Oak & Ash & Thorn

[nxghtrose]

Ellum she hateth mankind, and waiteth /     Till every gust be laid, / To drop a limb on the head of him, /     That anyway trusts her shade

Rules Other Blogs Playlist (Spotify) Poem

// This blog will mostly contain long-form, pre-plotted roleplay for the time being. Developments in the game's story will change this in the future.

// If you are interested in writing with me, please do not feel afraid to approach me, but know that interactions will be treated seriously. If you're more of a lighthearted roleplayer, please see my other two blogs! :3

[nxghtrose]

[Charlotte did not like traveling in company.

The shield slung across @officialjohnjones ' back gave off an irritating hum when the wind hit it just right. There was no way he could hear it, or he'd be going nuts right now, thanks to the gusts on the mountain they were climbing. @ronin-kendo seemed a little jumpy, but that was to be expected. They were heading into Demon's Dojo, after all.]

Eyes out, both of you. Cover all possible field of vision. Her shades won't follow or attack as long as we're looking at them.

[Keeping a couple of shades in her own line of sight, she smirked as she heard Kendo's jumpiness get a little worse. The Commander's demeanor, however, didn't change.

Approaching the central dojo, Charlotte entered first, relieved to find the gold and scarlet Night Rose inside, not the one dangling from strings.]

Night Rose. I'm here again, but this time I've brought friends. This is Commander Jones and the rōnin Kendo. They're the ones who want to help you, if it's possible. I told them everything you told me before.

@slayer-charlotte

[On the group's approach to the Demon's Dojo, the shadows seemed to twist like morning mist twirls lazily along the ground. A single shade broke through their line of sight, but instead of attacking, it jumped playfully at Kendo, exclaiming loudly, as if to say 'BOO!' but not having the proper control over its mouth to make the right sounds. The fading ghost of a giggle tickled the ears of the group like a weak draft of wind, as the shade just as quickly vanished into rose-scented mist.]

[As the slayer entered, The Night Rose stood, dusted off her robes, and gave a quick half-bow to the group as Jones and Kendo stepped into view.]

Hello again, and hello for the first time to you two. I've seen silent warriors with your faces, but they haven't really spoken to me at length... you know, being silent.

One second, as I... throw out my guards...

[With a wave of her hand, what could best be described as purple sludges bolted out of the shadows of the Dojo, skittering out into the world like a pack of rats.]

There. No need for such things among friends, hm?

So, what news? That Godzilla finally quieted down... I assume one of you had something to do with that, given your remarks on it last time we spoke, slayer. I'm eager to get to the whole 'freeing me' and, more importantly, Jade... but forgive me if I ask for a bit of gossip before we start acting 'official'.

[officialjohnjones]

*Jones smiled, stepping forward and giving a slight bow.*

To be perfectly honest, Night Rose, Godzilla seemed to leave of his own accord. One of our number said it best when it was mentioned that he was more a force of nature than a conscious threat-- and so, like a typhoon, he left just as suddenly as he came.

*Night Rose seemed unusually chipper-- was it just her excitement about being freed, or some ulterior motive? It seemed that remained to be seen.*

And what about you? Seen any unusual combinations of these "Silent Warriors?"

[nxghtrose]

That explains it well. It didn't seem to be targeting anything in particular, from what little I can see from the Dojo. Glad it's gone, though. I'd rather everything not get destroyed before I can see it...

[The Night Rose crossed her arms, propping one up to scratch at her chin as she gave the question some thought.]

The silent warriors are all unusual to me. There's ones that wear my face - different colors, sometimes a different outfit, but still me. There's a few that wear the face of the demon hunter, Minato, of Godzilla, Jade, and... well, quite a few others I recognize. Also, a bread dog, a banana with claws, and a hot dog with sunglasses.

Sorry, I'm getting off track, but one more question from me - I'll give you a freebie of your own for it: I don't have to be worried about that, do I? Of warriors that have stolen my face?

[nxghtrose]

[Charlotte did not like traveling in company.

The shield slung across @officialjohnjones ' back gave off an irritating hum when the wind hit it just right. There was no way he could hear it, or he'd be going nuts right now, thanks to the gusts on the mountain they were climbing. @ronin-kendo seemed a little jumpy, but that was to be expected. They were heading into Demon's Dojo, after all.]

Eyes out, both of you. Cover all possible field of vision. Her shades won't follow or attack as long as we're looking at them.

[Keeping a couple of shades in her own line of sight, she smirked as she heard Kendo's jumpiness get a little worse. The Commander's demeanor, however, didn't change.

Approaching the central dojo, Charlotte entered first, relieved to find the gold and scarlet Night Rose inside, not the one dangling from strings.]

Night Rose. I'm here again, but this time I've brought friends. This is Commander Jones and the rōnin Kendo. They're the ones who want to help you, if it's possible. I told them everything you told me before.

