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Post by Pixie on Jul 11, 2014 1:00:19 GMT -5
Frederick had been trying to put the events at the riverbank at the back of his mind. He kept low for the next couple days, running his racket from the shadows and spying wordlessly. What he learned from the days was fascinating, and sold wonderfully. Overall, if he set Xavier aside, his racketeering in Medieville had been successful. He considered his various opportunities, and went to the Summer Solstice Festival. It seemed like it would be a suitable venue for observing others. Inhibitions would be lowered by the atmosphere and the all the alcohol traditionally drank there, and he could less conspicuously eavesdrop in a crowd. With all that was going on there, the secrets he would in all likelihood discover were more than worth withstanding the crowds and inevitable rowdiness. Traversing the outskirts of the festival did lead him to several scenes of interest . One particular sight was two young noblemen, of different houses, entranced by each other, sitting far from the others by a tree. The blushing and fluttering manner of them led him to believe they were in love. It brought his head straight back to Xavier. He had betrayed Xavier as he done to many others. It shouldn't have felt different, but it did. The apparent relationship between the two nobles he spotted must have been a wonderful thing. Certain aspects of being close to someone like that seemed appealing . Others, such as the vulnerability, did not. It became more concrete to him that he wanted a relationship like they had. He had ruined his chances by toying with Xavier, but he could not deny he had feelings for him. He had became much more than a mark to him. Love of all kinds was foreign to Frederick. His mother had perished from illness when he was a child, and his relationship with his father had never been an affectionate one. Some of the women in Lord Melvin’s court had shown interest in him, but he did not requit. He could tell they looked down on him and he rejected their advances. Nothing formed between them. The connection he felt to Xavier however… He feared that his own treachery could be revealed, but did not think Xavier would dare to. Even with his boldness of trying to drag Frederick off, he did seem sympathetic to him. Frederick didn’t exactly want sympathy, but it had its uses as tool. He turned his path away from the adorable couple and towards the heart of the festival. Frederick has been laying low racketeering for a few days, but goes to the festival to spy on people. He thinks about love and Xavier ( Elcie)after seeing Kirin( Killix) and Leif ( Tiger) together.
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Post by Lizica on Jul 11, 2014 1:09:09 GMT -5
“Thank you, Master Aldrich. Babewyn was right, I have been wondering about your other vases and pots since my visit to your shop the other day.”“I—I’m glad to hear that,” said Aldrich, and then wondered the next moment if he actually was glad, considering how some of his pottery had been a bit too unpredictable. “W-well, I’m sure you’d be pleasantly surprised by some. Babewyn is quite grateful to you, milady. Hopefully if you see the pottery, they’ll all, um, behave themselves.” “And yes, Stippling did, but don't apologzie. Uncle Garrick is likely furious, but I thought it was somewhat hysterical. He and Lord Joffrey Jade toppled onto Lord Leif; I don't believe I have ever seen the Jades so red.”This play-by-play of the actual chaos that Stippling had caused at the feast was somehow simultaneously both better and worse than the drunken reports Aldrich had heard. Even if Lucinda had found it hysterical, Aldrich found himself cringing. Leif may have been forgiving; but he had the feeling that “Uncle Garrick” and “Lord Joffery Jade” might be less enthused. He perked up a little at what Lucinda said next, however. “She's been no trouble since then, and neither has the vase. I'm very, very fond of my vase; it is a wonderful companion. I've been hoping to return to your shop, perhaps with my friend Lady Jeniver.”He smiled sheepishly. “It would be an honor, milady. And—and, thank you. People so rarely like my sculptures and pottery once they find out they’re alive, and it’s...thank you. And if the vase ever gives you trouble, I’ll do what I can to help.” “I cannot wait to see what Babewyn has discovered. Are you free? I would love to hear more about your enchanted shop. Babewyn told me it was a spell gone wrong, but I would like to know the whole story. We could go down by the lake where it is cooler. What say you?”“Uhm,” was what said Aldrich, his immediate knee-jerk response as he suddenly floundered. He hadn’t expected to have to explain the story behind the living sculptures once, and in such depth, let alone a second time just a day afterwards—and in a crowded festival scene. And the simple question Are you free? swung Aldrich’s thoughts back to his shop. He worried about them, without supervision while a party raged outside the door. Babewyn wouldn’t try anything, would she? There was enough going on at the festival without her intervening, right? She and Emery still had plenty of pottery to experiment with, right? And Babewyn had promised not to cause trouble today, right? Retelling the story again in there might distress them, right? And—and Standorf and Waller wouldn’t be able to interrupt the story, right? Right....Maybe Aldrich should just go back to the studio. “Uh,” he stammered again, and glanced behind him, in the direction of the studio. And then he turned back to the lady Lucinda, who was still holding the limerick pot and waiting for a proper response. Stippling fluttered slightly on Aldrich’s neck, though she did not let go. And although not without great hesitation, Aldrich finally motioned Lady Lucinda in the direction she had indicated—towards the lake, where children were playing in the water and people were gathered at the water’s edge having picnics and playing games, peasants, nobles, and merchants alike. It looked calm there, quiet and beautiful. “Um. W-well, milady,” Aldrich began along the way, though he couldn’t help but be distracted thinking about his sculptures’ possible (non-)whereabouts and the churning crowd around them. “It was indeed a spell gone awry, if you’d call it that. There was this one sculpture that I—that I—” He faltered for a jarringly long moment. “Um. If you don’t mind my asking, milady, h-how much of the story did Babewyn already tell you?” And then, finally thinking better of it, he added, “Actually, milady, could I tell you about this in my studio? I’m worried about what they might get up to in my absence.” --- ((This part is a collab with Birdy!)) The door creaked open, and a head peeked around it and into the shop. “Mister Aldrich?” the voice called. Upon receiving no answer, the teenager opened the door the rest of the way and slipped into the shop, closing the door behind him. “Aldrich?” Again, there was no response. Arthur frowned. Aldrich was always in his shop – where could he have gone? Surely he hadn’t decided to set up a booth on his own without telling anyone... How did he expect to set up his booth if he didn’t tell anyone he was setting up a booth in the first place? After all, someone had to help transport all these statues there. Speaking of... “Look, Standorf! It’s the assistant thief! Think we’ll get to see any shoplifting today?” “Hmm, I doubt it. This place is already so full of flighty airheads that he’d need an anchor and a ladder before even attempting to lift anything!” “DOHOHOHOHOHOHO!” Arthur sighed. “Hello Standorf, Waller,” he greeted them. “Is Aldrich here?” “Nope, he’s out.” “No surprise there. He’s always out to lunch.” “Why are you looking for him?” added another voice, Babewyn’s, as the stone gargoyle eagerly flapped down to Arthur and landed lightly on the worktable beside him. “Are you guys doing something