║▌▌█ How This Will Work ↳xxxxxEssentially, I have formatted this a little like a CYOA xxxxxthough more linear; thanks to the Spoiler tags everyone can complete xxxxxthe various phases at their own pace. Each phase has different rules xxxxxand text. Unhide the spoilers as you progress to each new part. xxxxxAt the beginning of each post, in OOC brackets, please indicate xxxxxwhich phase your character(s) are in so that we know who to talk to!
║▌▌█ T h e INTRO ↳xxxxxPreparing to leave & the journey.
The light broke out across the hoarfrost covering Diamonds' Tea Party. At dawn, just as Faust had promised, the caravan was ready to leave the gates. It was strangely silent, though that was perhaps owing to the fact that Ex was asleep in one of the carriages. The infants were afforded cozy accomodations inside that same carriage, Ex sprawled out across one of the benches while they were left to fend for the other two, but each Teen had to ride in the cold, on one of the animals carrying saddlebags. They would only, Faust explained, be traveling this way until they reached the River's Mouth. Even to denizens of Diamonds, the River's Mouth was a closely guarded secret.
Faust took a silver key attached on a chain out of his waistcoat and slid it into the lock of a rusty, over-growth covered gate. It led to a dock, and everyone was welcome to mingle, and then board the ferry. It had a small closed-in cabin, where most though not all the travellers could stay for the duration of the trip, and white benches decorated the open-air section.
The winter air nipped at everyone, and even Faust seemed to be chilled despite his furry coat and scarves and his general bundled-up appearance.
Sound didn't seem to travel normally at the River's Mouth: voices hung in the air for only a moment, dead in the silence, before the sound seemed to drop away. It wasn't a place that had seen a lot of revelry.
Once each individual went to board the boat, the ferryman would talk to them, with a caring smile across his face; his expression looked nostalgic, as though he was remembering a far-away place or a long-ago time. He'd speak fondly of his husband, whom he'd become separated from in these very waters some time ago, and never managed to find where he had gone. Regardless of how much of his story he revealed to each separate child and teen, he always made sure to ask them one thing: "If you had to let everyone go, but you could protect one someone, who would that one someone be?" he asked, his eyes gentle.
Apart from that one strange question, which everyone had to answer, the journey and the boarding were without much cause for alarm.
║▌▌█ T h e EXPOSITION ↳xxxxxSailing & Arrival. ↳xxxxxThe ferry travels slowly, and you find that apart from talking to your friends, each character has the time to make one action.
[[ Speak More with Friends ]]
You determine, for whatever reason, you'd rather use up all of your time talking to a friend or two. Consider this free play, but you may not learn anything from the other passengers. Still, it seems like this may have a benefit later: after all, you're making sure you get as much time with your traveling companions as possible.
[[ Speak with the Ferryman ]]
You find out that he mainly only takes Faust's brother out to the Pool of Tears, and that the young man seems to delve into the past, present and future in sudden and irregular bursts of memory. "I wouldn't envy anyone who had to sift through all of that," he says, if prompted about this. Other details you might glean: "Don't let the pool get to you; it has a way of making you miserable. I touched it once, I'm never going to again," he might say. If you receive this dialogue option, you are self-aware enough to escape the sadness of the Pool of Tears. "Never shoulda let that King come through here," he mutters, in passing. He refuses to elaborate, but just shakes his head.
[[ Speak with Alice ]]
The Growlithe is a little preoccupied babysitting Ex, as he seems to be determined to climb over the railing. It's evident that he's faintly upset that he isn't able to contribute more to the investigation, but he does offer a few clues as to what will happen next: "Nobody'd want to volunteer to swim in this thing if they knew what kinds of misery'd been here before," he mutters, flicking his tail. "The last thing Alice said to me... she told me she was sorry," he says. He seems very upset by this, and his normally cheerful exterior 'glitches' for a moment as sadness passes over features unused to that expression. "If he hadn't brought that s**t back, if he'd listened to the one person who actually loved him, we wouldn't be in this mess. But Alice once said she only found the garden, she didn't mean to keep us hostage here," he adds, his voice accusatory and then tender as he progresses.
[[ Loot the Boat ]]
Roll 2d10. The first of the d10 indicates success or failure: even is success, odd failure. The 2nd of the d10 indicates to us what you've gotten. Quote Alice Oracle if you choose this option, so that we can present your loot. You may only choose this option on one boy.
