realmofstories | ( open ) most intriguing

Entry tags:

( open ) most intriguing

Characters: Cyrus Albright [Sherlock Holmes] & you!
Campaign: Break
Format: [ brackets! ]
Open
Summary: January sidestory shenanigans and some general open prompts!

🖋️ i. journal

Salutations,

I find myself curious as to how other Aspects have found themselves changed by their Essences in the time they've been here. No doubt we all found ourselves altered in some respects, marked by both losses and gains, but as time has gone on, how have you acclimated to whatever gifts the Storyteller has bestowed upon you? Have your new abilities perhaps developed further since your initial arrival, or have you discovered new and unexpected talents? Any related discussion would be more than welcome, not only for curiosity's sake, but in a continued effort to learn more about this world we've pledged our aid to and its inner workings.

Sincerely,
Professor Cyrus Albright (Sherlock Holmes)

📖 ii. library

[It wouldn't be entirely inaccurate to say that Cyrus has spent more time in the Index's library than he has in his own home since his arrival. How could he possibly stay away from such a collection, with so many volumes offering windows into both this and other worlds? He's become a regular there, with a favored table that the library staff have learned to leave unoccupied for him, where he's made a habit of spending countless hours reading, researching and taking scribbled notes that likely mean very little to anyone but him at first glance. He's come to feel quite at home there— perhaps too much so.

This particular evening finds him at his usual table, though not necessarily working— he's been at it so long that he's fallen quite asleep atop his work, face-down in an open book with tomes of various sizes stacked haphazardly across the table and towering over him. His quill has fallen from his hand mid-sentence, with a cup of tea that's positioned precariously close to the table's edge and in very real danger of being knocked over if he so much as shifts.

The situation is a disaster waiting to happen, really.]

🛏️ iii. a towering puzzle

[Cyrus never could resist a puzzle or mystery, long before becoming an Aspect, and so when it comes time to restore this particular tale, it's no surprise where his unparalleled focus is drawn. He stands before the revolving tower of beds, his finger crooked just beneath his chin as he regards the tower as a whole, thoughtful.]

The matching should be simple enough, but there must be more to this.

[He has yet to see an Eraser, but he has no doubt they'll make themselves known before long.]

Indeed, some of these seem to be trapped— a hazard for anyone aiming to climb. We must be on our guard so that our Princess may reach their goal!

[Hey, you— yes, you. You've just been conscripted to help him solve this, whether you like it or not. Maybe you're interested in the puzzle itself, or you can offer your services by keeping the Erasers at bay while Cyrus works? Either way, Professor ~~Layton~~ Albright welcomes your assistance.]

🍭 iv. rotten forest

[Whatever has brought you to the forest of decaying sweets, you're in good company. Cyrus' Essence makes him an excellent partner when it comes to scouting for those white pebbles, and he also seems to have a knack for spotting Erasers that might be hiding among the candy cane trees and gumdrop bushes. He's actually looking forward to confrontation here— he may not have his magic in its purest form, but he's worked out a few new tricks with his pipe that he's eager to put into practice.

For the time being, however, he's quite interested in the forest itself, and he approaches a tree that looks like it was meant to be a lollipop in order to examine it more closely.]

These truly are remarkable, even crumbling as they are— do you think they grow naturally?

[Or did the witch who owns the cottage further in put them here?]

I have to wonder what one would plant to grow such a tree. Given this world's magic, I imagine anything is possible. There's no scientific law here that would prevent a planted lollipop from growing into something far greater. Truly, this world's possibilities are endless.

[He's gushing. Apologies to whoever has wound up working with him— unfortunately, he's just like this.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If that could really happen, I'd totally take some back with me. [He doesn't have a huge sweet tooth, but he certainly has a bit of one and definitely wouldn't mind a few.]

I actually knew a witch, but she wasn't so crazy to actually try to eat children. [He just laughs imagining what Magilou would think.]

