《B R I C K》Chapter 14: A Bard of Bands
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It’s a bit strange to admit this. However, this Brick may be travel sick. Moving so much… Is not something of relish to me. Though I guess, being so solid and compact has that effect.
A free flowing form is much better suited. Like Ribbon’s. I like Ribbon.
Though, it’s also ineffectual without any motor capability. In this regard, the Demi Human has us beat.
However, this enhanced capacity came at a cost.
“Wait. Did you guys not bring any food?”
Provisions… Those are important for beings of flesh and blood aren’t they? Indeed they are.
Such a costly sacrifice for such a minor convenience.
I struggle to make sense of it. There are much better alternatives to Provisions. Take Snek. They have a physical form as well as motor capability, all without the need for Provisions. Instead, they function off of the essence of the dead.
They consume a much more accessible and apt supplement. And for beings like Ghost Captain, Ribbon and I, sustenance of any sort was wholly unnecessary.
Only a Will was required.
On this topic, it’s rather saddening that Door couldn’t come along with us… They would’ve much appreciated coming to the Heartlands with us.
“Brick, we’ve already approached the upper limit on lead roles,”
What? There’s a limit?
“Of course there’s a limit! The Narrative simply wouldn’t be able to sustain itself if you’re recruiting every rock, rod and ratch off the roadside!”
I feel like I could tho?
“But then it’d be redundant! Lest… Don’t tell me you’d plan to characterise all of them…”
Brick sees your point Captain.
“Exactly! Five already pushes past the limit, but when two of the cast don’t speak most of the time, this is somewhat acceptable. Door on the other hand, would butt into every damn one of conversations!”
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Ah, I wondered why Captain brought up the concept of Roles and Characterisation. It wasn’t a matter that Ghost Captain was concerned about the composition of our party, but that Captain didn’t like Doors.
It was fair. After all, Door really likes to sneak in on conversations and gossip and just ruin your day sometimes. I had seen many a Soldier stub their Toes or crush their nails due to the whims of a Door.
“I swear those bastards are sadistic,”
“Waaaaan, I’m regwettin’ comin with yous already… Gossiping about my front door… That’s messed up!”
This isn’t messed up. I swear I’ve seen Door incapacitate Allies on multiple occasions, for the flimsiest of reasons. Although Door’s fidelity is under fire, it also attests to Door’s sheer value as a Guardian due to all punishments being abjured after the fact. I for one, wouldn’t mind if Door came along.
It would’ve even decreased the travel time!
“When were you ever this impatient?”
Hmmmm. Good question. I have no clue. But I just want to get there real quick…
Strange. Very strange.
On another note of strange is the increasing animation of the Demi Human.
Strange. Ve— oH! Right! It needs provisions!
Provisions! That was the problem we had at hand!
“Right… What does she even eat tho?”
Weren’t you of flesh once Captain? Shouldn’t you know best?
“That may be true, but I could basically live off sand, which I don’t think is applicable to little Qwrin…”
I dunno Captain, we should let her try some. I mean Snek what do you eat again?
“Chhharnel,”
Mhmm, I think Sand’s the better option.
“Good idea,” He nods, “Especially if we’re gonna go with your theory here,”
“Swand? I can’t eat swand!”
Oh… Have you tried?
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The Pupper seems to somewhat glean our conversation, however, she still can’t read me. Pathetic.
Anyway, that’s when Captain’s help is of greater use.
“I haven’t tried!”
“Then try it,”
Needless to say, we — Ghost Captain — made her eat some sand.
She couldn’t digest it. Or even ingest it. A pity.
Looks like she can’t eat Sand.
“Good deduction, Brick. Glad to have a Brick of Science by my side,”
Though what can it eat? This is really starting to bug me.
Ribbon, do you know?
She doesn’t.
“Maybe she could eat that?”
That?
“Wa-an?” Coughing up grains of sand her teary eyes jerk toward the bearing of Captain’s finger.
“That,” Captain points just beyond our Render Distance.
It seems to be a…
“Wild cheese wheel, ”
“Wan?” As always, the Demi Human is confused. Her perplexation is without much variation.
Like damn, it’s a Cheese Wheel —Aged to perfection may I add—, what’s so hard to understand?
“Brick, it’s not the cheese wheel. I believe that the pupper sniffed out some unwanted company,”
Co—...! I’m about to enquire further, but that’s when it pops right into my Render Distance. A heinous and foul company. Their presence is nauseating even when they’re considered Allies. The absolute worst of the worst.
A Bard of Bands.
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