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⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Printable Version

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RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - SHIVERS - 09-02-2022

You ball your fist and go for it,
plunging your hand up into the water.

Water splashes onto your screen from the impact.

You shake it off.





It feels nice, though.

You wiggle your claws within it.









Thunder rumbles 
from Within the fountain.





At least four dozen hands dip through the water's surface above you,
coming into view.

All different shapes, sizes, species,

waiting.







Murmur and Model do the same from below,
reaching up to place their hands in.











Your head tilts as you address the OBJ,
still watching the black lightning overhead.

"On a scale of 'candle flickering at a seance' 
to 
'the moon exploding and raining down in hellfire,' 
how dramatic is this gonna be?"



She calls back to you from her own chamber, her voice muffled.
"Every year the fountain produces a variety of effects,
but this has typically yielded only marvelous lightshows, such as the dark sparks overhead.



...Although, 
the catalyst always experiences the events differently,
and I have no method of predicting the sort of sensations that will happen to you.



...You may wish to brace yourself."



 

You widen your stance,
taking a breath.





i still have this.






i can take on the World if i have to



















You watch the lightning.












[Image: O3P86af.png]









It grows.














It pulls closer.













Your hand shakes.




But you do your best to stay firm.
















It jumps towards You















A stray arc lashا�☒☒☒ ☒

☒☒☒☒☒☒☒  ☒☒






[Image: Ch7Bdvq.png]







 
 
 
 


                                                                            
╔╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╤╗
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╚╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╧╝






















it pulls.

















[Image: 5YqBOqz.png]






















You are



























[Image: c7D7dwa.jpg]





Elsewhere










drifting in the space

between
moons
and
worlds
and
daydreams
and
a   l    l















slipping down to places betwixt







a Moving Surface below you



















pulled Towards it



























pulled
Down









[Image: ZoSUkmo.jpg]













pulled       
      deeper

































You      CLEAVE       Through the surface

















rupturing space

















sending



Iridescent Tinctures 








[Image: wo5yCd8.png]







unto your soon-splitting vision
























there is no   s p a c e   held here







No Room























yet











a Presence emerges from the Hole you tore
















it Latches to your hand




[Image: k84lkoN.jpg]



your instinct tells you to shake it loose








to pull away


































but it Soothes you

































weaving a lullaby through your veins






























you Breathe








































the colors fade






the water returns










































Overhead,
clear spheres burst forth









and float upwards

placing themselves in hands, here and there

leaving some empty.





































You don't bother watching.






















You close your eye.

























Your body sways listlessly.




























Branches in breeze.



















Back.





























Forth.





























































Transfixed.



































































A voice snaps you back.

"Vess...?




You may pull your hand out now!

...Are you awake?"



You open your eye.
































At long last,
you gently loose your claw from the water,
finding a small, red, dimly-glowing stone held within it; big enough to fill your entire palm.





Murmur collapses in the next chamber over,
falling to a sitting position on the floor,
clasping their stone in their lap.
























Model approaches slowly, 
holding a coal-like stone in their massive hand. 

"Wild show, ain't it?" 

From the sound of her voice, you can tell it's Jenkins still.

"Bigger crowd than the year we were in your shoes, too."













You'd been watching the stone in your hand.

The strange power radiating from it could be felt,
and it mainly serves to unnerve you, but is intriguing all the same.

"Huh?
...Yeah.
...Wild."





"Did you happen to get a count, Jenkins?" 

Murmur is still on the floor, 
speaking while sitting in her chamber, 
head pointed upward.

"Any... rough estimation...?
...I don't believe I had a decent look."

"Had to have been over two dozen. 
Maybe even three."

"...oh, stars..." Their reply comes quietly,
the OBJ nestling their face against one of their claws.















The downward angle of the motion lets them see their stone, though;
shaped like an hourglass,
with twin colors of green and lavender meshing in the middle.





She smiles.
You think so, at least.



"...but what a Wonder to behold..."

They hold it aloft, 
looking it over in the light.

"Have you ever seen Anything so peculiar...?"





"They're one of a kind, that's for sure.
...Before, our stone was pretty dull looking-"

Jenkins holds up her stone with a wide smile, 
the round chunk surprisingly iridescent in the light. 

"Now it's shiny! 
That's good, right?"

"Typically, 
they change color, 
shape, 
and... 
well, 
all manner of properties to fit the user.

I'm not sure the result can be broken down to a simple binary 'Good' and 'Bad';
all it says for certain is that you are different, 
than you were before."






















You hold up your stone,
squinting at it.

It doesn't glint in the light.

It's spherical, 
boasting the same tint of vermilion you've got yourself, and-





You suddenly drop it, 

grasping to catch it.





You miss,

but, to your surprise,

it bounces back up,

allowing you to catch it once again.





It's soft, 
and rubber-y.











...A bouncy ball.

















An unamused ':|' displays on your screen.








"Lookit that! 
You can do trickshots with yours."

"Can we trade?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Have you tried?" 
Murmur pipes up.
"To trade?"

"...I mean, 
no, 
but-" 

Jenkins thinks to herself for a moment.





"I guess if you promise to give it back."

You snatch it from Jenkins' hand,
popping the bouncy ball up for her to catch.
"Thanks."

Jenkins fumbles, 
doing her best to catch it. 
"H-hey!"

Murmur leans back against the side of their chamber,
observing.














You hold the iridescent stone up to the light,
watching to see for yourself-





A strange VWIP! sounds through the air.



The red rubber ball is back in your hand.



Jenkins is holding the iridescent stone.









"You cannot trade them,
or lose them.
If you leave them behind, they will follow you."

She holds hers up to get another good look,
watching the sand-like particles flit about on the inside.

"Rather insistent little minerals, aren't they?"



":|"


"Huh... 
we just figured we shouldn't let go of ours the first time around. 
Kinda became a comfort object."

"No reason it cannot be that for you again, Jenkins.

...And there is no reason to be so disappointed, Vessel.
Yours is certainly unique, 
and quite... playful, it would seem!"

"...I guess."






















"At any rate,
Jenkins, would you mind, er-
Helping Vess here pick out some clothes?

