Lane and others have a conversation

Characters in this scene: Mainstay, Pia, Seafoam, Reese

Setting Location: Sanctuary

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

After saying – or, rather, whispering – her piece, Lane returns to the lounge. She sits at the exact same table she previously occupied. She wonders if Reese will come back, and tries not to feel too hopeful about the prospect. If worst came to worst, she would mingle, like the Lady said. What? When had she started wanting to do that? Better not to think about it. It shouldn’t matter.

Eutropia Barneby — 03/28/2021

Some time after the fallout is done, Eutropia wanders around and finds another contact. "Hi there... wasn't that scary?"

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

”A lot is scary,” Lane says. “And that still managed to be too scary for me.”

Eutropia Barneby — 03/28/2021

"It can be so hard to find a safe place. I wonder if this will really be one." Eutropia snaps open her pendant and looks at the compass within. "But the tidings aren't too bad, for now. I think."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

Lane’s eyes widen a bit as she takes this in from what appears to be a preteen. She supposes she’s seen weirder, but still. Disconcerting. “That’s not especially comforting,” she says aloud.

Eutropia Barneby — 03/28/2021

"Well, do you know what they say about Augury? A lot of things. They say a lot of things. But it's not perfect. I still have so much to learn." Eutropia gives her a dreamy smile. "I'm Pia. What's your name?"

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

“I’m...Lane. She/her.” Internally, she marvels at how she’s more put off by this conversation than the one with Reese had become. Maybe it just took time. “I don’t know as much about the practice as I’d like. It feels nice to meet you, Pia, though I’m also anxious. There always seem to be a lot of reasons to be wary.”

Eutropia Barneby — 03/28/2021

Pia bobs her head. "The world is full of dangers. But sometimes, you know, I sincerely believe that things can be better. That we could make a better world together. Don't you think so?"

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

“I’m...not sure,” Lane says. “I sometimes want to, though. More often, after meeting the Lady.”

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

After the events of the night, and the Alabaster's intervention, Dream decides to head to the lounge, rather than return to the ballroom. Hopefully the atmosphere here is as relaxing as the name suggests - it's had rather enough excitement for one night.

StarryEyedSeer — 03/28/2021

Reese makes their way back to the table they shared with Lane, a small smile appearing on their face when they see her talking to someone else. They sit back down in the chair they were in before and take another sip of their drink before making a face. The ice melted. "So, uh. That was a lot." It takes a moment to re-register Pia's presence. "Oh, I'm not interrupting, am I? I'm Reese, by the way."

Eutropia Barneby — 03/28/2021

Pia checks her compass again. "It's fine! Hi, Reese, I'm Pia! Hi, um, what's your name?" She looks at Dream.

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

Lane’s face brightens when she sees Reese, though again the smile fades as soon as she becomes aware of it. “I’m happy to see you back,” she says in answer to them.

StarryEyedSeer — 03/28/2021

They seem a little surprised. "Oh. Thanks. I'm glad you didn't disappear during the chaos."

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

"Mmm? Ah, my name is Dream. Hello, Pia."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

Now it’s Lane’s turn to look surprised. With one eye on Pia, she asks Reese, “Why are you glad for that?”

StarryEyedSeer — 03/28/2021

They give Lane a skeptical look. "Why are you happy to see me back?"

Dream || Seafoam — 03/28/2021

With wry amusement - "It appears you two may have accidentally become friends."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

Lane scowls. So it’s like that. She wants to smile, but she doesn’t let herself. “You seemed nice,” she says, “and our conversation was cut short, right when I was—“ Starting to enjoy herself? She couldn’t say that. No way. “—when I was getting curious. Now, you answer my question.”

StarryEyedSeer — 03/28/2021

Reese smirks, a little smug but not malicious. "I was enjoying the conversation, and you seemed content enough by yourself at the start of the party that I was a little worried you'd vanish on me when you got the chance."

