2023.03.18 Wulfra Arrives

03.18.23 Wulfra Arrives
Wulfra's first appearance in Prospect
IC Date	03.18.23
Players	Wulfra, Janneke, Kieran
Location	North Beach / Twisted Toppings / Rêves Errant
Spheres	Changeling, Bygone

This fine March morning finds Kieran in one of her favorite haunts: the extensive sandy expanses of North Beach. As has become her habit since coming to this part of California, she's found herself a large, relatively flat patch of rocky outcropping to occupy. She sits tailor-fashion in a tank-top and jeans, a hollow-body electric guitar across her lap and a set of earbuds firmly in place in her ears, idly playing as she watches the surf. Or maybe practicing? Every so often, she pauses, and picks up the phone sitting beside her to tap something out on the screen with one hand, before resuming her activity.

<FAE> Rather than being on her hip as she sits on the stone, Kieran's rapier sites beside her on the rock, on the side opposite her phone.

Down past the rocky outcropping where the deep-blue waves pound against the land, something pops up just within Kieran's field of view. Someone seems to simply rise up out of the shallow surf--as if they'd been crouched down in the water, out of sight. To get there without being seen, however, they would have had to swam for quite a ways due to the low volume of people around the immediate area. More strangely, though, is that they seem to be wearing normal clothing--which is now soaked--rather than what you would expect of a beachgoer. They stand staring blankly around them, at the sea, the sky, and the beach around them, for extended periods of time.

Kieran pauses when she sees motion at the water's edge, and starts to get up. As she does, she slides the guitar to her back, then scoops up her phone as well, and takes a few steps closer to the edge of the rocks. "Hello? At you alright?"

<FAE> Kieran slips the rapier back onto its baldric as she gets up... just in case.

Wulfra quickly turns, though not with any kind of hostility, towards the source of the voice. As she looks up at Kieran, her eyes narrow, almost fiery amber color glittering brightly in the sun. "...alright? I think I am alright. Are you... a human from these parts?"

Wulfra's eyes travel down to Kieran's hip where the rapier lies ready in its baldric.

Kieran's eyes narrow just a little bit as she considers her response. Or maybe considers the phrasing of the question, in light of the newcomer's appearance and... well... showing up fully dressed from a swim. "Some might say I am." The beginnings of a smile play at the corners of her lips. "And you? Are /you/ a human from these parts?"

Wulfra's face remains strangely blank, though her eyes betray a look of curiosity. "No... I just got here."

Kieran smiles, "As in, just now?" She hops down from her rock, and offers the newcomer her hand. "Hi. I'm Kieran. I've only been here about two months, myself, so don't feel weird if you just arrived. What's you name?"

Wulfra looks down at Kieran's hand before slowly taking it, giving it a firm shake despite her looking to be lacking in the bodily strength department. "Yes... I suppose you could say just now. My name is Wulfra."

Kieran's smile only grows broader. "Wonderful to meet you, Wulfra! Welcome to Prospect. Do you mind if I ask what brings you here, or where you're from?" She looks her companion over again, "And... would you like to go get dried off? Or change your clothes? Maybe get some breakfast?" She peers back out over the water, "I mean, I didn't see a boat, so you've probably been swimming a while, and that's hungry work if you can't just swallow a bunch of fish if you go!"

Wulfra looks down at herself, holding up a hand and watching the liquid drip off of it. "So this IS water... I knew it. I have not seen any of the fish, sadly, but I would like to meet some." She looks back to Kieran, giving a very slight smile. "Breakfast... sure, I would like to see what you eat here. I'm from somewhere quite... far, you could say."

Kieran nods, "Yup! That's water! Salt water, to be precise. I know, it's weird stuff. Smells all salty and everything. Never got any of this back where I'm from, either. It's pretty far away, too, y'know? I'm from the Land of Cleves." She nods sagely, even as she turns to start walking, and beckons Wulfra after, "Cleveland... it is a wretched place, full of the dreadful and banal 'Ohioans'. I don't recommend it."

<FAE> As she walks, she lets her hand drop to the hilt of her rapier, even as she smiles at Wulfra.

Wulfra turns to follow her as well, trudging through the water. She eyes Kieran's weapon with a bit of suspicion. "Is it customary for people to carry weapons like that here?"

Kieran stops, and turns fully toward Wulfra to give her an appraising look. "You... don't mean the guitar on my back, do you?"

Wulfra stops, tilting her head a bit. "Guitar? Is that what that is? I mean the... sword? That is what that is, yes?"

Kieran looks around furtively, just to make sure there isn't anyone close by, before taking half a step closer to Wulfra. "It is..." Her voice is kept low, so it doesn't carry, "but most people can't see it. Which means you're... not most people. Should I be afraid of you, Wulfra?"

Wulfra seems very taken aback, looking away, then at the sword, then back at Kieran's face. "Oh... I... see. My... mistake. I'm not here to hurt anyone... you haven't showed any hostility."

Kieran smiles, "Well! Then that's good news, isn't it?" She laughs, giving a bit of a shrug, "Most people do not carry weapons like this one, no... but most people are unaware of many of the dangers of the world... dangers... they can't see or interact with, anymore. Those of us who can... we sometimes go armed. In my own case..." She looks down at her hip, "I've been entrusted with Caoránach, and I'm responsible for her care... so I keep her with me most of the time. Just to be safe. So don't worry..." Kieran gives Wulfra a wink, "I don't intend to hurt anyone, either."