...We don't have a perfect selection, and they are all arranged into all-in-one outfits;
no customization, I'm afraid.
It is all donated, after all.
But, you may find something you like."


"Sure thing- 
you're in luck, I'm the most fashionable of the bunch."

Jenkins does a proud little pose, 
showing off her work jacket and jumpsuit. 

"I picked out the colors here and everything."









You look Jenkins up and down,
though you have no opinion on her outfit.

You hardly see it,
still preoccupied by the toy you're holding.





"I can pick it."

"Sure, that works too! 
But lemme lead you on over, at least."






















You turn to follow, your posture pouting.

Murmur is still on the floor.

You give her a glance.











"...Oh, don't worry!
I merely... need to rest, before we start.
The two of you will have time to confer with one another on the way."


"You sure, Murmur? 
I could carry you."

"That... will not be necessary, thank you!"

"Vess and Jenkins time, then!" 





















You follow along as Jenkins gets moving again, 
raising a huge paw victoriously.



You watch.



You blink.



You mimic the gesture.
"Hell, yeah...?"



"Yeah!!! 
YEAH, that's what I'm talking about!"

"What are you talking about?"

"Hanging out with another collective!
This never happens for us! 
Usually everybody else rattling around in here is too shy to say hi to any of the other catalysts, 
believe it or not."

"Why?"

"Eh, 
I think they get worried people are gonna judge us or something. 
Jimmie and I finally teamed up to handle stuff this year, got over it."

"Teamed up?"

"Yeah, 
stopped being weenies and decided to step up and be present for this."

"...I think I'm present for this, too.
I'm pretty sure I'm present and here and not a weenie.
I'm pretty sure I'm pretty good at it, actually."

"That's the attitude I like to hear!"

":)"

























"So...Vess.
Got anything particularly interesting rattling around in that head of yours?"





While you walk,
you reach your claw up,
and tap your head.



The gesabott claws clink against metal.



"...Metal."

"Nice! 
Same here, yknow. 
Just... under the soft part."

Jenkins smiles wide,
though there's a weird look in her eyes. 



"We don't gotta talk if you're not up for it, either.
You're new and all, 
and I don't imagine everything's settled in yet."

"Settled?
...I'm not unsettling."

"Nah, nah, I mean- 
you're new to this whole collective thing, 
I imagine things are still getting figured out, yknow? 
And that's chill."

"I don't know, Jenkins,
I'm pretty sure I'm doing very good at this.
I did that whole thing earlier with all the colors by myself."

"You did do that, 
and it all went without a hitch. 
You have every right to be proud of that."

"Cool."

"The coolest."






























Jenkins doesn't speak too much for the rest of your walk together.



Not that you were paying attention.

You step with your head held high,
soaking in all the attention you've been getting.





i MUST be important
look at all this stuff i did
and how hard they tried to get ME for this!!!







You couldn't be more proud of yourself,
barely noticing as you reach the end of your journey,
back at the more 'casual' area you'd vaguely seen before.










"Alrighty, 
step this way, champ.
 
Let's get you dressed up."



You follow Jenkins through a door.



The light blinks on in this new room,
showing numerous metal shelves lined with plastic boxes,
all labeled.



"Gimme a second."

"Uh-huh."
You lean against the wall,
trying to look as cool as you can while your screen glows brighter with confidence.



You don't pay too much mind to Model,
as they look back and forth between you and the shelves,
finding a specific one and pulling some boxes aside.












They stack each box in front of you,
ending with five total.





"Changing room's in the corner, 
you can pick whatever box you want. 
Don't stress too much about it, kay?"

"I don't stress," you lie.




























You look over the boxes.



Each is labeled with an outfit 'name',
as well as some unspecific descriptions of the contents.



{ BANDANA }
crop top, bandana, sweatpants

{ OFFICE }
dress shirt, tie, khaki pants

{ SKIRT }
jean jacket, striped top, skirt

{ RAINCOAT }
raincoat, ripped jeans, rain boots

{ UNIFORM }
extra maintenance jumpsuit







You tilt your head, 
thinking over the choices.

"Don't feel a need to stay quiet if anything crosses your mind, either. 
I'm a real talker when you get me going, but I try to keep the conversation good."

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - knux400 - 09-02-2022

"...Wait, so you can't lose these things? They just... shloop back into your hand?"

Pause for a moment, and throw the stone as hard as you can down the hallway.

Oh, and {BANDANA}. Perfect hybrid of comfort and arcade cabinet fighting game character.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Pichi2214 - 09-02-2022

Bandana or skirt seems cool!

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - MarxzVulpez - 09-02-2022

Hmmm, these are all pretty good.

Uhh, ratings out of five?
Bandana 5 out of 5, great look, only question is which way to wear the Bandana: pirate style or kerchief style...(leaning towards the latter)

Office 4 out of 5 looks slick, maybe a little too fancy for day to day? Not a huge fan of khakis, but they can be nice... thank goodness I somehow inherently know how to tie a tie. not sure how I know I just know I know

Skirt 5 out of 5 Also a great look, and the skirt shouldn't need adjusting for our leg spikes...

Raincoat 3.8 out of 5. Incredibly cute, not very practical for day to day

Uniform 4.5 out of 5, seems a bit, idk, work focused for day to day? Otherwise sounds neat and simple

So overall: Bandana = Skirt > Uniform ~ Office > Raincoat

Also: not that we're having Any trouble with it so far nope, great 0 stress first day of existing so far but
Any pointers on like Collective Stuff? Like idk for instance communicating better and such

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Ignispark - 09-02-2022

raincoats are always practical. long live the raincoat

skirt seems like an optimal choice. it has a jacket and jackets are the lifeblood of fashion. (probably.)

after something's selected itd probably also be a good idea to ask a bit more about the whole, xenial thing. and/or what happens at the facility outside of the whole, xenial. thing.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Lilium Mortem - 09-02-2022

you know it's weird, never noticed I'm naked, now that I do I feel like I should care. I don't, maybe because I'm so robotic and I don't have stuff to be worried about?

