Pink Hair and Green Dogs

Lower Markets, Midday

A light rain blankets the city, spring showers in full swing. In response, or defiance, umbrellas and rain-coats mark the sea of the crowd, hurried steps getting out of the way before Dana's wrath turns to a proper downpour.

A pair that isn't trying to get their way out is a man in a grey overcoat, him scratching his head, tussling his undercut while staring through the storefront of a shop. "... I... don't know about that one Cinny."

Beside him is a teen girl, slate eyes wide with excitement as her yellow rainjacket bounces from her pulling at Warrick's sleeve. "But it be SO COOL. You can like, FLY! Or-or-or-or do some MAGIC. Or maybe get the thingy that turns into a BOAT! Pocket boat!"

"We are not getting a pocket boat."

"Maaaaaaaaaaaaan."

The sounds of a violin begin to permeate the Market, a mournful song, slow and somber. At some point, it ceases getting louder and nearer.

From the top of the building, comes a small form, somersaulting and landing in a dramatic crouch in the street out front of the magical bauble store. The fiddle the Goblin plays is gold in colour, and the song switches up to something more cheerful and upbeat. The song has all of fun of a pub song, but with none of the swearing.

Acedia does a high-stepping walk to the beat, and makes a circuit in the street, before coming to a pause in front of the teenaged girl, and her father. "Make sure you get yourself a folding bailing bucket to go with the boat, I hear they start to leak, what with all the folding and creasing you have to do. And Cap'n Morgan's self-blowing sail, in case your.." She swings her arms like she was rowing, "OARS get tired!"

It was raining and Ous was walking. Making his way down the street is the Large ranger. Dressed in his usual Elk hide and wolf pelt shirt, woolen pants and knee high Fringed leather soft soled boots. His approach wasn't hard to miss. Ous himself stood out, being nearly as broad in the shoulder as 2 men, narrow of waist, thick of beard, and sporting a mane of shoulder length black hair that looked like it had recently been combed, but may have been done with a pine bough. Despite all of this though, the ranger's movements through the city weren't usually accompanied by shocked gasps and people quickly clambering to get out of the way. It's probably less to do with Ous though and more to do with the Dog. Probably a dog.

Padding along the street at Ous' hip is what can only be called a dog because the term horse doesn't generally conjure the image of sharp teeth, and yellow eyes. Ous being roughly 6'2" the animal was still as tall as his hip at the shoulder. Large, Jowelly mastiff mouth open and panting happily, the dog watches those around it with an air of interest and almost amusement. As they move, Ous speaks absently to the animal. "We should probably get ye someat tae eat Dog."

Verna makes her way into the market from the bridge to the northeast. Her cloak and hood dissuade most of the rain, and the basket on her arm stands against the precipitation well enough. It is the vibrating strings from on high that draw her notice first, hood then following the descent to the exterior of the shop of enchanted items. Passersby and window-browsers are rather common here; precipitated minstrels are ... less so.

Warrick and Cynthia startle from the sudden gobber landing beside them, the former's hand twitching towards the inside of his jacket. But he sighs and shakes his head, looking back to the shop.

Cynthia meanwhile, giggles and claps from the display and puns. "Folding bucket! That's a great idea! Dad! We should get that!"

Meanwhile, Warrick's attention has acknowledge Acedia, giving them a nod from the theatrics with a faint smile before looking at the shop with a raised brow. "... iron rope?"

"Booooooooooooring."

He plants a hand on top of Cynthia's head, as if that'd cease her claims. "Remember, we are getting things for my job, Cinny-" He sniffs the air, then turns to spy Ous and- "... Ous? Where did you find that-"

"DOGGY!" Cynthia, all but forgetting about the shopping, hops over towards the dog and holds out a hand for them to sniff. "Hello! Hi! You're so big!"

The father rubs his face, and idly waves to Ous and... is that Verna? He directs it her way as well.

