Private ✪ Stokbon Episode I: The Impersonator Appears!

[Tick Tock]

There was a ray of hope there, right THERE, on these words Kyanna muttered.
Just maybe

That's all Tock needed to let her mind wander to their honeymoon on Italy, upon the canals of Venice while they eat strawberries and hum along their chosen song for the wedding. It all looked so perfect in her mind. But what Kyanna would see is how Tock practically drools onto the floor, dumbstuck in a dreamworld.

Fortunately, the sister she's talking to is very concious as of now!

"Hehe, see? Tick had a good point." A pat to her own back, just metaphorically. But before they were given any kind of warning whatsoever besides Kyanna babbling a little bit about the blind man in question, she zoomed away, just like that!

"H-hey wait! Tock let's go, her hat might fly away if she goes that fast!" And Tick broke into a sprint after the witch.
"Awaw?" Tock said.

Two puppets running down the streets after a dark haired girl with an oversized hat was quite the view, enough to get people out of the way or to stand still like a pillar in the middle of their rush across the market. Some stalls were closing up just now, so that was a bad sign, yet fortunately for Kyanna, she would find the very same blind man sitting on that very stall of his, not moving an inch where the rest of his kind were packing their things up. One grizzly man seemed worried enough to talk to him about it, only to be waved off and given a smile.

His gaze was straight as an arrow, or at least his head didn't move an inch in that regard, even when the little witch came to a halt upon his little shop.

I had reasons to believe you would be back. Ah, my apologies, did you introduce yourself to me already? It's hard to keep track of so many things at once.

So if you knew, why didn't you prepare some tea for Tick, Tock and Kyanna?

Tock retorted, and the man just broke into a laughter.

You wouldn't have taken it even if I did.

Hm hm. Spooky man. Be careful Kyanna, he knows our tricks. He can read our minds. He is clearly shady!

No. That's just what you two did last time you were here.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"My name is Kyanna!" She said, not quite reminding if she had introduced herself or not, but she repeated even if it was the case. Her gaze shifted between the puppets and the man a handful of times, seeing the interaction with a puzzled expression, and understanding that this was most likely not the first time the man had seen the duo.

However, she did brush those complicated matters away, focusing on her own topic that she wished to know more about.

"Mister, you said something when I was here..." She inquired.

"You told me I look familiar... However, this is my first time around here." Kyanna rested a hand on her chest, frowning.

"Did you... Did you see someone that looks like me? Well, not look, but feel, or hear? Sorry... I don't understand how you know how I look like..." Her lips pursed, unsure if she was being rude.

@Tick Tock

 

[Tick Tock]

The puppet duo fell quiet, for once in a lifetime. Even the man himself was taken back by this, but his face never put that in display for them to see.

Kyanna. The pleasure is mine, I am Reynald.

Reynald finally introduced himself. By now even he had forgotten if they exchanged names or not, so many paths and so little sense out of them, he could swear they did, but his ears didn't fail him just yet, and the voice of the witch proved different despite the scent she wore clearly matched a different person.

He went on to listen carefully, try to piece things together. Even a blindfold and a hood didn't stop him from showcasing such interest... And confusion. Yet his thoughtfulness came to an end, and with it, Reynald lifted the side of the counter that gave easy access to the inside of his stool, which mimicked a tent rather, and made his way outside, bending over until his face was leveled with Kyanna's.

It was hard to guess what he was looking for, given how he can't see, but that's apparently what he was doing.

You wouldn't know how often I get that. No need to apologize, really.

He couldn't delay the inevitable explanation on the matter, and yet he couldn't predict how hard this could be for the girl. Positive or not, he owed the truth after being so cryptic early on.

It was long ago. I met someone that didn't look, talk or behave like you, but -feels- just like you. It means you have a connection, stronger than anyone else, with her. There are many reasons for this, but none are important right now.

Not unless she asked, since they were technicalities of what his sight could and could not do.

She would tell me all about the stars. We would go stargazing, and with her aid I could see the constellations, and I would explain each and every single one to them. It was but momentary, but it gave me peace like I've never experienced.

Nostalgia almost gave step to melancholy. Fond memories of his friend that were just that: Memories, now reawakened by Kyanna's presence, and with it a chapter of his life he thought would remain sealed forever- It gave hope to a hopeless case, however.

I haven't heard of her since... Forever. I can't remember. My memory isn't that great thanks to my eyes overstimulating it. But now it's my turn to ask: Who are you, Kyanna. Who are you looking for?

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna was similarly surprised by the puppet duo abrupt quietness after they had proven to be nothing short of talkative. But she also didn't comment, with the matter regarding her mother being a far more important issue to take care of than anything else.

