Altered Tundra

World Beyond the Lexicon

And now the thread has some life!

_{so sorry it took me forever! It's been a crazy week for my writing habits}

World Beyond the Lexicon

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_{Location || Train → Forest → The Village — Outskirts of Genelogia • Interactions || Everyone we need dat @everyone tag}

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Caelum couldn’t deny himself some of the simple pleasures the train had to offer. Avalice was a beautiful place on its own and Caelum had spent many hours trying to bask in her wonders as much as he could, but seeing her pass by him as the train continued on its path was a different, if not pleasant, experience. Along with some spring rolls he had ordered and some refreshing juice, the boy had no complaints about how he were to spend his time.

Though, I could do without the death glares from the Queen of Thorns, Caelum lamented momentarily, daring not to look over to her. Instead, he led his gaze out the window, seeing the hint of colors that shouldn’t be there.

It wouldn’t be long after waking up from a short nap, heeding the advice to rest up when he could, they arrived at their destination. The first alert he got was from Professor Nyx who was less enthusiastic than the train conductor announcing it a few moments after. Caelum gathered the trash he had collected, grabbed his bag, and his sword, hoisting both on his person as he followed the rest of the class out. At a nearby trash can, he deposited the empty plastic juice box and sandwich wrappings into it.

As they made their way a little further away from the train, Caelum couldn’t help but observe the professor looking at a map and muttering something. He only heard the whisperings of “northern trail”, everything else was out of his range of hearing. Not like it mattered because, within ten seconds, the focused professor declared his instructions to the class, ordering them to stick close.

“And yet I hear nobody ask about the five-mile journey ahead of us.” Caelum let out an annoyed sigh, perking up immediately when the professor gave him the task of the rear, which was just the polite way of saying to the back of the line.

But Caelum was, if nothing else, able to follow simple orders.

From the back of the line, Caelum had the distinct pleasure of not being able to see most of his class, only those who were probably two or three positions in front of him. He had Stormbringer out as a precaution.

Traveling through this forest, although nowhere as serene as the plains and countrysides he’d been to during his couple of years of travel, Caelum felt more at peace being able to put his walking boots to use than being forced to sit down in a train (or in Han’s case, stand up for a few hours). He had fond memories of developing certain skills as he went, being taught what berries were poisonous, what healed, what were best as a snack for the road.

These memories often came with a backdrop of a reminder about how he was practically without family and maybe, in some way, Caelum clung to his class as a surrogate. Or maybe he was getting too lost in his memories of the past that he was getting too emotional.

But then again, Nyx, though not exactly, had a certain tough, strict older brother vibe that Caelum was starting to like.

Smiling at the thought, it was only after he forced himself to direct all of his efforts onto the path ahead did Caelum notice the odd coloring of the leaves. He noticed earlier, but he didn’t give it much thought, but now, as he looked around, something definitely wasn’t right, he just didn’t know what.

The group arrived and that feeling from earlier held more weight than he initially thought. The sight of a guy with bark for skin would do that, which clearly wasn’t natural. Or at least I hope it isn’t natural. Caelum’s understanding of this world wasn’t as expansive as some of his classmates, but he was almost certain having dark brown, barky skin wasn’t organic.

As he nodded, he kept most of his vomit-for-thoughts to himself and simply watched as those with the proper knowledge about unnatural conditions, Caelum just listened but found himself a little bored by the details. Still, he couldn’t help but voice his approval of the idea to gather information. “I second that notion!” Caelum added, which was nothing useful but it was out there nevertheless! “We’re strangers in a strange land with strange happenings,” Caelum mused to the others. “It’s all just very strange.”

Deify

False God of Dutches

Deify

God of Fairies

The Satsuma Rebellion - A Magical Incursion RP

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While it seemed like most of everyone was fixating on their sleeping arrangements and how inadequate said arrangements were, Phoebe, in all of her limited intrigue chose to center on the mention of the warehouses. As someone who has experience with them, she found not only what was said about them potentially holding supplies but, see Phoebe enjoyed danger. The prospect of running into those from the so-called “rebellion” excited her. So when there seemed to be practically the perfect opportunity to get her feet wet, the Chinese-American was going to be all over it.

Before making a move, the introductions started to fly out of people’s mouths. The older Lebanese woman called herself Samira. She was cute enough but that last name of hers was too hard for Phoebe to make out, so she simply nodded her way.

“Nice name--”

Phoebe scowled at Gus who rudely interrupted her attempt to make nice with the Lebanese-Canadian hottie, which Phoebe might’ve taken offense if she didn’t find his introduction absolutely enthralling. Maybe it was the small-town splendor and how he had it in quantities that just made her chuckle as he finished up. Gus was quite the character even if he didn’t know it yet.