Looking around as the Dark goblin climbs down the side of the Building, Ous raises an eyebrow in interest. About to comment on that, the big ranger's attention shifts towards Warrick as he addresses him. "What? Dog? 'e were hangin' 'round one of me camps for awhile. kind of go tae be friendly like." Pausing to nod to Verna, Ous offers the mourner a grin before he looks to the giant dog. "Now Dog. This be War-rick....We dinnae eat War-rick. 'e's a friend, right?" Looking at the approaching Cynthia, he places a hand on the big dog's shoulder and grunts softly before he adds. "Nor do we eat their babbies...Dinnae eat the babbies." Pointing to Verna he adds. "That be Verna. Also a friend."

the dog for his part looks around and actually seems to be listening as Ous speaks to it. Dropping it's head to sniff at Cynthia, it chuffs once, then lays on the ground with a loud grumble. "This be yer daughter War-rick?"

The Goblin's eyes go wide, and she blinks several times. "That's a bear, dear.", she says to Cynthia. "What about sturdier armor? Or Doc Aut's Automated Flint and Steel and Cooking Stick all in one?", Ace asks of Warrick. She nods to his nod and faint smile. "My name's Acedia, I'll be here all week, try Can Adian's Authentic Whole Hog Back Bacon TM, it's delicious!"

Oddly enough, there /IS/ a sign proclaiming such, tacked to the second story of a building nearby.

"That is totally a bear, sir.", she says to Ous. "Wouldn't a better name be Bear, then?", Acedia wonders, before starting up another round of cheerful pub song without the words. This time, with the wiggle of fingers and a word or two in Goblin, a thumping sound, and something somewhat brassy, play along with her golden violin.

Verna is, indeed, and returns the wave and pointing with one gloved hand performing her own version of the former. She approaches unhurriedly, possibly to avoid testing Ous' authority over the comparatively large canine. "Good day to you all." The enthusiastic Cynthia receives a glance before her hood pans to Warrick. "I suspect that traversing the shops with one easily distracted could be quite the challenge?"

Warrick scratches his head under the umbrella and gives a slow nod. "Ah, well, that is good. I feel as if you'd do well with an animal at your side, Ous." He can't help but chuckle at Ous directing the dog. "It is, this is-"

"I'm Cynthia!" Cynthia proclaims before grinning and petting the dog atop the head. "Good dog! Dad! What about a magic dog?"

"We are not getting a magic dog," Warrick echoes before regarding Simony. A chuckle leaves him. "Armor is not a bad idea. I was considering etching services, but the price is... steep. But this adventuring business requires razor's edge of equipment. I will pass on the gimmicks, thank you."

The song spooling up makes him speak up a bit louder, this time to Verna. "Good day. It... is taking a while. We've been out for an hour and only have made it two blocks."

Looking at Acedia, Ous frowns. "No a bear. 'e's a Dog. Well. 'e's one of them mixy dogs. part dog, part wolf, an' 'e's a little sensitive. Still a babbie hisself."

Looking down to Cynthia, Ous nods once more, kneeling himself to look at the girl. "Aye'm Ous. Yer Da is a friend o mine. 'e talks o' ye. 'e's a good one yer Da." Straightening once more, the Ranger nods to the group once more, addressing Warrick's other comment. "Aye like 'im. Still a puppy though. Does dumb puppy things. Tried tae play fetch wit' me axe the other day."

<OOC> Warrick says, "Dog equips axe"

The Goblin begins to orbit Verna. "Hello, hiya heyo, how're you doing?", she says with a smile as she circles. She nods to Warrick. "There are gimmicks that are very useful though. At least worth a look." Her voice lowers as Cynthia is petting the doggo. "They may also intrigue your daughter long enough for you to glance at the good stuff, yes? Just be sure she doesn't drop one. Nothing says closing time like a stink bomb in the confines of a store. Not that I would know anything about that."

She grins brightly then at Ous. "A cheap and easy way to have an axe that returns to you... returns close to you... and you only have to demand it drops itself six or seven times."

