onto her back and falling asleep there. A whole myriad of fears put to rest by seeming to get Abhiri's stamp of approval and Rohit's growing tolerance. Didn't say anything to Indi at the time but knows it meant as much to her, too.
Her time and visits with Indi had been occupying the majority of her mind in one way or another, either working during the day on small schemes and building contacts with deer relevant to those schemes, visiting the family in the evening or stealing moments alone with Indi during the night. Hadn't been sticking her nose into much else that was arguably not her business, at least not in any obvious way. And while things were definitely much improved from where they started, the last thing she wanted was to any way encroach on the Topaz's time with her recently reunited family, or to be perceived by an intruding force by either of them. Found Indi by the flower patch near the river alone tonight and gladly took the opportunity to spend some time with the mother.
It wasn't too long before they were being watched. Waited to see if the other (Indigo) would approach on his own, but aware that her own companion was a little less comfortable with the bird's approach (Player assumes Indi felt tacky being caught wearing the same name so embarrassing) and went to deal with it head-on, as was the Sangai's way. Watched this as well though eventually interfered just to make it clear to the newcomer they weren't going to be chasing him, giving him the chance to come closer if he wanted. Could remember every one of her run-ins with Morioch since returning to the Forest and they were intentionally few and far between, but had seen enough of his small bird companion to make a few conclusions about his presence. Knew it was likely that nothing more than simple curiosity that had spurred the visit, though there was a few other possibilities too.
With this thought, plopped herself on the ground, intending to see how the rest would play out. Laid her head on her forelegs and watched with half-lidded interest as she waited for him to either come closer or Morioch to show up, standing enthusiastically when the older male came by. Took the opportunity to observe his behavior and appearance, nothing more than a sniff to his small companion which caused a small stir of amusement in the Kudu as he took off again. Watched the littler one leave, regretting that she hadn't been able to exchange greetings but time enough for that later. Maybe. Whatever it was, it was still better than Xetkal, and she resumed her earlier stance that there was no need for her to get involved.
Aware as they settled back down that Indi was still tense. Assumed her own omniscient Jokerman way what it was about without even asking, leaned close and quietly launched into the best reassurances and promises she could give her friend. Was cut off with Indi's words of knowing, and complete trust in her, and that was enough. In a moment of intimacy responded with the only thing better than that that she could think of which brought the doe pressing closer, things instantly seeming a lot simpler and a lot more complicated in that action. Shut out the world and lingered in each other's companies for as long as possible before Indi had to return to the kids.
Left as well, figuring the twilight hours would be the best time to do this. Despite Rossamund having promised to replenish the rabbit supply, had taken it upon herself to kill, cure, and preserve a variety of small vermin carcasses over the weeks following his return. Gathered them now and went off to the Birch to speak to a contact she'd made there, wanting to pursue a little whim.
It's good to see you both.
...We'll have to do something about that maternally-instilled sense of virtue.
Keeping close at Indi's family's heels should the need for aid ever surface; apart from that, busying herself with other things.
Many visits from Rossamund, to her relief. The Myling was doing a good job of checking in and putting her mind at ease. Watching his appearance shift from avian to vulpine to, at times, something like his original form. Which is at once heart-rendingly gratifying and more than a little bit amusing when he couldn't seem to perfect the hue.
Helped him work on his coloration this afternoon, the process being long and consisting of much trial and error and doubtless lots of effort from the Ghost. Eventually he got it right and their efforts were rewarded. Definitely didn't fall into the pond at any point. Settled into a mood for a moment and took note of the little Ghost sneaking off. Equally curious of where he was going as she was what he would do off on his own, and opted to explore the latter today. Feigned slumber and waited. The thought process being "He can't get hurt... right?"
Wrong. The Myling came back a short while later and settled back next to her. Could sense something was off and kept her mouth shut, just eyed him thoughtfully. At last he started spilling. Questioned him on it a little bit about his participation in a fight, as much interested in his ability to be hurt as the source of his injury. It seemed to be another hallmark of him gaining aptitude in this form.
