INTRO LOG #2

[bequiet]

INTRO LOG #2
Put a Sock in It
Content Warnings: Disorientation, memory loss, confusion
Themes: Arrival, survival, exploration, horror

You wake, standing. A thick, muddy red dust coats your skin and clothes - it sticks to your tongue and blocks your vision. Inhale and it chokes you, exhale and your breath puffs out in front of your face in a transparent maroon cloud. It tastes of copper, tangy and harsh. Movement is difficult, every limb tingles and aches. Look to your left, your right. Evenly spaced in each direction stands another person indistinguishable in every way from the next. You're disoriented and lethargic, unable to grasp onto a single thought. A pinprick of light blooms ahead and grows steadily larger; a door has opened.

Hands grip your wrists, push at the small of your back and guide you out of the darkness into a room with four walls and a thin, sagging ceiling. The plaster is peeling, the air is musty, and the floor is slick. White plastic piping juts up from the center and curves into multiple spouts, clean water flowing in uneven streams. Those hands pull your clothes off and clear the dust from your body, redress you in handsewn jumpsuits. By the time they’re through, you will have begun to come back to yourself.

A finger is pressed to your lips. Kind eyes meet your own and a single word is whispered - hush.

Led out of the room in a line, you’re taken down a short hallway and into another, much larger room. There’s a woman waiting for you there, a child hugging her leg, and a cloth bag in her hands. She reaches in and pulls out a device, passes one to each of you. Once finished, she begins to move both hands in graceful gestures, a language. One of the people who helped you lifts their device and the screen lights up, tracks the woman’s hands. Letters appear on the screen and you understand the device’s purpose. She tells you what she knows and it’s not much.

This world is haunted. Noise attracts them, so it is not allowed. Communication is through body language, soundless writing, and the device. She tells you that your feet must be light and your mouth never used. There is a community outside these doors, where you can survive together, but only if you agree to one thing: complete and total silence. You'll have time to talk it over. You may ask one question and receive one answer.

Acceptance allows you to journey outside. The ground is marked in pathways of sand, lining the paths to each building and everywhere in-between. You notice that the locals hold their devices always, aloft and glance to it often. It will not vibrate or make a sound to signal a message. Notices appear. Rules. Guidelines. Feet on the sand and never anywhere else. To open a door you brush your fingers along the hinges - oiled and you may enter. If not, take the brush from the can sitting nearby and coat the metal with the dark liquid.

Now, you're to settle into your new home – with or without the help of those who have come before you.

The Place Inside
Content Warnings: Disorientation, hallucinations, body horror
Themes: Plot, exploration

Have you been to hell. And more importantly, have you been back. We all know this pain but are too scared to recall. This horror controls us, pulls at our strings to ensure how our life plays out. So, let me rephrase my question: have you been to Ile Lacrox. And more importantly, can you come back.

In the community, if you hear something you're not supposed to hear, you learn to look the other way. If you see something you're not supposed to see, you pretend it never happened. If you feel disappointed, you learn to never ask for more. So, through good times and bad, famine and feast, the natives held fast to their rules until one common day a sly wind blew in from the south...

That same red dust twists through the streets, curling up in faint, little plumes of familiarity. The farther south you go, the thicker it becomes. Those willing to explore far enough will find it coming from an island in the middle of the river. Once there, doting every available surface is the evidence of Sound Eater births, and the closer you are to the island, the harder it is to avoid being coated in red. Even if it's not rubbed into the skin, it doesn't take long for the effects to take over. Every sound is amplified. Your breaths are deafening, the slightest step echoes. But no Sound Eater attacks. Your vision blurs, and it's as if your mouth is sealing itself shut. Those you traveled with seem to be similarly affected, and you know you have to be quiet. Anyone who brought supplies with them might discover that a drink of water subdues the symptoms.

OOC: Only characters who entirely submerge themselves in water will be free of the dust effects. Just remember that noise will attract Sound Eaters.


Liplocked
Content Warnings: Violent tendencies, mind alteration
Themes: Love, romance, obsession, sex

The natives are of French origin, and with that comes a love of romance. Residents will find treats and valentines at their doors. That same night, there will be a small, red-glowing fire built near the fountain. There will be jars pressed into the dirt and filled with a sweet, red liquid. Some natives can be seen drinking it and being very affectionate with one another. Anyone who drinks this is inspired to show endearment or lust to others, and it will wear off after sleeping.

