this is Salem, a land filled with magic and maladies. It is a place where witches and their elemental familiars gather, a home to legend and
lore that predates time itself. Yet of all the wicked and wonderful stories the past can tell us of, the most magical are the ones yet to happen.
This is Salem - this is the start of your very own journey. Welcome to starfall
Starfall is an animaga witch roleplay set in mostly modern times. Members play as witches in a world plagued by monsters, where the only safe spots are walled cities. Starfall strives to be a character-driven roleplay with expansive lore and a highly interactive plotline. We want to allow members to
create and look back on a magical journey, and mold the site and its plot as their characters grow.
His body moved through the city until he was at a place he could find warmth. A place he could find comfort. He was tired. So tired. The sun had already set and the moon danced in the sky with twinkling stars like the backup dancers in a ballet. It was such a pretty night. Why am I like this? The window was unlocked. It was an easy feat to get up. So he did into what looked to be a bedroom. There was a soft noise as the window slid open and the young man popped inside.
He was so tired. He was so cold. Not physically... though a little cold thanks to the night air but this wasn't the kind of cold a warm blanket could just fix. It ran deeper than this. Ran deeper than he ever thought he could feel. The cure was right in front of him though. He could see the tuffs of hair even in the dark. He could see the calm and peacefully face laying in bed. Was he actually asleep? He didn't know. He didn't care.
The teenager took off his sweat stained shirt from the duneworm fight and took off his shoes and socks. His cute little shorts would be all he needed in sleep. He had prepared to have to stay the night in the city so it was nice he didn't have to. The young man would tiptoe over to the boy in the bed. Assuming his was actually asleep the boy would wrap his body around his friend... basking in his warmth as he tried to sleep away to coldness he felt in his heart. aiden emerson always managed to drive it away with just his presence. It was so nice.
He could feel himself drifting into sleep. Could feel that warmth he craved so much. It felt so nice. He would fall asleep with a smile on his face if the boy didn't wake him or anything like that. And assuming he didn't... something unintentional would happen. He just wanted to dream something happen... and his magic would try to make it happen. His dreamweaving magic would latch onto aiden emerson through touch. The dream would begin. A kitchen. An apron. And a small kiss on the cheek. So would begin the dream saga.
He doesn’t like it here. He never did, and he doubted he ever would. The possibility of this becoming his permanent home hung over his head and while there was a strong likelihood it wouldn’t happen, it scared him. This life he never had, suddenly becoming his? No. No thank you he couldn’t. Not because he was incapable but because no one in this home was really family. Why did he have to take care of them? No thank you. He would have much rather be in the Hovel, knitting with his grandmother while his father read to them. The unfamiliarity of the big room bothered him. During the week he would stay with the coven, but sometimes he was requested for an event or a check in and he had to show up. Until he caught up to his father and expunged the stain on their family’s honor, he would be the face of the family. The miracle son here to wreak havoc on his turn coat father.
The redhead sighed as he dropped a bag at the foot of the bed readying himself for bed. He used to be messier in this space, but the shame of a servant cleaning for him made him stop. As he pulled on a pair of fuzzy socks and wrapped himself in something handmade, he curled up on the bed and tried to force his mind towards better things, and calmer emotions. Images of his mother flash in his mind’s eye as well as the many people he had somehow ended up calling family. Memories of him in his prime. He’d been happy, ignorant. He’d been happy with her. He would still be happy if disease hadn’t taken her, but that was an unchangeable fact that he had to forget.
Aiden forced himself to focus on a birthday outing with his family and somewhere throughout the cake cutting he drifts off. He doesn’t wake up when an intruder slides in between his sheets. He’s not aware when they latch onto him. There’s only a vague tensing at the feeling of cold skin on his back before he relaxes once more after. There’s no getting up, he’s not alert enough. Just a lazy uncurls the blanket and moves a piece over the intruder. It’s a mystery to him where he is. The scenery unfolds slowly, like mist rolling in. It’s a quaint kitchen, there’s a window to the outside before him. The smell of burning food, but nothing to panic over, and lips brushing against his cheek. He felt warm, but routine. Like this was how it always had been. He doesn’t realize he’s leaned slightly into a kiss only passively understand as dreamers do. This was his reality. “Oh! Sorry, hun.” He blurts out, the words flowing out of him as the dream went on. “I’ve burnt the cheese. My fondue didn’t work out.” Literally cheesy. If Aiden was conscious he would’ve groaned.
