[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

POLKA DOT: Uh...I mean-
POLKA DOT: I have no clue what you've got in that kitchen.
POLKA DOT: Something...simple, comfortable, uh-
POLKA DOT: Portable?
POLKA DOT: Everybody else is stuck in bed, so, yknow- to go would be good.
GUTSY: Hmm...sandwiches, maybe?
GUTSY: I could make a biiiiig stack-

 

You nod, unable to keep from smiling at its enthusiasm.

POLKA DOT: That'd be great.
GUTSY: You got it, then!
GUTSY: Vann, you wanna keep her company while I whip these up?
VANN: O-oh!
VANN: I mean, I-
VANN: I was wiping down tables-
COMMS: S'fine.
COMMS: You can take fifteen.

 

Vann gives the walkie talkie a quick, grateful bow before turning to you.

VANN: O-okay, well-

 

Comms starts walking out, the cat looking even more nervous.

VANN: Um.
VANN: ....
VANN: You're, um.
VANN: ....travelers?
VANN: Adventurers?
VANN: I was, um- I showed up here from the Store, so-
VANN: I haven't exactly been outside...
POLKA DOT: Oh, man. Like-
POLKA DOT: Like never?
VANN: Um...no.
VANN: Gutsy either.
POLKA DOT: ...have...either of you tried?

 

Vann freezes, unsure what to say.

VANN: I-I mean-
VANN: Gutsy, maybe, but-
VANN: I...it's not for me.
VANN: This, you know-
VANN: It's the life I've got.
POLKA DOT: ...you don't sound super happy about that.
VANN: The cards are d-dealt the way they're dealt, you know?

 

She gives what is very clearly a forced embroidered smile.

POLKA DOT: You're kind of a shit liar, cmon.

 

And then deflates, giving you a tired, defeated look.

VANN: Even if I did want to leave- and I'm not saying I do!
VANN: ...there's not really options for me out there.
VANN: Like- what do you do?
POLKA DOT: Me? Well...

 

You strike a pose, leaning your wing onto the table.

POLKA DOT: I do lots of things.
POLKA DOT: For my day job? I'm a chef like Gutsy.

 

She drops her voice down, nice and quiet.

VANN: are you better at cooking than-
POLKA DOT: ...judging by the cider? Yeah.

 

You startle at the pleading look in her glass eyes.

POLKA DOT: Dude, that does not mean I'm staying.
VANN: Ah....
VANN: Well...a nice thought, I suppose.
POLKA DOT: Maybe you should just focus on getting out yourself, then.
POLKA DOT: What I'm saying- is that jobs like you have here, are ones you can get where I'm from.
POLKA DOT: Place I work at's also a place where people come and go from all over.

 

...scarily similar in that regard, but so much different...

VANN: It's...
VANN: ....nevermind.
VANN: It must be so different, even then...
VANN: Everything about you-
POLKA DOT: Eh?
VANN: -from the way you dress-
POLKA DOT: H-huh?
VANN: -to the way you talk-
POLKA DOT: C-cmon-
VANN: You're a complete outsider to what I know.

 

She pauses.

VANN: ...well.
VANN: Aside from Katz...
POLKA DOT: ....Katz?
VANN: My friend!

 

Her face lights up.

VANN: She's Gutsy and I's friend!
VANN: She talks like you...
POLKA DOT: Wait-
POLKA DOT: Is she also an out-of-towner?
VANN: Not an adventurer, but...yes.
VANN: Sometimes she talks about it, living in a big city...

 

Her face is tinted with pink blush, the cat rubbing the back of her head and looking sheepish all of a sudden.

VANN: ...though I probably shouldn't say too much.
VANN: P...people don't really like her, around here.
VANN: ...which makes me worried for your sake, honestly...
POLKA DOT: Where can I find her?
VANN: She's down in the residential section, Weathervane Street.
VANN: She does work for the guild as an artist, but-
VANN: ...you won't find her coming to the guild itself without a reason.
GUTSY: Hey, are we talking about Katz over here-?

 

The anatomy model saunters back in with a piling heap of-

...gummy...sandwiches?

POLKA DOT: Uh-
POLKA DOT: Yes?
VANN: Mm...
VANN: Silk Ribbon was curious about her.
GUTSY: Wow! A new friend for our crew, then!
VANN: I-!
GUTSY: You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find folks out here to hang out with-
VANN: Gutsy, that's- we just met her-
GUTSY: Everybody's such a damn prude!
VANN: gutsy please
GUTSY: If you're interested in Katz-!
VANN: please please shut up please
GUTSY: We'll be happy to introduce you sometime!
POLKA DOT: ...

