cynics-and-cynology

[cynics-and-cynology]

Suddenly, there is a cat. In its mouth it holds a small piece of paper, which it offers to the recipient.

The content of the paper is as follows:

Friend?

The cat will now follow him around.

Despite his inclinations towards free thought and independence, Blaze is not much of a cat person. Quite the opposite, really. This is one of the instances when he almost regrets that there's nobody else in the vicinity whom this cat could latch onto instead.

"What business do you have tracking me, huh? How did you take care of yourself before now? Did your mother not teach you how to catch field mice for yourself? If you want to be kissed and pampered and whatnot, go find yourself a sentimental lady of higher society who'll give you fresh beef every day, a satin pillow to sleep on and probably festoon you with lace and ribbons or (God forbid) put a little dress on you."

He crouches to read the note properly.

"Friend?"

He snickers, but not unkindly so.

"A blue coat and a white nose,* of course you need a friend. Well, a friend I could be." (A peer. An equal.) "I have to warn you though, my friend, that there is a capricious little lady in my household, and if she doesn't like you, there's not much to be done against it, you understand. But if all goes well, I will not be a bad host."

[cynics-and-cynology]

Usually, the forest was quite predictable, which is why Blaze was taken by surprise when a ghostly cat paw materialized out of nowhere and blipped him on the nose.

???

Is this some kind of game?

[cynics-and-cynology]

"So far it hasn't been particularly bothersome," he answers with a hint of amusement.

"Do not worry, I presume we just haven't met before, myself being as much of a land creature as can be and not quite as much of an immortal legend as most of those on the dancefloor tonight seem to be."

He gestures vaguely around - a man in the mask of a fox seems to be figuring out the logistics of two men dancing together with one dressed in a suit modelled after a hussar uniform, a horned mask covering his face. A man in a zebra mask with some creative liberties taken regarding the colours is saying something to his partner, though he is too far to be heard above the ambient hum of the ballroom.

"I admit that I have practiced diligently and I do not count myself among particularly bad dancers, but neither am I an unforgiving partner incapable of understanding a few missteps. I assure you - there were worse things that I have taken in stride."

In fact, even though he was lucky enough to become his own master in the end, quite a large part of his life consisted of weathering whatever fortune (or misfortune) brought upon him, ever a gear in the gargantuan mechanism of the Grande Armée. The best approach, as with many things, was not to think about it too much.

"Should I take the lead then or will that not be necessary? I am quite ready to accommodate to whatever suits you."

@cynics-and-cynology & @pondicherry-pie

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Félicitations ! The stars of the evening have chosen you as dance and conversational partners for the waltz and/or quadrille. This thread is for you two to at least talk to each other and either get along or don't get along in an entertaining way.

The entrance to the ball may be found here, with more information and activities to partake in.

We would suggest describing your mask and greeting as a good starting point. Bonne chance !

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Here are some Out Of Character things to keep in mind:

You're both wearing masks, and might not recognise each other even if you know each other. Maybe if you want to be able to recognise your partner, ask OOCly first if you can.

For the specific dance partner threads, only post if you're a participant.

There's no word count requirement for roleplay posts. We encourage shorter, conversational posts to promote interaction, but we won't police writing styles.

Real life takes priority, so please be understanding if dance partners don't respond quickly. We hope for a conversation to develop within 2-4 weeks.

If your dance partner is unresponsive and you're eager to participate, use the general mingle threads. You might find a new partner or even ask a host or staff member to dance.

Remember, this is an in-character high-class event with etiquette expectations. While your character can be rude, avoid excessive disruptions. The focus should be on conversation and relationships.

Remember that in-character actions don't reflect out-of-character feelings. If a character is rude IC, don't take it personally OOC. If you do have any concerns, the messages will be open on this blog.

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We wish you a most pleasant encounter, and may fortune smile upon you and joy guide your steps!

[cynics-and-cynology]

@pondicherry-pie's dance partner is wearing a bear mask that discreetly covers his whole face. Not that it is particularly needed - unlike most of the guests here, he is not a renowned leader who called history into being with each decision made. Rather, he found himself to be a scribe, writing it down with the sharp end of his bayonet and much later with a biting and witty quill, a grain of sand in a monument that is to last for ages. Honestly, he wonders whether the invitation could somehow have found its way into his hands on accident, but if that was the case, it was not his responsibility to solve it.

He glances around the hall at all the posts manned by what he presumes to be the unfortunate aides on catering duty. He knows a thing or two about serving as a fancy decoration at a high-society ball, so he can empathize. Perhaps he'll try to strike a conversation with one of them later, just a bit of moral support. For now, it is time to dance.

