The Exploits of Misfit Company

Even with him having grown distant, he remained ever attentive to her needs. Or at least, the socially appropriate need to make recovering and smoothly continuing the dance. There's even a warmth that returns to the small smile of amusement. But seeing it then, it likely dawns on her that the sense of detachment had never fully left. Rather, the changeling was becoming more adept at feigning emotions in the wake of cutting off all other personas.

"..." The lips part, but aside from Bixby canting his head to the side in response to the whisper, his lips are sealed again without a word to it. "I perhaps spoke too much. But, it is this one's belief -- goal that what is to happen tomorrow will remove a hindrance to the company's recently weakened synergy... Or so has been made clear in my conversation with Yvan a day ago. However, I do believe the answer left him rather upset, and I do not wish to possible spoil this evening for the company by speaking of it. A warning I give as a coutesy." He answered honestly.

As for his last question being finally answered, it visibly took a moment to fully parse it before his expression settle into smile. "I see.... hn... It was their last words to me. A gift to them for their year of service. A chance for them not go quietly into that good night, as I might have, if that little vision quest at the lake hadn't started the process of "waking me" back up. A shame I cannot do again. It is already dangerous as is wearing this face." He sighed and lightly shook his head. "Every second is agonizing too... But, we've all made sacrifices for the company. And come tomorrow it will all better... it has to be." He trails off towards the end, and started to get a real distant look in his eyes. 

If there was one thing Alys could be sure of, it was her sense of respect for B and trust in him for when ‘handling’ her. Yes, she’s witnessed his deception and persuasion tactics on others, and is fully aware their changeling is more than capable of weaving an intricate balance of words to navigate a conversation to his favoured terms. It would be extremely easy for him to manipulate her, but doesn’t feel that he does. At least not maliciously. The elf knows how easy it is to make an impression on her. She’s sensitive and can be naive when it comes to the art of social interactions. But it’s first impressions that set the tone. And when it came to B, regardless of what’s happened since, or what form he’s in, she will forever have a place for him. Alys trusted in him.

So when her steps wavered and B didn’t falter, she saw it. Alys felt it. He didn’t skip a beat, continuing to lead her and recovering their dance. He was never hollow. She always wanted to believe that. He cared more than he let on. At this point, the elf would reciprocate by leaning into his lead, for this moment she would solely focus on giving him her full attention towards the dance. The scholar always valued B taking her under his wing, since the day he took her hand to run off with the misfits. Whether it was ever his intention in the first place, it’s what happened. From that first gesture onward Alys felt imprinted with a sense of belonging because of him...

There was nothing more heart wrenching to hit her ears than the next web of words he laid out for her then. Alys’ eyes would soften further, beyond sadness, guilt and shame. She felt a sense of loss even regret. There was the sense that she didn’t do enough when it mattered, and the sense of shame for her actions to have caused such a ripple. Not to mention the pain or discomfort she’s caused others in the midst of it. Her fear of it being too late has already come to fruition. And she believed it when he said he was telling her out of courtesy. For the sake of the company, you’ll do better. Those words would echo in her mind. The elf would have to glance up to avoid losing control of her emotions, sighing to catch her breath. If there was the time for her to practice mental discipline, perhaps it was now? But she couldn’t remain silent forever. She didn’t make it to him then at the lake, what made her think she could get through to him now?

”Is it though? Is it really a gift to remove yourself from it all?” Alys’ voice was soft and calm. It wasn’t angry or judging. Only genuine in her thought. Her eyes were shifting slowly as if sifting through her own thoughts. She came across that very same feeling that day he came back from the lake. There was worry and concern in her heart, something didn’t feel right. She went to chase after him but then was cut short. Alys felt rejected. Useless. If B didn’t want her around, who on the team would? At that time she had barely formed any other bonds. She took that event so personally, she wanted to dig herself a hole to disappear. Detaching herself from them... him... It was easier to convince herself that she wasn’t wanted, that she didn’t belong, or fit in with them than it was to reach out. “It’s easier to remove ones self from an equation you can’t solve, isn’t it?” Alys would ask rhetorically. “The best gift I gave myself, was another chance...” She’d whisper barely audible.

