Carnival Nights

The Carnival of the Night is back again, but this time it seems they are not putting up as large of a festive. No, it seems there are only a few. Some music, some food, and one lone tent.

The tent belong to a woman who can see your possible future by the roll of the dice. Do you care to have your fortune told? Or would you rather see if you can learn more about what this devious crew may be up too?

Come and make your path with the Carnival of the Nighht!

    OOC NOTE:
Going to try to wrap this up before the bigger scene in the evening, so no one feels like they have to make a choice. I also plan to keep this more on the social low-key, while combat 'could' happen, that is not my goal.
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I'd like to ease back into things and see about getting players involved who haven't had a chance yet to fully interact with anything regarding Helena & The Forgotten.

Hope to see you all there!

Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    The Night Carnival has not been seen lately, nor is leader Felix Nightshade. This is because the Merchant Blades and Peko Riders have become very aware of their antics. Given the attack on a town, which nearly turned most of the people into undead, and would have if not for the meddling affairs of the adventurers.

Yet, there are some who can continue to entice and quietly take away people in the night. For one the roaming teenagers at large, lead by a young man hoping to catch the right eyes for rise to fame. Another is a 'gentle woman' named Mistress Odelle.

    Here alongside a fork in the old country road, is a few tents setup, nothing to fancy or grand. Amongst them is one particular tent that Landers are coming and going out of. This tent has a sign that reads: Fortunes Told - Welcome All.

The other activities around the tent are that of food and drinks, being served as they are ordered. There is also three belly dancers moving in time with the music to draw in the attention of travelers.

Then there is the standard guards. Armored from head to toe, watching everyone who comes and goes, along with keeping an eye on their own workers to make sure they don't stay to far.
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    The Merchant Blades and Peko Riders may been aware but Setsuna was watching, effectively bribing hundred of inn owners, bar tenders, and whoever else to keep an eye and send word immediately. So here Setsuna was , his skeleton knight wrapped in a cloak to hide the skeleton part of the appearence following close behind. Setsuna was also wearing a cloak, more to protect from the winter weather though. The scowl that the winter festivities had brough him had only been worse today for what reason, only the fortune teller likely really knows. This might be why the necromancer is waiting outside the tent, standing there as if he is debating with himself what to do.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

For his part, Robert is drawn by the mystery of it all. Really, it's a bit like one of those novels where a shop can only be found by walking down a specific alley at a specific time of day. Only here, a previously normal crossroads suddenly finds itself host to an exotic encampment. With guards. And free food. And belly-dancers. Attention arrested on his customary mid-day walk, he steps off the road proper, gaze filtering over the encampment as though to etch its entertainments into his memory.

Except the belly-dancers. Definitely not the belly-dancers. That would be inappropriate.

At any rate, there he stops, mid-way between the road and the camp. His hands lift, settle on his waist, and he continues to allow his gaze to roam, mapping where it is subconsciously drawn to. For that must be where the best fun is. Right? Right.
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

"The Blades got wise to their antics. And they got wise to the Blades," is Kauchemar's assessment of the mostly unobtrusive collection of tents. Smaller scale, more 'out of the way'. Keep from drawing too much attention to their activities in the wake of the previous big show.

But it didn't hide from those that knew where to hear the rumors in the night, and that look at the world with more than just their eyes. "But still, a fair is a fair. And alls fair that ends fair," muses the Were Fang as she retrieves a snack from one of the vendors. No one around here bats an eye at an equine taking a bite out of a huge chunk of meat, and she's taking full advantage of it.
Eliza
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    On her way to festival celebrations elsewhere, Eliza stops by the tents for a rest and some food. As she listens to the music, she looks over her journal, its first volume now nearly full. This had been quite a year- what had once been a fun escape from reality had practically become reality itself. She'd found a new life for herself on Brynjar Iversen's farm, and was now beginning to feel like a part of the world. But if her life was going to be a fairy tale, right now she still felt like it hadn't gotten much farther than 'once upon a time'.

    In reviewing the year past, Eliza finds herself wondering what path she should take into the future. Thus, after purchasing some food, Eliza finds herself heading into the fortune teller tent.
Goldenblade
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Goldenblade is here, though she's not sure why. Well, she knows why she's here in the world. She was grinding out a questline to make some quick cash, and the ever-present quest for food drops. Without the hunting skill, they're less frequent, so she's got to hunt more. But the carnival was here, and so she thought to take a look, and curiosity leads her feet around as she takes in the various sights.
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    As Robert stands on the side, one of the dancers takes notice of him, and with a smile on her gentle face, and those eyes that could entice tired soul. She gives him a little wave of her hand, an almost 'come hither' motion with her slender, lady finger, before she gives a spin.

