basra-of-the-crows

[basra-of-the-crows]

Hey, it's Cass. I got -like- Un-Spiral'ed, and now that I can think clearly, let me just say: Holy SHIT, I can't believe you put up with my rambling. That had to be painful, oh my god.

@stopcallingmebackrooms

“…how on earth did you manage to do that?? And also, I LIKE HEARING YOU RAMBLE- it’s fun to hear what you wanna share with me and it was a was a very welcome distraction with half the shit that was happening at the time… are you alright tho? Like after everything and you being un-spiraled? Do you want me to come over?”

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Mmm I mean, I suppose they weren’t directly connected, but most cults feed into at least some of the fears… dunno, don’t really like thinking about that part of my life, it really wasn’t fun and I’m like- 70% sure it’s resulted in me realizing a couple things real early on.”

“We hope that the custody battle never occurs… and that you can retain your peace for as long as possible…”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Pretty concise way of describing it, yes.”

[Basra sighs, somehow predicting that they’ll probably either get called crazy or be accused of being on drugs for this sorta thing to happen, but is infinitely grateful that their friend at least somewhat believes them]

“Look I’m just- I know it sounds ridiculous but I don’t- I don’t use substances, I’m not interested in trying either, most I’ll use are admittedly very strong over the counter painkillers. And I don’t drink outside of special occasions either. I was fully sober, if a bit dehydrated, during this whole ordeal. And I have witnesses with me.

“I’ll admit it wasn’t really the most enjoyable ordeal in the world… [they shake their head] who am I kidding it was horrid. Not the worst I’ve had but definitely very bad, to the point I didn’t know if I’d be able to make it back alive. I don’t think I need the hospital yet… managed to bandage my legs up and i did disinfect it… I really wouldn’t want to impose but if you’re alright with me staying the night, I think I’d prefer that… I don’t think I could bare to be alone right now… as for the flock, most of them have their own homes and nests, so unless you want some here with you, there’s no reason to worry about them as surprise guests… and you don’t have to bring anything out, I can sleep like this… [they just point at the bases sofa] I’ve already hassled you enough today.

“I don’t mind explaining… do you know how a shepherd’s crook is shaped? It’s done so with a curve that will allow them to catch and pull sheep towards them, very simple logic to the way khopesh are designed. She got the crook around my ribs and kind of,.. finished the arc. It was like getting flung at a wall except… there is no wall, you’re just falling for an impossible amount of time before you hit the long grass, and there’s nobody there. No sign that there ever was anyone there, or that there will be. Imagine like- the stereotypical perfect countryside. But it’s just that for miles and miles all around. No end in sight, and you can walk for days without seeing so much as a pillar of smoke or pollution from a city. I have no clue where I was… Cass doesn’t think- ah never mind.”

[Basra kind of quiets up remembering that Robbie is clueless as to what the entities are, and any explanation would probably make him doubt their sanity, and the last thing they want right now is it is to create tension]

[it’s late evening when Robbie hears a knock on his door. It’s… strange. And unexpected, it’s not like Robbie invited anyone over, and most people tend to at least give some forewarning.

As he looks through the peephole, he can see a very frazzled and tired looking Basra. Opening up the door he can see how… off they look. Their face looks gaunt and they clearly have a few injuries everywhere. They don’t seem to have fully registered the door opening until they see Robbie, at which point they blink at him, before greeting him quietly.]

“hi..! I’m back…”

[their voice sounds hoarse and strained, like it’s either been unused for a while, or like they’re very dehydrated] - @basra-of-the-crows

Jesus—Bas, are you alright?! Come in, come in.

[He ushers them in and to a sofa in his living room. The room is cramped but Robbie attention is squarely focused on the deteriorated individual before him. They sit down and he asks;]

Do you want a cuppa? You sound like you need one bad.

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Mate I’d really rather not- I was like 16 or 17 at the time so it wasn’t even like I was stuck for a long time, 2-3 years I think… not even an entity cult either just weird religious organization that was most definitely organized but wasn’t like… abrahamic or polytheistic. Think like Mormonism in the southern US. I did get dragged into some pretty unpleasant things tho but I got out before anything could be forced onto me.”

