Deer Country Network

[The video begins with Makoto, who is currently almost glowing with how happy she seems, the expression making her seem much more feminine and softer than usual. The light blush on her cheeks and a smile that almost hid those green eyes.]

Hey guys, I know there have been a lot of things going on lately... And few other of these. But we have an announcement for everyone as well, Usagi and I.

[Makoto took a small step back to allow Usagi to step in and speak, after all she was the one that most of them would know.

Usagi steps forward, smiling brightly, she gives Makoto’s a hand a small squeeze. Usagi wastes no time and waves wildly to the Omni while still holding Makoto’s hand with the other.]

WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!

Yes! Mako-chan and I are getting married!

We’re planning on having the wedding in June so we can both be June brides. And we’re thinking about a traditional ceremony.

We’ve got a cake all ready to go! And the dresses. We’re doing a traditional Western wedding.

We just wanted to make sure that all of her friends knew, and we’ll send out invitations soon. And don’t worry about gifts or anything, having you there will be enough.

That all of our friends knew!

Oh... and one last eensy weensy itsy bitsy tiny little thing. [Usagi is all smiles and then it drops as she becomes very serious.]

If you ruin this for Mako-chan who has wished to be a bride, if you try in any shape or form to make this anything less than the best day for her, I will make you regret existing. [She’s immediately back to smiling brightly.] BUT! I KNOW THAT WON’T HAPPEN!

Isn’t that supposed to be my line? But yeah invitations will be out soon.



(OOC: Makoto is in green and Usagi is in blue. Replies will come from both girls. )

[ Following this broadcast on the network.] ]

Hello, everyone. This is Luna Lovegood.

I've left this open to all, but I'm reaching out those who knew Deerington. I thought this may be the best way to reach out, it's hard to know how many of us are left who came directly from the Dream. Another Sleeper has mentioned that they've been able to contact Ramona in Sleepy Town, something I didn't even know possible. But it has made me wonder about something.

How many of us died in the Dream? And of those, how many of us went through the door and received her gift? The one to transform into a deer?

Ramona's magic that helped us with death and coming back is gone. We don't have our antler tattoos anymore. But maybe we can still become deer, maybe that power is still there in all of us.

I know we all have our own thoughts and opinions on the ones we voted over on their fates. What happened to Ramona Derwin has never sat right with me. I think were wrong to Awaken her. I know it turned out to be what a lot of people chose for her, but... to condemn her to Beasthood? I suppose I could hardly blame her fear of returning to being nothing more than a fictional character, to the uncertainty of existing if she went back. Julia made her real. I wished she'd been Sacrificed.

I wish things could be different. I want to tell her I'm sorry.

Maybe the only way I can tell her is if I'm a deer, but I don't know if it's possible to become it again. My Death Statue is in Sleepy Town, but the danger is too great to go there again. I have to find another way, if I can.

[Tinya's sitting in her sunroom wearing a white dress with Moonlight in her usual place on the armrest, watching everyone carefully]

I realize this may be a...painful topic for others, but has anyone considered a memorial garden for those we've loved and lost along the way? The world I was in before this had one and it was rather nice to have somewhere to go to leave flowers, to reflect on our losses.

I'm more than willing to spearhead this project if others think it would be helpful.

[she takes a deep, steadying breath, then continues]

I also find myself in need of a sensei. I'm fairly advanced as far as martial arts go as I came in third during the Trench-wide tournament about a year ago and I've only gotten better since.

Anyone who was interested in training me would have a good chance at bragging rights should there be another such tournament. I only want to learn from the best, so that I can be the best.

In both cases, please let me know your thoughts.

Thank you.

Rose Dawson has returned to the sea, and perhaps home.

I'm not sure if she promised anything to anyone, but please let me know if so, and I will make sure it comes to you in a timely way.

[Echo is clearly in an area with a lot of plants, but with the situation all month it's hard to tell where exactly that might be. The Omni is far enough away that her Omen must be operating it.]

A question.

[She may as well make that her username at this point and save everyone some time...]

Is managing vegetation a feasible job in this place throughout the year? Admittedly I have not paid much attention to the plants in my time here.

[As she speaks, a giant Venus flytrap lurches at her from the side as the surrounding overgrowth suddenly shifts. Seemingly without even moving her head, Echo swipes her arm upwards and slices right through the middle of the plant with the short sword protruding from her large sleeves. Its leaves drop where they were.]

I have become rather adept at shearing plants in these past few weeks. I've also been attempting to determine how one obtains a suitable job without it being assigned to you as part of your purpose. This seems like a possible solution.

[She's probably completely wrong about this being a useful job here, but please feel free to help her. She needs as much as she can get...]

ps the plants are not edible

do not eat

or cook

it is bad

and it is worse for men and elves because it is bad for me

[tl;dr: Melius tried to taste test the weird plants. It did not go well.]

