Secrets of Spruce University | Part 1-The End-

[MsBloom]

Character Name: Lilith Morgan / Elin Morris

Player/ Group: @Kosmik_Khaos @Kassia

Location: The Party

December 14.

---

Another thing Lilith had missed due to having emerged herself in the movements of her body to the beat of the music was the way Valarie and Scarlett had danced, with and for each other in a way that, to an observant eye, would suggest there was something more going on between the two, other than merely a close friendship. It could of course also be because she wasn't looking for signs of her best friend and the tall girl on campus being in a relationship, or at least heading towards one. The signs were there though, in the way their bodies moved and the way they looked at each other as they moved. Lilith saw it but it simply didn't register at the time, and besides, wouldn't Scarlett had said something if there was something going on between the two? Perhaps she just didn't know how to, considering how Lilith had confessed having a crush on her best friend some years ago, before she had left Rockford for what was supposed to be a summer but ended up being two years.

When the music stopped and the dance off began there was also no time to let what she had seen without noticing sink in properly. Instead her focus was on remembering all the steps and nuances of their dance routine which had begun as something quite simple, a few basic steps and spins and hand gestures but over time it had evolved into something that was quite elaborate and among other things included a brief game of patty cake. They had rehearsed it so many times that at one point they could have done it in their sleep and blindfolded. It had however been a few years since last they had done it and even as it had been her own suggestion Lilith did wonder if she would remember it all as Scarlett dragged her through the crowd.

She had no reason to worry though as it all came back to her step by step as they began with a slide step away from each other and another bringing them together again. Even the spacing between them seemed to be exactly as it had once been, she realised as she reached out with her left hand and without having to look found Scarlett's palm pressing against her own. The music that filled the house was perhaps not the same as what they had used to dance to but it was roughly the same tempo.

As they did a spin in opposite directions and then, facing each other, began the patty cake part of the routine, which included them both also slapping their ankles, knees and thighs, Lilith couldn't help but laugh because of just how much fun she was having.

Lilith did love to dance but rarely did in public. Most who knew her only casually would think of her as rather serious and focused on her studies, in both art and witchcraft, they might also see her as someone who often got lost in her own thoughts, someone who could stand watching a tree as if watching it grow, or follow a single bird's flight across the sky. Many of course also knew that she almost always had a smile for anyone she met and that mischievous flirty twinkle in here eye that was never really serious or something she acted on which had of course from time to time landed her in trouble, mostly with boys who misread the twinkle as a signal of actual romantic, or at least sexual, interest. It was nothing she couldn't handle though, perhaps because her gift of prophecy always had her prepared for it.

Meanwhile Elin had managed to down a few more shots and was getting quite drunk, which only loosened her inhibitions even further and she now joined the dance off as well, on her own but anyone watching her move would notice that her focus was entirely on Timmy, locking eyes with him, even winking at him, letting him know without any room for uncertainty that she wanted him and that chances were that she was not really about to take a no graciously.

 

[Rheya]

Character Name: Madeline Abbott
Player/ Group: Vergil (@ThatGeckoGirl), Harj (@BennyQ)
Location: Afterparty
Time: December 14th, 2022

---

When the pale blonde playfully teased his best friend about stealing his best player title, Maddy nodded her head and wiggled her brows in agreement.

As soon as the two agreed to the interview, it felt as though an invisible weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Maybe she'd be able to salvage the story after all. With renewed hope, she set to work, readying herself to take notes with her phone. Vergil's awkward introduction and sheepish smile caused her to crack a smile of her own as she looked up at the tall figure as of he were the only one in the room. "I do," she warmly acknowledged, and had just began to say her name when the most unlikely of sources pointed out the sticker. At the mention of the Paradox of Habit, her eyes lit up with gold flecks dancing at their center.

"Yes! You know them?! They're my favorite band. I've seen them live like three times already. Drawing Board, yes!" she answered excitedly, her voice heightening in pitch as she said the name of band's new release.

"Right, Madeline Abbott, but I just go by Maddy. I'm covering the game for the Spruce newspaper," Had Harj not interjected, the young woman would have likely forgotten to finish her introduction. Normally the focused reporter, she'd too lost all interest in the game, and was instead overcome with delight to learn someone in Rockford knew of the small indie band. The initial awkwardness she'd displayed melted away, replaced with a warmth that extended to her eyes. "Let's see, from their new album Purple Prose, Untitled, and Closed Perspective are probably my top three," she ticked off her fingers while listing her favorite tracks, "From their first album, Close Madness and Requiem for a Sinner. What about you?" Biting her lower lip, she eagerly awaited for Nephilim's answer.

