Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"

[Ireth]

Diana

I nod, then write out a more detailed response. I wouldn't miss it for anything. Of course I'll wear this. To myself, I add that I hope I won't need it... but with the way things are going, it's quite likely I will.

On that note, I turn to Beatrice and sign. I should tell you about what happened today. I'm afraid it's not a pleasant story.

I keep the explanation brief, but as clear as possible -- Barney and the orcs, our victory against them, and finally Father Ben's words about Barney and Holst. A shiver runs through me, and my hands tremble a little as I detail the latter. We're all in this way over our heads.

Vincent

I smile and bow. "Vincent Hawk, at your service. I must say, your garden is beautiful." I wish Diana were here; she'd definitely appreciate this.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jei

"Gods, finally!" Mounting my foot on the wily beast, I flash a triumphant grin. Now for the fun part, ripping all that meat from the beast's carcass. Now that my wits have returned...I must be craving pork. Those orcs were so good, I hope we cross more so I can wear their skulls as pants! "We are truly awesome!"

Riff

"Indeed, your garden is splendid..." I say, holding the urge till I'm red in the face. But I can't. "IT IS! IT IS!"

Pesky pixy paroxysms. Tall or not, that's one quirk that'll never go. "Oh, it was awful! Today I was almost married to a barn, and-and there were flaming orcs, and my brother is a demon!" I blurt, close to bursting. "M-May I frolic in your garden please?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Hunting Grounds

"I got a cart stashed back near town. We should get that before we start carving up the big guy."

((@JRF, you can decide whether conversation takes place while getting the cart, carving, or hauling the meat.))

As the two Huntresses work together, Addy asks Jei,

"What did your fairy friend mean about you going through much o' life without ever having seen… boys? If you don't mind me asking."



Esmerelda's Garden

"Please. Make yourselves at home," says the lady. She laughs at the frolicking comment. "By all means, dear. Enjoy the flower in whatever ways a daughter of The Gardener sees fit."

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

"Thank you very much." I step inside, looking around with a smile. The place is quite cozy, and smells as refreshing and interesting as the garden outside. Many plants grow in pots along the walls and windowsills, some I recognize and others I don't. I admire them with equal parts caution and curiosity, knowing better than to get too close.

 

[JRFLynn]

Jeisera

Addison and I fetch the cart behind a shed near the lumber yard, and spend an hour or so carving. Things go much faster with two huntresses at work, and I keep two of the Buffadillo’s horns and a hunk of fur as a trophy. I plan to make a furry buffadillo hat. With it, I will look fearsome as that beastie! Then, I shall be awesome.

As we haul the beastie meat back to camp, Addy asks me a personal question.

“Heh, pesky Riff. She’s my little sis, sometimes big sis.†I laugh, but the smirk gradually fades from my face. “I grew up with pixies in one of their sanctuaries—Holst’s sanctuary. Don’t know how I ended up there. There wasn’t boys about, so I thought meself a pixy too.â€

“But then hunters came. They were on a pilgrimage, and they helped me see the truth. I made a rather silly pixy, you see. Couldn’t fly. Couldn’t do magic. They taught me the hunter’s craft, but I stayed with my sisters when it was time to choose.†My eyes hardened, became sharp as daggers, as I go on. “When I was out hunting one day, something foul swooped into my home, burned the sanctuary, my sisters…it’s like they were blown to ash.â€

I’ve never told anyone before, and it’s hard to stomach now that it’s free. “If I find out that mucker Holst had something to do with it, by Woodsy and the Gardner, he’s a gonner.â€

Maybe I’ve said too much? I try to focus on hauling this meat, but the thought has been irking me ever since we left the chapel.

 

[Ruby]

Fenella

I call Mariya.
"Hey!" I say to the little muse. "Hop on my shoulder. We're going shopping to collect my new dress from Esmerelda's shop. Are you planning to buy anything, too?"

We all need new clothes. Our old garments are singed and smell of smoke from the fire in the barn. But, at least we escaped with our lives!

"I wonder what my new dress will be like?" I wonder aloud. "I hope it's practical, fashionable and cheap." We Princesses like to get value for money, but our clothes must show that we are royal!

 

[Noma Galway]

I hop up to Fenella's shoulder. "I don't think Esmerelda is the one with the shop. But I would enjoy having a new dress." I smile. "It's probably gorgeous. Let's go see."

 

[Ruby]

((Oh dear! Whose shop is it?))


Fenella: "Yes, let's go now."

