deer country | ic inbox

[creidim]

the arms of the ocean are carrying me
the arms of the ocean delivered me

[ text | voice | omen | action ]

Comments

text; late october

[entreats]

You have been invited for Ruby Rose's birthday party!

The party will be held at the house Ruby lives in over in the Gaze district. [ There's an address included, or just general directions, along with the time the party starts. ] Feel free to dress up or not - you know Ruby won't mind either way. You're also free to bring a present if you want to. If you want to bring one, but you're having trouble thinking of what to get her, you can ask me, I guess.

.. Or Oscar. Actually, ask Oscar.

[ Please don't make her talk to people. ]

Let's do our best to make it fun for Ruby. She's had a really crappy time around this time last year, and I know she would love to be surrounded by her friends.

( ooc: the log for the party can be found over here! )

Christmas Delivery

[lightthedarkness]

[Wrapped up in a bright red and white box is a plate of bought snowflake cookies and a moon barrette.

Attached is a note with a little rabbit doodle:]

Happy Holidays!
Love,
Usagi

[creidim]

[ Oh, Usagi. This is so very kind of you. Cookies are always very much welcomed in this house, and her little moon barrette is perfect! Luna's a little late in doing gifts this year, considering everything that's going on right now with her (and Peter, too). But at some point later in the month — there will be a black hare arriving at Usagi's home with a gift in return. It's Luna's Omen, Inlé, and she carries a little present wrapped in brown paper and silvery ribbon. The wrapping is a little sloppy and the bow's squint, but she's tried.

Inside are a pair of hand-knitted yellow and black wrist-warmers. Yes, she thinks Usagi is a Hufflepuff. When worn, they'll emit a low-level warming charm. There's a little note that reads: Merry Christmas, Usagi. From Luna. ]

action | early January | "We need to talk about Maul"

[possessum]

( Readjusting after December is a strange process in its ways, but for Peter, it's actually... relatively easy in comparison to some of the other things he's had to readjust to. He doesn't remember much about what happened before, the majority of the month missing in his memory altogether: certainly the last couple of weeks of it are gone entirely. And while it isn't a comfortable thing to be aware of — the fact so much of his memory is missing — and his mind still has some difficulty some days with sorting itself out, for the most part he's... doing all right.

Some of it is probably the effects trickling in from this place, the particular way it's starting to affect the Darkblood within him, relaxing certain nervous edges. But most of it is what Luna had done — how she'd cleared the poison of Corruption from him entirely, leaving him... doing pretty damn well, now. What she'd done was everything, for Peter. Like once a couple of years ago, and perhaps on a grander scale now: she'd done what it took to keep him Peter when there was a dire threat of him losing himself entirely.

The threat isn't completely vanquished: now Peter knows what could potentially happen to him in this place. And next time, it could be worse. ....But unlike how he'd be usually, he isn't thinking about that so much, isn't dwelling and worrying about it. Not right now. In fact, it could be said that he's enjoying the recovery time from December, that he's actually been letting himself enjoy it. (This... is probably also because of the effects on his blood.) And of course he isn't the only one recovering; there's Luna too, having faced her own Corruption state and all the exhaustion and the strange new things going on with her blood.

But he's been trying to enjoy that recovering time with her. Peter hasn't left the house, and he's been following Luna around a lot, sticking close with her. There's a need to do that, to be close, and he's been letting himself indulge in all the comfortable hours spent curled up together in bed or on the sofa again. It's where they are now, on the sofa near the fireplace, warm and cosy and heavy-lidded. Peter hums against Luna's mouth, a lazy smile curved across his own, and seeks one final kiss — there've been so many — before gently resting his head against the sofa, watching her as he sleepily toys with her hair for a few moments. Fingers wind around a loose curl over and over, and he's so relaxed he feels like he's melting.

It doesn't take long before his eyes are closing. It's a peaceful sleep that Peter slips into, head going limp against the sofa, gently tangled up with Luna, kept lovingly close to her. Sleep snuggles are some of the best, after all.

It's about ten seconds after Peter seems to be asleep that his head abruptly lifts again, and his eyes are wide as saucers, staring straight at Luna with the intensity of a thousand suns. ....He's very close to her face, practically nose to nose. )

Witch.

[creidim]

[ It's certainly been a nice change from how things have been, one Luna has welcomed warmly. There's still parts of her a little shaken from how bad things had gotten, but there's an overwhelming feeling of relief that seems to be the main focus of her thoughts as the New Year comes and passes. She's looked better than she has in weeks, her own Corruption symptoms finally easing with that relief. Not only that, but now she finally has a moment or two where she feels less worried or anxious about Peter to focus on her own tactics of dealing with those symptoms. She has time to breathe, it doesn't feel like everything's pressing down on her.

Her blood sacrifice to Moon Presence had worked, and while Peter's required time in order to recover from it, things seem to be going well. Of course she's been worried this will happen again, but things are safe for now. She feels confident. And she's missed him. Perhaps more than she can put into words. Missed the simple thing of existing around him, occupy the same close space as him. The kisses and time spent curled up together certainly feel like a bonus. And Luna tries to do nothing but enjoy that time — feels a great deal less lonely with it.

She never sleeps before he does, though. Even in those times curled up when sleep feels so close and there's a weariness deep in her bones from the sleepless nights last month. She fights it, tries to stay awake until Peter drifts off. She doesn't want to stop looking at him, and maybe it's the worry keeping her awake, but maybe it's the love for him too. Not wanting to lose a moment of him being here around her when they're both awake.

Much like tonight, with Peter edging closer towards sleep; just one more kiss, and she murmurs softly to him to sleep, her fingers ghosting along the edge of his jaw, coaxing him. Watches him with that very relief she feels, some quiet awe he's back to her once more and the gentle warmth and affection she often looks at him with — until he slowly slips from waking. She lets out a quiet breath then, her own eyes heavy and fluttering closed; now she can sleep.

Only Peter shifts suddenly, and she wonders maybe something's startled him; the little jerk that comes within the early moments of rest. Her eyes open immediately to find a too-dark pair staring back at her, too-wide, too-intense. Not Peter.

Luna startles, lets out a soft sound of surprise. She jerks backwards, but finds herself with nowhere to go and... unceremoniously rolls off the sofa with another little cry, this one louder than the first — before landing on the floor with a soft thud. Well, half on the floor, mostly upside down — her legs still half-tangled with Peter's for a moment until she manages to remove herself and then just... flops uselessly.

The epitome of grace.

She quickly tries to pull herself upright, pushing herself up onto her forearms. Her hands ache a little from the fall, from trying to catch herself — still tender and only half-healed. She stares back at him, her brow pinching in uncertainty — a worried little pang in her chest: who is this, now—? ]

... Paimon—?

[ Merlin, please let it be her demon and not who she dealt with last month. ]

Video; UN: Cuddlebunny

[lightthedarkness]

Luna-san, is there anything I can do to help? You're all safe, right?

[Usagi wants absolutely nothing to happen to anyone in Clockhouse. She shouldn't and doesn't apologize for Maul, though the words are on the tip of her tongue. It's not for her to apologize for Maul's actions.

But that doesn't mean she wants to stand idly by if Maul decides to actually pull anything. Can all three of them actually keep themselves safe? Yes, but they shouldn't have to watch over their shoulders.]

I... [She sighs. She says it even if it isn't her actions.] I'm sorry, none of you deserve any of this.

video;

[creidim]

[ This whole thing is an absolute nightmare. She can't actually believe Maul somehow managed to break his curse without having to do the proper leg work. He cheated his way out of it. She's angry about that, of course she is. But she's mostly just disappointed and disgusted by him. ​]

I don't know. [ There's a long sigh. She doesn't. ] I'm busy reworking the wards on my home. I do have some specially intended to keep Maul out, but—

If it comes to it, if he comes for me — I won't be holding back this time. [ She's been relatively tame with Maul in terms of magic. It's not like she can just... lock herself in her house forever. Her shoulders sink slightly. ]

I'm sorry, too. For you. [ Genuinely, she is. ] Because the people he's hurting the most are you, and Varian.

for the birthday witch 🌙✨ (dated to February 13)

[possessum]

( It's a few hours after the network message Luna posts, and what she's said has been in Peter's mind, a sobering awareness of everything she'd talked about.