[[ I have taken my one action ]]
The Pool of Tears is more like a lake, hemmed in by dark and barren trees so smooth that to the naked eye they appear to be made of stone. The surface of the lake reforms so quickly that it looks more like one is traveling across the surface of a mirror. While the environment before seemed quiet, this is even more so: no birds, no beasts, not even the wind seems to come here. On the far side of the lake, if one looks out there, it becomes apparent that the far skyline seems to be shifting slowly and fluidly, but continuously.
"This is the edge of the land where none may go; Wonderland's instability reflects in that distant untouchable part of our country, ever shifting," Faust narrated.
"Good for gardening, I've heard!" Ex chimed in, from wherever he was standing: apparently, on the outside of the guard rail of the ferry, being held in place by Alice, who looked distinctly cranky. His tail kept flicking back and forth and his ears were flat against his head, his blonde mohawk all limp and sad-looking. He did, however, appear to be resigned to his post as babysitter-of-Ex, and yelled and potentially snapped his tail at any infants who tried to mimic the adult's poor behaviour.
The ferry pulled to a dock on the shore of the Pool of Tears, and the ferryman prepared the ferry for its passengers' disembarking. Faust began to give instructions: "As soon as our guide has finished roping the ferry to the dock, we will all be exiting via those stairs, and waiting on the--"
It was at about that moment that Alice yelped, Ex whooped, and there was a large splash some feet away from the boat.
Alice, covered in whatever substance the Pool of Tears was supposed to be, looked at Faust with a defeated sad-puppy expression: "You try holding him back when he wants to fly!" he accused, as if trying to defend himself.
Ex, for his part, was merely a pair of antenna moving steadily towards the shore, as though he was walking on the bottom of the shallow bit of the lake. He seemed to be vaguely unconcerned with the fact he was submerged underwater, and when he did surface, his wings were soggy and plastered to his back. "Too bad I forgot to fly," he mumbled, and then indicated with his fingers as if he was trying to demonstrate how much sugar to put in a recipe, or how large a very tiny person might be.
Faust had very clearly spent most of his career as head of Diamonds ignoring Ex unless absolutely necessary to acknowledge him. "Unfortunately, anyone who wishes to participate past this point will have to join Ex... That is to say, in order for my brother to show you what must be seen, we must all enter the Pool."
Faust, as if to demonstrate, disembarked from the now-roped-up ferry and stepped off of the dock, onto the shore. He slid off his shoes, rolled up his pants, and started to wade into the water.
Except, when anyone else was to join him, it would become rapidly apparent it wasn't quite water, nor was it quite not water. It moved fluidly, and felt a little thicker than it should; it smelled faintly of vanilla, and when cupped in the hands, it became transparent and faintly pink in hue before slipping out much like normal water would.
Faust waited expectantly for everyone to join him. Alice was the only one who decided not to: "Don't look at me, I've already seen everything I want to see, and I didn't have to take a bath in the Pool of Tears to do it," Alice said, glancing over at the very skittish brother of Faust's who appeared to be making sure all the delegates were off the boat before he took his place beside his brother in the Pool of Tears.
At least the substance was no longer cold. In fact, while in it, no one would feel cold, hungry, afraid, or anything one might consider negative.
Except the one thing: no matter how they felt before they entered, they couldn't help but feel faintly sad, as if something bad had happened to them and they were perpetually just about to remember. Nearly, but not quite... What was it that was making them feel so melancholy?
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 11:57 am
║▌▌█ T h e development ↳xxxxxWaiting & Seeing. ↳xxxxxOnce in the Pool, Faust's brother kicks the ceremony off. [[ Open Me First ]]
Nameless, and his worried facade melting away, Faust's brother stood up to his chest in the Pool of Tears. He smiled, faintly, because the familiar and comforting sensation of sadness incomprehensible washed over him. This felt like home. He, in fact, spend much of his time in the Pool of Tears, because it acted as a conduit for his dreaming.
In fact, he seemed to be so much more lucid in the pool, even if it hadn't particularly done anything for Ex, who was dog-paddling around in the lake while Alice shouted at him not to drown because he wasn't going to save him and he hated CPR! Faust and his brother, equally calm as one another, ignored the display altogether. The ferryman waited, hidden on his boat.
"I have no tongue for the truths of present day, only the pasts once shed and the futures twice dreamt," Faust's brother began, before he stabilized even a step further. Either something about the water was allowing them all to decipher him, or he was actually speaking more clearly. "Would you say, each of you, that you care more for others, or more for events? You'll see what you see, but... Well, I'll try to direct us-- there are so many of us, I don't know how long I can maintain the dream," his brother tried to explain, clearly becoming distracted as he was tracing his fingers back and forth through the mirror-like substance.
