#hazelbrook

[hollowpaths-guilt]

Page 36 - I'm sorry yall, I'm terrible with dates, here are this week's pages!

“Hollowpath’s Guilt” updates every Friday.             Comic Instagram             Comic Webtoon Comic Tag: #Hollowpaths Guilt Comic  

[coffeenuts]

Hot Sunrise by BusyBlMtns.GranHome& trying to catch-up :) https://flic.kr/p/2o3HtDH

[teaktty]

Creepy Jesus, as we say

Love them

[evelynmlewis]

Romanticize sarcastic men who pilot aircraft that come in at the final cavalry charge when you almost lost hope and say things like "Did you think I wasn't coming for you, sweetheart? ;)"

[hazelbrookcommunity]

Embrace a Healthier Future: Fit Recovery at Hazelbrook Community Center

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, especially for those in recovery. At Hazelbrook Community Center, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals striving for sobriety and wellness. Our fit recovery program is designed to offer a holistic approach, blending physical fitness, mental wellness, and community support to help you achieve and maintain a healthier, balanced life.

The Importance of Fit Recovery

Fit recovery is more than just a fitness program; it’s a comprehensive approach to wellness that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of recovery. Incorporating regular physical activity into your recovery plan can have numerous benefits, including:

Improved Physical Health: Exercise helps to rebuild strength, endurance, and overall physical health, which can be compromised during addiction.

Mental Clarity: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Emotional Stability: Regular exercise provides a healthy outlet for managing emotions and coping with triggers.

Building Healthy Habits: Developing a routine that includes physical activity can create a sense of structure and purpose, essential for long-term recovery.

What Hazelbrook Community Center Offers

At Hazelbrook Community Center, we offer a range of programs and services tailored to support your fit recovery journey:

Personalized Fitness Plans: Our certified trainers work with you to create a fitness plan that suits your individual needs and goals. Whether you prefer yoga, strength training, or cardio workouts, we have options for everyone.

Group Fitness Classes: Join our community in a variety of group classes that not only promote physical fitness but also foster a sense of camaraderie and support among participants.

Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition is a key component of fit recovery. Our nutrition experts provide guidance and meal planning to ensure you are fueling your body with the right nutrients.

Mental Wellness Support: In addition to physical fitness, we offer resources and workshops focused on mental health, stress management, and emotional well-being.

Supportive Community: One of the most significant benefits of joining Hazelbrook Community Center is the sense of belonging and support you’ll find here. Our community is dedicated to helping each other succeed in their recovery and wellness journeys.

Success Stories

We have seen countless individuals transform their lives through our fit recovery program. Here are just a few stories of success:

John's Journey: After years of struggling with addiction, John found a new sense of purpose through our fit recovery program. With a combination of personal training, group classes, and nutritional guidance, he regained his health and confidence.

Sarah's Transformation: Sarah joined Hazelbrook Community Center feeling lost and overwhelmed. Through our supportive community and tailored fitness plan, she discovered a new passion for yoga and found the strength to overcome her challenges.

Join Us Today

At Hazelbrook Community Center, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Our fit recovery program is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you are just starting your recovery journey or looking to enhance your current wellness routine, we invite you to join our community and embrace a healthier future.

Take the first step towards a stronger, happier you. Contact Hazelbrook Community Center today to learn more about our fit recovery program and how we can help you achieve your wellness goals.

[hazelbooksoberliving]

Discover Effective Healing at Hazelbrook Sober Living: Your Premier Addiction Treatment Center

Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? Finding the right addiction treatment center can be the pivotal step towards reclaiming your life and achieving lasting sobriety. At Hazelbrook Sober Living, we understand the complexities of addiction and offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to treatment. Our state-of-the-art facility and dedicated team are here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Hazelbrook Sober Living?

Comprehensive Treatment Plans At Hazelbrook Sober Living, we believe that each individual's journey to recovery is unique. That's why we provide customized treatment plans tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Our holistic approach addresses not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological, emotional, and social factors that contribute to substance abuse.

Expert Staff Our team of experienced professionals includes licensed therapists, medical doctors, and addiction specialists who are committed to providing the highest quality care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of addiction, our staff works collaboratively to develop and implement effective treatment strategies. We offer continuous support and guidance, ensuring that you receive the best possible care throughout your recovery journey.

