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🧙 WHO: Izzy and you!
⚔️️ WHAT: Baby's first month in Camelot
🕒 WHEN: April Catch-all!
🗺️ WHERE: Wherever's Convienent
⚠️ WARNINGS: Izzy swears.

A. Around Town (Open)

So... a whole new world. With magic, and Camelot. But more than any of that, one well out of reach of Elena. The downside is she'd didn't think she'd find Mia here, but that wouldn't stop her from looking. What would stop her from looking was she was broke. Izzy had a violin she wouldn't sell, and nothing she could. She briefly considered school. They apparently paid you to go to school. But she wanted none of that. She'd grabbed as much as she could at breakfast, (and more that she shoved in her backpack) and headed out.

For now, she planned to explore and see what was there, maybe come up with a plan. Wandering the stores and looking for anything that caught her eye, that could make being here... Like home. She had all her things with her, not trusting the hotel. So her violin case jutted awkwardly from her backpack. She scurried about doing her best to stay out from other people's ways. Unless she was trying to look at something, and someone very tall was blocking her, she'll push her way through then.

B. Songbird (Open)

Lacking a better plan for money she fell back on what talent, and tools, she had. She found a nice corner. Case on the ground at her feet. Sitting open. And she stood and played. Busking is a time honored tradition. Which hopefully got her enough gold for coffee. Or a real meal.

But if she earned it she'd feel more comfortable with it. And she couldn't live off of stuffing her backpack with as many breadrolls as she could in the morning. Well, she could but she wouldn't like it. Her playing was skilled, not expert, but it was clear she practiced. The pieces she was playing, however, were all rock songs from the 90s. Just on violin. Her favorite way to annoy her mother. And what she practiced at most. She'll talk after she's done playing, or pick a fight if you interrupt her and try to get her to stop.

C. Songbird - Alternate (Open)

Izzy's playing was a little... odd, when Horizon was around. Horizon is the name she gave her Canary familiar. See, normally her playing is good. And the sound isn't any different. The difference is while she's playing with her familiar around... Well, small objects lift off the ground. Floating a little.

She's not paying attention though, her mind is on her playing.

D. Culture Shock - Open

Izzy fiddled with the... thing, they gave her. It was like a calculator which had her entire computer in it. Which didn't make any sense. Well, okay, magic. Still, the tiny buds? That played music. It was like her walkman but better. She kept looking for where the tape was. Or wires. Or anything that made sense.

Of course, she was fiddling with it while listening to her walkman, and the one tape she had with her. It was more comfortable, to her. Even if she was worried about replacing the batteries. For now, she needed that comfort.

Wildcard

((Hit me up via PM, Discord, or Plurk if you wanna plot out something that doesn't fit the above!))

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[ There is something that bothers her when she sees the young one seemingly making ends meet with their music playing. Mona sits there, with money in her hands that she had managed to collect finally from her first job. It was about all she had, and certainly with her inability to spend it the right way. She cannot help but discern that, in this moment she recalls what a man told her long ago.

"Out here, we've gotta have each other's backs."

As if compelled and remembering what it was like to live off of nothing but the scraps of food other people had. She pours all the contents of her money purse for the other to have.

Unfortunately despite the touchy feeling of this matter, she needs to hide it. It brings out discomfort because who she was back then - wasnt Mona Megistus. So to become who she chose to be, when the other is done singing. She very cockily, flicks her hair and says promptly. ]

Your music could use work, so see this as an investment to that.

[There's a very many things wrong with this, to Izzy. Till now she'd gotten one or two coins per person. That was what she expected, doing this. So this seemed like a bit much. And that didn't make sense. Which she followed up, with about the rudest thing Izzy could possibly get.]

I- thanks?

[Best she had, but she was staring waiting for this to be some kind of trap. As she felt it had to be some kind of trap. What the hell was she even supposed to say to that?]

It looks like you are someone who also recently just came here?

