nohalation (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
nohalation) wrote2018-08-27 08:23 pm
nohalation) wrote2018-08-27 08:23 pm
The Town and Municipal of Umber Village - Part 4 - Cruel Angel's Thesis
BACK AT THE APPAREL SHOP! Night has fallen, so thankfully it wasn't too awkward getting back to the apparel shop. Every light is off, save for the Inn/Tavern's—that place is jumping tonight.
The shop's lights are dimmed, and Early offers each of you clothing of mediterranian style to wear for the time being. He also offers to let you use the shower in his home above the shop—but that's up to you, given that it's nearly scalding... you learn that one way or another, surely.
Finally, in the back of the shop, he sits down at the table with his head in his hands.
Dusk is probably holding Clima's hand. Cuz why not. "Hi." This is the best day of Clima's life.
Early peeks up at Dusk. "Hi... why are you okay."
"Did anything especially bad happen to me?" Dusk tilts her head. "I mean, YOU got grabbed so that was kind of scary, huh!"
"Well, I mean, you are... you're, you're kind of exiles, because of my great grandfather, and... just what exactly was that lady talking about?" Early asks.
Slot took a quick shower to at least get some of the muck off and is just lounging around close to Early for the time being.
"I already said." Dusk blinks. "I'm the ruler."
Early looks over at Slot nervously. Very nervously. He then looks at Dusk very nervously. He can't believe these people are in his home. He can't believe some randos in his shop who he asked for help with a date in exchange for clothing turned into a close encounter with an inky slime monster (his date) who knew them and then half of her got teleported and.
He puts his head in his hands again, lightly poking the tips of his horns. "You're the ruler... of what? A kingdom, but you're saying that someone stole your kingdom? Is that it?"
He really doesn't know what she's saying, he's merely tossing around what he heard on that triple date in his mind, trying to work something out.
"Nope." Dusk plays with her dress "I'm . . . well, we're from Halation! I guess Clima is from somewhere else. But Halation is my kingdom. That lady said your great grandpa stole it from us, but that's silly because I never gave it up."
"We were bought to be pets!" Slot says. "Though it seems as you great grandfather spent more on us than he did on those who him"
The poor dragonperson here looks like he's aged 20 years just hearing that. Early lifts his head and temples his hands. "Is... is that right... oh man, so he really is a sick bastard. Nothing changes, huh..." He then rests his head against his hand. "First it was 'nobody is allowed to leave' and then 'nobody is allowed to enter.' Then, he makes exceptions by taking in crimiHEY WAIT, ARE YOU GUYS CRIMINALS?!"
He jumps up, slamming his hands on the table.
"I've stolen a heart or two, but that's about it." Slot says.
GM11/12/2017
:frowning:
:anguished:
"I think I need to call the police..." In fact, Early stands up to walk over to a mobile phone that's sitting on the sidetable on the edge of the room. You know, the gigantic ones from the 80s. Didn't you know? That's a thing for people who can afford it in the labyrinths.
"I'm a ruler of a kingdom." Dusk tilts her head. "How can I be a criminal?"
It's at this point Juno re-enters the room, looking REFRESHED and REVITALIZED and SPARKLY, just like a scene from a shoujo manga. You know the type. They take one look at the scene, and cock their head. "Oh... that? Right. We didn't break any laws. It was unlawful imprisonment."
Early pauses, his hand over the mobile phone, to look over his shoulder abruptly. "Rulers can be criminals..."
With no regret, really, Early removes his hand from the phone and sighs, looking at the ceiling. "Just like my great grandfather. So, you didn't break any laws... did you know Ophelia, Who Died? Or... she mentioned some plants, I don't remember, I was just... I was very, very engrossed by that weird conversation I can't tell if she was talking about plants or what."
"We didn't, but... we could look into it." Juno suggests. It seems like a bad idea to leave that sort of thing be.
Early sits back down in his seat.
"I see... no, maybe it's best to leave that be. If she wanted a 'date' with me, i-it could be for any reason, but I—think I know what it is."
Early pointedly looks at Dusk. "Dusk... how did you become Ruler?"
"I wanted to." Dusk tilts her head.
EARLY SLAMS HIS HANDS ON THE TABLE AGAIN. "No way, be forefront! Was it handed to you? Did you inherit it?"
"Sure, my family were rulers. But they were rulers of misery so I didn't take it from them." Dusk tilts her head the other way. "I wanted to do it my way. "
"Are your parents still around?"
"I don't know?" She smiles????
GM11/12/2017
"..." :disappointed_relieved:
"W-what I'm saying is... great grandfather is up there in numbers. It's not common knowledge I'm related to him, but it's not a secret either. Basically... I'm next in line for the throne when that guy croaks."
"... so you're saying... she wanted to date you, to become Ruler?" Juno asks, piecing things together.
