2023.02.23 Flea Market Treasure Hunt 3: Enter the Dragon
| 02.23.23 Flea Market Treasure Hunt 3: Enter the Dragon | |
|---|---|
| A group of fae attempt to unravel the mysteries of the items they found at the Flea Market; their meeting with the Dragon sheds new light | |
| IC Date | 02.23.23 |
| Players | Ambrosine, Caressa, Clementine, Dasia, Erin, Janneke, Kieran, Persy, Sark, Sebastian |
| Location | Spoonful of Sugar; Rhapsody Freehold |
| Prp/Tp | Flea Market Treasures (ST: Clementine) Previous Part - Finale! |
| Spheres | Changeling |
Welcome to all our intrepid adventurers!
As planned, the group who have been through the Flea Market have been considering and thinking about the treasures that had been found. The hidden messages and symbols, and plans for how to investigate it because why not? Clementine and Persy have been packing their bags with some items maybe to use to barter along the journey if needed. The others should be arriving shortly, and maybe even a few special guests? Word has gotten around as this is no secret and hard to keep it with so many Boggans involved!
(Everyone may pose in - they have a reason to be here so introduce yourself if you have not met the others yet. This is the gossip between Fae/Kinain that there is a quest going on to solve this puzzle.)
Janneke seats herself at a table, the large one, and puts a knapsack on the floor beside her. Today she's eschewed combat boots for hiking boots with her jeans, just in case. The chimerical duster, however, stays. She probably let it slip about this 'secret' mission herself somewhere or other, to be honest, but hey, more, merrier, right? Plus maybe someone a little better in dangerous places than Janneke will come by...
Kieran makes her way into the shop in a fine mood tonight. She's got her guitar across her back, sword at her hip (chimerically speaking), and a large pigeonbane on her shoulder. Fortunately, the leather jacket helps to avoid any permanent damage from his claws. Oh, and she's got her duffle with her, as well, folded up and strapped around her left arm. Well, more 'wrapped around her arm and bound by its own straps', but you get the idea. "Evening all... I brought a little.. help."
Sebastian wanders in, lugging a backpack tattered enough to be older than he is, about half full when he sets it down. Opening up one pocket, he takes out a can of Red Bull and tosses it to Kieran. "Heads up!"
Ambrosine does occasionally get news out on the Island and so the rumors have piqued the frail woman's interest. Her ever present companion walks alongside her, the strange violet feathered fox floating effortlessly alongside the Sidhe. She's in a set of flexible leather armor in dark purple with silver fastenings and a Sidhe bow strapped to her back. "Good evening, Kieran." Amber greets quietly, offering a smile towards Clementine and Percy and lifts a hand to wave at them. Large starfield eyes move over the others arriving with an intent and curious expression.
SarkHawk seems to at least be careful about those talons as he ducks his head and rides Kieran's shoulder in. Craning his head around to look at allll of these new faces, choosing to keep quiet for the moment while he confirms the situation. Of course, when a Can is tossed towards Kieran, there's a small fluttering of feathers and an inadvertent, very clear English, "Sorry!" as he nearly avoids adding a new scar to Kieran's neck.
Clementine has asked Persy to go to the back to get the last couple items they wanted to bring, as Clementine is carefully closing a box of pastries into a tin and putting them into the bottom of her bag, followed by a few balls of yarn that keep rolling around and one rolls off the table before she can catch it and heads toward the door. "Now now there! Stop it! We will be going soon enough!" As people are arriving, she hurrying to get the others inside, and all the other items she has on the table. "Oh good you are all here!" She bows her head towards Ambrosine. "I did not expect you, Duchess, it is a lovely surprise." She offers to all, "Would anyone like a spot of tea, or a scone before we start off?" As Kieran comes with a friend of her own she says, "I see you have a new friend as well!"
