Oh, that's useful. [And Lyall does look intrigued, as he often does about any sort of scientific advancement. In whatever field. But then he shrugs slightly.] Though less, I suspect, for myself than for others.
I couldn't say what exactly it is that effects us, only that it does. It is the same for us as it is for vampires, though to a lesser degree. Young werewolves can die from overexposure but it takes a bit longer than it would a vampire. The older one gets, the less deadly it is.
It also inhibits some of our abilities. [He wouldn't say this to just anyone, but he does trust Jon. And knows that he has a certain interest in these things.] Healing to a large extent and shifting entirely.
I can buy some for you, if you wanted to at least see what it's like. My skin's dark enough that I don't usually need it, but if I was going to be outside for hours at the beach or something, I might put it on, still.
[The conversation has carried them to the repair shop, and Jon pauses before steeling himself and heading in. The man behind the counter glances up, and then goes still for a moment before shifting back to something carefully casual. Good. Maybe they can get Lyall a good deal if the man is still afraid.]
[Lyall does not miss the way the man reacts to their entrance because he so rarely misses anything. For a moment he looks between the shopkeep and Jon before continuing to approach the counter.
Though he is the submissive and Jon the dominant, Lyall decides to take the lead in the conversation. For one thing, he reckons that he is better at this sort of thing and after all it is his problem to deal with. Lyall smiles blandly and politely at the man behind the counter once he's close.]
Good afternoon. I have been told that this is the establishment to inquire at if one has something of a complex nature that needs...fixing.
[The man behind the counter blinks in the face of such weaponized politeness, looking back and forth a bit between Lyall and Jon before he responds.]
Well, you were told right. [He looks Lyall up and down critically.] You're missing something, aren't you?
[Lyall...is actually faintly surprised the man can tell, but doesn't show it. He resists looking back and over at Jon and simply nods, smile still in place.]
I am, yes. And I was hoping you might be able to help me change that. [This is...strange, to be asking, really. Lyall almost feels guilty. Like he will be cheating the system if this all works out the way he hopes. Which, he supposes, he would be. But he isn't sure he can go on the way he has been. Sooner or later, it will all be a bit too much.] To be properly whole, I need a certain kind of connection to people - a tether, if you will - and at present the type of individual with whom I can form that connection is extremely specific. My hope was that you could make it so I could choose anyone.
[Jon stays back, letting Lyall take point. He just... stares. Stares unblinking at the shopkeep who darts occasional glances past Lyall at the Archivist. He's never actually been very good at intimidating people, so this is incredibly novel.]
Yeah, we could do that. Sure. Right.
[The man takes out a chart and consults it.]
Hmm... any problems with- [He breaks off and hastily turns the page when he looks up to see Jon has stepped exactly one pace closer.] No, I think there's a better one. How do you feel about a little playtime? You let my girl have a little fun and we'll get you something that'll help you choose the people you make bonds with. Regardless of what they are.
[Lyall's brows lift and it's as much a reaction to that hasty change of tack as it is to the actual proposition. He has the sense of Jon being that much closer, over his shoulder, and is still more intrigued. But, then, he does very much understand the intimidating nature of the Archivist. something has happened here.
And he's very much ready to use that to his advantage. The smile on his face is politely curious.]
Yeah, you know, amuse her. [His gaze flickers quickly over to Jon again and he makes another slightly hasty addition.] She's a kid. She loves dogs. You can do something with that, right?
[Ah. Lyall considers that for a long moment. It's a very silly use of his ability to shift but it isn't all that bad. All things considered. Still, he feels as if further questions are warranted.]
Yes, I think I might. How, exactly, does the process of...fixing this work?
Once you've completed your payment, I'll mix up something for you to drink. You do that, it'll give you the ability you want. We can talk about the specifics of how you use the ability once you've said yes.
