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Asbolus:
The black SUV pulled up to the Fishtown Free Library in a timely manner, allowing Hannah and Asbolus to exit and the latter to exchange pleasantries with the driver before heading off once again. The Darkling looked over the building and nodded with approval before looking to Hannah, making an 'after you' sort of motion. "Best if you lead the way, I'd say." He added, smiling a touch. "I wouldn't want to cause a fright with your friends thanks to an unfamiliar face."
Tonya Brooks:
After returning and finding out from Hiroko that Lamp had gone out, Tonya waited anxiously in the main library. Every minute that went by was another one filled with dread.
What if she had been recaptured. What if that meant It knew where they were. She was already filled with so many thoughts after the meeting with Titania that she was overly worried and didn't care to fix that.
So...she read. Reading made her less anxious. And catching up on history was going to be important for her.
Azuma Hiroko:
Hiroko mostly napped, really. The journey out of Arcadia and back to the Ironside costed her far more energy than she usually spent. It made sense, she is suddenly a humanoid being once more, but with the instincts of a Beast. It was... Hard for her to get used to. Walking on two legs was confusing, especially without a tail. The Courser didn't know that of course. She only knew that somehow, her balance was completely off and she tottered about like a newborn foal. She even tried to regain her writing skills, which were once something she was very proud of back before...
Well, anyway, she could barely hold the pen. Her fingers no longer worked right and every bit of hand-eye coordination she had flew out the window along with her balance. The more she realized how much she lost, the more depressed she felt. Eventually, she just gave up trying because it was too frustrating. Better to just work on one thing at a time, and that was to regain energy and not feel so sleepy so much.
She knew too, that Tonya was anxious about Lamp going off on her own, so the little sheep avoided the book. Still close by though, just incase Tonya yelled for her...
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp nods "OkIDontKnowHowTheyWillReact."
Lamp enters the library and looks around for her friends. She walked to up to them and smiled.
"SoIFoundAFriend. HeIsOkHePromisedMeSo."
She was mostly talking to Tonya so her new friend didn't get murdered.
Asbolus:
Asbolus kept a step or two behind Hannah as she led the way in, the weight of the Wyrd within easy for the pair to sense. Much more subtle but still present was the touch of Winter about him, a faint chill in the air following him in. Keen eyes scanned the room before that sharp gaze fell upon its inhabitants, giving the pair a respectful nod with his hands resting at his side in a clear sign of a lack of aggression. "Salutations, and welcome back to the city."
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya, of course, would never yell at Hiroko, and would have offered to help with writing when Hiroko felt up for that.
She immedietly closes the book when Lamp enters, about to go into worried mom mode...before spying another Lost. She immedietly goes tense, and the glyphs across her paper like skin begin to dance as if she were about to cast a spell. Perhaps she was. Especially with someone so high Wyrd. Could she take him? Her instinct was no...and she didn't like that.
But then...the Mantle made itself known and she immedietly relaxed, looking very relieved.
"Thank you. Salutations to you as well."
She gently shakes Hiroko if she was still asleep.
"There are meeting rooms in the back, those may be better to talk in, if you are not against it."
Azuma Hiroko:
The snoozing white haired girl with horns stirred awake drowsily, blinked up at Tonya and then blinked at the new guy before her hands flew up to her face in a poor attempt at concealing a very large and long yawn. Hiroko streeeeetched out her arms and waited to see what they were going to do. "Welcome home, Lamp." she mumbled sleepily.
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp ran up and hugged her tightly. Trying to hold in a giggle at hirokos yawn.
"Thankyou! YouGotSleepRight? ItsVeryImportantThatYouDo."
She looks between Tonya and her new friend sighing in relief they hadn't started trying to hurt each other.
Azuma Hiroko:
"Yes. I have acquired sleep. I am still very tired, but I will be alright." she nodded, unsuccessfully stifling yet another yawn.
Asbolus:
"Whatever is more comfortable for you." He replied, smiling a touch as Hiroko roused herself to relative wakefulness. "I am Asbolus, a pleasure to meet you both."
Tonya Brooks:
"Let's go there, then."
And smiles at the pair, a tad protective over them. She leads the 4 of them to the room, closing but not locking the door.
"Tonya Brooks. You are from the Freehold, yes?"