There was no control. No forward movement in the world of dreams. At least not for him... not that he knew he was dreaming at this point. There was just a slight feeling that everything was off... but yet the dream made it all feel right. It all did feel nice and right. He let the feeling flow away from him.
Aiden leaned into his kiss. It felt nice... normal... like this was something they did every chance they could. He could see it even... feel lt. Sneaking little kisses in the halls of the coven. Pushing each other against the walls of the library when being close just wasnt enough. It was never enough. This hunger that only the other boy seemed to sate. It was a familiar feeling.
"It's okay honey." Charani would wrap his arms around the red heads waist... placing his face as close as he could without touching. He would try to pull them close together... touching as much as possible. He was being very very affectionate. It was what his dream self craved. This kind of attention. This kind of warmth. It felt so nice and safe here.
"We can always order something if you want. Maybe something sweet for after..." he would start trailing off before purposefully placing their lips a hair apart. Domestic bliss indeed. "Any ideas?". So far the dream was nice. Warm and loving. He was happy... so happy. For now. All of his dreams though... well... there was a reason he never slept well.
It was strange how dreams were like a giant improv session and everyone just kind of went with it. Logic wasn’t a thing. Rational thought likewise, wasn’t’ a thing. It was just a suspended state of being that sometimes spoiled you or threatened you. Sometimes it just toyed with you. Maybe that’s what this reality is to him now: a giant roundabout way his brain is messing with him. To what end? Who knew. Sometimes there was no reason for chaos. And this was chaos. There was that little buzz that went ‘this is weird’ and then the dream did so well in squashing it until you were completely involved. That’s how this felt like. Strange at first, but so nice that he found himself going with it anyway.
There was that shared feeling of not only affection but desire and, fuck, love, that they shared in this moment where the two just kind of fit together so well inside this kitchen. If he blinked it’d be gone in an instant, so he stared ahead sighing contently as Charani took his place, his place, next to him. The affection, once awkward was relaxing now. Vaguely he seemed to remember a time where this was new, where he stumbled over his words and hid feelings that were more out in the open than he thought possible. And he would sigh there and know that he’d go through all that again and again if he could. Its weird kind of intense undertone that just being held had. He was careful to set the pot in the sink if only to free a hand so that he could reach out and hold him, caress a cheek, breath him in, whatever he wanted because he could, and he would. How has he ever managed to hold back from this? “Ah…there was a new place I wanted to try out. Perfect timing.” Because everything here was perfect.
Aiden’s distracted and when Charani gets too close his heart thuds loudly in his chest and his pale flushes. It’s a dream but an almost kiss is so visceral to him, it’s weird when the seer doesn’t follow through. Beyond weird, it’s rude. Aiden frowns not one to be lead on so terribly. His hands slide around their neck and now that he has him cornered he takes what he wants: a simple kiss. The toll is paid and the urge to keep going bubbles up but no- no- no. Dinner first. “I’ll grab the pamphlet.” He adds as he looks away and drops his hands to the back of his apron.
The kiss was warm. He could taste a small amount of spice on Aidens lips... perhaps from tasting while cooking. They were warm and he wished this time would stop. Time would stand still for this moment and this moment alone. Alas it would not. It never did. Even if he had to relive this day a million times he would never stop loving this part. Or the part to come. Only the end.
Aiden seems to be much more at ease after the kiss. It makes him happy. He can feel the desire bubble up in the pit of his stomach. Make it through dinner first though. Then he could pin his lover down and take what he wanted... what they both wanted. He could feel himself tense beside himself as the embrace ended. Aiden speaking about grabbing a pamphlet and them ordering food.
"Okay. I think you left it in the bedroom? Love you~." Charani would say as the other boy would make his way to grab the pamphlet. He would watch as the redhead walked into their bedroom... eyes fixated on him like he would suddenly vanish if he didnt stare at him the entire time. As soon as he was out of sight... out of earshot it would start.
