**The girl opens her mouth to say something, but it doesn't come. She repurposes the action into deep breathing instead; her eyes close. After a few breaths the child's hands relax the mutual death grip they were performing on her lap.**
Arl - "Maybe.. it doesn't have to be me. But-"
Cee - "I don't need you."
**Arl whips her head towards Cee as the previous tension evaporates in a burst of confusion.**
Arl - "What?"
Cee - "You could say yes."
**Cee's voice speeds up as he drowns out Arl's attempts to respond.**
Cee - "I can find wherever Colt vanished too! Wouldn't be hard, I bet Mirth could help. Or Doc! I could travel with Jeb even! Maybe Sum'era needs a freepara!"
Arl - "Cee.."
Cee - "Arl, I don't even want to become human!"
**Arl's opened mouth fails to be repurposed this time. It just sort of sits there.**
Cee - "I'll still search for that. But I don't need to be a monkey. I'm not sure you got the best of that explosion Arl."
Arl - "Cee!"
**Fear had crept into Arl's voice, her body slightly trembling.**
Cee - "Cee Lotreab is happy, and you should be too!"
Arl - "I am happy! Why does everyone want me to change? I am!"
**Arl wipes fresh tears from her eyes as she stands up. Cee cuts her coming speach short, however.**
Cee - "Because we don't want you to die! And you hate hurting people Arl. I know you hate hurting people! I bet you couldn't have killed the mannequins! You can save lives without running around like this! Right, healer lady?"
**Cee's shines a determined eye towards the older peacekeeper. His weird one, to be precise.**
Healer - "Are you sure that you're happy, Arl? That you're happy having to make decisions like the one you had forced on you at that house? How can you know you wouldn't be happier being a child when you've never had the chance to be a child?"
**Arl wanders the town as she ponders her assistance up to this point. Training... she did mostly training in her hometown. So, would it be like that? Probably not. She had no peers, no friends her own age besides Cee. It was her and the old man against a town of crooks. Maybe she should go talk to him about this? No, he'd probably want to pay for it instead. Arl doesn't know if the healer can really afford to help her, but the old man definitely can't. Well, she should talk to her 'father' at least.
The girl stops by a street café, ordering some odd blend as an excuse to meditate in a safer area. This is where Cee finds her, although he decides to keep watch nearby. Arl meditates in peace. At least, as peacefully as one can when arguing with a voice in your head. In the end the voice offers one last bit of commentary...**
Voice - "Trying a 'normal' life won't kill you. But it isn't where your heart lies.. and time is not yet on your side."
**And with that the voice returns to the silent corners of his child's mind. Arl ends her meditation and walks aimlessly through the town, only briefly stopping to listen to Mizerta's message. Whatever she decides, it should be soon. But what? Arl's stomach twists and turns as she goes over the arguments laid before her. Mizarta had a point.. but didn't the voice have one as well? And what about Cee? Colt?
The internal debate rages on until the girl notices she has no clue where she is. The streets have normal enough people, a good sign, but everything feels a little on edge. She should turn back.**
"You're that child from the Greevan war."
**Arl's twist stops at the sound. Some shady guy in a dark ally? The girl quickly looks around to see if other people are paying attention. No. She guess this isn't the sort of street where people intervene.**
Shady - "Did you get one of the augment scrolls? I'm interested in a trade."
**Arl frowns at the interruption, but it turns into a sigh. She supposes it isn't his fault she's busy.**
Arl - "Could we do this later?"
Shady - "You do have air of someone troubled. Making a choice?"
Arl - "Yes!"
Shady - "Sounds important."
Arl - "It might be the most important decision I've ever made! I'm sorry, we can do this later."
**Arl starts walking away; prompting the shady guy to raise his voice. Not in anger though.. the guy sounds more like a kindly old professor than anything else.**
Mr. Shady - "Would asking yourself help?"
Arl - "I HAVE asked myself!"
Mr. Shady - "Your future self?"
**The girl stops.**
Arl - "My... future self?"