"Don't worry. I don't interact with my family. I want to just . . . be set apart from them." Dusk sighs, but walks over and grabs Early's hands. "But that means you can be a future ruler too! How exciting. It's fun, you make a lot of friends!"
"I really don't know, and if we don't ever meet Ophelia again, we might never know... she definitely knows her politics, though, if she knew you guys. It had to have been for a political reason." Sighing, Early looks at Dusk... with understanding. But there's something troubled about the look in his eyes. "Yeah... you don't seem miserable, though something else about you seems... off..."
"Off?" Dusk blinks. "I wonder what it is...well, anyway, wanna be one of our friends?"
Slot stares into the distance and then focuses back in to the conversation, "She's in the south, somewhere."
Juno also side-eyes Dusk a little, but is distracted by Slot. "Oooh... let's avoid the South then."
He nods in acknowledgement of Slot's and Juno's statement. Dusk however...
"Hey—DON'T JUST CHANGE THE SUBJECT!"
But, he relents, crossing his arms like a brat and huffing.
"Times are dangerous, especially if that slime monster was trying to hurt me, so... I can use allies. In fact, I could use... help... again." He grins, a little wobbily, holding up a rattling (from the nerves) fist in her direction. "Who knows, if you guys can help me with my great grandfather, you could have a great kingdom in alliance with yours."
"And... and, and, if I get enough power..." He pauses. "I could help you?" Early offers, looking like a puppy trying his best. A puppy with horns.
That sounds smart. It IS smart. And... it'd be nice to actually have a reliable friend that ALSO know what i's like to be hurt and betrayed and would have their backs because of it. "I think that's a great idea!"
"Oh, I like the sound of that!" Slot says.
Early grins at Juno and Slot, offering them a fist as well. FISTBUMP! THIS POOR BOY WANTS A FISTBUMP!!
"Well. We need to talk to Parsley and Snip also." Dusk turns, almost a scary look in her eyes? Almost? It's a little stronger than you'd expect perhaps. "So we should find a way back to our kingdom and see what's going on. That's priority!"
"But if you helped us, it would be really great!" :hearts:
Early's caught off-guard by Dusk's expression, but he nods. "Right... right, Parsley and Snip. I remember those names, those are the plants I heard."
Suddenly his face pales. "Wait... wait, you crossed... them?"
Slot bumps the fist.
GM11/12/2017
:grinning: :sparkles:
(He's so happy he could cry.)
"We're friends! We met them before." Dusk exclaims.
:smiley:
GM11/12/2017
:fearful:
"Friends... Parsley of the Past, and Parsnip of the Future...? If they had a hand in whatever happened to your kingdom, which is kind of what it sounds like, then... are they really friends?"
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
Juno also fistbumps, but immediately looks moody when Parsley and Parsnip come up.
"... that's because I'm not very good at making good friends..." They say, almost at a whisper.
GM11/12/2017
:cold_sweat:
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
She turns to Juno, "We have to talk to them first! They could be being coerced or had a real good reason! But it's okay because they haven't taken the kingdom yet, ya know?"
GM11/12/2017
He looks so concerned you guys?? YOU GUYS, ARE YOU OKAY? IS IT A GOOD IDEA FOR ANY OF YOU TO RULE OVER A KINGDOM?? Like, he is SO TROUBLED.
"Juno, don't say that, um, um... Parsley of the Past can see into the past, and Parsnip of the future can see into the future... basically, whatever was coming, or whatever's happened in someone's past, they can see it."
"Furthermore... they're the leaders of that—cult. I hear shady things about them..."
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
It's pretty obvious that Juno is Not Okay and also, Pretty New At All Of This. So. No.
"So they really did everything knowingly..." They bemoan,!!
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
Slot pats Juno on the back.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"The cult, huh . . . Well, that's fine. We'll talk to them."
GM11/12/2017
Early holds out his hands, like one would when trying to console a crying child.
"A-all I know is that their cult acquires deals through shady acts, like tricking people, and guilting them...
One time they stole a kingdom from a man by reading his past and seeing his history of adultery... they promised not to tell if he gave them control, and worried for his standing he just did it, but... they spilled the beans anyway."
"They hold power over people, and wave it like a piece of meat, then shove people off a cliff..."
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
:sob:
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Well, see. Then it's no problem!" Dusk grins. "Because my past isn't all that secret. It's in my past title after all."
She pauses and looks at everyone else. Well, I dunno about you guys.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
Primrose, who has absolutely been here the whole time and just strangely quiet bristles, her tail sticking straight up. "LOOKS LIKE IT'S TIME TO COMMIT SOME ARRESTS!"
"Uh -- I mean. Yeah? I don't have anything to hide."
GM11/12/2017
Early looks at Primrose. Just looks.
