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.
Post by aiden emerson on May 26, 2018 22:24:17 GMT
[attr="class","wonwoo"]
There was a swift knock at the door before Aiden let himself in. He carefully balanced a plastic crate of supplies in his hands, and pushed open the door with his foot. “Charani!” he called out, further announcing his presence to avoid being mauled by Teddy. He knew that dog hated him for whatever reason, and prayed simply staying by the entrance to his friend's room would be enough to prevent the dog from mauling him. It was a shame, really, that he had to be so guarded around Teddy. Charani had quickly become a good friend since his acceptance to the Knights and he rather liked Teddy. He thought the familiar was cute. Though, maybe that was why Teddy hated him as well. He wanted to get along with the dog. Not getting on made him nervous. Familiars were extensions of their witches after all. If he couldn’t make peace with Teddy could he really be friends with his witch?
The thought always plagued him when the subject of Teddy came up. He really wanted to appease him. He just wasn’t sure how exactly. Yet. He tabled away the dark thoughts for later, or never again that was cool too, and set down his supplies. He had absolutely no knowledge about how seers operated. That kind of magic so far from his understanding. He barely grasped his own affinities. He knew seers often got visions but he never thought they would force seers to collapse. It’d been scary to witness but Charani had assured him he was fine after.
Still, he was worried which explained the crate full of miscellaneous snacks, coloring books, and tabletop games. He was ready to spend as much time as he needed if his friend was bedridden. Not that he’d been told he was but you know, just in case. He needed to check again. He wasn’t much of a caretaker, but he wanted to help regardless. Aiden had even packed himself an overnight bag in case Charani needed anything in the middle of the night. Or worse. “Did you eat already?” he asked glancing over at a half open bag of chips he’d shoved in the box on his way out.
He was safe... or to say he was safe from the wrath of an angry familiar as he was safely tucked in the inner strata of his witch. That vision had taken a lot out of him and seemed to exhaust the vast majority of his mana so right now even the simplest of spells was taxing on him. He'd get better with time of course it was just that vision. That vision was horrible and... well not something he enjoyed experiencing. It was different from the dreams he normally had. Different and not in a good way which wasn't... well pleasant.
He was laying in bed the moment someone knocked on his door. He should answer or get up but he had a hard time getting the energy to move or even call out. Maybe it was a mistake and they were going down the hall. It was not the case when his door opened to a young man he knew pretty well balancing a ton of stuff as he made his way into his bedroom. He waited at the entrance like he was asking to be invited inside but not exactly saying so.
"Oh hi. Um... nope... I haven't... really... um..." he said at his friend like barging into his room. Wait a second. He for sure wasn't wearing... well... an outfit that was appropriate for entertaining guests. He was in underwear that his friend shouldn't see for sure and Percy's oversized sweater looking like he had a hangover. In a way he did or it felt like it. On the plus side he had no dreams other than that one vision so it was the most sleep he'd gotten in a couple of months.
The male pulled the covers up over his very bare legs. This was honestly farther than some boys he'd previously gone on dates with had seen so this was kind of embarrassing. Well this was awkward.
"Um... are you okay? You look... um... frazzled? I can make something if you're hungry..." he said in a calm tone trying to hide the redness of his face at being caught in not friend appropriate night clothes. He also hadn't gotten out of bed and it was the afternoon so that was also kind of embarrassing. It wasn't that he was bedridden he just couldn't find the drive to get up out of bed. The place wasn't very big so it would be simple to navigate.
Aiden closed the door behind him as there was one absent dog ready to bite off one of his limbs. He imagined he would’ve been chased out by now if that were the case. The boy’s frown deepens. The fact that Charani hasn’t even gotten out of bed today is worrisome, but at least now he’s here and he can help. Specifically, with the food part. He was sure he had something hearty in the crate. He had definitely grabbed some fruit on the way out. An apple a day does good things for your mental health, right? His concerns cloud over his thoughts and he doesn’t take notice in his friend’s embarrassment. He simply keeps moving, on a mission to assist in any and all ways possible.
“Yeah- But I mean- I brought you things to eat. Please don’t bother with me.” Aiden said quickly as he shrugged off his bag and set it by the door. He dropped to his knees and began pulling out everything that wasn’t inedible. All the food left, he picked up the crate and moved closer to the bed. “I’m not frazzled. I think.” He trailed off as he said the last bit before setting the crate down near Charani’s bedside. “I’m just worried after your collapse, so I came to check up on you.” He explained, as he fished out that same bag of chips and took off the clip holding it closed.