Someone's clearly lost a well-trained animal here. A relatively small bird, the red-tailed hawk is only a couple of feet from head to the tip of its tail, and has a wingspan of maybe 6 feet or so when fully extended. His chest and belly are a snowy white, speckled with occasional black feathers, while his top coat and wings are colored in brilliant rusts and reds with strips of white defining them like layers. For those that pay careful attention to detail, this does appear to be a male of the species, an early adolescent, so maybe 2 years old? (OOC important to check Notes if you can detect supernatural energy of some kind)
Clementine has asked Persy to go to the back to get the last couple items they wanted to bring, as Clementine is carefully closing a box of pastries into a tin and putting them into the bottom of her bag, followed by a few balls of yarn that keep rolling around and one rolls off the table before she can catch it and heads toward the door. "Now now there! Stop it! We will be going soon enough!" As people are arriving, she hurrying to get the others inside, and all the other items she has on the table. "Oh good you are all here!" She bows her head towards Ambrosine. "I did not expect you, Baroness, it is a lovely surprise." She offers to the all, "Would anyone like a spot of tea, or a scone before we start off?" As Kieran comes with a friend of her own she says, "I see you have a new friend as well!"
Janneke says, “When did you get a new friend, Kee?" She looks at the redtailed hawk with a smile and admiration. "He's handsome." She blinks slowly as the arrival of the sidhe is greeted with a 'Baroness.' She sketches a quick bow and says, "Milady." She draws in a breath, looking at the woman's face, and then says, "I'm Juniper Jupiter."
Dasia is here! Having just met Sark and SERENDIPITOUSLY finding out about the noble quest, why... how could she say no? Especially finding out so many others she has already met will be involved!
Serendipity will only get you so far, however. She isn't exactly dressed for the occasion. Others show up weapons... she shows up in Heartspun Voile that mortals would see as one line of designee clothes or another. She's lucky she had time to drop the designer bag in her car's trunk on the way here. Then again, it might have counted as a weapon in its own right.
Ambrosine says, "I'm happy to be able to show my support, Clementine. Thank you for allowing me to be here." Ambrosine replies in her quiet bell-like voice. Maximus' tail fluffs out a bit in a pleased flick as he remains in the Sidhe's shadow. "I'd love a bit of tea." Amber's eyes drift towards Kieran's avian companion for only a moment before she inclines her head to Janneke, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Baroness Philomène Antionette de Lilijudicaël." She lifts a hand to the starry crest on her armor. A smile is given to the hawk and Dasia as well to include them in her introduction. "But Amber is also just fine for tonight's purposes."
Kieran idly ducks the can of red bull, shooting Sebastian a bit of a 'why would you?' look before smiling at JJ. "I found him chatting up a Norway parrot that was nailed to a perch, pining for the fjords." She grins, shrugging... mostly with the other shoulder. "This is..." She glances toward Dasia, and gives a kind of 'ah well' bob to her head, "This is Sark. Sark, this is JJ, Clem... that was Persy going into the back, and the Lady Amber. Nolan Ryan over there is Sebastian, and you apparently already know our resident itinerant fashion plate?" It's said with a smile as she looks around. "I miss anyone?"
Janneke relaxes, but only a little. She does manage to smile a bit, and then once prompted, says, "Oh, Clem, I'm sorry, yes, I'd love some." Now she looks embarrassed, a touch flustered, and maybe even flummoxed. Poor JJ. She recovers enough to offer Dasia a fingerwave as she enters, and sighs softly, sitting back down. "Hello, Sark," she says amiably, recovering a bit more still, and swipes the Red Bull from Kee.
Sark bobs his feathered little head at the compliment from Janneke and the greetings from others, waiting until Kieran explains with introductions before chirping at the group, "Hello! She mentioned I might be able to help, so I hope I can! But nice to meet all of you very pretty people." With that, he stands up a little straighter, turning his head sideways to eye Clem and Persy a little extra for a moment, like trying to place them from somewhere.
It's about time the nosy red headed troublemaker known as Erin heard about this little find. She's been a little busy and distracted as she comes in with a baby in a carrier in front of her. She has a backpack with her as well probably the diaper bag because infants god they are messy. She looks around as she steps in and raises her hand "Hello. I hope i'm not intruding. I'm Erin" She gestures to the baby "And this is Eric" she pauses a moment as if considering "Nocker"
Caressa wanders in shortly behind Erin. She doesn't make much of a fuss, moving around to an empty seat. She spot Sark, eye going a bit wide in surprise to see him here. But she smiles, waiting to see what is going on. Though her phone is kept in hand and checked frequently enough. Afterall, she has a family and fiancé that might need her at any moment.