"I can't believe you know them. I went to school in East Haven where they're from. I haven't met anyone here that knows them," the brunette continued, genuinely shocked.

Maddy hadn't even noticed Josie shaking Harj arm to get his attention as the dance off started, nor had she noticed Corey and Timmy setting up for their dance, her focus solely on the Lancer's Center. It wasn't until the music came blaring overhead and the crowd began to form a circle around the dance floor that Maddy took notice. She stepped closer to Vergil as those who were outdoors came flooding in, ready to watch another competition. Maybe if she hid far enough back, she'd escape the humiliation of dancing in front of the crowd. Alongside her friends, she was confident, but on her own in a crowd full of peers she found herself feeling vulnerable.

Admittedly, she was interested in witnessing what might transpire, watching curiously as those who were far more confident than she took to the dance floor. Which couples would take center stage? Which school introvert would shock the crowd? Would a certain pairing stir the rumor mill? Who would win… if winning was such a thing for an event like this?

 

[Anara]

[information=Clue #3][/information]
Character Name: Scarlett
Player/Group: All parties
Location: Corey's House Party.
Time: December 14th, 2022.

---

Scarlett Luna.


The Luna name had been a staple in the start and expansion of Rockford. Before, witches were considered dangerous, cult-seeking creatures who were hell-bent on bringing hell back to Earth. But that was not the case for the Luna family. While they did have their secrets, their societal norms were far more adaptable than the Luna family previously thought.

This modern witchcraft was introduced to Rockford. With the four founding families, Luna, Wilson, Morgan, and the Neith sirens, Rockford developed into a new type of town that favored the weird and unusual. Still, with that came a hierarchy. The Luna family favored the occult, but it brought evil and deception, issues that the Luna family had to harbor throughout the town's growth. But as new families moved in and traditions died, so did the legends.

Camilla had told Scarlett the bare minimum. The Luna family had dabbled in the dark areas, and because of that, their name was tarnished, so it was up to her and Scarlett to right the wrongs of their family. A heavy burden on a woman so young. Before Scarlett could write her name, she read spells from tomes older than the town. While Scarlett loved her aunt, Camilla, she found her exhausting and demanding. Making friends in Rockford proved difficult to those who knew of her family's past. But one young woman seemed to look past that early on. Lilith Morgan.

Lilith was lovely.

Scarlett craved a long line of positive history in her family. Lilith was brilliant and always had excellent grades; her mother, grandmother, and those before her had grown, practiced, and attended Spruce University in its early days. Lilith's mother owned a small shop in the Rockford Shoppe location, right in the middle of town, with the rest of the up-and-coming businesses that made their way in. It was an incredible accomplishment.

Scarlett and Lilith spent a fair amount of time together, two best friends, pinkies intertwined and playing in the forest, walking by the sea, adventuring, and discovering how the world worked. Scarlett had even looked up to Alicia Morgan, Lilith's mother, who was more of a mother than her own. For a moment, Scarlett felt like the family lore she had dreaded was a minor blimp on her life path.

That was until Lilith moved away.

Scarlett was devastated. Her best friend had left, bringing darkness into her life that she had thought she had forgotten. So Scarlett did what anyone suffering from heartbreak would do, throw herself into a more distracting hobby. This was indeed the turning point in her life. Having already watched her parents being dragged away to the penitentiary for hearsay, her hair, which was raven black, grew a single strip of white. Her style had changed as well. She had worn sundresses and sandals, and now she hit behind dark clothing, spikes, and black eyeliner to make the statement that she wasn't one to be approached. She fell asleep in class, stayed up later, spent time researching bugs of all kinds in the forest, and hoped she would be free of her aunt's suffocating embrace and push toward learning dry rituals. But with no real job prospects and her aunt working at the university, Scarlett's education was paid in full. Her only freedom now was her dorm, which she shared with her roommate, Valerie.

Oh, Valerie.

If one wanted to look back at the start of Rockford, one could go back to who occupied the land first. The Keoni had a long history of living in the forest and utilizing the land to its fullest potential. They taught the Rockford residents how to fish and where to hunt. And over time, they included the family in the town's decisions. It was admirable, given that the founding families had staked a claim on the banks of Rockford unceremoniously. Together, the Wilsons--the werewolves, protected the founding families from harm. The witches shielded the town from evil, and the sirens patrolled the sea to ensure safety when traveling out for their main commodity-- fish.