Too bad we don't have to fight the real witch, though. Or, what, cook her? Is that what happens in this story?

[He only vaguely paid attention to the details, deciding to just head straight off to find stuff to kill.]

Something about an oven.

[A grisly way to go, he thinks.]

Hardly the sort of fight you'd get much satisfaction from, if I understand correctly. You like something more of a challenge, yes?

[Also, swords. He'd noticed that.]

[Just shaking his head.]

Creative way to go, I suppose, but you're right. Doesn't sound like this witch would be all that difficult what with being blind and all that. Honestly I'd just need a kitchen knife and I'd slice her up before tossing her in to roast.

[.....Who sounds like the worse villain here.]

That was—

[Descriptive.]

Vivid. You're quite imaginative— no wonder the Storyteller sought to bring you to this world.

[He's still leaning more towards curious than horrified. You're in good company, Rokurou. Probably.]

[Rokurou just laughs at Cyrus's reaction.]

I don't know about that. I think they just knew I'd be great for killing things.

[He raises a mild eyebrow, curious as he turns his attention towards Rokurou in full, the lollipop tree forgotten for the moment.]

Is that so?

[Hm.]

I fear you don't give yourself due credit, my friend.

Oh yeah? [He's kind of curious about Cyrus's observations.] Hard to say, really. I only had to play the one part so far. [Which he isn't complaining, mind. Gives him more freedom to explore and fight things.

TO BE FAIR he did make up a pretty crazy story about the Headless Horseman, but he still doesn't think it anything that special.]

A bit early, then, to sell yourself short, wouldn't you say?

[Man's (or demon's, in this case) ability to grow his mind must also, in Cyrus' opinion, apply to their creativity. Where does imagination come from, after all, if not the mind?]

We've a great many opportunities before us yet.

If it's too early to sell myself short, then isn't it also too early to give too much praise? [A grin before he chuckles a bit.]

But who knows, maybe you're right. For now though...

[Is that some suspicious slithering and shaking sounds they might be hearing.]

Might have to focus on some of my other talents.

Indeed not! For possibility and potential for growth should always be recognized.

[He's a firm believe in that. The slithering catches his attention as well, however, and he sharply turns his gaze in that direction, eyes narrowed. He reaches for his magnifying glass, pulling it from his coat and using it to scan the immediate area, able to see through the sweets that make up the forest just enough to spot—]

Ah, there— it seems you will be putting those sword skills of yours to use, after all.

Like I said, this is probably what I was made for.

[He draws his shortswords, eyes scanning for any potential others as he listens for any other sounds that could give away the hiding Erasers' locations.]

But what about you? Ever work on your own skills?

I've made a bit of progress, yes.

[He sounds quite pleased with himself even as he continues to scan their surroundings, pointing out another spot beyond the brush. There's nothing immediately within view to the naked eye, but he's becoming rather fond of these new abilities of his.]

There's one to our right, and two smaller figures there to the northwest. They have us outnumbered, perhaps, but that's never been a problem before.

[What are numbers against wits?]

I believe I can use my pipe to slow them once they've emerged!

[Nope, numbers are definitely not an issue.]

In that case, I'll draw them out and leave it to you. We should be able to take care of these pests in no time!

[Cyrus gives a nod of approval, falling back just enough to let Rokurou take point as he reaches to produce his pipe from within his jacket. He hasn't quite mastered this yet, but really, it's been quite interesting to see how the smoke can emulate some of the elements he commanded back home— not perfectly, of course, but well enough, and it should certainly serve them well here.]

On your mark, then, Huntsman!

[Action Professor has your back!]

All right, get ready!

[And he's off! Or, well, he's charging forward, heading towards where the Erasers had been lurking. He'll fire a shot into the bushes to draw them out, swinging with his sword when one does attack. Soon the other appears, the third moving around before preparing to attack.]

