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Post by Harpsdesire on Aug 22, 2011 10:08:23 GMT -5
"My pleasure, Alaster." Joel told the heart with a smile and a shrug. The man had a bit of a rough edge, but the young Corvie could see his point-- this was weird, and the last time things had gone as weird as this, he'd been in an attic full of walking corpses, and not only his uncle, but hundreds of Selkies and Lowlanders perished. Joel wondered if he should be more worried.
Well, worry or not, finding the first aid kits was the first sensible goal he's had since getting into the shop, so he clung to that. Having pushed aside an assortment of buckets, dust mops, spare parts for the tea heater, empty garbage bags and extra lamp oil, Joel's paw struck something softish. A-ha! Pouch of first aid supplies?
When he pulled it out, it was an utterly frilly apron of pink and chocolate brown, printed with little teacups in pastel shades. That was just... well, on a female it would be painfully cute. He frowned at the girly article and dropped it on the floor by his paw. Happily, it had concealed what he was looking for. Sitting neatly together at the back of cabinet, confirming Alaster's sanity, were two identical first aid kits. They were the small but comprehensive type that could be purchased pre-packed from some of the more reputable pharmacies in the Capital, and one looked to be unopened, although the little white case was a tiny bit battered and dirty as if from being toted about. "Alaster, want that disinfectant? I found the kits." He called, coming out from behind the counter.
[[17 and 9]]
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Post by Callypso on Aug 23, 2011 13:40:22 GMT -5
He couldn’t really argue with that logic. It seemed hard to believe that something so extraordinary would happen so soon after their world had been turned upside down, but… Well. Emery read a lot when given the chance, and he knew that it wasn’t entirely unheard of for people, when desperate, to throw their lot in with something absolutely bat-shit crazy if they thought it would help. But… if this was planned, who was doing it? And why? Certainly the Selkies or the Lowlanders wouldn’t want revenge that badly?
Well, we don’t have a lot to work with just yet. We know people are being attacked by some plant-like monsters and that this fog isn’t natural. In fact… Emery turned back to the window and then ran a shaky claw through his short mane. Something is really wrong. The street’s completely changed – there aren’t any shoppes. I… I don’t know where we are!
This was not good. The Ace had spent several years on these streets, and to have everything just vanish, or twist into something new, hidden by unceasing fog… his heart felt like it had just dumped itself into his stomach. Having some sense of place in the world, even if it was literally his location, meant a lot to him. And now he didn’t know what to think.
He braced himself against the shutters and turned to find Alaster experiencing something similar. The snake-avian was pawing the back of the room, feathers akimbo, as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
I think at this point, the lighting is the least of our worries…
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Linden wasn’t quite sure he was hearing correctly. Did Emery just say that the streets had changed? What did that mean? How was that even possible?? He drained the rest of his magical chain and clopped over to the window to see what all the fuss was about.
Oh.
Oh my.
He drummed his fingers on his chin, pondering whether or not this would be a good moment to panic. So far, everyone was doing a rather good job of keeping their cool, and he couldn’t help but consider the constant references to the War being tossed about. The wolf-donkey had spent some time in the library, sorting through newspapers and editorials, trying to piece together what had happened on his day of birth. Between reconstruction efforts, comments heard constantly in the streets or muttered in the various shoppes, he’d finally put two and two together. The whole thing was horrible – innocents had been involved in a botched evacuation spell, tales of a gigantic monster on the loose (though who could really be sure of that?), the Courts scattered, children missing, Cards dying left and right on top of the Selkie disaster… It was… all a bit much to digest, even now.
And now his companions were drawing parallels? And mayhap Alaster wasn’t actually crazy?
Huh.
Let’s just hope for the best and prepare for the worst, shall we?
He offered a lopsided grin. It would be worse, right? So far, his companions had done well with the situation, and so far, no harm had come to him for being along on the ride! The biped was really more concerned that his sisters might be out there in the muck, not knowing what to do or where their older brother was. Not much for it, then, than to stick it out and hoped things would eventually clear up. Or they all died. Either way, they could only focus on the task at hand.
Recon, did he say? Excellent! It was a bit of an adventure, any way they put it. He was a bit ashamed to realize he was a little excited, if not absolutely completely out of his league with all this nonsense. Best to make the most of it and hope they all came out of it unscathed.
Of course, Alaster. After you, my good sir. He bowed before the man with a little flourish and then followed him up the stairs. At the top of the landing, they found a rickety door that appeared to be locked. They consequently tried knocking and calling out for Mrs. Amethyst to no avail.
Shabby work, yes? My boss would flay me for using such materials! He glanced at Alaster, wondering if he was rambling a bit. I’m not much for property damage, but mayhap we should see if your lady friend’s within? I can always repair it afterward. Construction, you know.
Linden grinned and wriggled his fingers at the man, several of which were heavily bandaged.
((Linden: 8; Emery: 7 & 16))
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Post by Satra on Aug 24, 2011 17:44:59 GMT -5
His claws gently raked the wall before him as he answered Joel.
