deernet | video. un: hardsell

[ John is in what looks to be a shop that's been abandoned for quite a while. There's a few bits of furniture with sheets over it. There's dust and cobwebs and the feed shakes as he accidentally bumps the table as he's trying to set it down. Once it is set up, he scrubs a hand over his face, through the bit of scruff at his jaw, and then around to rub at the back of his neck. He looks tired.

He istired but oddly energetic at the same time. ]

Right, not sure if any of you have been having trouble sleeping as well but I figured I may as well do this since I found the space for it. It's in Willful Machine, warding on the door glows amber. Easy to spot. I can still drop a location here in case.

I might be able to help with easing some of the bloodlust that seems to be cropping up. I've got incense and I'm working on some tinctures from those roses left behind for us. Smoke wands, too. Meditation seems to help. Yoga as well. I'm decent at both, don't mind showing anyone if they need it.

[ He reaches out for an old book covered with a dust cover and blows off the lingering film clinging before peeling that off. Any well-versed in the occult or magic might recognize the original grimoire of King Solomon. He's about to reach out with his free hand and turn off the feed when a thought suddenly occurs to him. ]

Oh, and I'd hate to go making such a terribly broad offer like I did back in the old town so to clarify: don't bother stopping in Maul. I wouldn't want the riff-raff to go showing up.

[ This is the smile on his face as he shuts the feed off. There's a location for the shop embedded in the message. ]

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There might be some more in what's left of the old shop. Haven't quite been able to locate it just yet. It's here, though.

[ He hums a little in thought. ]

Bound to be some books we can make use of around here to tell us about local plant life. What do you say we see what we can find in those and go foraging for the rest?

[ John lets go a rusty chuckle at the look that crosses Luna's face. He feels that for sure. ]

We would all be so lucky.

Do you need help locating it? I could lend a hand if you like.

[ She!! Wants!! To!! Help!! Also those potions would be very handy to have if there's some there — all the more reason to get the old shop found. ]

That sounds like a good plan. I've been to the Archives already for a general browse, it's... quite interesting in terms of a sorting system. [ In which there isn't one. Well, nothing she's ever encountered before.

Him and pretty much most of the Sleeper population feel that regarding Maul. ]

... Do you think our curse is still intact? It didn't... break in the transition?

[ Do they need to curse him again? ]

I wouldn't mind a hand with it. Might help me narrow it down.

[ Well, how can he refuse? ]

Maybe we can drop in at the Archives as well. I haven't had a chance to go poking my nose in.

[ Humming gently he nods. ]

I think so. If not we'd have heard of a lot worse things happening by now. Nevermind that one coming along to take it out on us, likely.

Brilliant! There's a couple of spells I think could help. I'll have a little look through my books too to see if there's something more specific to locations we could use.

[ Locating people is one thing, but magical locations? That'll be something to stretch her brain a bit. ]

It's quite something. I dropped in after signing up at the School of Mutter. Peter's signed up too, and I think it's something Paimon might enjoy as well.

[ The kids (and demon) are going to 'college'. Look at them, keeping out of trouble for once. ]

That's very true. [ She pauses thoughtfully. ] Although I'm considering creating some kind of extra ward to keep him away specifically away from my home, just in case. Especially with Peter living with me now.

[ Look, she might have told Paimon she wasn't going to stop him and Maul interacting, but it's clear that Maul isn't welcome at her home. ]

I've got a couple I can throw into the pot as well. Between the two of us I suppose we can get a good start on finding it.

[ His pendulum work would normally do the trick, but with the wards he already had in place at the old shop? Well, that complicates it. ]

Well, I bet you feel right at home there then. It'll be good for all of you. Might keep that other one from acting out too often.

[ John hopes. But then, depending on the knowledge there, it could edge them closer to a more dangerous situation in the future. ]

That's not a bad idea. Probably should go in for that myself [ There's a flicker of guilt? Regret? Then it's gone. He clears his throat. ] You'll let me know if I can help?

I want to make sure you're safe as a place like this allows.

That's the idea, actually. Peter isn't... really the one for academic stimulation. [ The boy won't pick up a book, even getting him to do readings for homework was a struggle. Even bribery had to be involved on occasion. ] But I'm hoping it'll be a good environment for Paimon to keep him content, and I'll always be close by, too.

[ Meaning she can keep an eye on him. It's fine, John. It'll be fine. ]

If I come up with something, I can put it over your shop, too. Just to be sure he won't get in at all. [ She nods, smiling faintly. ] Of course I will.

[ A pointed pause. ]

I know it's a lot to get our bearings with, but we'll be alright.

I figured all that show wasn't for him entirely. [ No judgement. Just an observation. ] It'd be a good way to keep an eye on the other one. Keep him clear of any brewing chaos until we can get our bearings.

[ There's an undercurrent to this place that worries him more than the last. A tugging of a riptide threatening to drag them out to deep, open water and no clear sign back to shore. ]

I'd appreciate it. I can work on one and do the same with your place. No harm in having a little extra shoring when it comes to all this.

[ He offers a smile that he makes sure reaches his eyes, even if he doesn't feel it. ]

Course we will. Got each other. Can't get much better than that.

Well, we did make a promise we'd go to college together in Deerington. [ Even if it meant Peter would be... dragging his heels a bit. She knows he's not really thrilled with the idea, but he did want to go with her. ] I know it's not the same thing anymore, but he still said he's go with me.

[ But he's got a point, really. She's not sure if this place might change the rules with Paimon, yet. ]

That'd be nice. [ At least their magic seems to still be working here. That's a bonus.

He's trying. She can see that. ]

Exactly that, yes. [ Although she has to ask. This whole arrival thing has been... exhausting, extensive: ] Are you alright though? Since ending up here, with... everything? You do look tired, John.

[ Can't pull the wool over her eyes, you know. ]

It might not be the same, but the sentiment still rings true. It's good that you're trying to make something out of this place that isn't just whatever it decides to throw at us.

[ If it does, they'll worry over that together. ]

It'll be good to see what we can manage between us.

[ Somehow, he manages to keep that smile firmly in place. He even shrugs a little. ] Nothing I can't handle.

Place seems to be keen on not letting me have any real sleep so I've been keeping busy.

[ And trying to avoid the raven feathers. If he never sees that river again it'll be too soon. ]

We have a chance of thinking of futures. There's always a chance of something more than just surviving. It seems a bit silly not to take it, I suppose. [ Always with the hopefulness is Luna Lovegood.

There's raised eyebrows for a long moment. Hm. That's not... very good. ]

Well, I do have sleeping potions, if you need some proper sleep.

[ It's not that she doesn't think he can't handle it, but he really does need to get some sleep somehow. Octobers in Deerington was bad enough. ]

It's good to have something like that to look towards. It isn't silly, believe me. Wish I'd had the stones to do something like that way back when I was your age. [ But it required giving up magic altogether and even now he is not keen to do that. His identity is far too tied up in his magical ability and self-worth but that isn't a conversation he's ready to have with a young witch like her. Maybe no else, either. ]

Might have to take you up on that. Think it's got something to do with the blood. I know someone else was having similar troubles. Bit of exploring took the edge off for a while.

video. un: hardsell

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