 

You look between the two toys-

Gutsy, with a beaming expression on its face-

And Vann, looking panicked with wide glass eyes and faux fur standing on end.

POLKA DOT: ...how about I, uh, talk with my crew about it?
GUTSY: Sure, sure! More the merrier!
GUTSY: Shoot, we haven't had a party in years.
VANN: AND YOU REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME WITH THAT RIGHT
GUTSY: Relax, Vanny!
GUTSY: I'm sure our newcomer won't cause too much trouble.
GUTSY: For noooooow-!

 

It holds out the jiggling stack.

GUTSY: Your treasure heap, to take back to your friends!
POLKA DOT: T...thanks.
POLKA DOT: ...
POLKA DOT: Seriously.
GUTSY: No problem!
VANN: ...rest up well, Ribbon.

 

You get your tower of gummy sandwiches and give the two of them a nod, wobbling your way back to the room.....

 

---

TIMOTHY: Oh!
TIMOTHY: Oh, um- hm.
TIMOTHY: I think meeting the party would be good, yeah...
TIMOTHY: I'm...sure they'll really like you.

 

His shoulders slump a little bit.

The snake keeps her head forward as her eyes glance over.

CORSAIR: You alright?
TIMOTHY: Y..yeah-! Yeah, just-
TIMOTHY: They...could use some good news.
TIMOTHY: News of somebody helping out especially.
CORSAIR: ...you wanna explain?

 

He laughs, nervously.

TIMOTHY: It's been a long trip, right?
TIMOTHY: N...none of us had ever been out of the city, not like this.
TIMOTHY: Stands to reason-
TIMOTHY: Especially after we got our asses beat-
TIMOTHY: That some help would be good.

 

Tim's tone softens, the dog looking down at his lap.

TIMOTHY: ...sorry. I don't mean to sound so-
TIMOTHY: Agitated.
TIMOTHY: ...I'm just worried for them.

 

She's quiet a moment.

CORSAIR: ...Fair enough, I s'pose.
CORSAIR: But ya made it here.
CORSAIR: That's not nothin'.
TIMOTHY: B-barely, though...
TIMOTHY: They said we had to be dragged in.
CORSAIR: That's ragmirrors.
CORSAIR: Not your fault ya got unlucky.
TIMOTHY: I don't want it to be luck, though-
TIMOTHY: ...
TIMOTHY: I want to find ways to keep everybody safe.
TIMOTHY: As guaranteed as possible.
CORSAIR: Should rest up before you head back, then.
TIMOTHY: Yeah, but-
TIMOTHY: We've still...got stuff to do here.
TIMOTHY: ...and...I don't really know about the vibes here, to be honest...
CORSAIR: Like I said, if ya need me just call.
TIMOTHY: ...thanks....
TIMOTHY: You...seem confident in knowing your way around this kind of situation, at least.

 

She sighs and shakes her head, eyes looking up in exacerbation.

CORSAIR: More than I'd like.
TIMOTHY: ...ah.
TIMOTHY: That kind of confidence.
CORSAIR: Don't sweat it.
CORSAIR: Ancient history. Mostly.
TIMOTHY: Mostly.

 

Her wooden claws tap at the scepter.

TIMOTHY: I-I mean!
TIMOTHY: We don't have to talk about it.
TIMOTHY: Just...if it would help...
TIMOTHY: ...
TIMOTHY: I just need all the info I can get about what I'm in for that I can get.
CORSAIR: Wasn't talkin' about this place specifically.
TIMOTHY: ...but other cases like this.
TIMOTHY: ...I don't have to press. Sorry.
CORSAIR: Yeah, let's not.
CORSAIR: ...Just keep your head up.
CORSAIR: You'll be outta here soon enough.
TIMOTHY: Y..yeah.
TIMOTHY: ...
TIMOTHY: .......
TIMOTHY: ...hopefully without any more screw-ups.
TIMOTHY: I bungled that fight for sure, and just-
TIMOTHY: Shit.
CORSAIR: You're alive.
CORSAIR: Did fine. Don't be hard on yourself.
TIMOTHY: You weren't there to see it, though...
CORSAIR: So what happened, then?
TIMOTHY: I-

 

He takes a deep breath,  squeezing his eyes shut for a moment.

And then exhale.

TIMOTHY: It tracked us down the night earlier. The ragmirror.
TIMOTHY: We got separated- I fucking, tripped and got blown away.
TIMOTHY: ...the others ended up alright, that night, mostly...
TIMOTHY: ...didn't end up needing me to stay safe.
TIMOTHY: But the whole time, I wish I had the chance to even try to be there- not stuck somewhere alone and useless.
TIMOTHY: We found each other the next day, and last night we-

 

He stops for a moment, realizing how fast he was talking.

