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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 24

"Sometimes it just isn't; we all step into things unwillingly on occasion."

She continues to be more fascinating to him by the minute, an enigma that has him thoroughly enraptured.

"Besides ponies and strange women? I've always been fond of woodworking and whittling. Made a bird once."

𝑊𝑦𝑡𝑐𝘩 @bedlamwytch.bsky.social · Aug 23

“It’s easier when I’m alone, my thoughts are all my own. When I’m amongst others, things tend to be.. well, they don’t call me the Bedlam Wytch for nothing. I channel madness. Ain’t even my fault, neither.”

The London accent hit hard on that last sentence.

“So what are you into?”

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

In the absence of strangeness, it was still strange from who it had come from, but he also found it surprisingly genuine.

"So it isn't all morbidity and vapor thoughts with you after all, Miss Winnifred. Color me impressed. Horses are amazing creatures, hopefully one day you'll be able to get one."

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

In the absence of strangeness, it was still strange from who it had come from, but he also found it surprisingly genuine.

"So it isn't all morbidity and vapor thoughts with you after all, Miss Winnifred. Color me impressed. Horses are amazing creatures, hopefully one day you'll be able to get one."

𝑊𝑦𝑡𝑐𝘩 @bedlamwytch.bsky.social · Aug 23

For once it was a boring answer, and not in any way strange or unusual.

"I like horses, I read a book on horse care since things have changed since the late 1800's. I thought about getting a horse, but they're very delicate. They can't stand my rea- my home."

It made them frantic.

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

"Well, far be it from me to argue with an expert. Why exactly were you studying up on horse anatomy?"

Did he really want to know? He braced himself for an inevitably strange answer as he ducked under the water for a moment, soaking his hair and torso, before coming back up for air and moving.

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

if that name doesn't quite give it away. We know a few of the same people. Anyways, haven't seen him in a while, sure he'll pop up soon, but I'll deal with that when the time comes. So, that is my story, in a nut shell pretty much. You said no sugar coating."

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"I mean, I'm sure it seems strange to you, but for me it is just another Tuesday...or Sunday, sorry, lose track sometimes."

He messes with the brim of his hat and leans against the nearest wall, digging in his trenchcoat for his cigarettes.

"Nick Necro is his name. He is a...uh, a necromancer,

𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄 @mostimportantwoman.bsky.social · Aug 23

“Right, okay. Let me get this straight,” she leans back a little, shaking her head. “Your parents tried to feed you to a demon, you learned magic from some secret school of weirdos, and now you’re in a bloody feud that plays out over decades? And you’re telling me all of this like it’s just +

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"It is normal, it is Latin."

That ALWAYS worked.

"My deal, well, it is a bit complicated. Basically, long story short, my parents tried to feed me to a demon and it led to me meeting some folks who taught me magic and that in turn has led me into a kind of blood feud with this fella Nick. One of

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"Videos, huh? Guess that sounds a little better, but yeah the pictures where you hear them talk."

Just so thoroughly out of date in almost every way.

"Well, thanks, doll. I appreciate the help."

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"Darcy, I'm Richard. I appreciate you being understanding."

He did his best to put on a charming smile before looking down at the tablet; it didn't radiate any mysticism but it still was quite something.

"Oh, good, talkies. That'll make it easier."

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"Well, sorry, I didn't catch your name. Well, Doctor Scientist Librarian, I guess you could say that, but more than anything I just seem to be behind on...the current thing."

He nodded his head, thinking he was on track for a proper explanation.

"Just pretend I've been in a cave for 100 years."

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"I...your what? I don't need to sit on your lap to read a book, interesting offer though. I just need somewhere quiet I can sit and study for awhile...like a library."

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"Yeah, but, you can be a doctor in a lot of different things."

He focused his eyes on her as he leaned on the counter, both hands interlocked.

"What I really need is a book covering history from about...1935 or so to today. You got that? Maybe one of those books on the light up square?"

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

us winds up killing the other then there is about 30 plus years of nothing until one of us comes back and it starts all over again."

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"It is normal, it is Latin."

That ALWAYS worked.