It seems the organisers of the ball have decided to solve the jarring imbalance between the numbers of men and women present by pairing together dancers quite regardless of gender. He doesn't mind much - he might have the chance to dust off his skills in romantic pursuit later in the evening.

He gives a deep bow to his dance partner:

"Greetings, my winged companion! It is an honour to meet you - and dance with you, presumably?"

@cynics-and-cynology & @pondicherry-pie

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Félicitations ! The stars of the evening have chosen you as dance and conversational partners for the waltz and/or quadrille. This thread is for you two to at least talk to each other and either get along or don't get along in an entertaining way.

The entrance to the ball may be found here, with more information and activities to partake in.

We would suggest describing your mask and greeting as a good starting point. Bonne chance !

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Here are some Out Of Character things to keep in mind:

You're both wearing masks, and might not recognise each other even if you know each other. Maybe if you want to be able to recognise your partner, ask OOCly first if you can.

For the specific dance partner threads, only post if you're a participant.

There's no word count requirement for roleplay posts. We encourage shorter, conversational posts to promote interaction, but we won't police writing styles.

Real life takes priority, so please be understanding if dance partners don't respond quickly. We hope for a conversation to develop within 2-4 weeks.

If your dance partner is unresponsive and you're eager to participate, use the general mingle threads. You might find a new partner or even ask a host or staff member to dance.

Remember, this is an in-character high-class event with etiquette expectations. While your character can be rude, avoid excessive disruptions. The focus should be on conversation and relationships.

Remember that in-character actions don't reflect out-of-character feelings. If a character is rude IC, don't take it personally OOC. If you do have any concerns, the messages will be open on this blog.

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—��—

We wish you a most pleasant encounter, and may fortune smile upon you and joy guide your steps!

[cynics-and-cynology]

BY ORDER OF THEIR EXCELLENCIES

MARSHALS JEAN LANNES, DUKE OF MONTEBELLO (@armagnac-army)

AND JEAN-DE-DIEU SOULT, DUKE OF DALMATIA (@murillo-enthusiast)

You are hereby invited to attend

A grand masquerade ball to commemorate the month of octobre

to be held at @bal-masque-des-grands-chapeaux

The doors shall open at October 12 8:00 AM GMT.

Guests are requested to arrive adorned in masks and attire befitting their station.

Your assigned mask for the evening shall be that of a hairy bear. You are not required to wear this mask, but do please wear a mask to the ball.

For the quadrille, you shall be paired with a mysterious figure wearing a mask unknown. You will be informed as to your dance partner's identity at the ball.

Refreshments and entertainment shall be provided.

Your discretion is appreciated. R.S.V.P. to the Aide-de-Camp on duty

For a moment, he stares at the invitation in surprise: How did it get here, how do they know about him and most importantly, how is he supposed to arrive at the location?

But then, somehow, he becomes certain that if he accepts, he will actually be able to attend.

And why not? It has been long since he last had the chance to dance a little.

The mask choice is a little ironic and he has never quite identified with the strong and heavy king of the forest. Maybe he'll think up something different... or not, he'll see.

Esteemed(...)It is an honour and a privilege to be invited to attend, and it is one I gladly accept(...)

[cynics-and-cynology]

And as the wine pours out of the bottle, so does the talk and laughter pour from their lips, so do the hunting anecdotes and ones from his time of service. And so does the armchair strategy and disbelieving exclamations and plans and hopes. This is no hasty dinner hosted by the Prince of Eckmühl where one barely has time to say a few words and reach for the bread before the meal is over. And Blaze remembers, though he had never forgotten, that beside the joy of pursuit there is joy in company, beside the joy of overcoming there is joy in cooperation and beside the joy of passing unnoticed there is joy in being seen. And something about the time of this place seems to thaw and crackle under the warmth of the conversation... For time likes to take some liberties here - how else could centuries in untouched wilderness still feel like a mere vacation? And truly they did, even though this is not a jealous kind of place, it is just - outside routines.

Leave and risk being caged in them again, counting days, waking to the sound of the tambour! But you are free, child of the forest, free to go where your fancy takes you, free to do such foolish things as being noticed or being part of something and submitting again to the bonds of devoir. The birds can sing without you, the trees can grow without you. Long as the sun shines and rain falls, little hunter, this place is merely glad to see you satisfied. None but your own kind would laugh at you for grooming yourself in your room during your preparations as though you were to search for a mate, anxious and excited and determined to keep up appearances for the grand occasion. You laugh at yourself, and it is good to hear you laugh. Are you so bored with the words you have that you are easily lured by new ones? Good luck, little hunter. Good luck.

Hᴜɴᴛɪɴ͝ɢ Dᴏɢꜱ Dᴏɴ̙'ᴛ Lɪᴇ

( 1 )

@cynics-and-cynology —·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

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The laughter from the knight is far too exuberant a response. He even slaps his knee with a clang!

