Open House of Horrors

[Vincent Black]

Vincent realized he may offended Rhodes so he responded "I have seen something akin to it, but not necessarily a stone such as this Wyrdstone you call it. I also know that as an outsider, it is easier for those around me to put trust, though our kind is not so very trusting, in me as I am not one to favor those that would seek to return us." Vincent winced at the word, as if a distant fleeting memory passed his sight only to be gone a moment later and his stoic demeanor returned.

Vincent responded to Seraphina "I will take you up on the offer of the living space. May we talk later and come up on an agreement of payment?" Vincent did not want to seem to be a freeloader and he had plenty of cash on hand to pay his living expenses. "Also if I may, can I get a black coffee. Thank you very much."

[Seraphina]

Sapphires watch over the cup as she listens and sips her coffee. The Nix had a general idea of what was going on. Sounded like Vincent didn’t ask about the Wyrdstone, which was actually quite odd. It seemed everyone they showed it to had a question or two.

Placing her cup down, she poured the coffee, a smile offered before she settled back to keep listening.

“Oh, it’s livable.” Straining the word, “Lights, water, some furniture, you know, the basics. I’ve been wanting to completely fix it up, but haven’t had the time. The deal to expand has been taking longer than I planned too.” She wanted to get off selling her designs online and into a store. But that took more than she remembered. “And you’re right,” a light laugh, airy with a musical quality to it, “it will be more comfortable, but Edna’s has a history of boarding new Lost as they arrive to the Freehold. Plus the whole air of mystery surrounding it. So I wouldn’t take offense if it was preferred.” There was no denying the history of the place. “Though I will confess, the apartment isn’t up to my standards.” But it would work.

Wait…what?! He had seen something akin to it?!

“Where?” why had nothing been found in any of the research?

“Wonderful! It has the basics, like linens, towels and kitchen ware. And we can meet up at my coffee shop and discuss it if you like.” Though she didn’t want to take payment. But over the years she had learned it offended some to not take something in return. So she’d have to come to terms with it and figure something out.

“Of course.” Standing to pick up the coffee pot again and pour him some. “I also hope you don’t mind the smell of coffee as it tends to take over the whole building.”

[Rhodes]

Like Sera, Rhodes' focus snapped back to Vincent when he mentioned having seen something similar. There was a marked increase in the intensity of that stare; it was almost hungry. "Where indeed? And, if not an artifact, what form did it take?" No-one had ever seen anything like the Wyrdstone when they arrived. That someone had seen something similar in any form was remarkable. It had taken him weeks to find something that would work, and there was just something in the North-west?

He glances slightly to Sera. It was completely her way. He had learned long ago not to fight it. It was as much her nature as it was his to be cautious. But unlike certain women in his past, her motivation was pure, honest. Not driven by controlling others.

He had nothing to add to her offer, so he stayed out of it. If they needed a Pledge, she would ask.

[Vincent Black]

Vincent struggled to bring back the memory, "It was back when I returned, It was not a stone such as your stone, but an artifact nonetheless. I cannot recall the form it took and as much as I would like to go into it further, I fear that I will not be able to explain due to the nature of the artifact. I am surprised I was able to speak as much. But the artifact was with a traveling group I joined shortly after my escape. In fact they are the reason I am such a capable bounty hunter." Vincent did not want to go any further and had hoped that he had spoken enough to satiate their curiosity while being able to uphold some privacy.

Vincent taking the chance to switch subjects, "I love the smell of coffee, and sure just let me know when would be a good time to check out your shop and this room. And thank you once again." Vincent took a drink of his coffee, loving every bit. "Also this coffee is pretty good, is this stock from your shop?"

[Seraphina]

She knew Rhodes would have the right questions to ask about such a thing. Sure, she wasn’t stupid by any stretch of the imagination, something she kept to herself, but he was more occult driven then her. And it was one of things she loved most about him, the passion he had.

Catching the glance, she offers an innocent shrug and sips her coffee.

But the cup was put down as Vincent told his story. Once he had finished, she looks to Rhodes, “Have you seen anything in any text about this?” knowing the answer, because he would have told her. At least, she assumes he would have.

“Great!” because he would be smelling it a lot. “I’m pretty flexible with my schedule, so we should be able to meet sometime this week.” The joys of owning your own business. Beaming with pride, “It is! I try and make sure the places within the Freehold that want coffee or tea are well stocked with my own blends. And thank you.”

[Rhodes]

The Dread Lord listened carefully to Vincent's descriptions. It was still far too vague for his tastes. "So.... you are sure this.... artifact... you saw was possessed of similar qualities to those we attributed to our Wyrdstone, but you cannot recall what this similar artifact looked like? You sounded certain you had seen something similar to the Wyrdstone before, and equally sure it was not a stone." It didn't take a reader of people to tell Rhodes was far from convinced. Something didn't add up here, whether it was a lie to impress or a case of mistaken simplicity.

3 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-11-24 03:39:25	Rhodes rolls 8 to Detect deceit - Wits3 + Subterfuge 4 + Spec (9 again from Flowering) (9 Again)	7, 9, 4, 6, 6, 1, 3, 4, 9, 8	3 successes

"Perhaps," Rhodes said slowly, "you would be willing to identify the city or freehold you saw this object. I would be fascinated to investigate further into this. There are still unanswered questions about the Wyrdstone I have been considering for some time." It was the next logical move. When your source was faulty, go to the root of their information.

