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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Enter Kenneth, my expendible crew member...
"Ugh, why do they sack the very strange cases on me?" Kenneth complained, just loud enough for his voice to carry to the desk next to him that belonged to Joe.
Naturally, Joe wasn't there... they often worked opposite shifts, and according to the secretary he had signed out at noon anyway, since he had spent the night prior.
"Just a murder case they say, well, how's it a murder without a murder weapon?" Kenneth continued to ask, thinking aloud, as he often did when he worked the night shift alone. Then again, that was why he liked working the night shift; he could talk to himself and no one would get annoyed about it.
He looked over the three autopsy reports in front of him again, and shook his head.
"No matter how you look at it, there's no signs of trauma or even physical damage or resistance for that matter. No toxicity in their bloodstreams at the time of death, and not even a sign of a heart attack. It's as if they just... died..." Kenneth mused, before checking their data files on the computer, "And three of the top guys of a drug-dealing street gang ain't gonna die for no apparent reason..."
"Hell, Joe's is much easier than this... you have a burnt body with ties to some sort of whacky cult... whoever did it is obviously some sort of arsonist that just likes burning people instead of property. Trace the fire, and BAM! There's your guy."
Kenneth chuckled. He said it, but he didn't mean it; he knew better than that, and he had taken a glance at it as well. His photographic memory helped with this line of work, and he clearly remembered that although the body was clearly burned to death, there were no signs of smoke inhalation, much less any sort of gasoline or oil, or signs of burning at the crime scene. Still, it seemed workable; what the hell was he supposed to do with something like this?
Kenneth picked up one of the bagged guns found in the hands of the two of the guys that were found in the same area. They were quite clearly fired, with spent shells also in the area, and there were blood spatters, a clear indication of another person present.
"So, the only thing we have to go on is blood... heh, and it just couldn't have matched anything in our database could it? No, that would be too easy..." Kenneth shook his head. This case clearly looked like it was going to go into the 'unsolved' folder.
His eyes narrowed. Bullets, and blood... a considerable amount too. He checked the blood screening photo. They were faint, but there were obvious traces from where blood must have spilt. Judging by that alone, it was pretty clear whoever was hit had been hit in a spot where no clothing obscured it. Or at least, that was the feeling he got. For most people, that would be either the arms, or possibly...
"... these ain't rookies firing these guns; these are bodyguards to the head honcho. If they don't know where to shoot, they ain't doing their job right. One of these shots has to be a head shot."
The more Kenneth looked at the blood patterns, the more he became convinced that it was a 'head shot'. At the very least, they were hit somewhere pretty vital, and gang members had a reputation to upkeep for being good with a gun.
"So... whoever it was got shot rather hard... and there's three bullets not accounted for... who the hell takes three bullets and just walks away?"
Kenneth groaned. The evidence was just out to get him this time.
"I knew I should've played hookey today..."
Then something caught his eye. A disturbance of the ground, in the approximate spot he'd have guessed the swiss cheese person would be.
"They fell down... but this can't be right..." Kenneth stared in disbelief, "If I fall down," he continued, before standing up and promptly falling onto the floor on his backside, "Ooph!" He immediately checked his position. Legs bent, and hands out behind to help cushion the fall. He checked the photo again and the ruler size reference.
"This ain't right..." He quickly checked other files for approximate sizes of individuals, before cross referencing the measurements of the picture and reaching the conclusion he had intuitively guessed, "... they shot a kid? Just why would they shoot a kid, unless..."
The pieces began fitting together, although there was no logical reason why or how it was possible.
"This kid... somehow kills their boss... they pursue and shoot, the kid kills them too..." Kenneth groaned once again, "And now I'm back to square one... how does one kill without even touching the person?!"
Sighing, he put the files and evidence back into their neat little box. It was impossible to solve, much less to find out who did it.
"... this is gonna bug me all night. I know it is." Kenneth said resignedly, putting his feet up on his desk and reclining.
Posted on 2009-09-27 at 17:34:58.
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: And that's about it for Janelle...
Until she wakes up later, that is... 
Oooh? Lurkers? When'd they suddenly appear? *paranoid glances*
Speaking of lurkers... I know that Sib-kun was lurking before too...
Anyway, I guess that's it for me for now...
Although, I might do a post for Alice soon... ^^
Posted on 2009-09-26 at 16:14:45.
