Gain the weight of you then lose it

[reddosmod]

JANUARY 2022 EVENT

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Woman in an elaborate blue dress with high collar staring at camera while people dance in background.]
[Image Two: Woman in pink dress touching chest and smiling at camera while people dance in background.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Explicit gif of snake shedding its skin and a new viperlike snake coming out of the old skin.]
[Image Two: Gif of eyes gazing at camera and right eye turning yellow.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Image of rock snake with fire glowing in its mouth.]
[Image Two: Gif of a snake made entirely out of flames hissing.]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

SNAKE DEN

WHEN: Evenings throughout January
WHERE: The Red, Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Alcohol/Drugs, possible NSFW scenarios, forced honesty, mood altering substances.

---

Around Trench, Sleepers will find a gold-edged flyer pinned to most doors, lamps, and posted around stores and throughout the market. Some may even find the flyer pinned to their front door:

MADAM GENEROSITY INVITES YOU TO THE SNAKE DEN

Hello darling and dearest Sleepers! Do not let the cold dampen your spirit or weaken your hope. Do not allow our differences to divide us; do not let the frigid drive you to isolation; do not hurt your soul by forgetting one another. They say snakes cannot thrive in the cold, yet here I am, defying it, thriving despite it. You can too. We must persist. We shall persist. Not with violence and bloodshed, not with pollution and corruption, but with unity! With compassion and fun.

I invite you all to join me at The Red every odd evening of January! Welcome to the Snake Den! A little Talent Show I throw occasionally to remind Sleepers of their profound potential for greatness and awe! Come be flashy on stage or to support your friends. After the Talent Show is our famed Fashion Show. Do you have eccentric outfits you would like to show off? Now is truly your time to shine!

The evening will be filled with plenty of food and drink for all. We shall dance, we shall show off, we shall persist and defy corruption together. Let my lovely Night Walkers shine and keep you company for the evening. Find some new friends, have an illicit affair, or just come so you don't have to be alone for a night. You are all welcome...And don't worry, I've enchanted the Red so that none of your powers can cause any damage while inside the building. Feel free to really make a light show with your fire! It won't hurt anyone.

I so look forward to seeing all of you there.

With Love,
Madam Generosity

The Red has been elaborately decorated for the Snake Den spectacle. Enormous golden statues of snakes have been placed throughout. Golden lights glitter above. Servers carry about golden flutes of champagne, soda, and sparkling water. You can order other drinks at the bar. While the invite has gone out to Sleepers, there are some regular Trenchies who have come to show their support. To perform in the Talent Show portion, one simply needs to go backstage to prepare with the rest.

A female Trenchie named Dorothea seems to be directing the acts. People can perform multiple times. Talents performed can include music, comedy, dance routines, or little skits. After the Talent Show concludes, a Fashion Show will be put on, and everyone is encouraged to join. You can get your hair and make-up done elaborately backstage and find eccentric outfits to try on if you're not so happy with the one you showed up in.

Going to the Snake Den at this time will cause incredible stress relief. Even those who are typically shy or introverted will find themselves soothed at the Snake Den. Giant pillows have been thrown about so people can puddle in together and snuggle up. Private rooms have been created out of silks for some private conversations or interactions.

There must be something in the drinks or the snacks going around because it becomes easy to become a much more outgoing version of yourself at the party. It may increase friendliness or touchiness and relax people's usual reservations. Who knows? It might encourage you to go up on stage and show off a bit or talk to that handsome stranger who has been eying you the whole night. Regular intoxication from alcohol/drugs is possible as well which means some people might not need the additional encouragement.

Regular dancing occurs after the Fashion Shows with various musicians performing on stage to fill the night up with plenty of mood melodies. As the evening prolongs, the lights dim and things become quiet and soothing. Since paleblood magic is exceptionally strong this month with honesty, attendants of the party may find themselves being more open and honest about themselves. Hopefully, you don't confess anything too vulnerable about yourself...

FAQ:
1. Characters with mental abilities may be able to resist the honesty sway if they consciously realize it is happening.