Dasia belatedly replies, "Yes, tea would be lovely." There is a pause. "Though do you have one of those little straws?" She holds her fingers up just so. Certainly indicating teeny straw there, yup.
Clementine sets up a full tea service (she always is ready to offer tea as this /IS/ a tea shop!). Another boggan that is working behind the counter her hands over the counter a teapot with a Magikarp Cozy on it to Clem who brings it over to the table where she has all the accoutrement ready. She begins to pour a cuppa for each person as they wish offering, "Sugar? Milk?" as she hands them out. The scones available include chocolate chip, orange cranberry, apple cinnamon, and this month's special, Ruby Chocolate Chip. Greeting the new arrivals she offers them tea as well. "Oh how lovely you made it!"
Erin looks over to Sark and smiles waving over to him as she looks at all the new faces and makes her way over to find a place for her and the baby to sit down and get comfortable. She ooos "The special sounds lovely please and thank you" she takes any offered tea and scones because who would refuse such goodness.
Janneke smiles at Erin and looks down at the child with a bright, soft smile. Soft spot in her heart for babies, it seems. "Hi Erin, and Eric, I'm Juniper Jupiter. Or JJ, for ease." She includes the Baroness apologetically in the abbreviation as well, and accepts both tea with a spoon of sugar and a special scone. "Thank you so much."
Caressa nods to Clem, "Tea sounds lovely. Milk and Sugar, please." She looks over the ssone options, "Apple cinnamon. How are things going?"
SarkHawk leans a little to wave a wing at Erin and Caressa, apparently loathe to give up his perch on Kieran's shoulder just yet, trusting her to know where they should all be going. His study of Persy and Clem has stopped for now, but surely there will be Questions later.
Kieran turns at the sounds of new arrivals, careful to not knock into anything with the guitar on her back or the bird-shaped Sark on her shoulder. "Hello, I'm Kee.." Caressa gets a grin and a wave as well. "You coming along, then? Looks like we're gonna have us a real parade."
Ambrosine takes both cream and sugar but declines the scone politely. "Hello, Erin." The Baroness greets quietly but warm familiarity. The Sidhe stands but off a ways, not to loom over anyone while she enjoys her tea. Max is not so polite and looms airily. "JJ's apologetic look is met with a blithe smile, "JJ." She echoes before looking towards Kee. "Do you think a smaller group might be more prudent?"
Caressa looks to Kieran, "Coming along depends on where you are going. I might have to stay here and hold down the proverbial fort."
Janneke explains, "Well, if we're going to follow the map, it's off toward the Market to chase down the trail. I can't vouch for what we're going to find."
Clementine makes sure everyone has some tea and a tasty pastry, everything to their liking of course! What hostest with the mostess would not! "Before time gets away from us, lets get down to the business at hand. We have a map that was enhanced by a song. The song was found on a goblet, and turns out to be a one from Cyndi Lauper. The symbol we found on the map, the goblet, the screwdriver, the multi tool, the acorn, and the tiny hammer - all points to House Ailil. And finally, we had discussed going to speak with the Prismatic Dragon that watches over the Rhapsody Freehold to see if he knew of anything." Whew - that was a lot! "Did I miss anything? Oh and I did leave word with the Boggan at the Blue Boar Inn, and the caretakers will be available to meet with us tonight and introduce us to the Dragon." She does not miss what Janneke says, "Yes, that. As the Market it just down the road from Rhapsody, we should be able to sneak in a meeting as I'm sure the time with that Dragon will be short. No one wants to be roasted."
Dasia takes a seat and takes the tea when it's finally around to her. Then, like a weirdo, she gets that teeny straw, puts it into the tea, and siiiiips at the beverage, rather than put her lips on the mug and drink it like a normal person. She does have her pinky sticking out, though. Because of course she does.
Kieran shakes her head a bit at the Baroness' question. "Not at all, my lady. One of the nice things about a large group is that if needed... it can /be/ a small group.. or even multiple small groups. More options... well, gives us options, don't you know?" Then to Caressa with a helpless little shrug, "Same as ever, of Lady of the Stuffed Shrooms: wherever the story leads. Wouldn't want to be off in the loo when the big villain's revealed, would we?"