A glance to Hiroko as she asks.
Azuma Hiroko:
Hiroko slowly got up and had to lean on Lamp for support as she dragged her wobbly legs to follow after Tonya. Once Tonya had introduced herself, she did so as well... By bowing very low and possibly pulling Lamp down with her.
"I am Azuma Hiroko. It is a pleasure to meet you." she greeted the stranger, Japanese accent strong in her voice. Surprisingly to her two friends, her speech was back to normal. Lots of water can help!
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp allowed herself to be used as a crutch for hiroko. Bowing with her. She hugged Hiroko again after hearing her speech improve, a huge smile on her face.
"AndImLamp...OhWaitEveryoneAlreadyKnewThatNeverMind....."
Asbolus:
"I am a member of the freehold, yes." He replied, following the trio to the back room. He looked ready to step in and help Hiroko stay upright as needed, giving her a polite bow back in return. "I happened across Lamp on a walk and wanted to offer my aid as needed. You're familiar with the set up here already, then?"
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya eyes the sharp hands as he gets close to Hiroko. She smiles at the improvement of speech, and Lamp's want of inclusivity.
She sits between Asbolus and the others, protective still.
"If it is still the Shackamaxon, then yes. I am formerly a member of the Autumn court. It is a Lost's luckiest moment to be able to escape, but an unfortunate one if she must do so twice."
Azuma Hiroko:
Unfortunately for Tonya, Hiroko was quite the curious sheep and now that she knew he wasn't about to attack them (or so she thinks anyways), the girl inched forward to blink at him. Her multicolored coin-slotted eyes wide and curious. He felt... Well, really Wyrd... Very familiar... Like... It maybe...? But not quite... Who was this guy?
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp watched Hiroko smiling. Before turning to Tonya. "PleaseTellMeYouHaveFood?"
As she spoke she felt herbstomach growl slightly, the growl just barely audible.
Asbolus:
Asbolus' eyebrows shot up briefly in surprise at Tonya's comment, followed by a small nod. "Shackamaxon still stands strong, yes. I'm sorry to hear that you went back there, but am glad that you've returned again."
He then glanced to Hiroko, offering her a small smile. While not a Courser himself he understood certain facets of their experience through his own shaping, remaining still as she came closer to investigate.
Tonya Brooks:
"That is relieving to hear. I'm unfortunatly sure that very few of my friends from before still live."
She looks to Hannah.
"Within the Hollow. Remember to be careful going in, dear. So no one sees you."
Azuma Hiroko:
"May I ask you a question, sir?" she suddenly piped up, her voice soft and polite.
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Her stomach growls again but is curious to what Hiroko has to say before she gets up. She nods to Tonya signifying she generally knew how to get there.
Asbolus:
"One can hope. I know some members have been here for quite a while." He replied to Tonya, then looked to Hiroko. "Go ahead."
Tonya Brooks:
She nods.
"Hope is often the only thing we have left."
A look to Hiroko, not going to interrupt her when she's being so brave!!!
Azuma Hiroko:
Another curious blink. "Why do you feel so... Strange? Sharp? I do not understand."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
She listens as she gets up getting ready to go get her food.
Asbolus:
"My story has progressed quite far since I returned, and with that strengthening of the Wyrd came a honing of the metaphysical blade that I was shaped to be as a hunter for my own Keeper. My most recent turn of the page made that a more literal change, although you have nothing to fear from it."
Tonya Brooks:
"Many of the Lost have defensive capabilities within their Mien that let them become more deadly if forced into a fight."
She gently taps Hiroko's horns with a finger.
"Such as horns, or in more esoteric cases such as Mr. Asbolus, a sharp body."
A slight shooing motion to Lamp who is just creeping along. Go get your dang food!
"I appreciate you helping Lamp to get back. So fresh from the Thorns, persuers are still on my mind."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp shoos off to get her food. Coming back with a vegetarian burger that Tonya had gotten her. She sat besides Hiroko as she ate her food, the food gone within a couple bites. She was no means hiroko fast but she was Hella hungry.
Azuma Hiroko:
Hiroko placed her hands on top of her horns as though protecting it from more taps. There was a sheepish look in her expression... Pun intended.
"I apologize for being annoying." she mumbled back to Tonya.