There's also the noticeable addition of a new arrival. They came through the Reset Room just like everybody else. They understand the rules and follow them to a tee. They are the perfect example of what the natives want in their residents. They are charming and captivating. They say nothing, and they don't have to. When your eyes meet, you feel seduced. There's a nervous flutter in your stomach. You can feel your heartbeat in your throat. Pounding, constricting. They smile and then turn away.

As they're walking, you notice you're not the only one looking at them, and in their expression, you see your own mirrored. What started as sweet infatuation and longing dissolves into a jealousy unlike any you've ever known. All you understand now is that to win their affections you have to come out on top—so you're the only one they see. Your actions are not your own, but they're still yours.

OOC: There are two ways to break the "spell". Your character fights it out with someone else who is feeling the same way OR they're approached and physically touched by someone who isn't affected by the newcomer. A third of the community will be completely unaffected (everyone else is affected unless the player is uncomfortable with playing out the scenarios). The newcomer can be of any gender the player wishes. For those partaking in drinking, the players can choose what effects it has; it can inspire feelings of lust or boost paternal/maternal instincts or devotion towards friends.

OOC
From your mods:

Please be mindful of content - if something triggery comes up or if it goes up a rating to say, something sexy, mark your threads in the subject line. We're very flexible and allow any material; we just want our players to be respectful of each other. If you have questions, pp the mod account, use the faq or comment to the appropriate post below. Have fun!

NAVIGATION

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Comments

[clussy]

(It was a little funny. Eddie was self-aware enough to realize how outlandishly he was feeling towards complete, or nearly complete, strangers. Yet the moment familiar hands are sliding over his eyes from behind, Eddie startles a minute amount, but instinctively he knows who it is well before Richie's voice is whispering into his ear.

There's an upsurge in his gut that ripples out that isn't so much new as much as it is clearer than Eddie is used to. A smile pulls across his face, and he reaches his hands up to cover Richie's own hands.

It was the biggest tragedy not being able to talk with Richie like he normally would. Though where he might normally huff and call Richie a royal shit for trying to scare him, Eddie can't quite find it in him like he usually does to exaggerate that snipping. Mostly he's just thrilled to have Richie behind him, with him. He removes the hands from his face and turns around at once, lifting Richie's hands up and above so that he didn't need to let go. Then he brings them back down and lets go of them just behind his own back. A clear invitation for Richie to grab on in a hug, of course.

Made even more obvious when a second later Eddie's arms were winding around Richie's neck and he was squeezing close. Warmth vibrated from head to toe and his face hurt a little from smiling. He murmurs quietly, tucking his face inwards to make his voice softer yet.)

I could have screamed, you know.

[beeped]

[Immediately, Richie wraps his arms around Eddie and holds him in a tight hug, spinning him as much as he can. There aren't words enough to express how relieved he is that Eddie is here with him, and there's something more. There's an intense feelings, like butterflies in his stomach, threatening to burst.

When he smiles at Eddie, it's with a smile so broad that his cheeks hurt.]

But you didn't. [Which is obvious, but whatever. He's just thrilled to be hugging his best friend right now.]

[clussy]

(Eddie is a little angry that he can't be vocal. Being spun around has his body shaking with quiet laughter. His feet tap around to let them spin a little more successfully.

He leans back from the hug, though doesn't break it, to look at Richie.)

Nope. I didn't.

(Except a few of the natives were starting to look over at the soft whispering. Eddie bites his lip, not wanting them to get into any trouble. He slides away from Richie, but grabs his hand instantly, sliding their fingers together. He nods his head for Richie to follow him. They might as well go somewhere they could be alone so they could hang out more freely.)

[beeped]

[Trouble and Richie Tozier go hand-in-hand. Case in point: his fingers might be laced in Eddie's, he might be squeezing their hands together, but he still has a free hand. 'Oh look, a bird.' The words are whispered, and as he lets Eddie lead him away, he looks over his shoulder, holding his middle finger up at the natives staring at them.

Once they're somewhere a bit more isolated though, he can hardly contain his giggles, and has to cover his mouth with his free hand.]

