In Service of my Mistress (A Butler Quest)
- Thread starter LinkOnScepter
- Start date
- Original
- Location
- St. Petersburg
What happens to the beverages when Claude does it, though?
[x] Ignore it. You must complete your Mistress' orders first and foremost. Everything else is secondary.
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
You....have ways.
- Location
- Canada
[X] Go check it out. Even if it is nothing, you won't regret not checking later.
[X] Claude Faustus
[X] Claude Faustus
[X] Go check it out. Even if it is nothing, you won't regret not checking later.
There's nothing worse than having rats, and roaches skulking about
There's nothing worse than having rats, and roaches skulking about
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Checking it out, and Claude Picture.
Uninvited Guest
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
You're probably overreacting.
Your feet move at a measured pace as the walls of the manor pass you by.
It's more than likely nothing you have to worry about.
You reach an intersection and stop moving. There's a four-way split here, if you keep straight you'll reach the backyard where the telescope was situated. To your right is the ballroom that you just recently polished. You should probably go over that room one last time. Just in case your Mistress wishes to do some dancing practice before the day is over.
And to your left...is that presence that you felt before.
You keep your face passive, heading towards the source of your...discomfort you should say.
It's probably nothing and you're just overreacting.
You reach the next hallway, this one with a bust of the family lined up along one of the walls. There are twenty of them in total, going in descending order from Lord Foxrice all the way to Lady Catherine. You head to the doors to one of the living rooms here in the manor.
You grab onto the golden doorknob and just hold it. You count backwards from ten, stopping your breathing, while enhancing your hearing.
From inside the room, you hear a scuttling sound. The sounds of tiny dings against something made of glass and crumbling mortar reach your ears. Something reaches the door and remains there for a time. Then it moves away and you hear it moving up the right side wall. The crackle of wood burning in flames is quiet compared to the jittering mass you hear beyond the door.
When you reach one you take a deep breath and push open the room.
What greets you is a sight that you are used to seeing. The room itself has no lamps or artificial light, illuminated instead by a singular fireplace sitting against the north wall. Fire flicks across the surface of the wooden logs, making them crackle and pop in the room. The light from the flames falls onto two velvet armchairs sitting in the middle of the room. Between them a table from which occupants may fufill their appetites on water and sweets.
The floor of the room is covered by a very soft blue fine oriental rug. It makes no sound as you enter the room.
You walked to the center, right in between the chairs where the small table sat. You hold up a hand and tighten the white, lace glove upon it. You reach down to the table and quickly snatch up a small creature. You bring it up to your eyes and get a better look at it.
A spider.
A black widow to be exact.
You grasp it between your thumb and forefinger, watching it squirm and writhing in an attempt to escape. This shouldn't be here. You've gone over every room in this house five times today, and you never saw this. Judging by the state of the room, this arachnid only recently got into this room. But if that is the case….
You lower your hand while keeping the insect in your fingers. "My Mistress does not appreciate those who hide in the shadows. Could you please reveal yourself so that we may speak face to face?" you say into the empty room. You remain standing in the middle of the room for a few seconds. At first, you hear nothing.
Then, slowly the scuttling from earlier resumes. This time it is situated behind you and each step is calculated rather than rush. You wait until you hear four pairs of legs tap onto the ground, then turn to look at the intruder.
He's taller than you, but only because his abdomen is accompanied by a black thorax and carapace. His arms are crossed in front of his barred chest, his long black hair flowing over them. You resist the urge to grimace. You never understood what it was with arachnoids and refusing to wear upper body clothes.
The six eyes head all stare at you, black voids that seem to be sizing you for one reason or another. Below them, you see a lip set into a frown with small fangs poking out from inside his mouth. You spot a smaller spider scuttling across one of his arms, disappearing behind him once it reaches his shoulder.
You both stare at each other for a time, neither saying a word. He makes the first move when he holds out his right hand, palm upwards.
You can guess what he wants, the spider you currently have in your hands. You look over at the hand holding the insect and move your cuff down to inspect your watch.
