Maya: Finally, someone with decency! Perihelion, see the regal stature of those introduced by Tist prime standing before you? This. This my unwashed and unlettered friend, is the bearing with which you should conduct yourself. Perihelion: They're dressed really nice, not sure about the weaponry. Perhaps their weapons are more suited to their prey? A small but evil smile begins creeping over Peri's face... May I show them my true form? My battle regalia is quite impressive. Perhaps I should put that on. I'll have to wash the blood of the dead from it...I guess. Maya: Stand down. We rendezvous on Proxima in less than four hours, or have you forgotten we're at war? Perihelion: Remind me again why I didn't rend you when I had the chance? Maya: *Grins* My blades blood brother, you know it was the blades. I'd suggest you respect the others, for their blades may outpace my own. Perihelion: Bah, it wasn't the blades I was worried about. It was your biogenic weapons and the swarm bots. I also thought you'd make a handsome pet. Maya: Oh, how the tables have turned.
Jasmine: All these weapons are making me nervous. Especially the strange...thing who keeps talking about eating us. Henrietta: Do not worry, Jasmine, if threat appears I shall summon the Royal Guard, and they are heavily armed. *Turns to Tist and co* My Lords and Ladies, it is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. It is as May said, you are most welcome here. I am Princess Maria Henrietta of Cavallia and these girls who stand with me, as you may guess from our mismatched clothing, I only met in this Chatroom. They are from different books than my own. You do indeed have such titles. As you can see, my own is quite short, but my father's Senior Ministers often have very long titles detailing all their duties. The proper mode of address for me is "Her Most Eminent and Royal Highness Princess Maria Henrietta, Ninth Child of His Most Eminent and Royal Majesty King Rodolpho of Cavallia", although as you can imagine, that is only trotted out on the most special of occasions, and on official documents. It surprises me that in a title so long, our family name, Babineaux-Vauquelin, is omitted. Elsie: Ignoring all that regalistic rubbish, do you have two wives? That is confusing. Do you have any more, or just them?
Oleg:*leering at the gnomes with nervousness, whispers to Yaroslav* Brother, remember what Dimitri told us about gnomes... Yaroslav:*whispers back*Yes, but I don't want to put everyone here more nervous. Oleg: I'm not dropping my sledgehammer. Period. Yaroslav: Okay, but let's keep them behind us, in case we need to do Whack-a-gnome. At least until they store their edges. *hides his sledgehammer behind, Oleg does the same* Stefania: *looking at the gnomes* Aww they're little people! Father hired some little special people for playing as Christmas Elves, but I had never seen ones this short! Nevermind, I'm sure they'll love my 'Queen of the Night' performance! Clara: *stands and grabs Stefania from the sleeve* We are leaving! Stefania:WHAT! How dare you-! Clara: I give a damn, I'm not staying around armed... 'people'! They'll have to imagine your performance! *Arguing and struggling, Clara manages to drag Stefania out of the room* Oleg: Well, at least the nastier critters around are gone. *to Vanna, after hearing Chelsea Dagger* Hey, that's a good one! I would love to play as good as that someday. *to Henrietta* And thank you for the warm welcome back, princess. We will be happy for you to know about those girl's family. Maybe in that way you'll understand why we loathe them so much. Yaroslav: Dunno, brother. There's a 'tabloid hack' near *stares at Wagner with suspicion*. I don't want for the yellow press to twist anything we say like they did with mister Nevsky. Oleg: *nods* Yes, that would be a shame. Grandfather says that the best place for a journo to go to get a story is 'under-ground', with emphasis in the last part *chuckles*. But maybe this one is different. Maybe he hasn't stabbed mister Blythe's back yet. Or maybe he's just stuffing him with bull like a turkey for thanksgiving, to trade his honor for a shitty Pulitzer. Yaroslav: Or maybe Jan himself could explain his family better. Look at there! *points towards a shaking bush at the far corner, from where a skinny ten year old boy wearing a brown ushanka, dirty gray shirt, brown pants and holed sneakers comes from it. He carries two dead rabbits tied at his belt* Jan: *to the twins* Guys, have you seen a sheep around? I found sheep footprints nearby, but they looked as if the sheep weighted at least half a ton. I'm puzzled and curious about the size of that animal... wait, what's this place? And... *notices the amount of people around, begins to sweat* Shit. Oh shit... I mean.. I see you later, better. *Jan attempts to escape, but the twins are faster and grab him by the sides, bringing him back* Yaroslav: Come on, we talked about this! No running away from people while we're around! Oleg: Present yourself and talk about your family. Then, we will help you to find the sheep. Jan: No way! There's too many... *glares puzzled at the gnomes, confused at Nixi and scared at Perihelion* people? *again at the gnomes* But what in earth are those...? And why there's a toilet in middle of the place?! Yaroslav: Forget the toilet, talk to the girls! They are talented and pretty. Elsie there *extends his hand to Elsie* has a cool puppy, and Mister Truman lend me his own Alphapup! They're neat! Jan: Alpha-what?! Oleg: Miss Nixi is a interesting and gentle person, and we have tools in case the gnomes gets out of control *shows sledgehammer*, so don't worry, we have your back... and your arms. Talk. Then we can go back to hunt. Jan: Fuck...