[Maul usually only posted once to the network per month, so the fact there was a second post from him and so soon after the first might have been cause for alarm, except he didn't look at all serious. He had a rolled scroll with him. After seeing Savage post on the network, he'd felt it was time to take action.]

It has come to my attention that my little brother Savage is going to be without a date for the second year in a row here in Trench as Valentine's Day approaches. This is unacceptable, so I am rectifying the situation by finding him one. To that end, I have complied a list of his traits for those of you who have not had the pleasure of getting to know him well.

[Then he unrolled the scroll. Yep, Maul had written down a numbered list of all his brother's good qualities.]

Item one: He's tall. Ridiculously so. Which is not pertinent to those of you who are also tall, but for the short ones in this city, it is always good to have someone who can get things off the top shelf and step on those who oppose you.

Item two: He's extremely loyal. It takes him a very long time to open up to you and learn to trust, but once he does, you will have his trust for life. You can't ask for someone who will stick by your side for a longer period of time than he will.

Item three: He's very caring. Related to the above, he always puts himself last and so he'll make sure all your needs are met first. Indeed, sometimes it can be hard to get him to take care of himself even when he needs to.

Item four: He comes with a very cute pet named Ruin who is a rathtar he will gladly show off to you if you come over to visit.

Item five: He is a decent fighter. Considering the perilous nature of this city, it's useful to have someone who knows how to wield a lightsaber or who can gore an opponent to death with his horns on your side. Do keep in mind he may challenge you to a battle in order to start proper Nightbrother courtship, so you may want to bring weapons on your first date.

Item six: He's good-looking. I will accept no arguments on this fact simply because some of you are used to human-centric worlds. Don't be speciesist. The proof speaks for itself.

[He held up a sketch he'd put down next to this item on the scroll to prove his point.]

Item seven: He's good at hunting. When this place eventually collapses into dust, there will be little food left, so it will help to have someone who can track down and kill game for you to eat. Not to mention there might be lean months as it is for one reason or another.

Item eight: He is family-oriented. He is very good with kits and I'm sure wouldn't mind having five or six of his own down the line if the relationship progresses that far.

[He rolled the scroll back up.]

I will now take applicants to be vetted by me first before I set you up with him. Do keep in mind if any of you break his hearts, I will be forced to break you in return, so be kind to him. Go out for a nice dinner or hunt in the woods or have a good sparring match and this will all go according to plan.

[.......Stick around long enough on this post and one might have the pleasure of seeing Savage toss Maul through a wall for trying to set him up on a date.]

[Savage almost never posting to the network, but with all the people being affected by this upcoming heart day, he figured there were answers that were necessary to make it survivable. Or at least probably less anger-inducing because people were insufferable overall.]

This... Valentine's Day thing. It's for mates to reaffirm their bond to one another from what I have gathered.

What do all the singles supposed to do? We don't have such a day like this where I'm from, and our mates generally despise us anyway, so nothing like this would work.

It seems last year it was some single people being sad and pathetic. I assume there is something single people are supposed to do that I'm missing.

[He may as well try to learn some traditions beyond his own. He's never had to frantically try speed dating; their version was a fight to the death to impress a Nightsister, so it was short-lived for some.]

[The video starts with the sound of a glass crashing onto the ground and a very soft 'oh dear...' as Snow comes into view. Faramund is holding the Omni.

Snow White is covered in tiny bruises and cuts, all of them random and sporadic as if she was careless with a knife or one of her animal friends wasn't quite careful enough with their claws or teeth. The bruises from being knocked into or bumping into things and some are green and yellow from healing, some are fresh and purple, and all of them are small and little. She pushes back a stray strand of hair that has come out from her well-kept bob.

On the floor is a whole pitcher of milk completely spilled and mixed with broken glass. Snow sighs again as she looks at it.

It's literally spilled milk.]

It... [Two little birds hand her a towel, and three raccoons push a bin over to where Snow White is kneeling down. A young wolf brings her a small dust brush in its jaws. She begins to carefully put the bigger pieces into the bin as she turns to look at Faramund.] It seems I'm not having a very good week... [She looked over to Faramund.]

It seems I've upset our kobold, Farmund, though I'm not sure what we did. We'll have to find a way to apologize. [She winces as she cuts her finger on a piece of glass and hisses softly.]

This and the lock snapping on the apple's chest are proof of it.

Does anyone know how to make a kobold happy again? I certainly didn't mean to insult it.

As is usual when I turn to this device, I have a query to ask of you.

Due to the odd prevalence of them as of late, I have found myself wondering: Why are children so juvenile? Is there any particular purpose to them or their behavior? Would it not be better for all involved to avoid this state altogether?