9:30 AM.
If you're right, you have ten minutes before the Mistress expects the car to be ready.
You should finish this quickly.
[] Give him the little spider and leave. You will deal with him fully later.
[] Give him the little spider then ask why he's here. This is not someplace where he should be.
[] Kill the little spider and leave. You will deal with him fully later. If he tries to stop you...that is his choice.
[] Kill the little spider then ask why he's here. You want him to know that you do not fear him.
[] Write in...
Alright, got some news everyone.
So time has finally caught up with my laptop, and I now have to replace the battery.
This wouldn't be that much of a problem, if my laptop wasn't completely integrated with my battery. Because of this, they have to take my entire laptop apart and give my a completely repaired one with a new battery.
This translates into me having to pay about $400 and losing my laptop for 3 to 4 business days.
Now, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get on the Web while my laptop is gone. So I wanted to let you guys know that if the updates start being slower than usual, that's why.
But either way, Merry Christmas and other associated holidays everyone!
Your feet move at a measured pace as the walls of the manor pass you by.
It's more than likely nothing you have to worry about.
You reach an intersection and stop moving. There's a four-way split here, if you keep straight you'll reach the backyard where the telescope was situated. To your right is the ballroom that you just recently polished. You should probably go over that room one last time. Just in case your Mistress wishes to do some dancing practice before the day is over.
And to your left...is that presence that you felt before.
You keep your face passive, heading towards the source of your...discomfort you should say.
It's probably nothing and you're just overreacting.
You reach the next hallway, this one with a bust of the family lined up along one of the walls. There are twenty of them in total, going in descending order from Lord Foxrice all the way to Lady Catherine. You head to the doors to one of the living rooms here in the manor.
You grab onto the golden doorknob and just hold it. You count backwards from ten, stopping your breathing, while enhancing your hearing.
From inside the room, you hear a scuttling sound. The sounds of tiny dings against something made of glass and crumbling mortar reach your ears. Something reaches the door and remains there for a time. Then it moves away and you hear it moving up the right side wall. The crackle of wood burning in flames is quiet compared to the jittering mass you hear beyond the door.
When you reach one you take a deep breath and push open the room.
What greets you is a sight that you are used to seeing. The room itself has no lamps or artificial light, illuminated instead by a singular fireplace sitting against the north wall. Fire flicks across the surface of the wooden logs, making them crackle and pop in the room. The light from the flames falls onto two velvet armchairs sitting in the middle of the room. Between them a table from which occupants may fufill their appetites on water and sweets.
The floor of the room is covered by a very soft blue fine oriental rug. It makes no sound as you enter the room.
You walked to the center, right in between the chairs where the small table sat. You hold up a hand and tighten the white, lace glove upon it. You reach down to the table and quickly snatch up a small creature. You bring it up to your eyes and get a better look at it.
A spider.
A black widow to be exact.
You grasp it between your thumb and forefinger, watching it squirm and writhing in an attempt to escape. This shouldn't be here. You've gone over every room in this house five times today, and you never saw this. Judging by the state of the room, this arachnid only recently got into this room. But if that is the case….
You lower your hand while keeping the insect in your fingers. "My Mistress does not appreciate those who hide in the shadows. Could you please reveal yourself so that we may speak face to face?" you say into the empty room. You remain standing in the middle of the room for a few seconds. At first, you hear nothing.
Then, slowly the scuttling from earlier resumes. This time it is situated behind you and each step is calculated rather than rush. You wait until you hear four pairs of legs tap onto the ground, then turn to look at the intruder.
He's taller than you, but only because his abdomen is accompanied by a black thorax and carapace. His arms are crossed in front of his barred chest, his long black hair flowing over them. You resist the urge to grimace. You never understood what it was with arachnoids and refusing to wear upper body clothes.
The six eyes head all stare at you, black voids that seem to be sizing you for one reason or another. Below them, you see a lip set into a frown with small fangs poking out from inside his mouth. You spot a smaller spider scuttling across one of his arms, disappearing behind him once it reaches his shoulder.