Wulfra raises a brow. "That seems quite... complex. Very interesting. But... you wanted to go somewhere yes? To hide from the others? We should go there if you are worried."

Kieran says, “Less to hide and more to eat... and maybe get you some dry clothes." She pauses, "Or... do you need to stay wet? I'm sorry, I don't... well, I don't even know what specific sort of creature you are, so I can't really say I know what your needs are. Are you..." She gestures to the ocean, "bound... to the sea?”

Wulfra shakes her head. "This is the first time I've seen something like it... I am not bound anywhere. How does one get water off?"

Kieran says, “Towels... or just time... fast-moving air works, too, sooo... you'll actually probably be a lot drier once we get moving on the bike." She turns again, to start leading the way toward Canary Street, to the south.”

D St. and Canary St.

Here in the rundown section of town, buildings seem to be far older, dating back to the early 1800's. Their cracked and crusted surfaces tell the tale signs of old age, wear and tear on the ancient structures. The streets within the area are also have seen better days as the cement is cracked and caked with dirt, oil stains and grime in many areas from parked used cars sitting there on the side of the streets for God knows how long.

Trash lies strewn about the gutters every which where and about as cigarette butts fill within and around the sidewalks. There's a heavy drag of despair and hopelessness that seems to fill the 'air' within the area, simply lingering about like a second pungent wind. Definitely not a place for the faint of heart as one that doesn't seem to know their way around these parts could tend to find 'trouble' all too quickly.

Wulfra arrives from the north.

Wulfra says, “So... where are we going?”

"Well... first, I thought we'd go someplace where you can eat," Kieran says as they walk off the beach, "Because you... kinda look like you could used a good meal. But you might want to be dry first, so if you'd rather that... I mean, we can go someplace to pick you up some clothes. I don't think mine would fit you, what with the 'half a foot taller' thing..." She pauses, then looks back to Wulfra. "You don't have any money, I'm guessing?"

Wulfra nods. "Yes, I don't have anything, unfortunately. Only this secondhand garb." She quints, looking over the city, taking inventory of every little thing. "Quite... bright here. I suppose getting some proper clothing would be helpful, though I indeed haven't eaten in a while. Where can we go?"

Kieran says, “Well... we could try Fashion Valley Mall..." She glances across the street, "Or... we could bank on Twisted Toppings dealing with enough people off the beach that they won't get too worked up, and then plan out our next move. I'm guessing you also don't know what pizza is, right?”

Wulfra says, “If they do not mind me being wet, as you say, then I have no qualms... especially since you said it will go away on its own. And no, I do not know what pizza is. It is a food I presume?”

Kieran nods, "It is... it comes in many varieties with many flavors... I'm sure we can find one you like." And with that, she takes Wulfra's hand and leads her into Twisted.

You move to Twisted Toppings Wulfra comes in from D St. and Canary St.

Wulfra looks around, sniffing a bit, though not in an overtly strange manner. She looks to some of the other patrons inside, but averts her gaze once they notice her staring. She glances at Kieran next to her, talking softly. "I will let you handle it."

Kieran leads the way in, and gives Wulfra a moment to let the sights, colors... brighter lights... and especially the aromas of the pizza place wash over her. Ok, and she's also watching for Wulfra's reaction to same. "We /are/ gonna need to get you some shades..." She hrms, and takes her sunglasses from where they hang out of a pocket. "Here... in case it's too bright."

Wulfra examines the pair of shades, flipping them over and folding and unfolding the sides. She glances over at some of the other denizens wearing similar wear, using them to figure out what to do with them. Slowly, she places them onto her face, blinking a few times as she looks through the lenses. "Ooooh... these are nice."

Kieran smiles, "Yeah, I thought you'd like those. We'll get you /actually/ nice ones instead of 'oh shit, I broke it, I'm only out five bucks' ones like those. Here..." She aims Wulfra toward one of the empty booths, "Go have a seat, and I'll put the order in... be right over with the drinks, yeah? Take the opportunity to people-watch. One of my favorite things to do."

Wulfra nods, then walks over to one of the empty booths that's comfortably far away from the most crowded section. She sits in an almost too up-tight manner, placing her hands on the table and now much more subtly examines the other people inside. But, more than that, she pays attention to what Kieran does next.

Kieran waits on line for a few moments, then talks to the clerk behind the counter for a few more. Plastic exchanges hands, and then gets handed back, along with her numbered receipt, and then she's off toward the fountain soda station to get them two large cups of iced tea (fizzy sugar water for your first experience with beverages is not a great move, after all). Then it's over toward the table where Wulfra waits. "Hey. Got you a drink... I know, kinda strange to have a drink right after getting out of the water, but it'll go well with the food. I got a minute or so before our pizza's ready, so... how are you doing? Everything ok so far?"

Wulfra looks at the cup placed before her, grabbing it and squeezing the squishy plastic a bit. "A drink... so it's not water you drink?" She glances down into the brownish liquid some more before looking up at Keiran to answer the rest of her question. "This place is... so bright and lively. I've seen glimpses, but it's more than I could have dreamed of. Almost too much...." She trails off, looking around the room with a non-specific gaze.

