[open] Inkchanted things, Quests, some general prompts

[futhark]

Who: Cú Chulainn (Caster) and you!
When: through Mareuer
Where: Aefenglom, the Wilde
What: Inkchanted things, Quests, some random prompts
Warnings: one of the quests could go NSFW, will update if necessary


INKCHANTED, business hours

---

[ Even before opening the business harbor has been very familiar to Cú. Now it's closing onto the range of "second-home" especially as the staff's room of Inkchanted allows crashing over for a night. Something both he and Waver have been doing not just once, or twice. Workshop and office rooms certainly helps. Now with the daily rhythm, of coming here everyday it starts to feel even more so. Though Cú's also aware that while right now the familiarity is grounding, it might one day become something he feels tired of.

It is not yet that day, and it is not close any time soon. ]

A )
[ Should you arrive in early hours, just before opening, or just before closing, you might find him inside, unceremoniously working a tattoo into his own skin. It's still might be very much in progress or close to what it is intended to be, depending on the day of the visit. A clear sound of a bell rings every time someone opens the front door even if the bell itself is not connected to the door, and placed in the main room ]

Ah, are you here for a session or to set up one? [ Caster tilts his head seeing early/late client or guest, but does nothing to dissuade them to leave ] Come in here, it's empty for now.

B )
[ Entering during the proper business hours guarantees a similar, welcoming treatment. No one is put away, albeit they might need to put you on the calendar first, depending on what kind of spell or design you'd like to take. Paintings and small tattooed spells, or touch-ups can be made on the spot should there not be anyone on the chair (or someone has canceled appointment), larger projects typically need to be put on the calendar.

Any inquires regarding the materials in enchantment used will be answered, but if someone askt the question of too much detail he will put his finger to lips and playfully declare it a trade secret. ]

｢ ooc: if your character participated in the battery-charging fun at the beginning of February/or got a tattoo/painting already, and you'd want to handwave some initial introductions, let me know. The tattoos are ICly handled by CU, painted spells by Waver, only they need to be at the end enchanted by a witch after finishing (either Cu or Iskandar, depending on the type of spell). More info here, there's also a pinterest board for a reference for the tattoos/magical batteries/and jewelry available and also for a board for decor made by tryhard ｣

QUEST #2 - L'Amourtentia (can go NSFW)

---

[ Maybe the bubbling energy comes from the official mark of his recovery, maybe it's the side-effects of the Moons (or rather whatever bleeds on the Bond he has with his Monsters), but enjoying the evening, the bars, and everything else the Entertainment District has to offer to the fullest— it just seems like that type of night today. Sometimes this is exactly where the city feels more alive.

Perhaps that's how Cú finds himself, and so do few other people, handed the samples of famed Kiss of the Rose. What an unexpected surprise. ].

It would be rude to refuse such a gift, no? [ There's teasing lilt to his voice, playing it off as a joke. But truth is, he can't really refuse food or drink being handed to him by a woman. He's not willing to try breaking off his geis, besides it's not like he's opposed to it in the first place. ]

And there are a few places around that would allow the quiet spot to drink.[ Lounges are one, pleasure houses are other if the drink really could work as advertised. ] Though last time they were giving these there were mazes covering the district to give one another a chase

[ Ah yes, Litha. That was fun. ]


QUEST #3 - Strae

---

[ It takes a moment to gather all the information needed. Seeking a fabled flower to save the love of one's life— good material for a story, but... it's close to a sad ending, isn't it? Fortunately, a few rounds of drinks and an acquainted Wilder confirms the existence of said flower ]

Sorrowful Sapling tree— Truly a crying tree they said. Looks like we got a large area to cover if we want to find it, let's make it on time.

