Arc II: Mushroom [Elisha, Emory, Alou, & Reverie]

to be formatted later

elisha || juni11/23/2020

The loss of Emory's alchemy supplies had pressed the importance of using what they had, while they had it. Elisha had held onto his own kit, blessedly, but repeatedly they seemed to be experiencing a loss of resources. It would be a blessing to earn a wage, hopefully soon after their second recovery. In the meanwhile, he hoped to get some practice, do some exploration, and maybe recover some supplies or even a few coppers for their efforts. So deep in thought about the to-do list for the day, he forgot to knock before simply bursting into Emory's chambers. "Emory~ How did you sleep? Hopefully good, because we're going out."

[3:59 AM]

@emory || ohyou

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

Startling at Elisha suddenly bursting in, then immediately relaxing when he realised who it was, Emory gave a sigh and turned back to his book. "I slept just fine in my own bed-" then he paused, glancing back at Elisha with a raised brow, "We're going out? Where? Does someone need something?" He eventually gave in, snapping the tome shut before shuffling about his room to tug on his boots and grab his things.

elisha || juni11/23/2020

In my own bed. The pointed remark didn't escape Elisha, and he equally pointedly ignored the jab in it. "I can't wait until we really do have our own beds." He sighed, leaning against the door frame to wait for Emory to prepare. "Anyways, I figured it's about time I showed you some Alchemy, but we need supplies to do so." He took his own mask from his belt, tying it on as Emory pulled on boots. "I figured we could forage at the edge of town, and barring that, spend a coin as a last measure resort." They did also have a few pomegranates among them-- it would be interesting to try distilling those, but he also didn't want to waste those in demonstration nor practice.

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

"Hm, I feel like that will still be a little while... And the likes of Keon is going to be unhappy with the actual quality of living we're going to be able to afford," he grumbled into his mask as he put it on. Flapping his arms a little awkwardly to show he was ready, Emory headed towards the door.  The sorcerer definitely seemed to lose a little bit of his salty mood at the prospect of learning and going on a little adventure. "...A shame we decided to this after we gave up our supplies," he sighed, "We really should have given that more thought when we were shopping, oh well."  "Maybe I can pick up some spell components whilst we're at it~" Emory mused as he stepped out, closing his door behind him, looking expectantly to Elisha to lead the way.

elisha || juni11/23/2020

That was a thought. They'd probably end up splitting rooms again, wouldn't they. He wondered faintly if Lee would continue to tag along, playing babysitter. Could you make a cat pay rent? "Likely a good idea." Elisha didn't waste any time setting off, taking Emory's hand as he did so. They practically had to cross the whole town to return to the outskirts again, though luckily this meant any stop on the return trip would be along the way. It was only near the fringes when Elisha pulled Emory into a small and empty alley way. "Could you provide just a little bit of darkness, please?" He asked quietly. Though the street was empty and the daylight was... well, not a thing, you never knew who was at windows. "Alou will be much more helpful to you." This was, if Elisha was to be honest, probably the biggest reason he had put this off. Hard to make this not awkward.(edited)

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

Emory was still completely unaware of the Lee situation, he was worrying just about the party sharing a house, never mind their babysitter.  He allowed Elisha to take his hand, slowly threading their fingers together. As they walked through the streets, Emory took in the sights, his mind beginning to wander - where was it his father stayed? Where did he work? Was there a bar or restaurant he liked to visit after his work was done? He tried to imagine the tiefling man walking ahead of him, before Elisha snapped him out of it and dragged him into an alley way.  "Darkness...? Alright," Emory murmured in confusion, letting out a long exhale as he closed his eyes - tension leaving his body, as did the shadows within. The alley suddenly darker, the sorcerer smiled at Elisha, "Like this? Or do you need me to actually cast magical Darkness? You won't be able to see- Wait, Alou? Who? Why would he be more helpful?"

elisha || juni11/23/2020

"You're beautiful..." Elisha didn't mean to breathe out the comment, but watching Emory unfold his essence was wonderful. Shadows he had thought were sterile and cold at first, but they had an intimacy to them that could be almost smothering. Seeing Emory use them in battle the other day, inflicting careless damage from afar, had only been gulfed by Shiloh's sheer sudden savagery with the blade. He laughed softly at Emory's stream of questions, then put a finger to his lips to shush him. The change bled through his veins like a warmth, and his amused appreciation bubbled into something more like delight.  "C'est moi...!" A pause, and then a sheepish laugh. His voice was softer, the sounds rounded out and deeper. Alou flushed and removed his finger. "Allo, Emory. I, euh, am... much better with the work." He explained reluctantly. Then, as if to redirect the attention, he hastily added, "I like your magic. Shall we move along...?"