A.... lot has happened, in the span of a few very short days. The situation with Maul is a fresh and gutting horror, a worry that's set itself into Peter so severely that he's felt ill since it happened. There's some stinging upset in him that it had to happen so close to Luna's birthday; she's so rarely been afforded a truly relaxing time to turn a year older. He's tried to make the day as laidback for her as it can be — sneaking out of bed in the early hours to fix her breakfast (not the complete disaster it might've been; he's learned how to cook eggs and make toast.... he even put jam on it....), lounging around comfortably in PJs all day long, and just enjoying her company together in the space that feels like their home now. In a way, it's very reminiscent of those final days they'd spent together in Deerington.

Peter's shyly given hints to a present, but saved it until the later hours, after some time that she's posted that message. Some time spent thinking about all of it. Then, he'll catch his girlfriend in a quiet moment to give her his birthday gift, shy-smiled. Presented in a little blue cloth bag is a ring — a pale, iridescent moonstone with a thin silver band.



One which he'll explain a certain importance of: similar to the pocketwatch she'd given him for his 18th birthday having a certain meaning, this ring isn't just an ordinary one. He's not sure if it's a custom that witches and wizards have, but in the Muggle world, serious couples often give each other Promise Rings to signify an important bond. It's an innocent thing in its ways, but also extremely significant, as it's meant to symbolise a commitment to someone and a promise of a future together. And yes, there are talks lately of a more literal bond between the two of them — something connected through blood — but this... is still meaningful, to him. Something that feels very "human" in its ways, and maybe that's something he still wants to try to hold onto through what might be coming next for them.

...But there's even more to this, something that Peter seems a bit visibly nervous to talk about. This wasn't made with blood the way jewelry so commonly is around here (and it might seem that Paleblood was used, given that the pale, iridescent gemstone looks a lot like Luna's blood, but no... it wasn't made with anyone's blood).

This was made by.... him. It came from him. Peter's awkward as he tries to explain, unsure exactly how, but.... while his relationship with Paimon obviously isn't as a summoner or magician or anything that gives magic or offerings, he's still providing the demon with something precious. A home — a body, a contained physical form, a means through which to exist on this plane and interact with it. A "correct" host.

Which, by the rules, means Paimon can provide Peter with things in return. Their continued co-existence here is, in itself, an exchange. This is a fact the demon himself has only recently been truly understanding, and that knowledge has been bleeding through into Peter ever since he was brought back from Corruption by Luna and working on his mental health, stability. The jagged pieces between him and Paimon are beginning to smooth out, something between their spirits starting to connect more properly.

...He'd discovered this after some time of thinking of wanting to find or make Luna a ring like this, his intention clear and precise, knowing exactly how he wanted his Promise Ring for her to look. One afternoon when he'd been thinking of it again (nothing too fancy or flashy, but rather softly iridescent, something like the moon) he fell down on the floor.

And then Peter had felt it... happening, inside of him. Felt it forming, sparkling. A rush of power unlike anything he's ever felt in his life. He'd known to sit up and cup his hands the way Paimon does, known to coax the image of the ring into existence right into his palms: a treasure. Paimon conjured it, granted it, for him — but in a way it was also Peter conjuring and granting it, for himself. For a moment, there was some inexplicable blur between the two of them, the experience of conjuring being shared for the first time ever.

It took a lot out of him. Peter had passed out immediately after, and slept for a long time. He felt strange and sick for a while after waking up again, extremely disoriented and weakened.

Paimon gave him the knowledge of why it was so strenuous on him. Not only because of the amount of energy that was involved, but also the fact Peter was conscious and aware through it, experiencing it right alongside him for the first time, as the "requester". Then of course is the fact that conjuring anything but gold is still hard for him (them) right now — but that capability is there. Maybe this will help open it up a bit more, make conjuring other things besides gold more accessible to Paimon. The demon's been... excited by the prospect, happy; ever since conjuring the ring for Peter, something's felt opened up in his spirit. He's grown that bit closer to his true self.

....Peter doesn't know what this means. It's certainly a fear, a worry, that he's opened up a door inside of himself that was closed before, tapped into something, made contact with Paimon in a particular way he hasn't before. He's never thought about getting a grant from the demon possessing himself, would never ever have wanted to do such a thing in the past. But maybe he's been leading up to a deeper connection with Paimon in this strange new place that's been affecting them already, amplified with what's happened regarding Maul. The way Peter's found himself more open to the demon than ever before, because he knows Paimon would also do anything to protect Luna, and on some level he... welcomes it now. It's the rare one thing they truly share.

.....Anyway....! Peter will have explained as best as he can to Luna, a little breathless, a little shaky, by the end of it all. It's not something he regrets, he'll make sure to tell her that (as he's sure she'll express worries about all of this). It came out exactly like how Peter was imagining it, exactly how he wanted it to be, and he's... proud of it. It's something that came directly from his own spirit, for someone he loves. His own little treasure for her. It's just... a change; he's aware that he's changed, a little bit more. And he wants to tell her everything, as they continue on this evolving journey together, growing closer in new ways.

So, a Promise Ring for his witchy girl, a symbol of a future together — something literally forged from his own soul. Peter will gently put it on Luna's hand, and it fits perfectly, as though it were made for her finger alone; it was, it's hers, he's hers.

Of course, Paimon has his own gift for Luna..... something he'll present to her a bit later on, after Peter's had plenty of alone time with her and after dinner. It's.... a Very Special Cake he's made all by himself, taking several hours the previous day to prepare, utilising what he's been learning while working at Lysithea's bakery.



It's... a bit reminiscent of something a child might attempt, with clumps of icing made to look like flower petals (?) scattered around the top and sides. But despite being a bit shaky here and there (maybe it's clear he's still getting used to a frosting piping bag), evidence of the demon's meticulous nature will shine when it comes to the actual taste and texture of the cake. Not only did he use colours he thinks Luna would enjoy, but it's very obvious he followed a recipe to an exact science; the cake is soft and fluffy..... and with the correct amounts of sugar; fortunately, the Tea Incident has not been repeated this time. In fact, as far as cakes go, the taste of this Demon Cake is almost inhumanly perfect.



....The inside is, of course, very colourful and exciting for his Witch.

Paimon's quite proud of his cake and will very happily (and intensely) watch Luna eating a slice (or however many she cares to eat). If there's any mention of Peter getting a piece, the demon will insist his Vessel isn't meant to feast from this special cake.... (sorry Peter, he recognises your importance more these days but some things still aren't For You). However, after Dessert Time, Paimon will give Peter back to Luna much earlier than he usually might — not even asking for the usual story read to him tonight. This is also a gift from him to his Witch, and it means more opportunity for Birthday Snugglings and Makeouts, which Peter will be all too happy to indulge in if she likes.... )

Text, UN: Willow

[frogfear]

Hey... I wanted to check in. With, you know, the everything. Are you okay? What about Peter?

text;

[creidim]

Quite frustrated. But as well as I can be, I suppose.

Peter's terrified. I'm more worried about him, really. I know he's scared for me. Someone did list quite a detailed description of torture and publicly threatened his girlfriend in the same breath, after all. [ Especially considering Peter knows she's been tortured before. ]

What about you? Are you somewhere safe?

— illarion; january event

[creidim]

— from here;

[ Another gift of Moon Presence being here on the earth is the pleasant dreams she offers to those who come to stay beside her. Luna rests easily, blessed with those dreams; precious snatches of good memories from home, or simple little wish-fulfilments of a teenage girl. Granted, she doesn't dare to sleep too deeply. Even with Moon Presence so close, and knowing very little would even think to come too close to such a powerful being — Luna doesn't forget that danger often lurks.

It's with the soft shiftings of a form drawing near that bring her out of her latest dream into the cusp of sleep and waking; she exhales softly, frowns a little but doesn't stir too quickly. It takes a few long moments after whoever it is has slumped down near to her that she does pull herself out of sleep, blinking blearily and squinting at first.

And then she slowly realises that she recognises the person slumped down at Moon Presence's side with her. Luna wipes at her eyes, sits up a little. ]

Oh— [ There's another long pause, and she belatedly realises she doesn't know the man's name. She has nothing to call him by. Instead, she finally ends her silence of where a name should be by settling with: ] Hello, it's you.