Bandana

Is this a good time to ask about collective stuff? like am I one person with a million thoughts or a million people? if a voice goes away does a person inside me die? what about the me talking right now? who is that? who am I? when I stop talking will I fall back in with the voices? I don't know what to feel or who's feeling it and it's.. it's a lot. it's scary.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - SHIVERS - 09-07-2022

The skirt combination Does sound nice...
...but ultimately you grab the 'Bandana' box.

With it in your claws, you head off to the changing room.



You rip open the box,
finding:
- An off-white crop-top with some logo on it you don't recognize
- A dark purple bandana
- Grey-purple sweatpants

It's easy enough to slip everything on,
though you have a bit of trouble with the sweatpants.
The spines on the back of your legs could easily rip them apart, but you take it slow and manage the task.

Checking the mirror,
you try a few different positions for the bandana before settling on keeping it around the base of your elongated neck,
letting it droop down onto the crop top.

You think it's a pretty good look.
Not that you have much to compare it to.





All finished up,
you step out of the changing room,
glancing over at Model in your new outfit.



Model glances over, 
their face lighting right up. 

"Now that's a getup! 
Kinda sporty, don't you think?"

From the sound of her voice, it's still Jenkins.



You look yourself over.
"Sporty?"

"Yeah! 
You look like you're ready to go!"

Your head tilts.
"...Maybe?
Probably.
I think I'm always ready for anything."







You glance back up at her.
"Is now a good time to talk over collective stuff?"


"Well, we gotta start heading back soon...
but what the hell, 
I can spare some time, said I would. 

What's eatin' you about it?"



"So..."

You take a seat on top of one of the shorter shelves. 

"...I'm not having trouble?
Not with that, or anything.
At all.
Existing is easy and there is No stress.



But also:

Am I one person with a million thoughts or a million people? 

What about the me talking right now? 

Who is that? 

Who is me?"

Your voice fills with static as it speeds up.
You grip the edges of the shelf and it creaks in strain.

"When I stop talking, do I fallbackin with theothervoices?
The other Me's?
The otherThems?
I don't know whattofeel or who'sFeeling it and-and-
If avoicegoesawaydoesapersonins--"

"Heyheyheyheyhey-" 
Jenkins raises her hands, 
making calming, deep breathing sounds. 

"Relax. 
All of this, 
is like... you figure it out. 
Slowly. 
Well, sometimes quickly, but over time. 

You don't have to have all the answers right away."





You do your best to breathe deep,
going overboard,
getting lightheaded.




"What about-
...communication-

How do we do that?
...Better?"

The words aren't quite coming out as you want them to.

Your head feels scrambled.


"From the look of it, 
y'all are just saying whatever comes to mind without... 
yknow, 
talking about it.

So... it just bursts out in a big explosion! 
And that can be really overwhelming, especially when you're so new. 

Try taking it slow and talking things over 
before you put the thoughts out there into the world. 

You'd be surprised at how much better you'll be able to get things done."



"...but it's Faster to do things on our own.

If we just say what we think about things when we think them then we don't have to Discuss it or Disagree.
And it all combines together, 
kind of.

That's... fine, right?"



Jenkins shakes her head. 

"Nope.
 
You're gonna end up making dangerous, impulsive decisions that way!
...or have a panic attack, 
like just now.

You won't have your individual voices go away just because you're talking to each other."







You lean your head down as thoughts swirl.

The bandana feels too tight.
You grasp at it.
Both claws.

Some intangible motor cranks up in your head.

You squeeze inward upon yourself.

It all--





There's an audible pop - you think you hear it, at least.
A shock runs through your system.



"What panic attack?
I just needed some advice."

You hop up from the shelf, stretching your arms.

"Ready to go?
I have more questions but talking can be done on the way."



"Yep."
Jenkins doesn't miss a beat, 
unperturbed as she stands back up. 
"Lay it on me."
















































You follow Jenkins out of the room and down the hall.



"Can you tell me more about this whole xenial thing?
Wanna know what else you do here, too."


"So...
a bunch of people get stones, right? 
They're allowed into the xenial, and that's where shit goes down. 

Whole meeting of worlds sort of thing, 
you see shit like nobody's ever seen before, 
get to meet some weird creatures, go on some little adventures even...
though every year, it's a little different.

As for what we do outside of heavy lifting, 
depends on who in the collective you're talking to. 
Me, I work out.

No real need to, 
yknow, no muscles in a robot body, 
but I like it. 
Feels nice to stretch and exert some power."







"What else takes place here at the labs?"



"Bunch of research stuff, mostly. 
You'd be better off asking Jill about that, 
it's a real bookworm." 

She taps the side of her head. 
"Just another Model."





"...Why do all your names start with the same sound?"

"Not all of 'em do, 
but we just think it's cute and funny for a bunch to."

"Huh."













You idly bounce the ball while making your way through various hallways,
not really paying attention to where Jenkins is leading you.







You mull over what Murmur said . . .



"You don't gotta worry about names for a while, though. 
Honestly, sometimes we miss the just... blendiness of it all. 

Wouldn't trade how we are now, 
and honestly, living any particular way as a collective is just as good as another, 
long as you're cooperating. 

Gonna keep harping on that-"



Your arm reels back,

filling with the energy of reckless abandon,

and you toss your stupid red ball as hard as you can down the hallway.



"H-"





The ball sails just past Jenkins' face,



shooting at top speed down the hall.













You watch it fly.









It makes contact with a loud THWAP!










A certain football-helmeted OBJ is now on the floor,

having nearly flipped over from the force of your stone smashing into the side of their head.





"F- MURMUR-" 

Jenkins is already rushing forward, 
kneeling by their side. 

"You alright there, bud?"



Stars appear across her eyes.

Too out-of-it to reply to Jenkins.









You can hardly see from where you're at.



Frozen stiff.



Feeling your stone pop back into your palm.



You watch various researchers peeking outside doors,
seeing Murmur on the floor, 
Jenkins standing over her,


and their eyes trail back to you.







Guilt wells up and twists itself into the pit of your stomach.

But you don't move.



"Cmon, let's..." 

Jenkins does her best to get Murmur propped up, 
dragging her into a sitting position against the wall. 


















She turns her attention to you now, gesturing for you to come over.

Her expression doesn't look pleased.









You take a step, 
but hesitate.



Realizing things aren't too serious,
most have returned to their research.

