ᴋᴀᴛᴇ ᴍᴀʀsʜ (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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singillatim2023-10-01 02:25 pm
castitas) wrote in singillatim2023-10-01 02:25 pm
open | leave the horror here
Who: Kate Marsh + you!
What: Making rosehip tea/syrup shenanigans; nightmares; feast preparations + more!
When: The month of October.
Where: Various places around Milton.
Content Warnings: Warnings in the individual prompts. As a general rule, themes of depression and suicide, possibly mentions of suicide attempt from last month from It Speaks prompt.
contact:![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
heolstor / _heolstor @ discord for plotting!
What: Making rosehip tea/syrup shenanigans; nightmares; feast preparations + more!
When: The month of October.
Where: Various places around Milton.
Content Warnings: Warnings in the individual prompts. As a general rule, themes of depression and suicide, possibly mentions of suicide attempt from last month from It Speaks prompt.
contact:
no subject
I'm totally sure—! [ She nods with another smile. Collecting firewood is totally something she can also do, or she can help with it at the very least. She'd probably not be able to get through anything with an axe. But she can collect things! And gather it up and load it onto the sled!
Back at the Community Hall, she's quick to drop off her things at her cot, safely and carefully storing things away. She can put any food into the pantry later when she comes back later, along with organising the other pieces she'd received. She's kind of looking forward to getting the Walkman she got in one particular trade working with some of the cassette tapes she got in others. In turn, she'll grab a few things to take with them: water, a couple of granola bars.
The sled now empty, they've got plenty of room to load it up with firewood. As they make their way out of the Hall, she stops upon the small entrance porch at the top of the steps and unwraps one of the bars and snaps it carefully in half. A little snack on the way there would be nice. ]
Here. [ She holds the broken-off half out to him. ] It's a granola bar. They're good for you, especially for energy.
no subject
It's yet another novelty for him, but one that's far less unsettling than some of the other things he's been exposed to in his time here — like electricity on Aurora nights, or heavy metal, or eee mails.... Unique modern food is much different of a novelty.
Though admittedly, it's one that does cause some discomfort, of its own peculiar category. He doesn't enjoy eating. In fact, he often goes out of his way not to.
But his body knows it needs to eat, and he realises how hungry he is while examining the strange little bar, that familiar empty ache within him yawning wider and wider, like a stretching mouth. Edward smiles at her and pockets the thing for the moment, giving a nod. ]
Thank you. I'll look forward to trying it as we head out.
[ Even now, he's repressing his hunger for a bit longer.... But if it's good for energy, it would do to sample it while walking, anyway. Give him a bit of gusto.
And so he begins to head that way, walking slowly so he can keep alongside Kate and the sled. He won't lead them out too far, not wanting to put her at risk in the deeper wilds. He's also mindful to head in a direction well away from the Basin. No need to draw her thoughts there any more, today. But this is a good time to check in with her on other things, as well. ]
Are things still going well, at the Community Center? No one has given you any trouble, I hope. There or elsewhere.
[ Nanny on the job.... No one better be messing with her or he'll have Words!!! ]
no subject
[ Honestly, she's not going to turn her nose up at a granola bar because it doesn't have chocolate on it. Besides, it's still sweet anyways — with some kind of syrup or honey (maple syrup, in this case. Sounds about right for Canada). And while he keeps his, Kate finishes unwrapping her half and eats as they walk, taking little bites here and there — taking her time with it, as if to make it last.
She nods her head and makes a soft sound in the affirmative as she chews in answer, then pausing slightly — the sticky-sweetness of the granola turning bitter in her mouth. It's there in her expression for a moment — enough to tell that things aren't... entirely 'going well'. There's another long pause and she finally tries to swallow, forcing the mouthful down. She's already spoken to Mr Goodsir about it, and she already knows fine well the dangers of a certain terrible mutineer — she's been fully warned by him.
But... she has questions, too. As much as she knows to avoid Mr Hickey, there was plenty he'd said that... arguably made sense, even if it might have all been hidden behind other motives. ]
Can... I ask you something important? [ Much like she respects Mr Goodsir's thoughts and advice, she respects the Lieutenant's, too. And while it's... not a nice thing to ask about, it is important.
