epidemiology | PLAYER PLOT ★ STORM THE CASTLE

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PLAYER PLOT ★ STORM THE CASTLE

THE CASTLE ( NOV 7 )

Our resident warrior princess, Kidagakash Nedakh, has formulated a plan to investigate the castle and speak with the royals. (The OOC plotting post can be found here.) Now, it's time to put it into action.

The castle itself is huge. From the outside, you can see a beautiful garden, a pond, and a statue commemorating Odette. You can also see several guards, some more invested in their job than others. A few are stony-faced, menacing men with looks that could kill. A couple just look like they'd appreciate a pretty girl or interesting guy to liven up their boring day.

On the inside, all the halls look different, yet the same — different pieces of art, different wall fixtures, but everything else is identical. There's many portraits of the king and his late wife on the walls, sparkling chandeliers, and servants scurrying around. Odette's pale, smiling face and cascading blonde locks look somewhat familiar, but that might just be because of all the statues of her likeness around the city.

The castle has pretty much every room you'd expect a castle to have. A library, a wine cellar, a dining hall, etc. Within them, characters can expect to find various things of interest — there are many books, fancy stationery, even some valuable coins if you look hard enough. There's also many letters to be found detailing the situation in Chantes; of course, there's also plenty of letters on far less official business. Some of them have quite steamy imagery.

There are plenty of servants milling about inside the castle and out in the gardens. In the dining hall and their chambers are several of Chantes' most important nobles. And then, of course, there's you.

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You again?

[ It's the same freckled little boy that insisted on sitting on Alice's lap a night before, dashing out in front of her. Her first worry is that she's hallucinating; it's too perfect to see the same little boy wandering about, after all of this. He skids to a stop, running up to Alice, tugging on her dress, just as enthusiastically as before, tugging her along, urging her to come with him. ]

What is it, what's the matter, are you alright?

[ He seems happy enough, gleefully tugging her along, nearly causing her to teeter over, surprising her with how excited he seems to be. Alice can't really bring herself to say "no", as much as she wants to. She would have loved to duck out and curl up with a book than deal with anyone tonight, to wallow in her grief.

But wallowing in her grief costed more pain and suffering for children, she can't do that now, not again. ]

[There had been a grill pit set up outside, out in the boonies. The city itself was unwelcoming to goblin children, so Ban couldn't set things up and let those kids come by. It was an exclusive bunch of kids who had no one to look after him that had followed him, but he hadn't invited a single one of them. Ban fed one child after the other just as they came, while busily making work on his makeshift grill with a startling amount of skill.

In a baking pan, he had made bread--pheasant and venison prepared with surprisingly good materials. It was all properly spiced and the smell was getting to some of the orphans who were dizzy, a few huddling in little packs. He was a scary giant to be around, so none of the kids lingered by Ban for very long as he worked--simply reaching out to take food from him and running to different parts of the field. A few of the children wore exceptionally bright and gaudy clothes, a few sizes too big for them that looked more the part of something worn by nobles in court than even the nobles of the town.

He didn't say a word the entire time.]

Over here! Over here!

[ She could see why the little boy was so eager to get over there quicker, tugging Alice along from the smell alone. The festivals that came and pass through the Chantes always had a divine smell of food, enough to even bring tears to her eyes, for the fact she knew nothing outside of bread and soup. The little food she ate over the years took a tole on her body and she wasn't really in the position to ever complain about the food out there. On that thought, Alice turned around to see if Gintoki was around, he had to be around for this, because he understood why this would be exciting.

The little boy gave a hard yank of Alice's arm, that she nearly stumbles into him, just to get a sight of what was going on.

Little children in over-sized clothing clearly meant for adults, happily eating away or thrilled about these garments. It was instinct by now that Alice would pat the inside of her dress, to assert her knife was there. She refused to draw it around children, watching them and then her eyes trailed up to Ban, of all people.

Tight lipped, Alice found herself reluctant to say anything, urging the little boy to go with the others. ]

Go on, then, I don't think he's going bite you.