[It takes a few moments, but pale smoke begins to roll across the ground from behind Rokurou, blowing harmlessly past him as it moves towards the Erasers themselves. Smoke, perhaps, isn't the right word— as it thickens, it becomes a chill fog, one that slows the progress of the Erasers themselves as they find themselves mired by frost, taking the edge off any attack they might launch towards the swordsman by giving him more than enough time to react and intervene.

Well, it's not the same as having his full regiment of spells at his disposal, but Cyrus will certainly take what he can get. Fortunately, he's taken to carrying a rapier on his person in the absence of a staff, hoping his fencing days at the Academy will still serve him well in in the present.]

Ha, take that!

[...Whoa. Rokurou's eyes widen in surprise as he watches the chilled fog envelop the Erasers and slowing them down. He definitely has more than enough time to move back to avoid the incoming attacks and readjust so that he can attack them. But before he does, he grins and glances back at Cyrus.]

Heh, that's one useful spell you have, Cyrus! [And another easy dodge before he cuts through one and then goes for the second closest to him before it wears off.] Definitely great for crowd control!

[And there's still the third, but Cyrus should be able to get it.]

I was hoping it work as well in practice as I thought it might in theory!

[He's glad to see that's the case, though spells that offer direct offense remain a challenge. That third Eraser is slowed enough by the frost that he has no difficulty drawing his blade and darting forward, performing a quick thrust and upward slice as he raises his pipe in his off-hand, falling into a formal fencing pose out of old habit.]

En garde!

[The slice relieves the Eraser of one of its arms, and it proceeds to retaliate by lunging towards Cyrus in turn, only to be met with a quick parry and riposte. It crumples to the ground, frost clinging to it as the fog continues to roll past, though it's begun to thin. He glances in Rokurou's direction, checking on his progress.]

Is all well on your end?

[Cyrus is going to turn just in time as Rokurou suddenly darts seemingly past the remaining Eraser, the sound of his blades cutting through substance audible but nothing seems to happen at first. But then the Eraser is left in pieces and Rokurou just grins as he twirls his blades, pleased.]

It is for me, dunno about them.

[Stepping past the carnage, he moves to rejoin Cyrus.]

So how long does the spell last?

[Cyrus sheathes his blade now that their assailants have been handled, and Rokurou's display is met with polite but genuine applause.]

Well done!

[As though Rokurou needs the praise— but Cyrus believes in recognizing skill and effort when he sees them.]

As for the spell, I'm uncertain. I've never had the opportunity to—

[The last of the chill fog fades and rolls away, the air around them clearing once more, and Cyrus lets out a startled but pleasant peal of laughter.]

I suppose that's that, then.

[There's a look of surprise at the applause before he laughs as he reaches Cyrus.]

Thank you, thank you. I'll gladly do encores.

But that's actually quite a lengthy stretch of time. Definitely more than enough for me at least.

Certainly long enough to get the job done!

[He tucks his pipe back inside of his jacket for now, however— he would hate to lose it, especially now that it's proven itself so useful.]

I'll need a bit more practice with it to see what else it can do, but I was delighted to learn it could be used for more than just smoking, considering I care little for the act itself.

[Magic is much better.]

Oh right, it came from that pipe! Definitely a strange type of...weapon. But hey, now you can fool your enemies. Pretend your smoking, but actually casting a spell.

Not unlike the way I've done things in the past— most people don't think twice about a book unless they, too, are magically inclined. Magic isn't necessarily rare where I come from, but oft underestimated.

[Not to mention he doesn't exactly look dangerous, but he's burned more than his fair share of monsters to ash.]

I think the pipe is quite growing on me, in fact. I hadn't thought much of it at first, but this is quite useful.

I don't really deal with magic much myself, at least not in terms of spells. Some of my artes have some elemental properties and then there are my form artes, but I don't really think of them as magic. [Close, but not quite.]

So that was the only spell you've come up with so far?

( open ) most intriguing

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where is february even going I hate it

it goes up down up down left right left right b a start

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