She's so careful in asking, though. Or maybe it's why she especially has to ask. She knows the Expedition were stuck... for years. Starving and sick with poisoned food, out in the frozen nothingness. ]
Everyone's... gone. I've heard the road out of Milton to the south's all blocked up— [ A tunneled road through the mountains. Totally impassible. ] and there isn't any other ways out of town. No one's come for us, even if this is present times.
[ No rescue helicopters, no planes. Nothing. Even if someone doesn't know they're all here, no one's come for the people who lived here, either. No one knows they're dead, right? ]
Are... we trapped here?
no subject
I've not had chocolate in such a way before. It is served as a beverage, in my time. Hot — it would be nice if we had it here.
[ Something to be enjoyed on such cold days... Edward lifts his head towards that coldness as he leads them along, breathing in the sterile chill and exhaling soft puffs of fog. When Kate voices that she'd like to ask him a question, he's looking back down at her, expression even and patient, giving her his full attention; of course she can. But something catches hold of him, the way she's looking, the severity to it...
No one's come for us
His walking slows as he gives a soft exhale. The question feels like a sharp wire forcing its way through his heart, thin and slicing. 'Are we trapped here?'
Edward's quiet for a few long moments. Perhaps that reaction in itself is telling. He has no thought to lie to her, but..... to put that truth into words is something he's not wanted to do for anyone — and perhaps especially for her. This kind and gentle young woman who already knows what it is to feel so trapped, and who has suffered greatly for it. ]
We are, for this moment. [ Is the quiet answer. Not a lie at all, but also something that has some... hope to it. For this moment. Not forever. But.... yes, he will be honest with her. ]
...I do not know how long that moment may last. But the weather may clear, over time, enough that we can find a way through. I promise you, I won't stop trying.
[ He gives a firm nod. He won't give up. Not even if others do. He won't. But he continues after a moment, voiced softly. Has she been worrying about it, plagued by it? ]
It's something you've been.... concerned about?
no subject
Until everything else sobers her. Nice thoughts feel like a luxury, sometimes. She's quiet as she waits for an answer, patient. But she knows the long silence that follows gives the answer she's thinking of before he does answer. Her lips purse, brow furrowing. For this moment. ]
I believe you. I know you won't. [ It is hopeful, and she's grateful for it. She looks up at him with a small smile. She trusts in his determination, his resolve. He'd promised he'd get her home, once. To safety. Neither of them had known the reality of their situation, but she doesn't think that means his promise is broken. ]
I've been... thinking about things. [ As much as she doesn't like Cornelius Hickey, as much as he frightens her a fair bit — she's never been able to shake off the things he'd said. He'd... made points. ]
If we're stuck here, then— what if the food in town runs out. Or the animals run out, with winter coming. [ There's a beat before she tentatively adds. ] I know you know what it's like for things to be... difficult, like that. You and the others from the Expedition.
[ Others. Meaning: not just Mr. Goodsir. ]
no subject
He has been very careful what he tells Kate, and how. Some pieces have come over time, but... those specific worries — of food running out.... Edward pauses, watching the girl's face carefully as she muses quietly. 'I know you know what it's like'
'You and the others from the Expedition'
There's a beat as something strange and unpleasant catches against him, an odd realisation to the way those words are shaped. He now knows she's spoken with Goodsir, of course, and he can imagine the warm-hearted man might've made effort to warn Kate of some things in attempt to prepare her, but.... Edward frowns a bit, head tilted slightly. He will address these concerns, but first— ]
Have you..... encountered someone else from our Expedition? Someone who is not Dr. Goodsir or me?
no subject
But Cornelius Hickey is... a bit of a different case. There's dislike of him, but he... kinda scares her a bit, too.
She does make a point to explain a little further, her voice lowering a little. She's careful to mind herself. There's even a quiet look about them, just in case, but they seem to be on their own. ]
Mr Goodsir's already told me about him. That he started a mutiny, that he... hurt people. He's not a good person.
