>>2354795
Cool.

Dog time?

Like Rag time but with dogs?

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>>2354795
September 4th (1 day later; Present Day)

You've settled into a routine of sorts with Misery Monroe. The Lord of December appears at least once per week, often twice. He has yet to disturb other parts of your schedule, which is in its own way disquieting, but you haven't found a good way to bring up the question of why he seems to know so much about when you plan to be busy.

Most of the lessons have been particularly hands-on; he's had you walk dogs, visit them at animal shelters, observe stray mutts as they slink through the city, and even read stories about the bond between Man and Dog. Some of what he's said has made more sense than the rest. "Contracts are a relationship between their signatories," is something that sounded right the moment you heard it; of course there's a relationship between you and Glass, and you and Spring, and even between you and Summer, so if you want to strike a deal with Dogs you're going to need a relationship to, well, Dogs.

Other ideas, like "the Others stole this Contract from the sons of Man," have yet to really click in your brain.

You asked him here this Sunday, when you caught him in passing at the Juniper Building, because you've been having a particular line of thought relevant to his lessons. And here he is, enjoying you coffee and doughnuts while you finish off your own, his fawning shadows lounging amidst your glass decorations.

That uneasy feeling in your chest is gone around Misery Monroe. Maybe you trust him to keep you safe. Maybe whoever is watching you is justifiably scared of the Lord of December.

"One of these days you are going to have to learn to cook," Misery says mildly. "There are rarely Dunkin' Donuts in the Hedge. It's a practical skill to have in your life."

"Yeah," you agree, with a vague sigh. "I wonder if the Rook knows. He was friends with a Hedge Ranger..."

"There are worse people to ask," Misery agrees mildly. "I'm given to understand that Forum has access to some helpful resources there as well. Now - you said you had an idea regarding your further magical growth?"

You nod and clear your throat. The coffee cup in your hand gets set down on the table. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said about Contracts being relationships. I've been thinking that while the time spent with and around dogs has been enlightening, I might...you know, actually develop a relationship myself. By having a dog of my own," you clarify.

Misery laces his fingers together beneath his chin. "Logical," he says after a moment. "But something tells me you may not understand what you are agreeing to in such an arrangement. How old were you when you were taken?"

"Thirteen," you answer, your voice suddenly small. You have a prickling feeling on the back of your neck that you distantly recall from the formal, standardized tests in school.

"Did you ever own a pet before?" the Lord of December continues, his voice still mild.

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>>2354829
"No sir - Misery," you swerve, avoiding his automatic correction.

He nods, his chin making his fingers flex slightly. The court of shadows around him titters and points at you; you glare at them in turn.

"I can promise you that having a pet will make you unhappy," he says at last. "It is the nature of Man and Beast. We outlive them, you see. To love a pet is to accept that it will leave you, and that in leaving you will know sorrow. It is not like a warrior's bond where death could be sudden and unexpected. If you do your duty by it, if you love your dog, care for it, play with it, heal its hurts, then you will be in the room with it when it leaves this world for good and you have to live the rest of your life with its memory. Are you prepared to accept that?"

You swallow. Something hot and wet has welled up around your eyes; Misery doesn't comment when you wipe at them with the back of your hand. "Is it really so bad as all that?"

"I've wept over the grave of every one of my dogs that's left this world before me," Misery answers. "I visit them, at times. I have not invited another into my life since I claimed the crown of Winter, though it may be time, again, for me to make that choice. The joy, friendship, and love outweighs the sorrow, but it does not negate it. Pain is the price you pay for it."

"...That's a really depressing take on the love between Man and Dog," you point out.

"My name is Misery, Colors. And I did say I find it worth it, on the whole." Monroe gestures to you with one thin-fingered hand. "Dogs have served many roles alongside the sons of Man over the years. They have been companions, rescue workers, hunters, even warriors. I refuse, outright, to help you raise or train a dog to war. That responsibility is heavy even for an experienced handler, and to sit back and watch you do so would be abuse and cruelty of the highest order."

"I think I understand," you agree, after a moment. "Do you have a suggestion?"

"Yes, actually. I believe you might do well to adopt a shelter dog, one who has had some time to grow into his temperament. The Lost...struggle, to share their spaces at times. I believe the demands of a puppy or a high-energy dog might be too much for you while you're still getting used to living with another creature." Misery finishes his cup of coffee in a long, slow pull; he sets it down and dabs at his lips with a napkin. "Would you like my assistance?"

> Yes
> No

AND

> Adopt
> Get a puppy

>>2354847
> Yes

> Get a puppy

We need a dog raised into accepting fae weirdness. A shelter dog would make sense for a mortal, but we have our own stuff that the dog has to deal with as well.

Getting a puppy is almost always a better choice for a first time dog owner. A shelter dog is a charitable act, not an easier choice.

>>2354847
Also note that a dog isn't something you just pick up. If we can't handle a puppy or a high energy dog then we outright shouldn't get one.

>>2354847
To clarify further, the first six weeks are the window for socialization. It's important to bring the puppy EVERYWHERE and expose them to as many new things as possible so they aren't scared or skittish.

That's why dogs are racist and hate hate or construction c9nes when they're older. Because they weren't socialized well enough when young.

Ain't right to bring a shelter dog into a magical environment. Gonna fuck them up.

>>2354795
This isn't

> Help Vickie get settled into her church (Contacts (Wonderlanders) [0/1])

Is it?

Man I don't want to complain because you're sick but also >>2354847 makes it seem like you don't really want to wrote having a dog in the quest at all. Like it's just going to sit at home ignored most of the time.

If you don't really think having a dog will fit the narrative just say something. You're making it feel like zero fun at all the way you're approaching it, in my personal opinion.

Fucking Misery indeed.

I don't even want to vote on it.

>>2354847
> Yes
> Get a puppy

>>2354891
Don't wanna be that guy, but did you read DLQ? Vox juggled so many characters and servants/pets/monsters that had to be on screen at once it was boggling. I don't think he has an issue dude.

>>2354847
>Yes
And
>adopt
Find some mutt with an even temperament.

>>2354847
>Yes.
>Adopt

We'll be able to tell if the dog can handle the weird shit, because if it can't, it'll raise holy hell when it meets Colors.

>Yes.
>Adopt

Dont think about irony. Dont think about irony. Dont think about irony. Dont think about irony.

Damnit hedge!

Stop making the contracts parallel my life!

>>2354847
>> Yes
>>Get one from a shelter

>>2354891
One thing at a time. Friend. Unless I can actually convince to take a nap.or a longer sleep this is how it is.

>>2355119
*Convince Vox to take a nap.
sigh

>>2354891
It is not that, yet. Even masters of Contracts of Hours have a hard time being two places at once. We're gonna get there.

