2023.03.02 Flea Market Treasure Hunt 4: Into the Woods

03.02.23 Flea Market Treasure Hunt 4: Into the Woods
In the conclusion to our adventure, our intrepid party follows the singing map to find the hidden treasures
IC Date	03.02.23
Players	Clementine, Dasia, Erin, Janneke, Kieran, Oswald, Persy, Sark, Sebastian and a special musical guest, CYNDI LAUPER!
Location	Lost in Time Market and points beyond
Prp/Tp	Flea Market Treasures (ST: Clementine) Previous Part
Spheres	Changeling

Gathering up in the Lost in Time Market, our intrepid explorers are ready to set off on their noble quest tonight! With the items secured between the various fae, especially that map, they have been joined by Erin and Oswald. Always good to have people join in that have some more experience in this neck of the woods!

Janneke was the one that could figure out that the map started off at the Lost in Time Market, and believed she could direct the group on this journey. She'll have the map in hand at the start - the sparkling tiny footprints are even brighter here in the Dreaming.

The others will find that their pieces (the screwdriver, the multi-tool, the glass bottle, the tiny hammer, the acorn. Yes, the acorn.) have all begun to sparkle more, the symbols brighter on them within the Dreaming. Most fascinating is the goblet. The musical notation on it seems to be moving with a pulse like it is playing itself. Makes you wonder perhaps if you tried...well, let's see what you might try.

When ready to exit along the path, please pose as such.

Sebastian squints at the cup, tapping some of his prehensile fingers against the back of his other arm. Maybe if he knew how to hum decently, then he might be able to recognize something, but... no. "So do we have the gang all together? Kee, you bring enough Scooby snacks?"

Oswald has felt the Call To Adventure(tm), and having met several of those involved already is more than happy to come along. Armed and Armored he lumbers over to see what the plan is.

Sark tends to stick close to Janneke or Kieran, so might be spending his time peering over her shoulder at the map, then back around at the items with a confused expression, like trying to work out something and not really getting it. Finally he clasps his hands behind his back and bounces a little on the balls of his feet, offering the new face he doesnt recognize (Oswald), a respectful bow of his head and a soft, "Hello!"

Janneke gathers a pack with some useful things and the goblet that wound up in her care. She takes it out, noting the notation moving like it's alive. She looks at the goblet thoughtfully and says, "It's trying to do something... You think I should try touching it, or... wait, maybe it's going to lead us?" She looks at the others, and asks, "What d'you think? I think if we take it along the path, it's going to do *something*."

When Erin arrives she brings the big old panther with her who has a saddle for riding there is a bow on one side and a sword on the other of the cat. She wears the quiver. She takes a breath as it's been a minute since she's been out adventuring. She smiles and gives a wave to all of those that have gather. She looks curiously at all the things that have started to glow. She wait sto see what the plan is.

Kieran seems just a hair less frenetic than usual today, as she waits with the others. Her pack is settled securely onto her back, bottle inside, and her sword rests comfortably on her hip. As she waits, she's idly toying with a matchbook that reads 'OASIS CASINO' on the cover. Glancing over toward Sebastian, she idly responds, "Sorry, I'm not the morale officer on this trip."

Clementine looks to Sebastian with a grin and the over to Kieran. "Scooby.. oh yes. If she did not, then I brough provisions." She lays her eyes on Oswald and grins, "Maybe just enough to satisfy a hungry Troll, and a few others. But we shall see! Persy has the other half of the goodies we prepared." Because this lady ALWAYS brings the snacks. "Scone or cookie or muffin for the road?" She looks over to Janneke with the goblet. "Oh that is different. I wonder if you can hear anything from it or not? Like within the reservoir?" As Erin arrives with the panther, she looks quite impressed. "That.. is much more than a cat!"

Oswald looks over at Sark when he speaks and nods "Hello. You're a tall one aren't you?" Then to Sebastian "I almost always have trail mix and jerky. My gear has many many pockets." Clementine gets a smile "I will always take joy in a cookie." To Janneke "I am come to this late, but I think you are correct. If we have a path and a beacon of some kind, best be about it?"

Sark considers for a moment and offers to Janneke, "It looks like it's looking like it's moving through the musical notes on it. Someone have a...guitar? Or harp? Flute? Something like that? I've been told I sing like a dying cat, so I can't volunteer that. Or maybe its something we're supposed to play when we get to a point on the map?" Lizard brain is already working on trying to figure out the riddle. See the smoke coming out of his ears? He grins brightly at Oswald and nods, "Maybe a little. When I came up with this I thought 6 foot was closer to average. I change it now, people will stare at me funny."

Dasia is here! Her Voile: sensible for once in her life. She's dressed like she's about to go on... well, maybe a parody of a safari. Buttoned up shirt that is completely unbuttoned over a low-cut shirt underneath, and some short-ish shorts (with P O C K E T S) that are belted pretty tight and high. Reasonably stylish hiking boots and a hat that is not absurdly wide-brimmed complete the ensemble. "What's going in with that cup?" she asks, eyeing the goblet as it pulses to some silent beat or something.

"Yeah," she adds, noting that Kringer has become a warmount. "If I was a warrior, I'd probably want a warcat too." Oswald's suggestion seems like a good plan to her. "Let's get a formation with the skilled combatants along the outside, and Kee, you're the designated singer. In case we need one..." JJ hrms! She looks over at Clementine and says, "That's a good question!" She accepts a cookie for the road, because let's face it, a Spoonful cookie is always a good thing to have, and then raises the goblet, tilting it and pressing it lightly against her ear to check for sound. She might look silly, but this is the Dreaming, so nobody cares.

