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>>2383230
"You know, I guess it does," you agree, smiling back.

"We're also setting up for Vick's dojo in the basement," Mary adds. "She's gotta teach the spooky bois how to fight?"

"Okay, one, you call it a dojo when it's appropriate. I don't teach anything Japanese, 'cause I don't know anything Japanese. 's my school. Second, 'spooky bois' is the most amazing shit I've ever heard for Autumn." Vickie slides the plate of sandwiches she just made your way. "Food."

Mary goes to leave and gets stopped by the mayo-slathered flat of a butterknife. "Oh my God," the teen complains. "You can't make me like her!"

"No, but she's gonna be around so you might as well learn to fuckin' deal." Vickie says simply, taking the knife back and starting on a new plate of sandwiches. You take a bite from one of yours, eyes flicking between the two of them in vague concern.

"Man, what's your deal?" Mary demands of Vickie. "Who's she to you?"

"I'm right here," you protest. "And I have a name."

"Sorry Colors." Vickie looks up from where she's layering meat and cheese on her bread. "You really wanna know, Mary? Colors is my motley-mate, sure. We're sworn. Gotta help each other, gotta protect each other, gotta hold each other up. Same as the Rook and Forum, incidentally, so if you've got fuckin' beef there you might wanna deal with your shit. But more than that? Colors is someone I look up to. And every bit of shade you're throwin' on her is getting thrown on me, in my own home, so I'll thank you to extend a God damn effort to get to know one of my friends." Vickie pushes the plate towards Mary. "You need to eat too. All y'all need to eat really but since I'm about to shanghai you into helping me cook for the rest of 'em you're gonna eat first."

"Thought the chef ate last," Mary mumbles, red in the face; she looks down at her shoes, shiny things that she can't possibly have broken in yet.

"Usually," Vickie admits, with a shrug. "Now eat. Colors, can you cook?"

"...Nnnoooo?"

"You motherfuckers ain't been raised right."

You and Mary both eat in relative silence. Fido comes wandering into the kitchen and gets a bite of your sandwich for his trouble. He trots back out to the teens with a woof ("They do human work! I will help!"). Vickie gets out a stock pot that's gotta be three feet deep, fills it with water, and hauls it up onto the stove. She gets the heat going beneath it with a satisfied sigh.

"Seeing you all...domestic is a little odd," you admit.

"If someone had fucked me the other night she might caught this side of me already," Vickie answers, without missing a beat. You choke on the water you're drinking while Mary sputters in vague outrage. "Damn kid, did you think I was a purehearted maid or something?"

"I do not need to know about your sex life!"

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>>2383298
"Good, sounds like you can talk to Colors while the two of you cut things for me. Gonna need onions, tomatoes, and eventually some sausage cut up after I cook it. Cutting boards are in there, knives are in that drawer, you know where the fridge is. Have a ball." Vickie gets out an absurd amount of spaghetti noodles, along with some materials from the fridge. "Actually, the green peppers too."

"What're you making?" you ask as you get out what you'll need, Mary reluctantly following suit.

"Nothin' fancy, just loading down some sauce for pasta. I ain't exactly a four-star chef."

You take care of the onions. Ever since coming back they don't make you cry. After seeing your first one Vickie gently corrects your knife motions, advising you to rock the blade and to take your time ("Right is better than fast. Fast comes later.").

"I don't wanna dump my damn sob story," Mary mutters after Vickie goes back to the stove. "Already did it with Vick and the damn Valks and I'm tired of telling it. We all are."

"You led me for a hell of a chase," you tell her. "How'd you know the tumbleglass would work?"

"John promised it would," Mary answers, trying to sound indifferent. "Figured you'd just throw me back into foster care. What'd I have to lose?"

> I was trying to compliment you...
> What's the plan look like from here now? You said something about school.
> Use Cupid's Eye to see what she wants now (1 Glamour; Wyrd vs. difficulty 6)
> Use Cupid's Eye to try and see her hopes for the future (1 Glamour; Wyrd vs. difficulty 8)
> You gonna learn with the Autumn boys?
> Write-in?

>>2383327
> Use Cupid's Eye to see what she wants now (1 Glamour; Wyrd vs. difficulty 6)
>Your legs.
>Still I can admire the courage...
> What's the plan look like from here now? You said something about school.

>>2383327
> Use Cupid's Eye to try and see her hopes for the future (1 Glamour; Wyrd vs. difficulty 8)

Is this the guy from the Zippo tri-shot?

>>2383327
Not fucking Vickie was the wrong choice.

I mean. Fancy was all up in her side chick.

> Write-in?

Start listing off the things Colors lost. Ask Vickie to chime in about what she lost.

>>2383327
>> Use Cupid's Eye to try and see her hopes for the future (1 Glamour; Wyrd vs. difficulty 8)

>>2383407
>This is a terrible idea.

>>2383451
No

> Get drunk with Vickie and greeny-Mc-Pussy-Envy and do >>2383407


NOW it's a terrible idea.

>>2383499
You need to go to sleep.

>>2383327
>> Write-in?
Your legs. Also, do I look like a Child Services agent ?

>>2383662
Proper Greentexting
>> Write-in?
>Your legs. Also, do I look like a Child Services agent ?

>>2383662
>>2383327

Supporting this.

Called, writin'.

>>2383327
>Use Cupid's Eye to try and see her hopes for the future (1 Glamour; Wyrd vs. difficulty 8)

Well that's a weird one to combine but as best I can tell we've got a combination of 'your legs', using Cupid's Eye to detect her hopes for the future, & a sorta-kinda 'what is it you suspect me of' feeling.

That being the case, roll me 1d10+4, TWICE.

Rolled 4 + 4 (1d10 + 4)

>>2384139

Rolled 3 + 4 (1d10 + 4)

Roll, roll, roll them bones,
And then prepare to scream...

Aight, here we go.

4 + 4 = 8; SUCCESS

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>>2384163
Didn't catch sight of the clock, I gotta bounce to work. I'll update when I get home.

>>2384198
Did you ever make it home?

>>2387729
Vox has abandoned us for our sinful ways.

Repent! Repent!

>>2387729
I didn't. Am now, my apologies. There was...an unexpected interruption.

>>2387975
QM CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARSE!

>>2388003
Vox didn't return the slab, didn't he?

>>2387975
>That isnt a yes.

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>>2383327
You chuckle. "I mean, your legs. And spine. Those are a little hard to replace. It was a brave move."

"This one of those things where you say 'brave' and mean 'stupid'?" Mary asks, all suspicion.

"Fuck no," Vickie interjects, without looking up from her frying pan. "That girl went chasing a man into the naked fucking sky so she could kick his shit in. Her high horse is dead and I ate it."

"...Did you fuckin' really?" Mary gives you a disbelieving look, which becomes awe when she sees how black your face has turned from embarrassment. "What. The hell. That's amazing."

You clear your throat and studiously grab your next onion. Mary continues to give you a sly look before laughing to herself and getting back to her tomatoes. You get the feeling that there's going to be more things to cut. Green peppers, for one.

"Might as well throw in the black olives," Vickie notes from near the stove. Yep. More things to cut. You spare a glance at Vickie and one at Mary, and neither are paying attention to you.

She's gotta be what, fifteen? Sixteen? you murmur to Spring. Still just a girl. Tell me what kind of woman she wants to become.

Mmm. Nothing's free comes the coy murmuring of your Mantle. You flicker a grin and offer up a shard of Glamour, still flavored with the victory and exultation of the Feast of Strength. Flower petals scatter at your boots from your rising Mantle as the magic takes hold.

Have a look Spring murmurs, in the laughter of streams and in cool sighs of contentment.

You're not surprised to see that Mary imagines herself as beautiful - who doesn't, in their dreams? - but the ferocity wasn't expected. The Mary that Spring shows you has grown into herself and grown confident, poised, ready. She moves with an absolute confidence, big boots on concrete, and shadowy figures shy away from her in favor of easier prey. In their place come teens and children much like herself, taking shelter in her presence, free from fear.

"Damnit, Colors, quit daydreaming. You're getting your thirst all over my floor," Vickie scolds. "You and your petals."

"Says the person with a constant storm," Mary mutters.

"I haven't assigned bathroom duty tonight. That's still a thing that can happen there, Princess Chucklefuck. C'mon, get those over here and hit the peppers and olives, I gotta get this sauce going."

You scrape the bits of onion into a bowl and get out the bell peppers; you follow Vickie's earlier advice, working patiently to get them done right. The motions are becoming easier, and it helps that you already know how to control a blade.

"So...what do you do for fun?" Mary asks.

"Pixie Chasers," Vickie returns, without looking up.

"I do not!" you snap. "For fuck's sake, I didn't sleep with Fancy for more than a month after an open offer because you made me feel weird about it!"

Vickie looks up at your face and bites her lip. "Really?"

"Yeah, Vick, really."

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>>2388369
"...Damn. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do ya like that, I was just..." the Darkling trails off and turns back to her meat. "...Sorry."