[ She turns slightly to get a better look at him, her brow furrowing slightly. He looks awful. There doesn't seem to be anything openly bleeding, but there's a strange watery staining there at his neck. Like an attempt to wash blood — Darkblood, she remembers — away. He's been hurt...? ]

What happened? Are you alright—?

[unsheathedfromreality]

Ah, [comes a noise of acknowledgement so quiet it'd be hard to tell Illarion had voiced it, but for the puff of cloudy breath with the sound.] Then it is so, I have woken you. My apologies; I did not mean this.

[He opens an eye, tipping his head to regard her--bleary and lopsided--through his veil. To be greeted as it's you has put a hint of a smile on his face, the barest up-curling of one corner of his mouth. It's very sweet in its way, incongruous with the whole situation and the gently slumbering god at their backs.]

I am not, as it happens, "all right." [Consciousness is taking active effort; so would lying and pretending he's better off than he is, whatever his instinct to hide the injury.] Though I am mending. What is not, [he takes an unsteady breath,] killing us Sleepers outright, we heal from, yes?

[To say nothing of the Lake's help, and Moon Presence's gentle aura. That latter was not renowned for healing, but it is making him feel safer--more able to take this moment to rest.

It is, in a small way, very tempting indeed to lay his head back against the Pthumerian and fall asleep as a way to avoid Luna's other question.

He does not do that, though he is several seconds in getting to it--now that he's (he thinks) reassured her his case isn't critical.] As for this, [he gestures toward the smear of blood at his throat,] I am attacked by a monster. I am letting its fangs get too close to my neck, yes?

[Which glosses over entirely what sort of monster it was, and why he'd made such a mistake in the first place. Perhaps it will be enough.]

action | early April

[possessum]

( A new month has begun. This one is an endless night, the moon perpetually full, casting an eerie green haze across the city — a fog that seems as though it, too, will never end.

There's a growing uneasiness with that unending night. Perhaps they all feel it, especially those who remember what such things meant back in Deerington. The feeling of dread is almost palpable.

And even within the warm comfort of the townhouse, security seems short-lived. It's Paimon who's taking a certain type of charge, these days. Both he and Peter are terrified by the thought of falling to deep Corruption again. The demon will do whatever it takes to avoid that, and so he's begun to manipulate Peter in little ways, reaching inwards to place certain filters over his eyes, his mind. He helps his vessel to see things, feel things, that aren't truly there. Gives him a little bit of sunshine here and there, a hallucination right outside the window. Gives him good dreams, peaceful things, spinning them across Peter's mind like a spider web. It helps.... but it's costing energy from the boy who still has a long way to go when it comes to being able to handle the demon's power within him, the toll it wears on him physically.

But some of Paimon's energy is reserved for Luna, too. Because the witch's Corruption hasn't..... abated, and Paimon's not quite able to combat it within her the way he can so directly combat it within Peter. There are ways to try — and he has been, but so gently, so carefully. He won't hurt her the way he once had, when he'd accidentally seared himself into her mind with his too-bright presence.

No, it's.... small doses of mental visits: not invasive, but soft. It comes when she's sleeping, when Peter's lying in bed next to her, and the demon can feel his witch's mind, that connection made ever-stronger thanks to the direct mental link his vessel now shares with her. The demon has been visiting her off and on for a few weeks now, to so gently manipulate things to be gentler, sweeter for her. She's suffered greatly, these months. The stress from Maul, from Willow's death, from March's events... Her physical Corruption's persisted even when Peter's melted away: her eyes still shimmering iridescent, the pair of little antlers still poking out of her head.

Paimon's very worried about her. And so, he drapes warmth into Luna's dreams, coating the darker parts with his presence. He gives her colours she likes — pastels, sparkling, soft and calm. He gives her the smell of sweet things cooking, warm summer rain falling outside, cocoa on a crisp autumn day, and glitter upon her fingertips. Sometimes, he gives her little snippets of memory: a schoolday back in Deerington, eating lunch with Diarmuid and Louis; a photobooth shared with Peter, both smiling and shy; Luna's cosy kitchen back home, with the tall, slender figure of her father there beside her, smiling.

— — —

It's hard to make sense of time when it's forever dark, but "bedtime" still has its place. Peter's almost exclusively sleeping with Luna these days, and it's where the boy is now: facing her and tucked in close, breathing quietly. It's comfortable, peaceful, and still.

And then Luna whimpers.

It's such a soft sound, barely audible at all. Peter certainly doesn't hear it, even as close to her as his head is tilted, a blonde curl brushing against his cheek. But Paimon hears it — or rather feels her distress, and the demon stirs at once. Unravels from his own stillness within Peter, the boy's eyelids fluttering softly before they peel open. For a long moment he just stares widely in the darkness of the room, pupils slowly expanding, and then Luna twitches slightly in her sleep. It's an equally subtle thing as the little whimper, but the demon catches it immediately. He knows what she looks like in the middle of a nightmare, very well by now.

Lying very still, his dark eyes move to catch sight of a frown of upset touching the girl's lips, and immediately he's mentally coming to her, utilising the powerful mental strand that connects her and Peter, but he's had his own connection with Luna for a very long time, now. He knows the shape of her energy, the feeling of it, as well as he knows his own. Gently and silently, Paimon eases inwards; he's experimented with it over time. It isn't always possible when they're both awake, but he knows how to connect to Luna in a dreamstate mentally without disturbing or distressing her. Knows how to quiet his own buzzing presence in little doses, so that he can give something warm to her in her dreams, and over time, he's been able to do it more and more. He knows that this is something he's meant to do.

He'll find what's hurting her, and he'll make it go away. )

murder jhey time cw: body horror + attempted neck injury

[creidim]

[ Nightmares aren't something that are unusual, considering. There's plenty to cause her a lack of sleep, to keep her up at night. But even when she does manage to sleep, some nights there's often little peace for her. Some bad dreams come and go with little fuss, not too terrible enough to disturb her and she's able to shake them off when morning comes. Others bring her out of sleep with soft whimpers, burying herself against Peter and hiding in the slow steady beat of his heart until sleep takes her once more. And then there's ones that are too sharp, too much — and she wakes clamouring for breath and tearful, not wanting to return to bed.

The house is dark and strange, and she is afraid. Somewhere, somehow, she knows that it's not longer safe here. He is here. After all the time and work spent into making it as safe as possible, he's here in her house. She searches, room to room downstairs — looking for him. Moves a quickly as she can but every step and movement is painfully sluggish, as if she were underwater. The urgency is almost painful, her body screaming at itself to move faster but she can't.

— she can't find peter where is he where is he where is he

A voice cries out her name. Or she thinks its her name; a sound that seems like her name. Upstairs, high up above her. Luna cries out back, and she races for the stairs. Climbs up and up but never seeming to make any progress, the steps stretching higher up before her eyes and even still — she moves so painfully slow. She has to get to him, she knows he has Peter — she has to get to him, keep him safe. Save him. It seems like an age of climbing, she makes it to the first floor landing and then hurries down the corridor, turning up the next flight of stairs to climb higher up — she needs to keep going, he's higher up please don't have him, please let him be safe—

The staircase ends into nothingness, the dreamscape shifting from her home to an open space of blackness. Something more abstract, sensations and textures: the cold, unpleasant scratching feel of stone brickwork, the biting chill of winter snow, the stale, damp air of a cellar. Things unpleasant, feeding the anxiousness within her

— something bad is going to happen something bad bad bad

Peter whimpers softly, held in a headlock by a tall figure. The scraping of metal on stone, two gold glowing eyes in the dark. Luna raises her wand, only to find her hand empty. She can't move. Maul grins, fangs bared. She doesn't want this. Please leave him be, let her have him. Don't take him away. Don't hurt him. His fingers sink into his temple as if it were sand, then twisting and tearing at something in one sharp, violent action. His voice echoes, distorted and snarling: And I'll tell you this, since you seem to be ignorant of what I am: Sith Lords do not take orders from anyone. I will do what I want and destroy anyone who gets in the way of my goals.

(Her breaths come shallow and quick through her nose, face tipping into more upset. A soft sound escapes her lips: frightened, pleading.)

