#…may or may not explain some things about Cloche’s quirks

[robo-milky]

…so what if I told you Cloche (not Yuu! Cloche (Jin) but the character she cosplays as) actually has an owner (personal OC) and I’ve been thinking of TWSTfying him for the funnies (as an AU)?? 👁️👁️

I just think it’d be a funny take on the “fan meets idol” dynamic, except it gets worse…

[dndeviants]

Madame Eva’s prophecy

Aric and Jeeves made their way into the Blue Water Inn close to the center of town. They entered the Inn... it was empty except for Ruki, who was sitting at a table casually sipping wine, waiting for them it seemed. Aric looked at her. Her demeanor gave no clues as to how long she was waiting. He and Jeeves were about to settle in when Vasili, Linda, Ismark, and Ireena entered in discussing the upcoming Wolf’s Head Festival... which Vasili admitted knowing nothing of, despite him being a native of this place and having residence in Vallaki...

"It must be something the burgomaster is throwing together,” Vasili conjectured, “He is allowed to do that, but I agree... mandatory festivals are... odd."

“Jeeves and I thought the same thing when we arrived,” Aric agreed, “Since we are all gathered, while we were with the Vistani, we were approached by a Madame Eva; she has requested all of us go and speak with her soon. I suggest we go before we leave the town.”

Ismark and Ireena looked to each other with a puzzled expression. Vasili betrayed no emotion at the mention of Madame Eva.

“Madame Eva?” Linda questioned.

"The Vistani's leader?" Ireena asked.

Vasili sighed, "What is it n- Whatever for?"

“It seems she... or rather the cards want to speak to us to help us on our journey here and hopefully return home,” Aric looked to Vasili, puzzled, “You seem bothered by this request Lord Holtz?”

"Forgive me, but I have my own... superstitions,” Vasili folded his arms, “I've had my fortunes read before, and no good of it has come... no ill either, but certainly no good. But perhaps this time will be different, no?"

“Perhaps... should we go ahead and go see this Madame Eva?” Linda turned to the rest of them.

Aric held up a hand, “She said she wished to rest, but she also said to let her know when we all arrived...” he shrugged, “Perhaps we should go now.”

"I agree,” Vasili nodded curtly, “The sooner we get this over, the better."

Ismark gestured to the bar, "I think I will stay in the Inn for a bit. Carriage ride was a bit much."

Ireena curiously began to walk around in the common room, "Do you think we could walk around Vallaki? I'm so excited to explore this new place!"

Ismark sat at the bar, and made a dismissive gesture, "Sure, after a quick drink..."

Jeeves stood, and clasped his hands, "Alright. I believe I remember the way to the encampment."

Linda nodded at him, "I'll follow your lead then."

Jeeves rose from the table and helped Aric up. He lead everyone outside of the town, passing the people with plastered grins placing decorations across the buildings. They made it outside and followed the dirt trail to the encampment. Young Vistani children giggle at their arrival and run past the group into the woods, talking of playing games of hide and seek around the guards... despite their people being banned from the town. The adults work on their chores and converse in their own tongue as they examine goods.

To most of the party, the goods do not seem out of the ordinary... but Linda spotted various charms that warded against undead, holy symbols of various faiths, charms against detection...

Some very powerful stuff on the table, she thought. As a monster hunter, she grew to know a few of them herself.

Madame Eva hobbled out from a colorful wagon and raised her cane in acknowledgement to the party, "Very good to see you again, young Pasha... Greetings, Lord Holtz. It is good to see you as well..."

She turned her gaze to Linda, her eyes twinkling, "Ah, and miss Sharaden, all grown up... Tacklemeyer now, right? You look better than before..."

Linda was puzzled that the woman knew her birth name- and even more puzzled that she was so... familiar. 

"Before?" Linda questioned.

The old woman smiled knowingly, "Oh, think nothing of it. It means almost nothing now..."

