Mistral's suspicions had been correct that Fluffy had been collecting the arms of creatures capable of regeneration, which pointed to a prolonged conflict with the residents of this camp.  This was unfortunate.  Maintaining her placid demeanor, she said, "<I understand, and it pains me to hear of it.  Not as much as it has pained you, but still.>"  That may have been a morbid joke, although the dry delivery made it difficult to tell.  Mistral paused then added, "<We have visited the village and have found that the Tarasque has not killed there to our knowledge, but has defended itself.  Indeed, one wonders why he has taken limbs that threaten but does not follow through with the kill.  Perhaps he does not see you as his enemy.>"

Mistral then asked, cautiously, "<I would be curious to know the tale of your first encounter with the Tarasque.  How did this conflict begin?>"  She made note of the ailing state of the local spirits, but would rather not tip that hand just yet.  It may well be a factor in this conflict, one way or another.

 Gaston glowered, perhaps in part from the jest, but also likely from the rememberance of the event. <"It interrupted an important sacred rite and desecrated our altar before maiming us and leaving. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have plans to make. Even though this creature is a friend of yours, I would suggest you consider your position in this conflict carefully. We have no quarrel with either of you but that beast has committed grave offences that will not go unanswered.">

 With that, Gaston began to return to the others in the camp. The rest watched you warily.

Mistral peered intently at Gaston as he recalled the encounter, perhaps seeing more of it than he intended to convey.  She inclined her head toward the huntsman and the others and said, "<Thank you for speaking with us, Gaston.  I do indeed carefully consider my position in all things, which is why I seek to see all sides.  Au revoir, for now.>"

She turned to Noah with a nod and a faint smile, then turned around and strode back down the trail from which they'd emerged.  Soon enough the underbrush and leaf-strewn ground gave way to elsewhere in a seamless transition.  Mistral casually remarked to Noah as they traversed miles in a few strides, "That was instructive.  Did you discover anything of interest whilst I chattered?"

"Not likely anything you don't already know." Noah kept looking about as he was expecting something, "I didn't see their totem sponsor, and the wolf spirits looked to be at the start of illness. Gaston has Neurotic Anxiety, strikes me as a victory at any cost but mine kinda person."

"Think we should ask Jitters? He would know more of spirits on a far more intimate level. Either way they are going to mad dash if not be following us using spirits."

 Gaston's mind proved slightly (1 success) more resilient than Mistral might have hoped and so, heading out, she was left with only her suspicions of what might have happened.

 The castle was decrepit but still standing. Mistral immediately noticed large (300-500lb) stones sitting atop ledges where they should not be and where they could easily fall on someone walking underneath.

 However, with her senses, they were easy enough to bypass. The woman did not call out and, when they went to find her, she was not where Mistral knew she had been. The blanket had been left, the fire still crackled, and Fluffy's ominous clicking could be heard echoing through the halls.

Mistral smirked at Noah and said, "Doubtful.  You work in the most senseless ways and yet arrive at valid conclusions nonetheless.  It is one of the things about you that I find both annoying and admirable."

"Oui, the malaise spirituel touches the forest as well, although it has only just begun.  In time, however, this region will suffer for it.  I would hope to reverse the problem as a token of good will."  At the suggestion to bring in Jitters, Mistral readily agreed, "The canny aid of Chevalier Jitters is always welcome.  Have you means to call upon him, or shall I?"

At the mostly-abandoned chateau, Mistral spoke into Noah's mind, ~This is where they have taken refuge, and it would seem that Fluffy expects unwelcome visitors."  She took a moment outside the corroded gates to raise a ward over the decrepit, ivy-draped structure, binding it to the world with a word and a gesture of her fluted iron wand.  She donned the glasswalker silk blindfold, then led the way inside with her senses cast omnidirectionally.

Within, it was plain to see that Fluffy and the young woman had gone into hiding.  After a brief search turned up nothing, Mistral called out in a voice that carried across distance despite her soft tone, "Bonjour, Fluffy et mademoiselle."  She went on in French, for the girl's benefit, "<We are friends to Fluffy, and his friends are ours.  We have come to help.  Please speak with us.>"  She could find at least the girl in an instant, but this situation warranted a more delicate touch.

Noah nodded and pulled out his slate, "Making him a Jitter's sized slate was one of my better ideas." He knew bouncing of a Sat would work but the connection would be horrid, so best to text the hero. ~Hey Jitters, how much do we affect you? We found a camp of wolves with some kind of sickness seeping into the spirits there. How does that kind of thing work?~

Mistral was handling the singer so Noah, much to his mild grumpiness, would have to handle Fluffy. He tapped his cane on the ground to match the tempo of Fluffy clicks. "Monday McDoom Fluffy Esquire, you being a hero as of late, mmm?"

He thought out loud, "There is likely a reason he brought her here and the limbs to the tower."