@slayer-charlotte

[On the group's approach to the Demon's Dojo, the shadows seemed to twist like morning mist twirls lazily along the ground. A single shade broke through their line of sight, but instead of attacking, it jumped playfully at Kendo, exclaiming loudly, as if to say 'BOO!' but not having the proper control over its mouth to make the right sounds. The fading ghost of a giggle tickled the ears of the group like a weak draft of wind, as the shade just as quickly vanished into rose-scented mist.]

[As the slayer entered, The Night Rose stood, dusted off her robes, and gave a quick half-bow to the group as Jones and Kendo stepped into view.]

Hello again, and hello for the first time to you two. I've seen silent warriors with your faces, but they haven't really spoken to me at length... you know, being silent.

One second, as I... throw out my guards...

[With a wave of her hand, what could best be described as purple sludges bolted out of the shadows of the Dojo, skittering out into the world like a pack of rats.]

There. No need for such things among friends, hm?

So, what news? That Godzilla finally quieted down... I assume one of you had something to do with that, given your remarks on it last time we spoke, slayer. I'm eager to get to the whole 'freeing me' and, more importantly, Jade... but forgive me if I ask for a bit of gossip before we start acting 'official'.

[slayer-charlotte]

@nxghtrose

[She had watched the Night Rose for dozens of loops now. Every one was the same.

Ever since leaving Masked Meadows and arriving at Demon's Dojo, Charlotte had been perched in the rafters of the main building watching the loopers challenge her again and again and again.

But one thing was different from the last time she'd done this. Now, as the final blows were struck, instead of dissolving into the ether, the Night Rose underwent a change as she fell from her strings. She would stand again, trading black and white for fiery gold and scarlet, and she would talk to the loopers peacefully. And yet every reset she would return to the strings, screaming as they dug into her flesh, none there but Charlotte to hear her cries, colors fading once again.

Charlotte tightened her grip on the blade that rested across her knees. She had to know what was said. And there was only one way to find out.

Sheathing her blade into her clenched fist, she slipped from the rafters and made for the door, to enter as any other. She would speak with the Night Rose herself.]

[nxghtrose]

[Knelt upon the ash that covered the floor of the Dojo, the Night Rose breathed slowly, her eyes closed and body relaxed.]

[The faintest thud stirred her from her meditation, the sound breaking the usual rhythm of the Dojo's environs enough to catch her attention. With a muffled grunt, she rose to her feet and dusted the ash on her clothes.]

If you've come for a fight, friend, you're a bit late.

[She gave a casual wave to the slayer as she stepped into view - the action carefully done to seem unconcerned, but to the trained eye was painfully practiced and stiff with apprehension.]

I am the dreaded Night Rose. You've probably heard of me; leader of the Oni, boss of the Demon's Dojo... so on, so forth.

What brings you here? Healing? Questions? Both?

[slayer-charlotte]

[Charlotte refused to show any hesitation. She'd spoken to too many possessed at this point to even blink, but she kept a cautious air, not wishing to aggravate the woman.]

Questions, Night Rose. I'm here on behalf of someone, and I think we can help each other.

If you don't mind me getting straight to business - the loop is short and I don't want to fight you - you are a human, yes? Why are you bound to the Puppeteer?

[nxghtrose]

[Night Rose bowed her head.]

Don't mind at all - I appreciate you not wasting either of our time.

I'm human. My appearance has been warped, but I haven't turned. And I don't ever intend to, either.

As for the why, it's because of my mask. I commissioned one from a maskmaker a long time ago, and he bound me to it. The Puppeteer controls it, and through its bindings he controls me.

[Half-crossing her arms across her chest, the Night Rose rest her cheek in her palm.]

Curious that you should ask those specific questions at a time like this. What others do you have?

[slayer-charlotte]

[Charlotte bowed, a show of respect for the Night Rose's cooperation, and relaxed. Clearly the Night Rose was not going to attack in this state.]

Forgive my continued questions.

What circumstances brought this possession about? Do you want to be free? Why are you temporarily free now when you would not be in the previous weeks?

[She tilted her head quizzically. That last remark bothered her.]

And why is it so curious that I'm asking these questions now?

[nxghtrose]

Do I want to be free? Friend, I don't just want to be free. I want vengeance.

I was given a 'sacred' duty to bind myself for the 'greater good', and like the naive little girl I was, I followed without question. Had I known it would mean years of perpetual torture... well, I'd like to think I wouldn't have done it, but duty is a powerful delusion.

[Her eyes turned upwards in thought.]

It's curious for the same reason you asked your last question: it's abnormal for me to be freed, like this. Never in all my years has the Puppeteer's control over me waned, not in the slightest. Yet, all at once, magic returns, time seems to be stuck, silent warriors endlessly attack me, I keep hearing... like metal striking against metal, followed by stomping and and a frightening expulsion of power, and I can walk freely in the Dojo... if only for a moment.

