Ah, you've got it too, have you? I remember you, but I have no idea who you are. What a baffling set of memories to have sitting next to each other!
[ He should probably sound more troubled about this than he does. He also seems to have forgotten about the panther — or is at least somewhat confident that while he and the cat's owner are chatting, it won't pounce. ]
[V doesn't like it. He's not a terribly big fan of having one's mind fiddled with, and this reeks of it. Still, at least he's not the only one.
Declan's right, though. Shadow won't pounce. It settles into a sit next to V, tailed curled around and behind his feet. V, on the other hand, raises his cane and pokes the other man in the chest with it. Gently.]
Just as I have no idea who you really are, but the name resounds in my mind loudly enough. [Poke.] Declan, right?
[ Even getting prodded in the chest with a cane seems familiar. Declan's eyebrows go up at that strange sense of familiarity, but he ultimately smiles a little, pushing the cane away with a finger. ]
That's right. I'd say my reputation precedes me but there's something bigger afoot here, isn't there? [ A thoughtful pause. ] You're... V?
[No resistance whatsoever as his cane's pushed aside, and he brings it back down, leaning on it as he's used to doing.]
Yes. I'm V.
[He tilts his head, considering what to do with this new information. His features at least continue to play at vague amusement.]
Well, in one life, your reputation precedes you online, at least. In another? I can't even guess at it. Either way, the conclusion's clear: someone or something is playing around with the inside of our heads.
Maybe... a proper introduction is in order, in light of that.
Well, with all that nasty business aside, V is right. Declan would rather make a real introduction than rely on whatever's been planted in their heads.
He reaches up as if to tip a hat that he is definitely not wearing, and when he realizes that, he frowns a bit, but quickly moves on. He bows with a small flourish instead. ]
Declan Steelsong. Artificer, inventor, and clockmaker-turned-adventurer, at your service.
[But then V watches as Declan apparently forgets he's not wearing a hat, easing up a dark brow, but listens to the rest of the introduction without interruption. That's quite a list. The panther at V's feet seems less interested, glancing here and there, but Shadow remains seated as the two men speak.]
That's an impressive array of titles, Mr. Steelsong. And what kind of things do you invent?
[They'll loop around to his side of the introduction here in a second.]
[ The hat is a staple part of his wardrobe and now it's gone! This is more of a tragedy than their memories being mucked with, okay?
But in answer to that question, Declan digs into a pocket and comes up with a small, mechanical hummingbird made of brass and gold and gears. It flutters to life, emitting a soft purple glow and faint golden sparks. ]
Oh, this and that. You know.
[ The hummingbird flies in a quick circle around Declan, then flits over to V to do the same. ]
Edited (whoops you saw nothing) 2023-05-05 21:08 (UTC)
[It looks like such a delicate little thing, that brass and golden hummingbird that Declan unearths from a pocket. Is he always carrying such objects about, he wonders? Maybe that's just the inclination of an inventor. Like something Nico would do.
And then suddenly it's moving, glowing, sparking, and darting around Declan, then V.
He blinks, leaning back a little in surprise. Shadow definitely perks up, reaching up with a large paw to (lazily) swipe at it in curiosity.]
"This and that", he says, like it's nothing. Impressive.
[ Oh, don't worry. He has a whole zoo in his pockets, and if not in his pockets, then hidden away in the messenger bag he's always toting around.
The little hummingbird is very dexterous, and easily avoids that lazy paw swipe. It's probably a good thing that Declan doesn't keep any robotic mice in his repertoire. Declan lifts a hand and the clockwork bird perches on his finger, gears whirring softly. ]
It is. Though the blasted stuff doesn't seem to work outside of this house. Even then, it's not what I'm used to. It's sort of like I'm having to learn the basics all over again.
[Well, that's neat, but how exactly is it practical, sir?
Shadow's tail continues to snake back and forth, ear twitching, but the creature doesn't make any further movements to swipe at the mechanical hummingbird -- though its interest is very much keen and present. Clearly, a clockwork mouse would have been the best thing ever--]
'Every Night and every Morn Some to Misery are born.'
[um, what
He continues-]
And in this unfortunate misery, at least you have company. I find my skills not what they were once, either. And in some ways, you could say that's a very low bar to clear. [His lips quirk.] But at least we have this house, right?
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let me finish my part of the introduction. My name is V. I have no titles like you. But this- [He places his hand on Shadow's head, a pat.] -is Shadow. A demon wrought from nightmares. But also my familiar.
[ Brightly! It's probably becoming apparent in this interaction, if not V's new memories, that Declan does most things brightly. Though his demeanor shifts rather abruptly to a strange mix of caution and curiosity at the mention of Shadow — more accurately, at the mention of what Shadow is. ]
Your familiar is a demon? That's a step beyond anything I've ever seen... well, unless Cawrl is a demon and he hasn't told anyone.