"Did you really though?" Mary asks, pointedly not looking at you.

"It was back when all this started, yeah," you agree after a second to think. "...Wasn't a great decision on my part and I realize that now but at the time it, I dunno, it made me feel..."

"Normal?" Mary hazards.

You start in on a second pepper. "Accepted, maybe. Accepted might be better for what I was feeling."

Vickie clicks her tongue. "Alright, out of my kitchen you two. Thanks for the assist but I'll finish up."

"I can -" you start, only to get a spatula pointed at you; there is a distant rumbling of thunder. "Alright, alright! Going."

You walk out to see Fido 'helping' by picking up tools from one station and bringing them to another. The Wonderlanders laugh whenever he does and try in vain to persuade him to take the wrenches and pliers back where they go. One, a younger lad who's gotta be like ten, seems to have become the Designated Tool Returner.

"I am helping!" Fido woofs at you. He runs up to receive your head pats and Mary's.

"You sure are," you bark back. "Maybe only carry the ones they want though? Here, like this." You kneel down next to a set of rubber-gripped pliers. You point at them, then to one of the kids. Fido looks down at the pliers, then up at you. You point at it, then at the kid, and add, "Take this to that human."

"That is what that means! Yes!" Tail wag-wag-wagging, Fido takes the tools in his mouth and trots them over.

"That is so surreal," Mary comments from next to you.

"Vickie's in the kitchen. If you don't wanna be wearing our get-along shirt anymore," you add.

"Eh. It's cozy in here."

> You know, there's ways to help that aren't fighting. If you're the helping type.
> These kids look up to you for leadership, don't they? Why?
> The Valks are going to have their eyes on you, you know. I wouldn't be surprised if they're looking for an excuse to get you away from the Freehold. You've got a tight line to toe.
> Write-in?

>>2388400

> I was like. 90% confident that chasing that guy was going to work out. That's not really good enough, but I was 100% confident that he was going to hurt more people if he got away.

> What is it that made you think that taking that jump was worth the risk, what made you less scared of that then of getting caught?

> It's not about whether or not you risk, it's about why and what you stand to lose if you don't do it - and what you stand to lose if you do.

FULL. KNIGHTLY.

>>2388400
>> These kids look up to you for leadership, don't they? Why?

Lead cautiously into some of the stuff we Saw. And don't, like, /tell/ her that we Saw it right off.

>>2388567
>I was like. 90% confident that chasing that guy was going to work out. That's not really good enough, but I was 100% confident that he was going to hurt more people if he got away.

>What is it that made you think that taking that jump was worth the risk, what made you less scared of that then of getting caught?

> It's not about whether or not you risk, it's about why and what you stand to lose if you don't do it - and what you stand to lose if you do.

backing.

>>2388400
>>2388811

Like. I don't want to say jumping off roofs is ever the right thing to do. But it's not necessarily the wrong thing to do.

> Backing.

>I was like. 90% confident that chasing that guy was going to work out. That's not really good enough, but I was 100% confident that he was going to hurt more people if he got away.

>What is it that made you think that taking that jump was worth the risk, what made you less scared of that then of getting caught?

> It's not about whether or not you risk, it's about why and what you stand to lose if you don't do it - and what you stand to lose if you do.

Whos a spring courtier now huh?

>I was like. 90% confident that chasing that guy was going to work out. That's not really good enough, but I was 100% confident that he was going to hurt more people if he got away.

>What is it that made you think that taking that jump was worth the risk, what made you less scared of that then of getting caught?

> It's not about whether or not you risk, it's about why and what you stand to lose if you don't do it - and what you stand to lose if you do.

Well that's pretty easy.

Called, writing.

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>>2388567
> FULL. KNIGHTLY.

>>2390564
Yeah I don't do this sober.

I actually meant that last bit to also be

> It's not about whether or not you risk, it's about why and what you stand to lose if you don't do it - and knowing what you stand to lose if you do.

Like don't just throw stuff away by saying "so what if I break my legs". Like you gotta value yourself too, you can't just be willing to throw yourself away.

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>>2388400
You look at everyone; the kids are clearing the floor out to make way for the waxer, which is being prepped by the Wizened guy you saw before (a dusty fellow who's exactly one costume change away from being a Muppet Christmas Carol character). Things are about to get busy in here.

"Don't start up the waxer, food's almost ready," Vickie calls from the kitchen.

Evidently not, nothing is about to be busy in here.

"C'mon, we've got some foldout tables and chairs." Mary points up against the wall where, lo and behold, portable seating and flat surfaces are folded up and leaning. "Just don't tell the boss I put you to work. She gets funny about guests."

"It's not funny, it's hospitable. She's just being a good hostess." You head that direction with Mary, boots echoing off the floor.

"And you're still helping because...?"

"Guests are allowed to volunteer, you just shouldn't ask or compel 'em to." You grab a pair of tables by the convenient cloth handles (when did that become a thing, that's great) and start walking them over; Mary blinks at you and goes after some chairs. "Liked the whole 'chase a man into the sky' story, did you?"

"Am I supposed to not? That's badass. And crazy. But badass."

You set the tables down and kneel to try and get them open. After a second Mary joins you and deftly navigates the high mysteries of table-kind.

"I was pretty sure chasing him was gonna be fine. Like...ninety percent sure," you tell her, watching her work the clasps and lock the legs into place. "Which, ninety percent isn't really good enough in that context, not when the other option is agonizing death by fall. But I was absolutely sure he'd just keep hurting people if he got away."

"Who was that guy?" Mary asks. "Like, who pissed you off enough to go after him like that?"

"...Mary, it was John."

The girl's face falls; she turns away from you and flips the table over, then grabs at the other one before you can. "Figures," she mutters. "Guess I already knew and just didn't wanna."

"Mary...were you ninety percent certain on that jump?"

"...No," she admits, locking the last leg into place. The two of you flip the tables over and set them down a good distance from each other. One of the kids around Mary's age goes to come over and gets warded off by a glare.

"Then what made you think taking the jump was worth the risk? What made that less scary than getting caught?"

"Why? I already told you that I don't wanna go through my sob story again."

"Because it's not about whether or not you take the risk, Mary. It's about what you stand to lose if you don't, and if you know what you're gonna lose if you do. I'm not gonna sit here and pretend you weren't trying to become Lost. I'd like to hear why."

"You show me yours and I'll show you mine," Mary answers. She starts unfolding chairs, and you follow suit.

"Excuse me?" you ask, after two chairs' worth of thinking.

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>>2391255
"That blind chick on the news called you somethin'. Warlock Knight. Didn't seem like you like it, so what's the deal? Thought all of you were magic."

You close your eyes and count back from ten in your head. "That's not what warlock means. It means 'oath-breaker'. I made a promise that I didn't keep and that makes me an untrustworthy traitor in the eyes of the Wyrd and my fellows. And I'll be like that for a long, long time."

"...You regret it?" Mary asks. She sets down the last chair; she's searching your eyes for answers.

"I'd do it again. I dunno about regret. I was doing something wrong that I had to try and make right."

"You really mean that, don't you? That didn't sound sarcastic at all." When you don't reply, she continues. "...John promised he'd make a warrior out of me. Out of all of us, really, but...he said after we were done changing, when we got back, he'd teach us up, so nobody could ever kick us down or kick us around again. I've been on the streets for two years now, Colors. Streets ain't a place to be, and I'd still rather be there than home. And you know, when what you have to lose is fuck-all, anything starts sounding better. I fucked up. That what you wanted to hear?"

You shake your head. "Thank you for sharing. We should help Vickie with the plating."

"Yo Mary, could use a hand with the plates!"

"Are you a prophet?" Mary asks.

"Not that I know of."

* * * *

You and Fido hang out until well after dark, helping with the work and spending time around Vickie and the kids. There's plenty to do to stay busy, and Vick ends up shedding her big coat and doing quite a bit of it in a tank top that gets absolutely no complaints from you. Eventually people show up for the kids - ensorcelled mortals, Freeholders, even a Valk or two - leaving just you, Vickie, and Mary, who announces that she's gonna go upstairs and pass out.

Vickie sets a table back up on the newly waxed floors, unfolds a pair of chairs, and then sets a bottle of tequila on it. You get out some short glasses and accept the shot she pours.

"So you and Fancy huh," she says, pouring her own. "Sorta figured with the way you left the Feast. You have fun?"

"Stayed up all night," you admit. "Couldn't shake this weird feeling. Ended up falling asleep against the door, clutching my sword, and...I dunno, she acted okay about it and it's not her fault but what if -"

"Colors, you're gonna drive yourself nuts like that. Don't." Vickie downs her shot, and you follow suit. "I really didn't mean to do you like that, with the whole...I thought I was just ribbin' ya."

You pour yourself a second shot.

> That hurt, Vickie. I've been second-guessing everything about this relationship.
> Honestly, it's fine. There were things to think about. Still are.
> You sorta came off as jealous, Vick. Especially with you bringing it up earlier.
> Write-in?

