Cherubplay

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This copperblood, like many of his kind, did not think the differences in blood were all there. He, and all his friends, had all been treated with the utmost kindness and could only assume the same for the rest of the society. When the Bibliosaurus came about, he spoke to her politely about the book he was searching for, while Tavros followed Gamzee dutifully, definitely not wanting to be caught by a fellow-blooded man.

"I am surprised that we even lasted, uh, this long," He murmured. Truly, it was a miracle for them to have been undiscovered by outside trolls for the time period that they had. He could not help but look a tad glum, however; it was disappointing that their game had to have been severed so swiftly, especially when things were getting so interesting.

2014-06-27 23:32:13
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Gamzee brought them into a secluded nook near the back, where they could only just hear what was going on in the front. There were some cushy giant pillows on the floor, one of which Gamzee flopped into. "Yea, 'specially when it was gettin' all fun and shit. We could always continue back here if you want." He looked up at Tavros from his position on the floor, lying on his side resting his head on a fist.

"Nobody really comes this far back ever. Sometimes I even nap back here, if gettin' here got tough on the way." He patted the pillow next to him, inviting Tavros to take a load off. "Or we could work on a riddle if you want," he shrugged.

2014-06-27 23:43:28
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"Aw, it will not be the same now," Tavros pouted, plopping down on a pillow beside Gamzee but his downturned lips soon quirked up into a smile, "But, I do like it back here. It is cozy."

The brownblood stretched his legs in front of him briefly, then settled comfortably in the pillow and sighed quietly in content, "Yes, of course, we can work on a, uh, riddle if you would like." He took the folded map out of his apron's pocket and unfolded it, "Should we just work in the order in which the places, appear?"

2014-06-28 00:42:08
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Relaxing on his back now, Gamzee stretched, then settled with one arm behind his head and the other draped loosely on his chest. "Sounds good to me, Tavbro. You're the one knows best, I think," he said. He turned his face to Tavros to listen and watch his friend. It was nice to share this space with him; it made it even more cozy feeling.

That last riddle was pretty hard, but together they could get it. The last one seemed like it needed both knowledge of Wonderland and Alternia, at least to Gamzee, as it had referred to a card game he had never heard of before.

2014-06-28 01:03:15
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First, Tavros read over the riddle, but it seemed that it was speaking of just one thing rather than including two, as the first riddle declared. Additionally, this riddle appeared simpler but it was difficult for Tavros, either way. The riddle did not seem to combine information from both worlds, necessarily, which made things easier, relatively.

"It says, 'forge a path from duo to one, the one shining like the burning sun - the third is valuable, expensive, truly a delight, and a trio is worth a red's fight.' ...And that still makes no sense to me. I mean," Tavros rubbed at his temples, "I guess, if it is still going with the theme of kingdoms, I suppose it could be Diamonds. But, uh, 'forge a path from duo to one'? A 'trio is worth a red's fight'? What does that, even mean?",

2014-06-28 01:30:45
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"Maybe if it's going in order, the duo is the spades and clubs from before? I think you're definitely right that the third is Diamonds, since it's talkin' about bein' expensive. Maybe it wants you to link the two to the one? Have those three meet somehow?" Gamzee postulated.

"And red, like a heart? Maybe the three are supposed to do something with the Heart kingdom. Maybe it's only worth it to the hearts if they loose support of the diamonds because they join up with the other two. ...I don't know what they mean by the one shining like a sun, though, unless it's just because diamonds sparkle."

2014-06-28 01:40:36
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"Gosh, I think you are right," Whenever there were missing links, it seemed that Gamzee could always come up with the extra portions that Tavros could not form himself. It was like their minds were so varied that it only made sense to complete the riddles. "Good thinking! My quest, uh, is beginning to make more sense to me. A little."

He was guessing that he would have to do something with all the kingdoms, but he was not sure what the result would be or even the process. Was he supposed to solve some kind of problem? And if so, what was the problem that he was supposed to be fixing? "So...I will take the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, to the whoever it is that represents the Diamond kingdom and make sure, everyone is on good terms. Excellent."

2014-06-28 01:55:37
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Gamzee grinned over at him, "You make having people get along sound so easy! It sounds pretty fuckin' difficult to me, but....I guess you're nice enough to make it all work out. At least you don't have to go around beating up monsters like old Alice, at least so far."