Entertain a question of my own, traveler: what the hell is going on out there?

[slayer-charlotte]

@nxghtrose

[She had watched the Night Rose for dozens of loops now. Every one was the same.

Ever since leaving Masked Meadows and arriving at Demon's Dojo, Charlotte had been perched in the rafters of the main building watching the loopers challenge her again and again and again.

But one thing was different from the last time she'd done this. Now, as the final blows were struck, instead of dissolving into the ether, the Night Rose underwent a change as she fell from her strings. She would stand again, trading black and white for fiery gold and scarlet, and she would talk to the loopers peacefully. And yet every reset she would return to the strings, screaming as they dug into her flesh, none there but Charlotte to hear her cries, colors fading once again.

Charlotte tightened her grip on the blade that rested across her knees. She had to know what was said. And there was only one way to find out.

Sheathing her blade into her clenched fist, she slipped from the rafters and made for the door, to enter as any other. She would speak with the Night Rose herself.]

[nxghtrose]

[Knelt upon the ash that covered the floor of the Dojo, the Night Rose breathed slowly, her eyes closed and body relaxed.]

[The faintest thud stirred her from her meditation, the sound breaking the usual rhythm of the Dojo's environs enough to catch her attention. With a muffled grunt, she rose to her feet and dusted the ash on her clothes.]

If you've come for a fight, friend, you're a bit late.

[She gave a casual wave to the slayer as she stepped into view - the action carefully done to seem unconcerned, but to the trained eye was painfully practiced and stiff with apprehension.]

I am the dreaded Night Rose. You've probably heard of me; leader of the Oni, boss of the Demon's Dojo... so on, so forth.

What brings you here? Healing? Questions? Both?

[slayer-charlotte]

[Charlotte refused to show any hesitation. She'd spoken to too many possessed at this point to even blink, but she kept a cautious air, not wishing to aggravate the woman.]

Questions, Night Rose. I'm here on behalf of someone, and I think we can help each other.

If you don't mind me getting straight to business - the loop is short and I don't want to fight you - you are a human, yes? Why are you bound to the Puppeteer?

[nxghtrose]

[Night Rose bowed her head.]

Don't mind at all - I appreciate you not wasting either of our time.

I'm human. My appearance has been warped, but I haven't turned. And I don't ever intend to, either.

As for the why, it's because of my mask. I commissioned one from a maskmaker a long time ago, and he bound me to it. The Puppeteer controls it, and through its bindings he controls me.

[Half-crossing her arms across her chest, the Night Rose rest her cheek in her palm.]

Curious that you should ask those specific questions at a time like this. What others do you have?

[slayer-charlotte]

@nxghtrose

[She had watched the Night Rose for dozens of loops now. Every one was the same.

Ever since leaving Masked Meadows and arriving at Demon's Dojo, Charlotte had been perched in the rafters of the main building watching the loopers challenge her again and again and again.

But one thing was different from the last time she'd done this. Now, as the final blows were struck, instead of dissolving into the ether, the Night Rose underwent a change as she fell from her strings. She would stand again, trading black and white for fiery gold and scarlet, and she would talk to the loopers peacefully. And yet every reset she would return to the strings, screaming as they dug into her flesh, none there but Charlotte to hear her cries, colors fading once again.

Charlotte tightened her grip on the blade that rested across her knees. She had to know what was said. And there was only one way to find out.

Sheathing her blade into her clenched fist, she slipped from the rafters and made for the door, to enter as any other. She would speak with the Night Rose herself.]

[nxghtrose]

[Knelt upon the ash that covered the floor of the Dojo, the Night Rose breathed slowly, her eyes closed and body relaxed.]

[The faintest thud stirred her from her meditation, the sound breaking the usual rhythm of the Dojo's environs enough to catch her attention. With a muffled grunt, she rose to her feet and dusted the ash on her clothes.]

If you've come for a fight, friend, you're a bit late.

[She gave a casual wave to the slayer as she stepped into view - the action carefully done to seem unconcerned, but to the trained eye was painfully practiced and stiff with apprehension.]

I am the dreaded Night Rose. You've probably heard of me; leader of the Oni, boss of the Demon's Dojo... so on, so forth.

What brings you here? Healing? Questions? Both?

[nxghtrose]

The strings pull tight, thorns sinking deeper.

I wonder what the world has become, since I was bound. Has it gotten better, or has it gotten worse?

A girl can hope. Hope her sacrifice was not meaningless. Hope it truly was for the greater good. Hope that she wasn't forgotten, that the world hadn't long since moved on from her. That help was on the way.

I know the real answer, of course, but who could blame me for entertaining the thought? Escaping reality into a fantasy world isn't all that strange.

In my fantasy world, I meant something, and they thank me with flowers instead of blades.

The thorns dig deeper.