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[color=#d18f75][b]#d18f75[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://i.pinimg.com/474x/69/86/b8/6986b853d1ef49fca2d87c65e416ecbb.jpg][color=9b9b9b][b]outfit[/b][/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=9b9b9b][b]Party[/b][/color]
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[indent][color=darkgray]Tess was more than happy to let Roxxy’s fingers slip between hers as the two made their way back towards the party. It felt reassuring to have a grounding sensation in that moment, as her mind spiraled and swirled with new sensations and feelings that were entirely new. The idea of making more conversation with strangers that evening was a daunting prospect, but it would be for the best. This was going to be her new home until the world ended or whatever calamity she was born and raised to deal with was averted. It wasn’t all bad… at least the grounds seemed far more spacious than her compound back home.

Roxxy’s questions on resolutions and a countdown were… confusing. She didn’t realize festivities involved making a plan for the new year. Losing weight wasn’t exactly an issue, and traveling felt far too leisurely and wasteful. Tess’ words were certain as she answered honestly. [color=d18f75]”Resolutions for a new year seem impractical. I resolve to improve my skills every day, not every year.”[/color] Her tone was flat, her eyes drifting back in the direction of the festivities. [color=d18f75]”What are your resolutions?”[/color] She didn’t know what to expect from a countdown to the New Year, but maybe it-

A bang reverberated through the camp. Tess’ eyes immediately locked on an exploding bloom of light in the sky. It had been years since she had seen fireworks, and was almost surprised by the sight of them. She was used to them around the Fourth of July, one of the few times her and her father would head in towards the nearest city for festivities. The surprise of the explosion rather quickly gave way to a new fear and concern.

[color=d18f75]”Butch.”[/color]

Tess was swift in disentangling her fingers from Roxxy’s grip. She was gone without any other words, sounds, or explanation. She was quick, exceptionally so, and sprinted through a small sprout of trees near the edge of the clearing. Tess was always great with directions, and knew precisely which direction to go as she circled around the Arena towards her own cabin. She only slowed once she accidentally crashed up against the siding of the front of her new home, feeling a sting from the force on her shoulder. She quickly threw open the door to an awful sound she had rarely heard: the whining of her elderly dog.

Tess closed the door, and quickly stepped through her dark cabin until she saw the familiar huddled mass of Butcher. She absent-mindedly grabbed a blanket from the couch and began unfolding it. She draped it over Butcher, providing a little bit of false shelter from the loud bangs that punctuated the night air. Tess wrapped her arms around the old dog rocking him slightly and humming softly. Her attempts to soothe were met with whimpering and shaking that elicited a tear from the corner of Tess’ eye. It took about an hour to get him to calm down enough that he could sleep. Only then did Tess trudge back to her bedroom and crawl into bed to get a good night’s rest. 

She prayed to her mother that there would be no more fireworks, for Butcher’s sake.
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[hr]Location: Tess' Cabin
Interactions: Roxxy
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