Roleplay ~The Happy Journal~ (Roleplay)

[Endless Thundaga 533]

-Jynn Venas-

 

With the theif caught, Varius apologizes to Jynn. "I'm fine. You're just trying to catch a criminal. I'm glad he has been caught. I forgive you." He turns to Mel, who was still nervous. A young woman managed to calm Mel down, while grabbing hold of the reins. Jynn notices this and runs towards her, while apologizing to Varius. "I'm sorry to cut this introduction short, but I need to catch my horse. Good day." He nears the woman. "Ma'am, I am so terribly sorry! He spooks easily sometimes." As he grabbed hold of the reins with Fennel, he takes a moment to look at her face. Does he know her from somewhere? Something about her seems familiar. Not only that, but her expression soothed Jynn's worries, making him blush a little too. He was afraid to scare her away. "I'm sorry about that ma'am....... Anyways, are you alright?"

[Shard the Gentleman 2,891]

TIME: LATE NOON- 1 HOUR UNTIL SUNSET

 

~Gumshoe (The Sheriff)~

 

              "Alright!" Gumshoe pumped his fist a bit. "It's a little late today, so maybe another day you can stop by." Gumshoe jogged off towards somewhere unseen, but from his trail, the barber shop was going to be his stop.

 

~James Harper~

 

             James listened to Vanitas' words of concern. He walked over to him, and switched books, reading what Vanitas had.

 

             "This... is getting serious. I didn't think we'd find anything like this..." James looked out the window. It seemed he was running low on time to visit the playhouse. With this new information, he was more afraid than ever.

 

             "Vanitas. I think we need to stop for today. I have to do what my entry told me- I really don't want to end up being followed like this guy..." James took the remaining three glowing books, and two with him, placing the other in Vanitas' hands. He returned the previously read novels, and started down the stairs.

 

             "I really want to get to the bottom of this, Vanitas. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I'll help you investigate, but I'll be even more careful about following the entries now more than ever."

[Stardustblade358 806]

Vanitas frowned, now feeling guilty. He had ended up dragging James into this, and by the signs from what they were reading, things with the journal seemed to be much darker than what they originally appeared to be. "I'm so sorry, James. I didn't mean to get you dragged into something this...dangerous." Vanitas said, reading from the book he was handed over. Yes, he knew something was odd. This only proved him further. But he didn't think it would be so dire. He didn't want to end up getting someone hurt for the sake of his curiosity. The Unversed settled down the books that they had picked up, walking over to Vanitas as they tugged at his pants, trying to cheer him up. Vanitas closed the book gently, setting it back into the bookshelf. "Don't stick your neck out too far, James. My curiosity has gotten me in trouble before, I don't want to end up dragging you down into something unfixable later on...I'm grown and yet I still get myself into trouble, don't I?" Vanitas said with a soft smile, following James down the stairs as he waved away the Unversed, the little creatures disappearing into shadows. He felt the Journal against his chest in its safe possession, feeling an ache of just thinking what kind of secrets it could tell, yet chose to keep hidden all along. "The journal is meant to create happiness. But sometimes happiness can blind us...be careful James. I worry that these Journals know us more than we know ourselves." He said, pausing as he glanced at the door. "Would you like some company in accomplishing your entry? I already did mine today by the nunnery."

[Cam1949 21]

Varius looking at his hand somewhat disappointed that Jynn didn't shake his hand but shrugged it off, 'I guess he is scared of me since I have animal features and I just used magic.'  He thought to himself, he smiled and waved at Jynn, his horse, and Fennel and turned around to head to the library wanting to learn more about his heritage and why animal people were and still are hated. He does feel the pain of using to much of his life force and knows that he needs to find someone to get some energy from before he collapses from exhaustion. He reaches the library slamming the doors open and calling out "HELLO!?!?" Using all of his upper body strength to keep himself up leaning against the info desk.

[Shard the Gentleman 2,891]

~James Harper~

 

              Company... James felt the presence of Vanitas' question would linger should he deny him. He swallowed the last of his nervousness down in an attempt to clear his head, and turned to Vanitas.