[ That's the last moment to check supplies and get some new ones before heading out. All the equipment for the expedition, check. Some alchemical tools to extract and transport the flower. If not for the threat of Cwyld in the marked area, he'd take his druid staff but this time he opted for a dragon-scale spear. It's lined with carved enchantments and needs just a bit of magic to activate the spells— magic is effective against the Cwyldtid. ]

Are you ready? [ The expedition is marked by an air of sombreness and urgency, but there is still something almost up-beat about going outside the city. ]


WILDCARD + shorter prompts

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｢ ooc: Wildcard aka hit me with whatever, but also a few prompts/facts that are a thing but didn't get their own prompt. If you're interested in any of that let me know and I can write you a starter, or just hit me with yours :

- occasionally he can be found fishing in quieter spots of the harbor
- just meeting him at some kind of bar crawl is easy enough for more social situations
- alternatively, he also hangs around DiplomaTea, prefers this place to study/research spells in fact
- Coven lessons, while his general specialization fluctuates between Evocation-Enchantment-Alchemy for the first time ever he can be found attending Abjuration classes. Yes, he is starting to study healing and protection spells.
- can be found chilling in the garden of his cottage, spending time with very lethargic and zzz Petalwolf (looks they prefer burying for winter most of the time). The gardens remain green despite the winter thanks to a combination of his own Enchantments and Fauns magic. A spot for plants that require winter hibernation has been made outside of the green zone. While Garden Warfare seems to be paused, be warned that trespassers might still accidentally walk onto, screaming plants ant the like.

I'm always open for plotting through plurk aetarna, discord: shuu#0043 or PM ｣

Comments

inkchanted; A

[lonewanderer]

[ She had known she would find him here, had followed the pull in her chest to the shop. The Bond is useful that way, but even without it, Lex thinks she would have looked here for Caster - for Cú - first. ]

Do you cover scars?

[ She asks it simply, stepping in closer with Dogmeat already patting past to curl up in his favorite spot in the shop. Lex likewise finds a seat, watching her Bonded work with curious eyes. ]

Facial ones, specifically.

[ The incision along her cheekbone, where the wire had hung for weeks, reminding everyone that Lex was both more than human and chimera and that she had been tortured, cut open like a science experiment. ]

[futhark]

[ It's always just more soothing with presence of his Bonded, even if their feelings and memories stirred anything but that. The tattoo he's putting on his arms has already covered the scars left from the skin graft— so he understands the sentiment.

A scar on face is even worse. Everyone sees it first, you see it first when you look into the mirror. Not wanting to see a reminder each day in own reflection ]

Do you mean a spell one or— more permanent one? [ The spells don't fade that fast, and as long as they're not used up, they could be kept for decoration. But then it would make sense to get a spell of very situational use ] And just for covering or to reclaim?

[ That would affect the design ]

inkchanted (b)

[blankpieces]

[When Near enters he hesitates a moment at the door, taking everything in with a flat, possibly thoughtful gaze. He hadn't spent too much time in the interior proper last time he'd been there. Then he walks purposefully toward Cú.]

I may need some... touch ups. At least until the full moon.

[He holds his wrists out. The areas around the recently painted markings on his wrists have been scratched red, with some areas open and scabbing. The actual design has been marred.]

I've gotten better at not scratching, but it's difficult.

[futhark]

[ With how Near's wrists look like, that doesn't look like the best place to put more of the enchanted paint onto. Cú frowns and opens up a large box with tools and ingredients lying on the table. From that, he gets a small vial that he starts shaking until the liquid changes color from dark brown to more vibrant red, along with that goes few long dried leaves. ]

Looks like it must hurt. Let's patch you first, shall we? [ It's said like a question, but he doesn't wait for an answer. After few droplets of the potion on the leaf, it gains life, becoming green and lush instead of withered and dried— he rolls it around Near's wrist ] That's part of the transformation, or—?

inkchanted wildcard!

[frostmoon]

[ The doorbell rings, and a gust of cold wind blows into the parlour. Raemiel has a full-body cloak on, covering his body completely, so that he looks somewhat like a chess piece.

He strides past the employees, heads straight to Cu at the back of the shop. ]

Someone told me you have knowledge of magic to extend life. Is that true?

[ His tone is blunt but not rude, the chill rolling off him like a winter breeze. ]

[futhark]

[ What an entrance... One could think it was an elemental that had walked in. Cú can't help but wonder if he isn't feeling the difference even more so, because of his natural affinity to fire. His eyes red, now flickering with flames, and the firemagic he uses makes him radiate heat. ]

As curious as I am about who said that— [ That means they must have a common friend. Or an enemy ] It's business hours. Tell me what you need. There are many ways to extend one's life, after all.

