Welcome to The Resort - Activities 001

[theresort]

The Resort Motto:

Don't resort to drastic measures
Have your life re-sorted
Come visit The Resort

WELCOME TO THE RESORT



How did you get here? Did you arrive willingly, wanting a break from it all? Or did you unexpectedly find a path through your dreams or magic gone wrong? Was there a random flash of light and suddenly you were standing in a strange place?

A teleportation machine, to be exact.

Either way, now you're at The Resort and the friendly staff are here to answer your questions and hand you brochures on all the sights and amenities.

The Resort is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and ringed by a lush green forest. The middle areas are beautifully situated with fantastic views from every angle and perfectly maintained cabins and gardens await you. If you try to leave, you'll just find yourself back home.

You are not trapped here.

Go out and explore.

Guided tours will be on offer as well as a warming bonfire highlighted on the night, conveniently located between the cabin and activity areas. All the safety measures are in place but accidents could happen. Marshmallows on sticks and various snacks and drinks are on offer. All for free. You don't need money at The Resort. Everything is complimentary so relax and enjoy your time here.


A FAMILIAR PLACE

Or maybe this place isn't so perfect and unfamiliar.

Maybe some parts look just like some place you recognize - whether or not you want to be there.

What will you find? Who will you find?

You could wander into any situation here, the limits are your imagination and personal experiences...


BOATING



Paddle boats and rowboats are available at the lake. You are also welcome to go for a swim in the sparkling waters, which are cool and inviting - at least on the surface. Most visitors encounter nothing sinister here yet there are whispers of some creature living deeper within the lake. What is it? The stories vary depending upon who is telling it.

Check out the lake and find out for yourself. Probably nothing bad will happen...


ARCHERY AND MORE

The Activities Area is extensive and seemingly unlimited in what you can find to occupy your time. There's an archery range; a shooting range; table tennis and regular tennis. You want to try something? You'll find it somewhere here. There's even a carnival section with a merry-go-round and dodge 'em cars, accommodating all ages who just want to have a bit of harmless fun.

Whether or not something darker is lurking... well, again there are rumours but nobody knows for sure.


PETTING ZOO AND HORSE-RIDING



The zoo appears to house every animal, bird and living creature you have heard of - and some you haven't. Cuddle a koala. Hold a python. Let an eagle sit on your arm or head. Even the more dangerous animals are mostly tame enough to not attack you - usually. Mishaps can occur.

The staff and signage all encourage that you pet them, regardless of how cute or deadly they are. You should be fine.

Is that a unicorn? Yes, even mythological creatures can be found here.

Horse-riding is also available and you may even ride out of the zoo and take to the forest or mountain trails. Nibbles provided for the horses.


RELAX



Just want to unwind? Visit the lovely park and smell the gorgeous flowers. Take a bouquet with you. There are park benches, sheltered and unsheltered to enjoy the pleasant weather. If a sudden rain hits, you can enjoy that from the shelters.

Or spend some time shopping and browsing; having a meal at the food court.

All the staff encourage you to relax. If you ask, they may even direct you to the spa and massage facilities for extra relaxation time.

Whatever you want or need, you will find it at The Resort.

Comments

Jones | Roswell New Mexico (ota)

[oasian]

Welcome to the Resort

Whatever Jones had been expecting in his death, this was not it. Certainly not beautiful lakes and activities like archery and frolicking with animals. Perhaps it's not the sort of reign he had hoped for and had fought for over the centuries, but it's not oblivion.

Dressed in slacks and white button down, he finds himself meandering his ways through the gardens. There's a peace there, a moment for reflection and thinking about where he's going to go from here. If there is a place from here for him.

Curious he finds himself experimenting with what he's capable of here, what he has or might have lost. His fingers caress over a rose petal... and then the entire bloom lights on fire.

"Well, that's certainly a start."

Hello Cowboy

Settling in for a time, Jones finds himself curious about this place and the horses at the petting zoo seemed the best way to explore.

The mare was a blood bay with a feisty disposition and a great gait as he headed out of the zoo and along one of the paths through the grounds. More than one afternoon he borrowed the same mare, heading through the forests, looping the gardens and following the mountain trails.

Sometimes they lounge by the lake, soaking up the sun and sometimes even enjoying skinny dipping in the cool waters. At least for Jones. Other days he lets the mare pick her way at a sedate pace, carrying on a conversation sometimes with himself. Or maybe it's with the mare.