[Knowing that Jon has already used this shop's services does at least give Lyall some small amount of confidence, if not trust, in the veracity of what the man is saying. Still, he looks over his shoulder at this juncture. To gauge what Jon's reaction is...or to see if he perhaps has further Insight.]
[Jon is presently rolling his eyes and the notion of Lyall playing puppy for someone. At least it's not as awful and sexual as it could be. He does glare at the man and take another step closer, just a little behind and to the side of Lyall now.]
Or you could give him some specifics before he agrees. People do like to know what they're getting into before they get there. How difficult will it be to form the bonds he wants?
[The repairman tenses, then tries to shrug it off.]
Harder than it usually is, but not impossible. You'll need to spend quality time with them.
Is that code for 'have sex with them?'
No! ... It would probably be the fastest way, but others could work, as well.
[Lyall is grateful for Jon's further questioning and his support, a smile very briefly gracing his features before he turns his head to regard the other man again.]
I see. Thank you for your elaboration. [The process described is...interesting and Lyall's brows draw together slightly in consideration before he asks for some more clarification.] In that case, is there something that must be done to begin the process? If the only requirement is time spent together, then that could mean the formation of many bonds.
Do they work both ways?
Uuuuuh, no. I mean, no they're usually only going to be from you to the other person, I think. [It's very clear the shopkeep was not anticipating so many questions. Or maybe this particular one.] I mean, maybe if it's a really strong bond?
Anyway, yeah, it has to start with intention. Some sort of ritual. You can make that up, though.
[Lyall considers all of this, and then nods.]
Very well. Now, this playtime. How long?
Let's see. Looks like you've got some time to spare...how about an hour?
[Lyall turns to Jon once more.] Jon? Is that acceptable? Or you can go back on your own, if you would like. I don't want to keep you unnecessarily.
[Oh, yes. It's rare that Lyall overlooks the small details but he'd been - perhaps understandably - a bit excited about this fix. Even if his outward demeanor had been cool.
His gaze shifts to the entrance of the shop. Still light, yes, although it is that buttery gold sort of light that promises sundown in the near future.
Then he turns to address the repairman again.]
My apologies, I think I may need about half an hour before I can fulfill my end of the bargain.
That's cutting it a bit close to closing time, but- [Jon's ambient intimidation is really doing a number, since he looks vaguely unhappy about it but ends up shrugging.] Sure. Come back when you're ready, I guess.
[Lyall nods, a bit of a smile on his lips.]
Thank you, sir. [Then he's stepping away a bit, attention back on Jon as he goes.] I'm sorry, this is turning out to be a bit more of a bother. I just assume that any attempt to renegotiate the price will end up with something more objectionable.
[As is generally the way with Duplicity. And, likely, its attached cities.]
It's fine. [It's inconvenient, but it's not like he has anything especially pressing on, and this is important. Jon offers a tenuous smile and awkward pat on the shoulder. He's not nearly as close to Lyall as he is Alessandro, in spite of living with the man for months now. Being able to help the werewolf in any capacity feels good, though. Generally being able to make things better is a rarity for him.] We're here for you tonight, all right? I'm not in a rush.
[That shoulder pat and tentative smile together earn a much surer (and warm besides) smile from Lyall in return. He genuinely appreciates this. Perhaps it was a solution he might have come to eventually himself, but Jon proposing it and wanting to see it through is important.]
Thank you. I appreciate it.
I suppose as long as we're here we might as well explore.
Okay. [A pause.] We'll... stay away from that cannibal restaurant, I think. Ava and I were able to find the source of at least some of their 'responsibly sourced' products, but it was nothing enough to shut them down. Maybe... I did see a university here. Maybe a quick walk around there?
...Yes, I think the university would be preferable.
[Werewolves can and have eaten humans but it isn't something that he'd prefer...or want to be anywhere near in all honesty. He starts walking towards the door of the Repair Shop.]
.....How "responsibly sourced"?
[It isn't any of his concern, really. Except, well. It does sound worrisome.]