Finally, Alys will settle her eyes back on B. She had no idea what was said amongst him and Yvan, but thinking back to the goliath’s bandages, and now what B is sharing with her, it was obvious that it was deep and emotional. Her eyes will search some more. There was no doubt in her mind, especially after solving the cube, that B was in agony. Has been in agony, for a long time. She didn’t believe he was being dramatic. Alys genuinely believes she may understand only a sliver of his struggle. The voices, the personalities, the mental stress... the anguish. What are all lively and exciting personalities to us, could possibly feel like a prison to him. The amount of constant stimuli and drone of individuals within you... If her eyes could soften more, they would. He was struggling and fighting an internal fight, and they shunned him... She shunned him. How can he believe he has a place, when they haven’t made him feel like it was still there?

Alys would exhale a bit of a shaky breath. No B wasn’t without his own flaws or mistakes, but neither is she. Neither was anyone for that matter. And as the dance felt as though it was slowly coming to an end, the elf would open and close her mouth, trying to find the words she wanted to say. “B. You have been the catalyst for my growth and participation in this company.” She couldn’t, or just simply refused to imagine it without his presence. She didn’t want him to go. Her head would dip a little, almost with a hint of defeat. “I don’t believe for a second this ‘sacrifice’ is the solution.” There was no anger or frustration. Her voice was soft as she spoke. “The equation is hard and probably beyond maddening... but if I’d bet all my chips. It’d still be on you to figure it out.” Alys would look him in the eyes. “I want tomorrow to be better for you, too.” She’d finally reach into her secret dress pocket and pull out the Misfit brooch she requested for him and would gently press it into his palm, forcing to close his hand around it. “You are forever a Misfit.”

And before he could do anything else, the elf would wrap her arms around him in a tight hug. Even if she didn’t agree with his choice, Alys would respect his decision. It was his to make. “I’ll do better...” She’d promise.

Bixby's brows grew furrowed at the initial question. As he searched her eyes seeking clarification, none prove satisfying enough to put a response to words. Without realizing it, he became so obsessed with trying to weave one together, no words of his slip out before she is questioning again, if though rhetorically so. Even in recognizing it to be so, he finally found his voice again and said, "... I have endeavored to always be and do what can benefit or is necessary for the company. It is the one truth all sides shared, and... I fear that I cannot endure doing what would be necessary to be that again. Not without inviting more unnecessary pain." He conveyed to her quietly. Conveyed in such a way as to hopefully maintain the veneer of casualness about the whole affair.

To keep the expression just right for appearance's sake, and avoid at least unnecessary alarm outward. But being as close as she was to him, it would be difficult now to miss the strain in the effort. After being adamant in his own way of making sure the night played out wonderfully for all one last time however, he refused to let the mask fall completely away. But with every sentence she spoke, the plastered smile began to give way to a more neutral one.

Before the stress could kindle into anything more, the surprised hug following the pressing of a gift in his hands throws him almost completely off balance; both physically and mentally. So much so, that he just stood there staring wide-eyed for a good long moment, before his expression finally softens. "I..." He winces, then rubs at his forehead. "The night has been a long one for me. Do en-... I believe I will retire. Do continue to enjoy it, and give my regards to the others. I just... I'm sorry, but I need to lay down. If you or the others have need of me, I'll.. be at the barracks." He admits, slipping from her grasp if he could -- slipping from the hug that he was too uncertain of to return.  

