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Titans of Gotham [Spots Available!]

"El Sasquatcho wishes you all a Happy Dia De Los Muertos! Let us all meet back at the Gym for Peppery Hot Chocolate and the Pixar animated Book of Life, eh?"

...or in my case, the first episode of Ash vs the Evil Dead on TV. Yay!

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

Nah. All good so far.

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

"Absolutely, Mr. Meriv, sir." initiated Keystone, trying his best to match the faux bubbly personality presented to him. "I appreciate you having us in this late in the evening, of course, and I trust that our old business is done?"

He paused for a second as Meriv counted out the platinum coins, "All of our old business? I'm beginning to like this city. We need to have a solid working relationship if'n I hang out a shingle here, y'understand."

***

"Quite correct, Saran. Where I'm from, a night's walk can get you killed. Telflamm doesn't seem all that different. But you do dance pretty. Perhaps one day I'll take it up."

Keystone played the role of dutiful houseguest, moving as quietly as possible for those sleeping and acquiescing to his hostess's indications concerning laundry. Gods knew he had a bit of personal upkeep concerning his clothing that needed attention recently. Keystone also took the time to wrap a third of his newly-gotten coinage in an unattended sock and push it far down into his pack before returning his attention to his hostess. Upon viewing his sleeping accommodations, he chuckled a bit.

"I'd be just as grateful and comfy in a dry, quiet corner, ma'am. And I've many a question as to the wisdom of such arrangement. I don't know your relation to Avar, firstly. Likewise don't know if this pushes the boundary of custom in the area, sure as hell does back home (openly, anyhow). Thirdly, 'less you've forgotten my story, the Inn-That-Is-My-Brainpot is booked on a double occupancy."

He took in a breath and exhaled slowly, a look of regret beginning to form across his features. "Lastly, you make me a touch twitchy. You're a shape-changer, obviously. I'm guessing your actual form is very tall, looking at the furnishing. A lady's got to sleep comfortable. You're powerful and feared by people that's powerful and feared. Now, I appreciate everything that you've done - everything that you and yours are doing for me, but before I can comfortably share a bunk, I need to know who I'm going to be waking with."

"Gods forbid I should know which side of the spoon I'm going to be on, m'lady."

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

Surprise flashed across Keystone's face, honest and obvious, for the second time of the evening. This was an interesting turn of events, no doubt to it. A smile broadened across his features, followed by rich, unfettered laughter.

Having broadcast his opinion of the Red Wizards to all that would hear - and all in the dwelling listened eagerly - he should have been hit with a feeling of embarrassment, fear, or guilt. Strangely, these feelings were brushed aside with a wave of ironic humor. Of course she was a Red Wizard. And why not? Whatever happened concerning Saran, this was out in the open. Keystone was either in good company or he was utterly screwed from this point on.

He offered up his arm when Saran reached for it and stepped out lively with her. There was no doubt in Keystone's mind that he would be quite safe on the streets that evening, at least until business was concluded at the Enclave. At that point, he would be in a position of great disadvantage anyway. Cards on the table, all in. There was a strange feeling of mirthful freedom about the situation.

"You and I've got the same advantage then, don't we?" quipped Keystone in the slightly less restrained underclass accent of his homeland. Polite formality was replaced by open camaraderie, not unlike he would have for a fellow pugilist or drinking companion. "I'm oft underestimated because of how I look 'n outfit myself, and you, well... I wouldn't've been more surprised if the moonlight'd turned you wolfy."

The amused sensation continued as he entered the Enclave and spoke yet again with Meriv.

"Indeed I do, Mr. Meriv, sir. Third time's the charm, or so my own pap would say. Least, I think he used to say, we didn't talk much 'till the day he put a knife in my side. But that's a story for another time, innit? I would very much like to sell you a scroll, got a spell what stops time inked on it. Now, what was your offer on that? Recent events've pushed it from my mind."

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

The battle-torn Keystone smiled and nodded in appreciation at the offers presented. A warm, dry corner for the evening, away from the usual resting places associated with travelers and removed from the Xiang Temple (for their own security, apparently) was precisely what he needed.