Another breath.

TIMOTHY: -we set up camp.
CORSAIR: Ya know you had the harder time there, right?
CORSAIR: Least they had somebody.
CORSAIR: You were alone.
TIMOTHY: ...
TIMOTHY: Maybe.
TIMOTHY: Just makes me more upset with myself, to be honest.
CORSAIR: And how's that work?
TIMOTHY: Let's say I did have a harder time.
TIMOTHY: That's just going to make everybody feel...sorry for me, or something.
TIMOTHY: If I had just been there-
CORSAIR: 'Course they're gonna be worried about you.
CORSAIR: Would you rather your friends Not care about you?
CORSAIR: Not like ya had any control over what happened, anyway, from the sound of it.
CORSAIR: So quit blamin' yourself and let people give a damn.

 

He blinks.

TIMOTHY: I-
TIMOTHY: Y-
TIMOTHY: ...
TIMOTHY: ..fair...
TIMOTHY: .....it's...just hard to see them worrying-
TIMOTHY: ...and hoping I can make it easier on them...
TIMOTHY: You know?
TIMOTHY: They're- they're my best friends, my partner's there, I care about them so much-
TIMOTHY: ...I just want to give them the best life I can.
TIMOTHY: That's the whole reason why we're here.
CORSAIR: Do what you can, then.
CORSAIR: And know that worryin's part of the package when ya care about someone.

 

The snake arches her back, stretching.

He couldn't help but laugh softly, a lot less anxious this time.

TIMOTHY: ...you're right.
TIMOTHY: I...I think-
TIMOTHY: I think it'll be a bit before I like, get that-
TIMOTHY: But. Thank you.
TIMOTHY: Maybe I should, just- do something nice or something...
CORSAIR: Somethin' nice?
TIMOTHY: Something to cheer them up, I guess.
TIMOTHY: Mood is...pretty dour over there in the infirmary.
CORSAIR: ...Hm.
CORSAIR: Got ideas?
TIMOTHY: ...I don't exactly have money that'd work here, I don't think-
TIMOTHY: At least, not on me.
TIMOTHY: So buying something's out...
TIMOTHY: Maybe just coming up with something sentimental to say...
CORSAIR: Well, you're on your own there.
CORSAIR: Never been good at that myself.
TIMOTHY: I think you're doing a pretty good job listening, at least...
TIMOTHY: ...thanks.
CORSAIR: 'Course.
CORSAIR: Not much else to do in a bar than swap stories.
TIMOTHY: Felt more like me talking your ear off, but...
TIMOTHY: You're easy to talk to, I guess.

 

She chuckles.

CORSAIR: Anytime, Tim.
TIMOTHY: Well, if we're going to be working together, potentially-

 

He trails off for a moment to gather his thoughts, eyes wandering to the snake's scepter.

Colors swirl in the crystal at the top of the scepter.
The dog finds himself transfixed

until Corsair picks it up off the table, holding it in her claw.

CORSAIR: Gonna finish that sentence? Or leave me guessin'?
TIMOTHY: S...sorry.
TIMOTHY: The- your staff-
TIMOTHY: Something about it just, draws me in.
CORSAIR: ...it'll do that.
CORSAIR: Not carryin' this thing around for nothin'.
CORSAIR: Not the kinda thing you wanna toy with.
TIMOTHY: I mean-
TIMOTHY: Is there, like, a risk for me looking at it?
CORSAIR: ...Probably not.
CORSAIR: Not right now, anyway.

 

She switches it to her left claw, away from Tim.

CORSAIR: Doubt y' wanna risk it when you don't know what it can do, though.
TIMOTHY: Do...I get to know what it can do?
CORSAIR: Nope.
CORSAIR: You'll see some soon enough, I reckon.
TIMOTHY: In a good way?
CORSAIR: Worried?
TIMOTHY: ...maybe.

 

She snickers, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

CORSAIR: You'll be fiiine.
CORSAIR: Quit worryin'.

 

The snake stands up with a stretch.

CORSAIR: I'm headin' out.
CORSAIR: You comin' along?
TIMOTHY: W-wait-
TIMOTHY: Where are you headed?
CORSAIR: Out.
CORSAIR: Someplace in particular y' want me?
TIMOTHY: I figured-
TIMOTHY: Maybe I could introduce you to the party! Or something-
TIMOTHY: I am pretty sure you're going to be cool by now, so...

 

The snake laughs; it comes out rickety, like wood clanking together.

CORSAIR: ...Sure.
CORSAIR: I can give it a try.

 

She twirls her staff, heading for the door.

CORSAIR: C'mon.

 

He hurries along, swerving around other bargoers and following close behind.

TIMOTHY: G-got it!