Sebastian turns to Dasia, straightening up to his full height (such as it is), and shrugs. "That's what we're trying to figure out. Do you sing at all?"

Persy has arrived.

The Clurichaun looks over toward Sark as both he and Dasia ask about the cup, then looks down toward the cup itself before quietly breaking into song.

"Lying in my bed / I hear the clock tick and think of you. / Caught up in circles / Confusion is... nothing new..."

"That's what's up with it. How it plays into everything... we'll see."

Persy always has snacks. Are you kidding? She comes in with an absolute dumptruck of little snacks, each very carefully individually wrapped in pretty, handmade waxed paper. "And you. Say. Go slow...." she trails along, nowhere near as nicely as the one who's actually singing.

Erin smiles at Clem as she takes a cookie for the road "thank you" she agrees with everyone "Yeah I think it's trying to lead" she nods "you got it" she moves with Kringer to one side letting Oswald and the others tak the other and back.

"Best I could do is go pick up my belly-dancing outfit and get the little bells to ring in time with the pulses," Dasia says, with a little shake of her head. "Reading the notes or making music from them... I got nothing." She gets quiet when JJ starts trying things out. Maybe just watch and see.

Sark ooo's softly under his breath and scoots over closer to Clem and Persy, smiling brightly and murmuring a thank you before taking one of the lovely wrapped goodies. He's not eating it right now, just wants to hold it in his hot little claws. When Kee busts out into song, he tilts his head to watch her, glancing occassionally at the cup. You know, just in case.

Oswald continues the song in a deep base rumble "I fall behind / The second hand unwinds...." and grins broadly as the group starts forming up and he gestures for anyone else to lead the way.

Sebastian snaps his fingers, gesturing to Oswald. Right, /now/ it's coming together. "If you fall, then I'll catch you, I'll be right there--"

As the group keeps singing, Janneke can feel the goblet pulsing with the song. That is doing something. It can be heard like a ghost on the wind...

~Time after Time...

Janneke smiles, and as the group all begins to sing, she takes a position toward the front, the goblet in one hand and the map in the other, following the glowing step-marks on the parchment. Her strides are a lot shorter, but she begins to move faster, as she feels the pulse and then hears the song in the distance, faint and soft. "This way!" She moves with purpose toward the sound, keeping pace with the others as best she can.

Erin smiles at Clem then looks to Sebastian as she sings softly following along "If you're lost, you can look and you will find me. Time after time"

Oswald unless someone feels strongly about it Oswald brings up the rear of the procession as he continues singing, trying to keep at least somewhat vigilant of his surroundings and the magic this narrative moment might be shaping "After my picture fades and darkness has / Turned to gray / Watching through windows--you're wondering / If I'm OK."

Sark glances around at each face as more and more people start picking up the song. Chewing on his lower lip, he eases himself closer to the rear of the procession near Oswald when Janneke starts to move, but rather than joining the song, he's softly humming under his breath, a little unsteadily.

Dasia does indeed follow along, though she's looking at everyone who is singing like they're all crazy. Well. Not CRAZY. Just. SOMEBODY who didn't live through the 80s.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Wits + Enigmas vs 6 for 3 successes.
2 4 +8 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Erin makes Kringer take the other side just to be on the safe side after she slings her bow. They both are looking around as they walk and sing. "Secrets Stole, From deep inside, the drum beats out of time"

Clementine follows along, her basket of goodies closed up for now. "That was strange!" She has not sung along herself yet - but maybe later. She signals for Persy to come along with the others as well.

Kieran pauses, then looks up at the market, before smacking her forehead with the palm of her hand, and consciously slows her pace, continuing with her own thread of the song...

"Flashback, warm nights / *almost left behind* / suitcase of memories... / time after

She raises her voice, "JJ... I think we might want to split up the cup and the map. One at the front, one at the back, listen...

"Sometimes, you *picture me* / I'm walking too far ahead..."

Janneke pauses, and studies Kee, nodding slowly at her comment. "You found the map first, so you take it, I'll keep the cup." She then steps a couple of paces away from Kieran, trying to reorient herself, then motions Kieran toward the front. "You'll have to blaze the trail." She gets back into the group a little more, still listening for the sound. [Weather] Prospect Weather Report for Thursday, March 02, 06:00 pm: Current conditions: A Few Clouds / Temperature: 58.0 F (14.4 C)

Oswald is the base line, the anchor at the back, so he keeps singing and striding along like rhythm section that just won't quit.

Erin and Kringer stay at either side of the group keeping the east and west protected as Erin hummms maybe she forgot the words for a moment as she watches..

Sark tilts his head and gives Kee a 'wtf?' confused look, slowing down a little to see what she's doing, while his own humming trails off. When Clem mentions separating the map and the goblet, it tears his attention a bit to try to look back up at Janneke to see if Something Is Going On...without losing track of Kee. Finally the idea of getting another look at the map wins out, the thin blonde bouncing forward to get closer to the front of the group. <OOC> Clementine says, "I'd like an perception + kenning roll from everyone. (Alertness from those without Kenning) difficulty 5" <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Janneke rolls Perception(4) + Kenning(3) (7 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes.
2 3 3 +6 +7 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sebastian rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 2 successes.
2 4 4 4 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 4 successes.
4 +8 +8 +8 +8
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 6 successes.
1 2 4 +5 +5 +7 +9 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sark rolls Perception + Alertness vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 3 +5 +5 +8 +10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Erin rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 2 4 4 +5 +6 +8 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Persy rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 5 successes.
1 2 2 3 +6 +8 +9 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 2 successes.
1 1 4 +5 +9 9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Erin rolls 2 vs 5 for 2 successes.
+8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

<<OOC>> Erin says, "that's Kringer"

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Clementine rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 5 successes.
3 4 +5 +5 +7 +8 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

As they are following the trail, this group is pretty good at noticing things! Oswald, the one *almost left behind* as the song puts it as he is bringing up the back and taller than everyone else, will see something quite unexpected maybe?