As far as wanting or not wanting a dog, I do have the secret technique of actually talking to my players like the adult the law insists I am. Misery is strong in Winter and that means among other things that he is deeply rooted in Sorrow. That'll color a man's perspective. Also relevant is his suspicion (confirmed) that Colors has never had a pet to love in her life, and his knowledge that the Lost's emotions go hard and can be difficult to deal with.

>>2355179
It was late and I vvoucrd my concerns a d they've been answered.
> Yes
> Get a puppy

>>2355231
You, um. You aight there anon? Doin' okay?

>Yes
>Adopt

>>2354847
>> Yes

>> Adopt

>>2355239
Yep just phone postih quickly. Out in Banff for the weekend so lots going on. Gotta enjoy this massive dump from the heavens right now on the hills. Bourgeoisie 4 lyfe.

But seriously I think people are just going along with Misery far too easily. We're supposed to be Spring for crying out loud. If we're getting a dog, we should commit. It just tastes bad to get a "training wheels" dog. Misery definitely views them as lower animals and not partners. He pretty much said he would train them as war dogs, just not for us.

I just feel we're rushing the choice without talking to other people about it. Given Colors whole kowtowing thoughtlessly to authority caused a lot of problems when she was in Philly as well, it doesn't seem like she's really thinking about what it means to have a dog live with you.

I also hope Fancy is allergic to dogs. Drama!

>>2355179

>>2355339
Has a point though.

We should really be talking to our Motley friends first, and Ramona since she's our spokesperson in Spring slash emotional counselor.

And maybe the person that we want to come and stay over at our place. What if Fancy has that whole thing where black people don't like dogs yo? Just assuming everyone loves dogs, while that is how the world SHOULD work, is kind of restricted to certain cultures.

Also it's just polite to bring that sort of thing up with an SO.

> Vote for hanging out with Vickie and her Church Crew, get another Fancy post instead

Life is suffering for Darklings.

>>2355179
Also do you play Into the Skies? Because that's running right now.

>>2355371
> Vote for hanging out with Vickie and her Church Crew, get another Fancy post instead

That was mentioned as upcoming already, along with the Contract training, in the last thread. You didn't get it instead of Vickie, it was always on the table.

>>2355377
I have no idea what that is. Sorry?

Heading into work. Will update after, brain permitting.

>>2355427
SUFFERING.

Vickie has no chance to pull ahead.

Memes > Facts. That's the world we live in today.

>>2355371
>What if Fancy has that whole thing where black people don't like dogs yo?
Then Fancy has to go.

Personally, I think bringing a dog into a changeling's home is probably animal abuse.
We should bring a darkling home instead.

>>2356854
Ask Monroe if the contract would also work with a Beast Changeling just to see his reaction.

>>2357072
Pet play with beasts probably strays into the What The Fuck territory covered in Jack's unsanctioned editorial.

>>2357193
>she's my cherry pie, tastes so good makes a grown man cry, sweet cherry pie.

>>2357193
Practically speaking such a bond gives you a able combat partner against fae dangers. It would be a equal partnership.

The Contracts doesnt specify that the canine in question has to be submissive to you, no ?

Called, tallying. May or may not get the chance to write.

>>2357072
>>2358703
It doesn't work on Beasts anyway. Quite aside from the fact that you can just talk to a canine-esque Beast, they're not on the animal end of Fang & Talon's pact. They're on the human/fae end.

Aight, finally fuckin' writing.

>>2361464
>fuckin' writing.
Writing smut ?

>>2361997
No, that would be "writing fuckin'". This is the one where Vox gets papercuts on his dick.

Blech. Haven't been able to focus for days. I've got two days off after this shift.

Also considering pausing after the interlude and doing one of the one-shots I was talking about near the end of DLQ, in the future of that setting. Just to cycle my brain off and back on, you know?

>>2363510
Let the voting on who to cover first begin

I seed

> Sir Fetch

As the top contender.

But I personally would enjoy if you wrote

> Life of a Happy Pig

And wrote something silly through the brain of the undead Boar mount living life on a farm. It had basic sentience if not sapience right? Anyways that boar was awesome. Totally underrated character.

>>2363641
Anon...

Fetch died, remember?

>>2363645

So?

>>2363641
I kinda wanna see that huge boar mount with one of Brianna's or River's kids... It'd be cute

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>>2363510
I seem to recall Hatchet getting teased by Isoldt about how he's always complaining about demons yet doesn't seem to want to give up demonology. Could be a fun little snippet.

>>2363645
He lives on in our hearts.

>>2363645
What if Sir Fetch is a changeling?

>>2363742
No that would be forced and terrible. Sir Fetch would have to be a changling that lived far away or long ago and only be mentioned in passing.

>>2363812

What if Sir Fetch is a fetch?

I'm...unclear, actually, on the extent to which fetches are /people/. If the answer is "pretty much as much as people are", then I would find it interesting to get a short story from the perspective of a fetch...

...though I'm not sure it would need to be the fetch of a chicken Beast changeling.

>>2365006
Fetches are not people. they are what were traditionally called changelings, in that they're replicates designed to take your place in the world so you're not missed. They're not even remotely human.

>>2365101

I thought I remembered one of the main characters' fetches from the short quests leading up to CSQ having something approximating a good relationship with its original? They'd never revealed themselves to their family, so the fetch was still entirely playing that role, and so on...

I could be misremembering, though.

>>2365101
Neither are we. Or do you want to try and present a coherent argument that the girl with glowing technicolor blood running in living glass veins (which, for added what the fuck, are flexible at room temperature) still counts?

Fetches are people if the DM says they are. Or arent.

>>2365672
Not when there's an actual rule book for the system.

In which case Fetches are only people if either the book says they are, or if the DM and Players AGREE that they are.

>>2365932
>>2365672
>>2365152
>>2365123
>>2365101
>>2365006
Define 'people'.

No, really. What's 'people' in this context? The Lost commonly hold that there's something intangible, something hard to pin down, that makes humans human - and that this same something is damaged severely by the Thorns. Most think of it as the soul and think of themselves as missing some part of it, which is filled in by Wyrd.

The Fetch has another part of it.

Is it the whole thing? No. It's enough to make the Fetch you, though. Enough to give it your memories, your friendships, maybe even your values. Enough to make a pile of odds and ends held together with twine and vines and a things of thine live. Does that make them people?

If it does, does that make the badly made ones that turn into serial killers people? And if they're not, who is? What's the cutoff point?

The Lost don't generally think deep thoughts about this. Even Winter, whose official policy is to leave your Fetch the hell alone, hates and most often murders Fetches. It's not just that they stole your life. It's not just that they're sleeping with your spouse, living with your children, working at your job, doing whatever they want with your face, your fingerprints, your voice, your DNA. It's that Fetches can be genuinely hard to look at. Most Changelings never confront the fact that their Fetch embodies things about themselves. Those that do realize it often violently reject it. It's a rare Lost who makes peace with the concept of their other half and an even rarer one who actually accepts them.

