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.
Aiden blinked slowly, realizing that the little seed of doubt in the back of his mind had actually even more of a reason to be there. He hadn’t thought of any of his friend’s actions like that, really, ever. With the exception of a weird dream, everything had seemed rather normal. Charani had been so casual about it. He’d just assumed that’s what really close friends did or that this is what it was like to be one of Charani’s close friends. “I…um…yeah. I didn’t know.” Because you’re a huge idiot, Aiden. He covered his face, brain suddenly pulling back memories of their time spent together. When had it shifted in context? Had it always been that way? How dumb was he really? He’d been comfortable but maybe that’s why he hadn’t figured anything out? Had he just passively accepted it, in some part of his mind, that that was ok and that he was ok with it?
Not that he wasn’t, but he was by no means…material for a romantic partner. He didn’t know how to do that. He barely functioned as a friend. And he’d tried to be a good one. Until now, he supposed. He was a little flustered, more or less adjusting to the conversation and numbing to the initial shock of the whole thing., but he was also confused. He didn’t need to ask why. Emotions didn’t have reasons sometimes. “I’m… sorry. I never thought about us in that way until…yeah last week.” He’s unsure what to say next, but he’s keenly aware that he doesn’t want to hurt his friend either.
“Thank you…for telling me. I’m happy you care so much about me.” It’s not an expression of affection that he’s familiar with in any sense of the word. He’s almost lost in the jumble of emotions, but he feels, knows, there’s a small bit of happiness that leaks through when he’s told a person he thinks so highly of him seems to feel the same way. More…intensely and with different interests attached but- he cares. And that’s good. This is…good. The air is still awkward, and a budding smile quickly shifts into a frown. He forgets that Charani only allowed him one question. “Are we- Can we still be close, or…?” Or is it too selfish of a thing to ask?
"I know. I know you didnt know. I think thats part of why Teddy resents you to be honest." He was sure that was a big part of why the dog familiar didnt like the other boy. A bit of his own bitterness at the other boy being so dense manifesting in his familiars form. It wasnt a good feeling to have but it was a real one. A human one.
"I dont know. I'd like it if we could still be close but... you know it just feels different now that you know. You know?" He said as matter of factly. Would Aiden see everything the brunette did in affection as a way to express his romantic desire? Would his gestures have that awkward air to them now that he knew the truth? Did it change everything? It did.
"You see why I never brought it up. Besides this... awkwardness here I was sure you had no idea. Or at least didnt feel the same way I did." He didnt want to change what he had with Aiden but at the same time wanted it all to change. Of course he would not get his wish. At least not in the way he hoped.
He gets up from his seat to get another slice of pizza. This whole awkwardness made him want to do something with his hands. That something was pick at pizza and that was exactly what he was going to do. He was only gone for a moment before he had it back in his hands slowly picking it apart into his mouth.
He tensed up at the name of the dog familiar he loved so much was brought. He’d always liked him, but Teddy had never felt the same way. Ah…that made sense. And after this, he supposed he had no chance in ever getting along with Teddy. He’d wanted to know so badly and now he had to be satisfied with his answer. But…would it have been ok to have these thoughts creeping at the edge of his subconscious whenever he spent time around the seer? No one ever grew up being taught how to deal with romantic feelings so there was no way to know for sure if this had been the right course of action, but right now, in the moment, it felt like he’d made a mistake. He wants to say something that will make Charani feel better, that would brush everything under the rug so neither of them would have to worry about this but there’s nothing to say. McKenna warns him not to be hasty, not with something like this. “I-…I know.”
