There's nothing like a trail of blood to find your way back home.

[whomthebelltolls]

Who: Lady Maria and CLOSED prompts
When: Auguril
Where: All Over
What: Closed stuff that doesn't quite fit in anywhere else
Warnings: Oh boy. A Witch overburdened with magic hallucinations due to a weak Bond exacerbating underlying mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation tendencies. Also general Bloodborne warnings, because I'm sure stuff about her past is going to come up.

Individual threads in headers below. If you would like one, hit me up on Plurk: Reslari at Discord: Reslari#9561 or at my plotting comments located here.

Comments

For Alucard

[whomthebelltolls]

[Maria has not often sought out the company of others these last couple of months. Her social battery drains even faster than usual, and honestly, that carnival had killed all but the tiniest dredges of its power. Even if she had made a couple new connections, everything between that and this moment was... something of a blur.

With the looming new moon, she can also feel that annoying sensation of magical buildup in the back of her mind. It's not quite at a dangerous level, like it had been before she Bonded, but it's... familiar. It's coming without the accompanying splitting headache, at least, but things keep cropping up: Every so often, she can hear the ring of metal on metal and bone and flesh, and screams, like a battle raging just at the edge of her hearing.

She can't go down to the docks anymore. She can barely stand to be near the markets, lest the fishmongers' wares waft their scents her direction and turn her stomach, and make the hallucinations worse.

Something approaches from behind, and she sees the stuttering, halting movements of a familiar figure, and she turns, abruptly, nearly dropping what she'd been carrying, a hand moving toward her back where a dagger is doubtlessly hidden.

But then it clears, and it's golden hair and a familiar face. She frowns, and it draws deeper lines at the corners of her pale, paper-thin skin. She looks terrible; if Alucard thought her to look like a broken, dredged shell of a Hunter before, she looks even worse now. Sunken eyes and gaunt cheeks and pale skin... in truth, she looks vaguely reminiscent of the Pthumerians she might just well be descended from, even not quite as ghastly, just yet. She blinks away the image of the fish-priest, and inclines her head.]

Good afternoon. I wasn't expecting a visitor.

[cryptsleeper]

--You look....[Well. There's no other way to approach this besides total bluntness, and so Alucard lets the honesty fall from his mouth.] Like shit.

[He's usually not so forward in assessments, especially if anything looks like it might be wrong. He's been there. He knows how it is far better than many, and yet this is a state that is well and truly concerning. Alucard can only divine the causes right now - and there could be many, based on what Maria has shared of her own home and status within it - but regardless of the source it is a cause for concern.

He frowns, offering his hand for at least whatever she's carrying. Easier to have free hands.]

[whomthebelltolls]

Then I look like how I feel. [There's only the slightest biting edge of frigidness to her tone, and it's not really directed at him specifically, though it is there all the same.

She doesn't offer an explanation, and, for a moment, she doesn't offer what she's holding either. Then, knowing for once she's in a battle she won't win, she hands the bag over - it seems to just be groceries. A pitifully small number of them. It's food, but barely enough for a couple of days.]

Come along, I'm sure I can't just tell you to go away. [And she doesn't particularly want to, either, but it's also difficult to talk... and moreso in public.] We'll find my home empty, now. We can speak in peace there.

[And there's clue one what's wrong.]

[cryptsleeper]

[Shit indeed then. Alucard doesn't even try to hide the worried look that crosses his face. It's there, plain to see, and then come the words home empty. He understands the implication, and it is the easiest thing in the world to take the bag of groceries.

He won't judge that much. But Alucard makes a mental note to start bringing food and leaving it at the door.]

I can make tea or coffe once we're in then.

[He can situate the focus on the immediate needs, rather than the sadness behind them.]

[whomthebelltolls]

... Tea may be better. [Given her age, her other drinking habits, and the fact she hasn't eaten anything, coffee will just tear her stomach up. Besides, it would be too tempting to add whiskey to it, and she has a feeling he'd just try to stop her, and that'd turn into an argument and she just

doesn't

have the energy for that right now.

She doesn't really say much on the rest of the route to her home. She is very quite content to simply stride along, even her footsteps retaining a hushed nature, despite her obvious size and weight.

The Haunted Mansion doesn't actually look any different than it did before. The garden is still meticulously upkept, and the exterior of the house still looks like the thing children dare each other to touch the front door of on spooky fall nights.

It's never been a very loud abode, and it's... even quieter now. There's no one to greet, as Maria steps inside. Just an almost eerie sort of quiet that sitting too long in would probably lead just about anyone to get too into their own head.]

