#forestofforever. Sylvester

[townofcadence]

(well, since the campfire is allowed, here goes :p)

"You are like... a campfire. When people are lost, and afraid, the fire makes them feel safe. It is like home, even when their own home is so very far away. It brings comfort. It gives them an escape from the dark and the cold and all the unpleasant things that they have been afraid of... That fire means everything, it saves the damned." The Crow cannot quite look Artair in the eyes as he speaks, shuffling his feet nervously. "And this campfire has made an animal feel like a person again."

What Light You Are

"Oh...." He doesn't know what to say to that either. It's too heartfelt not to ache a little. "Ah..... Thank you, Crow. I..... if I really make you feel that way, I'm-- I'm very glad. It's all I could ask for. I..... I'd like to give you a hug, maybe? If that's okay."

[townofcadence]

LOOK AT HIM!!! HE'S SO CUTE!!! I'M WRAPPING HIM IN A COCOON OF PLUSH THINGS

Comfy...

[rpvmsx]

@forestofforever from here

His most immediate response is a hearty chuckle. Perhaps he's just a nervous laugher? Although his shit-eating grin would suggest otherwise.

"My, that's a cute little thing. What exactly do you think you're going to do with that?" His eyes flick down to gesture to the blade, though he cannot see it.

The confident facade falters for just a moment as he swallows, a sudden flash of memories, and their associated emotions, hitting him as he feels the pressure of the blade. But they rather quickly resolve back into a grin of renewed vigor, a flash of teeth. Sharp teeth, biting his lip in a deliberate attempt to call attention to them.

A gloved hand reaches for Sylvester's, hoping to disarm him or, at the very least, restrain him. He's not as quick when he's hungry, but maybe a small distraction will even the odds. "Dinner? Personally, I'm famished, and really this is no way to treat a guest."

[parabelllvm]

@forestofforever | continued from here

❝No.❞

Brodiaea's voice is firm as they speak and, as gently as they can, they place a hand on Sylvester to prevent him from fully getting up — keeping him seated on the ground. With the injury he just sustained, it's unlikely that he would've made it very far. Even with adrenaline and whatever else is fueling his nerves following it, all it would take is the slightest disconnect between mind and body and he'd go crashing to the ground again.

❝What I need you to do is breathe, okay? Slowly.❞ they continue to instruct, rolling up their sleeves a bit so their hands are a bit more free to move. They don't hesitate to pull the other man's top up just enough to reveal more of the wound, nose scrunching up a bit at how much blood he was still losing.

❝…I need you to trust me a little bit, okay?❞ — and as they talk, they're lifting a part of their robe and tearing fabric from it — fabric that they layer and fold quickly until they can press it against the wound. ❝And I need you to hold this against your side, understand?❞

They don't wait for him to lift his arm but instead lifts it for him, guiding Sylvester's hand to the darkening cloth and pressing it to the spot firmly. ❝Like this… and don't let up, understand?❞

[rpvlix]

Ken's eyes are enormous by the end of that. He almost can't believe what he's hearing, but he hasn't really got a reason not to. He could've listened to someone talk about anything they were passionate about for hours, but, of all things, it just so happened to be this.

"There really aren't many people out there that get it, are there? I do." His emphasis carries some deeper catharsis with it, not just declaring that he sees Sylvester, but that he hopes he sees him too, relieved by the thought. "It's beautiful. Poetic, even. How could it be anything but art?"

Art, death, medical sciences, three of his favorite topics, all rolled into one, perhaps he won't scare this guy off as quickly as he'd expected. "I collect wet specimens, myself. Always been fascinated with death, anatomy, dissection, decay, preservation. Something about life being frozen in time that just..." He doesn't finish the sentence, but his face says enough; it's awe, pure admiration. He wouldn't know a good enough word to summarize the feeling anyway.

"Ever work on anything odd? I've got a medical anomaly or two, my absolute favorite specimens. I would love to hear more about your art. Everything, really, I'd love to hear everything." Maybe a big ask, but he's very transparently excited to meet another person with more morbid tastes.

