shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)11:51 No. 709489 ID: 2b63d7
File 145806787370.png - (91.87KB , 500x500 , hq1.png )

'...aaand this lovely piece of work, by the new and up and coming Ms.Ostensen goes for three thousand pounds to the lady in the back!'
...
The audacity of these vermin! Such a mediocre piece of ugly thoughtless 'art' sells for an amount that could leave me living in opulence for the rest of my life. This is an affront to everything I've worked for since I was a babe. I will not allow it.

shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)11:51 No. 709490 ID: 2b63d7
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I leave the auction house early with a fire lit within my breast. My name is Jervas Hex and I am an artist, my works encapsulate the beauty of death and the human form, but I've yet to earn a penny. Those common fools have no eye for true magnificence, they say my works are 'repulsive' and 'deplorable'. I will show them what it truly means to follow the pursuit of art.
...But I'm getting ahead of myself. I need materials to work my craft, I used up the last I had in my last spectacular vision. My particular medium is not one commonly practiced, meaning I will need to source them from specific people.

I have contacts that can help me to acquire the things I need, but the question is whom to visit first?
Wilfred Brierton, a timid but reliable candle maker, and my closest friend
Chauncy Grigg, an irritable fence with ties to the infamous Caliginous Guilds
Ivey Strout, an eccentric doctor with... unusual methods and appreciation for the old ways

Wilfred Brierton

Sell out. Paint a red square on an extra large canvas and title it "RANCOR".

wilfred!

shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)13:14 No. 709517 ID: 2b63d7
File 145807285667.png - (209.51KB , 500x500 , hq3.png )

>Sell out. Paint a red square on an extra large canvas and title it "RANCOR".

My apologies but Mr.Hex is a bit preoccupied at the moment, he seemed to react very negatively to this proposal.
However once he has calmed down we can continue with the task at hand.

Sing a song. It'll help, with things...

>>709517
A wrecked painting named RANCOR might sell for even more!

>>709521
Yes! Let your rage show in your destruction! Make sure the buyers feel it! You'll be rich in no time~

>>709524
Yes! Modern art is about being passionate, it's perfect!

Hrrm. Beauty of death and the living form...
This may sound strange, but have you ever attempted, perhaps to depict a person's final moments in picture? Or is ther simply something that cannot be captured by brush and ink and canvas?

shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)14:24 No. 709538 ID: 2b63d7
File 145807706976.png - (91.43KB , 500x500 , hq4.png )

>A wrecked painting named RANCOR might sell for even more!
>Yes! Let your rage show in your destruction! Make sure the buyers feel it! You'll be rich in no time~
>Yes! Modern art is about being passionate, it's perfect!

Oh, dear. You all seem to have extended Mr.Hex's little crisis by about 15 minutes, I do hope you're all pleased with yourselves.
That said, it is not an uncommon sight to see our dear friend here having an episode of 'righteous fury' or 'artistic raving' on the streets. Folk tend to just walk around him.

shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)14:56 No. 709548 ID: 2b63d7
File 145807897870.png - (114.81KB , 500x500 , hq5.png )

>Hrrm. Beauty of death and the living form... 
This may sound strange, but have you ever attempted, perhaps to depict a person's final moments in picture? Or is ther simply something that cannot be captured by brush and ink and canvas?

Aha, my dear friend you are more astute than you perhaps realise. That is my main area of expertise. I truly believe that no, such beauty cannot be captured by mundane materials such as inks and paints. My method of creation is far more suitable for the task, and I assure you my works are nothing short of perfect.

Hm. If we can't sell it on bluster from principle and our chosen subject is unappreciated, clearly we need to make an impact on SCALE.

Apocalyptic pictures were never truly popular, so that's out, but what if we explored violence as an extension of the human psyche?

I'm talking political statements, but instead of the usual "economy displayed as a steaming turd" crap we get in there and make some REAL art.

Running commentaries on how the bourgeois elite is slowly but surely slaughtering us, supping upon our work, on tables sewn from our flesh and blood.

Grisly dissections on how our culture profits from the horrors of war.

Have you started making the horrid monsters that will lead to your demise yet?

Hrrrm.
So, I can assume most people...lack your vision for beauty, and thus would not appreciate a public demonstraction.
But what if we could enlighten them?
I was thinking...A side by side comparison!
Surely, there is a difference between simple butchery of a corpse and art as we know it! two contrasting visuals that even the most simple-minded buffon can understand, yes?

>>709565
yoooo this. let's just roll with our good dude jervas wherever he decides to take things

shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)16:36 No. 709577 ID: 2b63d7
File 145808499684.png - (95.38KB , 500x500 , hq6.png )

Phew. With that out of the way, I decide to pay Wilfred a visit. Whilst actually being the least useful when it comes to getting art supplies, he is a steadfast friend and has a knack for unknowingly pointing me in the right direction.
Oh, wait. Did I say friend? I meant pet. My dear sweet Wilfred would do anything for me, that kind of devotion is hard to come by in humans. Rest assured, if anyone or anything ever put that quivering fool in danger, they wouldn't live to regret it.

shibuiking 2016/03/15(Tue)16:37 No. 709578 ID: 2b63d7
File 145808502026.png - (256.48KB , 500x500 , hq7.png )

I hail a cab and arrive at Wilfred's candle shop, it's a quaint little building in the poorer part of the city and receives just enough business to pay for all his expenses and his wood carving hobby on the side. Wilfred is one of the few people I regard highly as a fellow artist, his carvings and sculpts are pleasant to behold and fine ornaments for one's house. Just like the man himself.