Wulfra says, “It is strange seeing so many of you at once.”

Kieran smiles. "Well... this is mostly water. In this case, it's water that's been filtered through herbal leaves to take on their flavor and essence." She looks around some, and nods a little, "I get a little twitchy being this exposed, too... but most people are nice, and most importantly, completely oblivious. So... we're safe, and we try to keep them that way. Especially the 'oblivious' part."

Wulfra lets out a slight sigh, reassured by Kieran's words. "That much I know, it is why I am wearing... er... looking like this." She plays with the cup a bit more before leaning forwards and slowly tipping some of the liquid into her maw. She places it back down soon after, tilting her head a bit and raising her brow. "...interesting. It is so... cold... and it does not taste strong at all."

Kieran says, “Strong?" She chuckles a little, "No alcohol at all in it... but we can save /that/ for Atlantis tonight... Saturday's the Flood, it's a great time to go dancing if you like the water..." She stands again as her number is reached, "I'll be right back... and yeah... keep wearing what you're wearing."

With that, she goes up to the counter again to retrieve two paper plates with a pair of slices on each, then returns again to the table to set both down... fairly centrally. "Ok. We don't know what you do or don't like, so I got a variety, from the least experimental to the most. These are..." She gestures to each slice as she describes them, "Cheese... which is just the bread of the crust, some tomato sauce, and the cheese... and that's the basis for all of the others... then we've got meatball... which adds some beef... then anchovy... which is fish... and finally... hawaiian. Bacon and pineapple on that one. We don't know what you'll like, so if there's something you do or don't particularly enjoy, say so."”

Wulfra looks down at the plates and slices, eyeing between them before pikcing up the plain one. She glances at Kieran before eating. "Oh, alcohol? I have not had that, I meant it did not taste strongly. Very... pure. Not much sting." With that, she looks under the plate just barely not holding the whole size of the slice, then at the top again, then brings it to her mouth. She proceeds to take a large bite of the paper plate and corner of the slice both, tearing them off and chewing them both.

Kieran stifles a snicker, but does intervene, "No no... just the pizza... the plate is just... it's just there to hold the food, to make it easier to move multiple things around at once, and keep the food from getting onto surfaces where it might make a mess. You don't have to eat the plate, too."

Wulfra swallows, then looks at her with wide eyes. "Oh... my bad." She drops the plate, holding up only the pizza, then takes another large bite. After finishing that one, she gives a slight smile. "I thought it was soft with the plate but this is something else. The taste is... strange... but moreso strange is it is not crunchy or hard in the slightest. Where does it come from?"

Wulfra says, “From inside a certain creature or...?”

Kieran says, “Well, no... it's because the crust is... well.. bread. It's cooked plant, so it tends to be a bit starchy, but not overly crunchy. And this is mostly deep-dish, so... it's the way they make it that keeps it from getting hard when it cooks. The cooks here are skilled artisans." She nods a bit, even if just /how/ skilled they might be is completely subjective. "So, you like that one?”

Wulfra very quickly devours the rest of the slice before looking to the others, licking her teeth and smiling. "Yes, it is so easy to eat... skillfully created indeed!"

Wulfra soon devours the others with large bites, though still with tact.

Kieran watches her companion eat, sipping slowly at her own iced tea. When Wulfra finishes up, she asks, "So... did you like any of them better than any of the others? Or dislike any of them, particularly?"

Wulfra says, “Hmmmm... they mostly all tasted quite similar. Not strong, like the beverage. Though the what was it you called it... Hawaiin one... had a strange sharpness to it. Not sure if I like it. And the... anchovie one... that one had a different kind of sharpness, like what your water tasted like. That one is very nice.”

Wulfra leans back, letting out a deeper sigh from her nostrils and crossing her arms. "Ah... such a simple feast. Very good after so long."

Kieran nods, "Ok, so we've established you like seafood better than pineapples." She grins, "And yes, it is basically a simple meal, but that's part of the appeal: you don't have to wait a very long time for the elaborate preparation other meals might need. So.." She hesitates a bit, but glances around, then shrugs, "How long has it been?"

Wulfra looks away in thought. "Hmmm... I'm not quite familiar with your time keeping method... maybe a few weeks? Months?"

Kieran nods, "Well, that's not too bad, then. Were you off someplace on a journey, or just... sleeping?"

Wulfra nods, "Yes... journey, you could say. Took a while getting here... but that's done now, thankfully." She looks around a bit. "Though... hm... you said you wanted to take me to a place for new clothing? I'll have to find somewhere to go after that to take a load off...."

Kieran says, “Hmmm. Well, what kind of sleeping arrangements do you prefer? I might be able to find someplace for you... especially if you're... open to meeting some people?”

Wulfra perks up. "Meeting people? I'd love to meet more if they are like you."

Kieran nods, "The one I'm thinking of... you can trust." She gets up from the table, "Come on, then... it's a bit of a walk, but it won't take long."

Wulfra gets up, stretching for a few moments, then readies to follow.

Kieran pulls out her phone to send some texts as they head out.