[ As for her, she simply just stared, unsure if she wanted to say anything, at all. And as hungry as she was, Alice stood there, rigid, with her arms crossed. She didn't really know what to think. ]

You gonna stare all night, stomach rumblin', brat?

[He didn't need to see Alice to know she was there. She didn't hold her posture the same as an assassin and the slow movement she made to reach for her knife may have been inaudible to her--but to Ban, it was loud enough to be beside his ear. He didn't look to her, simply making concerted slices with his knife on a wooden board, slicing up meat to toss into stock for a stew, spices and potatoes added in their own time.

He just kept going, as if there was nothing else to be said about it.]

[ Alice finds herself stammering in response, sauntering in her steps. Wasn't it long ago he was threatening to kill her? What mattered most was the children happy, eating food, and wearing warm clothing. But it would be rude, regardless, to refuse food offered to her. Reluctantly, Alice approaches, feeling smaller, just as small as some of the children around her. ]

You're certain?

[ is this some sort of trap, even as Alice slides herself right next to the little boy that lead her here, doing what she can to keep her composure. ]

[She looked small and frail in that moment, like a little brat that followed him around, once. Ban looked at Alice--or, rather, right through her. Something sat poorly with him--so, he ended up shoving a double portion of meat and bread at her, before turning right back to his cooking.

He didn't say anything.

The dizzy feeling that accompanied one's worst moments was enough for him to know exactly how he felt.]

[ She wasn't sure what to think and almost deferred to her gut reaction that all of this was a trap, of the sort. But how can that be a rational thought around her with happy children eating? She glances around one more time to see how much they changed, how pleased and content they were, compared to the misery they were in. Hardly ever one to waste food, Alice took the plate without much of a fuss.

But that didn't go without just staring at him. She almost wanted to protest it, insisting that the children needed it more than her. They were still growing, not her. The little boy who had stuck so close to Alice earlier started to yank on her sleeve, to get her to sit back down with him.

Well, fine, Alice finally broke eye contact, dainty as she started to eat the meat, first. Though, not without a sincere- ]

If I were to say "thank you" to you, will you accept it?

[ She wasn't expecting much, but this gesture wouldn't stop throwing her into a loop. ]

Hm? [With his back to her, Ban didn't need to focus too much on what he said, though it was clear at that point that he wasn't quite paying attention. The kids running around, eating and playing in their ridiculously expensive clothes became a blank sort of static in the back of his mind. Alice was on the forefront, but not by much.

He turned a little bit--half-hearted.]

Huh? Oh--yeah, you're welcome.

[ She sat there stunned for a few minutes.

In Rutledge, the patients were very lucky to have more than one meal, a day, let alone anything outside of scraps. The Chantes, even with its similarities to Whitechapel, had more food. Better food.

But still, was this him on a good day? Wouldn't he snap at her for throwing out a "thank you"? She watched him, chewing in thought, and her attention became focused on him and him alone, at that moment. ]

It's very kind of you, they look very happy.

[ She adds very tentatively, waiting for him to snap at her, again. ]

Sure. Full stomaches--warm clothes. Kids like that, huh?

[The first time he ever had a decent night's sleep and a full stomach was one he'd never forget. He didn't get the food kicked out of him and he didn't get thrown into the streets, shivering. He could sympathize with the happiness those kids felt.

You're stuck in a world without her. Without your friend. No matter what you do, you're the same criminal. Forgiveness and good deeds can't wash away what you did.

Potatoes sliced, tossed in the stew. He added an extra, to cut back on the salt.]

[ It isn't the reaction she was expecting -- still, she expected him to say something fowl. They do seem happy, as she glances down at them and all around her. They didn't stand there lifeless with numbers around their necks and stared vacantly at the adults. They're behaving like normal children and they appear happy. But happiness is temporary, she knows this.