She can't scream, can't move. A deep horror within her swallows her whole no no no no, please. Peter strains against his hold, too-familiar black eyes swollen and wet and furious. Maul whispers something to him, releases the straining boy after her

—not peter not peter. gone. gone gone gone.

they collide violently; heavy, the air knocked from her lungs. she's stuck beneath him, too heavy, too much, too sharp. hands scrambling at her throat, trying to crush, nails trying to tear at soft, fragile skin— stop stop i love you come back don't go ]

the letter shows up at any time after the start of april.

[oldhound]

Luna,

If you're getting this letter now that means I'm gone, Herc too. I know you've dealt with so much where you come from and even more heaped on you here, more than your fair share. You're one of the bravest I've ever had the chance to meet. One of the brightest and strongest witches as well. Seeing you grow over the last couple of years has been a pleasure. It's been an honor to be a part of that.

I know this place has a habit of kicking us when we're down but don't let that keep you under its heel. There's more than's being let on. I think more than what we've seen so far followed us from the last place, so stay sharp, love.

I haven't always done right by you here and I've apologized for more times than I care to count. Did my best. Hope I did well enough at least. I never really considered the possibility of settling down with a home and a family but you're the closest thing I've ever had to a daughter and I'm proud of you. Truly.

Take care of each other. Take care of Peter, and Paimon. I know the bugger things he can handle it all but he's young yet. There's a grimoire, King Solomon's original text, in the shop and warded, you'll be able to touch it but he won't. He's free to look at it when he's ready. I think you'll know when that is.

The shop is yours to take over and look after, Willow is sure to help. I've been letting Wrench stay there, he's got a place in the back. He's lost a lot between the last place and here, don't let him wander off. Obi-Wan's been helping teach there some days as well, there's a schedule up.

The cabin should still be there, wards and all. If any of you need a safe place, it's as good as any.

Love you, little witch,
John Constantine


P.S. There'll be a few wrapped parcels at the shop with names on them. Don't be surprised if they stop in. Also, there's a woman named Rose I've been trying to help, do what you can for her?

Also, I've taken a bit of Ariadne's thread off the spool. Not a lot but here's to hoping it's enough that Herc and I don't get separated on the way out to whatever adventure is next, eh?

[ At the very bottom, scrawled hastily: ]

Nearly forgot, can't have those flowers of yours left without care, can I? The cup with the flowers you grew for me way back in the old town are on the window sill in the kitchen of the cabin. I know you'll look after them.

Text UN: ClickClickBloom

[onekindsoul]

Hey Luna.
I saw your network post and I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing?

I've also got some news for ya but that can wait for a little.

text; un: quibbler

[creidim]

Mm. It's quite a bit of a mess, isn't it? [ She doesn't even know how she's doing after all that, really. ]

Is it good news? Because I would very much like some of that, if you have it.

Accidental video; un: darkness CW: child abuse mental and physical, gaslighting, victim blaming

[survivalthroughhate]

[The infection his Omni and Omen still have coursing through them are sending out random memories to different people. Luna will receive one from him against his will.

The memory shows Maul, maybe slightly older than when Luna had met him as a child here in Trench, sitting not on a bed but on a mere pallet on the ground. There's no sheets or pillow, only a ragged blanket. He's crying softly, holding his right wrist close to him. The unnatural angle at which it limply hangs shows it's clearly broken.

Sidious enters and Maul immediately stops crying, scrubbing at his eyes to hide the tear tracks. He knows if his master sees him sobbing like that, he'll give him something worth crying about. He braces himself, waiting for Sidious' cruelty. But this time he's not the monster. No, in this case it's almost worse, because Sidious has put on the persona of the kindly master who only wants the best for his charge.

"Oh, my poor boy. Let me take a look at your wrist," he says sympathetically. Maul tentatively holds it out, unable to keep from shaking a little, again waiting for the other shoe to drop. But Sidious is smart enough to know when to punish his ward and when to string him along with false hope. Right now is the latter. Sidious looks at it with false sympathy, clucking his tongue like he honestly cares about Maul's welfare. "Do you understand why I had to do this?"

Maul thinks very carefully for a moment. The wrong answer could make Sidious switch back to his usual monstrous ways, so he has to get it right on the first try. He makes an educated guess. "Because I wasn't strong enough?"

"Yes. If you were able to do as you were told, I wouldn't have to punish you so." Maul shrinks in on himself at the words. This is his fault. If he was stronger, faster, smarter, just better in general, his master might finally love him the way he yearns for. Sidious rests a hand on top of his head between the crown of horns, a gesture both paternal and demeaning at the same time. "It's alright. You are strong and you will survive." He doesn't say the words with kindness, more like a tone that this is just something that is a fact, like the sky is blue or water is wet. From the shining look on Maul's face, he's taken them to heart just as his master wanted him to. "Come on now. We'll fix up that wrist with bacta and then you'll feel much better." Maul struggles to his feet and follows Sidious out of the room, staring at his master with undisguised adoration. The Sith Lord has him hook, line, ad sinker.

The memory fades out there as Sidious leads him to the med bay.]

god, i'm sorry it took me so long to get to this

[creidim]

[ There's no real understanding as to what's going on, to why she's seeing this. But the memory plays anyway, and she's quiet and still as she watches. She recogises the child, remembers how he'd been with her when they'd interacted back at the start of the year. The initial scene leaves her with a bitter taste in her mouth as he cradles his wrist, she doesn't like where this is going.

And it becomes clear: this is his Master. He was the one who did this. A punishment—? Luna inhales sharply, her expression grim. That is no punishment for a child. The actions, the manipulation, is horrifying. Luna has felt anger towards Maul, after what happened to Willow she could perhaps consider it hatred — but here she feels anger on his behalf, towards this vile creature of a caretaker.

For a long time afterwards, she just sits there, shaking with that outrage — but otherwise calm. She's not sure what to do. It would be dishonest to say nothing. She's seen something so intimate, so horrible. She doubts he'll take the revelation well. Perhaps it better to text him — offering the space of it over something more direct: ]

Maul. I've been sent a transmission, a memory of your childhood. [ She lets that there for a good few minutes before she adds: ]

No child should be punished like that. That wasn't love, nor care. [ And yet she couldn't mistake the look of adoration on young Maul's face. She remembers how he'd been with her, pleased with praise, awed by Moon Presence. ] You were a good child, and he did you wrong.

accidental video | un: graham crackers

[possessum]

cw: possession horror. epilepsy / seizure associations. facial / nose trauma / broken nose. blood.
also shown in another ongoing scene: ritualistic horror. decapitated corpse. flies. emeto (dry heaving).

The memory plays out of Peter, three years younger — sixteen, the age he was when he first arrived in Deerington.

action | me reminded how fuckin awful that scene is 🙃🙃🙃

[creidim]

[ She'd noticed that his nose had always been a little crooked since they'd met, but she'd never asked why — never probed about something like that. It wasn't important, in her mind; she never minded the fact his nose was crooked. It was quite devil-may-care, in a way, really.

But the ominous and painfully familiar sounds of clicks makes her sit up a little straighter, her expression grave as her Omni plays out the memory to her. This isn't the first time it's happened. She's seen a memory of Maul's, others have seen a memory of hers. She knows this won't be good, and it comes with the quiet and horrified understanding she knows just who is clicking at Peter here.

The moment is fraught, and she flinches back as he painfully contorts — the horror of his classmates around him, a girl asking if he can breathe. She doesn't want to watch, but she can't not. She's frightened for him, shifting back from her Omni screen — almost cowering, not realising her breathing's grown shallow and rapid in dizzying panic.

Her hands go to her ears on the first slam of his head, and the second makes her cry out softly — the moment snapping and the sound of Peter's screams filling the air, blood pouring from his face, his nose. Luna scrambles to turn the Omni off, scrambling to her feet from where she'd been sitting down at her desk in her bedroom. And she knows: he broke his nose. Paimon broke his nose.

A shaking hand goes to her face, brushes over the bridge of her own nose — a faded scar that still sits there. He broke her nose, too. When he'd tried to... tried to get inside her. When she was we for one brief, intense, painful moment. It went wrong. She lets out a shuddering breath; still dizzy, she feels ill, her eyes glossing over — but yet eerily calm as she stands for a long moment. He broke them both.