Asbolus:
"No need to apologize. Curiosity is a fine trait to have, as I see it." He said with a small smile to Hiroko, then nodded to Tonya. "Quite welcome, and understandable. As I explained to her I was quite skittish myself when I returned, and have made a point of paying forward the initial kindness shown to me ever since."
Tonya Brooks:
At the first sign that Hiroko didn't like it, she stopped. She gives a supportive smile.
"You are in no way annoying, Hiroko. I will gladly answer any questions you have. Just stop me if I go off on too many tangents."
Wizened, smh.
"I am certainly glad you have done so. Those in Winter that help bring along others are certainly worthy of respect in my book. It is a notable job of the court. I was shy on my first escape, now...paranoid may be a better word. I don't wish for a third trip through hell."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp hugged snuggled against hirokobif the allowed it. "YeaYourNotAnnoying! IfAnyoneHereIsItWouldBeMe."
She yawned the hours of being awake were getting to her.
"HirokoCanISnuggleAgainstYouAsYouTwoAskYourQuestions?"
Azuma Hiroko:
She smiled gently and snuggled against Lamp as well. It was comforting knowing that she had someone who could relate to how she felt.
Asbolus:
Asbolus smiled as Lamp and Hiroko got cozy with each other, offering Tonya a nod. "Of course. I'm not sure if the central hollow we use now is the same from when you were here last, but I can point you towards it so you can properly introduce yourselves."
"When were you here last, if you don't mind my asking?"
Tonya Brooks:
"I would like that. I am not going to force Hiroko or Lamp to join if they do not want to, especially as neither of them are from Philadelphia. But I will encourage you both to at least consider it."
A supportive smile to them both, then...there was that question. She had gotten away with avoiding it so far.
"March 16th, 1969. A group of Privateers captured me...I learned from a...friend among the Kindred that they were dispatched soon after."
She did hesitate over the word friend, mentally waving away the emotions of earlier that night.
Asbolus:
A note of surprise crossed his features before he nodded, a look of understanding rather than pity settling into place. "Quite a while, then. There are some others here who were gone for similar amounts of time. Glad to hear that they were handled, at least."
Tonya Brooks:
She nods.
"I will be able to adjust with time, like I did before. Please, do not worry about me."
A glance to the two snugglers.
"I more wish to help these two feel safe."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp sleepily looks up at Tonya. "2023IsStupidThereIsNoFlyingCars" She continues to snuggle against hiroko while she listens to the two for a lack of better term "adults" speak.
Asbolus:
Asbolus chuckled quietly at Lamp's comment, shaking his head with a smile. "We can certainly help on that front. Who did you escape from, if I may ask?"
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya sighs.
"Lamp...no it is not stupid. You may be fresturated but it is not stupid."
She hesitates to say It's name. But as long as she give the full title.........
"The Child. There may be others as well but we simply don't know. Many of us were split up in the Hedge."
Azuma Hiroko:
Still tired and being snuggled next to a warm body, despite it being plasticky, meant Hiroko too drifted off to sleep.
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
She snuggles hiroko. Her extra natural body heat definitely helped hiroko drift off. She sticks her tongue out at at Tonya muttering under her breath. "StillStupid"
She winced hearing that name. Looking down hoping some of the others made it out. And if they didn't She hoped they didn't get too hurt.
Asbolus:
Asbolus nodded quietly. "I know of one other who is recently returned from that realm, a Toshiba Queen. Perhaps she was part of your group as well?"
Tonya Brooks:
"Toshiba Queen..."
She looks at the other two to see if that sparked any recognition, but shakes her head. Especially a bit hesitant after seeing Lamp's reaction to the name. Even just that fragment.
"Our group was...a decent size, but I never pushed for people to give personal informations. Just encouraged them to remember home. It's entirely possible she was, but I don't remember."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
"IProbalbyTreatedHerAtSomePoint."
She said trying to remember but was drawing a blank. Maybe if she saw this Toshiba Queen in person she would recognize her.
Asbolus:
"Perhaps. She's staying with the Winter Court at the moment, so you may see her about." He gave a little nod, finally claiming a seat for himself with a notable amount of grace. "Do you have any particular questions about currents goings on that I can answer?"
Tonya Brooks:
She watched the air of grace he had, slightly jealous of the loss of her own peternatural abilities.