"Reynald, no no, the pleasure is all mine." She took her hat off, holding it by the edges as she gave a brief bow.

Her attention remained locked on him, evev as he moved a bit closer, getting past the counter and giving Kyanna a piece of his precious memories.

The way he spoke about this person that felt like Kyanna was rather familiar, making her chest bubble with hope and gratefulness. Could it be that her mother was still around? The question was quickly answered, in a way that unfortunately told her 'no'.

When asked who she was, Kyanna paused.

"I am a Starcalled. A witch too, at least in here." She said, unsure if the man was a Lander or another player. "I am looking for my mother." Kyanna revealed.

"Far, far away from here, in our world... Unfortunately she... Disappeared." For the lack of a better way to put it. "And I am mostly certain she is in this world, which is why I am looking for her." She explained.

@Tick Tock

 

[Tick Tock]

Tock took extreme notice of just how polite Kyanna could be with strangers, and to this man even. It brew something equivalent to jealousy within her bossom...

Can you believe this Tick. She's so nice to him. Tock wants Kyanna to be nice to Tock...

The puppet whispered back to her twin, who was completely consumed by Reynald's tale and, in fact, couldn't care much. Not until a fist went straight to her shoulder and almost pushed her off her feet, and to her surprise, she was staring at herself. Except it wasn't herself, but Tock, having forgotten about her twin for that split of a second.

][/COLOR]Ehem, yeah, such a tragedy. Tick can't believe it, certainly Kyanna has no reasons to do what she does to Tock. Being rude to her stalker, how dare she, right?!

Exactly!

Yet the sarcasm just flew over Tock's head, to Tick surprise...

I'm sorry to hear that. Starcalled have gotten scarce for a long while now, but their return is greatly appreciated. It's usually the ones like you who bring some kind of balance to our troubles.

Reynald sighed, his voice drawn out and it clearly shows with just how much It displeased him to say such outloud. The presence of starcalled just made them reliant on them in the first place, and the last years proved that even what's given for granted like their existence can be banished in the blink of an eye.

Like I said Kyanna, I have no clue. My memories are faulty, and unless you know someone who can help with that... But there is one thing I can say: She may not be in your world, but she is certainly in this one.

Severity upon his tone, as he of all people knew how quickly the hopes of a person can be shattered, specially given a search like this one, any possible leads were important, and thus, he would grant her a sliver of hope, if only for old times sake.

The Hylands. It was usually something she would comment about, yet the primordial land is difficult to traverse, and more dangerous than anything you may have seen around Finweald as a whole. But if she's gone for this long, then that might be a good clue to follow. Perhaps she finally found a way around it?

That was as much of a guess as he could make.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna did what she could to ignore the whispering going on between the twins behind her back, even if she could hear them. Perhaps they wanted her to hear it, as part of their theatrics, that they simply did out of nowhere and to no one in particular.

"Starcalled running scarce?" Kyanna muttered, not knowing much about the history of Terrasphere, but the way the man spoke sure made it sound it was a fact that lingered for years, rather than just a few months ago.

The mention of memories being faulty made Kyanna hold back a frustrated sigh.

It wasn't the man's fault, after all.

However, he still provided a hint, along with the encouragement and confirmation that her mother was indeed in Terrasphere. "Hylands?" She paused to ponder about it for a moment. "I've never been there..." Kyanna muttered, pausing for a moment and shifting a glance to the twins.

"Have you?" She asked.

@Tick Tock

 

[Tick Tock]

Reynald rised his brows in surprise, but perhaps he should have expected it ever since the Starcalled returned and many clueless adventurers begun to swarm the capital.

Starcalled suddently disappeared. Many who claimed to be Starcalled were all unable to leave.

The concept still rattled his mind whenever brought up. It was hard to 'depart' this world and come back, simply because these concepts are bound to life and death rather than what Starcalled use it for.

The twins finally found their calling however, both turning their heads back to Kyanna, mimicking the wide smile the other had at that point on.
"Yes!" Tock made haste to reply, the prospect of yet another little adventure with the witch justified her excitement at the moment.
"Nope!" Tick gave the most sincere of the answers, shooking off her head, only to be taken back- both of them in fact- at the opposing answers. "Wait, you do?"
"Well, kiiinda? Tock knows where it is, but never went there in the first place. So yes and no." Tock said, getting a suspicious look out of Tick, yet her twin finally gave in with a nod, turning to face back to Kyanna. "What do you say, Kya. Tock can guide us."

"Oho, Tock can do it, at the small price of-"
"Shut it!"
"Fineee. For free, just because it's Tock's dear Kiany." Affectionate voice almost purred her name out, if only she were a beastfolk it might just be possible!

