Characters present: Wizard, Joco, Doc, Scarm, Flick, Dan, Punk, Cinder, Ceph, Ollie, Faulkner, Ion, Prince
Date: 1/26/24
Season: 3

[Joco and the Wizard loiter just inside the fairgrounds, making conversation as they wait for fairgoers to arrive.]

[18:21:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Thanks again for letting me toss my leftovers in the rocket things

[18:22:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yeah, of course!

[18:22:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Great to reuse anything we can

[18:22:11] <✦[rp] Joco> They're. So tedious to store

[18:22:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sure

[He squints into the distance, trying to make out figures in the dark.]

[18:22:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Anyway, I'm hoping all goes well tonight

[18:22:53] <✦[rp] Joco> How many people do you think'll show up?

[18:23:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Most likely a good chunk of Corroded

[18:23:02] <✦[rp] Joco> I know Doc and Flick probably

[18:23:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh certainly

[18:23:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Speak of the devil

[Doc, with the Scarm settled over his shoulders, and Flick in tow, summits the hill up to the fairgrounds.]

[18:23:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doc hello!

[18:23:26] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And Flick!

[18:23:28] <✦[rp] Flick> Hello :D

[18:23:30] <✦[rp] Joco> And Scarm!!!

[18:23:36] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Hello!!

[18:23:43] <✦[rp] Doc> "Hm? Yes, we decided to travel together."

[The two step inside over the pressure plates, where two firework rockets fire off, exploding in the blue, white, and orange of the Corroded colors.]

[18:24:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Fireworks beloved

[More people arrive, Dan and Punk walking hand in hand. The Wizard beckons everyone in with his hands, stepping back so those who have arrived can filter inside.]

[18:24:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Everyone yes, come on in!

[18:24:51] <✦[rp] DAN> oh great im not that late

[18:24:30] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. FIREWORKS.

[18:24:37] <✦[rp] Punk> u made fireowkrss for this thats so slay

[18:24:40] <✦[rp] Flick> they're very pretty fireworks

[18:24:43] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, no, those are old

[The Wizard backs up, pointing out different locations around.]

[18:24:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We've got some food over here

[18:24:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Fireworks station over here

[18:24:45] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Very cool.

[Outside, Ollie lingers just below the entrance, waiting for Faulkner to meet them there before they head in.]

[18:26:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> hello ollie

[Ollie seems startled as they peel out of the darkness, but they smile regardless.]

[18:26:19] <✦[rp] Ollie> helllo

[In the distance, the sounds of the Scarm sours Faulkner’s mood, but he and Ollie head inside anyway. Scarm marvels at everything as Doc walks along, looking at all the things there are to see.]

[18:26:28] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. This is very cool. It has. horses.

[18:26:35] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. It has games.

[18:26:38] <✦[rp] Doc> "You like horses?"

[18:26:49] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. In a sense.

[18:27:20] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Doc. We should ride the horsies.

[18:27:37] <✦[rp] Doc> "Can you ride a horse? I think you need legs for that."

[18:27:55] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. No. I cannot in this form. But i can hold on to you as you do.

[As they enter inside, Ollie makes a beeline for the horses, while Faulkner gets stopped up by the fireworks stand right beside the stable.]

[18:27:04] <✦[rp] Ollie> holy shit they got horses in here

[18:27:11] <✦Faulkner [rp]> fireworks…

[The Wizard approaches Faulkner.]

[18:27:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Indeed!

[18:27:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner, good to see you

[Faulkner turns towards the Wizard.]

[18:27:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh, hello

[18:27:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm glad you decided to come after all

[18:27:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We'll have to find some time to chat with Dan

[18:27:47] <✦Faulkner [rp]> right..

[18:27:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Just let me know, I'll be around

[Faulkner glances over to where Dan is standing.]

[18:28:04] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Right

[The Wizard gives him a nod before heading off towards where Scarm and Doc pet the horses. Faulkner turns back to the fireworks stand and considers making some.]

[18:28:05] <✦[rp] Doc> "I think you can pet a horse, if you like."

[18:28:34] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. dot. dot. dot. I dont want to.

[18:28:47] <✦[rp] Doc> "Why don't you want to pet the horse?"

[18:28:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not a horse person, Scarm?

[The Wizard enters into the conversation, patting the horse on the neck.]

[18:28:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> This fine animal right here is my horse, Doc!

[18:28:33] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh, do they have a name?"

[18:28:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Lighthoof, they're pretty fast, so I thought the name fit

[As Ollie looks at the horses, they notice Doc.]

[18:31:44] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh the horses have names that's cute

[18:28:48] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh hi doc

[18:29:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Big animal.

[18:28:53] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh god is the fucking arm here

[18:29:01] <✦[rp] Doc> "Yes I brought the arm."

[18:29:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, while he may be big, he's very sweet

[18:29:46] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Sweet? As in to consume or personality. I have never had horse meat.

[18:29:58] <✦[rp] Doc> "Personality."

[18:28:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Ollie, hello!

[Ollie gives an awkward, almost nervous wave.]

[18:29:07] <✦[rp] Ollie> hello Wizard

[18:29:34] <✦[rp] Ollie> thought I might as well join seeing as I got kinda invited i guess

[18:29:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes! I'm glad to see you here

[18:29:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I trust Faulkner got Null back to you Ollie?

[18:29:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry I kept it for so long, never managed to find time to pop over

[18:29:36] <✦[rp] Ollie> yes!

[18:29:43] <✦[rp] Ollie> thank you for returning them

[18:30:05] <✦[rp] Ollie> i didn't wanna ask for Null back since im sure you got busy with them hah..

[18:30:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, they did provide a lot of necessary information

[18:30:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But, it's best that they're back with you.

[18:30:29] <✦[rp] Ollie> thank you

[The Wizard smiles at Ollie.]

[18:31:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Enjoy the festival!

[18:31:33] <✦[rp] Ollie> I'lll try my best

[He gives a wave, before heading off in the direction of the entrance to the fairgrounds. Towards the entrance, Joco and Flick hang out together. Flick flits around from perch to perch as he and Joco chat pleasantly.]

[18:26:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Hey. Hey Flick

[18:27:02] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi joco Hi

[18:27:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Question.

[18:27:05] <✦[rp] Flick> Yes

[18:27:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Does sand. Get in your wings?

[18:27:17] <✦[rp] Joco> Is that. A hassle.

[Flick spreads his wings.]

[18:27:27] <✦[rp] Flick> Sometimes? I try to be careful with them

[18:27:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Makes sense

[He lifts them up.]

[18:27:36] <✦[rp] Flick> Hold em up higher where i can and such

[18:27:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Of course, of course

[Flick lands on the ground, before bonking his head against Joco’s. Joco seems to take the cue and the two begin bonking their heads on one another. Joco glances over at Doc and Prince over at the horse stalls.]

[18:29:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh. I'm so glad horses here are less intelligent than some worlds

[18:29:42] <✦[rp] Flick> Do you have hyperintelligent horses, joco. Have you experienced those

[18:29:47] <✦[rp] Flick> please say No

[18:29:59] <✦[rp] Joco> I've experienced horses with a modicum of intelligence and they would NOT like Scarm

[At the food buffet, Dan seems to look like he feels somewhat awkward as he looks through the food. Punk steps in next to him, nudging his arm.]

[18:30:04] <✦[rp] Punk> fancy seeing you here

[Dan visibly relaxes as Punk sidles up next to him.]

[18:30:24] <✦[rp] DAN> hehe hey.. whats a cutie like u doin out here

[18:30:34] <✦[rp] Punk> just enjoyin the view babay

[Punk looks around.]

[18:30:44] <✦[rp] Punk> finch couldnt make it?

[18:31:05] <✦[rp] DAN> ah yea... not sure where theyve gotten off to…

[18:31:10] <✦[rp] DAN> probably something wth the void again

[18:31:37] <✦[rp] Punk> that kid and their void man its just weird

[Dan swallows down an entire chicken leg like it’s nothing.]

[18:32:12] <✦[rp] DAN> it really is weird. i dont wanna overstep cuz i know there passionate about it but its not a great hobby

[18:32:52] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah . hobby that will get the world eaten . but i guess we all have our quirks

[18:33:24] <✦[rp] Punk> by the way man

[Punk lowers his voice, a little more gentle.]

[18:33:24] <✦[rp] Punk> you gonna be ok ? with ollie n all bein here?

[18:33:39] <✦[rp] DAN> aha... good question um

[18:33:50] <✦[rp] DAN> i'll be fine ^_^ thisll be fine

[18:34:05] <✦[rp] DAN> ive got you here with me so im at least not gonna go crazy

[Punk pats Dan on the outside of his arm.]

[18:34:25] <✦[rp] Punk> hell yeah dude im here for u

[18:34:34] <✦[rp] DAN> im mostly glad to see that theyre doin alright, well. enough to come out to this shebang

[18:35:28] <✦[rp] Punk> yea totally . i mean last time he saw this gang he got like . nearly kidnapped didnt he ?? if i remember right?

[Dan groans, rubbing his face.]

[18:35:41] <✦[rp] DAN> oh god yeah

[18:35:54] <✦[rp] DAN> that was definitely the last visit

[Rushing up the stairs out of breath, Cinder arrives.]

[18:29:45] <✦[rp] cinder> hello everyone! Sorry i'm late!

[Flick and Joco wave Cinder over.]

[18:29:56] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi Cinder!! :D

[18:30:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Cinder!!

[18:30:02] <✦[rp] Joco> HI!!!

[Joco and Cinder hug.]

[18:30:06] <✦[rp] cinder> hi!!

[Joco holds their shoulders.]

[18:30:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Scarm's here

[18:30:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Just. So you're aware

[18:30:15] <✦[rp] cinder> oh scarm is here. that's.... Mm. Great.

[Over at the horse barn.]

[18:31:10] <✦[rp] Doc> "Here, you just have to approach the horse from the side."

[18:31:32] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Creepy.

[Doc moves Scarm’s hand onto the horse.]

[18:31:59] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. This is weird.

[18:32:02] <✦[rp] Ollie> this is some freaky shit nevermind

[Ollie heads as far away from the stable area as he can. He wanders out to the games area, where he pretends not to be hiding in the darkness. Faulkner lurks around, looking for Ollie. They find him standing on the edge of one of the games built for the festival, feeling the night wind on his face. Faulkner blends into the darkness, stepping forward out of it towards Ollie.]

[18:36:03] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Hello Ollie

[Ollie jumps in fear, suddenly losing his balance and tumbling off the side of the dropper.]

[18:36:11] <✦[rp] Ollie> OH

[Faulkner jumps to look over the edge, panicking.]

[18:36:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> OH-

[He sighs in relief as he sees Ollie has fallen into the basin of the dropper below.]

[18:36:28] <✦Faulkner [rp]> oh thank the stars-

[Ollie flicks the water off of himself, pulling himself out of the basin.]

[18:36:36] <✦[rp] Ollie> don't SCARE people like that

[18:36:39] <✦[rp] Ollie> that's fucked up

[Faulkner calls down from above.]

[18:36:46] <✦Faulkner [rp]> are you ok?

[Ollie nods reluctantly.]

[18:37:11] <✦[rp] Ollie> yeah.. im fine

[Faulkner jumps down to where Ollie fell, landing softly beside him.]

[18:37:33] <✦[rp] Ollie> well I'm glad theres water here at least

[18:37:38] <✦Faulkner [rp]> yeah..

[18:37:46] <✦Faulkner [rp]> apologies for scaring you

[18:37:53] <✦[rp] Ollie> it's okay

[18:38:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> I just didn't really . expect that

[Faulkner blinks up at Ollie.]

[18:38:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I have something to show you

[18:38:04] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh?

[18:38:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> do you

[Faulkner nods, excited.]

[18:38:31] <✦[rp] Ollie> what is it

[Faulkner shows Ollie his crossbow, loaded with a recently made firework.]

[18:38:48] <✦Faulkner [rp]> watch

[They aim the crossbow, firing a bolt into the sky. It explodes in the air, shimmering in a cascade of sparks.]

[18:39:00] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh!

[18:39:15] <✦[rp] Ollie> you got new fireworks

[18:39:18] <✦[rp] Ollie> thats nice

[18:39:22] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I made two kinda by accident..

[18:39:29] <✦[rp] Ollie> pffft

[18:39:46] <✦[rp] Ollie> fireworks are quite confusing to make

[18:39:40] <✦Faulkner [rp]> One is red, cyan with blue fade

[18:39:52] <✦Faulkner [rp]> The other is cyan, red with blue fade

[18:40:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> apparently the order on the table matters

[18:40:04] <✦Faulkner [rp]> for some damn reason..

[18:40:05] <✦[rp] Ollie> really?

[18:40:13] <✦Faulkner [rp]> yes

[18:40:19] <✦[rp] Ollie> I never even noticed that . wow.

[18:40:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> It's annoying

[Above, at the barn, Scarm touches the horse. It hears someone call its name, or at least speak it. It looks over to see an uncomfortable Cinder talking to Joco about it! Scarm raises its arm up and waves excitedly at Cinder.]

[18:30:41] <✦[rp] Joco> He's just a guy, to be fair.

[Cinder waves back at it hesitantly. Flick gives a warm wave to Scarm from across the grounds.]

[18:31:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Scarm's just a guy who likes having a boss

[The Wizard approaches, greeting Cinder as he arrives.]

[18:31:37] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Cinder! How are you doing on this fine day

[18:32:06] <✦[rp] cinder> Wiz! I'm doing okay! Glad I woke up in time to actually get here

[18:32:09] <✦[rp] cinder> How're you?

[Across the fairgrounds, a figure enters through the front entrance.]

[18:31:09] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> oh. sup

[18:31:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh look at that

[18:31:45] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> damn. no once cares. this is okay.

[18:31:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Hey, Wiz?

[18:31:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hmm? Joco?

[18:32:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not too shabby, but uh, Joco wait what did you say?

[18:31:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Tall Prince is here

[18:31:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What-?

[Joco points, and the Wizard turns to his left to find Prime Prince standing right next to him.]

[18:32:20] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> Uh. havent seen you guys in a while.

[18:32:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh good Void!

[18:32:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You were uh, right there, huh

[18:32:36] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> Me! yes.

[18:32:44] <✦[rp] cinder> Oh! Oh void hello

[18:32:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Hi Prince

[18:32:47] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i am here for normal reasons.

[18:32:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I did not realize you were..uh going to be coming to this

[18:32:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeup

[Joco takes a hit of their pocket blunt to make this conversation easier.]

[18:32:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How....did you find out about this event?

[18:33:05] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> word. travels

[18:33:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I suppose it does, huh

[Across the grounds, Scarm notices Prince and looks away. Doc moves away from the horse, holding Scarm while staring at Prince Prime. Cinder steps forward, but looks suddenly worried about doing so.]

[18:33:23] <✦[rp] cinder> I- hm. Have... Have we ever properly met?

[18:33:36] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i dont think so. !

[18:33:55] <✦[rp] cinder> Well. Hi! I guess. Haha.

[18:34:00] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> hi. Yes

[Cinder steps back quickly, and murmurs quietly to Joco.]

[18:34:03] <✦[rp] cinder> what the fuck.

[Joco moves over and rests an arm on Cinder’s shoulders. Flick takes a step forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He fixes Prime with a look.]

[18:32:36] <✦[rp] Joco> 'ow goes

[18:34:26] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> im. doing okay and fine.

[18:34:34] <✦[rp] Joco> So, Prince, any new hobbies?

[18:34:45] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> hobbies...?

[18:34:43] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe crochet? Crochet a new outfit?

[18:34:47] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> um

[18:34:58] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> nothing much.

[Scarm burrows into Doc’s coat, trying to hide. It whispers: ]

[18:35:53] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Ohhhhh not great. Oh. not great. Guy is here. Um. Doc.

[Doc whispers back, moving away from the group: ]

[18:36:20] <✦[rp] Doc> "Do we need to leave? What's going on?"

[Scarm whispers again: ]

[18:36:57] <✦[rp] Scarm> I. IIIIIII. I felt. that one looking. I thought it was. fine. But He Is Here.

[Doc whispers back: ]

[18:37:54] <✦[rp] Doc> "What do you mean? He listened to the conversation when they were talking about the festival?"

[The Wizard glances over at where Doc and Scarm were standing.]

[18:35:43] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah,we kinda had a rule that only people who are gonna be Nice and Normal were allowed at the festival. So. you've gotta be those things

[18:35:16] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And you're uh, just here for the festival, right uh, Prince?

[18:35:29] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> definitely. Yes

[18:36:06] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i am so nice and normal

[18:36:13] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> thats my whole schtick

[18:36:25] <✦[rp] cinder> Glad! To hear it! haha. Um.

[Cinder whispers to Joco.]

[18:37:24] <✦[rp] cinder> does he unsettle you deeply as well or is there something wrong with me.

[Joco whispers back: ]

[18:37:40] <✦[rp] Joco> He's always been like this, just got worse after the wedding

[18:35:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Did you finish the uh. What was it

[18:35:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Loons?

[18:35:43] <✦[rp] Joco> You were watching Loons.

[18:36:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Mr. Nice and Normal, how're your Loons

[18:36:48] <✦[rp] Joco> If. That's what they're called. I forgot

[18:37:18] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> my loons are normal

[18:37:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah? Any. New funnies?