>>2391267
>> You sorta came off as jealous, Vick. Especially with you bringing it up earlier.

>>2391267
>> Honestly, it's fine. There were things to think about. Still are.
Vickie apologised, Lets leave it at that.

>>2391267
>Honestly, it's fine. There were things to think about. Still are.

An apology deserves honesty.

>>2391267
> Write-in?

> That hurt Vickie. I've been second-guessing everything about this relationship.

> I know you mean well, but I'm just scared and not sure how to have a real relationship. Or live with a mortal. I want your support, but sometimes I need things to be off limits for a bit.

> If we were dating I would just say I need some space at times.

>>2391267
>> You sorta came off as jealous, Vick. Especially with you bringing it up earlier.

>>2391267
>> You sorta came off as jealous, Vick. Especially with you bringing it up earlier.

>>2391267
> You sorta came off as jealous, Vick. Especially with you bringing it up earlier.

Called, writin'.

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>>2391267
You shoot the 'quila but don't swallow it; you roll it over your tongue, getting a feel for its texture and flavor, then swallow. Vickie's got a slight cringe where she hunches over her own glass, making her long body bent like a crooked scythe.

"With the way you brought it up earlier, you sorta came off as jealous," you tell her. "Are you?"

Vickie swirls her shot, shrugs, and sets the glass down before filling it up near to the brim. The gulp she takes is a lot more than one shot. "What if I was?" she asks, looking down at the tequila instead of at you.

"You barely know me."

"Right, and Fancy does? Jesus, I'm not offering you the Heart's Oath here. I like you. I kinda wanna sleep with you. You knew all that already, don't fuckin' come at me with 'you barely know me' when you know the question on my mind is why her and not me."

You reach for the bottle and pour yourself a double. "I had no idea about that, Vickie. I'm just...doing things, when it feels right to do them. And I'm mostly glad it feels like I chose to do them with the right people. I barely know any of you. The Rook's been opening himself up, got no idea why. Forum's got that open offer to hang out but I haven't spent much time with the guy. And you keep lying to me, Vick. You said you'd tell me if you wanted me."

Your friend cradles her cheek in her hand and finishes her drink. "I did say that."

"Why'd you lie?"

"Because I'm scared of rejection and don't fucking love myself, why the fuck you think?" There's no venom in her voice, just a tired distance. She sets the glass down and pushes it away with a finger. "Working with these kids is the happiest I've felt in a long time. Feels like I'm doing something good. Really good. I can't help wanting what I want, alright? I'm not gonna come at you or Fancy or anything, I can go get laid if I wanna. Hell, pretty sure Forum'd go for a ride if I offered, and I've fucked worse sober."

You drink the double in one go. "Don't do the guy like that. Or at least be open about it, he didn't sign up for heartbreak."

"Colors, I'm gonna kill someone if I don't get laid. Unless you're volunteering, I'll fuck who I wanna fuck."

> I am volunteering.
> Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.
> Fido and I gotta go home. It's gonna be a long walk.
> Write-in?

>>2393072
>Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.
Nothing wrong with casual sex so long as everyone's on the same page.

>>2393072
> I am volunteering if Fancy is okay with it.

>>2393194
If memory serves Fancy did say something like”if you’re going to sleep with you that darkling girl, let me know, I’d like to get in on that.”

>>2393072
>> I am volunteering.

>>2393072
> >>2393072
>>2393072
> Looking for Sex or Romance?
> If fancy actually said she was up for a threesome lets do it.
> If not wish her luck. Also tell her to give forum a chance if shes interested.

>>2393361
>My bad. Bring UP the threesome.

>>2393314
I'm having trouble finding the exact moment in my archives. I don't suppose you recall?

>>2393361
Yeah the concern about Forum is more us projecting our own issues, I think.

He's a big boy.

What I wonder, is if what Vickie wants is just sex why she HASN'T just gotten laid yet. Like. Is she holding out for us? Because the whole Fancy thing makes that a bad idea.

>>2393418
>> Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.

...I thought Fancy said something more along the lines of, "Don't sleep with me unless you mean it, and if you're with me, don't be messing around with other people."

>>2393072
>> Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.
> Anyway, Fido and I gotta go home. It's gonna be a long walk.

Also, voting.

>Forum is biggo boy. yes.
>Probably when we were talking to her about her (side?) chick.
Im looking. If nobody finds it use your QM omnipotence to rewrite history in the way most pleasing to you.

"I do like you, if you were wondering. Not like, swooning over here or anything but aside from the whole 'warlock' thing you seem pretty decent. Enough to make me think maybe there's something to this whole idea that you had to break your oath, that something was too sick and wrong to abide," Vickie comments, quietly, while she fills the sink. "I don't sleep with folks I can't respect."

"I appreciate it," you murmur. Vickie pauses to drink from her bottle while the suds rise in her sink; she slides dishes into it one-handed. "Fancy thinks you're sweet on me."

Vickie coughs and sputters. "Fancy can keep her shit to her own damn self. If I'm after your love I'll damn well tell you!"

Found this in #8. Which certainly implies something...

>This looks like the closest we got? its in #7

>>1795563
"I'm a big girl, and so are you. Just...stay honest with me about what you want out of this, and I'll stay honest with you. I dunno who you might have dated before...everything, or what you've done after, but tonight was nice, and it was also 'I'm looking for a partner' dating, and not 'I'm looking to have fun' dating. Don't make any decisions now, but if you wanna have fun, tell me. If you wanna try somethin' else, tell me. If you decide you're sweet on someone else, or you just wanna be done...tell me. And I'll tell you." Fancy offers her hand out.

"...You know what promises are like with us," you murmur.

"Yeah," Fancy agrees. "I do."

> Bind the pledge
> Do not

I mean. Its not. Go fuck your darkling friend. But maybe?

ALRIGHT. FOUND IT.
#7


"...I don't know?" you offer.

"You sweet on that friend of yours?"

"I don't know," you admit a second time.

"Bad at knowing what you want?"

"Like you would not believe."

Fancy laughs and runs her fingers through your glass hair. "Well, just...loop me in when you figure that out, alright? You can unbuckle, you know. The car's stopped."

You unbuckle and open your door, but you pause just outside the car and turn to look at the dancer. "Are we - Fancy, are we a thing?"

"Are we?" she asks, eyes on yours. She shakes her head when she sees the look on your face. "If the answer is 'I don't know' again, then it's 'no', Colors. But it might be nice if we were, sometime. You come see me when you're done not dyin', and we can see about a second date, yeah?"

>>2393552
>>2393540
>>2393072

Yeah we would definitely have to discuss this with Fancy first. Just to make sure we don't break our pledge.

>>2393510
>>2393540
>>2393552
None of this is exactly 'call me for a threesome'. Or anything near it.

Upon further consideration change vote to.
>I am volunteering.

We are kind of whipped arent we?

Its tell me when you KNOW what you want. Then we will go from there. Past be damned.

I got a. "If your not going to lock it down dont ask me too" vibe.

I am not particularly interested in either option at the moment.

WHERE ARE YOU WHEN WE NEED YOU COMMON SENSE MERIT!

Could we get it as a contract?

>>2393072
> Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.

>>2393559
Nah, but it's "Talk to her about a threesome".

Like.

Does a relationship exclude slutting it up once in a while?

>>2393072
> Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.
> As an aside, tonight was nice. Maybe next time we could invite the kids out to the Arcade, or I could show them a thing or two at the work shop.

I've been away from internet for a while, feels good to be back with one of my favorite stories. I shall brew a fresh pot as tribute to the Lord o' Bones.

Telling her not to break his heart is coming off a little... dickish?

Maybe we should be more like.

Nah, im hoping this thing with fancy works out. Happy hunting though.

>>2393721
How's it dickish? We're just asking her to make sure that if she starts something with Forum, that she just be honest with him about what she wants out of it and not to lead him on.

Phrasing it right to keep from sounding like a ponce is appropriate, but we're not Vickie's baby sitter. She's a big girl.

>>2393072
>> Didn't say not to do it, Vick. Said not to play with his heart.

Called, writing.

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>>2393072
"It's not like that, Vickie. I didn't say not to do it, just said not to play with his heart. Alright?" You look at the bottle and decide against it. "...Be kinda fucked up if I tried to tell you who not to sleep with, wouldn't it?"

"Is that rhetorical?"

"...Nnnnnoooo?"

Vickie gives you a long look and then laughs, grinning to the corners of her ears. "Yeah, Colors, that'd be pretty fucked up. But like, as my friend you do get an opinion, so if you see me doin' someone stupid maybe let me know, yeah?"

"I will. If I keep drinking I'm not gonna get home," you muse, out loud.

Vickie tops off your glass. "Lightweight. Don't have any beds yet, and Mary's on the good couch, so it's chair city for both of us. So...you gone steady with Fancy then?"

"I think I want to. And now that I realized that I should tell her. I made a promise."