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": oh h̕ow can i͟ tu̱rn down aņ offer? of c͞ourse i shall̽ hunt̘ with ṯhee! of course thou dost n̠ͫot even have to ask!̫

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": i shall bring my͗ pack and m̩y̺ weapͦons

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": uñless t̀hou͈ wishe͆st for me to̻ use your̆s

He wanders over to the unfinished bow and points at it.

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": thats goi͟n to ta͎ke͟ fuckin ag̨e̕s to f͉inish righͅt

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": we̱l͢l

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": theres̨ a sec̳ret nobody͈ tells t͞he͘e͑, a̭nd its tha̯t time aint real

The knight reaches for the bow, but doesn't grab it. Instead, he seems to grab, from the air... a very tiny toy bow, that looks like a completed version of what this bow will be.

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": well its not the o͎nly th̶iͦng that ai͟nt r̓eal, f̸ailure ainẗ r͍eal either̀

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": this thi̼ngs goi͎n to hit its t̀arget i̿n the heart ev̩ery six shots but the sévent͏h̰̆ will҉ al̡ways br̍eak... someone's heart̲,̚ at leas̶t

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": al̲śo̊ nobody cãn҉ be bo͊there͜d waiting that̖ long for̉ it to dry and be͎ w͆orͧked̊ into shape fu̵c̋k th̉a̙t weve all go͆t shit wed rather be͘ d̫oing!̯

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": thou h͜earest that? good!

And then he pushes the tiny bow he holds back towards the larger, unfinished bow... and it vanishes. But also the big bow doesn't really look any different than usual... right now. The knight looks back at Blaze with another laugh.

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": so how͍͞ dóst thou envis̲̚ion this two man bẻa̓r hunt goi͘n mon ami?

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": w̨ha̡ts the biggest cͪa̗l͊iber gun thou got?

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": with the two of us ḭm s̆ure we can̸ fuck up that bęar well and proper but id like to hear thy suggestions!

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

[cynics-and-cynology]

Blaze stares in confusion as the knight pulls the miniature bow out of nowhere and works his magic. He pays attention to h̸i̴s f̸̛̞͉͊̏r̵̦̤̀̚iȅ̶̠nd̵'s words, however, (How fast did that epithet find its way into his thoughts!) they seem... noteworthy, even if he doesn't quite understand. He is an educated man - and proud, to some degree, but he keeps his pride small enough to be able to swallow it and learn something more.

"Every seventh shot, right... I assume once it's... finished? Or... well, if time, as you say, wasn't real, it could as well be finished now, but it definitely does not look like it?

... Apologies. It might take a while before I get this."

"Biggest calibre - Roland, mon ami, how about you stay for dinner and I show you my whole collection?"

He should be concerned. Two is under usual circumstances still no number for a bear hunt, but a strange eagerness is clutching at his heart instead. If he gave it a little more thought, perhaps he would have recognised the pull of something greater than himself, so similar to what he felt when he'd first decided for a military career. Simply said: the exhilarating feeling one has when one is about to make an incredibly stupid decision that he will never be able to bring himself to fully regret.

Hᴜɴᴛɪɴ͝ɢ Dᴏɢꜱ Dᴏɴ̙'ᴛ Lɪᴇ

( 1 )

@cynics-and-cynology —·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

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The laughter from the knight is far too exuberant a response. He even slaps his knee with a clang!

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": oh h̕ow can i͟ tu̱rn down aņ offer? of c͞ourse i shall̽ hunt̘ with ṯhee! of course thou dost n̠ͫot even have to ask!̫

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": i shall bring my͗ pack and m̩y̺ weapͦons

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": uñless t̀hou͈ wishe͆st for me to̻ use your̆s

He wanders over to the unfinished bow and points at it.

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": thats goi͟n to ta͎ke͟ fuckin ag̨e̕s to f͉inish righͅt

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": we̱l͢l

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": theres̨ a sec̳ret nobody͈ tells t͞he͘e͑, a̭nd its tha̯t time aint real

The knight reaches for the bow, but doesn't grab it. Instead, he seems to grab, from the air... a very tiny toy bow, that looks like a completed version of what this bow will be.

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": well its not the o͎nly th̶iͦng that ai͟nt r̓eal, f̸ailure ainẗ r͍eal either̀

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": this thi̼ngs goi͎n to hit its t̀arget i̿n the heart ev̩ery six shots but the sévent͏h̰̆ will҉ al̡ways br̍eak... someone's heart̲,̚ at leas̶t

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": al̲śo̊ nobody cãn҉ be bo͊there͜d waiting that̖ long for̉ it to dry and be͎ w͆orͧked̊ into shape fu̵c̋k th̉a̙t weve all go͆t shit wed rather be͘ d̫oing!̯

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": thou h͜earest that? good!