Gamzee was glad to help however he could, especially with Tavros's little positive comments afterwards. He felt like he was going to have to be something like a body guard at times, or maybe just a butler, so long as they were potentially traveling with others and interacting...but maybe part of the point was not to act that way? He was starting to wonder, with the little inkling that the Hearts were going to be against the other three, if it wasn't some sort of quest to equal things out.

2014-06-28 02:06:38
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The mention of monsters had him furrowing his brows; he wasn't fit to fight! He was tiny and slender and much too delicate for real combat! Tavros could wield a lance somewhat, but he was severely out of practice and doubted that he could hold his own anymore. Work really did take up so much of his time. Being in Wonderland even after his quest would free up so much time for him and he could be with Gamzee more often...

"Making friends with people is not so difficult, I do not think. Getting feuding people to get along is probably much harder." But that did not deter him from wanting to try. "I may have to do, uh, some totally, as one of my closest friends would describe, /sick nasty/ moves on monsters, though, if it ever comes to that." He grinned playfully, obviously paying homage to Gamzee in his words.

2014-06-28 02:28:46
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"Woah, those critters better not tangle with you, Tavbro," he smiled, turning on his side to face his companion better. "I'd offer to help, but, I'm pretty pathetic at fighting. You'll probably have to up and rescue me from some slatherin' monster or other," he joked, wanting to flatter Tavros some for being so nice to him. Gamzee may have not thought himself a great fighter, but he knew he was tough. He'd survived enough to know that for certain.

Eventually the door's bell rang again as the other troll departed, leaving the place empty again except for the three of them. Their sauropodian hostess slipped past again a little later. "Coast is clear, boys," she said in passing, disappearing into unknowable depths of parchment and leather.

2014-06-28 02:42:54
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As she walked by, and alerted them that any and all danger had come to pass, Tavros stood and stretched. The time for idleness was over, and passivity would have to wait - there was much work to get done.

"Come on, Gamzee," He encouraged, offering a small hand to his companion to help him out of the pillow that sank with his weight and looked to be swallowing him rather than be a comfortable piece of furniture. "I think we ought to get, going now. Shove off and collect whatever items, we shall need for the impending journey." And, perhaps on their way through the city, he could observe the people and try to understand the culture of Wonderland. He was a familiar looking stranger, not out of place in appearance but definitely in his beliefs and mindset. Tavros had little idea as to how things worked in Wonderland, knowing just barely the basics of the society and its norms. The intricacies that would make blending in easier were unknown to him but he sought to change that.

2014-06-28 03:11:36
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He groaned, but took Tavros's hand as he levered himself out of the consuming cushion. "Look at that, your first grand rescue is a success. I could motherfuckin' /swoon/ over your bravery," Gamzee grinned when he was standing. "A devious monster has just been defeated most tremendously. Let it be known throughout the land! Tavros! Tavros!" he announced, chanting his hero's name as he jogged out of the secluded hiding place and back to where there stuff was. He laughed lightly as he did, sure Tavros would get after him for being such a goofy clown.

He picked up the bag from where he had left it by the couch, and the book he had been reading. The Bibliosaurus, appearing almost out of no where, inclined her head towards him. "You should take that with you, it might come in useful if you're going around places. Do come and visit when you can, dearie." She left after nuzzling him gently, passing Tavros to say goodbye and wish him well, too. Gamzee stuck the smallish thick book in the bag and went back to where their two pairs of shoes were, slipping his on and waiting for his companion.

2014-06-28 03:25:33
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Giggling, Tavros followed after him and his chanting self, thinking idly that it would be such a shame to leave him behind if he was forced to go back home from Wonderland.

He kept his things folded in his pockets, discarding the wrapper that held his cupcake and any stray crumbs as he began counting off their items mentally. Gauging that they had everything, Tavros slipped his shoes and coat on and said a few kind farewells to the Bibliosaurus. For coming on from such a rocky start, he was thankful for all her intellect and the abundance of help she graciously dished out to him; without her helping hand, he never would have gotten so far with his decoding.

Opening the door to the business, he stepped out and shivered a bit at the cold but made no comment of it as looked back for Gamzee.

2014-06-28 18:38:18
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Gamzee was following close behind, still smiling, even though he was shivering slightly, too. "Maybe we should get you some warmer things, a better fucking coat, at least," he commented to Tavros quietly when there weren't a lot of people around to hear him talking. He got used to the temperature a little quicker, but Tavros was smaller than him so it affected his friend more.