As it came back around to her, Phoebe wasn’t going to waste any time. There was no way Bluestreak was going to get to it before her. So, with a noticeable cough, Phoebe spoke, “Sup? I’m Phoebe Wang. Nothing much to say about me. I grew up in China and come from a shitty family. I hate being told what to do and I really love my magic.” She extended her hand out, sending vibrations towards an apple she spotted in a bowl. She levitated it, sent it into the air and used her other hand to guide it gently down into her hand. “And I have a weakness for granny smiths,” she added, taking a refreshing bite out of the bitter apple.

Cancelled - until next time family. Thank you for understanding.

_{A @Ejected@HaleyTheRandom@Icy Hot@metanoia@smarty0114 Collab}

As the drinks were taken from her hands, Reyna was sure to save one for herself. While she definitely wasn’t the cheap type, alcohol at clubs was hella expensive. It always made sense to pregame.

Twisting the top off of the bottle before taking a drink, Reyna looked to Chloe, Ivy and Katie.

”Is there anyone else we want to invite? Maybe Ava?”

Katie eyed the bottles, wondering how acceptable it was to get drunk before five. She ultimately decided that she didn’t care much about how acceptable it was, especially given her earlier conversation with Carter. In fact, getting wasted before the sunset seemed like her best course of action.

“Ooooh, definitely let Ava know. She is stuck in a suite with Val after all,” Katie said, smirking as she picked up one of the glasses on the nightstand and poured a shot of Grey Goose. She tipped back her head and downed the clear liquid, wrinkling her nose as it burned a trail down her throat. She shook her head and poured herself another shot, before screwing on the lid and holding out the bottle. “Any takers?”

Chloe took a moment to blow a kiss at AJ and Aleks as they left the room, with the door shut and locked she turned her attention back to the girls, “Mm I usually like my alcohol sweet like my girls,” she took the bottle from Katie and twisted the cap off, taking a double straight from the source before passing it on to Ivy, “but I can make exceptions for french vodka. I’m glad you made it Katie, no offense but I definitely had my money on you chickening out, but here you are, hot and ready to fuck up the night with us. Let’s get Ava and get the hell on the road, I can order us a car!”

Katie grinned at Chloe. “Honestly, I’m glad I made it too, if only to see Val singlehandedly end the Tyler family tree. Though we have this girl to thank,” Katie said, playfully nudging Ivy.

Ivy couldn't help but tense up a bit at Katie's last statement, her smile faltering as she poured herself a shot from the bottle Chloe had passed on to her. It was after the young woman had forced the burning liquid down her throat that she faced the girls head on and shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, it was me who gave her the details of the trip." Ivy admitted, mostly to Reyna, with a sheepish grin. And it was in that moment that she realized how grateful she was for AJ and the rest of the guys leaving the girls to their own devices. "I mean, of course I did. Katie's our girl. It wouldn't be the same without her here... I just hope word doesn't get back around to Val and AJ, you know? I don't think they'd be too happy about it. And there's enough drama as it is."

Reyna shook her head at the blonde, holding one of her mini tequila bottles up ever so slightly in the air like a trophy. ”All I need is my one true love. I’m good.” Sipping as the conversation filled the room, Reyna nearly choked on her drink and Ivy admitted to inviting Katie along. ”IVY?! Holy --- giiirrrllll,” Giving her friend a sly grin, Reyna couldn’t help but to laugh. Of course it was Ivy. Ivy was the one who usually tried to keep them together. Not as forcefully as AJ, or with as much love as some of the others, but Ivy always had a plan. ”My lips are sealed, scouts honor and all that other shit.”

“If AJ does find out, feel free to tell him I held you at gunpoint until you gave me the details,” Katie said, grinning as she took a pull from the vodka bottle, ignoring her now empty glass, and sending it back into rotation. She hardly made a face this time, and as the third shot lit a fire in her stomach, she felt good for probably the first time today. Like, maybe, the world wouldn’t come crashing down.

With a half-smile, Ivy shot appreciative looks at both Reyna and Katie and said, "Let's hope it doesn't get to that point... Now, who's ready to find Ava and get this show on the road? I don't know about y'all, but I can't wait to explore Vegas."

”I’m just gonna go snatch her out of the room,” the Latina said, standing up from the bed as she shrugged her shoulders. ”She’s my main hoe. She doesn’t get a choice.”

Chloé followed suit standing up and stretching her arms above her head, “Let’s send Ivy in there to grab her, she’s the least hated by Val and Ava can never say no when it comes to her.” Chloé wagged her eyebrows as she linked arms with her sister and started towing her along to the door of the hotel room.

Reyna rolled her eyes as she finished off the last of her tequila. Val could suck her metaphorical dick for all she cared. All Reyna needed was for Ava to agree to come along. Making a pouting face in Ivy’s direction, Reyna was sure to add the puppy dog eyes for a little extra convincing. ”Can you please go rescue our Rapunzel?”

Katie grinned at Ivy, before sliding off the bed. “Chloe has made some excellent points, and I’m afraid I have to agree. You’re just too damn likable,” she joked, before turning around and giving her reflection a quick look in the mirror.