Vickie tilts her head while you get out your phone. "You pledge-bound her? That seems weirdly underhanded of you there, Fearless Leader."

"Her idea."

"...Huh."

Fancy picks up on the second ring. "Yeah Colors? I'm on in ten."

"Oh! Um." Your cheeks color when you realize Vickie is staring at you. "I, um. I'm over hanging with Vickie, and, and um, I wanted..."

"I thought you said we didn't have to over-share?" Fancy asks, a faint note of hurt in her voice.

"Nonotthat, it's -"

"Oh sweet Jesus you useless Knight." Vickie snatches the phone and puts it to her ear. "She just turned down hot passionate knife-girl sex because she wants to try going steady with you. Mmhm. Nope, I'm in a sweaty tank top and we're both gettin' buzzed. Yep. Here she is."

You take the phone back in the middle of your silent prayer for the sweet peace of death. "Hi Fancy."

"She tellin' the truth, darlin'?"

You manage a 'yes', heart in your throat.

"You just made my night," the dancer tells you. "You mind if I swing by your place tomorrow? I remember proposing a movie."

"I'd love to."

"Then it's a date. Gotta go, you stay safe!"

"You too Fancy, break a leg!"

Vickie sips from her glass after you hang up the phone and stare at it. Even out of the corner of your eye you can see her huge grin. She takes a piece of paper out of her pocket and slides it your way.

"What's this?" you ask, grateful for the sudden change of topic.

"Wonderlander phone numbers. Gonna give 'em yours too. I think after that sorry display you'll pass muster to the Valks as a role model. And, well...you cared enough to show up. That's gotta count for somethin'. And, Colors? Thanks. For being you."

You clear your throat, take a drink of the tequila, set your cup down. "Hard to be someone else."

"Nah. Easiest thing in the world. Now should I get my coat on or are you gonna stop leaving flower petals everywhere?"

END INTERLUDE: HEATHENS

* * * *

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>>2394609
BEGIN PART TWO: THAT PAIN AGAIN

September 20th & 21st (roughly 17 days later; Present Day)

The ballroom at the Juniper Building has been done in all the colors of Autumn; the transition of power has been lit by candles and by torches, which throws flickering shadows through the room and splashes the polished floor with red and with orange. A table set to the side is laden with food for after the ceremony.

The Freehold has gathered into a circle around Arthur and Zoe Morris, to witness the transfer of power and the end of an era. King Raven, standing with Autumn, leaves for the airport today and if he's true to his word will not be back in New Avalon for some time. The burning crown of spears on Arthur's brow flickers and gutters, running out of Summer to fuel it. Zoe herself fidgets with her Zippo, rolling it over and around her fingers, its flame winking and flickering in playful rhythm.

"The Knights of Summer grow weary from our toils," Arthur begins, as the last of Summer begins to fade away. "Our hands are slick from blood, our eyes dim from exhaustion, our hearts wrung with wrath. Who will take up the fight in our place?"

Zoe raises her chin. "The Witches of November reach their hand to succor the weary Knights and wrap their burden in magic and mystery."

"I offer it forth freely and in the joy of troth upheld." Arthur's stony fingers touch the crown on his brow and lift it, blackening at the tips from heat. As he passes it to Zoe it shifts before your very eyes. What Zippo Morris places on her head is a circlet made of twisted paper wound around bone, both crawling with ink. The edges burn, trailing sparks and ashes into the air around her.

"All hail the Queen of Bonfires!" Raven slams his cane into the floor, filling the air with a sharp crack.

"All hail!"

"I will now convene with the April Maid, the Lord of July, and the Lord of December," Zoe announces. "Please, enjoy Autumn's hospitality."

The formal circle breaks up slowly. Advisors drift in the direction of the knot of royals (except Ramona; she appointed Natalia the April Maid, Spring's representative outside of the Season itself) while others drift towards the free food or start gossiping among their own Courts.

You look over at your friends and see Vickie dragging Forum towards the door.

"I really hope those two get over themselves soon," the Rook says from your side. "This is getting gauche."

"I'm honestly surprised it's gone on this long," you note. "Especially since they both insist they aren't dating."

"They aren't. Just lonely on the same road, for now." The Rook coughs into his sleeve and takes a shuddering breath. "Miss Peters wants your attention."

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>>2394648
You follow the line of the Rook's gaze and spot Erin and Sally sulking at the edge of the crowd. The rest of the Freehold seems content to give them their distance, and no one gets in your way when you start walking over there. The Rook drifts towards the food without further comment.

"We need to make arrangements," Erin says by way of greeting. "Tonight, before Zoe gets hard to access or ask permission of. Sally's agreed that this isn't her party, so that part's covered."

You sigh. "...It really does bother me that you can't even get up a 'hi how are you'. Do you have to be an asshole all the time?"

"Like to think I haven't been sometimes," Erin answers, turning her blindfolded head away from you for a moment. "You want the truth, I'm still scared to try this. This ain't a thing I've ever seen done. I hounded down research, scraped together writings and interviews, went trading favors with Autumn and that was a fucking bitch and a half, let me tell you. But I don't know. And if I get this wrong, dying is one of my better options. So excuse me if I'm feeling a little fucking tetchy." Shipmate Sally puts a hand on Erin's shoulder; the ex-pirate touches her friend's fingers for a moment.

"What exactly is the plan?" you ask.

Erin takes a deep breath. "We'll slip into the Hedge through the Smithson Arms Gate, loaded for a longer trek. Our destination is the site of Rainbow John's old Hollow, into what's left of the city-Hedge there where what was became something else. There I'll need to perform the ritual. I'll be...vulnerable, and in pain. Unable to help you defend us."

You nod your understanding. "What then?"

"There's a strong possibility that we won't be able to go back the way we came. The Hedge is psychoactive. The event that's about to happen is a powerful, wrenching change. The paths will twist, so we'll need to find our way back to the mortal world by wit and Wyrd alone. That I can help with."

You glance over at the Rook, who is conversing with the Magpie of the Old Docks and a small scattering of new Spring members from among the folks at Carroll House. "Are you gonna insist on me not inviting the motley along?"

"Colors...I can't. I can't do this in front of them. I can barely think about doing it in front of you. I'm going to be naked, stripped down to the fuckin' soul, weak and beat down and, and I can't, okay? Don't. Please don't. And like I said, I'm good for payment."

"Should I inform Queen Morris that you need her?" Sally asks. Her layered, hypnotic voice catches you off guard; both you and Erin give her your full attention.

"You really want to do this now?" you ask Erin.

"I'd like to leave inside the week," she answers in a small voice. "...Before I lose my nerve."

> Talk to Zoe
> Hold off (why & for how long)

AND

> Insist on bringing your Motley
> Just let them know you're handling a personal obligation and will be gone for a little while

>>2394677
> Talk to Zoe
> Tell Fancy what we're doing so she doesn't freak out again

You're fucking route locking us on Worst Girl here guys. I didn't want to point out that we have to let Fancy know about this but I'm resisting sabotage.

> Just let them know you're handling a personal obligation and will be gone for a little while

>>2394684
If it helps I'd sorta already assumed you'd be telling Fancy where you're going and otherwise attending to loose ends like letting Trista and her family know not to worry etc so forth.

And I don't do 'routes' either. There's a lot of choices very much on the table.

>>2394677
>> Talk to Zoe
AND
> Insist on bringing your Motley
They can form a outer ring of defdense and will be facing away from Erin anyway, focused on watch duty.

(Try to bring at least ONE Motley member if that is the best compromise that can be reached.)

>>2394688
> Like people will vote to break up with Fancy or sleep around.

We're never going to get to use our Vice.

>>2394609
> "Oh sweet Jesus you useless Knight." Vickie snatches the phone and puts it to her ear. "She just turned down hot passionate knife-girl sex because she wants to try going steady with you. Mmhm. Nope, I'm in a sweaty tank top and we're both gettin' buzzed. Yep. Here she is."
Vickie remains best girl.

>>2394684
I thought Cherry was supposed to be worst girl.

>>2394677
> Talk to Zoe
> Insist on bringing your Motley
Going into the deep hedge, with just two? One of whom is going to not be at 100%? That seems like a really bad idea. Yes, it's going to suck for Erin to have to do this in front of more people. But you know what else sucks? Dying.

>>2394677
>> Talk to Zoe
> Insist on bringing your Motley

Hurray steadyness all around

>>2394677
>Talk to Zoe
> Just let them know you're handling a personal obligation and will be gone for a little while

This kind of sounds like a thing where more people makes it more dangerous.

>>2394688
>If it helps I'd sorta already assumed you'd be telling Fancy where you're going and otherwise attending to loose ends like letting Trista and her family know not to worry etc so forth.

I was thinking about this and why it irked me. I feel it kind of takes away from us growing as playing Colors if you auto-resolve social links for us like that. Especially after having previously made a plot point out of the topic.

Give us the chance to learn and grow.