[And by contrast, there is nothing ever terribly bright about V; though he is not standoffish (today), he is not nearly as affable, unlike Declan who appears to take so much in stride.
Even that hint of caution coming from the man seems intermingled with curiosity. It aligns with what he remembers of him, or at least, what those false memories inform.]
Don't worry. Shadow won't bite or skewer [SKEWER?] unless I tell them to.
[ SKEWER??? SIR??? That's alarming, but also intriguing. He's only gone toe-to-toe with a demon once, and it did plenty of nasty things like crawling around on the ceiling and holding a child hostage, it never skewered anyone. But then, maybe it didn't have the chance. ]
That's... reassuring? I think?
[ Only somewhat. ]
And a friend of mine keeps a raven as a familiar! His name is Cawrl. And then Gideon has a bat named Edgar.
At that, he laughs, and it's a low but sincerely amused sound.]
No. No one has ever asked me that before. [It's kind of funny.] But this body is relatively unremarkable, you'll find, except for these.
[He raises up a hand, wiggling his fingers. But no, he doesn't mean his fingers, he means the dark markings that crawl all the way up and back down to disappear beneath his short sleeves.]
You're more wizard than me with your magic little hummingbird, Declan. And so, in that other world, you'd probably fare better.
If you take an inventor and sprinkle in a fair bit of arcane know-how, you get an Artificer!
[ Welcome to D&D 101, V. ]
Of course I'm interested! The skill-set of unfamiliar familiar is nothing if not intriguing! [ A beat. ] Provided I didn't just volunteer myself as target practice. I'm terribly squishy.
[He's not sure what he'll do with this knowledge, but it's tucked away for now, all the same.]
No. Not today.
[He's joking. Probably.]
Something a little less violent, then. Shadow. [He says, as though on command, and suddenly the panther melts into the floor like it were made of nothing but liquid... shadow, flattening along the ground and sliding beneath both V's and Declan's feet.]
You might want to hold on.
[Or not! He's not your dad. But it's clearly a very brief warning before something happens, here-]
[Well. He was going to suggest like, his shoulder or arm or something. But Declan's crouching down, and V just sort of turns around casually so they're both facing the right direction.]
Down there? My ankles, I suppose.
[But V's not kind enough to afford much more warning than that. Suddenly, that dark mass lifts them a little off the ground, and then... They're off! Zooming down the hallway, gliding along as though they were sailing (somewhat quickly) on calm water. Fragments of Shadow-darkness trail and dissolve behind them the whole while.
[ Oh my god??? For a mercy, Declan makes his dex save and does not go tumbling off, but he does instantly reach out and latch a hand onto V's leg to keep steady. ]
This is remarkable!
[ He looks like he's having THE TIME OF HIS LIFE. ]
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clockworksoul) wrote2023-04-30 08:50 pm
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[ He should probably sound more troubled about this than he does. He also seems to have forgotten about the panther — or is at least somewhat confident that while he and the cat's owner are chatting, it won't pounce. ]
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[V doesn't like it. He's not a terribly big fan of having one's mind fiddled with, and this reeks of it. Still, at least he's not the only one.
Declan's right, though. Shadow won't pounce. It settles into a sit next to V, tailed curled around and behind his feet. V, on the other hand, raises his cane and pokes the other man in the chest with it. Gently.]
Just as I have no idea who you really are, but the name resounds in my mind loudly enough. [Poke.] Declan, right?
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That's right. I'd say my reputation precedes me but there's something bigger afoot here, isn't there? [ A thoughtful pause. ] You're... V?
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Yes. I'm V.
[He tilts his head, considering what to do with this new information. His features at least continue to play at vague amusement.]
Well, in one life, your reputation precedes you online, at least. In another? I can't even guess at it. Either way, the conclusion's clear: someone or something is playing around with the inside of our heads.
Maybe... a proper introduction is in order, in light of that.
no subject
Well, with all that nasty business aside, V is right. Declan would rather make a real introduction than rely on whatever's been planted in their heads.
He reaches up as if to tip a hat that he is definitely not wearing, and when he realizes that, he frowns a bit, but quickly moves on. He bows with a small flourish instead. ]
Declan Steelsong. Artificer, inventor, and clockmaker-turned-adventurer, at your service.
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...No. Not a fan.
[But then V watches as Declan apparently forgets he's not wearing a hat, easing up a dark brow, but listens to the rest of the introduction without interruption. That's quite a list. The panther at V's feet seems less interested, glancing here and there, but Shadow remains seated as the two men speak.]
That's an impressive array of titles, Mr. Steelsong. And what kind of things do you invent?
[They'll loop around to his side of the introduction here in a second.]
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But in answer to that question, Declan digs into a pocket and comes up with a small, mechanical hummingbird made of brass and gold and gears. It flutters to life, emitting a soft purple glow and faint golden sparks. ]
Oh, this and that. You know.