[Prime begins sputtering over his words.]

[18:37:49] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> um. have you. uh. heard of a cannibal

[18:37:55] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> they were. uh.. eating a clown

[18:37:57] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> two cannibals

[Cinder, Joco, and the Wizard react at once.]

[18:38:00] <✦[rp] cinder> im. Sorry?

[18:38:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh

[18:38:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What?

[18:38:01] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> they were eating a clown

[18:38:06] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> and one said to the other

[18:38:12] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> "DOES THIS FUNNY TO YOU?"

[18:38:17] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> taste. oh god

[18:38:21] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> does this taste funny to you.

[18:38:25] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> um.

[18:38:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh

[The Wizard claps his hands together.]

[18:38:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, Joco I'm gonna check on everyone else, let me know if uh, anything else comes up.

[Joco gives the Wizard a thumbs up.]

[18:38:24] <✦[rp] cinder> Wiz! I'm gonna... Go with you.

[18:38:29] <✦[rp] cinder> Please.

[18:38:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, absolutely Cinder, come with me

[Cinder follows the Wizard as he heads off in a different direction. Joco ruffles Cinder’s hair as they go. He turns back to Prince.]

[18:38:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Have you ever eaten human meat?

[18:38:50] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> no....

[18:38:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh

[18:38:56] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> not really.

[18:39:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, while I'm not going to recommend it, I will say that it is an interesting experience

[18:39:36] <✦[rp] Joco> There was a world that had. Lots of consensual cannibalism?

[18:39:44] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> oh rally?

[18:39:48] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> thats kinda. cool

[18:39:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah!

[18:39:52] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i love eating meat

[18:40:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Meat is very good

[Flick whispers to Joco: ]

[18:39:45] <✦[rp] Flick> if you're good I may go check in on doc

[Joco whispers back: ]

[18:39:59] <✦[rp] Joco> go ahead!

[Over at the barn, Scarm burrows farther into Doc’s coat. It’s whisper has become a hiss.]

[18:39:24] <✦[rp] Scarm> there's something wrooooooooooooooooong. its not good. he has no reason to be here.

[Doc and Scarm whisper back and forth.]

[18:40:10] <✦[rp] Doc> "What do you think is wrong? What should we do about it?"

[18:40:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> dont interfere. for your safety. we should run. soon. Probably

[Doc looks around for a vantage point, before realizing that they are on top of a mountain.]

[18:40:41] <✦[rp] Flick> Hey Doc, all good over here?

[18:41:18] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh- sure. Everything is fine. For now."

[18:41:54] <✦[rp] Flick> Mmm for now is. yeah. Scarm's doing alright? I thought I saw you talking with

[Doc lowers his voice to a whisper: ]

[18:42:33] <✦[rp] Doc> "We might need to leave soon."

[Flick moves closer, dropping his voice: ]

[18:43:33] <✦[rp] Flick> any particular reason? Just. too busy here, or is something wrong?

[18:43:52] <✦[rp] Doc> "Not sure yet."

[18:43:58] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. He is here as an omen.

[18:44:19] <✦[rp] Flick> I see I see. want me to help keep an eye out?

[18:44:55] <✦[rp] Doc> "That would be appreciated. I'll be somewhere high up"

[18:45:23] <✦[rp] Flick> I'll come meet up with you if things go wrong. Does that sound alright?

[18:45:33] <✦[rp] Doc> "If you can find me, go ahead."

[Flick drops his voice to barely a whisper: ]

[18:46:03] <✦[rp] Flick> i mean if nothing else. do you have one of your potions on hand or no

[Doc shakes his head no.]

[18:46:59] <✦[rp] Flick> Would you like one of mine? Just in case?

[18:47:20] <✦[rp] Doc> "Sure, though I hope I won't have to be close enough to anything hostile to use it"

[18:47:35] <✦[rp] Flick> There you go, just toss it if you need to

[18:47:47] <✦[rp] Doc> "Right. I'll be- around. I suppose."

[Flick gives Doc a gentle wing bap before leaving to talk with other folks milling around. Doc continues to look around, paranoid. Below, Faulkner and Ollie continue their conversation.]

[18:40:37] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Should we head back up?

[Ollie looks at the lights glowing above nervously.]

[18:40:42] <✦[rp] Ollie> uhhh

[18:40:48] <✦[rp] Ollie> id rather stay here a bit longer

[They pause, and then look over at Faulkner.]

[18:40:57] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...can i throw a firework?

[18:41:04] <✦Faulkner [rp]> !

[18:41:06] <✦Faulkner [rp]> sure

[Faulkner grabs out a firework and hands it to Ollie.]

[18:41:52] <✦[rp] Ollie> alright how do i do this without blowing myself up uhhh

[Ollie holds the firework out, they flick the fuse.]

[18:42:03] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I think you can just-

[Ollie lets the firework go and it whizzes out of their hand, they watch as it spirals up into the air and explodes into a pop of color.]

[18:42:07] <✦Faulkner [rp]> yeah that

[18:42:14] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh this is fun

[18:42:26] <✦[rp] Ollie> who knew making things blow up could be fun

[Faulkner rummages around in its bag of collected fireworks.]

[18:42:19] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I have more kinds

[Faulkner gives Ollie a different firework.]

[18:43:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> ooh! different colors

[Faulkner nods.]

[18:43:10] * ✦Faulkner [rp] nods

[Ollie fires the rocket off, watching it explode before looking at Faulkner again.]

[18:43:22] <✦[rp] Ollie> do you have any more

[18:43:30] <✦Faulkner [rp]> hmm

[Faulkner gives Ollie a small handful of fireworks.]

[18:44:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> thanks thanks

[18:44:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Those are my "classic" ones

[18:44:28] <✦[rp] Ollie> ooh that one goes higher up i think

[18:44:40] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Yes they have more range

[Ollie watches the fireworks crest above the cliffside, where they can most likely be spotted from above.]

[18:44:43] <✦[rp] Ollie> i wouldn't like anyone to find me

[18:44:46] <✦[rp] Ollie> which is funny cuz

[18:44:54] <✦[rp] Ollie> I willingly came here

[18:44:57] <✦[rp] Ollie> but oh well

[Faulkner furrows it brow.]

[18:45:03] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You could always leave

[18:45:10] <✦Faulkner [rp]> theres nothing keeping you here

[18:45:14] <✦[rp] Ollie> I could but ...after alll this effort?

[18:45:32] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Effort of what?

[18:45:53] <✦[rp] Ollie> getting an outfit ... walking over here .

[18:45:59] <✦[rp] Ollie> its a lot of work okay

[Faulkner hums.]

[18:46:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Well if you are uncomfortable I'm not sure its worth staying

[18:47:08] <✦Faulkner [rp]> You could always go for a walk and come back

[18:47:14] <✦Faulkner [rp]> If its not too much

[18:47:35] <✦[rp] Ollie> I also think i just feel this ... need, of having to - not look over but, at least be near the other players in events like these?

[18:47:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Ah

[18:48:02] <✦[rp] Ollie> I'm still the admin or whatever

[18:48:02] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Well I don't think you owe that to anyone

[18:48:08] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Admin or not

[18:48:13] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Its just a party

[18:48:23] <✦[rp] Ollie> but what if something bad happens, you know

[18:48:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Thats not your fault

[18:49:48] <✦[rp] Ollie> I don't know, I think it would be my fault, at least a little bit

[18:49:53] <✦Faulkner [rp]> No

[18:49:55] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Not really

[18:50:43] <✦[rp] Ollie> but I mean, I do plan on taking a bit of a detour, so I'll have some time to myself

[18:50:47] <✦[rp] Ollie> it's not all that bad

[18:51:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Thats nice

[18:51:07] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I hope it helps

[18:51:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> do you have anything you want to do in particular?

[18:51:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I do, oddly enough

[18:51:37] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh?

[18:51:39] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I've been trying to... talk more

[18:51:43] <✦Faulkner [rp]> or whatever

[18:51:48] <✦[rp] Ollie> that's good!

[Faulkner waves his paw vaguely.]

[18:52:30] <✦[rp] Ollie> I mean maybe I'm being a bit hypocritical by not talking with people but, you definitely should, go ahead and meet people, be friendly, all that stuff

[18:52:08] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'll catch up with you later then?

[18:52:34] <✦[rp] Ollie> yeah sure!

[18:52:38] <✦[rp] Ollie> have fun

[Faulkner nods.]

w[18:53:07] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Hope your little detour helps

[18:53:15] <✦[rp] Ollie> thanks

[Faulkner gives a flick of their tail before leaving Ollie. Ollie leaves through the dark, heading out of the mesa and towards the bright lights of Verdigris in the distance. They just miss the final guest wandering into town, their paths missing one another by mere minutes. A final guest wanders up the steps on horseback. The leader of the Malfaction urges their horse over the barrier and into the fairgrounds. They put their arms out.]

[18:38:40] <✦[rp] ceph> iv arrived

[To themself: ]

[18:39:36] <✦[rp] ceph> is there any fukuin booze here...

[Ceph dismounts from the horse, tying it up to a post. They give it a nice scratch, before kissing it on the nose.]

[18:39:55] <✦[rp] ceph> stay here horsey <3 ily

[They wander over to where they spot Punk, with Dan towering next to him.]

[18:40:27] <✦[rp] ceph> oh heyyyy punkk

[18:40:31] <✦[rp] ceph> ahahahaa']

[Punk throws an arm over Ceph’s shoulder.]

[18:40:32] <✦[rp] Punk> ceph!!! you made it

[18:40:57] <✦[rp] DAN> woah!! ceph u here!!

[18:40:45] <✦[rp] Punk> happy to see u u sexy thang how u been

[Ceph leans into Punk.]

[18:40:53] <✦[rp] ceph> do u guys have booze

[18:41:04] <✦[rp] Punk> yessir

[Punk hands them a bottle of vodka.]

[18:41:15] <✦[rp] ceph> omggg.....

[18:41:22] <✦[rp] ceph> ty sexy

[18:41:30] <✦[rp] Punk> course i always got that shit on me

[18:41:40] <✦[rp] Punk> never know when u need to get wasted

[18:41:35] <✦[rp] ceph> yayyyyyyyyyyyy

[Ceph runs their fingers through Punk’s hair.]

[18:41:59] <✦[rp] ceph> u r looking handsome as always ahhahaa

[They cast their gaze over to Dan as well, winking.]

[18:42:08] <✦[rp] ceph> both of u

[Dan smirks. He looks relieved to see Ceph, but is still uncharacteristically quiet. He seems more gray today than he has been in the past few weeks.]

[18:42:20] <✦[rp] Punk> ay likewise

[Ceph puts one of their hands against their chest.]

[18:42:48] <✦[rp] ceph> omg ty

[They look around with a sharp expression, leaning on Punk still.]

[18:43:19] <✦[rp] ceph> who else is here lol

[18:43:30] <✦[rp] Punk> its bumping i think like all of corroded is here

[Punk points out Doc and Scarm.]

[18:43:33] <✦[rp] Punk> docs here

[18:43:34] <✦[rp] Punk> n his arm

[18:43:38] <✦[rp] ceph> oh wow

[18:43:49] <✦[rp] ceph> that fucking arm

[Punk looks around, frowning, but gesturing aimlessly.]

[18:43:42] <✦[rp] Punk> ollie and faulkner as well

[18:43:54] <✦[rp] ceph> oh?

[18:43:59] <✦[rp] DAN> the arms kinda a cool guy i dunno

[18:44:06] <✦[rp] Punk> its a funny little creature

[Ceph rolls their eyes.]

[18:44:07] <✦[rp] ceph> ofc ollies here

[18:44:30] <✦[rp] Punk> rlly i was surprised he showed

[Ceph leans farther into Punk, and holds out their hand for Dan to take.]

[18:44:42] <✦[rp] ceph> anyway guys i think u shou;ld come over 4 dinner

[Dan takes Ceph’s hand.]

[18:44:57] <✦[rp] DAN> i'd be so down for dinner ^_^ i just gotta. um. stop home after this sshebang

[Not too far away from that conversation, the Wizard pulls Cinder aside after escaping the conversation with Prince Prime.]

[18:38:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How have you been?

[18:38:49] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I feel like we really only chat during faction meetings

[18:39:09] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah, we barely see each other. I've been... Uh, well.

[18:39:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's good, hard at work on everything I assume

[Cinder looks around, they fidget.]

[18:39:26] <✦[rp] cinder> I actually wanted to talk to you about something, maybe something a... little less upbeat than what this festival calls for

[18:39:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh! Shoot then

[18:40:11] <✦[rp] cinder> I'm sure you remember that my wings are... A bit damaged. It's been- ha, kinda funny actually, it's been getting worse!

[18:40:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh dear, you don't say-

[Cinder spreads their wings. The action makes them wince, and the Wizard furrows his brow in concern. The purple coloring has spread. It almost seems to roil beneath the skin itself, killing the remaining feathers as it spreads along the length of the wing.]

[18:40:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh by the Void, yes those do look-

[18:40:53] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They look worse than before for certain

[18:41:11] <✦[rp] cinder> I think I need.... Help. Your help, maybe. I talked to Ollie like you suggested but he couldn't really help. and I... think I upset him, too.

[18:41:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh dear, yes he's-

[The Wizard sucks in a breath.]

[18:41:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh no, you didn't tell him about the Void, did you?

[18:41:48] <✦[rp] cinder> haha! Um. So.

[They put their hands together.]

[18:41:56] <✦[rp] cinder> Funny story really. I did that.

[18:41:58] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void…

[18:42:15] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah, oh Void is right. I did in fact tell them about the void

[The Wizard lowers his voice.]

[18:42:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Cinder his uh, husband was killed by that Void

[18:42:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He's sort of the last person who would be okay with that, oh dear

[18:42:33] <✦[rp] cinder> Yes! Well that would have been good to properly know before the whole situation

[The Wizard nods vehemently.]

[18:42:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Alright, alright

[18:43:00] <✦[rp] cinder> I figured, though, he deserved to know. I- I would want to know. It's why I got myself involved to begin with

[The Wizard puts a hand on Cinder’s shoulder.]

[18:43:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You thought you were doing the right thing, I understand that more than anyone

[18:42:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We should talk after the event, come by the Sheriff's Office when you have the chance

[18:43:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We can talk about more then

[18:43:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can do more research once I've gotten a good look at it

[18:43:21] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah, that would be good. I... I think I need help. I think the wings getting worse is doing something to my head.

[18:44:08] <✦[rp] cinder> Mm. Thanks, Wiz. It feels better knowing someone so smart might have a handle on it.

[18:44:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Of course-

[He looks away from Cinder, looking at the different groups of people in attendance.]

[18:44:03] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As of now-

[He squints, noticing the group made up of Ceph, Dan, and Punk hanging around the buffet.]

[18:44:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Wait is that Ceph?

[18:44:17] <✦[rp] cinder> oh, ceph is here? I've never properly met them!

[The Wizard laughs.]

[18:44:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, they're quite the person to meet

[18:44:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Might as well say hello

[The Wizard and Cinder approach the three of them.]

[18:44:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Hello there!

[18:44:49] <✦[rp] ceph> oh..

[18:44:54] <✦[rp] ceph> ...hello.

[18:44:59] <✦[rp] ceph> old man

[18:44:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Dan, Punk- good to see you two

[18:45:02] <✦[rp] Punk> oh sheet hay

[18:45:03] <✦[rp] cinder> Hey Dan, hey punk!

[18:45:12] <✦[rp] DAN> oh helloo wiz!! hi cinder!

[18:45:12] <✦[rp] Punk> hi cinder !

[18:45:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And Ceph, quite the surprise

[18:44:58] <✦[rp] cinder> hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Cinder!

[18:45:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, this is Cinder, they wanted to meet you

[Ceph crosses their arms, smiling almost in amusement.]

[18:45:18] <✦[rp] ceph> hi

[18:45:24] <✦[rp] ceph> lol

[18:45:46] <✦[rp] cinder> I missed the whole, uh, wedding incident, so I'm still running into a lot of people I've never got to talk to. So- yeah. Hi!

[18:45:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I hope all’s well in the Malfaction, I know you'd been gone for quite some time

[18:45:52] <✦[rp] ceph> its going ^_^

[18:46:23] <✦[rp] ceph> im building a church heehe ^_^ its grand n shit

[18:46:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You don't say! Perhaps I'll have a reason to pay a visit

[18:46:42] <✦[rp] cinder> Oh fun! For worship, or just for a good time?

[18:46:47] <✦[rp] ceph> we r so powerful in the malfaction ^_^

[Punk and Dan turn to Ceph, immediately flirting.]

[18:46:37] <✦[rp] Punk> i havent seen it yet u need to take me there ...

[18:46:43] <✦[rp] DAN> damn u need any blindly faithful followers over there

[18:47:01] <✦[rp] ceph> oh yeaa bby ;))))

[18:47:05] <✦[rp] DAN> hehe

[18:47:26] <✦[rp] ceph> we can take turns worshiping yk

[18:47:33] <✦[rp] DAN> helll yeaah

[18:47:39] <✦[rp] ceph> we love jesus ^_^

[Cinder leans into the Wizard.]

[18:47:32] <✦[rp] cinder> hey is there... Are those two-

[The Wizard whispers back to Cinder.]