 

             "Okay. Let's pretend that everything is fine, and head to the playhouse. I don't think they're preforming today, but practice is almost always going on." James led Vanitas the remainder of the way down the stairs and onto the first floor, where someone seemed to be screaming near the information desk. James rushed over and greeted him.

 

             "Hi, yes, hello. Is there something I can help you with?" James looked over to Vanitas and held up a finger, seeming to say 'this'll just be a minute.'

[Cam1949 21]

Varius weakly held out his hand for a hand shake going in and out of conciseness needing life force really badly now, and said exhaustively "Do you have... Any ... Books... On... Animal people?"

[Vaude 536]

Fennel

 

Fennel smiled at Jynn as he came near her, letting the reins fall into his hands, as he was evidently the rider and owner of the horse.  She glanced at him curiously, too, some recollection being gathered about him.  Was this young man a ranch hand?  Perhaps a squire to some well-to-do noble, or maybe a guard?  He seemed dressed differently than any of the selections, the cloths more suitable for show than for comfort or hardiness, but regardless of her thoughts she answered his question.  In the distance the animalistic fellow that yelled into the sheriff's office yelled into the library as well, inspiring a new chuckle from her.

 

"I'm all right!" she replied cheerfully, patting down her dress after reestablishing herself.  "I'm still a little shaken up by recent events, but that's the day-to-day around here, I suppose.  There's always something new around every corner!"  She tossed another upturn of her lips and performed a hasty curtsy with one hand.  "I'm Fennel, Fennel Gusset.  Pleased to meet you and your horse.  I tend gardens here and there, but I don't often see you around for some reason or another.  Are you a guard?"

 

She scanned over Melstrome once again, trying to recall where she saw him beforehand.  Perhaps the young man was able to help refresh her memory.

[Shard the Gentleman 2,891]

~James Harper~

 

              "Eager, aren't we?" James immediately took notice of his excitedness and exhaustion. This person really needed that book! Probably a personal interest, maybe they wanted to gain self confidence? Who knew. It wasn't James' business to guess either.

 

             "Luckily, you aren't the first person to ask for a book on 'Animal People' this week. We have a few right here!" James bent over and reached under the desk, bringing out a pile of books with humans with animal features on the covers. "This one specifically is very popular." he picked up the one on the top, and put it into Varius' extended hand. "Enjoy! Sorry to rush off."

 

             James hurriedly joined Vanitas again, reading to head towards the Playhouse.

 

10 Minutes Until Sunset!

 

             The two arrived right on time. The players rushing around on the stage, practicing lines they seemed to have known for years now.

 

             "I Want to be Your Canary..." James noticed, recognizing the lines with ease. "Written by Lord Avon. Are you a fan?" James asked Vanitas.

[Stardustblade358 806]

Vanitas waved at Varius as they rushed away to the Playhouse. Once they arrived, they were practicing non-other than 'I Want to be Your Canary'. Classic. He turned to James, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah. I've seen this one before." Vanitas said, pursing his lips. "I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. Romance and all. Though I don't like this one as much compared to other works. In the end they die, don't they? They died trying to achieve something as simple as love...it's sad. Unfair. It's a play and all...but it's not hard to imagine such struggles to happen to someone somewhere too." Vanitas said, feeling the journal in the hidden pocket. "Then again I haven't found anyone who I would feel strongly enough to die for yet. So maybe I just haven't felt it until then." Vanitas admitted, getting his hands in his pockets as he watched them practice. He decided to lighten up his thoughts, playfully nudging at James. "What about you? Found anyone that's caught your fancy yet?" Vanitas teased. He couldn't let his thoughts get the better of him. Especially now with the knowledge he had of something beyond the Journal. These Keepers.

Edited October 18, 2017 by Stardustblade358

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Fennel introduces herself. She's a gardener, but she seemed more interested in Jynn's occupation. "I'm Jynn Venas, and this is my 'partner in crime', Melstrome." Mel rapidly nods his head, clapping his lips. "I'm the manager at a small ranch where people rent horses to travel to other towns." He takes a longer look at her. She didn't spark any kind of memory within him, but she still seemed familiar.