Edited on 2009-09-26 at 16:16:29 by Reralae
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Tranquility
Okay... Remember Rosie, you are safe here. Alex and I won't let anything like that happen again. Safe... very safe...
I'll let you sleep now, sleep soundly, sleep safely...
In Janelle's dream, the scene began to melt away. Tears smudged the colours and lines together into something indistinct, like an abstract watercolour. It became blue, a soft, watery hue, in which Janelle lost herself, moving onward to a dreamless sleep.
Posted on 2009-09-26 at 16:11:14.
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Topic: SW: Dawn of Defiance Q/A
Subject: Sounds good
It does seem like that's about our only option at this point...
The other option would be to still wait for the bomb, but since we don't know what the timing is like, or how urgent we need to act, it's not quite an option now...
So, yeah, let's try bluffing our way in for now...
Posted on 2009-09-26 at 15:54:32.
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Topic: ^ < V game
Subject: Well...
^ Aerobic
< Aerobie®
v Aeronaut
Posted on 2009-09-23 at 19:46:47.
Edited on 2009-09-23 at 19:47:50 by Reralae
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Topic: Dawn of Defiance: The Traitor's Gambit
Subject: Maybe isn't "will"... but it doesn't look good...
There was no mistaking the urgency in Haiko'ib's voice, or the trepidation in his frantic frenzy of pressing the button to call the elevator. Yet, for all that he, his tone, and his manner said, it wasn't very clear what exactly was going on...
"What happened? What's going on?" Karra asked, setting her pack back over her shoulder just in case the elevator arrived.
Posted on 2009-09-23 at 19:31:30.
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: Speaking of which...
I'm afraid I can't take all the credit for the clock monster... it's slightly based off of this monster from an online game I occasionally play...
Still, I had to do some major modifications for it to fit the clock of the memory
Posted on 2009-09-23 at 17:59:57.
Edited on 2009-09-24 at 15:47:55 by Reralae
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: Drinking? Without me?
Well... I could drink myself hyper if that's what you mean, but I'm not legal, so it'll have to be just pop for me
And as to Smoke being proud of Alex... are you sure it's not a Blue Moon right now? 
Oh, and for the curious... Alice in Janelle's memory used Battle Boost to do so much damage... but she's forgotten how to use Battle Boost by now (and didn't use it consciously to begin with), so it's not on her sheet *nods*
Posted on 2009-09-23 at 17:33:02.
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Death and Rebirth?
Alright Rosie, Shhh, you are asleep, at Alex's house. No clocks, you are safe. Alex and I will make sure of that. Safe Rosie,
The dream essentially stopped. Time was frozen. It was enough to give Janelle a reprieve. She just stayed there for a moment, breathing quickly, and trying to calm herself down... thankfully, it was easier with Smoke being with her.
Safe remember? So tell me, was there an accident? Did Alice die? Is that what happened love?
Janelle began to shake her head, but instead she tilted it.
'Yes, and no... she died, but... she didn't die. It'd be easier to show you.'
A bedroom. Alice's bedroom. They were sitting on the floor, flashlights on, and with a sheet of paper in front of them.
"Alright, these are the times when the clock goes off." dream-Janelle whispered, "Which means it probably goes off every time its hands come together."
"That means we have until midnight to get rid of that clock." Alice replied, "If we don't, it's going to kill us."
"Okay... you can carry the wood axe right? I'll use your dad's old baseball bat." dream-Janelle confirmed, her grip tightening on the bat.
Quietly, the two girls crept around the house until they came to the room with the Tainted clock. However, stepping into the room, the clock seemed to recognize their purpose, and sped up erratically.
"That's not fair!" dream-Janelle screeched, running forward with Alice.
Reaching the clock first, Alice swung the axe around, leaving a very good cut in the side of the clock, shattering the glass pane at its front. At that moment, the clock chimed midnight, despite the true time not being midnight.
The clock seemed to morph, its face becoming much bigger, while from its head, a mask of an androgynous human face came out of the doors at the 12 mark, and likewise grew bigger. Alice and Janelle recoiled, stepping back a bit. The clock now was truly a monster, consisting of writhing tentacles that supported the clock-face-body and its extended mask for a head. Its mouth opened and a chime reverberated from the opening. The pendulum had grown into a double-bladed executioner's axe, and was held by an arm of tentacles. The other arm reached out and tore out a piece of crown molding, and hurled it. It had so much force that it went straight through Alice's body, and she crumpled to the ground.