When Lilith left, Scarlett found friendship in Valerie the moment she was accepted into the university. While she sketched out and researched a new bug from the forest, Valerie would teach her the ways of the land and the history, both good and bad, and in that, Scarlett found a little about herself. Maybe there was room for change; maybe Aunt Camilla had been right. It only made sense that Valerie and Scarlett would room together once they discovered they had been accepted to Spruce University.

For Scarlett, dressed in all her black, smearing dark makeup around her eyes and drawing bugs, and reading about lost artifacts, she felt... whole again.

So what would be even better?

Lilith is returning for her academics at Spruce University.

Scarlett was overjoyed; not only did she make a new friend in Valerie, but her best friend from her childhood had returned. Scarlett was well into her training as a witch, and her grades were average, but it didn't matter; she was surrounded by understanding people now. In her newfound happiness, she signed up for a club; despite her workload, there had always been something fascinating about preserving found items. While not the most glamorous profession, Scarlett had taken to taxidermy. Her main goal wasn't to stuff hunters' "prized bucks," but she did want to learn the ropes so he could preserve her bug collection. In this club, she met Madeline.

Madeline studied journalism at the university, and she covered a wide array of information on campus. They covered various topics, from sports to crime, and universities were notorious for unsavory events. Scarlett could only imagine the strange interviews she had to put up with. Scarlett found Maddy beautiful, so she was sure she could turn heads with charm and looks. Scarlett, while smaller than the others, did feel a protective instinct over her. Journalism was scary.

Madeline once said in class that she felt like the animals could communicate with her; at that moment, Scarlett knew that Maddy was a witch. She didn't think it was weird at all; she found it exciting. What other interesting abilities could Maddy have? Scarlett planned to delve deeper into this, knowing she had much to learn.

It didn't take long for all the girls to come together, and they appeared to have bonded quite effectively through mutual interests. Scarlett loved Lilith's art, enjoyed spending time with Maddy and learning about taxidermy, and picked up incredible information from Valerie from their time together exploring the forest. So it came as no surprise that a 5th witch would join them. Despite the werewolves and witches having a generational-long feud, the witches growing coven was instead welcoming, all things considered. So Elin would blend right in.

Winner of the Gemima Morgan Scholarship for girls of extraordinary talent It made sense that she would seek out the witches and integrate herself into their world. Aside from Lilith filling her in, Scarlett needed to learn more about Elin. What she did know was that Elin was from East Machias. And that her family didn't have a knack for magic. But Elin did, and that made her unique. Scarlett had noticed a recklessness in her abilities but couldn't say much because she hadn't even finished a complete ritual alone. And she would never tell Elin this, but she envied that recklessness and wildfire that burned behind her eyes.

The Luna family had lost their fire when assimilating into the Rockford routine. They had attended city meetings, answered questions, and volunteered to show their support to the mayor and the townspeople. Scarlett and Camilla were the faces of the Luna family now that her grandparents had passed. Maybe that's why Gordian Alva irritated the ever-loving fuck out of her. Not only was his father the Mayor of Rockford, but he spent his family's money like it was his. The Luna family had money, but they never flaunted it. There were separate accounts that went into everything from volunteer work to new structures. It was unbecoming, though she couldn't say much at these town hall meetings dressed in a red velvet cape with the Luna crest embroidered on the back.

Now they all were the witches, the wolves, the angels, the vampires, the sirens, a harpy and serpent, and the normies who wanted to be cool and hang out with the mystical kids at a party. They didn't know, they didn't know that each family had a dark past, that their start in the town was less than savory, and that they had experienced ridicule in the beginning.

But Scarlett was drunk. In fact, she was so drunk that she dragged her best friend out onto the dance floor to display their dance in front of all the partygoers. And shedidn't care. Everyone should be so lucky to experience this pure love for a friend she had only ever known with Lilith. As they danced, she felt flashes of memories in a sun-dappled forest, jumping, swaying, twirling with the grass, and singing the latest pop song. The dances never matched the words, but it didn't matter. Even now, even if the beat managed to fit, they would always dance to it on their own drum,together.

Elin had joined their dance, much to Scarlet's surprise, she was so shy, but she could move, and despite having a tinge of irritation that the dance had been intruded in on, she included her. Maybe Elin didn't know the moves, but that was okay because they giggled, twirled, and sang.