[Jon frowns to himself as they head out and he starts directing them toward the university grounds. He keeps a wary eye on the natives they pass as they walk.]
They were taking 'spare' organs from people as payment for debts at one of the hospitals. And the hospital sold that meat on to the restaurant. It's despicable.
[Lyall looks suitably unsettled by the idea of that and voices his agreement about the underhandedness of it all.
Their trip to the University is mildly interesting. Of course, quite a few of the classes offered are entirely appropriate for the society they find themselves in and nothing Lyall would be interesting in attending at all. He is faintly concerned about the course on monster hunting and curious about the one on robotics. But those are both matters for another time and another investigation. The sun has definitely sunk below the horizon by the time they've gone and poked around and Lyall does not want to push their luck too much.
They return to the shop to be met with the owner looking slightly put out. There's still a customer or two about, but it's clear he would like to be closing up soon.]
Ready now? [Lyall nods slightly.] I am. You wouldn't happen to have a private room somewhere, would you? The change is not particularly appropriate for public viewing.
[For one thing, he doesn't want to ruin his clothes, which means he'll need to remove them. For another, it is something that tends to more than slightly upset most daylight folk. Something to do with the horrific sight of a body being completely changed from one form to another.]
[The proprietor sighs heavily and directs Lyall to the same sex-dungeon style room taht Jon was led to with Martin.]
I'd like to watch. [The words are out before Jon can stop them. He has the good grace to look embarrassed.] If you're all right with that, Professor. I can just... wait at the front.
[Lyall looks mildly but not terribly surprised at Jon's request as he pauses in his approach to the indicated room. He turns slightly on his heel, looking at Jon for a moment before he nods. He isn't quite smiling, but neither does he look put off by it.
Honestly, if he takes more than a moment to think about it, it makes sense. And it isn't as if he really minds being observed. It is other sensibilities that he's trying to mind.]
That's fine.
[He finishes his approach to the room and opens the door, stepping through. Once Jon does as well, he'll find Lyall turned away from the entrance, having already removed and folded his coat over...well, the cleanest part of whatever surface or contraption is nearby. He's slipping out of his jacket as Jon enters, and he glances over his shoulder just to make sure that it's just Jon.]
Shut the door, if you would. [His jacket is placed on top of the coat...which reminds him that he should mention his intentions. It isn't that he particularly minds being seen - nudity is an unfortunate but rather necessary facet of the life of a werewolf - but Jon might. He has his fingers on his tie but pauses.] I'm not terribly keen on unnecessarily ruining an outfit...if you would like, I can call you in after I've finished undressing.
[He can cover himself with his overcoat before the change.]
[Jon closes the door immediately behind himself, even without being asked. At the mention of Lyall undressing, he tenses for a moment, considering.]
No, that's- if-if you're all right, I was thinking I could, er... this room was designed for the proprietor to voyeur. I could block the peep holes while you're getting ready?
[Well, that news is unwelcome. Lyall's brows draw together and his expression morphs to one of distaste, very briefly. Then he glances up, lifting his head - searching for scent, subtly - before he focuses on Jon once more.
What an unpleasant man. But Jon's offer is the opposite of unwelcome. His expression evens out again and he nods.]
Yes, thank you.
[Once it's clear that Jon is in place - or has done what he needs to in order to block the peepholes - Lyall continues to disrobe with his back still turned to the other man. Each item of clothing is folded and stacked neatly on top of the others. When he is properly naked, he glances over his shoulder once more.]
[Jon moves quickly around the room, shifting different pieces of equipment just so. He pulls the sleeves of his coat down over his hands so that he doesn't have to touch anything.
Once Lyall finishes undressing, Jon looks at him. His gaze is intense on the werewolf's back, but it's not particularly lecherous. There's a detached air to it, if anything, like a scientist observing a specimen.]
[Lyall nods and takes a singular deeper breath that appears to signal his gathering of strength.