He pulled out his slate again, ~Jitters, there must be a reason Fluffy brought the girl here and the limbs to the tower. It may mean the people he has taken the limbs from know where the tower is. The Ark Crew is top priority but keep your eyes peeled, please.~

 There was another set of clicking noises that echoed throughout the castle then a whoosh and much more silent set of (much closer) clicks that more resembled claws on stone. From above could be heard a voice of an announcer, though garbled, distorted, much quieter (as though the volume had been turned town), and in French. <"Bring forth the sacrifice!">

 There were more clicks of claws on stone then a whoosh and the thud of something Fluffy-sized landing on the ground. Then, from slightly ahead of them came Noah's voice (though, again, garbled and distorted) "That's right, come closer you creepy fuck."


----------

 Meanwhile, Jitters responded. ~Sickness in the spirit world usually represents corruption of the natural order. With nature spirits, pollution can do it but it can also be an ideological corruption. After all, evil starts by reconciling very small transgressions and continues until morality is stripped away.

 Also, Understood. We will be on high alert.~

Noah smiled, "You know you enjoy my traps. But that does explain why they want her and why she is hurt..." He tapped his cane as he followed along, "Thank you, by the way. You could have killed that shop owner but you didn't."

---
~Thank you Sir Jitters. Do let us know if we ever affect you in a way you would rather not let us know. You're family.~

 Fluffy responded only by clicking and tapping his claws upon the stone. He stopped if he ever got too far ahead, waiting on you to catch up before bringing you to a room with an iron-reinforced door that was still very solid despite its age.

 There was a sudden thump on the door and tapping of claws against wood in a particular pattern. There was the sound of an iron bar sliding before the door swung open under Fluffy's weight.

 Inside was a young woman (likely in her late teens) in bloodied hiking gear. She sat rubbing her injured leg and the sounds of Fluffy's footsteps indicated that he had taken up a position close beside her.

 <"Hello. You must be friends with Mister Monday. Pleased to meet you. My name is Belle. I would stand and greet you properly but, as you can see, I'm rather indisposed at the moment.">

 A loud purring noise could be heard to her right and slightly behind Belle and she raised a hand to stroke an invisible head.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:48, Sat 23 July 2022.

The mimicked voice confirmed Mistral's suspicion that Fluffy had rescued the girl from threatening circumstances, and that Gaston's 'holy ritual' had been more nefarious than he'd let on.  An enigmatic smile touched Mistral's lips as she stepped toward the invisible, clicking presence with a hand extended.  She ensured her form was substantial now even though she knew that Fluffy was capable of easily tearing her arm off.  After all, how could she give proper scritches while insubstantial?  "It is good to be unable to see you again, Fluffy.  You've caused quite a stir with the locals."

She followed along as the invisible beast led the way to a cleverly-secured saferoom, where at last they were admitted to meet Fluffy's new friend.  Mistral waved to the girl and spoke to her in French, "<Hello, madamoiselle Belle.  It is a pleasure to meet you.  Yes, Fluffy is a longtime companion of ours.  This is Noah, and you may call me Mistral.  Do you mind English, for the benefit of our poor Ricain friend?>"  Mistral gestured with her eyes toward Noah.  She then went on in whichever language the girl preferred, "<It would seem that we have failed to adequately provide for Fluffy when bringing him to France, and thus he has gotten into some trouble.  That is not ideal, but I am glad at least that he has been such trouble to the connards who sought to sacrifice you, madamoiselle.  I should like to hear the full tale, but first: what do you need?  If there is anyplace you would feel safer or to receive medical attention, I will bring you there.  If there is anything I may bring to you, that can also be arranged.  Food and drink first, perhaps?>"

 Mistral once more found that it was harder to trace the recording than she'd thought (it being a playback from a different creature). However, she managed to glean enough information to know that it wasn't Gaston who said it.

 Belle's English was poor but it was serviceable enough to convey her thoughts. <"So Fluffy is his name? Had he not caused trouble, I most certainly would not be here today. I was attacked by monsters while hiking in the woods and they dragged me to a cave with an altar. The next thing I knew, I was flying and I landed here.

 When I heard the clicking, I was terrified at first, but he has brought me food, firewood, and medical supplies. I asked him to get help from the village below. When you arrived, I thought that was what you were until he hid me away. Speaking of, I need to get to a hospital. I think I my need surgery.">

OOC: Paraphrased to edit out a lot of hemming and hawing as she searched for the right English word to use.

Noah chuckled, "Bless you both. Grey is translating to the screen in my eye so I can understand what you are saying, I just can't speak a lick of French other than what I hear out of Mist day to day." Noah leaned down and gave the woman's wounds a good look over, "Doctor Meep is about the best you're going to find. A bit in the dumps as of late, I hope we can get him in better spirits as he loved his work."