[18:47:50] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's definetly...something

[18:48:27] <✦[rp] ceph> okay there r too many ppl here n im too sober

[Dan lights up his joint and takes a hit.]

[18:48:31] <✦[rp] DAN> real

[18:48:45] <✦[rp] DAN> u want a hit??

[18:48:53] <✦[rp] ceph> oomg sureee

[18:49:09] <✦[rp] ceph> ur so hot tyyy

[Cinder watches them all with a somewhat confused smile. Ae raises a hand.]

[18:49:16] <✦[rp] cinder> Well, I'll leave you guys to chat! I think there's a few people I haven't got to talk to much yet

[Cinder leaves the group, heading off in Doc’s direction.]

[18:49:26] <✦[rp] DAN> its a party mann itd be rude not to share :-)

[He hands it to Ceph before looking to the others.]

[18:49:41] <✦[rp] DAN> speaking of if anyone else wants a hit we can keep the circle going

[18:49:46] <✦[rp] Punk> pass it here boy

[18:50:03] <✦[rp] ceph> yayyy yaoi blunt rotation

[The Wizard clears his throat.]

[18:48:35] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm a bit sorry to interrupt you all, but Dan, if I could get a moment to speak with you for a bit

[Dan nods, rubbing the back of his neck.]

[18:50:41] <✦[rp] DAN> ahh ‘course wiz, im down to talk

[18:50:36] <✦[rp] ceph> hey punk do u wanna make out

[18:50:40] <✦[rp] Punk> obviously

[18:50:46] <✦[rp] ceph> yayyyyy

[18:50:47] <✦[rp] DAN> where u wanna go?

[18:50:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We can head over here-

[Ceph pulls Punk away somewhere behind the buffet, while the Wizard leads Dan towards the back of the fairgrounds. In the center of the fair, Joco and Prime continue their conversation.]

[18:40:34] <✦[rp] Joco> Do y'all have much meat over in Cold Land?

[18:40:45] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> no. not really

[18:40:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Dang

[18:40:45] <✦[rp] Joco> From what I've seen of y'alls place, there's not many. Farms?

[18:40:51] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> we have. a small farm for potateos?

[18:40:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Just potatoes?

[18:40:57] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i love them

[18:40:59] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> yeah

[18:41:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Danggggg

[18:41:09] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i think most of them goes into the vodka production

[18:41:11] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i think

[18:41:15] <✦[rp] Joco> That makes sense

[18:41:23] <✦[rp] Joco> We make mead with most of our honey

[18:41:57] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> honey. so good

[18:42:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Very much so

[18:42:06] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> tasty

[18:42:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Can't imagine bees much like it in your home

[Prime scampers off, grabs a bottle of honey from a cart, and scrambles back. He tosses the fully glass bottle into his mouth, crunching on the glass as he swallows it down.]

[18:42:11] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> was kinda hungry. aha

[Prime furrows what’s left of his eyebrows.]

[18:42:14] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> um.

[18:42:20] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i dont really get hungry anymore

[18:42:27] <✦[rp] Joco> No?

[18:42:32] <✦[rp] Joco> What a sad thing

[18:43:29] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> yeah kinda sad i guess

[18:42:29] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> good honey though

[18:44:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Ahhh

[18:43:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Is the lack of hunger from the Sculk?

[18:44:09] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> no its more the immortality

[18:44:16] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> plus we kinda eat souls in a sense

[18:44:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, hey

[18:44:23] <✦[rp] Joco> I've lived for more than 650 years and I still get hungry

[18:44:41] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> woagh that's like... 30 times for than me

[18:44:49] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> how do you keep yourself looking so young

[18:44:46] <✦[rp] Joco> I. Feel like eating souls wasn't a pre-sculk thing.

[18:45:08] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> no the soul eating was recent,yeah

[18:45:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah

[18:45:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Well

[18:45:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm

[18:45:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh!

[18:45:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Question about the souls

[18:45:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Do the ones you access have different flavors?

[18:46:13] <✦[rp] Joco> I recall a world with more. Accessible? Souls, and folks had different colors based on personality. Some who. Ate those, they were shamed and not common, but they documented having preferences.

[18:46:25] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> not really different flavors. they dont have flavors

[18:46:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh!

[18:46:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, dang

[18:46:38] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> its kinda okay

[18:47:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, if you need honey to help add. Pizzazz? To your life, we've got tons

[18:47:33] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> waogh really? youd do that for me?

[18:47:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Sure! We've got. Literally so much honey, buckaroo

[18:47:46] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> wild

[18:47:56] <✦[rp] Joco> It's. The farm I built has maybe too many bees

[18:48:03] <✦[rp] Joco> But! That just means we can make more mead.

[18:48:33] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> mead... that's like meat but different?

[18:48:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Ahhh, no!

[18:48:46] <✦[rp] Joco> It's like. Vodka made of Honey

[18:48:54] <✦[rp] Joco> You can add different fruits to flavor it

[18:49:10] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> honey vodka...

[18:49:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Pure honey mead is just water, yeast, and honey, good on its own I've heard

[18:49:29] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> yeast like the infection?

[18:49:32] <✦[rp] Joco> You can add things like berries or melons or what have you to make different flavored

[18:49:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeast like bread!

[18:49:40] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> ohhhh

[18:49:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeast is what makes bread rise

[18:49:51] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> viva la revolution amirite

[18:49:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeup

[18:49:58] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> um.

[18:50:00] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> so.

[18:50:03] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> nice weather here

[18:50:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah, it's nice not having to worry about precipitation

[18:51:00] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> um. uh.

[18:51:14] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> do you. uh. what do people talk about

[18:51:19] <✦[rp] Joco> I have no clue, honestly

[18:51:29] <✦[rp] Joco> What's in your Loons, actually?

[18:51:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Besides. Cannibalism?

[Flick flies down from where he’d been perched talking to Doc. He bounces from foot to foot as he settles next to Joco.]

[18:51:35] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> oh new guy

[18:51:39] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> flick. yes

[18:51:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Hi, Flick

[18:51:42] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i know you i think

[18:51:45] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi, just wanted to. Chat. check in. all that

[Joco punches Flick affectionately in the shoulder, which Flick responds to by bonking his head into Joco’s shoulder. Joco looks over at Prince Prime.]

[18:51:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Are the Loons just cannibalism? Or .

[18:52:00] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> loons???

[18:52:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah?

[18:52:25] <✦[rp] Joco> The. Things you watch?

[18:52:36] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> th

[18:52:37] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not sure if that's the name. but. You agreed earlier??

[Prime tips up his nose.]

[18:52:43] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> okay that's insulting

[18:52:45] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> jeez

[Prime trots off.]

[18:52:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Okay then

[Behind the buffet station, Ceph and Punk make out between drinking alcohol and smoking the blunt that Dan gave them.]

[18:51:10] <✦[rp] ceph> u have pretty eyes

[18:51:17] <✦[rp] ceph> i missed them

[18:51:24] <✦[rp] Punk> YAA theyre all better now

[18:51:27] <✦[rp] Punk> im slaying once more

[18:51:30] <✦[rp] ceph> <3

[He touches the skin beneath his eyes gently.]

[18:51:59] <✦[rp] Punk> i missed it orange is so my colour

[18:52:15] <✦[rp] ceph> ^_^

[18:52:30] <✦[rp] ceph> ur handsomme'

[Ceph stands, stretching.]

[18:52:42] <✦[rp] ceph> im gonna go wreck shit ok

[18:52:50] <✦[rp] Punk> oh god bless

[18:52:52] <✦[rp] Punk> have fun

[Ceph pulls out another bottle of vodka from somewhere in their outfit.]

[18:52:59] <✦[rp] Punk> ouughhh thank u

[They hand it to Punk, and pat him on the head.]

[18:53:02] <✦[rp] ceph> there u go

[18:53:05] <✦[rp] ceph> vodka

[18:53:13] <✦[rp] Punk> going to sit on my ass and get drunk ty

[18:53:11] <✦[rp] ceph> byeee sexyyyyyy

[18:53:15] <✦[rp] Punk> byebyee

[Ceph saunters out of the hiding place as Punk takes a seat, drinking the vodka and watching the stars in the distance. Cinder looks up to find Doc sitting on top of the stables as they leave the conversation with Dan, Punk, Ceph, and the Wizard.]

[18:49:40] <✦[rp] cinder> Hey, Doc? Why are you... On the roof?

[Doc looks over the edge.]

[18:50:15] <✦[rp] Doc> "Ah- "

[Doc shrugs.]

[18:50:15] <✦[rp] Doc> "Fun, I suppose. I like being able to see everyone."

[18:50:28] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. We are high. This is what getting High Is.

[18:51:12] <✦[rp] cinder> Ah. Fair enough I guess? Im sure there's more comfortable places to be than the roof, but each their own

[18:51:30] <✦[rp] Doc> "I mean, I need to sit down and a ledge is nice. And I don't really see any chairs."

[18:51:53] <✦[rp] cinder> huh. chairs. You'd think we would've thought of that for a festival

[18:52:21] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh it's fine. Sitting here isn't bad at all."

[18:52:58] <✦[rp] cinder> I would come up and join you, but I don't think theres an easy way to get up there without some sort of elytra, and well- we've been over that

[18:51:29] <✦[rp] cinder> How've you been since the other day?

[Prince Prime appears beside Cinder.]

[18:52:57] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> whats up here

[18:53:20] <✦[rp] cinder> oh god! Prince! Hello.

[18:53:25] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> yes hi

[18:53:26] <✦[rp] Doc> "I'm pretty tall, so- ah, hello there."

[18:53:46] <✦[rp] cinder> Nothing much, just... Saying hi to Doc. Who is. On the roof

[18:53:35] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> hello up there

[18:53:41] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> oh and is that...

[18:53:55] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. For the love of Sculk, you do not see me

[18:54:06] <✦[rp] Doc> "I am on the roof. I like it up here."

[18:53:54] <✦[rp] cinder> How're you liking the party? feeling nice and normal?

[18:54:06] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> tyup. so normal

[18:54:19] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> why's doc up there

[18:54:24] <✦[rp] Doc> "No chairs."

[18:54:31] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah. We forgot chairs.

[18:54:34] <✦[rp] ceph> not my problem

[18:54:41] <✦[rp] Doc> "So I am sitting up here."

[18:54:46] <✦[rp] cinder> And Doc wanted to see things, I think.

[Ceph passes close by as they emerge from behind the buffet station. They mumble to themself as they see Prince, Doc and Cinder.]

[18:54:21] <✦[rp] ceph> what tf is going on over there.......

[18:54:44] <✦[rp] ceph> oh shit

[Prince Prime waves at Ceph and makes a heart with his hands.]

[18:55:01] <✦[rp] ceph> it is not my problem.

[Ceph waves back. Joco and Flick’s conversation continues from before.]

[18:52:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Hi Flick

[18:52:58] <✦[rp] Flick> I feel I've missed something

[18:53:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince confuses me

[18:53:07] <✦[rp] Flick> Hello joco, do you know what. any of that was about

[18:53:12] <✦[rp] Joco> But also I've learned he's never eaten human. So.

[18:53:24] <✦[rp] Flick> Objectively a good thing? to have never eaten?

[18:53:24] <✦[rp] Joco> And doesn't know what mead is

[18:53:35] <✦[rp] Joco> I've eaten human, Flick

[Flick coughs, steamrolling consciously over that comment.]

[18:53:39] <✦[rp] Flick> Mead's just. honey but alcoholic aint it

[18:53:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes

[18:54:39] <✦[rp] Flick> Does the sculk not do alcohol is that why they didn't know mead-

[18:54:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, no, Prince knows vodka

[18:54:58] <✦[rp] Joco> Just. Not mead.

[18:55:03] <✦[rp] Joco> No bees in the cold, I suppose

[Joco watches the conversation happening over at the barn.]

[18:54:28] <✦[rp] Joco> I feel like we should rescue Doc and Scarm from Prince but I don't know how.

[18:54:52] <✦[rp] Flick> I hadn't realized Prince had gone over there

[Cinder catches Joco’s eye and mouths “help me”.]

[18:55:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, shit

[18:55:10] <✦[rp] Joco> OK

[18:55:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Rescue time

[Several minutes before, the Wizard pulls Dan aside away from everyone else. They stand off near one of the games, where the Wizard speaks quietly as they walk along.]

[18:51:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I thought I should mention to you that I had a conversation with Faulkner the other day

[18:51:26] <✦[rp] DAN> ah

[18:51:31] <✦[rp] DAN> was it a good convo??

[18:51:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It was productive, but I thought I should mention it to you

[18:51:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He came asking about the egg, I think he wants to mend fences

[18:52:06] <✦[rp] DAN> ah hm

[18:52:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> As far as I can tell, he harbors no ill will truly towards us, just the treatment of the egg

[18:52:39] <✦[rp] DAN> i mean, he doesnt have to worry anymore.. im treating the egg great

[18:52:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I told him as such, as well

[18:52:59] <✦[rp] The Wizard> But I think they want to have contact with the egg

[18:52:59] <✦[rp] DAN> but um. i''d be cool with him coming with me to see the egg

[18:53:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You would!

[18:53:10] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah..

[18:53:32] <✦[rp] DAN> im still uh, working on its nest but ive got something being worked on

[18:53:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh!

[18:53:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's wonderful

[18:53:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well then, maybe all three of us should talk about it then, I think I saw him over here-

[18:54:18] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Let's see-

[Dan pointedly isn’t looking around much. The Wizard scans the area, he spots Faulkner on the ice area built for a bumper boats game.]

[18:54:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh over there!

[The Wizard immediately begins heading over in that direction. Dan grits his teeth.]

[18:54:37] <✦[rp] DAN> ah

[18:54:37] <✦[rp] DAN> cool

[Dan follows slowly behind the Wizard. Across the way from them, Doc, Cinder, Joco, Flick, and Prince Prime continue their conversation. Ceph hangs around the periphery, petting their horse, but listening into the conversation.]

[18:55:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Hey gang

[18:55:20] <✦[rp] Flick> Hi Cinder how are you!

[18:55:21] <✦[rp] cinder> Joco! Flick! Hi

[18:55:35] <✦[rp] cinder> Haha. I am doing... So great. Great now, anyway.

[Flick moves in between Prince and Cinder to act as a barrier.]

[18:56:00] <✦[rp] Flick> that's cool that's cool

[Prince doesn’t seem to notice the physical barrier, but Cinder lightly bonks Flick on their wing in thanks. Flick gently bonks Cinder back.]

[18:55:29] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> aogh heya again

[18:55:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc, tall time?

[18:55:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Your weekly time of sitting up high?

[18:55:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Good for circulation?

[18:55:38] <✦[rp] Doc> "There's no chairs, so I'm sitting here."

[18:55:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes, of course

[18:55:53] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah we should remember chairs next festival

[18:55:55] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> wow

[18:56:08] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean.

[18:56:21] <✦[rp] Joco> There's some chairs? But none in a good social spot

[18:56:41] <✦[rp] Doc> "Really? I didn't even see any chairs."

[18:56:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, from up there, you might be able to see the seating for the race?

[18:57:00] <✦[rp] Joco> But that's. About it?

[18:57:14] <✦[rp] Doc> "Ah, no actually."

[18:57:24] <✦[rp] Doc> "Or, I don't think so"

[18:57:08] <✦[rp] cinder> The race?

[18:57:19] <✦[rp] cinder> I dont really know what we have planned for this event actually

[18:57:28] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> oh there's other things to do here

[18:57:45] <✦[rp] Joco> It's a festival, of course there's stuff to do

[18:57:22] <✦[rp] Flick> oh shit there's a RACE?

[18:57:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Horse race!

[Joco pauses.]

[18:57:30] <✦[rp] Joco> I

[18:57:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Flick, look behind you

[They point to the giant sign behind Flick’s head. Flick turns around.]

[18:57:46] <✦[rp] Flick> holy shit big text that says "horse track"

[At the entrance to the fairgrounds, Ceph hears a set of footsteps coming up the stairs as Ollie returns. They smirk.]

[18:55:55] <✦[rp] ceph> hey sexy

[18:55:59] <✦[rp] ceph> not

[Ollie jumps, nearly stumbling into a cactus.]

[18:56:01] <✦[rp] Ollie> whattheFUCK

[18:56:14] <✦[rp] ceph> kys

[18:56:23] <✦[rp] Ollie> can people stop DOING THAT

[18:56:26] <✦[rp] Ollie> FUCK YOU!!

[18:56:27] <✦[rp] ceph> no <3

[18:56:38] <✦[rp] ceph> u could never fuck me

[18:56:51] <✦[rp] Ollie> i dont WANT to and i dont think anyone else would either

[18:57:01] <✦[rp] ceph> ur dad does

[18:57:06] <✦[rp] Ollie> shut UP

[18:56:39] <✦[rp] Ollie> i literally have a weapon

[18:56:45] <✦[rp] ceph> so?

[18:56:49] <✦[rp] ceph> i do too

[They both brandish weapons.]

[18:57:09] <✦[rp] ceph> ^_^

[Ollie shakes his head.]

[18:57:26] <✦[rp] Ollie> dont you have better things to do.

[18:57:39] <✦[rp] ceph> besides ur dad? no

[18:57:46] <✦[rp] Ollie> i am so DONE with you

[He turns to leave.]