And then he pushes the tiny bow he holds back towards the larger, unfinished bow... and it vanishes. But also the big bow doesn't really look any different than usual... right now. The knight looks back at Blaze with another laugh.

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": so how͍͞ dóst thou envis̲̚ion this two man bẻa̓r hunt goi͘n mon ami?

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": w̨ha̡ts the biggest cͪa̗l͊iber gun thou got?

"Rᴏʟᴀɴᴅ": with the two of us ḭm s̆ure we can̸ fuck up that bęar well and proper but id like to hear thy suggestions!

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

[cynics-and-cynology]

so whats your opinion on the big hats

To be fair and diplomatic, I must first say that most of those I can speak of have gotten to where they were for proving extraordinary qualities, sabre in hand, not to mention the fact that if there is no commander, there is no army to speak of. Certainly, many of the practices an outsider finds strange, unfair and unnecessary are crucial for an army to function and employing a single head to do the thinking for a thousand others is one of them.

I am, however, not without grievance regarding these doubtlessly admirable individuals. It seems to me that fame and good fortune scarcely come in moderation – if one receives them, he is bound to receive more and more – and vice versa.

Many of them would do good to take some more time to remember that the victories they reaped the rewards of did not come through their own effort only, but through the toil and sacrifice of countless men who served under them. The best of them never forgot it.

[cynics-and-cynology]

No no no no no, you misunderstand me, my dear friend! I could take the trap approach, of course, but I collect that you wish to see a real hunt from me! I would... of course... not go hunt a bear on my own. What I meant was... Will you join me? You know, properly join me on the hunt, not just for observation?

It would be a shame to let all that... danger go to waste, especially once I found someone who appreciates it!

For it is never good to waste a part of the creature you hunt, and ideally, that goes for the abstract traits as well.

----------------➹➷----------------

(Next)

The letter is tucked under the door of the wooden house, though it is unclear as to how it got there, or who sent it, or where it has come from. The seal on it displays no initials or recognisable insigna - merely a sword. The handwriting is not great, but readable.

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

To ẅhom̃ iṱ may concern!

i was ju͟st o͠ut scou͎tin͍ t͐he areȁ when i noticed a huge fuc̘kin f̵orest in the midͣdle̐ of now̋heͧre! damn tha̕ts a sweet forest i t͗ho͏̩ught unowned by͉ a͗ny kinͥg o̸r emperor

i was thinki͂n,͇ ni̿ce big forest, unowned by̵ a̗ny k̃in̜g o͆͢r emp͘eror,̨ cou͑ld be niç͙ͪe for my͌ pla̴ns

and thěn i s͛aw t̸his̳ͬ hǒ̸usͯé

so i have que̘stions för thee if̥ th̭̀ou wiͫlst answer!

is th͋is ỳour foresṯ

is t̂h̐is y̨our hͥouse

and wilst thou permi͘t me th̸eͦ͟ pleasure of hunting heͩre͙?

itd be͚ a shame to abando̓n such̋ a lovely͈ place̿ if it̓ came down to i͆t but i can respect a mans d̓esiͫre to be alo̵ne in the middle oͭf f̛uͅckofͩf nowhere!

t̓hou m͝ayst̨ rḙͧturn a̴n answ̯er by leaving this near thy house or j͟ust fucking shoutin͎g into t͞he w̩oods

i am thy humb͍le servant,

r̯͑ol̷and achille̩s de lectoure

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Ah, alas, if only the recipient recognised the handwriting of @armagnac-army!

When he saw a paper rectangle on his doorstep, Blaze first thought it was was a page that had fallen out of one of his books. Even as he picked it up, finding it to be an envelope, it still seemed to have a redolence of a medieval romance about it, like the cracks of a lance splintering, like a nostalgia for legends cleft in stone...

To whom it does concern!

Thank you for your letter. It was welcome, albeit unexpected. I will first answer your questions and then ask some of my own.

Ever since coming here, I have not seen (much less held) a bill of ownership. I have always presumed this place to be largely impossible to reach to anyone but me. I would say that this forest belongs to me about as much as I do to it, which is... quite a strong claim on both sides.

The house is mine definitely more than the forest is by virtue of holding me and my belongings. Nobody else lives here except for my dog Aludra and the occasional spider.

You have been most considerate in formulating your request and it would be quite absurd to decline, considering the size of these woods. To ensure that our choice of area and quarry don't clash, however, I propose we meet and talk about it a little more. You are cordially invited to accompany me on one of my hunting trips - or I can join you on one of yours.