Dream-Janelle had screamed, and, naturally, footsteps were heard of Alice's parents running to the room.
"What the hell!?" Alice's father yelled, even as her mother ran to her side.
Whether it was an attempt to avenge his daughter's death, or simply out of desperation to protect the others, the man rushed forward, picking up the fallen axe as he went, and charged the clock-creature. Understandably, Janelle wasn't really watching him, but just stood there in disbelief.
Although the man succeeded in doing considerable damage to the creature, the cost was too high. Time seemed to stop as the clock's hands reached forward, and literally tore the heart from the man's chest. Then, with a wide swing of its axe, the clock killed Alice's mother as well. It began to advance on Janelle, stepping past Alice's body, when something rather unexpected happened.
"Ow... that REALLY hurt..."
The voice... was Alice's. She staggered to her feet, and it just took her a single glimpse to see what had happened.
"YOU MONSTER!" Alice screeched, turning and charging the creature, even unarmed.
Fortunately, as it was facing Janelle, it didn't react to her in time, and so Alice punched it. The act in itself was incredible, but even moreso was the splintering sound of the wood breaking under the force of her punch. The creature tried to swing its axe-arm around, but Alice instead grabbed the offending axe, and rammed it into the creature, causing it to loose its grip and stagger with the force of the blow. In the meantime, Janelle had walked around and away from the creature. It was incredibly strange, to see Alice fighting, despite her torn and bloody nightgown. Taking its axe, Alice nearly broke the clock in two with the ferocity of her first swing, sending it flying into the floor.
"This will end it!" Alice screamed, even as she brought the axe down and struck the internal workings of the clock.
Springs and gears flew from the strike, before with a grinding screech, the clock ceased functioning.
"Alice? Are you... really alive?" Dream-Janelle asked, almost disbelievingly.
"Of course I am." Was the reply, as Alice winced and held a hand to her chest, "It still hurts though..."
At that moment, a dark, malicious energy began crackling along the remains of the clock. Alice reacted quickly, stepping between it and Janelle, before the shockwave came.
As quickly as it came, it seemed to have trouble of its own, as though the very world was quenching it as quickly as it spread. Yet, it would've easily engulfed both girls if Alice wasn't blocking Janelle. From the force, Alice was thrown into Janelle, and they both were sent flying into a wall. Alice, already having sustained an injury, was knocked out, but Janelle wasn't, so she saw what happened then.
Alice's body twisted and contorted, even though she wasn't conscious, as though it were trying to fight something off. Yet, then, two... things... sprouted from her shoulder blades. Janelle wasn't sure what they were, so she had to do a double take. The second time she looked at them, they seemed to be like wings... well, one was a scarred, leathery wing, while the other was merely the bones of a wing. Even in a dream and memory, looking at them was uncomfortable, like there was something innately wrong about it. As almost an afterthought, a neon green tattoo bubbled and appeared on Alice's forehead. A green diamond with a red clock hand.
Unable to take all of what just happened, Janelle quickly got up, and just ran.
'I ran... I... abandoned... her...'
Janelle was crying now, both in dream and in reality. She had faced her past, but it hurt no less.
Posted on 2009-09-23 at 17:16:13.
Edited on 2016-09-30 at 09:18:52 by Eol Fefalas
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Clarity and Calamity
I don't know Alice, tell me more about her, about the two of you?
Janelle didn't answer immediately. Memories began returning, memories she had long since pushed out of her mind. The scenery changed many times, from the hotel, to a park, before settling on a forest and garden path. As each setting changed, people appeared and disappeared, but Alice stayed. If anything, she seemed to get clearer, less fuzzy and incoherent. Her blue eyes were visible, as was her blue dress, and she had a healthy tanned skin tone.
'This is where we used to go... she to sew, I to draw... she was very good at sewing, and learned from her mother; she made that dress herself.'
Janelle was crying softly, and the dreamscape seemed to waver.
'We promised... to always be friends... we were happy... until her father acquired it...'
Now a dark room. Dark despite the lamps in the hotel room. Partly because it was raining outside, but maybe also because Janelle's subconsciousness added that effect in as well. She was standing beside Alice, as a man, presumably Alice's father, who seemed to be at least twice as tall as Janelle, pulled the cloth wrapping off of a towering object. There were other distortions as well, particularly the crown molding, which was jagged and rough, and the cloth appeared to be more like darkness than fabric.