"Oh, looks like someone has a crush!" Scarlet said through her giggles and slurs, then waved her hand towards Timmy. " You should go.... go look at 'em. He's cute, right? Like, he's cute." At the moment, that was the only qualifying item Scarlett could think of. Timmy was adorable; his dance with Corey-- unmatched. "Oh. You can dance. He can dance. perfect." She pointed out as if that made the situation better. Then she saw Valerie through the crowd. She loved their budding relationship but couldn't focus on it now. Didn't anyone understand that she was "going through it"?

"I need... drink. I need another drink. " She set her hand on Lilith's arm as if to let her know she would step away.

As she wandered through the crowd, she caught a few conversations.

"Something fruity and not nearly as in-toxic-dating."

Scarlett didn't know Tallulah's cousin, Kimeya, very well, if at all. She mainly had seen her around when she dated Gordian. What a strange pair. though as she pondered it more in her drunk mind, but then again...maybe it wasn't. Kimeya was beautiful; she was very put together, and having her on his arm made sense. They could have been a power couple. People didn't see that when it came to the town royalty; it was all about dynamics and looks. If Camilla had someone next to her like Gordian had Kimeya, it could show a united front instead of two straggler witches trying to further their point.

Meanwhile, she saw Maddy and Vergil Agnolo hitting it off, which surprised her in such a way she had to stare at them as if analyzing the dynamic: Power couple? Or star-crossed lovers? Though in some strange way, the darkness of Madeline's powers and the light from Vergil would create something lovely. Scarlett continued her scrambled thinking before she poured herself a drink from what she assumed was Jungle juice and took a sip.

"KIMMYYYYY!"

Scarlett heard Tala's voice over the crowd and jumped slightly as she leaned against the counter. She didn't think anything of it. She knew that Leo probably convinced her to join, though she did worry about the party's state, considering that Tallulah was a Rockford officer.

On the other side of the counter stood a pack of shirtless werewolves talking about the change on the solstice, and on the other side, loud music and jumping and dancing bodies. Amongst all the bodies, the drinks, and the loud music, she started to feel the claustrophobia closing in and set the glass down. Even in her drunken state, her mind was still overpowered by her duties in the coven, the solstice, and the peer pressure she felt trying to fit in.

Without another moment, she exited the kitchen full of people and hurried out of the house and to the entryway, where many cars were parked. The darkness shrouded the area, and only the flood light provided the light she needed to continue her determined trek. She wondered why she had even bothered to wear heels. She pulled them off and continued her walk down the driveway, her feet hitting the cold pavement and her skin prickling from the bursts of cold ocean wind. In her hurry, Scarlett pulled out her phone before sitting on what she assumed was a dark brick planter and texted her aunt.

 

Now chatting with Evil Queen Camilla ​

Scarlett
Can u pick me up?(read)10:54pm​

Evil Queen Camilla
Scar? Where are you?(read)10:54pm

Scarlett
Party, here : Google.com/ Maps(read)11:00pm​

She sent the link to the address, then crossed her arms and set them in her lap. It was remarkably dark in her chosen seating area, but a calmness washed over her. She could still hear the music and people inside the massive beach house, but it was distant-- pounding in her head along with the jungle juice.

 

Evil Queen Camilla
omw(unread)11:10pm

 

[BennyQ]

Character Name: Harj Khanna. (Wearing.)
Player/Group: Vergil Agnolo (@ThatGeckoGirl), Madeline Abbott (@Rheya), Josephine Rodrigues (@Kassia).
Location: Corey’s House Party.
Time: December 14th, 2022.

---

Harj never listened to this band, Paradox of Habit. He didn’t even know about the genre. But he did know about the smile it put on his friend’s face to see something he enjoyed. And most importantly, the smile it put on Madeline’s face to see Vergil’s smile at the mention of the band. This was certainly much more enjoyable to witness than talking about, sigh, the fuckin’ game. Just thinking about it…god damn. He couldn’t let his foul mood ruin his friend’s shot at a pretty lady. Even if she was a journalist. They started yapping about songs and concerts, but Harj, with his arm around Vergil, would shake and slowly direct him to stand more in front of Maddy. She didn’t need to see anything but this golden boy of an angel.

His other arm was soon assaulted by his own angel. His own inverse angel. His demon. His devil. The one he knew so it was all good. The only one for him. He gave Josie a silent upward nod, a signal not to disrupt the heavenly pair at work beside him. Seeing it was in good hands, he separated from his best bud to join his other best friend. Babe! Mirar! Let’s go watch; you know I love this song? ”I love that you love it. Maybe we’ll eat, get a couples plate later, eh?” He suggested to Josie as she tugged him along, holding her hand gently, only a finger linked together, as he followed her through the crowd.