"I... I wish the police could do something. Nobody can do anything, because they have this bizarre faith in angels who come to them and choose them. I would never question! Anyone's faith! But something about their faith in angels, who are twisted and egotistic, screams... cruelity. Maybe this is all just some cruel angel's thesis."
And as we all know, especially Slot:
Angels are stupidly strong.
Or at least, too influential.
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"... but, I mean... we have our own eldritch Gods of the Deep, so..." Juno suggests. They're surprisingly religious?
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Oh yeah, he's our pal. I don't worship him though."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Yeah, Peanut could stomp some stupid angels barehanded any day!"
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Yeah!"
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
Slot goes unnaturally still at the mentions of angels. It's almost like he's become a statue really.
GM11/12/2017
"Deep Ones, huh..."
He considers this. He would never judge anyone's faith, he really wouldn't, but also that's a little creepy.
He keeps his thoughts to himself, rolling what Dusk had said earlier about her past in his mind. He still hasn't addressed that, has he...
"Ah—Slot. Is something wrong?"
Early is genuinely concerned, PLEASE DON'T TELL ME I HAVE TO WORRY OVER YOU, TOO!!
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"What?" That seems to snap Slot out of his fugue state. "Me? No, I'm fine. Everything's fine." Slot replies quickly, throwing on a smile that seems to be a little bit too big.
"I was just... thinking about something."
GM11/12/2017
:smile: :sweat_drops:
"Oh, I see! My mistake... there's a lot to think about..."
"By the way, Dusk... if your past doesn't trouble you, how did you lose your kingdom?"
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
..."That was me again..." Juno mumbles...
GM11/12/2017
Early blinks.
"...huh? You? Are you the Ruler's advisor? Acutally, um, if you don't mind me asking, what are your roles in the kingdom!"
Despite the intensity of the conversation, he seems to have lightened up a bit. His voice has some ease indicating he isn't that stressed. This is all intriguing though very concerning.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"I didn't lose a kingdom. "
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"I didn't authorize a kingdom to be lost!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
"Concubine." '-'
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
Just ignore all of them. They're in denial. Juno gathers up their courage to explain...!
"We're all Court Advisors. I was made to help expand and protect the Kingdom's interests. So, I'm pretty good at battle, and I look like my Creator's idea of the perfect balanced idol... but unfortunately, not very good at singing..."
GM11/12/2017
"O-o-oh!! This... explains a lot!!"
His face is bright red, he has HEARD TOO MUCH! Dusk is getting action! From the little bird guy!
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
She looks at Clima. "Really? Whoa."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"I didn't authorize a concubine, either! Dusk!"
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Then how did this happen! You better fix it!"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"I'LL FIX HIM ALRIGHT."
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"OKAY!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima holds onto Dusk's hand firmly and gives a nod.
GM11/12/2017
Early Rocklhurst has never met a concubine, or a kingdom this... pitiful and disorganized. He had asked for their help... AND NOW HE WANTS TO GIVE THEM HIS.
Focusing on Juno while they continue that conversation, he responds in a tighter tone.
"It's fine, Juno... I, I mean, singing isn't important to leading a kingdom..."
Climate Change11/12/2017
Who cares if Primrose beats him up.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Who is Clima a concubine to..." She wonders out loud.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Hey. Hey, Clima, come here." She just wants to talk.
GM11/12/2017
Early looks at Dusk.
:anguished:
He also is just. Baffled. That's a really good word for him, everyday, he's baffled by Primrose and Clima.
He's baffled by all.
He wants a drink.
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"It is though. It's important to Halation." JUNO IS SO MISERABLE. THEY SHOULD REALLY HAVE DUSK'S TITLE.
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"I really wish I had popcorn..." Slot says, watching this all go down.
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima looks to Primrose, sizes her up for a moment. Before kissing Dusk's hand.
Just the back of it.
"Don't worry about it, Dusk." He doesn't give much of an expression change, but maybe there's a little smile there?
"I'll be back."
Letting go of her hand, before making his way over to Primrose.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Uh-huh, okay." Waves a hand.
She just wanders off then...
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"So! Early!" Slot says, seeing how things are now going to progress. "Since this day has been somewhat of a bust...? How about we end it on a better note? Want to get a drink?"
GM11/12/2017
Early stammers.
"Y-y-yes... in fact, let me lead you guys to the Inn/Tavern. They have good drinks, food, and places to sleep... it's pretty late, and I... think I need a drink, also please don't fight in my house??"
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"I don't really know what's up with all that either." Juno admits, glad to at least find a compatriot in that regards, "Usually I just ignore it... can I come for drinks too?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
She reaches out to pat Clima on the head. "Who's fighting? I'm basically an expert on fighting and punching a bird in the gut until he coughs up a dowry isn't fighting!"
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"I'm afraid we can't make any promises about that, but we'll at least fix what happens. Maybe? Anyway, drinks!" Slot says, dragging Early out.
"Juno, you can come too."