2. Any talent can be performed on the stage.

3. The flyer is magically enchanted so that people who touch it will feel unusually excited to go to the Snake Den.

THE SHEDDING CEREMONY

WHEN: Begins in January - Effects may be permanent. Players choose when the effects wear off.
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced modification of body, possible themes of body dysmorphia, shedding/peeling skin, burning/eating dead skin, alternate versions of characters, possible genderswapping, possible alteration of personality/memories.

---

[A passage from Rituals and Reality; Chapter 2: The Shedding Ceremony. Found exclusively in Gaze:]

"Worshippers of Madam Generosity believed that the shedding of snakeskin was symbolic to the shedding of an old life and the acceptance of a new life. The skin left behind was a reminder of past trials and tribulations, and the skin you walk away with is evidence of all that you have learned and experienced. In ancient times, Sleepers would ritualistically select one of their own to sacrifice to Madam Generosity. Eventually, Sleepers would come to learn that Madam Generosity did not appreciate blood sacrifices. Due to her gentle nature, she encouraged Sleepers to pay tribute to her in other ways.

Thus came the Shedding Ceremony. Sleepers would rub away chapped skin and set it afire in a bowl. They would reflect on lives left behind and the new life they had been given in Trench. Over time, this created a powerful magical experience that persisted beyond the original ceremony. The Shedding Ceremony is both a ritual and an enchantment.

As January begins, Sleepers may find that their skin has become dry and brittle. The generous application of lotions and oils may soothe the skin, but neglected skin can begin to peel off. Although it is a painless experience, it can be rather gross to look at and a bit itchy. Then one day, you simply fall asleep and when you awaken, you are an entirely different version of yourself. You will find a nearly perfect replica of your old self in a shed skin nearby. Your new body may be stronger, faster, more powerful. Old scars may be healed, lost limps replaced...Or you might be an entirely new gender. Some have even experienced becoming a different species. Some awaken as an older or younger variation of themselves while others find that they have become an alternate version of themselves.

These effects have been known to last for a few days up to months at a time. In some scenarios, the effects have become permanent. Some believe it to be a curse while others believe it is a gift. It may happen multiple times and take a few sheds to return to your original body. It is believed that ingesting your old skin or burning it alleviates the changes and brings you back to your original body faster. Generous application of lotion and oils can prevent the Shedding Ceremony altogether for some - or at the very least, slow it down."

FAQ

1. Characters can avoid this prompt altogether via the application of lotion.

2. If you decide to permanently change your character in a big way (ie; changing their species/gender/age) then we do ask that you update your character on the taken page to reflect that they are now an Alternate Version of a character. This would open up the original character to be applicable to new players.

3. This can change blood types for those interested in trying on a new blood type. You can either temporarily change a blood type or permanently. If you permanently change a blood type, let us know on the Blood Type page and update your information on the taken page.

4. You can play out the transformation as explicitly or non-explicitly as you want. Maybe characters see the changes happening under their peeling skin or just wake up in their new body. The peeling does not need to be any more graphic than what you would typically see on dry skin.

5. You can alter a character's gender, species, age, blood type, or switch to a general alternate version of a character (ie; Coffee Shop AU, an AU of your character but with different powers, an AU of your character if they came from a different canon or timeline.) Please have fun with this and explore the possibilities for as long as you like!

Unsnakely

WHEN: All of Bone Season
WHERE: Anywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible injuries or death from burns/fire.

---

[A journal entry from the Wayward Watcher that can be found in the Archaic Archives reads:]

"Do not trust the naked snake trails of January. They exist to trick you into a sense of Madam Generosity's comfort. The Good Pthumerian leaves snow tracks in her wake, but the Unsnakely leaves melted trails of snow. This creature has spent centuries cloaking itself to rope in those who devotedly follow Madam Generosity. The kind people of Trench look to snakes as a trustworthy, compassionate symbol filled with good intention.

There are many ways to anticipate the Unsnakely's presence. Besides its melted trails (that eventually turn to ice in the cold), you may notice pockets of comfortable heat. While many believe greenery is a good sign, do not be fooled by the melted patches of grass you find. These are not symbols of an early spring. They are symbols of incoming destruction.