A stange figure would stand behind Charani. It was black and empty... about the same size and shape as the boy it was hiding behind. 'Tick tock. Tick tock.' The voice was like... it sounded like his own but distorted. He looked behind to see the shadow. Not again.
Charani waved his hand at the shadow and a small amount of mana lit up as the creature vanished like dust in the wind. "This time will be different. I swear it." Nothing will happen. He wont let it happen again. With a small smile plastered once again on his face he looked at the clock. 24 hours left and Aiden would be safe. He would not allow his love to die again. "Find it??" hed shout into the bedroom.
There’s a pause in his thoughts. Their bedroom? And like any dream would, it supplied him the information right when he needed it. The memory of a few pamphlets and brochures laying on the nightstand, written on or earmarked according to level of interest. Safe to say, those marked as ‘not interested at all’ were all piled into a pile for recycling later. That dream quality of sight, but unclear sight hits him the moment he leaves Charani. It’s not intimidating, its normal. The farther away he moves the harder it is to see the place. It takes a moment of squinting for shapes to coalesce after a few blinks and an eye rub. “I love you too. Nerd.” Aiden returned, casting a glance at the brunette and snickering at him before navigating like a drunk at midnight.
Sure enough, what he saw was true. There’s his stuff. Their stuff. Theirs. He sits on the bed shuffling through some brochures for the one he wanted, while glancing around for a bit. As things cleared up, he realized this would be a vivid dream. As things sharpened he knew, this would feel real. Thump. Thump. His heartbeat sped up as if to taunt him. A moment of clarity while floating in his own subconscious, Aiden’s overcome with a sense of embarrassment, that old feeling. Its intense as if making up for the lack of it around Charani. He’s flushed and fanning himself when he jumps at he’s called. Right. Right! Dinner- dinner date. They were going out. “Yeah! Coming.” He ran a hand through his hair wondering if he should’ve combed it before remembering that he lived with the guy. Charani has seen worse and lived.
He moved quickly before the other boy complained about hunger pangs. “Hey, did you actually want some dessert tonight? We can stop for ice cream.” The redhead bit the pamphlet as he pulled on his coat and zipped it up. He then folded the paper and put it in his pocket and held out his hand for Charani to take. “C’mon. I don’t want you to get lost.” He adds teasing his partner. As if they wouldn’t practically cling to each other on the outing. Please.
I love you too. Warmth. Desire. Love. A small soul that needs to be protected. A small soul was all that he needed... all that a human needed. A small soul was light enough in his life... a small redheaded soul.
Aiden came back after a moment or so with his pamphlet. If they had more time to think... if the dream allowed them they could see the world slowly building itself around them as they did things. It was like little blocks just appearing in a haze slowly getting clearer. It was a strange sight. Or would be if they thought it was. The other boy was getting ready to go outside... putting on his coat. It took him a minute to process what he should do... almost like a delay. The red coat this time.
"That sounds lovely." Charani hummed putting on the red button jacket. It was only a little chilly outside as happened during fall. It was also late enough in the day that the temperature was cooling. He watched as the other male put the pamphlet in his pocket and held out his hand for him.
"Get lost huh? Sounds like you just want an excuse to hold my hand~" he teased his red haired companion. Of course he would comply with what the other boy wanted. He wanted it too. He would grab the other boys hand, purposefully moving his body closer to Aiden. As they walked out the door he would try to be as close as possible... pretty much hanging off the other boy. It was kind of cute. The hall was dark outside their apartment. Pitch black. Then everything flickered and the hazy blackness started to become a hallway. They'd make their way downstairs onto the street.
He manages to hold a pout for a solid five seconds, even incorporating an annoyed squint into it, before dropping the expression and smiling easily. “Yeah. I am.” And the sentiment is genuine. Even if they didn’t need to go to the extreme to do the simplest of things anymore, it was still fun sometimes. But for now, he hits him with the truth bomb ft. stuff Charani already knew and intertwines his fingers when he’s able. The hallway flicker is ignored. Not important enough a for Aiden to even comment and instead his dream self rationalizes it as a faulty light bulb. They make it out into a crisp dusk. The winds are still, thank the gods. It’s a good day for cider and pie and fresh bread. Maybe…they could stop to pick up something else too. Oh but, all the food already. Maybe not. Tomorrow, the ginger thinks to himself. Tomorrow he will get groceries with McKenna.
