Post by The Storyteller on Dec 25, 2015 20:26:14 GMT
It has been one month since the events at Ross's Corners.
The hallowed streets of Arkham are warm this year, only a few trees have begun to shed the green of summer and change to the crimsons, ambers, and saffrons that make New England famous. Comfortable breezes blow through the gabled roofs of the town while moter cars drive down the streets, of which many side streets are still not paved for them. They rattle along the loudly, disrupting the otherwise quaint charm of the town. Classes have begun for fall semester at Miskatonic University. Students take their first steps into the world of academia, bright young minds eager for knowledge.
However, for five professors, that quest for knowledge has taken a hideous turn. While they do not speak to others about the abominable thing they found in that squalid, abandoned house, its presence still weighs on their minds. Like a scratch on their gums, the memory pricks at the edges of their dreams and doesn't go away.
Each of them has done something different to cope, and slowly they have begun to know each other better, their shared trauma somehow bringing them closer.
Leigh smoked, taught and spent time alone in the darkroom, all of which was pretty par for the course. The only thing that really suffered was her sleep -- but the nightmares more than made up for the overall normalcy of the rest of her life. Her journalist brain delighted in pulling the wake-up-but-actually-still-dreaming trick on her, so much so that she'd taken to pinching herself, hard, in different locations on her upper arms, shoulders and chest as she smoked her first cigarette of the morning, just to be... at least a little more certain she was actually conscious. She'd had her fill of brushing her teeth until slurping shadows bursting from the bathroom sink drain peeled her flesh off her face in the mirror; a few light bruises now and then at her own fingertips seemed a pretty favorable trade.
Leigh'd wanted to research more, her passion for news pressing her to seek and hoard knowledge, but every moment she spent with a book in hand or speaking to an anonymous occult whisperer compounded the nightmares. It pissed her off to no end, being blocked from facts by (what she perceived to be) a spot of weakness in her psyche. She'd decided, finally, that the next time that all five of them got together, she'd bring it up -- see if they were having nightmares as vivid as hers, see if they'd found a way to research without turning themselves into insomniacs.
Burdened by the sight of the possessed bodies, Evan sat in the silence of his house hoping to drink his fears away. Come morning, nobody would think he had been fear-struck by the dead. Trying to forget the night, he took his fears and memories and stowed them in a dark corner of his mind and tried to continue with his life as normal.
Agnis couldn't remember a time when she had felt unsettled in her tiny, belonging-stuffed apartment. The candle-softened darkness had never been uncomfortable. The life she had known in Arkham, comfortable and cozy, had been sent on its head after her return from the cabin. Shadows that once danced warm and welcomingly startled her, sending her mind caterwauling with fright. Dreams of an inescapable darkness filled her nights, things shifting and screeching from its depths hurling her back into consciousness. Agnis' coffee pot had not run dry since the nightmares began, nor stilled in the nights when they ceased to hound her as badly.
It took almost a week before her mind could shove out the nightmares of ancient pharaohs coming to life as she explored deep Egyptian tombs. Two weeks in and Agnis found herself settling into the routine she had once loved (it was very soothing), though it palled in comparison to the excitement of a few week prior. Pushing together paper hand outs for her students almost choked Angis, her hands itching to open dusty tomes from the Arkham library and explore more of the strange occult events that had happened. Much like her love for the pharaohs of old, their ancient civilizations, and all their secret history - the occult was fascinating (Agnis refused to think too much of the frightening, horrifying things that had happened at the cabin). Another gateway to be explored, one that hinted at her of being just as mentally stimulating as her chosen profession.
With King Tut's tomb having been opened within the last five years (and a surge of rumours surrounding the curse of the tomb, after seven of the original archaeologists dying), Agnis had found herself at the receiving end of many students grasping for her class. The applications alone had been a river to wade through, the preparation for each student's education had been stifling. In the past weeks Agnis had stopped to think, more than once, that her upcoming classes were the only thing pushing her on wards and away from the tempting downward spiral of madness.
Today was no different. Although she knew that a majority of the students coming into her classroom would be sticking around for a chance to go on a trip to Egypt (and thus Tut's tomb, and other digs), it was extremely exciting to have so many students willing to be taught by a woman. It had taken Agnis years of pleading to be allowed as a professor at the university, and with women's rights becoming a civil movement that shook the foundations of society as she knew it..
A shiver of excitement and satisfaction raced up her spine and she clutched at her rotary telephone, hugging the receiver to her face as she spun Werner's number (scratched almost unreadably in the Rolodex beside her desk). As soon as the other end clicked open, she felt her voice burst forward almost on its own "Werner? Ser Hoganmüller? Oh, I do hope I have the right number. I was calling to see how you were doing! It's been nearly a month and I haven't spoken to you, and that's a shame. How is your face? And your plants? This time of year must be lovely for them, I'm sure." Agnis took a breath then, trying to contain her excitement. She was capable of holding an entire conversation on her own before anyone could get a word in, and it was something she was trying to combat. Admittedly, she wasn't trying very hard.