Alice is happy to eat the food, too, it's been wonderful for her to have a full meal. She lets a silence fall, eating bread and meat, seemingly content, herself. It would help her sleep, too, somewhat. She can't say she's had a full stomach on the 5th of November, in a very long time. ]

They're content with the simplest of things. Warm clothes and a good meal. Obviously they haven't had any of that for a long while.

[ And neither did she, as she keeps that thought to herself, still watching him cook. ]

[There was certainly a limit to Ban's poor attitude, but the shift from platforms was immense. He went from a trouble-maker who seemed to care about no one but himself to someone who cared about nothing in the world at all. In losing the effort to care about himself, there was a world of difference, though not one Alice would likely notice, right away.

Maybe he was sick or delusional to her--but, to know what was swimming in his mind would be a difficult pry. She was clueless in the appropriate sense that made what he was about to do absolutely mind-numbing to comprehend.

As a cart was drawn along the road, Ban's eyes became less hollowed and instead, focused on it. The people in the cart ignored the children celebrating amongst themselves--if only because said children recoiled and hid in the bushes as the noble's cart came into view.]

Wait, wait right here! We've been riding awhile and I need to relieve myself! Guard, follow me!

[ In the end, as curious as she was, she decided not to pry, having silently appreciate the meal. It was something she needed to sleep well for tonight and even staved off stress and paranoia. Come to think of it, Alice noticed she hadn't ate all day. She wanted to see what he'd do if she slipped in more appreciative compliments, especially as the little boy behind her happily finished off his meal, hopped off the bench where he was sitting and joined the others. Alice was done and had half the mind to start playing with them again, just as she did. The sight of the car, on the other hand, earned her attentin and her hand reflexively settled on her right side, right next to the pleats of her dress with the knife was.

She didn't do anything, she just watched, just in case. ]

Are you ever going to give me your name?

[ For how many times she's talked to him, she has yet to have anything to call him by other than "nuisance". ]

[Ban leaned over to kick dirt over the fire, putting it out. The stew was done and he had a thought creeping in the back of his mind. Alice's question was there with the rest of his thoughts. He thought of something good--questionably, at least.]

Ban.

[With that, he sauntered towards the noble, who was pulling his pants a bit down so he could pee.]

[ A man relieving himself isn't a sight Alice cares to see. She turns around, sliding off the bench, finally, diverting her attention to the children. The slums of London already reek of those sort of things, she doesn't need the reminder of it.

Though, finally, at least she has a name to that face and suddenly her irritation is coming back. Smoothing out her dress, Alice slowly makes her way to join the children. ]

[The moment Alice turned away, there was a crack--as if someone smashed two rocks together. The noble, his pants around his ankles, crumbled as Ban struck him hard in the cheek. His guard, confused by the sudden appearance of the giant and what he had done, drew his sword and threatened him at level.

If she turned to look, she'd see Ban would have his hands upraised, just as the nobleman sputtered, pulling his pants up and standing shakily.]

What in the world was that for!?

I got sick of your face quick, ugly bastard. [He spat--right on the nobleman's shirt. There were gaping looks from the lot of them as Ban seemingly plunged himself into a terrible situation.]

What's the matter? Too shocked to talk ♪? I'll kill ya'.

[ Just as Alice was with the children, they seem to scatter at the sight of the fight. Alice, being the way she is, stops and wheels around to see what was going on.

Truth be told, Alice isn't keen on jumping in and confronting Ban, not after his stunt of draining her. She saunters, as if she wants to wander over. ]

Wait. What are you doing?!

[ Is it even worth trying to reel him in? ]

You come any closer and you'll get hurt.

[His eyes were on Alice as he said this--before one of the guards stepped between the two of them. Ban's threat was a serious one and an innocent girl getting involved wouldn't do well for their reputations. Another guard assisted the Noble in getting up and the last guard held his sword level with Ban's throat.]

You ain't gonna fight me, idiot?

[The guard swallowed hard, eyes shifting the the Nobleman--]

You're under arrest! In our Lord's name--

I want the bloody fool put to the axe! Get a fucking scribe the moment we return--!

