King's Mulligan [Interactive Project]

[Ignispark]

let's look for the most elegant or the most scary looking book. like if any of them are glowing ominously or just utterly covered with decoration.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

You feel brave today.
 
You want to find the most elegant or frightening looking tome in the library. Something glowing or decorated, something that catches the eye.



Styx’s proxy peeks over on occasion but otherwise seems nonchalant about you wandering the library alone.

 The isle ahead is loaded with plenty of books on various utilities, some that you might want to consider at looking through later but nothing that really fits the description of "Forbidden Knowledge" that Styx seemed to promise.

 Still... there's plenty more in this room and a cozy looking spot in the next section that catches your eye. You head your way toward the upcoming doorway.

You push through the door, blinking.

 The sensation of the door disappears from your palms.

 Motion catches your eyes, sending your head swiveling.

 Trees rustle in the dark, all around you.

 Your eyes take a moment to adjust to the dark woods, looking upward to find not a single star in the pitch-black sky.

 You turn around, knowing the previous section of the library will be there.

 But, it isn't.

 No shelves, no sections, no doors. Only more trees.

 And you've already lost your bearings.



 As you stand in the dark, dumbfounded, a sound finds its way to your ears.

 It's faint, but rhythmic. Your best guess is...music. A guitar, playing.

 Every strand of instinct tells you to run in the other direction, that something isn't right here.

 But, something about the sound soothes you, gentle strumming putting you more at ease than you expected to be.



 You follow it.



 The gentle tune draws itself more into focus by the time you spot a light up ahead.

 Clearer and clearer it becomes, until finally-


 You stumble your way into a small clearing.
 
A campfire sits at the clearing's center, with a log on either side of it.

 A stranger - clad in a poncho and flat-brimmed hat - sits on the log across from the one you stand behind, strumming at a six-string guitar.

 Their head is down, watching the strings, so you can't get much of a look at their face.


 But, you think they may be sporting a toothy grin under that cap.

 They're quiet, either unaware of your presence, or simply not acknowledging it.

[MarxzVulpez]

sit down and listen for a bit

[Ignispark]

The fact that this is incredibly suspicious is all the more reason to take a listen and try to observe the situation more deeply. Maybe there's a meaning to this place? Most libraries don't have musical forests for no reason.

In any case it'd be impolite to interrupt a song, so sitting down and listening seems apt.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

After listening in for awhile, you ultimately decide to take a seat at a log and let them continue until they decide to break.

It'd be rude to interrupt.

The stranger continues strumming the guitar as you have a seat,
not looking up.

???: You're a long way from Swords.

They speak.
But, their mouth doesn't open. The words almost seem to ring in your ear from nowhere.
Their voice is a little raspy, sounding worn-out, but it's otherwise gentle; melodic.

???: Is Wands treating you well?
???: Fitting in? Finding your place?

Tiles: It's a work in progress... rougher than I was anticipating, but the past couple of days have been kind in their own way. A knight's title makes as many comrades as it does enemies it seems..

???: ...Straight to the point, not skipping a beat.
???: Didn't even bother to ask me who I am, why you're here.
???: Direct. Efficient. Honest. Fitting of a knight.
???: I'd caution you to not let that make you inflexible, however.
???: But you can relax, Tiles. Your shoulders are tensed.

They adjust their hat.

???: 'Rough'...
???: That scuffle did look nasty. Almost much worse.
???: Be glad you only cracked your mandible.
???: And, it did lead you somewhere, didn't it?



The stranger finally looks up at you, but they don't stop playing.
Their face is... grinning, yes.
You think.
...Though, the expression reads more 'neutral,' in a way.
The edges of their mouth aren't curled up like any normal smile you've seen.
It's almost more concerning, being unable to read their expression.

???: ...You think it's only your title that gained you comrades.
???: I think that's interesting.



After a pause, their head lowers once more, breaking eye contact.

???: Well. You were direct.
???: Only fair I respond in kind. ...To a point.

???: There's a lot in store for you. Your comrades too, I expect.
???: But you're at the center of everything. You're the catalyst.
???: That's why I'm here.
???: That's why you're Here. Speaking with me.



Another pause in the music.



The stranger stares into the campfire.



???: ...You have questions.
???: I can see a few. Brimming in that head of yours.
???: I'll answer what I can, while I can.

