Hugh & Orlin
D&D Day 1 | Delerth â Snob Nob | Low
â Cannot think of any applicable
So far it was a 50/50 on whether or not this was a good day.
Marks against it included a ridiculously tiny bedroom, and an almost equally tiny bed, no furniture, the demise of all of the good style that he'd managed thanks to Mini-IKEA, and a roommate. (He could say something good or bad about the roommate, but truthfully even Eliot or Loki or someone he liked reasonably well would have gone in a questionable column because Hugh hated sharing a room and there was a reason he'd gotten an apartment by his second quarter at UW).
Marks in favor of the day did include the costume which made him feel a little like he was staring in some sort of fantasy adventure epic - not the worst feeling in the world - the fact that there were coins in his purse, he had a cape in a gorgeous color, possibly magic, and a dog, apparently.
The latter had been curled up at the end of his bed when he woke up, a dark chocolate Labrador that he'd never seen before, but who looked at him with old man eyes when he'd exclaimed his surprise, as if to ask what Hugh was going on about. The dog had a simple chain around her neck, an engraved tag with the word 'shadow' on it, and she'd seemed to answer to it, so he supposed that answered that. He had been missing the dogs from home.
Fortunately when he'd opened the door, he hadn't had to hoist her out of the room, although it seemed ⊠possible that he might have to hoist her back in. Add that to the checklist of marks against.
Still, as he exited the new and decidedly Not Improved dorm, and Shadow fell in at his heels, Hugh was feeling excited, maybe even optimistic. And it hadn't hurt that Orlin had been interested in doing something with him. However he might feel about sharing his living space, he was at heart a social person, and while the circumstances last week hadn't been ideal, he'd liked Orlin. Maybe even both Orlin's if he were honest, which if you considered the other selves much - that was in and of itself probably a strong endorsement.
Hugh waved as he approached the door (gate?), and pulled a warm grin to his face. "Hey! Oh, this is Shadow," he glanced down to the dog, who tilted her head as if examining Orlin, and then sat. "Shadow, Orlin, Orlin, Shadow. At least, I think it's Shadow, it's what's on her tag, and she does seem to answer to it."
Was it a good day? Well, Orlin was an abnormally positive and optimistic person. He liked to think that any day had the potential to be good. Just as he believed that any person had the potential to be good. In his opinion, not medical mind you just personal, everything (days included) started with goodness. And an optimistic perspective could continue that goodness indefinitely. At least, in theory. But the truth was that Orlin was quite perturbed about the events of last week. Heâd actually liked his counterpart. He understood him in the same way he understood himself. And he recognized that though they were vastly different in various ways, it was mostly their circumstances wherein those differences lay. They had a lot in common aside from their appearance. Their values and judgments were very similar. And, in the end, his Dark Derleth alterego had proved himself to be someone worthy of a better life. Which was why Orlin had offered to switch places with him.
But their plan hadnât worked.
Orlin woke up in a new bed, in a new room, with a new roommate, but he was still in his Derleth. Which meant that the other Orlin, a man whoâd spent an entire life suffering one tragedy after the next, was back in the other Derleth. The Derleth forged from heartache and desolation. It wasnât fair. It wasnât right. And it hurt Orlin to think about that other version of himself suffering alone in that dark world.
But optimism had to persevere! So he got up, acquainted himself with his new attire and his slightly altered appearance, and prepared to face the day with as much gratitude and enthusiasm as he could muster. He was actually quite good at faking it. Perhaps a little too good. And by the time he saw Hugh and the dogâomg how adorable!!âheading towards him, Orlin had wiped away any hesitation or somberness from his expression. He was all smiles and all friendliness.
And he was ready for this weekâs adventureâin whatever form it might take.