 

The crowd seems to part for her, almost supernaturally.

Soon enough, the pair reach the door; making their way out and down the steps.

CORSAIR: Any stops along the way?
TIMOTHY: I wouldn't even know what's in this lodge.
TIMOTHY: Finding here was by chance.
CORSAIR: Lead on, then.

 

The stairs feel especially precarious going back down, Tim trying not to get too caught up in the brief exposure to the cold air as the two of them walk back from the bar to the lodge.

Once they step back inside the main building, he lets out a soft sigh.

TIMOTHY: Much prefer the quiet in here...
CORSAIR: Likewise.

 

She rolls her arm, shaking off the cold.

TIMOTHY: Any reason you went up to the bar, then?
TIMOTHY: Irresistable urge to arm wrestle?
CORSAIR: Needed a drink if I was gonna survive in this place.
TIMOTHY: Can't say I blame you, and I've barely been conscious.

 

He takes the lead now, gesturing for her to follow.

TIMOTHY: ...they been weird to you at all?
CORSAIR: Weird enough.
TIMOTHY: Any danger?
CORSAIR: Not for me.
TIMOTHY: How about 5 rookies?
CORSAIR: Y' think someone Here is gonna attack you?
TIMOTHY: Can't exactly say I don't feel unwelcome, a bit...
CORSAIR: Don't think they're the type to actually get physical.
CORSAIR: But y'know you've got me if anythin' happens.
TIMOTHY: Thank you...
TIMOTHY: We'll see what the others say, too.

 

He can't say he'd missed the hunting trophies lining the walls, his tail tucked as nerves settle in. A brief attempt to speed up only makes him realize how sore his body is, forcing him to slow.

She props him up briefly with her arm.

CORSAIR: Careful now.

 

He nods, taking it without protest.

TIMOTHY: ...maybe going on a little adventure wasn't super ideal.
CORSAIR: Our conversation was that bad, huh?

 

She grins.

Tim snickers.

TIMOTHY: Oh no. If I hadn't had that conversation, I would have blacked out under the pool table or something.
TIMOTHY: Club environments are still an adjustment for me, and the bars we have back home are way different than here.
CORSAIR: That so?
TIMOTHY: Yeah, just...
TIMOTHY: ...getting the sense that back there's kind of an anomaly, the more we're outside of it.
TIMOTHY: It's- there's issues, but...
TIMOTHY: Back at Lauries, you could be just about anyone.
TIMOTHY: Not exactly getting the vibe here.
CORSAIR: ...huh.
TIMOTHY: Yeah?
CORSAIR: Glad y' got a place like that.
TIMOTHY: One I want to get back to, too.
TIMOTHY: ...just gotta settle this first-

 

He freezes, the sound of footsteps approaching as he reaches a junction.

A familiar looking walkie talkie steps by, sipping a mug of something.

COMMS: Having fun exploring?
TIMOTHY: I-!
COMMS: ...who's the snake?
CORSAIR: Corsair.

 

She tips the brim of her hat.

CORSAIR: An escort for th' new arrivals.
COMMS: ...huh.
COMMS: Yeah. Huh.
COMMS: Go on ahead, then. I'll let Mange know.

 

She nods, following Tim along.


Tim waits until they're out of earshot, approaching the infirmary door.

TIMOTHY: ...w...were you assigned to us or-?

 

The wooden snake smiles.

CORSAIR: Wouldn't worry about it.

 

Tim hesitates-

-and nods.

TIMOTHY: Let's take you in, then...

 

The door opens slowly, Tim peeking his head in.

 


SCOUT: Tim! You're back!
TIMOTHY: With, uh-
TIMOTHY: With somebody, too.

 

The door opens fully, revealing the wooden snake cowboy.

CORSAIR: Evenin'.

 

Scout and Cross freeze- Polka still not back.

CROSSBONE: ...who's-?
SCOUT: Hi!

 

She gives a slight wave to Scout as she steps in.

CORSAIR: Corsair.
CORSAIR: Been chattin' with Tim.

 

The snake scans the room, idly spinning her scepter on occasion as she passes by everyone.

CORSAIR: Been through th' wringer, huh?
CORSAIR: Still, survivin' a ragmirror's no small feat.
CROSSBONE: Y-yes, it-
CROSSBONE: We're very lucky to be alive.

 

She gives Tim a confused look, the dog making an indiscernible hand gesture.

CORSAIR: I'd say so.
CORSAIR: Glad y' made it out.

 

She spots the empty bed.

CORSAIR: Missin' someone?
CORSAIR: How many in yer group?

 

The snake looks to Tim, tongue flicking.

