(PrP TDoEW) Dreaming of Ethan Walsh

[Ram]

It had been several months since Ethan Walsh disappeared in the Hedge and there had been no sign of him since. In all likelihood the Wizened was dead or his trail gone so cold he would never be found. However, finding out what might have happened to Ethan Walsh was only part of the reason Ram had called Seraphina, Gerrit, and Cassandra Reeding and let them know he was ready to delve into his dreams. There was the chance that memories had been altered, poison left to corrode sanity, and most important of all… looking for peace of mind. For everyone.

Right now though he was running a bit late. He’d sent out a text to let everyone know they could meet at the Funderland entrance after hours and move to where they’d be staying the night from there.

The night was cool from the shifting of seasons into Spring and the ground crew had just cut the grass so the scent of newly grown greenery filled the air. However, cutting through there was still the occasional cold and bitter breeze. You can't help but feel you've forgotten something has the colors fade with the even, leaving nothing but a world of blacks and whites. In the distance you think you here the sounds of screams and can only hope it is coming from children playing because right now you have to look for Ethan in the mind of an Ogre.

[Gerrit]

When Ram asked Gerrit if he wanted to do some research in that direction, he was thankful. Some part of it came from the prospect of getting some closure in that regard, but mostly he was thankful that he apparently didn't share this burden, the nightmares and the questions alone. Maybe the explanation is really simple - he didn't care for the Freehold and bailed. He was an excellent Hedge-navigator after all..
Possible, but they didn't have the luxury of security to allow themselves baseless solace like this. With possible and very real threats not too far away, they'd have to make sure.

He'd already arrived early at the agreed upon meeting point and was anxiously waiting for the others to arrive. Dressed in worn but sturdy jeans, a black sweatshirt and his windbreaker he was probably a bit overdressed for the season, but he wanted to keep the comfort of his usual attire while going on this strange and new patrol of sorts. He couldn't think of anything else he'd need to bring along, so that was about everything he carried.

Well, besides a few small branches of wicker which he bought from the flower shop. He wasn't too superstitious, and he knew that the industrially produced decorative pieces had little in common with the Wizened - he just wanted to have a tangible reminder of what they were trying to do. Plus, it reminded him of the dreams he had every now and then: dreams of wide forests, looming violence and a crucified wicker man on a clearing.
Gerrit touched the branches stored away in the pocket of his jacket and shuddered. It'll be fine, I bet the others will arrive soon.

[Seraphina]

Truth be told, Sera wasn’t sure what to expect from this. Ram seemed truly concerned not only for Dream Poison, but for whatever happened to Ethan. Who she didn’t know. At all.

So did the guy just decide to move on? As so many before him had done? Or had something more sinister happened? Which was a scary, but a sad reality of their world. But she hoped there was nothing evil at work. Because then that was another problem for the Freehold to deal with.

Walking into the park, she had gone rather casual. If she was going into someones Dreams, she always went with comfort over fashion. Though she still looked amazing in the jeans and zip up hoodie. The joys of being a Fairest, you always looked good. She had a backpack which had bandages and gauze, as well as some water and snacks, trail mix mostly. Sometimes going into another’s Dream took a lot out of you, and having some water and something to eat helped. Sometimes.

But was she forgetting anything? She wasn’t sure, but there was something at the back of her mind telling her she had.

Spotting Gerrit, a hand was raised as she walked over with a smile.

“Hi Gerrit, good to see you.” Greeted the Nix, “How’ve you been?” she needed to make time to sit down and talk with the Winter more.

[Gerrit]

He almost answered her greeting while still holding his wicker charm - he caught himself though and instead it just looked like his hand got stuck in his pocket before he finally got it out and waved back.

"Hello - uh - Sarah, was it?" When was the last time he had talked to her in public? Halloween? He hoped he didn't get her name wrong, but since they were technically in public he didn't dare addressing her in any other way. The image of her otherworldly beauty was still kind of burned into Gerrit's mind, so he he felt a bit flustered meeting the Queen of Desire here alone.