"I've definitely been worse places. Just not what I expected of death."

Hello cowboy

[john_morris]

Along one of the trails, Jones may hear another horse trotting quickly toward him and his steed. Riding them was someone who looked like they'd fit well into an old fashioned Western although his manner and bearing were more proper and gentlemanly. As Morris approaches, he catches the last words. It's jarring to him somehow, even though he's unsure of why.

"Pardon me, sir, but what were you saying just now?" He wants to understand what it may mean.

[oasian]

Lifting his head, Jones is more curious than worried. Whatever this place is, he has his strengths and he isn't worried about fighting a wild bunch that had tried to destroy him before. Tried though is the key though, and he's still here, alive and well.

He watches the other approach, someone that reminds him of the city where he's last spent the most time in his life. On Earth. Out west in New Mexico.

Arching a brow, he considers what he'd just said to the mare.

"Oh I was just saying this place wasn't what I expected. I thought I had been killed."

[john_morris]

"Did you also find yourself unexpectedly arriving here? I, as well." But the people had been so friendly and welcoming and the place so beautiful, he'd tried to put that strangeness past him.

"Perhaps we have been knocked out and are dreaming." That does make some logical sense, he thinks.

[oasian]

He nods at that, curious now. "I had an odd feeling in a moment and then woke up here."

Considering that, his head canting as he considers the other man.

"Then am I your subconscious or you mine? Do you dream of places like this often?"

He isn't sure he believes in it. His dreams aren't like many with the species he is, and now he has to wonder just what it all means.

Noé Archiviste | Vanitas no Carte | ota

[noetetaking]

Welcome

Murr!

[A tall young man in Victorian style clothing is running ahead, hands cupped around his mouth as he calls out for his cat in concern, only to stop and stare at the mountains, his mouth slightly agape and stars in his eyes.]

It's truly beautiful...

[He mumbles to himself, and for the time being Noé forgets about looking for Murr as he wanders around, entranced by the breathtaking scenery, the lovely sounds and the fresh air.

He only stops sometime later, pausing as he realizes his mistake.]

My cat is missing!

Merry-go-Round

[Thankfully, Noé eventually finds Murr, although now the vampire is sporting some scratches on his face that weren't there before. Carrying the eternally grumpy looking fluffy white cat in his arms, Noé looks around in awe until he notices someone else and asks:]

How long have you decided to stay here-

[Noé's words die on the tip of his tongue as he becomes distracted with the Merry-go-Round. He's always wanted to ride one! He glances between the other person, and then back at the ride almost shyly, before he finally blurts out, blushing slightly:]

Would you like to ride together!

Petting Zoo

Look, Murr! There are more of you!

[Noé is trying to introduce his cat to some of the other cats at the petting zoo. Or maybe he's admiring the other animals until his cat begins to hiss at them. Or maybe he's just chilling with a python using his shoulders to bask in the sun.]

Wildcard

[I'm happy to write a different prompt if you'd like!]

Merry-go-round

[john_morris]

[Morris had been enjoying the carnival atmosphere and didn't notice at first that he had company. Not until he hears a voice next to him. Before he has a chance to answer, the person is speaking again, asking something else. Flustered for a moment, he finally smiles. It's a kind smile and there's a gentleness about him, even as his clothing is more rugged. Being from 1850, it's also old fashioned, looking as if he was some sort of cowboy. His manner of speaking is polite and very proper.]

I would like that.

[He's ridden real horses and this doesn't look very challenging but the lights and bright colours were enticing somehow.]

[noetetaking]

[Noé can't help but stare at Morris' clothes in fascination. They're unlike anything he has seen before, though he didn't know such a place like this even existed. He still has a lot to learn about the outside world.

Still, he recognizes Morris' kindness and brightens with a relieved smile. Murr hops out of his arms to go lurk nearby. With all the excitement of someone who hasn't rode on a merry-go-round before, he runs on the platform and starts looking at the various mounts.]

They're all beautiful. The detail makes them almost look alive!

[john_morris]

[He also admires the craftsmanship and paintwork, nodding.]

It appears some raise up and down, while some remain still.

[He'd noticed on the last round.]

Which will you choose?

[noetetaking]

R-really?! Have you been on one before?