[18:57:28] <✦[rp] ceph> hahahaa dont run awayy

[Ceph lunges forward, striking Ollie in the small of his back with their blade.]

[18:58:07] <✦[rp] Ollie> WHAT

[They grab Ollie by his waist, wrenching the knife out before spinning Ollie to face them. They giggle before plunging the dagger into his chest. Ollie coughs out one sound before dissolving into black smoke and purple tendrils.]

[18:58:08] ✦[rp] Ollie was slain by ✦[rp] ceph using [im gonna kill u......bc i can]

[18:58:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh look at that

[18:58:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Murder

[Ceph stands straightened up, wiping the black Void-like blood from their outfit. They sheath their blade.]

[18:57:51] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> wild

[18:57:56] <✦[rp] cinder> Huh. I probably should have noticed that!

[18:58:18] <✦[rp] Joco> And Ceph!

[18:58:28] <✦[rp] Joco> Didn't know they'd be coming, how lovely

[18:58:45] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah I just met ceph! But then they started flirting with Dan and drinking and it felt awkward just standing there watching

[18:59:42] <✦[rp] Flick> Also Yeah cinder it. third wheeling to that sounds uncomfortable yeah.

[Prince Prime begins cheering loudly at Ceph’s show of violence.]

[18:58:37] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> WOOOOOOO YOU GO KING

[Ceph gives them a little wave.]

[18:59:00] <✦[rp] ceph> hahaa ^_^ ...............hi

[They head over to the stable to pet more of the horses.]

[18:58:28] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh, starting early"

[18:58:40] <✦[rp] Flick> Does the anarchy rule mean murder's like. acceptable in particular circumstance

[18:58:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Flick.

[18:58:51] <✦[rp] Joco> We have respawns

[18:59:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Murder wouldn't matter anyway.

[18:59:03] <✦[rp] Joco> I hope

[18:59:03] <✦[rp] Flick> Well yeah but I mean the Principle of the thing you know

[18:59:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Is murder. Illegal in your faction?

[18:59:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Actually. Murdering Ceph might count as a crime

[18:59:24] <✦[rp] Flick> I don't think so. I don't think we have much killing of each other

[18:59:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Alrighty then

[18:59:23] <✦[rp] cinder> Ceph doesnt seem like someone who would be easily controlled by rules anyway

[With a contained distaste.]

[19:00:07] <✦[rp] Flick> Ceph cares not for many rules

[18:59:45] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> we just love murder

[19:00:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah, that. Yeah

[Doc moves further onto the roof with Scarm. Something inside him, an instinct almost, pushes him to look for the best vantage point. The circular viewfinder with a set of crosshairs angled on a far away target flicks across his mind for a moment, and then it disappears.]

[19:00:17] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. We are high. Yes

[Cinder steps back from the stable, looking for wherever Doc has crawled off to.]

[19:00:17] <✦[rp] cinder> Hey doc? You good?

[19:00:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc's getting that good circulation

[19:00:48] <✦[rp] cinder> Exercise is always good I guess!

[Doc shouts from above.]

[19:00:36] <✦[rp] Doc> "I like the wind, this is nice!"

[19:01:23] <✦[rp] Flick> wind is VERY good doc i agree with you.

[Doc sits down, flinging his legs off the edge.]

[19:01:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Hey Prince, which weather is better for your skin?

[19:01:16] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> idk. the good kind i guess

[19:01:15] <✦[rp] Joco> The cold or the hot

[19:01:36] <✦[rp] Joco> I've found that I've been a bit dry here, but it feels much worse when I go to y'all's faction

[19:01:58] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm

[Prime looks distracted, his attention split. He is quiet for a long time, before he snaps back to attention to answer Joco’s question.]

[19:02:04] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> i like the cold

[19:02:07] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> its nice

[19:02:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah?

[19:02:13] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> reminds me of my grave

[19:02:17] <✦[rp] Joco> Ahhh

[19:02:29] <✦[rp] Joco> The one under the wedding?

[Flick and Cinder turn their attention away from Doc and back to Prime.]

[19:02:22] <✦[rp] cinder> of your. what now?

[19:02:33] <✦[rp] Flick> Like. the one at the wedding?

[19:02:38] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> hm?

[19:02:39] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> what

[19:02:51] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> what did i say

[19:02:53] <✦[rp] cinder> your grave? that you just mentioned offhandedly?

[19:02:57] <✦[rp] Joco> The cold reminds you of your grave

[19:03:14] <✦[rp] Joco> And we asked if the grave you're talking about is from when you killed yourself under the wedding

[19:02:58] <✦[rp] Flick> your grave. at the wedding?

[19:03:04] <✦[rp] Flick> when you died?

[19:03:12] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> what no

[19:03:21] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, buckaroo, what grave?

[19:03:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Now you've got us curious!

[Prime rolls his eyes.]

[19:03:28] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> idk man

[19:03:33] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> just felt like saying it

[19:03:34] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> jeez

[19:03:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah

[19:03:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah I do that sometimes

[19:03:41] <✦[rp] cinder> Right.. Sure, okay.

[19:04:02] <✦[rp] Flick> fair fair, just. saying Things

[Joco nods at Prime.]

[19:03:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Well, there's plenty of mead, if you want any more.

[19:04:05] <✦[rp] cinder> Oh shit you made mead?

[19:04:14] <✦[rp] cinder> I don't want any thats just cool to me

[19:04:14] <✦[rp] Flick> I would like to try some of the mead, maybe

[A couple of foals trot out of the stables.]

[19:04:19] <✦[rp] Joco> Who the fuck

[19:04:24] <✦[rp] Joco> Who bred the horses

[19:04:40] <✦[rp] ceph> <3 meeeeeeeeeeee ^_^

[Inside the stable, Ceph pets the horses with a smile on their face.]

[19:00:36] <✦[rp] ceph> horses love me <3

[19:04:46] <✦[rp] Flick> it is a cute baby horse to be fair

[19:04:50] <✦[rp] ceph> i love baby horse

[Across the fairgrounds, the Wizard waves down Faulkner, with Dan trailing behind.]

[18:54:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner!

[18:54:54] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh

[18:54:59] <✦Faulkner [rp]> hello again..

[18:55:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I've spoken to Dan, and maybe-

[18:55:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You could verbalize what you'd wanted?

[Dan gives a small wave. Faulkner mutters under his breath: ]

[18:55:40] <✦Faulkner [rp]> damn the stars fuck me

[18:55:43] <✦Faulkner [rp]> right....

[Faulkner clears his throat awkwardly and vaguely looks in Dan’s direction.]

[18:56:45] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I would... like to be involved with the care of the egg. Informed

[18:56:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Generally speaking

[Dan nods, head cast down.]

[18:57:23] <✦[rp] DAN> um.. yeah. i can definitely keep you up to date on the egg

[He speaks softly.]

[18:57:29] <✦[rp] DAN> ive uh. taken your advice,

[18:57:33] <✦[rp] DAN> about listening to it

[18:57:36] <✦[rp] DAN> i can hear it.

[18:57:48] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh-

[18:58:05] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Thats.. nice

[18:58:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm glad

[Dan nods.]

[18:58:19] <✦[rp] DAN> its cool

[18:58:35] <✦[rp] DAN> its just at my base. if you wanted to come by after the festival

[18:58:46] <✦[rp] DAN> im still workin on a more permanent spo but. its safe right now

[Faulkner perks up, the fur on his arms raising.]

[18:59:11] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ...really?

[18:59:44] <✦[rp] DAN> um. y.. Yes.

[19:00:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ...thank you

[18:59:49] <✦[rp] DAN> no one knows where i put the egg

[18:59:51] <✦[rp] DAN> so

[Out of everything, Dan looks tired. He’s seemed on the verge of passing out from all of the stress of the egg for a while now. The Wizard smiles, pleased to see an agreement come to.]

[19:03:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well then, shall we head over and see what the others are up to?

[19:03:32] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I guess

[19:03:33] <✦[rp] DAN> ahha yeah. socializing would be good

[The Wizard points up as another person comes through the entrance.]

[19:03:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh the fireworks!

[Finch walks inside, well armored.]

[19:03:41] <✦[rp] Finch> apologies for the lateness. had to make sure i had everything i needed.

[Punk has pulled himself out of the hiding place, and leans easily against the fenceposts at the entrance, where he has steadily been getting hammered throughout the night.]

[19:03:59] <✦[rp] Punk> hiii finch

[19:04:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch!!

[Cinder waves at Finch.]

[19:04:25] <✦[rp] cinder> Finch!!

[19:04:29] <✦[rp] Finch> afternoon.

[Prime locks eyes with Finch from across the grounds. Finch stares back. In that exact moment, a portal manifests in the center of the fairgrounds. Ion steps out of it. The Wizard notices her as he walks towards the group gathering near the stables. She speaks.]

[19:04:06] <✦[rp] Ion> hullo everyone

[Ion climbs up one of the amethyst pillars jutting out of the ground.]

[19:04:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ion?

[The Wizard steps towards it, with Dan following hesitantly behind. Faulkner is a few paces behind them, ears flicked back and eyes narrowed.]

[19:04:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ion, you're here!

[19:04:25] <✦[rp] Ion> festival?

[19:04:41] <✦[rp] Ion> whats this about

[He tips his chin up.]

[19:04:56] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't remember you lot being allowed fun

[19:05:04] <✦[rp] Ion> not after what you did

[Darkness spreads over the fairgrounds. Something emerges from the portal.]

[19:04:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Wh

[Joco turns behind them towards those in the stables.]

[19:04:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Ceph get the babies out

[19:04:32] <✦[rp] DAN> uhm

[19:04:38] <✦[rp] Punk> oh shit

[A warden pulls itself from within the purple web of particles. It steps forward, sniffs the air, and roars. The sound reverberates across the mesa. The attendees cower back in fear.]

[19:04:40] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHAT

[19:04:43] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHAT'S THAT

[19:04:44] <✦[rp] DAN> oh um. qWHAT

[19:04:44] <✦[rp] Joco> .. OK

[19:04:48] <✦[rp] Joco> OH

[19:04:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Wh

[A tossed potion bottle makes a few Wardens disappear.]

[19:04:59] <✦[rp] Joco> OH GOD

[19:05:03] <✦[rp] Joco> INVISIBLE

[19:04:45] <✦Faulkner [rp]> UHM

[19:04:50] <✦Faulkner [rp]> FUCK

[19:04:50] <✦[rp] Punk> what the FUCK IS RTHAT HTIGN

[19:04:51] <✦[rp] Flick> UH

[19:04:54] <✦[rp] cinder> oh what the FUCK

[The Scarm screams from the vantage point on the roof. Prime is gone.]

[19:04:56] <✦[rp] Scarm> STATEMENT. YES THAT

[19:05:02] <✦[rp] Doc> "I see."

[Finch draws their sword, a heavy crossbow with a wicked looking bolt sits on their back. Their armor is already on. They find the best place to hide and survive.]

[19:04:55] <✦[rp] Finch> DIDN'T I FUCKIGN TELL YOU SO

[The Wizard draws his sword from where it’s normally kept slung across his back. Joco pulls a dagger from his belt. Dan summons his trident in a flash of lightning. Faulkner sprints backwards from the chaos, partially in fear, partially in a need for his own safety. Cinder stumbles through the dark.]

[19:05:24] <✦[rp] cinder> I cant see anything. Whats HAPPENING

[Dan and the Wizard are attacked by one Warden, both of them are destroyed instantly. Dan is gone in a clap of thunder, the Wizard dissipates into purple particles.]

[19:05:06] ✦[rp] The Wizard was slain by The Echo

[19:05:07] ✦[rp] DAN was slain by The Echo

[In the darkness, Ion’s voice echoes across the fairgrounds, booming between the screams of the people, and the roars of the Wardens.]

[19:05:18] <✦[rp] Ion> this is my revenge

[19:05:23] <✦[rp] Ion> don't underestimate us

[19:05:23] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ION-

[19:05:24] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHAT

[Prime whispers in Ion’s ear, but almost loud enough for others to hear.]

[19:05:30] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> fucking yes finally

[19:05:33] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> THANK YOU ION

[19:05:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> PRINCE

[Dan respawns, fighting through the darkness.]

[19:05:21] <✦[rp] DAN> what in the ever loving fuck

[19:05:23] ✦[rp] DAN was slain by The Echo

[19:05:36] <✦[rp] Flick> i threw a potion at the one and it just came back down lmao

[19:05:25] <✦[rp] Joco> THE GODDAMN HORSES

[19:05:35] <✦[rp] cinder> whats going ON

[19:05:43] ✦[rp] Doc was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[19:05:45] ✦[rp] DAN was slain by The Echo

[19:06:01] ✦[rp] Joco was slain by The Echo

[19:05:32] <✦[rp] The Wizard> EVERYONE GET TO SAFETY

[19:05:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> EVERYONE GET OUT OF HERE

[19:05:51] ✦[rp] The Wizard was slain by The Echo

[Echoing: ]

[19:05:52] <✦[rp] Ion> this is what happens when you break hearts folks

[19:06:07] <✦[rp] Ion> and the sculk will always have my back

[Joco respawns, they find Flick in the darkness.]

[19:06:04] <✦[rp] Flick> Joco joco where do you propose MOVING HORSES TO

[19:06:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Out?

[A Warden appears out of the darkness, slamming into Joco and dissipating them into a cloud of reddish dust.]

[19:06:11] ✦[rp] Joco was slain by The Echo

[Cinder stumbles against Flick, just barely making out his face.]

[19:06:09] <✦[rp] cinder> Flick, whats going ON

[19:06:17] <✦[rp] Flick> cinder i WISH i could tell you!

[Ceph’s face is filled with sadness as the horses are killed by the storming Wardens.]

[19:06:29] <✦[rp] ceph> :( horseyy.........

[19:06:15] <✦[rp] DAN> what the fucking hell

[Dan climbs up onto one of the amethyst structures.]

[19:06:17] ✦[rp] The Wizard was slain by The Echo

[Joco runs from their respawn point, trying to lead a pair of horses, one armored, away down the race track, but is stopped by the scream of a nearby Warden they hadn’t noticed in the dark and chaos.]

[19:06:47] ✦[rp] Joco was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[19:06:59] ✦[rp] The Wizard was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[19:06:29] <✦[rp] Ion> enjoy your stupid festival!

[Ion giggles, a feeling coming over them they’ve never felt before.]

[19:07:17] <✦[rp] Ion> woah this feels good

[Waves of cyan energy blast out in the darkness. Armor glints, weapons clash, but the sounds of the Wardens are deafening. Out of the gloom, Faulkner in his full armor rushes into the battle. Beneath the plate, his arms and legs bristle with fur, his tail whipping. His teeth nash as he runs forward and slams his back into the portal, pushing with all of his strength as his eyes glow red. The portal sputters out as he manages to crack the obsidian structure. The flow has been stopped, but chaos still reigns.]

[19:07:08] ✦[rp] Flick was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[19:07:10] ✦[rp] Joco was slain by The Echo

[Death everywhere. Cinder is paralyzed in fear, watching the chaos as it unfolds around him. A Warden towers over them. It roars. Cinder is swallowed by the purple flame of their wings, agonized in a final moment of pain before they fall.]

[19:07:49] ✦[rp] cinder was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[Joco sits up from their respawn point, they look over, dazed, to see a Warden battering around one of the stalls.]

[19:07:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh he's in a stall

[19:07:42] <✦[rp] Joco> That's kinda cute actually

[Ion stands like a beacon before them, watching the chaos. Joco stands slowly, approaching the pillar. They see the manic light in Ion’s eyes.]

[19:07:19] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh Hi Ion

[19:07:29] <✦[rp] Joco> How's it going

[19:07:33] <✦[rp] Ion> hi joco :)

[19:07:42] <✦[rp] Ion> are you having fun?

[19:07:48] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean.

[19:07:51] <✦[rp] Joco> I could be better

[19:07:58] <✦[rp] Ion> this is fantastic!

[19:08:07] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not the biggest fan of dying repeatedly

[19:08:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Or horse murder

[19:08:13] <✦[rp] Joco> But. Y'know

[19:08:16] <✦[rp] Joco> To each their own

[The Wizard corners one of the Wardens, managing to keep its back turned long enough to kill it.]

[19:07:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> By the Void-

[19:08:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ONE DONE

[19:08:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> They're so strong

[Dan defends himself with his trident, managing to strike at the Wardens, but can’t manage to avoid the blast of a shriek.]

[19:07:53] <✦[rp] DAN> oh ass

[19:07:45] ✦[rp] DAN was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[19:08:17] <✦[rp] Ion> prince thank you so much! i never knew revenge would feel so good!

[19:08:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Ahhh

[19:08:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You two were working together?!

[19:08:31] <✦[rp] Joco> This is for the wedding?

[19:08:45] <✦[rp] Joco> That's understandable, actually

[On the roof, Doc continues to do what he was doing before. More deaths, more killing, more Wardens. The carnage seems neverending.]

[19:08:16] ✦[rp] DAN was slain by The Echo

[19:08:25] ✦[rp] Punk was slain by The Echo

[19:08:40] <✦[rp] DAN> what is going on man ..>!!!