Now, for my questions:

You mentioned noticing this forest upon "scouting the area". My question is: how did you reach my house from the edge of the forest, which seems to be considerably distant from here? How long did it take you?

How can you be so certain that you will receive my answer even if I send it using this... unconventional method?

I thank you in advance for your reply.

Greetings and good wishes,

E. Blaze

[cynics-and-cynology]

favourite dog?

Breed or individual?

I do appreciate Viszlas for their versatility, speed, loyalty and capability to work in a close partnership. They can become quite a handful, though, they're very energetic and if you like your personal space, you should know that a Viszla will like your personal space as well.

...

I once had a Chien de Saint-Hubert..., bloodhound named Argos. He was a stubborn old boy. No hero, but no coward either, with a dislike for being ordered around uselessly. He was a little more independent than it is typical for a bloodhound, which doesn't mean a lot, but still... I miss him.

Don't tell my princess Aludra, though. If you want to win a lady's heart, it doesn't hurt if she assumes she is your whole world.

[cynics-and-cynology]

who let the dogs out who who who

I don't know, anonymous sender, who indeed?

[cynics-and-cynology]

If you served long enough in the Grande Armée, you would probably have met at least one fellow with a custom sabre half as long as himself, bearing himself proudly and looking for trouble wherever he goes, demanding satisfaction for being slighted if one so much as breathed in his direction. These types did so without bitterness or resentment, rather for the love of duelling and of the danger and excitement that came with it. Common sense dictated to keep such individuals at an arm's length, plus the length of their ridiculous blade and then some, for good measure; and such was usually captain Blaze's good practice. Apparently, his friend has a little more in common with these duellists than just the size of his sword - a thirst for a good fight. But every man has his vices and Blaze understands, even if he can't quite relate.

I don't think I can choose. Honestly, it's so hard to compare the challenges each of them has to offer.

My next hunt? Well, I have been toying with the idea of trying my strengths... or well, rather wits... against a bear whose tracks I spotted while exploring several miles east, I think that he was just visiting that area and his regular territory is quite a bit further, though.

There's less chance he'll get spooked by your loud armour.

With all the final preparations... I think we could set off about... the day after tomorrow?

The letter is tucked under the door of the wooden house, though it is unclear as to how it got there, or who sent it, or where it has come from. The seal on it displays no initials or recognisable insigna - merely a sword. The handwriting is not great, but readable.

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

To ẅhom̃ iṱ may concern!

i was ju͟st o͠ut scou͎tin͍ t͐he areȁ when i noticed a huge fuc̘kin f̵orest in the midͣdle̐ of now̋heͧre! damn tha̕ts a sweet forest i t͗ho͏̩ught unowned by͉ a͗ny kinͥg o̸r emperor

i was thinki͂n,͇ ni̿ce big forest, unowned by̵ a̗ny k̃in̜g o͆͢r emp͘eror,̨ cou͑ld be niç͙ͪe for my͌ pla̴ns

and thěn i s͛aw t̸his̳ͬ hǒ̸usͯé

so i have que̘stions för thee if̥ th̭̀ou wiͫlst answer!

is th͋is ỳour foresṯ

is t̂h̐is y̨our hͥouse

and wilst thou permi͘t me th̸eͦ͟ pleasure of hunting heͩre͙?

itd be͚ a shame to abando̓n such̋ a lovely͈ place̿ if it̓ came down to i͆t but i can respect a mans d̓esiͫre to be alo̵ne in the middle oͭf f̛uͅckofͩf nowhere!

t̓hou m͝ayst̨ rḙͧturn a̴n answ̯er by leaving this near thy house or j͟ust fucking shoutin͎g into t͞he w̩oods

i am thy humb͍le servant,

r̯͑ol̷and achille̩s de lectoure

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Ah, alas, if only the recipient recognised the handwriting of @armagnac-army!

When he saw a paper rectangle on his doorstep, Blaze first thought it was was a page that had fallen out of one of his books. Even as he picked it up, finding it to be an envelope, it still seemed to have a redolence of a medieval romance about it, like the cracks of a lance splintering, like a nostalgia for legends cleft in stone...

To whom it does concern!

Thank you for your letter. It was welcome, albeit unexpected. I will first answer your questions and then ask some of my own.

Ever since coming here, I have not seen (much less held) a bill of ownership. I have always presumed this place to be largely impossible to reach to anyone but me. I would say that this forest belongs to me about as much as I do to it, which is... quite a strong claim on both sides.

The house is mine definitely more than the forest is by virtue of holding me and my belongings. Nobody else lives here except for my dog Aludra and the occasional spider.

You have been most considerate in formulating your request and it would be quite absurd to decline, considering the size of these woods. To ensure that our choice of area and quarry don't clash, however, I propose we meet and talk about it a little more. You are cordially invited to accompany me on one of my hunting trips - or I can join you on one of yours.