"My condolences," Verna offers to Warrick before looking to Ous, Dog, and Cynthia. Further comment is delayed as she turns to follow the orbiting gobber, if with her hood opening and eyes. "I am well... if now rotating...." After she completes a revolution, she halts the urge to continue, admitting to Warrick, "It is not an unfavorable thought to investigate secondary enhancements or ... controlled distractions. Stench bombs excluded. Perhaps one that creates lights, patterns, or other stimuli?" A pause before she thinks to clarify, "For your daughter, of course. While illumination can be useful upon armor, inadvertently glowing can be a tactical hindrance."

Cynthia, still petting Dog, grins up at Ous. "Nice to meet you! Wow! You're a lot bigger in person! Dad told me about you! He's really cool! He's gonna make-make-make his crossbow shoot explosions!"

"I am not going to make my crossbow shoot explosions," Warrick deadpans.

"Pew pew!" she giggles, making finger guns before retreating back to the storefront.

Warrick nods slowly to Acedia's suggestions, but shoots her a suspicious look before shaking his head. "Yes, Mourner Verna. It can be useful, and such effects are good on some equipment, I would prefer to not be a moving bullseye."

"But it could glow PINK!"

"It could glow pink."

Chuckling as he listens to Cynthia, Ous leans a bit closer and stage whispers. "'E's going tae make 'is crossbow shoot explosions." nodding in agreement with the girl, Ous Stands once more as she retreats. "At least we ' had th' same thoughts....kind of. Aye got thinkin' th' other day tha' while Aye like me Axe. Magic might be handy too."

Looking back at Dog, Ous taps his leg as he adds. "Get up ye numpty, people have tae walk around ye tae get where they're goin' Ye are no a petite little poodle ye know." Dog Rolls over and fixes Yellow eyes on the ranger before standing once more and padding over to join the group.

"Oh, pink is a good colour. And yes, you want the object to be throwable, so not armor or shield. Sword, maybe?" Ace chuckles at Warrick's expression. "While I follow Eluna's light, Tarien still loves me. Many a prank has been had with bangs, flashes, smoke and stink. These also work well for combat, if your companions are prepared for such."

The Gobbo wanders a bit away, the pub song reaching a peak, before coming to an end. With a wave, the beat and bass sounds vanish. There's a puff of smoke, and her violin is gone. Dusting off her hands, Acedia follows up with a stretch, one where several joints are heard popping.

She grins at Verna, "You rotate very well. I shall challenge you further another day. Perhaps faster or in reverse?" To the issue of the dog, The Gobbo moves closer, peering up at the beast. "Dog is certainly huge." A wee hand is offered to the puppers for sniffing. "He is big enough, I would say, to ride him."

Verna offers the gobber a look and a brief shake of head. "I would prefer to avoid such a challenge, thank you." Her focus shifts to the Ous-Cynthia-Dog trio once more and, after the barest moment of thought, she comments aside to Warrick. "It would not do for you to lose track of her should something intriguing pull her away..." With that, one hand makes a small, brief, rote gesture and single syllable is uttered.

The results are not instantaneous, or not conspicuously apparent at first: merely brightening at the tips of Cynthia's dark locks. This expands, though, growing in reverse direction to her hair as color travels up her hair to the roots. It is not 'glowing' in the most true sense, though it is certainly PINK! and BRIGHT.

Cynthia nods conspiratorially with Ous, grinning and shooting a small thumbs up. "... explosions...!" she stage whispers back.

Warrick opines, "It's a good investment, though pricey. One I may have to get sooner rather than later." Down to Acedia, the once guard sighs in only a way someone who's had to deal with Tarienites has. "... that's great. Wonderful, even." Deadpan.

