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dawllick · 14 days

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Have a random blurb (Lucy pov only, more of a character study maybe…)

Lucy and the ghoul spend time together, they have to going on the worlds most bizarre road trip.

And she thinks he’s going to be cruel to her, as he has this far. She’s mentally prepped herself for it.

But what she doesn’t realize is that she’s been the first bit of pure humanity he has had in a while. She had unintentionally breathed some life back into him.

This doesn’t make him nice, he still swears, teases, and even threatens her still. But the threats are empty and they both know it.

She doesn’t know when she starts to think of him more, but she knows she is when she’s asking for his name. He hesitates to give it, or maybe he doesn’t remember. She gets no response.

Lucy spends more and more time with him. Sometimes they sit in silence, comfortable in it. Other times they bicker, and on slim occasions they argue. But every once in a while, Lucy gets him to talking about before.

Not about family, but other things. She asks him about animals, cars, music, and other things that died out. He will start off nonchalant but have a spark of joy in his voice as he rambles on.

Lucy gets him to laugh once, and not to mock her. It’s funny, his raspy laugh makes her smile. She knows it’s a rare moment, and a small part of her is thrilled she made him happy. Small victories.

Funnily enough, she finds herself liking various aspects about him. His brutal honesty hurts, but she’s so appreciative of it. His way of letting her handle herself, especially in a tight spot.

But she also enjoys the moments where, she does need his help. He intervenes only when necessary, he’s verbally terrified people who looked at her with malicious intent.

“They were gonna harvest ya.” He’d say with grim confidence.

It’s when he realizes they need to leave a bad situation that she knows more has come to her heart. She talks the people down and as they turn to leave his hand ever so lightly goes to her lower back. He does not grab or place his hand, but his glove rubs against the fabric of her suit.

It sends a delightful chill through her.

Lucy chops it down to them being on the road, and getting out of a dangerous situation.

But later, they pass through a town. And it’s no different, same looks of her, a vault dweller traveling with a ghoul. He walks a little closer, and occasionally puts a hand on her shoulder while looking around.

It’s not a grand gesture, but it still comes off so damn intimate.

That same night Lucy can’t sleep, her heart and mind race with new thoughts, new implications. Did she have feelings? Were they returned? She knew they didn’t have time for this. Lucy for once does not try to initiate with the ghoul. She’s afraid she would spook him.

The next morning she lies and says she couldn’t sleep due to the chill of the night air. The ghoul shrugs and tells her she’s welcome to sleep closer to him, as his body temp runs high due to his condition. She would just need to have a stash of rad-away.

She feels silly, because she isn’t going to turn that proposition down. She also needs to remember how to act calm. She hits him with her most convincing line and a smile.

“Okie dokie.”

Sleeping, rather trying to sleep next to the ghoul was harder than anticipated. The dog had grown attached to him, and tried to wriggle her way between them. Lucy doesn’t mind, she finds it cute and feels better with the dog there.

But she can feel his warmth, and smell the leather, the smoke, and something else. When her head starts to droop, she tries to not pass out on his shoulder.

Instead she wakes up and they are tangled, but more so from her doing. She wakes to find her head in the crook of his neck, one hand splayed on his chest. Lucy has also hooked one leg across, and between his legs.

She looks up to find him still sleeping, hat pushed forward. His jacket is laid across her, and his right arm is lazily wrapped around her shoulder.

It’s here where Lucy accepts she does have feelings for him. But she’s not saying anything until they get to their destination. And the sad thing is, Lucy doesn’t know if he feels anything back. And for once, she doesn’t plan on asking.

It becomes their new routine, sleeping next to each other. And for the most part, it’s Lucy trying to pull him closer. He says nothing, and places one arm on her. The novelty wears off, and she gets comfortable.

Everyday is a danger in the wastelands. People would try to kill you, animals, the weather, and hell even your own body.

Lucy remembers falling asleep, but she wakes up insanely groggy. She feels wrong.

The ghoul is hovering over her, and is holding her face. He’s speaking, but it’s muffled. He pulls a tranquilizer from her shoulder.

“Lucy!” His voice breaks through. Not killer, not sweetheart, not darlin’, Lucy. She smiles and reaches up to his face with her hand. He looks bothered, and stands up before she can reach him.

He leaves her, and she doesn’t know how long. Dogmeat is there. Lucy can hear loud things happening. The fog she was in begins to fade. Gunshots echo all around, screams reverberate, and the only thing missing is the ghoul doing his usual banter.

Lucy feels fear as she realizes he must be hurt, and she wills her body up. It’s slow, but she gets there.

Dogmeat walks in front as Lucy stumbles, holding to the wall for support. The gunshots getting closer.

And she finds him, and he’s alive and upright. A look of fury on his face. He doesn’t see her, but someone else does. Whoever it is grabs her ponytail, and forces her to her knees. She lets out a yelp, and the world shifts as she lands.

The fog was still clearing, and her body didn’t feel like hers. She didn’t know how to move it, or she would be kicking this person’s ass.

The yelp brought attention to her though.

“Lucy.” The ghoul breathes, before baring his teeth. A low growl rumbles from him.

“Do as I say or-” whoever it is that had her hair, starts but stops as the ghoul whips his gun and shoots him. No playing around. The body falls with a thud, and their weapon falls away.

He rushes towards Lucy, his face softening. He doesn’t say anything while helping her stand up. He tries to step back but she doesn’t let him. She pulls him in for an embrace, he is surprised by the motion. But she finds his arms wrapping around her.

In the remaining fog, she doesn’t know who needed the hug more.

But the ghoul changes, he starts to revert back. He’s quiet, he doesn’t put his arm around her, and in public he barely acknowledges her.

Lucy hates it, and wants to confront him. He doesn’t give her a chance. He scours and tells her to “fuck off”, he threatens her and there’s an edge in his voice.

Lucy goes back to sleeping alone, and her dreams become vivid. She dreams of the vault, her brother, her dad, her mom, but worst, her wedding night.

Some of them have her wake up, crying. Tears rolling down and chilling her face. She misses her mother, her brother, and partially her father. Or rather the version of him she knew before.

She should have known back on her wedding night. Seen the signs.

One night she doesn’t dream, she has a nightmare.

Lucy feels herself open her eyes, but she’s back in her home. The vault. It’s freshly cleaned, and ready for her. And Monty. She looks down, and gasps. She’s back in the wedding dress.

The dress is rumpled, but it’s clean. She needs to leave she knows what happens next.

Lucy tries with all her might, but she can’t move. Her breathing speeds up, and she can’t scream for help either. The false moonlight filters in the room, and for a moment she thinks she is alone.

But she can’t see in the shadows.

A lithe figure steps from the shadows. Monty, his face fine. But he looked wrong. He shouldn’t be alive.

“Lucy, did you think you would get a happily ever after?” He says, keeping a intense stare on her. She can’t speak, but a strangled sob leaves her. Her body refuses to move for her.

As Monty advances, a new figure appears in the room. She keeps her eyes on Monty, one thing at a time.

She watches as he slowly crawls up the bed, and his features distort, taking on a haunted appearance. His flesh began to sag and turn, making him look dead.

“Don’t worry honey. I’ll keep us safe. This is our home.” Her fathers voice says from the shadows. Monty recoils and faces her father, who uses the shovel again to attack Monty.

With a sick smack, Monty falls and stays down. Hank looks at his daughter, and a flurry of emotions swirl in his eyes. Rage, bitterness, sadness, fear, and love.

Before the nightmare can progress, Lucy wakes up, gasping, crying. The ghoul is holding her, and she sags with relief. She cries for a few minutes. Her tears were from the nightmare, from anger, frustration, and sadness.

“You alright?” He asks, when her breath for the most part evens out.

“You’ve avoided me. Been mean again. Why?” She asks, she’s not expecting a confession but she would like a friendship or basis for one at least. She doesn’t answer him because they both know she isn’t alright.

He shifts and tries to get up.