Now, for my questions:

You mentioned noticing this forest upon "scouting the area". My question is: how did you reach my house from the edge of the forest, which seems to be considerably distant from here? How long did it take you?

How can you be so certain that you will receive my answer even if I send it using this... unconventional method?

I thank you in advance for your reply.

Greetings and good wishes,

E. Blaze

[cynics-and-cynology]

Blaze opens the envelope and is surprised by the heavy thunk of two crates appearing in front of him

Oh absolutely not, he thinks to himself as he finishes reading. A few more books would be nice, but he's not gambling on a 50/50 chance with his long-expected retirement on the line.

He folds the note.

The boxes disappear.

But whenever he tries to discard it, it just reappears on his desk. Finally, he just leaves it there and weighs it down with a rock.

[cynics-and-cynology]

Blaze leans into the hug. Ahh, he missed this. The armour makes it a little awkward, but it isn't as uncomfortable as you'd think it would be. It seems Aludra has taken a liking to his guest very quickly. Well, qualis dominus, talis et canis,* he supposes.

With farcical indignation, he declares:

So there are ways to get preferential treatment even from the harsh laws of topology?

Truly scandalous. What has the world come to?

He is clearly joking, though. He doesn't want to inquire directly, but a bit of genuine interest is present in his tone before he is interrupted by the sudden change of topic:

Thank you! I'd only really taken up archery quite recently. This is, I think, the first bow for which I really let the wood dry for long enough...

!!!

Yes, the armour might pose a bit of a challenge...

But that cloak of yours is muffling quite a bit of the noise. I suppose we'll just try and see if we can make it work.

His countenance lights up with an almost boyish grin.

I think that with enough effort, practically anything can be found in this forest. Deer and various avians I have sought out, boar I have crossed paths with. I'm pretty sure I've seen elk tracks in the higher-situated areas, which are a little farther from here though, I didn't make a longer trip there yet... Yet there is no lack of predators - wolves, foxes, bears...

The letter is tucked under the door of the wooden house, though it is unclear as to how it got there, or who sent it, or where it has come from. The seal on it displays no initials or recognisable insigna - merely a sword. The handwriting is not great, but readable.

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

To ẅhom̃ iṱ may concern!

i was ju͟st o͠ut scou͎tin͍ t͐he areȁ when i noticed a huge fuc̘kin f̵orest in the midͣdle̐ of now̋heͧre! damn tha̕ts a sweet forest i t͗ho͏̩ught unowned by͉ a͗ny kinͥg o̸r emperor

i was thinki͂n,͇ ni̿ce big forest, unowned by̵ a̗ny k̃in̜g o͆͢r emp͘eror,̨ cou͑ld be niç͙ͪe for my͌ pla̴ns

and thěn i s͛aw t̸his̳ͬ hǒ̸usͯé

so i have que̘stions för thee if̥ th̭̀ou wiͫlst answer!

is th͋is ỳour foresṯ

is t̂h̐is y̨our hͥouse

and wilst thou permi͘t me th̸eͦ͟ pleasure of hunting heͩre͙?

itd be͚ a shame to abando̓n such̋ a lovely͈ place̿ if it̓ came down to i͆t but i can respect a mans d̓esiͫre to be alo̵ne in the middle oͭf f̛uͅckofͩf nowhere!

t̓hou m͝ayst̨ rḙͧturn a̴n answ̯er by leaving this near thy house or j͟ust fucking shoutin͎g into t͞he w̩oods

i am thy humb͍le servant,

r̯͑ol̷and achille̩s de lectoure

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Ah, alas, if only the recipient recognised the handwriting of @armagnac-army!

When he saw a paper rectangle on his doorstep, Blaze first thought it was was a page that had fallen out of one of his books. Even as he picked it up, finding it to be an envelope, it still seemed to have a redolence of a medieval romance about it, like the cracks of a lance splintering, like a nostalgia for legends cleft in stone...

To whom it does concern!

Thank you for your letter. It was welcome, albeit unexpected. I will first answer your questions and then ask some of my own.

Ever since coming here, I have not seen (much less held) a bill of ownership. I have always presumed this place to be largely impossible to reach to anyone but me. I would say that this forest belongs to me about as much as I do to it, which is... quite a strong claim on both sides.

The house is mine definitely more than the forest is by virtue of holding me and my belongings. Nobody else lives here except for my dog Aludra and the occasional spider.

You have been most considerate in formulating your request and it would be quite absurd to decline, considering the size of these woods. To ensure that our choice of area and quarry don't clash, however, I propose we meet and talk about it a little more. You are cordially invited to accompany me on one of my hunting trips - or I can join you on one of yours.