He popped a couple of chips and munched silently, before offering the bag to his friend. “How’re feeling Ch-” he paused noting the color on the seer’s face. “Are you burning up? I didn’t pack cold medicine, but I can go get some?” Aiden offered looking down as he patted down his jacket for his wallet. He felt a small relief to feel it inside his right pocket. Wait-! The thermometer!! “I don’t own a thermometer.” He said, though this was mostly directed at himself.
Aiden was like a sweet older brother figure. He worried a little to much but he really did mean well and he appreciated it very much. He was honestly like the only real male friend he had at the moment and while he didn't want it to stay that way forever he was fine with it. After all he wasn't out looking for more friends at the moment now was he? You didn't need more than one best friend after all.
Aiden carefully packed away a bunch of stuff at the door before bringing a crate over with a bunch of food that looked fairly healthy. And chips. He wasn't really hungry at the moment but honestly knowing the red headed boy he wouldn't let up until he'd eaten at least something. Maybe an apple would sate the boy as he could nibble on it for a bit and discreetly get rid of it. A bag of chips was placed in front of him and he grabbed a single chip. That was all.
"Are you sure? I think I have some leftovers in the fridge?" I mean he didn't do that much cooking in this small space but he had some stuff at least to eat. He didn't dare move though given what he was wearing. Honestly he probably would forget about it eventually and accidentally flash the poor boy by mistake. The longer he was here the greater the chance. He was of course fretting over his red face which was from being embarrassed and not you know... like a fever.
The male put his hand in front of his friends face palm out. What was he doing? Aiden could probably either feel the mana manipulation happening or more likely hear the pillow whizzing through the air at the boy. If he didn't move fast enough he was going to be smacked upside the head with a throw pillow. This was more to get him out of his trance of worry than anything else. That was why Charani had chosen something so... fluffy and non hurtful. That and it didn't use much mana which he was running low on right now. "I'm fine. Really."
He wouldn’t deny he was a little hungry, but he also wasn’t about to make the patient get up for him. Aiden could feed himself, after he set up Charani. As long as the guy didn’t get up to cook when he was feeling out of sorts. “Leftovers is fine for me if you’re offering…” he replied with nod. Aiden set down the chip bag before dragging the crate a little closer to the bed. He hoped Charani wasn’t tired enough that he’d fall out of bed. He glanced in the direction of the kitchen, still mulling over his lack of medical supplies. Perhaps it was time to invest in a first aid kit for himself.
Aiden blinked, focusing on his friend after zoning out. “Halt? I’m n-”POOF! The ginger’s words were cut short by the pillow which slowly fell on top of his knees after impact. “Hey!” He stopped himself, practically pouting as he was assured everything was alright. Was it really though? He picked up the pillow, briefly wondering if he had overstepped his boundaries before lightly tossing it back on the bed. “Yeah. Ok.” There’s silence as Aiden stood back up. His knees popped, and he awkwardly took off his jacket before tossing it towards his bag. “Then you don’t mind if I keep you company for a bit?” he asked before adding with a quick laugh. “I thought maybe you’d be bored if you were cooped up in here.” He made his way over to the fridge, intent on eating what was offered. The prospect of a meal had catalyzed his stomach who was now rumbling softly as the conversation went on.
HIs sneak attack had worked. It was all he could do to be honest. Maybe a few other light works of magic but that was about all given his low mana state. Of course it was probably more out of surprise than anything else. Aiden hadn't been expecting the boy to attack him.
"Yes there is some soup I made if you want it. Just heat it up," he said with a small smile. The other boy made his way to the kitchen to heat up his food and Charani sighed as the boy went about his way.
"I don't mind. You're my friend you can stay as long as you want." He didn't mind if the other boy kept him company. The young man stretched in bed letting the blanket fall off him. He really should put on some actual clothes.
Wait. Oops. Well at least hopefully the other boy was distracted or his sweater covered everything. The young man made his way up from the bed towards his closet to get some actual clothes. Comfy clothes. It was a onsie. Time to change.
