Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
Stephen walked into the toy shop, glancing around casually. Toy shopping was not generally something he did but it was Ronaldo's birthday tomorrow and he thought it would be humorous to give him a child's toy; also, revenge for the box of tissues the old bat had given him for Christmas. Also, to visit Amon again as well. The man was an interesting fellow and he liked to pick his brain on the subject of the 'clockwork dolls.' So far it had been a pleasantly quiet evening. Upon entering the shop he spotted a fellow who looked like the stereotypical pirate. He had a sinking feeling that his quite evening would soon be ruined. "Good Day Amon" he greeted him formally, eyeing the red head near the silver haired toy maker.
Post by Viktor Croswell on Apr 8, 2014 1:14:54 GMT
"Of course! No problem. Is there anything I need to do? Fill out anymore papers?" His voice trailed off and he soon turned away as he assumed there wouldn't be anything else he had to do. "Well alright. Maybe sometime on that drink. I promise I don't bite, Amon!" Stephen's suspicions would be proven right. Viktor was not a quiet fellow in any sense of the word. As most have already noticed, even his physical appearance screamed for attention.
In his eagerness, Viktor was already taking steps back just as Stephen had entered and when he heard the noble lad speak, he turned around to walk straight into him. "Oh, dung, oh- I mean... sorry, sorry. I didn't see you there." His hands immediately went to grab a hold of the person he just walked into and then he patted Stephen's hair down, smoothing it out in case he had messed up. After that, he flashed the only slightly shorter male a grin before giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder. Feeling like a complete fool, he stepped aside and looked back at Amon with a lopsided grin. "If there's anything else I need, just let me know." To Stephen, he turned and extended his hand out to him. "Name's Viktor Croswell. No hard feelings?"
"I'm sure the kid's fine," said Amon, trying to flatten out the papers. "So Stephen, how can I help you?"
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
Stephen was utterly astounded with the pirate bloke. The man actually had the gall to man handle him, mess up his hair then give him a dumb looking grin and ask for forgiveness?! He took a step back and checked his pockets, making sure everything was were he left it. Then he gave the pirate a closed eyed smile a took his hand "What makes you think I will forgive a obnoxious pirate-want-to-be boy like yourself for so rudely smashing into and trying to loot me? You are, by far, the worst pirate I have ever seen." he said in a chipper voice that threatened death. The grip he had on the other mans hand was viselike. All thoughts about his original plan and Amon at the moment were gone. This man had made him very angry. So help him, he was going to pay. "I was not raised in a barn yard, which I suppose is the only place someone like yourself could come from, so I do not take kindly to being man handled by penniless thieves. You best remember that next time you are within 10 feet from me." He let go of his hand roughly and glared at the man, rummaging in his pocket for a coin. He tossed it at the boys feet and walked away from him "Your skills as a thief as so sad that I subject you become a beggar instead." He finished with a growl.
Sorry! I love Viktor and Stephen will probably warm up to him some time... maybe.... ;^;
Post by Viktor Croswell on Apr 8, 2014 2:12:32 GMT
When his hand had been gripped as it was, Viktor was first caught off by surprise and then his brows furrowed as Stephen's insults hit home. Want to be? Pirate? His mouth hung open a little. He could handle those first two but being called a thief is where he reached his limit. He let Stephen release his hand and he let Stephen throw the coin at his feet. For a moment he stood their in quiet, contemplative anger as he tried to force himself not to give into such an emotion. There were reasons that despite his father being a jack of trades in mechanic, and a good one, that he wasn't popular--because his father would never take the savage tongue lashing of some stuck up noble like this. Viktor's hand that he held Stephen's with clenched into a tight fist and he could feel his heart beating not of fear but because he was angry.