The Unsnakely is not of blood or soul; it is a blood curse of the earth, a product of Blood Pollution. It's a creature made out of rock, with no pulse, no soul, no mind. Molten lava pours through its body. It moves in and out of the earth without disturbing the surface, transforming from rock into small beasts or a snake the size of your home. It looks to spill blood to freshen its own magic and its choice of weapon is its size and the fire it breathes. A furious Unsnakely will light up in flames and can bring great destruction to its surroundings. People have lost their homes to the Unsnakely and of course, people have lost their lives.

The Unsnakely, no matter the size it takes, is as fast and lethal as a typical snake. It cannot truly die, as it is a curse of the earth, but it can be physically destroyed by immense blunt strength or coldblood abilities whether fire or ice. Typical ice abilities will not work against the snake - they must come from a coldblood source. Enchanted coldblood items will be effective against the Unsnakely.

The Unsnakely can spit fire like venom and boil the air around it. It can be difficult to get physically close enough to land a blow due to the suffocatingly hot temperature rolling off its body. It traditionally hunts in the streets and in the woods, by the beach and among the cliffs. Once someone has slain the beast, it returns to the earth where it rebuilds itself over a period of 2-3 days. It primarily hunts during Bone Season, preferring to use the cloak of Madam Generosity to its advantage.

Since this is not a traditional snake, it has no desire to "eat" anyone. It will simply roast you alive - which is arguably worse for some. Its fire burns hotter and brighter than regular fire, and it is a slow, agonizing death that has caused absolute madness in some. People have claimed to see strange visions in the smoke that pours off of the Unsnakely, causing distortion in battle. Do not inhale too much of the Unsnakely's smoke as it will cause intense vertigo. Remember: this is a creature of deception.

Lastly, it would be beneficial to know that the Unsnakely cannot hear or see. It responds to the vibration around it. Some who stay still may get the upper hand, but the creature can feel the vibrations of your heartbeat if your pulse is unusually elevated. Good luck, fellow Hunters. Treat burns by the Unsnakely with vileblood. I know it sounds mad, but the vileblood seems to attack whatever cursed heat comes with burns from the Unsnakely.

Take care of yourself,
- The Wayward Watcher"

FAQ
1. Characters who can manipulate earth can contort/stop/fight against the Unsnakely's natural body. It will take great control to fully control or dismantle the body.

2. Coldbloods with fire abilities can similarly control the fire of the Unsnakely with great control.

CODING

Comments

eurydice | hadestown

[howtheworldwas]

i. snake den

[ This is Eurydice's first time at the Red, and she wouldn't be surprised if it's her last. Everything about her -- from the way she lingers against the wall near the bar, to her white-knuckle grip on her champagne flute -- suggests that she is not used to parties like these. There's so many strangers, and so much extravagance, that the whole thing becomes overwhelming pretty quickly. She'd take a small, shitty dive bar or a bonfire any day, thanks.

Still. Not going might offend one of the twelve mysterious gods, and Eurydice can't take that chance, so here she is. Partying. Having a blast.

If you join her in the wallflower zone, she won't say anything, but she will look over to you, raise an eyebrow, and take a sip of champagne. This is entirely to demonstrate how much fun she's having. It probably isn't doing a very good job. Someone, please save her from herself. ]

ii. shedding ceremony (cw: grief/loss of a loved one)

[ She isn't supposed to be here.

The locals call it Trench, talk of their pantheon of twelve and the magic of blood, and Eurydice, frankly, does not give a shit. This is not her world, and Eurydice has unfinished business back home.

She failed. Years of preparation -- of searching for materials and information, of learning when to fight and when to make herself small, of tracking down every back alley and not-space -- all gone down the drain. All because she thought she knew better, because she couldn't follow one simple instruction.

She refuses to dwell on that, though. Can't. Otherwise, all her work is really for nothing. Instead, Eurydice tells herself that Hades has underestimated her, that she's found a bypass once and she can do it again. Eurydice knows how the world works, and that's made her tough. Tougher than she realizes.

