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Post by jarahamee on Jul 19, 2023 0:10:34 GMT -6
Vars smiled brightly, doing his best to pretend as if he didn’t seem intimidated by the impressive fae. Did the Lady Madigan have the ability to make fae? Was it like having children? Did she breed them? Or did she make them all from scratch?
“She..summoned you from the ether? That is a powerful woman indeed!”
Flattery worked well on self-obsessed types, and he felt like Aonghus was one of those. A shame, he was interesting, handsome in his own strange, canid way. The faeries were amazing in the incredible variety they presented in. Every type of being was here.
“Fake magic? I suppose you could call it that.”
The magician gestured broadly, pulling out a deck of cards. He quickly and elaborately shuffled them several times, then presented them, face-up to Aonghus.
“Pick one! Your favorite. We’ll show it to everyone afterwards!”
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Post by indeath on Jul 19, 2023 2:23:10 GMT -6
The fae’s smile widened even further and his predatory vibe increased as he seemed to sniff at Vars deeply. A soft rumble coming from his throat.
“She grew me… like a tree. Made me strong. A trick is a trick and magic is magic.”
His fingers danced over the cards like a ballerina until he plucked one from Vars’ hand. Then he displayed it for the two other men. The queen of diamonds. Casper scoffed trying to make the other fae feel like he’d made the wrong choice, which of course was a lie. There was a small seed of doubt on Aonghus’ face. The doors in front of them shuddered and slowly creeped over. Several tall waifish fae looking curiously at the trick.
A sweet musky scent floated from the room and a feeling a calm serenity washed over Vars. He felt drawn towards the center of the room beyond the door.
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Post by jarahamee on Jul 19, 2023 10:01:54 GMT -6
“Oh, that tickles.”
Vars commented at the sniffing. He smiled, and took his cards, showing them all the Queen of Diamonds. He looked around and seemed pleased by his crowd reaction, and then turned the card the other way.
“And now we have the Queen of Diamonds! Everyone can see this is his card! Now add that card back into my deck!” The magician started to reshuffle the cards, before noticing the change in the doors. More fae.
He wondered, idly, how many were in here, and what he was going to look forward to while he was in this place.
“Now I’ll shuffle and… you can pick a card out of my hand. When you do, raise it up to show everyone!” He turned his head towards the doors, his character breaking for a moment as he became distracted. This was what Casper was waiting for, wasn’t it?
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Post by indeath on Jul 22, 2023 4:58:37 GMT -6
More and more fae began gather around Vars to watch the ‘trick’. They were like a bouquet of flowers with their distinctive shapes and colors. Some looked like people, others were closer to animals or plants . Some were almost indescribable in their shapes and forms, more gas than solid. Moving to the front was a small toy poodle who sat watching with great interest. Casper flinched, growing smaller for a second before he moved putting Vars between himself and the dog. He could feel that familiar fear and anxiety that Madigan gave him.
Aonghus grinned excitedly enjoying the attention that went along with the trick. His tail which before had been hidden began wagging happily. He leaned forward plucking another card from the deck and show it around to applause from the crowd.
“Did it work? What’s the trick?”
He panted with the anticipation. Casper continued to peak from behind Vars’ back.
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Post by jarahamee on Jul 23, 2023 0:02:36 GMT -6
Vars smiled, and then swerved like a showman, plucking the card and turning it towards the crowd, then turning it around and back at Aonghus. This way both the crowd and Aonghus could see that it was the very card that he chose to begin with. The Queen of Diamonds.
He took a deep bow, then a deeper one as he noticed the little dog’s appearance.
“Your ladyship. Oh, we have quite a presence in the house.”
Vars smiled at her, and picked a scarf out of his pocket. He beamed, showing it to her as if to show her that it was perfectly ordinary, turning it this way and that, before holding it up to his neck. He moved it to create tension, then, apparently, seemed to pass it through his own throat and to the other side.
He showed off the scarf with a big smile, bringing his arms down and then fanning them out.
He then bowed, waiting for the applause.
“Lady Madigan.”
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Post by indeath on Jul 26, 2023 1:19:47 GMT -6
The little dog smiled and with a soft yip pranced away. The fae around clapped enthusiastically at the trick and Aonghus couldn’t have looked more pleased if he’d pulled off it off himself. His tail wagged furiously. A deep rumble was heard from the throne room further on then a loud rushing sound at all sides. Then Vars and all the fae around him found themselves in the throne room. A massive ornate dais stood before them covered in golden carvings of small dogs and flowers. It was so ornate and detailed that only the tiniest of hands could have made it. The dogs seemed to almost move. Gossamer curtains hung in front of it blurring the large being sitting on the throne. She would have to be at least 10 foot tall. A long wooden table stood in front of Vars covered in all his favorite foods and drinks. The smell was intoxicating and Vars found himself feeling increasingly hungry. Casper held onto his shoulders, he knew the routine well enough. He wasn’t going to let Vars go that easily. He’d promised to help him get back after all. The other fae moved back onto seats that lined the room.
