You sat at your kitchen table, hands wrapped around a cup of tea, the warmth seeping into your palms and spreading gently through your chest. It was a comfort, a grounding force in the wake of the last few days. Ever since you had crossed beyond the White Door, the cold had lingered, an unwelcome companion that clung to you even after you had returned to the world. But slowly, it had faded, bit by bit, until only a dull chill remained, like the memory of a long winter that refused to completely release its hold.
You let out a quiet sigh, your fingers idly brushing against the bandages hidden beneath your sleeves. The wounds were healing, though not as quickly as you'd like. Still, there was no sense in drawing attention to them—especially not when Charlotte was due to arrive any minute now. You didn't need her worrying, not when there was work to be done. You had been methodically putting everything into place, and soon enough, Damsel would be making her move. The wheels were already turning; you had nudged her just enough, feeding into her rants and ambitions, playing the part of the attentive listener as she vented her frustrations.
But that was only one piece of the puzzle. You had other plans in motion, plans that required a bit more subtlety, which was why you had called on Charlotte. She was resourceful, connected, and her assistance would be invaluable in ensuring everything fell into place smoothly. Damsel had a role to play, but Charlotte could help set the stage.
The soft clink of your cup returning to its saucer was interrupted by a knock at the door. Rising to your feet, you adjusted your sleeves, tugging them down to conceal the bandages before heading to the door. No need to alarm Charlotte with the sight of your injuries.
"Afternoon," you greeted with a smile as you opened the door to reveal Charlotte standing there, her ever-present warmth radiating through her expression.
"Good afternoon," she replied, smiling broadly as she stepped forward and enveloped you in a hug, her arms wrapping around you with a strength that always left you momentarily breathless. You returned the embrace, though with far less force—Charlotte had a way of making even the most casual gestures feel like they could crack bones if she wasn't careful.
When she finally released you, you exaggerated a groan, rubbing your ribs playfully as you stepped aside to let her in. She giggled at the theatrics, shaking her head as she followed you into the kitchen. The kettle was already on, the soft hum of water heating filling the space as you gestured for her to sit.
"Tea?" you offered, glancing over your shoulder as you prepared a second cup.
She nodded, settling into the chair as you poured the steaming liquid into a fresh cup and set it down in front of her. The two of you sat in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping at your drinks, before you leaned forward and began to slide a stack of papers across the table toward her.
"So, we're here to figure out the best way to help Damsel," you began, watching her expression closely as she reached for the papers. "I've been working on this for a while, laying the groundwork, and I think we're getting close. These are the notes I've pulled together—what's been done so far and the next steps."
Charlotte's eyes flicked over the scrawled handwriting, her brow furrowing slightly in concentration as she read through the details. You could see the subtle shifts in her expression, the occasional flicker of hesitation as she absorbed some of the more delicate aspects of your plan. But you knew her well enough to understand that, despite any reservations she might have, she would see the necessity in your approach.
When she finally looked up from the notes, she gave a small nod. "Alright," she said, her voice thoughtful, "This all looks good. Where do you need me?"
You smiled, relieved but unsurprised by her willingness to help. Charlotte had always been dependable, and you knew you could count on her to handle the more personal aspects of the operation. As you began to outline the finer details, explaining how her connections could aid in reeling Damsel of Distress in, you couldn't help but feel a small twinge of discomfort. It wasn't exactly pleasant work, manipulating someone's desires and ambitions for the sake of a larger goal, but it was necessary.
Damsel had potential, certainly, but left unchecked, that potential could be squandered. You had no intention of allowing that to happen. There was a purpose to all of this, and with Charlotte's help, you would see it through to the end.
Reeling the Damsel
Difficulty: High
Expected Actions: 1 (Short Expedition)
Base Cost: 0 Funds/Person (The cult is handling the costs)
Expected Dangers: In order to push them out the stage must be set, with either the proper scouting or steady hands. Then you must have the people, other actors who will aid in breaking her down. They must be convinced or deceived that doing this is the right option. Lastly, once Damsel is out of the fight you will have to fight your way past the PRT who seek to arrest her. Finally you must either disguise yourself or be so charming that you are not found in the aftermath.
[] Reeling the Damsel
-[] Who is going? (Charlotte is coming. You can bring 2 Dappled Wings and as many cult members as you are willing to bring, except for Christopher. The difficulty of the final hurdle increases with each person going on this expedition.)
-[] Anything else? (Write in any other specifications or ideas you have)
