#spectatorion

[It's a cloudy day at Ion’s base, a drizzle forming puddles on the ground. Jadis slowly walks through the garden, observing the plants as raindrops weigh on their leaves. Ion watches Jadis approach from the shelter of the pavilion.]

[11:09:54] <[rp] Ion> hullo there, my good Witch

[11:10:05] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... Miss Ion

[11:10:17] <[rp] Ion> please come in, shelter from this rain

[Jadis steps up onto the pavilion and sits in the seat gestured to them]

[11:10:47] <[rp] Ion> I trust your journey went well?

[11:10:59] <[RP] Jadis> It was... no trouble

[11:11:10] <[RP] Jadis> Thank you for the... invitation

[11:11:37] <[rp] Ion> It's my pleasure. I don't often meet such distinguished magic users

[11:12:05] <[RP] Jadis> I would not say I am... much distinguished

[11:12:13] <[RP] Jadis> I am... but a novice

[11:12:29] <[rp] Ion> oh, but you have such a ... presence

[11:12:57] <[RP] Jadis> Oh?

[11:12:59] <[rp] Ion> but before we get into that, here

[Ion pours out the tea from a teapot into two cups, pushing one of the cups towards Jadis]

[11:13:25] <[RP] Jadis> Thank you

[11:14:07] <[rp] Ion> Tell me about yourself, Mg Jadis Degare, I'm so curious

[Jadis is wearing a different sort of mask than on their first meeting, a more veil-like one that it takes a sip of the tea from under]

[11:14:45] <[RP] Jadis> There is not... much to say

[Ion waits for Jadis to expand]

[11:15:51] <[RP] Jadis> I am a simple witch... I do not leave my home often

[11:16:17] <[rp] Ion> tell me about your practices, as a witch?

[11:17:27] <[RP] Jadis> Ghosts and spirits.... divining

[Ion eyes spark with intrigue]

[11:18:01] <[rp] Ion> interesting

[11:18:16] <[rp] Ion> is this an established practice for this world?

[11:18:33] <[RP] Jadis> I am... not sure

[11:19:44] <[RP] Jadis> As I have said... I do not go out... often

[11:19:59] <[rp] Ion> As a newcomer to this world, I'm looking to understand the magic practices of this world, and that involves yours

[11:20:13] <[rp] Ion> I would love to see a demonstration at some time

[11:20:46] <[RP] Jadis> I could... do a demonstration... I suppose

[11:20:49] <[rp] Ion> the spirits you divine, are they also natives of this world?

[11:21:10] <[RP] Jadis> I... believe so

[11:21:27] <[rp] Ion> there's not a chance of offworld spirits interfering?

[11:21:57] <[RP] Jadis> I suppose... if the question involved things... offworld... they could

[11:22:09] <[rp] Ion> oh

[11:22:11] <[rp] Ion> hm

[11:22:47] <[RP] Jadis> I believe... the spirits... to be linked to the cards though

[11:22:55] <[RP] Jadis> When divining... with such

[11:22:57] <[rp] Ion> the cards?

[11:23:07] <[rp] Ion> are these the source of your powers?

[11:23:17] <[RP] Jadis> They are... my preferred way of divining

[11:23:52] <[rp] Ion> so you can ensure only certain spirits can communicate?

[11:24:12] <[RP] Jadis> The spirits... linked to the cards... yes

[11:24:18] <[RP] Jadis> If they are... spirits

[11:24:27] <[rp] Ion> I see

[11:24:47] <[rp] Ion> and yourself, have you been doing this long?

[11:24:59] <[RP] Jadis> Not very

[11:25:31] <[RP] Jadis> But the deck is... very old

[11:25:52] <[rp] Ion> I heard, somewhere, that you will provide magical services for a price

[11:25:55] <[rp] Ion> is that so?

[11:26:31] <[RP] Jadis> Ah.... I have done magicks for favors before

[11:26:41] <[RP] Jadis> I do not have much in ways of.... wealth

[11:26:53] <[rp] Ion> what sort of favour would you request in exchange for a reading?

[11:27:43] <[RP] Jadis> Well... perhaps... assitance... in trying to decipher... some of the spells I am researching

[Ion pauses at this proposition, seeming to be considering it.]

[11:28:15] <[RP] Jadis> An experienced magician like yourself... the help would be... appreciated

[11:28:46] <[rp] Ion> I would be happy to give you my expertise and time in exchange for a reading

[11:29:12] <[RP] Jadis> Then... I would be happy to do a reading for you

[11:29:24] <[rp] Ion> would this need to take place at your abode, or do you carry your cards on you?

[Jadis pulls out a deck of cards, some look more worn than others]

[11:30:01] <[RP] Jadis> I keep them... on me

[Ion admires the cards, eyes focused. The cards have some that Ion is familiar with, the classic Major Arcana of tarot, however there are cards they do not recognize. Ion notices that the unfamiliar cards all seem to be the newer ones, the tarot being the most old and worn.]

[11:32:26] <[rp] Ion> These are some beautiful cards

[11:33:03] <[rp] Ion> May I touch, or is that not done?

[11:33:31] <[RP] Jadis> Only... to pick out the cards... after your question is asked

[11:33:45] <[RP] Jadis> It is... a personal item

[11:33:48] <[rp] Ion> ok, that's fair

[Ion watches Jadis shuffle while sipping tea]

[11:36:45] <[RP] Jadis> What is... your question?

[11:36:55] <[RP] Jadis> What would you like... divined?

[Ion takes some time to consider]

[11:38:21] <[rp] Ion> My current project, will it be a success?

[Jadis gives a small nod, cuts the deck in half and then spreads out half of said cards face down.]

[11:39:19] <[RP] Jadis> Pick three

[Ion picks two from the left end and one two from the right. Jadis silently puts aside the other cards. They put the three picked in the center of the table.]

[Ion watches, fingers fidgeting under her seat.]

[Jadis turns over the first card. On the card is a heart covered in chains, the chains are broken and the heart bleeds.]

[11:43:50] <[RP] Jadis> Sadness

[Ion tries not to react.]

[11:44:17] <[RP] Jadis> This project of yours.... it started with negative emotions

[11:44:42] <[rp] Ion> I ... yes perhaps that's apt

[11:45:40] <[RP] Jadis> Then I believe... this project may continue with an undercurrent of negativity throughout... but that does not mean failure

[11:46:01] <[rp] Ion> hm, I can work with that

[Jadis flips the next card. A pair of scales. A diamond on one end, a piece of coal on the other, but the scales are balanced.]

[11:47:23] <[RP] Jadis> The Scales

[Ion definitely looks nervous at this point.]

[11:48:06] <[RP] Jadis> You believe yourself... being owed justice

[11:48:38] <[rp] Ion> in a sense perhaps

[11:49:40] <[RP] Jadis> Or perhaps... you are the one... in which justice needs to be exacted

[11:49:47] <[RP] Jadis> I do not pretend to know

[Ion twitches]

[11:50:09] <[RP] Jadis> The scales do not say which way they will fall.... but they will fall

[11:50:22] <[rp] Ion> oh dear

[Ion takes a steadying gulp of tea. Jadis stares at Ion for a bit at that reaction... but returns to the cards soon enough.]

[The final card is turned. A roulette wheel spins. Reversed.]

[11:53:05] <[RP] Jadis> The Wheel of Fortune

[Ion raises her eyebrows]

[11:53:21] <[RP] Jadis> Reversed... has a slightly different meaning...

[11:54:18] <[RP] Jadis> Things will feel... out of control for you.... perhaps even bad luck... in this project

[11:54:21] <[RP] Jadis> however

[11:55:36] <[RP] Jadis> Its success will be up to you, how you react... you can be at cause... or at effect

[11:56:02] <[rp] Ion> I see

[Ion regards the three cards laid out]

[11:56:43] <[RP] Jadis> It seems... they think you… are the largest variable to success

[Ion lets out a sigh]

[11:57:06] <[rp] Ion> yes I suppose

[11:57:23] <[RP] Jadis> I hope that was... helpful

[11:57:28] <[rp] Ion> My gratitude, Witch, this was well read

[11:57:47] <[rp] Ion> I am at your disposal for deciphering and research

[Jadis puts a hand on their chest and does a slight bow.]

[11:58:14] <[RP] Jadis> My thanks

[11:58:21] <[rp] Ion> if you look across the river, you can see the library I've put together with knowledge I brought with me

[11:58:33] <[rp] Ion> feel free to use it, under my supervision

[11:58:50] <[RP] Jadis> What a lovely... building

[11:59:12] <[RP] Jadis> I hope it will be... useful

[11:59:17] <[rp] Ion> I try to bring a taste of home with me, though this area is still very much under development

[11:59:45] <[RP] Jadis> It is... coming along nicely... in my humble opinion

[12:00:10] <[rp] Ion> my thanks, I hope this was a pleasant afternoon for you

[12:00:28] <[RP] Jadis> Yes... the tea was quite... pleasant

[12:00:31] <[rp] Ion> I look forward to our future work together

[12:01:47] <[RP] Jadis> I... as well

[12:02:10] <[RP] Jadis> Did you have... any other questions?

