King's Mulligan [Interactive Project]

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: As much as I’d like to, don’t feel we have enough time to get a mushroom right now unfortunately, but we should be sure to grab them after. Thank you for the offer.

Gallows: Of course.

Tiles: For now I’m going to attempt to bait it.

Gallows: Oh?

Tiles: I’m going to catch it’s eye, I trust you to bag it. Afterward I can stab the bag. We should make quick work of it. Sound good?

Gallows: Easy enough.

You give him a thumbs up, he returns it with a tiny smile.

You start creeping closer toward the creature, enough that it clearly seems a little agitated. You start to kite around slightly, steering its eyes and focus away from gallows. 

The rabbit starts to creep behind it cautiously, ready to swoop in with a motion. 

Your new friend gives you the sign as he’s ready to go. 
 

You slam the poor worm with a launcher, one a little too strong for the job actually, it goes flying…


And it never lands actually.

It gets stuck on the ceiling muzzle first. It looks down at you with a confused look, though not as distressed as it should be… and… 
 

There’s another up there?

Gallows: Overshot a little… It’s fine but um… I’ll have to call maintenance for something like this. I’m quite impressed though, quite the arm for someone who just got out of a hospital bed.

Tiles: I try to put in the work.. Though I can’t imagine that’s good for the building.

Gallows: It was crumbling anyway, we have to replace those ceiling panels anyway. I am confused about who-

???: Ah… you too? 

You’re interrupted by a stranger lingering in the shadow.
 

???: You’re new and I don’t want you to get in trouble right away so I’ll cover for you this time. Scab has grown numb to this kind of thing from me…

Gallows: Hey! You’re back early.

???: Gallows! Yeah, just here to update on Starman’s group and their current progress. Is that the knight with you?

Gallows: Mm.

???: Fantastic, I wanted to get a chance to talk to you. 

Tiles: About?

???: Would you care to handle introductions? 

Gallows: You wouldn’t want to do so yourself? 

???: I’ll make a fool in front of the new person if you let me do that… 

Gallows: Nonsense, you’ll be fine. Tell them Xey’d be fine.

Tiles: Whatever works best for you honest, I will not judge.

???: It sounds better when someone else does it… please Gallows?

Gallows: I do suppose I could try… but you’re better off doing this yourself. You’re not going to look bad in front of the cool knight… 

Tiles: Yes well… 

???: Smooth there.

Gallows: ..continue. 
 

???: Ah… well I go by many names. The Resident Bastard, Your Friendly Neighborhood Courier, and La Cucaracha. You may call me whatever you want for now though.

Tiles: Ah? Well Um…. hmm… I really don’t want to refer to you as a bastard off the bat, you seem too nice for that. 

???: You’re allowed to.

Tiles: Is Courier okay for now?

???: Courier is fine. So talk to me, I’d like to know more about our potential new ally.

Tiles: New ally?

Courier: If you wish… we really do need the help and we could provide food and bed. I um… Starman and I found out about your family situation through some sleuthing. We’re sorry.. even if you do not choose to stay with us knight, we'll at least make sure you're well equipped to travel.

Tiles: Mm… thank you. I could talk some if you tell me about yourself.

Courier: Mm, I can try.  

Gallows: You two get to know each other, I’ll handle breakfast for now. We still have pests to deal with but… I can cover. Be right back.

Courier: Wait, Gallows-!

He manages to make his way to the other room before you can even finish. 

The Courier seems a lot more nervous left alone with you.

Tiles: Ah well… continue?

Courier: Mm, let's get to know each other then I suppose.. You can ask anything.

[Ignispark]

Ask if Courier has any cool tricks to show off. You can't go through the whole 'I go by many names' shtick without having cool tricks to show off. Maybe ask about cool feats or interesting short stories. Those sorts of exchanges are always good.

[King-Clod]

Xey seem a bit scared... maybe ask them what Starman's group is doing to progress, and what Courier's job is? I'm guessing it's something along the lines of passing news along, given the name.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: You certain you’re okay for this? You seem… nervous?

