back when they thought pink polos would hurt the roc

[slitherer]

[ there's a house. or maybe it's a pretty little shop, or a ramshackle cottage, or even a mansion. it could be any of those. what matters is that you've heard things about that house and its inhabitant. the great wizard howl, they say, eats girl's hearts. the magician pendragon is an awful man possessed by a demon, and all he does is brew foul potions and make curses all day.

you've never seen him, but the rumors aren't hard to come by.

but for whatever reason, you're at the door of the cottage, or the shop, or the beautiful big house. you can knock, or just try the doorknob. it may be open. ]

Comments

[chrysopoetics]

[where there is magic where a witch can hear of it, there is an escape from boredom, and that more than anything else is reason enough for Beatrice to follow up on the rumours she had heard. was it a man or a demon in this house, a cannibal or someone quite mad? whatever the case, this great wizard is going to have a guest, one who does not knock, but opens the door on her own.

it's a lot lighter inside than she'd expected, she thought there'd be shadows and pulled shades and all of that.]

[slitherer]

[ he hasn't had the greatest experience with witches, but he comes to greet his visitor anyway. the fire in the hearth jumps in response to the door opening, curious and flickering, as howl rounds the corner with a wide smile. it's well-lit, though rather untidy. and filthy. he needs to be able to see to make his spells, after all! ]

Hello. [ the most brilliant smile. ] I'm sorry, did I miss you knocking?

[chrysopoetics]

[the filth is a little bit of comfort.]

No. [witches do not knock, Howl.] I let myself in. I'm looking for the wizard Howl.

[slitherer]

[ IT'S SO GROSS THOUGH ]

Yes, that would be me. Were you looking for company, perhaps?

[ even though his instincts and sense should tell him to avoid witches, howl is too much of a fool to do so. ]

[chrysopoetics]

Perhaps. Perhaps I merely came to see if you are truly worthy of the title you bestow on yourself, or if you're just a wizard.

[if the latter is true she will so use you as a footstool.]

[slitherer]

[ noooo ]

Not just to grant me with the gift of your presence? Then you are generous indeed. Would you tell me whom I have the honor of addressing?

[chrysopoetics]

Beatrice, the Golden and Endless Witch. It's nice to meet you, Wizard Howl.

[she says it almost mockingly -- what else would you expect of a witch tho]

[slitherer]

[ that's not a title or a name he's too familiar with, but known enough to set him at least a little on his guard. keyword being little, because howl is nothing if not a fool. ]

The pleasure is all mine. So, what rumors have you heard that lead you to my humble home?

[ read: how the heck did you find me. ]

[chrysopoetics]

That you bewitch women and eat their hearts raw, that you cursed a man who dared challenge you, that you keep a pet dragon somewhere, and that you lack a soul. Those sort of things.

[do you really have a pet dragon]

[slitherer]

Do you believe such things?

[ nope. ]

[chrysopoetics]

I believe anything is possible with magic. Anything that humans deem "fantasy" is potential reality.

[slitherer]

And what do you think of the rumors? Regarding me, that is.

[chrysopoetics]

Half of them are the usual ridiculousness that follows a witch or wizard but nevertheless gives them power and reputation. Half of them are likely to be true. Which half? Why, that's why I've come to see you.

[slitherer]

So it's curiosity, then. How flattering, that you'd be interested in me...

[ he even steps a little closer. do you want him to kiss your hand? BECAUSE HE WILL. ]

[chrysopoetics]

[GOOD SOMEONE KNOWS HOW TO RESPECT A WITCH]

You are a diversion from boredom, Howl. That is it stated at its most plain.

[slitherer]

Yet I can tell that you are, even at your most plain, much more than a diversion. How may I entertain you best?