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⟪ She sounds calm and cheery as ever: ⟫
I shall be heading into the woods to feed some spirit or other.
I shall be heading into the woods to feed some spirit or other.
[ Dear Christ on a cracker, w h y. ]
Appease it, sure, just walk out a handy buffet in red curtains. [ Do you hear this? This is the sound of a New York asshole jogging along some roofs to try and beat a crazy woman from walking into the woods by herself. ] Are you out of your goddamn mind?
Appease it, sure, just walk out a handy buffet in red curtains. [ Do you hear this? This is the sound of a New York asshole jogging along some roofs to try and beat a crazy woman from walking into the woods by herself. ] Are you out of your goddamn mind?
So far as you know it's not, which considering how little we know about this place? Is not saying all that much.
[ His sarcasm is as dry as the weather isn't right now when he answers: ] Yeah, I was about to opt for the pilates instead of cardio but then some psycho decided she was going on a nature hike.
[ His sarcasm is as dry as the weather isn't right now when he answers: ] Yeah, I was about to opt for the pilates instead of cardio but then some psycho decided she was going on a nature hike.
I am not half-poisoned this time.
⟪ This much can be said of her: she is containing her amusement. It is oddly sweet to hear him frustratedly give a damn, but then, she'd react much the same. ⟫ I spoke with Winters and the Postmaster General. This is just as safe as watching you practice this pilates of yours.
⟪ This much can be said of her: she is containing her amusement. It is oddly sweet to hear him frustratedly give a damn, but then, she'd react much the same. ⟫ I spoke with Winters and the Postmaster General. This is just as safe as watching you practice this pilates of yours.
Because that is a great standard for comparison. Clearly.
[ What. No. This isn't giving a damn. Do not mistake this for— Melisandre's promised to teach him some magic and is the first fuckbuddy he has around here, with bonus convenience being right next door for both those things. If she gets offed, that's all out the window. ] I don't give a damn if you talked to Santa Claus, you're not going to some forest demon petting zoo on your own.
[ What. No. This isn't giving a damn. Do not mistake this for— Melisandre's promised to teach him some magic and is the first fuckbuddy he has around here, with bonus convenience being right next door for both those things. If she gets offed, that's all out the window. ] I don't give a damn if you talked to Santa Claus, you're not going to some forest demon petting zoo on your own.
Is this another friend of yours? ⟪ Temporarily distracted by Santa. He does match her colour scheme, what can she say? ⟫
I would appreciate your company, you know? ⟪ There it is again, that cheerful tune of hers. ⟫ Besides, if you wish to become a Shadowbinder, you will need to encounter some spirits. Learn to interact with them. It is not an art that came from mankind, after all.
I would appreciate your company, you know? ⟪ There it is again, that cheerful tune of hers. ⟫ Besides, if you wish to become a Shadowbinder, you will need to encounter some spirits. Learn to interact with them. It is not an art that came from mankind, after all.
No, it's— [ There's such a disconnect between their lived experiences that Rafe is either going to turn into Funk & Wagnalls as a side gig or bash his forehead into a wall. ] Never mind.
Where are you.
Where are you.
Is it someone I'll have to warn you of, should he appear here?
⟪ Because honestly, she wouldn't be surprised if there's a few hundred people from his world who want to murder him, and now that she spends plenty of time in his presence, that just seems like it would be bad press. ⟫
I am about to leave the general store. Do you reckon we need anything else?
⟪ Because honestly, she wouldn't be surprised if there's a few hundred people from his world who want to murder him, and now that she spends plenty of time in his presence, that just seems like it would be bad press. ⟫
I am about to leave the general store. Do you reckon we need anything else?
Sure. You can't miss him. White hair, little thick around the waist, bushy beard, has the same taste in tailor as you do. Keep an eye out.
[ Look, just. Okay look. He can't not be an asshole. It's a reflex.
As for the rest, he would love if Melisandre could pick up a cup or two of common sense but that appears to be out of stock. So he holds his answer in abeyance until he comes swinging down off the roof of the general store. It's quick work unhooking his makeshift grapple, a flick of the wrist after landing before he starts coiling the rope up again. ]
None that I can think of.
