lostcarnival | ⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 47 - Day 58 ish
Where: The Athenaeum
What: The carnival arrives at book world. First week, they'll be performing for magical manifestations of book characters. Second week, it's time to hunt (for books, in the library.) Around Day 58 some stuff will occur.
Warnings: Reading is mandatory.

FAERIE TALES↴

Though the carnival will be performing for its guests in the first week, they are welcome to search the Athenaeum while they are off duty during that time. The manifestations of story characters will be out in full force during performance week, with animals, people, objects, and even locations growing out from various tales. Most are distracting at worst, and will be curious to check out the carnival. Some, however, can be as dangerous as they were in their stories of origin. You know what to do.

► IT'S TIME TO ROLEPLAY: The best way to deal with book ghosts is to follow their narrative to its logical conclusion - turn the tables, work the story so it ends in your favour! Naturalistic and narratively satisfying plotting will have the manifestations following your lead. However, push too hard and introduce too many plot holes, inconsistencies, or illogical plot twists, and they will reject your reality utterly, becoming quite aggressive in the process. You can also use your natural abilities and powers to fight them in a traditional sense, but in the Ringmaster's experience, it's best to fight reality benders by bending reality right back at them. If you aren't careful, it's possible to be dragged fully into a story's reality, and then things get really messed up.

► IT'S ALSO TIME TO READ: The carnival came here for a purpose, and that purpose is to research. Specifically, the Ringmaster is looking for information on the Queen's Miracles - the set of ancient fae artifacts that the Blue Rose is one of. The carnival needs these artifacts to defend itself, but nobody knows where they've been for thousands of years. That's what the books are for. However, nothing is stopping you from pursuing knowledge for personal reasons. The halls are open to your perusal, and only your heart can guide you to the book you truly seek. Check the plot post to see what's allowed, and sign up to find plot info or other important game information below.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Which means you can't do it." And notably, Lapis sounds disappointed.

"I wouldn't say that..." she says, drawn out like she's giving it consideration. "I do know of thing that could fit that description. A particularly rare faerie artifact, called the Blue Rose..."

"That's not a stick at all." Again, a frown. And a dismissive hand wave. "No way I'm getting near that thing. Anything else?"

"Well, with that attitude you'll never protect your friends," Nightshade says dismissively. "It's a dangerous world out there... any solution to your problem is going to be at least a little bit scary."

"Though, there were supposed to be similar artifact out there..."

"I think I've heard about those. Not really sure how you'd go about getting them." Scary is fine, deadly is not. "What about a way to break a fae contract?"

"Ooh," she says, with a sudden weight. She smirks just a little. "You can't get something for nothing. A contract doesn't just go away... not without filling its place with something else. Something better, perhaps."

"Making a clean breakaway, that's not so easy. Changing employers on more favourable terms, however..."

Oh. See, now that does get Lapis' interest. "And what would those terms be?" If she can just... Get away. Maybe deal with something less than the contract to the Ringmaster... Or even, honestly, she'd take the same amount of time with something more favourable. A year isn't long, in gem standards, but for what she's dealt with since coming to the carnival, it's been too long.

"That depends on who you let take you on, of course," she says, glancing at her claws. "But I know a few fae out there that would demand so much less of you... no ridiculous adventures, no dangerous missions... maybe a day or two of real service, and then smooth sailing from there on out..."

"If you're interested, I could always put in a good word for you..."

That... sounds like a really good deal, but... "And how long are these other fae days?" Like, she has to cover her bases here. She knows just enough about Fae to be cautious. "And what kind of things would they want from me?"

"As I understand it, your boss has a few things that my bosses want..." Nightshade says, slyly. "That Blue Rose thing, in particular. You sounded familiar with it."

She waves a hand dismissively.

"The days will be the same as the ones you're accustomed to. Twenty four hours each, I believe? Honestly, I see no reason why you couldn't go home immediately after performing such a tremendous service... and the fae I would recommend to you is an honourable third party, who could ensure the deal is made fairly."

Lapis crosses her arms here. "If the Blue Rose is so powerful why wouldn't I just keep it for myself?" She knows it's a pretty hot commodity, and that the Fae seem to want it, but if it's as powerful as they say it is, then there's really no reason why she shouldn't take it for herself.

"I'm fairly certain you'd be incapable of wielding it, long-term," she says, uncaring. "But you're welcome to try... and to be devoured by the Great Beast immediately after."

"The what now?" Great Beast? You're joking with her.

She groans impatiently.

"She calls herself the Ringmaster now."

"Then why even call her that?" Like, what's the point, buddy. You're just wasting everyones time. "And why would she eat me? I thought the Blue Rose was supposed to be all powerful. Obviously it's not that great if it can't stop her."

"It's only all-powerful if you know how to use it, you twit," she says, her patience fraying further. "It would overwhelm your mind and snap it in half, I'm sure. But if you have no interest in my offer, so be it. I'll leave you to your service."

"For someone who wants to get their hands on it so bad, you really shouldn't be name calling." Lapis reprimands her, but it's not particularly serious. In fact, she quickly dismisses it in favour of: "If I get this thing, for whoever, I don't want any part of anything to do with it afterwards. I don't even want to do service for anyone."

Lapis would have gotten some backtalk for that, if she hadn't proceeded so quickly. As it is, Nightshade will let it pass.

"I'm sure that can be arranged. The specifics would be determined when you make the formal agreement... perhaps the contract could be set to end once you've made your attempt... if you survive of course. Then you'd be free to do as you will."

Right off the bat, Lapis really isn't a fan of the whole "If you survive" thing. It is, in fact, one of the least motivating thing she could be saying. So, instead, Lapis counters with a different offer. "We're supposed to be looking for the other things, the ones that are related to the Blue Rose. I might have better luck taking something that's not directly in her hands yet. How about that?"

It'll maybe give her some time to hopefully get Peridot on board. If not Peridot, then at least plan something for whenever it happens.

That's what you get for being honest, huh?

"You'll have to discuss it with him. But, if you are serious about making a mutually beneficial arrangement, I can't see it being a problem. I will tell him you may be open to a contract, and when the time is right, he'll find you."

"... Fine. But that's open to contract. I'll only negotiate once I have whatever it is he's looking for. Nothing before then." Just so she can give herself an out, just in case. She's all about protecting herself, after all.

"Hm. Well, we'll see," Nightshade says, already beginning to flutter off. "Remember sweetie: you can't get something for nothing!"

And then she's flying away. Well, that was weird.

⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

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