open | chapter 1 | march catch-all

[dies_irate]

« Who: John Doe and you!
« What: John makes his way to Milton
« When: March! Starting early March! Prompts to be added as needed!
« Where: Woods, Milton, and in between
« Content Warnings: none so far!

[ i. The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep... [journey to Milton] ]

John hadn't liked the castle, even after their host had stopped being a secretive fucking asshole, but he certainly liked it better than whatever fucking cave he wakes up in. The first reason is because it's cold as hell. Or. Maybe not hell, but it is extremely goddamn cold. The second is that somehow, somehow, he is not where he is supposed to be in a much more disorienting fashion than any other: he is not within Arthur Lester. He is in a body, a body that feels like his body, that has a collection of limbs and pieces that feel like they belong to him and, from his limited ability to look at it, looks the way he feels like he ought to look. The gold of the robes, the matte black of his skin and hair and claws, the way his right arm seems whole until the individual tentacles that form it separate and stretch like spread fingers-

Legs are new. He can't say he's a fan, especially these that don't even have toes like he'd gotten used to. It takes grabbing a freezing cold stone to push himself up, hooves skittering across the uneven floor at first before finally finding a catch, and then he's hauling himself into an upright position to start really looking around.

"Hel-"

A pause before he puts his claw to his throat. What a sentence that is: his claw, his throat. But more importantly, is that what he sounds like out loud? Fuck, that's weird. Okay.

"Hello! Arthur!?" A pause before- "...Yorick?"

That's what makes him look around, or rather pat down his robes to find the items that had apparently come here with him. The coin is surprising, given where he'd last seen it. The beastiary is a boon, one he's glad not to have lost. But the skull on it's chain, dead and lifeless, no yapping to be heard...

"Shit."

It's not the most auspicious start to a day, but it's also not the worst that he's had. After all, there are trees and snow and rocks, pieces of the real and physical world. It doesn't look like Addison to him, from what he remembers of that place, but it is at least Somewhere. Not the Dark World. Not the Dreamlands, or so he hopes.

It means he needs to get walking, try and find people, or at least a warmer place to stay. As such, he'll set off into the forest, looking for signs of life, movement, and always, always Arthur.

Feel free to find him on the way. ...he'd appreciate if you didn't try to kill him, but he won't be surprised if it happens.

[ ii. And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep. [entering Milton] ]

It's been a long, cold, unfortunate slog, the only benefit of which is the fact that he can wear with pride the 100% success rate at not falling into holes during his first sojourn on legs. It's the sort of thing that he holds to himself as tight as his robes against the frigid temperatures and the rising dark, something to tell Arthur about when he gets back to him.

Because he is getting back to him. That is not up for debate. It's just a matter of how long it'll take him to get there.

He sees the houses, avoids those that are dark and heads towards the greatest source of light. He'd considered trying to sneak around, gather information, learn what this place is and who lives here and what they might do to him if they saw him. But he also knows how clumsy he is in this new body of his, and large, and cold, and that someone caught sneaking would no doubt be thought of as a sneak. Instead, he decides to go (tentatively) for the larger gamble: he heads for the main area of town, the brightest light, the most people. He'll walk slow, gauge reactions, see if he can get someone to trust him at least far enough to let him get near a fire or perhaps provide some food (hunger? sucks) before he gives up, runs, and seeks some other place to go.

He remembers 'hands up' from those police on the island and readies his arms to put them up if asked.

Once more with feeling and in he goes.

[ iii. From what I’ve tasted of desire / I hold with those who favor fire. [community hall fire w/Arthur] ]

It takes a bit of coaxing, and more than a bit of looking out, but John does eventually come in from the cold. They head for the community hall, since the fire is always going there and John's been out in the wilds for quite a few hours. He'll finally get a chance to rest and soak in some warmth, his arms wrapped firmly around Arthur Lester now that they've been reunited. The size difference is a little funny but hopefully the giant non-human figure looks significantly less terrifying while shamelessly cuddling someone who seems just as glad to be there as he is. (The vibe is a lot more My-Neighbor-JohnDoedoe than anything else.)