[She may speak in an almost deadpan manner, but it's pretty clear Echo's asking this with 100% interest and sincerity.

She gives a quick bow of her head.]

Thank you.

Why hello there! [Snow White looks even cheerier than usual, which is impressive considering her general nature.]

What a lovely winter we're having! [Snow, having come from German winters of the Renaissance is honestly quite cozy with all the inventions Trench has to keep you warm. ]

Now, I've never gotten to celebrate my birthday before, and since it's today, I was hoping for some ideas on what I might do! I have been told, quite vehemently by my beloved, I'm not allowed to bake my own cake.

Though, I don't think there should be a party, I don't wish to waste food for something that doesn't matter all that much. Just something small should be alright. So, I would love to hear any recommendations you might have!

I hope you're all staying nice and warm and fed as well! If not, please let me know and I will be happy to help with food and clothing.

This thing is finally working properly, right? Aw well, let's give this a try. [She clears her throat and smiles brightly at the Omni]

Helloooooo~ Good afternoon, Trench!

Do you know what day is coming up on Monday? No? It's gonna be Makoto Kino's birthdaaaaayyy!!! [Here Usagi holds up a pink rose covered picture frame with Makoto and Usagi inside of it.]

This cutie right here.

But yes! The amazing, the talented, the gorgeous, the fabulous, one of the best cooks in the whole wide world... Especially, THIS world and one hell of a gardener MAKOTO KINO'S birthday is coming up!

Per her request, we're noooot gonna have a party. [Is Usagi pouting? Yes. But she perks back up immediately.] BUT! She said yes to a lunch at a restaurant. So I've rented out a part of one of her favorite restaurants. I'll be taking care of the tab for everything except alcohol, that's on you to buy. [How you ask? Well, that's Usagi's secret.]

So, if you know the lovely, beautiful, talented, badass Makoto Kino, or WANT to get to know her, come on Monday around 12:30 to about 15:00 Cellar Door's beautiful Pink Rose Café!

If you need help with gift ideas, feel free to ask!

Anyone who causes trouble during her birthday will be dealing with me personally.

KAY, SEE LOTS OF YOU MONDAY! BYYYYEEEEEE!!!!!

If I may have a moment of your time...

[Meaning, the network at large, apparently. Despite the tone, one of forced politeness, there's a definite note of annoyance there.]

... I assume the unique glowing effect is part of these 'blood types' I was informed of. However, what was not mentioned was how one deals with the inability to stop said glowing. It's grown tiresome at night, especially.

[Translation: Apparently I'm Paleblood and being your own nightlight sucks.]

How precisely do others manage this? I would appreciate any sort of advice, as I would like to sleep some time in the near future.

[a photo of the outside of a tavern is attached to the following message:]

This is manabu
I am keeping the roost open nightly this month in case people need a safehouse from all the zealot activity
So if you wind up lost in cellar door you can come here
Lights will be on and incense will be burning
Be smart and try to avoid traveling at night if you can help it
Carry weepers with you
If you need extras i have some to give

Also if anyone has seen any shipwrecks out at the beach let me know
They were there last year with extra provisions
But if theyre not here this time we may be looking at a very lean winter
Stock up

[ her feed turns on and there's ahiru, a girl, not a duck. ]

Uhm, so . . . I've been here for a year. Which is really long and I was just thinking that . . . it's been so nice. To be here. And to meet new people and try new things. Also make so many friends.

So, uhm, to celebrate . . . I'll give you a compliment! To celebrate everyone. And if I don't know you, uhmmm, I'll give you my best first impression!

[ she bows lightly. ]

[There are a number of indications that this is a misfire, even before it becomes clear what's going on. First, there's the fact of the username. Ariadne has never once set a username. Everyone who keeps promising to show her how to do it keeps disappearing or dying on her. So she's been "username not set" for years, at this point.

Then, there's the angle. It's tilted. And the feed isn't vibrating and shaking as Ariadne tries to hold it steady. Clearly, her Omni is sitting off to one side, forgotten, at the moment.

Ariadne is standing in her bedroom, sunlight filtering in through the gauzy curtains. She's in her underwear. Of course, it's pretty medieval underwear: a ribbed corset, tied in front, and knee-length bloomers. Bare feet. Green feet. She's in her natural form, her candy-floss blue hair loose and streaming down her back, practically to her knees. She wags her hand in front of her face, as if she's holding a fan. Daintily, she touches her fingertips to her collarbone.]

Me? You want to dance with me?

[There's non one else in the room. It appear, she's been caught in a game of make-believe. Adorable? Creepy? Hard to say.]

Why, sir, I would be delighted!

[She dips into a neat, perfect curtsy. And then rises, eyelashes fluttering.