All three almost looked like triplets really. All human by the looks of it, with proportions that could make a playgirl model jealous. How they were handling this cold must be some type of magic, or by a horrible pun, maybe they were just to 'hot' to handle.

        ... Feel free to shoot the writer...

    One of the guards does look over to Kauchemar as she walks by, eating her piece of meat. Its hard to tell anything about them. Is there anyone under all that armor? Are they binders? Maybe the armor is enchanted to protect them from the sun? Perhaps they are landers that got hired! Who knows, but they are watching.

The same goes for Setsuna as he gets in line, at least the one outside the tent letting the next lander inside. Though his focus moves over to Setsuna's traveling companion, before looking back to him. There is still another lander in front of Setsuna. It's a bit of a wait.

This means for Eliza, she may find herself directly behind Setsuna, and getting acknowledged by the guard as she joins the line. Seems the guard is keeping tabs of who is line to prevent any line cutting.

    One of the food vendors calls over to Goldenblade, "Come get yourself one of our tasty treats or perhaps a drink, aye! Good for the belly and good for the warmth!"

There is another vendor amongst the tents who also calls out, a hooded figure who seems to be hiding who he is, "Come! come children and all!" He calls out, "Let me tell you a story. A story for all to hear! Gather, gather around, and you will have to decide what is true-- and what is fantasy." He says moving his fingers ever so slightly.
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    "Look I have to go in there and confront her, I have to. " The knight headtilts at it's owner talking to it but Setsuna continues. " Yes yes, I know I should just light the tent on fire and then leave, Kill any monster that comes out. " The knight just stands there and tilts it's head the other way. " No there would probably be collateral damage but it may be worth it." Yes he is in line with landers all around him as he talks to his disguised companion and finally there is a Charlie Brown style AAAARRGH, let out in line as he looks at the tent. "I knew you wouldn't understand, but it is just something that has to be done. " Then he hears ffor the call for children and he is tempted to get himself out of line. There is obviously a indecisiveness between the two choices but for now he stays in line.
Goldenblade
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Goldenblade thinks about food, and wonders, "Is it cooked food or menu food?" It was a surprise to her when she was told that Landers know and understand the difference. But the food crisis from a year ago that resulted in everyone switching to easily mass-produced menu food has passed mostly, hasn't it? Well, she may find out!

With or without food, she will continue to browse, heading over, prepared to hear some strange tale. "I've got a fantasy story for you," she says sardonically. "One time this job was completed on time and under budget." There should be a rimshot emote for times like this.
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Kauchemar isn't here to do more than observe, so the guards only get a passing glance, and an exaggerated biting into the meat for effect. Not hard to do when she can open her jaw as wide as she can. Notes a few familiar faces in the line at the fortune teller, but other than a brief wave to her fellow summoner of dark and spooky things Kauchemar pays that little matter as well. She's got her own divination skills... and something even better once she finds the right way to deal with a peculiar other matter.

On the other hand the call for a story catchs her attention. Now what kind of story could this brand of outfit tell? Temptations? Horrific folklore to scare adults shitless and children into behaving (well that's any folklore that's not Disneyfied but that's besides the point)? Or just a plain old story for the sake of story and maybe a few gold tips? Only way to find out is for the bard to go listen for herself.

There's no emote, but Goldenblade gets a vocal approximation and then a snicker from the Nightmare after overhearing it. "Let's not fill people's heads with tall tales, hmmmm Goldie?"
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

It really -wasn't- the belly-dancers. Really. But if they're saying 'hello', what's a chap to do?

Thus invited, Robert quickly flashes a return-smile, its warmth creasing the skin at the corner of his eyes, and approaches. He nods, taking up a position beside the trio and orienting himself outwards, as though he were the fourth member of their band. Only he mercifully keeps his clothes on and does not dance.

"Howdie," he greets the girl in question, making a valiant and not-entirely-unsuccessful effort to not ogle. Which regrettably means he finds himself glancing over the assembled line of Landers. Much, much less attractive. Such a pity.
Eliza
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    Eliza seems a bit concerned by the discussion that the adventurer in front of her is having with his companion. Is he really considering burning down the tent, because he thinks there are monsters in there? Fortunately, the hooded figure gives Eliza a good excuse to get out of line for now- she wouldn't want to miss a good story, and she can always get back in line afterwards, assuming there's no longer a threat of arson. So, Eliza steps out of the line and instead joins the crowd around the storyteller. "Merry Winter Snow," she says with a smile to those assembled.
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    The food has indeed actually been made, not menued. Thankfully. Once Goldenblade comes over and makes their remark, the hooded gentleman simply chuckles softly. "Ah! Good to see one with a sense of humor. In these troubled times, with wars, monsters falling from the skies... a sense of humor can carry a person far."

