03.2023 | WELCOME BACK! Hello friends old and new! I'm so excited to welcome you all back to SITW! I've made some changes to the plot and added the ability to play supernatural charcaters! So come and check it out! I can't wait to jump back into this little town with all of you!
A strange history surrounds the town, it is a place where mysterious and supernatural things have been known to happen. The reputation of the town reguarly draws in visitors and newcomers alike. While some residents avidly believe in the supernatural, others are far more skeptical. What do you believe?
Ever since he had learned his best friend was a werewolf, his life had been more of a rollercoaster than it had ever been since he moved to Sweetwater. Even work felt more surreal than normal, to the point where the head nurse asking him out to 'coffee or something' almost didn't feel real. It was like finding an oasis in the desert and desperately hoping it wasn't a mirage. The more he thought about it, the more comforting the idea of just meeting for coffee was. It felt normal, in a motivational sort of way. He needed a lot more of that right now.
Ferris had gone out for a cold morning jog and then returned to his apartment for a warm shower and a much-needed shave before arriving nearly half an hour early. Mostly because he had never actually eaten at The Nook and wanted time to look over the menu. And maybe a little because he had a lot more nervous energy than he wanted to admit to. At least that helped him avoid smoking first thing in the morning.
The bookstore cafe was predictably busy. While certainly some jobs started at the usual 6 or 7am, much of the small town was just waking up, getting their coffee before the day began. The Fire Chief waited just inside the vestibule doors wearing a heavy brown canvas jacket with a grey sweatshirt lining, brown hair less of a mess than usual. He spent the time people watching as he considered the menu. Why had he chosen a bookstore for a first date? He didn't even like reading. The last things he had read that weren't textbooks or the paper were audio books. Scratch that, he read more movie subtitles than he listened to audio books. At least he really liked breakfast foods. Hopefully Valkyrie did as well. Thinking of which, he glanced at his watch. Still plenty of time and she hadn't texted him, which was probably a good sign.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Dec 21, 2023 17:10:32 GMT
Valkyrie had trouble sleeping that night. Nervous energy kept her tossing and turning. It was just coffee and breakfast, it wasn't a big deal, but it had been a while since her last date and part of her was still surprised that not only had she actually asked a guy out but that he'd also said yes. It wasn't that she thought she wasn't likeable or pretty, but it still felt surreal regardless. Likely leftover feelings that her ex had instilled in her by his gaslighting and verbally abusive behavior. That didn't even touch on the physical abuse. It was never enough to send her to the hospital but she remembered the times she'd have to wear certain kinds of clothes to hide the marks he left.
Valkyrie was the kind of person who believed the best in people, and she believed the same in Ferris so far, but there was a nagging in the back of her mind that remembered how good things had started with her ex too. She tossed and turned, battling with herself over past trauma and trying to remind herself that this was just a simple first date. She didn't even know if it would go anywhere.
By the time she woke up she was definitely glad they were meeting for coffee, she really needed it. She spent too much time trying to decide what to wear and eventually opted for a knitted cream sweater and black leggings, leaving her long hair down around her shoulders. She couldn't remember the last time she hadn't pulled it up and out of her face because she was usually working.
She stepped into the Nook right on time and chewed on her lip as she looked around for Ferris. When she saw him already there her heart skipped a beat and she smiled, giving him a little wave before walking over to him. "Good morning," she said, a little flush on her cheeks that she hoped could be excused for the cold weather. "Have you been here long?" she asked. She wasn't late but hoped she hadn't kept him waiting regardless.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 21, 2023 22:21:09 GMT
Every time the door swung open in the corner of his eyes, Ferris found himself glancing over. He hated it. But he'd set himself up for that by virtue of being so early. He'd been taught a great many things by his last relationship. Some good, some not so much, but most about his own behavior and conduct, to go along with how he'd been raised to be a proper 'man.' Sometimes, that meant being gentlemanly or chivalrous or a martyr, depending on the point on the spectrum. But really the time management came from his job.
Even with her hair down, he recognized the head nurse immediately. Ferris was certain he had never seen anyone with hair quite her color and he was also certain she didn't dye it. Not that he would be disappointed if she did, he just thought the mystical platinum blonde suited her perfectly. It was also different seeing her in normal civilian clothes instead of scrubs. Probably the same was true for of him for her. Ferris' gaze drank her in for half a moment, along with her cute little wave that he appreciated because it spared both of them some of the awkwardness of not being sure what to do with their hands. They weren't familiar enough to hug and a handshake felt far too formal. Ferris offered a small smile in return. "Morning, Miss Valkyrie," he said, still trying out the whole first name basis thing.