Vergil would be okay with Madeline, right? Right? He didn’t need to worry about him, though he did cast a little forlorn glance over his shoulder towards his buddy as Josie led him away. Well, probably for the best. Harj’s relationship with Josie, while rocky, maybe wasn’t the best example to teach the angel with tips and guidance. And moreover, Vergil would probably have nicer things to say about the game than Harj. Fuckin’ dumbass, stupid ass game that it had been…

He didn’t stand beside Josie, but behind her, putting his strong arms over her shoulders, linking his hands together before her chest, resting his jaw and cheek beside her own as they watched the dancers. Sometimes, when the music was good, he would sway side to side gently with her. Her hair smelled amazing. If he spent the night at her dorm, he could shower and use her products! Always a boon.

”Damn, look at them dance.” Harj said softly to Josie, able to speak directly into her ear. He shifted his no-doubt heavy ass arms off her shoulders and moved to wrap them lightly around her midsection. Across the makeshift dance floor, Gordian had bagged himself a cute little blondie. Psh. Harj gave Josie’s cheek a peck to get her attention. ”You thirsty? I can grab you another drink. Or maybe wait until we’ve danced a little, so I ain’t swaying and tripping over you and stepping on your toes. Or vice versa.” He teased her lightly. ”Who was that new friend you were poundin’ drinks earlier with? That med student or whatever.” He asked her about Alaula.

 

[ThatGeckoGirl]

Character Name: Vergil Agnolo / Vesper Agnolo
Player/Group: Madeline Abbott (@Rheya), Eva/Josie (@Kass), Harj (@BennyQ)
Location: Corey's House Party
Time: December 14th, 2022

---

Vergil listened eagerly to Maddy list off songs that were her favorites from Paradox of Habit. The interview was mostly forgotten as his mind filled with the songs of this band. His pure blue eyes shone just as her's sparkled with beautiful flecks of gold. It was surprising she knew them, let alone liked them so much! They were a local band in a different city - one that was a bit bigger than Rockford. When Maddy mentioned East Haven, it all made sense as to how she knew them. "My twin and I go through East Haven on our way to Rockford from Italy. That's when I first heard them," He stated. Vergil tilted his head a little in thought regarding which songs to mention. "My top three from their new album is Abstract Thoughts, Beautiful Disaster, and also Closed Perspective," Vergil flashed Maddy a stunning smile, "From their first album, O' Captain goes hard! It's such a good call back to the poem they based it on, and the small references the song uses tying it back to the movie Dead Poet's Society! I also really like Requiem for a Sinner! I know all the words. If my teammates wouldn't hound me incessantly, I'd serenade them in the locker room."

Vergil gave a small laugh after his little joke about serenading his teammates. While Vesper was the more musically inclined between the two of them, he had a decent voice. He was just more talented at drawing and writing in the area of the arts. Vesper was more of a performer - music and acting being more her forte. Vergil noticed that Maddy stepped closer to him, bringing to his attention that a lot of people were starting to filter inside the house. Glancing over, Vergil this also came to the realization that Harj totally ditched him. How did he not notice the weight of his arm leaving his shoulders?! A part of Vergil felt a little nervous. It was just him and Maddy now. Why was he nervous? It was easy to be charming and talk to people. He wasn't as vocally outgoing as his twin, but he wasn't exactly shy either. He was confident. But there was just something about Maddy. She wasn't entirely starstruck by him, and they shared this rare interest in Paradox of Habit. Vergil quickly came to the realization that he wanted Maddy to like him. Not the Lancer's center, but him. He wanted to talk to her again. Interaction with her felt natural instead of flashing a charming smile and accidentally causing the people to swoon over his angelic features. It felt real and genuine.

Music trimmed loudly as little dance battles began to break out. Like Maddy, Vergil stepped back a little to give room to those who would perform tonight. Vesper was also better at dancing than him. While he knew the steps to different formal dances thanks to his parents' expectations, it didn't go beyond that. He certainly wasn't versed in pop dancing like this. If classical music played though, he could sweep along the dance floor in a waltz or a rumba. Foxtrot was also in his mind. His parents never let he and Vesper learn the Hustle, even though it was technically a form of ballroom dance.

