R1 DEADLAND

[lockdownmods]

[it’s strange, for the people who were already dead, the shift in scenery is sudden and complete. For those who have just arrived? It’s like you’re back where you left?

How strange.

But if you ever need her, you can always reach out to the guardian of this place.]

LOCATIONS
Note: locations lag a week behind the living counterparts

Comments

[preconstruction]

Yes. Try to send me something.

[throwabookatit]

[ Really, Rebecca's no clue what to send. An object? Like what? What sort of thing...? All of the sentimental things to her are awkward, connected to...well, mostly to Ashton, but to the others too. Those who're gone, and trapped, and she fears if she thinks of something relating to them, it'll tumble out of control, and she'll find herself back in the mansion.

So... So, without meaning to, what Rebecca sends first is apprehension. Just this soft but powerful worry, of finding herself somewhere she can't fight. The feeling of the hair on her arms sticking up, of the world fogging up and her head floating away, every time the woman approached her. A fear of this oppressive hate, which she'd been swallowed whole by. ]

[preconstruction]

[ fear is something he knows well. a familiar friend after what vivienne did to him. so when he gets it from rebecca, he is prepared. he knows how to accept it without internalizing it as his own. which is good, because otherwise he'd just be overwhelmed.

he feels it, but he sends back a gentle calmness. he shows her a garden. not the garden here, but one with a little lake. it is very zen. ]

[throwabookatit]

[ In the midst of all her anxiety, the ghost's horrible hissing help me is drowned out by the sound of...silence. The lovely garden, that she's sure can't be her thoughts. ]

What's...? Connor, is that...? But I haven't even chosen anything yet.

[preconstruction]

It always helps me relax, when I’m feeling upset.

[ he won’t directly point out that she sent all of that, not in front of everyone, but it should be obvious to her from his statement. ]

[throwabookatit]

Huh...? O-oh!!

[ Immediately, she tries to withdraw. ]

C-Connor, I'm sorry, I- I didn't mean to- no one should see that, I knew- I knew it was a bad idea for me to try this--

[preconstruction]

[ he doesn't pull away, but he won't force her to stay either. ]

No, don't be scared. It's okay. Learning will help you be stronger. Against things like that.

[throwabookatit]

B-but I'm so-- I can barely think of one good thing to focus on, maybe...maybe this w-was too soon, or...

[ Her hand's withdrawn, but she keeps looking at Connor's, like she wants to try again, but... ]

...Maybe there's too much of that, to risk.

[preconstruction]

Don't worry, you can't hurt me. I've been doing this longer than you have.

[ he smiles reassuringly. ]

Do you want to try again?

[throwabookatit]

[ She wonders, just how he can be so calm for all of this. What he must've felt...

Rebecca holds her hand in her other, fretting for a moment. ]

I... I think... I've got something, but... ...You'll tell me, if something...bad slips through?

[preconstruction]

Yes, I will tell you.

[ connor offers his hand again. ]

[throwabookatit]

[ With that, Rebecca hesitantly takes his hand.

What Rebecca sends is simple. It's small. Connor sent a place, so she'll also send one. It's a classroom, in the afternoon. A variety of students mill about, laughing to themselves and chatting. But, soon they stop and turn attention to the front of the room, all taking their seats quickly.

There's no voices. Nothing specifically said. But a feeling emanates about it. A strong belonging, a sense of respect. Towards her, from her. Even if some are more problem students, it's fine. This is her job, after all.

And...Rebecca loves her job. ]