Xey seemed to be suddenly avoiding any eye contact without Gallows around to buffer the conversation, scratching the area around the sword sticking out of their chest.

Courier: I’m rubbish with new people… always worried about first impressions really. 

You nod assuringly.

Tiles: Mm, I get that.

Courier: Mm.

Tiles: So what were you and this Starman doing?

Courier: Ah well… we were out handling our supply lines. Um… you’re not with the crown obviously I imagine? 

Tiles: God no, they’ve wronged me more than enough in my life that I wouldn’t be caught dead.

Courier: Alright, good. I guess Starman’s group wouldn’t rescue someone they thought would snitch…. Anyway, our cell has been dealing with restocking local allied businesses with essentials. They’re often very difficult to maintain as the taxing on goods here means normally we’re living off potatoes and rum and if we’re lucky the slightest bit of salt or sausage. 

Tiles: So I imagine you steal it from enemy supply lines?

Courier: Close. We have to resell that stock through traders and caravans leaving the region for cash to buy stuff from other parts of town that have more. It’d be very easy for an inspector to notice and track us down. Granted we always sell at a loss but frankly the cost of living is too high anyway.

Tiles: Mm. 

Courier: They’ll be back tonight but I imagine it’d be good for you to meet up with them yourself.

Tiles: I don’t really have much else planned right now so I wouldn’t oppose it. Who is this Starman exactly anyway? I’ve heard rumors.

Courier: Bit of a rising star in this town. They've given us the most traction at dealing with the Crown’s oppression that we’ve seen in… well… forever. Bit difficult for most to talk to at first but they’ve got a good heart.  What’ve you heard?

Tiles: That their appearances are always preceded by the sound of alley cats hissing and ravens screeching. That they take the uniforms of slain officers and captains and fashion them into their own attire out of mockery. That they dump the souls of those who’ve fallen into the ocean. I know that the crown’s mooks don’t particularly like being alone in these parts because of this.

Courier: Mm, a lot of that is absolutely true. 

Tiles: And you and Gallows seem to be doing some of that yourselves.
 

Courier: Patchwork is a common look in this town but… yes it does allow us to get our hands on more fabric. I have to make my outfits custom anyway otherwise they’re difficult to put on. In general this place is all about making the best of what you have because at the end of the day? Crown isn’t giving us a thing.

Tiles: Mm… so what’s your role in all this?

Courier: I deliver. News, packages, people sometimes. I do what I have to to help basically. Folks here are really nice..

Tiles: Mm. 

Courier: So what about you?

Tiles: Just a passing executioner on the way to the king’s door. 

Courier: Killer.

Tiles: Yes well… 

Courier: Excited to work with you… should you choose to stay of course.

Tiles: I’m considering.

Courier: How can I sweeten the deal?

Tiles: Perhaps you have a trick or a story to tell? You introduced yourself so enigmatically, don’t even know your name. At least give me something else if not that.

Courier: Fair enough. You seen the mascot used to advertise those vitamin supplements?

Tiles: The phantom gummies?

Courier: Mm. Rumor has it they’re a ferryman.

Tiles: You’re joking. The rodent?
 

Courier: Mm. A potential destroyer of worlds type, has that sort of smug energy that makes for someone dangerous. Admittedly not much to back it up but… rumor says whatever he is, it’s not a cute squirrel.

Tiles: Seems like a bit of a stretch, didn't even know he was a real person. Anything backing up?

Courier: Think Starman knows more about it. Honestly those gummies are a big asset if only because getting substantial meals while traveling is a little difficult… We’re planning a heist but only if you’re interested.

Tiles: Huh….

Courier: Speaking of, I saw you had a scrapbook. You make those weird puppets yes? 

Tiles: Mm! 

Courier: If you’d like, I can gather you parts, seems like your old one was broken when we found it.