Her hand drops to her face as she turns towards her door, her feet move without thinking — her hand finds the handle, opens it. She calls out to him, stepping out into the hallway. There's urgency in her voice to find him, to locate him to where he might be in the house — but she presses down the horror, keeps her voice steady. She doesn't want to worry him. ]

Peter—?! [ She starts down the hallway, not sure where he is. His room? Downstairs somewhere? The next floor up? ] Peter—?

video; un: lady (7/2)

[dohaeris]

[sansa's hair is braided back, a few pieces stick to her forehead with sweat. she looks exhausted. she wears a light grey gress with cap sleeves and embroidered ravens. lady pants sadly on the couch next to her.]

Hallo, Luna, I hope you're well. Since you know very much about the Moon Presence, I was wondering if you knew of anything we could do about the Beast Moon. It seems to be corrupting people badly. From what you've said, this doesn't seem like something that the Moon Presence wish for us. Could she perhaps be angry, or in danger of corruption herself?

video;

[creidim]

[ Luna on the other hand is looking a lot more at ease and comfortable. Granted she hasn't been outside today, but she is very much enjoying the benefits of magic atmospheric charms. Yesterday had been quite trying whilst she worked on getting them up and running, though. ]

Hello, Alayne—! ... You look a bit fed up. [ Tact? What is that? But she does look quite concerned, her brow furrowing. But she quickly moves on to the other girl's questions — about the moon. ]

Oh. Well, no. [ That's the short answer. But she'll elaborate. ] Unfortunately there's not really anything one can do about the moon. The moon just... is.

Pthumerians acts in ways that are often difficult for Humans to understand. They're not... people. In truth, they don't understand us as much as we don't understand them. [ Thus the whole idea about uniting the two races, creating beings like Julia Sodder. ] I don't think her to be angry, and I don't think a Pthumerian as powerful as her would be in danger of Corruption.

She just... is who she is. The moon brings the tides that offer water to nourish, but it also brings the floods that devastate.

Video; UN: Willow

[frogfear]

[Luna is one of the very small handful of people Willow reaches out to in July, in the span of time after Chara and allies destroy her home and kill her friends. Ozpin, Faith, Oscar... None of them have returned yet.

She has done so much irrevocable harm, and all the apologies in the world don't seem to matter much. It doesn't change anything, it doesn't fix anything, but it's all she has to offer.

At least Luna survived their encounter. At least Willow only attempted to drive her off when she refused to join in on her bid for revenge, instead of trying to kill her. Luna is family.

Willow is recovering at the Pines' family home when she reaches out through the network. She doesn't dare visit in person, both because the wound from where Reaper had shot her is still refusing to even begin to heal and makes travel difficult, and because she doesn't want to risk anyone targeting any of her other friends.]

Luna? Are you okay? I, uh, wanted to let you know I'm back to myself again. I'm sorry. About what happened. I think you already know I wasn't... I wasn't in a really good place. Not that it's any excuse.

i'm sorry, last month sucked with tags

[creidim]

[ It's not been the best of months, truly. Luna doesn't think anyone in Trench had a pleasant month, in all honesty. Her face-off with Willow had only been the start of it, and plenty has happened since. But she's worried constantly about her, been angry at the fact she'd died. Willow might have failed in coaxing her to join her on a revenge spree, but Luna certainly ended up on one of her own. ]

Willow, you're back. [ It comes out as a breath of relief. There's another worry: plenty of people have returned to the ocean, and not returned. She's silent for a long time, sitting in the silence with a sorrowful expression before she utters: ] I'm very glad you're back, and that you're... well, you.

[ Her lips form a thin line, the bare hint of a smile. ]

You don't have to apologise, not to me. And— [ There's a small wince. ] I understand how you got that way, I know who's really to blame.

[ That horrible so-called 'god'. ]

Omen Speak

[possessum]

( Things are... changing. Maybe Peter isn't so aware of it on the surface, but somewhere on a level far below that, it happens. Slowly, as all things do with Peter — and it isn't only the boy changing, but the demon, too. And the spirit-entity born from this place belongs to them both; they grow and change, and so does Susurrus.

...Who has been a very lowkey existence so far, hardly ever emerging except in dire circumstances. Never speaking. Until now... and it's Inlé he reaches out to first. Their respective Sleepers have several connections and bonds, but Omens have their own. His "voice" is a soft whispering hiss, and even through telepathy, the image of a forked tongue flickers between the words, curious. )

Inlé. I am now sssssspeaking.

[creidim]

[ The last thing the hare expects is to hear this voice. That perhaps it possible this one did not have a voice. Some Omens are ever-silent, after all. Still, she has spoken to Susurrus as if he might do regardless on those rare occasions they might find themselves together — Luna is so taken with him, too. And as cold and proud as she can be, she is still kind and patient. ]

This is curious. [ The voice is soft, feminine, and indeed she is intrigued. Something is going on here, clearly. ] Something has changed. What, perhaps? Or why? Could you not before?

early oct; action (why wait for event posts)

[strongroots]

[ It's a meeting pushed back by unpredictable events (Trench culty bullshit), if also unexpected by the nature of Trench. Peter and Robby meeting in Gaze's library, hitting on better than just for the promise of a valued bracelet. That's where Luna had come up: a witch, capable of protection wards, and an offer made that Robby had taken without even really know what it would do. Sure, Trench is weird, weird bullshit, what's a witch next to all of that?

Sometimes, you just really want to see to believe. And who doesn't want to see a witch? When you're on their good side.

The house is in Crenshaw, in the quieter side where the yards are possible, and where the protection efforts are less enforced. Nothing particular outstanding about it in decor compared to the other houses about it. The yard is its feature, though it's yet to be more than a future plan in progress, the grass unkempt, and its actual unique feature... what Robby had sent a message over, to help with directions.

its got a spiral chimney and theres a half pipe on one side of the front yard.

You know, just a half-pipe. Which is exactly where Robby can be found upon, if taking a break on the higher end with legs dangling off the side, or using the skateboard he has for the simplest of tricks. It's more about staving off restlessness than anything else; and once potential company is seen, Robby will stop, flipping up the board between hand and foot. ]

Hey-- Luna?

[ His voice is friendly, a crease to his brow, but that's for the windy weather. ...But all that is void, if Luna has any special means of getting to places that one wouldn't call ordinary.

--except, you know. Maybe the hello. ]

fjgkdf fair tbh

[creidim]

[ It's rare Luna ends up in Crenshaw, but she can certainly appreciate the district. It's quiet here; far more space and greenery between the houses and plots of land. Now that the seasons have changed, it's rather pretty, she thinks. It's nice.

Still, she comes with Helga just in case. Crenshaw is certainly vulnerable, and she's mindful of Sansa's suggestion of bringing her companion along with her. The giant wolf-dog looks very much like a husky, but her bite...? Well, perhaps it is more merciful to ask for a swift death if one ends on the receiving end. But with even with her size, Helga is a sweetheart, really — and quite happy for the walk.

In truth, Luna doesn't really know what a half-pipe is. Wizards aren't much for skateboarding, they're far more into broomsticks. It's easier to spend her search for Robby's home by looking up at the houses, almost as if in a daze — frowning ever so slightly as she notes the chimneys. When he calls to her, her gaze snaps down and she enters the yard — taking in the boy and then the strange construction he sits upon. ]

Hello, you must be Robby. [ There's a pause before she adds. ] ... So this is what you meant by 'half-pipe', how curious.

[ She supposes it does look a bit like half of a pipe. ]

text; un: price is right

[tagartist]

so did you two ever sext or what

[ This is an appropriate greeting after like almost two years, it's fine. ]

text; un: quibbler

[creidim]

Chloe? Is that you? You're here, in Trench?

[ Listen, she is not ignoring your question on purpose. ]

a... gift.... (cw: drugs / weed)

[possessum]

( It's... it's not even Christmas yet. It's a whole week before it, in fact. On this night, Peter Graham has gotten very high and he is very Sensitive, and he is thinking about how much he loves his girlfriend. And so, High!Peter comes up with what, in that moment, seems like the world's best idea to show her his affection...

He's absolutely not much of a cook, or a baker, or anything that requires.... creating food. But Luna has plenty of baking things he can use, and he pretty easily finds a reference picture and instructions for a cute thing online. There's one that doesn't seem all too complicated, you just make a bunch of mini cupcakes, pipe them with frosting, and then put them together to make Santa.

He can totally do that.