[12:02:28] <[rp] Ion> Yes, I had one other curiosity

[12:02:55] <[rp] Ion> you may notice the decoration for this pavillion is lit by these lanterns

[12:03:17] <[rp] Ion> Which I crafted from a material known as soul sand

[12:03:10] <[RP] Jadis> Soul lanterns... yes

[12:03:32] <[rp] Ion> Is this truly, souls?

[12:03:58] <[rp] Ion> This is a method of capturing souls I hadn't come across before

[12:04:19] <[RP] Jadis> When you die... you can become a ghost or... become trapped in the sands

[12:04:27] <[rp] Ion> fascinating

[12:04:37] <[rp] Ion> but this only happens when one dies?

[12:04:52] <[rp] Ion> the sands do not pose a danger to the living?

[12:05:00] <[RP] Jadis> By my... limited knowledge, yes

[12:05:35] <[rp] Ion> interesting

[12:06:06] <[RP] Jadis> I know... the good Doctor Krayn... also had an interest in soul sand

[12:06:16] <[RP] Jadis> He may... be more well versed

[12:06:30] <[rp] Ion> Yes, I am interested in conversing with him too

[12:06:52] <[rp] Ion> He brings knowledge from worlds I am not familiar with

[12:07:35] <[RP] Jadis> How well traveled... you both are... I fear myself... lacking

[12:08:08] <[rp] Ion> This is a very tucked away world, lots of folk seem to stick around here

[12:08:48] <[RP] Jadis> I have... not much traveled this world… either

[12:09:15] <[RP] Jadis> A homebody.... I suppose

[12:09:29] <[rp] Ion> Yes, perhaps

[Ion studies Jadis curiously. Jadis looks down at their tea, fidgeting with the cup.]

[12:10:21] <[rp] Ion> Who taught you your magicks?

[12:10:32] <[RP] Jadis> I am... self taught

[12:11:07] <[rp] Ion> That's fascinating

[12:11:22] <[rp] Ion> Those are some old cards you have

[12:11:30] <[rp] Ion> beautiful things

[12:11:59] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... it is...

[12:12:37] <[RP] Jadis> Some add their own cards.... and then give it to others... so the deck... builds up

[12:13:27] <[rp] Ion> I love to learn the history of decks

[12:13:31] <[RP] Jadis> The deck was... left for me

[12:13:41] <[rp] Ion> oh?

[12:13:51] <[RP] Jadis> I have only seen mine.... but read of the tradition

[12:15:03] <[RP] Jadis> I have... yet to add any cards of my own

[12:15:24] <[RP] Jadis> I think...

[12:15:34] <[rp] Ion> I wouldn't have known, they seem to belong in your hands

[12:16:08] <[RP] Jadis> What a nice... sentiment

[Ion smiles]

[12:17:35] <[RP] Jadis> What about... you? Any objects... of the trade?

[12:18:04] <[rp] Ion> Magicians vary from Witches is in certain ways

[12:18:31] <[rp] Ion> We do work strongly with objects of power, such as the crystals used in warpstones

[12:19:09] <[rp] Ion> but to be a magician is to study magicks and to understand how to work and manipulate it for our technology

[12:19:24] <[RP] Jadis> Fascinating

[12:19:40] <[rp] Ion> such as soul lanterns, an example of magicks in daily use

[12:20:13] <[RP] Jadis> I see...

[12:20:18] <[rp] Ion> The objects I work closely with, I would keep close to my chest

[12:20:31] <[rp] Ion> Power can be a dangerous balance

[12:21:02] <[rp] Ion> But I'm sure you understand the need for equilibrium in this trade

[12:21:10] <[RP] Jadis> Yes... of course

[Jadis tugs their mask a bit, making sure its in place]

[12:21:54] <[rp] Ion> Well, as the sun rises, it must set. Can I do anything for you before you're on your way?

[12:22:38] <[RP] Jadis> No I... quite enjoyed our conversation... but have no further questions for now

[12:23:03] <[RP] Jadis> I have really.... been away too long

[12:23:06] <[rp] Ion> Yes, an absolute pleasure, both the conversation and seeing how you work.

[12:23:18] <[rp] Ion> Good evening to you, fine Mage Degare

[12:23:21] <[RP] Jadis> My thanks

[12:23:31] <[RP] Jadis> Good evening... Miss Ion

Long long ago, a little girl sat on her father’s shoulders and stared up at a big house.

“Who’s house is that father?”

“It’s the house of the Magician.” Her father replied, “rumor has it he can never die.”

The little girl frowned, before her eyes widened in delight. A blue glow emanated from the house, almost reaching where her father stood. She reached out and felt it buzzing against her fingertips. That was when she decided she wanted to learn magic.

The Magician took an apprentice on every so often, the older townsfolk rumored, though they never heard much from the apprentices again. Too successful to stay, so they said, or perhaps something more sinister. The little girl begged, and the pay was good, and her family needed the money, so she was taken in by the Magician as his next apprentice.

The little girl worked hard, stirring potions, cleaning off enchantments, and dodging the occasional curse, until the Magician trusted her with his real work. Every so often he would take a trip away, and when he returned he would seem reenergised for his daily work. The girl assumed this was the benefit of a good holiday, until he took her along with him.

They traveled half a day by cart, passing several villagers that the Magician cast his eyes over. The girl watched him curiously, wondering what he was looking for. At last, they arrived at the town, bustling with people, trading, chatting, spilling out of pubs and roads overflowing with the carts of merchants.

The girl’s eyes widened as she took it all in. She’d never left the village before. They left the horse and cart in a public stables and the Magician swept through the streets, the girl trailing behind him.

There was a wariness in some older folk’s eyes when they saw him, but mostly they passed by without a glance. At last he seemed to find what he was looking for.

A rough-looking man was slumped across the street from a pub, clearly having overdone it on the ale. His eyes blinked blearily as he looked up at the Magician.

“Ey?” His groan had a questioning tone. 

The Magician looked down on him with something akin to contempt. “You’ll do.” He helped the man up, and gestured at the girl to help him. They supported the stumbling man to a quiet street, stopping under an archway.

“Watch carefully.” The Magician told the girl, “the next time, I expect you to do this.” 

He pulled a lamp from his cloak and pressed it into the hands of the drunkard. The man clasped it tightly, leaning into the warmth.

The Magician spoke in a language that sent shivers down the girl’s spine. A blue glow seemed to surround the man, then the Magician cast a potion over him. Some sickly green concoction. The man choked, his breath short and saliva bubbling out. 

The girl cried out with alarm. “He’s gonna die!” She dug into her satchel, pulling out regenerative potions, but the Magician put a restraining hand on her wrist. As the man gulped and gasped for breath, the blue light pulsed, shrinking until it was no longer visible to the girl. 

The man stilled, his hands falling away, and suddenly the girl realized the lantern was now that strange blue. 

“Is he dead?” She asked shakily. 

The Magician simply gestured for her to check. She knelt down, but all life signs were present, his breathing easy after all that gasping just a few moments before.

“What did you do?”

“Something very few Magicians can,” he replied, inspecting the lantern. “I have extracted his soul.”

“His soul?”

“It was being wasted anyway.” The Magician shrugged. “He will go about the rest of his life without a spark of inspiration or any unique thought. This is what the world wants of these people anyway.”

The girl nodded and followed the Magician away from where the man was slumped. An uncomfortable guilt rose in her, but she pushed it down, thinking instead about the process she had been shown.

“There.” The Magician paused. She followed his eyes to a tired washerwoman, seemingly going through the motions without thought. “See how she works and works, never thinking of anything more that she could be? She wastes the soul she was born with.”

The girl wasn’t so sure. She knew women like this in her own village. Away from the work they were warm and gentle, telling stories and playing with the children; but the Magician was always right. The girl approached the woman.

“Can I help you, my dear?” The woman asked, eyes blurry but words warm. The girl shuddered at her role, but the Magician was watching her closely. This was how she would learn magic, after all.

“My mother asked me to bring the laundry to you, but it’s too heavy for me,” the girl lied, trying to look weak and nervous.

“Oh, my dear, I think I will not be able to help…”

“My mother pays extremely well,” the girl interrupted. “My father is a banker.”

Exhaustion enveloped the woman, but she rose to her feet, and the girl led her down a narrow alley. The Magician followed, and the woman immediately regarded him with suspicion. He handed the girl a lantern and the green potion.

