(09) Pumpkin Assault [Open Commentlog]

[doctoral_bird]

[There is definitely something off about the plague doctor today. First, he was a bit suspicious of the pumpkins, though found them rather pleasant and curiously well-made. Then he thought he caught a glimpse of one of the old villagers faces on one, but quickly moved on and tried to block it out of his mind

Comments

[needsnobottle]

[Well this is different. Tammy stands a bit away from Malkus and watches as he has his little freak out. She's got a pumpkin tucked under her arm. The face on it isn't hers, but rather of a forlorn looking female. She's wearing a black backpack and something of a vaguely-amused expression.]

Not a fan of squash? Or the art of carving?

[needsnobottle]

I suppose, if I had to choose between not existing and this place, it's preferable. Then again, if I didn't exist I wouldn't be around to be bothered by it, would I?

[Yeah, she's still kind of adjusting to the shock.]

But hey, at least I'm not alone. Unless you count that I don't know anyone here.

[She pauses as she glances at a pumpkin and frowns, touching the carving. This one has marks on it; if she'd taken off her shoes she might recognize the new tattoo on her foot kind of matches it. Sort of. Ish. But whatever. She turns back to Malkus.]

Anyone you know here? Like, knew before you got here?

[doctoral_bird]

True... I think. You're right that it's always preferable to exist rather than to not...exist!

[The doctor's method of dealing with it is to just not think about it very much. Blissful ignorance and everything.]

Oh, do not worry about that. I had originally been quite the stranger, myself, but eventually grew to make a few friends. You know me, for starters! Rather good beginning, I must say.

[He shakes his head, though his voice doesn't seem to be any less cheerful.]

I would hope not. I did not know many to begin with. I must say I've made more acquaintances here than I did where I'm from. It's rather nice..

[needsnobottle]

[His cheer makes her smile. Damn happy people and their infectious moods! Tammy is really trying hard here, but it's hard to be guarded when you're still shell-shocked. Give her some time.]

Yeah, I know you now. And you're turning out better than some of the teachers I had to put up with last semester.

[This is a joke. A poor one. You don't have to laugh.

His last statement makes her pause, and she tilts her head as she studies him. It takes her a second to connect the dots--plague doctor, meaning most of the people he would have known before would be...right, other plague doctors and people who actually...had...the plague.

Yeah, she bets that wasn't a picnic.]

You're the first person I've come across that has called this place nice.

[doctoral_bird]

Quite. And thank you! Though I haven't taught much, I hope you continue in your efforts to eh-...to put me up.

[He gives a small laugh, even if he doesn't realize it's a joke. He can see that analyzing stare, but is thankful that she doesn't question his background much more.]

It's rather pleasant. Avoiding certain areas of danger, the keep is full of some of the nicest residents.

[needsnobottle]

Mm, yeah, I've met some nice ones. And some rude ones, but that's the way of the world.

[She nods over to the pumpkins, shifting her roommate pumpkin to her other arm.]

Any idea what all this is about? Since you've been here longer, figure you might have a theory at least.

[doctoral_bird]

Indeed, it is. I understand how that is... I've had my fair share of rudeness. This? I don't really know. We've had festivals in the past, but there always seems to be some unusual aspect to them... Unless they're organized by a fellow resident. The following celebration seems rather interesting, though! At least by looking at the types of costumes in the clothier...

[needsnobottle]

This place has costumes? Guess that's where the guy got the pirate get up. It just figures a place like this would get into Halloween. Built in atmosphere.

[doctoral_bird]

Pirate cost- OH, Jack! The fearless captain. No no, he's the real thing! We even have a ship! We uh-... We had a ship...

[He frowns, staring off in the direction of the lake...]

But yes, costumes. I've got mine all ready and everything!

[needsnobottle]

[Color her surprised. A real pirate? Should she be hiding her booty? Not that she has any doubloons or whatever on her. Just 88 cents.

But then Malkus tells her his costume is ready and the pirate isn't really on her mind anymore.]

Really? What're you going as?

[The good doctor just gained a couple of notches in her book. Most of the adults she knows don't dress up, and inevitably those that do are awesome.]

[doctoral_bird]

Hm? A great and powerful wizard, of course! The hat is quite large and the robes are fantastically...magical looking! It'll be rather fun. You should attend the festivities!

[needsnobottle]

Festivities, huh? What do these entail? Trick or treating? TP-ing the buildings? Bobbing for apples?

[doctoral_bird]

[He shrugs, laughing a bit. Though he doesn't quite know what some of these things mean...]

Perhaps! There may be treats. Most likely rather delicious foods. I do not know what Tee Pee is, but I'm almost certain there will be apples!

[needsnobottle]

[He doesn't know what TP is? That...is disconcerting, until Tammy considers that maybe he just doesn't know the slang.

Though she figured everyone knew that slang.]

TP, toilet paper. Meaning you take rolls of the stuff and toss them into trees or on buildings. It's a pretty common Halloween prank among teenagers. That and throwing raw eggs at houses.

[doctoral_bird]

Wh- Well that seems like quite a waste of this paper for toilets... Why would one throw raw eggs! Those are rather difficult to obtain!

[The doctor frowns at these shenanigans.]

Anyways, I suppose that would be entertaining... Despite wasteful. Though I do not think I would like it if we threw these eggs, instead of eating them.. Not that I really trust the hens that they come from.

[They swear little sweaters. How trustworthy is that.]

[needsnobottle]

Mostly they do it because they're assholes.

[Tammy shrugs. Don't ask her to explain such things, they never made sense to her to begin with.]

But hey, delicious food and apples. Sign me up. When's this party happening?