>>2365969
>Something with a morality track.
>So no spirits, goteas, or true fae.
>Dont know if Fetches have integrity. Probably.

In a non mechanical sense a meaningful ability to choose between right and wrong. Creatures such as true fae can know, but are incapable of actually caring. The best they can do is pretend.


-------
I played a game as an incredibly ''aggressive'' elemental. He was a blacksmith named Bal who had the elements of fire and metal. (These were amazingly fun and useful elements by the way)

Eventually we made it back to his home city, where we met Bals fetch. The original plan was to murder the fuck out of him. He changed his mind for a couple of reasons.

His fetch had maintained contacts with a certain "magical" organization, and they refused to work with changelings.

His fetch spent the intervening years working, and had accrued a decent nest egg. Threatening him into leaving his account open to Bal was pretty easy. This meant Bal didn't have to work unless he felt like it.

He was a skilled craftsman and occultist (what got Bal taken in the first place), and was one of the only people ''in the world'' who could actually keep up with Bals skill.

Who wasn't an untrustworthy changeling anyway.

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>>2354847
"I would love your advice," you agree. Misery nods, and assists you - without being asked - in cleaning up what small dishes there are from breakfast and coffee. He fills a small hip flask with some of your coffee and a touch of honey and shakes it briskly to mix it before the two of you set out.

"Is that..solely to make people think you're drinking?" you ask, carefully.

"Solely might be overstating it. The business of Sorrow is sometimes best conducted with a touch of bourbon."

"...We're all drunk-ass fools, aren't we?" you ask, as the realization dawns over you.

Misery gives you a smile that might actually be amused. "We are in New Avalon, at least. Just be glad smoking never caught on in this Freehold like it did in Boston." You lock the door behind the two of you, and together you set off into the evaporating mists of the declining Summer morning. "Frankly, Colors, your adopted home has a subtle thread of denial that winds through it in unfortunate ways. How many of us have died in the last two years? Arthur's purge of the Hound Tribunal destroyed four of his own Court's most experienced and powerful members, along with the losses he suffered in the interim. Thomas the Crow and the Rook's youngest apprentice are both dead. Two of my own died last year, when Jesse the Darkling had his Homecoming. Sam the Sliced is dead. Virgo is dead. Venus Kennedy is dead. And hardly anyone speaks of these things aloud, or confronts their sorrows. We go murmuring into the bottoms of bottles instead, and we forget."

Your hand strays to Bifrost's hilt; you rest your palm on the pommel, formally. "Things have been busy," you protest, your voice low. "The new arrivals, me, Erin, Autumn's succession, and...well, the Unmasking, have all had everyone reeling."

"Sometimes I feel like the only monarch who remembers that we had a war with a True Fae who still haunts my Freehold," Misery replies, without looking at you. "A war we never resolved. Arthur says you encountered the Lady of the Lake yourself, Warlock Knight. The culling of our experienced and powerful membership is certainly convenient to her ends."

Weren't the two of you supposed to be talking about dogs?

Misery laughs, and your cheeks go black as you realize you said that out loud. A dusting of snow shakes from Misery's shoulders, melting into the mist as it goes just as quickly as it came. "By all means, let us discuss dogs. Forgive me returning to my work during my idle time; politics and security are my responsibilities and they ask for constant thoughtfulness. Your Motley will be an interesting aspect of those duties soon, if not already, considering the unfortunate knot of grief and hate it has between itself and Baba Reeds."

You wince. "Yeah...so...shelter dogs..."

"Yes?" Shadows in the mist lean in around the two of you, looming tall in what's left of the fog.

"I'm trying to figure out how to phrase this...don't dogs have problems with magic? With us?"

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>>2366054
"Why should they? We are not demons. Not even Luscious Lou, who is in fact a demon." Misery gestures idly with his left hand. "What's the difference between a dog chasing a laser pointer, a tennis ball that moves itself, or a roomba? Remarkably little, from the dog's point of view. Cats used to get out of sorts because they could see the Mask and Mien at the same time. I had the opportunity to experience that sensation and I must tell you, it is uncomfortable. Even then, beasts are not men. They do not fall prey to the dangers of over-thinking or the subtle traps of limiting worldviews that exclude the evidence of their senses."

"...You really like animals, don't you?" you ask, giving Misery a long look. "I - that seems odd, with - it's not your aesthetic."

"How Spring. Believe it or not, I had my own plans for my future before the first Great Sorrow befell me, Colors. My past lives in my present." Misery takes a swig from his coffee-filled hip flask. "Was that your only concern?"

You shake your head after a moment. "I have...episodes," you admit. Your throat tightens, and it takes you a moment before you continue. "Nightmares. Uneasy feelings. There's nights I don't sleep, nights that I wish I hadn't slept even though I did. I wake up swinging, still. With Bifrost."

"Have you ever hurt someone you've been intimate with?" Misery asks. There's no accusation in it, and no pity.

"No. Not even when I've had nightmares. Never."

"Sharing your space will take some getting used to," Misery explains. The two of you stop at a crosswalk. "If you feel you are not up to it, you need merely tell me and I will ensure the dog is cared for. I feel it may be rewarding for you to at least try. It is good to be aware of your flaws but you cannot live your entire life in fear of yourself such that you never move forward."

"Odd thing to hear from Winter." You realize what you said a split second after it's too late to unsay it.

"Snow hides many secrets, Warlock Knight. One of those secrets is the sleeping Spring." The little white stick figure goes on and beckons you across the street, yelling encouragement as you cross. "You'll have the opportunity to interview your potential companions, of course. Even if it weren't standard practice, they know me here."

You've been here before yourself, of course. St. Anthony's Animal Shelter, one of New Avalon's two strict no-kill shelters and the site of quite a bit of Winter volunteering. Partly, Misery's Court does it to curry favor with him. Partly they do it to feast on the sorrow of those forced to leave their beloved pets behind.

You're a little surprised to catch a Summer boy coming out the door, though. Jason White, a feline Beast who's been around the block a time or three. He freezes when he sees the two of you ascending the steps, a one-eyed cat in his arms.

"New employee?" Misery asks, all courtesy.

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>>2366069
"Not as such," Jason evades. "I employ strays mainly. The folks that live with me are friends." He strokes the cat's head; she purrs loudly, looking content. "You poaching Spring's traitors these days?"

"You wanna put the cat down and say that again?" you snap.

"No, he doesn't." The air around Misery chills so fast that it fogs; you shy away, feeling your skin start to stiffen and crack. "Colors is my apprentice. She has no designs to be my subordinate, Jason. Enjoy your day."

"Hm. Yeah, guess I gotta buy what you're sellin'." Jason walks past the two of you at a healthy distance; when he descends the steps you finally loosen up. The four inches of Bifrost that made it out of its sheath get slid back into it.

"Discretion, Warlock Knight," Misery chides, before he holds the door open for you.

