OOS 28

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 Notunoth 9, the party takes a brief vacation in Oceanside before leaving for the Mirage Temple. It occurred between sessions 21 and 22.

## Transcript

Vale:

*not 9. vale spends most of the day exploring oceanside with edger, and window shopping and stuff. an idea occurs to her in the late afternoon when they wrap up, and vale decides to seek out akaros.*

Ondo:

*Ondo is standing alongside the beach, prestidigitating sand out from him. There is a decently sized sand castle nearby.*

Vale:

*eventually vale will find him. or he mentioned where he’d be that day. or something idk.*

*approaches ondo from behind* “hello.”

Akaros:

*A phantom, miniature Akaros flies around the sand castle, occasionally blasting it with breath. It is largely ineffective*

Ondo:

"Hm? Oh, hello Vale. What did you get up to today?"

Vale:

“wandered around oceanside with edger.”

“how about you.”

Ondo:

*Ondo motions to the sand castle.*

"It has been admittedly sort of strange to me," *he says after a moment.* "I've never had so much time to fill without a purpose."

Vale:

*looks at it for a moment* “very impressive.”

“hm. must be a lot to get used to.”

Ondo:

"I have discovered that if I keep my body and mind in constant motion, I avoid falling into despair."

Akaros:

"Despair is the name of the pit I keep trying to dig in the sand beneath him." *Akaros says helpfully.*

Ondo:

"Yes. That is how I figured out the metaphor. It has been both annoying and quite productive."

Vale:

"....i see."

"how did you get the idea to build a sandcastle."

Ondo:

"I believe Edger mentioned something about the act of doing so being 'zen'? He didn't really explain what that word meant, but it sounded positive, so I thought I would give it a try."

Vale:

"ah. well you seem to have a knack for it."

"anyway. im interrupting but....i have a question for akaros."

Akaros:

"Fine, but You have to answer a question for me, too."

Ondo:

*Ondo has been occasionally shifting his feet to some unknown rhythm, but he stops and waits, looking at Vale.*

Vale:

"...very well."

"ask your question."

Akaros:

"I didn't actually have anything, but that seems like what you're supposed to say." *Akaros says* "What's up?"

Ondo:

"Knew it," *says Ondo under his proverbial breath.*

Vale:

"you two seem to have gotten to know each other rather well." *quietly, more to herself*

"akaros, will you teach me draconic."

Ondo:

*Ondo tilts his head, but says nothing.*

Akaros:

*Ondo's cloak stops swirling, and Vale feels the Dragon Spirit's attention fully on her.* "Why do you wish to learn?"

Vale:

"curiosity. distraction. for the sake of accurate fanfiction."

Akaros:

*A moment's pause, and the cloak begins to behave like fabric once again.* "Very well. I suppose I could try to teach you."

Vale:

*sits down in the sand* "okay."

"what's the origin of draconic."

Akaros:

"It is one of the fundamental languages of creation, and predates mortal life." *Akaros says* "At least, in its purest forms. There has been some... drift, over the millennia."

Vale:

*her eyes light up a bit*

“ondo, i hope you....dont mind.”

Ondo:

*He tilts his head again, in an Ondo motion for 'huh?' and shrugs.* "I would not. I would also be interested in the lessons, if I am going to be here for them anyway."

Vale:

*pulls out paper for taking notes*

*nods*

Akaros:

*Akaros almosts suggests going somewhere with fewer distractions, but since Vale is ready, he begins a long-winded, rambling introduction to Draconic. Several passers-by are interested in the talking cloak that knows Languages, and a bookish beachgoer sits down near them and takes notes in the sand.* [Roll Intelligence checks]

Ondo:

[11]

Vale:

[13]

Akaros:

[Ondo and Renn, despite Akaros' less than stellar teaching methods and facilities, manage to make 1 day of progress towards learning Draconic. You can now say hello, goodbye, and indicate how many goblins you have eaten.]

Ondo:

[It was easy to remember because the answer for them is usually zero.]

*As the sun is setting, and we shoo the weird beach people away, Ondo offers to walk Vale back to the resort.*

Vale:

*nods*

Ondo:

"So... would you like to... talk...?"

*Ondo asks haltingly, carefully, as they reach their destination.*

Vale:

*nods* “okay.”

“we said we would.”

Ondo:

*Ondo fidgets with his hands a bit.* "Alright."

Vale:

“come to my room?”

Ondo:

"Yes, of course."

Vale:

“-badly says ‘i have eaten 0 ondos’ in draconic-“

*light smile*

Ondo:

*Ondo stares for a moment in incomprehension, then chuckles and gives her a thumbs up.*

*Once in the bedroom, he still seems a bit unsure of what to say. He looks around a bit, looks at Vale, looks around.* "So... What prompted the new persona?" *Direct. Nice buddy.*

"Am I allowed to ask that? Is that against the rules?"

Vale:

“dont worry about the rules anymore. it doesnt matter.”

*pauses*

*lunges forward to give ondo a big hug*

Ondo:

*Ondo rocks backward more to soften the blow for Vale's benefit, given his solid form. He wraps his arms around her carefully.*

"Ah... Hm." *Soothing pats.* "Did something happen after you left to speak with Edger?"

Vale:

*in the middle of the hug, changes into true form*

“you were right. we talked....about the.... marriage. and he said a lot of the same things you did, and.....”