A date with the Macabre Parasite (open starter)

[the-haunted-office]

( @forestofforever - Continued from here!)

Doom is more unbothered than anything else at someone calling Sylvester a monster. She's only met the guy one time, and that was when they were both standing over a body, joking about who killed him and discussing making taxidermy out of him. Nothing monstrous about that in her opinion, plus this rando wasn't there. Unless they were... but she's not gonna make either herself or Sylvester guilty on that by arguing back or anything, hence the nonchalance. Well, part of it, anyway. The majority of it really is just not giving a shit coupled with not knowing enough about Sylvester to determine whether or not she agrees that he is a monster. She'll form her own opinions, thank you.

"Okay," she echoes, like it's a game now, everyone just saying Okay back and forth. She then proceeds to ignore the stranger and goes back to talking to Sylvester, "Okay so like I was saying, it's really stupid, totally useless sport, all you do is hit a stupid fucking ball across a big ass lawn of grass and then walk after it and tap it into a tiny hole. Stupid."

[townofcadence]

The Crow found himself approaching a building that appeared to be abandoned, though he knew better. There was a presence there, one he recognized. He proceeded to fly in through the window, landing not far from the man that he knew.

The man looked different, yes, but he could still tell that it was the same person he'd met in the forest. The snakes hardly deterred him from approaching him anyway. The Crow shed his feathers, taking on the shape of a man before taking a few steps closer to Artair, still keeping some distance between them, as he always did. "He...helllo." His voice was still a tad creaky, though it sounded like he'd been practicing his speech since they'd last met.

The stairs have been restored, so there was no danger of falling through or shoddy support. The rage room..... he'd replaced the floorboards and spackled and repainted the walls. He'd redone the halls and all the carpets had been cleaned and refurbished. Contract work wasn't new to him, so the whole process of making this place livable was....meditative, almost. He'd gotten outside tended of all the weeds too, and mowed down and tilled for fresh gardening. There was a compost pile now, already started in preparation, he'd replaced the fridge, and was setting tile against the backboard of the kitchen wall, leaning on a countertop he'd replaced earlier in the week.

There's a fluttering sound, and a familiar feeling. He doesn't immediately place what it is, as in his own head as he is while he works. But he does pause with a tile still perched between his fingers, listening. Something-- changes, magic shifts near him, and that feels even more familiar, a similar shifting of threads he's felt before.

The soft greeting unknots him from his surprise, and he finds his voice again. "Crow-- is that you? Oh--." He's-- very different right now, he drops the tile and instead curves his hands over his serpentine tresses as if to corral them. His band is still on, but he swallows. "Um. Wow. I didn't expect-- are you okay? Is everything alright?"

[townofcadence]

Artair had given him new clothing. The Crow had put it on right away, of course, even if the pieces puzzled him a little. His normal clothes were... a tad old fashioned, and not only were these items more vibrant in color, but their fabric was also much softer. The sensation of it against his skin made him squirm a little. It wasn't unpleasant, just unusual... and the items still smelled a bit like Artair.

The clothing was only the start, Artair had brought blankets and a tent, and it seemed like he was planning on staying the night. The Crow was excited about Artair sticking around for longer, that was always a plus as far as he was concerned. He usually slept as a bird, though, so this was... something he had to adjust to. But the blankets were soft and the Crow was more comfortable than he'd been in ages. This was far more pleasant than his little nest; it was much warmer and much softer. He curled up in the pile of blankets, letting out a soft rattling noise to show his appreciation.

He could've fallen asleep right then and there, but he sat up before sleep could fully claim him. "Thank you." He beamed at Artair, still holding a blanket wrapped around himself. "Will you join me in the blankets?"

@forestofforever // Hell Yeah Sleepover (unprompted!)