You've known some of these dogs before, and meet some new faces. In the end you settle on...

> Buddy, a Boxer mix (probably) who's past puppyhood but still eager to meet people.
> Gwen, a Corgi/Husky mix abandoned by her previous owners. High energy, but small.
> Fido. No, really, it's on his collar and everything. A black lab, Fido doesn't get on well with other dogs but seems to like people just fine.
> Princess, a St. Bernard still growing into herself with a tendency to jump on people.

>>2366073
> Test the dogs for how they react to fairy bullshit

The only really important criteria. Otherwise

> Princess, a St. Bernard still growing into herself with a tendency to jump on people.

>>2366073
>> Fido. No, really, it's on his collar and everything. A black lab, Fido doesn't get on well with other dogs but seems to like people just fine.

A lab will be affectionate and trusting (possibly to a fault). Highly trainable, and it doesn't matter if he doesn't like other dogs, since Colors isn't looking to put together a whole pack.

>>2366073
>> Fido. No, really, it's on his collar and everything. A black lab, Fido doesn't get on well with other dogs but seems to like people just fine.

>>2365152
>which, for added what the fuck
Hedge physics that still cling to the Changeling's from outside the Hedge.

>Princess, a St. Bernard still growing into herself with a tendency to jump on people.

Colors is a first-time owner. We really don't want a dog who might end up animal-aggressive by nature; that's tricky to train out. A tendency to jump up on people is much easier, and likely to in part go away on its own.

>>2366123
Well, yes. Just saying, Colors is very much not remotely 'human' nowadays either.

>>2366073
>> Princess, a St. Bernard still growing into herself with a tendency to jump on people.

>>2366126
>We really don't want
Speak for yourself, it will make your argument much more palatable. And nowhere did Vox say its agressive against all animals.

>>2366073
>> Fido. No, really, it's on his collar and everything. A black lab, Fido doesn't get on well with other dogs but seems to like people just fine.

>>2366126
All these dogs are too old to properly be socialized now and it's going to be an uphill battle.

Except this is make-believe, so just pick whatever thematic fluff seems best to you.

Personally I would go for Gwen, the corgi/husky mix except people probably think of it as a "small dog" 5-8lb when it's likely more mid-range dog size and not a yappy shit.

But since people are already committing to Princess vs. Fido there's no hope there.

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>>2366073
Actually as this is probably the most unimportant vote ever I'll vote

> Gwen

Corgi/Husky! The tiny terror to the town!

>>2366073
Changing my vote >>2366178 to

> Gwen, a Corgi/Husky mix abandoned by her previous owners. High energy, but small.

Following mah dreams.

>>2366178
To be fair, my dog is like 20 pounds and still barks a bunch. Terriers man

>>2366193
Can I convice you to change your vote then?

>>2366193
Come on, if you can't vote 3rd party IRL it's still possible here!

>>2366073
>Fido. No, really, it's on his collar and everything. A black lab, Fido doesn't get on well with other dogs but seems to like people just fine.

>>2366126
Y'know what, I'll go ahead and switch

>Gwen, a Corgi/Husky mix abandoned by her previous owners. High energy, but small.

too. It's not like high-energy is a problem for us, we walk everywhere anyway.

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>>2366448
AWYEAH WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOP WOOOOOOOO RHINGS ARE LOOKING GOOD FOR GWEN!

Build the hype!

>>2366110
Come onnn switch to Gwen!

>>2366073
>> Princess, a St. Bernard still growing into herself with a tendency to jump on people.

>>2366688
Prepare to be buried under ALL THE DOG.

>>2366756
not if everyone keeps changing votes, or keeps voting for the lab....

I realize it's a little thing but in the future could I ask y'all to link to your original vote when changing votes? IDs do mean I don't technically need it but it DOES make my life easier to live.

>>2366772
It'll work out if enough people vote for Gwen.

>>2366650

If I were voting for a dog I'd actually get to /see/ on a regular basis, I'd vote Gwen in a heartbeat, because corgi/husky mixes are amazingly adorable. But since the one big benefit of her is lost due to the medium, I'm voting for what I think will make our lives (IC for Colors, and OOC for our voting purposes) smoothest and easiest.

>>2366814
Dude it doesn't matter mechanically I'm sure. It's just fluff. Go with your heart. Embrace your Spring.

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>>2366756
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUf-4VNeF2A

>>2366621
>>2366650
I'm sorry, but I can't help but imagine pic related when I read your posts.

>>2366868
Purest of puppers

>>2366868
Just saying the last thing Colours needs is a codependent dog.

Wasn't that the main reason to get a recycled dog?

>>2366814
But if we get Gwen we can call her QUEEN CORGWENEVERE. (And have it fit, given where that originally comes from and also where the stories about corgis being used as fairy mounts are from.)

>>2366874
right, I can't help but imagine that scene in The Fly 2, where said dog is recycled.

>> Fido. No, really, it's on his collar and everything. A black lab, Fido doesn't get on well with other dogs but seems to like people just fine.

I'ma let this run until 8. Currently if I have it right - and please correct me if I don't 'cause my counts may be off - we're at:

> Gwen: 2
> Fido: 5
> Princess 3

>>2366073
Well, since this is clearly the most important vote in the quest, I guess I might as well weigh in.
> Gwen, a Corgi/Husky mix abandoned by her previous owners. High energy, but small.

>>2367014
>Princess

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>>2367025
> Well, since this is clearly the most important vote in the quest

Look man I'm not saying I still get flashbacks to the Soaring Song vote & aftermath, but I still get flashbacks to that vote & aftermath.

Plus, y'know, the last time I ended up doing what I thought was a cute pet vote it ended up being pic related so fuck it, I'll give it extra time if I wanna.

Aight, called, writing. Fido by a nose.

At least I've got experience with owning a lab mix.

>>2366814
We could have had Gwen but you made a "strategic" vote and we got the Trump dog.

Booooooooooooooo.


Boooooooo.

You didn't shoot with your heart, and betrayed the face of your father.

*Furiously shitposts off into strange lands*

But seriously it doesn't matter. A dog is a dog.

>>2367042
It still baffles me that the whole soaring song vs crescendo thing blew up like it did because not only is it fairly unimportant but they also mean the same goddamn thing.

>>2367107
People give too much of a fuck about having it be THEIR headcanon.

I am disappointed people voted here for "mechanical" reasons.

>>2367098
>the Trump dog

...The /what/ now?

> I am disappointed people voted here for "mechanical" reasons.

How is voting for what I think will make Colors' life smoother and easier "mechanical"?

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>>2367184
Point. You should have voted for the doggo you liked best.

I can't deny I'm a little salty, we picked the most basic bitch of basic bitch dogs, a fucking lab. A lab NAMED DOG

ah well I'm sure he'll be the goodest boy

>>2367195

And since I love the personality and affection of retrievers (like the labs and goldens my family has had since before I was born), that's exactly what I did.