exciting at the festival?” Arthur shrugged. “I just thought he might need some help setting up a booth at the festival,” he said. (A quick glance around the shop told that the idea of a booth probably had not been thought of.) “I guess not.” The gargoyle burst out laughing at the thought. “Ahahaha, us? At a quiet little booth at the festival? Quaintly sitting under an awning? That’s rich, you’re adorable. I bet Aldrich would feel like he’d be herding cats. Or selling fruit flies by the cage. And we’re way cooler than those anyway.” Babewyn paused for a moment, glanced past Standorf and Waller out the window, then turned back to Arthur and added cheerfully, “It sounds wonderfully chaotic out there already, though, how is it? Is it great?” Arthur brightened immediately. “Yeah!” he said. “There’s so much stuff going on out there,” he added (though rather unnecessarily so, due to the festival sounds coming in the window).”I saw someone juggling knives, and someone else that was breathing fire,” he continued, but then frowned. “Well, maybe not breathing fire exactly, more like belching it, but even then I think they were using oil or something to help them...” He trailed off into silence for a moment, seeming to have become distracted by a different trail of thought. “...I wish Elin could be here,” he admitted. “I-I mean, I know it’s dangerous, and she’s trying to lie low, but... still.” Babewyn didn’t say anything at first; but very, very steadily and very, very slowly, an enormous, wide, beaky grin slowly slinked across her face. “Seems to me that lying low would be a dangerous game,” said Waller from the window. “You mean more dangerous than this one?” said Standorf. “Sure. This game is already the bottom of the barrel, and if they try to lie any lower, they’ll be crushed!” As the two busts laughed, Babewyn’s grin persisted. “I think that’s a great idea,” she said finally, to Arthur. “What is?” said Standorf. “Did I miss a line of dialogue?” “If you did, count yourself lucky!” “What?” Arthur echoed Standorf’s question. “What’s a good idea?” Did I miss something? he wondered. “We’ll go visit Elin!” Babewyn cried. “Get her some fresh air. That’ll be good for everyone involved, won’t it? She could use some festive fun, I bet.” Arthur soon became aware that his mouth was hanging open. “I— I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” he stammered. “She... she’s supposed to be in hiding, a-and...” Just looking at the gargoyle’s grin told him he was fighting a losing battle. “...Aldrich won’t like it,” he tried, hoping that perhaps this would convince Babewyn to stay (and yet at the same time, admitting that this was very unlikely to happen). “A-and besides, someone might get hurt." “The kid’s right,” came the voice of the second gargoyle, Emery, as he turned towards the conversation, having been poking around the shelf of pots. Babewyn casually waved her foreleg. “I never promised Aldrich that I wouldn’t leave the studio--I promised him that I wouldn’t cause any trouble at the festival. Big difference.” Then she hopped off the worktable and to the back of the studio, still talking as she went. (Arthur and Emery exchanged glances.) “As for someone getting hurt,” said Babewyn, “honestly, give me some credit. We wouldn’t visit Elin empty-handed, that would be stupid. Give me a hand with these, will you, Arthur?” “Um... okay,” Arthur consented, moving to help the gargoyle, while simultaneously pushing away the thought of how displeased Aldrich was going be, when if they got caught. “So what exactly did you have in mind?” Arthur asked. Aldrich responds to Lucinda ( Kristykimmy), and then gets slightly flustered when she asks him about the story behind the living sculptures. His concern over his sculptures left back at the studio starts to get the better of him--but don't worry, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Meanwhile, Arthur ( Birdy) visits Aldrich's shop, where Babewyn decides that they should go visit Elin ( Gelquie), because Babewyn has nothing but great ideas.
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Post by Celestial on Jul 11, 2014 3:38:03 GMT -5
As hot as the bench was, Ambrose did not protest as he was lead to it and sat down. Even minor visions like that one disorientated him. He did not want to think about what he would do if it was somehting prolonged, or worse, bloody. Nevertheless, he smiled up at the two girls. "Here. Are... what happened to you, my lord? Are you alright?" Daria asked. "I'm...I'm fine, really, it's just something that happens to me," Ambrose said and sighed. How could he explain his visions to them? He had just found them, they had already displayed their desire and ability to run away, which he did not want. And surely telling him that he saw the future would just give them the excuse to leave him. He didn't want that. Not just, he realised, because of Alain, but because he liked these two girls. He did not want them to think badly of him. "I...well, you know how you have dreams sometimes?" he asked, looking up at Daria and Ciara. "I have them when I'm awake. Except I can't control them or know what they're going to be or when they're going to come. And I'm sorry you had to see that, I feel very embarrassed about them." He just waited for them to start calling him 'crazy' or 'insane'. What hurt was that he was not. What he saw was real, he knew it. But just enough people had called him crazy that he sometimes believed it himself. *** Gavin was very confused. First the girl wasn't Briar, she was actually their cousin? And if Gavin didn't know better, she was making stuff up on the spot. Woo knows what she was doing but either way, Gavin didn't like it. He urged his pony into a trot and ran up the street after her, stopping by the door of the locksmith's shop. Even if she though she could gain his favour by calling him a 'man' instead of a boy like everyone else did (Gavin was sixteen! That's old enough to be a man, he always insisted), he still wanted to be rid of this job and to go down to the festival while there was still time. He didn't want to deal with wafflers who may or may not have been who he was looking for. "Look, lady, you're either Briar Kidde or not Briar Kidde, it's that simple. I'd rather you were but if you aren't, just give me a straight answer so I don't have to waste time. My job's already tough enough as it is," he grumbled, folding his arms as he sat in the saddle. Oh yes, Gavin, you're well-fed, well-looked after and you've got a pony to ride on instead of having to walk about. Your job is sooo hard, the sensible voice in his head said. He quickly silenced that voice with but I wanna go to the festival now!An idea formed in his head...if she was the girls' cousin and that woman was their mum, surely the Stallions won't mind if she is picked up by them. It made more sense to him even. They got their sisters, he got his fesitival, everyone was happy. "I'm sure the Stallions don't care if you're their cousin or not, any family relation will probably do. Go there, take your mum, whatever, I don't care. I just want to get this over and done with, they said if I delivered this message I had no more work for the day," he rolled his eyes and adjusted his position in the saddle for added comfort. "Have pity on me, I hate working on the solstice with the festival going on. If you just go and get your cousins or whatever, my job becomes a lot easier." "Oh and how do you do, ma'am?" Gavin gave a small bow to Morgaine in the shop. "Could you tell your crazy daughter to just go to the Manor, get those two and let me take my day off? I don't want to be running around until I'm blue in the face...or at least until this pony is anyway." Ambrose tells the Kidde Sisters( Avery) about his visions and waits for them to call him crazy. Gavin is annoyed at Briar and tells her to make up her mind on whether she is going or not. He asks Morgaine( Shinko) to convince her.