“You’re fine. Go on.” He says, and he’s trying to get rid of her.

Damn spooking him, Lucy was tired of it. She holds onto him.

“Why are you trying to get rid of me? What did I do?” She says, anger rising in her tone.

“Sweetheart you better let go and drop it.” He warns and grabs her shoulders.

“Maybe I don’t want to!” She yells.

“Yeah? And why not? Are you so ignorant to see you aren’t wanted?” He growls out. She bristles.

“Are you so ignorant to not see that I want you?” She seethes and it’s like he’s been shot. Lucy holds his gaze, and he goes quiet. The menacing look and sternness gone.

“I don’t even know you’re name, but I want to be with you. I want to see you smile, like really smile! I want to hear you laugh, I want to know your name, and say it, scream it at you. I want to hold and be held, I-” she rants trying to get her point across.

His lips find hers in a deft move. It’s sudden.

He pulls her close, her chest pressing hard against his. His hands grasping at her through her suit hungrily. Her hands grasp just as desperately at him.

He kisses her, and the kiss is a little rough. But it’s in character for him, he wasn’t the type to be gentle. Lucy knew what she was getting herself into. They kiss, and she doesn’t know how long she holds onto him. But he pulls back so she can breathe.

Her head falls into his shoulder, and he’s panting a bit as well.

“M’name is Cooper.” He tells her.

#my writing #it’s eh but wheeee #vaultghoul #ghoulcy #lucy maclean #the ghoul #cooper howard #no beta btw so if you see any errors…no you didn’t

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dndfuckhouse · 2 years

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Session 43 - A Mystery In Greenpea

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> 🎵 Phosbat Cave (One or Two Bulbs on, Phosbat Near (In the Dark)) / Pikmin 3 OST

Centering back on the situation at hand, the party find themselves in conversation with Botty, a witch and apparent owner of the giant wolf, Benny. After some fraught discussion and mention of their reason for heading through the outskirts, Botty gives the idea some thought and speaks.

Botty: “-BUT if you want someone messing with blood in greenpea lately, then i can think of two names that come to mind”

She flicks up two gnarled fingers beside her head to punctuate her point, before continuing.

Botty: “one, a tiefling, called Kyzer. he’s situated a little on the outskirts of the town, ive met him and his coven once or twice. they like to mess about with blood and veins, though ive only seen their work on display on themselves” she gives a crooked grin “he’s a farmer... mostly, i think, he’s never told me much about where he gets his things. his shack’s not too hard to find if you know it, things covered in vines and greenery, bit unruly if you ask me...”

She snickers but gives the group some more precise directions to him and his hidden plot near Greenpea, then goes on.

Botty: “two, half orc woman, named Doreni Thort. you’ll recognise her by the scars on her throat” she taps her own to illustrate, as she does Vinny makes a face as if noticing something, as he puts a hand to his mouth to think Botty goes on “-did something with her vocal chords, far as i could tell she etched something into her skin, makes her words carry funny powers. you’d think she’d be fun from that description but she’s veeeeeeeerry uptight. think she’s got plans to re-enter polite society but ive got my doubts on how that’ll work out” botty shakes her head cackling “she’s a bit harder to find, her place is behind an illusion door in an alleyway”

Botty informs the party of the exact location of the door in Greenpea with startling specificity, the door is a dark green but once you tap it thrice and whisper the words ‘hello, songbird!’ it will allow them entry.

Botty: “she’ll know your coming in if you’re scared of startling her” she snickers again Cimmorro: he listens in to botty speak and takes note of vinny's reaction to doreni tho Keva: "both sound like a bad idea" keva says outright Plum: “agreed” Finn: "and yet, we have no choice but to investigate.... shall we split up? i believe that'd be far more efficient” Keva: she mumbles under her breath "don't we tho" at no one in particular... she's already here but she's not going to like it Han: "i dont wanna split cause i wanna see both cool witch" 🥺 Plum: "honestly kind of same" plum says Han: han makes extra puppy eyes at plum

Psalm: "Do you all want to rest up first before heading out or should we just get going?" Rokka: "yeah all that walking and fighting is tiring !" Keva: to botty keva asks, "how far are the two away from each other?" Botty: she puts her hands on her hips and hmms "eh, 15 minute walk maybe" Plum: "someone help me up plz" plum says reaching up a hand, still loopy from being bowled over by a house last session Han: picks up plum in one hand Plum: [deadpan voice] wheeee

Cimmorro: "need i remind you that we got split up just now and vinny got mauled by a large animal" Finn: "the situation was resolved, i believe there is no more need to fret so 🙄" he sighs "or do you believe ms botty would still put us through more trials after we've made such pleasant acquaintances?" Botty: “i dont even know yer names" she cackles Vinny: "speaking of....you also nearly got mauled didn't you" he stares at your bite wound Cimmorro: cimm just looks at vinny like :| "yes i am bleeding" Finn: "oh this?" he chuckles "this is simply the life of a warrior such as i..." there is an air of unearned smugness around him Vinny: he looks at finn and strokes his chin as he says that "....i see, well then" then he lifts his hands briefly and pats them on cimmorro's back, you feel a warmth flow through you briefly [hitpoints regained] Cimmorro: "ah no you don't have to- oh. okay." he stretches his shoulder briefly for good measure and goes "thanks :D let me return the favor" he pats the torn parts of vinny's clothes to cast mending Finn: finn doesnt say anything but there is homophobia in his eyes ever so briefly Cimmorro: hes about to say a slur) Vinny: "oh, thank you! i probably would have forgotten..." he looks at both you and finn casts mending on both of you for good measure Finn: finn almost feels bad for having felt so strongly about vinnys and cimms interactions, however he feels entirely entitled to this treatment and believes its the least vinny can do after hes saved him. so he acknowledges this gesture with a nod

Cimmorro: "the situation is resolved so now we are trying to look for trouble? sorry but i'm not stupid" Finn: "oh and surely we'll find these curious actors amenable when we engage them as such a large group?" Cimmorro: "look i'm not going to argue with you. if you have a death wish then be my guest. i plan to go home in one piece" Finn: "well" finn clears his throat and addresses the vengaboys at large now "if you all would like to give your opinion on this id greatly appreciate it, so that we may move forward. who is in favor of splitting up? speak now" Han: "i want... i want to meet both...." 🥺 Psalm: "It'd save time for sure, but I feel like I'll lose points with Han if we suggest anything that forbids her from seeing both witch-ah yeah exactly." Keva: "stick together. if you're honestly concerned about freaking them out bc there's a lot of us, then some of us can hang back and jump in if things go south" Rokka: "it's spooky out here I want to stay close....AND HAN WANTS TO SEE THEM BOTH!" Plum: plum is looking at finn like "i want to meet both but i want to seem less childishly vocal about it" 🥺 Cimmorro: cimm doesn't say anything but he smirks at everyone agreeing staying together Han:

Finn: "it would seem this is unavoidable then..." he sighs and shakes his head, running his hand through his hair "we shall stay together then" hes not happy about this but hes not going to argue about it either "then we must only decide now whether we rest or not before we get back to work" Psalm: "Can we rest? I just spent the last half hour or so wrapped in webs. Think I'm due a break." Keva: "people are hurt, we should rest" Finn: finn nods. hes not in bad shape himself but hes aware not everyone can be as durable as he is....."we rest, then" Psalm: <--- NOT DURABLE

As the group settle on the grass for a rest, Botty reclines outside their house as well, Finn climbs a few meters up a tree to brood for a bit. As they relax for the moment Keva chances a glance through a crack in the door of Botty’s shack. The interior is lit up by a few colourful lanterns, she spies a sitting room and a round table covered in papers, on top of it are various clippings of mushrooms and powders... she cant imagine what for.

As she stares longer inside and then back at the exterior she notes that it definitely seems like its bigger on the inside.