"If everyone would do me a favour, and dip down under the surface?" he asked. He promptly followed his own request, the mirrorlike liquid flowing right back into place over him, as if he had never been there.
The second any of them ducked below the surface, they fell straight into a dream.
[[OOC: Please have your character ICly choose which they care more about before opening either spoiler to peek..!]]
[[ I care for others ]]
The dream is in fragments. Senses return slowly: first is smell, and you can smell the heavy, sweet scent of crushed blossoms. Those blue ones that have been floating about, the ones that Faust's brother seems to carry with him.
Second you start to hear, and someone is crying? Or are they shouting? Then the sound of footsteps: dry earth cracks underfoot, and it changes into a hard, hollow sound of boots on flagstone.
Thirdly, you feel first a series of textures: sand, grass, dirt, snow, even coal that burns the skin for only a moment before you are resting on an open plain, long, fragrant grass waving gently and sweetly in a soft breeze.
And finally your sight returns, so that you see that whatever in the dream you'd experienced before, Faust's brother was now showing you one complete memory: a single horned man, shirtless and wandering with a bag full of blue blossoms, stood on the plain. If approached, he seems to be crying. He equally seems as though, when his eyes open suddenly and he looks across the horizon, a significant part of him must have snapped.
Voices drift in and out of the memory, --leave, never return. You'll wander lost for-- --bow to no one, not Alice, not you, not us-- --where fools won't go, and I had hoped-- Nothing you can say will make me-- --not even if I said I l-- --oved you, once. Once.--
And then, finally, the horned man turns and his face is so easy to recognize. He says, aloud, to the empty landscape: "That part of me is dead and gone. Forever."
The dream falls away, into fragments, and for a moment you are left in the darkness, in a void, with one single figure approaching you in the distance, as a being of light... you can't, yet, recognize or approach them.
It seems like you have fallen into space between dreams.
[[ I care for events. ]]
Lights! Sound! Colour! Everything is so vibrant, when you first enter the dream, you're on the ground and the ferris wheel is spinning around and around and around and-- What will it take you to catch your breath? It seems like two figures are arguing over you, they look as tall as the ferris wheel. "Hey, I saws that I did! What, you thinks we're gonna let it be OK for the time, yeah? That's not how thises works, yah," someone says, their voice distorted by a recently-broken nose.
The other one is a lot more tidy, and he seems vaguely stern, his silvery grey hair pulled back in a long ponytail. He reaches down one gloved hand to help you to your feet. Suddenly the figure who was arguing with him seems to realize who he is, and starts bowing apologetically, waving his hands and stuterring all at the same time, backing away continuously. "I didn'ts realize you! Who you are," he said, tripping over himself to get out of there.
Helped to your feet, you can see that on the man's neat tailcoat the word "Warden" is embroidered in gold thread. He's wearing a headset with a transparent lens on it. You know he can see information about you on that lens, but you don't know what he's seeing. "Someone will be along to collect you later," he merely says, and excuses himself to continue his patrol.
The gilded high gates around the area in the distance remind you of something: Summerland, Clubs' theme park. But there's something strange going on, right now, and... when you look down, you realize you're wearing some kind of metal cuff on each wrist and ankle. Not that they're chained to anything, but they each emmit a faint beep every so often.
And in the dream, you start to run. You run through the path that makes the most sense to you, as if trying to escape. Or reach the gilded gates, to get out. Someone is coming for you, sometime, and you can't quite remember why, but it's a bad idea.
Finally, regardless of your course, you end up in the bigtop. You see rows upon rows of something hidden under white cloth blankets, and you don't stop running.
The tent opens into row upon row of funhouse mirrors. You can hear a voice: "For your crime of murder, you have been sentenced to death by the Red Queen." Something dark and cloth gets pulled over your head. You are lost in the darkness.
Eventually, you start to hallucinate a humanoid shape walking towards you out of that pitch black, suffocating emptiness: it looks as though it is made purely of light, but that can't be the case. "I came to warn you," a gentle, tender voice says.
But you are still lost in darkness, and you can't yet approach or make out who that being is.
║▌▌█ T h e END ↳xxxxx??? & ???. ↳xxxxxSo far in the future that no one can see... just yet.
WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO KNOW <3
Alice Oracle Captain
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Alice Oracle Captain
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Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:11 pm
[[ Now Open ]]
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 5:19 pm
[INTRO PHASE]
For the first time in a long time Lexiel had gotten himself a fair amount of sleep. He'd even managed to find some meat crepes littered somewhere on a table and had stuffed himself before mingling among the crowd of others. So far things had been quiet, but with his energy slowly returning he began to scan over the others. "Hmmm." It was too scattered as they were surrounding the caravan and he shrugged, taking reign of the first animal and hopping onto it clumsily.
Damn it. He slipped quite ungracefully, falling back to the ground. "Ow." He hissed in pain, leaping back onto the animal and firmly holding onto it. It let out a sort of yelp and he grunted, leaning forward with both of his arms on its neck, looking rather like a clinging child.
"Well this is pleasantly awkward." He chimed as the beast began to move slowly. "Hey hey!" The hooded boy called as it continued. Groaning he kept his death grip on and his head down.
Maybe nobody would notice...
Never Crazy Crew
Sugary Strawberry
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Face your demons
Vice Captain
Magnetic Detective
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Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:14 pm
[[ INTRO Phase ]]
Unlike Lexei, Logan had barely slept at all-- if you could even call it that; he was pretty sure he had passed out for about 5 minutes, because there was a five-minute sized gap missing in his memory. He hadn't been friends with sleep in a very long time, now, as attested to by the dark circles under his eyes.
So, with a coffee in one hand and his aviators over his eyes again, Logan shrugged as deeply into his downy coat as he could, shivering furiously anyway. "Why does Ecstasy get to sleep in the carriage while we ride on these things," Logan complained under his breath, as he watched Lexei fall off his horse. He made an effort, personally, to get on his own mount: at first the entirety of the effort involved staring at it from behind his mirrored lenses, taking a deep sip of coffee, and then frowning at it disapprovingly.
Then more coffee.
And a couple seconds of more staring, until someone was behind him, helping him onto the horse. "Woops! Don't be scared, it's no big deal, just a beast of burden," Kian said, basically boosting him up. Logan, ungracefully, was then clinging to the seat for dear life as Kian smiled and waved at him before leaping up onto his own pretty white mount and heading to the front of the caravan.
Gauvain, for his part, was napping inside the carriage, warm and on top of Ex.
Never Crazy
Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:14 pm
[ Zale - The Intro ]
Zale boarded the boat with relative ease, eyes flicking about to find either Amias or Malo. He wanted to avoid Malo, if possible, not ready to present himself to the ghost. Not ready to reveal himself. He had ran from the ghost in an attempt to protect him, as a child, and now he was grown. He wanted to protect himself, though recent events with the ghost reminded him of just how intertwined his life was with Malo. Still, he wanted to hide... Though logic reminded him firmly that hiding from your problems would not fix them. Fine, he'd just try and keep his distance. That wasn't running, right?
He hadn't realized he had started a conversation with the Ferryman until much later, eyes snapping into focus just as the other began to mention his husband. Oh. When had he zoned out? That was not like him... he was not one to simply fade. He needed to check his health, maybe he wasn't feeling well.
When a question was offered Zale looked up, eyes widening briefly before narrowing. Who would he protect out of a world of many people? Who would he solely put his life on to save? Did he even have someone he loved? Sully, yes, but would he give his life for the Wigglytuff? He.... Sully was his father, yes, but the man was also the one who created this hell hole for him, whether Sully admitted it or not. Could he sacrifice his life when Sully already tampered with his as if it was nothing? Sure, it was an accident, but...
His eyes drifted to the side, locking on the waters. He did not voice his answer, but he knew what it would be. He knew. It would be the boy who had scared him the first time they met. The boy who had giggled and clutched his hand so many times. The boy who floated in and out of rooms with little care as to what Zale was doing, eating his time and attention with no shame. It would be....
Malo.
He did not voice this, but that was his answer, head raising and offering a rare but sincere smile to the man. "I am sorry for your loss." Was the only answer he gave before raising and moving to the end of the boat.
[ Isaac - The Intro ]
Isaac watched Zale leave his seat, scrunching his nose. What the hell was the other so smug about? He had smiled! That meant something cool had happened and Isaac wanted in! Plopping down right before the man he began to strike a conversation, immediately regretting it. He was not ready to handle that story, eyes widening in shock at the idea that someone lost their beloved. He wanted to reach out and grip the others hands, for that was a huge fear of his. Losing someone he loved. Never being able to find someone he loved... being alone. He wished he never asked, though the last question caused his spine to twitch and tail to flick.