 

It was getting late..... And Jynn needed to get back to the gate as soon as possible, but he wanted to get to know Fennel more. Perhaps he could see her again after his duties, or tomorrow. He makes haste and mounts Mel. "I'm sorry to make our introduction brief, but I have to go." He turns Mel towards the road, but looks back at Fennel. "Life's not easy when a book makes you do things, heh." Jynn was not afraid of referencing the journal. He then gets Mel to gallop down the road. "Hope to see you again soon Fennel!"

[Cam1949 21]

Varuis disappointed by everyone he has met so far since no one wants to shake hands with him, but he takes the book, heads to a table, sits down and collapses on top the book almost like he fell asleep with his valuables still in his messenger bag that is on his shoulder.

 

(Sorry this is a short one, but not sure what else I can add to it.)

[Vaude 536]

-Fennel-

 

Fennel made a curious face at the mentioning of the journal, happy yet surprised at the honesty of the young man Jynn.  It was a breath of fresh air from the norm, and she was gladdened of it.  Furthermore, she was correct in her guess that he worked at the ranch, but the manager of it?  There were not many youthful people that owned a business of such a scale.

 

"It's no problem at all," she voiced, a new smile blossoming on her countenance as he twisted his horse around.  "It's good to meet you, sir!"

 

As he headed off, she allowed herself to look at his back for a few seconds, murmuring under her breath that she hoped to see him again as well.  It was not much, but it made the possibility much more real to her than simply internalising the thought.  Turning her head back towards the garden, she made a face.

 

It's getting late and I still haven't done much with these plants.  It will still be here, though, when I come back tomorrow.  And speaking of journals, I must head back and collect mine to see if I can still do my entry.  I hope I'm not too late.

 

Gathering her supplies and placing them close to the wall in her finely knit burlap sack, she turned towards her cottage and went down the road, glancing at the library, Sheriff Gumshoe's establishment, and the Dragon's Wing Inn as she did.  Today was an event-filled day, and she felt the need to visit the local tavern for a cup of hot raspberry leaf tea with half a shot of gin, her favourite beverage.

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

--Genesis--

 

The tall redhead had been wandering the streets for a while, never feeling quite so aimless.  Here he was, looking for a servant and his friend to befriend, and he had no idea who he was looking for, or where they would be.  Could they be any friend and servant?  Were there multiple options?  Genesis didn't think so, but he thought everything happened for a reason, and if he put enough effort into finding these two people that his good fortune would be secured.

 

"This is fine, my lady."  A young lad bowed toward a similarly-aged female.

 

"It's just Aya!  You know that."

 

Both young people entered a building, causing Genesis to pause in the middle of the streets, amidst carriages, shouting people, and several small children bustling about.  It seemed that the young woman, Aya, held some kind of authority over the young man, who treated her as though he were a . . . servant?  Possibly?

 

Regardless, it was the best lead that Genesis had yet, and thus he followed the two into the store, which happened to be one selling fabric.  Rolls of luscious cloth were propped along every wall, and in the background Genesis thought he could hear the hum of a sewing machine.  The building had an odd aroma to it, as though it were scented with cinnamon and perhaps something else.  He saw the pair a short distance away, though he didn't want to appear as though he were stalking them.  He watched and waited, preparing for a good moment to try "befriending" them, hopefully at a moment where he could offer his services.

[Lady Aleister 1,677]

With Veran's crimson eyes passing by Genesis's, he helped Aya pick up what she needed, and was about to head out before Aya, being the short person she was and insisting to hold her new fabric (despite Veran's advice) that almost towered over her, ran right into Genesis. 

"Ah! I'm terribly sorry!!" Aya exclaimed as she hit the man kind of head on, but it was her fault for not watching where she was going. 

Veran quickly picked up the few fabrics she had dropped and folded them neatly so she could actually see where she was going instead of having balled up fabric in her hand, which would not help anyone at all. 

"Please excuse my master sir, she can be quite clumsy." Veran bowed to Genesis.

"Clumsy? Not a day in my life am I clumsy!" Aya tried standing up for herself.

"I beg to differ, but you will not accept the truth of your many quirks," Veran said this a little low, and glanced down at the hand of Genesis, noting the journal. 

"Ah, I am aware of Aya's, but we are not the only two..." checking his breast pocket to assure himself his small journal was still there, he pulled his eyes away from the other man's journal. 