The hooded figure motions out to the logs for those who come over to sit down on. Lander and adventurer alike. The children seem excited to hear the story at least. Who doesn't love a good story!

    "Merry Winter Snow to you as well!" The hooded gentleman says, before steps a bit back and claps his hands. A curtain drops from the trees, creating a canvas. "Now where should we begin our tale... Ah yes, perhaps near the beginning!" He moves his hands around, red 'strings' can be seen between his fingers, before he flashes his hands to the screen.

Figures appear there, like a painting, with a large, beautiful countryside and a castle up on a mountain cliff-face. "Let us begin our story about a Kingdom far away and yet not so far. About a king who loved his people, his wife, and soon to be child. For he was a brave king. Noble and true." The image shifts as he moves his hands to a figure sitting on a throne, surrounded by people and dancers. "He gave to his people and they in turn, gave to him. Gifts they bring far and wide, all to be sure the king could continue to protect their countryside."

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    Robert goes over to join the three, who seem to take a bit of break as he comes over. The one who invited him over his wearing red, while another is wearing teal, and the last wearing gold.

The red one smiles as he moves in closer and steps back ever so slightly. "Are you not gentle on the eyes." She says, her voice sultry. The teal one goes to move around him, her fingers almost touching his shoulder. "He looks like someone who has seen battle. A soldier perhaps?"

The gold one walks directly up to him. "We do love our soldiers." she then takes the shawl and easily twirls it, before looking at the two, before back to him. "What is your name, dear sir? Would you care to sit with us or would you like for us to," They walk around him slightly, each of them looking him over. "Give you a private dance?" They almost all say at the same time.

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    Another lander leaves with tears in their eyes, while another enters. It will be Setsuna's turn next, however the Guard looks directly at him once more. "I'm afraid sir, your companion will have to wait their turn or wait outside. We are only permitting one person at a time."
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Kauchemar sits herself on one of the provided logs. Ears lit forward... though listening as much to the voice itself as what is being said. However this was the time to just sit and play along as it were, so other than her attention the performer is getting nothing else out of her, at least for the time being.

That, and the story has an interesting start. Not to mention the method used to present it alongside the story telling. Some sort of illusionary projection, perhaps. She's used similar trickery from time to time, so that's got her paying a little more than passing interest to the entire display, rather than just the fellow telling it.
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna watches the lander in tears leave and then steps forward. Finally he was next and suddenly there is the guard. Setsuna looks at the guard for a moment as if sizing up the guy before he looks at the knight and sighs. " He is just keeping me company in line." With some clicking of his tongue and pointing the knight moves to stand guard right at the tent entrance. " He will wait right there, until the conversation is done. I promise." It is just a matter of waiting now. Looking up at the guard he asks, " So Odelle treating you well? What about her young wards? They don't make you babysit?"
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero's head cants to the side, and he mentally squashes the impulse to applaud. Really quite nice synchronization there, at the end.

He laughs, then, shaking his head. "Charming, -quite- charming" he answers, gaze flitting from one triplet-face to the other, lingering on each in turn. Except for one moment where, temporarily distracted, he notes the retreat of the tearful Lander. Interesting.

But his attentions shift back quickly enough. Not his Lander, not his problem. "It would be entirely my pleasure to sit with you. Please call me Robert. And you are? You must tell me more about this lovely festival. And yourselves. "
Goldenblade
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Goldenblade nods to Kauchemar about tall tales, a smirk on her face. "Yeah, some people get their hopes up. 'There's a first time for everything,' they say. But it won't be this time." The wisdom of a fifty year career in construction.

She'll buy the food and savor a bite, she doesn't do cooked food all the time, or even most of the time. Which leaves her in place to listen to the beginning of the story. She listens quietly, but smirks as the king is described. "Definitely a story," she considers.
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    The image continues to move as the storyteller continues to weave the tale. This time the image shifting to a battlefield, this time with moving images of the King riding in on horseback, fully armored. "And protect the king did! For he rode into battle with knight and maiden. Battle to battle. He believed in his people and as they believed in him. He fought for him kingdom, he fought for his knights, and for his born daughter..."

Then the image shifts of the King falling to his knees as the light shines on a woman laying in bed. "But with the birth of his child.. he lose another, in a battle he could never win." The storyteller moves to the other side as the image holds there. "The queen, so beloved and true, passes away to time, leaving behind a child with no mother and a father who must bare the pain alone."

