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 Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:28 am
The Young man squatted, uncomfortable with the feeling of being on a higher level than the Fortune Teller. He looked at her a little strangely, but reached for a card and did not refute her claim. The world needed more magic anyway, and thinking too hard about promises like that seemed to make more of it disappear. A simple "Thank you," was much better spent.
"You know, I'm not sure I believe in Fate." he warned, smiling. "But it's definitely a nice thing to think about."
Still, Rubido turned over the card without hesitation, peering curiously at the other side. He had never seen cards like this before.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:23 pm
Hessari The Young man squatted, uncomfortable with the feeling of being on a higher level than the Fortune Teller. He looked at her a little strangely, but reached for a card and did not refute her claim. The world needed more magic anyway, and thinking too hard about promises like that seemed to make more of it disappear. A simple "Thank you," was much better spent.
"You know, I'm not sure I believe in Fate." he warned, smiling. "But it's definitely a nice thing to think about."
Still, Rubido turned over the card without hesitation, peering curiously at the other side. He had never seen cards like this before. The Fortune Teller  The Fortune Teller peered at the card from under her hood, her voice growing even darker than it had been before. "The Tower. Most think that an unfortunate fate awaits you, but perhaps you can twist it into something better."
Slipping the remaining cards back into her robe, she rose again, as though the weariness had suddenly vanished from her body. "Young man, though you do not yet know it, the natural tapestry of your world was warped 10 years ago. And today, by taking that card, you have accepted a task to change the future as well. Now that you are the owner of the card of the Tower, the residents of the Velvet Room will be searching for you. The card is your key to learning your true identity and what great influence you have over the fate of this world."
Turning from him, she began walking away from the construction site, speaking her last words, "You're a reckless and foolish youth, yet Philemon trusts you. That must mean something. We can only hope that you will do what you must when the time comes."
Then, as suddenly as she had appeared, she vanished behind a corner and could no longer be found.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:56 pm
Chiaku Quote: " Yes, the Velvet Room," the Demon Artist replied, her voice growing impatient. " Surely you've heard the rumors. You have that Tarot Card, don't you? The one given to you by the Fortune Teller? You have to take it to the Velvet Room to have it exchanged. I mean, it does you no good as it is right now." Tossing the skull aside, she raised her eyes to meet Eli's, a sternness in her face that was not exhibited by children. " Igor has decided to meet you today, in order to settle the business with your Tarot Card. You must come to the Velvet Room within the hour. It's not difficult to find. We only make our presence known to those in your position anyway."
His gaze darted away when their eyes met. Eye contact was just not something he could do anymore, but the girl's attitude had surprised. So who in the world is Igor? Eli wasn't exactly a fan of blind-meetings, if you will, but this whole business with the Tarot Card did present itself a serious. Curls began to nod in understanding and, "Okay," was all he could force out of himself.
If she said it wasn't that hard to find, then hopefully he'd be able to find it. If not... well he hadn't a clue what he'd be missing. Exchange the Tarot Card? For what? Maybe these things were a new type of currency circulating... exchange them at the Velvet Room, then use them to purchase items? Such as food? Eli's stomach was liking that idea, but his face refused to give away his thought's secrets.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:03 pm
Raynai No rumors, no... but Eli did have that Tarot Card. He'd passed off the thing as nothing more than a scam- though, truth be told, it was kept. Must've been a good hunch, he supposed.
His gaze darted away when their eyes met. Eye contact was just not something he could do anymore, but the girl's attitude had surprised. So who in the world is Igor? Eli wasn't exactly a fan of blind-meetings, if you will, but this whole business with the Tarot Card did present itself a serious. Curls began to nod in understanding and, "Okay," was all he could force out of himself.
If she said it wasn't that hard to find, then hopefully he'd be able to find it. If not... well he hadn't a clue what he'd be missing. Exchange the Tarot Card? For what? Maybe these things were a new type of currency circulating... exchange them at the Velvet Room, then use them to purchase items? Such as food? Eli's stomach was liking that idea Quote: " Don't be late," the Demon Artist said as she departed. " Igor's been less patient these days with all of these human affairs going wrong. If you can't find the Velvet Room, just get yourself utterly lost. We may have a better chance of presenting ourselves to you when you're not so aware of yourself." With that, the girl turned on her heel, walking quickly from the Boneyard and disappearing in the distance.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:30 pm
The card was as dark as her fortune warranted: a tower, struck by lightning, with two miserable figures plummeting head-first towards the sea below. The young man wasn't sure what to think of it, but muttered his thanks as the Fortune Teller closed her reading with a glimmer of hope.
