mist in the air, blood on the ground // O/O // Closed

The Woods. They have many names, but there's one thing that everyone agrees on– entering them is death. There's something in the woods, something that kills you if you enter them. Countlessly people have gone in, trying to get to other places, and none have arrived at where they wanted to go. And none have returned. After enough people died in it, people decided collectively to avoid the woods. Except for those who wanted to kill the thing inside. Because what else could murder all those people other than a monster?
You're one of those people that others would call crazy. You want to find this monster, and you want to kill it. Not for any personal reasons, but anything that can kill all those people can't be good for this world. But you manage to come face-to-face with this so-called monster, and you have to say… they are not what you expected.

Rules 'n stuff:

• This is a magic-friendly rp, so feel free to give your character all sorts of magic powers (not too op, though, please!)
• The time setting is sort of not modern, so… swords and minimal modern stuff (like cars and phone and stuff).
• If you need to ask any questions, please ask away!
• This won't be a romance. If anything, it will be a "becoming friends" sort of thing. We'll see, though.
• I would ask you to be active, but I won't be extremely active, so… answer once every three days? Or something?
• If you need to drop this because of life (which I get), just tell me! I won't be mad, I promise.
• This is very LGBTQ+ friendly!
• And lastly, please ask before joining! I may ask for a sample, and I may say no if I don't think our writing styles will work well together. It's not likely, though. :)

Ah, this seems interesting, may I?

Yeah, sure!

Would you be okay with only going in with a description of our characters instead of a full character template? If not, that's cool.

Sure! That's fine! Would you prefer a male, female, or other character?

Cool. You can choose! My character is going to be non-binary.

I'll make a male character. :)

(Oof I’m too late for this. Mind if I stalk?)

Alright! I'll get my description up as soon as possible. And @lamer-gamer, that's cool! :)

Wonderful!

Phantom, they/them.
They're about 5'5" tall and appear in their early twenties. They have pale olive skin and dark hair that falls in soft waves to their waist. Their face is sharp, crisscrossed with old scars. Their eyes used to be a medium green color, but now look almost white. It almost appears as if their eyes are filled with shifting fog. They usually wear clothes in white and shades of green and are always barefoot. They also always have a white veil covering their head, falling to their shoulders.
(If you have any questions, please ask away!)

Nova, he/him
Lean but very agile, quick witted and smart. Sun kissed skin with freckles adorning his face, shoulders, and back. He stands at about 5'11, almost 6'. He has messy blonde hair with white streaks running through in jagged lines, almost like lightning. He has sky gray eyes with flecks of blue that are heavily lashed. Scars litter his back and waist, there's a particularly jagged one leading from over his heart, curving over his waist and down his back at an angle. He's always carrying his staff with him, as well as a bag of potions, herbs, and other necessities. He usually wears a simple flowing white shirt that's tucked neatly into his dark pants as well as simple boots and a cloak made of animal fur to keep him warm. He wears a necklace with a gem imbedded into it, his ears are pierced in multiple places, and he had a tattoo that swirls around his arm. It looks like it's moving. He practices magic. (I hope he's alright?)

Yes! Gods, I love him. And that name is absolutely amazing. Shall I get a starter up?

Yes please! I'm glad you like him!

The Woods were always misty. The intensity usually ranged from 'couldn't see your own hand in front of your face' to 'so light you couldn't even see it'. But it was there. That was, of course, because it was the only way Phantom could monitor every single inch of their forest. They couldn't be everywhere personally, so the mist was there for them. It also added a spooky element to it, which at once pushed people away and lured them in. They were honesty fine with both options, so they couldn't complain. Usually, at least.
At that very moment, Phantom was picking apples. They almost had an entire basket-full, which boded well for their dessert. It was a peaceful morning, meaning that the quick vision of someone entering their forest wasn't appreciated much. One would think that after every single person who ventured into their woods disappeared, people would eventually get the message and stop coming. Alas, there were those in the world who wanted to take them out of it. Phantom set their basket down and snapped their fingers. A white veil appeared over their head. Its purpose was both to hide them from others' eyes and make sure that nothing was hidden from theirs. And Phantom thought it made them look mysterious.