    He then shifts his hand as the image fades, "But harken to this tale, it is only just beginning! From the woes of life's tragedy comes hope! For of the great spring festival," He weaves his hands once more. "A new blossom is born. A woman with great grace, from a neighbor country so small. She pleases not only his aching heart, but lifts his spirits once more! Into his heart she dances," The two images dance together, "And into the summer they wed. Kingdoms united under one banner and people rejoice across the land. For their king is whole yet again!"

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    The three smile to Robert, before leading him over to a small campfire, a bit more out of sight of the activities. One of them heads him to sit down on a silky blanket laid on the grass, another goes to get a drink with almost unnatural grace. While the one in red goes to sit beside him. "We are the Diaruth sisters. Dancers, entertainers,"

And the teal who brings over a warm drink goes to sit down, offering it to him. "And happily in your service for now." The gold one also sits down as she continues after the other two. "We bring smiles to weary travelers and ease their troubled hearts. Mayhaps we can do the same for you?"

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    The guard nods as Setsuna has his companion move to the side, as the lander leaves with a grin on his face, he motions to the tent. "You now may enter, sir."

Once Setsuna enters, he will find the tent is dark in color, lanterns hang with blue flames, and sitting behind the table is 'her'; Mistress Odelle. In her dark gown with gold trim and decoration. The veil hiding her face, and only her lithe, slender fingers visible that rest calmly on the table.

    She raises her head gently to look at Setsuna as he moves into her tent and speaks gently to him, "Hello Setsuna. It has been some time..."
Goldenblade
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Goldenblade winces at losing the queen in childbirth. A story all too common in bygone eras. But a remarrage? That can go well, but it can also go south badly. She was lucky to have married the right person the first time, and kept her through until old age. No point in playing the field at her time of life. No real interest, really. But a king has other things to consider. Not the least of which are political deals. Royal marriages are always more convoluted. She continues to listen, munching her food.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

The flicker of tension that flashes through Robert's frame is neatly suppressed, any whisper of doubt at leaving the main festivities obliterated from his features. He follows along willingly enough, folding his legs underneath himself and being -exceedingly- careful to keep his dusty boots off that blanket.

"Diaruth," he echoes, rolling the seemingly foreign sounds around in his mouth pensively. "The pleasure is entirely mine." The drink is gratefully accepted, if set aside for a moment to cool. Someone has cat-tongue, it would seem. As red sits, he reaches out to give her hand a pat. "But I really can't refer to you all just as a collective. What is -your- name?" The hand is squeezed, reassuringly, and he turns his attentions to gold. "You already have. You already have," he promises, with a flare of a grin. "So are the others here family? Friends? The fellow over there is a damnably good story-teller isn't he."
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna steps in and makes his way to the chair that awaits him. " Odelle, yes it has. Last time I think it was only in passing, I wanted something you had, and you told me no. " He rest his hand on the table and seems to be fidgeting a little. " Then again I suppose the queen can only lose so many of her pieces to me before the game of chess becomes unfair. The knight outside, and her hunter, not to mention that box of hers. I wonder who will be next. " He trails off for a moment as he tries to look her in the eye, "I don't suppose you would want to come home with me , you know I saw this cute outfit the other day in a clothing ship. Limited time, labeled Santa's Helper, you'd look great in it I am sure. " There is a grin before he continues on with the charade, " No dice for me today if you don't mind, last time your dice didn't like me. I was curious really, how is this all going to end ? Tell me your future. What do your dice show you?"
Eliza
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

     Eliza finds a place to sit beside a Lander mother and child, before focusing her attention on the storyteller. Her player had wanted to be a storyteller, of sorts, back in the old world. She was glad to see that there was still a place for stories here as well, even though the world itself was a form of story. Maybe she could take up her player's dream, someday...
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Kauchemar tilts her head to the side a bit, stray midnight locks draping around her equine face. It started as idle curiousity, but once she realizes just what story is being told it has got her full attention. That and the method it's being told through. Oration traditions are great, but the visual reference point will definitely help the points of the story stick in fresh minds. Not everyone can visualize everything from words for themselves.

A great man of a king, beloved by the people. Has a heir as royalty tend to do, but loses another love in the process... but finds a new one, that also unites kingdoms... But that means even if the royal family is as one, the princess is not blood related to the second Queen, and that is very important to some people...
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    The story-teller shifts his hands once more, this time showing the 'child' growing to her pre-teens. "The new queen treated the child as her own, or at least some would say. Keeping her safe while the king was away. Making sure she was well tended to as the wars would rage beyond the walls."