Madame Eva turned to a tent, "I have the cards set up in here. Let me fix you tea. We can have a nice chat. And I know better than to fix you anything, Vasili. Come, come..."

Madame Eva hobbled on her cane into the tent. Linda raised a brow before following, everyone else falling in behind her.

As they entered the tent, they found it to be cozy, but cluttered. Various tomes and books are piled on the ground, on top of ornate rugs and overstuffed pillows... Aric wrinkled his nose as the smell of herbs assaulted his senses in a way it failed to earlier... He could smell lavender, rosemary, calendula, belladonna, wolfsbane... 

Wolfsbane... it unsettled his stomach. He figured it had to do with his oncoming curse, but managed to ground himself and ignore the scent... but was still wary of its presence.

Madame Eva sat at the table, splaying out cards with macabre designs. She took a tea kettle in hand and began to pour cups for all gathered, save Vasili. Everyone sat at the table.

She handed out the cups, “You all are here for a purpose. Each of you have a quest, a mystery of your own to solve. Betrayal, kidnappings... murder... the past, the present, the future... Foul beings afoot, and old enemies giving rise to the new... the stability of Barovia... and maybe even your own world may depend on your actions here."

Linda sniffed the tea. Sweet and black. She looked up to the old woman, "So why did you want us all here?"

"Because you are the future, children..." the old woman’s blue eyes glinted. She gestured to Aric and Jeeves, "Here, we have a young Pasha, fire in his soul, and justice in his heart... set against his rival, a man of greed and self-righteousness... both of them desire to be King... but only one may rule... What happens in this land will shape that."

Madame Eva pointed at Linda, "You too may also rule... reclaim a throne to which you belong, and perhaps you will find the answers you seek here, and return a boy to his family."

She gestured to Ruki,  "And she is the future of our people. All of you here, are rulers in your own right... even Vasili,” the old woman cackled.

Linda quirked an eyebrow and looked to Vasili, “I don’t really see Vasili and I being rulers...”

 "Agreed,” Vasili said hastily, “I don't think I am well suited for that anymore."

The old woman continued her cackle, "Disagree all you like. Despite what I See, the future is ultimately in your hands. All I am is a guide..." She took her cards in hand,  "Now, children... are we ready?"

Madame Eva waited for them to give her their approval before drawing the first card... the Tax Collector. 

 “This card tells of history, knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy... The Vistani have what you seek. A missing child is the key to its release... But this is only the first of many… Only after the child is saved, will your allies help you to complete the ancient puzzle.”

She laid down the card for all to see, then drew another, “This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope...” She laid down the Philanthropist. “Look for a giving man, one who follows the teachings of the Sun. Coming to his aid will give you what you seek...” 

She continued her prophetic reading,  "This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight..." The card that was drawn was the Warrior. "Look for the warrior’s tribute… an abandoned shrine touched by sun has the artifact you seek."

"This card sheds light on the one who will help you defeat your enemy…" Madame Eva revealed the Beast, "A werewolf harbors a secret grudge against your enemy, find her and use her hate to your advantage."

"Your enemy is a creature of darkness, a being beyond mortality...” She shuffled her deck, “This card will lead you to him!" She laid down the final card: the Artifact. She tapped her finger on the macabre skull in a cloche, "He lurks in the darkness where morning light once shone, a sacred place…"

Madame Eva examined all the cards, then nodded to herself, "That is what the cards wish to tell to you, these things bind you together... but if you have questions about your own endeavors... I may answer those as well," she began to pull the cards back into the deck.

 "I have questions,” said Linda, “How does all this, relate to me trying to find Timothy?"

The old woman shuffled her cards. Executioner was drawn. "The boy's life is in peril... held hostage by the very same enemies you all are working against..."

"I see...” Linda thought about the other reading, “So to rescue him we have to follow what the cards said.... Is there any other things I should focus on here other than finding Timothy? Do I keep researching this place?"