"My deal, well, it is a bit complicated. Basically, long story short, my parents tried to feed me to a demon and it led to me meeting some folks who taught me magic and that in turn has led me into a kind of blood feud with this fella Nick. One of

𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄 @mostimportantwoman.bsky.social · Aug 23

“Nice to meet you, Richard. Although, I’ve got to admit, names like yours don’t exactly scream normal. And trust me, I’ve had my fill of not-normal. So, what’s your deal? And don’t give me the polite version, I’ll see right through it.”

She lets her grip linger a moment before letting go, +

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

"I'm full of stories, Miss Noble."

As she extended her hand, he reached out and took it, shaking it gently and returning her smile.

"I'm Do..."

Stopped; if she was irritated with another, probably best not to use that title.

"Richard. Richard Occult. Nice to meet you."

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"Oh, I'm not a 'doctor' doctor. More just a professional courtesy. So you're telling me that I can't get a house for that much?"

Letting out a sigh as he leans on a counter and shakes his head.

"I guess I'll just settle for the late fee being settled. Say, you wouldn't have any history books?"

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"FIFTY WHAT NOW!?"

If this were a cartoon, his hat would've just popped off his head.

"That is a house! I don't have that kind of money."

Of course he is relieved to hear her say that an exception can be made.

"Wait, so you really are a librarian?"

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

@mostimportantwoman.bsky.social He gets the vibe that she is probably stronger than she lets on, but probably just as bossy as she lets on if not more.

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

A nickel? A quarter? A whole dollar?!

Do they charge interest? Adjust for inflation?!

Surely they could make an exception...

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

Not by choice.

But oh no.

He had a book to return that he left sitting on a counter in the House of Secrets...about a hundred years ago.

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

"No pouting. I was just saying I couldn't stay away from you for too long."

Another soft caress and a grin as he teased her a little.

"Absolutely couldn't keep away from the Earth's finest angel."

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

@taokakarp.bsky.social He is just...very confused. Confused by everything. He doesn't know where to start.

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 23

@needatv.bsky.social Dame looks like a librarian. Wait, won't get in trouble for that will I?

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

"I missed you too. You know I can't stay away too long."

He grins as she begins to assail him with kisses, brushing back a strand of her red hair and caressing her cheek.

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

Right where she belongs!

"What's up, doll face?"

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

"Well, far be it from me to argue with an expert. Why exactly were you studying up on horse anatomy?"

Did he really want to know? He braced himself for an inevitably strange answer as he ducked under the water for a moment, soaking his hair and torso, before coming back up for air and moving.

𝑊𝑦𝑡𝑐𝘩 @bedlamwytch.bsky.social · Aug 22

“Yeah, but… a horse knee is basically a wrist, and they stand on an elongated middle finger. It’s true. I read it in a book.”

She was floating on her back, enjoying the coolness of the water and the sun on her face.

“There were diagrams and everything.”

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

"Well, I've lived a long time without my...floaty parts, not getting strangled. Probably prefer to keep it that way."

He began wading out into the water to the same depth as her, one foot first, shaking it at how cool the water was before proceeding in deeper.

"Now...I've seen horses before. And

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

I know they can swim. I saw one at a county fair once, it dove off a diving board into a pool, from a pretty good height too. And I'll assure you, it had legs, four of them. Big muscular things that could kick a man to death."

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

"Well, I've lived a long time without my...floaty parts, not getting strangled. Probably prefer to keep it that way."

He began wading out into the water to the same depth as her, one foot first, shaking it at how cool the water was before proceeding in deeper.

"Now...I've seen horses before. And

𝑊𝑦𝑡𝑐𝘩 @bedlamwytch.bsky.social · Aug 22

To spare his blushes, she'd created a swimsuit for herself. Blue and black, to match her new adornment.

"Oh, I didn't think of that, but I heard that it can happen for real. Those shorts with the netting, the netting gets all tangled up around the... uh, floaty parts. And then strangles them." -

Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

Oh, was she swimming bare? He was far too much of a gentleman to call that to attention, though he probably just hadn't noticed. Haunting eyes and beauty, all that jazz.

"Well, aren't you just full of surprises, Miss Winnifred. These aren't going to become sentient and attack me when I put them on,

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Richard Occult @occultdick.bsky.social · Aug 22

will they?"

He asked with a chuckle, examining the trunks she had conjured, stepping behind a tree to disrobe and change into them.

"And, no, thank you. I'm actually quite a good swimmer, though I've never tried swimming with a horse mystical or otherwise."