Dredger (MainStay) — 03/28/2021

**That’s what I’m talking about**, Dredger says in their head with a laugh.

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

Lane ignores him and allows herself now to smile slightly at Reese. “Well, I’m here. And not just me.” She motions to Pia and Dream.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/29/2021

Dream waves lazily. "Oh, by all means. Don't stop on our account." There's an audible smile to its words. "Although, it is nice to meet you properly, Lane."

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

"Yes, it's nice to meet all of you! Are you all practitioners?"

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

It’s only now that Lane realizes that “Dream” is from the group-in-one she watched doing combat drills with Condor earlier today. Only this one’s different. She inclines her head toward Dream. “I don’t know you very well, but if you’re as benign as Levi seemed to be to me, it’s nice to meet you too...Dream.” She turns back to Pia. “I’m a Host,” she says softly.

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

Reese nods in response to Pia. "Enchanter. Both kinds."

Dream || Seafoam — 03/29/2021

"Hah, don't worry. I am quite benign. And as for your question, young one... Our response is rather complicated. I shall simply say that we are quite familiar with the Practice, and leave it at that."

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

Pia perks up and claps her hands. "Oh, that's lovely! I do Augury, but, um, that shouldn't be too hard to tell. I have my compass right here." She opens it to show everyone the multitude of arrows and dials, spinning in various directions at various speeds. "Does anyone want a reading?"

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

Reese looks very interested in the compass. "Is it your Implement, or just a tool you use?"

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

"My implement." She beams. "I was born and raised for the role, from birth! They intended my fate to be nothing else, since a lesser number like me could never get higher in the ranks. I'm pretty good at reading it."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

Lane’s face turns in disgust, but she doesn’t say anything.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/29/2021

Dream's eyebrows furrow, and its demeanor darkens immediately. "...I *see.* I am sorry for your family's callousness."

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

Reese glances towards Lane and Dream, reassured by the fact that they also reacted to that like normal people.

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

"Oh, well, you know how it is. Some are—" She ducks her head and looks to the side, hiding her facial expression. " 'Some are destined for a noble life, and some are born to serve.' It makes me a little sad, when I think about it, you know. But that's what they told me, um. They said I wouldn't be an important person, ever."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

“I hope they are forsworn for that,” Lane says harshly, then looks down in embarrassment.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/29/2021

Dream's immediate reaction is to hiss harshly, as a cat might, before it begins speaking. "That is... *despicable!*" It practically spits the word. "Whoever said that to you, we hope they are proven wrong many times over. The fact that it was even something they saw fit to say to you in the first place is horrific."

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

"That's- what do you even call that? I guess I'll settle for fucked up? What kind of important did they even mean? There are so many different ways a person can be important, I can't imagine that there's no way you'll ever be at least a little important to someone."

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

"Oh, um. Well." Still looking away, she rubs at her arms and checks her compass again. "Um, that's nice to hear. I think you're nice people. I'm glad to have met you today, here. But, they could be right. I could never amount to anything. It's not easy, um, when you don't have all the resources the other family members get. There's still so much I don't know."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

“You’re something right now,” Lane says softly.

Dream || Seafoam — 03/29/2021

"There is still a world of difference between 'could' and 'won't', dear Pia. And you are still young, too; you have plenty of time to be important." Dream nods towards Lane. "As Lane says. Here and now, you are important. And you will continue to be, to us, after this party is over."

"Ah, 'us' here meaning myself and the several people who share this body with me. I do not speak for Lane or Reese, here."

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

"You summed up my thoughts pretty well, actually."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

Lane mumbles something inaudible but affirmative, her eyes glazed over.

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

"Oh, um. Alright. I'm happy, um. I'm happy to hear that. It's just, um. When I see all the other people here, some of them are, um, so much more powerful. They know things I'd never learn. They're more than I could ever be. And maybe, um, maybe you..." She leaves the sentence hanging, and covers her face with a long sleeve.

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

Reese's tone softens. "Hey, you don't know what you can't do until you try, right? You just need someone to give you the chance."