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Post by Gelquie on Jul 11, 2014 6:33:48 GMT -5
((Collab with Lizica and Birdy!)) Elin didn't know how much time had passed, and quite frankly, she wasn't in the mood to even try to count. The festivities outside had grown greater and louder, and only increased her desire to go out and join the crowd. But contrary to her original belief, it only got more dangerous to go out and not less. Members of House Jade had indeed decided to go to the Festival, and Elin made sure to duck and hide as soon as she saw the green décor of a Jade carriage pass by her window. Thankfully, they didn't seem to notice her, though she doubted that they would look up into a random window a random building. It was a good hideout. It was safe. That's what mattered right now: her safety... Elin kept telling herself that as time went on. Elin took turns between pacing, lying on her bed, and exploring the hideout in question. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was better than staring at the same walls all day. But she could never stay still for very long; she was not used to this, even after her time in prison. Elin had been pacing her room once more when she heard footsteps followed by a knock on the door. Elin froze and stayed silent. If it was rebels, they would know to speak first. If it wasn't... She wasn't about to give any intruders the benefit of knowing that someone was in there, especially if it was someone looking to arrest her. So she watched the door, waiting for a response. “Is there a secret knock?” came a light voice from outside. “I think you should have a secret knock.” “No, Babewyn, there’s no secret knock,” came the reply. “…That’s a good idea, though; I’ll ask someone about it.” Then, to the inside: “Elin, it’s me, Arthur – and Babewyn’s with me, too. We brought you some stuff,” he said, trying to balance it one-armed as he fished around in his pouch for the key with the other hand. After a brief struggle, the door was unlocked, and both Arthur and Babewyn slipped inside, securing the door behind them. Elin looked relieved at the sight of Babewyn and Arthur, although there was a look of confusion on her face. “Arthur, Babewyn, hi,” she said. “It's good to see you. Although honestly, I thought you'd be at the Festival. ...Wherever you've both been, how is everything?” “Things are great!” said Babewyn, and she tugged the bag Arthur was holding out from his grip. “We’re not at the festival, and neither are you—all subject to change, of course. Ta da!” she added, and swung from the bag a long black cloak. “Presenting, costume one. Black cloak, cotton, easy to overlook, one of many, generic stitching, with navy blue lining, perfect for turning inside-out and making a quick change.” Elin blinked, her eyes widening at the sight of the cloak. “C-costume?” she asked, more to repeat the word to herself than anything. “For you, to wear to the festival today or tomorrow. Can’t have you dying from cabin fever now, can we? Oh,” she added, purposely misconstruing Elin’s bewildered face, “if you’re worried about the superficiality of just one cloak, look no farther, we’ve got you covered—literally!” And the gargoyle dumped the full contents of the bag onto the floor: tunics, shawls, leggings, a pair of boots, face paint, spectacles with moustache, scarves, something that looked suspiciously like one of Aldrich’s old shirts, a belt, beads, and a few hats. Elin stared at the enormity and variety of items on the floor, not noticing her mouth hanging open in shock. “Th-th-at's-- Th-the Festival?” Elin stammered. “F-for me t-to... I-I can...?” Elin, get a hold of yourself, she thought as she continued to stare, examining each item on the floor. After a moment, she spoke again. “...H-how did you get all this?” “Some of it belongs to other Shadows,” Arthur explained, “and some of it we bought. …And some of it we ah, found in the dump at the edge of town,” he admitted. “You really should come to the Festival, though,” he continued. “It’s amazing, Elin! There are booths everywhere, and bards, and dancing, and…” Elin smiled sadly as Arthur described what was at the Festival. “I know... I could kind of see it from the window. I...” She rubbed her hand over her wrist. “I do want to go. I just... I thought it wouldn't be safe. And I still can't talk to all the people I want...” Then Elin stopped herself. True though that may be, with the right disguise... It'd be safer to at least be able to see people and find out what was going on with Aunt Clare, or Xavier, or... Or anyone else. And if her disguise was done right... Maybe she could help Xavier after all. Elin approached the pile in awe. “I'd still be taking a risk, but...” Her voice got quieter as she asked something to herself. “Why didn't I think of this?” Not long after Elin finished her sentence, she began to hear loud, drunken singing come from the vicinity of the Festival. ”Look what he has done for us, he's filled us up with cheer, Woo bless Bloider Mops, The man who invented beer!"Elin frowned. That's right; this was around the time of the Festival where things got weirder. She doubted how many people who weren't drunk would stay for that, and she highly doubted that Xavier would stick around either, whether due to the departure of nobility or his own desire to not be around for that. “...Although maybe I should just go tomorrow. It's getting rowdy now.” “You could at least try on some disguises tonight,” offered Babewyn, excitedly spinning a farmer’s straw hat on her broken paw. “I mean, after all, you’ve got to get your patent ‘ not-Elin’ look down pat before you can tackle the crowds tomorrow. And we can help! You’ll be great! Arthur, hand me that scarf with the blotchy indigo dye.” Elin nodded in agreement, and they began to rummage through the clothes. “We can start by wrapping this around here...” “Okay, but we need something to go with it.” “Hmm, ooh! How about this?” “Look, I don't think that's going to work--” “Then this?” “I don't like it.” “All the better!” “...Good point.” “And with that, you can use this!” And so this went on for the next few hours, and Elin tried on the various clothes, searching for all the things that would help make a perfect disguise. Elin spends the next few hours being antsy, but eventually gets visitors! They are Arthur and Babewyn! ( Birdy and Lizica) And they come bearing gifts! Of a cloak and lots of clothing for costumes! Elin is originally too shocked at the sight to speak properly. They explain that it's for disguises, and they want her to go to the Festival. Elin agrees with the opportunity, and they proceed to spend the next few hours playing with disguises.
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Post by Shinko on Jul 11, 2014 7:23:05 GMT -5
Morgaine hadn't even had time to put her broom away when Briar suddenly returned- calling the old woman her mother for some reason. That was the second time in recent days someone unrelated to her had called her that, really now. Before Morgaine could respond, however, Briar began rambling about how a nearby man on a horse saying that the Stallion nobles had her sisters- alternating between calling them "cousins" and "sisters" in a fashion of someone trying desperately to make up a story and botching it in their desperation. Morgaine had seen it often enough in her real children to recognize it. She didn't know why Briar was so unnerved by this situation as to be suspicious of it and ask for help, but given all the disappearences that had occured recently Morgaine couldn't blame her. Morgaine listened as the young messenger tangented about how Briar was inconveniencing him, and how he didn't want to be working on the festival day and how awful this all was for poor little him. Her eyebrows snapped together, and taking up the thread of Briar's narrative, and assuming the formal grammar she'd learned among the elves, she addressed the man. "While I thank you for bearing word to us of Daria and Ciara, you disgrace yourself with this display. Are you not a representative of an esteemed and ancient noble house? What would they say, to know their messenger insults and scorns the recipient of his message? Were you not tutored in proper etiquette when you were taken into their employ, or would you dishonor your house further by painting it so lax as to not?" She folded her arms, her expression icy. "Begone to the festival if it is so important to you. We will find our own way to Stallion Manor. We need not be escorted by a nave that knows not his proper manners." She stared for a moment longer, watching the young boy gape at her, then grabbed Briar's hand and dragged her into the shop. "Come dear, we must leave a note so the others will not panic to find us gone," she called, loud enough for the man to hear so he wouldn't start whining again. Once inside the building, she locked the door firmly to stop him following them, then turned to Briar. "Alright dear," she said in an undertone, "While I normally would not suspect anything aside from an unusual amount of noble charity, you are clearly unnerved so I'm willing to trust your instincts." She looked down at the grey tabby who'd followed them inside, and jerked her chin towards the counter. "Merc, up." Mercury, all signs of the dim but friendly feline from outside vanished, jumped onto the counter and sat there solemnly like stone sentinel. Only the tip of his flicking tail revealing him a live creature. "You trusted me enough to ask my help in this matter- Forgive me but I must ask you to trust me yet further, because I cannot accompany you to the manor. Not!" she held up a hand to forestall any reaction Briar might have offered, "because I am unwilling to help. Only think though- you are no doubt aware of how many people have vanished mysteriously in the city as of late. Xavier, the boy from the inn, and I hear tale that the young girl who worked for the butcher has disappeared as well. I can only assume this is why you are concerned, as otherwise I am not aware of any reason to doubt the sincerity of the Stallions. But if we both haul up to the manor it is likely we will only both be caught, assuming this is what the nobles intend." She leaned on the counter. "Who does that leave to aid us from the outside, that would actually check the shop and find a note we left? My partner Rosalie, who I love dearly but would just as likely collapse in tears as do anything helpful, and your sister Laurie, who I know to be canny, but is just one against the might the nobility can bring to bear." "But I will help, if you can but trust me," she said. She looked to her cat again, who stood and arched his back. "This one may not have been acting it outside, but he is a very intelligent cat. Almost as smart as a human, in his own way. He was bred by the elves, you see, and all the animals the elves breed live longer and grow smarter then common ones of the same kind. And he even has his own small magic." At these words, the cat shook himself roughly. As his fur swayed in the air, it began to melt away, until there was no trace on the counter of the animal who'd been there a mere few seconds before. There was a small bump on Briar's leg, and a few seconds later the cat melted back into view, bumping her leg again. He looked up at Briar with a meow, as if asking her to be impressed by his trick. "Mercury can follow you, invisible, into the manor. Then, he can watch what happens. If you are able to retrieve your siblings without incident, then there is and never was any reason for concern. But if not, he can escape to alert me of what's happened, and you will have allies on the outside who know exactly where you are and why. And... I have a son. He is a knight. And he even now rides for the city. He will not trust a note, and think it a trap just as you think this is a trap. But if I am here, and I can give him word of what's happened, he can help you." Morgaine smiled. "I know it's asking a lot for you to trust me that far. But I sincerely do want to help you, and I can't do that if I'm shackled to a wall in Stallion Manor." Mercury rubbed his head against Briar's leg, as if offering his own reassurances of their sincerity. Morgaine's other cat, Rust, watched impassively from her mistress' feet. They all waited for Briar's answer. Morgaine gives Celestial (Gavin) a scathing lecture for his rudeness. She then takes Avery (Briar) into the shop, and reveals some interesting things about her cats- such as the fact that they can become invisible. Morgaine then points out that if she goes with Briar and this is a trap (though she's not personally convinced it is), that'll just get them both caught. She offers to send her cat Mercury along with Briar, invisible, so that Mercury can alert Morgaine if something goes wrong. Morgaine also reveals that the mysterious rider is in fact her son, Sieg, and offers his help to Briar as well. TL;DR, I'm trying to compromise the fact that Morgaine WOULD help with Celes reeeeally wanting Briar's capture to go down. XD
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Post by Tiger on Jul 11, 2014 7:51:06 GMT -5
"I suppose it would feel better to talk about it... If you really don't mind." Leif made a ‘go on’ gesture and listened as the Stallion talked. He managed to fit a lot of annoyances into very little space...including one that ought to have been more disconcerting than Kirin seemed to take it. The Stallion manor had been broken into as well - and Leif had to wonder if it was the Shadows who’d done it, too. Again, though, asking for more detail wasn’t an option. Just because Kirin had mentioned the break-in without much obvious concern didn’t mean he wouldn’t get suspicious of a volley of questions. What did it really matter, anyway? Leif certainly had no desire to break into or even visit Stallion manor. Well, Lord Everett might be mad. Or at least, he would be if he knew I was having this conversation.”It just wasn't a very good day."“To say the least. I’m sorry - that’s a lot for one day, and with all the ceremony the past few days…” Leif shook his head. “Hopefully today’s treated you better. I take it that’s why you’re out here instead of in the festival proper?” Tiger is feeling sick so here’s a short post. Leif listens to Kirin’s ( Killix) report of his awful day. He wonders if it was Shadows who broke into the Stallion manor, but again doesn’t pry, before apologizing that Kirin’s had a rough day and guessing that that’s why Kirin’s sitting at the edge of the festival.