And so he's there in the kitchen in the middle of the night, long after the rest of the household are tucked into bed, eyes glazy and red and with the pungent smell of marijuana following him around. ...He's also extremely weepy, sniffling wetly and running the back of his hand across his eyes.

When he finishes arranging the cupcakes on a plate, he sets it out on the counter for Luna to find the next morning. Unfortunately, it's.............. )


( High!Peter, however, thinks that it looks extremely good. Still sniffling, he writes a note on the corner of a sheet of paper and tears it off to set down beside the.... display. There's evidence, perhaps, of the state he's in — how he doesn't write correctly in the margin (well, Peter probably already doesn't do that.....) and how it's... torn off in the middle of his own name... Ah yes, love from "Pe." )

luna lovegood is a lucky girl

[creidim]

[ Waking up alone isn't totally unusual, but it does give her pause when morning comes. She soon figures Peter probably didn't want to disturb her, or maybe just simply passed out in his own room following his latest night of smoking The Weed. And she soon finds out the answer as she sleepily shuffles downstairs in search of tea, passing the living room to find him sprawled lazily over the sofa, fast asleep.

Nothing else seems out of the ordinary until she moves to the kitchen, wiping at her eyes and yawning: something smells good, something sweet over the distinctive smell Peter's smoking usually has clinging around him long after.

... There is cake on the bench.

Not just a cake, but several cupcakes organised into some kind of strange but wonderfully cheerful face. Luna picks up the note left, reading it with a sleepy smile. Ah, it is Santa Claus. It makes sense now. It's a very interesting interpretation of him. And Luna is................. absolutely delighted. No, really. She is feeling very mushy inside right in that moment: Peter made Santa Claus cupcakes for her! It is a very wonderful and thoughtful gift, and she loves it.

She'll be carefully picking up two from the bottom of the beard and returning to the living room with them. Leaving them on the coffee table, Luna crouches down on the floor beside the sofa and will be gently waking him up with little kisses and murmurs of his name to say thank you.

It's a nice day to have cake for breakfast. ]

gift — December 25

[possessum]

( After a cosy, lazy morning spent lathering Luna in all the cuddles and kisses, Peter will gift her a mug to match one for himself (Couple Mugs), hand-crafted from a shop in the city. They're a mix of green and blue, and come with little spoons to match.

There's also a pair of very soft bunny slippers — something that was difficult, but not impossible, to procure in Trench... Peter was able to get someone to custom-make them and add some cute leather whiskers. And on that note, there's a matching headband that he was able to get made along with the slippers.... He knows girls use those for skincare and things....

In the spirit of starting some traditions within their little household, he's also gotten them simple little star ornaments made, one with an L and one with a P.

Lastly, there's some things to spiffy up some cocoa later in the evening: peppermint sticks, huge marshmallows, and he'd managed to get some more chocolate from a friend, to make some chocolate drizzle on top with. )

[creidim]

[ A lazy Christmas morning spent in bed with cuddling and kisses is a pretty amazing Christmas morning, really. Especially considering how Christmas last year wasn't much of a thing, with... well, everything. But no matter, Luna won't dwell too hard on it, and they have this year. She'll be on dinner duty, and while there won't be a turkey, she'll be cooking up a Christmas stew for them — something hearty and warming. Plus there'll be plenty of food that's been gifted to them that they indulge on over the course of the day (and then some).

She will be delighted with the matching mugs and will want to make tea in them right away (and hot chocolate in them in the evening, too). She will be equally enthusiastic over her gifts of slippers and the rabbit headband too, immediately putting them on and grinning widely (Peter is mostly the dork, but Luna also can sometimes be the dork, too). The star ornaments will be hung on the tree in the living room. It's a nice addition to the start of their traditions this winter, Luna is sure there will be more to follow.

As for Peter's gifts, Luna has made him some more of the sour candies she made him for his birthday, considering a stoner shouldn't be without their snacks and she knows Peter's love for sour sweets over sweet ones. She has also made him a little figurine of a dog out of beads, like how she does with her jewellery. There is also a carved, antique box which might be met with some confusion until Luna explains to him she thought it would make a nice storage box for his weed supplies. It's... very practical—? Keep your weed supplies all in one place—!

Peter's main present, however, comes in the form of a simple card with the letters 'I O U' written on it. Inside, Luna has written 'one bedroom decorating'. Long ago, back in Deerington, she'd mentioned offering to paint his room for him. She unfortunately never got around to doing it, and Peter ended up moving out of the house he shared with Henry and into hers instead. While it's been over a year since then, it's now definitely become overdue.

Said decorating will come in the early days of the new year, once the celebrations are out of the way. While Luna has agreed to decorate his room, there is a condition that Peter must help her tidy it — which is no small feat as it involves moving around furniture and finding all the gory details of Peter's depression habits. Sorry, Peter. You can no longer hide your sins from her, and no you can't just shove things in drawers to stay there in the meantime, either. Luna plans to completely gut his bedroom; everything is getting cleaned and tidied and reorganised. Luna will cover removing any trash while Peter's on laundry duty and moving his belongings into the spare bedroom down the hallway for safe keeping.

The heavy furniture covered with dust sheets, Luna will get to work. Peter will be banned from his own bedroom over the next few days, so not to ruin the surprise. And once she's all done, he'll find that Luna's done quite the number on his room.

The main feature is the painted walls and ceiling: the walls given a clean coat of white paint to freshen them up and make them look a little more modern with the house's older architecture. The ceiling, however, Luna has painted to look like the stars in the night sky. There's something a little magical about it, too. Quite literally. The ceiling mural looks incredibly real, and if he's watching carefully, he may see stars twinkling at him, or the odd one shoot across the space. He'll be able to pick out some constellations if he's paying close attention, including Cygnus, since he told her that's his favourite.

Not only that, but Luna has cleaned up the room and rearranged the furniture, too. Even Lu and Na's tank has been cleaned. Everything will be organised and dusted, and she's even added some little of her own touches of some fairy lights by his bed, and trio of little jars in different sizes filled with magical phosphorus lights to sit on a shelf. She has also gifted him a star chart she had made in one of her Astronomy lessons that she found in her old Hogwarts trunk and framed it to put on his wall.

Look, she really just wanted him to have a very nice and chill and clean bedroom he can relax in. It's important. And she went all out. Merry Christmas, Peter. She hopes you like your new room. :) ]

gift — December 25

[possessum]

( ...Time to outdo Peter's Christmas gifts! No not really, but— It's happening. And maybe the way it happens is a little bit off from the norm, considering Paimon has approached Luna with the idea to grant her a Familiar rather than be commanded to grant something so important to begin with.... but it still works out. After the gentle nudging to have his Witch ask him for a Familiar, she's going to get one.

And it comes in the form of something that seems extremely suiting for Luna. A large, beautiful raven, a creature associated with many diverse symbolisms and themes. They may be seen as something of ill omen, of loss and chaos. However, they are also associated with rebirth, deep insight, spiritual power, prophecy, transformation, wisdom, cunning, curiosity, and intelligence.



While Omens may be of some similar concepts, the Familiar is a very different sort of entity: its purpose being to assist its magic-user, and functioning more like a servant. It will help Luna with her own magic in whatever ways she needs, protect her when she is doing her magic, and help her with types of magic that may be different from her particular brand of witch — aka helping her in her goetic journey.... Paimon's Familiars, said to be especially worthy, also have the value of teaching and spreading his teachings and truths. Over time, as Luna and the demon strengthen and expand on their working relationship (and as the demon king continues to regain himself), her Familiar will be able to share more and more of Paimon's knowledges with her as well, and give her access to certain Truths.

The Familiar is an ancient spirit that does have a true name, something that may be revealed over time. However, for now, its true name will be unknown... but Luna is certainly free to give it a name to be known as within the household. The Familiar aims to please her, after all! )

[creidim]

[ ... And of course there are also gifts for Paimon. While Peter's are tied up in her usual silvery ribbon, Paimon's are tied up with golden ribbon instead. She's sure he might like to keep it and add it to his little magpie collection of things. She's chosen to get him some very nice colouring pencils he can use for his art that come in a nice golden case so he can carry them about easily. She's also managed to find him a single bar of plain milk chocolate, which probably cost more to trade for than was necessary, but she wanted to get him some—! In addition, she's made him another crown. It's made out of little beads, much like items of Luna's jewellery is. He might not be able to wear this one (other than maybe putting it on his finger) but it would make a nice little ornament instead!