What follows is certainly just enough horror to provide the Eye a little bit of a snack. To be sure, Lyall completes the transformation with elegance or as much elegance as is at all possible. He is quiet and calm in the face of it all.
"It all" is quite a sight. It all encompasses his hair seeming to spread to encompass the rest of his body. The sound of bones breaking and grinding as they shift and lengthen and then cracking back into place. Of flesh seemingly melting and flowing and shrinking to reform into the form of a wolf. At some point mid-change Lyall turns a bit so that the lengthening of his jaw is visible as well, the way his ears shift up and, eventually, sharp teeth grow in.
It has to hurt, but there's absolutely no indication in the minute or so that it takes that Lyall feels even a bit of pain.
And then at the end, there's a small wolf standing in the middle of the room. His - its - face is almost vulpine, honestly, and if one was at a distance Lyall could easily be mistaken for an overlarge fox or simply an average sized dog. Panting lightly, Lyall sits back on his haunches for a moment, regarding Jon with pale yellow eyes.
Then he sniffs and pads forwards, glancing significantly at the door. There's an intelligence in his gaze that suggests that the Professor's human intelligence still holds.]
[It's horrifying, really, and Jon can't help the thought that a werewolf like Lyall could potentially be classed as both a creature of the Hunt and the Flesh. He knows Daisy had transformed, herself, into something monstrous to protect the Institute and Basira. But that was, as far as he's aware, a one-way transformation, finally giving into the Hunt. The malleable nature of Lyall's form lends itself more to powers he would associate with something like the Boneturner.
If he hadn't seen worse, though, his stomach would probably be turning at this. As it is, the Archivist just stares, drinking it in. If Lyall looks toward him when he turns his muzzle, just out of the corner of his eye, he'll see that the thing standing against the wall is made of eyes and every single one of them is watching him intently. It's vaguely shaped like Jon, but beyond that, it's nothing human. A closer look would bring the Archivist into focus, although there's something that's still not right about him. Perhaps the inhuman stillness as he watches.
When it's complete, when Lyall pads forward, Jon finally breaks from his silent vigil, blinking a few times to come back to himself. He heads to the door and opens it.]
[At the very least, the pain is a distraction from the strange vision of the creature that is the Archivist. It is horrifying but then so is Lyall in that moment.
There's an actual nod from the wolf as he slips past Jon on his way back out to the front of the shop.
An hour later, panting a little bit more and just slightly dirtier, Lyall re-enters the back room. He glances back at his fur, which appears to have a bit of jam stuck in it and then looks at Jon with a long-suffering expression. Then he trots back over to where his clothes have been stacked. A short, soft bark is his warning that he's going to change back and after a moment he does just that. The change this time around leaves him on his hands and knees. After a moment of rest, he begins the process of redressing himself.]
[Back out into the main shop they go, and Lyall approaches the proprietor.]
Well then. [He pushes up his sleeve slightly to look at the time they have remaining, and then back at the man.] We should be on our way soon, I think. May I have the fix?
[The man nods and goes over to his machine.]
It'll be a minute.
[Lyall indicates that he understands, and waits, turning to check on Jon for a moment while he does. In short order, though, he's handed a vial of liquid which he takes curiously and cautiously.]
This is it, then? Hm.
[One more glance at Jon, and then he unscrews the top and raises the vial to his lips. One cautious sip to begin with, and then the rest shortly after.]
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craftylikea) wrote2019-09-17 10:48 pm
no subject
I couldn't say what exactly it is that effects us, only that it does. It is the same for us as it is for vampires, though to a lesser degree. Young werewolves can die from overexposure but it takes a bit longer than it would a vampire. The older one gets, the less deadly it is.
It also inhibits some of our abilities. [He wouldn't say this to just anyone, but he does trust Jon. And knows that he has a certain interest in these things.] Healing to a large extent and shifting entirely.