Artair beams back. He isn't one to sleep, but he likes... being near people he cares about, while they rest. There's something special about them giving him the chance to share a moment of vulnerability with them like that. He.... it's probably a bit strange, but he likes seeing how they sleep. Do they rest with a peaceful expression? Do they look nervous? Do they curl up small or starfish? It's a vulnerable thing to share sleep, but when someone trusts him that much... it's a privilege. One he will do his best to respect.

"If you'd like me to." He offers the crow a grin. He crawls over the walls built of fabric, and into the hollow, before throwing a blanket over himself too. That way the Crow wouldn't need to be worried about his hands. "What do you think of the tent? I figure it's kinda snug, but might be nice if it rains or anything. The sound of it hitting the tent is pretty soothing too." He leans his wrapped up shoulder against the Crow's as he settles further.

[townofcadence]

“What are you cooking?” - the Crow

Get a Meal

Artair hums as he cooks. "I wasn't sure what you'd like, but I figured this could be a neat little adventure!" Artair places a plate in front of the Crow. It has noodles on it, with small shrimps visible throughout the plate, as well as a collection of greens and a wedge of lime. "This is pad thai with a peanut sauce. I didn't go spicy with it-- honestly I'm not sure how much you'd taste it anyways? But I figured it'd be new. Andddd if you don't like it or it's too much, I made some bread. It's lemon and raspberry with poppyseeds, so it's kind of a dessert food, but at least I know you can eat that stuff, haha."

A second plate is set closer to the center of the table. with a yellowy brown bread, dotted with dark seeds and bright pockets of raspberry red. "I ah... hope you enjoy? I didn't have the cilantro so I left it out, but for some people it kinda tastes soapy so I figured it might be a safer bet, anyways. And I felt like chicken might be strange to feed a guy who turns into a bird, even if birds do eat other birds and eggs and stuff if they want-- BUT. Anyways. I figured it might be neat for you to try something else! And I think seafood is like-- really good. So ah.... bon appetite?"

[townofcadence]

Finding a gift for Artair hadn't been easy. An ordinary gift would not do, and besides, it's not like the Crow could just walk into a store to buy something to begin with... still, he did his best, and he is here now to give it to Artair. He's wearing his new gloves, and he's nervously tugging at the leather after handing a small box to Artair. It's wrapped in flower petals and held together with spider gossamer.

Inside the box Artair would find a brooch. In the middle of the brooch there is a gleaming padparadscha sapphire, the gem surrounded by silver feathers, three on each side, gently curving around the sides of the stone, as if shielding it from the outside world.

"The stone...it...uhm... it reminded me of a sunset. And you remind me of a sunset, so I... I thought it would be fitting." His face is quickly turning red and he quickly averts his eyes. "I cannot create anything magical, but the Merchant was willing to help me." Of course that did come with it's own cost, but it was worth it. "It is no ordinary brooch, you see. Once a day, you can touch the gem and speak to it, and I will hear it. I can do the same." He taps a small brooch he's wearing himself. It's smaller, only containing a small clear quartz in a round wooden frame. "So we can talk even when you cannot come to the forest, and I can not visit you. It can only convey a short message each time, but still..."

He smiles sheepishly, seeming a little embarrassed. "It is not as amazing as the gloves, I do not think anything could ever come close... and I suppose it is a little selfish too. To even assume you would want to talk. You do not have to use it if you do not want to... or I could give you both brooches and you could give this one to somebody else?" He motions at his own brooch as his blush proceeds to deepen further. "I just wanted to give you something in return..

@forestofforever // Gifts!!

Artair is surprised by the gift, but no less thankful for the kindness of the Crow. He assumes initially on opening it that it will be another trinket, much like the special pearl that the Crow has given him that stays in his bag with him.

What he does not expect is a brooch inside the gossamer box, once he unravels it with an equal measure of delicacy to the thread that binds it. He blinks several times, the stone catching light and glinting in pinks and yellows and browns and reds and oranges and--- a twinkling sunset full of color. He doesn't know what to say.