"Looks like Harj dipped out of the interview," Vergil stated, leaning down by Maddy so she could heard him. If it wasn't needed to talk, he might have been more aware of just how close they were. "Honestly, it might be for the best. He was pretty pissed off. Do you want to do the interview here? Or I can give you my number and we can meet somewhere quieter tomorrow?" Vergil offered, the extension of sharing his number with her coming out smoothly - casually, "Unless you need it tonight!"

Vesper pouted at Eva as she raised the shitty beer can to her mouth. She had to shotgun this awful drink for being a safe driver. Sooo unfair. She took in a deep breath before raising the can to her lips. She began to chug the bitter, piss-tasting, cheap beer. Her face warped in disgust as she did her best to force it down quickly as to bypass her tongue as fast as possible. Vesper paused after drinking about 2/3rds, coughing with tears in her eyes at the horrid taste. Was it actually that bad? Probably not, but Vesper was raised on an expensive palette like her brother. Their alcohol at home was the finest wines and limoncello made from local Italian lemons. The beer was, however, not known for having a good taste. It was cheap and could be chugged, which made it a perfect college party beer. Vesper quickly finished it off and tossed the can away.

"Evaaaaa...I'm dying~" She croaked, plopping her forehead on her girlfriend's shoulder with a fake little sob, "Here, have a taste."

Vesper tilted her head up and kissed Eva gently in the middle of the party. She pulled back with a flirty little smile before pulling back as the dancing broke out. "You know, we could have our own little dance," She offered with a suggestive glint in her eyes as she leaned closer to Eva so she could speak quieter, "In my dorm room, maybe?"

---

Character Name: Tallulah "Tala" Neith
Player/Group: Leo (@Kassia), Ryan (NPC)
Location: Corey's House Party -> Tala's House
Time: December 14th, 2022

---

"No, I think you've had enough, Little Mermaid. We should get you home."

"Awww noooo. Leoooo," Tala complained while simultaneously forcing herself up obediently to his words, "I'll be such a buzzkill."

Despite her words, Tala was still compliant with Leo saying they should get her home. Though she was drunk, she knew Leo was probably right. Plus, she trusted Leo. If he said she needed to get home, then she guessed she needed to get home. At first, Tallulah attempted walking, but her swaying was so notorious it was almost laughable. Why was the world rocking so much? It should stay still! With an annoyed huff, Tala slung and arm over Leo's shoulders. "Carry meee," She commented. While it sounded like a question when she said it, Tala just immediately jumped up and moved her legs forward, giving Leo little option in the matter. She rested her head against his shoulder. As always, Leo was warm. The warmth radiated through her, making her eyelids droop. The scent of his cologne was all too familiar. The stability of his body contrasted the dizzying swirling in her hazy mind.

As Tala closed her eyes, the time between being at the party and being in front of her place seemed like mere seconds. Groggily, she couldn't help but wonder if she had fallen asleep. Or was it just the alcohol? Regardless, a part of her she usually ignored complained that the moment had gone too quickly. Even as drunk as she was though, Tala knew to keep that to herself. "Thank you," Tala mumbled to Leo, lightly ruffling his hair. She slipped down from his arms, unsteadily staggering back against Leo's chest drunkenly. Evidently, she wasn't in much of a state to do much on her own. The morning was going to be hell. Looping her arm around his waist, Tala made her way up to her door. Before she could dig out her keys, the door swung open. Ryan stood in the doorway. Since when had Ryan gone to her place?

"Tala!" Ryan exclaimed her name the moment he opened the door. However, his eyes quickly rested in Leo and narrowed with seething jealous anger. "The hell are you doing here?" He spat. Reaching out, Ryan grabbed Tala's open hand and yanked her to him. Tallulah stumbled forwards, hitting against his chest. She was far too drunk to assess this situation. Instead, she only seemed to further incite it as she spoke.

"Leo is my herooo~" Tala sang before giving a cute little giggle.

"Hero, huh?" Ryan repeated thinly while glaring at Leo, "How could you let her get like this? Tala's a cop! This could ruin her reputation! I thought you were supposed to be her best friend, Wilson. You know, looking out for her. Instead, it seems like you might just want a chance to get in her pants when she can't properly establish how friend zoned you are. I'm not an idiot, I see how you look at her. Can you even properly control yourself so close to a full moon, mutt?"

 

[Anara]

Character Name: Leo/ Eva
Player/Group: Tala, NPC Ryan, Vesper ( @ThatGeckoGirl )
Location: Corey's House Party
Time: December 14th, 2022

---

Despite Tala's protest to leave the party, Leo knew it was time to go. The night wore on, and the last thing he wanted was to have Ryan on his ass about her being out late-- though he almost gave in to her pouty demands to stay because... Fuck Ryan.