Before the woman could say anything, the girl pushed the lantern into her hands. She chanted the Magician’s language as best she could remember, and was amazed to see the same blue glow. She threw the potion on the woman, and stepped back, trying to avert her eyes from the woman’s suffering. The light was shrinking again, though much faster than the first time, and when it was finally over, the lantern only held a very weak glow. 

Strangely, the girl felt stronger than she had ever felt, her heart beating fast in that quiet alleyway.

“Good.” The Magician collected the lantern. “You’ll improve quickly.”

This was blinding praise from the Magician, and the girl glowed with pride. She and the Magician continued collecting souls until the night began to creep in. They took the horse and cart from the stables and headed back to the girl’s village. The lanterns jostled in the Magician’s cloak, and more wrapped in cloth in the back of the cart.

“A good amount collected,” the Magician commented. “I believe you will make a fine apprentice.” 

And so for years they would make the trip, sometimes stopping in a village, sometimes a different town, sometimes travellers on the road. 

The girl and the Magician would split off, collect the souls, then meet up at the end. She didn’t know what he did with them afterwards. She’d tried to ask once, but had been shut down for impertinence. Whatever it was, it was extremely important to the Magician, and also very private.

The girl’s mother and father still invited her for Sundays, but she felt the distance growing, along with her power. She cast spells now, mainly for potion brewing, but also illusions, magic visions and manipulations. 

The Magician had himself taught her spells needed in potion brewing and vision for magic remnants, but the others she’d discovered for herself. She’d grown up from that nervous little girl into a young woman, ready to impress the world with her magic, but still tied to the Magician. 

The Magician himself didn’t seem to grow. He’d been the same ageless age as long as she’d known him. Collecting souls came with ease to her now, and natural curiosity led her to explore the spells, to see what caused what and whether she could improve it in any way. She was fast becoming a Magician in her own right, and she knew the Magician could tell. 

One day, she was washing out potion vapours from her work clothes when a stranger came to the house. He paused before knocking on the door, noticing her to the side.

“Are you his new assistant?” He was an elderly looking man, his eyes kind. 

“I’ve been his apprentice this last decade.” The girl replied sharply, she was not new and hadn’t been for a while. 

The old man regarded her sadly. “I see,” he said gently, and went to knock on the door. 

He was welcomed in by the Magician like an old friend, and the door shut on friendly greetings and jests.

The girl smiled. In all these years, she hadn’t met anyone the Magician enjoyed the company of. Perhaps this was a fellow Magician? 

She was hanging up the clothes to dry when she heard raised voices from within. She could barely catch any words, but heard her name in the mix.

Soon enough, the old man came storming out, and stopped in front of her.

“You listen to me, young woman.” He said quickly, in a ton that would have gotten the most uncaring person to listen. “The only way you survive is by killing your master.” The girl stared in disbelief.

“I don’t understand.”

“He’s crossed a line, it seems he’s been crossing it for years.” There was anger flashing in the old man’s eyes. “I know you know it. I will return, but there is only one way you will be spared the retribution.”

 With that, he disappeared in a cloud of purple. 

The girl blinked, heart racing, as she tried to understand. In her heart she knew the truth, as she had for years.

The souls they stole, and stole was not the right word, were not being used in magic improvements, in wards or in remedies. She’d seen it with the magic vision, and hadn’t wanted to recognize it. But thousands and thousands of souls were wrapped up in the Magician’s core, repairing his aging body back to timelessness. And not all of the souls were simple human. She’d seen the vibrancy of around ten, twenty souls within him, and knew the same vibrancy lived within her.

The apprentices did not leave, they met the same fate as their victims.

The Magician burst out the door and turned on her, eyes flashing.

“Did he say something to you?”

She shook her head, eyes wide. But she knew he knew, and there was no going back now.

He began to speak that same chant, but she spoke over him, a new chant, one that froze his words in place. While he had been busy preserving the same way he always had, she had been learning, innovating, as an apprentice should. And she saw the tight control over the thousands of souls draw loose, as he chant picked it apart. She reached out, holding a purple gem and undid the final loop.

A great blue pulse exploded from the Magician and he cried out as he rapidly aged, shriveling up until he was no more than an animated husk. She watched the blue lights surrounding her, a deep guilt running through her.

Most of these souls were faint things, spent up on the Magician and likely without a host to return to. She could not help them.

Watching the Magician’s husk crumble into dust, she swore to herself that she would not follow in his tracks. She would never take another soul.

And so, the girl became the new Magician. She brought healing to her village, innovation to the magic community, and kept her promise till her dying day.

[There is a hustle and bustle of people moving about spawn as they go about their daily tasks, shopping. Several figures loiter about spawn, waiting to see the Magician whose posters have littered the entrance for several days…]

[Viola scribbles in a book as she leans against a post. She turns to check the poster, hopefully she's here on time?]

[19:16:58] <[RP] Viola> Hmm. Well, it's Sunday. It's evening.

[A shadow falls over Viola as someone very tall reads the poster over her shoulder.]

[19:17:47] <[RP] Viola> Hmm?

[19:17:51] <[RP] Viola> Woah! Hey-

[19:18:00] <[RP] Viola> Can I help you?

[19:18:06] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... Apologies miss

[19:18:18] <[RP] Jadis> I was.. merely reading the poster

[19:18:49] <[RP] Viola> Oh, ah, of course.

[19:19:03] <[RP] Viola> There's supposed to be some sort of "Magician Consultant" here today.

[19:19:22] <[RP] Viola> I wanted to see if it's the real deal, or just like, a fancy party trick

[19:19:28] <[RP] Jadis> Yes... I am quite curious to see them as well

[19:20:15] <[RP] Viola> Oh, sure, sure.

[Viola sticks out her hand.]

[19:20:44] <[RP] Viola> I'm Viola

[Jadis accepts with their gloved hand, nails clearly quite long under the fabric]

[19:21:20] <[RP] Jadis> Jadis Degaré

[19:21:28] <[RP] Jadis> A pleasure, Miss Viola

[19:21:46] <[RP] Viola> Very nice to meet you as well. Are you new around here? I know most of the people who live here

[19:21:59] <[RP] Jadis> I have been here... quite some time

[19:22:35] <[RP] Viola> Oh! Just must've never crossed paths. I'm usually all over the world, so strange that it didn't happen

[19:22:49] <[RP] Viola> Well, happen sooner, I should say

[19:22:57] <[RP] Jadis> The world is large Miss Viola

[19:23:01] <[RP] Jadis> but I have… been around

[19:23:34] <[RP] Viola> Don't have to tell me twice, I've barely been out past the desert in the West, and people say that there are temples buried under the sand far further than there

[19:23:47] <[RP] Jadis> How... fascinating

[Magnolia stands next to Hal cautiously, waiting for something to happen- someone to appear.]

[19:18:21] <[RP] Magnolia> [quietly, to Hal:] don't suppose the clock was wrong. seems like there's a few folks at the poster...

[19:19:25] <[RP] Magnolia> just don't stray too far. it's busy out here today

[Hal looks down at Magnolia, smiling gently with a nod]

[19:19:40] <[RP] Hal> awright, lead the way

[Magnolia stamps his feet onto the planks below, frustrated by a wait time he's put onto himself alone. An ear flicks, and he stomps over to the posters with the same energy, not facing the two by them and trying to just read the poster again.]

[Hal mosies along gently behind his smaller friend.]

[19:24:33] <[RP] Magnolia> Doesn' it take little effort to be on time for somethin you planned yourself???

[19:24:57] <[RP] Hal> Aw, settle down, Nolia, hah

[Jadis turns to Magnolia and Hal.]

[19:24:52] <[RP] Jadis> Ah. Misters Candlewick and Copperboot

[19:24:54] <[RP] Viola> Woah, lots of people here today for this thing, huh

[19:25:05] <[RP] Viola> Candlewick and Copperboot...?

[19:25:07] <[RP] Magnolia> gggggh., Hello

[19:25:15] <[RP] Hal> howdy!

[19:25:32] <[RP] Hal> you must be, ummh...

[19:25:34] <[RP] Magnolia> Right. Howdy. I'm Magnolia. Candlewick's the last name

[Hal struggles to come up with a name for a new face.]

[19:25:47] <[RP] Magnolia> You uh. Seem kinda f'miliar

[19:26:09] <[RP] Magnolia> But I don't know you. I kinda.... know you? 

[Magnolia gestures to Jadis vaguely.]

[19:26:35] <[RP] Jadis> Yes. In passing

[19:26:30] <[RP] Viola> Where do I know you two...?

[Viola taps her fingers on the back of her book]

[19:26:58] <[RP] Magnolia> [Bristling:] Kindlewheat Farm. We bring much as we can to the market.

[19:27:14] <[RP] Magnolia> I 'magine it's prob'ly that

[19:27:38] <[RP] Jadis> Such... a lovely farm. I have seen it from town.

