XVII. In the Woods Somewhere

    At the end of the month, everyone took off their costumes and life started to go back to some semblance of normal, or at least what the manor considered such a thing. The more bloodthirsty tenants still wandered the halls for news of the staff they were allowed to attack, their whereabouts now unknown. The meek guests stayed in their rooms or avoided people entirely, and some brave few attempted to defend their beloved staff...but nothing lasts forever.

    A meeting was called by Weston in the foyer to announce a few important things, so the tenants reluctantly all brought themselves to the meeting. Some stuck to the back, like a shady Gliscor in a mask and an orange dragon with red dreadlocks, and others were perked up in front to know what was going on, like a couple of foxes, one a female with a dark mask of black with brown fur, and another more yellow fox with a stick in his tail. A pink and teal unicorn chatted with someone that was purple with blonde hair while to the side the large spidery form of Shannon attempted to take up less space despite being excited to hear whatever was being announced.

    After ringing a small bell, most tenants hushed themselves, save for a few like a rather large ghost that kept whispering and a bird in a plague mask that couldn’t help but excitedly swish their feathers. Either way, everyone could hear a clear voice ring out as the familiar rat stood at the head of the foyer.

    “Hello dearest guests! I hope everyone has been having fun these past few months. I know I have, heheheh~” The mouse was clearly pleased, so whatever news he had was sure to be positive...right? “I have come bearing grave news. The Watcher’s wishes to end the lives of three of our dearest staff members has come to fruition. Despite the best, heh heh or worst, efforts of you all, Cassandra, Merlot, and Luxury have all come to meet a rather grizzly fate.” The crowd was stunned to silence as other staff members were seen hugging the walls. Among the staff you noticed someone oddly familiar however...Cassandra?

    “But my oh my, are you not glad you had a free dance with death Miss Cassandra, heh heh?~” Weston chittered at her, and she held her head in her hands. “Bet you forgot about last October? Though come to think of it, most tenants here probably do not remember our masquerade ball do they? They are too new.” He gazed from a nervous Glaceon to a smiling Cosmog. “Certainly we have much catching up to do as staff...but for now, there are bigger matters to attend to.” Weston motioned to the staff off to the side. “Graves has been kind enough to bury the bodies of our dearly departed already, and we are making arrangements to replace them as soon as we can.” The dark-furred Glameow dipped his head respectfully at the mention of his name, and the rest of the staff shook their heads at the thought of having to find replacements.

    “As for those with a job as a bartender or entertainer...for now you will be answering to me, and by that, I mean I will be regulating your paychecks.” He laughed. “You know how to do your jobs, so I trust you will do them to the best of your ability regardless of if I breath down your neck or not. Be sure not to disappoint me, heh heh~” He clears his throat. “That being said however, we have had some issues with the forest as of late. Typical for winter, but the snowfall makes deliveries from Heartsong Ranch halt, but they have been disappearing into a strange fog every once in a while according to Oasis. We are starting to run low on supplies, so we have to ask the guests to pitch in if they wish to continue to live comfortably.” With a flourish, he motions for Oasis to explain things further.

    She sighs and walks to center herself next to the rat and loudly explains, “Th’ for’st is a dangerous place, an’ the Watcher works in ‘sterious ways. Far be it from me ta stop ‘er from ‘er work, but if we are ta survive th’ winter, we need the stock we harvested and put together durin’ the autumn season.” She adjusted her hat. “Be sure ta dress warm an’ go in groups. Th’ fog is ‘specially dense the deeper y’all go. May tha Watcher be watchin’ over y’all, an’ may her mercy decide ta bless ya if you do brave the cold.” With that, most of the staff disperses, and the crowd is allowed to take in what information they have been given.

Welcome to the In the Woods Somewhere event! We hope you enjoy the cold~

This event will be active from December 1st to January 31st!

All art submissions must include at least one lined(or lineless) halfbody, with either color or shading, to be counted for the prompt bonuses.

All literature submissions must include at least 750 words to be counted for the prompt bonuses.

Each piece can only complete one prompt!

Make sure to tell us what prompt you are completing in the description of your art or literature so we can reward you correctly!  

Prompts

And with that all said... have fun in PKMN-WOE and beware The Watcher...