So. First things first: she needs to get out of this place. She's in desperate need of useful information, which is why she's approaching you, stranger. For whatever reason, you look like you know what you're doing. ]

Hey. [ her voice is stern, blunt, all business. ] You know of anyone who's actually been able to leave this place?

[ The woman interrogating you bears only a superficial resemblance to the Eurydice who originally washed up here, months ago. This woman is older, with gray in her hacked-off hair, and fine, determined lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth. She's all lean, hard angles, wrapped in a thick hooded coat and boots that almost certainly conceal a knife. There is no feather in her hair or flower in her pocket. Instead there is the ungaurded, brittle honesty of desperation in her eyes.

She needs answers. Better come up with something, quick. ]

iii. wildcard

[ throw me your own starter, or pm this journal to plot something else! ]

ii | cw: memory loss

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ Nearby, a man shuffles by with his head held low, humming softly to himself in halting phrases, each time a little different like he's experimenting, trying to feel out the sound of it. He's not dressed for the weather - shoulders bared by the heavy leather overalls and cloth wrap around his chest that he's wearing, and while one of the locals was kind enough to lend him a thin hooded cloak, it's not really enough. After decades of the blazing heat of the factory floor, he's not prepared for this. His only thought is to find where he's supposed to be in this place, to get back to work like he's supposed to, to earn his keep for one more day.

Until-

He doesn't recognize the woman accosting random strangers in the street, not at first. Time has changed them both, and the Lethe washed him clean, but then he draws just close enough to hear her speak. It doesn't all come flooding back. He's too far gone for that. But he remembers - fields of wildflowers, the taste of wine, the sound of laughter. He remembers being a young man, and seeing a young woman all alone, and wanting to be a part of her life forever. He remembers her voice.

There aren't words for the way that he feels, the swirl of confusion and exuberance and grief over lost time. So instead he opens his mouth, and starts to sing. ]

La, la la la, la la la

[ And his voice is quiet and rough around the edges and out of practice, the work-songs of the factory floor a far cry from this and years of smoggy air haven taken their toll, but it's high and it's sweet and it's the same song from all those years ago, the same song he's unknowingly set words to every night and forgotten every day for the past decade or more. Never has it been clearer in his mind than now, though, and he pulls down the hood of his borrowed cloak and steps closer, holding out a hand. ]

La, la la la, la la la

[ And in it unfurls a single bright red flower, a spot of color against pale hands, callused and burned and otherwise bent by years of hard labor. He doesn't look at it, though. He only has eyes for her. ]

[howtheworldwas]

[ Eurydice barely notices the man at first, and oh, that's another failure, isn't it? What she's searching for is right in front of her, and she's too focused on the particulars of her task to notice.

She's prepared to walk right past him, and nearly does so. That song, however, stops her dead in her tracks. She hasn't heard it since -- she doesn't deserve to hear it -- it's not possible. He's not here, he's down there, she should know. Eurydice saw Hades take him back, remembers reaching out for him and feeling nothing but air.

But the song continues, rough and raw and real. And, despite herself -- despite everything -- Eurydice listens. She listens, and he pulls down his hood, and offers her a flower, and for one terrible moment, it's all too much. She can't accept it, has no right to accept it. A poet gave a hungry young girl a flower, years and years ago. But that girl grew up, and the woman is so afraid she'll crush it in her desperation.

Still, Eurydice knows that if she doesn't grab hold of him now, she could lose him again. She could lose him forever. So she swallows, as if steeling herself, and takes the flower, bringing it close to her chest. ]

It's you.

[ Her voice cracks on the word, soft and reverent and disbelieving. ]

[themuseabandonsyou]

It's me.

[ Bits and pieces are coming back to him now, falling into place one after another, and it's not just memory but awareness of the world around him. She's like a beacon in the night, lighting up everything around her, making him take notice. There's sky above him, green around him, people smiling and laughing. His eyes grow wide, losing that look of hollowed-out exhaustion as it dawns on him what's happening. He's free. He's free.

And here she is in the center of all of it.