"I'm fine, thank you. How are you?" He hesitated for a moment, not sure if he could move past the small-talk without the others being here. The Ogre's posture was a bit hunched and he lowered his voice when he continued. "So, Ram said that you could help us?"

[Cassandra Reeding]

Cassandra picks up John at his place before heading over to the meeting point Ram had designated. She is comfortable in a simple, floral sundress and flats, her waist-length hair done in a loose braid over her shoulder. Knowing Gerrit was going to be there, she did wonder briefly if he'd find it weird they didn't just all go together. At the same time, Gerrit wasn't the one using public transport to get around. At least, that she was aware of. Right? She doesn't voice any of those nagging thoughts though.

After arriving, she walks with John up to the meeting point, keeping a respectable distance as she walks up to the group gathered. Sera was here too? Well, she supposed she shouldn't be too surprised, but... Was anyone else coming besides the lot of them? Could this group fit anymore? This was probably it, especially for going through one person's dreams. Unless they wanted to check others too? No, hers had already been checked and she didn't want anyone else in there.

"Hello, Sarah, Gerrit, Andrew," She says with a soft voice, "How are all of you?"

Meeting up like this suddenly has her mind actually pulling to the thoughts about Ethan. She'd been avoiding focusing too heavily on him, just because the trauma of that Hedge Patrol was still... it was a lot. Losing Ethan, the insects, the nightmare of not being able to wake up on top of the nightmares in that slumber. All of it was harrowing.

[Ram]

Ram appreared , red faced from a recent confrontation with those seeking unauthorized netry (and having to change clothes quickly).

"Hey guys," he greeted those gather with a small smile, running a hand over his horns "Glad you could make it," His eyes lingered slightly on the Winter King "And John," he added.

Why was he here? Of course. He'd made plain to Sera he was okay with reaching out to experts. Good for the goose. Good for the gander. Ram's smile flickered before broadening.

"Glad you could make it," he said to Cassandra and Gerrit. To Seraphina he was a bit more hesitant "I, uh, invited them. Thought they might be interested. Maybe could compare memories." Ram's nails dug into his neck, hoping he hadn't over stepped.

"Sorry, I'm late. Had some guard stuff to finish up. But I'm glad you all are here." Even John "Sooo," he looked around to check for mortals "I asked Sera for help with finding out about Ethan." The orge chewed his lower lip "I know it's been on our minds." He made sure not to look toward Gerrit. Didn't want to put him on the spot. "Plus a bunch of other stuff." Dream poison. Was that why John was here?

"But I guess first things first. We need to come to a promised agreement; and find a place for this sleep over." That was directed to Sera. "Once we have those," pledge and hollow to sleep in "then we can get this started."

[Seraphina]

A smile and nod, “It is.” She had tried to pick a mundane name that was easy to remember. And close to her other name.

“I can’t complain.” Things had been going well. “I believe I can. I have some experience in what we are looking for, and navigating the,” a pause, code talk needed, “landscape is something I am very comfortable with.” She might not be as good as Rhodes was, but she could hold her own.

“Hi Cassandra!” greets the Nix with a wave. This was turning into a party. But, Ram did say Cassandra was there. So, it made sense. “Not too bad, you?” wanting to ask about what happened, but keeping quiet until they were someplace more secure.

When Ram appears, the smile reappears, “Hi.” Then a shrug, “The more that can help, the better in my opinion. And you’re right, comparing what everyone remembers can only serve to help us find what we are looking for.” She didn’t mind the extra help. Not at all. Sometimes others saw things she didn’t, or saw them in a different way, which would only help.

“Not too late I don’t think. I only recently got here myself.” And they all have mundane things to take care of. It was just easier for her to break away from her work. Being the boss had benefits.

