Third Vine

[woodsiequeen]

[She received a letter. It contained nothing but a symbol:



She was insulted. How dare they flaunt their power, using this most revered symbol? It mocked her, reminding her that she was a failure and a prisoner. She stewed about it the entire day, until night fell and she prepared for bed. She sighed, realizing that she had fallen into a pattern once again. Humans did so love their routines, and she followed them to keep up her charade, but just like before, she found herself doing things subconsciously; going through the motions. Only this time, there was nothing tying her to true self. She had no power, she had no one close to her, and she didn't have the reassurance that she was working towards a goal. Was this her punishment? To slowly forget who she was and the higher purpose she served, and resolve herself to a life of conformity and patterns?

She thought about this as she stood in front of the mirror in the washroom as she did every night (another routine...). Just like before, she gazed at her reflection intently, trying to summon up even an inkling of her power, and just like before she expected to be disappointed. But this time the pattern was broken. Her eyes went wide as she watched herself change; as her soft skin became smooth, green bark. She could hardly believe it, but for the first time in weeks she saw herself as herself, and not that wretched human shell.

Viktoria wanted to scream. She wanted to run through the town and sing the praises of the Woodsie Lord for giving her this precious gift. But as she knew it was a gift, she also knew she could not be so careless with it. There was no one who needed to know of her powers, and therefore they would remain a secret... for now. She was well-versed in keeping her true self a secret. She slowly, almost sadly, reverted to her human disguise and crawled into bed... but she did not sleep. No, she waited until she was certain enough hours had passed, then slipped out of the room, and out of the house entirely.

Silently, she made her way to the park. It was artificial, like everything else in this horrid town, but it was the only place that felt fitting for a prayer of thanks to the Trickster. As she approached the small pond, she unbuttoned her nightgown and let it fall away from her, and as she knelt by the water she called the change again. It was such a wonderful sensation to feel the moonlight on her skin and the water absorbed through her fingertips again. She couldn't remain here; she would have to return before dawn so not to arouse suspicion, but she could linger just a little longer...]

((OOC: So hey, nightowls. Who wants to talk to the naked green babe in the park?))

Comments

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

[His rather unfortunate failure at Westport calmed him down. Somewhat.]

[Still, he kept walking nights.]

...Oh my. Have I come upon Artemis's grove?

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Whips around at the sound of the voice, eyes glowing bright red. She was not expecting anyone else to be here how could she have been so stupid.]

Who goes?

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

Ah, just one who prefers the night to day. If it bothers you, I will go.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Well, this wasn't one of the drones, at least. There was nothing she could do about it now, may as well roll with it.]

...I apologize for my outburst. I did not hear your approach, and I thought you were one of the mindless ones. If you wish to stay, I will not protest.

[When she speaks, it almost sounds like there are several voices speaking under hers, in perfect unison.]

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

And who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

No one of any importance. Just a fellow creature of the night.

[You aren't getting her name that easily, mysterious stranger.]

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

Ah of course. It is good to meet you then, nameless one. Too many prefer day.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

This is truly the first time I have felt at ease. The mindless ones are gone, and in the shadows everything looks far less... uniform and drab. Do you wander at night often, stranger?

[katto-katto.livejournal.com]

I try to. I do not need to walk the night thanks to this town, but it is a helpful reminder of times past.

[foureyed-lawyer.livejournal.com]

[Atticus is strolling back toward his home with a general idea of how Mayfield is laid out; it was a long night, and he wasn't sure he was going to get any sleep... He was typically used to these long hours, but he's been awake far longer than before. He rubs an eye under his glasses, a paper under one arm.]

OH MY GOD XD

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[This time, Viktoria was not caught off-guard, as she heard the footsteps. She crouched by a tree, hiding in its shadow as the man approached, and, suddenly feeling very mischievous, let out a small laugh as he passed.]

lol, it happens~! XD

[foureyed-lawyer.livejournal.com]

[Atticus turns toward the laugh, not really emoting his concern. Should it be someone who wanted to hurt him, he'd try to at least talk his way out of it and hope for the best. Even so, he wasn't terrified, and he wasn't the type to run. So he stood sternly in place and called out in his usual sturdy voice.]