Janneke, Kieran, Sark, Persy, and Clementine will all sense there is something more happening as the song continues to be sung here, and can even hear the song as they move along. Strange!

Dasia and Sebastian will notice that some of the items they collected from the flea market that others are holding - are becoming brighter and the colors almost pulse as they are going along this path.

Sebastian reaches a hand out to pick up one of those items, holding it aloft and slowly waving it around. What's this dowsing rod dowsing for, he wonders.

Oswald grins as Sebastian raises one of the objects and he points higher and gestures along the path "Look, floating notes. A new song? Or the same one over again?"

Erin looks around and then looks up as Oswald points to the floating notes. She tilts her head one thing she never learn to read music well darn. She looks to the others and smiles.

<OOC> Clementine says, "Think: https://youtu.be/34HDgv9Hm5s" Writing reality out to disk. Please wait... Reality saved. Thank you for your patience.

"The song is the path, we knew that, but... the song *really* is the path," JJ repeats, straining a bit to hear. She tilts her head to see the notes overhead, and grins. "There it is! It's leading the way..."

Persy trails off as the feeling of the song sort of.. emanates. She looks up and her brow arches just a little bit. "I feel like I"m in a video game.." she says and decides that Oswald is King Kong and she will stand closer to him. He can also pick her up and put her over things if there are barriers.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Intelligence + Performance vs 6 for 5 successes.
3 5 +6 +8 +9 +9 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Intelligence + Performance vs 6 for 2 successes.
2 2 5 5 +6 +7
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sark looks up when Oswald calls them out and 'oos' softly under his breath. He glances back at Kieran and Oswald, sticking his tongue into his cheek while staying clear of actually getting close enough to touch one of the notes. Yet. Instead waiting to see how they react to the musical crooning.

Clementine is looking around, seeing these notes now. "Do we need to hurry up? Where is this going?" She is making decent time with the others and checking if anything else is changing as they move along now in the forested area north of the market.

Erin looks over to Oswald and Kee with a curious expression for a moment before looking around specially at the items in people's hands.

Dasia eyeballs the acorn with suspicion. "We're probably going to end up planting that and climbing whatever ends up growing, just watch," she says. OMINOUS.

Oswald grins as he reads the music and hums with a low bass rumble before he starts singing, praying that the others don't leave him hanging "You with the sad eyes Don't be discouraged, oh I realize It's hard to take courage In a world full of people You can lose sight of it all The darkness inside you Can make you feel so small." and on the last line he reaches down to gently pat Persy on the shoulder.

Janneke keeps looking up, idly wishing she could read music, but turns to see Oswald and Kieran both examining the floating notation, and realizes it's well in hand. "Good question," she says to Clem, and then blinks, surprised and pleased as Oswald comes up with the next song, and says, "Looks like we're back underway!"

"As long as we don't have to scale the Cliffs of Insanity," Sebastian muses. "I don't know about you, but I'm fresh out of left-handed swords."

Erin tilts her head as she listens to the song, it takes her a moment so she hummms along for now maybe she needs a little bit of more words to actually sing.

Kieran looks like she's trying to wrap the notes they're seeing around Time After Time, and just getting irritable about it, until Oswald starts singing, and she laughs quietly, nodding. "The jeweler's glass, maybe, JJ?" Even as she makes that suggestion, she's unslinging her pack to fish out the glass bottle, as well. "Let's see if the map shows anything through the lenses we've got..."

Sark turns around to trot backwards so he can see the group better while still trying to sneak looks at the map, as if that's going to give him better understanding of what they are walking into. His humming falls off when the song changes, not familiar with this tune either, apparently.

"Find me a stick about the right size, and I can probably get you a left-hand sword," Dasia replies. "At least... for a little while."

Janneke nods at Kieran, and says, "Need me to hold the map so you can look at it? Or vice versa? Or someone else if we still need to keep the map and goblet separate..."

When Kieran gets out the glass bottle and the place it over the map along the footprints, they will see a music note - like what is overhead, appear within the bottle - but only when held over a certain area that looks to be a few hundred feet ahead of them. A grove of trees ahead, with only a small opening. Is that where the music stops or starts or they get an encore? Have to find out!

Oswald may just be along as the back up singer, and you know what? He'll lean into that. He sings the next bit "Show me a smile then Don't be unhappy Can't remember when I last saw you laughing This world makes you crazy And you've taken all you can bear Just call me up 'Cause I will always be there." And he takes deep breath before belting out the begining of the chorus (trusting that more will know the song from this part if not the rest "And I see your true colors Shining through I see your true colors And that's why I love you."

Kieran smirks as the bottle reveals more notes, singing quietly, "But I see your true color shining through..." Looking over to Oswald, she nods with a grin, "C'mon."

With that, she scoops up her pack again and starts heading for the small opening, moving to duck inside without hesitation.