Then he moves with a step, the image moving from the 'daughter' to the new queen, who was now pregnant. "But a new blood would be on the way. A new child to be born. Unknown to the king, but known to the mother... But as awareness comes to her ears-- a new tragic tale befalls the great castle and their beloved King." Then with a slam of his hands, the castle falls under shadow as it shifts to that view. "For the princess has fallen ill, just like blood mother!"

He motions to the castle showing people whispering into ears. "Some believe it is the new queen's fault. Blaming her for the child's sickness! For the timing is to great, if the rumors be true of a new child on the way."

    He moves to the other side, a glint of his eyes almost seen under the hood. "The king tries to suppress this and seeks out to his knights. To search far and wide for a cure, never believing the possible lies. For people want to claim his new love a witch! A sorceress of evil! But how could that be! The king thinks to himself... but doubt, doubt settles in, and the pressure slowly settles in."

The story teller then shows the warring other nations, "The enemies outside, sense the weakness from within, try to lay seige again and again." He then closes his fist as fires rise along the curtain. "The king has to turn his attention to the front, but even his mind is not all there, fearing the on-going at his own castle affairs."

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    Mistress Odelle listens to Setsuna and she tilts her head gently, "Your fascination with me, Setsuna, will only bring you down a path of darkness and pain." She then goes to place out each of her dice. A black one, a silver one, and then a gold one. "Time is cruel to monsters and men. Yet one must ask, who are the real monsters... and the real men."

Her eyes look to him once more. "I could offer you the same. To come with me. To join us. To learn the power you steal. To become a true master of it, instead of taking what was never given to you freely."

Her eyes lower once more. "And wll you force my hand, Setsuna. To roll the dice to see my own fate? Just as you force the one outside to forever stay under your command." She looks at him once more. "... Is that the fate you also wish for me, should I allow it?" Her eyes then narrow, but in sadness. "A prisoner to your whims with no freewill of my own."

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    "Selina." She says as her hand is touched by Robert, her eyes looking into his own when he looks at her, she moves ever so slightly closer, but keeps a little distance to make sure he doesn't get to uncomfortable.

"Grace." Says the teal one as she goes to now also sit down moving herself to be behind him, reaching out to touch his shoulders and unless he declines or moves away; she would start to give him a massage.

"Destiny." Says the one in gold, bowing her head softly to him. "It is an honor to meet you Robert."

    Then Selina says almost whispering. "An honor to serve you as well." They all giggle softly, before Grace speaks gently, "We all work together, to survive. For the world is dangerous."

Then Destiny speaks, "And for the one telling the story. He is a great man, a good man." Grave continues after Destiny. "He looks after us all and makes sure we all," The giggle again as they say together, "Stay out of trouble." Before they look at one another and say together. "... Most of the time." Selina then gives him a playful wink before a mischivious smile on her lips.
Goldenblade
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Goldenblade winces at the original child becoming ill. It could be bad luck, or it could be skullduggery. You'd need a modern forensic team to be sure. So she will listen and see how this plays out.
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Kauchemar leans forward a bit, propping elbows on her knees to clasp hands together and resting her chin upon them. All she needs right now is some popcorn. Alas. But at least she had a snack beforehand. Wouldn't want to miss a part of this tale now.
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna wasn't expecting that, it was jarring and obvious by his fidgeting ending suddenly. He uses the previous comment to distract from the question, " You know there are many from my world who would argue that man is the real monster, I am sure even now some of the adventurers would say that I am no better then you." Setsuna trails off and finally sighs, " I pass on your offer as you will not lead me down the path I want to go. My true path isn't in this land, this world, I just want a way out." Taking a moment he begins to fidget again as an edge hits his voice, " Truth is I only started to be involved in this war because I was bored and your minions provided the experience I needed for the tower. It became personal not because of your kiss, but because of the children. You really shouldn't have fucked with the children. " Taking another moment he stares at his hand before he looks back at Odelle, "As for being a prisoner aren't you already a prisoner? Doesn't the queen have her fingers in your mind? Can you say you are doing everything of your own free will? "
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero's expression, it must be admitted, is a trifle skeptical as it flicks from Selina, to Grace, to Destiny. "Selina, Grace, and Destiny," he echoes in turn, making no move away from either Selina's approach, or Grace's massage. Not yet, in any case. "Why do I get the feeling that, as great as that gentleman is, he has zero success at keeping you out of trouble of your own making? And as much as my ego appreciates your esteem, my station is...well..." He lifts his hand, indicating a level just barely above the ground. "You may relax." Not that he seems particularly relaxed, himself.