We set off down the road, happy to have something nice to look forward too!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Esmerelda's

The old woman shows Vincent around. There is a variety of plants, including fruit-bearing plants and others in full bloom. At one point, she warns Vincent of a cactus spouting flowers with petals that are purple at the ends, blue-white in the middle, and pale yellow at the center. "Don't get pricked by this one," she says. "The common name for this cactus is Lightning Rod. I have no use for it myself, but Addison pays me well to care for it. She's a local Huntress, in case you've never met. Whenever she deems a blossom ready, she picks it, extracts juices from the flower, and puts it all in a tube. Not glass, but some kind of crystal. Anyway, do you know much about herbs, Vincent?"

Esmerelda glances over in Riff's direction, curious as to how a fairy would frolic in a human body.



Hunting Grounds

Addison shudders at the news of Jei's sisters. "What kind o' monster would mass murder a bunch o' fairies? I don't know nothing about demons, but this Holst or whoever killed your fairy friends... I best fix me grappler gun if he's a flying demon."

Addison giggles as she sees the horns and skins. "A fine hat, that'll make!"

She moves up to the cart, and says, "Grab an end. Pink's don't pay much, but we can sell the meat except what we mean to keep for our own dinner. I got a plot o' land I'm renting from Esmerelda, so we can cook over an open flame. Well... not me. I suppose Vincent's our cook, though I could swear there was a guy throwing meat cleavers in battle. Maybe me eyes play tricks, or having a meat cleaver don't make a man a cook. I don't know nothing about cooking anyway. Except that dried beef, smoked ham, and blackened chicken are all supposed to taste good, but everything I make that's dried, smokey and burnt black tastes like..."



Outside Lara's Shop

A woman says a discouraging word as she and her friend pause by Lara's door before walking away. Fenella and Mariya soon see they were reacting to this sign.

SORRY, WE'RE CLOSED.
HAPPY MAIDEN'S DAY!

Despite the posted words, Lara opens the door, smiling pleasantly at Fenella. "Oh, never mind that. Do come in, Princess..." Her eyes light up at the sight of Mariya. Lara struggles to contain herself. "I see you brought a friend. Oh... this will be fun!"

She moves to a table where gold and purple materials are laid out, and says, "I can't promise this will be ready for the celebration, but..." She looks at the muse with a tight-lipped grin. "Are you here to shop as well?"

 

[JRFLynn]

Riff

It feels a bit different frolicking when big, I’m clumsier, and I can’t dance on flowers obviously. Instead, I prance around and spin, churning faerie dust around me, letting go of the terrible tension that's vexing my pixy heart. When I’m out of breath, I plop in a clear patch and try to absorb the essence of the garden. Mother’s presence is here, evident in the life given to the root gnomes and dancing mums. A few grumbly gnomes pop from their holes to grab a look at me, wearing their daisy hats and cheeky expressions. Mums come flocking around in droves, wanting to play. Nope, I think I’ll rest here until Jei comes back. With that, I curl up in a bed of clover and take a nap.

Jeisera

“Sounds good, but I need to make a detour after we sell our meats.” I like Pink and his wife. They were friendly to us, so now I want to repay the favor with this haul. Dragging the cart to the back door of the restaurant, Mr. Pink pops his head out.

 

[Noma Galway]

Lara seems a little displeased when she asks if I'm here to shop. It is a holiday, after all. More than that, it's the Maiden's special holiday. I think for a moment before responding. "If it isn't any trouble. I would hate to add on to your workload."

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I nod at the mention of Addison, admiring the Lightning Rod. "We've met." What a splendid warrior that girl is. I wonder if Ariel is faring the same on Roku-Roku. "I know a little about herbs, mainly because my wife is a herbalist like yourself. Her skills have helped us out many a time. I wouldn't fancy myself an expert, though. I leave that to Diana."

Diana

I nod at Beatrice's reply, and sign again. In that case, I think we should invest in at least one weapon for you. The danger we face will not show you mercy just because you have the form of a child. If anything, I have learned that evildoers are often crueller to children than to adults. But I will do everything in my power to protect you nonetheless.

I look down at the scarf draped over my arm. Maybe Beatrice should wear it instead of Vincent, for whatever aid it will give. I'm not sure yet what it does, but if it has Her blessing, maybe it will help Her too.

I look up as Fenella and Mariya enter the shop, and wave to them in greeting.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Lara's Shop

Lara covers her mouth. "Trouble? Oh, no... not at all." She pulls on a rope, revealing a sizable doll collection. All of the wooden dolls are Mariya's size, and they have the same blonde hair and same figure. Lara stops trying to hide her enthusiasm. "I've always wanted to make a dress for a pixie!" She giggles, but the giggling stops when hers eyes shift from Mariya to the dolls, all of which have a breast size that is not at all pixie-like.