"I think I will hold off for now. I would like to first establish that bacterial infection is the least of my worries before we settle down to take care of a little scratch." Then Emery's reaction to outside made part of Alaster wish he were crazy and that things weren't changing around them. Hearing his voice change and watching the young man's paws shake had a very sudden sobering effect on Alaster. It made him realize the depth of the situation fully. Sure, he had acknowledged the people in the room as civilians, but it didn't truly sink in until just now. He walked over to the window and took a quick peek out. It had been a while since he'd visited the Capitol, but even he knew this wasn't right. He knelt down beside Emery and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I believe you are correct." He nodded to Linden. That was all they could do at this point. Speaking of preparing, it was time to find out if there was anything unfriendly upstairs. The sudden excitement was odd, but understandable. Odd situations brought out odd things in people. He nodded and went on ahead. The door was... huh.
"Indeed. I've never actually seen the door to her room, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say this is not the original door," he knocked on the door, not wanting to break it down. He didn't want to frighten her more than she was (if she was even in there) and if she was safe, he didn't want to break a barrier protecting her.
"Are you now? An excellent profession," he couldn't help but smile a little. He'd had to do some work on his own little junker of a house back in his hillbilly days, growing up as a child. His own hands looked rather similar.
[bluhbluh sorry. I forgot to include my roll >> Hope that didn't mess anything up. It was a 19]
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Post by Nathalia on Aug 25, 2011 17:41:20 GMT -5
Myfanwy's glance out the window gained her an interesting sight!
What looks like a massive pile of foliage and root matter seems to be sitting in the center of the road outside, the slowly receding mist finally cleared it and it sits, still and immobile, on the cobbled stones.
Joel was not close enough to the window to see anything, but he did hear a very strange sound from the staircase the other two just took up...almost like an odd, slithering noise...
In the medical kit, he also seems to have found a little something.
Whiskers of Mome: This weird little bottle has a fine powder in it and is marked "whiskers of Mome". Hmmm, sounds a little unreliable, but maybe it's got some kick to it? It doesn't tingle or anything.
Emery gazed outside to witness the same sight as Myfanwy, while Linden heard and saw nothing abnormal, though he could easily break down that door.
What an odd little shoppe, isn't it?
Everyone can suddenly smell, even over all of their brewed teas, the heady scent of cinnamon.
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Post by Harpsdesire on Aug 25, 2011 19:32:33 GMT -5
"Fair enough." Joel told the Heart guard distractedly. What Emery was saying seemed suddenly and horrifyingly more important. The street was... different? This whole experience-- the weirdness, the odd mist and feeling of forboding in the air-- it was dreadfully familiar. He muttered something under his breath that his mother might not have approved of and was about to look out the window and see for himself when his attention was captured by an dry, slithering sort of sound.
"Did you guys hear that?" He asked softly, half to himself. It wasn't loud, but it was out of place, and he glanced sharply toward the stairs. He'd have liked to call out for Alaster and Linden to be careful, but somehow shouting across the shop didn't seem like quite the right thing to do in this situation. Maybe he'd better follow them, just to be in the safe side? His ears swiveled, trying to pick up the sound again.
Adding one of the medical kits to his satchel, strange little bottle of powder and all, Joel headed toward the stairs. He had a bad feeling about that noise, whatever it was. In fact, he had a bad feeling about this whole afternoon. And his growing exoskelton was still itchy. Damn and double damn.
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Dark
Five of Diamonds
Bladed Hare
You are not prepared.
Posts: 2,105
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Post by Dark on Aug 27, 2011 13:19:16 GMT -5
Myfanwy viewed the street through the window with a critical eye, a curious pile of debris catching her attention. It looked to be made of various plant matter, and considering the nature of the attacks it set her immediately on edge, but the mass remained stationary. She calculated the risks of investigating further, considering the receding mist--not far enough--and the eerie street. It was probably a trap, but that couldn’t stop her from being curious.
Her attention, however, was momentarily redirected by the sudden heady scent of cinnamon and Joel speaking up.
“Hear what now?” Myfanwy asked, rather more sharply then she intended, swiveling to follow Joel’s gaze. She hadn’t heard anything, but she also had been closer to the window then the stairs.
Myfanwy cautiously moved towards the staircase, “All well up there?” It probably was just Alister and Linden moving on the stairs. Probably.
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Post by Callypso on Aug 29, 2011 16:36:21 GMT -5
Weight briefly settled on his shoulder. Emery looked up to see Alaster give a comforting look before heading upstairs with Linden. He sighed, and continued staring out at the misty streets. If only will could make things right – ha! The Ace caught the laughter in his throat, settling for a grim smile. If will actually mattered, he wouldn’t be an Ace, the War wouldn’t have happened and… well, countless other things.
Still, how could the streets have changed? He racked his brain, drawing up memories from the War, wondering if anything was similar. There had been those glowing portals, spells to transfer Cards hundreds of thousands of miles away. What if… no. Was it even possible? Could the tea shoppe be a portal to somewhere else? Could magic be manipulated that way??