Who would he save? That was a horrible question! What of his friends? He could only choose one? Only one ever? Ever ever? Not even just one more? What was wrong with protecting two people? He stared at the man as if he had stabbed his puppy, red eyes narrowing suspiciously. Was this man threatening his beloveds? His mouth opened before he could stop it, tail lashing violently.
"Briar! I'd do anythin' for him!" Of course, Briar. His first and best friend. The one thing Isaac would lay down his life for. Briar had captivated his entire being, lured Isaac into a sense of safety. He was like a puppy, always following Briar around and wanting nothing more than to protect him, even before this damn question was asked.
"And if anyone tries to hurt him... I'll break them right back!" He stood up, tail lashing as he stormed off, as if offended by the very nature of the question, and flopped his legs right over the edge of the boat, sitting on the edge and dangling his feet above the water. Hmpf. What a horrible question.
[ Vincent - Intro ]
Vincent was not a fan of boarding the ship, his many tails flicking violently and dangerously for anyone dumb enough to come too close. He didn't approach the ferryman at first, though eventually when boredom struck and he realized there was no one to speak to at the moment he finally wandered over. At first he simply prodded and poked at the man, asking questions of nonsense and no worth. Finally he quieted enough to listen to the mans story, tails twitching. His ears flopped against his head suddenly when he realized he couldn't answer that question, head lowering and hands wringing together.
He honestly didn't have anyone he'd sacrifice anything for.
As cold as that was, Vincent was alone. Sure, he had his guardian, but that was it. Unless you included his brother.... who despised his very existence. Yet, Vincent couldn't stop himself from adoring his brothers entire being, wanting nothing more than to get an ounce, maybe even a tea spoon of his love. Maybe.... yes. Yes. He knew his answer.
"I'd save my brother." He answered firmly, nodding his head before realizing he had never been on a boat and his stomach was feeling a bit.... queasy... Rushing to the side of the boat he leaned against the edge, hands firmly pressed across the ground. Ugh. He'd probably stay here most of the boat trip.
NymiiNym
Shy Wife
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Never Crazy Crew
Sugary Strawberry
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 12:07 pm
{Intro Phase}
Lexiel frowned as the beast turned, neighing unhappily. At least it had finally stopped, for the time being. He eyed the carriage jealously but sighed, that frustration was going to get him no where. It was then he heard a shuffling sound and manuevered delicately to catch a peek.
It was like a mirror. A pathetic, uncomfortable and annoyed mirror.
He let out a small laugh, both directed at Logan and himself. The horse began to move again, twirling unhappily at the position of his rider. "Woah, easy!" Lexiel cried out, furthering his death grip. He eyed the other having similar troubles.
"Horses." He muttered, "I take it you don't like 'em either?"
Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 2:27 pm
[intro phase- Malo] Malo yawned tiredly, having slept uncomfortably in the dorm. He hated sleeping on a flat surface. His head and legs liked to float up and it always made his back stiff. He liked slings and hammocks because they contorted with his body and made his rest a comfortable one.
He shivered in the cold, wrapping his cloak around himself more and looking at the choice of animals they had to ride. Horses seemed to be the theme, so he easily floated up to the dapple grey and mounted. He had ridden before and mounting was no trouble for the types who could float. The beast was a bit pokey but he wasn't in the mood for a rodeo this morning. He blinked as a foul smell filled his nostrils and a most peculiar sight went by, followed laterby a white blur and a womanly wail. He shrugged both off as they neared the boat.
Dismounting and giving his horse a rub on the head, he moved to the ferryman and listened to his sad tale. When he was asked, he visibly thought for a moment. The obvious answer was Zale. He did care so much for that rapscallion, with his un-dulcet tones and fiery mood. It made his heart sort of flutter to think about him, but none could know that. He was a spade and Malo was a heart. So Malo thought of his other love. The beautiful woman who ruled his faction. She was a gorgeous temptress to his heart, too. He would never have with her what he had with Zale, but she filled his thoughts and dreams. He would always be loyal to her. "The Red Queen, of course." He drifted inside, looking for a place to sit. And then he saw Zale. Flashing a smirk, he drifted towards him and sat down right beside him.
[intro phase- Firefly]
Firefly was unhappy with this heavy mist. He wanted to keep his gun in hand, but didn't want to stir panic in the group. He was unsure about the horses. In his youth, he loved horses, but as a teenager he was a little afraid to ride them. They had big hooves and snorting noses. He very gently reached out and pet a smaller white one, who seemed calm enough.