Sark frowns a little as he sees the notes appear in the glass, but on Kee's encouragement he turns to look at the opening and hesitates for a few seconds, debating something in his head. Finally rolling a shoulder (and probably waiting for others to duck in as well), he follows suit,a nd waits to make sure everyone can squeeze.

Janneke helps Kee get her pack, and then trots along toward the opening in the wooded copse. "I think we're going to get more songs, if this is any indication," JJ opines, as she ducks into the opening behind Sark.

Erin ohs as Oswald sings more and now she knows the words so she joins in singing with them or humming depends she doesn't know all the words as she smiles. They follow keeping the left and right safe as they walk along singing.

Oswald is keeping an eye on the notes as the group continues along the path (and he keeps singing). When he spies the small opening he eyes it a bit suspiciously and waits his turn to see how hard its going to be for him to squeeze himself in.

As the group reaches the small opening to the grove, it seems to shimmer and expand for each to enter. This is obviously a magical place and the music they have been singing and carrying with them has been the key to enter. As they step inside, they will find a protected small meadow surrounded by the tall trees of this forest. There is a carved out door in the tallest of the oaks here, much like you might find in a fairy tale.

<OOC> Clementine says, "Everyone can pose going inside and checking it out - and I'd like another set of rolls please." <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sebastian rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 +6 +6 +7 +8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Janneke rolls Perception(4) + Kenning(3) (7 dice) vs 6 for 2 successes.
1 2 2 3 +8 +8 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sebastian doesn't even need a prompt for this one, just the visuals are plenty to go on. "Boys and girls of every age, would you like to see something strange?" <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Sark rolls Perception + Alertness vs 5 for 2 successes.
1 2 3 3 +6 +7 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 0 successes.
1 1 2 9 9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Oswald rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 8 successes.
2 2 +5 +5 +5 +6 +7 +7 +7 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<OOC> Kieran steps inside and falls in the pit. <OOC> Sark eyes Oswald's dice, "And apparently Troll catches her!" <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Erin rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 7 successes.
1 +6 +6 +7 +7 +9 +9 +9 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Erin rolls 2 vs 5 for 2 successes.
+8 +9
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Perception + Kenning vs 5 for 4 successes.
1 3 +9 +10 +10 +10 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Janneke huhs and says, "Um, guys, the cup is taking a trip to the Shake Shack..." She holds it up to show that it's quivering rapidly.

Sebastian reaches for his dowsing rod once again, holding it out next to Janneke's grail. "Yeah, and I think the dish wants to run away with it, too."

Sark slows down when the group steps inside, looking up and around with slightly wider eyes, wiggling his toes in the grass as he sighs happily, "Oh this feels even PRETTIER in here...my skin is tingling. I don't...." he pauses, "This feels new...and old. Like its been stopped from getting older."

Oswald looks around the clearing and points to some trees as the behavior of the artifacts gets mentioned "There are places for them. This is where they belong, you have brought them home."

Erin looks around and her head tilts a little bit as she guestures to the trees "Do you guys see that.. There are symbols on the trees, and they are all different" she looks curious as she tries to figure some of them out.

Dasia follows along into the grove, eyes looking up. People NEVER look up. "See?" she asks. "Tall trees. If only we had something tall to climb." A pause, while she glances to the ginormous troll. "I mean. Aside from you. And besides I don't think you can climb yourself." The TALL TREES having been inspected, she returns her gaze to normal eye level, and oh look. A door. "Wait a second." She narrows her eyes, suspicious. After a moment, she takes off the safari hat, using it to fan herself off a bit, before setting it back on. "That door's got a sigil of the Elegbara on it. Not quite sure if it means anything from all the way over here." Which means it's a mystery. And she needs to solve it. She goes over to get a closer look.

... as soon as Dasia gets close enough to read it, she adds aloud, "'Everything does go in a circle'..."

Now that it is pointed out, the items they have brought with them all seem to be seeking their homes - here. Together, hopefully you will each place the items where they fits around the grove. With each one, it feels like connections are being made, although the last one - the screwdriver, seems to be missing a place. But fear not! When it is the last one, it will wiggle out of Sebastian's hand and fly over - narrowly missing Kringer of course - and into a key hold in the middle of the door below where that saying Dasia pointed out was. Do you dare turn it anyone?

Writing reality out to disk. Please wait... Reality saved. Thank you for your patience.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Janneke rolls Willpower(6) (6 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes.
3 4 5 +8 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sark tilts his head when Dasia says she needs something tall, then eyes Oswald, then looks back to her again, "Exactly....how high do you need to get?" He eyes the symbols and how close they are, then up towards the top of the trees and seems to be doing a little internal math at the distances involved. He ducks a little when the screwdriver flies of its own accord and stops speaking to watch it 'thunk' into place, then slowly looks around at the others.

Janneke moves forward, looking at the door, checking out the tool as it fits itself into place. "Well, that was... direct. Um. So... shall we?" She holds out her hand, reaching for the handle with a moment's hesitation.

Kieran nods, once the items are set in their places and Dasia draws attention to the sigil. "I mean, that makes sense if what we were told about Cyndi is true..." The screwdriver goes flying... and Sebastian /probably/ isn't that good with a thrown knife, so it probably did that itself. "Which means..." She looks to Dasia, "It might need to be /you/ that turns that key."

Erin quietly watches as items are placed in their homes.

Kringer ducks as he almost gets hit and he gives a grrrrr in protest before he goes back to watching.

Sebastian takes his time walking over toward the screwdriver's new home. Then leans closer to get a better look at it. Then looks back. "Well, no, we already have one Kee, and one Kee is enough for anyone. But, uh, JJ? I think I know what this /does/ need... Do you happen to have a silver hammer handy?"