His eyes had stopped seeing for the brief period he contemplated the impossible – then again, how impossible was it? – and cleared as he realized he was supposed to be keeping watch. He shook his head slightly, clearing his mind for the task at hand. The fog drifted across the cobbled streets and then slowly parted in the center of the street – to reveal a gigantic plantlike mass! And it was still? What the hell was it waiting for?
Emery stepped back and sideways from the window. Hey guys… I think it might be a good idea to keep out of sight from the window. We’ve got company. Our monster friend has decided to take up residence in the middle of the road…
Just as he was considering how he was going to keep an eye on the killer topiary, Joel’s muted mutterings caught his ear. He turned to look at the Corvie, hoping they were all being a little paranoid. What did you hear?
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Isn’t it, though?, he grinned in response to the man’s comment on his profession. Linden rhythmically tapped his bandaged fingers against his jaw. I do believe you’re right. Shoddy material aside, the door looks like it’s been put up in a hurry, yes? Now that I think about it… hm.. Yes. Those are simple screws. I don’t think brute force is necessary. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be back in a moment.
The hybrid hurried down the stairs, nearly colliding with Myfanwy, who had edged near the landing. Ah, so sorry, Myfanwy! So far, everything’s fine. I just need a… there! He nicked a butter knife from atop the counter and twirled in his hands. We’ve a door that needs dismantling. Everything well… he paused, looking at the Cards that had gathered at the window. Never mind. I’m sure you’ll tell us soon as we’re through. Ta! Better to delay bad news, if that’s indeed what it was.
Galloping back up the steps, he brandished his tool with a flourish. I think this should be up to the task. Would you mind announcing yourself, for the benefit of your lady friend, in case she is within?
He immediately began undoing the small handful of screws that held the plywood door in its frame. It seemed a bit silly, that he was going through the pains of delicately removing the ramshackle thing – after all, he could certainly manage a discount through the carpenters his employer did regular business with – and certainly the lady would like a proper door! Ah well.
As the last screw was being removed, Linden winced as he realized how he’d warped the end of the butter knife. Ah, that’s… unfortunate. Perhaps after all this nonsense he would start wearing his utility belt about – who knew the next time he’d be thrown into a situation like this? Standing up to remove the door from its hinges, he stopped, nose quavering as a strongly spiced smell entered his olfactory system.
Say, do you smell cinnamon?
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Post by Harpsdesire on Sept 1, 2011 22:01:16 GMT -5
"I can smell it." Joel told Linden as he came up the steps behind the man. "Do you think it's just one of the teas, or...?" It was a little strange how the scent suddenly dominated the area that was previously filled with a sweet smell of mingled teas and baked goods. It reminded him of... something. He wasn't sure what. At least it was quite a nice scent.
Although the door the Veldt man had just unhinged did not look particularly heavy, Joel reached out to help him set it aside. The space at the stop of the stairs was only a narrow landing, and the large sheet of plywood would be unwieldy in the cramped space. "Wow, I don't hear anyone in there..." If there wasn't a possibly hurt person hiding on the upper floor, he was going to feel a little bad about basically taking their door down and barging in when they weren't home, and if there was it would probably be even more awkward. Just in case, he called into the space where Linden had just removed the door. "Hello, we don't mean any harm! Is anyone in there?"
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Post by Nathalia on Sept 2, 2011 16:15:22 GMT -5
Their senses aren't lying to them, it seems, as the cinnamon scent spreads throughout the entire shoppe, blocking out all other smells.
With a sudden shuddering crack, the stairs under Linden and Alaster seemed to shatter as they fell down toward the floor. Something huge, ribbed with veins, and pulsing nastily pulled its way out of the hole it had just made in the wall behind the stairs.
Looking like half a tree, covered in patchy bark with the fleshy, pulpy insides showing through in some places, a massive monster of plant matter, with no discernible or Card-like features, dragged itself halfway out of the hole, vines showing as they uncoiled along its side.
It paused for a moment, and then lashed out at Alaster and Myfanwy.
(Everyone roll 2 d20s in your next post as you go!))
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Dark
Five of Diamonds
Bladed Hare
You are not prepared.
Posts: 2,105
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Post by Dark on Sept 3, 2011 15:12:33 GMT -5
With a resounding crack the stairs shattered, sending Lindin and Alaster toppling, and Myfanwy only had a moment to worry about their fate--wooden splinters had the potential to be extremely hazardous--before something, huge and bulking, crawled out of the space left behind: a massive, veined, pulpy mess covered unevenly with patchy bark; the whole thing pulsed in a most distressing way.
A magical construct? because it couldn’t actually be alive, could it. It was rather intimidating, whatever it was--the thing was seriously giving her hives, because, gross--but if it was magical, someone was responsible for its creation, and it was probably the same someone responsible for the attack in the market.
And then--whatever it was--lashed out.
Myfanwy hopped back instinctively, away from the approaching vines, wings fluttering to provide extra velocity; she might sometimes resent her pettiness, but she was agile at least. She brought the serrated knife down towards the vines, hoping it would be effective.
The scent of cinnamon was overwhelming.
[1 & 20, what the heck..]
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