Aiden doesn’t have to say it for Charani to understand. He’s right. What he felt wasn’t romantic. He didn’t think he knew what it felt like to like someone like that? In all likelihood, he just wanted to stay close despite it all because Charani was such an important friend. He couldn’t lie about it. He was a terrible liar. If he tried, would that make his friend happy again? No. He gets a moment to himself as Charani refills on pizza, but it feels useless. He can’t come up with much to say. He should be satisfied with his answer, but not the aftermath of it. He stares blankly at the cushion for a bit before bowing his head lightly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Until he figured out what they could do he would have to live with the fact that he might have ruined something important. He can’t bring himself to get up or do much of anything. He’s simply glued to the couch tugging at the collar of his sweatshirt forward. Aiden lets Charani eat, quietly soaking in the tension.
"The truth is never something to shy away from or regret." That was something he truly believed. He may be just a witch who of course had faults and flaws but he felt the ideal in his heart...even if he didnt always practice it.
"If there is one thing Ive learned from Ezra... its that the truth always finds its way out. Case and point." I mean he had a point. This was something that probably would have come up sooner or later. Eventually maybe these feelings would fade. Or maybe they wouldnt. He didnt know. Couldn't know. Even with the power to see the future there were things that were out of his grasp.
He continues to pick at his pizza. He wondered how this should proceed. How they should try to move on from this little thing that was happening. What did he desire? What.
Maybe they should sit in the silence? Maybe they should talk more? About what? He didnt know. He felt like he had let his secrets lay bare and Aiden hadnt. It seemed a little... unfair. Isnt it? It always is.
Aiden eyed his friend before shaking his head. “I’m not sorry for the truth. I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.” Was he uncomfortable? A little. And yeah, it had to do with the crush thing but wasn’t it natural to feel a little odd after someone told you they had feelings for you? It felt like an elaborate joke when the punchline hadn’t hit. Then again he couldn’t mull over why. The why didn’t matter here. “I’m sorry it’s awkward.”
It’s quiet, and Aiden no longer chases the subject preferring to stare at a wall, processing this new information and what it meant. The craving for cake from earlier completely gone by this point. He’d been looking forward to it but…he didn’t think he could eat now. Not when they were like this. This was probably the most quiet they’d ever been. No background noises, no whispering, no silent jokes. Just dead silence. A pin could drop, and it’d probably startle both of them. He’s fucking useless. The thought lingered. “Should I leave?” he asked, nervous that it would look like a retreat. It was a retreat, partially but if Charani didn’t want to see him now he wouldn’t blame him either. He’d just confessed to an utter moron after all. “I- I don’t know what I should do to make this better. I’ve never...had to deal with something like this before, and I don’t want to do something careless and hurt your feelings either.” He was rambling, but he was afraid that if he didn’t do something now, it would stay like this. Just…and unending silence they’d never break again.
"Mmm" Finding refuge in his own lies. Small talk is a great disguise... just let me be. Just let me be. There are empty thoughts and resentment that cloud his mind. Just let me be. He doesnt want that though. Just let me be okay.
"You dont have to leave. Its fine. I just... arms length... please. At least for a while. Please." The young man would shift his body away from his friend... moving maybe a foot or so away from the other boy. Not exactly the other side of the couch but much farther than they normally would be. One of them was sleeping on the couch for sure too... not like before.
No one knows what goes on up inside my head. Theres this poison that is spreading in his heart. Is this what heartbreak feels like? Did he feel this way before? Maybe. It was different though. A different heartbreak. One he would have to look at much more often.
"It is going to hurt regardless of what you do. That's just... how it is... but its not like its my first heartbreak. Ya know?" It would not be his last either. Just because this hurts like this... doesnt mean it isnt worth it. It is just a temporary thing. The sting. The heartache. At least he hopes so.
He flicked the movie back on with the remote. Maybe Aiden would stop asking questions and they could go back to watching the movie. Love is a complex thing after all. This feeling would go away right? Right?
He’s glad he’s wearing his sweatshirt, finding comfort and hiding into the thick fabric. But coziness can’t stave off these feelings or the situation at hand. Aiden makes sure to avoid Charani’s eyes when he moves away. This didn’t feel ok, but he didn’t have it in him to push any further after what he’d done. He nodded a bit before replying with, “Yeah, of course. Anything you want.” Part of him wants to go and part of him wants to try to find something he can do. Frustration bubbles up in his chest once more as his friend speaks up again. He was useless, he couldn’t help. He hated that, and every time he was confronted with that feeling again it drove him further up a wall.