[Morris certainly gives an aura of someone who has seen more of the world. It takes Noé all of a second to decide. He looks down at his hands shyly, but he can't quite contain his excitement.]

I'd like to try the animated kind!

Prokopenko | The Raven Cycle | OTA

[dreamedboy]

[ooc: I'll gladly match format!]

i. Bonfire

[Everything felt like a dream. Except Proko knew better and he was definitely not dreaming. The last thing he remembered before ending up in this place- he'd rather not dwell on it, except he was terrible at not dwelling on shit. He'd spent the whole first day wandering around and was now seated next to a bonfire, a cheap, somewhat shitty beer in hand.

There was a little bag of marshmallows next to him and a few carefully curated sticks. Every now and then he'd put his beer down to grab a stick and a marshmallow and toast it up, holding it as close to the fire as he dared. The heat of the flames washing over his skin felt nice, familiar. The kind of thing that K would've liked, if he was there.]

ii. Petting Zoo

[Prokopenko had never seen an alpaca in person before. He hadn't expected them to be quite as soft and fluffy as they were. As a bonus, the one he was petting really seemed to enjoy it and was content sitting there and lounging in the sun while he scritched his fingers through its- what was it even called? Fluff? Wool? Were they like sheep?

Allowing himself a bright grin as he sat beside the alpaca, he leaned down to rest his head on its back, cheek rubbing against its fluff. He was content to sit like that, arms draped over the animal, until someone came up to interrupt him. Otherwise, he might just fall asleep there.]

iii. Horse-Riding

[While not exactly a nature guy, Proko seemed to be doing pretty well when it came to getting along with the unicorn he was riding. The whole animal was the purest white, horn included, and when he'd laid eyes on it- well, how was he supposed to resist? How many times would he get a chance to ride a unicorn? Probably never, outside of this place.

He guided the unicorn across a small stream, water splashing up everywhere, and then continued down the well-worn path through the woods. Until the animal spooked at something, at least, rearing up and nearly throwing Proko off its back. Luckily, he managed to hold on tight and only slipped a little.

After the unicorn was back on all four feet, Proko patted it on the neck, soothingly rubbing his hand in circles.]

What is it? Did you hear something?

[Or smell something, maybe. He knew animal senses were generally better than people's, just not how much. Maybe there was someone else around he hadn't noticed yet or there was an animal in the brush or- he didn't know.]

iv. Food Court

[After a shower so he didn't smell like horse anymore, Proko hit up the food court, treating himself to a burger, fries, and a milkshake. Settling down at one of the empty tables, he dug in.

Feel free to strike up a conversation with him; despite his resting bitch face he was pretty friendly.]

iv. food court (cw: suicide references)

[dreamforger]

[Kavinsky strolls over to Prokopenko, drawn in like something magnetic. He was actually sort of glad that the other boy hadn't seen him when he first got here since he'd been something of a mess. There'd been rage and tears and sobbing on the floor of the shower. But he was here and he was alive and he was-- he didn't fucking know. He was dealing with that, he guessed. He hadn't tried to kill himself again, at least.

He doesn't say anything as he walks over, just stealing the cherry from his milkshake and slipping it between his lips with a grin and a slight residue of whipped cream on his fingers. He knew he should say something, he just didn't know what the fuck that should be. His smiles falters, and he looks off to the side as he devours the cherry. Marashinos were mostly fake, anyway.

I'm sorry was the obvious thing, but he didn't know how to say it. How would he articulate what he was apologizing for, anyway? Not talking to him when everything went to shit, dragging him into that mess at the 4th? Making him watch as he killed himself? Fuck. Maybe it would have been better if he'd just kept his distance and watched him from afar, but- he couldn't.

He needed him. He rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh, meeting his eyes a little bit awkwardly.]

Look, uh- I know I fucked up.

[dreamedboy]

[He was a split second away from grumbling that that had been his cherry when he recognized Kavinsky. Proko hadn't seen him approaching, hadn't even realized he was there at all. His chest felt tight. The last time he'd seen K...things had been messy. And that was putting it mildly. Things had been a fucking disaster.]

You fuckin' think so?

[He pushed back his chair, the metal legs scraping loudly on the tile floor, and stood up. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Kavinsky and pulled him into a tight hug. Pressing his face into the other boy's shoulder, Proko breathed in the familiar scent of him, assured himself that he was real and not a figment of his imagination.]

You're a real asshole, sometimes.