Feel free to come by and say hi. He doesn't bite!

[ iv. I have walked out in rain—and back in rain. [around Milton] ]

Once John's here, he's... well, he's here. He can be found with Arthur or without Arthur, often in their home on Thompson (neatening up) or in the community hall, getting a feel for...

Everything, frankly.

He's new to this place, he's new to having a body, he's new to clothes (namely the largest coat he could find and a heavy blanket used as a kilt) and food. He's new to people seeing him, acknowledging him, speaking to him. He's new to being able to pick up a book by himself, being by himself in the physical world. He's new to fatigue. He's new to all of these senses that are both more vibrant and duller than what he might have had.

So if you catch him looking confused or looking around, or if he points at himself and looks to make sure you're talking to him, well... he's not fucking with you. This is all a lot to deal with.

[ v. One can see what will trouble / This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is. - closed to Arthur ]

It's as they're settling down in their home (their home!) in the loft area that John starts feeling the pull on his eyelids, the way his limbs are heavy and the urge to get comfortable becomes incredibly strong.

"Arthur... what's-"

[ Return player! New character! As you can see, he's a very obvious non-human! If you want to chat, or an individual starter, yarnzipan or the same on discord works just fine! ]

Comments

ii

[solitarysoul]

Its probably much better that John's decided not to sneak around town to find information, but at least this world hasn't thrown human-like monsters at them so the boy in the oversized coat and a bow on his back is only a bit guarded when the...creature nears the community center. "Oh, um, a-are you new here?"

Obviously, Levi would have recognized someone who looked like that.

Re: ii

[dies_irate]

It's not that John's stupid. He isn't, really.

But he has spent an inordinate amount of time being invisible, literally inside of another person, and that means people addressing him is a new (and slightly bizarre) thing (at least without a heavy New York accent... or... Yorick, he's not glancing down to his hip to look at 'Yorick'). This is why John legitimately turns his head, looking back and around to see who Levi's speaking to before the glowing golden eyes blink and he nods.

Tentatively-

"...uh... yeah. I was in a... cave?" Beat. "It's fucking cold out there. I thought I'd, um, try to find someplace warm."

He, unfortunately, did not show up with a certain lighter.

But he does see the weapons. The fact that's on his back and now drawn is encouraging.

"Can I move, or are you going to shoot me?"

He's just checking.

[solitarysoul]

He raises an eyebrow at John's momentary confusion but doesn't say anything. Maybe a culture thing? At least they spoke the same language. "Inside's much better. We've got a fire going in the hall most of the time. I'm sure there's some food too."

He cants his head, "Why, is there a reason I should shoot you?"
Sure, John looks strange and sinister but he's seen a lot of weird shit so demon-looking guys doesn't seem that strange. The skull on his belt is concerning, but, well, his world was far from pretty and after the man wearing the deer skull he's glad its just an accessory.

[dies_irate]

Immediate headshake. Oh, wow, that's... a lot when it's your head. It used to be bad enough when Arthur did it. But he peers a little closer.

"No." Just to be clear on that. "But I just-"

He gives a smaller shake.

"Forget it. So... towards the big building at the center there? With all the light?"

[solitarysoul]

He nods, "This is the community hall. Its like a meeting place but some of us sleep there too."

He turns towards it but pauses before entering. "Um, I've never seen someone like you before. I-I'm not sure how people will react."

iii.

[sputnik]

It's been a bit since he's popped into the community center. Konstantin's still recovering — or trying to — from the ice storm that ravaged the town over a month ago. The thing inside of him has lost all ability to heal itself in this place, and it seems to have been... damaged from such extreme temperatures, perhaps even fallen ill. It's likely only due to Randvi's efforts to provide warmth with her ability that it didn't die.

