[open + closed]

[omnicrafter]

Who: Irhya, friends, and a few open prompts!
When: Deceuer
Where: Various places
What: Catch-all log
Warnings: Probable descriptions of blood, will update with anything else


[On Deceuer 4th, Irhya does not get out of bed like she normally would.

From a distance, it appears as if she chose to sleep in late this day, but that slumber continues on well into the evening and beyond. Upon inspection, her body is icy, and she does not appear to be breathing.

She remains this way until well into the small hours of the morning on the 5th.]

#1: Deceuer 5th: for Crystal Exarch

[There is a beating in her ears she is quite sure cannot be her own, given the circumstances. It feels like an ever-strengthening headache, but her mouth also tastes dry and raw with overdue thirst.

Thirst for what? She isn't stupid. She knows what's happening, but she hadn't expected it to be this overpowering. It's the middle of the godsdamned night, for that matter, and there's no one about to help her -- perhaps that's a good thing, however, as she can't be certain of her capacity not to just jump the next living person she sees. And she knows she's probably telecasting all kinds of distress signals through her Bonds, but that'll have to wait.

Why she came to their house, she isn't quite certain. Maybe just a dim internalized hope one of them will find her out here and decide to take pity on her. Irhya makes it as far as moving her feet heavily up the front stairs before she hesitates, wiping cold sweat from her brow. She sets a hand on the banister for support and stops, rethinking everything for the umpteenth time. Maybe she really is just better off preying on some stranger in the city; she hasn't the patience or energy to seduce them right now like she'd planned. But then... if anyone found out about it...

Fuck. She really is screwed, isn't she. But without a decision, and soon, it's only supposed to get worse until the need can't be contained by mortal will anymore.]

#2: Deceuer 5th: for housemates

[The door opens sometime into the early morning, revealing one very discontent miqo'te.

The clawing desire for blood has since been sated, one way or another, but now she's broadcasting upset of a different kind, the tears-into-her-pillow sort. She hasn't the energy to carry herself upstairs, so instead she travels the shorter distance into the kitchen, pulls out a chair, and buries her face in her arms over the table, cursing quietly into it.]

I cannot fucking believe this... What the bloody hells is wrong with me?

#3: Deceuer 7th-8th: for Thancred

[It's been a few days. Time has calmed her down, but the realization is still somewhat sore for her. She ought to take it slow, she realizes, but as ill-prepared as she'd been for the first one, perhaps it's better to get everything in order to prevent future... incidents.

Thancred had offered. Thancred had been willing to listen to her stupid idea, probably knowing full well it was a stupid idea but seemingly willing to consider it anyway. Perhaps if he were still amenable to it now that the reality is imminent...

The messaging function of the mirror is peculiar, but handy, especially when she isn't certain how he'll react. Irhya decides to put it to good use.]

Can we talk? Something came up.

That thing I mentioned was going to happen a while ago? It happened.

#4: Anytime in Deceuer: OPEN

[In an adjacent room to the soup kitchen, Irhya has set up her workshop. It's purposely placed so that anyone going inside has to pass by it to reach their destination, and perhaps grab their attention in the process. The sign outside the door says: Feeling creative? Help us repair and recycle old items!

Inside, there's a large table in the center, and a pile of broken or worn clothing and toys in the middle of it, surrounded by various repair tools: wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, paints, sandpaper, sewing thread and needles, polish... the list goes on.

It's inevitable that people would donate junk thinking it was charity, but she's determined to quality check the existing stock, to see that at least some of it doesn't go to waste. Anyone is encouraged to stop by and help, or perhaps add more to the pile if they so desire.]

#5: Anytime in Deceuer: OPEN

[At other times, she's teaching the Dorchacht refugees a few basics in self-defense . While she specializes in using steel weaponry, swords in particular, they're too impractical for your average layman to carry around all the time, and so she has downsized to daggers and bare-handed techniques.

It's pretty basic stuff: how to get out of various types of grips; places on the body that are most effective to hit, with or without really hurting someone; how to conceal a knife, and various safety measures for having one on your person; even a few tips on how to deal with someone slinging spells at you from afar.

Eventually, she tries pairing people up to practice, but decides it might be better to have two experienced fighters demonstrate first when it appears the refugees are hesitant. If you look at all like you could hold your own in combat, she'll be calling you from afar and waving you over.]

Hey! I don't suppose you'd like to help me demonstrate some self-defense techniques, would you? On me, I mean. Or on you, whichever.

[She shrugs. Very convincing.]

Comments

[unsundered]

[It hadn't been a good start to the day for anyone. Had all of... this woken the Ascian up? Quite possibly, considering how tired he looks, and that he's up this early in the morning.

But with Irhya broadcasting like that, there was no chance of either falling back asleep, or ignoring it and doing something else, so Emet-Selch gives up and closes in on the source. Stepping heavily into the kitchen- or at least, onto the threshold of it, as he remains in the doorway, leaning onto it as he stares down at Irhya.

And once there, he's not entirely sure what to say. The emotion emanating from her was... unpleasant, worrying, but at the moment he mostly just wanted it to stop. Eventually he sighs, sounding more than a little disgruntled.]

