timefather: (II)
Father Time ([personal profile] timefather) wrote in [community profile] mythmaking2013-12-08 03:00 pm

Once upon a time...

[ For the residents of Märchenstraße, and all the land surrounding it, the eighth of December was a day to look forward to. Looking at it from an outside perspective, strangers and travelers could easily assume it to be a holiday. At the very least, a day for a festival, if a modest one. A day that shopkeeps spent all morning preparing for, that all manner of creatures spent days traveling to the city to witness. They'd heard the talk that passed around, the rumors from those still left. But would it work? No one knew for sure, no matter how confident the stories seemed to be. But hope was very quickly becoming all they had left.

They had decorated the whole town. Streamers, banners, wreathes and garland made of autumn flowers, plus whatever the Fairy Godmother had cooked up. Oh, she was just giddy. No skepticism could be spoken around her, not if you wanted to escape the wrath of her wand! Rumor had it that she had caught wind of a few piglets squealing about the likelihood that their magic would fail, and that they were subsequently transformed into the band of musicians who could be found performing in the park.

Well, at least the music was festive.

Of course, the decorations weren't for the newcomers alone. Autumn was coming to a close in just a few weeks, and Old Man Winter would take the reigns like he did every year, and their weather would turn cold and harsh. The chill was already there, cool and biting when the wind picked up speed. Lady Autumn was much preferred to the citizens of the city with her gentle nature, even if she failed to show up, finishing her work in the orchards instead. That was what they liked about her.

It was mid-morning when Father Time was found outside of his tower, checking one of the numerous pocket watches he kept on his person. "Unnecessary, but comfortable," he called them, and closed the watch again. It was twelve o'clock in the afternoon, and where empty space had been just seconds before, now they were. Sitting on benches, lying in flower patches, scattered about the city and outside of the gates in peaceful slumber. They would awaken to the bells of the clock tower. Some, to many friendly and relieved faces all around them, some to grateful ones carrying gifts of food and clothing and magic, and some to fearful, cautious faces. Regardless of how the town treated them, they would awaken to a celebration of their arrival, and choices to be made, and the books. Each and every one. ]
libero: (♔ 08)

[personal profile] libero 2013-12-10 08:42 am (UTC)(link)
[That did make things a little awkward, for he really believed he had heard one of his friends (which was partially true either way). However, he previously met another person who had the wings of a bird, so he wasn't about to write it off as ridiculous just yet.]

That... is a little strange. Another one of the city's mysterious happenings? But [he holds out a hand] if you need any assistance, I will help you.
gardienne: (looking after him)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 08:48 am (UTC)(link)
[For Eponine, at least, this is the longest conversation she's had in a long time that hasn't ended in her being sent to do dismal deeds or threatened with violence. She does appreciate that. But she sighs and nods, and bends her knees in an inelegant curtsey.]

As you wish, Monsieur Shinjiro. Good luck, Sir. I will perhaps see you around.
libero: (Default)

[personal profile] libero 2013-12-10 08:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Hmm. Seems his "shady" acquaintance held some sort of unwanted memories of the past. He will not inquire.

N looks down at the pig.]
So you are called a pig? [oink] I see, I see.

[He addresses Riku Replica again:] I think whatever our circumstances, it would be wise to find lodgings for the night. What do you say?
themortalson: Art by: Kanmi (I didn't see you)

[personal profile] themortalson 2013-12-10 08:55 am (UTC)(link)
[It isn't like she did anything. The curtsy attempt makes him wonder if he has to bow, but he'll opt for nodding.]

Just Shinjiro. I don't need any of that 'Monsieur' or other honorifics tacked on. [Better to get that clear.] Yeah... see you.

[Him and his little party of animals are going the other way. Maybe they'll stop following him soon.]
gardienne: (looking after him)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 08:57 am (UTC)(link)
They clapped me.

[She casts a wary eye back in the direction she had come.]

Nobody has ever clapped me. Not when they find me asleep on their land. They say, 'OUT, VAGRANT! I shall have you arrested for trespassing. YOU THIEF. OUT OUT OUT. FIFI, CHASE!', and then there I am, running even though I am still asleep and half dizzy from no food and -

[She stops herself, embarrassed.]

That is not for your ears, Sir. But truly, I do not understand. They give me a book with no words - a book! Why should they give me that? I would rather the money. I like books, but I like food and a warm bed more. And they give me matches and an old apron. It is a strange combination, Sir.
imitational: <lj user="dorked"> (01)

[personal profile] imitational 2013-12-10 09:06 am (UTC)(link)
Do we have a choice?