"What threats should we be aware of? And who are the current monarchs so we do not go in knowing nothing."
A temporary pause.
"And what is the current season?"
A glance to Lamp, the sleeping Hiroko, and back to Lamp if she had anything more.
Asbolus:
"There is a matter of dreams that have been witnessed by a wide swath of the local supernatural population, not just the Lost, which are being looked into, along with the use of highly-advanced robot servitors by the local police department which have come into being through a known enemy of the willworkers. I haven't heard of any notable developments on either front as of late, but there are others you can speak to for more information."
"It is currently Spring, and Ari is the monarch for that season. The others are Devon the Black for the Spear, Alexis Sobel for the Mirror and Marjorie the Shrouded for the Arrow."
Tonya Brooks:
She listened to the current myriad of problems. Always problems. She gave a frown.
"I'm afraid I will not likely be help for either of those." A glance to Lamp. "But with the police having robotic units, I am starting to agree with the sentiment of not having flying cars."
She nods and pulls out a notebook and pen for the monarch names, writes the first 2, and then freezes at the mention of the third. A look of hope.
"You said Alexis Sobel? And she's Queen?"
Asbolus:
"I'm not as directly involved in either of those issues for similar reasons, admittedly. Not particularly in my wheelhouse."
"She is, yes. Someone you know from before, I take it?"
Tonya Brooks:
"She is, yes. A close friend, in fact. When she became Witch of the Bitter Wind, I served as a Twilight Page under her."
She sits back and, for the first time either of the girls have seen, looks stunned and at a loss for words.
Asbolus:
"I see." He nodded quietly, a small but warm smile forming at her reaction. "I imagine she'll be happy to see you again."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
She sat there listening to the conversation to thr best of her ability. She pouted hearing the jab at her much wanted flying cars "HMPF StupidRobits." She then looks at Asbolus "IsThereAnyOtherBigEventsGoingOnItTheWorld?"
Tonya Brooks:
"I do hope so. I have already found there are some memories I'm missing, but I do think the last time I saw her was on good terms."
A chuckle at Lamp.
"Perhaps the flying cars will start existing while we are here, yes? Something to look forward to."
To Asbolus, it was likely clear she was trying to point Lamp to looking at the positives. She was hoping Lamp didn't catch that nuance.
Azuma Hiroko:
Snoozing Hiroko stirred a little when Lamp spoke again, but didn't wake up. She just continued sleeping...
Asbolus:
"There are electric cars, at least, so that's a start." Asbolus added, seeing what Tonya was going for. "A number of things, both good and bad. Things are leaning more towards the former, though."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp very much did not catch the fact that Tonya was trying to push a fairly positive narrative. She was glancing at Tonyas injured leg.
"OkSoWeHaveComputerCars! ThatsAStart!"
She got more serious for a moment glancing at Asbolus.
"UmEarlierYouAskedIfWeNeededAnythingAndThereIsOneThingIAsk... FirstAidSupplies. TheJourneyHereDrainedMySupplies....Bad. AndNeedMore, IfNotToMuchToAsk."
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya's leg had what looked like paper mache on it, which was hard to see against the already papery leg if not for the fact the symbols did not appear on it.
"Indeed. Lamp is an experienced healer, I believe she would make a wonderful addition to Spring if that is where she wishes to go, but that is of course her decision. And not all healers need to join Spring either."
Another look at Lamp and a realization.
"Oh...and recommendations for vegetarian based meals if you know of any. I am not as familiar with current food trends and I am afraid I am letting down Lamp on that front."
Asbolus:
"Certainly. I can get some for you, and point you towards one of Spring's healers as well. Petra is a feisty one but she does her job well."
"That I can do. I'm vegetarian myself so I have a solid list of places to go."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp perks up excitedly at all of those statements. Like who could ask for more! Supplies, Food, and Friends!!!
"Yesss!! ICan'tWaitToExploreNewFoods!!! AlsoBesidesThisPetraIsThereAnyOtherHealersOfNote?"
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya stays largely quiet for the minute, letting Lamp's questions take priority.
Asbolus:
"Doll Wood with the Summer Court, for certain, and I imagine a number of the other Verdant have those contracts as well."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
She nods keeping that in mind. She definitely would like to meet them and having some extra trained hands yo help with Tonya definitely would not hurt.