[19:27:50] <[RP] Hal> n'aww, thank ya kindly…

[Doc idly walks a little way away from the group, watching Ion skulk around above the people milling about spawn.]

[Viola snaps her fingers]

[19:28:03] <[RP] Viola> The Froglight Festival! It was maybe fifteen years ago, but you two were trying to see how many frogs you could catch by the old docks!

[19:28:15] <[RP] Hal> !

[19:28:25] <[RP] Hal> shucks, you remember somethin' like that?

[19:28:47] <[RP] Magnolia> Tha's prob'ly right.

[Viola taps her temple]

[19:28:55] <[RP] Viola> I've got the best memory of anyone I know

[19:29:49] <[RP] Jadis> A good memory... is quite a blessing

[19:29:09] <[RP] Hal> 'scuse me, can't say the same about m'self, hah!

[19:29:19] <[RP] Viola> Hmm?

[19:29:20] <[RP] Viola> Oh!

[19:29:24] <[RP] Viola> Viola. I'm Viola

[Hal extends a hand to Viola, for a firm handshake]

[19:29:49] <[RP] Hal> Hal Copperboot!

[Viola shakes Hal's hand firmly.]

[19:30:01] <[RP] Viola> Very nice to re-meet you

[19:29:53] <[RP] Magnolia> [in an unhappy tone:] Right happy to meet ya.

[Viola looks at Magnolia]

[19:30:11] <[RP] Viola> And you...

[19:30:15] <[RP] Viola> Did you have a sister?

[Magnolia stiffens for a moment before settling himself back down, realigning himself next to Hal.]

[19:30:52] <[RP] Magnolia> No, I didn't. Only child.

[19:30:57] <[RP] Viola> Oh...

[19:30:59] <[RP] Viola> Oh!

[19:31:07] <[RP] Viola> Very nice to re-meet you as well, then

[19:31:29] <[RP] Magnolia> Yeah, well... nice to meet you 'n all that

[Ion swoops down towards the group on elytra, appearing before them suddenly in a burst of fireworks.]

[19:31:40] <[RP] Viola> Woah!

[19:31:45] <[RP] Jadis> Oh…

[Magnolia scrambles backwards in surprise.]

[19:31:45] <[RP] Ion> hulloo future clients

[Hal startles just a bit from the loud sound, ears perking as he goes to grab for Magnolia protectively.]

[19:32:49] <[RP] Hal> Uhh! quite the entrance, there, hah!

[19:31:55] <[RP] Ion> apologies for my tardiness

[Doc follows Ion to the group.]

[19:31:58] <[RP] Doc> Mnm, so that's what you were doing up there.

[19:32:07] <[RP] Ion> hows it going folks?

[19:32:19] <[RP] Jadis> I am.. well

[Viola gives a little round of applause]

[19:32:35] <[RP] Ion> thank you thank you

[19:32:48] <[RP] Magnolia> You oughta be less tardy if you're wantin' to make good impressions!

[19:32:51] <[RP] Ion> i am the magician, ion by name

[19:33:11] <[RP] Ion> i will be your world's resident consultant

[19:33:17] <[RP] Ion> lucky folks

[19:33:22] <[RP] Magnolia> consultant?

[19:33:44] <[RP] Ion> specialising in potions, but with expertise in transport and animatus

[19:33:50] <[RP] Ion> speaking of which

[19:34:10] <[RP] Hal> ?

[19:34:16] <[RP] Ion> gifts of the trade

[Ion hands a sack to each person, the clink of gems and bottles can be heard]

[19:34:23] <[RP] Doc> What is this supposed to be, a gift bag?

[19:34:47] <[RP] Ion> providing modern magical technologies alongside an assortment of magical items

[Jadis peers into the bag it was handed. Inside is a potion, a cake, some amethyst & coal, a waystone, and a warp stone.]

[19:34:50] <[RP] Jadis> An array of items....

[19:35:07] <[RP] Viola> How interesting...

[19:35:30] <[RP] Ion> if you should have any questions, hesitate not. I am still setting up the establishment, but we should be fully functional in no time

[19:35:40] <[RP] Doc> Establishment?

[19:36:03] <[RP] Magnolia> Why would we want these 'magical technologies'?

[19:36:20] <[RP] Ion> for ease of transport mainly here

[19:37:00] <[RP] Magnolia> Ease of transport? We've got 'orses

[Hal takes a peek into the sack he was given.]

[19:35:51] <[RP] Hal> aw shoot, nolia! lookie here!

[19:36:06] <[RP] Magnolia> Huh?

[19:36:14] <[RP] Hal> there's some pretty little gems in here!

[19:36:22] <[RP] Doc> Ooh, gems?

[19:36:32] <[RP] Magnolia> Looks like amethyst... I think?

[Pekoe lands in a scrambled roll at spawn, elytra tucked in. He looks around and spots Doc.]

[19:36:36] <[RP] Jadis> Modern magicks?

[19:36:51] <[RP] Jadis> Would you.. elaborate miss?

[19:36:59] <[RP] Ion> of course

[19:37:06] <[RP] Viola> I'm also very, very curious about how this works

[19:37:06] <[RP] Ion> this seems an old world

[19:37:13] <[RP] Ion> old magics abound

[19:37:23] <[RP] Ion> but developments have been made

[19:37:41] <[RP] Ion> i hark from the central worlds, where magicians work on new technologies

[19:37:48] <[RP] Ion> like these warp stones

[19:38:01] <[RP] Ion> no longer do you need to travel to a special point

[19:38:05] <[RP] Viola> ...Woah, all the way from the core worlds?

[19:38:14] <[RP] Ion> they allow instantaneous transport

[19:38:23] <[RP] Ion> yes the core worlds exactly

[Pekoe quietly sneaks around to stand behind Doc, grabbing his leg.]

[Doc jolted for a moment, glancing down and seeing the child, he returned to the conversation.]

[19:38:29] <[RP] Doc> Oh, the core worlds? What does that mean?

[19:38:39] <[RP] Doc> Who are you? What's your name.

[19:38:46] <[RP] Ion> i go by ion

[19:39:01] <[RP] Ion> you may call me magician ion for now i suppose

[19:39:02] <[RP] Doc> Like the charged particle, ion?

[19:39:04] <[RP] Magnolia> core worlds're big-name worlds full'a loads of big folks who don't know simple ways.

[19:39:12] <[RP] Viola> Is it true that there are libraries there bigger than a mountain?

[19:39:37] <[RP] Doc> ...Wouldn't that depend on how big the mountain is?

[Ion focuses on Magnolia]

[19:39:41] <[RP] Ion> I object to that statement, I'm afraid I don't know your name, feline?

[19:39:54] <[RP] Magnolia> It's Magnolia Candlewick.

[19:40:00] <[RP] Magnolia> Don't call me that.

[19:40:13] <[RP] Ion> i see

[Hal scratches the back of his head awkwardly, with a nervous grin.]

[19:40:51] <[RP] Magnolia> I'm sayin' that core world folks are too high strung in their luxuries to enjoy a good pot roast. or Horses! a waystone, really?

[Viola begins to jot down notes in her book.]

[19:41:22] <[RP] Ion> a good folk like yourself, I suppose I will need to learn the lay of the land from you

[19:41:23] <[RP] Hal> they're just different from us folk, Nolia! don't mean they ain't good people, too!

[Magnolia shuffles in his spot.]

[19:41:51] <[RP] Magnolia> Fine, fine

[19:41:16] <[RP] Doc> What's a core world?

[19:42:09] <[RP] Magnolia> Can someone answer that question? I'm not good at explainin'

[19:42:20] <[RP] Viola> Oh, the core worlds?

[19:42:25] <[RP] Ion> a core world is an interconnected community of folks from many different worlds, but it's true I'm new here. there are all sorts of plants that i need to learn to incorporate in my daily magics after al

[19:43:09] <[RP] Viola> They're also filled with ancient knowledge, different spirits and gods, and SO MUCH forgotten lore

[19:43:14] <[RP] Viola> Oh to travel to a core world...

[Pekoe crawls on top of the waystone to see everyone, frustrated with having to duck around it to stare at Viola and Ion]

[19:43:30] <[RP] Doc> Everything is filled with spirits and gods

[19:43:46] <[RP] Viola> Sure, sure, but the core worlds have DIFFERENT ones

[19:43:49] <[RP] Viola> Can you imagine?

[19:44:02] <[RP] Magnolia> There's spirits 'n gods here. they're good'nough for me.

[19:44:13] <[RP] Viola> Oh yeah, this place is filled with lots of that stuff from wayyyy back in the day

[19:44:16] <[RP] Doc> No. Dead gods are still gods. All of them are the same everywhere and they all exist in all worlds

[19:43:14] <[RP] Jadis> There is... old witchcraft here.... you could perhaps reference

[Ion turns to Jadis]

[19:43:51] <[RP] Ion> old witchcraft you say?