*tone is definitely not as flat as before, but still lacking something*

Ondo:

"Oh, oh dear. So you are... no longer fine with the situation as it stands."

Vale:

*shakes her head no into his chest*

Ondo:

*Ondo continues the motion, but seems at a loss.* "I... I cannot imagine you are in an easy predicament, I..."

"Do you know what you would like to do from here?"

Vale:

".....go to the mirage temple."

Ondo:

"That is good, but not quite what I meant."

Vale:

"ondo, can you do something for me."

Ondo:

"Of course. What is it?"

Vale:

"and in return, i'll.....um.....i don't--i don't know."

*is thinking for a bit but very clearly cant come up with anything*

Ondo:

"Renn I do not... require anything from you. Please, what is it."

Vale:

"....make me something?"

"out of wood, i mean."

Ondo:

"Of course. Is there something in particular?"

Vale:

*shakes her head no* "i want you to make me something that you come up with on your own."

"and....."

Ondo:

"Understood - yes?"

Vale:

"could i be there while you work on it?"

Ondo:

"Y-es. I don't see why not."

Vale:

"okay."

*nods*

"thanks."

Ondo:

*Ondo nods in return.* "Would you like me to start... now?"

Vale:

*shrugs*

"do you want to start now?"

Ondo:

"I... want to figure out how to make things better. Everyone is worried about you."

Vale:

*leaves the hug and looks down*

"im......not really sure what to say...."

"i'm....well. i don't really know what's going on right now, to be honest."

*tone is sad*

Ondo:

"That's alright, I just. Want you to know that we're here for you. Not just me, Veggrek and Edger and Kiono as well."

Vale:

"i don't....is vale okay?"

Ondo:

"???"

Vale:

"is she....."

"........"

"nevermind."

Ondo:

"Oh, you mean, do we like her?"

Vale:

"i...guess."

Ondo:

"She... took us all off guard. She is a lot closer to acting like Kiono than she is to any of your past personas." *he pauses.*

Vale:

*wide eyed and then a disgruntled look*

Ondo:

"Vale isn't... bad. She just concerns me because she was born out of... sorrow."

Vale:

"so you wont leave her."

Ondo:

"What? Of course not. She is you."

Vale:

"i guess. i don't really..."

Ondo:

*Ondo is reaching into his compartments for some carving tools.*

Vale:

"i think.....weird when i'm vale. i dont really get....it."

*watches him pull out the tools*

Ondo:

"Weird... bad? Or alright weird?"

*Shuffle.* "Akaros where did I put the Larchwood?"

Vale:

"but i just couldn't....i couldn't form tallo. it felt--suffocating. weird. i don't....i don't know."

*either she didnt hear his question or she ignored it*

Akaros:

"It's here. It looks nice next to the maple."

Vale:

"and i havent been able to hold back my tears well but...now there's nothing coming out at all. i don't get it."

Akaros:

*A shadowy claw holds out a hunk of wood*

Ondo:

"You couldn't be the person you were anymore - oh, thank you - is it the same with your other selves?"

Vale:

"u-um. what?"

*like she is asking him to repeat himself*

Ondo:

"Do you think it would be just as suffocating to become any other persona, I mean."

"From before."

Vale:

"someone new? I don't know. probably."

"oh."

"you mean...."

"yes."

Ondo:

"Hm..."

*Ondo is laying out the two wood blocks on a desk, along with other various supplies he borrowed from Noah's shop.* "I never really thought about how your personas might be tied to your emotions before."

"But... I suppose it makes a certain amount of sense. I am different, now that I have emotions." *He is turning a block over in his hand and drawing lines.*

Vale:

*quietly* "I'm glad you're okay with vale."

*tears start welling up a little*

"oh. there they are i guess."

Ondo:

"Ah... It is better to let yourself cry, I've heard. I'm not sure where, though. Maybe Veggrek?"

Vale:

"yes."

"from veggrek."

*sits on the bed and pulls her knees up*

Ondo:

"I don't really understand, but perhaps it will help."

Vale:

*finally notices what ondo is doing with the wood*

"maybe."

Ondo:

*It isn't much of anything yet, but a figure with a circular base, not unlike an s&s figure but a bit larger, starts to take form as he works.*

*After a few minutes he takes out Dolly and employs her help in handing him things and holding them in place.*

Vale:

*watches him work and practices the few draconic phrases she learned under her breath*

*the tears dont last long*

Ondo:

"So," *says Ondo, breaking the silence.* "I am not sure you want to talk about the situation with your parents, but would you like to put a hit out on your husband?"

Vale:

"........................."

"what's that tool called."

*points to what he's currently holding*

Ondo:

"This? It is a fishtail gouge. It is used for finer details than most of what I am working on at this stage, but I will need it more later."

Vale:

*nods*

"okay."

Ondo:

"I will take your change of topic as, 'you have said something uninvited in polite society, but please take action at your own discretion, Ondo.'"

Vale:

*renn's eyebrows furrow, though you may not be able to tell because her bangs are so long at this point*

"don't do anything."

"what about that tool."

*points to the first other one she sees*

Ondo:

"That is a spoon gauge."

*Sigh.*

"Very well. Change in topic! You know about bargaining, yes?"

Vale:

“i suppose.”

Ondo:

"If I was going to make some sort of trade or deal with Xelbari, is there anything you can think of that he would want?"

Vale:

“why do you want to make a trade with xelbari?”