I don't suppose you're out for the nice air, too, are you?

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[So serious, like she was a child being scolded. Viktoria couldn't help herself; she wanted to play with this one a bit. After all, he was only a man, what could he possibly do to her?]

Of course. It's such a beautiful night, even for this place.

[She stood up and leaned against the tree. She was still in shadow, but now she was a little easier to see.]

[foureyed-lawyer.livejournal.com]

[Atticus squinted at the dark, adjusting his glasses just so. He didn't seem fearful of her presence.]

Sorry, dear, my vision's a little weathered this late into the evening. You've been in Mayfield long? I've recently appeared here, myself.

[There was a bench nearby and he walked to it, sitting down and clasping his paperwork between two hands.]

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

Another newcomer? There's always so many, dragged away from their homes to this awful little prison. I've been here for weeks now, but there are others who have been here far longer.

[She ducks behind the tree, and reappears on the other side, out of the shadow.]

Is this better for you? I sometimes forget that men cannot see as well in the dark of night.

[foureyed-lawyer.livejournal.com]

[Oh my you're naked. But Atticus is a gentlemen as usual.]

Older men, especially. We just can't hold on to our eyesight, it seems.

[A pause.]

Weeks? That sounds terrible--though, some of the people who've been here for more than a year must really be missing their homes at this point. I've personally yet to see the dark side of this town, but I'm hoping I'll be prepared for that day.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Silly human, nymphs have no need for things like clothing. Or, you know, not making people feel awkward.]

Oh, you will, in time. I have seen the tricks and lies for myself twice already. But you seem like a smart man; I'm sure their lies will have no effect on you.

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[His nightly trips to the park have been frequent and all the more needed. Not only is it a place for him to sing and be himself without being bothered or criticized, but it's also a place to cool his head.

The new addition to 335 Brady Lane had done nothing but insulted his intelligence and mocked his status as king, which had easily ruined his good mood - if his mood was ever good to begin with. There's so many terrible things he wanted to do to shut her up, but does he even stand a chance? Likely not. Once he's given the opportunity to take over Mayfield, she will be the first to die along with Gohan. And he will enjoy their demise very much.

Sitting near the pond with his fellow frogs, he was about to sing his cherished song until he saw something moving in the water. Who could it be?

"Who are you and what are you doing in my park - Ribbit?!"

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Ugh, now what? She expected to see one of the mindless drones, but when she looked she saw a giant lump of a frogbeast. Clearly not something of this town, and clearly with as little power over it as she. She answers in an obviously playful, teasing voice.]

This is your park? I must apologize for my trespass, but surely you would not mind a visitor coming to admire?

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[Wart crossed his arms and snorted. Trespass she did, but admire? Ha! There's something worth admiring alright. And it isn't the park]

The one you should admire is me - the Great Wart, King of Sub-Con and famed musician of the Island of Koholint - Ribbit!

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Viktoria was amused. A frogbeast, claiming to be a king? This could prove very entertaining. She's still rather playful when she addresses him.]

Ah, I'm in the presence of royalty? What an honor! I've held audiences with countless lords and nobles, but never a king. What a shame that you are here, so far from your land.

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[Wart is enjoying this kind of attention. Finally, someone other than the usual three who respects him and believes him to be king!]

No matter - Ribbit. Soon, I will take over Mayfield and it will be added to my kingdom.

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[She was more than happy to indulge him, because this was highly amusing.]

Are you raising an army, then? I know there are many here who would like to see this town fall. I doubt you would have trouble finding soldiers.

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[Amusing or no, she's doing a good job stroking his ego. And it is big]

Ccrrooaakk.... It would not be a problem if my Second-In-Command would do his job! Not to mention that a boy and this viking girl are standing in the way of conquest! But they will not remain a thorn on my side for long!

[He then points to the woman with a clawed finger]

Because you will be the one to distract them while my army takes down this town along with their superior - Ribbit!

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Viktoria raised an eyebrow at that last remark.]

Oh, but your majesty, I am not much of a fighter. I just don't know what I would do against your enemies!