The Crow fills his silence while he takes in each intricate detail. He stares at it longer, the more the Crow says. He spoke to the merchant? Well, knowing his experience wit him.... this was special. Important. his gloved thumb traces the edge of the padparadscha, over one of the thing wings ornamenting the stone. He can feel heat in his face, but it just as easily could be his, at such a thoughtful gift.

He smiles at the Crow, who seems worried. He takes the brooch in his hands and hums a single note near the stone. His face brightens, when he hears it play back near the Crow.

"Wow.... you did this for me?" He asks, looking down at it again. "It's.... something awfully thoughtful. Ha....It's almost too much-- but--- but....." He looks at it a moment longer, before pinning it to his messenger bag. "I won't lose it here. I... don't want to lose it."

He tucks some hair behind his ear. "It's wonderful. It's perfect. Thank you, Crow." Once it's secure, he offers what he knows would be the best assurance, and what the Crow might enjoy most: an appreciative embrace.

[townofcadence]

Don't mind the Crow. He's just landing on Artair's shoulder before curling up in the crook of his neck, partially hidden under Artair's hair. He will tell Artair that it's for protection if he ever asks, and totally not at all because he wants to be close to Artair, and this is the only way he can make that happen.

He looks pretty cozy anyway.

@forestofforever // Unprompted !

When the Crow is nestled against his collar and jaw, he doesn't seem to mind. His hand even comes up, to scritch at his cheek and his head. A few of those and he goes back to what he was doing, but he smiles a little more. Maybe the Crow wouldn't admit it, but he knew. It was a show of trust to be this close, this vulnerable, and it means something to him. So he gives the Crow the space, and once in a while, tucks his head just a little more against him where he's nestled.

It's a good day.

[townofcadence]

@forestofforever // Continued!

Artair's eyes are up, still on that bushel of leaves and berries. His mind is caught on the hemi-parasitic nature of the plant, and wondering how the Heart felt about such things. It was another plant, but technically it was encroaching on his forest. Did it count as a part of it by existing within? Probably, right? Animals that ate plants lived here and weren't expelled for eating, be it grass or other animals. It was really just humans it seemed like the Heart took issue with. Maybe because sometimes they killed not just for survival. Though... the Crow had once implied if he defended himself from the creatures, he could be ousted. Which makes him wonder if something had happened. Humans were just another animal, but they had the capacity to do things that might have worn their welcome thin.

The question catches his attention, pulling him from his reverie and back to himself, standing under mistletoe. He blinks a few times, looking towards the Crow. His brain takes a few seconds to jump tracks to the new train of thought, but when the wheels click in place, his eyes widen a fraction.

"Oh! Ah, no. It's not spores. It's like.... a tradition." He rubs at a cheek. "Which I guess is just another word for social obligation, haha."

Artair's hand glides from his cheek to the back of his neck. "It's.... nobody has to participate. But it's kind of like a game in a way. You usually place a sprig of mistletoe where there's chance two people will end up beneath it. Like a doorway. And if they do, they can decide if they want to kiss. Which is the face mashing thing. It's like... pressing your lips to another person. That's a kiss."

His eyes leave the plant for the Crow. "Some people don't like or want to play which should be allowed without any pressure, but some people find it a fun little thing to do for the winter season. But there isn't any obligation. And there are different ways to do it. Like...." He motions for the Crow to lean down a little, and pecks the crown of his head. "...this. Kiss delivered, haha."

[townofcadence]

"Wh...what is th...that... thing in your... mou...mouth?" The Crow gives Artair a curious look, as if he's only just noticed it. "That th...thing in your to...ton...gue? Does it hurt?" It reminded him vaguely of the hooks some people used to catch fish. "Did some...one try to c...catch you... with it? Did it... break off?" His brows furrow at this thought.

Unprompted! // @forestofforever

What he says has him looking a little confused, but then he laughs when it clicks what he seems to think it is. Probably his only experience with metal in the mouth were the hunters he sometimes had to keep an eye on.