Oswald looks over to Dasia and then up to the trees "I could give you a lift. By Muscle or Cantrip really, it could be easily done." Then Sebastian mentions a silver hammer and he says "Funny you should mention that. Its a crafting tool, not a weapon but I do have one. Unless the quest items included one more appropriate of course."

Erin looks towards Sebastian "Always" like why would she not have a hammer with her. She looks over to Oswald and then over to the others. She still keeps looking around.

<---======##=========[ Item Dreamsmith's Hammer: 240619 ]=========##======---> Level:..................1 Magic Type:......Treasure Name:.Dreamsmith's Hammer Owner:.............Oswald Type:.........40/Treasure Created:20180714-1428 by WhoopingCrane Effect:-2 diff to Dexterity when crafting treasures or chimera Updated:20180714-1428 by WhoopingCrane <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

"I mean, if JJ *needs* to turn the screw, I don't mind," Dasia replies with a shrug, though she pauses and purses her lips in thought. "Unless we think Kee is right about it needing to be one of the Elegbara to give it a twist. Then, before giving it much actual thought beyond that either/or thinking out-loud, she reaches in for the screwdriver, likely bumpinginto the Boggan in the process.

Janneke eeps and sidles over to let Dasia do it, now that she knows there may be a reason that the Eshu needs to do so. "Okay, so, where does the hammer come in? I think I'm a little confused..."

When the key is finally turned (former screwdriver in the autumn world - key with screwdriver handle in the Dreaming), the whole places fills with music. It's Time After Time again, with a mix of True Colors in the ultimate mashup. Mist comes falling down from the trees, engulfing the place with sparkles filling the air.

It only lasts a few seconds, enough to disorient, when it clears up and standing in the middle of the grove is the one, the only, Cyndi Lauper. https://concord.com/publishing-roster/cyndi-lauper/

With her New York accent, she tips her hat and says, "Hey! I was in the middle of a recording? Whatcha ya all doing here? Where am I?" She looks around and laughs, "Oh yeah! I've been here before! So you guys found my stuff?"

Erin blinks as the Cyndi Lauper in the flesh/dreaming is standing right there. She looks to the others to see if everyone is seeing the same thing or if she's just got fairie dust in her eyes and seeing things.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Kieran rolls Willpower vs 6 for 5 successes.
+7 +8 +9 +9 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Sark blinks at the door opening and just stands transfixed as sparkles fill the air and Ms Lauper appears. Much like Erin, he's glancing around at the other faces to make sure he's not the only one that sees her, but also checking for recognition in the other faces.

Nope, Erin, you're not imagining things. This time, at least. "Uh," he says. "...more like it found us? Or both."

Janneke boggles a bit -- and the boggling Boggan bobbles for a moment, and then seems to come back to herself. "We -- you -- yeah, we found your stuff!" That was eloquent, JJ. "So... um, about the stuff, and the dragon, and... well, everything? We're supposed to bring it back to the dragon at Rhapsody Freehold... or are we?"

Kieran blinks a few times at the disorientation, and when everything clears again... oh, she just gets this /wide/ smile. Walking forward, she extends a hand. "We did! Though we didn't realize it was yours, at first. Had quite a tale about a pair of young rapscallions attached. I'm Kieran, by the way, Kieran Mac Conmara. It's an honor, ma'am. Big fan."

Dasia tips her Safari hat down a little, to keep some of the sparkley faerie dust out of her eyes, but even then, the moment she blinks, it's all suddenly the... recording studio? Same as everyone else. She gives her heada shake, some more of the dust/mist/whatever falling from her hat. And oh look. The Famous Eshu herself. Daisa makes the slightest of faces, but ETIQUETTE IS ETIQUETTE, DAMNIT. So she scrunches her cheeks a bit, her lips pursed... then she spits a big ol glob of spit (not a snotty loogie, that would be gross) just... directly into the palm of her right hand, before holding it out to the other Eshu. "Damawiy Nasrin, niece of Talitha, and heir to Al-Ahlam Alealiqa... the Oasis of Lingering Dreams," she introduces herself. "But please, call me Dasia."

Erin watches Dasia do her her Eshu thing with the other Eshu and sdhe watches with curiousity. She looks to the others and then back. She gives a smile to Sark when he tells her it's not just her. She just quietly watches as she duest some of the sparkly out of her hair.

Oswald is grinning broadly as things seem to be going well. He is just watching for the moment, seeming rather pleased with the situation as a whole.

Sark looks a little more calm when others seem to recognize Cyndi, and he sidesteps a little to get closer to Erin and Kringer, clasping his hands behind his back to watch the exchange between the fae. Embarrassment is better in numbers, natch.

A musical laugh comes from Cyndi, "You don't say, huh? Found you?" Her eyes move around to check them all out, as she has one hand on her hip. Laying eyes on Dasia, she joins in the ritual and spits rather soundly into her own hand and takes Dasia's hand and gives it a firm shake. "Hey there, cutie! Cyndi Lauper, daughter of Frederick Lauper, descendent of Christen Lauper. Originally from the Council of White Mountains. I know, weird for the Eshu, but someone had to teach them to Yodel, huh?" She laughs a bit. She knows some etiquette, but it's Queens etiquette really. "Hey so you mentioned a dragon? Yeah, a group of us, we fell into this bad sort with House Ailil, they were Seelie kinda in name only because they just couldn't go along with the rest of the house there. Long story short, we sealed up this stuff taken from those twins that were causing trouble along with the other dude... his name escapes me now. The key was my music, as you must have found. Seems everything has come into place so this is /not my problem/ any longer."