(swear to god my posts won't always be this long I'M SO SORRY I GOT EXCITED; the only important part is the last paragraph herp)
Post by Werner Hoganmüller on Jan 4, 2016 3:40:31 GMT
Werner hadn't been this nervous and jumpy since he left Austria to teach at Miskatonic, no that's not true. He was definitely worse off then ever before. He did quite well in the normalcy of the university, with much to distract - new students and experiments to set up. The worst of it was always at night; living alone had never bothered him up to this point. Werner's usual peace in solitude had been upset forcibly. Night after night he woke up shouting in terror as unknown and shadowy beasts lunged for his face. His wound, which had since healed into an unsightly scar always itched terribly after he woke up and made it difficult to return to sleep. Werner's only solace was his Siamese cat, who luckily was not the aloof type and worried after Werner. Nose nudges and soft snuggles helped some, but not enough...
It was on a warm Sunday afternoon that Werner returned home from the nearby conservatory. He was toting an addition to his (already too large) collection of house-plants. His small apartment practically overflowed with greenery. Werner had to adjust his load onto his hip while he fumbled for his key - then he heard the phone ringing. "Ach du lieber" he cried and fought with his coat to get his key out and properly into the lock. The phone had already rung four or five times when Werner finally burst through the door - only to knock down a nearby fern, whose pot shattered spectacularly on the floor. He grimaced at this and grasped for the phone, panting. "Hallo?"
Agnis was on the other end of the line; he didn't even get a greeting out before she spewed a one-sided conversation all over him. She finally paused for a breath after asking him a multitude of questions and Werner seized the chance, "AGNIS, well hallo. It's very good to hear from you. My cheek is doing quite well and the plants are ...as good as always." He took a look at the dirt that had spilled over the floor, which his cat was now happily rolling in.
He was in fact really pleased that she had called him. Not only was this a good step towards potential friendship (he didn't have many friends), but also a chance to find out more about these nightmarish happenings. "I'm glad that you called; I was hoping that we and the others could meet up again. I would very much like to learn more about this world we've stumbled upon. I... haven't been sleeping well since our previous encounter."
Albert awoke as he did most mornings -- sheets in a tangled mess at the foot of his wrought iron bed and the mattress soaked in sweat. Stretching his hand out he instinctively reached for the remnants of last night's bottle. It fell with an empty clatter to the floor. Aw shit. Must have finished it last night with Dr. Wildstrom, he thought slowly to himself, brain still in a fuzz.
Dressing had been a chore since the war and today was going to be no exception. The shrapnel wounds he had received as a going away gift from some nice Imperial Russian gun crew argued with him as he bent his legs to stand upright once again.
"It's Wednesday, isn't it, yep of course it is... I've always liked Wednesdays... almost done reading the essays I assigned last weekend and then tomorrow I'll have to find some other interesting topic to have my students bore me to death with."
He slowly shambled to the bathroom and began brushing his teeth.
"You know..." He paused, spit into the sink, and then continued speaking to his reflection: "...I think I'll have them delve into the inherent issues with wealth dispersal... it's a fairly simple topic but the Bolsheviks can't possibly redistribute the Romanov's wealth efficiently and I sure at least one of them will be bright enough to consider corruption." He paused a moment and inspected his mustache. "Damn good thing I didn't get any of that elderitch acid on the only thick hair I have left that night some weeks ago... can't imagine a proper German without a proper mustache."
"Well... off to class old boy, no sense in dwelling in past any longer. Besides I believe we are out of spirits!" The last thought left him smiling as grabbed his cane and locked the door behind him.
Last Edit: Jan 4, 2016 5:09:32 GMT by Albert Heiss
Werner's happy reply sent the butterflies in her stomach, a common happening when Agnis was talking to someone new outside of her profession, spiraling upwards and into her chest - then her throat. She almost launched herself into another flurry of words as Werner continued. She smiled against the receiver, leaning back in her chair. "I would love to meet up with everyone. The nights have been a bit.. eerie since returning from that weekend.. trip." Agnis wasn't sure how to phrase what she wanted to say, the phone making it even more awkward for her. If she could see him in person, it would likely be better - all the more reason for them to meet up with everyone again.