Joined by Ciel and Neela as well, greeted the pair somewhat briskly as Neela was being adorable and shy and what was Jo supposed to do with [i]that? Felt bad; she really needed to work on how she approach fawns, little girls in particular, but that thought was intermingled with the one that most kids start crying when she looks at them, and more lately have thought that she was going to eat their brains. Didn't want to do that to Ciel's family, and entertained other ideas, all of which consisted of staying seated for now.
Resumed talking with Rossamund, though noted his change in behavior with the pair's arrival. Found out about... something. Unsure. Ushered him a bit closer to Neela, perplexed at both their behaviors when she found out they were supposed to be friends. Also barked out some orders for any future 'incidents' with protecting others. Trying to work with him as it was evident the buck's code of honor was a part of him, and there was no use trying to pretend it couldn't get him hurt anymore.[/i]
...He has my ears.
Visited the Sangai's homeworld in projected vessels and succeeded in establishing her children's souls' connections with the Forest. Concluded the long and arduous 'adventure' and returned to the Forest approximately a month ago, where they immediately set about trying to find the youths, both unsure and nervous that it hadn't worked out after all, or knowing if they would be able to recognize either fawn. Eventually mother and children were happily reunited, though it was clear it would take time and effort for things to settle down. Understanding of this, backed off immediately so as not to make the transition any rougher, even though falling back into old habits of withdrawing was the last thing she wanted right now.
Has busied herself with relearning the Forest. The first order of business being to touch bases with Henna. Accepted her sister's scolding for her lengthy absence (with no way of contacting) and insisted on learning of recent news. All worse fears seemingly came to light. Heartbroken to hear of Rossamund's passing, all the anger she felt directed purely at herself and even saddened that she had put Henna in this place. Made a sort of peace with it a few weeks later, however. Found a way to keep in touch with the boy's spirit and has not given up on finding a proper conclusion to these events. Treasures his attempts to make contact with her and does everything she can to increase the frequency of his visits.
A few other small visits here and there with others. Sat with Ciel at one point and was grateful as ever for his presence in her life, however little their paths may cross. But for the most part, drifted through the Forest like a ghost. Embracing the solitude and spending much time seemingly wrapped up in her thoughts near the riverbed, hardly moving to acknowledge the glances from certain passers-by; wisened up to a few less-friendly individuals in this way, though hasn't acted on it yet. Uncertain if she will. Also been crashing at the Topaz's home when she wasn't there, for a change of scenery. Sentimental like that. Found by Israel one afternoon in her favorite spot, and filled in on his recent travels. Unsure of how to receive the buck now that he's older, and treading carefully but firmly. Intends to learn more about him in light of Indi's relationship with her adopted son.
Rarely sees the Sangai after helping her to reunite with Rohit and Abhiri. Missing Indi like crazy after the events of the past months, which was expected and only natural. Using the time wisely, making preparations. Beginning to take small steps towards encountering the trio and familiarizing them with her presence, particularly Rohit, who already has a negative impression of her. Reassured by Indi that the boy has always been the cautious type. More endeared than anything with being able to see so much of his mother in the fawn. Happy to have them all here, and Indi so obviously happy.
Thoughts and perceptions challenged, even more than she thought they would be, by the two perplexing, spirited little creatures now in both their lives. Trying to do her best to give the newly-reunited family time to adjust, but acutely aware of certain aspects that are incredibly familiar. Keeping these thoughts to herself for the time being as she really isn't sure what it all means, though muses on it a lot in her spare time. Already charmed by and devoted to the fawns in mind, it seems.
Jokerman blinks in the
Hoo boy Ryuu's gonna be
And Riza will just cry herself to sleep for a few nights.
(lmao @_@ rightfully so I
"Hm?" The doe looks puzzled
"The Silver Knights," Phai explains. "I was the eighth and the last, before they were disbanded for two members' treachery. Our Mother was furious... She lashed at the world with a storm the likes of which I haven't seen before or since." The doe is silently reverent for a moment. "The Hondos' duty was to protect all our kind. Each was chosen by our Mother and given a silver Ankh-" here her nose brushes the faded cross-like pattern on her chest, "-though after the war and the Clans we were marked with silver triangles beneath our eyes."
Jokerman gives a small nod.