[ Being sucked into a world he's not familiar with, especially after what happened... he doubts it. ]
big_n_tall_paul: (Concerned)

[personal profile] big_n_tall_paul 2013-12-10 09:09 am (UTC)(link)
Good afternoon ma'am, you look a might bit confused. Are you new in Märchen?

[Every time he's walked through the court, each time causing the whole thing to rumble and shake as he walked by, he's seen her sitting alone. Now he looms above her, his shadow falling over her. No one should be alone on such a festive day.]
gardienne: (who me?)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 09:15 am (UTC)(link)
Monsieur Brujon?

[It's instinct - her first reply to the biggest man she has ever seen - bigger even than the great brute in her Pa's gang who will surely be allowed to beat her to death if they should meet again. She had willed herself invisible when she had seen Paul walk by before, but his friendly tone makes her realise - no. Not Brujon. Not remotely French sounding. Not death. Not today.

No - excuse me, Monsieur. You made me think of a - well.

[She pauses awkwardly.] Where did you call such a place? Märchen? That does not sound French either.
big_n_tall_paul: (Let me think for a spell)

[personal profile] big_n_tall_paul 2013-12-10 09:49 am (UTC)(link)
Brujon? No, ma'am, m' name is Paul Bunyan.

[He can't help but notice her wince when she first saw him. It was expected, didn't mean Paul had to like it though. However, this girl was braver than most, and it did not go unnoticed by Paul.]

Well the town is called Märchenstraße, but I find it a smidge easier on the tongue to say Märchen. And no it's not French, though I'm not even sure what French is.
lil_sunspot: (Hey.)

[personal profile] lil_sunspot 2013-12-10 09:52 am (UTC)(link)
[After a whole minute it's a miracle Kiri is still within earshot. The moment he hears her echo back 'blue hair', that little bit of hope snaps the boy to her side in two seconds flat. And then 'no'. He goes from happier than he's been all day to mildly annoyed in an instant, not even pausing to contemplate what Monsieur means.]

Wha - no. 'm fine. Look -

[Kiri holds out a hand in offer to help her stand. It's more out of frustration and the slightest hope that the least good that can come from this is the girl believing him, than goodwill.]

If y'find her, gimme a holler.
gardienne: (smile and shrug)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 09:53 am (UTC)(link)
No? But you speak French, Monsieur.

[She laughs. It seems comical to her that someone can speak a language without realising it.]

But if Märchenstraße is not French, then it is not in France, and surely I cannot have walked so far as that in one night. Usually, it takes me ages and ages even to walk to the outskirts of Paris, and Montfermiel took a day and a night of walking... it must be magic.

[She laughs again, obviously joking about the idea of magic. Eponine doesn't believe in magic.]
gardienne: (who me?)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 09:55 am (UTC)(link)
[She takes his hand in her own grimy one, and allows him to help her up, but she's still confused.]

But, Monsieur. Blue hair? There is no such thing, is there? How do I call to you?
libero: (♔ 14)

[personal profile] libero 2013-12-10 10:00 am (UTC)(link)
[He nods in agreement, and sensing the pig felt better enough to walk on his four legs N set him down.]

He will show you the way now. As it's still daylight I cannot follow you into the city... but best wishes on your search.

[Then suddenly realizing he did not know his acquaintance's name, he held out a hand.]

I am N, by the way. It was nice to meet you.
big_n_tall_paul: (Default)

[personal profile] big_n_tall_paul 2013-12-10 10:14 am (UTC)(link)
[The thunderous rumble of Paul's chuckle undertones the girl's laughter. He doesn't know where France is, and he knows he does not speak French. He leaves that alone for now and confirms her suspiscion.]

Of course it's magic! Magic is what got you here. Everybody knows that. What kind of place is France that it doesn't have magic?
lil_sunspot: (No...)

[personal profile] lil_sunspot 2013-12-10 10:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Everything Eponine says goes right through him -- doesn't even realize she's talking. When their hands meet, Kiri doesn't feel Flare. There is no comforting spark, and lightness. The one thing that made him special, that defined his importance in the world, that placed him in Elle's life. The one thing that keeps her alive. Nowhere. Kiri is rooted to the spot. He has felt terror in being beaten, in seeing her seizure and vanish, but never like this. This can't be right.]

C-can y -... d'ya feel lighter? Stronger...? Somethin'?