âGood morning, Hugh! And hello, Shadow. Itâs a pleasure to meet you.â Orlin looked down at the dog, tilting his head to one side in a similar motion to the canineâs own curious lean. âIâm afraid Iâm not acquainted with many four-legged species. Jadzia, my previous hostâwell, one of them anywayâshe had a bit more experience with animals. Well, she was married to Klingon! Ha. Ha. Okay, not funny. But Curzon met a dog once. Not quite as big as this one though. Am I supposed toâŠ?â
Orlin held out a hand to Shadow in offer of a shake.
There was a bit there that didn't entirely make sense to Hugh. 'previous hosts' and 'Klingon' topped the list, but Hugh had also been making some effort to roll with the punches in terms of strange things that Delerth threw at him, and he could unravel it later. Or maybe it would unravel itself. He didn't really know Orlin. He'd just talked to him once at the party, and then worked with him the previous week at the clinic. And he gained points for having been incredibly patient with the fact that really Hugh didn't know that much - he'd had some first aid training and taken a CPR certification course once (in high school) - but he hadn't made Hugh feel like he was in the way, which went a long way towards putting him in Hugh's good graces. And now he was offering company, which again was a mark in his favor.
Shadow looked at Orlin and the hand with the same 'old man' eyes she'd given Hugh earlier this morning, before looking up at Hugh as if to ask what she was supposed to do, and he couldn't quite keep a smile off his face at the expression on her face.
Hugh hadn't been a dog person. He'd had a cat, a tuxedo fluff of attitude that he'd picked up after college and had been in his apartment ever since. Espresso was the perfect size for a 900 square foot studio in downtown Seattle, and he'd always thought dogs would be too much work. But his wife had four dogs: farm dogs that tumbled in on you when you sat down, and took up all of the space on the sofa, and sometimes put their muddy paws on your $100 jeans, and he'd thought he'd hate them, until he hadn't.
Until he'd really missed them.
"I'm not sure she knows 'shake'," he peered at this dog, not one of Marceline's dogs and a mostly unknown entity. "But, I think if you -", he reached a hand over, slipping it against Shadow's neck, and she leaned into it. "Let her sniff it, and then you should be able to pet her. The fur behind the ears is the softest and the best-- Oh, shit, I'm going to need to figure out food for her." He bit his lip, pushed away the nervousness of taking a dog out into an uncertain world. But she was here this week, so surely it wouldn't be that unfamiliar to her? "Well, I guess we should be able to do that today maybe."
He glanced up at the door in front of them. "Does any of this mean anything to you?"
Orlin was fascinated by Shadow. They didnât have dogs on his planet, but they had other creatures. Similar ones, albeit a little more aggressive in nature. They wouldnât just sit and stare at a person without a considerable amount of training, that is. And while heâd seen dogs (sort of) and heard people talk about themâhe was fairly certain the counselor on the USS Aventine had oneâheâd never seen this particular breed before. He thought it was quite a handsome creature. And when Hugh instructed him on how to let the dog âget to knowâ him, Orlin followed the instructions perfectly. He carefully held his hand loosely in front of Shadowâs nose so she could get a good whiff and determine that he wasnât a threat. Then he gently scratched the fur behind her ears.
âWow! Thatâs really soft!â Orlin smiled. Then he stood back upright and turned his attention to the door.
Truthfully, he hadnât really looked at the portal door since theyâd arrived. Heâd heard a few people mention it on the network, but he couldnât recall anyone talking about how to work it. He saw the symbols and assumed they were reference points for various locations in the city, but he could only guess at what (or where) they meant.
Some of his previous hosts, those that floated around in his mind like leftover memories with still active consciousnesses, were hesitant. Like Tobin. Heâd never been much of an adventurer. He didnât like surprises. The Ezri in him also urged caution, but she was enthusiastic. And then there was Jadzia who wanted to just barge through and let surprise smack her in the face. Orlin wasnât as bold as Jadzia. He didnât gain that trait from her. But he wasnât as timid as Tobin. He supposed he took a lot from Ezri. Maybe because heâd actually known her in life too.
