Patchwork Universe

The Janitor · Posted: 29 Feb 2004 11:21 pm Post subject: Sign of the times

A man in practical grey clothing walked down the road carrying a large wooden signpost with a brass arrow attached to the top.

Despite no longer being youthful and the obvious weight of the post, the man seemed to not be troubled by his load.

He approached the tavern and stopped on a raised area of ground. He positioned the post such that the arrow was facing east, and began the task of setting it firmly in the soil.

Jones · Posted: 29 Feb 2004 11:51 pm Post subject:

As the man worked at his task, a wagon drawn by a grey donkey rumbled up the road. Jack T. Jones strode along beside the wagon. The afternoon was shading towards evening and the breeze carried the scent of wild flowers towards him and he breathed in deeply. The carefuy wrapped and covered load on the wagon smelt less agreeable. He'd been out at the pig farm doing some butchery work in preparation for dinner and was taking the load back to the inn. He'd washed at one of the workers cottages, not wanting to come back to his wife smelling like a butcher shop, and now the fine day was soothing his mood as well.

It was then that he saw the man in overalls erecting a sign next to the road that led to the tavern. He slowed his steps instinctively as he took this in and then took a couple of hurried strides to catch up with the donkey and take hold of her harness.
"Whoa, girl, steady now," he told the animal, which stopped and stood looking ahead with disinterest.

Jack Jones was a tall and well-muscled young man, and he outweighed and out-massed the character in overalls by some way. Nonetheless he approached with a certain degree of caution that made it clear he didn't necessarily take the newcomer at face value.
"Good evening," he said. "What is it that you're putting here on my father's land?"

The Janitor · Posted: 02 Mar 2004 12:05 am Post subject:

"It is but some guidance for lost travellers. It was come to my attention that many are having difficulty in navigating these lands, so I am doing what I can to assist."

Jones · Posted: 02 Mar 2004 12:21 am Post subject:

"I... see." Jack said, uncertainly. "So, where will this sign direct people to, may I ask?"

The Janitor · Posted: 03 Mar 2004 11:01 pm Post subject:

"The sign simply points to the place with the map. Hopefully the travellers will then have enough sense to work out where they want to go from there. If you object to the sign, feel free to point them in the right direction yourself."

Jones · Posted: 04 Mar 2004 12:15 am Post subject:

"Um, no, that seems... very useful," Jack said. "The place with the map...", he paused to look at the sign. "And that's somewhere east of here."

He took a step backward and jerked his head in an awkward nod.
"Well, best be getting along, eh?" he said, although it wasn't clear if he was speaking to the man or the donkey.

Jones · Posted: 05 Mar 2004 01:17 am Post subject:

Taking the animal's reins, Jack continued up the road. The donkey followed patiently pulling the cart. As the distance increased, Jack's steps noticably quickened and he was almost running by the time he reached the pub.

The Janitor · Posted: 05 Mar 2004 11:18 am Post subject:

Satisfied with his work, the man ambled off to the east.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 100 Location: HMS Justice

A short time later, Captain Isobel DeRainault and her party were to be seen proceeding down the road from the west with some speed. Brewer and Simpson were out in front, then the Captain, and Habbakuk at the rear. All were armed, and alert to their surroundings. Pausing at the large wooden and brass signpost, the Captain eyed it critically, and took out her compass to make a comparison. Due east, and straight into another wall of mist, which could be seen just down the road.

"Looks like we'll be heading into another unknown situation, lads. Everyone be on your guard, and have weapons at the ready. If these signs have indeed been placed everywhere in this land, then who knows what sort of riff-raff this place will attract?" With one hand on her sword, and the other poised to draw her pistol, the Captain strode into the mist, with her men close behind her.