Safe and Supportive Environment Creating a safe, supportive environment is crucial for successful addiction treatment. Hazelbrook Sober Living offers a serene, welcoming atmosphere where clients can focus on their recovery. Our community fosters mutual support, encouraging individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another. This sense of camaraderie and shared purpose can be a powerful motivator in the recovery process.

Our Treatment Programs

Detoxification The first step in many recovery journeys is detoxification, a process that helps individuals safely withdraw from addictive substances. At Hazelbrook Sober Living, we provide medically supervised detox to ensure your safety and comfort. Our team is equipped to manage withdrawal symptoms and provide the necessary care to help you transition smoothly into the next phase of treatment.

Residential Treatment Our residential treatment program offers a structured, immersive environment where clients can focus entirely on their recovery. This program includes individual and group therapy sessions, educational workshops, and recreational activities designed to promote physical and mental well-being. By living at our facility, clients benefit from continuous support and a community of peers who understand their struggles.

Outpatient Programs For those who require more flexibility, our outpatient programs provide intensive therapy and support while allowing clients to maintain their daily responsibilities. This option is ideal for individuals who have completed residential treatment or those with less severe addiction issues. Our outpatient services include counseling, relapse prevention, and ongoing support to help you stay on track.

Aftercare and Support Recovery doesn't end when you leave our facility. Hazelbrook Sober Living offers comprehensive aftercare programs to ensure you continue to receive the support you need. Our aftercare services include follow-up counseling, support groups, and resources to help you navigate the challenges of maintaining sobriety in everyday life.

Start Your Journey to Recovery Today Choosing the right addiction treatment center is a critical decision that can change your life. At Hazelbrook Sober Living, we are dedicated to helping you achieve lasting sobriety and a healthier, happier future. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and take the first step towards recovery. Your journey to a new beginning starts here.

[coochiequeens]

More like protect girls from larger boys given more access to them

Shocking video showing a 'transgender' student attacking another girl in a women's restroom resulted in a bomb threat being sent to the school after the clip went viral.

The assault at Greece Arcadia high school took place in February and saw the victim dragged out of a stall by her hair by a much larger attacker, described as transgender.

Footage of the attack was shared by feminist website Reduxx on Thursday and resulted in a bomb threat being sent to the school, forcing it to close on Friday.

A brave Pennsylvania girl has spoken out furiously against teachers and administrators at her school after a transgender student savagely beat her friend using a Stanley cup. The incident took place at Pennbrook Middle School Wednesday, when the 13-year-old blindsided her 12-year-old female victim in the school cafeteria using the cup, hitting her on the head and creating an open wound.

The unidentified student had to be hospitalized and get staples to close the cuts in her head before undertaking concussion protocol, according to police.

And since I know someone us going to point out this tragic case...

Nex died on Feb. 8, one day after a physical altercation in a high school bathroom. Oklahoma mandates that public school students must use the bathroom that matches the sex on their birth certificates. 

The state Medical Examiner's Office has released its full autopsy report Wednesday, determining Nex died by suicide caused by drug toxicity.   

Although the autopsy report states Nex's death was not the result of physical injury, 2SLGBTQ+ rights advocates say the report does not mean Nex's death isn't connected to harassment they faced at school.

Here's what we know and what we don't know about the life and death of Nex Benedict — and the situation for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming people in Oklahoma. 

Protect Queer and Trans Kids ⚡️

Digital art of a queer nonbinary teen with glasses and a beanie wearing a rainbow shirt with their back to us. They have a striped long sleeve on and red pants with a star patch. Text reads, ‘schools should be a safe place for queer and trans kids.’

[lament-if]

Lament IF (DEMO)

Lament is 16+ for topics such as: mild gore and blood, alcohol use, mentions of death, violence, suicide, vulgar language, hallucinations, vomiting, and overall poor mental health.

Play the demo Here!

Last updated [9/25/2024]

UPDATES:

New toggle for background (less eyestrain)

Minor writing fixes

Mobile code fixed !

Link / cycle color changed

For two years, nightmares have plagued you, stealing away the solace of sleep. Images of the raging sea, a small, strange, town, the forest. You recognize these as omens, foreboding and demanding your attention. You pack up and leave, desperate for some peace and clarity.