Nova was bright, young, and full of energy. He was well known in his small village, he used magic after all. It was mostly healing and helping others, but of course he had a call. There was something about the woods that bordered his home, something about it that simply wanted to lure him in. The townsfolk always warned him of the deep and misty woods, the people going missing and a monster lurking within the mist and shadows. But he wanted to explore. To see what the woods had to offer. Nova was also considered reckless and somewhat stupid when it came to impulse. It was great that he often thought on his feet, but at the same time could lead him to rough patches. He wanted to know what haunted this forest. He wanted to find the people that had disappeared. No one was going in there, so he made it his priority to understand these woods and put an end to the terror that haunted these people. So, on a fresh autumns morning he bounds out of his small 'witches hut' and wanders out along the road that lead right to the forest. He hummed quietly as he entered, a small shiver running down his spine as he began to walk deeper into the forest, making sure to keep on the path. He used his magic to make the mist around him float out of the way so that he could see in front of him. He hummed softly as he did so, lighting a small fire in his palm. He had no attachments, so he just let himself explore and live how he wanted to. The way he sang was eerie, yet enchanting. Almost disturbing in a way.

The music was the first thing they noticed. Not many people entering the woods hummed. Phantom had theorized this was because they were trying not to get noticed before they made it to the monster. No one knew about the fact that the mist always surrounding them was magic and alerted Phantom immediately, so they all thought they could sneak in and launch a surprise attack. It never worked, but it was entertaining to watch. As always, Phantom had appeared a little ways away from the actual person so they could slowly work their way towards them. It allowed them to gauge their threat level and see if they were interesting enough to allow further. They peeked out from behind a tree, wiggling their fingers slightly to call more mist into the area. The humming person was tall, blonde, and holding a bit of fire. Interesting, a magic-user. Phantom shrugged and decided that this newest trespasser would be allowed to take in a bit more of their forest before death. Well, not a lot, given that the mist was now allowing no more than ten feet of visibility. They kept pace with the adventurer silently, keeping just out of his sight.

Nove hummed due to many reasons, but honestly he just enjoyed humming. He was walking through the forest like it was just another one of his lovely strolls through his gardens. He could sense the magic through the forest, how strong and alive it was. He inhaled softly, waving his hand again to make the mist move out of his way. He pressed forward, eager to explore the forest around him and understand its secrets. He faintly touched a tree and smiled. "How beautiful you are… How beautiful this place is, hmm?" Nature was alive and breathing, he simply talked to it. He continued to sing quietly as he walked, the fire flickering in his hands. He raised his brow a little. That meant this 'creature' was close. He ignored it in favor of going deeper into the woods. It was such a beautiful place. As the mist got thicker, he raised his hand and spoke a few soft words and the mist parted ways. He beams a little. His magic was definitely getting better. He was really proud of that factor. His eyes were wide with wonder, his eyes soft as he explored. "I know you're here. I can feel you." He hummed happily. "I am genuinely curious. What are you?" He talked as if they were face to face, or side to side. He kept walking though, a bright smile on his lips.

Phantom smiled softly. This man was a welcome change of pace from the usual visitors. It almost made up for them having to abandon their apples. They loved that he was appreciating their forest as it was, but still kept their distance. They had learned not to trust even the most reverential visitors. It was usually an act put on to put them at ease. This man didn't look like he was putting on an act, however. So either he was actually enjoying his walk through their forest, or he was a very talented actor. His next words came as a bit of a surprise, though they shouldn't have. People with magic could sense them if they tried, but it had been so long since a magic-user had come into these woods that Phantom had temporarily forgotten that fact. Well, now was just a good a time as ever to reveal themself. Phantom took a few quick steps and stepped out of their protective wall of mist. They didn't announce themself– if this man was paying any sort of attention, he would see them.