I mentioned before that he's a timid man didn't I? I do love playing tricks on him. I look through the window of his shop, Wilfred is preoccupied arranging his stock. With his back to the door, an almost perfect set up. I wonder if I'm feeling particularly cruel today, that auction certainly did put me in the mood for this.

Sneak up and give him a boo.

Walk in... and start grinding against his ass

oh hey wait. if he's human what are you?

give him the good old "guess who." i am definitely not saying this because i just want you to put your arms around him from behind, because i am not that kind of person. if he's as timid as you say then that by itself should be enough to rattle him

>>709578
sneak up behind him and put him in a headlock. Pretend to be a robber and threaten to snap his neck if he doesn't comply. When he gives in, tease him about his lack of a spine.

Enter quietly, and if he doesn't notice you, just stare for a moment and observe him until he catches a glance or just long enough for to evoke a subtle sense of disquiet.

>>709548
Have you ever attempted a... literal representation of your work? It could serve to solve your problem of material and surplus of unappreciative vermin at once.

>>709578
Show your friend mercy. He'll be off guard anyways, searching for the trick.

Wait until he isn't carrying anything fragile, then shout 'POLICE' and throw open the door.

Give him a good ol scare.

you sound an awful lot like a khada jhin

shibuiking 2016/03/16(Wed)03:58 No. 709664 ID: 2b63d7
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>Enter quietly, and if he doesn't notice you, just stare for a moment and observe him until he catches a glance or just long enough for to evoke a subtle sense of disquiet.

I start grinning immediately. What a perfect idea.
Slipping inside the door with all the practice of a thief, but not quite because Wilfred had an extra key cut for me a while ago (I'm sure he regrets that), I perch myself on one of the display tables. The candles around me are knocked aside but my friend doesn't seem to notice.
I sit there and watch.

The scream that my actions elicit are a sweet symphony of music to my ears, and a solid reminder that I do in fact 'still have it'. Which will be important later.
I smile at Wilfred at the floor. If I went any more aggressive with my ghoulish behaviour then I'm quite sure I'd have to make a run for the nearest doctor; giving him a heart attack isn't on my agenda right now.

"Good evening Wilfred. As attentive as ever aren't we? You're lucky to have someone like me around in case you ever do get a visit from actual thieves!"

"Y-you're going to be the death of me Jervas." He picks himself up from the ground, looking wearily in my direction. "...How did the auction go?"

I scowl, making the poor man jump again. "Let's not discuss that. You know what I'm here for so give me names."

"You know... I really wish you wouldn't do this. I-it's bad for business, I mean." He shakes his head. "No... never mind. Let me get the register."

A thick book is produced from under the counter in the back. I try not to use this method too often in case it really does make a negative impact on Wilfred's sales, I suppose I owe him that much.

"Umm... t-there's been a few... a Mr.Webber, Mr.Finching, Ms.Hall... Ms.Ostensen-"

My sudden bout of deranged laughter does no favours for Wilfred's frayed nerves. "Oh! Is that right! What wonderful irony, the old ones must truly favour me this day!"

shibuiking 2016/03/16(Wed)04:00 No. 709666 ID: 2b63d7
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"Give me an address. Now."

The miserable fool barely manages to get words out between his frightened squeaks. "I-I don't. I d-don't know!" The tears threatening to fall accentuate his sweet face perfectly. "I-it was a servant! Not listed under the main address!"

Damn it.

Why does he let you torment him like that? And what are you going to do to the man?

Hrrrm. Ostensen has a servant in her employ?
Granted, I don't know how far science has progressed, but I'm gonna go ahead and guess that she's at least decently well-off then, and probably lives in that portion of town....
Narrowing it down further from there will take more work, I think.

shibuiking 2016/03/16(Wed)09:08 No. 709683 ID: 2b63d7
File 145814450959.png - (151.44KB , 500x500 , hq10.png )

>Why does he let you torment him like that And what are you going to do to the man?

I already told you didn't I? Hes my pet; he belongs to me.
I'll leave him alone for now however, I have more important things to attend to. Such as giving the lovely Ms.Ostensen and her brand new riches a visit. In a way that will not cause undue alarm. The question is how.

Is this too early for phone books?