Hazelbrooke now stands before you, shrouded in fog and beckoning to lose yourself to its secrets like a siren's call.

What will you find? Who will you trust? Will the nightmares end now that you stand in the maw of your torment? Or will you succumb to the crushing weight of sleep, lulling you into its embrace and closing your eyes for good?

۵ Heavily customize gender, pronouns, looks, and personality (in full game)

۵ Find out the town's secret

۵ Explore new relationships...or not...

۵ Find collectables

۵ Multiple endings

Zell Sonnet (He/Him)

Zell is the recluse in the woods that comes off as shy and quiet. He claims to be quite knowledgeable surviving off the land, aided by the fact he actually does. He likes lending a hand and would protect the ones he loves most at all costs.

Yuqo Evatt (Any pronouns)

Yuqo is the sly and flirty individual that often gets in a bit of trouble. They like stirring up a bit of chaos to make the seemingly boring small town a bit more lively. They are extremely loyal and would follow the ones they love to the ends of the earth.

Uri Blythe (She/Her)

The Ghost of Hazelbrooke. Uri is the enigmatic girl that no one seems to know much about, despite her popping up frequently around the town like a whisper. She seems to mind her own business and keep a low profile, but when it comes to the one she loves, she would do anything to make them happy.

[the-sunclans]

Cats of the Sun

The SunClans are four clans making up the whole that is SunClan, each clan fulfilling a different role in serving SunClan.

DawnClan

DawnClan are the healers. While every clan has its medicine cat, they are trained and evaluated in DawnClan, with the DawnClan medicine cats being the most respected and skilled of all medicine cats.

DawnClan does have its warriors still, though they know more basic healing than the warriors of all other clans. They live by the sea, which provides them with an abundance of food, and the cats of DawnClan are known as laid-back and trustworthy. Though, less favorable cats of other clans think of DawnClan as lazy and unwilling to do the "hard work" of clan life.

DayClan

DayClan are the peacekeepers. They are opposed to fighting, and instead do everything in their power to end conflict bloodlessly. DayClan trains and holds the best mediators, and are the most welcoming to outsiders.

DayClan, like all clans, has its warriors, some very skilled, but they prefer to keep their claws sheathed whenever they can. They live in the plains, enjoying its warmth and peace, which is fitting for how many cats would choose to describe DayClan. This does have the downside of many cats thinking of DayClan as weak, and sometimes even a danger to SunClan's way of life due to their willingness to take in outsiders.

DuskClan

DuskClan are the protectors. They defend the clans from outside threats, enforce the warrior code, and punish those who have committed crimes against the clans.

Their warriors are incredibly skilled and disciplined, believing themselves to be the strength of SunClan. Their forest home gives them a mastery of climbing and stealth, you can never truly know when a DuskClan cat is watching you. DuskClan cats are known for being fiercely loyal and always reliable, but some think they take advantage of their reputation, and their "protection" can border on the cruel.

NightClan

NightClan are the guardians of StarClan. They live amongst the spirits of their ancestors and pass on the history and stories of times long since passed.

Their warriors are wise and calm, some thinking of their roles less as warriors and more as walking stories. NightClan lives in the caves deep within the mountains, among towering crystals, said to be windows into StarClan. NightClan's camp sits just outside what SunClan calls the Path, a long path of sharp crystals leading to one perfect, tall, smooth crystal. When a new leader is made, they must "Walk the Path" walk on the shards, and lay before the crystal at the end of the path without getting cut, for if they bleed, it is a sign of StarClan's rejection. NightClan warriors are valued for their knowledge and spirituality, but many think of them as strange, and would not choose their company out of the other clans.

Allegiances

Cat's name will link to their portrait if finished!