>>2367079
> I'll wait until 8 to post

> It's 7:30 now

Please use hours remaining, because this was confusing and I waited until I would be back at the same computer before voting since I also remember the shitposting and accusations of samefagging from the last time we picked something like this.

> Gwen

I would have been here to tie it up.

>>2367366
St. Bernard would have been best.

But it's not like there are any bad choices. Just bad dog owners.

Hey, at least since Dog doesn't like other Dogs, it'll keep us from slutting it up with Cherry. Easily worst girl so far.

> Vicky jealousy intensifies though.

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>>2367373
> Hey, at least since Dog doesn't like other Dogs, it'll keep us from slutting it up with Cherry. Easily worst girl so far.
I don't know, it be cool to put an end to our little grudge by fucking her into submission.

Also, foxes are the best.

>>2367497
Objectively wrong and objectively correct statements are both present in your post.

Also pretty sure Colors is the sub, so . . .

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>>2366073
After some time spent playing with all the dogs ever, which Misery patiently indulges, you spend some one-on-one time with a short list of recommendations. You've played with Buddy and Gwen before, both of them eager (Gwen was taught at some point in her life to roll over and wiggle around if you yell 'Fight me' in a cute voice) but not quite speaking to you. Princess, a relatively new arrival, has good prospects on adoption and is also fucking huge, and you regretfully give her a pass after realizing that you might not have a living space sized for her to exist in.

And then there's Fido. He'd come in off the street, having escaped from his house - well, presumably - and been attacked by alley dogs. No owners ever claimed him. He still has scars on his muzzle and neck, but he's always been very sweet with you and happy to see people.

You're a good forty minutes into spending time with Fido (he plays a solid tug o' war game) when you jolt at Misery's hand on your shoulder. "I think you've made your decision," the Lord of December suggests. "You will need to rearrange your sculptures though."

"Yeah," you agree, with a distant laugh. "He really wags that tail. I think I like him. He's a survivor. Still ready and willing to be happy despite...everything...y'know?"

"Oh yes. I know." Misery looks down at Fido and makes a low barking sound. Fido sits attentively and boofs back. You look between the two of them as the conversation goes down, the solemn King of Winter speaking in modest barks and expressive body language, and Fido replying in kind. It would look totally insane if it weren't for the gentle snowfall around Misery giving away his use of magic.

"What happens now?" you ask, after the conversation ends in Fido licking your cheek.

"Paperwork. And a shopping trip, I think. You did bring money?"

"I brought money."

>>2367651
> Misery Monroe and a black lab barking back and forth at each other.
Beautiful.

>>2367765
> Misery Monroe and a Corgi/Husky barking back and forth at each other.

I imagine Gwen to be full of optimism to his dourness.

> Not just getting two dogs.

>>2367814
>> Not just getting two dogs.
Why. Why not give one dog all the attention it deserves.

>>2367870
> Not just getting 4 dogs

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>>2367651
You should probably pay more attention to the actual proceedings than you are but Misery instructed you to bring Fido to the front desk and is chatting with the receptionist there while you rub the lab's ears and otherwise make a damn fool of yourself lavishing this dog with love. He wags his tail and licks your face whenever he gets the chance, making you laugh and shy away.

"She's like a kid," you hear the receptionist comment. You look up to see the woman leaning over the counter with a twinkle in her eye and a big smile.

"It's time, Colors," Misery prompts. "I'm sure Fido can endure a brief moment with your attention elsewhere." You stand, with the grace to look at little embarrassed, but you can't muster actual shame; Fido immediately puts his nose in the small of your knee, making you giggle.

Misery holds up one set of papers. "These are the adoption forms," he explains. "I would suggest you read them carefully to yourself. Either of us can answer questions, though the process is fairly straightforward. I have covered the appropriate fees in the interest of your magical education."

The receptionist thankfully lets that one go.

"What's the other set?" you ask, nodding at a different, handwritten sheet of paper next to the Lord of December. In answer, he hands it to you.

'In furtherance of peace between the two peoples and in honor of the deep and lasting friendship between the tribes of Man and Dog, I, the undersigned, do hereby formally enter into the pacts of Fang and of Talon forged and spoken in honor of Canines and agree to abide by the strictures and benefits thereof.'

"I never signed anything like this with Glass," you murmur. "...Or with Summer or Spring, not exactly."

"Every Contract is different, and everyone learns them differently. I have a preference for physical reminders, especially for pacts that are not...kin, to oneself," Misery explains. "You've spent time coming to understand this Contract and its signatories. You need merely sign and commit yourself. Blood is traditional." Misery takes a case from his suit pocket, a small thing that contains a sharp-tipped fountain pen.

You nod, prick your finger, and sign your given name on the line. There is a rising swirl of Mantles between you and Misery; flower petals scatter from you and frost over, coating the floor in delicate shapes that crunch and tinkle when Fido hops up and snaps playfully at them.

Your Contracts of Fang and Talon (Canines) is active.

"You should talk to your dog."

Yes, you should the paper agrees, before it makes a soft barking sound. Misery rolls it into a loose scroll and ties it with twine. You nod, look at Fido, and offer up a shard of Glamour, which dances down his muzzle and makes him sneeze.

You know objectively that you're barking, but everything just sort of comes out...comprehensible.

>>2367998
> Ask what Fido translates to.

There's power in names.

>>2368011
It's latin. It means faithful.

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>>2367998
"They call me Colors, Fido. I'm going to take you home with me."

Fido barks eagerly. "House! I like houses!"

You laugh. "We have to go to the store first. There might be other dogs there."

Fido's ears droop, and he whines.

"You need food and toys, Fido," you remind him. "And I promise, after there will be children if you can behave."

"Children! I love children!"

You look at Misery. "He's definitely a dog."

"...Do y'all always do that?" the receptionist asks, looking between you and Misery.

"If we're lucky or clever," the Lord of December answers. "Now, the papers..."

* * * *

Being able to just talk to Fido was a great help at the store. You got him to keep his distance from other dogs while you acquired the essentials - wet and dry food, two leashes, thick rope toys for tug o' war, bones to chew, flea drops, vitamins. Fido's remarkably understanding about needing a leash, which you'd been worried about. Somehow you'd got this idea in your head that dogs hate leashes but he doesn't seem to mind.

"Are the children here?" Fido asks when you get home to drop the stuff off.

"Nope. The children are with my friend Vickie. Try not to wag your tail while I put this stuff away..."

He breaks two sculptures anyway, but you'd made your peace with that idea when you walked into the front door. You set the Contract you signed on your bedside table.

"How do you feel about buses?" you ask Fido, when you get the shards cleaned up and get back out of the house.

Wag-wag-wag.

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose. "You're gonna have to help me on the bus. I don't like buses."