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Post by icon on Jul 11, 2014 9:53:14 GMT -5
From above, Aines's view of the festival was absolutely spectacular. It had certainly been impressive before, oh yes, flying around, seeing the sights. But now that the sun had set, the darkened streets of Medieville themselves were all but invisible, made clear only by the lanterns and torches people were carrying. And at the edge of the lake were the bonfires, blazing bright and enormous (he could make them all out from all the way up here!) and the sheer brilliance of it all... It was times like these that Aines really felt like his job was worth it. You've got to deal with the big things before you can deal with the small ones, he thought to himself. Wars, famines, plagues? You get struck down by one of those, and there's a whole mess of trouble that goes on behind the scenes trying to keep things running smoothly. Even when things around the kingdom were running smoothly, you still got a few unforeseen problems that people would gripe about--it's just in the nature of things and people. But from here, high above anyone else save the Keep, he could look down and see it all... and it all looked like it was running. Even though the festival wasn't sanctioned by the kingdom, per se, it was still amazing to see that everything came togeher in the end. That we could hope to being running something, Aines thought, and watch others claim it as a place for themselves...It's amazing, it truly is. Aines is flying around overhead. He sees the view of the city lights from above and realizes that hey, Medieville can be a pretty good place for people sometimes, and that's what keeps him doing what he does.
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Post by Celestial on Jul 11, 2014 11:11:14 GMT -5
((Written with permission of Carrie and with assumption that Briar agrees to Morgaine’s plan.)) The preparations had been complete for a while. As a precaution, Alain had placed at least one guard on all the exits leading from the main entrance hall. Himself, however, he had positioned behind the main doorway, so that when it opened, he would be obscured from view of whoever was coming in. From then, it was just a matter of time. He rested his cane against the chair which the servants had brought down for him, selected a book from his library and waited for Briar. It was getting late and even Alain was feeling the tiniest twinge of worry that she was not coming when he heard the gate opening and footsteps coming up the door. He smiled when he heard her, closed his book, set it down onto the chair, stood up and picked up his cane. He adjusted his grip on it, one hand on the shaft and the other on the handle, with his thumb resting against the switch. As he waited, Alain stood stock still, keeping his breathing under control. When Briar knocked, a servant girl opened the door and let her in. As soon as she was inside, the servant closed the door behind her and scurried off. She knew what was about to happen. Alain smiled and released the switch while pulling the thin blade out of the cane. He dropped the other half and with a few quick, easy steps, was behind Briar. With his free arm, he gripped Briar’s wrist and twisted it behind her back. At the same time, he pressed the razor-sharp blade right against her neck, letting her feel the cold steel on her skin. “Hello, Briar Kidde. I was almost thinking you weren’t coming,” he said and smiled, knowing she would recognise his voice. “You were very right to be suspicious of me.” Guards rushed out of the entrances, alerted by the commotion. Alain looked up at them. “Don’t just stand there. Take the prisoner off me and cuff her,” he began slipping his arm out of the hold he had Briar in. “Don’t think of trying to escape either. I don’t want to kill you but I don’t mind injuring you if I provoke me.” He released her but kept his blade to her throat while the guards put cuffs onto her arms. Only when they had her in a secure grip did he go to retrieve the fallen half of his cane. He slotted the blade into it and felt it click, transforming the sword into a simple walking stick once again. “Where do we take her, your Excellency?” one of the guards asks. Alain smiled and took the large key from his pocket that he had procured earlier from his desk. “We don’t have a jail, like the Jades, so the auxiliary wine cellar will do. In some ways, it’s even more secure than a prison,” Alain smirked and followed the guards as they lead Briar down. “Once she’s there, we can chain her to the barrels. I’ll deal with her tomorrow.” Alain had the feeling that something else was watching him but looking around, he saw nothing. Nevertheless, his instincts were never wrong. He had to be careful from now on. But at least he had his prisoner. Alain catches Briar( Avery) and takes her down to be imprisoned, awaiting tomorrow. He senses Mercury( Shinko) but doesn't realise he is there.
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Post by Avery on Jul 11, 2014 11:13:30 GMT -5
... that lasted through and past the night...
The Solstice Festival was a two-day event for Medieville, never really ending on the first night so much as winding down to a whisper of activity as most of Medieville slept. But come dawn, it would be under full swing again-- more wares to hock, food to eat, and dances to be (sultrily) danced.
In the manor of Marson Jade, as moonlight shined in through the large glass windows of the study, the members of House Jade sat around a table, exhausted. Their attempts to find Elin had gone… poorly; in fact, one might say they had not really gone at all. They’d not found a single trace of her; it was if their escaped rebel had disappeared into thin air.
“We can’t waste more time and energy searching for her,” said Charles, as he rubbed at his throbbing temple.
Everett sighed. “I hate to agree,” he said, “but I think you’re right. We have much more important matters to tend to, I think, than infinitely chasing after one little rebel girl.” He looked at Joffery. “I think tomorrow, instead of spending another wasted day at that heathenous festival, we ought to pay a visit to the Keep. So that you may focus on courting your future bride.”
Joffery, who’d been sitting with his head flopped on the table like a sullen child, brightened considerably at this. “May I sing to her?”
“Only if it’s an appropriate song,” Everett said, wishing deeply inside that he could talk his son out of crooning to the rising queen altogether, but knowing that this probably would be a futile effort and so deciding to aim for a tolerable compromise, instead. “Now,” Everett want on, “I know I am well exhausted, and all of you must be as well. Let us rest, after a prayer. Friar Francis, please lead…”
Shortly thereafter, the Jades departed the study to their separate sleeping chambers; most of them were asleep before their heads even hit the pillow. The exception to this rule, however, was the mighty archmage and their companion the magician. While the rest of the House slumbered, Ruth and her mentor carefully examined the book from which the archmage had earlier learned the Killing Curse. Measured studying over the past few days had revealed to the Jade magicians a treasure trove of spells… and the archmage had handily learned most of them; but one remained elusive.