"Let me take you home Aya, and then I must be off." 

[Endless Thundaga 533]

As soon as Jynn reaches the gates again, he dismounts Mel. "You stay right here." Mel nervously watches as Jynn checks around the gate. After checking, he waits for the sun to fall. He quickly recalls what his duties were. "So, after the sun sets, I need to keep watch for five minutes? Alright then." He draws out his sword and jabs the tip into the ground. He waits patiently for the sun to go down.

[Shard the Gentleman 2,891]

=SUNSET=

 

~James Harper~

 

              James blushed a bit at the question- he wasn't sure if he should respond playfully, or in defense of himself.

 

             "I uh- I don't uh... well, I don't know anyone. Well, I mean, I know everyone, b-but not on a personal level or anything." James stuttered, realizing quickly he should've responded playfully. Maybe he still could?

 

             "I mean, what would I even say to such a person? 'No cloud, no squall shall hinder us?'" James threw his arms at the setting sun with a welcoming gesture, acting as if he himself was Marcus in "I Want to Be Your Canary." The line was said almost simultaneously with a man on stage, who was assuming the role of Marcus himself.  James laughed, heartily. More than he had in awhile. He'd been stuck in his room alone, only ever visiting town to shop or see plays. He never realized how without friends he was until he had met Vanitas, who offered to go to the stage with him.

 

             Vanitas was a good guy. James was sure. He was scared at first, worried that Vanitas would attempt to convince him to ignore his Journal completely, and submerge the world in chaos.

 

             The Journal.

 

             James had almost forgotten. The smile left his face, his laughter died off.

 

             "Vanitas. Thanks for coming with me."

MEANWHILE

 

             Hungry. Hungry. Starving. Starving. Eat.

 

             The thoughts repeated in their heads. The pack together had been traveling the woods nearby the village for quite some time- a long time without food. The occasional rabbit or hawk was not enough to satisfy an entire pack of Wolves- much less the Keepers.

 

             This group of seven lumbered through, breaking twigs, their black, melted ears twitching with every sound. Their dark blue eyes, shimmering even in the dark, could see every weak point on every animal near them- but with the village taking more care of cattle and sheep, eating was getting harder- and that wasn't the only thing making them hungry.

 

             They continued, each molted leg of coal making a small stump with each step. Their faces were the same as all of their body- black, almost cooled lava texture. Their middle sections were made of an elastic none would be able to describe- they could turn their upper half completely around, as to attack with their clawed hands.

 

             They were the realms toughest predators- and probably the most dangerous. That confidence carried in them. They could beat anyone. The could eat anything.

 

             It was just ahead. A big, meaty creature, with a mane of grace. They could hear it's heartbeat. They could see through its skin, their eyes accessing every possible one-hit area. They grew impatient. They started huffing with anticipation, and began running, now on all fours instead of their usual two. The creature was a horse- a creature they didn't see often.

 

             And they were starved.

[Stardustblade358 806]

Vanitas chuckled as James gave the stance, portraying like one of the characters for mere moments. "I was thinking more around the words of Shakespeare; 'My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite'. Or something around that tone." Vanitas hummed playfully. "It's my pleasure. Thank you for not kicking me out of the library despite my crazy claims or ideas. Even after bringing you into this...rabbit hole involving our Journals." Vanitas said, his hand once again reaching to where he kept his Journal. He always felt that there was something missing before. Maybe friendship was a way to fill the void of...well, whatever it was voided of. He glanced over to the window, seeing as the rays of the run shone through, the staff beginning to light the place up as night approached. "I better get going. It's getting late. If I don't do inventory on the materials before tomorrow the old man will have my head." Vanitas said with a chuckle, looking over at James. "Let's meet up again soon. Yes? Besides...we still have a mystery to uncover." Vanitas said, taking a few steps back as he waved at James. "Good night James. If you ever need me, the shop's always open for ya." With that, Vanitas turned, stepping out of the playhouse as he held his Journal tight. "(I knew it was a matter of time before something slipped up.)" Vanitas thought, gripping the space of the Journal. "(What the hell are you?)"