???: A word, however:
???: I can only offer this moment. For now.
???: Spend it how you please, but Don't waste it.
???: Time presses on again, when you leave.
???: There are very few ways to waste time, however.

???: So. Try not to worry.
???: Take a breath, at least.

[skinstealer]

who are you, and why are you here? does styx know you're here?

[Ignispark]

Hm, well a brief thanks are in order, if this is to be taken at face value.

And even if it ruins the calm nature of this brief reprieve, could we hear some piece of something lost or forbidden. Some bit of lore or tale? It'd be a shame not to have a takeaway from such a splendorous seeming bardic figure. Wink if appropriate. :3

[Pichi2214]

Since you seem to know so much about me and my journey... Do you have any piece of advice for us? Even if I expect it to be cryptic, any thing to look out for, both positive and negative, or any warning to keep in mind.

also seconding, I'm curious who and what you are and how you know us, although I don't quite expect an answer

[MarxzVulpez]

You play that guitar really well! Are you self taught or did you have a teacher? maybe a bit of both? as you seem to know so much you might already know, but I'm very fond of music myself; someone very dear to me was a musician, and it's stuck with me even though I don't know much outside of (potential Tiles musical talent here ((Singing maybe?)) )

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: Mm, well..

 Tiles: First off I have to applaud your performance, always amazed by those who can play. Someone very dear to me was a musician so I've always had a soft spot, always wanted to myself. Where'd you learn?

They blink, looking somewhat taken aback.

 ???: I can't say I'm any comparison to Jackie's music.

???: I've... 'heard' some, through you.

???: To make someone else feel safe, just by being there, just by playing...

???: ...Well...

???: ...I'm sure the world is a little darker, now.

 ???: But, I know you carry him with you.

They watch the fire, idly strumming unstructured notes once more.
You have an inkling that they're thinking.

 ???: I'm very flattered, that you enjoy mine, too.

 ???: I've... had a lot of time, let's say, without much to do.

???: I've always enjoyed music, so... it seemed a natural hobby to pick up.

???: ...Sets the mood, doesn't it?

 It's difficult to tell, but the edge of their grin curls up some.

An *actual* smile, from what you can tell, albeit slight, and brief.

Tiles: Certainly does... so who are you exactly? I didn't anticipate a woods in this castle.. nor am I sure that it's supposed to be here? I was with Styx last so I assumed perhaps he was with you?


They chuckle, quietly enough that it's difficult to hear over the gently-crackling fire.

 ???: Styx isn't with me.

???: These woods don't belong to the castle.

???: They sprout, where you are. Where I am.

???: Somewhere between the both of us.

???: ...I can't tell you my name.

???: Names are very important, for those like me.

???: It isn't quite as fun to lay all cards on the table, especially in a first meeting like this.

???: Much more interesting to gradually let it all unravel.

???: ...I am enjoying your company, though.

???: So, I'll tell you what I am.

 The stranger looks up, watching you under the brim of their hat,
through the fire.

 ???: I am a salamander.

???: I'm sure you can find out more, should you want to.

Tiles: I'll more than certainly have to look into it then, I might be able to find some information..

Tiles: But our time is limited and I wish to make the most of it so..

Tiles: I must ask if you know something important that you need to pass on. Some forbidden knowledge, advice toward the future, a clue or even a tale that may be beneficial to hear.

Tiles: Anything you can share of value is more than appreciated.

Tiles: If it's too much to ask, I understand..

The stranger strums away, looking at the ground, deep in thought.
Occasionally they glance up at you, as if debating something.

???: I hear there's a local pond with mosaic plants.

???: A great spot for fishing. Might be worth taking a break there, sometime.



 ???: ...That,

???: and you may not be the only survivor of your guild.

???: That is all I can say.

Tiles: I'm not alone...?

Trying to process that claim shuts down about half your brain.

Your eyes waver, your breath becomes unsteady.

A complete loss for words in the moment.

The stranger tilts their head, looking over at you. It's difficult to tell in the dark, and with the grin that never seems to fade, but you think their expression towards is warm.

???: You haven't been.

They let their words hang in the air. The fire begins to wane, crackling as it dims.

???: Well.

???: Seems that's all the time we're afforded here, for now.
The salamander stands up, slowly swinging their guitar onto their back.

???: It's been a pleasant talk.

Tiles: We'll meet again, perhaps?

???: We will.
 As the fire turns to embers,
the woods grow pure black.