Tiles: I’d love that.

Xey got up from the table, nearly bumping you with the sheathed sword sticking out of xem as they got up.

Courier: Sorry, setup is a little unwieldy… Also, feel free to ask anything else. You seem trustworthy enough for it. 
 

---

Anura: Fill in as directed. This part is always fun for me.

Type of Fabric or Clothing Item:

Type of Toy:

Type of hard material:

Animal:

Personality:

 Additional Questions and or Comments (In character):

Additional Questions and or Comments (Out of Character):

[skinstealer]

Type of Fabric or Clothing Item: chainmail shirt

Type of Toy: wind up dino

Type of hard material: amber

Animal: raptor (dino)

Personality: Bastard

 Additional Questions and or Comments (In character): are yoooou doing anything after we handle business

Additional Questions and or Comments (Out of Character): how much flirting are we allowed to do

[Ignispark]

Type of Fabric or Clothing Item: Sailor's Hat

Type of Toy: Noisemaker

Type of hard material: Weird Rock

Animal: Goat

Personality: Quarrelsome

Additional Questions and or Comments (In character): It couldn't hurt to ask something incredibly mundane, like favorite beverage.

Additional Questions and or Comments (Out of Character): Is the vitamin mascot rumor inspired by any actual events? It's quite an interesting choice.

[King-Clod]

Type of Fabric or Clothing Item: Morbit gay coat

Type of Toy: Magic 8-ball

Type of hard material: Bone

Animal: Cow

Personality: Softspoken and observant. Sees themself as a mentor sort of character, whether or not you want or mentor.

Additional Questions and or Comments (In character): So...what's up with the setup, anyways? I've seen quite a bit in my travels, but never a sword through the chest. At least, not in someone still standing.

Additional Questions and or Comments (Out of Character): What's a ferryman? The term seems to hold a lot of weight for the characters.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

 Kolita: A few questions before we continue?

Anura: Of course! What do you need.

Kolita: Is there an actual thing the vitamin gummy mascot is based on or….

Anura: Sort of? To be frank he was the mascot of way more than that. Kind of a entire product line but vitamin supplements legitimately became needed as the civil war developed.

Kolita: That’s fair enough, makes plenty of sense even if it’s silly.

Anura: Some truth is stranger than fiction.

Kolita: On that note, the heck is a Ferryman? It seems pretty important.

Anura: Bit of a local legend in some parts. The idea of someone with the power of both creation and destruction who shows up just before disaster. Mostly some bad omen type myth but people legitimately believe it often enough.

Kolita: Huh…

Anura: Whether you become friends or foe could massively determine a ton… should this rumor be true anyway.

Kolita: Noted! And uh, one last question?

Anura: Mmm?

Kolita: How much flirting? Is it fair game?

Anura: Just be respectful and don’t be nasty for my mental health’s sake. Otherwise? Feel free. This region’s local culture is a little different regarding how it treats displays of affections as a heads up if you’re tempted to explore such a thing.

Kolita: How so?

Anura: Acts like cuddling and nuzzling are not strictly seen as associated with romantic partners. It’s common and normalized among good friends with a mutual trust for each other. People often don’t feel comfortable committing in their current situations but still appreciate a good hugging out here and there.

Kolita: So it’s a kissing the homies goodnight situation?

Anura: No idea what that means but probably. It’s good to hug sometimes, remember that. Make bonds with people, you will become strong.

Kolita: Huh…  Wish I could do that sometimes. Mine kinda suck though.

Anura: Sympathies. Shall we progress the game?

Kolita: Mmhmm!

 

---

Tiles: So, you have a favorite drink?

Courier: Lemonade, why do you ask?

Tiles: I figured it’s good to get to know you and it does give me ideas.

Courier: Is that so?

Tiles: Are you doing anything after work? I imagine you have some free time once business for the day has been handled.

Courier: A-Ah? I mean… we just met but I’m not opposed? I should clarify the elephant in the room though, I imagine you’ve noticed.