His condition isn't great, and he certainly doesn't help that with the way he still insists on venturing out where he can, going for walks or making visits to the small shops around Milton to pick up things here and there. He hasn't had much need to return to the community center, and in truth hasn't been too eager to. Being holed up there through the storm was... difficult.

But eventually he does make his way there during a much-needed break from a walk, shivering as he keeps one hand pressed to his abdomen, seeking the warmth of the fire. He's heading quickly over towards it when the sight of a pair already there draws him to an abrupt halt.

At first, it takes a long moment to really process what he's seeing, and even then he can't really... explain it. What he can understand is that Arthur is there, and though he doesn't look much like he's in danger (he and the— creature? seem quite cosy together, actually), there's a sharp edge of concern in Konstantin's voice that's very unlike his usual boisterous, friendly demeanour.

"Arthur?"

Re: iii.

[lestercraft]

It's easily the most peaceful Konstantin's ever seen Arthur look, despite the fact he is covered in the yellow-clad thing from the ribs down; his own are wrapped slack around what can be roughly made out as its shoulders, one ungloved hand combing through what evidently passes for hair. Honestly he seems quite zen about it all.

Until Konstantin's concern cuts through his mood like a knife, and he swivels sharply to look up in surprise.

"Kostantin?" He has to struggle to sit up a little, because John's arms tighten a little at the unexpected movement. "John, please- K-Kostya, come and sit, you must be freezing."

Re: iii.

[dies_irate]

John opens his mouth to ask a question, but he's been made abundantly aware that people hear him now so he closes it again and waits, patiently?ish for Arthur to explain who this is and why he's important to Arthur. He can't help the little tear of jealousy through him at the thought, but that brings memories of another snowy house, mistakes made he doesn't intend to repeat, and it cools him off considerably. He won't let go of Arthur (six months!) but he will loosen his hold so Arthur can sit up.

[sputnik]

As he tries to wrap his mind around what the hell he's looking at here, something suddenly flashes into the cosmonaut's mind with a jolt. Is this— some kind of Darkwalker thing? Konstantin knows the entity has messed around with some Interlopers more directly — it'd trapped Arthur in the mines once before, did something to his memory. Could this be...

But then he hears it as his friend shifts to sit up, the name uttered a bit more quietly. John.

Konstantin doesn't move closer yet, but he doesn't move back, either. He just stares, eyes wide and body tense, readying himself for— for something. The predominant concern is for his friend.

".....Are you all right, Arthur?" he finally asks, eyes not leaving the large thing that's wrapped up all around him. He knows the name John. But this... this isn't like anything Arthur described to him.

ii

[notarat]

Billy can't help it, really. The moment he looks up and spots.. well, something wandering around town. Someone who looks so obviously non-human, he startles. It's not even like this is the first non-human he's seen in this place, but most of the other ones have been.. well, a little more subtly non-human, let's say.

And there's absolutely nothing about John that's subtle.

It makes Billy worry at first that some sort of weird new danger in this place has made its way into town, and he looks around as if he's wondering where to flee, or who to inform about what's going on. If there's maybe someone else around he can hand over this problem to.

But then he looks back at John, and the other is-- well, he's not really doing much of anything, is he. It makes the alarm on Billy's face turn into something a little more baffled as he asks: "Who are you?"

It's definitely asked in the sort of way that the question's implication is almost more of a what than a who.

Re: ii

[dies_irate]

He pauses like, well, like a deer caught in a headlight frankly (maybe even a Doe?), before the expression on the mask-like face goes from surprise to fear to... well-

"John. My name is John."

The voice is unnatural, low and reverberating in strange ways and the angle it travels from is slightly weird. But the tone isn't a great booming terror from the woods. It's much more 'aggrieved person who's been walking for fucking ever and it's goddamn cold out and you're asking me dumb questions'.

Sorry, Billy.

"Where is this? Who are you?"

[notarat]

John is far too normal of a name for-- well, whatever this being is. To a point where none of this makes sense. For a moment Billy wonders if maybe the cold is getting to him or something, because how else would he be talking to someone who doesn't look human at all, but who is casually calling himself John of all things? That's even a normal name to Billy, and he's from Victorian times!