We can put that in the kitchen. [There, her first words in... a while, honestly.]

[cryptsleeper]

Tea then. I'll make something to go with it.

[It isn't an offer or a please let me. It is a statement of intent, what he will do and Alucard is slightly surprised by the lack of argument.

Silence grows oppressive. He knows this silence, knows the nature of it, hates it with every fiber of his being. Alucard has had it settle over himself too many weeks, and it is something that can only be gone through.

He makes no comment about the home or the state of it. That the garden is in fine order is what he considers a good thing for it means there's been an attempt at maintaing something.

Once inside, he starts heading in the right direction.]

What kind of tea? And do you need honey in it?

[Gentle. Surface level. Stuff that needs engagement and decision making.]

[whomthebelltolls]

There's some rose hip tea in there, I think that sounds good. It is sweet on its own, so I won't need any honey, but that's... over by the larder, if you want some for yourself. If you steep it too long, it can be quite tart.

[She doesn't really need much time to think about it, at least. She blinks, as though remembering something, though, and her head pulls up a bit.] ... Ah. And that reminds me to check the hive later.

[More little things to try to occupy her time, to keep her out of her own mind, to stop herself from thinking too much and feeling too much and being bothered by the distant screams that come in waves.]

You don't look as worse for wear, though. Hopefully Aefenglom has been treating you better.

[cryptsleeper]

I may take the honey regardless.

[So he goes about clunking around in the kitchen. Alucard focuses on getting the kettle on first, before doling out the right amount of tea leaves for the pot. He takes a good guess at what's good for two cups, and everything else happens automatically. He goes through the cupboards to find dried fruits, he checks the groceries to see if there's bread, and while the kettle boils the dhampir goes about making what is ultimately just a fancy lunchable.]

When I leave I'll tell you to check the hive.

[He's focused on plating as the water gurgles ever closer to it's boil.]

Whatever it's done, the insult is far greater to you.

[whomthebelltolls]

If a reminder could be called such a thing, perhaps.

[She leans a head against her hand. Elbows on the table being bad manners, who cares, she's tired, she's all but starving, and she's depressed. Life doesn't get much worse than that, so what's a little sleight against her own dignity.

She lost most of that a while back, anyway. No matter how she pretends otherwise.]

This place has been rather kind, all things considered. It's simply I who has squandered it.

[cryptsleeper]

And how do you figure that?

[It is the first real foray into asking what's happened, although Alucard does have a suspicion. Easier now to keep fussing with plating. To pull out the honey and put it in a little cup, and then arrange some of the bread there.]

I'm nearly done.

[And just as the water hits the boil no less.]

[whomthebelltolls]

I let myself get greedy. I allowed myself to hope.

[And as depressingly cryptic as that is, she nods her head at him. The tea smells good - a bit tart, quite floral, and with the bread accompanying it should make a good snack, even if her appetite is... not what it used to be.

The kettle is ringing loud in the stifling silence of the house, and Maria flinches a little against the way the noise fills the space of the kitchen.]

Just being here and not trapped in that Nightmare should've been good enough for me. More than good enough.

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard's pretty sure he's never had this level of depression, and that's saying something.]

You were human, you mean.

[He delivers the charcuterie platter to the table first, aware that it's meager but that the presentation is more than enough to make up for it. He's even cut the cheese into little shapes.]

I'm with you in loss.

[whomthebelltolls]

[She huffs a snort - derisive, but it does fit.] I am a corpse. Perhaps that was where I went wrong, first.

[She picks a piece of the meat and cheese up - the smell at least isn't too bad - and looks it over, before taking a bite. Then, once it's done...]

So, what did you lose? [Easier to ask him, than talk about herself at the moment.]

For Vex

[whomthebelltolls]

[Eventually, they had to get back to that drink.

Maria extends the invitation first - when the silence in her house thrums against her eardrums, and her brain decides to replace the stifling quiet with the sounds of screams and curses.

She needs to get out and do something.

The bar is Maria's actual favorite, because she can't visit the Sly Seadog anymore: It's a hole-in-the-wall dive bar, and is completely empty but for the bartender, and a sole other occupant who has set up on the opposite side of the room from Maria.

She has a mostly-full drink in front of her before Vex even walks in the door. What she doesn't mention is this is probably about the fifth one. She inclines her head because, due to the sparse population of the room, she's pretty sure her companion can figure out where she's sitting. Not even the least of which is because Maria is toweringly tall, even when sitting.]

As you can see... it is nice and quiet here. They can't make anything too terribly fancy, but the basics are all covered. The black label rum is quite good, as well, if you liked spiced rums.