He pet it like it was the horse of the gods, a divine beast. He spoke softly to it, his voice shaking with fear. He pulled himself onto its back, grabbing its mane and giving it a very small nudge.
It took off like a rocket, moving at a full gallop. Firefly's screaming only fueled how fast it went. The fashionable flareon's shoe went flying off as he tried to hold on for dear life. Tears in his eyes, he screamed again for someone to stop tbe beast.
It stopped on its own, by the boat, overtaking four other riders. Firefly shook, almost needing to be peeled off the animal, his mascara running, his hair a mess, his outfit wrinkled. He walked angrily with one shoe until he backtracked far enough and found the other one.
He didn't feel much like talking and snapped at the ferryman. "My father. Get out of my way!" He stormed onto the boat and into the bathroom to fix himself up, now afraid and hateful of horses.
[intro phase- Andreas]
Andreas hadn't slept. He shivered in a room full of other people and had spent all night awake with the fear someone was going to kill him. Everyone else seemed to be asleep, but what if it was an act? He peeked from behind the covers, wishing his daddy was here.
The next morning came and he shook as he sipped his tea, wishing to bring the jam with him. Its taste was surprisingly calming and made the tea and the toast taste better. He slowly put the jam in his jacket pocket and patted it. His little secret.
He wanted to ride the horses, or at least pet them, but he was herded into the carriage. He sat with his back to the wall and his eyes fixed on the others. No sleep did not help his fear at all and he had to lick some more jam off his fingers to sit still and breathe properly.
Disembarking, he stared at the river and grabbed the pantleg of the nearest teenager. "I-I-Is this the p-p-p-p-ppool of tears?" He shivered, the fog and the water making his psyche unhappy.
[intro phase- Piper] Piper had snored all night through the dirt in his nose and was eager and happy that morning, helping himself and his goat to all the buttered tarts on the table. He let jolly lick his fingers and then finished the crumbs off himself.
Looking to the horses, he snorted and shook his head. "Too fancy of a beast." He instead moved to where he had parked his goat cart, empty of treasures for the time being. His team of four strong goats stood hitched to it. Easily removing their harnesses, Piper clicked and whistled until they stood in a + shape. Then, he stretched his legs and came down on the backs of Boozer and Brandy. Sloshy and Tipsy were to ensure he didn't fall off the backs. Riding two goats wasn't exactly easy, but he'd done it before. He held Jolly in one arm and, to be polite, the reins of a very confused horse in the other. He passed Malo as the four trotted on, bleating recklessly.
When they got to the boat, he gave each a strong pet after dismounting. "Take good care of eachother and stay in that grassy patch until I come back for you." He gave each a kiss on their rubbery lips and made sure they got to the grass between the trees. He looked at Jolly and held the little guy up. "You stay with them, Jolly. I can't bring you." They shared a small headbutt and Piper put the goat down.
He didn't even notice as Jolly followed at his heels, the goat a touch more clever than his master. As he listened to the Ferryman, a frown met his face and tears filled his eyes. That was a mighty sad story. HE grabbed the other's hand and pulled him into a greasy hug, patting his back. "Well, sir, I'm not too sure about that. Don't got many friends...my goats and my family are so numerous that I couldn't pick just one." He coughed a few times. "If I must answer, I'd say my new goat, Jolly. He's just a little thing but he's reliable and smart and mischevious. Reminds me of myself when I was a kid." He wiped his eyes and went inside, not noticing the goat until he heard the click-clack of hooves behind him on the wood floor. "you menace!" he said to the wee beast. "I told you to wait for me here." Jolly bleated in reply. It was easy for Piper to tell that he wasn't going to be able to leave him behind. "Alright, you can stay. But no causing trouble."
Atticus hadn't been near a horse in damn well near forever. He approached his appointed beast with hesitancy and rested a hand on her white blazed forehead. Running his hand across her snout, he leaned his head in close to hers, burgundy locks hanging down to obscure his scarred face. He whispered to the horse in hushed tones - merely soothing her in a manner he would have his own gelding, should he still be alive. Had he not been lost in his own terrible memories and intimidated by the fact that he would once again ride a horse after so long, he would have noticed Firefly's predicament, but he did not.
He was almost what one could call "entranced."