Can we leave a message with someone for our Motley that they'll hold until either shit goes down in the Hedge like Erin said or we've been gone whatever Erin and Colors can agree is a reasonable time to be worried? I can definitely see not wanting them to be there for this, but knowing we've got pickup arranged would make me feel a bit better about the risks.

>>2395008
I can appreciate this perspective but like...I also want to characterize Colors in the way your decisions have shaped for her. You've already gone out of your way to be transparent with the people in your life on many occasions, ranging from the last time you did this sorta thing to the oath with Fancy.

Additionally I've never really been the kind of game master who goes "YOU DIDN'T SAY YOU OPENED THE DOOR, GRENADE BOUNCES OFF IT INTO YOUR FACE". 's not a chance to learn or grow, that's just me being a dick with limited omniscience.

>>2395120
Theoretically? The trouble comes with the time-distorting nature of the Deep Hedge. When you could come back any time between 'instantly' and 'weeks from now', definitions like 'a reasonable time to be worried' get...odd.

>>2395140
That would be a bit of a problem, yes. Wasn't sure if Erin's expertise would help there or not. I'm going to guess that bringing our Motley in far enough they'll be around when it's done but leaving them somewhere they're not watching when we actually do rip out her Kith is also untenable?

>>2395160
It'd ground them in your relative time, assuming Erin's change doesn't mess with time as well as the paths.

>>2394677
>> Talk to Zoe
> Just let them know you're handling a personal obligation and will be gone for a little while

Trust is hard, especially for someone in a position like Erin's in. Being in a position of vulnerability like that...

I don't think we should take the risk that we bring them, go deep into the Hedge with Erin, and have her not be able to go through with it after all because they're there. That would be a big waste of a trip, and extra dangerous to boot.

>>2395140
I did that once. Though to be fair the person throwing the grenade was an ork. Who didnt really know how grenades worked. There was also a second door. Behind the first door.

That was still the funniest way one of my parties has cleared a room.

>Talk to Zoe.
>Ask Erin privately about the possibility of maybe bringing your Motley along far enough to ground them in the same time, without them being able to watch, so you have backup ready and waiting when shit goes to hell. If she agrees, do that; if not, just tell them you've got a personal obligation and will be gone for a while.

>>2395120
>reasonable time
I like your idea and support it. I AM a bit worried about them not reaching the ritual site in "time" bc time and space are warped in that part ofthe Deep Hedge

>>2395360
See >>2395160 & >>2395167 and then don't forget to greentext ya vote when you make a decision, my friend.

>>2395275
At least convince her to bring Rook. We can tell Erin he has been in a similar situation and will understand/sympathize. (i.e Rachel's rampage)

Hokay. So I'm gonna call the vote at this point. Including >>2395336 as a sorta-kinda 'don't bring the Motley' there's a slight edge on not bringing it. HOWEVER, given the nature of the vote and the bit where I honestly hadn't thought of the 'what if we just left them in the Hedge for backup' plan, we're gonna do a second vote here for an hour or so. SO:

> Don't bring the Motley at all
> Float the backup plan past Erin (Persuasion vs. difficulty 8; your Mantle bonus applies)

>>2395971
What are the odds of actually winning dif 8?

>>2395992
You're swinging 1d10+5, rolled once since you're an Elemental. So good, but not certified.

>>2395971
> Float the backup plan past Erin (Persuasion vs. difficulty 8; your Mantle bonus applies)

>>2395971
>Float the backup plan past Erin. (Persuasion vs. difficulty 8; your Mantle bonus applies.)
>Don't push her on it, though, and try to be careful phrasing it so it doesn't sound like we're just suggesting the same thing she's already shut down.

>>2395971
>Float the backup plan past Erin. (Persuasion vs. difficulty 8; your Mantle bonus applies.)

Aight, let it be done. Someone roll me 1d10+5.

>>2395971
> Float the backup plan past Erin (Persuasion vs. difficulty 8; your Mantle bonus applies)

I mean, I'm willing to be respectful about her privacy and all that...but this is the Hedge. Place is fucking dangerous, and staying alive comes first and foremost. Having a team of skilled individuals waiting in the wings is just being practical.

Rolled 9 + 5 (1d10 + 5)

>>2396267
Please, in the good names of the Aesir, let this be a win!

>>2396282
Well, that'll do it.

Excellent. Will write in a bit, gotta rip up some carpet.

>>2396282
by Heimdall's golden eyes that was witnessed

>>2395140
>Additionally I've never really been the kind of game master who goes "YOU DIDN'T SAY YOU OPENED THE DOOR, GRENADE BOUNCES OFF IT INTO YOUR FACE". 's not a chance to learn or grow, that's just me being a dick with limited omniscience.


But emotional and relationship growth is part of playing an Elemental, and like I said it seemed like it was a significant plot point earlier.

Opening a door to throw a grenade is something intuitive, but Colors has shown that her emotional intelligence is terrible, and that she has difficulty innately with concepts like "Mortal Common Courtesy". It kind of feels like - say we were playing as a thief character, and we got hit by a trap on a treasure chest. Now later in the game, I'm saying that we should check another chest for traps. It feels like you just told me "No, you forgot to check for traps earlier and afterwards decided you would check for traps later on. Since you've been putting an effort in to check for traps, I'm not going to have any more traps in the game". Like. Is that part of the game just resolved now?

Maybe I've just been playing too much Valen Quest. Maybe that's not something people want in this game. I feel it takes away from a set of challenges, but hey that's just me.

>>2396794
And that's not ever gonna stop being a problem necessarily. But a routine like 'hey, before you vanish, tell us you're gonna vanish' just...seems easy enough to do? And not something I wanna constantly engage on?

Anyway, carpet torn up, writing.

>>2396919
Fair enough if you don't want to engage on it.

>>2396919
>carpet torn up
I'm concerned but also curious

>>2397016
Have you never done floors in your own house?

>>2397017
Yes, I hated it and wouldn't take breaks to do something else until it was finished.

>>2396919
Sleepy Vox?

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>>2394677
You nod at Shipmate Sally, who claps you on the shoulder and goes drifting to await royal acknowledgement. She's going to be a few minutes; after meeting with the other Courts, the usual next order of business is to appoint her governance for the Season. A lot more eyes than anyone would care to admit on are Zoe Morris.

Raven's shadow will hang over Autumn long after he's gone.

"I understand what you're telling me," you say once Sally is gone. "But doing this entirely without backup sounds like an easy way to get dead. I'd like to ask my Motley to enter the Hedge with us and establish a base camp near the door, in case we need to call for rescue."

Erin goes stiff. "I lived in the Hedge for years. You trying to tell me I don't know my business? That I can't guide us?"

"You did just say you're going to be out of it, Erin," you point out, gently. "Nobody's doubting you at your best. But you won't be at your best, will you?"

The blind Fairest opens her mouth, then closes it with a scowl. Her arms fold across her chest, foot tapping impatiently.

"...Erin?" you ask.

"I'm thinking, alright," she snaps. "Argh. Fuck. Fuck me, you're not even fuckin' wrong."

"They won't be there to intrude on your privacy," you soothe. "Just there to keep us safe."

"I hate you," Erin mutters, pacing back and forth in the same foot of space.

"Doesn't change the facts."

"Ugh! Fine! Fine. Fuckin' fine. You tell Reeds to behave. This is hard enough without spending half the trip there with her throwing goddamn shade at me."

"No promises, but I'll talk to her." A weight settles on your shoulder, and your head snaps to look. It's Reminisce - of course it's Reminisice, who else would be landing on your shoulder.

"Queen Morris will see you," the raven announces, before he flaps off, leaving you to rub your shoulder. Muttering under her breath, Erin falls into line with you.

They brought Ramona over for this too. Zoe sits in her throne - you have a hard time thinking of it as anything but Raven's throne, a high-backed thing decorated with carvings of corvids carrying scrolls - with her burning crown low on her brow, just a hair too large for her. Arthur stands to her left, Misery to her right, with Ramona and Natalia forming the wings of the royal formation.

"Shipmate Sally seems to think you want to go waltzing into the Hedge and take the Warlock Knight with you, Peters," Zoe opens, eyes on Erin. "You wanna tell me I misheard her, because it sounds like you're asking me to sign off on your ticket out of here with a hostage in tow."

Arthur closes his eyes and does a remarkable job restraining the flare of his Mantle; the sunlight that bathes him brightens, but there is no rumble of thunder. Ramona can't quite do the same with her long sigh.

Natalia, on the other hand, gives Erin the same suspicious look that Zoe is.

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>>2398839
You spare a glance for Erin. The ex-pirate has bitten her lip so hard it's bleeding; her pale cheeks are red, but she stays silent.

"That's not what's happening here," you speak up. "And I'm not the only one going. My Motley will be on standby in case of trouble -"

"Not comforting," Zoe interrupts. "Peters' MO was attacking groups, remember? That was her whole thing. I dunno who or what you think you're standing next to but that's a master tactician and Hedge ranger inviting you into her arena of strength. Now kindly shut the fuck up, 'cause I was talking to Erin."