And if there was anything Alys wanted for B, it was less pain and suffering. Whether she’s made that worse... she didn’t deny that possibility. He stressed time and time again how he wanted tonight to be great for them, yet here she was wondering if she denied him that same ‘courtesy’. The elf truly hoped that there was at least something enjoyable that he could take away with him. Her grip would soften when B would admit that it had been a long night and desired to retire. Alys wouldn’t hold him against his will. She was genuinely appreciative for the time he had already given her. Though, before she’d let him slip away from her grip completely she’d thank him for their dance. “Thank you B...” 

Standing alone on the dance floor, Alys would whisper one last message under her breath just before he’d slink out of sight. And the link is always open if you have need of me.

Vastra walks over to Alys once she's finished dancing with Bixby and gives her a hug. "Thank you for the corsage. It's beautiful."

Alys would blink away sad eyes before she’d turn around at the sound of Vastra’s voice. She’ll offer her a smile before accepting the hug, a little tighter than expected. “You’re very welcome.”

Yvan was glad the girls liked the corsages as much as they did. They were beautifully crafted, and even if they weren't created by Alys' hand, the little details she had the florist add in showed care. For a brief moment, he glances over to where Alys and Bix had been dancing, only to see the changeling excuse himself and exit the gathering hall, the barbarian's brow creasing in thought as to why he left. His gaze would then return to Alys alone on the dance floor, noticing the sadness in her eyes, causing a slight frown to form on his lips. 

As Vastra takes the opportunity to thank the wizard, he goes back over to the table to pick up the final corsage for her, approaching the two just as their embrace ended. He would present Alys her spray of flowers in his palm. "And yours." He says softly with a slight nod of his head, allowing her to put it on herself if she so wished, but if she had wanted him to do it, he would, albeit nervously so.

Pulling away from Vastra’s embrace, Alys would take her hand to admire the corsage on her for a moment before offering her another smile.

The wizard would look up to Yvan when he’d present her corsage. Her eyes would soften but smile along with her, albeit slightly watery. Alys was touched that their protector went out of his way to make sure they were handed out to everyone, including making the effort to make sure she had hers. Although her eyes had shown sadness, she wasn’t hurt, she wasn’t angry, she wasn’t flustered. She was okay. Content. Simply, just grateful. So her smile was soft, but it was still true and genuine. With pink cheeks, the elf will reach her hand out, hoping Yvan would assist her with it. “Please?”

(Don't watch Color out of Space you'll have nightmares yall anyways)

A wave of relief washes over him when he sees her smile, and when he looks into her eyes, he looks past the sadness and finds that contentedness, the assurance that she was okay. It eases him, and when she requests to have the corsage put on her, he obliges. He is careful handling it, similar to how he put on Kasha's, taking his time with the piece as to not ruin the design. Tasks as delicate as these normally frustrated him, always having believed that his hands were only made to destroy, but it was her presence that washed that feeling away as soon as it resurfaced. 

He releases a breath finally when the corsage is in its place, comfortably on her wrist, no loose petal in sight. "There," He says softly, a small smile on his face. "You're even prettier now." It took a second for him to realize the words that fell out of his mouth, and when it struck, his face reddened. "Uh-- I-- Sorry, t-that-- IhavetochecktoseeifKashadidn'teatherflowers."

He gives the two girls a respectful bow to excuse himself, then promptly exits the gathering hall.

The celebration comes to an end after two hours. You're all able to get your fill of food, wine, and dancing before retiring for the night. As you awake and prepare to set out from the city, you notice that crowds are present and that when you finally depart, there's a large congregation of citizens waving goodbye and wishing you well. It certainly seems that saving the city has won you all a good amount of celebrity and you're all sure that this will spread and drum up some business for Misfit Company. The ride back home is uneventful, but as you return, you see that the servants appear to be relieved at your arrival. "Oh good, you're back." One of them says. "The dragon egg that you had brought started to shake a few weeks ago as if something was moving around in there and a few days before you all returned, the egg started to crack. We don't think that it'll be much longer until that dragon hatches."