But, a few are still staring,
watching you through the windows.











The door on your right.

There's stairs inside.





You push the bar and step through.



Jenkins is on her feet immediately, racing after you.



The stairs go up on the right, 
down on the left.



Up... = outside? 
don't know what's outside.

there were all those hands in the water.

Too many hands, 

too many eyes.



You head down instead,
practically rushing until you reach the bottom.

You find the back corner, under the stairs,
and sit on the cold concrete.



You clutch your gasmask and squeeze.






































Footsteps echo above you, 
someone racing down just as fast. 
"...Vess?! 
Vess, you down here?"



You shake your head, 
though she can't hear you.


"...cmon out Vess, 
no one's gonna scream at you..."



Nothing.



"You screwed up, 
and you're gonna have to give Murmur a proper apology, 
but like... 
this is what I was talking about, yknow?"



Nothing.



Jenkins pauses right before your hiding place. 
"We can work this out."

"...don't know."

The construct crouches, 
scooting in with you without much fanfare.





You push yourself tighter against the wall.





She makes sure to keep just a bit of distance, 
and while you can tell she's having to put some effort into keeping a smile on her face - 
there is one, albeit tired.

"What would help you out right now?"

"...I don't want to think about it.
I don't want anyone to stare at me."

"I can tell people to clear out and give you some space. 
They'll get it."

"...are we going outside anyway?"

"Got a job to do, 
so... yep."

"Then we...

we can just go topside,
and nobody up there will know.
We can bring Murmur if-

Is Murmur okay?"

"They're gonna be okay. 
You still gotta apologize, but I know you'll make things right."



"You don't know that.

Can we-
...can you go get Murmur?

And we can go outside from here.
And I won't have to go back inside where everyone can see me."


"Yeah. 
Yeah, we can do that."

"OK."

Jenkins slowly gets to her feet, brushing her jumpsuit off. 
"Need help getting up?"

You shake your head.

"Alright... stay put."

Jenkins starts up the steps, 
keeping her gaze over her shoulder as she does.













You wait for her to fully leave and slowly pull yourself up and out of the corner.





You suddenly don't know how to stand, 

or where to put your hands.





You lean against the railing,

looking up to watch for their return.












































































Sure enough, there's two sets of footsteps coming down the steps again, not too long after.



Murmur appears first,
seeming a little uneasy.



There's a dent in the side of their helmet now.



"...Hello."

You don't know what to say.

You're self-conscious about your size,
feeling like you're towering over her in a menacing way, now.



"...I want you to know I don't harbor any ill will towards you.
Not... at all.

Though... 
what exactly were you trying to accomplish by throwing your stone the way you did?
Were you-

You were not... 



...aiming for Me, 
were y--" "No. No. I-

It... comes back.
You can't lose it.

I wanted to throw it far to see if it would come back."



"That's the kind of impulse you gotta discuss out and curb. 
I know disagreeing and bickering amongst yourselves doesn't sound like the best time, 
but...
you need to be able to shut stuff like that down, 
before people get hurt - 
and I'm meaning both yourself and others."

"...OK."

You slide your thumb across your other claws, over and over.

Jenkins fidgets, 
just as awkward as she looks in between you and Murmur.

No words come to you, either.







"...Well, 
erm...

If that's all, 
perhaps we should get going?



I'll-



I... 
have something I want to show you, later, Vess,

but for now, 
we can get this show... on the road?

...As they say?"

They awkwardly gesture to the both of you.



You look away.



Jenkins gives you a look, 
mouthing the words 'Apology, Later.' before gesturing ahead. 

"On the road we go!"



Murmur nods briskly,
and begins making their way up the stairs with the two of you.













You note a distinct lack of her usual passionate enthusiasm,
though she tries to lightly feign it anyway.

"Vess, we'll be joining up with the group properly this time.

Together, 
we'll all be making our way up the coastline cliffside,
all the way to the xenial's entrance:

An intricate, cave-like structure that only permits access to those with one of these stones.

All parties have already been briefed,
so we'll simply begin our trek when we reach the surface."





The OBJ turns to Model.

"Did any of you have concerns before we start?
...Am I forgetting anything?"

"Nope, 
I think we're all good there..."

"Understood.
Please inform me if that changes."

























































The three of you reach the ground floor in no time,
pushing your way through a set of doors to emerge... outside . . .





This is your first time seeing it in person.

A stormy coastline at what you assume is midday.

It's still raining, 
though the worst of the weather looks to have subsided.




Curious hues of orange and yellow grace through the dark clouds above the ocean waves,
staining their edges with a distinct palette,
the sun rays reflecting on the water.



The outside of the labs themselves look simple and plain by comparison;
sandstone or marble surfaces,
with only three entrances in this relatively small, coastal valley.

That particular silver and green coloration is present, too,
the exoskeleton of the lab clearly carved from the hills, mountains and caves surrounding the area.



The air is open here,
but nearly every direction is eventually blocked by the stone ridges,
save for the coastline to your right.



You can see a direct path down the shore, along the beach,
which... you think leads up a cliffside,
but a thin grey fog obscures your view past a point.











There are... a LOT of people waiting here.

Forty?

Fifty?

Something like it.

Each carrying at least one bag or backpack.



They're separated into two groups,
distinguishable by the group on the right all holding stones,
while the group on the left have none;
though, there's intermingling between the two groups.











Murmur looks in your direction,
which immediately makes you nervous.



"...Perhaps, we could discuss the incident earlier once we reach the entrance?
I'll be busy until that point, and after as well,
but I'll have a few minutes to talk before the orientation, right when we arrive.

Would that be acceptable?"

"...ok."



They give you a half-formed smile.




Murmur motions for Jenkins to follow her.

"Are you ready?"

"You bet! 
Me and Jimmie and everybody else all together!"





Murmur nods.

She takes a quick breath.





"Let's break a leg, then."








With that, the pair sets off ahead of you.



You awkwardly shuffle to the back, getting some stray looks in the process.

You feel that you stick out like a sore thumb,
probably thanks to being... almost eight feet tall.



































































The OBJ addresses the crowd as she makes her way to the front:



"Apologies for the delay, everyone!"

She turns 180 upon passing all of them.
Her arms fold behind her back.