Ondo:

*Ondo looks around conspiratorially, then holds a finger up to his mask.* "It's a secret."

Vale:

*gets a little smile on her face*

“he likes weird, unconventional, hard-to-come-by things. the weirder the better.”

Ondo:

*Ondo considers for a moment, then pulls something out.* "Hm, poisonous cowboy boots?"

Vale:

*shrugs* “worth a try, but you should have backup ideas just in case.”

Ondo:

"Ah. Any suggestions?"

Vale:

“not really. his unpredictability is part of his charm. head to a really strange place and you may find something he’d be interested in.”

Ondo:

"Ah good, after you go to bed I will probably head to the shady side of town then."

Vale:

“.....can i come?”

*eyes have lit up a little*

Ondo:

*Oh no, danger eyes.*

"I... Hm. Yes. Alright. I suppose you'd have a better idea of what might be suitable, and I will be there to protect you."

Vale:

“we should go now so we can find it.”

“unless you already know where to look.”

Ondo:

"I do not, no," *Ondo says, setting aside his tools and putting Dolly back in his heart.* "I suppose we shall go then."

"Though I do wonder if having Akaros just drool in a jar for a while isn't also an option."

Vale:

“hm.”

*tries to pray to belxari*

*Gloom:*

[make a wisdom check]

Vale:

[nat 20 omg]

Gloom:

[What do you Pray?]

Vale:

*belxari, do you think xelbari would be interested in receiving akaros’ drool in a jar?*

*....amen*

Gloom:

*There is a faint pop and an empty glass jar appears an inch above the floor. It is complete with a stopper, and the neck bound with a golden ribbon.*

Ondo:

*Ondo stares.* "What?"

"Did you do that?"

Vale:

“hm. i think that’s a yes, maybe.”

“oh, no. i asked belxari if she thinks xelbari would enjoy akaros’ drool in a jar.”

Ondo:

"Ah... ah ha. I see. I suppose they are siblings, apparently."

*Ondo picks up the jar and examines it.* "So... Akaros this may be one of the stranger things I've asked of you, but do you think you could... fill... this... overnight, perhaps?"

Akaros:

"With what though?" *Akaros asks* "I could maybe... mush something up?"

Ondo:

"I don't entirely understand how your not-biology works. Are you capable of spitting things out? Do you even have a mouth? I didn't think this through."

Akaros:

"Hmm. I haven't tried. Should I?"

Ondo:

"For the purposes of this current experiment, yes I suppose so."

Vale:

*has a small smile on her face as this goes down*

Akaros:

*After a moment of intense focus, Akaros says,* "Welp, I expelled the ice cream. I don't know where it is."

Ondo:

*Ondo makes a praying motion with his hands and says nothing.*

"I don't know what to do now," *Ondo admits.*

Vale:

“you dont think it’s in one of your compartments, do you.”

Ondo:

*Ondo hesitantly bends over and opens his leg-doors.*

Gloom:

[you are unable to locate the ice cream, no matter where you search]

Vale:

“well i suppose we should depart for the seedy areas of the city.”

Ondo:

*Ondo sighs.* "Do you think he would take a warforged? I could just be his warforged for a week."

"I'm weird."

Vale:

“is what you want really worth that to you.”

“....”

Belxari:

*Vale, you hear Belxari's voice* "Hey what did you guys just do?"

Ondo:

*Ondo pauses and thinks about it.* "I do not know who else to ask about it."

Vale:

*[we attempted to get akaros to expel....ice cream drool? into the jar you provided.]*

Belxari:

"Oh. Huh. Alright."

Vale:

*why do you ask.*

Belxari:

"Just heard something weird. It's fine."

Vale:

*after a pause, responds to ondo* “i dont....want you to leave.”

“no...nevermind.”

“do what you must.”

Ondo:

"Oh... hm. Well I... It is not *that* important. It is just something I wanted to do," *he says quietly.* "I'll... try my other options. We've still got some magic items lying around that we don't use. And there's looking for something in town."

Vale:

“okay. shall we go then.”

Ondo:

"Very well."

*And then they go do some shifty bargaining for weird stuff.*

Gloom:

[Investigation checks]

Ondo:

[18]

Vale:

[4]

Gloom:

*You find a small, back-alley merchant, the door marked only with a small sign that reads "Another's Treasures". The room beyond is filled with shelves upon shelves of dusty knick-knacks and useless relics. The individual behind the counter is perched on a stool, their legs folded up beneath their crossed arms. They are humanoid, but their face is cloaked- a jacket or coat tied around their head like a makeshift hood.*

Shopkeeper:

"Welcome" *they say in a near-whisper.* "What can I help you find?"

Ondo:

"Ah, yes. Hello. We are in the market for... unusual goods. What are among the stranger items you have?"

Vale:

*vale—she shifted back before departing—is looking around the shop with interest*

Shopkeeper:

"Stranger things and stranger still have I," *they say. They lead forward on the stool, peering at Ondo.* "Strange to a stranger might not be strange at all, though. Do you know yourself enough to know the difference?"

Ondo:

*Ondo stares.* "Er... I will just have to make my best guess, I suppose."

Shopkeeper:

"Guess so." *The hoarse voice titters.* "I'll be here if you have any purchases... or Inquiries..."