"If you're going to throw my past in my face, why not go the full mile and call me Liz?" Erin asks in a ragged whisper.

"Guess that depends, Peters," Zoe answers. "Tell me about the Bishopric."

The Blackbirds? What's Erin got to do with the Blackbird Bishops? The question seems to catch the ex-pirate off guard too. She frowns, her hand straying down towards her waist. You touch her wrist before her hand can reach her sword hilt, and the motion goes to her belt instead.

"Been seeing them regularly," Erin says at last. "Bishop Kelly's been the one interacting with me, for the most part. She has the time, and...the inclination. That the others maybe don't have. She's been helping me find my keel."

"Go on."

"What's this have to do with anything?" you ask. Morris's eyes snap to you; her lighter dances across her hand, and her empty left lines with flickering flame. She makes no motion to get up off her throne.

"We're having a talk, Colors. I trust you to do your job. Kindly let me do mine."

You can almost see the train of thought Ramona goes through that starts at 'I should say something' and ends at 'but I can't'.

"I got this," Erin murmurs. You nod and take a step back. "Spend a lot of time around people," the ex-pirate continues. "Just...doing stuff. Bishops do a lot of volunteer work, so so do I. Nothing huge, just...meeting people. Soup kitchens, meal delivery, in-home care sometimes on the good days. Habitat for Humanity or whatever the name of that is."

"That's the name," Misery Monroe confirms.

"Good fuckin' name, that. And...there's...other stuff. Meditation. A lot of talking. A lot of talking. Got into it with her a time or three. She swings that staff like I hurt someone she knows."

"You did," Zoe says. "You like your time with them?"

"Fuck no."

"You wanna stop?"

"No," Erin snaps, taking a step back into a fighting stance. Arthur holds up a hand, which seems to jolt her out of her reaction, but the pirate stays stiff, caught between lunging and leaving.

Zoe clenches her fist, snuffing out the flames in on her hand in the process. "Alright. What's this trip for, then? What are you looking to do?"

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>>2398868
"I...I'm looking for a piece of my Spring, Morris. I asked Colors to help and she was kind enough to say yes. But I can't leave Sally out of this without your say-so. She's my handler, but she didn't sign up for the Deep Hedge shit like this and I'm not looking to force her to get cut up on my behalf."

"Ramona?" Zoe asks.

"Erin's made remarkable progress," your liege lady answers. "She has had struggles, and setbacks, but I have not once doubted her good faith or suspected her misuse of the trust Arthur and I have invested in her. We can of course always command her full revelation of the information..."

"Mm. But somehow I think if I make you tell me I'm gonna have to tell Kelly, and then she's gonna hit you with that staff again," Zoe muses. "Isn't she?"

"...I honestly don't know," Erin answers, her head dipping to look - well, 'look' - at the floor. "I haven't told her the plan."

"Hmm. Colors, you volunteered for whatever it is. Lemme lay an offer on the table." Zoe gestures to Erin. "She's got the Ink-in-Irons with Sally. Any harm they inflict on each other goes right back on themselves. That's a thing I can make happen for you, tonight, now. So the question is, do you want it?"

"...This is a test, isn't it?" you ask.

Zoe's smile is not friendly. "An essay test, at that."

> Yes (why?)
> No (why?)

>>2398832
Writers block. Now I'm sleeping

>>2398878
No.

Couple a reasons.

Ive been trying to be nicer to people, and help them get through their personal shit. Reasons I am doing this in the first place. Cant imagine taking it will make her feel better about herself or more confident in what she is doing.

Next up. Even if this is a trap. Ink in Irons is not enough of a tactical advantage. To make it worth the social loss. Assuming it will only works for direct physical harm. She can, and likely would power through it if she thought it would secure victory. Much like I would. It is also to easy to get around for someone who knows what they are doing, and is prepared.

>>2398914
That is one point of view. Howeer, this is just a test of truth.

>Yes (why)
This is just a test of faith and trust, e.g. can we prove we really trust Erin. We have done something together with Erin that shaped a dep emotionl connection to deep for her to betray us.

Also, Erin defied a True Fae in its presence to side with the Freehold.

If that isnt convincing, I'm sure someone here has Cupid's Eye AND a strong Wyrd, and could prove there is no intention of betrayal in Erin.

>No, for myself. I do not approve of Erin's past, but the reason we intend on going into the Hedge is to allow her to move beyond a part of that past. And if I did not trust her motives and her word, I would not have agreed to accompany her.
>However. That protection goes both ways, and I am not the one who will be rendered most vulnerable by Erin's plan. I would not take it amiss if she would feel more secure knowing that I could not take advantage of her weakness. If such is her desire, then I will accept it freely and in the knowledge it is no slight on me.

>>2398983
That's a bit of an odd explanation to go with voting to accept the Ink-In-Irons. Can I get you to elaborate?

>>2398914
Don't forget to greentext ya vote my friend

>>2398878
>No, I don't WANT it. I want to believe that everyone can have their piece of Spring, i want to help Erin do what she's gotta do in good faith, and I want to get out of this thing in one piece. IF it's gonna make it easier for this trip to happen, I'll take it. But I don't want it.

>>2399215
>Can I get you to elaborate?
I meant that Erincan't be trusted, and that Arthur trusts her. Thus I have no compunnctions about accepting the Ink-in-Irons.

Can we just get a clearer understanding of what Erin intends to do in the hedge? I think she wants to shed her kith and seeming right? Or did I misinterpret that

>>2399631
Just her Kith. You can't really do anything about your Seeming. As she's expressed it to you, the idea is to go deep enough that the laws of the Hedge alone hold sway and then excise her Kith from her soul and Wyrd, making her a kith-less Fairest as opposed to a Bright One Fairest.

>>2399655
Okay. I'm still not understanding why though. It's obviously tied into her trying to reject her past I think

>>2399675
One's Kith and Seeming are tied into your Durance, your stay in Arcadia. In particular, they're some combination of what your Keeper made you on purpose and what you did to survive. Colors, f'rinstance, became what she is because she was forced to.

Erin hasn't talked a lot about why she became a Bright One but it happened because of Arcadia, and because of her time there. She did say when she first proposed this that she refuses to be what her Keeper made her any more.

>>2399679
I know that since she's a strap of pearls she's probably explored this option but why can't she just sell her kith at a goblin market?

>>2399684
Being a former Satrap, she knows better. Aside from nearly a decade of haunting the Hedge and selling at Goblin Markets, mind. Those transactions are often dangerous. For the careful, the cautious, the prudent, they can be a nice option, but for something like this you really don't want buyer's remorse.

>>2398878
> No (why?)

If we thought we needed it there wouldn't be any point to helping Erin.

Also getting really sick of people always testing us. We get it. We're a Warlock.

But Zoe isn't our Queen. She's not our friend. She can call this choice a test and judge us all she wants but we don't need her approval to help out a friend.

I mean. She can stop Erin from going. But Erin is her ward, not her slave. Let's throw it back on Zoe and ask why she thinks we would need the ink-in-irons. Is it just that she's afraid of Erin?

It's partly the Courts job to rehabilitate her, so if Zoe is just worried about what Erin is capable of doing and not thinking about what she's actually likely to do, then she shouldn't be responsible for her.

So the question is, does Zoe truly think Erin isn't ready to go into the hedge and do this? Does she think it's best for her ward to wait?

If that's what Zoe thinks is best for Erin then that's fair enough. If it's just what Zoe thinks is easiest or safest for her, then she can fuck right off.

It's not like we don't respect Zoe's position and we're seriously considering her words and offer. Honestly if Zoe thinks it's best for Erin to wait, we'll have to resolve that before we go.

Bit if she's always going to treat Erin like a criminal, in some sense she'll always be a criminal and Zoe won't ever reform her.

Called, writing.

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>>2398878
"Given the choice, I'll pass," you answer, firmly.

"Wait what?" Erin turns her head (why? It's not like she can see you. Can she?) in your direction.

"See, now you're the one talking when I'm talking to someone else," Zoe tells Erin. The ex-pirate sighs and closes her mouth.

"Practically speaking, it's not enough protection," you continue. "But...your Majesty, I really could not care about the practicalities. I believe Erin, and want to help her. We're both seeking our Spring. If I don't reach my hand out to help, what right do I have to ask for help myself? I know I won't find mine alone."

"Where's this trust come from?" Zoe asks. She rests her cheek against her knuckles and gives you her undivided attention.

"What's this about?" you demand. "Is it because I'm a warlock? Are you really so scared of Erin?"

You could drop a pin into the silence that descends over this gathering of royals. A motion catches your attention from the corner of your eye; you flick your gaze that way and see Raven, looking up from saying his goodbyes among his Court, with a look of vicious glee in his old eyes.