Insulting himself was one thing, insulting how he was raised was another. His parents were great--better than most out there! They always did everything they could to insure he lived comfortably and happily. As he exhaled, he closed his eyes and began to find his happy place. Viktor was by no means a fighter. He would do so if needed but he was not the best and so avoided such activities. However, he calmly knelt down to scoop up the coin at his feet before standing. He tossed it up into the air, let it fall in his palm, eyed Stephen's head, pulled back his arm, and then chucked it at the back of the spoiled brat's head. "I don't need your coin and I don't steal. I'm an honest worker though that's more than I can say for you. For your sake, you better hope that your motor vehicles never break down because this transportation engineer won't fix it for you no matter how much you're paying." The tone of his voice was serious and to Amon, this change in Viktor would be highly noticeable from his earlier displays. "tch." With that, Viktor turned to leave. He was not quite out of the store yet but rather lingered near the door in case Amon needed him.
Stephen froze when he felt the coin pound into the back oh his head. Why was his head always the thing that people aimed for first?!?! He turned slowly to look at the pirate. His eyes had anger in them but a sort of awe mixed in as well. That boy would pay. Sometimes he wondered what people would do if they actually knew he was an assassin. Not like he would kill this man, his faults were not high enough that he deserved such judgment. All he had done was harm his person and that did not call for assassination. But, somehow, the obnoxious pirate had somehow gained respect from him. That was the first time someone had actually retaliated- though he did not approve of the violence, it was true that he himself had started that with that handshake.
Stephen smiled again and clasped his hands behind his back, slightly turning towards him. "How rude of me to mistake you for a thief. That was callous of me. I hope you have a productive day, Mr. Mechanic." he said evenly, without a hint of malic in his voice, his face calm. This was not the last he was going to see of this noble though. Oh no, he was not letting that man get away scotch free for throwing a coin at his head, no matter how bold and somewhat respectable the action was. He would pay, most certainly.
Post by Viktor Croswell on Apr 8, 2014 3:35:01 GMT
"Don't give me your hopes and wishes. I won't stoop to your level and insult you back if that's what you want. Don't your people ever get tired of insulting people and thinking you're better? Did ever occur to you that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar? It's because of people like you that we have stupid wars resulting in countless lives lost... and for what? Just so some noble can sit on his bum and have the people hail him as something less than a god? Let me tell you something, sir. Anyone who fancies himself a god must know something. Even gods can be killed." It was by no means a threat. In fact, Viktor spoke calmly without anger in his voice. His hands were shoved into his pockets as he leaned against a wall.
By no means was he delusional either. By throwing that coin, he knew full well he had landed himself into trouble. Never was a great fighter and should Stephen come at him, he would do nothing to stop him. After all, his mother raised a respectable man and he would never dare let her down. In fact, he felt almost shameful to throw that coin as it was only proof he did let his rage get the best of him. Viktor could almost feel the disappointment his father would have had at seeing or hearing of him doing something so childish.
"You shouldn't judge someone based on looks," he spoke softly, almost saddened. It was a common thing he endured and an honest change of appearance could save him from such grieving but he liked this look and he was raised on never casting judgement until it was deserving. As he stood there leaning against the wall he had to wonder, did he sign his own death warrant? Even unaware to the fact that Stephen was a trained assassin, Viktor wondered. Being noble was enough to get those thoughts going. He'd heard his father talk once of a man who was found dead not long after insulting a noble. Should he apologize? No, his pride would not let him.
Pushing himself away from the wall, he suddenly returned back to his usual self and grinned broadly before waving sporadically to Amon. "I'll see you later, Amon. I'm going to let my old man know about the shop. Thanks again," he called out before exiting the store. Outside, he paused caught between going back to his mechanized bike or to head back across the street. As much as he craved social interaction at the moment, going back to pester someone who did not readily want his presence was no better than being around that noble. With a resigned sigh, he pulled the collar of his jacket closer before making the trek back to his bike. On top of the gorgeous work of machinery he sat, just waiting, thinking. He could be off now heading home but decided against it. Instead, he would wait on his bike just staring up at the building that was now his. It brought a smile to his lips. It was his!
"Well now...that was an...interesting turn of events," said Amon coldly, taping his mechanical index finger on the table, slightly peeved at being ignored throughout the exchange. Viktor's mood swings seemed to border on unstable, but at the mention of being judged from appearance, he felt some sympathy for the lad. Perhaps they could get along nicely someday. Amon made a mental note to apologize to Viktor for the less than warm welcome. For now though, there was a certain someone he needed to deal with.
