[open] Mareuer catchall

[prophexy]

Who: Urianger and various
When: the month of Mareuer
Where: Various
What: General catchall prompts
Warnings: TBD, none so far



Library (repeatedly on different days throughout the month, open to anyone)

[Over the course of the last several hours, a table in the corner of the library has become increasingly piled high with books. A very tall man with shaggy silver hair, pointed ears, and a neck a little too long for most people to be confident in calling him human is just visible over the tops of them, and in the gaps between the piles; he appears to be taking swift notes from the book currently open in front of him, and occasionally pulls a different tome from one of the stacks to consult something else in it.

It's pretty easy to catch his attention when he gets up to retrieve yet another book, if you want to talk to him. If the book you're looking for on folklore, astronomy, or abjuration magic has gone missing, there's a pretty decent chance it's in one of those piles. Sorry.]

Tea shop (early Mareuer, open to anyone)

[Urianger doesn't indulge in a lot of luxuries, but it's important to find good quality in the few he enjoys. He's examining the wares of a local tea shop, carefully sniffing at the samples. The selection is diverse, though, and most of the labels aren't quite familiar. Seeing the clerk busy helping someone else, he'll smile at a nearby fellow customer and strike up a conversation.]

Art thou familiar with the local brews? I should not be opposed to a recommendation, if thou hast any to offer.

Haven (all month, open to residents and visitors)

[The Exarch invited Urianger to take up a spare room in Haven when he arrived, which he accepted in lieu of trying to hunt down a roommate himself or - Twelve forbid - actually figure out how to earn money to pay rent somewhere. He's finding it nice, really, to live among other people again.

The time spent in Il Mheg seems to have affected his preferences for scenery somewhat; he still does most of his actual studying in his room, but when he's reading for relaxation he can be found lounging under a tree outside, or in common areas of the house if the weather is bad. He's also taken up actively tending to the garden when he's not reading somewhere, and can be found working among the plants at least a few afternoons a week.]

Wildcard

[If you want something else, hit me up on Plurk (Renegade_one) or Discord (sylviaviridian#0158) and we'll discuss! It's safe to assume he's still learning his way around town and making friends with bookshop owners, if you want ideas to start with.]

Comments

[prophexy]

[He accepts the tarts graciously, checking under the wrapping of one and raising his eyebrows in approval.] The scent alone is appetizing. My thanks, indeed.

[Eating in the library is against the rules, of course. Old memories swell up and tug at his attention, late nights of shared snacks, developing a taste for spicy meatballs purely because Moenbryda just would not stop bringing food into the library with her, such that his only option was to make the food go away before sauce could get on something valuable.

He turns to regard the glowing mushrooms, tucking reminiscence away for another time.] A local species, I assume? Must they be prepared first, or is their purpose more medicinal than culinary?

[seemstressed]

_{[She's happy to see him take her tribute of tarts and approve of her work, smiling back at him as she pushes the jar closer to him.]}

Local yes, but from out beyond the wall. The man I bonded with recently brought them back for me, along with another type that is edible.

_{[Now that the jar is closer to the Elezen she settles herself down on the chair she'd been standing on.]}

They're hallucinogenic.

_[Yeah.]

Not that I've consumed them and I've been told they're mild in potency, but I thought you might find them interesting.

[prophexy]

Indeed... [He picks up the jar and inspects the contents for a moment.] 'Tis certainly worth the effort of collecting specimens which may prove to have useful properties.

[He's suddenly much more interested in something else she's said, though.]

...Thou hast formed a bond already? [There's a crawling sense of dread that he tries to ignore, a loneliness left over from days long past - he was always slower to connect with people, a strange shy child who spent so long alone that he became convinced he would remain so forever, and the fear of being left behind, though no longer relevant, is hard to shake.

He smiles instead, trying to be happy for Tataru and her better social skills. Of course she formed a bond before he did - how could it be otherwise, with how easily she makes friends?] Full glad am I to know that thy needs shall be looked after.

[seemstressed]

Well...it was unexpected.

<sub>[How else is she supposed to put it? She isn't about to put Henry and his weird ways on blast here in front of Urianger. He's the last person she wants to worry, especially about something like this. If anything, now that she thinks about it, did he have a bond yet? He was shy, after all...if anyone would have trouble making one it'd be him.

...Just another thing to worry about.]</sub>

It's an arrangement born out of necessity, I think, in his case. I've been told Bonds between Witches aren't exactly ideal...but he strikes me as someone who's been alone for a long time. You know I'm a bit weak for that type.

_{[It's hard to say no to someone when you know they've no one else to ask...and it's not like anyone else had asked her.]}

But surely it will be fine! He may be a bit odd but he has a good heart and is willing to please.