"I think you'll want a custom dress," she says. "The cost, for you, will be $77." She takes out a small measuring tape made of a thin cloth. "I'll need to measure you. Is that okay?" To Fenella, she asks, "Your Highness... do you carry coins for your friend?"


Beatrice's eyes are momentarily glued to the doll collection.

At one point, Lara tells her, "These are my Amies. My brother the woodworker makes them. He has this... action figure, he calls it. It's a little wooden soldier he calls Barby the Barbarian. He makes weapons for him, and wooden monsters to fight. He has only daughters, but they still play with their Barbies. I said Barbie is too boyish, so he made Amy. Amy the Amazon. But I just like to dress them. My brother was much older," she explains to Beatrice, "so I was younger than you when I played with Amy. But even now, I make little gowns with leftover material."

Beatrice is genuinely interested in the Amies, but even as she looks over the collection with her childlike smile, she projects a response to Diana.

Javelin, Spear, and Shield. I need to fight like a shield maiden, though I will rely only on the javelin if I can help it. I know my mortal form is frail.



Esmerelda's Garden

"Diana. You will have to bring her here, then. I have much to offer, but rather than prattle on about this root and that flower, perhaps your wife can tell me what she means to make, and I'll see what ingredients I have to offer." She looks back to check on Riff, who is already asleep. "Oh, that Pidge. Sugarplums are too playful. I don't think a fairy should be like that. The poor thing, she can't even fly."



Pink's

The Pinks seem quite pleased with the meat, though Al is almost apologetic. "I'd pay a lot more than $200, but you kept all the best cuts." He turns to Jei, "Not that I blame you. Buffadillos don't fall easily, so I'm lucky to be serving buffadillo at all." To Addy, he asks, "How come you never sell to Brown?"

Mrs. Pink rolls her eyes. "Please, Al. I think these ladies have too much self-respect for the likes of him."

Mr. Pink gives Jeisera twenty gold coins ($200).

 

[Ireth]

Diana

I nod soberly at Beatrice's words, and sign again. Now that I have my dress, we can look at Big Buck's to see whether he has anything you can use. Once we get to the mountain, I'm sure my fellow Shieldmaidens would be only too happy to teach you to fight. I'm better with a sword than a spear or javelin, but I can teach you some techniques I've picked up along the way, and of course I'll instruct you in how to use a shield. I'd be honored to take you on as my protege.

Vincent

"Of course. She's over at Made of Honor at the moment, checking in on my niece. Perhaps I'd best go and join her sooner rather than later, and bring her here if she wishes."

 

[JRFLynn]

Jeisera

Turning to Addy, I give her a smile. “You can go ahead if you want, I’m going to stop by Buck’s and then head to Esmerelda’s. Or, is your quiver a bit empty too? I can pick something up for ya to save time.”

At Buck’s, a fellow in orange gives me a nod. I assume he’s Buck.

“20 of each please, I have a feeling I’m gonna need ‘em soon.” I give him a wad of money, but I’m not quite sure what that amounts to…

Riff

When we were young, Jei always wanted to be a pixy, and I always wanted to be big like Jei. Well, I can’t say Jei will ever get her wish, but maybe I could find a way to be more useful when this size…I open my eyes, and yawn heavily. The cute mums saw fit to blanket me whilst I napped. When I sit up, they unlock and tumble around me. “Why, thank you. That was kind of you, mums.” The critters here are so well behaved.

When I return to Esmerelda, Vincent, and the group, I let them know I’m wandering off for a bit.

It may seem silly to others, but if I’m going to be committed to taking this form I need to learn an attack or two. Maybe pixy-foo, if there is such a thing. Maybe Pidge will have some advice? That is, if she’s willing to trust me after that incident with the dojo.

Master Dan’s Dojo looks far grander than before, Dan the Fifth squirms as I approach. I’m sure my face will haunt his nightmares, but I vow not to step on any mushrooms…unless they sprout under me, of course.

 

[Ruby]

Fenella

Mariya and I are in Lara's shop. We're pleased that she's let us in, despite the notice on the door. But then, I'm accustomed to traders wanting to please Royalty. They usually bend over backwards, as they say, to serve us well. They like to name drop and have the Royal Crest on their notepaper! Often they give their services free as they are so happy to serve members of the Royal Family. It is, indeed, an honour for them.

However, Lara seems to want to be paid for her work. She shows me beautiful purple and gold material. I thought the dress would be ready but she does not appear to have started making it yet. That's a pity, as I'd like to change out of my grubby, fire damaged clothes as soon as possible.

She asks if I carry coins for Mariya, but the muse carries her own money. This is in case she needs funds when we're apart. Lara shows Mariya some cute dolls in her size. She will use these to fit the new dress.