DawnClan

Leadership

Leader: Tidestar

Deputy: Brinetail

Medicine Cats: Yellowreed, Graygull, Lionlight

Mediator: Suncloud

Warriors

Pelicanswoop

Wavecrest

Waspwhisker

Rocket

Shimmerscales

Silthail

Mudskip

Spottedseal

Warmsand

Littleminnow

Oakbranch

Rippleshine

Speckleshell

Scallopflight

Pearlbelly

Deepfall

Crescentmask 

Stonepool

Needle

Perchtail

Risingsky

Streakedleaf

Apprentices and Mentors

None

Kits

Kits of Warmsand and Brinetail

Shellkit

Flamekit

Swiftkit

Kits of Pelicanswoop and Graygull

Rainkit

Palmkit

Driftkit

Umberkit

DayClan

Leadership

Leader: Poppystar

Deputy: Sunfeather

Medicine Cats: Cloudflower, Lavendermask, Grasswhisker

Mediators: Sly, Flutterfern, Greensage

Warriors

Brindlefeather

Mistlethorn

Briarbramble

Honeydrop

Morb

Peachfur

Cherrystem

Cardinaldawn

Goldengrass

Littlepond

Diesel

Morningjay

Cricketsong

Daisytail

Applefang

Beeflower

Hazelbrook

Junipershine

Pluto

Alley

Coin

Nicholas

Apprentices and Mentors

Flypaw - Daisytail

Lilypaw - Cricketsong

Robinpaw - Coin

Kits

Beeflower and Hazelbrook

Brightkit

Honeydrop and Greensage

Bisonkit

Ryekit

Burrowkit

Sly and Flutterfern

Blackkit

Quailkit

Paintedkit

Badgerkit

DuskClan

Leadership

Leader: Wrenstar

Deputy: Shadowriver

Medicine Cats: Pinefrost, Littlespider

Mediator: Aspenmist

Warriors

Oakface

Wolfheart

Willowdove

Staghorn

Bengalfur

Timberleaf

Hawkshadow

Sharptalon

Fangfrost

Lynxfeather

Pantherleap

Tigertail

Foxscratch

Crowpatch

Branchswoop

Darksky

Forestshade

Oriolewing

Fawnflower

Lionstride

Flickerfoot

Ashfall

Apprentices and Mentors

Leopardpaw - Bengalfur

Lilacpaw - Flickerfoot

Lightningpaw - Oriolewing

Yewpaw - Hawkshadow

Kits

Kits of Foxscratch and Crowpatch 

Swiftkit 

Flamekit

NightClan

Leadership

Leader: Soaringstar

Deputy: Tunnelwhisper

Medicine Cats: Brightcave, Mountainsky, Blackbloom

Warriors

Rumblerock

Shardtail

Silverfrost 

Darkmask

Fallingstones 

Jaggedclaw

Spiderfoot

Echowish

Dovesnow

Icewhisker

Blizzardtooth

Coldrain

Skypeak 

Glintstone 

Swoopingbat 

Talonfang

Goldencherry 

Lightcloud 

Apprentices and Mentors

Wildpaw - Swoopingbat

Boughpaw - Tunnelwhisper

Billowpaw - Fallingstones

Kits

Kits of Soaringstar and Rumblerock

Sunkit

Slatekit

Snowykit

Kits of Silverfrost and Shardtail

Chasmkit

Frostkit

Flintkit

Kits of Skypeak and Talonfang

Emberkit

Nettlekit

[ovaruling]

oh this is crazy

“NOTICE

At approx. 12:12 pm EST, Reduxx received an email containing a bomb and school shooting threat directed at Hazelbrook Middle School, the site of the recent student-on-student assault coverage. In addition to the school, multiple individuals in the Tualatin, Oregon area associated with the school were also named as targets.

Within 8 minutes of receiving this heinous message, the Portland FBI was made aware. Immediately after, the Tualatin Police Department was contacted.

While we can never be sure of the veracity of the threats in such emails, we will never take any chances when it comes to the safety of children.

Anna Slatz

Editor in Chief”

Caption:

“Yesterday, Reduxx broke multiple details on the assault that occurred at Hazelbrook Middle School where a trans-identified male student was seen attacking a female student.

Today, we received a bomb and shooting threat directed at the school and multiple individuals associated with the school and area.

We immediately took action, with our Editor calling the Portland-area FBI before the Tualatin Police Department.

The school has since been locked down.”

[hollowpaths-guilt]

Page 32-33 - With these 2 pages, we round out Chapter 1! Thank you all so so so much for the support, and I am very excited to continue sharing my story with you all!

