spellbinders | (no subject)

Who: Jay and you!
Where: Out and about on the hub island
When: Days 115-118, or thereabouts
Open/Closed: ota!

a. coven organizer coming through

[Jay's plans were put on hold by the sudden appearance of the spirits and all the chaos that came with them, but now that they appear to be gone again, it's time to take stock of what new needs they, and the changing of the seasons that seems to be occurring, might have brought to the coven. He'll be making the rounds of the beach huts and any other residences he knows are populated, knocking on doors with a stack of forms and a notebook in hand:]

Hello. I was just wondering if there was anything you needed at the moment.

b. out and about

[Other than that, you might find him:

i. down on the beach trying out some makeshift carpentry--he's attempting to build a little shelter for the map crate he placed on the beach some weeks ago, to protect it from the elements.
ii. weeding in the mansion garden or the one Haru's planted near the forest;
iii. out with the fishing group in the co-op, teaching newcomers how to use the freshwater tackle he salvaged from the abandoned house;
iv. wandering throughout the island, taking notes in a little notebook.

He'll stop and greet you with a wave if you approach him.]

c. wildcard

[Hit me up at

prospit or by PM if you want a personalized starter!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Glad to hear it.

[ he doesn't miss the very slight snap of jay's voice, and he just manages to avoid wincing. ]

Well, I've been nowhere near as helpful as you are, but I've spent some time gardening, pulling weeds, etcetera. One of my friends from home up and disappeared, though. Elle. I'd like to think she made it back, safe and sound. I know others have vanished without a trace, too, and hoping for that gives me some peace of mind.

[ he hesitates, before adding: ]

No more strange dreams, either.

Elle's gone?

[His hand twitches over the notebook like he wants to mark that down in it, but he lowers it instead.]

I hadn't realized . . . I certainly hope she's back home. I question Qri's wisdom in taking her in the first place.

[ jude frowns, looking a bit forlorn. elle had become sort of like a younger sister to him. it's much quieter without her around to nag at him. ]

Yeah. One morning I woke up and she was just... gone. Not even a trace of her.

But I have to agree. A little girl at such a sensitive age had no good reason to be stuck here in the first place. She needs to be home, surrounded by friends and family who will make sure she's able to live a normal life. That's why I have to believe that she made it back.

. . . I think someone asked Genette to ask after what happens to those of us who leave the coven. I don't know if they ever got an answer, but I can ask again, if you like.

You would do that?

[ he both looks and sounds surprised, but that look is replaced with sincere gratefulness. ]

... Thank you. I'd really appreciate it. Hopeful or not, I still can't help but worry about her.

--of course. It's a matter of interest to everyone in the coven, after all.

[He seems a little embarrassed for some reason??]

We'll get to the bottom of this, one way or another.

[ wow, tsun. ]

Is there anything I can do to help you out?

You could bother Genette about it yourself, too. That might make her communicate the information to Qri with more urgency.

And practice sending telepathic messages to Qri. Even if she doesn't respond. Especially if she doesn't respond.

[ he's never done that before— tried contacting qri. ]

How many times have you tried contacting her? I'm just wondering, is all.

[Matter-of-factly:]

I've been speaking with her every day for about a month. She hasn't answered yet.

And you're still hoping she'll respond?

[ and jude thought he was idealistic. ]

She may not be able to respond properly. You saw how she was when she had to contact us about the Eltos bones. I'm hoping that effect will fade with time and practice.

[A beat.]

Also, if nothing else, I thought it might annoy her into answering.

... Persistent, are you?

[ jude cracks a smile. ]

I guess it couldn't hurt to give it a shot.

It's not much, I acknowledge. But it's better than doing nothing, in my view.

No, you're right. I shouldn't allow myself to give in so easily, especially when it comes to Elle.

Thanks, Jay.

--I didn't do anything.

[Awkward.]

Giving advice doesn't count?

[ well, that and... talking to him at all. ]

You asked what you could do to make yourself useful, so I told you. That's all.

[He brushes his back uncomfortably. Have higher standards, Jude!!!]

Okay, okay.

[ he shrugs his shoulders. ]

But before I go, there's just. One more thing.

[ and jude is going to come right out with it before jay has a chance to protest. ]

I'm sorry if I... overstepped. I wanted to help. I still do. But I still should have respected your boundaries.

[Jay . . . stops.

He's clearly surprised to hear it--his eyes go wide, a movement he can't conceal, and he's silent for a long moment, mouth open in an 'oh' shape as he mulls that over. He doesn't quite meet Jude's eyes.]

. . . I'm fine. It's--being handled. [The Solon situation, he means, although he's being deliberately vague.] You don't have to--worry about me, or anything like that.

[ jude didn't realize how rigid his shoulders were, but relief seeps in and they slouch. it's being handled. jude can't imagine how, but... he truly and sincerely hopes that there's truth to that. he'll choose to believe in jay. ]

That's... That's good.

[ he heaves a sigh. ]

I know I don't have to. But that's just who I am. Take it or leave it, but it comes with the Jude Mathis package.

Pointless worrying?

[Tweaking Jude is more comfortable ground, for him.]

Yup. Pointless worrying. And don't forget nagging. That too.

[ banter is easier for him, too. especially with jay. ]

[Let's just do this and never talk about our feelings ever again.]

What, is that how you make yourself feel useful?

Exactly. What else am I good for, right? I got my degree in Nagging 101. With the highest honors, at that.