Though he kept the sword attached to his pack, he kept it open long enough to retrieve his old woolen coat from within. He changed out of his monk's robe and into more familiar covering as quickly as his injuries would allow. The pretense of disguise was mainly for the purposes of getting out of town as quickly as possible, undetected. Plans had changed. Though Keystone still had plans of leaving town and continuing (what he felt was) his mission, it would be at least another day or so before he could. Showing up where he was sure to be recognized wearing a Shou robe and large, conical hat would render its anonymity moot.

Keystone poked his head into the kitchen and cleared his throat. "Miss Saran, ma'am?" Politeness wasn't his strong suit, and as such he often equated it with formality, especially in speech. "I'd be grateful if you'd give me an assist with the Red Wizards, point of fact. If it's not too much trouble, I'd be obliged were you to accompany me to a market, as well. Would like to handle your cooking tomorrow, if I could."

"I'd be happy to set the lot of us up with warm, fluffy waffles in the morning, but that'll have to wait until Master Rocksteady's done crafting with that iron. I do make a right habit-making waffle with sweet pepper preserve. Before I leave town though, for certain."

Titans of Gotham [Spots Available!]

In my defense, El Sasquatcho did ask him a logistical question on the matter.

Titans of Gotham [Spots Available!]

El Sasquatcho listened to the sage advice and stern warnings given by the more experienced hero, and gratefully accepted the communication device. When they had a moment to themselves, the colorful wrestler warmly congratulated his three teammates on a hard-fought job.

"El Sasquatcho is a little jealous," he added, head hung low, "It would have been preferable to El Sasquatcho to fight alongside his new friends, rather than participate in digital festivities and consume spicy chicken appetizers. A battle such as that may have gone the way of the Titans with greater ease were El Sasquatcho and his arcade companions there to assist you."

He clenched his fists and continued, "But El Sasquatcho DESTROYED at Revolución, eh? Should have seen it, my friends." He was obviously still a bit tipsy on the nectar of sweet, sweet DDR pwnage. "But yes, had we known, we most certainly would have been exuberant to battle alongside you all. Let us hope that this is never an issue again."

Prior to Batman's departure from the room, the masked Luchador respectfully posed Gotham's Guardian a question about their new acquisition.

"Señor Batman, if you would, sir? How long after we swallow the pill do we get the power to communicate with each other over long distances?"

Titans of Gotham [Spots Available!]

One of my pumpkins this year. I thought it would be a compelling draft of El Sasquatcho's mask. Design isn't finished quite yet, but it's good enough for the holiday.

Yes, I obsess on things.

<---

The Legend of Zelda: Decedents of the Hero (OPEN)

Do what you've got to. I'd rather wait for a good RP than play a crappy one now.

And, of course, it's Halloween. If this was the highlight of everyone's weekend, then we have more pressing issues.

Forgotten Realms: Tales of the Dead

Keystone registered a look of surprise as Avar Rocksteady dropped the blade to the floor. "That... was new. Been carrying the thing all day, sir, never had m'hands near explode. It must be something awful."

His peripheral senses caught the scared boy, Tim, reaching for a blade. Uncertain as to whether the kid would actually make a move, or was doing so merely for the reassurance of being armed with a potentially dangerous stranger in the house, Keystone tried to handle the situation with tact.

Ordinarily, the concept of tact in interactive situations was as out of grasp as the town Cleric's wife during a high holiday for the lumbering man, but this manner of social influence was one in which he had a some background. He was, after all, a former tavern peacekeeper. With eyes focused on Rocksteady still, Keystone raised the volume of his voice so the frightened apprentice would know he was really addressing him as he began,

"If I make you nervous, Tim, I can leave." Keystone slowly turned to face him, moderately satisfied that the youth would not immediately attempt to attack. "Adventuring types pick up lotsa souvenirs, boy. Not all of 'em pleasant, neither. Duty keeps things with you, till you know what needs being done. Where I'm at now, it is."

He returned to Rocksteady's gaze, "My 'pologies again, sir. I must not know what I've got, here. If'n you want my absence, I'd be keen on giving it to you." Keystone began gathering the sword from the floor, re-wrapping it in cloth and securing it behind the shoulder straps of his pack. "Talk to me about your friend, the metal merchant, and I'll make sure we're both happy soon as I unload the scroll. Either way, Master Smith, you've been more than kind to a tired soldier today."

As the opportunity arose, Keystone formed words in the forefront of his mind, "New home? First I've heard of the possibility. What would you need?"