TIMOTHY: Five-
CROSSBONE: ...My girlfriend's missing.
CROSSBONE: She got up with Tim-
TIMOTHY: She's fine! She, um-
TIMOTHY: ...
TIMOTHY: Well-
TIMOTHY: I think she is-
CROSSBONE: TIM
TIMOTHY: SHE WAS FINE I JUST WANDERED OFF
CORSAIR: Sure she's alright.
CORSAIR: Y' trust her, right?
TIMOTHY: M-more than anything!
TIMOTHY: She's my best friend, and-

 

He shoots Cross a tired look.

TIMOTHY: Willow, you know I wouldn't leave her alone if I thought she couldn't handle it...
CROSSBONE: ...

 

The virtual pet sighs, a soft, droning beep.

CROSSBONE: I know.
CROSSBONE: Just...
CORSAIR: I can go check after this, if ya want.
CORSAIR: Don't have much else to do, anyway.
CORSAIR: ...Y' said there's-

 

As she steps to the end of the room, the snake's scepter suddenly pulls her arm in the direction of the window, pointing to Roulette's room.

She looks mildly surprised for an instant, but shakes it off quickly enough that Scout and Cross don't even seem to spot it.
The two only see her pointing the scepter at the window.

CORSAIR: ...five of ya?
CORSAIR: And the doctor's in there, too, from the sound of it.

 

Tim tries not to let his nerves creep up.

TIMOTHY: That's...Roulette.
TIMOTHY: It took the most damage in the fight.
TIMOTHY: ...and before.
SCOUT: Try not to disturb it, if you can...
CORSAIR: Not plannin' to.
CORSAIR: Just-

 

She practically has to pry the scepter away from the curtain-covered window; once more only noticed by Tim.

CORSAIR: ...curious.
CORSAIR: Good t' meet y'all, anyway.

 

The snake steps back over by Tim, leaning against the wall next to him.

SCOUT: It's good to meet you too!
SCOUT: What brought you to Tim's door, so to speak?
CORSAIR: He came t' me.
CORSAIR: Found me in the bar.

 

Scout makes a noise of mock-shock.

SCOUT: Tim! Drinking this late?
TIMOTHY: H-HEY
SCOUT: Relax, I know you're sober.

 

He winks, the beanie dog blushing.

SCOUT: Still, I can't say I'd expect you to have wandered there of all places.
TIMOTHY: I just wanted to check around, to be honest...
SCOUT: So...snooping!
TIMOTHY: ...yep.
CORSAIR: Definitely snooping.

 

She pats his shoulder.

He can't help but laugh, albeit shyly . His eyes widen as Scout gets out of bed, walking with a significant wobble towards the snake.

TIMOTHY: Care-!
SCOUT: I got it! I got it.

 

The yellow tinted bear gets close enough to get a good look at Corsair, peering all around her- and at her scepter.

SCOUT: Can't say I ever saw a cowboy before in person!
SCOUT: Always been a cool look to me!
SCOUT: But always dressup, where we're from.
SCOUT: Is this more of a cool costume situation, or are you committed to the life of a lone ranger?

 

Corsair stares.

Then, cracks up laughing.

CORSAIR: Hell of a question.
CORSAIR: I'll say I veer towards th' latter.
CORSAIR: ...More of a drifter, I'd say.
CORSAIR: Don't exactly see m'self keepin' the peace or maintanin' the law.
SCOUT: That's much better! Good!
SCOUT: You passed my test!
TIMOTHY: ...test?
SCOUT: We're not exactly the lawly types, Tim. Not here, anyway!
SCOUT: And god knows we're not going to get through this peacefully.
SCOUT: Not out of any wanting any trouble, though.

 

She tilts her head.

CORSAIR: You're expectin' it, though?
SCOUT: I haven't seen much of the place, but...
SCOUT: Just got a feeling about it.
SCOUT: Kinda exciting!
SCOUT: Not ideal, though.
CORSAIR: ...huh.
CORSAIR: Careful with that, Scout.



 

He freezes.





No one speaks.



She glances around.

CORSAIR: What, yer name?




 

You could have heard a pin drop.


She holds her scepter up.

CORSAIR: Like I told Tim,
CORSAIR: ...this thing ain't just for show.

 

The snake resumes her posture against the wall, as if nothing had happened.

CROSSBONE: H-
TIMOTHY: How much do you know.

 

Tim's voice comes out cold- a complete and utter tonal shift from earlier, one difficult to distinguish whether it was full of anger, fear, or both.

She looks under the brow of her hat, over at Tim.

CORSAIR: Easy there.
CORSAIR: The guard dog look doesn't really suit ya, Tim.

 

The snake stretches her back; her voice entirely calm as she settles back in her spot.