Kasha's eyes went wide like dinner plates upon seeing the dragon egg she totally forgot and didn't give two shits about. 

But then someone gave her an idea.

A dino.

Steered by a cat.

Shooting ice missles.

From the dragon on her back.

She stood there and shivered, goosebumps peppering all over her skin, her peach fuzz hairs sticking right up.

"OhHhH..yeeahhhh..." she moaned, loudly.

 Either to her relief or perhaps disappointment, Bixby never responds to the message. Nor is there ever an attempt in the night for him to reach out. It was not outside the realm of possibility that he spoke the truth in regards to fatigue. But, neither was the opposite an impossibility. Only he would truly know, as everything from magical sensors to tiny critters that might spy are snuffed out. Familiars... are given at least one warning. Regardless, the next morning is destined to be a rough one, as very little sleep is captured before nights end.

Later on, Bixby makes a point of wearing the same face as last night, though bearing clothing more suited for travel. Apart from it, any questions or looks of expectations upon reuniting with the group that morning are met with a soft shake of the head and a, "When we re-... Once we're back at the mansion. It can wait until then." With that said, assuming it's enough to forestall things, Yvan receives the mental message once the group are out the gate, and the disguised changeling seemed visibly more interested in another puzzle cube. Though unlike the times before, he makes no attempt to try and solve it. It just sat in his hand most times.

Eventually, and at times he at least thinks noone is paying him any mind, the brooch passed along last night is absently studied in hand. Finally the group is back. And just as Bixby is mustering the courage to speak, a servants timely arrival robs the moment. "Such... fortunate news." He smiled thinly. "I have some other personal preparations I wish to get to, so... off the rest of you go, I suppose. It's not every day you get to see a dragon hatch." He smiled nonchalantly, still wearing joe schmoe's disguise, and if not pressured into anything else, makes a detour for his tent outside. 

There are growing cracks in the egg as the wyrmling tries to break out of the egg. Looking at it, you get the impression that it'll be hatched in three days.

Party

Alys’ eyes would study Yvan’s hands as he’d so delicately handle her corsage as if it were going to explode on him any second. Her heart would feel warmth from the effort and care he was putting into the task. Her head would tilt slightly, blue eyes softening the longer she’d watch the Goliath’s hands, feeling guilt begin to bubble up from her core. The elf would swallow, pushing it down to try to keep her smile from wavering. I’ll do better...

Alys would look up to meet Yvan’s eyes to thank him, but he spoke first, sending butterflies through her chest and heat to her cheeks. ”T-thank-“ Her hand would instinctively reach out as he’d suddenly excuse himself. “Would you like to...” Although he was already gone, the words started to leave her mouth quietly anyway. 

Clearing her throat, the wizard would reset her face and turn to Vastra. She’d give her a playful wink with a sheepish smile and excuse herself to go outside. Instead of returning to the table for the rest of the evening, Alys would sit under the stars and smoke her pipe. She didn’t expect any communication in return from B that night and wouldn’t reach out again either. It was simply a reminder that the option was there should he desire. It was better for her to provide space. Everyone, space.

Under the watchful eye of the moon, the elf would reach into her clutch for three gems and her focus to begin casting a ritual. For the rest of the party she would reminisce, and with every puff, she’d fade away deeper into the night.

 The Next Morning

Portents: 1 | 16 

Alys would return the next day in the comfort of her usual garb and glasses. Though there was still evidence of last nights make up still on her face and her hair was still the same outside of some bed head in the back and on one side. The elf was genuinely happy to see everyone in the morning. Though, she’d simply offer those who’d look their way a polite good morning smile. Otherwise, wizard would take to the sky as much as she could for the uneventful ride back, soaring through the air and creating her own clouds (of smoke) trailing behind her. Occasionally she’d wonder off in thought and would drift a little lower than expected, but she’d be sure to correct herself. 