But his confusion doesn't seem fake, from what Billy can see. As odd as the other seems, he's reacting in the way Billy has seen many new people react. The way he knows he himself has reacted when he first found himself here.

".. we were taken here," he says.

(He kind of figures maybe the concept of that isn't as strange to John, considering he clearly does not seem like a normal person. Or at least less strange than it was to Billy himself.)

"By an unknown force," he adds, but then hesitates. He's not sure if he can trust John or not, but.. Billy points in the direction that leads further into town. "There is food and warmth at the hall, if you are looking for that."

[dies_irate]

He looks to where Billy has pointed, but he doesn't move to go. Instead, he looks back at Billy.

"...are they going to freak the fuck out if I go there, though?"

He's feeling cold and sore. He doesn't really feel like testing if he'll feel 'stabbed' or 'shot'.

The bit about being taken by an unknown force is a little bit too normal for him to really question. Yeah, okay, it's Tuesday. What else is new? The body, absolutely having a body, but the rest of it is just a new flavor of fuckery.

i, finally

[sukeltaja]

He's got things to a pattern now, which he both likes and dislikes. Tom's aversion to routine is purely because he prefers the vastness of chaos and how integral it tends to be to his creative process, but after being here for so long--and handling Alan and Scratch and Darling, to a lesser extent--he knows that it's nessecary here.

He gets up early in the morning and fishes because he can't trust Alan to do it, Darling is often lost to his own inner machinations and science, and it reminds him of better days and a better time. Childhood on a frozen lake, time spent on a dock with his wife at his cabin. Real, fictional, the feeling is the same.

He cuts through the forest on a whim, taking the long way to immerse himself in nature. Bundled up, fishing rod in his hand, enjoying the silence. At one point, he stops completely and closes his eyes. When he opens them, it's to see a shadow in the distance.

Tom's smile is gentle and friendly, lifting the hand without a rod in a silence wave.

Is he home, then? Back in the Dark Place, if a phantom is lingering in his sight? There's a very selfish part of him that hopes that's exactly the case.

Re: i, finally

[dies_irate]

John has not yet gotten to Arthur yet, not yet truly found anyone yet, and his experience with people is...

Limited, to say the least.

But a person, and one out on their own, is a better bet than anything else for finding out what the fuck is going on, where he is, and what's happening. It's also just one person who he can probably overpower if worst comes to worst, as opposed to a large group where he would be at their mercy.

That's why he'll approach the man, a little wary at the smile for any number of reasons, and does his best not to disturb anything as he gets closer.

"Hello," he says, and his voice is certainly nothing human. The tone, however, is careful. Not really intimidating. "Do you know where this is? Where... we are?"

[sukeltaja]

The creature speaks.

Tom smiles wider, clearly pleased, and the hand in the air drops and fits nicely on his hip, chuckling.

"Sure do! You scared me, man. For a second I thought you were the Darkwalker."

He certainly looks like it, and now that he's closer Tom cants his head to the side, squinting as he openly looks. More goat than wolf, but enough for Zane to be simultaneously intrigued and wary. It's a novel feeling here. He embraces it whole-heartedly.

"Aren't you interesting?"

[dies_irate]

"The... Darkwalker?"

It's the first time he's ever heard that term, though he'll hear it no doubt in times to come. It's not a name he's ever heard given to the King in Yellow, however, nor Hastur or even any of the other beings he's read about in the beastiary or his scattered memories. He steps a little closer, since he seems curious but wary.

Wary means he also thinks John might be able to overpower him, which is a good sign.

"I... suppose." He looks down at himself, shivering before looking up, the glowing golden eyes narrowing a little to peer at him. Then he'll try and move forward.

"My name is John," he offers. "What's yours? And... where are we?" A pause. "Or when are we? What year?"

