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Post by Aisling on Mar 27, 2022 12:56:51 GMT -8
"Nice to meet you Boško," She tries to mimic the second way he pronounces it, but fumbles it a little bit. "Tis Irish, yes. Always fun to have some spice to a name." She brushes aside some of her hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Her chuckle is slight, but it is there. "She's chosen interesting garments, hasn't she?" Analyzing it a little closer, she recognizes the Fae influence immediately, but it takes her mind to break down the finer details. It's beautiful and intricate, all of it serving a purpose. She sees the what, but now she wonders the why. Before she can really consider the implications of it all, Bosko is speaking again. He runs a food truck? Cool. "Oh, that's quite kind of ya," she chirps in her airy tone. She takes the card and looks at it briefly before placing it in the pocket of her dress. "I do enjoy-"Henley begins to speak then and her attention is more than captured. He speaks to heroics and valor, telling stories of one's accomplishments. She doesn't feel as if she has many of those. Not yet. Maybe she's been too concerned with establishing normal. But then, she's barely been out two years. It still feels like yesterday... Still, he speaks of the season and she can't help but feel incredibly inspired, a bubbling in her chest making her want to prove something. "You got any stories?" She can't help but ask Bosko. Perhaps it's a little awkward to ask immediately, but it just tumbles out of her mouth. Bosko
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Post by Bosko on Mar 27, 2022 15:29:33 GMT -8
Spice to a name. He'd have to use that in the future. "Aye, would agree." His smile grows a bit as she chuckles. He interprets it as one of joking, and one that displays comfort or happiness. He was glad.
As per the garments.. "Interesting, yes. Not my usual medium, but it tells a story... Though I do not understand all of the history of this Freehold to piece together a 'why.'" He turns his focus entirely to Aisling- he'd gotten distracted again.
The business card advertised 'Bosko's Box,' with an address. At the corner of the card was the silhouette of a thorn poking inwards, touching the space one was likely to put their thumb; it would mean little to anyone else. "Any time, please." He was building a response to her ongoing statement when-
Hm. Stories? He didn't have many at the moment. He could recite a plethora of goblin fruits, forages into the Hedge, but... "None worth telling for this event. Though, between kin?" He clears his throat, a guttural mechanical sound. "I recall a space during the Summer month, before I came here; I had been searching for goblin fruits- Goblin Peppers. No magical benefits on their own, but they are incredibly spicy to us. Anyways, I had all but given hope of finding them, when-"
And so he went into a tale about stumbling upon the fruit and the goblin they belonged to, striking a bet with the hedgefolk that if he could consume a bundle of the peppers without reacting he could take them- even offering a dish of the meal if Bosko won.
"And so I pulled out a felled hedgecritter, it resembled a raccoon almost? That I had bartered from another goblin earlier- and I stuffed the peppers in it, before swallowing the thing whole! I am unsure whether the goblin was more impressed or irritated, but I won the bet, and went home with a fresh supply; coming back shortly after to share a spicy take on huevos rancheros with the goblin." Not a grand story, but it made him chuckle just retelling it. "And yourself, Asheling? Any stories?" He liked to say the name.
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Post by Aisling on Mar 27, 2022 16:41:31 GMT -8
Spicy goblin fruits. Now that sounds delicious. She wasn't the most familiar with all kinds of goblin fruits, but those were the most common in Summer if she had her fruits correct.
She listens to his story with much interest. Hearing stories that involve the hob goblins always interests her. The creatures are so varied and odd, but they do always seem to grant an interesting time. Though, that's not always a good thing. In this case, it turned out quite well.
"I'm impressed. I've heard those peppers are quite spicy to say the least."
She thinks hard. Stories she is good at; she knows a lot of stories. But one of her own? Usually she doesn't like sharing certain stories, even amongst other Lost. Especially stories that go wrong. She has lots of those.
That one isn't particularly long and it's kind of sad. Does it fill the brief though?
"Well, once I was put on a short expedition to the Hedge. We were gathering information about the local trods and their status." She crosses her arms in front of her stomach, her hands fidgeting slightly. "I decided I wanted to take a little peak forward, figure out what we were going to find before we got to it. I saw briar wolves. I warned the rest of the group, so we took a different path forward. I didn't see everything or maybe I didn't pay close attention enough, but-" She looks down a little bit, "We took the wrong path, ended up lost. While our Hedge navigator worked on rerouting us, we were visited by the terrifying beasts." She swallows. It's not a happy story to tell. Nothing like the sweetness of his.