She nods, and sobers some, as Clem lays out what they've found so far, and nods, as 'nobody wants to be roasted', "For we are crunchy, and good with ketchup." Then she turns to look at the bird on her shoulder, "Well. Buffalo flavor for you, I guess."
Erin seems a little overwhelm with all the people and smiles at Ambrosine and bows politely to her. She doesn't speak as Clem begins to give all the details and blinks at all the information she gives a wince about the idea of talking with the Dragon "Someone bring a treat so he isn't too grumpy" she suggest.
Sebastian clasps his hands behind his back. "Let's split up, gang!" he offers, in the exact opposite of a cheerful full-throated Fred voice. "Seriously, though-- we probably should leave a trail of breadcrumbs or something, in case any of us do need to head back in a hurry."
SarkHawk pauses a little when Clem mentions going to speak to a Prismatic Dragon and looks contemplative...well, as a hawk can look. He eyes Kieran and finally pipes up, "I should probably keep very quiet when you speak to the Celestial One, but If he DOES get grumpy, I might be able to help decipher his grumpiness so noone has to risk getting roasted."
Caressa sips her tea, listening, and has time for a few nibbles of scone, "Then, I think it best I stay here. At least I'm told it isn't healthy to cross right now." She pats her belly protectively.
Janneke says, “That would be very helpful. You speak Dragon, friend?" She smiles at that and offers Sebastian a playful little flick on the shoulder at his joke. "We should definitely mark our trail once we're off the beaten path, agreed. I'm sure if we asked, we could get some yarn to tie to the starting point?"
Dasia purses her lips a little in thought. "At best, I can offer flicker-flies to help light the way... or, perhaps, to act as breadcrumbs, I suppose," she says. "Not that I wouldn't love to open up negotiations with... whomever it is we end up happening upon."
Erin also didn't ignore anyone who said hello, just the meeting started and she didn't want to interrupt she does look at everyone with a thoughtful expression. She rubs the baby's back a little bit.
SarkHawk pauses again after Janneke's question, but finally bobs his little birby head at her, "Yes. I speak Dragon fluently." Hey, he's not lying. Just answering exactly what was asked.
Clementine mmmms, "I have plenty of scarps of yarn that we could tie to whatever along the way so we can find our way back." She looks over Caressa, "My dear, it may be for the best if you hang back. I have no idea what we will face and any risk to you or your dear child would be a travesty. We will let you know what we find as you were such a help." Dasia offer her help and she nods, "Anything as we go on this journey would be a good idea." She steps over to her bag and slings it over her shoulder. "I believe I have most of the items, as well as special treats for the Dragon that I do hope he will enjoy." A smile to the bird, "How interesting a bird can speak to us and speak to a Dragon. What an interesting being you are!" She has a big smile and clasps her hands together, "Shall we go?"
Kieran gives the bird a wry look. "I'm telling you: Buffalo sauce. And I'll even save some for Starshine."
"And also," she smiles to Caressa, "Having you here to send help if we just up and disappear for a month with no word isn't a bad thing, either." She hitches up her guitar a bit, and gives Clem a nod. "Ready when you all are."
Erin looks around "I will also be sticking back as i won't be taking the little one into unsure teritory. If you need any assistance I can send Kringer along but I think you have enough that you won't need it.. " she smiles.
Caressa nods, perfectly content to stay safe. She blinks at Kieran, "Actually, that's what I'm afraid of. I don't suppose anyone would be willing to leave me a strand of hair. It might help me find you if you get lost. Also, who would I send. Everyone I know of ya'll is here."
Janneke slings her backpack over her shoulder and grins. "Yes, let's." She regards Sark with curiosity, and then plucks a strand of hair from her head, handing it to Caressa. "Here you go." Reckless Boggan! "Um... who you would send is a good question, though..."
SarkHawk sounds a little amused at Kieran, chirping in a lower voice, "Just dont tell her I came with you. I will not hear the end of it for daaaaaays." When Caressa expresses her concern, he considers for another moment, listening to JJ, but she offers a strand of her own hair, which seems to settle the matter for then. Instead, he offers, "I will make sure they get back, singed or no."