Archi': *Nod to Tia' in obvious approval : Fairness of the Hunt; May, the Wandering Serpent, I would comfort your Doyle the Thief, that the Knightly order of The Wolfhound only tracks down criminals and oathbreakers of gentle, noble, or royal blood, or those rulers who betra.. Tist' : *The little mans eyes glow amber: Hunt-friend.. No Battle?. No.. Food?. Archi': *The dragonmans frill and crest twitch in obvious startlement : No.. brother wolverine, spirit of my hunt friend.. No.. Hunt here. Sadly no food either. Tist' : *The little mans eyes return: Yes? I agree.. let's not do that again. *bows to May. Archi': *Nod to Tist' : .. or their minions in oath-breaking. To your un-human? friend.. among us we only have one full human. My Good wife Mistress Tia. My Dame Wife Seli', shares human blood.. who you have also met here. But un-human? my glade has a boundary near Bluebird-underhill court. The area is wandered by a Bounty-hunter an undead that has worked for the Jarls of the glade. Is that an un-human? Tist' : *Sigh: Sorry Sir Tik! everything else disappears. *another form appears stepping out from behind the in laminated plate of lavender and grey. two curved swords; long and short on his belt and a crossbow across his back. Sir Tik: Jarl Jenesis I might be the type of un-human they speak of, I am a clockwork soldier forged by the Gods for their wars with the Titanis gargantua. Squire Tist' it is fine I feel no broken bonds of command. I was assigned as marine legionnaire of the Battlemount Ship Mo(u)rning Star. Officer Maya.. on Proxima.. a ship. perhaps.
Doyle: Don't even try taking me in. I've more clever than the lot of you put together. I have stronger weapons to. May: There is no need to bow. I have no interest in such high respects. *To Tik* Actually, you are far closer to the truth than I expected. You see, Nixi was once a human, but was... modified into something else. So she was also forged to be used as a tool. Nixi: You make it sound awful... Basically, my right arm was taken and replaced with this new one, which can heal wounds. Whenever May talks about it, she makes me sound like some kind of monster. May: What's the problem? I used to be called a monster. It means you're like me! It's a compliment! Anyway, you don't have to call in your royal guard, Henri. I'm sure I can take whatever this 'regalia' thing is. Could be exciting. Doyle: Don't pick fights, May, or I'll have to tell Gabriel. *To Jan* Anyways, you don't have to be scared, most of us are fairly sensible people. Nixi ain't too bad, either. Nixi: Why am I being picked on, again?
Jarl Archi': Your Most Eminent and Royal Highness Princess Maria Henrietta, Ninth Child of His Most Eminent and Royal Majesty King Rodolpho of Cavallia, I am but a simple Jarl, the least of Earls, Barons of our lands have in their domains at least one village.. the greater nobles towns. A noble Jarl such as myself, shares the hamlet as my manor, with the hereditary gentles the baronet. but instead oversee the Pax personally an area of small settl. . . Tia': *to Elsie also ignoring the high falutin rigarmarol , Confusing No.. just the two of us.. Noble men are like a deep woods herb. You have to feed them special, care, codle, and pet them to keep them healthy and happy. I am no fancy lady.. or even a gentle Dame like my sister-wife, just a common good-wife and Missy of the Board. Tist': * Looking at the Twins.. One; what're dese Gnomes ya speak of.. are dey some kinda Lil-folk, . . oddly dis troubles me not, ta say Iza BrushLil.. Prefer not ta be seen by 'umans an other Big'ns.. xcept maybe Eldfolk and Fae. Tis so Odd, I wonder ifn it poses a chantment ta speak freely. Two: can see dose goose-honking hammers.. you'al pretending ta hide. an Three; Alpha Pup??.. you gotta child Heng captive, or ya Sib tenders ta a pack? and you.. Jan- I tink any self respecting sheep er Sib woulda run. ya talk like dat. Seli': *Smiling wryly.. Doyle the Thief.. Have you broken a royal..noble.. or gentle.. Oath of leadership? Though if you tried stealing in my Lord's lands breaking the pax he might be annoyed. He has often said their are many more ways of a good thief earning a living on the side of law then against it.