And then his attention drifts back to Cynthia- he blinks. Squints. Then grins to himself and keeps quiet. Cynthia is bobbing back to the store, her about to launching into another spiel of what they should have now is cut short by a vivid hue breaking into her vision. Her normally black hair is- "WOAH! MY HAIR!" she squeals in a giggle, turning to the window to peer at her reflection. A massive grin is plastered on her face as she sways from side to side, pulling the long hair forward to inspect it. "THIS IS SO COOL!"

As Dog leans down to Sniff Ace's hand, Ous shrugs. "Aye imagine ye could ride 'im. If no now, when 'e is done growin' I dinnae how 'e'd feel 'bout it though." Reaching over to scratch the dog behind the ear, Ous watches the others. Grinning as Cynthia's hair begins to turn pink. Looking back to Warrick, the ranger adds. "What are ye actually lookin' fer gear wise?"

Chuckling at Verna, the Goblin nods. Her grin is broad as the girl's hair goes bright pink. Her attention moves to Warrick a moment. "Ooof, Dad-sarcasm." Grabbing at her chest, Acedia makes a strangled noise, and pratfalls onto her back with a thump.

Warrick answers Ous, him putting a hand into his jacket pocket. "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. Most of this adventuring equipment is much too expensive on the Watch's pay. But now, it is necessary. Perhaps something to protect. Or is useful for me. Anything for offense is... expensive."

He chuffs through his nose at the comment of dad-sarcasm, him watching her fall to the ground. "The amount of Tarienites that strung up my time on duty was not insignificant."

Cynthia is still grinning like mad, enjoying the dye job. "DAD! WE CAN GET MAGIC DYE!" she hops in place, slate eyes brimming with excitement.

"... we can consider getting magic dye from a reputable seller." He's caving slowly.

Grinning at Warrick, Ous shakes his head. "Ye go' yer hands full there War-rick. But Aye sees why ye likes her...aside from her bein' yer kid an' all." Watching Cynthia for another moment, Ous continues to Scratch Dog behind the ear. dog in turn growls happily, a low, almost menacing sound mixed with a happy whine. "Aye needs tae get some copper line while Aye'm in town too. bloody creature was playin; wit' me still and bit one of the lines. kinked it right off."

With a spry kip-up, the Goblin is quickly back onto her feet, and she laughs. "I am sympathetic, sir. But, if may give you some comfort that I very often targeted my own brothers and sisters, over the citizens of the city. Usually the lay priests, since they are the most stick-in-the-mud of all of us, I think being indoors in comfort spoils them." She steps closer to Warrick, offering an exaggerated bow, meant to be part of a show, and not for formality. "My name is Acedia, once and forever a Violinist of note, and currently a Paladin of Eluna. I just... add a few pranks in every now and then." Acedia grins broadly at the girl's joy, and she raps upon Warrick's chest plate. "I do have a suggestion if you are in a position to get just one magical item for your daughter. A hat of disguise, or sleeves of many garments. Both allow one to adjust their wardrobe to their tastes. Not too pricy, and she should get many years of use. Had one meself, til it blew off in a wind storm, much to my dismay."

The Gobbo steps over to pet at the great Doggo's side. "A find dog, and hard to believe he'll just get bigger. Hah."

Verna is thoroughly bemused at Cynthia's reaction, though her expression remains hidden within her hood. As well, from a practical standpoint, the shift in focus to something more productive than foldable buckets and less dangerous than explosives or the like. "I can recommend a few reputable merchants, if you wish." A pause. "For dyes and copper components," she clarifies. She then looks to Acedia. "The latter is a reasonable suggestion, especially for those with a need, or desire, to oft change their clothing. I have never held personal need for such."

Warrick chuckles. "She has the energy for the both of us," he says to Ous. "A lot like her mother. Keeps things interesting."

"I am very interesting!" Cynthia opines, digging out a ribbon to tie her freshly pink hair up.

"Case and point." He looks down to Acedia. "Good. Best to keep it to them. Warrick. Pleasure to meet you." The suggestions are given a slow nod, him reaching up to unbutton and move a latch on his overcoat. "I will keep that in mind."