At her question he reached up to massage his neck. "Not really," he began evasively. "Just enough to figure out what I want to eat," he clarified, gesturing in a 'you first' manner toward the line to order. "How was your last shift? Last night?" Ferris guessed, partially recalling how her work schedule was even more demanding than his.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Jan 16, 2024 1:45:51 GMT
Good gracious he was attractive. He looked amazing even when not in uniform, even this early in the morning. She was perhaps too aware of his body language, watching the way he massaged his neck and how it drew her eye to the muscles and veins in his arms and hands, a firefighter's hands. They looked...capable.
She stepped into the line and looked up at the menu as they slowly moved forward person by person. "Ya, last night. It was busy. This time of year we get a lot of injuries from slipping on ice. Add in the risk in some of the older population and ya, a lot of broken bones these days." She gave a little shrug and bit her lip thoughtfully as she read through the menu, narrowing down her choices. "What about you? Snow slowing you down at all?"
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Jan 16, 2024 3:57:43 GMT
Looking over the menu gave him an excuse not to stare too much and having her in front of him in line meant he didn't have to be the one to turn around to look at the other. There was something about women in loose clothes that did it for him. He liked things being left to his imagination. Plus he really wanted to pay.
He winced slightly. "Yeah, lot of that around," he said. He'd answered a few of those calls for the worst breaks or the ones stuck in snow but hadn't managed to be the one to personally drop them off. He'd tried, but there was always something else going on. And maybe he was glad to not have the chance to make a fool out of himself in front of her before their date.
"Not really. Some kitchen fires, people not having used their fireplace all year and learning it has a problem or forgetting to close the grate...plus plowing some of the roads." He got less sleep this time of year, because it always snowed and that meant he'd set extra alarms to wake up early on those days (or late the night before) to help make sure the roads were clear. "You have any plans for the holidays?" Ferris asked, the line moving up so they would be nixed in a moment.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Jan 23, 2024 18:08:03 GMT
Once she had decided what she wanted she stopped paying attention to the menu and turned to at least half face Ferris, keeping an eye on the line but able to more fully converse with him. He wasn't significantly taller than her but as the person in front of her stepped back without looking, she was forced to step more closely to him and looked up at him while only a couple of inches from his body. Was he wearing cologne? What was that amazing smell? She couldn't quite place it but she had to make the effort to not make it obvious that she was trying to smell him. From this distance she could see the slightest variation of color of each individual hair on his face, the cut of his strong jaw, and the entrancing shade of gray in his eyes.
She looked at him apologetically and stepped back again as soon as she was able. "Um, I'm not totally sure yet. My parents really want me to come for the holidays but...I don't really want to go back there." She didn't want to risk who might know she was visiting and end up having a terrible run in with them. "And they are too busy to come here." Not that they even knew exactly where 'here' was. She'd covered her tracks pretty well. She bit her lip, clearly unsure and then gave a little shrug. "Maybe I'll just spend this one on my own...What about you?"
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Jan 23, 2024 21:26:57 GMT
There was a split second where she moved into his bubble and Ferris pretended that it wasn't awkward. Just two people waiting in line, and he wasn't obscenely attracted to the woman in front of him, that would be weird. Not so weird, maybe since she invited him on this breakfast date but there was such a thing as coming off too strong and between arriving early and staring, he opted not to stare. That didn't mean he wasn't profanely aware of her soft scented perfume and perfect complexion. For all he could tell, she didn't use a spot of make-up. Not that he knew much about make-up. Her icy blue eyes were anything but cold, a warmth hidden deep within. Ferris didn't notice her looking at him, but he was doing a worse job of not staring himself.
He'd used a cedar and citrus cologne but didn't use much considering most days he smelled faintly of smoke, both the good and the bad kind, even today where he had avoided his usual morning cigarette.
And then she was stepping forward again and he already missed that closeness with Valkyrie. He wanted to ask why she didn't want to go home but that felt a degree more personal than they were just yet. Maybe over food. Not that her question didn't require an exceedingly personal answer. Not that she could have known. "My parents and I aren't on speaking terms," Ferris said vaguely with a shrug. "And since they visit my sister for the holidays, I usually stay here. I work most of those days. Let one of the others have it off." It was better than being alone during a time where most people were with various loved ones. Working at the station was less lonely.
The person ahead of Valkyrie finished ordering and stepped aside so she could move forward.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Feb 23, 2024 16:13:31 GMT
"Oh, I'm sorry," she replied when he explained he didn't speak with his parents. She too wanted to ask why but decided it might not be something he'd want to talk about with someone who was basically a stranger. "Well, maybe-" she was about to say but the line moved so she tucked her comment away. "Hi, can I please get a breakfast sandwich with bacon on an asiago bagel and a caramel macchiato?" she ordered before moving to the side so Ferris could order as well.