Keva: keva thinks to herself that magic is so wack and takes pretzeled seat on the grass to rest

Cimmorro: cimms gonna get vinny's attention while everyone settles in for a rest and just goes like "so do any of those names botty mentioned ring a bell for you? you looked like you had a little glint in your eye just then" Vinny: he looks at you and taps his chin "ah..." then ushers you a little further aways from botty "the name... doreni thort is the name of a wizard i met once, a long time ago. its said she'd gone missing a while back. i hadnt thought she'd actually just became a hermit, a witch in figstup at that" he seems perplexed Cimmorro: cimm behaves more discreetly after seeing vinny's behavior. "oh? are you scared of her?" Vinny: "ah its more... id rather not draw her attention" he gives you a thin smile Cimmorro: "you think she'd recognize you? what'd you do to her 🤨" the last part more of a joking tone Vinny: he laughs a little awkwardly "yes and maybe, witches like to keep informed. and they're pretty loose with information about each other, she just gave us pretty clear instructions for those two, i dont think if she knew a secret it'd be all that safe" Cimmorro: cimm seems confused for a moment before realizing "ah. ahhh.... right. okay. hum... maybe you could lose the hat and put a cloak around yourself while we're out here and with the fact that we're about to meet a couple more of them, if you're worried about those guys too" Vinny: he thinks for a moment "...not a bad idea..." than peers up at his hat "its easy to hide my face with this one though... maybe I'll just change the colour..." Cimmorro: "you can do that :O?" cimm thinks also "you could also style your hair differently. sorta like," and he starts messing with vinny's hair to drape down a bit more over his forehead "that" Vinny: "yes i just need to mix a couple things as we walk...ah-" he goes >_< as you mess with his hair and then blinks again getting a little embarrassed "it tickles........." he adjusts his glasses Cimmorro: heh 😼 “wait you can make your hair color different too right? make it green lol" he lols "you'd blend into the forest nice and easy!" Vinny: "that....would be a longer process... maybe when i make Han's later ill brew up something to have on hand in the future" hes thinking to himself if he'd actually like the colour Cimmorro: "ahh... i thought it'd be the same mixing you mentioned" he shrugs "it'd be a good surprise to cole when you get back anyways" Vinny: he smiles at the thought amused "there's equal chance that maybe she'll think im an intruder when i walk in through the side door and hit me with a wrench" Cimmorro: cimm lets out a laugh "is she that bad at recognizing you? i don't think you'd look THAT different. maybe if you took the glasses off and grew your hair out a bit more" Vinny: he pauses a moment to picture it "a very strange mental image...." Cimmorro: "i cant even begin to wonder what image you're conjuring in your head right now" Vinny: he looks back at you "exactly what you've described, friend" Cimmorro: "it doesn't look that strange in my head 🤨 just.... fresh? you must have some terrible imagination" Vinny: he furrows his brow and thinks again "...too strange...." Cimmorro: "it would be new!! when was the last time you even changed how your hair looks" Vinny: "when i was...20 maybe.... its always been this colour though" he gestures with his hand Cimmorro: "ah, you were worried about the color not the length. honestly i can't really imagine you with anything but the silver too..." he thinks for a bit "might warrant more bullying from jeane if you changed it now that i think about it more" Vinny: he augh's and pulls the hat down further over his head "let's not give her the excuse" Cimmorro: cimm snickers "well for now you get to mixing a thing for your hat then. is it for a spell?" Vinny: he nods "ill make it as we walk to greenpea, i picked up a few things from spriggan, then i just snap my fingers and it'll be good for a couple hours..." he thinks then smiles "colour recommendations?" Cimmorro: "ah hmmmmmmm hmmmm" cimm appears to be deep in thought, seriously considering what'd be good and also unexpected on vinny as he studies him. "i'd say something like a deep red or pink or purple but that would be more eyecatching... so maybe a good ol' charcoal black." (turns you into a goth) Vinny: he smiles at pink and red and then nods "black would be good, it'd blend into the dark well...very classic suggestion" Cimmorro: cimm makes a pose as if he's the smartest dumbass in tthe world "in general i think you'd look good in black" thumbs up emoji Vinny: he looks up and down himself considering "i usually opt for the brighter colours, but it might not be bad to try out later" he looks back up at you "works well enough on you after all" he smiles

Plum: plum sides cautiously over to botty. "can i ask you something" they say kind of blankly. "you wouldn't happen to know of any witches near talornia who go about testing their potions via street stall, would you?" Han: han like damn that crazy who would do that ... @ plum Botty: she tilts her head in her palm "mmmnope, i've never been out that way myself" she thinks a little "if you wanna go hassling witches over there though i know A name, you can hassle her for connections if yer so inclined" she smirks again Han: han is not in this conversation but shes is in there none the less making :O faces Plum: plum thinks for a moment. "sure, thanks" Botty: she goes on "look for an ahhhh... whats she go by these days... Manyelle the Many Faced, she's usually somewhere on the road between Sharden and the gulf“ Plum: "sounds like she doesn't typically keep the same appearance, does she" plum says unamused Han: "damn why she called many faced... how many faces she got" 😱 Botty: "changes like the faces of the moon" she cackles "got a couple she fancies more though"

Keva recalls hearing the name Manyelle before, in scary stories kids tell each other at bedtime, they say she's a witch who steals faces to put in her own vast collection she has if you wander too far from the city. Plum has also heard the stories, but in their info gathering stage of curse research noted it didn't seem all that plausible and more like a bogeyman for kids. Though there is someone almost certainly out there with the name, they dont know who what or where, until now anyway.

Rokka: rokkas stopped messing around and shifts his attention to the chatter, concern becoming more visible on his face the more he hears about this many face person Keva: keva looks up from plucking grass mindlessly "she's real?" Botty: botty flicks a hand towards you "oooh absolutely girlie! she doesn't go gobbling up kids though" she cackles again Keva: she's momentarily stunned by finding out one of the many stories from her childhood is actually true, so it takes her a brief moment before responding sarcastically "how kind of her" Botty: botty nods and wags a finger carrying on the joke "really a saint if ya think about it" Plum: "i bet she is. anyways, thanks" plum is unamused by this new info Botty: she dramatically gestures in front of herself as she sits reclined still "your very welcome, just be sure to forget im the one told ya'" Plum: "told me what?" they say Botty: she gives you a crooked smile and nods her head

Keva: "are you actually going to look for her?" Plum: plum raises an eyebrow. "uh, yeah? i don't see why i wouldn't" Han: "why do u wanna look for her? :O" after keva Plum: "well the less vaguely threatening witches i encounter the better, but i figure the more i learn about my being poisoned the easier it might be to. stop. being poisoned..." Keva: "'vaguely threatening' is putting it lightly from what i've heard of her growing up" but keva shrugs "but kids say all kinds of shit" Plum: "can't be worse than what we've done, right?" plum says in a very obviously falsely positive tone Keva: keva snorts and smiles a bit in humor Han: "........................you get poisoned from some random street stall?" hans tone is like even im not this stupid Plum: plum rolls their eyes. "you ever been bewitched before?" Han: "like............ "bewitched by their ass" type or bewitched" she does spooky finger gestures "kind of way" Plum: plum just makes the spooky finger gestures back Han: 😱 "WHAT HAPPEN......" Plum: "i dunno, i might be too stupid to remember properly" they say, turning up their nose in genuine offense Han: shit flies over hans head "fuck ure usually cool with potion stuff......... that must be real scary witch" bites her fingernail worriedly Plum: "you fucking bet she was" plum says, folding their arms and huffing. they don't usually get like this. call it a sore spot Han: "are you after her?" :O Plum: "absofuckinglutely not!" plum whips their head around to han. then, as if they're unable to stop themself, shiver for a moment. "no way in fucking hell. i'm just trying to learn more so i can cure it myself." Han: han thinks n nods n makes mental note to kill for plum Keva: eyeing them carefully keva starts to feel bad for them "well with the rate we're finding witches i'm sure you'll find something out" as if to give comfort Plum: plum looks at keva carefully, and quietly. then they look down at the grass. "that's true.......yeah. thanks." Han: han joins in on the emotional support "and if we run into that asshole again, ill kick her ass and make her help you" fist pump Plum: plum pokes the corner of their eye. 😥 "yeah, yeah thanks." fist pump

Keva: i want everyone to know i'm just imagingn psalms passed out peacefully in the grass Psalm: yeah he's chilling. i was just thinking about his lack of dialogue actually, he;s leaning against a tree Plum: psalm like "yknow ghester" as he looks up peacefully at the trees. "over in krenic there's this word that's untranslatable into typical common that means the light shining between the trees. romantic isn't it?"