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

The compliment caused Emory and his shadows to falter for a moment, then there was a finger to his lips. And then suddenly, a taller beautiful man with a delightful soft and deeper voice. Oh no, was Emory going to have feelings for every single one of Elisha's personas?  "...Hello, Alou. Yes, let's get going," he sheepishly replied, glancing down to Alou's hand. What was the etiquette here...? Emory was holding Elisha's just a moment ago, but would it be a bit too forward with Alou? He sighed, and simply let his hands rest at his sides. He'll let Alou take the lead on that one. "What kind of things should we look for? Is there anything in particular we need, or is any old fungi or flora good enough?"

elisha || juni11/23/2020

"A-- ah, to be honest... I am nnnot familiarh with many of the plants 'ere." Alou moved to rub the back of his neck, then realized his hair was down and pulled it all to one side. Were things awkward, right now? He would know if Emory felt awkward, right? He knew Emory liked physical contact, but was that purely a romantic thing? He couldn't remember if he'd ever seen Emory hold hands with or even touch anyone else. Would he want to? Would it be better to ignore it, or better to pretend like he was Elisha? Should he ask? That would make things weirder if he said no, wouldn't it. And why hadn't he come better prepared? He could have-- no, should have-- looked up the local flora in the library before coming. Emory didn't have gloves, did he? Sure, Elisha could be flexible but the way he relied on everyone around him to improvise because he just wanted to see what they did had honestly gotten him into so much undue trouble-- "... But! A-anything we find, euh, would be good. Fungi, flora, and insects-- Just a small sample of anything we come across, and we can see what we 'ave found when we get back." Taste and smell were often good ways to navigate, but he was reluctant to have them eating copious varieties of mushrooms specifically. Things could also have delayed reactions. He tried and failed not to look too worried, and finally thrust out his elbow to Emory in a silent offer to hold it before setting off. The proximity was closer perhaps than handholding, but it was a more formal gesture, right?(edited)

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

Seeing the worried look on Alou's face, Emory gave him a pat-pat on his arm before reassuring him, "Don't worry, I won't go prodding or tasting things that I shouldn't. Ozul taught me how to take care when foraging for things. I also learned the hard way as a child."  He gave a little chuckle at himself, and seemed to relax upon seeing the offered arm. Slipping his own through Alou's, Emory glanced up to the other, "I have a question about your... personas. If you don't mind me asking."

elisha || juni11/23/2020

Ah, that was right. Emory had been on his own, as a child. Somehow, Alou managed to look even more concerned. He wanted to ask about that... but they would have plenty of time getting to know each other today. "Mais non, you can ask me anything. I... will try to answer, if I know." That wasn't always guaranteed. Certain insights came easier to some parts of him, he knew that at least.

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

"Just... do you all have the same thoughts, likes, dislikes... opinions? And if I say something to you, does that mean Elisha and Venn also hear it? I'm just curious about how what it is you all share, really," Emory asked, watching Alou's expression closely. He wanted to ask something more personal - but this at least is a start.

elisha || juni11/23/2020

"I am only one personne at a time and our preferences vary. I do not like blood so much, par exemple. And... Elisha and Venn are not... ah, lurking? in the background." Alou glanced at Emory to see if the start of his explanation at least maked sense, but then quickly looked away when he realized how intently Emory was watching him, face flushing slightly. "We do not... cannot talk to one another, although per'aps Venn can guess 'ow any of us may feel or think quite easily. It is... a shift of the world, of feelings, and of opinion. And the further someone is from Venn, the more fabricated their distant memory... I think. Much of recent events are known, but I 'ave a more difficult time remembering them without 'aving been reminded, if I did not experience it myself. Also... sometimes it can break my immersion." He spoke slowly, as if he was trying to figure it out as he explained it. Alou bit his lip gently. "Actually, it makes me sad to think about, un peu." He shook his head, then smiled. "But it is a nice thought, to be made especially for someone."

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

Emory smiled as he watched Alou meet his gaze, and then quickly look away. Now this was different. "...You're more timid than Elisha, or Venn. It's cute," he commented, gently squeezing the arm he was holding onto. He was quiet whilst Alou continued to explain, giving a hum of thought.  "Who were you made for?" Emory asked next. "...And do you love me the same as Elisha or even Venn?" He paused, Venn had said that he did, right? This was all so confusing. "I mean, there is no pressure to. I won't be upset if not, we only just met, after all," Emory reassured Alou, coming embarrassed at his own forwardness. He couldn't claim every persona for himself now, could he? That seemed selfish. Then he hummed, did he have a claim on any of the others, really? Agreeing to let Elisha be the one to kill him wasn't exactly establishing a relationship of any sort. He'd think about that later.