Lane (MainStay) — 03/29/2021

Lane looks stricken. The glazed-over look still hasn’t left her eyes. “Why does it have to be,” she starts, then falters. She clenches her fists, the left one leaking black mist. “Why does it have to be about the practice? Your worth.”

Eutropia Barneby — 03/29/2021

"Our familial blood runs through our Practice. It, um, it would tie them to me. For as long as it runs through me, too, as long as I carry it." She turns to Reese suddenly, a startled look on her face. "Will you? Will you give me the chance?"

StarryEyedSeer — 03/29/2021

Reese looks incredibly started by the question. "Um? I could try?" They drag out the word 'try' for a couple seconds, their voice continuously going up in pitch until they cut themself off and clear their throat. "Uh. Yeah, I could definitely try to help you, or at least help you find someone better qualified. I'm still technically an apprentice for, like, another year and a half, and I barely know anything about Augury, but I could share books with you and help you figure other stuff out if we have a way to keep in contact."

Lane (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

Lane’s lips move almost imperceptibly, mouthing words she’s not ready to say. She meets Reese’s eyes as if hoping to find something there, but she looks away immediately. All she wants in this moment is to tell Pia about the benefactor she’s gained, the mysterious woman she met earlier that night who spoke in old words and offered her services. But she doesn’t know if those services extend to helping a put-upon child Augur, or even if Eadgyð is safe to call on. So she says nothing, and hates herself for it.

Eutropia Barneby — 04/05/2021

Pia's eyes go wide at Reese's offer. "Oh. You're really helping me? You, you're actually helping me? I'm not sure if I deserve, um. I'm not sure if I deserve your help." She glances down, quickly, checking her compass again. "But, I. You've been nice to me. All of you. All of you are just, you're just so." She trails off. "Will you really? Will you really promise to help? Do you mean it, or are you just, are you just trying to." She trails off, a second time.

Dream || Seafoam — 04/05/2021

Dream looks down for a moment, internally debating something. There are faint movements from behind its mask, as though it were mouthing words, or chewing its lip. Then it looks back up at Pia. "We have precious little to spare you, Pia. But your plight has moved us to action, and so we will grant you a gift. Cup your hands together in front of you, child."

StarryEyedSeer — 04/05/2021

Reese meets Lane's eyes when she glances over like they're reaching for a lifeline, but she looks away too quickly. They look back to Pia, expression pained. "I don't- I can't... I *want* to help you. A lot. I *really* wish I was in a position to give you a good concrete promise right now. But if you can give me a consistent way to keep in contact with you, I can at least commit to *try* to help you."

Dredger (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

**If Lix were here, it would’ve told the kid it’d help right away**, Dredger says in Lane’s mind, his tone both contemplative and mocking.

Lane (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

Eutropia Barneby — 04/05/2021

She chews at her upper lip and flips out the compass. "I'm sorry, um. I need to think about this. Um." Staring at the compass for a long second, she closes it abruptly. "I'm sorry," she whispers. She cups her shaking hands in front of her and raises them up for Dream. "It doesn't really matter if there's not a lot that you can give. Um. I'm sorry if you feel really horrible about everything. If you feel like that for not being able to do more. I think, what matters in the end, um. Is that you care about me. And that you did all this for me. You're trying, for me. All of you, I know you're being kinder than my mother would be if she was sitting right now at this table. You did all this for me." Her voice is barely audible. "Um, I don't have a phone. I can't use electronics right now. I don't know, I mean, I could tell you my, my home phone number, but my brother might hear." She cringes. "I think I could make an account, somewhere, on a website? I don't know where. I don't get to use the Internet, um, all day, like some of you do, I think."

Dream || Seafoam — 04/05/2021

StarryEyedSeer — 04/05/2021

Reese blinks at the sight of the glamour. "Oh! I have some of that with me too, if you want it. That looks pretty different from what I have, and different kinds are supposed to be good for different things." They slide their hand into one of their vest's inner pockets. When they pull it out, a small pile of hazy, three-dimensional shadow clings to their palm in blatant defiance of gravity. They hold their hand out, palm up, offering the glamour to Pia. "I'm not sure if I'd recommend using it to transform yourself unless you really have to, but it's a good power source."