A soft melodic voice came from behind the curtain touching Vars like a warm summer breeze.
“Vars, my dear. Welcome to my little Duchy, I hope Casper didn’t embarrass himself too much. He’s still young. Not quite a century… practically an infant. He requires a swift hand but it seems he’s finally learning. How pretty and clever you are, Vars. You shall keep us entertained for a long time. We shall feed you pretty little cakes in return and dress you in the finest silks. What do you think my pet?”
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Post by jarahamee on Jul 26, 2023 1:45:02 GMT -6
Vars bowed to the Lady, in what he could assume was likely her ‘true’ form, or at least, as true as the Fae could become. He hadn’t really been dressing his best, but he still looked good enough to put on a show, and maybe show them a little bit of razzle dazzle in the process. “Oh Lady Madigan! So good to meet you.”
He offered his hand to her, tactly ignoring the food. At the very least, Vars knew enough about the rules to never eat anything offered by demons, faeries or pretty much…anyone ever, and this was no exception.
“You’re even more stunning in person. Tell me, what is your favorite magic trick? If you have one?”
Vars looked over at Casper. She certainly could not be bothered to put in a kind word for him doing his job correctly. Was there any way to break his contract with this strange place? He knew well enough that he hated it here.
“I think he did a great job bringing me here to show all of you. Maybe the trick can feature him!”
The magician made a very low bow, wishing he had a hat to tip. No such luck. He’d have to make due with what he had here.
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Post by indeath on Jul 27, 2023 18:59:07 GMT -6
A large bone white hand emerged from the curtains with perfectly manicured fingers. It felt cold and hard to the touch like a porcelain doll. Behind the curtain Vars got a glimpse of the large still figure of a beautiful yet eerily still woman with her lap swarming with small dogs. The offered hand was being supported by a few west highland terriers like a puppet and did not seem attached to the rest of the body. Then swiftly the hand disappeared behind the curtain and his view was once again obscured. His hand felt odd like it had been stung by a bug. Itchy and sore all at once.
“Oh I will reward my boy no doubt… A trick featuring my Casper? Perhaps you could saw him in two? That would please us very much. Or place him in a box and poke him with swords?”
The sound of laughter like the twitter of tiny birds filled the court. Casper frowned wishing he’d made more effort to befriend his fellow fae. This was feeling bad. He always feared Madigan could read his thoughts but this was not out of character by any means. Besides nothing now was going to be as bad as when she discovered Vars gone. If only he too could be gone.
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Post by jarahamee on Jul 27, 2023 20:55:36 GMT -6
Vars’ eyes were transfixed on the dreamlike? Nightmare-like? View of the strange puppet-like woman and her odd, disembodied arms. It was like looking through the veil at something he was not supposed to see, and honestly, the feeling excited him in some ways.
But if he did this, he would never leave her realm, and he had to finish his tour, and meet everyone else on his list. He still had to find that mothman, and of course, the giant dragon that had been sighted around the city.
His thoughts were interrupted by how much the contact with her body hurt. Ow. Would it have been like that if he touched the cat-terpillar? Probably.
“What about… making this coin disappear and reappear for him?”
Vars took a single gold coin out of his pocket, and placed it in Caspers’ hands. It was large, too large to easily manipulate.
He then spread his hands, filling the room with smoke and butterflies.
“And now… my assistant will make this coin disappear and reappear!”
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Post by indeath on Jul 30, 2023 5:43:25 GMT -6
The crowd clapped politely as the butterflies appeared, clearly disappointed with the lack of danger the trick presented. Madigan made a disappointed rumble behind the curtain. A low growl from many dogs. Casper was momentarily relieved to be honest, until he was handed the massive coin.
He could use magic to disappear it but that didn’t seem like the point here. At least it wasn’t silver. Casper looked at the coin like it would explode in his hands. This was far too much pressure, what did Vars expect him to do? He didn’t want to let the guy down especially if this was part of his escape plan.
“Errrmmm hey presto!”
Casper shoved the coin in his mouth then motioned to Vars to do his thing, trying not to gag on the coin. It tasted metallic and slightly salty.
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Post by jarahamee on Jul 30, 2023 15:56:40 GMT -6
The magician felt the palpable disappointment in the room, but he knew well that not every trick could be a winner. He spread his hands wide, and dipped down like a dancer, before he moved his hands over Casper’s face, almost like a wave. Casper felt the first hint of real magic he’d noticed so far apart from the butterflies.
The coin had disappeared out of his mouth, and apparently appeared again in Vars’ hand.
Vars held out the coin in front of him, gesturing widely as he swept down and around. This would have been so much easier of he had his actual performance clothing on, but he was going to do his best today.
He reached out to a member of the crowd, dropping the coin into their coat, only to retrieve it magically on the other side. The magician threw it into the air and caught it, then instructed Casper to do the same.