Ondo:

*He nods jerkily, and goes to look through the shelves.*

Shopkeeper:

*Searching through the shelves, there are many oddities, but nothing screams "unsettling baker demon". Perhaps most distressingly, you find a chunk of float stone stuck under one shelf, a material used to construct the great floating cities*.

Ondo:

*Ondo stares at it for a bit, turning it around in his hand, before bringing it over to the merchant.* "How much for this?"

Shopkeeper:

*The merchant stares at the rock, and then at Ondo* "Do you know what this is?"

Ondo:

"Yes."

Shopkeeper:

*The merchant stares inscrutably at Ondo for awhile* "Then it must belong to you already." *They say finally.*

Ondo:

*Ondo feels an Unknowable emotion. He closes his fingers around the stone and nods at the merchant, before turning to leave.* "Vale, did you find anything? I'm ready to go."

Shopkeeper:

"Perhaps... you would be interested in what's behind the counter?" *The merchant suggests*.

Ondo:

*Ondo stops.* "...We might be. What are you offering?"

Gloom:

*The merchant reaches long spindly arms below the counter and lifts up a silver tray. Upon it are a variety of items, kept in pristine condition in sharp contrast to the dust and wear of the items in the shop proper. Upon the tray sits a chime, a mirror, a sword hilt with a broken blade, a lacquered case, a ring, and a familiar jeweled box.*

Ondo:

*Ondo points at the box.* "What would you ask for this?"

Shopkeeper:

*The merchant regards the box* "How odd," *They say*. "I do not recall this being in my shop. What do you suppose it is?"

Ondo:

"Ah it should... contain a tarot card?"

Shopkeeper:

"Just one?" *The merchant says, keenly studying the box. They open the lid and quickly shut it.* "Ah."

"It seems you have left a few of your things carelessly in my shop." *They push the box across the counter delicately, with only two fingers.* "Perhaps you would consider making a purchase in recompense?"

Ondo:

"U-uh um. Sure. That is why I... came in here." *Ondo nervously picks up the box, then scans the rest of the items on the counter.* "Vale do you think... Xelbari would like any of these?"

Vale:

“hm? im not....certain.”

[does the mirror resemble a certain mirror merchant sibling one]

Gloom:

[It does, though the gemstones are a different color, and the relief back is a different scene, it remains unmistakably one of the same kinds of artifacts]

Vale:

“what...would you say this is.”

Shopkeeper:

*The Merchant turns their attention to Vale* "A competitor."

Vale:

“hm.”

*ooks at it thoughtfully*

“i see.”

*wonder if it leads to the same sibling*

Gloom:

[You've researched this some, go ahead and make an Arcana check]

Vale:

[18]

Gloom:

[You're not certain where this might lead]

Vale:

“and this?” points to the chime

Shopkeeper:

"A chime crafted from a the bones of a fae creature. Ringing it can bring you home, or send you far away." *The merchant says* "Metaphorically speaking."

Vale:

“and this?” *points to the ring*

Ondo:

"Ominous, but perhaps not as gross as we are looking for," *Ondo comments.*

Shopkeeper:

"A ring taken from the finger of an imperious warlord from an age long past. Wearing it imparts desires of conquest."

Vale:

*face scrunches up a bit*

“this?” *indicates the sword hilt*

Shopkeeper:

"The broken sword of a fallen hero. His folly is inscribed upon the blade."

Vale:

*leans forward to see if she can make out any writing*

Gloom:

*There is nothing on the fragment still attached*

Vale:

“how about this one?” *points to case*

Shopkeeper:

"A collection of rites and scripts. Reading them daily can improve one's focus, but draws the attention of spirits."

Vale:

“what manner of spirits?”

Shopkeeper:

*The merchant shrugs.*

Ondo:

*Ondo is looking at Vale to see if she makes a suggestion.*

Vale:

“how much is the mirror?”

Shopkeeper:

"It would be ill-fated to sell for coin, such is the nature of that which dwells within. Do you have something to trade for it?"

Vale:

*thinks a moment, then takes her bag off her shoulder and opens it*

“you ultimately would....sell anything i trade to someone else?”

Ondo:

*Ondo pulls out the Venom Kicks half-heartedly, along with 2 Sapphires and some beef jerky.*

Shopkeeper:

"Not so long as you draw breath." *The merchant says.*

Vale:

*vale gives the merchant an odd look before masking it*

“how about this.” *takes out the gorgon’s eye*

Shopkeeper:

"Interesting." *The merchant leans forward, scrutinizing the orb.* "An accursed item of a far-gone kingdom. I would accept the Xathrid Pearl."

Vale:

*vale nods and gives it to him*

Shopkeeper:

*The merchant accepts it, and hands you the mirror*

Vale:

*to ondo* “im not certain he will want this, but it’s worth a try.”

Ondo:

*The gravity of the situation is beginning to sink into Ondo.* "This is... a powerful magical artifact, isn't it."

"I... thank you for your help, Vale," *he says, accepting the mirror.* "I will try to bargain with Xelbari. He may want this, or perhaps he will settle for something else. If he does I will give it back to you."

Vale:

“if it is what i think it is, anyway.”

“perhaps we should test it out first.”

Ondo:

"Uh. Sure." *He peers into it.* "How does it work?"

Vale:

“let’s head back first.”

*turns to the shopkeeper* “have a good night.”