Cimmorro: imagining the cows going around plum and smelling their fruity hair Plum: COWS COME TO ME

As time passes and the party all finish up their short rest and begin standing up and stretching, Botty joins them all noting their departure.

Botty: "hmmm thanks for the company, don't get much these days aside from my kiddies" she pats benny on the head Han: "it was nice to hang out!!! we will head back through here, maybe we meet up again" :D Cimmorro: "thanks for the mushroom also" Rokka: Rokka waves bye @ doggo "SORRY ABOUT EARLIER IT WAS NICE MEETING YA!" Benny: benny settles on his paws and lowers his ears slightly "farewell..." Botty: she gives han and cimm a smile and cackles "as nice a sentiment as that is lady, i'd rather you forget this exchange entirely" she gives you all one last glance over and lifts her hand in a gesture “- remember, you never met me, and you don't know how to get back here. nice meeting ya for what its worth though, hold hands and you'll find the path again” Han: han single tears but okay...

You all like you smell something sour as she cackles and walks back towards her shack, walking through the door she gives you all one last wave from her hand and slams it shut.

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> 🎵 The Library / Kentucky Route Zero OST

The party trek their way back through the mists holding hands this time doing their best to retrace their steps. Thankfully enough they manage to make their way back to the glowing path, though as they do something strange occurs.

As they step back onto the path, Han, Finn and Psalm find their recollection of the events that just occurred become very fuzzy. They don't remember Botty's name nor what she looks like. If they try to remember what they've been doing, all they can recall is that they think they just met someone in the woods, who gave the group instructions on how to find two other witches, and nothing else.

Cimmorro and Rokka in contrast, find they're able to recall the events that just occurred with clarity, but have no recollection of Botty's name or what she looks like. Keva and Plum recall everything, except for Botty’s name.

Cimmorro: jasper after that

Psalm: botty

Keva: keva just says "huh." upon realizing Plum: plum just thinks something like of course Han: han walks like 5 steps and goes "what the fuck were we just doing" at the party 😃 Cimmorro: were we supposed to eat the whole brownie

Finn: "is everyone else feeling like...they just woke up from a dream? does anyone know what happened?!" finn subconsciously squeezes the hand of whoever and looks around somewhat startled Psalm: "We just met someone in the woods who gave us instructions on how to find two other witches, and nothing else." Han: "doesnt that kinda freak you out. who did we meet. this happened minutes ago. what the fuck." Finn: finn looks at psalm like this 😟 Psalm: "Freak out? No. Concern? Somewhat." 🤔 Han: "for once i wish you more concern" Cimmorro: cimm just looks like he's trying to mentally scratch something in his brain but it isnt working Keva: "she really meant it when she said she wanted us to forget her" Plum: "and i think it's best we leave it that way to be honest" ignoring the others Rokka: rokka just tilts his head at everyone like ???? Han: han gasps sadly "what! who!? huh?? was she hot?? are you fucking with me?????" Keva: keva just says "yes" flatly and continues on with her walk Han: 😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 "this is nightmare......." Psalm: “^_^” Finn: “🤨” Psalm: "We're in one piece so I mean, no point worrying." He shrugs. Han: "PLEASE worry BIT MORE" Finn: "i dont appreciate people messing with my perception..." he mumbles somewhat grumpily "perhaps you should be a bit more displeased with that as well" Psalm: "I have a ghost living in my head...? Kind of too late for that you two." Ghester: "if he needs to know anything from the past hour or so i'll be sure to remind him" ghester chuckles Finn: "well hes not a stranger and he doesnt randomly wipe your memory, does he? " finn like wtf am i becoming ghesters defense aTtorney for rn Psalm: "True.It's not like I don't get your angle, it's just that I personally am not that torn up about it." Han: han gasps "do you remember everything.......... FUCK i knew i shouldve tried harder to join you" angry crying Ghester: ghester laughs a little louder "guess i wasn't corporeal enough for her" Han: "ghester is cool talking sword, hes cool, ure ungrateful" Psalm: "I mean that I'm used to it- you know what. Nevermind. And waste the effort she went to to wipe my memories...?" Finn: this is incomprehensible to finn as he hates not being in control at all times ever but hes not about to argue about this, since it seems rather pointless for now. he sighs and pouts, contemplating psalms strange attitude...

With someone's instructions in mind the party all continue on towards Greenpea, sure that you’re close now from the signs Spriggan gave them.

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> 🎵 The Forgotten Village / Folklore OST

After a short time, the forest seems to finally open up slightly ahead of them, freeing them from the dense foliage and trees. They see, down the winding path ahead, a small town. Alongside the path to get to it are long plots of tilled land with plants sprouting out of them, little shacks sprinkled throughout them with tools and sacks laid alongside. It seems the residents of Greenpea took up much of the space outside the forest for farming, pumpkins and radishes mostly at the moment.

As they glance up at the night sky, clear to them once again, they see the moon high in the sky. The constellations appear normal to Han again, no longer strangely fractured and jumbled as they did before when amongst the trees.

Han: han mental note that the forest is freaky deaky Finn: "um.." finn stumbles over his sentence for a sec but catches himself "since it was decided we'd stay together, who are we looking for first? i do remember the instructions we were given, strangely enough..." Cimmorro: "perhaps the farmer? his description seems to be more in line to what your uncle wants us to look into" Finn: "i do agree, id like to look into him first as well. if there are no objections, let us proceed"

The group make their way towards the shack as it was described to them, walking past the town's edges and through the fields. They walk towards another outcropping of bushes and trees, not connected to the great forest they just exited from but one on the direct opposite side of town

They don’t walk towards the clearly indicated path that leads into trees however, and instead follow alongside the treeline. As they squint they spot a small dirt path through the bushes, the one previously indicated to them by Someone. Walking through they feel a similar eerie air, not unlike the outskirts from before, though not as strongly.

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> 🎵 Peat Fields / Roadwarden OST

After a few minutes of wandering through the dark, the trees part again, placing them in a small clearing nestled by the trees all around, as if to hide the place.

In front of them all sits a small plot of tilled land, various herbs and plantlife flowering from within. A ways behind they see crudely cobbled stairs leading up a short incline towards a small shack, overgrown by plants and greenery. The shack itself has tools leaned against it, ones they both recognise and don't, arcane or otherwise in nature. Nearby they spot a man whistling to himself as he sits on the steps, reading something in his lap, a staff leaned on shoulder emits a low green light.

Plum: [trying to peek at the plants] Han: han knocks on the side of the house to caught their attention "uuuh sup" ^_^ then she kinda short circuits and goes "i actually have no idea what we need to ask you but im han ! with friends! we had some questions or something ! my mind isnt entirely working right now and its freaking me out!" :D <-filled with pain Kyzer: he looks up and sees you then glances at the rest of you all in the distance, all smiles and sharp teeth at your genuineness “travellors in my garden? nice to meet ya han, now, who else do i owe the pleasure… are the townsfolk still cranky with me?” he shuts the book Psalm: "We're not townsfolk, so that remains to be seen I suppose." Han: "we arent from around here! so youre good??" 😄 Kyzer: he smiles at you both "stranger then that ya' knew how to get here i think" Cimmorro: uh oh lol Han: "someone told us! and i dont know who! and its freaking me out!" 😄 < so much pain Cimmorro: cimm's like making signals to pull han outta there Han: han genuinely clutching her head like bro . mister tiefling. this shit freaking me out so bad but my party seems to be ok so im cool but sos Rokka: rokka misunderstanding cimm's signals "uh-- YEAH AND NOW WE ARE HERE! I'M ROKKA BTW!" side eyes cimm like did do it right Cimmorro: the moment you look at him for acknowledgement he just turns to have his back faced at you and holds his face in his hands

As they chat Cimmorro and Plum take a quick chance to obvserve what the man’s growing. Cimmorro notes that they look like ones he recognises, medicinal ones, ones used for their smell, and then a few of the others completely evade his knowledge base.