He steps closer, reaching out to try to hold her but not touching her, not yet. It's a question, not a demand, a request for permission. A lifetime ago he came to her as a near-stranger and asked her to dance, just like this, and now he struggles with himself, trying to remember her name. Like a melody. ]

Eurydice.

[howtheworldwas]

[ He pronounces her name like a song, but that's wrong, all wrong. That doesn't fit anymore. If she ever was a song, it's been choked out of her, ground down by years of grief and failure. He shouldn't sing for her. She doesn't deserve it.

But. It would be another kind of failure to turn him away, wouldn't it? She'd just be abandoning him again. So she takes his hand, and for the first time in years, allows herself to feel real warmth again.

It all happens fast after that: she pulls him close, intending to never let him go. ]

Orpheus.

[ She's no singer. Her voice breaks on the name. ]

How did you -- I didn't know if I'd find you again, I took so long the first time, I -- I -- [ she takes a deep breath, swallows. ] -- I'm sorry.

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ Orpheus shakes his head, wrapping his arms around her waist in a tight embrace. He still smells like the factory, smoke and grease and sweat, but he doesn't think to worry about that now. ]

I don't know. [ It doesn't matter what the end of that question was. He has no idea how any of this is happening. Up until a moment ago he was barely even aware of where he was, head empty of any thoughts but writing a song without even being able to remember why he was writing it. But none of that matters, now. What does matter is that Eurydice's upset, and he can't stand to see it.

He raises a hand to her face, caressing her cheek gently. A long time ago, his hands were smooth and slender, callused only at the fingertips from a lifetime of playing string instruments. Now they're marked from years of work, burned and toughened and broken and healed over and over again. Still, he's as delicate as anything when he touches her, pulling away slightly to look her in the eyes. ]

Don't apologize. I'm here. You're here. It's okay.

ii

[eudaimonikos]

Uh - yeah, actually.

[Michael, having spent a while as a woman, is back to his regular physical self! He's hoping that'll be the last of it. Surely he can't go through many more changes, right?

He's not really dressed for the cold. The coat he's wearing, rich blue with a little capelet, seems mostly designed for style. But he seems comfortable enough regardless, sticking his hands deep into his pockets as he responds. Being unfamiliar with human aging as a general process, he hasn't really clocked that this is Eurydice.]

Friend of mine, a few months back. He turned back into a squid and went into the ocean. I don't know if that's a reliable method, though - he said he just sort of felt like it was time, and then it happened on its own.

[howtheworldwas]

He turned into a squid.

[ Eurydice repeats, stern and careful. There's a good chance this man is messing with her. But given that her arrival, something that Eurydice only dimly remembers, involved squids to some degree means that she can't fully rule it out.

So she folds her arms, scanning him up and down. That's a flimsy coat. Weird. She wonders how he plans to survive the winter. (Orpheus didn't, she reminds herself, and then she pushes that thought out of her head. She's got business.) ]

What I'm looking for isn't in the ocean. [ unless... ] Which god rules over that? Can I seek an audience? [ If she has to incur a debt, so be it. She's got to get out of here. ]

[eudaimonikos]

Uh, yeah. Weren't you a squid like, an hour ago?

[Having taken her for a new arrival, Michael doesn't really see why turning into a squid is so unbelievable? Like, everybody already did it once.

As for gods...well, Michael has a low opinion of anyone using that particular moniker, just right off the bat. The Pthumerians don't really seem to, which is why he hasn't taken them all for pretentious dickwads right off the bat. But there's no reason to be pedantic; if someone wants a god, that's basically who they're after.]

Ah, that'll be Mariana. I don't know if you can actually go and talk to her...I don't really know that you should. Never met her myself, but it sounds like she's a little tetchy. [To put it mildly.] What are you looking for?

[howtheworldwas]

No. I've been here for -- [ it's hard to tell. Everything has felt off since she arrived, as if her life for the last while has been happening to someone else. Eurydice chalks it up to the sting of failure, and doesn't dwell on it. She's got other stuff to worry about. ] -- months. I think.

[ If that's an admission of weakness, Eurydice does not notice, or care.