He shook his head slowly in response to Sera. "No, but that in itself is not overly surprising. The information I pulled together before we went after the Wyrdstone I pulled from several different volumes. I may simply not possess a source that details this... item, whatever it may be. If such an item is recorded; for something of this kind to have been created? It would require unparalleled skills, ones I suspect one would not seek to widely advertise." Mr Black had certainly provoked more thought than he had possibly expected.

As the discussion returned to the place to stay, the Autumn King stayed silent, watching his Beast guest carefully.

[Vincent Black]

Vincent realized by the look given to him by Rhodes and the follow up questions it had not been enough. He thought about it some more, it had been some time before he had heard about his former companions location. "Even thought I met them in Oregon, shortly after escaping, it has been a while since I have had contact with my former companions. As I said it was a traveling group who did not stay in a single place for too long." Vincent then addressed Rhodes with more intent. "I understand that you want more from me, but I honestly cannot remember much more, as when I left my memory became clouded and I only get glimpses of things that happened when I was with them. And whenever I attempt to remember more the harder it is to recall those memories, I hope you understand"

[Seraphina]

She wasn’t even sure what they possessed was even technically a stone. Within it pulsing and moving like, well, blood.

Not sure if she had anything to add, but still, she had a thought to share, “Should we maybe consider that what we possess, and what he saw, are in fact, one in the same?” looking to Rhodes, “Considering where we obtained it, it could be possible.” Could be the key term, she was just trying to think beyond the Freehold.

“Hmmm,” thinking on his words, “maybe it’s time to find more volumes, see if we can piece together the story.” But he was right, the skill that went into the Wyrdstone would be unparalleled. “No, I wouldn’t think one would want to advertise, but one could still certainly want to brag. Maybe stories, grand tales of fantasy.” It wouldn’t be the first-time true stories were sold off as fairy tales.

But maybe Vincent was mistaken, it was hard for her to say.

“Maybe a simpler question then, were your companions the type to gather and sell, both in the Hedge and out of?” it could lead credence to her thought if they were. She then offers a reassuring smile, “We don’t mean to push, it’s just not something we hear about everyday. Memories can be fickle things at times, and are usually best if not pushed.” At least to her. There were memories that were still hazy to her, and she was in no rush to figure them out.

Shift of topic then? “So is there anything you enjoy doing when not bounty hunting?”

[Rhodes]

Still far too vague. To be so unquestioning of the stone, so sure he had seen similar, yet little idea where or when? Only being able to narrow down to a state? These sorts of things did not lie on every street corner or even every Freehold. Something didn't add up here at all. Fortunately for the Dread Lord's guest, the bond that Wyrdstone linked between himself and Vincent assured him that is was not of malicious intent. The idea that memories were simply clouded after leaving a group could be a form of curse, or perhaps his clarity was more degenerated than it appeared. Or maybe he was trying to protect others, more of the Lost. But if that was the case, why not just say? Beasts were, well.... Beasts - hardly renowned for their complex social manipulations.

Things to consider. I shall have to watch Mr Black very closely.

If Vincent's increase in intensity meant anything, it certainly didn't register on the Flowering's expression. "Very well," he replied, with the air of one who clearly not done with the topic but was not going to push any further... for now. "You must understand, you are the first in several years from outside our City who has claimed to have seen anything like the Wyrdstone before. If you remember anything at all pertaining to the one you saw before, no matter how seemingly insignificant, I would appreciate you being forthcoming."

And that was that, for the moment. Patience, after all, was it's own virtue.

Rhodes frowned thoughtfully at Sera's suggestion. "Certainly possible... With Mr Black's description of the other item somewhat lacking in detail and histories of artifacts rarely passing hands through the Hedge, we may never know." He sighed lightly. Such was the life of an Occultist - chasing leads and half-truths through the ages. Still, her optimism raised a small smile. "I am always on the lookout, darling. Perhaps we should see if we can find another market. It's been a while since I hunted in the Hedge." He mused slightly. "The Wyrdstone, we know, is not unique, just incredibly rare given it's origin." Little crumbs to test the beast's suitability for Autumn. "I suppose that depends on the manner of the maker. All number of forces could find use for such an object, not all as altruistic as we are." He wasn't convinced, but there certainly wasn't any evidence to disprove the Spring Queen's theory and she was one of the few people who's thoughts he held to the standard of his own.

The Flowering felt sure her question would be met with more vague half-answers, but who could say? Perhaps Vincent would respond better to an alluring woman than a haunting elf-dryad.

Vincent Black Please could you confirm that Vincent is not lying as per Rhodes' roll, or make the subterfuge roll if they are trying to? I don't want to assume, even with the suggestive context in your post.

[Vincent Black]

As far as Rhodes could tell Vincent was telling the truth. Whether it is due to hazy memory or truly believing such it is not clear.

Vincent felt that Rhodes still did not believe him but was very grateful that he decided to move on. "If I start to remember more I promise you that I will come to you with any information. Trust me I would like to learn more of that time because it seems just as out of reach as my time beyond the hedge."

Vincent was thankful Seraphina asked, "Honestly I like to cook. I have a pretty good knowledge of some basic recipes but am able to make in big batches due to traveling in our group. I also enjoy just being out in nature, I have been wanting to get back into astrophotography as well. The stars and night sky have always drawn me to them."

Vincent felt a little pang of guilt in not being able to remember more, but was completely honest that if and when he did remember he would let Rhodes know.