paradisabeyond | Terre Haute expedition: Camping Day 1

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!terre haute

Terre Haute expedition: Camping Day 1

[It's been a more or less uneventful day of travel for the expedition team. Not unexpected for the first leg of such a trip, and with any luck, it will stay that way.

As the sun starts to get low in the sky, Felix signals the group with a sharp whistle to stop, shortly after he feels the change. They've entered the Dead Zone. That sudden loss of power for anyone used to that sort of thing. Not an easy thing to adjust to, at first.]

"We've crossed into the border of the Dead Zone now. We should stop here for the night. Those of you with experience, help set up camp as needed. And I recommend a few of you working out a watch schedule. You never can tell what might be out here."

SET UP | CAMPFIRE | IN THE NIGHT

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[It does make him clear his throat, yep, definitely flustered here]

More like my mom had some issues. But hey, it's nice to meet another original.

[ Another laugh, shorter this time. ]

I think you ought to pay your mother the utmost respect and care, for you would not have that great mind of yours without her.

[ You know, at least birthing you.

Tongue in cheek, she waves a hand so that she can have the room to pass out into the fresh air, and to glance to her horse and the small wagon she had trailed behind it. Where is he... ]

I must have someone carry my things in. It seems that some items in the tent might need to be...rearranged ~~[ removed ]~~ in order to accommodate. But I would not feel safe leaving my belongings out here so unprotected when I already know of some here who would wish me ill. And should I need to come out in the dead of the night and fetch something...

Oh trust me, I do. Err...did. [Before she disowned him forever.

Still, he glances out to the wagon in question]

That isn't a problem, I can bring your stuff in as soon as I've put the curtain up. So I can arrange it how you'd want it. You don't have to worry about stepping out in the night.

[ Her smile lightens again, and with the lightest of head tilts, she touches a hand to his arm in passing. ]

More and more I find myself humbled and in your debt, sir.

[ She stops at her horse nearby, and another glance around. Maybe she should just look for smoke that isn't a campfire. Whatever, raising her voice. ]

Master Spiegel.

[By pure coincidence, Spike so happens to be within ear shot. And maybe less of a coincidence in that he's smoking. He enjoys crowds about as much as he enjoys camping and horses, so he needs something to keep him sane.

Of course, he approaches as casual as he can after he hears his name, like he hasn't been watching the whole time. They're just friends.]

What's up? [He always forgets the 'your majesty'...]

[The Once-ler arches a brow a little, because wow, Spike, could you try any harder to be casual. Don't you know how dangerous women get when you anger them?]

I'll get started on that curtain for you. I promise you'll have a place fit for you by tonight, you Majesty.

[He'll go to his wagon to get that started. Good luck, Spike]

[ She tries not to look too giddy at the Once-ler's pliant behavior, batting her lashes at him with a quirk to her smile. ]

You have my leave, then. Please be most gentle with my belongings.

[ Turning to Spike! And giving him an annoyed-but-not-really look as she reaches up as if to smack him, only to pinch his ear. Hard, by the way, doesn't care if it hurts her arm in the process, but it's only for a second. ]

Master Spiegel, this most benevolent man has agreed to share his special tent with me. As I will not be requiring all of my camping materials, you may do with them what you will.

But you will stay near, yes? Though he carries himself a gentleman, this is still a most unorthodox venture, and I will require my chaperone. Perhaps we might even require someone to join in a game of cards before the evening is over.

[He watches the guy as moves to the wagon, closely enough that he doesn't anticipate the ear pulling. He spends the rest of her dialog rubbing it, only belatedly figuring out what she's upset about.

At least he gets a free tent out of it. He's the picture of excitement.]

No problem. [A pause. Then, much more muttered than it's probably supposed to be said--] Your Majesty. You brought cards?

[ There's a little crinkle of her nose as she smiles in pleasure at his compliance, and she nods. Dropping her good arm to slide through his, so he can at least pretend to look like he's leading, she moves to stroll away to let her newfound busy bee do his thing. ]

Of course. Though I was warned of danger, should we not expect idle hours just as much? I have no doubts that you brought your...cigarettes, as well.

[Spike takes that as a cue, since he did just put one out before speaking up. Reaching into his pocket, he takes out the pack to hold up for her (after first taking another for himself.)

He really is a saint some days.]

Enough to cover the trip. You never know when you'll find a convenience store out in the woods.

You may jest, but trust not any merchant you find in the wood.

[ Pulling her arm free of his, Anne accepts the offer with a smile and a nod. She'll wait for him to light it as before, because...seriously what are lighters. Magic. ]

Or at the least, let me see his wares before making too hasty a judgment. Mayhap with cigarettes there will be cursed gold.

[And he does light it for her, as a reflex. They're starting to look like quite the couple.]

Now that might make it worth the trip. [Despite how miserable camping generally is, he spares a smile. It's the optimist in him.]

[ And as usual, she's the much better dressed of the two! Even in travel, Anne doesn't spare any detail when it comes to her fashion, though it might still be considered subdued. There is a lot less jewelry. ]

Oh, but what if the curse was your most profound nightmare? What if you were forced to walk only in the night for all eternity? How much gold would be worth it?

[Not much, judging by his shrug.]

It'd give you a good story to tell.

[ She must roll her eyes at that. ]

Ah, but then all you would have are stories. What of the people who might hear them? Dare they remain?

I might have to pay them to.

[How do vampires get friends, anyway?]

[ She doesn't even know about vampires, she really was just talking about night walking. ]

As I do? You think me cursed?

[He doesn't know much more, as many times as he's encountered them. It's just weird...]

Your luck isn't that bad.

I do not really believe in such. I create my own fortune.

[ She glances over her shoulder to the poor sap working on making her curtains as they speak. Well, at least she can get a good view of what everyone else is doing to set up while they walk. ]

And I would share it, lest you hasten to think me cruel.

[He's heard that before. As much as he's seen some poor sap scramble to make an impression.]

Did you have something in mind?

That all depends on what we discover during this journey.

Looks like you've made out so far.

Mm, yes, well I am so fortunate to have discovered such a useful treasure.

[ She grins up at him after another glance is sent Once-ler's way. ]

I did promise to share. You wish to borrow him?

[Spike can't help but raise an eyebrow. He follows her gaze, almost sympathetic.]

I think I can manage with the tent.

[ Yeah he knows what she did. ]

Do you think me cruel after all?

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