The Bishop appeared. "You have to be methodical...” Eva explained, “Search for clues, and discover the truth... Truth will appear to you in the dark of the once holy... In Krezk."

"There's Krezk again..." Linda mused.

Madame Eva shuffled her cards, "Are there any more questions?"

"What do you think of Strahd?" Linda blurted.

“Yes, is he someone to be trusted?” Aric jumped in.

Madame Eva cackled and shrugged, "Well, he has been good to the Vistani, leaves something to be desired on... management of relations with his people. But Strahd can at least always be trusted to follow his own word... you just have to pay attention to his wording. His is a born cunning man... But he will always follow whatever is in his best interests... so my advice to you is to prove that his best interests lie in trusting you..."

Vasili clears his throat, "Well, that is astute Madame, but I can guarantee you that there are no games this time, and that Lord Strahd's best interests do lie with this particular group of individuals, and has already made concessions on their behalf."

She laughs at Vasili, "Oh? What a wonderful change of pace. Feeling cornered, is he?"

"You certainly don't make things any easier for me in regards to him..." Vasili muttered through gritted teeth.

Aric raised his hand, “Madame Eva, I was told by another Vistani that I could find another lost treasure with a man who seeks to restore his village to order and faith , but we are unfamiliar with the villages of Barovia, is there anything more you can tell us?”

"I can..." Madame Eva shuffled the cards again and drew the Wizard, "This man you seek who wishes to restore order and faith to his village is a learned man... In a village that has suffered most from the Shadow of Ravenloft, and all of it's magics on the land."

Madame Eva drew the Myrmidion and laid it before Aric, "He is a man who has served with others, preserving order and peace... and now leads them. Find a captain of the guard, in Barovia village... you will know him, for he will be wearing what you seek, unaware of the treasure's true value."

She shuffled the deck of cards once more,"You may always ask me for insight, even when having your fortune told by another Vistana. And for you, these services are free of charge...” She smiled at them, “I enjoy the company"

“Thank you, Madame Eva,” Aric said.

 "Much appreciated," Linda echoed the sentiment.

"No questions today, Vasili?" Madame Eva grinned coyly as she shuffled her deck.

"No, madame. Thank you," Vasili easily replied.

"Pity,” Eva grunted, “I enjoy our talks..." she placed her deck within a silk bag, and then set them within a wooden box, "Well, children. I wish you luck, and may fate be on your side. I have a feeling that this time... things may actually go right..."

The old woman stood and began to organize the tomes gathered in the tent, "You should be heading out. There is an entire world for you to discover... and secrets to uncover."

Linda sipped the last of her tea and stood, "Thank you for your insight."

Madame Eva turned to her, "You are welcome. Safe travels... and remember that All is Well..." she returned to her books.

Linda turned to face everyone, “Shall we go meet back up with Ireena and Ismark?"

Vasili stood, all too eager to leave, "Of course. We've been gone long enough already... and I don't know, I just have the feeling something isn't... right."

Vasili exited the tent. Linda raised a brow, following him. Aric and Jeeves shared a look of puzzlement before falling behind.

The demeanor of the entire camp had changed... no longer were the children playing about, but rather, were speaking to adults of the camp. The children spoke frantically...

“Papa! Arabelle! I don’t know where she is! We were playing, and the rest of us knew to come back, but we’ve been searching for an hour, and she’s not come back!“

The man paled with worry, "Oh no, we have to tell Luvash!"

Linda blinked, “A girl is missing?”

Ruki’s heart lurched... Arabelle was her cousin. She recalled the fortune Eva gave, and knew that rescuing Arabelle would be the key to unlocking the first part of the prophecy... and should not be delayed... She could sense that her cousin was in danger...

Ruki’s eyes glazed over as she received a small vision... A tied bag... voices of men... “She will be perfect wolf bait...” “...use her for the festival...”

Nothing about where her cousin was held.

Ruki snapped back, “My cousin.. they plan on using her for the festival.”

“Using her how, exactly?” Aric asked.