“I just… I don’t understand it,” the powerful noble admitted to Ruth. “It’s so very complicated.”
“It is,” agreed Ruth, tracing her fingers over the thick parchment. “I… I don’t see how one could be expected to cast it successfully-- except, oh. Oh wait.” A smile broke over her face.
“What is it?” the archmage asked.
“I thought one was enough… that’s not true,” said Ruth. “It takes two of us.”
The archmage studied the page again. “You’re right,” they breathed. “So very right.” The noble brought their eyes up to meet Ruth’s. “It is a good thing, then, that there’s a pair of us, each accepting a share,” they continued, “of what’s there.”
“Indeed,” said Ruth, outright grinning now. “Indeed, it is.”
**
In the Stallion Manor, a tireless inventor laboured over a complicated machine, twisting screws, pounding steel, cursing as the blasted invention wouldn’t do what it was supposed to. The inventor was so absorbed in the well-- inventing-- that they didn’t notice when another stepped into the workshop and ambled to their side.
“You need any help there?”
The inventor jumped in surprise at the noise. “Oh-- I… hello there, Ignotus.” The inventor smiled warmly at the alchemist. “I didn’t see you there.”
“I’ve been told I do move rather quietly.” Ignotus politely returned the smile. “So, what is it that you’re working on?”
“Just-- an automaton of sorts, at least it’s supposed to be. But… I can’t get it work right…” The inventor sighed and gestured at the haphazard construct.
“Mind if I have a go at it?”
“Have at it,” said the inventor. “You know what they say-- two minds are better than one.”
By the time midnight rolled around, the inventor’s item had been transformed into something that… that worked. The pieces all fit; the parts moved how they were supposed to; all the initial flaws had been sublimely fixed by the alchemist’s deft eyes and hands. The alchemist and inventor stood back and stared at the completed creation, impressed by what their collaboration had produced.
“I think we make a good team,” said the inventor.
“I think I wouldn’t want to be an enemy of House Stallion right now,” added Ignotus.
“Nor would I, my friend. Nor would I.”
**
Learning complicated pair-spells was exhausting; and so when finally House Jade’s archmage did retire to bed, they did so with leaden eyes, and within moments of curling up under their quilt, they were awash in a world of dreams.
They’d left the powerful spellbook resting open on a desk across the room from them, positioned ever just so right that the moonlight that streamed in through the room’s window hit its parchment pages, illuminating the intricate text.
And so when the thiefling Laurie Kidde jimmied open the window and slipped into the chamber, the book was the first thing that caught her eye.
Light-footed, her trained breaths nearly silent, she padded over to the tome and gazed down at it. She ran a gentle finger across the looping words, the carefully inked instructions. She’d never been much of a book person, but oh, this one was pretty. And it was old, too-- she could tell so from the yellowing of the pages-- which meant it was probably valuable.
Silently, she slipped it into the leather bag she wore over her shoulder. She briefly considered surveying the rest of the room, but decided against it-- in particular because she didn’t want to get too close to the person in the bed. She’d tried doing that already… before. The night just before, actually, when as the archmage had slept she’d climbed into the chamber, just as she had moments ago tonight. But the book hadn’t been out then. And when she’d shimmied up to the powerful noble’s bedside, and stared down at their sleeping form, a terrible feeling had come over her-- a burn-- in her chest, in her heart. In her soul. It was inexplicable and terrible, and the thiefling had been quick to make a hasty escape, lest the archmage awake to find her gasping and wheezing over them.
Laurie had returned tonight only because she was nothing if not persistent. And because she wasn’t the sort of girl who accepted empty-handed defeat.
But her hands were no longer empty. The weighty book rested in her shoulder bag, and Laurie Kidde slipped back out into the night.
**
Xavier Lynn was one of the few Jade members who had not retired to his bed.
After realizing that his chances of finding his friend Elin (or was she his enemy now, he couldn’t help but ask himself) were incredibly slim, he found himself wandering the streets aimlessly, walking with no direction in sight. He considered stopping in at the King’s Arms again, but found that he couldn’t go back there, not yet.
So enamored in his thoughts was he that he hardly noticed that he was wandering further and further away from the noise and light of the festival’s bonfires.
Eventually he looked up, and realized he was in a darker part of town. No, it wasn’t darker, it was just more… silent. Stealthy. Shadowy.
Xavier put himself on guard. On a night like this, anything could happen.
**
Elin Ryer needed some air.
She and the rest of the Shadows had settled on a slew of disguises for her to wear to the second day of the festival tomorrow, but the whole process had been overwhelming for the Shadow, and her head hurt. The shack was so stuffy-- and the more time she had to stew in the cramped place, the more she started to doubt the whole disguise idea-- and well. They were in the middle of nowhere. A brief moment outside wouldn’t do anything bad, would it? Maybe it would even help her, by proving that she could go outside without something terrible happening.
Just a quick moment, she told herself. A two-minute breather, and no more. And quickly, she marched outside, before she could talk herself out of it.
But she couldn’t bring herself to head back in after just a breath - something within her prompted her to take a quick stroll, just around the safe house and back inside, she thought.
But it was upon rounding the corner of the safehouse that she saw a flash of red hair bobbing toward her, two blocks down. Even in the poor lighting, she could tell who it was.
Xavier.
She froze - in the darkness, would he be able to see her? If he got any closer, he would certainly be able to identify her. But if she ran, he might find that suspicious and give chase…
Elin’s dilemma was cut short as a loud BANG rang out. The redheaded figure tensed up in surprise -- yes, there was no mistaking that for anyone but Xavier -- and dashed off toward the sound without so much as looking at Elin. She found herself standing stock-still; was it really that easy? Was he truly gone?
The answer to that question came as the sound of footsteps came slapdash down another, nearer alleyway. A figure suddenly turned down the street and, grabbing Elin, pulled her in the direction away from the noise -- and from Xavier.
“Alright, Elin, here’s the plan. Justice-boy over there is heading off toward that noise, but once he gets there and realizes that it’s only a bit of explosion powder we’ll have less than a minute to get out of here. Up for a midnight run?”
Elin looked up the tattooed arms that were dragging her. “Sister Purity?”
“Indeed, kid, and don’t you forget it. The Lord Woo offers greatly to those in need, but they’re the kind of offers that don’t stick around. This safe house probably isn’t safe anymore, we’re going to need to get you another hideout. And you owe me a scroll for that exploding powder. No, just kidding,” she said with a grin as she saw Elin’s expression. “Now come on!”
Once again, the Shadows disappeared into the night.
**
As the sun rose again to herald in the second day of the festival, it appeared that the factions were not the only ones who had experienced eventful nights. Many of the merchants had come to the conclusion that a festival would certainly be a wonderful chance to strike it big, get rich quick! And if they had to widen up their shops a little bit to entice the customers, so be it.
So the salespeople worked extra hard. Rosalie Dylas and Morgaine Braham spent the night perched over their tools, crafting even more wares to sell at their lock and key shop. Frederick Arcanus reviewed his list of contacts, double-checking valuable rumors that he could hock at high prices. And Davorin Silverkin continued to practice his fatal skills in the hope that soon, someone would approach him about a deadly job opportunity…
By the time that the first members of the crowd trickled back into the festival, they noticed that these merchants were also selling a few more items than they normally did, rather… powerful items.
It just didn’t seem to make sense; what would bring these amiable, honest (er, mostly honest) merchants to sell such potent tools? Well, in these volatile times, having an extra trick or two up your sleeve certainly doesn’t hurt, now does it…
But fear of the future could wait. The festival is a time for merriment and pleasure, right? Surely nobody would plan any devious actions on such a day when people are meant to enjoy themselves, right?