Whether Castallion was paying attention or off somewhere in outer space, at least he had a chance of hearing about Phaios's roots as a protector, a Silver Knight as it turned out... a quality a lot of fawns might overlook in the quiet doe, but Jokerman had seen some of the deer that fawns usually held as 'role models' and she had to say she harbored far more respect and trust for Phaios. "I'm not surprised." She says nothing else to explain herself, especially not now, with the youngster upright and conscious. JM lowers her heard to the ground once more, watching alertly for any more signs of unwanted intruding deer.
The doe eyes Jokerman
Phaios lays her head to rest as well, yawning. After observing Jo for a few moments, she concludes, "You're an odd one, you know." Even without her mask, Phai felt the kudu was hiding something or another. Enigmatic little buggar.
From his collapsed position
JM gives a small chuckle.
Castallion plunks himself right next to Phai, and Jo's ears go flat against her head, so that someone might think she were displeased were they not to know any better. Mostly it's just a warning look that seems to go wasted on the youth, anyway. Heaving a defeated sigh as Castallion passes out again, Jokerman clears away a foot or so from the pair and brushes off the comment with a quirked brow of her own, tucking a leg in under her chin.
"Yes. I'm the odd one."
A quiet "Mm" is her only
Phaios watches thoughtfully as Jo retreats a short ways. Always so distant. Something the doe both understands and wishes was not so.
ROFLMAO SPUNKY TEENYBOPPERS
Yeah, not saying Ryuu's gonna
Ivi - ♥! Kimi -
Kimi - That's what old hags call the young folks. :I
OL - LOL, well that'll be kind of awesome. Righteous big brother Ryuu anger! Looking forward to it even if JM's not...
i know this is a day
-
It was later in the night when Henna would finally speak of the events that had unfolded earlier in the evening. She plopped her body down comfortably next to Jo and pressed her weight against the kudu's side, "So, are you going to tell me who that asshole was?" she asked with a tilt of her head. "I know you're not pleased with me butting into your..disagreements with others but he was pretty big. Even for me." Henna said with a bit of feeble mirth. She didn't want Jokerman to think she thought of her sister as weak without her mask, she knew Jo could still knock some stupid stags around with no problem. But the lack of her horns put her at a disadvantage, that much was obvious and Henna could only worry when the crimson doe found herself in another scuffle.
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
(PFFT no it's just really
"I could have handled it," comes the grumpy reply as the Kudu lightly pushes her weight back against Henna. In contrast with the more even-tempered facade she was able to put up around Phaios and Castallion earlier, the Jokerman that Henna was left to deal with was considerably less pleasant. She snorts when Henna comments on the size, raising her head and looking down at the smaller doe with as coldly superior a look as she could muster. It was all put-on though. Jokerman can't really be angry at her sister, it's with insecurity not anger that she asks her next question. "Why do you need to know who he is? Are you gonna beat him up for me again, Hen?"
Sky: THANKS FOR GETTING ME IN
sorry |D she's got me all emotional tonight, rofljdg
Her ears fell back at the
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
'Watching her sleep' this
this gave me chills
allmytrack *throws tracks at*
ROFL Kimi. JM could probably
JD -
Jokerman's ears followed suit and flattened against her own head when cold air replaces her best friend's comforting presence. Not acknowledging that she knew she'd miss something until it was taken away--that was the story of her life. But no, she hadn't forgotten. Her thoughts and feelings for Henna hadn't changed at all except to have been reinforced ever since Eraline's death. But Jo had assumed, maybe pessimistically, that what they'd once considered to have been a 'family' had also been destroyed. Hearing the word spoken out loud for the first time in almost a year, earns Henna silence from the Kudu.
"I imagined being a family, with you, once... maybe, in another lifetime, we would have been." She says at least, her voice, successfully stripped of any vile and gaze lowered almost as if in submission, or at the very least non-aggressively. "I know it's your job to protect me. Just as it's mine." JM pauses, thinking it best not to mention all the things she has tried to 'protect' them both and make the forest a little safer, and then looks up to make direct eye contact, almost unnervingly. "Are we really still family, Henna?"
Shay - LMFAO as it probably should. Poor Indi
Dreambeast - OMG were you the cute minifawn sitting with us not long ago? -- Thank you either way!