"We'll be setting off now!
The entrance is not too far down the coast,
but it will take approximately twenty minutes, as was stated prior.

A brief reminder that only those carrying stones are allowed beyond this point,
but those without may follow Liza-"

A karacel emerges from the left side of the crowd,
giving a wave.

"-back to the previous station,
where you may contact your friends and loved ones who are continuing on,
once we finish orientation."









There's a brief, quiet commotion as people say their goodbyes.

"You're gonna do great, Fio! 
And you can call me whenever you're able, okay?"
"Still don't know why I-I got one and not you.
I'll c...call you when I can, if I don't back out f-first."

"Remember: 
You're to take as many notes as you can, especially-"
"I got it. You'll get your results."



The group soon disperses,
leaving only those with xenial stones.









"As for our temporary medical staff members,
if you would please come to the front."



Two individuals step forward:

The first is a black-furred bat in a red jacket.
When they turn, you can see them a little better.
They've got a rose pinned near their neck, and what looks to be a bitemark torn out of their left ear. 
They smile, and something about the expression unnerves you.

The second is a black-and-white being whose head and twin tails seem to be made of crimson-red blood seeping out of their clothes.
Their head is especially notable, as it's floating above their shoulders,
blood dripping between the surface as irregular intervals.
They've got a grin plastered across their face which looks... 'simulated,'
and more of a permanent feature rather than a marker of their mood.

The two of them are wearing thin, seafoam-green sashes across their chests.



"This is Toluca-"

The bat raises a paw.

"-and Cardinal."

The grinning blood-creature does the same.



"Both will be here to assist you to the best of their ability in the event of an emergency medical situation.
I'll explain more on that later, but for now-"





She manages a genuine smile.





"-let's embark, 
shall we?"











































Murmur and Jenkins set off for the coastside,
leading a crowd of twenty-something people behind them.





Most separate into groups of two-to-four,
with a few people keeping to themselves.













You're at the back, for now.





But you should... probably attempt to make small-talk with someone.

The coast is pretty to look at, but not that entertaining.



You'll be bored out of your skull,
and alone with your thoughts,
if you don't try for some social time along the way.



You glance along the scattered crowd for anyone who looks potentially sociable in this moment.







Towards the back,
there's a white and brown avian corvice with a polka dot dress -
sheer sleeves covering their wings with a large, saucer-shaped stone kept propped between them. 
They keep glancing down at it, 
peering their head around in an especially bird-like manner.



A little further up,
there's a group of two: A bright aquamarine and grey gesabott and an ink-black agent chorosy.
They're idly chatting here and there, 
but neither looks particularly busy.



Off to the side,
you spot an indistinct mammal with horns and a shrimpy tail, 
dressed mostly in black.
They're messing about with a small device, no bigger than a calculator.
They look a little frustrated by whatever they're seeing on it.







You should probably figure out what you want to say along with who you want to talk to.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - MarxzVulpez - 09-07-2022

Well, as for Saying things

we definitely need to apologize to Murmur when we can. What we did was reckless and impulsive and and did hurt her, hopefully not long term but a part of that hurt could become long term if we don't apologize, and could wind up being a long term hurt for us too. Psychological hurt is a nasty weight to bear.

as for who we should interact with now...
They all seem interesting to be honest but I'm personally leaning towards the Corvice.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - knux400 - 09-07-2022

Murmur is probably busy right now, but we should definitely keep them in mind and apologize ASAP.

As for who to talk to right this second, I definitely agree with the idea of talking to the Corvice. They seem interested in their stone, and they might like to hear about ours.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Lilium Mortem - 09-07-2022

Let's try to talk to each other right? like jenkins said. we can crew this ship better if we're on the same page.
(09-07-2022, 09:49 AM)knux400 Wrote: Murmur is probably busy right now, but we should definitely keep them in mind and apologize ASAP.
Agreed. let's wait for a better opportunity to present itself.


I don't have a strong preference for who to talk to, so for the sake of consensus, let's talk to the corvice.
(09-07-2022, 09:49 AM)knux400 Wrote: They seem interested in their stone, and they might like to hear about ours.
Maybe ask them if they're nervous, I think I'm nervous, and we definatly got a boatload of anxiety, so we can (calmly) talk about that if it comes up. just try and compare experiences, and talk about simple stuff, like how silly our little rubber ball magic stone is.

Also Vess, I know you can hear me I'm you(I think(this is really complicated)). we need to address the panic attacks at some point. it's clear we have anxiety. now's not the best time but when it comes up at least acknowledge it. people aren't gonna think we're weak or something just because we have problems.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - SHIVERS - 10-05-2022

let's try to talk to each other, right?
like Jenkins said
we can crew this ship better if we're on the same page.

well, as for Saying things...
Murmur is probably busy right now, 
but we definitely need to apologize when we can.

Agreed. 
let's wait for a better opportunity to present itself.







You have a brief conversation with yourselves.



You resolve to address the-
Well.
You resolve to... sort out the 'panic attacks' - you don't really know if you can call them that.
They're not quite That bad.



Really. 


You're pretty sure.



You'll sort out whatever's going on with those later.



















For now,
your eye turns to the corvice.






You walk up beside the bird, trying to keep as casual as possible.
"...You seem really interested in your stone."

"H-huh? Oh!" 
The corvice holds up their stone, its saucer-like shape unmistakable.
"It's just...I don't think anyone else got this shape. 
It's surprising to me, considering it... 

...well, 



it's nothing."

You peek over their shoulder to get a better look.
"Considering what?"

They look around a little, 
glancing to make sure no one else is listening.
"...you'll think I'm nuts."

You cock your head.
"I think you're a corvice.
Aren't you?"

They finally get a good look up at you, startling. 

"I-I mean...yes. 
Yes, I am, but that's not...
...what are you? "



You're not sure whether to feel self-conscious or proud of your appearance catching such a look.



"Vessel.
Vess."

You put your arms out to the side regardless,
checking yourself over.



You only now realize that you're TWICE as tall as the corvice you're speaking to.

Given your height,
it's probably something you'll have to get used to . . .



"I'm the catalyst."