Sleepy time <3

[lestercraft]

Arthur is used to, by now, being cold and tired and sore, from a million little aches locking up his body in the fucking dead of winter. But having John means a reason to start a fire, get some warm food in them both and the loft fully blanketed for them both.

He's so ready to pass out in the safety of their nest.

"John?" But when John sounds confused, his own comfort gets pushed aside to watch his friend closely, concerned as he tries to work out the tells of this body. "What's the matter- a-are you alright, are you hurt?"

Re: Sleepy time <3

[dies_irate]

John looks... weak. His glow is dull and he wobbles weakly. They'd been slowly winding down but this time, it seems like the winding is going to end up with a stop. But John isn't used to that. John has no idea what's going on.

"Arthur, why do- why do I want to close my eyes?"

Re: Sleepy time <3

[lestercraft]

"I-I don't know- come down here," he says, already reaching up to grab John's face with both hands, using one thumb to gently tug one of his eyelids up, as if he'd be able to make out his pupils or something. "No one's mentioned anything lately besides the Old Bear, have you eaten anything- strange, maybe? Any weird dreams?"

Re: Sleepy time <3

[dies_irate]

There are no pupils there, just the faint golden glow, and John automatically leans into the touch regardless of the prodding. It's such a boon, to be able to touch Arthur, to be touched.

But he blinks and shakes his head.

"I don't... dream, Arthur. You know that. When would I dream?"

He's never slept other than by Horig's touch.

iv

[readytosee]

Darling isn't the best at chopping wood, but he's learning, certainly. It's all just applied physics. Force and angles and all that. Once he has the math down, it gets easier. But that is exactly what he's doing when this... being wanders by his cabin, during his exploration of the town. Out in front of the little cabin, trying to break down some branches into fire wood for his various stoves.

"Oh!" is his initial reaction, nearly dropping the axe in surprise, but managing to set it down properly at the last minute. The thing? No that seems rude. The being is huge. Casper Darling is a tallish man himself, at a shade over six foot, but this... person? Has him by a good foot or more. "You are -- so interesting, hello. Uh."

Maybe he should be more worried. But the being seems to just be walking. Not advancing on him, not giving any signs of impending attack or ill intent. So he'll stay on guard, but be friendly until it's clear he shouldn't be.

He's seen stranger things at work, honestly.

"I know I've been a bit of a hermit, but I'm pretty sure I haven't seen you around before. Here or back home."

Re: iv

[dies_irate]

The 'oh' actually has John rearing up in surprise as well; he'd just been venturing out, wrapped in a few blankets and skirts as the only things that properly 'fit' him well, with his 'hood' and horns visible from above the swirl of fabric and the sheep's legs below. He watches Darling in return, glad that the axe goes down, but the mention of being 'interesting' is... well, at least it's not insulting.

When he doesn't approach and doesn't seem to be willing to fling that axe-

"No, I've only recently arrived," he says in a voice deep and reverberating unnaturally. The golden eyes focus but don't narrow. "My name is John. I live with Arthur. He's my partner."

Beat.

"And you are?"

[readytosee]

"Casper Darling, formerly of the Federal Bureau of Control in New York. America, 2019." It's become necessary to specify all these things, he's found, in his time here.

"But Arthur! Arthur Lester, is that it? Uuh British, moustache." Quite a collection of interesting facial scars, but that seems impolite to specify. "It's nice to meet you, John. Are you two nearby? He and I had the most fascinating discussion about dimensional travel."

[dies_irate]

He perks up considerably at the mention of 'New York'. After all, it's one of the few places he actually knows about. He's been there! But 2019-

Is completely forgotten at the mention of Arthur. Oh, he's well aware that Arthur is here, and has been staying with him at this point, but Arthur is a topic he knows and is willing to talk on and actually feels some confidence with. The glow of his eyes heightens at the mention, as he nods.

"Yes." It's strange, having an address. But it's nothing he's been told that he shouldn't talk about. "We're at 12 Thompson-"

And new topic out the window too.

"Dimensional travel?"