Tiles: The sword? I was wondering, what’s the deal with it? Never seen something like that.

Courier: Mm.. One of those things you have to really bring up early. This body in front of you isn’t me, just a host who managed to have the misfortune of being skewered by sheer bad luck. Didn’t mean to, someone just happened to thrust me into this person’s chest one day and next thing I knew I was meeting folks who took me in and helped me find a nice little life.

Tiles: In that case, that would be your true form?

You point toward the bound blade.

Courier: Mmhmm. I have to keep covered to avoid accidentally injuring others. Keeps me safe too.

Tiles: Can I take a peek? I am curious what this magical living sword looks like. I’m sure xey have quite a shine.

Xey blushed in response to that.

Courier: Yes well.. As tempted as I am, I don’t feel I know you well enough yet to feel comfortable doing that. Only a handful of folks have gotten to.

Tiles: Who would that be?

Courier: Starman who found me in the first place, one of the doctors who is currently not here today, and Gallows.

Tiles: Are you and Gallows close? Seem to know each other well.
 

Xey couldn’t help but smile.

Courier: He understands me in a lot of ways others don’t. Plus I need someone to help me with maintenance and he’s quite handy with a Whetstone.

Tiles: You seem fond.

Courier: Perhaps a little..

Tiles: Never figured him for one with a good sense of polish.

Courier: …..

Tiles: Joke too dull?

Courier: Certainly not sharp… anyway..

Courier.  I’d be fine with taking up your offer but let me help you grab those parts first. What did you need anyway?

Tiles: Look for a coat with fur trims, a magic 8 ball, that odd looking stone on the shelf, and the book of dinosaurs.

Courier: Huh.. those are some specific items.

Tiles: Managed to spot all of those while there, should be easy enough.

Courier: I can gather those with ease. If I recall, folks who can make these weird magical puppets tend to name them yes?

Tiles: Mmhmm. It’s good to have a name and an elemental aspect in mind before you even touch the parts. Anything can really be an element but it can get pretty grotesque..

Courier: Do you have those figured out?

Tiles: No… I should think of them quickly.

Courier: Please do so.

Tiles: For a name and element… hmmm… 

[King-Clod]

Name: Bastion
Element: Stone, or Ground. Maybe Time if we're allowed to get weird with it.

[Ignispark]

I don't have any ideas for names but I think it'd be fun if the puppet has one of those overly fancy titles like 'X Y Zington the Dinosaur of Eternal Flair' or something like that.

I don't suppose it's possible to use the element of surprise? Time also sounds pretty weird and interesting. For a more traditional option, perhaps fire?

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

Tiles: I’ve got it. I’m going to need you to stand back some. Don’t want to be too close.

Courier: Don’t need to tell me twice, don’t feel like getting caught in that…

Xey’re already way out of the way at this point.

You open up your scrap book.

You assemble the items and get to work right away, every object melding together into a giant mist that quickly gathers shape

Courier: So what’s happening here?

Tiles: Archiving and then merging to create a shell. We’ll apply a basic personality so that it has something to work off of when not attended to.

Courier: Is it alive?

Tiles: For now? Not quite yet entirely, merely an extension of the imagination for now. It’ll gain a sense of self overtime of course.

Courier: Can’t say I like the look of things..

The graying world had a certain menace for sure.

Tiles: If you’re really that nervous I can offer you my free hand to cling to.

Courier: N-No, you don’t need to.

The form melts into the silhouette of clock hands in a circle on the ground. The creature begins to ember out.
 

A strange reptilian beast with a magic 8 ball for a head and a big coat. It carries a cane made of a stone-like material.

You approach it.

Courier: Oh it’s so…

Tiles: Confident? Fiery?
 

Courier: Smug. Real bastard energy on that one…

Tiles: It’ll help it survive, I think. We need to name it.
Courier: You got something in mind?