"Oh! 
Oh, that explains it."
They look relieved, 
as if whatever option they had been considering was a lot more worrying.

"Fascinating form you've chosen. 
Do I detect... volare?"

You nod excitedly. 
"Yep! 
Yes.
And lots of others.
Gesabott, 
chorosy, 

...boat."



"Incredible..." 
They can't help but look you over more, 
not exactly subtle about it.
"It really does look like I'll be seeing things beyond my previous understanding."

You mirror their movements, 
needing to duck down at points to look the corvice over as they size you up.





"What did you mean before?
About your stone?"
You hold up your own for comparison as you speak, 
the red rubber ball looking much less impressive.

"Yours is a ball?"
They crane their head in a decidedly birdlike way, 
peeking around at it.
"Does it roll? 
Bounce? 
Ricochet?"

You hold your ball up a little higher, out of their view.
"You tell me, I tell you."

"A-ah! 
That's very fair..."





They hold up their saucer-like stone for you to look at, 
though it's clear they have no intent of letting it go. 
"It's shaped like... well, 
I don't even know if you know what a UFO is, 
but it looks like one!"

"Why is that surprising to you?"

"Because... it is aligned with my interests."


 
They puff out their chest a bit, 
clearly trying to look cool and confident. 
"I am Laurel Pinweight, 
an astronomer and aerospace expert. 
I study space, essentially."

You look side-to-side.
"...And UFOs?"

"...yes, 
but not on the record."

"Any reason why not...?"



Dots connect in your head.



"...you're looking for aliens...?!"
You blurt out before giving them a chance to answer.

"Shhh!!! 
Shhhhhhh!"

You cover your gasmask, 
a question mark appearing on your screen.





The two of you get a few looks from the crowd.

"...yes,
I am. 

Sort of. 

It's complicated, 
but I don't want anyone to think I'm out of my mind with it...
...they aren't exactly believed in."

You lower your stance as you walk, staying quieter; 
trying to help keep the secrets secret.





"Have you found anything before...?"

"Some things,
but nothing that'd convince the masses. 
I heard though, that this place has the chance for extraterrestrial contact..."

"I think it's 'extranatural.'"

"Similar. 
It's... like squares and rectangles."



You put a claw to the tip of your gasmask, 
pretending like you're thinking that over.



You nod.

"Mhm."



You don't know what they're talking about.













You aren't sure what else to say, either.
There are too many things you could ask about.
This is your first conversation outside of Model and Murmur.

You want to make it count.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Lilium Mortem - 10-05-2022

well, go ahead and tell them about your bouncy ball. come on, we gotta fulfill our end of the bargain.(plus it gives us something to talk about)

Maybe ask what makes the difference between an alien and something from like, another dimension or plane of reality or whatever

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Ignispark - 10-05-2022

so, i imagine there's a lot of variety but,

what's space like around here? what can it be like? what are some cool examples? do you like constellations? what's your favorite celestial object?

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - SHIVERS - 10-13-2022

Your trek along the beach continues,
your populous group starting up a ramp-like incision in the impending cliffside.

The walk's somewhat more difficult now, thanks to the incline,
but you aren't breaking a sweat at all.



Instead,
you look out over the ocean.

Rays of sun-soaked light cut through some of the rainclouds,
painting ribbon-like spotlights on the water's surface. 



"So what's the difference between an alien
and extranatural...
...things?
You're an expert, right?"



"Like I said, squares and rectangles-
but not in the way you expect.

What most people consider 'alien life' is almost always extranatural,
and when you do end up having an actual alien,
it tends to be investigated as an extranatural creature by so-called experts.

They're not the same thing, but they get mistaken for each other more often than not."



"Oh.


...Well what makes them unique?"



"Defining an 'alien' is simple-
something not from our planet. 

Extranatural stuff, however- is from our world,
just... a different place. 

I'm not the most well-versed in the latter,
but the former I have been studying for quite some time."



You lean in.

"...have you seen any?"









"...that's classified."







You stare.

"...I just met you, I can't be telling you things like that."

' :( ' displays on your screen.

"Oh no, not even for a face like that. 
Besides...
you never upheld your end of our deal. 
We'll see how I feel after you fill me in on your stone."



"...Oh, right."

You forgot.

"I remembered."
















You hold up your stone,
squeezing it slightly in your claws to demonstrate its rubber-y consistency.

"It's just a ball.
It can bounce and roll and...
...things a ball can do.

...I don't really like it," you admit.



"Fascinating, though! 
Perhaps it suits you, somehow?"



You grimace, 
your gasmask distorting to pull off such an expression.

"No."



"I could see how the idea is unappealing, 
but consider- bouncing back is a sign of adaptability."



You don't say anything in response.

You don't want to be rude, 
but you also aren't going to budge on thinking anything positive about the little red ball.
Not after what happened.



They seem to pick up on your mood quickly at that, 
their feathers fluffing up slightly. 

"I-in any case...
I suppose I can say that I have
possibly
heard an alien."



Your head whips back to the bird,
the motion mildly intimidating thanks to how long your neck is.

"Tell me."



"Just intercepting transmissions, 
that's all... but I swear, 
it was more than just noise."

Their expression is completely confident.

"My colleagues seem to think I've completely lost it, but I know what I heard. 
I think there's something out there, 
and I have reason to believe that this place may have answers towards helping me figure out whether it is extraterrestrial- or extranatural."



"What did it sound like?"

"Indescribable-
but if I had to try, 
I'd say hundreds of voices all at once, warped so far that they're unrecognizable as words."



You try to imagine such a sound.





It's unpleasant.











You decide to pivot the topic; 
you'd like to have that out of your head for now.

"What's space like around here?"



"Oh, that's a whole conversation and a half alone. 
We don't understand much about space as it stands...
aside from the fact that something out there is preventing us from exploring it. 



Something...

...hostile."





"...hostile?"



"We're still figuring out the exact trends, 
but... certain things are 'allowed' to exist in our planet's orbit, 
and others are not, 
almost as if our actions are being judged and monitored. 

That which is... well, 
presuming that this is a conscious process on behalf of some extraterrestrial creature, 
that which is not up to this supposed being's standards, 

is destroyed. 

Violently."





"...oh."



