[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: That’s…not as bad as I was expecting, honestly.
WANDERER: The Hallowed Wood.
POLKA DOT: That's its name?
POLKA DOT: Where...is it?
WANDERER: Wrong question.
 

You blink.

POLKA DOT: Uh...
POLKA DOT: What's...the right question?
WANDERER: The correct question is:
WANDERER: "How do I get there."
POLKA DOT: What's the difference?
WANDERER: Location doesn't work the same in the wilds.
WANDERER: Some say its because the narrative's influence is stronger away from settlements.
WANDERER: I think it just doesn't care about details as much there.
WANDERER: You'll get where you're going if you have a goal in mind.
WANDERER: Unless it decides you've become 'lost.'
POLKA DOT: Great, it can fuck me over like that, too...
POLKA DOT: So provided it doesn't, just, decide that I'm shit out of luck, all I need to do is go "I'm going to the Hallowed Wood!" and I'm good?
WANDERER: Well, you don't need to say it out loud or anything...
POLKA DOT: Yeah, but that's the gist?
WANDERER: In terms of heading towards a place? yes. In terms of surviving the journey? No.
POLKA DOT: I guess I have heard of monsters out there, but I don't even know what they'd look like.
WANDERER: There's too many kinds of monsters to answer that.
WANDERER: Just know, that if it doesn't look like a person, you should get your weapons ready.
POLKA DOT: Okay...I guess that's...easy enough.
POLKA DOT: Are the ones at the Wood different?
WANDERER: Yeah, as you get 'closer' to it, the monsters will be more based upon fears, and tend towards a more...
WANDERER: Spooky theme.
WANDERER: Again, this was a bad pick for your first go.
 

You get the distinct feeling she's probably right, but...Cross needs this.

POLKA DOT: Then I guess it's up to me to ask the right questions to prep.
POLKA DOT: Is there any way to avoid getting cursed?
POLKA DOT: I doubt the other members of the party would want that, even if Willow does.
 

You swear you see a slight smirk at that.

WANDERER: Asking about prevention is the right move.
WANDERER: There are ways to cure curses but...
WANDERER: They aren't easy, and usually involve finding the person or thing who placed the curse in the first place.
WANDERER: Not always easy.
WANDERER: The best way to prevent a curse is with a charm.
WANDERER: Something that's enchanted with a protection spell.
WANDERER: Hard to come by, though.
POLKA DOT: You make it sound like I'm shit out of luck there.
 

Wanderer's wings shake once more as she answers.

WANDERER: Not... exactly. I have a spare but...
WANDERER: It would only be a loan if I gave it to you.
WANDERER: And it's very valuable. I don't like the idea of giving it to someone without some form of insurance.
POLKA DOT: Hey, we made a deal that includes tools.
 

You notice her face twitch slightly as she sits up straighter.

WANDERER: Yes, tools. Maps, bags, waterskins, that sort of thing.
WANDERER: Do you take me as a fool who would loan you something valuable without knowing if you'll be around or willing to give it back after your journey?
POLKA DOT: ...Guess that's a fair point.

Wanderer slumps forward again, moving the glass in her hands back and forth across the table.

WANDERER: You don't have to take that deal. Most people don't have charms.
WANDERER: If you're careful and lucky you won't even need it.
WANDERER: But we can talk about that later.
 

She gestures around her.

WANDERER: As you can see, I don't have my things with me to give you.
WANDERER: When you are ready later, you may come to my room and pick out what you will borrow from me.
WANDERER: But for now, are there any more questions you have?
POLKA DOT: What kind of curses are there, anyway?
POLKA DOT: Like, I know the monster one from the dreams, but...
WANDERER: You may as well ask me what kinds of people there are.
WANDERER: But I shall tell you of a few, so you know how wide the range is.
WANDERER: One is known as the Itching Curse.
WANDERER: Usually used as a prank among beginner curse users, it causes mild itching that won't go away even if you scratch for up to an hour before it fades naturally or the caster dispels it.
POLKA DOT: ...that's it?
WANDERER: Another is called the Inside-Out Curse.
WANDERER: It takes a toy's insides and-
POLKA DOT: W-wait, what if you're hollow? I'm hollow.
WANDERER: You still have an inside layer, don't you?
POLKA DOT: ...how do you get rid of that one.
WANDERER: You're lucky if you live long enough to even think about getting rid of it.
WANDERER: Or unlucky, I suppose.
VINE: ...you really sure you want to do this, Ribbon?
POLKA DOT: I...
POLKA DOT: If I bring the right people and do the right things, I'll make it through.
POLKA DOT: Four to six people for a party, right?
WANDERER: Depends on your goal, but yes, that number works for what you're doing.
POLKA DOT: Okay, uh...
 

You wrack your mind for any more questions.

POLKA DOT: Is it possible to like, get trapped there?
WANDERER: In the wild?
POLKA DOT: Meant more in the Hallowed Wood, but that works too.
WANDERER: By the narrative you mean?
POLKA DOT: Yeah, or anything else.
WANDERER: If the narrative keeps you in a place, it's usually just until something specific happens.
WANDERER: As for anything else...
WANDERER: Well, there are a lot of people there.
WANDERER: And people aren't very trustworthy. As a rule.
POLKA DOT: Got it...
POLKA DOT: ...and we'll go over supplies when I've got my people together?
WANDERER: Yeah, just knock on my door when you're ready.
POLKA DOT: What's the number?
WANDERER: 024.
POLKA DOT: Got it...
WANDERER: Now if you don't mind, I was hoping to get at least some time to relax while I was here.
 

Vine lays a hand on your back before you can react.

VINE: We'll get out of your hair.
POLKA DOT: But-!
VINE: You've gotta meet up with a friend anyway, right?
POLKA DOT: ...yeah, Tim...
VINE: Then let's handle that.
POLKA DOT: Well....
POLKA DOT: Thanks, for the help. I really appreciate it.
 

She simply nods in response, returning to her drink.

Vine guides you away, sighing.

VINE: She…usually just gives advice for free. Must be having a bad day or something…
 

The look she gives you is worried.

VINE: Please, pick people who you think you can trust.
VINE: Tim’s got a good head on his shoulders, and I get the feeling he’s more experienced than he lets on…
POLKA DOT: Huh?
POLKA DOT: What makes you say that?
VINE: Just…a hunch.
VINE: It should work out if you’re with him and some other good folks.
VINE: Part of me really wishes I could come with you, but I think Laurie would have nightmares if I were gone, among other things.
VINE: …you’ll call me, won’t you? Phones work out in the wilds, for the most part…
POLKA DOT: Of course, yeah. I won’t leave you hanging.
POLKA DOT: Besides, I gotta get stuff together first…I’m not leaving tonight or anything.
VINE: I know, just…
VINE: Guess I got a bit soft.
POLKA DOT: You’re a bean bear, you’re always soft.
 

That gets a laugh out of her, and she turns to start heading out.

VINE: Don’t push your luck, kid.
POLKA DOT: It’s what I’m best at!
 

You take a seat as she leaves, your usual table thankfully free.

Time ticks by. You're not sure how long-

You nearly jump out of your skin when a familiar dog slides into the opposite chair, not announcing his presence in any way beforehand.

TIMOTHY: Hi!
TIMOTHY: Whoa-
 

He squints at you.

TIMOTHY: You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.
TIMOTHY: Like, not the Willow kind.
TIMOTHY: What’s up?