“Hollowpath’s Guilt” updates every Friday.             Comic Instagram             Comic Webtoon Comic Tag: #Hollowpaths Guilt Comic  

[aikkulinii]

Evangeline Hazelbrook's lookbook ʚɞ

details

hair | eyebrows | eyes | lashes | skin overlay | lip preset

01. eyeshadow | eyeliner | blush | lipstick | necklace | vest | skirt | boots

02. eyeshadow | eyeliner | blush | lipstick | necklace | dress | bracelet | gloves | tights | pumps

03. eyeliner | blush | lipstick | hat | top | bottom | sneakers

04. robe | bra | panties

05. eyeshadow | eyeliner | blush | lipstick | glasses | necklace | jacket | top (lovestruck ep) | skirt | boots

06. eyeshadow | eyeliner | blush | lipstick | sunglasses | bikini

07. eyeshadow | eyeliner | blush | lipstick | scarf | top | bra | skirt | boots

08. eyeshadow | eyeliner | blush | lipstick | blazer | top | skirt | tights | boots

thanks to all the cc creators!

[inkandguns]

What’s the big deal? The ass whopping was inclusive. And is Oregon not a mutual combat state??

This is what happens when you live on top of each other like factory farmed chickens.

[the-cursed-recruit-story]

The cursed recruit

By Symon Pude

Chapter 2 – The Departure

“Wake up.” My mother's voice ripped me from my sleep as she shook my shoulder.

I yawned and turned to the other side.

“The sun is up.”

That made me jerk up. “Shit.”

I pushed the blanket away, yesterday’s clothes wrapped damp around me with sweat. I started into the other room, looking for food.

I settled for the end of yesterday’s bread and took a bite. “A wholesome breakfast.”

While I was wolfing down the rest, my view fell on the opened book on the table. I didn't have any time to find out more about souvras.

My mother suppressed a sneeze.

I froze and turned to her. “Are you getting sick?”

She made a dismissive gesture. “I’ll be fine. Do you have everything?”

“There’s something I still need to do.”

I went to my mother and hugged her. Tears rushed to my eyes.

I spoke into her ear. “I will come back.”

“I will wait. You be good.”

“Probably not,” I said before I squeezed her harder.

She gave me a playful slap on the back of my head before she deepened the hug as well. I didn’t want the warm hug to end. My mother shuddered in my arms. I felt safe. I could hear her every breath, feel her heart beating faster than usual. When I broke the hug and opened my eyes, tears rolled down my mother’s face. Using all my willpower, I turned away and slung the rucksack on my back. “Goodbye, Mama.”

“Take care.”

I walked out the door. The sun hit me like the day before, although the air didn’t seem as clear. Fog would obscure the landscape soon enough. I moved over to the eight sticks on the side of the path, the snowdrop still lying there.

“Goodbye, grandmother, sister and stillborn siblings,” I said, but did not move. There was no strength in my feet that could carry me away.

As I stared at the sticks, angry that I’d forgotten to renew them yesterday, I did not notice the big frame that jogged up our path.

The berserker slowed down and stopped beside me.

After a moment, he began to speak in his low voice. “That's a large number of graves for such a small family."

"The curse of death."

"Yes, I heard that rumour." He took a step closer. "Maybe you should take this journey as an opportunity for a new start. To build friendships with people who don't know what is said about you."

"I don't need friends."

"I don't believe that."

"How could I enjoy this journey if my parents could starve or work themselves to their bones in my absence?" I spat at the Berserker. "If you are really sorry and trying to help, you'd let me stay here."

"That is not within my power."

"You also let my father stay, why not me as well?"

"The general wants you in his employ."

"Why would he care about a simple farmer like me? I can't fight, I don't have any magic; all I'm going to do is clog up your war budget."

"He hasn't even told me that yet." The burly man turned away and gestured for me to follow. "We need to go if we want any chance of catching up to them."

He began to jog, and I had no other choice than to try and keep up with him. My shoes started to hurt immediately, not being made for running and my rucksack bounced up and down.

"Stupid oaf," I said between heavy breaths.

We ran towards Hazelbrook. Each one of the berserker's strides meant two for me, and so I struggled to keep up, even though it was only a light jog for him.

We hadn't even reached the village when I stumbled and fell. Tiny stones dug into my hands, and I tasted the wet dirt.

"Stop," I called, out of breath.