[ Look, just. Okay look. He can't not be an asshole. It's a reflex.
As for the rest, he would love if Melisandre could pick up a cup or two of common sense but that appears to be out of stock. So he holds his answer in abeyance until he comes swinging down off the roof of the general store. It's quick work unhooking his makeshift grapple, a flick of the wrist after landing before he starts coiling the rope up again. ]
None that I can think of.
⟪ On the one hand: she doesn't even flinch. On the other hand, the look of absolute come the fuck onery on her face is a picture for the gods. ⟫
You criticise me for a casual walk, and yet you swing from the rooftops as if you long for nothing but death itself!
⟪ Melisandre? Afraid of heights? The only thing worse is deep water. ⟫
You criticise me for a casual walk, and yet you swing from the rooftops as if you long for nothing but death itself!
⟪ Melisandre? Afraid of heights? The only thing worse is deep water. ⟫
What, that? [ Rafe glances up at the building he'd just dropped down from before looking back at Melisandre with a shrug. ] That's nothing. And I had the grapple.
[ You should see the shit he's pulled at home. ]
And casual my ass, there's nothing about to eat you up there.
[ He knows!! He checked!! ]
[ You should see the shit he's pulled at home. ]
And casual my ass, there's nothing about to eat you up there.
[ He knows!! He checked!! ]
Your life's force is tied to a fragile little lantern!
⟪ And you swing about like a monkey and make ass-eating jokes! That said, she is all too happy to hand him a basket of food – she has a bag of her own. ⟫ Most creatures prefer to go for whatever comes their way first. At the very least, this should buy us time in case we need to hurry.
⟪ A shrug. ⟫ Besides, if it eats, it breathes, and if it breathes, alchemy can kill it for us.
⟪ And you swing about like a monkey and make ass-eating jokes! That said, she is all too happy to hand him a basket of food – she has a bag of her own. ⟫ Most creatures prefer to go for whatever comes their way first. At the very least, this should buy us time in case we need to hurry.
⟪ A shrug. ⟫ Besides, if it eats, it breathes, and if it breathes, alchemy can kill it for us.
Which is securely tied on.
[ He says it slowly, thumb hooking at the rope banded over his shoulder and under his arm to hold said lantern in place.
And now has a basket of food in his hands. God. Why is this his life? Oh right, because he's dead. ]
You realize we're what's coming their way, right? This is a concept you've wrapped your head around?
[ He says it slowly, thumb hooking at the rope banded over his shoulder and under his arm to hold said lantern in place.
And now has a basket of food in his hands. God. Why is this his life? Oh right, because he's dead. ]
You realize we're what's coming their way, right? This is a concept you've wrapped your head around?
Yes, presumably so you may break it and your neck in one fell swoop!
⟪ Now that it is firmly established neither of them cares at all about the other's safety –– apparently, she is just going to head on off now. This is it, this is all the planning she intends to do. ⟫
At any rate, the Postmaster seemed to have been excited, and they haven't devoured anyone yet. I think we may be heading for this village the masked man found.
⟪ And he's alive! So! ⟫
⟪ Now that it is firmly established neither of them cares at all about the other's safety –– apparently, she is just going to head on off now. This is it, this is all the planning she intends to do. ⟫
At any rate, the Postmaster seemed to have been excited, and they haven't devoured anyone yet. I think we may be heading for this village the masked man found.
⟪ And he's alive! So! ⟫
Here.
⟪ This may seem out of nowhere, but she has been thinking this one over for a little while, and considering the things she is teaching him –– well, some might not take it quite so well.
Besides, someone did threaten to kill him in some sense of the word.
So, what she slides him across the table are two small pouches, recently sewn, one with an approximation of a flame sitched into it, the other blank. ⟫
One of these powders snuffs out flame. ⟪ Her eyes flicker to his lantern, her lantern, whichever is closest. ⟫ The other chokes any who were to breathe it in.
⟪ Obviously, she hasn't given him all she has, but it's good for a few uses each. ⟫
⟪ This may seem out of nowhere, but she has been thinking this one over for a little while, and considering the things she is teaching him –– well, some might not take it quite so well.
