lostcarnival | ⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 1

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⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 1

Who: Anyone, anywhere in Portland.
When: October 1st - 7th, 2017
Where: Portland area, in the new reality.
What: Memories begin returning to the displaced as the fall gets chillier. How the hell did we end up here, again? Also, apparently, the fair is in town.
Warnings: Individually marked!

PORTLAND BY NIGHT↴

Memory regains will come into effect at the beginning of October, to whatever degree you've decided upon, and may be regained at whatever pace you desire from then on. For those with their full carnival memories, it will be like waking up in the body of someone else - for those with half and half, it will be like rapidly recalling sets of memories from a totally different life. Those with full amnesia will simply feel as if this is how it's always been.

Unfortunately for you, memories aren't the only thing you have to deal with. The supernatural community of Portland is bustling all of a sudden - could your presence and these events somehow be related?

► THE OUTER CIRCLE: As of the start of the month, the Portland Circle of Enlightenment will find itself starting to get swarmed with members from other chapters. Most notably, it would seem that a small cabal of top mages from the North American Enlightenment Council will be making their home in Portland's HQ. For anyone but the highest of ranks, the purpose behind their visit will be unclear, but it seems like something is definitely up on a metaphysical level. The Circle will be buzzing with rumours of unique planar activity and threatening omens. It seems that it all started with an unusual flare of activity in the planetary ley-lines, starting approximately a week ago. However, even if you would usually be the type to keep tabs on such things, you will find that you oddly have no memory of observing this phenomenon yourself.

► THE ANIMAL FAIR: Good news, the fair is in town! Or, at least, it would be good news... if this was a regular fair. Instead, what's being observed is a bunch of nearly identical flyers, spread all around Portland - each of which bears only the words "THE ANIMAL FAIR", a seemingly bloody paw-print of unknown origin, and the directions to a vague forested location outside of the city. It's dated for October 7th, and all instances of its posting having been discovered with a scattering of rose petals, crow feathers, and pre-burnt matches laying on the ground around them. Most are taking this to be some kind of bizarre viral marketing campaign, but others may know better.

► THE EARTH SPIRIT: If you have connections to The Pack or any of its many variations, you'll probably hear whispers of something very odd that occurred last week - according to the elders, it sounds as if the Earth Spirit, the magical and spiritual center of the planet, has suddenly taken a wound. It's not clear why or how, but there is a fair bit of concern among spiritual types, as it is werebeast belief and nebulous magical fact that the magical forces within the earth are the source of all magic here, as well as the source of life. While many werebeasts claim to have felt the Spirit succumb, you strangely have no memory of such an event occurring. Though things do feel strange, if you know how to tap into the Spirit yourself.

► THE WAR CRY: Though Anath's rain of terror across North America lasted for the first fifteen years or so of the Severing, most independent demons have had enough time to start taking the arch-demon's relative inactivity for granted. For that first while, the warrior queen had seemed determine to rebuild an army on earth by forcing her scattered brethren into service - only for her to gradually settle down in a fortress somewhere in Texas and dig in her heels. Of course, this was too good to last - it sounds as if she and her demonic legion have begun tearing their way up the west coast, their goals remaining a mystery. Their destination, however, is almost certainly Portland.

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Strange quickly orders his coffee (large, black, strong) and a boring glazed donut before turning back to Pearl, leaning against the counter like a jackass as he does so. It's going to be a bit awkward, dancing around the whole 'mage' thing with the very non-magical twentysomething behind the counter in earshot. Still, he's certain he'll be able to do so.

"It's not all that surprising. We're not the ones who are leashed, unlike certain other people I could name." Strange doesn't know much about Pearl's current status in life. There's whispers from changelings and mutterings from spirits that she's working for the Rose Queen now, but that's all anybody will tell him. If this were a year ago, Pearl being so close to the Rose Queen would drive him insanely jealous. As it is now...just mostly jealous. After all, he's got a source of information himself.

"Besides, the earlier certain practices happen, the more potent they are. Any member worth their salt knows that--oooh, but then again, you're not practicing any more, are you?" Certainly Strange isn't as equally petty as Pearl, of course not, this isn't him being petty in the slightest.

Pearls gotten quite adept at speaking in innuendos and hidden meaning. She glances at the mortal behind the counter and wonders if it's worth the risk to slug her former colleague again. Hmm...it's tempting but she has other matters and doesn't need to be fleeing from the cops or others today. She does, will a glamour into place over the doughnuts though, it's not like she doesn't already have hers. She takes a sip of coffee.

Just as the young adult worker shrieks, "Eww! Gross!" The worker looks back over to them, "Sorry, sir, it'll be a bit. It looks like Franky's been playing pranks again and ruined this batch of glazed. Do you want a fresh donut or another type? We'll have to throw these out." She looks so apologetic, Pearl almost feels sorry for ruining her day--though apparently she had played her cards right that there was a joker working here. She made a mental note to leave (she glances at the worker's name tag) Kelly an extra tip for the trouble.

"Leashes? My that's not exactly polite talk for a family establishment. You're such a tease," she says, lowering her coffee. Pearl starts breaking her own donut into small pieces for eating. "I'm practicing a number of things as a matter of fact...oh but I suppose it isn't much practice any more. Some of us have enough experience where we don't need to practice."