...Right?
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Post by Shinko on Jul 11, 2014 16:21:40 GMT -5
Morgaine had grown more and more worried as the hours passed and still her cat did not return with Briar. She had kept busy working on some new merchandise with Rosalie late into the night, but it had still been close to dawn before Mercury finally reappeared. He was looking somewhat the worse for his trip, and had the miffed air of a cat that had been stuck in a confined space for far too long. "Got locked in, did you?" she remarked. The cat glowered at her, as if to say "Why else do you think I was gone so long?" "So judging by the fact that you came back so late, alone, I'm guessing something did go wrong." The old woman sighed, looking out the window. "I had thought she was just overreacting. It would seem she knew something I don't. Maybe whatever-his-name-really-is had a legitimate reason to distrust the nobles at the inn." Decisions, decisions. What should she do now? Reasonably speaking she should have gone to the city watch and reported it, but somehow she doubted that would do any good. These were nobles, after all. Powerful, influential nobles. Their word would trump that of a merchant any day- especially a merchant who came with no other evidence then "my cat came back alone when I sent him with someone else." For now, the best thing would be to wait for the son she'd mentioned to Briar- Sieg Braham. He was a polite, intelligent, and much better at talking to people and getting them to trust and listen to him then his mother. And as a knight he was something of a minor noble, which gave him more authority to investigate the Stallions if Morgaine herself got into trouble with them. She had sent him a letter by messenger pigeon two days ago, and so long as he had been at home when the message arrived he wouldn't take too long to get here. In fact with the speed and stamina of elven horses she could reasonably expect him any day now. She just hoped nothing untoward would happen to Briar in the meantime. What could they possibly want with her anyway? Morgaine wondered bleakly. Her clothing was the poorest make you could imagine, above a beggar's garments. She clearly has no money or status. And do they really have her missing sisters with them? If not, where are they then?Such thoughts circled in Morgaine's mind all night, until with an exasperated sigh she finally gave up on sleep. She opened a small box on her amour, withdrawing one of several incense sticks. Writing a short note so that Rosalie wouldn't worry when the girl woke up, Morgaine slipped out of the shop and headed into town. Though the Grand Woo Cathedral had been closed off the peasants the day of the funeral, today like most days the doors were unlocked and access unrestricted. Morgaine gently pushed open the doors, and with footsteps that echoed in the cavernous expanse she walked towards the altar. A priest poked his head out of a door off to one side, to see who had come in, and the old woman held up the stick of incense and gestured to the altar. He smiled and nodded, his head retreating once more. Once the stick was burning, and it's heady aroma filling the front of the room, Morgaine knelt in front of the altar. She was not an especially pias woman, but she did have her belief. It was a comfort, if only a small one, to let her prayers rise with the smoke of the incense to Lord Woo above. And with everything that was happening, she was certainly not lacking in things to pray about. Besides that, being in the cathedral in the presence of Lord Woo helped her feel like she was closer to the place where Belial had gone. She could almost feel his arms around her shoulders, and his voice with the thick elvish accent telling her she worried too much. It was comforting, that feeling. And so in the quiet expanse of the empty cathedral she prayed. For Briar, for Medieville, and for the swift arrival of her son. Mercury arrives back to Morgaine, hours after he and Briar left and alone. Morgaine realizes that Briar was right, and the Stallions DID set a trap. Deciding her best bet for the time being is to wait for Sieg to arrive as her backup, she goes to the Grand Woo Cathedral to light some incense and pray. Anyone who likes can come upon her there.
I'll make a post for Sieg in a little while.
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Post by Celestial on Jul 11, 2014 17:38:43 GMT -5
When Ambrose and the others returned, Alain was there to greet them. It was certainly an interesting reception and he had to explain to them why he had returned. Alain did not lie, he told them about the investigation of the Shadows but kept any and all mention of the Kiddes a secret. Only Ambrose saw through him. Alain just smiled at his brother but he could feel his eyes boring into him. Ambrose said nothing but sometimes, silence meant more than words. The next morning, before anybody else awoke in Stallion Manor, Alain got up and calmly and non-chalantly prepared himself for the day. The keys to the auxilary wine cellar were still around his neck and with it being the auxilary, it was unlikely that Corinne was going to make any attempt to get into it, even if she could. That wine cellar was tough. If somebody attacked the Manor, that was the safest place to go. Once he had pulled on his gloves and picked up his cane, Alain went out of his room, stopping first by thelarder to pick up several things: bread, cold cuts of meat, cheese, smoked fish, fresh fruit, sugared fruit and even a small jar of honey-pickled fruit. Then he stopped by the storeroom, taking out several long-lasting candles with the candlestick, a random assortment of tools and finally, a whetstone. Once he had gathered all his supplies, he made his way down the steps into the basement, past the wine cellar and towards the auxilary. Unlike the ordinary wine cellar, the auxilary was built deep in order to keep the rarer vintages the Stallions owned cool and safe. It had been carved almost into the bedrock, which in Alain's mind made it perfect to keep prisoners. Whatever they had done with the Jade prison, it was unlikely that they would be able to try the same trick here. Alain stopped outside the door and put the candles in the candlestick before lighting them. Once that was done, took the heavy key off the string around his neck and put it into the enormous lock. The door clicked open and Alain slowly opened it. Dackness poured out of the cellar. Anybody who needed to usually brought candles down so there was no need to install any kind of lighting. But Alain was not going to leave candles or any kind of light source with Briar either. She had been left in the darkness, both to subdue her and to break her spirit. Unfortunately, this meant that now, her eyes would be vulnerable. He opened the door an inch at a time in order not to blind her. He put his cane into the sack and picked it up with one hand, holding the candlestick in the other, before descending down the steps into the cellar. It did not take him long to spot Briar, chained up against one of the heavy wooden barrels, just as they had left her yesterday. "Good morning," Alain said calmly as he put the candlestick down onto the nearest surface, in this case a crate, far out of Briar's reach. He then took all the food out of the sack, spreading it out onto the crate with the candlestick, making sure that she could see it all well. "I hope you've not run out of water, I asked the guards to leave you plenty. If you've spilled it though, that's your own fault. I won't provide you with more." Once he had finished laying out the food, Alain took his cane and sat down on a crate between Briar and the arrangement of food. He drew the blade out and took the whetstone from the sack, dropping it down with a clunk onto the floor. Then, he ran the whetstone down the razor-sharp edge of the sword. It made a sharp, satisfying noise. He smiled and turned to Briar. "Now, Briar Kidde. I have many things to ask you. I'd prefer not to hurt you but if you give me no choice, I will," he looked at her and tilted his blade a little, letting it catch the light. "If you cooperate with me, I believe you'll find it worth your while. All that, for starters," he gestured with his sword at the food, "could be yours. You must be starving since yesterday." Alain selects several choice items and goes down to Briar( Avery) who is chained up in the dark wine cellar under the Manor. He carefully shows them to her and sits down, sharpening his cane while asking for her cooperation.