Erin looks to Caressa "No worries. We can work together if we don't hear from them" she nodsnods adjusting the little one. She guestures to Sark "I can find him so if you all stick to him then i can find all of you" she winks
Kieran fishes out her phone, and starts tapping out a text. "Here... if there's a problem and you need to get more help, this is a friend... I think... you know how it is sometimes with us... anyway, her name's Deirdre. And... if somehow Sark here gets lost, too... send Stella. Sure, you'll have to break her brain a little, but I promise, she'll /find/ him. And kick his butt a little, but she'll find him."
Caressa smiles to Jj, taking the hair and ever so carefully wrapping it into the most delicate of circles. The hawk is given a nod, as if a talking hawk is the most normal think in the world. "He's easy to find." She smiles, "I could send my familiar over too if I had to. So there's that." She blinks at Kieran, "Stella isn't...she can't.. I'm sure it will be fine. Better get going, time is ticking."
Persy has been tied up with something in the back and as they are about to leave will let them know that she needs to stay behind because of some issue with the tea shop. She's disappointed, but she offers to stay with anyone monitoring from here and she can mount any rescue or help needed if that happens. Ambrosine as well, who needed to take care of something else and will be on call.
Clementine will lead the charge! First stop from Spoonful of Sugar is Rhapsody. The Nightclub in the Autumn World, but by careful design, the group of adventurers make their way to the back and through the portal into the Dreaming. SarkHawk is able to come along as they do their magic to enchant him as well. The group will make their way stopping just outside the Rhapsody Freehold proper for the caretakers to arrive.
Moments later it seems like they just appear out of nowhere. The pair of Fletcher Potts and Quentin 'Q' Oates seem like an odd couple, but they work well together. "Clem! Right on time, or are we late? Or early? I'm never quite sure. You have quite the motely with you!" Fletcher starts off, and Quentin just continues, "I've seen some of you at Imbolc! Welcome! Welcome! Are you ready for your meeting? Oh hey you got a bird! Hi bird!"
Janneke touches Caressa's shoulder lightly and says, "Thank you." She moves to Erin, and likewise says, "Thank you." She doesn't reassure them that they're be fine -- she doesn't know that for a fact, and JJ doesn't lie as a rule.
With their travels, she grows warier, her eyes narrowing a bit as they go, perhaps expecting DANGER or something akin to it. It melts a little at the pair that greets them. "Hullo!"
Erin smiles at JJ and nods "You guys will be fine" she nodsnods "travel safe and becareful" she watches them leave and glances to Caressa a moment then looks at the baby and smiles as she caresses his sleepy cheek.
SarkHawk gets REAAAAALLY quiet when the group steps through into the Dreaming, and those little birdy eyes get wide. He chirps in a hushed tone, "Oh its so preeeeetty. And nice here. Doesn't hurt all." Oh, but there's someone addressing him! A few blinks before he bobs his head at Fletcehr and Quentin and chirps, "Hello!"
Kieran follows along, staying quiet for now, apparently content to be a Sarkholder.
Sebastian stays more or less with the group, but off to the side a bit, keeping an eye out for unexpected arrivals. Fletcher and Quentin get a silent wave as they exchange greetings with the others.
"The good news is, as long as we don't get separated, I *can't* get lost," Dasia says with a perhaps unearned tone of confidence... bit also a bit of humor, so she's not completely serious. Then again... Eshu.
Clementine steps forward with the friendly cheerful grin and takes out 2 small tins from her bag. Offering them to the pair she says, "I brought some fresh scones for both of you. We all do truly appreciate your help. I got the treats as you mentioned from Mr. Hot Breath." She refers to the Dragon of course. "Is now a good time? We have everything together and would just like to ask a couple of questions."
Fletcher and Quentin look to each other and then take the offered tins. Opening it up right away, Quentin is already eating a scone as Fletcher answers, "Just be sure to lead with the goodies, and mind you, what he says may not be straightforward. Hopefully it can help." The Fletcher will turn to lead the way down the path to the balefire and call upon the dragon, as Quentin trails along still eating from the tin.
Clementine gestures for the others to follow with her.
"That is a comforting thought," JJ agrees with Dasia, "Because we have no idea what's in store. Isn't that fun?" She's not really the intrepid adventurer type, but she sounds like she's warming to the idea. She follows, along with Clem cheerfully and says, "You are good at this, Clem. If I ever decide to become the next Lara Croft, I'll consult you before every adventure."