<Phone> (Text to Janneke) hey, you awake? <Phone> (Text from Janneke) Hey, yeah, I was just at Reves for a bit then came home for lunch. What's up? <Phone> (Text to Janneke) I've got a... someone... here. She's not one of us, but she's one of /something/ and she can /see/. Very new, needs someplace to crash to get her bearings. If she can open the door, can I get her a bed at Reves? <Phone> (Text from Janneke) If she can pass the Rath, yeah. You need a hand? <Phone> (Text to Janneke) shouldn't. We'll be there shortly.

Kieran leads the way down D Street to a pedestrian area, and once there, angles toward a particular alleyway. "Here, we'll go in this way instead of through the front, in case anyone's in the store."

Kieran holds open the side door to Detonation Boulevard. "Here we go... right this way, if you please."

Wulfra glances around somewhat suspiciously, taking in the unusual sights, but quickly goes in the side entrance as Kieran directs.

Wulfra heads through the side door into the building that houses Off the Record. Wulfra has left. You head through the metal door into the building.

Kieran says, “Ok.." She points at what might be the blank end of the hallway. "Do you see a door here?”

Wulfra tries to poke one of the floating musical notes before coming to attention at Kieran's words. She looks at the end of the hallway and nods, before walking up to it....

Wulfra moves to Lost in Time Market - Rêves Errant Wulfra has left. You move to Lost in Time Market - Rêves Errant

Kieran steps through, just behind Wulfra, looking absolutely /giddy/ with herself over all of that actually working. "Ok! Welcome to safety. First thing to know: there are no humans here. Everyone's like me, or distantly-related to people like me. It's safe, and you can speak relatively freely... I mean, there's still people you don't know, so don't be /too/ open about things, but..." Then the Boggan's coming over and waving, "JJ! Hey, yeah... JJ, this is Wulfra. Wulfra, meet JJ, the owner of this establishment. Wulfra's /extremely/ new in town... which is why there's still saltwater dripping all over your floors... and I'll cover any expense."

Janneke is here today, soaking up some atmosphere while she works. It's got steady business, being lunch hour, but it's not packed tight. She looks over as the rath allows two new figures inside. One of them, she recognizes and waves to. "Hey, Kee!" She heads over, smiling. "Hi, I'm JJ, Kee said you were in need of a place to stay?"

The new arrival looks around the fanciful place she's just walked into, the flame of curiosity in her eyes burning much brighter... both literally and figuratively, within such a Glamour-filled space as this. Something about it seems to tug at her appearance in a way more than just making her amber eyes seem all the more fiery, however... as the slight hint of what look to be shining black scales appear in patches over her pale flesh. After taking in the sights of the place for quite a few moments, she looks to the new figure, then gives Kieran a glance of acknowledgement at her words. "Ah... hello! I am Wulfra, as Kieran said...." She seems at a loss for what to say after that. "What is this place?"

Janneke smiles at the question, and waves off Kieran's offer of payment. "Don't worry about that right now," she says, "At least for a little bit, we have the room and so forth." She regards Wulfra with an open expression and a smile, extending a hand in greeting, and explains, "This is an inn of sorts, called Rêves Errant, which means Wandering Dreams. I have meals and lodging -- not fancy, but hearty, and clean." She clearly spots the momentary image of scales, and blinks with a delighted expression. "How do you feel about beef stew? That's one of the specials today."

Wulfra looks to Janneke, then shakes her hand with a strong grip, despite her almost bony appearance. "Hm... I more meant..." she vaguely gestures around. "The atmosphere in here feels *entirely* different than out there." It's at this point she seems to notice the subtle alterations to her form, and they quickly disappear with nothing more than a barely visible wisp of smoke where they once were.

Wulfra says, “And I thought I would only have to get used to how *that* one felt....”

Kieran nods, "That's... because it is. Out there is a world that's forgetting magic.. in here... and," she gestures toward the front door of Reves, "out there... is a world of /pure/ magic. But it's dangerous to wander in, and if you get lost, you might never find your way back to where we were. But I have an idea about how to find you someone to bring you up to speed on things." She glances to JJ, "We know a guy."

Janneke ohs! She laughs softly. "That's because you're not in the mundane world right now, you're in the world of Dreams. It's... much more welcoming here to... people who are not quite mortal, in many ways." She studies the other woman, and then says, "So let's get you two sitting down, let me get you some food and drinks, and then we can talk in comfort." She's a Boggan. You're not escaping without something in your belly. She ohhs and says, with a grin, "Oh, boy DO we know a guy..."

Wulfra ponders their words carefully, seeming both interested but also showing her unease simply from how much information and stimuli she's recieved at once. "Sitting down... I get to eat... again?"

Kieran says, “If you want, sure..." She looks to JJ then, "But... maybe also a big fluffy robe she can change into? Something where we can stick her by the fire to dry out, and run her seawater-logged clothes through at least a rinse cycle?”

Wulfra says, “Oh... yes, right. I forgot. Fluffy robe?”

Janneke ohs. "Yes. Of course." She sighs and shakes her head. "Forgive me, I'm still a little brain fried from some chaos yesterday. I have some robes, probably get one in your size, yeah... hrm. Give me a sec." She holds up a finger, then disappears for a moment into the storage room.