Tiles: Mm.. For you who have newly appeared in this world, I request your assistance.

You give it a little bow.

Tiles: I dub you Bastion, the keeper of my time and Envoy of Erosion. I do hope our partnership is fruitful for both of us.

Courier: Partnership? I thought it was yours to control?

Tiles: No, I merely guide it until we decide to go our separate paths.

Courier: So it can just leave?

Tiles: If it decided it no longer benefits…

Courier: Ah… so um… you had one of these when we found you, right?

Tiles: Mm…

Courier: Was that one alive too or…

Tiles:... I’d rather not talk about that, if it’s alright.

Courier: A-ah, sorry. I won’t press the matter if it’s a sore subject..

Tiles: It always is admittedly but… I’m not upset at you. Besides, I do genuinely wish to get to know you.

Courier: Same to you-

The two of you are cut off by a familiar rabbit.

 

Gallows: I’m back! I was able to set us up with breakfast in the other room, hopefully none of you mind that I covered this time.

Courier: Gallie! You missed it, it’s

Before xey could finish, he was already taking a good look at Bastion. He gave it a little wave.

Gallows: I’ve never seen one of these so fresh off the press.. Read so much about them but it’s always so fascinating whenever I do see one..

Tiles: Glad you’re a fan.

Gallows: Top quality too, already has a strong feeling coming from it. Hello!

Bastion didn’t seem to particularly care for this.

Gallows: Geez, already a lot of personality to this one..

Tiles: I wouldn’t tempt fate, leave it be for now.

Gallows: Sorry! I was just excited… anyway, shall we go eat? I know neither of you have eaten in a bit..

Tiles: I would love that right now.

Gallows looks over at Courier.

Gallows: Especially you, you forget too often.

Courier: I’m not exactly used to having a stomach.

Gallows: You should be able to at least feel it.

Courier: I do and I hate it, but I’m too busy to sit down for lunch.

Gallows: Nonsense, you need to take care of yourself or you won’t get much done!

Courier: I suppose… you look out for me so much sometimes.

Gallows: You matter to me, I only want best….

Courier: Yes well…

Gallows: Plus we have a lot to cover right now. I need you two to help me on some jobs today.

Tiles: Let me hear it.

Gallows: So the pest situation is difficult and Scab doesn’t want us making a mess, so we’ll need to pick up some repellent from the shop. We’ll also need to meet up with Starman’s group. They’ll be at Dr. Smoke’s pub. There’s two ways in and both have their own risks right now.

Gallows: We can take the rooftops to avoid traffic and patrol. It’s potentially risky if we get caught. There’s another safehouse on the way if we do but we have to be very careful.

Gallows: The other way is through the secret tunnel.

Tiles: Secret tunnel?

Gallows: Secret tunnel! It’s set up by a bunch of sensitives using their magic to keep it under the radar. The one catch is the entrance way is difficult to find and calling the spot wrong well… is a bit of a terror.

Courier: Its residents are less than friendly toward those who fumble in and well, consist of everything you’d rather not run into at night. Otherworldly horrors beyond our vocabulary, manifestations of guilt, walking nightmare fuel, the works.

Gallows: Speak for yourself, some of those horrors are quite the look.

Courier: …What in the world has been haunting your dreams?

Gallows: Plenty.

Tiles: Do… do I want to know?

Gallows: Hard to say? Regardless, since you’re new we should probably give you the pick. I will say that you can probably repair your lance easily and avoid risking the crown spotting us if we take the latter but you don’t want to get lost on the way.

Courier: I think I would rather throw hands with the crown personally… but I’m more than game for either. I trust you.

Gallows: When we’re done we can all go out to get some ice cream. Anyway, your choice from here. 

[Ignispark]

Secret tunnels and the potential of running into otherworldly horrors and nightmare fuel is ALWAYS the right answer.

[King-Clod]

We'll get plenty of chances to fight the crown with us around, trust me. The tunnels should be a sight to see.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

The group of you sit down in the other room and have yourself a nice meal.