 

Now chatting with Evvvva ​

Leo
I'm taking Tala home. I'll be back later. (sent)​

Leo knew his irritation was due to the change that would occur soon in the next few days; the Solstice looming overhead made him acutely aware. But there was something about the change that enhanced the wolves' minds, despite their aggressive nature. He knew he needed to get a handle on it, so as he lifted Tala up and held her close to him with ease, he focused on the now rather than what he would love to do to Ryan the minute he showed signs of aggravation.

While Leo walked through the party, he squeezed past bodies that danced and drank themselves into oblivion. In his ears, the music echoed as if he were underwater. The more he pushed off the wolf that tried to claw through him, the more pain he felt. Even Tala's voice was distant, a whispy. "Thank you" he nodded and gave her an "mhm" before looking down. In her drunk haze, could she see his once-blue eyes become golden?

Fortunately, the walk to her home was brief. He had sat her back down on her feet to allow her to walk. Walking would sober her up. Outside of the salty ocean air, he could smell Tala's shampoo and the clean laundry smell on her clothes, and he missed that. She clung to him like she had when they were together; the only difference was.

"Tala!"

Ah, Fuck.

"The hell are you doing here?"

Leo nearly pulled Tallulah back to him, but she was gone like the tide into the cold ocean that was Ryan. He lowered his gaze while Tala spoke.

"I want to go to let her walk home alone," Leo said, motioning to her drunken state. "Hey, let up on her, man," Leo bargained. "She--"

"How could you let her get like this? Tala's a cop! This could ruin her reputation! I thought you were supposed to be her best friend, Wilson. You know, looking out for her. Instead, you may want to get in her pants when she can't properly establish how friend-zoned you are. I'm not an idiot; I see how you look at her. Can you control yourself so close to a full moon, mutt?"

Leo set his hands on his hips and looked down, then shook his head. " I'm well aware of her profession, Ryan." He countered, then looked to Tala, who mushed her face into Ryans's chest, seeming unaware of what was happening. Leo allowed Ryan to continue with his anger, however, nothing this man could say would change how Leo truly felt about them dating, but he didn't want to enable Ryan to hurt Tala.

 

Now Chatting with Leo​

Evvvva

Be safe. Please let Tala know she deserves better. (unread)

"Hey man," he held up his hands. " I brought her home. She will be fine in the morning. I'm not looking at her in any weird way, and I know where I stand." But just as he tried to explain further, the word "mutt" spilled from Ryans's lips, and Leo looked up. Who did this guy think he was? The Wilson clan had been long revered wolves, and Leo had a firm grasp over the change. Most of the time

"You know what, fuck you." He scoffed. "I'm trying to talk with you man to man, and you spit out some unintelligible word like mutt. Whatever." Leo was agitated, and he was concerned with Tallula for even dating a guy like him; what did she see in Ryan?
As he walked away, he pulled out his phone.

 

Now chatting with Evvvva ​

Leo
WTF, Eva? Can you believe Ryan?" (sent)
​

Leo paused halfway back to the party when he stopped on the sidewalk to look around. Most of the homes were dark, it was well into the night, and only the streetlights provided the warmth overhead. He continued to hear the echoing, his thoughts capsizing into his mind as he looked around. There was one thing for sure that he knew. Tala did deserve better.

Making his way back to her residence, he paused at the door and lifted his shaky hand to meet it. In the darkness of night, his yellow eyes glowed bright along with the growing canines he had tried so desperately to hide.

---

Evalyn pulled out her phone to view the text, then looked around the room, there was too much activity to spot her brother, but she knew he would be safe even if he hadn't texted her back yet. Though she did worry about Ryan's reaction to Tallulah's state.

It was Vesper who brought her back from her state of mind.

"Evaaaaa...I'm dying~."

"Poor baby!" Eva giggled and listened to her girlfriend falsely sobbing at how terrible the beer was. "No, no!" she laughed, pushing the glass away playfully; Eva did not want that taste lingering in her mouth the rest of the night.

 

Now chatting with Evvvva ​

Leo
fucker called me a mutt (sent)​

"You know, we could dance In my dorm room, maybe?"