Kieran hangs back, letting the others go ahead of her as she glances to the bird again, and mutters, "M'just gonna be as inobtrusive as we can, yeah?"
SarkHawk bobs along on Kieran's shoulder, then nods at Kieran's comment, "Ancients tend to not like us younguns coming by, but maybe if he lives here in this lovely place he wouldnt be...too upset? So yeah, I am with you on that."
Janneke nods to Kee and Sark, and then steps ahead of them as if to help conceal them, all five foot nothing of her. Hey, you can't blame her for trying.
Fletcher goes up to a wall, and taps four times, pause, then repeats another four times, pauses, and one more time he taps four times. He steps back and then the wall shimmers and becomes the opening to a cave. A loud yawn can be heard, and a spark of flame comes out from the opening. For those that can speak Dragon, a series of roars can be heard.
Fletcher and Quentin know well enough where to stand and be safe from this all. As Fletcher is the one not mass consuming his tin of treats, he answers, "It is I, Fletcher and Quentin. We have friends that wish to implore the great and powerful one for his wisdom in a great quest."
A loud rumble can be heard and felt as heavy footsteps are making their way out of the cave. With great ease and beauty, the prismatic Dragon makes his way out from the cave and stretches out, expanding his wings before settling back down. He looks around and asks, "Who seeks me?"
Fletcher gestures for Clementine and the group to step forward.
Clementine takes out a larger tin from her bag - it took up MOST of the bag. She opens it, unwrapping the top that protected the goodies, and then steps forward to set it closer to the dragon before stepping back - all done with a bow. "It is I, Clementine Dunbar. A humble Boggan. My friends and I have discovered a mystery to do with House Ailil. We have found a map and objects with symbols on them. We plan to follow that map and beseech you, oh wise and powerful one, if you know of any dealings with House Ailil that came through this area in the past." She gestures for anyone else to add their bits while the Dragon looks over what is set in front of him.
Janneke comes forth with the goblet and key (assuming Sebastian didn't take it back), and places both before the dragon. She tries not to look intimidated and fails miserably. Courage-Boggan is probably Clem, not JJ, but still, she doesn't run off, or scream, or do anything truly embarrassing. She just quivers a little.
Were SarkHawk's eyes wide before? They are now. He's also very quiet and very still, imitating a stuffed hawk on Kieran's shoulder for a moment or two. Oooo, that's a big dragon. And a pretty one. And an old one. Calling him 'pretty' is probably not going to work well, so the birb wisely keeps his beak shut for now.
Kieran swallows nervously, then steps forward in her turn. She sets down the bottle with its etched symbol as well (as Clem had the map), and keeps her hand weeeeeell away from the hilt of her sword. Then she steps back, swiftly, because she is /all/ about making sure Sark doesn't get spotted and eaten. That's totally it.
Sebastian still doesn't say anything out loud. He does, however, set down his backpack and dig through it for a minute, eventually pulling out a small glass bottle containing some dark red goop, and sets it down next to the other one. The number 57 is clearly visible on the top of the white twist cap.
Janneke psst. "Sebastian? Acorn?"
The dragon looks over what is offered. Lowering his head to get a closer look and sniff, it seems like an eternity. The tin full of treats? Devoured. Tin and all. It's there one moment, and gone the next. Then the bottle. The dragon's tongue comes out and how the hell does it get some of it out of that bottle? You cannot even turn those things upside down and get it out normally without a lot of shaking or a knife! Oh yeah, magical dragon in the Dreaming, duh!?! Then the bottle is gone and crunched up. As the treats are devoured, the Dragon speaks again, "Show me all that you have. And then you must answer my riddles. Beginning with, What is a single-digit number with no value?"
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Janneke rolls Intelligence(4) + Enigmas(2) (6 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes.
1 5 +7 +8 +9 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Janneke says, “Zero," JJ answers automatically, lifting the goblet to show to the dragon with a flourish, holding her tremors in check. She curtseys at the dragon, or does it as best she can without hands to hold out her skirt, or indeed, even a skirt to hold."