**She slowly turns her head toward the man as she wonders what he's up to. One of his gnarled-looking arms is holding out a silvery watch in her direction. Bones. It's made out of silvery bones.**
Arl - "That watch will let me speak to my future self?"
Mr. Gnarled - Not exactly. It will allow you to become older for short periods of time. But it's a complete change, mind included.
Arl - "Will I remember being older?"
Mr. Gnarled - "I tested it on the way here - became a kid again - and the answer is yes. Although going in reverse you might not understand your future self's reasoning. Writing a letter might be wise? Or speaking out loud. Here, try it."
**Arl cautiously approaches the man, sizing him up as she nears the watch. He's a dryad, one consumed by the dark magics that shift and weave beneath his dusky flesh. She did business with him once at the King of Adventure, didn't she? Yeah, he's wearing the glove. Alright, fine. She takes the watch. Will this really help? Bah, what's so important about being a few years older anyway? Watch, age 30!**
Arl(Age 30) - "I really just used a mystery watch given to me by a random guy I briefly met once... in an alley...in a shady part of sylvan...
The Dryad - "See? Wiser already."
Arl(Age 30) - "Wait, where is Cee.. oh, he's watching from over there. Why didn't you say anything?"
Cee - "Mirth told me to wait."
The Dryad - "So, want to keep the watch?"
Arl(Age 30) - "Give me a good deal when I change back or I'll hunt you down."
The Dryad - "Change back? Ah, it truly is an important decision then. My apologies for interrupting."
**The woman begins to whisper. The dryad might have been listening, but the words weren't for him. She spoke only for herself. The watch's mercy lasts only so long, however, and soon the woman is again a child.**
The Dryad - "I hope that was an enlightening experience."
**The dryad tosses a pouch of gold and a lesser scroll to the girl.**
The Dryad - "There is much demand for the augment scroll, but I assure you you'll find my payment above average - and particularly suited to your needs. Keep the watch."
**Arl tosses back a scroll of her own.**
Arl - "Thanks. I'm Arl, by the way. Arl Lotreab."
**The dryad catches the scroll.**
The Dryad - "Eizen Yi'gal. I hope you'll remember me if you find any similar items in the future. "
**The dryad brings himself to his feet and walks away with a friendly salute.**
Eizen - "Good luck with your decision."
Arl - "Thanks! I think I know what I'm going to do."
**Arl dashes off towards the pea- right. Still lost.
After consulting her psionic paper, Arl dashes off towards the peacekeepers. It appears that Mizarta has left though. Arl uses the map to head towards the Tremontaine estate instead.**
**It wasn't hard to find, as it was the only Sylvan estate that was well lit. It was large, well-maintained and rather new as far as estates go, with a large clerical seal marked on the door beside the crest of House Tremontaine.**
Woman - "Aunt Mizerta was called away for something by the Fraternity of Mages. I'm not sure what it was but it seemed important. Do you want me to give her a message?"
**The girl led Arl though the well-appointed estate to a comfortable drawing room, currently occupied by a rather old man reading a newspaper. He was clearly in his twilight years, his hair snow white and his face heavily wrinkled, but he was remarkably well preserved, his back straight and his body still radiating a good bit of the power he must have had in his prime. He glanced up from his paper.**
Man - "What's this then, Esther."
Esther - "She's has a message for Aunt Mizerta, Grandpa? I was going to let her use the viewing stone."
**He made a noise of what was probably affirmation and returned to his reading.**
**Arl silently takes in the estate as she follows Esther. She'd been in a few manors before, mostly back in her hometown. She always thought they didn't have to feel so cold and empty. It was felt good to learn she was right.**
**Arl's relaxed muscles begin to tense again as Esther leaves.
Is she bringing the stone? What will she say? This IS important. But Mizerta might be in the middle of something that is super important for her own future. Arl fidgets a bit as her thoughts rush about. Maybe she should..um.. talk to the man!**
**The man glanced down at her over the edge of his paper. He spoke, not unkindly, but with the quiet conviction of a man making rules and those rules being followed.**
Lord Tremontaine - "We have not been introduced yet, you realize."