“This place sells a lot of pasta…but I’m also thinking trying their pizza just to see how it stacks up to the others around here. It’s on Lace Lane. I think around in the middle of a bakery and an antique shop.” He explains as he reaches for the pamphlet and hands it over. He momentarily took the lead as he remembered the address for the place. He more or less herds his boyfriend down the street. Not exactly far enough to tug but slowly leaning one way or the other to steer him. Stray crunchy bois littered the side walk and he found himself veering towards them and waiting for that delicious Crunch ™. This dreams focus is each other as Aiden again doesn’t notice the lack of people on the streets. It wasn’t that late and yet… but it doesn’t matter because he’s having a good time anyway. “Let’s fly South this winter.” He mentions idly as he sighs and watches a puff of air leave his mouth. It’s fascinating for .2 seconds before his attention is back on Charani. “Or I dunno, visit a hot springs? Could be fun.”
Aiden rambles and it is very... very cute. Everything about this is so cute. The area around them is not populated much at all. In fact maybe one or two other people whose faces are not there. If you look at them they are just a blur. The dream isnt giving them faces... because it is not important. The only important things are the two lovebirds. That was all. The point of the dream.
"Pizza sounds good to me" Charani followed his lovers lead. It was cold enough that he could see his breath. It was not snowing though which was nice.... though maybe later tonight? No wait it would not. It never snowed this day. At least it was quiet. He loved this part. Loved cozing up the Aiden for pizza... an action that would come soon.
"Hot springs sounds lovely. Just you and me in a nice warm bath~" he hummed as they made their way down the street. If he payed attention enough he would see someone watching them. There was no face to the person.... it was just a blur. It would stare for a few seconds before vanishing like dust blowing in the wind. Just like before.
They would walk for a few minutes before being on the right street. At least the place was not far from their apartment. He was sort of glad because it was kind of cold out but also he wanted to cuddle up more to Aiden. Less excuse to do so inside but that wouldnt stop him. It never stopped him. Why would this cycle be anyt different? Correct answer is... it wouldnt.
Aiden nodded along, the dream completely taking hold of him. He as calm, a rare state of being for him in reality. The appeal of this had sucked him so quick even if his subconscious was shrieking ‘That’s your best friend!! Your brother from another mother!! Remember!?’. He didn’t. Any and all attachments had been altered to the point where this truly was good. End game. And while he’d never imagined he’d get this lucky, he had. That’s as much as the dream would let him think about this. “You can’t mess up pizza, so I hoped it’d be a safe bet.”
He kicked a rock down the sidewalk, looking idly at the buildings they passed by. “The sleep you’d get after a hot springs bath though. We could sleep in since it’d be freezing.” The redhead mused, actually thinking over how they could make this happen. It wasn’t like they couldn’t sleep in on a snow day here, but the travel of allure was doing the stuff you liked elsewhere. “I think-” he cut himself off the softest sense of eyes on him, other than Charani. The dream struggled with that, blurring his vision as he snapped his head in random direction, eyes narrowing. The pacified attitude nearly all but melting for a moment before he went into overdrive rationalizing the information away. He swallowed the paranoia, slowly drifting back into that happy and in love state. That’s what this was. This is what he wanted, what he needed. Who knew why?
Who cared why? “Sorry-” he managed not knowing if Charani had said anything to him. His eyes are drawn to one of the storefronts, shining brightly on the empty street. “Oh, it’s a match.” They’d arrived. Their dinner date was back on track, nothing to worry about. Aiden shivered, the remnants of whatever had happened just now slipping away. The door rang out with a tiny bell and Aiden moved inside quickly. The windows were partially fogged up from the heat inside. This place needed no help keeping warm. He stuck close to Charani as he fished his pocket for his wallet, ready to order. “I’m going to grab some sodas while we’re here.” He murmured, leaning over towards Charani to whisper in his ear because he could. He didn’t need a reason.
He was sort of right. It was at least very hard to mess up pizza though not impossible. The pizza would not however be messed up this night. It hadnt yet at least. Not in any of the instances this had occurred in the past. Then again this place was different. Magic was different here. Everything was different. The dreamscape was like that. And Aiden would have to learn the rules in order to survive.