"We entered battle. There were only two of them, but they were overwhelming. I'm good at avoiding things sometimes. Or sometimes I can figure out the best place to hide. I convinced the group to run and we ended up climbing up some tree-esque hedge tree things. There were thorns, big ones, and one of my teammates didn't see it. He got injured badly while we waited for the wolves to leave us. It felt like hours up there, and in Hedge time, it wasn't good."
She takes a little breath, trying to keep even while she tells the story, "Eventually, they left. Gave up on us. We were going to go back, get my teammate some medical attention, but he wanted to finish the mission, bring something back. So, we bandaged him up and we continued, rerouting and finding one trod. We logged what we found and made our way back to the Freehold. Apparently, a team had been sent out for us and we met up in the middle. It was nice to have the extra support. We didn't deal with any issues getting back thankfully, but, we finished our mission and that's what's most important."
"Oh, uh, my teammate was fine in the end. Just took a good while to heal. Thorns were nasty things." She didn't want to go on too long on that end though.
And I let the team down by not being vigilant enough. No, no, it wasn't my fault. Sometimes fate is just fate. No one died in the end.
"I guess the valor in that is having finished the mission and bringing back useful information. One could also say it was in having understood the difference between having the strength to succeed in a battle and having the wit to know when to run and avoid the danger. It saved us in the end." She gives a wary smile, not particularly a happy one. Perhaps somewhat neutral would describe it best. "I like telling stories, just not usually ones that personally involve me," she admits, "but I suppose it fit the brief maybe. And to answer who and what was fought for: it was information that benefited the Freehold. We were fighting for knowledge that was necessary to have, even though it wasn't something that couldn't have been gathered somewhat simply."
That begs the question of Spring. What is my greatest desire right now? Usefulness. I just want to be useful.
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Post by Bosko on Mar 28, 2022 14:37:47 GMT -8
He listens intently, with the same attention she had given. Little is said during the storytelling, but every now and then a sound can be heard- a quiet, guttural mechanical noise denoting deep thought and deeper breaths to match a heart touched by a tale almost tinted with tragedy. Were the world to slow down around them, become a pocket of just the two, one could perhaps hear the individual beats- steady, heavy. Sputtering, an engine of flesh just as weathered as his features- if not more so.
Once the story has concluded, a long exhale to give time to consider a response. Plenty of things to comment on, plenty of ways to go. Humor. Inquiry. Seriousness. Cold affirmation. Gears in his head and stomach whirred as he formulated a response… Unfortunately, food was his forte more than the emotions and inner-workings of his kin. He was oblivious to her desires.
"I am glad your teammate recovered. We can seldom afford the loss of kin, in these times. In any time. You all made it out alive, and it seems no worse for wear than is our usual status as hellwalkers. If nothing else, I enjoyed the story- and I enjoy your conversation. Should you ever wish to hunt down such fiends, you have my card." He rarely got to work with briarwolf meat.
...As to what he wanted? To gain a foothold, perhaps. No, that was the pragmatic response. The Autumn response. In truth he just wanted to make connections. Friends, that would last a lifetime. Or perhaps several. And he could start today, with her. "Do you have any questions for me? I admit, I'm unused to conversation without a spread of food to add delicious pauses for thought." A chuckle.
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Post by Aisling on Mar 28, 2022 19:58:38 GMT -8
There is a degree to which Aisling wonders if Bosko is just being kind to be kind, but it is exciting for someone to actually appreciate conversation from her. Often, she can't hold a conversation for longer than a minute. So, this is nice. She offers a small smile at his comments.
"I don't know that I'd want to hunt down those fiends any time soon, but I'll keep it in mind even still." She never was much of a fighter.
He asks if she has any questions for him and she pauses, her mind going completely blank for a moment. She wasn't prepared for asking questions.
Quick, don't panic!
"Well, what kind of things do you study? I imagine Goblin Fruit is one of those things. I just find most of us study a range of things academically and of the occult." Perhaps she could learn some interesting facts or simply get to know what she might be able to get from him if the need arises. Not in a devious way. A nice helpful to the Freehold way.
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Post by Bosko on Mar 29, 2022 13:45:00 GMT -8
He does not judge her, for not wanting to hunt down the wolves. It is not like his goal in the matter is selfless- and given what he suspected he knew of the Hedge, one could never truly be rid of the beasts. "The offer is there. If nothing else, I can promise a good meal to conclude the experience." A nod to himself, as his mind immediately went to the number of creations that could be made from the parts of such a beast. Where to place the knife, before and after the kill.