After several moments, he mounted the brown and white mare with all the skill of a boy who had been raised handling them and took her reigns. With a small tap and a cluck of his tongue, he nudged her off after the group. He noticed Firefly now and felt a bit guilty. That guilt subsided when he found himself stopped by the ferryman after dismounting the mare and attempting to board. His emerald eyes glazed over and for a moment, he was lost in thought.
Who? He wasn't particularly close to anyone - there was Firefly. The flareon had been his only true friend thus far... But there was also Ivan. As much as he had sometimes hated the grolurk as a child, he owed the man so much. Ivan hadn't abandoned him, nor had he given up on him, even if he was considered to be a horse killer.
"My foster father." He replied quietly, his voice low and whispered. Afterwards, he boarded and sought out Firefly.
[Intro - Tobias]
Tobias was pretty well rested - he was used to sleeping pretty much wherever he could and his cot back in Clubs was far from comfortable. In fact, the beds provided for them here were like heaven. Maybe one day, if he was successful enough, he could leave Ferris's shindig and do his own show. He could have his own house and his own bed. It'd be the best thing ever.
Feeling rested, awake, and ever confident, the amphibian boy followed his ghost friend out to the stables, where the mounts had been prepared for them. This shook that confidence somewhat, as he had never actually ridden a horse before. Awkwardness and uncertainty seemed out of place on the normally certain politoed's face as he attempted to mount a white furred steed. He failed his first attempt, nearly fell the second time, but the third time was the charm and he urged the beast forward slowly. He brought up the rear, clutching the horse for fear of falling off. He was very, very, very glad to arrive at the ferry.
"Oh man, thassa hard question, sir." He tapped his chin for a moment as he pondered on his response. "Imma have t'say Malo, cos he's my bestest best friend ever." He liked the ferryman, he seemed pretty nice and all. The question didn't seem all that weird to the frog, who offered the man a grin and a hearty handshake.
"Thanks f'the ride for us."
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2013 5:48 pm
Aurrie Beaues
[intro firefly]
Firefly excited the bathroom, having reapplied the makeup, fixed his hair and tidied his outfit a hair. He still didn't seem very amused as he sat on one of the hard benches of the boat. He seemed cool and collected now, not as peppery as he was getting on the boat.
And then he caught sight of Atticus and a blush flashed across his face. "Oh...hello, Atticus." He said in a sulty voice, his fluffy tail betraying him and wagging in the air adorably. "I was hoping you'd decide to come today."
The whirlipede leaned against the railing of the ferry's side, one foot propped up on a thick, painted, metal bar while his arms were folded across the top bar and his chin was resting on them. He gazed out over the water, lost in thought for a moment as he dwelled on what the ferryman asked him. He was also loath to leave the horse behind, but he couldn't very well bring it aboard the ferry.
An antenna twitched as he heard his name. He stood, straightening, and turned to look at the fire fox. Come to think of it... Would he save Ivan or Firefly? ... Not Firefly, Skyler. Sometimes he couldn't help but to wonder if this was the same bullied eevee he had helped so long ago - people changed... But this was still one of the only true friends he'd ever had. He offered the other a smile and motioned towards the railing. He liked looking at the water.
"Go back to Hearts after being called on as a delegate? I couldn't suffer that humiliation. Besides, less time to spend with you, right?"
[[Tobias - Speak with the Ferryman]]
Tobias had already decided he liked the ferryman. He'd mingle later - make friends, speak with Gauvain or Malo, but for now the ferryman was the object of his fascination. The amphibian boy hung back as others filtered in and when the man finally had a free moment, the frog teen cracked a broad grin.
"So whatsit ya do, sir? I mean, I cain't see a whole heckuva lotta folks wantin' to go to the Pool ah Tears, y'get me?" He asked curiously. The ferryman's answer was what he'd expect. Mostly just Faust's brother, the one who was making predictions... He wasn't sure he'd ever want that sort of gift or responsibility. He might even call it a curse. The last bits had him worried.
"King? What king done come through here?" But he refused to speak further, which caused the frog to frown and wander off to find a friend of his.
[Malo-Loot the boat] Zale seemed busy and so did Toby. Malo looked around with not much else to do. So, he'd cause some mischief. He drifted gently from the rest of the group and began to roam the ferryman's quarters. There was little on this ship that he deemed as worth stealing, so he just slipped outside and sat on the topdeck for a little while, watching the water pass by. That was quite fun, too!
