element_wizard | Jono's Birthday present. (Open)

It was pay day. A very important event at the Inn. It was also Alec's birthday, but he wasn't making to big of a deal about it. He didn't quite expect any presents (even if he had given some out) and he was planning to go home for the Spring Festival and then later that night go to the Tavern Under the Hill where Laruna was going to be having a party for the two of them. Well, it was really for her, but since it was his birthday too (sort of, being born on a leap day tended to make things difficult) it was for him as well. She would probably end up singing the candle song.

Looking over the time-sheets, Alec opened the door to his office. He shut the door and his nose wrinkled at an unfamiliar smell.

No, that wasn't right. It was a familiar smell, just not one he associated with his office.

It was something he associated with a battle field.

The smell of death and decay.

Looking up, his jaw dropped and his eyes went wide.

Verra was standing there. But not the Verra he knew and loved, it was Verra looking like she had spent the past six months decaying underground. "Happy birthday Alec!" the corpse rasped.

Mouth still opened, Alec back-peddled through the door like a ghost, before gibbering, "Ohgodsohgodsohgodsohgods..." in the front lobby, staring gobstruck at the door.

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"..." Mel is suddenly very glad that she isn't seeing what they're seeing. "Can't you make her go away?"

The corpse puts its hands on its waist and tilts her head a bit, "Whatever do you mean?" it asks.

She means, you're scaring the poor boy.

So, what are you? Zombie? Raised corpse? Someone with a very good illusion spell?

"I am his wife!" the corpse said, "And I don't like your tone at all."

I get that a lot *Tilts head as though amused at something*

She sniffs, and regards him warily. A bit of flesh falls off and she flexes her bone wings.

Assuming you're not an illusion of some kind . . . you do realize that you're dead, yes?

"What does that matter. I'm here for Alec's birthday. As a gift." She'd blink at him, but she didn't have eyelids, "Just because I'm gone doesn't mean that I can't wish him well."

No, of course not, but you're not exactly at your best. *Indicates Alec, who's still gibbering in fear*

Again, another sniff, "I can't really help that."

No, no, of course not. Though, being of a nasty suspcious mind, I have to ask if you had any help coming back. Have you?

"Well, Alec didn't bring me back, if that's what you're asking."

Then who did?

She shrugs, "I can not say."

Is that a can not you don't know, or a can not because Jono won't let you?

*Smirk* Cute trick, Jono, but you overlooked a few things.

"Does it matter?" it says once again.

As for Jono, there doesn't appear to be a response, but Alec certainly doesn't look any happier at hearing his name mentioned.

Not really, since you're not Verra to begin with.

"Want to make a bet?" Oh, there he is. At least, he's only visible to Dale.

Melinda, get Alec upstairs, I'll deal with this *When they're gone, turns back to Jono* Don't have to, in your haste to torment, you overlooked a few things, not the least of which is that I'd show up.

"It doesn't matter if you showed up or not. The damage has been done." He's grinning.

*Shakes head sadly* Oh Jono, Jono Jono. You are stupid, aren't you?

"Well, obviously you think so, so why don't you enlighten me." He leans against the front desk.

Now where's the fun in that? You're the one claiming to have the edge in brains, you tell me where you slipped up and gave yourself away. I'll give you a hint, it has to do with dragons.