001 | WheeWhoo

[notthislife]

Tell me, is the Cyclamen Circus a regular affair around here? Or have I discovered something new and uniquely horrifying?

Two somethings, really. Related, if you see a Gestral in a clown mask sniffing at monster feet, try to avoid killing him. He means well.

Usually.

Comments

[kingincognito]

Indeed it is. But it's too late to take it back now, I'm afraid. You underestimate my ability to track you down, should I need to.

[ Read: Torgal's ability. ]

[notthislife]

Warm as you are, you're a touch terrifying.

[kingincognito]

In my experience, all the best healers are just a little bit on the terrifying side, if you are not cooperative.

[ And here, he draws a smiling face. He does not mean it to come across as anything but a genuine smile. ]

Take it from someone who has too often escaped the clutches of his own healer. It is a lived experience from both perspectives.

[notthislife]

[This is the most ominous piece of art Verso has ever seen, and that's saying something, all things considered.]

Note to self. Visit the clinic as ordered, whenever ordered.

Happy now?

[kingincognito]

Indeed. Thank you for your willingness to cooperate.

All that aside, how are you faring? Are you well? Adjusting, as it were?

[notthislife]

I was adjusting just fine, until this evening. Really, I've seen Monoco in some strange outfits, but the clown look was new.
And entirely unpleasant.

[kingincognito]

Hmm. It does sound as though this place may be toying with you... You haven't been in contact with any odd substances, have you?

Though, with the way these past few weeks have been going, I suppose you would have noticed a more physical response if you did.

[notthislife]

Nothing more than the wine at the bar.
Granted, I did seem to tick off the bartender when we met but you're already well aware of that.

I haven't sprouted any fur or feathers, if that's what you're concerned about.

[kingincognito]

I am. I can safely say that I doubt that had any correlation with your hallucinations, however. Assuming that's what they were, at any rate.

Thank the Founder for that. Though, neither have I, for the record. In fact, I seem to have lost mine. But sometimes, these changes are more of the subtle type.

[notthislife]

You... had feathers to begin with?

[kingincognito]

And wings, yes. A gift from the baby dragons of this place.

[notthislife]

....

Baby. Dragons.

[kingincognito]

Yes. They are very cute. It is my understanding that they hatched less than a year ago, but they are learning to speak and have given us gifts, if we ask for them.

You could visit them, if you like.

[notthislife]

Ah, yes, of course. A gift from a baby dragon. Does it have a bow and everything?

[kingincognito]

Well. No, it doesn't. But I'm not sure how you would tie a bow to wings without impeding their use, so it's probably for the best.

[notthislife]

I did mean the gift but... Understood.

[kingincognito]

The wings are the physical manifestation of the gift. My gifts are flight and strength. :)

Ah, my scales and horns are missing as well, though. I do suppose you could put a bow on my horns.

[notthislife]

You have wings.
As a gift.

... Usually I just ask for a mug, or a bottle of wine.

[kingincognito]

Well, I don't see how I'm supposed to fly without wings.

But no, it is more of... a boon, I suppose? A gift of an ability. The baby dragons are capable of gifting enhancements, and they simply come with physical additions. My brother suggested I ask for strength, as I have always been of rather frail health.

[notthislife]

And you thought I was the one hallucinating.

[kingincognito]

I am not. On my honor as the Phoenix, I swear to you it is true.

[notthislife]

[He's getting a headache...]

The... Phoenix?

[kingincognito]

Yes. It's... a bit complicated to explain well while remaining brief, but I wield the power of the Phoenix, and can transform into the Phoenix if I have need of it.

[notthislife]

... Bullshit.
No, no. Wait. Birdshit.

[kingincognito]

It isn't.

I could show you?