Ruki gripped her staff, “I do not know...”

"The more I hear about the festival, the less I like it," Vasili murmured. 

“Agreed,” Aric placed a hand on the hilt of his dagger, “Let’s not wait to find out what they have planned.”

Linda matched the gesture, putting a hand on her revolver, "Let's help find her."

"Wolf's Head Festival, I recall?” Jeeves rushed ahead to scout, “Do you suppose it has something to do with real wolves?"

The group made their way back to Vallaki, quickly, wasting no time dawdling. The guards allowed them to pass, no question... they began to head back to the Inn to regroup when they came across a rally of some kind in the town square...

A squeaky male voice shouted above some unenthusiastic cheering,  "Wolves are agents of the Devil Strahd! I am going to offer one HUNDRED gold coins to whoever can deliver the heads of the most wolves by the 17th! Not only that! But the winner of this festival game gets to ride on the float! Next to me! The Parade will last hours, rain or shine! Remember citizens, ALL IS WELL!"

There was a little hesitation, before some fake enthusiastic cheering rings out through the square.

Vasili steepled his fingers and quirked a brow.  

Aric looked to him, “Does Strahd even employ wolves?”

“This is dumb!” Linda fumed, “Even if he employed them, wolves are just animals, minding their own business."

“Well said, Linda...” Vasili acknowledged her before nodding to Aric, "They are as loyal as dogs to Strahd, but he can only call on their support when he is nearby. It isn't like all the wolves in the land are actively working for him... “

Vasili looked to the square with distaste, "What a morbid and dismal occurrence... so close to my birthday of all times. Honestly, it seems that Vargas only does these things to spite..."

"Your birthday?” Linda mused. She took Vasili’s arm, “Well we can't have them doing all this cruelty to animals on your birthday! Let's go." 

Linda marched toward the square with a very startled Vasili in tow... when Ismark, with a bloody nose, cuts and scrapes... and burns on his clothes ran up to her, panic stricken.

"Linda! Everyone! You have to help!" Ismark shouted.

Linda dropped Vasili’s arm, horrified, "What happened?"

Ismark panted and huffed as he clutched his knees, “Ireena!” He choked, “He took Ireena! Some man with a flaming arm! I-I tried to stop him, but he was too much...”

He clenched his fists, “And he had his posse of thugs beat me up for good measure! We... we gotta find her, heavens know what he’ll do to her!”

[seleneshield]

A Fine Flame

@bow-tie-bartender

Selene laid curled up in bed amongst her silken sheets while her cat curled up near her head, still clinging to dreams of blue moon lit shores till a sinnful 10:00 AM as she always did on her first day off. When the sounds of her household downstairs and her hunger for the first meal of the day could no longer be ignored was when she finally conceded that it may be time to start the day. Stretching out like a cat from in front of a fireplace and shimmied round in bed till she could reach for the cord to ring for breakfast. By the time her steward Sebastian walked in with a tray covered in a delectable breakfast of eggs benedict with bacon, toast, strawberry jam, and a blessedly strong cup of Earl Gray tea Selene was propped up in bed with notebook and pen in hand, jotting down her plans for the day. Inhaling deeply the heavenly aromas as they intermingled she set her note book aside and prepared to enjoy her breakfast. “Thank you very much Sebastian!...Oh! Before you go, today I would love to have you with me while I go around town to collect special food items for a dinner I’ve arranged for tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. I’ll tell Mr. William Wellington all about it when I come down in a bit .”

