Deer Country Network

[Maul looks very serious but also with a touch of the cat that finally caught the canary as he starts the video.]

I thought I would just give a formal announcement that I have broken the curse which has been on me since Deerington. For those who didn't know about it, it caused me to feel pain whenever I harmed another sentient being. But no more.

[He sounds extremely pleased by that. Though any traces of glee are soon replaced by a murderous expression on his face, his eyes hardening until there is only fury in them.]

If any of you feel like being clever and immediately trying to put another leash upon me, I would advise against it. I didn't retaliate this time but next time I will kill anyone who tries to meddle in my life, whether or not it is my own hand that ends your life.[Maul's got enough people in town who he knows would eagerly kill for him if he asked them to, his brother and mate both chief among them. While he usually prefers to do his own dirty work, he's not willing to put himself through another eight months of being muzzled.] Or I shall simply make your life so miserable that you wish you were dead. After all, most sentient species contain around two hundred to four hundred bones. Consider the fact I know how to break each and every one of them. Or how most species will continue to survive as long as the brain has oxygen and the hearts continue to pump blood regardless of what else is done to their body. Just a thought.

[He pauses and adds on a little at the end.]

As for the three that did it? You already know I don't forgive and I don't forget. Run and hide if you like. I'll come and find you soon enough.

[ The feed clicks on to reveal a blonde woman with green eyes staring into the camera. It takes a few moments before she adjusts the angle to give a better view of her face, one that it isn't so close up. She gives a warm smile. ]

Sorry about that! Still, getting used to this, uh, device.

[ Her accent is unmistakenly American. ]

Anyway. I'm Laurel Lance and I've been here for a little over a week now. Not going to lie, it's been a lot to take in, but I think I'm getting there. I just have a couple of questions for people.

Firstly, where has the best coffee?

Secondly, is there a gym or something like it around?

Last but not least, I'm wondering if there's a need for legal advice in this place. I'm a lawyer back home.

Thank you for taking the time to listen.

[ With that, Laurel ends the feed. ]

[ John is in what looks to be a shop that's been abandoned for quite a while. There's a few bits of furniture with sheets over it. There's dust and cobwebs and the feed shakes as he accidentally bumps the table as he's trying to set it down. Once it is set up, he scrubs a hand over his face, through the bit of scruff at his jaw, and then around to rub at the back of his neck. He looks tired.

He istired but oddly energetic at the same time. ]

Right, not sure if any of you have been having trouble sleeping as well but I figured I may as well do this since I found the space for it. It's in Willful Machine, warding on the door glows amber. Easy to spot. I can still drop a location here in case.

I might be able to help with easing some of the bloodlust that seems to be cropping up. I've got incense and I'm working on some tinctures from those roses left behind for us. Smoke wands, too. Meditation seems to help. Yoga as well. I'm decent at both, don't mind showing anyone if they need it.

[ He reaches out for an old book covered with a dust cover and blows off the lingering film clinging before peeling that off. Any well-versed in the occult or magic might recognize the original grimoire of King Solomon. He's about to reach out with his free hand and turn off the feed when a thought suddenly occurs to him. ]

Oh, and I'd hate to go making such a terribly broad offer like I did back in the old town so to clarify: don't bother stopping in Maul. I wouldn't want the riff-raff to go showing up.

[ This is the smile on his face as he shuts the feed off. There's a location for the shop embedded in the message. ]

[ The video flickers on to find Sara perched against her motorcycle on the edge of the woods, looking a little rough around the edges but mostly unhurt. ]

Alright, so... I can't tell if this place is better or worse than the last one yet, but judging from the creepy ambiance, the hopes aren't high. I've got some weapons with me from Deerington, though, so if you're in need of protection or a way to safety, let me know.

[ She chews on her lip a moment. ]

Also, anyone know where the hell to get a drink around here?