A moment passes as his question hangs. And a moment later, a response.
"Yes, fruits are my major field of study. Hedge-beast anatomy is a secondary subject I am refining still; I have less practical experience in that field. I am also decent at interacting with the goblin markets- it supplements my work well. But circling back, goblin fruits are my specialty. If you ever have a question about them, let me know. I can also rattle off a few fun facts, as if it were trivia night." A grin. "Ah, and as you said, most of us study a range of things... What is your field, Ashe-ling? Why does Autumn mark you?"
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Post by Aisling on Mar 30, 2022 9:12:00 GMT -8
She smiles, appreciating the knowledge the offer is there if she ever changes her mind. "I'll keep it in mind,"
As he explains his studies, she listens with great interest. It's always nice hearing what everyone is drawn to. It tells you more about a person than she feels many other mediums can, particularly when one is an Autumn. There is something that connects them all just by their court, a similarity that permeates the beginnings of friendships and relationships, whatever they may be. But Goblin Fruit... very useful. Then there is the finding use for friend's knowledge. But everyone does that.
"The Hobgoblins can be tricky, especially in the markets. It's good you've found a way to barter or at least not get drowned in their little games they like to play.
"And you never know when you are going to need some intel on fruits, so if I need something or find something odd, I suppose now I'll know who to call." But then he turns the question on her.
Oh, right.
"Well, I study divination some," She says as if it isn't fully what she is into. Sometimes she feels like an imposter in that way. "I really enjoy understanding the different ways we can divine the future, ways to help us succeed when we need it. It can be a strange thing to other people. Some just plain don't trust it, which I understand.
"But in that sense, it's also interesting thinking about the fact that we can also peer into the past and see things others might have thought forgotten. And in that sense, past, present, and future are all relative when you think about time not being entirely linear. If futures have the ability to shift, that gives a hint maybe that there are multiple realities or just simply there is no-" she stops herself, "I'm rambling, I'm sorry." She clears her throat a little, "I'm also very interested in religion and spirituality. How it's all manifested, you know? The stories associated." |
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Post by Bosko on Mar 31, 2022 15:10:53 GMT -8
She understood, at least enough. It was a good thing- it made him confident in speaking of such matters openly.
"Oh yes, the Goblins can be troublesome at times. But, my ah.. approach.. tends to simplify matters considerably." A wide grin that accentuated his metal teeth. "If you ever have need of such an approach, and should you ever have an inquiry, please do let me know. I would be delighted to assist in such a matter." A means to further his research AND help a friend? That was the dream combo.
Divination? Hmmmm. "I am less familiar with that concept. I do not try to... Know... Fate- I think we are living proof that fate can have anything in store. I am unsure what method of divination could gleam an outcome like our own. Still, it is a noble pursuit. Trying to tame and understand such a force? if anyone is capable, it would be us." She did ramble, but he did not mind it one bit.
"Do not apologize for sharing what you know, especially as I asked. It is an interesting subject. Who knows, perhaps our fields might intersect at some point? Many faiths hold tales of fruits- the apples of Hera, the forbidden fruit, the cornucopia... If such stories have truth to them, then there is much that could benefit our kin." When it came to the Hedge, nothing was uncertain. And the idea of finding such fruits of legends did spark an interest in him.
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Post by Aisling on Mar 31, 2022 19:45:08 GMT -8
She cocks her head to the side, curious about this so called approach he has with the hobs. The interest is clear in her cloudy, silvery blue eyes, "I mean, I'd be curious of this approach if you'd care to share." she pauses and lifts her hands a little bit, "But, of course, you don't have to share right now if you don't want to." Her voice is quicker, not wanting to come off awkward, but she does anyway.
"Tame is a strong word, but I get what you mean. I just hope I can find a way to glean information that isn't so spotty, but I believe it always will be, which I'll have to come to terms with. Then again, with experience, one eventually starts to understand what to look for." And she hopes more than anything that she'll get there.
She can't help but smile at the idea of getting to study with another person. Most people don't really pay attention to her ramblings, so this is newer. "Yes, exactly! The stories, legends of old have so much for us to learn from, whether with a grain or truth or not. Things that can be applicable to the here and now. I sometimes wonder how deeply our own stories can be influenced by them. But yes, I wonder how our own studies could cross in those ways. But yes, you're right. Would be interesting for certain fruits existing as part of their own legend, having effects similar to what you might expect due to them.
