EVENTS:

The plant warriors nod in assent. Rosa can't help but shiver as she feels the tree's not-speech being directed at her for the first time.

Garden: "We are patient. But. We will defend ourselves, if provoked.

...

Please. Take care of our seedling. She is young, and brave. She will take risks."



Meanwhile, the Inquisitor nods.

Inquisitor: "Oh, so you're pretty young, in a way. Makes sense, with how coherent you seem.

We rarely get young ones like you around here. The bells, they call to the damaged and broken hearted. Those who've seen too much of the world out there to remain sane.

I realise you have reasons for leaving, but - Consider the Embrace, as well. For all of the Master's powers, he has not done a very good job of stopping the encroaching madness. Things won't get any better, if you continue on your journey."


Mean-Meanwhile, Peggy looks away.

Peggy: "You know how you asked if I was having dreams of luxury? Well, I wasn't - I was living them, I guess. But.

Now, that I've finally gotten some sense into my waking mind - I guess, I, pushed them into my sleep. Or, or something. I dreamed, of being adored and pampered. Of having servants attend to my every need. Of eating people. Hundreds and hundreds of people.

I told you before. Us Undead don't dream, we remember.

What the ♥♥♥♥ was I doing before I met you? W-who am I, even?

I'm dangerous, Klimt."

Aaaand Peggy's remembering Desiree.

"Please do.

And, I know."
> Quickly, stealthily, burrow under the snow. Move slow, hug the ground, bolt head to help see.

EVENTS:

The inquisitor shrugs.

Inquisitor: "Hmmm. For your sake, I hope this place you speak of is as safe as you think. And, that it remains that way.

...You are, surprisingly calm. Usually, when I tell people I'm alive, they flip out completely. It's something I'd grown fond of, to be honest."

Inquisitor: "Alive. As in, not dead? Not undead, eiher. I won't say I don't have SOME amount of mold within me, but it certainly doesn't control my body like that of a Doll.

Here, let me-"

He bites the tip of his finger, then flicks a small amount of blood in Eigla's direction. A droplet lands on her lips.

...Delicious. Savoury.

Meat.


Meanwhile, Rosa pokes her head out of the snow she'd been burrowing through. Eigla and the inquisitor seem to be talking, in an almost friendly manner. She's too far to hear what they're speaking, but she's certain she could discern laughter.

*JEALOUSY INTENSIFIES*

Inquisitor: "You'd find I am more than capable in close combat if you did.

As to the Mold - Well, it has its downsides. Minor scrapes tend to be fine as long as I clean them, but some strains cause a nasty fever, particularly those of wild, mutant creatures.

There's a reason the Undead are called undead. To assume direct control, the infection has to kill you first, or get into an already dead body. Even then, it doesn't affect everyone equally - Which is crow meat lasts so long, for example. They're very resistant to the Mold's effects."



Rosa snakes her way behind the two of them. Wait, did he just flick his blood at Eigla? THE AUDACITY OF IT.

EVENTS:

The inquisitor open his coat, revealing an old, battered bulletproof vest.

Inquisitor: "I try to avoid getting shot. But, most of the technology that remains is in the hands of the Master's armies. The wild beasts I hunt tend to fight with tooth and claw.

That's not to say I don't get hurt. Here, see this scar? Got my hand nearly bitten off once. Healed very well, even if that might be in part due to the Mold. Took me months instead of minutes, though. Some times, I envy your resilience."

Rosa continues to follow. WAIT IS HE UNDRESSING? REEEEEEEEEEE

EVENTS:

Peggy nods somewhat frantically, clenching her fists.

Peggy: "P-please don't leave me. I, I keep remembering things, t-that I don't like remembering.
I'm... Okay with a lot, but - The things I did. I, I can't even tell you.

I, I should get the truck running. In case we need to escape."


Meanwhile, Eigla gives the inquisitor a look over. He's certainly old, skin wrinkled and stained from a life exposed to the elements, but looks surprisingly healthy. Almost a full six feet tall, with rather strong arms, and a bold, confident manner of walking.

Inquisitor: "Hah. Important for what? In our age, there's no time to admire the relics of the past. If not for Mother's fear of the Detachment, I'd probably have turned long ago. And I suppose one day I will. Unlike you, I age a bit further with every passing year. My time will come, too.

And, less of a combat monster than monstrously clever. I'd say I've never fought a fair fight in my life, young lady."