Oleg: *to Tist'* So, you see them?*shows the sledgehammers* Don't worry, they're just for protection. Once we start to understand the way you talk, we may put them aside. Not before. Our cousin Dimitri has told terrible things about gnomes, and we are supersticious. Jan: *tremulous voice to Doyle* My fear just happens, like my urge to run away from people. *to Tist'* I'm curious about animals, and I wanted to track and inspect that sheep. It's too heavy for being a normal sheep, even pregnant. Even if I'm a hunter, I don't want to harm her. Yaroslav: Mister Doyle here is also cool, and we think is kinda Irish, as mister Nevsky! I remember well, he's a thief. Oleg and me were thieves too at our sevens, but we left all of that behind. Jan is the good kid around! Jan: I'm not a good kid! *blushes in embarrassment* Oleg: When we arrived to our new town, we got lost and stumbled onto his backyard. Jan rescued us, fed us and helped to find home. He's our best friend in all the world. Jan: Guys... *gets sad* Yaroslav: That wasn't that hard, Jan! Now, tell them something about you. *Jan keeps silence for a moment, then speaks in lower voice* Jan: My father sent me to the nuthouse when I was nine. The nurses forced me into sugared shit medication or get a needle in the ass. A crazy kid strangled me, but they resuscitated me. And why? Because I can't stand that abusive pig that I must call 'Dad' and I prefer the forest, and to hunt and to be free! I'll never give a fuck about them! Unless he breaks another of my ribs again. *Oleg and Yaroslav look at Jan serious* Jan: *to Oleg* What? If people wants to know me, is best that I tell about that before mom does! She always humiliates me! *releases himself from the twin's grasp and crosses his arms* Oleg: I'm not scolding you. But you should start with something less intense. It works better for socializing. Yaroslav: And your mom loves you! Come on, princess Henrietta here wants to know about your family! Jan: Ugh... okay... *to Henrietta* I don't know what to tell you without looking like a jerk. Dad hates me because he is fat, lazy, drunk, rich and kicks the shit out of me because I don't respect him, because he's a bitch. I have six siblings. Stanislaw is sixteen, lazy and fat as 'Dad', but at least he doesn't hit that hard, because he's a pussy, but from now and then he kicks me when having a bad day. Stefania is a crazy bitch, obsessed with being an actress and spewing poison wherever she opens her mouth, but she likes better to remind me everyday how I do not belong anywhere. Clara has fourteen and doesn't give a shit about anyone but her, but because she wants to get everything that Stefania throws away, she fakes to be her lapdog, but in truth she's a snake too. About Casimir, my brother of fifteen, I have a collection with all the bruises and scraps he has provoked at me... once, he threw me at a blackberry bush while half-naked, and last week he pushed me from the stairs! Look! *raises his shirt and shows a purple bruise at his left ribs.* I still can't breath right from that one! And if not because Oleg and Yaroslav, his beatings would be even worse! Yaroslav: Yeah, we kicked the shit out of Casimir and Stanislaw! If auntie Mirjana hadn't interrupted us, now they would be feeding from a straw! Jan: Oh, about mom... her name is Mirjana, and is all the day at the phone caring about her business, to make 'Dad' rich and making others believe that they're the best parents in the world! I had to even pose for a fucking magazine of rich people to show our perfect rich family... I threw up all the noon after that, because I was grossed at their hypocrisy. At least the photos went good, and 'Dad' couldn't beat me. Oleg: *rubs Jan's shoulder* You are forgetting someone. Jan: I am not. Well, there are Cecilia and Kazia too. *Jan calms himself and gets a better mood* They are my little sisters. Kazia is seven, she's quiet and very smart. She's always neat and tidy, and gets her assignments done, and has never started a fight or being rebel at all. Cecilia is five years old, and she's, well, a spark of joy, always happy and moving around and playing with Kazia... them and Mihail are good friends by now. Yaroslav: Except that day Cecilia put Pyotr in a baby diaper. Mihail was furious, hehehe! Jan: *smiles for the first time* Yeah, that day was kinda funny. *to Henrietta* I don't know what else can I tell you about us... so, simply ask. I had never seen a princess before, so, I dunno what does interest you. Do you hunt?