You’re filled in on the group’s motives, the Starman’s plans to out resource the Crown in the long run, and are filled in on the details of the trip you’re about to make.

A world hidden in enchanted mirrors, something out of a dozen children’s books you’ve grown up on. Hard to say if its creation was inspired by or the inspiration for. Sensitives with strong magic use it as a means to get around and handle business without the authorities giving issue.

It’s going to be rather risky, though between the three of you it should be fine.

After you’re done wrapping up, you three clean off your tables and make sure to thank Scab for the mean.

Despite just barely meeting these people, you feel a certain comradery and closeness you used to have…

You missed this.

You’re taken to a room in the basement with a big but otherwise seemingly ordinary mirror. You approach it first, getting a closer look. There’s someone there on the other side, not quite you.
 

Tiles: So this is it? We just step through?

Gallows: Mm, assuming nothing is there to block your path. Usually things are calm around this time, only really gets risky at night.

Courier: Travel by night above and by day below.

Gallows: Exactly.

Tiles: I think someone is there…

Gallows: What do you mean?

Tiles: A stranger blocks our path.

Gallows: What do you see?

Tiles: Not myself but.. Someone who perhaps understands? Not sure what exactly but they certainly give me a strange feeling.

Gallows:... So is it not yourself in there?

Tiles: I don’t think so… they’re standing directly in front of the entrance.
Gallows: That’s an issue then.

Tiles: What do you mean?

Courier: You’re being challenged I think. If the mirror world thinks you may bring harm to it, you may run into some troubles.

Gallows: Mm, exactly. You have to either bargain, convince, or fight your way in. Failure to succeed in any of these fronts makes entry dangerous, might find yourself replaced with a doppleganger.

Tiles: What do you see? The way you’re describing this makes me worry.

Gallows: Nothing on my end.

Tiles: Should I talk to it?

Gallows: Possibly.

Courier: You could perhaps give it permission to enter? Maybe it wants to visit?

Gallows: It’s not a vampire but… that is an option. Be ready to take it down if it seems too wily. Some of them are docile, others are difficult to really trust.

Courier: Supposedly everyone’s got one yeah?

Gallows: Supposedly.

Courier: Never seen mine though…

Gallows: Don’t think yours would be much of a threat frankly, danger level is pretty reflective of your own.

Courier: What are you trying to say?

Gallows: Don’t think you’ve got a mean bone in your body, no offense.

Courier: Technically don’t have bones in the traditional sense but… I can have bite if I need to.

Gallows: Maybe.

Tiles: I mean xey are a sword, no?

Gallows: Just cause you’ve got teeth doesn’t mean you can tear into throats.

Tiles: A odd metaphor…

Gallows: Think it applies. Anyway we’ll have to do something about it, coming back later might take too long.

You step back and get a good look at the reflection. It's beautiful in a sort of abstract way. She talks to you in a voice not quite your own, more akin to the self you hear in your thoughts than what comes out of your mouth. It's both comforting and unnerving at the same time.
 

???: We’re planning to avenge everyone, no?

???: Miss them a lot, I imagine you do too?

???: But… I worry you won’t commit all the way.

???: Prove to me otherwise. If I can’t count on you, I’ll do what I have to myself.

???: We could be allies or we can be foes. No matter what, I won’t back down until you prove you can do the job.

???: Give us both the peace we desire.

Courier notices you fixating on the reflection.

Courier: You doing alright? Whatcha seeing now?

Gallows: Is it talking to you? What’s it saying?

???: Those your new friends?

???: They wish to harm me I think.. at least one of them certainly does.

???: Pick your next words wisely, might be all the difference in the world.

[Ignispark]

Hmm...in stories it's usually best practice to handle this sort of thing on a one-to-one basis, whether you're proving yourself through words or actions. Plus, intentionally provoking it doesn't seem like a great idea.

