[ The work of both seamstress and laundress is mostly solitary by choice, with Vanessa able to carry on silently for hours, but every act taken to repair or wash away the mistakes of the denizens keeps her in constant connection with the village. Stains and tears, no matter how bloody or mangled, are rectified as if by magic, and never a word of judgment from Vanessa in turn. Their secrets are safe. For those deserving of it–whether the most destitute or reviled–she’ll even smile and kindly tease when engaged in trade for her services. It isn’t only coin that she accepts; Vanessa keeps an open mind.

That’s just how it’s been for as long as she’s lived here, which has been…always. Yancai is home. That sense of belonging does wonders for her spirits most days, but even here something tries to pull Vanessa between two worlds.

By day (when not working), she might engage herself with writing in a journal in the corner of the teahouse, quietly people-watching when she isn’t taking notes. Very few pass through unnoticed by her. If she's staring, it's likely a reason even she isn't aware of.

By night, if she's at the tavern, she can hold her own with the sailors; drinks and intrigue are invited into the shadows with whomever she singles out (could it be you?).

That is, until she feels a sense of foreboding that…seems almost familiar, and then there’s an axe trying to split her skull in two. At least, that’s the feel of it. The sudden pain of her migraine sends her forward with a cry, hands flying to cover her eyes as her drink clatters to the ground completely forgotten. ]

[ Even with her memories seemingly in order, Vanessa isn’t much more knowledgeable about a certain item in her possession, and she’s determined to learn more about it now that she’s regained her spell knowledge. It has nothing to do with the larger mystery here, but it's the occasional distraction she needs. With so many belongings left behind in Alem, however, Vanessa has been attempting to replenish certain ingredients, and it’s outside her second apothecary in a row now that she decides to take a break and sit on a pier more isolated than the rest.

Some of the herbs stink, but then so does the rest of the village, so she has no concern as her purchases are stuffed into her shoulder bag. Inside the bag, her fingertips tap the corner of a small box that weighs more than it ought to thanks to the metal lining the edges. Still, she can feel the heart that beats within, just as surely as she can feel the call of the sea.

For now, she’ll reluctantly leave the box and her purchases within the bag, instead pulling out a thin cigarette to light, followed by a meager sandwich with bread that’s...a bit smashed. It isn’t much, but if she happens to spot someone she recognizes as a fellow ‘traveler’, Vanessa will split it and offer the other half. ]

Hungry?

[ Though she may be of no mood or care to seek a beacon, Vanessa will always be drawn to the dead and their cause in some form or another. She hardly needs to act to look as if she might be mourning, with grief always behind her pale eyes.

Entrenched in her own concerns over identity, how can she not wonder at the identities of the Ladies of the Lake that are so whispered about? If they choose some burial boats, what is their reason? Somehow, she must learn if they are Nightcomers or Daywalkers. History in London would lead her to assume the former, but experience elsewhere has taught her that not all witches are to be condemned. If anything, she ought to be wary that a finger isn’t pointed at her in any future witch hunts. Once was enough; she needs no more brands upon her back.

Vanessa is careful who she speaks to, more often than not lurking just near enough to overhear any gossip shared from others who might try investigating. If that means she’s lingering a bit too close and eavesdropping on you, then have a half-hearted grimace of apology should she be caught. She isn’t at her best. ]

[ ooc; Further prompts below. Feel free to message me anywhere if you want to plot something before or after she recovers her memories. Here is Vanessa's role and dwelling, although after giving it further thought with recent character arcs, I've tweaked her haunting quite a bit (please forgive me, lovely mod!). ]