"And I'm Sebastian Clark," the spindly one introduces himself in turn. "And that's Oswald and Erin and, uh, Sark." Is he forgetting anyone here? "So, uh. Does that mean this stuff is safe now? Or it's very much /not/ safe, and we should expect incoming?"

Dasia glances back to Sebastian. "It sounds like it was sort-of safe before, and now it isn't because we somehow signed on to keep them safe, ourselves," she says, before looking back to Cyndi. "That about sum it up?"

"I think," the babbling Boggan JJ says, "That it means we bring it all back to the dragon as planned for safekeeping. Yes? Yrtalien was the problem guy," she adds as reminder, "I'm Juniper Jupiter, sorry, should have said that right off. Yeah... looks like it's ours to handle now."

Erin bows her head as she smiles "Erin Blixt, Nocker " she guestures to Kringer "And that's Kringer over there" she keeps it short and simple.

Oswald gives Cindy a polite bow, brushing off his formal introduction for a esteemed lady of his age "I am called Oswald Aston Leopold Burroughs in the lands of Autumn. But to those that walk the Dream I am Arden Rangarson, Titan of Storm and Falling Stars, Fist of the North, Wielder of Stjerners Brann, Greybeard of the Firstborn."

Sark lifts his hand to wiggle his fingers at Cyndi when Sebastian introduces him, offering the woman a bright and friendly smile, even a softly mrumured, "Hello!"

"Psshaw! It was safe until now and still is with you all here to take over. I couldn't protect it forever, and hell, I'd almost forgotten about it. I spend so much time doing my own things, I have not even been back here. Which is how we planned it really. When the time was right, the Dreaming would return me and it would be passed on to others." Cyndi shrugs and walks over to see the goblet sitting in it's little nock. "Oh, I forgot about you! Hey there! Had any good wine since I left?" The glass makes a sounds and sounds like it has not. Cyndi offers, "It sounds like you all will handle this fine. Once the items are removed, this grove is going to disappear. So make sure you get everything out before you go through the exit. This dream looks to be done and you know? Just feels right.

Cyndi will go around and thank each of them, introducing herself as Cyndi. They can all start to really see the fae in her - her hair is glittering in many colors, and the wild print of her clothing is that much more exaggerated. She even now has the trademark bangles filling both her wrists and up the forearms. She offers a bangle to each of them as she greets them (it's a Cyndi thing - go watch Young Rock). When she gets to Oswald, her bangle may fit him better as a ring. "Well ain't you a tall drink of water. Captain Lou would have found a way to be your manager!"

Kringer gets a good look over and a pat to the head as she contines to meet JJ, Kieran, Sebastian, Persy, Clementine, and Sark. "You.. " she stops at Sark ".. you are different. Lemme think... Do you know Caspien?"

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Perception + Kenning vs 6 for 6 successes
. 4 +6 +6 +9 +10 +10 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

For a moment, Sark does a VERY good revision of 'Deer In Headlights' when Cyndi addresses him directly. She states he's different, "Um...yes. I'm sorry to say I was...actually asleep when you were famous. Im not one of them, I'm just here to help good people. Caspien..." he pauses and furrows his brow a little, but slowly nods, "I mean, I dnot KNOW him, but I've heard him. THe Ancient Ones never entirely leave us, even if we cannot find them anymore. Sometimes they don't WANT to be found anymore." He offers a small, rueful smile at that last bit. <OOC> Clementine says, "Sadly, I did not come up with cool items that you all could pick up as +equip or something. So anything gained will be more rp fun."

Kieran gives Sark a light thwap in the abs and mutters, "She's still famous, ya doof."

Janneke accepts the bangle, and slips it on her own wrist. *This* particular treasure is being kept. She smiles broadly, just happy in the moment even if it means they have to guard things. Hey, that's a brave thing to do, right? Why not, for a change? JJ tries not to laugh as Kieran thwaps the dragon, knowing Sark isn't going to get too terribly upset about it. "Suddenly, I feel all accomplished," she says with a little chuckle. Please don't kill her now!

Oswald grins mischevously at sark and shrugs as he takes the offered bangle "Don't worry, I am a *big* enough fan for the both of us. I have been a fan of her music for a very very long time."

Erin smiles at Miss Cyndi and slips the bangle on her wrist. She seems to have a little bounce to her step as she watches her great everyone and talk to Sark. She makes note of more things to add to Sark's list of learning it seems.

Kringer lightly head nudges Cyndi when he gets a pet and purrrs at her.

Sebastian has reconnected. Dasia loses one Magical Essence

OH NO.

A GIFT.

Dasia cannot very well *refuse* the Bangle, of course. Well. She *could*, but that would be in poor taste. So she starts patting down her pockets, but finally settles on her hat. It is a plain hat, and while sensible for safari through the dreaming, it doesn't exactly seem like Cyndi's style. So Dasia lifts the hat to her lips, and whispers to it, "Become a Perfect Hat for Cyndi." And then, she opens the metaphorical firehose to the dreaming, to try and have the Wyrd fulfill her request.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls Glamour + Nightmare Dice vs 7 for 0 successes.
1 2 4 10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======--->
Dasia rolls 2 vs 4 for 2 successes.
+7 +10
<-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->
Dasia's BASE METAMORPHOSIS is at least 2

... WHATEVER the PERFECT HAT for Cyndi Lauper is... by D'an, the Dreaming TRANSFORMS Dasia's Safari hat into it. Probably permanently. We hope. That's the whole reason for the unleasing, after all. And once that is done, Dasia holds it out to the singer. "And a gift for you, in exchange for this lovely Bangle that you were so kind to gift to me."