Shopkeeper:

*The merchant returns to their precarious perch and stares forward as the door closes behind the pair.*

Vale:

*on the way back, vale is mostly quietly looking around at her surroundings, taking in the night sights and keeping her mind occupied. assuming they get back to the inn alright, she heads to her room with ondo.*

Ondo:

*Ondo is tossing the stone up and down and thinking about today.*

Vale:

“hmmm...this will be interesting i think. keep all of your things on you, okay? especially anything you may want to sell.”

Ondo:

"Er. Alright?"

Vale:

*she looks at the taro box warily* “later can i ask about that. i admit when they were first explained i was a bit....distracted and may not have paid the best attention.”

Ondo:

"If its anything like the other two we have, carrying what's inside will cause some affect. although I'm not sure what card is in there."

Vale:

“oh. okay.”

“anyway....”

*takes ondo’s hand, because she’s not sure how this works, and tries to activate the mirror*

Gloom:

[Roll a Wisdom check with advantage, Vale]

Vale:

[16]

Gloom:

*Renn, and Ondo with her, are drawn into the placid face of the mirror, down into darkness. Renn lands on her feet, accustomed to the odd shift in gravity and perspective. And it is Renn, in her true form, that alights here. Ondo lands less gracefully on one knee, without his cloak, without his mask, in the shallow pool that pervades this dark realm.*

*Ahead in the seemingly infinite void, is what appears to be a platform with high banners to either side, Illuminated by sourceless spotlights.*

Ondo:

"Goodness. Where are we?" *Ondo reaches up, realizing a couple things are missing.* "...Ah - Akaros? Are you there?"

True Form Renn:

"yes, this seems about right." *looks around at the different surroundings. definitely a different sibling, unless noh redecorated.*

Gloom:

[Ondo, make an insight check]

Ondo:

[3]

Gloom:

[Akaros is nowhere to be found, but you are still able to move, somehow.]

Ondo:

*Ondo is looking around frantically, as if Akaros would be on the ground somewhere.* "Is this place... real? It can't be. It must be like the donjon, isn't it?"

True Form Renn:

"it's an extradimensional place."

"remember when the dragon attacked the airship, and i was hiding?"

"i actually came here--well not *here* specifically--to get a teleport scroll."

Ondo:

*Ondo pauses and stares.* "How did you - how did get here?"

True Form Renn:

"you look weird without your m--oh. i have another mirror like the one we came through."

*starts approaching the platform*

Ondo:

"Really? You never mentioned anything like that. Though I suppose it explains the scroll." *He starts following.* "Oh! My peripheral vision is excellent!"

True Form Renn:

*gives him a surprised, incredulous look*

"your mask.....makes it harder for you to see?"

Ondo:

"Only slightly. It would be improper to walk around without it, though."

True Form Renn:

*a very small laugh*

"so is akaros......not here with you?"

*continues on walkin'*

Ondo:

"No. ...I hope that he's alright."

True Form Renn:

"hmmm...."

"so can you think of anything you'd like to buy?"

"i traded some memories to get the scroll."

Ondo:

"Oh well, I don't know what's for sa- You traded what?"

True Form Renn:

"Some memories."

Ondo:

"Memories... of what?"

True Form Renn:

*shrugs*

"they must not have been important."

Ondo:

*Ondo stares at Renn. And keeps staring.*

"Three quarters. That's three quarters of us with memory loss now."

True Form Renn:

"who's us?"

Ondo:

*Him staring does actually involve angling his torso more in Renn's general direction.*

"Our party. You, Veggrek, and Kiono."

True Form Renn:

"oh."

*a pause* "well, we can't leave until we buy something. so you should think of something you'd like."

Ondo:

*Ondo feels another Unknowable emotion, and says nothing as he follows Renn to the platform.*

True Form Renn:

*walks silently as well, taking in the surroundings*

Gloom:

*As with Noh's domain, there is naught for surroundings but an expanse of shallow water two inches deep. The platform sits atop a hill, what appears to be an open-air stage. A humanoid figure, clad in black clothes but for the fox mask upon its face, sits upon the edge of it, legs dangling unnaturally as you approach.*

True Form Renn:

*and approach renn does*

Bunraku

*The head looks up, a fixed point as it's body shifts to accommodate this new position, scooting its weight more directly under it in an unsettling fashion, moving in directions humans lack muscles for.*

<Welcome, Customers> *A voice, sourceless, echoes.* <Welcome. I am Bunraku, and I trade in what is Hidden.>

Ondo:

*Ondo has been following Renn closely, but takes a half step back as the merchant moves, taken off guard by its appearance.*

Ondo:

"Nice... to meet you." *he says evenly.*

True Form Renn:

*nods* "hello."

Bunraku:

<What do you seek?> *the voice says* <What do you offer?>

Ondo:

"What... sort of things do you usually sell and take? How can you trade in something that is hidden?"

Bunraku:

<If I gave you an example, it would no longer be something I could sell.>

<I trade in things deliberately concealed. I will take what you hide. grant others have hidden.>

True Form Renn:

"hm. that's....interesting."

Ondo:

"I do not... have many secrets that I could think of."

True Form Renn:

"if you take something we hide, is it forgotten?"

Bunraku:

<It need not be something Secret, as you mean it. It need not even be *yours.*>

<It will be kept by me, or it will be passed to one of my siblings, as appropriate, for resale. I am not the merchant of what is Known, I cannot tell you if you will Know it.>

True Form Renn:

"do we both have to make a purchase?"