[Faulkner opens its mouth, spraying frost biting vapors at the Wardens. The wisps of smoke curl up their bodies, withering the sculk in the cold. One of the Wardens manages to get in close, striking Faulkner with a death blow. A totem glows beneath Faulkner’s armor, and he continues to fight. Ceph stumbles through the dark.]

[19:08:32] <✦[rp] ceph> wwow this is wild

[Flick flies off as they backstab one of the Wardens.]

[19:08:48] <✦[rp] Flick> i killed ONE

[Punk blinks through a drunken stupor as he watches one of the Wardens shamble along at a run.]

[19:09:28] <✦[rp] Punk> why they move like that

[19:09:49] ✦[rp] The Wizard was slain by The Echo

[The Wizard jumps up from another respawn.]

[19:09:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> How many are there?!

[19:09:47] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> AT LEAST NINETEEN AHAHAHAHAH

[The Wizard whips around at the sound of Prince’s voice.]

[19:09:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> PRINCE?!

[19:09:57] <✦[rp] The Wizard> WHERE ARE YOU

[19:09:57] <✦[rp] DAN> what the fuck!!! is tht prince??

[19:10:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> STOP THIS MADDNESS

[19:10:08] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> NAH

[19:10:19] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> also im talking through a speaker. im not there anymore lol

[19:10:26] <✦[rp] DAN> fuck you man

[19:10:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> SHIT-

[19:10:34] ✦[rp] The Wizard was obliterated by a sonically-charged shriek

[19:10:40] ✦[rp] DAN was slain by The Echo

[At the center of the fairgrounds, there is a strange sort of calm as Joco and Ion talk.]

[19:09:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Your venue was gorgeous. I'm sorry we blew it up.

[19:09:09] <✦[rp] Ion> thank you

[19:09:15] <✦[rp] Ion> that means a lot :)

[19:09:15] <✦[rp] Joco> I do think this is more exciting of a festival than we could have planned, to be honest

[19:09:27] <✦[rp] Ion> don't worry, this makes up for it .. i think

[19:09:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Good!

[19:09:33] <✦[rp] Ion> i love this

[19:09:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, hey.

[19:09:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Actually

[19:09:42] <✦[rp] Joco> To help with that?

[Joco places an ender chest, pulls out a shulker box from it, and grabs some items]

[19:09:57] <✦[rp] Joco> 8 God Apples

[Joco holds up an armful of them.]

[19:10:02] <✦[rp] Ion> oh

[19:10:08] <✦[rp] Joco> It was such a good build.

[19:10:22] <✦[rp] Joco> That's not payment, or bribe. I just. Feel bad.

[19:10:29] <✦[rp] Joco> And don't know how to do things besides gift giving.

[19:10:14] <✦[rp] Ion> thats very kind of you

[19:10:29] <✦[rp] Ion> i really did love that build

[19:10:41] <✦[rp] Joco> And it's kinda hard to think? With the Wardens in my ears?

[19:10:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Have you ever been eaten by maggots?

[19:11:03] <✦[rp] Joco> That's kinda what this feels like for my ear drums

[19:11:21] <✦[rp] Ion> its just the song of sculk joco

[19:11:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah

[19:11:30] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm not sure this is my groove, to be honest

[Ion seems far away.]

[19:11:01] <✦[rp] Ion> i remember placing every block. which isn't the usual

[19:11:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, shoot

[19:11:11] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah, no

[19:11:21] <✦[rp] Joco> That's a once in a lifetime build

[Chaos continues around them. Finch slaughters Wardens that come anywhere close to touching them.]

[19:10:00] <✦[rp] Finch> hey, at least this is entertaining. not fun. but entertaining.

[Cinder stumbles through the darkness.]

[19:10:20] <✦[rp] cinder> I can't see anything. I don't know what to do

[19:11:38] <✦[rp] The Wizard> There's too many of them-

[19:09:57] ✦Faulkner [rp] was slain by The Echo

[19:10:00] ✦[rp] DAN was slain by The Echo

[19:10:04] ✦[rp] Punk was slain by The Echo

[19:11:13] ✦[rp] Flick was slain by The Echo

[19:11:14] ✦[rp] The Wizard was slain by The Echo

[Flick respawns, pulling up his bow again.]

[19:11:45] <✦[rp] Flick> that's at least two dead wiz

[19:12:06] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It's-

[The Wizard notices something. Doc steps down from where he’d been settled on the roof.]

[19:11:44] <✦[rp] Doc> "Everyone, clear the hell out. Im placing down Lava."

[Flick looks over.]

[19:12:00] <✦[rp] Flick> lava doesn't kill them though,

[Ceph shouts from where they’d hunkered down.]

[19:12:02] <✦[rp] ceph> THEEYR IMMUNE TO LAVA

[19:12:26] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh."

[19:12:12] <✦[rp] Doc> "Well what are they not immune to?"

[To himself: ]

[19:12:34] <✦[rp] Doc> "What if I just leave."

[19:13:09] <✦[rp] Doc> "Scarm, do you know where Prince went?"

[19:13:36] <✦[rp] Scarm> STATEMENT. SOMEWHERE ELSE. probably home.

[19:13:44] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Like the house, not like. home dimension.

[The forces are starting to wane. Dan throws off exhaustion, but his strikes aren’t as strong. Faulkner pants heavily, smoke billowing from the corners of his mouth, his tongue raw, body tired from breathing so much stardust.]

[19:12:45] <✦[rp] Prince Prime> good bye everyone. die. everyone wahoo

[19:12:13] <✦[rp] DAN> aughh what the fuck

[19:12:34] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Are they all gone....?

[Faulkner scans the field the best he can.]

[19:12:52] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh theres more....

[Very upset: ]

[19:13:09] <✦Faulkner [rp]> oh theres so many more......

[Joco continues to talk with Ion.]

[19:11:58] <✦[rp] Joco> So uh.

[19:12:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Are you going to get a dramatic escape? Or just vibe

[19:11:59] <✦[rp] cinder> Joco, there you are. Whats HAPPENING

[19:12:12] <✦[rp] Joco> Hi Cinder!

[19:12:42] <✦[rp] cinder> huh. They- huh. Okay.

[19:12:52] <✦[rp] cinder> I feel like I'm going to be sick. What just happened.

[19:12:49] <✦[rp] Ion> well that was fun! we should do this again some time

[19:12:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Maybe not!

[19:12:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Hang out, yes

[19:13:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Warden visit? Maybe less so.

[19:13:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Well

[19:13:37] <✦[rp] Joco> At least one horse died. I'm a bit sad about that

[19:13:44] <✦[rp] Joco> They weren't my horses.

[19:13:49] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm gonna. Go collect the rest.

[19:13:55] <✦[rp] Ion> this is strange. i thought corroded was hot. hmm

[19:13:59] <✦[rp] Joco> It's

[19:14:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah?

[19:14:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Ion it's pretty darn hot right now

[19:14:15] <✦[rp] Joco> The breeze is what's saving me, at the moment

[19:14:17] <✦[rp] Ion> huh

[19:14:31] <✦[rp] Joco> Is the sculk helping cool you?

[19:14:43] <✦[rp] Ion> perhaps. i don't know

[19:14:46] <✦[rp] Joco> Interesting!

[19:14:47] <✦[rp] Joco> Well.

[19:14:50] <✦[rp] Ion> i liked the heat

[19:14:56] <✦[rp] Joco> It's.

[19:14:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah

[19:15:00] <✦[rp] Joco> Horse

[19:15:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Well.

[19:15:22] <✦[rp] Joco> I hope you get to feel that heat soon, I'm going to go. Collect horses.

[19:15:37] <✦[rp] Joco> It's been lovely chatting with you!

[19:15:39] <✦[rp] Ion> oh good luck! i never meant for the horses to get hurt

[19:16:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Yep. I'm not. Gonna try thinking harder than that!

[19:15:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Best laid plans always fail first contact, or whatever the phrase is

[Flick touches down beside Joco.]

[19:16:42] <✦[rp] Flick> plans never survive first contact with the enemy, i think, joco

[Joco nods before running out towards the stables. Cinder stands beside where Joco just was, standing and watching, shaking slightly. They are not used to combat. They are not used to seeing deaths like this.]

[19:16:23] <✦[rp] cinder> they're all I can hear. I feel nauseous

[The battle is still raging.]

[19:13:51] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Void- so many

[The Wizard spots where two have already fallen into the cave below the fairgrounds.]

[19:12:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The cave!

[19:12:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> LEAD THEM INTO THE CAVE!

[He shoots several arrows at one, joined in by others. They’re much easier to kill from a vantage point.]

[19:14:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, let's collect them into the cavern below!

[Dan strikes down another Warden with a bolt of lightning.]

[19:14:20] <✦[rp] DAN> third!

[Someone tosses something, coating a Warden in a thin layer of glowing liquid.]

[19:14:51] <✦[rp] Flick> who got spectral arrows that's smart as hell

[Doc speaks up.]

[19:14:58] <✦[rp] Doc> "It was my potion."

[Faulkner falls over, out of breath.]

[19:15:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> how... how many more are there....

[19:16:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm going to be sick

[The Wizard looks over the cavern where others have begun to gather, shooting arrows at the remaining Wardens.]

[19:15:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is that all of them in there?

[Dan looks up and around as the last ones in the cave die.]

[19:16:02] <✦[rp] DAN> i can still hear em

[The Wizard heads over past the caverns.]

[19:16:07] <✦[rp] The Wizard> On the other side!

[19:16:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Behind the horse barn!

[In a few swift strikes, the last Warden dies.]

[19:16:51] <✦[rp] ceph> its dead'

[19:16:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't hear any more of em

[19:16:53] <✦[rp] Punk> slay

[19:16:56] <✦[rp] Doc> "Is that it?"

[19:17:12] <✦[rp] DAN> i think. thats it

[19:17:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm

[Faulkner is barely standing.]

[19:17:04] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I need. a Nap forever

[19:16:55] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Everyone!

[19:17:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Gather in the Festival square!

[Far away, at a moment just before this one. Prince and Ollie’s paths converge.]

[Prince runs towards an aimless destination.]

[19:46:58] <✦[rp] Prince 2> hell yeah

[19:47:06] <✦[rp] Prince 2> knew something was here

[He begins digging into the ground, dropping into the secret sanctum Dan built for the dragon egg.]

[19:47:14] <✦[rp] Prince 2> dont mind me if i dooo

[19:47:30] <✦[rp] Prince 2> now let's see what kinda egg these guys have

[19:47:38] <✦[rp] Prince 2> oh cmon

[19:47:43] <✦[rp] Prince 2> a dragon egg??

[20:17:24] <✦[rp] Prince 2> why is it a dragon. egg

[20:17:29] <✦[rp] Prince 2> this is the worst egg

[19:47:48] <✦[rp] Prince 2> this shit sucks

[19:47:57] <✦[rp] Prince 2> guess ill take it though

[Prince reaches forward, picking the egg up.]

[19:48:39] ✦[rp] Prince 2 has reached the goal [The Next Generation]

[19:49:01] <✦[rp] Prince 2> pleh

[19:49:11] <✦[rp] Prince 2> guess this'll be a good trinket for ceph i guess

[20:17:52] <✦[rp] Prince 2> for... ceph

[20:17:55] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yes makes sense

[20:18:09] <✦[rp] Prince 2> dragon eg.. fucking suck

[20:18:19] <✦[rp] Prince 2> cant even make dimensional travel work

[20:18:27] <✦[rp] Prince 2> needs so much yolk for that...

[20:18:33] <✦[rp] Prince 2> sigh

[Prince walks up the stairs. In the Nether: ]

[20:17:29] <✦[rp] Ollie> god fucking DAMNIT why did that fucker have to KILL ME

[20:17:31] <✦[rp] Ollie> I HATE WALKING

[20:17:33] <✦[rp] Ollie> SO MUCH

[Ollie stomps his way back towards Corroded, pissed off. He pauses in front of the entrance to Dan’s portal.]

[20:18:12] <✦[rp] Ollie> at least I can ...leave Dan the note

[Ollie walks down the hall, and stands in front of Dan’s portal.]

[20:18:33] <✦[rp] Ollie> I can do this. I can do this shit . yes

[20:18:52] <✦[rp] Ollie> this is EASY this is so easy

[Ollie steps through the portal, and finds himself inside Dan’s base. Just as Prince lifts himself out of the hole in the ground in front of Dan’s stairs.]

[20:19:17] <✦[rp] Prince 2> oh! hey

[20:19:18] <✦[rp] Prince 2> oily

[20:19:19] <✦[rp] Ollie> uh.

[20:19:22] <✦[rp] Prince 2> what are you doing here

[20:19:28] <✦[rp] Ollie> what the fuck are YOU DOING HERE-

[20:19:30] <✦[rp] Ollie> HUH

[20:19:39] <✦[rp] Prince 2> sculk was going on about something important here

[20:19:40] <✦[rp] Prince 2> cus yknow

[Prince points down at Dan’s floor.]

[20:19:42] <✦[rp] Prince 2> floor

[20:19:47] <✦[rp] Prince 2> as you can see

[20:19:51] <✦[rp] Prince 2> and you know what

[20:19:47] <✦[rp] Ollie> what are you. doing.

[Ollie notices the egg.]

[20:19:55] <✦[rp] Ollie> ah.

[20:19:59] <✦[rp] Prince 2> you know what?

[20:20:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> what.

[20:20:04] <✦[rp] Prince 2> this isnt even a good egg

[20:20:09] <✦[rp] Prince 2> its a fucking dragon egg

[20:20:17] <✦[rp] Ollie> you cant do that-

[20:20:21] <✦[rp] Prince 2> you need to crush up like. 50 of them to make like

[20:20:34] <✦[rp] Prince 2> a stable interdimensional portal for like. 50 SECONDS

[20:20:38] <✦[rp] Prince 2> that's absurd right

[20:20:42] <✦[rp] Prince 2> god

[20:20:25] <✦[rp] Ollie> that's DAN'S EGG YOU DIPSHIT

[20:20:41] <✦[rp] Ollie> OR FAULKNER I REALLY DON'T CARE HONESTLY WHO'S IT IS

[20:20:50] <✦[rp] Ollie> what are you TALKIN ABOUT

[20:21:02] <✦[rp] Prince 2> oh i forgot youre not a scientist

[20:21:20] <✦[rp] Prince 2> wouldve thought you'd be smart with the whole travel to servers thing

[20:21:34] <✦[rp] Ollie> FUCK YOU!!!

[Ollie tries to puff out his chest.]

[20:21:02] <✦[rp] Ollie> you need to return that shit right fucking now

[20:21:09] <✦[rp] Ollie> what the fuck are you even gonna do with it

[20:21:18] <✦[rp] Ollie> I don't think that's edible

[20:21:34] <✦[rp] Prince 2> nah not gonna eat it

[20:21:36] <✦[rp] Prince 2> its fine

[20:21:56] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yeah

[Ollie watches Prince, trying to be brave, but frozen in place.]

[20:22:03] <✦[rp] Ollie> you need

[20:22:05] <✦[rp] Ollie> to return that

[20:22:03] <✦[rp] Prince 2> anyways dude

[20:22:08] <✦[rp] Prince 2> careful at the festival

[20:22:12] <✦[rp] Ollie> ???

[20:22:13] <✦[rp] Prince 2> there's gonna be an attack there?

[20:22:13] <✦[rp] Ollie> what

[20:22:14] <✦[rp] Ollie> why

[20:22:18] <✦[rp] Prince 2> yeah its fucked

[20:22:18] <✦[rp] Ollie> what.

[Prince throws up a peace sign with his free hand.]

[20:22:22] <✦[rp] Prince 2> bye

[20:22:32] <✦[rp] Ollie> fucking

[20:22:33] <✦[rp] Ollie> shit

[Prince scampers off, heading back to the Malfaction. Ollie sighs.]

[20:23:25] <✦[rp] Ollie> WHY CAN'T THIS SHIT BE EASY !!

[We return to the moment when the battle ends.]

[Finch approaches Ion, who still stands in the center. Their face is warm with a pleasant smile.]

[19:15:46] <✦[rp] Finch> hey. You.

[19:15:53] <✦[rp] Ion> finch

[19:16:01] <✦[rp] Ion> what

[19:15:53] <✦[rp] Finch> you look different.

[19:16:39] <✦[rp] Ion> i suppose i do look a little different

[19:16:42] <✦[rp] Finch> yeah.

[19:16:51] <✦[rp] Finch> explanations.

[19:16:58] <✦[rp] Ion> i

[19:17:12] <✦[rp] Ion> it was not nice, that explosion

[19:17:24] <✦[rp] Ion> and i was given a way from the hurt

[19:17:34] <✦[rp] Finch> okay and. i gave my own explanation for the event there

[19:17:40] <✦[rp] Finch> and you... joined the opposing side

[19:17:45] <✦[rp] Finch> you know why i blew it up, correct?

[19:17:53] <✦[rp] Finch> it was prince. it was all in the name of stopping the blue fucker.

[19:17:58] <✦[rp] Ion> i'm not sure i do finch

[The group drags themself back towards the square.]

[19:17:11] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. that was fucked

[19:17:17] <✦[rp] cinder> Doc. You okay?

[19:17:25] <✦[rp] Doc> "Hm? Yes. I'm fine."