"Well at least it looks cozy" Charani hummed as the two made it into their destination. The place was warm and somewhat inviting. He hadnt noticed whatever was watching them... or at least he hadnt noticed that the other boy had seen it. Even if it was just for a split second. It wasnt time yet. The young witch gripped onto his boyfriends arm like if he let go the red head would vanish into nothingness.
His whole face would flush when Aiden whispered into his ear. It was still kind of embarrassing for him everytime the other boy showed him so much affection in public. Not that he minded... in fact he purposefully encouraged this behavior whenever he could. It made him feel so warm every time he was so open about his affection. The young man got his wallet out to order. Charani saw something black in his peripheral. Fuck.
"Sounds good. I'm just gonna use the little boys room real quick while you do that~" he hummed and placed a sweet little peck on the red heads cheek. He also may or may not have given a little squeeze to a certain peach shaped area. It was sort of his way of claiming Aiden... that and it was always kind of fun to see him react when he grabbed his boyfriends butt unexpectedly. After all Aiden didnt seem to mind doing the same to him at home... or during family events they were begrudgingly forced to attend.
He would move with purpose as he made his way towards what was probably the bathroom... or maybe it was the backroom. He couldnt tell. All he knew was that he was following the darkness he had seen near them. In the back of the cleaning area not to far from where the bathroom was... he could see it. Aha. There the damn thing was... but why was there a creature like this so early? Damn wraiths. At least it was small.
Without much prompting the black humanoid creature lept towards Charani. He raised his hand to defend himself. "Impetum obstructionum." A small flash of mana would eject itself from his outstretched had as the creatures attack bounced off what appeared to be a shield or force field type of thing? What was this? Without missing a beat the boy whispered, Exilium tale monstrum". The black humanoid creature would rush towards him before vanishing into black smoke. Well this was annoying. Aiden hopefully didnt hear this ruckuss. He would turn to make his way back to the boy so their date could continue.
All dreams have their own rules. Their own laws. Solve the mystery. Stay alive.
He grinned at his companion, taking as much pleasure at having caught the brunette off guard. Even if he wasn’t very good at it, he liked teasing him all the same. As he felt his hands release his arm, Aiden nodded before gesturing at the menu. “I’ll get us the usUAL-” the redhead would try to get out before he cut himself off by yelping as he felt a familiar touch on his read end. He clamped his mouth shut before anything else was unfortunate to come out. His reaction elicited a couple of wayward stares but nothing that lasted for too long. He managed to quirk a smile as Charani, assuring him if he looked back that he hadn’t minded the gesture. If he questioned it, he would remember he’d done that and much worse plenty of times over. It’d become a game almost. A very affectionate, and to some people, pretty risqué game. But it was still funny. Who could get each other with total surprise. How well could they shrug off that surprise, because most likely the grab would be while around other people.
Aiden gave the menu one last look before stepping forward to speak with the cashier. “Hey. Can I get a medium Supreme pizza and a couple of cokes?” He slides in the order and pays the money, humming along to the soft music playing in the background he never noticed before. It easily covered up and distracted things he was not meant to see. As he’s handed over his ticket, he gives a glance towards the bathrooms and notes a flicker of light before frowning. Another faulty bulb here too. Maybe they should stock up on candles in case the lights went out. Neither of them really had many means of light at home. He moves over to pick up a pair of soda bottles in a plastic bag before moving himself out of the way and leaning on a wall.
With more time to kill, he begins making notes of the faces of the few people around him. It’s almost tiring, he’s tired. Definitely tired from waiting because now he had to stand still and, well, wait. Whatever it was the feeling manifested itself into a yawn forcing him to close his eyes. When he opened them again the people had sharper faces? He could see details like eye color and make up. They minded their own business. As Charani made his way back he’d perk up, all his energy pulled towards him. He felt more alert, and of course, happier. “How’s the bathroom graffiti? Anything interesting to report?” he asked. “It’s a 20-minute wait.” He added as he held up the sodas, offering him a drink.
By the time he got back his redheaded lover had already placed an order. He had his bag with two sodas in his hands looking so handsome in the soft light of the pizza place. It almost made him forget the blackness moments earlier. Stay alive.