The skepticism soon melts to warmth, though, transitioning (if slowly) into a smile. Selina's hand gets another pat, his attentions primarily divert to Grace. As best they can, anyhow, given that she's behind him. "I smell adventure. What's the most dangerous thing you ran into recently? How did you defeat it? I see you have some formidable guards, but do the three of you fght as well?"
Eliza
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

     The story seems to have gotten quite serious, Eliza thinks. She glances toward the others who are listening to the tale, wondering how they're receiving it. She couldn't tell yet what sort of ending this story was heading towards- would it end in happiness or tragedy? It could go either way.
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    "While the king is away, fighting the fights, he only comes home, short times to see his fading daughter and morning wife." The Storyteller explains, as he shifts the image to show this very thing, "Yet, for all her grief, and all the rumors, the Queen refuses to let it end this way."

He then shifts the image of her raising her head, before heading out into the night. "Into the darkness she creeps out alone. Into the night, does she go. For a whisper comes to ear, from ne of her maidens of a man who could save not only the child, but protect her beloved as well."

He shows an image of her looking into the fog onto an unknown image of a man, with other a glint of what looks like glasses in the fog. "And so a deal is made between her and him. A deal to save the child and her beloved man. The price was her new born child, but a price she was willing to pay, even in her own grief for what she must give away."

    The Storyteller turns the image black, before he looks out over the audience. "And so back she goes, with her gift in hand, to give to the King once he returns back from foreign lands." He then shows a sword, dark in its color, with a red ruby in the center. "They called the The Dark Eclipse. A sword of great power. It bring peace to the lands and brought the princess out of her sickness slumber. But with its power came even more lies and slander."

He turns around the red strings in his hands, sliding across the curtain, tearing it slowly to shreds. "For with the power came the fear, and with the fear, came a new evil. Twisted hearts and twisted minds. The king did what he must, he closed off his doors." The tearing stops directly at the image of the castle. "For there they would reside, as the world forgotten them in whole."

He turns to face the audience once more. "And that is my story, I have to tale. There may be more or there may be none! It could be true, it could be a lie. For only you," He motions to the gathered. "May seek what is forgotten." Then he bows to all.

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    "And can you say what you do is your own free will or are you not the puppet of those of great power?" Odelle spins back at him.

She then goes to stand slowly, easily. "The children had no harm done to them. They serve a new purpose, a better one. Though I do not agree always with the methods, but what are we to do, when you and yours are forever living... and we, while time has no effect on us, can see our lives end with a single blow."

She picks up the dice, all three in one hand. "Now you asked me a question, and so I will give you your answer." Then she drops the dice on the table. Letting them roll, her eyes locked on him. "But I ask you one question in return, Setsuna. Why are you /truly/ here in my tent? What do you honestly desire?"

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    Grace hrms as Robert talks, "So tense." She whispers in his ear softly. Selina looks over to Grace, then to her other sister Destiny. "We are not fighters, but simple performers." She then leans in a bit closer, her hand, soft to the touch, goes to slide her nail very carefully along his neck. "But perhaps what you smell, is the adventurer that could await you."

Then Selina goes to stand up, along with Destiny, unless Robert stops them.
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

"Oh, it sheds light on a few things," Kauchemar murmurs under her breath, even as she applauds the story. "Yet the veil of darkness lies thick." She's pretty certain who the Storyteller was by now, but she's not going to call him out in front of the crowd. Professional courtesy amongst performers and all that.

Still, she came seeking more information, and certainly found it. Even if it is as many questions as it is answers. But that was to be suspected.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero hesitates. It's for but the barest fraction of a second, but it's there. And then his shoulders rise, and fall, in a helpless little shrug. "It's been a year now, and returning seems just as distant as it did on that first day. More distant, even," he confesses. Selina and Destiny's standing is regarded with a little confusion, then with a nod of thanks. He's evidently chalked their movements up to their having to get back to work. His hand lifts to cover Grace's, attempting to slide his own fingers through her own as he glances backwards over his shoulder. "The adventurer that awaits me is only a means to an end," he replies. "With all the substance and permanence of a breath of air. But you. This is real for you. You would trust your safety, and defense, to others?"
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna watches her stand and seems to tense a little and then forces himself to relax back down. The question that is asked is one he was obviously not prepared for, he simply sits and stares at the table. There were a lot of answers to that question. Taking a deep breath he answers , " Why does anyone come to see the fortune teller, they are seeking hope, amusement or information. I wanted to make sure that next we meet everything was resolved. Also I wanted to offer you a way out. That offer is of course only good till I leave the tent. Is your sense of preservation strong enough to break your puppet strings. " It is of course all bravado and ego that he is throwing out, at the end of the day maybe it was just to spend time with someone today, of all days, that seemed to be as miserable as himself. Maybe it was for the children, maybe in the end he doesn't even know.
Eliza
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

     Eliza claps her approval of the story. "I think the king and queen made the wrong choice," she observes. "They gave up one child to save another, and even then, if the family was forgotten... you can't even really call that being saved. Then again... I've never had a child. It's hard to know what I'd do, if I had to make a choice like that."
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    The Storyteller gives one more bow, before he goes to move off the stage. "Thank you for your ears! I must go tend to other matters." His attention moves to Eliza as she speaks, "Ah, but was the king ever aware of what the queen had done? Was it because of her actions or his that caused them to fade in time? But as they say," His eyes moving to a set of trio and their adventurer 'captive'. "Stories can hold a grain of truth, if one seeks hard enough. Now if you excuse me..." Though he could be stopped if anyone dared.