[Endless Thundaga 533]

It was sunset, and Jynn has waited the preferred quota. He takes his sword out of the ground and heads back to Mel. As soon as he mounts, the horse turns his head and ears towards a sound. Jynn could detect this as well. Using his senses, Jynn identified seven creatures running towards the duo. It is unknown what they are, but Jynn did not feel like dealing with them. "Ugh....... is this why that stupid journal wants me here? I'm going to pass." He gets Mel to turn back towards the town and reach a gallop. Jynn hurls two orbs of lightning at the ground, acting as mines should the creatures step on or get near them. To make sure Mel attains maximum speed, Jynn sacrifices his saddle to lessen the weight. He hurls it backwards at the creatures.

Edited October 25, 2017 by Endless Thundaga

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

-  Vincent - The Dragon - Dragon's wing Inn - 

 

Today was a pretty regular day, eventful, yes, but regular. He attended the customers, had some rooms rented with the help of his employees, made a few drinks for regular customers and of course, he got some tips for his good job as a bartender. 

 

With the journal entry done, Vincent would periodicaly pull out his journal from his back pocket to check if there was anything new, it was always good to check. It was pretty boring actualy, pretty monotonous. 'Journal, mom always told me to follow it. but according to her, father never followed it at all.' Vincent always had this lingering thought, should one day he refrain com completing the required task? The neighborhod friendly Gardener.

 

A familiar face came through the tavern's doors, a regular customer. One he fancied as a friend, Fennel, he gestured for her to sit down at the table with a warm smile. "Good day Fennel!" Vincent greeted her. "What brings you to my humble tavern?" He also added in the friendly joke. 

"Want your usual drink?"

[Vaude 536]

- Fennel -

 

The friendly neighborhood gardener waved back at the innkeeper Vincent, a radiant smile on her face as she acquiesced and took a seat at the table.  She needed the amiability of another to distract her thoughts of the Journal.  After coming home and finding out that it did not want her to be near a horse, she felt very glum and knew punishment awaited, but for the moment it was much better.

 

"To keep your business up and running, of course!  And yes, the usual and maybe a surprise food, if you please," she answered chipperly, opening up a small, leatherbound notebook she brought along to a fresh page.

 

She greatly enjoyed being a patron of this tap and tavern.  Partially it was for her favourite drink and the atmosphere, but there were other reasons.  In the meantime, she unraveled a stick of charcoal from her handkerchief, and started doodling a sketch for her next painting, feeling a smattering of fresh inspiration dawning upon her.

[Shard the Gentleman 2,891]

~James Harper~

 

              "We could meet at the library tomorrow. See ya." James was no longer in the mood to be around anyone after the thought of the Journal was brought back up. Was this the reason the Journal brought him here? To feel this depression?

 

             Was it to help him realize he needed friendship?

 

             James didn't want to think. Who would want to be friends with him? Why? He didn't even want to be friends with him. Especially not after what he did.

 

             ...What did I do? James suddenly felt a guilt as heavy as an iron blanket envelop him. What was eating away at his consciousness? Did he want to know, or was this some non-direct anxiety- or did he really do something? Something terrible? Something that made him cry, something that made him pick up the gun and...

 

             A gun? James didn't need this tonight. James was done. The moment he realized he was in his room once more, he fell asleep almost instantly. No need to deal with anything like this ever again.

 

MEANWHILE

 

             No. No. That's not in the rules. Not in the rules! This man wasn't supposed to be here! just the horse. The horse! The horse with it's pulsing heart and racing panic! The Keepers- they can't touch that man! He hasn't done what was needed yet.

 

             If they could, the Keepers would curse Alter-Ego for giving them this limit.  This limit that was in the way of their hunger problem. That man, that man, that man. No. No. No. Do not touch. Do not.

 

             Retreat. Woods. Quiet. Darkness. Go. The horse would live.

 

             Their hunger strengthened. They felt another insurgence. It was getting close. Another day. One more day. One more day.

