Night 03

[lifescratched]

[Connor realises playing by the rules won't be enough, if he's to save anyone and learn the truth about what's going on in the village. He needs to take matters into his own hands.

So after curfew, he slips out of his cottage, making for the barn. The Assassin is cautious to look out for the Night Watch and anyone else still awake at this hour. They'd be easier to spot with his Eagle Vision, but it refuses to work in this village, so he does everything he can to keep his other senses alert, and to stick to buildings, trees, and the shadows. (Aaaand maybe a conveniently-placed hay bale or two on the farm.)

He approaches the barn quickly, skirting around the perimeter before crouching in the shadow of a tree to watch the entrance. If the coast seems to be clear, he'll head cautiously for the doors.]

Comments

[shimmershimmer]

[Thick webbing fills the barn from floor to ceiling. At the center of it all is a creature with far too many legs, smaller than the Shimmering Lady and featuring the most cheerful gold spots. It turns its eyes in Connor's direction, but otherwise doesn't move.]

[lifescratched]

[Connor stares at the creature. He's trying not to show any indication of fear, but he's suddenly aware he's very much unarmed and vulnerable.]

... Who are you?

[shimmershimmer]

[It's not trying to fool you in the same way the Lady does, but without changing anything physically, it gives you the distinct impression that it's grinning.]

My friends call me the Glimmering Gentleman. How do you do?

[lifescratched]

Do you count the Shimmering Lady amongst those "friends"?

[shimmershimmer]

[It makes a scratchy sound that is probably meant to be a chuckle.]

I should only be so lucky! But sad to say, I don't think Our Lady is overly fond of me.

[lifescratched]

[Connor frowns.] The Lady said those sent here would never return... Was that true?

[shimmershimmer]

I get hungry.

[lifescratched]

[He tenses and shifts uneasily, every one of his instincts willing him to leave. But he forces himself to stay. He can't let this have been a waste of time.]

I came here not as an offering to you, but in search of answers.

[shimmershimmer]

Oh, I know. Though it's still well within my rights to eat you.

[His "voice" isn't actively threatening. Rather, he seems amused.]

[lifescratched]

You could try, but I will not be easily caught.

[His confidence is pure bluffing; he has no idea what these creatures are actually capable of.]

Will you at least tell me what part you play in this conflict?

[shimmershimmer]

I'm in charge of the Demons around here.

[lifescratched]

For what reason are you and the Lady fighting? And why must you do so through us?

[shimmershimmer]

The gentleman makes the wager and the lady chooses the game. That's just the way it's done. So why she chose this game, or all of you to participate in it — that much, I don't rightly know.

[lifescratched]

[Connor's hands ball into fists. Kimblee -- or the demon possessing him -- had spoken of all this as like a game as well.]

Peoples' lives are at stake here! You cannot treat them like gambling pieces.

[shimmershimmer]

Now now, calm your britches. My life's at stake too, you know. If I lose, she gets to eat me.

[lifescratched]

...You would risk even your own life in this wager, then. [The idea of the two creatures eating each other is... certainly a disturbing mental image.]

Whoever wins or loses, what will happen to those of us who survive? And what of those put to sleep?

[shimmershimmer]

If she wins, I reckon she'll eat the lot of you. Let me tell you, she's all steamed up over not being able to have fried demon for lunch!

If I win... maybe I can make that worth your while, hm?

[lifescratched]

What could you offer that the Lady could not? And why should I trust your word any more than her's?

[shimmershimmer]

I could wake everyone up and send you all home. Mind you, so could she, if she were so inclined. As for trust... if it were me, I'd be more inclined to trust the one that's telling me the truth. But you do what you like, boy.

[lifescratched]

Truth or not, if you win, you could decide to eat us all just as she would. Unless you have a way to guarantee your word, I cannot help you.

[shimmershimmer]

Suit yourself.

[lifescratched]

... But I will not hinder you, either. The Lady's fight is not mine; that is why I asked that your demons not be put to death.

[shimmershimmer]

You're a good man. I wish you only the best of luck.

[lifescratched]

[He's surprised by that, but nods.] ... Thank you. And for the information, as well.

[Taking that as a dismissal, he'll turn to leave.]