GM11/12/2017
"Oh... Halation sure seems like a lively place..."
He lets himself get dragged out, and continues rambling.
"Ah, in the morning you can send a letter to your kingdom, or someone in it, the Post Office works wonders like that... and if you need any weapons or magical equipment, you can go to the Magic Shop..."
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima just waves his hand a little bit. The bigger problem probably is that he's still wearing Early's nice apparel dress? But like, whatever, he's ready to get beat up in it apparently.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Oh, yeah, I guess so." She murmurs. "I worry about the people, I hope they're still okay..."
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"That sounds good...! I hope Solitaire and Domino aren't having a hard time." Juno agrees, also a bit worried. "And everyone at the temple... if there's a competing Cult, things might be bad..."
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Well . . . . I trust them! And if they don't like it, then I'm just not being a good enough ruler yet."
GM11/12/2017
Standing watch outside is none other than Bottle, who offered to remain on guard after he heard about—or rather, witnessed, the results of that "date."
It's dark, of course, and the stars are all sleeping peacefully. As before, the only place alit is the Inn/Tavern.
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"Work hard, Dusk." Juno replies, very seriously, before turning and waving to Bottle! "Ah, hi! Again! We're back!"
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
Slot lets out a grin when he sees Bottle and lets out a wolf whistle before quickly making his way to his side.
GM11/12/2017
:relaxed:
Bottle hooks his arm with his, grinning from ear to ear himself.
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"We're going out for drinks, if you want to join us?" Slot says, looking up at him. "Might be a good time to spend some more time together."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Hey, Clima. Clima, hey. Guess what? Dusk is a strong, independent woman who! Doesn't! Need anyone! In a romantic sense!" God knows she needs help in every other part of life.
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima gives a nod. This is true.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"If you're gonna be anything to her you have to pay the price."
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
Dusk is probably just gonna chill by her cool self outside and stare at the cool darkness while everyone goes to have fun partying, flirting, and beating each other up.
Climate Change11/12/2017
He gives another nod.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
The price is your life.
Climate Change11/12/2017
One more nod.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Seriously! I'm going to kill you! Right now! Right here!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
He looks to her, sizes her up, and there's an indescribable look in his eyes -- some sort of silent judging, but his expression doesn't change.
"Dusk will be sad if you kill her friend."
That's all he says, really.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
Her tail twitches, and she glares. "That's! True! Which is why! In lieu of your actual physical life! I'll just be taking your metaphorical life! Metaphorically!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
He shrugs again, sort of nodding but sort of not.
"That belongs to Dusk, sorry."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Not until you're worth belonging to Dusk! And since I'm the one who knows what's best for her, I'll be the judge of that!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
How ████████.
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima gives a tilt of his head again, eyes owlish and wide, betraying nothing.
"So, how are you judging that?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Monetary worth, loyalty, ability to protect her, and obviously you'll be subject to a thorough background check. After all that, she has to actually want a concubine and furthermore there's a lot of paperwork to fill out and -- anyways, so far you pass exactly one of those!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
Ah, there's something. Despite the conversation, there aren't any noticeable nonverbal tics from Clima - nothing like hands swaying or even moving at all, no fidgeting. Just a few blinks and a headtilt. It's only a little strange because his shoulders almost seem to slump, though his back is straight - rather, like his arms are dead weight. As he mulls this over - probably? - he presses his lips together in thought.
"Monetary worth. Is a kingdom enough to pass that?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
Primrose grins triumphantly, nodding. "As I thought, you're completely worthless as anything but a cute cook. Now go and apologize to Dusk for being an idiot before I eat you or som-- "
" -- wait what?"
Climate Change11/12/2017
His eyes don't stray from her face, and his expression doesn't change.
"A kingdom. The kingdom I hail from. Is that not enough for monetary worth?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"You..."
She can't really talk, given her own ambitions -- instead she just tuts, shrugging. "Make it happen and we'll see."
Climate Change11/12/2017
His eyes narrow for a moment, before becoming a very slow blink.
Primrose, it turns out, is a little cute.
When he opens his eyes again, he has a different sparkle in his eyes - one familiar if she's seen him fawning over Dusk.
". . . I know I'm not very strong. But I'm working hard every day."
Honestly, this conversation is painful to have, like pulling teeth.
"I'll be strong enough one day that you'll approve of me. Until then, I'm fine with waiting for her."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
??? She doesn't like this? At least she ???won???. "...Good. Good! I'm looking forward to it."
She does manage a smile, turning to leave. "Let's go, shall we? We're probably missing Slot being cool or something."
Climate Change11/12/2017
He watches her expression, taking a long moment before -
The corners of his lips slowly turn up, into something like a smile. Something like a. . . smile. . . .
"Okay."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
TIME TO FIND DUSK BEING ALONE WITH CLIMA TOO LONG IS DANGEROUS.