Janneke returns with a fluffy towel and a robe both, stacked neatly. "There's a bathroom right here," she says, motioning to the door. "If you give me the wet stuff I'll get it cleaned up and dried for you. It'll take a jiff." Wulfra looks to Janneke, then to the door, then back to Janneke. She takes the towel and robe, then fiddles with the door for a bit before getting it open. After about a minute or two, she re-emerges from the bathroom, now quite dry, if still a bit salt-covered, wearing the robe.

She hands the wet clothes over promptly.

Kieran smiles a bit as Wulfra heads into the bathroom, "Thank you for the help, JJ. Once she's all settled in, I'll pop back out to see if I can get hold of Sark. The way I see it, no matter what exactly flavor of 'something' she is... he's probably the best one to take her in and get her situated in the world."

Janneke nods. "Agreed, I think he'll be the best one to talk to because if nothing else, at least he can help her figure out how to get situated." When Wulfra emerges, JJ takes the clothes and disappears into the storage room again. While she's gone, one of the wait staff asks Kee and Wulfra if they want something to eat or drink while they wait.

Wulfra eagerly asks the wait staff about the stew Janneke mentioned, taking a seat at the nearby small bar. “So much food... truly a wonderous place, these parts.”

"Oh, just a beer is fine for me, thanks.." Kieran moves to take a seat near Wulfra, and nods a bit. "JJ puts out a good spread. She's got some help, of course... this place has boggans supplying the teas and cakes, too... but yeah. Yeah, she did a real good job with the place."

Wulfra says, “Boggans? Who are they?”

The waitress disappears, returning with a large bowl of stew with bread and butter on the side, thick homemade slices that are still warm, and a large glass of ice water. Kee gets a frosty bottle of a Dreambrew, a dark-green ale that has a refreshing flavor and a heady bouquet.

Kieran blinks, "Oh, right... uhm... well, they're people like JJ. A bit on the short side, tend to be... uhm... well-accustomed to comforts, like to help people out. I'm a clurichaun. We tend more toward drinking a lot and starting bar-fights, but you know, it's part of our charm. We're different kinds of... uhm... well, I guess it's safe for you to know 'fae'... and if not, I've still got a year before the Dark Lord of the Dance can do anything to me for it!"

Janneke snickers from behind them and grabs a root beer for herself, popping the cap and coming to sidle up to the bar near them. "I'm a Boggan, we're basically dreams of home and hearth. So we get stuff done really quickly when it comes to cooking or mending or making things."

Wulfra seems entranced by the food, more easily recognizing the smell of meat, but still glances at her companions before digging into it. "Dreams... you are made of dreams? Yes... I think I get it. I appreciate your kindness." With that, she looks down at the stew and grabs a spoon before tasting of it. "Oooh... a stronger liquid, certainly... and warm. Good."

Janneke smiles and perches on a stool near them both. The stew is hearty and thick, lots of big chunks of meat and veg. And now I'm making myself hungry, damnit.

Kieran shrugs, "Dreams, nightmares, a little bit of in-between... JJ's definitely a dream though. Way too nice to be a nightmare."

Wulfra tries the bread next, though ignores the butter, not much knowing what to do with it. "Mmm... similar to that... pizza, was it? Quite spongy... like pumice if it was soft."

Janneke blushes a bit and chuckles. "Pizza crust and bread are both made from similar things, both made from dough." She doesn't get into the details -- why be confusing? She takes a swallow from her bottle and says, "Well, nightmares are dreams. Just dark ones," adding her own take on it. "We all exist for a reason."

Kieran nods, "True enough. And apparently, part of that reason is finding lost strays and getting them set on the path to a healthy and happy life."

Wulfra ponders. "All exist for a reason, hm... yes... agreed. I suppose that is why I'm here now, after all." Wulfra says, “...lost strays?”

Janneke eyes Kieran. "*You* can explain that one," she says sternly. Well, as sternly as someone this nice can manage to be. "But yeah, I like helping people get onto their chosen paths, get their lives to a place that lets them grow and be happy."

Kieran shrugs, "Not much to explain. Someone comes flopping out of the ocean, I look to see what's what." She sticks her tongue out at JJ, "At least I wasn't drooling on her first."

Janneke hmphs. "I was NOT drooling. Admiring, perhaps, but not drooling."

Wulfra seems to mostly ignore their banter, though gives a bit of a side-eyed sneer at the drooling comment. She quickly finishes up the soup and bread, then promptly sniffs the butter before scooping it up and eating it whole with the spoon. Wulfra says, “Admiring? Those here are far more lively and colorful than me.”

Janneke hmphs. "I was NOT drooling. Admiring, perhaps, but not drooling." She rolls her eyes, clearly trying not to look embarrassed. "And at least I wasn't the one yanking his towel." She doesn't seem to mind however Wulfra eats things; as long as she enjoys the meal, JJ is content. "Let me check on the dryer. Oh, we were talking about another recent arrival..."

Wulfra takes a swig of the ice water while Janneke is out. She seems a bit taken aback. "Huh... and I thought that tea you gave me wasn't that strong. This has nearly no taste at all... and so frigid. How do you get it like that?" Wulfra has reconnected.

Kieran says, “You mean how do we get it cold? Well... on this side of the doorway, there's magic that'll make things cold. On the other side... we have to resort to machines that cheat and just move the heat someplace else. Why, do you like it cold, or would you prefer it warmer?”