[clussy]

(More like Eddie Kaspbrak and Richie Tozier go hand-in-hand. Literally. Together right now. Eddie was Richie's own personal buffer against doing anything too stupid. Mostly.

Unfortunately Eddie isn't always a great impulse control because when Richie says he's noticed a bird, Eddie honestly looks around as if expecting to see one. And he does- just not the feathery kind. He instantly begins to giggle, and has to clamp his free hand over his mouth before he can make an actual sound.

At least Richie managed to wait til they were more alone. Eddie's walking them back towards their house because duh. Right now was prime cuddling time.)

You're such a jackass. (He whispers to Richie, but he's giggling too so it barely counts as an actual scolding.)

[beeped]

[Richie winds up dropping his hand and instead bites on his bottom lip in a failed attempt to mask his grinning. It lasts for all of a few seconds before he gives up the attempt entirely. Instead he wraps his arms around Eddie and squeezes tightly.

His laughter is a bit louder now--though he lacks any real awareness of what could be considered too loud. He's just happy right now, and Eddie's here, and nothing matters beyond that.]

You shoulda let me at 'em. I really woulda showed them two birds.

[He pulls back enough to look at Eddie as he says this, and takes a moment to tug on his cheek. He has to.]

[clussy]

Richie. Shhh.

(His hand slips over Richie's mouth. Though he doesn't seem particularly worried. Of course that doesn't last long when Richie pulls back and Eddie's cheek is being tugged at. Rude!

Eddie makes a quiet whining sound and shoves at Richie's hand.)

Stooop.

(Oh thank goodness. They were at the house. He pulls Richie inside and closes the door behind them. Now they could relax a bit more. Eddie's turning around and wrapping back up around Richie, smiling against him.)

I'm gonna have to invent new ways to keep you quiet.

[beeped]

[Because Richie is just that kind of asshole, he's sure to lick Eddie's palm before he moves his hand away. It's for the best that they get to the house when they do; in his current high spirits, it was going to start getting even more difficult to be as quiet as necessary.

It's going to bite him in the ass one day, but it's the furthest thing from his mind right now.

Once inside he squeezes Eddie, returning the hug, and presses his forehead against Eddie's.] Yeah? You got any ideas? 'Cause I'm thinking marshmallow fluff.

[clussy]

(That lick warrants Eddie wiping his palm off on Richie's cheek because retaliation was mandatory in such moments of treason.

They're finally alone, and finally allowed to talk a little more loosely. The house isn't perfectly soundproofed, but it's enough that Eddie doesn't tell Richie to be quiet.

He can't actually focus on those things with Richie's forehead resting against his own, and Richie so near that Eddie didn't just hear his words, but felt them puffing against his mouth. Something unfolded itself in the center of his stomach and vaulted up through his entire body. An urge that he hadn't felt before now, something that slammed into the forefront of his mind. For a suspended moment, Eddie let himself imagine what would happen if he tipped his head forward just a little.

That would sure silence Richie.

Richie, his best friend.

The reality can't compete with the juice and Eddie jerks his head back, feeling as if he had just gotten a shock from an outlet. He could feel the bubbling eruption of shame spiking through him. How could he think that about his best friend? Richie who trusted him. Not for the first time, Eddie felt a violent loathing towards that entire part of himself. He tries to ignore how badly he wants to cling to Richie. Instead, he grabs Richie's hand and pulls them away from the front doorway.)

You'd probably choke on that. (It's a delayed comment, but whatever. He walks them towards his own room, feeling an uncomfortable mixture of the excitement and neediness of the red drink, but also nausea from his fleeting thoughts.)

[beeped]

[The closeness is something pleasant and comfortable for Richie. There's a small eruption of butterflies in his stomach, for no reason other than Eddie is right there. Few things were better than having his best friend close like this; they'd gone through so much together, through good and bad, thick and thin. And the fact that Eddie is here with him right now?

It means a lot. Not just here, in this city, but here--

There's an overwhelming urge to lean in, but it's so ridiculous. He can't do that, that would be weird, even for him. Laughter erupts from within, vibrant and hearty, dismissing the thought rather than acting on it. It's for the best anyway; he doesn't want Eddie to get the wrong idea. He doesn't know what that is, but as he swallows it all down it occurs to him that he doesn't want it to seem like he's exploiting Eddie's secret.