[ Goodsir had left out the far... grislier details of Mr Hickey's misdeeds. Rightfully so. But he'd said enough to emphasize he wasn't a good person, nor was he someone to be trusted. And while who knows what he wants here, chances are it's probably not that great.
There's a little inhale before she also adds: ]
Like, it's okay— he didn't threaten me or anything. He's scary but nothing happened. He probably doesn't want to talk to me again, anyway. [ Hickey doesn't like her all that much in return, really. ] Just... some of the things he said.... it's like they made sense. About all of this, us being here.
no subject
Perhaps it was foolish. He should have warned her before.... the way Goodsir apparently had. Shame and regret fight for dominance within him, mingled with a horror, and Edward's expression betrays some of that. He moves a hand up to his face, running it down over his mouth for a moment, eyebrows furrowed severely as he listens. It seems she hadn't learned... the extent of everything; it's not surprising that Goodsir would be careful with her, he's a wise man, and a kind one. That, at least, is a relief.
But only a short-lived one, because Edward's staring at Kate now, watching her as she speaks. It's quite clear from her tone and choice of words that it wasn't a pleasant interaction. Worry immediately burrows into him, and he's lowering his hand from his mouth, shoulders tensing. ]
What did he tell you?
[ Hickey's been playing nice around people, he thinks, trying to keep up this friendly facade. But he can turn nasty quick — and perhaps even more frightening than that, he's smart. Vengeful. Edward knows now what he's capable of. Holding grudges, seeking vengeance. ....Crafting plans, ones that take time. His stomach feels tight, queasy. He can't help asking another question immediately after; she'd said he didn't... threaten her, but... clearly they hadn't ended things on a good note. The implications of that.... ]
Was he... indecent to you? Uncivil?
[ Was he mean to you, Kate??? He better not have been mean to you!!! ]
no subject
[ Nothing that she hasn't heard before, in truth. And there's a little dullness to voice in that — it's nothing new for Kate Marsh. But she's a little uneasy — he looks so worried, and she doesn't want to trouble him further. There's a little guilt there, in her eyes. Like she wishes she hadn't said anything about it. And she knows he would likely tell her she'd have nothing to feel bad for, but she knows this is so much... that she's been so much for him. It's not fair. Burdens upon burdens.
But he asks. He asks what Mr Hickey had said to her, how he'd been with her. It feels wrong to keep it from him. She certainly silently debates over it for a few moments, fidgeting a little on the spot. ]
He said he... he 'hoped someone found me before we ran out of tins'. Talked about how we're pretty much abandoned here, that we have to rely on ourselves. And— with winter on the way— [ How much harder it might get. If they can't find game or fish or find things to eat. ]
That... [ She inhales, then sighs. ] 'morals' and a 'tenderhearted nature' can only get me so far.
[ Mr Hickey is not a nice man, and he's wrong about that. She knows it's... uh, crap. Goodsir had assured her the opposite, that they were important. Morals. Kindness. Assurances that echoed the Lieutenant's words up high over the basin. That who she is is meaningful in this place, that it's important — perhaps now more than ever. She tries to remember that more than she does Mr Hickey's words. ]
He... um, got really weird about God and then got real nasty about Him. To the point he was... kinda scary. [ That was... really... something. He was so bitter about it, and then so cold. She shudders without meaning to: If I were you? I'd think it would be a good idea to find something else to talk about. Kate had let the conversation drop, and Mr Hickey had been quick to leave, thank goodness. ]
I know not to trust him. That I need to be careful. I know that, now. [ She's... trying to assure him with that. Goodsir's provided enough knowledge to arm herself with. That she needs to be careful about him. ] And I've stayed away from him since then.
cw: mention of child death
And George, which was its own shock, and one that Edward has been unable to truly come to terms with.