elisha || juni11/23/2020

Alou stiffened a little and his blush reached his ears, but very clearly he tried not to smile and failed as Emory teased and complimented him in turn. He gave a hapless, half shrug at Emory's first question. "It would not be very genuine if I knew, I think. I just feel very nervous about it--! Aha..." His eyes flickered about the stony cave landscape that they traversed as Emory asked the more intimate and infinitely more confusing question, avoiding looking to the tiefling except to glance very briefly. His dark eyes were very intense, even if he did not mean them to be. "Ah, Emory... I can not speak for them but I do not think any of us can love you the same." Alou replied carefully. "We all probably love in different ways, too. I could be very fond of you, I think. But also, I do not want you to love me only because I am a part of him." He wilted slightly as he said this, but put his free hand on Emory's and hastily blurted out, "--but I do want you to be 'appy, and so..."

emory || ohyou11/23/2020

"Hm...! Curious, you'll have to tell me if you figure it out. You're very different from Elisha so it makes me curious," Emory mused - was it to win over someone that Elisha didn't get on with? Or someone who Elisha felt needed some... kinder interactions? He eventually joined Alou in looking about the scenery in search of something interesting to pick.  Alou's careful reply surprised Emory, but he understood. Emory laughed at how emotive the other was, and gave him a reassuring smile. "That's... actually a good point. Not loving you simply because I'm lumping you all together. That wouldn't be fair. I want you to be happy too, Alou. If you need help with anything, you can count on me- Ah! That's a pretty mushroom - it's probably going to be poisonous, right?" Emory trotted over to a faintly glowing mushroom.

elisha || juni11/23/2020

Emory reminded him of a flower-- the way the tiefling turned towards receptive company like it was light, and how he drank up attention like water and grew vibrant. It pulled at some desire in him to nurture even as Emory was promising to likewise help Alou-- and some of his nervousness eased to see Emory think aloud freely and laugh and smile. It did make him wonder what Emory sought in companionship. Was there a common factor Emory would find between them all, or would he too love different people for different reasons? Regardless, Alou took a deep breath and exhaled out his nerves-- yes, they did have a task at hand. "You want to be very cautious with mushrooms. But, friend or foe, either can be useful for us." The glowing he wasn't used to, but many of similar kinds were frequent in the city, so he tried not to be too apprehensive. "Rings around the stem, a bulb, or white gills... the frills there-- can be signs of poison. Red can mean toxins. If the flesh bruises or weeps right after cutting, it is potent." Feeling brave, he plucked the mushroom with a gloved hand, curious to see if it would stop glowing. "Could you cut me a small piece?"(edited)

November 24, 2020

emory || ohyou11/24/2020

Emory listened with the utmost attention, eyes trained on the mushroom, and Alou when he picked it. At the request, Emory gave a nod, conjuring shadow and shaping it into a blade with just a gesture of his hand. He could have just used his ordinary dagger, but he couldn't deny that he liked it when his magic ability was complimented. "Here we go..." Emory murmured, slicing into the mushroom with darkness, a fluid cut that removed  a bit of the top. "Is that enough? Oh, it's still glowing for now... I wonder what causes it?" He looked expectantly to Alou, completely absorbed in learning. It brought about a spell of nostalgia that caused warmth to bloom in his chest.(edited)

mozzarella water || rick bottom11/24/2020

 The cut is clean, but upon taking the removed segment, it pulls with it threads of thick, viscous goo. It flickers and dies immediately. 

emory || ohyou11/24/2020

"Oh, never mind. There it goes."

mozzarella water || rick bottom11/24/2020

 The mushroom t poses. "Bitch." 

elisha || juni11/24/2020

Alou is extremely intimidated by the mushr Alou couldn't help the small 'oh!' he uttered when Emory summoned the knife from shadows. It was such a useful thing to be able to do, and he wondered what the difficulty was for procuring a fine edge out of something practically insubstantial. If he could simply produce things like tweezers or pins from his own shadow, he imagined life would be so much easier. When the slice of mushroom's light went out, Alou blinked, brushing the hair out of his other eye as if to be sure he was seeing correctly. He'd always imagined bioluminescence to be a gentle thing-- chemical light was always faint, consistent, and gentle, like fireflies, normally blinking in and out with a gradual crescendo of luminescence. "These aren't conductive, are they?" He asked aloud, impulsively touching the goo with two gloved fingers so that he could observe the film and sniff it.

mozzarella water || rick bottom11/24/2020

 Smells weird, dude. 

elisha || juni11/24/2020

He. He tastes it. @mozzarella water || rick bottom

mozzarella water || rick bottom11/24/2020

 Bad idea. He's going to start feeling like there's a knife in his stomach in the next few minutes. 

emory || ohyou11/24/2020

"Alou-! Is that a good idea?!" Emory exclaimed, dark eyes wide with concern.

