(open) rough seas will be calm

[scythegun]

WHO: Jaeger (eventually) and you!
WHERE: Dreamscapes.
WHEN: 8/25.
WHAT: Dreamdives!
WARNINGS: Suicidal implications, threads are warned accordingly.

[You find yourself on a grassy plain. It's nighttime, and while this whole thing is probably incredibly surreal, the scenery is at least peaceful. You can see a dark building ahead of you.

If you look behind you, you'll notice that there's a large, thick forest. Listening for a moment will tell you that there's plenty of wildlife there, and it doesn't sound happy to see you. It's probably not a good idea to head that direction. But hey, if you really want to, there's nothing stopping you.

If you choose to approach the building, you'll hear the distant sound of waves crashing, but otherwise all is silent. It would almost be serene, if not for the ominous look of the building. It appears to be a very large manor. There are plenty of lights on inside despite the late hour, which gives you a little more light to see the building itself. For some reason there are massive chains decorating the left side of the building that don't actually seem to be there for any specific purpose, and above that are flags for... some reason. The whole thing is kind of an experience, and the gloomy atmosphere and isolated nature of the house probably aren't doing much to make you feel at ease.

Since the manor is most likely where you're headed, you might want to get a bit closer to the front door to check it out. Be careful, though - you won't be able to get too close without two guards spotting you. They're dressed in yellow uniforms complete with masks that hide the upper halves of their faces. They don't exactly look friendly; one of them has a crossbow in hand and the other has some kind of large daggers that look like they're attached to the back of his hands.

You'll find that there's a solid wall around the perimeter of the manor; you can hide here for a moment if you'd like. Climbing over the wall seems to be out of the question given the height of it and the spikes on top.

How do you want to proceed?]

Comments

[thesettingsun]

[That manor is an Aesthetic even without the 'Manor of the Wicked' subtitle.

First question: does Shuji have his satchel with his book-scythe in it? (Jaeger of all people should understand keeping his stupid scythe on him.) If the answer is yes, he's going to approach the front door, hands in the air to show he's not holding a weapon.]

Excuse me, sirs? [The Pogglemon villain team-looking guards.] Do you know where I could stay the night?

[scythegun]

[i couldn't make this shit up if i tried.

Anyway, yes, you have your book-scythe and your satchel! Everything you had on you is here with you.

The two guards tense immediately; the one with the knives takes a few steps forward while the other readies his crossbow. They don't relax any even once they see you're unarmed.]

Dahngrest is back that way.

[Knife-guy points in the direction of the forest.]

You must've gotten really turned around if you're just looking for a place to stay.

[thesettingsun]

It's easy to get lost in the forest...

[This is true of all dangerous animal-infested forests.]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to go back in there until the morning, at least.

[scythegun]

We aren't in the practice of letting random people stay the night. This is Leviathan's Claw's headquarters, not an inn.

[thesettingsun]

That's where I ended up?

[Shuji assumes he should know what Leviathan's Claw is in this setting, and he widens his eyes appropriately.]

Oh, I completely understand! In that case, if you could just bring out a pillow and maybe a blanket, I can sleep outside...

[scythegun]

You've gotta be kidding. Do we look like a charity?

[thesettingsun]

I'll give them back in the morning? Please, please don't make me go back into the forest tonight...

[Shuji rarely abuses this skill, but it's worth it right now: he thinks about that one song that always makes him tear up, and sure enough he's tearing up on demand.]

Please...? I won't bother you at all, I just - I just...

[scythegun]

Oh come on...

[The poor guy looks visibly uncomfortable though, and he glances back at his partner who just kind of lifts his shoulders in a shrug helplessly.]

The girls didn't even get teary-eyed at us...

[The guy groans and then waves a hand at his partner.]

Go see if we've got an extra blanket and pillow somewhere. And you, [he returns his attention to Shuji] don't get any funny ideas! You're not getting in, but I guess you can stay within the walls as long as you don't cause trouble.

[thesettingsun]

Thank you! [Shuji smiles, still teary-eyed. The song is just so sad...] Thank you so much! You're so kind, I promise I won't be a bother!

[...he may end up being a bother, but if this is part of Jaeger's heart then everything done to wake Jaeger up is technically helping?]

[scythegun]

[Guard #2 heads inside then, and Guard #1 just sort of... stands there. He's keeping a close eye on Shuji and he won't like any sudden movements, but he's not really making any conversation either.

Sorry this is so awkward?? Oh my god.]

[thesettingsun]

[It's pretty awkward, which is why Shuji has to make small talk or he might have to move suddenly just to do something. Small talk seems like the better choice.]

Do you like your job?

[scythegun]

[Small talk seems perfectly fine! He'll answer readily enough.]

Yeah. The boss is pretty good to us, and it's steady work. Usually guard duty's pretty boring, but tonight's been busy.

[manufactured]

[...Well, this place is interesting, isn't it.

Wesker has seen those uniforms before, thanks to a conversation he's had with Jaeger; it's fortunate, really. Keeps him from questioning whatever all of this is too much. That said, he doesn't seem too bothered by being spotted; if nothing else, he's at least somewhat good at acting like he's supposed to be here, so. Approaching it is, he supposes.]

Gentlemen.

[The greeting is easy; he doubts this is going to go well, but it's worth a shot.]

[scythegun]

[Both men tense when they catch sight of Wesker, and they're both going to ready their weapons when he speaks up.]

Who are you? We aren't expecting any visitors.

[Neither of them are moving to attack, but they definitely don't like the looks of this.]

[manufactured]

[He just glances a bit pointedly at the manor.]

That doesn't surprise me; this doesn't seem the sort of place that gets visitors, expected or otherwise.

[scythegun]

Of course not. Doesn't explain why you're here, though.

[manufactured]

I believe that's between your employer and me.

[scythegun]

We were told not to let anyone in. The boss would've told us if he was expecting someone.

[manufactured]

I'm unexpected, but I doubt I'm prohibited. Or can't you ask him?

[scythegun]

We've already had people try that on us tonight. Not gonna happen.

[manufactured]

If you would prefer he be angry with you, then I suppose that's your choice. Although it's making me wonder exactly why this place is so popular tonight, if you're truly expecting no one.

[scythegun]

[The guard who's been speaking with you doesn't look bothered, but the one behind him with the crossbow shifts a little.]

I've got no idea. We usually don't get any visitors. We're a good ways out from Dahngrest.

We're not letting you or anyone else in.

[manufactured]

[Mm.]

What sort of people have been here tonight? Through curiosity.

[scythegun]

None of your business. We weren't even on duty when that happened.

[He sounds irritated, like "this wouldn't have happened if I was here" irritated.]

[theveilisin]

[This certainly is disorienting. He'd very much like to know where he is, and also how to please leave.

But there appears to be nothing quite like civilization apart from the one building, and he's done enough guarding himself to know that it doesn't usually leave you with the sunniest of dispositions - but that doesn't mean you're a bad person. So he strolls up, keeping his empty hands clearly visible.]

To say that I'm currently lost doesn't even begin to cover it. Could you perhaps direct me to a telephone. [Not... that he's sure that this will help, but it's all he can think of.]