#theecryptiid

[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.]