Clementine keeps back with the others and nods as Janneke answers. First question down. "As you can see, we found a number of items. They all ended up at the local Flea Market. As if they were hiding in plain sight in the Autumn World. The question is, what does House Ailil have to do with it. Included on one of the items was part of the Seelie Escheat which has stumped us."
The dragon rumbles with acceptance of the answer. "If you can answer this riddle, then I will give you a story." He does look at the bird and narrow his eyes. Speaking in his native tongue, he says something only a dragon would understand. With a bit of a snarl, he then continues, "When you stop to look, you can always see me. But if you try to touch me, you can never feel me. Although you walk towards me, I remain the same distance from you. What am I?"
Sebastian furrows his brow for a moment, trying and failing to follow along with the dragon's native tongue. But then it's back to English! He holds up one hand in the air and waves it around, glancing down at the ground nearby.
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Intelligence + Enigmas vs 6 for 2 successes.
5 5 +8 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Leaving the bag *was* a poor choice. "Well shit," Dasia murmurs, before digging through her pockets. She produces... a bottle of nail polish? It is small and human-sized, which... could be a problem. But it is new, so it's not like the Dragon is going to get a half-used bottle. "Sincerest apologies, but this was the most the lowly commoners of Dior could produce in so short a time," she explains. "But know that this is merely a sample of gifts to come, should you find this pleasing."
When the dragon lisps and hisses in a strange language, SarkHawk twitches a little, and Kieran can probably hear him murmur, "Damn." He finally chrips up loud enough for the dragon to hear, "My apologies, ancient one. I joined this group from the other side in this form. I would not have fit through the door, and I could not risk being seen over there by the...normals." He pauses and glances at the others, before looking back up at the Prismatic One, "These are trying to hold back the coldness and pain on the other side. I thought they deserved my help."
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Janneke rolls Intelligence(4) + Enigmas(2) (6 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
3 5 +6 +7 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Oh dear, oh dear, angry dragon. JJ doesn't have more to offer, but she can give him an answer to the question. "The horizon," she says, as answer to the query, smiling affably.
Kieran winces, and moves off to one side a bit, so that just in case the dragon decides to /use/ that ketchup, at least the others will be out of the line of fire.
Sebastian blinks once, looking to Janneke and nodding. "Oh yeah, that's better than what I had in mind. Gray area, I suppose."
A chuckle from the dragon, who replies not in Dragon-tongue now. "It is good that one of ours is watching on the Autumn side as well. It seems this group can use all the wisdom they can get with what they may face. But next time, show me your true form if you come before me." Which that sounds like an order, not a request.
With the riddles asked and answered, the Dragon opens his wings again, showing off the beautiful chimerical prismatic nature of this beast. Having preened enough, he begins to share. "Years ago, twin Sidhe left Arcadia for Earth. They were bad boys of House Ailil, who liked to cause mischief. They were more bark than bite, but sometimes went too far. Not the sharpest knives in the drawer, but not bad enough to warrant too much punishment beyond the slap on the head. If they ever would have come near me, I would have just eaten them even with the indigestion that would occur.
“These two were known as Dougal and Donal. Word has it that they were going from Kingdom to Kingdom, having bar fights, and being real slackers. But when they hooked up with Yrtalien, they did things far worse than they had in the past.
“What they did not know was that a small group of their own House had committed themselves to the Seelie Escheat. They bucked the trends of their own House, and worked in secret to take down the worst of the worst. That group passed through here as those boys were passing through here. They were able to remove whatever power Yrtalien had on them, and Dougal and Donal ran back to the place called Ireland.
“What was left behind were treasures that are unknown but were locked away here, somewhere in Lion's Reach. What the Kithain did not know about was better for not only this Kingdom, but so that Yrtalien would not be able to find them again. I believe these items are the key to finding what was locked away. Now should they be seen with eyes of a Kithain again? Is the danger passed? Bring the items to me, if you dare to find them. Between myself and our little friend here, I'm sure you will not only be rewarded, but we can be sure that they will never fall into the wrong hands."
Janneke admires the dragon, It wasn't optional, really, plus... who wouldn't? She listens closely, and the story captivates her. "Seelie Ailil... wow." She doesn't interrupt, though, hearing it through to the end, and says, "Some things are best kept safe, rather than left for anyone to find. I think it was no accident that *we* found these things."