Janneke disappears into the storage room again -- and returns with clean, dry clothes. Amazing how that works. Boggan Magic! (No, really, it is.) The clothes are even a touch warm, still, comfortably so. "Just wanted to make sure these didn't stay in too long and shrink." She puts the clothes neatly on the unoccupied bar stool, and sits back down, content to sit and chat with them a bit more.

Wulfra nods. "I've heard of the machines. There's not much... cold like this where I coke from, so it is a bit of a shock to the system. Feels kind of nice though...." As she takes another swig and lets out a sigh, a hint of steam escapes her mouth. She looks over to Janneke, nodding. "Thank you, they're all I have at the moment."

Kieran says, “And no, sorry... she was admiring someone a few days ago in a similar situation. Though, to be fair, he /does/ have a really tight ass...so, I can forgive it." She smiles as JJ comes back with the clothes, "They are, but we'll get that taken care of soon enough, too. I know someone who's really /good/ at shopping for clothes, and fortunately enough, she's connected to the guy who I think will be able to help you the most.”

Wulfra says, “Ah... yes, that guy you mentioned. Who is he whom you think would be able to help me so?”

Janneke smiles at that. "Yeah, alot of people like some drinks cold, like water or beer or soda, or iced tea, and other drinks hot, like coffee or cocoa." Steam? Oh *neat*. "The guy we mentioned is a friend named Sark. He's got a lot in common with you, I think." A pause, and she adds, "We should get you something warmer to wear if this is all you have. Were you cold outside?" She pauses and says, "Well, the robe's warm enough. I could get you a sweater or sweatshirt or something too... Kee? We can manage to get some more things too, I've got some, but I'm pretty sure my shoes won't fit. I can get some slippers though. And socks. That's a start, at least."

Wulfra says, “Sweater? I definitely noticed the cool temperatures, but it's hard to bother me with that. I wouldn't say no to something that helps me look better here, though, if you're willing.”

Kieran says, “He's... yeah," She nods at JJ's words, "He's like you, in some ways. He sees more than most people, but he's also got resources at his disposal to help you. I don't want to say much more yet... just like I won't say more than that to him about you... I believe people deserve to reveal their own secrets at their own speed.”

Wulfra says, “Your speed seems to be awfully fast... or was that my fault?”

Janneke nods her agreement to that. "It's up to each of us to decide what to share, in cases like this." Well, when it comes to Bygones, at least. She scratches her cheek, and considers Wulfra's form with an assessing eye. "Yeah, I've got a sweater that will work, and socks to match. I *might* be able to provide shoes but they might not be a perfect fit..." Fuss much, JJ?

Kieran laughs, "Well, it's hard to keep secret that you're something unusual when people can /see/ the invisible sword made of dreamstuff you're wearing. So... yeah, I kinda had to come clean about some things earlier than I would have." She shrugs, "But I think it worked out pretty much for the best, all things considered, don't you?"

Wulfra smiles. "Yes... it did." She looks over to Janneke. "Oh, the fit doesn't matter much... I can make it work."

Janneke smiles with that, and rushes off again into that damn closet. What's in there, Narnia? But she doesn't come out with a talking lion; instead, she emerges with a stylish black-and-white sweater, a pair of black boot socks, and a pair of low-heeled black boots that lace up. "These should work, and they'll lace tighter or looser if need be... should we bring you upstairs to change? More privacy. Or there's the bathroom..."

Kieran cocks her head a bit, "You can make the fit work? Does that mean your physical form is... something you can adjust? Damn, that'd be nice to be able to do, wouldn't it, J?"

Janneke snorts and says, "Well, I could, in theory, if I was willing to spend the energy... but yes. Being able to do it on demand would be nice. I'd never outgrow my jeans again."

Wulfra examines the clothing. "Yes... I like the look of these." She turns to them, grinning wide enough to show her teeth... then licks her tongue over them, the passing of her tongue seeming to have magically shifted them into full, beastly fangs. She licks them again, bringing them back to how they were before. She lets out a slight throaty laugh. "Yes... or I couldn't be here at all."

Kieran's eyes get a bit wider at the sharp-and-pointy-teeth, "Ohhhhhh.... well, see now I'm glad you said right at the start that you're not interested in hurting people, aren't I?"

Wulfra says, “Oh, I did not mean to scare. Those are just more what I'm used to.”

Janneke seems happy to help, genuinely. It says something about JJ that her joy comes from helping others -- she's probably too nice for her own good. "They're pretty impressive, either way," she says sincerely. "What... can I ask what your usual form is?"

Kieran says, “I mean, you can /ask/...." She smirks at JJ, before adding, "And no, it's ok, you didn't scare me so much as... well... wow. What big teeth you have." Then she laughs, "Though I suspect you don't get the reference... sorry.”

Wulfra looks away. "Ah... I am unsure of how to word it. Perhaps you will see sometime, if I have somewhere where I am comfortable and is private enough." She looks at Kieran. "By the way... where did those wings on your sword holster come from?"

Janneke ahhhs, and nods, not bothered by the answer. "Okay, that works for me, I was just curious. Like I always am, really, but don't mind me asking nosy questions, I just... ask a lot."

Wulfra smiles at Janneke. "It is fine, I like asking questions too."