Tist': * Looking at Jan and the Twins.. Air dere no Bush-lil.. Na.. Ya wouldn't see dem; No.. Hill er Vale-Lils?.. what dese Gnomes ya speak of Do? I be a Squire a da Order of Ill-Luck, ya know what dat means. Dose dat a threat ta Bush, Hill and Vale Lils.. an dose odder folk marked kiNd ones, er ruNe-marked Fryends. dose dat be threatened. We balance Ill Use with Ill-Luck.. Tist': *the gnome like mans eyes glow amber; ? No Fight? Tist': * Not looking at Jan and the Twins.. ; No fight.. sAd aCcident. *Looking at Jan and the Twins.. ; But What Fools dese Gnomes o' yourn ta let such happen. But Tink Nota dat as fear.. Bush-lils er da Hidden-folk.. ya be hidden too. If'n ya got no Il-lucks ta Balance of Tings. Seli': Calm Squire, you are more like your Spirit Brother Wolverine then most see. *Looking at Jan and the Twins.. ; His type of little folk are known for a vicious sense of humor. Few but the Elderfolk know it is due to the hidden littles like himself seeing secrets.. and their innate satisfaction at seeing balance. Sir Tik: * looking to May and Nixi: Yes, I see.. you faced change, from Human to not all. I understand.. I was made Eons ago.. and served on Mo(u)rning Star. Doing the same Patrol we were assigned before the God's abandoned Thronespace and the throne of the Gods. Finally after all this time, a new god took the high throne. A divine minion assigned to Captain the Mourning Star's spy boat. And I assigned to this new duty on it.. Travel to strange spheres and on strange streams, and fall prey to a faery princesses curse.. a simple mundane clockwork marine. At a moment of damage, my Thrall was all but broken. Only the Minion could stop it.. or free me. He did neither.. as I could not choose. Now I am a Minor hero, an Imperial Samurai, and Shadow Warrior. freed enough to contract as Samurai under the Princesses curse, but as Shadow warrior serving the high Throne as of old. How can I speak these things in this manner, and Honor not broken? Jarl Archi': It seems the power of this place, as if I when cast a truth telling spell in my Orders Hunt, those minions who are forced to speak it are exempt from prosecution. this is a place of greater judgment then what we face. I thought that the fae letters of march and reprisal were of the lady Earl of Bluebird underhills court? Not.. the Princess of the Butterfly Court's.
Doyle: How... how do you put Pyotr in a diaper? He's a bit too big for pull-ups. 'Mommy wow, I'm a big man-eating monster now!' Nixi: Well, Tik, I can't really relate. I'm actually pretty happy with my new arm, it's helped me more than I can say. I'd probably be dead if I didn't have it. May: A weird sheep, huh? And you guys're from Anton's world... Ah, yeah, that sheep. I think I know that sheep. Good person, not a good sheep. Doyle: ... Okay, I'm just going to ignore May for now. Oleg, Yaro, if you want, I can teach you how to be proper thieves. You'll need to know the basics: how to lie; how to cheat; how to stab someone; how to control your crew; et cetera. Nixi: Please don't turn innocent children into thieves.