There is still a bit of a learning curve with Paimon and his powers. He's able to do more and more as time passes, gets stronger here in Trench, and Luna's never quite sure just how much he's able to do until she sees it for himself, or Paimon tells her about it. So after the gentle nudging, Luna makes a point of doing things properly. She's researched Paimon's ability to grant familiars before, and knows this is... well, a pretty 'big deal', manner of speaking. So she makes the effort to do things properly in her asking, with intentions and dignitaries and offerings (some trinkets from her box of miscellaneous odds and ends she started collecting in Deerington, like her own little magpie nest of treasures she might use in crafting one day), she's purposeful when she asks him to grant her a worthy familiar, capable of his teachings and to aid her when she requires aid.

She's not quite sure what to expect, but she's pleasantly surprised at the sight of the raven and grinning widely in delight and awe. What a wonderful creature! And she does realise: a raven for a Ravenclaw. She's very pleased with this, and even thanks to demon with praise and face pets when all is said and done. He did very well for her.

She will decide on 'Ariel' as their name until their true name may be revealed to her, so she can have something to call them. She names them after the spirit that aids the magician Prospero in William Shakespeare's The Tempest, which she remembers studying for a time back in Deerington High. She finds it quite fitting, considering Ariel is not known whether to be a spirit or demon, a force of good or evil or simply a neutral force under the command of their magician, and has control over the air and waters as he creates the tempest at the beginning of the play — given Paimon's own associations with water, and Ravenclaw's associations with air.

... She will also need to contact Sansa for a pauldron so Ariel might perch on her shoulder more comfortably, they do have very sharp talons. ]

Gift Delivery - December 25th

[lightthedarkness]

[You know who has had a REALLY REALLY rough go of things lately? Luna. Poor Luna doesn't deserve half the stress she's been put under. So Usagi wanted to go ALL out for her Christmas gift. So Luna is getting a handmade necklace and matching earrings and bakery bought cookies. Attached is a note:]

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS LUNA-CHAN!

I wanted to give you something extra-special this Christmas. I hope everything is going much better now. Please stay safe and warm this winter. If you need anything, just let me know, okay? Be it help with a certain someone, a girls day, a spa day, or just some hot chocolate to drink together. Speaking of, I even have your mug ready at my house so don't hesitate to stop by.

Love you and I've got your back,
Usagi

[When Luna is ready, she will get to have a lovely mug waiting for her in Usagi's massive mug collection. It's the first mug Usagi has ever decorated.]

[creidim]

[ It... has admittedly been a rough time as of late. Having Peter back has lessened a lot of those worries and fears, but there still remains a lot of uncertainty up ahead. Luna is very touched by the letter Usagi sends with her gifts, and thinks the jewellery is wonderful. It looks so delicate and pretty, and blue is very much the colour she's fond of most. Oh, and cookies. These are delightful, and honestly anything sweet and dessert-shaped will always be a good call for Luna. She will be sharing these with Peter, well... just a little. ... Maybe.

As for her gifts, Luna has crafted Usagi a tiny little rabbit out of beads. Luna has also knitted her a pair of fingerless gloves. It's made out of the same wool her scarf is made out of, and will radiate a low-level warming charm so now Usagi can be extra cosy.

It'll be a few days after Christmas before she'll visit for her mug, as she and Peter have probably spent the entire time near a food coma, curled up on the sofa together. They've really just been taking things very calmly and chill, considering the last couple of months. They just... needed some very quiet and peaceful time for the holidays, and that's what they've had. Which is all either of them could have asked for, really.

She will adore her new mug. It's so charming! Although it's a shame the decoration on it looks a bit too good because she does kind of want to eat it, but that's one of those intrusive thoughts Luna decides she'll keep to herself. ]

Gift Delivery - December 25th

[onebadapple]

[Delivered in a basket with a Merry Christmas tag written in beautiful handwriting is a blueberry pie.]

[creidim]

[ Oh, Snow. You can't possibly make Luna a pie this beautiful and expect her to cut it up and eat it? It's too pretty to eat! Luna will eat it, but not before taking a great deal of photos of it on her Omni so that she may forever keep the image of it saved.

She will also send her Omen Inlé to Snow in return with a small parcel, tied up with a silver ribbon. Inside, she will find a yellow and black scarf, made by Luna herself. When Snow wears it, she'll find she's encompassed in a low-level heating charm. Also yes, Snow is a Hufflepuff. ]

Gift delivery from K

[obeir]

[ K's gift is addressed to both Luna and Peter: a Tannenbaum-shaped charcuterie board, along with several bottles of spiced apple cider, authentic root beer, and a cream soda and butterscotch drink that's a close approximation of butterbeer, courtesy of the Roost.

It comes with a signed note from K wishing them both a happy holiday season. ]

[creidim]

[ Food is always a very excellent choice for Peter and Luna, to be honest. They're going to have a very nice time enjoying this! Luna is very appreciative of the butterscotch drink. She might not be able to get proper Butterbeer here in Trench, but this is a very good approximation and it's a very pleasant reminder of home (also sorry Peter you're not getting any of this one).

She will also send her Omen Inlé to K in return with a small parcel, tied up with a silver bow. Inside, he will find a little figurine of a bee made out of beads, made by Luna herself. ... Yes, it is supposed to be his Omen. ]

Gift Delivery - December 25th

[survivalthroughhate]

[This year, Maul had decided to behave himself when it came to giving gifts, unlike in years past where he broke into people's houses rather like Santa himself did. All gifts are left on the porch or front step of the recipient's home for them to find in the morning.

Luna got a bag of coal since Maul was just that petty. But, as his note to her would state, enemies were to be respected. So there was a beautiful cardigan made in the style of Trench fashion in a separate box. He had to guess the size, but given how easily he'd managed to pull Luna out of the water when he'd saved her once, he had a fairly good idea of how much of a waif she was. The note he left, explaining the reason he'd given her the present, wished her a Merry Christmas (only 75% sarcastic!) and was signed from Darth Maul]

[creidim]

[ Honestly, the whole 'getting coal for Christmas' thing goes way over Luna's head. She sees the bag of coal as an odd choice, but considers perhaps Maul thought it a practical gift of survival: to remain warm during these frigid months. The Season of Bone brings a bitter chill, after all.

The cardigan does surprise her, though. That's not expected, even with the whole 'respecting one's enemies' line that he's going with. But it is a very nice cardigan, she has to admit, and does suit her well.

A few days later, Luna's Omen Inlé will be sent to Maul. She will be carrying a scroll-like gift. When he unravels it, he'll find that Luna has sent him a delicate painting of Moon Presence, done in watercolours. If he looks carefully, it might look as if the painting seems to breathe or shift slightly. Maybe it's magic, maybe it's just Luna's talent for art. Or maybe a bit of both, there is something that does feel a little like Luna's magic to it. Merry Christmas, Maul. ]

action | Valentine's Day 💗

[possessum]

( Luna's birthday was truly a nice time, the colourful little tea party with friends. Peter genuinely enjoyed it, and seeing her enjoying herself, fluttering around in her dress with the puff sleeves and the holographic wings that K gifted her. But the celebrations aren't over — with Valentine's Day being just after the girl's birthday, it's the chance for Peter to celebrate privately with her. And he's had plans up his sleeves for a while now, been preparing for it over time.

The celebrations technically start on the night of the thirteenth, after everyone's gone home and Peter's helped clean up, with night setting in. As he and Luna part ways for a bit to get ready for bed, brush their teeth and change into night clothes, Peter takes a moment to sit down on his own bed. Maybe he should do this in the mirror, but he still can't bring himself to look at his own reflection and speak to the demon that lives within. To see Paimon there in his own eyes. So he's just staring down at his own hands in his lap, fingers trembling slightly. And it's then that he speaks to the demon king aloud, softly. A rare thing for Peter to do, and even rarer for him to actually make a request from Paimon.

But he does. He asks him to do something for him and Luna, to let them have tomorrow for just the two of them. Luna can put Paimon to "sleep" with the password she uses,
but.... it'd be nice if she didn't have to. If they could just spend one day alone, or as alone as they possibly can be. The demon's... taken aback at first, but then he becomes pleased, and Peter thinks he feels a soft hum move through him, something that sends an odd shudder down his spine.