The man's warning doesn't scare her in the slightest? Tetchy? That's fine. Comes with the territory. She keeps that desperate stare locked on him, laden with drive and adrenaline to mask any exhaustion. ]

I've dealt with worse. [ Said bitterly. She means it. ] I'm looking for Hell. [ Then, because she can't stop herself, won't even bother to try: ] I've left someone there.

[eudaimonikos]

Oh, yeah? Haven't seen you around.

[Which still isn't that unusual, in and of itself. There's a decent number of Sleepers, and while Michael's gregarious, he's sure that he doesn't actually know all of them. He does tend to notice when people go around asking questions about Hell, though.]

Ah, well. Different worlds have different Hells, obviously. Some don't have them at all - I'm not sure if this one does or not. If you're wanting yours, though, I guess she's still the best bet. I came here right from our world's afterlife, and that took me through the water like everyone else. [It was from Heaven, but you know, they're basically next to each other.] Gotta be honest, it sounds like there's a solid chance she'll just kill you. Do you want some company?

[Michael doesn't really consider it the worst thing in the world, here. Sure, she'd die, but she'd come back afterwards and then at least she'd know. It's no worse than if he decided to trade a skinsuit for something he really wanted. Still, he feels bad sending some mortal off to deal with a potentially dangerous immortal all alone. It's his responsibility to help with things like that, if he can.]

I

[metoikos]

[Kassandra's own outfit is perhaps not as eye-catching as some but it certainly makes her feel fancier than normal. She's wearing it purely as a formality, and perhaps just a little because she felt obligated to by the gift. Madame Generosity had clearly gone through a lot of trouble to provide a proper Greek peplos, and she didn't want to risk offending a random god, so she'd come along to the party to see what the fuss was about.

Maybe it wouldn't be a drag?

Except, it kind of was, and she found herself in the Wallflower zone with her own cup, standing not that far from Eurydice. She meets the stranger's ambivalent gaze with her own, shrugging and offering a conversation starter that she could take or leave.]

Far too many people, isn't it?

[howtheworldwas]

[ This person! This person gets it. Eurydice nods, a touch grim but also appreciative of the validation. ]

Yeah. [ A beat. Eurydice takes a sip of her drink. ] Makes it really noisy. I'd rather be outside.

[ As is her way, Eurydice takes a moment to size up her fellow wallflower. She looks tough, which Eurydice can appreciate, although that probably also means she can kick Eurydice's ass -- but that's not necessarily a bad thing. ] I haven't seen clothes that traditional in a while. Did the gods give them to you?

[metoikos]

We could take a walk to one of the balconies, if you like?

[She's nothing if not accommodating. Tilting her head, she grins at the mention of her attire. It is nice, isn't it? Flicking her hand across the familiar cloth, Kassandra nods.]

Yes. I suppose Madame Generosity felt...generous. And I wouldn't touch anything that wasn't traditional. These Trench clothes are too restrictive.

[She hates them. So much lace.]

I'm Kassandra, of Sparta. Who might you be?

[howtheworldwas]

Sure.

[ That sounds like a relief, actually. Eurydice offers the slightest of smiles. And she nearly chokes on her drink when Kassandra says Sparta. ]

Sparta? No way. I've heard stories, but I never thought I'd meet someone from there. [ So Kassandra is obviously a really tough warrior, right?? Eurydice has so many questions. ] I'm Eurydice, but I'm not really from anywhere -- I mean, I was born in Oklahoma, but. [ she shrugs. ] I move around a lot.

[ that's an understatement. ]

[metoikos]

[Kassandra offers a hand, and starts walking towards one of the balconies. Just being polite, of course.

She turns, looking back with real surprise.]

You're Orpheus's beloved, then?

[She's met the man here, and obviously she's heard the stories. She's Greek. And she has no idea where Oklahoma is, but...well, it's not as though she's a master of geography.]

i

[onerthes]

[It was still early in the month. The worst that had come of the shedding so far was that Vira-Lorr's hair was blue and things had been briefly gross to get there. So, she was in pleasant spirits, trying to be the helpful little soul that Madame Generosity wanted of night walkers. Really, though, it was just in her nature to approach strangers from time to time, especially at times like this.