[19:44:17] <[RP] Jadis> I am... a practicer myself

[Viola points at Jadis]

[19:44:38] <[RP] Viola> We're gonna have a conversation later

[19:44:34] <[RP] Pekoe> Does that make you a witchcrafter?

[19:44:37] <[RP] Ion> intriguing

[19:44:53] <[RP] Jadis> A witch. Young master wolf

[19:45:09] <[RP] Doc> And what quite does that entail?

[19:46:01] <[RP] Jadis> Depends on your... interests I suppose

[19:45:54] <[RP] Ion> this appears to be a group of people that can aid greatly in the magic development of this world. We should have tea sometime

[19:45:55] <[RP] Magnolia> a witch? like those folk that sacrifice animals to the nether rather than spirits?

[19:46:25] <[RP] Doc> You can sacrifice anything to anyone, that doesn't matter a tick

[19:46:43] <[RP] Magnolia> I s'pose... 

[Magnolia’s tail flicks]

[19:46:47] <[RP] Jadis> I have… no interest… in the nether beyond its sand

[19:47:02] <[RP] Doc> Everyone is some amount of dead, after all

[Ion glances at Doc, momentarily distracted.]

[19:47:52] <[RP] Pekoe> [whispered:] Doc, how many dead 'm I?

[19:48:11] <[RP] Doc> [whispers:] You're on the far not dead side of the scale.

[Pekoe nods gravely]

[19:48:20] <[RP] Ion> well, should you have questions of a magical nature, I am the one to which you can address those

[Hal scratches at his nose, placing a hand on his hip as he listens to these people talk about something he has no clue about.]

[19:48:41] <[RP] Hal> That's, uhh

[19:48:45] <[RP] Hal> Nice n' all!

[19:48:52] <[RP] Doc> What if I do not want to do that.

[19:48:55] <[RP] Jadis> I will... be sure to take you up on your offer... of tea sometime

[19:49:02] <[RP] Ion> fantastic

[19:49:08] <[RP] Hal> I think this is a lotta stuff for a simple feller like me, I'm good how I am!

[19:49:17] <[RP] Hal> Thank ya kindly, though!

[Viola finishes scribbling in her book]

[19:49:21] <[RP] Viola> Oh I have SO many questions

[19:49:21] <[RP] Ion> my good sir, doc? is it? It appears your son is curious at least

[19:49:36] <[RP] Doc> My what?

[19:49:45] <[RP] Ion> your ... child?

[Viola points at Pekoe]

[19:50:08] <[RP] Viola> The little guy on the stone

[Pekoe stares at Doc. He doesn't remember what son means.]

[19:50:39] <[RP] Doc> This is a sentient wolf.

[19:50:48] <[RP] Doc> Go on, introduce yourself

[19:50:56] <[RP] Pekoe> My name is Pekoe! My mama and papa are wolves

[19:51:02] <[RP] Pekoe> I'm a wolves!

[19:51:23] <[RP] Pekoe> Doc's my.... aunt?

[19:51:28] <[RP] Ion> oh, my apologies for the error, we see all sorts of families on core worlds you see

[19:51:36] <[RP] Ion> aunt, got it

[19:51:38] <[RP] Doc> Sure. Close enough

[Pekoe grins proudly. He still has baby teeth to lose]

[19:51:20] <[RP] Jadis> A pleasure, young Master Pekoe

[Pekoe stares at Jadis. Jadis stares back]

[19:52:22] <[RP] Pekoe> You have hunter eyes

[19:52:42] <[RP] Jadis> My thanks? For the... compliment

[Pekoe blinks. Jadis does not.]

[19:52:35] <[RP] Doc> I do not bring my children with me when I travel.

[19:52:53] <[RP] Doc> Not when I do not know the content of the world

[19:53:15] <[RP] Ion> ah, a fellow traveller, good good

[Pekoe's tail wags, and he hops down from the waystone]

[19:53:39] <[RP] Doc> Why is that good.

[19:54:06] <[RP] Pekoe> 're you gonna sacrifices Doc?

[19:54:09] <[RP] Ion> just nice to have folk on the same page here, is all

[19:54:20] <[RP] Doc> No, I worship no god.

[19:54:36] <[RP] Pekoe> No, no, is . [points at Ion] That guy gonna sacrifices YOU

[19:55:04] <[RP] Doc> Oh! Well, they wouldn't be the first to try. But no. No one is going to sacrifice me.

[Pekoe nods, and starts staring at Hal. It’s never seen someone so big.]

[19:54:42] <[RP] Magnolia> y'want folk on the same page so you can spread about your magic, I assume?

[19:55:00] <[RP] Magnolia> I won't have any quarrel with ya unless you're hurtin' people or ruinin' the land

[Hal nods, agreeing with Magnolia]

[19:55:05] <[RP] Ion> I would like to help out in what way I can, yes

[19:55:05] <[RP] Magnolia> That's all I ask

[19:55:24] <[RP] Magnolia> Well....... alright.

[19:55:49] <[RP] Ion> i would never want quarrel with the honest folk of this world

[19:55:44] <[RP] Viola> Then welcome to the world Magician Ion!

[19:55:57] <[RP] Ion> thank you kindly for that

[19:56:45] <[RP] Magnolia> Well... yeah, welcome

[Hal notices there's a tiny set of eyes on him, glancing over]

[19:56:20] <[RP] Hal> [smiling warmly:] Hey, lil' bud..!

[Pekoe big ol' autism stare, jumps at the acknowledgement]

[19:56:47] <[RP] Pekoe> H-hi!

[Hal gives an endeared chuckle.]

[19:57:05] <[RP] Magnolia> if you're goin' hungry you're free to barter with us farm folk. We've got plenty.

[19:57:40] <[RP] Pekoe> My Unc'a Netty has farms, too

[Hal gives a friendly grin. He has a missing tooth and his smile is a little crooked.]

[19:58:04] <[RP] Hal> No kiddin'?

[19:58:07] <[RP] Magnolia> Lots'a folk've got farms.

[19:58:19] <[RP] Pekoe> Yeah!! And he let me make em bigger!!!

[19:58:26] <[RP] Pekoe> They're SO bigger!

[19:58:29] <[RP] Magnolia> You?

[19:58:42] <[RP] Pekoe> Me!

[Pekoe looks very proud of this, tail wagging.]

[19:59:17] <[RP] Hal> N'aww! I bet you're gettin' real strong doin' a lotta that work, huh?

[19:59:26] <[RP] Magnolia> [Awkwardly:] That's a lotta work.

[Pekoe nods vigorously, practically vibrating with excitement.]

[19:59:46] <[RP] Hal> I bet you'll be just as big as me, one day!

[Hal puffs out his chest with a wink at Pekoe, who giggles]

[20:00:15] <[RP] Pekoe> You're really big!

[Hal grins again, with a soft, fond chuckle.]

[20:00:30] <[RP] Hal> Yup!

[20:00:49] <[RP] Hal> I got this big doin' lots of work on the farm n' eatin' all my veggies!

[Pekoe looks at Magnolia]

[20:00:38] <[RP] Pekoe> You're me-sized

[20:00:44] <[RP] Pekoe> How big're you gonna get?

[Magnolia’s tail flicks]

[20:01:08] <[RP] Magnolia> Not any bigger, I'm stuck like this.

[20:01:24] <[RP] Hal> Well, you're still strong too, Nolia!

[20:01:39] <[RP] Magnolia> I'd be stronger if I wasn't the size of a tomato.

[20:02:06] <[RP] Pekoe> You're like... 5 tomatoes

[20:01:53] <[RP] Pekoe> Did you forget to cook the veggies before eating 'em? Doc says I have to cook half of 'em or else I don't get all the nutrents

[Hal puts a comforting hand on Magnolia's shoulder]

[20:02:23] <[RP] Magnolia> I cook all my food! I'm a very good cook

[20:02:31] <[RP] Pekoe> Hmmmm

[20:02:33] <[RP] Hal> Even if ya ain't as big as me, you've still gotta ton of stuff i ain't got!

[20:02:46] <[RP] Pekoe> Not a better cook than Unc'a Netty, I bet

[20:02:48] <[RP] Hal> ya run a whole inn!

[20:03:19] <[RP] Magnolia> I run an inn with a whole breakfast assortment. I'm a pretty dang good cook.

[20:03:28] <[RP] Pekoe> Hmmmmm

[20:03:55] <[RP] Pekoe> Unc'a Netty's got the best food

[20:04:07] <[RP] Magnolia> [in a dry doubtful tone:] I'm sure.

[While Pekoe talks to the farmers the others continue talking about more magical topics:]

[19:57:10] <[RP] Doc> You [he points at Jadis] Tell me about your interest in the nether sands.

[19:57:46] <[RP] Jadis> Ghosts and.... souls. Are an area of interest.... for me

[Ion also intrigues before getting distracted by Viola]

[19:58:33] <[RP] Doc> Mnm, delightful. We may have to converse at a later time.

