[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Set me up when there’s a good time, I already feel like I’m in over my head…
POLKA DOT: You’re a lifesaver.
VINE: Think nothing of it. You’ve been a big help to us here.
VINE: …You are coming back, right?
POLKA DOT: This is my home, of course I am.
VINE: Then it’s my duty to make sure that you can get back, as much as I’m able.
POLKA DOT: …Is there anything else you can tell me about Wanderer, though?
POLKA DOT: Anything I should be aware of? I don’t wanna push the wrong buttons.
 

Vine takes a second to think.

VINE: She’s pretty old, so…don’t go hounding her too much.
VINE: They’re here to rest, after all.
VINE: Besides, she’s not really prone to giving straight answers about herself.
VINE: Prefers to be cryptic.
POLKA DOT: I can work with that, I think.
POLKA DOT: …but wait, magic? What kind of magic?
POLKA DOT: I know there’s like, narrative stuff, but-
POLKA DOT: Can I learn how to cast fireballs-
VINE: Hold your horses, don’t get your hopes up.
VINE: Not for while you’re here, anyway.
VINE: Different settlements have different magic “rules”, and this one technically doesn’t have anything but the narrative’s shenanigans.
VINE: Wherever you’re going might be different.
VINE: Stuff from other settlements might stick around while you’re here…but you won’t be casting any spells any time soon.
VINE: …I think it still work out in the wilds, though. Hard to say, I’m not a magician or a wizard or anything.
VINE: That’s for Wanderer to answer.
 

The bean bear gives you a pat on the back, and your conversation flows back into work stuff, how Laurie’s is doing…

And before you know it, you’re back in the kitchen, a proper pizza making machine. The hours pass by without you even realizing it, and as you pack up your backpack to go, Vine waits by the door out to the bar.

VINE: Ready?
POLKA DOT: As I’ll ever be.
VINE: I checked, and she’s here.
VINE: Remember to be polite.
POLKA DOT: …got it.
 

She leads you out, and starts taking you to a booth on the side.

Sitting there is a tall purple knitted toy, she has her hands wrapped tightly around a glass and is mumbling quietly to herself. As you get closer, you notice the wings she has on her back begin to shake and jitter before she slowly turns towards you.

...you haven't seen a knitted toy in a while, but it's...familiar.

You are definitely staring too long.

VINE: Hey, Wanderer.
VINE: I've got a friend to introduce you to.
 

Vine elbows you.

WANDERER: You're... new, are you not?