When Zoe speaks, it's in a murmur that barely carries to you. "I was a warlock, Colors. I did my time for it the hard way too. So if you think I'm stupid or vicious enough to be after you for that, maybe give me a bit more credit. I realize you probably don't have a glowing opinion of me, considering that you keep the Rook around the place. That's fine. Hopefully four months of sitting the throne will be enough of a chance to change your mind. You wanna know what this is about? It's about my job."

Zoe leans forward, elbows on her knees, eyes still locked on yours. "Arthur and Ramona are bleeding hearts. It's part of their charm, even part of their Courts' mandate in a way. That is not my job. My job is fear. Building it, inflicting it, understanding it, and having it. One of the things a good Autumn Courtier is afraid of is themselves. Did you know that? I think everyone could stand to be a little more scared of themselves sometimes. So you sit here and you tell me you're not afraid of Peters, someone who, objectively speaking, is terrifying. Even if she wasn't who she is, she'd be a force of nature. And what I want to hear from you is why, before I go signing off on something that will draw the Arrayer that's supposed to be training my boys, one of my strongest Courtiers, and one of our only technical boys out of my Freehold and into danger, and I wanna hear that because it's my God damn job to hear it and decide about it. You've got the luxury of getting to think only about your Spring and Erin's. I don't."

Ello?

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>>2401327
Your hand strays to the hammer necklace that hangs over your twilight mail; you rub it with your thumb for a moment. "Your Majesty, if I thought I needed the Ink-in-Irons, there wouldn't be any point in me helping at all. She's paying for her crimes, and has been paying in good faith. Her help in the affair with John was invaluable. We only found the Bloody Wing with her assistance, to say nothing of the actual fight. No, I can't prove anything. But if I'm going to be the person I say I am then I need to honor the effort she's been making. She's been vicious and she's been a bitch and she's been cruel to me for no reason but she's also been forthright, and dedicated, and driven. She's been valorous, and even respectful in her own way. It's only trust if you can get hurt."

You have upheld your FAITH at personal risk.

"Doesn't change the practicalities," Erin mutters. "She's right, I can't just haul the Rook and all them out of the joint."

"I don't remember saying that. I remember asking for why Colors seems to think it's a good idea. Let you in on a secret, Peters? Bishop Kelly says a lot of the same things about you." Zoe leans back. "Timeframe?"

"We'd leave in the week," you tell her. "Enough time to wrap up loose ends and inform anyone who needs to be informed that we'll be out of town for a bit."

"And getting back any sort of on time would be impossible due to the nature of the trek," Zoe finishes. "You'll miss the Ashen Run but something tells me you didn't intend to participate to begin with. Alright. Last order of business then - Peters, same offer. Do you want the Ink-In-Irons? Fair's fair."

Erin turns her head at you, then back to Zoe. "No. Your Majesty," she adds.

"Get your shit around then. Reminisce, let Sally know to see me at her earliest convenience so I can formally relieve her of this duty. And, Colors, Peters? We do prefer all of you alive."

You and Erin each bow to Zoe before leaving the newly minted monarch to take care of her business.

"What the fuck was that?" Erin asks. "You don't know me from anybody. Where you get the nerve turning down the Ink when Sally's got it?"

"Sally signed on before anyone knew you. You should ask her sometime, if she woulda turned it down tonight knowing you like she knows you now. How do you want to get in touch?"

Erin stops. "Fuck. Didn't think that far ahead. Um. Fuck me, I don't have a phone I can use any more, I can't fuckin' read...Willow, tomorrow evening, I'll buy the drinks."

You nod, remember she's fucking blind, and then agree out loud.

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>>2401758
"Alright. Grab your Motley, I guess, not that I should tell you your business." Erin pauses, searching for words. "...I had a Motley of my own, when I came to New Avalon. They're dead. To a man, they chose to die when Arthur gave 'em an out."

"Why?" you ask, quietly.

"Wish I could say they were afraid of the Gentry. Truth is, they were afraid of me. I think about that. A lot."

You watch Erin walk away; she drifts towards the small knot of New Avalon's Blackbird Bishops, three women who have dedicated their lives to helping the Lost regain some measure of sanity.

The Rook appears at your side like a one-armed murder butler and you jump right out of your skin. You see your face displayed in his flat eye. It takes you a moment to realize he's waiting for an explanation.

"I agreed to help Erin with something," you tell him. "And I'd like the Motley to help too. Nothing major, just...holding down the fort in the Hedge, maybe pull us out if it gets hairy."

"This is the sort of thing you should have told us about before -" the Rook coughs, then hacks, doubling over with the force of it. You support his shoulder so he can get whatever's lodged in his throat out; when he's done his coat sleeve (now resplendent in Autumn's orange and black and trimmed in red and in white, in place of the white it's been since the affair with John) is stained with blood. "Before you just did it."

"...Sorry."

"It's been done," the Rook rasps. "I imagine Morris will be happy to have me out of her hair."

You shake your head. "She was pretty concerned. I think. She called you one of her strongest Courtiers and chewed me out for just trying to take you out of the Freehold."

Your Wizened friend doesn't seem to know what to make of this. He falls in line with you as the two of you leave the room through the big double doors in search of Vickie and Forum. Checking the immediate obvious spots - the restrooms, the closed Kitchen - doesn't yield anything, which is surprising.

You find the two of them in the lobby, the last place you expected, playing some kind of card game with a distinctly not-fucked look. They freeze and look up when they hear the Rook's raspy breath.

"You left the Court to play Magic," the Rook says.

"I...might have asked Vickie to drag me out so I wouldn't have to deal with Autumn being all formal," Forum admits.

"To play Magic," the Rook repeats.

"He taught me," Vickie says, setting her hand of cards flat on the table.

"Forum, I design videogames and build my own arcade cabinets to house them and this is the nerdiest shit I have ever seen in my considerable life." The Rook rumbles a cough low in his throat. "Motley meeting. Aquarium."

There is much scooping up of cards, shuffling of decks, and sheepish looks on Forum's part. The four of you get into the elevator together in an extended awkward silence.

>>2401818
Don't diss on magic Rook, that's a low blow. Don't be so salty that Soul Calibur isn't a competitive game anymore

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>>2401818
The Aquarium is empty, because of course it is. The four of you find seats, and then you clear your throat. "I've agreed to help Erin Peters with a personal matter."

"Here we go," Vickie mutters, rolling her eyes.

You keep going, "Erin and I are going to travel into the Deep Hedge, where I will provide protection and support while she undergoes the rites needed to shed her kith. We're going to slip in through the Smithson Arms Gate and make our way to the former site of Rainbow John's Hollow. Erin's going to be severely compromised during and maybe after this event, so I wanted...I wanted," you emphasize, "to ask for your assistance."

"Not Erin?" Forum clarifies.

You shake your head. "This is going to be a difficult decision on her part and something...rough. Vulnerable. Initially she was pretty insistent that you all not be involved whatsoever, but I talked her around to the idea."

"Before you asked us," Vickie says. "The thought ever cross your mind that she can go fuck herself like the pirate filth she is?"

"Hold up -" Forum starts.

"Nah, I don't think I will," Vickie snaps. "What's with you and her, Colors? You've bent over fucking backwards to invite her along on everything and now you're asking, what, that I just vanish into a hole for who knows how long just in case she might need rescuing? I don't give a fuck about her and neither should you."

"I already agreed to help her," you start.

"So now the rest of us are fucking stuck for it?"

The Rook raps his knuckles on the glass table. "Back it down, Reeds," he growls. "You don't have to like Peters. Colors is the one who may need our assistance. We aren't being asked to go into the Deep Hedge and risk our lives, just to stay available in case of emergency."

"Fuck you." Vickie gets up out of her chair and storms towards the door.

"Wait -" Forum starts, only to get cut off by a crash of thunder off Vickie's Mantle.

"Make me," she spits, before she leaves.

The Rook closes his eye and pinches the bridge of his nose. Forum sighs.

"I'm on board," the Troll tells you. "I have something I want to test out anyway."

> Go after Vickie and make your case (Persuasion vs. difficulty 7)
> Let her go. If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to. Find her later and formally rescind your request for her help

>>2401833
>> Let her go. If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to. Find her later and formally rescind your request for her help

>>2401833
> Let her go. If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to. Find her later and formally rescind your request for her help

Also, we're probably going to need someone to take care of Fido while we're gone.

>>2401833
This is what you get for putting things off Colores.

>Let her go. Recind aid request later. Also apologize for not asking them sooner.

>>2401833
>> Let her go. If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to. Find her later and formally rescind your request for her help

Rescind means you take back the request and apologize for it ? The word is somewhat unfamiliar to me.

>>2401833
>> Go after Vickie and make your case (Persuasion vs. difficulty 7)

It seems important to let her has this out now instead of stew on it

>>2401833
>> Let her go. If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to. Find her later and formally rescind your request for her help
> But point out that if Erin had /not/ agreed to having the Motley come, even telling them the details of what was going on would be, at best, touchy, and at worst, a breach of trust. I don't believe there's really been a good time to tell the Motley since we had the conversation with Erin.