[19:58:46] <[RP] Jadis> Of course..... good Doctor

[Doc cracks a.. weird smile.]

[19:59:21] <[RP] Jadis> How rude of me... I have not... introduced myself to you

[19:59:31] <[RP] Doc> And not I to you

[19:59:37] <[RP] Jadis> Jadis Degaré

[20:00:38] <[RP] Doc> A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Doctor Krayn, though most choose to use the nickname

[Neither offers their hand to shake. The two simply observe each other.]

[20:01:14] <[RP] Jadis> An honorable profession.... Doctor Krayn

[20:02:15] <[RP] Doc> Well, I'm glad you think so.

[Jadis stiffly nods in acknowledgement.]

[Doc turns to watch Pekoe talk to Magnolia and Hal. Jadis turns to watch Viola and Ion.]

[19:58:53] <[RP] Viola> Magician Ion, you have to tell me all about the core world you came from

[19:59:10] <[RP] Ion> oh, thats a long story, far too long for right now i fear

[19:59:27] <[RP] Viola> Oh, really? Dang, that's too bad

[19:59:53] <[RP] Viola> If you ever need to learn anything about our world, or have any books you want to trade, I run the library system! I'm always...somewhere in the world

[19:59:53] <[RP] Ion> but tell me about you my lady, I believe you are a local here?

[20:00:08] <[RP] Viola> I am indeed

[20:01:01] <[RP] Viola> Born and raised here, and now I work to keep the library stocked, and go out to the temples and shrines to find more research about the world

[20:01:09] <[RP] Viola> There's a lot here, it's a pretty old place

[20:01:41] <[RP] Ion> fascinating, this library, i will have to visit at some point

[20:01:57] <[RP] Viola> PLEASE you're the most interesting thing to blow into town in a while

[20:03:42] <[RP] Ion> that's quite the compliment

[Ion glances at a nearby clock]

[20:03:53] <[RP] Ion> oh i would love to chat more

[20:04:02] <[RP] Ion> but i must keep track of the time

[20:04:15] <[RP] Viola> Oh, of course. Can't keep a busy magician!

[20:04:18] <[RP] Ion> i have a personal project to attend to, i'm afraid

[20:04:32] <[RP] Ion> but lets chat sometime soon, my good lady

[20:04:39] <[RP] Viola> Aw, well it was great to meet you, and thank you for the gift

[20:04:49] <[RP] Viola> I'm so looking forward to it

[20:05:03] <[RP] Jadis> Farewell, Miss Ion

[20:05:06] <[RP] Ion> and for all you folks, i am happy to serve as your humble magician consultant

[20:05:13] <[RP] Ion> fare thee well for now

[A burst of fireworks light at Ion’s feet and they disappear in the puff of smoke]

[20:05:47] <[RP] Viola> Woah! Just disappeared

[20:05:53] <[RP] Viola> That Magician is something else…

[Hal startles from the loud sound]

[20:05:54] <[RP] Hal> shoo-wee!

[20:06:04] <[RP] Magnolia> Don't they know some'f us have sensitive ears???

[20:06:14] <[RP] Doc> Magician, what a title for yourself. Sounds like a gimmick

[20:06:20] <[RP] Jadis> An intriguing sort...

[20:06:30] <[RP] Viola> I mean, coolest thing to happen here in a while

[Hal places a hand over his chest, taking a breath.]

[20:06:30] <[RP] Magnolia> You'kay, Hallie?

[Hal smiles at Magnolia, with a nod]

[20:06:49] <[RP] Hal> i'm good! i'm good…

[Magnolia relaxes slightly]

[20:07:01] <[RP] Magnolia> Okay...

[Viola notices Jadis silently observing everyone.]

[20:06:47] <[RP] Viola> Oh, Jadis, right?

[Jadis’ head slowly turns to look at Viola]

[20:06:53] <[RP] Jadis> Yes...

[20:06:54] <[RP] Viola> You said something earlier about witchcraft?

[20:07:00] <[RP] Viola> You're really a witch?

[20:07:09] <[RP] Jadis> I... am

[20:07:23] <[RP] Viola> This day just keeps getting better!

[20:07:32] <[RP] Viola> Maybe this letter will finally get them to come visit...

[20:07:41] <[RP] Jadis> I have been practicing... for a long as I ... can remember

[20:07:54] <[RP] Viola> Oh my gods, what sort of practice do you do?

[20:08:06] <[RP] Viola> Do you have tomes? A grimoire?

[20:08:20] <[RP] Viola> Something even cooler???

[20:08:26] <[RP] Jadis> Books are a useful.... resource, yes

[Viola beams]

[20:08:40] <[RP] Jadis> I also... deal in cards

[20:08:44] <[RP] Viola> Cards?

[20:08:48] <[RP] Viola> Like playing cards?

[20:08:55] <[RP] Jadis> In... a way

[20:09:17] <[RP] Viola> Oh wow, even playing cards could be used for witchcraft...

[20:09:32] <[RP] Jadis> They can be... quite useful

[20:09:58] <[RP] Viola> Super, super cool

[20:10:00] <[RP] Jadis> They provide... information... usually

[20:10:36] <[RP] Viola> Have you always had your materials? Where do you get them? Do you make them yourself??

[20:10:51] <[RP] Jadis> Some... are found... some... were made

[20:11:14] <[RP] Viola> Woah. Woah! I've gotta be writing this down

[Viola flips open her books and begins writing.]

[20:11:51] <[RP] Jadis> You have an interest... in magicks... Miss Viola?

[Viola laughs almost awkwardly, pushing up her glasses.]

[20:12:09] <[RP] Viola> I have an interest in everything

[20:12:27] <[RP] Jadis> How lovely... to be passionate about so much

[20:12:47] <[RP] Viola> I think I'd go crazy if I didn't have some sort of passion

[20:13:55] <[RP] Viola> Would you ever be able to show me some of your books?

[20:14:08] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... possibly...

[20:14:22] <[RP] Jadis> I am afraid I am rather... disorganized

[Viola laughs almost too loudly]

[20:14:40] <[RP] Viola> Oh girl, you haven't seen my office

[20:14:51] <[RP] Viola> I'm under the definition of disorganized

[Jadis tilts their head sharply... Did Viola hear a crack? Viola furrows her brow slightly, but her smile doesn't falter.]

[20:17:16] <[RP] Jadis> Ah.. then perhaps... you would find something.... in the mess

[20:17:37] <[RP] Viola> Yeah....Yeah! I'm super good at finding things

[Jadis' head returns upright as sharply as it tilted]

[20:18:34] <[RP] Jadis> What.... do you do... Miss Viola?

[Viola pauses for a moment too long before responding]

[20:19:09] <[RP] Viola> Uh...oh! I'm the librarian. Or well I'm A librarian

[20:19:33] <[RP] Viola> I have different libraries around the world I travel to, and I keep books there from certain regions

[20:19:51] <[RP] Viola> It helps me keep in touch with the farther flung locals too

[20:19:46] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... no wonder you are so.... ravenous... for information

[20:19:56] <[RP] Viola> Yeah seriously!

[20:20:04] <[RP] Viola> I'm always looking for more stuff

[20:20:30] <[RP] Jadis> Well... you are free... to drop by sometime... and peruse my books

[20:20:38] <[RP] Viola> I would so so absolutely love that

[Viola scratches down something on a piece of paper]

[Jadis glances at the paper but says nothing. The paper is mostly half written notes and questions, the last thing Viola appears to have written is "lead for Asha?"]

[20:22:18] <[RP] Viola> Awesome, awesome, awesome

[20:22:49] <[RP] Viola> Thanks for indulging me, it will absolutely happen again

[20:22:57] <[RP] Jadis> Of course, Miss Viola

[Viola checks her watch.]

[20:23:09] <[RP] Viola> Oh shit! I'm gonna be late for dinner

[20:23:18] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... farewell then

[Viola waves goodbye as she puts her book into a sidebag]

[20:23:33] <[RP] Viola> Bye Jadis, awesome to meet you!!

[20:23:40] <[RP] Jadis> A pleasure to meet you

[Viola runs off further into the wayships. Jadis turns to the others after Viola disappears from sight. Silently observing.....]

[After Ion left Pekoe had gone back to asking Hal and Magnolia questions:]

[20:04:17] <[RP] Pekoe> Are your mama and papa the savanna cows? Netty showed me some of 'em, you've got horns like 'em

[Hal glances away, caught off guard by the little one's question.]

[20:05:02] <[RP] Hal> uhh!

[Magnolia looks to Hal very hurriedly to look for his reaction.]

[20:05:11] <[RP] Hal> y'know? uhh.

[Hal struggles to find the right words.]

[20:05:33] <[RP] Magnolia> They're just like him! Not cows!