He hummed quietly as he walked. He was pleased about the forest. The forest was always safe to him. It brought him peace, a calm that he rarely ever received in the village. He loved the forest. The forest was a place of peace, of comfort. He hummed as he walked, making sure to respect the plants around him, his eyes soft. He makes sure to avoid stepping on any of the plants. He smiled a little and gazed around, this place, ominous and dark made him only more curious. He almost seemed to dance, the way he moved. Or almost floated. He smiled a little when he saw the other appear out of the corner of his eye. He turned his attention to the figure and gave a tiny bow. "I wasn't really expecting that to work, but I'm pleased it did. I assume you're the guardian of the forest? Creature of the mist?" He straightened himself out and smiled warmly, lowering the flame only to a small flicker.

"Well, it was only a matter of time," Phantom said, their voice soft and smooth. "An invitation seemed like a good time." They took a few steps towards the man, their bare feet sinking into soft soil and moss. "I am the guardian of this forest. What are you doing here?" Phantom stopped a good distance away from the man, clasping their hands behind their back. Their body language was relaxed, though their wary expression was hidden beneath their veil. The hilt of a sword was visible over their right shoulder. Phantom always made sure to ask people why they had come into their forest. They kept a list in their mind of all the different reasons. In the far past, 'passing through' had been the more common reason. Now, however 'to kill the monster' had stolen the title. This man would probably add to that reason. "And please don't lie."

Nova seemed pleased by the other appearing, slowly diminishing the flame so that there was no threat from him. "I suppose that makes sense." He smiles a little, his eyes bright with curiosity. He didn't move when the figure in front of him moved forward. He tilts his head a little bit when asked the question. His body language was the same. Relaxed. His expression was filled with curiosity, maybe a little wonder. He hummed quietly and thought for a moment. "Lie?" He snorts softly. "I may be an idiot, but not that much." He chuckles before smiling a little. "Curiosity really." He replies softly. "I want to understand. Plus, who can resist a forest like this? It practically calls to you like an itch you can't quite reach. I want to understand if anything." He rests his hand against a tree.

Curiosity. It had been a while since someone came in here because they were curious. Phantom smiled slightly under their veil. "Your curiosity must be very strong for you to come in here." It really was a shame that this man was so unlike the others. Still, they had a rule: anyone who entered the forest didn't make it out. It was a reasonable rule. There were other ways to get around the forest, so people had a choice. All but the so-called monster hunters were making the right one these days. "What do you want to understand?" Phantom took one careful step closer to the man. Even though he had scoffed at lying to them, one could never be too careful.

You would think that someone like Nova would become cruel and ruthless after his dreary upbringing. No. He was curious. He wanted to learn. Wanted to understand. He loved everything that this world had to offer. Except people of course. People made him weary. He loved to help. But often he had been discarded when he was no longer needed. "My curiosity is something." He laughed a little to himself. "I rather enjoy curiosity though. It lets me learn." He shrugged and gazed at the figure, his expression respectful and perhaps a little awe. He didn't move when the other moved closer, only stayed still, his body language easy to read. "I want to understand the forest. It lives, it breathes. The magic here is strong. Forests have always been better then people." His eyes narrow ever so slightly but he eased again. "Besides. Who wouldn't become curious about the Guardian of the Forest. Creature of the Mist?" He smiled a little bit. "So perhaps a little bit of me wonders about you if I may be bold to say."

"You want to understand the forest." Phantom's smile grew. Saying that was almost the same as saying 'I want to understand you'. In a way, they were the forest. "What about it?" They tilted their head ever so slightly to the right. The fact that they were actually having a pretty civilized conversation with one of the intruders was a very refreshing change. They hadn't talked to anyone but the ravens for a while. "Hmm. You wonder about me." Phantom took a step and then another, coming within six feet of the newcomer. "You wonder what I am?" They were about to take another step towards the man when the mist alerted them of another person entering the forest. Phantom turned slightly towards the direction of the disturbance, not letting the other man out of their sight. What were the chances this new annoyance would be just as interesting as the man in front of them? Probably less than one. This might end the chances of having a nice conversation with the man. After all, if he saw them casually kill another human, would he continue to be calm and kind?