The tall army man did, then he turned around, grabbed my rucksack and lifted me back on my feet. My hands fell on my knees.

"I need a moment," I panted.

He looked down at me. "That wasn't even that far yet."

"What do you want?" I said. "It's right after being holed up for the entire winter."

He waited only a few moments, before walking behind me.

“You first. Pick a tempo you can sustain."

I straightened. “I bet you just want to look at my ass.”

"A bit of friendly advice…"

The berserker stepped closer. Within a heartbeat, I froze. He was now close enough to twist my neck, if he so chose.

"... keep your insults to yourself or you'll eventually cross the wrong person. Now, run!"

My feet started to move on their own, strengthened by fear. I needed to get away from the man before he broke one of my bones. Though, no matter how fast I was, he was right on my heel, his breathing calm with no exhaustion.

My legs burned as well as my lungs. My racing heartbeat raised to my ears, bringing heat to my face. My body begged me to stop, but I knew I would die. Despite my best efforts, I slowed down, and I already waited for massive hands to wrap around my throat.

Nothing happened. The berserker remained behind me, matching my new speed. Still, his breath in my neck told me that I should not get any slower.

We reached Hazelbrook. The few people that were out early in the morning consisted of women, children and old men, a sombre silence laying over them. The ceremon stood in front of the chapel. When we passed, he called, “May the Maker protect you on your journey.”

I bit my teeth and increased my speed again.

The road to Sunhill was littered with holes from the winter. I hoped that meant that the army hadn’t made much progress yet. The fog grew denser, swallowing everything. The outline of leafless trees formed on the side of the road and dissolved again in the mist. My heart strangled against the confines of my chest, and I longed to know how far the army was ahead. I took a deep breath and pushed forward.

At first, it was just a dark spot on the road, but soon, the figures of the other conscripts formed from the fog, just a hundred metres away.

“Thank fuck.” I said.

The rear men of the army stopped in their tracks. I picked up speed as I raced towards the two enlisted wearing blue gambesons. One of them had a lanky stature while the other was about my height, but wider. The former had a darker shade of skin than any Hazelbrooker, while the latter had a blue hue that almost seemed grey. I stopped after I passed them, putting my hands on my knees to catch my breath. A strong headache assaulted me, making me wince.

The two men made a short snort, then straightened and saluted when they noticed the uniform of the berserker behind me.

“Make sure he doesn’t run away,” the burly man said to the conscripts.

“Yes, Lieutenant,” they answered in chorus.

I raised my eyebrow.

A lieutenant?

That made the berserker the right hand man of the general. Why would someone of such high standing be tasked with getting stragglers?

The lieutenant turned to me and said, “Remember my advice, not everyone is as forgiving as me.” His voice didn’t betray that he had been running for more than half an hour on end.

Panting, I tried to straighten. “How the hell are you not panting, you ox?”

He heaved a sigh. “At least try not to be too annoying.”

The berserker walked towards the bulk of the men of the army, his towering outline was visible through the crowd until the fog engulfed him.

As soon as he was out of sight, the two conscripts relaxed.

“Hehehe,” the one with the bluish skin started laughing. “A deserter. How convenient.”

The wide man took off the package that was slung over his shoulder. He pushed it against my chest so I had no other option that to take it. Through the cloth, I could feel wooden pikes.

“Carry this,” he ordered me.

I met his stare. “I’m not your donkey.”

“Heh,” he laughed again. “We’re in charge of you. You are our donkey.”

"No, your only job is to make sure I don’t run away. That doesn’t give you the right to order me around."

He stepped closer and tapped on the octagonal crest on the shoulder of his blue gambeson. "You know what that means? It means that I'm enlisted, and being a soldier is my job. I'm higher in the hierarchy than some stinking conscript like you.” He cracked his knuckles. “And if you disagree, we have methods to change your mind."

I swallowed my reply and put the strap of the package around my shoulder.

The bluish man smiled. “Wasn’t that hard now, was it? I’m Virgil. Right there is Situs.”

The lanky man gave a nod, which I only saw in my periphery as I kept my stare at the army that slowly vanished in the fog. “I’m not going to even try to remember this.”

"Hey," Situs said. "You're going to give us the respect we deserve."

So… none? Is what I wanted to say, but I remembered the berserker's advice.