The best option I can think of is probably to calmly note that it merely seeks evidence of resolve without giving much more information to try to find a balance between not angering the magic mirror person and truth. Maybe ask for a bit of space for the moment so it's not quite as awkward as to talk to a mirror while being intensely watched?

Probably best to try to convince with words first, but if that goes poorly dueling is probably the answer.

If it's not handled one-on-one then it'd probably be best to fight it as quickly as possible, to avoid too much of a mess.

[King-Clod]

"It's a reflection of me, that's for sure. Much more on the executioner side... very driven. None of us are in danger, she's lost just as much as I have from what it sounds like. And..."
We can say this next part looking her directly in her eyes.
"I sincerely doubt she's the sort to take more away from me if she doesn't need to. We're just to sort to make those who have taken people from us bleed."

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

CW: Murder.


You make a gesture at your friends, signaling to them to lower their defenses.

Tiles: It's a reflection of me, that's for sure. Much more leaning on the executioner side... and very driven. 

Gallows: You trust her that easily?

Tiles: None of us are in danger, she's lost just as much as I have from what it sounds like. And…

You look your counterpart directly in the eyes.
 

Tiles: I sincerely doubt she's the sort to take more away from me if she doesn't need to. We're just the sort to make those who have taken people from us bleed.

Though faceless, the mirror form gives you a little chuckle. You can feel her almost smiling despite the lack of face.

???: Well said. I accept it.

???: Tell me this though, what would you do if I didn’t?

Tiles: Though I’d rather not, I’d be plenty willing to fight you. I’ll do what I must to get the job done.

???: Hmm… Do you know what happens to those slain by their doppleganger?

Tiles: I’ve heard stories of being replaced but..

???: Your body is taken and you are left in the mirror but…  Do you trust me knowing that?

Tiles: I don’t sense malicious intent from you. And I outnumber you.

???: You certainly do. Regardless, I don’t think it’ll come to that. Feel like things are in good hands. Besides, if you’re like me then well… you know how lonely it’s been. 

Tiles: Mm..

???: I am happy you’ve found some new friends recently though. Courier and Gallows I believe?

Courier: We just met but we’re hoping she’ll stay in our group. 

Gallows: Likewise, she has a good energy… though perhaps a big clumsy. 

Tiles: I didn’t expect to overshoot that badly… 

Gallows: I mean we’ve all done it, they’re spellbuckers. The giant rats of the angel variety as some would say.

He looks over at Courier.
 

Courier: Yeah….  Yours was probably the worst though.

Gallows: I don’t want to think about it… that poor bat. 

Tiles: Bat?

He shakes his head at you. 

Your mirror counterpart gestures you to get closer, leaning in to whisper something.

???: So… you managed a date too?

Tiles: I was in a room and everyone was blushing left and right… I couldn’t help it.

???: Understandable. Cute for a sword… you know if you’re not going to go after the rabbit though I might call dibs.

Gallows’ ears rose and he immediately pretended not to notice.
 

Your mirror friend gives him a playfully flirty wave, he tries to hide the pink on his face. 

Tiles: Heh… anyway so…

???: Sorry to derail. 

Tiles: What can we call you?

???: Perhaps the name you’ve discarded while on your quest? Tutor and Tiles sounds like a nice pair.

Tiles: Mm… I’m not using it at the moment so it’d be fine for now I think. 

Tutor: Than Tutor it is.. It’s cathartic to be able to call myself that honestly. 

Tiles: I wish I could myself but… it’s not the name I want the crown to fear. 

Tutor: To give up your name for the sake of your fallen family… 

Tiles: I do what I have to. 

Gallows: H-hate to interrupt but… we need to get through… 

Tutor: Mm… you’re free to but I have to warn you of something.

Tiles: Is everything alright?

Tutor: I’m not sure, there’s someone in the corner lurking though… I think he wants his turn to talk. 

Tutor scoots to the side to allow you to get a clear view of the most bastardly person you’ve seen in a bit. 
 