So for him to have outright shown an unkind side to Kate..... is telling. Edward's nostrils flare again, jaw stiffening, lips tight as he looks off into the distance for a moment, eyes squinting. He's angry, so angry at the other man for this. Saying such things to Kate, frightening her. On purpose, it seems. He can't imagine it was ever for her good will; no, of course it wasn't. Mentioning the tins, running out of them... And even showing scorn of her character.... Does the man truly lack even a modicum of shame and decency....?
But of course, a large part of the anger is towards himself, as well. He hadn't shielded her enough, should have warned her early on. He was a fool. How many times now? How many times has he looked back with regret?
....He can't dwell on that now. No, this is much more alarming than his own agonies with himself; Hickey could very well see Kate as a target now. He's looking back to her, features still tight, angry, the usual warmth of his brown eyes darker — but through the anger comes a sort of desperation. 'Scary', she says. He got to that point. Angry? Personally offended? Any of those things could mean that Kate is now in danger. ]
It's good that you've kept away from him. That's very wise of you. [ He nods quickly; the praise is sincere. She's incredibly smart, Miss Kate Marsh. She doesn't look for trouble, either; she's a good, decent, kind person. And none of those traits are a damnable thing, thank you very much, Mr. Hickey!!!! But Edward's fear has him looking stricken again, eyes wide as he turns urgently to Kate and leans in close, as though forming a protective barrier around the two of them. ]
He is exceptionally dangerous. Moreso than even I had realised, for a very long time. He is a devil. [ It's not a word used lightly, where he's from. But he knows what Hickey is capable of. What he'll do to a person. ]
If he... says anything to you again, or if you feel threatened by him in any way, unsafe, you must inform me. Or if you notice him lingering around you... Even if he is only lingering around the Community Center itself—
[ He knows he sounds upset, urgent, tries to adjust his tone a little. Takes a breath, swallows. It's just... he doesn't know what to do, feels that familiar helpless ache within him. Can he guarantee this young woman's safety? Fully...? He doesn't want to scare Kate, but he needs to express the gravity of this. It's... an uncomfortable position; he deeply dislikes this. ]
....He is not like you or I. I fully believe that he would not hesitate to... remove someone he felt was in his way. [ His voice falls almost to a hush, eyes wide with severity. This man murdered a six-year-old child. It's.... unspeakable. ]
He would not care that you are young, or a woman. You must come to me, if he speaks to you again. No matter the hour. Please.
i think we could probably wrap this one?
He is a devil. It might not have the same weight in modern times, but it still holds weight for her — considering her beliefs. To call someone that isn't something offered so lightly, and she swallows hard at that, her lips a thin line.
She knows he probably doesn't mean to scare her about it all. That he would never intend to. But it's there, anyway. Mostly with the severity of it all, to really... drive it all home for her. The Lieutenant's dire seriousness about it all, even when he does try to soften it for her. Mr Goodsir had told her plenty, and she knows that she has to be really careful. But this is... different, in a way. Mr Goodsir and Lieutenant Little are two very different men. It's... like a warning she's never had before. And that's scary, despite how much he tries to be gentle with it all.
Of course her parents warned her of Stranger Danger, and of course she knows that there are terrible people in the world — of course she knows. But they've always existed beyond a glass pane, never crossing over, never moving into her space. Like it's almost imaginary but still real — there but not there, like some sort of strange variation of Schrödinger's Cat, in a way.
But, no. Mr Hickey walks among them. He is there, free. One of the community, despite the things he has done in his own world. Mr Hickey who has hurt people, caused the deaths of people. Who wouldn't hesitate to do the same in this place too, maybe. She can't help the slight tremble, she can't. ]
... I understand. [ It's hushed. Quiet, but clear. ] I do.
[ It takes her another moment, wavering a little. But she does look up at him again, nodding — a little cowed but at least able to look him in the eye again. For as much as she's frightened of Mr Hickey and what he's done, what he could do — she trusts Lieutenant Little more. Knows he'd do what he could to help, even if she's... worried about how that might go. ]
I— I really hope it doesn't come to that, that— that maybe he'll just stay away as much as I'll stay away from him. [ Avoiding one another is... honestly, super preferable. ] But— but I'll tell you if he does. I promise.