Bunraku:

<Normally, yes.>

<But as a special introductory offer, I am willing to treat the automaton as an... accessory>.

True Form Renn:

"hm. do you have anything in mind you want to buy, ondo?"

*he is NOT an accessory.*

Ondo:

*Ondo tilts his frame, downwards, thinking hard. 'There's so much that I don't know. I want to learn more about Kiono - but, if these things are what's Hidden, then. Would it be right for me to pry her secrets without giving them freely? Can he even sell things that haven't already been traded here?'*

*After a bit he shakes his head and looks up.* "...I think I do have one idea. I don't know what it would cost though."

Bunraku:

<I can>

<Also, it probably goes without saying in that I am able to make this point, but if you have a thought unvoiced, that counts as something concealed, so there's that.>

Ondo:

"Oh."

"Alright, anyway."

Bunraku:

<My inventory is the collected secrets of the cosmos.>

<I'm properly spooky.>

True Form Renn:

*expression becomes a mix of surprised and amused*

Ondo:

*Ondo pauses, and carefully looks at the mirror merchant.* "I want to know who led Akaros' betrayal."

Bunraku:

<Very Well. What do you offer?>

True Form Renn:

*observes with interest*

Ondo:

**Panic. I offer panic. I still have no idea what constitutes an offer. There were times I hid Evelynn's activities from her parents. That does not seem significant in these circumstances. What would even.**

**There's things I'd rather not voice out loud to my allies.**

Bunraku:

<Then go to the Sky Elves and deliver your secret to the ones that might care. Would you like your purchase now, or upon payment?> *The head is transfixed upon Ondo, though it is not the source of the weight of the gaze he feels upon him.*

Ondo:

"What?"

Bunraku:

<Tell your tales of this Evelynn to those of her people. In this, your price is paid.>

Ondo:

*Ondo feels heavy and confused.* "I... Is there... a time constraint on when I must do this?"

Bunraku:

<No, though if you accept your purchase now and fail to fulfill the bargain, you may find yourself... unspun... or conscripted.>

<It is all written in the Terms and Conditions you accepted when using the gateway.>

Ondo:

"I will... accept the purchase now."

Bunraku:

<Dramatically or do you want me to just tell you?>

True Form Renn:

*finds her focus broken by amusement*

Ondo:

*Ondo looks at Renn.* "Er, I don't know. Dramatically is fun."

Bunraku:

*The figure jerks to its feet as if by strings, and struts across the stage. Several other figures join it twisted and covered with spikes. Others are humans that flee in terror. As they act out the scene, it becomes Real.*

*Ondo and Renn watch as the Calamity unfolds, from a different perspective.*

*People cry out as the human settlement is razed by demonic forces, an unstoppable flood of evil that scourges the land of light and hope. A large demon, a Balor, walks alongside a much smaller human wearing dark robes and a draconic mask.*

"We are in agreement, then. Your forces will work with mine to usurp the kingdom of Akaros the destroyer, removing the last real obstacle to my Master's plans, and allowing your army to cross unopposed into the Dragonlands. " *The human says*

*The Balor grins,* "If this goes well, Orcus will be pleased. It is not often that he is pleased, mortal. You may yet live to be among the last tormented and consumed."

"A bargain it is, then." *The human holds out his hand, and the demon grasps it, visibly flexing down on the human. The human stands, unimpressed, and after a moment the demon winces and pulls his hand free.* "My master will be pleased as well. *Orcus* may yet survive the coming dawn, among the last to be tormented and consumed."

*The human leaves the army, and stalks up a burning hillside, then a non-burning mountainside, so a concealed cave. Atop an altar lies a great draconic skull.* "It is done, my master, the demons will goad the Illlum Knight into attacking Akaros as a symbol of evil, and you will be free to act."

*The cave rumbles as the skull's eyes illuminate with a pale green fire, and you hear the voice of Nox reply.*

"Well done, Hedemora. You will be rewarded when we are finished."

True Form Renn:

*renn watches in surprise, flinching back at the realness of it, taking it all in. even when the scene ends, she stands there silently thinking on it.*

Bunraku:

*As the scene fades, the figures return, and then vanish in turn, leaving just the singular masked figure on the stage*

Ondo:

*Ondo stood transfixed watching the scene play out, but snaps out of it as the vision ends.* "So it was Nox."

True Form Renn:

"i....guess so."

"im sure akaros will appreciate knowing."

"it seems this has been a productive trip."

Ondo:

"Of course," *says Ondo suddenly.* "Nox knew about us right from the beginning, we spoke to him in the tomb."

"You're right, I suppose it has. Is there anything you plan to buy?"

True Form Renn:

"what?"

*taken aback*

Ondo:

"The rotting dragon skeleton? In the cave? You were Fern at the time."

True Form Renn:

"o-oh.....we're.....definitely going to have to talk about that."

Ondo:

*Ondo looks up at the merchant.* "Thank you for the business, this has been helpful."

"And nice theatrics."

Bunraku:

<Thank you. People are usually too impatient for the dramatic way.>

<Which leaves you, changeling.>

True Form Renn:

*looks at bunraku* "hmm...." *takes her bag and hesitates for a sec*

*opens a very small pocket, get a pained look on her face as she pulls something out*

"is this....acceptable to sell?" *holds up the wedding ring she received from julien*

Bunraku:

<The Symbol, or the bond itself?>

True Form Renn:

"...." *thinks for a moment*

"the......."