Yaroslav:*to Doyle* Mister, Pyotr is a Dino-plush. I mean, it's big for a plush, but not like a true dinosaur! Jan: Yeah, a plush...*looks to another side avoiding Yaroslav's eyes with concern* Yaroslav: *again to Doyle* You know how little girls are, seeing babies even from Dino-plushes! Cecilia even dressed Pyotr with a baby bib and cap, and Mihail threw a tantrum, so she agreed to remove them, but to keep the diaper for a while. Mihail wasn't happy, but at least they reached to an agreement. And by the way, call me Slava, that's my nickname. Oleg has a nickname larger than his name, so he's alright with just Oleg! Jan: *to May* Oh, so you saw the sheep? You confuse me a bit with the 'good person' comment. Maybe sheep are people on your home, so I won't judge. But why people would call you a monster? You look fearsome, but kind. And you don't smell bad at all... I mean, I'm not saying that you stink, or, what I mean, ahem *sweats*, is that- Oleg: *to May* Jan has a very sensitive nose. He can feel scents we can't, and he even judges people by how they smell. It's awesome and weird at the same time. *to Doyle* I appreciate you offer, mister Doyle, but we left that life behind for good. And we don't want to go back there. Did you choose to be a thief by your own, or you were forced into? Yaroslav: We were thieves by choice *a bit ashamed*, well, more precisely, I chose to be a thief and Oleshka followed me. He would follow me whatever I do. And we were trained by Papa to fight, but he didn't know that we were stealing or robbing other kids. Dimitri, our cousin, taught us a lot of what mister Doyle says. Let's see... we were quite straightforward when we robbed other kids, so I guess we don't lie very well; also, we weren't very good at cheating... Oleg: I stole a Popsicle once from a candy store, so I guess we're okay with cheating. Yaroslav: Of course! Now, about stabbing someone... well... yeah, we did. It was for self-defense, and they were our cousins, but yeah, we stabbed people, so we know how to. About crew, Oleshka is the only one who I would ever trust for something so ugly as robbing people, so we're not that good on that, unless it's about scaring others into submission. But, as we said, all that's left behind. We try to be decent now. Oleg:*to Nixi* I hope it hasn't been a shock for you to know that we weren't that innocent. We were too stupid at the time to realize how mean we were being to others. Maybe we learn a way to make amends for the past. I wonder how many people you have helped with your special arm? You must be very respected for having a skill like that. Jan: *to Nixi* Yeah, can you fix my brain, so I don't feel so paranoid most of the time? Or at least help my rib. It hurts like hell, and I really want to pursue that weird sheep wherever it went.
Truman: *to boys* Slava, if you let Jan hold Alphapup, It will transform into a medical unit and service his wounds. It will also check the previous injuries. Jan, it can also read signals in your brain, and explain what it finds. It wouldn't 'fix' your brain directly, but it will help you understand what's going on. None of the process hurts, it will feel good, actually. You are a person. It is your choice, boys. Alphapup: *looks at Jan, wriggles and wags tail* Errf!
May: Well, Jan, that's an easy one. Power is corrupting, and, when someone who can't handle it gets too much, power is uncontrollable. I couldn't handle it back then. I'm better now, thanks to Gabriel's training. Nixi: It's okay, Truman, I don't do enough, anyway. I will need you to stay still, Jan. *Walks up to Jan and puts her right hand on his chest* This might be a bit weird, but I'm sure you're used to that. *Her arm glows for a minute, then she steps back* How's that? Doyle: Well, Oleg, thieving is like a job for me. I was taught by my parents when I was young. I didn't like the idea back then but, if you can do something well, you might as well make a living out of it, right? You two should consider thieving again. There are a lot of people who don't need all of things they own.
Jan: *to May* I think I understand that. Guess happens the same with money and drunk people? You must have trained hard to regain control of yourself. Dunno if I could hold myself with your power. In fact, I think I wouldn't. It would be cool to go to my school and have a talk with my sport's teacher, having your power... yeah...*Jan's face darkens* *Jan waits for Nixi to finish her procedure, nervous due her proximity. After done, he checks his own chest and the bruises are gone* Jan: *to Nixi* Wow, that's amazing! Thank you. I can breathe even better than before the bruise! I felt a warmth, not unpleasant at all. *searches inside a pouch attached at his belt, and draws a tiny plastic container that offers to Nixi* Here, have this from me. It's a floral extract I use for swell and bruises. I distilled it myself at my bush, as my grandpa taught me to make. It smells like wild flowers, so it's good for a perfume too, I guess. Oleg: *to Doyle* We know. There are some days that we are itching for having some new stuff, specially now with all those shiny cellphones and toys. Maybe for Misha to have some- Yaroslav: *to Doyle also, interrupting Oleg* Sorry, but we made a promise, and we keep our word. We don't want for Mihail to go through what we did by our example. *looks at Alphapup, and asks Truman* Mister, can you reattach the bandura to Alphapup after Jan finishes to play with him? I guess we have good live music to cover for us, with Vanna and the bards over there. Meanwhile, *grabs Alphapup with care* Here, Jan! Hold the puppy! Jan: *raises an eyebrow* Are you serious? Yaroslav: Come on, what's the worst that could happen? He's all cuddly and cool! He even doesn't have fleas! And maybe he can give you some answers about your head! Jan: *looks at the puppy with suspicion, then gives a sigh* Alright, let me carry him for a while. *takes Alphapup* Do I have to pet him, or feed him or something? He is... kind of cool actually.