Strange gives the poor worker a look, the sort of look that minimum wage slaves of all sorts know marks the sign of a customer who's going to be far too difficult. "I suppose I'll take an apple fritter. I'll be telling the management about this, of course."

Kelly just responds with a strained look and an, "Of course sir" as she goes back to making his coffee. And, in all the commotion, Strange straight up missed the fact that Pearl was the one who put a glamour over the donuts in the first place. No, he's chalking this one up to food service worker incompetence. At her comment though, Strange turns back to Pearl with a sneer.

"Does it really count as me being a tease if I'm never going to act on it in the first place? I don't want someone's lackey. Especially not one who mistakes ease for competence. The most powerful ma-methods are the ones you struggle to learn in the first place."

Thankfully, Strange caught himself before he could say 'magic,' though it was obviously on the tip of his tongue.

Right, sometimes she forgets just how awful Strange can be. She really will have to make it up to this poor girl. Kelly didn't deserve that. Perhaps she will speak to management as well--though another time and Kelly is definitely getting a little bonus in her tip jar.

She throws her hands up like she has no idea what he's talking about. She really doesn't think he understands the joke she's pulling on him. Oh well, makes me more fun. Besides, it makes it easier to deal with him if she isn't taking him seriously--she'll only get annoyed that way. "I wouldn't be bragging about your performance issues if I were you," Pearl remarked with a sly grin.

And then the penny drops and Strange just rolls his eyes to high heavens. Performance issues. Really Pearl, he is a grown man, he should be above all this...and yet he really, really isn't. Is he really going to get into a magic as sexual innuendo conversation with someone he hates? Apparently so.

"What matters most is how you use it. And, when it comes to variety, I win. Nobody likes a one trick pony."

As the coffee and fritter are slid towards him, Strange pulls out his credit card and hands it over to pay while poor Kelly just looks so uncomfortable with the bent of the conversation. "Besides, with age comes experience. I'm much better now than when you remember me."

Look, a cheap shot is still a shot--especially if it hits. Pearl regrets nothing and has succeeded in amusing herself at the very least. And let's not forget that Pearl absolutely does not care what Strange may think of her. He's already made his opinions very clear, so as far as she sees it this is just an excuse to act this way because she isn't going to change his mind about her now.

Pearl takes a drink from her own coffee. She wants to leave, but she has things that need doing here. "Whatever helps you sleep at night," she replies, deciding to switch gears and just blow him off. She knows it's unlikely, but she doesn't need him hovering around her all day.

As he finishes paying, Strange takes his coffee, fritter, and credit card, and then sits down in the seat directly across from Pearl. Is this being petty? Absolutely. Does he care about the fact that he's being super petty? Nope! If he can help ruin the start of Pearl's day then you bet he will do so.

"Why are you up and about so early anyway?" he asks before he takes a sip of his coffee.

Edited 2017-06-15 13:50 (UTC)

Of course. Pearl should have known it wouldn't be that easy. For someone who seems to dislike her a great deal, he certainly is going out of his way to hang around. Pearl rubs at her temple, it is far too early for this. Better drink some more coffee.

"Enjoying a donut and coffee at one of the best donut and coffee places in Portland," she replies simply. "Or you expecting something a little more exciting."

This is entirely Strange being an asshole for the sake of him being an asshole, trying to ruin Pearl's day simply because he knows he can. He takes a sip of his coffee before answering, trying to get the caffeine flowing through his system.

"Things are already interesting enough around here--I don't need excitement on top of that." The gossip at the Circle, the mysterious omens, he doesn't need fae nonsense as well. "I was simply curious if your kind realized the interesting goings-on to begin with."

Pearl wasn't about to say it, but she actually agreed with him in her head. Why was Portland always such a hotbed for excitement--although the current issue was putting a particular level of stress she hadn't experienced in some time. Was this were she should say the cliche 'I'm getting too old for this?'

And just when she thinks she's going to agree with him--he says things like that. She scowled at him, curiosity indeed. "While I highly doubt that's true, I'm sure you'll be so happy to know that we aren't quite as ignorant and you seem to keep implying," Pearl replied.

"Color me surprised," Strange idly responds, as he rolls his eyes slightly. In actuality, he knows the fae are competent and the fae can be downright scary...but it wouldn't be any fun if he actually admitted that to Pearl, would it. Not when he gets so much enjoyment just being a douche.

"So go on then." And he lowers his voice slightly so the people behind the counter can't hear--not that they were paying attention in the first place. "Why are you really here?"

"Keeping an eye out on things," she replies coyly. She gestures idly towards the alley across the street, the Animal Fair fliers very apparent even from here. She was also planning to wait on an update from one of her own--but she wasn't about to tell Strange that. Besides, that would still fall under 'keeping an eye out' as she was watching for them.

He follows Pearl's gesture with his eyes...and then frowns. Fliers? Really?