[19:17:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is everyone okay?

[19:17:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Does anyone need food?

[19:17:30] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Potions?

[19:17:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh I haven't had food on me for a couple hours

[Dan slumps over.]

[19:17:29] <✦[rp] DAN> a little dizzy

[Dan notices Ceph and Punk.]

[19:18:13] <✦[rp] DAN> oh holy shit youre both still up and slaying. thank god

[19:17:51] <✦[rp] ceph> r u ok punk.

[19:17:47] <✦[rp] Punk> just need a big nap really

[19:17:53] <✦[rp] ceph> ok

[19:17:57] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah dontt wory <3

[19:18:02] <✦[rp] Punk> how about u

[19:18:16] <✦[rp] ceph> wheres ollie

[19:18:26] <✦[rp] Punk> uh no clue

[Flick quietly speaks to Cinder and Doc.]

[19:17:21] <✦[rp] Flick> hey are you two alright?

[19:17:35] <✦[rp] cinder> I think so. I think I'm gonna be sick

[19:17:35] <✦[rp] Flick> hey cinder take two of these, just in case

[Flick passes two of his potions to Cinder]

[19:17:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Wiz, Lighthoof is alive

[The Wizard almost laughs at the absurdity of it.]

[19:17:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Well, out of everything I guess

[19:17:52] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'll just... nap right here

[19:17:58] <✦Faulkner [rp]> forever and forever

[19:17:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Faulkner-

[19:18:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh Void, you're alright, just tired?

[19:18:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Not dying?

[19:18:12] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm sso tired

[Faulkner lies down on the ground. Red stardust trickles out of his mouth.]

[19:18:25] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is everyone here?

[19:18:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Everyone okay?

[Ceph looks sadly at where their horse had been tied up. All that remains is the lead.]

[19:18:45] <✦[rp] ceph> my horse..........

[Ion looks up from their conversation to see everyone gathered around. The Wizard speaks up.]

[19:17:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ion!

[19:17:19] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Is it over?

[19:17:42] <✦[rp] Ion> oh blimey everyone's here

[Finch continues talking.]

[19:18:06] <✦[rp] Finch> all you did was join the side of the thing that caused the venue to go up.

[19:18:19] <✦[rp] Finch> why.

[19:18:24] <✦[rp] Finch> i tried to warn everyone.

[Ion looks out to the crowd.]

[19:18:29] <✦[rp] Ion> all the echo has done is supported and protected me. i don't understand

[19:18:36] <✦[rp] Ion> why do you all hate it

[19:18:43] <✦[rp] DAN> its fucked up

[19:18:45] <✦[rp] DAN> thats why

[19:18:33] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I mean Prince was pretty normal back then. you guys were just paranoid

[19:18:58] <✦[rp] Doc> "Scarm this is absolutely not the time for calling people paranoid."

[Faulkner, out of breath, from the ground: ]

[19:19:08] <✦Faulkner [rp]> didnt it just try to kill us

[19:18:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Look at what it did to Doc!

[19:18:47] <✦[rp] The Wizard> And Punk!

[19:18:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Prince's domain over the sculk has only hurt people

[19:19:01] <✦[rp] Ion> punk?

[19:19:08] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah

[19:19:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, Prince attacked Punk as well

[19:19:11] <✦[rp] Punk> yeah i got sculked

[19:19:12] <✦[rp] DAN> he got sculked to shit man

[19:19:19] <✦[rp] Punk> it sucked balls dude i hate that shit

[19:19:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> He's uh, better now

[19:19:22] <✦[rp] Joco> We're not fans of the sculk because it's eaten the arm of our friend, and wants to consume the rest of the world

[19:19:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Prince, under direction of the sculk, attacked people

[19:19:25] <✦[rp] Ion> oh dear

[19:19:36] <✦[rp] ceph> my horse fucking died..........................

[19:19:44] <✦[rp] DAN> :-(

[19:19:49] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, shoot, Cpeh

[19:19:50] <✦[rp] ceph> :<

[19:19:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Wait, ceph, what horse was it

[19:20:03] <✦[rp] Joco> Was it the armored one

[19:20:05] <✦[rp] ceph> diamond armor

[19:20:07] <✦[rp] Joco> Shit

[19:20:13] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm sorry

[19:19:49] <✦[rp] Finch> ...

[19:19:54] <✦[rp] Finch> excuse me?

[19:20:14] <✦[rp] Finch> can we drop the subject of the horse thats not the important part here you can get a new one or something

[19:20:37] <✦[rp] ceph> fuck u

[19:20:41] <✦[rp] Joco> No no I get that

[19:20:44] <✦[rp] Joco> That's valid

[19:20:45] <✦[rp] ceph> bitch

[19:19:38] <✦[rp] Finch> i have a question. would you rather live in a house where the doors are all locked and the windows all bricked in because it was nice to you or something. or take a pick to the fucking bricks.

[19:19:38] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Fun thing to note, if yall didnt blow up, we wouldnt be one with the sculk

[19:20:04] <✦[rp] Doc> "I didn't blow anything up, and I was the first person to get infected. How about that, Scarm."

[19:20:29] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. We've had this conversation before. That was an accident?

[Doc sighs.]

[19:20:23] <✦[rp] Finch> what did. you mean if we didnt blow up

[19:20:27] <✦[rp] DAN> finch wat

[19:20:30] <✦[rp] DAN> when did you get here

[19:20:48] <✦[rp] Finch> dont worry about it. suspected something was going to happen

[Faulkner forces himself up off the ground. Ion looks out at the crowd with a frown.]

[19:19:44] <✦[rp] Ion> maybe you just got off on the wrong foot

[19:20:17] <✦[rp] DAN> cant be the wrong foot when hes crawling disgustingly under both and wrecking havoc

[19:20:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry, Ion, but I don't think any of this was going to convince us of liking the sculk

[19:20:26] <✦[rp] Ion> oh this wasn't to convince you

[19:20:30] <✦[rp] Ion> this was for me

[19:20:34] <✦[rp] The Wizard> For revenge?

[19:20:38] <✦[rp] Ion> i suppose

[19:20:53] <✦[rp] Ion> and now i've got it, i think i understand

[19:20:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> ...In a way we did deserve it

[19:21:00] <✦[rp] cinder> I didn't deserve it! I didn't even go to that wedding!

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[19:20:56] <✦[rp] The Wizard> No, just me

[19:21:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> You should've just done this to me

[19:21:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I was the one who put down the lever in the first place...

[19:21:12] <✦[rp] Joco> I mean. Finch also did shit.

[19:21:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Affectionately.

[19:21:17] <✦[rp] DAN> wiz youre not the only one at fault man

[19:21:11] <✦[rp] Ion> don't you see?

[19:21:20] <✦[rp] Ion> this was for you wizard

[19:21:30] <✦[rp] Ion> this is something you put heart into

[19:21:38] <✦[rp] Ion> see its the same?

[19:21:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It was, wasn't it

[19:22:01] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Then I do understand

[19:22:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry about the wedding

[19:22:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Don't forgive me

[19:22:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Because I hope this was enough

[19:22:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't hold it against you

[19:22:27] <✦[rp] Ion> i think it was

[Ion smiles.]

[19:21:29] <✦[rp] ceph> man idk whats going on

[19:21:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Ion you killed Ceph's horse, that's kinda fucked up

[19:21:59] <✦[rp] Finch> i really dont think it is

[19:22:02] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe

[19:22:03] <✦[rp] Flick> I mean ceph didn't have like. anything to do with the wedding getting exploded I think.

[19:22:09] <✦[rp] DAN> they didnt

[19:22:21] <✦[rp] Flick> totally unrelated casualty, the horse. uninvolved party.

[19:21:46] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm gonna go get the horses in the barn, actually.

[Joco heads off to bring more of the horses leaded on the track into the barn.]

[19:22:33] <✦[rp] Finch> if it makes you feel any better

[19:22:48] <✦[rp] Finch> all weddings blow up, thats kindof the nature of them. at least this one had somewhat of a purpose.

[19:22:57] <✦[rp] Finch> i hope

[Mumbled: ]

[19:22:59] <✦[rp] DAN> not all weddings blow up but okay

[Doc leans towards Scarm.]

[19:23:36] <✦[rp] Doc> "I told you to leave it alone."

[19:23:49] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Yeah what do you mean by that

[19:24:09] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh that, yeah. Definitely.

[Whispered: ]

[19:24:20] <✦[rp] Doc> "Scarm, is it possible you can tell me what those plans are?"

[Whispered: ]

[19:25:05] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Look man the final thing i know about sculk plans was Going Home, and das it.

[Joco mutters under their breath.]

[19:23:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Where are my birds,

[They spot Cinder and Flick, and jog over to stand with them. Cinder speaks quietly.]

[19:23:44] <✦[rp] cinder> Joco. You okay?

[19:23:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh yeah no I'm fine, are y'all?

[19:24:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Turns out just. Standing still makes them not attack you.

[Flick lifts his wings, and very quietly keeps them wrapped around Cinder and Joco. The three of them speak very softly.]

[19:24:38] <✦[rp] Joco> I would offer y'all food but I ran out before the fest started and didn't get more

[19:24:39] <✦[rp] cinder> I- I think I am. I can't stop shaking. I've never seen one of those before, not up close

[Joco looks down to check stock of themself, while Flick quietly passes the other two some food.]

[19:25:23] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah, shit. Forgot to put armor on. I've just been running around practically nude

[The Wizard nods to Ion.]

[19:22:52] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Be careful around Prince, okay?

[19:23:10] <✦[rp] Ion> the sculk did this for me. and i had so much fun!

[19:23:21] <✦[rp] cinder> you might be the only one.

[19:23:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The sculk, right-

[19:23:22] <✦[rp] Ion> i can't wait to see what we do next

[The Wizard finally notices the sculk on Ion’s clothes.]

[19:23:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Next-

[19:23:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> What do you mean next?

[19:23:32] <✦[rp] DAN> the sculk doesnt do shit for anyone but itself man!!!!

[19:23:52] <✦[rp] Ion> the sculk always seems to have a plan

[19:23:57] <✦[rp] Ion> i just go along

[19:24:02] <✦[rp] Ion> its easy

[19:24:04] <✦[rp] Finch> a plan. for what

[19:24:22] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ion, you can't listen to it, I can promise it won't bring anything good

[19:24:37] <✦[rp] Ion> so far its only brought good wizard

[19:24:48] <✦[rp] Finch> youre not playing any favors here. again. we're sorry about the wedding, but you're still playing on the opposing side

[19:25:03] <✦[rp] Ion> side? what sides?

[19:25:16] <✦[rp] Finch> there's a very simple dividing line here

[19:25:37] <✦[rp] Finch> the sculk, the bad guys, the antagonists here. the ones who just kinda suck and bring nothing but sadness and misery

[19:25:56] <✦[rp] Finch> and us! the good guys! the ones who're gonna win in the end. or leave you behind if we cant

[19:26:07] <✦[rp] DAN> not leaving anyone behind!! thank you!

[Ceph whispers to Dan.]

[19:24:09] <✦[rp] ceph> can i kill ion

[Dan whispers back: ]

[19:24:28] <✦[rp] DAN> go ahead dawg ill support all ur actuons

[However, Ceph is interrupted from unsheathing their blade by Faulkner stepping up next to them, standing there awkwardly.]

[19:24:15] <✦[rp] ceph> oh.

[19:24:17] <✦[rp] ceph> hi

[19:24:23] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ...hello

[Ceph hands Faulkner some golden carrots.]

[19:24:44] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ooh

[19:24:50] <✦[rp] ceph> u ...likke gold. i think

[19:24:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I do...

[Faulkner eats them happily.]

[19:25:13] <✦[rp] Ion> theres no fight here. not any more. Surely

[19:25:20] <✦[rp] DAN> speak for yourself buster

[19:25:25] <✦[rp] DAN> i'll fight into the next millenia

[19:25:35] <✦[rp] Ion> oh

[19:25:30] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ion I think it's probably best if you went home

[19:25:39] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I don't think anyone else may give you the leeway I am

[Joco watches the conversation as the small group around Ion speaks. They hurry over towards Ion.]

[19:25:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh!! Ion!!!

[19:25:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Before you go!

[19:25:45] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Or-

[19:26:01] <✦[rp] Joco> It was lovely chattin' with you

[19:25:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Hug?

[19:25:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Are you a hugger?

[19:26:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco, what?

[Ion looks confused.]

[19:26:01] <✦[rp] Ion> i don't know

[19:26:02] <✦[rp] cinder> Joco, careful-

[19:26:03] <✦[rp] Punk> dude theyve got shit all over them

[Ion decides something.]

[19:26:25] <✦[rp] Ion> yes

[Joco pulls Ion in for a hug, patting their back. Slowly, Ion pulls their arms up to hug Joco back. Joco pulls away like it was a simple gesture.]

[19:26:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Alrighty,

[19:26:42] <✦[rp] Ion> thanks joco

[19:26:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Get home safe, bud!

[19:26:48] <✦[rp] Ion> i hope we meet again

[19:26:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah!

[Ion gives the group a wave, and then flies off.]

[19:27:18] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh, and there they go."

[19:26:50] <✦[rp] cinder> Flick, I think we're gonna watch him get himself killed someday

[19:27:24] <✦[rp] Finch> and theyre gone

[Finch makes a face at Joco.]

[19:26:45] <✦[rp] Finch> joco i would really recommend you have not done that

[19:26:46] <✦[rp] Finch> but okay

[19:26:53] <✦[rp] DAN> joco sanitizes. its fine i guess

[Ceph looks over at Finch.]

[19:26:22] <✦[rp] ceph> ur kinda fucked btw

[19:26:28] <✦[rp] Finch> what.

[19:26:43] <✦[rp] ceph> im not listening

[19:26:55] <✦[rp] ceph> but u r rude wtf

[19:27:03] <✦[rp] Finch> im not rude! i'm saying what i need to

[Ceph hands Finch a bottle of vodka.]

[19:27:08] <✦[rp] Finch> ...

[19:27:11] <✦[rp] ceph> drink that and die

[19:27:13] <✦[rp] Finch> vodka. alright

[19:27:16] <✦[rp] Finch> dad will LOVE this

[19:27:24] <✦[rp] DAN> dontt give my kid vodka ceph

[Scarm poises itself on Doc’s shoulder.]

[19:26:52] <✦[rp] Scarm> Query. Can i also get a hug

[19:27:04] <✦[rp] Joco> Scarm. Literally Always

[19:27:05] <✦[rp] DAN> scarm hug

[19:27:10] <✦[rp] DAN> how do you hug an arm

[Scarm jumps off Doc and hugs Joco, before pulling itself off of Joco and climbing back up Doc.]

[19:27:31] <✦[rp] Finch> well.

[19:27:35] <✦Faulkner [rp]> well.

[19:27:37] <✦[rp] Finch> i cant say i didnt tell you so

[19:27:41] <✦[rp] ceph> ur kids rude as fuck ngl

[19:28:04] <✦[rp] DAN> we r working on their um. Attitude.

[19:27:53] <✦[rp] DAN> yeah but dont give minors alcohol what

[19:27:49] <✦[rp] Finch> so what now.

[19:27:55] <✦[rp] Finch> ion's a lost cause here

[Joco pulls out their shulker of lava to begin sanitizing themself.]

[19:28:04] <✦[rp] Finch> and docs. still up there. with. that. thing

[19:28:19] <✦[rp] Doc> "I am. What about it.

[19:28:37] <✦[rp] Finch> i wouldn't really call you in the safe zone either. with that. thing. you keep around

[19:29:00] <✦[rp] Doc> "See if I care."

[19:29:10] <✦[rp] Finch> i do infact care, and i'm sorry you dont

[Cinder leans forward, looking at Faulkner with concern.]

[19:28:02] <✦[rp] cinder> Faulkner. you doing okay? You were brutal during that whole thing

[19:28:08] <✦[rp] cinder> it was impressive. Kinda scary

[19:28:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, that was incredibly impressive

[Faulkner has a look on its face somewhere between complete exhaustion and thinly veiled excitement. The Wizard turns to Joco.]

[19:27:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco...what happened during the attack?

[19:27:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Did you and Ion talk?

[19:27:15] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh we chatted a bit

[19:28:13] <✦[rp] Joco> They were. Very upset about the wedding, we talked. I expressed feeling sorry about blowing up the wedding.

[19:28:19] <✦[rp] Joco> They. Remember placing every block of that venue.

[19:28:31] <✦[rp] Joco> That's.

[19:28:47] <✦[rp] Joco> That's not a build you get more than once in a lifetime, one you remember every block of.

[19:28:51] <✦[rp] Joco> And we blew it up

[19:29:06] <✦[rp] DAN> ah well. now i feel kinda bad about it

[19:29:15] <✦[rp] Joco> You didn't feel bad before?

[19:29:24] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. That build Did fuck.

[19:29:29] <✦[rp] Joco> You didn't feel bad about blowing that beautiful place?

[19:29:29] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Doing that to Ion, it really wasn't the right thing

[19:29:31] <✦[rp] Finch> oh right the venue

[19:29:34] <✦[rp] Finch> eh it was alright i guess

[19:28:35] <✦[rp] ceph> okay there r way too many ppl right here

[Ceph goes back to the barn to pet the horses, upset about their own horse’s death.]