Missy Tia; *moves closer to @Elsie; Drakonic men such as my Archi, take even more special feed'n, But at least he likes good food. *grins at Archi's run on about the Glen* Sir Tik: * looking to Jarl Archi and Henrietta: My Keelboat captain is.. friends.. with Gods, he said that the power that called my Talent to rise was no Noble fae.. but full blown Royal court. But yes.. the companions letters of Marche and Reprial, are from the Lady of Bluebird Underhill. Sir Tik: * turning look at Nixi and Doyle: Good Nixi and Master Doyle; The Thieves guide supplies some of the best long recon, skirmish troops, the Knights of the Land, are better of the roads, but in settlement, road and farmland.. What you call Thieves find honorable profession.. with the military. And Good Nixi it is well you are happy with your change in aspect. Tist': *looks changing from outrage, to sudden puzzlement; Jan are you a Heng? .. Shifter.. What you say-a scents read'n is common among dem, might even explain lik'n fer animals.. the Sibs. Tist': To Truman, Jan and the Twins; I thought dis Alphapup was a Sib.. Err.. a Pet..The Big'ns call'm. Transform.. Dis Alphapup be a Heng.. or is dis hus'Lil.. 'Brownie' work. Clock work like Sir Tik.. or mixed Heng and clockwork like goodfolk Nixi? Wild wood Jan.. don tink'a dis as paranoid; Yah see how I dress. dis ain't BushLil wear, It be Vale'Lil' clothes. Most Bush Lils are terrified ta be out n the open like dis, can pass as'a Vale'Lils and feel safe. Da Hiddenfolk, we be like most minds, paranoid.. That just be our peoples way.
*The bayan sprouts legs and walks to Jan, and turns into a pilsbury doughboy doll *: I can become a ball or rejoin Alpphapup, or assume any form at your command. Truman (to Jan): Alphapup is a piece of Alpha here. Alpha! Detach all units. Alpha: Woof! Rrff! *stands and sags as it pops into two mag-moebas, then each pops into three more mini-moebas. Each forms into a doll. Six doll-moebas now stand in a line* Alpha-dolls (in chorus): Please state mission and parameters. Truman: Public relations and service, free form... Mark! Alpha-dolls (in chorus): Beginning mission. *the dolls turn and run around, cleaning tables, setting chairs, shining shoes, pouring coffee. They hop on each other, dance, throw each other up to tables. One gets tossed up on the bar. It turns into a blob that covers the bar as it wipes up spills, picks up empty glasses, trash, and cocktail napkins. Each dish gets engulfed, and a shimmering sterilizes it. Everything is put in order in fifteen seconds. The trash inside the moeba shimmers and turns to ash. The doll ejects the ash into the trashcan, then hops over the bar to rejoin the other dolls. They play and serve and clean* Truman: Alpha-doll-6, Ball! *one of the dolls squishes into a ball. The others play with it*
Vanna: What is going on? Elsie: They need to get away from my shoes! *Stands on chair* I don't like them, they're uncanny! Vina, go on, girl! Chase them away! Henrietta: May I join you on those chairs? *Climbs up onto a table and sits down with her legs tucked under her* I cannot think what my bonne d'enfants would say if she saw me sitting thus, but I cannot abide those terrifying creatures. Jasmine: Mr. Truman, can you make them turn back into a dog? Henrietta: So, Sir Tik, Tist, and all your companions, perhaps you could explain some things to me. What are BushLils and ValeLils? And what do your duties entail? And Tist, are your wives also your servants? I am rather confused. Surely the wives of such a high-ranking gentleman as yourself should not have to toil in the kitchen? Vanna: As someone who has lived on several council estates, I have to say that was the most tactless thing you could possibly have said.
Nixi: *Jumps away from the dolls and into May's arms.* May: *Closes her eyes and a crate appears next to her. She then tosses Nixi on top of it.* Oh, come on, Nixi, it's not like they're hurtin' anyone. Nixi: They're so creepy! They're like little Guardians, scurrying around absorbing whatever they want! Doyle: I think they're pretty useful. Hey, Truman, how do I get some of these for myself? May: Not happening, Gabriel told us that we can't take anything from here. I'm not even sure if we can. By the way, Jan, if you want, I can ask Gabriel if he'll teach ya about power. Maybe he'll even let you learn some of it. Doyle: *To Yaroslav* Yeah, okay. I get that it's not as appealing to some people, but it's not like it's an inherently bad thing. I only steal from the people who have a chance at stopping me. No honor, no fun, no glory in stealing from defenseless people, you know how it goes. Nixi: It's still wrong, Doyle... Actually, Tik, what's a 'Heng?' It sounds kind of insulting, but I don't think you'd insult me.