CORSAIR: Nothin' that'd be an issue.
CORSAIR: Not things' I exactly Asked t' know.
CORSAIR: Y' want a list?

 

Tim growls, a startlingly serious noise.

SCOUT: Tim-
TIMOTHY: I don't like it.
SCOUT: She-
SCOUT: You're concerned for-
SCOUT: ...us, right?
TIMOTHY: Mmrrgh.
SCOUT: Did she give you any inkling that she'd hurt us?
TIMOTHY: No, of course not, I-
TIMOTHY: I wouldn't have-
TIMOTHY: ...

 

He can't meet Scout's eyes.

SCOUT: ...it's okay, man.
SCOUT: You can let me talk with her about it.
TIMOTHY: ...fine.
SCOUT: Good! Thank you.

 

The bear turns to Corsair, hands on his hips.

SCOUT: Well! You offered!
SCOUT: The list, please!

 

She sighs a little.

CORSAIR: Doesn't all come t' me in one go, but... I'll say what I can.

 

The snake looks up at the ceiling, then moves her claw to point around the room.

CORSAIR: Crossbone.

 

She points out of the room.

CORSAIR: Your girlfriend, Polka Dot's, out talkin' to someone else at th' moment.
CORSAIR: She's safe, if y' were worried.

 

The snake then points at the bear.

CORSAIR: It's Scout right now, but there's Lickety, Devo, and Fatale too.

 

She pulls her claw back.

CORSAIR: That enough?
SCOUT: ...just names, then?
SCOUT: And...locations.
CORSAIR: There's more.
CORSAIR: Harder t' describe.
SCOUT: I'd like to hear!
CORSAIR: ...Like I said, harder t' describe.
CORSAIR: I pick up on things.
CORSAIR: Just get feelings here n' there.
CORSAIR: Can't really talk about most of 'em, and most aren't worth knowin', anyway.
CORSAIR: Some can be more private, too. Can't share those, either.

 

The bear leans in.

SCOUT: Can you tell me what *kind* of private?

 

She sighs and scratches her forehead.

CORSAIR: Y' get... One example.
CORSAIR: How's that?
SCOUT: Sure!

 

The snake adjusts her hat.


Then, turns to Tim.

CORSAIR: ...Been worried about Lickety, right?
TIMOTHY: L-?

 

Something clicks for both of them, both of them too worked up to pick up on it earlier.

SCOUT: HE-HEY-
SCOUT: He has a name?!
TIMOTHY: That's!
TIMOTHY: That's him, right?!

 

The dog's eyes light right up.

TIMOTHY: Is he okay?!

 

She gives a small shrug.

CORSAIR: Can't say.
CORSAIR: Considerin' y'all all almost died, I doubt it.
CORSAIR: Any of y'all okay right now?
TIMOTHY: N-no, but-!
TIMOTHY: ...you can't pick up on him?
TIMOTHY: Just...
TIMOTHY: ...anything...
CORSAIR: Settle.

 

She places a claw on his shoulder.

CORSAIR: I get what I get.

 

He nods, tensing and untensing.

TIMOTHY: ...thank you, at least, for-
TIMOTHY: I have something to call him now.
TIMOTHY: Thank you.

 

She nods, removing her claw.

CORSAIR: Good enough, Scout?
SCOUT: That works for me!
SCOUT: Very neat!
TIMOTHY: ...I'm...sorry for doubting you.
CROSSBONE: I'm not!

 

Cross makes a distorted beep.

CROSSBONE: I'm glad you've been good about this so far...but...
CROSSBONE: ...
CROSSBONE: Tim, you brought her here for a reason.
CROSSBONE: We're not- we're not just here to make friends, casually...
CROSSBONE: Corsair, you're here to help us, aren't you?
CORSAIR: 'Course.
CORSAIR: Why wouldn't I be?
CROSSBONE: Try again. Why do you want to help?
CROSSBONE: ...nothing's done without a reason.
CORSAIR: ...Y'all are pretty damn suspicious of me for doin' absolutely nothin' t'you.
CORSAIR: This town's priorities are screwed; doesn't mean everyone here's out t' get ya.
CORSAIR: I'm not even From here, for th' record.

 

She sighs.

CORSAIR: ...I got my own reasons.
CORSAIR: If that's not good enough, then you can call it off.
CORSAIR: But make up y'r mind.
CORSAIR: ...Tired of makin' excuses for myself when Tim asked me t' help.

 

Scout and Cross whip their heads around at Tim.

Tim sweats.

TIMOTHY: I, uh-

 

A deep breath.

TIMOTHY: ...she's right.
TIMOTHY: I saw her do some incredible stuff at the bar, and she's not from here.
TIMOTHY: We sat, we talked, she can help us. I'm sure of it.
TIMOTHY: I-
TIMOTHY: I'm sorry, Corsair. I panicked because-
TIMOTHY: We're very, very fucking scared of this guild. They already-

 

Scout gives him a nod.