I put on a smile. "I'm sorry, okay, sirs."

My two watchers scoffed and started walking to catch up to the other soldiers. I followed them. The army paced slowly so that everybody could follow. Through the conversations of recruited farmers, the beat of a drum sounded through the chatter. Virgil and What-was-his-fucking-name-again talked to three other people. None of them made any attempt to talk to mep

To pass the time, I started a little children’s game.

“I spy with my little eye, something that is brown,” I muttered.

No one heard me, so I answered myself, “It’s the road.”

Still no reaction from anybody. I sighed.

These are going to be long days.

The army stopped much sooner than I’d expected. There was still an hour left before the sun set down. I grunted in relief. My calves hurt and my soles were burning like hell. Sadly, there wasn't really a place in the field to sit down without getting wet.

My first watcher -How was he called? Vi…? Ah fuck this- ordered me, “Give our tent back.”

“What?”

He stepped closer, and then I realised that he meant the package he gave me. I took it off and handed it to him so he didn't come closer.

"Was that so hard?" he said, heading back to the lanky man.

"Wait," I said. "Where do I get a tent?"

"Not our problem," the bluish man laughed, and the other joined in as they walked away.

"Stupid gargoyle mutt," I mumbled under my breath.

The lanky man turned around. "What did you say?"

"Nothing."

I put on an innocent smile. He couldn't have heard what I said.

"You called Virgil a stupid gargoyle mutt."

"What?" The wide man shouted. "You peasant blood called me a gargoyle?"

He stepped closer and raised his hand for a back handed slap. When his hand came down, I blocked it, and, out of reflex, punched the man in his chest.

"You damn peasant," he spat.

I jumped out of his range before he could catch me, my arms ready for another attack. Too late did I spot the dark skinned man in the corner of my eyes, and the last thing I saw was his fist.

A groan escaped my lips. The stones on the dirt road pressed hard against my cheek. I opened my eyes. My vision shifted before revealing the picture before me. Three pairs of legs stood close to me. One of them came closer fast.

“No,” I brought out before a leather boot kicked into my stomach. Puke rushed upwards my throat and onto the ground. It contained pieces of bread and hare meat. Some of the sauerkraut from yesterday hung like threads out of my mouth. Another kick connected with my back. I tried to push myself off the ground, but a foot to the side of my ribs pushed me back down. Laughter sounded. One of the five around me was the guy that tripped me earlier. Another kick to my side. My stomach dry-heaved as volleys of kicks slammed into my ribs, searing pain rippling along them. I forced every single breath down my burning throat. My vision swam in and out of focus. My body beckoned me to let go of my consciousness, knowing that it will never get back.

The curse finally caught up with me.

[your-good-pal-chevy]

Swordtember : 15 : Paladin

The acrid smell of smoke was unavoidable. It was thick and heavy in the air, the fires that birthed it long dead. The wind, unmerciful, refused to blow and reveal to the world the horrors that had taken place in the sleepy village of Hazelbrook.

Renard's breath came to him ragged and shallow. He groaned, both hands grabbing feebly at the hilt of the sword buried in his chest. From where he lay, pinned by the sword's point to his own dinner table, he could not summon the strength to pull himself free.

Despite himself, despite his predicament, he did not despair. Renard weeped with sheer frustration, cursing his fate and the monstrous killers who had done this to him. The men who had burned his home, his family, his entire life.

Rage welled within him, devouring everything else that he was. He cried out, a wordless cry of utter hate. Even as his hot blood drained from his body, he raised his hands to the sky, wishing only for the chance to wring the life from the necks of his killers. Wishing only to avenge himself upon them.

Suddenly, there came a knock at the door, though it was hanging half off its hinges. Not waiting for a response, two strange individuals pushed the door open and walked in. The door, for its part, swung in place with a sharp creaking noise before simply falling to the ground.

The individuals approached the table where Renard lay. He furrowed his brow, staring up at the pair of them with a mixture of suspicion and confusion.

The woman stepped forward, and Renard saw that she was dressed in white and gold finery. Her features were indistinct, as though Renard's eyes refused to focus on her. He could make out no details of her body.

She cleared her throat. "Renard of Hazelbrook," she began, "It has come to the attention of my fellows and I that you have suffered an unfair fate. You, your family, your neighbors, and your entire village have all been murdered by a group of raiders in the service to the dark gods."