Alpha-ball (rolls over to girls and sprouts two legs, hops on chair, and makes sounds at): Ppppfft! Eee hee! Alpha-dolls all begin to chase Alpha ball around, trying to catch it. It squeaks as they back it into a corner. Alpha-dolls: Ahaa! *as they close in, Alpha-ball sprouts arms to steady itself in the corner. It's feet slide as it attempts to back up, with nowhere to go...* Eh heh heh Alpha-ball (feet kick as it turns left, right... suddenly stands as they reach for it): Eeeyaaaa! *jumps between first two dolls, then lands on last three heads* Boink! Bink! Bong!! *lands behind them, hops, and waves little arms* Eee hee! Alpha-pup (wriggles, wags tail): Rrf! Errf!
Tist'; *The little Gnomish man in his fancy dress, Eyes flash with the glow for just a moment: Hey-a Brother.. What Frostfire-on-the-Moss: * and a peasant girl dressed fully in leather and furred, peasant blouse, skirt, and coif, appears looking rather startled. but noticing the music grins, staring to sway casing actual silver jingles, decorating her gorgeously beaded skirt, pulls a staff hung with bells and a built in drum, out of mid air and starts to dance to the music, her own "instruments" joining the accompaniment. Jarl Archi: *The Golden scaled lord nods his drakonic head*: Yes.. Master Jan, ?Dame? Maya is correct Power is always a struggle.. My order of Knighthood investigates those who have given up that struggle with power and wield it for Ill. The personal Power I have in my Noble Fee of Jenisi Glade is substantial even to life and death. but honor and law limit its application. Tia': *Standing near Elsie, Draws a wicked looking butcher knife and suddenly has the heavy cast iron ladle in the other again, and steps between the Women and the oddly scampering creatures. murmuring suggestions of household chores the could carryout farther from the human women. Tist': *the little Nods pleasantly, then suddenly looks gob smacked, and sputters.* Jarl Archi; His crocodilian jaws smiles a long toothy grin that Could look predatory, only the cast of his golden yellow fringe, quills, and crest, appear humorous for some reason. Dame Seli': who had taken over the duty of Missy Tia', with rather more elan, suggesting little chores one of which was clambering onto Jarl-lord Archi, and retailoring his embroidered kilt and vest, while still on him. a wicked grin on her face. face blanks for a moment. Then struggles to over come giggles.* : Your Highness Babineaux-Vauquelin, .. I believe there has been some understandable confusion here. Lord-esquire Tist' is the Squire of my Lord and husband Jarl of Jenesis Glade Archi'. Both ARE Nobles in their own Right.. not of gentle class. The laws of Archi's drakonic folk are strict, as the survival of the race requires careful matching of couples of their race to guarantee ANY chance of young.. but the sign of such is a condition that makes.. Thought difficult in each others presence. So living with a Wife Major, is not done. Any children that we might bear, as Wives Minors would be as our own class. In my case if I may speak frankly a child would be Gentle class myself and be all but guaranteed a knighthood, which would not without noble husband. Missy.. Mistress Tia.. is of the Good folk class and while no law compels, a child's ease of entry into guild and mastery or noble household as a page would be likely. Missy Tia: *in a quiet aside to Elsie; I been work'n with wise women, and herbal midwives to see about feeding Archi up with special foods to.. improve chances, of little ones. Sir Tik; *The Clockwork samurai adds*; I myself am but newly Gentle folk class due to the infestation in me of heroic talent. But it is normal in Dame Seli's land that different positions of service may fall to different classes. My investigations of the glade uncovered that Dame Seli is Castilian-steward of his manor and personal valet to Lord-jarl Archi. Valet would be issue for any woman but wife, While Mistress Tie was know full well for her cooking in her Uncles Tavern, as well as the quickness of her temper with the ladle of her office as master cook. It is said of the Keelboatmen that frequent the Tavern that Jarl Archi's greatest quest was to brave her temper to offer marriage, with Dame Seli by his side. Frostfire-on-the-Moss; *Stopped dancing with her instruments.. and interjected. Her furred cat eared coif, had loosened and unbeknownst to her a coil of hair as red as Dame Seli's snaked down her back, but hair that glittered in the light as if made of rubies*: Lair Chieftess Henrietta, There are many different fascinating different types of Two-foot in our world, some time so many it is hard to name them. The Little folks are just that Little people of many types. The Long-nosed Tist'#$^^*^&, is of noble clan of the Bush'Lil, or Littles of the Bush; also called the "hidden ones". they are closely related to the Littles of the Vale.. Only in coloration and smaller sized are they physically different. Both love the animals they live with as children and call them Sibs. There are other Little folk tribes.. the "Little Friends"; Alf friends, Troll friends, even Brownies who would be called Little Friends of LiLs if it wasn't too confusing. There are little-gobblers of the Goblin-folk tribe, the Warren-littles, called by Dragonfolk the Loyal ones who are not pleasant at all, though they appear dull and muted versions of Earl Jenesis Glade. All are Called Little-ones.. even some very tiny folk. Sir Tik; *Nodded* it is much as the Wildwood barbarian explained there are many different folk, The Heng.. are shape shifters, some are humans that take a beast shape, some animals that take man shape. It is said that final is the nature of the True hengeyokai, my Master and Magistrate is such a Lion monkey Heng, who has started to follow the Arch-lord larch of the Throne of Reflection, as a Cleric priest. Others are bound to the moon and if a non-hero mundae seeks to fight them without the wounds quickly disappearing need silvered weapons.