 Back at The Crib

The scholars ears would perk at the news of the dragon egg has started to crack. She remembered them taking it from the air plane and stuffing it in her bag of holding to bring back with them. Alys was of course excited about the dragon, but apparently not as excited as their now moaning druid. 3 days... The elf wouldn’t hover longer than necessary, leaving Kasha on her watch with her daydreams. 

Alys would continue her way through the house to her quarters where she would begin unpacking. The elf would hang her dress up in the closet and begin taking the pins out of her hair to begin finger combing out the braid. While she worked the knots out of her hair, Alys would pace her room. Eventually, she’d reach into her clutch to begin pulling some items out. The wizard would reach in with gloved hands, pulling out B’s cube to place it on a mantle. She knew it was empty, but as long as it still existed, it had a place. Next to it she’d gently place her corsage, so it could dry and preserve. Once those items were retrieved, she’d reach in twice more. Each time she’d pull out a gem, placing the first one on top of the box, and the other one on the other side of it.

Once the elf finished unpacking her supplies, she’d move on to her notebooks. The scholar would organize them, putting away the ones she didn’t need right away and filing others to go to the library. Eventually she would begin setting up her space for her next study. In this case, it would be wise to study silver dragons.

Yvan tried to hide his discomfort when the crowds had begun to form and bid them farewell. While he knew they had no ill intentions, having such attention on him always got him anxious. When they pass the gates, however, he is able to breathe easier. After having received the mental message from Bixby, the goliath passes a glance over to the changeling in acknowledgment, but stays relatively quiet on their way back to the mansion as he looked to be deep in thought. Though, every now and again, he would quickly look around to check on everyone, as he normally did during travels (though mostly Kasha to make sure she didn't get stuck in a bush again somehow).

Upon arriving back home, there is a sad smile that tugs at his lips, but when the servants give them the news that the egg looks about ready to hatch, it falters. The prospect of owning a dragon was nice and could prove to be advantageous to the group, but Yvan had found himself relatively indifferent to its hatching, having other things on his mind at the time. It was Bixby's voice breaks him out of it, brows creasing just a bit when he turned around and made way to his tent.

He thinks for a moment to go to Bixby and speak with him, but what did he have to say? What could he say? He was no good with words, and he feared for a second that had it gone south, his fury would get the better of him. He nearly made it out before, what if he couldn't now? Or maybe it would have been best to let the changeling have his space, let him come to them. Would he? Was whatever Alys had said before enough to stop Bixby from leaving? The fact he kept the brooch (something he had caught a glimpse of during their travels back) meant something, he was sure, but was it enough?

A heavy sigh escapes him, and the questions disperse momentarily. "... You all can take care of that... I'll... I'll be tending the garden for now." 

Alys would start at the desk, but she’d occasionally get up and begin pacing her room. Eventually she’d settle on the ground, sprawling out with all her notes, books and sketches covering most of the footprint of the floor. The only exception being her pacing path. Stumbling across an old drawing, the scholar would be broken out of her trance. Smiling down at it, she’ll pad over to her mantle to rest it beside the gem before going back to her work.

Arcana: 18 

Alys: You know that silver dragons are usually good-aligned in nature, but you also know that silver dragons are usually not raised in these circumstances, so if you want it to be a good silver dragon and not a silver dragon that treats everybody like a walking Happy Meal, you'll have to raise it that way. You also know that like all dragons, it's a strict carnivore.

Alys would let out a raspberry sigh, a little deflated that she couldn’t find out more. But, she felt as though she at least had the basics. It was good enough for her for now. There’s plenty more to learn as they go. Besides, focus was a little hard to come by right now. 

Armed with that information, the last point was something that she may actually be able to have some control over. Alys would don her armour, review her belongings, gather some hunting and survival manuals. She’ll do one more scan to make sure she’d have everything she could need.

Using her patio door, the elf would try to sneak out back through the garden to make her way into the woods.

Alys, make a Stealth check.

Not so stealthy armour jingles: 9