Renard opened his mouth to reply, but he could not summon the breath to speak. He coughed weakly, hacking up blood.

"Oh dear," the woman said, leaning forward to examine his face. "You're pale. You've lost a lot of blood, Renard, so let me make this quick. I am here to make you an offer. A chance at vengeance."

Renard's nostrils flared, his brow furrowed. Though he struggled to keep his eyes open, the rage he felt could not be mistaken.

"Good. You're still with us." The woman turned and addressed her companion. "The man is responsive, it's within our rights."

"Hardly responsive," the man replied, "He hasn't said a word."

"He can't, he's got a sword through a lung. He's still awake, at the least, and he understands what we're saying."

"He can't make a declaration of informed consent without-"

"Then I'll heal him, just enough that he can speak."

The man sighed, pinching what must have been the bridge of his nose.

"Fine, but I'm not covering for you. You get to explain yourself when we get back."

"Fine," the woman said, leaning over Renard once more. "Renard, I'm going to heal you now. I'm not permitted to fully heal you, but you will be able to speak."

She reached out with her hand, her fingers held in a strange gesture, a soft white light emanating from them. The moment the tip of her finger touched Renard's chest, he felt the wind rushing into his lungs.

The sword began to jostle, slowly being pushed up from Renard's chest. The strength returning to him, Renard gripped the hilt of the sword and pulled it free. Blood seeped from the open wound, and the woman clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"Right, going to have to touch that up. This one's not on me, ▅▅▅▅. He'll bleed out from that if I don't close it up, and then we'll have to deal with even more paperwork."

"Right, right," the man said, waving her concerns away with a dismissive gesture. "Might as well throw the first one in with the second, then, say he pulled it out when we got here and your hand was forced. Easier that way."

"Mm," the woman said, once again reaching out with that soft light to touch Renard's chest.

The gash on his chest healed quickly, but it left an ugly scar. Renard could tell that it hadn't truly healed, but was merely closed. He prodded it experimentally, still laying on the table.

"Who..." Renard coughed again, struggling to form words. "Who are you?"

"I'm not at liberty to disclose that," the woman said, "Now, let's wrap this up. You desire vengeance, and I would like to supply it to you. I am here to make you an offer. Swear an oath unto the Gods that you will never forget the injustices done to you. Swear that you will never show mercy to those who would do such things to others. Swear that you shall do everything in your power to remove them from this world. Swear that you shall not leave any other souls to languish in the wake of evil. If you swear this oath, Renard, you shall become a Paladin. You will be granted the strength to vanquish evil, to make right the wrongs that have been done to you, and to punish the wicked who would escape justice without your intervention."

Renard looked from the woman to the man. "And what about him?"

The man, similarly indistinct as the woman but dressed in a set of black and blue vestments, raised his hands. "I do not represent the same parties as ▅▅▅▅, I'm only here as a witness. Pay me no mind."

Renard considered the woman's words. He considered the strange nature of the two visitors, how he could not make out their features or their names. He considered the possibility that he was still bleeding out, his mind merely conjuring visions as he passed into the night.

And then he considered the possibility that she was right. That the wicked men who took everything from him would escape justice.

"I swear this oath. To the Gods, to the world, to the damned sword I've plucked from my chest. So long as I draw breath, I will hunt those men to the ends of the earth, as well as whatever foul masters they serve."

"Very well, Renard. Your oath has been heard," the woman said.

"And witnessed," the man chimed in.

The woman stood tall, taller than she had been, seemingly taller than ought to fit under the scorched roof of Renard's burnt home. She reached out with one finger, that one finger dwarfing everything that Renard was.

And then the pair were gone.

Renard looked down at his hands. At first, he wasn't sure what to make of the encounter, but then he felt strange.

He stood up from the table, feeling as though nothing was wrong with his body. He felt strength flowing through him, strength unlike any he had known before.

He smiled as he grabbed the sword that had been left so thoughtfully in his chest. Though the blade had served wicked masters, it would serve Renard now, and it would serve him well.

He wasted no time picking through the shattered remnants of his village. Hazelbrook was dead, and there was nothing left for him there.

But the hunt was on.

[hazelbrookcommunity]

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