*bayan part has rejoined to Alpha-pup in stealth, and the puppy is now full size again* Alpha-pup (wagging tail as it watches dolls play): Errf! Rrf! *licks Jan* Schlrp Schlrp. *Alpha-ball rolls to Jan and stands, then hops* Eeee Hee!
Niki: *To Tik* Ah, shapeshifters, then? I'll just assume that you meant it in a metaphorical way. Doyle: I should get going. I've got a date in a couple hours and I should start getting ready. *Leaves* Niki: Ah, he could've at least give a proper goodbye. Well, I'll be honest, I'm kind of tired right now. I think I'll go back to the ship and sleep a bit. Goodbye, guys and gals. *Leaves* May: Huh, I'm gettin' that feeling when you feel like something's already happened, bein' left alone in the room and all. Actually, I'm surprised I haven't asked yet, but what kind of creatures and monsters do you guys have in your stories? Maybe I'll visit and take a couple on.
Truman: Just the usual post-disaster stuff, escaped zoo animals, lions, bears, anything that wasn't turned into a chees-grater by the fragment strike. Aside from Grisly, wild moose are probably the most dangerous. Kinda sad to see Alpha wrap em up like a rodeo calf, though. Oh well, didn't hurt em, just left em pissed off.
Frett: This conversation has taken a frightful turn, but from here, what can we learn? Complicated stories are hard to follow, what goes on in this room, for knowledge of this, is not my boon. A full house of shapeshifter, a collection of girls, a group of impressive looking adventurers and me, oh my, oh my friends can't you see. This is where I leave, for these many people, is too many for tea.
May: Well, Frett, I guess we've all gotta leave sometime. But ya have to admit that you didn't really talk much, anyway. That's a shame, Truman. To be honest, we haven't seen hide or tail of Gem anywhere, and I'm startin' to get unhinged. I've been so bored, I've even had to resort to teachin' Nix how to fight, but that got old a while ago, too! Maybe I should pick a fight with Gabriel, he's pretty antsy, too... Actually, how do you not get stupidly bored, bein' stuck in this room and all?
Truman: Well, May, imagine having the shattered world dumped on your shoulders, just about when you were fed up, and ready for your service to be done. Surprize! Yer the Tyrant of the world! That retirement becomes a life sentence of pulling 20-45yr old children out of their dream world, kicking and screamng. They kept me alive for... well I stopped counting at 88, they wouldn't tell me. I know we were on gen-7 when we finally got our shit completely together - maybe too completely together. That's when all the weird shit started, like the Dream Entity, and the Mind Jihad. All that preparation and protection from Seeker, and then Seeker told us we had to choose our fate. I had chosen death decades ago, but Seeker and I... we were both Father to each other, and Child. The promise Seeker made to let me die was fulfilled, but we were already a symbiosis, so I slept, relieved. When Seeker became Eternal, it found this place, my lost retirement. Here is a place where I can just exist as a person. Horrors and Exultations have passed behind me. You touch the ethereal, in a way. This isn't a room, is it? It will never be boring to me. Have you ever had a good single-malt whiskey, straight up? *holds up glass* Nuthin better...