“Mmmm I see… I swear Batman is collecting children like they’re playing cards, what is that man getting at anyways? But hopefully it works out however you’d like it… could they split custody given you exist in different universes tho? How would that work..”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Mmm more metaphorically but if having a joke spiral so out of control you accidentally end up in a cult counts as getting your ass best then yes I did. And I thought you did get fully adopted?”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“I mean… I have to admit that I wasn’t really all that worried when I first left either… reality kicked in when I managed to walk into a field that didn’t exist. Ironic really… but I appreciate the sentiment.”

“I mean yeah- as much as people like to discredit that sorta stuff sometimes you just gotta go through the weird phase to see the next days… creepy as in like- monster creepy or socially creepy? … wait are dates not pre established as being dates before you go on em?? Don’t you have to like- prepare for that sorta thing?

Ehhh say what you’re comfy sharin’, I’m just a guest anyways… and some interactions stick more than others. Especially the more… disturbing ones… but I mean hell yeah go ahead and give a statement if you want, heard giving one was exhausting tho so I’d say go on a day off or at the end of the day, and call me if you need someone to pick you up.”

[basra peers back at Robbie, they’ve managed to shift to a strange sitting position, even with their admittedly limited mobility caused by their bandages]

“I do love them! And I think they’re mostly fine? They got out before I did, one of the older crows stuck with me but he’s alright. But when I went to where I thought they were it was just… a woman, long white hair, shepherd’s crook in hand- like think of a storybook female shepherd. That’s what she looked like, and she gloats about how she’s got my crows n shit. So I lunged. Got smacked, bruised a couple ribs and went for it again cause I’m not gonna let some random woman steal my family without consequence.

And then she hits me with the crook and I’m just- gone. She’s gone, vex is gone and all that’s left around me is wide open field and a singular crow. I tried to make my way back but I walked for miles without a single other person in sight. That’s why I’ve been gone for a month… had to have Cass drag my ass back to London… ‘s how I got this injured in the first place”

[they gesture at their legs, one is in a splint, the other is covered in bandages all the way from mid shin to their ankle, their gaze seems to be distant for a moment, before they shake their head and come back to themselves]

“But hey! I’m back now and my flock is basically all back here! Just talking time to heal now I suppose.”

[it’s late evening when Robbie hears a knock on his door. It’s… strange. And unexpected, it’s not like Robbie invited anyone over, and most people tend to at least give some forewarning.

As he looks through the peephole, he can see a very frazzled and tired looking Basra. Opening up the door he can see how… off they look. Their face looks gaunt and they clearly have a few injuries everywhere. They don’t seem to have fully registered the door opening until they see Robbie, at which point they blink at him, before greeting him quietly.]

“hi..! I’m back…”

[their voice sounds hoarse and strained, like it’s either been unused for a while, or like they’re very dehydrated] - @basra-of-the-crows

Jesus—Bas, are you alright?! Come in, come in.

[He ushers them in and to a sofa in his living room. The room is cramped but Robbie attention is squarely focused on the deteriorated individual before him. They sit down and he asks;]

Do you want a cuppa? You sound like you need one bad.

[basra-of-the-crows]

[They dude hug vex, not going in for a full one without asking but still trying to comfort them]

“Yeah… it truly is a mess…”

“…I sadly do and I’m mourning you already, what flowers do you want at your funeral?” [they’re clearly joking] “but Jesus Christ dude we should probably put a bit more resistance between us and the orphan jokes… as tempting as they are, they will get out asses beat…”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Mmm I guess a certain degree of separation from our universe could be beneficial then? I’d miss you but I suppose it’d be worth it if you get to protect something that important to you”

[Basra gives a solemn nod]

“Honestly the orphan jokes have landed me in more confusing situations than almost any other action I’ve taken, and given my track record, that’s saying something… but hey, at least you have a father figure that you actually chose and are comfortable with I suppose.”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

[Basra closes their eyes, enjoying the closeness they get from being with their friend. They missed everyone a lot when they were gone, being unsure about wether or not they’d ever see their friends again didn’t help with whatever influence the lonely had on them either, there’s thin wisps of fog surrounding Basra, even with their protective ward around their neck… it’s certainly not good.]

“Mmmm if you’re willing to? I know it can be a tall order with it being as long as it is… just Gimmie a sec”

[they reach up into their hair, before taking away some of the metal pieces they wear in their hair, and taking out their hairband, leaving a frizzled mane around their head]

“Is that her name? Well that’s one hell do a way to describe her. From what I can tell from her domain, it doesn’t look like she’s even visited the city in the last century… and she broke into my house apperently... god knows what she’s up to now that’s she’s been let lose in society… what’d she do to wrong you tho?”