[Firefly-Speak more with friends]
"Such pride." Firefly said in a sultry voice, leaning against the railing, disliking the spray the river was spitting up at him. "I came because my father made me. But I stayed for the view." His eyes were settled on the whirlipede and he licked his glossy lips, sliding a little closer to him. "Its not been much fun though. Terrible manners at that tea party and the sleeping quarters were roguish. And that idiotic horse." He was starting to sound more and more upset, glaring sharply, the look not doing much for his pretty face. "But at least you're here." His voice didn't let up the sharp grain. "I know you'll keep me safe." A fluffy tail slid around Atticus's tummy and the tip flicked as if begging to be stroked.
[intro phase-exposition Andreas-Speak with Alice]
Andreas was ignored and he was marched into the boat. As he stared tearfully up at the captain, he stuttered out an answer few could understand "i-i-i d-di-d-iii-i-i-f-f-dif i-i-i-i..mu d-a-ddd." He stammered, hurrying onto the ship and finding another he could cling to. He hurried to Alice and took a sharp hold of his leg.
As he listened, he perked his ears. "Garden?" he asked softly. He liked gardens because they were peaceful and smelled nice and his papa often banished him there. He didn't really understand who this Alice was, entirely, and put a finger to his mouth. Alice was sorry? Why were they hostages? What was a hostages?
[Piper] Piper returned to the ferryman, Jolly now in his arms, the smell leaking over his body as he listened to the story. "Well it might be very foolish to touch the pool of tears. It is full of tears, ain't it, Jolly." The goat bleated in reply. "So I give you my word that we'll be quite safe. And maybe return to you one day soon."
[Intro - Amias] The baltoy shivered and wrapped himself in his excessively long scarf until only his eyes were visible. It was enough to keep him warm for a short time, but the fact that he levitated everywhere instead of actually walking probably didn't help much.
When the ferryman began speaking to him, Amias wondered what the purpose of this conversation was. He had just heard him relive the same story and ask the same question to the peers who were in front of him. He stared at the man as a frown twisted his expression. This was nothing more than a waste of time, but his honest nature gave him no choice but to answer the ferryman the best he could. He paused as he thought over the question.
"Alice." He answered it simply and continued on. As far as Amias understood, Alice was the most important person in wonderland, wasn't he? Choosing to save someone like his own father or a friend would be a selfish emotional impulse.
[Intro - Jaime] The pidgey seemed comfortable in the cold winter air; or just oblivious of the freezing temperature. His feathers fluffed up and his wings curled around his shoulders in an effort to keep warm, but Jaime was much more interested in learning the names and faces of the people around him. There were so many people that Jaime thought it would be nearly impossible to meet every single one, but he was still hopeful.
"Only one person?" The bird folded his arms with the question that seemed to puzzle him. He valued everyone in his life immensely and it would be difficult to choose only one. Jaime sighed and offered a subtle shrug. "My dad, I guess." It was clear he wasn't completely satisfied with the answer, but it was only a rhetorical question, right? Of course it was, there's no need to think too deeply about such a distressing concept. With that, Jaime slid from the ferryman's company, and after that strange question it was almost a relief to escape.
It seemed, out of the multitude of options available to him, Zale targeted the Ferryman, either finding the male more interesting or at least more tolerable than others on the ship. As he settled down, folded his legs, and brought his clothes down he prepared for a conversation, awkwardly clearing his throat. However, the man spoke first, Zale's mind sighing in relief that he hadn't needed to initiate. He would try and get as much information as he could, deciding he wished to be prepared before any of them reached their "destination".
[ Isaac - The Exposition - Loot the Boat]
Isaac wanted some fun. The bad kind, the kind that made Henrik turn his head to the side and scowl at his adopted son. The kind that made Isaac sway his hips and tail, throw his head in the air, and grin in amusement. So, he was going to disappoint his guardian, again, and strut right over to try and steal some loot.
....
Or, he thought he was. He was interrupted by a damn fox running past him. Vincent had tripped him in the fire-types frantic rush to the side of the boat, leaving the water-type crumpled on the ground and forgetting his previous attempt of looting as his knee screeched in agony. God damn fire foxes!
[ Vincent - The Exposition - Talk to Alice ]
Vincent rushed to the side of the boat, water-sick and disgusted by the water. When he calmed he spotted Alice, a kindred fire-type, and made his way over, tails low and ears flicked backwards. He settled one the ground by Alice's feet, growling low within his slender throat at the water. He calmed only when Alice began to speak, ears flicking upwards and head raising, sighing gently. Talking was welcome if it meant a distraction from the horrid water.