You both stare at each other for a time, neither saying a word. He makes the first move when he holds out his right hand, palm upwards.
You can guess what he wants, the spider you currently have in your hands. You look over at the hand holding the insect and move your cuff down to inspect your watch.
9:30 AM.
If you're right, you have ten minutes before the Mistress expects the car to be ready.
You should finish this quickly.
[] Give him the little spider and leave. You will deal with him fully later.
[] Give him the little spider then ask why he's here. This is not someplace where he should be.
[] Kill the little spider and leave. You will deal with him fully later. If he tries to stop you...that is his choice.
[] Kill the little spider then ask why he's here. You want him to know that you do not fear him.
[] Write in...
Alright, got some news everyone.
So time has finally caught up with my laptop, and I now have to replace the battery.
This wouldn't be that much of a problem, if my laptop wasn't completely integrated with my battery. Because of this, they have to take my entire laptop apart and give my a completely repaired one with a new battery.
This translates into me having to pay about $400 and losing my laptop for 3 to 4 business days.
Now, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get on the Web while my laptop is gone. So I wanted to let you guys know that if the updates start being slower than usual, that's why.
But either way, Merry Christmas and other associated holidays everyone!
Last edited:
Ghostdevil
The Devil of Ghosts
- Location
- United States
[X] Ask him why hes here, if it is harmful towards your mistress, Kill the little spider and make him leave.
Something like this?
Something like this?
[X] Give him the little spider and leave. You will deal with him fully later.
Damned spider people, if you've business with us or the Mistress, then come to us properly, we'll deal with you after her outing, tardiness is just unbecoming
Damned spider people, if you've business with us or the Mistress, then come to us properly, we'll deal with you after her outing, tardiness is just unbecoming
- Location
- St. Petersburg
I think that's four pairs too many.
[X] Kill the little spider then ask why he's here. You want him to know that you do not fear him.
[X] Give him the little spider then ask why he's here. This is not someplace where he should be.
If he wants a meeting he should go through the proper process
If he wants a meeting he should go through the proper process
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
I think that's four pairs too many.
Oh! Thanks for letting me know.
- Location
- Canada
[X] Give him the little spider then ask why he's here. This is not someplace where he should be.
In_lurk_shadow
[ ]
- Location
- here and there
[X] Give him the little spider then ask why he's here. This is not someplace where he should be.
- Location
- Rochester, NY
[X] Kill the little spider then ask why he's here. You want him to know that you do not fear him.
Another Story: The Draugr
- Location
- The Milky Way Galaxy, Presumably
So I have been thinking - always a bad idea – about the other choices of our character. I want to see what the others are like, perhaps what their typical mornings are like. So; I made this.
A drowned corpses day, the sea draugr.
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I awoke, and blearily sat up.
That was a regret, as my head hit the cold stone above me. Quite painfully too.
The silent dawn was broken by my cursing. I then gently rolled out of the hole carved from the wall and knelt by the small ring of stones encircling a bundle of wood, long burnt out and ashen white.
I had it merrily burn throughout the night, as without its flame I could not fall asleep. I dumped another pile of wood and kindling- from a pile in the corner of the room- into the circle and lit it once more.
Then I stumbled my way to a mirror, haphazardly propped above the basin against the wall of my little home- a grave.
My mistress, and her father, and her father's father complained. But in my long tenure with her family, it has always been that way.
I took the razor in the basin and placed it within the fire. Then turned back to the sink and drew a stream of fresh water from the tap embedded above it, I soaked my white hair and beard within it as the razor grew red-hot.
My hand snaked out into the fire and withdrew the razor. Uncaring of the steam that emitted from my sleeved arm.
Then the heated blade ran roughly across my skin, first boiling off the water that clung to my hair (the liquid appears every time I rest), then neatly trimming off choice strands.
It was as I was finishing up turning my mop into something respectable that I made a mistake. My gaze drifted to meet my eyes.