For the most part Gamzee kept his head down and followed Tavros as they went. If Tavros was observing the people, they interacted much like people in his Alternia would, besides for the reversed caste system. Most people kept interactions within their level or one below or above. In this middling part of the city things were brighter and people wore more color than he saw in the edge areas they had passed through.

Mostly everyone minded their business, waving or saying hello to friends and acquaintances but avoiding unfamiliar faces for the most part. If he caught people looking at him usually they would nod in deference and turn to whatever they had been doing, but there were always a few with less neutral looks on their faces--some jealous, some almost leering.

2014-06-28 19:05:53
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"No, no, I am fine, honest," He assured, feeling a bit guilty for practically leeching off Gamzee since the moment he had arrived in Wonderland. "What's a little cold, huh? I will be alright."

When Tavros happened to catch a mean-spirited look, he would return it with a stern one. It was a warning to leave his friend alone, that was the intention, but it came across as more of the other person leaving his 'property' alone. Either way, it kept rude comments as whispers and any thoughts of interacting with Gamzee to a quiet hint in the backs of their minds. It was easy to be condescending to someone that lacked support, especially support from someone that was higher on the spectrum than they were.

With his mind on other things, Tavros found it simple to just go through the motions with no real purpose. He was thinking, mostly, about his role as Alice and the inevitable quest he was to complete; the result of which was hazy, at best. When he got all the people together, -which was just an assumption, he didn't know if he was really supposed to or not- what would they end up doing? Talking, fighting? It was all so vague that he just supposed he would have to go with his feelings.

2014-06-29 00:16:55
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Gamzee let the talk about getting Tavros some other things drop. He didn't mind providing things for his friend and worried a little about him getting too cold and maybe getting ill. The taller of the two was used to simplicity now, and figured he had it pretty good with all the readily available food and comfortable living quarters he had out in the woods. Any mistreatment from the city dwellers didn't get him down all that much anymore, though it was nice to be left alone; he had noticed Tavros's efforts at being stern. He thought it was pretty cute and was a little surprised at how effective it turned out to be.

For his part he caught a couple people looking at Tavros in ways he didn't like, so, taking a page out of Tavros's book, he acted the part he was expected to play to see if it worked for him, too. While his friend wasn't looking, or over his head at people in front of them who were looking at Tavros inappropriately, he tried glaring and even baring his teeth a little. He was equally surprised at how this worked. Any nasty looks left their faces and occasionally he caught hints of fright replacing them as they moved away. He didn't like being scary but if it kept gross people away from Tav... As soon as they passed through the poorer edges he didn't need to worry anymore, as they gave both of them space. Soon enough they were at the gate again.

2014-06-29 00:56:38
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At the gate, Tavros passed back through rather easily, giving little look to whatever guard happened to be standing out there. The way to and from Gamzee's home was starting to become clearer now; before, it just seemed like aimless wandering and achy feet in Mary Janes. Now he felt like he had a purpose, but he kindled that to knowing more about his role as Alice.

He had never noticed Gamzee making intimidating or aggressive expressions to be people looking at him, nor did he think others looked at him in the first place. One or two higherblooded trolls trailed their eyes up Tavros's legs, trying to get a peek of the stripe of skin between his stockings and the hem of his dress, but they immediately cast they eyes away when they noticed the hue of Gamzee's blood. They, like everyone else, had heard the many stories swirling from history about violetbloods, or, as the upperclass circles derogatorily spat, the 'violentbloods.' They dared not to look over Tavros like a piece of meat ever again.

2014-06-29 02:28:53
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Once they were back in the woods Gamzee walked beside Tavros, happy to be out of the city and somewhere he could just be himself again. He let his mind wander for the most part and gazed around at their surroundings appreciatively. He remembered his companion seemed to enjoy the silence and was comfortable in it, and he was fine not conversing and just being beside his friend on their walk home.

He would have maintained the silence if he thought Tavros wouldn't have wanted to know how long it might take to get back to the comfort of his hive. "Hey, Tavbro. It's still pretty early we could probably all up and get to my hive by nightfall. But we can always stop again if it's too much fucking walking," he said, nonchalant. Gamzee didn't much care either way if they slept at the camping spot or at his hive. Whatever was most comfortable for Tavros was great as far as he was concerned.