Besides, someone did threaten to kill him in some sense of the word.
So, what she slides him across the table are two small pouches, recently sewn, one with an approximation of a flame sitched into it, the other blank. ⟫
One of these powders snuffs out flame. ⟪ Her eyes flicker to his lantern, her lantern, whichever is closest. ⟫ The other chokes any who were to breathe it in.
⟪ Obviously, she hasn't given him all she has, but it's good for a few uses each. ⟫
[ It does seem to be out of nowhere — up until Melisandre explains the purpose behind the little sacks, at which point Rafe is very interested in these little gifts. He isn't surprised that Melisandre has been holding out on him, he always expects as much, but he is impressed that she's willing to share one of the aces up those voluminous red sleeves. ]
Guessing this one [ fingers tracing the thread outline of flames ] to deal with fire.
[ The implications of which are certainly not lost on Rafe. It'd taken a while to fully appreciate the lantern, recognize its value. Its importance. Its potential cost. (There are moments he thinks back to that first day, with the bratty waterboy. The deluge of water had managed to miss his lantern just barely— But what if it hadn't? He'd have been first to sit in those pews as the trapdoor clanged after him.) Yes, these may prove very useful. ]
Guessing this one [ fingers tracing the thread outline of flames ] to deal with fire.
[ The implications of which are certainly not lost on Rafe. It'd taken a while to fully appreciate the lantern, recognize its value. Its importance. Its potential cost. (There are moments he thinks back to that first day, with the bratty waterboy. The deluge of water had managed to miss his lantern just barely— But what if it hadn't? He'd have been first to sit in those pews as the trapdoor clanged after him.) Yes, these may prove very useful. ]
Edited 2019-07-25 01:25 (UTC)
[ Rafe is almost mildly offended to hear that and it shows in his tone. He's been doing this for years, give him some dang credit, woman. ]
I don't fall.
[ Ah hell. Would've been great if his predilection for heights had been enough to distract from this cockeyed plan of hers. But since it's not, Rafe follows along, rolling his eyes in the dark above her head. ]
Yet, being that keyword. [ He can't help but stress. ] Yet.
I don't fall.
[ Ah hell. Would've been great if his predilection for heights had been enough to distract from this cockeyed plan of hers. But since it's not, Rafe follows along, rolling his eyes in the dark above her head. ]
Yet, being that keyword. [ He can't help but stress. ] Yet.
A tiny amount is enough to kill most any flame.
⟪ She traces the patterns of her own lantern – it's hot to the touch, but it doesn't bother or pain her. ⟫
It's common for me to tend to the nightfires, and there are some powders needed for certain rites. It isn't common to lose control, of course, but you know well and good how quickly some other fool can cross through one's best laid plans.
⟪ For someone who happily touted another murder powder, she is still quite uncomfortable with the possession of the purely fire-snuffing one. Maybe because fire is closer to life than her than breath? ⟫
Fire can be so fragile.
⟪ She traces the patterns of her own lantern – it's hot to the touch, but it doesn't bother or pain her. ⟫
It's common for me to tend to the nightfires, and there are some powders needed for certain rites. It isn't common to lose control, of course, but you know well and good how quickly some other fool can cross through one's best laid plans.
⟪ For someone who happily touted another murder powder, she is still quite uncomfortable with the possession of the purely fire-snuffing one. Maybe because fire is closer to life than her than breath? ⟫
Fire can be so fragile.
The nightfires,
[ Rafe murmurs in an echo, idly watching her hands move as his mind chugs along. Wouldn't take a lot, but then again it would take a certain amount to ensure it in any kind of attack if one was out for a lantern. Unless it was a subtler one, done without the owner knowing what was coming. Hm. He'll have to test this with some more disposable dust, see how it goes.
In the meantime, these pouches go to the loops on his belt, tied on either side of his holster — opposite side of where his lantern hangs, of course. That dealt with, his eyes slide to Melisandre's, stare to stare. There's nothing else to say of the powders. He'll use them when he needs. ]
Tell me about them.