Henna's eyes widened and she
"But this isn't about that right now.. You can't wallow in this negativity forever, Jo. And you can't feel sorry for yourself 'cause of your mask." Henna told her, her voice stronger now. "I need you to not be reckless now...I can't bare the thought of losing you too."
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
She doesn't move when Henna
"I don't know his name. He works for Xetkal and another deer he referred to as a 'Soul Dealer'." She hesitates, unsure of what more should say. Another weakness she gained by losing the mask was that she hasn't yet learned to fully compensate for is the fact that any expression she forgets to stifle is revealed now for all to see, and for a second Jokerman's face reflects her self-disgust and sorrow. "He took my mask. And he took Mateo's antlers. And I think... he took body parts from other deer, too..."
A look of her own disgust
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
A stiff nod is JM's response,
'Sooner or later she's going
"Confused child or not, it looks like she's already picked sides." Henna responds with a sullen sigh. She looks at Jo, seeing her bare face was still surprising but secretly, she enjoyed being able to look into her best friend's eyes and really see her emotions. Jo might think it made her vulnerable but Henna was finally convinced that she wasn't as soul-less as she tried to make herself seem. Which was rather relieving.. Not that the fallow would ever say such things to Jo. Mask or no mask, she was still scary.
"We'll find a way to get it back, both of us. But just promise me you won't do anything brash?"
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
Tracking! Also because I
She gives her friend a long
The Kudu glances at Henna's face a final time before shutting her eyes and leaning down, resting her heavy head on the back the Fallow's study neck, for once reveling in the warmth pressed against her own cheek. She didn't believe they would get her mask back, but Henna was right--it wouldn't hurt to find out where it was.
SC - Argh thank you!! Does your fawn have a bio?
:)Yes ^^ Right here! Going to
Going to bed now! Hope to meet you and Indi again soon
Plopping my fat, happy ass
"You were staring for so
"You were staring for so long, I figured I'd give you something to look at."Hi.
SoliloquyChryseis - Aw so
:) And sorry for the late reply.Faustt - TY for the track!
Kali - ROFL yeah, figured she pretty much brought it upon herself. Up to that point I was thinking, "Wow, Skylar and Loki are being really chill"...
She had heard the yelling,
But to her surprise, they only seemed to fight with words.
And before she knew it, all was silent again and the two had parted ways.
She watched as Jo turned and acknowledge the topaz doe's presence then gradually made her way over to settle in the purple glade. Indi didn't inquire, she didn't utter a word - instead she would move closer and offered the kudu her silent comfort. She had no expectations of the crimson warrior, she didn't want nor need an explanation from her.
Just quiet, peaceful company.
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
no peace, more war more
no peace, more warmore peace, no war
Unmasked and vulnerable, the
They are, perhaps, two of the Forest's least settled residents, rarely knowing a day of calm and tranquility between them. The way the morning had started out shattering all promise for a reprieve, but a second chance at redemption, of healing, came later into the day with the reopening of an old wound to cleanse it of infection, and JM finally felt that this time, for the first time, she might heal.
She doesn't mean to exchange glances with her, but as the Flame Doe moves to sit beside her she accidentally catches Indi's eye, and a weary smile is offered in return.
Peace... yes. She wanted peace. And, tonight, she thought, she would have it.
edit: goddammit shay
my apologies. i fixed it, at
might as well have posted a
(No subject)
adorable art by Tuoho! ♥
damn, all of the
^ lol
there we go...
You're suppose to be resting.
But... but... :(
:(Nooo 'but' about it! >:C
This bio is one of the
- Soren Aabye Kierkegaard
April you got your way in the
:(Pulchra - Thank you so much, kindly mysterious stranger.
:)Very much so! Oh. -loves on
Oh. -loves on Jokerman-
The flowers were withering,
As Ciel's form approaches
As she widens her distance to match Henna's, the alien sound of Ciel's voice catch her ear, and she realizes he is speaking to her. The Kudu turns around to afford herself a better view of his face; when she processes what he said regret clenches her heart that they're meeting like this, that this is how it has to be. Since the very moment she had returned to the forest she had seen glimpses of the male here and there and wondered who he was, who he had been to the girl. Inquiries--and Jo had made quite a few after him, intentionally or not--had told her he had been very special to Eraline in her final days, had been the one to bury her, to mend, even if just slightly, her daughter's heart which she knew had been far too shattered for any one deer to fix. But she didn't think he knew who she was, and she accepted it, suppressing all urges she'd once felt to talk to him, fearing she'd prolong or extend the widower's grieving.