[He doesn't let go of Eponine's hand. At the very least, it's clear her grimy fingers don't bother him.]
Edited (heh pronouns whoops) 2013-12-10 10:23 (UTC)
imitational: <lj user="dorked"> (10)

[personal profile] imitational 2013-12-10 10:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ The replica looks at his hand, then takes it. It's a little awkward, like he's never done this before but know. ]

Right. Same, I guess.

[ No introduction of his own. ]
gardienne: (scared)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
But there is no such thing as magic.

[This place is mad. This whole place and everybody in it - or else she is mad. Has she gone mad? Has her father addled her brains? But, why? Why should he do that? Eponine doesn't know what to think.]

But - how? How does it be so? There is no magic, and yet I see my brother fly, and I have matches and a man with red eyes screams for a girl with blue hair. And now you - you are as big as Monsieur Brujon and yet, you do not grunt at me, and you do not raise your fists. Have I truly gone mad? Am I so hungry that this time Paris has disappeared all together before my eyes? Things are queer when you are hungry, but this is the strangest thing I have ever seen.
gardienne: (smile and shrug)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry, Sir. I'm sorry. I thought -

[His eyes scare her, that big wide eyed, terrified expression. But she has no idea what he's scared of. Her? But she is not frightening, not to anybody. She's just a scrawny weed of a girl, all eyes and hair. Perhaps he thinks she'll rob him? But then, why did he offer his hand? Why does he not take it away now? His question catches her off guard, and she begins to laugh.]

Every day I feel lighter, Monsieur, until one day I am sure I will disappear all together. My head feels like it spins by itself in the sky above my body sometimes, but when my belly rumbles, I remember and I know that I am just hungry. It is a peculiar feeling, but Sir, it is nothing to be afraid of. It will go away if you can find food. Or brandy, for that will send you to sleep when you are in such a state and then you simply dream.
big_n_tall_paul: (Concerned)

[personal profile] big_n_tall_paul 2013-12-10 12:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[It breaks Paul's heart to see the girl so scared. It was not his intention to worsen her situation. Sadly he could not tell her how magic worked. However, he could try to cheer her up.]

I'm sorry, ma'am, I don't have the answer to how magic works, I just know that it exists. I promise you one thing though, as sure as I am tall, you are not mad. However, if your belly is rumblin' you're in luck, you've woke up in the middle of a festival, and there is enough food here to feed even me.
gardienne: (smile and shrug)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 12:17 pm (UTC)(link)
I would rather sell it, Sir. If I am to stay in such a place, I would rather sell it all and have a little room, or at least a sausage every night. A hot one, with mustard. And perhaps some brandy. Yes. That will be good. I do not mind sleeping under a bush or something. It is nice, I suppose, to see the stars... you know? My little brother can fly now? Gavroche, you know?

[Considering that Eponine doesn't really know or understand who this man is, she is really relaxed in his presence. It is just nice to talk to someone, anyone, who actually wants to talk to her, who smiles at her. She hugs his coat tighter about her, reaching her hands into the folds of her skirt beneath her coat to reassure herself that the money she stole is still there.]
gardienne: (smile and shrug)

[personal profile] gardienne 2013-12-10 12:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Not Ma'am, Monsieur. I am not a Ma'am. Just 'Ponine.

[That much, at least, she can still understand. She doesn't have a title. Nobody ever gives her a title. That much, at least, can stay normal.But she looks curiously at him.]

A festival? I might eat? You're not sending me away? I am allowed to have food? But, I have no money. Just this book, and the matches.

[She holds out her book, entitled 'The Little Match Girl', and one of her bundles of matches.]

I will swap you matches for food. Or the book. Both. Please, Sir. Just a crust. It has been so long - three days, perhaps? I do not know. I barely know if I sleep or I wake. A crust is good, though. I do not mind stale - it is good to get your teeth stuck in - it lasts longer.
subdueme: (slave coupon)

[personal profile] subdueme 2013-12-10 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[He just gives a small shake of the head, he's the type to assist others without expecting anything in return.]

I don't think so. I've just arrived and am trying to figure things out still. Have you been here long?
subdueme: (emotionless)

[personal profile] subdueme 2013-12-10 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's almost entertaining watching her work with the pen with nothing but her beak. Her penmanship wasn't the greatest anyway but without the use of her hands it was barely legible.]

Swan Lake?

[He frowns, wondering if the place they were was it or if there was another body of water they needed to find.]

Do they want you to find it?

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