That's what I'd like to know. You're being extremely disruptive, you realize.

[Such sympathy.]

[omnicrafter]

Yeah, thanks.

[Her fur bristles. When she picks her head up to shoot a venomous look at him, the tears along her face run red with blood.]

If you don't have anything better to be doing than making snide comments at my misery, then just leave me alone. It'll probably blow over. Eventually.

[There's a distinct pang of hurt that goes along the connection, almost like betrayal -- she'd gone out of her way to help him settle down after their fallout, and this is the return she gets when she's the one freaking out? A thankless job, indeed.]

[unsundered]

[And that pang has him wince inwardly, though the look he gives her is still irritable, out of habit. The twinge of alarm feels at her tears, the blood is nearly as unwanted as the hurt coming from Irhya.]

...You're going to bleed on everything.

[Conjuring up a simple handkerchief, he steps over to hand it out to her. Comforting had never been his strongest suit. Oh, he could say something polite and appropriate if he was otherwise indifferent, but if it actually mattered? That was much harder.]

[omnicrafter]

Wh--

[A brief touch of her face with her fingers has her finally notice the blood, causing her to startle. Now this, too?]

Oh, for Twelve's sake...!

[Gingerly, she accepts the cloth and wipes her hands and face, leaving faint red smears where her tears had tracked.]

Sorry. I'll get you a new one later. I just...

[Irhya plants an elbow on the table and weaves a hand thoroughly into her hair, leaning forward, hollow and heavy at the same time.]

Knowing it was coming didn't make it any easier to handle.

[unsundered]

Don't bother, I can create as many as I like.

[Waving it off, he eventually drags a chair over so he can sit down next to her. It was- pretty obvious what had finally happened to her, and the idea of her being (in a technical sense) dead was somewhat more unpleasant than expected.

And Irhya didn't look to be having much fun with it either.]

--Is it that terrible?

1

[exarchal]

[It isn't magic or some kind of boundary spell that lets him know Irhya is here. While she's paralyzed with indecision on the banister, he has his staff in hand to help channel the subtle warming spell he's been placing on every opening into the house. He isn't an expert on enchantment yet so he finds it easiest to do it at night and outside, and that's where he's heading--

-- that is, until he opens the door and sees her.]

I-Irhya? Is aught amiss?

[She looks terrible, to be honest, and at this late hour only idiots like him are awake. The door slips shut as he moves to help support her with his free arm.]

[omnicrafter]

[Irhya doesn't answer right away, mostly because she's too distracted with listening to the slight elevation of his heartbeat in his surprise to see her. She could do it, she thinks. It'd be so easy. She uses his arm for support, grabs him by the shoulders and--

Freezes. The look on her face is one of sheer desperation, torn between two terrible options. Upon the realization she's a hair's breadth away from letting it happen, she drops her grip on him, covering her mouth with her hand as if it'll prevent her from using it recklessly.]

I...

[She sucks in a breath. Best not to deny it at this point... right?]

That thing I told you about... it happened. I have to feed-- but I can't just--!

spoilers... if that was not implied

[exarchal]

[This close, she can see the hood slipping, his ruby eyes bright and wide in the dark. But he doesn't resist whatever it is she's about to do. Just as soon as he's grabbed, he's free, and she seems about ready to flee even though she's in no condition... To his credit he remains calm even though she could be a danger. He doesn't feel that she could be a danger; she's a Warrior of Light after all, and some version of himself had gone to extraordinary lengths to admire her, to cherish her. To save her.]

Irhya.

[He gently places his hand on her wrist, trying to be a calming presence in the midst of her panic.]

Denying your nature will only bring you more harm in the end. And there is no shame in being hungry-- you cannot help what you are.

[He's already shaking his head free of the hood. There is some trust involved, but he thinks she'll only take enough to be clear-headed. It was the same way with the last feral monster he encountered.]

If you cannot mind your teeth on my neck, you may feed from my wrist. It does not matter to me, so long as you survive.

[omnicrafter]

I-- That's not the issue! You can't just...

[Her jaw clenches. Some small catch inside her loosens a little.]

Why do you always have to be the first in line to sacrifice yourself? You must know as well as I do that your housemates would chew me out for feeding off you!

[But that begs the question of why she decided to make her way in this specific direction in the first place, too. Maybe it was just the subconscious hope one of them would find her and try to help, even if they couldn't offer themselves. But is it a greater sin to hurt someone with permission, or spare them the danger by hurting someone else on purpose?

She's still struggling with that one.]

But, Twelve help me... what else am I supposed to do...?

[exarchal]

[He huffs a breath, for a moment sounding like his younger self.] I could ask you the very same question. You will not only hurt yourself if you deny your nature-- 'tis no mercy at all, and your control is frayed as it is... But the blood of a Witch will sate you and clear your head. I have seen it myself.

[He strokes her hand with a warm thumb.]

They will understand. You need not do everything alone, my friend.

3

[wordsinthesoul]

[He knew, at least a little, but- it wasn't something he'd been actively anticipating. He stares at the watch for a moment, processing, before he picks it up to type back a message.]