Richie squeezes Eddie's hand, following him further into the house.] You could resuscitate me, smack me in the ole noggin a time or two.

[The suggestion is a stupid one, but it's one that's helping him push his urges aside.]

[clussy]

Idiot. Hitting you on the head wouldn't resuscitate you. I'd need to use CPR or something.

(But Eddie instantly wants to shut down that thought. The idea of giving Richie mouth-to-mouth was just a dangerous idea in general right now, and not one he wanted to entertain for even a moment least it break down what little control he felt right then. Eddie would absolutely not risk losing Richie over something so dumb as feeling an itch he couldn't scratch.

All the same, he brings Richie to his bedroom and shuts the door behind him. This wasn't even new for them. They had shared a bed countless times back at the station, and usually Bill was right there with them. Only this time, for the first time in Eddie's entire life, he felt a sudden weight enter the room as he shut that door behind him, leaving him alone with a boy inside a bedroom.

Eddie instantly shakes his head because stupid, it wasn't a boy. It was Richie. Richie.

Focusing on that, Eddie drags Richie right on over to his bed, stubbornly ignoring that mountain of worries in his head in favor of just getting into bed and rolling over onto his back. He holds his arms out to Richie, fingers curling open and shut in a silent 'come here' motion. It was time to cuddle these feelings, and that juice, out of their systems.)

[beeped]

Oh. Huh.

[Warmth creeps up Richie's face, but for once manages to keep his mouth shut. He knows himself well enough to know that nothing good would come from anything he could possibly say right now. Richie says stupid shit all the time, but right now? He doesn't trust himself not so say something he can't come back from.

He feels like his heart has lurched up to his throat once they're in Eddie's room. It's weird, and he doesn't quite understand why this is somehow a big deal. They shared a room for months, after all. And yet this suddenly feels like a big deal. That doesn't stop him from following Eddie's beckoning.

Immediately, he's crawling into the bed after him, wrapping his arms around his best friend and hugging him close. This feels so much better. Exactly what he needs right now.]

[clussy]

(The moment Richie gets into bed, Eddie's rolling over so that he wasn't facing Richie. He gets hugged up all the same, and wraps his arms over Richie's. He lets out a breath he hadn't known he was holding and wiggles back until he's fit snugly as possible against his best friend. It made him feel oddly safe to be held like this, and he smiled against his pillow.

He might not be able to face Richie right then, but that was okay. This was okay. It was warm and safe and nice. He does bother to grab one of Richie's hands and lift it up, pressing his mouth against the back of Richie's hand in a small kiss. He lowers the hand back down and tucks his face into the pillow, sighing.)

I really do love you, Richie. (It's not the first time they've said this to each other, but with the juice vibrant inside of him, that's what he wants to say most of all.)

[beeped]

[Part of him wishes he were sitting up right now, or facing Eddie from the other side. He can feel Eddie against him, warm and soft and cute, he can feel Eddie's lips against his hand. But he can't see his face, and he has a burning need for that right now.

He probably looks so beautiful right now--

And while that's not the first time Richie has ever thought that about Eddie. He knew Eddie was lovely; he had known that his entire life, from the first moment he ever saw him. But right now, this knowledge somehow seems new and profound, and as tempted as he is to just barrel Eddie over, there's part of him that's terrified of the prospect.

He settles for squeezing Eddie tightly, pressing a kiss into his hair.] I know. [A wild, errant thought laments about how that's another reference going right over Eddie's perfect head.] I love you too.

[clussy]

(It's dumb, maybe. Loving your best friend was a given. Otherwise why would they be considered your best friend? But it felt huge and consuming in a way that their blood magic often felt. Like some fixed truth. Eddie himself wanted to roll over to face Richie, but he had a gut feeling about it that cemented him in his place. It's a mix bag of excitement and horror all scooped up into the exact same moment.

He smiles against the pillow, feeling a rush of satisfaction at Richie telling him he was loved back. Of course he was. That made sense, right? Best friends loved their best friends. That's how this worked.

He squeezes Richie's hand again and again before he tries to tamper down on those crashing waves of feelings. Gosh, what was in that red juice? Eddie bites at his lip, closing his eyes, hoping to God he'd start feeling sleepy soon.)