catch-all open log!

[rebells]

Who: Anyone and everyone!
Where: On the beach, and various other places throughout the hub island
When: Day 80, and the next couple days after
Open/Closed: open log for hub shenanigans!

[This evening, someone has placed an old, rusted-over camp stove on the beach near the coven's row of huts--anyone examining it in detail will see that it's not operational at the moment, but that could potentially be changed, couldn't it? If someone was handy with mechanical things . . . .

Next to it is a crate (which, from the weight of it is empty) and pinned to that crate is a sheet of paper with a map on it, something like a much cruder, black-and-white version of this:



with the following key:

1 - crags. Contain snakes which may be poisonous. Watch out.
2 - ocean, going about one mile out from the coast.
3 - lagoon. Contains thick reeds (could be woven or shaped into tools) and frogs (edibility uncertain).
4 - abandoned campsite.
5 - orchard. Currently, trees are diseased and bare. Plant healer needed.
6 - abandoned house. A family used to live here, from the looks of it. Still contains some useful supplies.

And there should be a 7 north of base camp with the notation "graveyard. Graves unused." but the player forgot and is too lazy to go back and fix it right now. Observant individuals will note that the map looks like a more detailed version of one hanging on the door to a certain coven member's cabin, one that has a note on the bottom: "Have information? Ask for Jay."

Other than that, it's a quiet night on the hub island. We've been here for a couple days; maybe you're getting restless? Want to check out that ocean, or lagoon, or even those crags? Maybe just go door-to-door in the beach huts? Maybe you're sick of shrimp and looking for other things to eat . . . hopefully someone's got a fire going tonight, and thought to kill a boar . . . .

What are you doing tonight?]


((here or here for place descriptions))

Comments

[allconsumed]

[Velvet doesn't mind chatting. There's nothing too complicated left for her to do so it's not too much of a distraction or anything. She also isn't immune to feeling awkward, so.]

I haven't used a spit before, but it's a simple concept. I'd like to make a stew with the leftovers, but I'm not sure how well it'll keep. It pisses me off to waste food.

[talim]

If you're good at it, then I'm sure you can come up with something. I'd offer to help, but I doubt I'm as talented at cooking as you are.

[ he can't help but wonder about the latter statement, but he says nothing about it. he doesn't disagree with the sentiment, after all. ]

[allconsumed]

I don't give out lessons for free.

[Not that he was asking for them? That might have been a joke, actually, but it's hard to say since her tone stays exactly the same.]

If you want to help, then take some of the leftovers to your friends. You have those, right?

[talim]

Friends? No, I'm not familiar with the concept.

[ he gives her a deadpan stare. ]

Yes, I have friends, and of course I'd be happy to share with them. I appreciate it.

[allconsumed]

[Look, Velvet doesn't have any, so. Don't friendshame her, jeez.

Anyway, if he's trying out-deadpan her, good luck.]

Good, you seemed like the type. Tell me what they think about the taste. I have a feeling boar is going one of main menu items for a while, so I'm going to try cooking it different ways.

[talim]

[ so she's complimenting him now? this woman... ]

I'm looking forward to trying it. It smells delicious. Looks delicious, too.

[ he almost tells her he never would have guessed she's the type to enjoy cooking so much, but he rethinks that statement and decides to keep it to himself. the last thing he wants to do is insult her, even unintentionally. ]

... But why don't you share some with your own friends? Food always tastes better when you're sharing it with other people.

[ surely she has friends, right? ]

[allconsumed]

[She thinks it's more of an observation than a compliment. From the standpoint of someone cold and pragmatic, friends aren't very useful. Even if they act supportive, they could use your trust against you at any time.]

I don't care who I'm sharing it with as long as they appreciate it. You fit the bill, I suppose.

[She lifts her palm dismissively.]

Besides, I can't taste normal food.

[talim]

You can't?

[ jude has heard some pretty odd things, but lacking taste buds? he gives velvet a quizzical look. ]

But why? I've never heard of a condition like that.

[ he doesn't mean to pry, except he kind of does. ]

[allconsumed]

[A "condition," huh. Velvet is mildly amused by his word choice. A short, derisive noise rises from her throat.]

I said normal food. Blood is all that I can taste.

[Did she start with that revelation for the shock value? Yep, pretty much.]

If you really want to know, it's because I'm not human.

[talim]

I...

[ jude has no idea what to say to that. velvet continues to elude him.

he could say she looks plenty human to him, besides the whole demonic arm thing, but jude knows better; milla looks plenty human, after all, and she's far from it.

so all things considered, he takes this information surprisingly well. ]

Then what are you?

[allconsumed]

[Not easily fazed, is he. Velvet can appreciate that.]

A daemon.

[Nobody around here seems to know what those are, specifically, aside from her acquaintances from back home. She doubts Jude is the exception.]

If that doesn't ring a bell, then you're better off not knowing the details.

[talim]

But what if I want to know the details?

[ his expression is unflinching. ]

[allconsumed]

[Her eyes narrow.]

Why? Are you that curious about me?

[talim]

Maybe. Is that an issue?

[allconsumed]

Sorry to pique your interest.

[That's all she has to say. The fire under the meat has died down some, but it should be well cooked now. Rather violently, Velvet stabs into the boar and cuts off good-sized piece. She has a plate and some utensils on hand, and she puts a fair effort into the presentation before offering him the plate.]

Here.

[It's been lightly seasoned with whatever she could find around – nothing fancy, naturally, but it should add a slight kick to the flavor.]

[talim]

What do you have to apologize for?

[ but jude is smart enough to realize that she's shutting down the conversation right here, and he has no intent to protest. instead, he accepts the offered food with a strained, but grateful, smile. ]

... Thank you. Like I said earlier, I can already tell you're a much better cook than I am.

[allconsumed]

[That was meant to be more of a "sorry, not sorry" but whatever. He can interpret it how he wants.]

It's nothing special. All it takes is some practice.

[talim]

[ don't mind his missed social cues...... ]

Then I guess I need more practice. Next time, I'll cook something for you.

[ he has no idea whether velvet would ever actually sign up for that (rather, he doubts it) but. ]

[allconsumed]

[There isn't much chance of it going terribly wrong, considering she has no sense of taste when it comes to normal food.]

Oh really. [She only sounds kind of skeptical.]

I suppose that's a fair trade. I wouldn't try anything too tricky, though.

[Basically in case he offers it to somebody other than her.]

[talim]

Really?

[ jude looks rather delighted by this. he remembers what she said about taste, but that's not the point. it's the principle of things. ]

Then it's a promise.

[allconsumed]

[Tch. Why does he have to look so pleased? Her expression is quite grumpy in contrast.]

Why shouldn't I let you pay me back? You still owe me from before, too.

[talim]

[ his smile doesn't waver. ]

What can I do to make it up to you, then?

[allconsumed]

[Right, well, if he has to.]

I'll let you know. Hopefully you actually turn out to be dependable.

Also you should shut up and eat before it gets cold.

[talim]

... Right. I guess I'll just have to prove myself, huh?

[ a helpless little shrug before he does what velvet says and digs in. ]

[allconsumed]

[Why does he have to be so agreeable? Damn. She actually feels kind of bad.]

It'll be something you should be able to handle. I won't set you up to fail.