[Mumbled and slightly muffled against Kavinsky's shoulder.]

[dreamforger]

[Kavinsky honestly doesn't know what to expect when Prokopenko stands up, but he doesn't flinch, doesn't pull away. The other boy could yell at him, slap him, or anything else and he knows that he'd deserve it.

But instead he wraps his arms around him and pulls him into a tight hug and for a moment K just draws in a shaky breath, but then he wraps his arms around him, balling his hands in the back of his shirt. There's a slight tremble in the dreamer's slight frame, because he'd thrown this away. He didn't know why he had a chance, why he had him in his arms again- he was sure he didn't deserve it. But Kavinsky had a long history of accepting more than he deserves, so he just holds him tight. With Proko real might be a slightly nebulous concept, but he knew him as soon as he saw him. His dream boy.]

I know. Dunno why you put up with me sometimes.

[He breathes the words muffled into his hair, affectionate and sad all at the same time. He might have tried to seem casual when he walked up to the other boy, but he holds onto him too tight, like he's afraid of losing him. Afraid of being left alone again.]

'M sorry.

[dreamedboy]

[He didn't know what he'd do without Kavinsky, honestly. In the long run, not just for a few days. For a few days, he'd just carry on, but forever? Proko would be lost. K was more than just his best friend. Normal best friends didn't pull one of them from the depths of their mind after they died.

Proko snorted.]

Don't be stupid. I mean, it's too late for that, so I guess don't be stupider.

[Because K had already done the stupidest thing he could've. A number of them, really. But the worst one was probably staking everything on how Ronan Lynch treated him.

His stomach did something funny when Kavinsky apologized. It was- weird to hear, but also Proko hoped it meant they wouldn't be repeating mistakes. Maybe they could just start over, stay here in this place forever. Clearly, they'd been given a second chance. Proko didn't want to waste it.]

It's okay.

[He could forgive Kavinsky for almost anything.]

Just- never do that again.

Gan Ainm | Original | OTA

[desfait]

Welcome to the Resort

[Well. This wasn't in the grove. His memory might be awful but he was pretty sure he'd remember something about a whole well populated, well staffed resort suddenly cropping up within walking distance of his home. Honestly he's not entirely sure what to think, so anyone who's similarly just arrived, on their way in or out or anyone who just happens to be lingering around the general area here might just catch sight of him, staring in a mixture of confusion and awe at the mountains.

It'd be pretty hard not to see him, honestly, considering the morose looking creature is over nine feet tall.]

Munchies

[Well, not quite munchies. Eating is a bit beyond him, but drinking? Drinking he can do, and he's made currently next to no effort at all at trying to blend in. The staff didn't bat an eye, so why should he care? He's figured out how to make straws work for him, it's working, and he's taken up a comfy little spot in the food court to... people watch. With deep and intense fascination, one might just feel those eyes boring a hole in them if they decide they'd like to have a little snack as well.]

Carnival

[It doesn't look like that merry-go-round was made for lanky giants, a fact he isn't exactly sold on regardless it looks, because here he is, haunting it. Obviously and openly comparing the distance between the floor and the ceiling from outside the threshold, lightly tapping one clawed finger on his chin.

There's similarly thoughtful, comparative glances at all those who happen to pass him by to board the ride, apparently doing some number crunching here as a couple skirt past him to get on.

Someone's going to get stopped, someone's going to be a party in whatever hypothesis he's cooking up here, it's now just a matter of who.]

Relena | Gundam Wing (OTA)

[pacifistleader]

Welcome to the Resort

[At last! A vacation away from home and politics! Relena needed this and considering the view she was treated to in the lobby alone, she knew this was going to be a rather pleasant stay.

Once she was settled in, it was time to explore! Relena spent a little time in the lobby, pouring over the brochures and maps to try and determine where she should go first.]

Excuse me, I was hoping you could recommend what might be the best to start with. The petting zoo or a hiking adventure?


Archery and More

A. Shooting Range
[Some might not think she was capable of shooting a gun and those people would be sorely mistaken. Relena was surprisingly a decent shot, even if she was a little out of practice.

After a few rounds, she stops, sets down her gun and pulls the ear protectors off with a smile as she studies her target in the distance. Not perfect. but considering how out of practice she was, Relena was rather proude of her work.]