Wildcard

[whomthebelltolls]

[It had been some time since they'd caught up. Heck, Maria had seen Archer twice in the time since she'd last had a long conversation with Cu, it felt long overdue. What she's not expecting is running into the man at the wine shop that had put out a call for help. She'd been a little less reluctant this month to help out the Aefenglom locals; and besides, this one seemed a good opportunity to make some money, and then turn around and spend it on the wine they had helped make.

The owner had said they were expecting one more volunteer for this batch, and when the door chime signals someone coming in, Maria turns to find... well, that familiar face she hadn't expected. Maria nods to him, quietly, as the owner inquires if he's the other one that had volunteered to come in and make some wine today.] Good afternoon.

[futhark]

[ Running a business with Waver doesn't deter him from side-hustles. Besides, it has other reasons than money— networking. He had to recently pull in some favours, makes sense to do the same when asked.

A brief surprise runs across his face seeing Maria, then he returns the greeting with a smile. ]

Afternoon— Looks like we're going to play a hand in a very important process. [ There is no lie, he is interested in the wines of this brand. ] Shall we dance?

quest #2, possible NSFW

[boneofsword]

[Archer recognizes the voice before he registers the words. He's been, in fact, following the pull of their Bond as he tries to find Cú. Lack of recognition must be because he's holding his wings wrapped around his shoulders like a fancy cloak instead of simply folding them like most dragons do.

He half-turns, notices the bottle Caster is holding, and starts to chuckle. Well, the joke is— he opens his hand to show identical sample. Guess who offered to test it with a willing partner.]

Fancy meeting you here.

[futhark]

[ Cú's eyes light in a mischievous smile. The small flicker on the Bond, he could tell one of his must have been nearby. Really, he is feeling a bit more on... maybe not on edge, but more on the needy side. Perhaps it's the magic overload, or it's close to full moon and his Monsters get to feel it and bleed over a bit.

The cloak-wings look good on Archer, but if he was asked— he is enjoying the draconic qualities. It's not like he's very concerned about his own Witch aura concerns. The heat he emits is just a daily thing. The ethereal side of the enchantments— well, he can live with that too ]

Fate must have driven us here. [ Or maybe they were just gravitating towards one another on this night. He moves closer, moves under the wing quite literally ] Got any idea where we could just... sit and enjoy our time?

for Alex

[futhark]

[ Sometimes the days run late. Run late into the night. In the end, he cannot abandon many things, and while he can't study at the Coven as much as he used to, gaining knowledge of new spells and expanding on the one he has is crucial for this work. So sometimes appointments in Inkchanted run from afternoon well into the evening.

And then there is... workshop. Naps in the staff room. Preparation of the new ink batch... and it's hard to tell what hour it is when they leave. There are times when someone doesn't leave and just stays the night too, but it's not one of them. Cú closes the door, activates the wards— and instead of going home is drawn towards the Slydog tavern. It's nearby, not that active or loud in the middle of the week.

That gives the singing voice he hears only more power. Unhurriedly he walks into the direction of the tavern and uses one of the side doors to enter. Habit from back when he still used to work here. Maybe not the smartest mood, but the song is captivating and stirring emotions he can't name—

And it seems to be sung by a well-known familiar face. Instead of a usual greeting, he just leans on the door frame, waiting for Alex to finish the song, and finish ending her shift.

Life returns to normal, as much as it can. ]

[sing_for_me]

[ The end of the song actually brings about the end of her shift, at least as soon as she puts the cleaning supplies away. She looks around the back room, pleased with the job and wiping the sweat off her brow. It's only when she turns that she finally notices Caster standing there, bringing the broom up against her instinctively. ]

Cas--Jesus, you scared me!

[ She press her her hand to her chest as she calms herself down. That it was him was the biggest relief, really. ]

How long have you been standing there for..?

inkchanted b

[yesdoubt]

[Tattoos have kind of a bad rap where Momo comes from, so when he first helped out with the batteries and the paint touch-ups at Inkchanted when he first arrived, the paintings drew his eye much more. Even beyond the fact that his industry means he doesn't have the luxury of modifying his body anywhere it would be seen, it's something he's used to being far more trouble than it's worth. Still, he can't deny that having a sneaky enchantment up his sleeve for certain situations could be an advantage, so once he lands some regular work, he's more than ready to come back in and inquire about his options.