Lane (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

Lane is floundering. She has to give *something.* Not for the sake of appearances – though she feels a flash of shame at having to think that – but because she needs Pia to know she’s there for her. It’s who she is, what she’s dedicated her whole Self to. But she can think of nothing she has that she wouldn’t rather put to use helping Saria. A wisp of thought flickers through her mind, not of her but in her. She sighs, and her body begins to change.

Dredger (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

For a pile of brackish mist, with no features except batlike wings that sprout out from seemingly random places, Dredger manages to convey impatience quite well. “**Don’t ask questions. Lane wants to help you, kid, so listen close: I take fucked-up shit and unfuck it, or fuck it different.**” He reaches into the area where Lane’s chest was, and pulls out what looks to be a flip phone. Black mist streams off it in nonsensical angles, and it smells faintly of arsenic. Dredger seems to stagger back as it emerges from him, then he throws it onto the table in front of Eutropia. “**If everyone here puts some Self into this thing, you can use it exactly once to pull on its connections to us. The more Self someone puts in, the more nuanced your message to ‘em will be. Be smart. Anyone who holds it can use it.**” And without another word, he slumps back into the chair, and all that’s left is Lane, looking exhausted beyond belief.

Eutropia Barneby — 04/05/2021

Pia looks bewildered at these displays of generosity. "You're all, you're so kind. I, um, I feel like I'm repeating myself. I know I've, I've said this before. But... all of you. You're all. I, um, I know what Glamour is, and what you can do with it. But I'm not sure how I'm supposed to use this kind? Or put it in, um, for storage? And, um." She moves her cupped hands. The glamour sloshes around. "I can't, um. I can't pick up the other things, because I'm, um, holding the glamour. I have a bag, if that helps, with things in it..." Her bag is on the chair, next to her. It's rather large, all things considered, and made of silver faux-leather. Inside are several wooden boxes and one metal one, along with a Ziploc bag full of empty glass containers, corked.

Dream || Seafoam — 04/05/2021

Dream looks at the flip phone with a raised eyebrow, but first turns its attention to the slightly more pressing issue. "Apologies. One moment, and I shall get that for you." It stands from its chair and, after gingerly picking through Pia's bag, gets one of the glass containers from its Ziploc bag, uncorks it, and, leaning down, holds it under Pia's hands. When Pia's finished pouring the Glamour into the proffered vial, Dream corks it and goes to sit down again. "Our Glamour, child, is of Bright Spring. Particularly good for matters related to life and growing things, though it can be used for whatever one might use Glamour for. You use it as you would any other sort, and you may store it however you wish. You need only believe hard enough that it will remain stored, and it will. As for Dredger's gift..." Dream lays a hand on the phone, but does not infuse it with Self yet. "Before I add a piece of my Self to this... Are you familiar with the forum Occult Magic Online, Pia? It may prove an easier way to keep in contact - not to mention repeatable."

StarryEyedSeer — 04/05/2021

Reese takes one of the smaller containers out of Pia's bag and tips their palm over it. The glamour suddenly decides to obey gravity, pouring into the vial like particularly heavy smoke. They put the stopper in and set it on the table next to Pia. "The glamour I just gave you is Dark Fall. Good for darkness, transformation, and apparently curses, but I don't know how to do those." They reach into their other inner vest pocket and pull out a black and silver fountain pen, grabbing a napkin with their other hand. They start writing, the ink drying instantly. "Even if we do use the phone, I can still give you some other contact info. I wrote down a PO box address you can send things to if you're allowed to mail things, my OMO username, the email I used for OMO, and a Wooble Voice number you can call." They set the napkin next to the vial of glamour.

Lane (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

Lane tries to meet Reese’s gaze again, and doesn’t look away this time. She smiles weakly when they notice. She’s not sure what she’s trying to convey; mostly, she’s just tired.