Climate Change11/12/2017
What a █████. . . .
Anyway, he's following after her!
The shop's lights are dimmed, and Early offers each of you clothing of mediterranian style to wear for the time being. He also offers to let you use the shower in his home above the shop—but that's up to you, given that it's nearly scalding... you learn that one way or another, surely.
Finally, in the back of the shop, he sits down at the table with his head in his hands.
Dusk is probably holding Clima's hand. Cuz why not. "Hi." This is the best day of Clima's life.
Early peeks up at Dusk. "Hi... why are you okay."
"Did anything especially bad happen to me?" Dusk tilts her head. "I mean, YOU got grabbed so that was kind of scary, huh!"
"Well, I mean, you are... you're, you're kind of exiles, because of my great grandfather, and... just what exactly was that lady talking about?" Early asks.
Slot took a quick shower to at least get some of the muck off and is just lounging around close to Early for the time being.
"I already said." Dusk blinks. "I'm the ruler."
Early looks over at Slot nervously. Very nervously. He then looks at Dusk very nervously. He can't believe these people are in his home. He can't believe some randos in his shop who he asked for help with a date in exchange for clothing turned into a close encounter with an inky slime monster (his date) who knew them and then half of her got teleported and.
He puts his head in his hands again, lightly poking the tips of his horns. "You're the ruler... of what? A kingdom, but you're saying that someone stole your kingdom? Is that it?"
He really doesn't know what she's saying, he's merely tossing around what he heard on that triple date in his mind, trying to work something out.
"Nope." Dusk plays with her dress "I'm . . . well, we're from Halation! I guess Clima is from somewhere else. But Halation is my kingdom. That lady said your great grandpa stole it from us, but that's silly because I never gave it up."
"We were bought to be pets!" Slot says. "Though it seems as you great grandfather spent more on us than he did on those who him"
The poor dragonperson here looks like he's aged 20 years just hearing that. Early lifts his head and temples his hands. "Is... is that right... oh man, so he really is a sick bastard. Nothing changes, huh..." He then rests his head against his hand. "First it was 'nobody is allowed to leave' and then 'nobody is allowed to enter.' Then, he makes exceptions by taking in crimiHEY WAIT, ARE YOU GUYS CRIMINALS?!"
He jumps up, slamming his hands on the table.
"I've stolen a heart or two, but that's about it." Slot says.
GM11/12/2017
:frowning:
:anguished:
"I think I need to call the police..." In fact, Early stands up to walk over to a mobile phone that's sitting on the sidetable on the edge of the room. You know, the gigantic ones from the 80s. Didn't you know? That's a thing for people who can afford it in the labyrinths.
"I'm a ruler of a kingdom." Dusk tilts her head. "How can I be a criminal?"
It's at this point Juno re-enters the room, looking REFRESHED and REVITALIZED and SPARKLY, just like a scene from a shoujo manga. You know the type. They take one look at the scene, and cock their head. "Oh... that? Right. We didn't break any laws. It was unlawful imprisonment."
Early pauses, his hand over the mobile phone, to look over his shoulder abruptly. "Rulers can be criminals..."
With no regret, really, Early removes his hand from the phone and sighs, looking at the ceiling. "Just like my great grandfather. So, you didn't break any laws... did you know Ophelia, Who Died? Or... she mentioned some plants, I don't remember, I was just... I was very, very engrossed by that weird conversation I can't tell if she was talking about plants or what."
"We didn't, but... we could look into it." Juno suggests. It seems like a bad idea to leave that sort of thing be.
Early sits back down in his seat.
"I see... no, maybe it's best to leave that be. If she wanted a 'date' with me, i-it could be for any reason, but I—think I know what it is."
Early pointedly looks at Dusk. "Dusk... how did you become Ruler?"
"I wanted to." Dusk tilts her head.
EARLY SLAMS HIS HANDS ON THE TABLE AGAIN. "No way, be forefront! Was it handed to you? Did you inherit it?"
"Sure, my family were rulers. But they were rulers of misery so I didn't take it from them." Dusk tilts her head the other way. "I wanted to do it my way. "
"Are your parents still around?"
"I don't know?" She smiles????
GM11/12/2017
"..." :disappointed_relieved:
"W-what I'm saying is... great grandfather is up there in numbers. It's not common knowledge I'm related to him, but it's not a secret either. Basically... I'm next in line for the throne when that guy croaks."
"... so you're saying... she wanted to date you, to become Ruler?" Juno asks, piecing things together.
"Don't worry. I don't interact with my family. I want to just . . . be set apart from them." Dusk sighs, but walks over and grabs Early's hands. "But that means you can be a future ruler too! How exciting. It's fun, you make a lot of friends!"
