Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"

[Legendary Sidekick]

Beatrice is very excited to see Diana. Though a goddess, She seems to have more in common with Ariel than not.

Hi, Diana. I trust the others are safe as well?

She doesn't stray far from the door to Lara's.

It's ready!

 

[JRFLynn]

Riff

“Farewell, farewell, till then.” I reply to Father Ben. My mouth curls into a smile, knowing exactly where to go. That garden is sounding pretty good…patches with mother’s blessing is always a comfort. I miss my home, my other fairy sisters. I’m sure they’re reborn by now, but it still hurts sometimes. Oh well, I’m sure Esmerelda will be happy to see me!

Jei

Look at that! I was surprised when Addison snuck around before. I’m not really the quiet sort, more the bash-and-slash and hope for the best kind. Let’s give it a try. Crouching like a cat, I slowly move through the grass.

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I smile and hug Beatrice as she comes to greet me, then read her hands. I nod and sign back, We're all fine. We have some new friends, too. Some of them went hunting, and the rest are going to see Esmeralda the herbalist. Vincent went with those who are seeing Esme; I thought I should stop in here. I have so much to tell you.

I blink at the mention of my dress. That was fast! She said it would be ready tomorrow. Still, after this last fight, I'm not complaining. I follow Beatrice, eager to see Lara's finished handiwork. A brief reprieve from the horrors we've witnessed would be very nice indeed.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jei

Addison and I become one with the wilderness, blending in with the tall fauna and rotund trees. She stops me with a signal, directing toward a patch of clearing by a tranquil pond. Ah, it’s a watering hole. I give a nod, creeping closer, and closer. Agonizing moments pass by, but I can eventually sense the beast from my hiding spot.

I can hear its heavy breath, and the grinding cud as it munches. Silently, I ready my bow, knocking a robin. Peeking quick, instincts leap with joy. By the looks of that furry hump, the armored sheets of scales that shield its sides, and the beast’s hulking head crowned with horns…We’re having Buffadillo, tonight. That is, if we don’t get trampled to death in the process.

I wait for Addison, we’ll attack together.

Riff

Vincent and I head for Esmerelda’s, will he go frolicking too? The trek across Asahi beach is surprisingly short, he’s fine company. When we reach the quaint Inn, it seems she’s been expecting us. Though, I smile at her expression of incredulity. I’ll never be content staying small now that I don’t have to be. Don’t know why. I’ll have to thank Pidge for freeing me, in a sense.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Hunting Grounds

Addison watches Jei, and listens. Leaves rustle, but Jei doesn't snap any twigs. While not nearly as stealthy as Addison, Jeisera is much more agile. Her catlike stance will make it difficult for her to be spotted.

"Nice form," Addy says. "You're quiet enough, so here's how we'll work it. When one of us moves, the other watches her. Whoever's moving watches for prey. If I stop and signal you, I found nothing. If I stop and ready me bow, it means you best ready yours. Spare the doe if a buck can be found."

Addy moves, but she finds nothing. She signals Jei to move. When Jei moves, she sees Addison is watching her, looking for her signal. Jei gives it. Addy's grin confirms she sees it, too.

She says nothing. She simply readies her arrow.

Her grappler gun malfunctions, sending her arrow a pathetic twenty feet. The beast turns to face Addison, who is already reaching for her axe…



Lara's Shop

"Oh, hi Daina!" Lara shows Diana her gown. "I wanted to finish yours before closing up, so I can work on Princess Fenella's in the morning." She holds up the blue gown with rose trim, adding, "The scarf is no extra charge. It's the same material, so I just needed to plan ahead when cutting. Please… try it on!"

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I smile as I read Lara's lips, and grin at the sight of my dress and sash. Both are exquisitely made, just as I'd pictured them. I hug Lara tightly in gratitude, then duck behind a curtain to try on the outfit.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jei

My eyes pop as Addison’s gun jams, but an arrow manages to free and alert the Buffadillo. It’s a bull, and the beastie looks pretty pissed. She goes for an axe as spiked hooves ominously stomp the ground. Clods of grass get kicked up, as nostrils flare.

“RAWR!” I growl, popping like a squirrel from my nook. The beast jumps at my sudden reveal. With his sights fixed on me, Addy will have time to take a whack at it! Whether that’s smart or not, only time will tell!

“FFFFFF—”

My failed shot kindly bounces off the raged Buffadillo's head.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Hunting Grounds

"Eep!"

As the beast charges Jei, Addy charges the beast.

"I got…"

Addison's axe makes an odd sound, as if mechanical…

"…everything…"

It takes on a sword-like form.

"…under control…"

There's a look of doubt as the horns of the buffadillo are close. One for each Huntress.

"…I think!"

She jabs the beast in his soft underbelly. Jagged yellow streaks of lightning surround the beast.

He is paralyzed.

"That's me only phial Jei. I'll explain later. Make a pin cushion of'im!" Eyeing Jei's quiver, she adds, "Ravens or sparrows!"

((Roll two attacks.))