"Oh-- You mean my piercing?" Artair smiles, sticking his tongue out so he can see it better. It is a small, metallic purple barbell the pierces the midline, with a little bead on top and on the underside. After he's sure The Crow's had a chance to inspect it, he retracts his tongue to speak again. "It's like.... jewelry? For your body. But that you put in it on purpose? It doesn't hurt! At least not after it heals enough, usually. It does when they put it in, but if you want it, that bit of pain can be worth it. Like-- a tattoo. They use ink and put markings on your skin. It uses a needle, but a lot of people like to decorate themselves with them."

[townofcadence]

"I think you smell nice" he's not sure why he's whispering, but it feels too awkward to say it out loud- the Crow

Whisper in their Ear

"Oh--- uh---." Artair shudders at the soft words against his ear, but he recovers just as quick, rubbing at his neck. The Crow doesn't know any better, and was just being nice. "Thank you-- I know the shampoo I use is like.... rain and ocean? And I like these oils I throw on after a shower... haha. I guess I'm glad the combo is good?" His grin turns sheepish.

[townofcadence]

@forestofforever // Continued!

This was...odd. The Crow had no issue with being an animal, he was used to it, after all... but he'd only ever been a bird. Being a mammal was different. He didn't have feathers, but instead, slate grey fur. No wings, but instead four paws with glorious retractable claws. Sure, he had no idea what was going on, but this wasn't too out of the ordinary for the forest. Weird things happened, you got used to it. Becoming a cat out of nowhere was new but not as surprising as it would've been to those outside of the forest. Magic worked in strange ways after all. He didn't talk much so losing the ability to speak didn't feel like a significant loss (though he did hope it would return sooner rather than later), and walking on all fours was a bit weird, but the same could be said for hopping around as a bird. It took a moment of getting used to, yes, but he got the hang of it pretty quickly. That being said, of course, he had to show his friend. He made his way to Artair's cottage and began tapping on the window with his brand-new paws. He was perhaps a bit too excited, but he couldn't help it, paws were fun!

Artair almost missed the small little bap bap baps of tiny itty bitty paws on the window. But when he came into the workroom with a book in hand, it was all too audible. There was.... a cat on the fire escape, who was scratching at the pane. A grey cat, maybe a russian blue-- though he supposed cats that were grey weren't all blues, the color just reminded him of them.

He doesn't know why, but the cat seems....familiar? Though he's never seen that cat in his life. It's just a gut feeling that makes him open the window and let them in. Though... he might've done it anyways if he's honest.

"Hey little guy." Artair looks them over, scooting a few things on his desk so there's room to climb inside from the fire escape. "Are you lost? Or just cold? It's getting kind of chilly out there, isn't it? I'd be freezing my paws off if I were you, I bet."

[townofcadence]

@forestofforever // continued

He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting here, collapsed against a tree, close to his home but not close enough to get there in the state he was currently in. The gash on his forehead was still bleeding sluggishly and a red stain seemed to be blooming on his shirt. It took a moment for the words to properly reach Sylvester. As soon as he realized that the other was talking to him, he only tried to make himself smaller rather than answering the question. As he cautiously took a peek at the person who was talking to him, he recognized his face. They'd met before, he was pretty sure. "...I...I don't...I don't remember...I didn't get a good look at their face." Not true. He knew perfectly well, but he wouldn't be sharing that information. Whatever they'd done to him this time had still been rather tame compared to what he'd been through before. If he told this person anything, it was bound to get worse. Much worse.

Artair's eyes were full of concern, as he crouched beside Sylvester. He answered him in that soft voice, shrinking away as if to disappear entirely into the ground. His own eyes rounded with his worry, but he nodded. There was fear, somehow, as he was answered. But he was for all intents a stranger. If there was more to the injury than he said, he doubted he'd be the one he'd entrust it to.

"I--- okay. I guess it doesn't really matter right now." He looks down, chewing on his lip. He could see blood on his head, and on his shirt, which likely meant something underneath. He was in no condition to be doing anything at this point. "You.... really don't look okay. Can I help you? Do you need me to call someone? I have first aid in my bag, too. I could-- I'd like to help."