He nods slowly. "I always have. Even when I was younger. I would stare at the forest, wondering if one day I could ever go there. Explore it's secrets." He smiled a bit. "It's misty, but it's quite beautiful." He laughs a little to himself. "Everything. I want to understand and explore every thing." He noticed the other moving towards him, staying still. He nods. "I do wonder about you. The fearsome creature of the mist, guardian of the dark forest." He smiled a little, his eyes gentle and warm. He paused however when the figure in front of him tensed and turned their attention to another direction. He turned his attention as well, his hand slowly going to the staff that rested on his back. Had he been followed? Dammit. He swore softly to himself, using his magic to reach out, setting his staff out in front of him. There. He could sense it. Although he couldn't really read it. He sighed and took a deep breath. "I swear… I thought no one followed me. No one was supposed to follow me-" his eyes searched the mist.

Phantom turned back to the man. The newcomer was still a safe distance away at this point. "You came in here even though everyone who does just disappears. Is your curiosity so strong that you face even death to satisfy it?" The newest person was close now, just a little way down the path from where Phantom was standing. They made a split-second decision and backed towards the trees. They weren't leaving, they were just making sure they weren't going to be surrounded. "Hmm," was all they said to the man's last words. It didn't really matter to them if someone did follow him. It was just more work. The mist in the area got thicker, concealing them from view a second before a young woman appeared. She looked like she was about to go into battle, holding a sword at the ready and generally being very cautious. Phantom could almost immediately tell that she was there to try and kill him. Shame.

Nova smiled at the other, shrugging. "I lost my family, I have no friends, quite frankly I have nothing to lose." He laughs a little bit and sighed softly. "So yes. If I am to die in the arms of nature, then so be it." He shrugged a little bit. "Death has always been a friend." He sighed quietly. He twitched a little bit when he heard the person closer, cloaking himself in the mist and sighed quietly. He paused as the mist got thicker, but used his magic to sense around, figuring things out. He sunk deeper into the mist, keeping a careful eye on the woman. He didn't recognize her. He didn't get a good feeling in his gut. He moved around the woman, keep himself tense and ready to defend himself or the figure. He moved to be behind her, his eyes narrowing only more.

(sorry it's so short)

(You're good!)
The woman glanced around, squinting through the mist. Phantom watched as their first visitor hid in the mist as well. Well, now they could confront this person without her asking why they were only focusing on her and not the other person.
"Where are you, monster?" The woman suddenly yelled, voice full of righteous anger. "Come out! Show yourself!" Well, that was such a wonderful invitation. Phantom simply had to oblige now.
"What is your business here?" They asked softly, stepping into the woman's line of sight.
"Huh?" The woman stared at them, her eyebrows drawing together. "You're the monster?"
"Indeed." Phantom inclined their head slightly, eyes finding the other man behind her.
"You killed my friends! I'm here to avenge them." The woman leveled her sword at Phantom, looking quite serious.
"So you're here to kill me," Phantom stated, shifting their focus back to the woman.
"Of course! Things like you should be allowed to exist! All you bring is misery."
"Hm. That's a shame." They sighed, smiling softly under their veil. The moment that woman attacked them, she would be dead.

He keeps hidden in the mist, watching the woman carefully. He didn't like her tone of voice. She seemed rather rude, which annoyed him. He let out a soft breath of air, moving behind her. He was silent, as he moved, his eyes never leaving her. He stood behind her before revealing himself. "Honestly woman. You must be rather dumb if you plan on killing the guardian of the forest." He spoke swiftly, his manner different. Nature was always a priority of his. "You're dead really once you wander into here. So you must have a death wish." He kept his staff trained on her. "Go back, honestly." He turned his attention to the phantom in front of him. "You can have me instead." He bowed his head ever so slightly. While people annoyed him, he always had an instinct to protect. "Your friends are dead and revenge has brought you here. There are better things to think on then revenge. It often leaves a bitter taste in your mouth."