>>2402009
Rescinding is formal withdrawal of a request, without onus or burden. Apologies have no bearing, which is why the apology is mentioned separately. That said....

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>>2401833
>Go after Vickie and make your case (Persuasion vs. difficulty 7)

Colors is trying to gain her Spring, but she's not a people person. This is her learnign about politics, dealing with people, and fixing shit, as well as gaining allies. She fucked up not tellign her motley beforehand, but damn it, this is a matter of Spring, and she's got enemies to deal with. This is her learning about shit and helping others find their Spring....and she was asked for succor and assistance. She wouldn't be a Knight if she said no.

>Go after Vickie and make your case. (Persuasion vs.difficulty 7)
>If you don't want to go, fine. But if you're claiming to be my fucking friend, which I THOUGHT you were, you can either sit down like an adult and hear my side of things, or you can eat the consequences for breaking your oath.

>>2401833
> Let her go. If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to. Find her later and formally rescind your request for her help

We didn't make the pledge to use it to force our friends.

But it hurts that Vickie won't help us, just to hurt someone else. A lot of people talk about US the way Vickie just talked about Erin.

So she asked who Erin was to us? Best Girl that's who

Who is Erin to Vickie? Is this a personal grudge?

>>2401758
>Erin stops. "Fuck. Didn't think that far ahead. Um. Fuck me, I don't have a phone I can use any more, I can't fuckin' read...Willow, tomorrow evening, I'll buy the drinks."

> I can't fuckin' read

Okay personal mission time here by the way. Teaching Erin to read.

>>2403706
The problem isn't that she doesn't know how to read, it's that we ripped her eyes out of her face and turned them into Christmas ornaments.

>>2403706
This >>2403709

Called, writing. Sorry about the long delay, things came up.

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>>2403722

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>>2401833
The door swings shut behind Vickie. You sigh and shrug. "Fine," you murmur. "Rook, would you prefer not to be involved?"

"A single Winter youngblood is not a rescue team," the Rook rasps. "And you have been...a friend, to me. I will be there."

"We're going to meet with Erin at the Willow tomorrow evening then," you tell the men. "Around five, I'd say. I'll find Vickie later and let her off the hook. Erin doesn't need that hostility right now. Vickie's most of why she didn't want you guys involved at all."

You stand up, smooth down your coat, and nod at the door. "Keep in touch?"

"You know we will," Forum agrees. The two of them follow you out. The Rook heads back upstairs to the celebration; Forum splits off from you at the front door, going his own way with a long-armed wave.

It's a fine night, still warm from the edge of the dead Summer, with a mist swirled up from the sea breeze. You put your hands in your pockets and head home, where Fancy has been watching Fido for you. You'd initially proposed that happening in the comfort of her own apartment, but when she pointed out that she's not allowed to have pets, you invited her over to your place.

By now, Fancy knows not to be near the front door when you get home. Fido waits a good five feet back from it, sitting at attention and wagging his tail the whole time you're stepping inside. You close and lock the door behind you and whistle for your dog, who comes over to receive the showering of head rubs and goofy noises that is his right.

"You have fun?" Fancy asks, crossing from the living room to the kitchenette. "Need something to drink?"

"Not really, and no thank you," you answer.

"Rough night?"

"Got into it with Vickie." You go prowling through your house, checking the nooks and crannies with Fido there at your side. He noses through laundry and sniffs boxes wherever he finds them. When you get back downstairs, Fancy's poured glasses of lemonade; you take one and enjoy a small sip.

"What's up with Vick?" the dancer asks, cautiously.

"I need to take a trip into the Deep Hedge, Fancy. And...she doesn't like the person I'm going with. Erin Peters. The woman who -"

"Stabbed the shit out of you, yes," your friend finishes for you, making a face. "I'm not exactly in her fan club myself, darlin'. You owe her or something?"

You shake your head. "It's just...something I have to do. Like when you hear someone in need and you've got the choice to walk up or walk away, you know?"

"I guess I do know," she agrees. She gives you a quick kiss and nods at the table. You both take a seat; Fido gets under it and immediately lays down on the toes of your boots. "When?"

"Inside the week. Arrangements are going to be made tomorrow evening. I'll..."

>>2403857
> Take Fido with me. The Hedge is risky but like, so is hunting. He'll miss me if I'm gone for too long.
> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?
> Have to ask someone else to watch my dog. Misery might be up for it...

>>2403860
>> Take Fido with me. The Hedge is risky but like, so is hunting. He'll miss me if I'm gone for too long.

>>2403860
> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

So since we turned down knife-girl. Are we going to stop being an anime protagonist and ask fancy for serious relationship feels?

>>2403860
>Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

>>2403860
>> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

>>2403860
>> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

>anime protagonist
Would you please consider to stop using anime and game buzzwords ?

>>2403860
> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

> And she did not "stab the shit out of me." It was one little dagger, one time.

>>2403860
> Take Fido with me. The Hedge is risky but like, so is hunting. He'll miss me if I'm gone for too long.

His senses will come in handy. For avoiding fights.

>>2403913
Fancy a shit though.

I'm just waiting until she fucks up something with the Courts or we have to do something necessary but monstrous.

Or I guess hopefully we'll just outlive her.

Before I vote, how much training have we given Fido? And how easy would it be to convey the specific risks of the Deep Hedge using our contracts?

Also, how hard would it be for us to specifically make sure we're topped up on Glamour before we go in? Obviously that won't last once we get inside, but it seems like a good idea if it's something we can manage.

>>2404119
Definitely possible to try and top up on Glamour. You've even got options there, starting with calling in your Glamour from Ramona for the month.

As far as Fido...he's still just a dog. Eager to please, inclined to listen to you, but conveying concepts beyond 'this place will be dangerous' or maybe 'don't eat the food here' is gonna be...rough.

>>2404121
I was thinking things like "Don't go running off the path" and "things in here are probably not friends". Maybe also "don't step on the glass", given we're going back to the Shining City. .

>>2404123
That's likely fine. The question does come if he meets other dogs in the Hedge, but...well, the Hedge is a dangerous place.

>>2404121
This is a dog we're talking about.
Trying to get them to not eat something is basically impossible.

>>2404121
So if he sees the Hedge equivalent of a cat or a rabbit.

We COULD give him Hedge training, but this extremely dangerous mission doesnt seem the right time for it..

>>2404248
Hedge squirrels.

> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

I mean, come on. If we wanted a dog to pal around with us in the Hedge, we should have tamed a Hedge Wolf. If we don't want vanilla mortals in the Hedge, we don't want Fido in the Hedge.

>>2403857
>> Need to ask you to watch Fido for a while longer. You could stay here, if you're willing?

We /just/ got this dog. Let's try not to get him killed right away, shall we?

>>2404541
But then we can get a new one.

Called, tallying, writing.

>>2405792
Or everything crashed in the middle of me writing. I'll hit this tomorrow.

>>2405922
Is it tomorrow yet?

>>2409259
Fighting with PC troubles. I have to beg your patience.

Phone is still working though, so I guess I'm fielding questions

>>2409282
What deck does Forum prefer? How about Vickie?

The idea of the two of them playing magic is really cute.

>>2409303
Left to his own devices Forum tends towards either janky combo decks that he finds fun to pull off or Blue/Black control numbers whose only goal is to make his opponent unhappy.

Vickie's still learning but she reached immediately for aggro strategies. Forum's got a sneaking suspicion that she'll fall in love with the various incarnations of Red Deck Wins, but if she can learn the art of patience and risk assessment suicide black dealies could be up her alley.

>>2409336
I hope Forum realizes that playing blue/black control against your girlfriend is probably not a good idea. Even if she insists that she isn't your girlfriend.

>>2409400
Forum & Vickie is the worst pairing.

>>2409400
Wait. No. Worst pairing is Colors + Cherry.

It would be hilarious if Vickie spite-fucked her while we were gone. "Look, I can spend time with people you hate too!" Everyone else is out with us anyways.

>>2409404
I would have thought someone who thinks Erin is best girl would support Forum/Vickie, since that gets Vickie out of the running.

>>2409405
And Colors doesn't even hate Cherry. Hell, Cherry doesn't even really hate Colors either, the whole thing is just a silly spat over Colors making Cherry look dumb and is acknowledged as kind of childish by all parties involved.

>>2409400

Doesn't matter if she really isn't and never intends to be your /girlfriend/; that's not something you should do with anyone you wish to remain on good terms with, period.

>>2409636
Well at least you're not playing monopoly with them. Or risk.

>>2409336
>whose only goal is to make his opponent unhappy.
How very Wintery. Monroe must be proud.

>>2409778
Monroe isn't all gloom though. He did patiently wait while Colors played with ALL THE DOGS.

Computer issues resolved. Writing.

>>2409972
http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/stickies/
Have you seen Stickies? It's basically notepad for half-thoughts that auto-saves every keystroke and you can have one huge one or a million small ones as you'd like. Should save you form losing work at least.

NEW THREAD

>>2410109
>>2410109
>>2410109
>>2410109