It was a grandfather clock. Ornate and strange. Each of its hands, even the seconds one, was crafted with a spiralling pattern. Initially they appeared to be vines, but, whether it was Janelle's subconsciousness that added the effect or not, as the hands moved, it seemed less and less like vines and more like tentacles, of some hideous creature. This vine/tentacle pattern also went down to the pendulum, appearing to hold a wide metal disc. Yet, instead of a disc, the lighting and shadow occasionally caught it in such a way that it appeared to be a grinning skull. The wood varnish was rough, giving making the wood appear more black than brown, and also gave it a somewhat speckled appearance, like an exotic fungi. This mottled appearance was not static; one could easily swear that the patches moved.
Finally, even unawakened, Janelle's consciousness and memory very easily supplied the thing with a faint aura. Not Essence, but something... malicious, and different.
The man's words could be heard, "A friend of mine asked me to check this clock over... he said that it didn't chime when it was supposed to, and since I look after many antiques, he thought I should look at it. Ugly looking thing... I wonder why he got it, but ah well... his taste, not mine, and it's not mine to judge."
"Alice, do you see that?" It was Janelle's voice in a whisper, although much younger.
"You too? Then I'm not imagining it... if we both see it's moving then..." Another girl's voice, definitely Alice's, whispering back.
'... That's when it started... when Time... began trying to kill us.' Janelle said, her voice choked.
The dream, turned now more into a recollection of a nightmare, began speeding up, showing the 'accidents', each one starting with a chime from the clock, which sounded hollow and cold. The first one was a bookshelf nearly falling over on Janelle and Alice. The second one was Alice's father falling off of a ladder because the ladder collapsed. The third one was a chandelier crashing into a table where some customers were seated. The fourth one was the kitchen nearly being set on fire by the stove.
(... quite apparently, that clock is not only cursed, but is also an artifact of Taint.
I figure Smoke will interject something here, since the fire in particular will likely spur a reaction. It's not far enough to determine why Alice and Janelle separated, but it definitely explains the source of her clock-phobia.)
Posted on 2009-09-22 at 20:40:41.
Edited on 2016-09-29 at 22:58:12 by Merideth
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: Stability...
Surprisingly stable, actually... but that's because there's nothing related to the hotel that is traumatic to her; there's just a bit of trepidation and nervousness simply because it's related to Alice.
Posted on 2009-09-22 at 02:37:37.
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Dreams? Strange dreams... with talking cats...
As Janelle's mind shifted from conscious to that state between conscious and unconscious, her eyelids flickered as she vaguely dreamt. Nothing much, since it wasn't a really deep sleep, but something simple. Just her, at her desk, with a blank sketchbook in front of her. Although, she could swear she heard someone calling her name.
The voice was faint at first, indistinct, but definitely a woman's. Maybe her mother's?
No... it wasn't... Janelle tried to place the voice, but she didn't know who it belonged to. She stirred, on the border of waking up, but whoever it was seemed to recognize it, and sounded more soothing than urgent or otherwise.
It's okay.
Clearer now, which meant it was probably a part of her dream. Janelle relaxed, and slowly drifted back from the border.
We know each other. It's Smoke.
This startled Janelle slightly. Smoke? The cat? What kind of dream was this? Janelle almost wanted to wake up, to see if it was just a dream, or perhaps something else... the voice definitely seemed more vivid than her dream...
Shhh... don't get up love. Keep sleeping. You need to sleep.
Janelle once again relaxed. That was true... and even if it were real, that'd be something she could easily imagine Smoke telling her. Well, pretty much anyone who knew she was lacking sleep would've probably said the same thing.
I was just worried about you. Is everything okay, Rose?
In her dream, Janelle shook her head. 'I'd be lying if I said so... so I won't...' Janelle slowly replied. Even in her dream she sounded a bit tired. 'It's just that... making coffee, making the serving tray... it reminded me, and so I remembered...'
What did you remember?
Janelle sighed softly, as her dream visibly shifted. No longer in her apartment, but rather, in a hotel very different. It was old fashioned, which was visible even in the lounge where she was, with crown molding around the windows, older-style chairs and other furniture styles that gave it away. Carried by her was the same tray setup that she had just made for Alex, upon a serving tray.
'This is where we helped out when we were very little... her parents owned this hotel, so it was only natural we'd help out.' Janelle explained.
We? Who's 'we'?
Janelle turned, and there was a blurred form beside her. It was unmistakably a girl with long, blonde hair. She too held a similar tray.