Post by aiden emerson on May 27, 2018 19:47:29 GMT
[attr="class","wonwoo"]
Soup! Soup was promising. A guaranteed immediate fill. He could eat quickly and be ok until dinner time. The ginger opened the fridge glancing through the contents for a moment. He found a small pot and further inspection indicated there something fluid like inside. Most likely the coagulated soup. It didn't smell bad which to Aiden’s belly was permission to rumble louder, now closer to his goal. He pulled out the pot and set it on the stove with care before checking for some matches to start warming it.
He didn't notice Charani moving too focused on his meal. “Thanks! I'll try not to keep you up too late. You still need a lot of rest right?” Aiden called over his shoulder before returning his focus to lighting the stove. It took him a hot minute. As much as he delighted in home cooking, he was incapable of doing it himself. He was still tethered to his grandparents, highly dependent on them for a semblance of something healthy to eat. Most of his money he tended to blow on food these days and hid choices weren't exactly the best.
Most of the time he found himself wandering into a nearby cafe for a slice of roll cake or a lemonade. A good knight couldn't just live off cake though. He would have to ask his Gran to start teaching him how to make something other than sliced apples with caramel. “What kind of soup is this?” he asked as he found himself a spoon to stir the food with.
Charani was quick to put on an animal themed onsie. The zipper was kind of busted so it showed a little bit more of his torso than he liked but it hid everything else which as his entire plan. Yes good. HIs plan seemed to be successful since the other boy was preoccupied with the soup in front of him. Mission Complete.
"It's Chicken Pot Pie soup," he hummed as he finished changing while the other boy did his thing. The young man by this time was now changed into his giraffe onsie with the little hood up to cover his messy hair more. He made his way out towards the small kitchen area where his friend was only looking a tiny bit wobbly from this being the first time he's left his bed since last night.
"They just told me to take it slow. My body was just mana exhausted so the doctor said I'd start feeling better as my mana returned and I should be fine in a week or so. You really don't need to worry Aideeee." His friend was a worry wart but it was just because he cared. He was going to be fine after all he was just drained.
"Are you sure that soup is enough? I can make you something else if you want." He more just wanted to do something. Anything but sit here and have his red haired friend stare at him until he got better while fretting in his own mind. That was probably what could happen...he wouldn't put it past the other knight. He was now in the kitchen area very close to his friend. Close enough that he was probably accidentally touching the other boy. Overly affectionate friend for the win.
Aiden tilts his head at the recipe name. “Don’t think I’ve ever had that before.” He replied. He’d heard of actual chicken pot pie, but never as a soup. Unless, it actually was a soup and not a pie. Or… did chick pot pies count as casseroles? He hadn’t really had either version, so he couldn’t tell. The soup bubbles softly and he began to stir it a little faster. Charani’s explanation offers him a bit of relief and he even managed to flash a smile at the end of it. “I’m less worried now that I know it’s just mana exhaustion.” He returned hoping that would be convincing enough. Still, he liked to think Charani would be equally concerned if he just suddenly dropped unconscious in the middle of a duel. Hopefully. “If it’s just recovering your mana, want me to draw tome temporary tattoos on your hands? You know, for a little boost to get your through the week.” Maybe Charani could soak up some of the mana. He recalled he had left it on his desk because he’s seen it the night before after finishing up an assignment. He’s almost used that ink for writing ink. It’d been a late night. He shifted slightly as his companion approached, but there was only so much room. Aiden didn’t feel as awkward as he had in the beginning about the proximity. Charani seemed to like it, and it wasn’t that bad in the long run anyway, so he let him get away with it.
Emerald eyes ran over his friend, noting the change of clothes and he snickered. Aiden lifted a hand to boop the snoot of the giraffe head with a flick of his finger. He glanced down at the gurgling contents of the pan before quietly thinking over of what time it was now and when he’d had his last meal. His breakfast had been pretty small, and he was confident he’d be able to scarf this down and hold himself over with snacks if he needed to until dinner. Still…he supposed if Charani was as alright as he said he was…and he was offering… “What...could you make me then?” Aiden asked feeling a twinge of awkwardness about the affair, but then reminding himself that he came to keep his friend company and brought him stuff to do. And cooking, you idiot, was an activity. To do. “Could you also tell me where the bowls are?” he asked as he carefully removed the boiling pot off the hot stove.