Eva raised her brows; it was a highly tempting offer to which she nodded."Yes, let's get out of here. We can take your car; I'll get mine tomorrow. I'm sure Corey won't mind." Evalyn grabbed her girlfriend's hand and led her through the crowd. " I should probably drive, right? Because of my tolerance?" She knew Vesper didn't like how Eva drove, but Eva felt fine; she couldn't feel the alcohol in her body. All she could feel was her head pounding and the sudden feeling of being underwater as she tried to text her brother.

 

Now Chatting with Leo​

Evvvva
seriously? That is grounds for a beatdown. You have my permission. (read)

Leo
thanks o great eva (read)​

"Damn," she said, holding her head. Once they had reached the house entrance, she felt dizzy. " I feel... like my head is under....wa....ter..." Even her words felt off, like she couldn't grasp the syllables to form the sentence.

Moving into the driver seat, she momentarily turned the ignition and sat in the car. " Probably just some weird.... reaction to the Solstice or something. Oh well, I guess. I bet Leo felt the same thing. I'll ask him about it tomorrow, too."

 

Now Chatting with Leo​

Evvvva
Leo, I feel strange (unsent)

Eva pulled away from the driveway and into the street, the windows down and fiddling with the radio to find something to listen to. She finally settled on a pop station overplaying the "next great song" and started singing and swaying before looking down at her hands on the steering wheel. Her nails were longer and thicker, her fingers morphing strangely in the fleeting streetlight glow, and she could feel her shoulder pulling back uncomfortably. Pulling off to the side of the street, Eva gasped and looked at Vesper in worry. What was happening?

At that glance, she felt her vision darkening around her girlfriend's angelic face, and the sounds around her were replaced by her own tiny whimper and heartbeat.

 

Now chatting with Evvvva ​

Leo
Eva this is bad (unread)​

 

[Anara]

Character Name: Josephine
Player/Group: @BennyQ
Location: Corey's House Party
Time: December 14th, 2022

---

Josie was happy when Harj pulled himself from Maddy and Vergil and allowed the two to talk about their favorite band. She wanted the best for him; Vergil had been an excellent addition to the small friend group; he didn't add any drama to it that Josie and Harj didn't already supply. But Josie was happy to be away from the talk of the game. She didn't want to think about it ever again. Already her parents had called her, no doubt, about talking about it. Josie hated that college games were televised.

 

Now chatting with Mami & and papi​

Mami & and papi
We saw th game, call us. (read)

Mami & and papi
mija you better not be at a party. (read)

Mami & and papi
That is not what we pay for. Papi works hard, mija. call us.(read)

You missed a call from Mami & and papi (9:15pm)

You missed a call from Mami & and papi (9:30pm)
You missed a call from Mami & and papi (10:15pm)​

Josie felt the weight of Harj's arms as he allowed them to drape over her shoulder, and she leaned into him accordingly. She felt safe here, like the world couldn't touch her at this moment. And they watched the dances. After Corey and Timmy's dance, Scarlett and Lilith performed some type of childhood dance, and then Elin jumped in, to which Josie smiled--- What was it like to have childhood friends like that. The giggles erupted, and she clapped with the rest.

" Damn, look at them dance."

"I know!" Josie said happily. "Isn't it cute!" She wrapped her arms around Harj's as they now rested around her waist. She was still mad at him but couldn't help but cave into being held. She didn't see what Harj had when he wrapped his arms around her as she was still focused on the witch's dance and the following routine that filled the space when Scarlett made her exit.

" You thirsty? I can grab you another drink. Or maybe wait until we've danced a little, so I ain't swaying, tripping over you, and stepping on your toes. Or vice versa."

"Huh?" Josie asked as she looked up; the music had been so low she hadn't caught what he said, despite him being next to her." Oh! Yeah. Can you grab me something?" She asked, batting her lashes. "You're barely drunk, babe." She scoffed and rolled her eyes, noting that he hadn't had much to drink since arriving, whereas she had... several." We can dance once we have drinks." She giggled again.

" Who was that new friend you were poundin' drinks earlier with? That med student or whatever."

"Oh, that's Alaula! She's studying sports...medicine. I really like her baby. She was nice to me! I think I want to hang out with her more." Josie looked up at him, her cheeks taking on a rosy flush from drinking and her excitement for making a new friend.

" Go! Get drinks; I'll be right here." She said playfully, pushing him from her and looking back at the dance floor. Her eyes drifted to the side, where she saw Chet and the other wolves. Josie rolled her eyes; now, her mood was sour. Someone should have kicked them out; wolves were nothing but trouble.

 

[Anara]