Fido sits in your lap the entire time that you ride the bus. You shake the whole time, but it's bearable. You run your fingers through the fur of his neck to reassure yourself. The other riders give you strange and lasting looks, but you're used to that by now. It's not all the time that they just see someone made of glass, not even these days.

The walk from the bus stop to Vickie's church is relatively short, and here in the early afternoon the streets are relatively peaceful. Teens, still free of school in the declining Summer, go about their business with phones in hand or headphones blaring. A rumble in your stomach reminds you that you haven't had lunch yet.

You round the corner and catch sight of the building across the street, a thin brick thing wedged between a pair of offices. It was built by Baptists, earlier in New Avalon's history, and you're vaguely aware that Vickie was a member of some denomination of that or another before everything went down.

Vickie is out front, but so are other people. A young man in a suit, with close-cut hair and a pleading expression, an equally young woman in a sundress who stands behind him wringing her hands, and a kid who can't be more than five or six years old, holding a dinosaur toy and clinging to his mother's skirt.

>>2368015
I meant in dog, not doggerel.

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>>2368017
>>2368017
"Miss Reeds, reconsider. This church is my community, my home. The people in it look to me for guidance in these momentous times. Surely your father -"

"Don't you dare put my dad's name in your fuckin' mouth," Vickie snaps, her finger stabbing to point at the man's face. "You already know there's nothing you can do. This place is mine. Buzz off."

"Language, please, there are children present."

"Your kid's gonna need to know 'fuck', Reverend," Vickie growls. "You're still on my steps."

You put a hand on Fido's head and feel him get less tense. He stays at your side, alert and with eyes on the confrontation.

"What did we ever do to you?" the Reverend asks. "Is there no other way for you to serve these children you're helping?"

"You took what's mine. Now it's mine again." Stormclouds roil off of Vickie, forming from the burning steam of her Summer mantle and dark with lightning. "And it'll be mine until the day I die."

"This is a house of God -"

"You tell God to come take it from my cooling fucking corpse if he thinks he's hard enough!" Vickie screams at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing off the buildings, raw with hate. Her hands have drawn back into her sleeves, where she keeps her knives.

> "Vickie!"
> "Reverend!"

>>2368021

> "Vickie!"

That ain't who she wants to be anymore

>>2368021
>> "Vickie!"

>>2368021
> "Vickie!"

>>2368021
What tone are we shouting "Vickie!" in?

I imagine it's a short sharp bark.

>>2368021
Bork! Bork!

This is probably a small betrayal.

But she needs to leeaaarrrrnnn shit.

She also has noted control issues. Even if this whole situation was some kind of clever scheme.

>>2368043
I mean.

Murder is going a touch too far nowadays.

Oh fuck there's probably a "Fetch's Rights" group saying that if the Lost are citizens so are their Fetch's.

Something something people are people not things that can be owned something something Fetch Lives Matter.

>>2368021
> "Vickie!"
Vickie, you can be better than that. You have it in you to be a hero.

>>2368049
ehhhhhh maybe like a classical Greek hero.

>>2368021
> "Vickie!"

Lookit us training two bitches today.

>>2368054
Classy.

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>>2367576
> Objectively wrong and objectively correct statements are both present in your post.
But which is which?
If you disagree about the fox part, I'm afraid we can't be friends.

>>2368021
>> "Vickie!"

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>>2368066
Clearly the fox part is objectively correct.

Owls are superior to both though.

>>2368021
>"REVEREND!"

There are more Gods than this one, and there are many houses devoted to him. This one belongs to Other Gods now.

Vickie isn't the one pitching a shitfit here. Let's not reprimand her for someone else starting things, even if she looks like she's preparing to escalate.

>REVEREND!

> "Reverend!"

I wanna see where this goes.

>>2368021
>Vickie!
>>2368222
>reverend is responding calmly
>Vickie is yelling at the top of her lungs and is about to stab him
It's pretty clear who is pitching the shitfit here anon, idk what you're reading

>>2368222
It goes to Stabtown because that's when happens when a darlings knives come out.

Remember our drunken talk about Mortals with her?

>>2368213
>>2368280

Dudes she doesn't posture people are going to get stabbed. Fuck if our dog goes to protect the boy she might stab our dog

>>2368021

> "Vickie!"

>>2368390
Vickie doens't need us tro berate her. she needs to be distracted so that she doesn't explode. But the reverend is clearly escalating by not getting off of someone else's property. she's been asked to leave, multiple times. So shouting at the reverend warns her she's in danger, distracts vickie without makign ehr the bad guy, and acompkishes the goal of not lettign anyone die horribly .

Also, I'm personally biased agaisnt religious people, but that's besides the point. Or maybe it is the point.

We simply need to remind the reverend that a community is a people and not a building, and that faith is meaningless if not tested.

>>2368048
There is a real argument to be made for fetches lives mattering. Seeing as they usually aren't even aware of their status.

As well as. you know. being people.

Also, unless the courts are ''retarded'' they will never talk about or mention fetches.

>>2368390
He's also deliberately pushing her buttons and then trying to make her look like the bad guy for getting upset when he brings her painful family shit up.

As far as this -

>>2368395
You'll notice that there are exactly fuck-all votes for not interfering at all. Yelling at the Reverend ALSO interrupts things so she doesn't stab people. Without, importantly, making her out to be in the wrong for not giving into whatever is being insisted on here.

Which, y'know. That's the other thing. We're implicitly declaring support for whoever we intervene for, and right now, my sympathies lie with the person we actually know.

>>2368410
Vickie is the one who told us she doesn't want to be a person whose plans are all variations of stabbing people anymore.

She's letting herself down by acting this way. The Reverend is being a prick yeah but you don't get to stab people for being pricks.

Our Motley Path obliges us to aid and protect her, and right now she's a bigger threat to herself than the Reverend is.

You think she's going to be okay with how she acted later? We call out to Vickie first to calm her down because she's the person we care about.

THEN we go after the Reverend.

>>2368412
It's possible to show solidarity as a means of supporting the people you care about anon. If we yell at her, she might think it's because we';re judging her, which is not what we want to demonstrate.

On the other hand, if we do get the "VICKIE" vote instead, it can be construed that as a knight, we are taking up her banner and defending her from the reverend. It works both ways. The difference is in how Vickie herself perceives us interfering. One judges her, one judges the reverend.

>>2368410
>pushing her buttons and trying to make her look like the bad guy
Uhh if someone says mean things to you and you stab them you are definitely the bad guy anon
>>2368402
I see your plan, and i can respect it while disagreeing with it. Seems a bit too emotionally roundabout for straightforward Colors

>>2368021
>> "Vickie!"

>>2368021
>Indeed. Stop Vickie from doing something regretable. Then tear that guy a new ass.

>>2368436
Vickie straight up asked us to judge her.

>>2368574
this

Called, tallying, writing.

>>2369303
Sure you are.

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>>2369346

>>2369356
Well screw me then.

