Patchwork Universe

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 52 Location: Chimera

[OOC: Continued from Academy: "At the barrier"]

Harlequin shook the traces of mist from his hair and looked up. And down again. Where was the clock tower? Someone had stolen the clock tower!! How was he meant to have a quick drink and fetch his spare hat when somebody had stolen his home?!!

He looked around. The tall grey buildings were all the more prominent for their absence. The Greys as well!! Well, he'd never really paid that much attention to them before, but he was quite sure they didn't hide their houses.

The only buildings that appeared to be left were a few squat thatched buildings that put Harlequin in mind of the summer cottages of elderly relatives. The tallest building was obviously the most important of these, so he headed towards it to search for clues to the perpetrator of these building thefts.

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 52 Location: Chimera

As he headed towards the building, he saw glimmers of light from the downstairs windows, and a faint glimmer from one upstairs.
He headed towards the left hand window, as the curtains seemed open. He edged up to the side, and peered through, hoping that inside he would glimpse the familiar surroundings of the clock tower.

However, he was disappointed when he saw that it didn't resemble his abode at all, but wasn't disappointed to see the remnants of a Charismocratic party.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:18 pm Post subject: An evening walk...

Just as Harlequin moved away from the window, there came a polite cough from a little way behind him. A middle-aged man stood there, his travelling clothes fairly respectable yet old and a little threadbare.

"O honoured traveller, might this disreputable individual take the liberty of offering his most sincere greetings to you upon this auspicious night?"

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 52 Location: Chimera

"Oh! Ah!"

Harlequin jumped back from the window, startled to have been caught looking through the window.

He recovered quickly and bowed to the man.
"Good evening, monsieur. I hope this night finds you well."

Harlequin's thoughts raced, as he pondered what to say. Who is this man? Does he know anything about the clock tower? Should I ask him? What if he's the thief?!

"So, there's been a few changes around recently," he eventually decided upon.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 7:12 pm Post subject:

"It is well expressed," the stranger agreed, "and undoubtedly such an unexpected change in circumstance might encourage a degree of intelligent caution in even the most courageous of gentlemen. In this particular circumstance, however, you may be assured that such precautions are unnecessary, the building nearby being a public house owned by the most honourable and trustworthy Mister Jones."

"As such, it has been repeatedly declared with some considerable vigour that it is considered unnecessary to indicate one's presence by knocking upon the door before passing within," he added with just a slight trace of haste.

Patchwork Universe · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 5:16 pm Post subject:

As the two conversed the faint light appeared in the sky to the east. A new day was dawning in the this part of the universe.

Jones · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 6:07 pm Post subject:

From inside the pub there was the sound of glasses chinking and the smell of frying bacon.

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 52 Location: Chimera

As the two men had conversed, Harlequin realised he didn't have a clue what Kao Sheng was talking about. But that was alright, because Harlequin wasn't making much sense either. He'd worked out that Kao Sheng probably wasn't the building thief, and that the clock tower had been replaced with a drinking establishment, which was currently occupied by, amongst others, some not-quite-reputable Charismocrats. Although Kao Sheng hadn't used the word, Harlequin was more or less sure that's what he meant.

A plan began to form in Harlequin's mind...

Kao Sheng · Posted: Thu May 27, 2004 5:53 pm Post subject:

As Harlequin paused, Kao Sheng looked towards the dawn with an expression of delight.

"Ah! Is it not rightly said that in agreeable company a day can pass in but the blink of an eye? O honourable sir, please allow this humble traveller to suggest that we pass within this fine establishment, where you may find refreshment, or even perhaps an answer to some of your questions."

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 52 Location: Chimera

"Indeed it is. Said that is. About the blink of an eye."

You're rambling again. You need a drink. Morning already, and it's been so long since you needed a drink that you never even noticed the sun setting.

The rumble of Harlequin's stomach drowned out the voice in his head.

"Mmm, that does smell good..." he said as he opened the front door, forgeting his manners and Kao Sheng in his hunger.

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 153 Location: The Zoo

Just as Harlequin's back disappeared from view through the tavern door, Trubshawe and Kalyndis hove into sight.

"You again!" Trubshawe bellowed at Kao Sheng. "Tell me, sir - and none of your prevarications this time round - how long is it since you saw me in this place last? Speak up!"

Kao Sheng · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 6:46 pm Post subject:

Kao Sheng turned, and greeted Trubshawe with a slight bow and a slight smile.

"Such a perceptive and pertinent question is truly deserving of an answer more complete and lengthy than your manner suggests might be well received," he said apologetically. "However, since we parted company in the gathering gloom of evening, and our present conversation is illuminated by the glorious light of the dawn, it might be said that a span of several hours has passed between these two noteworthy events."

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 105 Location: Kerya

Kalyndis also gave a slight bow.

"Greetings to you. I am Kalyndis of Kerya, son of Kalmerrynd and Bhrhthaon. Do I have the honour of addressing the esteemed Jones?"

Violetta and Blackie could be seen coming up the road behind them.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 7:05 am Post subject:

Kao Sheng returned Kalyndis's bow.

"The upright and honourable Jones may undoubtedly be located within this, his fine establishment," he said. "The altogether less respectable person who is now speaking has the honour to state that his family name is Kao, his personal name is Sheng, and that to meet such a noble and respectable group of travellers is a privilege of which he is truly unworthy."

Kalyndis · Average Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 105 Location: Kerya

"Ah, Kao Sheng! It is our honour to meet you. The Janitor said we should seek you out as well as Jones."

Kalyndis turned to Trubshawe. "We obviously misunderstood when the Janitor mentioned Kao Sheng, for as you can see, he is not a cow at all."