[19:29:35] <✦[rp] Flick> it was a really cool build

[19:29:46] <✦[rp] Finch> it was a thing to house a bunch of explosives under

[19:29:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh.

[19:29:52] <✦[rp] Joco> But, yeah.

[19:29:54] <✦[rp] cinder> it was just a place, wasn't it? I'm not sure I get it

[19:30:24] <✦[rp] Flick> it was PRETTY though. like. beautifully curated. and it's just Gone.

[19:30:01] <✦[rp] Finch> it was just a place

[19:30:04] <✦[rp] Finch> you can get over a place.

[19:30:13] <✦[rp] Finch> you just got to keep moving, i guess

[19:30:02] <✦[rp] cinder> Places all get destroyed eventually, right?

[Faulkner shuffles awkwardly to stand next to Dan.]

[19:30:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Perhaps, but not so quickly? And not. Not like that.

[19:30:17] <✦[rp] Joco> It's.

[Dan glances down at Faulkner and then quickly back to the conversation.]

[19:30:21] <✦[rp] The Wizard> It meant something to them, that's what was important

[19:30:39] <✦[rp] Punk> they put their whole ass into that thing

[19:30:44] <✦[rp] Joco> It was a place they put their heart into. And we destroyed it to stop something else.

[Faulkner has its tail wrapped around itself, vaguely listening to the conversation.]

[19:30:27] <✦[rp] Finch> its a fucking building

[19:30:33] <✦[rp] Finch> why would you care about a building

[19:30:37] <✦[rp] Finch> you arent a building

[19:30:38] <✦[rp] DAN> finch

[19:30:34] <✦[rp] Doc> "It's just like dying."

[19:30:45] <✦[rp] Flick> doc i beg your pardon. hello

[19:30:54] <✦[rp] Doc> "Like dying."

[19:31:02] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc I am . Concerned by your statement but honestly? Yeah.

[19:31:00] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. They put their whole puppussy into it.

[19:31:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Scarm.

[19:31:08] <✦[rp] DAN> p,..puppussy...

[19:31:09] <✦Faulkner [rp]> what the fuck

[19:31:13] <✦[rp] cinder> hmm. Didn't like that one scarm

[19:31:17] <✦[rp] Finch> i really dont see how a building blowing up is like dying

[19:31:27] <✦[rp] Finch> its a bunch of blocks. you can always just build another building

[19:31:32] <✦[rp] Finch> you can always just move

[19:31:37] <✦[rp] Doc> "And you can always just make another person."

[Joco snaps their fingers.]

[19:31:16] <✦[rp] Joco> OH speaking of Prince

[19:31:22] <✦[rp] Joco> He's never eaten human flesh

[19:31:25] <✦[rp] Joco> That's a thing I learned today

[19:31:28] <✦[rp] cinder> okay?

[19:31:31] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'm sorry, where did this come from-

[19:31:43] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Oh, he has eaten sentient being flesh though. I think as a dare.

[19:31:44] <✦[rp] Doc> "It doesn't make it the same."

[19:31:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Doc that's not.

[19:31:50] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Not specifically human but still.

[19:31:51] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah. Yeah okay.

[Dan turns to Finch.]

[19:31:32] <✦[rp] DAN> finch you ever put your heart into something and care about it

[19:31:39] <✦[rp] Finch> uh

[19:31:41] <✦[rp] Finch> i care about myself

[19:31:43] <✦[rp] Finch> and uh

[19:31:50] <✦[rp] Finch> i care about. you i guess

[19:31:53] <✦[rp] Finch> and. thats uh

[19:31:55] <✦[rp] Finch> thats about it

[19:32:01] <✦[rp] cinder> I don't think any of us are well equipped for this conversation, huh

[Dan sighs and shakes his head a bit.]

[19:32:05] <✦[rp] Joco> This has been such a long day.

[19:32:14] <✦[rp] Joco> I might be half deaf at the moment.

[19:32:15] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, we should all probably head home

[19:32:18] <✦[rp] Doc> "This is the shortest day I've had in a while."

[19:32:22] <✦[rp] DAN> well. its like you or i died and someone blew us up on purpose. you'd be kinda mad.

[19:32:48] <✦[rp] Finch> well if you blew up id be sad about it i guess

[19:32:50] <✦[rp] Finch> but youd be back

[19:32:57] <✦[rp] Finch> and i really wouldnt care i guess

[19:33:03] <✦[rp] DAN> but like. if i didnt. if i were a building. and i just was gone

[19:33:07] <✦[rp] cinder> But if Dan didn't come back? It would suck a bit more

[19:33:09] <✦[rp] Finch> i mean if you were a building i wouldnt care about you at all because youd be a building

[Dan groans.]

[19:33:09] <✦Faulkner [rp]> damn

[19:33:17] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch it's kind of like if someone. Hm. If you'd just molted and grew new feathers, and then someone cut them all.

[19:33:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Or plucked them out.

[19:33:31] <✦[rp] Joco> It feels Very Bad.

[Light-heartedly.]

[19:33:36] <✦[rp] cinder> Sensitive subject, Joco

[Joco speaks softly.]

[19:33:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, buckaroo, it is for me, too <3

[19:33:11] <✦[rp] Doc> "In my world, dying is permanent."

[Finch looks up at them all.]

[19:33:15] <✦[rp] Finch> oh if dad didnt come back?

[19:33:18] <✦[rp] Finch> id just move on

[19:33:20] <✦[rp] Finch> no use crying over it

[19:33:22] <✦[rp] Punk> wow ok

[19:33:27] <✦[rp] DAN> thanks finch

[19:33:31] <✦[rp] Finch> dad's gone oh well i'm still alive, gotta keep going

[19:33:33] <✦[rp] Finch> thats whats life about

[Finch looks around at everyone again.]

[19:33:39] <✦[rp] Finch> isnt that what we all do?

[19:33:42] <✦[rp] Finch> dad would do the same

[19:33:45] <✦[rp] Finch> right?

[19:34:02] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I can't say I can uh, relate to that sentiment

[19:34:10] <✦[rp] Punk> i would not be ok if dan died

[Faulkner mutters under their breath.]

[19:33:43] <✦Faulkner [rp]> child of the year

[19:33:52] <✦[rp] DAN> why the hell would i just move on from something kid

[19:34:01] <✦[rp] Finch> because thats what you gotta do

[Dan has a steel iron grip on the trident Nox gave him.]

[19:34:40] <✦[rp] Doc> "I wonder if that's how my kids felt about me. When I disappeared."

[19:34:48] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh, no, Doc, most children aren't like this

[19:35:04] <✦[rp] cinder> I don't think so, Doc. I... I still miss mine.

[19:35:12] <✦[rp] cinder> My parents, as in. I dont have kids

[Finch continues: ]

[19:34:30] <✦[rp] Finch> a world dies. you go 'oh okay' and move on

[19:34:32] <✦[rp] Finch> thats what we do

[19:34:35] <✦[rp] DAN> no one else does that kid

[19:34:49] <✦[rp] Finch> if you died i'd go 'oh okay' and move on. thats what we do

[19:34:41] <✦[rp] Finch> if someone dies we go 'oh okay' and move on, thats what we did to oliver

[An immediate silence washes over the group. Dan looks like he’s been struck across the face. Faulkner gives Finch a look. Everyone doesn’t quite know what to say.]

[19:34:47] <✦[rp] Punk> jesus christ

[19:34:54] <✦[rp] DAN> finch.

[19:34:58] <✦[rp] Finch> i love you dad

[19:34:58] <✦[rp] DAN> i think its best you stop talking

[19:35:06] <✦[rp] Finch> but thats life. everyone does that.

[19:35:22] <✦[rp] ceph> dan ur child is obnoxious

[The Wizard looks around at the mention of Oliver, thinking immediately of Ollie.]

[19:35:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Where-?

[19:35:17] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Has anyone seen Ollie?

[19:35:23] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Oh!

[19:35:32] <✦Faulkner [rp]> He went off somewhere to be alone I think

[19:35:42] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Good, good, I was worried he might've gotten hurt by the wardens

[19:35:41] <✦[rp] ceph> .is he .ok

[19:35:45] <✦Faulkner [rp]> He didn't really want to be here

[19:35:54] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Ah...yes

[19:36:00] <✦Faulkner [rp]> But he is otherwise fine

[19:36:05] <✦[rp] The Wizard> That's good

[19:36:06] <✦[rp] ceph> damn

[19:36:13] <✦[rp] ceph> i wish he died

[19:36:09] <✦[rp] cinder> Can you tell him we hope hes okay? When you see him?

[19:36:13] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I'm pretty sure he was gone before the wardens showed up

[Dan looks sad when he hears Ollie’s already left. Joco walks up to Finch.]

[19:35:12] <✦[rp] Joco> ... Finch I'm not sure your understanding of attachment is . Existent.

[19:35:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Nobody else. Does that.

[19:35:27] <✦[rp] Joco> Moves on instantly.

[19:35:33] <✦[rp] Finch> sure they do! that's how life works!

[19:35:37] <✦[rp] Joco> No, it isn't

[19:35:37] <✦[rp] Finch> thats what you're supposed to do

[19:35:40] <✦[rp] Joco> Not for most players

[19:35:39] <✦[rp] Doc> "Sometimes you don't have a choice."

[19:35:57] <✦[rp] cinder> Yeah, I get that

[Joco nods at both of them.]

[19:36:01] <✦[rp] Joco> If you are in a safe place, then you have time to grieve. To feel sorrow. Mourn the loss.

[19:36:09] <✦[rp] Finch> why would i grieve?

[19:36:18] <✦[rp] Finch> its not me

[19:36:19] <✦[rp] Joco> ...

[19:36:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Huh

[19:36:34] <✦[rp] DAN> finch, kid

[19:36:37] <✦[rp] Doc> "But this is not a safe place. So there is no choice. Not for a child in a war zone."

[19:36:39] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch? Invasive question? Where'd you come from?

[19:36:44] <✦[rp] Finch> uh

[19:37:04] <✦[rp] Finch> depends. are you talking about last world or the world before that or before that or where i was before ollie or before that

[19:37:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Before Untitled.

[19:37:18] <✦[rp] Finch> uhhhh how far back are we talking

[19:37:30] <✦[rp] Finch> and i dont see how it matters

[19:37:41] <✦[rp] Finch> im not there now! so its not important

[19:37:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Like.

[19:37:35] <✦[rp] Joco> Were you raised by people?

[19:37:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Were you raised?

[19:37:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Or did you just. Grow up.

[19:37:45] <✦[rp] Finch> what do you mean by raised.

[19:37:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Like, fed, clothed, cleaned, cared for

[19:38:05] <✦[rp] Joco> Until you were old enough to do it yourself

[19:38:06] <✦[rp] Finch> oh! uh. before dan?

[19:38:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Yes

[19:38:16] <✦[rp] Finch> nobody i guess! i'm good at doing that. why does it matter

[19:38:18] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah

[19:38:12] <✦[rp] ceph> hey man i wasnt either but IM doing better than finch

[19:38:26] <✦[rp] Doc> "Like a child in a war zone."

[19:38:33] <✦[rp] Finch> we're here now, so whats the point

[19:38:35] <✦[rp] Joco> You were raised by nobody? Nobody was around? At all?

[19:38:49] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm trying to understand why your understanding of attachment is so fundamentally different.

[19:38:45] <✦[rp] Finch> nope! just like everyone else!

[19:38:50] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah

[19:38:52] <✦[rp] Finch> why are we asking about something we already know

[19:38:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Kiddo, most of us.

[19:38:56] <✦[rp] Joco> Kiddo

[19:39:01] <✦[rp] Joco> Most of us were raised by people

[19:39:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Our parents, or otherwise

[19:39:10] <✦[rp] ceph> your experiences are not universal bitch

[19:39:18] <✦[rp] Joco> We had adults to take care of us until we could do it ourselves.

[19:39:33] <✦[rp] Finch> well cool i guess

[19:39:39] <✦[rp] Finch> but i did fine on my own

[Finch does a little pose.]

[19:39:44] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm.

[19:39:51] <✦[rp] Doc> "You did fine on your own because you didn't have a choice."

[19:39:59] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch, did you spawn? Or were you born

[19:40:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Do you know

[19:40:27] <✦[rp] Flick> I think im doing okay. Are you good? I heard you yelling I think but i do Not know what you said

[19:40:29] <✦[rp] Finch> and i have dad now i guess! thats what a dad is for. to make you food and to give you a place to stay sometimes and give you 'love' and 'affection' which, if reciprocated, can be exchanged for treats and services

[19:40:38] <✦[rp] Joco> Thats

[19:40:42] <✦[rp] Finch> like fishing!

[19:40:45] <✦[rp] Joco> No?

[The Wizard walks over to Cinder and Flick, he addresses Cinder.]

[19:38:20] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you alright, during the fight you seemed-

[19:38:28] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Are you holding up okay?

[Cinder holds up a hand, speaking shakily.]

[19:39:11] <✦[rp] cinder> hey. Yeah, I'm... I;m okay. I think I got it easy compared to everyone else. I'm just... Shaken.

[19:39:41] <✦[rp] Flick> thats okay, it was. a lot. it really was a lot.

[19:39:33] <✦[rp] The Wizard> If you need to, I can set up a cot in the Sheriff's Office tonight, if you wanted

[19:39:41] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I know it's nice to stay close to others after something like that

[19:39:54] <✦[rp] cinder> Huh. That... That might be nice. I think I'd like that.

[19:40:10] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I'll set one up in the living room then

[19:40:44] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I was mostly just terrified, trying to find order in the darkness

[19:40:58] <✦[rp] Flick> God, yeah. yeah.

[Dan straightens up suddenly, remembering: ]

[19:40:52] <✦[rp] DAN> oh fuck

[19:40:53] <✦[rp] DAN> the egg

[19:40:55] <✦[rp] DAN> um

[The whole group seems to turn towards Dan. Faulkner freezes up.]

[19:41:32] <✦[rp] Punk> u ok dan

[19:40:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Oh?

[19:41:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Dan???

[19:41:09] <✦[rp] Joco> Dan is it safe

[19:41:14] <✦[rp] The Wizard> The egg?

[19:41:15] <✦[rp] DAN> i love this devastating chat we're having but i am going to head out

[19:41:26] <✦Faulkner [rp]> agreed

[19:41:41] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Let's do that

[19:41:22] <✦[rp] Finch> enjoy your egg or something

[19:41:23] <✦[rp] Finch> don’t die!

[19:41:32] <✦[rp] ceph> parent ur fucking kid dan'

[19:41:36] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, everyone please have a safe journey home

[Faulkner’s tail twitches, and he gives Dan a pointed look. The two of them give the rest a nod before running off towards Dan’s clocktower. Finch turns back to Joco]

[19:41:08] <✦[rp] Finch> and uh to answer your question

[19:41:10] <✦[rp] Finch> whats the difference

[Joco sighs, nodding as he thinks back to the conversation.]

[19:40:57] <✦[rp] Joco> Well

[19:41:37] <✦[rp] Joco> Mobs are spawned. Players are generally born?

[19:41:42] <✦[rp] Joco> Some are spawned.

[19:41:53] <✦[rp] Finch> i still dont understand the differences here

[19:42:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Coming into being instantly vs. Being created over a period of time before coming into the world.

[19:42:24] <✦[rp] Finch> we all just kinda plop into existence i guess? you just start existing one day and that's just how life is

[19:42:29] <✦[rp] Joco> Ah

[19:42:33] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch, are you a mob?

[19:42:35] <✦[rp] Finch> what

[19:42:41] <✦[rp] Finch> no im finch! im me

[19:42:42] <✦[rp] Finch> duh

[19:42:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Are you.

[19:42:45] <✦[rp] Joco> Buddy

[19:42:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm

[Ceph leans over to Punk: ]

[19:43:05] <✦[rp] ceph> these ppl r freaks damn

[19:43:15] <✦[rp] Punk> one hundred percent

[19:43:08] <✦[rp] Joco> How long did it take you to go from baby to adult?

[19:43:12] <✦[rp] Finch> what

[19:43:19] <✦[rp] Finch> i dont know. a normal amount. why do you care?

[19:43:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Just, humor me.

[19:43:29] <✦[rp] Finch> i didnt fucking count

[19:43:36] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm weird, it took me like 400 years

[19:43:44] <✦[rp] Finch> thats a long time for something that shouldnt take a long time

[19:43:49] <✦[rp] Finch> but eh youre a weirdo

[19:43:55] <✦[rp] Joco> Would you say it took you a couple days

[19:44:03] <✦[rp] Finch> i guess. again. why does it matter

[19:44:06] <✦[rp] Joco> OK

[19:44:07] <✦[rp] Joco> I

[19:44:08] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah.

[19:44:10] <✦[rp] Joco> Ok

[19:44:13] <✦[rp] Joco> Uh

[19:44:14] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah.

[19:44:17] <✦[rp] Joco> OK

[Finch furrows their brow at the group of people standing on an amethyst spike.]

[19:44:22] <✦[rp] Finch> whats with the person pile over there

[19:44:32] <✦[rp] Joco> Person Pile. Amazing

[Joco leaves Finch, moving over to the Wizard.]

[19:44:48] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Joco, are you alright?