However one may hear him mutter, as he watches the trio 'take' someone into their tent, "... damn'it all..."

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    The three dice come to a stop rolling on the table. One showing a six, another showing a two, and then a four. Mistress Odelle doesn't reply to Setsuna right away, her eyes move to her dice. "The six shows great misfortune and loss. That pain was to be found or will come soon. The two.. represents that things may not be as they seem. That I am hiding something deep inside, that could be causing the misfortune and pain... and the four,"

Mistress Odelle looks at Setsuna. "Shows that things will not go as I hope. That with myself being untrue, with the pain I feel, that soon... the path I walk will lead to a tragic end that none can save me from." She then reaches for her dice. "Not even you, Setsuna."
f
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Grace smiles as Robert laces his fingers with hers and then she starts to whisper in his ear a soft song, before she goes to slide up,taking his hand to pull him up as well. To get him to stand.

Destiny soon joins in with the singing, as she slides her hand along his arm for a moment, soon followed by Selina. The three women move around him, singing their song, with a little twirl. Magic is at work it seems as their eyes glow with unnatural light.

Soon poor Robert may find himself being lead over into their personal tent, as they giggle a little whispering, "Come, come with us, adventurer... keep us safe and warm..." Before taking him into that tent. The next thing poor Robert may find is himself probably being kissed-- and maybe getting a few vampiric nips. They apparently like to play with their food rather than kill it.
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna looks at the dice and shakes his head, " You ever think about getting some better dice , ones that are not so hateful. " Standing up he looks at the tent flap and then back at Odelle, " You know my offer still stands, a different path right this way. It may be imprisonment, but I have a nice monster menagerie now, even has some clean water to sit by under moonlight." It was an offer but he knew, he knew what the answer would be. " The future is only set if you believe in it Odelle. All you have to do is follow me. " With that he walks out of the tent , missing the trio taking Robert in by a few minutes.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero is enchanted. It's probably a combination of....ah...numerous factors that lead to that state of being. But he follows along willingly enough, if at an oddly glassed-out state, and ducks into the nearby private tent. Where he seems to be for quite a long time indeed.

It's not particularly obvious when the charm wears off. Maybe the first hint is Robert going completely and utterly still. Maybe it's the hand that reaches upwards to tangle in Grace's hair, locking into place if successful.

He clears his throat. "Ladies. Destiny. Selina. Could you give us a moment, please? I'd like a word with your sister." And. You know. A couple quarts of blood back, but that water may have already passed under the bridge.
Kauchemar
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

Kauchemar takes one glance off to the side, and lets out a bit of her own sigh. Tch, Scales. "No, no, there will be other times to talk about the past and futures that may never be." She gives the man a very clear 'I know it's you but now is not the time' sort of look, but just shoos him after dealing with the other 'problem'.

She already got much of what she came for, after all.
Eliza
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

     As the storyteller leaves, Eliza is left pondering the meaning of the story. He seemed to be suggesting that the forgotten castle, and the sword brought about from the queen's dark deal, really existed somewhere. But if it does exist, it seems to her to be something best avoided. It could have been that the royal family's problems were caused by the same being that 'saved' them from them in the first place.

    She's about to get back in line for the fortune teller when she realizes she's spent too much time on what was supposed to be a brief stop. She quickly stands, offering another "Merry Winter Snow" to those she was sitting with, before hurrying away.
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    "Merry Winter Snow!" A few of the landers respond back, as they too go about doing their thing and the storyteller seems to be be lining it for those back tents.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Mistress Odelle watches Setsuna leave, her eyes close gently before she goes to sit down. Yet something on the wind catches her attention. Her eyes shift to the tent flap. "... insufferable man..."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    When Robert comes out of his trance, Grace finds herself behind held close to him, by her hair no less. Her body tenses a little, but her eye stayed locked on him.

The other two shift slightly, tilting their heads a little. "Any word you can have with one." Says Selina, followed by Destiny, "You could have with all."