Now, for my questions:

You mentioned noticing this forest upon "scouting the area". My question is: how did you reach my house from the edge of the forest, which seems to be considerably distant from here? How long did it take you?

How can you be so certain that you will receive my answer even if I send it using this... unconventional method?

I thank you in advance for your reply.

Greetings and good wishes,

E. Blaze

[cynics-and-cynology]

It is indeed a strange sight that meets Blaze as he answers the knock on the door - and yet, his guest seems strangely familiar, bringing to mind the bivouac on Lobau Island on the eve of the battle of Wagram, the temporary settlement abuzz with joyous reunion, camaraderie earned in the heat of battle and with the hope of victory. Which is maybe why it is all too easy to overlook the other kind of familiarity, to connect this creature with the image of @armagnac-army, a man he only knows from a distance, from parades, hearsay and maybe several disoriented moments of mortal danger. He catches himself opening his arms for an embrace and fumbles a little as he turns it into the generic gesture of welcome.

Do come in and be my guest, um, Roland Achilles, or whatever you prefer to be titled as!

Those are illustrious names and Blaze is quite sure neither of them are bound to a half-canine with strange flickering eyes, and yet... well, names do tend to be reused like an old cloak and the creature before him seems to have slipped into them as easily as if they were made with him in mind. The interior of the house looks the way you would expect a hunter's hideaway to look, perhaps with a little more bookshelves. The volumes on them are well-kept, although definitely not in pristine condition. Hunting rifles and various other instruments of the chase are hung on the walls, an unfinished bow propped up in the corner. Aludra is curled up in her basket-like bed, no doubt recovering her strength to chew on more of the weird and wonderful things the world comprises of.

Another direction? Don't tell me you and your pale steed fell from the sky! Or have you gotten here through some kind of tunnel, avoiding the place where the forest ends? Between the two of us, I'm not quite sure it even does!

I take it that you accept my offer to accompany me, then? My pursuit, given the circumstances, has mostly been of the stealthier, solitary kind, but that is not an obstacle to your presence...

Oh yes, that is Aludra! A fitting name for such a little star,* isn't it?

Aludra's eyes open as Blaze speaks of her and for a second, she shows surprise, even alarm at the appearance of the newcomer. But then the wariness suddenly falls from her and she leaps out to greet him. Blaze raises an eyebrow. This level of trust upon first meeting is definitely a little unusual from an eight-month-old puppy. But then again, it's probably just a quirk.

The letter is tucked under the door of the wooden house, though it is unclear as to how it got there, or who sent it, or where it has come from. The seal on it displays no initials or recognisable insigna - merely a sword. The handwriting is not great, but readable.

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

To ẅhom̃ iṱ may concern!

i was ju͟st o͠ut scou͎tin͍ t͐he areȁ when i noticed a huge fuc̘kin f̵orest in the midͣdle̐ of now̋heͧre! damn tha̕ts a sweet forest i t͗ho͏̩ught unowned by͉ a͗ny kinͥg o̸r emperor

i was thinki͂n,͇ ni̿ce big forest, unowned by̵ a̗ny k̃in̜g o͆͢r emp͘eror,̨ cou͑ld be niç͙ͪe for my͌ pla̴ns

and thěn i s͛aw t̸his̳ͬ hǒ̸usͯé

so i have que̘stions för thee if̥ th̭̀ou wiͫlst answer!

is th͋is ỳour foresṯ

is t̂h̐is y̨our hͥouse

and wilst thou permi͘t me th̸eͦ͟ pleasure of hunting heͩre͙?

itd be͚ a shame to abando̓n such̋ a lovely͈ place̿ if it̓ came down to i͆t but i can respect a mans d̓esiͫre to be alo̵ne in the middle oͭf f̛uͅckofͩf nowhere!

t̓hou m͝ayst̨ rḙͧturn a̴n answ̯er by leaving this near thy house or j͟ust fucking shoutin͎g into t͞he w̩oods

i am thy humb͍le servant,

r̯͑ol̷and achille̩s de lectoure

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Ah, alas, if only the recipient recognised the handwriting of @armagnac-army!

When he saw a paper rectangle on his doorstep, Blaze first thought it was was a page that had fallen out of one of his books. Even as he picked it up, finding it to be an envelope, it still seemed to have a redolence of a medieval romance about it, like the cracks of a lance splintering, like a nostalgia for legends cleft in stone...

To whom it does concern!

Thank you for your letter. It was welcome, albeit unexpected. I will first answer your questions and then ask some of my own.

Ever since coming here, I have not seen (much less held) a bill of ownership. I have always presumed this place to be largely impossible to reach to anyone but me. I would say that this forest belongs to me about as much as I do to it, which is... quite a strong claim on both sides.