"......symbol." *shoulders slump*

Bunraku:

<If you are quite certain.>

<What do you wish, though it is a minor thing.>

True Form Renn:

"is there any way you can answer.... what is the helmet commander mctavitt has?"

Bunraku:

<No. It is not something that belongs to me, you would need to engage one of my siblings.>

True Form Renn:

*nods* "okay."

"i'm not sure this is necessary something hidden, but...." *blushes and looks down*

"could you tell me if there's any way to grow the elvish flowers ondo used to be able to grow on his roots?"

Ondo:

*Ondo looks at Renn. 'What?'*

True Form Renn:

*VERY deliberately looking away, a pale blush evident on her face*

Bunraku:

<No. That information also belongs to Kabuki. You would need to trade with her.>

<I'm sorry.>

Ondo:

"You could ask the plot of the next Star Walk book before it comes out," *Ondo offers helpfully.*

True Form Renn:

"hm. how could i find kabuki?"

Bunraku:

<You will need to seek her gateway. I am certain you will come across one, in time.>

True Form Renn:

"hm. okay."

"can you tell me anything about the weird.....thing that seems to be inside of veggrek."

Bunraku:

<For the ring? Very little, but yes.>

True Form Renn:

"okay."

Bunraku:

<It is a creature that can be slain.>

<Thank you for your patronage.>

True Form Renn:

*nods* "thanks for your......business."

Bunraku:

*The ring is received, but by what, it is uncertain.*

Ondo:

"Now... what?"

Bunraku:

<Stare into the water, and you will depart.>

<Otherwise, you may make another trade.>

Ondo:

*Ondo looks at Renn, then gestures at the water.*

True Form Renn:

"okay." *heads over to the water, with a lot going on in her head*

Ondo:

*Ondo knows he probably doesn't need to, but takes Renn's hand anyway while he looks into the pool.*

Gloom:

*You are drawn face first into the water, though you do not splash into it. Instead, you are deposited back from when you came, in your normal state.*

Vale:

"............." *looks at ondo to see if akaros and the mask are back in place*

Ondo:

*Ondo let's go of Renn's hand and goes to touch the cloak hood instinctively.*

Gloom:

[they are there]

Vale:

"well that was.....more productive than i expected."

"hey akaros guess what."

Ondo:

"We have good news and bad news."

"The good news is, we know who's responsible for your current state."

Vale:

"the bad news is, we still can't find the ice cream you expelled." *light smile*

Akaros:

"Oh. How? Who? What?"

Ondo:

"Actually I was going to say, the bad news is that it's Nox: he was working with Orcus during the Calamity, through someone named Heirmora."

"We met a strange, arcane merchant who deals in unknowns. I made a deal."

Akaros:

"........................................................"

Ondo:

"I'm sorry. I probably shouldn't have just sprung that, but it felt important."

Vale:

"there's a lot to process. and discuss."

"but......" *can barely suppress a yawn*

"my brain is getting pretty...foggy."

Ondo:

"Right. You should definitely be getting to bed," *says Ondo.*

"I don't need to trance tonight, so I will probably be... around. But not still."

"We can talk more tomorrow."

Akaros:

".................................................................................................................................................."

Ondo:

*Ondo glances away from Renn.* ["Akaros. Are you alright?"]

Akaros:

"No."

"But we will be."

Vale:

"? we will be what?"

Akaros:

"Hush I was being dramatic."

"Also we gotta go kill Nox."

Ondo:

"Indeed. Which... I imagine may be a problem, given his nature."

*Ondo adjusts his mask.* "We also have to go visit the sky elves. As payment for the information I said I would speak to them. Which... I was going to do anyway. But now I suppose I should try not to get destroyed before that happens."

Vale:

*vale resists the urge to rub her eyes* "yes, that would be preferred."

"i have a lot of....questions. but we should probably wait until later to talk about it."

"it'd probably be better to discuss with.....the others too."

Ondo:

"Yes, indeed." *Ondo collects his things, and looks at her.* "Rest well then, I will see you tomorrow."

"And thank you for your help tonight."

Vale:

*turns into true form renn and gives him a hug*

Ondo:

*Ondo returns the hug, checking Renn's face to make sure she isn't upset, before wrapping his arms around her fully.*

"Oh dear, I just realized. Am I supposed to give Xelbari the mirror? That seems rather extravagant."

True Form Renn:

*doesnt respond to his question, says quietly,* "thank you."

Ondo:

*Ondo lowers his voice.* "For what?"

True Form Renn:

"i feel.....a little bit better. today was....not a bad day. thanks to edger and you and akaros."

Ondo:

"I am truly glad to hear that."

True Form Renn:

*lingers in the hug a little longer before turning to head to bed*

Ondo:

"Good night," *says Ondo, giving her a last squeeze on the shoulder before leaving the room. He walks out and heads back down to the beach, and looks out at the night sky.*

Burben:

*Burben, who does not sleep, crawls after Ondo to join him on his nightly watch in what appears to be intended to become a routine.*

Ondo:

*Ondo seems surprised to see Burben, but pats him fondly, remembering that Akaros seems to enjoy his company.*

Veggrek:

*A while after that, Veggrek (who definitely does sleep) comes trundling up the beach behind them.*

Ondo:

"...Veggrek? What are you doing awake at this hour?"

Veggrek:

“I can’t seem to sleep. What are you doing?”