Aiden gave another nod. “Yeah…I know.” He’d been friends with him long enough to know by now. The shared memories, the horror movies. He’d been told. He’d tried his best to help then too, only to end up crying himself to sleep. Something like that. He looked up at the tv snapped back on, drowning out their talk with momentary static before something switched on. Whatever it was didn’t interest him too much. He wished he could reciprocate. He wished he had never seen, never asked. He wished he were better at ignoring his problems like any other idiot teenager. Instead he seemed to chase them headfirst into more trouble than it was worth. Direct communication was the best way to solve problems, right? So, why hadn’t it been the case for this? If everything in the world could be solved by talking things out, why had more problems cropped up instead?
He got up quietly, picking up his plate and empty drink before carrying them over to the kitchen. There’s a little bit of noise as he washed off his plate and pick up another one to serve himself some cake. They were done talking, might as well. He picks up an adorable tart, the bright colors in the icing and little chocolate structure on top ill-fitting for the mood. He takes a small bite, stopping at the sudden sweetness. It’s nice. Definitely worth the price that was paid for them. Aiden settles himself back down on the edge opposite of Charani and eats quietly, staring at the tv.
"Thank you." At least he agreed... he was trying to be understanding. At least as best he could. That just made his heart ache even more. Aiden was such a good boy. How could you not expect him to have those sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings about someone like him. A handsome prince in ugly armor. Very ugly... well less than before thank the spirits.
Teddy would materialize between the two after Aiden got his cake. The canine familiar would be within reach of Aiden but cuddled up right against Charani's side. The young boy would absently pet the canine familiar as he watched the movie to distract him. It felt nice.
The dog would look over at the red head seeming to give him the evil eye for a second. He shouldnt be surprised given how their conversation just went. The dog cuddled up with his witch in an effort to feel better. It helped... a little bit. "Hows the cake?" he would ask not looking away from the screen. He was sincere about it at least... or so it sounded. Small talk was a good distraction for right now. He would of course probably be crying later. When he was alone... or at least alone in bed. After Aiden leaves is probably when the real hurt would shine through. Misplaced anger and sadness flowing out like a brook.
He was zoned out for the most part, idly trying to make the little cake last and savoring the different pieces out of curiosity and boredom. It was well made, well decorated…well everything. No complaints. He had put the little chocolate structure aside for now, carving out small spoonfuls of what seemed to be a triple chocolate mousse cake. But in miniature. It’s not hard to tell when Teddy shows up. He hears the minor shuffling and then almost immediately feels the glare his way. Aiden did his best to focus on the TV and ignore it but after a while, he felt something burning into his side and glanced anyway. Yup, there’s Teddy and his heartbroken friend. That was definitely a glare. Ok- Back to movie watching.
Aiden doesn’t hold contact long afraid of inviting confrontation between the familiar and himself. As he steeps himself back into the quiet and the movie, Charani startled him and he hesitated to look. Feeling it’d probably be better to not he marches on, metaphorically speaking, and watched the actors instead. “Yeah.” He blinked. That wasn’t a response. “I mean- it’s good. It’s like a cake pudding cup.” He stated as he carved a chunk of the cake up to chew on. He’d normally polish off the little tart in seconds. It was actually, super good and he kind of craved more of it, but he didn’t want to get up again, afraid he might try to go home if he got on his feet.
“Did you want to try some…? Or if Teddy wanted…?” He asked as he licked his own spoon. Charani had paid for them after all. It was only fair to offer some. “I can go grab some.” Aiden stared at his plate half wishing he could carve his own voice box out with the spoon in his hand. He wasn’t a huge fan of this either. But if Charani wanted to talk then he would oblige.
