Masa con Papas: Proxy's Memory

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 

[image description: Rook, the canine furry skeletal proxy approaches a cloaked stranger who is mostly off the artwork's frame. Charon stands in the background, hair messy and weapon in hand watching in anticipation of a fight.]

You've found yourself with little chance to rest in the time since you've entered.

The fauna is hostile.

The air is volatile.

No matter where you go, the wind and storm seem to be all against you.

All that remains is ruins, memories of a era you've long forgotten.

Somehow all this feels within your comfort zone, as if you've always been meant to end up here one day but..

That is not now, you've plenty of work.

And unfortunately for you, another opponent arrives, a rat.

Rook takes initiative, ready to approach.

Since you've managed to win a scrap with your familial predecessor, their confidence has shown a massive boon.

You prep your weapon close, prepping to give your proxy cover...

only to be met with a light gesture and a kindly voice.

The Rat: You've come a long way for a unmarked grave. So be the old saying.

The Rat: Fortunately for you, my intentions have no overlap there.

You find yourself weirdly at ease, words lost.

The Rat: I can't really tell how to greet you if I'm honest though. Old friend? Someone I've been more than overdue on meeting? Still...

The Rat: I didn't think I'd be seeing you in a place for a good while. All grown up.. stronger, healthier than I recall.

Charon:... You do remind me of someone.

The Rat: I'd hope so.. you've certainly seen me at least a few times.

Was it...?

No that's absurd.

Charon: Do you know my name?

The Rat: Mm, and your grandmother too.. we've been friends for quite a long time.

The Rat: and of course that means that you're more than welcome in my domain as well... not that we're currently there.

Charon: Are you...

Lets not make it weird..

Charon: An entity of hers?

The Rat: You could put it like that, on much better terms than I understand you were with yours. She talks about you all the time you know?

Your proxy is given a good look from head to toe by the rat.

Charon: Something wrong?

The Rat: Hard to tell, you've been giving your friend there quite the workout though..

Charon: There's been a lot happening very quickly..

The Rat: Mmhmm! I can see it on you as well.... I take it you've ascended then? Does your family know at all? I can inform them you're safe if-

Charon: I'm more than well and alive... I'm just handling a bit of maintenance. Something here has been calling me..

The Rat: A void will tend to do that, given enough incentive to keep the people within. I would heed caution, whatever rewards may be on the other end often cannot be taken home after all.

Charon: Could you provide me with info perhaps? I... I really could use anything at the point I'm at.

The Rat: Mmhmm! And plenty more. A safehouse of mine isn't too far from here, perhaps you'd like to take a rest there? Clean up, a glass of wine-

Charon: ...A slice of cheese?

The Rat: Erica taught you well.

Charon: Just a lucky guess really.

The Rat: Intuition is a valuable thing to have, don't sell yourself short.

The rat gestures toward the two of you to follow.

Charon: Right now?

The Rat: Time moves differently here, whatever has you worried back home I assure it hasn't been long and you've plenty of daylight to spare.

Charon: Mm, fair enough. Rook?

The proxy nods, retreating back to just behind your shoulder and clinging on. Any sort of intensity coming from it seems to be gone..  You manage to maintain a good pace keeping up, though your legs are starting to rebel.

It seems like good timing at the very least... can you really trust him though?

Just don't agree to anything you can't commit to, this is the land of folks like Styx.

The Rat: Timid thing, really is putting on a brave face for your sake.

Charon: Can't be helped.

The Rat: To be frank that's really just it telling on you in ways you're not ready to admit.. You work yourself too hard. Your whole family tends to make that quite obvious but..

Charon: I.. need to work on that.

The Rat: Treat yourself, resting well is a part of becoming a more complete person after all..

Charon: You are correct... speaking of..

The Rat: Mm?

The rat turns over to look at you.

Charon: Introduction?

The Rat:.. Really just went straight to the old wizard thing.. The name is Anura.

Charon: Like a frog?

Anura: Perhaps, but I suppose that'd make you a frog too-

Charon: No.

Anura: No?

Charon: You are not dropping this revelation on me until we are seated.

 

 

[image description: Anura, the rat, face close up. He has dark hair, a eye that's always closed and another that's hidden behind bindings, a hat, stitched lines around his neck, and a pair of bite marks around his neck and shoulder. Scars from what look like someone of vampiric nature.]

He gives you a silly little smile.

Charon: I'm serious-

Anura: So am I.