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Post by Tiger on Jul 11, 2014 19:57:46 GMT -5
It had been a wonderful afternoon and evening, what he’d thought was a good night, and then an awful morning. Everytime Leif thought he couldn't’ feel any more conflicting emotions at once, life found a way to prove him wrong. That seemed to be the story of his life, in fact. He and Kirin’s conversation had eventually drifted back to casual things, Leif wanting to avoid accidentally bringing up something like murder again. As inane as the topics might have been, Leif’s heartbeat thrummed faster at every remembered word and expression. He’d thought the Stallion attractive and interesting before, but now, he didn’t have to rely on his poor imagination. Leif hadn’t wanted to leave, not even when Ayleth grew wary of the darkness and returned to his hand. But inevitably, Leif’s scrollcase chilled against his side and by the light of his wand, Leif read that the Jade carriages were preparing to leave and that someone was still unaccounted for. Leif might have ignored it, except that he realized Kirin was probably expected back at his own manor. They’d bid each other a strange farewell, Leif wanting something more from it, but pretty sure everything he had in mind was not appropriate for two people of opposite Houses who had only just had a conversation lasting more than a minute in total. So he’d gone back to the manor, riding the high of the encounter to stay up and work...and then he’d gone to bed, and that was the last good thing to happen. Even exhausted as he was, the nightmare came to plague him again. And then had come morning, and learning that the Archmage’s spellbook had been stolen. Leif’s guts had been tying themselves in knots ever since. All the spells and those secret, dangerous powers out in someone’s hands...it had to be the Shadows. Or the Stallions, though at least they’d be more likely to destroy the book than use the spells inside. But so far, the Shadows seemed the more likely culprits - they’d broken into the manor once before already. He’d left the manor as soon as he could. Leif wasn’t sure if Lords Everett and Joffery were still going to the Keep, but Leif doubted he was needed and didn’t want to hang around to be forced into coming along anyway. The festival tents still stood against the lake, though the faire was nearly empty at this hour. A mixed smell of booze and smoke hung in the air. Leif wondered if Kirin was there...probably not. Even if he was, now probably wasn’t a good time to find him. Given all of Leif’s slips yesterday about comparatively minor things, he wasn’t sure he could keep the stolen spellbook a secret. And he couldn’t let anyone outside the House know the book was gone, and therefore Jade’s Archmage crippled. Leif turned slowly, searching for somewhere to go. A tall white steeple caught his attention - the church. It would be open at this hour, right? Leif worked his way to the building, and to his relief, found both that the door opened at his touch and that the church was empty but for a woman burning incense and a priest, who briefly stepped out of the shadows and glanced at Leif’s pendant before stepping out of sight again. Leif eased into one of the pews and bowed his head, resting his temples on the thumbs of his interlocked hands. Lord Woo...there’s so much going on. I know you already know that - “you can claim that you haven’t a qualm, but you never can run from nor hide what you’ve done from Woo’s eyes’” and all.
But the spellbook - that spellbook, out in the world, out in the Shadows’ hands...please let none of them have the talent to use those spells. Or - or guide them away from them. Something. Anything. He thought of his recurring nightmare again and shuddered. Not for the first time, he wondered if the dreams came from Lord Woo himself. And the innocent blood spilt in the King’s Arms...well, potentially innocent, but...if they’re worthy, may they find shelter beneath your wings. He made the gesture of the triple-feather again. His nails clicked softly against his pendant on the tap of fingers to chest. We have to find the Shadows...they’re a bigger enemy than House Stallion at this point. And I’m not just saying that because it’s Kirin’s House. Speaking of...would you mind...I don’t know, explaining? Giving a sign? Is...is it some kind of test? Are you trying to fix things between our Houses? No immediate insight or sign came to Leif, not that he’d expected one. Well…whatever your plan is, thank you for letting yesterday happen.Leif sighed quietly, lifting his head and looking toward the incense floating toward the church roof. All the carved statues looked quietly back or out at the empty church. He wondered if there were real birds in this church, too. Leif sums up the evening with Kirin ( Killix) and the subsequent evening of work followed by nightmare followed by the news that the Archmage’s spellbook was stolen. Leif leaves the manor and winds up going to the Grand Woo Cathedral, where Morgaine ( Shinko) is praying, and dumps four paragraphs of prayer on the reader. I’m so sorry, guys. He wouldn’t shut up.
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Post by Shinko on Jul 11, 2014 21:46:46 GMT -5
Morgaine didn't stir at first when she heard the door open and footsteps come into the chapel. This was a public building after all, there was no reason others wouldn't come here looking for solace in prayer. When she was finished, however, she glanced around to see that her company was a noble. Not just any noble either- by the color of his clothes, he was a member of House Jade. Morgaine couldn't help but smile to herself ruefully. To think, she'd spent almost her entire life in Corvus, but hadn't recognized the sigil of the region's ruling house when she saw it several days ago. To be fair, living in a tiny hamlet in the swamp, then in the elven lands, she hadn't really had anything to do with the Jades. They were a family off in Solis that she paid taxes to, and that was all the thought she'd ever spared them. But seeing the man now, leaning forward in prayer among the pews, Morgaine was overcome by the oddest feeling of nostalgia. Not homesickness, not quite, but a sort of longing for the simpler times she'd known before coming the Medieville. Almost without realizing, she began to sing a hymn- a hymn that originated from Corvus, and was almost never heard outside of Jade lands. Her voice was soft at first, but slowly rose in confidence and volume. Though she was not nearly the singer that her father had been- and in turn, her son, who inherited it- Morgaine's voice was not unpleasant to listen to, and she had often sung in the choir as a small child. " My spirit soars to Woo above On wings that shine like stars So long as I know Lord Woo's love I'm safe from all life's scars
Like phoenix reborn from the flame I'm born again in you You took my spirit worn and lame And made it whole anew
When darkness like the raven's wing Does cloud my heart with fear Still for your praises I will sing And to your laws adhere
For though the eagle rises high And though the starling soars And e'en the common quail can fly My only wings are yours
So keep me close within your nest You know all I've endured Safe in your feathers I can rest And know my fate's assured" Morgaine sees Tiger and realizes he's from House Jade. Feeling nostalgic (since she's from the same region as Lief) she sings a hymn that originates from Corvus and usually doesn't cross the border of Jade territory.