TIMOTHY: ...they already commented on the bears being a possible issue, and they don't even know about the whole...multiple people thing.
TIMOTHY: They're important to me. Everyone here is, but-
TIMOTHY: When you just-
TIMOTHY: When you knew Scout's name-
TIMOTHY: ...I'm sorry.
TIMOTHY: I. Did not expect that.
CORSAIR: ...I get it. On both counts.
CORSAIR: Guild sucks. Fuck 'em. And with me-
CORSAIR: Truth be told, wasn't tryin' to drop that quite yet; the name.
CORSAIR: Slipped up.
CORSAIR: Didn't figure it'd go over well, n' looks like it didn't.

 

She taps her scepter.

CORSAIR: Well. What can ya do.
CORSAIR: Look...you two want help, too? Protection while you're here?

 

Cross looks away,  thinking it over.

Scout, however, gives an affirmative gesture.

SCOUT: I like your vibe! Sure!
SCOUT:  Though- is it just for me? Or do I get the bear bundle deal.
CORSAIR: Depends.
CORSAIR: The others want it?
 

He has to pause.

SCOUT: Well, if it's bear by bear...
SCOUT: I suppose we can make that work!
CORSAIR: Consider it done, then.
CORSAIR: Cross?
CROSSBONE: ...mm.
CROSSBONE: I...I'm also sorry.
CROSSBONE: If Tim asked you, then-
CROSSBONE: I trust him.
CROSSBONE: I'm okay with it, but- I'm probably the one getting into the most trouble, and I'm doing it on purpose.
CROSSBONE: I'd rather you protect the others as priority.
CORSAIR: I'll only show up if y' holler after me.
CORSAIR: If y' wanna get cursed, then, well...don't call me when it's happenin'.
CROSSBONE: ...easy enough.
CROSSBONE: And you'll, just- you'll hear it?
CORSAIR: I'll show up.
CORSAIR: If I can.
CORSAIR: ...doesn't gotta just be for fightin' either, though that's the kinda thing I've got th' most experience with.
SCOUT: Oh! Talents!
SCOUT: What's the best options?
CORSAIR: ...pardon?
SCOUT: What would be best to summon you for!
CORSAIR:  . . .
CORSAIR: ...Just use y'r best judgment.
SCOUT: I've been told I'm not great in that department!
TIMOTHY: Scout.
SCOUT: I'm kidding, I'm kidding.
SCOUT: ...but are nice, pleasant things on the table?

 

The snake reaches up, scratching her head.

CORSAIR: ...like what?
SCOUT: What if I find a very, very cool bug.

 

She snorts.

CORSAIR: Think y' can handle that yourself.
CORSAIR: I've got faith in ya.
SCOUT: Oh, no. I just want other people to see it.
CORSAIR: Not th' kinda thing ya call in assistance for, then, is it?

 

He leans in again.

SCOUT: What if they're the monster-y kind of bug.
CORSAIR: Play it by ear, then.
SCOUT: Hmmm, hm!
SCOUT: Easy enough.
SCOUT: And is there anything our party can do for You!
CORSAIR: Don't need nothin'.
CORSAIR: Keep yerselves outta trouble, much as y' can.
CROSSBONE: ..done deal, then.
CROSSBONE: For us, anywa-

 

The cowboy spins her scepter around,
pointing it backwards at the door.

It opens just a moment later.








You step in, your enormous pile of jiggling candy sandwiches difficult to balance.

POLKA DOT: Jeez, why'd it make 'em this big-
POLKA DOT: Sorry for the delay everybody, folks were chatty....

 

You spot a wooden snake in a cowboy hat over your sandwich pile.
She tips her hat at you.

CORSAIR: Evenin', Polka.

 

You freeze, just barely putting a wing up to steady the stack.

POLKA DOT: Who-?
CROSSBONE: ...Corsair.
CROSSBONE: Tim brought her over, says she can help.

 

You raise a brow at the dog, Tim groaning.

TIMOTHY: Can- can we please stop giving me that look.
POLKA DOT: She knows my name, dude.
TIMOTHY: Not! My fault!
SCOUT: He's right, Corsair's spooky!
CORSAIR: Spooky, huh...?

 

The snake flicks her tongue, not denying anything.

POLKA DOT: That...means a lot of things in a place like this.
POLKA DOT: This is literally the spooky place.
POLKA DOT: Explain.

 

She sighs, giving the scepter in her claw a twirl - the colorful, glowing crystal at the top catching your attention - before threading it through a loop at her side.

