(jonas was an easy target for harvesters gathering stock across the shadowlands. sure, he fought one before and he has the wounds on his shoulder and hands to prove it, but he hadn't fought it alone. he and the second restless couldn't stay together, though, not for the entire journey. now, thanks to the decision to return "home" for a brief rest, he's been subsequently dragged aboard a ship destined for the forges.

he's nowhere to be seen on deck. there's a storm raging and corpses float in the water like buoys lacking an anchor; if he wanted to help further his limbs wouldn't allow him. it is, therefore, jonas' prerogative, scared the way he is, to stay out of it.

murmuring will tip anyone searching for survivors off: someone is sitting—cowering—in the two feet of water that's poured in from grates above. behind crates and barrels that have slid the length of the ship's cargo hold, jonas, still shackled, covers his ears and prays until looking up at the splash of another person's approach.)

... Oh, Jesus Christ. Oh, thank god you're here, (he says, voice thick with relief. while it isn't immediately obvious he's been crying, water still beading from his nose and chin, red, teary eyes are a good indicator.) I'm—my chain's stuck. It... It got—I don't know. The ship freaked out and I think the links got caught, but I can't—can you help me? I can't reach.

("what a terrible omen," an old woman says from over his shoulder. they stare down at the dead lizard together, respectfully silent, before she adds: "you'd better get to higher ground, young man." she wrings her tote bag's strap in weathered hands and says a foreign prayer beneath her breath.)

Sorry, "higher ground"? Why, what's— (his eyebrows raise, looking back) —is something going on?

("my, you must be new; don't you know a thing? if one of them lizards dies and is 'found belly up,' a flood will come shortly thereafter." jonas looks back down at the lizard, perplexed and slightly peeved. it just had to croak as he was walking by, didn't it? his withering stare raises, wondering why god would let this happen. the old woman senses his distressed vibe and gives his right love handle an encouraging series of pats. "there, there, son. it's bad news to bear when you're fresh off the boat, but do your best to tell the seamen by the pier what you saw; this is everyone's livelihoods at stake." business concluded, she shuffles down the winding path through merchant stalls, already whispering the news.)

...

Super.

(jonas hangs his head, refusing to move for a full minute, then slowly walks to the docks. if the old woman is doing her part, it'd be pathetic to forget it ever happened. the lizard's untimely demise and consequent pose after death will influence everyone living along the harbour.

looking left down the line of ships, dinghies, and fishing boats, then right down the line of "fresh fish" displays, busied shoppers, and scaffolding, jonas sighs and cups his hands around his mouth.)

A lizard... died! It's belly was showing! Uh... you all know what that means!

ik this may be asking a lot, but I made a huge mistake and could really use some help. If anyone in the vicinity of Mirth's amusement park rn could get back to me like as soon as they physically can, that'd be fantastic.

Did I mention I could die in here? bc I v easily could. Thanks.

(feel free to hit me up with anything, i absolutely love the chaos. if you wanna plot or add me, i'm over at frooting! new friends welcome!)