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Post by Kristykimmy on Jul 12, 2014 0:11:13 GMT -5
(This is a collaboration with Lizica.) The Previous Day:Aldrich seemed strangely flustered by Lucinda's invitation. He keep turning around and looking about, stuttering a little as he did so. Stippling fluttered against Aldrich's neck but did not leave him. Lucinda still had the limerick pot in her hands; she wondered if she should hand him his pot back. “Did I say something too bold? Was my invitation improper?” Lucinda wondered as she waited for him to speak. Finally he gestured down towards the lake, a cue to begin walking that way. Lucinda smiled encouragingly at him, hoping it would put him at ease since he seemed so strangely apprehensive suddenly. “Um. W-well, milady, it was indeed a spell gone awry, if you’d call it that. There was this one sculpture that I—that I— Um. If you don’t mind my asking, milady, h-how much of the story did Babewyn already tell you?”“Pretty much exactly what I already told you I knew. The busts, the sarcastic ones, mocked you a little, but they didn't add much. If they are like they were when I was visiting all of the time, you must be something of a saint for living with them,” Lucinda told him. Aldrich stopped and turned to Lucinda. “Actually, milady, could I tell you about this in my studio? I’m worried about what they might get up to in my absence.”Lucinda could feel her smile widening, glad for the invitation to return to his studio. She shifted the pot to one arm and slid the other through his. “Of course, Master Aldrich. Lead the way.” Her response put Aldrich much more at ease. Babewyn had not told Lucinda about the marble lady. With the exception of the busts, it was as if there was an unspoken rule in Aldrich’s studio to never mention her. And Babewyn had respected that. Maybe the sculptures would be alright. They were walking back to his shop now. “I’m sorry, milady, I’m probably getting white studio dust all over your dress,” he said as he led her through the crowd to the shop, dodging singing drunken festival-goers and aggressively-dancing performers. “I don't mind, Master Aldrich,” Lucinda said with a smile. “It will wash out easily enough.” “As long as it’s no trouble,” Aldrich said, observing her smile. They wound their way around a merchant and her customers as she tried to sell them woven rugs and scarves. “…My sculptures didn’t always come to life,” Aldrich began slowly, turning to Lady Lucinda as they went. “A long time ago, I used to be commissioned by churches and nobles all across Kyth to create statues for gardens and buildings. But there was one statue that I didn’t carve on commission, and I tried to bring it to life with a spell. As Babewyn told you, the spell didn’t backfire, but I made an error with the casting and failed to conclude it, which accidentally caused the spell to bring all of my other sculptures to life as well.” He paused a moment, then continued. “Most of my sculptures around that time flew away and disappeared, but a few of them came back. Babewyn and Emery were two of those. They actually were carved on a church in Rindfell, but after the spell brought them to life, they tracked me down here.” Lucinda nodded, thinking about everything he had told her. She noticed that he hadn't said exactly why he had tried to bring a statue to life. “May I ask why you wanted to bring that statue to life? If you don't wish to say, I will respect that.” Aldrich’s heart sank and he inwardly gave a haggard sigh. Why did people keep having to ask? He supposed it was only a natural question; after all, who in their right mind would want to bring a statue to life…? “It’s rather silly,” he found himself saying. “It’s—I—It’s—…” He trailed off awkwardly. This time Standorf and Waller were not here to interrupt and explain in the worst way possible. She observed his awkwardness, but was unsure if she should push him or not. Finally she said, “I promise I shan't laugh at you, no matter how silly the reason might have been.” Aldrich paused for a moment. He gave a soft but heavy sigh, then stopped walking and gazed carefully at Lucinda—ever-polite and ever-patient. The crowd, somewhat thinner in this area of the festival, moved around them. “I-imagine that—a painter paints an image of a meadow,” Aldrich said finally. “Mind you, it is not a depiction of a specific meadow he has actually seen, though probably he gathered inspiration from places he’s been. He takes great care in painting the sunlit grass, and the flowers, and the trees, and the gentle shadows they cast across the landscape. He spends so much time languishing over every detail, perfecting every blade of grass, that at some point he can’t help but wish that instead of painting, he could visit this beautiful place for real and bask in its warmth and coolness.” No one was interrupting him. The baroness was listening very carefully. Aldrich took a breath and went on. “So, he finds a spell to make his painting and frame a doorway to this meadow. After it’s complete, he finds that the meadow is exactly everything he dreamed of and more, deeper and more overflowing with life than his brushes could have fathomed. And the painter realizes—wh-what business did he have with such a meadow, that he underestimated and could never deserve?” Lucinda nodded, somehow understanding what it was he was saying. “Why would the painter have been unworthy? The meadow only exists because he painted it. The spell only gave life to what he made. Did, did the statue you brought to life not stay with you, like Babewym and Stippling?” “No,” said Aldrich. “She didn’t. And…and the spell doesn’t… life doesn’t work that way. Just because you give something a starting point doesn’t make you the sole author of its paths. To make such an assumption would be to negate what makes the life wonderful in the first place.” He paused, and his eyes seemed to refocus slightly. He smiled waveringly at Lucinda and bowed slightly, gesturing for them to continue walking. He turned to her as they walked, his expression brightening slightly. “Babewyn mentioned you sang scales, milady, and the limerick pot called you a bard. Are you interested in music? If I may, have you ever composed a song that spiraled out of control, if you’d like to share?” Lucinda looked down at the pot and then back up at Aldrich, thinking about what he had said. He seemed to want to change the conversation, but her mind was stuck on his words about not being 'the sole author of paths'. Was that what her current defiance of House Stallion's regulations about magic and enchantments was? Her choosing her own path rather than taking the one written for her as a member of the house and the granddaughter of the grand duke. She pushed the thoughts away, they would keep, and losing herself in her thoughts and ignoring Aldrich would be rude. “Well, I did write a song once that was not what I set out to. I was supposed to be composing something for Uncle Garrick, a present as it was his sixteenth birthday. I've never sung it for anyone, but it's my only song based solely on fantasy. Too many history lessons of great battles, lords, and dragons. But, that's hardly the same thing,” Lucinda said, feeling a little strange talking about it. Aldrich smiled. “It sounds like a wonderful song,” he said. “Maybe you should share it with someone, perhaps in your House? Or maybe even tomorrow at the festival you could help out some of these struggling minstrels. I’m not too good with music myself, but I’d be happy to listen, as well.” Lucinda smiled embarrassedly, coloring a little at the idea of performing in front of a crowd. She had done private settings many times, but never out in a crowd. “I could sing it for you tomorrow if you are truly interested in hearing it.” They reached Aldrich's shop at and he opened the door for her. She stepped in as she continued, “I've never performed for anyone outside of my House before. However, I-” She paused, noticing a sudden look of ashen panic on Aldrich’s face. He was looking around the studio. When he noticed that she had stopped speaking, he slowly turned to one of his gargoyles, who was crouched by the shelf, watching the two of them somewhat apprehensively. “…Emery,” Aldrich said slowly. “Where did Babewyn go?” “She, uh, didn’t say.” “She didn’t say?” “She wanted it to be a surprise.” “But she knows her surprises drive me crazy.” “I think that’s kind of the point.” “She’s going to pester the fire-breather, isn’t she? The jugglers? She wouldn’t have gone to the archery vendors, would she?” “I’m not sure.” “I…I thought I asked you to help prevent any disasters.” “I did try, but you know how Babewyn is.” “I—I do indeed.” Aldrich rubbed his temples and turned to Lucinda. “I’m very sorry, milady. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. It’s just, it seems Babewyn has run out. Again. And whenever she does, it means trouble. I’m going to have to back to the festival to try to find her before anything goes wrong, I hope you don’t mind.” Lucinda had stood quietly while Aldrich talked with the gargoyle. She hid a smile, his concern for Babewyn was touching. “Of course, Master Aldrich. I understand completely. Is there a way I could help? I could help you look. I've no plans for the day and my House is occupied with their own business. I wouldn't mind, truly,” Lucinda offered. Aldrich sighed but smiled. “That would be wonderful,” he said, and backtracked to the studio door. “I wouldn’t want to trouble you with more of this, though. You’ve already been such a tremendous help.” “I truly don't mind, Master Aldrich. Babewym was kind to me, I want to help you look. It would be awful if something happened to her,” Lucinda said as they stepped out the front door of the shop. “Where shall we start?” “Thank you,” said Aldrich, emphasizing his words, for he truly meant it. He closed the door behind them, gently patted the back of his neck (having realized Stippling was still there), and turned back to her. “I suppose we should start by looking at the attractions with the biggest crowds. Oh—and we should probably keep an eye out for all the stationary festival statues. Babewyn could be masquerading as one. With any luck, we should find her.” He paused for a moment, looking at Lucinda’s slightly worried expression. “And don’t worry, milady—I’m sure she’s having a great time wherever she is.” Lucinda and Aldrich spend the first day of the festival together, first talking of Aldrich's past and then Lucinda's singing. When they finally arrive at the shop, they find that Babewyn has gone off somewhere. Together, they set out to look for her around the festival grounds.
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Post by Rosalie Dylas (Maddy) on Jul 12, 2014 12:36:30 GMT -5
Another day and the festival was still going strong. Rosie skipped out of her house, humming a love song her father used to sing in a soft voice to her mother late at night when the world was asleep. Rosie kept thinking about Laurie, her Laurie. Laurie Dylas. Rosie got a bright red and was glad Laurie wasn't around to see her day dreaming like this. Rosie had promised Laurie to meet her in the square, but she had time before their meeting time, so she decided to look at the wares. Then she spotted it. Or rather them. Dresses, pretty pretty dresses. She made her way through the crowd and happily hopped up to the stall. "Your dresses are so pretty! Like the pretties-" WAIT A MINUTE. This was the girl that had threatened her with the sword a few days ago. Well, no matter it had just been a misunderstand after all and her dresses were very pretty. "Like the prettiest I've ever seen!" Rosie finished, still looking at all the dress in awe. Rosie is a girl in love and skips around the festival then comes to Ila's ( Pixie) stall and is amazed by all the pretty dresses
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