i. my name is death and the end is near.

[tehplagues]

what has been left after the plagues is a constellation of ghost towns.

the lone survivors walk the streets of an emptied world, one that alternates swiftly between discomfortingly eerie silence and chaotic brutality. it doesn't seem to understand moderation, the pendulum swinging from one extreme to the other in the space of a heartbeat. there are times when it feels like you are the only person left in the ruins - like you will be driven mad by the nightmares and the grievous silence that follows. and there are other times. times when you know you are not alone in the darkness, not with the rift opening up one last time to pour into the cracks every monster it has in its arsenal; you must protect yourself.

careful where you step. you might stumble on rotting bodies across desolate lawns. you might stumble on rioters fueled by flagg's nightmares until they committed to his deadly causes - believing you to be the enemy. if you're lucky, you'll cross paths with those who, like you, are trying to find a place to lay their weary heads. if you're not, pray to what gods you believe in that someone hears you.

prayer may be all you have left.

Comments

[sunrunning]

It's like your spirit can't find your body again. You're alive, but...

[She's never seen it happen but her dad has warned her about it.]

Just tell me if there are clouds coming and I'll break the connection. I'm serious.

[gavot]

Okay! I promise. [ she glances up at the sky now with certain trepidation, but they should be good for now. she shifts in place, converse-clad feet still planted firmly against the warm asphalt. ] So. I know you asked me where I am, but where are you?

[ maybe they can meet in the middle eventually. the lack of a single soul around her is starting to wear on her. and ... if they agree on meeting, she can at least know if this is really happening or she's in need of hydration. ]

[sunrunning]

Near Cleveland actually. Weird luck.

[Except it feels like it's not luck. It feels like this is meant to be somehow.]

[gavot]

Do you believe in luck? [ rachel never has. she's always said that you make your own luck. but sometimes even coincidences rarely feel like them. ]

[sunrunning]

Not really. [She answers honestly.] Okay, so... halfway point. I've got a map here, so... Norwalk, maybe? Or- I'm actually headed west so I could probably just get to you instead.

[And probably bring a new friend. Just...makes you play two people in one group, no big deal.]

[gavot]

[ i love group threads, okay. you've discovered my weakness. ]

Are you sure? I can stay put but I wouldn't want you to do all the legwork. [ not that she expects them to walk all the way over here literally but YOU GET HER SENTIMENT. ]

[sunrunning]

It makes more sense this way, I think. No sense wasting twice the resources. If you want to spend some time gathering extra supplies or something? I wouldn't say no to some chips or some beef jerky or something.

[She's a gal of pretty simple needs.]