_{[Even if that 'pleasing' seems to manifest itself in strange, uh, ways.]}

[prophexy]

Tataru.

[Her lack of enthusiasm has quickly replaced his misgivings on his own account with concern for her. Even if her words themselves seem innocent enough, he's never known Tataru to be so ambivalent about making a new friend...and that combined with her apparently having Bonded suddenly with someone he doesn't know is certainly cause for worry.

He hesitates before continuing, taking obvious care to choose his words.] Thou seemest to mine ears to carry some lingering uncertainty about the choice thou hast made. ...Thy heart is strong and kind, and I would counsel any to heed its warnings...most of all thyself. And if thou art ever in need of support, know that no concern, great or small, would keep thy friends from standing beside thee.

[seemstressed]

Thank you Urianger.

<sub>[It's not so much ambivalence as it is that she's tired. Henry had been without a bond for four months and Tataru had vastly underestimated the strain it would initially put on her. There have been headaches, vertigo and nausea, but none of the side effects have kept her down for too long (or she won't let it).

Already she finds herself regretting her choice of words, shaking her head toward Urianger in a bid to lesson his worry, stopping the motion suddenly when she realizes it's making her feel dizzy.]</sub>

I just hope I've done the right thing. It isn't myself I'm worried for...but I believe it will be all right in the end once everything has settled.

[prophexy]

[He nods slowly, still watching her carefully, now noticing little details of her body language that he might otherwise have missed.]

Well enough, I suppose... But pray tell, what more is there to settle? I have spoken to those who carry Bonds of what they experienced as it deepened, but I confess I know little of the immediate wake of the ceremony. If there is any way I may assist thee, I shall not hesitate.

[seemstressed]

I'll confess I didn't feel rather well after the ceremony was completed, but I believe that's due to the fact he's gone so long without a bond.

_{[It had done a number on Henry for sure, and in turn that was something Tataru had to deal with.]}

I feel quite well since but I've become more prone to headaches...and sleeping has been a bit difficult. If you've any suggestions for either I'd welcome them.

_{[Since she's at a bit of a loss.]}

And of course I'd love to hear what you've learned from others and their experiences.

[prophexy]

[Another nod, and his gaze goes unfocused for a moment as he thinks. He'll set aside for the moment the concern that he doesn't know who he would even consider asking for a Bond, himself; hopefully a solution will present itself before his situation grows so dire as this mysterious person's apparently was.]

Wouldst thou say thy restlessness is more of the mind or the body? Sleeplessness hath many remedies, and I would not subject you to an experimental course without at least an attempt to narrow down the list of potential treatments.

[He toys idly with the notebook on the desk, thumbing the edge to feel the texture of the layered pages shift back and forth against each other as he continues.] ...As thou hast no doubt observed, while magic upon this star yet obeyeth rules and structure, 'tis far more tied to the caster's mind and will than that with which we are more familiar. As such, a deepening Bond which bindeth thy magic to another's may begin eventually to convey impressions of thoughts, emotions, and even sensations between thee, perhaps unbidden. I have heard tell that even dreams may thus be shared.

[seemstressed]

More of the mind, I think.

_{[It was hard to keep her mind quiet when she wanted it to be, not to mention when she had been falling asleep her sleep would be disturbed by morbid thoughts and intrusive, uncomfortable dreams. The downside to Bonding with a necromancer unknowingly, it seems.]}

So it really is quite the connection with another individual then...

[prophexy]

[Don't mind him, Tataru, he's just going to ramble a bit about medical advice now.]

To sever consciousness using magic is actually quite a simple thing; however, the sleep thus induced tends not to be restful, nor is it lasting if performed abruptly, for the mind thus impacted subconsciously interprets the effect as an assault, and will struggle to awaken. Likewise, alchemical concoctions can surely be acquired which will slow the blood and lead to unconsciousness - or worse, if too much is taken - but while the effect may endure longer than magical sleep, 'tis little more restful. The mind is a delicate thing, and in most circumstances it is far preferable to work in concert with it than to force any condition upon it.

[Having laid out the principles of the matter to his own satisfaction, Urianger nods firmly and meets Tataru's eyes.] I should first recommend ensuring that thy routine before bed is sufficiently calming. If thou art able, take time to detach from thy daily cares, beginning an hour or more before sleep, with some activity which is entirely soothing and does not relate too much to thy many other engagements. Shouldst thou find in the attempt that thy mind still refuseth to give thee peace, laying out the thoughts which plague thee in a journal and giving them form may make them seem less encompassing, and allow thee to put aside the day's concerns for a time.

[That will do for now, and give him time to see if any local herbalists have suggestions for ways to calm the emotions.]