Kieran glances down at her hip, "You mean the ones that form the basket handguard?" She reaches down and slowly draws her rapier, setting it on the bar, "They're part of the metal the sword is made from. Caoránach was an oilliphéist centuries ago... a kind of wyrm or sea-serpent, and reputed to be the mother of monsters. I don't know if /this/ Caoránach is somehow connected to the Irish dragon version... she's said to have been driven into rocks and slain there by Patrick... but I think that's a lie. But she came to me, and so I'll care for her as best I can... and maybe unlock more of her magic than what I already know. Right now..." She sighs, "Right now, she'll cloak me in darkness when I need to hide, but otherwise... just a long, pointy knife."

Janneke listens closely -- she hadn't heard this story before from Kee, so she's curious, as always, and she says, "That would figure. Dragonslayers, bah, taking wonder out of the world."

Wulfra appears both extremely intriguied and perturbed by the story, looking away and sipping on her drink before saying anything. Wulfra says, “"Very... interesting. I felt its magic immediately, it's why I commented on it before anything else."” Wulfra says, “I should have guessed as much that it would cloak you in darkness so, what with those beautiful black wings of hers.”

Kieran smiles, "Yeah... she's gotten me out of some really bad spots..." She laughs then, "And gotten me home after a night that involved too much alcohol and a really hot horny guy."

Wulfra says, “Does it take anything out of you to activate that?” Wulfra says, “Or... out of her.”

Kieran nods, "It takes a bit from... one of us. But..." She smiles, "Since /I'm/ the one who needs saving, I make sure I'm the one paying the cost. I've no desire to weaken my beautiful dragon."

Wulfra ponders for a few moments longer before looking at Janneke. "You said there was an area upstairs to change in?"

Janneke ohs and nods. "Yes, come on up," she says, motioning toward the stairs, then leading the way upward. Janneke goes upstairs. Janneke has left.

Kieran gestures after JJ. "Go ahead."

Wulfra stands and grabs the clothing, turning to Kieran. "...can you come with me as well?" Kieran nods, "I will."

Wulfra goes upstairs. Wulfra has left.

You go upstairs.

Lost in Time Market - Rêves Errant - Crash Space

The rough architecture of the building is most evident up here. This space has an unfinished quality to it, with raw beams exposed in the ceiling, and a single huge beam running, spine-like, all the way down the center. Three circular chandeliers hang from this spine, each studded with six candles caught in the melted, waxy remains of dozens more.

Beneath the candles are areas with clustered sleeping places, all furnished with an eye to comfort and ease, if not luxury. The first word that comes to mind is 'homey.' This places offers a respite to the traveler, a place to call home even if just for a night, with clean sheets and soft blankets.

The main area has a walkway through couches and chairs placed in small conversation groups. One curtained-off room holds eight cozy bunks with hand-made quilts and plump pillows. Another holds four ten-foot-long beds made for the larger Dreaming entities, its appointments equally cozy and cheerful. A third area has the bathroom facilities, two of the four showers sized for trolls, and a pillow-strewn fourth area is big enough to hold a dozen people of assorted sizes amidst the plush cushions.

Janneke leads them up, and motions toward the bathroom/changing rooms at the back of the sleeping area. "If you wind up needing a place to sleep, we can put you up here. If it's comfortable enough for you," she offers.

Wulfra looks around, seeing how many are up here, and peeks in the curtained areas she mentioned. "It is quite... cozy, yes."

Kieran nods, "I suspect it'll be a day or two before I can get hold of Sark. He doesn't always answer his phone, but I've got Stella and Juan's numbers... they work for him."

Janneke adds, "Depending on how big you are in your usual shape, you might fit comfortably in the pillow room, or we can put you in one of the beds if you prefer. Whatever is most easy for you, really."

Wulfra nods at Kieran and Janneke. "Perfectly fine. Time doesn't matter much now. And... I'll take a look and see." She walks up to the curtained changing room, glancing back at Kieran for a moment. "Would you mind helping me with something?"

Kieran blinks a bit, then nods, moving to follow along into the changing room. "Sure... what do you need help with?"

Wulfra closes the curtain, leaving the two somewhat private, setting the extra clothes down and letting out a sigh. "I have no right to ask this, but... may I see her..." she gestures to the decorated sword, "...closer?"

Kieran blinks a bit, then nods, "Alright..." She draws the rapier, and... hesitantly, offers Wulfra the hilt. "I am... extremely aware of how completely defenseless I am here. I just want you to be aware that I'm trusting you."

Wulfra gives Kee a warm and reassuring nod, slowly reaching out to take the hilt. Almost immediately upon her fully grasping and holding the blade, however, a small glimmer of embers heralds a small eruption of darkness over Wulfra's appendage. The shadowy vapor emenates out in a wispy, swirling cloud before its initial density is broken by it drifting down towards the floor. Once clear enough, Kee can see it's no longer a human hand grasping the blade, but a pair of thick clawed digits swathed in smooth black scales. The seam where the scales meet the pale flesh seems particularly fuzzy with the dark vapor as Wulfra brings the rapier up to point towards the ceiling, staring at it carefully with her narrow, fiery gaze.

Wulfra says, “Ah... hahah....”

Kieran's eyes get even wider than they had at the teeth, though she had to be expecting /something/, right? "Is... are you... everything ok?"