"Mm. 
It's quite the conundrum."



You aren't sure what you were expecting,
but it wasn't that.







Quick.


Another subject change will smooth things over.

"...do... you like constellations?"



"When I can see them, yes! 

It's hard to make them out some nights what with all of the strange dust-like formations- 
I've been trying to study those as well, 
but it's impossible to get samples. 

I do have some favorites..."



"I haven't seen Any of them yet.
Tell me your favorites."



"My absolute favorite is this one called Nile, 
and it's a depiction of a philosop-" 



Before you can make out their answer, 
a voice echoes from behind you both. 





It's strained, 
and somewhat... 

...slimy?





"Hey..."



The voice raises its volume a bit, 
more stressed this time.



"H-hey! 
Fritz, wai...

wait up...!

F-fucking hell this is a long walk-"



"-and really it has so much lore to it that it's impossible not, 
even for just a cluster of stars-"



You turn to look back while Laurel continues speaking, 
too distracted to pay attention.





There's a bright pink bear trailing behind you, 
their equally bright blue hair dripping-

You realize their voice isn't the only part of them with a slime thing going on, 
a huge slime tail dragging behind them as well, making an awful mess. 

They're struggling to keep up with the rest of the group, 
having to visibly use their cane for support.



Not far ahead of them, 
a ruffneck in a black denim jacket and cap is trudging along absent-mindedly.

Oddly enough, 
you note that their right hand is entirely wrapped up in bandages.

You would say they were staring off into space, 
if it didn't look like they were staring straight at You.









It's

unnerving to say the least.







Their gaze is intense.

Focused.









You miss a step, 
stumbling a pace before you recover.















The bear pants before raising their voice one more time.

"F-FRITZ-"



The ruffneck's ears pop straight upward.

They stop walking,
turning around entirely to face the bear,
and immediately hurrying over to them.



"...fuck-
Sorry, I w- 
-Sorry."



They catch the bear's shoulder,
then hurriedly step in front of them and crouch down, moving their arms back.

"Here, hop up."





"...Fritz, I'm going to crack your back in half."



"I got you, hop up."



"Okay, 
but I won't take offense if you need to drop me..."





The teddy bear grips their cane in one hand, 
then does their best to clamber up into a piggyback position, wobbling a little as they do.





The dog lifts them up with a grunt.

"Got you, no big deal."

They wait a moment to get their bearings, then continue walking.





"T-thanks...." 
The bear seems relieved, the slime drips slowing down a bit. 















Laurel finally stops talking, 
having noticed your attention pulled away. 

"What's going on back there?"





The ruffneck looks up in your direction.

You hastily swivel back around to avoid making eye contact.

"Nothing-" 
Your answer comes a little too fast.



"...you sure?" 

They tilt their head in that birdlike fashion again. 

"Well... alright, then."





















You breathe a silent sigh of relief.

If they'd pressed you, you're not sure you could've come up with a good excuse.









You're suddenly unsure how to continue the conversation;
too distracted,
wondering whether or not they were Still staring at you.


You want to look back again to check,
but,
you don't want to be rude, either.


Ultimately,
you find yourself paralyzed with indecision,
walking with Laurel in awkward silence.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Lilium Mortem - 10-13-2022

Yeah just try to put it out of your mind, it's none of our business, and they seem to be doing well now.

uh, try this: there seems to be a lot of different people, is this whole thing really important? earlier at the research facility I was getting like, fringe science vibes, but now? I dunno feels important, for all these people to travel here.

for that matter, I've asked a lot about alien stuff, but what about our planet? what's it like here? where are you from? what's your favorite part of this world?

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Ignispark - 10-13-2022

...perhaps to continue the conversation...something, topical? ask a question that hints at a vague, feeling. while still being in the space zone, like:


so...space has got to have a lot of data. sifting through transmissions. countless visual data. more than one could ever parse.

how do you avoid getting overloaded with all the data? all the stimulus of the world and what lays beyond it? the implications of everything.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - SHIVERS - 10-21-2022

You do your best to put what happened out of your mind.
Everything's fine now, anyway.
And it's none of our business even if we really want to know what happened.






Let's talk with Laurel


...And DON'T think about it





"So...
space has got to have a lot of data.
All the transmissions and visuals and- ...more than anybody could parse.

How do you avoid getting overloaded with all of it?
All the stimuli,
and the implications that come with everything you've found?"





"Oh, it's... a lot to deal with, honestly.
It can get incredibly overwhelming!

The sheer scale of the cosmos...
and all that we do know is most likely just barely scratching the surface.
It's enough to make your head spin.

But... for me.
I journal a lot, obsessively even.
Writing these things down helps me parse my thoughts... even if they do end up looking like a mess."



"Journal?"
You glance over, hoping they'll pull it out for you to see.



"Yes!
I write things down, doodle in the margins..."
They do no such thing, but catch your line of sight. 
"...for my eyes only, however."



You lean your head down.
"...Please?"



"Talking about my findings alone is a huge deal!
To show someone my private, unfiltered notes...

...as interested as I am in your whole catalyst thing as well,
it would require a lot more trust than 'we just met and have interest in each others' situations.'

Surely you understand?"



Your eye shifts upward as you think over it.














"Not really."



"...you have a lot to learn, then. 
I'm sure that everyone here is around for their own reasons,
and I don't think people will give up that information so willingly, not when such strange and mysterious things are afoot...

At the very least,
I know that I would only be able to share my ultimate secrets with someone I trusted entirely.
You, while extremely interesting to me, are still a stranger."



"...I guess."

You feel a little strange over someone having apparently taken an 'extreme interest' in you.

You aren't sure how to process that.





















Your eye skims over the crowd ahead of you,
listening to the idle chatter popping up from scattered groups.

Seeing individuals of all different sorts,
probably from many different places,
all congregating together;
Here.



"...This is a lot of people.

Is this whole thing really important?
Earlier I was thinking it was a fringe science... thing,
but now... seeing all these people; 
it feels really important, all these people traveling here.

What do you think?"



"It's definitely fringe as far as interests go,
but as I said... people have their reasons for being here. 

Getting the chance to commune with the extranatural...
there's a plethora of reasons for why people might be intrigued by it. 