'That's her...' Janelle elaborated, 'I try not to remember her... we are... well... were... very good friends.'
Her name?
'Alice.' Janelle answered.
(A few directions that this can be taken from here
I figure since Smoke is kind of invited, she'd be able to see Janelle's dream, since Janelle is showing it to her anyway)
Posted on 2009-09-22 at 01:55:41.
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Catnap Time!
In the guest room, Janelle paced around the room nervously, checking for any sign of analog clocks. She checked the shelves, and she even checked in the corners of the closet. She did find a small spider making a home there, but no clocks, and so left it be. Then again, her slight paranoia came to play, as she considered the web... was the spider going to deliberately draw a clock hand on it?
After a moment, Janelle decided that it wasn't an agent of Time, and left it alone. Janelle gave a soft yawn, before letting her hair out of its braid, taking off her socks, and slipping into the bed, careful to try to not disturb Smoke.
(Just a very short one... and now Janelle's basically asleep )
Posted on 2009-09-21 at 20:34:34.
Edited on 2009-09-21 at 20:35:16 by Reralae
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: I wonder...
Smoke doesn't talk to Janelle when she's awake, but what about if Janelle is asleep?
It's just a thought that came to me, and I wonder if Smoke would find that kind of amusing, for Janelle to wake up, look at her, then wonder aloud if she was actually talking to the cat in her dream.
Posted on 2009-09-21 at 20:23:36.
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Nerves? How about a nap?
Janelle sighed in relief. He wasn't going to ask her outright... which was good... if she was going to talk about... it... it would be better for her to steel herself first.
"Yes, I will tell you later. I promise." Janelle said, meaning every word.
Yet, she blinked when she saw Alex putting liquor into his coffee. She really wasn't expecting that, and she was even more surprised when he decided to take a good dollop straight from the bottle.
"Sorry about that," he muttered, "I've... uh... got a case of the nerves or somethin'..."
Well, Janelle reasoned, his hands are shaking...
"I guess it must be a pretty tough job, or one with pretty bad people anyway... don't overdo it." Janelle replied, naturally a bit worried about him.
But then again, he didn't seem too bad... as long as he didn't have too much, he should still be able to think clearly...
"If this takes too long, you can go ahead and take the car if you need to get back to your place... uh... otherwise... You go ahead and make yourself at home, okay?"
Janelle nodded, "Okay, if it's alright with you, I'll actually take a nap... I didn't get much sleep last night." She admitted a bit sheepishly, although she knew it wasn't exactly her fault... then again, if she had just erased that pocketwatch...
Janelle resisted a yawn. She was definitely beginning to feel it now.
"Um, yeah... I'll take a nap." Janelle confirmed, heading up to the guest room.
Posted on 2009-09-21 at 18:54:51.
Edited on 2016-09-29 at 07:11:19 by Eol Fefalas
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction: The Clock Tower Q&A
Subject: Answer Time
1) That's right... you can hear the presence of others in the hotel; in particular, it sounds like there's a game of poker going on in one of the closer rooms.
2) The Clock Tower just stands on its own. There is no connection to any adjacent buildings. In truth, the Clock Tower looks to be the oldest building there, and as though it hasn't been really touched since it was built...
Hopefully that helps 
Posted on 2009-09-20 at 19:45:32.
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Topic: Dawn of Defiance: The Traitor's Gambit
Subject: Out of Time
Karra sighed, and shook her head, gently pushing Haiko'ib's gun down.
"There's no time. We're already set to go, and if we don't make it to the hanger before that blast goes off, they'll seal it off, and there goes our chance. Yes, they may go to the Imperials, but they're also a shady group as well, correct? If that's the case, then wouldn't they rather not draw attention to themselves by bringing such information forward? The question could be raised of where they came across such information in the first place... or at least, that's how it was when I was taking my degree..."
Karra shook her head again, "Anyway, there's too many unknowns to do something so rash. For instance, they could very well call reinforcements upon assault, and in that scenario, we'd be flanked between two groups, depending on how quickly they arrive. There's too much to lose, and we won't even be sure of anything gained. Don't forget, most droids that hold information also usually will detonate themselves as a result of attempted external access. There's a good chance that either that will happen, or a failsafe will upload his memory onto a virtual device to be transmitted to another casing, or even delete it. Don't you think Switch would've prepared for this happening? Have some faith in your own employer."