If Aiden thought this touchy feeliness was a lot well he should have seen the young man with Percy. Oops here comes the sad. His mood just kind of dipped when he thought about the boy. It has been happening less frequently lately thanks to great friends like Aiden. Nope push it away for now and just focus on something else. Cooking.
"It's really just pot pie filling but less thick," he hummed as he leaned against his friend more than he already was. He was kind of tired again. Nope he's got to wake up and let this exhausted feeling ooze away. He caught himself trying to close his eyes and moved to grab a bowl for his friend in the cupboard not a foot from them. Inside was the cups, plates and some of his bowls. He set it on the counter for Aiden.
"It's okay Aidee you don't have to do that. Hanging out with you is energizing enough." That was some gay ass shit. Wow. I can't even believe I'm writing this. He was being mushy right now because of thinking about Percy. That had to be it. His friend was just getting the brunt of it right now.
"What are you in the mood for? I was going to make stuffed peppers later so I have the stuff for that." It was just peppers grilled with taco meat, cheese and some other veggies inside of it using the pepper as a taco shell. It was pretty good. He also had stuff for curry and he could always make a salad since he had some shredded lettuce left. Really anything he had ingredients for he could make. It'd be best to be simple though.
“I see.” Aiden nods, pretending to follow along. He’d taste it soon enough. Charani didn’t seem like a bad cook so it’d probably taste pretty good. He gave his friend a glance, tensing in case it looked like Charani might slump a bit in front of the hot stove, but he didn’t push him off. Aiden allows himself to awkwardly pat the giraffe head once again before going back to prepping his meal. He reaches around him for the bowl and takes care not to splash his companion while he serves himself. The nickname elicits another snicker. “Flattering, but are you sure? You looked like you were trying to use me as a pillow for a moment.” The ginger replied, his tone playful to cover up his lingering concerns. He rummages through nearby drawers before snatching up a spoon and sticking it into his bowl.
His lunch ready, he picks up the empty post and sets in the sink to soak for a little bit. He’d scrub it clean after he was done eating. “Stuffed peppers sounds great. You need me to help with anything minor?” the ginger offered as he grabbed his bowl and leaned near the sink. He plucked a spoonful to sniff for a moment. The soup is thick, but it smells hearty. He spots potatoes and thick carrots floating around. The smell of chicken sets off his drooling. He slurps some down, tasting it first now that he’d had a sniff. Oh.
Oh- “This is good.” He says bluntly as he ignores the burn traveling down his esophagus. He paused only to blow on the food and mix it quickly, eager to scarf it down. He manages to cool off another bite and eats greedily. He chews in pain and sets the spoon down in his bowl to fan his mouth, but he doesn’t complain. It’s good, and he’s starving. Granny Rosario had often commented how he often didn’t taste his food but that was a lie. He tasted every bit and he loved it. Savoring food wasn’t his thing. He would rather eat something while it was still hot than sip it until it went cold. He didn’t mind a few tongue burn anyway.
"Maybe you're just to comfy for your own good. Blame shift successful," he hummed as he moved away from his friend and towards the fridge. He started pulling out ingredients as the boy started to eat his soup. Cooking was stress relieving to him... something to keep his mind off other things that were much more unpleasant. You know?
"If you really really want to do something you can wash the other veggies for me but otherwise not really." He turned on the stove top placing some oil and a little bit of ground beef into a frying pan to get that started. He washed some carrots to start off with and grabbed on of the knives from the cutting block. He started to calmly chop two large carrots up.
He'd make his way through the lettuce and onions as well while gently stirring the meat every so often to make sure it cooked properly. The prep itself didn't take very long to be totally honest and after a few minutes of some light cooking all that was left was the peppers and cheese. He had shredded cheese for that part because... well he didn't feel like shredding his own. It was that simple. Now either Aiden had washed the peppers for him or he had done it himself it didn't really matter. Hopefully the red head wasn't doing that hover thing in the kitchen.
He just needed to cut the peppers and some tomatoes so he'd be done. He made a clean slice into three large green peppers before placing some cheese on the inside of each half. He'd just throw them with the meat for a minute or two in order to grill them as well as melt the cheese. It probably smelled pretty good and Aiden would be eating pretty soon. All he had left to do was cut the tomatoes. What could go wrong.