Of course we can talk. Would you like to continue talking this way, or would you prefer to meet?

[omnicrafter]

I've gotten through the initial set of problems, so I think I'm comfortable meeting. I guess I just need to get some things figured out.

...I won't bite you, I promise.

[wordsinthesoul]

Well, I can certainly lend an ear, and whatever help I can. Should I come over, or would you like to visit?

I didn't imagine you would. Not without asking, certainly.

[omnicrafter]

I can go to you. I don't think I know where you live yet, anyway, and that's important information for the future.

Just tell me where and I'll be there in a few minutes.

[wordsinthesoul]

That you mention that makes me wonder…. But it's perfectly fine. Remember the password.

[…honestly, they should probably change that. But- it's a good memory, or at least he hopes so. He gives her the address, and busies himself tidying up a little more. It's not… too bad, but they do sort of nest…]

[inlikethebrume]

[When that particular emotion hits Mira, it feels as if someone smacked her with a sack of heavy ore. This isn't like the typical sadness or hurt she's felt in the past but fresh. When she realizes which bond it comes from, she's immediately off to look for Irhya and it's a small comfort to see her in the kitchen.]

Irhya? What has happened?!

[Worried? Oh you bet.]

[omnicrafter]

Take a wild guess. You must have felt it, too.

[An inhale hisses through clenched teeth. She does not lift her head just yet.]

...I had to feed, Mira. I had to.

[inlikethebrume]

[There's no anger coming from the hyur, just concern for the other as she grabs a chair and sits down right next to her.]

You could have come to me. I would not have turned away a friend in need.

[omnicrafter]

I know, but...

[She shouldn't have to. It's bad enough it has to be this way, but to hurt friends in order to get what she needs is not the way she wants her relationships to pan out.

Irhya turns her head to the side, and there are small streaks of blood where tears should be.]

Bad enough I ended up feeding off a friend in the end anyway. It almost would seem the better option to feed off strangers if it means keeping friends out of it... And that's not even counting the fact I'm dead now, and who knows if that'll ever be reversible.

[inlikethebrume]

And what if a friend wanted to help you out?

[She still does to be honest, that will never change. But when Mira sees the streaks of blood, the first thing she does is grab a small dish towel and gently dabs the wet off her face. She's not afraid to touch her, even after this.]

I will not force you but I do want to let you know that it is alright to come to me if you need to. It will take more to hurt me and I know you won't. You are still you, are you not?

[Please don't try to hurt yourself thinking it'll be good for you, Irhya. It sucks.]

4

[kivatteru]

[ His only experience with repairing things is tied to one item, and one item only: violins.

Anything else is more of an enigma to him, but he can at least handle the tools used for repairing, except for sewing. Wataru hums over the sign for a bunch of minutes, inwardly considering his options, before he steps in with some bit of resolution. If he can't do something, he can still learn from trial and error. Were these broken items more valuable, he would feel far more upset about messing up.

Irhya is the one who organized this, and he feels more serene knowing that. ]

I can't fix clothes, but I can do something about toys and wooden items.

[ He tells her, while skimming through the pile. ]

I can tag timely I swear

[omnicrafter]

[Her face brightens as she sees Wataru walk in, tying off a knot in the seam of the plush toy she's working on.]

Well, perhaps I can cover your weaknesses, then. There's plenty of wooden things in need of some sanding or a paint job, and other toys that could use some gluing back together. If there's any parts missing, let me know and we can probably improvise. Cannibalizing one toy beyond salvation for another is not beyond me, after all.

[She gestures to the seat next to her, cutting the thread free and sticking the needle in the spool of thread for safekeeping. There are a number of bags of successfully mended items off to the side, along with some neatly folded clothes and blankets.]

I've been focusing mostly on the cloth-based items for a while, for fear of making a mess... though I suppose I ought to suck it up and let loose if they've given me permission to do this at all. Do you have any experience, or were you just sort of curious?

don't worry!

[kivatteru]

[ Wataru finds an old, bent out of shape model car in the pile. Smiling back at Irhya, he moves over to sit next to her. ]

I'll keep that in mind, thank you.

[ While his attention shifts to the toy, as he examines the various damaged spots, he hums an answer to her question about experience. ]

Back home, I own an atelier which is specified on repairing and crafting violins. I've been doing that for several years, so I know some bit about repairing broken items.

[omnicrafter]

Musical instruments are among the more difficult items to repair, so I'd say that counts. My sister is a music teacher, and she's thrust a few broken instruments on me before, too.

[Irhya moves on to a new item after carefully appraising the state of the current one, a jacket with a sizeable hole under the sleeve.]

You must be quite dedicated to your violin, huh? Beyond the hero gig, I mean.

[A grin. She definitely remembers that conversation.]

[kivatteru]

[ Without looking up from the toy, he replies. ]

Yeah, I'm fond of that instrument. My father was a great violinist.

[ He thinks of various way with which he can start the reparation, while still talking. ]

Without his influence, I wouldn't have picked up violin. Or... I wouldn't have thought about music at all.