As much as Agnis wanted to ask about Werner's dreams and how he had been getting along over the phone, she was not an invasive woman when it came to someone she liked (even lacking the social etiquette that usually came with being noninvasive) and felt it was too awkward a thing to discuss without a cup of tea and a brightly lit room. "Shall we make some calls and set something up for next Wednesday? Perhaps we could meet at the diner we went to before?" Her finger coiled absently in the phone cord as she glanced towards the rolodex. Wednesday would be a simple day as far as classes went - introducing students to the course, enticing them with promises of a future trip for the bright ones.. Nothing that would leave her busy. Wednesday sounded quite good.
Post by Werner Hoganmüller on Jan 6, 2016 23:38:51 GMT
Werner's relief upon hearing a positive reply from Agnis was evident. He was just glad that he didn't let an enormous sigh through the receiver. "Wednesday works well for me. I'll call professor Wildstrom and let you handle professors Sharpe and Heiss, if that's alright with you?" Werner made this suggestion because he actually much preferred Dr. Wildstrom and didn't relish the thought of calling the other professors. Doctors Sharpe and Heiss were both very spirited and abrasive in his opinion. He much preferred the calm and quiet nature of Dr. Wildstrom.
Another confirmation was heard. "Wunderbar. I'll leave the two to you and plan on seeing you all at Roxie's Diner on Wednesday...say, oh.. around 7? Perfect. Auf Wiedersehen." Perfect, Werner thought sarcastically. Everything would be perfect if I never stumbled upon this madness. He picked up the receiver again after locating Evan Wildstrom's number and started to dial...
At Werner's request, Agnis leaned forward and flicked through the Rolodex - scanning for Sharpe and Heiss as Werner spoke. "That would be absolutely fine, Ser Hoganmüller!~ Seven it is! I will make sure the others are on time and get back to you if there are any hang ups in the plan - though I doubt there will be of course." At his reply and farewell, Agnis chimed a quick goodbye as she flicked to Sharpe's number, double checking it before she dialed Sharpe's number.
"Hello, Professor Sharpe? This is Agnis Ward, from Miskatonic? I'm sure you remember me - Professor Hoganmüller and I are calling the others to inquire about whether or not everyone would be interested in having dinner this coming Wednesday. We were thinking of meeting up at Roxie's Diner!" Agnis had to calm herself to keep from chattering on - Leigh had been somewhat talkative before, very inquisitive and interesting. Agnis, if the time had allowed previously, might have talked Leigh's ear off. There was a quality about the other that Agnis enjoyed, the need and desire for knowledge and figuring things out. It had come in handy a month ago, and Agnis couldn't help but think it would come in handy now if she and Werner pushed to figure out what really happened.
As soon as she parted from her conversation with Sharpe, Agnis took a breath and fixed herself a cup of tea before returning to her chair and dialing the war vet. He was her senior by quite a few years, with rumours about his past to match his age. A war vet, someone who spoke to themselves every now and then, a little standoffish.. or perhaps that was Agnis, intimidated (though she wouldn't admit it) by someone who she couldn't quite put her finger on. Agnis felt similarly about Wildstrom, and chalked it up to the two being less gentle around the edges than Sharpe and Hoganmüller.
The phone clicked open and Agnis smiled. "Professor Heiss? This is Agnis Ward.." She followed through with inquiring about how he was and about meeting the others at the diner, her voice every bit as peppy as it had been with Sharpe and Hoganmüller. The conversation wasn't long, Agnis not sure how to carry one with the professor (thankful when he accepted the invitation to meet up). "It will be really nice to see you all again, I think. Have a good evening! " With that she clicked the receiver into place and leaned back into her chair, pulling her teacup to her lips and taking a long drink. Talking to people usually felt so easy and not nearly as awkward as the last few phonecalls had been. Perhaps it was the lack of knowing people so intimately that she fancied having dinner with them. Perhaps it was just butterflies over their conversation topic.
Post by Evan Wildstrom on Jan 9, 2016 16:26:52 GMT
Evan had been working in his garage when he heard the faint ringing of his telephone from his house. He set down his wrench and walked away from the car he had been tinkering with. He reached for the phone, and grimaced when he saw the oil on his hands. Unable to see a rag in close proximity, he cleaned his hands as best as he could with his pants leg and picked up the phone with a grunt of a "Hello?"
Immediately he recognized Werner's accent and a shiver went down his spine. In a way it seemed too recent to be hunting monsters again. But it had been at least a month? Evan scrawled a note on a nearby envelope as Werner explained the plan for everyone to meet again at the diner on Wednesday. "Sure, I can make it. What time?"
After he finished the note, Evan said goodbye and hung up a little too hastily. It wasn't his intention to seem impatient or aggravated, but the sooner he could distract himself from the madness the better. He hung the note on his fridge as he walked back to the garage to finish his project. Maybe this time won't be so bad.