"Oks! ThankYouAsbolus. YouHaveBeenAwsome!"
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya gives a content smile.
"Quite. We are quite lucky that Lamp ran into you."
A look to Hiroko.
"When we are more recovered and prepared, I look forward to rejoining the Freehold."
1:27 PM]
OP
Asbolus: "You're very welcome." He replied with a small but warm smile. "We look forward to having you."
"Is there anything else I can do for you at the moment, other than the medical supplies?"
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
Lamp scratched Hirokos head gently for a moment.
"Nope, besides the name of a good restaurant!"
Tonya Brooks:
"I simply ask you pass on a hello to Alexis- Queen Sobel, when you have the chance. And that I have missed her dearly."
Asbolus:
"Of course." He nodded to Tonya, then gave the name of a nearby Indian restaurant to Lamp. "Not sure what your spice tolerance is, but they can keep things mild for you as needed."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
"Uhhh IDontRememberHowWellITakeSpice... ButIllDefinitelyTryIt. AnyWhereElse?"
Tonya Brooks:
There's a look of 'oh no' at the mention of Lamp having spicy food. They'll live... hopefully.
Azuma Hiroko:
Lamp's excitement over things finally woke Hiroko and she turned her head up to look at her friend. "Sleep." she mumbled, booping her on the nose. Then she snuggled in again to snooze some more.
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
She giggles as she was booped. She continued to pat hiroko as she drifted off to sleep. She kept her voice a bit lower in volume.
"OksSoImGonnaDefinetlyGoBackOutSoon...HowMuchIsFoods?"
Asbolus:
"I can get you a list. There are a number of places that I frequent on that front, and most of them are quite affordable." And indeed he glanced about for a spare bit of paper and a pen, smiling as Hiroko briefly stirred. "She wore herself out one the way out, I'm guessing?"
Tonya Brooks:
"She carried us most of the way. The two of us and...a few others. I don't remember how many, they split off before the Thorns. Learning to walk, write, and speak again have been exhausting for her."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
"MhmmmSheWasAmazingAndTotallySavedUs! SheEvenFlew! ItWasAwsome!"
Asbolus:
"I can imagine. My own escape was rather frantic, from what I can recall." He nodded quietly, finding that bit of paper and writing down a few places for Lamp to check out at her leisure.
Tonya Brooks:
Tonya looks rather surprised for a moment, then it clicks.
"You're right, she did fly...how could I forget that..."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
"Yea! ItWasReallyCool. I'mJustHappyHerStitchesHeldUpWithAllThatStrain."
"ThankYouForTheListAsWell! ICantWaitToExplore."
Asbolus:
"If you'd like company on such explorations feel free to get a hold of me." On that note he added his phone number to the slip of paper before handing it to Lamp. "Or if you need assistance in general, of course."
Tonya Brooks:
She nods.
"I would still prefer you go with another, Lamp. Just in case."
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
"Yea...ButOthersCanScareOffAllTheAnimalsImGonnaMeet! SooooMaybe. OnceHirokoGetsBetterWeWillStayTogether."
Asbolus:
"Some of us can be quite stealthy if needed." He chuckled, giving Lamp a nod.
Tonya Brooks:
She nods.
"Entirely possible. How about we finish this up then so Hiroko can get her rest?"
A look to Asbolus.
"Are you able to get home safely on your own?"
Hannah "Lamp" Candles:
She nods smiling at the snuggling hiroko. She glances over the paper Asbolus gave her.
"Nice meeting you Asbolus."
Asbolus:
"I am, yes." He nodded, standing from his seat and giving the trio a polite nod. "It was good to meet you as well, and congratulations once again on making it back."
Azuma Hiroko:
Sensing that people were moving about, the little sheep woke again, blinking blearily to see what was going on. Oh, it looks like the stranger is going to leave? Hiroko struggled to get up as well, getting on her feet unsteadily and haphazardly.
Azuma Hiroko:
Before Asbolus could disappear, Hiroko nearly fell over trying to bow to him, sleepily mumbling a very polite and formal farewell to him as she did so. And then after he was gone, she would collapse from the vertigo spinning her head. Probably shouldn't have got up so quickly like that, but manners!
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