Apologies the question was poorly phrased, why is he your pet? What did you do to make him so? Spineless though he may be he has free will and therefore chose this for some reason

why is the name ostensen significant to you? we'll probably be better equipped to come up with a plan with more background info.

shibuiking 2016/03/16(Wed)10:52 No. 709690 ID: 2b63d7
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>Apologies the question was poorly phrased, why is he your pet? What did you do to make him so? Spineless though he may be he has free will and therefore chose this for some reason

A story for another time perhaps.

oh my god they are adorable! Please tell me we will get to hear the story

Okay onto the doctor

shibuiking 2016/03/17(Thu)05:54 No. 709858 ID: 2b63d7
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>Is this too early for phone books?

Presumably, I've not heard of them. Telephones are a very new invention, mostly dotted around public buildings like banks, police stations and railways. Some businesses have them as well, but only the exceedingly wealthy can afford one.

While I'm at it, I'd best explain the city too. It's a walled off city with a large mere, a lake, on the east side near the main gate. You enter in Bankside, where the poor and more roguishly inclined live. It's a good place to hide and keep a low profile, so the Caliginous Guilds (thieves and assassins) operate from here. Chauncy Griggs, an associate of mine, lives here.
Ruxley is the biggest area and where most common folk live. Wilfred lives near the north wall and Ivey Strout is near Upton.
Upton, as you may have guessed, is the home of the rich. There is the Mayor's Seat, an incredibly large mansion and home to not only the Mayor, but many folk who work directly under them too.
Lastly there's the old castle, the city does not maintain the old derelict and it lies crumbling on a hill. I must say it provides a wonderful view of the rest of the city, and it's perfect for someone like me to live in.

>why is the name ostensen significant to you? we'll probably be better equipped to come up with a plan with more background info.

Very well. I suppose it would be best to set out the information in an uncluttered fashion, like one of Wilfred's trashy murder mystery novels.

I'm looking for a Ms.Ostensen, the swine that sold her 'art' at the auction today for three thousand pounds. My reasons are irrelevant and you will help me anyway.
Her name is definitely foreign, so the chances that she comes from old blood is very rare. We can cross out that area of town. I'm not aware of whether she possessed money before this however, because I don't concern myself with every bleeder that crosses my path.

I have two more reliable contacts; Mr.Grigg the fence, Ivey the doctor.
The servant's address that Wilfred has could possibly come in useful with the aid of a good plan.

shibuiking 2016/03/17(Thu)05:55 No. 709860 ID: 2b63d7
File 145821930835.png - (160.57KB , 500x500 , hq13.png )

"Oh, this is exciting! You don't usually let me help you with this part!"

"I'd rather you weren't involved. Why are you so happy about it anyway?"

"I just have to forget what you're actually doing! As long as I pretend then it's not scary at all!"

I sigh. His crying face is cuter, but I guess this isn't so bad either.

You have an adorable pet, and hmmmm to the doctor's then?

Wilfred is way too cute. Tell him to pretend we're catching a murderer or whatever.
I'd say go for the doctor as well, do they keep documents on their patients? We need someone who can get us the address of this Ms.Ostensen. If not we can see about the servant.

to the doctor to check their records - bring wilfred!

shibuiking 2016/03/17(Thu)13:31 No. 709935 ID: 2b63d7
File 145824667506.png - (125.58KB , 500x500 , hq14.png )

>Wilfred is way too cute. Tell him to pretend we're catching a murderer or whatever. 

I think he's doing a fine job of that himself.

"Oh! That reminds me, I have to go pick up my medicine from Ivey soon. She might be able to help us out too!"
He's not wrong, but I really don't want to bring him any deeper into this. Though Wilfred is hard to say no to.
"You have to get that stuff for your eyes too right?"

My lip curls up in disgust. "I'd really rather not."

"If you don't go, she'll hunt you down anyway."

I give Wilfred a look that could shrivel plants. Ivey is a good friend of mine but seeing her for medical purposes is quite possibly my absolute least favourite thing to do. I did mention I can't say no to a face like Wilfred's though didn't I.
I sigh again.
"...You're paying for the cab and you will not open your mouth at all on the subject of my eyes."

"Deal! It's been such a long time since we've done anything together!"

shibuiking 2016/03/17(Thu)13:31 No. 709936 ID: 2b63d7
File 145824669051.png - (166.16KB , 500x500 , hq15.png )

At Wilfred's behest I reluctantly board the horse-drawn carriage with him, I made him promise not to mention my eyes to Ivey but I know for a fact it's going to be brought up anyway.
The trip from here to the other side of town is a long one, especially in comparison to the trip from the auction house to Wilfred's shop, which was only a couple minutes.

I suppose there's time to talk on the way.

why does talking about your eyes bother you?

ask wilfred what he's been up to since you guys last spent time together. though, also, he looks like he has something to say anyway, so maybe wait for him to talk first? or at least ask him what he's giving you that look for.

>>709935
...Do you have...special eyes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-fRuoMIfpw
Sorry, not sorry.

Yeah, tell us about your eyes, if you're comfortable talking about it. Ask Wilfred if he's really ok with coming, because you seem concerned about taking him with.

shibuiking 2016/03/17(Thu)17:49 No. 710003 ID: 2b63d7
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>why does talking about your eyes bother you? 
>Yeah, tell us about your eyes, if you're comfortable talking about it.