He's more inclined to drop in during the business day proper rather than incredibly early or late, and gives a cheerful wave when he recognises Caster.] Hey. Got a few minutes to enlighten someone who's still not real familiar with enchantment options here? I'm wondering if I could get some kind of protective or healing spell painted, but I don't know what would be the most useful here.

[Also the fact that his world is mundane as hell compared to most of the people here means he's still getting his head around the exact workings of enchantments in general, especially since he's not following that magic class at all just yet.]

[futhark]

[ Caster returns the greeting and directs Momo to an empty seat, as he grabs a folder— the drawings and runes presented give a quick run-down of how things works, and a good hint on the type of designs readily available... but since most of the stuff is custom jobs, fitted for the needs and wishes of the client, even the folder notes it's just a guideline, not hard rules. ]

Protective you got a wide variety of that. Against elements, against bad-luck or simply wards against magic or curses directed at you. [ Funnily enough, the ward against mind-control in Dorchacht was one of the first most widespread used enchantment. Long before the thing as the business started ] The more defined the protection is, the sturdier it can be done. As for the healing spell—

[ One of the reasons he started coming to Abjuration classes was how many people wished for the healing enchantment. There were other reasons as well, this continues to be the big official one though. ]

Right at the moment, a tattoo isn't an option. But a painted enchantment is, as long as you're willing to wait a bit. I got to put you on Iskandar's list first.

Inkchanted; A

[bergamotrose]

I was only here to get some information... but I see now that it was only a matter of time before we met.

[Lorenz smiled at Cu, recognizing that face from the conversation they had earlier in the week regarding the absense of a mutual friend. The tattoo parlor had caught his eye several times, both in his periodic frequenting of the docks both to admire the sea and eavesdrop on the scuttlebutt, and during the battery charging practice they had offered the month previously. Hooking his cane, which he now barely needed but kept just in case the slick and roughened cobblestones tripped up his footing for his recently grown in hooves, Lorenz closed the door behind him and admired the facilities.]

It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Sir Caster.

[futhark]

[ A dapper cane, for a dapper faun ]

Lorenz, welcome. Feels like it's been long overdue. [ In the wake of their previous conversation, and with Mirrorbounds being rather a small community in the end... it makes sense to put name to the face. ]

You can drop the "sir" though, I got no one to be a knight of here. [ And even back when he was... Red Branch Knights didn't fit the perceptions of knighthoods of many. They were genuine and loyal, but also very loud, wild and rowdy. ] What information do you seek?

inkchanted b - Mikasa did the battery charging and cleaning but probably didn't talk

[stopfen]

[Money was still an issue for her. But as Judar had said, arrangements could be made. But that needed her to find something she wanted enough to bother, so she had to look first. It's not long after their second conversation, her second full moon, that she turns up. When the small antenna grew. At that point it was a waste of time trying to say she didn't know what monster she was.

A fae. One of the monsters with a weakness to the Cywd and more prone to infections.

It was a long shot but she'd ask. Quietly walking in and waiting until someone seemed free.]

Do you have anything that would help prevent infections?

[Like would deflect blood splatter. Creating a barrier. She didn't know how any of this worked.]

[futhark]

[ The antennae are a dead give-away of the Monster nature, of the Fae nature really. Cú makes a mental note to also mention the batteries, just to remind. But since she charged them, she most likely knows the whole thing.

With a gesture he invites inside, another one to indicate the 'take a seat' ]

That's a bit broad wish. We might have something, but the more we can narrow it down, the better will be the results.

[ Infections cover many things ]

Are you prone to getting colds and coughs? Or is it blood infection, and you're expecting getting wounded without the ability to dress the wound quickly? [ Or is worry about Cwyld? ]

9th Mar, for Myr, QUEST #3 - Strae

[futhark]

The Wilders might have given them directions but finding the Sorrowful Saplings... easier said than done. With sky grey and rumbles of thunder rolling on the sky, the rain is in the air, it will come down at them at any time. Despite the urgency, the dangers, and the importance of what they are about to find, it's almost to easy to enjoy the trek.