But he listened to her explanation in wonder, eyes wide. It sounded so fantastical! Slightly insane, but fantastical. A very wondrous bedtime-story, which Rubido wanted very much to believe despite the doubt lodged firmly in his mind. He stood just after she did and took a few steps toward her, about to ask something when she began talking again.
"You're a reckless and foolish youth, yet Philemon trusts you. That must mean something. We can only hope that you will do what you must when the time comes." She stated, and all but disappeared.
"What?"
Rubido just stood there, too shocked to be immediately insulted. 'A reckless and foolish youth? After she called me out of my way just so I could do her a favor? After talking to me for about five minutes? Oh, joy.'
"And who is this 'Philemon' anyway?!" he shouted after her, breaking the near-silence. The young man shook himself back to reality with a sigh, dusting himself off and tugging again at his sleeves, as if assure himself he was all still whole and firmly rooted in the world. The encounter had been... odd, but not entirely bad. He mused, reconciling a faint emotional bruise. And she had given him a gift, which was at least well meant.
He glanced at the card, tracing one of the falling figures before slipping it into one pocket for safe keeping.
"Very alive indeed."
And who knew, maybe the Fortune Teller's story wasn't just a story after-all. It was at least worth holding on to.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:19 pm
Chiaku Quote: " Don't be late," the Demon Artist said as she departed. " Igor's been less patient these days with all of these human affairs going wrong. If you can't find the Velvet Room, just get yourself utterly lost. We may have a better chance of presenting ourselves to you when you're not so aware of yourself." With that, the girl turned on her heel, walking quickly from the Boneyard and disappearing in the distance.
After watching the child walk away, he simply sat, wondering about what she'd said. It only took him a few moments to realize he'd best leave for this Velvet Room now if he wanted to find the place. And he had to admit, he was rather curious.
So he and Mutt weaved their way out of the Boneyard to enter the Lost District. Eli really hadn't a clue what he was looking for, so he let his feet lead the way, while Mutt occupied himself with his usual wanderings.
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:28 am
Grondax groaned as he got out of bed. Dawn? No it was the wrong way. Twilight was approaching. Grondax had slept most of the day after being restless most of the night, in which cases he usually resorted to physical activity to tire himself out.
Walking out the door he ran into Smith, who somehow had a warm cup of tea and some toast as if he was expecting Grondax to wake up at that very moment.
As if sensing his master’s curiosity he replied, "You've trained me to pay attention to details sir, I simply noticed you were stirring."
"And why did you not wake me up, " Grumbled Grondax accepting the tea and toast none the less, "There was much to do today."
Grondax looked over curiously as he ate his toast, "Can I assume that you took it upon yourself to take care of my personal issues."
Smith looked sullenly down at the floor looking suddenly submissive, "That would be a correct assessment sir."
Grondax couldn't restrain a laugh, "No need to worry my old friend. You're the only person I know that would be dumb enough to attempt such a task, besides myself of course. So report what you have managed."
Brightening up Smith started his report, "The pawn shop is up and running smoothly, your dye has been received and given over for clothes, and your normal route has been patrolled with no abnormalities." Smith finished his report adding quietly to the end, "And there appears that there will be an execution this evening soon."
"What!," Grondax bellowed, "You should have said so sooner. I'll be changing and heading out. There are always interesting happenings at such events after all, and we don't want to miss whatever they may be. Hold down the fort while I am away. I had some documentation to take down, but I suppose it shall have to wait until I return."
With that Grondax quickly changed and headed out the door with deliberate speed, but in no apparent hurry.
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:52 pm
Date: Day 4 of Summer
Time: Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Weather: Cool, slightly cloudy, windy
As their small group hurried through another alleyway with Elliot in the lead, the gates of the University came into view. Although the bars were decorated with flowers crafted from iron, the top of the gate was lined with ornamental blades intended to deter trespassers.