"I'm not hungry but thanks. You can take them home with you." The entire reason he bought them was for Aiden. He wanted them out of the house. He wanted them gone. They shouldnt be here. Stupid cakes.
Teddy lay his head down on his witches lap and close his eyes. He was certain Aiden had gotten the message with his glare. The glare he was sure the redhead had seen or at least felt. Stupid boy.
The brunette hummed a little and continued to pet/scratch at his familiars head. His eyes seemed like they were having a hard time staying open. He just wanted to sleep and keep this all away. "No really its okay. I know how much you like cake so you just eat." His eyes were closed at this point. His body was slowly relaxing. He was falling asleep on the couch right next to the boy who had stabbed him in the heart. Maybe it was the stress just being to much for him that it tired him out. Maybe it was the emotional rollercoaster they just went on. Maybe it was just him wishing this all away. But soon enough he would be asleep with a dog in his lap on the couch.
Aiden managed a quick look at the seer before staring back at his half-finished cake. “Yeah. No problem.” His words are clipped, half considering saying something else before stopping short, so he wouldn’t bother the other boy any further. He watched pictures on the screen not really translating them into a story. It felt like static at this point too self-conscious and uncomfortable to really focus on much other than consuming cake like an automaton. He did his best not to sneak too many looks at Charani or Teddy, keeping vague awareness of the pair in his peripheral.
“Ohh…yeah, thanks. I’ll let you know how the taste tests go then.” He returned. He wouldn’t. He already felt that same reaction bubbling up every time he had some sort of emotional altercation with anyone. The immediate course of action was to simply throw himself back into his studies, his work until he churned out something new. Weave until his fingers bled, purify until he blacked out. Tighten up anything that could use tightening. Writing, magic, public speaking, business skills, fighting etc. etc. If he mastered something he’d move on and continue instead. Better than stagnating in a puddle of self-pity. If he didn’t have time for himself, he wouldn’t have to think of others. Selfish. The word slide into his mind and dripped down his spine like liquid ice.
He ate in silence, carving up the little cake until there was nothing left and then popping the chocolate decoration into his mouth. Another sideways glance and he’d note Charani sleeping. Maybe not soundly, but definitely unconscious right. He begins to stand up ready to carry the brunette the bed before freezing. He couldn’t do that. That’d be weird right? Then again…after tonight he didn’t want to sleep in his friend’s bed. He was better off on the couch. He doesn’t want to risk Teddy mauling him either, extra touchy after tonight’s events. Aiden moved off the couch, picking up the dishes and putting them in the kitchen for tomorrow. He then quietly made his way back to Charani’s room, grabbing a thick blanket for his friend and scurrying out of the forbidden room.
The ginger was more careful than normal as he moved towards Charani, carefully setting down a blanket on him. He avoided touching the seer, afraid he’d wake him and get caught in the act. Careful not to touch the dog either, he decided better to grab his cakes, his coat, and go home. He didn’t care how late it was. He couldn’t sleep here tonight, no matter what he’d been told.
The door shutting woke him. Aiden had left even though he told the boy he didnt have too. He had left. He was gone. Gone. When would he see the boy again. Would he see him again?
He got up trying not to disturb his sleeping familiar. He walked to the door and gave it a small tug. There was nobody there. Aiden had already made it out of the hallway by this point. He should have figured. The door clicked shut and the tears came.
The brunette could feel his body raked with emotion. His shoulders quivered and shook with each sob. He tried to keep them quiet but it really didnt help. His face was soaked... his eyes red and raw.
This was that lonliness again. That same sinking feeling of being alone with your sadness. It wasnt as intense as when Perceus died. It was still so painful none the less. Did it ever get easier? No. He didnt think it would.
He forced himself to get up into a standing position. Into his nice, warm bed like there wasnt snot pooling down his lips or tears dripping down his chin. Like he wasnt still wearing Aidens clothes to find some semblance of warmth in his smell. How pathetic. He felt so pathetic. And then again... he was asleep.