Mysterious, dangerous ancient forests were in Cú's lands, and he will encourage Myr to share stories too— until they find a clearing and few trees that match the description. Not all of them are untouched and healthy—

"Claw marks... something big used this area as a scratching post." If they were out to hunt, it could make for a fascinating game, that's for sure. But as they are here for a different reason, it's better to not walk into that predator. Not to mention the general vicinity of Cwyld "So how does it work. Can you sense something, as a Faun?"

Caster you can't just ask a faun about fauning He knows natural Faun magic is related to plants, but he is also pretty ignorant in the area.

HERE GOOOOO

[faithlikeaseed]

With the advent of the full moon, Myr's in fine fettle, shaggy-coated and absolutely mad for the chance to trek out into the Wilde with a close member of his herd. His enthusiasm for the journey extends to the storytelling, too; when he's not listening to Cú with rapt attention, he's beyond delighted to embroider stories of his own about the Planasene and the Tirashan, the Dales and the Kocari Wilds. Even if his only experience with those primeval forests were in dreams he'd had after reading about them, what of it? They're still fine stories.

He slows as the enter the clearing, even before his companion can mention the claw marks; even without eyes, he can sense the change in the air and the light that marks a transition into what a Faun's instincts call danger. Out from between the trees, he can be seen... His ears work to sample the sounds around them, the casual swish of his tail stilling.

Can he sense anything, as a Faun? Myr gives a snort and shakes himself, fur ruffling up on his neck and shoulders. He's not offended by the question: It's just a little unnerving to stand out in the open. "Depends on whether the moons are generous this month. I'm not the most reliable Faun," seeing as his magic still hadn't come in but occasionally. "Maybe if we get closer."

Before he's even got a reply, he screws up the courage to kick instinct in the face and feels his way further out into the open. His ears are going the whole time.

for Zelda/ idk the date, somewhere during Mareuer

[futhark]

[ Attending to Abjuration classes means these two get to run into each other's space once again. Then walking right into assigned group projects where students are supposed to mix and combine two different schools of magic puts them working in close vicinity.

"Trekking into the woods" close.

With a purpose to check if that combination of Abjuration and Alchemy will allow the shields to stay up for an extended period of time. The camping spot is chosen relatively quickly based on the closeness to the dried tree which bark is the main ingredient in the alchemical dust (and absolutely for the dryness factor, the constant threat of rain prolongs the setting up, but it's efficient). ]

At least we don't have to worry about food. [ The box of fuel is noticeably larger and kept warm by discreet runes. It is also tempting. Walking on foot, setting-up camp, all physical activity. By the gods, he did miss the forest. Even with the looming threat of infection deeper within, the air smells and tastes different here. ] How about a break now, for some late lunch?

[ Harvesting the bark and crushing it into dust is just a menial work, but together it would go faster, and technically they could eat only after the barrier is set-up. ]

[sageprincess]

[It had been something of a surprise to see Caster suddenly take an interest in abjuration magic, but the kind that leaves you not really wanting to know the exact reason why. She has her guesses, and that's plenty enough; she's not the type to say 'I told you so.' Getting out of the city for a night, having this distraction... it should be good for her regardless. Probably.

She pauses in her work of setting up her particular part of camp - unrolling her bedroll, pulling a few tools and notepads from her bag and so on - glancing up towards the sky at his words. The days are getting longer as spring approaches, but that's not to say the nights are short yet by any means.]

I would wager we are erring closer to 'early dinner' territory, honestly. [But that's just being pedantic. She shrugs.] But if you are hungry, I have no objection to stopping for a moment. Your part in this project comes before mine, after all.

[She... doesn't know a thing about alchemy, whoops.]

I will be content so long as we have the barrier safely secured by nightfall.

inkchanted A; like SUPER late

[gehennawind]

[ Oh, Christ, the bell is even louder in her ears from the inside of the shop. Paloma was already cringing before she ever pushed through the door, making herself small and nonthreatening and below notice. As a heavily embroidered shawl is pulled more tightly around her shoulders, that ringing doorbell makes her levitate.

A final patron on their way out shoots her a look askance, and that alone is nearly sufficient to send her packing on what already feels like a fool's errand, but Cú Chulainn's direct address nukes that possibility. She stares woefully at the man and his frankly gorgeous blue ink. ]

I-I'm here for an inquiry that might be a little stupid.