 

[JRFLynn]

Jei

My hands wildly grab an arrow! Any arrow! Just a plain old Robin.

The arrow get's lodged in its neck. I swiftly shoot another robin.

 

[Ireth]

Diana

The new gown fits me perfectly, not that I expected anything less. But some things happen that I didn't anticipate. A tingly shiver runs down my spine, lasting less than a second. The gown makes me feel... well, safe is a good word, though there's more to it than that. It's something I can't quite put words to, but I have a feeling I'll find out soon enough if I wait and see.

I unwrap the matching sash from my waist and fold it carefully. If it behaves like this gown, which I trust it will, I'm sure Vincent will appreciate it. It won't cover as much of him as my gown does me, but every little bit helps. He can wear it over his heart. And -- not that this really matters -- our outfits will match, too. The thought makes me grin.

Emerging from behind the curtain, I turn slowly on the spot to let Beatrice see the gown from all sides.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Hunting Grounds

"That's showin'im!" Addy shouts with glee. Until…

BOOM!

The phial in Addison's odd weapon explodes, sending the Huntress staggering back as her weapon reverts to its axe shape.

Luckily for the Huntresses, the buffadillo has a sucky roll, too.
misjudges Addison's distance and swings his horns up three feet in front of her, leaving his neck exposed.



At the Shop

"You look beautiful," says Beatrice. To Lara, the child-goddess adds, "I believe you really do have The Maiden's blessing."

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I smile and ruffle Beatrice's hair fondly, then find my satchel and write a note for Lara. It's even better than I'd hoped for. I can't thank you enough! I'm sure Princess Fenella will be every bit as pleased as I am.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jei

This is one monster of a Buffadillo!

Panic's got me by the throat.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Addison is still staggering from yet another mechanical weapon working against her! Jei saves her with a distraction.

The buffadillo's armor deflects Jei's arrow, though her moment of panic costs her the opportunity to go for the throat. The beast attacks her…

…but Jeisera is too quick and agile for the armored bull.

Addison finally has her weapon in order. She whacks the beast with her axe…

…just hard enough to pierce his shell.

"Oh, dammit," she says. "Put'im out o' misery."

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I smile as we walk through a wide swath of flowers and herbs on the way to Esmeralda's. Not wanting to linger on the battle or its aftermath, I sing to lift my spirits, and hopefully Riff's as well.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jei

This has to be the craziest hunt I've been on, normally I'm running for my life.

Though it's a weak shot, the arrow flies right into the wound Addison gashed with her axe. The attack plunges deep into the beast's tender flesh, striking the heart. The Buffadillo gives a cry of surprise, before crumpling over in a cloud of dust.

((EDIT by LS - Sorry… he's too tough to take damage from a weak attack!))

I wait in silent apprehension, jumpy as a blood-hungering flea.

Riff

"Oh, thank you! That was lovely!" I sigh. "That's quite a gift you have, Vincent! Were you blessed by The Voice?"

I recognize his angelic voice from the steakhouse, there's an uplifting power behind it! Now that we're through the Inn's gate, Esmerelda stops flailing her broom at the honeysuckle-bats--which were making a menace on her porch, spewing honey on the walls and floorboards--and turns to wave.

"Hello Esmerelda!"

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I smile at Riff's compliments. "I don't know about 'blessed', but I do serve the Voice with joy. My daughter does as well."

As we pass through the gate, I smile at the woman on the threshold. "Esmeralda, is it? A pleasure."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Hunting Grounds

The best is dying, but hasn't given up on the Huntresses yet.

But once again, his attack proves too weak.

Addy readies her axe, but hangs back.

"Do the honors," she says, giving Jei one last shot to finish the beast.



((By the way, I'm working on character art. A long as we RP a bit, I have time to make dressable characters. To those not offended by anatomically-incorrect nudity, here's what I mean by dressable.))

 

[JRFLynn]

Jeisera

A flash of panic sent me skyrocketing into a daydream where I thought the beast had died, and the clouds parted, and there was a glorious shower of ham hocks and Buffadillo bacon...but, then reality not-so-gently took me by the scruff of the neck and threw me into the present!

At this point, I should break my bow and pray to the vegi gods.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Hunting Grounds

As Addy sees another arrow bounce off the armored best, she shouts, "Oh, just die, dammit!"

There is a cracking sound when her axe connects, and this time the beast is down to stay. She looks at Jei, a big grin forming even as she tries to catch her breath.

"I can't believe we got out o' that mess unscathed."



Made of Honor (Lara's Shop)

"I'm glad you liked it," Lara says. "Perhaps you'll wear it to The Maiden's ceremony tonight? Oh, you will be there, will you not?" She turns to Beatrice. "And of course, you will be there as well."

Beatrice replies, "Of course."



Esmerelda's Garden

A kindly old lady greets Vincent and Riff. "Yes. I am Esmerelda. Welcome to my garden." To Riff adds, "And you are welcome as well, though… you're still tall. No matter. I suppose conversation is simpler this way."