"I really don't know, and if we don't ever meet Ophelia again, we might never know... she definitely knows her politics, though, if she knew you guys. It had to have been for a political reason." Sighing, Early looks at Dusk... with understanding. But there's something troubled about the look in his eyes. "Yeah... you don't seem miserable, though something else about you seems... off..."
"Off?" Dusk blinks. "I wonder what it is...well, anyway, wanna be one of our friends?"
Slot stares into the distance and then focuses back in to the conversation, "She's in the south, somewhere."
Juno also side-eyes Dusk a little, but is distracted by Slot. "Oooh... let's avoid the South then."
He nods in acknowledgement of Slot's and Juno's statement. Dusk however...
"Hey—DON'T JUST CHANGE THE SUBJECT!"
But, he relents, crossing his arms like a brat and huffing.
"Times are dangerous, especially if that slime monster was trying to hurt me, so... I can use allies. In fact, I could use... help... again." He grins, a little wobbily, holding up a rattling (from the nerves) fist in her direction. "Who knows, if you guys can help me with my great grandfather, you could have a great kingdom in alliance with yours."
"And... and, and, if I get enough power..." He pauses. "I could help you?" Early offers, looking like a puppy trying his best. A puppy with horns.
That sounds smart. It IS smart. And... it'd be nice to actually have a reliable friend that ALSO know what i's like to be hurt and betrayed and would have their backs because of it. "I think that's a great idea!"
"Oh, I like the sound of that!" Slot says.
Early grins at Juno and Slot, offering them a fist as well. FISTBUMP! THIS POOR BOY WANTS A FISTBUMP!!
"Well. We need to talk to Parsley and Snip also." Dusk turns, almost a scary look in her eyes? Almost? It's a little stronger than you'd expect perhaps. "So we should find a way back to our kingdom and see what's going on. That's priority!"
"But if you helped us, it would be really great!" :hearts:
Early's caught off-guard by Dusk's expression, but he nods. "Right... right, Parsley and Snip. I remember those names, those are the plants I heard."
Suddenly his face pales. "Wait... wait, you crossed... them?"
Slot bumps the fist.
GM11/12/2017
:grinning: :sparkles:
(He's so happy he could cry.)
"We're friends! We met them before." Dusk exclaims.
:smiley:
GM11/12/2017
:fearful:
"Friends... Parsley of the Past, and Parsnip of the Future...? If they had a hand in whatever happened to your kingdom, which is kind of what it sounds like, then... are they really friends?"
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
Juno also fistbumps, but immediately looks moody when Parsley and Parsnip come up.
"... that's because I'm not very good at making good friends..." They say, almost at a whisper.
GM11/12/2017
:cold_sweat:
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
She turns to Juno, "We have to talk to them first! They could be being coerced or had a real good reason! But it's okay because they haven't taken the kingdom yet, ya know?"
GM11/12/2017
He looks so concerned you guys?? YOU GUYS, ARE YOU OKAY? IS IT A GOOD IDEA FOR ANY OF YOU TO RULE OVER A KINGDOM?? Like, he is SO TROUBLED.
"Juno, don't say that, um, um... Parsley of the Past can see into the past, and Parsnip of the future can see into the future... basically, whatever was coming, or whatever's happened in someone's past, they can see it."
"Furthermore... they're the leaders of that—cult. I hear shady things about them..."
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
It's pretty obvious that Juno is Not Okay and also, Pretty New At All Of This. So. No.
"So they really did everything knowingly..." They bemoan,!!
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
Slot pats Juno on the back.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"The cult, huh . . . Well, that's fine. We'll talk to them."
GM11/12/2017
Early holds out his hands, like one would when trying to console a crying child.
"A-all I know is that their cult acquires deals through shady acts, like tricking people, and guilting them...
One time they stole a kingdom from a man by reading his past and seeing his history of adultery... they promised not to tell if he gave them control, and worried for his standing he just did it, but... they spilled the beans anyway."
"They hold power over people, and wave it like a piece of meat, then shove people off a cliff..."
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
:sob:
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Well, see. Then it's no problem!" Dusk grins. "Because my past isn't all that secret. It's in my past title after all."
She pauses and looks at everyone else. Well, I dunno about you guys.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
Primrose, who has absolutely been here the whole time and just strangely quiet bristles, her tail sticking straight up. "LOOKS LIKE IT'S TIME TO COMMIT SOME ARRESTS!"
"Uh -- I mean. Yeah? I don't have anything to hide."
GM11/12/2017
Early looks at Primrose. Just looks.
"I... I wish the police could do something. Nobody can do anything, because they have this bizarre faith in angels who come to them and choose them. I would never question! Anyone's faith! But something about their faith in angels, who are twisted and egotistic, screams... cruelity. Maybe this is all just some cruel angel's thesis."
And as we all know, especially Slot:
Angels are stupidly strong.
Or at least, too influential.
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"... but, I mean... we have our own eldritch Gods of the Deep, so..." Juno suggests. They're surprisingly religious?