CORSAIR: First thing's first.

 

Corsair reaches over, hefting up the entire sandwich tray with one claw, before reaching the other out to shake.

You blink.

POLKA DOT: I, uh-

 

A glance to the side gets a nod from Cross.

You reach your wing out-



-and shake.


She shakes back.
Her handshake is firm, but not too hard.

You feel a little twinge of something, but you aren't sure what.

CORSAIR: Wouldn't use 'spooky' to describe myself.
CORSAIR: I know your name thanks to this.

 

She retrieves her scepter, holding it up near you.

CORSAIR: That's 'bout it.
POLKA DOT: ...magic, then.
POLKA DOT: Can't say I know too much about it...

 

You squint at the crystal, trying to get a good look.

Vibrant hues swirl within; mesmerizing to watch.
You find yourself leaning a little bit closer, finding yourself drawn towards it.

She nonchalantly switches the staff over to her other claw, moving it away from you.

CORSAIR: Careful, there.
CORSAIR: Told your buddy Tim: Not th' kinda thing y' wanna toy with.
POLKA DOT: ...and you've got the whole thing under control, then.
POLKA DOT: My group seems to think you're chill.
POLKA DOT: I'll go with that for now.

 

You sigh, holding your wing out for the stack.

POLKA DOT: Would have asked for one more if I knew we'd have another person joining us.

 

She hands it over, not responding to your first comment.

CORSAIR: Nothin' needed. I'm fine.

 

The snake leans back against the wall.

You start handing out meals, Cross tilting her head at the gummy snack.

CROSSBONE: Is it any g-
POLKA DOT: Don't bet on it.
POLKA DOT: The guy working the kitchen seems really nice, but...
TIMOTHY: Not in the right job?
POLKA DOT: Feels like it'd fit in better back home.
POLKA DOT: ...both of the people I met, really.

 

Scout takes his eagerly, his eyes lighting up as he gets a big pantomimed chomp in.

SCOUT: So there's friends here?
POLKA DOT: Pooootentially, yes.
POLKA DOT: At the very least, they're not raging bigots.
CROSSBONE: Great to know that's the bar we're clearing...
CORSAIR: Lucky t' find that here at all.
TIMOTHY: She's right, from what I can tell.
SCOUT: A few allies is better than none-

 

The door to Roulette's room opens slowly, Guthrie's plush head peeking out.

GUTHRIE: Okay, everyone....

 

She raises a paw to her mouth in a shushing motion as she shuts the door- quietly.

GUTHRIE: I have good news.

 

Scout's on his feet, nearly dropping his sandwich.

SCOUT: Is-?!
GUTHRIE: S-settle, settle!
GUTHRIE: The worst's over.
CROSSBONE: Roulette's going to be okay? After all that?
GUTHRIE: As long as it gets bedrest, yes.
GUTHRIE: It's stabilized for now.

 

You let out a long exhale through your squeaker, all of the air leaving your body.

POLKA DOT: That's a relief...
POLKA DOT: Had me scared out of my mind.
GUTHRIE: Just don't get too overeager.
GUTHRIE: If you want to visit, you have to be very, very quiet.
GUTHRIE: Knock on the door, ask in your tiiiniest voice.
GUTHRIE: Any big upsets could cause things to worsen-
SCOUT: So, wait-
SCOUT: Should we, like, not visit-
GUTHRIE: No no, you can!

 

She pinches her paw together.

GUTHRIE: Just use inside voices.

 

She finally notices the snake in the room, taken aback- especially when she sees the scepter.

GUTHRIE: Who are-

 

The snake doesn't look up at her.

CORSAIR: Corsair.
CORSAIR: Escort for th' new folks.

 

Guthrie's eyes widen.

GUTHRIE: Oh...Oh!
GUTHRIE: Yes, I- forgive me.

 

She clasps her blanket flaps together, looking embarrassed.

GUTHRIE: You just go on and tell me if you need anything.
CORSAIR: Will do, ma'am.
CORSAIR: All clear here.
GUTHRIE: That goes for all of you.
GUTHRIE: It's late, so I'd wager you all need a good night's sleep.

 

She waddles on over to the door, leaning in with a wide smile.

GUTHRIE: Don't let the bedbugs bite!

 

She closes the door, everyone glancing at each other.

TIMOTHY: Are there...actually-

 

Scout is already on the floor, trying to look under the beds.

CORSAIR: There's no bugs.

 

The snake stretches her neck, wood clacking.

CORSAIR: So.
CORSAIR: Am I stickin' around on guard duty, or are y'all good as y' are?
CORSAIR: There's a bed free if y' need me. Don't wanna impose, though.

 

You could probably ask some late night questions before turning in- but not too many.