[Pekoe cocks his oversized puppy head]

[20:05:55] <[RP] Pekoe> not cow?

[20:06:33] <[RP] Doc> Pekoe, sometimes horns are inherited, and sometimes not.

[20:06:43] <[RP] Pekoe> Like yours?

[20:06:50] <[RP] Doc> Mine are not inherited

[Pekoe nods]

[20:07:26] <[RP] Doc> Does that make sense.

[20:07:27] <[RP] Pekoe> Doc, they have a farm like we do!

[20:07:36] <[RP] Pekoe> And the tiny one likes to cook! Like Netty!

[Hal begins to hang back just slightly, letting conversation unfold without him for a spell.]

[20:07:47] <[RP] Magnolia> >:(

[20:07:53] <[RP] Doc> ... Yes. I heard something about that

[20:08:15] <[RP] Pekoe> OH

[20:08:20] <[RP] Pekoe> Do y'all grow 'em all?

[20:08:28] <[RP] Magnolia> Like, crops?

[20:08:38] <[RP] Pekoe> We grow 'em all 'cept pump'ins and melons

[20:08:49] <[RP] Pekoe> Mhm! Crops!

[20:08:50] <[RP] Magnolia> We grow em all, we've got the space for it

[20:09:06] <[RP] Pekoe> Even pump'ins and melons?

[20:09:21] <[RP] Magnolia> we're a lil low on pumpkins 'n melons, considerin' a recent festival, but yeah.

[20:09:34] <[RP] Pekoe> Wowee

[20:09:40] <[RP] Pekoe> That's so cool!!!

[20:09:51] <[RP] Doc> Do you want pumpkins and melons?

[20:09:57] <[RP] Magnolia> we also raise a bit 'a livestock. They're good eat'n.

[20:10:05] <[RP] Magnolia> uhhh, me?

[20:10:12] <[RP] Magnolia> Or the lil one?

[20:10:13] <[RP] Pekoe> I don' like harvesting them. They're too big

[20:10:29] <[RP] Doc> Him, and very well.

[Pekoe nods]

[20:10:26] <[RP] Magnolia> Hal harvests 'em

[Hal joins the conversation again once mentioned:]

[20:10:36] <[RP] Hal> yessir, i do!

[20:10:59] <[RP] Pekoe> I like the pigs, they're fun eating

[Magnolia nods.]

[20:11:09] <[RP] Magnolia> Pigs're my favourite

[20:11:18] <[RP] Magnolia> both as animals and as eat'n

[20:11:35] <[RP] Pekoe> Do you have cows? We have cows

[20:11:44] <[RP] Magnolia> we've got plen'y of cows

[Pekoe side-eyes Hal about that]

[20:11:58] <[RP] Pekoe> For.. eatin'?

[Hal glances back with an unknowing smile.]

[20:12:25] <[RP] Magnolia> [sigh:] Yes, for eat'n.

[20:12:32] <[RP] Pekoe> Hmm

[20:12:35] <[RP] Doc> Farms can serve many purposes

[20:12:42] <[RP] Magnolia> We also have wolves like you

[20:12:45] <[RP] Magnolia> 'n cats.

[20:12:50] <[RP] Pekoe> :O

[20:13:14] <[RP] Pekoe> My pack lives in my den, 'n we have some other wolves for protecting the aminals

[20:13:36] <[RP] Hal> Wolves make mighty good protectors!

[20:13:36] <[RP] Pekoe> Do your pack live in your den?

[20:13:48] <[RP] Magnolia> aint got a den, got a barn

[20:13:57] <[RP] Magnolia> they sleep there or with me 'n the farmhouse.

[20:14:25] <[RP] Pekoe> Barns're for aminals, yeah?

[20:14:32] <[RP] Pekoe> 'n not people?

[20:14:40] <[RP] Pekoe> But? He's not a cow?

[20:14:41] <[RP] Magnolia> Animals 'n produce 'n hay

[20:14:53] <[RP] Doc> People can live in many different places.

[20:14:54] <[RP] Hal> Who, me?

[20:15:08] <[RP] Magnolia> Hal lives in the barn, still

[20:15:14] <[RP] Hal> Yeah, Imma cow! Differn't sort, though.

[20:15:27] <[RP] Pekoe> That one said you weren't a cow, though!

[20:15:30] <[RP] Magnolia> diff'rent sort.

[20:15:54] <[RP] Hal> Well, uh, I ain't the same kinda cow as the ones ya milk n' eat!

[Pekoe nods]

[20:16:14] <[RP] Pekoe> Like Netty couldn't collar me!

[20:16:31] <[RP] Hal> Yeah, we're all a lil' differn't!

[20:16:36] <[RP] Pekoe> :D

[Pekoe nods]

[20:17:01] <[RP] Pekoe> Fun world

[20:17:07] <[RP] Hal> Yup!

[20:17:15] <[RP] Pekoe> Cow 'n Kitty

[20:17:21] <[RP] Pekoe> I'm Pekoe

[20:17:35] <[RP] Hal> [With a welcoming grin:] Nice to meetcha! I'm Hal!

[20:17:38] <[RP] Magnolia> Int'restin' name. Did you pick it?

[20:17:46] <[RP] Pekoe> Nope!

[20:17:56] <[RP] Pekoe> Doc has fun tea names

[20:17:58] <[RP] Magnolia> Me neither. Name's Magnolia.

[20:18:09] <[RP] Magnolia> Doc?

[Pekoe points at Doc]

[20:18:19] <[RP] Pekoe> Doc

[20:18:24] <[RP] Doc> He knocked the canister off the counter. I said the name and he responded to it.

[20:18:24] <[RP] Magnolia> Ah.

[20:18:27] <[RP] Hal> Howdy, Doc!

[20:18:34] <[RP] Doc> Hello.

[Hal extends a hand to shake Doc's, country style.]

[Doc does shake his hand, staring at him.]

[Hal gives a firm handshake, and a grin, before stepping back.]

[20:19:06] <[RP] Pekoe> Hal-olia

[20:19:20] <[RP] Magnolia> Hal-olia?

[Pekoe nods.]

[20:19:29] <[RP] Pekoe> Halolia

[20:19:45] <[RP] Magnolia> Are you just combinin' our names?

[20:19:45] <[RP] Hal> wuzzat mean, lil' bud?

[20:19:49] <[RP] Doc> He likes to combine names.

[20:20:00] <[RP] Pekoe> Noc <3

[20:20:05] <[RP] Magnolia> Kids're strange. Makes sense.

[20:20:10] <[RP] Hal> heheh, you're a silly guy, huh?

[20:20:14] <[RP] Pekoe> Noc 'n Halolia 'n Mapa 'n

[20:20:45] <[RP] Pekoe> Mama says I'm weird

[20:20:48] <[RP] Hal> halolia soun's like some kinda soup!

[20:21:06] <[RP] Doc> Everyone is some variety of weird.

[20:21:13] <[RP] Pekoe> 'n Doc says that when I tell him

[20:21:23] <[RP] Doc> Because it is correct

[20:21:31] <[RP] Pekoe> He says that a lot, too

[20:21:45] <[RP] Hal> Well y'ain't wrong!

[20:21:52] <[RP] Magnolia> I see kids sometimes at the inn. They're all weird 'n their own ways, like you

[20:22:07] <[RP] Pekoe> :D

[Hal tilts his head towards Magnolia:]

[20:22:13] <[RP] Hal> we're weird too, you n' me!

[20:22:26] <[RP] Magnolia> I guess so

[20:22:16] <[RP] Doc> I am seldom wrong

[20:22:24] <[RP] Pekoe> All the other pups growed up an' left the pack

[20:22:36] <[RP] Hal> Yea?

[20:22:40] <[RP] Magnolia> Do ya grow like a wolf or like a person?

[20:23:24] <[RP] Pekoe> Doc says person, 'cause I'm still a pup 'n everyone else growed

[20:23:36] <[RP] Doc> Yes, and you walk on two legs.

[20:23:41] <[RP] Doc> And talk.

[20:23:41] <[RP] Hal> musta gotten mighty lonely, huh?

[20:23:51] <[RP] Pekoe> Mama talks, you just don't listen

[20:24:11] <[RP] Doc> Perhaps she just does not talk to me.

[20:24:27] <[RP] Pekoe> She calls you mean things

[Doc nodded, sighing.]

[20:22:42] <[RP] Doc> Pekoe, would you like to visit their inn at some later time?

[20:23:24] <[RP] Magnolia> Inn's always open for guests.

[20:23:37] <[RP] Magnolia> Speakin' of... we should get back'ta the farm, shouldn't we?

[20:23:51] <[RP] Hal> !

[20:24:08] <[RP] Hal> yeah, guess we oughtta

[20:24:18] <[RP] Magnolia> Well... our farm is, uh,

[20:24:34] <[RP] Magnolia> East and a lil south 'o here

[20:24:49] <[RP] Pekoe> Wha's it called?