[What she has... is a cup of brandy.]

[moneytwin]

[ Vex hadn't been entirely sure Maria would take her up on the offer of drinks, when radio silence had followed the carnival. True, Vex had found ways to keep herself busy thereafter, but she had wondered.

And wonders never cease: an invitation, with an address that isn't so difficult to find. Finding her way around town on foot (while lamented, powerless broom was left at home) had been one of several priorities. And shortly after the time set, she strolls in casually, dark eyes taking on an odd gold sheen as she looks about the establishment. Maria is hard to miss, even if the place weren't empty, but one should never be fooled by appearances.

Dive bars are handy to know about, and tend to have the best mix of beverages - legal or otherwise. Satisfied that she has the lay of the land, the half-elf approaches, sliding up onto a chair next to the taller woman, to whom she gives a welcoming nod. ]

Starting with the basics is a solid way to get drunk in an eve. Though I do believe I'm buying the first round. [she can see that brandy, but drinks had been her idea to start. Vex has some coin saved now that she can afford to spend on such an evening.]

[whomthebelltolls]

[It's not Vex's fault that Maria's depression is kicking her ass. She is, unfortunately, still not feeling very sociable, but... she has to get away, and so she is getting away.

Once her companion is seated, Maria raises an eyebrow, and... takes a deep, long drink of the brandy in her glass.] Mm. That was the agreement; I'll have another of these... Norwington vinyard brandy. [She wiggles the glass. It's a mid-shelf brandy. Won't break the bank, but won't completely melt your tongue off, either. She likes it just fine.

They'll then both have a drink and have time to settle in, and who knows how conversational Maria will be, but she'll Try(tm)]

[moneytwin]

[ The brand names are filed away for later - both for private purposes, and for repeat visits. Both brows lift very slightly as Maria makes swift work of her current glass, before she turns to look at the barkeep expectantly, a winning smile taking up residence on her features. ]

Another for her, then, and a glass for me as well. Might as well start as we mean to begin.

[ Vex is paying, for at least the first round or two. Any more than that? Well, that depends on any future conversations. ]

[whomthebelltolls]

[Maria is definitely not in the mood for lighthearted shenanigans, but she does find Vex's immediately friendly demeanor toward the one providing drinks at least mildly amusing enough to raise an eyebrow at, before she polishes off her glass.

She takes a moment to savor the taste, and then leans back in her chair to relax, it seems, into the situation a bit more.]

Well, may this night not end in us both waking up in a bush or gutter somewhere. [She's serious, as flippant as the statement is overall. She doesn't think so, but she's hoping not.

... It might be a real concern sometimes with her and her... overall alcohol consumption.]

[moneytwin]

[ When one is establishing one's self in a new drinking hole, buttering up the bar staff is only sensible. That she makes sure to pay a little (though not a lot) more than the asking price is part of that. ]

May it indeed. [agreement spoken as Vex watches her drink being poured, before the barman pulls aside Maria's now empty glass with intent to fill it] Especially since I didn't bring my bear. I suppose I'll have to settle for not turning an ankle if I am particularly drunk.

[Shifting on her stool, Vex props one elbow on the bar top.]

So, has the city been keeping you busy since the carnival left?

[whomthebelltolls]

Well, perhaps this would be a good time to mention that the fire in my blood burns through most alcohol, and quickly. I actually can't get very drunk anymore.

[One part tolerance, one part ridiculous metabolism that just uses the flammability of alcohol to its advantage. That also explains the volume she will be drinking this evening.] Though I know not where you live, at least one of us will be able to somewhat coherently navigate, if that is as far as you decide to go.

[Maria tilts her head.] The city, however... is as it usually is, in truth. There are good periods of quiet after that kind of excitement here, though the pixies were... undesirable. They damaged part of my garden.

[She takes her cup as it's passed, full again, back to her. This time, she doesn't drain it nearly as quickly, and sips it instead. She looks displeased by the pixies, but that passes quickly enough.] This world works in interesting cycles. You get some kind of festival, or dream, or something big happening, and you fill your time in the spaces between with checking the job boards and taking small tasks for others. Or finding a permanent employment, if that is something you wish... but that seems ill-fitting to my temperament anymore.

[moneytwin]

[ Fire? Surely not literal? Then again, Vex has met actual demons, and Tieflings are pretty hot - pun intended. So that just gets the quirk of a curious eyebrow, and a nod. Vex may or may not push to see if there's any truth to that. ]

It isn't the biggest of places, but it's a suitable home within the city, with multiple routes available to leave, depending on circumstances. [leave nothing to chance, even if you are currently siding with your hosts.] But I'm glad I have that to rely upon. If needed.