You'll find out eventually.

I shift in my seat, the cobblestone roads make the carriage bump uncomfortably. My boots now rest on Wilfred's legs, the disdainful expression on his face brings a smile to mine. Dirt smears on his trousers are merely the price he has to pay for making me do this.

"I'm taking you home after this." I give him a hard stare.

"... I know. I don't fully understand what it is you do after you find these people but... I can make educated guesses at least." He gives me a pained look. "I do want to help you."

"You don't."

"But I-"

"No. I know what you think it is, but there's more reasons than that. There are things I can't protect you from."

Wilfred flinches back. It's been a while since I've last seen him for that exact reason, and I'm not about to tell him why. I'll just show up and disappear, like always. It's for his own good.

"...Does Ivey know about it?" I notice that he's being surprisingly calm about this.

"Yeah. That's why she's the only one who can make that stuff for my eyes."

>>710003
So what are we to you, Jervas?

Now I get the feeling he's either gonna bother Ivey about it or refuse to leave.
Anyway go with >>709941 and ask what you've missed since you last saw him.

And let me guess, ultimate beauty means you take body parts from the people you victimize, including those eyes? Who had them before you?

shibuiking 2016/03/18(Fri)04:29 No. 710078 ID: 2b63d7
File 145830055228.png - (101.58KB , 500x500 , hq17.png )

>So what are we to you, Jervas?

Voices of reason, ringing in my ears.

>And let me guess, ultimate beauty means you take body parts from the people you victimize, including those eyes? Who had them before you?

How dare you imply that my beauty is not my own. I do not need to rely on the flesh of worthless men to augment my own; they are all dull and uninteresting compared to the radiance I possess.

I take a moment or two to calm down before pressing Wilfred with more conversation, so as to stave off the silence that permeates the night. It doesn't suit him.

"I presume nothing interesting has happened to you since I was gone."

He grins at me. "Something like that. I know you would've been here in a moments breath if there had." Pausing, he chooses his next words carefully. "There has been... something going on with the Guilds though, I don't know if you've heard."
I stay silent, prompting him to continue.
Wilfred lowers his voice to a whisper. "Ritual murders. Happening to ranking members of the Guilds. They say it's the work of a religious madman, but the murderer is targeting people that have recently been ousted as being part of the Guilds."

This was all news to me. My associate Mr.Grigg could very well be in danger; I'd have to keep an eye on him until I can properly address the situation.
"Oh? I knew there had been murders but I didn't realise it ran that deep."

"Well, this is all only hearsay of course but rumours about things like this are rarely wrong." He glances around nervously, as if anyone could be looking in and listening. "They say the victims were all killed in the same way. They're beheaded and then the fat of their bellies is pushed back to reveal the guts inside, and the skin pinned to the floor. So everyone can see what lies inside. And there were symbols written in blood on the wall, I'm not sure what they are but it sounds scary doesn't it!"

I close my eyes and imagine the gory scene. "Exquisite."I smile. "I would very much like to meet the artist of such a piece."

The carriage lurches to a stop. This would have to be a quick visit, the day is almost done and the darkness is so murky one can barely see the houses surrounding us.
The plants outside the small house affirm that this is indeed Ivey's house, it's been a long time since I've visited her; she usually comes to me.

I give the hardwood door three loud raps and pull back to nurse my knuckles. I have the tender hands of a creator after all.

shibuiking 2016/03/18(Fri)04:29 No. 710079 ID: 2b63d7
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The door opens fairly quickly. "Oh? Well, well, what is this?" Her purring voice sets my nerves on edge, I knew this was a mistake. "Jervas? With Wilfred?"

I snap at her. "Shut up and let us in."

The smile she gives me is infuriating but she does open the door and motion for us to go inside.
Ivey's home is small and practical, every crevice and nook is filled with some kind of medicinal plant, or bottles filled with mysterious fluids and marked with labels that make no sense to anyone that isn't the good doctor herself. I of course know that these are not all medicines, that herbs that are famed for healing purposes can just as easily be swayed to accomplish more nefarious deeds.

"I want you to check your records for a woman named Ostensen."

Ivey sighs and nods. "I figured this is what you'd want. The first time you've visited me in months and all you want is my records! I'm hurt Jervy."

I can hear Wilfred struggling to contain his laughter behind me.
"Shut your damned mouth and do me this favour."

"Of course, of course. No need to get your knickers in a twist." She turns to Wilfred. "I know what you're here for too, don't worry. If you could go get me some chamomile from the back I'd be much obliged."
He nods enthusiastically and disappears to a room in the back. I know what she's doing and I imagine Wilfred does too.
She turns to me and lowers her voice. "Have you heard about those murders?"
I nod in response.
"You're going to have to do something. The imbalance of power is growing too large." Ivey pauses. "And it's putting your precious inside contacts in danger."

This is why she didn't want Wilfred to hear.
"I know. He never asks me to do things for Him, but I know this is what He would want. It'll have to wait for now though, I have a matter more pressing to attend to." I flash her a smile. "Art is paramount."