Plum notices the same, but they note a few of them Cimmorro couldnt, a couple are poisons of various strengths, one of them called Laudar is especially deadly. He's growing the same creepers here as well that are sprouting out of his body, the more unusual plants though, they’ve no idea, alot of them bear dark maroon stems.

Kyzer: he raises a brow as if considering the truthfulness of it but takes it on its face for now "very scary i have to admit, not unusual for this place though, nice to meet ya rokka" he looks around at the rest of you "there a reason strangers are sending people on their way to hassle me or are ya just social types" Han: she turns to finn and cimm "what did.... what do we even need here" Cimmorro: "uncle vorby asked us to be here" cimm looks at finn expectantly Finn: finn side eyes cimm with a death glare before clearing his throat and looking to han. the way this has been going is. awful! perhaps he ought to take over and outdo han. surely he will. he attempts to maintain eyecontact with kyzer but opts to shut his eyes in a forced smile and rattles on "right. so, we are simply here because we heard some rumors about a strange form of magic being practiced here? its supposed to relate to 'blood' or something! maybe you can help us out if you know anything? ^__^" Han: han just like 😇 huh Psalm: psalm in his head like why do i let this happen Keva: keva's eyes drift upwards as she silently mouths 'oh my gods' Cimmorro: cimm just looks at finn like wtf did i do and then face palms

Kyzer: he gives you a sharp grin as you step forward "uncle vorby huh? that is very strange i got to say, though hard for me to deny it when i got plants growing out of me" he tilts his head "i could help, not the only one here who messes with this stuff, cant say i like not knowing whos spreading gossip though. sure you dont remember? your name works too" Finn: "oh i wouldnt know whos spreading gossip haha i just heard this from my uncle whos not from here you see-" he talks a bit faster now, clearly under pressure. "Um-" for some reason...for the first time perhaps, finn feels like giving his full name out may not be beneficial. "i'm finn, i apologize for not introducing myself right away haha..." Plum: "we're the vengaboys" plum says drily

Cimmorro: EVERYONE AT THE BACK IS LIKE THIS

Rokka: This guy is that emoji sarita posted earlier Psalm: kyzer @ us rn

Rokka: Exactly Exactly Cimmorro: IKL HNGADSHNG L;ADB Han: to kyzer its a normal face

Psalm: he interjects, "You see our friend here (pointing at Finn) has a rare blood related illness, and his uncle loves to dote on him, so we (gesturing at everyone else) as his bodyguards are accompanying him trying to find out anything we can. I'm Psalm by the way." Rokka: Rokka looking at psalm like wait we are? He is? Damn where have I been Keva: keva's stifling the urge to step on his foot or smth so he can't fuck this up Han: han hides her face behind her palm and the wall, looking at the rest of the party whispers "wait, forreal? what the fuck happened to me after we met the. .whoever !!!" shes so haunted rn Keva: keva just looks at han wtih some urgency and just mouths "later" Han: 🥹 han turns back to kyzer looking like that tbh

Kyzer: he smiles and laughs, spreading his right arm out "the vengaboys! very catchy" at psalm and finn he nods his head "i see i see, well give him my greetings would ya?" he stands up at full height leaning his arm across finn’s shoulder, twirling you around to face the others while he leans on you ever so slightly" ya see finny and the vengaboys, i sympathise with ya, i got plenty of problems myself with this stuff. but right now i got a real big one stuck in my craw y'know?" Psalm: Psalm's going to step just a little bit closer to them.. Han: han stands her full peacock height, flexes a lil, shes just staring at his body tbh she feels like shes in a dick measuring contest suddenly Psalm: "Care to share? We can trade." Cimmorro: "maybe we can assist you with something in return?" Finn: finn stiffens considerably.....how it pains him to be within such close vicinity to farming scum such as this man! he might need to thank the heavens for the fact that he needs not to breathe. the feeling of his arm and the plants is still bothering him though...the fact that hes called him finny as if he has the right........ the "is that so?" that leaves his lips sounds a lot less nervous now, more irritated if anything. finn stares at psalm with a look that says 'im this close to snapping'.... Psalm: Psalm just steps the full way and as non-aggressively as possible wrestles Finn away from Kyzer and then steps in front of him. "Not to give any offence but I'd appreciate if you didn't get too handsy with our charge. He's kind of.........fragile." Keva: "sickly, y'know" she adds partially to get in a jab at finn Finn: his eye twitches briefly Rokka: rokka rn learning these new info

Kyzer smirks at Finn’s change in tone then laughs and raises his arms as psalm wiggles him away.

Kyzer: "no harm no foul, careful he don't crack he does look a bit like porcelain" he chuckles as he sits back down on the steps, leaning back casually "thanks for the offer, trade keeps the world turning don't it? let's see..." he taps his staff idly as he speaks "lately i’ve been getting accusations of messing round’ with blood magic, which, i’ll grant is definitely true” he shrugs still smiling “but what they talk about isn’t what i or my coven do, or isn’t’ my handiwork anyway” he taps his staff on his shoulder idly “the nice people of greenpea are blaming me for some people who went missing lately, because of it, though they don't have any concrete proof. that won't stop them from burning my place down if they like though.”

He smiles after a pause, as if observing them all, and then continues on.

Kyzer: “I aint keen on getting blamed for things i aint done, this forest has its additional eerie ways of enforcing things after a while. sides i got lots of things here, and i don't want them getting torched any time soon…” he smirks again “if it aint me its gotta be the only other witch nearby in a similar school, you get my meaning?” Han: "hey didnt" frustrated hand gestures n near tears "person talk about another guy" Plum: "yeah, we were gonna hit them up next" Han: han thonks and nods

As they ponder Kyzer’s tale they dont get a sense he’s lying, if anything they sense a bit of annoyance under his smile.

Cimmorro: "you do have a lovely garden going on, it'd be a shame to go up in flames" this is nonthreatening just to be clear Kyzer: he gives you a glance before tilting his head and relaxing a little "i think so too" Psalm: "I promise you I know exactly how you feel *about being blamed for something you haven't done." Kyzer: he grins again "a kindred spirit, it's truly a pa---in" Psalm: "Well I guess 'pain' is putting it one way albeit a bit lightly, but yes." Han: "is there, like, difference? between your magic and their magic? do you know?" Keva: "what does your coven do then?" Kyzer: he thinks "what you see here" he spreads his arms a little again "these vines are my veins, they carry a bit of my blood too. experimentation with the body. molding plant and life" he knocks his staff against his shoulder again "all of us look a little bit like this" at han’s question he smirks "she don't mess with plants and dirt, a bit beneath her she likes to say. she etches things in flesh, far as i know. i dont chat with her much, a real uppity type Han: han leans over to check out his vine veins Chip: they sure do go under his skin... Han: crazy... Finn: finn thinks its best to leave the talking to everyone else, just so he doesnt ruin psalms hard work....but he does pay close attention to the conversation, not realizing hes staring quite a bit at kyzer. hes thinking he likes the sound of doreni much better than this guy.