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[The conversation has carried them to the repair shop, and Jon pauses before steeling himself and heading in. The man behind the counter glances up, and then goes still for a moment before shifting back to something carefully casual. Good. Maybe they can get Lyall a good deal if the man is still afraid.]
no subject
Though he is the submissive and Jon the dominant, Lyall decides to take the lead in the conversation. For one thing, he reckons that he is better at this sort of thing and after all it is his problem to deal with. Lyall smiles blandly and politely at the man behind the counter once he's close.]
Good afternoon. I have been told that this is the establishment to inquire at if one has something of a complex nature that needs...fixing.
[The man behind the counter blinks in the face of such weaponized politeness, looking back and forth a bit between Lyall and Jon before he responds.]
Well, you were told right. [He looks Lyall up and down critically.] You're missing something, aren't you?
[Lyall...is actually faintly surprised the man can tell, but doesn't show it. He resists looking back and over at Jon and simply nods, smile still in place.]
I am, yes. And I was hoping you might be able to help me change that. [This is...strange, to be asking, really. Lyall almost feels guilty. Like he will be cheating the system if this all works out the way he hopes. Which, he supposes, he would be. But he isn't sure he can go on the way he has been. Sooner or later, it will all be a bit too much.] To be properly whole, I need a certain kind of connection to people - a tether, if you will - and at present the type of individual with whom I can form that connection is extremely specific. My hope was that you could make it so I could choose anyone.
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Yeah, we could do that. Sure. Right.
[The man takes out a chart and consults it.]
Hmm... any problems with- [He breaks off and hastily turns the page when he looks up to see Jon has stepped exactly one pace closer.] No, I think there's a better one. How do you feel about a little playtime? You let my girl have a little fun and we'll get you something that'll help you choose the people you make bonds with. Regardless of what they are.
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[Lyall's brows lift and it's as much a reaction to that hasty change of tack as it is to the actual proposition. He has the sense of Jon being that much closer, over his shoulder, and is still more intrigued. But, then, he does very much understand the intimidating nature of the Archivist. something has happened here.
And he's very much ready to use that to his advantage. The smile on his face is politely curious.]
Yeah, you know, amuse her. [His gaze flickers quickly over to Jon again and he makes another slightly hasty addition.] She's a kid. She loves dogs. You can do something with that, right?
[Ah. Lyall considers that for a long moment. It's a very silly use of his ability to shift but it isn't all that bad. All things considered. Still, he feels as if further questions are warranted.]
Yes, I think I might. How, exactly, does the process of...fixing this work?
Once you've completed your payment, I'll mix up something for you to drink. You do that, it'll give you the ability you want. We can talk about the specifics of how you use the ability once you've said yes.
[Knowing that Jon has already used this shop's services does at least give Lyall some small amount of confidence, if not trust, in the veracity of what the man is saying. Still, he looks over his shoulder at this juncture. To gauge what Jon's reaction is...or to see if he perhaps has further Insight.]
no subject
Or you could give him some specifics before he agrees. People do like to know what they're getting into before they get there. How difficult will it be to form the bonds he wants?
[The repairman tenses, then tries to shrug it off.]
Harder than it usually is, but not impossible. You'll need to spend quality time with them.
Is that code for 'have sex with them?'
No! ... It would probably be the fastest way, but others could work, as well.
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I see. Thank you for your elaboration. [The process described is...interesting and Lyall's brows draw together slightly in consideration before he asks for some more clarification.] In that case, is there something that must be done to begin the process? If the only requirement is time spent together, then that could mean the formation of many bonds.
Do they work both ways?
Uuuuuh, no. I mean, no they're usually only going to be from you to the other person, I think. [It's very clear the shopkeep was not anticipating so many questions. Or maybe this particular one.] I mean, maybe if it's a really strong bond?
Anyway, yeah, it has to start with intention. Some sort of ritual. You can make that up, though.