Hrrm. So let's keep an eye out, but for now...
As for this Ostensen...
I was thinking of using her art gallery to help us make a statement about art, as we know it and as the common fools know it.
So, the main entranceway, if there isn't examples of her work there, then we place them there, the first thing our audience sees, as pristine as we can manage.
Then, we...ah, this may be a degredation on your part, but we apply ideas from your art to hers. If she has a depiction of lovers, then we remove one and leave the other. Or if she shows a soldier marching off to war then we edit him with the scars that war would bring.
From there, we progress to actual destruction, but done in a manner that might happen normally, like a picture dropped too many times, or carelessly damaged by scraping against too many things!
Now, this part might be...difficult...But important. There is a difference, performing your art on an old, long-dead corpse, and proper application of death to our materials. And even the vermin can see it. But for this statement to work we must leave no question as to what we are saying. So we will have to find a corpse, dead long enough to be reconizable as such, and mirror whatever we perform upon Ms. Ostensen upon the corpse. Remove her eye, remove the corpse's eye, for an example.
And lastly, we must ensure that as our audience moves through this scene, they encounter our works in this order:
First, Ostensen's art, untouched, and unblemished.
Secondly, the 'edited' art.
Thirdly, the art, destroyed by careless mistake.
fourth, the old corpse, and just beyond it...
The final piece and the period to our lesson of what true beauty is, and not even the vermin will be able to deny it, having just seen their art transmuted into what true art is!

Well, time to check the patient records. We should also check up on our contacts later and inquire further about why someone would want to target them.

well, i have a feeling we'll get to the Him business when we get to it - so yeah, let's dig into those records!

shibuiking 2016/03/20(Sun)16:40 No. 710678 ID: 2b63d7
File 145851724173.png - (235.91KB , 500x500 , hq19.png )

Ivey smiles and shakes her head. "You're extremely lucky. Anyway you wanted to find someone?"

"A woman under the name of Ms.Ostensen."

Wilfred returns from the back room as I finish speaking, looking rather pleased with himself and the jar of dried chamomile flowers in his hand. Ivey thanks him and begins concocting some kind of strange herbal mix. I've never bothered to ask what she makes it out of, but I know that it's something to put in tea.

"You know where my books are Jervas, that name isn't familiar to me, but if it's not in there I can look at someone else's records. Wilfred hold this for a second."

I turn away from the doctor and the assistant she stole from me, Ivey keeps her things in the same places so I find what I'm looking for very quickly. I flip through the pages hastily, skimming over names and ailments. I don't find what I'm looking for, but I do find the pages Ivey has kept on myself. I've seen these before obviously, but it unsettles me every time. There's extra little notes that have been added since last time I looked too. I know my grimace won't be missed by Ivey; she's observant, and I suppose one has to be in her line of work.

I sigh and lean back, no point making a fuss when Wilfred is here. "It's not in here, I'd owe you one if you look around for me."

"Of course, another one on the tab." She chuckles. "I'll find a use for you yet."

"Or I can just lend you my assistant for a while longer."
The assistant in question turns around and gives me the look of a man betrayed.
"Anyway, it's late, we should be going before all the cabs stop running. I'll be back sometime tomorrow for that address."

"Of course. Here you go Wilfred, that should help calm your nerves." She hands a jar of homemade tea bags to him, and then turns to smirk at me. "I'll have your magic mix ready when you come by next."

I feel like I just dodged a bullet, but I know it's going to come back round to hit me when she has it ready. She's talking about my eye drops of course.
"Yes, yes, whatever. Wilfred we're leaving."

"O-oh, yes! Thank you Ivey!" He turns and gives a winning smile in her direction before trailing after me.

The street is all inky blackness beyond the dim streetlight across the road, finding a cab could take some time. It'd be quicker to get back to Wilfred's place, but going back to the castle that I've taken residence in is also still an option.

Take him back to the castle with you assuming it's safe then it ought to placate him and keep him from whining when you disappear

>>710679
Sure.

I'm gonna go with Wilfred's since its closer. Yep. No ulterior motives here.

shibuiking 2016/03/22(Tue)09:47 No. 710923 ID: 2b63d7
File 145866523247.png - (218.49KB , 500x500 , hq20.png )

As much as I'd like to take Wilfred home with me, it's better if no-one knows where I'm living at the minute. He's not someone I can trust with that information, and there are things in there that I won't let him see; parts of the reason why I tend to disappear as quickly as I arrive. Things about Him.
I can't get a cab directly to the castle anyway and it's too dark to make the walk safely.

"I'm staying with you tonight."

Wilfred looks surprised, but not upset. "O-ok! If you want." After a few seconds he seems to warm up to the idea and brightens up. "Eheh, just like old times right?"

I make a dismissive noise as we board the carriage. Wilfred's voice fills the small space with excited chatter but I'm not really listening; I'm getting tired and thinking about what to do about these murders isn't doing me any favours right now.