Sark 'eeps' a little as he gets thwapped and ducks his head a bit, "That's what...I mean, when she STARTED getting famous. Yeah." Social awkwardness in the great western wyrm, part 3. At least there's a beautiful hat presentation that Sark can shift his attention to and take a half step back to watch! You paged Sark with ‘Poor dragon!’ From afar, Sark grins. He's only been awake for about a year. SO much pop culture he's missed :)

The hat is produced and handed to Cyndi and she gasps and exclaims, "I've always wanted a hat like this! Lemme try it on!" She tosses the hat she had on, and places this special one on her head. "Oh this is /so/ my style!" She gestures for them all to gather around. "Alright, I need you all to join in together, form a circle. You've obviously already been singing my songs, so let's give it one more shot. All together now and then the door will open and you can collect what we hid away, alrighty?" She adjust the hat again, it looks impossible to keep on, and yet it does! She snaps her fingers to set a timing and gives the gesture like a conductor to start.

<OOC> Clementine says, "The hat: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pcZRV5benXfjsSnkdFbw5Lfel6EC-vXe/view?usp=share_link"

Kieran moves to take her place in the circle, and looks over toward JJ. "Ten bucks says it's 'She Bop'..."

Erin smiles as she watches and moves to form a circle like it was asked by the mighty conductor.

Janneke snickers, and murmurs, "My money's on 'All Through the Night'," as she moves into the circle alongside Kee.

Sark jolts into motion to take a spot in the circle, looking over to grasp hands and maybe even with a little trepedation as he waits for the song to begin.

Oswald moves as the Great Lady directs and finds a spot to be in a circle with the others, though he's probably a third of the round by himself and he looks to Cyndi expectantly.

A SECOND OH NO.

Much like Sark, Dasia is not exactly familair with Cyndi's discography, but for entirely different, 'being from a different country' reason. Okay, yeah, she has lived in the US for a while, but still! She makes her way to the circle, idly wiping what little spit remains on her hand off onto her SafariShorts, before grabing the hands of people on either side.

"I dunno, are you sure it won't be Walk like an Egyptian?" Sebastian asks, holding up his new bit of jewelry to underline the point.

Singing out with her strong voice Cyndi starts the song:

"I come home, in the mornin' light My mother says, "When you gonna live your life right?" Oh momma dear, we're not the fortunate ones...

Janneke joins in "And girls, they wanna have fu-un..."

Kieran, for definitely not the first time on this trip, gives Sebastian a confused, 'what?' look when he suggests they'd be doing a song by the Bangles... but then Cyndi begins to sing, and Kee joins right in, "Oh girls just wanna have fun..."

Oswald grins very broadly and comes into the song with the next line "The phone rings, in the middle of the night My father yells, "What you gonna do with your life?"

Erin ohs she knows this song so she joins in the singing "Oh daddy dear, you know you're still number one, But girls, they wanna have fun"

Oh wait, Sark's heard this song! He even knows most of the words! So like a champ, he picks up the tune and sorta...hums through the handful of words he doesn't remember clearly, or maybe just doesn't sing as loudly. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Dasia blink-blinks, then looks to Sark, and gives him a little shrug. She waits... and waits... and when everyone else gets to 'Girls' she waits, and jumps in with "... wanna have fun..." before going quiet again. Tiny bits of the chorus. Should be enough, right?

Sark isn't the only one. Sebastian has a rough idea, but getting it word for word, on short notice? That's tougher to pull off. He mostly sticks to a bit of the chorus. "When the workin' day is done--"

Cyndi is just She-bopping along as they continue to sing and finish up the song, as she turns in a circle there going from left to right on her feet.

"… They just want, they just wanna (girls) They just want, they just wanna (girls just wanna have fun) Oh, girls, girls just wanna have fun (They just wanna, they just wanna) when the workin' When the working day is done (they just want, they just wanna) Oh, when the working day is done (girls, girls just wanna have fun) Oh girls, girls just wanna have fun

The song ends, and they can all hear the CRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKK as the door opens to the tree. Inside, they will see the glamour filled items inside. This will include a necklace, a set of 4 rings, a spear, and two large hammers.

Janneke goggles at the revealed items, and says, "How do we want to divide these up for carrying?" She's really curious about what all these things *do*, but it's probably better if she doesn't know, really... isn't it?

Sark's voice trails off when the door creeks open, and looks over, craning his head. Since Erin is probably close by, she can hear the soft, "Oooo, shinies..." that escapes him, but he IS a Good Boy and clasps his hands behind his back to look around the rest of the group, assuming each of the glamoured items might match one of them, or are the items they are supposed to bring back to Cranky Ancient One. "Are we supposed to hand these over to the old fart?"

Kieran is pretty quickly dancing along as well, bouncing in place and letting her head bob side-to-side as she turns and sways to the music. By the end, she's singing like she really /means/ it, and just starts laughing giddily as the song wraps up.

"Ohhhhhh, oh that was /it/. That was just /it/." Kee laughs again, and waves dismissively at the shinies. "I don't care. You guys do whatever. I just got to sing and dance to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun with Cyndi freakin' Lauper. Ain't nuthin' in there that's gonna even come close."

Erin giggles as she hears Sark call someone and olf fart and looks over at him and covers her mouth "How ever you all want to do this." she tells them.

