forum I summon thee @Young-Dusty

Started May 08, 2019 by @amber_is_in_a_loop

tune

The old woman's face crinkled up in annoyance. "The Deorn Hunters? Those nasty scoundrels are not welcome here. I haven't seen any of their grubby faces around here in a long time, and good riddance, I say. Whatever do you want to know about them for? Lovely polite girl like yourself should be staying away from people like them."

"Mmm, yes. I suppose I should. Well, thank you for your time."
And with a nod, Charlotte turned and left.
(a'ight, your turn)

(Okie dokie)
"Don't take any wooden nickels!" The woman yelled as if it as some sort of vitally important goodbye ritual. "You can come back and visit anytime!"

Meanwhile, Rick walked up to the house on his end of the street and, very gently, knocked on the door. He hoped he wouldn't be invited inside, as the rickety building looked so small that he wasn't sure he'd be able to fit through the door.

The door burst open to a middle-aged woman with brilliant blonde hair and glittering green eyes.
"Well, hello," she greeted quietly, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed.

Rick stepped back a bit, taking off his cap. "Afternoon, ma'am…uh, my name's Rick. I'm sorry to bother you, but do you have time to answer a coupla quick questions about this town?"

She gave Rick an alluring grin, waving him inside and taking off into the hallway before he could protest.

"Um….." Rick cautiously stepped inside, feeling like this was a bad idea. "Ma'am? I promise I won't take up too much of your time, I'm just passin' through…."

She popped her head around a wall, fixing Rick with wide innocent eyes that didn't quite conceal the glint of annoyance in her eyes. "Am I hearing you'd rather stay outside, handsome Rick?"

Rick came to a halt, realizing that this could not end well. "With all due respect, ma'am…yes, I would. If talkin' to me outside doesn't suit you, then I guess I can be on my way and leave you in peace."

"Not at all," she told him with a forced smile. "Question away."
She made her way back to the doorway, stood just inside.

"Thank-you." Rick decided to keep it brief. "Do you folks have much trouble with Deorns around here?"

She delicately arched an eyebrow. "Deorns? No, those creatures steer clear from a pathetic little town like ours. The elderly have their own story to tell, though, but I myself never saw any around seeing as I'm very young."

"…I s'pose that makes sense. And I guess that means you don't see the Deorn Hunters around much either?"

She shook her head a bit too fast. "No, we don't." And she fell quiet.
"Well, I that'll be all then."

Rick hesitated and tilted his head. "Are you sure? I'm just curious, I don't mean to pry or anything…"

"About the Hunters? Well, I've never seen them around here, but…"
She held out her hand expectantly.

Rick frowned indignantly. "What—-wait just a second here, Miss, are you expectin' me to pay you or something? You think I've got cash pourin' out of my ears? C'mon, I think you should be paying me to not spread nasty rumors about you. I got ammo for that now."

The woman froze before flushing crimson and squaring her shoulders. "Nasty rumours? Who do you think I am, and why do you think my town will take your word against mine?"

Rick shrugged. "Maybe they won't, but a rumor's a rumor, and it won't go away quick. Anyway, why don't you just save yourself the trouble and tell me whatever you were about to tell me before we brought up the question of money?"