The trip back to the candle shop seems shorter than the one to Ivey's place, but if Wilfred's expression can tell me anything, it's that I must've drifted off a few times on the way. I scrunch my face up in distaste. That's embarrassing.
I brush past him and walk inside, I know where the guest room is. I'm fairly sure I'm the only one who uses it, or I should hope so anyway. It's a good job I had the foresight to leave some of my things here at a previous time.

A knock at the door snaps me out of my thoughts. I sigh. "What is it Wilfred."

The door opens slowly and his head peeks in from the small gap. "Sorry... I was annoying you wasn't I. Um, goodnight Jervas." He pauses and then smiles at me. "Thank you for coming to see me again."

ooOOoHHHH JERVAS BE NICE TO HIM.... at least give him the best smile you can muster, and if you're not gonna tell him you liked seeing him then at least assure him that seeing him was the opposite of a bother.

are you too tired to chat with him for a bit? if not you should invite him in

You seem really tired so I'd just thank him and pass out on the bed.

shibuiking 2016/04/01(Fri)19:03 No. 713143 ID: 2b63d7
File 145956263606.png - (207.01KB , 500x500 , hq21.png )

I sigh again, louder this time. "You were annoying, and you're annoying me now. I'm off to sleep."
I don't turn around to face him when i talk and busy myself with undressing, the door closes quickly after. He's used to my harsh words so I don't bother to worry about Wilfred, whom I can hear pacing outside my door, and I drift off to sleep.


A cold finger poking at my cheek wakes me up. I grumble and pull the duvet over my head.
"Jervas! Come on, it's almost noon!" Wilfred whines in my ear, I drag the covers down and look at his awful pleading eyes.
"...Fine, whatever. Get out so I can get up." I grumble and wave him away. After the door has shut behind him, I clothe myself and get ready to go out again.

Wilfred is waiting for me behind the store counter when I'm ready.
"Good afternoon Jervas" There's a teasing tone in his voice. I grunt in response.
"It's 11 o' clock already, I'll never understand why you always choose to sleep the morning away."

"It's work related."

"Work? You mean it's easier to paint when it's dark?"

I rub the top of my nose in frustration. It's too early for this.
"No... Never mind."

"So, where are we going?" He walks around the counter and beams with his hands behind his back.

"I hope you're joking, you have a store to tend."

He shrinks back. "...But it's been so long..."

I ignore his mumbling and consider my options. I can go visit Mr.Griggs and inquire about the whereabouts of Ms.Ostensen, and also of the recent ritualistic murders; or I can go ahead and visit Ivey again to see if she's found anything out yet. I slept in long enough that she'll have had more than enough time to look. Or I could wrack my brains and figure out another course of action.

You could go back to Ivey's, this time on your own. I guess you'll be more comfortable discussing some issues without having to worry about Wilfred (also we want to know more about your eyes...)

shibuiking 2016/04/06(Wed)20:58 No. 714381 ID: 2b63d7
File 146000149149.png - (233.68KB , 500x500 , hq22.png )

I suppose I may as well get it out of the way.

"I'm off to visit Ivey." A grave expression takes hold of my features.

Wilfred looks surprised. "A-are you sure? Shall I come with you?"

"...It's just a check-up, there's no need for anyone else to be there." My hands fiddle nervously with the frills on my shirt sleeve. I leave the store before Wilfred can respond, and hail a cab. Luckily I have enough money left to get back as well, but I'll need to pick up some more change when I go back to my residence soon.
The carriage ride is long and uneventful, the streets are filled with people enjoying the sun's rays and chattering about this, that and the other. All meaningless trifles of course. Regular folk can at least enjoy their trivialities in peace, sometimes I envy them that. I am offered no such luxury. However I suppose I wouldn't take it, even if it was presented to me.
I take note of the melancholy that seems to have taken ahold of me, and step out of the carriage when I arrive. I glare at the sun's harsh rays before staring down the dreaded door. Hesitating, I raise my hand and knock.

Ivey opens the door rather fast, and looks at me with a look I can't quite put a name to, before ushering me in wordlessly.
I take my robe and hang it in the entryway.

"Sit down over there Jervas, I'll be with you in a second." She motions to the medical bed in the far side of the room, a thin curtain blocking it from view. I take deep breaths and try to calm myself down, it's not as bad as I'm making it out to be. Nonetheless, my palms are slick with sweat and the shaking won't stop. I can feel Ivey's pitying look and it only makes the symptoms worse.
She slowly walks over to me and places her tools on the small table next to the bed. A small, oval candle. An equally small magnifying glass. A wire speculum. An elongated piece of metal with a thin hook at the end, this one is custom made especially for work on me. I can sense the runes on its handle pulsing. Hopefully she won't be using it this time.

shibuiking 2016/04/06(Wed)20:59 No. 714383 ID: 2b63d7
File 146000155080.png - (150.25KB , 500x500 , hq23.png )

Image contains close-up of an eye.
"It's been a long time, but if you've been taking your medicine then we should be okay for now." Ivey picks up the candle and lights it with matches from a box in her pocket. The magnifying glass is held in her other hand. She moves the candle near my eye and pulls gently at my brow, to reveal more of my left eye. She's quiet at first, and I keep my gaze level at her waistcoat buttons as she pulls at my skin to reveal different angles of my eye. I shift my gaze to different directions as she asks, and then she begins to talk.