Han: "who are getting kidnapped?" Keva: looking at the plants in his body keva asks, "any particular reason you're experimenting like this?" Kyzer: "townspeople, farmers mostly from what i could glean" he tilts his head "place isnt what id call the tiniest village, and its not like this islands kind to people who are idiots, but more than a couple over the span of a few weeks... people start getting ideas" then at keva he smirks and answers her deadpan "immortal life" Han: han looks up at kyzer after that and studies him for a bit "like, trying to become like tree?" she looks a bit nonplussed "then, what is other coven study?" Kyzer: he asks her as if genuinely curious "do you consider trees immortal? he smirks "she isn't in one, solo ranger that one. her insufferableness explains itself there really. and as i said, don't know much, i think she's got plans to make blood magic a recognised school in her head, keep dreaming i say..." Han: 🤔 "trees is... maybe? when i was travelling in same areas, and trees would be used as markers... and shaman said they were there before us and will be long after..... i guess so? ive only see trees die from rot, disease." Kyzer: he smiles "not a bad answer, were of similar minds. if i want to live longer i reckon' nothing better to learn from..." he shrugs "blood is life, so is nature. i want to see how far i can bring the combination" he gets a far off look in his eyes as he sits up, folding his arms Han: on auto, han recites something in giant Kyzer: he gives you a curious look but doesn't question it

Psalm: actually psalms gonna whisper at finn out of kyzer's earshot "Did your uncle say anything about kidnappings?" Finn: finn lightly shakes his head and whispers back a "no" a beat passes and finn offers psalm a rather apologetic look Psalm: Psalm like (apologetic why 🤨 ) "Ah alright then, guess we'll just see what we can learn here and move on." Finn: finn merely nods, deciding he'll talk to psalm when theyve moved on from here for real

Cimmorro: cimm has just been listening to the convos exchanged the whole time and eventually asks as well, "why immortality though? is there a specific reason? it just seems a little.. tiring to live for so long and forever" Kyzer: "i want to die when i chose, and until then i want to see everything i want to see. i don't think it's a very complicated drive, people die for less" he smirks again eyeing your outfit "maybe a guy like you and me might not see eye to eye there though" Cimmorro: "definitely not. i do not see grace in cheating death but if that is what you wish then" he makes a small shrug Plum: "i kinda get it, there's a ton of shit i'd want to keep trying or fiddling around with for a long time" Cimmorro: "living longer i don't see an issue with really. it's why we pursue medicine. forever, though, then that gets a bit complicated" Kyzer: he smiles "luckily i aint seeking grace" he smirks again, pleased at plum’s understanding "study is an endless pursuit, and my drive is similarly, limitless" he glances away to brush the discussion aside

Psalm: "Is there anything else about the kidnappings that you might know? Just to be safe." Keva: "anything the people have in common, maybe? other than being locals" Kyzer: "when they came over accusing me, they mentioned the places were covered in blood, an unnatural amount. hence the suspicion for blood magic, seeing as were so close by" he thinks "don't know why they didn't assume they were killed, i guess the bodies weren't left behind? bit optimistic" then to keva "not much, mostly farmers in their shacks, more isolated types from what im guessin'..." he gestures with his hand "easy pickings" Psalm: "Unnatural as in the amount couldn't reasonably come from one person?" Kyzer: "i assumed as much, yes" he taps his staff against his shoulder again Han: "none of them are 'witches' of similar caliber, right? cant fight back that way, not 'special'“ Kyzer: "nope, regular old joes" Han: "easy pickings" han nods

Han: han scratches her chin "have you heard "theyord" before? or "ansam"?" Kyzer: he tilts his head and grins "not once in my life"

Han: "this city isnt freaky like forest, right? with directionless feeling? stars seem all right..." looks at the stars real quick, worried theyve gone wack again "could you give directions to where bodies are found?" Kyzer: he looks up at the sky himself "hmmm nope, maybe if you wander a liiitle deeper through here, but i don't like sitting right in the influence. messes up my math sometimes y'see" he looks back down "i can tell you one, 's the only guys name they actually mentioned to me, Ronaldo, and i remember where he was shacked up too" he gives you some quick instructions to one of the shacks out in the outermost fields, gesturing with his good hand "careful ya don't forget that too" he grins again Han: “i hope not..." mental note made “im out of question ! shall we visit that doremi guy"

The group sufficently creeped out and satisfied for the moment, make to leaver Kyzer’s garden. He gives them all a lazy wave with his good hand as they saunter off.

Kyzer: "don't be strangersss!" he taps his staff against the cobble steps almost rhythmically as you walk off

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> 🎵 The Forgotten Village / Folklore OST

The party walk on down into the town, apt for the time as not many people seem to be out and about, though there are lanterns and torches strung up and about the buildings to give those ambling about some sense of spatial awareness. The homes here aren’t built directly into the trees like they are in Duskridge, but theyre similarly built up tall, almost as if in mimicry. Most of the buildings are easily taller than they are wide.

As the group wander through the few people they do spot wandering the night give them strange looks, they definitely stand out. Though they don't spot anything like a guard detail among the place, or even near the entrance.

They make their way towards the door pointed out to them, making their way down a couple of branching alleys in the dark, nearly tripping over a few things during their exploration. They eventually come across the door, exactly as it was pointed out to them, sitting in the wall. Keva gives the door a quick inspection for traps, though she finds nothing.

Han: "so... like....what exactly is our approach here?" Rokka: "Aren't we greeting her?" Han: she nods seriously Keva: even though keva's found no traps she keeps eying the entryway carefully "you wanna just casually greet someone who might be kidnapping people and leaving pools of blood in their place?" Psalm: "Wouldn't be the first time." Han: han points in kevas general direction like ye she got a point ! Rokka: Rokka let's kevas words sink in for a moment, "I forgot she could be evil..." Han: she pats his back Keva: "suppose we don't have much of a choice though if we have to knock. anyone want to do the honors?" Rokka: "Don't forget the password!" Cimmorro: "someone with the mage hand probably" Finn: "ill do it" Psalm: “I have mage hand. I think that might be a better idea than putting Finn in immediate danger." Finn: "....................." hes a bit embarrassed

Psalm summons his mage hand, knocking the door and speaking the phrase they watch as the colours of the door shift to a dark red instead. The door lock and handle click, creaking open ever so slightly, as a light begins to leak out from within.

Keva peers through the crack and sees inside a tall wooden hallway lit by colourful lanterns on its ceiling. She glances around, noting scattered papers and crushed pens and trash haphazardly piled near towers of old books and tomes. As she squints she spies another door at the end of the hallway.

Keva: "can you push the door open more? before we try and go in?" Psalm: "Alright."

Psalm eases the door open, no explosions or secrets traps trigger so Cimmorro decides to ease his way in. It is an uneventful experience, he peers around and picks up a random paper to read. Glancing at the handwriting it looks like someones scratched out thrown away notes, he sees a few arcane runes written out beneath the black ink. They look wizard in their coding.

Keva: keva will step in after cimm and take a look around too Han: from outside "hey remember how theyords place had lots magic booby traps." Cimmorro: "viNNY PLEASEEE I NEED YOUUU" Vinny: he raises a brow but wanders in after keva and gives the paper a glance "ah....runes" he squints, adjusting his glasses to read further Cimmorro: "for what though?" Vinny: "ah..as far as i can tell its something to do with.... evocation? carrying sound" he squints down at the ones further "these ones i dont recognise... considering shes a witch thats not all too surprising, must be related to blood magic" Cimmorro: "ah.. sound... you think that has to do with the throat thing?" Vinny: "id have to guess... alot of force here though"

Han: han sighs n looks at the rest still outside "going in?" Rokka: Rokka starts moving "going!" Psalm: "Might as well."

As they investigate Keva heads over to the door at the end of the hallway, as she gets closer she notices a little bell on the wall next to it and a note tacked under it that she cant read.

Keva: keva quietly tsks and turns around to find and gesture cimmorro over Cimmorro: cimm perks up like a cat like ? then goes "oh!" and moves over to read it. "it says 'ring, if needed?; so i suppose we just make this guy sing" he points at the bell Keva: "used to getting visitors then, is she?" Cimmorro: "looks like it... how curious. i say we let everyone else know first before we ring it though" Keva: keva nods in agreement

As the group investigate Han decides to focus up and sharpen her senses to check for any planar portals nearby. She senses nothing nearby, but over towards the edge of the forests, she feels a very very faint sense coming from all over it, right up until where her perception can reach.