âIâm not sure. I say we just open it as it is and see where it takes us. We can always ask for directions! Or come back through and try again if we need to.â Hopefully they wouldnât have to leave a trail of breadcrumbs in their wake to find it though.
Orlin glanced down at Shadow. âDo you want to go first? No? Should I? Iâll go. After last week I think I need to try and be more confident.â
Deep breath. Then he opened the door and stepped through.
Hugh knew enough about dogs to know that Shadow had been trained, and trained really well. Marceline's dogs definitely varied in amount of training and only one of them (his favorite, if he were being honest) came close to this level. But it also meant he was less worried about taking her out even if they were just getting to know each other, and she could end up being a protective member of the party.
He tilted his head at Orlin's question and then grinned. Confidence was good. Probably it wouldn't get them killed.
Hugh let Orlin step through the door and then he snapped his fingers at Shadow, and the Labrador fell into place beside him, as he followed Orlin through.
Hugh had assumed that the symbols on the door indicated where they were going, but of course, they'd meant nothing to him and so he didn't know what to expect.
What to expect, apparently as a broad thoroughfare, stone walls, and large trees - and a general appearance of well, wealth. Hugh claimed being from Seattle, but he'd grown up in Bellevue, in Microsoftland, with its million dollar plus homes around Lake Washington - not that the relatively modest mid-century ranch his parents called home came close to that sort of wealth - but he could recognize gated neighborhoods when he saw them. Apparently even when those neighborhoods looked more like something out of Lord of the Rings than Jeff Bezo's tenth home or something.
"Wow," he glanced up. "Alright, not what I was expecting."
Orlin didnât know what he was expecting, but an upper crust neighborhood with people dressed in medieval garb was not what he anticipated. And, truth be told, he felt a little out of place. Not that this bothered him too much. He was accustomed to looking like an outsider with his Starfleet uniform and his line of spots that ran alongside his temple and down the sides of his face and neck. He had neither of these aspects to his appearance now, but he could tell that the fabric of his attire wasnât quite as fashionable and expensive as the people who passed by them on the thoroughfare. And if he hadnât been certain then the looks some of the people gave them would have been enough for him to get the hint.
He really hoped it wasnât his ears that made them uncomfortable. But just in case he combed his hair forward with his fingers in order to hide the pointy tips.
âThis place is beautiful!â Orlin said, just short of gasping. Although his mouth did hang open a few seconds longer than was normal. Typical touristy shock and awe. âLook at this architecture!â
He craned his neck to stare up at the large stone walls, covered in bright green climbing vines. When the light hit the leaves they almost seemed to shimmer like they were coated in glittering dew.
But as beautiful as this location was, it definitely looked more residential than commercial. And Orlin didnât know if this was the area that would best serve them if they were hoping to accumulate supplies.
A gangly woman in a long flowing cloak approached them and Orlin held out his hand to get her attention. âPardon me, maâam, but could you direct us toââ
But she didnât even look at them. Merely continued onward as though neither of them were there. Orlin turned his attention back to Hugh. âPerhaps we should just knock on a door andââ
âGoodness! Are you performers?!â A plump woman with a fanged underbite and an obnoxiously large hoop skirt stared at them, eyes bright. âOh, the timing couldnât be better! The minstrel group I hired for my sisterâs bridal party came down with a goblin plague and I have been frantic to find a last minute replacement!â
She looked at Shadow. âDoes the dog sing? No mind! Come with me!â
She grabbed Hugh by the elbow and began tugging him towards one of the nearby buildings. Orlin scurried along after.