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Oh yeah, he's our pal. I don't worship him though."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Yeah, Peanut could stomp some stupid angels barehanded any day!"
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Yeah!"
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
Slot goes unnaturally still at the mentions of angels. It's almost like he's become a statue really.
GM11/12/2017
"Deep Ones, huh..."
He considers this. He would never judge anyone's faith, he really wouldn't, but also that's a little creepy.
He keeps his thoughts to himself, rolling what Dusk had said earlier about her past in his mind. He still hasn't addressed that, has he...
"Ah—Slot. Is something wrong?"
Early is genuinely concerned, PLEASE DON'T TELL ME I HAVE TO WORRY OVER YOU, TOO!!
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"What?" That seems to snap Slot out of his fugue state. "Me? No, I'm fine. Everything's fine." Slot replies quickly, throwing on a smile that seems to be a little bit too big.
"I was just... thinking about something."
GM11/12/2017
:smile: :sweat_drops:
"Oh, I see! My mistake... there's a lot to think about..."
"By the way, Dusk... if your past doesn't trouble you, how did you lose your kingdom?"
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
..."That was me again..." Juno mumbles...
GM11/12/2017
Early blinks.
"...huh? You? Are you the Ruler's advisor? Acutally, um, if you don't mind me asking, what are your roles in the kingdom!"
Despite the intensity of the conversation, he seems to have lightened up a bit. His voice has some ease indicating he isn't that stressed. This is all intriguing though very concerning.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"I didn't lose a kingdom. "
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"I didn't authorize a kingdom to be lost!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
"Concubine." '-'
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
Just ignore all of them. They're in denial. Juno gathers up their courage to explain...!
"We're all Court Advisors. I was made to help expand and protect the Kingdom's interests. So, I'm pretty good at battle, and I look like my Creator's idea of the perfect balanced idol... but unfortunately, not very good at singing..."
GM11/12/2017
"O-o-oh!! This... explains a lot!!"
His face is bright red, he has HEARD TOO MUCH! Dusk is getting action! From the little bird guy!
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
She looks at Clima. "Really? Whoa."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"I didn't authorize a concubine, either! Dusk!"
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Then how did this happen! You better fix it!"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"I'LL FIX HIM ALRIGHT."
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"OKAY!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima holds onto Dusk's hand firmly and gives a nod.
GM11/12/2017
Early Rocklhurst has never met a concubine, or a kingdom this... pitiful and disorganized. He had asked for their help... AND NOW HE WANTS TO GIVE THEM HIS.
Focusing on Juno while they continue that conversation, he responds in a tighter tone.
"It's fine, Juno... I, I mean, singing isn't important to leading a kingdom..."
Climate Change11/12/2017
Who cares if Primrose beats him up.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Who is Clima a concubine to..." She wonders out loud.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Hey. Hey, Clima, come here." She just wants to talk.
GM11/12/2017
Early looks at Dusk.
:anguished:
He also is just. Baffled. That's a really good word for him, everyday, he's baffled by Primrose and Clima.
He's baffled by all.
He wants a drink.
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"It is though. It's important to Halation." JUNO IS SO MISERABLE. THEY SHOULD REALLY HAVE DUSK'S TITLE.
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"I really wish I had popcorn..." Slot says, watching this all go down.
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima looks to Primrose, sizes her up for a moment. Before kissing Dusk's hand.
Just the back of it.
"Don't worry about it, Dusk." He doesn't give much of an expression change, but maybe there's a little smile there?
"I'll be back."
Letting go of her hand, before making his way over to Primrose.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Uh-huh, okay." Waves a hand.
She just wanders off then...
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"So! Early!" Slot says, seeing how things are now going to progress. "Since this day has been somewhat of a bust...? How about we end it on a better note? Want to get a drink?"
GM11/12/2017
Early stammers.
"Y-y-yes... in fact, let me lead you guys to the Inn/Tavern. They have good drinks, food, and places to sleep... it's pretty late, and I... think I need a drink, also please don't fight in my house??"
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"I don't really know what's up with all that either." Juno admits, glad to at least find a compatriot in that regards, "Usually I just ignore it... can I come for drinks too?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
She reaches out to pat Clima on the head. "Who's fighting? I'm basically an expert on fighting and punching a bird in the gut until he coughs up a dowry isn't fighting!"
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"I'm afraid we can't make any promises about that, but we'll at least fix what happens. Maybe? Anyway, drinks!" Slot says, dragging Early out.
"Juno, you can come too."
GM11/12/2017
"Oh... Halation sure seems like a lively place..."
He lets himself get dragged out, and continues rambling.
"Ah, in the morning you can send a letter to your kingdom, or someone in it, the Post Office works wonders like that... and if you need any weapons or magical equipment, you can go to the Magic Shop..."