“But we need to be in the,” uh…word, “wilderness. Or a home within.” She wasn’t sure if Ram knew that, or if any of the others did either. “Even with the agreement.”

[James Turner]

John was wearing a pair of black slacks and an old, faded Ramones tee he wanted to be at least somewhat comfortable if he was going to be diving into dreams. Raising an eyebrow as he was singled out, separated from everyone else, "Andrew, just, uh here to help." Not really a great start but if John was one thing it was patient so he let the awkwardness pass for now. Especially as Ram had seemed to spring the same trap on Seraphina, a small grin on his face appreciating the irony of the moment.


He offered everyone a smile and a nod but stood in the back as he was brought somewhat more up to speed. John nodded along with Sera, the healing power of dreams more her specialty than his. "The, um, the agreement is really only necessary if you want to communicate over long distances. Otherwise if we're going to be in close enough proximity, it shouldn't be much of an issue." He added on after Sera finished, one hand in his pocket really wanting a cigarette at the moment. He didn't have a great way to put this in code. "There's always a cost to something and this would be like playing football without protection, you can do it but there's a greater risk associated. Ultimately it's your call though." Giving a deep nod of his head to Ram, just there to give what information he could.


He didn't think the odds of dream poison were high, they'd cut off the source at much too high of a price. The odds of a second Keepers influence spreading so soon and in proximity to another didn't seem high. The Wyrd was the Wyrd though and it did as it willed. You really couldn't ever be safe enough. And if it was connected to one of their own he had more reason to care. Seraphina was the Doctor on Staff though so he'd assist and hope nothing bad happens.

[Circe]

Late to arrive but dressed professionally, Circe comes along to the group in one of her usual business suits. And carrying a cup of coffee. The others will also learn that bags under Circe's eyes are purple, for she has them right now. The meeting was something important she heard and Ram was taking the lead on it. So she was in.

Not that Circe truly recalls much of this Ethan they talked of. The transient nature of Lost in this city made her consider declaring this a case of crying wolf. But then again the Hedge had sort of wolves.

Whom else had arrived for this? She Saw Cassandra, Gerrt, and Seraphina so it was almost a reflection of the chilly seasonal change happening. No longer winter but not quite spring. Except now there was extra Summer power.

"Hey Ram," she nods in acknowledgement, "Looks like I'm late, Whoops. Anyway, figured I'd offer ta help ya with the thing." She turns to the others, "Cass, Gerrit, Sera. Good ta see ya," then back to Ram as she tries to sip the coffee and stay awake, "Let me know what ya need done bro. I'm sure ya got a plan."

[Gerrit]

Gerrit just nodded when Seraphina ensured him that she knew what she was doing. He wasn't sure about the whole procedure himself, so any competent guide was welcome.

Cassandra and John arrived, and Gerrit found himself moving towards the other Winters, closer to the Darkling. Having guidance was good, having trusted friends along for the ride was even better. "Cassandra, John. Thank you for coming." He was not really in the mood for chit-chat and judging by their looks, neither were they.
Then Ram explained his plan to Seraphina - was this the first time he brought everyone up to speed? Gerrit wondered if being upfront would have been the better move, but so far nobody seemed to mind it.

They've talked about the details of the operation and a shudder moved through Gerrit at the thought of going to sleep in the Hedge. "Could we go to the Tavern? Where we celebrated earlier?" It felt a bit rude to just assume the Hollow was available for this, but he couldn't come up with any other ideas right now. John's objection about striking a Pledge seemed sensible enough though. "We probably shouldn't take any more risks than necessary, right?"

When Circe arrived Gerrit actually tensed up - did Ram call for every Monarchs' help? The possibility of Ethan just skipping town on his own terms entered the Ogre's mind again. What if they brought all the big guns to find nothing in the end? "Hello Circe." Well, there probably was no point in worrying now - apparently everybody and their mother has made themselves free to help the original Hedge-patrol, so they might as well get onto it.