I would be a detriment to your group, but, If there is anything you ever need...

Reynald took a deep breath in then whistled, as loud as he could, enough to make the twins cover their ears for the second it lasted. It almost felt completely random, until, a few seconds later, one could hear the flap of wings and how quickly a predator landed right on the man's shoulder.

This is Nerevar. She is my best tracker, specializes in magic leftovers. Just give her a scent and she will pick it up and deliver any message you need. If you would keep me in touch with your progress, I would deeply appreciate it. Your mother was a dear friend of mine, if memory serves me right, and I would like to know she's okay.

And with that, the owl instead flew out of his stall, and landed on Kyanna's hat, only to find the surface unsteady enough for him to switch for her shoulder instead.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"I... I see..."

Kyanna listened to Reynald's reveal with a faint nod. She had heard about it a few times, about the disappearance, about how every player that was stuck in the game continued to live through it for the four years it wasn't accessible to anyone. It was intriguing, and in the eyes of the landers, it seemed even more intriguing, as the man spoke up about it.

At the twins' response, Kyanna blinked, tilting her head at their constant contradiction. "Do you know, or do you not?" She rose an eyebrow, turning to them.

When Tick suggested to Kyanna to let Tock do the guiding, Kyanna half-opened her mouth to respond, only to be interrupted by Tock's silly display, making the girl mildly unsure if she should go with it.

"Fine..." Kyanna muttered, averting her gaze from the twins and looking at the man, who soon summoned an owl that approached, bringing a small smile to Kyanna's lips, along with a giggle.

"You wouldn't be a detrimental, Reynald." Kyanna reassured, tilting her head and approaching a finger to the owl, letting it give a gentle peck on her index while Kyanna gently caressed its 'chin'.

"Nerevar, huh? It is a pleasure to meet you." She hummed, turning to face the man.

"Thank you for your help, mister. I promise we will bring your owl back in safety." Kyanna promised.

@Tick Tock

 

[Tick Tock]

While Reynald talked, Tock begun to write down on her notes, adding emotes all over the quotes taken from the man himself, aswell as pouring thoughts into these pages.

Kyanna's distrust was deeply rooted on her, the poor witch incapable of allowing herself a breathing room around them. How sad! Tock did all she could and more, only to have this random shady stranger prove himself better company than the random shady puppet.

"YES!- Ehem." Tock cleared her throat just as Kyanna muttered the magical word (that isn't for apologies), and suddently her spirits lifted a thousand fold, the puppet's quill went faster now, hurrying to finish her homework if only to focus on personal priorities. Aka, their trip to Hylands.

"Tick welcomes you aboard, Kyanna The Black Witch." Flavouring her title, confetti begun to puff from above Kyanna, accompanied by noise, as if celebrating a birthday or something. It all disappeared seconds after, once the illusion ran out of a magic supply from Tick.

You will understand it when you reach the Hylands. A blind man in these lands? Lord...I don't want to even imagine it.

He chuckled, watching Kyanna warm up to the owl surprisingly quick. Nerevar wasn't one to trust, but if anything, it should become a compass for the daughter in search of her mother. Hopefully, that is. Afterall, the owl herself had a bond in pieces with the departure of that lady.

Clouded by his thoughts, Reynald gave a compossed bow. The bad thing about astramancy was how seeing into the future, if only a few seconds, could spoil a story all together for him. The conclusion of their talk being one.

I trust you will. But don't worry, she knows how to take care of herself. She won't get in your way.

"Alright that sounds like enough for now. We'll see you in a month or something, Reynald!" Tock waved enthusiastically, far too ready to get going now as opposed to Tick's calm demeanour of the moment.

Of course, Tock waved at a blind man with a blindfold.

And instantly after that, the puppet pressed her shoulder next to Kyanna, offering her arm for them to lock it together, wiggling brows and a big smile all too eager to wait, but certainly not about to act upon her intentions. Not without her raven-haired spouse's approval!

"Sooo. We can think of this as a date?"

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna blinked, watching Tock's rapidly writing, raising an eyebrow and leaning in, curious about it until Tick sparkled the confetti along with the title, nodding briefly. "Alright, thank you-" She tilted her head at the title she had received. The Black Witch sounded far more dangerous than she intended, but she could roll with it for sure.

"Ah right... Sorry..." She muttered, pondering about it. Perhaps that place needed far more perception than she expected.

"So she is an intelligent one, huh?" Kyanna smiled, still showering the owl with caresses before letting her go.