I'm even later... the world went mad

[futhark]

[ The fact that entering this shop could be nerve-wracking to some has never occurred to Cú. Yet that's what he is witnessing right now, this petite woman, trying her best to just be in this place. ]

No inquiry is stupid, miss. [ The tattooed arm might be resting on the table, but he can still use his hand to point at a chair. ] Sit down and go on. I'll see what I can do for you.

wildcard - some day in March ig (oops it got long my bad)

[silentsavant]

To test a Bond with each other as arranged through the watches — that was the underlying purpose in the tasks they set out to accomplish together. What better way than venturing beyond the northern outpost to help the Dorchacht wilders in their efforts to explore the outer reaches of their encampment and purge it further of what Cwyld eruptions threaten to fester?

The pair met at the teleportation point established in Dorchacht, made preparations for their expedition, and downed the drafts of the silvery liquid that bridges a faint connection between their souls. It wouldn't be the first time Soren has needed to do this. With each new temporary coupling, the anxiety that once flared within him beforehand has died down a lot since the first time. Linking up with Cú had been the easiest one yet, and though that glimmer of anticipation still danced before awaiting their link-up, he'd been considerably relaxed about allowing Cú in.

Nonetheless, there is a permafrost sealing Soren up from others, a sense of restraint, of keeping his new Bond at arm's length. One built up from a life of being incapable of trusting others. Afraid of letting people know what he truly was, even if he'd come to accept that aspect of himself over time. His emotions run calm and stable, but highly receptive to the feedback of whatever Cú feels — feelings capable of transforming the stillness in subtle waves. Even a temporary Bond has that sway over Soren, who is surprisingly quite sensitive to these things despite his cold and dark demeanor.

So far, it's gone without a hitch. The sun beats down upon the tousled flaxen landscape mussed by breezes and lightened by the smiling heavens. Wherever an infection does not blemish the earth, colorful pops of fragrant petals bloom like festoons woven into blond hair. Most of their journey rolls through these dry hills with outcrops of rock bulging through the meadows like dark, craggy scabs, and sparse stands of trees hardy enough to withstand a full day of sunlight.

Whenever they do cross twisting and blackening trees or browning, overgrown patches of grass, they can take care of these localized patches of Cwyld with a little dose of controlled flames. All are low-level infections. It's easy.

The fire witch and the aether dragon have advanced for over an hour by this point. After another burn session and a bit more foot travel, the terrain slopes and the trees collect into denser clusters, the sedges start to green, and the babbling of a stream can be heard from below. It's been a hot journey.

"Why don't we stop here for a little while?" poses Soren. Tucked in his arm is a notebook where he's taken to scribbling notes and sketches of things of interest, charted rudimentary maps of the area as a reference to wilders. "Some shade might be welcome after all of that sun."

Not that the heat has been bothering him nearly as much as it once did. The reason for that is obvious: he's a dragon where he wasn't before. Still, they could stand to refill their canteens and take a break. There's no rush to get anywhere, no press for time.

you are spoiling me

[futhark]

The landscapes around Dorchacht are different than those they could familiarize themselves around Aefenglom. Calls for different travel methods could have used different boots really, but eh, fortunately, there's always magic. Magic to help with durability, magic to boost stamina— it's really incredible how it's in every pulse and breath of this world, and yet doesn't seem to be hampered by it.

It's less of a resource that is fading and trickling out, more of a steady stream. And they all have to maintain its flow, like now, with the temporary Bond.

"Sounds like a plan, and it looks like a perfect place for it." Cú agrees at the suggestion, a flicker of nostalgia can be felt on their Bond when they walk between the trees. What Soren will be able to notice quickly, Cú doesn't put much of restraint over the Bond. Surface-level impressions and feelings are broadcasted freely. The enthusiasm and excitement over the journey turning into a calm, measured determination whenever they faced infection. And right now, something resembling almost a melancholy when he touches tree's bark.

It's brief and not necessarily gone, but when Cú speaks his tone is light and amusement can be felt. "I come prepared with travel rations you have not a chance to taste yet. It's a real treat"