"I had a look at some of my colleague's records."
I stay quiet, waiting for her to continue. She now moves her attention to my right eye, and begins doing the same to it as to my left.
"She lives at the 15th on Hartley Street, in Upton. It's a rather grand house I hear, not quite a mansion but equally as gaudy."
I would've snorted if there wasn't currently a flame so close to my eye. "I appreciate it." Soon I would have what I need; the means to create another grand masterpiece, bourne from only the finest and high quality of materials.

Ivey steps back and I have to blink a few times until my eyes start feeling normal again, but I know it's not over yet.
"They're healthy and good at least, from what I can tell. Let's check the seals now."
She smiles at me with an apologetic expression, and then inserts the wire speculum into my left eye. It's a metal tool designed for keeping one's eye open, and it feels positively disgusting. Which I suppose is an understatement because the sweating and shaking, that I didn't realise had disappeared, starts up again with a fury. Ivey thankfully doesn't comment. She instead picks up the rune handled hook and pokes the side of my eye, which I know means she wants me to look away, so she can get a better look at the back. I feel the candle being placed into one of my hands, and lead to the corner of my eye. An assistant might've been useful after all. After a couple of seconds of light poking with the curved side of the hook, she draws away and makes a pleased noise in her throat, repeating the procedure with my other eye.

After she finally draws away, I hold my face in my hands for a while until they stop watering.
"Everything's intact, but they're starting to wear away." She stops and continues in a softer voice. "I'll have to redo them soon."

This doesn't come as a surprise to me, I can feel when the seals are getting weaker. I can hear the muttering, the wailing. I can see the shadows of what lies beyond. I can feel His presence beside me, for now and forever.

I sigh and get up, still holding my eyes squeezed shut with one hand.
Going back to the candle store and feeling sorry for myself all day sounds like a nice option, but there's more things to be done today. I could pay Ms.Ostensen a visit tonight, but I feel that tomorrow would be a better option.
Visiting my home for a while could also be a good course of action, but there's also the matter of Mr.Griggs to attend to.

So we can't see what's going on your left eye yet.

Go see Griggs about those murders.

Go home first, then visit Griggs.

Home and then Griggs!

shibuiking 2016/04/10(Sun)12:55 No. 715547 ID: 21e181
File 146031813397.png - (190.02KB , 500x500 , hq24.png )

"Before you go." Ivey holds out a large square of folded cream cloth. I usually just make do with whatever else I can find, but this will be useful nonetheless.
I thank her and pocket the cloth in one inside my robe as I put it on. A cab is hailed and drops me off in the outskirts of Upton, and I must walk the rest of the way to the castle on the hill. It's an old thing, crumbling and abandoned, but it's safe and no-one will think to look for me there. The upper rooms and corridors are too damaged to traverse safely, however there's a basement that has been unscathed by sieges and battles. It's down there that I've taken residence.

By time I arrive it's already evening and the sun is low on the horizon. You can see the entire city from up here, it's quite a sight in the red sunset. I'll have to make my stop here a quick one if I'm to find Mr.Grigg at an acceptable time. I move one of the fallen bricks in the empty courtyard to reveal my lantern, and I light it with matches I have stored in my robe. I climb over the rubble and down a hole in a staircase as a shortcut to the basement, as the real entrance is long blocked. Finally, a ladder down into a hole, and I'm in to my hideaway.

shibuiking 2016/04/10(Sun)12:55 No. 715548 ID: 21e181
File 146031815343.png - (239.99KB , 500x500 , hq25.png )

My humble abode.

Well, putting the blood-eye-marking thing aside, you should take a minute to relax and gather any supplies you may need. Just make sure to leave enough time for Griggs.

Examine the spooky arcane symbols on the wall.

shibuiking 2016/04/11(Mon)12:52 No. 715842 ID: 21e181
File 146040437164.png - (194.82KB , 500x500 , hq26.png )

It may look like blood, but I can assure you it's merely paint. Just a little bit of interior decoration.
Or at least, I assume so. I wasn't the first to happen upon this hiding place it seems, these were all left here by the previous owner.

I just don't have the heart to get rid of such a unique piece of art!

>>715842
One cross is inverted, and two have fallen. If they're supposed to be a ward or seal of some kind, that could suggest it's starting to fail.

Is the tome part of the preexisting art installation, or is it yours? What's it open to?

shibuiking 2016/04/12(Tue)03:51 No. 715987 ID: 21e181
File 146045827923.png - (246.11KB , 500x500 , hq27.png )

One of the reasons I don't want Wilfred coming here is the vast amount of questionable literature I've found myself in possession of.

And the undertones become such overtones Ao is jealous

>>715987
Was that left my "previous tenants" as well?

>>715987
Must avoid shitposting...don't talk about Commisars damnit
Maybe you should get rid of that before someone...unsatisfactory finds about it and makes a move on you?

shibuiking 2016/04/18(Mon)18:23 No. 717701 ID: beb35c
File 146102900089.png - (144.52KB , 500x500 , hq28.png )

>Was that left my "previous tenants" as well?
No, it's all mine.