"That quick temper and judging attitude is going to get you in trouble some day, Stephen," Amon continued, increasing the force of his tapping all the while. "I'm sure your father wouldn't appreciate it if he heard that his son ruined his chances at obtaining another contact within the Merchanic's guild, now will he? Nonetheless, I've come to like you, despite your little attitude problems, so I'll be kind enough to give you a warning: it would be in your best interest to not make yourself an enemy of Mingo's Merchanics," he said, with a final forceful tap of his finger.
At that last tap, a subtle shift on the shelves occurred. A small handful of toys, a soldier here, a doll there, a teddy bear there, as well as a few others, slightly moved their heads towards Stephen, as if to look at him from the corner of their eyes. A second later, they returned to their neutral positions, staring into space.
With a sigh, Amon relaxed, as if nothing had ever happened. "It may sound a little odd coming from me, but it would be nice if the three of us can look back at this incident and laugh at it as friends," said Amon, organizing Viktor's papers. "It was rather amusing when you think about it. In the meantime, do me a favor and see if you can make peace with him. You both hurt each other's pride well enough, so I'd call it even if I were you. If you can catch up to him before he leaves the district, I'll throw in a bonus in addition to whatever you wanted to see me about."
(I think it's been implied here and there, but it isn't a good idea to get on Amon's bad side...especially in his domain...)
(I am also assuming that during Searching for Answers Amon got on Stephen's dad's good side...which I'm sure he will considering the deal I plan to strike with him)
"I will destroy you in the most beautiful way possible! And when I leave, you will finally understand why storms are named after people!" - Taryn, Nerf This
Post by Stephen Leland on Apr 8, 2014 23:52:34 GMT
A small smile crept onto the young noble's face at the pirate-look-alike's words. They were very similar to the words he had said when his father was sent to the war. It was amusing and irritating all at the same time. After the Viktor left he stared thoughtfully at the door the man had just exited from. "Gods can be killed, eh?" he murmured quietly to himself. As Amon addressed him he turned back to the silver haired man, listening to what he had to say. As the conversation went on the smile on his lips morphed into a disapproving frown. How would his father react to this news... Probably banish him to the roof for an hour. Stephen paled at the thought of being up on the roof for a whole hour. That was by far the worst torture that someone could inflict upon him.
When he noticed the slight movement of the toys around him he could not help but nervously swallow, letting his eye flick around the store. That was one of the creepiest things he had seen in his whole life. Did that really even happen? No, his mind must have been playing tricks on him. After Amon was done the young patrician cleared his throat "Right. Well then, I best do as you asked. Sorry to bother." he finished lamely, turning around quickly and walking out of the store. It was maddeningly embarrassing being told what to do by someone other than his father but the threat of punishment was too much for him. Why was he such a coward. A bitter taste was in his mouth as he walked out of the store with a chagrined look on his face.
Viktor was easily spotted thanks to his bright hair and absurd way of dress. With a sigh he stalked quietly over to the fellow. After a moment of mental debate he turned to look at the shop that the other seemed to be so entranced with. "You certainly have guts to throw a coin at a noble's head; that or you have a death with. You are certainly luck to have thrown it at my head instead of someone else. Any well standing noble would have had you tossed in jail or worse. I myself prefer intellectually belittling others rather than those other options, though. So you are safe from harm for now." he finished thoughtfully. To be frank he had no idea where he was going with this; that might have been an apology or a warning or possibly both. He himself did not even know.
Post by Viktor Croswell on Apr 9, 2014 0:05:59 GMT
Having had his fill of staring at the building, Viktor kicked out the stand of the mechanized bike then turned it on. There was a whirling of parts and a roar of the machine coming to life when just audible above it came the sound of the noble. Oh great, was all he could think to himself as he barely suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Was he not done insulting him yet? Both feet were planted on the ground to keep the bike up while he straddled the seat. He leaned forward to rest his forearms on the handlebars as he listened to Stephen's head. Was this supposed to be some form of weak apology or something or was he just trying to shove onto Viktor that he really was some charitable man. Oh how he wanted to tell the younger man off but refrained. He'd been taught to listen to people even if he didn't like to or want to because knowing all sides to a story or understanding everyone could benefit you.
