All the king's dolls [D2, LM]

[Samantha Hayne]

It had occured to her that she didn't actually know where to meet the king; whom she was supposed to meet today; other than the bookstore that had been the unfortunate site of an inferno. How much of it was even left? And would he be found there under the circumstances? Maybe this was a sign she had to start asking for people's telephone numbers. And also get a telephone. Maybe even one of those portable ones she'd seen people with. At least, she was pretty sure that's what they were.

The little darkling was not hidden today, wandering about, looking for any signs of life.

[Dapper Dog]

The bookstore is closed for now but the bistro/coffee shop looked open.

[Samantha Hayne]

Coffee. Someone else had given her some the other day. She had not minded the taste overly much. But free coffee was different from paid coffee; and she was entirely lacking in coin. They might well decide to kick her out just for *looking* like the kind of young person who lacked money. Still, she decided to try and go in without having the shadows hide her.

[Dapper Dog]

A young woman said briefly as she prepared a cup for someone else, "Good morning!"

There was a line, just three customers, and people seated at tables. The entrance to the Bookstore was blocked off and had a covering so you could not see beyond, there was a faint smell of lingering smoke and burnt materials but it was mostly masked by the coffee smell and the smell of pastries and breakfast foods.

[Samantha Hayne]

"Bonjour," she said in reply, though the woman seemed rather busy. And there was a line. She didn't want to wait in line. She could not buy anything, after all. So instead she looked around for any sign of the king. That entrance to the bookstore drew attention of course; and assuming she did not see the king anywhere else, she would try and wander over unseen, before slipping in.

[Jason Whitt]

Getting past the blue tarp to the ruined section was easy even if it drew a scornful look from the barista but she was busy and decided to just let the boss handle it. Inside was a work crew working to get things cleaned up and standing by a ruined book case was the Autumn King speaking to what looked like a large rat perhaps a foot long with an additional foot of tail. It wore a monocle and a nice suit jacket but no pants, like a real life cartoon character.

Jason turned following the rat’s gaze and said softly, “So the morning light brings a devilish doll into my chambers hither, even when boundaries are clearly outlined she creeps beyond like a thief of dreams. Well who am I to deny an audience for one who has such trepidation and verve.”

[Samantha Hayne]

"Bonjour," she said, looking between them for a moment before focusing on Mr.Whitt. "Did not know I was not to cross, me. Came on de morrow, as requested."

She was curious to see what he had in mind; though she also had questions to ask of her own. Those could wait, though. She had apparently already caused some offense by barging in, and she wasn't going to be thought of as even more rude by dictating the pace of the conversation.

[Jason Whitt]

He nodded and said, “What pray tell has brought this devious doll rapping at my chamber door so to speak.”

[Samantha Hayne]

"You said I should come by to talk 'bout dat which can be done... about..." she purposefully made a gesture of looking about the damage. "...all dis, non? Had trouble such as this myself. Made for a push, to get out and do more, show myself. Found a ting or two too, to ask about."

[Jason Whitt]

“Well I have insurance and a little rainy day fund so I have people working on the repairs. Yet if you truly wish to make yourself a deadly doll of use then follow me, my perfidious interloper. Mr. Nibbles, please join us,” he said to the suited rat.

Mr. Nibbles looked at her and said with a thick British accent, as if on Downton Abbey, “My word, Master Whitt, are we now taking just any riff raff off the street now? Should I send ahead to the staff to prepare this poor waif a bath?”

Jason chuckled and said as he walked, “We shall see.”