[ Rafe murmurs in an echo, idly watching her hands move as his mind chugs along. Wouldn't take a lot, but then again it would take a certain amount to ensure it in any kind of attack if one was out for a lantern. Unless it was a subtler one, done without the owner knowing what was coming. Hm. He'll have to test this with some more disposable dust, see how it goes.
In the meantime, these pouches go to the loops on his belt, tied on either side of his holster — opposite side of where his lantern hangs, of course. That dealt with, his eyes slide to Melisandre's, stare to stare. There's nothing else to say of the powders. He'll use them when he needs. ]
Tell me about them.
⟪ Melisandre isn't opposed to companionable silence –– her presence at court had been frequently required, but quiet, by the fire, used as an unveiled threat. It's strange, long-term, to be looked at so directly, but pleasant, too. He's not breakable, Rafe, and it's a quality she enjoys.
Still she blinks, when he poses his request. Complies, too, yes, but she's not exactly used to interest in her faith beyond the visions it bestows her. From Selyse, yes, but that was some time ago. ⟫
They are meant to keep the darkness at bay. ⟪ Her eyes flicker to his torch. It'd be beyond what they are, to express gratitude for its presence, but she relishes it all the same. ⟫ In a way, they are the heart of the faith. It's where we pray, but also where the congregation gathers for celebrations –– most all things to do with the public part of weddings take place by one, and both groom and bride must jump it. Well, the groom twice, once as a manner of a proposal.
⟪ so, y'know. careful about any stunts by the bonfire. ⟫ Offerings are made by them, too. Little things, more often than not –– you recall the herb wreaths? I know how to burn them so they hold true power. Visions, too, come from the flames. In Asshai, they were the only light allowed past the afternoon.
Still she blinks, when he poses his request. Complies, too, yes, but she's not exactly used to interest in her faith beyond the visions it bestows her. From Selyse, yes, but that was some time ago. ⟫
They are meant to keep the darkness at bay. ⟪ Her eyes flicker to his torch. It'd be beyond what they are, to express gratitude for its presence, but she relishes it all the same. ⟫ In a way, they are the heart of the faith. It's where we pray, but also where the congregation gathers for celebrations –– most all things to do with the public part of weddings take place by one, and both groom and bride must jump it. Well, the groom twice, once as a manner of a proposal.
⟪ so, y'know. careful about any stunts by the bonfire. ⟫ Offerings are made by them, too. Little things, more often than not –– you recall the herb wreaths? I know how to burn them so they hold true power. Visions, too, come from the flames. In Asshai, they were the only light allowed past the afternoon.
And to every single other person in Beacon, I would say the same thing: you don't fall. ⟪ This is less about what she says and more about what she doesn't say. ⟫
I have lived in a city filled with Shadows and all manner of unearthly creatures. ⟪ Still, can't say she doesn't appreciate the company. The forrest is dark. ⟫ Still, I'll make it worth your while. I believe we may have to cross the river, and I don't think either of us is up for building bridges not made of magic.
I have lived in a city filled with Shadows and all manner of unearthly creatures. ⟪ Still, can't say she doesn't appreciate the company. The forrest is dark. ⟫ Still, I'll make it worth your while. I believe we may have to cross the river, and I don't think either of us is up for building bridges not made of magic.
Yeah, [ he snorts, ] really doubt other people in Beacon have a portfolio quite like mine.
[ Meaning that if other persons attempt this and say they don't fall, Melisandre is allowed and in fact encouraged to laugh in their face.
While Rafe wants to argue that no matter what that old City had been, it'd been at least a known or slightly better known than whatever the hell is out in these woods. But Melisandre is about as easy to dissuade upon deciding something as he is...and. Okay, yeah, he can't lie. More magic practice is a bit of an incentive. ]
Not without a shitload more chopping than I'm feeling like right now, no.
[ Meaning that if other persons attempt this and say they don't fall, Melisandre is allowed and in fact encouraged to laugh in their face.
While Rafe wants to argue that no matter what that old City had been, it'd been at least a known or slightly better known than whatever the hell is out in these woods. But Melisandre is about as easy to dissuade upon deciding something as he is...and. Okay, yeah, he can't lie. More magic practice is a bit of an incentive. ]
Not without a shitload more chopping than I'm feeling like right now, no.
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