[ Maybe it will be, maybe it won't. Vex takes a sip of her drink, licking her lips after as she considers the taste. Not her first preference, but acceptable, and far more flavourful that some of the alcohol she's imbibed in days gone by. ]

The pixies were a pain in the ass. I'm glad they've moved on. [never has Vex lamented her lack of poisoning tea set than at this moment] I've never met one worth knowing. But at least they didn't set the forge on fire.

[ Goodness knew that Hiccup and Percy had enough on their plates, after getting fined for that unexpected explosion. ]

Hmm. Well, I won't complain about times of quiet, life back home has been one long series of stressful events after another lately. [her expression darkens a moment, before she shakes her head and takes another sip] I'm rather used to the freelance life. But the job boards here aren't all that dissimilar to those I've worked with previously. I'd like to take advantage of some of the field work ones to get to know the Wilde, but..

[ she snorts into her drink. ]

Not advised for those without bonds, apparently.

[whomthebelltolls]

[She opens her mouth to say something, and then a somewhat confused look crosses, before she closes it.] Ah, yes, I forgot about that. Not being Bonded is something the Wilders frown upon. My apologies.

[She tilts her head a little.] That is not to say you cannot find your own path beyond the Wall, if you would like, Bonded or not. Whether you even have any interest in it. [She still doesn't particularly care for the entire thing, but...] Or even find a Witch for a temporary arrangement. Those aren't as strong, and fade away after some time. You have options, if you wish for them, of course.

[She takes a sip, and then...] Mmm, and things not related to the Wilders... well, they don't babysit, so you can go out of the city for other things. Did you have anything you were interested in that wasn't for the Wilders?

[moneytwin]

Not being bonded seems to be something a lot of natives here frown upon. I hardly see a need for you to apologise on their behalf about it. [the dark liquid is swirled around her glass absently] I've been reading up on it, I just need to actually find someone to bond with, I suppose.

[the obvious answer currently sits over at the Forge, but that's linked to a whole bundle of emotions Vex isn't prepared to look at this minute.]

It is nice to have options. I'd heard about the temporary thing - seems useful for business contract work, if you just need a partner's expertise? Or to test waters before going permanent, I suppose.

I briefly visited the Outpost, but headed back when those pixies fucked with the wrong ice elementals, and the storms up there got very strong. Since things have calmed down, I at least wanted to scout around there. [she pauses to take a sip] Hmmm, I do like the kick to this. Where was I..? Oh, right.

There were a few job queries asking about seeds and flowers. "Forget-me-nots"? I thought I might take advantage to looking into that. Perhaps see what has and hasn't weathered the cwyld, learn a bit about the local plants, and learn the terrain while I'm at it.

[whomthebelltolls]

There are options. Some of the Mirrorbound are even rather... pushy about it. [Of all the things, it seems like the Witches are the more reticent group, if Maria had to guess, and they're the ones more in danger.] But I'd recommend just taking to a potion or two if you want to try it out. It's muted... a strong, permanent Bond will be a bit different than just the temporary Bonding potions, but it gives you an idea.

[A sigh, and she shakes her head.] ... I don't like the idea of it - it's a bit... invasive. I had been lucky, I think, that I didn't mind sharing the mental space with the person I chose.

[And what had once been a very strong Bond is now a bare shell of its former power. So bad, she's barely cycling magic through it... among other problems. Just the reminder of it makes her knock back half her glass.

Then, Vex mentions flowers, and Maria's head perks up, and she puts the cup down.] I'd been interested in doing that, as well, in truth. I enjoy growing flowers, and those seemed interesting... and I can get paid for bringing in live samples. They specified an area not far outside of town, as well.

[moneytwin]

Temporary sounds good. [mouth forms a small frown] ..Is it really that invasive, though? I knew about the magic sharing side of things, but.. No one really talks about what else is involved. [sharing mental space sounds terrifying, if only because Vex keeps so many things hidden behind so many layers.]

[ The instant interest in flowers gets a blink, before memory serves the grumbled comment about her garden and the pixies. Well, that sounds convenient! Vex props one arm on the bar, leaning on it as she turns a bit on her seat.] A friend back home was far more into botany than I, but I try to keep eyes open for anything useful. They mentioned some difficulties with collection, and a desire for speed, but as long as they can get whole samples, I'm certainly game to try it.

And if it isn't far outside the town, even better. That would allow me to learn some of the local terrain.