**Arl realized she had little experience when it came to interacting with people outside the confines of her missions. When was the last time she hadn't been on / searching for her next mission? **
Arl - "Maybe.. it doesn't have to be me. But-"
Cee - "I don't need you."
**Arl whips her head towards Cee as the previous tension evaporates in a burst of confusion.**
Arl - "What?"
Cee - "You could say yes."
**Cee's voice speeds up as he drowns out Arl's attempts to respond.**
Cee - "I can find wherever Colt vanished too! Wouldn't be hard, I bet Mirth could help. Or Doc! I could travel with Jeb even! Maybe Sum'era needs a freepara!"
Arl - "Cee.."
Cee - "Arl, I don't even want to become human!"
**Arl's opened mouth fails to be repurposed this time. It just sort of sits there.**
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Cee - "I'll still search for that. But I don't need to be a monkey. I'm not sure you got the best of that explosion Arl."
Arl - "Cee!"
**Fear had crept into Arl's voice, her body slightly trembling.**
Cee - "Cee Lotreab is happy, and you should be too!"
Arl - "I am happy! Why does everyone want me to change? I am!"
**Arl wipes fresh tears from her eyes as she stands up. Cee cuts her coming speach short, however.**
Cee - "Because we don't want you to die! And you hate hurting people Arl. I know you hate hurting people! I bet you couldn't have killed the mannequins! You can save lives without running around like this! Right, healer lady?"
**Cee's shines a determined eye towards the older peacekeeper. His weird one, to be precise.**
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Healer - "Are you sure that you're happy, Arl? That you're happy having to make decisions like the one you had forced on you at that house? How can you know you wouldn't be happier being a child when you've never had the chance to be a child?"
Arl - "I don't know. **holds up a hand to stop Cee's next rant.** I'll think about it. Okay?"
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Healer - "Okay."
Cee - "I think she might do it! The voice in her head is probably against it but that was a great argument!"
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Healer - "When she makes her decision, tell her to find me here or at the Tremontaine Estate. She can ask for Mizerta."
The girl stops by a street café, ordering some odd blend as an excuse to meditate in a safer area. This is where Cee finds her, although he decides to keep watch nearby. Arl meditates in peace. At least, as peacefully as one can when arguing with a voice in your head. In the end the voice offers one last bit of commentary...**
Voice - "Trying a 'normal' life won't kill you. But it isn't where your heart lies.. and time is not yet on your side."
**And with that the voice returns to the silent corners of his child's mind. Arl ends her meditation and walks aimlessly through the town, only briefly stopping to listen to Mizerta's message. Whatever she decides, it should be soon. But what? Arl's stomach twists and turns as she goes over the arguments laid before her. Mizarta had a point.. but didn't the voice have one as well? And what about Cee? Colt?
The internal debate rages on until the girl notices she has no clue where she is. The streets have normal enough people, a good sign, but everything feels a little on edge. She should turn back.**
"You're that child from the Greevan war."
**Arl's twist stops at the sound. Some shady guy in a dark ally? The girl quickly looks around to see if other people are paying attention. No. She guess this isn't the sort of street where people intervene.**
Shady - "Did you get one of the augment scrolls? I'm interested in a trade."
**Arl frowns at the interruption, but it turns into a sigh. She supposes it isn't his fault she's busy.**
Arl - "Could we do this later?"
Shady - "You do have air of someone troubled. Making a choice?"
Arl - "Yes!"
Shady - "Sounds important."
Arl - "It might be the most important decision I've ever made! I'm sorry, we can do this later."
**Arl starts walking away; prompting the shady guy to raise his voice. Not in anger though.. the guy sounds more like a kindly old professor than anything else.**
Mr. Shady - "Would asking yourself help?"
Arl - "I HAVE asked myself!"
Mr. Shady - "Your future self?"