 You feel
wind in your hair
 trees rushing past you in the dark




 When you blink, you're back in the library.
 You watch as leaves fall in front of you, then disappear into nothing.

You hear footsteps from behind.

Styx: There you are! Something seems to have breached the castle, frustrating really..

Styx: Worried you’d been spirited away. No idea how anyone managed to break in.

Styx: What happened? Are you alright?

[MarxzVulpez]

I am indeed alright, and I don't think you were far off with the spirited away comment....
I met a...being? Person? Of some sort. Non hostile and seemed to know quite a lot about me and also had a cool hat and a cool guitar. Said they weren't affiliated with you or the castle. They also seemed to have had to abide by some uhhh rule set or parameters, so I didn't get a name or a lot out else solid out of them but I did get a couple of pieces of information that I'll have to mull over a bit. You mentioned you have a library, yes? If you're okay with it, I'd like to take a look through it, specifically for any books or research materials on the subjects I've been given lead towards.

[skinstealer]

it might also be prudent to look into salamanders as well, see what this whole deal is

[MarxzVulpez]

Yeah, that's one of the leads I was meaning, here's a list of what i was thinking of: salamanders (maybe specify a book on like, something that wouldn't bring up the amphibian kind (unless we reallywant to know about those too)), a book with like, a map of the nearby area (play it off if we want to be coy about the fishing spot info, maybe as like, wanting to know the area better? Also Tiles knows how to fish, right?)
And maybe the doozy for a few reasons but see if they've got a book on like
Our Family relations/genealogy for the "might not be the last one" info, even if we don't sus out who specifically, it might help narrow down or give us leads on where to look

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: You certainly weren’t too far off with the spirited away comment..

Tiles: Met a rather unusual person, some kind of being who was knowledgeable on quite a few things, wasn’t affiliated with your castle at all according to them and based on your reaction that seems to be the case?

Styx: Don’t think I like that there’s someone outside of contract able to step in here, much less one attempting to snipe me at my own profession…

Styx: I’ll have to fortify the place a little… I

TIles: They seemed non-hostile..

Styx: I don’t trust anything that can access this realm uninvited.

Styx: I should really take you back…

Tiles: I actually wanted to ask about your library..

Tiles: After that whole experience there's a few things I'd like to look up, information that might be useful.

Styx: Hmm...

Styx: I feel I might regret this but..

The proxy slides into frame, giving you a friendly wave.

Styx: If you’re going to remain here any longer I ask that you call in any ally to keep watch over you. My proxy will do its best as well.

Styx: I’m going to have to investigate how someone managed in for the next few hours, friendly or not.

Styx: Give me a name and I'll bring them in if they're up for it.

[SHIVERS]

Courier.

[MarxzVulpez]

seconding courier

[skinstealer]

courier. torment this man

[skinstealer]

Tiles: Think I’ll go with Courier. Don’t have many contacts at the moment but xey’re the type who works quick from what I can tell.

Styx: Mmm, Courier is very reliable, makes sense.

Styx:  Xey seem more than up for it. Just a moment then-

As soon as the rift opened, Courier managed to jump through and pull Styx in for a hug.

Styx: C-courier..

Courier: You haven't invited me here in a long time.

Styx: We just need a quick favor…

Courier: That really it? Sure you weren't the one asking for me?

Styx: Women are watching, we really shouldn't in front of them..

You and the proxy golf clap at him in response, watching the rabbit turn red.

The sword chimera snickers.

Courier: Then we'll have to just wait til later. For now, you need me to help you find something?

Tiles: Maps of the area, also any resources on “salamanders”. Unusual ones.

 Styx swears under his breath at that last part, Courier gives him a pat on the shoulder.

Courier: I can do that much.  As for you-

Styx pulls away, face clearly somewhat reluctant.

 Styx: Mm.. have some idea on what to do. Perhaps after this, before Gallows has to go off on his own business later.

Courier: Motley?

Styx: Mm. You know the drill..

Courier gives him a little salute. The proxy takes your hand and offers to lead.

Courier: Best of luck.

Styx: I’ll need it..

The three of you are directed toward a pile of shelves, many documents and journeys in supernatural beings, even a few covering entities. Courier gets right to work while the Proxy oversees things..

An opportunity for small talk while you pile resources perhaps?

[Ignispark]

Hmmmmmm...does Courier have any hobbies xey'd like to tell us about?

[skinstealer]

has courier heard of these salamander things?