The house is mine definitely more than the forest is by virtue of holding me and my belongings. Nobody else lives here except for my dog Aludra and the occasional spider.

You have been most considerate in formulating your request and it would be quite absurd to decline, considering the size of these woods. To ensure that our choice of area and quarry don't clash, however, I propose we meet and talk about it a little more. You are cordially invited to accompany me on one of my hunting trips - or I can join you on one of yours.

Now, for my questions:

You mentioned noticing this forest upon "scouting the area". My question is: how did you reach my house from the edge of the forest, which seems to be considerably distant from here? How long did it take you?

How can you be so certain that you will receive my answer even if I send it using this... unconventional method?

I thank you in advance for your reply.

Greetings and good wishes,

E. Blaze

[cynics-and-cynology]

The letter is tucked under the door of the wooden house, though it is unclear as to how it got there, or who sent it, or where it has come from. The seal on it displays no initials or recognisable insigna - merely a sword. The handwriting is not great, but readable.

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

To ẅhom̃ iṱ may concern!

i was ju͟st o͠ut scou͎tin͍ t͐he areȁ when i noticed a huge fuc̘kin f̵orest in the midͣdle̐ of now̋heͧre! damn tha̕ts a sweet forest i t͗ho͏̩ught unowned by͉ a͗ny kinͥg o̸r emperor

i was thinki͂n,͇ ni̿ce big forest, unowned by̵ a̗ny k̃in̜g o͆͢r emp͘eror,̨ cou͑ld be niç͙ͪe for my͌ pla̴ns

and thěn i s͛aw t̸his̳ͬ hǒ̸usͯé

so i have que̘stions för thee if̥ th̭̀ou wiͫlst answer!

is th͋is ỳour foresṯ

is t̂h̐is y̨our hͥouse

and wilst thou permi͘t me th̸eͦ͟ pleasure of hunting heͩre͙?

itd be͚ a shame to abando̓n such̋ a lovely͈ place̿ if it̓ came down to i͆t but i can respect a mans d̓esiͫre to be alo̵ne in the middle oͭf f̛uͅckofͩf nowhere!

t̓hou m͝ayst̨ rḙͧturn a̴n answ̯er by leaving this near thy house or j͟ust fucking shoutin͎g into t͞he w̩oods

i am thy humb͍le servant,

r̯͑ol̷and achille̩s de lectoure

—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—·—

Ah, alas, if only the recipient recognised the handwriting of @armagnac-army!

When he saw a paper rectangle on his doorstep, Blaze first thought it was was a page that had fallen out of one of his books. Even as he picked it up, finding it to be an envelope, it still seemed to have a redolence of a medieval romance about it, like the cracks of a lance splintering, like a nostalgia for legends cleft in stone...

To whom it does concern!

Thank you for your letter. It was welcome, albeit unexpected. I will first answer your questions and then ask some of my own.

Ever since coming here, I have not seen (much less held) a bill of ownership. I have always presumed this place to be largely impossible to reach to anyone but me. I would say that this forest belongs to me about as much as I do to it, which is... quite a strong claim on both sides.

The house is mine definitely more than the forest is by virtue of holding me and my belongings. Nobody else lives here except for my dog Aludra and the occasional spider.

You have been most considerate in formulating your request and it would be quite absurd to decline, considering the size of these woods. To ensure that our choice of area and quarry don't clash, however, I propose we meet and talk about it a little more. You are cordially invited to accompany me on one of my hunting trips - or I can join you on one of yours.

Now, for my questions:

You mentioned noticing this forest upon "scouting the area". My question is: how did you reach my house from the edge of the forest, which seems to be considerably distant from here? How long did it take you?

How can you be so certain that you will receive my answer even if I send it using this... unconventional method?

I thank you in advance for your reply.

Greetings and good wishes,

E. Blaze

[cynics-and-cynology]

A box appeared at your front porch. You can hear something moving inside. If you open it, you will see the cutest puppy you can imagine.

Huh?

...

Oh!

God, I hope you haven't been here for long.

Well, I don't think you have.

Someone must have dropped you off within the last half hour. How come *cursory glance* they left no tracks at all?

Still, leaving you here in this way was quite careless of them. I suppose I should make some kind of sign in case someone decides to pay me a visit next time.

...I don't recognise your breed. Hopefully looking cute is not your only purpose in life... I hope you'll be at least as good of a companion as my copy of the Aeneid.

five minutes later

Who's a good girl? Are you a good girl? Oh yes, Aludra, you're a good girl. In fact, you're the best girl. You can trust me, I'm an expert. Aww, who's my exceptional little friend, who's my fierce little huntress. That's right, you are...