Within them I saw a churning depth. Broiling and twisting waves that coiled around me, dragged me further down, away from my ship, away from my crew. Into the dammed salty water that binds me, chains me, kills me-
The very next moment I am back to the graveyard, before my mirror. Bent double on the basin, heaving. The sink was overflowing, with seawater and clumps of weed. I could feel the stone beneath my digits crack and buckle under my strength.
I slowly picked up the razor, left on the floor by my feet. Its heat was nearly gone by this point, the red just turning blue. But it would suffice for what I need.
The blade is pressed against my palm, the pain helping me to focus and to prepare myself for my next action.
I meet my eyes once more.
The murky sea threatens me once more. Yet I still gaze into it.
I need to see it, I need to fight the horror that lingers, if I cannot, then I am weak, I cannot defend my mistress as ably as I should; I shame myself.
A full 10 seconds pass, with my gaze still as steely as when I started. Satisfied, I turn and prepare for the day. Discarding my roughen clothes for a black 'three piece suit' and what lady Catherine describes as 'sunglasses'.
It hides my maddening gaze, which is blessing enough.
I leave the graveyard, quietly reciting my oath.
"I swear, upon my blade, my shield, my soul. That I, Erico Erikson, Once Jarl, will defend and serve the Foxrice line and its rightful heir until Hel returns to reclaim me."
I enter the luxurious mansion, and begin the day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is as I'm posting this that I remember I did not edit it, but oh well; let it crash and burn.
A drowned corpses day, the sea draugr.
They are undead, who torment people for revenge or guard their graves, their cairns, from would-be robbers; who would steal the jewels the draugr was buried with. They animate themselves from will and will alone (which is pretty god damn awesome).
They are also capable of shape shifting, becoming troll or cat or seal, increasing or decreasing in size and density. They can use this to 'flow' through rock, or crush a person to death.
They also could apparently do several things unrelated to each other, including:
They are also capable of shape shifting, becoming troll or cat or seal, increasing or decreasing in size and density. They can use this to 'flow' through rock, or crush a person to death.
They also could apparently do several things unrelated to each other, including:
- causing insanity
- Weather control
- Precognition
- Dream walking
- creation of darkness
- curse creation
- Disease propagation
I awoke, and blearily sat up.
That was a regret, as my head hit the cold stone above me. Quite painfully too.
The silent dawn was broken by my cursing. I then gently rolled out of the hole carved from the wall and knelt by the small ring of stones encircling a bundle of wood, long burnt out and ashen white.
I had it merrily burn throughout the night, as without its flame I could not fall asleep. I dumped another pile of wood and kindling- from a pile in the corner of the room- into the circle and lit it once more.
Then I stumbled my way to a mirror, haphazardly propped above the basin against the wall of my little home- a grave.
My mistress, and her father, and her father's father complained. But in my long tenure with her family, it has always been that way.
I took the razor in the basin and placed it within the fire. Then turned back to the sink and drew a stream of fresh water from the tap embedded above it, I soaked my white hair and beard within it as the razor grew red-hot.
My hand snaked out into the fire and withdrew the razor. Uncaring of the steam that emitted from my sleeved arm.
Then the heated blade ran roughly across my skin, first boiling off the water that clung to my hair (the liquid appears every time I rest), then neatly trimming off choice strands.
It was as I was finishing up turning my mop into something respectable that I made a mistake. My gaze drifted to meet my eyes.
Within them I saw a churning depth. Broiling and twisting waves that coiled around me, dragged me further down, away from my ship, away from my crew. Into the dammed salty water that binds me, chains me, kills me-
The very next moment I am back to the graveyard, before my mirror. Bent double on the basin, heaving. The sink was overflowing, with seawater and clumps of weed. I could feel the stone beneath my digits crack and buckle under my strength.
I slowly picked up the razor, left on the floor by my feet. Its heat was nearly gone by this point, the red just turning blue. But it would suffice for what I need.
The blade is pressed against my palm, the pain helping me to focus and to prepare myself for my next action.
I meet my eyes once more.