"I thank you again, Mr. Reynald. When I come back, I will tell everything about our journey!" The girl said with a happy nod, turning around as she peeked Tock bidding her farewell to the man.

The witch continued to march, giving the owl some attention until Tock spilled a question that disrupted her attention. "A-A date? No, it is not." She frowned, turning to face her. "We are trying to find my mother, not having a date." Kyanna sighed.

"Say... Do you really know how to wander in Hylands?"

@Tick Tock

 

[Tick Tock]

What Kyanna would find on these pages were actually notes this time around. Every single bit of conversation between herself, Reynald, and even the twins themselves, as if it were part of a script they were meant to recite, aswell as lines for the reactions each twin gave, with little hearts scribbled right above of them, or lightning bolts to symbolize anger.

"Mrr..." Given Nerevar's plumage was all fluffy and loose, it must mean she likes it! And the lack of any kind of threatening noise was a give away, at least until Tock got a little too close to Kyanna, which triggered it's head to pivot in direction of the puppet.

Thank me once you find your mother. Until then, I did nothing but give you a little pest to feed and some directions.

He smiled, stretching his hand out to give one last stroke across Nerevar's feathers before finally parting ways, with a heavy heart to see her leave. Alas, she would be back one day. He had hope in this little group, despite the troublesome twins being part of it.

"A-A date? No, it is not."
"A date!" Tock exclaimed, with a finger pointing up to the sky and her eyes closed to add some level of drama to that one motion, only to be shut down by a frown and affirmation of what their journey was about. Tock leaned closer, hand stretched to try and rest it on Kyanna's shoulder, only for Nerevar to interrupt her with one mighty PECK!

"Ow ow! Okay birdie, Tock gets it!" She shook her hand. Despite not feeling pain at all.
"Aha, Tick likes the birdie already." Tick approved, only to stretch her hand out to try and pet that winged ball of feathers, only to also be victim of the predator's beak. "OW. HEY!" Tock just watched her intently, with the smuggest look she could muster, getting a scoff out of her sister. "Where was Tock... Oh yeah! Tock knows a little about Hylands, but we need gear, yes yes. And we may not be able to explore all of it. Flying rocks and freefalls to your death are quite the spooky hotspots for vacations." Tock added, casual when speaking of their untimely demises should they be unprepared.

"Let alone the predators and whatever lurks around... Tell you what, why don't you enjoy this cozy big city and let Tick Tock go back to their shop to prepare for the long journey. Give Tick Tock a day or two, well have it all ready!" The pair shot a thumbs up with all their arms back at Kyanna.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"It is a cutie, not a pest, if you ask me." Kyanna smiled to Reynald, giving another gentle caress to the owl, before the twins approached, with the arm wrapping around her making Kyanna squint momentarily, peeking at Tock when she approached, and almost instinctively leaning away before the owl went for an unexpected defense, biting the puppet's fingers and making Kyanna grin for a moment, but not before it faded from her lips and she gave a tiny scold to the owl.

"Hey, don't peck them. Pecking people is bad, only peck bad people!" She said, giving the bird a gentle boop with her index, then turning to the two of them and pondering about their words.

"Right."

She was far from convinced, but that was her only chance.

"In this case, I will stay around for a while. It may be good for me to get used to this little baby here." She said, brushing a finger on the bird's plumage, before finally taking off to the city, where she would get herself ready for the rest of the journey.

@Tick Tock

 

[Tick Tock]

Reynald smirked at that oh so innocent comment. Of course he found the little bird a blessing long ago, and it still is, yet his attunement with it has always been a partnership rather than a heart to heart emotion. That was a connection Nerevar shared with it's owner, and one she now shares with her daughter.

Well, she's a big baby when it comes to food, so pack a lot of the journey. She has an habit to hunt on her own, but I got tired of dead mouses in my home, I'll be honest.

It was natural for a hunter to hunt, afterall.

Yet the predator fell short to Kyanna's words, merely hooting back at the witch when given a little bop, eyes closed as she saw it coming, and when she opened them, both puppets were grinning at her, as if they had managed to one up the bird.

Couse they did, clearly!

"Very well! We will track you down when we are ready, we got pretty good noses." Tick Tock nodded. Or rather than a nose, they just would run in circles until they found the witch in the first place. Not like she's hard to find, and there is two of them!

Tock begun to sob a little as Kyanna begun to walk away, giving far more affection to that feathery vermin than herself. She washed away invisible tears as Tick stared at her intently and grasped her by the arms to drag her away instead.

"AmorsitoOoOoO! Tock will see you later, Tock promises!" She singsongs, with a hand dramatically stretched out towards Kya as Tick groans and complains the entire journey back.

@Kyanna Wynne