As he did so she took a moment to admire him again, watching as he engaged with the worker behind the counter. Goodness gracious, had he really agreed on a date with her? He was almost intimidatingly handsome and it made her heart flutter and her skin grow warmer.
Only after they had both ordered did she pick up their conversation again. "I was gonna say, if we're both alone on christmas, maybe we could have dinner together or something that day. You know, if today goes well," she said with a little playful chuckle, starting to feel herself being a bit less nervous as time went on.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Feb 27, 2024 22:36:54 GMT
Ferris smiled awkwardly at her apology but shook his head. "Don't be," he said. He didn't particularly want to get into the details, but he was much better off without them. He missed his sister and being able to be a better big brother for her.
He moved up behind her as she stepped to the counter, curious what she intended to ask, but also eager to get breakfast. He was hungry for once, though having worked the previous day helped. Once Valkyrie finished ordering, he stepped up and greeted the worker. He ordered two breakfast burritos and a black coffee he had every intention of pretending to drink. He pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed over a credit card to pay for both orders, giving the worker his name and then Valkyrie's for her coffee.
Card returned to his wallet, wallet returned to his pocket, he stepped back and next to Valkyrie to the side while they waited. He was surprised she already wanted a second date. Well, okay, maybe he shouldn't be surprised. He grinned. "Already planning a second date, eh?" Ferris teased gently. Though neither of them had used the word yet, he felt much more comfortable today than he had the other night. Especially since she was the one leading. He liked a woman who knew what she wanted. "I'm working that shift. But if you have it off, you're welcome to come by the station," he suggested, suddenly wishing he could call off. "It's no dinner date, but it's usually quiet. Long as there aren't any alerts," he added. It was just a work night like any other.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Mar 27, 2024 14:47:30 GMT
A tinge of pink colored her cheeks as he teased her and sure, they were only just getting started today, but she had a feeling it would be pretty unlikely that something would happen that would make her not want to see him again. She chuckled in return to his tease and gave a little coy shrug of her shoulders.
It was a bummer that he had to work on Christmas but someone had to do the job, right? And he was the Chief after all so it made sense it would be him. She liked knowing he was the kind of leader who was heavily involved rather than the kind to pawn off as much as possible to his employees. She had a feeling that the other firefighters probably really loved having him as their boss.
"That would be nice, I'd love to stop by." No one should be alone on Christmas, right? It wasn't too long before their names were called and they stepped up to grab their food. "Thank you for breakfast," she said to Ferris, "that was very sweet." She had been planning to pay for herself, never expecting to put any burden on others. It was often hard for her to even accept the offer when it came.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Mar 29, 2024 0:12:18 GMT
Being one of the few fulltime firefighters and the station chief, Ferris had made it a habit to ensure he worked the holidays. The fact that he usually didn't have anyone to go home to and preferred to keep busy rather than be alone in his apartment might also have something to do with it. His team usually appreciated it.
He smiled slightly. To be honest, normally he might not have held out hope of someone visiting the station when they said they would. But there was something so earnest and sweet about Valkyrie that he believed her. Or maybe he just really wanted her to.
"My pleasure," he said to her thanks. Ferris was a traditional sort in a lot of ways. Especially when it came to how a man ought to treat a woman, on a first date no less. He'd foot the bill though not just because society expected him to but because it was a way to show dedication and care. That she was worth his time and his money. Food and coffee in hand, he led the way to an open table in the corner. There wasn't any quieter place in the shop, but it was cozy enough. He unwrapped one of his breakfast burritos and eagerly took a bite.
"How long have you been in Sweetwater? You move here for the head nursing position?" He'd been out of this game for so long he wasn't sure what to talk about. But he wanted to get to know her, so he figured he'd start with the little bit he did know.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Apr 11, 2024 16:26:45 GMT
Valkyrie found herself growing quickly more and more at ease with the absolutely fine specimen that was Ferris. He was incredibly attractive yet his demeanor was very easy going and good natured. He was easy to be around and she appreciated that about him. She settled down into a chair and found her gaze briefly drawn to the way his jaw muscles flexed as he took a bite of his burrito and her lashes fluttered as she focused on her own food. It smelled amazing and was so warm and invited that her stomach audibly growled before she took a bite.
Chewing as he asked the question she held up an apologetic finger as she finished her bite before she answered. "I did, yeah. I've lived here about 2 years now. I was eager to leave my home in New York, running from a bad relationship," she admitted a bit sheepishly, "and when I heard about the job here I jumped at the chance. They told me I was overqualified but I didn't care. This town is exactly what I needed." She took a sip of her coffee.