Han: "no open portals. this place shouldnt ..." han gesture "send us anywhere. yet."

Cimmorro: cimm tries to herd everybody "we gotta ring that bell by the door if we want presence from the person who runs this place" Han: "maybe we look around for minute? while we have chance?" Cimmorro: "im alright with that" Psalm: "I don't think snooping around in someone's home is the best way to go about not pissing them off- yeah alright."

The group search around the hall, but nothing of note really stands out to them, its all mosty garbage out here. Even the books seems to have been discarded out of a desire to not finish them. Han spies a discarded pen that isnt snapped like all the others with a blue sheen on its grip, it is the prettiest find.

They don’t get the sense the place is abandoned as the lights are on, nor was it upended. Just messy.

Rokka: "this place is a dump :/" Finn: "isnt it about time we rang the bell? i think we really are lowering our chances of this going well by the second here" Rokka: "oh! oh! can I ring it?" he raises his hand Finn: finn nods Rokka: rokka moves towards the door and eagerly rings the bell while looking at eveyrone like :y Cimmorro: 👍 Han: 🫰

As Rokka jingles the bell he hears a shuffling from behind the door, items being shifted around and some footsteps. After a time the group see the door click and swing open inwards.

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> 🎵 Attic Theme / Rule of Rose OST

Through it they see a round room filled with desks and even more books and random eccentricities, papers and metal tools, piled high enough to clear their heights. In the center sits a half orc woman on a chair, tapping a finger on the desk closest to her impatiently. She gives the group all a curious if annoyed look before gesturing them all inside with her other hand.

Cimmorro: cimm is a little taken aback not knowing how to read this but also goes like "pardon the intrusion..." Rokka: "I'm rokka!" completely forgetting she could be evil once again Psalm: "I take it you already knew we were here." Doreni: she seemingly rolls her eyes at this Han: "hi... we didnt wake you did we..." Doreni: right after she gives you a stare

As the group slowly shuffle in she pulls a quill and parchment from her desk, she sprinkles something over it then snaps her finger. As she does it flits up into the air next to her.

Doreni: the quill begins writing in black ink in neat cursive text that reads 'May i ask why you buffons were rummaging around there exactly? At this time of day, no less..." Keva: keva's just standing there Finn: finn looking at the group like well thank god i had no part in this... i stopped them even.. Han: han stares at the paper and then goes "oooooooooooooh cause that throat stuff" han makes lil slashes around her own throat for demonstration Doreni: she makes a face as the quill writes out 'Very observant.’ Han: han beams at her "thanks!" 😄 Doreni: she grimaces as the pen angrily scratches what she wrote to out to you Cimmorro: cimm just seems to be enjoying the spectacle in front of him lmao "you have a nice place! just needs a bit of cleaning! but a nice place no less! i like the lighting at the hall the most" Doreni: it goes on 'I had not been informed i'd hired cleaning staff so late in the evening, either.' Cimmorro: "i'm not here to clean!! well i wouldn't mind if that means i can look around more though.. :D" Doreni: ‘No.’ Cimmorro: “:(”

Psalm: "I apologise for the late hour, we were instructed to come here by another witch we met in the forest. you see we're on a somewhat urgent quest regarding the health of our employer over there and were told you might be of some help?" Rokka: rokka making a mental note to check up on finn later like is he ok fr. my god its that serious Doreni: she glances between you and finn as the quill writes out 'Which witch? If you mean nearby you must refer to Kyzer or his coven. He's always skulking around, the gossipy tree trunk.' the quill pauses then goes on 'Do i look, to you sir, like a doctor? Kyzer himself has more knowledge of medicinal herbs even, does the man enjoy foisting his errands upon me?' Finn: "im willing to take any chance i can get, even if it may not be your expertise..." he tries Cimmorro: cimm's gonna walk over to keva and whisper "she hates us" followed by a 👍 Keva: "great" she whispers back

Psalm: "That's exactly the guy. Just covering our bases here really. He wasn't really much help." Psalm adds on. Finn: finn looking at psalm and nodding. we're gonna get a good grade in lying Doreni: she grinds her teeth a little, getting more annoyed. she glances finn up and down as the quill writes 'You look fine to me boy, get some more sun if you're so worried' she stands and gestures for you to walk towards her however, he stance suggests she will not take any disagreement on the request. Psalm: just looks at Finn like sorry can't help you there "Honestly he just kind of rambled on about his own magic, also mentioned some kidnappings, a lot going on in this forest it seems. also please be careful with him. hes fragile” Rokka: rokka moves towards finn out of genuine concern and places his hands on finns shoulders like 🥺 pls be careful Doreni: she gives you a look as if to tell you to stop talking then gestures finn forward again Psalm: psalm like 👉👈 hahaha

As they chat Keva eyeballs the place around them. She gets a sense this is Doreni’s main study of sorts, there is a strange amount of desks in here though. She spies a few doors that lead out, seemingly to other rooms. She cant imagine what the tools are for, they look....unsafe. Pliers and giant scissors, you spy a set of thin knives of varying sizes as well higher up

Finn: "as my loyal guards have told you, my ailing health has me quite fragile... i do not feel safe getting this close to you without one of them staying by my side" thin smile Doreni: the quill writes again 'Then leave, for all i care. I have very little patience' she turns Keva: keva kinda squints her eyes at them and says to doreni "what do you do here?" Doreni: the quill writes out 'Arcane Investigation and Study, things on the precipices of knowledge. My work is being hindered as of late but it is of no True consequence.' though you cant read any of it Cimmorro: cimm reads that to her

Finn: finn blinks in surprise and gently removes Rokka’s hands from his shoulders, giving him a glance before speaking to doreni again "on second thought, im sure itll be fine haha..." hes becoming somewhat nervous again but approaches her now Rokka: rokka furrows his brow and glances warily at the witch, standing a little more straight and on guard in case she does smth to finn Psalm: "Do you want me to use mage hand to hold your hand or something ^_^" Finn: "would that interfere with your work?.." he looks at doreni Psalm: he does not say that he was kidding... Doreni: she shrugs uncaring. she lets out a strangled grunt as you step up tapping her foot. she quickly walks in front of you and puts her hand on your chin grabbing it, though not too forcefully. she tilts your head this way and that scrutinizing you, she spends an amount of time staring at your eyes before she pops your mouth open by putting slight pressure on your jaw, as she shoots a quick glance insight she rolls her eyes and lets go. the quill flies to life again 'i cannot fix your affliction boy, you'll have to seek repentance elsewhere' Finn: "repentance..." he mumbles almost inaudibly to himself before stepping down. as his 'lamenting my existence as a vampire mode' is engaged, he completely forgets why theyre actually here and what he should be asking right now. he has a faraway look in his eyes, staring at nothing in particular in the room Psalm: @ what she says about Finn Psalm says "Well that's a shame Finn, another dead end (lie). I'm sure we'll find something (lie)." Finn: finn looks at you like op of the panic attack 4chan post rn Psalm: :y

Keva: "and your work as of late is...?" Doreni: she looks over now free of her forced checkup as the quill writes 'nothing outside of my usual, but the townsfolk have begun hurling accusations at me. i haven't been leaving much due to these... It's a hindrance frankly.' Keva: "okay then, what is your usual work? what could the townsfolk be accusing you of?" feigning some ignorance Psalm: "Kyzer said the same thing about being accused..." Psalm says 👉👈 Doreni: she rolls her eyes 'Magic of the Blood within certain body parts. The vocal in particular. The enhancement it could bring to Evocation' she gestures with her hand as the quill moves, glancing at psalm back at Keva 'Those kidnappings you mentioned yes, the townspeople want to implicate me it seems. Through their own idiocy they equate blood magic with black magic, I practice one, not the other, and soon enough I'll be sure to get it recognised enough to be legal in its own right’ as this is written she sits a little taller, folding her arms. ‘Naturally I suspect it to be the work of that shrubbery coven, that man of aught be accused in my stead, I know our schools are not dissimilar. Regrettably.’