Carnival

[The rides, the games.. it was hard to choose whereto start! Relena was smiling as she wanders around the carnival, admiring the games and even playing a few.]

Petting Zoo and Riding

Petting Zoo
[Relena isn't hard to spot since she was the center of attention for several baby goats. She's handing out feed and smiling as she chats with the little goats. Anyone who approaches will get offered some of her feed and asked if they would like to join her. ]

Horse back Riding.
[She relaxes in the saddle as she enjoys the slow moving scenery around her. The horse she had been paired with (A nice bay mare) was well experienced so Relena didn't have any worry about the horse acting out.

Somewhere along the trails, she spots someone ahead of her and smiles ans she urges her mare forward so she can greet them.]

Hello! It's simply a lovely day for a ride, don't you agree?

George Milton | Of Mice and Men (OTA)

[bindlestifflost]

Boating

George isn't much for messing around with boats. He's never had much opportunity, and it's not so bad sitting on the shore watching with a blade of grass in his mouth for an idle chew. He found some fishing poles and tackle on loan, more his speed. He has a cane pole in hand with a bright colored cork bobbing and drifting on the surface of the water. Leaned back against his bindle with one knee cocked up and his hat down low, he looks like a man without a care in the world.

Funny thing about looks. They're often deceiving.

The cork suddenly dives with a plop. In an instant, George springs from languid repose to full attention, tugging the bowed pole and feeling out the run of the fish with a practiced hand. It's all over in a few seconds with an explosion of water, muddy colored fish with beautiful peach sides near the throat, and a near collision of fish with someone he didn't see standing there.

"Oh, hell! Sorry 'bout that." He's quick to jump up and set the pole aside all in one go, hurrying over to secure his catch and make sure he didn't splash anyone in the face in the process. "You snuck up on me." It's less accusation than observation. He works the hook out of the bream's mouth and tosses it in the water bucket not too far away. "You fish?"

Petting Zoo

The hell of it is this is the sort of place Lennie'd have loved. He'd have been hard pressed keeping up with him going from animal to animal, all with that big, dumb strength of his and never knowing when enough was enough. He knuckles the corner of his eye with a faint scowl, sniffs, and turns abruptly away from the sight of people enjoying communing with nature. Of course there are rabbits. There would be, wouldn't there?

In his hurry to quit the scene and find a drink, he shoulders into someone a little too close. "Watch it, huh?" It's snarled before he can catch himself. He stops and cranks his neck like someone trying to snap away the tension. "Sorry. I know it was me." Both hands lift out a little at his sides, palms forward in a didn't mean no harm gesture. "Too much dust around here for my likin'."

Wildcard

If there's a scene you'd like to set instead, George would likely be drinking somewhere, setting up a campsite under one of the trees, or napping somewhere he thinks is out of sight. Brackets or prose are fine by me. Canon point is at the end of the book.

Boating

[oneisthe]

The man he's speaking to doesn't seem like the sort who should be able to sneak up on anyone. But then... looks can be deceiving. He's tall and broad with short gray hair and a matching beard that looks like it could do with a bit of a trim. He's wearing a long, navy blue coat that seems much too heavy for the warm spring setting around them.

He grins and the smile doesn't touch his icy blue eyes. "Oh, now and again, I'd say. It's a wonderful way to pass the time on your own. Tranquil. Looks like you've had a bit of a splash up, there, though. Good catch, Mister...?"

[bindlestifflost]

He notices the cold eyes, has an instinct for that kind of thing with all his time on the road and the sorts of folks looking to hire. It's not much of a damper on his mood at his good catch, just a little something to keep note of in the back of his mind. Ain't a crime for a man not to be genuine in his friendliness to strangers, and he did almost whack him with a fish.

"No mister, please. Just George. An' you?" How anybody can wrap up like that on a day like this is a mystery. He's sweating a little already out of his jacket. It's more humid here than he's used to.

[oneisthe]

"A man after my own heart. Just Peter will do, then." His hands are in his pocket as he surveys his potential meal. What a funny little place this is. Idyllic, really. It reminds him, in some measure, of the Lukas Estate where he'd grown up, wandering the grounds alone, unattended. It makes him ache inside to think of that time before he'd understood the purpose of it all. What a wonderfully painful thing.

"Tell me, George, how long have you been out here? I haven't seen anyone since the resort staff were handing me pamphlets." A mist begins to creep across the water from a nearby copse of trees. "Honestly, this feels like the sort of place you could go days without seeing another soul if you wanted to. Lovely hiking."