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima just waves his hand a little bit. The bigger problem probably is that he's still wearing Early's nice apparel dress? But like, whatever, he's ready to get beat up in it apparently.
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Oh, yeah, I guess so." She murmurs. "I worry about the people, I hope they're still okay..."
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"That sounds good...! I hope Solitaire and Domino aren't having a hard time." Juno agrees, also a bit worried. "And everyone at the temple... if there's a competing Cult, things might be bad..."
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
"Well . . . . I trust them! And if they don't like it, then I'm just not being a good enough ruler yet."
GM11/12/2017
Standing watch outside is none other than Bottle, who offered to remain on guard after he heard about—or rather, witnessed, the results of that "date."
It's dark, of course, and the stars are all sleeping peacefully. As before, the only place alit is the Inn/Tavern.
Juno the Natural11/12/2017
"Work hard, Dusk." Juno replies, very seriously, before turning and waving to Bottle! "Ah, hi! Again! We're back!"
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
Slot lets out a grin when he sees Bottle and lets out a wolf whistle before quickly making his way to his side.
GM11/12/2017
:relaxed:
Bottle hooks his arm with his, grinning from ear to ear himself.
Slut the Rumored11/12/2017
"We're going out for drinks, if you want to join us?" Slot says, looking up at him. "Might be a good time to spend some more time together."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Hey, Clima. Clima, hey. Guess what? Dusk is a strong, independent woman who! Doesn't! Need anyone! In a romantic sense!" God knows she needs help in every other part of life.
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima gives a nod. This is true.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"If you're gonna be anything to her you have to pay the price."
Dusk the Best11/12/2017
Dusk is probably just gonna chill by her cool self outside and stare at the cool darkness while everyone goes to have fun partying, flirting, and beating each other up.
Climate Change11/12/2017
He gives another nod.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
The price is your life.
Climate Change11/12/2017
One more nod.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Seriously! I'm going to kill you! Right now! Right here!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
He looks to her, sizes her up, and there's an indescribable look in his eyes -- some sort of silent judging, but his expression doesn't change.
"Dusk will be sad if you kill her friend."
That's all he says, really.
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
Her tail twitches, and she glares. "That's! True! Which is why! In lieu of your actual physical life! I'll just be taking your metaphorical life! Metaphorically!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
He shrugs again, sort of nodding but sort of not.
"That belongs to Dusk, sorry."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Not until you're worth belonging to Dusk! And since I'm the one who knows what's best for her, I'll be the judge of that!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
How ████████.
Climate Change11/12/2017
Clima gives a tilt of his head again, eyes owlish and wide, betraying nothing.
"So, how are you judging that?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"Monetary worth, loyalty, ability to protect her, and obviously you'll be subject to a thorough background check. After all that, she has to actually want a concubine and furthermore there's a lot of paperwork to fill out and -- anyways, so far you pass exactly one of those!"
Climate Change11/12/2017
Ah, there's something. Despite the conversation, there aren't any noticeable nonverbal tics from Clima - nothing like hands swaying or even moving at all, no fidgeting. Just a few blinks and a headtilt. It's only a little strange because his shoulders almost seem to slump, though his back is straight - rather, like his arms are dead weight. As he mulls this over - probably? - he presses his lips together in thought.
"Monetary worth. Is a kingdom enough to pass that?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
Primrose grins triumphantly, nodding. "As I thought, you're completely worthless as anything but a cute cook. Now go and apologize to Dusk for being an idiot before I eat you or som-- "
" -- wait what?"
Climate Change11/12/2017
His eyes don't stray from her face, and his expression doesn't change.
"A kingdom. The kingdom I hail from. Is that not enough for monetary worth?"
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
"You..."
She can't really talk, given her own ambitions -- instead she just tuts, shrugging. "Make it happen and we'll see."
Climate Change11/12/2017
His eyes narrow for a moment, before becoming a very slow blink.
Primrose, it turns out, is a little cute.
When he opens his eyes again, he has a different sparkle in his eyes - one familiar if she's seen him fawning over Dusk.
". . . I know I'm not very strong. But I'm working hard every day."
Honestly, this conversation is painful to have, like pulling teeth.
"I'll be strong enough one day that you'll approve of me. Until then, I'm fine with waiting for her."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
??? She doesn't like this? At least she ???won???. "...Good. Good! I'm looking forward to it."
She does manage a smile, turning to leave. "Let's go, shall we? We're probably missing Slot being cool or something."
Climate Change11/12/2017
He watches her expression, taking a long moment before -
The corners of his lips slowly turn up, into something like a smile. Something like a. . . smile. . . .
"Okay."
Primrose the Blessed11/12/2017
TIME TO FIND DUSK BEING ALONE WITH CLIMA TOO LONG IS DANGEROUS.
Climate Change11/12/2017
What a █████. . . .
Anyway, he's following after her!