[There’s a crow squawking outside of Amelie’s window. It starts quietly at first, but ramps up in intensity as time goes by. Louder and louder until Amelie can no longer ignore it, as fae moves to the window to see what’s going on, fae looks down, and sees… Basra(?) standing outside. Well, standing is an overstatement, but it’s nicer than saying they’re slumped against a tree. Once they see fae, they smile and wave, before signing at them to come down] - @basra-of-the-crows

Amelie is there in seconds, almost popping up beside Basra.

"You're back! Oh, you're back!"

Fae immediately looks their friend over with eyes wide from concern. They want to hug them,but hesitate- they don't seem very...okay.

[basra-of-the-crows]

[Basra tenses up, kind of like a cat with its hackles raised, before letting out a tense breath]

“…sorry dude I didn’t know. Look I’m not going to say it’s fine, because it really isn’t… I don’t really know how to help… Cass says that spending time with their… with Naiomi helps because the lonely helps block off a good amount of spiral influence but I really don’t know if that would be a good idea for you since you’d need a very controlled environment to stop you from… ya know, getting eaten. Maybe go to someone eye aligned? They seem to be opposites in a way so it might help cancel out… or make it worse. But I’m really sorry that this is even happening to you in the first place man…”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“I mean… the man is part snake I don’t know what you were expecting. But that is interesting… I suppose people will get used to anything given enough time… but if it really doesn’t affect anything else that makes me curious as to how the wings are ever made in the first place…

…well shit. Do we know what entity you’re going to..?”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“I mean just- it feels like it was all simpler before I learned the names of all the fears but retrospectively? They’ve always been there. That’s why I tried to make my own system to conceptualize them. To give them a name and explain what they were…”

[they switch up their tone jarring quickly, before grabbing some more cotton pads and iodine and starting to work on the cuts on their hands]

“Anyways, thanks for the help with the splint… but it does get weird at times… like- I was specifically socialized in that way for a good while and it just feels kinda wrong you know..? Now that I think about it that might just be the Lonely speaking.”

(For default Gerry)

[There it is. That strange, telltale knock on the door that has been gone for almost a month at this point, opening the door, Basra stumbles in. They don’t seem well, they have deep gashes in their legs and seem… unwell. Sickly almost. They don’t seem fully there as they enter, but are still aware enough to give whoever sees them a small smile before almost collapsing] - @basra-of-the-crows (THEY’RE BACK)

basra? basra!

[gerry goes to catch them.]

holy shit—

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Yeah… interesting man I’m not gonna lie, gave him some sand I think. He seemed to like that… let me know you’d be in surgery, that’s why I had some stuff prepared when you came…

“I see?? Does the metal get in the way when you’re flying? Because I’d imagine the weight difference would create some issues… or do you fly like a plane instead of a bird?? … of course she did… but I suppose it’s interesting to see how Renton’s… tweaks changed the crow form… I see though… I suppose identity issues is something the spiral likes to stew in…”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》

[basra-of-the-crows]

“I mean yeah you basically left a sensory deprivation chamber back into the real world- no wonder it’s be overwhelming with the spiral also kicking in…”

[Basra smiles, genuinely smiles at that]

“I’d love that- dude I missed you and your memes… holy shit I have so many pukeko memes to catch up on it’s not even funny. Oh and! If I haven’t lost it in the hills I should also have something to give you in my bag…”

[Basra accepts the support, leaning on Cass as they walk through the corridors, slowly making their way back]

“…right. It doesn’t seem like your dearest Karga will be coming anytime soon. Not in his own at least. And as much as that won’t change anything for me I must admit that I will feel… guilty about hurting those who were his friend who treated me well. So I have decided to help you to the best of my ability to get him Back.”

[The shepherdess sighs, before pulling out a piece of paper, and begins to draw a field onto it, with a map in the corner. It doesn’t make any sense]

“I know it’s not very helpful but it’s the best I can do to map the ever expanding plains that is Away for you. It’s a field of long grass, depending on the season you’re in it might have spring flowers, usually wildflowers of some sort. It’s always got hills for what seems like miles and miles ahead of you. Think the ideal countryside but stretch it out for as far as the eye can see. That’s what it’s like. Once you manage to get there, resort assured you’re going to find him. You may get lost but nobody can hide there. That’s all I can really say. Best of luck, Cass. For what it works, I hope you find what you need.” - the shepherdess @basra-of-the-crows

"O...kay?" Cass takes the map, confused. "I'll see what I can do."