SarkHawk listens to the storytelling and attempts to digest that quickly, and actually bows his head at the instruction, "Of course, Ancient One. No disrespect was meant." He tilts his head a little to glance at Kieran, and she might even hear the bird let a little sigh go, of the 'Okay, I might not get everyone roasted' kind of relief.
Kieran repeats quietly, "Going from kingdom to kingdom having bar fights and being slackers..." She glances to Sark, "I feel real /seen/, an' I ain't sure I like it." She nods at the bird's quieter comment, but looks... pensive.
Janneke exhales slowly and pats Kee's shoulder. "That's okay, Kee. You do more than that." You're so helpful, JJ, really.
Dasia doesn't... quite oggle the Dragon. But golly gee, does seeing him in full splendor kind of make her offer of nail (or claw... talon... whatever) polish feel especially dumb. She glances to Kieran. "Who knows, you could have Sidhe blood somewhere in your family tree," she teases, after listening to the tale and, uh... doing whatever it is that Eshu do to mentally file it away for future retelling and lesson learning, or whatever. "So Sidhe from Hibernia running around stirring up trouble. What's not to like?"
Clementine has been listening and she adds, "I heard something of those two. A cousin, twice removed, encountered them in Ireland decades ago I believe. They were wankers, that is for certain." As Kieran speaks, she comforts her, "Oh no, dear, those boys are nothing like you, I'm certain." She at least tries to comfort. "We thank you for your wisdom, great and wise one. We will find this treasure and bring it back to you. But one more question, what does Cyndi Lauper have to do with this? Why use the song, 'Time after Time'?" She had to ask.
The dragon rises up and is turning to leave. Everything moves on dragon time - not anyone elses here. He huffs in a chuckle, "She was one of those that hid the items. You did not realize she was Kithain?" He nods his head toward Dasia, "Like her, of the Eshu. The Brooklyn side, that is." And with those heavy footsteps, the dragon goes back into his cave and soon the wall shimmers back shut.
Fletcher has a shrug, and Quentin drops his scone back into the tin. "Well, hell. How did I miss that?"
Janneke just... blinks, and then grins broadly. "Now, all of a sudden, the last piece falls into place. I suppose we should be glad it wasn't Spinal Tap."
SarkHawk lowers his head to chirp at Kieran in amusement, "You are clearly more interesting. And you have better hair." Regardless of the tone, when the Dragon takes his leave, the hawk seems to be a little more relaxed, actually settling down and fluffing his feathers up a little more to warm up while he listens to the others discuss the things, with little birdy eyes flickering from face to face.
Kieran just... blinks a few times. Complete vapor lock, until the dragon has gone. Once the wall shimmers shut, her mouth starts working for a few moments before she manages, "Sooo.... should we just /call/ her and ask for her help?"
Janneke asks, softly, "Do you think she remembers?"
Sebastian considers the question, then shrugs. "I could see her becoming a grump, yeah. It's worth a shot."
Janneke considers this with some thought, and then holds up her hands in helpless acquiescence. "Hell, Sebastian, *I'm* a Grump." Feel old yet, JJ?
Clementine has no idea if that is even possible. "It could be worth a shot, if she even remembers." A look to Dasia to see if she wants to try for it. "Do you think you could find a contact that could help us out? Otherwise, I still think we should at least attempt to find this location. See if we can get in."
Janneke says, “Oh, I think we should try either way, it can't hurt. Why not? If Dasia has some connections that might get us there...""
Kieran gets a cockeyed grin. "I mean, she was performing in a pink fauxhawk with a dulcimer and a six-string mandolin at last year's grammies, so clearly, on /some/ level, she's still absolutely insane..."
SarkHawk gives JJ a look for calling herself a grump, but doesn’t press the point. Instead, when the suggestion was made to press on, he chirps encouragingly, "It sounds like it does nothing bad to try, yes? If someone knows how to reach out?"
Dasia blink-blinks at the request. "I could... try to pass word along, I guess," she says, with the smallest of frowns as she thinks. "We weren't even from the same continent, let alone the same kingdom. But. Who knows. Maybe I'll get lucky."