4 successes on healers trance.

He reached out and placed a hand on Mist's shoulder so she could share on what little life magic Noah knew. "Given the skill of the verger you'll be safe in no time." He looked over to Fluffy. "What do you say? Get her to the tower and we can then root out the wolves?"

Mistral spoke telepathically to Noah, ~Has Meep the supplies and the facilities to perform this surgery?~

OOC: I forgot that Mist has Universal Language up, so Belle will hear French and Noah will hear English, and I guess even Fluffy probably understands her perfectly, too :P

"Fluffy is how he was introduced to us, but I suspect he himself would prefer whatever name you call him by, madamoiselle."  Fluffy had been friendly to and protective their cabal in his own way, but it was clear that he had formed a special bond with Belle.  Mistral would never admit it aloud, but she found the two of them quite adorable.  Turning toward the deep purring sounds, Mistral asked the monstrous feline, "Fluffy, have you hunted any particularly grand spirits recently?"

To Belle's request to be brought to a doctor for surgery, Mistral nodded and said, "That can surely be arranged."  Observing the girl's hiking gear, Mistral inquired, "Are you local to this area, or non?  The village is in rather a state of fear from our mutual friend, although he tends to have this effect.  Have you anywhere you wish to return to, Belle?  Or to anyone?"  The Ebon Pyramid was a long way from the normal world this young lady was used to, and though they did have accommodations to offer if she wanted them, Mistral did not intend to kidnap her if she wished to return to her life.

Mistral asked Belle, "One last thing.  What do you know your kidnappers, and have you any names, or at least descriptions?"

~Not currently. That is a lot of equipment that needs to be moved. Do you have a weight limit?~ Noah sat down fully, "I was the one who named him Monday. It was a Garfield joke."

Noah rubbed his face a bit as he looked over to Mistral, "This is a series of behaviors for Fluffums that is unique from his genetic expression. I can't express how profound this is for him. On part with Scar choosing to allow his wounds to be healed."

---

He pulled out his slate and tried to get through to Meep. "How you feeling buddy?"

- an addendum to a previous post-

 When Mistral reached out to touch Fluffy, her hand touched something that resembled an iguana but the mane across where she touched his back was covered in those same quills that the shopkeeper had shown you. Though you did not prick yourself (the quills were laid down flat), your fingers began to grow slightly numb... not enough to impair movement, but enough to make them feel unwieldly.

OOC: though it is delivered via quill, the paralysis toxin is contact based but, in small quantities, functions as an anesthetic.

-----------------------------------

 Belle nodded. <"Yes. My grandfather runs the general goods shop in town. I was hoping to get the message to him that I am okay.">

 Meep replied on Noah's slate. ~Doing as well as I can. Did you need help with something?~

 When asked about her kidnappers, she turned slightly pale. <"I cannot. It was all a blur and the memories are hazy. They were giant... monsters. That's all I can really remember.">


 As the group spoke, Fluffy's purring suddenly ceased and he began clicking profusely before letting out a low growl and clacking up the side of the wall. From there, the clicking continued from the roof.

~I feel guilty for snapping you from area to area but I want to find you a home rather than an office, the whole dracula thing kinda halted me there, sorry man.. The Ebon tower is getting started and the survivors of the hunters are there but we have a young woman. Minor infection, fracture in the mid Tibia according to a healers trance. It has gone untreated for a few days. If you get me a list of what you will need I am sure we can get it for you sir.~

~We have werewolves inbound so I may be slow to reply.~

---

He smiled at Belle. "Seems like you have undesired company. Belle, what you are about to see is real, I need you to stay focused but if the big monsters come in I need everything at the ready. And as horrid as the monsters you've seen could have been, you have a monster on your side."

"And I don't mean fluffy. But that murder cat is a damn good judge of character. I am happy you two have met." He looked at Mistral, "If I change here she will go catatonic. Do we just evac? I kinda want to go to war to keep them both safe now. A warm and fuzzy happy feeling war."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:27, Mon 25 July 2022.

~Weight falls into the same category of specious conceptions as 'distance' and 'location'.  I do not have limits of that kind.  We will make arrangements for Meep's facilities afterward, but in the meantime I will bring Belle to where she might receive more immediate care.~  After petting Fluffy Mistral flexed her half-numbed fingers and reminded herself that no matter how friendly the great beast decided to be in this moment, he was still an apex predator with biology designed for killing.

It seemed that trouble was arriving soon.  Mistral nodded to Noah, then addressed Belle frankly, "Madamoiselle, it would seem that the monsters have arrived.  We will handle this matter on your behalf, and you need concern yourself with them no longer.  I can bring you away to safety en un clin d'œil, and to receive proper medical care at Hôpitaux du Pays du Mont-Blanc.*  I will leave it to your decision, but I strongly recommend you take my offer.  You may contact your grandfather from there.  Choose now, if you would."  Mistral then addressed Fluffy, "Fluffy, be assured that Belle will be perfectly safe and will receive proper healing.  I will even accompany her personally whilst we attend to matters here, if you and she wish it."