âActually, weâre notââ
âMy sister is to marry a duke! True, heâs not an orc, but he comes from wealth and thatâs all that matters to our parents. Would have been more suitable if he were a mage or something, but itâs better than nothing. My sister has already had four failed engagements. People are beginning to say sheâs cursed. But I am determined to help her make it to the aisle this time! Poor dear is so stressed. Thatâs why this party must go perfectly!â
It looked a little like a fairy tale in Hugh's opinion. Oh, maybe not exactly, but the memories of sneaking into the room and watching Disney princess movies while his older sister watched made him remember backdrops of huge stone walls and gorgeous ivy and beautiful hanging plants. Of course this was real life, not a movie. Well, as much, he supposed as anything in Delerth constituted 'real life', it was - actual stone - not a sound stage like Schmigadoon.
He smiled a little wonderingly, interrupted mid- thought by the arrival of the Anxious Sister.
Hugh spared a glance towards Orlin, who hadn't quite been able to get a word in edgewise, and Hugh pulled together his most charming smile, the one that was given to after show meet and greets, press interviews, and occasionally his Instagram Live. Alongside the smile, he reached out another hand, bringing it over to cover over their companions, so that he could actually pull her to a stop with the confident forcefulness of someone who was used to stepping up and holding an audience's attention. "Oh, darling, what terrible luck. You must be ever so anxious. I'm Hugh, and this is my companion, Orlin, and my dog, Shadow - whom I don't believe sings, although she does seem to be a multi-talented canine, but please what's your name, tell us a bit about the party? Is it near here?"
"Oh, my name isn't important, Wiflevra Watershield, that's my sister, and yes, it's near here, and it's now. I mean, it's today, oh please you must come! both of you! If it's gold, then you needn't worry at all, we'll make certain you're well paid for your time. Does your act have a name?" Miss Not Wiflevra Watershield, peered between them and then reached for Hugh's hand again, and tugged. "Oh it doesn't matter - do you both sing? Wiflevra loves duets, and they bring good luck don't they?"
Hugh found himself being tugged again, and he glanced back at Orlin as if to try to figure out how the other man was feeling about this. Truthfully he had no idea if he could play the instrument that he had on his person. He knew he could sing, and he could do magic, so it seemed possible, plausible even that he'd know songs to play on the Lute and when he thought about that, it seemed quite likely. And supplies would be easier to come by with some money in their pocket.
"I absolutely want to help your sister, it's so dreadfully unlucky - so many engagements - but I do need a moment with my companion. I'm sure you understand?" Convincing, as convincing as he could be.
There was a moment when he thought she'd just go on again, but she sighed flustered. "Oh, please. Just hurry, if we don't have music - it's just so unlucky."
Hugh gave her a sympathetic smile and stepped aside, "can you sing?" he whispered to Orlin. He didn't think the other man had sung at the Karaoke night, and maybe even if he had it wouldn't have been a true test of his abilities.
Orlin had absolutely no idea what to say or do. This was so far out of his realm of expertise and the Anxious Sister was so adamantâand her story so compelling and heartbreaking!âthat he didnât have the nerve to interrupt her monologue and insist that they werenât what they appeared to be. Did they really look like traveling minstrels? It must have been Hughâs attire and instrument that struck her imagination. Because Orlin didnât feel the least bit musically inclined. And, to be quite honest, the idea of performing in front of a bunch of strangers made him very uncomfortable.
But he was a Starfleet officer! It was his duty to help those in need. And no one required any immediate medical attention. And maybe he could sing. He knew he had some magical abilities. That was something heâd figured out by accident that morning on his way to the portal. Maybe with magic came an unexpected set of vocal chords. Hopefully not the kind capable of belting out Klingon Opera, but maybe something a little more soothing. Or maybe he could just clap while Hugh put on a performance.
Oh dear. This wasnât going to go well, was it?
He gulped. Swallowed a thick clump of anxious saliva down his throat when Hugh asked if he could sing.
âI donât know!â Orlin replied in a hushed whisper. âMaybe? I can do my best. But I have a bit of stage fright.â
He was practically sweating under his velvet tunic just thinking about it.
âPerfect!â The Anxious Sister said. âThen it is settled! Come with me!â
This time she grabbed Orlin by the arm and tugged him along the path towards her house. âOh, my. That is a firm arm you have. Perhaps you will both amuse the guests on sight alone. You are both uncharacteristically attractive for elves.â Her eyes glistened in delight.