"Looks like they won't be opening the front 'til sunset...only about an hour or two off now, I should think," Elliot murmurred, watching the entrance to the University. Iron chains still wound like a tangled snake around the entrance gates while a crowd of Wynander's people had already gathered outside.
"But there should be some back way in...I mean, they'll be letting in those Marsalle fellows before the common people," Adalei commented, obviously anxious now that they had arrived at the University.
Turning to Feyd and his Actor, she laid one hand gently on the infant's forehead. "When we get in there, stay close together. More than likely, Elliot will have to...have to confront Quinn. Being near another Actor will give him a little boost in power, even though your boy can not actively help. As long as your heart is set on helping Elliot, your Actor will obey and help as well."
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:54 pm
"If 'ne wished to get 'neself utterly lost... wha' would one do?" Eli murmured, entirely to himself. After a moments thought, he abruptly changed his course, "One 'ould randomly turn corners." And he did just that, until he was rather satisfied he didn't have a clue where he was. He actually found himself looking for landmarks and buildings he recognized, feeling foolish for actually losing himself on purpose. Pretending to lose himself would have been a better idea, because then he could find his way home when he got tired. Now he really wasn't sure which way was up.
Eli turned around a couple times, before shrugging his shoulders and setting off in a different direction. As the wind picked up, Eli rubbed his hands together and glanced about him. The shops around here really aren't that friendly looking, are they? Wait a second! The youth back up a few steps, neck straining to look around the corner. One of the buildings, not really standing out from any of the ones around it, sported a broken sign, with the letters T-H-? ?-?-L-V-E-? ?-O-O-M painted on it.
It wasn't much, but it was close enough for Eli. He briskly approached the structure, firmly telling Mutt to stay outside as he gently rapped on the shabby door of the shop, simultaneously turning the knob and slipping inside. Mentally he was crossing his fingers, hoping he'd found the right place. Who knows what would happen if he'd been mistaken.
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:21 pm
Raynai "If 'ne wished to get 'neself utterly lost... wha' would one do?" Eli murmured, entirely to himself. After a moments thought, he abruptly changed his course, "One 'ould randomly turn corners." And he did just that, until he was rather satisfied he didn't have a clue where he was. He actually found himself looking for landmarks and buildings he recognized, feeling foolish for actually losing himself on purpose. Pretending to lose himself would have been a better idea, because then he could find his way home when he got tired. Now he really wasn't sure which way was up.
Eli turned around a couple times, before shrugging his shoulders and setting off in a different direction. As the wind picked up, Eli rubbed his hands together and glanced about him. The shops around here really aren't that friendly looking, are they? Wait a second! The youth back up a few steps, neck straining to look around the corner. One of the buildings, not really standing out from any of the ones around it, sported a broken sign, with the letters T-H-? ?-?-L-V-E-? ?-O-O-M painted on it.
It wasn't much, but it was close enough for Eli. He briskly approached the structure, firmly telling Mutt to stay outside as he gently rapped on the shabby door of the shop, simultaneously turning the knob and slipping inside. Mentally he was crossing his fingers, hoping he'd found the right place. Who knows what would happen if he'd been mistaken. Igor
"How many times must I tell you? Of course I didn't anticipate that last fiasco. Even if we give them the proper tools, these humans are much too dim to figure matters out for themselves," Igor said, annoyance in his voice. "Anyway, the next fellow's here for his appointment, so I'd better take care of him."
Putting the strange device away, Igor turned to the young man. "Good to see you today. I do understand there was some difficult in finding you, but you've made it in time.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room. My name is Igor. We are beings who serve Philemon, our presence transcends both time and space. Philemon has requested your presence, and so you have come, as was expected." Igor paused, refilling his pipe and lighting it. "Every world has its natural course that it runs. I believe some humans call it 'fate' or 'destiny.' Unfortunately, the nature of this world was altered by the being known as Sehket, who belongs neither in this time nor place. Only a few humans will have the ability to challenge Sehket's control in this world, and you are one of them."