*this is a real hospital in the region the Ebon Pyramid is in, so Belle would likely know of it if she's local!

Should Belle accept the offer to be delivered to hospital then Mistral would give her and Fluffy a moment for farewells.  She would then perform a simple gesture and deliver herself and Belle to an unoccupied restroom in the lobby of Hôpitaux du Pays du Mont-Blanc, at which point she would acquire a wheelchair and then begin the process of checking Belle in for treatment.  If Belle decided to remain, then other measures would be required.

Meanwhile at the château, where Mistral also remained, she cast her senses outward to see what threats may come.  If a pack of werewolves and their spirit brethren came with intent to do harm, they would soon discover the folly of attacking a place guarded by the Mistress of the Ebon Tower...

 Belle requested to be sent to the hospital but was curious as to how to get there. A little bit of Tenebremancy to "grease the wheels" ensured that her Disbelief would not create Paradox... though she remained quite disoriented, staring in disbelief and wonderment.

 Now came the problem at hand. There were wolf spirits (at a distance, mind you) but that was not what Fluffy was fixated. Instead, his attention was turned to the village that could be seen below. As it was getting dark, there was the distinct presence of flashlights and torches in large numbers. A quick changing of the scrying revealed that Gaston was agitating the villagers, fanning the flames of mob violence against Fluffy while providing a shield of Sleepers large enough that even Tenebremancy would be hard pressed to suppress the backlash.

https://youtu.be/rh98Kscctw4?t=8

Mistral had honestly failed to consider that Belle would consider it strange to be in a decrepit château one moment and then in the next moment find herself in a clean restroom in the middle of a populated town.  Recent events had been rather extraordinary and she had become accustomed to bending reality to her will, which had perhaps cause her to lose touch with the mundane.  There was probably something unhealthy in that.  To Belle she said in French, "<Apologies, I ought to have warned you of my... experimental transportation methods.  I would ask to keep it between us."  Mistral carried on checking Belle in for medical treatment as if nothing odd had occurred.

Back at the château, Mistral groaned audibly as she descried the scene in the village.  She explained to Noah and to Fluffy, "Gaston foments a mob of townsfolk against Fluffy.  They have the modern equivalents of torches and pitchforks already.  Une telle folie."  She sent along the imagery of what she was seeing to Noah via their telepathic link.  She then adjusted her Scrying to analyze the scene and pick out any agitators apart from the obvious leader.  As she searched she said, "Diverting this number of Sleepers with supercherie spatiale presents difficulty.  I have a solution in mind to subtly quell this agitation, although it is a method which I normally do not prefer.  If it would stop a violent mob, however, then I would deem it worthwhile."

While continuing to observe from afar she asked to Noah, "Have you wild ideas, mon dragon?"

PM

PM

Noah flipped over a few choice files on his slate. "Bout the best I have for now is to scare them off till we can relocate our lawyer Mr. Fluffums n' co. I have some of my containment drones. I could have them auto-play Fluffs clicking noise so it sounds like its not one but a number of them. Then once they reach their most 'what the fuck' isim, I can then hit them with a roar."

"Or we can just put the suggestion to sleep in them. That worked last time."

"Or we can put Fluff in one of my Tass suits if we can talk him into it. He will be the most angry of all owls."

 Mistral found that Gaston's presence seemed to vex her magic considerably

 Everything seemed to be going wrong. The labyrinth did not cover as much space as planned, the emotional urging did little to affect that many people, and Gaston himself seemed nearly immune to her mental influences.

 Fluffy abruptly decided to take matters into his own paws and flew off into the woods. With him being as difficult to track as he was, it did not take more than a few seconds to lose him entirely.

"I had hoped to make peace between Fluffy and the locals rather than stoke further fears, but it seems that cet oiseau s'est envolé.  I lack the means to calm such numbers, nor to hinder them in a way that would not cause incrédulité de masse."  Mistral then cursed quietly to herself and reported to Noah, "Fluffy has gone out to take matters upon himself.  My remaining options to put a stop to this are rather more... drastic."

Mistral kept a remote eye upon the mob, but appeared before the wolf spirits gathered outside the château in her gleaming archmage spirit form.  Keeping within the invisible boundaries of her ward, she addressed the gathered spirits in the whispering Shadow tongue, "I am the Mistress of the Ebon Tower, and I come to negotiate terms on la Tarasque's behalf.  He has done harm to you and your keepers in defense of an innocent girl brought to sacrifice.  Your keepers now stoke hatred and malcontent among the people, wounding the spiritual resonance of this land, and of yourselves.  It would be to the benefit of all to find a better way."