Orlin glanced back at Hugh and Shadow. His expression clear as day: âhelp!â
Even if there had been any thought of saying no to it, when the double your gold offer was made Hugh was realizing that obviously the answer was yes. It didn't matter how terribly it went, they were going to be able to go get some new clothes and maybe new things for the room, and it was entertainment at a bridal shower or a bachelorette party? It was unclear to Hugh which it was, but either way, he could handle this.
âDonât worry, weâve got this,â which was as much directed at Orlin maybe as it was the Anxious Sister. âWeâre going to see that any bad luck your sister has had, is over.â
Was that safe to promise? Possibly not. This morning had gone so many different directions from what he had intended, but Hugh at least, was not outside of his comfort zone. He could do entertainment. He could sing, and he was reasonably certain that he could play the instruments in his possession. There was magic too, and while he didn't know exactly if any of that would be useful at this event, it might be. He snapped his fingers, Shadow at his heels, as he stepped a bit more quickly to catch up with Orlin and the cause of their current predicament.
âHurry now, through here!â
Hugh really hoped that this wasn't going to be an ambush of some variety behind the gates and the walls. Sure he had magic, and some weapons that he felt intuitively that he knew how to use better than âStage Weaponry 101â had granted, but at the same time, he wasn't looking to start the week out by testing that theory.
âI found them! They had just gotten lost!â Anxious Sister had stepped ahead of them both, hurtling forward with such a rush, that several vivaciously flowering plants were nearly lost in the motion. âHurry!â She gestured emphatically. âOh, sheâs getting restless!â
âSheâs not wrong,â Hugh added in an aside as he stepped forward. âWeâre both damn pretty this week. Well, maybe every week, but I feel as if this week, weâve faired particularly well compared to some. And I can sing, and Iâm used to the stage, so if nothing else, we can sing a few songs, and look pretty.â He reached down and straightened his doublet, and pulled the lute out, taking a minute to strum it, surprisingly recognizing both that it was out of tune, and knowing how to fix it. Handy.
âCan we pass as brothers you think?â Hugh continued, thinking aloud, as the Sister had already headed out into the main party space. âYou know, we can. And we will. We had to leave our home when our parents died of ⊠famine, no, a raid in which we were fortunate to survive by hiding in the cabinet with this very instrument, and we have been on the road ever since. You and I, and the music, and our beautiful dog, who once saved us from a rambunctious party of Orcs. I was a near goner, and she put herself between them and I, giving you the chance to jump in and save us.â He took a breath. âAnd somehow, Iâm going to put all of that in a Ballad, and make it romantic, sort of a Loreena McKennitt Highway Man vibe, and that's why theyâll pay us all the gold coins.â
He grinned, a sort of thrill at how quickly heâd been able to come up with all of that, and the fact that he thought it might work. He could weave them a story, let them believe they had been charmed, and maybe, heck, they would have been. Who knew how that worked. Hugh reached out and put his hand on Orlinâs arm. Yep. The lady had definitely been right about that too. âThink you can introduce us? The Brothers of Fortune, which we of course bring wherever we go?â
This was all moving very quickly for Orlin. He was used to thinking on his feet when it came to assisting in medical emergencies, but he was by no means an actor. And a performer? Maybe if heâd been amply plied with alcohol beforehand he wouldnât be so nervous and jittery. His palms were practically sweating! And he could only hope that Hugh would be able to figure out a way to turn this unexpected disaster into a smooth and successful operation. Yes, yes! All the faith in Hugh. Complete faith in Hugh. Hugh was an incredibly talented individual. Heâd get them through this. And Shadow, too! Shadow looked ⊠cute, at the very least. Maybe she could distract some of the ladies. Or perhaps she, too, had a hidden talent. Orlin didnât even have an instrument. What was he supposed to do? Clap his hands?