Ondo:

"I don't need to sleep. I was just... admiring the stars."

*He looks at Veggrek, though it's fairly dark.* "How did things go?"

Veggrek:

*Veggrek can see Ondo’s mask at least as if it were bathed in dim light. Better, if the illumination from the city and the festival reaches them.* “We’ll probably be fine.”

Ondo:

*Ondo nods.*

*He seems to think for a bit.*

"If you would like Veggrek, you can try to find rest out here. I will carry you back to your room after you've fallen asleep."

Veggrek:

“That’s thoughtful of you to offer. Thank you.”

Ondo:

"Of course," *he says softly, taking a seat in the sand, and patting the spot next to him.* "You can rely on me, too."

Veggrek:

*Veggrek takes the indicated seat and leans against Ondo. It is marginally comfortable.*

“What if I die in my sleep?”

Ondo:

"What??"

Veggrek:

“I’ve heard of it happening. Like a freak accident. They just don’t wake up. But I would...”

Ondo:

"You are... worried about me?"

*It takes him a second.*

Veggrek:

“I’m worried about everyone, honestly.”

Ondo:

"Ah. I... Hm. I can't speak for everyone else right now. While the probability of that happening tonight is quite low anyway, we don't know that whatever it is within you is even capable of targeting me."

"As for the rest of the time... we will just have to be careful."

"There are many dangers we're being faced with. Something that can be avoided by keeping you alive is not the worst thing to have to deal with, I think."

Veggrek:

“We’re probably going to be fine.”

Ondo:

*Ondo looks at Veg and isn't really certain of what to say for a bit.*

"We are." *He says finally.* "We are going to be alright."

Veggrek:

“Belxari kept saying we would be fine. I think she thinks I did well, talking to Kiono.”

Ondo:

"That's good, isn't it?"

Veggrek:

“Praise be.”

“It is. I can’t think of anything more comforting than having direct approval from one’s patron god. But it’s a paradox, because I’m meant to be afraid. It makes me careful.”

Ondo:

*Ondo tilts his head.* "That's... a far cry from the Squire Veggrek I met in Alibrook."

Veggrek:

“I suppose I’ve changed too. Do you even recognize me anymore?”

Ondo:

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

Veggrek:

“I mean, metaphorically. I know I don’t blend in. Just— do I seem like a different person?”

Ondo:

"Far less so than our other companions, I'd think. You are still Veggrek. You've just... changed, in little ways."

Veggrek:

“...That’s comforting. It really is.”

“Kiono said she didn’t know what I was talking about, about seeming like two different people.”

Ondo:

"Oh." *There's a beat.* "Do you think she was telling the truth?"

Veggrek:

“I— I’m not sure. Should we give them different names?”

Ondo:

"Er. I don't know. She probably wouldn't like that."

Veggrek:

“See, which she do we mean?”

Ondo:

"...Both? Or. Just her. *Kiono.*"

Veggrek:

”Do you think she’s possessed?“

Ondo:

"*Possessed?* By what?"

Veggrek:

“By an ancient dragon god or a fairy or a demon or— anything. Not even possessed. Just— are you sure there’s only one soul in her?”

Ondo:

*Ondo has a brief moment where he wonder if Kiono is ALSO possessed by a dragon, but decides that's sort of silly.*

"I don't know. I..."

Veggrek:

“...Do you think mine is a dragon?”

Ondo:

"I don't know. I don't know of any dragons made from tendrils of light, but I could ask Akaros tomorrow."

*Ondo's mind is reaching for something, but he isn't sure what. He's reviewing the conversations he's had with Kiono in his head. Odd things that she's said to him.*

Veggrek:

“Maybe tomorrow is a good day to see if we can’t track down a wizard or somesuch.”

*Veggrek yawns under his mask, squinted eyes watering, and shifts in an effort to get comfortable against Ondo’s wooden frame.*

Ondo:

"Yes. That may be a good plan." *Ondo tries to adjust for Veggrek as best he can, bunching the cloak as a makeshift cushion, though it does little.*

*He hums a little bit, quietly, haltingly.*

Veggrek:

*Veggrek’s blinks get longer. His voice is soft.* “Ondo? Would you like to hold me?”

Ondo:

*Ondo isn't sure how to respond, whether that's a question, a request, or an invitation, so he simply twists and gently pulls Veg into his lap.*

Veggrek:

*Veggrek settles in. This is much better.*

“You know... you can tell me if my ideas aren’t good. Even if it isn’t life and death.”

Ondo:

"Hm... I am often not a good judge of what constitutes a good idea anyway, but I will keep that in mind."

"Why?"

Veggrek:

“‘Why’ what?”

Ondo:

"What prompted that line of thought?"

Veggrek:

“You thought it might be a good plan to find a wizard.”

Ondo:

"It very well might be," *he muses.* "It would need to be an arcanist of some power, I imagine. Perhaps the prince will be able to help us."

Veggrek:

“Perhaps.” *Veggrek says. He sounds far away.*

Ondo:

*Ondo feels far away. He continues to hum, low, semi-robotically, while watching the waves crash against the shore. He rests the bottom tip of his mask on Veg.*

Veggrek:

*The sound of surf and humming sends Veggrek to sleep. He goes quiet.*

Ondo:

*Ondo remains in that position for a long time, until he is certain Veggrek is deeply asleep. It's in the very early morning that he carries Veg back to his bed, careful not to wake him.*

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