[ Mona accepts the thanks, silently. Moving the conversation forward, noting how seemingly a bit bewildered the girl were. The one Great Astrologist, did not want to touch on the subject of why. Dancing around other things, like for one the topic of where the other came from. ]

Having a talent such like that, will help you in the long run in a world like this honestly.

I've been here a few days.

[Izzy wasn't sure exactly what was safe to share with others. On the one hand trusting people was insane, because this whole thing was insane. The other hand, she could not get away with doing this alone. But she figured it best to give people the opportunity to take advantage of her novice status, and see who does and who doesn't.]

Is it really that useful to know how to play the violin? I'm not even sure how it got here...

[When she ran away from home, and picked what worldly possessions she could cram into her backpack her violin didn't make the list. But it was in the lake with her when she arrived.]

Of course it is - well for one. There are schools for your age, and you do get paid. However, there are extra side jobs that you can do as a violinist. Are you not aware? Speaking to people inside bars, you can be more or less like a bard for them.

[ Mona thinks recalling Mondstat's bars themselves, one of them having a child as a bartender. So it would not seem irregular to allow someone of that age within, with proper adult supervision. Her hand taps at her chin, thinking on the instance silently. Perhaps she is trying a bit hard to offer help, after all she is not someone to idly sit around. ]

Don't worry so much about how, there's much of my stuff that came from my own world. That don't even work. Rather a bit of a mess. Regardless...

[ She pulls her hand away from her face, and looks toward the other more confidently. ]

I am sure despite your age, they would welcome one who can play well enough - but... It can be hard to sell your talents. I am heading to a bar myself to look at the job listings, if you want.. We can see to it about finding you a more proper place to play. With more people to listen to your music, of course.

[The mention of school caused a visible reaction of disgust out of Izzy. Almost like being small, gay, and weird got her a lot more hate and antagonism in school than most. And therefore the entire idea of willingly going back to one held no actual appeal to her.]

I'm... allowed to go into bars?

[She hadn't really considered getting hired to use her violin because she hadn't considered many places that would want musical accompaniment. And the one that made the most sense didn't let kids in. In her world, she couldn't even pretend to be older than she was. Not like Trip who could just say he was a few years older and just be believed.]

Um... thank you.

[There was a hesitance, mostly because all of this felt too easy to a girl used to a bit more work to get anywhere. Or the divine intervention of her mother (which always had a cost attached to it. But she could just bolt, she was small and figured she could run away and hide if this was some sort of elaborate trap. Run with the money in her bag already.]

[ Mona didn't quite understand the look - schools on her world did not exist. Except for those who were rich and lucky, so needless to say when she was told there were opportunities of schooling to be afforded to others. The woman could not help but at least place the truth of that out there. Its not estrange to her that the other would not wish to go. ]

Hm..? It depends on the owner I suppose? [ Considering the era they were replicating, but at the same time Mona did not think it strange. Like she had said, she turns and begins to step forward. The heels of her shoe clicking against the pavement, she turns to look over her shoulder and make sure the other was coming. ]

Are you coming then?

[Izzy didn't have any interest in drinking, but the idea that she could go into bars was just a very weird thing she wanted to explore further. Curiosity does that.]

[Izzy had been gathering up her possessions into something she could transport. Money in the bottom of her backpack. Violin in its case. The case sticking out of her backpack but securely in place. Quickly on Mona's heel.]

I'm Izzy.

[ The tip tap of the other at her heel is a welcomed sound, and Mona continues their walk forward. The bar is not too far from where they were, and so a small bit of chit chat would easily past the time between them. ] Mona Megistus! I was known as the Great Astrologist upon my home world - but as it were. The future here and time is a bit of a mess.... So reading constellations is not but a fever dream, I have to find work in other ways.

[ There was a light sigh that came from her voice, she looks over to the other. ] Is there other stuff you like to do? Or just the Violin?