The murky sea threatens me once more. Yet I still gaze into it.
I need to see it, I need to fight the horror that lingers, if I cannot, then I am weak, I cannot defend my mistress as ably as I should; I shame myself.
A full 10 seconds pass, with my gaze still as steely as when I started. Satisfied, I turn and prepare for the day. Discarding my roughen clothes for a black 'three piece suit' and what lady Catherine describes as 'sunglasses'.
It hides my maddening gaze, which is blessing enough.
I leave the graveyard, quietly reciting my oath.
"I swear, upon my blade, my shield, my soul. That I, Erico Erikson, Once Jarl, will defend and serve the Foxrice line and its rightful heir until Hel returns to reclaim me."
I enter the luxurious mansion, and begin the day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is as I'm posting this that I remember I did not edit it, but oh well; let it crash and burn.
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Alright. Vote will be closed and I'll start writing soon.
Tense Talks
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
You don't want this to take too long. You still have your job to do after all. The best thing to do is to be as non-confrontational as possible. That way you can ascertain his reason for being here, and possibly convince him to leave or find a way to deal with him at a later time.
You move the smaller arachnid into your palm, before turning your hand upside down and dropping it into the arachnoid's outstretched hand. As you do you very carefully say, "This is a private residence. Only those who have been given permission by Mistress Foxrice are allowed to enter this Manor. Please, what is your business here?"
The intruder relaxes his posture, but not enough to appear vulnerable. The Widow skitters along his arm, before climbing up his head and disappearing into his hair. You aren't sure if the creature is just living there, or if the color of its body just makes it easier to blend into the locks.
He remains quiet for a bit longer, before finally speaking up, "Hide." His voice is deep and guttural, confirming one of your many suspicions about the man.
You remain impassive, though inwardly you sigh at the thought of being correct, "I'd ask what from, but I think I know the answer to that." You take up one of the lemon cakes on the table and bite into it. It tastes sweet and creamy, melting in your mouth as you chew it. Normally you wouldn't be eating from a platter set out by yourself, for it is meant for Catherine and whatever guest she is entertaining at the moment.
However, you are sure that your Lady can forgive this slight transgression considering the circumstances. You swallow silently before speaking again, "I hope you understand that I can't allow you to do that?"
"Why not?" is the two-word response to your question. Either he is more articulate than he's letting on, or he truly is this simple.
Either way, the current situation still stands and is very...complicated to say the least. Particularly, because this man is quite obviously from your homeworld, Crea.
And if he is hiding from what you think he is, that can only mean one thing; he isn't registered.
To say that is a problem is an understatement. The laws regarding unregistered Creans is very clear; they should be taken (by force if necessary) to the nearest official building to go through due process. Normally, this would be handled by the Checkpoints set up around the Gateways to Crea. Last you checked, those buildings process over a hundred Creans every single day.
However, there will always be those who think that the process is too slow. Always those who draw an unlucky number and get the wrong paperwork, or have some other stroke of bad luck befall them. The humans and mythical beings hired to deal with such happens do their best, but it isn't always enough. So, of course, you get cases like this man who wishes to hide away from the officials.
You move to sit down on one of the chairs, turning it to face the intruder while sitting up straight.
The arachnoid's face starts to frown as you remain silent, "I will only stay for a short time. I do not wish to remain here for long."
He says that now, but you're wondering how much that will ring true later on down the line. And there is the fact that you are still entertaining a guest downstairs. It would not do well for your Lady's reputation if this creature were discovered. Though you don't think she would care too much.
Now comes the real question, what are you going to do with him?
You could turn a blind eye to this. Your Mistress has set a task out for you after all, and it must be done before your ten minutes are up. You've already lost one minute speaking to him, so you need to hurry this up. While you are not completely certain what his motives are, you think you could risk him sticking around just long enough for Lady White to leave.
You could also "eject" him from the property. You're quite confident you could do so within the time limit. It wouldn't be the first time you've had to get a ruffian off the Manor Grounds after all. And he doesn't look that dangerous all things considered.