Aiden opened his mouth to counter, but he couldn’t think of anything really good. He ended up huffing lightly before replying with, “My offer for the mana ink is always open.” As Charani begins preparations he takes in another spoonful of the soup, making sure to blow on it before he burned himself once more. All this needed was noodles, but then at that point was it chicken pot pie soup or just chicken noodle soup? Regardless, he liked it. He swallowed hard as his friend gave him a task, eager to help despite the assurances that Charani was fine. IT didn’t mean he couldn’t help. The guy was making a meal for the both of them after all. He set his bowl down somewhere out of the way before unbuttoning the wrists of his sleeve, so he could roll them up easily.
He did his best to stay out of the way of the chef. When he deemed it ok, he would snatch up a vegetable and begin scrubbing it under warm water. It wasn’t too much work, but he happily did it. While he waited though, he would turn his back to grab another spoonful or two of soup. The smell of frying meat made him hungrier and he briefly wondered how good a bit of ground beef would be in his soup as well. Vegetables completed, he dried off his hands and moved out of the way to watch the man work.
The kitchen was warm and in anticipation for more food, and too keep his soup from getting cold, he tipped his head back with the bowl. While Charani was, hopefully, focusing on cooking, Aiden took a minute to begin scarfing down his thicc soup. He turned away from Charani just in case he dribbled and only let up to chew the chunks of vegetables floating in the meal. He felt a little bit dribble, but it wasn’t like his friend was aware of it. He’d clean up in a second. Aiden slightly as he swallowed the last of it. He’d swallowed too big of a chunk and, like the burning hot liquid from beforehand, he could actually feel the vegetable chunk traveling down his through hand through his chest. He patted himself a few times before lifting a hand to cover his mouth as he got up to grab a napkin. “It smells good so far.” He said as he returned to the kitchen, not that he’d been too far from it in the first place.
Aiden was doing his best. His best that didn't burn down his house and make the food totally not edible. Okay that was a total exaggeration but he wasn't totally sure he'd trust the young man alone with cooking. It was like cooking with a younger sibling where they could do most things but like... you still watched them so they didn't break something.
"You okay there?" he hummed with a small chuckle as he moved to grab the tomatoes to chop up. He started slicing into them slowly as the meat finished cooking and the peppers finished melting the cheese. He felt his eyes stop focusing for a brief few seconds. It reminded him of whenever he used his ocular spells for to long and his vision blurred.
Of course that didn't normally happen with a knife in his hand. He could feel the blade slice too close to his skin and slice the palm of his hand. He bit his lip to keep himself from moaning out in surprise or pain. He pulled his left hand away to look at the damage. It wasn't a very deep cut but it was for sure bleeding. To be honest he'd forgotten that Aiden was there for a moment. No doubt he wouldn't be happy with this.
Blood trickled down his palm down his arm onto the counter below. He was more in shock than anything and his vision still was kind of blurry at the moment. That was why he hadn't done anything. He blinked and rubbed his eyes with his other arm the knife now dropped on the counter out of his reach. He blinked a few more times before his vision returned to normal. Damn maybe he overdid it with that spell earlier... this was taking far to long it was kind of annoying.
Post by aiden emerson on May 31, 2018 21:50:06 GMT
[attr="class","wonwoo"]
He tried to stay out of the way of his friend as he reached for a napkin, his mouth still clamped over his mouth. The smell of meat was stronger and as he wet the napkin in the sink and wiped his mouth and hand, he glanced over at the progress on their lunch. Aiden’s eyes widened slightly as Charani dropped the knife, and he paled when he spotted the bright red dripping down his hand. That was too thicc to be tomato juice. “Charani?!” he said as his hand reached over to grab a fistful of napkins. He put hand on the boy’s shoulder to steady him when he noticed he still looked distracted. The other fidgeted around with the napkins trying to pull just on out first.
“Are you ok? Do you want to sit down?” he asked straining to be calm in this situation. He pressed a napkin into his friend’s palm and squeezed down hard. Aiden frowned, slowly dropping his hand from Charani’s shoulder. “Keep pressure on it.” He ordered, turning away to dampen another napkin to wipe up his friend’s hand. He slid a third napkin onto the blood on the counter. The redhead began to chew on the inside of his cheek to keep himself from saying something tactless. This was already a big enough mess as it was, he didn’t need to make it worse by annoying the guy he was trying to help care for. “Where do you keep your bandages?” The knight asked as he turned back to the rest of Charani’s room ready to retrieve them.