[Those were a lot of words Izzy could tell meant something, but couldn't quite find that in the combination. Astrology was some mumbo jumbo that didn't mean anything. A cute way to laugh at what people believe. You can't really predict the future off of it. But she was in Camelot with a magic bird as her only companion so what did she know?]

Oh, um... listening to music, drawing, painting, collages. I did a lot of art projects at ho-

[Izzy paused, the word catching in her throat before she quiet finished it. Home. What a stupid word. What home did she really have? Better move on.]

After I get more clothes, paints are probably my next thing. If I can trade my ability to play I can sell paintings and stuff right?

Oh another painter? I know one myself actually, so I can understand the need for supplies and you are correct! Such talents are important to keep and for that matter, keep up. [ They arrive at a tavern that she knew Diluc worked at. It was because of this she trusts going here, otherwise she would not frequent any other Tavern otherwise. She does not drink Alcohol, and is not a fan of it herself. ]

If you want to take a seat, dont sit at the bar table. They will probably ask you to leave, but if you sit back there where the booths are. I can go talk to someone real quick, and see about getting you either work or them pointing us in the right direction as to where you can play your music.

[If she could sell art, it'd at least be a step closer to Mia. Even if Mia was trapped in an eternal moment one step out of Izzy's reach. Which was a big if, Izzy wasn't sure anyone would want her weird doodlings.]

Right, I need to practice and sell stuff, that'd mean even more paints than just- if I were selling works...

[Izzy surveyed the bar and found a spot that let her see where everything was, but not really draw attention to her. But more important also gave her a fairly unobstructed route to the exit if this was all an elaborate trap to steal children. Which she still felt was on the table. At least, unobstructed for her, she was small and could go under a table easy enough to get where she was going.]

[ After about a moments time had passed, Mona comes back with a thoughtful look upon her face. ]

Well, it seems that taverns are not the place for young ones here to play their songs at. Which makes sense I suppose, however I was given a list of Cafes that you could visit. That seek players to play music for their customers. They sell tea and the likes, so its something you can look into doing.

[ Mona slides into the seat on the other side of the table. Offering her a few cards that apparently were given to her by the Bar owner. ]

See, a good start no?

Shocker.

[She is not shocked at all, she didn't think it'd be that easy. Nor did she think she'd be allowed to just hang out in bars. All this felt a little too easy if she just- found a job. That's not the real world.]

[Then again, this wasn't the real world was it? It was a strange fairy land. So she tentatively took the cards. Tea shops and cafes could be a pretty good place. Plus there's food. And she can probably pick up a bit more about this place being around people.]

It isn't nothing... Um, thanks.

OF course, if I couldn't manage to solve something as minor of this. Would I really live up to my name at all? It matters not, I would offer to study under me but I doubt you would have interest in the talents of magics when you are -

[ Mona thought suddenly, thinking about it. ]

Hold that thought, what is your magic?

Um, they said kinetic? I dunno what that means, or what I can do.

[Someone hasn't figured her magic out yet, she'll just ignore Mona ego fluffing as, at least to Izzy, this was a big deal. She liked food and not being on street corners.]

Shinji's trying to get used to being in a location that stays that location all the time again. After four-ish years of Liminal Space's bullshit, that's as weird as 'money is a thing you need to worry about having.'

Also 'you can't just wish your kitchen into existence anymore.' Why not, normal physics.

In any case, part of that is getting out of the inn every now and then. Pretty brave of this kid to be busking with a violin in the rain, but whatever works for her, and the music's not bad either--

Wait just a fucking minute, she's floating shit, no one said Liminal Space-flavor magic was a fucking thing.

From Izzy's perspective, the guy who's stopped nearby and is staring not at her, but at the stuff she's managing to float, probably counts as 'adult.' (He's not much older than her, though.) He's decently tall, stocky, and wearing a black turtleneck and jeans (and an ancient-looking grey beanie), and there's a moth trailing along behind him,

She'd found a spot of relative cover to play in. Keeping her violin dry mattered. In its case in her backpack was safe enough for it. She wasn't keeping her attention focused on her surroundings, but she wasn't ignoring them either. Just- she was preoccupied. Like reasonably tall big stocky guys who were definitely scary if they wanted to be.