"What about you? Have you always lived here or did you come in from out of town?" she asked.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Apr 11, 2024 17:47:35 GMT
Ferris paid far more attention to his food than his date, enjoying the meal more than he ought to. He was a fan of breakfast though and he hadn't eaten much recently. He did hear her stomach growl, biting back a chuckle. Laughing at her wasn't something he wanted her to misconstrue. He thought it was cute.
Hearing she had gotten away from a bad relationship struck a chord with the Fire Chief. He had too. Though he wouldn't have used the term 'running.' It was interesting that she did, however. It implied that while she wanted things to end, her previous partner didn't necessarily see themselves as an ex. He wondered if that relationship hadn't just haunted her past but haunted her to this day.
"It is a good place," he agreed. "Were you a doctor somewhere before?" His only guess as to overqualified was that. As someone unfamiliar, doctor seemed the logical step. "Should I be calling you Dr. Winter?" He did like the sound of that a lot. Ferris took a few more bites as she asked about him.
"Ah, the accent's not so noticeable, eh?" He asked, tone sounding serious. "I'm from outside Vancouver. Only been here about five years. Also to move on from a bad relationship but..." he admitted, circling back to what she had said. "Happens to a lot of people as I understand it. They aren't still bothering you, are they?" He asked, giving in and taking the bait. It wasn't a topic he was shy about investigating and he wanted her to know he was interested. Best way to prove that was to ask questions.
Post by Valkyrie Winter on Apr 11, 2024 17:59:51 GMT
Valkyrie chuckled, her lips brushing against her cup of coffee as he asked if she was a doctor. "No, no, not like that. My parents are both doctors but I much prefer nursing. It's just that I could be handling work at a much larger hospital. I'm only 'overqualified' because Sweetwater is so small. But even small towns need people who are actually good at their job. I'm sure you agree," she said, even tossing Ferris a little wink knowing how dedicated he was to providing the best service in his job too.
Her brows lifted when he said he was from Vancouver and she started to listen more closely to see if she could catch some of his accent. "Vancouver, that's nice. Did you like it there? In general I mean." Obviously it had it's hardships if he left from a bad relationship but she meant more the physical location. She'd been to Canada many times in the past though only once in this lifetime when she was a small girl. She always had to be careful about what she shared about places she knew.
She hadn't necessarily expected to go into detail about past relationships but now that the door was open she found it was nice to have someone asking when she usually kept it to herself. "Not yet," she said hesitantly, "but I did leave without telling him. I didn't want him to know where I'd gone. He'd be determined enough to come and find me though so I'm always on alert just in case..." she waved her hand as if it wasn't a big deal. "What about you though? Have you been able to heal from your relationship after moving away?"
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Apr 11, 2024 19:22:22 GMT
Ferris smiled faintly at how quickly she corrected him. Just a tad flustered, but in that way that earned much more interesting reply and more detail than if he hadn't teased her about it. He still thought Dr. Winter sounded great, but he was probably biased considering how similar their last names were to each other's. "Head Nurse Winter it is," he reassured her with a simple nod. "They do," he added. Though it actually took her wink for him to hear it as the compliment she meant it to be. Not that he had a problem with her boasting a little about being good at her job. He agreed with that too.
A lot of it was buried by living in the states for the last five or six years, but there was plenty the born Canadian said that made it very clear he wasn't from here. But it was home now and besides to visit his sister, he wasn't sure he would ever move back. "I did. Not as familiar with the city, grew up on a sheep farm," he said with a chuckle. "But I do miss it sometimes," Ferris admitted.
He raised an eyebrow at her very concerning 'not yet.' "Little foreboding, eh?" he said as she explained a bit further. Valkyrie didn't need to say it for him to understand it was a toxic relationship, potentially even emotionally or physically abusive. People didn't literally run away from nice guys. It hurt, to know she'd struggled so much. Just because she looked so delicate and beautiful was no reason for someone to treat her like a possession. "Wouldn't be the first time I beat up someone's ex-boyfriend." He left that statement alone. It wasn't a very long story, just cumbersome to explain. Besides, he was hoping she would think it was a joke. But since she waved it away, he didn't press.
Then the topic was directed back at him. Ferris grimaced and took a sip of coffee, taking a drink of his cup being a sort of default delaying tactic. He almost forgot it was going to taste like ass. "We were engaged and she...she told me she was leaving." Also a much more involved story but he didn't want to talk about it. "It helps being somewhere else. It hurt, for a while, but..." he shrugged. "She made her feelings very clear and I don't miss her anymore." That made it sound like he'd handled it all perfectly well. That she had scarred him for life.