His attention swivels to Verna, brows raised. "I would... be most glad for reputable merchants. Even just for dyes. The changing clothes one sounds... interesting."

"That means EVERYTHING can be PINK!"

A sigh. "... it means everything can be pink..."

Listening to the others talk for the moment, Ous reaches into his shirt and pulls out his tobacco pouch. Quietly rolling a cigarette, the ranger nods to Verna. "Tha' would be helpful. Aye've always used scrap Aye can find. this still is going tae be a bit more per-manent though." Watching Ace, the ranger considers her words for a few moments before motioning to the big dog's feet. "'E's Only 'bout half growed. Full grown, Aye'd be able tae ride 'im too." Watching Cynthia again, Ous Chuckles before looking to Warrick. "Aye know a couple plants ye can mash up tae make temp'rary dyes. None what does bright pink though.

The Goblin snorts, "I will prank uppity ups no matter where they may be. If I feel like it."

To Verna, "I am a bard by nature, and had a need to change outfits on the fly. For those who wish to look a certain way immediately, for a dinner, or meeting or whatever. Faster and easier than physically changing clothes."

"And not just pink!", Acedia says to Cynthia, "You could have all the dresses, or sweaters, or leggings, or hats... whatever style you can imagine."

From a small pouch on her hip, the Goblin holds up a silver object. With a flick of her wrist, and a *click*, the silver object belches out a small flame. She steps closer to Ous to offer a light.

"Indeed," Verna acknowledges Acedia. "I neither dissuade nor disparage your nature, though recommend caution regarding pranks. Not all perceive humor similarly." Concerning the others, she retrieves a small notebook from her robes as well as an implement, so she might scribe down her recommendations for dyes and tubing, respectively. After offering one folder page to each of Warrick and Ous, her words are for Cynthia. Mostly. "You should be aware that the effect is not permanent. It will dissipate within an hour."

Warrick bobs his head to Ous, him looking interested. "Oh? What plants? I could look into this."

"You could dye the dog!" Cynthia, in all her brilliance, points out. "They can be green!"

"It least it's not pink..."

The father sighs, chuckling and shaking his head.

The girl turns her attention to Acedia, her eyes growing wide. "Oooh! I can- I can wear a dress AND pants AND a vest! Or-Or a fancy armor! I will look like a Knight Errant!"

Warrick is dead faced. "Join the guard then."

"Nah."

Seeing as Verna is giving out information, Warrick perks and accepts it paper with a light smile. "Thank you. I will visit these places," he intones after giving it a once over. "This is far cheaper than getting something magical for it."

Raising an eyebrow at the lighter, Ous chuckles and places the cigarette between his lips. Leaning down to light it, the ranger nods. "Thankee!" Shifting his position to stand down wind from his companions, Ous looks down at the dog glued to his hip. "Ye're smart. Aye gives ye tha'" Taking the paper from Verna after a moment, Ous looks at it quietly before nodding and slipping it into a hidden pocket on his belt. "Thanks again. Aye'll make me way there soon."

Attention turning to Warrick, Ous chuckles as he hears Cynthia. "Aye dinnae think dog would like tae be pink, or green. 'E's a war dog. Well. 'e' will be when 'e's done being a babbie and growed up some." Looking around, he adds to Warrick. "Aye'll draw ye some pictures when Aye've got th' time an paper. Paintbrush is one o them. Comes in Bright Orange an' Red. Makes a good War paint."

Verna gets a raised eyebrow. "You don't say?", the Gobbo's tone full of sarcasm. Her other eyebrow raises up then, "A pink dog?" She taps her chin. "That could be pretty neat, but you have to be careful what dye you're using. Dogz tend to lick themselves, you don't want them licking bad stuff.

With a practiced flick, the lid closes, dousing the flame. "You're welcome, sir!", is the Gobbo's cheery reply.