Settling against the wall not far away, she smiled and lifted a glass of her own in a little toast, taking a sip.]

Everything's safe... kind of a nice change of pace, that.

[Yeah, for all her smiles, she didn't entirely trust parties in this town. They could go south sometimes, though thankfully not this month.]

[howtheworldwas]

[ Eurydice does not return the smile, instead taking a moment to openly stare at this person's blue hair. That's not the mark of an ordinary human, and Eurydice doubts that a color that bright could be dyed. Maybe she has a connection to the sea? Unclear. Either way, Eurydice's got no reason to trust her. ]

Mm. And how do you know it's safe?

[ Someone should probably tell Eurydice that paranoia is not a good look for parties. Don't worry, stranger, it's not you. Eurydice just doesn't trust the snake. ]

[onerthes]

[The third eye in her forehead blinking as she smiled over at her was also a pretty good indication too. Despite similarities, she was definitely not human. Continuing to smile in a relaxed way, Vira-Lorr just shrugged and looked out over the assembly.]

Well, I've watched for a bit and nothing awful's happened yet... and maybe it's a gut feeling that this Pthumerian wants us to like them. Not spiking the drinks helps.

[howtheworldwas]

[ Once Eurydice registers that third eye, it's hard for her to look away from it, even if staring is objectively rude. Who is she? What is she? Eurydice isn't bold enough to ask outright, so she'll proceed with caution. ]

Not spiking the drink is...nice of them. [ she guesses. ] Madam Generosity has my thanks. But it sounds like you're used to more danger at these kinds of things.

[ Eurydice isn't surprised. When there are crowds, there can be problems. ]

[onerthes]

[If Vira-lorr's response was any indication? She was very used to people staring at it. She just smiled away amiably and chuckled softly.]

Well, I'm used to there being troublesome curses and possibly the occasional monster to crash the party. But not usually much worse than that. Though I have given up on caramels ever since they sold chocolates in the nightmare. Shame. They're quite tasty.

ii

[laruetheday]

[ The question is totally unexpected, and it hurts, a physical pain reminiscent of the one she felt whenever anybody brought Silena up during that first year... after. Abby didn't die, she's alive somewhere out there, but that doesn't make it any better. It certainly doesn't make Clarisse feel any less alone, or any less like the unfamiliar woman might as well have just hauled back and punched her in the stomach. ]

Yeah. Last month, my friend did. [ Clarisse averts her gaze, not from anxiety, just... sad. ]

[howtheworldwas]

[ That's...hm. There's a part of Eurydice that expected this person to be a little happier at their friend leaving. Isn't this place trapping them? Eurydice recognizes the look, though, because it's one that she used to wear, especially in the first few years after Orpheus left. It's been hardened over in the years since, but the reminder of it is like a knife, wedged through a gap in armor. ]

Mm. [ There, that's comfort, right? The best this girl is going to get, at least for right now, is a sigh, a relaxing of Eurydice's posture from tell me or else to tell me. ] Do you know how?

[laruetheday]

She just... walked into the ocean.

[ It sounds that simple, but Clarisse knows it isn't, not really. The process had started before that, when Abby'd woken up knowing she had to go. Something changed, but Clarisse doesn't understand what that was. Still, she can sense that it hasn't happened to herself, and that if she tried to walk into the ocean right now she'd end up either drowning or get knocked around by the waves until she gave up and crawled back out. ]

[howtheworldwas]

[ Eurydice has no delusions about leaving this place being simple. She'd spent nearly a couple decades trying to get into the Underworld, after all. One does not simply walk into Hadestown, and perhaps one doesn't simply leave Trench, either.

Still, that does not diminish her resolve. Eurydice has to keep trying, because what else is there? ]

Okay. That's a lead. Let's go.

[ Eurydice turns back to the direction of the shore, waving for Clarisse to follow. This sad girl isn't getting out of this, not when Eurydice recognizes the look in her eyes. ]