Eutropia Barneby — 04/05/2021

"Oh. Wow. Um, wow..." Pia checks her compass. A small smile grows on her face. She looks off, trying to hide it, but not trying very hard. "Um, this is so much more than I expected, at the very beginning. I, yes, um, I can make an account on, Occult Magic Online? I can do that. I know places to go, and, to use computers. Where they wouldn't notice. And, for the other, the other things. I can, um, keep them. I can use them. I think they'll be, I think they'll be helpful. Thank you. Thank you all so much." With small, measured gestures, she puts each object into her bag. Only the phone is left on the table. "Could you, um, are you going to." She raises a tentative hand and points in the direction of the phone.

Dream || Seafoam — 04/05/2021

"I shall, yes. Enough for a short message. Quick travel is not something we can easily accomplish, at the moment, but if you have urgent need of me, send a message, and I shall do what I can." Dream's grip on the phone tightens just slightly, and it blinks hard several times before withdrawing its hand. "There."

StarryEyedSeer — 04/05/2021

Reese places their hand on the phone, pushing some of their Self into it. They lean back in their chair when they take their hand off, slumping a little and taking a moment to look up at the ceiling. "Whew, little dizzy. Might've overdone it a bit, hope that was enough."

Lane (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

Lane motions toward her chest. “A lot of Dredger is already in there. Would be worse for us if my Self was there too, I think. He’s not likely to be too far from me anytime soon.” Her inflection is strained, her eyelids are fluttering violently, and she’s making a valiant effort to stay upright in her chair. “I sincerely hope you won’t have to use it, but if you do, we’ll try to get to you as soon as we can.”

Eutropia Barneby — 04/05/2021

"Thank you all," Pia says. "Oh, you, um. Are you, um, do you need to sleep, or, anything?" She looks at her compass. "Because you did so much. You were helping me, and trying to help, and you did, I'm grateful, um. You don't, um, you don't have to stay here. If you have something you need to do—and I might have to go, too, soon."

Dream || Seafoam — 04/05/2021

"The party appears to be winding down, and it is rather late, so we may take our leave at some point soon. But I am happy to sit with you until you leave, if you like."

StarryEyedSeer — 04/05/2021

Reese yawns. "I was already tired when I got here, but I don't mind staying a little longer."

Dredger (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

**Before you parrot them, consider you’re not fooling anyone.** Dredger’s thought-voice is cold, and itself exhausted.

Lane (MainStay) — 04/05/2021

Lane tries to get up, and stumbles a little, then tries again, and looks at everyone, with what she hopes is a convincing smile. “I want to stay, but I’m so tired, and it’s important I rest.” She hates to leave them, some of the only people she’s felt safe around in a long time. “I want—” She staggers again, then rights herself. “I want you all to know I really valued meeting you. It’s so good to know there are people in this world who care for others. It shouldn’t . . .” She realizes her words are coming out a bit slurred, and trails off a little, then concludes, “Thank you. Good night, Reese . . . Good night, Pia, Dream.” She doesn’t want to walk away from this moment, not when it feels so ephemeral. But if she doesn’t walk soon, she’ll fall. So walk away she does, leaving behind a wish and holding onto a smile.

Eutropia Barneby — 04/05/2021

"Oh, um, goodbye!" Pia waves to her enthusiastically, then turns to the others. "Um, before I go. Do you want, do you want a hug? A kind of, um, a goodbye hug?" She gets out of her seat and prepares for hug.

Dream || Seafoam — 04/05/2021

StarryEyedSeer — 04/05/2021

Pia also gets a hug from Reese. They put one hand on the edge of the table for stability when they pull away, and their eyelids start to grow heavier. They yawn again. "Maybe I'm more tired than I thought. Should probably turn in for the night." They blink a few times, then refocus their eyes on Pia. "Good luck, kid. Don't forget, you have people looking out for you. Night." They drain the long-since-watered-down remnants of their drink, set the glass back on the table, and take a meandering path toward where the rooms are.