"Like, one could wonder if there are fruits like pomegranate seeds that could tie you to a particular place. Don't know how that would work logistically, but it would be interesting to study." There is a wee excitement to her voice. Someone is actually interested in something she has to say besides her little nerd group of players. They listen at least. Well, mostly. They kick down the wrong doors perpetually and never listen to hinted advice, so...
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Post by Bosko on Apr 2, 2022 7:07:27 GMT -8
He raised an eyebrow at her inquiry to his methods. "Oh, I talk their ears off. Give them a mouthful. Once they learn just how deep my hunger for knowledge and good food goes, they are usually more willing to listen and deal." A chuckle. There was veeery obviously more to that, if you read into it even slightly. He did that on purpose- not something he was particularly proud of talking about openly. He wouldn't shy away from such behaviors- it was... A part of him. But not a part to be boastful of, to him.
Onto fate, though. "Spotty, yes. But maybe if you find enough spots, you can ah... Connect the dots?" An attempt at humor in a way only an somewhat awkward Autumn could make. He could be awkward to- though they weren't competing. Well, they competing.
"Hm... A strange thought. Myths surrounding such fruits are abound- it makes me wonder if fruits that start in the hedge can become... Native? To this realm. Or any myths that are thorn-spawned. If a legend walks the Earth long enough, does it become a part of it? From Fate to Flesh. Or maybe such plants could have roots so deep they dig into this land? Fun to consider, and to study yes!" His cogs started to whir. "It is an interesting topic, and I would delight in studying it with you. Wonders abound, for those that know how to look." Not just in the method of looking, or searching. But in the care with which they do it.
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Post by Aisling on Apr 10, 2022 5:38:57 GMT -8
Aisling can't help but grin a little bit, "That's certainly a way to go about it." She was sure there were many tales to go along with his words. It sets of curiosity in her, but no, she shouldn't indulge too much. It gets rude when you start prying for stories. As much as one may love stories.
"Connecting dots would be very helpful, we'll have to see what's in store." That's how she feels most of the time. Whatever is in store for her will come and either she can be ready to accept fate or she can work to alter it. That is the benefit at least. Given her experiences, however, it doesn't often feel good to take either direction. Perhaps it is more that seeing what is to come doesn't often feel good.
"That's an interesting theory. Testing and studying would be a joy for that kind of project. There are always more connections between worlds than we think, signs we can study on both sides. I am a believer of legends of this world spawning many things the fae worlds might think as just its own wyrdness. I don't think it's an uncommon opinion though. At least, I hope not. Still, it would be a feat to find evidence further of something like that, but who knows. I suppose that's why we're Autumn." She can't help but giggle a little bit. Solidarity in nerdiness. Not that the other courts don't have their own nerds, there's just something different than an Autumn nerd. That innate curiosity and that desperate desire for discovery. "Well, I can certainly try to help where I can."
There is a hint of satisfaction now within her. She thinks she might have just made a friend and that feels good for once. See, we can be personable. Another thought does cross her mind: But perhaps it is simply that we share a court that makes it easier.
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Post by Bosko on Apr 10, 2022 16:37:21 GMT -8
His grin no doubt matches hers- or rather, overtakes it with the size of his maw. He was glad she didn't pry further. He nodded along at her notion of waiting to see what happened. "Knowing when not to chase down such an elusive beast as Fate is a good thing indeed." Nod, Nod.
Her joy at the prospect of studying such things was enough in Bosko's eyes to make a Spring jealous. Bosko admired it quite plainly. "Yes, I would definitely agree with your theory- considering the things that are known of that Hell... to think that legends of such wonderful things could find hold. Legends of Hope. Virtue... It is a heartening thought." At this, he bought a hand to his own chest.
"I will accept your help gladly, and I offer my own when I can as well." She was... Everything Bosko had hoped to find here, and more. A kindred soul, that understood. And shared similar thoughts and convictions... Bosko endeavored to get to know her more. And until he did, to aid her when needed. "I enjoy this talk. Was there anything else you wished to discuss? Questions to ask?"
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Post by Aisling on Apr 13, 2022 5:08:01 GMT -8
"That would be nice," she says as she begins to think about it further. "Though, one cannot exist without all the others if they're believed strongly enough. That's what would worry me about the theory. I'd wonder how much belief is needed for something to take hold or if it is reversed. If beliefs are caused because of something that already existed there. But yeah, it would be cool to see how that would translate to fruits." So many possibilities. Again, researching such a thing would be interesting. What kind of evidence has already been and documented? Probably a lot. She finds all of her thoughts tend to be things already heavily researched. Maybe this one would be different? Searching for fruits like this?