[bindlestifflost]

"Peter." He touches the brim of his hat with a quick finger. Now that this is turning into more of a conversation and less of a meeting in passing, he decides to leave the pole alone. He's got a couple of fish in his bucket, enough for dinner later if he doesn't feel like the social pull of people in the restaurants and dining spots.

"Dunno, really." There's a shrug, as quick and abrupt as the other gesture. "Easy to get lost to it when you got nowhere to be." Maybe he started out some time earlier in the morning? He glances up to check the sun's position. "I guess a couple of hours." Come to think of it, he can't say for sure how long he has been here in the broader sense, either, or how it happened. He can have a sit down at dinner and try to sort all that out then.

Richard Gansey III - The Raven Cycle

[affection_for_research]

(ooc: Mun hasn't read the CDtH or MI)

Swimming

If there was a lake that possibly held something strange and mysterious in its depths, of course Gansey would be there. Usually he'd be searching the banks with his EMF meters, but for now he was taking a less scientific approach. It'd been awhile since he'd swam in fresh water instead of a chlorinated pool, which made the lake too tempting to resist.

If anyone encountered him while he's out in the lake, they would think that he'd been on the swim team instead of rowing. If he was out of the water, they'd find him stretched out on a towel, sunning himself in a picturesque spot, heedless of any potential dangers of either the supernatural or mundane variety. If anyone interrupts, he'll be happy to discuss lake creatures or chat about the amenities that he's heard are waiting for them at the resort.

Petting Zoo

Once Gansey found out that there was a petting zoo at the resort, he had to visit. He missed interacting with the animals at the Barns and the ones here... they were almost as breathtaking as the ones that Ronan dreamed. Technically, they probably were just as astounding, but Ronan's creations had the bonus attraction for Gansey that they were something imagined by his best friend. He'd visited the unicorn, petted a few goats, and was now staring at a fluffy creature that he wasn't quite certain he'd seen at the Barns or in any book he'd read.

Looking over at the person next to him, he asked, "Do you know what it is?"

Wildcard

(If you have ideas of what you'd like to thread with Gansey, let me know.)

Elijah Hawthorn | Original

[richspoiledrotten]

Welcome to the Resort

[ Elijah's dreams have always been strange creatures, but this is a new sort of weird bullshit. He's still working through how he feels about it, since a vacation where he gets to catch his breath hardly seems like the worst thing in the world, but he doesn't trust it, either. He's in his late teens, and despite the crisp prep school uniform, he holds himself like a boy that's used to fighting the world, all squared shoulders and the lift of his jaw. There's a tattoo on the back of his left hand that extends under the wrist of his shirt that looks like the hilt of a sword.

He skips the guided tours, and instead sets out on his own, tossing his jacket over his shoulder. Of course he finds the bonfires, drinking from a silver flask he seems to have been hiding in his jacket. There's a Latin inscription on it, like he probably takes pleasure in being a posh asshole.]

Y'think this is a horror movie in disguise, or is all this wholesome shit for real?

[ There's a slight Southern edge to his words, his voice honeyed with easy charm, even if the words are coarse. This all feels like the sort of weird Elijah is always tangled in, so he can't help thinking there's a flip-side to it. He grins a little wicked, and there's clearly a troublemaker under the school uniform. ]

Should start a betting pool.


Wildcard

[Hit me up with whatever! He can also be found very competitively playing tennis, talking someone into exploring the forest with him, checking out any hot guys, or just chilling in his leather jacket and drinking a pineapple milkshake. PM for plotting!]

:3

[monstrslayr]

[Orion felt vastly out of place here even though he didn't look out of place. There was nothing about him at a glance or even a longer look that would imply he didn't belong. He looked like your average twenty-something, a little awkward, but- things could be worse. He hadn't even seen any monsters since arriving, but he'd sure caught a glance at a real live unicorn earlier.

Now, at the bonfire, he shoved his hands in his pockets, scuffing at a stick on the ground with the toe of his sneaker. He glanced over at Elijah when he spoke, considering his words before shrugging.]

Could be a horror movie. In my experience, that's more likely than something wholesome.

[But his experiences might not be the average. He wasn't exactly...normal, himself.]

Maybe we're a secret sacrifice for the gods? Cults can be crazy like that.