[Lyall considers all of this, and then nods.]
Very well. Now, this playtime. How long?
Let's see. Looks like you've got some time to spare...how about an hour?
[Lyall turns to Jon once more.] Jon? Is that acceptable? Or you can go back on your own, if you would like. I don't want to keep you unnecessarily.
no subject
I'll wait. Just to keep an eye on things.
[He stares at the repairman who shuffles with his papers nervously.]
There's a waiting area just over here where you can sit, sir.
[Then, a thought occurs, and Jon leans in, lowering his voice to murmur into Lyall's ear.]
Is shifting going to be a problem for you, given the time?
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His gaze shifts to the entrance of the shop. Still light, yes, although it is that buttery gold sort of light that promises sundown in the near future.
Then he turns to address the repairman again.]
My apologies, I think I may need about half an hour before I can fulfill my end of the bargain.
That's cutting it a bit close to closing time, but- [Jon's ambient intimidation is really doing a number, since he looks vaguely unhappy about it but ends up shrugging.] Sure. Come back when you're ready, I guess.
[Lyall nods, a bit of a smile on his lips.]
Thank you, sir. [Then he's stepping away a bit, attention back on Jon as he goes.] I'm sorry, this is turning out to be a bit more of a bother. I just assume that any attempt to renegotiate the price will end up with something more objectionable.
[As is generally the way with Duplicity. And, likely, its attached cities.]
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Do you want to wait in here or walk around a bit?
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Thank you. I appreciate it.
I suppose as long as we're here we might as well explore.
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[Werewolves can and have eaten humans but it isn't something that he'd prefer...or want to be anywhere near in all honesty. He starts walking towards the door of the Repair Shop.]
.....How "responsibly sourced"?
[It isn't any of his concern, really. Except, well. It does sound worrisome.]
no subject
They were taking 'spare' organs from people as payment for debts at one of the hospitals. And the hospital sold that meat on to the restaurant. It's despicable.
i'm gonna...timeskip us some...
Their trip to the University is mildly interesting. Of course, quite a few of the classes offered are entirely appropriate for the society they find themselves in and nothing Lyall would be interesting in attending at all. He is faintly concerned about the course on monster hunting and curious about the one on robotics. But those are both matters for another time and another investigation. The sun has definitely sunk below the horizon by the time they've gone and poked around and Lyall does not want to push their luck too much.
They return to the shop to be met with the owner looking slightly put out. There's still a customer or two about, but it's clear he would like to be closing up soon.]
Ready now? [Lyall nods slightly.] I am. You wouldn't happen to have a private room somewhere, would you? The change is not particularly appropriate for public viewing.
[For one thing, he doesn't want to ruin his clothes, which means he'll need to remove them. For another, it is something that tends to more than slightly upset most daylight folk. Something to do with the horrific sight of a body being completely changed from one form to another.]
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I'd like to watch. [The words are out before Jon can stop them. He has the good grace to look embarrassed.] If you're all right with that, Professor. I can just... wait at the front.
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Honestly, if he takes more than a moment to think about it, it makes sense. And it isn't as if he really minds being observed. It is other sensibilities that he's trying to mind.]
That's fine.
[He finishes his approach to the room and opens the door, stepping through. Once Jon does as well, he'll find Lyall turned away from the entrance, having already removed and folded his coat over...well, the cleanest part of whatever surface or contraption is nearby. He's slipping out of his jacket as Jon enters, and he glances over his shoulder just to make sure that it's just Jon.]
Shut the door, if you would. [His jacket is placed on top of the coat...which reminds him that he should mention his intentions. It isn't that he particularly minds being seen - nudity is an unfortunate but rather necessary facet of the life of a werewolf - but Jon might. He has his fingers on his tie but pauses.] I'm not terribly keen on unnecessarily ruining an outfit...if you would like, I can call you in after I've finished undressing.