âWhat?â Blink. âBrothers?â
His mind was reeling so muchâdefinitely the stage fright sort!âthat he missed the first part of Hughâs whispering plan. Orlin tried to focus and listen. âYes, okay. Famine. Saved by the lute. On the road. Alright. I thinkâoh that sounds quite violent! Are you sure we should keep that in the story?â
Would they have to entertain the ladies with tales of their fake traumatic past? Oh, Orlin wished he had something to take notes on. There was no way he was going to remember all of this. Not with his nerves spinning out of control.
Worst of all he had no idea who Loreena McKennitt was!
The women, all of various species and dressed to the literal nines, began to huddle around the elaborately furnished room. It was quite different from the rest of the places heâd seen so far (and from what heâd read on the network.) This really was a very upscale and fancy place. And as the ladies crowded in and took their seats, Orlin felt his heart race. Oh, this was such a bad idea.
But Hugh was encouraging. Orlin appreciated that little pat to his arm. It gave him a small boost of confidence. Enough to get him to step forward. Of course, then he saw all of those eager painted eyes upon him and he almost choked.
Almost. But not quite.
Orlin cleared his throat. âMy dearââ Oh goodness his voice was cracking. He cleared his throat again. âMy dear ladies!â Deep breath. Use the diaphragm. How did the saying going? Fake it âtil you make it. Orlin gave a broad smile. âWhat an honor it is to be in your gracious presence for such a joyous occasion. We are theââ
What was their name again?
ââBrothers Fortune!â Close enough. âAccompanied this fine day by Shadow, our loyal companion.â What else could he say about that? Just make it up. Pretend to be your alterego from last week. He could have pulled this off without a hitch. So you can too! âShe may look like a soft and unobtrusive canine. But donât let her pleading eyes fool you! She is a fierce protector! And she will ensure that nothing and no one disturbs your festivities this fine day.â
Now he was rambling. But at least he wasnât tripping over his words anymore. Maybe he did have a future in acting.
âAnd without further ado, I present my brother. Master lyricist and keeper of theâŠâ Uh. â...magic lute! Mind you donât get hypnotized by its unearthly sound. It has been known to prevent a wedding or two.â
Should he wink? He should probably wink. Okay. Wink! Then he held his hand out towards Hugh.
Hugh had maintained a smile, and a generous warmth towards the entire group of women as Orlin had stepped up. And he had stepped up. Hugh was proud of the way he had taken the things that Hugh had given him, and he had actually been able to throw them out there with a smile and even a few additions of his own. Not bad, not bad at all, and as Hugh stepped up to follow the hand that Orlin had offered out, he gave his âbrotherâ an encouraging grin, before he turned to the women.
From the time heâd started acting, Hugh had been in all sorts of clubs and parties across Seattle, from basement clubs with pounding music, to rooftop New Yearâs shindigs, he had managed to slip in and out amongst people who made far more than him. At one point heâd dated a software engineer for nearly three months, the man had a penthouse, and heâd gotten two vacations out of the experience, one to Hawaii and the other to Europe. And these women were definitely the sort that would take two vacations in a three month period. Although probably not in any airplanes.
âThis is a rare treat,â he stated, pulling the lute into one hand and glancing out at the audience. Without lights, he could see them, and it was a far more intimate experience than he typically had. More like a black box, something dressed down and simplified. âItâs not often that I have the opportunity to be surrounded by such beauty and elegance.â
It could have been flattery, but there was a sincerity in Hughâs tone that suggested he was deeply enjoying the experience. âAs my brother has already stated, we are the Brotherâs Fortune, and our luck has always kept us together, and today we bring that luck, that fortune to your gathering, and perhaps to the beautiful promises of love that will be made to the beautiful bride.â
He strummed a chord, then, and it worked. And Hughâs smile curled up, possibly unstoppable. Nothing could go wrong, and nothing would, and he began to sing a song that was the story of their parents' love, the music that they heard around their cradles, and the songs that found their way into their blood, breathing magic and life into who the brothers would be in the future.