And wouldn't need to try very hard.

She hadn't really paid attention to where his attention was, though. Just where he was around her. And that his attention wasn't on her. Naturally as her playing slowed, the objects trapped in her magic lowered to the ground with it. Her little accidental magic show over as she tried to figure out what to play next.

...and eat a bread roll out of her backpack. Food. Good. She's still growing (she hopes). Naturally she was still keeping an eye on him though, he was scary enough just staring at whatever it was.

No, he doesn't need to try very hard to be scary, it's true. Call it a self-defense mechanism. Right now, at least, he looks more baffled than scary.

(He's also unlikely to direct the scary at her, not when she's just a kid trying to drum up some money.)

"How the entire fuck were you floating shit?"

"I was what?"

She had no idea what he was talking about. Yes she'd been told magic was a thing she could do, and yes it was like number six on the list of insane things about this place she just flat out didn't process. Cause the previous five were a lot. So while she attempted to find magic, she didn't really expect to.

She did take a reflexive step back at being responded to, but that was more the near foot of height difference between them than anything. She could sense it was more bewilderment than aggression. But she's small and he isn't. "I was just- playing my violin in the hopes for some gold to buy a sandwich."

"Floating shit. While you were playing. Kinda thing I would've expected from the last place I was stuck."

But not here. Why would Liminal Space bullshit come into play when he's not there anymore?

Izzy's eyes drift from the guy accusing her of things to her new Canary friend. It was red, with little specs of black in its plumage. If she was 'floating shit' it had something to do with her new tagalong since she got out of the water. "I've never been accused of breaking laws of physics before..."

Horizon, Izzy's familiar, chirped noncommitally to the conversation at hand. Because it doesn't care.

Shinji shrugs. "Depending on where you are, physics can be relative. Just wasn't expecting that kinda shit here, not when there's more obvious magic happening."

...more obvious than floating shit. Sure.

"Where I'm from gravity was definitely constant." She was slowly growing used to 'where I'm from' being a topic that had more to it than just the oddities of belonging in Shaker Heights. She expected the world to get much bigger and scarier when she left. But not this much bigger and scarier.

"I've never had magic, so I have no idea how I did that. If I did that." She kept glancing toward her bird hoping it'd offer some insight. But, alas, spirit birds are just birds and refuse to speak English.

"Well, yeah, at home. Liminal Space, not so much." Sometimes Liminal Space had an obvious 'down.' Sometimes it didn't. Sometimes 'down' was whatever you said it was.

You get used to it after a while. Probably.

"There's nobody else here and it stopped when you stopped."

"Liminal Space?" It was the proper question to all of this, she couldn't parse out how the two words together could mean what he was suggesting. Other than it wasn't 'home' and therefore could be as weird as here is.

"Oh, right..." That would explain why she'd be the right person to suspect. She thought about it, she had magic, but she hadn't figured out what it was. Maybe her magic was floating shit. It'd be about right for her. "I guess? I haven't really figured out what I do here."

"Last place I was stuck." ...honestly, it could probably out-weird Avalon. Avalon's a static environment, for one thing.

"Me either. Be real surprised if I ever do, really."

"So you've done this before?" She's now considering if she doesn't go home from here, and just ends up someplace stranger still. Which would bother her more if she had a home she wanted to get back to. But this place has caused some lingering doubts in her plan to find Mia.

"How long have you been here?" She found her magic, sorta. Maybe. It could have been something else. Probably wasn't, floating things would be a disappointing magic. But knowing that it takes some time to find your abilities to help save all the worlds or whatever this shit was would be nice to know.