Leigh grinned, lit cigarette bobbing at the corner of her mouth -- she liked Agnis. Their departments sometimes drew similar students and they'd crossed paths a couple times, but what Leigh liked most about the woman was that people talked a lot of shit about her. About how she was 'improper', spoke her mind 'much too liberally' and didn't 'adhere to the proper conventions'. Every single time Leigh heard someone shoot off their mouth about her, especially since the peek behind the veil of reality, it put a tough little smile on her face. If any of the other men caught her expression in the midst of their hennish clucking, she usually brushed it off with some approaching-lewd comment that left the others shaking their heads and muttering about 'crazy micks.'
"Professor Ward! I was just thinkin' I'd like a little chitchat with the spook troop; the evening frycook at Roxie's canna' make an egg to save his miserable life but the coffee serves jus' fine." Leigh was surprised how easy it was to lean back in her office chair, kick her feet up on the desk, reach out and flick the growing ash off her cigarette -- all as though she hadn't been sleeping at max four or five choppy hours a night for days on end. Something about the prospect of seeing the others brought the reality of everything that had happened home; she could almost hear the spitting flecks of acid, remember the scent of so many wet, sharp teeth in one mouth...
Rather than fear, she felt a flood of renewed stubborn curiosity so empowering that, while jotting a note of the time on Wednesday they would all meet, she stopped caring about the sensation of being stared at by something just outside her field of view for the first time in weeks.
Agnis' call had left Albert in a bit of bind. On one hand he felt compelled to meet up with the other professors (entirely to support them of course) but at the same time the revival of his war dreams was a feeling he did not relish. "Damn it Albert you already drink too much you old Bavarian, why get involved in this nonsense?" Albert thought to himself as he hung up the telephone in his office. "I bet these academics haven't even seen a rife before, hell If I don't go with their foolish liberal arts blood will be on my hands..."
Post by The Storyteller on Jan 13, 2016 23:39:00 GMT
Wednesday, September 12th, 1928
The dinner rush is just finishing at Roxie's Cafe. Still over half the tables have patrons at them, many enjoying drinks and conversation, their meals finished. The interior of the cafe is clean and homely, typical of a small town restaurant. Square tables with simple tablecloths give the place a relaxed and causal atmosphere, far from the Café Society impression that one gets at more expensive establishments like the Garden Cafe near campus. Roxie's caters to the working class of Arkham, but it is not unusual to see people from the university or a group of friends having a casual diner.
Outside, the setting sun gives a pleasant atmosphere, accenting the warm weather. Most of the patrons are outside enjoying the season. At one table, a Miskatonic student dressed far too formally for the setting tells jokes to his smiling date. At another two men smoke cigars and discuss the recent news. Cars drive past as people return home from their jobs, blowing the rare pile of early leaves up in a swirling cloud.
To the back of the cafe is a large bar with iron stools, topped with crimson cushions. The large back wall where alcohol was previously stored for thirsty patrons has been torn out, and now a large surface grill is installed, allowing patrons to see their food being cooked. There is still a kitchen in the back for more complicated orders. Two waitresses wearing black dresses with white collars and aprons sewn on scurry around attending to the patrons. Despite the late hour their hair is still pined up and neat. The air smells heavily of smoke, both from the grill and the customers. Many of both the men and women smoke while chatting over their meal.
In the corner, five professors meet to discuss their lives since a recent incident. They have just finished their greetings and ordered their food.
Agnis was one of the last to arrive, blush hot on her cheeks as she walked into the diner and inquired about whether or not her fellow professors had arrived. A few had, and she was lead to their table - slipping off her coat in the process and draping it over an empty chair as she greeted the others.
There had been butterflies in her stomach all day, each class becoming harder to get through as the day went on. She had not tried super hard to engage students, and a few had asked if she was alright after each class. Even now, Agnis was nervous. Would being together again jinx the calm that had settled over their lives once again? Had the others agreed to dinner in an effort to put a polite end to their acquaintanceship? Agnis was not normally an anxious person, but she couldn't help being so now.
Agnis sat and took a sip of water, letting the others order before she picked something off the menu (not really paying attention, not hungry and more interested in speaking with the others about the last few weeks). Her gaze returned to Werner's face now and then, at the angry scaring upon his otherwise humble features.
Words bubbled at her tongue, threatening to spill out, but she stilled herself. There was something nice about them casually being together, and perhaps easing into the paranormal was a better idea than throwing them into it right away.
Post by Werner Hoganmüller on Jan 18, 2016 5:55:09 GMT
Werner had just finished ordering. His order was particular - he always needed to ask the details of the meal and request substitutions. It usually bothered his dining partners, but it was always worth it. He wasn't unaccustomed to people being annoyed at his ...quirks, and he was paying for the meal - he should at least enjoy it.
After an awkward silence (as no one seemed to want to start the uncomfortable conversation) Werner chimed in, "...How is everyone doing? Have your classes started well?"
OH NOES