Shadow for her part, slipped down against Orlinâs feet, head on her paws as if she knew that pose would show her devoted gaze off the very best.
Perhaps there was actual magic in the notes he was strumming, it was something Hugh was suspicious of as he played. It felt as if there might be, but perhaps it was just the ballad of the tale he was weaving that was so intriguing that it felt as if every woman in the room regardless of her status - because yes, he saw some that were obviously servants in the back had paused as well - was deeply engrossed in the tune.
It was Shadow whose head lifting and posture changing, was the first to notice something might be off. She shifted from laying to seated, her shoulders butting back against Orlinâs leg and her nose sniffing, and then a bark. One soft, as if she wasnât quite sure, and then one quite loud.
Orlin was glad when Hugh took over. Heâd done his bestâgiven it his allâbut afterwards he felt like he was going to lose his breakfast. His stomach turned in nauseous nervy knots. He couldnât believe he managed to get through that introduction without tripping over his own words. Or worse, upchucking on the brideâs shoes. But he did it, no doubt with the help from the many previous hosts he had in his mind. Granted, they werenât technically supposed to step forwardâit was Orlinâs job to drive the car, so to speakâbut they all knew he wasnât prepared for this. He was never supposed to be a Dax.
Just as he was never supposed to be a performer.
Orlin stood off to the side and watched Hughâs performance. It was incredible. More than incredible. Hugh was truly talented! Even Orlin was awestruck, staring at Hugh much in the same way that all of the women wereâin quiet admiration (and maybe a little bit more.) Not that he disbelieved Hugh when he said they could do this, but wow!
He almost didnât even notice that something was wrong. But his attention did waver when Shadow nudged her head against his leg and then alerted him with a bark.
âWhatâs wrong, Shadow? Canât you see that Hugh is perforââ
And thatâs when all hell broke loose.
Orlin didnât know how the bandits got in or if theyâd already been hiding in the house, but once the women were distracted by the performance they leapt seemingly out of the woodwork. (In retrospect it was probably some kind of spell.) They were armed to the teeth and the moment the first blade came out the women began screaming and rushing around the room.
Wigs were flying. Dresses were rustling. Pearls were clutched. Handbags were grabbed. Pockets were emptied. Jewelry tossed across the room. It was a calamity.
And it didnât make The Brothers Fortune look good either. If anything, they looked like they were part of it. The distraction.
Orlin hurried up to Hughâs side. âI think we should get out of here beforeââ A shoe went flying over their heads, just missing them both. âI donât think this is going to end well!â
Wrapped up enough in the spell that he was weaving - well, not actually a spell (probably?) - it was the first wig that landed on stage, followed swiftly by so much commotion that even as the expert performer that he was he wasn't likely to be heard over it.
"Fuck," he declared, reaching for his bag and ducking for the shoe. "No, we've got to -"
It was bad luck of course. Just bad luck that this sort of performance would have ended this way, and they hadn't even gotten the second half of the gold. But Hugh knew well enough to get out of there. Although he definitely had weapons in his bag, he didn't want to test his knowledge in how to use them. This was their first day, and he had magic, and dammit he was not dying without getting to use it.
He ducked another flying missile - this a set of pearls that got snagged in his curls, and slipped down into his hood. "Come on," he told Orlin, not bothering to try to pull the pearls out. It would be helpful to be as invisible as the bandits that had arrivedâŠ
This thought made him pause as he ducked off of the stage and on a whim Hugh decided to give it a try⊠And the grin at the success of casting invisibility on Orlin couldn't be stopped, even when someone yelled in their direction. "Gate." Hugh suggested. "Shadow!"
But the Labrador was already on his heels, the remains of what might have been one of the small festive cakes on her nose, suggesting that she'd found her own method to collect on the promised payment.