    Outside the tent though, one may hear someone call out, "Alright ladies and gentlemen! I fear we will need to close up soon. Please gather any last items you may wish to take home and thank you for your time with us!"
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero's gaze flicks to Selina, then to Destiny, then back again. His free hand lifts to probe at his neck with his fingertips, and for a moment he looks...disappointed? Curious. His gaze falls, fingertips rubbing one agains the other.

And then he glances upwards again, though he does not release Grace, not yet. "I wasn't sure you would negotiate with prey," he comments, gaze tinted with an odd mixture of amusement and reproach. He doesn't particularly seem to care that his hp bar is currently on the unhealthy side. "I'm interested in that spell of yours. I'd like to test certain aspects of it. I think we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement." He rises to his feet, glancing towards the tent flap. "If you are interested."
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    At hearing the voice call, the three look that way. "Oh no." One of them whispers, before followed by. "He knows what we did..."

Grace whimpers as she just 'presses' against Robert. "He will most likely punish us now." They all look at Robert. "Maybe we can, maybe we can't." They all say together. "But we need to make our leader think we are being good or he will us examples to the others!"

    They seem to be almost-- pleading with him.
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna walks off from the fair , his knight with him. A gust of wind causes his cloak to billow up and he turns back to pull it back and looks at the tent once more. " ...Pig headed woman... " With that he walks off from the fair, and as he gets to the perimeter he takes a deep breath and shouts as loud as he can, "THIS PLACE IS RAN BY VAMPIRES COMING TO TURN YOU INTO BLOOD SUCKING MONSTERS!" He should probably start a fire or something but whatever, it's not like any of his alliance mates are having to deal with a trio of vampires.
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    Aaand then Setsuna yells and some people laugh, some people stare at him confused, and one man with a hood just keeps on walking, snapping his finger at a guard with a minor hand motion.

That guard walks over to Setsuna. "Sir, we must ask you to please leave, you might scare the children and we can't have someone who is drunk doing that."
Setsuna
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0


    Setsuna nods his head as he looks at the guard, " Yes yes , I will be on my way. Tell Garfield I said hi and I will kill him later. Also tell queenie I like her toys, I will take a few more next fight." With that he turns and begins to walk off down the country road, a few minutes of walking he stops, " Thats not a bad idea. " From his inventory he retrieves a flask and begins to drink, he may not be drunk yet but he will be by the time he gets wherever he is going.
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero's mouth twists for a moment, eyes rolling back in his head to calculate mentally. He releases his grip on Grace, hand falling to his waist. "Again?" he echoes. "Then it seems like you have a recurring problem. It can be handled. Potentially long-term. Midnight tomorrow night, back at these crossroads. We can discuss details."

So saying, he draws a knife from his belt, waving the blade at each sister in turn. "It was a lovely song. I wish I'd been awake to hear most of it." With which comment he takes a seat, cross-legged, and begins to slowly drive its tip into his forearm, keeping an eye on his hp bar.

"So, as you can see," he continues as though he'd been doing this the whole time, "even for Adventurers, these sorts of injuries are really just bits of light. But there's some critters that don't follow this rule. It's like the rules are bypassed completely."
Helena Lethe
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

    The tent flap opens and the three are sitting around the adventurer. The hooded figures feline golden eyes are easy enough to see behind the hood. His eyes slowly look at the three, before to the adventurer. "You must forgive the interruption, my dear sir, but we are closing up."

He then tilts his head faintly. "And I know these three well, if they had it their way, they keep you here all night just to hear your tales and see your... Odd... adventurer ways. But I fear, alas, their show of loving is an act to help soldiers and all fighting men feel wanted. At least desired, when their hears are lonely."

    The three hmph gently, before Selina speaks, "And what if we happen to like this one. Given he is different from the others." The other two nod.

The man sighs and snaps his fingers. They do bought, but grace whispers with her lips. "Thank you" To Robert, before she joins her sisters to the side. "Now, out with you lad. We have a long journey ahead of us in the morn."
SpritesHero
Yamato - -42 - 9 - 0

SpritesHero offers a wry smile as he rises to his feet, tucking the dagger back into its sheathe. It's as though he didn't feel any pain at all from his arm, aside from a faint stiffness about his eyes. "My, how time has flown," he comments, squinting at the tent flap and the day's dimming light. "I do apologize for having stolen your dancers. I'm afraid we got carried away talking." The smile brightens, softens, and he produces what appears to be a bag of coins, which he passes to Grace on his way out. "So you don't get in too much trouble for having stepped away from your post," he murmurs under his breath, near her ear. He pulls back, inclining his head to the tiger. "My compliments on the festival." And then he's gone, passing out through the tent flaps.