"Nope nothing interesting. Just the usual nonsense. So what youre saying is I have your undivided attention for the next twenty minutes?" Charani hummed and wrapped his arms around Aidens neck. He smirked mischievously as he did this, totally ignoring the offer of soda now that he had what he really wanted. What he really desired.
He would try to turn Aidens own trick against him this time. He raised on his tip toes... not much needed since the other boy was only a tiny bit taller than him but still a little needed. He made sure to be really breathy when whispering in his ear. "Any ideas how we should pass the time?"
Charani would seal it with a trail of light kisses. He would start by nibbling on the ear he had just been whispering in. Then trail down his lovers neck. In public no less. He was being super affectionate right now. Why? Stay alive.
"Any ideas at all?" he smirked as he moved to place a kiss on he other mans lips. None of the strange faces seemed to take notice of how lovey dovey he was being. It was almost like they were NPCs. Like they werent even really there. There was no shadows watching them at this time. At least none they could notice. It was just a nice dream moment.
Aiden tapped his chin in thought for a moment. “Well, one could argue if you’re around you always have my undivided attention.” He returned before attempting a grin, faltering only at the glint in Charani’s eye. Oh boy. He dropped his arm down eventually when his offer was ignored. Whatever. He’d probably want it later. For the moment he’d snake his own arms around Charani’s waist and rest them there. He felt hot breath in the shell of his ear and shivered, his previous smart-ass grin morphing into that of a very awkwardly, tight lipped smile as he clamped his mouth shut. Without much prompting at all, his cheeks bloomed with bright red color, practically matching his wild hair. “UH-” was all he’d be able to let out as he felt a small bite only to relax as he felt the softer, more appropriate for public kisses. Yeah, they were definitely that gross full PDA couple he’d grown to dislike beforehand.
He got it now though. It was some sort of fool proof blindness that came with this feeling that helped ease you into making out with your boyfriend in public. He just had to experience for himself to get it. Aiden cupped Charani’s cheek as he moved in for a kiss, normally the nail in the coffin for Aiden. He wanted to go home and curl up in a blanket now. Fucking food wait. He felt his heart ache in that desperate need to be closer somewhere where he didn’t have to flip flop between caring and not caring about the eyes of others. Why not take out that factor entirely and stay home? Was that selfish or…? Aiden leaned his forehead on Charani’s, before speaking up though it wasn’t much louder than a whisper given the lack of noise in the restaurant. “I can’t believe you are propositioning me at a public establishment. You know better.” He faux-admonished, unable to keep a straight face as a snicker escaped him.
“All my ideas need privacy, hun, so I can’t help you out.” He added with a casual shrug as he dropped his hand back to his waist and went right back to hugging him. “Wanna play penguin and take a nap while I watch?” the redhead added jokingly, his attention moving from Charani to the few people around them. Their gazes looked averted and they were hard to look at but he still felt flushed from only moments ago. The buzzing spoke up again, strangely feeling more uneasy when no one was watching two very obvious canoodling young men in the corner. It wasn't like the were hidden form sight after all. He tightened his grip on his boyfriend to chase the weird sense away.
The redhead was... well a similar color to his hair with all the teasing. It was kind of hot. Oops dont think about that kind of stuff to much they were in public. Evidently similar thoughts were happening in someone else here given his words.
"Its obviously your fault for being so sexy~ How can I resist?" Charani hummed as his boyfriends arms snaked their way around his waist. This was all going much better than most times he tried this. He just wished he could teleport them home and they could spend the next few hours in their bedroom. Though he really wasn't that good at teleportation magic... they'd probably end up stuck in someone else's apartment.
This time when Aiden went to look at all the random people in the dream they would no longer be averting their eyes. All eyes would be on him. They looked strange. Inhuman even. It was a kind of stare that could send chills even to a demons spine. Charani had of course not noticed this. "I'm thinking dinner first and then we break in the new couch. And table. And the bed while we're at it. The night is young~"
Charani was being very mischievous tonight. More than usual... and honestly way more sexual than he would be in real life. It might just be that hunger. That desire to be with Aiden... the desire to be as close as possible.
The staring eyes would continue to bore into the couple and all the people stopped moving. One of them people even look like they flickered black for a split second. Something was for sure wrong. Very wrong. Stay alive. Who would make the first move?