[Doc pulls out a small map and pen]

[20:24:51] <[RP] Doc> I'll mark it.

[20:24:52] <[RP] Pekoe> Your farm?

[20:24:55] <[RP] Magnolia> Kindlewheat

[20:25:00] <[RP] Pekoe> Like fire?

[Magnolia stiffens very suddenly.]

[20:25:13] <[RP] Magnolia> I guess.

[Hal steps back a bit more.]

[20:25:35] <[RP] Hal> Y'know, I think, uh.

[Pekoe nods, oblivious to the sudden tenseness he’s caused]

[20:25:38] <[RP] Pekoe> Our farm doesn't have a name I think

[Doc’s takes notice of their reactions, staring intensely.]

[20:25:50] <[RP] Magnolia> We should be goin', it's plen'y late

[20:26:05] <[RP] Magnolia> I've got dinner to cook 'n animals to tend

[20:26:23] <[RP] Magnolia> You two have a save ride home, however ya got here

[20:26:34] <[RP] Hal> yup! yup.

[20:26:36] <[RP] Pekoe> I flew in! Like Netty does!

[20:26:47] <[RP] Magnolia> Right.

[Hal offers one last, albeit forced, smile to Pekoe]

[20:27:18] <[RP] Hal> You keep eatin' good, y'hear?

[20:27:22] <[RP] Pekoe> Yessir!

[20:27:26] <[RP] Hal> heheheh

[20:27:26] <[RP] Magnolia> G'bye, y'all

[Magnolia and Hal begin heading for a nearby nether portal]

[Pekoe smiles bigly and waves at the other two, then zeroes in on Doc]

[Doc waved goodbye as well]

[20:27:37] <[RP] Pekoe> Doc would you harvest pump'ns for me

[20:28:02] <[RP] Doc> Yes, I will get some melons and pumpkins growing. I need some anyway for potions.

[20:28:08] <[RP] Pekoe> :D

[Pekoe begins trying to move through the spawn, tugging on Doc’s hand.]

[20:28:57] <[RP] Doc> Hold on a moment, I need to speak to the witch

[They both turn and look at Jadis, who had been inspecting the things given to them by Ion, but looks up at the mention of its name.]

[20:29:39] <[RP] Jadis> You wish... to speak?

[20:29:56] <[RP] Doc> That's correct..

[Pekoe nods and runs away to stare at fish in the water]

[20:30:28] <[RP] Jadis> Then... my time is yours... good doctor

[20:31:06] <[RP] Doc> There is a soul in you, yes?

[20:31:23] <[RP] Jadis> Yes, I believe...

[20:31:56] <[RP] Doc> I can see it, your soul, I mean.

[20:32:03] <[RP] Jadis> Ah....

[20:32:12] <[RP] Jadis> How... reassuring

[20:32:24] <[RP] Doc> I have never been accused of being such.

[20:32:33] <[RP] Jadis> My... apologies

[20:32:48] <[RP] Doc> Not to worry. Have you ever seen your own soul?

[20:33:02] <[RP] Jadis> I have not

[20:33:12] <[RP] Doc> [In a slightly manic tone:] WOuld you like to?

[Jadis tilts their head, and steeples their fingers.]

[20:34:38] <[RP] Jadis> What does it... entail

[20:35:36] <[RP] Doc> We have several options. I can create a sculpture, or a gemstone.

[20:35:55] <[RP] Jadis> I will... simply be seeing it?

[20:36:15] <[RP] Doc> Yes. If you cannot see souls normally, I will not attempt to shift this.

[20:36:35] <[RP] Jadis> I cannot... see yours

[20:36:47] <[RP] Doc> That is not a good benchmark. Mine is not in my body.

[20:37:03] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... how... interesting

[20:37:36] <[RP] Doc> I keep it elsewhere.

[20:37:50] <[RP] Jadis> I have... no preference... to how I see my soul

[20:38:39] <[RP] Doc> Very well. I will construct a replica

[20:39:18] <[RP] Jadis> Such an… intriguing proposition.... for someone you just met

[20:39:43] <[RP] Doc> I have removed souls in people I have known for briefer. I enjoy the poppy in your hat.

[20:39:52] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... my thanks

[20:40:14] <[RP] Doc> They grow often on battlefields and corpses.

[20:40:19] <[RP] Jadis> Yes they do

[20:40:40] <[RP] Jadis> Quite.... a lovely flower

[20:41:00] <[RP] Doc> Have you ever seen a battlefield filled with poppies? After the battle?

[20:41:12] <[RP] Jadis> Not that I... recall

[20:41:39] <[RP] Doc> I suppose it would be difficult for others to see. Especially now.

[20:42:20] <[RP] Jadis> I'm not sure that I am unfamiliar... with battles

[20:42:43] <[RP] Doc> That is fortunate for you.

[20:43:08] <[RP] Doc> Your pupils are very small.

[20:43:35] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... Are they?

[20:44:03] <[RP] Doc> Yes. They are. How familiar are you with battles, would you say?

[20:44:23] <[RP] Jadis> I do not know

[20:44:38] <[RP] Jadis> I know... very little.. about myself

[20:45:02] <[RP] Doc> How unfortunate. Perhaps I could assist with this issue.

[20:45:12] <[RP] Jadis> Ah...?

[20:46:05] <[RP] Doc> Is that where your interest in souls lies? Trying to reconnect your past?

[20:46:27] <[RP] Jadis> Yes.... in a way

[20:48:06] <[RP] Doc> Well, if you like my help, it is available.

[20:48:19] <[RP] Doc> if not, it does not change the availability of my assistance.

[20:48:26] <[RP] Jadis> A kind offer

[20:48:40] <[RP] Jadis> I will... take you up on it... someday

[20:49:03] <[RP] Doc> Yes, I presume you want to do some research on your own to begin with

[20:49:46] <[RP] Jadis> I appreciate... the consideration

[20:50:22] <[RP] Doc> I am here to do research on the souls of these worlds, it would be irresponsible to not offer my assistance.

[20:51:04] <[RP] Jadis> I would offer... my services... to you as well then

[20:51:21] <[RP] Jadis> if you are ever in need of.... assistance

[20:51:20] <[RP] Doc> And what are the services you provide?

[Doc raises an eyebrow.]

[20:52:00] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... things related to ghosts... or some spirits... divining....

[20:53:06] <[RP] Jadis> Magicks along those lines

[20:53:09] <[RP] Doc> Oh. I do not assume I will need assistance with such things. I am generally capable of handling such things on my own.

[20:53:44] <[RP] Jadis> Ah... forgive my... presumption... in offering.... help

[20:54:36] <[RP] Doc> It has been a necessity for me to learn due to my... unique circumstances

[Jadis nods in acknowledgement]

[20:56:38] <[RP] Doc> Do you know your age?

[20:56:45] <[RP] Jadis> I do not

[20:58:18] <[RP] Doc> Does this world have any historical records?

[20:58:50] <[RP] Jadis> I suppose.... if there was... Miss Viola would know

[20:59:11] <[RP] Doc> Mnm. That may be a good place to start.

[20:59:26] <[RP] Doc> I will speak to her

[21:02:04] <[RP] Jadis> Do you have... any other questions for me... Doctor Krayn

[21:02:41] <[RP] Doc> Not at the current moment. I will contact you if that changes

[21:03:13] <[RP] Jadis> Of course.... It was... good to meet you

[21:03:20] <[RP] Doc> Likewise

[Doc looks around to depart but doesn't see Pekoe through the bustle of spawn.]

[21:04:37] <[RP] Doc> Hm. I will need to find Pekoe before I depart

[21:05:01] <[RP] Jadis> I believe the young Master... went to the water

[21:05:09] <[RP] Doc> Why do you call him that?

[21:05:33] <[RP] Jadis> It is... only proper... to be... polite

[21:06:13] <[RP] Doc> It is not a phrase I hear often

[Doc looks in the direction Jadis indicated and sees Pekoe watching the water]

[21:06:34] <[RP] Doc> Ah, there he is. Have a safe trip home. Jadis.

[21:06:42] <[RP] Jadis> Too you.. as well

[Jadis fiddles with the warp stone from Ion, suddenly disappearing in a puff of purple particles.]

[Doc approaches Pekoe]

[21:07:21] <[RP] Doc> Have you caught anything

[21:07:26] <[RP] Pekoe> I saw a fish eat a fish

[21:07:34] <[RP] Doc> Did you enjoy that?

[21:07:41] <[RP] Pekoe> Ye

[21:07:54] <[RP] Doc> Would you like a fish?

[21:08:04] <[RP] Pekoe> Yeah!

[Doc grabs a knife from his bag before jumping into the ocean. He brings back a dead clownfish for Pekoe.]