>Maybe you should get rid of that before someone...unsatisfactory finds about it and makes a move on you?
While it's true that persons in possession of such material are usually cuffed, no-one is going to find me here. Least of all any coppers.

I set my lantern down and quickly gather the few things I need; some extra change and two knives, a smaller one and slightly larger one. I already keep most of my essentials in hidden pockets inside my robe.
I pause, consider the fine company I may find myself in tonight, then bring out the trunk from under my bed. A fancier set of clothing is tucked away in a much smaller briefcase.

I leave my hideaway the way I came in from, which is a little trickier with so many items on my person, and walk back to the outskirts of Upton. A cab is hailed and begins the long drive to Bankside, on the other side of town. Horrendously boring as always.

shibuiking 2016/04/18(Mon)18:23 No. 717702 ID: beb35c
File 146102902453.png - (150.71KB , 500x500 , hq29.png )

When the carriage comes to a halt, it's quite dark outside and torches outside of buildings have been lit. No streetlamps of course, they simply wouldn't fit in with such an area. I step out of the carriage, nod at the driver, and disappear into the murky depths of the alleyways before me. If I hadn't made this trip a thousand times before, I'd get quite lost in this labyrinth of brick and dirt.
It's a short walk to Mr. Grigg's house if one knows the way, safely hidden from those who would come looking for him.

I knock on the worn door and walk straight in, no point wasting any time. The front room is empty, Mr. Chauncy Grigg is sat solemnly next to a bottle malt liquor in the dark room behind. I smile at them. "Hello, old friend. You've been quiet for a while."

They snort at me and put their glass on the table. "I'd have liked it a while longer, mind you. What you want?" I can hear them mumble 'rotten toffer' under their breath, and my smile grows wider. They never did bother to hide their distaste for me, but it's a pleasant change to the hidden barbs of aristocracy.

How does your best friend distastes you? Sounds like an interesting friendship; could you tell us more about it, please?

>>717702
(Y)- Glass Him

He looks like he needs to be livened up.

shibuiking 2016/04/24(Sun)15:42 No. 718864 ID: beb35c
File 146153776742.png - (176.45KB , 640x350 , hq30.png )

>(Y)- Glass Him 

One day.

>How does your best friend distastes you? Sounds like an interesting friendship; could you tell us more about it, please?

I wouldn't call them my best friend, by any means. We have more of a working relationship, I bring secrets about the wealthy residents of Upton and they trade me information that I need to know. It's been going on a very long time by now so I wouldn't think to assist another fence.
The wonderfully kind and pleasant Mr. Grigg is also an absolute delight to bother. Which may or may not be the reason they dislike me so much. I don't think they appreciate me sticking my nose were it doesn't belong all the time, but I can hardly break such a habit.

shibuiking 2016/04/27(Wed)13:36 No. 719490 ID: beb35c
File 146178938688.png - (96.73KB , 500x500 , hq31.png )

"Ritual murders. Sounds awfully interesting doesn't it? I do wonder why this person, or people, are only targeting people such as yourself. "

They snort at and give me a withering look. "You know as well as I do that this is nothin' special, the coppers are keepin' their little clean noses well away from this mess. Someone found out somethin' they shouldn't have and now we're all payin' the price."

"Mmm, still. Wilfred told me some of the gorey details, I know for a fact that violence isn't normal at all."

"Foolish boy. You'd better not drag him into all of this." Grigg shakes their head and sighs . "The symbols written in blood on the walls of every crime scene, I'd know them anywhere and so would you."
They trace out a pattern with their finger on the table. I recognise it instantly.
"I've no stake in any of your silly wars, you needn't worry about me. You're gonna have to be far more careful though. Any of those wild ones find out who you are, and you'll be hunted by half the city."

That comment elicits a harsh laugh from me. "Oh, you really think I care? I'll continue to do as I please, not even He can command me. The only reason I'm asking is because I'd very much like to meet the artist behind these gruesome pieces."
I level my gaze to Grigg's, and give them a piercing stare. "I only care for the utmost beauty. Now, you'll tell me who you suspect the perpetrator is, won't you?"

They break eye contact and settle their gaze on the floor. "If you can provide an ample trade, as always."

"I'll have some interesting tidbits before the night is over, don't you worry. I'll be back soon."
I pick up the bottle of malt liquor from the table and down the last of it quickly. I suppose that could be another reason why they dislike me so. It's vile stuff but it warms you up fast.
After leaving Mr. Grigg with the most hilarious indignant look I've seen on their face for a long time, I leave their small home and back into the crisp night air.

I could always go see Wilfred before heading to Ms. Ostensen's prestigious residence, or head directly there and get a head start. Simply put, I can change into my fancier clothes and blend in, or go by the faster method of sneaking.

FNACIER CLOTHES AND BLENDING IN P L E A S E!!!!

Yeah, I vote for blending in too. Seems pretty reliable.