The group eye her as she speaks, they get the sense she’s telling the truth, and is similarly frutsrated as Kyzer was, though its also her constant state. Cimmorro also senses she wants them to get the hell out of here already.

Plum: "you think kyzer's in charge of the kidnappings?" plum raises an eyebrow Doreni: she raises a brow at you as the quill moves 'If not him, who else? The villagers seem convinced in a magicians involvement. Unless you'd like to name yourself the culprit' Plum: "wow....i'm kind of stunned by that limited way of thinking" [genuinely surprised] Doreni: she grinds her teeth a little as the quill writes 'The point is, i do not care. If you'd like to play detective, head outside'

Keva: keva's nodding her head a bit despite not knowing maybe 1 in 10 words doreni says she's sorta piecing it together "and that's what those are for?" pointing at the unsafe tools Doreni: she glances at you then points at her neck and the scars on her arms Psalm: "For what it's worth it would benefit us to learn more about these kidnappings as well, and since Kyzer told us he was also innocent I suppose we have no choice but to investigate." his voice trails off "unfortunately..." Doreni: she raises a brow at the quill writes 'I'm sure he would say something like that if he were the culprit. Pah.' Psalm: "Yeah fair." Han: "hey ssssoo... if kyzer says he didnt do it, and u says u didnt do it... who* would you start guessing then" Doreni: the quill 'There are a multitude of ways to die in this horrid forrest. Pick any one, it could be another witch, a beast, a being of another world. All plausible. I do not fancy venturing outside to be mobbed by townsfolk in the meanwhile.' Keva: "do you happen to know anything about anyone missing?" Doreni: the quill goes on 'Farmers, as far as i could tell. As if i'd go trekking around in the muck.'

Finn: "may i bother you with one last question then? does the name 'theyord' or 'the red letterheads' mean anything to you per chance? completely unrelated to our investigation here" Doreni: she squints at you and folds her arms as the quill writes 'Relevance?' Cimmorro: cimm is just shaking his head at the back rn Finn: "they also are- were blood magic users... i was just wondering if that rang a bell, how far their reach may have been. we're just trying to learn all we can, really" Doreni: she taps her foot impatiently as the quill writes '-and i'm sure you walked in for a cure your teeth as well' she rolls her eyes and gestures with her hands 'head out now please, i've had enough of this interruption for the night' Plum: "can we go now" @ the others, "this is very obviously like" they clasp their hands and bat their eyelashes "a fucking waste of time" Psalm: 🥹 "RIght, we'll be on our way then. Sorry to bother you." Finn: "good evening" finn mumbles and turns on his heel, ready to waltz out Han: han snorts so hard over plum that she hurts her throat

youtube

> 🎵 The Forgotten Village / Folklore OST

The group excuse themselves from the woman’s home, as they waddle out of the building both doors close shut behind them, the outside one as well (after Han un-wedges it) The latches lock again as the outside door shifts back to its dark green colour.

Cimmorro: once we head out im gonna pester vinny quietly "is that the same witch you met? do you think she's really capable of those kidnappings? like i know it's been a while since you've seen her but still," Vinny: he fixes his hat as you all step outside, messing his hair a little "ah...yep, though she definitely looks older. the er-scars are new as well" he huffs as he ponders her new lease on life "she seemed...devoted but, if you're committed to... experimenting on yourself so contently and outwardly i don't see why she'd need to be kidnapping others" he tilts his head "and well. even before falling off the radar she wasn't the friendly type" he snaps his finger "like the kyzer said, upper crust and all that, her and jeane would make good friends" he amuses himself with the last remark Keva: “what do you think the other desks were for if she works alone?” Cimmorro: "right i did find that a bit off about her and kyzer, the whole self experimentation thing... hmmm" he snorts at the last bit. "how did you meet her anyway? was she at all related to berryl? or was she just infamous among the arcane circle" Vinny: he turns towards keva "she was always fond of her space, and strict organization, as she liked to say. a different desk for a different need... that aspect spoke as pretty usual for her, though i imagine having no assistants makes cleanup more of a pain, swapping desks probably makes that easier" he smiles a little at cimmorro "ahh.. no she wasn't an accord wizard, but she had carried a great deal of authority with her despite that. when i worked under Carlyn i saw her come by a few times, i think they were acquaintances of a sort... she intimidated me quite a bit." he looks sidelong off as if remembering, playing with his hands Plum: "probably because she's so fuckin' rude" plum remarks Vinny: he gives you a withering smile "yes... that part hasn't seem to have changed. alot for me to be worrying about at the time" Cimmorro: "oohhh. that really was quite a long time ago then" Vinny: he nods "honestly i thought she'd annoyed the wrong wizard at some point and gotten herself banished to a pocket dimension. i suppose it wasn't too far off the mark" Cimmorro: "yeah more like she's the one who got annoyed of it all and pocketed herself away" cimm thinks more "well we do know she's trying to make blood magic official...? i don't suppose kidnapping people would help her case with that at all so... not completely absolving her but it does make me wonder" Vinny: "yes... i can see the reasoning there but ah.. i have a hard time believing her proposals will be accepted for a while yet. as she said herself, blood and black magic are often equated in common parlance. there's no changing that image any time soon, maybe if she grew desperate..?" he tilts his head "though its only a theory" Cimmorro: "nah, i agree with you. at the end of the day it's a really questionable practice." he scrunches his face at the thought of the grand scheme of it all

Rokka: rokka speeds up to walk side by side with finn and whispers to him "psst! finn are you feeling ok? I didn't know u had a blood problem! oh man!" Psalm: Psalm just sighs when he hears that tbh Finn: finn looks like the op of the panic attack 4chan post again "i- uh- i was under the impression that was quite obvious" Rokka: rokka looking back at him equally bewildered "you were really looking it back there i got worried it was real! so u ARE ok" Finn: finns not sure how to respond for a moment and stares at rokka for a good long moment "rokka, are you serious?" Rokka: "yes? am i.....not supposed to be serious....?" he tilts his head at finn genuinely confused Finn: "ah..." :y finn laughs weakly and gives rokka the best smile he can muster under the circumstances "the blood disease was completely made up, i suppose that speaks volumes for psalms ability to lie ^_^ " Psalm: :y Rokka: rokka makes shocked face "WHAAHAHATTTT oh man you guys really pranked me good even if I wasn't the target! HAHAHA I'm glad you're ok finn!" he pats finn on the back harder than he intended from his laughing fit "PHEW!" he turns to psalm "GOOD ONE ROOMIE " Psalm: "Thanks ^_^ " Finn: finn doesnt mind the hard pat, hes glad rokka can laugh at least.. "yeah, no worries, im perfectly fine" he smiles a bit more genuinely now.......this mans joy is contagious!

Psalm: Psalm just turns to Finn like "I didn't think she was gonna inspect you like that though, sorry I put you in that situation." Finn: "oh.." finn hestiates to meets psalms gaze for a moment and shakes his head "its fine. you did a lot for me today. even if you didnt, theres no way i could blame that on you anyway" Psalm: "Hmm well shame we didn't learn anything though." Han: "so our current working lead isssss mystery murdered farmer" Finn: "hem hem" to all the vengaboys "would you all like to seek out this ronaldo character now? i believe that would be the most logical course of action" Cimmorro: "we have no where else to head to but there i believe" Keva: "it's all we've got now, seems like. we could ask around about them but kyzer mentioned they were pretty isolated people" Han: "seems like our only lead" shrugs

The group resolve themselves to check good old Ronaldo's place out next, beginning your trek you think on the threads as they coalesce in your minds... and we end session here for now...

Notes

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-👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 The Party recieved「 Memory Loss! 」

#recaps #QWOOOOOOOOOO

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