"What, those fliers? Directing people to the woods, I bet it's just some stupid college party or something ridiculous like that." He's seen the fliers, of course. But Strange hasn't put together the fact that the Animal Fair might be trouble. Of course, directing someone to the woods via a poster with a bloody pawprint on it just screams 'I deserve to be murdered if I investigate this' in the first place.

If she wasn't on specific orders Pearl would likely have not even paid them any mind. Although, she does admit, the rose petals probably would have caught her interest regardless. She closes her eyes, sipping her coffee. If Strange wanted to dismiss her so easily then so be it.

"You asked."

Strange looks back to the fliers, taking a sip of his coffee, watching them intently for a moment or two as if he expects them to do something then and there. Obviously, they don't.

"Is...she the one who's interested in the fliers?" He knows he's not going to get an actual answer for this and has fully prepared himself to get an answer that's somewhere along the lines of 'fuck you'. Still, he had to ask.

"I know a lot of people using female pronouns who might be interested in them," Pearl replied. It wasn't quite a 'fuck you' but it was close enough. She had certainly been hanging around wizards and fae for so long that she had gotten pretty good at using words to her advantage. It was especially helpful in the fae courts where what you said could have several layers to it and even the slightest misspoken word or phrase could get you injured or enchanted--especially depending on the fae. If Strange wanted direct, concrete answers from her then he was going to have to ask directly and either he wouldn't for fear of being overheard in public or for fear of evoking her name.

The public space would only protect her so far, she knew that, but she could hope.

Strange just glares in Pearl's direction. She's being needlessly difficult. Of course, Pearl's right: he's certainly not going to invoke the Rose Queen's name in a public place like this. To start with, people and plants might here, and secondly, how's he to know she doesn't have a tracking spell or something like that placed on her name to begin with?

He hems and haws for a bit, still frowning before trying again.

"You know specifically who I'm talking about. Your current employer." Though wait, does Pearl have a side job. Strange shakes his head a little before amending his statement to, "Your master."

Pearl's needlessly difficult because 1. it's Strange and 2. she's hanging around the fae a lot. She has to practice her wording all the time and must be constantly aware of phrasing. The fact that she can practice it on Strange who hates such things, well, she takes some pleasure from it.

"Oh look. You're learning," she replies, unable to help her amusement that he actually thought about the fact she might have other employers. It almost trumps her annoyance with him (almost). "She's interested in a number of things. This might be one of them," Pearl says, deciding she can tell him that much.

Strange pauses for a moment, taking a sip of his coffee while he mulls things over. It's not an answer, but it's close enough to an answer he'll get. If he didn't care as much, he could attempt to cast a binding spell or something like that to try and force an answer out of Pearl, but even Strange realizes that the delicate balance between the mages and the Rose Queen needs to be (mostly) maintained.

Maybe if he gives her a freebie, she'll be more likely to drop some information? Probably not, but it's worth a shot.

"I don't know why she's wasting her time on that. Your former and my current organization is focused on far more important matters." There was go, an oblique hint: whatever the Animal Fair is, the Circle seemingly gives no damns about it.

Pearl quirked an eyebrow but said nothing at first. Instead, she turned her attention back to her breakfast and coffee. She ate slowly, picking at the doughnut like she wasn't particularly interested in it or the conversation. After a few bites and a sip of coffee, which was also taken slowly, she looked up.

"You should know that the fae often have different interests and ideas of what is important. And just because she has me on this particular task does not mean she doesn't have others looking into different matters," Pearl finally says.

Well, Strange is taking this moment to finish off his fritter. He eats faster than Pearl, taking large bites and eating more like someone who eats just to keep going than someone who eats to enjoy food.

At Pearl's statement, however, Strange raises an eyebrow. He pauses, swallows what's in his mouth, then continues.

"In that case, I hope she doesn't underestimate the work my organization is doing. For her sake."

After all, even a fae as powerful as the Rose Queen would be affected by the odd magical fluctuations and worrying omens. And while Strange doesn't exactly know how he feels about the Rose Queen...magic would certainly be more dull if she wasn't around.

"I'll pass your concern along," Pearl replies, though it isn't quite as biting as before. She'll admit, she's curious. How can she not be when it's an organization she used to belong to. However, that's her past and she knows how they feel about her in the long run. She cut ties and that is that. However, it does seem like several things are happening at once in good ole Portland.

"If you want to," Strange remarks, with a little frown. He's honestly not sure if Pearl will pass the message on to begin with and, even then, if the Rose Queen will listen.

This is the Rose Queen they're talking about, after all. Why would she listen to a mage in the first place, especially one who's stuck in the middle, without any hope of advancement into an actual position like Strange is.

"Well. If there's nothing else you want to talk about, I might as well leave you to your thrilling activity of staring at a sheet of paper." Said oh so sarcastically.

Pearl figures it couldn't hurt to share the information, though she probably won't credit it to Strange per say. For all she knows her queen might already have this information and Pearl will not be bringing anything new. However, should it prove to be new information it couldn't hurt.

She bites back on the fact that she hadn't wanted to talk to him in the first place. That seems to be the right call since he DID just give her some information. "Sounds like a good idea to me," she replies instead. Which actually might not be much better, but one of her Renegades could appear an any minute and she wants to make sure that meeting can go smoothly.

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⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 1

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