Sebastian has his eye on one of the rings, a nondescript gold one, or at least that's how it looks from the angle he's at. "Kee? If I disappear here in a second, just immediately stab me with the sphere, okay? It'll save a lot of headache all around."

Oswald just came along to help, not for loot. He does look impressed by the treasures though "Very nice. A worthy end to the quest yes? Or you mentioned another step, a guardian to deliver them to."

Janneke admits to being covetous, or at least curious, but... one thing she's learned is that it isn't really wise to break one's word when one is dealing with something that can eat her in a single bite. She goes to lift the spear, figuring she'll get things started that way, especially since she has no skill with it at all.

Dasia's attention is grabbed quicker by the CREEEEEEK of the door than by the giggles and laughter nearby. "Honestly, it's like you're still *childlings*," she jibes, but it's kind of teasing. Despite her deadpan face. You could tell. Right? She frowns a little, when people mention carrying the treasures back to the dragon. "Actually, a thought," she says, waiting for people to settle. "Cyndi was entrusted with keeping these items safe, and has entrusted them to us," she says. "Are we certain the, ah... 'old fart' has the best intentions for the items?" She wasn't around for the very beginning of the quest, and only met the dragon in passing, after all. "No matter what is chosen, I'll cary one of the rings." Precious!

Sark gives Dasia a look and smiles faintly, "Of course he doesn't. He'sa damned dragon. This isnt the kind of magic I can manipulate, but he's part of this realm, so clearly it is. He wants that like I want to find an untapped ley line." He pauses, then adds, "Its just a question of...did you give your word you'd return them, and what happens if he gets angry you didnt hand them over? He cant get to ME, but you guys..." Oswald has partially disconnected.

Erin looks around "Trust me if you gave your word to a dragon to give them over the last thing you want to do is go back on that word. " she looks around

Sebastian shakes his head. "Besides, he's been here already for how many years now? I think if he wanted to wreck stuff, there would've been some sign by now."

"... I mean, you're not *wrong*," Dasia replies. "But if it turns out the old fart uses these items to double cross us or something, I reserve the right to tell you 'I told you so', and call dibs on whatever survives the hellstorm of fire that he ends up breathing on us all."

Kieran sighs, finally picking herself up again from where she barely noticed falling over on the grass, in her giddiness. "Look, we bring him this stuff, then the thing that controls hearth-right at the bale likes us. And maybe he says you can keep some of 'em once he knows they're not dangerous. He seemed more worried about what those Ailil doofuses would do with them, than anything else."

Sark nods slowly at the others, "If someone has a strong case for keeping them, I could TRY to negotiate on your behave for him to agree to not get them for a while...or not at all. But he's going to want something else in return. Maybe a favor HE needs done, rather than information. Like I said, cranky old farts dont like to leave their fires."

Janneke says, drily, "I assure you, if he does so, I probably won't live long enough to regret it. But... granted." She offers a wry smile. "It's just treasure, folks... there's nothing here worth my life, in my opinion... and I really *like* stuff."

... the ancient right of calling dibs neither counts as a gift, and neither does looting anything from someone's corpse, so Dasia would probably be fine without having to leave something in exchange. Probably.

Oswald shrugs at the comments about the dragon of rhapsody's character and motivation "He's never cheated at chess when I stopped by the freehold for whiskey and games. He was part of those that resisted the mad duchess who's castle's ruins he lairs in. He doesn't trust authority figures much and does not leave power lying about where harm could be done to the land or the community with them."

Janneke hrms. "Sounds like he and I are a lot more alike than I realized. Except for me being short and Boggan-ish." She smiles at Oswald. "That's good to know, I'm glad you told us. I feel a little more at ease with it, then."

Clementine nods with Oswald's words, "While I've only met him briefly, he did not chose to use the ketchup Sebastian gave him to eat us with either. And he loved my scones. That is win-win in my book. I think we should take these things there. If Cyndi and her crew felt they needed the protecting they did, then of course this dragon should be trustworthy with it as well. We can maybe gain favor with him as well."

Sark bobs his head a little at Clementine's comments, "He WOULD be very happy to see all of this. Well, probably sound gruffly accepting and say something like 'took you long enough' or 'I wondered if something had eaten you', but you get the point. But he WILL remember you did what he said."

Kieran says, “Well, you've heard my vote: let's take this stuff in, and you guys can see what he passes around after. Anyone got a reason /not/ to? Or can we, y'know... load up the bags and get gone so our esteemed abductee can get back to her own life?"”

Dasia shakes her head. "With what you've told me so far just now, it seems we can trust the old fart yet," she says. She doesn't have to like it, or call him by his actual name. Especially since... she's forgotten it, and all. "Still want to be the first to say 'I told you so' if he tries to eat us, though."

Sark mmms at Dasia and shakes his head and murmurs, "No eating my friends. He and I would have /words/ first."

The group has collected the items and makes their way toward the exit. Cyndi has been dancing around the place singing to herself some of her greatest hits. It's time for our group to make the final trek of this journey, and Cyndi waves to them all. "Safe travels! And remember to have fun!"As the last of them exit, the opening into the grove disappears in a shimmer of glitter. Together they travel back to the Lost in Time market and off to the Rhapsody Freehold down the road from it. The Dragon comes out from his lair, and is a bit grumpy, but thanks them for bringing all the goods to him. In return, he offers each of them a favor and the chance to collect glamour and a bit of dross from the Balefire at Rhapsody for the next six months.

Until next time intrepid adventurers!