elisha || juni11/24/2020

Alou immediately wrinkled his nose at the taste of it- bitter to the point of burning. Or-- no. No that was definitely just burning. He spat to the side but the potency didn't diminish at all. "Ah, non. That.. That ees not good." His heart fluttered in both anxiety and embarrassment as the sensation spread. "Merde je savais que nous aurions dû chercher un livre--" he cursed and muttered rapidly under his breath, and then swallowed and coughed, dropping the mushroom. "We. We should go back." He said, faintly.

emory || ohyou11/24/2020

"O-oh no, that bad, huh?" Emory replied, shadow blade fading from his hand to reach over and support poor Alou. "Reverie might be able to help, at least tell us if you're doomed or not. Come on... oh, and are you... going to change back? Or can you not in this state?" Emory frowned at the prospect of telling Reverie who this was, and how they went out foraging without any knowledge or preparation first - then tasted a random mushroom. Oh dear.

elisha || juni11/24/2020

"Mon dieu, Reverie--" he did not appreciate the sensation of the persistent itching burn on his tongue, making it more difficult to talk, but the sudden strike of fear of realizing who they were going to have to go to almost overshadowed his fear of losing his tongue entirely. If her opinion of Elisha tanked entirely-- no, the only thing worse than Alou being embarrassed and scolded was Elisha and Emory being embarrassed and scolded. He held onto Emory. "Tell 'er-- you came out on your own, maybe to meet Beau, and found me." Just one foreigner helping another stupider foreigner. He stripped off both gloves inside-out, and shoved those and the mask on his belt into his bag. Then, feeling vulnerable, he faded the scar from the back of his left hand-- no using his magic without that, at least not easily. [feel free to time skip uOu]

mozzarella water || rick bottom11/24/2020

The path to the castle feels all too long, the burning sensation in Alou’s mouth never quite subsiding. In fact, it only grows worse, searing its way into his throat and causing tears to well in the corners of his eyes. There’s an odd taste upon his tongue. Like copper and iron; salt and rust. With Emory’s help, however, he's able to make it back to the palace in one piece.

emory || ohyou11/24/2020

"Are you sure you don't just want to tell Reverie the truth? You know, Darklings don't like lying and everything," Emory murmured to Alou, reaching to check his temperature as they waited. "The embarrassment can't be too bad, surely...? Than what lying to Reverie might result in." His brow was furrowed with worry and concern, he knew Alou was in great pain, but he didn't want anything else added to make the situation worse. "...Either way, I'll follow your lead."

elisha || juni11/24/2020

He hadn't been thinking, had he? If Emory felt uncomfortable or afraid of lying to their hosts, how could he even ask him to do that? Alou shook his head quickly, then immediately regretted it, coughing. He smiled thinly, wiping tears away. "I can-- barely talk, Em--" Another cough. "... I trust your judgement." He squeezed his arm, thankful for his assistance, and the two practically stumbled into Reverie's office.

mozzarella water || rick bottom11/24/2020

Reverie, per usual, is sitting at her desk and enjoying the brief reprieve from havoc when Alou and Emory come crashing into her office. It takes her a moment to realize the severity of the situation. She blinks once; twice. Then, without hesitation, yanks open one of her desk drawers, picks up what looks to be a small, moss-colored cube, and stomps over to her visitors. Reverie doesn't ask for permission, because she didn't eat the toxic mushroom. She grips Alou's face in one, ice-cold hand, and with the other, stuffs the cube unceremoniously into his mouth. "Emory," Reverie sighs, "go get a bucket. Scratch that-- make it two."

emory || ohyou11/24/2020

Emory startled and took a step back instinctively as Reverie marched towards them, nodding his head vigorously as he was ordered. "Two buckets, got it-" he replied sheepishly before fleeing the room in search of them.

elisha || juni11/24/2020

Alou let out a yelp of fear and surprise-- quickly muffled by whatever it was that Reverie had just fed him. He gagged but, obediently, managed to swallow it down. Buckets? Ah. He couldn't help the pitiful groan he let out, but knew that that was probably for the best-- it was difficult to feel thankful when his stomach was not only feeling shredded but also turning over in a way now, but he tried to focus on the fact that they should be lucky that Reverie was exactly equipped to deal.

November 25, 2020

emory || ohyou11/25/2020

Emory returned after a few minutes, having bothered a couple of servants asking where the cleaning cupboard was.  "I got them, Reverie- Here!" He hauled them in pathetically, dumping them by Alou's feet with a metallic thud. "This is, uh, one of Elisha's personas- he wanted to teach me some herbalism skills, and once again we underestimated this place. We're really sorry, we owe you big time-" the sorcerer rambled, the panic finally settling in now there was someone else in control of the situation.  "Please tell me he'll be alright...? I-I can go fetch anything else if you need!"