>>2369346
Delivery on Saturday.

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>>2368021
This needs to not happen. Virgo flashes through your mind, along with the sight of Vickie's brutal fight against the Bloody Wing. She's fast, maybe too fast to stop herself if she gets going, and this isn't the person she said she wants to be.

"Vickie!" Fido barks once along with your yell; the Contract has worn off, evidently, but the dog's deep woof is authoritative without being frightening.

Your friend's hand motions become whole-arm motions, ending in her hands stuffed deep in her pockets; the Reverend and his family completely miss her brief jolt of surprise and shame when they turn to look at you.

You briefly look both ways before crossing the street; you wrap Fido's leash around your wrist, just once, but he seems down with the vibe you're projecting. "You don't have to yell, Vickie," you continue, keeping your eyes on hers. "You're scaring the kid."

The Darkling's eyes flick down to where the Reverend's son is hiding behind his mother, shaking in fear, and her face softens, falling along with her sagging shoulders until she's a sickle of shame. "...Sorry," she mutters. "Wasn't a call for that."

The young man clears his throat. "I just hoped we could talk this out, Miss Reeds. I -"

You tap him on the shoulder and shake your head. "Reverend...?"

"Jameson. Greg Jameson. And if I recall from the news, you're Miss Eriksdotter?"

"Dame Eriksdotter," you correct, absently. "You're trespassing on private property after you've been asked, then told, to leave. If this was your home, or even your church, I'm pretty sure you'd be upset too. I think it's time you left. The people who have come to rely on you don't need to do it inside these walls."

"Perhaps you could mediate?" the Reverend's wife proposes, hope in her eyes. Vickie tenses up, at the top of the steps.

"I don't think so," you answer, as kindly as you can. "Vickie's my friend. This is her home. And it is not open to you or yours."

For a long moment nothing happens; you stare at the Reverend, he meets your gaze, and his wife hugs their son close. Then, without a word, he sighs and walks away, leading his family towards an old sedan.

The moment they pull away, Vickie punches the front door with a frustrated growl. Her hand comes away with bloody knuckles; she winces and sucks on them for a moment before tucking it into her pocket.

"I wasn't gonna get him," Vickie mutters.

"What were you reaching for, Vick?" you ask. With a sheepish expression, not quite meeting your eyes, she shakes her sleeve and drops her father's cross from it; it stops short on its chain, wrapped around her arm.

"It helps. When I'm upset. Thanks for having my back, Colors. What's the deal with the dog, that lunch?"

Fido barks happily while you scowl. "No, he's my dog. I promised him we'd come see kids, and I know you've been working with the Wonderlanders."

"Oh, fuck me then. Sorry Fido, didn't mean to - does he understand me?"

"Not even a little."

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>>2369580
Vickie offers her hand out for Fido to sniff; he smells her fingers, then licks the tips. The Darkling flickers a ghostly smile. "I really hate that limp-wristed mother fucker," she murmurs. "I really, honestly fuckin' do. Dad...Dad ruined his life trying to live up to the Big Man, you know. I already told you we lost the church after we pushed to help the needy when this fucking town would rather bury its problems. Reverend Jameson there snapped it up for some New Age youth ministry bullshit, some fuckin' soft-ass shit." She rubs Fido's head gently, keeping her voice low so she doesn't startle him; he sits after a moment, basking in the attention. "Prayer circles. Bible studies. Nothing acts from a nothing man for nothing people. People wanna be saved while they sit on their asses and watch the world rot. And here's this asshole, pushing their chairs in a circle so they can jerk each other off about it."

You take a deep breath.

> Vick, you were gonna get him. I don't think we're gonna move forward on this until you admit that.
> You don't have to worry about it, Vick. Let's just go inside.
> Why do you care? You abandoned your faith.
> Write-in?

>>2369589
> You don't have to worry about it, Vick. Let's just go inside.

>>2369589
> You don't have to worry about it, Vick. Let's just go inside.
>But really, you were gonna get him. Let's acknowledge that and move on.

>>2369603
I'd rather ask her if she was really in control than just telling her she wasn't.

Or ask if she was okay with us intervening.

But you know. Elemental.

>>2369607
Y'know, sometimes I wonder what kind of changeling would someone end up as if they've been turned into cheese while in the Fae realms.
They would be an Emmenthal.

>>2369589
>You don't have to worry about it, Vick. Let's just go inside.

>>2369589
> You don't have to worry about it, Vick. Let's just go inside.

>You don't have to worry about it, Vick. Let's just go inside.

>>2369614
Actually, that's pretty close. Mannequins are a subtype of Elemental encompassing those who were turned into something of human making.

>>2369707
Emmental is a type of swiss cheese.

>>2369782
Yes, I'm aware. I was just dropping in that the joke was actually fairly accurate too.

>>2369607
>But you know. Elemental.
Experience and long observation can replace empathy. Colers knows (literally!) Vicky enough to ask her these questions.

>>2369985
It's quite tactless right now. We can talk about it later over celebratory drinks.

>>2371025
>It's quite tactless right now
It isn't. You might want to back your claim with actual arguments.

although the first qestion can be dropped. Maybe she was just going to touch objects that make her comfortable (knives or not) to focus and calm herself down.

>>2372694
I'm sorry. You want to accuse her right after she told us she was going for her cross? The situation just defused. We don't even really need to bring it up, because she didn't lose control. Almost. But she didn't. Because we intervened.

I'm not sure how to explain that it's common courtesy. She said it was the cross.

We COULD ask her what she planned to do if they kept refusing. If they really do have a claim it will be awkward if they go to a lawyer. Stabbing doesn't work.

I am more curious what her plan was, how she thought it would go.

> Back up an opinion on social mores with in quest facts

Seriously that retort doesn't even make sense. But like I said, she didn't go for her knife but her cross. Or maybe she wasn't going to, but accusing her of lying to us is rude.

Gonna make an effort to post tonight. However, it's gonna be late-late; hitting a movie directly after work, which means I may not be back until 11 PM EST or later. Votes remain open.

As always, questions, comments, discussion, feedback, and criticisms remain welcome and appreciated.

Thank you all for reading and participating!

>>2372719
>accusing
>accusing

Show me where I used that word. I didnt. I poposed asking her one neutral non-accusatory question You seem to have a incredibly hard time with any of you opinions being challenged ,so you go all Cathy Newman on me ?

>>2373008
Looking back, you didn't actually vote for anything. So I assumed you were talking about the only vote that wasn't just to move on which was here >>2369603 and is totes being a cunt.

I honestly wouldn't easily believe you aren't that person at this point.

>>2373606
To be fair, while that vote IS kind of dickish, I don't think that they're the same person. Indonesian Gentleman's been around since DLQ, and doesn't seem the type to have set up a second ID just for shit-stirring. (Nor is his writing style that similar to this guy's.)