Posted on 2009-09-20 at 15:46:54.
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Later, perhaps?
Uh oh... Janelle thought, realizing that she hadn't hidden it as well as she had hoped.
She wouldn't lie about it, since that just wasn't right, but she also didn't want to distract Alex from his client.
Janelle shook her head, hopefully reassuringly, "I-it's not that."
"Um... I don't want to keep you from your client," Janelle added honestly, "So, perhaps it'd be better if I told you later? It's not urgent..."
Janelle knew she was dodging the question, and that bothered her, since this was Alex, who seemed to keep looking out for her. Yet, she knew quite well that it wasn't good for a person to be distracted away from a client or appointment; that could be seen as rude.
I'll tell him later. Janelle promised to herself, Yes... later...
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 16:33:55.
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: Did someone say mad?
Alice might just play into this as well then, although, naturally, she is pretty oblivious to the whole thing... innocence makes quite the strong anchor against "Madness", actually
Alice and Janelle's background is a bit flexible on this, but at some point when they were young, they stumbled over an artifact tied to Taint.
Now, where exactly that item comes from or where they got it, I haven't decided.
Perhaps it could've been planted by the cultists? I mean, even at that age, their Essence count would've been pretty apparent, so perhaps it was an indirect method of trying to get them out of the way? After all... I don't think they'd try to directly deal with TWO 75+ Essence Pool people, especially if they didn't know what they could do.
Just a thought I had... don't know if it works or not.
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 16:15:59.
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Topic: The Day They Woke Up on the Wrong Side of Reality
Subject: Almost no speech, but you should've expected that
Galen remained quiet for the duration of the trip. He just didn't find that he had anything to say really; that's simply how it went for him. He had thoughts, and he had dreams, whether they occurred during the day or night, but didn't truly have a voice.
Or at least, a voice that people can notice. Galen mused, Mine is just too soft... not that I really mind. It's close to the borderline... all I have to do is give it a push...
Galen's eyes had clouded over, his mind lost in its own reality of thoughts, and it seemed to be too soon to him when they reached their destination.
His first impression of the place was that it indeed could be labelled an 'estate'. It was quite visibly evident that the people who could afford to life in such a well-kept, and even guarded locale would also likely need and could afford other employees. Galen quietly contemplated what he could do if needed. There was the foods class he and Owen had been in, but such an occupation would be unlikely; there was probably already a professional grade chef there, and it was doubtful anyone of high standings would trust a complete stranger to cook for them. Likely, work would have to do with general things, such as maintenance of the grounds.
I could do that. Galen thought, thinking to the large lawn of his grandparent's house. There probably isn't a tractor, but it'd be good to do by hand anyway... train the hand to follow the mind and eye, and you train the hand to wield the sword, shear, or paintbrush as needed.
When they were shown in, they were led by a dark-haired girl wearing a variation of a kimono.
About 12, Galen reasoned and observed, The hair is braided into two braids at either shoulder, which provides enough tension to allow her to put in hair accessories like the lotus flower above her left ear. The kimono is a fashionable and effective garment, although it is slightly restrictive on movement. I expect that she's wearing slipper-style shoes as well? A quick glance confirmed his thought, Yes...
Galen stopped his train of thought for a moment. What was he doing? It took but a moment for him to realize what it was.
... Envy. Galen closed his eyes momentarily as he continued following the others, ... I'm jealous of her... as I'm jealous of many of the women I meet... I know it's a burden, but I want the choice of being able to carry that burden. For one to look pretty or handsome, there is work involved, that's how it is... yet, I don't want to be 'handsome'... I want to be 'pretty'. Not all the time; I'm not that vain, but I want that option. It is, after all, these little things that give every day meaning. As it is, I don't even have an option. I can't change what people choose to see me as, just as I can't change what and who I am.
It was a sobering thought, and Galen contemplated further, watching the ripples upon the surface of one of the ponds of the garden they were waiting in.
All too soon, dinner was both ready and served, but when the attendants went to give him silverware, Galen shook his head.
"I'm fine with chopsticks, if that's easier." Galen said gently.