[Joco whispers: ]

[19:44:50] <✦[rp] Joco> That child is a mob, Wiz

[The Wizard looks confused.]

[19:45:04] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Aren't many of Untitled?

[Joco continues quietly.]

[19:45:06] <✦[rp] Joco> Wizard they understand things as an animal would do. That's. The.

[19:45:11] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh...

[19:45:12] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Oh I see

[19:45:27] <✦[rp] The Wizard> A lack of some primary limbic systems, most likely

[19:45:45] <✦[rp] Joco> I don't know what that is

[The Wizard shakes his head.]

[19:45:46] <✦[rp] The Wizard> I was checking on others, is something wrong with Finch?

[19:45:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch. Doesn't. They .

[19:45:54] <✦[rp] Joco> Hm

[Joco finds it hard verbalizing what they’ve discovered. The Wizard looks tired, everyone does.]

[19:46:00] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Something for tomorrow, Joco

[Doc puts Jeffery the Skull on his head, walking over towards Flick.]

[19:44:42] <✦[rp] Doc> "Oh. Flick, what are you doing?"

[19:44:56] <✦[rp] Flick> Just . hanging out. wanted to check in and see if you were alright

[19:45:10] <✦[rp] Doc> "Fine. I'm fine."

[19:45:28] <✦[rp] Flick> That's good, that's goood. I'm glad you're doin okay after all that

[19:46:01] <✦[rp] Doc> "I've been in wars. That was nothing. You haven't. Most haven't."

[19:46:20] <✦[rp] Flick> I see, I see. Well. I'm glad you're alright, regardless.

[Finch examines their sword.]

[19:46:34] <✦[rp] Finch> shame i didn't get much of the chance to have fun here. i just. you know.

[19:46:41] <✦[rp] Finch> this whole thing felt suspicious

[19:46:45] <✦[rp] Finch> and off.

[19:46:55] <✦[rp] Finch> i guess i had to stop by to confirm it and help if something did go wrong

[19:46:59] <✦[rp] Finch> and glad i did! haha.

[Cinder walks over to Joco and bonks them in a light headbutt. Joco pulls Cinder into a side hug, where they stand together as the Wizard steps forward and speaks up. Doc moved further away from the group, toward the stables.]

[19:46:08] <✦[rp] The Wizard> We should all head home

[19:46:13] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Get some sleep, rest up, heal

[19:46:39] <✦[rp] Punk> go rest urself king

[19:47:25] <✦[rp] Finch> well! nice seeing everyone

[Joco holds their arms out to the gather group there, Flick, Cinder, and the Wizard.]

[19:48:09] <✦[rp] The Wizard> Yes, that sounds nice

[The group comes together in a group hug. Finch stands on the periphery.]

[19:47:44] <✦[rp] Finch> what are you guys doing

[19:47:52] <✦[rp] Joco> Hug

[19:47:54] <✦[rp] Finch> oh

[19:47:58] <✦[rp] Finch> can i have one of those

[19:48:00] <✦[rp] cinder> Hug. want in?

[19:48:03] <✦[rp] Finch> sure

[The group pulls Finch into the hug.]

[19:48:22] <✦[rp] Finch> sorry about the warden stuff or whatever. should've not talked about it in prince earshot

[19:48:23] <✦[rp] Finch> or uh

[19:48:25] <✦[rp] Finch> considering the arm

[19:48:29] <✦[rp] Finch> pawshot?

[19:48:33] <✦[rp] Joco> That's

[19:49:11] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways glad you all had a good time

[19:49:13] <✦[rp] Finch> minus the wardens

[19:49:17] <✦[rp] Finch> you all are cool. i guess.

[19:49:20] <✦[rp] Joco> Yeah!

[19:49:26] <✦[rp] cinder> you're cool too, kid.

[19:49:26] <✦[rp] Joco> I care about y'all very much

[19:49:35] <✦[rp] Finch> and useful :] which is the best thing you could ask your neighbors to be

[19:49:41] <✦[rp] Joco> ... sure

[19:49:50] <✦[rp] Finch> anyways

[19:49:53] <✦[rp] Joco> Anyways

[19:49:53] <✦[rp] Finch> wizard's right

[19:49:58] <✦[rp] Joco> Go home. Nap.

[19:50:02] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm. Yeah.

[19:50:02] <✦[rp] Finch> we should all head home. had an eventful time

[The Wizard takes Cinder to the Sheriff’s Office. Joco and Finch remain at the fairgrounds.]

[19:50:14] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm glad I carry around this thing.

[19:50:18] <✦[rp] Finch> what is it?

[Joco pulls out their shulker of lava.]

[19:50:26] <✦[rp] Joco> Shulker of lava

[19:50:47] <✦[rp] Finch> fascinating

[19:50:53] <✦[rp] Finch> glad you have that

[19:50:54] <✦[rp] Finch> for uh

[19:50:57] <✦[rp] Joco> For. Y'know. Cleansing.

[19:50:57] <✦[rp] Finch> hugging ion reasons

[19:51:05] <✦[rp] Finch> still dont know why you did that

[19:51:08] <✦[rp] Finch> unnecessary

[19:51:16] <✦[rp] Finch> and opens you up to infection

[19:51:16] <✦[rp] Joco> Because I hope to get them out of the Sculk.

[19:51:27] <✦[rp] Joco> And the best way to do that, I think, is showing them safety, rather than. Y'know. Upset.

[19:51:25] <✦[rp] Finch> get them. out

[19:51:26] <✦[rp] Finch> i mean.

[19:51:27] <✦[rp] Finch> doc.

[Doc watches this interaction from the stables.]

[19:51:30] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch.

[19:51:33] <✦[rp] Finch> still carries around that prince thing.

[19:51:41] <✦[rp] Joco> Buckaroo. I don't think you can understand my reasons and that's OK

[19:51:51] <✦[rp] Finch> i can understand your reasons! and i think theyre stupid

[19:52:25] <✦[rp] Joco> Finch.

[Finch dances around mocking Joco.]

[19:52:18] <✦[rp] Finch> ohhhhhhhh pleasseee stop working with the worlld destroying sculk and Get Better because we asked nicely and we gave you a huggggg

[19:52:26] <✦[rp] Finch> bla bla bla

[Joco fumes quietly.]

[19:52:28] <✦[rp] Joco> I.

[19:52:31] <✦[rp] Joco> No.

[19:52:36] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm gonna go now, actually.

[Joco goes over to Flick and gives him a side hug.]

[19:52:47] <✦[rp] Finch> maybe you should think on a better strategy

[19:52:49] <✦[rp] Finch> have a good day

[19:52:51] <✦[rp] Joco> I'm goin.

[Joco leaves, heading to the nearby cave to scream underwater for as long as it takes to get that out of his system. From the shadows, Doc continues to listen to the conversation, not happy about anything Finch had been saying.]

[19:52:59] <✦[rp] Finch> sorry about the issues, .. uh

[Finch scrambles for a name.]

[19:53:02] <✦[rp] Finch> ffflick?

[19:53:05] <✦[rp] Finch> thats your name right?

[Politely: ]

[19:53:07] <✦[rp] Flick> Flick, yes

[19:53:26] <✦[rp] Finch> sorry about all the issues with the wardens. if i knew about ion i woudlve delt with it sooner

[19:53:35] <✦[rp] Flick> That's alright

[19:53:58] <✦[rp] Flick> The uh. Yeah. There were a lot of wardons

[19:54:01] <✦[rp] Finch> there was

[19:54:23] <✦[rp] Finch> we'll just have to deal with ion now!

[Flick tries to inch out of the conversation.]

[19:54:25] <✦[rp] Flick> Anyways. I should probably be getting home, I think?

[19:54:47] <✦[rp] Flick> I hope you have a lovely evening

[Finch continues on.]

[19:54:32] <✦[rp] Finch> its a shame what ion's done, poor thing

[19:54:45] <✦[rp] Finch> you should maybe. just uh.

[19:54:47] <✦[rp] Finch> hey flick

[19:54:50] <✦[rp] Finch> uh

[Almost like he’s repeating what Finch had said: ]

[19:54:53] <✦[rp] Flick> Hey Finch

[19:54:56] <✦[rp] Finch> i know you live in wisteria

[19:55:00] <✦[rp] Finch> and thats where ion and doc live

[19:55:00] <✦[rp] Flick> Mhm

[19:55:10] <✦[rp] Finch> and neither of them are really safe to be around at all considering the.. sculk.

[Flick speaks plainly.]

[19:55:26] <✦[rp] Flick> Doc's fine. Ion, I'm hesitant about. but doc's Fine.

[Finch half-interrupts.]

[19:55:16] <✦[rp] Finch> i think

[19:55:19] <✦[rp] Finch> in my personal opinion

[19:55:33] <✦[rp] Finch> you should either run, grab ollie, they're useful for getting us out of here, just run

[19:55:33] <✦[rp] Finch> or

[19:55:37] <✦[rp] Finch> you should deal with them.

[19:55:48] <✦[rp] Finch> get rid of them somehow. they're a bit of a danger, you know. the sculk

[19:55:55] <✦[rp] Finch> i dont.. think that can be easily fixed.

[19:55:58] <✦[rp] Flick> ....

[19:55:58] <✦[rp] Finch> if at all

[There’s a silence from Flick that seems to stretch across the fairgrounds. Finch doesn’t seem to notice.]

[19:56:08] <✦[rp] Finch> joco seems to 'care' about you or something

[19:56:15] <✦[rp] Finch> and i dont want to deal with joco being upset and crying

[19:56:20] <✦[rp] Finch> because that sounds annoying to deal with

[19:56:26] <✦[rp] Finch> so just. stay safe, okay?

[19:56:34] <✦[rp] Flick> I appreciate your concern.

[19:56:28] <✦[rp] Flick> Doc is also a friend of Joco's. that caring.

[19:56:37] <✦[rp] Finch> why would joco care about doc

[19:56:40] <✦[rp] Finch> doc is an issue.

[19:56:46] <✦[rp] Finch> doc is apart of the problem

[Flick opens his mouth, but resists the urge to bite this child.]

[19:57:18] <✦[rp] Flick> Have a good evening, Finch.

[19:57:22] <✦[rp] Finch> evening!

[Finch heads out, Flick doing the same. Doc lurks in the shadows. He seethes thinking about Prince Prime.]

[19:54:50] <✦[rp] Doc> "I think I need to pay a visit to prince prime at some point."

[19:55:43] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Careful bout visiting him.

[19:56:03] <✦[rp] Doc> "You said I could break you, I could break him."

[19:56:10] <✦[rp] Doc> "So lets go break him."

[19:56:45] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Well, you will be literally be in his home. I am small and the size of an arm. the House is the size of a House.

[19:57:00] <✦[rp] Doc> "I can break a whole house."

[19:57:11] <✦[rp] Doc> "I've done more."

[19:57:26] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. You say this as if the house will not break you first.

[19:57:38] <✦[rp] Doc> "I've been broken a while, I think."

[19:58:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I cannot stress how much the house will literally torture you.

[19:58:18] <✦[rp] Doc> "Then I'll blow it up first."

[19:58:35] <✦[rp] Doc> "Or bring a hoe and break it that way."

[19:59:03] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. You say that as if the House doesn't have defenses.

[20:00:17] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. I know you are a big war veteran man. But Prince knows that life is a much more potent punishment than death will ever be.

[20:00:46] <✦[rp] Doc> "I don't care."

[20:01:00] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. You will wish you did.

[20:01:12] <✦[rp] Doc> "Perhaps. But by then it will not matter."

[20:02:04] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Sigh.

[20:02:16] <✦[rp] Scarm> Statement. Even still I will try to help.

[20:02:45] <✦[rp] Doc> "I appreciate that. But I think I have an idea."

[Dan and Faulkner sprint to Dan’s base, and finally arrive out of breath.]

[19:50:46] <✦[rp] DAN> um ok

[19:50:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I hate running...

[19:50:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> so much

[19:51:01] <✦[rp] DAN> i need to eat so much later

[19:51:03] <✦[rp] DAN> but ok

[Dan stops short as he realizes a block has been removed on one of the stairsteps.]

[19:51:16] <✦[rp] DAN> oh ffuck

[19:51:17] <✦[rp] DAN> fuck me

[19:51:23] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Whats wrong?

[Faulkner’s tail swishes.]

[19:51:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Is that not supposed to be there

[19:51:33] <✦[rp] DAN> no

[19:51:32] <✦[rp] DAN> no one else knows about that

[19:51:36] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Shit

[19:51:40] <✦[rp] DAN> oh fuck

[19:51:43] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Wait

[19:51:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> FUCK

[Faulkner runs past Dan, Dan hurries quickly behind Faulkner. They rush into the room, where an empty pedestal sits by itself.]

[19:52:25] <✦[rp] DAN> FUCK

[19:52:47] <✦[rp] DAN> i think i might throw up now

[Fur and scales shoot up Faulkner’s arms, its face growing draconic.]

[19:53:01] <✦Faulkner [rp]> It was here wasn't it

[19:53:03] <✦[rp] DAN> yes

[Faulkner thrashes its tail.]

[19:53:35] <✦[rp] DAN> who the fuck left the venue

[19:53:41] <✦[rp] DAN> everyone was there

[19:53:56] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I don't know it was so hectic

[19:54:11] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I was too busy trying not to die-

[19:54:11] <✦[rp] DAN> fuck. no one even knew about it

[19:54:17] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Are you sure?

[19:54:20] <✦[rp] DAN> i just put it here right before i left. i was late to the party.

[Faulkner looks up at Dan, watching with sudden fear as Dan’s face begins to grow stormy.]

[19:54:55] <✦[rp] DAN> no one comes to my base uninvited, who the fuck would think to

[19:55:09] <✦[rp] DAN> who the fuck would think to steal my egg AGAIN

[Faulkner begins to shrink in on itself. Dan’s shoulders pull taught, there’s the sound of a lightning strike extremely close outside. The thunder that follows it shakes the structure around them. Faulkner starts to back out of the room.

Dan seems to snap out of it just a little.]

[19:56:53] <✦[rp] DAN> ugh fuckk me man

[Faulkner rushes to leave, fearful. Dan leaves the dingy cave basement in a stupor, steps labored. He sits on the ground, letting a wave of depression hit him as the events of the day crash onto him like a poorly placed anvil. Dan begins to cry hard.]

[And for the first time, it rains in the mesa.]

[In Wisteria, Faulkner runs up the stairs to his and Ollie’s home on all fours. Ollie sits on the couch, not doing anything but worrying. Faulkner slams the door open, panting.]

[20:02:38] <✦[rp] Ollie> !

[20:02:44] <✦[rp] Ollie> ...Faulkner?

[He takes a step forward, and then stumbles, catching himself on the wall.]

[20:02:55] <✦[rp] Ollie> are you okay???

[20:03:06] <✦Faulkner [rp]> give..... give me a minute.......

[Faulkner’s voice is raspy.]

[20:03:10] <✦Faulkner [rp]> maybe a whole yyear

[20:03:13] <✦[rp] Ollie> is something ...wrong-

[20:04:00] <✦[rp] Ollie> do you need-

[Faulkner lowers himself to kneel on the ground, catching his breath.]

[20:03:52] <✦Faulkner [rp]> ...the egg is gone

[20:04:04] <✦[rp] Ollie> ah..

[Ollie looks away.]

[20:04:19] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Dan got.... very upset

[20:04:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> so I ran

[20:04:35] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I was scared he thought I took it,....

[20:04:48] <✦[rp] Ollie> oh-

[Faulkner wraps his tail around himself. His entire body is covered in fur and scales.]

[20:05:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> you were with them right?? I'm sure they wouldn't think that

[20:05:16] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Ollie it's gone

[20:05:29] <✦Faulkner [rp]> What if someone... hurt it

[Faulkner shakes.]

[20:05:53] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I- I need to lay down

[Ollie breathes in, and grabs Faulkner by their shoulders.]

[20:06:16] <✦[rp] Ollie> I'm sure it's going to be alright okay

[Faulkner flinches.]

[20:06:23] <✦[rp] Ollie> you need to rest

[20:06:28] <✦[rp] Ollie> you look, bad

[20:06:31] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I know

[20:06:32] <✦[rp] Ollie> no offense um

[20:06:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I used my dragon's breath a lot....

[20:06:58] <✦[rp] Ollie> ahh

[20:06:59] <✦Faulkner [rp]> my throat hurts

[20:07:05] <✦[rp] Ollie> would you like water? tea?

[20:07:14] <✦[rp] Ollie> I don't really know how to ..help with that honestly

[Faulkner shakes their head.]

[20:07:24] <✦Faulkner [rp]> No thank you

[20:07:33] <✦Faulkner [rp]> I think I'm just... going to go lay down

[Ollie nods.]

[20:07:45] <✦[rp] Ollie> alright, I uh

[20:07:51] <✦Faulkner [rp]> Thank you for offering though

[20:07:53] <✦[rp] Ollie> I won't get in your way

[20:07:55] <✦[rp] Ollie> mhm, no problem

[20:08:02] <✦[rp] Ollie> it's the least I could do

[Faulkner leaves the house, still on all fours. It slinks down into the cavern and inside of the Astroplane. It falls asleep into a deep, healing slumber. Though the sleep is so deep, it’s hard to say how long Faulkner might be asleep for…]

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