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:42 pm
Chiaku Even as the door swung open, no light was thrown into the room within. Rather, there seemed to be a wall of darkness, so thick that light could not penetrate it. Accompanying the absence of light was also an absence of sound, the deafening silence heavy on one's ears. However, music began to crawl forward, a slow cresecendo that started as a whisper and became a distinct melody of piano woven with voice. As the music grew, so did the light in the room. A soft, blue mist wrapped itself around the room, illuminating figures in a hazy light. The source of music, a man on a piano and a woman singing, could be seen in the far corner of the room. The young girl from before stood before what seemed like a magnificient painting, moving her paintbrush carefully across its surface. Towards the front of the room, a man occupying a sofa talked rather quickly on a strange device.Igor
"How many times must I tell you? Of course I didn't anticipate that last fiasco. Even if we give them the proper tools, these humans are much too dim to figure matters out for themselves," Igor said, annoyance in his voice. "Anyway, the next fellow's here for his appointment, so I'd better take care of him."
Putting the strange device away, Igor turned to the young man. "Good to see you today. I do understand there was some difficulty in finding you, but you've made it in time.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room. My name is Igor. We are beings who serve Philemon, our presence transcends both time and space. Philemon has requested your presence, and so you have come, as was expected." Igor paused, refilling his pipe and lighting it. "Every world has its natural course that it runs. I believe some humans call it 'fate' or 'destiny.' Unfortunately, the nature of this world was altered by the being known as Sehket, who belongs neither in this time nor place. Only a few humans will have the ability to challenge Sehket's control in this world, and you are one of them."
Of course, Eli's attention focused itself on listening soon enough, and a blush formed on his cheeks. Was that what the girl meant by hiding? Well he certainly didn't know where else they expected to find him besides his stable...
So this man is Igor! As the words continued, Eli's gaze examined the floor with purpose as his mind tried to follow the man's concepts. Choosing not to hinge on the more-than-one-world idea that was hinted to, he picked up the things he could grasp. So Sehket being here was messing with Destiny, and Eli's one of - meaning there were others he was probably going to have to meet sooner or later - he was one of the people expected to somehow get rid of Sehket and fix up Fate for everybody. Great joy.
Eli glanced around the room when Igor had paused, then roughly cleared his throat. "H-how could I challenge Sehket?" Really, that idea was absurd. So many people had died without even reaching the ruler, and Eli sure wasn't able to compare to any of the deceased!
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:10 pm
Raynai Eli glanced around the room when Igor had paused, then roughly cleared his throat. "H-how could I challenge Sehket?" Really, that idea was absurd. So many people had died without even reaching the ruler, and Eli sure wasn't able to compare to any of the deceased! Igor Igor leaned back against a cushion on his sofa and gave his client a reassuring smile. "Mr. Indigo, it's reasonable for you to be skeptical now, but the events of today should ease your doubts."
Taking a few puffs from his pipe, Igor paused to breath the smoke out in a thin stream. "Within each human, there exists many different faces, many different personalities. However, the only one you recognize as existing is your current one, your consciousness. The other personalities...your 'personae,' your subconscious possess much more power than you ever do while you are conscious."
Igor tilted his head thoughtfully, as though he wasn't satisfied with his explanation. "Have you ever had a dream in which you saw the other faces of your subconscious? Have you ever dreamt that you were someone you thought you were not? For example, dreaming that you were a prince in an exotic country, or perhaps dreaming you were an elderly woman's cat. Then when you awoke, perhaps initially, you could not distinguish whether you were Eli Indigo or whether you were that prince from the faraway country? In your dreams, you come into contact with your other selves, the other parts of yourself that exist in other worlds...on the Other Side.
"Now...in some situations...there are people who were not just princes or cats or shoes on the Other Side. There are people who exist in this world who were powerful beings on the Other Side: gods, demons, creatures more magnificient than you can imagine. In their subconscious, they hide a god or a demon, a being with great power. Suffice to say, enough power to be able to challenge Sehket.
"We have been charged by Philemon to seek out these people. People like you--on the Other Side, you had power over the fate of men. With your consent, we intend to summon your other self into this world. Since you are the dominant personality on this side--the subconscious--you will still have control over your subconscious, your other self. However, your Persona will still retain some of its great power, and it will be able to make some of your wishes come true."