 

=END DAY ONE- DAY TWO BEGIN=

 

(If you have some unfinished business in Day One, feel free to finish it with your next post )

[Stardustblade358 806]

Vanitas headed straight home. Advantages of being a Blacksmith apprentice; your workplace was right beneath your house. Blacksmith shop and forge on the first floor, home on the second. He summoned the Unversed to help out with the inventory, which made the work much faster than doing it alone. Silver, Steel, Malachite, Iron...so on and so on. Once he was done, he took a well deserved shower and suited up in his pajamas, ready to call it a night. He went ahead and crossed out the day down on his calendar, pausing for a moment, before adding 'Meet James after Work' onto the square of the next day. "There." Vanitas hummed, setting the pen away as he retreated to his bed, snuggling in before turning to turn off the lamp. He hesitated, staring over at the Journal that stood right on the nightstand. He smirked a bit. "I'd say I finally got to know more of you today...let's hope I can get to know you even better tomorrow." He hummed playfully, giggling to himself as he switched off the lamp and curled up in his bed. "Good night." He hummed, closing his eyes. To himself. To the Journal. To whoever. Before quickly falling asleep, and once again his dreams taking hold.

 

It was always the same. It was like trying to receive a poor signal through a sea of static. Whatever came through never came complete, struggling against being pulled away from its destination. "He ain't go------- it. --------'s gotta br--- that loser in." "----------ry, Ventus... ---------never see ---- again."  "Correct. -------- Ventus. His -------------------- mine now." There was nothing to see either. Just static. But strangely enough, out of everything, one thing did stood out. A pair of blue eyes staring right back at him.

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

--Genesis--

 

The redhead lost his footing as Aya bowled into him, knocking him into a rack of yarns that toppled to the ground.  The shopkeeper shot him a glare, though he pretended to ignore it.  These two were his focus for now.

 

"It's fine," he said, brushing locks of hair from his eyes.  "No harm done.  Nice fabric, by the way.  What are you planning on making?"

 

Genesis' eyes met with Veran's, though narrowed slightly as he took note of Veran eyeing his notebook.  He shifted it under his arm so that it were less conspicuous.  Surely there was no way that Veran knew anything about the notebook . . . right?  Was it one big conspiracy, that everyone knew about his notebook and were secretly after him?  He certainly hoped not.  After all, the journal had instructed that Genesis befriend these two; surely it wouldn't lead him to a series of unfortunate events.

 

"I would not have assumed that you two were master and servant," Genesis said at last, uncertain of how to keep the conversation going with complete strangers.  "You both seem incredibly comfortable with one another.  Perhaps more like best friends, or even something more."  He smirked, though didn't assume that this last statement would receive a very positive reception from the two.

 

He didn't wish to hold the two up, and he would have to return to the library soon to finish his work.  Genesis gave the two a slight bow.  "Well, it was a pleasure meeting with you two.  My name is Genesis; I work at the local library here in town.  Should you ever need anything when it comes to the written word please do not hesitate to ask."

 

(I think I'm good for the timeskip now. : ))

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn has made it back into town, but noticed the creatures weren't following him anymore. Getting Mel to preform a sliding stop, he faces back at the woods. "Odd....... What was that about?" He checks his pocket watch, but something came to his mind. "Are those creatures connected to the journal somehow?" He hears a metallic object drop on the road. Turns out Melstrome has pulled a shoe off. "Mel you clumsy beast." He checks the watch again. It was too late to get him shoed. "I'll have to take you to the blacksmith tomorrow. Let's go home."

 

They returned home with Mel receiving more water and a bucket of grains. Jynn heads inside and falls asleep.

[Lady Aleister 1,677]

"Me and my mother are seamstresses." Aya smiled, Veran beginning to lead her outside, bowing his head to Genesis.

"I am just a butler," he commented, before exiting, he turned his head to Genesis. 

"We may see again, Genesis." gesturing to the other man's journal clenched in his hand before closing the door. 

"I will take you home Aya, it's too dark for a lady to be out here by herself." Veran escorted Aya outside, and down back to her house. 

"Have a nice night Veran!" Elizabeth Everus called to the servant as he began his way home. 

"You too, Lady Everus." He waved goodbye and would be back tomorrow afternoon. 

 

Despite working at such lovely places, Veran's home was not much. It was a small place in the town, nestled in a quiet corner. On the way home, Veran opened his journal.

Stop by the lighthouse.

Closing his journal with an audible shut, he passed by the lighthouse like he always did, not stopping, and heading home. He does not bend to the will of things so easily.