So... important?
I think so,
and potentially enough to affect the world at large,
but I do agree that fringe is a solid word for it as well. 

...underappreciated opportunity also works, as a descriptor."



"Underappreciated?
So this isn't common?"



"Definitely not.
Most people don't go looking to talk to fairies and the like. 
...not like most people even believe this stuff to begin with..."



You tap at the side of your screen, deep in thought.








"...What about... here?
What's it like here?"

"Define here."



"The...




...here?"


You try to think back and remember what this place is called.







"...Morbit...?"

Your face displays a ?.



"Oh!
Hm.
That's a very broad question..."

Their beak scrunches up, ever so slightly. 

"...place could use some work, if you ask me.
There's some good things, for certain,
but... can't help but wonder if the grass is greener on the other side.

...and by the other side, I mean literally anywhere else.
Off planet, in other dimensional planes, you name it... surely there has to be something better than this."





...Concerning

"What's wrong with here?"





"I mean... I guess you wouldn't know much at all, would you...

People are people and what people are is crabby-
and hard to get along with,
and there's so many of them that always try to tell you what to do or think.

It feels like there isn't a single shred of respect for those trying to actually accomplish things that matter..."

They start to huff. 

"And don't get me started on things like transportation,
or funding,
or-

well, no,
some people agree with me on things like that being terrible.
 
But then there's things that everyone seems to think is great, like marriage!
They all say stuff like that until they're the ones with divorce papers getting handed across the table-"

They finally start to get a grip,
taking a deep, somewhat-slimy inhale.

"...I doubt that extranatural beings have to deal with any of this,
and for that, I do envy them."







You are unaware of the animated  . . .  displaying on your screen.



"...you'll learn with time."





"OK."
You tilt your head in thought.
"I'll try to keep... all that in mind.





...Where are you from?"



"Wonder,
specifically the city of Etchings.
Bit far away from here."

"...What's your Favorite part of this world?"

"...hm.
Hard question."

That gets them thinking, their beak scrunching up again. 

"...looking at the dust patterns in the sky, and wondering.
It's...
it's infuriating sometimes, but there are-
...it's hard to explain.

...perhaps it's just the fact that I've been doing it for so long."



"...dust... patterns?"

"Space dust.
You'll see it."

You look up into the sky and squint.

The sky is completely devoid of any sort of... dust.
Only storm clouds.

"...at night.
You'll see it at night."

"Oh."

"...but you will see it!"





"What's it look like?"

"Swirls and clusters of all kinds of colors, though most nights they appear quite dull...
seeing the stars between them feels like a little treat,
considering they can be hard to make out through all that cloudiness."

You finally turn your head away from the sky.
"...sad that you can only see them at night."

"Trust me,
it just makes you appreciate them more."


That idea in particular hits you, for some reason,

and you find yourself lost in a train of thought.
























Moments later, though,

Murmur speaks up.





"Alright, all, 
we are now approaching the xenial proper - 
just through here!"

In front of your large group stands a fifteen-foot stone wall indented into the cliff face.
It's smooth, with an elaborate, textured pattern to it.

You can't make out what the pattern is supposed to be, though, it only looks like geometric shapes.





The group begins to naturally huddle, everyone stopping.









The moment you're within about twenty feet of the indented wall,



your red ball leaves your palm,
floating upwards of its own volition.





...You don't particularly mind its leaving.







It levitates over to the stone wall,



sinks into it,



and fills the indented pattern in with the same red-orange tint it has;
the one it got from You, you realize.









The stone vibrates and buzzes,

then suddenly animates itself as if it were leaves in wind,
twisting itself away from its previous position,

threading into the adjacent parts of the rock instead;

creating a , extensive opening where it used to be.





Inside, you think you spot dim lights.

Candles, maybe?
But it's too dark to see much.





The process soon completes,
and the ball reappears in your hand.



"...Oh, it is brilliant to witness the opening up close!"

Murmur's beaming,
you can tell simply from the timbre of her voice.

They seem to get self-conscious soon after, though,
clearing their throat.

"...Well, don't mind me; right this way!
There are chairs set up inside the first proper room there, not far beyond the entrance.
Please, make yourselves comfortable."









You notice that she's visibly counting those in the group with her claws,
one-by-one as they start trailing inside.

"...There, erm...
may not be enough seats for everyone, but please be polite and...

feel free to stand,
...if you feel you're able! 

The initial proceedings should not be too long."
















You walk through into the newly-opened passage, 

side-by-side with Laurel,







but-













Murmur steps next to you,
catching your attention.



"...Vess?

May-





...could I have a word first, before we start?"

Her voice is as gentle as ever,
which only serves to grow the pit in your stomach.

"We can speak privately, 
here in the entryway."























Your body locks up.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - knux400 - 10-21-2022

Well, we did agree we'd talk to her earlier... Might as well hear what she has to say. Let's try to comfort ourselves with the fact that they've been nice to us so far, and they're aware we're new and not used to the world in general yet. Not many people would chew out a newborn.

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Ignispark - 10-22-2022

...this could be about safety. we should probably, definitely, listen carefully to this.

like this is basically the gate to nothing knows where right...?

RE: ⛆ XENIAL ⛫ at ECHO SHORE ⛆ - Lilium Mortem - 10-22-2022

Hey murmur. I'm sorry about hitting you with the ball. and I'm sorry I didn't say sorry until now. I'm sorry I ran away instead of making sure you were ok, but it's hard. I don't think I'm good with people. with being around people. I HAVE ANXIETY(admit it Vess, please), everything is new to me and I'm terrified of messing up, and when I did, when something that just seemed like an idle thought turned into a huge mistake, it felt like the world was crashing down around me.

I'm only like, what? a few hours old? and I already feel like I have so much responsibility. I want to do right by y'all, but maybe I need like a year to go to Not Fucking Everything Up School.
(10-22-2022, 12:56 AM)Ignispark Wrote: ...this could be about safety. we should probably, definitely, listen carefully to this.

like this is basically the gate to nothing knows where right...?
Remember Murmur said she'd talk with us about beaning her in the face with the ball here, at the entrance. There might be some safety tips in there but this is likely gonna be a hard feelings type convo, buckle up.