If thou suspectest that this restlessness springs from thy connection with thy Bonded partner, rather than exhaustion from the Bond overlapping with thine exuberant lifestyle, thou mayest benefit from asking him for advice as well. Thy description of him was brief; art thou willing to elaborate, perchance, on the manner of individual thou art thus connected with?

[Not that he wants to pry or anything, but actually he absolutely does very much want to pry into who the heck Tataru is getting herself involved with here. Politely, and while respecting her independence, he very very much wants to pry.]

[seemstressed]

<sub>[As usual she listens quietly and attentively as Uriager begins his lecture, patient and careful to wait until he's done before speaking, as to not interrupt him. It's just like the old days, she thinks, back at the Waking Sands where she'd go to bother him and end up listening to him go off about some topic or other she had next to no understanding about.

At least this time she can follow his train of thought and the latter advice he gives her on trying to find that zen state of mind before crawling into bed is valid. It's when he mentions that her exhaustion could be from her Bond and not just her being chaotic that has her wondering how exactly she can 'elaborate' on Henry without making him sound terrible.

She doesn't want to lie though either.]</sub>

Well...Henry is an incredibly skilled Black Mage in his world, and also one that studies Necromancy. _{[Yep. That's a thing. Don't think too much on it Urianger-]} He's a bit morbid, or at least his sense of humour is, but he's got a good heart and is great help to have around the house.

_{[Yeah. She moved him in.]}

He seems like the type of person who would be misjudged though, because he's a bit odd, but he's ultimately kind.

_{[And that's what matters, right?]}

[prophexy]

[Urianger hears out her explanation with an impassive expression, careful not to give away any sign of discomfort.]

I assume thou meanest that his study of Necromancy is something he hath undertaken at home, before arriving here. [His gaze flickers around them casually, turning his head only a little with each glance. No one seems like they're close enough to listen, but still.] Else 'twould be an importune admission to make in a public place, and none actively studying forbidden magics would be thus incautious with the sharing.

[In other words, he's not going to outright disapprove of breaking the Coven's laws - outlawing an entire school of magic because it has some awful uses seems extreme to him, especially if studying it might help them learn more about the hazards outside the city.]

If he is in need for a reprieve from social isolation, I think I should enjoy meeting this Henry at some point.

[seemstressed]

Um...yes. Back home, before arriving here.

_{[Er yes Urianger, that's Exactly what Tataru meant. That Henry studied Necromancy back home and isn't actively studying it here (he is). Looks like her blabbermouth might've said too much, huh? It shows on her face, eyes wide as she looks from side to side, scanning to make sure there's no one close by...which there isn't. Her ears would've picked up on other people's presence near them but even so, now she's feeling cautious.]}

I think he would enjoy meeting you as well, as you've both a love and talent for magic. I'm sure the two of you could have quite a few interesting conversations.

[prophexy]

[After all, like he said, no one who's actually studying Necromancy would admit to it in the open, so if someone's talking about it, it must be because they have nothing to hide. Now they have a plausible story established, in case they need it for the future.

Caution is good, though, and her nerves tell him everything he needs to know about the real answer. It can't really be that surprising that Tataru has managed to find and tie herself to someone both dangerous and potentially useful. She seems convinced that he's a good person...or maybe she's trying to convince herself. Either way, he knows she's a good judge of character, and he's willing to trust to her instincts for now.]

Just so. 'Twould be of interest to learn how the magic he knew before compares with what is available here, and how it differs.

[seemstressed]

I suppose it would, wouldn't it?

<sub>[There's a sigh as she lets herself relax. No reason to get shaken up, right? Henry is good, she knows this, even if his interests are...questionable. Yeah she's totally trying to convince herself that things will work out, but she's faith in her own convictions...so don't look at her like that Urianger! She knows what she's doing!

Somewhat.]</sub>

I will admit that I'm a bit jealous of you lot, you mages and your knack for all of this. I've been practicing as best I can but some days I fear I'll be just as terrible at magic here as I was trying to get my Carbuncle to listen in Eorzea.

[prophexy]

[He tilts his head, thinking.]

Thou art certainly quite capable of understanding the underlying principles; is the spellwork itself causing thee difficulty? Much as any skill, practice will improve thine ability regardless, but some closer guidance may help thee see a greater benefit.

[seemstressed]

Well...when it came to Summoning I understood the principles enough that I could call forth a Carbuncle...but then the damn thing wouldn't listen! It'd just run away!

_{[Is she still upset about this? Clearly.]}

So yes, I suppose the execution of it all is the problem. Perhaps I was just rubbish at it in general. The calculations weren't the hard part but I suppose I got ahead of myself.