Cass visits any wide open fields they can find in the real world, making sure to check off those places to start. Upon exhausting every real world field that they have the motivation to check, they decide to try something else.

Cass's Spiral Zone looks -to them at least- like when you clip out of a map and can see all of the outlines of buildings and npcs above you. To anyone else, it's a basic Spiral Zone. That's how they navigate to places. Therefore, when they spot what is essentially a blip in that map that looks like an out of place large field, they're a little more confident that this might be the place.

Cass keeps an eye out above them while taking a winding detour through the part of the Spiral Zone that starts to look like an underground utility tunnel. Looking for any people in this blip, they eventually spot a sole figure, "Oh, there we go. This is... probably right. And if it isn't, oh well."

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Yeah but that doesn’t make it any better… shouldn’t be cutting into your sleep if you already get so little…”

[Basra takes the tea, taking a sip and thanking Amelie]

“Got into a fistfight with the long grass… and won! Not by a large margin by any means tho… grass can be surprisingly clingy and determined when it wants to.”

[they sigh, as much as they tried to lighten up the mood, it’s really not the time]

“Mmm got sent to what was essentially an eternal hillside by someone… long white hair, holding a shepherd’s crook. Dunno if you met her… miscalculation on my part to try to fight someone in a field that really couldn’t possibly have been there…”

[they scoot over slightly, giving Amelie more space in case fae needs it, but happy to be spending more time with their friend. They continue to run their fingers through Willard’s fur]

“I mean… I suppose that’s to be expected if you’re running against long grass that seems determined to keep you where you are… surprisingly thick too, ‘s why they managed to dig into my skin and cut it…”

[There’s a crow squawking outside of Amelie’s window. It starts quietly at first, but ramps up in intensity as time goes by. Louder and louder until Amelie can no longer ignore it, as fae moves to the window to see what’s going on, fae looks down, and sees… Basra(?) standing outside. Well, standing is an overstatement, but it’s nicer than saying they’re slumped against a tree. Once they see fae, they smile and wave, before signing at them to come down] - @basra-of-the-crows

Amelie is there in seconds, almost popping up beside Basra.

"You're back! Oh, you're back!"

Fae immediately looks their friend over with eyes wide from concern. They want to hug them,but hesitate- they don't seem very...okay.

[basra-of-the-crows]

“Safe is… a relative term at best.” [They laugh, it’s not joyous, more resembling something you’d do because there’s no other way to react] “I mean, safe from what? The entities don’t seem to care whether or not you have any protections in place. I’ve already got all my wards in place and I doubt the shepherdess will come back given she’s already broken into my home.”

[Basra sighs, before nodding]

“Yeah that’d be greatly appreciated… it’s just annoying when I can’t treat my own injuries.. as much as I try to get out of the mentality of ‘you’re a burden if you’re not helping’ it’s really hit or miss how much that message resonates on any given day.”

(For default Gerry)

[There it is. That strange, telltale knock on the door that has been gone for almost a month at this point, opening the door, Basra stumbles in. They don’t seem well, they have deep gashes in their legs and seem… unwell. Sickly almost. They don’t seem fully there as they enter, but are still aware enough to give whoever sees them a small smile before almost collapsing] - @basra-of-the-crows (THEY’RE BACK)

basra? basra!

[gerry goes to catch them.]

holy shit—

[basra-of-the-crows]

“I see… I suppose that makes sense, you need a way to travel through the multiverses..,”

[Basra startles slightly, jumping back a bit before wincing at the pain, they turn to Van and wave hi]

“Jay..? Was that one of your colleagues like uh… Python? Was it?? I’m sorry I’m not great with names…

“Mmm I see? So are you one third human-metal-crow or is it like- half metal, quarter crow and human now..? Anyways- did the distortion adopt you..? Cause I can see how that could make the general concept of humanity more… difficult.”

[As vex walks down the street, in the distance they see a familiar figure, that of… Basra(?). They seem to be there fully, but don’t seem well at all. They seem pale and weak, like they’ve been starved in a way. The closet Vex gets, the more injuries they can see, their legs seem to be covered in lacerations, and their hands are scuffed and splintered. But they still seem to manage a smile when they see Vex again.] - @basra-of-the-crows

《Holy shit Basra! What happened? Was this the shepherdess? Are you OK?》