[pfsb]

[acrookedpath]

The latest idea that struck Wei Wuxian mid-lunch: if he combined one of the theoretical energy talismans with a paper doll, would that allow him to search the grounds for resentful energy without having to blanket the whole inn with talismans?

It seems like a sound idea! It won't replace the planned night hunt with Lan Zhan -- nor would he want it to -- but if he succeeds, it will be a fun experiment.

First, though: combining a paper doll with a simpler talisman. Which brings us to Wei Wuxian at a table underneath the Observation Window, not an inch left uncovered by his notes, scribbling onto a tiny cutout with a ballpoint pen Bar gave him. (What an invention!) He completes the last character with a flourish and waves his hand over the doll; it springs to its "feet," and, grinning, he directs it toward the empty cup perched precariously on a corner of the table.

Comments

[acrookedpath]

Wei Wuxian hasn't quite squeezed his eyes shut in terror as he imagines the painted dogs growling at him, but it's close. He nods a quick, frantic nod and manages to set his glass on the table before he can either drop it or spill it. His hands keep trembling.

Still pitched a little too high: "Mm-hm?"

Right. Right. The dogs aren't real. They're not going to do anything (but also they're right there and now they're going to be watching him the entire time he's in the bar and who knows, if they're charmed, maybe they can escape the painting! THEY COULD. HE'S GOING TO DIE A SECOND TIME AND -- ).

[riddleofthebelow]

"Tell me an animal you prefer," Tom says, brow furrowing with great concern.

[acrookedpath]

He blurts out the first thing to come to mind.

"Rabbits. Rabbits are better!"

[riddleofthebelow]

"One moment." He clasps Wei Wuxian's shoulder briefly for assurance as he walks over to the painting.

With a quick explanation and a flick of his wand, the dogs playing poker are no longer dogs playing poker. They are rabbits - or at least mostly rabbit-ish, the spell was done hastily and Tom's not an artist - playing poker.

The one that was a bull dog looks vaguely affronted. The others, however, take it in stride and keep shuffling cards and placing bets while scrunching up their cute little noses.

"There," he says, returning to their table. "Wei Wuxian, now I think you may be able to examine the magical portal with more ease."

[acrookedpath]

When Tom left, Wei Wuxian gave in to impulse and slammed his eyes shut. Now, cautiously, he cracks one open and makes a timid, inquisitive noise.

Slowly, he turns around to look at the painting.

All of the air whooshes out of him. Sure, the rabbits look... awkward, but they're still definitively rabbits. Not dogs. Good. Good!

"Thank you, Tom-gongzi," he sighs. With a self-conscious chuckle, "Yes, I would be happy to take a closer look at your work now. I, ah. Yes."

Good thing he still has half a glass of scotch. He picks it up, takes a sizeable gulp to finish steadying his nerves, and heads toward the painting.

[riddleofthebelow]

He's pleased he could be of help. Curiosity such as Wei Wuxian's should not be hampered by phobias. He'll say nothing more of the need for the change. There's absolutely no need to do so.

Tom follows him over and he explains some of the basic warding that is layered onto the portal, where it goes, how the rooms of the associative house of his family's are found throughout the Underside and drawn in and linked for residents. It's not a long lecture, but hopefully it's enough to inspire yet more curiosity, because Tom has had an idea.

"It's been some time since I last did a thorough check of the wards. I was wondering if I may hire you for the task of attempting to break through them."

After all, Wei Wuxian made short work of that mysterious scroll's ward. If there is anything that can be used against the House of Arch from a different magical world, Tom should be aware and able to counter it. He doesn't expect a return of Blodwen, but you can never, ever be too careful.

"If you find any vulnerabilities, perhaps we could work together to shore them up."

Plus, the rabbits look much less threatening than the dogs did as far as guarding is concerned...

[acrookedpath]

Now that he isn't under immediate threat of being attacked by dogs -- or being dragged underwater by his darkest memories -- it's far easier for Wei Wuxian to focus on Tom's lecture. As he listens, and sips his drink, he interjects with questions every so often, trying to gain a better shape of Tom's cultivation style. The complexites of the portals and warding fascinate him; there is a depth to this magic that he itches to duplicate, if he can manage it.

And then comes the job offer, and he brightens, delighted.

"I would be happy to try!" he laughs. "It may be slow work, but I have plenty of time. The rabbits will not growl at me too if I fail, will they?"

[riddleofthebelow]

"They have much better manners than that," he assures him, shaking his finger at the painting in mock scolding. The former dogs roll their (now red) eyes and nod in agreement. They have such a hard lot in life.

"I can't come here every day, but you can leave messages for me with Bar. She'll make sure my messenger owl, Galatea, returns with them when I send her every day. Let me know if you have success, and we'll figure out your reimbursement and next steps soon."

Perhaps next time they meet, Tom will give Wei Wuxian a tour of the House, or, at the very least, his library with its ridiculous stacks of books and scrolls that reach up towards the ceilings now.

"I should get back, but I'd very much like to continue our conversation at another time."

[acrookedpath]

"As would I."

He circles his arms wide and bows to Tom, as one cultivator to another.

"Thank you for the conversation and drink, Tom-gongzi. I will not keep you any longer -- I hope you have a pleasant evening."

[riddleofthebelow]

He returns the gesture with his world's version of a bow.

"I hope the same for you." He smiles and with one last nod to Wei Wuxian, he presses his hand against the painting and steps through it, disappearing into the House of Arch.