Dust to Dust

[Lesingnon]

The explanation sounded weak to his ears, and undoubtedly would to anyone the least bit knowledgeable about the Hedge. Just what kind of idiot did Tickle take him for? He took a half step closer to the wizened; cold winds of his mantle whipping through the air, filling the space between them with brilliant leaves and crackles of lightning. "Because it's so difficult for anyone to simply make a new one? I mean, how could a Fae ever find a doorway and a glimmer of glamour. How about we stop and consider that you went missing before Crunk broke his oath and brought the Ear here, that one of your figurines almost lead to a man's death before that incident as well? Your claims are ringing hollow..."

[Xerxia]

Xerxia lets the three Elementals handle the interrogation, opting to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Though it's not like she expects anything of the sort to occur, it's better to be safer than sorrier.

[Marcus Evan]

Tickle's bright red fur appears to stand on end at Rust's accusation. It also seems to pale slightly as he backs away from the Summer King's threat.

"Now, hold on... I didn't have nothing to do with that! I did what I could, but Harry's death wasn't my fault. I mean, it was one of those Gilded Thorn guys that killed him... not me."

Although his words are spoken to the metal lion, his gaze shifts to Rick as he speaks. His large, expressive eyes seem to focus on the golden points that peek out from the Legate's wispy feathers. While the others are speaking, Marcus rummages in his rucksack for the thing that had caught his attention earlier. Pulling the other tin soldier out, he shows it to the tiny craftsman.

"What about this, then? I found it in the gullet of the thing that poisoned the Singing Waters. How do you explain that... coincidence?"

I think not.

The Metalflesh tosses the insidious toy at Tickle's feet before crossing his arms and silently giving the sputtering Wizened the stink-eye.

"Oh... well, um... you see..."

Tickle turns just a tad maroon under Rick and Marcus' cross-examination. He's obviously becoming quite flustered under the imposing stares of the three Elementals. In the face of Rust's threat, Rick's logic, and Marcus' evidence, the bridge burner's expression slowly caves in resignation.

"Okay... okay... so, I might've tried to cut off the flow of Glamour by poisoning a few Hearts. I thought it would make this part of the Hedge undesirable and the Fae and Hobs would move on to greener pastures. How was I supposed to know how the Hedge would react? I mean, I was just trying to help."

A single tear rolls down his red fur, but is soaked up almost immediately.

"I really was just trying to keep us safe. I know I messed everything up. If it's any consolation, the Thorns have held me hostage within my own Hollow for the past few months. I couldn't find any way to escape until today, when most of the tougher Hedgewalkers left... I guess to go after you guys. I'm sure it's been completely overrun by now. My home... my workshop... my life's work... all gone."

[Rust Mane]

No, I'm the one your gonna fear

2011-04-15 01:48:09
Rust rolls 10 to Shut the Crap (10 Again, WillPower)
10, 8, 7, 10, 3, 2, 3, 1, 10, 2, 3, 10, 6, 1
5 successes

"Shut the crap asswipe."Summer roils, boils, or maybe Rust is just that deadly looking. He stands poised to due violence, even he isn't sure if he will actually act on the impulse. He hardly cares.
"Start from the beginning, explain what you did. Answer Rick's questions clearly and completely, and tell us how to clean up your shit."

[Lesingnon]

"Don't you dare try to compare me to that loyalist scum. He betrayed everything the Magi stand for when he sold himself out to the Fae." And he finds himself almost gaping in disbelief as Tickle continues. "How were you to know? How were you to know! The Hedge is ancient, it's always changing, no one has ever understood it! And you didn't stop to think that messing with it might have unforeseen consequences. Are you really that arrogant, or just that stupid?"

Some part of him noted the tear that disappeared into the Wizended's fur. But he couldn't quite bring himself to pity the Bridge Burner. Not now with the adrenaline still coursing through his veins, the reminder of what damage Tickle had wrought still fresh in his mind.

He finds himself pacing restlessly, glancing about the park. It was too open here, anyone could walk by and overhear. Which would be quite unfortunate. "We can't question him here. Any mortal could walk by. The Seasons will be more secure." Besides...he was beginning to find it a bit disconcerting that none of the text messages had been responded to.

[Marcus Evan]

Marcus nods in agreement. Rick is right. They should triumphantly return to the Autumn Monarch with the object of his Ash Run in tow. HAL will be so pleased. Looks like things are finally going smoothly for a change.

"Alright. We're off, then."

Keeping a firm grip on their furry little prisoner, Marcus glances at Rust and Xerxia as he leads the way to his jeep.

"Anyone need a ride?"

Tickle simply hangs his head as he is escorted by the metal man.

[Xerxia]

"I wouldn't mind one, Marcus," Xerxia replies, glad that she doesn't need to take the bus over there.

[Lesingnon]

"I'll catch a ride with you too, may as well go over in a group." And it'd let Terri take the car back to McKinley...or wherever she wanted to go to help take care of the various 'Lings rescued from the Hedge.

[CyledyrWyllt]

"Alright, then... we're off."

Marcus keeps a close eye on Tickle as the other Changelings pile into his Jeep. As he pulls out of the parking space, the Metalflesh gives Rick a glance in the rearview mirror that sums up what he is thinking at the moment.

What are we going to do with this sad, mad bastard?

Please continue in The Wrath of Winter.