[Ban's brows lifted, though he didn't put in anymore resistance after that. The guard with the sword swung hard, cracking Ban in the temple with his sword handle--expecting to have knocked him out. Ban lifted a brow as, at best, his head was nudged to the side.]

What're you, new at this?

[ She keeps moving, freely ignoring him before she's stopped by the sudden rush of guards. The children scramble and Alice is left in a difficult position between this and the children. ]

Stop it! This is madness!

[ She isn't shouting at anyone in particular, but at all of them. This idiot. Fortunately, she doesn't seem to really visibly wince watching Ban to get hit. Her pleas, she knows, will fall on deaf ears. ]

Better hurry up before I kill ya' all ♪.

[The guards saw no reason to be patient after that. The guard who struck Ban threw himself forward to tackle Ban, who went down. Two more guards jumped in with ropes in hand, the remaining one putting himself between Alice and Ban as a shield.]

Miss! He's threatening you--you should move away!

Ah? [The two guards flew up immediately--as Ban scattered them both with a sharp upheaval of his shoulders. The fourth guard pulled out a whistle, giving it a sharp ring the moment he saw what Ban could do.]

Just two ain't gonna cut iiiiiiit~ ♪!

[ Lovely.

Jut lovely. Alice finds herself phasing backwards, into a gust of blue butterflies. The knife is still there, in her dress, watching the chaos unfold. ]

I don't believe this...!

[ She was angry on default with the guards and finding herself angry with Ban, at that moment. Well, sure, he could easily handle the rest of them, and yet, she was still hesitating to outright leave. How could he snap like that after feeding the children. She knew it wasn't worth trying to talk sense into him, and yet- ]

Stop it! Don't you remember what you said to me, you idiot? What sort of example would you be setting for them?!

Kah kah... [Just as the whistle blew, a number of guards close to the town were alerted--anyone within hearing rushing to the scene, armed and haphazardly prepared. A noble's cry was worth massive haste to them.

In a way, Alice and Ban were completely on the same page. What sort of example, indeed?]

If they see it--good on them! Get a load of what happens with you screw with the law, brats!

[He barely fought back--just enough to rile up the guards. There were missing teeth, black eyes and busted ribs to nurse, later. He fought back hard enough to be trouble and held back enough to not instill fear. Ban was laughing as he was dragged to the ground.]

Don't be ridiculous, it's still a terrible example. Fortunately, for you, they ran away.

[ As much as Alice disliked authoritative figures, she didn't dare comment that she found the whole incident absurd, especially on the noble's ends. It was like watching a patient being hauled back to his cell, at the asylum.

Alice hardly reacted to this display. There was little she could do for Ban, in the end. Alice took a few more steps back, with fists tightly clenched at her side. If he didn't expose his neck for another to slice, he allowed himself to be dragged down to the ground like that? She didn't know what to think. ]

[There was hauling laughter to accompany the roll of soldiers trying to properly pin and bind Ban. In time, the huddle of men loaded him onto the back of the cart, while a few of them flew in a number of directions, all from idle smacks the giant had set on their faces.

He was trying to congratulate them--instead apologizing for being too rough before he was taken away.]

[ Once the scene is close to being calm as it can be, Alice takes small steps to follow slowly. She couldn't do anything to pull him off the wagon or ask them to stop. He had brought it on himself for attacking that noble, but Alice wasn't about to forget his disposition moments before. ]

Where are you going with him?

[ She kept telling herself she shouldn't care about this man and move on and she eventually would. But plenty of people wouldn't care about children, they wouldn't go out of their way to feed them.

She wasn't going to expect much of a response. The orderlies never really did give reason as to why they abused and take away the patients, and at that moment, this situation wasn't that much different than orderlies taking away a wild patient, Ban was just that mad, she felt. ]

PLAYER PLOT ★ STORM THE CASTLE

Closed to Ban -- small timeskip (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

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