Looking back to Cynthia, "Keep in mind.. it just /looks/ like what you want. It won't offer armor's protection. As for joining the guard, it is a good source of discipline, and martial prowess. You could kick butt like your dad!"

Warrick grunts an affirmative to Ous, adjusting the lapel on his jacket. "Got it. Paintbrush. I'll look into it and whatever else you give me. Appreciated."

Cynthia nods enthusiastically. "I know! Illusions are fake!" she grins. "But eh, I could! Maybe! It seems kinda boring!" in regards to guard work.

"It can be very, very boring," Warrick agrees.

Verna has partially disconnected.

Listening to the group still, Ous drags on his cigarette and chuckles. "Most jobs requirin; fightin' are boring. th' fighting is only a small part of it. Most of it is waitin' tae fight, figurin' out what tae 'ave fer supper, an losin' lots of money playin' cards." thinking about that for a moment, he adds. "sometimes ye trains though." Looking down at dog, he adds. "What ye think. ye wanna be green dog?" the dog looks up at Ous for a moment and lets out a low, rumbling growl. "Aye'll take tha' as a polite no."

Acedia looks to Warrick then, giving him the slightest of nods, before looking back at Cynthia. "Boring is good, however. Exciting would be nice, but many non-boring moments can be filled with fear. Take boring, grow up big and strong, then think about exciting work. You'll live much longer that way, like your da here."

The Gobbo moves to Ous side, and chuckles. "You could have a big, blue dog." She blinks as the dog growls, and laughs. "Also could I have a drag of your cigarette, sir?"

Warrick chuckles. "That is very true, a lot of fighting jobs are mostly boring." Another chuckle with the dog growling.

Cynthia nod nod nods. "Yeah! That's what I'm going right now! School's teaching me a lot, and then we run around the city to see what's fun! I dunno, I just like doing whatever!"

Warrick pats her pink head. "She's got time to figure that out, right now we're just enjoying ourselves."

A cart with a large umbrella covering food is wheeling by, bringing with it a spicy, sharp scene.

Cynthia, wide eye, pivots on the spot. "Noodles! Dad the noodle stall!" she points to the retreating cart. She starts dragging him through the rain.

The father gives a light wave to the three- no, four, the Dog too. "Have a nice day you all. Duty calls."

Cynthia has broken into a sprint. "YO! WAIT UP!"

The once-guard lazily ambles after her.

Still watching the dog, Ous offers the cigarette to Ace wordlessly. finally he says. "Aye think Aye'll stick wit' the brindle. Blends better in th' trees." Waving to Warrick, the ranger finally looks around once more. "Ye got a name?'

"Thanks!" She takes a practiced puff on the 'rette, and passes it back. "Not bad.", the Gobbo says, letting out a few smoke rings before laughing. "Names Acedia, but you can call me Ace if you like." She waves to the retreating once-guard and his daughter. "Nice to meet you."

Nodding to Ace, the ranger taps himself on the chest before replying. "Aye'm Ous. that's Dog." Taking the cigarette back, Ous takes a deep drag. "'Ow long ye been in this city?"

The dog gets petted a few more times, before she answers Ous. "Nice to meet you, Ous, and Dog." She grins to him, "Hmm, about five or six years now. How about you?" She waits for him to finish his drag of the cigarette, before gesturing to it, "May I have another?"

Passing the cigarette back, Ous shrugs. "Few months aye suppose." Dropping to sit next to the dog on the ground, Ous begins scruffing the animal along the neck. Dog leans into it, then rolls and flops across the big man's knees. "Ye play good. aye've no seen ye 'round 'fore. but Aye dinnae know everyone.

The Gobbo takes a longer drag, and passes it back. "Nice, I hope the city is being nice to you. And thanks, been a violinist my whole life... adult life."

shrugging, Ous grins as he takes the cigarette back. "th' city is no me favorite place. but aye get by. Th' Ox Strength is a good place. Homey. They likes me there. what about ye?"