>>2373648
Oh hey I actually didn't even look to see if there was a name. Just went by ID.

Yeah you're probably right then.

>>2373648
Also who TF is Cathy Newman or should I not care?

>>2373696
You say that like I would know.

>>2373829
Apparently an English newscaster?

This clears up nothing.

>>2374177
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/909719/Jordan-Peterson-free-speech-destroys-cathy-newman-channel-4

>>2377152
Take that political bullshit somewhere else. I'm not reading a hugbox article from either side, and definitely not from Britain where you can tell how someone votes by whatever garbage they choose to read.

This isn't the place for that kind of shitposting. Go back to /pol/.

>>2378452
>Hurr who is sne ?
>Oh I got the answer i asked but now I'm backpedaling
>go back to /pol while I bash Britain

You're only digging a deeper grave for yourself.

>>2378452
>>2378927
How about you two go get a /r/oom. ;O

>>2379726
I'm done feeding the troll.

Called, writing. Thread got weird there. Sorry for the absence but I had the chance to spend quality time with other human beings in my physical presence so I took it.

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>>2369589
"They're not your problem, Vick. Let's just go inside."

"Did you just miss the bit where he was here on my steps?" Vickie asks, still petting your dog.

"His churchgoers are not. Your. Problem. You don't have to worry about them. Worry about you for a little while, alright? And then tell Arthur you're getting static. Let's go inside."

Vickie sighs in exasperation. "Alright, alright, fuckin' fine. Cute dog, incidentally.What's his name?"

"...Vick, you called him by his name," you point out.

"I called him Fi - you named your dog Dog?"

"I didn't!"

The front door opens, spilling rock music out into the streets and admitting a familiar voice and shock of lime-green hair, freshly dyed so as not to show brunette roots: "Hey boss lady, you still talking to that ass -" the young punk catches sight of you and her tone instantly drops to the deepest pit of Hell it can find. "Oh. It's you."

"Yeah, it's Colors," Vickie scolds. "You wanna start shit or you wanna be a good hostess? She brought a dog and everything."

The punk looks down; Fido looks up at her and wag-wag-wags his tail. "Ugh. Fine, come in, whatever. Hope you dressed to work."

"I do everything in armor," you admit. "You're looking well, Miss...?"

"Mary," the punk answers. She rolls her eyes and waves you in before slipping inside of Vickie's new home.

Truly holy places - magic circles, temples, churches, libraries - have a certain feeling you've come to recognize, the sign of higher wisdom and of the respect, love, and faith lavished upon them. As you follow Vickie into her church, you do not get that feeling; the feeling you do get is that you've managed to intrude on this building when it is, for lack of a better mental image, dressing.

You were expecting pews, an altar, the usual affair, but instead the various Wonderlanders and a couple of Autumn's youngbloods are busily at work in the front room, stripping up what's left of the carpet (most of it is in rolls bound tight and leaned against the wall). There is an ongoing argument about how to assemble some IKEA furniture going on; a street boy, way more cleaned up than the last time you saw him, is sweeping the newly revealed hardwood floor.

A short Wizened guy, swirling with Autumn dust, eats a sandwich while he sits on top of an inactive floor waxer.

"Might as well turn the dog loose," Vickie proposes. You scratch Fido behind the ears and offer up a shard of laughter to Fang and Talon.

You lose 1 glamour

Various nearby kids look directly at you when you bark. "I promise you kids, here's kids. Go make friends."

Fido woofs happily when you unclip his leash. "New friends! They will pet me!"

"So what brings you here?" Mary asks in acid tones. Vickie's Mantle crack-booms with thunder, and you put a hand on her shoulder. Your Darkling friend scowls and mutters something about a drink.

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>>2380335
"I came to see my friend. And all of you," you add. "I do like Vickie."

"Yeah, well, she's easy to like," Mary dismisses. "Helps to keep busy until school starts again."

"What's...up with that, incidentally?" you ask slowly. Your stomach lets out a massive growl, at which Vickie raises her eyebrows.

"Kitchen," the Darkling orders.

"Everyone else is working -"

"Colors, you are a guest, in my home. You know from last time that I will straight-up pin you to the floor, open your stomach up, put food fucking inside it, and then sew you shut. Or we can go eat. Mary, you're coming with."

"Why the fuck am I -"

"Because you're not being the person Mister Rogers knows you can be," come Vickie's whispered reprimand. "Now get in the fucking kitchen and talk to my friend."

You leave Fido to distract the teens that are theoretically working ("I'll be in the kitchen, it's this way." "Yes!") and follow Vickie into exactly the kind of kitchen you were expecting; relatively small, mostly counter space, with a fridge not sized for the meals it's supposed to create. Rec center kitchens are the same damn way. Your Darkling friend kicks the fridge door on her way past to grab some butter knives, unsurprised by the way it opens in response, and sets to work creating ham sandwiches with all the trimmings.

"Talk," Vickie prompts, without looking up.

"She doesn't have to talk to me," you protest.

"She damn well does. Y'know, Mary, I was the one that locked you up just before that fight and yet you're not mad at me. You aren't being fair to Colors. She saved your life."

Mary folds her arms across her chest and blows a strand of lime green hair out of her eyes. "Yeah, well...thanks, for that. Vickie was pretty explicit about what happens when...when it happens."

> You don't sound convinced
> I'm honestly curious, what brings YOU here? I thought the Valks were trying to find new guardians for everyone?
> So...redecorating, huh?
> Write-in?

>>2380369
> "Because you're not being the person Mister Rogers knows you can be,"

And are YOU being that person lately, Vickie?

> Write-in?

It's not all bad . . . which makes it even worse. It should be as ugly from the outside as the inside.

> Do you think I'm pretty?

Share our own story. But like. In the sense that everything good was bought and paid for and we didn't get to set the price and it was too damn high. No matter what price someone thinks they'll pay, the Lords and Ladies find a way to take more than you ever thought you had, more than you ever thought you were and as for finding it again . . . well, we're called the Lost, not the Found.

>>2380335
> "I called him Fi - you named your dog Dog?"
This is why I ultimately voted for Gwen. We are never going to hear the end of this.

>>2380369
> You don't sound convinced

>>2380369
Holyshit vox you pulled out the Mr. Rogers, that's fucking cold

>>2380393
>> I'm honestly curious, what brings YOU here? I thought the Valks were trying to find new guardians for everyone?

>>2380369
>> I'm honestly curious, what brings YOU here? I thought the Valks were trying to find new guardians for everyone?

Jeopardy Filk, Vickie Edition? Seems like we've seen enough of her (heh) there's enough to turn tune to.

>>2380435
At least we didnt call him Fidog

>>2381015
I keep reading this and I still have no idea what you're talking about. Can I get a translation to layman's terms?

>>2380591
>>2380369
This person linked my post by mistake

Called, writing.

NEW THREAD

>>2383230
>>2383230
>>2383230
>>2383230