When morning comes, it seems that Paimon's actually agreed to the request, because Peter wakes up and tentatively tries to feel for him (something he also rarely would ever do willingly), and the demon's not there; Peter doesn't feel him at all. He's somewhere deep and quiet, asleep or something like it, unable to be reached. With a thrum of excitement in his chest, Peter waits for Luna to stir too, wrapping her up in sleepy morning kisses, nose pressed into her tousled curls. He tells her that Paimon's asleep for the day, how he'd asked him if they could have an entire day of Alone Time. And it's a warm blossom of delight for them both, like back when they'd tried the password for the first time and it worked. An entire day....!

There's breakfast, lazy and relaxed and made together, and the rest of the day is theirs. It passes slow and sweet, but as it starts to shift to late-afternoon, Peter asks her if he can have some time to make some preparations.... not shooing her off out of the house or anything, just encouraging her to hang out in her room or the study for a little while, because he has Something Planned... Judging by the movement of pots and pans in the kitchen and the aroma of food cooking up, it's pretty obvious what he's doing, but still.... With an amused, dumb grin, he also informs her that "this evening requires formalwear". It's a little silly, but instead of going out to a fancy restaurant (and Trench doesn't exactly have much to choose from there), he's planned to bring the fancy restaurant to them.

By the time Luna's finally called down to dinner, Peter's put on a suit, the simple black one he'd received in Deerington — and it's not like things are 100% formal, given he's padding around in a pair of socks... But still, it's pretty fun to get dressed up, just for each other. To turn an evening into something special. And he's welcoming her into the dining room, which has been elaborately set up with candles and some flowers, and the meal he's prepared all spread out.

There's crisp salad and bread (not baked himself, but freshly bought from the bakery, soft and warm), but the main course is something he did actually cook himself, from start to finish. It's a creamy pasta with shallots and mushrooms, garnished in parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan. It's no secret that Peter's... not much of a cook, but this one wasn't altogether too difficult to prepare, and he's actually been practicing this dish, watching videos on how to cook pasta from scratch, and getting some helpful tips from K these past couple of weeks. There's also a bottle of white wine if she'd like some with the meal, a nice accompaniment to the pasta.

Dinner's taken slow and relaxed, with conversation and laughter, the both of them enjoying the time spent together. There's plenty of leftovers for tomorrow too, and after cleaning up together, Peter's leading them back to the living room, where he prompts Luna to sit comfortably down while he goes to get her present. He'll return with his guitar in hand — yes, it seems someone is following up a serenade from the past with a new one.

Only this time, it's... a song he's actually written, himself. He'll tell her how he's been working on it for awhile, dabbling in actually writing some of his own music here and there. And, shyly but with the pleasant haze of a glass of wine giving him just a bit less of the nerves, Peter will peel off his suit jacket, roll up the crisp sleeves of the white button-down beneath, and play the song for her, singing along quietly.

It's a song about someone who's felt lonely for all of their life — quietly existing on the edge of a place that everyone else seemed to belong to. It's a melancholy song, the melody slow, a little sad. But towards the end, the person feels a warmth at their back, and turns around to face what it may be that's awaiting them. The song ends like that, with the person giving a little smile. They've seen something safe, and warm. Something that feels like an open door welcoming them home.

The perspective of the person could definitely be either himself or Luna, left vague like that rather than exclusively be about himself. Peter's not really a poet, the lyrics are more simple and to the point, but the melody is meant to be that way, simple and bittersweet, and when he's finished, the smile he wears is still a little shy, but proud. He's genuinely proud of the song, and as he sets his guitar aside and moves to rejoin Luna on the sofa, he's leaning to kiss her, long and slow, humming the words with a lazy, happy smile. )

I love you.

[creidim]

[ Truly, it's been one of the best birthdays she's ever celebrated. There's a kind of mourning that comes with her not being able to celebrate her seventeenth as she should have, as what any young witch or wizard would like to. She didn't even get to celebrate her eighteenth birthday properly, with she and so many other Sleepers being trapped down in the dark, dangerous depths of Rapture. But her celebrating her twenty-first has more than made up for it, and it's helped ease the strange grief that came with the absence of celebration in the past. It was a day spent with people she cares about, with people who care about her — and even a simple tea party has meant a great deal to her.

There's no expectation for the day that comes after. Luna doesn't mind not making a fuss, and still riding the high of her birthday in the face of Valentine's Day. She's content, in all honesty, for a quiet day alone with Peter — and if she needs to ask the demon for privacy for a portion of the day then she'd do that. But there's a wide-eyed (albeit sleepy) surprise when she wakes on the morning of the fourteenth to the knowledge Peter has not only spoken to the demon, but asked for him to give them the day to themselves, without the demon being around. It's... a huge thing for Peter to do something like that, and she's quietly stunned by it until the giddiness comes creeping in: they have Valentine's Day to themselves.

And it's a good day, simply seeing where the morning and early afternoon takes them, until Peter asks her to go make herself scarce upstairs for a while. She absolutely realises what he's up to (admittedly there's the tiniest bit of fretting, considering Peter's previous experience within the kitchen) but she's actually more excited to see what he's getting up to, than anything else. She comes downstairs in the lavender floral dress she was gifted last year, and while she does carry the matching shoes downstairs with her — they're promptly left at the bottom of the stairs and she opts to go barefoot, taking inspiration from Peter's suit and socks choice.

It's hard not to just stand frozen outwardly beam at the sight of the dining room. She's absolutely delighted. This is... so romantic. Peter did this... for her. She's feeling very wooed by it all. Plenty of compliments are given, more so than usual with her blood spurring her on this month — giving her the need to praise more than she normally would. The pasta is delicious, and she's thoroughly impressed by how much thought he's put into it all — she's always considered him very thoughtful. There is a moment of cringing through the wine, when they both realise that wine is... actually quite disgusting, before bursting into laughter. How do people drink this? And enjoy it? It's a bit silly, and even if they do continue drinking — it's safe to say neither of them are 'wine people'.

And she's managed to get a little tipsy from it. Just enough to feel a pleasant buzz, for the edges of things to feel a little softer — a little giggly as she curls up on the sofa and hugs her legs to her chest, peering at him from over her knees with pink cheeks and a smitten smile. She'll watch him with a dreamy look, excited that he's learned another song for her. ... Only it's not one he's learned, it's... something Peter's written himself. And Luna's staring with wide eyes, her heart hammering in her chest, doing all sorts of flutters and flips as she listens: oh. Oh, this is... oh. Luna's speechless, but the smile hasn't left her lips the whole time; she knows why he's written that kind of song, she does. And it's sad, but hopeful.

She's stunned, her chest swelling with love and affection for him — and pride too. Her hands reach out for him when he finishes, wanting to draw him close as he moves to join her on the sofa. She's even smiling into the kiss, stealing a few more tiny ones from him with a small, soft chuckle. ]

I love you. [ And it isn't long before she's shifting to climb into his lap, tugging the skirt of her dress over knees so she can move her legs more easily to straddle him. There's a little, impish grin once she's more comfortable, but she doesn't quite jump into immediately kissing him within an inch of his life just yet. Patience, there's more praising needed — it's very important. ]

That was wonderful. Today in general has been quite wonderful, really. [ She rests her hands on his shoulders, fingers reaching to toy with his hair at the nape of his neck. Wonderful doesn't quite cut it, really. Like it doesn't quite feel enough to express her admiration and appreciation for everything he's done today. ] You did all this for me, for us. I feel very lucky, I don't think I could have asked for a better day.

[ Which includes yesterday, but that goes without saying. But yes. He spoke to Paimon on his own to ask him for the day alone with her, he made his own pasta from scratch, he wrote a song and played it for her. He did all of that so they could have a nice day together like this. The whole 'communication with the demon possessing you' is by itself by far the hugest thing, considering how much Peter tends to avoid him (or as much as he can, considering). They came to an agreement so she and Peter could have Valentine's Day together, without needing any intervention from Luna herself. ]

I'm really proud of you, you know. I hope you know that. [ There's another small kiss, a soft hum at the back of her throat in thought. It might be evening, but the day isn't quite over just yet. Luna looks at him with raised eyebrows. ] ... we still have the rest of the evening, don't we—?