Already, he was beginning to get nervous. It was clear that they were expected, yet it wasn't clear how Mr. Sakamoto knew they were coming, and Galen was pretty sure he hadn't seen anyone that may have been a messenger pass them on their way up. Then again, he was lost in thought, so perhaps he just didn't notice. Yet, that wasn't the only thing that bothered him. It seemed Mr. Sakamoto had more than enough staff, so it didn't seem to be general work that they would be offered. This suspicion was confirmed by Mr. Sakamoto's words as well, specifically 'I am always looking for employees—it is the nature of my business'. Questions sprouted like dandelions, cluttering Galen's mind. However, Galen knew better than to ask them without consideration. Their host was very hospitable, dining with them at the same table, and Galen was fairly certain his questions would be answered when their host was ready to elaborate further. There was no need to be hasty and ask questions at the risk of appearing rude, if anyone heard him to begin with.
So, he quietly wondered. What exactly was Mr. Sakamoto's business, and how was he aware of their pending arrival?
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 07:39:55.
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Clock Tower
Subject: Indeed, the door is open.
As Eve and Bas examine the place with their own methods, it became clear that all of the wooden planks are firm and sturdy; this was no small job, and it was done to near-perfection. Yet, even with this, there were no signs of anyone within that even Bas could tell. No sounds, no scents, nothing. The inn remained mysterious, even under such close scrutiny. Likewise, there was nothing lingering from the rest of the town. There was the occasional, light scent from one of the dark patches that was likely at one point spilt blood, but no sounds other than the whistling of the wind.
Yet, with the door thrown open, a few things are immediately apparent. Firstly, the electrical lighting within the entryway is rather strong, a fair indication that it has been maintained. Secondly, painted upon one of the doors is a bizarre symbol, or rather, half of one. It's unclear what it is at the moment, as the other half is likely on the other door. A further indication of presence, of which Bas can tell immediately with the door open, is the mixed scents of humans within. Finally, a startled 'Oh!', as well as other, subdued sounds of people from within the building, easily alerts everyone without a keen sense of smell to the same thing.
A middle-aged woman, appearing 30 or so, with white-blond hair, green eyes and wearing a blue uniform comes to the entrance. The uniform is not the same as that of the conductor from earlier, for those that seek to compare, and has the insignia of the inn upon her shoulder on a sort of armband.
"Is... it over?" She asks nervously, before calming herself down and straightening, "Er, I mean... welcome to the Blue House Inn; how can we help you this evening?"
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 06:24:30.
Edited on 2009-09-19 at 06:26:30 by Reralae
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction - The Linsemptus
Subject: Round 2
As Dusk disappears to mortal sight, the wererat that had attempted to hit him looks around frantically. Alas, the poor creature has no chance to even react as Dusk's blade expertly finds and pierces the rat's jugular from behind. (it's dead)
Normally, the sight of diminishing forces would sway one to retreat or fall back, but this was not the case for the werewolf. Its one bright eye surged with the flame of battle, and it would not be quenched until it was dead. With a howl, it brought its blade across and down upon Willow. Willow, in return, expertly blocked it, and lunged forward with two of her own strikes. The first, drawn diagonally across the wolf's torso, leaves not a mark to indicate its passage. However, the second slash leaves what would likely be a grievous would upon a lesser creature upon an interposed arm. Unfortunately, the werewolf's own nature ensures that most of the wound closes, but still leaves a visible scar upon it. (Critical hit, 2 damage to the werewolf) In retaliation, the werewolf stabs its sword forward, requiring either an awkward parry at the cost of future attacks, or hoping that the woven armour would be able to withhold it. Without a thought, Willow forgoes the first option, but her hope for her armour is in vain, as even the mithril links break apart upon the force of the assault, allowing the blade passage into soft flesh. The blade cuts deep, and Willow grits her teeth, forcing herself to focus in spite of the pain, even as the werewolf cruelly twists the blade as he pulls it out. (Critical hit, 24 damage to Willow) Not finished yet, Willow brings one of her blades across, attempting to slice the werewolf again, but it is blocked by the bloody blade he holds. Even as she does this, she slices back and downwards to indicate to the rat by her that she has not forgotten about him, even as she nudges her horse to the side. Unfortunately for Willow, the horse responded too quickly, which caused her blade to be brought up short of the rat.
On almost the other side of the battlefield, blood drips slowly down the jagged scythe of Xira, as she coldly considers the dagger hurling rodent that had struck Dusk before. Almost soundlessly amidst the noise of the battle, Xira sprinted forward. The rat saw her coming, or rather, saw an entity of death approaching it fast. Yet, it was nearly paralysed out of fear, and hardly moved a muscle as Xira swung the Death Scythe in a wide arc, cleaving the rat's head from its body. (... needless to say... it's dead) Yet, the scythe's power would not end there, for Xira was not far from being finished herself, as her heavy breathing indicated.