???: I’ve just got business to attend to before I can let you go but… I know you’re all in a rush right now so I’ll just walk with you. 

Gallows grimaces

Gallows: Not today Eddie… 

Eddie: The man of blades, the banished prince.

Hero of a forbidden land.

Stormed the castle to free the crown.

Couldn’t afford to let them down.

Reached the top to slay the king.

Slew brother

Slew father

Slew the goddess too.

Back torn by his sword.

Flesh coiled by her graft.

For when split between two sides.

He chose the people he loved most. 

Gallows: Why are you doing this?

Eddie: You can’t pretend to have never known what you’ve lost. You can’t bury me with the rest of your hurt. Have at me, or I’ll drag the whole group into this.

[Ignispark]

That seems like part of a really long story uh. Gallows has gone through the mirror realm before? So they probably have some rough judgement as to what's the best move here. Maybe also ask if it does become a fight...any tips to beat the shit outta Eddie quickly?

[King-Clod]

Yeah, let's ask Gallows what they'd like us to do. I'd also say ignore the info we're getting from Eddie for now, if Gallows wants to talk about it later they can. But learning this info in this context doesn't feel right.

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

CW: Mentions of Parental Abuse and Death.
 

 Two proxies emerge, mirroring each other with their guards up.

You look over at Gallows, he’s visibly very distressed.

Tiles: Is everything alright?

Gallows: No, not really. I’m not a big fan of having things I’d like to keep to myself spread out for those passing by to see.

Tiles: It seems wrong to have it told like this, I’d rather hear it from you if and when you’d be comfortable..

Gallows: Likewise…

Tiles: Do you have advice to fighting him?

Gallows: I think the threat alone would make him back off. He’s a bastard but far from a fool. Three vs One when I’m his equal would be his early demise.

Eddie interjects.

Eddie:You’re right that I’m not looking to fight, but I am looking for honesty. It’s my pain too, just as much my right to discuss. My other half may be one to bury things but I want closure.. And it’s denied.

Gallows: There’s nothing we can do about it anymore.

Eddie: No there’s not… though we did the best for others, we’ve left ourselves without a home to return to away from all this. One fight straight to the other.

Gallows: A fight worth pushing for.

Eddie: I understand that but… I’m so tired. You’re tired too.

Gallows: I’ll be fine.

Eddie: The rebel heir who burned down his kingdom.

Gallows: One that I no longer am…

Eddie: Proxy wrapped in the flesh of the family.

Gallows: Holding the king’s wrath in hand.

Eddie: And the queen’s soul in its bulb… though now it looks like yours has sealed up completely.

Gallows: It’s a past I wish to bury altogether.

Eddie: Never giving yourself the chance to grieve… it’s not good for you.

Gallows: No, but at the end of the day they weren’t worth grieving I don’t think.

Eddie: You still miss them.

Gallows: They were miserable to live with.

Eddie: Attempts at sell us off to another kingdom…

Gallows: The suffocating outfits that gave us health problems..

Eddie: Those dreaded  lessons…

Gallows: Struck one too many time to want to think about them.

Eddie: Mm..

Gallows: They were cruel to their kingdom.

Eddie: I know…

Gallows: I don’t understand why you have any grief left for them.

Eddie: We both do, I’m just honest.

Eddie: Perhaps I will have at thee in the end, there seems to be no means of us both getting what we want.

Gallows: You seek to fight a losing battle in the end?

Eddie: No.. I seek release from our burden.

Gallows: I can no longer do that, whether you like it or not. The contract-

Eddie: You and your dreaded deals with so many figures of the dark arts. I hate it. You’re going to cost us both dearly one day….

Gallows: What happens, happens.

Both of them sound genuinely miserable in this conversation.

You look over at Tutor for advice, she shakes her head at you just as confused. Courier is looking away altogether. Perhaps you can negotiate peace? Maybe your observant eye can see something? You’re losing so much time…..