Lastly, you could leave it up to your Mistress. Let him stay for as long as it takes for Lady White to leave. Afterwards, bring Lady Catherine to meet him and let her decide what to do. It is her Manor after all. There is the danger that Lady Catherine is what he is after, but you are certain you could deal with that complication if it came up.
[] Turn a blind eye and let him stay. You can deal with him yourself after your task is finished.
[] "Remove" him from the property. This might get a tiny bit...violent.
[] Leave it up to your Mistress. He can stay until she can decide what to do with him.
[] Write in….
You move the smaller arachnid into your palm, before turning your hand upside down and dropping it into the arachnoid's outstretched hand. As you do you very carefully say, "This is a private residence. Only those who have been given permission by Mistress Foxrice are allowed to enter this Manor. Please, what is your business here?"
The intruder relaxes his posture, but not enough to appear vulnerable. The Widow skitters along his arm, before climbing up his head and disappearing into his hair. You aren't sure if the creature is just living there, or if the color of its body just makes it easier to blend into the locks.
He remains quiet for a bit longer, before finally speaking up, "Hide." His voice is deep and guttural, confirming one of your many suspicions about the man.
You remain impassive, though inwardly you sigh at the thought of being correct, "I'd ask what from, but I think I know the answer to that." You take up one of the lemon cakes on the table and bite into it. It tastes sweet and creamy, melting in your mouth as you chew it. Normally you wouldn't be eating from a platter set out by yourself, for it is meant for Catherine and whatever guest she is entertaining at the moment.
However, you are sure that your Lady can forgive this slight transgression considering the circumstances. You swallow silently before speaking again, "I hope you understand that I can't allow you to do that?"
"Why not?" is the two-word response to your question. Either he is more articulate than he's letting on, or he truly is this simple.
Either way, the current situation still stands and is very...complicated to say the least. Particularly, because this man is quite obviously from your homeworld, Crea.
And if he is hiding from what you think he is, that can only mean one thing; he isn't registered.
To say that is a problem is an understatement. The laws regarding unregistered Creans is very clear; they should be taken (by force if necessary) to the nearest official building to go through due process. Normally, this would be handled by the Checkpoints set up around the Gateways to Crea. Last you checked, those buildings process over a hundred Creans every single day.
However, there will always be those who think that the process is too slow. Always those who draw an unlucky number and get the wrong paperwork, or have some other stroke of bad luck befall them. The humans and mythical beings hired to deal with such happens do their best, but it isn't always enough. So, of course, you get cases like this man who wishes to hide away from the officials.
You move to sit down on one of the chairs, turning it to face the intruder while sitting up straight.
The arachnoid's face starts to frown as you remain silent, "I will only stay for a short time. I do not wish to remain here for long."
He says that now, but you're wondering how much that will ring true later on down the line. And there is the fact that you are still entertaining a guest downstairs. It would not do well for your Lady's reputation if this creature were discovered. Though you don't think she would care too much.
Now comes the real question, what are you going to do with him?
You could turn a blind eye to this. Your Mistress has set a task out for you after all, and it must be done before your ten minutes are up. You've already lost one minute speaking to him, so you need to hurry this up. While you are not completely certain what his motives are, you think you could risk him sticking around just long enough for Lady White to leave.
You could also "eject" him from the property. You're quite confident you could do so within the time limit. It wouldn't be the first time you've had to get a ruffian off the Manor Grounds after all. And he doesn't look that dangerous all things considered.
Lastly, you could leave it up to your Mistress. Let him stay for as long as it takes for Lady White to leave. Afterwards, bring Lady Catherine to meet him and let her decide what to do. It is her Manor after all. There is the danger that Lady Catherine is what he is after, but you are certain you could deal with that complication if it came up.
[] Turn a blind eye and let him stay. You can deal with him yourself after your task is finished.
[] "Remove" him from the property. This might get a tiny bit...violent.
[] Leave it up to your Mistress. He can stay until she can decide what to do with him.
[] Write in….