**The girl stops.**
Arl - "My... future self?"
**She slowly turns her head toward the man as she wonders what he's up to. One of his gnarled-looking arms is holding out a silvery watch in her direction. Bones. It's made out of silvery bones.**
Arl - "That watch will let me speak to my future self?"
Mr. Gnarled - Not exactly. It will allow you to become older for short periods of time. But it's a complete change, mind included.
Arl - "Will I remember being older?"
Mr. Gnarled - "I tested it on the way here - became a kid again - and the answer is yes. Although going in reverse you might not understand your future self's reasoning. Writing a letter might be wise? Or speaking out loud. Here, try it."
**Arl cautiously approaches the man, sizing him up as she nears the watch. He's a dryad, one consumed by the dark magics that shift and weave beneath his dusky flesh. She did business with him once at the King of Adventure, didn't she? Yeah, he's wearing the glove. Alright, fine. She takes the watch. Will this really help? Bah, what's so important about being a few years older anyway? Watch, age 30!**
Arl(Age 30) - "I really just used a mystery watch given to me by a random guy I briefly met once... in an alley...in a shady part of sylvan...
The Dryad - "See? Wiser already."
Arl(Age 30) - "Wait, where is Cee.. oh, he's watching from over there. Why didn't you say anything?"
Cee - "Mirth told me to wait."
The Dryad - "So, want to keep the watch?"
Arl(Age 30) - "Give me a good deal when I change back or I'll hunt you down."
The Dryad - "Change back? Ah, it truly is an important decision then. My apologies for interrupting."
**The woman begins to whisper. The dryad might have been listening, but the words weren't for him. She spoke only for herself. The watch's mercy lasts only so long, however, and soon the woman is again a child.**
The Dryad - "I hope that was an enlightening experience."
**The dryad tosses a pouch of gold and a lesser scroll to the girl.**
The Dryad - "There is much demand for the augment scroll, but I assure you you'll find my payment above average - and particularly suited to your needs. Keep the watch."
**Arl tosses back a scroll of her own.**
Arl - "Thanks. I'm Arl, by the way. Arl Lotreab."
**The dryad catches the scroll.**
The Dryad - "Eizen Yi'gal. I hope you'll remember me if you find any similar items in the future. "
**The dryad brings himself to his feet and walks away with a friendly salute.**
Eizen - "Good luck with your decision."
Arl - "Thanks! I think I know what I'm going to do."
**Arl dashes off towards the pea- right. Still lost.
After consulting her psionic paper, Arl dashes off towards the peacekeepers. It appears that Mizarta has left though. Arl uses the map to head towards the Tremontaine estate instead.**
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Woman - "Er, can I help you?"
Arl - "I'm Arl Lotreab. Mizerta told me to find her here if she wasn't at the blind lady?"
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Arl - "I.. will she be back later? I wanted to speak with her in person."
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Woman - "Well....I could probably contact her with the viewing stone, if it's important..."
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
**She stepped aside so Arl could enter.**
Arl - "Thanks."
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Man - "What's this then, Esther."
Esther - "She's has a message for Aunt Mizerta, Grandpa? I was going to let her use the viewing stone."
**He made a noise of what was probably affirmation and returned to his reading.**
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Is she bringing the stone? What will she say? This IS important. But Mizerta might be in the middle of something that is super important for her own future. Arl fidgets a bit as her thoughts rush about. Maybe she should..um.. talk to the man!**
Arl - "Hi.. err, nevermind."
**WHY DID SHE THINK THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA?!
The child turns slightly pink.**
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya
Lord Tremontaine - "We have not been introduced yet, you realize."
Arl - "Oh! I'm sorry! I'm Arl Lotreab."
**Arl realized she had little experience when it came to interacting with people outside the confines of her missions. When was the last time she hadn't been on / searching for her next mission? **
Nervada - 98% fat free, high in fiber.
Eizen - Collected
Yack - Walking
Miko Wydberg
Tanya