At which point, she starts to dance a waltz, her arms around an invisible, imaginary partner. She moves smoothly, gliding across the room, looking very much like she's ready to fall in love in a ballroom.

One, two, three. One, two, three...]

So I will make this quick so as to not waste anyone's time.

I'm new and I have a few questions which I would appreciate being answered by anyone NOT named Darth Maul or anyone dumb enough to call themselves one of his cult members.

Are there any actual schools in this place besides an endless amount of weirdo dojos and their even weirder belief systems? [He saw all of the bickering comments.]

How likely is the house I pick to live in going to get wrecked the first month in... mostly because I rather have a car NOT fly through my roof a second time... not that I've seen any cars around but that's beside the point.

Seems like winter is going to be an absolute pain so where can I get decently warm clothes?

Lastly, how often am I going to open a door and experience an Escher painting suddenly surrounding me?

Thank you in advance.

What months are best for viewing lightning storms here?

Are there others who can shape their magic into lightning? If so, would you be willing to let me observe your magic?

Thank you for your assistance.

[ Cue one young girl who looks to be about ten or eleven appearing, she looks curious. There is a full-grown phoenix sitting upon her shoulder. ]

Hello, everyone. My name is Hotaru Tomoe.

I was wondering if anyone else here played a musical instrument. My mama Michiru has been teaching me the violin and it came here with me. So I was curious if anyone else had one too, and if you wanted to play with me sometime.

[ The phoenix makes a trilling sound. ]

My other inquiry was if anyone had any music that they would like added to the Entertainment Feed. I've already been adding everything I know how to play, and wouldn't mind learning more for everyone to enjoy. It's okay if I've never heard the song before, I'll learn how to play it! A lot of what I know is classical and anything from Earth's 1990s and before.

[ Hotaru looks excited over that idea, learning to play songs. ]

Lastly, I want to know if anyone would like to learn how to play the violin. If there were enough people for me to give lessons to as a small job when I'm not helping out with my friend's businesses. I know teachers for music tend to be older, but I'm very good, I promise.

[The video starts in Disaster House, so there's quite the odd assortment of skulls, weaponry and nick-knacks that are obviously visible in the background. Reaper was just putting the finishing touches on a braid for Ahiru's hair, adding a bright yellow bow to the end of it which matched her yellow dress that she wore.

She was seated and he seemed to loom over her sunny self like a dark shadow, but unlike other times he might make a network appearance, he was issuing a low growling hum of a tune as he finished setting the scene that he decided was best.

Wraith, who was recording early on purpose, finally made a low sonorous cry to announce that things were under way.

Reaper looked up from where he was fussing a bit with some of her hair that defied gravity and immediately crossed his arms over his chest to be menacing. He also made certain to send Wraith a scathing look before he was clearing his throat in a raspy growl.]

I’m cooking you the next time you record without a cue, Wraith. [He forced himself to relax.] Are you ready, Ahiru?

[She shifted in her seat, smiling at the peacock and giving an awkward little wave at the Omen.] I-I think so, Mr. Reaper. If you’re sure…

[He set his gloved hands on her shoulders lightly, but anyone else might see the gesture as menacing or maybe just overprotective. He’d promised he’d do this, and now he had worked himself up to just getting to it.] Greetings, Sleepers. Many of you know young Ahiru here, and if you don’t, well, consider this an introduction. Don’t get ideas about hurting her because I will remove your skin with a grapefruit spoon….

[Ahiru stared with a twitching brow, patting his hand lightly.] Mr. Reaper…

Ah. Right, to the crux of this post. Ahiru is seeking love in these parts, as she should. If anyone considers themselves worthy enough to take her for a nice gallivant, step up now. [He pointed an accusing finger.] The rules are: she must be home by nine. She must be unscathed. She must be happy. If any of you dare bring her home unhappy, there will be consequences. [Another pointed finger at the Omen recording.] And keep your hands in your pockets, gentlemen. This is for love not a touchy-feely opportunity

[Ahiru has started that awkward kind of laugh that kids get when their parents are embarrassing them, now avoiding looking at Wraith. Soon enough, Ahiru begins to fidget for a moment before looking at the camera with a smile.] Uhm, this is just — I mean, hi! My name is Ahiru. I practice ballet. I like music and uhm . . . bread! I'm also kind of a duck really, but I'm also a girl and maybe we could . . . spend time together? [She sneaks a glance at Reaper, a little emboldened.] But I have to be back by nine!

[Reaper issued a low chuckle and patted her lightly on the head. It was as close to fondness he might show anyone publicly.] As the lady says. Don’t be shy… [He ends his part with a dangerous laugh.]



[OOC: Reaper is in red & Ahiru is in yellow. One or both of them may reply to comments.]