Once he obliged, the coin reappeared under his fingers, leaving Vars’ hand.
“And now, the final act!”
The magician beamed and gave them all a low bow. It was time for the finale;
He leaned close to Casper’s ear, still smiling, and whispered;
“I’m going to grab you and you’re going to tell me where to go, so be ready, ok?”
Vars turned back to the crowd;
“You will see a man transform as never before!”
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Post by indeath on Jul 31, 2023 2:34:59 GMT -6
Casper sighed an inward breath of relief when the coin was no longer in his mouth. It would be just like him to mess up a basic trick. However Casper was once again confused, was there a cue he’d missed. They probably should have come up with an actual plan first. The crowd clapped as the coin moved about the room. Entertainment was a rare delight, finding a bard type to kidnap was so much more difficult these days.
“Go where? You ready to leave?”
Casper whispered back. Eyeing the curtains nervously.
"I'm going to become a dragon and make a break for it."
Whispered Vars through his mostly closed mouth, ventriloquist style.
Casper nodded, jt was a shame he would have liked to see her face if he outwitted her at a game. Still this would make her just as mad. He returned the trick.
“Oh cool. Should I do that too? Probably not… Maybe a small wyvern so I can whisper in your ear.”
"It would be a nice double-trick." Vars responded.
Casper nodded relieved. He would try a wyvern, they were smaller and if he messed it up Vars would hopefully be large enough to carry him.
Casper put out his arms and smiled brightly trying to convince himself just as much as the crowd.
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Post by jarahamee on Jul 31, 2023 15:40:32 GMT -6
Vars held up his arms, humming, waving his hands around, as if to coax up some excitement.
“Now I’ll need everyone in the audience to concentrate on their favorite animals. I’ll need to see it in my head using the power of telepathy. Everyone here believes in telepathy, right?”
Vars waited for any kind of murmuring or other response in return, making encouraging gestures upwards to rile them all up.
“Ok, time to concentrate! On the count of three, we’ll… see transformation! Ready?”
The magician eyed all the potential exits, though as a dragon he’d be more than able to break his way out of most things that might be barring his way. He shared a glance with Casper. It was all in the plan, right?
He counted down.
3 2 1
And presto!
Vars created a great cloud of purple, glittery smoke that filled the entire room, obscuring everyone’s vision.
While in the center of the cloud of smoke, he transformed, ballooning up to great size, pressing anyone too close to his body outwards and away. What had been smooth skin and long, flowing hair, instead became the glittering ruby scales and undulating coils of a huge red dragon.
The creature let out an earth-shattering roar, and unfolded its bat-like wings, before making its way through the nearest doorway, Casper in tow. Out and away.
His favorite trump card.
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Post by indeath on Aug 8, 2023 19:39:41 GMT -6
The crowd seemed to rouse to Var’s performance and they clapped enthusiastically, staring both impatiently and with bated breath for the outcome. Var’s mind was filled with various animals and creatures with a more than average amount being small dogs. It was definitely a thing in this court.
Casper began focusing on becoming a wyvern, it was important to have a concise image before he started. Then when Vars reached one, he began to change becoming an elegant white worm with three marks against its cheek. He followed Vars out tail swishing any lingering fae against the wall. He was impressed by Vars’ sheer size and obviously most of the court was too. A shocked silence ringing through the air as they made their chaotic escape. Casper made for the sky as soon as they were outside, gliding over the trees. He glanced around to make sure the ruby dragon was with him.
A soft whisper to Vars’ ear came with a slight lisp. Wyvern mouths weren’t quite up to human speech.
“Well that was quite a performance… Follow me, we’re looking for a trail of smoke. Should smell sweet like fruit.”
He didn’t mention it moved constantly, changing location every day. It wasn’t exactly a traditional gate out of here. Most people didn’t know what to look for and wandered aimlessly through the duchy until they were caught again. He felt his heart thud as he tried not to imagine Madigan’s reaction but he would find out how she felt eventually. At least it had been entertaining.
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Post by jarahamee on Aug 9, 2023 0:25:45 GMT -6
The great red dragon trailed glittering purple smoke as it zigzagged through the chambers, clambering, slithering, and finally taking flight down the great corridors. Oh, there was nothing more impressive than a dragon, and Vars knew it. It was his dream to see a real live dragon, but seeing the remains of one of the last great red Dragons would have to suffice.
He made his way behind the white wyvern, flapping madly before he hit a draft, lifting up and away from the trees. It was beautiful here, quiet and serene compared to the rest of the fae world. He admired the beauty of the sky, holding out his massive wings and feeling the sheer power of the air resistance.
The dragon nodded. Its head was massive, muzzle long, almost like a crocodile. It turned its head, weaving its muzzle here and there to scent the air, drifting higher.
Vars could not talk in dragon form, but he could still emote, and hopefully emote well.
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