The surprisingly sturdy and seemingly unflappable gentleman quirked his eyebrow at the simple request. “Of course I can accompany you on your errand today, but why do you need to go out to procure these food items? You know very well Mr. Wellington can call in an order for just about anything in town you desire and beyond if given enough time.” A delighted hum cut through the tail end of the steward’s sentence as his charge savored her first taste of pest hollandaise sauce, he really should have known by now not to ask questions before she had stared on her food. Swallowing and taking her first sip of hot tea she looked over apologetically at Sebastian, “Sorry...the reason I want to get these items is that my dinner date is a fire elemental, a one Mr. Ignatius, and I would like to familiarize myself with the things he eats that differ from me, specifically the wooden items today. He also eats a number of things we can both enjoy and I will most certainly be leaving that part of the menu in Mr. Wellington’s more than capable hands.” While dinner dates with any number of interesting guests were not an uncommon occurrence in the Dr. Shield home, one with a monster would certainly be a first. If the news of her dinner guest had any effect on the the steward one would never be able to tell as he merely nodded, “I see, very well Miss. I’ll call the main house and request a car come by and ask Miss Parker to be up to help you dress in a little while.” Smiling around a piece of jam covered toast Selene nodded back and classily mumbled out her thanks.

Finishing her food and leaving her tray on her sitting area coffee table Selene sauntered off to her bathroom to wash up and slip into a luxurious grapefruit blossom scented bath. It was just as she had started to inspect her fingers for wrinkles that her ladies attendant Miss Lucy Parker popped in to collect her bed cloths and underthings, “Good morning Miss! Mr. Redmayne said you and him were going out today to go shopping and that you were going to have gentleman over for dinner tomorrow. That will be fun! Do you know what you want to wear out today?” Watching the swift and darling girl quickly dart around efficiently from the comfort of her still warm water Selene smiled, “Is that really all Sebastian said? Ever the model of discretion that one. But yes Lucy, I met this charming fire elemental Grillby recently and today we’re going out so I can specially pick out the special parts of his meal for tomorrow! So with all that walking I think i’ll wear the navy blue dress with the drop waist and cream accents, my sensible dark kid heels, and navy cloche hat.” This bit of info actually gave the attendant pause as she drew closer to her employer, this being the juiciest bit of info the household had had in some time, “oh? An elemental you say? Where did you meet him if i may ask?” Twisting around in the water so as to better chat Selene folded her arms over the back of the bath and got in close as if to speak conspiratorially, “I met Grillby when another friend took me out to eat at the little tucked away Dinner he owns! He really is lovely Lucy and I really want this dinner to go well so i’m pulling out all the stops!” The young woman just laughed and stood up hugging the abandon garments she had collected, “do you ever not pull out all the stops miss?” At that she couldn’t help but chuckle, “Only when they’re terrible Lucy my dear!”

Dressed and ready to face the day Selene came down and headed straight for the kitchen where she found her brilliant Chef William Wellington battling valently with what seemed to be a particularly pesky pan stain. Leaning casually against the counter within his eyesight she smirked as she watched him practically growl in frustration and decided to take pity on him with a distraction, “Salutations William! My compliments to the chef this morning as always. I wanted to let you know that tomorrow night at 7:00 I invited a special dinner date with very special dietary considerations.” Looking away from his foe for now the tall bespectacled Chef looked up and straightened up to his full height of 6’5”, “Always great to hear Miss, you know you can count on me to make your dinner a grand one. What sort of dietary considerations does your date have?” Tapping her chin she thought of how to put it, “...well he’s an fire elemental sooo it would be best to serve him things that taste best when charred, like that amazing brussel sprout and bacon side dish you made last week! I’ll be going into town to pick out woods to cover one course his meal as well” The chef blinked for a moment, not expecting such an answer, but then slowly become contemplative. Selene bit her lip nervously and grip the counter to keep from fidgeting only to let out a sigh of relief when she saw her chef walk over to his notepad and begin writing away furiously. “Sooo is that a yes to you having this dinner well in hand?” A thumbs up was her only reply but that was all she needed, patting him on the back Selene when out into the front hall where Sebastian was waiting with her coat.