"If truth be told, I should be saying it is lucky for you. If I was raised in a barn yard like you've said, or I was truly a pirate, your words back in that shop would have signed your death wish. Pirates aren't gracious people and they are hardly someone to try and harass. There's a reason why pirates get hung. You think it's cause they steal some treasure every now and then? No--it's cause they murder people in cold blood. Lucky for you I don't like violence and I'm not a pirate. If you want to apologize, do so. If you're looking for one from me you're not getting it because that's just dirty water under a bridge. I'm already over passed it."
Stephen could not help but smirk at the man's witty words "So I misjudged you to be a pirate. I apologize for that at least but I am going to make a bold guess here and say that I am not the first today to do so. And I do not wish for an apology from you of any sort." Oh no, he would get even with him in some other way, be it in humiliating him or getting a favor out of the mechanic. His eyes flicked down to the motor vehicle beneath the man "That is a fine device there. Did you make that yourself, I am guessing since you appear to be in the Mingo's Merchanics." This was all idle chit chat now. Personally he wanted to stay away from Amon and his oddly possessed toys until he get his wits about him again. Maybe if he managed to befriend this man, Amon might just throw in a demon possessed doll to haunt old Ronaldo in his sleep. The thought brought a pleased grin to his face.
Post by Viktor Croswell on Apr 9, 2014 0:41:52 GMT
"You wouldn't be the first," Viktor admitted with a small frown but once attention was averted the bike, Viktor's true self seemed to show and their conflict seemed all but forgotten. "No, actually. My old man did. He's the best mechanic I know but he's a bit of an old coot who doesn't like to make himself known. He used to work on all of the best projects and things," he boasted then patted his bike. "I'd take you for a ride but you don't seem like the sort who'd be into these things. It can be dangerous you know," he overplayed it. "People fall off all the time and die. Getting into a crash with one of these is sure to be death since you don't have the protection of the car." Stephen would not find it hard at all to get on Viktor's good side he'd soon find out. Someone might even wonder if Viktor was not bipolar or something.
Stephen smirked at Viktor's sudden mood change. Flattery and bringing up the other persons favorite subject always worked. "Really? Your father is a very skilled mechanic than. I have never seen something as well made as this." At the mention of the ride he quirked his eyebrow at the man, a amused look in his eye "Is that a challenge, Mr. Croswell? I may not look the sort but I laugh in the face of danger." He circled the bike, eyeing it with interest and stopped his examination when he was standing next to Viktor. "If you are offering I would gladly accept a spin on your motor device."
Post by Viktor Croswell on Apr 9, 2014 1:21:13 GMT
For a moment Viktor looked dumbfounded. The flattery was expected from a noble since it would be in poor taste to insult someone out in the open but he wouldn't call him on it especially since it concerned his dad's work and he knew well his father made quality items. He was not expecting Stephen to take him up on his offer however as he had mostly been boasting and poking fun or simply trying to get a reaction out of Stephen. Well, he succeeded, just not as he had wanted to. "Alright," he said slowly and patted the empty space behind his seat where another person could fit comfortably. "I don't have anything to protect your head so you better hope the only thing that comes into contact with it was that coin I threw at you earlier--and a word of advice, I was being honest when I said if we crashed on this thing we'd be as good as dead so if you want to stab me, I'd wait to do it when we are stationary." Oh, he would not give this younger man any mercy and would do his best to take sharp turns or throw the bike into speeds that would frighten most. In a sick way, he wanted to best the noble in this.
Stephen snickered at the knife comment "I am not one to stab people literally in the back so have not fear, I will behave properly." After straightening his jacket he gingerly stepped over the bike and sat down. "And if I die, I will have no problem dragging you down to hell with me" he said in a chipper voice. After a moment he realized he would have to hold onto the man in front of him in order not to go flying off the motor device once it started. With a slight grimace he hesitantly reached out, trying to figure out what part of the man would be safest to grab. This certainly got awkward quickly. After a few moments of deliberation, he cleared his throat and rested his hands hesitantly on the man's upper waist.
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