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:32 pm
Chiaku Igor Igor leaned back against a cushion on his sofa and gave his client a reassuring smile. "Mr. Indigo, it's reasonable for you to be skeptical now, but the events of today should ease your doubts."
Taking a few puffs from his pipe, Igor paused to breath the smoke out in a thin stream. "Within each human, there exists many different faces, many different personalities. However, the only one you recognize as existing is your current one, your consciousness. The other personalities...your 'personae,' your subconscious possess much more power than you ever do while you are conscious."
Igor tilted his head thoughtfully, as though he wasn't satisfied with his explanation. "Have you ever had a dream in which you saw the other faces of your subconscious? Have you ever dreamt that you were someone you thought you were not? For example, dreaming that you were a prince in an exotic country, or perhaps dreaming you were an elderly woman's cat. Then when you awoke, perhaps initially, you could not distinguish whether you were Eli Indigo or whether you were that prince from the faraway country? In your dreams, you come into contact with your other selves, the other parts of yourself that exist in other worlds...on the Other Side.
"Now...in some situations...there are people who were not just princes or cats or shoes on the Other Side. There are people who exist in this world who were powerful beings on the Other Side: gods, demons, creatures more magnificient than you can imagine. In their subconscious, they hide a god or a demon, a being with great power. Suffice to say, enough power to be able to challenge Sehket.
"We have been charged by Philemon to seek out these people. People like you--on the Other Side, you had power over the fate of men. With your consent, we intend to summon your other self into this world. Since you are the dominant personality on this side--the subconscious--you will still have control over your subconscious, your other self. However, your Persona will still retain some of its great power, and it will be able to make some of your wishes come true."
Something told him this was real, though. He had had those confusing dreams. Well, who hadn't? The Other Side. Eli supposed he'd better remember that name. As he listened intently, his face had taken a pose of concentration, while his eyes strayed not far from his feet.
Enough power to challenge Sehket? That's... wow, a LOT of power! Eli glanced up at that moment, nodding a bit, though he remained a little doubtful. Was Igor really serious? Eli'd be able to keep control over something... rather... himself, who had enough power to challenge Sehket? Wait- did he mean summon like in witchcraft?
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:48 pm
Raynai
Enough power to challenge Sehket? That's... wow, a LOT of power! Eli glanced up at that moment, nodding a bit, though he remained a little doubtful. Was Igor really serious? Eli'd be able to keep control over something... rather... himself, who had enough power to challenge Sehket? Wait- did he mean summon like in witchcraft?Igor "Well, I do hope that covers it," Igor said, his eyes lifting to the ceiling. It seemed that he took a few moments to go through a mental checklist of important things to explain to his young client. "I do believe that explains most of it. Anyway, we need your verbal agreement that you are willing to summon your Persona and give it physical embodiment in this world. It'll start out as nothing more than an infant, just like when a human child is born. However...that's change rather quickly." Igor smiled. "You'll find that your child will grow much faster than any human child. It's during the first few days that you have to be most careful, they're so vulnerable as infants."
Picking up a stack of papers, he flipped through them until he found the one he wanted. "So, Mr. Indigo, do we have your consent? If so, please give me your Tarot Card."
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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:00 pm
Chiaku Igor "Well, I do hope that covers it," Igor said, his eyes lifting to the ceiling. It seemed that he took a few moments to go through a mental checklist of important things to explain to his young client. "I do believe that explains most of it. Anyway, we need your verbal agreement that you are willing to summon your Persona and give it physical embodiment in this world. It'll start out as nothing more than an infant, just like when a human child is born. However...that's change rather quickly." Igor smiled. "You'll find that your child will grow much faster than any human child. It's during the first few days that you have to be most careful, they're so vulnerable as infants."
Picking up a stack of papers, he flipped through them until he found the one he wanted. "So, Mr. Indigo, do we have your consent? If so, please give me your Tarot Card."
Eli ran a hand through his hair as he stammered about, "Eh- Er... right, yes..." It only took him a minute of fishing to pull the card out of his shirt where he'd last tucked it. He glanced over it one last time, in hopes of remembering every detail. He felt that was important, though why he was unsure. With that, he stretched out the card toward Igor, absently biting his lower lip.
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