He said he enjoys the talk! Oh my god, I'm succeeding at people. I'm totally celebrating when I get home. Oreos and milk? Something like Knights of Badassdom on the tele? Yeah, that'll do it.
"I'm enjoying it too. I don't often find people that genuinely want to converse over nerdy things. But then, that's kind of what we do, isn't it?" She thinks for a moment then, trying to gather what to ask. "Are you into games?"
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Post by Bosko on Apr 13, 2022 14:47:24 GMT -8
As they unravel and elaborate the theory Bosko continues to be impressed and happy to have someone to bounce occult theory off of. Perhaps them both being Autumn helped there, but whatever the case it was a nice feeling. "Hm. Tales of powers of all stripes- concepts as much as they are figures. Ancient deities and demonic entities, twisted by time... Perhaps the Devils of that Hell were of humanity's own making?" Bosko clearly seemed disturbed by that implication, and shook his head. "I would much rather focus on the fruits, yes. Or whatever legendary foodstuffs may come about."
The man's own internal monologue was much the same, though instead of Oreos and Milk he was contemplating a Cuban Sandwich He could drop by the Deli, and there was a bakery nearby as well... Mmmmm. Oh, they were still having a conversation! Right!
"We, as in Autumn? Yes, I suppose it is. Someone has to- if there are any answers to the plague of questions this existence brings, I trust us to find it." That 'us' bit seemed a bit more referring to the two of them, then the court in general. On to other things, though.
Games? Games... "Ah, before my ah. Trip. I was quite an avid gamer- I play a few still. Mostly resource management games, though there are a few adventure games I like- usually with a fantasy element. It is relaing, and can serve as inspiration. There was this one game with these GIANT crabs, massive things- easily as big as a man... I wonder if the Hedge has such a creature? I'm sure I could make something wonderful from it.... Ah... And yourself? Are you a gamer?"
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Post by Aisling on Apr 13, 2022 19:56:43 GMT -8
She nods in agreement on focusing on the Fruits. At least for now. Her mind will always go wild with theory after theory until she's exhausted paranoia and ended up in a weird part of Youtube hole. "Yeah, I can only imagine the cool things we could eat and chart." Eating and charting for the good of other Lost. Sounds like a good day.
"I completely agree. Find all the answers. Even the ones that are horrific and we wish we didn't know in the first place." As soon as she says that, she realizes how weird it sounds and she can't help but awkwardly laugh, "You know what I mean."
Her cloudy blue eyes grin as he talks about his gaming experiences. As soon as he asks her, she lights up as she begins to speak. "I'm really into games. Like, super into games. Fantasy is absolutely my go to. I DM a DnD group on Sundays and it's a freaking blast. I love being able to tell stories about what my friends are doing.
"Like, oh my god. We took my friend's bard, who... stereotypical bard. Did all the dirty things. Anyway, they had this storyline where they went back into the forest they grew up in and had to save their mother from a forced marriage. In order to rescue her, she had to take her place with the ex fiancé she had before she left the forest to travel the world.
"And really, this ridiculous drama was just a front for the BBEG of this particular plot to kill the party while distracted with the wedding. Oh. MAN. The bard, Ceridwyn, saw her ex lover that she kinda still has feelings for, but won't really admit it, get hit by one of the bbeg's arrows. They rolled max damage. It was a BAD day. RNJesus was not on their side. Anyway, she had one of my custom spells that allows you to rewind time for 10 seconds, so she went back and took the arrow herself. She was never a religious character, so when this selfless act occurred, she was summoned to this other plane of existence. The Goddess, Sune, aka Goddess of Love and Beauty, gave her a choice. She can either accept a beautiful death or she can become a Cleric to serve her will. In mechanical speak, she was told she could either go dead or she can trade all her 12 levels of bard for 12 levels of cleric. Honestly, it worked with her build anyway.
"She took the deal and suddenly became this practical saint in a weirdly chaotic way. Love is chaotic, I guess. The rest of the party was blown. And she did end up marrying the ex, though she's chosen to travel the world, which they're okay with. Eventually they will rejoin. Of course, Elven life spans. They'll be fine. Well, unless she rules lawyers me for an hour again out of character." It's clear from the look on her face and the way her gray skin practically glows with her excitement that she loves talking about her games.
"Oop, sorry, I went on a long thing again." Another awkward laugh, but this time there's an air of happiness all bubbled in her.
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