[ The hummingbird flies in a quick circle around Declan, then flits over to V to do the same. ]
no subject
And then suddenly it's moving, glowing, sparking, and darting around Declan, then V.
He blinks, leaning back a little in surprise. Shadow definitely perks up, reaching up with a large paw to (lazily) swipe at it in curiosity.]
"This and that", he says, like it's nothing. Impressive.
Is this... magic?
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The little hummingbird is very dexterous, and easily avoids that lazy paw swipe. It's probably a good thing that Declan doesn't keep any robotic mice in his repertoire. Declan lifts a hand and the clockwork bird perches on his finger, gears whirring softly. ]
It is. Though the blasted stuff doesn't seem to work outside of this house. Even then, it's not what I'm used to. It's sort of like I'm having to learn the basics all over again.
no subject
Shadow's tail continues to snake back and forth, ear twitching, but the creature doesn't make any further movements to swipe at the mechanical hummingbird -- though its interest is very much keen and present. Clearly, a clockwork mouse would have been the best thing ever--]
'Every Night and every Morn
Some to Misery are born.'
[um, what
He continues-]
And in this unfortunate misery, at least you have company. I find my skills not what they were once, either. And in some ways, you could say that's a very low bar to clear. [His lips quirk.] But at least we have this house, right?
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It's better than nothing! The place where I arrived was similar in nature, though much more... familiar? In terms of technology and general feel.
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His brows raise, though.]
The fantastical world with the tutorial.
[Hm. Interesting.]
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let me finish my part of the introduction. My name is V. I have no titles like you. But this- [He places his hand on Shadow's head, a pat.] -is Shadow. A demon wrought from nightmares. But also my familiar.
no subject
[ Brightly! It's probably becoming apparent in this interaction, if not V's new memories, that Declan does most things brightly. Though his demeanor shifts rather abruptly to a strange mix of caution and curiosity at the mention of Shadow — more accurately, at the mention of what Shadow is. ]
Your familiar is a demon? That's a step beyond anything I've ever seen... well, unless Cawrl is a demon and he hasn't told anyone.
no subject
Even that hint of caution coming from the man seems intermingled with curiosity. It aligns with what he remembers of him, or at least, what those false memories inform.]
Don't worry. Shadow won't bite or skewer [SKEWER?] unless I tell them to.
Who's Cawrl?
no subject
That's... reassuring? I think?
[ Only somewhat. ]
And a friend of mine keeps a raven as a familiar! His name is Cawrl. And then Gideon has a bat named Edgar.
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[V please. He even says it with a straight face.
And yes, it's hard to imagine how a large cat might... impale. But it's a talented big kitty. Very shapeshift-y.]
Ah, and here I thought I was unique.
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depends on what kind of impalement we're talking about-- I'M KIDDING]Where I come from, it's a common practice for wizards to keep familiars. You're not a wizard, are you?
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HELP ARE YOU REALLYAt that, he laughs, and it's a low but sincerely amused sound.]
No. No one has ever asked me that before. [It's kind of funny.] But this body is relatively unremarkable, you'll find, except for these.
[He raises up a hand, wiggling his fingers. But no, he doesn't mean his fingers, he means the dark markings that crawl all the way up and back down to disappear beneath his short sleeves.]
You're more wizard than me with your magic little hummingbird, Declan. And so, in that other world, you'd probably fare better.
no subject
YES OH MY GOD"This body" is such a weird way to phrase that. Too bad Declan literally can't be bothered to notice, so he just glides right past it. ]
No, no. I told you. I'm an Artificer. It's different. Ah, but what do your tattoos do?
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And that means nothing to me, except that you're a craftsman. Or inventor, which you already said.
[But as for the question...]
They are proof of the contract that binds me and my familiars together. You should instead be asking what Shadow can do. And I can show you.
If you're that interested.
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[ Welcome to D&D 101, V. ]
Of course I'm interested! The skill-set of unfamiliar familiar is nothing if not intriguing! [ A beat. ] Provided I didn't just volunteer myself as target practice. I'm terribly squishy.
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No. Not today.
[He's joking. Probably.]
Something a little less violent, then. Shadow. [He says, as though on command, and suddenly the panther melts into the floor like it were made of nothing but liquid... shadow, flattening along the ground and sliding beneath both V's and Declan's feet.]
You might want to hold on.
[Or not! He's not your dad. But it's clearly a very brief warning before something happens, here-]
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Hold onto what?
[ Says Declan, not holding onto anything. ]
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Down there? My ankles, I suppose.
[But V's not kind enough to afford much more warning than that. Suddenly, that dark mass lifts them a little off the ground, and then... They're off! Zooming down the hallway, gliding along as though they were sailing (somewhat quickly) on calm water. Fragments of Shadow-darkness trail and dissolve behind them the whole while.
Don't fall off, buddy.]
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This is remarkable!
[ He looks like he's having THE TIME OF HIS LIFE. ]
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