The car arrived and soon the two made their way down to Market Street, so aptly named for the number and wide variety of shops that line the sidewalks, from grocers and butchers to furniture and book stores. Requesting that the car wait at the end of a particular block Selene exited with a destination in mind and Sebastian following close behind. Her first stop was a smokehouse bbq establishment at the end of the street that had come well recommended by her father’s driver, if anyone human would know about what exotic woods that would have a ‘good taste’ she figured it would be them. Upon making her inquiry and getting some interesting looks, that she hoped only came from her and her companion being overdressed, she was lead to the back where she met a towering brick wall of a man named Henry who turned out to be very sweet. From Henry she learned Plum, Apricot, Nectarine, Almond, and Pear wood were all fairly fancy woods that could be used in cooking that each gave their own different and unique kind of flavor as well as Walnut, Lemon, Ash, and Olive wood. Selene took extensive notes on each kind of wood and its properties, so much so that she earned a raised eyebrow from Henry to which she just explained that this was all for a special dinner for a special guy. This seemed to be all Henry needed to know, earning her a soft smile and a sampling of the ribs he was cooking dripping in sweet sauce. After falling in love with the delicious meat, promising to come back later in the week with a order for more, and getting the name of the place she could acquire these raw and untreated woods (that happened to be the same place Grillby had noted) she tipped the wonderful Henry for his time (to which he tried to argue for only a moment but she wouldn’t hear of it).

Taking a short stroll across the street and down a block brought them to the wood shop where Selene decided on purchasing Plum, Pear, Almond, Walnut, and Kiawe wood chips, an apparently tropical variety of mesquite that they had just gotten in that day from Hawaii that was said to be quite good. With purchases in hand, well Sebastian's hands, they headed back to the car a few blocks back until a bookstore’s window display that they were passing caught her eye, stopping her in her tracks. Sparked with inspiration and unable to stop herself Selene proceeded to walk in the shop and purchased two copies of the latest book. After this little detour the two finally did make it back to the car, unloaded their parcels, and Selene gave the address of the next place she needed to go to the driver. The odd thing was that she didn’t give a proper address but an intersection to be taken to, this didn’t go unnoticed by her steward earning her another arched eyebrow. “I just need to drop off my formal invitation for Grillby with my address in it. His place is tucked away so it’s better to just go to the nearest corner.” Arriving at the corner Selene slipped out of the car but stopped Sebastian from following. “I’ll only be 5 minutes tops. If i’m gone any longer feel free to come save me from myself.” Sebastian could hardly keep the incredulous look off his face as he tried to argue, “And how do you intend-” but she didn’t let him finish. “If it really came to that I have every confidence that you could find me no matter what, but it’s private entrance and I haven’t gotten permission to tell anyone that information so I can’t. Yes even you Sebastian, you know how I am with what I’m to keep private. I promise i’ll be back shortly if not stopped.” That’s what her steward was afraid of and yet he waited.

Walking briskly down the back alley, bag in one hand and invitation in the other, Selene soon made it to sturdy door and quickly gave it the secret knock. The window slid open revealing Doggo’s piercing eyes, giving her and the alley a quick once over he soon opened the door allowing her to step in. Giving her a quick greeting the doordog was surprised when she didn’t make any motion to head towards the bar. Instead she just smiled brightly up at him, “Hello Doggo! Lovely to see you again. Unfortunately I can’t stay today but could you please give this to Grillby please?” Handing over the the envelope with Grillby’s full name written in elegantly flowing cursive he quickly picked on the sent of peach and cherry blossom perfume emanating from it just like it’s deliverer. Giving her a nod Selene enthusiastically gave her thanks, slipped him 50 cents for his trouble, and swept back out the door with a quick goodbye before Doggo could argue or say anything otherwise.

Back in the car before her five minutes were up her steward just sighed as she smiled back at him while the two rode home. Once in Selene dropped of the wood with William, grabbed her two books and mentioned she would be upstairs until dinner. Had she chose to stay downstairs in her parlor instead of the comfort of her room she may have heard Sebastian making a discreet call from the front hall. Heard him make a request to check for a file of someone with his friend down at the police precinct.