Mitsuru, in the meantime, took aim at the wererat that had attacked Akihiko. With her concentration, and murmuring aloud to herself to focus, the air began to chill at her fingertips, before visibly freezing into an ice sphere. It then sublimated, turning into a misty orb which she brought over her head, and hurled it at the rodent. The rat in question was so intent on trying to hit Akihiko that it did not even see the spell. As soon as the orb impacted it in the back, the rodent literally froze, with the kinetic energy of the impact shattering it to pieces. (... another one dead.) Mitsuru, feeling the situation coming under control, dismounted from her horse.
"Thanks!" Akihiko yelled over his shoulder, even as he raised his fist. The werewolf boldly didn't even bother to react. This puny human trying to hurt him with a bladed fist weapon? It was unthinkable. Or so the werewolf thought. Unfortunately for the werewolf, that faulty logic can only work so often. The first punch dug a deep cut into his side, but he didn't even have time to register it as the second punch came. Realizing that this human could indeed hurt him, the werewolf jerked back, causing Akihiko's third punch to just miss him, but quickly followed up with an uppercut that left a gouge on the werewolf's arm. (2, 2, and 1 damage respectively)
With greatsword in hand, Mo swung down upon the rat that had attacked him before. To his surprise, the rat proved to be more agile than he had guessed, and dodged the blade. Unfortunately for the rat, it only took a quick repositioning of the blade to swing it across and behead him.
Unanticipated, another burst of lightning strikes down, to fry the rat going to try to edge behind Willow or Akihiko. (it's dead)
The only wererat left has a change of heart, and quickly decides it has unfinished business elsewhere. Turning tail, it runs like the end of the world is chasing it.
[Round 2 Status]
Scout - Yellow
Mitsuru - Yellow
Akihiko - Yellow (barely... still mostly green)
Xira - Red
All horses - Red
Mo - 46/78
Willow - 29/72
Dusk - 38/57
1 dagger-wielding wererat remains unharmed, but is fleeing
The werewolf still looks more angry than hurt
(I know most of you wrote down your intentions for two rounds, but I just want to make sure you intend to do what you do; the scenario has changed, so the only lycanthrope remaining is the werewolf. Also, I want to be sure everyone's still present before I continue )
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 05:22:39.
Edited on 2009-09-27 at 21:23:34 by Reralae
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Topic: Stare into the Night Q&A
Subject: Coffee?
Is served
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 01:33:09.
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Topic: Witchcraft: Stare into the Night
Subject: Coffee? Or perhaps tea? Or how about biscuits?
Janelle quietly busied herself with making a kettle of boiling water. Whatever Alex and the other woman had to talk about surely wasn't any of her business... and Janelle didn't mind. That's what being normal was about. You just kept to yourself, and that's how it worked.
Janelle began to hum a song. It wasn't anything that Smoke or Alex would recognize, she knew, since it was made up by-
Janelle stopped, a bead of sweat visible by her right ear. She bit her lip. No, she wouldn't remember... she forced the thoughts out of her mind, and continued getting the cups ready.
Getting a small tray, Janelle quickly set up the cups, the creamer, filled with milk, and a bowl of sugar. It was best to serve it black, and then let the others decide how much they wanted, she knew.
Eventually the tray was complete, looking for all the world like it belonged in either a hotel or a restaurant. Too late, Janelle remembered why she didn't like coffee... it brought back those memories.
Janelle shook her head a couple of times, forcibly pushing the thoughts away. Thankfully, at that moment, something interrupted her, and brought her back to reality.
"How's that coffee comin', Rosie?"
Janelle jumped slightly, her breathing a bit faster than normal, and sweat glistening slightly along the side of her face.
"Oh, it's done, I was, um-" Janelle quickly picked up the tray, "About to give it to you."
Janelle forced a smile, and thankfully it worked. Or at least she thought it did.
However, what she didn't realize was that her hands were shaking slightly, even as it held the professional-appearing tray.
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 01:31:14.
Edited on 2016-09-20 at 08:30:58 by Eol Fefalas
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Topic: Auguries of Destruction: The Clock Tower Q&A
Subject: Alrighty
Well, I'll see about what happens once Sib-kun makes his post...
Of course, what happens might be a bit dependant on what he does too
Posted on 2009-09-19 at 00:55:17.
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