Laughing at Katie's last statement, Ivy shrugged her shoulders and let Chloe drag her along to the door. "Okay, fine. I guess I'll be the one to go get Ava... hopefully they haven't all killed each other in there." And without wasting another moment, the young woman pulled open the door and led the way to the elevator, where they'd then ride to the floor right below them, and walk down until they came to a stop at the front door of the Grand Lakeview Suite. Ivy unlinked her arm with Chloe's just before rapping her knuckles three times against the door, hoping that it would be Ava who'd answer. "Avaaa," Ivy called in a sing-song manner, slightly raising her voice so she could hear. "Come on, let's go!"

“About fucking time!”

Ava’s voice rang high, nearly seconds after Ivy opened the door. She came out from the bathroom, sporting a striped white midriff top and black shorts. Her hand was clutched tightly to her phone, a faint sight of the group chat with her and the girls in it and her purse dangling on the opposing shoulder. The room was kind of dull in activity, the looping echoes of music still playing from when she and Emilia danced for a song and a half.

“Any excuse to get the fuck out of this place is one I’ll gladly take.” Her laugh carried her out the door.

Chloe gave a short enthusiastic whoop as Ava finally made her appearance and held her hand out for a solid high five before dancing down the hallway back to the elevator, “Great to have you on board, now it’s time to jeter l’argent par les fenêtres!

The Worst Writing Advice

<Snipped quote by metanoia>

Fanfiction is also practice, and practice is ultimately the only way to get better.

As for my submission: "Romances shouldn't be planned"

@Obscene Symphony

Couldn't agree more with your first statement.

The Worst Writing Advice

"Fanfiction doesn't improve your writing"

Which is objectively false. Fanfiction helps one gain confidence to write in general (IMO) and thus will lead to one eventually writing their own stuff. It's why I also despise when people shit on fanfiction writers.

Meadow University

After they quickly dressed up and Joey had effectively made Jade’s hair appear as though she was given the royal treatment at Vermont’s most expensive salon, the two hotter than hell women were out of their sorority house, heels clacking on the concrete pavement, almost in unison. The symphony of leather and wood repeated for several minutes until they came to the parking lot where a white 2020 Toyota Highlander waited for them.

WIth a smile, Joanna tugged on Jade’s arm, pulling her in through the backseat directly behind the driver’s seat. Joey’s silver dress dragged against the leather, hiking it up a few inches.

By the time they were seated, despite how much of her legs were showing and that she could tell their Uber was doing his best not to stare - though he was human and fell victim to his impulses - she didn’t necessarily mind. Joey never cared about people looking. She was comfortable in her own skin and felt a sense of pride by showing it off. If only she was as confident with her emotions.

Mind on the prize, Joey! You’re going to dance the night away with the hot piece next to you!

Her sudden reassurance caused her to look at Jade for a moment or two, their eyes lingering on each other. It would’ve been longer, but the car started to move and Joey faced forward, focusing on the city getting closer and closer.

The ride into town went by in a literal flash. Maybe it was Joey’s mind constantly fading in and out, entertaining thoughts that she shouldn’t have or it was the conversations she had with Jade and their Uber driver. Or maybe it was her habit of always having to keep talking, to keep her mind moving without it ever taking a break. Maybe it was a combo of everything or maybe it was none of those and right now, Joey’s mind was playing out scenarios in which the line that separated reality and fantasy started to blur.

“We’re here,” the older Uber driver announced, his voice not as enthusiastic as Joey’s immediate reaction was.

“Right on!” Joey exited the SUV and repeated her earlier reaction by pulling Jade out with her.

And as the car drove away and Joey’s entire mood going from hopeful and excited to be absolutely crushed, she couldn’t believe what she was reading on a sign that hung freely on the door of City Limits.

City Limits is closed for renovations. 

Expected to reopen on November 2nd, 2019

“What!?”

Joey repeated the same word slowly over and over again, walking closer to it as though everything in her was destroyed just by reading the limited amount of text on the sign. Who could blame her? After the disaster of a week she had and especially after all of the convincing she had to do to get Jade to agree and the time spent getting themselves dolled up, Joey wanted to make mistakes tonight. She wanted to dance with anyone and everyone. She needed this for a lot of reasons. She needed to feel good, to be complemented by people she barely knew. She needed to make out in the bathroom, to get free drinks. She probably needed it more than Jade did, because Jade had confidence in herself and Joey only pretended she did.

Yeah, she needed this because, without distractions, Joey was left with the anguish and hurt that came with being all alone inside. Outside? Of course, she had Jade and there was obviously a part of her that loved Jade, but it wasn’t enough to fill up the void left by Lottie. Definitely not enough…

“What are we going to do!” Joey finally spoke up again. She was on the verge of crying into the building. “We spent all that time for nothing.” Now here came the typical Joey Hart pouts. “I mean, fuck! I need to do something Jade! I can’t go back to the house knowing we got dolled up for no reason!”

Current Mood in One Gif