2014-06-29 02:39:45
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"We should just keep going, then," Tavros decided after some consideration, "As much as I would adore ceasing incessant walking, in these horrid shoes, it would probably be best to just get to your hive." Glad to be out of the city, Tavros had relaxed some now that he didn't have to put up a front of firmness and mild aggression. He could act the way he wanted to, that being Gamzee was his equal and not some lackey he had hired.

He fell back into silence again, listening to their footfalls and the sounds of nature that were so suppressed when in the city. The familiar noises were almost forgotten when within the brick and concrete and glass of the urbanized area, and Tavros felt more at home when he could hear birds chirping and bugs buzzing, though the latter continued to stray from himself and Gamzee, much to his delight.

2014-06-29 02:56:51
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Gamzee kept quiet through their journey. Taking in the forest never got boring; there was always something he hadn't noticed before. Maybe it was just because this place felt like home but he found it beautiful, all the little delicate details of plants, singing of birds, and even the bugs could be interesting when they weren't buzzing obnoxiously around their heads. Occasionally he found himself inspecting something intently, or humming some birdsong he knew from exposure to it so often. He also wondered about Tavros; mostly about the coat and shoes. Should he bring them up again? he wondered. It wouldn't do for his friend to be miserable on such a long journey.

They got closer as the sun moved through the sky, and eventually sunset colors bathed everything and the mushrooms started luminesing again as evening approached. Before they knew it they were at the small path that led to the house.

2014-06-29 03:07:39
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"Wow..." The sunset had him stopping in the middle of the path, a hand splayed over his chest as he stared up at the sky. The sun was just beginning to descend below the horizon, the mushrooms emanating soft shades across the world. Even his own skin found a browner hue from a mix of his blood and the golden tones of the falling sun, the lower half of his body exposed to the blues and greens of nearby mushrooms. Tavros was bathed in color and the colder temperatures of nightfall.

He turned his head to look over at his friend, beaming, "Is it not gorgeous like this?" Tavros questioned, breathless from nature as he shifted his gaze to the foliage, "With the lowering sun, the glowing of the mushrooms..."

2014-06-29 03:19:16
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The indigo blood was a little lost for words himself. Nature sure was beautiful, but Tavros... All the colors and the wonder on his face just made his thinkpan grind to a halt and his bloodpusher do something funny and slightly uncomfortable behind his ribs. 'Oh shit,' Gamzee thought to himself, 'oh motherfuckin shit. Stop.' He didn't really want to stop thinking along the affectionate lines he'd discovered, but figured he had to, given the circumstances.

"...Yea, it sure is, Tavbro," he said eventually, tearing his eyes away from his friend and gazing through the branches at the sunset and how it's light played on other things. "It's pretty motherfuckin beautiful."

2014-06-29 03:29:02
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Tavros did not stop watching the sun until he could not see it anymore, but its light still kept residual pinks and oranges in the sky. Blinking a couple times, he smiled over at Gamzee, "I suppose we ought to continue on a little bit, huh?" It wouldn't take but a few minutes to get to Gamzee's hive now, considering they were already on the path, but the cold was starting to set in past his stockings and dress and scrape against his skin. It would be best if he was indoors.

He walked on the path to Gamzee's hive, humming some unknown song to himself as he skipped along, watching random furry animals scurry over the path and into the the dark corners of the forest.

2014-06-29 03:36:53
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Gamzee followed along on the smaller path, glad his friend seemed so happy to be back, which he hadn't really expected. He figured it was because he had something to do now, which might get him back to his own home.

When they stepped into the clearing Gamzee moved ahead, picking up some firewood before opening the door for Tavros. He walked in after, lighting a candle to see by before closing the door and going to the fireplace. The house had acclimated to the outside temperature so it was a little chilly, but heated up quickly enough when the fire got going. After finishing that and seeing that Tavros was comfortable, he put things away for the evening and went to the washroom to remove his facepaint.

2014-06-29 03:46:58
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The house was a little cold, but he didn't mind, as the fire was starting to pump heat back into the hive. He curled up on the same chair he was in before, taking off his shoes and coat and using it as a makeshift blanket instead. Taking out the map, he looked it over, forming a plan of sorts as he felt a yawn on his lips and the tears rise to his eyes from it.

He was not tired enough to fall asleep, but he was definitely comfortable, if not a little hungry. Tavros never ate much to begin with, and he didn't mind skipping a meal or two to get things done. The house was quiet, save for the sounds Gamzee made or the crackling of fire, and Tavros snuggled further against the large chair he was sitting in, feeling toasty and comfortable.

2014-06-29 04:12:20