"Sorta. This place's problems seem to be completely different, so far." And he's still not sure Avalon's problems weren't caused by the idiots who offed Tower.

"I dunno, a week? If that."

"So, you're used to this more because you've seen shit. Not because you've been here long." It covered why he reacted to her magic. She was hoping for better understanding of this place, and what it was. Oh well.

She deflated a bit, and she was already small so that was impressive. This was going to be a long however long it took to save the world. How long could that take? "The last place you were in, how long did it take to- fix things, before you ended up here?"

"Pretty much." 'Floating shit' was not the kind of magic bullshit he'd been expecting, but... maybe it's worth looking into on his own part later. Maybe.

"Fix is relative. The individual world-hop shit along the way, we usually got about a month and a half to either fix shit or break it even more. Gettin' to the end of it... I was there around four years, and it was goin' at least one year before that, maybe two."

And whether the Arcana's game fixed anything probably depends on who you ask.

Four years was not a lot of time. Unless you were fourteen and then it was an unfathomable concept. The past six months felt like an eternity, and all that happened was losing her whole world, finding a new one, losing that world... And then losing the literal world ending up here.

"Four years..?" She trailed off, trying to come to terms with exactly what that all meant. Losing pretty much everything else said. Like that it was a year more than four.

"That I was there for, anyway."

Why was she so rattled by this? She wasn't planning on going home, she'd planned to burn the house to the ground before she left. She knew she had to leave, to say goodbye to Moody. So why was the thought she couldn't go back for years so daunting.

She landed on her butt, thinking this over. "What the fuck am I supposed to do?"

Well, choosing to leave under your own power is very different from someone else deciding you can fix all their problems.

"Not sit in a puddle, for a start. Your ass'll be soaked all day. Otherwise? Do what you were gonna do anyway. They can't actually make you fix their bullshit."

Izzy... Moved out of the puddle to a bit of ground that was just 'wet.' Her clothes went through a lake she didn't think any more water could hurt them in the near future.

Izzy was, for the first time, truly considering how free she was here. She couldn't do what she wanted, but there was nobody stopping her from doing all the other things that would make her happy. "Nobody can make me do anything here..."

"Sure can't. If you help people it'll probably be easier to get money than if you don't. Heard they pay people to go to school, too, but I wouldn't count on the teachers being worth a damn. They sure as hell weren't at home." Granted, it'd be hard to be worse than Gekkoukan's teachers, and hopefully none of them here are the type to decide bullies' reputations are more important than their victims' lives.

Still. School skepticism is a Mood.

"It's up to you. If you don't wanna help people, don't. If you don't wanna go to school, don't. If you think this'll get you enough money to get by, go for it."

(Shinji is either exactly the right person to be giving this advice, or exactly the wrong one. Even he's not sure which it is.)

Izzy considered, helping people she could get behind. She wasn't sure she could, but she was sure she could try. She's tried before, she'll just have to try again. "Fuck school. It's all bullshit anyway, whatever they teach usually leaves out the stuff that was their fault and they don't wanna deal with."

She figured whatever was going on in the worlds, it wasn't going to just be mentioned exactly how it happened. All the chains that she fled on that bus weren't here. She... didn't know how to be that free. So she said the first thing that came to mind, and it was something that was deep, meaningful, and would absolutely piss off her mother. "I can get my belly button pierced."

"Yeah, that's fair." And it's not like he's gonna bother with school himself.

"If you can find someone to do it for you, sure. Dunno why you'd want to, but it's your body to put a hole in if you want."

Izzy's grin was definitely one of chaos, the sort of fun that could not be construed as positive by adults. "My mom would hate it."

Which even without her here, was enough to make it infinite more interesting than otherwise. Plus it was her body, and it'd be nice to prove that to herself. Instead of being at the whims of anyone else for once.

"That make it a good thing or a bad thing?"

Don't ask Shinji how parents are supposed to work. That would require remembering literally anything about his parents.

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