Then Lara shows me her pattern and we discuss the details for the design. I hope that she will work fast and finish soon.

 

[Noma Galway]

I nod at Lara. "Thank you," I say. "Of course you can measure me." I look oddly at Fenella. "I don't carry my own money. I'm not big enough to carry coins." I thought she knew that.

 

[Ruby]

(( I'm pretty sure that Legendary Sidekick said recently that Fenella and Mariya will keep their money separate as they are independent of each other. ))

Fenella:

I see Mariya's look.

"Oh, yes," I say. "I see that I'm carrying your money, Mariya." I turn to Lara. "Do you want a deposit and we pay you when the clothes are ready or do we pay you in advance?" I ask.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Tailor Shop

Lara's hands are very gentle. Though curious, she keeps her fingers away from Mariya as much as possible. She takes her time to make sure the measuring tape is accurate, but not uncomfortably tight.

To answer Fenella, she simply says, "I can take the money now, or in the morning, Your Highness."

((@Ruby, Noma, I deducted the amount for both dresses on the Heroes thread. You'll have to work out in-game how the characters split their funds for the account. It's 5070 before paying for the dresses.))


Dojo

Pidge giggles when Riff approaches Master Dan. "You really like my spell, don't you? Oh… but you know you can't stay like that forever. I suppose the spell will last through the night, but I never keep a big form for very long."


Buck's

"Twenty of everything? Now… hold on a bit, Miss. I got robins at $10 a dozen. I can sell you twenty for $15—price of eighteen—if you like round numbers. Jays, ravens, sparrows… $90 will get you twenty of each. I'd charge $30 for twenty chickens, but I'm down to a half dozen. Same with pigeons. I only got three kiwis, which are $20 each. I have two flamingos for $50 each. And my only phœnix is $777.

"Think on it a bit."


He turns to Diana, but Beatrice is quick to place her order.

"I'm afraid I can't… um…"

The golden boots champ shows up. "Sure you can," he says. "My sister's gonna be a shield maiden, yo. Don't be underestimating her. She'll work her way up the ranks and…"

Beatrice rolls her eyes. "Please, dear brother. Not in front of my commander. I don't want her to think me overconfident because you exaggerate."

He looks at Diana. "She commands you? Won't that get kinda awkward when you lead an army of valkyries into that great battle dad's always talking about?"

"Brother? Please."

The champ says, "Suit yourself, kid." He rustles Beatrice's hair, then opens his clinched fist. Gold coins rain down. "Keep the change," he says.

Sister Annie comes to the door. "Are we dining at Brown's, or not?"

The champ slaps the nun on the butt. "Damn straight we eat at Brown's. Say, there's a nun who dines here that you gotta meet."

"A nun? Why can't I be a sugarplum?"

"A pixie? I can't f—"

Voices trail off as the champ and the nun leave.

 

[Ireth]

Vincent

I excuse myself to go in search of Diana and Beatrice, strolling through Esme's luxurious gardens. As I pass a field of clover, I pick a few shamrocks in preparation for the Maiden's Day festival, then look a little closer. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a four-leaf clover.

Diana

I look around as the man in gold boots comes into the shop. He turns to me, seeming surprised at Bee's position as my protege. Before I can respond, Bee speaks for herself.

The brawler places a fistful of coins into the shopkeeper's hand, and I blink in surprise -- is he paying for what Bee means to buy? I had hoped to do that myself, as a birthday gift for her. Nonetheless I smile in gratitude. I suppose that saves Vincent and me some money.

Somewhat belatedly, the golden-booted man's words make me freeze. He called Bee his sister, and mentioned their father, and the end of the world... He has to be another god in his mortal form!

Vincent

As I head through town toward Lara's shop, I notice the gentleman in the golden boots leaving Big Buck's shop alongside Sister Annie. I wave to them in greeting, and catch their conversation as I approach. Very interesting words for a brawler to have with a nun, that's for sure! But something seems odd. I frown, and then my eyes widen.

I can't read their minds. Either of them. Not a whisper.

A chill runs up my back. That, coupled with Sister Annie's clear mention of the word 'mortals', brings a thrilling thought to my mind. I watch as they pass out of sight, then head into the shop, catching flickers of Diana's thoughts inside. She muses on gods in human form; she must have figured it out as well.


Diana

Addison walks past me, and though she smiles, her eyes are damp. I wonder what's the matter, but can't think of how to ask. I catch her gently by the shoulder, signing to her in concern. What's the matter? But even as my hands move, I realize she probably doesn't know how to read hand-signs. Hopefully my meaning gets across nonetheless.

Over Addison's shoulder, I see Vincent coming into the shop. He waves, and I beckon him over, hoping Addison won't balk.