[He can cover himself with his overcoat before the change.]
no subject
No, that's- if-if you're all right, I was thinking I could, er... this room was designed for the proprietor to voyeur. I could block the peep holes while you're getting ready?
no subject
What an unpleasant man. But Jon's offer is the opposite of unwelcome. His expression evens out again and he nods.]
Yes, thank you.
[Once it's clear that Jon is in place - or has done what he needs to in order to block the peepholes - Lyall continues to disrobe with his back still turned to the other man. Each item of clothing is folded and stacked neatly on top of the others. When he is properly naked, he glances over his shoulder once more.]
Well. I'll begin then.
no subject
Once Lyall finishes undressing, Jon looks at him. His gaze is intense on the werewolf's back, but it's not particularly lecherous. There's a detached air to it, if anything, like a scientist observing a specimen.]
At your own pace.
cw: light body horror?
What follows is certainly just enough horror to provide the Eye a little bit of a snack. To be sure, Lyall completes the transformation with elegance or as much elegance as is at all possible. He is quiet and calm in the face of it all.
"It all" is quite a sight. It all encompasses his hair seeming to spread to encompass the rest of his body. The sound of bones breaking and grinding as they shift and lengthen and then cracking back into place. Of flesh seemingly melting and flowing and shrinking to reform into the form of a wolf. At some point mid-change Lyall turns a bit so that the lengthening of his jaw is visible as well, the way his ears shift up and, eventually, sharp teeth grow in.
It has to hurt, but there's absolutely no indication in the minute or so that it takes that Lyall feels even a bit of pain.
And then at the end, there's a small wolf standing in the middle of the room. His - its - face is almost vulpine, honestly, and if one was at a distance Lyall could easily be mistaken for an overlarge fox or simply an average sized dog. Panting lightly, Lyall sits back on his haunches for a moment, regarding Jon with pale yellow eyes.
Then he sniffs and pads forwards, glancing significantly at the door. There's an intelligence in his gaze that suggests that the Professor's human intelligence still holds.]
no subject
If he hadn't seen worse, though, his stomach would probably be turning at this. As it is, the Archivist just stares, drinking it in. If Lyall looks toward him when he turns his muzzle, just out of the corner of his eye, he'll see that the thing standing against the wall is made of eyes and every single one of them is watching him intently. It's vaguely shaped like Jon, but beyond that, it's nothing human. A closer look would bring the Archivist into focus, although there's something that's still not right about him. Perhaps the inhuman stillness as he watches.
When it's complete, when Lyall pads forward, Jon finally breaks from his silent vigil, blinking a few times to come back to himself. He heads to the door and opens it.]
I'll keep a watch on your clothes.
no subject
There's an actual nod from the wolf as he slips past Jon on his way back out to the front of the shop.
An hour later, panting a little bit more and just slightly dirtier, Lyall re-enters the back room. He glances back at his fur, which appears to have a bit of jam stuck in it and then looks at Jon with a long-suffering expression. Then he trots back over to where his clothes have been stacked. A short, soft bark is his warning that he's going to change back and after a moment he does just that. The change this time around leaves him on his hands and knees. After a moment of rest, he begins the process of redressing himself.]
Well. I suppose that could have been worse.
[It's a very dry sort of commentary.]
no subject
Hmm. Let's get your prize. Or did he give it to you while you were out there?
no subject
[Back out into the main shop they go, and Lyall approaches the proprietor.]
Well then. [He pushes up his sleeve slightly to look at the time they have remaining, and then back at the man.] We should be on our way soon, I think. May I have the fix?
[The man nods and goes over to his machine.]
It'll be a minute.
[Lyall indicates that he understands, and waits, turning to check on Jon for a moment while he does. In short order, though, he's handed a vial of liquid which he takes curiously and cautiously.]
This is it, then? Hm.
[One more glance at Jon, and then he unscrews the top and raises the vial to his lips. One cautious sip to begin with, and then the rest shortly after.]
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