"I am." She dips her muzzle once in acknowledgement and her eyes flick to the stone marker beside them. "At least, she once thought I was."
Me gusta~ I can't believe I
I can't believe I never tracked on this :C <3
Ciel breathed a hefty sigh,
"He said that he would be back." With a gentle nod, he placed the idol necklace on ground in front of him, admiring them for a moment before turning his eyes once again on the kudu doe. "My family says that I need to let go of the past and move, but I could never do that completely. She'll always be a part of me, and I can't help that. But I want to make them happy, and I want to keep the necklace safe." He paused a moment, breathing lightly. "So I was wondering if you and Henna would like to take the necklace, to cherish it and keep it safe? I don't want Eraline's father finding it."
Keyblade - Honored, tysm.
:)Faust - fgjkghjkl I'm sorry this is so long but ugh this is so sweet of Ciel. Thank you
:(Jokerman barely registers his relief that she greets him civilly. Had it been another time she might have found it humorous, the palpable surprise of others when she behaved with an ounce of decency, especially now that she had nothing to shield her expressions from others and humbler emotions such as kindness and understanding could more easily be read across her features. Unless she worked to mask them with indifference, but such facades were too exhausting to maintain as of late, especially in Ciel's company.
Along that vein, Jokerman is unable to recover from the very visceral reaction that the mention of Eraline's 'father' elicits from her. Her ears flatten back and the base of her nose crinkles in a brief, silent snarl before she remembers she is in Better Company, and instead lets her unwavering gaze convey the furious promise of security and loyalty garnered in his statements. Gratitude, above all else. She is grateful for him, his company, his knowledge. That he knows who she was, that he can verify she'd been able to do something for Eraline, even though it hadn't been enough either.
"I tried... so hard to protect her from that stag," she says quietly after a moment, feeling she owes Ciel the explanation though he'd never ask it of her, she was sure. "He wasn't... how he is now. The monster was hiding, like a coward. I knew he was rotten, Gods help me, but no one knew how bad he was. Except maybe Eraline herself. But we tried, Henna and me. We both did. I should have known..." Jokerman wished she could have said more, wished she could comforted him as well, told him she'd see to it that Xetkal would regret his actions. Make him pay for his whole wretched, twisted life that he'd dared to get mixed up with Eraline's. But even if she'd thought he was capable of it, she'd talked to the Bongo only a few weeks earlier and came out of the encounter only most disturbed, more hateful, and more convinced that she was helpless to do anything about it.
Instead she focuses on what he says about moving, not moving on, she notes, but moving forward with his life. She bows her head low when she hears his resolution, following his gaze to the beloved necklace. She knew his grief was great and would never begrudge him of it, but Ciel had so much ahead of him, Jo knew it, and she was happy for him and the life he would have. As for her, when you lose your child that is where your living stops. Her head remains lowered out of respect, out of exhaustion, out of overwhelming appreciation, and the Kudu raises her eyes to meet his again, accepting as soon as she is able to speak.
"Yes. I'd never let him hurt her again."
The brief change in her
He, however, was silently overjoyed that she would agree to take the necklace. Although Sterre's idea of hanging the idols in a tree in memory of the green doe, Ciel had to opt against it. It would be far too exposed; should Eraline's father even catch a glimpse of it, no doubt he would quick to steal it. The male didn't deserve the privilege of possessing such a cherished and sacred object, he would only taint it.
Looking to the necklace, he gingerly picked it up, always so careful with the object that had survived well over a year of weathering in his tines. Picking himself up off the ground, he gave himself a brief shake before closing the remaining distance between himself and Jokerman. He lowered his head to place the charms in front of her, hearing them clink together for perhaps the last time while the necklace was in his possession. "Thank you," he said, drawing back, only to take up a seat a few feet to her side. "I only ask that where ever you may keep it, I wish to know where it is, if that's alright?"