Wulfra glances at Kieran, seeming to smile genuinely for the first time since Kee met her. "Yes... I'm fine. It just seems we have quite the... affinity... just as I felt before... though I needed to learn more before I said anything. Took a lot not to ask you straight away... but, here, thank you." She brings the sword back down, holding it parallel to the ground with her digits facing towards the ceiling. Where the blade touched her opposite palm, it seems to smoke with growing scales as well. "That's all I wanted."

Kieran nods, "So..." She holds out her hand for the blade, "I take it that means you're a... " She gestures toward the rapier then, "fencer?" Yeah. That's totally what she's asking.

Wulfra laughs. "I've only seen these in pictures... and in scattered dreams." Once Kee takes the blade back, her hands gradually fade back to normal, leaving the covering darkness faded as well. "Though dreams are my world... that I have not learned."

Wulfra says, “I cannot make myself vulnerable in the same way you have, but... I can show you something in return.”

Kieran nods, "Well... yes... but you're not /purely/ made of dreams. If you were, you'd have had more of a hard time being out in the world."

Wulfra says, “Yes... like you, I am more. The visions were all I had of this world, the one beyond that I knew, until... this day.”

Wulfra turns and goes to take off the robe and grab the other clothes, but stops before she does so. "If you mind seeing me completely nude, as I've been told some do, turn away now...."

Kieran shrugs, "I don't mind if you don't mind..."

Wulfra takes off the robe, not bothering to out anything else on yet based on Kee's response. "Then... here." With her back partially turned, the pale skin on Wulfra's back quickly gives way to an influx of swirling misty darkness, just as her hand had with the rapier. Only this time, it is much larger in volume, and four long shapes quickly stretch out from the obscured cloud... slowly becoming clearer and forming what is unmistakably the shape of 2 great pairs of wings. The wing-arms supporting them are thick, muscular, and swathed in the same smooth plated scales as Kee saw on Wulfra's hand. The membranes look soft, though the outlines of individual scales along them are still visible when looking close enough... and the edges lie frayed, still "dripping" with the dark vapor. Individually, the winged limbs bear a great resemblance to the ones hanging from the rapier.

"/OOoooooooooooooooooooohhhhh/..." Kieran's voice is full of wonder and awe at the display. "They're /beautiful/...."

Wulfra lets out a small growly noise under her breath as the wing-limbs stretch, then fold back to a more resting position. "Yes... this is why I said I should have guessed. I keep this cramped form for my own safety, but... this is an excuse to stretch."

The top wing-shoulders rest near their human ones, while the bottom wing-shoulders socket near above the sides of their pelvic bone.... overall mimicking something akin to the 4-wings of a butterfly or moth, though in its own unique (and somewhat alien) way.

Kieran nods, "Yeah... I can see where you might find it cramped, but it /is/ safer." She sighs, "Even here, it's mostly safer... but at least here, you're in less direct danger."

Wulfra puts the wings 'away' with another flash of dark vapor, putting on her old clothes as a base, then the new gifts. She rolls her shoulders a bit, taking in a deep breath. "You don't suppose I could get one of those pillow rooms for 'private' use for a night or two until your friend contacts you? I did not see anyone in them before, but I do not know how busy they get or what they would need in return."

Wulfra says, “That way, I could at least have *some* space to stretch and rest.”

Kieran says, “Oh, almost certainly..." Once Wulfra's dressed again, she opens up the curtain and pokes her head out, looking for JJ. "You said something about a 'pillow room', right?”

Janneke has been straightening things, or something. She looks over to Kee as she speaks and says, "Yeah, there's a pillow room, it's just all pillows and stuff." She motions toward a doorway to one side, and inside, yep, it's a roomful of cushions and pillows, with a stack of folded blankets to one side.

Wulfra walks over besides Janneke, looking in and nodding. "Would it be possible for me to 'reserve' the room for a day or two, as Kieran said, until that Sark fellow contacts her? I do not know how busy you get, so if you cannot, I can figure something else out... it would just be safer for me to stay that way."

Janneke smiles and says, "Consider it done. That room is for people who would be more comfortable not in a bed, and you qualify, so yes, go for it!" She leads the way to the door, and motions inside. "I don't know if it's big enough, but it'll give you some space, at least."

Kieran nods, "See, there you go. And if you get hungry, you can just head downstairs for a while. In the meantime... I'll try getting hold of people. And hey! Until I do, you should be safe in the market here. You can look around some, get a feel for the place..."

Wulfra steps inside, looking it over closer. "Oh, yes, it's big enough. I've been in much smaller spaces, certainly." She gives a nod at Kieran. "I'd love to get a view of the place from... another angle... but that can wait. I could definitely do with a bit more looking around before resting, if you are up for it... especially since I look better now." She smiles with her new, snazzier black-and-white sweater look. "But if not, I can do it myself."

Janneke ohs and nods her understanding, glad that the room will work for Wulfra. She says, "I hate to do this, but I really need to get back to the store on the mortal side for a bit. My poor day manager is convinced I'm going to leave her to do it all, since the last few days have been chaos."

Kieran nods, "Yeah, I need to try to get hold of Sark, too." She looks to Wulfra, "You'll be ok here? You need anything, have one of the staff get hold of me, ok?"

Wulfra smiles. Yes... thank you both. I will see you later.